With the elevator finally coming to a stop, exiting it, Takato, Guilmon, Rika and AquaVeemon found they were in an underground garden, amazing them that such beauty existed, while puzzled as to how it could exist.

Approaching the altar in the centre of the area, the four found it blooming with crimson coloured flowers, known as Raitotawasuta: The light tower starflower.

Unsure, due to the lack of water and sunlight, Takato asked. "How can these survive underground?"

"These are no ordinary flowers." Guilmon replied, taking in their scent with his superior senses and told his Tamer. "They have a similar scent all those infected Digimon had."

Hearing that, Takato asked. "You think they were used as an ingredient to make those Plagamon? And do you think this is what Datamon meant by answers?"

"I'm not sure." Guilmon admitted, before saying. "But first, we need to find out about Renamon and see if she is alive."

"You're right. Let's see what we can dig up." Rika agreed, sure they would get their answers as they continued their exploration.

Moving past the flowers and through a metal door, the Tamers and Digimon found themselves in what looked like a lab of sorts, while out the corner of Guilmon eye, he saw movement, something crawling around the ceiling and leaving the area.

"Takato." He whispered, making Takato nod in reply.

"I saw it too, boy. We're not alone." Takato said, making Rika and AquaVeemon look around, noticing the unknown Digimon as well, before the four paid closer attention to the lab and saw within several large tanks were the same flowers from outside, preserved in an amber liquid, while fossilized Plagamon were contained in separate capsules beside the flowers, where pollen from the flowers was being poured upon them.

"Looks like you were right, boy. They are using those flowers to make Digimon into mindless monsters." Takato said, making Guilmon nod and for Rika to say. "Now we're finally getting somewhere."

Moving through the lab, Takato found something interesting.

"Guys." He called, getting Guilmon, Rika and AquaVeemon's attention, showing he was holding a folder.

"Listen to this." Takato then said as he began reading it aloud.

Day 1:

When I heard this laboratory was to be used by the genius, Datamon, my expectations were raised and I didn't hesitate to take the position, working with such a great mind.

But when I saw it, well, it's a lab in name only. I don't know how Datamon ever used it, and only Lilithmon knows what the boss is planning.

The place was abandoned long ago, so there's nothing there of any value to us. Not one piece of lab equipment remains, at least nothing that still works. But I have faith in Datamon, and am confident this lab will be back to its former glory.

Day 4:

Managing to get most of the equipment running again, Datamon brought has introduced a new project to us. He calls it the Lickermon Program. Using a virus, similar to the one Lilithmon seems so obsessed about; Datamon says that we will be able to create an army of powerful Digimon.

I can't wait to start working on it.

Day 10:

Capturing both Digimon in the Marshlands and those foolish enough to come to our facility after the news that great treasures within the caves was successfully spread through the towns, we now have many Digimon to work with.

Each have been injected with the Virus and we are awaiting the results.

Day 13:

What has happened to our subjects is most unexpected. While most have lost their ability to reason and rationalize, acting like savage beasts, what's more disturbing is that their data frames are starting to show, almost like their bodies are starting to fall apart.

However, through their mutations, they have gained claws, fangs and long, whip-like tongues, I guess that is why Datamon named this Project Lickermon.

Hopefully this will give us that much needed breakthrough in our research.

Day 17:

What have we done? The Lickermon are out of control.

They attack and kill anyone they can find, tearing them to pieces before they feast on the remains.

This place has turned into a nightmare, one we cannot escape from because Datamon activated the emergency lockdown system, not to allow the Lickermon out, but to keep us in.

How could I have been so blind? It's clear to me Datamon anticipated this would happen and is now using us as test subjects or maybe just food for his monsters.

Most of my colleagues are gone, either hiding like me or have been killed.

I can hear the Lickermon, they are crawling through the air ducts and I know they are searching for me, but I won't let them get me. There is no way I can undo what I have created, but I can still escape this madhouse and clean up one mistake.

May the Sovereigns forgive me and all I have done.

-Migeru Suru.

Finished reading the documents, Takato set them aside and faced his friends.

"Well now I think we know what was crawling around the wall before." He said, before suggesting. "And if these Lickermon are as dangerous as it says, we shouldn't take any risks."

In agreement with Takato, Rika nodded as she and the brunette activated their D-Armour, fusing with their Digimon, before resuming as they continued to traverse through the lab, until coming across a steel door, which, once they opened, all four were left in shock at what they saw.

Within the room, the four found it was splattered with large bloodstains, covering the walls and floors.

Large slash marks had been carved deep into the walls, while corpses of both human and Digimon scientists, including Solarmon, Andromon and Vademon, all who had been violently torn to pieces and partially eaten.

But noticing one scientist in the corner, all torn up like the others, he piqued the tamers interest, for he held a damaged handgun in his mangled hand.

"I guess this is what Migeru meant about fixing their mistake." Takato said, telling that Migeru had used the gun, not to fight off the Lickermon, but to end his own life, making Takato feel sorry for the man, another victim of Datamon's lies and trickery.

However, the mourning was put to a halt when a figure suddenly jumped through a glass window, making the Tamers face it and saw what looked like a feral looking Agumon, whose body was peeling away, mainly around its face, while an elongated tongue swung around from its maw.

Seeing the creature, Takato said. "I'm guessing that's a Lickermon."

"What gave it away?" Rika asked sarcastically, just as the Lickermon let out a small roar, which caused the Nonaka to add. "The sharp tongue or its aggressive attitude?"

And showing both, the Lickermon lunged at Takato and Rika, making both jump back, but while doing so, its tongue shot out at Rika, wrapped around her throat and began to strangle her.

"Rika!" Takato called out, quickly coming to her aid as he used his claws to slice right through the Lickermon's tongue, making it hiss in pain, while Rika held her throat, gasping for air.

"Thanks." She said, glad Takato had saved her again, but knowing the Lickermon was still longing for their blood, the redhead created a spear of ice and threw it at the Lickermon, which jumped away from the attack, onto the wall, before hanging upside down as it climb onto the roof, where Takato and Rika saw a black orb within the creature's chest.

Curious, Takato asked. "What's that?"

"That's a Digi-Core. Think of it like the heart of a Digimon." AquaVeemon explained, giving Takato an idea.

"Hey ugly!" He called out to the Lickermon, throwing several fireballs at it, which enraged it more than harming it, the Lickermon responded by thrashing its tongue at Takato, who brought his left arm up, causing the elongated tongue to wrap around Takato's arm.

But instead of struggling, Takato grabbed the tongue with his right hand and pulled, causing the Lickermon to loose its balance and fall to the floor, where Rika, already knowing what Takato had in mind, acted quickly as she summoned another spear of ice and plunged it into the Lickermon's chest, destroying its corrupt Digi-Core and causing the Lickermon to flail around before its body went limp and it died.

Looking at the Lickermon and watching its body fade into Data particles and leave the area, the Tamers had avenged those killed by Datamon's hands, while AquaVeemon appeared beside Rika in her spirit form and sighed in relief.

"Thank Goodness there weren't more of them." She said, making Takato nod in agreement.

"Yeah. I don't think we would last in a fight with a whole horde of those monsters." The brunette replied as he walked through the room of death, pulled a lever at the end that unlocked a heavily armored door, revealing a new room, which was full of glass rooms.

And behind the glass were Digimon that were in the same state as the savage Agumon/Lickermon they had taken down, Digimon that included Aruraumon, Elecmon, GaoGamon, Gizamon, Otamamon and ToyAgumon.

"You had to say that?" Rika asked sarcastically.

Summoning a sphere of water, Rika was about to attack the monsters.

However Takato grabbed her hand and suddenly stopped her, confusing the Nonaka.

"What are you doing?" Rika asked, causing Takato to place his fingers on her lips, move his head closely to hers' and say softly. "I don't think they notice us."

"I think Takato's right." AquaVeemon whispered, before adding. "Other than hearing, it seems that their senses are weak. So if we are quiet, we should be to get past without disturbing them."

Deciding not to waste time or their energy, Takato and Rika walked past the Lickermon, observing the behaviour of the monsterous Digimon, where they saw that the Lickermon were oblivious to the Tamer's presence and too occupied in their own behaviour, to which they were tearing apart and feasting upon the bodies of smaller and weaker Lickermon, showing they had resorted to cannibalism.

And after they walked silently past the Lickers, unnoticed, Takato and Rika walked down a long hall, where they came across an elevator and what looked like an old terminal.

"Time to get outta here." Takato said, pressing the down button beside the elevator and expected it to come down momentarily.

However, the second he pressed the button, Takato regretted his actions, for a pre recorded voice came from the terminal.

"I'm sorry but your identification does not register. Please insert clearance card." It said, causing the Lickermon to break from their meals, stare at where the sound had come from, before smashing through the glass and began crawling toward Takato and Rika.

Seeing the Lickermon approaching them, Takato stepped forward.

"Rika, Guilmon and I will try and them off. You and AquaVeemon try and figure a way to unlock the elevator." The brunette instructed, about to charge forth, but stopped when Rika walked in front of him.

"Sorry Gogglehead, but if anybody's going to fight, it's me." Rika stated.

Hearing her statement, takato was stunned.

"Rika..." He could only say, before Rika interrupted. "I do appreciate you looking out for me, but I'm not some helpless little girl. I can fight."

Knowing Rika was right, Takato smiled and nodded.

"Alright. Just be careful." He said in reply, making Rika nod back, before creating two spears of ice and charged at the Lickermon, while Takato got to work on the terminal.

With Rika fighting against the Lickermon, Takato turned his attention upon the terminal.

"Alright, let's see..." He said, trying his luck and began typing at the terminal, typing in words he believed would act as passwords to unlock the elevator doors, but was having no such luck.

"Anytime now!" Rika then called out as she tied two Lickermon's tongues together before throwing a spear of ice into their disfigured faces, but saw more were coming via the air ducts and knew that their numbers would soon overwhelm her.

"Takato." Guilmon said as he appeared beside his Tamer and told him. "I think I have an idea. Why don't we see if Datamon can be of use to us?"

With his idea, it caused Takato to think what Guilmon meant, before it came to him, to which Takato withdraw a Digimon Card, one with a picture of Datamon on it, which he stared at, then at the slot beside the terminal.

"It's worth a shot." Takato said, slashing the Datamon Digimon Card through the slot and waited to see what would happen.

"Clearance granted. Welcome back Datamon." The pre recording said, surprising Takato that using a Digimon Card of their enemy actually worked.

And just as the elevator doors opened up, as he stepped inside, Takato called out to Rika.

"Rika, we got the elevator working again. Hurry!"

"No need to tell me twice." Rika replied, making a run for it and entering the elevator, just as the doors closed and before the Lickermon could tear their way inside.

As the elevator went up, a concerned look appeared on Takato's face.

"Do you think the doors will be able to hold the Lickermon?" He asked.

"I wouldn't worry about them." Rika replied, showing she too was holding a Digimon Card, Giromon's landmine.

-Back on the ground floor-

With bloodlust still on their warped minds, two Lickermon were clawing at the elevator doors, trying to pry it open, while the others were skulking around, waiting so they could pursue their prey.

However, while most were focused on getting the doors open and killing the Tamers, one Lickermon, a mutated Gaogamon, had found a strange metallic orb and began gnawing at it, trying to pry it open to see what was inside.

A big mistake, for it was the landmine Rika had left, and after the Lickermon's fangs plunged deep enough, it caused the bomb to explode, filling the area with a tremendous blast that consumed all the Lickermon, while blasting open the elevator doors and shooting up, causing the elevator to rock around from the force of the blast.

And while the blast shook Takato and Rika a little, both recovered and knew that the Lickermon wouldn't be bothering them now.

However, they had no idea what awaited them beyond the elevator, but knew whatever they was coming up would be just as dangerous.

As the elevator came to a stop and the doors opened, Takato and Rika stepped out and found they were in a much more high-tech hallway, making them, as well as Guilmon and AquaVeemon look around to see countless metal pods fixed to the walls.

"What in the Digital world?" AquaVeemon questioned, wondering what was inside the pods and what the purpose of such a facility could possibly be for.

"Wait. This was in the pictures too." Takato then said, making Rika say in reply. "Which means "Which means Renamon might be here!" She said in a hopeful tone, which made Takato nod, wanting to see the vixen Digimon as well, before both stopped when sirens started to go off, blaring around them and made the Tamers and Digimon look around, wondering what had caused the sirens to go off, but then got their answer.

Looking at the pods above, one opened up, revealing a Sunflowmon, whose body was greatly damaged and looked like it had been through Hell, before the body was dumped out of the pod and fell into the chasm below.

"What have they done?" AquaVeemon questioned, now knowing innocent Digimon used for experimentation were inside all the pods and made her wonder who could be so cruel to torment so many Digimon, and for what purpose.

This was on the minds of Takato, Rika and Guilmon, which worried the three, hoping if Renamon had survived, they were not too late to save her, wo which Takato approached the computer in the centre of the circular platform, typed in Renamon's name, and after running through the names of all Digimon, came Renamon, as well as an image of her, which looked like she was asleep or in a state of suspended animation.

"Renamon!" Rika called out, no mistaking that she was alive, before she, AquaVeemon and the boys felt the platform move and shift, a message that said 'Access Floor' appeared on the monitor, before the platform started to descend downward.

As the platform continued, moving past row after row of pods and closer to the one that most likely contained Rika's partner, looking at the pods, Guilmon pointed out. "There's so many. They must be kidnapping Digimon from all around the Digital World to experiment on."

"It's awful." AquaVeemon replied, hating and finding it hard to believe anybody would go to such lengths for such sinister purposes.

However, the platform suddenly came to a halt, while the computer screen lost all messages and displayed nothing but red.

Confused, Rika asked. "What happened? Why'd it stop?"

Turning around when a massive shadow covered them, Takato and Rika looked on, while Guilmon said. "I'm guessing that's why."

Looking ahead of them, the four were now confronted by a giant and no doubt, mutated SkullScorpiomon, which let out a menacing roar, before trying to slice the Tamers in half with its pincers, but they managed to dodge the attack.

Rising to her feet and staring at the twisted and mutated SkullScorpiomon, Rika commented. "Man, that's one ugly bug. We need to take it out before it takes us out."

"No arguments here." Takato replied.

"Watch out!" He then suddenly called out and tackled Rika to the floor, just as SkullScorpiomon's claw swung above them once again.

And while Rika was glad Takato had come for her, saving her life for another time, Rika's focus was on destroying SkullScorpiomon, to which she summoned a sphere of water in both her hands, followed by Takato, who created two balls of fire, before both threw their at its face.

However, SkullScorpiomon didn't even flinch.

"No way! Our shots just bounced right off it." Takato said, his tone in shock, just before Guilmon appeared beside Takato and told him and Rika. "Its shell is as thick as its head. Aim for less guarded areas."

"Over there!" Guilmon then called out, pointing over at SkullScorpiomon's legs, which had grotesque lumps of flesh pouring from the bones, causing Takato to create another fireball, aim at the lump and hit it, which caused the SkullScorpiomon to let out a small screeching sound, showing his attack had harmed it.

And now knowing where to hit, Rika joined in, creating and then throwing spears of ice, which struck the flesh lumps, damaging the mutated SkullScorpiomon further.

Not liking the pain inflicted upon it, SkullScorpiomon defended and attacked simultaneously, skulking around the ring of the platform, while using its claws and sharp tail to try and knock down Takato and Rika or cut them up.

But with each strike it performed, it missed, allowing the tamers to strike back.

And after damaging the lumps further, SkullScorpiomon lost its balance and smashed its jaw upon the platform, stunning it, while its maw hung open.

"Fire!" Takato yelled, throwing another sphere of fire at SkullScorpiomon, with the fireball landing directly in the mutation's maw, making it let out a louder and more pain filled screech.

Though after the flames died down, SkullScorpiomon roared once again, before using its claws and legs to climb up the wall.

Unable to see it, Takato asked. "Where'd it go? Did it run away?"

However, he and the others knew that SkullScorpiomon had yet to retreat when they heard SkullScorpiomon's roar once again, before one of the pods shot out from the darkness above them, making Takato and Rika jump aside, managing to avoid being crushed by the Digimon container.

"That was close. But we are at a serious disadvantage." Takato commented, before asking. "How are we supposed to hit an enemy we cannot see?"

"We turn the fight in our favour." Rika replied, withdrawing a Digimon Card.

"Digi-Modify! Magnamon's Armour activate!" The red haired Tamer announced as she absorbed the power of her Card, right into her D-Armour, which glowed gold and changed its form, where the D-Armour lost its AquaVeemon appearance and took on the appearance of the Digimon of Miracles.

And with her transformation, Rika, after blasting away another pod and a swipe of SkullScorpiomon's tail, was ready to make their fight seem more even.

"Shining Gold Solar Storm!" Rika yelled, gathering all the light energy she could within the armour, before releasing it through the area, which caused Takato and Guilmon's spirit form to shield their eyes, but looking up, both could see SkullScorpiomon, blinded by the light.

Now able to see the mutated Digimon, Takato called out. "There he is!"

"Well don't just stand there, Gogglehead. Hit it!" Rika snapped in reply.

"Right!" Takato said, nodding in understanding, but knew Guilmon's strength wouldn't be enough to hit SkullScorpiomon from such a distance, so, like Rika, Takato drew his own armour changing Digimon Card and readied himself to take on its power.

"Digi-Modify! OmniShoutmon's Armour activate!" He announced, to which his Guilmon-like armour was enveloped in light, which when it died down revealed Takato now wore the armour of OmniShoutmon.

And with his armour, it also came with the power of OmniShoutmon as two massive balls of flames swelled up in the brunette's hands, which he threw at the oozing lumps on SkullScorpiomon's legs, burning them horribly and causing SkullScorpiomon to fall, where it once again stunned itself as it hit the platform.

"Time to finish this." Takato said, just before he and Guilmon gathered their combined power into Takato's right hand, forming a great and powerful orb of fire, which the brunette shoved into SkullScorpiomon's mouth and then erupted, blasting apart sections of SkullScorpiomon's head.

And with such damage done to its being, SkullScorpiomon lost its grip and fell, plummeting into the abyss beneath it, while Takato and Rika broke their fusions with their partners, glad to know they had destroyed another abomination and were now free to continue with their mission.

The platform started to move again, going down several more floors, until it had arrived at the bottom floor, where one pod retracted from the wall and moved to the platorm, making the four approach it, wondering what Renamon's condition was.

However, when it opened, it revealed it was reveal empty, no Renamon inside, nothing.

"Damnit! Renamon not here." Rika said, angered as she banged on the pod.

"Then where is she?" AquaVeemon asked in a curious tone, only to be interrupted when the computer suddenly flickered and showed a live feed of a female Digimon, one of great beauty and seduction.

"Ah, the legendary Digimon Tamers. How nice to finally make your acquaintance." She said, sounding somewhat honoured to see them.

"And you are?" Guilmon asked.

"That's Lilithmon. One of the Seven Great Demon Lords." AquaVeemon informed, making Lilithmon smirk and say. "Nice to know there are those who have heard of me, you've done your homework."

Curious, Guilmon asked. "And what do you want with us?"

"I just wanted to congratulate you on defeating my pet." Lilithmon replied with a smirk and then commented, sounding impressed. "That was quite a performance."

"So you sent that thing after us!?" AquaVeemon asked, which just made Lilithmon reply with a small scoff.

But demanding answers, Rika questioned. "What are you up to and where is Renamon?"

"Renamon?" Lilithmon questioned back, before saying. "Even if I did know, you think I would tell you?"

"Don't lie to us! Tell me where she is!" Guilmon snapped, only making Lilithmon smile at seeing Guilmon get angry.

"As soon as you are all done playing 'hero', you should leave. There's nothing here worth throwing your lives away for." She said, ending her conversation with the four, making the Tamers and Digimon face one another.

"She's lying. She knows something." AquaVeemon stated.

"I know." Guilmon replied, before all four felt the platform move down, going to the bottom floor.

"And when we find her, we'll get our questions answered." The bearer of the Digital Hazard mark then said, determined to know where Renamon was, what Lilithmon was up to and what her role was in relations with Uroboromon