The Saga: Successors

By: Linkmaste

Chapter 05: Awakening of a Demon Lord

Disclaimer: I do not own Digimon. I own Hiro, Yu, Lindy, the Canadian Tamers, Bowmon, Tiguramon, Mr. Penguin, Lisa and Kari Rose.

Edit Authors Note: It displeases me to write this but I am cutting Kyo, Max, and Trevor from the series. Mostly because they weren't really...important. Instead, I added Hiro. He's a combo of all three. Enjoy the chapter!

Back in Japan, it was not looking good. Taomon and WarGrowlmon had been defeated against the mysterious digimon in the internet. Ian was zapped by the teleporter by Kazu's mere stupidity and was heading in now by himself to tackle the problem.

"That digimon is very powerful." Taomon groaned as Rika rushed up to her. In a flash, she changed back into an injured Renamon.

"Are you alright, WarGrowlmon?" Takato spoke slowly and the huge ultimate nodded and changed back into Guilmon. He was a little bruised but nothing serious.

"What happened? How come we're back here?" Guilmon asked.

Kazu smiled innocently as everyone glared at him.

In the internet, Ian felt himself change into Impmon as he started to fly around the internet tube. He swayed left and right to avoid internet debris and for fun he did a barrel roll. It was kinda neat to be flying just in his rookie form he thought. Looking up, he saw screens fly by him with Ai and Mako's concerned faces. He waved and he called out.

"Woah! Wait! Now I'm gunna battle this thing? Ya kiddin' me?"

"I guess you're up, Impmon." Yu sighed and held his head in his hands. This was not going how he planned. Ai and Mako grinned as they went to the screen with a cracked purple D-Arc ready.

"Yea, go Impmon! You're so going to beat this guy!" Ai cheered, smiling while letting the D-Arc glow brightly.

"Although, you should kinda change into Beelzemon just in case." Mako said.

"Good point." Impmon muttered and started to glow a bright violet light.

WARP DIGIVOULTION

"Impmon warp Digivolve to…Beelzemon!" The angel biker flapped his ebony wings and came to where WarGrowlmon and Taomon were battling. It was a large dome with no actual floor. Beside him, was a screen of Ai and on the other side of him a screen of Mako's face. They scanned the area with a serious expression.

"Where's this guy?" he asked his Tamers. Ai was looking focused into the D-Arc as it was trying to load up anything about their opponent, but it was just showing static.

Then, the mega saw the digimon across the way. It stared at him with hungry eyes, and a malicious grin.

"Munchkins, what's the info?"

"Uh, I'm not getting anything." She said slowly and Mako stared at her.

"You must be doing it wrong-here." Ai held a hand singling for him to wait and her face brightened as she saw the information. It blossomed up in front of the twins.

"Armageddemon; mega. Virus and it's special attack is Destiny Destroyer. I think it's going to be a toughie." Ai explained looked at the computer with nervous look on her face.

"Nah, I'm gunna kick it's ass-oof!" Beelzemon felt Armageddemon tackling him and sending him into a wall. He grimaced at the pain but knew that he couldn't lose! Growling, he took out his two Berenjena shot guns.

"Double Impact!" he cried and fired bullets. They hit Armageddemon but it just laughed.

"Stupid hybrid. Destiny Destroyer!" The virus opened its mouth and fired a wave of destructive energy that hit Beelzemon square in the chest.

"Beelzemon! Beelzemon, can you hear us?" Mako cried, while Beelzemon started to breathe heavily.

"Okay, no more games punk! Corona Destroyer!" Beelzemon took out his huge laser canon and fired several shots after making a symbol with his gun. The hits were on target and smoke bellowed making it hard to see.

"Yea, he got him!" Takato cried but Rika shook her head.

"I don't think so…" Henry said frowning. "It's not that easy."

Beelzemon suddenly saw Armageddemon pop out of the smoke-not even scratched by the attack. He deflected various snaps and attacks from the digimon.

"Ai, what cards do you have?" Mako asked softly and Ai pulled out a few.

"Not much, I didn't think we would need them. Here's a power up card." Ai chose the card.

DIGIMODIFY

Ai threw the card to Mako who held the D-Arc and it slid in perfectly.

"Digi-Modify! Power up activate!" they both cried and Beelzemon felt suddenly stronger. He thanked his Tamers for the power up.

Flying as fast as he could, Beelzemon caught up to Armageddemon and fired more shots at it. The dark digimon flinched.

"Corona Destroyer!" The demon biker hollered, sending several more of his powerful attacks that caused a dramatic lightshow as they hit Armageddemon. This was his mistake, as he suddenly found the virus digimon behind him and Beelzemon paled drastically. How did he move so fast?

"Destiny Destroyer!" it cried and blasted Beelzemon away as he De-Digivolved into Impmon. He looked in rough shape.

"Impmon!" the twins cried, feeling the pain in their bodies. Grimacing, Ai turned to Yu.

"Quick, get him back!" Ai pleaded, as tears started to form in her eyes. Mako clenched his fists, struggling not to cry out in pain.

"That isn't a normal digimon."

The buttons were pressed and Ian was back on the ground moaning. His body was killing him.

"Ugh, what...kind of digimon...was that?"

"A really powerful one." Yu replied not even looking away from the monster digimon on screen. It was starting to eat more information of the internet.

"We should get Lindy." Suggested Kazu. Rika shook her head.

"Hold up a minute will you? She's half-way across the world! She won't make it."

"Plus, if that Digimon wants to destroy the internet then it can probably do it in a few hours." Henry said looking at the clock. "Last time I checked, the trip from Canada to here was at least a half a day at top speed."

"But, we have to do something." Ai said kneeling down to Ian. The teen groaned as the pain began to wash over him and he started to slip into unconsciousness. The battle did a number on him and his body.

"Ian!" the twins shouted and frowned. Yu sighed.

"Bring him to the couch. He lost a lot of energy from that battle."

"Maybe, he's just losing his touch?" Suggested Terriermon, but everyone just stared at the white and green Digimon.

"Terriermon, not now please." Henry begged and gave a tired sigh. "Okay, we are running out of options. Our only mega has been defeated, Lindy's in Canada, and we can't Biomerge. I'm just about stumped."

No one knew what to do. If Armageddemon can't be stopped soon then he was going to consume the entire internet!

Ian moaned as he looked around where he was. Everything was black as he stood up and swayed. What was going on he wondered. Was this some kind of weird dream?

"Demon of Gluttony…" whispered a voice. It was definitely a woman's voice-almost as sweet as honey. It call out to Ian again. Somehow, Ian felt uneasy and his gut was telling him to get away.

"Demon of Gluttony…"

"What do you want?" Ian shouted narrowing his eyes. "Is this some kind of joke? Cause it's a really shitty one if ya ask me!" He looked around, nothing was there. It was just him and complete darkness.

"Awaken Demon Lord and come and find us…the Seven Great Demon Lords..." it whispered again. Ian twitched and growled.

"What are you talking about? Get outta my head before I squish ya like a little bug! Or do ya wanna be fried? I can do that too."

"Seek the other Demon Lords." It whispered and a bright flash emitted out of nowhere waking Ian up from his slumber. His eyes snapped opened and he suddenly remembered what happened. That stupid Armageddemon...

"Hey Snow White! Did you like your sleep?" Kazu called out as Ian got off the couch. Ian just handed out a rude hand gesture and made Kazu shut up.

"Ian, you okay?" Ai asked kneeling down next to the blond hybrid. He groaned holding his head.

"Yeah munchkin, just a headache...how long I've been out for?"

"Ten minutes." Mako replied looking strangely at Ian.

Ian suddenly realized how long it has been since he ate. Stomach growling, he smirked. There wasn't much he could do here now. Until the 'dream team' came up with a plan, he was going to find food. Plus that dream...it made him feel strange.

"I'm outta here." He said to his Tamers, as he started to make his way out of the room. Ai and Mako looked at him oddly.

"Should we tell him that he was talking while sleeping?" Mako looked deeply worried. Ai nodded.

"We're his Tamers. We should know everything about each other."

"Hey, Ian wait up!" they called as they chased down the hybrid. Takato was about to call them back but Yu stopped him.

"We don't have much use for him anymore. If he can't fight against the digimon, then he's useless."

"That's kinda harsh to say isn't it?" Takato replied looking at him. The dark haired man frowned and typed on the computer to access more information.

"It's going to get harsher if we can't figure out how to beat this guy." He muttered darkly and turned around swiftly and he made his way to the desk. "There is nothing much we can do-unless any of you have an idea."

"Well, I have one." Jeri called raising her hand timidly. "Maybe, if we send a lot of programs at Armageddemon or slow it down maybe it can be easier to beat."

"Oh yeah! Just like the digimon movie!" Kazu cried.

"That's actually a really good idea." Henry nodded along with Kenta. Takato shrugged.

"How are we suppose to do that?"

"E-mails." Rika answered crossing her arms and having one leg on top of the other. "My computer always lags when too many e-mails are sent-especially junk ones."

"Don't you think we tried that?" Yu stared at the group. "It has some kind of firewall that protects it from sending e-mails, plus it came from our database. Although, if someone else from another country sent some…"

"Oh, are we going to call Lindy to send Armageddemon e-mails?" Takato questioned.

"If we are then I suggest we do it quick. Armageddemon has probably ate half of Japan's network." Renamon said.

"Good point Renamon, let's call her." Henry said and Yu pulled out his private cell phone.

Back outside Hypnos, Ian strolled along the side walk, trying to enjoy the rest of his day. Armageddemon occupied his thoughts but that voice...something about that voice in his 'dream' made him so uncomfortable. The more he thought about it, the more frustrated he became. Ian jumped when he heard his name called by the twins.

"Ian wait up! We want to ask you something!" Ai and Mako called chasing after the teen hybrid. Ian frowned.

"Hurry up will ya! I'm starvin' and agin'." The twins put up their puppy eyes and asked him the question.

"What happened when you were knocked out?"

"Huh? Uh, nothin'." He replied walking but the twins persisted.

"Yeah! You said something about not being a demon." Mako asked.

"Well, I ain't a demon! I'm cool yea but ain't no demon."

"We know that! You're grouchy but not a monster." Ai held her partners hand. Ian blushed turning his head, he didn't want anyone to see his soft side unless it was them or Lindy.

The rest of the walk was painless as the twins gave up prodding their partner's mind and decided to let Ian eat half of the house since Tai and Yuki were out. It still amused them that he could eat so much. When Ian was ready, he would talk to them about it.

"Hello?" Lindy asked, answering the phone. She was currently caught up in her homework and studying for her first quiz in her social sciences class. As well, she had to read some books for the reading tomorrow in world religions.

"Lindy, it's Yu." Came the other voice in the Japanese language. Lindy drew a blank face but then switched to her other language.

"Hey, sorry. Um, how are you?"

"Not too good." Yu told Lindy of the whole dilemma and by the end, Lindy was concerned for Ian. "He's alright. Last time I checked, he was heading back home to eat."

"That's Ian for you." Lindy felt relived. Last thing she wanted to think about was her boyfriend hurt. She then frowned. "So, what do you want me to do?"

"Get everyone you know there and send e-mails to Armageddemon . It will start lagging and then possibly make it easier to delete it."

"Gotcha. What's the e-mail?"

After Yu instructed how to send the e-mails, Linds hung up and turned to Calumon who was munching on some more of Lisa's baked goods. This time it was lemon squares.

"Go to Marianna and the others and tell them to send e-mail's to this." Lindy handed Calumon a small, slip of white paper. He cheerfully agreed and hummed while leaving the apartment and went next door. Moments later he came back.

"She's telling everyone else."

"Thanks Calumon, you're a star." She smiled.

Linds went on her computer. It was time to make as many e-mails as she could...

In Japan, Yu's face brightened when he saw Armageddemon struggling and screeching. He turned to the Tamer's who waited patiently.

"Looks like the others are doing their part. Let's send Terriermon and Renamon into the internet again. Lindy and her friends sent enough e-mails to slow down Armageddemon for quite awhile." Yu explained.

"Actually Yu, we upgraded it! All three can go." Riley said passing by. "Don't get killed out there though." She chucked and left the room as soon as she came. Yu had an impressed look on his face. She was efficient that's for sure.

"Okay, you heard what she said-let's go guys." Henry called picking up Terriermon. "That means you too."

"Aw Hen, I'm starving!" Terriermon complained. Henry promised his partner they would eat as soon as they were done.

Five minutes later, the trio in their ultimate forms. They were back in the internet and facing the twitching mega. Armageddemon was struggling, glitch out ever second and trying to attack but more e-mails would clog it. It narrowed its eyes at the group of digimon.

"Finish it!" Rika cried.

"Talisman of Light!"

"Giga Blaster!"

"Rapid Fire!"

The attacks were true and the mega started to disappear in data, but not before saying a confusing message.

"You may have defeated me Tamers, but my master shall reawaken and there is nothing the Royal Knights, Seven Holy Angels, or the Seven Great Demon Lords can do!"

"Royal Knights?" Takato asked.

"Holy Angels?" Henry frowned.

"Great Demon Lords?" Rika whispered and Taomon frowned even more. It was deleted and in a burst of light, everyone returned to the real world. Terriermon moaned putting a ear on his stomach.

"Now can we eat?!"

"Keep that up and you'll start turning into Gulimon." Henry teased.

Everyone looked happy that Armageddemon was deleted and the internet was saved...mostly. The technicians were going to have a few busy days fixing what the digimon ate. Yu inwardly groaned thinking of all the paperwork this was going to need...and the press. Everyone except Renamon seemed cheerful.

"What is it, Renamon?" Rika asked and Renamon looked at her sternly.

"What Armageddemon was talking about. It's part of the legend. A long time ago, UltimateChaosmon was ruling the digital world and just as it seemed hopeless, the Ancient Ones sent the three groups. The Royal Knights who was lead by an Omnimon, The Seven Holy Angels were lead by an unknown digimon, and the Seven Demon Lords were lead by a Daemon."

"What happened to them?" Takato asked.

"Deleted or forgotten. They used all of their energy but they said the chosen ones would appear when he reawakens." Renamon replied looking outwards. Her tail twitched. "It makes me...concerned about Impmon."

"Could be a Demon Lord?" Rika asked curious and Renamon nodded.

"There is a good chance. I'll have a little chat with him."

"Momentai!" Terrimon said, jumping on Henry's shoulder. "She can talk to that imp. Hey Hen, can we get those chicken balls I like?"

Renamon narrowed her blue eyes. If Lindy was here, she could get it out of him in a few minutes. However, Renamon would have to make do with herself. Often, Impmon would listen to her but sometimes he would shut himself out completely from everyone. She already saw it when Lindy 'died'. The digimon just hoped he wouldn't make that mistake again. This could be the start of something much bigger than she anticipated.

It was night time and Impmon was on the rooftops of the city. The twins were busy with homework and he needed air, and time to think. Cars passed by below him, and city lights twinkled. It felt so good to be here alone, but a little piece of him wished maybe someone could be beside him.

Renamon wasn't exactly what he was wishing for. He sighed.

"I ain't an idiot Renamon. Come out." Impmon called staring behind him and the yellow fox appeared out of thin air. "Now, wada want? I got places to go, people to see, things to do."

"Thought you would like to know that Armageddemon has been destroyed."

"Hurray for team losers. Did the bunny actually do anything?" muttered Impmon sarcastically.

Renamon replied looking at the city below them. Cars were screeching, people were chatting and the lights burred everything in an odd glow. Minutes past but to Impmon it seemed ages. He looked to the dark sky-no moon. Impmon liked clear skies with a full moon, those were the better nights.

"Impmon, did something trouble you when you fought that creature?"

"Huh?" Impmon turned his head.

"You looked spooked when you woke up. I know I'm not Lindy but if there is something troubling you..." Renamon gazed upwards. "You're not alone."

A few minutes passed. Impmon seemed to be in a debate with himself until he finally opened his mouth.

"Okay, okay, okay I give. What the hell are the Seven Demon Lords?" Impmon didn't look at Renamon but glared hard at the city below.

"Where did you hear of that?" Renamon questioned her ears twitching. Impmon shrugged.

"I just did okay? Now ya wanna tell me what they are?"

Renamon begun her explanation with no hint of emotion in her voice.

"The Seven Demon Lords were one of the three groups that destroyed UltimateChaosmon. They each represented one of the seven deadly sins. There was envy, wrath, pride, lust, sloth, greed, and gluttony. Envy is like jealously, wrath is to kill, pride is to never admit you're wrong, lust is to want, sloth is to be lazy, greed is to want no matter what, and gluttony is to have so much of it that it becomes sickening. Some digimon even go as far as to say they were needed to help balance the world. Without darkness, there wouldn't be light."

Impmon digested the information. So there were seven of these things...and supposedly he was one of them. He stood up. He didn't want to talk about this anymore.

"Well, thanks for the history lesson but I'm gunna go-"

"Impmon-"

"-and see a couple of people-"

"-you're hiding something-"

Impmon disappeared. Renamon wasn't the only one who could pull fancy disappearing acts he thought smugly. He mentally smacked himself for not creating a better excuse but he needed to think about this. The purple rookie walked among the city until he came across a dark back ally littered with garbage, and graffiti. The dark door at the end of the alley was there as he knocked it slowly and leaned against the wall to look casual.

"Yes?" came a whispered voice, he was at the door and rose an eyebrow when he saw the imp like digimon. "Hey, Ian sup?"

"It's Impmon Hiro, get it right." Impmon replied. "Ya gunna let me in or what? I gotta lay low for awhile."

"Why? Crazed girlfriend after you or something?" Hiro laughed and went back into the building and Impmon followed.

It was the back of Wamaki Bar, where he was playing earlier. A couple years ago, he found the place and met Hiro. It was a...rocky relationship at first to put it lightly. Impmon thought it was hilarious to egg him and it turned into a prank war. After the firecracker incident-they decided to call it truce (especially Lindy found out and gave him a long, long, lecture about the dangers of fireworks indoors).

"Renamon is suspicious of me."

"Suspicious of what? The only crime you commit is cleaning our food storage."

"Hey, I'm actually proud of that." The imp smirked as he came to his 'room'.

The room was for him when he played at the bar or what Impmon called 'worked his ass off to make a few yen.' Although, the pay was pretty good and he could have all the food and drinks he wanted since they brought so much attention. He opened the door and went into the room quietly and flopped down on the bed. In the corner, he kept his guitar gear. It was spotless and he wanted to keep it that way.

"Demon of gluttony." He muttered and scoffed. That dream voice was whacked-seriously him a Demon Lord? Nah, especially him being one symbolising gluttony. A memory played of him killing Leomon like a horror film-for a second, he thought he was back in the digital world-all crazy and wanting power. Then, he was back in his room. He hugged his legs. Flashbacks were still happening to him, and he couldn't tell anyone about them. It confused Impmon so much he 'badaboomed' the wall and growled.

"I don't need any of this crap." He muttered and walked out. He climbed on the ladder and walked along the support beams of the bar. This was the way of getting around when he was a digimon. He peered down and saw a huge crowd on the dance floor. Tonight, it was some kind of club night. Scantily clad women were serving drinks, and it looked like it was a busy night. Impmon was glad he didn't have to deal with drunk losers, he was content just playing in the daytime.

He didn't know what it was about playing music when he's a human. To him, it was...calming. Not that he didn't suck at first, he had no clue how to play the guitar but after a few months and time (which he had an abundance of) he got better and eventually Impmon 'auditioned' for the gig. By 'auditioned' he was overheard playing by Hiro and was demanded to play.

Jumping down from the support beams, Impmon snuck into the kitchen where the food was being prepared. Peering into the pantry, he settled on a bag of chips. Then as if he forgot something, grabbed some leftover chicken. He turned around to meet a scared chef.

"Keep starin' and I'm gunna eat your children." Impmon sneered revealing his fangs. The chef started to scream and run in circles and the imp snickered as he quickly went to the support beams to see the chaos insure. Not everyone knew he was actually the quiet human playing guitar. Only Hiro knew his other side and the owner who was tending to the bar.

"DEMON! DEMON!" you could hear the cries from the chef and Impmon frowned. There it was again. Demon. Why wasn't he just called 'monster' or 'imp'? The owner shook his head, laughing. He looked up to meet Impmon and shook, laughing harder. It was good thing that he had a sense of humour.

"Stupid human." The imp muttered narrowing his emerald eyes and went to the back alley. Eating some chips, he waited. Finally, he heard a jingle and perked his ears. From the shadows, a black cat emerged, meowing. He looked ugly, with torn fur and he was missing an eye. However, for some bizarre reason, he didn't mind Impmon and prodded for food. Looking around to make sure the coast was clear, Impmon tossed some chicken at him.

"Ya know, one day I ain't gunna be here to feed ya, Cat."

Naturally, Impmon used his creative mind to name the cat...Cat. No one knew that he was feeding the stupid thing and the owner tried to get rid of it. However, Cat only hissed at him and tried to swipe at him. Impmon seemed the only thing Cat liked other than food. The black animal finished the chicken and purred, curling up to Impmon.

"C'mon Cat, I'm gunna smell like you forever if ya keep doing that!" Impmon complained but didn't push the animal off. Eating another bite of chips, he leaned his head back and let his mind wander...

"Yo bitch, wasta matter? You don't go to your mommy anymore?"

The voice perked Impmon's ears and he looked to the side. Cat slithered off him and trotted to the voices, curious. Curiosity tempted the imp digimon too as he investigated the commotion. Impmon saw Hiro and a group of guys pushing him around in the alley. The teenager went down in a heap and the other men laughed at him.

Hiro frowned. "What do you want now? I gave you the money and everything. Please, just leave me alone."

"Yo baby back bitch-don't come talkin' to us like that. Treat us like your masters and show us some respect. We bust our necks for you so you do the same, bitch."

Impmon crept closer behind some trash cans. So, these were the guys that were giving Hiro a hard time. Sometimes, as Ian, he would come in to see Hiro black eyed and bloody from a fight. Impmon didn't ask about it, but sometimes he overheard conversations from the owner about Hiro and some low level gangsters. Impmon growled. There were things that he hated and unfair fights were one of them. Five against one? That's bullshit.

"All you did was give me a place to stay for a couple of days when I ran away." Hiro narrowed his dark eyes.

"Why you mother-" the one man was cut off from punching Hiro. A leather hand with five long black claws grabbed him. The voice sent shivers up and down everyone's spine-Hiro's included.

"I outta think twice before doin' that. Ya like playing unfair, huh? Well I outta show ya what happens when cowards like ya do that." Beelzemon appeared out of the shadows and punched the grunt. Others gasped and quickly pulled out their weapons. Beelzemon did the same but frowned as he saw one of the men holding Hiro in a strong grip with a sharp, silver knife pressed against his delicate neck.

"Shit." the mega muttered.

"One wrong move demon and I'll slit his throat, bitch." The man threatened, narrowing his eyes. The darkness clouded most of his features but it looked like he was an unshaven man in his late twenties.

"Ain't a demon, human. Let him go, ya no match for me." Beelzemon smirked and pointed his gun. "Cut him, and I kill ya. Simple as that."

"Oh really," the man cocked his head and grinned. "Ya look like a butt ugly demon from hell."

"This demon is gunna get your brains splattered all over the place and it's gunna be a shame if they get on my clothes." The black digimon replied coolly. He suddenly appeared before the man's eyes and kicked him out of reach, only leaving a small cut on Hiro's neck.

Gasping in pain, the man fell to the ground unable to run. The other men helped him up and scampered away, sending useless threats to Hiro and Beelzemon.

"This ain't over asshole!"

"We're gunna kill ya!"

"You better hide, Hiro!"

Beelzemon turned to a scared Hiro that held his cut neck. He gulped and backed into a wall. Beelzemon rolled his eyes.

"Hiro, its me. Chill."

"G-get-get away..." he whimpered. Hiro was still trembling in fear. Beelzemon went back to Impmon and walked over to Hiro who gasped.

"Ian-"

"-Impmon. Ya gotta watch ya back more often. Were they the same guys as last time or what?"

"Yeah-hey what was that? You changed into that crazy biker guy-"

"It's my other form, Beelzemon." he replied. The two were silent, Impmon was wondering if that was what everyone else looked like when they saw his form. The twins were more amazed, and Lindy...she reacted the exact same way Hiro did-terrified and crawling back like a scared puppy. The memory made him flinch.

"I thought I was going to be safe here."

"Kid, you ain't safe anywhere." The reply was far and lonely. "Just stand up for yourself. Stop moping around like a lost cat and get your crap together."

Hiro got up and picked up Impmon suddenly, by the back of the bandana.

"You talk too much."

Edit Authors Note: For homework, please watch Robert Downey Jr's Sherlock Holmes fight scene with the music Rocky Road to Dublin by The Dubliners. That is due for next chapter. That is all.