The area where Duskmon was rumored to have been seen provided quite the challenge. Various rock spires were scattered about, some far apart and others packed together. It created a large maze that was near impossible to search. After making their way through much of it, the duo had climbed up a pair of spires to look from above. Despite all their efforts, neither of them found any evidence that Duskmon had even been there. Their failure to find him frustrated Agunimon.
"Wasn't this where he was spotted?"
"Maybe we were too late."
Kicking a pebble into the air, Agunimon threw up his arms. "Just great! Over an entire week, wasted!"
"Calm down," Lobomon said, grabbing Agunimon's shoulder. "There's a village a day's travel from here. It's possible the inhabitants may have information about him."
"Yeah, that sounds good."
"Let's see…" Moving to where he could see the sun, Lobomon looked up. "Judging from the sun's position, the village should be to the southeast."
"Then let's go!"
When Agunimon began to walk, Lobomon grabbed him by the arm and turned him to face the right direction. He looked at his friend with a sheepish smile and began to walk again. Lobomon shook his head and strode forward to walk beside Agunimon. A noise caught his attention, and he turned before ramming himself against Agunimon. Both of them hit the ground seconds before a blast of energy roared past them. Agunimon stared, dumbfounded, while Lobomon pushed himself up to his feet.
"I must admit that I had my doubts when I first noticed that you were tracking me. Rather foolish of you to seek me out in such a way. You both must have a death wish."
Agunimon stared, unsure of what to think. "Duskmon."
"I suppose I should count myself lucky. This is the perfect opportunity to kill two Resistance members in one fell swoop." Raising his arms, Duskmon crossed his two blood red blades. "Let's see how long you can last."
Lobomon pulled out his swords, holding them in front of him. This was it; this was the moment they had been waiting for. It was do or die. With the two of them fighting together, there was a chance they could win the fight. But even with both of them fighting, it was unlikely that their strength could match up to Duskmon's. Even knowing that, they still had to try.
He lunged, aiming one sword at the eye in the center of Duskmon's chest. The attack was blocked with ease and answered with a retaliation from Duskmon. Spinning the sword in his left hand around, Lobomon prevented the blade from hitting his side. The strike sent him through the air. He landed on his feet, sliding to a stop.
The reports about his strength were true. He could've cut me in two if I hadn't reacted in time.
His gaze moved to Agunimon, who finally got to his feet. Running forward, Agunimon made to punch the dark Digimon. Duskmon merely stepped to the side and kneed Agunimon in the stomach. He then spun around, the heel of his foot hitting Agunimon in the back and driving him into the ground. Lobomon launched himself at Duskmon, only for his target to disappear. A moment later, Duskmon was in front of him and slamming him face first into the ground.
"Your movements are painfully predictable. To think I was expecting to be facing true opponents. After all, it was said that the two of you were amongst the strongest and most skilled fighters in the Resistance." He positioned one of the blades over Lobomon. "Mere rumors, it would seem."
He stabbed downwards. The blade never met its target, as a foot slammed into Duskmon's chest and sent him skidding backwards. Agunimon reached down to pull Lobomon to his feet.
"His hits pack a wallop, don't they?"
"Understatement."
A grunt of surprise came from Duskmon, who looked down at where he had been kicked with narrowed eyes. "Impressive. Not only did you land a hit, but you left a scratch."
Lowering himself into a fighting position, Agunimon frowned. "I'm going to do more than that this time."
"As if."
An energy blast forced the duo to jump to either side to avoid it. Duskmon lunged, aiming one of his blades at Agunimon. The martial artist sidestepped and readied a punch when Duskmon appeared behind him. Lobomon slid behind his friend, stopping Duskmon's attack. The two proceeded to exchange blows, their weapons clashing. Despite his effort, Lobomon failed to land a single hit; Duskmon, on the other hand, left several cuts on Lobomon's arms.
Spotting an opening, Agunimon ran forward and swung his leg. Duskmon turned, blocking another strike from Lobomon while moving his arm up to block the kick. The fighter wasn't quick enough to dodge the following kick, which stunned him. A few seconds later, a wave of energy sent him slamming into a nearby rock pillar. Lobomon, enraged, attempted another strike, only for Duskmon to move and hit the back of Lobomon's neck with his elbow. His knees buckling, Lobomon collapsed, unconscious.
"What a waste," Duskmon muttered, positioning a blade over the center of Lobomon's torso. "You could have been a decent addition to Laylamon's army."
Just as he went to stab the downed Digimon, a voice screamed, "No!" Stopping, Duskmon let out an exasperated sigh and looked to where Agunimon lay. An expression of mild surprise was on his face before he attempted to stand. Moving away from the prone body at his feet, Duskmon made his way over to the struggling Digimon. By the time Agunimon was halfway standing, Duskmon reached him and kicked him in the stomach. He hit the ground once again. Sneering, Duskmon continued to kick him until he sent Agunimon rolling away.
Stepping on Agunimon's chest, Duskmon placed the tip of a blade against the Digimon's chin and leaned down.
"Why were you following me?"
There was no answer. Duskmon pressed down, making Agunimon grunt.
"What were you planning?"
Shaking his head, Agunimon gripped his hands into fists.
"Answer me!"
Agunimon stared at Duskmon defiantly despite the obvious pain he was in. Duskmon's expression shifted as he scoffed.
"You aren't even worth the effort of killing," Duskmon said, moving his foot off Agunimon's stomach. "Challenge me again once you and your friend are strong enough to win."
As the dark Digimon walked away, Agunimon let out a heavy breath and passed out.