Previously on Digimon Genesis! As the hoped-for saviors of the Digital World traveled the road to Daemon Palace, they were confronted with the stark reality of the situation: that their battle with Daemon and his lieutenant would be their toughest ever, and that death may lie in wait. Still, they pressed on, buoyed by their past experiences and their faith in themselves. Can they do it? Find out - now!
DIGIMON GENESISCHAPTER XXXVI
HELTER SKELTER
They rose the next day almost simultaneously and found themselves oddly full of energy despite the fact that their sleep had been disturbed and did not meet the requisite number of hours. Takumi awoke, and his first thoughts were not the dizzying kind expected when one awakes, but full of cognition and sober recognition that today would yield their most crucial battle yet - and, perhaps, the one that would end their lives.
"All right, gang!" he said to them. "Let's press on - we'll have some breakfast first. But after that, it's game time. The sooner we get to that palace, the better."
"Takumi," said Reina. "Don't you think it's odd? I would have expected the road to the palace would be full of evil Digimon waiting to kill us. Yet, the only one we've met was that wild Darkrizamon. I know it sounds crazy, but I would feel more comfortable if we were constantly being attacked . . ."
"I know," Takumi agreed. "It does seem a little eerie. But maybe it would seem eerie no matter what. This is Daemon we're talking about, after all."
"Do you think he knows what we're doing?" Reina asked.
"It's hard to say," said Takumi. "I would guess not. But then again, who knows?"
"If Daemon wants a fight," said Ryota. "We'll bring him one. I feel like I'm on the top of my game today!"
"That's the spirit!" said Takumi. "Yuka, how do you feel?"
"I don't know," said the shy girl, "but I guess I'm ready."
"Shun? How about yourself?"
"Oh, I'm ready all right," Shun returned. "I'm going to digivolve to Knightmon and slice his head off!"
"It won't be that easy," Takumi warned. "But still, give it your all regardless. Does everyone agree that we will fight to the bitter end? There will be no surrender."
"Right!" all agreed.
"I think that's the most dangerous thing about it all - that we'll lose our willpower when the going gets tough. And it's going to be tough. Remember, this guy isn't the king of the Digital World for nothing."
"But before we beat him, we're going to have to beat his bodyguard," Shun pointed out.
"That's right!" said Takumi. "The final lieutenant. He'll be a tough fight, no doubt. But I think we can beat him."
They all agreed that no matter what the outcome, they would be satisfied, for they would do all they could do. They knew deep down inside that their failure to overthrow the government would mean the destruction of the rebel army, and this weighed heavily upon them - but they knew they would fight to the bitter end and would have no regrets.
They had breakfast in a clearing in the forest. Beyond, they could make out the darkness where Daemon Palace lay, where it seemed no light could penetrate. They were keenly aware that this could be their last meal. They talked - they tried to keep the conversation light, but this was impossible. The upcoming battle terrified them all, but it was a good fear, the sort that drove people to action. They were almost finished putting their nearly exhausted provisions back when they heard a noise that frightened them. They realized at the same time that their D-Pendulums were vibrating, and all at once they withdrew them.
"Come in children! Come in!"
It was a voice that they had heard before. Suddenly from each of their D-Pendulums there came a hologram similar to the hologram that emerged from the ToyAgumon, but appearing in it for the first time was the image of a human.
Takumi looked at the figure, stunned. "It's Shadow!" Indeed, the face of the man known as Tekkan Shintaro, leader of the Shadow Gang, appeared before them all.
"Yes," said Shadow.
There came a woman's voice as well. "We made contact!"
"Search?" said Ryota. "Is that you?"
"Yes, it's me!" said Diana Watari, code-named Search. She too appeared in the beam of light, sharing it with Shadow.
"We're all here," came a voice, a very familiar one. It was a voice that Takumi had not heard in some time: his former guidance counselor, Stone, alias Flint Shale.
"Mr. Shale!" said Takumi. "How were you able to make contact with us?"
"We've been working on the technology for some time," Shadow explained.
"Yes!" came another voice, the man code-named Quiz, who was really the newscaster, Ryan Royama. "Even since before you left, we've been attempting to construct a technology that would allow us to speak with you from our world."
"How is the Digital World?" asked Shadow. "Are there Digimon about?"
"Yeah!" said Shun. "And boy, do we have some stuff to tell you. This world is ruled by a Digimon king, Daemon, and we're going to fight him soon!"
Stone arched his eyebrows. "And you have learned all this, in the few minutes since you left us?"
"Huh?" said Takumi. "What do you mean, a few minutes?"
"Well, isn't it obvious?" said Ms. Watari. "You just went through the gate a few minutes ago!"
"A few minutes!" said Takumi. "It's been days - weeks!"
Far from being surprised by this, Shadow merely nodded his head. "So, my theory is correct. Time flows differently in the Digital World than it does here - as it should."
"You've known about this?" said Takumi, astonished.
"Known? No, it was merely a theory of mine … one that turned out to be correct. It is lucky we got to this technology quickly, or it may have been many years before we reached you …"
"Well, that's a good thing!" said Takumi, almost angrily. "I guess it's hard to be mad at you all for not reaching us sooner when it was an impossibility. Still, we would have liked to have your help."
"How would we have helped you?" asked Royama. "You know more about the Digital World than we have. Remember, we have never stepped foot in it. We only have theories."
"Yeah, theories!" said Takumi. "Because you were too lazy to go to the Digital World yourself."
"Remember, Takumi," said Stone, "we …"
"We didn't have a choice!" said Shadow. "If we could leave this world, don't you think we would have already? But it's not safe. We can't become Digimon because we wouldn't be able to control yourselves."
"Takumi," said Stone, "have you learned anything about your father? If what you say is true, then there is in fact a civilization in the Digital World. We thought it was all wild."
"There is a civilization, if that's what you can call it," said Takumi. "But not civilized by our standards. For one thing, humans are hated in this world."
"Wait, there are humans in the Digital World?" said Stone. This startling piece of news seemed to only impact Stone. The rest of the Shadow Gang showed no signs of emotion.
"Yes," said Takumi. "They all came at once, I think - a whole group of people found a gate, and their descendants made up the humans of this world. But there aren't any humans now besides us! They were all wiped out, destroyed."
"Destroyed!?" said Stone.
"That's right. And that's why I know for a fact that my father is dead … he was killed in the Slaughter of the humans."
Stone nodded bitterly. "I am sorry, Takumi. I did not have much hope for your father still being alive, but I suppose it is best you know for sure than to speculate as to his fate."
"It's all right," said Takumi. "It's not your fault. It's Daemon's … he was the one who really wiped out all the humans. The only people that remain are us."
"So he is dead," said Shadow, showing his first sign of emotion, but he said it more to himself than anyone else.
"Yes he's dead! Didn't I just tell you?" said Takumi.
"Takumi, calm down!" said Reina. "It's great that you all have been able to contact us. We're just really stressed, that's all …"
"Tell us everything," said Stone. "From the moment you stepped into the Digital World. Tell us how you've been able to learn all this. And where is Naoki?" There was silence from the children.
"He's dead," said Takumi.
"Dead?" said Stone. "What happened?"
"A wild Digimon killed him," Reina explained. "He thought he could battle it himself, but … he couldn't."
"A fool," said Shadow.
For some reason Shadow's snide comment did not anger Takumi as it should have; he had grown used to Shadow's callous remarks.
"That is unfortunate," said Stone. "But it is lucky that the rest of you were not killed. When did Naoki die?"
"Our first night here," said Takumi. "When we first arrived. We left the gate and found ourselves in the desert. That was when Naoki got killed."
"Not long, huh …" said Stone, sadly. "I'm sorry … it is still a bit of a shock. See, you all have known of his death for a long time, but to all of us he was here just a few minutes ago."
"It's shocking," Diana Watari admitted.
"Yeah … it was a shock," said Takumi. "Then the next day we were in for more unpleasant surprises. This one Digimon, Phelesmon, captured us all because he said we kidnapped his daughter."
"Kidnapped his daughter!?" said Stone.
"Yes - it's a long story. Phelesmon, I mean. Apparently his daughter had been kidnapped many years ago, and he took to blaming all sorts of Digimon for it. Apparently he went crazy trying to search for her."
"So," said Shadow. "Apparently neuroticism isn't necessarily a human treat. Unfortunate. Go on."
"But this is incredible!" said Stone. "Digimon have sons and daughters - families! Children, should you ever get out of there, you will have to write a book about it! This proves that Digimon are not just animals, but of human intelligence! They must have customs, cultures, traditions that would rival ours!"
"Cut the crap," Shadow told him. "They can write books when they're done with their mission …"
"What happened next?" asked Ryan Royama.
"Well, actually Phelesmon took us to Daemon Palace to see the chief judge, SkullSatamon. Apparently he still had a lot of influence, because we got thrown in jail without even a trial. And then we were rescued by this one Digimon, Angewomon. She said that if they recognized us as humans, we would be killed for sure."
"That was lucky," said Stone. "From what you've told us, humans are hated. So how is it that this one Digimon found the heart to release you?"
"We didn't ask," said Takumi. "In fact, we didn't even see who released us … but it must have been Angewomon."
"Humans are hated in the Digital World," said Shun. "By most of the population anyway. But there are still some cities and pockets of Digimon who are favorable to humans. It was lucky, because when we escaped we got to one of those cities."
"Another stroke of luck," said Stone.
"You have been very lucky thus far!" said Diana Watari. "When we were unable to contact you, we feared that perhaps you had all been killed. You see, the Digital World is unknown to us … it is a complete mystery."
"What happened in the city?" asked Stone.
"Well, we met SaberLeomon, the Elder of the city - sort of like a mayor. He was the one who told us that humans are hated in the Digital World."
"Any reason for the hatred, beyond simple prejudice?" asked Ryan Royama.
"None that we can see," said Ryota. "Except - Digimon are viewed almost as perfect. Humans are seen as creatures that don't belong."
"Unsurprising," said Shadow. "It is no wonder that hatred lingers when two vastly different, intelligent life forms clash. What happened next?"
"He told us about the Slaughters," said Takumi.
"The Slaughters?"
"Mass killings of humans. The First Slaughter wiped out most of the humans. The second one finished the job. My dad was killed in the first," said Takumi bitterly.
"Well, that is unfortunate," said Shadow, sounding completely neutral.
"The first Slaughter was led by King Piedmon," Takumi told them. "But his heart wasn't really into it - it was political pressure and nothing more. There were still pockets of humans left, and everyone knew it. Daemon overthrew the government, with massive support, because he said that the kingdom was too lenient on humans. So he took the throne and finished off the rest of them. And that's not all. There are rumors that he wants to start killing vaccine and data type Digimon … because they were the most loyal to the humans."
"But those are Digimon types," said Stone. "So, types are not necessarily a biological component of Digimon, but descriptive of their ancestors and their affiliation with humans …"
"Right!" said Takumi. "Daemon completely controls the Digital World. There's no escaping from him. In fact, we were detained because we violated some petty rule."
"Again?" said Stone.
"Yes - but this place was far more sinister. It was called Purification Camp -"
"Sounds lovely," said Shadow.
"- Purification Camp, one of those in the past devoted to killing humans. When we were there, it housed prisoners - mostly vaccine and data type Digimon imprisoned for unjust reasons."
"So," said Shadow. "He's wiping out the vaccine and data type Digimon through stealth. What about the virus Digimon? What makes them exempt?"
"They didn't like humans, so he's naturally doesn't mind virus types," said Takumi. "Especially because Daemon is probably a virus type Digimon himself."
"No doubt."
"How did you all escape from that place?" Stone asked.
"That's a long story too," said Ryota. "Basically, all these Digimon were disappearing from the camp. We first thought it was the work of the Guardians -"
"The Guardians?"
"Four extremely powerful Digimon who are almost gods of the Digital World."
"Gods of the Digital World?" said Shadow. "Then why don't they overthrow Daemon themselves?"
"We don't know," said Ryota. "They might be subservient to Daemon - or maybe they don't want to bother. Who knows."
"Anyway, Digimon after Digimon started disappearing," said Takumi. "And when we went to investigate, we found out it wasn't the Guardians who were killing the Digimon, but Phelesmon."
"Phelesmon again!" said Stone. "You just cannot get that Digimon out of your hair, can you?"
"Yes - he's definitely crazy - he was killing all those Digimon to make a new Digimon that was composed of all of their data, Kimeramon. But we were able to finish him off and send Phelesmon packing." "And do you know where this Digimon is now?" Stone asked.
"No - we really don't."
"Well, I suppose it doesn't matter. So what happened next?"
"We got to another city - Midgard. The Digimon there were friendly to us too. Unfortunately, they were under strict control from Daemon's Digital Police. We stayed with some Digimon and we got together and overthrew that government."
"Absolutely stunning!" said Stone. "Children, you can't imagine how extraordinary that is. You've already achieved in your young lives what adults -"
"Oh, can the crap," said Shadow. "Go on. What made you children think you could go on a crusade against the Digimon government?"
"Well, it's right for one," said Takumi. "And second of all, it's prophesied."
"Prophesied?" said Stone. "Explain."
"Years and years ago, hundreds of years ago, some Digimon came up with a prophecy that predicted that one day a great evil would arise in the Digital World, and saviors - or should I say, a 'saving force' would come to deliver the Digimon from tyranny. The saving force would be in the form of humans who could transform into Digimon." "Amazing!" said Stone. "This prophecy, children … do you know the exact learning?"
"No," Takumi told him. "But obviously these Digimon have faith in us. Ever since we arrived, they called us 'saviors' and have predicted great things … and we've lived up to them, so far. Daemon has - or had - three lieutenants who helped him control the Digital World. We already killed one of them, the second one died mysteriously - we think someone on our side might have helped kill him - so there's only one left. And after that, Daemon. And if we can kill Daemon …"
"Then you free the Digital World from tyranny," said Stone. "Children … you've done more than I could ever have imagined …"
"You've been so brave," said Ms. Watari.
"This is historic," said Ryan Royama. "Should you children succeed, then you'll be famous …"
"Yes," said Shadow. "The Cortezes and the Pizarros of the Digital World … kids, if you go and kill Daemon, we won't stand in your way. But let's just say that he's in our way for now."
Takumi did not follow up with any more questions. "So that's where we are right now. We don't know how much time we have left in this world, but … we know what we have to do."
"Have you had any success at digivolving to the ultimate level?" Shadow asked.
"Yes - four out of five of us have reached the ultimate stage. All except Yuka."
"Poor girl," said Shadow dismissively. "I must confess that I do not have faith in you. I don't think prophecies are worth anything at all. Needless to say, the fact that the Digital World is actually civilized is very disappointing, and makes our task much more difficult."
"What task?" Takumi asked.
"Explanations can wait," said Stone. "Takumi, I'm - prouder than I've ever been of you. I know that your father would be proud."
"Thanks," said Takumi.
"We had better go now," said Ryan Royama. "We'll be sure to keep in touch …"
"We will be monitoring your activities through the D-Pendulum," said Shadow. "We're currently working on technology that will give us a camera view of the Digital World …"
"That would help a lot!" said Takumi.
"Keep in touch!" said Ryota.
"Good-bye, children," said Shadow.
"Good luck!" Diana Watari called out.
"If anyone can do it, you kids can," said Ryan Royama.
Stone was the next to address them. "Ryota, Yuka, Reina, Shun, Takumi - if anyone can do this, you can. You've proved yourselves beyond what I thought was capable for children your age. If you can defeat Daemon, then you will bring a world of light to the Digimon living there. And don't be fooled by appearances - I am almost certain that more Digimon support your cause than you believe."
"We know there are some out there!" said Takumi. "Pray that we'll win this fight!"
"I will do so," said Stone. "Afterwards, we can talk. I have faith in you all. I know that you can do this."
Afterwards, they said their good-byes, and the transmission ceased; they parted at last.
"Well, what do you know about that!" said Ryota.
"I had almost forgotten about them," said Shun. "I'm not sure if they have as much faith in us as they say to do. After all, we're expendable."
"What do you mean?" said Takumi.
"Don't you get it? If we fail, they can just repeat the same thing with more kids back home. Over and over again. Eventually, someone will defeat him and the prophecy will come true."
Takumi gave him an angry look. "Don't you say that," he said. "Whatever you do, don't think what we're doing is worthless. We are far, far from expendable. I would never use that term to describe you - any of you!"
"I'm just saying," said Shun. "They don't care about us. Why should they? If they did, they would let us into what they're trying to accomplish."
"Maybe Shadow doesn't care about us," said Takumi. "And maybe Ryan Royama and Ms. Watari don't care about us - if they do, they hide it pretty easily. But Stone - I know he cares about us. We can't let him down because he hasn't let us down."
"What do you mean he cares about us?" said Ryota. "If he really cared about us, why did he screw up our lives like this?"
"We've been over this before," said Takumi. "Everything happens for a reason … there's a force at work here beyond any of us. You know, destiny and all that. Perhaps Stone just played a part."
"Still, why didn't he speak up?" asked Ryota. "Why didn't he say, 'You shouldn't be doing this to kids'? No. It doesn't matter if his convictions went against it or not; the point is he did what he did. You know, Takumi, sometimes I think the only reason you like Stone is because he was friends with your father."
"What!?" said Takumi. "That has nothing to do with anything. Stone is a good guy."
"I think he's a good guy," said Yuka. "At least, he seems to care about us the most out of all of them."
"So he's the least evil of the four of them," said Ryota. "Got it."
"My father doesn't have anything to do with why I like Stone," said Takumi.
"I'm sorry I said it," said Ryota. "But, whether we defeat Daemon or not, I'm always going to hold this against him: that he never spoke up when the others wanted to toy with our lives."
"Fine, we can compromise," said Takumi. "But let's not argue about that. We have bigger things to tackle right now."
They made up for the brief squabble, and soon all was well, though Takumi wondered if a bit of what Ryota said was true. Was Stone's relationship with his father the only reason he had such fondness for him? No, he thought - he had been his guidance counselor; he had helped him out - there was nothing at all to indicate that he was a bad person …
They walked along the road, the outline of the palace growing. As they neared the place, it grew darker than ever, as if the sun had set prematurely. The effect was an eerie one, and they looked about them; it was as if the lights had been dimmed overhead.
"Did you hear something?" Ryota asked.
"No," said Shun.
"Oh. I'm probably just hearing things."
"It's easy to lose your nerves in this place," said Reina.
Suddenly something darted out in front of them. Reina screamed.
"A bird," said Takumi. Nevertheless, his heart had quickened its pace.
"Takumi, do you think it's time we transform?" Ryota asked.
"Good idea," said Takumi. "We can't allow them to see us approach … especially in our human forms."
"But right now we're smaller and can move with more ease than we would in our Digimon forms," Shun pointed out.
"We'll have to take that chance," said Takumi. "All right … TRANSFORM! Hiamon."
"TRANSFORM! Kibamon."
"TRANSFORM!" Mikemon."
"TRANSFORM! Mekanorimon."
"TRANSFORM! Suraiimon."
Having digivolved to their Digimon forms, the children felt it was safe to transgress the rest of the forest. The dark area lay ahead, with a darkness that was not natural. The Digimon moved forward, closer and closer, through the trees. Eventually the forest became less and less until finally the thick trees became desert. Then they stopped. They were in the shadow of Daemon Palace.
"It's so eerily beautiful," said Suraiimon.
"How do we get in?" asked Mikemon.
"Hmm," said Hiamon, examining the exterior of the castle by flying overhead. They had seen the building before, but still Hiamon could not help but be mesmerized by its appearance: resembling a cathedral, but entirely black, with a large gargoyle at the top of it, a large, expansive castle. A large gate was in front of it. Here Hiamon spotted something: two robotic Digimon that were guarding the place. Excited by this discovery, he returned to his friends, who were crouching in a hiding-place in the rocks.
"There's Digimon guarding the place," said Hiamon. "Guardromon, I think they're called. I think we should be able to take them with ease."
Suraiimon looked skeptical.
"What, are you getting cold feet now?" the dragon Digimon asked.
"I'm scared," Suraiimon replied, "but I'll do it."
"All right - everybody. On the count of three let's all emerge and attack the Guardromon."
Mekanorimon raised a hand as if in dissent.
"Yes, what is it?" said Hiamon.
"I'm not sure - I'm speaking truthfully - but I'm not sure if a sneak attack will work. They are mechanical Digimon, after all. They don't understand the element of surprise."
"Oh - all right!" said Hiamon. "But I don't hear any better ideas." No one offered any improvements, and so on the count of three the attack would commence.
"One …"
Hiamon braced himself, it was easy since he was the one doing the counting …
"Two …"
This was it … there was no turning back now …
"Three!"
They came out all at once, and attacked almost simultaneously.
"Flame Rain!" shouted Hiamon, flying upward into the skies and releasing a barrage of flames from his wings, pelting the Guardromon with them.
"Ice Arrow!" shouted Kibamon.
"Sidewinder Claw!"
"Twin Beam!"
"Cat's Claw!"
The combined attacks were effective in destroying the Guardromon, who were turned into digital dust. The Digimon descended upon the gate, only to find them met by more Guardromon.
"Darn!" said Hiamon. "Flame Rain!"
"Grenade Destroyer!"
Now the Guardromon attacked. From their arms came tiny missiles, barraging the oncoming Digimon. They were thrown backward; the grenades proved a destructive nuisance, and only by combining their attacks once more were they able to defeat them. Then came another wave of Guardromon.
"Grenade Destroyer!"
Growing used to these attacks, they found that the Guardromon's attacks were predictable, and they were easily able to evade the oncoming missiles. Several more Guardromon were destroyed, but as one fell, it seemed like two more came from the castle to take their place.
"Triple Dragon Talon!"
Hiamon soared up into the air, then, claws glowing, he went down, down, down - BOOM! In a matter of minutes the Guardromon became mere heaps of rubble, before evaporating into digi-dust. They noticed too that no more came to take their place; their numbers had been completely wiped out.
"All right!" said Hiamon. "Through the drawbridge!"
Indeed, a bridge lay before them, it had proved a pathway for the Guardromon to exit the castle and attack them, and now they made their way across it. There was the traditional moat underneath them, but it did not concern them. However, just as they were going across they could feel something under their feet.
They watched with horror as the drawbridge went up, up, up - their entry into the palace at stake. They jumped - Hiamon and Mekanorimon had flying abilities, while the others excelled at making long jumps. Hiamon landed on the other side, and so did the others. Mikemon, however, was going to fall short. Sensing the danger, Hiamon flew to where she was to meet her, swooping below her and bringing her safely back to the other side.
"Hiamon," said Mikemon, almost out of breath, "thank you."
"If we're going to beat Daemon, we need to have all of us together!" Hiamon pointed out. Then they saw before them their latest obstruction: a strong, steel door.
"How do we make it across?" Suraiimon asked.
"I think I have the answer to that," said Kibamon. "Kibamon, digivolve to … HYPOTHERMON!" The ultimate form of the snow leopard Digimon made its appearance, and he unveiled his technique: "Freeze Tranquil!"
Slowly, but surely, the steel door before them turned to ice, solid ice, and then there came another cold blast, and the ice broke up and shattered, and the door with it: their path forward was now clear.
"All right, let's go!" said Kibamon. They ran through. Then, to their horror, they heard something from up above them, it was a gate, descending upon them with rapid speed. They got out of the way just in time; Mikemon was the last to escape, her tail barely salvaged from the crashing of the heavy gate. The exit was now sealed.
But these were only the first of their problems. The interior of the castle was dark, so dark they could not discern each other. Hiamon thought back to their brief stay here, and remembered that there were stairs somewhere, but right now it was impossible to know their location. Then their came a welcome light - but it was not so welcome. The light belonged to what seemed like dozens of Digimon on the now-illuminated second story of the castle. They resembled sinister, living candles.
"Candlemon!" said Hiamon.
All at once, the Digimon attacked. "Flame Bomber!" came their cries, and the Digimon below braced themselves as the flames came at them. Drawing a sudden idea, Hiamon flapped his wings, faster and faster and faster, until the flames were stopped, some even speeding back up to hit and kill the Candlemon.
Some of the Digimon jumped down below to make their assault, but Hypothermon made quick work of them, freezing many of them at once. The amount of data speeding up to the ceiling was stunning. The other Digimon fared well in the battle, and soon the Candlemon were defeated. When this happened, oddly, the lights came on, dim though they were, as if the Candlemon defeat had triggered it. They saw, to their left, stairs, and they took these - a long, winding staircase. With each step they took they knew they were getting closer and closer to their enemy …
They walked up nearly four flights of stairs, wondering if they were getting lost. They headed down the corridor. It was a dark place, quite eerie, with torches on the walls offering the only light. Then they found a wide room that they felt was of importance, so they entered and looked around.
"Are we lost?" said Suraiimon.
Hiamon paused. "No," he said. "No, I think it's -"
Suddenly, a Digimon descended from a higher place. The intruders were amazed at his body, which resembled a large clock, with some phantom-being serving as an operator.
"I am Clockmon!" said the Digimon. "Time to destroy!"
With that, he slammed his own body with a mallet he was holding. The sound unnerved the Digimon and gave them an odd sense, one that they had never felt before. Then, as the Clockmon moved toward them, they realized they could not make any move, for they had been rendered immobile. Hiamon felt him hit with the Clockmon's hammer, and the other Digimon fared the same way. The blows knocked them to the ground, where they continued to be helpless. Then they realized that they were perfectly mobile, except that the Clockmon had stopped time. He whacked at them some more, but apparently his attack was not permanent, for they regained mobility, or rather time, quick enough.
"Flame Rain!" shouted Hiamon, and he flew up and the flames descended once more.
The Clockmon whacked the flames right back, hitting the dragon Digimon.
"Sidewinder Claw!"
But Suraiimon's attack did nothing, except to make a loud GONG sound which filled the room and threatened their eardrums.
"Twin Beam!"
"Cat's Claw!"
"Chrono Breaker!"
As this happened, Hypothermon leapt in midair, but the Clockmon's attack froze him in place, making for an odd scene. Clockmon attacked them further, but his attack wore off. Hypothermon landed, then, ferociously at the Clockmon, yelled:
"Freeze Tranquil!"
Now it was the Clockmon's turn to freeze in place. Then there came a blast of cold air, and the large ice cube was obliterated, turning into bits of digital data. The Clockmon was defeated.
"All right!" said Hiamon. "Let's go."
When Clockmon was defeated, yet another door opened, as if by magic, and they went through. The room they came to next was most strange. They found themselves looking at their own reflections - the Digimon, multiplied dozens of times in the glass. They were in a house of mirrors.
"What is this place?" said Suraiimon.
"I don't know," said Hiamon, bumping into a wall, hitting his head. "Ow!"
"It's a maze," said Hypothermon, him too having difficulty navigating the location. Through cleverness alone were they able to make their way through this latest obstacle. Then, as they progressed, Hiamon had the strange feeling that they were being watched. They walked along; it was impossible to avoid their own reflection. Then they let out shouts of surprise: there was a figure in the mirror that was not one of them.
"Intruders in Daemon Palace!" said the voice, one of the most sinister they had heard.
It was a humanoid Digimon, composed of nothing but blue fire. He had the most demonic looking expression on his face.
"Where are you?" shouted Hiamon, looking around.
"Here!" said the Digimon, and though they looked around, they could not find him. Then Hiamon felt a burning sensation, and saw him right next to him. He yelled and jumped to the side, hitting the glass and breaking it.
About sixteen images of the new evil Digimon appeared before them, but now they knew the location of the real thing.
"BlueMeramon," said Kibamon. "An evil flaming Digimon with a fiery personality. His Ice Phantom attack is almost always lethal!"
"Cold Flame!" shouted the Digimon, shooting blue, flaming darts at the Digimon. BlueMeramon seemed to have no trouble in distinguishing the false images and the real Digimon in the hall of mirrors, for each of his attacks were dead-on, and some of the most painful they had encountered. Every time they were hit it felt like their insides were being burned as their outsides were frostbitten.
Hiamon wanted to attack but was afraid that he would harm his friends - he was unsure what was a reflection and what was real. Finally he reached a decision.
"Flame Rain!"
The flames came from his wings. Like darts, they hit the glass mirrors, shattering them. He saw the real BlueMeramon over near the left corridor, smiling broadly, an evil smile that warned him of impending danger.
"Get him!" shouted Kibamon. The five Digimon lunged at their foe. The BlueMeramon quickly threw them off, and Kibamon's attack proved futile. In an attempt to bite his opponent, he only managed to harm himself in the process, and he too was thrown to the ground, shattering another mirror.
The BlueMeramon laughed evilly. Hiamon stood up, not willing to back down yet … to much depended on this one victory, this preparation for Daemon's final lieutenant …
"Triple Dragon Talon!" he shouted. He was unable to use this attack from the air like normal, however, he put just as much force into his claws, charging at the BlueMeramon.
"Ice Phantom!"
The BlueMeramon was enraged; he could see that. His whole body turned blue, so that not even his red evil eyes could be discerned. They both charged at each other - as they came, closer and closer, Hiamon felt a sense that his attack would fail, that he was weaker than the BlueMeramon, and this probably more than anything sealed his defeat …
As predicted, he was thrown to the wall again. Another mirror shattered, broke up into a hundred tiny pieces. Mikemon attacked, but was headed off like a rag doll, and Suraiimon's attack too proved useless.
Hiamon faced the BlueMeramon, he saw the evil in his eyes and knew that he wanted to kill him, wanted him to die, wanted to end the evil then and there … and he decided that he had no choice.
"Hiamon, digivolve to … RADIATIMON!" Now what was left of the hall of mirrors disintegrated, as Radiatimon was far too large to be contained. Confronting an immense dragon, a burning, flame-tipped tail, BlueMeramon for the first time did not look extremely confident, and he looked more determined than evil.
"Helios Missile!"
He fired, the BlueMeramon used a flame attack but this time he was the weaker one. There was an explosion, embers of blue fire shot up - and he was gone. The Digimon saw the tiny bits of digital data ascend up into the air, finally becoming invisible to the eye.
"He's gone!" said Kibamon.
Radiatimon nodded grimly. This time there would be no returning to the champion form, there was still a battle to wage, and he would have to remain in his ultimate form for the duration of the fight …
"Was that - the final lieutenant?" asked Suraiimon.
"No," Radiatimon returned, and even though he was not sure of this, something told him that there was still more to come. "This way." He did not know why he felt that the way he was going was the correct one, for there were many alternative paths that conceivably would lead to the right location. It was like an instinct.
They did not have far to walk. Soon they found themselves in a tall, wide room, similar to the one in which they had fought the Clockmon. The walls were made of rock; it was a barren place, mold grew on the walls. The feeling of apprehension was felt by everyone.
"I think," said Radiatimon, the room wide enough to accommodate him, "that he's here. I think -"
There was a wide ledge overhead that they had not noticed, where they could see nothing but darkness. They had not expected anything to fly out of it, but as soon as they noticed it they saw a figure dart out from the blackness. He was like a yellow ninja, and though he walked on two legs he was certainly not a human: they had seen him before, and they knew too that he was not the final lieutenant.
"You!" said Radiatimon.
It was an Apemon. "Good day to you, humans! Welcome to Daemon's palace. Prepare to meet your doom!"
That the Apemon knew they were humans did not come to them as much of a surprise that he was a servant of Daemon.
"Wait!" said Suraiimon. "We've seen you before."
"In Civil City!" said Kibamon.
"And come to think of it, in Midgard too," said Mekanorimon.
"Yes!" said the Apemon triumphantly, a look of evil on his face. "You might have guessed it. I'm - a Leech!"
"A Leech!" said Radiatimon. "You good-for-nothing traitor, we'll skin you alive!"
"Oh," said Apemon, "I don't think so! You see, I may not be the final lieutenant, but I am a faithful servant, and now that I've delivered you right into Daemon's hands, I will be rewarded greatly! He he he!" He let out a monkeyish laugh.
"Helios Missile!" shouted Radiatimon. It was the only thing he could do; he was so angry that he attacked without thinking. Not surprisingly, the attack missed: Apemon got out of the way by doing a series of backflips and other mind-boggling acrobatic feats. Still, the treacherous Digimon seemed to sense that he was in danger.
"My mistress, my mistress, protect me! Attack them and kill them, my mistress, may the humans be slain here!"
They stopped, they were too busy looking over the ledge to even try to attack the Apemon, who was nothing more than a pesky bug at the moment. Then they saw a figure emerge from over the ledge. The figure had dark wings, was black in color, and was definitely feminine. She wore long black hair and resembled a witch. This, no doubt, was Daemon's final lieutenant.
"It's a woman!" shouted Kibamon.
The newcomer cackled, a hideous cackle that made them shiver.
"A woman?! Ha! I am no mere woman. I'm a lady! LadyDevimon, the third lieutenant, mistress of the skies, most loyal servant of King Daemon! I'm more than just a bodyguard, I am his Queen!"
"LadyDevimon!" said Kibamon. "The final lieutenant!"
The woman in black descended from the skies, her laughter filled the room, bouncing off the walls and filling their hearts with a cold, evil feeling. Radiatimon looked over to Mikemon and Suraiimon and was surprised to find that they were the angriest he had ever seen them. They had eyes pierced, death on them, it was like they wanted to gnaw on LadyDevimon and chew her forever, ripping her from limb to limb.
"My mistress, my mistress!" said the Apemon, bowing.
"Very good, Apemon!" said the woman. She pointed to her opponents. "Now kill them!"
"You must be crazy," Kibamon breathed.
The Apemon, however, saw no foolishness in her command, appearing to consider himself quite capable of taking on all five Digimon single-handedly. "Mega Bone Stick!" shouted the traitor Digimon, throwing his bone at the Digimon who doubted his ability.
"Ice Arrow!" shouted Kibamon. The attack dissolved the bone; Apemon gulped, his one weapon lost.
"Helios Missile!" shouted Radiatimon. Apemon stared blankly, the missile hit and there was an explosion; Apemon was dead. "All right!" said Radiatimon, once this was finished. "Attack LadyDevimon!"
The female Digimon needed no further prodding, before the words escaped from his lips Mikemon had hurled herself onto the devilish Digimon, but was quickly throne off; Suraiimon attacked, biting furiously, but LadyDevimon snapped her jaws shut and threw her against the wall, laughing as she did so. Full of rage, Radiatimon descended on their new foe. That was when he saw something quite strange: it was in the Queen's eyes. Red and slit-like though they were, he saw that they were full of some strange emotion. Was it regret? Perhaps, only in the light that she was about to be trounced by Radiatimon … he soared to the ground, crushing his opponent with his talon, then he cried out in pain, there was a purple light, almost a barrier, that separated him from her, and it was painful to even touch her. He let go, and with the agility of a cat, LadyDevimon fled, bouncing off the walls and in the process slashing Kibamon with a long, black nail …
"URAGH!"
Kibamon let out a pained grunt as he landed on the hard stone floor; the nail had pierced him and there was a long cut across his side.
Radiatimon glared at the lieutenant, and there it was again: she was looking at Kibamon, not with the triumph of a victorious opponent, but with a look that could only be described as motherly … but when Mikemon attacked her again, he saw nothing but anger in the two red slits and was sure that he had imagined it …
"Twin Beam!"
Mikemon's attack had failed, now it was Mekanorimon's turn, but his attack was deflected with her nail.
"Ha ha ha!" said LadyDevimon, her silver hair making her look oddly beautiful.
"Stereotypical villain laugh, isn't it?" shouted Kibamon, who once again charged their enemy. But he was slashed once more with the nail, and thrown back, and he landed on the hard stone floor with a thud.
"Actually there's something different about this lieutenant," said Radiatimon doubtfully. "But we don't have much to compare her to, having only battled one other."
But now was obviously not the time for conversation, LadyDevimon was charging at him, her blade out, ready to strike. Radiatimon just barely dodged it, but when he got up off the ground he found that he had not: a tiny sliver of a cut remained on his leg that grew more painful with each moment. LadyDevimon returned her attention to Mikemon, who had the meanest look imaginable on such a meek Digimon.
"Cat's Claw!"
At last the blade proved useless, Mikemon deflected the claw. LadyDevimon landed haphazardly on the ground, contrasting poorly with the agile cat Digimon who was dueling her. Suraiimon caught the rebound, shouting her attack: "Sidewinder Claw!" but LadyDevimon once more blocked it with her nail, sending Suraiimon crashing into the wall. She let out a moan of fury, then fell to the ground, defeated.
Radiatimon glared at the lieutenant. For some reason she seemed to attack the female Digimon with more intensity; perhaps it was a bit of the old feminine rivalry at work. Regardless Radiatimon attacked her furiously, clawing at her, but the nail proved his downfall again.
"Ha ha ha!" shouted the LadyDevimon, as Radiatimon hit the ground once more. Mekanorimon flew above him, glowing …
"Mekanorimon, digivolve to . . . KNIGHTMON!"
Knightmon appeared, brandishing the sword, LadyDevimon opposing him with her nail. They fought, and she seemed to meet her match.
"Darkness Wave!"
LadyDevimon shouted her attack, and from her wings appeared many bats, flapping, making horrible screeching sounds as they assaulted Knightmon. He fought at them, used his sword to kill them, but there were too many, and it was evident that his power was being drained …
"ARCTIC ARROW!"
Kibamon fired a jet of blue fire, but LadyDevimon had astonishing reflexes, she whipped around and deflected it with her spike, throwing Kibamon to the side like a rag doll. But she was not finished yet: from the skies came Radiatimon, more furious than ever, claws out, and as he dove he thought of nothing except killing her …
He saw fear in her eyes, absolute fear and horror, and shock, and regret, and as he neared her he too began to have feelings that it was not worth it, that her life was somehow worth sparing, even though he could not put his finger on why he had feelings for such a horrible Digimon … he attacked, but it was half-hearted, and though he hit her, the damage sustained was not great. LadyDevimon recovered quickly, her nail out; breathing heavily, she looked at Radiatimon through her red, slit-like eyes with what seemed like exhaustion …
Mikemon attacked once more from the side, once again, the attack was evaded through LadyDevimon's use of her powerful blade. Mikemon landed on the ground, her cat-brows furrowed, ready to swipe at her again. She did so, and they grappled for a while, their attack finally broken up by Suraiimon. Mikemon proved too weak to battle the ultimate LadyDevimon and landed on the ground again, down but not out, for her persistence would not allow her.
"Sidewinder Claw!"
Suraiimon dashed at LadyDevimon, but hit by the blade, was thrown to the ceiling. She landed on the stone floor with a deafening crash.
"THAT'S IT!" shouted Radiatimon. "Helios -"
But he had been knocked to the side, and not by LadyDevimon. Suraiimon had recovered quickly and had darted out in front of him, wanting LadyDevimon all to herself. She was glowing.
"Suraiimon digivolve to … NORNMON!" Suraiimon's ultimate form appeared, and for such an angelic-looking Digimon she had never looked so vicious. "Destiny Weaving!" she shouted, and cords appeared from nowhere, throwing themselves on her female opponent. Once again the blade proved its undoing, and the cords fell to the floor.
"Nature's Game!"
Nornmon's hands were filled with an energy ball that seemed to be powered by everything around her, as what looked like leaves was absorbed into it. Blue in color, the energy ball was thrown at LadyDevimon. It hit the final lieutenant square in the head, her head fell back, she herself fell to the floor, Radiatimon winced; he was certain she had lost some teeth, and evil though she was, he did not wish to see it.
"You're not so tough, are you?" said Nornmon.
"You don't know the half of it," said LadyDevimon angry. The spike in her arm grew longer, she got up from the ground and leapt at Nornmon, brandishing her weapon. Nornmon attempted to grab it in her arms, but this failed, and the blade hit her in the chest, and she fell to the ground, slowly.
"We're losing!" said Hypothermon, who had driven up beside Radiatimon.
"You wouldn't think it, watching these girls go at it!" said Radiatimon in awe.
"ARMOR KNIFE!"
Knightmon's attack came next; he took his sword and struck the dark Digimon with it. She moaned in pain; they had never heard a cry so unimaginably horrific. Retaliating, their opponent shouted: "Darkness Wave!"
This time the attack went for everyone, not just Knightmon. Bats, seemingly from out of nowhere, from the ceiling, from the ledge, and some that seemed to come from the floor, were attacking them, accompanied by a dark wave that sapped their energy.
The bats attacked mercilessly; Radiatimon ducked to avoid them. He saw Hypothermon's eyes through the fog of bats. "She's strong!" he told him, hacking away at the bats.
"Dragon Explosion!"
The bats were soon destroyed, a ring of fire energy appeared around Radiatimon and then burst, destroying the winged creatures. LadyDevimon evaded the attack once again with her blade; Radiatimon growled.
"Ready to give up?" asked LadyDevimon, seething. Radiatimon narrowed his eyes, studying her. Was it a serious request? "I'm not giving up!" said a voice. It was Mikemon, and she had jumped over the other Digimon and was preparing to attack. LadyDevimon caught her by her paws and flung her aside; she hit the wall but reappeared seconds later to do battle again, with much the same result, with the opposing wall.
"You silly little thing, do you really think you have the power to defeat me?" LadyDevimon asked.
"Pick on someone your own size!" Radiatimon suggested, grabbing her hands and throwing her to the ground like a rag doll. This, of course, was not a serious recommendation, for Radiatimon was nearly three times the size of LadyDevimon. But she recovered quickly, she was on her feet again and shouted:
"Darkness Wave!"
The bats came again, this time Radiatimon clawed at them and they died easily.
"Berserk Sword!"
But, once again, the attack was deflected.
"We're getting nowhere," Hypothermon grumbled. "Freeze - TRANQUIL!" The snow leopard Digimon emitted a jet of ice from his mouth; it hit LadyDevimon on her right calf and the ice spread around her knees, but those were the only parts covered. She howled in pain; the attack was an uncommonly painful one, even if it did not have its desired effect.
"Go - now!" said the LadyDevimon, her voice breaking. "You are all fools, silly fools!" She flew above them, looking at them with distress. "You don't have a chance in the world! Leave this place and never return - or be killed!"
"I don't think you're going to be the one who's going to kill us!" shouted Nornmon, rising with her, preparing to engage her in battle. "Destiny Weaving!"
The cords were once again broken; LadyDevimon easily destroyed them and flew to the other side of the massive room. "Leave - this - place!" she reiterated.
"Not happening!" said Radiatimon. "HELIOS MISSILE!"
He shot at her, she dodged it, it hit the other wall with a loud blast. There was a sound like an earthquake - the ledge overhead had fallen to the ground, breaking into dozens of pieces. LadyDevimon looked scornful.
"Haven't learned your lesson yet, have you?" she asked.
"We never learn!" said Radiatimon.
Hypothermon attacked. "Freeze Tranquil!"
"Darkness Wave!"
The two jets, one of ice and the other of darkness met each other in the middle, and then there was an explosion, and the two opponents were blasted away from each other … LadyDevimon caught herself in mid-air, landing on two feet, though slightly off-balance. "I'm not going to ask you again!" she shouted. "Leave! Get away!"
"Is she being serious?" Knightmon asked.
"'Fraid so," said Radiatimon.
"WE'RE NOT LEAVING!" shouted Mikemon. They watched with awe: the cat Digimon was attacking LadyDevimon mercilessly, scratching her and clawing her, the ultimate Digimon screamed in pain at the onslaught.
"No!" shouted Suraiimon. "She's MINE!"
The fox Digimon leapt up, knocking Mikemon out of the way. She growled ferociously, opening her mouth and revealing her long fangs, LadyDevimon slapped her and stepped back, looking vengeful. Nornmon pounced, LadyDevimon was on the ground again.
"Darkness Wave!"
The bats hit the ultimate Digimon in the face, and LadyDevimon escaped again.
"Radiatimon, something is strange about this!" said Hypothermon.
"You've noticed it too, huh?" said the dragon Digimon.
"She's not fighting back, she's not finishing them off when she has the chance!" the snow leopard Digimon returned.
"I'm getting a little bored!" said Radiatimon. "We're getting nowhere, and we have to finish this battle soon!"
"Maybe that's her plan," said Hypothermon. "Keep us fighting and wear ourselves out."
"Well, we can't let that happen," said Radiatimon. "Mikemon! Nornmon! Out of the way!" The dragon Digimon landed on the ground, the impact broke up the fight between Mikemon and LadyDevimon.
"You fool!" shouted LadyDevimon.
"You'll get yours, LadyDevimon!" said Radiatimon. "Mikemon, Nornmon - there's no use fighting her all by yourselves. We need to combine our attacks together!"
"Finally caught on, didn't you?" sneered LadyDevimon. "You'll never defeat me on your own. DARKNESS WAVE!"
"HELIOS MISSILE!"
Radiatimon had grown all too familiar with the bats and destroyed them all with ease. They disappeared in a ball of fire. LadyDevimon looked stunned, and angry.
"You're about to get it, LadyDevimon!" said Radiatimon. "All right, everyone, all together! HELIOS MISSILE!"
"FREEZE TRANQUIL!"
"DESTINY WEAVING!"
"BERSERK SWORD!" "CAT'S CLAW!"
The attacks all combined - there was a jet of fire, a jet of ice, cords, the effect of a claw attack, even a sword. They charged at LadyDevimon as if they were sentient, they knew that she was doomed - and then, with a wave of her arm, the attacks were diverted, up into the air and through the roof. The entire room shook, and great rocks fell below. The Digimon watched, stunned, as LadyDevimon flawlessly finished her performance.
"You fools," LadyDevimon breathed. "Did you really think you could defeat me? You'll never defeat Daemon! Run, run, run for your lives, you pathetic humans, or you'll all die by his hand! You must want to die; that's the only reason you're sticking around!"
"I've had enough with you!" growled Radiatimon, concealing his shock that the attacks had not even fazed her.
"And I you," said LadyDevimon, narrowing her eyes. "In fact, I've had enough with all of you!" She spun in a circle, and her movements bewildered them, they watched her, she was like an acrobat. Radiatimon watched, and he tried to turn away, but could not. In fact, there was nothing he wanted to do more than watch her move about in the air, watch her black wings, her silvery hair, her devilish legs, red, slit-like eyes that promised so much …
"My mistake," said LadyDevimon, with a cackle. She did not break the hypnosis. "I've had enough will all the men!" She laughed again.
Mikemon and Nornmon looked around, unknowing. "What's going on, you guys?" asked Mikemon. She saw Hypothermon, standing there with a blank look on his face. "Ryota! Ryota, wake up!"
LadyDevimon cackled again.
Mikemon furrowed her brows. "You did this!" she said.
"Mad?" said LadyDevimon. "Then why don't you do something about it?"
Full of rage, Mikemon leapt at her, baring her claws, LadyDevimon threw her to the ground and let out another loud cackle …
"You guys? You guys?" said Nornmon. "What's wrong with them?" She stared at the male Digimon, who were looking up at LadyDevimon with awe. Concerned, Nornmon went up to Radiatimon. "Takumi? Takumi? What's happening?"
"I'm what's happening!" shouted LadyDevimon, cackling again. "What's the matter? Alarmed that your man-friend is about to leave you for me, whose beauty is superior in every way?"
"You're uglier than a - a toad!" spat Nornmon. "Who on earth would want to look at you?"
"That's just the jealousy speaking," said LadyDevimon, with an evil smile.
"Oh, shut up!" shouted Nornmon. "Destiny Weaving!" She threw the cords at LadyDevimon again, who easily broke them and cackled once more.
"Don't you get it, you silly little Digimon, your stupid cords have no effect on me! I've broken them before, and I'll break them again, so why don't you try a new attack?"
Nornmon snarled …
"Or are you just not creative enough?" said LadyDevimon. "Darkness Wave!"
The bats came, Nornmon once again utilized her attack. "Destiny Weaving!" The cords wrapped themselves around the bats, deleting them all. Nornmon looked up at her opponent with satisfaction.
"Oh, you!" said LadyDevimon.
"I'm getting a little sick of that attack, too," Nornmon sneered.
"Then try this on for size! Evil - AGHHH!"
Behind her was Mikemon, clawing at her ferociously. LadyDevimon turned around, howling in pain, scars visible on her back. "You -" said LadyDevimon, her slit-like eyes filled with hatred.
"Me!" said Mikemon.
"You dare take on an ultimate level Digimon?" said LadyDevimon. "You silly little thing, you haven't got the power to defeat me -" "Mikemon, out of the way!" shouted Nornmon. "Leave this battle to me!"
"NO!" said Mikemon. "I'm going to finish her off! I'm sick of being in the background! This lieutenant is MINE!"
"Very well," LadyDevimon sneered. "Prepare to meet my wrath! DARKNESS WAVE!"
The bats came, Mikemon jumped, using her claws to bat them out of the way, one at a time: it seemed like she would emerge triumphant, but then more bats came, more and more, until they were impossible to swat away …
"Mikemon!" Nornmon shouted. The ultimate Digimon dove for LadyDevimon. "You -"
"Me!" said LadyDevimon. They scuffled, but as they did so, the bats kept pouring in, Mikemon attempted to swat them away but there were just too many of them …
"Nature's Game!"
"Hahahaha!"
LadyDevimon hit Nornmon in the chin with her spike, and she fell to the ground, yelling with pain. Lying on the ground, she saw the figures of the stunned male Digimon, still standing there like statues, watching LadyDevimon with admiration and lust …
"What is wrong with you guys?" said Nornmon. "Can't you see - oh!"
Mikemon was still fighting the bats, but in vain, and soon she too was on the ground, the bats rushing at her, biting her …
"MIKEMON!"
But she was all right, and more than that, she was glowing a brilliant pink color. She rose, and her cat form became more human, her hair grew longer and her body became more woman-like, but her tail - or tails, for there were two now - remained. Her legs and her tails had on them golden rings, and her hair was long and pink, and she had cat ears. The bats were destroyed by the light, and LadyDevimon covered her eyes, so bright it was. Mikemon was no more, in her place stood -
"PERSIAMON!"
The pink glow subsided, and her form was clearly seen, she was beautiful and majestic, and resembled something out of ancient Egypt. What little bats remained were easily destroyed by Persiamon's claws, and she stood ready to face LadyDevimon.
"So, finally reached the ultimate form, have we?" LadyDevimon sneered. "Well, it just goes to show that even late bloomers get there sometime. But you're still no match for me!"
"We'll see," said Persiamon, her insult not fazing her in the slightest. "Helter Skelter!" And with that, she began not to attack, but to dance.
LadyDevimon frowned. "You think you're going to defeat me through pelvic movements?"
"You're so dense, LadyDevimon!" came a voice. It was Nornmon, and she was looking at LadyDevimon with loathing. "She's not attacking you. She's breaking your spell!"
"What!?" said LadyDevimon, looking at the Digimon she had enchanted.
Sure enough, the Digimon were starting to become aware of their surroundings, and intelligence and life came back to their eyes. Slowly, they came to.
"What - what's happened?" said Radiatimon, the spell broken.
"Takumi!" said Nornmon, a smile breaking through her face.
"You fool!" said LadyDevimon, turning to face Persiamon. "I'll teach you to mess with my spells!"
Persiamon had ceased dancing by now and set her sights on LadyDevimon. "Then teach me."
"Darkness -"
"I don't think so!" shouted Radiatimon.
"Everyone, combine your attacks together!" shouted Hypothermon. "Freeze Tranquil!"
"Helios Missile!"
LadyDevimon screamed, the missile exploded over her and she went flying into the nearest wall.
"Nature's Game!"
"Vampire Wave!"
"Berserk Sword!"
The attacks all combined together into one massive, multi-colored stream of light, LadyDevimon screamed once more, the wall where she had her back to crumbled, and she fell to the ground. Her nail had been broken, her hair was disheveled and she was near total defeat. The game was over.
"All right, now!" commanded Radiatimon. "It's time to destroy you!" He flew over to where LadyDevimon had fallen, preparing to make the final blow -
"Wait!" said LadyDevimon. "Stop! You don't know what you're doing! You don't understand?"
"What do you mean?" Radiatimon demanded. "You're asking for mercy, now? What about the Digimon who pleaded for mercy, the Digimon who you helped to kill?"
"I never -" wailed LadyDevimon. "I never hurt - anybody! I tried, I tried, I mean, I'm sorry, I tried not to hurt anybody, but I did and I'm sorry … it's all my fault, all my fault … the Slaughters, the murders, the suffering … all my fault …"
The other Digimon had arrived by now too.
"What are you doing, Radiatimon?" asked Hypothermon. "This is a trap! As soon as you hesitate she'll leap up and destroy you!"
"No!" LadyDevimon protested. "No, no, don't kill me! Please! You don't understand?"
"What don't I understand?" breathed Radiatimon. "Why should I spare your life, when you just admitted that you were responsible for the Slaughters?" Angrily, he reached out and grabbed her neck, LadyDevimon choked, her slit-like eyes pleading with him to stop … "Why should I spare your life when you didn't spare my father's?"
"Please - please -" LadyDevimon choked out. "I'm begging you - it's not what you think - I never wanted to hurt anybody - but I might as well have hurt people - for what I did - what I fool I was - if I could take it back - none of this would have happened -"
"What wouldn't have happened?"
"Please!" said LadyDevimon. "Let me explain - let me explain -"
Radiatimon looked into his enemy's eyes, and for some reason he saw nothing but sincerity in those red, slit-like eyes. He was certain that he would live to regret it, but he released his grip on her, and put her down … "Fine," he told her. "Explain. Explain everything. But if you even try to get away, or attack us, then -"
"No! No, there'll be none of that! Oh - I'm sorry, humans, I'm so sorry -"
"Wait," said Radiatimon. "How do you know that we're humans?"
"I've known forever," said LadyDevimon. "So has Daemon. But that's not important now. What's important is that you need to get out, flee … as soon as possible. You made a horrible mistake in coming here tonight!"
"We're not leaving," Hypothermon interjected. "So put that out of your mind."
"No - you can't," said LadyDevimon. "I don't want to see anymore suffering. Not after … not after what I've seen. My whole life I've been suffering."
"Suffering?" sniffed Nornmon. "How can you be suffering when you're Queen of the Digital World?"
"Oh, please!" said LadyDevimon. "Don't call me that - I'm so, so pitiful and so - this place is so dark and gloomy, and I'm constantly reminded of my own stupidity - my husband, Daemon - he keeps me away from others, he's very jealous, so jealous, murderously jealous." She sighed. "It wasn't always like this. I was born into a wealthy family. My father was a prominent citizen of Civil City, and I had been recently married to a very respected young Digimon. And then -" She looked on the verge of crying. Then she bit her lip and said: "He took me. Killed my husband, took me off to his palace, where I have stayed, practically imprisoned, for years and years and years."
Radiatimon thought, and he understood. "Wait a minute," he said. "You're Phelesmon's daughter!"
LadyDevimon nodded bitterly. "Yes! Oh, my father, what a Digimon he was, he spent years trying to find me …"
"He's still trying to find you," said Hypothermon. "He accused us of taking you."
LadyDevimon nodded sadly again. "I blame Daemon for all of this. If he hadn't taken me, my father wouldn't have - gone crazy. I think my disappearance took a major toll on his health, especially mentally. He is obsessed with finding me and bringing me back - oh, I love him so much, I wish I could go to him."
"But you were there," said Radiatimon. "You saw him! You were in SkullSatamon's office when he came in!"
"I was," said LadyDevimon. "But he is so - lost in his own mind that he doesn't recognize me. Everywhere he goes, he sees only potential kidnappers."
"But what were you doing in SkullSatamon's office to begin with?"
LadyDevimon sighed again, full of regret. "Another one of my foolish, foolish mistakes, and I have made many of them," she conceded. "I was just so desperate to get out of my place in the castle that I went to work with SkullSatamon in secret. But SkullSatamon has a - way with female Digimon. He never touched me, but that didn't stop Daemon from believing he did. His anger was horrible to behold, I almost thought he would kill me too, as he has threatened to many, many times, but then …"
"… he killed SkullSatamon," said Radiatimon, understanding.
"Now you know," said LadyDevimon, nodding bitterly. "So now you understand. This is the last time I'm going to ask you: leave, now! And never return. I thought for sure you would never return here again after I released you from prison. But you were too - oh, what word is there? Brave."
"You released us from prison?" asked Knightmon.
"That night …" said Radiatimon. "It was so dark, I was sure it had been Angewomon …"
LadyDevimon shook her head. "A mere secretary would never have the keys to unlock a prison cell. As soon as I knew you were imprisoned, I had to do something, or else you would have been killed … you see, SkullSatamon and Phelesmon may not have recognized you right away, but someone would have eventually … and you would have been killed."
Radiatimon nodded. "But if you didn't want us killed … why did you attack us?"
"I didn't have a choice!" LadyDevimon protested. "I didn't have a choice, I had to put up an evil front or else … I never meant to hurt you, I never meant to hurt any of you. I've been trying to make amends lately … for all the suffering I've caused, all the deaths I've caused … all my fault …"
"What are you talking about?" said Radiatimon. "Look, despite your - well, looks, you're a pretty good Digimon after all! How can you say you were responsible for the Slaughters? You had nothing to do with them!"
"Oh, you don't know, you don't know!" said LadyDevimon, crying and shaking her head. "It's all my fault … all because of …" She hesitated.
"Because of what?" Hypothermon asked.
"Because Daemon loved me. But I didn't love him back. That's why he had to kidnap me … and that's why the Slaughters happened."
Radiatimon shook his head; it was like he was talking to a crazy woman. "But that has nothing to do with you," he said quietly.
"Oh yes," said LadyDevimon, shaking her head as if she wished it were not so. "It has everything to do with me … everything to do with me … the evil in my heart is the root of all the evils committed in the Slaughters …"
"But you're not evil," said Radiatimon. He was certain of this now, as he had never been certain of in the past. "You're not."
"Is not loving someone evil?"
"Not loving someone?" said Radiatimon. "What does that have to do with anything? You can't choose who you love; not loving someone isn't evil, it's just …"
"But sometimes the way you choose to love someone is evil," whispered LadyDevimon. "Or hate someone."
"What do you mean?" said Radiatimon. She was talking in code, and yet he felt like he knew what she was talking about …
"Do you not understand?"
There was a rumbling sound, then a great crash. LadyDevimon turned around with horror. No one appeared over the ledge, they saw nothing except for darkness, but they were all faced with the acute sense that time was running out …
"Children!" said LadyDevimon. "You must get out, you must get out now, Daemon is coming, hurry - there's not much time left!"
"We're not leaving!" said Radiatimon. "If he wants a battle, he'll get it!"
"We're not afraid!" said Knightmon. The other Digimon voiced their agreement.
"All right," said LadyDevimon. The shakings and the rumblings grew louder, someone was coming … "I know that nothing I say will convince you otherwise. If you are to battle Daemon, then you must battle him. But first, there is something you must know -"
"What?" said Radiatimon. The wall was crumbling, the castle was shaking, overhead, blocks of the ceiling were falling to the ground … there was no time anymore.
"We know he's a powerful Digimon, we know he's the most powerful Digimon in the world!" shouted Knightmon. "But we're prepared to die fighting him."
"No!" said LadyDevimon. "Not that … it's about Daemon … he's not what you think … he's -"
There was a great explosion, the Digimon all watched with horror as a figure appeared over the ledge. Radiatimon instantly knew who it was, and indeed they all did, for they were confronted with the sense of overwhelming power and evil.
He was not a large Digimon, but his satanic look more than made up for it. He was a hooded figure, with horns, a cloak, and two slit-like eyes, his face covered by a hood. This, then, was Daemon …
"Enjoying this little talk?" he said, his voice booming. "Humans, fools … and a traitor! LadyDevimon, speak no more!"
LadyDevimon, his own queen, had been watching him, her mouth agape, his voice was not angry but it was extremely malevolent, and full of evil intentions. They all watched with horror as Daemon conjured a fireball in his hands, it looked like hell fire, watched as he threw it at LadyDevimon, watched as it hit her square in the head. There was an explosion, and bits of data shot into the air like sand rising in the wind. When the dust settled, the five ultimate Digimon were standing in the arena, Daemon hovering over them like some evil specter, and LadyDevimon was no more …
"Now," said Daemon. "Who would like to be the next to be killed?"
Next time on Digimon Genesis!
The battle with Daemon commences! The children will need to use all of their cunning, all of their skill, and all of their powers to defeat the most powerful evil Digimon of all time! Can they do it, or is their luck about to run out? Find out on the next Digimon Genesis:
THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL
As always, please read and review, I hope you enjoyed this chapter, if you have any questions, feel free to ask. I hope you all look forward to the next chapter, be sure to keep reading, because we're almost done … with this arc, at least.