With a tired yawn, Davis slowly felt consciousness returning to him, not that he could sleep much, not after the previous day's events, with the battle with Barbamon's army, Belphemon, Hexeblaumon, as well as him and Kazu Biomerging with their partners, filling his mind, as well as his own insecurities about what was still to come, and if he could keep the others safe.
However, as he started to get up and adjusting his body to his surroundings, the maroon haired boy realized there was some weight on top of him, causing him to open his eyes and look down, before blushing bright red to see Kari and Rika resting on the sides of his chest, both seemingly oblivious to their change in sleeping positions.
As surprising as it was to see the girls resting on him, it was even more a surprise to see Rika smiling from her position.
'Ok, I need to get out of here before they wake up, freak out and kill me.' Davis thought with a slight panic as he looked over to see if Veemon was up and could help.
Though looking over and to his partner, Davis sweatdropped when he saw that Gatomon was snuggled next to him, noticing Veemon's arm resting around the feline Digimon, while a big smile presented itself on Veemon's face.
After some time, being quiet and cautious as he moved about, Davis managed to get himself out of the girls' sleeping embrace without waking them, and decided it was best to head towards the cave entrance, where he could meet up with the night watch and act like nothing had happened.
Upon arriving at the entrance, Davis noticed two things, first, it wasn't even dawn yet, and second, both Kazu and JP were giving him neutral looks as they glared at him, with the Tamer saying in a deadpanned voice. "Dude, you're so damn lucky."
"Hey, I didn't do any..." Davis started to say in his defence, not wanting anyone to get the wrong idea, before JP cut in and added. "We know, they moved on their own in their sleep."
Davis gained a bright blush at hearing this, but decided to change the subject before it got anymore embarrassing as he then asked. "So, anything happening out there?"
"So far, nothing. The ice is still melting from that creep's attacks, but it's been kind of quiet. I guess Barbamon's not a night person." The Warrior of Thunder stated as he looked out towards the forest.
It was then that a slightly loud yelp caught their attention, where the three and Guardromon saw Kari and Rika come over a few minutes later, both blushing and not looking at one another, while Davis did his best not to look at the pair himself, not sure how to explain what had happened.
With Kari and Rika's arrival, Davis was about to speak, to break the ice, before a sudden series of explosions in the woods caught their attention, seeing blasts of dark energy shooting out in all directions, startling the group as those still asleep woke up to the sounds of attacking.
"What in the world's going on?!" Zoe questioned, waking herself up and focusing on the situation presenting itself.
"I don't know, but it can't be good." Thomas remarked in reply, before noticing the way the blasts were going as he then added. "They don't seem to be attacking anything in particular, which means they're calling us out."
"Then we need to see what they want before they start hurting others." Takato stated with concern and seriousness in his tone, getting nods from Guilmon and the rest of the group.
"Be careful, Barbamon's minions are just as crafty as their Master, so keep an eye out for their traps." Gennai stated as he limped towards the group, his body still in pain from the injuries he received as Agumon and the other Chosen Digimon came to his aid.
"We will, Gennai." Davis replied, before looking at Agumon and Gabumon as he then stated. "Keep an eye on him."
"You've got it." Agumon replied respectfully as the heroes headed out.
Rushing towards the blasts and what they guessed would be their latest foe, Davis and the others wasted no time, all withdrawing their respective Digivices and achieving their more powerful forms.
"Biomerge activate!" Davis, Takato, Kazu and Rika all announced, each keeping their Digivices drawn as the energies within encircled them and their partners, leaving four lights of deep blue, red, rustic brown and light blue proceeding through the area, dispersing shortly after and leaving Ulforceveedramon, Gallantmon, HiAndromon and Sakuyamon proceeding ahead.
Near them, Gatomon and Biyomon were quick to react in response to their partner's, both Digivolving to their Ultimate Levels as Angewomon and Garudamon, who flew behind the four Biomerged Digimon, ready to lend their aid to the upcoming battle.
"Execute! Spirit Evolution!" Zoe and JP called, both keeping their pace as they allowed the data of their Spirits to become one with them, their forms enveloped in data, before dispersing and stepping out as Kazemon and Beetlemon, taking to the air as they followed their friends.
Not too far behind, Thomas and Yoshi readied themselves and their partners, both gathering their respective energies in their left hands and pressing it to their Digivices.
"D.N.A. Charge! Overdrive!" They declared, casting Gaomon in a blue aura and Lalamon in a pink, filling both Digimon with the power needed to achieve their Mega Level forms.
"Gaomon Double Warp Digivolve to... MirageGaogamon!"
"Lalamon Double Warp Digivolve to... Rosemon!"
The two new Megas joined the others as they rushed towards their next foe, with the Fusion Hunters readying themselves for battle behind them as each took out their Fusion Loaders, releasing the energy within, this causing Gumdramon and Opossumon to glow with energy, feeling the power of their partner's filling them.
"Gumdramon Digivolve to... Arresterdramon!"
"Opossumon Digivolve to... Cho Hakkaimon!"
As Tagiru and Airu stuck to the Digivolution path, Nene remained focused on the power that was Digifusion.
Keeping her Fusion Loader ready, the brunette recalled Sparrowmon and Mervamon, the two Digimon heading alongside their partner and awaiting her next words.
"Digifuse!" Nene then called, combining her two Digimon into one, with Mervamon once again forming the base and the core of the fusion, maintaining her initial powerful and womanly figure, alongside Sparrowmon's weaponry and armour, leaving the warrior Digimon calling with might. "JetMervamon!"
Soon enough, the Digimon and their partners arrived at the center of the attacks, finding an imposing figure waiting for them, one that caused most of the group to look on edge, while Nene and JetMervamon looked at the being with shock and fear, easily recognizing the Digimon before them.
Ahead of the selection of heroes and heroines stood their opponent, a tall, dark and no doubt powerful Digimon, which was clad in pitch black armour, closely resembling a knight, only the emanating darkness from his form was a sign he lacked any nobility.
Running down his left shoulder was a long axe-like implement, a powerful looking weapon, which matched the joint red lances grasped in the Digimon's right hand, giving the lance just one swing, which devastated a section of the area before him.
Their back turned to the group, all took in the black cape draping around the Dark Digimon's form, before seeing him turn his head briefly, allowing all to see the malevolence and absolute evil he held within his gleaming yellow eyes.
Though she knew this wasn't the same Digimon, Nene felt herself freezing in fear as she continued to stare at the Digimon, terrible memories of the past plagued her head, before she let out with a further dread. "AxeKnightmon!"
Hearing the name, both Tagiru and Arresterdramon looked at her with shock, having heard from Yuu, Mikey, Shoutmon and Damemon about the wicked Digimon, having learnt not only of AxeKnightmon's sheer strength alone, but his diabolical cunning, having planned to defeat and even overthrow his own brother the very second he had the chance.
Taking out the Digidex, Thomas looked up the information on the Digimon before them, where he informed the group. "He's only an Ultimate, so we should be able to take him down with the amount of Megas on our side."
"Don't take him likely, he's much more powerful than he looks." JetMervamon remarked with a serious tone, getting nods from the others as they all prepared to fight the Digimon before them.
However, the sound of feminine laughter caught their attention, where they then saw a figure come out from behind AxeKnightmon's being.
"My, my, such passion, such determination." DarkVenusmon stated as she moved around AxeKnightmon, examining her opponents with a growing dark smile. "I cannot wait until it's all mine."
The sight of this new Digimon, especially her form, caused most of the male Digimon and humans to blush, admitting to themselves that despite this Digimon being a clear enemy, she was a real eye catcher while the females all glared at her, a few mostly out of jealousy, before Thomas quickly came to his senses and looked at their opponents information, his eyes widening at what he saw.
"That's Venusmon, one of the Olympos XII!" Thomas let out with clear shock, getting Yoshi, MirageGaogamon and Rosemon's attention, remembering Merukimon and how powerful he was, before the blond DATS member added. "And she's been corrupted!"
"Corrupted is such an ugly term, I'd say 'enlightened', it works better." DarkVenusmon said with an amused laugh as she leaned against AxeKnightmon, who made no move as the corrupt Olympian Digimon continued to press herself against him and added. "I am DarkVenusmon now, faithful servant of Lord Barbamon, and you've all been so naughty, making his frustrated and annoyed, even taking down his poor, stupid brother like that. I'm looking forward to punishing you all."
"Perhaps I'll just break a few of you and keep you as my pets." The corrupt Oylmpian then added, directing her attention to the males of the group, but namely UlforceVeedramon, which caused the girls and Angewomon to all growl at the corrupt Digimon and her shameful flirtatious attitude.
"If you're really a member of the Olympios XII, then you should be fighting Barbamon, not being his bitch!" Yoshi yelled at DarkVenusmon, who once again laughed in an amused tone, before replying. "I might've been one of those losers before, but I'm done being a weak goodie two shoes. Now, I think the time for talking is over, and time for the fun to begin."
"We're not going to let you...!" UlforceVeedramon started to say as he and Gallantmon readied to strike, only for, much to the heroes surprise, DarkVenusmon quickly appeared between the pair, running her hands along their cheeks as they glowed with a dark aura, before the two knight Digimon collapsed to the ground, both suddenly slumping to their knees and causing the others to look on concerned.
"Davis! Are you alright?" Kari asked out of curiosity and concern.
"Can't... move... feel... drained..." UlforceVeedramon said in a strained voice, before being pushed to the ground as DarkVenusmon rested her foot on his chest and pressed forward, the sight causing her to chuckle darkly.
"My Healing Therapy, or at least it's dark version, allows me to drain the fighting spirit from my foes and leaves them at my mercy. Which reminds me." DarkVenusmon started to say, before disappearing once again, reappearing in front of HiAndromon and Arresterdramon, her hands caressing the pair, before appearing behind Beetlemon, doing the same to him as he collapsed on the ground with the other two Digimon, before appearing past MirageGaogamon, causing the beast knight Digimon to collapse as well.
"With your team divided, it only makes me stronger." DarkVenusmon commented, bringing up her right hand and showing off a flowing aura of familiar deep blue energy, which Kari and Angewomon recognized as UlforceVeedramon's strength.
"You damn harpie, I'll...!" Cho Hakkimon started to yell, her anger getting the better of her, but she found a sudden dark blast slam into her, sending her flying back as the girls looked to see that AxeKnightmon had cast the attack, and was now moving as he swung his blade around.
"Enough of your foolish games, DarkVenusmon. Lord Barbamon wants them finished, now!" AxeKnightmon stated, moving closer to the immoble Gallantmon and UlforceVeedramon.
"Fine." DarkVenusmon said with a small sigh, before resuming her more delighted and dark smile as she directed herself back at Ulforceveedramon and said. "But keep him intact, I want to keep him for myself after we crush his little girlfriends."
If he could move, UlforceVeedramon would have blushed or made some comment, but the knight Digimon found himself just as immoble as the others, looking up to see AxeKnightmon towering over him and ready to strike.
"Wing Blade!"
"Celestial Arrow!"
The two attacks of flame and light then launched at AxeKnightmon, who merely used his cape to block the attack, startling Angewomon and Garudamon that he dismissed their attacks so easily.
"Spirit...!" Sakuyamon started to call out, only for a powerful punch to her left side sent her flying, crashing through several trees, before landing with a thud, groaning at the pain she felt as she looked to see DarkVenusmon looking down at her with a smirk.
"Don't think I'm just going to stand around, sweetie." The corrupt Digimon stated, before slamming her foot hard into Sakuyamon's stomach, the impact not only causing Sakuyamon to cry out, feeling an immense pain filling her at the attack, but the ground beneath the shaman Digimon gave out and began to crack all around her.
"Leave her alone, bitch!" Kazemon cried out as she rushed towards DarkVenusmon, while a cocoon of energy formed around her in the process as she accessed her Beast Spirit and yelled with a growing might. "Slide Evolution!"
"Zephyrmon!" The Warrior of Wind then declared once her evolution was completed and immediately threw herself into the fight, her claws glowing with red energy as she tried to land a hit on DarkVenusmon with her Plasma Paws.
However, just before she could strike at her foe, DarkVenusmon seemed to sidestep, Zephyrmon's claw missing her head, before the corrupt Digimon grabbed the Warrior of Wind by her wrist.
"As you can see I am much more than a pretty...well everything." DarkVenusmon remarked, before swinging Zephyrmon over her shoulder and slamming her into the ground, shattering the earth beneath her, where Zephyrmon was then seen under a rubble of earth, groaning from the clear pain she endured.
With most of the boys lacking the strength to retaliate, and alongside her clear show of strength, the girls felt they were at a major disadvantage.
However, refusing to allow a few blows to best them, the girls continued to fight, with JetMervamon stepping in, charging wildly at DarkVenusmon and using both her blade and her snake-like arm to try and at least wound the fallen Olympian Digimon.
However, despite the speed she had with sparrowmon's power, the fused warrior Digimon found herself unable to keep up with her foe, who laughed as she dodged each and every attack.
"Nice try, but I knew a Mervamon much like you back when I was young and dumb enough to follow their rules." DarkVenusmon said, before spinning around and slamming her right foot into JetMervamon's chest.
"And just like you, I always hated her." The corrupt Digimon then added with a growing spiteful tone as she watched her foe go flying back.
"Rose Spear!" Rosemon called out meanwhile as she blocked a blow from AxeKnightmon, amazed at how strong her foe was, despite being a Level below her, only to quickly dodge back as he swung his arm blade, with Guardamon catching her in the process.
With most of her foes distracted by her ally or injured, DarkVenusmon then turned towards the humans, walking towards them with a dark smile on her face and a small sway in her hips, loving the fear in their eyes, while focusing on the one she knew bore the Crest of Light.
"Celestial Arrow!" The voice of Angewomon called out with an undying might, unleashing it in the form of a powerful arrow of light at DarkVenusmon, who seemed to disappear before the arrow could hit her, reappearing behind Angewomon seconds later, slamming her fists into the angel Digimon's back and sending her crashing to the ground in pain, which increased as DarkVenusmon slammed her foot into her back, pressing down as to add to Angewomon's tormented position.
"Why don't you do the smart thing and just surrender yourself to Lord Barbamon?" DarkVenusmon asked as she looked at Kari, pushing her foot more and more into Angewomon's back as she added with a smirk. "Give up now and maybe I'll 'share' that hunk with you."
"Get.. away from... them...!" A familiar strained voice yelled, the defiant tone causing DarkVenusmon and the others to look to see UlforceVeedramon, although still drained of energy, trying to reach them, using his chin to try and move his weakened body towards his friends, towards Kari and Angewomon, and keep them safe.
"Such dedication." DarkVenusmon said with a smirk, where she looked back at the brunette Digidestined, only instead of seeing fear, she now saw determination growing in the girl's eyes.
"We won't give up. Not to you, and not to Barbamon either. We won't just break down and submit just because you're stronger than us physically, because when it comes down to it, we're stronger than a vain monster like you!" Kari let out as she gripped her Digivice, her words causing DarkVenusmon to sneer, before her eyes widened behind her black bandages as she felt her foot being pushed up, looking down to see Angewomon pushing against her, and succeeding.
"Perhaps at one point... you were beautiful... but now, that's only skin deep... you're a broken, hollowed version of the Digimon you were... and you need to be put down!" Angewomon then declared, her determination matching Kari's as both looked and glared at DarkVenusmon, both not only angered at her for what she had done, but also at her declarations of taking Davis and Veemon as her mere playthings, and neither were going to allow it.
At that moment, Kari's D-3 began to glow brightly, along with Angewomon, causing DarkVenusmon to recoil and jump away from her foe, while AxeKnightmon stopped fighting as he looked at the glowing light that surrounded the Digidestined and Digimon of Light, a sight that left the rest of the group in awe as they realized what was going on, especially when they noticed the Crest of Miracles on Kari's D-3.
"Biomerge, activate!" Kari and Angewomon called as one, where, within the growing light, Angewomon found her being altering, losing her normal outfit, alongside her helmet and wings, which were then replaced as the light around her body took on a solid form.
Replacing the mere white attire she was wearing, the female Digimon relaxed herself as her body was encased in turquoise armour, covering her chest, shoulders and her hips, while her head was covered by a matching green helmet, leaving only a determined smile showing.
Keeping her hands outstretched, a set of lights appeared before her grasp, taking the left over her arm, which then formed as a golden trimmed shield and the right tightening around the handle of a golden and heavenly looking javelin.
Keeping her composure, the angelic figure lived up to her continued appearance, arching her back lightly and allowing eight pure golden wings to extend from and out of her back, completing Angewomon and Kari's transformation.
Seeing the Digimon, both Zephyrmon and Beeltemon, though injured and weak, both mentally smirked at seeing the familiar form Kari and Angewomon had taken, knowing that things were about to look up for them as the angelic being called out in the combined voices of Kari and Gatomon. "Ophanimon!"
"Wow..." UlforceVeedramon found he could only say as he looked up at the form Kari and Gatomon took, feeling pride fill him at seeing the powerful figure now in his view, while DarkVenusmon just scoffed at her latest foe.
"You think this changes anything? No matter how you try and dress yourselves up, you look just as weak and pathetic as ever."
"Maybe, just unlike you, I'm not alone. Eden's Air!" Ophanimon yelled back and with a renewed might in her voice as she brought her javelin up, creating several halos of light around it, which shot towards the male Digimon, whose bodies began to glow with the energy.
"No!" DarkVenusmon yelled as she saw the males begin to move once again, their energies returning to them, where UlforceVeedramon, Gallantmon, Hindromon, Arresterdramon, Beetlemon and MirageGaogamon all looked at one another and smirked.
"Talk about a reboot." HiAndromon let out with a laugh, before he, UlforceVeedramon, Gallantmon and MirageGaogamon all looked at AxeKnightmon, who stepped back slightly as he saw them glare at him.
"Victory Blast!"
"Shield of the Just!"
"Atomic Ray!"
"Full Moon Blaster!"
The four attacks all launched at the dark knight Digimon, who, much to their surprise, leapt into the air, not only avoiding the attack, but seeming to land on a Saberdramon that was waiting in the air above, which took off, leaving DarkVenusmon alone to deal with the heroes, much to her anger.
"Corward!" The corrupt Olympian yelled to the retreating form that was AxeKnightmon, before looking at Ophanimon with a glare, where dark energy began to form in her hands as she then said. "Even if I go down, I'll at least take you with me!"
In rage, DarkVenusmon lunged into the air, ready to strike Ophanimon down once and for all.
"Sefirot Crystal!" Ophanimon announced as ten crystals formed around her, before rushing at DarkVenusmon, striking her as she cried out in pain, falling backwards, where, behind her bandages, her eyes widened to see Ophanimon flying close to her, her javelin pointed at her.
"This ends now, be purified, and be at rest. Eden's Javelin!" Ophanimon cried out as her weapon was ablaze with light energy, before she lunged at DarkVenusmon, piercing her with the weapon and causing the corrupt Digimon to scream in pain, not only from the attack, but from the light energy coursing through her, the blinding light causing the others to shield their eyes from the intensity.
When it faded, the group looked to see DarkVenusmon's body disintegrating, only now, her black outfit and blindfold were now white once more, tears of joy, as though waking up from a nightmare, now cascading down her cheeks as she looked at Ophanimon and whispered 'Thank you', before dissolving completely.
Letting out a tired sigh, Ophanimon landed on the ground as the others cheered for her, while UlforceVeedramon walked up to her, where the angelic Digimon sensed the pride coming off of him, causing her to smile as she looked up into his eyes.
-Sometime later-
As the others were either celebrating or telling Gennai and the Digimon about the fight, many praising Kari and Gatomon's strength, Kari sat towards the entrance of the cavern, looking out into the Digital World as she was left in thought about the fight, about how it felt to be one with Gatomon, the dangers that still loomed ahead, and of course, the man who often occupied her thoughts and gave her strength.
"Hey, Kari." A familiar voice then said with a sweet and softness to it, as though summoned by her thoughts, causing the brunette to look and smile as Davis sat down next to her, where he asked with some concern. "How're you doing?"
Turning to face Davis, the Digidestined of Miracles could see a fair solemness on Kari's face.
"I was just thinking about DarkVenusmon." Kari finally replied, before telling Davis. "I know she was our enemy, but at the last moment, I saw her true self, the one Barbamon warped and brainwashed into his puppet. It just sickens me when I think about what she could have gone through to wind up as such a dark creature."
Feeling his empathy for Kari increasing, Davis shifted himself a little closer and rested his hand on Kari's shoulder, keeping a sincere smile on his face as he spoke to her.
"Barbamon might've corrupted her, but you saved her in the end. Something tells me Venusmon will return as a Digi-Egg and will regain her chance to have a good and peaceful life." Davis said, which brought a smile to Kari at his confidence and his sincerity.
"You're right. We just need to stop Barbamon and make sure she can have that chance." Kari then said with a growing confidence of her own, blushing a little at how close Davis was to her, before he got up, ready to go back into the cave.
"Davis, I..." Kari then started to say, grabbing the attention of the Digidestined of Miracles, who looked back at Kari with curiosity, wondering what else she needed to say.
"Thank you." Kari just let out, having lost her nerve to say what she really wanted to say, smiling as Davis nodded to her words with a smile and walked back in.
'Soon, soon I'll have the courage to tell you how I feel, Davis.' Kari thought with a smile, entering the cave herself and seeing Gatomon deeper in her own relationship with Veemon, seeing the feline Digimon sound asleep, exhausted from the fight, and resting her head on Veemon's shoulder.
Though this was bringing a blush to Veemon's face, Kari took notice to how Veemon showed a more delicate action to his position, resting his arms around Gatomon to keep her warm and comfortable, a sight that Kari hoped she and Davis would eventually mirror once the danger had passed.
-Meanwhile-
Growing as he heard of DarkVenusmon's defeat from AxeKnightmon, Barbamon dismissed the dark knight Digimon, knowing that he still had uses for him, rather than destroying him for his failure, before looking at the replay of the fight, where his eyes landed on Ophanimon, causing him to smirk lightly.
"I might have lost my favorite pet, but if things work out, I can always replace her." The Demon Lord said aloud with a smirk, which faded as he saw one of the DemiDevimon under his command fly towards him with a frantic look on his face.
"Um, boss... I know you're going to get mad, but please remember, I'm just the messenger and..." The small demon Digimon started to say in a panic, before Barbamon interrupted as he snapped. "Out with it!"
"Someone's been sabotaging the dig site." The DemiDevimon quickly let out, before quickly ducking for cover as he expected the Lord of Greed to rage at the information, and he was right as Barbamon let out a scream of rage, threatening to crush anyone who dared get in his way.