Disclaimer: I do not own Digimon.
Tales from the Digital Manifest: Chapter 2
She approached the fortress, reveling in her glory, not even bothering to hide or mask her approach. Instead of the usual fear and caution that most denizens of the digital world show when they near a place like this, she acted as though it was hers, as though she had every right to belong there. Strange creatures known as Airdramon flew overhead, eying her, and some made as if to attack her but thought better of it a second later. Though she appeared human, she had a sense of power and majesty that was both wonderful and terrible to behold. Some of the creatures that she passed actually bent knee to her, even though they had already pledged their souls to another, whom dwelled in the fortress ahead.
They knew power when they saw it.
Lillithmon spied the human woman in the images reflected in the dark waters that she contained in her cauldron. This water came directly from an area called the Dark Ocean, and while it was perilous to use anything that came from that shadowy place Lillithmon didn't care. To her, it was another way to increase her own personal strength, and as the old saying goes, you can't make an omelet without breaking some eggs. Not that she was one for human clichés mind you.
She was one of the Seven Great Demon Lords. Rulers of the darkness and powerful beyond all reason. They had conquered whole worlds in the past, and even may have broken the strength and wills of other Digidestined that had opposed them, but by and large, their pasts are shrouded in mystery.
Lilithmon had been aware of the intruder from the moment that she had entered her territory, stepping out of a dimensional gateway in much the same fashion that any of the other Demon Lords have done in the past. This intrigued Lillithmon. The intruder looked human, had nothing physical about her that suggested that she was anything but, and had no digivice to show any way that she could have crossed the barriers between the material and digital worlds. That, and she radiated strength that was tempered down by what most likely was the wisdom that came from experience.
Who is this?
Lillithmon had at first sent advanced scouts and even warriors to dispatch the intruder, but each of them took it in their turn to find themselves unable to do anything against the human. Even powerful Ultimate level digimon like Knightmon were destroyed or made to kneel before her without so much as a single attack. In fact, often a smile or a kiss was all that was necessary to break their wills. Lillithmon leaned back contemplatively as the woman continued on her course, not deviating for anything.
To be honest, she reminded Lillithmon of herself.
Finally, after what almost seemed like an eternity, the woman found herself outside the gates to Lillithmon's home. The gates to its entrance were open, welcoming her in. A trap most likely but she advanced without hesitating, as though thoughts of her own safety were beyond her, or the idea of a trap was beneath her notice. Lillithmon, for once in her long life, did not know whether she should applaud the human for her bravery or feel insulted by it.
Two Demon like digimon approached her, one as black as night with all the fury and rage of the burning hells, and the other white like ice, and extreme cold radiated from its body. They both had tattered wings and stood tall, with great horns arching out of the sides of their skulls. A Devimon and an IceDevimon. The woman frowned at them but continued at her pace. The IceDevimon reached out to halt her, only to scream when she turned her gaze on him and he was deleted. The Devimon paused to let her pass. Once her back was to him he struck.
A second later his data joined the nether world.
The woman continued her journey unmolested until she stood in the throne room herself. Standing before Lillithmon, who for the moment, pretended to show no interest in her, instead contenting herself with her 'playthings', those miserable shadows of humans and digimon alike that she had long since broken to her will. She watched the woman out of the corner of her eye though, and she liked what she saw.
The woman had high cheekbones, and a commanding look to her face that made Lillithmon know that she looked down upon her, had she not that aura of power about her Lillithmon would have taken her attitude for arrogance and would have taken great pleasure in breaking her immediately. Her skin, though a light brown, appeared more as a mix of all colors, and her facial features were likewise indiscernible. She could have been from anywhere, belonged to any group. Her hair was long and smooth, almost dark as the night sky, and her eyes held an ancient and terrible wisdom in them that went to depths not even Lillithmon could have envisioned. Lightning danced in her irises, and one could almost believe that world's shook beneath her feet.
All this Lillithmon saw in a single moment, and in another her toys simply evaporated. It was so sudden that they hadn't had the chance to scream, and even Lillithmon was startled by this display. She didn't show it though. Lillithmon hadn't risen to her level of power by showing fear in the face of opposition.
Lillithmon stood, drawing herself to her full height and gracefully descended the steps from her throne, still keeping some distance between herself and the stranger. The two of them looked at each other, both of them measuring the other. Had anyone been around to watch them, they would have thought that they were sisters just by how similarly they acted.
Finally, after a few minutes of this 'game' the woman spoke, her face assuming a disgusted look. "You're not what I thought you'd be," she said, her voice filled with contempt. Lillithmon raised an eyebrow.
"You were expecting something more?"
"One would have liked to think so, especially in this world. But then, you're all just pale shadows aren't you?"
Lillithmon fought to control her emotions. "You surprise me," said Lillithmon. "I wouldn't expect a human to be so direct. Do you have any idea who or what you are dealing wi…?" Lillithmon retort was cut off as she felt her airways constrict and her feet were lifted off the ground. She tried to move her body, but found that she was immobilized. Lillithmon's eyes widened. It had all been so sudden, so unexpected. She hadn't thought that the human would actually be able to catch her by surprise like this. The woman spoke.
"No, you have no idea who you are dealing with," she said coldly. Her words were like jagged icicles. "You've had your time, and now it's over. I did not come here to palaver with the likes of you, but to instead take your place. To prepare your world for the order that is to come. My brethren will waste their strength battling it out with each other, trying to find the Keepers. I on the other hand have no care for what happens to them. I will take this moment to claim what is mine and let the others fight over the scraps. You are just a stepping-stone for my ascension. Say good-bye to your precious kingdom my little shadow, and perhaps when you reformat you will be my toy." With that the woman threw her head back and laughed. Her eyes widening, Lillithmon's struggles found new strength and she soon broke free, earning a look of surprise from her attempted jailor and executioner. Lashing out, Lillithmon struck with her demonic claws, forcing the woman to stagger back, before spewing a black mist upon her.
"PHANTOM PAIN!" Lillithmon called out before rearing back her claws again. The mist settled somewhat and Lillithmon slashed with her claws.
"NAZAR NAIL!" Her hand dove into the billowing fog, and then something clutched at her wrist, pulling forward and causing her to stagger. The mists parted and she found herself staring into the amused eyes of her nemesis.
"Good effort," was all woman said before driving her hand into Lillithmon's chest. Lillithmon screamed in horror as her data parted and drifted away. The woman smiled before slowly ascending the stairs to the Demon Lords now former throne. Seating herself upon it, she called out in a voice that though soft echoed throughout the halls and across the land. All who heard it looked up and trembled, but found themselves unable to ignore what was said.
"Come, my children. It is time to serve your new master…"
4
