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?

32. Desires

Mark of the Demon Lord part 32

"Desires,"

"Now everyone don't be afraid to make yourselves comfortable," Gatomon suddenly Digivolves into Lillithmon once in her own domain. It was as if Gatomon was flicking her nonexistent hair. Kari remarks that she likes to be able to stretch her legs and be able to move around freely.

Lillithmon's area was described as a resort of sorts. It wasn't too far off as the Digital Heroes who hadn't joined Lillithmon, marvel at the castle. It seems that rose petals seem to be endlessly falling from the sky littering the ground and scattering in the win. The sweet scent that wafts through the air. Lillithmon mindlessly gives a tour flippantly as she gestures to the spa, the hot tubs, the beds, and even a built-in beach that is tucked on the backside of the castle. The beach is complete with sand, sun, and waves crashing against the beach. It was honestly a beautiful place to see and reside in.

"This seems like…a lot…" Izzy says passively.

"I won't lie I am excited to be back in Lillithmon's castle. She is on point when it comes to getting Digimon who can give a great mani-pedi!" Mimi says happily already moving toward the spa with Palmon behind her.

"I mean, can't lie about how relaxing this place is. A hot bath after that torrent that Leviamon threw at us would be great," Zoe remarks with a shrug following Mimi closely behind.

"Ugh, seems like a girl paradise to me…" Takuya remarks turning his nose up.

"Oh, isn't that adorable. Someone who doesn't value his outward appearance, how original," Lillithmon responds rolling his eyes. "You'd be surprised, even Daemon and Lucemon have come to my area to relax. It takes quite a bit of work to file the nails on Daemon," She snickers at her own joke. "Just simply relax…"

"I'm more interested in finding my brother," Matt states sternly.

"I assure you Daemon will keep him safe and will most likely find a way of contacting us. He has his ways of always finding a way around things. But no worries, I will alleviate those worries. It's not all fun in the sun here, as I do like to know what's going on around me."

Matt frowns not sure if he could trust such a lofty answer. Lillithmon seems to understand the look and only sighs. "Just follow me,"

As Lillithmon walks, she holds Kari's hand as they move as if escorting a VIP guest, toward the castle gates. The drawbridge is dropped at her approach at which soon an announcement is made "Lady Lillithmon has returned!" a voice exclaims. As they walk past the drawbridge it is clear to see the Digimon all stationed at the ready to see to their every need. Many of the Digimon are Tucanmon, Pixiemon, and a Beastmon who serves as the head of the operation based on her position beyond the fanfare.

"Beastmon, so good to see you!" Lillithmon exclaims opening her arms for a hug. The Digimon was clearly confused with the response but doesn't fret away from the hug. "Sorry, emotions have been running high. Could you take us to the information center please?"

"Of course, mistress," Beastmon responds after the hug. She quickly turns to lead the way as Lillithmon follows retaking Kari's hand as Matt follows with Tai close behind. The rest of the group decided to stay behind with the other prevalent Digimon. All of each seemed to want to cater to the guest. It seemed that the spirit warriors were a bit warry of the Tucanmon though. However, with everyone going their own way Lillithmon gestures for the interested party to follow her. After entering through two large wooden doors they step into an absolute high-tech space. The room completely contrasts with the décor of the castle. Floating seats with numerous BlackChesspawnmon busily working in front of monitors. A LadyDevimon sits within the center with a luxurious blood red cushioned chair behind a small wooden desk. She is looking through data herself it seems while also observing multiple screens.

"Izzy would have a field day in here…" Tai mutters awestruck.

"What is this?" Gabumon questions.

"You think I wouldn't like to know what's going on around me. That's adorable how you underestimate me," She says before giving a small chuckle. As they approach, LadyDevimon quickly stands to her feet with a brief bow.

"So good to see you my Ladies," She says towards Lillithmon and Kari.

"Hello Lady D, everyone. Hard at work I see. You really are a slave driver."

"Well, Lady Lillithmon, I must keep them busy otherwise they get rather bored easily without enough work."

"I do recall that being your exact problem, my Lady!" Lillithmon says cheerfully with a laugh. LadyDevimon only looking a bit embarrassed but trying to stay professional.

"Well, I guess you could say we're sort of racing to see who gets the most work done."

"Which she's now losing, hurray!" one of the little Digimon exclaims and all of them cheer in response.

"Little punks…" LadyDevimon huffs before crossing her arms.

"Wow, they like working that much?" Tai asks confused.

"Not really," Kari said with a small laugh. Before Agumon could follow up also curious, Lillithmon speaks up.

"LadyDevimon, could you locate Daemon?" Lillithmon says.

"Of course, my lady I'll run a scan," she responds as she flicks through the screens quickly before she types something on the keyboard. After she observes the screen. "It seems that he is not in the Dark Area at all according to our scans. It is possible that Lord Daemon may not be in the Dark Area."

"How are you scanning anything exactly?" Matt asked since he knows it usually involves satellites or something.

"That is through the magnificent power of Lady Lillithmon. The Dark Area is darkness, and she is the Empress of Darkness. Though she may not be able to wield such a defiled darkness that resides here, she has the connection all the same. Through her we've harnessed it to see the entire mass of the dark area. Not only that but manipulate it to receive picture and sound. If there was a war of information being waged, Lady Lillithmon won it a longtime ago."

Matt honestly felt a tad nervous at all this but wasn't exactly sure why. Though he is sure the face Lillithmon briefly makes while LadyDevimon was praising her was akin to almost basking in the sinister glee. After she does she looks to the screen that LadyDevimon had pulled up.

"Interesting, though that makes sense based on the energy of the portal that took them," Lillitmon says with a finger to her chin.

"What do you mean?" Matt asks.

Lillithmon lets out an exasperated sigh, "Oh goodness, see Kari dear this is why I told Daemon to do the talking. Explaining every little thing to you humans can be so exhausting." She fans herself weakly with a frilly purple fan she seemingly conjures from nowhere. Kari gives her a small nudge with a smirk. Lillithmon giggles briefly fanning Kari. After that Lillithmon clicks her fan close before refocusing on explaining, "What I mean, child, is that Daemon and TK are not in the Dark Area. Which means that they are rather safe since the Dark Area is one of few safe places. They may be in the Prime Digital World for all we know, but as it stands now, they are not in any dang-,"

Suddenly the screens began letting out audible chirps as the screen light up cutting her off. "Apologies my lady, it seems that Lord Daemon has breached into the Dark Area and is now moving freely in the neutral zone." LadyDevimon spoke observing the monitor.

"Huh," Lillithmon says snapping open her fan as she moves it in front of her face. Half obscuring it so only her eyes could be seen. "Why would he be in the neutral zone willingly? I know Daemon is tough, but it would be difficult for any of us to survive in the neutral zone…" Lillithmon mutters with a frown.

"Wait what does that mean?" Matt asks.

"Most likely nothing. Daemon may be going on his own little adventure of sorts. I trust he will see to the child's safety all the same, he may need to in order to survive himself…" Lillithmon says with a finger to her chin. She looks at the monitors all displaying Daemon's location and where he's moving. "While I don't lend myself to sweeping conclusions. It seems that Daemon is moving to return to his domain. While moving through the neutral zone isn't something I'd advise, it must have some greater meaning to it."

"Really, so are TK and Daemon in danger?" Kari asks.

"No more than the rest of us if I'm being honest." Lillithmon responds with a shrug. "I trust Daemon not to be too reckless, but there is a reason we advised so heavily from wandering around. It wasn't just because having a base of operations is preferable."

"What's this neutral zone place?" Matt asks.

Lillithmon seems to ponder something for the moment flicking her fan open and close idly as she does. It is only when Kari slightly nudges her that she pauses in thought to look at the young girl. Her cold eyes seem to melt away looking at Kari and she lets out a sigh.

"Well, I suppose telling a few of you about the neutral zone will help avert future problems of those wondering off." Lillithmon turns to observe over Matt and Tai. "The neutral zone is a vast space of emptiness. It is akin to a desert. The only thing is, that beings of darkness like myself feel that it is the hottest of places. A blistering heat that will not let up at any point in time. That is what Daemon is feeling. For beings of light, it is a place of absolute cold. It seeps into your bones almost like freezing you to the core as it worms into your heat. Giving in to the darkness provides warmth, but to indulge in it leads to damination. That is the lesson the Dark Area aims to teach. That there must exist balance. Only beings able to exist in that equilibrium could truly survive out there. With each other Daemon and TK have a chance as long as Daemon doesn't indulge in the light and TK doesn't give into the darkness. It seems to me like a test of sorts to me."

"Can't we just go get him!?" Matt asks.

"Did you not hear me?!" Lillithmon says frowning. "As long as they stick together, they will be fine. Those of darkness exert heat, those of light exert cold. Sticking together they achieve balance. Unless, you feel you and your partner carry enough darkness within you to survive a literal wasteland. You going out there recklessly would lead to us diverting our time and resources to secure you. That is opposed to being ready for what may come when Daemon gives his findings. Certain forces have no doubt taken notice of our movements."

"That does bring me to a question Lady Lillithmon." LadyDevimon speaks in a humble tone as she bows her head slightly. "I wanted to ask you about specifics on a task you gave to me. About monitoring certain oddities in the Dark Area. I'm unclear on the oddities and wanted to run through them with you while you are here."

"You could have brought this to my attention in private Devi," Lillithmon says with a clear side eye that issued an unspoken threat.

"I wouldn't bring it up so unprompted and in such a fashion if it wasn't something that needed immediate attention." LadyDevimon says. As she says this multiple screens are thrown up behind her. No doubt from the BlackPawnChessmon who suddenly become more animated in their work as LadyDevimon spoke about the topic.

"Despite the unwanted audience. I understand, please explain."

"Of course my Lady, you see there have been multiple spikes of an intrusive energy signature all around the Dark Area. It's as if someone is poking a hole in the controlled space of our area in order to peer through. It is very unintrusive and easily overlooked if not for your abilities my Lady. So, it is through you we may have found this piece of information that may have gone unnoticed," LadyDevimon says before bowing her head in acceptance of what may come. All was quiet in the monitoring room.

"Well, I think she did good work. We know now," Kari speaks up suddenly as she moves forward in front of LadyDevimon. "You work super hard, and the BlackPawnChessmon think so too, that's why they steal so much of your work! Don't feel bad for doing a good job! Right, Lillithmon?" Kari questions turning to look at the Great Demon Lord.

Instantly Lillithmon's heart melts as she sweeps Kari into her arms. "Of course, you know what, you're right Kari! Better to know now then later, gosh you are so precious!" Lillithmon sets her down before fixing Tai with a hard glare. "You better ensure that when someone comes along, they deserve her…" she growls at him. At which Kari can only tilt her head in confusion and Tai can only flinch and blush in embarrasment.

"Anyway, yes you wanted seismic activity monitored. While there were only slight intrusions, the frequency of their occurrence and the locations of them drew our attention. Each one were in areas which you my Lady and your followers have been."

"That is curious…" Lillithmon says placing a hand to her chin. "Oh well, nothing can be done until we hear from Daemon!" She says with a shrug.

"Wait why?" Matt questions.

"Because as loath as I am to admit I have short comings. While I excel in gathering the information, interpreting all of it is another skill that Daemon has over my own. We decided to work in tandem that we both get perks. Also, I'm the Demon Lord of Lust, do you really want to operate off what I desire?" She says fanning herself. Suddenly she pauses in her flaunting giving a slight frown. "Well, if that is all I have another matter to attend to. Kari, stick with your brother for a few minutes make sure he doesn't wreck my things."

"Okay bye Lillithmon, hurry back!" Kari calls happily.

Lillithmon trace an x over her chest, "Cross my heart sweetheart," she says serene smile before turning walking out the door. Upon walking out she still holds that face, with a happy sigh. Then she grumilply stomps her foot.

"I know, you house broken cat, I don't want to leave her side either. However, this is important and it would probably be a like awkward for the two of them. And if I'm honest, me." Lilltihmon muttered. The truth was that Littlhmon hadn't truly digivolved into her true form. Doing so would exhaust Kari and herself in response to this. So she worked around a compromise. Gatomon can stay Gatomon to conserve strength, Lillthmon can stretch her legs a bit. Win-win. Obviously f course, Gatomon saw through her motives in a way. Even had the nerve to be smug!

Lillithmon quickly shakes her head. No use thinking on that. She quickly becomes shrouded in darkness, almost like pure onyx flashed around her before vanishing.

Takeru was skulking around the castle. He wanted to try and find any way of leaving or a way of navigating outside in the neutral zone. Patamon was sure that they should ask anyone at the castle about specifics dangers in the neutral zone, Takeru decides to wing it. While he's quite sure none of the Digimon will harm him or anyone he is sure they would report to Lillithmon. Then he'd have to deal with all that. He's going with Matt's patented ask for forgiveness not permission technique.

"Takeru are you really just gonna dive out into this place?" Patamon questions.

"Well, no not entirely like that. I wanted to get a closer look and see what it looks like exactly. Also, it would be nice to have some idea of what this super dangerous place looks like, so we know to avoid if something ever does happen if we separate from our Demon Lord pals." Takeru remarks.

"That sounds like a terrible idea," Lillithmon remarks as soon as Takeru rounds a corner. There she is leaning against the smooth stone wall with a purple fan with frills on it obscuring her face from full view.

"Oh geez!" TK jumps back startled at her suddenly appearing.

"You gave us a heart attack!" Patamon exclaims.

"Ugh, this is so irritatingly on brand I don't know whether to shake my head or laugh. The future version about to perform the same stupid act as the past version…" She says closing her fan revealing her clear frown.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Takeru questions.

"The one thing we told you all, implicitly, is to avoid the true Dark Area. The place we call the neutral zone."

"Well, this the first I've heard you guys call it that! What's to say you won't throw us in there when the occasion suits you?" TK counters regaining his nerve to face the Great Demon Lord head on.

"Hmmm, well TK certainly grows up…" Lillithmon mutters to herself as she looks the boy up and down. "So, this is more than just a test of your mettle. You don't trust us."

"You've all mentioned numerous times that we shouldn't," TK adds.

"And you shouldn't," Lillithmon says simply. "However, this is not a normal situation. The reason we say that isn't because we have some super devious plot or hidden double cross around the corner. The basic fact is, little boy," She leans forward fixing the young with a bored expression. "We. Don't. Care."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Patamon questions tilting his head.

"…" TK thinks for a moment. "You don't care if we trust you or not."

"Would rather you all wouldn't honestly. I don't want you lot so reliant on us or even worse think of us as allies…ugh."

"But-,"

"There is only one person who I trust, and whose trust I want to earn. This person should also be the person you should be saving your trust for," Lillithmon stands up straight before folding her arms.

"Kari…" TK mutters.

"Exactly, Kari trusts that I wouldn't do anything like that to those she cares about. No matter how nice the idea sounds to me or how little I care. Don't trust us, trust our partners, its as simple as that."

TK frowns. He hates how much sense that makes. The Demon Lords have admitted that their true nature hasn't really changed. Even if their hearts have opened up recently. Lillithmon, Beelzemon, and Daemon have made it as clear as possible that they reserve this new open space for those they call partners. Everyone else may reside as long as their partners want them too. TK frowns looking at the ground. Because that all made sense to him. He even has the want to tease Lillithmon for starting to go soft knowing she'd want to throttle him but couldn't. He's just not sure he'd understand it when it comes to himself he supposes.

"I can see that the message isn't coming in quite as clear for you because its coming from me since its not coming from a particular someone," Lillithmon admits with a sigh. She gestures forward wanting Takeru to follow her. The crest of Lust appears above their heads before showering in them in some type of energy. As they walk only a few meters away from the castle, suddenly the landscape shifts so rapidly to the point Takeru flinches raising his arms. "Your partner was right to advise against your hasty actions. Merely a few more steps you would have been in the neutral zone." Lillithmon gestures. The landscape is very bleak and dreary. There is no wind, an awful stillness to it all. It can lead one to have a wandering mind, the worst part is he sees it as an endless expanse. There is nothing amid this grassland that upon appearance looks lush. However, upon being among the grassland, everything is still and dies upon each step they take upon it. It leaves goosebumps all over Takeru's body staring out in this dreary landscape.

"This is…hard to describe," Takeru says.

"Well allow me to help supply the words. It is a desolate place. It offers nothing and only takes. It often takes one's sanity in only a few hours. What's worst is the affects it has on those is different. For beings that align with light such as yourselves, it feels like a freezing tundra. No place for warmth and only agony. A chill where there is no warmth. For beings of darkness like myself it feels like a sweltering desert devoid of shade. Bearing down on you and drying out every pore in your body. Overall, I'd say it's a –5 out of 10 for me." She says looking upon the landscape with clear disgust. Takeru nods now truly understanding how foolish he was to think he could brave such elements. It truly left an imprint as like Lillithmon was saying, they truly were trying to protect everyone from the worse of situations.

"I can kinda see what you mean…" Takeru admits still with a begrudging tone in his voice.

"Still, I know even this isn't enough to quell your desires! Luckily, since you share such a deep connection with TK, being that you are him, I can bypass a few barriers to allow you direct entrance into Daemon's domain. Seeing as TK and Daemon have become one in the same. Because as much as you are loath to admit it. Daemon trust TK with his whole heart, only because TK does so in return, unconditionally might I add. There are times Daemon doesn't deserve the benefit of the doubt, but I can tell when he is genuinely touched by that boy." She then fixes Takeru with a hard stare. "So, know I only do this because you are a temporal copy. Daemon has found a true companion in TK. I understand desire. I have also begun to understand love in a way through my dear Kari. So, here's the deal."

"Deal?" Takeru questions.

"I should be able to get you to Daemon's domain. Normally, it wouldn't be possible, but since your TK and Patamon as well. This should work. The deal is, I do this for you, and in return you put in a good word for me with that older Kari."

"…What?" Takeru questioned.

"The honor of seeing the beautiful girl that Kari begins to grow into! It's so precious! I want to pamper and give her all the advice! I know young Kari, my partner may not understand, but I'm sure the older Kari will. I admit I've been too…anxious to approach and-,"

"Okay, okay, I get it," Takeru says waving his hands giving a small smirk at the slightly blushing Demon Lord. He honestly, is a bit moved that that this was all she wanted. It should be easy, he knows that Hikairi has mentioned that she was curious to speak with Lillithmon. Obviously, she was apprehensive, but after seeing her younger self interact with Lillithmon. She was pretty convinced that Lillithmon meant no harm. She did trust herself after all. "You've got a deal," he says extending a hand. Lillithmon hums in approval offering her hand palm down. Takeru rolls his eyes as he takes her hand and gives a small bow.

"Excellent," she says. Lillithmon gathers dark energy around herself. She opens her arms for the Crest of Lust overhead begins to shine brighter. The purple glow blankets them but also attracts predetors as a pack of BlackGarurumon began rushing her direction. "Pests," She says with distaste.

"We can help, Digi-Armor Energize!"

"Patamon Armor Digivolve to…Pegasusmon!" The golden horse appears in all his glory.

"Right, you lot have access to ancient Digivolution," Lillithmon says with a nod. It was a smart choice, as the darkness would interfere with the natural evolution.

"You call it ancient Digivolution?" Takeru questions as Pegasusmon rushes into battle unleashing a barrage of attacks to divert the BlackGarurumon. They snarl whilst snapping their teeth at each other as they crash into each other as they scatter around Pegasusmon's attacks. Clearly moving as one but not in any sort comradery

"Yes, there was a time that Digimon didn't have the ability to change. They are weaker than natural evolutions but operate in a way that provides longevity. I've seen armor level Digimon showcase an indescribable bravery in their battles."

"Star Shower!" Pegasusmon exclaims as brilliant star-shaped lights shoot out his wings exploding upon the ground.

"How long will this take?" Takeru questions seeing his partner already growing uncomfortable in the harsh conditions.

"Already done, call him back," she says.

"Pegasusmon!" Takeru calls. In an instant Pegasusmon falls back before the golden stead lands down before them. Takeru climbs aboard and as he does Lillithmon waves her arms as she swings her body around. It was as if she was dancing. Though the dance was provocative enough for Pegasusmon to suddenly raise one of his wings to block Takeru's vision. Suddenly black flames of darkness alight shooting off in the distance.

Lillithmon gives a brief spin before extending her arm out, "Safe journeys!" She says just before she turns to walk back to her domain with flourish as she spins around in place.

Before Takeru could question her, the pair shoot off like a bullet in a massive acceleration of speed. It was as if they are set onto a train track. They are shot forward with the dark flames being their path. It feels as if he was traveling through the internet when he joined his brother in fighting Diaboramon. Suddenly they are hit with a large bubble appearing before them. Once they hit it, at first the bubble rejects them, but after hitting it again they are able to push through it. Pegasusmon stumbles forward, flapping his wings to regain his composure as he lands. Once they are settled on the ground they see that they are indeed in Daemon's area. Once inside they can see the lush path laid before them leading to the castle.

"Looks like we made it…" Takeru mutters.

"Halt!" a lance impales into the ground before them. ChaosGallantmon, crashes down into the paved path before them. His cape swishing at his landing before he quickly stands to his full height throwing his cape aside to reveal his impending form. "You are not permitted here!" He exclaims glaring forward. Upon seeing who it is though, ChaosGallantmon hesitates. "Ah you are…Lord TK's…well I suppose you are Lord TK in a sense…" ChaosGallantmon ponders on how he should respond now thoroughly confused.

Takeru smirks at the confused knight, "Well, we can wait here until Daemon returns from… wherever he is," Takeru says.

"That is not necessary as you have been clear to access the castle at the very least," ChaosGallantmon says removing his lance from the ground.

"Oh, okay, could you tell us where Daemon is?"

"Well, I-oh, here he comes now," ChaosGallantmon says before standing at attention. At his words the space distorts as Daemon crashes to the ground in a burst of black flames. The flames licking his limbs as he stalks forward with TK cradled close to his chest. If Takeru didn't know any better, he would think that Daemon was beginning to be overwhelmed by his own flames based on the clear burn marks across his face and arms. TK seems in the opposite state as it appeared frost had begun to collect around his frame as he clung to Daemon. Even his face is slightly turning blue. "Oh dear…" ChaosGallantmon says relinquishing his dignified posture as he rushes over to Daemon's aid.

He helps the Demon Lord stand up straight. "Your service is appreciated ChaosGallantmon," Daemon says.

"Master, it seems you have just exited the neutral zone. Are you and Master TK alright?" ChaosGallantmon says.

"I will survive, take the child, he will need time to recuperate," Daemon says gently prying TK off of his body. It was clear that TK didn't want to leave Daemon. It was also clear that Daemon is reluctant to remove him. However, even the metal that covers ChaosGallantmon felt warm to TK as he is taken by the knight who quickly swishes his cape around the child to give the boy more warmth.

"It shall be done my Lord!" he says before quickly rushing back to the castle.

"Well…it seems I have an uninvited guest," Daemon says approaching Takeru hovering over him and Pegasusmon. Takeru could feel Pegasusmon tense up, prepared to move or fight if necessary. Daemon observes the boy and Digimon for a moment. He glances up to see ChaosGallantmon has left. It is at this time Daemon sighs before dropping to a knee with a rather hard crash. "I know this is presumptuous but-."

"Sure," Takeru says easily before Daemon could finish his request. He dismounts Pegasusumon to approach Daemon. He can feel the Demon Lord begin to ease and relax.

"Thank you…" Daemon mutters. "I would've only asked this of you…"

"Lillithmon explained how the neutral zone effects you."

"Ah well, I figured that was the reason, I'm just surprised that she would explain anything to you," Daemon responds. "However, it was obvious how you got here. The question is why are you here."

"Well…I wanted to talk to myself I guess…"

"Ah, you find it hard to believe you can trust in the power of darkness when it nearly took something so precious away from you," Daemon responds simply. Takeru balks a bit surprised. "Of course, I would know boy, my partner is naturally uncomfortable with my powers but sees who I am beyond it. I know of Devimon, Patamon had told me the details."

Pegasusmon suddenly shifts back into his rookie form. "I did?" Patamon asks confused.

"Of course, obviously Patamon and I speak all the time. Well, the past version of yourself I suppose. I can see your naivety doesn't lessen over the years…"

"Thanks?" Patamon responds with a quirked head.

Takeru frowns as he fixes Daemon with a stare, "So, I know better than anyone if you are manipulating my younger self. I know I can be too trusting when I shouldn't."

"So, you came here seeking answers. Either from me or your younger self. To understand the type of allegiance we have created," Daemon says.

"In a way, yeah I guess you could say that," Takeru shrugs a bit annoyed with Daemon's way of speaking. It's both direct and way to eloquent for his liking.

"Then you have already received your answer, have you not?" Daemon says simply.

"Seriously, because ChaosGallantmon didn't attack me?" Takeru questions.

"Because you have entered this realm," Daemon says simply waving his hand at the space. "After knowing of your existence do you think I would not restrict access to you. Obviously, I would've, especially knowing that you are an unwitting pawn of the Sovereign. However, as I see it, TK is TK. Simple as that, you are only more experienced. The simple fact is you want to trust me, and you wish to seek a reason to not do so."

Takeru flinches at the response. "You are just full of-,"

"TK opened his heart to me and in turn he has wormed his way into my heart. I trust that boy and refuse to allow harm to come to him. Especially, when I see the young man he begins to grow to be. So much strength, so much growth. I am infuriated with how happy I am to have this conversation with you boy. Because despite it all I respect TK., and I shall always harbor some space in my heart for any version of TK."

Patamon stares at Daemon with wide eyes, "TK, Daemon is your partner." He says simply.

Takeru is surprised to hear Patamon say that. He looks at the small Digimon before looking back to Daemon. "I want to hear his side to."

"I sensed that would be the only thing to sway you. Another thing is that I am actually glad to see who you begin to grow into, TK, your younger self is too trusting. Believe me, it bothers me to have so much pride in a creature such as yourself. However, TK is who he is, and nothing will likely change that."

"You sound rather hopeful when you say that" Takeru quirks an eyebrow while folding his arms.

"Merely your imagination," Daemon says. Suddenly a dark glow surrounds his form as he collapses into Takeru's arms into the small form of Tokomon. Clearly looking exhausted.

"Hey TK, be honest, do you think I've grown?" Takeru's Patamon questions looking at his younger self in his partner's arms. Takeru snorts glancing at his Digimon partner.

"Your belly has really grown out since staying with me," Takeru remarks walking toward the castle now cradling the exhausted Tokomon.

"TK that is hardly a good answer!" his partner whines while flapping behind his partner.