Disclaimer: I don't own Digimon. If I did, I would be sitting around in Hawaii ordering drinks and hitting on girls rather than sitting in my room and writing this story.

Author Notes: Well, can't say I am that much pleased by the performance of Lost. Sure, it has gotten quite a lot of unique over the past month, but only one person actually threw a review about it! I won't rant much about it, but I would appreciate it were you to post a review about this story! Enjoy the chapter.

There are many kinds of fights. There are fights to defend life. There are fights to defend pride. There are also fights to seek forgiveness from a guilt one may carry. However, the toughest fight one must battle is the one where he upholds his beliefs and the right way to live.

LOST

Chapter 5: Separate fights

Grey Lord's Mansion, Interior-OujoVamdemon

Oujo could hear the noise of battle and knew that her comrades were in trouble. It came to no surprise to her though, since all of them were either overpowered or outnumbered. She would aid them once she made sure the Gikamon were safe. OujoVamdemon was a powerful Perfect Digimon and quite an experienced one as well, so she realized immediately that she wasn't alone.

Suddenly but not unexpected, a lour roar was heard. Oujo turned and saw many Tankmon wheeling towards her.

Digimon Analyzer

Tankmon! A Vaccine Adult tank type Digimon! Tankmon, once they lock on their target, they will continue to chase him! Its special attack is Data Cannon!

The Tankmon, being half tanks, had no trouble keeping up with a still sick Oujo. She didn't want to fight; her first and only priority were the small Baby Digimon. As she turned a corner, another group of Tankmon emerged to stop her. She quickly turned to the opposite direction, only to meet the same fate. Shrugging, she reached inside her cape and pulled out a red spear. The moment the closest to her Tankmon reached near, she quickly attacked with a swift movement.

"Bloody Spear!" The Tankmon turned into bits of data but the remaining were more than a handful. Oujo calmly took a defensive position.

This would take a while.

Grey Lord's Mansion, Exterior-Airdramon

The poor but loyal Airdramon was in trouble and knew it. No matter how much it struggled, there was no way it could overpower the Devidramon. They were also really smart, three of them were attacking him head on, one just behind him and the other two were blocking his side. Airdramon couldn't hope to be fast enough and find a way out of this.

"Devil Eye!" came the expected voice.

Six beams flew towards Airdramon. The flying dragon Digimon however, calmly flew lower to dodge them all, hoping that some of the attacks would hit his enemies. None did though and soon Airdramon was surrounded once again. This time however, he was more prepared to meet them.

"Air Sphere!" he roared, firing a suppressed ball of wind towards one of his enemies. The Devidramon wasn't fast enough to dodge it and soon the ball pierced his body through, turning into bits soon. The rest, furious about a very important loss, attacked with more rage than before.

Grey Lord's Mansion, Exterior-Vamdemon

Any Digimon would run away in the sight of SkullGreymon, but Vamdemon had to stay there and defend his home. The skull Digimon wasn't the only worry in Vamdemon's mind; DeathMeramon was as deadly as the other Digimon. A battle between two or more Perfects was something rare at these parts, so soon a small crowd of Digimon had gathered to watch the impressive battle, as far as possible. Of course, none of the gathered would even think of helping any side; a good Adult would stay away from the problems of a Perfect, or risk death.

"Night Raid!" roared Vamdemon, in a desperate attempt to keep SkullGreymon at bay. The Undead Digimon would smirk if it was able. A threating chain cricking reminded him of the danger behind him, so Vamdemon quickly flew to the side. Back in the day, his minions would fight alongside him against two so strong enemies but Vamdemon had none after meeting with OujoVamdemon; the woman had completely killed his dark side, something that the Chosen Children had failed to do.

A yell from Daisuke made him focus more on his battle. He had to finish this so he could help his new comrades.

Grey Lord's Mansion, Gates

Daisuke, who the last couple of days had realized that most of his battles were won due to the help of his friends, was in a pinch. He knew he had to hurry up but he couldn't just think of a way to defeat Veedramon and Ivan; their cooperation was great. Ivan wasn't just watching, like Daisuke. At first, he was watching carefully XV-mon and once he realized his attack pattern, he was telling Veedramon how, when and where to move.

"Give up. There is no way you can defeat us." said Ivan.

Daisuke reverted his eyes; Truly, he didn't have any hopes of defeating Ivan and Veedramon. But as long as XV-mon would stand up and continue the fight, he, Daisuke would never give up. He looked around, hoping to see one of his friends come to their aid. Airdramon had his hands full with the many Devidramon and Vamdemon couldn't possibly even look away from his opponents. Daisuke had heard a new battle occur inside the mansion and knew that OujoVamdemon was too fighting. In other words, they were alone in this battle.

At those dark times, he thought of Jijimon and the Baby Digimon that were killed during the Kuwagamon tribe's attack. This only lit a fire in his eyes, welcoming a new wave of rage that filled him up. And then, it hit him. Veedramon was truly powerful and his defense power was really high. However, his speed wasn't that great. Truth be told, XV-mon and Veedramon were equal in speed. If however, XV-mon could gain a little speed boost...

"XV-mon! Revert back!" yelled Daisuke to his partner, drawing his terminal. XV-mon first glared at Daisuke, not believing his eyes. Then he saw the terminal and realized what Daisuke had in mind. He flew back, using his flying advantage to avoid Veedramon and reverted in mid air.

"Digimental Up!"

"V-mon! Armor Shinka! The Roaring Friendship, Raidramon!"

Still in mid air, Raidramon lunged at Veedramon, successfully knocking the bigger Digimon down. Then he jumped back. The moment Veedramon stood up, he once more jumped at him and jump back again.

This hit-and-away game lasted a good while, till Veedramon realized the next course of Raidramon and finally land him a punch. Raidramon was knocked down, but quickly recovered to continue the fight.

Daisuke smiled. Veedramon couldn't keep up with Raidramon's speed. With a new hope lighting this battle, Daisuke looked at Ivan with confidence. The Russian child simply returned the look with a smirk. He still had something up his sleeve.

"Ken-chan, this takes care of this area. Should we go back?" asked Wormmon.

"Yeah, let's. The least we can do is destroy the Black Towers but we also need to rest from time to time." said Ken and looked tiredly towards the forest. He knew this area well, since it was one of the first areas he had captured. He noticed a blast far away from him, to the opposite direction.

"That's the Deep Swamp, right Ken-chan?" said Wormmon, he too noticing the blast.

"Yeah. I wonder what's wrong there.. Shall we go check it out?" asked Ken.

"If you say so Ken-chan.

Human World, Koushiro's home

Koushiro didn't avert his gaze from his computer, even after hearing his friends call for him. He had even sent an e-mail to Mimi in America and see if she could open a Gate, but he didn't put his hopes up; only the D3s were able to open up a Digital Gate and if they couldn't open it, their older Digivices didn't have a chance to. After a hard hit from Taichi though, made him turn to his friends.

"What?" he asked rather rudely.

"Listen to us when we talk to you! Didn't you discover the other day a red area? Check the Digital World for the areas. Takeru noticed something." replied an angry Taichi. Koushiro sighed but did so in a second. All of them stared at the screen, before Iori broke the silence.

"Almost all areas are red! What is this?" he asked.

"Dunno. Like I said before, I don't know what that is so that's why I said you check it out. Some of the red areas do have a Black Tower in them. Let's try this one.." said Koushiro and opened a Gate to a white area –one of the few left.

"Leave this to me! Digital Gate! Open!" said Miyako, pointing her D3 towards the screen. The Gate opened.

"Great! Now let's all go!" cried Hikari and made to leave. Takeru stopped her though.

"We still don't know what we will face. We can't just go there! Besides, the Digimon are still tired!" he said. True, the Digimon were all really tired after the fight with the enemy Digimon, especially after NeoDevimon; their old enemy was much stronger than one would imagine.

"But Daisuke-kun is still there!"

"Yeah, he is. But do you really think he would come back?" asked Takeru.

"He won't. Daisuke won't come back. I don't know what he has in mind, but he won't return until it gets done." confirmed Miyako, nodding her head. Hikari looked away from them.

"Well, I have some good news. We can open any area that isn't red. But they aren't that many. Everybody, go to your home and open a Digital Gate and leave it open. I think if we leave them open, it won't deny us entrance later on. At least I hope so." said Koushiro.

"By the way, before we were interrupted.. Weren't we talking about the new Crests? Call Gennai please Koushiro-sempai!" said Miyako.

"This is what I am doing right now. I still don't know if I can connect to him though." replied Koushiro.

Digital World, Grey Lord's Mansion Interior

Oujo had to hand it to herself; she certainly was strong. Although an Adult was usually not a match for a Perfect, a whole group of them was trouble. But she stood her ground, despite being still sick. Soon, the few Tankmon that were left didn't so eager to fight her; they simply ran away. Oujo didn't have the time or mood to go after them, even though she did want to; the Gikamon was her priority. She was relieved to see them all safe at the room they had been instructed to go in case of an emergency. Her joy however, was short lived.

Because all of a sudden she started decaying to small bits.

Grey Lord's Mansion, Exterior-Vamdemon

Vamdemon felt that something was wrong. A Vamdemon and an OujoVamdemon were always connected; he could feel her energy all the time and was taken aback when it suddenly started lowering.

"My Lady!" roared Vamdemon. The SkullGreymon, even though it was strong it was also a bit stupid; it dared stand in front of Vamdemon during this time of the outmost rage.

Two quick whips had knocked the undead Digimon down and another one ended its life. DeathMeramon roared and attacked but another whip had tied him up, rendering him unable to use his arms. DeathMeramon was smart enough to know this; his life would end in the next hit.

Grey Lord's Mansion, Exterior- Airdramon

Airdramon saw his master's sudden chance in behavior and realized something was deadly wrong. He didn't have much time to think about it however, since another attack that missed his head for inches, reminded him of the enemy behind him. Firing another sphere at the nearest enemy, he managed to kill him too but four still remained. Even more furious about the loss of two comrades, the Devidramon had decided not to take any more chances. They surrounded Airdramon from all positions and prepared to fire their deadly beam.

However, one of them died before it was able to.

Airdramon saw who had helped him but still couldn't believe it. The former Digimon Kaiser stood there, at his side a powerful Digimon he recognized as Stingmon. The tall bug Digimon charged and killed another Devidramon with ease. Airdramon had no choice now but to trust his new companion and helped him destroy the remaining Digimon. Then he turned to face his old 'master'.

"What's the meaning of this human?" he asked furiously.

"Please! We just came to check things out and saw you being attacked from those Devidramon! We didn't come here to fight you or enslave you!" said Ken.

"To whose guarantee?" Airdramon went on.

"To mine. Please believe me! I want to apologize for the cruel things I have done to you Airdramon!" pleaded Ken.

Airdramon could stare this human for ages, but he knew he had a better thing to do than pay him any mind.

"I thank you for saving me. However, get away from here. You are not welcomed here, nor you will ever be." he said before flying towards the mansion. Ken just bowed his and turned his back. He had to endure such behavior, since it was just what he deserved.

Grey Lord's Mansion, Gates

"Give it up Ivan!" said back Daisuke, returning the previous words of the Russian child. The later simply smirked and drew something that was hanging around his neck. Daisuke immediately realized it was a Tag. With a Crest inside.

"This is the Crest of Loyalty. I suppose you know what Crests are capable of right?" he asked, never losing his smile. Daisuke stepped back by instinct. Raidramon also noticed the nasty turnabout and jumped back.

"Veedramon!"

"Got it Ivan!"

The Crest lighted up and its light was directly pointed at Veedramon. The large Digimon opened its mouth…

"Veedramon Chou Shinka! AeroVeedramon!"

Digimon Analyzer

AeroVeedramon! The evolved form of Veedramon! Perfect stage Vaccine! AeroVeedramon is said to be the most powerful Dragon type Digimon! His special attack is a giant beam that generates from his wings, V Wing Blade!

"A.. Perfect?" whispered Daisuke.

"Finish this up! AeroVeedramon!"

"V Wing Blade!"

The attack came swiftly. Raidramon jumped in front of Daisuke to protect him and accepted the full blast. He reverted back to V-mon and there he laid unconscious. In Daisuke's mind two screens flashed, one of his mother jumping in front of him to protect him from the damn truck and the other seeing Jijimon decaying to small bits. Both were very dear to Daisuke. Both he lost. And now, his partner, his friend, his pal was about to meet the same fate.

"V-MON!"

Daisuke jumped towards his Digimon. V-mon was unconscious.

"V-mon! Hang in there V-mon!"

"One more time AeroVeedramon."

"V…"

"V-mon! Get up V-mon!"

"Wing…"

"V-MON! GET UP NOW!"

"BLADE!"

V-mon found his senses just in time. Mustering the little power he had left, he evolved to XV-mon again to fly away from the danger, taking of course Daisuke with him.

"XV-mon!"

"Daisuke! Run away.. Please! I won't be able to go on for much longer!" said the weak dinosaur Digimon.

"I won't leave your side XV-mon!"

"You will die."

Ivan walked in front. AeroVeedramon also walked in front, ready to fire yet another deadly attack.

"So be it! I will die! I won't leave my friends to die though! Even if it costs my life!"

Suddenly, a great light emerged from deep within the swamp. All turned in surprise. Daisuke noticed that it wasn't really coming from the swamp but from the Misty Trees.

"My.. Crest?" he whispered.

The light hit the both of them. XV-mon felt his powers return and jumped up.

"This power! It's great! I never felt anything like this!" he said.

Knowing that was going to happen next, Daisuke turned to his beloved partner.

"XV-mon!" Daisuke raised his D3. XV-mon nodded.

"XV-mon Chou Shinka! Paildramon!"

"Paildramon..?" said Daisuke in awe.

Paildramon didn't resemble at all V-mon like XV-mon or AeroVeedramon. He was taller than AeroVeedramon with metal coating covering half his body and arms. To his side, two powerful blasters stood, ready for use.

Digimon Analyzer

Paildramon! The evolved form of XV-mon! Perfect stage Vaccine! Paildramon is a strong ally of justice who will not back to anything! His special attack is Desperado Blaster!

"GO! PAILDRAMON!" roared Daisuke with all his might. Indeed, Paildramon flew towards AeroVeedramon. Once more, superior in speed was Paildramon but his power was lesser than AeroVeedramon's. This however, didn't stop him from attacking.

"Desperado Blaster!" roared Paildramon. AeroVeedramon flew back from the sheer force. Some damage was dealt but it wasn't anything serious. Ivan's eyes narrowed. He never counted this. But still, the winners would be them.

"AeroVeedramon! Time to finish this up! Use Magnum Crasher!" he said calmly.

"Got it Ivan!"

"No you won't." said a voice. All turned to see a human sized Digimon and really a human-shaped and lookalike Digimon.

"Ningenmon." said Ivan, recognising this Digimon.

"Our job is done. OujoVamdemon is dead as a bonus. Vamdemon will come here shortly and it is unwise to battle two Perfects at the same time. We have what we wanted, the Grey Key. With this… Well, you know what it does. We leave Ivan. Master Neo is waiting." said Ningenmon.

"If that's my orders. We leave AeroVeedramon." said Ivan.

"Wait! You think I will let you leave?" roared Daisuke.

"We will finish this another time Daisuke. You have my word on this. Although, I can't say it's good for you. Come on, AeroVeedramon. " said Ivan and waved at Daisuke. Then he left with V-mon at his side. Daisuke made to run to him but Paildramon stopped him.

"OujoVamdemon comes first!"

Daisuke nodded. He turned to help Airdramon and Vamdemon but saw both Digimon were done with their battles. Shaking his head, he pushed the door open and ran inside, calling Oujo's name. Paildramon reverted to Chibimon and tried to follow him but he was really tired. Vamdemon stopped for a second to pick him up, ordered Airdramon to keep watch and rushed behind Daisuke. They reached the room where Gikamon were hiding and saw OujoVamdemon slowly fading away.

"My Lady!"

Oujo turned her blind gaze towards Vamdemon, her life mate. She smiled at him.

"Gikamon are fine.. I got attacked from behind. There is no hope for me." she said.

"Don't speak my Lady! I will save you somehow!"

"There is no hope for me Vamdemon. You know that perfectly. This is the only thing I will ask of you. Think of it as my dying wish. Protect those children and help the Digital World. You mustn't let it fade away just like me!" she said and cheeked Vamdemon's pale cheek. She turned to Daisuke.

"Chosen Child.. No, Daisuke. Follow your own path. Make sure to do the right thing. I thank you for helping me and I.. I thank you for everything. Goodbye."

This was the last thing OujoVamdemon said before she faded away. Vamdemon cried out her name, cursing the one who hurt his Lady. The Gikamon were crying. Daisuke turned his back to all of this. He was sick of watching his friends, no matter how little he knew them die. He had watched several deaths the past couple of days. First was his mother's. Next was Jijimon's. And now it was OujoVamdemon's.

"Chibimon.." he said to his partner. The small Digimon looked up.

"Yes Daisuke?"

"Seadramon said another human besides us was here right? When I saw Ivan I thought it was him, but after I saw that Digimon say something about a Neo, I think it's him she was talking about. He must be behind everything. We will stop him." he said calmly but his voice was trembling.

"Daisuke.. Shouldn't we go back by now? What can we do against all of them?" said Chibimon.

"So you say we just let them all be?"

"No but.. We came here because you wanted some time alone. But now we are involved to something too big to handle on our own! Let's go back and call the others!" replied the smart Digimon.

"No we won't. Besides, Hikari-chan, no, all of them, hate me right now. Chibimon, I need to do this alone. I promise we will get the others soon, but not right now." said Daisuke.

"What do you have in mind?" asked Chibimon.

"First, we find my Crest. We know it's in the Misty Trees, like Jijimon first said." started Daisuke.

"But how do you know it's yours?"

"Simple. Because it let you evolve. I can't really explain it, but I just know that it's mine. After we get my Crest, we will go find Seadramon and this Digital Army. Once we learn more about our enemies and find out we can't do this alone, I will call the others." said Daisuke.

"Wow. This sounds like a good plan!" said Chibimon.

"So you will go with me?" asked Daisuke, smiling.

"Don't forget the rule Daisuke! Where you go, I go!" Daisuke nodded. He felt someong grab his shoulder. It was Vamdemon.

"Daisuke. I am sorry but I can't lead you myself to the Misty Trees. I will have to take care of Gikamon. Then I will contact the Digital Army. I am sure that a represantive will come in around two days so I will tell Aidramon to take you to the Trees and then get you back." he said.

"I see. Thanks Vamdemon. And I.. I am sorry about Oujo.." said Daisuke.

"Thank you Daisuke. But we don't have time for tears. We will have to first defend ourselves from them. I don't know who they are, but they will pay deeply. But now, let us all rest. It's still morning after all. Let's rest till evening. Then Airdramon and you can set out." said Vamdemon and walked away from Daisuke.

Later Daisuke was lying at a really comfortable bed, Chibimon besides him. The small Digimon, exhausted as it was, he sleeped immediately after lying down but Daisuke thought of many things before he could drift to a sleep.

Revenge was one of them.