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Rain gently padded against the window, making it seem eerie and dark. It was almost comforting. It reminded him of the days before the great genocide that stole his innocence from him. For years, he had silently waited for his moment to avenge his adoptive parents and sister for the torture the Holy Beasts put all of them through. Conquering both worlds would solve all his problems, yet all everyone talked about was Kami.
Kami had been gone for decades. He had been the first to fall. His death was why every virus Digimon was suffering. He had reunited them with the sole motive of taking back what was theirs.
Yet…
Vamdemon slowly exhaled the frustration that was ever slowly building inside of him. He could still remember their screams as they were whipped every day, followed by their limbs being torn from their bodies and Digi Cores being shattered completely in an instant.
I didn’t survive because of him , he thought bitterly. I survived on my own. I killed those arseholes who dared follow the Holy Beasts’ orders. It was unfortunate Gennai had run like a coward .
Eyelids slowly closed over blue orbs as he listened to the rain that was descending from the dark clouds above.
Is he really serious about getting the Digimental of Miracles? The vampire’s thoughts turned towards the god of the virus Digimon and his newfound determination to restoring Kami’s memories and powers.
What an absurd task . He scoffed at the ridiculousness this all was. No one had been able to find it since ancient times. The vampire seethed over his own thoughts. What made him think this pathetic child could somehow solve all their problems by finding the Digimental? A Digimental that Kami had made from his own essence when he first created the Digital World.
Opening his eyes, he moved away from the window and sat at his desk, where several plans laid out before him. He doubted they could ever bring Kami back to full power. The Holy Beasts and their Chosen would just get in their way. But he would play along for now. There was no way for Kami to truly return. Doing so would mean the spirit of Ken Ichijouji would need to disappear completely in order for Kami’s spirit to fully take form in the Digital World.
His brows rose at that. That wouldn’t exactly be a bad thing. For the humans, maybe, but they would get their beloved god back. And those that had been faithful followers would rejoice. While the rest of them would just look on with indifference.
Vamdemon drummed his fingers on the table. He was fine with Kami not being around. One less god to get in his way, but maybe he could use this to his advantage. He slowly smiled as a plan started to form in his head.
“Yes, this could work.”
“Lord Vamdemon.” Blue orbs glanced at the door. “You summoned me?” Hovering on the other side of the door was Phantomon, his loyal second in command.
Vamdemon nodded. “I did. It’s time we moved onto the next stage of my plan. I know Millenniumon wants Kami back. That’s fine, let him continue on that deluded path. Even if he manages to bring Kami back, he won’t be at full strength.”
The vampire paused for a moment, before continuing. “I want to pursue my goal of conquering the two worlds. So I want you, Phantomon, to go and tell as many Digimon as you can. I want to soak in the glory of the moment.”
Phantomon bowed. “On it.”
The scythe-wielding ghost turned and made his way away from his Lord’s room, seeking the multitude of Digimon outside of Vamdemon’s castle. He had many to tell and he wanted to do it as soon as he could to keep his Lord in the right mood. There was no sense in disappointing him or failing to perform the job right, after all.
Once he was outside the castle, he started to make his way to the first area where he knew a large group of Digimon lived. His aim was to talk to them and do his best to convince them of coming over to Vamdemon’s way of thinking. Phantomon thought over the words he would speak as he floated in that direction.
Hello, I come on behalf of Lord Vamdemon. I was asked to seek out more allies in my Lord’s mission for a stronger army . Phantomon mulled over the statement in his head. That sounded right in his mind, so those words would be what he used when he spoke to them. His Lord would be very happy that more soldiers were being rallied to his side.
When he finally approached them, he spoke his piece and waited.
The leader of the group, a Gusokumon, watched him intently for a few moments before the huge Digimon said anything. “We know nothing of your Lord, but we are interested in lending our strength to him if that’s his goal. We haven’t been to the real world before. Would be nice to see somewhere else other than the Digital World for once.”
One of his companions laughed while Phantomon waited for silence.
“Excellent. I’ll be sure to let him know your response. If you’ll excuse me, I have other Digimon to inform as well. See you at the castle later.” Phantomon bowed slightly and continued on, talking to more and more Digimon and informing them of what his Lord wanted.
Some weren’t interested straight away but said they would decide later, others accepted the offer as soon as Phantomon spoke. Seemed they were keen on increasing their own strength more than wanting to help Vamdemon out. The spectre sighed. Oh well. He was sure Vamdemon would deal with them as he had dealt with others in the past. Swiftly and without mercy.
Phantomon stopped. He had told as many as he could, so he returned to the castle for now.
High above the Digital World continents, away from all threats and war happening on the surface, was a magnificent castle that rested high above the clouds. The castle seemed to be made of a brilliant white and black marble stone that shined like a million little diamonds under a beautiful rainbow. Surrounding the kingdom was an invisible barrier that hid the oldest kingdom in the Digital World from the Holy Beasts and their followers.
Ken clung to his partner, with Bancho Lilimon and Bancho Stingmon following close behind. “Whoa, look at that Ken.”
Ken glanced at his cousin as the kingdom came into full view. Thousands of Digimon all gathered around the castle courtyard, dressed in black robes decorated with a pink rose on the back and trimmed with gold and silver.
As the Digimon descended, the Tamer and the Chosen’s eyes widened in wonder as Digimon of all types — Virus, Vaccine, Data and Free — living in complete harmony, free of fear, free of war and free of prejudice and discrimination. It was something out of a dream.
“Welcome home, Ken-chan.” As Beelzebumon and the others landed in the centre of the courtyard, Ken noticed a blue-eyed blonde-haired child, wrapped in a white cloth, bearing eight angelic wings on his back, two on his head and two around his waist, silently watching them.
“Lucemon, it has been too long.” Beelzebumon reverted back from his Blast Mode to embrace his friend. “I am glad to see you walking about. How are you feeling today?”
After embracing his friend, the angel smiled. “Much better, Beelzebumon. I didn’t think I would ever recover from the Holy Beasts’ torturing me for all these decades. I truly feared I had lost everything until you and Lilithmon freed me. So thank you.”
“We had all suffered greatly from Bancho Leomon and Gennai’s betrayal and the Holy Beasts’ had almost but destroyed everything we had worked so hard to protect, but hope was never lost.”
Lucemon nodded as Beelzebumon and the female Bancho gently pushed the two children in front of Lord Lucemon, the leader of the Demon Lords and one of the Guardians of Kami. Lucemon was taken aback as his eyes landed on the two children. Ken glanced at his cousin, uncertain of what must be roaming in the angelic boy’s head.
Ken couldn’t say he remembered the other very well, or any of the Demon Lords, really. He remembered how he died and the man that had struck a sword into his chest. He remembered sending V-mon and the other young Digimon away. And…
Ken swallowed nervously. “Lucemon…” He remembered seeing his family, his protectors, falling one by one all because he had given Pajiramon a chance of redemption, after her and the other Holy Beasts’ previous attempt on his life. “I’m sorry.” His voice trembled. “All of this is my fault.”
“Ken…” Kazuya went to place a hand on his cousin’s trembling shoulder, but the Demon Lord pulled him into a warm embrace before he could do so.
“No, Kami. None of this is your fault. You are everything that is good and just in this world. Your kindness and love have no limits. As long as there is light and hope in this world, you will always find your way home to us.” Ken wrapped his arms around the other as the tears trailed down his cheeks. “If anyone is to blame, it’s them.”
“I know, but I still feel like it’s my fault. If I hadn’t given them a second chance, none of this would have happened.” Ken would always feel guilt, but he also knew he had to learn to leave things in the past. He knew it wouldn’t be easy to put things behind him, but now was as good a time as any to start.
Kazuya pulled back from his cousin a little and regarded him with concern. He knew Ken must be beating himself up over the deaths of many Digimon, but it was time to start afresh. “It’s okay. Let’s just relax for now. You’ve had a hard time and you’re still recovering mentally.” He looked around, noting that a couple of other Demon Lords were present.
Before he could say anything further, Beelzebumon grunted out a greeting to the two. “Hey Barbamon, Belphemon. How are you doing?”
Barbamon stared over at them with an indeciperable look, which prompted Kazuya to frown. “Everything is fine. Why wouldn’t it be?” This was all the staff-wielding Digimon remarked, but it was said with such snideness dripping from his voice it even set Beelzebumon on edge.
“...” The Demon Lord of Gluttony was speechless for a moment and he made a silent decision to keep an eye on Barbamon. Because something was definitely up, based on that response. He just wasn’t sure what it was.
The other Demon Lord in the vicinity, Belphemon, was currently in his rage mode but sleeping. That was a little surprising, but not all that odd. From what Beelzebumon remembered of the Demon Lord of Wrath, he tended to do that regularly.
Anyway, it was time to unwind and get meals prepared so Beelzebumon strolled over to the outdoor kitchen. He had a quick look around before he offered to help LadyDevimon with preparing the food. She accepted his help and the pair got to work straight away.
Kazuya smiled at the fact that his cousin’s partner fit in so easily here. He was happy that Digimon of the various attributes got along so well. They harmonized so well. He glanced over at Ken and placed a hand on the younger child’s back. “Let’s sit down over there and just watch things unfold. What do you think?”
“Why not?” Ken smiled back. He was relieved that there was downtime now and things were peaceful. Ken didn’t know what was going to happen tomorrow, but that was okay. Some surprises were good. It was the unexpected ones he didn’t like. For now, he just sat and watched.
“Beelzebumon, how have you’ve been?” Lady Devimon offered him a knife in order for him to cut vegetables for the soup they were preparing. It had been decades since they made any of Kami’s favorite foods. His death had affected all of them. Not only had they lost Lucemon to those Holy Beasts but also good friends.
But as they stood in the kitchen together, side by side, it was as if they were in the past again when Kami was just starting to create Digimon for the Continent of Server. Kami’s likes, dislikes, fears and dreams came flowing back to him.
His claws moved with decades of practice, slice and cutting with pristine precision. “Despite everything we’ve been through the past several decades, I’ve been doing well.”
LadyDevimon nodded. “That’s good. I was worried when word got out that Kami got hurt during the fight with Millenniumon. And that he was in the hands of our former servant.” Her hand tightened around the spoon she had been holding. “I honestly thought he would have tried to kill him again.”
Beelzebumon blinked, surprised that she knew before he even informed the group on the events of the past couple of days. But then realization kicked in. He grumbled under his breath, “Rumours sure travel fast in Vamdemon’s domain, huh?”
Lady Devimon nodded. “Vamdemon is not one to hide information if it benefits his cause. Although with this new development, Barbamon and I were able to make some headway in converting more than half of his troops back to our side. They are just waiting for Kami to return to full power so he can take the Digital World back.”
Beelzebumon smiled. “That’s good news, but why does it feel like there’s a but somewhere in that sentence?”
Lady Devimon sighed as she put the spoon down on the countertop. “When Gennai struck Kami’s core, his soul was split in half. One part of his soul was reborn into a human child, which is why he is a Chosen, while the other was converted into the Crests.”
“But those kids allowed the Crests to be destroyed.” Beelzebumon added.
“Yes, but they are not gone. They are merely in a different form. The Digimental of Miracles is the bridge to restoring Kami’s broken soul, but we need all the pieces.”
“But how?” Beelzebumon scratched his chin with his clawed-hand. “The Digmentals will not be easy to find. They will only react to Ken-chan’s soul and I don’t want to drag him around the Digital World in his current state.” His eyes narrowed slightly as his thoughts turned dark. “Especially with them out there.”
“There is another option.” Beelzebumon frowned as Barbamon entered the room. Noticing his frown, the elder Demon Lord bowed his head slightly in apology. “I am sorry for my behaviour earlier. I’ve seen and heard a lot of things while in the castle. I just have a lot on my mind. I will beg for Kami’s forgiveness in a moment.”
Beelzebumon gave him a gentle smile. “It is alright. I’m sure he is not mad. He might only remember the final moments of his life, but I promise you he is the kind, gentle boy we pledged our lives to all those years ago.”
“I know.” Barbamon sucked in a steady breath before continuing. “You are right. It is not wise to allow Kami outside these walls, but we don’t need to. All we need to do is allow those kids to find them. And when they do, we will be there to claim it back.”
“Yes, excellent.”
Barbamon was silent after Beelzebumon agreed to his statement. He chuckled in his head. He couldn’t believe, even now, that the Demon Lord of Gluttony was naive enough to trust others at their spoken word. The ancient Demon Lord of Greed shook his head a little. What were the Demon Lords reduced to if their members were snivelling goodie goodies?
It honestly disgusted him. Honestly, it would be better if the Demon Lords went back to their roots. He would feel so much better about not having to hide his true thoughts. Barbamon paused; he should talk to Belphemon privately.
He would have to do that really soon, but away from Beelzebumon as he was sure the reconfigured Demon Lord would rat him out now that he was partnered to a human. Barbamon sighed, choosing his next plan carefully along with how to word it to Belphemon.
He did not want the other Demon Lord to misconstrue what he said and go on a rampage. Because that would ruin everything he had set up until this point in time. For now, Barbamon would wait until he could discuss important things with Belphemon when the others were out of the building.
Meanwhile, back at Vamdemon’s castle, Vamdemon was getting frustrated about the lack of soldiers. “Where are the Digimon who work here?!” He raised his voice, the sharpness of his tone carrying through the castle.
Phantomon didn’t know where his Lord’s forces had gone, either. But he did know it was entirely suspicious. He had just put a lot of effort into recruiting various Digimon, only to have them disappear from within the castle walls. He wondered if the news of Kami potentially coming back had anything to do with the recruited Digimon changing their minds.
Either way, it was still annoying. The scythe-wielding reaper shook his head and decided to do the work that the recruited Digimon should have done. It would save his Lord becoming any angrier than he already was.
“Fear not, my Lord. The work will still get done.” Phantomon called out to Vamdemon as he put his scythe aside, in order to do the jobs that were required.
Vamdemon ceased his frustrated pacing when he heard Phantomon talk to him. “Phantomon, no. You don’t have to. I’ll get one of the Devidramon to do it.” But he trailed off when he saw his second-in-command already cleaning.
“ Kami, you are finally home. Come, I would like to see you .”
The strange presence speaking to him felt all too familiar. He was startled at first, not used to someone talking to him telepathically, until he recalled that there was only one Demon Lord unable to speak.
Belphemon? The Demon Lord of Sloth’s deep, booming voice echoed in his head in a roaring laugh. Despite how menacing it sounded, he felt his tense shoulders relax at the familiarity. Amethyst orbs, noticing his cousin’s tense expression, give him a reassuring smile before making their way over to the sleeping Demon Lord.
“Ken, are you sure about this? He’s asleep.”
Ken gently placed his hand on his guardian’s brown, furry leg. As the fur tickled his skin, something unexpected happened. A golden aura completely engulfed their body as he felt his soul being pulled out of his body and into the Demon Lord’s mind.
“ Kami .” Belphemon greeted him with a smile as the two of them floated within a golden room. It took him a moment to realize it was a recreation of his throne room. “ Welcome home. A lot has happened since your absence .”
Really? Ken asked, knowing in this space physical words were not needed.
“ Yes, the Holy Beasts’ have killed many Digimon as I’m sure you are aware. They had spread rumours that you had been hiding away at the castle for all these decades, leaving them in charge. There are many that resent you, feeling you have abandoned us .”
Ken’s heart ached. But I didn’t…
“ I know, Kami. That is why you must reclaim the Digital World. But your soul is incomplete .”
Incomplete? What did he mean by that?
“ When Gennai struck your core, your soul was split in two. Half was sent to the Human World, while the other transformed into artifacts that are scattered across the Digital World. Retrieving those artifacts and the Digimental of Miracles will allow you to be whole again, memories and all .”
His memories. He could only remember bits and pieces of his life. And from what little he could remember, it was enough to drive him to tears. And then there was the Digimon. Was it even worth restoring his soul? Even Belphemon admitted that his own creations hated him. Maybe it would be best if he…
“ Kami .” Belphemon’s claws gently wiped away the tears that had been silently falling. “ You are the God of this world. You created it and every Digimon that walks it. We owe you our lives. Your death was our failure as your guardians. I will not make that mistake again .” Ken looked at him, his chest heavy with emotions. “ Don’t ever doubt yourself. Everything will be okay .”
I know, but…
“ You are worried about Millenniumon and V-mon, aren’t you? ” Ken’s silence prompted the other to continue. “ They haven’t been the same since your death. Millenniumon lost everything. Hatred and fear are what allowed him to keep going for all these years .” The Digimon turned to gaze at the photographs that hung on the wall. “ Hatred and fear will only take you so far. The Holy Beasts and Vamdemon’s time of reckoning will soon come .”
What about V-mon? No one is looking for him .
“ He will be saved in due time, but we have bigger things to worry about .” He returned his gaze to the boy he served honourably. “ Barbamon has been hit by a Dark Seed .”
A gasp left his lips. A Dark Seed? Like the one that hit V-mon?
“ Yes, we must hurry before he is gone. We will restrain him. When you have an opening, purify him .”
Ken’s eyes widened at how serious the new situation was. Belphemon was right; Barbamon had to be rescued. But how? He thought for a few moments before deciding upon a solution he thought was best. Okay, I think I have an idea. It’s not the best… but if we surround him outside, I can purify him then .
Belphemon agreed. “ This seems like it will work, let’s begin straight away .” He sent a mental signal to a group of other Digimon who were strong enough to restrain Barbamon and everyone made their way outside to wait.
Belphemon then called for Barbamon to join them outside and the older Demon Lord did so, grumbling while he approached them. As soon as he was close enough, the other Digimon leapt on him and held him down.
Ken watched nervously for a moment, before he walked forward to Barbamon. With the Digimon holding Barbamon, Ken held his Digivice up to the back of Barbamon’s neck. He was thankful the Digimon had secured him with his head down; it was easier to purify this way. The Digivice began to glow as the light reached out from the device and started Barbamon’s purification.
Realizing what was happening, the Demon Lord started wriggling and bucking in an attempt to throw his captors off of him.
“Stay on him a bit longer! I’m almost done, I promise.” Ken spoke to the Digimon who lent their aid to him.
“Always, my lord.” They replied.
The Digimon doubled down with their body weight, trying to keep Barbamon down as long as they could. They were starting to fail though, as the Demon Lord seemed to get a second wind. He began rising and the Digimon despaired. They thought they had failed.
But then… “It’s done!” Ken exclaimed, with a wide smile of happiness on his face. He glanced at his Digivice as the light faded away. He had done well; now all he had to do was check in with Barbamon to see how he felt. “Barbamon, how do you feel now?”
“Oddly rejuvenated. Thank you for that, my child. Very much appreciated.” Barbamon replied with complete honesty in his words. He smiled briefly and patted Ken on the back.
Ken bowed. “Any time I can help you, I will.”
Barbamon laughed heartily. “You’re too kind, Kami. I am not worthy. Let’s head back inside.”