[] With the Stealth Squad defeated the danger should be past. Inform Galgomon and Wendimon of what transpired and ask if the latter knew anything about the attacks.
===
"A well fought battle Beat. It is most fortunate that you reached the realm of Ultimate."
"It was…" The JewelBeemon trails off, looking at his new spear.
"But I lack training for this."
"A flaw that will be corrected." You assure him, with a nod. "The path ahead of you may have grown broader. But of us all you posses the most diligence in matters martial."
"... thank you." The Ultimate murmurs, taking his weapon up in both hands.
"I will start now."
With the battle having reached its end, Beat loads the unconscious forms of Pit and Sparks onto your back then goes about testing the limits of his new form. His fight against Okuwamon had showcased a vast increase of his strength, speed and durability, but had ultimately been constricted by having to dedicate himself keeping the rest of you from being deleted. Now he's free to move about entirely unhindered.
The evolution to JewelBeemon has put him in a place you can't challenge, reversing the disparity in power for a third time. Not that you mind, far from it in fact. It's good that he's risen to new heights as it makes the whole of your squad stronger. Plus, his new hitting power shall allow your body to be further tempered in the days to come. It will hurt, but you look forward to the training nonetheless.
Since Beat really isn't interested in making a decision over what the squad does next, you suggest returning to town for rest, succour and to see how Ogremon has fared in your absence. The former Stingmon makes no objections to the decision, merely following along as you pad back out of the ancient jungle. It's not hard to find the trail out, your presence coming in made a very noticeable path.
Due to his pushing Gramps's *Boost* spell to its limit Sparks is currently comatose… either that or he just can't move or speak. And you have a feeling that won't be changing anytime soon. You're curious how long his internal energy will be affected, but that will have to wait until he does return to consciousness
Pit on the other paw rouses himself a mere twenty-two minutes and fourty-one seconds later, flying off your back with a shout.
"Foul assassin we!-" The Pidmon cuts himself off and starts looking around furiously. "-where's Okuwamon?!"
"Deleted."
"You… defeated him without me?" Pit questions sounding a little bit offended at being left out.
"Aye, that is correct. Beat landed the finishing blow."
"That is… wonderful news friends! This day, uh." he pauses as if only now noticing the lack of sunlight. "This night, a powerful and vile member of the accursed Gloaming has fallen to our teamwork!"
"He was strong." You agree as the two-winged champion settles back down. "But there are members that bear far more power. We must continue improving."
"Ah, well said my stalwart comrade!" With that your passenger directs his attention to Beat and flashes him a grin. "Congratulations on digivolving Beat! It will be a great service to our holy work. I also must thank you for your words! I am truly honoured by your loyalty and...:" The angel pauses for a moment to visibly curb his enthusiasm. "I swear on the Lord most high not to betray your trust or loyalty."
"... thanks."
Just as your squad begins to edge closer to BaroTown, three lights begin to appear streaking across the night sky. Different from the stars or moons, these shining projectiles progressively get larger with time almost as if they're falling towards the world. For the first few seconds you nearly dismiss that thought, but their steady increase in size can only mean one thing. They're going to crash down and relatively soon at that. But… at least they're not falling anywhere close to your squad.
The meteors, strike down several kilometers away, but their impact shakes the very ground itself nearly making you stumble as the earth beneath your paws heaves. Fortunately the tremors don't last very long, but other effects are noticeable. Such as the mountainous dust cloud rising in the distance.
"Holy crud! What just happened?!"
"Hn…"
Spirits above! Was… that the attack of a Mega? No. It was:
Meteor Dance. The Strongest attack available to the Baromon species.
I see. Mayhaps is fortunate that we decided to refuse Karatenmon's orders.
You quickly relay that information to Pit and Beat, who relax somewhat at the knowledge that the attack came from an *allied* digimon.
It takes a minute for you to properly judge the position of where the attack fell balancing its impact zone with the locations of Ogremon's (newly destroyed) safehouse, BaroTown and your current position. However In the end you figure out that they must have fallen relatively close to the *hidden* civilization.
That guess is only proven true when you enter town and find that an entire side of the town's wooden wall has been knocked down. Facing towards BaroTown's center mind you.
Ogremon and a group of several dozen champions he must have roped into helping have already returned (including that pastry chef!) but most of them look wounded to some capacity. Despite their clear wounds the townsmon seem to be in good morale breaking free food, bottles and entire casks of that stuff Angewomon likes to drink. Beyond grabbing one barrel and a basket of food the caretaker doesn't seem inclined to take part in the festivities, he just gives your squad a surprised look, nods with approval then heads to his home.
Your angelic superior wastes no time using his healing powers to fix up the wounded townsmon, which gets him a surprisingly warm exception. Naturally you consider doing the same, but a lack of energy prevents it. After the Gale Claw and spell-use you don't have anything left.
When he returns Pit brings back news of what happened in your squad's absence. According to the natives Ogremon tracked down the approaching force, then digivolved to some sort of *eggish* form and attacked the Valvemon by himself, leaving the others free to strike while occupants exited their vehicle. The enemy's *leader* used a mixture of chains and fire to strike at *Ogremon* but wasn't able to managebly hurt him. It all came to an end when *falling stars* came to their aid, destroying Valvemon the other Ultimate and most of the remaining Gloaming forces.
You're a bit sad to not have been able to witness it all firsthand, but the safety of Sparks and Pit mattered more. Besides, from the sound of things BaroTown's forces really didn't take that many casualties. Which is good, you despise pointless deletion.
Upon reaching Bulwark's fort, the garrison is unsurprisingly buzzing about on full alert. At first the Commandramon and Sealdramon on guard go so far as to bar you entrance, but Galgomon orders them to let you through.
"Woah, woah. The Stingmon digivolved? That's totally awesome dudes. You're like a JewelBeemon now... right?"
"Yes."
"Woah, that's gonna make the next hunts real easier… and oh yeah. Cyberdramon wanted a report on the whole explosion thingy. Watcha know about that stuff? Anythin' I can tell'im?
Should we inform him of what happened? We know little of the pact so mayhaps it would be better to-
"It was Baromon who did it sir." Pit explains, throwing a salute the older mons way.
"We received uh… intelligence that the Gloaming was planning to strike and capture him and shared it with the local caretaker. Ogremon. He attacked the Valvemon ferrying the Ac-... the Gloaming with some others and Baromon must have used his powers to… see it and aim his… meteors? That's what they were called right friend Verge?"
"... correct."
"Now that explains a whole buncha stuff. But, how'd ya get to know that?"
"We were told by Agent Karatenmon, she wanted us to kidnap Baromon before the Gloaming could!" The Wizardmon variant on your back groans at that and you feel like joining him. You can practically feel Sparks's exasperation radiating off your back.
We did not need to tell him most of this! He… is not even part of the Host. We should be using discretion.
"But we turned her down of course! It wasn't right sir, so instead we went after the Gloaming assassins that were here and attacked us before."
"... huh? Gloaming assassins?"
"Yes sir! Four of them!"
"Five." You correct him.
"Really comrade Verge? But we only fought… Bastemon, WereGarurumon, LadyDevimon and Stingmon who was also Okuwamon. Hyuk, hyuk. Those last two were the same digimon Verge." The urge to crush Pit steadily rises in your core, he has the gall to say you miscounted. Instead of deleting the mouthy angel you glare at him and growl softly.
"There was also a Datamon."
"Oh.... uh, sorry."
"Ya fought and deleted members of the Gloaming? By the great tree's roots… stupid stupid… who attacked first?"
"Oh umm… they did! They ambushed us earlier today. But, most of them said they were mercenaries?"
"Woot, woot! That makes this a whole'lot easier. Plausible deniability and stuff. They won't wanna bring this up so neither should ya. Pact is still safe and stuff."
"I see. That is fortunate."
"Yep, yep. For a moment I thought I'd have'ta kill ya. Woulda been a real shame."
"K-kill us?!" Pit flinches back, mouth widening in horror.
"You would fail." Beat snaps, tightening the grip on his spear, but Galgomon just shrugs again.
"Mhm, maybe, but the pact has rules, we gotta delete anymon who intentionally breaks'it." Galgomon answers before shrugging. "Nothin' personal, but the guy up top got both groups ta agree… though I'm pretty sure Cyberdramon would clear ya since they attacked first. "Meh, don't really matter now, ya'll are clear and can go sleep if ya want."
"That's good news friends!"
"It is, but one moment." You state, raising a paw to halt the hunter from leaving. "Do you know the whereabouts of lieutenant Wendimon?:
"Hmm? Oh, yeah, yeah. He's… right over there..." He points one hand behind you.
"Salutations, Verge, Sergeant Pit and… oh my. That coloring, you must be Beat. A fantastical result of the black Digitron bonding to your core data, I must investigate!"
"Hn… It is part of our deal"
Gah! How long was he listening?
"I take that particular comment means you wished to seek my presence? May I ask what for my good mon?"
You rear up and pivot around to stare the massive champion straight in the eye. He doesn't really seem to care and just stays slightly hunched over as if he isn't at all threatened.
"Wendimon. Did you know of the assassins? Of the attack?"
"You must mean the force of that stopped me and Rinkmon. A polite chap, or I suppose he was. They wished to check my credentials and asked for assistance in a certain task. One you should rather be very glad I turned down. Unfortunately good Bellator, I cannot speak of it further. Policy and all."
"You knew and didn't tell us?!" Pit exclaims.
"Why, yes of course. Despite the current pact, you are my enemues fter all. I could not risk my position over tenuous allies even such hopeful ones. You understand."
"Aye."
"I guess..." Pit mumbles, slumping down in defeat.
"If it makes you feel any better Sergeant, Rinkmon wished to inform you. It was only my orders that kept her silent on the matter."
Her?... really?! She doesn't like any of us. Why would… Focus.
"Oh that's good... C'mon, let's… go." Pit sighs dejectedly turning his back on the gigantic beast digimon.
"We should rest for tomorrow."
"That would do us well."
Today was… certainly busy. A dreamless sleep will be welcome.
===
Authors Note: Okay this is like the first two thirds of the update/ I have to take a break now, but I'll have the rest out in... a couple hours I think.
