(A/N: Alrighty then, we had a pretty intense last chapter. Not only did we learn of the Demon Lords' secret weapon, but it turned out to be Kurata, who was just blown away by OmniShoutmon. But we still have Huanglongmmon and Dorbickmon to worry about. Time to see how that goes.)

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Chapter 183: The Final Leg Begins

For some reason, the sound of the explosion seemed so much louder than any other one the DigiDestined had heard before, the blast echoing through their very souls. Perhaps it was due to the death that had come with it. A human death.

There was no two ways about it. A life had been taken here. Arguments could be made that when that when they destroyed enemy Digimon, no one had actually been killed; their data had simply been reconfigured. Not this time though, this had been true death, and there was no coming back from it.

Of course, the DigiDestined had seen the logic and justification behind it. A terrible threat had been neutralized, but it hadn't made things any easier. And even to OmniShoutmon, to whom the idea of actually dying without the opportunity to come back was a foreign concept, seemed greatly affected and was visibly shaken. And now that Kurata was gone, the steely determination he had summoned forth in himself was gone, and the true impact of what he had done began to settle in.

Slowly, OmniShoutmon looked at his hands, staring at them with new eyes. He said nothing, he didn't even move, as he slowly came to terms with what he had done. On the ground next to him, Omnimon slowly got to his feet. He wiped his eyes and went to stand beside the dragon Digimon.

"OmniShoutmon…" he began, not sure what to say.

The dragon Digimon clenched his fists and took a deep breath. "It's fine. Like I said, it's the duty of a king to do what's necessary to keep his people and his kingdom safe, even if he doesn't want to."

The others didn't respond, finding the dragon Digimon's determination greatly admirable. The silence was broken though as Imperialdramon added his two cents. "If it's any consolation, I don't think there was much human left in him anyway. To be honest, he's probably better off dead."

OmniShoutmon let out a deep sigh and turned back to them. "There's no time to dwell on it. We have more important things to worry ab-"

The wall suddenly broke open, startling the DigiDestined. Leaping away, they turned to the cause, seeing Huanglongmon's face in the place where the wall once was.

"Found you," they heard Dorbickmon declare.

Gallantmon X scooped up Calumon. "Darn, I actually forgot about him."

Huanglongmon roared as he tore down more of the walls, and Dorbickmon stuck his face through the opening, sneering down at the DigiDestined. "You're not getting away from me. I'll make sure that you…"

His eyes widened as he looked around the burning, destroyed lab before his gaze settled on the spot where Kurata had once been. He let out a loud bellow, grasping his head while looking just as angry as he was worried.

"No! What have you done!?" he shouted. "You've destroyed the Demon Lords most valuable asset! And after I was so careful not to destroy the castle too much!"

Susanoomon raised an eyebrow at all the destruction Huanglongmon had done simply trying to make his way through the castle. "I think the ship has sailed on that one."

A menacing growl escaped Dorbickmon, and Huanglongmon began to rise to his full height, cracking apart the castle more and more, no longer caring about not being destructive.

"Is that right?" he growled in a low voice. "If that's the case, then I suppose there's no reason for me to hold back any longer."

Behind his helmet, Seraphimon's eyes widened as he realized just how vulnerable they were trapped underground in a collapsing castle. "Guys, we have to get out now!"

"Yellow Circle!" Huanglongmon cried.

The already badly damaged castle began to rumble and crack apart. A moment later, it began to collapse inward. The DigiDestined were already on the move, blasting their way up and out of the collapsing castle until they burst outside. They looked down to see the land rumbling and shaking apart as a result of Huanglongmon's attack. More sections of the castle broke down, burying everything inside before everything finally went still.

"Ha, good riddance," Imperialdramon grunted. "Moron went and buried himself."

OmniShoutmon brought his fist down on the dragon Digimon's head. "You're the moron. Did you forget that that's a Sovereign? We can't have anything happen to him."

Imperialdramon rubbed his head. "Oh, right, I forgot."

OmniShoutmon sighed. "In any case, something like that wouldn't even faze Huanglongmon. He'll be back at any moment."

No sooner had the words left his mouth had the ground exploded, and both Huanglongmon and Dorbickmon emerged, unharmed.

"I told you."

Omnimon's eyes narrowed as Huanglongmon and Dorbickmon crawled out of the destroyed castle. "We've got to find a way to separate them. Damn Kurata for doing this. Is there anyway to undo a forced DigiFuse?"

OmniShoutmon shook his head. "Not one that's within our power. Unless the dominate one in the DigiFuse releases the ones they're fused with, they won't be separated. But how did Kuarat manage to make it so Huanglongmon, who is so much more powerful than Dorbickmon, be the one who was dominated? Maybe something with that big Digivice he created?"

Ophanimon C glanced at the dragon Digimon. "What do you mean 'not one that's within our power'?"

OmniShoutmon sighed. "There are a few ways to separate a DigiFusion. We could destroy them, but we're not strong enough to defeat Huanglongmon, let alone while he's fused with Dorbickmon. Plus, we can't afford to destroy him; the Digital World needs him. We could fight until they take so much damage or lose so much energy that they can't hold the fusion, but again, he has too much power. We'd be defeated long before that, or use up all our own power first."

In Gallantmon X's arms, Calumon perked up. "I could restore your power, just like I did when you fought Ogudomon."

Susanoomon glanced at the holy beast Digimon. "Wait, restore our power? I thought I felt my strength come back. That was you?"

OmniShoutmon gave Calumon a small smile. "That'd be helpful, but you'd use up all your power constantly restoring ours, and then we'd still use up all of ours before Huanglongmon even comes close to losing his."

Calumon's ear-wings retracted. "Oooooh."

Down below, Huanglongmon was tearing through the remains of the castle trying to find them, and OmniShoutmon gave the Sovereign a regretful look. "The only other option would be to enter his code ourselves and forcibly separate them."

Seraphimon gave the dragon Digimon an astounded look. "You can do that?"

"Those who have spiritual powers can, but it's incredibly dangerous, as doing so can result in you becoming DigiFused with them as well; although there's a slim chance that you would be able to absorb him instead. But it's a moot point since none of us have that kind of spiritual power. Barely any Digimon do."

A frustrated growl escaped Imperialdramon as he looked down at Huanglongmon. But as he did so, his sword fell into his line of vision. He stared at it for a few moments before glancing at OmniShoutmon. "Hey, my sword can reset an opponent's data. That can force DNA Digivolved Digimon to separate. Will it work on a DigiFusion?"

OmniShoutmon stared at him for several long moments, looking confused at first. Then, slowly, his eyes began to widen before he let out a cry of, "That's it!"

Down below, OmniShoutmon's cry drew Dorbickmon's attention. Huanglongmon raised his head and roared up at them. Energy began to gather in his mouth as he powered up his attack. "Taiji!"

He fired a beam. The DigiDestined flew out of its path, and Huanglongmon fired again.

"Imperialdramon, you're a genius!" OmniShoutmon exclaimed. "If you can hit him with your Omni Sword attack, it will force Huanglongmon and Dorbickmon to separate.'

"That's great," said Susanoomon as they dodged another beam. "Just one problem. No attacks can penetrate Huanglongmon's armored body, remember? You told us so yourself."

Ophanimon C looked down as the Sovereign fired another beam at them, her gaze shifting to the dragon Digimon growing out of his back. "That may be the case for Huanglongmon, but is it the same for Dorbickmon?"

A smirk crossed OmniShoutmon's face. "No."

Omnimon nodded. "Ok then, here's the plan. Gallantmon, you've got Calumon, so you stay here and keep him safe. The rest of us will distract Huanglongmon. Imperialdramon, you stick the bastard the first chance you get."

Imperialdramon swiped his sword through the air. "With pleasure."

"Alright, let's move!"

They went into a nosedive, flying straight for Huanglongmon as he proceeded to fire up at them. As they descended, Omnimon used his Fearsome Blade, and began whipping it at Huanglongmon. OmniShoutmon's words proved to be true as his energy blade bounce harmlessly off Huanglongmon's body without so much as leaving a single mark.

"Dragon Inferno Fire!" Dorickmon cried, breathing a stream of fire at them.

Ophanimon C flew down beside Omnimon and seized control if the flames, parting them around them. Then she used her Volcano Napalm, throwing the fireballs around Dorbickmon, and they erupted into pillars of fire. Huanglongmon appeared unaffected, but Dorbickmon recoiled from the flames.

As Omnimon and Ophanimon C pulled out of their dive, with Huanglongmon snapping at them with his Fang of the Emperor, narrowly missing them, Susanoomon flew in, delivering a punch to Dorbickmon's nose with his Flash Punch, causing the dragon Digimon to cry out. Seraphimon was right behind him, and brought down lightning with his Hallowed Ascension, and Dorbickmon covered his head to shield himself from the bolts.

"Heavy Metal Vulcan!" OmniShoutmon cried, firing bolts of fire from his chest to create a firewall above Dorbickmon, blocking his view of what was coming. He then glanced at Imperialdramon as the dragon Digimon flew down. "Go!"

"I'm on it!" Imperialdramon declared, raising his sword. "Omni Sword!"

At the last moment, OmniShoutmon let his firewall drop, allowing Imperialdramon to fly by. With a loud cry, the dragon Digimon brought his glowing sword down on Dorbickmon.

Huanglongmon's tail shot through the air, coming between Dorbickmon and Imperialdramon. The latter's sword clanged against it, and the blade broke. Imperialdramon let out a gasp as the broken end flew past him, his eyes following it as if in slow motion before slowly returning to Dorbickmon.

Dorbickmon chuckled as he opened his mouth, flames flickering within his jaws as he prepared to unleash his Dragon Infernal Fire upon Imperialdramon and OmniShoutmon. But just as he breathed out a stream of fire, he was struck by a blast of lightning from up above by Gallantmon X firing his Royal Saber.

With a burst of speed, Imperialdramon flew through the air. His hand shot out, grabbing the end of his broken blade as it flew through the air before turning back to Dorbickmon and throwing it like a spear.

It struck Dorbickmon in the chest, burying deep. A pained roar escaped him as he grasped at the protruding blade. Then Huanglongmon roared as well, and they both started glowing.

The DigiDestined watched as the glowing Dorbickmon rose up out of Hunaglongmon's body, his lower half emerging from the Sovereign's back. Once he was completely detached, he suddenly shrank in size, until he was no bigger than most of the DigiDestined. Then both he and Huanglongmon stopped glowing, the DigiFuse having been broken.

Dorbickmon fell from the air, falling past Huanglongmon. As he dropped, the Sovereign's neck turned to look at him, his eyes burning with fury, energy gathering in his mouth. Dorbickmon's own eyes widened as he realized what was about to happen. "Oh no. Oh nooooooo!"

"Taiji!" Huanglongmon cried, firing a massive beam.

The beam flowed over Dorbickmon, and he was lost in its light. When Huanglongmon's attack ended, there wasn't a trace left of the dragon Digimon; even his lingering data had been destroyed. The DigiDestined winced at the sight, glad they had managed to avoid being on the receiving end of that attack. Huanglongmon roared, looking just as ferocious as he did when he was DigiFused with Dorbickmon. The DigiDestined hesitated, not feeling entirely safe in the presence of this particular Sovereign. OmniShoutmon had said that he had evil in him as well as good.

Slowly floating over, OmniShoutmon hesitantly addressed the Sovereign. "Lord Huanglongmon?"

The giant dragon Digimon turned to him. Still looking angry. That may have just been how he always looked though, but it still made the DigiDestined nervous. OmniShoutmon seemed to trust him though, and so they did their best to stay calm.

"OmniShoutmon," Huanglongmon replied. "You did well." His numerous eyes shifted to the others. "As have your companions."

Gallantmon X sweat-dropped. "Uh, thanks, Mr. Sovereign. We're just glad you're ok."

"You really gave us a scare when Dorbickmon had you attack us," Imperialdramon added. He received a nudge from Susanoomon at that. "Ow. What?"

But Huanglongmon did not appear to be bothered be his words. "I offer my apologies. It's insulting to think that I was able to be overtaken like that, even if it was because of that wretched human. All these years, I was a prison trapped in my own body in addition to being sealed away. Had you not destroyed the human responsible, I would have killed him myself."

All the DigiDestined sweat-dropped at that. "Yes, well, happy to be of assistance," Omnimon replied.

Huanglongmon's expression softened, but only slightly. "It's disgraceful to think that we Sovereigns were sealed away at all, even by the Demon Lords. This should not be a burden that should befall upon you. Be that as it may, it was necessary, and I thank you for all that you've done. Thanks to you, the Digital World is finally free of the Demon Lords. This alone will ensure a new age of light will begin unlike the world has ever known before."

"It's more than we could have ever hoped for," OmniShoutmon agreed. His gaze darkened slightly. "But we're still not done yet."

Huanglongmon's eyes narrowed. "Yes, the traitor. He's been content to let the Demon Lords take over, but now that they're gone, he'll have no choice but to come out of hiding."

Imperialdramon thumped his chest. "Don't worry. We'll take care of Bagramon. We beat the other Demon Lords, we can beat him too."

Huanglongmon glanced at him with what almost seemed to be pity. "You're naïve optimism is refreshing. But perhaps not knowing the true extent of what you're up against is actually what you need. I wish I could take Bagramon down with you, but I have my own duties to return to, so I cannot help you. But I can at least aid you in getting there."

He turned away, looking out into the distance. Letting out a lord roar, he stomped down, and then dug his claw into the ground and scrapped backwards. The ground suddenly started moving as if it had turned into a rapidly moving conveyer belt. The DigiDestined watched in bewilderment as the ground kept moving, wondering what Huanglongmon was doing.

In the distance, something appeared, getting carried over to them by the moving ground. When it got close enough, they saw that it was another Digimon, one that looked quite confused as to what was happening. It appeared to be a strange cross between a dog and a train, or maybe a bus, and when it looked up and saw Huanglongmon, it let out a surprised yelp.

"Who's that?" Ophanimon C asked.

"Komondomon," OmniShoutmon replied. "A Champion level vehicle Digimon who's good for getting around on."

Huanglongmon looked over the vehicle Digimon. "I have a job for you. You are to transport these humans to their destination and see to it that they get there quickly and safely."

At his command, Komondomon seemed to snap out of his stupor at seeing a Sovereign and let out a series of barks and yelps.

"Komondomon can't speak the common language," OmniShoutmon explained at the others' confused looks.

Huanglongmon, however, seemed to have no issue understanding the vehicle Digimon. "Yes, they are humans, and yes, they are the ones who have been fighting the Demon Lords. All seven have fallen, be sure to make that known on your travels. Only Bagramon remains. You are to take them to his castle."

Komondomon's mouth dropped open and he looked frightened. He let out a series of barks, and Huanglongmon growled, letting out a mouthful of steam.

"This is an order!" he said with finality. "You may leave once you deliver them, but you will deliver them. Do I make myself clear?"

Komondomon stiffed, but let out a small whimper and lowered his head in submission before emitting a small yip. Huanglongmon seemed satisfied and turned back to the DigiDestined.

Susanoomon let out a nervous laugh. "I guess when a Sovereign gives an order, it's best to follow it."

"Humans," Huanglongmon told them, "the final leg of your journey is upon you. I wish you all the best of luck on your quest. And now I must return to my duties."

Gallantmon X gulped, glad that the Sovereign was leaving. "Well, we wish you luck."

Huanglongmon's eyes drifted downward to the holy beast Digimon in Gallantmon X's arms. "Calumon, if you would accompany me, your power could be of use."

"Me?" Calumon asked, flying out of the knight Digimon's arms.

Huanglongmon nodded. "There is much work to be done, and you could prove to be rather useful, if you are willing."

Calumon clapped his hands together. "Oh, yes, yes! Those mean old Demon Lords have been using my power to do bad things for so long. It'll be nice to use my power to do good."

He flew forward and landed on Huanglongmon, a mere speck on his forehead. Once he was settled, Huanglongmon looked back at the DigiDestined. "Best of luck, humans. Do not let us down."

Then, like all the others, he rose up, taking Calumon with him, and disappeared into the clouds that soon faded away after his departure. The DigiDestined exchanged looks with each other before looking down at Komondomon, and the vehicle Digimon grinned nervously.

At that moment, the same thought was going through each of their minds. The final leg of their journey had begun.

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Bagramon sat on his throne in silence, a million and one thoughts running through his mind. He gave no indication of displaying a sign of making any movement, so focused he was with making plans for the future that he could pass as a statue.

Both Lucemon and Daemon had fallen. What more, Huanglongmon had been freed, and released from the DigiFusion with Dorbickmon. If that weren't enough, the Demon Lords' secret human weapon, Kurata, had been destroyed. That was it then, the reign of the Demon Lords was finally over.

Bagramon resisted the urge to let out a sigh. He had no sympathy or care for the Demon Lords, even though he was an unofficial member. True, he had allied himself with them, but they had been a means to an end, just as he had been to them. They were using each other, they all knew that, and had been fine with their arrangement. Bagramon had been perfectly content to let them do his work for him in subjugating the residents of this world.

But it seemed that time was over. He would have to do things himself from here on out. But perhaps that was for the best. They had been convenient tools, but they had also been a problem. Pros and cons he supposed. But now that they were gone, he not only had to go it alone, he also had to clean up their mess. It was no matter though; it was nothing he couldn't handle. It would take time and effort, but he could still achieve his goals.

But first thing's first, he had to get rid of those humans who were causing all this trouble. The Demon Lords should have been able to easily take care of them, but they had underestimated them, and their overconfidence and stubbornness had been their downfall. That was not a mistake Bagramon was not willing to make. He would deal with the humans swiftly and immediately, then he would see to his agendas once the obstacles that stood in his path were removed.

Finally shifting in his seat for the first time in hours, he turned his attention to the shadows. "How long are you going to hide in the darkness?"

A chuckle followed his question as Boltboutamon emerged. "This just in. The Demon Lords have been defeated. Only Bagramon remains. Quite the unexpected turnout, no?"

Bagramon just looked away. "I am not going to play your games, Boltboutamon. Leave my presence."

The demon Digimon just laughed and flew right up to Bagramon's throne. "But we're entering the final round. Don't you want to see how it will turn out?"

Bagramon didn't even look at him. "There is only one way this will turn out, because there is only one outcome I will allow."

Boltboutamon scoffed. "You're nowhere near as fun as the Demon Lords. You're far too serious all the time."

"This is not a game, Boltboutamon, even if you see it as one."

Grinning, Boltboutamon shook his finger at him. "I'm afraid I have to disagree. There are many kinds of games; we just don't always realize that we're playing. And I'm just itching to know, what's your game plan? What brilliant strategy do you have to defeat the humans?"

Bagramon just shook his head. "No strategy, no games. I'll just go to the humans and kill them, plain and simple."

A disappointed pout crossed Boltboutamon's face. "You really are no fun." He sighed. "If that's the case, I have my own little plan I'd like to give a try, if you don't mind."

The unofficial Demon Lord was silent for a moment, as if Boltboutamon wasn't even worth answering, but then finally grunted out, "Do as you please."

Boltboutamon grinned eagerly. "I intended to anyway, but I guess you knew that since I always do what I want." He casually began walking away. "Be sure to call me if you need me. You could probably use more allies right now. You are the great traitor after all. And with the Demon Lords gone and their forces disassembled, you don't have many friends left. Ta-ta."

Another figure, this one much larger, approached from the darkness as Boltboutamon disappeared into it. "Forgive my intrusion, master, but I could not remain silent as that wretch belittled you. There are still those loyal to you; none more so than me."

Of course, Bagramon knew that. But it was also true that now that the Demon Lords had been defeated, along with their most powerful servants, and their forces were being defeated all across the Digital World, he now found himself almost entirely alone. He supposed it served him right for relying on the Demon Lords too much.

"It doesn't matter," he said dismissively. "I plan to finish the humans off myself, and then finish what the Demon Lords started."

The person in question humphed. "My lord, do not waste your time with the humans; they are not worth it. I shall take the remnants of your forces and deal with them for you. I'll show the world that even with the Demon Lords gone, they are to still answer to you."

Bagramon considered this and admitted that he had a good point. Boltboutamon may have been playing mind games with the Demon Lords when he told them that acting as if the humans were an actual threat would show weakness and vulnerability, but he was also right. And if it came to it, he could always be rid of them in an instant.

"Very well," he relented. "Deal with them however you see fit. But there is one who I insist will go with you. AxeKnightmon!"

A tear in reality appeared, and the knight Digimon emerged, bowing down to the Demon Lord. "You summoned me, Lord Bagramon?"

"Indeed," Bagramon replied, leaning back on his throne. "You've fought these humans before, have you not?"

"You know that I have, my lord."

"Yes," the demon Digimon agreed. "And I also know that you fled from them in the middle of the battle."

AxeKnightmon lowered his head slightly. "I regret to admit that I did, but it was a strategic withdraw, not a flee from the fight. I always put my all into battle, but I knew when I was outmatched. I chose to live to fight another day so that I may continue to fight for you."

A light chuckle escaped Bagramon. "What a reasonable explanation. But it is not one I will accept a second time. If you cannot do the job you are assigned, then there is no use for you, and it would not matter if you live to fight another day." He closed his eyes. "Be that as it may, I too acknowledge your limitations when up against their whole team on your own." He opened his eyes again. "Therefore, I shall level the playing field a bit."

Reaching out with his demonic wooden arm, he placed it on AxeKnightmon's head. His palm glowed brightly as he filled the knight Digimon with power, then removed his hand.

"I have granted you some of my own power. With this, I trust you will be able to deal with the humans along with the rest of your team." His eyes narrowed slightly. "But if you do not make good use of that power, then I will put it, along with the rest of yours, to far better use. Remember that."

AxeKnightmon bowed even lower. "Yes, sir, I will not let you down. I hereby swear that I shall not rest until they have been defeated."

Bagramon gave a small nod of acknowledgement. "See that you do." He looked back to the other occupant of the room. "Do not show even a hint of mercy. Let them know why you have been given the honor of being my Chaos General."

The person gave a small bow. "It will be my pleasure."

(A/N: Ok, so, all that happened. Our heroes have managed to free Huanglongmon from Dorbickmon's control, and now he's helped them out a bit by giving them a ride to Bagramon's castle But with the Demon Lords gone and just Bagramon remaining, he's about to pull all the stops. Just who is this loyal servant of his that he's sending after them along with AxeKnightmon? And what exactly is Boltboutamon planning? Things are about to get serious, so be ready for it.)

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

digimonDOTwikiaDOTcom/wiki/Komondomon