Mark Of the Demon Lord

by Super Shadowsonic

The Seven Great Demon Lords have existed for eons. A natural part of the world, but no one knows why. Some are born in darkness, others once angels turned into demons never to be angels again. Once you fall there's no return to grace. What you once were is lost to darkness. Maybe a small light can lead the way to a brand new world, or will it lead to the greatest fall of all?

29. Gods and Monsters

Mark of the Demon Lord part 29

"Gods and Monsters,"

Daemon and TK are forced through a portal of swirling light. It was a disorienting experience as they are flung through the wormhole. Daemon orients himself enough to move forward. He holds TK in his arms as they suddenly are affronted with a blinding light. It was then that Daemon crashes to the ground on his feet cracking the stone floor upon his landing.

"TK are you…unharmed?" Daemon questions the boy in his arms. TK looks up at Daemon, the true face of the Demon Lord of Wrath. It was odd since when he first saw the true face of Daemon back at the castle, he was honestly rather terrified at the sight. He looked like the monster that would chase you in your nightmares. However, looking at this monstrous visage now, he oddly feels calm.

"I'm alright, just a little dizzy," TK responds finally.

"Good, stay there for now," Daemon says placing the small boy on his shoulder again. TK grasp Daemon's horn balance himself on the Digimon's shoulder. With TK secure Daemon finally looks around to see where it is they ended up. It appeared as if they landed in a wasteland. Daemon's eyes see the fluttering of data particles on the wind, the ground often pulsating with digital ley lines and the shining sun above his head. Daemon takes all these things in as he stares around himself.

"This is the world of Light, the real Digital World," Daemon mutters.

"I thought you said it was really hard to leave the dark world?" TK asks.

"Normally, for beings not as powerful as the Great Demon Lords it is impossible. However, in this instant I believe there was a bit of divine intervention." At his words a shadow is casts over them. They both look up to see the large being that is Azulongmon flying overhead. He is quickly joined by Zhuqiaomon. Daemon turns his head forward to see the other sovereign, Baihumon approach and with him is Ebonwumon. "Well, this is quite the surprise…"

"It is now time to provide answers for your actions Daemon," Azulongmon states with authority in his voice.

"Last I checked, sovereign, I do not answer to you," Daemon responds.

"Don't be foolish. You've been tearing apart the Dark Area," One of Ebonwumon's heads states. "Normally we wouldn't involve ourselves in the politics of the Dark Area, unless it may have some drastic effect on our world." The other finishes.

"Depending on your answers, we will simply let you be," Baihumon states.

"If not, your fate is sealed…" Zhuqiaomon growls.

"So it's a trial then," Daemon surmises. "I'll humor you I suppose."

"Humor us?!" Baihumon growls.

"Release the child from your hold Daemon," Azulongmon states cutting in.

"Are you suggesting that I have taken control of TK's mind while he has been in my charge?" Daemon questions.

"How could he not be!? I am aware of your history with the Powers of Hope. How you have manipulated that power and those who wielded it," Azulongmon states.

"What does he mean?" TK asks.

"He is referring to my history. Often when confronted with creatures who represent Hope, I have seen to their downfall."

"A fall from grace…" TK says.

"Exactly," Baihumon states. "You are not the first being he has manipulated in such a way."

"It is only a matter of time till he takes all sense of self you may have. Whatever you think you're feeling we guarantee you it is not the case!" Baihumon states.

"Were there others?" TK asks Daemon.

"Many others. Many humans and Digimon I have used and manipulated for my goals. Some I had to coax with kind words, others I had forced, but there were many," Daemon explains.

"Straight from the source! Now stand aside child," Zhuqiaomon orders.

TK looks at Daemon for a few moments then back at the Sovereign Digimon. "Daemon will destroy everyone, but with me he won't."

"You believe you can restrain him?" Baihumon questions.

"He's asking if you can stop me," Daemon supplies knowing TK didn't know what restrained meant.

"Daemon wasn't always a bad guy though!" TK exclaims.

"That doesn't change what he is now child," Azulongmon says. "It is all an act."

"Partners are supposed to help each other be better!" TK exclaims.

"Partners?" all four of them questioned.

"That is correct," Daemon says as he folds his arms. "Through TK I have learned why it is you creatures' value human partners with Digimon. The connection is very powerful, but not one that can be easily built through superficial means. Though I have manipulated many, I would NEVER consider them my partners. TK is the first. It is an annoyance at times of having the powerful urge to protect the child, but it is an urge I have succumbed to."

"Your words mean nothing, Demon Lord," Baihumon remarks.

"Great Demon Lords don't make a habit of lying," TK quickly spoke up.

"The idea that I actually am entertaining this trial of sorts should speak volumes I would think. Normally, with the new power at my disposal I'd sooner use it against you then entertain this," Daemon growls.

"And why is it that you humor us?" Ebonwumon asks.

"TK wishes no harm to come to you," he growls with a puff of steam seeping out his mouth. "He is actually quite opposed to violence when it can be helped. It is quite vexing to a me," Daemon growls. TK smirks nudging Daemon's head gently. Daemon glances at the boy with a side glare before relaxing a bit, only letting out another puff of smoke from his mouth to show his distaste.

Lucemon chuckles from within them.

"I find this hard to believe…" Azulongmon states.

"Well, I don't care if you do." Daemon responds simply.

"So, the child wishes to share in your fate. So be it, then why have you been collecting the Sin Crests?" Zhuqiaomon questions.

"To claim power, obviously." Daemon said simply.

"Power for what?" he demands.

Daemon smirks, "I existed before the Sovereign claimed reign of the North, The East, The South, and The West. Once serving as the closets being to ever come close to God in our world. I saw to the organization of the first Holy Knights. I witnessed legends being born, and legends fall. We have a rich history together whether you believe it or not."

"Your point Daemon," Zhuqiaomon growls.

"I wish to challenge the order of this world, in other words. I want to see to the destruction of our God, and the defeat of Huanglongmon."

-000-

Choasmon appears bringing with him a force of nature as the wind whips around him. The mostly stilled waters began to ripple and swirl at his very presence. The water smashing against the beach as it is carried by the wind. The atmosphere becomes heavy with a sense of uncertainty. The being in white floats forward even as the winds smash against his armor, and the rain drizzles off of him. Raining down on his form as the water slides down his stilted form. The Digimon wields a BanchoLeomon head on one arm, and Darkdramon cannon head on his other. His face concealed in a helmet with only his yellow eyes shining through. The waters around him part at his entrance scattering the denizens of the sea. Without their master Leviamon there to command them, they all scatter into the waves. At the very least they were out of the way as Choasmon approaches the group of digital heroes slowly.

"Damn it…" Beelzemon grunts in distaste. "Ear muffs you two," Beelzemon says to his partners. At command both Ai and Mako cover their ears. "This sonuva bitch is gonna cause us a mess of fucking headaches." He growls.

"Who is that?" Sakuyamon questions.

"An agent of Plutomon," Beelzemon remarks.

"Before anyone gets too hasty, let me try something," Angewomon says flying toward Chaosmon. "Ah, Kari stay with your brother," Angewomon uses his powers to float the young girl over to Wargreymon. Once Tai has a hold of his sister, she continues moving toward Chaosmon.

"You're wasting your time!" Beelzemon called out.

She ignores him as she approaches Chaosmon and before floating before the being clothed in white, "Hello Chaosmon, Plutomon had hinted at you making an appearance here."

Chaosmon regards her, "I am here to pass my lords judgment."

"Yes, but as you can see, we've done exactly what we told Plutomon. We attacked Leviamon and have taken claim of his crest. There is no need for any kind of judgment."

"Lord Plutomon does not trust this group of humans. He had assumed that Leaviamon would drown you all and that would be the end of it. However, as you have all survived and even achieved your goal. It is ill advised to allow you to continue your path of destruction."

"But who has suffered from our actions?"

"That is not the POINT!" Choasmon exclaims. "Demon Lords CAN'T be trusted. Laws of world. Plutomon wants me to see judgment is made."

"Even to me, a being of goodness," Angewomon says glowing. "Surely a being of goodness like me aligning with all those around me should be proof our cause is just."

"Ah…that is a good point…" Chaosmon says placing a hand to his chin seemingly thinking on this information. "Angewomon are known to be treated as beings of goodness. Angels are not evil…"

"Get ready," Beelzemon mutters to those around him as he raises his cannon arm.

"Exactly, so trust me," Angewomon says.

Chaosmon's Bantyo Blade jets out the BanchoLeomon head which makes Angewomon flinch back a bit. "But you are working alongside Demons. Ah this so complicated! Trust angels, kill demons, but what to do if they are both!? UGH! So difficult!"

"Chaosmon…" She mutters.

"Then I'll carve out all demons! Judgment still be done! YES! I'll do that!" He suddenly flies right past Angemon.

"Negotiations have failed!" Beelzemon exclaims as his cannon was ready to fire, as he trained it on Chaosmon. "Corona Blaster!"

Chaosmon strikes with his sword meeting the energy blast head on. Splitting the beam as he moves toward Beelzemon. Beelzemon dives to the side avoiding the flaming sword aimed for his head. Beelzemon flies back grabbing his shot gun on his thigh. "Double Impact!" he exclaims shooting forward at Chaosmon as he falls back.

Chaosmon uses his sword to deflect the bullets aimed at him as he swiftly moves unimpeded as he charges forward. "Bantyo Blade!" Chaosmon exclaims alighting his sword on fire as he moves to cleave Beelzemon in half.

"Hold it!" ShineGreymon exclaims blocking the attack with his GeoGrey Sword.

"Back off!" Marcus exclaims leaping off his Digimon's shoulder to deliver a hard right cross into Chaosmon's face. The Darkdramon mouth opens unleashing a blast of air pressure that knocks him away.

"Boss!" ShineGreymon exclaims distracted. Chaosmon delivers a hard knee into the side of the ShineGreymon than shoves him away.

"Amethyst Mandela!" Sakuyamon exclaims.

"Shield of the Just!"

"Gargo Missiles!"

Chaosmon dodges the energy attacks, but the missiles follow him in as he retreats. With two blinding fast swipes of his sword, he dispatches the missiles easily destroying them and imploding before they hit their target. Chaosmon flies through the dust cloud focusing back on Beelzemon.

"Stop it!" Angewomon exclaims flying in between him and Beelzemon. "This battle is pointless!"

"Stand aside," Chaosmon says as he warps away to move around her before she could react. He kicks her in the back before moving toward Beelzemon. Beelzemon summons his wings as he retracts his blaster before flying up avoiding another sword aimed at his throat. As he falls back Chaosmon presses his attack swinging his sword with elegance and grace. He was stiff but each movement flowed into the next.

"Gale Claw!" MirageGaogamon exclaims. The large claws made Chaosmon raise his sword to block the attack. The two engage in a fast succession of clashes. Despite being against an opponent with two bladed weapons, Chaosmon is able to fight off the other mega. Chaosmon catches the claws on his blade before swinging hard to about face MirageGogamon. He shoots out another shockwave from his DarkDramon cannon head, knocking the capped Digimon away.

"We can probably take him if we all rush him…" Aldamon mutters.

"Some of us are still a little whipped out after that battle ya know," Beowulfmon points out. At this Aldamon takes stock of their fighters, and true to his observation many of the Digimon may retaining their mega form or ultimate forms, they were all still trying to catch their bearings.

"We also need to figure out what happened to TK," KorIkkakumon points out.

"Pretty sure some of the others are already all over that Tommy," Beetlemon points out. True to his words, the Crest wielders were grilling the Fusion Digidestined on what happened. "If anyone can fight, go ahead. This guy seems tough, so let's not be reckless!"

"Listen to JP making sense," Zephyrmon states flying forward to aid in the fight.

"Thanks I…hey!" Beetlemon exclaims following after her.

With the crest Wielders, it was Matt who is demanding answers. He is backed by Izzy, Joe, and Mimi. They each wanted to know what happened to their friend/teammate/little brother of their group and understand the exact danger that they are in.

"What did you guys do!?" Matt demands.

"We honestly don't know how that happened!" Davis says flailing his hands, as if trying to wave off the accusations.

"Whatever happened made our Digimon change back too…" Cody mutters from his crouched position next to his partner as places a hand on Armadillomon who lay prone on the ground. Their Digimon were all exhausted because whatever it was that happened forced them into their lower forms.

"Maybe it was the Sovereigns," Ken mentions with Wormon in his arms. "We didn't do that, I promise you."

"Didn't you guys attack TK on sight?" Matt questions.

"Yeah, but that was before we understood what was going on," Takeru says stepping forward. "The Sovereign made it sound like your TK was under mind control. They wanted us to create a gate to bring Daemon to them so they could deal with him and free TK. Right when he got the crest our D-3's reacted, but we don't know why."

"Well can't you make another one?" Matt demands.

"Uh…I don't know…" he responds looking at his group.

"Do you know where he is?" Mimi asks.

"Well, we assume they're with the Sovereigns right about now based on how the portal was supposed to work," Yolei responds.

"And where are they?" Matt demands.

"Probably in the proper Digital World," Izzy suggests. "If the Sovereign brought TK to them, then that may be where he is. Maybe we can open a gateway there again," Izzy mutters opening his laptop. "Daemon mentioned that travel between the Dark Area and the Digital World is within a Great Demon Lord's power, so it would take those at that level to make this happen. With all of us here we should be able to do the same most likely."

A powerful shockwave grabs everyone's attention. They look up seeing Chaosmon swarmed by the other Digital Heroes. Chaosmon despite being outnumbered was still fighting to a standstill even seemingly as if he was holding back as many are knocked away as he still tries to zero in on Beelzemon.

"Matt," MetalGarurumon speaks up approaching his partner. Matt turns his attention to him. "I want to make sure TK is safe as well. However, with Chaosmon here, it could be more difficult to save him…" Matt stares at his partner as his partner stares back. A sort of understanding is forged between the look they were giving each other.

Matt sighs, "You're right…"

"Just leave it to us!" Yolei exclaims. She moves to place down her partner against Armadillomon, gently, before moving over toward Izzy. "Let me see," She says. Izzy seems to balk at her approach and at her asking for his computer. "I have an idea. If we need to get to the Digital World, I may be able to code a gateway into your computer."

"You can do that?" Joe asks.

"We basically go to the Digital World daily. The portal was something our Izzy coded, but I've had a good look at it. I should be able to code something similar for this situation. Just give me some time," Yolei gestures for Izzy to hand over his laptop. Izzy is hesitant but after glancing at Matt, who nods, Izzy hands over his laptop but staying close as Yolei begins typing on the keys rapidly.

"Alright, let me know when its done," Matt says before mounting his partner. MetalGarurmon rushes off into the air. Matt looks on the battle seeing no one is strong enough to push back Chaosmon. Suddenly Chaosmon flies into the air above everyone, the shockwave of his ascent startles everyone. Once above he points his cannon arm down. "Dark Prominence!"

After his words a large orb of dark energy comes soaring down towards them. Chaosmon unsheathes his sword flying after it. "Ban-Tyo Blade!" he exclaims slashing the energy orb to pieces creating a powerful blast of energy that knocks everyone away instantly. It also caused everyone to be knocked back into their base forms. The only ones who remain are Beelzemon and Angewomon.

"Tai what should we do?" Wargreymon questions as he refrained from getting in the fight since he had Kari and Tai with him.

"I'm not-," he begins.

"Tai!" Matt exclaims flying on his partner. The two meet eyes and Tai already knew what he was thinking. Tai only needs to nod.

"Let's set Kari down," Tai says. Wargreymon instantly understands what the plan is as he moves to do just that.

"Now for the final judgment," Chosmon says dashing in the air as he flies forward.

Beelzemon sighs before his eyes glow. Suddenly Ai and Mako float away from their Digimon, both in protest as they flail about not wanting to be away from him. They are moved back until they are with the crest wielders and the fusion Digidestined. They probably would've ran back if Joe and Mimi didn't stop them. After safely removing them from harm Beelzemon focuses on Chaosmon. "Bring it asshole."

Angewomon sighs, "I suppose we have no choice," Angewomon looks over to Kari who was just dropped off by Wargreymon. "Please lend me your strength." Despite her quiet voice, Kari grips her Digivice in her hands and holds it tightly. It begins shining as white and black light leak out of it. "Angewomon…Fallen Down Digivolve too…" After the light fades from around her it reveals the form of the Demon Lord of Lust, "Lillithmon!"

"Well look who decided to show up!" Beelzemon smirks.

"Wargreymon…MetalGarurumon…DNA Digivolve too…!" Another blinding flash of light appears overhead as a glowing Digi-Egg appears above them. The light fades to reveal a figure cloaked in a cape. Once the cape is thrown aside it reveals the form of the Holy Knight, "Omnimon!"

Omnimon lands in front of the Demon Lord Digimon staring down Chaosmon with Tai and Matt mounted on his shoulders. "Stand down Chaosmon, this is your final warning," Omnimon states sternly.

"Oh my…its…Omegamon…or an offshoot of him. Interesting…" Chaosmon pauses before looking down before looking forward. "A Holy Knight siding with Demons is the ultimate hearsay."

"To stay loyal to one's cause is no crime," ChaosGallantmon adds as he floats above Chaosmon.

"A trader would know, huh trader!" Chaosmon exclaims jabbing his cannon arm at ChaosGallantmon. "Ya wanna fight too!"

"My lord has requested of me that none of his allies shall be destroyed this day. The very moment you cross that line, you will have me to deal with. Until then, you have them to deal with," he responds evenly. "Offshoot or not, this Omnimon has received Omegamon's blessing. Trifle with him at your own peril."

Chaosmon huffs indignantly, "Your judgment shall come soon enough. For now, these demons must be purged. Stand aside, Omnimon, as a being of light, you should stand with light as you."

Omnimon swings his arm unsheathing his grey sword, "I stand with my friends."

"Then you shall perish with them," Chaosmon responds swinging his arm to unsheathe his Ban-Tyo Blade. The two rush at each other.