Following Piximon toward his home, the younger Digidestined and their partners were both amazed by the size of the building, but also puzzled as to why such a petit sized Digimon would require such large confines.
However, focusing his attention upon the latest arrival, TK moved closer to Catherine, wishing to speak to her, an action Patamon shared amongst Floramon.
"Catherine, I wanted to say thank for saving Patamon back there." TK said, expressing his honesty to the French Digidetined as he told her. "For a second, I thought I was going to lose him."
Smiling at TK, Catherine replied with a warmth. "There is no need to thank me, TK. Afterall, you and Patamon have done so much for us."
"You'll always remain our knights in shining armour, our noble champions." Floramon added as she looked upon Patamon with a similar smile Catherine shared.
Though the four remained in high spirits, the majority of the Digidestined took note of the way TK and Catherine were acting, seeing the pair enjoying the other's company, which led Yolei to break their conversation and ask a growing question on her mind.
"So, TK, how do you know Catherine?" Yolei asked, teasing a little as she added. "Is she your girlfriend?"
Though TK blushed to Yolei's remark, Catherine seemed more comfortable and gave a reply.
"TK and I met a few years back. When Paris was under attack by wild Digimon, he, Patamon, Tai and Agumon came to our rescue." The blonde informed, her smile only growing as she moved herself closer to TK and then said. "TK and Patamon were so brave, so strong, which is why Floramon and I sought their help, to be the best Digidestined we could be."
"And from all the time we spent together, we became really good friends." Patamon added, landing atop Floramon's head, who just beamed to the presence of the Digimon of Hope.
"I'm thankful you came when you did. You helped us defeat MadLeomon, so we thank you." Cody then said as he bowed, showing his respect toward the French Digidetined.
"I am also pleased you arrived. You showed an impressive display of bravery. Perhaps it was coincidence or fate that you showed up, but I sense you and Floramon hold a key role against Lilithmon." Piximon spoke up, grabbing the attention of the Digidestined, before the petit sized Digimon pushed the set of doors to his home open, furthering the awe of the younger Digidestined to Piximon's strength and to the decorated rooms within.
"Make sure to wipe your feet." Piximon then said as he ventured within, his words respected by the Digidestined, with Davis and the others taking off their shoes, keeping a close step behind Piximon, who continued in his thoughts.
"From the past, I have seen the progress the original Digidestined displayed. Courage, Friendship, Love, Knowledge, Sincerity, Reliability and Hope, each of you surpassed my training and helped shine the light back on the Digital World. You, along the Light, then passed this gift to your friends, who too repelled the darkness. Your skills, strength, bravery and trust remind me of the tales of the Royal Knights." Piximon remarked, smiling a little as he commented. "I'm quite confident if those heroes were still around, they would've been proud to have seen the new champions of the Digital World."
In agreement with Piximon's words, but knowing the threat opposing the Digital World, Gennai, keeping a stance beside Piximon, then looked amongst the Digidestined and spoke his mind.
"Now that we know that another evil has risen, and after seeing how strong is Lilithmon's forces have grown, you need to start your new training in order to defeat them." Gennai declared.
"Follow us and we'll take you to the chamber where you can undergo your training." Piximon said, leading the Digidestined through his home, where Tai and the original Digidestined were a little surprised after Piximon came across a series of statues, mighty warriors which the group depicted were the Royal Knights.
"W... wait... That's Omnimon!" Tai let out, pointing amongst the Omnimon statue set along the Royal Knights, a surprise Davis shared upon seeing Magnamon amongst the mass of heroes.
Davis broke out of his stunned state, where he turned to look toward Piximon and Gennai, letting out with awe. "So you're saying Agumon, Gabumon and Veemon were all part of the Royal Knights?"
"In a way." Gennai replied, before explaining. "Though Agumon, Gabumon and Veemon have no actual connection to these past heroes, their line of Digivolution shares the same path."
"We'll tell you more about them after defeating lilithmon. For now, you need to start your training." Piximon added with a continued seriousness.
That said, Gennai, Piximon and the Digidestined continued walking through the hallways of Piximon's domain, approaching rooms even the older Digidestined hadn't seen come the first time they trained under Piximon's wing.
And eventually stopping, the group found a set of doors ahead of them, where Gennai turned to the Digidestined and told them. "Beyond these doors lie the chambers Piximon mentioned before, the key to you furthering your power. Though we have failed to access the workings of these chambers, I am confident you all have what it takes."
Flattered by Gennai's words, and to his and Piximon's clear trust in them, Tai was first to make a move.
Approaching the chamber on his left, finding the door slide open for the chamber to open, the Digidestined of Courage made his way within, followed closely by Agumon, the pair taking in the sights but found the room only holding darkness.
Confused by this state, Tai was about to speak up, but found a familiar orange light shining from within his jacket, causing the brunette to withdraw his Digivice, finding the screen displaying the Crest of Courage, which had a sudden effect upon the room.
Watching along Tai and Agumon, the others found the room lighting up with thin streams of energy illuminating the chamber and allowing all to take in the complete size of the room, alongside the various mechanics and devices clearly used for training.
Upon seeing the room now lighting up, reacting to their Digivices as a source of energy, the Digidestined were all amazed at their surroundings as the other Digidestined ventured closer to the chambers.
"I thought the chamber was going to be small when I saw them from the outside, but I was wrong." Yolei commented, impressed at what she saw, before a concern filled them, leading to purple haired Digidestined to then ask. "But wait. If this chamber accels our bodies, how are we going to explain this to our parents?"
Already expecting one of the Digidestined to come up with that question, Gennai assured. "There is no need to worry about that. Though your bodies will most certainly change with your training, the stage of aging won't accelerate as fast."
"So we'll look even stronger and remain just as beautiful?" Mimi had to ask, the question embarrassing more than a handful of the Digidestined, but Gennai just smiled and nodded as to confirm the egotistical side of the Digidestined of Sincerity.
Their questions answered and all ready to begin, the Digidestined looked amongst one another, deciding the best way to choose who would be training within which chamber.
"Alright, I think it'd be best if we broke into boys and girls." Sora suggested, their gaze turning a little untrusting toward the boys as she stated. "We might be friends, but something tells me any one of you might take that as a chance to try and see us naked."
Though Gomamon wanted to speak up, to defend his friends, the looks the girls gave him, remembering him sneaking into the women's side of the hotsprings a few years back, just left the Digimon of Reliability silent.
With each side amongst the Digidestined, both the boys and girls held their own views to the arrangements, some expressing more trust in one another, even wishing to train alongside them, knowing time was growing thinner, Gennai and Piximon acted.
"Best of luck with your training." Piximon said, managing to round up the girls, adding Hawkmon and lead them within the right chamber, an action Gennai applied with the boys, escorting them into the same confines as Tai and Agumon.
Shutting the doors behind them, Gennai and Piximon looked at one another, with the petit sized Digimon asking. "Do you really think they have what it takes to stop her?"
Keeping his smile, Gennai merely said in reply. "Only time will tell."
-Meanwhile-
Though Lilithmon's faction had been bested, back within the Dark Ocean, BelleStarmon and Axeknightmon ventured through the dark wastelands, searching for the specific cavern their dark Queen sought after.
"We had better find that cave. I don't want to feel the wrath of Lady Lilithmon should we fail her again." AxeKnightmon said, his tone of clear seriousness as he looked around the dark realm.
However, coming to a halt, AxeKnightmon turned to face BelleStarmon upon hearing her scoff.
"We?" She asked teasingly, before declaring. "I wasn't the one who got their butt kicked by a bunch of brats and their pets."
"You are much at fault as I am. You had the chance to vanquish our enemies, but you allowed arrogance to best you, a trait Lady Lilithmon doesn't take too lightly." AxeKnightmon said back, detesting BelleStarmon, but knowing they were stuck working with one another.
"If you're calling me weak, don't hold your breath." BelleStarmon said back, her tone growing a little hostile as she declared. "I didn't destroy them because I want Lady Lilithmon to have that pleasure."
Scoffing back at BelleStarmon, believing the gunslinger to be covering up her flaws, AxeKnightmon turned away from BelleStarmon, continuing in their mission, which set BelleStarmon off.
Chasing after AxeKnightmon, BelleStarmon let out. "Don't you turn your back to me, tincan. If you want to see what real power can accomplish, then face me!"
Remaining silent, AxeKnightmon continued to traverse ahead, furthering BelleStramon's anger, resentment and negativity, with the gunslinger pursuing after AxeKnightmon, ready to show her strength, but found AxeKnightmon come to a halt upon arriving to what they believed was the power Lilithmon desired.
Ahead of the pair was a large pathway, only it was cut off by a barrier of ancient energy, a clear sign that the Royal Knights had imprisoned the darkness within.
"It appears our ancient foes are trying to defy the fate of darkness." AxeKnightmon remarked, knowing all too well of the power the Royal Knights held, while BelleStarmon just smirked.
"If they think some old barrier can hold me back, they'd better think again." BelleStarmon said with a continued arrogance, drawing a set of knives from off of her shotguns as she announced. "Double Claw!"
Piercing her blades ahead, BelleStarmon began to tear through the barrier, finding that though the will of the Royal Knights was strong, the dark atmosphere and time had weakened and eroded the barrier, allowing her to claw her way through.
And after pushing herself a little further, with a mighty cry, BelleStarmon finally shattered the barrier apart, leading her to face AxeKnightmon with a grin.
"Ready to collect our prize?" She asked jokingly, her words ignored by AxeKnightmon, who pushed past BelleStarmon and ventured into the darkness, carrying out the will of the Demon Lord.
Further into the dark caverns, AxeKnightmon and BelleStarmon kept traversing through the vast emptiness around them, feeling a growing dark chill spreading around, almost guiding them.
And after noticing a faint red light ahead of them, they knew they had closed in on what Lilithmon desired.
Approaching the light, finding its dark energies only increasing to their approach, AxeKnightmon and BelleStarmon looked upon the four hollowed forms of the Dark Digimon, consisting of a gigantic being seemingly made of crystal, and by its side was a figure looking to be a savage draconic beast that held a clear rage within it despite its incapacitated state.
Confusion fell upon AxeKnightmon and BelleStarmon when they noticed the third statue, its size paling in comparison to the other Digimon, but being sealed alongside the others, the pair guessed it held more power than its creepy appearance let on.
Finally, and set behind the three imprisoned Digimon was the main source of darkness, a great power held within a combination of other Digimon's limbs.
Looking upon the last figure, seeing amongst the various components of other Digimon made up his outer form, set within the core was a chained up humanoid, the central component to the random selection of arms, wings and claws.
After taking in the appearances of the Digimon, BelleStarmon walked up to the statues, where she asked. "So these are the four Digimon that Lady Lilithmon wanted us to rewaken?"
Placing her hands upon the statues of Megidramon and Argomon, BelleStarmon channeled the dark energy Lilithmon bestowed upon her as to awaken the slumbering Digimon.
As life began to return to the Dark Digimon, BelleStarmon looked over her shoulder and toward AxeKnightmon.
"Don't just stand there, tin can. Help me reawaken the others." She let out with a frustration in her tone.
Silently nodding, AxeKnightmon set his arms out, his hands glowing with a darkness, which encircled around the statues of Blastmon and UltimateChaosmon, leaving an imprint of the Crest of Lust upon the drained Digimon, binding them to the will of the Demon Lord.
"You have rested long enough. Now awaken so you can carry out the will of our Dark Queen." AxeKnightmon called as he and BelleStarmon fueled the last of the darkness within the four Digimon, returning life to the near forgotten Digimon, who stared upon the unknown intruders.
"Who has awakened us from our slumber!?" Megidramon let out with a small growl as he opened his eyes, glaring down upon BelleStarmon and AxeKnightmon, radiating with a clear fury despite having been freed from his prison.
"You have Lady Lilithmon to thank for your wake up call." BelleStarmon said back with a grin, before crossing her arms and adding with a continued superiority. "And you can thank her right away. As of now, you four serve her."
Obviously not one to take orders, Megidramon continued to snarl, his anger toward BelleStarmon and her condescending attitude getting to him, Megidramon suddenly lunged, looking to sink his fangs into the gunslinger, only to stop in his tracks and give a sudden and pain filled howl as dark sparks spread along his body.
"Though I too detest this child, fate forces us to work as one." AxeKnightmon told Megidramon, ignoring BelleStarmon sticking out her tongue at him, before telling Megidramon. "We mightn't grow accustomed to one another, but we all share the same goal, a goal our Queen Lady Lilithmon entrusted to us."
Remaining calmer compared to Megidramon, seeing the dark dragon Digimon calming down after the intensity of the darkness ceased, Blastmon slowly approached AxeKnightmon and questioned. "So Lilithmon... is she too the source to this dark power now part of us? And what happened to that blood sucking freak, Myotismon? Has the Digital World finally fallen under his dark rule?"
Chuckling a little, BelleStarmon spoke up, grinning as she said. "Oh, boy... you've got a lot to catch up on."
Though BelleStarmon remained a little amused by the lacking knowledge of the four Digimon, AxeKnightmon was further curious to his new allies, namely to the purple spherical Digimon, which continued to just stare at him with four menacing eyes.
Curious, AxeKnightmon questioned. "And what exactly are you looking at?"
Remaining silent to AxeKnightmon, the Digimon continued to stare at him, this detesting to the dark knight Digimon.
"I asked you a question." AxeKnightmon then said, his impatience growing toward the smaller Digimon, looking almost ready to strike it down with his Twin lance at any second.
However, AxeKnightmon was taken aback as the head of the smaller Digimon all but split open, spitting out a horde of alternate variants of itself, which latched themselves onto AxeKnightmon's armour, delivering a stinging sensation to AxeKnightmon as he felt the smaller Digimon gnawing away at his Data.
"That's enough, Argomon. Let him go." The confined Digimon said as he looked towards AxeKnightmon, watching as the smaller Argomon detached themselves and leapt back inside the larger Argomon, who reformed its head and fell back to its still and silent position.
"I apologize for Argomon, but you should know Argomon was merely observing you, and when he feels threatened, he'll automatically deploy his lesser forms as a defence mechanism. But where are my manners? I am UltimateChasomon, however, it appears with my confinement, my power has been restricted." The Digimon, UltimateChaosmon, said, overlooking his extended limbs and feeling a lacking dark power within them.
"I can assure you, under the rule of Lady Lilithmon, your power will be restored, but before that, we have a mission." AxeKnightmon replied, telling the four Dark Digimon about the Digidestined, to Lilithmon's desire to see the new heroes of the Digital World vanquished for good, and for her to issue in her era of darkness.
"I don't care who becomes the ruler of this wretched world, just as long I can cause chaos and destruction is fine with me." Megidramon said with a growl, expressing his continued maliciousness, bringing a pleased smile to BelleStarmon.
"Settle down, big boy, when this is all over, the entire Digital World will be up for grabs." BelleStarmon said back, expressing some seriousness as she drew her shotguns and added. "But before that happens, we have some humans and their Digital pets to hunt down."
Though he too desired to crush the Digidestined himself, AxeKnightmon spoke up. "Don't act so hastily, BelleStarmon. We need to take them to meet Lady Lilithmon."
"You don't want to feel her wrath for not following her orders, do you?" The dark knight Digimon then asked, which bothered BelleStarmon at being unable to do what she desired, from being kept on such a short metaphorical leash.
"Fine. But the second we're done with Lady Lilithmon, we're going after those Digidestined." BelleStarmon declared as she set her shotguns back in their holsters and began to vacate the area, leaving the caverns of the Dark Ocean, and venturing back to the Demon Lord's domain.
-Back at Piximon's residence-
Within their chamber, the girls had begun their training, pushing themselves alongside the female Digimon.
As Gatomon and Palmon Digivolved to Angewomon and Lillymon, Biyomon, Floramon and Renamon were facing off against their partners, the Digimon doing their best to hold back their emotion and close bonds as they took on Sora and Jun, a position Angewomon and Lillymon shared as they spared against Kari, Catherine and Mimi.
"You have an impressive form." Renamon commented, throwing a punch at Jun, who brought her arms up to soften the blow against her.
"Thanks. I guess watching you fighting paid off." Jun replied with a smile and a punch of her own, but found Renamon easily grabbing it in her paw, before pushing Jun to the floor and pinning the maroon haired girl to the ground.
"Watching and acting are two different things, Jun." Renamon said as she got to her feet, held her paw up and helped Jun back up, her words causing Jun to nod in reply, before smirking as she set her feet firmly on the mat, set herself in a more battle ready stance and asked. "I'll keep that in mind. So ready for round two?"
Smiling herself, Renamon and Jun returned to their sparring match, the maroon haired Digidestined finding herself bested continuously by her partner, but found with each loss, it helped improve her a little, a feeling the other girls shared, a position Yolei and Catherine found themselves in as they took on Floramon and her wave of vines, trying to enhance their reflexes.
"Stamen Rope!" Floramon announced, throwing the vines stored within her flower-like arms toward Yolei and Catherine, starting a little slow as to allow the Digidestined of Love and Sincerity and the French Digidestined to adjust to their style of training, before gradually speeding up and even throwing more vines into the attack.
Though the pair put up a fair grace and skill in their movements, continuing to push themselves further, Yolei gave a groan as one of Floramon's vines swept at her feet, knocking the Digidestined of Love and Sincerity down and to her stomach.
"Yolei!" A familiar voice let out, the girls stopping and turning to see hawkmon approach and help up his partner. "Are you alright?"
"Hawkmon!?" Mimi let out, blushing a little as she covered her chest, thinking the Digimon of Love and Sincerity had snuck in to check her and the other girls out.
"It's not what you think. I only came in to help Yolei." Hawkmon proclaimed as he looked amongst the glares of the girls, overcoming the chill he felt from their expressions as he satd. "I know what you are thinking, but I'm here in order to grow stronger. I cannot bare to train without Yolei, I need her."
Trusting her partner and knowing Hawkmon wasn't the devious type, Yolei was about to speak up, to defend her partner, but smiled as Kari moved before her and Hawkmon.
"We can trust Hawkmon. He might be a guy, but he's more of a gentleman than most of the others." Kari said, her words causing Renamon to grin, look at Jun and tease. "If anything we should keep an eye on you and make sure you don't try and sneak off to check the boys out."
Blushing at Renamon's implications, Jun spoke up with some nervousness of her own. "Alright, Hawkmon can stay. However, if he tries anything..."
"I swear I'll be the perfect gentleman." Hawkmon promised with a clear and continued sincerity, his tone loosening the girls up a little, before the group returned to their respective forms of training and growth, with Renamon, Angewomon and Hawkmon now sparring with their partners, Floramon pushing Catherine's reflexes, leaving Sora and Mimi conducting a small training session with one another, namely a cardio workout, while Biyomon and Lillymon threw their attacks at the other, initiating a form of target practice as to hone their skills, reaction times and improve their overall strength.
After a few hours, the girls pushing themselves further with their training, Kari, Sora, Yolei, Mimi, Jun and Catherine decided it was time they took a break, a motion their Digimon partners all shared.
Though the Digimon had more energy, with Gatomon still able to keep up her training, the Digimon of Light and the others knew balance was crucial to any form of improving one's self.
Taking a seat upon the mat, the girls looking a little drained, Kari looked amongst her friends, having something on her mind that she wished to share with them.
"Yolei, I was wondering something." Kari began to say, looking to the Digidestined of Love and Sincerity as she added. "I was curious if you could tell me what kind of feelings you felt before Ken became your boyfriend."
A little surprised at the question, Yolei gave it a moment to think, before finding her answer.
"Before Ken and I began dating, I felt many things. I felt warmth and comfort when I was around him, but I also felt shy and worried whenever the thought of asking him on a date came to me. But after I overcame those fears, everything fell into place, and things just feel right. I feel lucky to be with Ken, I feel complete." Yolei replied as she rested a hand on her chest, feeling content as to express her love.
"That is so romantic." Jun commented as she looked upon Yolei with her own smile, before the maroon haired girl faced Kari and added, expressing her own feelings of romance/amore. "My feelings for Matt were a little different. Before I met Renamon and became a Digidestined, I was pretty crazy with the boys. Looking back at how I used to be, I didn't really know what I wanted, but after getting to know Matt, to know him, his likes, his dislikes, to know him as a true friend, that is when I realized he's the one I want to spend my life with."
Sharing a similar warmth to Yolei and to Jun, happy for her friends, Sora felt some curiosity toward the Digidestined of Light.
"Why'd you bring the subject up, Kari?" She asked, though being the Digidestined of Love, Sora had a fair idea.
With the attention drawn back to her, the Digidestined of Light gained a fair blush, but knowing she was surrounded by friends, by those who loved her, Kari gave her reply.
"I brought it up because everything you've felt, everything you told me, is how I feel about Davis." Kari said, a little embarrassed at the way a few of the girls were looking at her, but continued. "Davis has always been there for me, for all of us. I know he's been hasty and brash in the past, but nobody's perfect, and he's come a long way since we first met."
From Kari's declaration, Gatomon added her support to her partner, resting a paw on Kari's lap and looking at her with a caring expression. "You aren't alone, Kari. Your feelings mirror the way I feel toward Veemon."
Feeling a little better to have Gatomon supporting her, and seeing the Digidestined and their partners showing more encouragement over surprise, a solemn expression graced Kari's face, confusing the others and causing Mimi to ask. "If you like/love Davis then what's wrong?"
"It's been years Since Davis has shown me the affection he used to. When I'm with Davis, he no longer tries to impress me or tries to get my attention. I have no idea how he feels toward me. What if I made him wait too long and he no longer cares about me?" Kari explained, expressing her doubt.
"However, I do remember something... Before Axeknightmon and BelleStarmon attacked us, we went to Davis' to try out some new dishes. It was there he congratulated TK, but I'm still a little uncertain as to why." The Digidestined of Light then said.
Upon hearing Kari's words, Sora, Yolei, Mimi, Jun and Catherine were somewhat confused, though Jun had a fair idea as to the latter of Kari's words.
"My little brother might have shown some growth but he can be a bit dense. By the way you two were acting, I think Davis thought you and TK had begun dating." Jun told the Digidestined of Light, surprising Kari a little, before the maroon haired girl added. "He told me he still has feelings for you, but he's scared to say something at the cost of your friendship. He has doubts that you feel the same way about him, but I told him that he shouldn't don't give up on you just yet."
Feeling a returning warmth in her heart, Kari looked upon Jun with a thankful smile, even setting her arms around the older of the Motomiya siblings and hugging her, an action Jun happily mirrored.
"And Gatomon..." Renamon spoke up, expressing her own kindness to the Digimon of Light. "The times Veemon has spoken to me openly about you always brings a smile to his face. Everything he says about you, be it your warm smile or your kind eyes, always leave me to know still seeks you as his mate."
From her own position, Gatomon's smile grew, while her heart rate increased to Renamon's information, to know the Digimon of Miracles still cherished and desired her.
"Go to them." Catherine said, grabbing the attention of the Digidestined of Light and the others, before the blonde added with a growing passion in her voice. "I mean after we are finished with our training. Tell monsieur Davis and Veemon your feelings, that you each hold a place in your hearts just for them."
"And please clear up that there is nothing between any of us, that our hearts only belong to TK and Patamon." Floramon then said with a dreamy sigh, imagining her and Patamon in one another's arms and looking at each other with pure love in their eyes.
Remaining in their warm and more cheerful moods, Kari and Gatomon rose to their feet, the pair sharing the same determination on their faces.
"We'll explain everything to Davis, and to Vee, but before that, we need to complete our training." Gatomon said, this causing Kari to nod and add. "I bet Davis, Veemon and the others are giving it their all, so we too must push ourselves to be the best we can be."
Motivated by Kari and Gatomon, and happy for the pair, Jun, Renamon and the others returned to their feet and returned back to their training, the group renewed with dedication as to fight for those they cherished.
'Just you wait for me, Davis. I will be the best Kari Kamiya I can for you.' The Digidestined of Light thought as she and Gatomon began to spar, the pair holding nothing back as they threw their fists at one another.
-Meanwhile-
As the girls were busy with their training, pushing their bodies to their limits, the boys were in a similar position.
Discarding their jackets and more loose shirts, Davis, Tai, Matt, TK and the others were spread throughout the room, training alongside their partners.
As Davis was doing sit ups, with Veemon by his side, the maroon haired Digidestined smiled to see his partner putting in the same effort in the midst of his own work out.
"Keep up the great work, Vee." Davis encouraged, expressing a more sly smile as he teased. "If Gatomon saw you now, I bet she couldn't keep her paws off you."
Blushing a little at Davis' words, but more so at the sudden daydream of the Digimon of Light looking at him with pure admiration, Veemon shook his head a little, knowing he had to keep his focus, finding that like him and Davis, the others within the training room were taking full advantage to the settings and equipment provided to them.
As Tai and Matt sparred against one another, the pair throwing punches and a few kicks, sometimes coming close to landing a fair hit on the other, Agumon and Gabumon were in a similar position as they faced off.
"Pepper Breath!"
"Blue Blaster!"
Releasing their blasts of flame and ice, finding their strength equally matched, the Digimon charged at one another, locking themselves in close combat fighting, finding that though a few of their punches managed to land, this didn't stop their fight.
Throughout the chamber, the remaining Digidestined continued in their training, save Izzy, who was at his laptop and navigating his way into the network linking to the chamber's system.
"Hmm, with the help of my laptop it'll be easier for me to use the machines in the chamber." Izzy commented, speaking aloud as the Digidestined of Knowledge continued typing away at his laptop, showing his genius.
With Izzy continuing to establish a link to the chamber, Ken and TK were training against Stingmon and Angemon, the Digidestined throwing out a set of impressive punches against the Digimon, with Stingmon and Angemon deflecting the attacks, but smiling to the strength and determination of their partners.
"Ken, I must confess I'm surprised. You have great fighting skills." Stingmon said, expressing his amazement toward his partner's skills.
"After watching all the battles you fought for me, you do learn a few tricks." Ken replied, expressing a fair modesty in his voice, before adding with a seriousness. "But we both need to greatly improve if we're to stop Lilithmon."
"We have some pretty tough competition."TK commented, overlooking Davis, finding the maroon haired Digidestined fighting against Flamedramon, the duo pushing one another, neither holding anything back as each delivered great punches and kicks.
And even though Flamedramon delivered a few blows to Davis, knocking him to his feet, the Digidestined of Courage and Friendship shook it off and continued to get back up, showing his determined spirit.
However, looking at Davis and Flamedramon, though the others could see Flamedramon remaining strong, Davis' movements looked a little sloppy, leaving him open to more than his fair share of beatings, sending him to the floor over and over.
"Everything ok, Davis?" Flamedramon asked, offering his hand out as he pulled his partner to his feet, keeping a concern toward the maroon haired Digidestined. "You kind of seem distracted."
"Sorry, Flamedramon. It's just... I know I should be happy for her, but I still can't stop thinking about her." Davis said in reply, this caused Flamedramon to nod in understanding, even empathizing with his partner.
Overhearing Davis and Flamedramon, some confusion filled TK and Angemon, causing the Digidestined and Digimon of Hope to cease their combat and address the issue.
"Are you sure everything's ok?" TK asked, not wanting to seem as though he was eavesdropping, before adding with sincerity and confusion. "You've been acting kind of weird since this morning, so if there is something troubling you, you can tell us."
Before Davis could say something, to just ask TK to treat Kari the way she deserved, the conversation was interrupted when Izzy called for them.
"Guys! I found a way to help us to train against BelleStarmon and Lilithmon" Izzy then informed, typing another line of code into his laptop, his call grabbing the attention of the other Digidestined, who stopped their training and made their way over to him.
Typing in the last key, a light emitted from one of the machines in the chamber, which manifested into holographic images of BlackWarGreymon, BlackMetalGarurumon and BelleStarmon, much to the shock of the other Digidestined.
"We have to train against our Megas. It's the only way to beat BelleStarmon and Lilithmon, to improve our skills and strengthen us." Izzy told the others and then added. "I programmed copies of BlackWarGreymon and BelleStarmon to fight against us. And I know we haven't faced BlackMetalGarurumon before, but from the data I have gathered upon Digimon, they will prove a challenge, and they won't hold anything back."
"Fortunately their attacks are projections, otherwise they could blow up this whole chamber, with us in it." Kabuterimon then informed.
Initiating the input in his laptop, the holographic images of BlackWarGreymon, BlackMetalGarurumon and BelleStarmon appeared and manifested before the Digidestined, the trio looking ready to strike at any second.
"We'll take on BelleStarmon." Davis said as he and Flamedramon moved themselves toward the projection of the gunslinger Digimon, finding Ken then step up, alongside Stingmon.
"You're not going to fight her alone, Davis." The Digidestined of Kindness said, joining Davis and Flamedramon, knowing Davis always had his back, and wanted to keep that bond established between them.
"We are at our strongest when we fight together." Stingmon added, his words earning a supported nod from Flamedramon.
"For me and Agumon, we're going to take on BlackWargreymon." Tai told the others, he and Agumon staring upon the dark alternative to WarGreymon, finding Joe and Gomamon joining them.
"Gomamon and I are going to help you. We all need to get stronger as to protect the Real World, and to protect those we care about." The Digidestined of Reliability said, his thoughts drifting to a raven haired girl named Meiko Mochizuki, who too was a Digidestined, partnered with a compassionate and caring feline named Meicoomon.
And looking over, Tai found Izzy and Kabuterimon joining in, the Digidestined and Digimon of Knowledge also with Kabuterimon behind him.
"You can count on us, Tai. We won't let Lilithmon fill the Digital World into darkness." Izzy declared, the pair prepared to expand their physical strengths alongside their minds.
As Matt and Gabumon set themselves up against BlackMetalGarurumon, the Digidestined ofFriendship found TK and Angemon approach them, sharing a similar faith in their expressions as they too stared down the dark metal wolf Digimon.
"Matt, Gabumon, we'll always be there for you." TK said, expressing his brotherly bond, bringing a smile to Matt's face.
"And you can count on us." Armadillomon spoke up as he and Cody approached TK and Angemon, both prepared to fight and to lend their strength to their friends during their fight.
Though the Digidestined knew their training would be rough, that there would be damage inflicted to them, they had to push themselves if they were to stand against Lilithmon and her dark forces.
