After the battle against AxeKnightmon and the revived Dark Masters, the Digidestined returned to Piximon's home to rest and heal, the group tending to their injuries after the battles they had endured.

Thanks to Joe and his medical training, alongside his studies into medicine, the Digidestined of Reliability, added with the help of Gomamon, Gennai and Piximon, had prepared a variety of treatments as to help in the recovery rate and repair of the Digimon and their partners who had suffered greater at the dark hand of the Demon Lord.

"Ouch! Take it easy, Sora. That stuff seriously stings." Tai let out as Sora set a bandage around the Digidestined of Courage's right arm.

Apologizing, Sora looked over Tai, finding herself a little distracted to find the brunette wasn't wearing his shirt, allowing the Digidestined of Love to take in and admire Tai's body.

"C'mon, Tai. Don't be such a baby. Take it like a man..." Matt began to say, teasing the Digidestined of Courage a little, only to then flinch a little as Jun tightened the bandage around Matt's chest.

"You shouldn't laugh at your friends." The maroon haired girl scolded, her words agreed by Renamon, who nodded in reply, as she removed Gabumon's pelt, much to the Digimon of Friendship's embarrassment.

His pelt taken away from him, most of the group stared at Gabumon, taking in his more reptilian appearance, which only furthered the blush on his face.

"You're fine, I just need to get to the bruises." Renamon said as she rolled her eyes, expressing a continued care and kindness to the Digimon of Courage, telling him. "You shouldn't be embarrassed by how you look, it's what you have on the inside that makes you who you are."

"Besides, I still see you as the sweet and kind Digimon I fell for." The vixen Digimon added, acting on her feelings as she tilted Gabumon's head to meet her own, before claiming Gabumon's lips in a sudden kiss.

Though the action surprised Gabumon a little, the warmth Renamon expressed caused the Digimon of Friendship to relax himself, to close his eyes and kiss Renamon back.

Seeing Gabumon and Renamon expressing their feelings left the other Digidestined and their partners smiling, all feeling a similar love for those close in their hearts, leaving all determined to keep fighting and to protect those they all cherished.

While the rest of the Digidestined helped Joe in his treatment toward the Digimon, Kari noticed that as Davis sat beside Veemon, the Digidestined of Miracles held a more serious expression.

"Is everything ok, Davis?" Kari asked, causing the Digidestined to turn and look at Davis and Kari, hoping everything was alright.

"I just find it a little weird is all. Isn't it strange that Lilithmon merely sent AxeKnightmon? If she wanted to destroy us, why didn't she bring out all of her forces?"

"It's how Digimon such as her and Myotismon act." Gatomon spoke up, adding as she told Kari, Davis and Veemon. "Even though they hold great amounts of power, deep down, there is a small nagging doubt, which desires further strength. Just as Myotismon kept me around to do his dirty work, Lilithmon is holding BelleStarmon in order to toy with us."

Overhearing Gatomon's words as he patched up Patamon's left wing, TK faced the Digimon of Light and asked. "You said BelleStarmon and AxeKnightmon used to be statues, right?"

To the question, Gatomon nodded in reply, a little confused as to why she had to repeat the knowledge she had already shared with her friends, that was until the Digidestined of Hope continued in his thoughts.

"When you were working under Myotismon, did you know about or hear if there were more statues like them?" TK questioned.

Understanding TK's question now, Gatomon's eyes widened as she then replied. "Yes, there were four more. I heard Myotismon saying he was planning to wake them up if his plan to rule the real world was stopped, they were to be his back up plan."

"So there are potentially four more Digimon such as BelleStarmon and AxeKnightmon under Lilithmon's command." Cody then theorized, the thought leaving most of the group with further concerns as to what they could be facing in the near future.

And thinking further on the subject, thinking the worst, Ken came to a realization, telling the others. "I have a feeling this was a distraction. Lilithmon might've sent AxeKnightmon just to keep us busy, using the time to awaken the other four Digimon!"

Looking at Gatomon, Wormmon questioned. "Do you know who the four statues were?"

In reply, Gatomon nodded her head as she tried to remember the names of the four Digimon, until she remembered as she said to the others. "Argomon, Megidramon, Blastmon and UltimateChaosdramon. These four Digimon were far too large for Myotismon to store as trophies, so he cast them aside, banishing them within the Dark Ocean."

From the mention of the names, the sound of cluttering filled the ears of the Digidestined, all turning to see Gennai, who held a great expression of worry upon his face, finding the Digital being's hands shaking the trey set with tea he was carrying.

Accompanied by Mimi and Yolei, as the girls handed the drinks to their friends, Gennai recomposed himself, looking toward the Digidestined and their partners with a returning concern.

"What's wrong, Gennai? Do you know who those Digimon are?" Cody asks in confusion, seeing Gennai really worry.

"Sadly, I do. Each were dark and powerful Digimon, who too sought control of the Digital World. Though the four held great and terrible power, they were no match for Myotismon." Gennai said in reply, his mind recalling the darker days of the Digital World, recalling how the vampiric Digimon managed to strike down all opposing him.

"Though Myotismon's power was limited, but as you all know, he wasn't the kind to fight fair. He used others as sacrifices, he exploited the emotional weaknesses of his enemies. Had the Royal Knights and the battle against the Demon Lords occurred, I fear Myotismon would've taken over the Digital World before you arrived."

Finished listening to Gennai and the past, Tai then got up from his seat, this causing the rest of the Digidestined to look at him.

"From what Gennai just said about these guys, we need to stop them along with Lilithmon. No matter what, we made a promise to Oikawa to protect the Digital World and the Real World. He gave all of his power to bring back life to the Digital world." The Digidestined of Courage then said.

In agreement with the Digidestined of Courage, turning his laptop to face his friends, Izzy then grabbed the attention of his friends.

"Thanks to Gennai and Piximon, I was able to triangulate the location of Lilithmon, but you're not going to believe where it is." Izzy informed, displaying amongst the screen of his laptop to reveal an all too familiar castle. "It appears Lilithmon has taken sanctuary within Myotismon's old castle."

"You can even see the strong dark energy circling around it, which means Lilithmon's power is growing." Tentomon added, sharing his knowledge and his worries.

Amongst the Digidestined and Digimon, none were more tense than Gatomon, the Digimon of Light finding her dark past stirring up in her head and left her a little angered at herself.

But feeling a warmth around her, seeing Kari and Veemon setting a hand upon her back, Gatomon knew she could come to terms with her past, that she was no longer Myotismon's puppet, but a chosen Digimon.

Having a location of the Demon Lord, the Digidestined all rose, with Davis holding a confidence in his stance and his expression.

"C'mon. Let's go and kick some Demon Lord butt." The Digidestined of Miracles declared, his confidence shared by Veemon and the others.

Setting off and leaving Piximon's home, staying behind, Gennai and Piximon watched as the Digidestined prepared to confront the final of Lilithmon's forces, before confronting the Demon Lord herself.

Though Gennai and Piximon held some concern for the group, to face a Demon Lord, their faith remained strong within the Digidestined, within those they were proud to call their heroes and their friends.

"I feel this will be their last journey." Gennai remarked as he expressed himself to Piximon. "I'm glad I chose them to protect the Digital World, and I have faith they will defeat Lilithmon and her evil."

"As do I, my friend." Piximon said in reply, he too sharing a similar pride toward both generations of Digidestined.

-With the Digidestined, sometime later-

Having harnessed their power together and formed Imperialdramon Dragon Mode, Davis, Ken and the other Digidestined had boarded upon the draconic Digimon, all bracing themselves as they headed toward the remains of Myotismon's castle.

Bypassing the forests, the Digidestined and Digimon could see Lilithmon's evil was taking its toll, seeing the skies blackening and the plant life around them rotting away into nothingness the closer they came toward the castle.

"Lilithmon must be stopped." Kari declared, feeling empathy for the pain of the innocent Digimon caught within the Demon Lord's darkness, which was shared amongst Gatomon and the others.

"But before we want to get to Lilithmon, we need to defeat her army, and from what Gennai told us Argomon, Megidramon, Blastmon, UltimateChaosdramon and BelleStarmon are going to be fierce opponents." Davis said in reply, overlooking Kari and the others as he added with more determination. "We'll give it our all in order to beat them."

"Guys, I can feel dark energy close by, we are getting close to the castle!" Imperialdramon: DM cut in, his warning leading the Digidestined and their partners to look over the dark horizon, seeing the pure dark aura radiating from off of the castle ruins.

"And we're not alone." Gatomon said in reply, finding a great fleet of Dark Digimon patrolling the castle walls and circling the towers of the castle, consisting of Troopmon, DarkTyrannomon and Devidramon.

Immediately taking notice of the Digidestined, the dark servants of Lilithmon charged ahead, the Troopmon rushing alongside and even boarding the DarkTyrannomon, opening fire, while the Devidramon howled fearsomely as they swept in.

"Dark Nail!" The DarkTyrannomon roared, their claws circling with auras of darkness, which they then threw toward the Digidestined.

"Crimson Claw!" The Devidramon followed, releasing crimson waves of energy from their own claws.

Between the onslaught of the DarkTyrannomon and the Devidramon, the Digidestined found the Troopmon continuing to strike, barraging Imperialdramon: DM with energy bullets.

"It's time to show Lilithmon our new power." Tai said as he overlooked Agumon with pride and confidence, reflected within the Digimon of Courage, who nodded in reply.

Acting as one, Tai and Agumon leapt from off of Imperialdramon: DM's back, the pair emanating with a growing amber aura as Tai's Digivice shone with power.

"I won't let you have all the fun, Tai." Matt said with a smile, which was then directed toward his partner. "Let's go, Gabumon!"

Loyal to their friendship, the Digidestined and Digimon of Friendship followed in Tai's gallant stead, Matt's Digivice glowing with a bright blue light as he and Gabumon joined up with the Digidestined and Digimon of Courage.

"Biomerge activate!" Tai and Matt announced together, their power expelled from the Digivices and furthered by the residual energies of the nearby Crests.

"Agumon Biomerge to... BlitzGreymon!"

"Gabumon Biomerge to... CresGarurumon!"

Now hovering before Imperialdramon, the cybernetic Digimon and the proud wolf warrior braced themselves against the darkness.

"BlitzGreymon, you take the ones in the sky." CresGarurumon said, taking the lead and drawing his crescent blade. "I'll take on the ground troops."

Having no objections to CresGarurumon, BlitzGreymon gave a small nod in reply, before shooting up and toward the Devidramon, his armour sparking as electricity circulated through his arms and body.

"Thunder Vernier!" The combined calls of Tai and Agumon bellowed, bringing forth the cannons set upon his back and opening fire upon the Devidramon, the impact and intensity of the attack leaving the Dark Digimon screeching as they were consumed within the thunder and dissolved away.

Meanwhile, trying to overwhelm CresGarurumon, the DarkTyrannomon and Troopmon circled around the Digimon of Friendship, all pouring an onslaught of firepower into their attacks.

However, holding a superior strength and speed, CresGarurumon swept around dozens of the Troopmon and their bullet blasts, causing many of the attacks to unintentionally strike down their own allies.

And even with the DarkTyrannomon releasing their flames upon the wolf warrior, CresGarurumon shot from the inferno, showing no damage to his being.

"Beast Cyclone!" The Digimon of Friendship finally declared, twirling his blade around and picking up momentum, his body spinning rapidly as a whirlwind which rushed ahead and tore through the mass of Troopmon and BlackTyrannomon, leaving no survivors.

With Lilithmon's frontline forces defeated, Imperialdramon landed on the ground, allowing the rest of the Digidestined off of his back as BlitzGreymon and CresGarurumon landed around them, reverting back to Tai, Matt and their partners.

"And that takes care of Lilithmon's welcoming party." Davis commented, only for Jun to express a seriousness and step forward.

"I don't think so." Jun commented, gesturing to the bridge and to the small green Digimon just resting in place. "It looks like we missed one."

Overlooking the small Digimon, Jun found herself cautiously approaching it.

"For a source of pure evil, it's kind of cute in its own creepy way." The maroon haired girl confessed, before she found Argomon spring to life, the mutant Digimon suddenly lunging toward her and looking to attack.

"Power Paw!" Renamon quickly announced, defending her partner as the foxy Digimon lunged at Argomon and slammed her paw into the mutant Digimon, sending Argomon flying back.

"Oh no... that's Argomon!" Gatomon yelled in concern, remembering the statue from her time serving Myotismon, adding in warning. "Don't let his size fool you, from what I heard from Wizardmon, he's really powerful in his true form!"

After Imperialdramon: DM returned back to Veemon and Wormmon, Veemon spoke up and asked. "So this guy is one of the four Digimon Lilithmon was after?"

Looking as Argomon pulled itself up, shaking off the damage, the Digidestined were then shocked as the small Digimon began to glow, before growing in size, Digivolving into a larger form.

Now matching the size of Veemon, the Digidestined and their partners found the Champion form of Argomon not only held a new appearance in its new form, but further power.

With its body taking a spherical shape, green cables spewed down from its lower body, forming into a countless mass of makeshift legs, while purple cables burst from its sides, transforming into arms, with a pair of gigantic metal pincers.

Looking upon what they assumed was Argomon's face, four eye patterns were decorated upon its body, while a vertical and horizontal line crossed over one another, which slowly split open to reveal electrified cables emerging from the makeshift mouth of the mutant Digimon.

"Now he's in his Champion form!" Gatomon let out, causing the Digidestined to realize they needed to take Argomon down before he gained more power, or duplicated too many copies of itself.

"Then I'll be..." Davis started to say, only to be cut off when TK stepped forward, followed by Matt Izzy and their partners, where TK looked back at his friends.

"We'll take care of this mess, you guys go ahead. We'll catch up after we defeat this house plant." TK said, where he noticed that Catherine and Floramon were about to join them, until he stopped then and added. "Catherine, I know you want to stay and help but I need you to help the others."

"We'll be fine, I promise." The Digidestined of Hope assured as he looked upon his girlfriend with a trusting smile.

Though not wanting to leave TK's side, but respecting her beloved's decision, Catherine gave TK a small kiss on the cheek as she and Floramon then ran towards the others.

With their friends advancing further toward the Demon Lord, TK, Izzy, Matt and their Digimon looked upon the Champion form of Argomon and his ever increasing army, finding the mutant Digimon letting out another shriek as his body glowed once again, changing into a new form, which surprised the three Digidestined.

Unlike his previous forms, what they assumed was the Ultimate form of Argomon resembled a humanoid Digimon, a pale skinned being which now held the appearance of his previous forms within what appeared to be his armour, who stared vacantly at the heroes opposing him, continuing to silently observe and monitor them.

"I had a feeling he won't be easy to beat." Patamon commented, his words agreed by TK, who withdrew his D-3 and set himself into action.

Following in TK's lead, Matt and Izzy withdrew their Digivices as the humans and their partner got ready for their fight.

"Gabumon Biomerge to... CresGarurumon!"

"Patamon Biomerge to... Seraphimon!"

"Tentomon Warp Digivolve to... HerculesKabuterimon!"

Despite knowing their foe was currently an Ultimate Level Digimon, CresGarurumon, Seraphimon and HerculesKabuterimon remained focused.

However, showing its power, four beams of dark energy shot from the eye markings upon Argomon's armour, the attack forcing HerculesKabuterimon to act fast and to grab Izzy and the rest of the humans present as to avoid their demise.

"That was too close. We need to keep an eye on this guy." Seraphimon commented, just as a swarm of Champion Level Argomon rushed toward the celestial Digimon.

But before striking, CresGarurumon shot past the mutant Digimon, his blade slicing the Argomon faction into Data particles, where he landed and said in reply. "And we need to make sure we stop these things from spreading out their numbers."

"Not to mention take out their Master, it might disrupt their coordination." CresGarurumon then said as he eyed the Ultimate Argomon, who continued to look at the heroes.

Then, out of nowhere, the Argomon army began their assault, the Champion Level Argomon splitting their heads open and releasing waves of countless cables toward the Digidestined in an attempt to restrain and eliminate their perceived foes.

"Hang on, Izzy! This is going to get rough!" HerculesKabuterimon warned as he flew into the air at great speeds, the cables remaining on HerculesKabuterimon's back and extending as they continued to chase after the Digimon of Knowledge.

"Beast Cyclone!" CresGarurumon then declared with might, swinging both his body and his blade around, which left him cutting through the Argomon's cables, before crashing into a section of the Champion Argomon army, deleting a large grouping of the Champion levels.

But even with his power, the surviving Argomon only made things harder for the heroes as they produced further copies, which too began to Digivolve.

And overlooking the leader of their collective, the Ultimate Level Argomon, the heroes knew that their battle would prove a serious challenge.

-Meanwhile-

With their friends keeping Argomon busy, the remaining Digidestined and their partners rushed towards the castle gate, ready to charge in, find the Demon Lord and put an end to her evil once and for all.

However, upon crossing into the courtyard, a loud and menacing roar caught their attention.

Looking up, Davis and the others found what looked to be a massive red dragon-like Digimon glaring down at them.

Overlooking the Dark Digimon and jumping back a little as to avoid its acidic drool, which rotted its way through the floor, Gatomon told the others with a seriousness in her voice. "That salivating salamander is Megidramon. He's one of the most dangerous Digimon in the entire Digital World! He's aggressive, furious and always seeks others to bring destruction to whoever stands in his way."

"He sounds like a real charmer." Yolei said sarcastically in reply.

"Finally! I can destroy something! Prepare to witness my power and your demise!" Megidramon bellowed in a fierce voice, adding with further rage. "When I'm done disposing of you brats, nothing will stop me from plunging this world into ruin!"

Taking out his D-3, his expression of determination, Davis moved ahead, alongside Veemon and told the others. "Go ahead. Vee and I will deal with this creep!"

"Not without us." Tai said back as he, Agumon, Sora and Biyomon all joined up with Davis, ready to help the maroon haired Digidestined in this fight.

"You better not let this overgrown lizard beat you." Jun told her younger brother, expressing a combination of love, seriousness and protectiveness in her voice, before giving Davis a more confident smile, one her sibling mirrored.

Though the Digidestined remained strong and connected to one another, Megidramon's fury grew, before the draconic Digimon acted on his rage and spread a wave of flame at the group.

Acting fast, Tai and Davis quickly held out their Digivices, which started to glow as they began their Biomerge sequence.

"Biomerge activate!" The duo called out as they and their partners were consumed in auras of pure light.

"Agumon Biomerge to… BlitzGreymon!"

"Veemon Biomerge to... UlforceVeedramon!"

Combining their forms to BlitzGreymon and UlforceVeedramon, the Digimon leapt in between Megidramon and his inferno.

"Elec Guard!"

"Tense Great Shield!"

Calling out their attacks, BlitzGreymon and UlforceVeedramon blocked the attack before the wave of fire could hit the Digidestined as two barriers formed around them, making the hazard Digimon angry as he kept up his attack.

Keeping up their barrier, BlitzGreymon and UlforceVeedramon turned toward the others, giving a small nod and signalling for their friends to break past Megidramon, who ventured deeper within the castle, to stop Lilithmon before any further darkness could consume the Digital World.

"Just be careful, for me." Kari said to Davis, Tai and Sora.

Though Kari was confident that together, Davis, Tai and Sora could defeat Megidramon, there was still part of the brunette which remained worried and protective of her beloved, her brother and one of her closest friends.

But remaining strong for them, Kari pushed past, hurrying further within the darkness to confront the Demon Lord.

Seeing a handful of his prey had escaped his wrath, Megidramon glared down upon BlitzGreymon and UlforceVeedramon.

"You're going pay for that! When I'm finished destroying you, I'll crush those pests and... Aaarh!"

Before Megidramon could finish his furious bellow, he was struck from behind as a great blaze bombarded his back.

Turning toward the attack, Megidramon snarled again, finding Phoenixmon hovering in the sky, her wings spread as she held a great passion and determination in her eyes.

"Don't forget about us." Phoenixmon said, the Digimon of Love not only holding a passion to fight as to keep UlforceVeedramon protected, but to keep a protective eye over her beloved as she and Sora looked down at BlitzGreymon.

While fighting for each other, Megidramon remained fighting for his desire for power and fury.

"Let's see if you can stop this, Megido Flame!" He declared furiously as a conflagration of deadly flames erupted from his maw and upon Phoenixmon, who swept higher into the sky as to avoid incineration.

Though Phoenixmon managed to keep up her speed and avoid the dark flames of Megidramon, the Digimon of Love winced a little as she felt the intensity of the inferno pursuing her, almost burning away at her tail feathers.

"Hey, lizard breath, pick on someone your own size!" UlforceVeedramon declared as he grabbed Megidramon's tail and used his immense strength to spin the dragon Digimon around.

From UlforceVeedramon's attack, Megidramon thrashed and snarled as he tried to fight back against his foe, but found UlforceVeedramon then let go and threw him against a wall, causing the debris to fall atop of him.

Debris now burying Megidramon, UlforceVeedramon, BlitzGreymon, Phoenixmon and Sora approached with caution as to see if the Dark Digimon had been defeated.

However, a loud roar, followed by a great explosion of dark fire let the three Digimon and Sora know their foe was still alive, before Megidramon burst forth from the rubble and looked down at the group with a further murderous fury.

"Now you're making me mad! Dragon Howling!" Megidramon bellowed as he let out a powerful sonic blast from his jaws, the echoing and piercing cry forcing Sora to cover her ears from the near deafening sonic wave.

However, as terrible as Sora felt, a sudden sense of vertigo throwing her off guard, the powerful destruction of Megidramon tore up the surrounding area, throwing her, UlforceVeedramon, BlitzGreymon and Phoenixmon flying back and crashing into the castle.

Though BlitzGreymon was thrown into the wall, pain overtaking Tai and Agumon's forms, the side to Tai refused to allow any harm to befall Sora, which BlitzGreymon pushed past his pan and caught Sora, holding her closely and carefully within his claws.

"We need to keep Sora safe and out of this fight..." Tai said with a groan through his Biomerged form, overlooking the Digidestined of Love with concern.

Though Tai and the others knew Sora and Biyomon had trained hard, this was no place for her.

Quickly taking to the air, BlitzGreymon set his claw outward, allowing Sora the chance to board and take her atop one of the walkways of the castle courtyard.

"Stay here!" Tai said through his Biomerged form, not waiting for Sora to object as BlitzGreymon flew back down and reunited with UlforceVeedramon and Phoenixmon.

Though determined to face Megidramon, the three Digimon found that their foe had disappeared, causing UlforceVeedramon to question with worry. "Where'd Megidramon run off to?"

Before the Knight Digimon could finish his thoughts, Megidramon appeared behind him, his claws brimming with dark fire as he bellowed viciously. "Hazard Slash!"

And with a fell stroke, he raked his claws along UlforceVeedramon's back, causing the Digimon of Miracles to let out a great cry of pain, not only from the sting of Megidramon's claws, but the dark flames now plaguing his body.

Concerned for their friend, but before BlitzGreymon and Phoenixmon could retaliate, Megidramon swung his tail and took a swipe at the duo, striking the Digimon down and sending them crashing back into the castle's wall once again.

"I'm gonna make you watch as I destroy your friends!" Megidramon declared with a continued rage and malice in his voice, his hatred directed to the painstricken forms of BlitzGreymon, UlforceVeedramon and Phoenixmon.

"T... that won't happen..." UlforceVeedramon groaned as he managed to pull himself to his feet, using his blades as support, an action BlitzGreymon and Phoenixmon copied as they too pushed themselves back to their feet.

Though Megidramon was indeed a powerful foe, the Digidestined weren't ready to give up just yet.

.

.

.

Meanwhile, Kari, Yolei, Jun, Cody, Ken, Joe, Mimi and their partners were racing through the hallways of the cast;e, trying to find the throne room in order to deal with Lilithmon.

Upon reaching a large room, however, the group stopped when they saw BelleStarmon and a large, crystal-like Digimon, one they assumed was Blastmon, waiting for them.

"Looks like this is the end of the line for you." BelleStarmon commented with a playful smile she held her pistols toward the heroes and heroines, while Blastmon slammed his fists together, looking ready to fight himself.

In response to their opponents, the Digidestined held their Digivices as they prepared to fight, their partners looking ready to battle the two Dark Digimon, knowing that they would have to fight in order to proceed.

With the dark forces of BelleStarmon and Blastmon, the Digidestined knew this would be a challenge.

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Author's note: To all my readers, I hope you are enjoying the story and staying safe during these tough times. Giving a heads up, Hazard Slash is oc, it is not an actual part within the series