Chapter 9: Downfall of the knights:

Around the time that the Tamers are battling the D-Reaper in the real world, a group of Digimon were fending off the Reaper minions who were rampaging on the Digital World's mountainy wastelands.

A MetalGarurumon ran up to some purple bird-like creatures that had a blank face, eyes on their wings, a disk around the middle. They were all tethered by a red cable running underneath their bodies.

He leapt into the air and pierced its whole body through the D-Reaper minion. He landed on the other side as the Searcher exploded.

A blue, giant creature with two giant arms whipped out its hands towards MetalGarurumon while he was distracted.

"Terra Force!" a voice shouted. A massive fireball struck the giant Creep Hand, destroying it. MetalGarurumon turned around as a armoured dinosaur digimon landed in front of him.

"Thank you, Wargreymon" MetalGarurumon said in gratitude.

"Can't let anything happen to you, my friend." assured WarGreymon.

The battle raged on until the Tamers' victory back in the human world. Reverting back to their rookie forms, Gabumon walked up to Agumon. The amber-scaled, stubby tailed dinosaur turned to his friend. He has a scar over his right eye.

"At last, it's finally over." Gabumon exhaled in relief.

"These Tamers… I wonder what they are like, especially their leader's Digimon." Agumon pondered.

"Curious are we?" the wolf-furred reptile grinned.

"Well, one can say." The amber dinosaur chuckled.

"Well I'd best report to the Sovereigns. I'll see you back at the base." Gabumon said.

Agumon nodded. As his friend left, he heard someone cry out his name. He spun around and smiled. A white cat digimon with purple turfs on the top of her ears and striped tail ran up to him. She wore a revealing dress. The two embraced happily.

"Gatomon. It's finally over." Agumon assured. He hugged his white cat wife happily.

"Agumon, I am so glad you're alright my hot dino." Gatomon purred. "I have wonderful news for you."

"What is it?"

Gatomon smiled and rubbed her belly. "Agumon, I am pregnant."

Agumon's eyes widened at this news. He gave a shaky smile and hugged his wife. "That is great news."

"I know. And we raise him together." Gatomon chuckled.

During the days, Agumon had nightmares about his beloved Gatomon dying in childbirth. He didn't tell her or any of his friends.

At this point, the Knights were trying to track down the terrorist cell that was terrorizing all over the Digital World in the wake of the D-Reaper's defeat. Agumon was looking over the balcony of a skyscraper in a different city. He felt as if he was being watched.

"Agumon. I was searching for you." The amber Digimon turned around. A dark knight digimon approached him. He has long yellow hair. He wore dark skull gauntlets on his hands. Red eyeballs dotted the rest of his armor, mostly on his chest, leg plates and boots.

"Hello, Duskmon. I heard everyone's excited over your new tournament. Even the Wong Foundation is gonna support you with that." Agumon smirked.

He became good friends with the dark digimon, unaware that he is the leader of the terrorists. When the amber Digimon first became a Knight, Duskmon gave him guidance and understanding.

"Yes. I am grateful. But the money isn't going towards the tournament I am afraid. But something much bigger." Duskmon responded.

Agumon gave a questioning look. "Something bigger? What do you mean?"

"I fear the Knights would try to destroy the Digital World."

"What? What makes you think that? The Knights are guardians to the Sovereigns." Agumon gasped.

"Agumon... if one is to understand a great mystery, one must study all its aspects, not just the dogmatic, narrow view of the Knights! If you wish to become a complete and wise leader, you must embrace... a *larger* view of life." Duskmon said, keeping his gaze upon the surprised amber dino. "Be careful of the Knights and the Sovereigns, Agumon. Only through me can you achieve a power greater than any hero. Learn to know the darkness, and you will be able to save your wife... from certain death."

Agumon's eyes widened with shock. "What did you say?"

"Use my knowledge, I beg you." Duskmon pleaded.

Agumon held up his claws. "*You're* the terrorist leader!"

"I know what's been troubling you." Duskmon reasoned. "Listen to me. Don't continue to be a pawn of the Sovereigns! Ever since I've known you, you've been searching for a life greater than that of an ordinary Knight. A life of significance, of conscience."

Agumon hesitated but kept his guard up.

"Are you going to kill me?"

"I would certainly like to!" Agumon muttered.

"I know you would. I can feel your anger. It gives you focus... makes you stronger." Duskmon grinned.

Agumon hesitated again. Then he lowered his claws but kept his glare. "I'm going to turn you over to the Knights."

"Of course. You should. But you're not sure of their intentions, are you?" Duskmon questioned.

"I will quickly discover the truth of all this." Agumon responded. He turned around to leave.

"You have great wisdom, Agumon. Know the power of the darkness. Power to save Gatomon." Duskmon called back to him.

Agumon ran over and saw Flamemon and several knights chatting to Terriermon, who was wearing a suit and holding a briefcase. The terrier Digimon has got off the train from New Digi City.

"Flamemon, I must talk to you." Agumon called out.

"Agumon! You came in time. This is Terriermon Wong, leader of the Wong Foundation." Flamemon said.

"Momentai. Nice to meet you, Mr Knight" Terriermon happily greeted.

"Nice to meet you too. I heard so much from you and your friends." Agumon smiled and bowed in turn.

"We're on our way to make sure Duskmon gets the funding for the tournament. Flamemon and the other knights are here to back me up." Terriermon chirped holding the briefcase.

"He won't use it for the tournament. I've just learned a terrible truth. I think Duskmon is the leader of the terrorist cell." Agumon spoke up.

Flamemon, Terriermon and the other Knights spun around and looked at him in surprise. "The leader of the terrorist cell?" Terriermon asked.

"The leader. The one we've been looking for." Agumon nodded.

"How do you know this?" Flamemon questioned keeping his gaze at the amber Digimon.

"He is planning to use the money for something bigger than the tournament. Something bad."

"Are you sure?" Terriermon asked.

"Absolutely."

"Then our worst fears have been realized." Flamemon warbled.

"I am glad you stopped us. I would've handed this money to him for something evil." Terriermon sighed in relief.

"We must move quickly if the Digital World is to survive." Flamemon took charge. "Mr Wong, would you come with us? Would be great if a Tamer Digimon fought alongside us."

"Flamemon, he is very powerful. You'll need my help if you're going to arrest him" Agumon offered.

"For your own good, stay out of this affair. I sense a great deal of confusion in you, Agumon. There is much fear that clouds your judgment." Flamemon retorted.

"I must go!" Agumon pleaded.

"No! If what you've told me is true, you will have gained my trust. But for now, remain here. Wait in the Sovereign's Lair until we return." Flamemon ordered. He, Terriermon and the other Knights began to walk off. Agumon wants to obey this order, but concern about Gatomon clouds his mind.

Although they told him to return to the Sovereigns, Agumon disobeyed that order. He headed towards Duskmon's building.

Inside the dark digimon's throne room was chaos. Most of the Knights were deleted, except for Flamemon's digivolved form, Agunimon, and Rapidmon, who has backed Duskmon in the corner.

"You are under arrest, leader!" Agunimon snarled.

"Alright. With him captured, the Digital World would be at peace." Rapidmon cheered.

Rapidmon's eyes suddenly blank out as Agumon knocked him out from behind. He reverted back to Terriermon and lost consciousness.

"I am sorry, Mr Wong." Agumon apologized.

"Agumon! I told you it would come to this! I was right. The knights are taking over!" Duskmon cried out to the amber Digimon.

"The oppression of the terrorists will never return! You have lost." Agunimon declared.

"He's a traitor!" Duskmon cried out.

"No, he is!" blurted out Agunimon.

"I have the power to save the one you love!" Duskmon cried. "You must choose! Don't let him kill me!"

"Don't listen to him, Agumon!" Agunimon demanded..

Agumon looked between the two. Agunimon kicked Duskmon to the wall.

"I am going to finish this once and for all!" Agunimon snarled.

"You can't!" shouted Agumon. "He must stand trial!"

"He has control of all the Digimon police and the court. He is too dangerous to be left alive!" Agunimon reminded him.

"This is not the Knights' way! He must live!" Agumon cried out. "I need him!"

Agunimon raised his fist. "Pyro Punch!" His entire hand ignited with flame. Duskmon could only watch in terror as Agunimon readied the final blow.

"NO!" Agumon roared. He quickly sliced off Agunimon's hand with his claw. The champion digimon yelled out.

With his enemy disabled, Duskmon saw his chance.

"Death Gaze!" Duskmon fired a beam from the eye on his chest armor. Agunimon was hit dead center and sent flying out the window. The brave knight was dead.

Agumon sunked to his knees in horror. "What have I've done?"

Duskmon rose to his feet and walked over to Agumon. He patted him on the head.

"You're fulfilling your destiny, Agumon. Become my apprentice. I will help you become more powerful." Duskmon offered.

Agumon finds himself near tears. "Just help me save Gatomon's life. I can't live without her."

"To cheat death is a power only one has achieved. But if we work together, I know we can discover the secret." Duskmon assured him.

Agumon sunked to his knees whilst looking as if he's entranced. "I pledge myself... to your teachings." He answered loyally.

"Good. Good. A powerful dark warrior you will become! Henceforth, you shall be known as… Darknessmon." Duskmon announced with an evil smirk.

Agumon rose with a dark glance and bowed in loyalty. "Thank you... my master."

"Rise." Duskmon commanded. Agumon rose to his feet. The dark armor deceiver sat on his throne. "Because the Sovereigns did not trust you, my young apprentice, I believe you are the only Knight with no knowledge of this plot. When the Knights learn what has transpired here, they will kill us, along with all the Digimon in this world."

"I agree." Agumon said bitterly. "The Knight's next move will be against the Digimon."

"Every single Knight, including your friend, Gabumon, is now an enemy of the Digital World! And that goes for the Tamer Digimon too." Duskmon commanded.

"I understand, Master." Agumon nodded.

"We must move quickly. The Knights are relentless. If they are not all destroyed, it will be a civil war without end. First, I want you to go to the Knight base. We will catch them off balance. Do what must be done, Lord Darknessmon! Do not hesitate, show no mercy! Only then, will you be strong enough with the darkness to save Gatomon."

"What about Terriermon Wong?" Agumon asked, looking down at the unconscious long eared hero. "Shall I finish him off?"

"No. Don't worry. His betrayal will be dealt with. I'll have him arrested for terrorism. Once more, we will rule everything! And…" Duskmon said dramatically with an evil grin. "we shall have... peace."

Agumon went on a rampage, slaughtering every Knight Digimon he could find. Although the heroic Digimon were shocked by his betrayal, they did not last long to warn the others.

Once he was done eliminating them all, Duskmon sent his warrior to gather up villains to help him form his newly formed Regime.

A day has passed. Gabumon, who was away on a solo mission, came back to find the base in ruins and all the Knights dead. He checked the hologram readings. He was shocked to see his amber scaled friend killing all the Digimon present.

"It can't be…" Gabumon muttered in disbelief.

"Gabumon!" The wolf pelt clad reptile spun around. Gatomon ran up the hallways. She was relieved that her friend was alright. "I just heard the news. Terriermon tried to kill Duskmon and was arrested for being a terrorist. Then Duskmon announced a new government to proclaim peace in the Digital World. But I doubt it. Why would the Knights try to kill him?"

"Gatomon. I've got some bad news for you." Gabumon spoke gently. He stepped up to the white cat. "I am afraid Agumon has betrayed us and turned to the darkness."

"You're wrong! How can you say that?" Gatomon asked in disbelief.

"I'd just saw… a hologram projection of him… killing In-trainings." Gabumon said truthfully.

"Not Agumon! He couldn't!" Gatomon muttered. She couldn't believe her ears.

Gabumon moved aside. Gatomon's eyes widened in horror. She watched her beloved delete a Tokomon with his claw.

"He was deceived by a lie. We all were." Gabumon proclaimed. "Terriermon's the good guy. He was framed. It appears Duskmon was behind everything including the terrorists' attacks. He is the leader of the cell we've been seeking. After the D-Reaper was sealed away, Agumon became his new apprentice."

Gatomon staggered back in horror. "I cannot believe this. I just can't."

Gabumon went silent for a bit before he asked. "Agumon's the father isn't he?"

Gabumon had a hunch at why Agumon and Gatomon were keeping secrets. And when he saw the cat's swollen belly, he knew.

Gatomon shook her head and ran off sobbing. Gabumon gave a stern glance. He had a feeling where she was headed. He quietly followed her.

In the volcanic region of the Digital World, Agumon reported his success to his master using a hologram projector. Duskmon discussed a new problem towards his Regime.

"Guilmon Matuski… is he really that dangerous?" Agumon questioned.

"Someone who can stop the D-Reaper could be a thorn in my side. He will become… the Digimon Hero who will destroy us." Duskmon replied.

"Digimon Hero? Aren't they rumours?" Agumon asked.

"The rumours are spreading like wildfire. Go. Find Guilmon and kill him. Those are your new orders."

"It shall be carried out, master." Agumon responded. The hologram dissipated. The amber digimon turned to leave when a new voice so familiar cried out his name. He saw Gatomon ruan towards him and embraced him.

"What are you doing here, Gatomon?" he inquired.

"I was so worried about you. Gabumon told and showed me terrible things. He said you betrayed the Knights and you killed children." Gatomon cried.

"Gabumon was trying to turn you against me," Agumon warned.

"No. He cares about us."

"Us?"

"He knows. He wants to help. Agumon, all I need is your love." Gatomon declared.

"Love won't save you from childbirth, Gatomon. Only my new powers can." Agumon assured.

"At what cost? You're a good person, don't do this" Gatomon cried.

"I am not gonna lose you like I'd lost my father. I've becoming more powerful than any Knight ever dreamed of." Agumon said darkly. "And I'm doing it for you. To protect you."

"Come away with me. Help me raise our child. Leave everything behind while you still can." Gatomon pleaded.

"Don't you see? We don't have to run away anymore. I have brought peace to the Digital World. I am more powerful than Duskmon now. I can overthrow him. And after I eliminate Guilmon Matsuki, you and I can rule the Digital World! Make things we want them to be!" Agumon offered with a nasty smile.

Gatomon shook her head in disbelief says "I don't believe what I am hearing. Gabumon was right! You've changed."

Agumon's face changed to an angry look. "I don't want to hear any more about Gabumon. The Knights turned against me. Don't you turn against me!"

"I don't know you anymore!" Gatomon wept. "You're breaking my heart! You're going down a path I cannot follow! Please, stop! Come back! I love you!"

Agumon looked past her for a brief moment. "LIAR!" he bellowed.

Gatomon spun around. Gabumon was seen behind her. She turned back to her glaring husband. "No!"

"You're with HIM! You brought him here to kill me!" Agumon roared. He held his hand using telekinesis on his own wife. Gatomon gasped. She clutched her throat.

"Let her go, Agumon!" Gabumon demanded crossly. "Free her right now!"

Agumon released her. Gatomon collapsed to the ground in a heap. The amber digimon turned in rage to his former friend. "You turned her against me! You will not take her from me!"

"You have done that yourself! Your anger and your lust for power have already done that!" Gabumon shouted. The two walked in a circle around each other. "You allowed this evil digimon to twist your mind until you became a danger to everyone!"

"Don't lecture me, Gabumon! I'd see through the lies of the knights! I do not fear the darkness as you do!" Agumon declared. "I have brought peace, freedom, justice and security to my new Regime!"

"Your new Regime?!" Gabumon gasped.

"Unless you want me to kill you, tell me what you know about Guilmon. He will become the Digimon Hero and undo all I have worked for. Tell me where he is and I'll let you live." Agumon proclaimed.

"Agumon, my allegiance is to the Sovereigns, to democracy! And if what you say about Guilmon of the Digimon Tamers becoming the hero is true, I'd join forces with him in a heartbeat rather than betray him!" Gabumon shouted.

"If you're not with me… then you're my enemy!" Agumon growled.

"Only an Evil Digimon deals in absolutes." Gabumon spoke sadly. He slid into his fighting position. "I will do what I must to stop you."

"You will try." Agumon spun around and opened his maw. "Pepper Breath!" He shot a fireball from his mouth.

"Blue Blaster!" Gabumon bellowed. He fired a blue blast from his mouth to cancel the attack.

The two former friends leapt at each other. They clanged using their claws heading deeper into the volcanic landscape.

The fight went on for a long time. As they resumed brawling they pushed through their limits and digivolved through different sections. They started out as Greymon and Garurumon. They became MetalGreymon and WereGarurumon afterwards.

They continue their lengthy battle on a platform above the lava river. They are now MetalGarurumon and WarGreymon. Both are hurt but they would not let the other gain the upper hand.

"I have failed you my friend." MetalGarurumon admitted sadly.

"I should have known the Knights were plotting to take over!" WarGreymon shouted.

"You idiot, Duskmon is evil!" MetalGarurumon pointed out.

"From my point of view, the Knights are evil!" WarGreymon bellowed.

"Then you are lost!" MetalGarurumon yelled. "Metal Wolf Claw!" He fired out a beam of cold blast from his mouth. His former friend shot upwards in the air to avoid it.

"This is the end for you, old friend." WarGreymon declared. He raised both hands in the air and concentrated on a huge fireball above his head. "Terra Force!"

He launched his attack at his old foe. The cybernetic hound leapt away from where he stood and onto soft land. The fireball destroyed the platform as it sank to the bottom.

"It's over, WarGreymon!" MetalGarurumon called out. "I have the high ground!"

"You underestimate my power!" WarGreymon snarled.

"Don't try it." MetalGarurumon reasoned.

WarGreymon darted down at him at top speed. MetalGarurumon spun his body around and the blade-like wings and his sword-like tail cut off his former friend's arms and legs. This caused him to revert back to Agumon and roll down near the bank of the lava river.

MetalGarurumon reverted back to Gabumon. He watched in sadness as the limbless Agumon glared at him. Red pupils began to show in his eyes.

"You were the greatest Knight I've known!" Gabumon cried out. His eyes were wet with tears. His best friend betraying him hurt him badly. "We were supposed to eliminate evil, not join them! Save the Digital World! Not leave it in darkness! You are like my brother, Agumon! I loved you!"

The stumps on Agumon's legs hit the lava below and began to spread all over his body. Gabumon sadly walked away from the battlefield. He heard his old friend's last words as he was burned alive. "I HATE YOU!"

Gabumon quickly escorted Gatomon back to the infirmary at Misty Village. But due to Agumon's descent to darkness, she was losing the will to live. The doctors worked as fast as they could. She managed to deliver a healthy Digi-Egg.

"Gamma…mon…" Gatomon wept. She put a paw on the egg and rubbed it. She turned back to the wolf-pelted Digimon. "Gabu…mon… there's… still… good in him. I know… there is…"

After those words, she closed her eyes and burst into data.

Guilmon finished telling everyone his story. Renamon, Terriermon and Lopmon went silent. Lionessmon cradled a heartbroken BlackGatomon. Gammamon wept as well. Veamon wrapped her arms around him to comfort him.

"I cannot believe what Duskmon did." Gumdramon spoke sincerely. "He cannot be allowed to continue his evil activities."

"How did Agumon stayed alive after being burned?" Lionessmon asked.

"My guess is Duskmon found him near death. He put him in that suit and mask to keep him alive. That is how Darknessmon came to be." Renamon answered.

"So what now?" BlackGatomon asked, wiping away her tears.

Guilmon walked up to Gammamon and put a hand to his head. "Gammamon, once you heal and get your hand re-attched, I will train you to gain a new level of power. And then… you must confront Darknessmon again."

"Gammamon cannot kill daddy." Gammamon sputtered.

"Then Duskmon had already won. You, as well as Veamon and Gumdramon, are our only hope" Terriermon spoke up.

Gammamon, Veamon and Gumdramon gazed at each other.

"For now, we should return to the Delta Army base and get your hand stitched up. We'll decide what to do after that." Lopmon commanded. Everyone nodded and began to walk back to the city.

"Guil-Sensei." Gammamon spoke quietly to his mentor. "Is mother right? Is there still good in him?"

"I know it sounds impossible but I believe so too. And that is all on you." Guilmon assured him.

Darknessmon was heading back to the base of the regime. His mask was repaired. His mind, however, was focused on the past.

Duskmon escorted the burnt up body of Agumon into the medical room of his base. Several robots attached new limbs to his charred body. His torso was covered by a black suit. Slowly, they covered his face with a black, metallical helmet and face-covering. After a few seconds, a hissing, labored breathing came from the operating table.

The medics swiveled the table upright so that what was once Agumon could stand.

"Lord Darknessmon. Can you hear me?" Duskmon asked as he approached his new black clad warrior.

"Yes, master." Darknessmon responded. He shifted his head towards him. "Where is Gatomon? Is she safe? Is she alright?"

"It appears that in your anger, you killed her." Duskmon explained to him.

"I… I couldn't have! She was alive! I felt it!" Darknessmon snapped. He broke off his bindings and stepped forward in angst while his master watched behind him in delight. "NOOOOOOOO!"

"Yet, my son lived." Darknessmon spoke to himself as he neared the base. "And he will be mine again."