Roughly five minutes had passed since the elevator left the lift station. Its destination being the Ring of Lust. The giant machine traversing down deeper and deeper into the ground. Containing Digimon of all shapes and sizes. Some of which like to cause trouble.

Floating through the air, one of the LadyDevimon was on the watch. Just moments ago, she and others of her kind had a certain while pony girl within their grasp. Only for their catch to escape via her magic. Not the kind to give up so easily, she and the others were trying to recapture her. As well as to satisfy themselves, it was also out of curiosity. The girl was no Digimon.

But with her target out of sight, the LadyDevimon floated away. Not noticing the anthro pony hidden in the crowd.

After finding herself stuck in the lift with no way out, the former Princess Celestia had to bide her time and stay. All the while trying to hide from the LadyDevimon. Yearning for companionship was one thing. But being forcibly harassed out of the blue was another. Thanks to some of the Digimon being massive, the Alicorn was able to use her smaller size to squeeze around them. Finding herself hiding behind a large arm of a huge round Mega level Digimon with what looked like a small volcano on the top of his body. She would normally be wary of Megas, but the situation she was in changed her priorities.

Feeling that she was safe, Celestia took a moment to breathe.

‘What am I to do? If lust is anything like what happened, then I don’t think I’m ready at all. How long do I have to wait here? And when I do reach where I’m going, do I just stay here and wait for the lift to go back up? This… this is not at all what I’ve been expecting.'

Her constant flow of thoughts caused her to be restless. Tossing and turning against the giant Digimon. To which hadn’t gone unnoticed. Celestia became startled when the Digimon’s body began to shift. The Mega then turned his two horned head in her direction.

“Hay. You feeling alright? You’re fidgeting a lot.” Said the Digimon named AncientVolcanomon.

“O-Oh. Sorry,” She replied. Not wanting to anger the Mega.

Despite his fearsome appearance, AncientVolcanomon inspected her with curious eyes.

“You’re not from around here. Are you?”

“N-No. I’m not. I’m… just visiting,” She answered.

Despite Celestia’s best attempt to mask her worries with a smile, the giant saw through her as clear as day. She was scared. But not of him. The two then heard a voice.

“Hay. AncientVolcanomon.”

Facing back to his front, the giant Digimon saw LadyDevimon addressing him. Seeing the same Digimon as before made Celestia flinch as she tried her best to hide behind the Mega. Hoping not to be spotted.

LadyDevimon then gave her reason for approaching AncientVolcanomon.

“We’re looking for a pony girl. About my height. Not a Digimon. Pretty hot. Have you seen her?”

Celestia felt as though her hopes had been dashed. The horrid feeling of being found out. It had only been a couple of seconds since she spoke to the giant Digimon. Therefore, having no real reason to keep secrets. She began to feel scared. Having no idea what sort of things the LadyDevimons would do to her. While their intentions were lustful, but she knew from how they acted that they would only treat her as a toy.

But to her surprise… when AncientVolcanomon answered…

“No. I must’ve been asleep.”

Celestia blinked in complete surprise from what the giant had done for her. He kept her whereabouts a secret from LadyDevimon. The demonic Digimon let out a grunt of disappointment before making her way elsewhere.

With trouble gone, the while Alicorn could finally breathe easy for the time being. Turning her attention back to AncientVolcanomon.

“T-Thank you. I don’t know what to say,” She said to him with a smile.

“No problem. But it seems you caught their eye,” He replied before turning his head left to look at the anthro Alicorn behind his arm.

“You should be more careful though. Those LadyDevimon in particular are a nasty bunch.”

Celestia continued to receive one surprise after another. The Digimon in front of her may look scary, but he was considerate to her wellbeing. It showed that one shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. AncientVolcanomon then turned his attention to his right.

“Especially that one.”

Following his line of sight, Celestia spotted who the giant was referring to. There standing in the crowd was the grey withered LadyDevimon she encountered before. But from AncientVolcanomon’s words, he made it sound that she was very bad news.

“That grey one?” She asked. Wanting the giant to confirm that what he said was true.

“Yeah. She’s especially cruel to those who get in her way. She would kill if she had to. Because of how she looks, we all call her Withered.”

Understanding how dangerous WitheredLadyDevimon sounded, Celestia made it priority to remember her name. Knowing who to avoid in the future. She then heard AncientVolcanomon’s voice speaking up.

“Good. It looks like you’re off the hook.”

While she was glad that she was no longer being hunted, Celestia was still curious as to why? The demonic ladies did seem determined to find her after all.

“Oh? How come?”

Following the Mega’s line of sight to his right, peering over his left arm, she found out why. She was seeing the other two LadyDevimon walking towards each other. At first, the former princess thought that the two found a new target. But to her surprise, the target of their interest… was themselves. The two black clayed demonesses gave each other frisky looks before sharing a deep kiss.

“Oh…” Celestia uttered as she flinched in surprise.

“Yeah. Whenever they lose sight of their pray, they turn on each other,” AncientVolcanomon explained.

Celestia was only half listening. She was too distracted by what was happening in front of her. The kiss between the two LadyDevimon quickly grew more passionate. Their wrestling tongues were briefly seen before their lips locked. While one had her hands on the other’s shoulders, the other wrapped her arms around her back. Holding her close. The two on full display. The Alicorn had seen displays of true intimacy before, but never between two of the same gender. Again, while accepting of the discovery, Celestia was still new to the concept of same sex relations. Such a sight was so new to her, she found herself unable to look away. But then formed a little blush when one of the LadyDevimon slid her hand down to grope the other’s butt. Not expecting such an aggressive move.

But the next thing AncientVolcanomon said to her caught her attention.

“Well… looks like you’ll be ok once we get to the Lust Ring.”

Bringing up the subject of their destination made the white Alicorn focus back to her current predicament. Being unprepared, what she really needed was proper knowledge. To which she hoped to have from AncientVolcanomon.

“So… this Ring of Lust. Is it…? Umm… what sort of place… is it?”

The large Digimon looked at the smaller Alicorn with a puzzled look.

“You really are new, so let me put it like this. Whatever you want to try out in bed, it can happen. The Lust Ring is a place where your deepest, darkest desires can be granted. No matter what your interests are. The place is so open, everyone is welcome to visit.”

He then said something that Celestia wanted to hear. Which gave her a slice of hope.

“And if you’re lucky enough, you might find someone that you really like. Some couples are even made in the Lust Ring.”

But the Mega then gave caution.

“But be careful. There are some that like to take advantage of that. Some Digimon with desires more twisted for others to handle.”

Celestia was stunned as she listened. Being glad that AncientVolcanomon gave her a warning. Which shows that there are those that care and look out for others. But with the chance to actually strike a relationship, it was a risk she wanted to take. Anything to bring her nightmare to a permanent end.

She then thought of something. Turning her questionable look towards the giant.

“Thank you for telling me this. But don’t mind me asking, but… is that why… you’re going?”

From saying the question out loud, Celestia immediately regretted it. She thought that it sounded like she was invading the Digimon’s privacy. But to her surprise, the giant simply chuckled before answering.

“Oh no. I’m not here for that. There are other entertainment beside lustful acts. Which is why I’m heading to Layla.”

“L…Layla?” Celestia asked. Puzzled by what sounded like a name.

AncientVolcanomon then pointed his left thumb to his chest. Showing off to the Alicorn what looked like a small blue badge with a symbol of a black bat on it.

“I’m a member.” He said with a smirk.

But before Celestia could ask more about it, the lift they were in suddenly began to shift. And the downward motion they were feeling was fading away. While Celestia looked around in puzzlement, some of the Digimon around her began to get up from their seats and make their way towards the giant door.

“Well. Looks like our stop,” AncientVolcanomon said as he began to move. Already losing himself into the crowd.

With all the commotion around her, Celestia was already lost. Being dwarfed by the larger Digimon, she suddenly found herself being pushed along. The Digimon were clearly eager to leave. She then found herself at the front. Being just inches from the giant golden doors. All the while the lift was steadily getting slower and slower. Her heart was already beating fast. Just realising that she had no idea what the Ring of Lust would look like. To her worries, she felt as though there might me sights that no child was allowed to see. A land full of depravity and inappropriate imagery. And being at the front, she was about to see it in full view.

Then the lift came to its inevitable stop. Some of the Digimon wobbled from the buffeting. Then... the lady voice from before spoke up again. Giving information for all to hear.

“Welcome to Lust.”

The giant doors began to open. Letting in a bright orange light. But from the light’s intensity, and the mad rush of Digimon leaving the lift, it caused Celestia to pause and almost huddle to the ground. Fortunately, she wasn’t knocked to the ground by the stampede. When the rush ended, the startled Alicorn stood back up and took a proper look at her new location. Letting out a gasp of surprise at what she was seeing.

Leaving the lift and entering a large field, Celestia glanced around at the new sights. While there were some ordinary buildings, the view was dominated by huge buildings and tower blocks. Some of which were hotels adorned with hearts. Some even with three X’s on them. As for the atmosphere, the area was bathed in orange light. Which looked just like the sunset she had seen back on the surface. Looking up, she gasped in amazement. It looked as though there was a sky above. With its own clouds and even a sun. The sensation was strange. It looked as though she was outside. Despite being deep underground.

Overall, the Lust Ring was nothing like what she expected.

“Wow! This place almost looks like… Las Pegasus!” She exclaimed. Finding striking similarities to one of the cities in Equestria.

As she looked around, Celestia saw that some of the smaller buildings were shops. As well as serving food, drink and other everyday items and essentials, she noticed some that were marked with three X’s. Something that she had never seen before.

She would soon find out why they were marked. Because as she looked over at one such building, she saw a Gazimon walking out the door. His face was bright red from blushing and his movements were wobbly. Signs that he was in a state of ecstasy.

“I…I have to go now,” He said, clearly exhausted.

But before he could get far, a plant vine launched from the open door and coiled itself around the small mammal Digimon. Which was followed by a seductive lady voice.

“Come on. One more time.”

With his only reply being an excited chuckle, the ensnared Gazimon was quickly pulled back in the building. The force of the pull caused the front door to shut on its own. The scene was witnessed by Celestia. The white anthro pony blushed in response. Knowing full well what was going on behind closed doors.

“Oh, they really are doing that here,” She quietly said.

While taking a stroll in the field she was in, Celestia couldn’t help but take in the sights around her. But soon, she began to feel lost.

“Alright. Now that I’m here… where do I go now?”

It was a good question. While she did want to venture into the Lust Ring, it was all she had vaguely planned out. But beyond that, she was clueless. She honestly didn’t think that far. Nor did she expect to reach so far. There she was. Down in one of the seven layers of the Digital Underworld. The home of the Seven Great Demon Lords. A place that none of her kind had ever ventured.

Celestia was so immersed in her mental thoughts that she was not looking where she was going. Causing her to bump into a small Digimon. Making her trip over. Fortunately, the grass she landed on was soft. Only suffering a hard bump from the fall.

“Oww. I…I’m so sorry about that,” She said to try and apologize to the Digimon she tripped over.

When she turned to look, she was surprised at what she saw. It was a Rookie level Digimon that barred a resemblance to a small purple demon. The first Rookie level Demonic Digimon she saw. Beside him was a brown sack roughly his size. The Digimon climbed back on his feet while brushing himself off.

“Hay, why doncha watch where ya going, will ya!?” He said in an annoyed tone.

As he finished brushing the dirt off his body, the small Rookie glanced over to the downed Celestia. Seeing how surprised the anthro Alicorn looked as she stared at him.

“What’s the matter? Ya never seen an Impmon before?” He asked with the same annoyed tone.

Despite being spoken to in such an informal way, Celestia answered nonetheless as she slowly got back on her feet.

“Umm… no. Not that I recall.”

To her surprise, the small Digimon named Impmon quickly turned away and opened the sack. His movements being frantic.

“Urrgh! Nothin better be broken! You’ll be payin for it otherwise!”

But after a quick inspection, the contents of the bag remained intact.

“Good. Nothin broken.”

Before Impmon could sort the sack out himself, he was surprised to see a golden glow around it. The sack then tied itself closed and then placed neatly beside him. Looking over his shoulder, he saw that the tall Alicorn was the one responsible. Her horn and left hand glowing the same before fading away.

“Uhh… thanks?” Impmon said with a raised eyebrow. Not expecting to receive any help.

“It’s the least I can do. I was the one who walked into you after all,” Celestia said. Being very apologetic about her carelessness.

The white Alicorn then turned her attention towards the sack that Impmon was carrying.

“Are there valuables in there?”

Lifting the sack over his shoulder, Impmon gave his reply.

“Not really, toots. All this stuff is part of my act tonight. Gotta get ready once I get to Layla.”

Celestia paused from hearing the same name that AncientVolcanomon mentioned. Clearly it was a place of importance that various Digimon were heading to. What’s more, it was the only place in the Ring of Lust that she heard a name of. Feeling that it might be a clue to where she should go, she made her inquiry just as Impmon was about to leave.

“Umm… don’t mind me asking. But… what exactly is this… Layla?”

In response to the question, Impmon briefly let out a laugh before facing towards her. His mood clearly improved.

“Ha! What is Layla she asks. It’s only the most popular nightclub in the entire Digital Underworld. I don’t think any Digimon hasn’t heard of Layla.”

“A nightclub?” Celestia asked.

The white Alicorn gave a quick pause for thought. Due to the importance of her royal duties as a princess, she nor Luna had never got a chance to try out such a place. The closest she could think of was the Grand Galloping Gala. But an event such as that was only yearly and too formal for her liking. Nightclubs were places to unwind and have fun with friends, from what she had heard. Even since her retirement, she had yet to visit one.

But then Impmon said something that surprised her.

“What’s more, unlike other nightclubs, Lilithmon owns it personally.”

“Really!?”

“Yep. Which is why the place is so popular.”

Celestia then paused in thought. With the establishment personally owned by one of the seven demon lord Digimon, it was likely that Lilithmon would be there. But despite the possibility, the nightclub was her only lead. Nightclubs were places where people can meet up. If she really wanted to find a particular someone, it was the most likely place.

Deciding to be brave and go through with her idea, she looked to Impmon with a look that showed a hint of desperation.

“Listen. I’m new to this place. So, could you help me find this nightclub? Since you’re heading there yourself.”

Impmon however blinked in surprise. But then grew nettled.

“What!? Do I look like an uber to you!? I ain’t doing it just because ya asked nicely!”

But before Impmon could complain more, he took notice of Celestia’s feathered wings on her back. Then after some quick thinking, he changed his tone. Much to the Alicorn’s surprise.

“Alright. Tell ya what. I’ll lead you there… if you fly me there.”

Celestia flinched in surprise. But before she could retort, Impmon spoke again.

“I see those pretty wings there. And Layla is near the centre of the city, it would be much quicker if we flew there instead of walkin’.”

The white Alicorn paused in response. Impmon’s reasoning was in fact valid. From what she could tell, her present location was near the outskirts of the city. And judging by the massive layout of the surrounding walls, the Lust Ring was gigantic. If the nightclub was close to the centre, it would take hours to get there on foot. What’s more, she still felt guilty for bumping into him earlier.

After letting out a sigh to get some air in her, Celestia gave her reply.

“Alright, I’ll do it. You point the way, and I’ll take you there.”

“Sweet! A free ride!” Impmon cheered.

Celestia felt a little embarrassed about the offer. While her wings were strong enough to carry a Digimon as small as Impmon, but the thought of someone riding on her back like an animal did made her feel a little degraded. But it was something she had to do if it meant one more step to bring her nightmares to an end.

Kneeling down low enough, Impmon was able to climb onto her back. All the while carrying his sack full of equipment for his act. Despite the awkward imbalance from the load, Celestia was able to steady herself before flaring out her wings. Then with several wingbeats, the two took to the air. After ascending higher, Celestia finally got a clear view of the Lust Ring. It truly was a massive city. Far bigger than Canterlot. Hovering in the air, Celestia was simply stunned by the sight. All brightly illuminated by the dimming evening light.

“Amazing,” She said to herself. Then Impmon shared his opinion.

“It kinda is. Never seen it from up here.”

Surprised at what the Rookie level Digimon said, Celestia turned her head to look at him.

“You’re surprised? Don’t you live here?”

“Ah nah. I’m actually from the Ring of Gluttony.”

The Alicorn faced her front in thought. The Ring of Gluttony was just one level below the Ring of Lust. From what she could remember, it was ruled by the Demon Lord Beelzemon.

Her thoughts were interrupted when Impmon gave her directions.

“Alright, toots. Head that way,” He said as he pointed towards the heart of the Lust Ring.

Celestia began her flight. Despite being in the air, the trip was still quite long. Again, proving that the Ring of Lust was incredibly vast. The white Alicorn once again looked to the sky above. Still confused as to what she was seeing.

“Up there. That looks like the sky, but we’re underground,” She explained. Understanding her confusion, Impmon replied.

“Ah that? It’s a special trick the Seven Demon Lords used to simulate day and night. Real handy for Digimon that visit from the surface.”

Celestia was impressed at what she heard. For such a Digimon capable of something quite advanced as simulate day and night. Even the weather. It was further proof that such Digimon shouldn’t be messed around with. Especially if they were one of the infamous Seven Great Demon Lords.

With the subject of the demon lords brought up, Celestia turned to Impmon for information.

“Impmon? What can you tell me about this… Lilithmon?”

Celestia had her reason for choosing the Demon Lord of Lust first. She felt as though since she was in the Lust Ring, there was a possibility that she might cross paths. She wanted to know as much as she could before such an eventuality would happen.

As he pondered, Impmon answered. But it revealed that he was vague when it came to a personal level.

“Well… I only saw her from a distance. But from what I heard, she’s actually quite scary when she wants to be. Aside from that, she’s a total babe.”

When the short description reached Celestia’s ears, the Alicorn had a look of complete surprise on her face. But what shocked her wasn’t the fact that the demon lord was intimidating. In fact, it was something she didn’t expect.

"She!?”

Celestia then glanced over to look at Impmon with surprise on her face.

“Lilithmon… is a woman?”

Briefly startled by the Alicorn’s outburst, Impmon confirmed what he said before.

“Well duh. That’s what I’m sayin. Out of the seven demon lords, Lilithmon’s the only female one.”

As Celestia cruised through the open air, she remained startled by the discovery. When Gatomon explained the Digital Underworld to her, Celestia assumed that all of the Demon Lord Digimon were male. Much like from the children story books back in her world. But then another thought crossed her mind. What did Lilithmon looked like? With such a wide diversity of looks among Digimon kind, Celestia had literally no idea. She only had very few clues. Being a demon lord, she may look demonic. But by how much? Only partially? Or by a grotesque degree? But another clue Celestia had was that she was the Lord of Lust. Does that mean that she was beautiful? Or was such beauty only in the eyes of Digimon only?

Impmon then added a fact that he had just remembered.

“Oh yeah! I’ve even heard rumours about the things she does. They said what when she locks eyes with someone, she can see into their deepest, darkest desires or somethin’.”

Celestia suddenly felt a strange tingle up her spine. Were the rumours true? If she were to encounter Lilithmon, what would the demon lord see within her? Even Celestia herself didn’t exactly know.

After more silent flying, the white anthro Alicorn began to notice that the city below was beginning to get more crowded. She even noticed that the flying Digimon were increasing in numbers. Some were huge. She didn’t know why, but she always liked flying beneath the giant flying Digimon. Either because of her experience with the guardian Azulongmon, or the fact that it reminded her that despite being one of the strongest spell casters in Equestria, she was still small compared to some of the Digimon. That literally any Digimon around her could be stronger than her. It was a strange feeling. To be reminded that she wasn’t all powerful, such as how so many ponies believed she was.

“We’re nearly here,” Impmon said as he glanced over Celestia’s shoulder.

The white Alicorn began to feel nervous. She was drawing closer to what could be the answer to her problems. She never thought she would make it so far in one day. Considering that she tried to bail out a couple of times earlier. Then as Impmon looked down at the ground below, he saw a familiar face.

“Hay wait! Let’s land down here! I know that guy!”

Surprised by Impmon’s request, Celestia decided to oblige and descend down towards the ground. Down below, hopping through an empty street was Pagumon. He then caught the sound of someone calling out his name.

“Hay! Pagumon! Up here!”

Following the voice, the small Digimon caught the sight of Impmon landing beside him.

“Impmon!” Pagumon uttered in surprise. Not expecting his pal to arrive out of the blue.

“It’s been a while, you little squirt. How are things? Still causing trouble?”

“You know it!” Pagumon answered before letting out a quick chuckle. Confirming that he was up to no good.

When Celestia landed, she immediately began to feel uncomfortable. Thanks to the knowledge she gained from her Digimon friends up on the surface, she learned that Pagumon were notorious for causing trouble. Despite only being at the In-Training level.

Catching the sight of the tall Alicorn, Pagumon hopped to get a closer look at her.

“Oohh! And who is this!? You don’t look like any Digimon I’ve ever seen.”

Pagumon’s words caught the interest in Impmon.

“Oh yeah, that’s right. I never asked.”

Celestia then revealed what she truly was to the two.

“Oh, actually I’m not a Digimon. In fact, I’m not from this world.”

Impmon then snapped his fingers. Realisation hitting him.

“Oh yeah! That’s right! I’ve heard of this from some Digimon up top. That the Digital World had become linked with some other world.”

Celestia smiled from the small Digimon figuring it out.

“That’s right. That world is my home. In fact, having the two worlds linked was my idea. So, I can get to visit this world more. And other Digimon can crossover to visit my world too.”

While the two Digimon looked amazed by the rumours turning out true, it was Impmon that was the most stunned. Already foreseeing what would become of him.

“Really? Ya mean I can get to visit there? And become a big shot super star with my talents?”

Celestia couldn’t help but smile from Impmon’s enthusiasm. Like a child with big dreams.

But the moment was taken when Pagumon spoke up.

“But I have a question.”

“Oh, about my world?” Celestia asked. But was not expecting the reply.

“No. It’s about you.”

The white Alicorn blinked in surprise. Not expecting to receive a personal question about her. Even Impmon was unsure what the In-Training Digimon was about to ask.

With an expression what appeared enquiring but also mocking, Pagumon asked his question.

“From the looks of it, you seem to be the very friendly type. Yet, here you are in the underworld, home of the demonic Digimon. A place that you would say is… unfriendly. So, my question is this. What is a nice creature like you doing in a place like this?”

It was a question Celestia wasn’t expecting to hear in the slightest. But she was conflicted if she should answer. The subject was indeed very personal to her. In fact, only her sister Luna knew the truth. But at the same time, the Digimon did seem genuinely interested. What’s more, she was the first visitor from Equestria to ever arrive in the Digital Underworld. Would it do her world a disservice to keep secrets from potentially new friends? Would it give her homeworld a bad name?

While Celestia was contemplating how to approach the obstacle, Impmon turned towards Pagumon.

“Hay, doncha think that’s a little personal? It might be nothin.”

But Celestia interrupted the pair.

“Actually, there is a reason why I’m here.”

The two Digimon turned to face her in idle curiosity. Listening to what the white Alicorn had to confess. The mare herself was a little embarrassed. But it did felt good for her to share.

“Well… the thing is. For the longest time, I’ve yet to find c…companionship in my world. So, when I’ve learned about the Digital Underworld… and about… this place, well… I wanted to see if I could… find one.”

Due to her suddenly being bashful while talking, her description was simple and vague. Impmon knew what Celestia was talking about. His eyes widened slightly, surprised that she would go to such lengths to find what she wanted.

Celestia blushed in embarrassment from the words she used. Making her explanation sound odd. But the awkwardness was broken when her ears caught the sound of snickering. By the time she looked to where it came from, Pagumon suddenly burst out laughing. Tears of joy starting to form in his closed eyes as he laughed harder.

The white Alicorn was flabbergasted. She just confessed the one thing that was the cause of her worries. And the In-Training Digimon was laughing at her. To which the small creature revealed as he tried to breathe form laughing so hard, deeply shocking her.

“Tha…That’s the saddest thing I have ever heard!!”

Then pointing his arm-like ear at Celestia, he mocked her.

“You…you couldn’t get it in your world! S-so you’re trying to get lucky in OUR world!? Down here even!? Haha! That’s so sad!”

As Pagumon continued to laugh, Celestia began to feel strange. It was a very unpleasant feeling and it was making her sad. Her heart began to ache even. Her expression changed as her ears folded back. Then questions began to appear in her mind. Questions that made her begin to doubt herself. Was it true? Was her situation really that laughable to others? For her to travel to a whole new world simply to find a way to put her worries at ease? Was what she doing… really that pathetic?

The former princess grew sadder as she looked away. Feeling ashamed of herself and being let down by what the small Digimon thought was humorous. Was she just wasting her time?

“Ahh hah! I’ll see you later!” Pagumon said as he hopped away. Still laughing loudly.

After watching Pagumon leave, the silent Impmon glanced back to Celestia. He saw how upset the former princess was. Unlike Pagumon, the Rookie demon Digimon didn’t find the situation funny in the slightest. In fact, he felt a little bad for her. She just got ridiculed for traveling so far to find something she believed in.

Deep down, it was something he could relate.

Not wanting her to beat herself up anymore, Impmon spoke to her.

“Hay, urgh… listen.”

Surprised by the sincere tone in the Digimon’s voice, Celestia perked up and looked at him to hear what he had to say.

“Well… ya shouldn’t really let things like that get to ya, ya know. Well… how do I put it?”

Despite seeing Impmon struggling to put words out, Celestia was already seeing what he was trying to do. He was trying to make her feel better. To which the Rookie eventually tried to convey as he rubbed the back of his head. Trying to find the right words.

“Opinions of others shouldn’t matter to ya. If this thing is somthin that ya really wanted to do, just go for it. You shouldn’t care when someone thinks it’s stupid or whatever. Just do it if it makes ya happy. I mean, I ain’t judgin’. Or somthin like that. I dunno.”

Impmon was feeling uncomfortable for what he felt was a feeble attempt to help. But when he looked at Celestia, he was surprised to see the tall Alicorn giving him a warm smile. Causing him to flinch in surprise. What he thought was nonsense gibberish made the pony woman happy.

“You’re absolutely right. Though I don’t know what to do when the time comes, this is something that I’ve been longing to do for a long time. Regardless what other people think. Thank you, Impmon. That was very sweet of you.”

The demonic Digimon began to feel hot under the collar. Embarrassed for being called cute despite being what he was.

“Hay now, don’t ya go callin me cute! I ain’t into that mushy stuff!”

Celestia could only giggle from Impmon’s reactions. The demon type Digimon trying to act tough despite obviously having a good heart. Possibly even going through similar hardships himself.

With the moment out of the way, Impmon then gave Celestia directions as he was about to part ways.

“Anyway. If ya still plan on going to that nightclub, it’s over that way. I’ve still got a couple of things to do before by act,” He said as he pointed down an open street.

Following his finger, Celestia looked back at him with a smile.

“Alright. And thank you for your help.”

Still not used to others being friendly with him, Impmon replied with his usual tough tone.

“Whatever. See ya, toots.”

With his sack held over his shoulder, Impmon went down through an alley. Leaving behind an upbeat Celestia as she walked down in the other direction. Already feeling that she had just made a new friend.
…………………………………………………………………………………………..........................................

Not too far away, Pagumon kept on snickering as he hopped towards a dark alley.

“Hehehe. Still funny. She must be so lonely.”

But when he turned around the bend to face the dark alley, his amused mood was interrupted by the sound of a painfilled scream. And the sight of a Bearmon having his body impaled by a massive demonic hand. The In-Training Digimon yelped in horror as the bear-like Digimon disintegrated into specks of data. Witnessing a murder. To which the data then flowed into the giant hand. Then as Pagumon glanced up, he could see a towering demonic Digimon shrouded in darkness retracting his arm before turning to face him. Having heard the little one’s yelp.

“Oh dear. Another witness,” The demonic figure growled with a toothy grin on his face. Flaring out his tattered bat-like wings.

The terrified Pagumon flinched when he saw the glowing red eyes of the killer. To which then remembered the rumours he had been hearing recently.

“W-Wait! You’re… you’re the Digimon Slasher!!” He shrieked. His small round body trembling in fear.

The taller Digimon let out a sinister chuckle before making his reply. It being the last thing Pagumon would ever hear.

“That’s right. And you… are a mere hors d’oeuvre.”

Knowing full well what the tall demonic being was implying, Pagumon tried to hop away. But his screams of terror swiftly changed to cries of agony when, unseen by anyone, had his life taken away. The only sound to leave the dark alley were the amused chuckles of a satisfied killer finishing his meal.

Author's Note

Hello everyone. Finally back after a lengthy absence. Sorry about that. It was due to work commitments and focusing more on my other two fanfics. But finally had the time to check back on this one. I hope this chapter was worth the wait.

To those who may have noticed, I tried to replicate the characteristics of Impmon based on Digimon Tamers. Everyone seems to love that interpretation of the character. And what's more, the name of the nightclub Layla, is a reference to 'Laylamon'. Lilithmon's 'dub' name. Not many people know this, but the name Laylamon is actually based on a Persian love story 'Layla and Majnun'. 'Who inspires an obsessive, maddening love'. So when they changed her name in Digimon Fusion (Dub version of Digimon Xros Wars), it was not for the sake of censorship, there is an actual meaning behind her dub name. Just an obscure one.

(Fun fact, when planning this story from the very beginning, I was going to use the dub name. But when it came to writing the story, the original name sort of grew on me. So I decided to use it.)

I hope you all like this chapter. Please leave a comment. Leave a like. And I'll see you all later.