Mark of the Demon Lord part 31
"Echoes,"
"Alright, Daemon, I believe I've compiled the majority of your sins at this point," Anubismon states as his eyes still scan the tome before him and the multiple tablets that manifest around Daemon each moment that passes. "As so much time has passed since your last judgment, it took a bit of time to add up the new ones."
"Shame, it seems I wasn't on my best behavior," Daemon responds.
"Naturally, as a Great Demon Lord, but I will say that your original sin still remains the most concerning factor of your sentence."
"And what sin might that be?" his tone clearly sardonic.
"Based on your tone, I think it's safe to assume you know already, but for the sake of your…guest, I will say that it relates to your fall from grace…"
"The rebellion…" Daemon mutters.
"Yes, your rebellion," Anubismon states.
"It's interesting that you call it that."
"Daemon must've done it for a good reason though. At the time he wasn't a demon lord," TK points out.
"This is true, it was during his time as the sword of hope, Seraphimon. You are correct there are factors that I have not considered especially since you wield the power that Daemon once did many, many years ago. Would you like to see this sin?"
"I can see it?"
"Well seeing is a bit inaccurate," he says as a greenish glow overtakes his form. It was blinding that made TK close his eyes at the light. It was only a few moments later when he opens his eyes once the light has gone down. He can see he is somewhere different. He is in some place, filled with stone tablets a beautiful place that shined brightly. Even the grass around him seemed to be reflecting the light clearly showing that this is a place of peace or at the very least a sacred place.
"I've combed through these prophecies' multiple times, fought multiple viruses, and even met with a general of the Dark Area's army. I have obtained as much knowledge as I could," a voice says. TK looks around trying to find the source until he sees a Seraphimon running his hands along the Digi-Code, the dust particles turning into data filtering into the air. "I have purified the Digital Hazard itself, and even organized the Royal Knights. I have done much in this fight against the darkness. However, despite my best efforts, in trying to understand my enemy I have discovered they are beings like us. Not prone to destruction but living their lives. I ask, nay, I demand an answer to my question. Why must they be destroyed utterly."
"Because they are a blight they are called viruses for a reason. These beings shall distort the world and lead to it's untimely destruction. Many of them are not aware of the destruction they may cause, but that doesn't change the amount of damage they could create just be existing."
"You say that, but I am inclined to disagree. They are Digimon like myself, and are merely fighting to exist. Fighting doesn't have to be the only option, but it is currently how things are. I have been charged to slaughter them and I have not questioned this role of mine. I recognize my position as the hope that shall never die out. The light that shall not die out in the deepest of darkness. I know all this, but I cannot unlearn the blight that they face."
"As my sword of hope, I would expect that you of all Digimon would understand."
"I had, until very recently. Which doesn't make sense. I'm the one Digimon that interacts with you most, so it would mean that I understand your goals most out of everyone. However, I stand here not in defense of your decree, but in defiance."
"Choose your words carefully Seraphimon…"
"I only wish to understand the wisdom that you have that I do not. I wish to find a way that all may not suffer. At this rate the darkness that coats the land will be that of the innocent and unfairly judged. I am one that delivers justice, what justice is there in destroying those whose only crime is existing?"
"Take this and peer into it," a Digicore floats before Seraphimon.
Seraphimon balks a bit unsure before placing a hand on it and suddenly his mind is expanded. The area alters to a dark and desolate area. It is barren and dead completely different to the beautiful place that TK was in. It was similar to the dark area, at least the brief glimpses he could see before moving into the area within Demon Lord control. It was intense the amount of death that thrived there. The Digimon that moved about were in conflict, with no clear reason. There was no commander, no leader, just utter violence for violence's sake.
"If we allow these creatures to exist, this is the world they will create. They will utterly defile our realm and pollute it with darkness. The Digicode of my being is written into the world, and to obtain that is to obtain power over the realm. Eventually their dark power will grow and grow until they overtake us. Based on multiple scenarios this is the most likely outcome if they are not destroyed utterly to retain the serenity of this realm…" the area returns to the beautiful landscape from before.
"And this will come to pass if they continue to exist?" Seraphimon asks for clarification.
"It shall."
"I requested answers and you have provided some of your reasoning. To try to fully comprehend your ways and complexities can be difficult for even myself at times. To live through life is to accept that things aren't always going to be easy to understand, especially when you first hear them. So, while I accept your complexities, I ask that you accept my own. I am the sword of Hope, I exist to eradicate evil, and I understand evil can change depending on perspective…"
(Hm?)
"…I am beginning to understand the true purpose of this meeting. Do you mean to threaten, Me, Seraphimon?"
"I wish it to never come to that, but I eradicate evil to give the innocence peace of mind. I know I may come across as having great hatred for beings of evil, but it not only upsets me to see such potential going to waste, also to see it turned on those whose only crime was being in the way."
(No…wait)
"Your words have been acknowledged Seraphimon."
Suddenly the entire scene shifts as it breaks apart all at once, shattering like glass. Daemon steps forward in front of TK shielding the boy from a rapidly approaching Anubismon who moves in close with a harsh scowl on his face baring fangs in his maw as he glares at Daemon.
"What did that human do?! No, the better question would be what did you do Daemon?!" Anubismon growls.
"Ah, so my hunch was correct, how interesting…" Daemon instead responds glancing down before facing Anubismon. "I was a bit worried that having these other Sin Crest may affect the truth…"
"This is heresy Daemon! This meeting, the original memory is programmed into you're very being. All that you are and all that you've done is laid bare before me. It is not possible to deceive me of thine sin!"
"Wh-What's happening?" TK questions nervously. He wasn't able to see Anubismon's face, but he could clearly hear the anger in his voice.
"That is precisely what I would like to know," Anubismon lets out an angry huff before floating away a bit from Daemon. This made Daemon finally relax in blocking TK as he steps aside to allow the boy to properly be in the conversation.
"I don't exactly follow Anubismon. You took the memory from my very being, there is no power I know of that can resist this."
"Yet, what we had just witnessed was clearly altered…" Anubismon looked annoyed again, most likely thinking this was the most pointless thing to point out because it was so obvious.
"How could you know that?" TK questions. From what Daemon has told him about Anubismon his job sounds hard and busy. At least if primary village could get busy, then so could the other side of things he figured. So how could Anubismon remember one particular memory that well?
"Because, Daemon, formerly Seraphimon, was one of the first Digimon I ever judged after the rebellion was dealt with. I could never forget first sentencing one of the Seven Great Demon Lords. I like to review them as a means of reminding myself of what the worst of character truly means." Anubismon closes the tomb and allows it to float aloft before a stone tablet detaches from the wall marked only with the Sin Crest of Wrath. Anubismon floats forward before reaching a handout and touching the sin crest symbol. The slab glows eerirly green, almost like sludge, unlike the other bright green from the previous tablet. It shows the same exact scene, a conversation between Seraphimon, formerly Daemon, and the being he had served.
"This is where the change is most obvious, honestly…" Anubismon states.
"I demanded answers and you have provided incoherent reasoning! To try to fully comprehend your ways and complexities can be difficult for even me at times. To live through life is to accept that things aren't always going to be easy to understand, especially when based on a single impression. So, while I accept your complexities, I ask that you accept my own. I am the sword of Hope, I exist to eradicate evil, and evil can change depending on my perspective…"
"…I am beginning to understand the true purpose of this meeting. Do you mean to threaten, me, Seraphimon?"
"It doesn't have to come to that, but I eradicate evil. I know I may come across as having great hatred for beings of evil, it not only upsets me to see such potential going to waste, but to see it turned on those whose only crime was being in the way."
"Your words have been acknowledged Seraphimon."
"You sounded different…and everything you said was off," TK pointed out.
"My point exactly, though the words are only slightly altered and the tone different. However, these things are taken into account to ascertain guilt. This memory had been archived, so how is it that the memory we just witnessed before the rebellion is so different?" Anubismon questions with a pointed look at Daemon.
"So, something changed, but who could change it?" TK asks.
"No one could change it, it is something that cannot be altered. There is no way for someone to remember things one way or another. There is only the truth, yet it would seem the truth was altered."
"As I said previously, I know no power that could change it. Unless you are aware of a power that can make such a change?"
"Are you insinuating that your punishment was unjust?"
"At the time, now at this current point in time, I would say it is an apt punishment. I do not wish to undo what has been done Anubismon, only understand."
"Who was the person you were talking to Daemon?" TK questions.
"What we refer to as god in this world. Their name has changed from time to time over the many eras. From King Drasil, Yggdrasil, The Source, and other names. I do not know what they are called now, but we had referred to them as The One of Goodness."
"Fighting against someone with that name would make anyone sound like the bad guy wouldn't it…"
"That is a fact that I am starting to notice," Daemon mutters. "Anubismon, as you have just witnessed. Things are not as they seem, and I aim to find the reason as to why. My memories of the past have been diluted and I don't believe that it was just time that caused this to occur. The powers that be, don't feel right do they?"
"You're awakening along with your kin tend to throw things out of whack, but this is different. Vastly different from what I've ever observed."
"What if I were to tell you Anubismon that I aim to find the truth myself."
"What truth is that?"
"With the powers of this human, I have been in touch in my old power. It has…changed my perspective somewhat…"
Anubismon despite himself gives the Demon Lord a small smirk, "The child's influence huh?"
"Whatever the case may be!" he quickly counters. "Through pure happenstance, I have reclaimed this old power. It brought back so much clarity to my mind that has been rather…difficult to grapple with. I'm sure that once this connection no longer exists, I will revert back to the Demon Lord of Wrath you are more familiar with." Daemon says this in a strangely regreatable tone, but he doesn't dwell on that train of thought long. "Hence with this time I have, I plan to do many things. One of those is discovering the truth, and I need to return to the Dark Area to claim this truth."
"Hmmm." Anubismon says clearly pondering these words. "The powers at be demand that balance be retained. I will allow you safe passage into the Dark Area, Daemon. Know this Demon Lord, I have already peered into your soul, so I know better then most what's going on within your heart and what you have in store for the child…"
"With all due respect, Anubismon," Daemon growled. "I will protect the child with everything I have whichever path I may walk."
Abnubismon simply levels a hard stare at Daemon before seemingly giving a small nod, "So you will. As this boy's fate is intertwined with light and the fate of our world. I understand you know that his existence is important to all, but certain failures will result in severe consequences for all, including that boy."
"That information is noted, can you send me back now?" Daemon questions with a hard stare
Anubismon doesn't respond for a few moments keeping his hard stare, "Daemon, Great Demon Lord of Wrath, you have been sentenced to the Dark Area, where your data shall not flow in the great reincarnation. You shall live out your sentence for the next thousand eons there until further notice," Anubismon states pointing his hand out for a swirling vortex of purple energy to gather with a prism made of light within the center of the swirling darkness. Daemon nods while looking at the portal, he grabs TK by the back of his shirt to lift the small boy on his shoulder. With a flick of his wrist he also casts a protective shield around the boy with a glowing orange aura around him.
"Just to be safe, no telling how these portals to the Dark Area may effect someone like yourself," with that Daemon walks into the portal. TK stares forward looking at the swirling darkness before him. He felt as if he was being pushed through a thick stream. He felt forces pushing against him almost trying to pull him away from Daemon. He quickly clings to the Digimon otherwise he felt he would be flung away as if he was riding on a rollercoaster with multiple twist and turns. The experience was disorienting at first as telling up from down was rather difficult in a swirling vortex.
Daemon grunts in slight annoyance as he steps out from the portal as if breaching the surface of the sea. The patch quickly repairs itself the moment he is on the otherside. He looks around to see that they have indeed arrived in the Dark Area, although in no particular demon lords' domain, simply a random part of the Dark Area. He looks up to see the black sun shinning down bathing the land in a dark light. Daemon looks on a bit in distaste before noting TK on his shoulder. His protection is still intact though clearly fading based on the orange glow flickering from bright and dim around him. The boy is also shivering holding himself, as though he is cold in what is in truth a blistering heat in Daemon's opinion. That's the truth of this place, the Great Demon Lord controlled zones are like an oasis. The dark area is almost like a desert, the true punishment that this place is.
For beings of light, it feels like the coldest tundra. For those who are of darkness, it is like a blazing hell pit. The Demon Lord locations are like places of true balance, thus being the most survivable. Each Demon Lord deeming admittance at their own discretion and willing to turn away those deemed unfit. Although, Beelzemon is the only one which allows anyone to come in. Hence the strange atmosphere in his domain. Barbamon is only second to him.
"Damn that bastard, I'll throttle him the next chance I get, especially after what he said to me." Daemon knows the true meaning of why they were placed there though. It is to prove his conviction not with words but with deeds. Survive the intense scolding heat for him, and the blistering cold for TK. Literally, in order to survive they must stay close. "Seems Anubismon sent us rather far from my area too." Daemon suddenly hears growling from nearby. He glances around to see a wild pack of Fangmon approaching him. Their eyes wild and crazed, clearly monstrous and in a frenzy. "Ugh, mindless beasts…"
Daemon opens his wings unleashing a powerful blast of wind that scatters the Fangmon all trying to converge on him.
"You won't hurt them, right?" TK questions.
"It is not I that is in danger of being hurt, it is you child. The Dark Area is a place without light, and many creatures would do anything to feel that light. I had advised against venturing into the neutral area because of the affect it has on you and also the monsters that will be drawn to you like a moth to a flame." Daemon quickly takes to the sky avoiding the Fangmon altogether as he soars through the air. However, it wasn't long before airborne creatures are soon approaching. Flymon and Gargoylemon all approaching in a group from the air.
Daemon lets out an exasperated sigh before raising his hand, his left hand. Daemon creates a vortex of flames that did an excellent job of scattering the group as they all quickly try to avoid the explosion of flames that had appeared seemingly out of thin air. Using such abilities in this climate was actually rather painful. With their formation scattered Daemon quickly barrels through the horde with the force of a cannonball as any in his way or completely knocked out of the way as Daemon travels.
"What's wrong with them?" TK questioned.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, I mean, they didn't talk or say anything. They sounded like wild animals…"
"That is the effect of the Dark Area on lower creatures," Lucemon suddenly speaks up. He had been silent for so long it was actually a surprise to hear from him.
"That is true, that's the effect of the Dark Area, this affect can happen outside the Dark Area as well do to its influence, not many are able to keep their sense of self, or those born here lack a sense of self. It is a vicious place here, and not many are willing to be understanding or try to talk things out. Not all Digimon are capable of actual speech. Some Digimon are merely monsters, attacking anything perceived as a threat and focused on survival. It's a harsh way of doing things and honestly it does sadden me seeing Digimon without their minds intact. That's just how the Dark Area is, not everyone is lucky enough to have their sense of self when they are sentenced to this place."
Daemon notes that several flying Digimon were now approaching him. He sighs in slight annoyance noting the horde of Flymon, Snimon, and even a few Digmon. Daemon gathers a dark energy around himself to unleash a narrow energy beam straight in front of him. The sheer power of the attack even though it doesn't hit, it scatters them just from the sheer force of the blast. Some of the Digimon manage to dodge it, however some were not so lucky. Either way the way was clear for Daemon to quickly fly through in a blur of speed as he moves through them as they try to reorganize themselves.
"Why are they after us?"
"As I said, your light," Daemon says simply. "In a world of darkness, the light is something that is coveted and desired. That was also another reason why you lot shouldn't wonder through the Dark Area outside Demon Lord domains. The Great Demon Lords have been able to acquire a piece of the light from the Digital World which is why our domains are the way they are. They feel they can only be whole when they obtain that light and as the light of Hope, it isn't so farfetched to say their dreams may come true if they were to consume us."
TK, even while wincing as the protection Daemon casted is wanning, he nods in understanding of his reasoning. TK is in danger in this place. It doesn't change the fact he feels kind of bad for these Digimon who only want to claim a sense of self, or even a piece of comfort. TK has been exposed to a lot on this journey, most of these things he couldn't fully grasp even with Daemon's influence and Daemon dumbing down his explanations. He understands this is a complicated situation as opposed to the others he's been up against. As far as Devimon, Myotismon, the Dark Masters, and Apoclymon. This is a different type of enemy he's not sure how they can combat. Daemon plans to fight against fate itself, and while TK completely understands that part of the problem. He isn't keen on causing pain for superficial reasons nor picking fights with those that are weaker than them. The one thing he absolutely understood about his Digimon partner is that he is very powerful. It wasn't hard to figure out. When Patamon first Digivolved, it led to the defeat of Devimon. The second time he digivolved, he sent Myotismon himself into a retreat. Even when it came to fulfill the prophecy of unlocking MetalGarurumon and Wargreymon, he pretty much understood that a lot of power was placed on his shoulders.
It was always something he tried to either ignore or not think about. His partner Digimon has tremendous power when it comes to fighting their enemies or those who has an evil desire within their heart. Which also inadvertently meant that he also has great power. He's not blind in seeing that although he'd rather not resort to violence, it's a rather twist of fate that his Digimon partner just so happens to be the best at eliminating evil along with Kari's partner Angewomon. In not wanting violence, his partner is the best at destruction. An irony that he now only recognizes under Daemon's influence. It was just rather difficult to imagine a being to truly be pure evil. However, after the battle with the Dark Masters and Apoclymon, it was a lot easier to believe that idea. He was still hopeful that his power would only be used for good.
Daemon continues flying, scanning the area seemingly to understand where they are. TK feels himself wanting to clutch onto Daemon more, and despite the Demon Digimon he constantly has a hand placed on him as he sits on his shoulder. TK admits its comforting but knows that Daemon may not appreciate the sentiment or may be embarrassed by it. Especially since he wants to keep his reputation as the Demon Lord of Wrath despite him being a relatively empathic. Especially as opposed to Lucemon who seems mostly focused on his own goals then how it affects others. He is even beginning to understand Lucemon's arrogance, which makes him a bit worried about how Daemon is affecting him.
He knows that everyone, even Daemon himself, have listed off reasons why the Demon Lord should not be trusted. However, he knows Daemon better then most. He understands the conviction within the Digimon, he understands the want to do good, no matter the cost. He couldn't possibly pretend he didn't understand that. It threw everyone off guard, including Daemon himself. Placing a bit of faith in someone can lead to amazing things.
"Okay, my domain isn't as far as I first thought. We should be able to reach it relatively shortly if we continue our pace." Daemon informs TK. TK only nods in understanding while he clinches his eyes shut trying to savor whatever warmth he can as he feels this intense chill come over him. The moment it does he notes Daemon suddenly shift the small boy to his chest. He doesn't say anything he only moves without saying anything. TK doesn't question the comfort it brings as he leans into Daemon.
"Try not to start purring Lord Daemon," Lucemon remarks with a chuckles in his voice.
"Thank you for the advice, Lord Lucemon," Daemon growls.