Demon made certain to keep his head bowed and his body kneeled. He couldn't arouse suspicion upon himself, not now, not when the Master was watching. The dark eyes behind the fire made no movement, keeping still at first sight. However, the four assembled knew their Master was looking over. They could sense his gaze upon them

"My Servants, it pleases me to see all of you here." The Master stated. His voice was deep and commanding, yet no more than a whisper, more likely attributed to his incorporeal form. Speaking of which, the eyes suddenly fell upon the floating black digitama.

"Ah, Lilithmon, I see you have been nourishing my body well." Lilithmon held her head up in pride. "Just as you commanded, oh Master." Lilithmon revered. "The chaos we have wrought upon this world has created a turn in the powers of darkness." The digitama hummed in resonated agreement. "Yes, you have done well. I can sense it even now." The master spoke with pleasure. Lilithmon knew she had done her part, but as for the others...

"Demon, tell me what the progress has been on your conquest of this world?" The Master said in command. Demon was next to raise his head. "Our forces have advanced as far as the Server continent." Demon explained. "Steadily, we are working our way through Folder as well."

In the Master's eyes there was an unconvinced gleam. "I sense a disturbance in your progress." A similar gleam shone in Demon's eyes. He had to say this just right. "Unfortunately, the digidestined have impeded our progress….and I believe they have made it upon Directory."

The fire blazed high, as the Master's rage at this news resonated. "Yes, they have been most troublesome, but useful at the same time." The Master's eyes turned in addressing Duskmon. "I take it Dagomon has been dealt with?"

Duskmon raised his head upon the question. "Yes, they have stopped his world from overtaking this one." Duskmon lowered his head again. "My apologies Master, I now understand your reasoning for not having me kill the digidestined." Instantly Demon raised his head again. Duskmon continued nonetheless. "Only the digidestined could deal with him accordingly."

"You contacted Duskmon, Master!?" Demon nearly forgot to add on that last bit. The eyes turned to him. "Duskmon was the only one who could freely move between the Digital World and the World of Darkness. He was the one I felt appropriate to contact." Demon dare not say anything else at the moment. However, his mind filled with words. "Could he be starting to suspect me?" he mentally asked.

"Cherubimon." The demon rabbit's turn was next. "How many digicores have been collected?" Cherubimon gulped. "Um…well, I'm sorry to say we still have only collected the ones of Miracles and Destiny." He paused as he awaited any form of berate. None came, so therefore he continued. "Unfortunately, I have yet to make any progress on converting them to speed your revival. Their holy energy was…incompatible."

Once more he awaited any form of punishment he felt he deserved. "No matter. The darkness is already completing my once mighty body." Cherubimon breathed a sigh of relief. The fates had shone upon him again. "I do have some good news, if I may?" Cherubimon held his head up high as he recalled his more successful experiments. "The chimera soldiers have improved vastly! Soon, they will be ready for deploy!"

If the flames didn't hide his face so well and he had a mouth in his current state, The Master would be smiling. Demon saw another chance. "Master!" he rose. "I shall personally lead them to eliminate the humans!"

"Excellent." The Master spoke in a pleased tone. "However, do not fail me. I grow weary of this prison." The flames started to dull and the face vanished. The meeting was adjourned and they all left to fulfill their master's orders…orders which they would most certainly not fail.

---

"Run!" Sho shouted. The further they got into Directory, the more trouble seemed to rear its head. Like usual, they did not have a set path ahead. However, this proved rather problematic, as their current situation showed. Who would have guessed they would be caught in the middle of a stampeding Monochromon? They had scanned them already, so there was no need for a second time. And in this state they would be crazy to scan. The steel, gray, triceratops-like digimon charged without prejudice towards anyone in their path.

The kids own digimon were able to keep up. Being digimon, their stamina levels were better than a humans. The digidestined on the other hand, were starting to show some wear, all except Chiisi. Compared to his teammates, Chiisi still looked like he had some breath left.

"Over there!" Kazuya pointed to a series of large rocks jutting out of the ground, perfectly rounded, the most adequate sitting arrangements. Having no other option, the group headed towards the rocks, climbing aboard with some difficulty. More correctly, Sho had the most trouble, as he panicked aboard. "I got ya, Sanbara!" Jun held out her hand, grabbing Sho aboard. Getting his breath in, Sho looked to her. "Thanks." He said.

"Sho-Chan!" Like her partner, Labramon was having equal trouble with getting up. Her paws slipped upon the stone and her face was panicked. The Monochromon were growing closer and they were only inches away from the canine's behind. Sho grabbed hold of his partner's paws and pulled with all his might. "Guys, help me!" Sho pleaded.

Anyone able-bodied grabbed hold and started to pull. In time with the creatures' stampedes, the closer Labramon grew. It was a perfect sync, the horn of a Monochromon slammed into the rock face and Labramon pulled up, landing on her rescuers. The dog looked at herself to make sure everything was there. Not a single hair was missing.

Wagging her tail, she glomped the only one she felt was her rescuer, Sho. Furiously, she licked his face. "Oh, Sho-Chan, my hero! I knew you'd save me!" Jun growled. "What are we?" Labramon licked her partner over and over. When she was done, Sho wiped his slobber covered face. "Don't mention it." he said. Then Labramon started to lick him again.

Below, the Monochromon raged. They had turned from stampeding to fighting amongst each other. Mostly, this consisted of ramming each other with their horns. "Are these guys bipolar or something?" Jun asked. "Bipolar? You mean like, ice?" Penguinmon replied. Jun shook her head. "Nevermind."

Kawaiimon hopped to the rock's edge to get a better look. Another struck the rock, knocking the small In-Training on her bottom. Furry hands helped her up. It was Gazimon. "I'm always there when you fall." He said reassuringly, clicking his teeth. Groaning, she moved out of his grasp. "These are probably two warring tribes." She explained. The Monochromons' actions proved it.

Terriermon tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm, this will definitely add to your bill."Kazuya's face immediately turned beet red. He had tried to be adult about this, like Chiisi had scolded, but this was always a lit match to his fuse. Apparently to Lopmon's as well.

"What is wrong with you!?" both boy and digimon cried. "And don't say it's because you are a business mon!" Kazuya shouted. Terriermon shut his mouth, being as that was exactly what he was going to say. "Hey, lay off the guy!" Gazimon stepped in to Terriermon's defense. "All he wants is to make money and indulge himself a little."

Kazuya crossed his arms. "You're just saying that because you found another mon, who like you, is addicted to leaves and girls." Terriermon interrupted with a raised finger. "FYI, I am not addicted. Sure, I like an occasional girl, and a leaf isn't that bad, so long as the flavor is good. Although of course, this one chastises me about my health and habits." Terriermon directed to his brother.

Offended, Lopmon placed his hands to his hips. "Well, excuse me for worrying about my brother's well-being!"

"Oh, come off it!" Terriermon responded. "My bunny blasts are made of fire, so it's not like if I smoke something, my health will decline." This suddenly made Sho think. "You know, I wonder if digimon can get lung cancer?" A growl form Labramon's stomach added another comment. "Or gain weight." Labramon didn't understand that part. "I'm hungry!" was her usual whine.

An angry sigh came from Sakura's end. She had not spoken to Kazuya, still keeping her back to him. "Aren't you going to say anything?" he asked her. She turned her head slightly to him, exposing only half her face. "Nothing to say."

Kazuya couldn't understand how she could still be angry. The same applied to Chiisi. Like his cousin, he sat on his own end of the rock. Unlike Sakura however, he appeared to be closing himself off from the rest. Upon his lap, Tokomon sulked. More than likely he still was upset at his devolved form.

"Hey Chiisi, you ran pretty fast back there." Kazuya cheerfully said. Chiisi said nothing. "The rest of us were loosing breath, but you seemed fine." Kazuya continued. A shrug came from the boy, at least it was a response to Kazuya. "Then again, you are half digimon, so you're probably stronger than the rest of us." This stirred a flinch from the boy's body. "You would probably kill on the track time." Kazuya laughed. "Kazuya, would you kindly do me a favor and shut up!" Chiisi snapped. Kazuya frowned and lowered his head. Now both Kodiros were upset with him. "Great way to upset your childhood friends, Kazuya." He whispered sarcastically to himself.

For moments they laid, while the Monochromon fought amongst themselves. Whatever squabble had broken out, the digidestiend decided to just let it commence. This wasn't their problem, and it wasn't as if they could do any good.

"Hey, what's that?" Labramon asked, looking above. Sure enough, in the sky something was coming…a light, and it was heading right towards them. Before the panicked order to move could be given, the light hit right into the Monochromon herd. Immediately, the saurs went into full frenzy, their former disputes forgotten in their bestial minds. More lights launched forth into the herd scattering them about, even deleting a few. "There's something coming" Penguinmon announced.

Far off in the distance and growing larger, were shapes…tank-like shapes. They were too large to be Tankmon, so that possibility was out of the question. The top reminded them of battleships reminiscent of the ones from World War II. What reminded the group was the fact there were several cannons on board firing missiles. The bombardment continued upon the herd, the chosen group (and the bunny brothers) huddled close together. Many of the herd managed to flee, while the others who were not deleted fell from the explosion visibly wounded.

The crafts neared closer, stopping shortly from the rock piles. Everybody, especially Sakura, looked upon the injured Monochromon. However, no one did anything out of anticipation. Watch and see was the plan, apparently. From the ships, several small shapes could be seen advancing. They were small and orb-like. The moment they neared, they split apart, appearing more like claws then anything. Each one clamped onto the leg of a Monochromon.

The large creatures roared in pain, as electricity coursed through their bodies. Immediately, Sakura was the first to move, only to be stopped by Kazuya and Kawaiimon. "Let me go!" She shouted. "No. We have to wait and see what's going on!" Kazuya replied. "What kind of response is that!? They're in pain!" Sakura argued.

Kawaiimon hopped upon her partner's lap, her arms held out. "To be frank, they nearly squashed us and there's three unknown tank…things." Kawaiimon didn't know how else to describe the odd machines. "We don't know what's going on, so I think it would be best to sit and wait."

Sakura looked reluctant to stop, but did so. Just then, the underbellies of all three crafts lowered, forming into ramps. Immediately, a swarm of what appeared to be cycles appeared. On the back were several digimon. Their bodies were clad in rags and goggles adorned their eyes. "Hey, someone actually likes your style, goggle-boy." Jun said to Kazuya in a disbelieving tone.

Kazuya placed his hands upon his goggles. "My look is good." He defended his style of clothing. The digimon swarmed across the Monochromon. A few got off their bikes. Now that they were close, more of their features could be made out. Across their hips and over their chests, the digimon either wore belts or had sheath-like holsters around their backs.

Now that they were close enough, their digimon type could clearly be seen. They were Gazimon. "Gazimon?" Kazuya's Gazimon exclaimed. Since this adventure had started, Gazimon had not seen another of his kind. To him, it was rather exciting. The excitement then died in that moment. One of the Gazimon brandished a sharp looking knife from his belt. In a swift motion, the horn of one of the Monochromon found itself sliced off. The large creature roared in pain, as did the others as their horns were cut off in a similar manner.

Sakura let out a loud gasp, as did everybody else. Kazuya didn't hold her back for even he found this to be apprehensible. Gazimon especially found it so. "Hey what are you doing!?" He cried, jumping off the rock. "Gazimon, get back here!" Kazuya cried after his partner, but the rabbit was already at the bottom.

The clothed Gazimon looked at their fellow Gazimon with some surprise, but nothing extraordinary at seeing another Gazimon. "Hey, my brothers!" Gazimon greeted. The Gazimon with the knife put up its goggles. Around the eye line was a distinct shadow and some eyelashes. "Oh, and sisters, heh."

Upon the gender revealing, Terriermon bolted down from the rock. The rabbit licked his palm and ran it over his head. "Allow me to introduce myself, my good womon." Terriermon greeted, holding out his hand. "My name is Terriermon and yours?" Gazimon slapped his fellow rabbit's hand. "What do you think you're doing?"

"I'm mingling, what does it look like?" Terriermon replied. Gazimon butted Terriermon. "Buzz off, she's mine!" Gazimon challenged. Terriermon narrowed his eyes. "You just referred to her as sister."

"Not in the biological sense! We're not related, so it's not a problem!" Gazimon argued. "Tough! She needs a refined rabbit such as myself." Terriermon declared. On the rocks above, everybody face faulted at the sight. Kawaiimon however, was finding herself strangely envious. "Even on a new continent, he is still a hentai rabbit." She grumbled.

The same could be said for the female Gazimon. The sight of the two men fighting over her like some sort of prize irked her. Snapping her fingers, two other Gazimon whipped out some long sticks from their holsters. However, at the end of this sticks were triggers, pressing them, a burst of electricity shot forth, shocking the two rabbits. Both fell on their back, their eyes a swirl of unconsciousness.

"Gazimon! Brother!" Kazuya and Lopmon cried in concern. Jun simply said. "You don't see that everyday." Kazuya rushed over to his partner and Lopmon to his brother. Both attempted to shake themselves awake, but to no avail. The female Gazimon noticed the metallic glint of the digivice around Kazuya's waist. Then, realizing the fact that Kazuya was a human, told her enough.

"Surround them!" The she-Gazimon commanded in a husky voice. The other Gazimon obeyed, surrounding the rocks with their tazer guns. Things had deteriorated rather quickly. Kazuya thought of the group's options. Their digimon were likely tired, especially after not eating. In addition, a hoard of psychotic, gun-toting rabbits surrounded them. Fighting was not the only option, and as the leader, he felt that he should try to end things non-violently.

Despite his partner being unconscious and probably in pain, Kazuya rose up with a smile on his face. "Okay Kazuya, just play it cool." He thought to himself. "Look, I'm sure we can talk things over. There's no need for violence, right?" Kazuya said, trying to hide his nervousness.

The female Gazimon looked back at him. In her eyes, she seemed to be considering the proposition. Kazuya could see it as well and he began to think that perhaps his negotiation skills were okay…good even. Yes, he was confident that all would work out!

---

"Ouch!" Kazuya cried as he slammed face first into the cage. It was mentioned that things had deteriorated quickly in the encounter with the Gazimon. The same spoke of Kazuya's negotiation attempt. In short time they were all shocked, captured, and thrown in some holding cell within the craft.

His face red from the impact, Kazuya looked up, pleadingly. "Hold on, can't we talk!?" Kazuya coughed as a stream of smoke hit his face. The female Gazimon had lit up a cigarillo, and then had blown the smoke in his face. "Geez, does every rabbit smoke?" Kazuya asked himself.

"Shut your mouth, brat!" The Gazimon female spat. Two Gazimon sat at her side, with their tazer guns, or more appropriately gun staffs at the ready. "Just consider yourself lucky we aren't lopping your heads off! Now sit back, we got a trip ahead of us and our employer ain't one to wait!" The Gazimon left the room, shutting the door hard behind them. Outside, the female took another drag on her cigarillo before stomping what remained flat. "The boss should give us a raise for this." She remarked, earning like-wise grins from her comrades.

Meanwhile, back inside the cage, Kazuya was at a loss. "What could have gone wrong? I did everything a good negotiator would." A scoff came from Jun. "If you call that negotiating." She remarked. "Who asked you!?" Kazuya shouted. "Just making a point. All you did was laugh like an idiot, where as the rest of us, save for me, panicked." She shot a glare at Penguinmon. "And you pissed yourself."

Penguinmon looked down, ashamed at his actions. "I was very frightened." He excused. Jun scoffed once again. "When aren't you?" No windows were in this cell, so their location was for them to guess. "Where do you think we're going?" Sho asked. A grumble came from Labramon's stomach. "Just so long as they have yum-yums, I'll be happy. Sho responded by petting his digimon on the head, reassuringly.

Sakura didn't say a thing. She merely sighed and turned away, glancing ever so often at Chiisi. He and Tokomon had been quiet since their capture. The wall the boy placed still stood. Kawaiimon was busy dealing with Gazimon. The rabbit along with Terriermon had awoken to find themselves within the cell.

"Kawaiimon, my sweet honey, you know you're the only girl for me, right?" he asked on his knees. The little digimon kept her back turned, flipping her tail up. "You're only saying that because your "brothers" locked you up." Although not admitting it to anybody but herself, she was rather glad Gazimon turned his attention back to her.

Terriermon had kept his eyes on the female Gazimon. Even if the conditions were antagonistic, he still found their jailer rather attractive. However, one thing remained on his mind. "Man, you kids are going to have one whopper of a bill." Kazuya had just about all he could take. "That's it! I've had it!" He announced, face turning red once more.

Terriermon's eyes bulged as Kazuya pounced, chasing him throughout the cell. Pandemonium abounded within and from what they could expect, more was too come. Directory had already become their least favorite travel spot.

---

Few times had Demon and Lilithmon been in Cherubimon's lab. Mostly, they kept clear due to their own business; however, they admitted silently to themselves, the lab perturbed them. Cherubimon rather was unethical in his experiments, usually involving living subjects. He kept many experiments, often doing several at once. Many already were known since he loved boasting of his genius. The chimera project however, he had kept a secret for now. Far in the back of the lab were six test tubes connecting up and to the ground. A strange liquid filled each, coating a digitama. "Here they are." Cherubimon swelled with pride.

Lilithmon raised her eyebrow. "These are the chimeras you have told us so much about?" she asked with skepticism. Demon crossed his arms in equal skepticism. "You spent all this time working on eggs?" he asked. Normally Cherubimon would vehemently defend his work, however no such anger appeared upon his face. "Your skepticism is expected. I admit this initially was not my design." Cherubimon began. "Originally, I intended to craft Chimera, the digimon spoken of in legends. So I started gathering data from various digimon in the hopes of creating such a beast." Cherubimon frowned. "Alas, I lacked the proper "blueprints" therefore, I split up the data I acquired into smaller samples." He motioned towards the six digitamas before them. "What you see is the condensed form of that data…clones, if you will."

"Clones?" Lilithmon repeated. "Or replicas, if you prefer." Cherubimon added. "The many digital DNA strands they contain makes them more powerful and formidable then any of their kind." Cheruibimon placed one of his hands upon the glass, gazing at his product. If it was even possible for a being of darkness such as him, it could almost be considered love. Most likely, it was a morbid pride. "They just need to acquire one more strand to give them form." added Cherubimon.

"So they aren't complete." Demon stated, finding no need to ask a question. "They are complete!" Cherubimon snapped, his normal behavior now rearing itself. "If they were to hatch now, they would be a mutated anagram of the data they hold, but I designed them to solidify around a particular strand." Cherubimon looked of into the darkness of his lab. "Tsukaimon!" he called.

Out of the shadows, a small digimon flapped into view. It looked like a Patamon only purple instead of orange. The digimon's face held a stern, if worn expression. In its paws, it held a vial containing no liquid, but a DNA nucleus somehow formed into a solid shape.

"Yes, Cherubimon-sama?" The Tsukaimon spoke in a female voice. Like her expression, it was worn. "Tsukaimon, have you prepared the sample?" Asked Cherubimon. Tsukaimon bowed. "I have done exactly as you specified." Flapping over, she handed the vial to her master.

"Since when do you have an assistant?" Demon asked. "Since I made her." Cherubimon answered. "Tsukaimon is a prototype chimera digimon. I implanted my digital DNA into her being, ensuring complete obedience." Cherubimon presented his creation, who merely stared blankly at her master's…no…creator's comrades.

Now the two Fallen Angels understood. "So the DNA not only acts as form, but gives command." Demon realized. "Yes. No matter what, Tsukaimon will only obey me." Cherubimon answered. Lilithmon turned her head towards Tsukaimon. Their looks were the same, if not exact. It was almost eerie. "So who's digital DNA is within that vial?" she asked.

Cherubimon grasped the vial tightly, but carefully enough so it wouldn't break. "All of ours." He answered, garnering questioned looks from his fellow dark digimon. "I took the liberty of sampling all three of our DNA. After all, our goals are one and the same, are they not?" Cherubimon's question gained an immediate nod of approval from Lilithmon. Demon on the other hand did nothing at first. But he covered up whatever hesitation he held quickly before either of them could notice.

"Of course we are all brethren." Demon answered. "However, as I told the master, I shall take the liberty of leading these new warriors." Pleased with the answers given, Cherubimon walked over to a nearby computer. Pressing a few buttons opened up a slot just big enough for the vial. Surely enough, the vial fit perfectly. Pressing a few more buttons, the vial slid inside the computer.

"The data is awaiting transfer. Tsukaimon, flip the switch!" Cherubimon called, excitedly. The rookie bowed. "Yes, Cherubimon-sama." She droned in her dull voice. Flying over to one of the walls, Tsukaimon reached for the only switch. With some effort because of her small size, she managed to flip it. Electric currents hummed within the device, reverberating throughout the lab. They went straight from whatever sources this area contained, into the computer, traveling through some cords and into the test tubes. Bubbles began to rise within the liquid. Inside, the contents began to glow, as the digitama's absorbed the information given to them.

Cherubimon's eyes went wide with delight. "Yes! We have a connection!" he cried, tears starting to brim from his eyes as he quickly broke out into mad laughter. Lilithmon and Demon watched in awe, keeping silent as solid shapes began to emerge from the cracking glass. Both could sense the power coming from the new lives, one that made Demon quite interested.

"Well, he may have produced wondrous results." He thought. Yet the idea of shared control wasn't one he intended, nor wanted. "A few snags, but if I pull it off just right..." In his last mental muse, his eyes briefly flashed with a glow, one he had gained when he attempted to harness the powers of darkness some time ago. Although in the glow of the room, Lilithmon and Cherubimon failed to notice it. Nor did anyone else see the departing shape of Duskmon leaving the room. He was the only one who could see the dark glint in Demon's eyes. To him it spoke of one thing……treachery.

---

Duskmon calmed his mind. Soon, he felt the castle surroundings fade away. When he opened his eyes, the dark void greeted him. Something lay ahead not seen with naked eyes. Duskmon bowed in greeting, as his master's presence arrived.

"What troubles you, my servant?" The Master knew why Duskmon had called him. Duskmon raised his head, his body still in a bow. "Master, I have reason to believe Demon plans to betray you."

"Really?" The Master responded, his voice smooth enough to not indicate surprise. "Yes. I can sense his ambition, whereas Cherubimon and Lilithmon remain blind." Lowering his head once more, Duskmon awaited his master's orders.

"Demon was always ambitions. Unlike the others, he willingly came to me, abandoning his holy lineage." Said The Master. "But we shall leave him to his own devices."

"What!?" Duskmon blurted. "But Master!" he pleaded. "I have spoken!" The voice halted any further argument. Duskmon was aghast. How could his master allow such treachery to transpire? His crimson blades withdrew. "Master, I can not allow all your planning to be crushed by that traitor! I will personally eliminate him!"

"No!" Duskmon suddenly felt his body constrict. An invisible force had seized him, preventing him from moving. Slowly, he could feel the darkness starting to peel away from him. "Nothing can stop my revival. Demon will be ended either by the humans or by myself. If the latter occurs, I would consider it a favor." The Master released Duskmon just as the last bandages of darkness peeled away. In the darkness where Duskmon stood, a human shape lay shrouded by the darkness of the realm.

"Demon's fate is the same regardless. But I warn you, do not go against my orders. I gave you these powers and I can very well take them away, Drian." The realm vanished and Duskmon found himself back in the castle and in his comfortable form as a digimon of darkness. Breathing as if he had awoken from a bad dream, he felt relieved he was back to what he had long considered his normal state. Despite the reservation he felt, his master did make a sound point, both in plan and in threat. Slowly, he walked, only to stop to gaze up at the ceiling.

"Are you watching me, Maya?" he asked before walking off.

To be continued….

AN: Okay I think it is official that the rabbit digimon seem to have a fondness for smoking. Per usual I hope you have enjoyed the chapter and please leave your thoughts. Nothing more to say. I just can't make my author notes long can I?