Lord of the Nightmare Soldiers

by Alene Deirbre

when piedmon was destroyed he was forced to choose a new ruler for the nightmare soldiers, and the one he chose was Matt, but deamon wants that honor for himself. Matt/Tk brotherly stuff & Matt/Tai friendship

10. A Look Through Icy Eyes

A/N: Okay first I feel the need to apologize. I said I might not continue this and in all honesty I had every intention of stopping. There have been some problems in my home and in my personal life, and when you add that to the stress of work and school things can get a little overwhelming. However when I saw how many people reviewed, and read all the encouragement you all gave me I decided to continue. This is one of the very few things I do for personally enjoyment and the fact that it has been enjoyed by others only makes it more gratifying. So basically what I am trying to say is thank you to everyone who reviewed and yes I will finish this fic.

School starts tomorrow (* groans * I just got done with summer school a week ago) so it may take me a little bit longer to get these chapters out, but please don't give up on me. I am working very hard to get these chapters out quickly, and I will continue to work on this fic as much as possible over the school year.

There are so many things I want to say to so many people, but I don't even know where to start so I'll finish this note with this thought. I would definitely not be continuing this if it weren't for all of the encouragement (and a few death threats) that you all gave me. Enough of me though….

Disclaimer: I don't own Digimon, but I do own Matt!!! Hahaha…. Um no more espresso for me. (And I don't really own Matt: in case you were wondering.

~*~*~

The sun beat down upon the working digimon as they scrambled to finish their task before the heat of the day drove them to exhaustion. A day had passed since Yamato was announced as the Lord of the Nightmare Soldiers, and now many digimon from all over the south made their way to the north-east hoping to join the other Nightmare Soldiers in the construction the great hall. The digimon had work all through the night and now the dawn was singling a shift change. The nocturnal digimon dropped their load and headed back into the shadows of the forest before the sun rose too high, while the new digimon took up the unfinished work and prepared to build through the day.

Progress on the hall was almost unbelievable. Bullmon and Sethmon used their powerful metal limbs to brake into the mountainside, drilling deep into the cliffs until rooms began to form. Soon halls of uneven and jagged stone were formed, followed by great rooms with walls, floors, and ceilings of dark stone. The digimon drilled into the mountain until three mountains were hollowed out and separated by many rooms.

High above all of this commotion stood four figures. They leaned over the edge of the cliff watching the movement below.

"It's amazing how quickly things can get done when many work in harmony." A gruff voice commented from his view of the construction below.

"Yes," another deep but feminine voice answered proudly, "And this is only the beginning."

The conversation between the two ultimate digimon continued as they oversaw the progress the many hustling digimon below made. They discussed how large the hall would be and how beautiful it would shine once completed.

The final digimon, and smallest of the group, stood off to the side. His head hung a bit allowing his diamond eyes to survey his three companies without them noticing his stares. At first he watched as the two ultimate digimon continued their discussion on the progress of the hall, but he soon grew bored with their grand plans and random bickering. After a moment of staring he turned his attention to the final figure on the cliff.

Matt was off in his own world. His thoughts had consumed all of his attention. Thoughts that sifted from subject to subject so quickly that they mixed together forming one great fear. 'There is so much to be done, and I have so little time to do it. I can't stay here much longer I have to go back to earth…I have to check on TK.' The thoughts and worries were building up, and Matt soon grew nauseous by his own stress.

"The basic design is very simple. We hallow out the entire north-east mountain range," Ladydevimon's voice pushed its way into Matt's head, bring him out of his thoughts. "There really isn't a problem with the entrances within the valley, it's the openings outside of the walls that worry me. The hall will be open and unprotected on the outside of the valley."

"Maybe," WereGarurumon began, his voice holding great skepticism, which generally indicated the beginning of a fight between the ultimates, "But there has never been an attack on the main shore of the South, so I don't think we have to worry about it too much." He commented with a hint of arrogance.

Ladydevimon rolled her scarlet eyes in annoyance. "Well as the head of security I"

Her argument was cut off by WereGarurumon's irritated voice. "You're the head of the armies, not main land security, you can't handle both positions; especially with the threat of war constantly on us."

"Well someone has to think about these things, and I am the only one who has been putting forth the effort!" the demon shouted back and soon both she and WereGarurumon were locked in a glaring contest.

"Both of you are right."

The group of three digimon startled out of the heavy silence turned to look at Matt.

Matt had a gleam in his eyes, the gleam that appeared when the burden of a choice was lifted off his mind.

"Ladydevimon you are in charge of the armies, which means battles over shores, a task which will take up all of your time. You will have troops to train and strategies to write; you can't do that and be worried about homeland security." Matt raised a hand to his chin in thought.

In all reality his concerns where more upon his life in the real world rather then his rein in the Digital World, but he felt that as a leader he must selflessly push aside his fears and concentrate on his responsibilities.

"We need anther General, one who can take charge of homeland security." He announced his decision as he lowered his hand back to his side.

"Anyone in mind?" WereGarurumon asked as he turned his yellow eyes to the crowds of working digimon below.

Matt shook his head no to show he hadn't decided then walked towards the back of the cliff. The ledge that the four stood upon was fairly small, but large enough for a party. Matt reached the area where cliff met ledge then with an exhausted sigh he fell against the wall; his shoulders slumped as he shoved his hands into his pockets.

"Matt, maybe you should get some rest," WereGarurumon suggested as he took long strives over to were his partner stood. "You haven't slept since we first met Sorcerymon." The large werewolf stated as his yellow eyes soften at the sight of his worn friend.

Matt again did not reply verbally, he simply shook his head no, once more and continued to stare at the dust covered ground, which made up the rocky ledge.

WereGarurumon sighed in defeat, he knew arguing was useless. Matt's mind was set on completing the hall as quickly as possible, so he could secure his rein and return to the real world. Nothing, no matter how practical, was going to stand in his way of completing his task.

Ladydevimon was about to offer her agreement to the werewolf's pleas when commotion from below drew the groups attention to the working digimon.

Shouts of insults range out from the group of digimon, which had gathered. The crowd grew large as more curious workers dropped their loads and rushed to see what the commotion was about. A large circle of on watchers began to form and more insults began to fly. Voices could be heard whispering in hushed tones, as the new comers would ask others within the crowd what was happening. The circle began to grow and the three in the midst of the shouting crowd seemed oblivious to their audience.

Matt pushed himself of the wall and pulled his hands slowly from his Jean pockets. He then walked calmly to the edge of the cliff and looked down at the crowd of shouting digimon.

WereGarurumon, Ladydevimon, and Sorcerymon followed their Lord's lead and silently looked out on the gathering. None of them spoke as they watched more and more workers join the audience.

Matt watched and strained his ears to listen to the shouts. Finally he grew tired of nonsense.

"Find out what's going on." he ordered softly.

In less then a second Sorcerymon had faded from the cliff, tele-porting himself with a simple spell into the crowd.

From his place in the mess of shoving digimon Sorcerymon saw three digimon in the large circle. Apparently the three creatures were the cause of the commotion.

One of these digimon lay collapsed on the ground while two others stood over his fallen form arguing.

"If he is too weak to handle a simple task like construction then he his too weak for battle!" one of the standing digimon shouted.

"And who are you to determine what is too weak and what is not." Came the even reply.

Sorcerymon watched as more insults poured from the crowd, all directed to the yellow fox digimon defending the fallen worker.

The other standing digimon's mouth curled up in disgust as he clinched his large gray palms. "He is useless!" the Apemon growled through his sharp teeth, "He should be left to die."

The Apemon's yellow fur was now standing up all over his muscular body. He pointed a large gray finger at the lying digimon. "The weak should be left to fend for themselves."

At this many digimon shouted in agreement, however there were a few which shook their heads showing disagreement.

Sorcerymon, what's happening?

Matt's thought stretched out to the wizard digimon.

I'm not certain my Lord, let me see what else I can find out.

Come the reply. And the telepathic conversation came to an end.

"Hyogamon, and all of the weak should be whipped from this land!" the Apemon continued. "This is his own climate and he still can not handle the work."

More shouts from the crowd were heard.

The Renamon turned her almost glowing blue eyes to the painting champion. The ice ogre's large mouth hung open; his razor sharp teeth were covered in the dust of the ground, as he took in long shaky breaths. "We are one body, each of us make up a part of this body. None are exactly alike, we should be treated as individual, and operate as a body." The fox's entrancing voice reached every member of the crowd, causing many of them to fall silent.

My Lord…

Sorcerymon began.

I heard.

Came the reply before the sorcerer could continue his report.

Send the crowd back to their work, have the Apemon put on front line duty, give the Hyogamon some medical attention…and bring the Renamon to me.

Sorcerymon went over his orders in his mind making sure to log away each command before he stepped from the crowd into the midst of the circle.

All digimon fell silent once Sorcerymon had made his way to the center of the circle.

"Lord Yamato commands that you return to work."

One simple order and the crowd scampered off; some feeling guilty for abandoning their work, and others greatly curious as to what will happen to the three digimon remaining behind.

Once the crowd had vanished Sorcerymon turned his attention to the cause of the distraction.

"Apemon, I will have you work on the front line," Sorcerymon began as his crystal eyes locked with the ape's coal black ones. "The Sethmon and Bullmon need strong workers helping with the construction."

Apemon pulled himself to his full height then bowed low showing his respect for the general.

"Hale Lord Yamato, and his wise decisions." The champion stated.

Sorcerymon smiled from behind his cloth knowing that the arrogant digimon would not last long under the pressures of the front line. Sometimes the best punishment for arrogance is giving the fool exactly what they want.

A small Tapirmon came at the physic command of Sorcerymon. The little rookie placed his paws together and bowed awaiting his orders.

"Escort Apemon to the front line. Have him assist the SkullMeramon in lugging the large rocks out of the forming rooms." Sorcerymon's soft voice had an almost cold tone to it when he gave his orders, and the chill of his mystify vocals had everyone operating at full speed.

Tapirmon, having received his orders, motioned for the yellow ape to follow him. Then the two disappeared amongst the crowd of working digimon.

Sorcerymon released a tired sigh as he look towards the fallen Hyogamon. The ice ogre had pulled himself up to his knees but was still slouched with exhaustion and panting with shaky breaths. Normally the small wizard would not hesitate to heal such a lowly creature, in his mind all living beings dissevered compassion, but now he did not have the freedom he once possessed. He had power, and with power came responsibility. His responsibility was to keep face, he had an image of being a general in the most feared race of digimon and he had to uphold to the cold exterior which came with this place.

With only one snap of his fingers two Goburimon came running from their post. The small green goblins bowed then returned to their full height, which was about the height of Sorcerymon himself.

"Take this Hyogamon to the healers." The champion general ordered.

The Goburimon nodded their heads and gave a "Yes sir!" before picking up the fallen ice digimon by his shoulders and supporting him with their unusually long arms. The two-hunched digimon practically dragged the weakened champion in the direction of the healer tents. There Wizardmon and Candlemon would use their knowledge of herbs and magic to repair the damages made on the champion from the hard labor.

Renamon stood silently, with her head hung low and her muscles tensed. She was grateful that Lord Yamato had sent Socerymon to handle the disturbance. Out of all the generals she respected the champion most. In her mind Ladydevimon was far too rash, and slightly bloodthirsty. The ultimate was a great warrior but her mind rarely seemed to go beyond battle. WereGarurumon was still a mystery to the fox digimon. She knew little about him except that he was the partner of her Lord; therefore he was worthy of respect. But she had heard great things about the wizard general. He was well known for his calm rational thinking and his ability to reason under great stress. He was also known for his higher learning and his secretive ways.

"Lord Yamato wishes to speak with you, come with me."

With this command both Sorcerymon and Renamon started in the direction of the ledge where their Lord awaited them.

~*~*~

Swirls of color dashed about the sky. Blues and greens merged together whirling in circles like water pouring down a drain. The swirling navy and moss clouds blanketed the sky creating an impenetrable wall of color and evaporated air. The sun's light desperately tried to brake through the wall, but all efforts were in vain as the clouds merely grew darker and the spinning motion sped up until the whirling puffs formed funnels all around the stormy sky.

The wind picked up pushing the hot humid air around and beating it against all onlookers. The storm was frightening with streaks of lightening flashing across the sky giving the watchers one brief second of sight then returning them to the ominous dark of the atmosphere. The streaks of ice blue and vibrant pink continued to dance in the painted sky. Lighting the world then fading so quickly that you wondered if the small gift of sight had happened at all. Every flash was a sign, a warning of the next factor in the storm, thunder. The loud crashes following the light show was so strong that it shook mountains or at least it seemed this way by the group watching.

"It seems to have come out of no where." A simple statement was heard above the howling wind and booming thunder.

"Yes… it was most unexpected," came the deep reply.

"Such a show does not appear without reason." Came a third voice, one old with a heavy Irish accent.

A low growl was heard then as a fourth voice spoke. "Yes," the gruff voice began, "But what reason could possibly be found in this storm?"

"This is what we must find out." The second voice spoke again.

At this the four grew quiet. The wind continued to howl and the clouds continued to swirls. Blue and green spun in the sky; the display of color and nature was almost hypnotizing. The funnels in the sky picked up speed and it soon became evident that the barrier of clouds would not hold the forceful twisters much longer.

Perhaps the oddest thing in this storm was the fact that through it all not a single drop of rain fell. Wind blew, thunder crashed, lighting flashed, but still no rain would fall. The area, which was under attack by this relentless beating of weather, had been evacuated over and hour ago when the first signs of the unusual storm appeared. All digimon gathered what belongs they had and quickly scurried out of the valley that was receiving the strange storm. Now only four stood in the area of tropical forest and woodland mountains. The four stood on the highest mountain, which wasn't very high, but still it served its purpose for the observers, and looked out upon the vacant valley.

"Can you make anything of this?" the first voice asked hopefully.

More lightening flashed, illuminating the area for a moment. In the seconds of light four figures could be seen. One stood upon the slope on two legs. He appeared human and his white robe almost made him look like a spectre as it was tossed around his thin frame by the violent wind.

The next two figures stood upon the slope on four legs. Both were giant beasts with massive bodies, but both were so distinctly made that no connection could be found between them. One was a large tiger with massive paws, razor sharp claws, and sturdy limbs. His steel blue and snow-white fur reflected the light whenever the brief flashes occurred. The second figure was a huge turtle standing only a few feet lower then the tiger. The turtle had a brown shell and olive scales; the earthy colors showed his love for nature, however his coloring was the only normal feature he possessed. With three heads and grand oak trees growing from he's back the giant turtle was definitely an amazing sight.

The final figure took no rest on the slope of the mountains, instead his long almost transparent body floated in the sky. His blue coloring seemed to mix with the show of swirling clouds perfectly, but the small white clouds that circle his body, regardless of the atmosphere, stood out in the dark and storming day.

"I'm afraid I don't know what to make of this," the dragon in the sky began, "I have seen nothing like this before."

"Well we can be certain that it's not a natural event. Such a storm must have been caused by magic." The turtle spoke, his Irish accent dripped with a short of careless humor despite the serious moment.

A low growl was heard for the tiger once more. "This must be Deamon's doing. That demon beast should be ripped from the world!" Baihumon's gruff voice had an almost savage tint to it when he spoke of the demon lord.

"Let us not jump to conclusions my Lord." Gennai began as he pushed the hood of his white robe off his head revealing his stern face. "We must also take in account the activity in the south. If a new Lord has been chosen then we should direct our attention there."

Baihumon snarled at the digital man's warning. "Grant it that I am not pleased with how the south has been handled, but I have no reason to believe that the Nightmare Soldiers would deliberately attack us out of no where. Our brother Zhuqiaomon is wiser then you believe Gennai. He would not allow another war like before. Not under such trying times."

Gennai was silent for a moment. He's conscience told him that contradicting the Digi-God showed poor character, but his conviction told him that all evil must be eliminated. "Forgive me Master Baihumon, but from what we have seen Zhuqiaomon refuses to interfere with the doings of the south. The Nightmare Soldiers are out of control and should be stopped before they grow in power once more."

Gennai's argument seemed right, after all the Nightmare Soldiers did bring the first apocalypse upon the Digital World. But still the logic in the young man's words seemed to be diluted by the obvious resentment in his tone, and this small show of emotion brought controversy to the conversation.

"Gennai," Azulongmon began calmly, his majestic voice echoed above the wind and thunder, "I can not help but feel that there is some hiding anger in your opinion. As a guardian of the peace you should be more concerned with resolving conflicts quietly, not blazing into battle with swords gleaming and armies trampling."

Gennai was quiet. He stood upon the slope for a moment his head hung down and his eyes searched the ground for some answer to this charge. Finally the digital man seemed to give up his quest for excuses and answered the first thought which entered his mind.

"The Child of Friendship is missing."

These words came out so softly that they were barely audible against the effects of the storm.

"What!" Baihumon shouted, not in anger but in shock and confusion.

"When did this happen?" Xuanwumon asked, his calm rational voice greatly contrasting with Baihumon's gruff shouts.

"There was an attack upon earth two days ago, he disappeared sometime during it." Gennai's head was still hung low as he spoke.

"And why did you not inform us of this earlier?" Azulongmon asked gently.

Gennai's head lifted at the sound of his master's voice. "I only found out about it yesterday morning," he began as he turned back to the three Digi-Gods, "I was hoping he'd turn up before now, but there hasn't been any signs of that happening."

Azulongmon let out a tiered sigh before asking, "Why are we only learning of this now?"

Gennai's head dropped once more as he answered plainly. "I did not see the need of bothering you with such trivial things, after all it is not uncommon for this child to go missing."

Azulongmon shook his head in disapproval. "That is beside the point Gennai," he began his voice sounding sterner and even a little cold, "Your orders were to watch over the Digidestined and inform me whenever something as drastic as this happens."

Gennai nodded showing he understood. "Please forgive me Master. I should have told you."

Azulongmon nodded his head as well, but his crimson eyes soon lost their gleam of anger and returned to their compassionate glow.

"Well this is a bit of a predicament isn't it." Xuanwumon stated matter-of-factly.

"If Deamon does attack the Digidestined will be at a disadvantage. The Child of Friendship is one of the most powerful, without him they will loose one of their three megas." Baihumon spoke with worry. Out of all the Digidestined Matt had really grown on him. The boy's rebellious ways reminded him a bit of himself, of course he also favored Davis for his optimism in battle.

"But this brings us to a very interesting question," all attention returned to the large turtle as he spoke, "did Deamon have anything to do with the boy's disappearance?"

"Or perhaps this rumored new Lord is responsible." Baihumon stated reasonably. He really had no reason to suspect the south, but a Digidestined was missing and all personal feelings must be pushed away for the safety of the missing.

"It is a troublesome thing. A child has vanished, an enemy is rising, and a new ruler has possible entered the picture. Now we are left with one question, where do we go from here?"

Azulongmon's sumptuous voice left an imprint on the minds of his party, bringing their reasoning to new levels as he asked for the impossible, an answer.

The simple question meant so much more then the five little words that formed it. It was a command to solve a riddle, to seek the truth within the chaos of uncertainty.

"We could always send scouts to the South, and find out exactly what is going on there." Baihumon suggested.

Xuanwumon's first head shook in disagreement while his second head spoke. "The Nightmare Soldiers would surely notice someone outside of their race. We can't risk any digimon's life just to gather information."

"Then what do you suggest we do?" Baihumon snapped, his short temper had been driven to its limit by the un-solvable threats.

"Well I can tell all of you one thing," Azulongmon spoke braking any chances of further arguments, "scouts have been monitoring Deamon for months now, and thus far there hasn't been any dramatic changes in his preparation. However I have not received a report in several days, it is possible that the scouts I sent have been destroyed."

This announcement brought silence to the group as all their faces soften with grief.

More lightening flashed, more thunder crashed, and the group of respected beings remained silent. The swirling clouds picked up in speed, and it was obvious that several twisters had touched down in the distance.

"I have a theory…" Gennai began and waited until the eyes of the three Digi-Gods were upon him before he continued. "Perhaps this storm is here to distract us from the real problem." He paused for a moment waiting for the grand digimon to respond.

"Go on Gennai." Azulongmon commanded for the group of three.

"Deamon knows we are on to him, perhaps he sent this disturbance to distract us while he prepares a real attack, possibly an attack on earth. The Digidestined still aren't at full strength, and now one of them is missing… what better time to attack then when your opponent is away?"

"It is possible, but if that is the case then why have we not heard any signs of an attack?" Azulongmon questioned the group.

"Maybe Deamon's actions have nothing to do with the Digidestined or us." Xuanwumon stated causing bewildered looks to strain the other's faces. "What I mean is, maybe Deamon's war is with this new Lord of the Nightmare Soldiers." The giant tortuous clarified, "After all, Deamon has wanted to be in control of the South for sometime, but someone else was chosen as a candidate. Maybe his battle is against the South."

"That is possible…" Azulongmon agreed as he thought the digital god's words over carefully. "It is certainly more plausible then Deamon attacking earth."

"Yes, but that still does not explain the missing child." Baihumon reminded. The majestic tiger's yellow eyes searched Gennai's cerulean orbs for some explanation to his concern.

"I'm afraid Master Baihumon, that I have no answer to give you. There is no"

Gennai's excuses were cut off by the Digi-God of the west's angered voice.

"You know something Gennai!" the mega growled, "Or you at least suspect something. Now tell us what you know!"

Gennai coward at the metal empire digimon and his angered words. Azulongmon and Xaunwumon remained silent waiting for the Digital man to answer the infuriated tiger's demands.

"I think that…well that it is possible…" the brunette began uncertainly, "that the Child of Friendship left his world on his own, and that he may…he may have a connection to the new Lord of the Nightmare Soldier." Gennai practically shouted out his final thoughts then grew pale as he realized what he had said.

The Digi-Gods were stunned, not many things surprised them, but this news was shocking. The three megas have watched over the Digidestined from the begging of their adventures, and they felt they knew the children well enough to guess their moves and roles in the Digital World. Matt vanishing, and possibly having a connection to the Nightmare Soldiers was not only unexpected it was also disturbing.

"What has brought you to believe this?" the blue dragon broke the silence first.

"It just seems to fit; Matt was the only Digidestined present during Deamon's attacks. And now he is in the Digital World, and he didn't use a digi-port to open the gate. I'm not sure if he does have anything to do with this, but I just get this feeling that there is something more to him then we original believed. I simply feel that he will play a much larger and much more uncertain role in the Digital World then we had first thought."

Gennai summed up all of his thoughts and theories in this one short explanation then went silent waiting for some short of response.

The wind picked up some more and a warm mist began to settle upon the valley reaching its way slowly to the mountaintops. The fog was heavy, hot, and sickening. The moist air clung to hair; skin and clothes giving them a sticky saturated feeling. The storm showed no signs of ending as more funnels hit the ground ripping through the earth, tossing trees and homes around and thrashing them to the ground with heavy blows. The twisters in the valley and the green and blue swirling clouds were tolerable, but the rising mist made the climate even drearier. The air grew so thick and heavy that it began to suffocate the four watching the storm.

"This is an unusual theory, and one that mustn't be spread." Azulongmon stated matter-of-factly. "Here is what we will do. Gennai you will continue to watch over the Digidestined and see what you can find out about the missing boy. If he has not been found in three days I will go to the South and search for him there. Until then we will abide by the laws of the Digi-Core and leave the Nightmare Soldiers to their own. If Deamon shows any signs of attacking then we will have to help the reaming children as best as we can."

"Let us just hope that Deamon does not attack until the children are all together once more." Baihumon added more calmly then before.

The group said their good-byes and prepared to return to their designated post. Before they parted ways, each going to their own region, Xaunwumon turned to his friends and spoke one last thought.

"Well my friends, I believe that a new era in Digital history has begun."

~*~*~

And now Matt was alone. It wasn't strange though, he had chose to be alone, knowing that it would only last for a few minutes. After the conflict between Apemon and Renamon was settled he sent WereGarurumon to oversee the progress on the front line, making sure that no mistakes were made that could cause flaws in the structures stability. Then word came that shipments of crops were being brought in from the fields outside of the valley. Knowing that a great deal of food would be needed to keep the workers in good health, he gratefully accepted the crates of vegetables and fruit. Of course anything brought in from a different region needed inspection so he ordered Ladydevimon to tend to that small task.

And now he was alone. For a while after the two ulitmates had left he simple stood at the ledge and looked out on the valley. He watched his kingdom, his people, he stood still and silent as he watched the movement of his world. But eventually other thoughts entered his mind and he soon found himself dwelling on everything but the South.

He was exhausted, and pushed beyond human boundaries. His body was weak from work and lack of food, and his tried mind kept screaming for a brake. Begging him to shut down for a moment and simply rest, but he refused his physical needs and continued to look upon his kingdom.

Soon his tried mind made a final argument. It began to flash images of his brother and friends, it played with every fear he had and made him jump at every trick of the wind. Exhaustion leads to delusion and delusion to insanity and now Matt found himself on brink of reality.

"O bitter is it to abide

In weariness always:

At dawn to sigh for eventide,

At eventide for day.

Thy noon hath fled: thy sun hath shone.

The brightness of they day is gone:

What need to lag and linger on

Till life be cold and gray?"

The words came out as a whisper and simply saying them brought a smile to Matt's worn face. He knew that almost all the pain and weariness he felt was self-inflicted; he could pass the burden of watching over the land to another for a couple of hours. All he needed was some sleep, and the illusion, fears, and ghostly images plaguing his mind would vanish in the strength of his well rested will.

"But there is no rest for the weary…" he spoke to himself as he pulled his gaze away from the valley and turned to walk to edge of the cliff.

No one was with him now, and the feelings of loneliness and quiet now seemed strange. He fell against the cliff, hitting the stone hard enough to shoot pain through his sore back. For awhile he didn't move. He leaned against the cliff dwelling on the pain in his back and giving some relief to his tried legs.

'Construction on the hall is ahead of schedule. Food is being brought in and put into storage. A shift change is not scheduled for another couple of hours.'

The blonde thought to himself, as he went over the list of things needing to be done that day.

'I'm probably the most over worked under paid teen in the world.' He thought with a small smile.

Slowly a hand made its way from hanging loosely at his side to his pocket. His hands had changed so much over the last couple of days. The callous, but well kept limbs were now stained with dust which accumulated and then caked to his sweaty flesh. Dirt and small traces of dried blood settled on his hands and under his fingernails. Blisters and small cuts gave color to the otherwise white and brown flesh. Climbing mountains and working on the first hallowing of the hall left scares as reminders of the work passed and the work yet to come.

Matt looked down at his right hand; his eyes squinted as he looked down at the small metal instrument that seemed to find its way there on its own. It required him no thought to reach in his pocket and pull out his harmonica, overwhelming emotion was all that was needed and somehow the instrument would simply be in his hand.

Slowly the weakening teen slid down the cliff until he landed on the dusty ground. He didn't seem to care that his already torn and stained pants were now covered in a thin layer of dirt, nor did he seem to notice the growling noises his stomach was making.

All of his concentration was on the small instrument griped tightly in his hand. He soon stretched out his legs enjoying the feeling of release from the strain of standing. His legs muscles relaxed and the rest of his body followed. He never released until this moment how much he took the little things for garnet. He had been pushed to his limit and now he was grateful even for the little things like a moment of quiet or a chance to sit.

'Amazing, I use to hate just sitting, it made me feel useless and unproductive, now I think I'd sell a kidney if I could just stay like this for half an hour.'

Matt smiled; his champed lips curved up in contempt as he at last raised the small instrument in his hand to his lips. The metal on his dry lips felt cool and soothing. He blew into the harmonica a few times, testing both the instrument and his skill, seeing if either of them had changed or faded over the past few days. Once it became obvious that both his harmonica and his musical talent still remained intact he continued to blow.

At first he played a slow blues song, one of the first things he had ever learned to play on the harmonica, but he soon grew tired of the classic sound and began to change it up a bit. First a few notes that did not follow the original song, but still fit with the tone, then a few more notes until at last he was playing something totally different.

It was still a simple song, but the notes were soft and sad. It was a song he had written himself on his first journey to the Digital World, right after the incident with Puppetmon and Cherrymon.

Matt cringed slightly as the memories of what Cherrymon had done to him entered his mind, but he quickly pushed them aside and turned all of his focus to the song he was playing.

The song seemed to carry itself, as each soulful note floated from the harmonica to the air. The notes filled the tainted air bring a small sincere purity to the air. Much like the purity in Matt's heart, they clogged the cold world with a small second of genuine love and friendship before getting caught by the vicious wind and being tossed about until they were diluted with the poison of the world. But still this didn't bother Matt, he continued to play reveling in the small comfort his music gave him.

The sound of two sets of feet softly pounding up the mountainside brought Matt out of his music. He wasn't certain how long he had been play his harmonica, but the small metal instrument had done more then his wishes. The time of sitting gave his body new strength and the time of silence cleared him troubled mind a bit. The time of play the harmonica did wonders, poring out all of the aggression, anger, fear, and depression that the blonde had been holding inside. It channeled all of his emotions and with each blew it felt like he had blown out a small piece of the darkness within him.

Now he had lowered the instrument to his lap and sat quietly. His only thoughts were of breathing, breathing in the cool fresh mountain air. He had blown out most of his sorrow, now he was ready to breathe in new strength.

The footsteps of the mountainside grew louder indicating that the two traveling up the mountain were getting closer to the ledge.

Matt breathed in deeply, taking in the new air of his home, and released, letting out the little frustration he had left. Then he stood, with one last reluctant but grateful look he returned his harmonica to its respected place in his pocket, and turned so that he could greet the new comers which were now climbing over the last set of boulders before they reached the ledge.

Sorcerymon and Renamon made their way up the remainder of the mountain. At first the two digimon traveled by foot, since the cliff wasn't very step or rocky, but as they reached the top they began to use other methods of travel. Sorcerymon lifted from the ground and floated slowly over the obstacles of rock, while Renamon hoped from one bolder to another with perfect grace and ease.

Finally the two digimon reached the ledge and were greeted by a standing Matt.

Matt stood on the ledge holding his body up to its full height. His eyes watched the two digimon as they approached him. The cerulean orbs were cold and held a darker tint to them then usual. His face was set and impassive, and his arms were crossed over his chest as he fixed his gaze on the fox digimon.

Both Renamon and Sorcerymon bowed low and remained that way until Matt spoke.

"Leave us."

The blonde ordered, his voice sounding so icy that it sent shivers down both the digimon spines.

Sorcerymon pulled himself up to his full height knowing that the commanded was meant for him. At first he thought that his lord was going to commend the rookie digimon for her boldness and compassion, but the cold expression chiseled on the teen's face seemed to say otherwise.

Sorcerymon did not feel that the Renamon deserved any punishment, even if she had done something wrong, but still he was not going to argue with his Lord's orders. So with a nod the wizard digimon stepped off the ledge and floated down to the valley floor. He stood still on the ground for a moment as he tried to shake off the feeling that his Lord's eyes had sent through him. Once he felt he had control over his mind again he headed into the crowd preparing to over-see the outer construction of the hall.

For a moment Matt did not move. The Renamon still kneeled upon the dusty ground, her head hung down in both respect and fear. The teen's eyes of ice were still locked on her and his expression had not changed.

"So this is the rookie that caused all that commotion earlier." Matt's voice was low and held a hint of mockery.

The Renamon did not respond nor did she flinch under Matt's looming form. Her outside remained still and quiet, while her inside secretly coward, not in fear of pain or cruelty, but in fear and reverence of her Lord, who now seemed so much more untouchable then before.

"Well stand up," Matt ordered his voice still mocking, but not quite as low, "or at least look at me when I speak to you."

The second command came out much colder and immediately the Renamon was on her feet, though her head still hung low.

At last Matt moved. He dropped his arms to the side and paced a few steps before stopping once more. His eyes were still blanketed in an icy glare, while his lips curled up in an amused smirk.

"Am I really so repulsive, that you won't even look at me?" he asked this time his voice was not cold, and the jeering words were directed more at himself rather then the fox.

He knew that at this point he must look like gutter trash, with his hair dirty and matted, dust collecting on his skin, and his clothes torn and tattered, but still he found some humor in this. He was always known for his sharp clean well groomed look, and now he was in the middle of the most important thing he had ever done in his life and he looked like filth that just pulled itself out of a decaying cardboard box.

'Just goes to show that you can't judge things by their appearances, nor is goodness only found in beautiful things.'

Renamon brought her head up so that she could meet the eyes of the Digidestined of Friendship. Her neon blue eyes glowed from their black sockets and once she meet Yamato's gaze she could not tear herself away.

Matt looked into the fox, he could feel all the uncertainty that the rookie was feeling and he could tell that part of her was entranced by him while the other part was terrified.

"You caused a lot of problems today." Matt stated matter-of-factly as he began to pace once more. "You broke your line in work" he started his voice rising a little, "You distracted other workers" the words were coming out harsher now, "and you did all of this for what? For a worthless champion who could not even handle the work in his own region."

Renamon's head hung low once more as she was now afraid to look in her infuriated Lord's eyes.

"Well how do you answer to this?" the teen's voice lowered back to a talking level, but the question still came out cold and angered.

"Why is he worthless?"

The reply came out as barely a whisper.

"What?" Matt asked, he hadn't expected that answer. His voice was still cold, but his eyes had softened a bit.

"Why is he worthless? The labor was hard; he carried more then his share... And not every creature is built for labor." Renamon spoke softly, though it was easy to tell that she was steadily growing angry.

She had great respect for her Lord, but in her mind compassion to your own was more important then completing a grand hall.

Matt mentally smiled, but his face remained stern.

"And who are you to determined if it was his share or not?" the teen retorted.

"Forgive me my Lord." Renamon replied as she bowed low showing that she meant no disrespect.

Matt nodded accepting her apology.

Renamon returned to her full height and for a moment she simply stared at Matt. Matt returned her gaze, but with less interest.

Finally the blonde grew tired of the staring contest and pulled his eyes away. Then he walked pass the fox like digimon to the edge of the ledge.

Renamon watched the teen closely. When he was on Trica's Citadel, standing before the multitude of Nightmare Soldiers, he seemed so out of place. Not in the since that he didn't belong in the South, but simply out of place in life. He was like a ray of light, untainted and beautiful, amidst the cruel shadowed worlds. To the fox this was so unusual, even in the human world. And her Lord seemed to exist in a dimension all its own. In a world where he could see everything, feel everything, and effect everything, without want of praise or even acknowledgment.

But now Matt no longer stood proudly upon the sacred cliffs, now he was reachable.

"Why do you care?"

Renamon was brought out of her thoughts as Yamato's voice reached her ears. His voice no longer sounded cold or harsh, but it was soft; so soft that Renamon was certain that without her advanced sense of hearing the words would not have reached her.

"My Lord?" she asked, uncertain of what he meant.

Matt still did not turn to face the rookie; he kept his eyes upon the valley floor and his back turned towards her.

"Why do you care about what happens to an ogre digimon? You are even a lower level yet you did not pass out from the work." Matt's voice was still soft and the aggression in his tone was replaced by an uncertain, searching air.

Renamon was confused; she couldn't understand how Matt's voice could go from cruel to gentle so quickly.

"Compassion is not truly compassion if it is only for a select few. If it is going to be given then it should be given to all, not just those who suffer, and not just those who deserve it."

All was quiet after Renamon gave her explanation.

Matt was silent, his back was still turned, and he still seemed lost in his own thoughts.

Soon the quiet became over powering. The uncertainty and silence hung in the air like a film coating the two in a sticky inescapable moment. But this coating weighed down too heavily on Matt, and he soon grew tiered of the silence.

"Uniquely put."

He finally stated as answer to Renamon's earlier words.

"Is there a better way to put it, my Lord?" the yellow fox asked in genuine curiosity.

A small almost remorseful chuckle escaped Matt's lips as he turned to face the rookie.

"Better no, simpler yes." Came the answer as Matt walked away from the ledge of the cliff.

Renamon could only raise an eyebrow at her Lord's words.

Matt noticed the digimon's confusion and decided to explain what he meant. "A simpler way to put it would be, if he deserved it then it would not be compassion."

Renamon was now very lost. Yamato's mood seemed to have turned around completely, as he went from cold and angered to quiet and gentle. His body was no longer tensed with aggression, nor was his voice cold and low. He spoke as he normally did, quietly. But the most dramatic change was his eyes. The icy glare had faded and was replaced by a warm, kind stare. The color of his eyes was no longer dark and clouded, but had returned to the soft by intense blue that they generally were.

"I don't understand…?" Renamon explained as she tried to piece together what her Lord's sudden mood swing could mean.

Matt laughed not in amusement but in a sincere happiness. "I had to be certain." He explained as he flashed her a mischievous grin, "and now I am."

"I…" the fox digimon began, but was cut off.

"I needed to make sure you were the one I was looking for, and the fact that you didn't sacrifice your morals out of fear or greed proves that you are perfect for the job." Matt replied his voice still light with laughter.

"Job?" Renamon asked suspiciously.

Matt's smiled widened. "Renamon I would like you to be my final general."

Renamon was shocked; as was obvious by the way she stammered backwards a few steps.

"I needed a digimon I could trust, and I have found that in you."

"My Lord,… I am a simple rookie. A low level, and it is very unlikely that I will evolve further." The yellow fox tried to explain rationally, although she was still taken back by the teen's request.

Matt's smile dropped a little, but his eyes still glistened with glee.

"Renamon," Yamato began softly, "in life we are given very few chances to do something great. We spend our life waiting and waiting for that one moment where we can make the decision that will ultimately shape who we are. We wait and we tell ourselves that when that moment comes everything will be right. But then the chance does arrive and we don't see it because we're too busy looking for something grand and breath taking, or we do see it and we gather this idea that we are too weak. Then the moment passes us by and we never get a chance like it again. Well this is your moment; this is where you will make the decision that will stay with you forever. No one knows of my decision, and I won't look down upon if you choose not to accept the position. Whatever you do it must be your choice, and it must be what you truly want to do." Matt stopped for a second, taking a deep breath before he added this finally thought.

"We are all the same in the end, we are all searching for our place in the universes. Just make sure that when the door to your place opens you are not too distracted or too afraid to walk in. Because once that moment ends and the door is shut, all you'll be left with is regret and emptiness."

Renamon was silent, now her mind was racing with new information, fear, doubt, and in the middle of all of that was that one question, "will I go in?".

Matt was quiet, he watched as Renamon's bright blue eyes dashed from on pebble on the ground to another. The fox like digimon seemed to have all her focus on the gravel and dust covered ledge, and it felt as though she was asking the slab of rock for the answer to her question.

'This is my path, my door, and this is my chance, my chance to make a difference in this rising kingdom.'

"Lord Yamato," Renamon at last began, "I would be honored to serve as your final general." The fox's words came out firm, as she looked her Lord in the eyes then bowed low homage.

Matt's face lit up and a smile spread across his once worn features. He clapped his hands together once, then held his two palms for a moment. "Great!" he stated cheerfully, his voice loosing any commanding tone it once had.

Renamon looked up and couldn't help but crack a small smile at the teen's enthusiasm.

Sorcerymon…

Matt thought, calling out to his third general.

My Lord

Came the reluctant reply. Sorcerymon was still uncertain of what Matt had planed to do with Renamon, and that uncertainty clearly showed in his tone.

I want you, WereGarurumon, and Ladydevimon to return to the ledge. I have something to speak with you about.

Matt answered, ignoring the fright Sorcerymon was trying so hard to control.

As you wish

Sorcerymon answered and then the conversation ended as the wizard went to carry out his orders and Matt returned his attention to Renamon.

'I have really got to get Sorcerymon to lighten up a bit.' Matt thought to himself with a smirk.

Matt was about to speak with Renamon about some of her duties when suddenly three white flashes appeared. The three rays of light settled on the ledge for a moment, temporarily preventing both Matt and Renamon from seeing, then faded leaving three digimon in there place.

Matt smiled in greeting of the three new comers.

"That was quick." He spoke to Socerymon with a smile.

Sorcerymon nodded his head and tried not to laugh. When he transported the two ultimates and himself to the ledge, he was certain that he'd find his Lord in the same cold state, but the smile plastered on Matt's face, and the ease in the air made it obvious that the teen was not angered any longer.

'That is, if he was truly angered at all.' The wizard thought to himself.

"You couldn't have waited five minutes?" Ladydevimon asked looking at Matt in annoyance. "I had one last crate to inspect and then I would have been done, but you just had to have your little meeting now, didn't you."

The female demon now had her long arms crossed over her chest with her scarlet nails taping on the leather sleeves of her cat suit impatiently.

Matt quickly fell into mock defense. "Don't look at me, I asked Sorcerymon to go get you. I didn't expect the three of you to just pop in like that."

Ladydevimon then turned her irritated glare to Sorcerymon, who had his gloved hands up protectively, bracing himself for the verbal attack that was sure to come.

"Well I for one am glad you called this meeting. There is an Apemon on the front line that keeps bossing everyone around. I wall really growing impatient with him." WereGarurumon stated stepping into the conversation before Ladydevimon could throw any insults at the small wizard.

Matt cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention to him before WereGarurumon and Ladydevimon could brake into another argument.

"I have called the three of you back to make an announcement." He explained his voice rising over the sound of construction below. "I have chosen the Nightmare Soldier's final general." He announced his voice commanding and firm, but still friendly.

"Who?" Ladydevimon asked with a smile, excited to see who her new comrade would be.

Matt smiled then raised a hand and gestured to Renamon, who had gone unnoticed since the three generals arrived.

WereGarurumon, Ladydevimon, and Sorcerymon turned their heads in unison to see the yellow fox standing off to the side timidly.

Renamon not only felt uncomfortable, but also out of place. Matt and the other three generals were obviously very close; as was evident by the way they treated the teen more like a friend then a Lord.

She was also very surprised. The three generals arrived and immediately they began joking and arguing with each other and their Lord like siblings.

"Renamon will be in charge of homeland security as well as my personal security." Matt went on explaining the rookie's purpose.

Matt was done with his speech, and went quiet. He didn't need to give the generals an explanation as to why he chose Renamon, although he would if asked, but since none of his comrades seemed overly interested he simply stopped. His generals never questioned his decision, so they weren't about to begin now.

"Well, congratulation Renamon!" WereGarurumon began his snout spread out a bit as he offered the quiet rookie a grin. "I'm sure you will do a fine job." He stated with encouragement.

Sorcerymon, who was always the quiet one in the group, nodded in agreement with the higher-ranking General.

Now the group waited for Ladydevimon's response. The fallen angel gave away nothing with her composed facial expressions, and the long wait brought tension to the group.

"A rookie…" she whispered to herself in thought. Then her emotionless face shifted and a smirk appeared on her deep red lips. "I love it, diversity in levels, gender, and type."

WereGarurumon and Sorcerymon's faces dropped in astonishment. For a while the two just stared at their friend in amazement. Ladydevimon didn't seem to notice the attention she was receiving; her mind was going over the things that the generals could do for their people and their Lord.

"You know," Matt began bringing everyone's attention back to him. "I never really thought of that. We have a dark, ultimate, virus type; a humanoid, champion, data type, and now we have an animal, rookie, vaccine type."

WereGarurumon's gravely voice released something that seemed like both a growl and a chuckle. "Quite and interesting group you've brought together Matt."

"Yes" Ladydevimon agreed, and for a moment it seemed to Matt that there might be peace in the group. That is until a sly smile inched its way onto the demon's lips. "Of course you're not in that list." The white hair maiden chinned in an airy sort of way.

"Oh great…" Matt muttered under his breath as he prepared his ears for the shouts and insults that were about to fly.

"And what exactly is that suppose to mean!" WereGarurumon snarled out defensively.

"Nothing" Ladydevimon reply quickly with a candy coated tone.

"If it meant nothing then you wouldn't have said it!" WereGarurumon howled back the volume of his voice was fueled by his rising temper.

"Why can't you ever just drop things!" the fallen angel shouted back in annoyance.

"Why can't you just stop starting stuff!"

And it was on. The two ultimates continued to shout and verbally slaughter one another.

Matt sighed and then shook his head in frustration.

'It going to be one of those reins.' He thought to himself as he pressed his temples, fighting back the headache that was threatening to come on.

Renamon seemed lost. Her eyes darted back from one ultimate to the other. She was confused and a bit amused by the show the two highest generals were putting on.

Sorcerymon sighed loud enough to bring Renamon's attention to him. He waited a moment, listening two a few more of the clever insults being shouted before he smiled and addressed the fox.

"Welcome to the happy family."

And the two laughed as the ultimates fell into a staring contest, and Matt smiled slightly at all of them.

~*~*~

The black mist hung in the air obscuring images, making what was real seem fuzzy and unfocused. The chill, that always settled over the world of dark water, black mist, and decaying land, seemed stronger and more bone aching then ever. The armies of digimon lined on the beach, of gray sand and rotten driftwood, mumbled to one another in hushed voices. Each was ready for their task. Each knew that soon their master would call to them and set them loose on the human realm. And each was overwhelmed with anticipation, their bloodthirsty eyes shined with cruelty. Their dry mouths craved the taste of human flesh, and soon their master would give them what they wanted. Soon their Master would give them the human world, and they would gladly take this gift. They would seize the unsuspecting victim's drink them dry and poison their world with the black mist that clouded the beach.

Out on the ocean, many miles from the troops set upon the beach stood a palace. A fortress, with walls not built to keep intruders out, but place there to keep all victims in. Inside this palace, past the crumbling walls and through the dark halls stood four digimon.

One was a large teddy bear like figure. The puppet digimon was stitched together with dark thread, his gray fur was cores and his left hand had been ripped from his arm leaving torn fabric and leather straps in its place. He slumped over slightly, his small tattered cap moving in the wind, and his beady black eyes stood out in their bright red sockets.

The second digimon was a large dragon, with scales of firebrick red, razor sharp talons, and a slithering body. He floated an inch above the ground, his long tail twitching every few second, sending the arrowhead like razor on the tip back and forth. His wings were long and their color seemed like that of fumes from a raging fire. His rib cage was placed on the outside of his body and his thin sharp teeth and glowing yellow eyes made his face a fearful sight to behold.

Standing between the first two digimon was a small creature, but perhaps the most hideous of the four. Broad shoulders were slumped over and his head was bowed. He leaned on his bone like staff as though he was old and decrepit. His body was a bare skeleton, but his structure was not white, like most skeletons were. His body was a deep red, as though the blood that might have once existed when this creature was more alive had seeped into the white limbs and stained them as a reminder that all dead was once living. His coal black skull was all that could be seen of his head, but if he lifted it slightly then red orbs would shine from the empty black of inside his head. He stood still and quiet, paying no attention to the two beasts on either side of him.

The final digimon was Deamon, demon lord of the digital world and master of the Dark Ocean. The haunting beast stood before his three commanders, his faded, ghostly eyes gleamed with cruelty and hints of glee.

"All is in place and soon we will begin our slaughter" the mega's hallow voice dripped with his desire to crush all light. "I will make the whole human realm suffer for that boy's mistake. He has taken what is rightfully mine, and he will suffer by knowing that he brought an end to his world." The words flowed from Deamon's lips as though they he took pleasure just in saying them.

"Has word been sent on how many Nightmare Soldiers left the South?" the red dragon asked, his voice hissing out each world like a serpent.

"No Megidramon, I still awaited that report." The demon lord replied as a hint of irritation entered his cold voice.

"You can be certain it will be many, who in their right mind would serve a child." Warumonzamon stated his almost mechanic voice scratched and cracked with certain words.

Deamon laughed at the thought of the unsuspecting warriors. The grandest race of all digimon, leaving their own home, betraying their own kind. Since the beginning of time the Dark Area digimon were over looked. Their kind was considered foolish, ignorant of the ways of war and life. The demons and beast knew only of death, nothing of strategy. However the idea that Dark Area digimon were weak was never common, Apocolamon proved how power their kind was. But still they were looked down upon, always second in the line of battle.

The Nightmare Soldiers were always the most feared digimon, but soon that title would belong to Deamon and his kind. He would eliminate any speculation that the Nightmare Soldiers were greater then Dark Digimon and he would do it in the most tantalizing of ways. He would put them against one another. It was delicious, the idea of the race of warriors fighting and destroying one another.

The sound of three hits against the large iron door, to the hall, echoed out, reverberating off the walls and filling the room with a clanging ring.

"What is it!" Deamon snapped angered that his malicious thoughts were interrupted.

Slowly one of the large doors crept open. A small flame appeared first from the shadows of the passageway. Then white was seen followed by brown until a small rookie had appeared in the entrance.

"Well?" this time it was the Warumonzamon that spoke. "What do you want you pathetic slab of wax?"

"Forgive me for interrupting…" the Candlemon began fearfully, "but Ponchomon has return from the South."

"Send him in." Deamon ordered flatly.

The little Candlemon bowed and then quickly scurried out the door hoping to leave the presence of his Master and the demented doll digimon before he angered them further.

Less then a second after the rookie had vanished back into the hall the sound of goul-ish laughter flooded the room. Green smoke began to materialize to the right of the four digimon. The particles of green fumes spread and settled on the air for a moment. Then more howling laughter was heard and the green smoke began to draw in to one area, compacting itself tightly until a figure began to form. Soon the smoke became solid, or as solid as a ghost could be, and a green cactus was soon seen floating several inches above the icy stone floor.

A growl made its way from Deamon's throat as he looked upon the Mexican ghost.

"What took you so long!" the demon demanded as his hazy, gray eyes narrowed on the prickly champion.

"Forgive me master," the Ponchomon begged as he began to laugh like an insane molester who had just accomplished one of the cruelest attacks. "I was a bit delayed."

Deamon did not respond to this, but he was pleased. The eerie glee in the ghost's voice proved that he had accomplished his task.

"How many?" Warumonzamon asked excitingly, "How many left the South?"

Ponchomon laughed once more, he then did a back flip in the air. "Let's just say…more than expected." The ghost giggled then let his long red tong hang out a bit as though he were drooling at the very thought of the Nightmare Soldier's new predicament.

Warumonzamon did not seem pleased with this answer so he crossed his chubby arms over his round chest and growled in annoyance.

"A third." The Ponchomon answered finally.

Warumonzamon's mouth hung open slightly. Megidramon smiled showing off his tiny razor like teeth then hissed pleased with the number.

"Definitely more than expected." Megidramon's long fork tongue traced over his teeth once, his yellow eyes shined with deranged thoughts of war and demise.

"And has this third agreed to serve me?" the mega demon questioned bringing hid commanders attention back to the issue.

"Yes my Master." Ponchomon replied folding his body over in an unusual bow. "There were a few factions that went off on their own, but I did not count them in my figuring. If you include those Nightmare Soldiers, then over a third left."

A boisterous laugh was heard from Warumonzamon. "With so many on our side it will be easy to destroy that brat and take both his world and the Digital World. Let us move now, let us demolish them all with one shift stroke!" the gray bear waved his hand to indicate his point as his eyes softened in a daydream like state.

"Foolisssh idea…."

The group of evil companions looked to their final comrade. SkullSatanmon had not spoken or even moved during the entire debriefing. The hideous demon kept his head bowed but his hands had tightened their grasp upon his staff. His voice was cold, icy, and it sent shivers down the other commander's backs. His words flowed from his open jaw sounding like something between a whisper and a hiss.

The commanders were frozen for a moment. SkullSatanmon's voice hung in the air mingling with the wind and filling the veins of the others presence with a joint rotting chill.

After a moment of discarded thoughts the ultimate teddy bear regain composure. No longer feeling squeamish the puppet digimon growled threateningly, hoping to regain some of his pride.

"And what would you suggest we do?"

SkullSatanmon still did not move. The question was dragged out by the silence that followed. Just as it seemed that the red demon would ignore the question entirely his head moved. The black skull lifted slowly, just enough so that the top of his red glowing eyes could be seen.

"Death is too quick…. We make them suffer."

"Yes," Deamon's voice was soon heard. "We make them suffer. We force all of them, both humans and digimon to watch their home be burned. Then we hunt each man, woman, and child down and slaughter them leaving their mutilated bodies to die in the gutter, where they belong." The demon lord licked his lips as though he could taste the blood already splattered upon his face. "But first we must make this little boy suffer."

Deamon let this threat hang for a moment as he floated back to his place on the stone steps where his throne stood.

Dull gray eyes locked on the slouching demon and a smile crept upon his face. "SkullSatanmon, you know what I will have you do."

The digimon built in the image that all children saw Lucifer, looked up slowly then nodded.

"Then go." Deamon ordered. But before the almost lazy fallen angel could move his master added this last command. "And try to have a little fun while you're out."

The demented demon smiled at his lord's command then bowed before vanishing. SkullSatanmon left behind three very confused evil digimon, and one smirking Lord.

~*~*~

Matt ran his pale fingers over the smooth opal table. The table stood three inches above his waste line, the legs were elegantly carved with imprints of vines and morning glories starting from the bottom and working their way up the legs. The opal was cool under the teen's callous and scratched fingertips and he almost purred at the feeling of the gem table. He looked at his fingers once more as they streaked the white table, he noticed every feature about his hand and he took note of how much the simple limb had changed. And it was only over night. They went from simple, to battered, and now they were almost unrecognizable. His flesh was no longer dirty and his nail were trimmed and shined with health. The silver rings with strange digi-code on his thumb; first finger and ring finger caught the light, reflecting some of the dim rays, showing off just how polished they were.

Matt soon pulled his hand away from the table and walked lazily to the next article of furniture in the room. A chair, tall and carved out of dark mahogany. The legs and arms of the chair were carved with the digital constellations. Patterns of stars reached from the ground all the way up to the tall headrest. The cousin on the head and backrest was a deep blue velvet.

Matt approached the chair cautiously; he ran his fingers over one arm studding the feel of the wood and the design of the patterns. He then slowly lowered himself to the seat as though he was afraid to sit in his own chair. He rested his full weight on the chair, and the wood didn't creak from the new strain. The teen's eyes locked on the velvet seat. He could still see a great deal of the seat, a sing that the chair was much larger then needed. He lowered his hand timorously to the blue fabric, afraid that if he touched the fair chair wrong it would brake, and such a beautiful thing deserved to last forever. His fingers traced over the fabric as he looked over his new room taking in every timbre of the room.

'What is the pint in making everything so extravagant?' he asked himself with an almost bitter tone. 'A plain oak table and chair would have been fine.'

Still Matt decided not to dwell on the though of how magnificent, not to mention large, his room was. He had just woken from his first night in his new room. The hall had been completed much quicker then expected. There were a few rooms that didn't yet hold the beauty of this one, but apparently his subjects felt his room was more important then meeting halls and training grounds.

The teen ran a hand through his now clean and nicely combed blonde hair. The golden locks staid in his loose grasp for a moment before falling free from his spread finger and sliding back into their place. He was clean, feed, and now well rested. His first night in his very large bed had gone rather well. The bed rails were made of fine polished silver, and the mattress and pillows were stuffed with Swanmon feathers. All of his blankets were made of soft light material, but they kept him warmer then his electric blanket in the real world.

Matt leaned forward and picked up on of the many documents scattered on the large white table. His crystal eyes went over the words that he now had memorized. This particular bill would be the official order for the construction teams to begin work on rebuilding the four citadels surrounding Trica. He would sign it and present it to the city and tribe leaders after the hall was completely finished. That meant he had a day or two with no real work to do.

'Give a speech to the tribe of BlueMeramon from the western mountains. Brief with generals. Audience with Lords from neighboring kingdoms. That's going to be difficult. I'm just glad that these neighboring countries are all island countries. That means none of them have loyalties to any of the Digi-Gods.'

A knock on the large mahogany doors brought Matt out of his thoughts. He quickly tossed the document back to the table allowing the clipped pieces of paper to get lost amongst the rest of his scattered work. He then turned his sight to the door before answering the knock.

A simple "come in" was spoken and the door soon opened.

Large clawed paws pushed the great door open then the buff figure walked in shutting the door behind him.

"I came to see how you were doing."

Matt smiled at the sight of his partner. "A lot better now that you're here." He replied as he stood from his seat and went to greet the werewolf.

WereGarurumon smiled with pleasure. He was glad to see Matt in such health. It was amazing how one night of good sleep can make such a difference.

Matt leaned against his opal table and WereGarurumon lowered himself to the marble ground. "I know I'm a bit early for the meeting. If you would like some more time alone then I'll…."

"No" Matt replied quickly. "I mean I don't mind if you stay, I could use the company." The blonde explained. He had many advisors but none he trusted as well as his partner.

The teen liked his room a lot; it was absolutely beautiful and filled with things even the riches of kings would find wondrous. It was also surprisingly open. He had large openings on the far wall that lead to a large balcony. The view from the balcony was breath taking. His could see for miles into Forbidden Valley, but a spell from Sorcerymon prevented others from seeing him. Despite the superb quality of the room, Matt still felt it was far too large. And it seemed even larger when he was there alone.

"Have you decided to continue with your original plan?" WereGarurumon's conciliatory voice asked.

Matt did not answer right away. He dropped his head but nodded a yes so as not to keep the werewolf in suspense. "Making the decision is easy, caring it out will be the difficult part." he replied in an almost dejected tone.

"Maybe, but you are strong, and I think going back is the right thing." The ultimate encouraged as he began to trace circles on the polished marble floor.

"I suppose it would have been easier to stay here, but every time I consider it my mind screams at me, telling me how selfish I am."

WereGarurumon's head snapped up at this and he almost glared at the teen across from him. "Matt you are not selfish. You were given a very difficult decision and you made the choice that would be the most painful for you." WereGarurumon's voice was firm as he lectured the disconnected teen. "It will be difficult to handle both the struggles of the real world and the trials in this world."

"I'm just worried…" Matt began slowly as he pushed himself off the opal tall and stood. "I'm worried that I'll be in one place when I'm suppose to be in another. And then there is the others…" the Child of Friendship didn't have to finish these words, his partner knew how distressed he was about his friends.

"When do you plan to tell them?" the ultimate questioned suspiciously, knowing that if it were up to his friend the other Digidestined would never know the truth.

Matt physically flinched at this question. He really didn't want to discuss this again. He and WereGarurumon had already gotten into an argument over the issue.

"When the time is right." The teen answered calmly.

WereGarurumon raised an eyebrow showing that he wasn't satisfied with the answer. He would accept whatever Matt chose to do, but he wanted his friend to consider every opposition before deciding.

"I'll tell them when I have better control over things here. I can't go to them, tell them what's going on, and then lie to them saying everything is fine when I really don't know where we stand. Once I've gotten my rein a little more secured then I will tell them, I promise."

WereGarurumon wasn't sure if he liked this idea, but still he decided to drop the issue. It was Matt's decision and he would stand by his partner no matter what.

WereGarurumon stood from his place on the floor as he heard the sound of footsteps tapping down the hall. He looked at Matt who gave him an approving nod then he went to the door.

Ladydevimon, Sorcerymon, and Renamon were greeted by WereGarurumon before they could even reach their Lord's door. The white werewolf ushered them in then shut the door behind them.

Matt smiled kindly to his generals.

"Morning everyone." He greeted with the best optimistic tone he could force out.

Sorcerymon and Renamon both offered their good mornings then went silent.

"You know maybe we should have these morning meetings a little later in the day, say noon." Ladydevimon stated as she yawned. The fallen angel wasn't really the day type. She was use to roaming the digital world at night, and running on this new schedule was really warring down on her.

"Sorry Ladydevimon, but this won't take long." Matt apologized, knowing that the demon digimon had already been up all night over-seeing the construction of the western training grounds.

"I've called you all here today to let you know what we will be doing over the next couple of days." Matt began his speech as formally as the situation would allow. "You all know that after the hall is completely finished we will assign a regular construction team to work on the four citadels. You also know about all the meetings and events that will be occurring over the next couple of days, but what you don't know is that I am going back to earth."

And it was quiet. For a moment the last announcement just hung in the minds of the generals as their brains tried to process this new and slightly disturbing fact.

"What?" Ladydevimon shouted speaking the one word that was on everybody's' mind.

"I'm going to go back for the day and check on everything. I'll be back tonight." He explained bringing some ease to his general's minds. "Right now the only real work is completing the hall and enlisting the new soldiers. Sorcerymon I'm going to leave you in charge of the progress on the hall, and Ladydevimon you will work on building your armies. I don't want to be caught unprepared if there is an attack."

The two generals nodded knowing their orders.

"Okay you two are dismissed, if there is any problems that you feel you can't handle then send a messenger to retrieve me."

With this final command Sorcerymon tele-ported out to return to his work, while Ladydevimon flew to the opening and went out to the valley's floor.

"Renamon." Matt addressed the remaining general.

"My Lord," the yellow fox answered then waited patiently for her instructions.

"I have a unique request for you." The teen stated as he walked a few steps closer to the rookie. "Deamon has already attacked me in the real world once, and I don't want to take the risk that he will do it again. I want you to select ten of your most powerful Renamon. These ten, along with you, will come with me to the real world." Matt was going to leave his orders there but he noticed the baffled expression on the animal digimon's face.

"If Deamon does attack then I will be protected. I can fight, and WereGarurumon will be with me. However me fellow Digidestined could be in danger. I am going to have the eleven of you watch over my friends. You will follow them everywhere and you must never let them know you are there. Also if they are attacked I only want you to reveal yourselves if it is absolutely necessary." The teen paused for another second as he went over the orders. "Also if I am present when the human you are protecting is in danger, then only reveal yourselves if I order you to." He explained how he wanted the mission to go.

"This will be a difficult order, but we can do it." the fox stated with confidence.

Matt smiled knowing that Renamon was the right choice for this mission. The yellow foxes were excellent at not being seen, and they were very skilled fighters, especially for their level.

"I want your most sly and illusive Renamon to protect the Child of Light. Here partner is a Gatomon with very keen senses. It will be difficult to remain hidden from her. So who ever you choose for her must be very powerful. And I won't you to protect my brother. I will trust his life to no other."

Renamon was surprised and honored by her Lord's confidence in her. She knew how much the teen cared for his bother and she knew that his life meant more to the older blonde than the world.

"Gather the ten you intend to bring with us and meet me in the throne room in one hour, then we will leave."

At this last order Renamon faded in her usual fashion leaving Matt and WereGarurumon alone once more.

For a moment both Matt and WereGarurumon stood in silence. The sound of a cool breeze filled the room, the soft whisper of the Digital World was soothing, and the cool mountain air was fresh and crisp.

Matt smiled in content, loving the climate and the cool air. He listens to the breeze for a moment before walking slowly to his large closet.

WereGarurumon watched as Matt pulled the crystal and bronze doors to his closet open. A small-frustrated frown settled on the teen's face as he looked over the many articles of clothing hanging from the bronze railing. Some of the clothes were robs and garments meant for wearing in the Digital World, while others were simple T-shirts and jeans perfect for wearing back to the real world. For a moment Matt thumbed through the earth clothes until his hand rested upon a long sleeved black oxford shirt. He pulled out the shirt and put it aside before looking for a pair of pants to go with it. Finally he settle on a pair of faded blue jeans.

"You better hurry if you want to have breakfast before we leave!" WereGarurumon shouted to the now shirtless blonde.

Matt frowned for a moment trying to look aggravated, then broke out laughing. "Everyone always said I took too long getting ready, I guess it must be true."

WereGarurumon smiled and left the teen to his dressing.

Matt also smiled as his mind settled on one thought. 'In one hour I'll be home.'

~*~*~

Well I personally am not too impressed with how this chapter turned out. I'm still fighting off a bit of writer's block and exhaustion(it seems like I always have those too, maybe I should go see the muse doctor and get some cure for them), but hopefully this chapter served its purpose, which was to develop and move the plot along. Anyway please review; tell me what you liked and what you didn't like about this part. Also tell me if you would like me to hurry the plot along quicker, or if you would like me to continue the way it's going.

Peace, love, and Digimon forever*