Mark of the Demon Lord part 26

"A Long Story,"

The story begins here, in the Dark Area, although it wasn't called that in the early days. This place was known simply as The Origin Point. It was a place filled with light. A place of prosperity and peace filled with all manner of ancient Digimon that have long gone extinct at this point. Ancient warriors of tremendous power were born here, and legends were forged. This area was where the being we all known as God existed. In that time of prosperity, Digimon were able to exist freely to a certain extent. The only Digimon that existed during this time were Vaccine type Digimon or those imbued with the holy light of this world, The Data type Digimon. However, a sudden mutation had occurred, as if a shift in perspective that suddenly spread like wildfire. This occurrence was known as the Viral Infection. Data and Vaccine Digimon began to mutate into what is now known as virus type Digimon. It was taught that many of these creatures are predisposed to evil and ill intent. Their numbers were small in the beginning, but their darkness and influence grew as time passed. It was of no concern to Yggdrasil, I know this because at the time before the war had began I was a Seraphimon, the highest ranked angel and the closets to our god. I was able to speak with Yggdrasil directly on many occasions. It was a position I found thrusted upon me because of my growth and power. These virus types were only an anomaly that should not be a threat to prosperity of the Origin Point.

However.

That proved false as a great war began. The virus Digimon began a rebellion of epic proportions. Wielding power that had been never seen before, Darkness. This Darkness could corrupt and corrode other Digimon in ways that Yggdrasil deemed unnatural. It was deemed that my power was necessary to fight this infection. As a loyal soldier and general I journeyed forth to fight this error. I purified the lands of this darkness leading armies of angel Digimon. Razing the lands of the mere existence of these creatures. Although I was severely short sighted in my youth. I had spent so much time close to god, that I began to overlook certain aspects of these creatures. This realization came to me in the form of Lucemon when he joined the war efforts.

"Oh, great sovereign Seraphimon, it is a pleasure to meet you in person," Lucemon states bowing to the golden angel of Hope. Seraphimon seemed to observe the rookie level with some amazement.

"What level are you? You seem far too powerful to be merely of child level and an archangel at that."

"Your eyes do not deceive you great one. I am indeed a rookie, created in the image of the great creator themself to help you eradicate this viral infection that plagues our world," Lucemon states still bowing.

"I see, Lucemon was your name correct?"

"Yes sir," the small angel responds.

"Excellent you will make a fine warrior for the light. We shall eradicate this darkness that plagues our world."

"Oh, great Seraphimon may I bother you with a question though?"

"Speak."

"Why is it so important that these creatures be destroyed. As this area is the source of all evolution, wouldn't their existence be natural?"

"They are a mutation Lucemon. You would do well to remember that. Our creator has ordained these creatures to be worth nothing and capable of much pain. I've seen firsthand their grotesque forms and their unnatural abilities. To allow such creatures to thrive would spell the end of all, of that Yggdrasil and I agree."

"What of the Royal Knights?"

"There are so few of them. Annoyingly enough, Imperialdramon Paladin saw fit to create the group but not organize them unfortunately. A task that falls onto me. I see them as more necessary to ensure the infection doesn't spread. The source of it all shall be left to me."

"But, as this is the origin of all things in the Digital World and as the Digital Sea flows from this point. Wouldn't their existence be an inevitable occurrence?"

"You speak as if you know this from experience Lucemon, what is that you know that I do not?"

"Very little I assure you. I've seen these creatures, how they can come up with mischief but are very well capable of thought just as you and I. Does it not seem ruthless to eradicate them for merely existing?"

"I do agree it is ruthless. But it must be done."

I was quite the blowhard to believe those words I spoke at the time. Lucemon did indeed have a point, one that I chose to ignore in favor of my commands. I did as I was told and organized the armies to fight the so-called evil creatures. Although, the words Lucemon spoke had never left my mind. It only grew more and more as the fighting went on. The beautiful landscape beginning to be destroyed due to the battles and the many angels who had fallen sway to the darkness.

"So, did you feel like you were doing something bad?" TK asks.

No, I didn't believe that. What I did believe was that there was more than what I was being told. It was actually around this time I came in contact with a peculiar Myotismon that would someday be GrandDracumon. Though with less power, no less conniving. He had been leading a faction of virus and demon type Digimon. Expanding his territory in the Origin Point that he could potentially control a fraction of the area. My army and I went forth to fight it with the aid of one of the Royal Knights, Magnamon. We managed to take a large area but a large cost to ourselves. This shrewd Myotismon had wished to speak to me directly, in some misguided hopes of brokering a deal of sorts. He left himself vulnerable to me, I could've slain him in a moments notice. However, I decided to hear him out.

"Ah, the great Seraphimon. I hear of your battles from others but seeing you here in front of me I find it so hard to believe a majestic looking being as yourself could strike such terror in others," Myotismon speaks sipping on what appeared to be a cup of tea. The meeting was held in a twilight realm of sorts under a villa in a quaint garden. The flowers seemed to be in bloom all around them signifying a coming of change. It's a rather friendly looking place that made Seraphimon feel uneasy.

"I could strike you down here and now viral creature," Seraphimon informs him.

"Yes, you could, but what kind of justice would that speak to the rest of your angel army? The great Seraphimon, reduced to a cowardly assassin. I do not believe that would sit well with many."

"This is a war we are in."

"Yes, but I believe we don't have to be in it," Myotismon responds swirling his blood red tea in its cup. "Do sit, please, it feels odd speaking to a person so uptight."

"I shall stand here."

Myotismon sighs, "As you wish. I asked you here to seeing as I have suffered a great loss. I can see that my destruction is apparent. Especially if you were to bring in those Royal Knights of yours to aid in the fight. I'd be crushed, there is no doubt in my mind about that but not without heavy losses to your side."

"So, do you hope to plead for mercy?"

"I figure no better being to do so than the Angel of Hope himself," Myotismon said with a sly smile.

"You wish to ensure your own survival that much?"

"Not only my own, but the survival of my kin. You've personally seen to the destruction of many of us. Is it so wrong to want the violence to end?"

"Your ilk only know violence from what I've seen."

"Well I can't disagree with you on that," Myotismon chuckles. "That NeoDevimon fellow was rather brazen claiming he'd be the one to rule all of the Origin Point. If you had not dealt with that blemish I would have done him in myself," Seraphimon seems to go silent at the mention of NeoDevimon. "Oh, sorry to bring that up. I had forgot that NeoDevimon was one of your friends before he'd fallen to darkness."

"I doubt that was a detail you had been unaware of," Seraphimon retorts.

"Well information is something I like to have. I've started becoming a collector of sorts in that regard, which is my main point to bringing you here. I'd like to broker a deal; allow us our survival and I can give you all sorts of information if you so choose."

"You'd betray your own kind for survival?!" Seraphimon exclaims.

"Virus, Vaccine, or Data, in the end what does it really matter if we get turned into dust. I don't agree with everything Viral Digimon do, as I don't agree with everything Vaccine Digimon do, it is all a matter of perspective. Something I think you are truly lacking, but one I don't mind giving to you. I am looking out for the safety of MY people, not Viral Digimon as a whole, I would hope you'd understand that better than anyone."

"And what reason should I have to trust you as an informant?"

"The Great Demon Lords…" Myotismon spoke before taking a long sip from his cup. Seraphimon is shocked as he tenses up hearing that. "Ah, so you have heard of them. Rumor is that they are a small group that numbered 2 or 3 if my memory serves me correct."

"They are only rumored to exist!"

"Yes, well it may be a rumor or it may not be. If we strike a deal here and now, you shall know for sure."

"…I must consult Yggdrasil."

"Well then if you must do that, then you already know your answer don't you?"

"Meaning?"

"Your god is the one who told you to start this war. I'd highly doubt they'd suggest you should make a deal with me. As you are one of the few beings alive to interact with them, you'd know their answer before anyone else. So, if that is how you respond you may as well strike me down now," Myotismon takes another sip from his cup before setting it down. "I finished my tea at least."

"….Tell me what you know," Seraphimon says as he now moves to sit. Myotismon snaps his fingers for a DemiDevimon with a bowtie to fly over and place a cup of tea in front of Seraphimon.

"Oh, I had no idea you had struck a deal with GranDracumon all those years ago Daemon," Lucemon says rather surprised.

I had felt it a necessary evil to learn more. As he had insinuated, my perspective was not fully realized. I needed to know more and understand more if I was to see an end to this war. Through him, I had learned of the existence of Leviamon, who was Dragomon at that time, Barbamon, and Belphemon Sleep Mode. Knowing who those three are now, it makes total sense why their existence was nothing but a rumor. Barbamon was the only competent one of that trio, so he most likely tried to keep the power of the group a secret. Looking at them in retrospect they were nothing noteworthy and presented a credible danger. Obviously, this was a fact that GranDracmon had already known at the time, but he used my ignorance on the matter to entrap me in an agreement.

With the existence of high-ranking creatures like the Great Demon Lords existing, I sought fit to redouble efforts to try and understand the upper echelon of the dark beings. In trying to understand them, I began neglecting my duties to Yggdrasil. I sought a different perspective that Yggdrasil was not providing for me. Also a lesser known fact, Yggdrasil possessed more than one point of contact other than me. It became clear to me when the Royal Knights would mobilize without my authorization.

"I thought the Royal Knights worked directly under Yggdrasil?" Lucemon questioned.

That is how they apart nowadays. However, back then it was no coincidence that they were known as the Holy Knights and many of them were vaccine types. It took little effort to understand what was happening. Especially when Omnimon directly questioned some of the missions they had been on.

"What kinds of missions?" TK asked.

Daemon sighs. Well, if memory serves…One mission they went on was to an investigation of sorts of a new data particle called the X-Antibody. A strange sort of investigative effort headed by Leopardmon with whispers of an unknown experiment of creating a new type of being. Omnimon, Magnamon, Kentaurosmon, and Craniamon were dispatched to see to a monstrous force of a creature known as Megidramon, a malicious monster that was created to cover the Origin Point in hellfire.

"Megidramon…that's one of the Four Great Dragons…" Lucemon muttered.

Yes, I had only known of its existence through GranDracmon. I journeyed forth to aid in the battle as soon as I had learned the Royal Knights had been sent to fight it.

"Meggido Flame!" the monstrous dragon exclaims spewing flames from its mouth. Craniamon draws the creature's attention holding his shield to protect himself from the flames. The other knights move to flank the beast.

"Odin's Breath!" Kentarosmon exclaims unleashing a freezing blizzard at the beast, the frosted winds so cold it could freeze lava within moments.

"Garuru Cannon!" Omnimon exclaimed pointing at his cannon shooting out a beam of intense energy. The beam contained ice properties and with Kentaurosmon's attack the two created a concentrated ice age aimed at the beast. It overtook the creature smashing it into the ground and ending its attack on Craniamon. "Have we fell the creature?"

"I shall get a closer look," Magnamon calls drawing closer.

"Nay, Magnamon keep your distance!" Omnimon exclaims moving to intercept. Before Omnimon could get to him a large tail whips out of the smoke smacking Omnimon to the ground.

"Sir Omnimon!" Craniamon calls seeing to his downed ally. Magnamon suddenly screams out in pain grabbing the attention of the other knights as they look back to see Magnamon in the grasp of Megidramon.

"You all shall burn!" Megidramon hollers as the digital hazard on his chest flashes.

"Not today monster!" a new voice exclaims as a blast of lightning nails Megidramon in the face, surprising the creature and making its grasp on Magnamon weaken. Kentarousmon was quick to swoop in catching the Digimon.

"Sir Magnamon, you have only been a Royal Knight for but a moment. Practice more caution so that your presence among our ranks will last," Kentarousmon advised.

"Of course, Sir Kentarousmon, I shall not make that mistake again," Magnamon says returning to the air.

"Yes, it would be a unfortunate for your end to come so soon after I selected you to carry the Armor of Miracles Ophanimon and I crafted," Seraphimon said floating over to reconvene with the knights.

"O-Of course Lord Seraphimon!" Magnamon says getting pumped up.

"No matter who comes you shall burn, Megiddo Flame!" It opens its mouth lashing out with plumes of hellfire.

"Bifrost!" Kentarousmon exclaims firing an arrow of light at the creature. Its flames consume the attack as it continues breathing more and more fire.

"Enough foul creature!" Omnimon exclaims rushing forward. "Grey Sword!" He swings his blade creating plumes of flames from the swoosh of the blade. The two flames clash with one another creating a powerful shockwave throwing back both parties. Megidramon snakes into the air for a higher vantage point but its suddenly halted in its ascent. It looks down to see Craniamon has grabbed hold of its tail.

"Hold him there Craniamon!" Seraphimon exclaims. He opens his arms for large golden stars to form around his body. "Seven Heavens!" The orbs of light come flying in crashing into Megidramoncreating small explosions on impact and weakening the creature. "Send him skyward!"

"As you command Lord Seraphimon," Craniamon takes the proper posture then swings the creature around in a circle before launching it upwards. "Endless Waltz!" Craniamon creates a funnel of wind by spinning his spear and sending Megidramon higher.

"All together!" Seraphimon exclaims.

"Garuru Cannon!"

"Shining Gold Solar Storm!"

"Bifrost!"

All the attacks converge on the dragon Digimon. A massive explosion ensues followed by a powerful shockwave that rippled through the air. Megidramon unfurls his wings as it howls in outrage as the Digital Hazard glows brighter, the same symbol appearing in the sky and the ground below. It was as if the entire world was shaking and growing unstable. Seraphimon flies forward revealing his royal blue Excalibur saber from his right arm. His wings and chest plate begin glowing a golden color shining brighter as he flies. He collides with Megidramon's chest stabbing into the Digital Hazard.

"Testament!" Golden Lightning exploded out of Seraphimon and into Megidramon. As if a focus lightning storm was focused all at one point. The power was enough to make Megidramon wail in agony. Seraphimon's blue sword shifted into a golden one as cuts through Megidramon.

"I…I…" Megidramon chocks out as it falls to the ground below. The dangers of the Digital Hazard averted as the sky returns to normal.

"Excellent work Lord Seraphimon!" Omnimon exclaims joining Seraphimon at his side.

"That creature could have caused a disaster, why was I not informed of such a thing?!" Seraphimon exclaims turning to Omnimon in clear anger. Omnimon seemed rather surprised.

"I…I had assumed you had given us the order to deal with the creature. I was confused why you had not accompanied us seeing as the creature was so dangerous and you prefer to see to such dangers personally."

"…What?" Seraphimon said no longer angry but befuddled. He trusts that Omnimon is being honest with him as they have developed a strong trust among each other, a sort of friendship. "Who was it that gave you this assignment?"

"A Pixiemon, I hear it is not uncommon for them to deliver messages and assignments. Although I did think it odd you would send one to me since you normally come to me in person. I had assumed you had other matters to attend to as the insignia was of high authority."

"I see…that is quite interesting…"

It was only with my assistance that the knights were successful in quelling the beast. This was also the birth of another Royal Knight, Gallantmon because of my powers of purification. It was an unknown affect I hadn't anticipated as I had separated the beast into two halves. The monstrous destroyer and the first viral Holy Knight both containing half of the Digital Hazard.

"Is that why ChaosGallantmon is here?" TK questioned.

Very astute TK, I'm glad to see you're paying attention. ChaosGallantmon is the exact same Gallantmon from all those years ago. He had pledged his loyalty to me all those years back. When I rebelled, he was at my side, and even at my fall he still remains. After all, his mantra is Chilvary and Loyalty to one's Lord. He is the only surviving Royal Knight of the original line making him quite the legendary figure.

"Well how else is a dog supposed to behave," Lucemon said. Daemon seems to take some unknown offense to the comment but says nothing.

I digress, thanks to Omnimon it came to my attention that the Royal Knights were being used by Yggdrasil in ways without my input. The fact that they were operating directly under Yggdrasil, it was an odd fact because I was the one who was supposed to see to their movements. Under Yggdrasil's will they struck harshly, even at non-combatants. Once learning the Knights' orders came from Yggdrasil directly, it was difficult to command them as I saw fit. Often Yggdrasil would usurp my commands for its own means. I didn't understand the need to strike down rookie and child level Digimon if it wasn't necessary even if they did have an affinity to evolve into darker forms. However, I didn't raise much concern, we were at war after all, it was a move to prevent the birth of new viral Digimon, potentially Digimon who could destroy all.

"Yes, I do recall you were quite disturbed by those measures. As was your second hand Ophanimon," Lucemon states.

Yes, she was the most upset upon hearing the news of this. She demanded I ask for an explanation from Yggdrasil for such callous measures, especially when the attack decimated our own potential warriors for light.

"Yggdrasil destroyed a primary village?" Patamon asks a bit horrified at the idea.

That's an understatement. Yggdrasil upset the balances of recreation. Even Anubismon was left rather stump for why it was happening. It was at this point that lines were being drawn as new parties began to oppose the merciless way of fighting. Such a group is the Olympian 12, powerful warriors that became disgusted by the conflict. They vowed to practice neutrality, which allowed many Digimon who were loyal to them to join their side. This all left us severely weakened, honestly, all sides were weakened but Yggdrasil was not concerned about such a factor.

"And it all came to a point of no return when Cheurbimon fell…" Lucemon said.

"That's Suzi's partner?" TK asks.

Yes, the real Cherubimon felt sorrow for what was happening. He saw beast type Digimon as his kin and held an abundance of compassion for the virus type Digimon. To see so many fall to darkness and be mercilessly destroyed was a tough blow to bare. It was at this time the first known member of the Great Demon Lords appeared, the demon of Greed Barbamon. In a skirmish with Cherubimon leading the charge Barbamon was on the other side. Barbamon had developed a trait that he could tempt many to darkness with his words and powers. That is the power that Angemon had felt during his battle with him. Luckily, you were able to resist Patamon since a being of darkness dwells within you. One is unable to fall, if they have already partially fallen.

"What do you mean by fall?" Patamon asks.

Merely a shorthand for one that Falls from grace. You could say that Lucemon and I coined the term since we were the greatest falls of all. It is when a being of light succumbs to the darkness within themselves and thus they lose themselves in that darkness. Becoming distorted versions of themselves. The creature you fought, the Devimon of File Island, was once a majestic Angemon before he fell…

"Devimon…was like Angemon…" TK said in dumbfounded tone.

It sounds unbelievable doesn't it? Almost unnatural for a being of such goodness to succumb to evil and chaos. However, that is the world we live in and that is the reality we face. It is at that moment Cherubimon fell that Ophanimon abandoned all formality, especially when news came for his destruction. Ophanimon had went to see Yggdrasil behind my back. As I am the only one who may speak directly to Yggdrasil, they chose not to speak to Ophanimon as she demanded answers, demanded to know what the war was for, and demanded to know why it seemed beings of goodness could succumb to the darkness. Her answers went unanswered, so she left empty handed. When I spoke to Yggdrasil next, he recommended Ophanimon be dealt with before she could fall. They said that to me, of all beings! Ophanimon was a gentle creature, a being of light, one of my trusted friends and confidants, but Yggdrasil wanted me to slay her callously…

"Did you?" TK questions.

Of course…I was the angel of law and order. The highest ranked angel among them all. To disobey a command of Yggdrasil was not to be tolerated.

"Is that when you began to…fall?" TK asked.

Daemon laughs. My fall had began far before that. It was just simply the tipping point. I lost Cherubimon, one of my most trusted friends and allies, whom I sought for guidance in my actions. I lost Ophanimon, my confidant and right hand. In short, I had nothing else to lose…

Then Lucemon had put a thought in my head. Something he had learned from humans of that time period, "If God is all powerful, then he is not all good. If he is all good, then he is not all powerful" a saying he had learned from philosophical humans. Lucemon had never spoken to Yggdrasil but you always seem so sure of what to say. Always seeming to know more than you let on. Why is that Lucemon? As you were right there alongside me during the rebellion, when I saw fit to destroy Yggdrasil and create our own path.

"I agreed with you Daemon. Despite whatever faults you may see within me, one thing we can agree on, is a world without freedom to exists as ones' true self is a world I want no part of. In a way, because of our rebellion and the fall of the Origin Point, that dream has become reality. The humans who fight for and with Digimon blaze of path of true freedom. Where our path is not dictated by some unfeeling creature such as Yggdrasil."

-000-

"I see…well TK, Patamon, that is the long lost history of the Dark Area. My origin and my fall," Daemon said.

"I'm sorry…" TK says rather sullenly.

"What is done, cannot be undone. Our path forward is the most pressing matter. In other words, do not feel sorry. I realize that this was a long story for you to hear all in one go, so I can understand if some things are unclear."

Patamon and TK seem to share a look with one another. One that seemed to connect them to the same train of thought. "Well, something that we were wondering about was…what was Lucemon doing?"

"Excuse you," Lucemon questioned with a frown.

Daemon chuckled "Pardon them Lord Lucemon it seems that I have begun to rub off on them a bit." Lucemon directs his attention toward Daemon now in a slight glare. "Yes, they have noticed a key point in my story, one that had been lost to me for so many years, a fact that I had overlooked, and neglected to question. Everyone had their role in the battle and in the hierarchy. Everyone…except you."

"I was to serve under your wing," Lucemon retorts.

"But Daemon said that was Ophanimon's job, right?" TK asked.

"That is correct, if not her then Cherubimon would follow up. The three of us operated together, so your role was moot. Every known group had their role, the Knights, the Olympians, the angels, and even the ancient warrior Digimon of that time. But not yourself. At the time I was so enthralled by the fact that someone had given orders to the knights I had overlooked a crucial fact. Pixiemon, though messengers, were a means not utilized by Yggdrasil. I often only deferred to using them at crucial moments to deliver Yggdrasil's will. So, it begged the question, who had the authority to issue a Pixiemon with the insignia of authority if it was not Yggdrasil?"

"You raise this question after all these years?" Lucemon asked incredulously.

"Yes," Daemon responds sharply. Lucemon stares at the Demon Lord of Wrath, than the small angel's gaze shift to the TK and Patamon who were also staring directly at him.

"Hahaha!" Lucemon laughs. "You are correct in one thing, you certainly have rubbed off on them Lord Daemon…" Lucemon refocuses his gaze back to Daemon with a smile. "Yes, it was I who issued orders behind your back. For my role was not to be subservient to you, but to replace you. The three Great Angels were laughable in power and authority. I was to study under you three and eventually take on your positions. To be frank, you were simply a prototype organization. At merely rookie level my power challenged yours, a mega, and the highest ranked angel in the land! What made you think I belonged in a role lesser?!"

"But obviously even that role was beneath you…" Daemon grumbled.

"Daemon my potential was yet to be realized and I knew that already. You begrudge me for knowing that?"

"The irony that Yggdrasil created you to replace me, but in the end he inadvertently created his usurper." Daemon remarked.

"A means to an end if you want me to be blunt. I deserved to govern over the Origin Point. I deserve to govern over the Digital World, and I deserve to be the god of this world. We can both agree that Yggdrasil is a cold, unfeeling, and logic prone drone who could not see the world for what it was becoming. Only what it wanted to will the world into becoming. Chaos is an inevitable feature of any world, to root out chaos means to root out free will, something I could not allow to happen!"

"Really?" Patamon questioned.

"Yes, despite what any may think of me. I knew coexistence was impossible unless it is chosen. Through our rebellion I was able to give the beings that choice, thus the creation of the multiple Digital Worlds that exists that are governed in varying different ways. Every living being should have the chance of freewill. Patamon, you and young Takeru here are together because of the actions of the past. If Yggdrasil had their way neither of you would be here or know of the other."

"I can agree with you on that Lucemon," Daemon states with a nod.

TK stands up from his seat with Patamon in his arms, "Thank you for telling me all this. I feel like…what we're fighting for is something bigger than what I thought. I wasn't really sure if Daemon was doing the right thing…"

"He is a demon lord child, from your perspective he is your enemy." Lucemon asserts. "As am I."

"I know…" TK looks at the dim figure of Daemon. "I know, that if things were different, we would have to fight each other. That we might still fight each other. I don't want to though…"

"If it means anything, I do not wish to destroy this particular version of you TK, Patamon," Daemon said with arms crossed.

"Oh my, I see the boy has rubbed off on you as well Daemon. I foresee what I have to look forward to…" Lucemon said with his voice taking a tone that he was disgusted or annoyed by the idea.

Despite Daemon's face being covered it was unmistakable to not assume he was smiling, "Don't worry Lord Lucemon. This partnership of ours will be very beneficial to all in the end." Lucemon quirks an eyebrow at Daemon. Lucemon looks toward TK and Patamon, but he didn't get a chance to see the look on their faces as the TK walks forward to leave the chamber. Lucemon had not seen the red eyes on both Patamon and TK as they have a dark smirk on their faces, excited by what is to come.