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

17. A New Age

A/N: okay you can't be too mad at me for taking so long because I did give you a fair warning. Actually I didn't intend to take this long, I took a week off for finals and then a week off for graduation, after that I fell into a huge exhaustion, I guess school finally took its tool. But none of that matters now because here it is the final chapter of Lord of the Nightmare Soldiers * Cheers *. Anyway like I said this chapter is the longest one and it may be a little drawn out, so if you get bored I apologies.

Thank you to everyone who reviewed and thank you for your patients.

Disclaimer: I do not own digimon, because obviously if I did there would be a lot of changes.

~*~*~

They lined in numbers, which seemed to surpass the stars. The weak fell quickly at their hands, while the strong fought nobly, only to be struck down and join the weak. Bodies of both good and evil crashed from the sky landing in mangled heaps upon the pavement. The bodies lingered on the battlefield, as the living trampled them thoughtlessly before they finally faded away.

Black, blue, purple, and red flashed in the sky. The wind howled scornfully at the blood bath on the streets, and the sky cried pitifully as darkness continued to torture it. Painful screams rang out, and powerful battle cries shook the ground. Darkness held greater numbers then the light, and the light was fading fast.

Already a pure soul had been ruthlessly ripped from the land of the living, and those she fought for were slowly loosing hope. Hundreds of baneful beasts scattered across the sky, swooping down and picking off one of their opponents at a time.

The Nightmare Soldiers were dwindling down, and the Digidestined's partners were tiring fast. Deamon's army seemed to stretch out for an eternity, and they squirmed and squealed, knowing that victory was within their grasp, and that soon all light would fade forever.

Powerful flames clashed high in the heavens. Obscured by the thick umbra emitting from the tinctorial clouds, two dragons, of immense power and stature, fought a merciless battle of flames and claws. One was virus, the other vaccine. One was born of the fires of the inferno, while the other from the flames of courage. Both were equally matched in strength and determination. Victory was no where in sight, while defeat seemed even more unlikely.

Megidramon howled like a vicious wolf, then cried out Megid Flame. The blast of fire flew towards his opponent, roaring and crackling as it streaked the sky.

WarGreymon took in a quick breath. His armor was dented and cracked. Blood trickled out of the deeper wounds, and his lungs felt as though they were on fire. Releasing the breath and clearing his mind he pulled his large silver shield in front of his body. The Crest of Courage no longer glistened flawlessly upon it; the multiple attacks had worn the shield down, brushing of the engraved sun so that it was barely visible.

WarGreymon hissed in pain as Megidramon's attack pushed him back and grazed his arms and shoulders. The flames managed to seep into the cracks in his armor, reaching the already sensitive flesh. The cuts that had been bleeding stopped, as the fire melted his skin back together clogging the blood flow, however the cuts were not nearly as painful as his now blistering flesh.

"Want more." The evil dragon digimon taunted.

WarGreymon returned his shield to his back, then glared at his opponent defiantly. "Are you kidding? I'm just getting warmed up!" the mega replied, trying to remain optimistic and to divert his attention away from the pain raking his body.

"Good." Came the pleased response, as Megidramon prepared another attack. "Dragon Howling!"

An orange and red flame spilled from the evil mega's mouth and took the shape of a serpent with wings. The inflamed energy slithered in the sky towards its target.

WarGreymon's eye widened as the attack was upon him. The serpent had moved at the speed of light, and once it reached him it began to wrap around him. The vaccine howled and struggled against the energy that bounded him, but his efforts were to no avail. The flamed serpent hissed, ordering its prey to remain still, but WarGreymon paid the snake no heed. He continued to struggle, but this only infuriated the serpent, and so the creature began to glow.

WarGreymon screamed in pain as the fire, wrapped around him, became more intense. His armor began to soften, making it easy for the serpent to pull tighter, bending his body in.

WarGreymon tried to use his claws to rip through the snake, but he was held too tightly and all hope of escaping was slowly burning away.

"You can do it Garudamon!" Sora encouraged from her place behind the defensive line. "Just hang in there!"

The holy beast-man digimon was currently fighting against two Gigadramon, and not performing well. The android dragons were both before and behind her, and her fire and wind based attacks were useless against their armor.

"Guilty Wing!" one of the ultimate dragons chanted, as it released its attack.

The Guilty Wing flew towards Garudamon at an amazing speed, however she managed to its power, by wrapping her body up in her eagle wings.

The attack pounded against her, but she managed to stay in the air. Once she shook off the effects of the Guilty Wing, she prepared to release her own attack upon the Gigadramon in front of her. However her attempt was brought to a halt, as the android dragon behind her flew into her back, thrusting its claw like hands into her left wing and back.

Garudamon shrilled so loudly that several windows in the near by buildings began to vibrate and then shatter. The tiny fragments of glass scattered upon the ground, but their landing was not heard over the high-pitched cry. Some digimon and all of the humans were forced to cover their ears in an attempt to block out the piercing sound.

Gigadramon chuckled in amusement, then violently ripped its claws out from the ultimate's wing and back. A trail of blood arched in the sky and then fell to earth like crimson raindrops.

Garudamon groaned, then fell to the ground, crashing on the pavement below. She lay there shaking, and blood stained her tan feathers red. The last thing the holy-beast digimon remembered before she blacked out, was the sound of her partner crying her name.

"Let go! I have to help her!" the normally gentle voice of the Child of Love screamed out, directing her anger towards the two young men holding her back.

"Sora it's too dangerous!" Joe replied seriously, hoping to get through to his friend.

Izzy, the other young man trying to keep his grip on the athletic girl, nodded in agreement as he tightened his grip on Sora's wrist.

"MegiKabuterimon!" the red headed computer whiz shouted, gaining him the attention of his insectiod partner. "Protect Garudamon!" he ordered over the noise around him.

The mega beetle looked confused at first, then scanned over the field until his eyes rested upon his fallen friend. He tried to suppress a gasp of disgust and concern but it escaped his lips anyway. The ultimate wasted no time; quickly it was hovering over Garudamon, ready to pick up where the bird digimon left off.

"We have to get Garudamon out of there." Izzy stated, earning him an agreeing nod from Joe.

The navy hair teen looked over the field. In the last couple of minutes his partner had been pushed further into the heart of the battle. The eldest of the Digidestined shuddered, as he looked deeper into the battle. 'And I thought the fight over here was bad.' He mused disturbingly to himself.

The Nightmare Soldiers had taken it upon themselves to deal with the greatest threat, and that was in the vast number of Deamon's troops in the center of the field. They were greatly outnumbered, and their forces were falling fast. Joe forced himself not to focus on the pools of blood, which instantly made him queasy, or the dismembered limbs that littered the road; instead he tried to keep his mind on his appointed task.

'Where's Zudomon?' panic began to rise in the teen's gut, but his worries soon subsided as he found his partner. The great ultimate was on the outskirts of the main battle, trying to hold the line, so that Deamon's forces could not push any closer to the Digidestined.

"Aquilamon!" Joe shouted to the eagle digimon hovering above the skirmish line.

The champion digimon tilted his head towards the teen, as his amazing hearing aloud him to instantly find the one calling his name.

"I need Zudomon to carry Garudamon behind the line!" Joe cried as loudly as possible.

Aquilamon nodded understanding the teen's order, and was instantly flying towards the center of the field, despite Yolie's concerned cries.

"Thanks Joe, Izzy." Sora stated in appreciation to the two boy's efforts.

"With her body being vaccine she should be able to heal quickly, but I'm still going to do everything I can to speed the process along." A kind and enchanting voice, stated gently.

Kari and Tai both nodded a silent "thank you" to Sorcermon, who was currently looking over the unconscious Angewomon.

WereGarurumon stood close by, his muscular arms were crossed over his chest, as he watched Sorcermon give his diagnosis of the angelic digimon.

Sorcermon, once explaining that he would have to wait until the angel's own natural defenses began to operate before he could heal her, stood up and walked over to his commanding general.

"We will need her on the field as soon as possible." The werewolf explained with no emotion.

Sorcermon nodded in understanding, and both turned and began to walk away from the two Digidestined and the injured Angewomon.

WereGarurumon chose to ignore the angered look he had received from Tai over his "disinterest" in Angewomon's condition, and kept his focus on Sorcermon.

"How is she really?" WereGarurumon asked sadly, once out of the other's hearing range.

"She is badly damaged and infected with a virus, but her attributes will allow her to heal quickly." The wizard explained seriously.

"General WereGarurumon."

WereGarurumon looked up at the sound of his name and saw BlackRenamon, standing to the side waiting for permission to speak.

"Yes?" he asked quickly.

"General Renamon wishes for permission to return to the field." She announced smoothly.

"The defensive line is already very weak." WereGarurumon mused aloud, before stealing a quick glance at the heart of the battle. 'We're falling fast out there, and without Ladydevimon to lead her division our lines have broken into chaos.'

"Tell Renamon permission granted, also inform her that she is now in control over Ladydevimon's divisions. And I want constant status reports on her strategies." He explained.

BlackRenamon bowed, in one smooth fluent movement, then vanished.

"I can recall some of my division to strengthen the defensive line." Sorcermon offered.

"No." WereGarurumon replied calmly. "We need to keep our focus on the heart of the battle, if we don't destroy them soon, they will destroy us." He explained strongly, taking his place as commander.

"I will return to Angewomon." Sorcermon announced before turning to leave.

"Sorcermon," WereGarurumon called out, before the wizard could walk away.

The champion digimon turned around and looked at his commander curiously.

"We must be prepared for the fact that Matt may not come back."

Sorcermon's eyes instantly looked on the ground below, the very thought of his Lord's death caused tears to glisten in his crystal eyes. "Yes General." he replied solemnly before turning away again, and heading back to his patient.

WereGarurumon never once turned back to the wizard, he couldn't let anyone, not even his close friend, see the tears that slid from his eyes. It was his job to prepare for any possibility; not even his faith in his partner could out way his place.

"'Thy soul shall find itself alone

'Mid dark thoughts of the gray tomb-stone-

Not one, of all the crowd, to pry

Into thine hour of secrecy:'"

The yellow eyes, as dim and enchanting as a full moon, shone with unshed tears, as he chanted the words of his partner's fate. Tonight Matt will rebuild the wall higher and stronger than before. "If darkness will help you survive then embrace it and come back." One last tear trailed down the ultimate's face, dampening his white fur, before he took into the blood field.

~*~*~

The witching hour had come, calling all ghost and thieves out to play. Shadows fell from heaven and rose from hell. Wickedness conquered thoughts and built illusions in the twilight, feeding off the darkness and the chilled air. The Angel of Death laid in the darkness. Lifeless eyes reflected the bloodshed and tears of this night. Already so many had been cradled in his arms and carried away on black wings, and yet there were so many he had yet to taste. And in the shadows he floated alone, an ominous being cursed to carry souls from life to limbo.

His attention rested upon the corpses that scattered over a long stretch. There were so many, causing even his soulless form to shutter. But he did not turn away. His lifeless eyes gave their message of death to the multitudes. He would carry many away this night, each face, both vile and beautiful, were lodged in his memory. But he did not see them as most, he did not see smiles and laughter or wickedness and sin, he saw the flawless cold. His eyes reflected the emptiness, the beautiful pale emptiness of death. But in this shadowed hour, one face managed to allude him. He could turn any very much a live face, into a beautiful pale corpse, but this one seemed to rebuke the eyes of death. This one could not be found, or even seen, because in his heart, he was already dying.

The sounds of the battle were so far off, like the flapping of an angel's wing; they grew softer and softer until they slowly faded into silence. But even when the cries and crashes had reached his ears, he did not hear them. He could hear nothing above his pulse.

The wind howled through the narrow alleys, tugging at his clothes and hair playfully, but he dismissed its invitation for fun. He had forgotten the cold and the darkness; even the blood, which soaked his clothes, caked in his golden hair, and was splattered upon his face, drifted from all recollection. The smell of the blood, sweat, and the musky ally fizzled out in his nostrils before his brain could register just how nauseating the scents were. His crystal eyes saw none of the shadows before him. Rodents scurried around him, disturbing trashcans, but he couldn't hear their squeaking and scratching.

The steps he took were slow and cautious. He walked down the center of the ally, stepping over puddles of dirty water and debris as he went. The sky still cracked above him, but he no longer held any sympathy for its pain, after all, who was not suffering today?

'Is it wrong to wish it had been someone else?' the blonde thought over the possibilities. If it had been some nameless Nightmare Soldier then he would have thought little of it. In a war you expect casualties, so why was this so difficult to accept? 'Why did it have to be you? It could have been anyone else. One of the other Nightmare Soldiers or one of the Digidestined's partners…'

At this thought the thin teen began to tremble. He didn't know why he was thinking such selfish thoughts; it wasn't in his nature. His nature was to give and protect, not to selfishly ask for more or to be overlooked by whatever force decides who feels grieve. But never in his life had he felt such grieve, even when his family was ripped apart; and never in his life had he felt such hatred.

The rage was like a fire burning away his insides, so that he felt hallow and empty. His once gentle azure eyes darkened to midnight blue, and a tent of black washed over them so that he saw the world as one great darkness sent to haunt and torment him.

The burning inside was excruciating; he could feel the flame eating away at him and was forced to clutch his stomach in an attempt to ease away the pain. The fire pounded in his head and he began to sweat. Blonde locks stuck to his damp forehead, but he couldn't care less about his hair falling into disarray.

His flesh began to tingle and then sting, until at last it felt like sandpaper being rubbed roughly over his entire body. He gritted his teeth in pain and shut his eyes tightly, trying to both subdue the burning and block out the illusion of total darkness. But once his eyes were closed red flashed over them and soon a shrill ringing blared in his ears. The ringing grew louder until the sound began to imitate words.

"You are so weak."

"You failed to protect Ladydevimon, who next will you fail to save?"

"Perhaps next you'll kill Taichi, or Takure."

The voice jeered, scorning the teen's pain.

"I didn't kill her!" Matt screamed trying to silence the voice as he placed his white shaky palms over his ears. "She made a choice, there was nothing I could do!"

He tried arguing, but not even he believed it. He lost his friend, and what if he lost another?

"Of course it was not strictly your incompetence that destroyed her; Deamon also assisted in her death."

The voice offered causally.

"Deamon…" the blonde hissed out, the rage within him boiling over. He screamed as the fire grew, the burning pushed through his organs and veins, until it finally radiated off of his skin.

"Why suffer alone? Others should feel your pain."

The voice spoke sweetly to the tormented boy, hoping to entice him with its suggestion.

"I can't…" he whispered forcing back some of the burning pain, "I can't act on hate! It will only destroy me. I should fight Deamon to protect others from suffering…" he tried arguing, but he knew his rationalizing would ultimately fail.

"But you are suffering now. And look at your friends and brother, they suffer now as well."

"They wouldn't want me to be like this…" he whimpered back, hoping to silence the voice's arguments.

"But they are not here. They don't know what you're going through, but I do. You're in pain, but you can escape it."

"I don't want to escape it!" he cried. The burning grew stronger and he screamed, clutching his hair and ears in pain. Blue flames began to dance on his flesh, and the power was overwhelming. He could feel the strength that hatred gave him, burning deep inside. It was intoxicating and tormenting at the same time. He knew it was wrong, and yet the burning was far more bearable then the cold grip of sorrow.

Tears began to leak from his shadowed eyes and his body shook violently.

"This is who you are, embrace it. Feeding off of your anger is your nature, it will make you strong."

The voice continued, and somehow Matt knew that the voice was his.

"You are the Lord of the Nightmare Soldiers, embrace hatred, destroy your oppressor and be freed from your pain."

The voice commanded, feeling that it had won this argument.

Matt gritted his teeth even harder, pain shot through his jaw and into his head. The burning grew stronger, the anger it was too much, and the power was too great, he had to find some sort of release from the fire.

"Embrace it."

The voice continued to seduce, now in a wicked serpent tone.

Matt began to shake, the power flared and burned. He was hallow and numb inside and he could take no more of the voice, of his, mocking.

"Just! Shut! Up!" he shouted loudly, as he shot up straight from his crouch position. A fire blazed in his eyes, burning away the darkness, and he released his hold on his ears and hair. The energy glowing off of his skin brightened and beamed.

He shot his head to the side seeing a defenseless steel trash can. With an angered grunt, his skin grew brighter and he threw his hand forward. A sphere of energy went whirling towards the trashcan, where it impacted and reduced the can to ashes.

The blonde then shot his head to the side, where he saw a dumpsture resting a few feet behind him. His eyes began to glow, loosing their blue tent and turning completely white. His breathing quickened and he released another sphere of energy, which exploded the dumpster, scattering pieces of metal and trash over the alley.

The fire burned brighter, and he screamed in pain, the power was more than any human could handle, and it ripped at his skin, trying to find it's way into the world. The flesh on his hands began to split, and in-between his ribs long cuts appeared. He cried out again, begging the power to leave him alone.

Spheres of white energy began to fly in ever direction, taking chunks of bricks out of buildings and shattering windows.

Then the young Lord lost all sense, he bit his lip hard, his mind barely aware of the taste of copper that linger on his tongue, as he ran to one of the building. Without think he began pounding on the brick wall with his right fist. He screamed and hit, wanting whatever it was that was happening within him to just stop.

Tears blurred his vision and his mind raced. He couldn't focus on anything but the burning. Not even the pain of the skin on his knuckles splitting or the bones in his hands braking registered in his brain. He was only aware of the burning and the voice, that kept screaming for him to embrace the power.

Just as he felt he could take no more, something washed over him. Somehow the wind had picked up; blowing through the alleys with a stronger force then was naturally possible. The wind was like ice and it batted upon Matt's skin, freezing the fire and giving him relief on the outside.

He then stopped pounding the wall as the cold work its way from the outside in, changing the burning from a a raging fire to a small flame. His breathing began to even out, and the trembling slowly ended.

Matt placed both of his hands on the abused wall for support. He suddenly felt exhausted. His eyes and face soften, almost into a smile, as he allowed the cold wind to brush over him, gently soothing away his pain.

Blood still slipped from his cuts on his hands and chest, but even the stinging pain seemed to fade under the soft touch of the breeze.

The voice within him still spoke, and even began screaming, not liking that it was being ignored, but Matt paid no attention to it and soon another voice drowned it out.

"You will lose people along the way, but as long as you honor your memory of them and what they fought for, they will never truly leave you. Respect those who die in this war, by not letting their deaths, be the thing that defeats you"

"Forgive me Ladydevimon, allowing my hatred to over-take me shows no reverence to you, or your sacrifice." The young Lord spoke to the breeze, finding comfort in believing that his fallen friend could hear him.

He stood there a little longer, simply allowing the cold breeze to comfort him. Then he took a deep breath, steadying the last of his shaky nerves, before he pushed himself off of the wall and began to walk again.

"What are you doing?!"

The voice returned, demanding an explanation.

"I have an evil to destroy, and friends to get back to." Matt replied casually, as though he was speaking to someone right beside him, rather than a raving voice in his head.

"You do realize that just because you ignore these feelings doesn't mean they are not there. You can't get rid of them that easily."

The voice lectured in growing anger.

"I know," the blonde answered thoughtfully, "But if I give into them now, they will never go away." He stated in a resolved tone. "And like I said before, Shut up."

The voice faded, knowing it had lost this battle, but one thing that it said was true, the feelings were still there and they were not just going to go away.

~*~*~

The sun had, and the full moon rose into the sky, its soft glow failed to penetrate the thick curtain of diabolical clouds, which fenced the earth from the heavens. The light from the ruler of night did not reach the earth, but its presence's behind the ghastly wall, was still known to the werewolf, who fought nobly on the field.

WereGarurumon had felt the sun sink slowly out of the hemisphere, and knew that the moon would soon grace the sky. But he could not see the orb of silver light, shinning like a comforting and familiar mother's glow upon him. He was a creature of the night, born of the darkness and nursed on Luna's silver veil, now she had return to take dominion over the heaven, but he could not see her. She was beyond his reach; it was simply another reason to destroy the atrocities before him.

Yellow eyes, eerie and strangely serene, stole a quick look to his side, where he saw a BlackGargoylemon diving towards him. The werewolf grunted in frustration at having his attention, momentarily, pulled away from the Gigadramon in front of him.

The BlackGargoylemon was as emotionless as stone. Without so much as a whisper, the virus fallen angel, pulled its long arm back, opening its three clawed fingers, and released a Black Statue attack.

Gargoylemon and BlackGargoylemon were truly amazing creatures. Their battle tactics were specifically developed to handle the diversities in their opponents. When fight a vaccine type they would use the Black Statue to attack and the White Statue as defense. The Black Statue would counter the vaccine type and infect them, turning them to stone, while the White Statue would cloak their data, causing any vaccine based attacks to pass over them. The opposite was used when fighting a virus, and either attack or defense was effective against data types.

WereGarurumon couldn't help the wave of bitterness that rose in his stomach at the thought of Deamon, and how the demon Lord corrupted these Nightmare Soldiers. The thought that he was destroying his own people was nerve raking, but there was nothing he could do. If he did not fight and destroy, then he would be destroyed.

The black spell came closer to the werewolf, brining his attention back to the battle. When the attack was upon him, the ultimate leapt into the air, flipping three times to the front, allowing the attack to pass under him, where it hit the pavement, turning the area, that the werewolf had been standing on, into ash colored stone.

WereGarurumon fell back to the ground and landed softly on the stone. He was now on one knee, with his left hand placed on the gray-black stone for balance.

BlackGargoylemon halted in the air, hissing in disappointment at not having a new stone figurine to play with, before it flapped its raven like wings, pushing itself higher into the air, so that it could better evaluate its victim.

WereGarurumon kept his head down for a moment, his yellow eyes were burning with the heat of battle, and his canine teeth grinned together in anticipation.

On one side was a Gigadramon; ready to obliterate him with a powerful blast of energy, and above him was a BlackGargoylemon, who was thinking over its next move patiently. The werewolf digimon began to grow offended at how long his opponents were taking to attack. They should fear him enough to want to get him out of the way, but obviously he had not left a deep enough mark upon his enemies to earn their terror.

'Perhaps I should rectify that.' The ultimate mused thoughtfully.

Without hesitation the vaccine digimon shot his head up, glaring daggers and omens at the corrupted fallen angel.

"You'll be first." He announced darkly, causing the cautious digimon to flutter back a bit in surprise.

The BlackGargoylemon was shocked by the threatening aura it received from the ultimate below, however it dismissed it, and readied to make a dive at the arrogant werewolf.

WereGarurumon crouched down low, tightening his muscles as he prepared for the attack.

The BlackGargoylemon dove down, its raven wings splitting the air, as it pulled his long arms into position, ready to slash at the waiting ultimate.

WereGarurumon smirked confidently as his opponent approached. Without waiting for the champion to reach him, the werewolf jumped into the air.

BlackGargoylemon raised its long bony arms, ready to bring its sharp talons down upon the stripped digimon, but before the claws could reach the ultimate's right shoulder and face, WereGarurumon brought up his own arm, meeting the attack with his sharp hunter's claws.

BlackGargoylemon howled as two of the talons on its right hand were ripped from his fingertips. The sharp claws were yanked off when WereGarurumon meet its attack, and then fell to the ground with pieces of bloodied skin still attached to them.

The fallen angel pulled away from the werewolf's clutches, and fluttered back a bit. It looked at its injured hand for a moment, examining the damage, and then it nursed its wounds by licking the blood dripping from its fingers.

WereGarurumon fell back to the ground, landing softly on his feet. He wanted to continue with the fallen angel, however Gigadramon had moved up behind him, and he sensed that the ultimate was charging up for an attack.

Quickly the werewolf jolted around to face his other opponent. He charged the android digimon, evading its Gigabyte Wing attack by dashing to the side.

Gigadramon tried releasing its Guilty Wing attack in an attempted to stop its charging enemy, however WereGarurumon simply used his Wolf Claw attack to slice through the wave of energy.

WereGarurumon reached Gigadramon, who was still recovering from releasing its other attack, and used an upper cut to lodge the spikes on his claws in one of the android's only vulnerable spots, its neck. The spikes pierced through the dragon's neck, and WereGarurumon twisted his wrist a little as he pulled away, making certain that he caused enough damage with the attack.

Gigadramon screeched hoarsely before it began to choke from the damage done to its throat. Purple colored oil leaked and dripped over its mouth and out of the wounds in its throat, before the android began to brake up into data particles.

WereGarurumon's smirk faded as he watched his opponent dissolve. That was one evil down, but many more to go. The Commanding General of the Nightmare Soldiers watched as the last of his enemy faded, before releasing a low threatening growl.

Suddenly he spun around in a quick kick. The thick, sharp claws on his feet collided with BlackGargoylemon's side.

The fallen angel had moved up behind the werewolf, and was about to use its Black Statue attack to turn the vaccine into stone, but the ultimate's keen senses allowed him to feel the presence of another threat, and so the champion digimon's effort ultimately failed.

WereGarurumon's sharp claws dug into BlackGargoylemon's side, and the virus digimon screeched from the power of the blow, before jerking away. It clutched its left side with its right hand, but blood from the three punctures still managed to seep through its fingers.

WereGarurumon would not admit it then, but he was greatly impressed with the BlackGargoylemon's capabilities. Their ultimate allies fell like flies, but even when receiving fatal wounds, this creature managed to hold tightly to life. The ultimate could only assume that the cause behind their strength was the heritage as Nightmare Soldiers.

"You don't have to do this." The werewolf persuaded eagerly. "You could come back to your people, leave Deamon, he's only using you."

BlackGargoylemon titled its head curiously, as though it did not understand the nature of speech, then it ran a dark blue serpent tongue over it lips, before moving back into a battle ready position.

WereGarurumon shook his head sadly; there would be no persuading the defective ones. Deamon's corruption ran too deep, and so he had no choice, he had to destroy them.

BlackGargoylemon hissed then charged. It was unable to take flight again, the wounds in its side were already bleeding greatly, and the movement of flight would only rip the lesions more.

WereGarurumon also charged, putting up his fist, ready to receive the first attack.

BlackGargoylemon pulled its right hand off of its wounds and brought it down upon the ultimate, trying to slash through his chest.

WereGarurumon brought his left arm up to block the attack, the fallen angel's claws slashed through his skin, causing him to grit his teeth. The wounds, however, were not very deep and the stinging soon escaped his thoughts.

BlackGargoylemon pulled back, and WereGarurumon brought his arm down. Then the virus digimon spun around with amazing speed, using its tale to slam into WereGarurumon's knee.

The ultimate grunted, as the sudden blow knocked him to one knee.

BlackGargoylemon moved in, ready to use its Black Statue attacks again, however, WereGarurumon jumped up and caught the champion's wrist, preventing it from using its hands. The werewolf tightened his grip on the fallen angel's wrist, spraining the muscles with his hold. He then threw his neck forward, hitting the fallen angel's narrow skull with his.

The BlackGargoylemon groaned, as its weak skull was bruise and cracked from WereGarurumon's powerful blow. It yanked away freeing itself from the ultimate grasp, then clutched its head in pain, as dizziness swept over it.

WereGarurumon watched his opponent whimper and shake from its concussion, but the champion still refused to give up, or to allow darkness to take it away.

BlackGargoylemon shook its head slightly, then held up its claws again, hoping to at least cause some damage before its death.

WereGarurumon looked at the fighting digimon with respect. "I'm sorry I must do this." He replied sadly, then leapt into the air and cried "Wolf Claw!"

His great claws slashed though the fallen angel's body with perfect ease.

BlackGargoylemon screeched in pain, as three X's were slashed from its shoulders to its knees.

WereGarurumon stood back and watched silently as trails of crimson slipped from the slashes and began to trickle down, braking off into data as it dripped from his opponent's body.

The BlackGargoylemon hung its head, then nodded at the ultimate, acknowledging him as the victor, before its body broke apart into slithers, and dissolved into data.

WereGarurumon kept his eyes on the spot where one of his own faded away before he whispered, "Rest in peace warrior of stone" then turned, and headed deeper into the battle, taking out Bakemon with single attacks as he went.

On the outskirts of the field another battle raged on. Sorcermon, along with six Wizardmon and four Flawizardmon, were desperately trying to keep the enemy from moving into the alleys. Sorcermon was not an expert on battle plans, but he did know that it would be dangerous, both to the Nightmare Soldiers and to the city, if the evil began to spread off the field.

'We must keep the enemy contained, if they brake up we will be forced to divided our troops. We must kill them all, here and now or all hope is lost.'

Sorcermon encouraged telepathically. Their army was out numbered at least three to one, but that number was quickly going up. They were being slaughtered by Deamon's overwhelming forces, and the Nightmare Soldiers that were still alive, were tired and injured.

The skeletons of the battle lay around him, and Sorcermon could not help but cringe at the sight. He was a healer, and digimon of enlightenment, and all of this destruction felt like daggers ripping through his heart. He could not stand to see such suffering, but running or simply ignoring it was not the answer. He was never the type to preach an ideal like freedom or peace, without being willing to back his words up.

He knew so many digimon that raved and bragged on how this war was right, and how the Nightmare Soldiers would win without braking a sweat, but where were those digimon now? Where were the ones who were so ready to kill and hate? He could never understand the want for war. Anyone who wanted war obviously had never been in one, or were never forced to see a love one march into one. He didn't want this war, but he knew it was a necessity. He believed in peace and freedom. He knew Deamon was nothing but a tyrant, and he knew that the Demon Lord had to be stopped. If they didn't stop him two worlds would be destroyed; he knew there was a need, and so he was here, ready to do what he could.

'I will fight for what I believe in. I will respect all who die in this war, even my enemy, for they fight for what they believe in as well. And if my life will help bring a future without hate, then I will gladly give it.'

With these thoughts in mind, Sorcermon shook off his feelings of grieve, at the sight of so many dead, and turned aback to the battle.

Bakemon and Soulmon gathered, trying to push through, however the combination of the wizards of thunder, fire, and ice put up a great defense against the phantoms of the Digital World.

"Crystal Cloud!" Sorcermon chanted out, as a Bakemon approached him from the right side.

The sphere of white energy soared towards the ghost digimon, hitting him directly in the face.

The Bakemon hooted wildly as the sphere it. Three of its grotesque teeth were shattered into pieces of blackened data, while the remaining five were ripped painfully from their gums. The Bakemon went silent as the sphere burnt its long blood-red tongue and forcefully pushed down its reeking esophagus.

Sorcermon pulled back from the ghost and watched as beams of white light began to burn through the Bakemon's white rigid cloth. The sphere had reached the ghost's stomach, and was melting its invisible organs.

The Bakemon wanted to scream out in misery but the sphere had burnt and ripped its larynx on the way down its throat, making it impossible for the specter to verbalize anything. It shook and wrapped its stubby arms around its chest, as the sphere grew within its stomach. The beams of white light poured through the tattered sheet, streaming out in powerful rays of magical light. The Bakemon vibrated uncontrollable, as its data was sped up by the energy within it. It shut its coal black eyes in pain, wincing as its data began to spread apart. Soon its data was moving so quickly, that it could not keep its physical form together. The white sheet began to slowly dissolve into pieces of gray and black particles, and soon the invisible form underneath too faded away.

Sorcermon had little time to gloat, or even comprehend his victory over the ghost digimon, because as soon as the creature had reconfigured, another Bakemon, along with a Soulmon, moved up behind him.

The Bakemon hissed mockingly at the wizard, then resealed an Evil Charm attack.

The dark energy flew towards Sorcermon, and the wizard growled in annoyance as he felt the phantom power approaching him. A gloved hand gripped the wizard's staff tightly, as the darkness drew near, then with a startling battle cry, Sorcermon spun around using his staff to slice through the Evil Charm attack, which fizzled out upon contact with the glowing staff.

Bakemon growled, spitefully cursing the wizard for ruining its fun before trying another attack. The Zombie Claw attack came shooting towards the General, and was soon joined by Soulmon's Soul Cry attack.

Sorcermon's eyes narrowed upon the approaching attack, as he quickly went through the best strategy for dealing with these two nuisances.

The Zombie Claw was now directly above Sorcermon's head, and the Soul Cry attack was zooming towards him at an alarming rate. Quickly the wizard raised his staff. The Zombie Claw fell connecting with the glowing staff. Sorcermon grunted as he forcefully pushed the clawed hand back, which was then retracted by its owner, and moved to deal with the next attack.

Quickly the sorcerer uttered a spell, and the Soul Cry fell upon him, but slid past and around him like oil slides over water.

Both ghost digimon were now enraged. Their attacks had proven ineffective against the powerful wizard, and their opponent stood before them smirking confidently, knowing that he was superior to these mindless creatures.

Sorcermon did not wait for the phantoms to retaliate; instead he floated into the air, and pulled back his free hand. A glow of white and light blue energy appeared, before he threw his hand forward crying out "Crystal Cloud!"

The attack flew toward the Bakemon, hitting it in the chest. One loud cry was released before the ghost digimon broke into particles of data.

Soulmon never once turned its gaze to its defeated comrade, instead it kept its eyes locked upon its opponent. While Sorcermon was busy with the Bakemon, Soulmon released its Necro Magic attack.

Sorcermon floated back after he released his wrath upon the Bakemon, and turned his attention towards the Soulmon. He had been so distracted with destroying the Bakemon, that he hadn't sensed the Necro Magic attack heading straight for him. He had no time to create a spell, and the evil attack collided with him, hitting him on his mid left arm and his left side.

Soulmon giggled with glee as it watched the wizard get knocked to the ground. It then smirked in excitement while it fluttered towards its injured victim.

Sorcermon groaned in pain. His body shook with each raspy breath, and his right hand clutched his left side in agony. The great numbers pushed against the Nightmare Soldiers, were surly making the point that they had the advantage.

Soulmon moved slowly to the fallen wizard. Its long red tongue ran over its sharp decaying teeth as it circled the shaking champion, wondering what would be the best way to finish the annoying rebel off.

Sorcermon shut his eyes tightly. He could feel the Soulmon circling him with malicious and savage thoughts circling its mind. He knew that he was badly injured, and that he would need some time to regain his strength before he could use a healing spell upon himself, but he doubted that his opponent would allow him such time.

Soulmon circled four times before he stopped in front of the wizard. Its black witch's hat, flopped in the breeze, and it snorted and chuckled at the sight of the battered General.

Sorcermon paid no attention to his opponent, causing the Soulmon to grow annoyed. If he could not have fun with the beaten digimon then there was no point in keeping him around any longer.

"Soul Cry!" the ghost howled, now bored with taunting the wizard.

Sorcermon heard the call and felt the attack approaching.

The Soul Cry was only inches from its target, ready to collide and delete another General of the Nightmare Soldiers forever.

Sorcermon took in a deep breath, and prayed and pleaded for the strength to keep fighting. 'I ca not die, not until this is over!' he shouted strongly in his mind.

Just when the sorcerer thought hope was lost, something washed over him. He felt the breeze; it was like ice, but still soothing. It was a cold but needed awaking, and suddenly Sorcermon felt himself infused with enough strength to survive.

The Soul Cry attack was about to hit, when suddenly Sorcermon jumped up. His staff ignited with a blazing fire of white and blue energy. And with a determined shout, Sorcermon swung his staff, slicing through the attack, leaving the two halves to pass around him, where they hit the buildings in the background.

Soulmon gritted its teeth in aggravation, before pulling back. "Necro Magic!" he cried, as he released another attack.

This time Sorcermon did not wait for the attack to reach him, he charged at the approaching darkness, holding up his hand as he shouted a spell. The spell started out as a sphere of energy within his hand, but quickly began to alter until it molded into the form of a raven. The magical bird cawed eerily, before diving towards the Necro Magic attack.

Soulmon watched in wonder, as the raven flew into the black energy. Another caw was heard before the two energies exploded, canceling each other out.

While Soulmon was entranced in wonderment, Sorcermon was quickly approaching. He ran through the dust caused by the explosions, appearing on the other side, with eyes gleaming and staff ready.

Soulmon shook its head, awakening from its trance, then growled wickedly at the wizard.

Sorcermon swung his staff like a sword, but Soulmon ducked under the blow, then threw its clawed hand forward, hoping to slice through Sorcermon's side.

Sorcermon caught the attack with his free hand, then glared at the ghost digimon.

Soulmon tried to wiggle free but found his effort useless. It screeched calling out for help, but none came. The Wizardmon and Flawizardmon kept his comrades completely occupied, and now he was totally alone.

Sorcermon eyes softened as he looked his captive over, and for a moment the Soulmon thought he would receive mercy from the wizard. However, before the ghost could plead for forgiveness, Sorcermon swung his staff at the creature's head, knocking off its hat, and impaling its skull with his glowing staff.

Soulmon screeched and howled in pain, before its hat began to brake apart. Sorcermon kept his hold upon his opponent, and cringed slightly at the feeling of the ghost's arm, dissolving into data in his hand.

Soulmon's body completely dissolved, freeing Sorcermon's staff from its head as it broke apart.

Once the Soulmon's body was gone, Sorcermon looked down at his clasped hand. His fist was clutched tightly, and he looked upon it curiously, before finally opening it, releasing the last of Soulmon's data into the air.

Sorcermon shook, as he watched the handful of data fly about him, before being caught by the wind and carried off into the heavens. Once all threats around him were gone, he fell to the ground, using his staff for support. His injuries and exhaustion had finally claimed him, and he simply sat upon the ground, breathing deeply in an attempt to regain control of his power.

'I must regain my strength, there is still so much to do.'

~*~*~

The fire had subdued, but the chill lingered in the air, and the darkness still spread across the land. The shadows shifted over buildings and streets as ominous eidolon. All was unnaturally still, the world was dead, and the master of death was near.

Matt had been walking through the filthy alleys for nearly an hour, and still he had yet to find his prey. The vile creature he hunted had managed to allude him, but the blonde had no intention of ending his search. He would find the beast that murdered his companion and speared his heart. He would not allow another to suffer as he had. So much depended upon his victory, innocence, peace, hope, and so many lives, all of which have put their faith in his abilities.

He still felt the hatred. He had pushed the feelings aside, choosing to ignore them, but they were still there. The voice, his own conscience, united with those powerful feels, threatening to take over his mind and drive his sanity away, but he fought back, refusing to give in to such needless grief. But it didn't matter how hard he fought it, or how strongly he ignored it, the voice didn't leave, the feelings didn't fade.

'I thought I had defeated this side of myself. The final test with Cayla, was the first time I faced this side of myself. But I thought he was gone forever, that bitter little boy, who put the blame of his misery on everyone else while never trying to fight back. I thought that side of me was gone.'

He continued to walk, knowing that every time his steps died the rodents would scurry out of the shadows and run boldly across his tennis shoes. Deamon's presence was close, he could feel the darkness and animosity grow thicker in the air with each stride he took. The Deamon Lord had obviously not desired any interference during the battle to come, because he was leading Yamato deep into the abandoned city.

'But these feels are different. Before the resentment, the loneliness, all of it consumed me, drowning me in a sea of darkness and depression. It blinded me, froze me from the inside out, but these new feelings they are so different. They're like a fire, blazing on the inside. The fire is destroying me, and now I want to destroy others.'

Yamato bit the side of his lip, shaking his head slightly at his own rambling mind. He had specifically ordered himself to focus on nothing but his objective, his prey, but somehow he always came back to the overwhelming feelings weighing down on his soul.

With one more blunt order to stay focused, the young Lord continued his journey.

It was strange, perhaps even morbid to see such a large city so desolate. So many homes had been abandoned, the shops were closed and empty, and the factories no longer roared with the sounds of machinery. The alleys, however, remained the same. It did not matter if millions of people occupied the large city, or if only one lonely teen walked in silence down their vacant paths, the alleys did not change. They were the back routs, the roads less traveled, and the rodents, stray cats, and the insects that lived there, did not care if the city was full or empty, they'd live off of the remains and then off of one another, until they're was nothing left.

'At least nature has a law. Eat or be eaten, no emotion involved. No hatred, resentment, or bitterness everything understands that it is simply survive or don't survive. But without such emotions as hatred, resentment, and bitterness, there would be no hope, faith, or compassion.'

Matt's steps slowed. His feet could no longer be heard lifting and landing lightly on the brick laid pathway. His enemy was close, so close that he could taste the crimson vapors in the air, reeking from the demon Lord's blood-covered lips and tongue.

Crystal blue eyes scanned over the cross section, where Deamon's presence was the strongest. Trash cans and debris littered the alley floor, and a street lamp hung over to one side, the bulb shattered into tiny pieces upon the ground. Matt was thankful for his keen senses, without his extraordinary eyesight he would have never found his way through the alleys. But now his search was coming to a close, Deamon was near, all he had to do was find a way to get to the monster.

Matt turned his gaze from the cross section to the buildings around him. All four of the buildings were old, and abandoned long before the evacuation. The blonde was certain that if he looked close enough, or if he possessed a gift of sight, he would see spirits running about the buildings, thankful for a place to call their own.

He looked over the buildings closely, until his eyes landed upon an old ladder connected to one of the buildings. The ladder appeared to be some kind of a fire escape, and it reached from the alley floor, all the way up to the top of the building.

'He's up there.'

The blonde mused to himself, as he dashed towards the rusted ladder. He couldn't let the demon escape him, not this time. He had to end this; he had to bring an end to the suffering.

Matt gripped the ladder tightly, tugging on it a little to make certain it was secure. He then began to scale the bars, ignoring the brownish-red that rubbed off of his hands as he griped the poles.

Within seconds he reached the top of the ten-story building. Cautiously, he climbed onto the three-foot ledge surrounding the cracked, concrete roof, and scanned over the area. There was nothing, no sings of life or activity. It was like a mausoleum, dead and cold.

Matt crouched on the balls of his feet and placed his left palm upon the pavement. He kept himself low, looking like a thief cloaked by shadows and moving in and out of the darkness as though both the caliginous and the scintillate held no meaning to him. Neither the darkness nor the light bound him; his cause was not for good or evil, but for life itself.

He remained crouched in the shadows for sometime, waiting for his opponent to appear from the scorned penumbra, that the demon cursed upon the sky. Finally he found the waiting useless and slowly crawled off of the ledge, placing one foot down and then the other. His azure eyes seemed to glow in a dim radiance, as he quickly looked over the rooftops, hoping to catch a glimpse of the object of his animosity.

The blonde took a few soft steps, coming closer to the center of the building. The only company he appeared to have was three air conditioners, all of which did not work due to the black out. At his new altitude the wind was even heavier, and he shivered as the cold brushed over his pale face.

Soon the waiting began to build illusions in Yamato's mind. It was like the final hours before your death sentence is carried out. A chill ran down his spine, causing him to shudder. The smell of decay and blood filled the once clean air. Matt's muscles tightened and his eyes narrowed. He continued to circle the building, hoping to find a physical sign that his opponent was there, but there were none.

"How long do you intend to keep me waiting?" he questioned, trying to contain the waver in his voice.

In response to his words cawing and chirping rang from behind him, causing him to jump and turn around, where he saw a flock of crows flutter wildly into the air.

Matt released the breath he was holding, allowing his muscles to relax, as he watched the flock of black birds fly into the heavens and merge with the shadows. He straightened up a bit, his breathing evened out, and he felt calmer, knowing that he was not the only living thing left in the city.

Matt completely relaxed, and looked upon the blackened city fondly. It was his home, and even admits all of the destruction, it still remained beautiful and comforting to him.

"Lovely view isn't it…" a voice chimed wickedly.

Matt swung around, trying to find the source of the voice, but all he saw was an empty roof and darkness.

"Are you a coward? Show yourself!" the blonde demanded, as he once again moved into a defensive position.

Laughter rang from the darkness, taunting and provoking the spooked teen.

"Why, are you not enjoying my little game?" the eerie voice replied smoothly.

Matt scanned over the building, still finding that he was the only one there. "I wasn't aware that the Master of the Dark Ocean played games." The blonde snapped back in aggravation.

The laughter came once more, this time it was deep and accursed, booming with mockery and treachery.

"Come out and fight me!" Matt demanded in anger, as his fist tightened and his teeth gritted in frustration.

"How foolish you are Yamato." The demon stated in a hopeless tone. "You truly believe that you are your own, don't you?"

"What are you talking about?" the blonde replied coldly.

"We are all slaves to a greater will. You and I are the same, puppets on unbreakable strings. Serving our masters without question." Deamon went on provoking, knowing that his words were leaving marks upon his opponent.

"I am nothing like you! You only want to destroy."

"I do only what I am meant to do." The demon replied calmly. "And now I am meant to eliminate you. I will not allow you to follow in the steps of your predecessor." He spat out the threat coldly, and the sky rumbled at his anger.

Now Matt was truly confused. He didn't understand what Deamon wanting to rule the South and the human world had to do with Piedmon.

"What are you talking about?" the teen screamed in fury. He was confused and frustrated at his situation, and Deamon's taunting was only fueling his anger.

Suddenly the sky above cracked, and lightening flashed in streams of crimson. The streams of red energy grew wild in the sky. The lightening raid out from every directing at first, but then thunder boomed once more and the crimson began to come together. Each flash was closer to a center, until at last, the light show was strictly above the building.

Matt watched as one moment the world was illuminated with a supernatural red glow, and then shadowed, with a forlonging umbra. The constant flashes played with his eyes, as they were unable to adjust quickly enough with the changes. Soon he saw nothing but light then darkness. The images of the world began to blur.

The light flashed, and he could see the fuzzy forms of the air conditioners, and then the light flashed again, and there was four. Four blurred figures stood upon the rooftop with the young Lord, three were dead machines, and one was an executioner.

"Piedmon was weak…" the voice began above the booming thunder.

Matt jumped in surprise at the closeness of the voice. Before, the words were so far off, he question if they were really being spoken, but now the voice came from directly in front of him.

"He fell instantly to the Rituals of Destruction." Deamon continued to speak, his voice low and hateful.

"I don't understand?" Matt stated in bewilderment.

"I thought that I could persuade the Nightmare Soldiers to abandoned their nature and free themselves from their chains, but my warnings fell upon deaf ears."

The flashing stopped, and Matt blinked, trying to allow his eyes to adjust to the steady darkness. Once the blurs faded from his sight, he could see all again, in perfect detail. The three air conditioners, the rooftops, and most importantly, his opponent Deamon.

"Their blind loyalties to their origins will be their undoing."

Matt looked into the eyes of the demon master. The cold dead orbs bore into him, but he retaliated with his blazing glare.

"Their loyalties are their nature, abandoning them would be forsaking a part of themselves." Matt argued back, as he pulled up his clinched fist, ready for Deamon to strike.

"You truly do not understand." Deamon snapped back darkly. "You are but a scratch on the vast history of the digital world. This era is but an echo of times past. Like the times before us, like the others Races, if the Nightmare Soldiers are allowed to exist, if you are allowed to exist, history will repeat itself."

Matt looked deep into the demon's eyes and clenched his teeth in aggravation. Deamon's omen made no sense, why would a beast set to destroy all worlds, care about wars past. "You're referring to the Darkness that claim Piedmon." Matt state thoughtfully. "Let me assure you that that fate holds no claim to me. I serve the Digital World and its future. I fight for peace amongst all living things."

Deamon snorted in disgust to the teen's words. "And it is those ideals that will entice you to the power. You will perform the Rituals of Destruction, just as Piedmon attempted to do. I will bring an end to this cycle, even if I must destroy both your world and the Digital World to do it." Deamon cried now in anger.

"Flame Inferno!"

Matt's eyes widened, as the sphere of hell's flames flew towards him. Quickly he jumped to the side, grunting as he rolled away from the fire attack.

Deamon growled in irritation, then prepared to release his Evil Flapping attack.

Matt felt the power surging through his opponent, and knew another attack was coming. He placed his hands above his head and flipped back up quickly.

Deamon released the attack, and it screeched through the air like a banshee, ready to take the teen's spirit away on its gruesome wings.

Matt's eyes began to glow a soft blue, and he raised his right hand above his head. A long slither of dark blue light appeared above his raised palm. He let out a powerful battle cry, then threw his hand forward. The slither of light grew into a long blade, and the blade went soaring towards the approaching Evil Flapping attack, slicing through it, and canceling the attack out.

"Impressive." Deamon stated flatly.

"You haven't seen anything yet." Matt replied darkly, as his eyes narrowed upon the demon.

And the Lord of The Nightmare Soldiers began his first conquest against darkness.

~*~*~

In the center of the field the battle raged on. Bloodied, broken bodies fell to the ground and reconfigured into streams and particles of data. Roars, howls, and screeches rang from the heart of the battle, while claws and teeth ripped at flesh and cracked armor. The sky flashed with crimson above, and the ground was painted with it below. The blood lingered on the field longer than the bodies, and so small craters began to fill with fluid. They would splash and drip; every time trampling feet disturbed them. The bravest of warriors were broken, as they watched their dearest friends fall around them, and all wondered how long would this gone on.

"You!" an entrancing voice echoed to a group of Devidramon, who were finishing off what was left of the two Deathmon. "Take to the air, and deal with the approaching Gigadramon!"

The demon dragons nodded their heads in obedience, then leapt into the air, using their gristly wings to hoist them high above the streets.

The one who had given the order, returned her attention back to the Deathmon in front of her.

The Deathmon sibilated at the fox digimon, as it bent down a bit ready to charge.

Renamon's piercing blue eyes narrowed upon the mega digimon, waiting for it to make its move.

The Deathmon growled low in its throat, then dashed towards the rookie. Its short broad legs pounded the pavement as it ran.

Renamon suppressed a jeering chuckle at the ignorant mega; the foolish digimon was not designed for speed, making its charge utterly hilarious to the waiting fox.

Deathmon was now a foot away; its bony arms out in front of its gruesome body, ready to tackle the smirking yellow fox.

This time Renamon did laugh as she caught sight of the determined look in her oppoenet's eyes. With little effort, she jumped into the air, gliding gracefully over the Deathmon, then landed a few inches behind him.

The mega slid to a stop, looking around in bewilderment for his enemy. Its one large, dull, yellow eye scanned over the field. It saw a couple of other fox digimon, however it failed to locate the one it was searching for.

Renamon turned around and crossed her arms in annoyance. The mega hadn't even realized what had happened. Finally she grew tired of waiting for the simple-minded creature to comprehend what had just occurred, and cleared her throat, gaining her Deathmon's attention.

When the mega finally turned to face its opponent, it was met with a powerful jab in its misshapen chest. The creature grunted as it was thrown back from the force of the blow, and began to wheeze from having its breath knocked out.

Renamon moved into position, then charged the Deathmon. It grunted once more in pain, before letting out a Death Arrow attack. Renamon's eyes locked on the red darts flying towards her, then she bent low, sliding under the attack, which hit a Bakemon from behind, ripping it to shreds.

Deathmon's eye widened as Renamon slid under its attack; it then tried to release an Explosive Eye attack, however the rookie reached it, before it could charge enough power.

Renamon halted her mad race once she reached her target, then she spun around fast, using her long tail to slice through the mega's eye.

The Deathmon shrilled as its repulsive eye was cut, allowing yellow fluid to splutter out from the wound. The pupil had been damaged leaving the Deathmon partially blind.

Renamon laughed mockingly at her opponent, before she leapt into the air and cried out Diamond Storm.

The blue crystals ripped through the Deathmon's large eye, and what could be considered its neck. Chunks of the large eyeball littered the ground, as the decrepit mega collapsed. Blood and other fluid poured from the slices in its neck, then the body began to reconfigure, from the horns on its head all the way down to its three clawed toes.

Renamon smiled at the thought of her victory. She truly was within her element. She thrived on battle. The bloodshed and sweat, the heat of the battle, it was all thrilling to her. She could not dwell on what she was loosing or what she had already lost; it was not time to mourn. Mourning would come once it was all over. Once the day had been won or lost, then she would remember and grieve, but for now, she fought on, feeding off of every opponent she destroyed.

"You must give them some air." The wizard ordered in irritation.

"How is she?" a shaky, but feminine voice asked pitifully. "Can you help her?"

"We've seen worse today, right now all we can do is wait and see if their natural defenses begin to operate. If they don't, then we can do nothing." The wizard explained sympathetically to the young woman with tear streaked cheeks.

"First Angewomon, and then Garudamon, and now X-Veemon, if this keeps up, there won't be anyone left."

"Don't talk like that Tai!" a young and angelic voice pleaded. "We have to have faith, we can still win this." Kari argued, her dainty hands balled up into fist, and she trembled with determination.

Tai took a deep breath, then nodded and smiled at his younger sister. Her strength and light would save nations one day, he was certain of that. Very few people hold so much compassion, that they actually feel what others are feeling. 'Kari laughs when others feel joy, and she weeps when others feel sorrow, but most importantly, she never gives up hope, she seeks the light in all dark places.'

"Don't worry Kari, I'm not giving up, but I am being realistic. We're going to have to come up with a more effective strategy. You're right we can still win, but we need to change our tactics if we hope to make through another hour."

Kari nodded; understanding her brother's worries, then turned back to her sleeping partner, that was resting peacefully beside her. Wizardmon had already used a spell to heal her wounds, and now her body was recovering its strength.

As Kari looked upon the angel's face, she felt a strange apathy wash over her. Her worry for her best friend's life had faded; her concern for the out come of the battle no longer seemed like a necessary thing to worry over. She did not know what would come after all of this, but she did know what was coming soon.

"In one hour this battle will be over."

He remotely caught what the others were discussing. Most of it was how they were going to tend to all of the injured digimon, and how the efforts in the heart of the battle were going. There were many dying digimon piled on the roadside, and the few Wizardmon that remained behind the defense line, were trying to tend to them all. They'd come assess the situation, and if there looked to be no hope for the digimon's survival, they'd move on and find a digimon that had potential for life.

He couldn't understand, these were their comrades, their families, and yet they let death's cold grip take them away, without so much as a fight. But he also couldn't understand why the wizards fought so hard to save their partners. The champion digimon devoted more of their time and energy to the Digidestined's partners, then to any of their companions.

'Matt asked them to take care of us. They really do love him, and I've never seen him so strong. But is that a good thing, or a bad thing?'

"TK," a gentle voice addressed the Child of Hope softly.

The blonde jumped a little at having his thoughts disturbed, then turned to the one that called his name. "Yeah?" he asked flatly, showing just how annoyed he was by the interference in his musing.

"If you want to be left alone…" the other began uncertainly.

TK shook his head, allowing his eye to soften upon his timid friend. "No Ken, it's all right." He replied calmly, before turning his gaze back upon the battle.

Ken walked quietly to his friend's side, then looked upon the battle as well.

Both boys stood in silence, gazing upon the destruction, as though it was the only thing they knew. They were young, but already they had lived more tragedies then most die knowing. They had seen more hate, pain, and love then all the generation before them, and to them, this was just another day as a Digidestined.

"I'm sure he's all right, he's always been one of the strongest of us." Ken finally spoke; his gentle tone was as soothing as the evening breeze.

TK chose not to respond to this. He knew his brother was strong, but this was different. Everything about this war had been different.

"Ken," the blonde's voice sounded miles away.

The Child of Kindness, turned to look at his companion. A wave of pity washed over him, at the sight of his friend's usually bright blue eyes now distant and dark.

"What did it feel like?" TK asked slowly, but bluntly.

Ken raised an eyebrow in confusion, not understanding the meaning behind his friend's question.

"When you lost Sam. What did it feel like?" TK clarified, without once turning to look at the lanky pre-teen beside him.

Immediately Ken's head snapped away from TK's form, and his eyes locked on the pavement. Indigo strands of silky hair fell over his eyes, but he paid no attention to them. His eyes, as dark as deep waters, sparkled with contemplation.

"It felt like…" the boy thought over his words, hoping to put them in the best order. "It felt like a part of me died. When you're young the reality of death rarely registries in you mind. Something like loosing some one forever, seems as far off as a foreign country. When I lost my brother, I felt like the strongest, maybe even the best part, of myself was gone. You never really get that piece back. Instead you have to build another piece to support the hole. It took me a long time to realize that I couldn't rely on Sam to be my strength any longer. I had to define my own strength and character, and my own inspiration."

Ken explained honestly, hoping that his words did not discourage the other boy.

"But Matt's coming back TK." The pale teen urged strongly.

TK didn't respond at first, he simply kept his eyes locked upon the crashes of the battle.

Ken was about to leave, knowing, that the blonde probably wanted to be left alone, but as he turned to walk away his friend spoke.

"Matt may come back, but what if my brother doesn't?" the blonde asked, his voice pleading for the other by to give him some sort of answer.

Ken took a deep breath, then walked back to the blonde boy's side. A compassionate smile tugged at his lips as he place a hand on the other boy's shoulder.

He could offer the boy no real answer, so he replied the only response that came to mind. "Don't give up hope."

"I'd feel a lot better if Sorcermon were here." Kari expressed honestly to the Flawizardmon helping Angewomon sit up.

"To be honest, Maiden of Light, I would too." The fire digimon replied with a slight chuckle. "I generally only heal virus or machine type digimon. Wizardmon are experts with data type, and Sorcermon, while capable of handling all digimon, are generally the ones to deal with vaccine type." The champion went on to explain, his raspy voice had a sweet tone to it, which forced both Kari and Angewomon to smile.

"Wizard digimon never cease to amaze me." Angewomon sated softly, as she raised a white-gloved hand to the side of her head.

"How do you feel?" the Flawizardmon question seriously

"Very weak, but your care has helped, thank you." The ultimate answered sincerely.

"I thank you also Flawizardmon." Kari stated in appreciation.

"I am more than pleased to help such beautiful creatures as yourselves." The flame wizard replied with a subtle bow. "Now if you will excuse me, I must tend to your friend." With that the champion turned, heading for the barely breathing Garudamon.

"Where did Sorcermon go?" Angewomon question softly.

Kari turned her gaze from the departing Flawizardmon, to her partner. "He had to return to the field. His division is trying to keep Deamon's troops from braking off into the alleys."

Angewomon nodded understandingly, then lowered her head in thought.

Kari looked upon her partner in concern. "Are you all right? Maybe you should lie down a little longer." She suggested gently.

The ultimate angel shook her head in rejection to the idea, then replied. "Kari, what happened after I went unconscious?"

Kari lowered her head; tears began to glisten in her ruby eyes and she bit the side of her lip, while mentally ordering herself not to cry.

"I rushed out to try and wake you, but I couldn't. Then Deamon released an attack. I couldn't move, the attack was coming, but I didn't care. It was about to hit when…"

Kari's voice cracked, and Angewomon pulled her into a kind embrace.

"Ladydevimon gave her life for us." The Child of Light finished sadly.

Angewomon rocked her weeping partner gentle. "I know, the Digital World cries out in mourning for her. There was none with a more noble soul."

Kari pulled away from her partner, and wiped her tears streaked cheeks stubbornly.

"I should return to the battle." The ultimate announced, as she slowly stood.

Kari followed her partner's example and stood as well. "I don't want you to go back there." She stated strongly.

"I know." Angewomon replied kindly. "But I must, they need me."

Kari nodded, refusing to look at her angelic partner.

Angewomon did not wait for a response, instead she took to the sky, hoping to pick up her fight where she left off.

Kari waited until she could no longer hear the flapping of her partner's wings, then fell to the ground, allowing her tears to fall freely.

For a while she rocked back and forth, unnoticed amongst the occupied digimon and humans, roaming about behind the line. She felt completely alone, that was until a warm arm wrapped around her.

"Don't worry sweet heart." The raspy voice of Flawizardmon reached the crying girl, and she wrapped her arms around him, leaning on him for support. "Following every night is a new day." He stated softly, as he allowed the girl to cry on his shoulder, offering her what strength he could lend.

He wielded the mighty Excalibur with skill that demanded respect. The rose colored blade sliced through his adversaries smoothly, hoeing down every obstacle that stood between him and his goal, Warumonzaemon.

Infused with the powers of darkness, the puppet digimon proved to be a powerful adversary. His demonic red eyes glow with a sinister lust, as the beady pupils dashed over the field, looking over his armies' current state.

Above Megidramon kept WarGreymon occupied, and the mega dragon of Courage was weakening fast. He was badly injured from the serpent energy that bounded him moments ago. His mechanical wings, barely held him in the sky, and once destroyed, Megidramon would be free to eliminate the cowardly humans behind the skirmish line.

The remaining Generals of the Nightmare Soldiers were scattered over the field, and their troops were spread thin, making their attacks weak and easily avoidable. Already several of the Digidestined's partners had been taken out of the fight, and the few that remained were weak and injured.

To the final Commander of Deamon's army, this was a glories day. The smell of blood and battle was intoxicating and the bear digimon grinned wickedly at the sight of the Nightmare Soldiers falling to their doom.

'That boy should have never opposed the mighty Deamon.'

The puppet thought delectably to himself.

MagnaAngemon swung his sword, decapitating a Gigadramon.

Another android dragon flew up behind him, but before the beast could release its attack, the ultimate angel swung around, and embedded his mighty sword in the dragon's open mouth. The blade sliced the android's tongue, and pierced through to the back of its neck. The angel digimon then yanked the sword out of the wound, allowing the dragon to brake up into data.

Warumonzaemon was to be the angel's next target, but herds of digimon stood between the angel and his foe.

"I'll clear the way, you go after the teddy bear." An enchanting voice spoke from behind the ultimate.

MagnaAngemon turned his head and addressed the owner of the voice. "You shouldn't be here." He explained in genuine concern for his fellow angel.

"Like I'd let you have all the fun." Angewomon replied confidently. "Heaven's Charm!" the female angel cried out, as she raised her arms allowing an aurora to radiate from her palms.

Instantly the Bakemon and Soulmon were frozen in pain from the heavenly light. The BlackGargoylemon fluttered back; avoiding the Heaven's Charm, while the light only temporarily blinded the Gigadramon.

"Hurry MagnaAngemon!" the celestial warrior ordered, while desperately trying to keep her attack from fading.

MagnaAngemon did not argue, but instead took this opportunity to fly deeper into the battle, where Warumonzaemon waited.

Once the Heaven's Charm had faded, Angewomon turned her attention to the swarms of now angry digimon around her.

The Bakemon and Soulmon groaned and growled as the darkness thawed their bodies, allowing them to move once more. The BlackGargoylemon left their temporary refuge in the blackened heavens and drifted closer to the single angel floating boldly before them. The Gigadramon blinked their outer eyelids, in order to band the speckles of yellow and red light that flashed before their vision, then they blinked their second lids, which were thin sheets of transparent tissue, in order to moisten their eyeballs and correct their focus.

Angewomon's gentle features fell into a solemn scowl. Beautiful white wings, once stained with blood, but now, thanks to the wizard digimon's care, were returned to their glorious purity, stretched out in a heavenly show of splendor. The wind tossed about her long, golden hair and the wavy violet ribbon, wrapped elegantly around her thin frame, like the branches of a willow tree, tugging them gently so that they blew around her with feminine grace.

The Bakemon hissed bitterly at their new target. They were angry that they would not be able to finish off the first angel, but thankful that they now had an opportunity to rip off the female angel's wings and mask.

"You despicable creature!" the first Bakemon cursed in disgust.

"You should have remained behind that pathetic line with your worthless humans!" another warned, snarling out the words in a malicious tongue.

"You verminous parasites!" Angewomon exclaimed coldly, her celestial voice ringing above both thunder and battle. "Your hallow threats mean nothing to me. How gratifying it will be to see such wickedness fall." She chorused arrogantly.

"Guilty Wing!"

"Evil Charm!"

"Soul Cry!"

The attacks began to fly towards her from every direction. The BlackGargoylemon created a blockade above, preventing her from flying to escape the approaching attacks. The attacks approached with amazing speed, and the angel took what option remained, she dove down, going into the heart of the battle below.

He body soar down, pulling up right before she hit the pavement. Deathmon crowded the bottom like maggots squirming on decay. Their claws scratched and grabbed at the angel, pulling off white feathers and strands of golden hair, but the ultimate was moving too quickly for the mega demons to capture her, and she managed to fly under her attackers, and pull up on the other side unharmed.

As soon as she was clear of the megas, Renamon and Gargoylemon jumped into the heap of decrepit creatures and began swatting them like flies.

Angewomon's original attackers turned their attention to her new position, snarling at her for temporarily interrupting their fun.

"Clever maneuver seraph." A Gigadramon complemented confidently.

Deamon's troops knew they had the upper hand, their numbers far surpassed that of their opponents, and no minor setback was going to discourage them.

"I have plenty more." Angewomon announced as she held up her hands and a white bow appeared. "Celestial Arrow!"

The golden arrow shot through the sky at the speed of light.

The Gigadramon's eye widened as it realized that there was no escaping the attack.

The Celestial arrow pierced the dragon through the chest. The light beamed from its front and back, and the android digimon screeched as the vaccine spread through its data, braking it apart from the inside out.

"Little pest!" a Soulmon cursed in aggravation. "You should be thanking us! If it were not for our Master your rival would still scorn the earth!"

This cry caused rage to boil in Angewomon's blood, and her face twisted into a hateful scowl.

Soulmon smiled fiendishly, feeling that he had struck a cord with the frustrated female. "Or perhaps we should be thanking you, without your lack of strength our master would have never had an opportunity to eliminate that gorgeous yet meddlesome maiden."

Angewomon would not allow the mocking to continue, so she charged the taunting Soulmon.

Soulmon's head snapped up and his mouth fell open as he tried to fly away from the charging angel, however his efforts were in vain as the ultimate pulled her right hand back and shouted "Heaven's Charm!"

The female angel released her attack, throwing her arm forward, and striking the ghost digimon. The brilliant rainbow of light surged through the phantom, and he howled as his sensitive data was burnt.

The smell of burning data floated on the wind, but Angewomon paid no attention to it, instead she kept her focus on Soulmon, who was glowing a bright golden light. Soon the light grew too bright, even for the angel digimon, and she was forced to pull away and flutter back, leaving the Soulmon to burn in torment.

The light then exploded, booming in a blinding flash that spread from the Soulmon's data streams to three of the surrounding Bakemon. The explosion hit the three ghosts, burning them like they did the Soulmon. The light then spread like a wave around the field, until it faded out like a dying fire.

"Anyone else wanna question my strength?" Angewomon demanded of her remaining opponents.

The surrounding digimon gritted their teeth in frustration, but no longer mocked the female angel.

Another Gigadramon released its Gigabyte Wing attack and the battle began again.

"Angewomon's severely outnumbered." Kari expressed worriedly.

Flawizardmon was forced to leave the young lady after two badly injured Devidramon were brought behind the line. Now Kari stood beside TK and Ken, looking out upon the battle with the same serene apathy as her companions.

"They're all severely outnumbered." Ken replied flatly.

"Tai said we need a new strategy to win." Kari stated as she tilted her head in thought.

"We don't need a strategy; we need a miracle." TK answered sorrowfully.

The Child of Light lowered her head and looked upon the pavement, hoping to block out the image of the carnage before her. Spilt blood crept over the pavement and past the defensive line. The Digidestined's positions where down hill from the battle, allowing the warrior's remains to travel slowly towards them. Kari cringed slightly as crimson mixed with oil coated the road and flowed around her tennis shoes.

TK turned his gaze slightly to the young woman and looked upon her with pity. "What is it?" he questioned gently.

Kari did not look up; her eyes stayed upon the crimson that now stained her pink shoes. "The earth, it's screaming. It's drowning in the blood of mortals." She explained sadly, as she suddenly felt sick to her stomach.

TK and Ken both diverted their gaze to the ground and noticed the blood that was creeping slowly towards the injured digimon. "I wish we had a way to mop it all up." Ken stated casually, as he shifted his place so that the rivers flowed around him.

"Do you think the streets will always be stained red?" TK asked thoughtfully, his voice sounding dead and tiered.

"Probably not, digital blood eventually turns to data particles, so it doesn't stain unless it's split in the Digital World." Ken replied logically.

"I wish it would stay there forever. People need to remember this day and those that died for them." TK expressed as he turned his gaze back to the battle. His gentle, blue eyes scanned over the wreckage, before landing on his partner.

"I'll remember." Kari replied sadly, forcing herself not to think about the nausea in her stomach.

The three children, all of which had passed through the darkest of times and came out with a light unrivaled by any, returned their attention to the battle playing out in front of them.

"Tai the left side is weakening, we need reinforcements over there!" Izzy shouted across the street.

"Well gee Izzy, I'll just go and see if any of the anxious volunteers waiting back at the school are interested in helping out." The brunette replied in frustration.

Izzy frowned disapprovingly, then shouted back, "Your sarcasm is not appreciated."

Tai rolled his eyes, then turned back to the rookie digimon waiting by his side. "Okay go over that again." He requested as he rubbed his temples, trying to fight back the stress-induced headache that was currently plaguing him.

"WereGarurumon recommends that you pull your partners back and retreat to the Digital World." The dark, elegant voice explained formally.

Tai shook his head in disagreement as BlackRenamon gave her report. "Listen, we're not going anywhere. We don't run, besides you're already outnumbered as it is, how bad do you think it will be if we left." He argued strongly.

BlackRenamon nodded her head respectfully before replying. "The General suspected that you would respond this way. But if you will forgive me Commander Taichi,"

"Tai." The brunette cut the fox off, correcting the title.

BlackRenamon looked at the teen in confusion at his correction.

"Call me Tai, and don't try to argue with me. We're not leaving. This is just as much our fight as it is yours, and if WereGarurumon has a problem with that you can tell him to come and see me." The leader of the Digidestined announced, as he crossed his arms stubbornly.

"I understand Sir." She replied calmly. "If you will excuse me I will return to the field and give the General your reply." With that the black fox gave a gracefully bow then dematerialized.

"Tai!" the cry rang out loudly, causing the brunette to scan over the area in source of the voice. However, once he located the owner of the voice he frowned in worry.

Izzy came running up to his teammate, who still had his arms crossed and his face set in a frown, and then skid to a stop. "Tai." he panted as he placed his hand upon his knees, trying to catch his breath.

"MegaKabuterimon can not hold the line much longer, and Stingmon and Ankylomon are covering the center line." The computer whiz explained, taking deep breaths between his words.

"What about Zudomon?" Tai questioned, finally dropping his pose.

Izzy caught his breath then stood up, looking his leader in the eyes. "Zudomon is covering the right line, and everyone else is either injured or in the field."

Tai bit the side of his lip in thought.

"Tai they're braking through the line!" Izzy urged, begging the brunette for an answer.

"Hold them as long as you can, and take as many of them out as you can." Tai stated seriously, earning him a shocked look from his companion. "The least we can do is cripple them before they take us out. Azulongmon will send another army to destroy what is left of them once we're gone, I'm certain of it."

"But… but Tai" Izzy began in utter confusion.

"No Izzy, I'm not giving up hope, but I'm also not giving up sanity." Tai fell silent once more, as he lowered his head in thought. "Izzy I want you and the others along with Stingmon and Ankylomon to get out of here. Go to the school and use the gate to go to the Digi-World, you'll be safe there." Tai ordered thoughtfully.

Izzy looked at his leader in complete confusion before he replied, "Tai, since when does sanity have anything to do with being a Digidestined? We came into this together and we're going out together." The Child of Knowledge expressed strongly.

Tai shook his head doubtfully, still refusing to lift it. He began to mumble about the reasons behind his order and how logical they were.

Izzy listened to the mumbling for a few seconds until he could take no more, finally he rose his fist and let it fly, hitting the brunette in the cheek.

Tai stumbled back, yelping in surprise from the blow, before he shot his head up and stared in bewilderment at his friend.

Izzy blushed and began to shaky his hand before he resorted to rubbing his knuckles. "Well Matt's not here, so someone had to do it." He explained with a sly smile, before giving his hand a sympathetic look. "Gees that hurts a lot more than you make it look."

Tai stared at the read head in shock, before raising a hand to his tender cheek. At first he was in a daze, he would have never suspected that Izzy could pack such a punch, but after the daze faded, he began to smile, then grin, then laugh.

Izzy looked over to his friend in confusion, while still nursing his hand.

"Yeah it does hurt, especially when you're hitting a head as hard as mine." He stated between his laughter. After a few seconds the fit ended and he smiled broadly at the red head. "Thanks Izzy I needed that, and I could really go for an energy drink, but you know beverages will have to wait."

"I knew I should have packed some." Izzy replied in mock disappointment.

"You're right, we're going to have to strengthen the line." The brunette replied thoughtfully. "Well, let's go take a better look at our situation, maybe something will come to me." He stated as he threw an arm over the shorter boy's shoulder and the two of them walked over to the center of the line, ready to solve the problem as only Digidestined could.

They fluttered around him like wild vultures, grasping for his limbs and trying desperately to bring him to the ground. However their prey was more than admirable, and he fought off each assault with grueling blows and clever tactics.

The beetle swung in the air, trying to squash the BlackGargoylemon like flies, however, as soon as one went crashing down, another would take its place and the relentless attack continued. Every time the ultimate attempted to use an attack the swarms would dash back, dodging the attack with their amazing speed, then they would return to their opponent with even greater aggression than before.

"He's not going to be able to hold them for much longer." Ken expressed worriedly.

"If only we could DNA digi-volve."

"I don't think that would do us much good, Kari," TK announced, as he placed a loving hand on his childhood friend's shoulder. "Our partners are more powerful in their pure angel forms, and X-Veemon is so badly hurt I don't think he could survive the stress of a jogress evolution."

Another assault fell hard upon MegaKabuterimon, and the beetle huffed and groaned as the flock of raven winged digimon latched on to his four insectiod arms and grand horn.

"They're getting ready to use their Black Statue attack!" Kari cried in fright, as she ran a little closer to the edge of the line.

"Kari! Wait up!" TK shouted while he and Ken followed closely behind.

"We've got to do something." Ken announced, as his deep blue eyes widened in fear.

MegaKabuterimon twisted, violently trying to rip the BlackGargoylemon off of his body before they charged enough power to release their attack.

"Hold on MegaKabuterimon!" Kari encouraged, knowing that there was nothing else she could do.

Suddenly all three of the pre-teen's were forced to clutch their hands over their ears, as multiple high-pitched shrills rang from the collection of fallen angels latched onto the ultimate insect.

"What's happening!" TK shouted in agony above the mixed rings of syringes.

"I don't know!" Ken replied back, before he fell to one knee in pain.

The screeches pierced through flesh and eardrums, making it feel as though your head would burst.

"Somebody please make it stop!" Kari pleaded as her sight began to blur with tears of pain.

Just as it seemed that the torment of sound would never cease, a vibration filled the air. It started off soft and distant, but within a few seconds the vibration was directly above the three Chosen Children. And just as quickly as it had appeared above them, the vibration passed on, heading towards the captive MegaKabuterimon.

In a blur of pastel the source of the vibration reached the insectiod digimon, then circled him twice, leaving a trail of color behind it.

Once the circle was complete the blur flew back and stop, the vibration ended temporarily, and the blur's flight path was now marked with a ring of pink flowered upon light green vines.

Kari blinked a couple of times to clear her eyes, her grip upon her ears was slowly released, however, ringing still plagued her head and she felt faint from the splitting head ache which still struck and pounded upon her skull.

"I don't believe it!"

The ruby-eyed girl shot her head in her blonde friend's direction, immediately regretting the movement as it sent dizziness to her head and stress to her upper neck.

"It's Lillymon." Ken finished his companion's statement in wonder.

Kari looked in the direction of her two friends, refusing to believe without seeing, but when her gaze was met with a slender pixie digimon, she immediately smiled in excitement.

"Lillymon!" she cheered proudly.

The pixie digimon temporarily diverted her gaze to the three cheering pre-teens behind the line. She smiled slyly then winked before turning back to her insect friend.

The BlackGargoylemon still clung tightly to their prey, however, Lillymon's Flower Reef prevented them from charging up enough power for their Black Statue attack. The fallen angels now hissed in anger as two rings of daises chained them to MegaKabuterimon's large form. They struggled to free themselves, but the Floor Reef kept them tied tightly to the ultimate.

After a second of struggling the champion digimon realized that their efforts were futile and gave up.

"Take it away MegaKabuterimon!" Lillymon coached with glee.

"Gladly." The insect growled as he pulled his four arms as close to his body as the reef would allow. "Electro Shocker!" the ultimate shouted releasing a powerful ball of energy, which broke the reef and sent the five BlackGargoylemon flying.

"Well that was fun." Lillymon giggled, as she flew quickly over to where Kari, TK, and Ken stood.

"Are you three all right?" she questioned sincerely.

"Yeah, we're okay." TK replied for himself and his companions. "But how did you get here?"

"Well," the pixie began but was suddenly interrupted by a loud call.

"Kari!" Tai shouted above the noise around him, as he ran at full speed towards the group, with Izzy following some feet behind.

Tai reached Lillymon and the pre-teens red faced and panting. "Are you okay? What happened over here? And how did Lillymon get here?" he questioned frantically as Izzy came up behind him.

"We're all fine." Ken answered for the group before turning back to Lillymon. "And how did you get here?" he repeated the now popular question.

Lillymon smiled proudly before pointing a dainty finger in the direction behind the group.

At once the group of Chosen Children turned around and was greeted with a sweetly smiling face.

"Mimi?" Tai questioned in shock.

"Hey guys!" the Child of Sincerity chirped, "Gennia thought you could use some help." She explained with a smile.

"Oh Mimi, you couldn't have come at a more perfect time." Kari expressed happily, before she and the older girl hugged.

"Well I'd love to stay and chat with the rest of you, but MegaKabuterimon and I have a date." Lillymon stated with a smile, before she buzzed into the sky and joined the insect digimon in his fight against the flock of BlackGargoylemon.

It didn't take long for Kari to start filling Mimi in on the more recent events.

"So Gennia sent her." Izzy whispered flatly to Tai, who had turned his attention back to the battle.

"Yeah how cliché is that?" the older boy replied.

"Mimi did Gennia tell you why he brought you here?" Izzy questioned, causing the auburn hair girl to look up from Kari, and turn her focus to the two boys behind her.

"Actually he was very vague, but he did say that we are strongest when we're together, and that you really needed my help. I can tell you how I got here. He used the Digi-Port, kind of like when you sent Palmon to see me." She explained curiously, not understanding the two older boy's behavior.

"It might have been better if you'd stayed in New York, our situation kind of looks hopeless." Ken stated dully, feeling the need to return his companions' attention back to the carnage beyond the line.

"Hopeless?" Mimi questioned, drawing the children, who obediently stared at the battle like lifeless zombies, back to her. "You mean like having your crest destroyed, you digimon being reduced to rookies, and then having your bodies digital processed and sent to some digital limbo?" the Child of Sincerity chanted dramatically. "You mean that kind of hopeless?" she finished with an innocent questioned.

Despite the rant's over dramatics, Mimi's word still hit the other children hard, and soon the cloud of hopelessness lifted from their eyes, allowing them to see that change was constant, and that anything could turn around.

"The only time things are hopeless is when your dead." Mimi explained seriously, before painting a huge grin back on her delinquent features. "I'm going to go talk with Sora and Yolie." She explained before leaving her company and heading towards the two girls, who were kneeling beside the injured Garudamon.

"Lillymon's really making a difference." Kari stated in confidence, as she saw the line strengthen.

"Maybe, but we need more than a great defense, we need to get on the offensive." Tai expressed, immediately falling back into his concerned role.

"When Aquilamon comes back from scouting the field tell him to join Stingmon and Ankylomon in the center line. It needs strengthening." Izzy ordered to the three pre-teens, before following Tai to the back of the defense, where Davis stood watching his badly damaged partner with teary eyes.

TK sighed in exhaustion before voicing his thoughts. "I sure hope Matt is doing better than we are."

~*~*~

He was not an angel. In his own mind frailty and flaws were too relevant to ignore, and since, in his believe, he possessed many he refused the title of celestial, allowing that title to be reserved for the seraphs and cherubs of the Digital World. Still in others' minds he held all of the grace and beauty of the winged guardians. Both his followers and enemies constantly waited for the day when two nimbi wings would sprout from his back, splattering blood all around, and he would fly into the heavens, taking his place amongst the immortals of the Digital Sky. It was an image impossible to ignore, even now, as he stood ensanguined above a broken city, he still held that halo of heaven's grace. He was like Michael the angel of judgment, standing before plagues and demon, fearless and blood stained, ready to cast the world's tormentors into an eternal prison.

The demon, which opposed the young Lord, stood proudly, and equally as driven. His malicious eyes were like the doors to a tomb; through them resided only darkness and silence.

"You do realize that it's going to take more than fancy acrobatics to defeat me boy." The address was belittling, and the teen could only huff defiantly in response to the demon's belief of his inferiority.

Without waiting for further mocking, the blonde charged his opponent, ready to use his new knowledge on hand to hand combat to the full of its potential.

Deamon smirked as the teen came racing towards him. He raised his long demon hands and suddenly a sphere of black energy came racing from his palms.

Matt skid to a stop and was forced to throw himself upon the ground in order to avoid the approaching sphere. The dark energy passed over him and went whirling into an antenna, which was placed on the building behind him. Instantly the antenna was manipulated into a black hole. The vortex swirled shifting the matter around it to match its hypnotic motion.

Matt pushed himself up off the ground and looked at the vortex in fright and surprise. He hadn't felt Deamon prepare the attack, which meant that it was some sort of spell. The vortex swirled, slowly growing wider. As the waves from the expanded darkness touched solid matter it sucked it into the spiral, where it circled the growing hole until it was at last sucked into the center. To Matt it looked like oil being manipulated by swirling movement and carried down a drain upon water.

"What is that!" the blonde demanded icily.

Deamon's eyes brighten with amusement at the teen's obvious fear. "It is a gate." He replied calmly.

Matt stole a quick look back at the slowly expanded vortex, ordering himself not to look alarmed at the demonic display, then turned back to the Demon Lord. "A gate to where?" he questioned, trying desperately to contain the tremble in his voice.

Deamon's eyes narrowed, and he took a few steps closer to the teen, smiling as the blonde staggered back defensively. "It is a gate to a world of eternal darkness and silence. The waves slowly suck you in, and as you pass through the gate you are erased." He explained growing ever confident with his plan.

"Erased?" Matt questioned, suddenly feeling that he truly did not want to know what that meant.

Deamon snickered darkly, fully enjoying his opponent's new traumatized state. "Anything that passes through the vortex becomes nothing. Erased from history and life. And the more it feeds the faster it grows. First it will reach into the sky, then it will spread over the land. Growing until it covers your pathetic world's entire atmosphere." The demon ranted with pride.

"Then it will slowly make its way down until it swallows everything." Matt finished the dark digimon's speech for him, suddenly feeling a since of urgency.

The vortex was already stretching into the sky. Like a plant reaches and bends to better touch the sun, so did the waves of the vortex manipulate to better grasp the darkness. Clouds, birds, and even the polluted air around it was sucked in, where they disappeared into a sea of darkness, loosing their identity and becoming a part of the shadows beyond the gate.

Matt looked on as the vortex grew. The waves gently brushed across a near by building and slowly the building was swept into the swirling gate. It started with the ledge of the roof, slowly pulling it in and then the walls and windows followed. The warped building was pulled down and around until it was completely ripped from its place in the ground. Then it drained down until the last of it disappeared.

The blonde gritted his teeth, as the rage boiled within him. Without thought or reason he dashed towards Deamon, moving so quickly that not even the Demon Lord could prepare for his charge. Matt reached Deamon then his hand, covered in scars and stained in blood, grabbed the mega's ceremonial, red robe and lifted him an inch above the pavement.

"Reverse it now!" the teen yelled in the demon's face with all of the anger and pain venting through in this one desperate action.

Deamon scowled darkly at the boy, annoyed with his request and his tactics. The demon pulled an arm back, then punched the blonde, causing him to loose his grip upon the red robe and send him crashing to the roof.

Matt crumpled to the ground, feeling a sudden hopelessness wash over him. He was exhausted, and worn beyond repair. And now he felt that all of his efforts would soon end miserably.

"I'm afraid it's too late." The Deamon mocked with a final tone. "I can only open the gate, after that it will not close until everything on the surface of the world has been captured."

"That means you too." Matt replied arrogantly, as he struggled back to his feet, only to have his tiered legs give in sending him back to the roof.

"Oh no, I will be gone long before the process is complete."

"But your troops…" Matt argued in denial of what was occurring.

"They've served their purpose," the dark mega replied carelessly, "If they do not manage to destroy your companions and troops, then it will be an appropriate punishment for them to suffer the same fate."

"You're a monster!" Matt barked in rage. He had no strength left. He could allow the rage within him to boil over once more, it would wash over his opponent, melting him into a puddle of data, but something held him back. Deep within his exhausted, fear-filled mind was a small sense of reasoning, which argued against letting such untamable power loose into the world.

Deamon walked casually to his weakened opponent. He knew the teen was at a disadvantage. The blonde had been fighting since early afternoon and it was now the late hours of the night. But more importantly, the young Lord was but an infant in power. He was only a few days old, and still knew very little about his own strength and the full extent of his abilities. Still the knowledge of the teen's obvious inferiority did not prevent the demon digimon from unleashing the full of his abuse upon the blonde.

"You weak, worthless human." The demon snapped, as he used his long feet to kick the crumpled teen in the chest.

Immediately Matt cried out in pain as two of the claws on Deamon's foot sliced through his chest.

"You don't belong in this war." The mega continued to mock as he sent another powerful kick to the Lord's ribs.

This time the blow was so powerful that it sent Matt's frail form rolling, until he fell to a stop upon his stomach.

Matt coughed out the dust from the rooftop, which clouded into his lungs, choking him, and filling his mouth with the mixed taste of blood and dirt.

"This world doesn't need you, if someone stronger had been chosen then maybe your dear friends would not be struggling for survival."

Matt coughed once again, then rolled over to his back, moaning in pain as the bruises began to show their coming. "Yeah… I've been told all of that before." He coughed out, before squinting his eyes so that he could better see the beast looming above him.

Deamon huffed before sending another sharp kick into the teen's side.

Matt groaned, then curled up a bit. His head was spinning and he suddenly felt foolish for being in such a weak position.

'Maybe I shouldn't have chased that voice away, I've never felt more power than when it was here.'

"If so many have told you how worthless you are then surely it must be true." Deamon mused allowed, trying to play with the injured boy beneath him.

Matt shook his head a bit, still fighting against dizziness then replied. "Well a lot of people say that Elvis never died, but I'm not exactly a believer in that either."

Deamon now scowled, no longer enjoying his torture. The teen was too strong in spirit to brake, therefore his games and mocking gave him no pleasure. Feeling slightly deprived at not having a decent chance at taunting his victim, Deamon began to speak a low spell.

Matt listen closely to the baneful words flowing smoothly from the demon's mouth, hoping to deceiver some of them, however to his dismay the language was completely alien to him, leaving him to wonder what the spell would bring.

As Deamon spoke his charm he stretched out his arm. The spell flowed from his mouth like venom from snakes' fangs. Each twisted syllable poisoned the silence with treachery, and as the conjuring continued, a dark red light, like deep pools of blood, began to circle the demon's out strutted hand. The light glowed eerily, like the bloodthirsty eyes of a vampire, as it began to grow. Once orbiting around Deamon's hand, the light now began to stretch in length. It continued to circle until it formed the shape of a staff, then hardened.

Matt looked upon the rod curiously, it was jet black but finally polished, as though it where made out of black pearls. The bottom was pointed, and the blonde was certain that it was nicely sharpened and ready to impale him in the chest or head. The staff was slender, but it grew in size towards the top, where rims and carvings where lined with deep red jewels.

Deamon sneered at the bewildered teen before placing his clawed feet upon his chest.

Immediately the blonde began to wheeze and squirm against the pressure.

"One by one your friends will fall," the Dark Area digimon stated blissfully, "What a pity you will not be around to whiteness such glorious carnage."

Matt choked as Deamon suddenly applied a large about of pressure on his chest. The blonde felt like he was suffocating, and the blood veins underneath the monster's foot already burst from the weight.

'I don't understand, why am I so weak? Where did all of my strength go?' the teen questioned, as his vision began to blur and tiny slithers of silver danced upon his gaze like rouge stars.

While feeling darkness creep over him, he managed to see the truth; his power is effected greatly by his moods and feelings. By allowing hatred to engulf him, he allowed the enemy within to when. Everything that occurred that day was like a large brick in a wall. The wall was long and tall, built of his fear about confronting his friends, his worry about them accepting the Nightmare Soldiers, his anger during battle, his grieve and pain when Ladydevimon fell, and his hatred towards the creature above him.

"No last words?" Deamon questioned, his voice now sounding less like a wild demon and more like the cold emotionless creature that came looking for the dark spores a year ago.

When Matt did not reply to the mega's taunting, the demon fully gave up his games and rose his staff high, ready to slam it through the young Lord' throat.

'He's right, if I die now, I won't be around to witness the destruction that gate is going to cause. It's better this way, we're all going to die anyway.'

The staff was now above Deamon's head, and the gate continued to grow, rising towards the sky like resurrected spirits.

Yamato you must fight back.

Matt bit his lip and shook his head defiantly. 'There's no point, it's over.'

Yamato you promised!

The voice urged, ringing from the wind.

You promised you would fight for life. How many lives will end if you do nothing now?

The voice continued to argue.

'But there's nothing I can do.'

The blonde cried within his own mind, as he wondered how many voices resided within his conscience.

If you give up now everyone you care about, Gabumon, your friends, and your brother will die.

At this the blonde snapped back to life, the cloud that once clogged his judgment faded, and he suddenly felt strength pulse through him.

'The only thing that can truly defeat us is ourselves. If I allow him to make me feel like there is no hope, then hope will truly be destroyed. I can't let him do that. I have to fight, I have to save my friends, even if it destroy me!'

"Good bye, Lord of the Nightmare Soldiers." Deamon sneered coldly, as he brought the staff down hard and fast, ready to spear the boy in the neck.

Matt saw his death coming, "No!" the blonde shouted against the blow.

In a flash the Crest of Friendship appeared upon the teen's chest. The blue light started at the tips of the unusual symbol, then burned into its barrier's chest until the light met in the center, completing the crest.

Deamon fell back, then cowered away, shielding his eyes from the intensity of the light.

Matt sat up slowly, he felt as though he were waking from a dream, and that for the first time in a long time everything was real and solid. Everything mattered, from the crows that could be heard cawing in the distance, to his troops and friends that fought valiantly on the field. Everything had a meaning, and he was prepared to fight for it all.

The teen looked himself over closely. Cuts and bruises decorated his pale flesh in a riot of reds, blues, and purples. His clothes were stained and ripped, and his hair, to his utter dismay, was washed in blood, sweat, and dirt. He shook his head, clearing his mind of the useless information that he just learned, then slowly stood up, showing no concern for his opponent. He was certain that Deamon would not dare to come near him so long as the crest glowed brightly upon his chest.

With little thought Matt calmly stretched out his right arm and opened his palm. He stared impassively as the Crest of Friendship began to burn into his right hand; much like it did his chest. Slowly the light from the crest began to form the shape of and handle, and from this handle the shape of a blade began to stretch out, until gripped within the Lord's hand was a sword.

The light faded from both the teen's chest and hand, leaving the blonde in the cold darkness. The unearthly appearance faded and he was human once more, only now in his grasp was a sword, beautiful and glistening with splendor.

Matt smirked at Deamon's enraged face, then bent into a battle stance. "Let's try this again." He stated smoothly, his voice acquiring the dark commanding tone that mixed so well with his place as leader of a race of warriors.

"Gladly." The demon gritted out in aggravation.

Matt grasped his sword, twisting his hands a bit in order to get a feel for the blade. For some reason he felt strangely calm, at peace with both himself and his situation.

Deamon grinned wickedly, then charged at the composed teen.

Matt's crystal eyes narrowed upon his opponent, then he too took off in a charge.

The clang of blade meets staff rang over the rooftop. The two grunted as they pushed upon each other in a show of strength.

However, Matt grew tired of the test quickly and pulled back before swinging his sword again.

Deamon growled as he brought his staff up blocking the teen's attack. He then twisted his wrist brining the other end of his staff up, while pushing Matt's sword down.

The tip of the staff came flying towards Matt's face, but he managed to dodge just before it sliced through his jaw. The blonde then yanked his sword up, throwing Deamon's staff into the air, however not managing to rip it from the demon's grasp, then swung around, kicking his opponent's exposed chest.

Deamon stumbled back a few steps from the power if the kick, but managed to bring his staff down in time to block his enemies sword, which was quickly being swung at his chest. The demon snarled in frustration, then with amazing speed spun around, swinging his staff as he moved.

Matt raised his left arm and stopped the approaching rod, but he did not realize that the demon's maneuver was meant to distract him as he spoke a quick spell.

The blonde pulled away as four shadows shot from his opponent's black staff.

The obscurities fell to the ground, floating on all four sides of the teen.

Matt looked the blotches over, trying to understand their nature, but was unable to come to a conclusion. Just as he was about to begin destroying them the shadows began to mold, each taking on a different form.

The teen watched confused as two tall figures and two shorter fingers began to form, until at last the shadows took full shape and transformed into solid matter.

Matt's eyes widened in shock, as he looked each of the figures over. "What's going on?"

"Why Lord Yamato, don't you recognize your own Generals?" Deamon snickered in a mocking tone.

Matt growled in frustration at the demon's words. "Are you too afraid to fight me yourself?" he demanded coldly.

Deamon huffed in anger then retaliated with a, "What's the matter afraid?"

Matt looked over the four figures again. To his front stood WereGarurumon; to his right stood Ladydevimon. Behind him was Renamon, and to his left stood Sorcermon. They all looked identical to his trusted companions, all except for one thing, one feature that allowed him to see through the illusion, their eyes. Instead of yellow, scarlet, blue, and steel Yamato saw nothing but darkness. Cold, lifeless-black eyes, that looked upon him with no emotion.

"This is just an illusion." The blonde stated swiftly to himself.

"Diamond Storm!"

He turned his head just in time to see a multitude of blue crystal flying directly towards him. The attack forced him to the ground as the crystal sliced through his left arm.

"I assure you they're real enough." Deamon explained darkly.

Matt growled as he place his right hand on the rooftop for support, allowing his sword to rest on the cement. Blood trickled down his new wounds, falling onto tiny pools upon the roof.

Blue eyes took a quick look at the vortex moving slowly towards the sky. 'I don't have time for this!' he cursed silently as he forced himself up. "All right Deamon, I'll play your game, for now."

"Crystal Cloud!"

Sorcermon's attack came flying from the side.

Matt shot his head, seeing the wizard's spell approaching. He ducked quickly and the cloud passed over him, however, his focus on avoiding the attack prevented him from sensing the powerful kick, which jabbed into his side, knocking him to the ground.

Matt groaned and looked up, where his eyes meet the soulless form of his partner WereGarurumon.

The werewolf pulled his hand into a fist, then came down, ready to send his knuckle piece into Matt's forehead.

The blonde's eyes widened, then he rolled back, pulling up his sword as he went. Not only did this maneuver allow him to avoid the werewolf's attack, but the raised sword blocked Ladydevimon, who was attempting to bring her crimson claws down upon him.

Matt held onto his sword tightly, trying to stay focused on the demon's moves behind him, while keeping his eyes on the werewolf in front of him.

The Ladydevimon illusion twirled the chain, which wrapped around her body, ready to send it flying around Matt's neck. But the blonde's keen senses helped him pick up on the move, and he quickly spun around, while still on the ground, and kicked the fallen angel's legs, knocking her to her knees.

He then jumped up as both WereGarurumon and Renamon charged him.

Renamon threw her right paw forward, but Matt evaded the punch, then went to block the kick that WereGarurumon sent his way.

Soon all four of the Generals' clones were attacking the teen, only occasionally braking his defenses, but not managing to cause any real damage.

Matt used his sword and skill to fight back, but the clones' power rivaled that of the originals, and he was finding it difficult to fight them all.

Finally Deamon's patients began to run out, and he sent a telepathic command to his creations, telling them to quickly kill their target.

At once all four of the Generals jumped onto the teen, trying to hold him down. WereGarurumon grabbed his right arm, clutching his wrist tightly.

Matt yelped in pain and was forced to drop his sword in mercy to the power of the werewolf's hold.

Renamon grabbed his left side, not failing to place her claws into the slashes in his flesh caused by her earlier attack.

Sorcermon clutched his feet, preventing him from struggling, while Ladydevimon grabbed him from behind, wrapping her arms around his neck, and placing her claws against his pulsing veins.

Matt whimpered in pain, then squirmed, trying to struggle out of the illusions' grasp.

Deamon snickered with pleasure as he walked slowly towards the group. In a superior gesture he bent down and picked up the blonde's forsaken sword. His deathly gaze looked over the blade with mock fascination, before he moved so that he was directly in front of the captured boy.

Matt struggled and growled at the mega, feeling disgusted that the creature was touching his precious sword.

Deamon turned his sight back to the teen, then raised the sword so that the blade was upon his chest.

"Now you die." The monster hissed, as he pulled the sword back, then rammed it into the blonde's chest.

Matt shut his eyes tightly, expecting to feel cold steel split his flesh and driving into his heart, but to his surprise he felt nothing. Confused he opened his eyes and was meet with a surprising sight, the blade had passed through him, but he was not hurt.

He looked down and saw waves flowing from the sword that was currently running through his chest. He could have stared at the miraculous sight forever if the sound of choking had not diverted his attention to his captive behind him.

The false Ladydevimon was coughing and splurging, that was when Matt realized what happened; the sword went through his body, leaving him unharmed and came out the other side, where it slammed into the demon's stomach.

While both Deamon and his creations where gawking over the recent miracle, Matt used this opportunity to regain composure, then he summoned all of his strength and yanked his right arm free of WereGarurumon's hold. His eyes watered as he felt the werewolf's sharp claws slice through his lower arm as he pulled free. Blood instantly surfaced and began to run down his arm and wrist until it meet his fingertips, where it dripped down like a leaky faucet.

The blonde still paid no attention to his fresh wounds; instead he raised his arm up, and elbowed Ladydevimon directly in her defined jaw. The mirror of the demon made no sound, as she was thrown backwards, freeing the sword from her insides, and allowing Matt some more mobility.

Deamon snapped out of his shocked state upon seeing his creation hit the ground, he then released his hold upon the Lord's sword and stumbled back.

Matt used his opponent's brief mistake to free himself. First he swung his right arm to the side, using a right cross to pound into Renamon, which momentarily disabled her, giving the him an opportunity to free his left arm.

The teen gave a silent thank you that his left arm was freed with less pain than his right, then turned his focus to Sorcermon, who still held his feet tightly, and WereGarurumon, who was trying to regain capture of his right arm.

Matt was forced to attack quickly, as he saw his new found freedom being threatened by two false figures. Without hesitation his blood drenched hands reached for his sword, which still rested through his chest, waiting to be reclaimed from his insides. He pulled the sword out, marveling on how he felt nothing, as though neither the sword nor himself were real.

Form a distance Deamon growled in anger as he watched Matt reclaim his sword. The teen smiled, pleased with his work, then swung his blade gracefully, using it to slice through the approaching WereGarurumon's chest. He then rotated his wrist and slammed the blade of the sword into Sorcermon's forehead.

The blonde watched emotionlessly as the Sorcermon illusion began to curl up. His body began to crinkle, as Matt roughly extracted his blade from the wizard's head. Then the outline of the now curling body began to glow orange, and Matt watched as the body burned like a piece of paper, only to have the ashes blow away in the wind.

'That's one down.' The teen thought tiredly to himself.

Now he was cornered once again, as Ladydevimon had returned to her feet and she, along with WereGarurumon and Renamon, were slowly closing in on him.

The blonde bit the side of his lip as he quickly spun around, facing the injured form of Ladydevimon. Focusing on the illusion's cold black eyes, which were so unlike the expressive scarlet orbs he was so accustom to, he charged, his blade ready to finish the task it had already begun.

The false Ladydevimon released a Darkness Wave attack, hoping to stop the teen's attack, but the blonde swung his sword, slicing trough the heart of the attack, causing the remainder of the bats to disperse and then fade.

Once clear of the attack, Matt sped up. Ladydevimon was caught off guard by how quickly the blonde reached her, and had no time to react as his glistening blade thrust through her throat.

A shiver ran down the young Lord's spin, as he watch the false fallen angel close her eyes then fall to the ground. He trembled a bit as her body behaved as Sorcermon's did. He could not help the wave of grief that washed over him upon seeing the dark maiden destroyed a second time that night. But he reminded himself that this demon was not real, and that the true Ladydevimon would have been both appalled and infuriated to learn that Deamon ever even attempted to make a copy of her.

"And then there were two." The blonde stated almost bitterly as he turned to face the last two illusions.

Renamon did not wait for Matt to charge her; instead she released her Diamond Storm attack.

As the crystals approached, the teen's eyes began to glow a dim lapis. He then spun his sword, causing the blade to glow in the same radiance as his eyes. The Diamond Storm collided with his sword and fizzled out, being lost within the glow of Friendship.

Once Matt reached the fox, he swung his leg out, kicking her in the side. The yellow rookie fell back, allowing Matt to bring his sword around, and slicing through her center, cutting her into two equal halves.

The two halves of Renamon's body fell to the ground and crinkled up before blowing away.

Matt was thankful that these false figures possessed no blood or internal anatomy, it made it so that destroying them did not play with his mind.

The blonde watched silently as the last of Renamon's ashes scattered across the rooftop, and for a moment he forgot about the remaining illusion, that was until a powerful punch hit his kidneys.

The blonde yelped as he fell forward, his teeth gritted in pain, and tears began to trickle down his sweaty cheeks. His head shot around, and he growled in anger upon seeing the false WereGarurumon.

The ultimate digimon towered above the teen in a battle ready stance, and his dead eyes stared at the blonde, waiting for him to retaliate.

Matt jumped back from the werewolf, keeping his gaze focused strictly upon the ultimate's stance.

He watched everything, from the way the ultimate bent to the left, to the way he held his paws close to his chest. By studying his opponent the blonde was able to interpret and predict his next move. The ultimate planned to charge him from the left, using a left jab to disable him. After that was conclude Matt realized how to counter.

WereGarurumon charged, so Matt dashed to the right, avoiding the punch, then swung his sword around, impaling the tip of the blade in the werewolf's side.

The false WereGarurumon coughed and swaggered from the unforeseen blow.

Matt did not wait for the ultimate to fully contemplate his situation, instead he let out a cry, which startled the stillness in the air, then he pushed harder, running his blade all the way through the illusion so that the tip emerged on the other side.

WereGarurumon's dying body slid back until Matt's sword had slipped out of his wounds, he then fell to the ground, panting his last breaths before his body crinkled and burnt, turning into forsaken ash upon the wind.

Matt stared in consternation upon witnessing his victory. He had not expected the illusions to fall so easily. True they did leave enough marks upon his body to forever remind him that their defeat came with a painful price, but he had expected more of a struggle, and less careless tactics then they displayed.

The blonde shook his head, deciding to ponder about the ease of his triumph later; he then turned his attention to the last remaining evil upon the roof.

"Now it's your turn." He announced darkly, as he pointed a threatening figure at the awaiting demon.

Deamon stood off to the side, he had watched the battle between illusion and reality with little interest, not truly caring who won and who met their bitter end.

"I am impressed Yamato, perhaps you truly could have been a great leader, but that does not matter now, for you see I've already won." Deamon chanted in a voice as cold as the North Wind.

Matt clutched his sword tightly, twisting it in his grasp to better remind himself that it was there, then he took a few steps towards the arrogant demon. His eyes froze over, and the blood once matted in his hair began to melt in the heat of his sweat and trickle down his face like crimson tears.

"What do you mean? You're all alone now, you can't continue to rely on your tricks to kill me." The blonde replied in a tone that spelled fearless.

Deamon sneered at the battle scared teen, the boy's posture and eyes made him seem so alien to the rest of the human race, but the dark area digimon paid no attention to the boy's dignified traits.

"Kill you?" the demon laughed in amusement; "I don't have to kill you. You and everything else in this world are already dead." He hissed out cruelly.

"What?" Matt question in confusion before realization hit. Without hesitation the blonde looked into the sky, only to have his fears confirmed as he saw the vortex touch heaven and grasp at the sky, like sickly hands grasp at health, trying desperately to pollute it so that they might be one.

"You see it is over. The darkness will cover the whole of your world, and everything and everyone will become nothing." Deamon expressed in glee, knowing that there was nothing that could stop him now. His illusions had successfully distracted the teen long enough for the vortex to grow into maturity, and now it was unstoppable.

Matt's blood ran cold, he felt the color drain from his face, and the life drain from his limbs. His breath caught within his lungs, and his legs gave out causing him to fall to his knees.

The darkness began to vein out in the sky, starting from where the vortex first met the heavens, and spreading like a virus over the world. It was an eclipse of mortuary, a shadow that would sweep life away, burning it in darkness. Already the air grew thin as the vortex sucked it in, replacing oxygen with suffocation.

Matt choked and coughed, feeling the lack of air in his already oxygen-starved body. His eyes began to water as he fought for air, and he watched helplessly as the umbra plague overtook the sky, spreading towards the battle beyond the buildings and across the city.

"Can you feel it?" Deamon questioned, breathing in the damaged air as though it were intoxicating. "Your friends, already they are falling." He stated in pleasure.

Matt's gaze diverted from the phantom across the sky, and turned to the dark area digimon. His teeth gritted in anger, and he clutched his sword tightly in his right hand.

"All over the world people are slipping into darkness. They try to save themselves, but care nothing for those around them, this is the ultimate test of compassion, who would stop their quest for survival to save another." Deamon chanted proudly, he knew that humans by nature were selfish, that their courageous words betray them when it's time to take action.

Matt wanted to argue with the demon's belief, but he could not. He barely had enough air to breath, and wasting it on speaking made little sense.

'He's right, they're dying, and there's nothing I can do.' The blonde thought frantically to himself; already he could feel his friends fading. The fire of Courage was burning out, the light of Hope was slowly fading, he knew it, and they were suffocating just as he was.

'I have to think of something, I can't let them die. I won't let them die!'

Determination rose within the blonde, and he turned once again to his enemy, who appeared to be preparing his final good-bye.

"Kill…me…" the teen suddenly coughed out, causing his opponent to turn around in surprise.

"What?" Deamon hissed in confusion.

"Close the gate…" Matt wheezed out painfully, "And kill me instead… all you wanted was me…" he released his hold on his sword as his dying body fell forward. It took all the strength he had left to use his right arm to hold himself up. "Spare them… and destroy me…" he finished before he began to wheeze and pant, struggling for each painful breath.

The vortex grew above, spreading further across the land and now the sea. The world was in darkness and death was coming for all.

"It's not possible." Deamon stuttered in anger, "You're already dying, why should I find your request selfless? No one would truly give their life for another if they had a chance to live."

Matt clutched his stomach in pain, his lungs felt as though they were on fire. "You've already seen such selflessness today…" he whispered softly.

Deamon growled in frustration, "And if you had a chance to live now?" he questioned between gritted teeth.

Matt began to sway from where he sat, darkness began to sweep over him, and tears trailed down his face. He could no longer feel them, his friends, his troops, they were gone, and hope was lost.

"Take what… you want from me, do what…you want to me… if my life is worth anything… then please take it… and harm no one else…" The blonde whispered out in his last shaky breath before the darkness clouded over his mind, and the last of the air was sucked from his veins, leaving him cold.

He crumpled to the ground in a heap of dried blood and cold flesh, leaving the demon alone to his craft.

The vortex covered the heavens, plunging the world in shadow; the dying wind played a soft dirge as man fell to the ground suffocating.

Deamon kept his eyes upon the crumpled form of his opponent, with his sword lying beside him, then turned, knowing that it was time to leave for the darkness was slowly raining upon the earth.

However before the demon lord could walk away something drew his attention back to the boy behind him. A light, dim and almost celestial was radiating off of the teen.

Deamon's eyes widened as he saw the blonde's chest slowly begin to rise up and down, and the fair illumination grow into a strong blue light. To the demon's further horror the boy began to move, slowly at first, like someone fighting off a long sleep, before he at last awoke and sat up.

It was when the teen at last opened his eyes that Deamon stumbled back in fright, unlike the cold glowing orbs, that where trademark to the blonde's power, he saw gentle blue eyes, burning like the hottest of fires.

Matt shifted his position, and then slowly stood. The look upon his face was indescribable, it seemed impassive and yet there was both a kindness and sorrow, which seemed to radiate from his every feature. The teen was in a trance, operating purely on instinct.

Deamon looked upon him in wonder, unable to understand what was happening, that was when his awestruck eyes landed upon the ring. All around the teen was a halo of blue, except for the silver ring, which hung around his neck upon a silver chain. It glowed in its native color like a distant star, and Deamon knew what it was, and who its former barer was.

The blonde, still in his trance like state, reached around his neck and pulled the sliver chain over his head, he then held the ring tightly in his right hand, allowing the chain to sway out of his grasp.

Upon his chest shone the Crest of Friendship, more potent and glorious than ever before, and in his hand was the Spiritual Ring, its power awakened by the teen selflessness and friendship.

Deamon looked upon the show, knowing that he would be the only one to witness or remember this event.

Matt's crest grew brighter, and the ring shone in a glory it had not known for ages. The light overtook the rooftop, blinding the demon and spreading into the sky, where it met the plague of darkness.

The Light and Darkness battled for dominion over the heavens, but in the end the darkness was defeated, and the light spread across the land, awaking the dying people and digimon, calling them all back to life.

The darkness fully vanished. Both the vortex and the gate, which Deamon's troops used to enter this world, shut, leaving a cloudless night sky, where both stars and moon rained down their welcoming glow.

Once the darkness was gone the glow faded, leaving Matt to fall to his knees, with no memory or understanding of what took place.

Matt opened his eyes, revealing his azure glare.

Deamon cowered upon the rooftop, still in fright of the light, which had faded, and the boy, which had achieved the impossible. He had shut, not only the vortex, but also the gate to the Dark Ocean, leaving the mega with no where to run.

Matt's hands were shaking, and his mind was racing, he didn't understand what happened, but he knew that it had something to do with the silver ring, which was still clutched in his right hand. Beside him rested his sword, glistening in the moon's silver light, and before him was his enemy, cowering from the power he had just displayed.

Seeing the demon with his head covered by his shaky hands, caused the blonde to suddenly return to reality. Without rushing, Matt returned the Spiritual Ring to its place around his neck, then found his sword, gripping it tightly in his right hand. He then rose from the ground slowly; still feeling exhausted from the day's events, then stepped softly towards the Demon Lord.

Deamon still shook and whimpered, the light had burnt his eyes, leaving him blind. "It's not possible… not possible…" the mega stuttered out in mad confusion, "How could a boy like you have defeated me?"

Matt was now standing behind the demon; his penumbra shadowed the trembling digimon. "Because I fight for something greater than myself, I fight for the right to live, and to live in peace and freedom." He explained with sympathy, suddenly taking pity upon the helpless mega.

He raised his sword above the mega, twisting it within his two hands. "Die in peace, knowing that I will not repeat the mistakes of my predecessor, I am the Lord of The Nightmare Soldiers, but more importantly, I am the Digidestined of Friendship."

And with that he brought his sword down, impaling the demon in the skull. Black blood oozed from the wound and swung over the rooftop as he roughly pulled his sword out.

Without a sound Deamon fell full to his stomach, his body lie motionless for a few seconds, and jet-black fluid began to form a puddle beneath him, then a black light began to radiate off of his body. The light then grew intense; it began to split his robe. Ribbons of deep red fabric fell around him, soaking up some of the black blood that had collected beneath him.

Matt shuttered a bit upon feeling the demon's dark energy leave his body. Once his clothes had completely split and fallen around him, his body lied there completely exposed. The blonde had never seen Deamon in his true form, and though he looked much like VenomMyotismon there were still a few differences.

Deamon was smaller, his coloring was of grays, black, and dull purples, and he did not possess a head of wild blonde hair.

The teen bit the side of his lip, not certain of what would happen next, that was until Deamon's body began to split apart, much like his clothes had. Soon ribbons of data flew around him, and the teen watched, almost mesmerized, as the stripes of data danced upon the wind before dispersing and blowing away.

Now he was alone, the victor upon a bloodied battlefield. He thought that if would have been more satisfying than this, but he was wrong. It was his first victory, and all he felt was numb. Everything within him was frozen for this was his place, to kill, so that others might live. To sell his soul one piece at a time and to forever stray from the path of innocents, so that others might sleep peacefully at night.

'I am a warrior, I am a guardian of the innocent, I am The Lord of The Nightmare Soldiers.'

The wind blew around him trying to soothe his pain, but he did not feel it because he was completely numb.

~*~*~

He wasn't certain of what happened, all he could recall was the sky. Darkness veined across the heaven, stretching over them like the shadow of a great wing, and riding upon this darkness was the essence of death. Caliginosity painted over crimson, blue, and purple, leaving the world pitch black.

Screams of terror began to ring from both the field and from behind the line, filling his head with the sound of frighten souls. He could hear his sister's voice, crying desperately in the darkness, calling his name, but he could not find her. The darkness crippled his movement, and he did not walk for fear of wandering into the chaos on the other side of the line.

The screaming continued, and random attacks were released at nothing, the creatures acting off of fear. But then the cries stopped, the darkness seemed to grow thicker, and suddenly he could not breathe. It felt as though something was choking him, stealing his breath from inside his lungs. He coughed and swayed until he fell to the ground. Around him he could hear muffled confusion and distress, but soon even those sounds faded and all he heard was his own raspy breaths.

He was suffocating; the air itself was gone. The darkness seemed to flow from around him into his pupils then into his head, clogging his thoughts so that all he could remember was the feeling of dying, and then darkness.

That he understood. He understood the hopelessness and confusion in those final moments, but what was now made no sense. Now he stood upon a bloodied street, surrounded by his friends along with their rookie partners, looking upon the wreckage where a battle once took place.

He recalled feeling warm inside, and suddenly there was light. Within the light was a voice, calling him back to consciousness, he recognized the voice, though he could not remember where he had heard it. He did as the call commanded and opened his eyes, where he was greeted by something far different then he had expected.

He was greeted by many twinkling stars and the moon wrapped in its silver veil. Scattered around him were his friends, who were either already awake or beginning to stir.

Upon the field lied piles of sleeping bodies, some of which would never wake again, and their data disperse and scattered, startling those that slept around them. Many for both good and evil died, but those who would continue to live awoke and crawled out of their concrete beds. In their eyes was the same confusion as was in his mind, but this confusion did not prevent the battle from continuing where it left off.

Now the numbers were far more even, and the armies began to pound away at each other once more, forgetting completely of the darkness in the sky, and the light that called them back.

Now the battle was different. The Digidestined's partners seemed to be infused with a new power and from this power they drew the strength to finally defeat their enemies.

MagnaAngemon flew into the sky, and summoning his new strength, opened the Gate of Destiny. The Golden Gate pulled in all of the weaker wickedness, until Deamon's troops had been reduced to merrily a handful then shut, sealing them away forever.

The rest of the Digidestined's partners scattered over the field and fought along side the remaining Nightmare Soldiers, destroying what was left of the opposing army.

Angewomon cornered Warumonzaemon then used her Celestial Arrow to pierce his heart. The puppet digimon screamed in pain as the light traveled through his data, then the twisted costume that covered his body split upon the head, then slid off of his body revealing a pure yellow bar. The purified Monzeamon smiled in gratitude to the female angel, before his data broke apart and returned to the digital world, where it would be reconfigured at Primary Village.

The last to have his victory was WarGreymon. Megidramon had awaked but was badly injured from the light, which awoke him. In one powerful Terra Force, WarGreymon destroyed the evil dragon, proving to the world that he was the true ruler of flames.

Victory on this day belonged to the light, and the Nightmare Soldiers and Digidestined celebrated together, forgetting the strange events in the sky and focusing on the glory of the darkness' defeat.

But he could not celebrate as the others did. His eyes where still strained upon the heavens, and his mind still raced with questions. Soon he was joined by two others, both of whom shared his questions and concerns.

"Something has changed within Matt, I can feel it." A gruff voice stated in concern, drawing the brunette's attention away from the sky and unto the two new comers.

"Is it a good change or a bad change?" TK's shaky voice questioned softly.

WereGarurumon only shook his head to indicate that he did not know. "We should not worry about that now, let us just be thankful that it is finally over." The ultimate replied, as he looked upon the two humans kindly.

Once the brief exchanges of words were complete another joined their party. Sora came running to the three solemn figures wearing a bright smile.

"Come on guys let's celebrate, it's finally over!" she cheered in joy.

TK and WereGarurumon smiled back at the enthusiastic girl then followed her back to the group, ready to join in their joy.

Tai watched without a word as his companions followed the red hair girl over to the festivities, then turned his eyes back upon the sky. There was none that he could speak to, so he announced to the heavens his thoughts.

"No, it's only beginning."

The Leader of the Digidestined thought sternly to himself, but soon he band the thoughts, knowing that this was a time to celebrate for there would be peace, at least for a little while, and that was all he needed to know.

The brunette raced over to where his friends were jumping and cry out in victory, and joined them in their party. Deamon was finally defeated.

~*~*~

He stood exalted above the masses as the very symbol of the South. Below were millions upon millions, who had come to pay their respects and show their devotion.

Candlemon and Tapirmon stood close to the cliff's sides, while Goburimon and SnowGaburimon jumped and cheered behind them. DemiDevimon and Tsukaimon flapped their large ears quickly, so that they could stay above the crowds. Sethmon and Mammothmon pounded the ground with their four powerful feet, while Apemon and BlackGatomon climbed upon their backs, so that they might better see.

Hyogamon and Flarerizamon jumped around in a wild dance, and Soulmon, Bakemon, and Ponchomon whooped and hollered with glee.

To one side were the great wizards, Sorcermon, Wizardmon, and Flawizardmon, along with the sorceress, Doumon, Taomon, Sakuyamon, and Kuzuhamon, all of whom raised their staffs in respect. To the other side were the fallen angel and demon digimon. Devidramon crouched low upon their elevation on the rocks, while Gargoylemon floated above them. Devimon, Icedevimon, SkullSatamon, and Ladydevimon stood around their gate keeper companions with looks of pride in their usually fierce eyes.

The celebration was unlike any the Digital World had ever seen. The digimon jumped and shouted, danced and sang, all in pride of their origins and praise to their Lord.

The mountain of Trica stood in all of its glory, and in the distance around it stood the four Citadels, all restored to their former radiance. The three summits of Trica reached high into the sky, and young white clouds brushed over and around the peaks. The sun shone down in golden rays, lighting the world so that the digimon and people could celebrate the whole of the day. The wind blew in cool from the North, signifying that winter would soon spread its hand upon the Southern Lands.

"There's so many. Are they all your servants?" a gentle voice asked in wonderment.

An amused chuckle came from behind the owner of the voice, and soon a welcoming arm was swung comfortably over his shoulder. "I don't really like to think of them as my servants, they are my people, but they are not bound to me by any contract. In a way, I am more of a servant to them then they are to me."

TK turned his head slightly so that he could look his brother in the eyes. "You're really happy here, aren't you." The younger boy stated a little disappointedly.

Matt was silent for a moment, then pulled his arm off of his brother's shoulder and turned so that he could better see the younger boy. "TK, it is my destiny to be here now, and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else, but that does not, and will never, change how I feel about you." The older boy replied with conviction, "I will always be your brother, and I would never do anything if it meant I would have to give up you."

TK smiled, knowing that his brother was telling the truth, "Thanks Matt." He expressed as he and the older blonde embraced in a tight hug.

"I love you lil bro."

"I love you too Matt." The younger blonde replied with a smile.

The two stayed in their hug for a few seconds, that was until a sad sigh drew their attention to the person standing behind them.

"What?" Matt questioned with a smirk, as he pulled away from his brother. "You want a hug too?"

Standing behind the two blondes was Tai, in a mock display of neglect.

"No, no that's okay," The brunette responded with another dramatic sigh, "I mean, I'm only your best friend, who has stood by you through thick and thin, why would I get a hug?" he went on with his woe-is-me show.

"I'm glad you see it my way." Matt replied with a smile, before turning around, leaving the brunette in the midst of his skit.

"Hey!" Tai exclaimed before crossing his arms over his chest and plastering a huge frown on his face.

Matt spun back around and offered his friend a sly grin, "Just kidding." He explained before running up to the other boy and pulling him into a big hug.

Tai remained in his dejected pose, as Matt pulled away. "Sure now you want a hug." He stated bitterly.

Matt and TK both shook their head as if to say they gave up.

Tai then smiled and dropped his arms, "All right I forgive you." He stated with a grin.

"For what?" Matt asked in confusion, before throwing his arms in the air in frustration.

"For being you." Tai replied before waving his hand dismayingly. "Now go give your speech, Lord Yamato."

Matt shook his head, looking incredibly stressed, "It's official, I'm going to have gray hairs before I'm thirty." The blonde expressed in exasperation, "Oh, and if you ever call me Lord Yamato again I'll have you thrown into the dungeon."

"And we have a really nice one." A gruff voice added, causing the three boys to turn their attention from each other, to their new companion. "It's time." The voice continued with confidence.

Matt nodded; suddenly dropping his smile and transforming from care free teen, to noble Lord. "All right." He replied to his partner, before leaving his companions in the center of Trica, and walking to the ledge.

Immediately silence washed over the land. Many in the crowd bowed low in respect, while others looked up with loving eyes, hanging on every move their Lord made.

To his right lined his Generals, all of whom stood in order, with pride and dignity. To his left stood the Digidestined and their partners, who were scattered about, but still wore faces of confidence.

And in the center stood Matt alone, no longer on trial, but always under the eyes of judgment. His people trusted and loved him now, he had proven his worth and had accomplished much in the few weeks he had been their ruler, but still there was much to be done.

Matt took one more step towards the ledge, while he was not nervous about giving his speech, he still was not use to it. Standing before such a crowd played with his nerves and his mind, but he held his pose, took a deep breath and prepared to speak.

"Nightmare Soldiers, dignified warriors." The blonde began, causing cheers to rise from the crowd, before they died down again and the digimon waited. "Today we celebrate victory over, not only our enemy, but an enemy to the entire Digital World. The last of Deamon's followers, who sought refuge in the Dark Ocean have been located and eliminated. Now we can truly say that his evil has been erased from this world, and that freedom and peace are once again safe."

The crowd cheered again, this time more wildly than before, and it took longer for them to fall under control again.

"But we must not forget that all victories come with a price, and we have paid heavily for ours. Evil will always threaten peace, that is a cycle which has been in place long before I arrived, and will be here long after I leave. Over all of the ages digimon have fought and died for what they believe in, we should honor them, and their struggles by never forgetting their sacrifices and courage. This is a new age we are entering; it is young and full of possibility, let us not waste its potential by holding on to hatreds from ages past. Let us enter this new time with wisdom drawn from our previous mistakes, and a desire not to repeat them. Let's make it so future generation will be able to look back and say that change started now. We only get so many chances in life, and so much time to take them, let's take this chance now, and show the entire Digital World that we are a race of Nobility and Virtue. Let's let the whole Digital World know that we are The Nightmare Soldiers!"

The multitude cheered wildly. There was no more question, no more doubt both the South and the whole Digital World knew that this is the Lord of The Nightmare Soldiers.

~*~*~

And so ends over a year of my life, but with every end comes a new beginning. Which basically means that, yes, there will be a sequel, there has to be, I mean, look at all of the plot wholes I left. Anyway they're will be more on the sequel latter, right now I want to know what you thought about this fic. Tell me everything, how did you feel about it as a whole, what did you think about the last chapter? Do you have and questions or complaints, now is the time to be heard. I take all of your comments very seriously, and if you want something done differently for the sequel than you at least have to give me an idea on what needs to change.

Okay, while this is the last "chapter" I do plan on adding an epilogue later to give the ending a little more of a personal touch. I don't know when I'll get it out, and since it's not crucial to the plot, I'm not going to stress about it, but it will be added to this fic at some point or another, so keep a look out if your interested. As for the sequel, I'll give you a bit of a preview on it when I post the epilogue.

Now the most important thing is to say THANK YOU to everyone who has read and reviewed and put up with my many mistakes and long brakes, you guys are awesome, and this fic truly would have not finished if it weren't for all of you, so thanks.

Now please review give me your opinions and maybe tell me if you plan on reading the epilogue or not, I just want to know if it's going to be a waste of time to write. Well peace out people, and keep your eyes open, because I will be back * evil laughter *…