(A/N: Yes, finally, I've been looking forward to this chapter for a long time. You'll see why soon enough. No need for delay, let's get right into it.)
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Chapter 175: A Demonic Duel
Lucemon sat on his throne in his castle with a glass of wine in his hand that he gently swirled around. Many thoughts ran through his head as he thought about the direction things had taken.
It would not be an understatement to say that things had gone disastrously wrong. Not that the situation couldn't be salvaged, but he still couldn't figure out how things had come to this. And it was all because of those disgusting humans and their wannabe Digimon King sidekick.
When he and his fellow Demon Lords had first heard of humans being in the Digital World, it had raised their eyebrows, as had learning that they could somehow turn into the Guardians, the actual Guardians. It had piqued his interest, sure, but it hadn't been anything for him or his comrades to worry about. Not even when the humans had started taking out some of their top agents had there been cause for concern. They were but minor nuisances to be dealt with any time they wished.
The next thing he knew, all seven of their Chaos Generals and five of his fellow Demon Lords had been destroyed. How in the name of the Digimon God had that happened? It was completely inconceivable. They had even somehow managed to take out Millenniummon. The very idea of it was so laughable that to admit that it happened was utterly ridiculous, even though it was true!
But Lucemon still wasn't concerned. While it was true that the humans defeating their forces was bothersome, it was still no threat to him. When the time came, he would make them pay. And the best part of it was that he didn't even need to do anything about it; the foolish humans were actually coming to him.
And so was someone else. Lucemon had raised an eyebrow upon realizing who it was, but he let them come all the same, more curious than anything. He was actually rather interested in the situation himself, having initially been completely surprised when he realized what had happened.
They were coming now, and the great doors that led into Lucemon's throne room, which was really more of a massive hall, pushed open. The head Demon Lord looked up as Daemon entered the room, approached Lucemon's throne, and stared down at him.
Lucemon continued swirling around his glass of wine as he stared back at the Demon Lord of Wrath. "Daemon, what a surprise. Usually we extend notice when we're going to visit each other." His eyes ran up and down the demon Digimon's new form. "And I see you've managed to reach the Ultra level too. Most impressive, and usually an impossible feat. Was this the secret plan you mentioned having before? I assume your new powers were enough to dispose of the humans."
"The humans are of no matter," Daemon replied. "I utterly crushed them in battle. They live now only to be killed at my convenience."
Lucemon raised an eyebrow. "You let them live? Might I ask why? Do you have further plans that involve them?"
A chuckle escaped Daemon. "Of sorts. More along the lines of I want them to witness the fruits of my labors before I kill them."
"Oh? And that goes beyond achieving the Ultra level? May I ask what it is?"
Slowly, Daemon raised a clawed finger, pointing at the Demon Lord of Pride. "You, Lucemon. My plan involves you."
Lucemon's face was completely unreadable as he stared at his fellow Demon Lord. "And what, pray tell, do I have to do with your plans?"
Daemon laughed again. "Come now, Lucemon, let's not feign ignorance. We both know that my power now surpasses yours. It's only right that I now take over leadership of the Demon Lords."
Lucemon stopped swirling his wine. He continued to stare at Daemon with the same look on his face as before, only now a cold fury resonated in his eyes.
"You seek to betray me?" he whispered.
The Demon Lord of Wrath grinned. "Oh, Lucemon, I wouldn't go that far. We Demon Lords have always been allies who govern over our own domains. That doesn't need to change. However, when it comes to the final word of who is truly in command of our forces and who truly rules this world, that right will now fall to me."
Lucemon's hand began to tremble in fury, and he crushed the wine glass in his grip. He rose to his feet with barely suppressed rage. "You miserable cur! You really think you can overthrow me? I am the leader and founder of the Demon Lords! We got to where we are because of me! Yet you dare suggest that I now be second to you?"
Daemon's grin spread. "You may have founded us and led us, but the tides of power have now shifted. Things won't change, much. At the end of the day, you shall simply bow down to me. I am now the strongest of the Demon Lords. It's only right that I lead them. Well, what's left of them anyway." He pointed once again. "I want to hear you say it. I know as the Demon Lord of Pride, this will be difficult for you, but not even you can deny my power. Acknowledge my superiority."
Lucemon's teeth were clenched together tightly, his eyes ablaze with anger. "You think yourself my superior? Fool! I still reign supreme, and I always will. You may have Digivolved to the Ultra level, but you're still beneath me. But if you need a reminder of what I'm capable of, I'd be happy to refresh your memory."
Daemon chuckled. "I simply came here seeking your acknowledgement of my power and for you to name me leader. Although I knew it was a possibility, I did not come here looking for a fight."
"Well, you've got one. Paradise Lost Punch!"
He flew at Daemon and threw a punch. The much larger Digimon disappeared before Lucemon could land his attack, and he gasped in surprise at Daemon's speed before Daemon appeared behind him, raised his hand, and, with a big grin on his face, brought his fist down on Lucemon.
The Demon Lord of Pride whirled around and held up his hands, blocking Daemon's giant fist as it came down on him. Using his Blistering Orb, he threw a miniature sun at Daemon, and it exploded against the Demon Lord of Wrath, knocking him back.
"Paradise Lost Punch!" Lucemon cried again.
He flew into Daemon's torso and began throwing countless punches. Despite his much larger size, Daemon's entire body vibrated from the blows, his giant body appearing like a blur. He was pushed back from Lucemon's punches, going right through a wall as his vibrating body shook it apart.
Lucemon stopped punching, then bent over backwards to deliver a kick that sent Daemon flying up to the ceiling. Before he could reach it though, Lucemon was suddenly above him, and he came down, bringing the Demon Lord of Wrath crashing to the ground. They smashed straight through the floor and down to the next level, the impact nearly cracking the entire castle apart.
Smirking, Lucemon stood on Daemon's chest as the Demon Lord of Wrath laid on his back. "Was that a suitable reminder?"
A cruel chuckle escaped Daemon, and his large fist shot out, crashing into Lucemon and sending him flying across the room to slam into the wall. Daemon sat up. You're not nearly as strong as you think you are. At least not compared to me."
Lucemon scowled as he detached himself from the wall. "The refresher course has just begun."
The two Demon Lords flew at each other, each throwing a punch. Lucemon's fist met Daemon's much larger one, and the shockwave from the impact shook the entire castle. Using his other hand, Daemon lashed out with his Dark Spreader. Lucemon pulled back and used his Deadly Roll, the magic in his roundhouse kick countering Daemon's dark virus as his foot met the Demon Lord of Wrath's fist.
Flying forward, Lucemon placed his hand to Daemon's chest and used his Spirit Drain, zapping Daemon of his energy. The Demon Lord of Wrath roared and brought his balled fists down on Lucemon, and the Demon Lord of Pride went crashing to the ground.
"Algol's Flame!" Daemon cried.
He spat a fireball down at Lucemon, and fire erupted in all directions, shooting down the halls of the entire floor, sending streams of fire bursting out the windows. Daemon laughed as the floor burned, until Lucemon came flying out of the flames, his body smoking, and he flew up so he was eye level with his fellow Demon Lord.
"Terrible Dance!" he cried.
Using an elaborate series of dance moves, he delivered powerful kicks, punches, and other blows to Daemon's head, snapping it this way and that. But upon throwing another kick, Daemon chomped down on Lucemon's leg, making the Demon Lord of Pride cry out.
Daemon spun around and opened his mouth, sending Lucemon flying. He fired an Algol's Flame after him, but Lucemon regained control of his momentum and threw a Blistering Orb at the fireball. A wall of flames erupted outward from the two attacks colliding, the flames reaching the ceiling and floor and traveling across them.
The moment the flames burned out, Daemon came charging at Lucemon. He threw a punch, and Lucemon was flattened against his knuckle and carried back until he was crushed against the wall. Daemon laughed as he pulled back his fist and began repeatedly punching Lucemon until the wall broke apart, and Lucemon went flying backwards.
Daemon broke his way through the wall and continued after him. The Demon Lord of Pride halted his momentum and began throwing a series of Blistering Orb attacks at Daemon. They exploded against the Demon Lord of Wrath, causing him to jolt back with each blast until Lucemon flew at him.
Seeing Lucemon right in front of him, Daemon swiped at the Demon Lord of Pride with his Dark Spreader. Lucmeon flew straight up to avoid it, then came down on Daemon's head, just as the Demon Lord of Wrath looked up at him. Using his Paradise Lost Punch, he began pummeling Daemon's forehead with punches, causing the Demon Lord of Wrath's entire body to vibrate. Lucemon ended his assault with a kick that sent Daemon speeding to the ground, but Lucemon caught up with him and brought him crashing to the ground even faster, the impact causing the castle to shake, and one of the towers fell over.
Lucemon flew up into the air again and looked down at the fallen Demon Lord of Wrath. Daemon didn't stay down long though, and quickly sat up, launching an Algol's Flame at Lucemon. The Demon Lord of Pride held up his arms to cover his face as the fireball erupted into a fiery explosion upon collision, and Lucemon was blasted into the ceiling, getting stuck there upon impact. Daemon got to his feet and took to the air, flying up at Lucemon.
Seeing the Demon Lord of Wrath come at him, Lucemon was able to detach himself from the ceiling before Daemon was able to punch a hole in it. He took off flying, and Daemon flew after him, crashing straight through the pillars in his path as he pursued Lucemon. The Demon Lord of Pride turned around, flying backwards as he threw his Blistering Sun attacks back at his pursuer.
Daemon knocked the miniature suns away and withstood the blasts of the ones that hit before firing his Algol's Flame. Lucemon dodged it, ignoring how his castle once again went up in flames as he sped back towards Daemon and used his Deadly Roll to deliver a magic kick to Daemon's head that sent him crashing into the wall.
Lucemon hovered close by as he watched rubble come down on the Demon Lord of Wrath. "It doesn't matter what you throw at me, I shall always prevail."
"Dark Spreader!" Daemon cried, leaping at Lucemon and slashing outward.
The blow landed, and the pixilation that had been surrounding Daemon's claw spread to Lucemon upon contact as the Demon Lord of Pride was sent crashing into a pillar and then fell to the ground.
Daemon grinned as he got to his feet. "How about something I infect you with?"
Lucemon stood up as well, but a pixilation now surrounded his body. He let out a pained scream as his body pixelated and became static-y before he became whole again.
The Demon Lord of Wrath chuckled. "Even you are susceptible to my dark virus."
Lucemon's teeth clenched as he stood slouched over. "There's something you're susceptible to as well. Power of Darkness!"
He whirled around, throwing a ball of dark purple energy. It struck Daemon and instantly consumed him as Lucemon created a glowing white orb in his other hand.
"Power of Light!" he cried, throwing this one at Daemon as well, and it too engulfed him. "Ultimate Sacrifice!"
The purple and white light surrounding Daemon manifested in a magical sphere that swirled around him. The Demon Lord of Wrath bellowed in agony as Lucemon's attack worked its power on him.
An arrogant smile crossed Lucemon's face as he listened to Daemon's roar. "It seems you forgot about my ultimate attack that allows me to destroy anyone instantly."
The magic sphere burst open as the attack completed, and Daemon fell to his hands and knees, his body trembling. Slowly, he looked up at Lucemon and sneered at him. "Unless the odds are in my favor. Fifty-fifty, right? Guess I got lucky."
He lunged at Lucemon, who flew straight up. Daemon jumped up after him, and Lucemon threw a ball of darkness down at him. Not in the mood play against the odds of the Demon Lord of Pride's Ultimate Sacrifice attack a second time, he pulled back, letting the ball of darkness fly past him.
"Algol's Flame!" he cried, launching a fireball straight up.
Lucemon dodged the attack, and the fireball erupted against the ceiling, the flames spreading everywhere above him. Daemon came up beside him and threw a punch as Lucemon retaliated with his Deadly Roll. His foot met Daemon's fist, and the collision sent out a shockwave that knocked them both back. Lucemon kept attacking though, throwing his Blistering Orbs at the Demon Lord of Wrath as he flew through the air.
The miniature suns exploded against Daemon as he flew backwards. Doing a flip in the air, he kicked off the wall, shattering it completely, and shot back towards Lucemon. Using his Dark Spreader, he swiped at the Demon Lord of Pride, but missed as Lucemon maneuvered around his claw and flew past him.
Lucemon spun around, a Blistering Orb in his hand. Before he could throw it, he let out a cry as the virus he had already been infected with caused his body to become static-y before it became solid again it. Daemon was turning around as well, his Algol's Flame in his mouth, and the delay in Lucemon throwing his attack allowed Daemon to launch his first. The fireball hit Lucemon dead on, erupting in a fiery explosion that filled the whole room. Lucemon shot backwards, crashing through a wall and ending up in the next room, where he crashed into another wall and slid to the ground.
Daemon kicked down the wall the rest of the way and entered the room. A sadistic grin crossed his face as he saw Lucemon propped up against the wall, looking like he was hurting, and Daemon stalked towards him.
"Well now," he said mockingly, "have I convinced you yet? My power now outstrips your own."
Lucemon glared up at him, his teeth clenched together furiously. Daemon found his anger amusing and let out a mocking chuckle.
"Our partnership won't change much," he continued. "Like I said, we'll still be allies. It's just that I will have the final word instead of you. Don't let your stubbornness and pride get you killed. I actually think we work very well together. And, truth be told, I'd really rather not destroy you. Not only would I hate to lose such a powerful ally, but I still need your seal on the Sovereigns' prison. All I ask is that you give me what I rightfully deserve."
His body still pixelating, Lucemon continued to glare at him, a low growl emitting from his throat. But then his anger seemed to evaporate as he closed his eyes and hung his head, as if in acceptance of his defeat.
Daemon laughed. "Yes, that's it. You see, isn't it so much simpler when you admit the truth?"
With Lucemon's head bowed, Daemon was unable to see the smile present on the Demon Lord of Pride's face. His shoulders began to shake in silent mirth, and he slowly lifted his head, smirking at Daemon, who scowled in confusion.
"So," Lucemon said slowly, his tone mocking, "you actually think you have me beat. You truly believe that you're stronger than me."
Daemon raised a clenched fist. "I am stronger than you."
Lucemon chuckled as he got to his feet. "Oh, Daemon, my poor dear friend. I know it may seem that way, especially with you at the Ultra level." He stood up fully and cracked his neck. "I'm not sure if all that power is simply going to your head, but you seem to be forgetting something about me, something rather important. It's understandable of course. After all, I possess such an immense power that it's easy to forget that I'm currently only at the Ultimate level."
He smirked at Daemon, and the Demon Lord of Wrath's eyes narrowed. Lucemon's smile grew as Daemon scowled at him, and he held his arms out to present himself.
"It's time to remind you of the full extent of my power. Lucemon Mega Dgivolve to… Lucemon Shadowlord Mode!"
An annoyed growl escaped Daemon as a new Digimon now stood before him, one even larger than his own enormous self. It resembled a giant purple dragon wearing a gold mask. Floating all around it were the crowns of the Seven Deadly Sins, and in its clawed hands, it held a large sphere of darkness.
The dragon roared, breathing a stream of fire in the air, and a menacing voice, completely calm and entirely devoid of any and all emotion, yet still inexplicably evil, spoke out. "Does this do anything to put your claim into question?"
It wasn't actually the dragon that spoke. Rather, the voice came from within the sphere of darkness it held. Daemon's eyes drifted down to it, knowing what dwelled inside. He could just barely make it out in the swirling darkness. A cocoon-like larva creature with blank red eyes stared up at him from within the sphere. Twelve angelic wings protruded from its back, and a halo hung around the end of its stinger.
The dragon roared again, and Daemon's gaze went back to it before going to the larva once more. "So, you've unleashed your true power. As much as I hate to admit it, I confess that I did overlook your Shadowlord Mode. A minor lapse in judgment on my part."
"An immense lapse in judgment on your part," Lucemon agreed in his slow, eerie, unfeeling voice. "You truly made a grave error in challenging me, Daemon, even with your Ultra level power. But now that you have recognized your mistake, I trust that you now also recognize your place."
A single bead of sweat ran down the side of Daemon's head, but he still grinned. "I know my place. It's the same as it was before you Digivolved, as head of the Demon Lords."
The dragon roared, but Lucemon still lacked even the slightest bit emotion when he next spoke, not even a trace of anger. "Ignorant fool. You have truly let your power go to your head after all. I'm afraid your defiance cannot be forgiven."
Daemon took a step forward. "I acknowledge your power, but it is not greater than my own. Algol's Flame!"
He launched a fireball. The dragon raised the sphere of darkness, and it glowed. Daemon's attack was drawn into it, where it was neutralized and disappeared.
"So naïve," Lucemon told him. "Even if you were stronger than me, my abilities still give me the advantage."
Daemon held up his hand, and a pixilation from his dark virus formed around it. "No, Lucemon, your arrogance will prove to be your undoing. Even with your abilities, my power has become so great that I can defeat even you. Dark Spreader!"
He lunged forward, slashing with his other hand. The dragon held up the black sphere to block it, allowing Daemon to slash at an exposed area on the dragon's body with his pixelating hand, delivering his actual attack.
Just like earlier, the pixilation transferred from Daemon's hand to the dragon. It spread all over the Super Demon Lord's body, and the dragon roared. But then the pixilation was drawn away, down into the black sphere it held, and disappeared.
"I'm afraid you're the one who I mistaken, my friend. "Lucemon told him. "There is no defeating me, and there is no one who can lead the Demon Lords but I. There are only two choices available to you, Daemon. You must choose to follow me or be destroyed."
(A/N: Well, who saw that coming? With his new power, Daemon turned on Lucemon and challenged him for the right to lead the Demon Lords. That certainly didn't go over well. And now Lucemon has Digivolved to his Shadowlord Mode in order to fight him. Can you see now why I was excited for this chapter. I mean, two Demon Lords duking it out, how awesome is that? Is this the lucky break our heroes needed? What will happen when they get to Lucemon's castle. If there will be anything left of it that is. Find out next time)
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New Digimon that appear or are mentioned. Replace the DOT in the link(s) with actual periods.
digimonDOTwikiaDOTcom/wiki/Lucemon_Shadowlord_Mode
digimonDOTwikiaDOTcom/wiki/Lucemon_Larva