Mark Of the Demon Lord

by Super Shadowsonic

The Seven Great Demon Lords have existed for eons. A natural part of the world, but no one knows why. Some are born in darkness, others once angels turned into demons never to be angels again. Once you fall there's no return to grace. What you once were is lost to darkness. Maybe a small light can lead the way to a brand new world, or will it lead to the greatest fall of all?

30. Clash

Mark of the Demon Lord part 30

"Clash,"

Daemon floats in the air now. TK perched on his shoulder as the Digimon seems to be reaching the end of his patience.

"Your questions have begun to insult me sovereign," he remarks with clear distaste in his voice.

"We simply asked how you plan on abusing Hope's power," Baihumon remarks with a growl.

"The power has a name," Daemon remarks in disgust. "Despite your questioning of my motives, you have failed to even speak the name of my charge. It is Takeru Takeshi, he prefers going by the name of TK. Either address him as such or face my anger…" Daemon growled.

TK eyes flicker from Daemon to the other Sovereign. A cold sweat is working its way down his face. It seems that no amount of coaxing from TK was enough to ease the demon's anger it seems.

"You seem to preach this idea of wholesomeness, yet seem to go against it," Azulongmon states.

"I have not said such things. I only expect a level of respect. TK has decided to stand with me in my efforts to reform this world, with that said he is my ally. I know you like to think we Great Demon Lords are incapable of civility, but I assure you everything that has occurred in these last few minutes has been grounds to start a war." Daemon remarks simply.

"Do you really wish to go to war with us?" Zhuqiaomon questions.

"You say that as if I'm afraid to fight you. As hot as your flames are Zhuqiaomon, I assure you that hellfire is hotter," Daemon responds.

"We don't have to fight," TK quickly cuts in before tensions get too high. "What do you want?"

"The surrender of the Demon Lords, and to halt all actions against the Digital World," Ebonwumon spoke simply.

"Well…I don't know if we can promise that…" TK remarks. "

"Thus, this means that this conversation is fruitless. Either we return now, or we will go back by ourselves," Daemon says simply.

"So how should we proceed?" Ebonwumon questions.

"Not to worry, I will be speaking with your leader soon instead of you pawns," Daemon says simply.

"PAWNS!" Zhuqiaomon exclaims as his body becomes alit

"Our leader?" Baihumon questions.

"There is a good chance that some of you may not even be aware of the game that we all play a part in," Daemon says in a cryptic tone.

"Then do enlighten us Daemon," Azulongmon says in response, clearly holding back his hostility.

Daemon's form begins to alight as steam licks off his form. A clear showing of a buildup of power. TK looks at Daemon warily. He was unsure what Daemon's next move would be. At sensing the increase in power being showed the Sovereign all get on guard instantly. TK wished he could say something to diffuse the situation. He quite frankly is at a lost. Daemon would've sooner destroyed them all if TK hadn't asked him not to. Plus, the group are picking at a very sensitive topic for Daemon. The Demon Lord didn't care for much, and like he has stated many times, despite being the Demon Lord of Wrath, he is capable of containing his anger. However, his patience is razor thin, only extended with TK's goading.

"If it comes to it, I won't destroy them," Daemon says with a heavy grunt in his voice. TK sighs knowing he had to honor that fact. If fighting is unavoidable, he'd at least wouldn't destroy them.

"What do you think you're doing?" Zhuqiaomon questions, although it sounded like a challenge.

"Illustrating a warning. Send us back," Daemon says.

"That does it!" Zhuqiaomon exclaims finally. "Crimson Blaze!" the large bird Digimon flaps its many wings unleashing a powerful barrage of a focused solar flare upon Daemon. The multiple beams of heat focus in on Daemon, so the Digimon quickly flies up avoiding the attack.

"Evil Flapping!" Daemon exclaims. He takes a deep breath before spewing hellfire from his mouth. The blast of flames rushes toward Zhuqiaomon. The bird Sovereign raises it's aura to protect against the attack. However, the force of the flames was so intense when hellfire smashes into Zhuqiaomon, the phoenix Digimon is knocked astray. However, Zhuqiaomon reorients itself in the air before flying forward clearly enraged.

"Phoenix Fire!" he exclaims shooting out a powerful fireball from his mouth. Daemon simply raises a hand catching the fireball. The attack hits with such tremendous force a powerful blast of wind follows. TK clutches onto Daemon's horn so he isn't knocked off. Knowing that the boy's grip may be too weak, Daemon uses his other hand to secure TK on his shoulder.

"Evil Inferno!" Daemon exclaims. He takes the flames Zhuqiaomon sent at him, converts it to his own, and launches it back faster and more powerful. This scores a direct hit as it plows the Sovereign into the ground below.

Baihumon quickly follows up diving at Daemon. Daemon turns his head and merely with a flick of his wrist he deflects the lunge. "Seven Hells!" Daemon exclaims launching seven dark orbs of energy into Baihumon's back smashing him into the ground with multiple explosions that follow. Daemon flies over to Baihumon grabbing him by the scruff of his fur then dragging him across the earth, creating a long dirt trail as he moves. He turns sharply using Baihumon as a shield to protect against Azulongmon's lightning attack. It struck fast and hard. Baihumon cries out and is quickly thrown aside. Daemon flaps his wings flying at high speed toward Azulongmon.

"Excalibur Claw!" Daemon exclaims swinging his right arm unleashing a blast of dark holy a dull grey colored energy that knocks Azulongmon away.

"Behind you!" TK exclaims.

Daemon quickly about faces unleashing a blast of hellfire that dispels the large amount of wood like tendrils that moved to latch onto him. "Do you really want this fight Ebonwumon?"

"You've forced our hand, Black Hail!" he exclaims as black shard explode from the tree on his back toward Daemon. Daemon quickly moves to the ground wrapping his wings around himself and TK. This was enough defense as the black shard rain down upon them.

"Are you okay?" TK asks.

"I'm fine," Daemon responds with a growl. He places a hand on the ground, for a pillar of hellfire to explode underneath Ebonwumon.

"Blue Thunder!" Azulongmon exclaims from the air. Multiple string of lighting explodes out of his form raining down on Daemon.

"With TK at my side, your holy powers are meaningless!" He exclaims flicking his wing away to raise his hand serving as a lightning rod. He takes the full-frontal of the lighting strikes. "I remember this feeling….Dark Testament!" He smashes his fist into the ground for an explosion of black lighting to lash out from his fist. First there was a shockwave, then followed the lightning that smashed into each Sovereign. Daemon sighs shaking his hands "It was necessary. I know you wanted to avoid this outcome, but it was a battle of egos. Ours against theirs, and I'm sure you know we weren't about to back down."

"I know…"

Daemon takes a moment to take it all in, before he reaches up to grab TK. He sets the boy down on the ground before him before bending down until he is partially at eye level with TK. "I need to know, is your resolve strong enough for this? We may be seen as enemies, or even as vile villains. I will be honest…through Patamon, I have begun to bond with you…"

TK is a bit surprised at hearing that. "Really?"

Daemon lets out a disgruntled grunt as a huff of steam leaks out. TK restrains himself from snickering at the demon showing his shy and somewhat reserved side show.

"The fact that these four pawns still draw breath should be proof enough!" Daemon exclaims, before sighing. "I know what I may do is something you don't like. Understand, I don't just do this for the betterment of all, but for you as well. I trust you Takeru, and I…" He seems to have an inward debate about his next words. "I would like you to trust me. Afterall, you see this form, and what do you think?"

"I'm not scared of you. I should be, but I'm not. I don't know if that's bad or not…" TK says.

"It means you are falling to darkness. It is only a matter of time until you are just like us. Monsters who don't care who we hurt," Lucemon's voice rings out.

"You're wrong Lucemon, TK is our hope!" Daemon growls in disgust. "Don't listen to him, he was an angel that was always meant to fall. Your light has helped me remember who I was and the goal I once pursued. As disgruntled as I am to admit it…I need you TK. Please continue to lend me your strength."

It all felt that simple. Daemon is someone that needed help, and TK couldn't resist at this point. Daemon had honored every single request he had of him. To not kill any Digimon unless absolutely necessary, and that he not hurt his friends both old and new. The added feature of Daemon remembering who he was may have been unforeseen. However, it's what really drove TK to trust Daemon more. Having a Demon Lord as a partner was something he didn't expect but something he's becoming more okay with. The powers of darkness nearly took Patamon away from him, it was as if his heart and been shred to pieces right before his eyes when he thought Angemon died. Even as he stared into the monstrous face of Daemon, he could see that he was trying. It would be cruel to scold him.

"Okay, just…try not to hurt anyone okay. I don't want to hurt anyone…" TK says.

"I understand child," Daemon says. Daemon was hesitant at first before he places a hand on TK's head, his normal hand that isn't enlarged. Despite his claws he can remain gentle. "I will continue to honor our agreement in order to keep your trust."

"You've become soft when it comes to this child Daemon," Lucemon points out.

"I have indeed, so if you plan to abuse this child's trust in me. You will suffer the entirety of my wrath focused into an instant," Daemon says simply.

"That's quite the threat Daemon. Are you sure about that?"

"It is no threat, only a promise. Even if I may forget why," Daemon says looking at TK. "Emotions are engraved into our souls. That is the curse of being a Great Demon Lord and why we must bear our sins. Tread carefully Lucemon."

With that the Demon of Pride goes silent. With that added annoyance taken care of, Daemon stands to his full height. "I will work to home in on our comrades so that we may return to them."

"Can you get back to the Dark Area from here?" TK asks.

"Its an innate ability of the Demon Lords to enter the Dark Area with little difficulty," he says picking up TK again before placing the boy back on his shoulder. "However, before that there is something I wish to see. It was unexpected that we would find ourselves here on the Singular Digital World, but I wish to take advantage of it by looking into something. It will be a quick trip."

"Alright." TK says with a nod.

"I'm sure they are doing fine against Chaosmon without us," he says before flying into the air.

-000-

Omegamon and Chaosmon clash blades with an explosive shockwave following the clash. The sheer force of wind that erupts from the clash scatters the waves. Everyone must yield under the sheer force of the clashing forces. The grinding of their blades creates sparks before they both back off before quickly rushing back at each other. The clashing of their blades ringing loudly as neither gives ground. The sparks exploding with such force and what followed was always a bright flash of light. It was blinding. Both fighters suddenly back off raising their cannon arms. They both charge up their cannon arms before firing in close range. The resulting explosion creates a blast of blinding light, the sheer force scattering the remnants of the palace. It was such an intense battle that many of the other Digimon were worried about getting too close. They wanted to back up Omegamon but were unsure if they would be helping or hindering. It was clearly a stalemate that demanded both ultra-level Digimon to focus on a singular target. Their clashes easily scattering the winds around them and keeping the dark waves at bay.

"I can't tell, are we winning?!" Aldamon questions.

"I have no idea," MetalKabuterimon responds.

"We probably need to do something, they seem evenly matched," Beowulfmon advise.

"Feels like we'd just get in the way," Gallantmon mutters.

"Hmm…" Thomas says observing the battle. He agrees about the stalemate, and he also felt rather helpless in being able to assist.

"Any thoughts Thomas?" MirageGaomon questions his partner.

"We'd struggle to keep pace with them. However, if we do nothing, they'll end up destroying everything if we let them continue. Omegamon must give it his all to fight off Chaosmon. Restraining Chaosmon would be the best way to end this, the question is how…"

"If we went burst mode, maybe we could restrain him?"

"Or we would escalate the conflict…" Thomas responds. "We can't forget many of us are focused on figuring out what happened to Daemon and TK…"

"Well, I think the best thing we can do is prioritize," Yoshi spoke up as she arrives alongside him with her partner Rosemon carrying her. "One problem at a time."

"Alright, let's play it that way!" Thomas says. He grabs his Digivice. "Gallantmon, ChaosGallantmon, can you come to my location?" Within moments both, exalted knight Digimon float before him.

"What's up?" Gallantmon questions.

"Are you aware of a way to retrieve my lords?" ChaosGallantmon questions.

"Not yet, but you two have higher defensive options compared to others. See if you can't intervene in this fight."

"I am more focused on ensuring the safety of my lords, everything else is secondary," ChaosGallantmon responds.

"Your lords wanted you to work alongside us as well, right?" Thomas counters. ChaosGallantmon seems displeased with this, but begrudgingly nods. "Alright then, this is the best way to ensure we can make it out of this to find them."

"What do you want us to do?"

"Use your shield to fend off his attacks," Thomas said. "We work on restraining Chaosmon."

"Restrain Chaosmon, rather unlikely if I'm being honest," ChaosGallantmon responds.

"It doesn't need to be indefinitely, only long enough for Omegamon to possibly bring this fight to an end quickly so we can focus on our next task," Thomas explains.

"Us fighting together…will that be, okay?" Gallantmon questions.

"It should be fine, let's get this done!" ChaosGallantmon rushes off into the fight with Gallantmon following close behind.

"Lightning Joust!" Gallantmon calls pointing his saber forward to unleash a blast of energy. The beam of light travels quickly cutting off both Digimon from another clash. Quick as lightning ChaosGallantmon appears with his shield present forward.

"Juddeca Prison!" a blast of demonic energy explodes out his shield in full force. Chaosmon crosses his arms as he takes the attack head on as he's pushed back until his feet crashes to the ground. He uncrosses his arms dispersing the energy attack and scattering the waves with his sheer might. Gallantmon and ChaosGallantmon share a look with one another. Omegamon nods.

"Gallant Charge!" both exalted knights exclaim as they dive toward Chaosmon. Chaosmon deflects one with his blade and catches the other with his open cannon arm. Suddenly a beam of blue light shoots through their capes that had been blocking Chaosmon's view nailing him in the chest. This sends the ultra-level Digimon flying back until he crashes into a large pillar of stone that collapses around him.

"Excellent shot, just like the Omegamon of old," ChaosGallantmon applauds. An explosion of rubble quickly falls the small celebration as Chaosmon steps from the rubble clearly disheveled. He stalks forward a few steps forward suddenly exploding the ground as he rushes forward with intense speed. Gallantmon quickly raises his shield deflecting the sword swing. The force behind it able to make Gallantmon feet slide against the stone.

"Dark Prominence!" he exclaims pointing his cannon arm forward at the stunned Gallantmon. ChaosGallantmon quickly intervenes using his arm to misdirect the attack to have miss its target and splitting the waves as it travels. Chaosmon growls as he shoves ChaosGallantmon away. The dark knight rolls with the force spinning on his feet raising his saber to quickly catch the Bantyo sword as it comes down. ChaosGallantmon punches forward with his shield scoring a hard hit into Chaosmon's chest. The Ultra Digimon steps back. This allows ChaosGallantmon to gain leverage as he separates from Chaosmon.

"Shield of the Just!" Gallantmon exclaims as the beam narrowly misses ChaosGallantmon by a hair's breadth.

"Supreme Cannon!" Omegamon exclaims from the other end of the attack. The two beams meet in the middle for a result explosion to rock the air. The wind whips around scattering rubble and remains of the barely undersea palace. Once the forces calm Chaosmon is seen dropping to his feet on the ground. Before he suddenly drops to a knee.

"That's enough for now Chaosmon," ChaosGallantmon states.

"I…I am justice…I bring justice and judgment…to the forsaken…" he mutters in clear pain.

"Golden Noose!" two flying Digimon appear. Wrapping the Digimon in a golden beam of light that retrains him from further movement.

"Awesome!" Takato spoke up within Gallantmon. "Its so awesome seeing Pegasusmon and Nefertimon do that for real!"

"Well, since he has been dealt with, we can focus on our true goal now," ChaosGallantmon spoke simply walking away in a huff. He moves into the air.

"Man, he's so cool…" Gallantmon mutters.

"Maybe we could trade in and get him instead," Rika states as Sakuyamon joins him at his side.

"That's mean," Gallantmon bemoans.

ChaosGallantmon lands among the crest wielders and the fusion warriors, "Have you been able to locate my lords?"

"No…it feels like we're getting some kind of interference in tracking them…" Izzy said. ChaosGallantmon huffs in distaste before looking at the waters that have began to settle and rise again.

"We should most likely take our leave of this place. Without Leaviamon's Sin Crest here, you all may fall prey to the full force this place can muster…"

"Agreed," Lillithmon says in control of Angewomon. "We'll do better to return to my domain. We can recover our strength there." She extends hand for a portal to appear bearing the crest of the Lust sin. It opens up like a gateway. "Everyone inside."

"What about TK?" Matt questions.

"He's with Daemon, he's safe. Even if he isn't, within my domain I have a bit of a…how would you humans put it…communication hub of sorts. I like having my eyes and ears on as many places as I can. We'll see if we can track him down."

"Alright, then," Matt states. He looks over as Omegamon joins them. With the threat dealt with for the most part everyone returns to their base forms. Omegamon separates and shrinks down to Koromon and Tsunomon. Matt smiles at his partner as he quickly scoops him up and places him comfortable under his arm. The group begins to migrate to the portal. Angewomon with Kari at her side, and Beelzemon with his two Tamers look over at ChaosGallantmon.

"Not coming oh great knight?" Beelzemon questions.

"Nay, I shall place Chaosmon on the beach then return to my Lord's domain," he says simply.

"I thought you were all excited to be able to track your lords down."

"Indeed, I do want to see to their safety, but I shan't leave his domain undefended. There may even be a chance they may return of their own volition. So, when they return I will be ready to be called upon or to greet him at their behest."

"ChaosGallantmon, can I ask you something?" Kari suddenly questions the knight. ChaosGallantmon turns to the girl to show he is listening. "Why do you follow Daemon?"

"…My memories have become somewhat foggy after all this time surrounded in darkness. However, the feelings I have are engrained into my heart. Oddly enough, since meeting Master TK, the fog has cleared somewhat. It was thanks to Daemon I am the knight I am today, so I shall follow his lead without question." With that ChaosGallantmon stalks away as he grabs Chaosmon before flying off.

"Tch, such a knight through and through, so much time goes by but so little changes…" Lillithmon mutters.

-000-

It's a very pleasant flight TK considers. The rushing wind blowing in his face as the ground below lay miles below. He's never been afraid of heights much, even when he had to ride alongside his partner. He always felt confident that nothing would go wrong, and nothing had. TK remembers Daemon calling this the Prime Digital World. He wasn't sure why, it didn't appear that different to the digital world he knew. Lush greenery serving as the backdrop for large mountains. Digimon scattering and scurrying about on the ground and the mountains. The sun above shining brightly that is placed against a digital sky and the wind carrying data particles along it. TK does note a certain electricity in the air that sends a strange tingle down his spine. After passing over some plains and grasslands, they are quickly approaching a desert on the horizon with a cluster of pyramids in the distance. The largest pyramid seems to be connected to another pyramid floating upside down, the tips connected by a strange glow.

"So where are we going?" TK asks as he rest on Daemon's shoulder as they quickly fly through the sky.

"We are going to visit a Digimon by the name of Anubismon." Daemon says.

"You're not going to fight him, are you?"

"I don't intend to," Daemon responds.

"Who is Anubismon?"

"He is the Digimon that is the decider of who goes to the Dark Area and who is reincarnated. He is the being that dictates rebirth in all the Digital World."

"He sounds important."

"He is rather important in the grand scheme of things. To be frank, even with our powers opening a way back to the Dark Area would be possible but an unnecessary gamble. To ensure safe passage we will need him, also I hope to gain a bit of insight into something," Daemon responds. Daemon shoots forward in a burst of speed moving toward the tip of the pyramid. As he approaches an eerie green light being to shine at his approach. When the light becomes all consuming, TK flinches away closing his eyes. After he opens them once the light eases, he sees a void of sorts that is enshrouded in light. Within the void floats tablets with intricate digicode, and hieroglyphs plastered on them floating around them. The light seems to encompass them before a new figure appears.

"Anubismon…" Daemon mutters in slight distaste. TK observes the Digimon seeing the dog like face of the creature. Anubismon is posed as a worshipper with his hands clasped together with his head bowed, angel wings folded at his back and humanoid body, as far as having two arms and legs. Anubismon seems to observe the two of them with clear indifference. He opens his hands flat for a tome to appear in a flash and flip open before his face.

"Daemon, I was sure you were sentenced to the Dark Area eons ago…"

"Well, it seemed others saw to my removal, if you could return us, we will be on our way…" Daemon says.

"How is it that you came here?" Anubismon questions.

"By powers beyond us. The reason hardly matters at this point in time," Daemon states.

"True, but I reserve the right to make judgment."

Daemon lets out a frustrated sigh, "That is not really necessary…"

"I have a reputation to maintain. Those who approach me are to be judged…" Anubismon states as the tome vanishes before him. "No one is to go anywhere until judgment is passed."

"Ugh…" Daemon growls in distaste.

"Normally I wouldn't bother, but I can tell there has been a change within you. Worth a second trial of sorts…" Anubismon's gaze flicks over to TK. "Am I to assume the human child is to share in whatever judgment that passes?"

"Huh?" TK questions with a tilt of his head.

"He's asking if wherever I end up, that you will going with me," Daemon clarified.

"Ah, yeah, yeah I will!" TK nods.

"Understood, Daemon Great Demon Lord of Wrath, formerly known as Seraphimon, Sword of Hope and God's Judgment. Let your trial begin," Anubismon's eyes begin glowing a green glow. The giant clay tablets begin circling around Daemon and TK. The tablets are originally blank but are quickly filled out after a moments notice. Anubismon reads each tablet as it completes seemingly reading each and everyone as quickly as they are completed.

"We may be here a while…" Daemon grunts as he crosses his arms. TK smirks at Daemon gently pats the Demon Lord Digimon on the head as if to quell his temper.