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"Least Favorite Villain"
Devimon just barely managed to evade the swarm of bats sent in his direction, flying around the attack before returning to solid ground. It was a hollow accomplishment, as his attacker seemed to be drawing their battle out. Still, to expand his territory and gain strength meant taking on challenges that were not always easily won, and an opponent who didn't seize victory at first opportunity opened themselves up to having their weaknesses exploited later.
"Come now, Devimon," Myotismon taunted as he landed a few meters away, the sadism in his voice and grin on full display. "Is that truly the best you can do?"
"I'll show you!" Devimon sprang forward, believing he had spotted the weak point he had been waiting for. Drawing back his claw, he prepared to deliver what had been the killing strike to many adversaries in the past.
Myotismon stood his ground, however, simply flexing his hand instead of attempting to dodge. From this hand extended a lasso of red energy, which he swiftly lashed forward and wrapped around Devimon's neck. With the same motion, he swung the whip over his shoulder and slammed Devimon to the ground.
"I'm waiting." Myotismon moved to stand over Devimon's prone form. "Or is this what you meant?"
"You'll pay for this," Devimon grunted as he struggled to stand.
"I highly doubt that." Myotismon tightened the noose around Devimon's throat. "At this rate, you aren't even a match for Etemon's machinations in the desert."
Devimon was unable to respond, his words becoming gasps for air. The energy whip burned his hands as he attempted to pry it off, and in that moment, he wondered if he had truly met his end.
The sound of clapping distracted him from his imminent demise. Myotismon's grip seemed to loosen in response, giving Devimon enough freedom of movement to turn his head to identify the source of the noise.
"Well, don't stop the show on my account!" the Digimon in question cheered. Despite appearing as some kind of clown, there was something deeply off-putting about his demeanor.
"Piedmon..." Myotismon's sadism and confidence were gone, replaced with obvious fear. "This isn't your territory."
Piedmon drew one of the swords off his back and began to casually twirl it around. "Not at the moment, no, but I never know when I might be in the mood for a change of scenery. Especially with how the weaker Lords of Darkness seem to be dropping like flies."
With a maniacal smile on his face, Piedmon zeroed his eyes on Myotismon, some message being passed between them. Myotismon promptly dismissed his whip, allowing Devimon to finally return to his feet.
Devimon took a moment to make eye-contact with Piedmon, whose expression barely changed. With his thoughts returning, the name finally jogged Devimon's memory. What one of the infamous Dark Masters was doing saving his life was beyond him to guess.
Piedmon suddenly shrugged before turning on his heel. Thankfully, he seemed to have no expectations of gratitude. In all likelihood, keeping Devimon alive was an investment, meant to keep Myotismon distracted as each of them rose in power. Even if Myotismon was no threat to the Dark Masters now, Piedmon may have believed he had the potential to become one.
"Always a pleasure, gentlemen!" Piedmon called out as he skipped away.
Myotismon immediately turned and glared in Devimon's direction. "Get out of my sight."
Devimon chose not to argue, instead spreading his wings and flying away. He needed to gather power if he were to ever have a chance at challenging the two Digimon he had faced today. The question was as to where he would be able to do so.
Pausing midair, Devimon summoned forth a map of the Digital World. He scanned over a number of unsuitable locations until a small body of land off the continent of Server caught his eye.
File Island was home to the Primary Village and little else of note, but it was out of the way and not known to be occupied by Digimon powerful enough to be concerned about. It would be the perfect spot for Devimon to mass his forces and plot his inevitable revenge.