(A/N: I'm heeeere. Hope everyone remembered that I', still updating weekly now. That's a permanent thing for this story until I say otherwise. Honestly, I wasn't sure I was going to get this out in time since I ended up doing a story request for my grandmother, but luckily that one turned out to be short, so I still had time to do this one. Got a few surprises this chapter, so I hope you like it.)

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Chapter 171: Demons and Goddesses

UltimateChaosmon was gone. The last of the Chaos Generals had finally been vanquished. Only his lingering data remained, yet OmniShoutmon made no move to absorb it. He merely stared at the data particles as they floated through the air.

Gallantmon X flew up beside him. "OmniShoutmon, what are you doing? Absorb the data before it disappears."

"We defeated all of the Chaos Generals," OmniShoutmon replied quietly, still sounding shocked.

Gallantmon X blinked. "Um, yeah, it's great. I was actually getting worried there for a while."

"We defeated all of the Chaos Generals," OmniShoutmon repeated.

Gallantmon X nodded. "I know, I was there. The Demon Lords' top agents are history."

OmniShoutmon suddenly grabbed the knight Digimon and began shaking him. "Don't you get it? We defeated all the Chaos Generals!"

Imperialdramon flew over. "Yes, that's awesome, but if you don't grab that data fast, the Digital World is going to recycle it."

That seemed to snap OmniShoutmon out of his daze, and he quickly flew after UltimateChaosmon's data. Imperialdramon shook his head and turned to Gallantmon X.

"Right, now, let me get a look at you," he said, and looked the knight Digimon up and down. He let out a whistle. "Looking sharp there, pal. You look like the original Gallantmon, but really advanced. Kind of like a…"

"Upgrade," Seraphimon offered as he flew over. "That's how Shoutmon explained it."

Imperialdramon nodded in agreement. "Yeah, yeah. It's like your design got a reboot or something. Is this form stronger than your Crimson Mode?"

Gallantmon X looked down at himself. "I certainly feel stronger."

"He is," OmniShoutmon replied as he rejoined them. "The upgraded power of his X form surpasses that of his Crimson Mode."

Susanoomon's eyes lit up. "Hey, is there an X form of his Crimson Mode?"

OmniShoutmon shook his head. "Sorry, but no. Too bad, because you guys probably would have found a way to achieve it."

Ophanimon C chuckled. "We still might. I'm sure not every Digivolution has been discovered yet."

OmniShoutmon hesitated. "That's… a fair point."

Down below, the residential Digimon had gathered around their fallen comrade. Spadamon waved his arms up at the DigiDestined to get their attention. "Hey, down here! We need help!"

The DigiDestined looked down and saw the residential Digimon gathered around Hackmon as he lay motionless on the ground. Shocked gasps escaped them, and they quickly flew to the ground. They had been so caught up in the heat of battle with UltimateChaosmon, followed by the relief and triumph of their victory that they had all but forgotten about the assistance the dragon Digimon had given them.

"Hackmon, are you ok?" Ophanimon C exclaimed worriedly. "Please be alright! You can't die!"

The dragon Digimon's eyes snapped, open and he glared up at her. "I'm not going to die, you idiots! I was just resting. UltimateChoasmon's energy is very overwhelming."

The DigiDestined relaxed, and one by one, they resumed their human forms. Only Seraphimon lingered, offering to heal Hackmon.

The dragon Digimon stubbornly shook his head. "I don't need it. Thanks for the offer though."

Seraphimon seemed unsure, but respected his decision, reverting back to TK. "Well, if you're sure."

Copymon began jumping up and down. "You did it! You beat the Chaos Generals!"

Tokomon X was bouncing around as well. "We knew you could it! No one can beat you!"

Bun suddenly hopped onto Hackmon, making the dragon Digimon groan. "And Hackmon was amazing too!"

"Indeed," Spadamon agreed. "We all know he's just a big softy."

Hackmon just grunted at that, and Kudamon chuckled. The smile didn't last on his face long though, as he looked around at all the damage that had been caused by the battle. Miraculously though, their actual home was still intact. "Look at all this destruction. But then again, considering what went on here, it could have been a lot worse."

Grumbling, Hackmon got to his feet. "And guess who's going to have to clean all this up."

"Hush now," Hudiemon told him. "We'll make do. And also, don't you ever force me to put you in danger like that ever again."

The dragon Digimon scoffed. "Please. You know I've faced down far worse and far more powerful."

"Yes, and you died doing it."

"You know why I did it."

"That doesn't mean I have to like it."

"I did not need your permission."

"No, just my assistance."

The teens looked back and forth between the two questioningly. "Um, did we miss something?" Takato asked.

Spadamon chuckled. "Don't worry, this is an old argument that resurfaces from time to time. They won't even tell us what it's about. When it comes down to it though, Hackmon is just too selfless for his own good."

"Just as you humans seem to be," Kudamon added. However, despite the compliment, he was frowning. "And as grateful as we are to you for stopping those fiends, this puts you in great danger. You've destroyed the last of the Chaos Generals. The Demon Lords won't take this lying down."

Tai crossed his arms and sighed. "Don't worry, we've been on their hit list for a while now. This won't change anything."

But Kudamon just shook his head. "No, you don't understand. This will change things. You've taken out their most loyal and powerful soldiers. They will be coming for you. Not sending servants, but coming for you themselves, and soon."

Hackmon stopped arguing with Hudiemon to look back at the teens. "He's right. They'll be no more pretenses from them. And if they find you here, they'll kill us all. You've placed my family in terrible danger."

Kari winced. "We didn't mean to endanger your family. We'll leave right away."

"Don't be stupid!" Hackmon snapped. "You just fought two Chaos Generals. You don't have the strength to fight anyone should you come across them, let alone a Demon Lord."

The teens didn't respond. They didn't want to admit it, but they were indeed exhausted from the battle, and their Digivices would need recharging.

"It'll take some time before they learn of their losses," the dragon Digimon continued. "Stay here and rest for tonight. Tomorrow, I'll take you to someone who can bring you the rest of the way you're going. Your only hope is to take out one of the last Demon Lords before they team up. I presume you're going after Lucemon first."

Shoutmon reluctantly nodded. "Yes, his castle is the closest."

"I figured as much. It would be smarter to fight him after Daemon since he's the stronger of the two, but it doesn't seem like you have a choice in the matter any longer."

Tai's eyes narrowed. "It's not just them we're going after. Also Bagramon. Boltboutamon too."

Hackmon just snorted. "You humans really do have a death wish."

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Daemon's fist flew forward, smashing through the screen of the Monitamon he had been watching the battle take place on, destroying the braun Digimon instantly. Watching his own Chaos General get defeated had been infuriating enough, but losing UltimateChaosmon too was rage inducing as well, even if he had belonged to Lucemon.

Lucemon. The humans would likely be heading for him first. The Demon Lord of Pride was still a ways away, but he was still closer, and so the humans would be going after him. Unless Lucemon went after them first that is.

That was not something Daemon would allow. He had his own plans, plans he had been putting into motion for a long time now, and he would get the full satisfaction of what it entitled. And he intended to have these humans bear witness to it before he crushed them. Soon they would know the full extent of the Demon Lord of Wrath's power.

Rising from his throne, he began making his way through his castle. Having been observing from the shadows, Boltboutamon emerged with an amused grin on his face.

"No more Chaos Generals," he commented with a chuckle.

Daemon flicked his wrist, using his Slash Nail. Boltboutamon was sliced apart, and dissolved away. A few moments later, another Boltboutamon appeared, grinning merrily.

"How very rude," he said in mock injury. "What if that hadn't been a copy?"

The Demon Lord didn't even look back at him. "Then I'm sure you would have blocked or avoided it."

Boltboutamon raised an interested eyebrow at this before shrugging it off and flew after the Demon Lord. "So, what are you going to do about the humans now? Are you going to take Bagramon's advice?"

Daemon still didn't give him the courtesy of looking at him. "The humans will soon fall. I have my own plan in mind."

Boltboutamon's grin widened. "Involving your little experiment?"

Daemon stopped walking. He stood in place for a few moments before slowly turning to face the demon Digimon. "You know of my plan?"

Boltboutamon laughed. "In full detail. I've actually been eagerly waiting for you to put it into effect. The results are going to be quite interesting."

Daemon's eyes narrowed in suspicion. "And you've said nothing?"

Insanity blazed in Boltboutamon's eyes. "And ruin the possibilities? I wouldn't dream of it. I want to see how this turns out. In fact, I want to help. Come on, let me take part. It's sure to be fun."

The Demon Lord studied him for several long moments. He could read the excitement on Boltboutamon's face. The demon Digimon was truly eager to see Daemon's plan succeed.

Turning his back on him, Daemon humphed. "I suppose you do still have your uses."

Boltboutamon laughed. "Excellent. I can't wait to take part."

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Tokomon X, Bun, and Copymon had begun weeping when the teens had to head out the next day. Hackmon had merely rolled his eyes and ushered the teens out the door after being repeatedly reassured by Spadamon that he would protect their family.

"So where are we going exactly?" Davis asked.

Hackmon rolled his eyes. "I told you, we're going to meet a friend of mine. She'll be able to take you to Lucemon's castle. Or at least as close as she'll dare to get."

Takato's eyebrows rose, impressed. "She must be really brave to be willing to get that close to Lucemon."

"Or foolish," Shoutmon grumbled. At the looks he received, he added, "And yes, I'm including us in the foolish category."

TK chuckled. "It'll be alright. I'm sure we'll be able to make it out of this. Then we can all… go home."

Hackmon glanced at him, studying the blonde boy curiously. TK caught him looking, but the dragon Digimon didn't turn away. He had actually been doing this quite a bit, and TK wasn't sure why.

When Hackmon finally did look away, TK leaned close to Kari and whispered, "Is there something on my face?"

Kari looked at him, seeing nothing. She was about to tell him so, but then her eyes darted to all their friends walking in front of them, and a mischievous smile crept up her face.

"Actually, you do," she whispered back. "Right here."

She pressed a quick kiss to his cheek, then pulled back. TK's eyes widened and a blush colored his face. Kari giggled at his expression, even as her own cheeks took on a red hue, and she hurried ahead.

Getting over his surprise, TK smiled and sped up to walk beside her once more. Reaching out slightly, he interlocked their pinkie fingers and continued walking next to her. The next time Hackmon glanced back at TK, his gaze drifted down to their interlocked pinkies, and he rolled his eyes once more.

"We're here," he announced, a good half hour later, and the teens came to a stop beside him. There was nothing there however, no sign of life other than some vegetation.

Tai looked around. "Um, this is where your friend lives?" He looked at the large tree a short distance away. "Is she in that tree?"

A frustrated groan escaped Hackmon, and he shook his head. "Humans." Turning to look back at the greenery, he waved a clawed hand and called out. "Hey, Ceresmon, I need a favor!"

Shoutmon inhaled deeply, drawing the teens' attention. At first nothing happened, but then something else drew their attention. The ground began to shift, rising up into the air. Whatever the creature was, it was enormous, and seemed to be made of the ground itself.

The creature turned and looked down at them. Now that it was up and about, and no longer blending in with the ground, the teens got a good look at it. Ceresmon was a giant bird, whose body seemed to be made of rock and dirt with grass growing all over her backside, including the tree Tai had referenced, which was growing out of the Digimon's back, and another one at the end of her tail made of roots.

Ceresmon let out a loud caw, and the teens took a step back. However, Hackmon just waved up at her. "Been awhile, hasn't it? You doing ok?"

Suddenly, from out of the top of Ceresmon's head, a small humanoid figure emerged, as if she had been living inside the creature's head. She leapt off and landed gracefully in front of the group, still towering over the teens with her height.

"Hackmon," she said. "It has indeed been awhile. Who are your friends?"

"More of acquaintances than friends," the dragon Digimon corrected. He glanced at the teens. "Humans, say hi to Ceresmon."

Takuya blinked, then pointed up at the giant bird. "But I thought… Then who's that?"

"Ceresmon," Shoutmon replied. "They're both Ceresmon, each a part of the same being." He motioned towards the humanoid one. "This is Ceresmon Medium. She serves as the true form and avatar of Ceresmon and conveys her will. Be respectful, she's one of the Olympos Twelve."

Tai raised an eyebrow. "Wait, she's based on one of the Olympic gods?"

Kari snapped her fingers. "Oh, like Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture."

Takato cocked his head to the side. "Oh, for some reason, I was thinking of Seras from Hellsing."

"You're too young for that show," Tai snapped at him. "And will you please stop thinking about anime."

Ceresmon Medium regarded them curiously. "Your friends are rather interesting, Hackmon."

"Again, more acquaintances than friends," the dragon Digimon repeated. "In any case, I need a favor. I need you to give them a ride."

The smile left Ceresmon's face, and she looked annoyed. "You dare to ask such a thing of me? I am no common Trailmon or Blimpmon. I do not transport others. You have quite some nerve to make such a request!"

The giant bird body took a step forward and screeched, making the teens wince. The last thing they wanted was a giant monstrous bird that was based on a goddess angry with them.

But Hackmon stood his ground, not even the least bit intimidated. In fact, he snapped right back at her. "Don't you get all high and mighty with me! You know I'd never ask something like that of you if it wasn't really important."

Ceresmon humphed and crossed her arms. "And where, pray tell, must these humans go so urgently that it would require me to take them there?"

Hackmon didn't miss a beat. "To Lucemon's castle."

Ceresmon fell silent, and all signs of hostility vanished. It was clear that she had not been expecting him to say that.

Slowly, she looked back at the teens and spoke in a low voice. "If they seek to end their own lives, there are far better, less unpleasant ways of going about it."

Hackmon just smirked. "You've heard the stories. You must have. You know their only chance is to strike first."

"A fool's errand if I ever heard one," the goddess Digimon replied. "It's a quest doomed to fail."

"Then let them fail and meet their horrible ends. I only ask that you take them there before the Demon Lords come for them."

The two stared at each other for several long moments before Ceresmon glanced at the teens. She studied them for a few seconds before looking back at Hackmon.

"When I say I will go no further, then I will go no further," she told him. "Not even for you."

Hackmon nodded. "It will be enough."

Raising her arms, Ceresmon rose into the air. She settled down on top of the giant bird body sinking down into its head up to her waist. "You are most bold to make such a request."

The dragon Digimon closed his eyes. "These are cruel times. We all must adapt."

The teens just stared at the scene, not quite sure what to make of it. "So… um…" Davis muttered. "Do we have a ride, or not?"

"I think so," Kari replied. "At least that's the impression I got."

Ceresmon moved closer and lowered a wing, providing them with a makeshift ramp for them to climb up. "Come, humans. If you wish to run to your deaths, then I would prefer it sooner rather then later."

"That's disheartening," Takato muttered with a nervous chuckle. "But we appreciate the help."

"Yeah, thanks a lot," said Tai. "You too, Hackmon."

The dragon Digimon gave him a serious look. "Don't thank me just yet. You may come to regret this decision."

"I'm already regretting it," Shoutmon grumbled as he began climbing up Ceresmon's wing, followed by the others.

Hackmon stepped forward. "TK, talk with me a moment. In private."

TK paused, surprised by the request, but motioned for his friends to go on without him. "I'll be there in a bit."

He received nods as the others began climbing up onto Ceresmon. Hackmon motioned for TK to follow him, and they put some distance between himself and the others so they wouldn't be overheard.

"Everything ok?" TK asked.

Hackmon was silent for several moments, seeming to try to figure out how best to say what he wanted to say. "You confuse me, TK."

The blonde boy blinked. "Um, how so?"

"You seem contradictory. Based on what I've seen and know of you, you're the most hopeful and optimistic member of your group."

Was that praise, or an insult? TK wasn't sure. It seemed to be praise, but the way Hackmon said it seemed strange.

"I guess I am," he replied awkwardly. "I know it's a long shot, but I really believe we can win."

Hackmon gave him a serious look. "Then why are you resigned to die?"

His words rang around them. TK stared, not quite sure he heard correctly. He was completely caught off guard, and wasn't sure how to respond.

"Um, what?" he finally managed to get out.

Hackmon's brows furrowed. "I can see it in your eyes. I know, because I've seen it before. Those who go through similar experiences can recognize it in others. Your optimism is sincere, but your resignation to death is present. Why?"

TK was silent for several long moments. He glanced back at his friends, before looking back at Hackmon. "You absolutely can't tell anyone, but you're right. I'm resigned to death, because I know I'm going to die. I was basically told that I wasn't going to survive the war with the Demon Lords."

Hackmon's eyes narrowed. "No one knows what the future holds. What fool told you that you were going to die?"

"AncientWisemon," TK replied simply.

Hackmon hesitated. "Alright, he does know what the future holds. But he knows everything, including all possibilities the future holds, and all the possible directions it might go in. What did he tell you exactly?"

TK sighed. "He basically said that we would run into a situation where it will be up to me to save my friends. If I don't, we all will die, but if I do…"

Hackmon nodded in understanding. "Then you will die. But only you."

TK smiled unhappily. "I mean, don't get me wrong, if there's a chance that I can somehow escape such a fate, then I'll take it, but not at the cost of my friends' lives. I don't want to die, but I'm prepared to in order to save my friends. Not just them, but the entire Digital World."

A deep sigh escaped the dragon Digimon. "It is a heavy burden, to embrace death."

TK gave him a strange look, finding Hackmon's words a little too specific. "You've gone through this too?" When Hackmon diverted his eyes, the argument between Hackmon and Hudiemon came back to him, and TK was convinced. "You have, haven't you?"

Hackmon sighed again. "It was a… necessary sacrifice, but it had to be done." He let out a small chuckle. "And who knows, if you really do save the world, you might even get a day named after you too."

TK's brows furrowed. "A day named after…? Wait, you mean Jesmas?"

Hackmon winced, and suddenly looked regretful, as if he had said too much. Pieces to a puzzle he hadn't even been aware of began clicking into place, and TK's eyes widened as he saw the whole picture in his head.

"It's you, isn't it!?" he exclaimed. "You were the Jesmon who lured the D-Reaper away and trapped it indefinitely in the deepest depths of Digimon Hell, but ended up dying because you had cornered yourself after trapping it."

Hackmon jumped up and covered TK's mouth. "You keep that bit of information to yourself! I don't want that information getting around, and I especially don't want my family to know. Only Hudiemon is aware, and she keeps quiet about it too."

TK shook his head, the movement freeing his mouth. "Ok, I won't tell. But why would you keep that a secret? You're a legend."

Hackmon hopped back down. "I didn't do it for the fame. I did it because it was what needed to be done… just as I'm sure you'll do the same."

From behind them, Davis suddenly called out. "Hey, are you two done with your heart-to-heart yet? Plane's leaving."

The giant bird cawed loudly, and Ceresmon Medium glared at the teen. "Do not call me a plane."

Davis winced. "Sorry, ma'am."

Hackmon sighed. "I wish we'd had this conversation sooner. There may have been something I could have done to make things… easier for you."

TK gave him a sad but appreciative smile. "Thanks, but I don't think there's anything that you could say. I'm still hoping for a way out, but over these past few months, I've come to accept my fate. The thought that I'll be dying so my friends will live is what helps me get by."

Hackmon nodded. "Whatever helps you get through it."

Ceresmon began shifting about impatiently. "Are you coming, or what?"

"He's coming!" Hackmon snapped. He looked back at TK and thumped his heart. "Whatever happens, kid, you have my respect. Good luck to you."

TK gave a nod of appreciation and went to join his friends, climbing up on Ceresmon and taking a seat beside Kari.

"What was that about?" she asked.

He reached out and patted her knee reassuringly. "Nothing for you to worry about."

Ceresmon pointed to the sky. "Very well then, enough wasting time. If we're making this journey, I'd prefer to get it over with as fast as possible." She sighed heavily. "Sovereigns help us."

Ceresmon spread her enormous wings and began flapping. Slowly, they rose into the air, and were soon soaring through the sky. Hackmon watched as they disappeared over the horizon before he began making his way back home.

"Poor kids," he muttered. "They really have no idea what they're getting into."

(A/N: Well, well, this is a twist. Who would have thought that Hackmon was the one to stop the D-Reaper? Even if you knew that Hackmon was the Rookie level of Jesmon, I bet you didn't think it was him. And it looks like he was able to help our heroes one last time. But now Daemon is on the prowl, and is putting his secret plan into affect. And Boltboutamon is getting involved as well. Will our heroes even make it to Lucemon's castle? Find out next time. Remember, weekly updates now.)

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New Digimon that appear or are mentioned. Replace the DOT in the link(s) with actual periods.

digimonDOTwikiaDOTcom/wiki/Ceresmon

digimonDOTwikiaDOTcom/wiki/Ceresmon_Medium