As the sun shined above them, the heroes continued following Novicmon, the group heading for the Fire Tribe's capital, and to the tribe's leader, Infernomon, who they hoped would have answers to their questions and to their purpose in Witchelny.
Continuing to stick close and follow Novicmon's trail, several members amongst the group were looking at the bracers that their Digivices had turned into, which caused Rika to speak up and say inconsideration in her own way. "Will you guys pay attention to the road?"
"Sorry. We're just trying to figure out what these are." Davis replied sheepishly, before sighing.
"Part of me wishes Izzy was here, he might be able to figure it out." The Digidestined of Miracles then said, his words agreed by Veemon and the other Digidestined.
"They're called D-Bracers." Novicmon informed from the front of the group, getting everyone's attention as they saw the small Digimon pull his hat up a little, before reaching and pulling out a book three times his size, the sight causing the group to sweatdrop, while Takuya and Zoe smiled lightly at Novicmon's antics, reminded a little of Bokomon and his access to such knowledge.
And sharing in Takuya and Zoe's nostalgia of the past, Haru, Eri, Astora, Dokamon and Musimon looked at Gatchmon, remembering how the search Appmon was able to hide the Seven Code Pad in his helmet at one point, alongside Gatch Monka snacks.
Flipping through the pages of his book, Novicmon then turned the book around, displaying the pages and a section with a detailed image of the bracers each of the heroes now wielded.
"They are ancient devices that hold the power of heroes of old here on Witchelny, and I think they are allowing you all to digivolve with this world's magic, hence why you guys aren't so drained anymore." Novicmon informed the group.
Looking over the images, the small notes scrolled along the pages and to Novicmon, Mervamon nodded in reply to this, admitting to herself that she didn't feel as drained as she had earlier, before seeing Novicmon look through the book more, turning it to show images of Samudramon, MedievalGallantmon and MagnaVeedramon.
"Samudramon was called the 'Wandering Hero', a single Digimon warrior traveling all over Witchelny and fighting evil wherever he encountered it, while MedievalGallantmon was one of the legendary Vortex Knights." Novicmon then said, examining the pictures of the heroic Digimon, as well as examining Tai, Agumon, Takato and Guilmon.
"And MagnaVeedramon was the hero of the Primordial Wars." The small magic Digimon then said, his gaze focusing over Davis and Veemon, who held some puzzlement to his words.
"The what?" Veemon asked, watching as Novicmon put the book back in his hat, before the small Digimon replied with a trust in his voice. "It's ancient history, so try not to worry about it too much."
Looking at their D-Bracers, the heroes wondered what their new devices were also capable of, especially since it allowed not only Takato and Guilmon to Biomerge to a new form, but the devices also allowed Tai and Davis to Biomerge with Agumon and Veemon as well, leaving the rest to wonder what would happen if they accessed the D-Bracers' power.
It was then, however, that Zoe gave a sigh and said. "We can think more on this later. Is there anywhere we can stop and take a break, Novicmon? We've kind of been up most of the night."
"I know just the place." Novicmon replied with a big and reassuring smile, turning and beckoning the heroes to follow him, which they did, eager to see what he had to show them.
-Half an hour later-
Much to the excitement of the heroes, Novicmon led his new friends to a series of hot springs.
Currently, the boys and Novicmon were relaxing in one section, separated from the girls, who relaxed in privacy.
However, despite the relaxing waters around them, feeling their bodies loosen up, Davis, Mikey and Takato remained deep in thought at they not only thought on their D-Bracers, but also some of the sights they passed on the way to the springs, noticing some areas of the forests withered away, as well as what were once rivers dried up, which left them wondering if the Dark Tribe had anything to do with it.
"Will you all just relax already?" Tai questioned, overlooking his friends and telling the group. "I have just as many questions as you guys, but take the moment to unwind, otherwise it'll be too much the next time we get into a fight."
Listening to Tai and taking his advice, Davis and the others nodded in reply, deciding to relax for the time being and to ask their questions when needed.
"Yeah!" Tagiru replied as he leaned back and enjoyed the warm waters, closing his eyes as he then commented. "I know you guys have been on adventures like this before, but I don't have anything to complain about, especially with those eight hotties with us."
Had he opened his eyes, the "Superstar" would've seen Tai, Davis, Takato, Takuya, Marcus and Astora glaring at him, each thinking in unison. 'I better not catch him peeking on Sora/Kari/Jeri/Zoe/Yoshi/Eri!'
The six boys then blushed as they mentally realized that the girls were probably naked not too far from them, this causing Davis and the others to shake their heads and try to focus their minds on something else.
"So... what's the capital like?" Haru then asked, the question causing the boys, Digimon and the Apppmon to look toward Novicmon, who smiled brightly as he relaxed in the warm water.
"It's the best! It's a huge city, with Infernomon's fortress at the center. It also serves as the main military hub, so most of the Fire Tribe's military are trained there." Novicmon informed in reply, expressing pride in his voice, before adding with a smile. "As for Infernomon, he's wise and very powerful. He is strict, but admires courage and bravery, so I think you guys will get along with him."
"Well, I am good with diplomacy." Shoutmon said with pride and added with a grin. "I am the Digimon King after all."
"Well, you're not the Digimon King in Witchelny, so you might not want to parade that around if you don't want to lose your head, if you know what I mean." Novicmon then pointed out in reply, his words causing Shoutmon to freeze up a little and nearly fall into the waters completely.
As the others laughed at this, Shoutmon expected to hear Gumdramon make some remark, only to notice the Superstar Digimon not with them, which left an uneasy feeling within Shoutmon's gut.
Meanwhile, in the other section of the hot springs, Zoe let out a pleased sigh as she relaxed in the water, joined by the other girls and most of the female Digimon.
And though Renamon sat on a rock nearby, mostly to make sure no one spied on the others, the vixen remained social.
"Now this is relaxing, I can feel my muscles loosening after that fight last night." Mervamon said with a sigh as she relaxed in the waters, not seeing most of the girls looking at her near naked form and feeling their eyes twitch lightly as they compared their figures to her own.
Sensing the hidden hostility and wanting to change the subject, as well as wanting to cause some mischief, Zoe opened her left eye a little as she looked at Kari, Sora, Gatomon and Biyomon, expressing a slyness in her tone as she said. "I have to admit, I was surprised by Davis last night, I half expected him to rush in with Tai, Marcus and Takuya."
Smiling at this, Kari beamed as she said with a clear pride in her tone. "Davis has changed a lot over the years. He's taking responsibility and his position over the Crests of Courage, Friendship and Miracles very seriously. It's inspiring to see him this way, which encourages me to do my best as well."
At her continued praise, Kari closed her eyes and gave a relaxed sigh, failing to notice the looks and expression the others gave her, seeing that she was completely infatuated with Davis, and to Zoe, this was a good thing, thinking of it as less competition for her when it came to Takuya, hoping as not being the only girl in the group this time, having all the guys after her, that she could finally get together with the Warrior of Fire.
However, the moment was ruined as Rika, who had her own eyes closed as she relaxed in the waters, commented. "Funny, I thought you and TK were together."
Sora, Biyomon and Gatomon found a growing tension within the comment, while Kari's eyes widened in shock, fearful that others thought the same, including Davis.
Sensing the growing hostilities, Jeri quickly cut in. "I'm sure what Rika meant was that, from watching the series on our world, you seemed more taken with TK then Davis, but it never showed things as they are now."
Seeing Kari calm a little, Jeri and Renamon looked at Rika, then at one another, both knowing a small secret the redhead held deep within her heart, but both also knew that with Rika being Rika, she would not say anything, and allowed the matter to drop.
Sensing the changing mood, Eri wanted to break the ice as she looked at Jeri and asked. "Um, Jeri... where exactly is your Digimon partner?"
The pink haired idol then stiffened when she felt a deadly aura, looking to see Rika and Renamon glaring at her, as though she just spoke a forbidden taboo, only for the Tamer and her partner to stop when Jeri smiled at them, letting them know it was alright.
"I don't have a partner anymore. When we were younger, I found myself partnered with Leomon." Jeri commented, getting the attention of Sora and Biyomon as she continued. "He was strong, brave and very caring, he continued to show praise in me even when I didn't believe in myself."
"However... a certain someone who was misunderstood at the time and was blinded by power, attacked and defeated Leomon, taking him away from me." The brunette then added, finding it still a hard subject to talk about, but knowing she was with her friends, Jeri felt comfort to bring up her past.
Each of the girls smiled sadly at the brunette, with Eri greatly understanding the pain of losing a partner, remembering how she nearly lost Dokamon.
But looking back to Jeri, the girls saw the brunette expressing confusion as she looked at her D-Bracer and commented. "I really don't know why I am here, or how I can help. I feel like this was all a mistake."
"I don't think so." Yoshi commented in reply, getting Jeri's attention as she continued. "You might not have a Digimon to protect you, but you have shown your bravery. You are a lot stronger than you give yourself credit for."
"You've got a fighting spirit in you, and I know Leomon saw it as well." Mervamon commented with a confident smirk and a sincerity in her voice, with everyone else agreeing with her in the process.
"You girls need to relax more." A familiar voice then chimed in casually, the voice causing the girls to freeze up as they looked to see the relaxed form of Gumdramon resting on his back and floating past with his eyes closed.
The sight of Gumdramon on their side caused more than a few to either freak out or express a growing anger, especially Sora and Biyomon as they remembered Gomamon doing something similar many years ago.
"Gumdramon?! Get back on the boys' side!" Renamon yelled as Gatomon moved quickly and kicked him out of the water, which was followed by a combination of punches and kicks from Eri and Renamon, sending the superstar Digimon flying into the air and crashing into the waters of the boys' hot spring, startling them to no end.
"Gumdramon?! Where were you?!" Tagiru questioned, looking over the oversized bruises and lumps now covering his partner.
Groaning as he brought his head out of the water, Gumdramon then gulped as he saw Dokamon and Veemon glaring down at him.
"I told you not to spy on Eri-chan." Dokamon remarked, part of him wanting to be with his partner, but he too knew how his partner would react to his presence.
-Sometime later-
Relaxing further and returning as one group, the girls looking over the unconscious form of Gumdramon nearby, all had sat down for dinner, finding Davis,Takato Veemon and Guilmon using their combined skills to prepare their food supplies into a five star meal.
"This is so good!" Jeri let out happily as the brunette took another bite into the Okonomiyaki in her hands.
"You can thank Davis for that, he's practically a professional chef!" Tai's Agumon said with pride, with Biyomon also nodding in agreement and enjoying the food provided to her.
"Wow, a professional chef." Zoe said in awe, only to then look Kari's way and grin.
"Sounds like someone's going to have five star dinners with her boyfriend." The Warrior of Wind whispered, teasing Kari.
At Zoe's words, Kari's face turned bright red, first at Davis being referred to as her boyfriend, then as she imagined having romantic dinners with him, leaving most of the girls to smirk at her reaction.
"What was that?" Davis asked, expressing some curiosity.
Though he overheard the girls talking from around the campfire he was using to cook the food, the subject was unheard, leaving Kari's face to turn even redder as she let out. "It's nothing!"
Most of the group chuckled at the exchange, leaving Kari even more embarrassed than before.
But after calming herself down a little, the brunette noticed the seating arrangement in the small circles that the group had formed.
While Kari had left room for Davis to sit next to her, finding Gatomon taking place to position herself alongside her partner and Veemon, the Digidestined of Light noticed how close Sora was sitting next to Tai, an action Jeri mirrored with Takato once he sat down, the same for Zoe and Yoshi and Takuya and Marcus sat next to them respectively, while Nene sat next to Tagiru and Eri sat between Haru and Astora.
Though Kari could see the pink haired girl was close with her male friends, the Digidestined of Light took a mental note at Eri seemingly paying more attention to Astora, her face beaming whenever the blond showed more enthusiasm in their conversation.
Similar to her, surprising and piquing Kari's interest a little, Renamon sat close to Guilmon, this causing the brunette to mentally smirk as she thought with a hidden slyness. 'I'll get them back later.'
But before anything more could be said, a loud explosion caught the attention of the group, the eruption causing all to turn and found smoke rising in the distance, along with the sounds of battle.
"That doesn't sound good." Tai's Agumon remarked, before looking to see Marcus and his Agumon get up and declare. "Let's check it out!"
Nodding in agreement with Marcus and his partner, the heroes quickly packed up their gear and rushed over towards the smoke, looking down a ridge to see a battle unfolding between a smaller group of Fire Tribe Digimon and their larger numbered Dark Tribe foes.
Against numerous DarkWolfmon, BlackGargolyemon and ShadowKnightmon, six FlameMusyamon stood with four others against their foes as they fought against the dark Digimon with their blades.
Behind the samurai Digimon, two other Digimon the heroes quickly recognized as FlameWizardmon, a powerful magician type Tagiru once captured, while between them was a slightly taller humanoid Digimon, which held similarities to the FlameWizardmon, only this Digmon was dressed in light samurai armour and robes with a circular hat on top of his head, as well as a face mask over his mouth and nose, while like the FlameMusyamon, had flaming shoulderpads.
"Pyromon. It says he's an Ultimate Level Digimon and a Magic Type of the Fire Tribe." Jeri informed as she read the info from her D-Bracer, watching as Pyromon chanted in similar words to Novicmon as he and the FlameWizardmon unleashed a series of fire blasts at the Dark Digimon.
Standing alongside the FlameMusyamon, was a tall red armoured samurai, whose face was completely concealed in a mask, which was set with a dragon head resting on the helmet.
A long crimson cape draped down the Digimon's back, while six arms, each wielding a flaming katana was seen within the Digimon's appearance, who then showed his great power, swinging the blades and sending waves of flame through the Dark Digimon.
"FlameBushidomon, also an Ultimate." Sora told the others as she looked at the information provided to her.
"Both are our elite soldiers, though the Dark Tribe have been outnumbering us of late." Novicmon informed, expressing a concern for his allies.
"Back, fowl beast!" FlameBushidomon declared from the battle as he continued to swing his blades with precision, the swipes of each blade cutting down several DarkWolfmon, and decapitating a ShadowKnightmon that was with them, only for more Dark Digimon to take their place.
"We need to help them." Davis suggested, getting nods from the group as his, Davis and Takato's D-Bracers lit up, causing Veemon, Agumon and Guilmon to break down and turn into streams of pure energy, each shooting at their partners and covering them in powerful lights.
"MagnaVeedramon!"
"Samudramon!"
"MedievalGallantmon!"
Hearing the proud cries of the heroic Digimon, the various Witchelny Digimon turned to the source, just as the three hero Digimon charged in and broke through the Dark Tribe's assault, leaving the Fire Tribe Digimon confused, with Pyromon questioning. "What is this?"
"It's ok, they're friends!" Novicmon quickly called as he and the other heroes moved to the other Fire Tribe Digimon, who watched on as MagnaVeedramon, Samudramon and MedievalGallantmon joined the fight, striking down the weaker Dark Digimon with haste.
Shaking his head from the sight of Legendary heroes coming to their aid, FlameBushidomon looked toward the other heroes and Novicmon as he said. "Thank you for the assistance. We were trying to divert some of their forces while more refugees headed for the capital."
Before anyone could ask their questions, the ground beneath the heroes, the Digimon and the Appmon began to shake, alerting the three battling Digimon as the Dark Tribe quickly moved out of the way, just as a massive creature burst straight through the ground and glared down at them.
Moving into defensive positions, MagnaVeedramon, Samudramon and MedievalGallantmon took in the appearance of a massive black scaled serpent which now stood before them, the trio noticing the dark purple energy pulsating along its form.
Six massive heads spread from out the serpent's body, each letting out loud hisses, before sliding their maws open and revealing their fangs, which glistened with venom in the sun.
"DarkHydramon, a Mega Level, which can regenerate itself when damaged." Rika said as she looked at her D-Bracer, glaring toward the serpent Digimon as its appearance and abilities reminded her of Orochimon.
However, unlike Orochimon, DarkHydramon gave a feral growl, expressing a greater and further darkness, filling many with dread at the idea of facing this powerful beast.
It was then that another growl caught everyone's attention as they looked at the top of one of DarkHydramon's heads, seeing a large armoured figure with a black warhammer glaring down at them.
"Lycanmon!" Pyromon called with concern and seriousness in his tone, causing Novicmon to freak out and cower behind Gatchmon.
Understanding that the Dark Tribe Digimon were a powerful force, but confused by the sudden fear the Fire Tribe expressed, the small mystic Digimon broke his silence, telling the humans and their partners in a fearful voice. "He's the leader of the Dark Tribe's forces invading our lands!"
"You are the so-called 'heroes' that stopped my forces attacking that worthless village?!" Lycanmon questioned as he looked down upon MagnaVeedramon, Samudramon and MedievalGallantmon with a clear resentment toward the heroes, before bellowing with further anger. "Pathetic! I should have tortured that weakling of a DarkWolfmon before killing him!"
Upon hearing Lycanmon's declaration, the heroes felt anger and disgust to know how the supposed leader of the Dark Digimon treated those under his command, thus furthering MagnaVeedramon, Samudramon and MedievalGallantmon's determination as they prepared themselves for battle.
Making the first move, Lycanmon launched himself from off of DarkHyrdramon's head and shot down toward the heroes with his warhammer risen high above his head.
"Savage Striker!" The Dark Digimon declared, ready to strike his new foes down with one swing.
Moving quickly, MagnaVeedramon quickly moved to meet Lycanmon's strike as he crossed his blades and declared with courage and might. "Magna Shield!"
As soon as the hammer struck the light barrier, a massive shockwave of energy was sent out, causing both Samudramon and MedievalGallantmon to go flying in opposite directions, while the other heroes and Fire Tribe Digimon shielded themselves from the sheer intensity of the shockwave.
'He's seriously strong...!' MagnaVeedramon thought as he groaned against the strain of Lycanmon's attack, while the ground beneath him cracked and shattered, causing a small crater to form beneath the holy knight Digimon's feet.
'He survived?!' Lycanmon thought, expressing interest and rage, before quickly leaping back as Samudramon and MedievalGallantmon tried to strike him, moving with such speed that the pair nearly collided with one another, before each receiving a kick to the chest from the dark Digimon.
Landing a few feet from his foes, a series of fireballs struck Lycanmon's being, the attacks causing the dark general to look over and see Marcus' Agumon, alongside Pyromon and the FlameWizardmon, seeing that they had tried to land a hit upon him.
However, their power paling to his own, the general didn't even flinch as the attacks struck him.
Moving fast once again, closing in on the group and bringing his hammer down, Lycanmon smirked.
But before a blow could be delivered, MagnaVeemon acted once again.
"Magna Saber!" The Holy Knight Digimon declared, causing Lycanmon to move his hammer and block the strike, the two pushing against one another as they fought.
"MagnaVeedramon, hold on!" Samudramon called in concern, expressing some concern in his voice, only to quickly move as one of DarkHydramon's heads quickly moved towards him, trying to strike with its fangs, while dark energy gathered in another head, opening fire at the warrior Digimon.
"Dynas Protection!" MedievalGallantmon announced as he moved in the path of the attack, the blast reflecting off of the crimson aura the knight Digimon produced, before MedievalGallantmon moved in to strike the head himself.
"Noble Strike!" MedievalGallantmon declared as he rushed forward, swinging his axe and cutting through the head, which fell off and dissolved into Data before it could even hit the ground.
But upon turning to see his work, MedievalGallantmon's eyes widened to see a dark mist emerged from the severed neck, which quickly reformed into another of DarkHydramon's heads, which turned and shot at him, causing the knight Digimon to block with his axe, crashing into the ground from the impact.
As Samudramon and MedievalGallantmon battled with DarkHydramon, MagnaVeedramon found himself in a tight battle with Lycanmon, finding the dark Digimon moving just as fast as he was, blocking each strike from his Magna Striker with his hammer, where the Holy Knight Digimon could sense the amusement in his foe, like he just found a prey worth killing.
"Dark Razor!" Lycanmon then bellowed, remaining in close conflict with MagnaVeedramon as he drew out his left claw, which was then covered in a dark purple flame.
Swinging his claw, the attack struck MagnaVeedramon, scratching along his chest plate and causing the holy knight Digimon to cry out in pain, both at the initial damage, and from the inflicting darkness that came with the attack.
"MagnaVeedramon!" Kari and Gatomon screamed in concern, the pair preparing to rush over and do what they could to aid their crushes, but found the remaining DarkWolfmon, BlackGargoylemon and ShadowKnightmon surrounding them.
"Do not yield, brave heroes." Pyromon said, taking a defensive stance alongside FlameBusidomon before Kari and Gatomon. "Your friend might be injured, but his might will continue to fuel his soul."
Though there was still a growing part to Kari and Gatomon, which wanted to assist MagnaVeedramon, overlooking the Digimon of Miracles, and seeing the familiar determination held within his eyes, the Digidestined and Digimon relaxed themselves and focused on their battle, with Gatomon moving before Kari and drawing her claws.
"Holy Strike!" MagnaVeedramon declared from his position, firing off a great blast of light energy at Lycanmon, who used his hammer to block against the attack, but growled as he went skidding back a few feet, actually feeling a fair pain from the attack.
"Savage Whirlwind!" Lycanmon then howled with a further fury as he brought his hammer up, dark energy gathering within it, before he swung it at MagnaVeedramon, sending out a whirlwind of darkness that slammed into the Holy Knight Digimon, and sent him flying into Samudramon, where both were then struck by a blast from three of DarkHydramon's heads, this causing the pair to cry out in pain.
"Rage of Wyvern!" MedievalGallantmon called, retaliating as he unleashed his devastating energy at the heads, destroying nearly all, but found the heads regenerating once again, finding that from the flailing necks, new heads reformed from dark mists.
Their heads regenerated and the damage repaired, the serpent Digimon then struck the knight Digimon in the back with its tail, the attack sending MedievalGallantmon crashing into the ground below.
Seeing the guys being knocked around, as well as the rest of the Dark Digimon heading for them, Kari, Sora and even Rika clenched their fists, feeling a growing dread deep within their cores, while the Digidestined of Light remembered a conversation she had with Yolei not too long ago.
-Flashback-
It was mid afternoon, another peaceful day outside the Odaiba high soccer yard, and Kari was with her friends, who watched from the benches as Davis and his soccer team were in the midst of another close match against another school.
Looking over Davis as he slid past a striker and swept the ball through the goals, the Digidestined of Light sighed dreamily as she remained focused upon the maroon haired Digidestined.
"Man, you are head over heels for him." Yolei commented with an amused smirk, watching Kari snap from her daydreaming and blush deeply.
"What?! No, I..." Kari began to say, but found her sentence cut and her blush to grow as the purple haired girl just laughed lightly.
"Kari, we're DNA partners, remember? I know you well enough." Yolei then said, looking back at the field, toward the Digidestined of Miracles as she then commented. "And while I personally have issues with him, I have to admit, you both are good for each other."
Kari looked in awe at Yolei, having never expected her to say such things, there the purple haired girl continued as she then said. "You make a perfect pairing. Davis is your source of courage, your inspiration. And you help keep Davis from losing himself. If you weren't around, I just know Davis would wind up seriously injured, and most likely by my hands."
Giggling at Yolei's words, Kari then looked back at Davis, seeing the Digidestined of Miracles taking a brief break as to down the contents of his water bottle, Kari then said with a small frown. "But I don't know how to tell him how I feel. I'm afraid he doesn't feel that way about me, not anymore... not after all I did to him in the past."
Setting her hand upon Kari's back, Yolei looked at her friend with a further smile, telling her. "You can't keep hiding in the past. I know you're still feeling guilty about how you used to treat and tease Davis, but he has matured over the years."
"And if we kept focus on the past, I just know we never would've given Ken his deserved second chance." The purple haired girl then said, her attention drawn over toward the Digidestined of Kindness, looking over to see Ken conversing happily amongst Wormmon, Cody and Armadillomon, while also cheering Davis on from time to time.
"Take the time to listen to what your heart is really telling you." Yolei finished, sliding away from Kari, before she approached the Digidestined of Kindness, took a seat close by Ken's side and turned his head to give the dark haired boy a quick but loving kiss.
Looking back at Davis, a single thought ran through Kari's mind, and that was that Davis never gave up.
And neither would she.
-End Flashback-
'I won't sit back while he's/they're in danger!' Kari, Sora and Rika all thought, the three expressing a sincerity in their emotion and their hearts, which was reflected within their D-Bracers, which began to glow.
At the same moment, Gatomon, Biyomon and Renamon were consumed in powerful auras of light, turning into energies of pink, crimson and blue respectively, which then shot toward their partners, consuming the trio in pillars of light.
The sight of the surges slowed down the pace of battle, causing everyone to gaze upon the lights, the phenomenon causing Lycanmon to snarl.
"Pathetic!" The Dark General declared as he leaped towards the light pillars, his hammer drawn and ready to strike.
However, his senses kicking in, Lycanmon quickly moved back as a large, talon-like fist emerged from the blazing crimson pillar, nearly striking him.
Withdrawing, Lycanmon looked ahead, seeing that as the lights faded, three new Digimon stood in Sora, Kari and Rika's place.
Looking upon the Digimon Sora and Biyomon had changed into, the heroes and their Fire Tribe allies were in awe at seeing the large Digimon, around the same size as Imperialdramon in his Fighter Mode, who now towered over them.
Taking in the features of the Digimon, those gazing upon the shining radiance of the Digimon could see alongside the four golden feathered wings coming out of her back that the rest of the Digimon's form resembled a cross between a human warrior and a phoenix.
With two arms and legs coming out of her torso, while crimson runic armour covered her chest and shoulders, along with tassels that went around an elegant bird's head, the new Digimon held a clear and growing sense of power and passion as she looked down at the Dark Digimon, swung her massive spear in her hand, setting the skies ablaze and declared through Sora and Biyomon's voices. "SacredPhoenixmon!"
"Wow..." Samudramon could only say as he took in SacredPhoenixmon's form, the Digimon of Courage taken by surprise at the power Sora and Biyomon now wielded.
As amazed as Samudramon was to see SacredPhoenixmon, looking toward the shining pink light by her side, the dragon man Digimon and the others took in the appearance of the smaller angelic Digimon by her side with a similar pride toward the Digimon of Love.
At first, Takuya and Zoe thought they were seeing Ophanimon again, only to realize that this was a newer variant to the celestial Digimon.
As she too maintained the elegance and beauty they remembered of their Ophanimon, the new Ophanimon hovering beside SacredPhoenixmon was clad in armour made entirely of gold, while her white robes flowed around her, allowing the new celestial Digimon to move freely.
Her shoulder pads had the crest of Light set upon them, showing her continued stride to oppose the darkness, while her wings were now made of a pure light energy.
Keeping a serious expression upon her lips, staring through her helmet and into the dark hearts of those against her, the celestial Digimon swung the golden sword and her shield now in her possession as she declared in Kari and Gatomon's voices. "Lightbearer Ophanimon!"
"Beautiful..." MagnaVeedramon said to himself as he looked upon Lightbearer Ophanimon, finding that despite the position they were in, neither Davis nor Veemon could take their eyes off of the Digimon of Light.
With SacredPhoenixmon and Lightbearer Ophanimon now revealed, the heroes turned their focus to the final light, finding the blue energies had died down not too long ago, revealing the combined form of Rika and Renamon.
Resembling the Sakuyamon most of the heroes were used to seeing, this mystical Digimon was no longer clad in armour, but her figure was set within gold and black robes, with gold tassels showing Digi-runes.
Drawing her right hand out and allowing blue flames to manifest around and take shape, forming a spear which held the appearance of twin foxes circling a golden gem on top, the combined force of Rika and Renamon swung her new weapon around and announced with might, power and passion. "MysticSakuyamon!"
As the shock of the new heroic Digimon still overtook the others, Lightbearer Ophanimon directed her sword in the air, calling out with might. "Heaven's Light!"
From the sword's tip, a wave of light shot out and pooled through the area.
The effect of the light instantly took effect and showed its power as the damage to the injured Fire Tribe Digimon, as well as Samudramon, MedievalGallantmon and MagnaVeedramon began to fade away.
In awe at Lightbearer Ophanimon's power, the Digimon of Miracles looked down to his chest, finding the claw marks left by Lycanmon's savagery fading and repairing his form.
Angered by the new foes, at seeing his enemies regaining their fighting spirits, Lycanmon let out a fierce howl, causing the DarkWolfmon, BlackGargolyemon and ShadowKnightmon to resume their charge at the heroes, ready to cut them down for their Master.
"Spirit Ring!" MysticSakuyamon called out in retaliation as her left hand glowed with light, which she then pressed to the ground.
Concentrating her new magic, a massive seal appeared upon the ground, which spread around her friends and more than a handful of the Dark Digimon's forces.
As light shone from the seal, the heroic Digimon and Digimon of the Fire Tribe felt nothing, but looking to the Dark Tribe Digimon foolish enough to step within MysticSakuyamon's domain, they saw the wicked Digimon convulse in pain, their power draining as they remained trapped within MysticSakuyamon's power.
"Full Spirit Wave!" MysticSakuyamon then announced as she held her spear upward, her declaration causing the gold gem set within her spear began to glow with golden flames, before the mystic Digimon swung the spear ahead of her, sending out a large number of golden fox spirits, which quickly moved around the battlefield, moving around her allies and savagely attacking the Dark Digimon within the seal, the overwhelming force causing the Dark Digimon to dissolve into Data instantly.
"Divine Calling!" Lightbearer Ophanimon then declared, furthering her display of power as several rings of light formed around her being, before firing blasts of light at the BlackGargolyemon, destroying them with ease.
"Sacred Flame!" SacredPhoenixmon bellowed as she unleashed a blast of flame from her mouth, incinerating more of the DarkWolfmon beneath her feet.
Enraged by the new attackers, Lycanmon let out a feral roar.
Gripping his hammer tighter, Lycanmon leapt at the three heroines, ready to strike them down before they could ruin anymore of his plans.
"Magna Saber!"
"Cross Slicer!"
"Final Crest!"
Instantly, MagnaVeedramon, Samudramon and MedievalGallantmon were before Lycanmon, their weapons repelling his hammer as the Dark General pushed against them.
Unable to hold back all three Digimon, Lycanmon was then pushed back through the power MagnaVeedramon, Samudramon and MedievalGallantmon shared together, sending him flying back.
Seeing Lycanom in danger, and acting on its dark instincts, DarkHydramon reared its heads once again, lunging towards the three heroes.
But having their backs, Lightbearer Ophanimon and SacredPhoenixmon moved in and attacked.
"Striking Light!"
"Blazing Spear Strike!"
With Lightbearer Ophanimon's sword blazing with light, and SacredPhoenixmon's spear cast in another onslaught of flames, the pair swung their weapons, slicing clean through and decapitating all of DarkHydramon's heads, before watching the serpent's necks writhe as the dark mist began creeping back up.
"Don't go for the heads, go for the body!" Haru yelled, getting the Digimon's attention.
"Just like the old myth, you need to burn the body so it can't regenerate!" The leader of the Appli Drivers then informed.
Looking at one another, the six heroic Digimon nodded in agreement, before looking back at the reforming DarkHydramon.
"Inferno Wing!" SacredPhoenixmon declared as she spread her wings, which ignited in flames, consuming her being as she rushed at DarkHydramon.
"Spiritual Spear Strike!" MysticSakuyamon then followed up with might as she rushed at the dark serpent, her spear glowing with the light of her fox spirits, which rushed toward DarkHydramon.
"Final Crest!"
"Full Force Strike!"
Moving with SacredPhoenixmon and MysticSakuyamon, MedievalGallantmon and MagnaVeedramon joined in as the four shot through DarkHydramon's being, causing the serpent to shriek in pain and for its body to slowly break apart.
"Holy Judgement!" Lightbearer Ophanimon announced with might as her light rings moved in front of her, combining as they fired a massive blast of light at DarkHydramon, consuming the dark Digimon in its energy as the serpent dissolved completely into Data particles.
Enraged by the sight, but seeing his forces defeated, Lycanmon let out another roar, causing the remaining Dark Tribe forces to quickly retreat, the Dark General soon following as he declared in hate. "You will all suffer for this!"
Watching on, Novicmon and his fellow Fire Tribe Digimon were in awe, not only to see three more hero Digimon, but also at seeing Lycanmon being driven off, A sight none had ever seen before.
It was then that the six hero Digimon turned into light and reverted back to their original forms, where Kari and Sora felt drained, the girls falling backwards, before being caught by Davis and Tai respectively, which left the four blushing at the contact, but smiling nonetheless.
"You did good." Davis said to Kari, who blushed even more at the praise, before Davis helped her to her feet as they saw Rika, Takato and their partners coming towards them, where Davis looked at the redhead and added. "You as well, Rika."
"It was nothing, Gogglehead." Rika said in her usual dismissive tone, though Kari was almost certain she saw the Tamer blush, but didn't pay any attention to it as their friends and allies came towards them with a cheer.
-Later-
"Again, we thank you for your assistance." Pyromon said to the heroes, who smiled in reply, before the mystic Digimon then said. "We will be heading on our own path back to the capital, looking for other refugees."
"Meanwhile, but do not let your guards down." FlameBushidomon added, only to say with a seriousness. "Lycanmon does not forgive, and will undoubtedly seek his revenge on all of you."
"We'll keep our eyes peeled. Thank you." Shoutmon said, expressing his gratitude for the group.
That said, the militant Digimon went back on the move, leaving the heroes and heroines to return in their adventure, following Novicmon as he led them towards the capital.
All the while, Kari and Sora look at Davis and Tai respectively every now and then, both feeling happy that they can now fight alongside the ones they care for.
'Davis never gives up, and I won't either, not until we are finally together.' Kari thought with a smile, unaware of another in the group looking at Davis with the same warmth in her eyes.
.
.
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With a rage-filled cry, Lycanmon slammed his hammer into a few more trees, knocking them down and filling his subordinates with fear, worried that they would be next in the Dark General's rampage.
"They dare humiliate me?! I will make them suffer!" Lycanmon growled, before looking to the shadows, seeing a dozen eyes looking back at him as he then growled out. "Go! Find them and eliminate them!"
Obeying, the shadows disappeared, leaving Lycanmon to reign in his anger, knowing he had to push his forces forwards to the capital.
He would not fail, he would crush the humans and the Fire Tribe, he would regain his glory.
He would not fail Her.
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Author's note: six revealed, eleven more to go. And what are the Dark Tribe's goals? Stay tuned for more.