As the sun began to set and night slowly overtook the area, the heroes and Novicmon decided to stop for the night, where the group went to work setting up the tents they were given, while Davis, Takato, Veemon and Guilmon went about preparing dinner for everyone, the four surprised as Kari, Rika, Gatomon and Renamon offered their assistance.
Meanwhile, Takuya, Zoe, Marcus, Yoshi, Marcus' Agumon and Lalamon were in the surrounding woods, looking for broken branches and such to keep the embers of their campfire alive.
"You know, despite the dangers and those Dark Tribe Digimon, I've got to admit, I kind of missed this." Takuya told Zoe, looking at the blonde with a small smile. "I'm happy that I get to hang out with you, Koji, JP and the others, but being back in a Digital World, even if it's a different dimensional one, is a nice change."
Looking over to Takuya, Zoe nodded in reply, sharing a warm smile toward the Warrior of Flame.
"I know exactly how you feel, Takuya. Being a chosen warrior is a big responsibility, but there's nobody else I'd rather do it with than you." The Warrior of Wind said back, she too expressed her continued warmth and affection in her tone.
If he was honest with himself, Takuya would have admitted more that he was happy to be with Zoe herself, without the other guys interfering.
He could tell that most of the other guys had their own interest with the other girls, while Mikey and Haru confirmed that they had someone each they were close to back home, meaning he didn't have any competition for Zoe's affection this time.
Looking her over when her attention wasn't drawn upon him, Takuya also appreciated how the blonde's appearance has changed over the years since they left their Digital World.
Despite wearing almost the same outfit, consisting of a purple cap, a blue and white striped shirt under a purple vest and matching shorts, Takuya blushed as he saw how the outfit showed off her figure, causing some rather 'interesting' thoughts to come to mind, before shaking his head as he went back to his task.
'Come on, Takuya, you're braver than this! You practically told her you liked her at Ophanimon's castle all those years ago!' The Warrior of Fire mentally berated himself, trying to break through his feelings and work up the courage to express how he really felt, but found it hard, especially since he and Zoe had become so close as friends over the years.
As Takuya struggled with his feelings, though she remained with a smile on her face, looking away from Takuya and resuming the task of retrieving firewood, the blonde changed her expression, reflecting her own doubts and insecurities.
'Takuya... I really wish I could just tell you how I feel about you, but I...' Zoe began to think, her mind drifting back to Ophanimon's library, at how she almost confessed her feelings to Takuya, only for the Warrior of Flame to fall asleep halfway through their conversation, the exhaustion he felt from the battles with the Royal Knights overtaking him.
Conflicted with her feelings, Zoe kept wondering if there was anything she could've done to change the past, thinking if she had tried to wake Takuya or tell him her feelings after his rest.
But repeating the chance in the past in her head, it only hindered the Warrior of Wind, namely as she then remembered how Takuya's changes in the Digital World left him quite popular with many of the female students, many seeing him as a cute, sweet and selfless person.
Resuming their tasks, the two Legendary Warriors picked up what was needed, before heading back to the camp in silence, both not sure what to say to one another, but enjoying each other's company, nonetheless.
Meanwhile, with their partners gathering supplies not too far off, their Digimon partners focusing on their primal instincts as to forage and retrieve supplies, Marcus and Yoshi gathered wood themselves, both talking about old times and the things they've missed.
"You know, Marcus, I... we've really missed you." Yoshi confessed as she looked away from Marcus with a light blush on her face.
In their world, it had been three years since the gate to their Digital World was closed, where Marcus had decided to stay in the Digital World, only for said gate to reopen a few weeks before they were summoned to Witchelny.
"Yeah, I know." Marcus said in reply, hiding his own smile, happy to be back with Yoshi again, having missed her the most during his separation from the Real World, finding that when he and Agumon weren't fighting opposing Digimon, his mind often turned to her.
The pair continued gathering their supplies in silence, both enjoying the moment as they met up with Agumon and Lalamon, before deciding to return to the camp, meeting up with Takuya and Zoe on the way back.
"So what do you think you and Agumon will turn into when your D-Bracer activates?" The Warrior of Flame asked Marcus, wanting a distraction from his thoughts of Zoe.
"No clue, but whatever it will be, it'll be awesome!" The DATS member said in reply with his usual confidence, earning a cheer from Agumon, while Zoe, Yoshi and Lalamon smiled at the exchange.
However, the pleasant mood was ruined when they heard the sounds of battle suddenly erupted from the camp, letting the six know their friends were in trouble as they quickly rushed ahead to aid their friends in their endeavour.
-Moments earlier-
After getting dinner underway, from their position, Davis and Veemon looked around, seeing that as Kari, Rika and their partners helped set up a large blanket for the group to eat upon, Jeri had taken a brief break so she could speak with Takato.
The sight of Takato and Jeri conversing, especially seeing Jeri blushing faintly from time to time caused the Digidestined and Digimon of Miracles to smirk.
For a while, Davis and Veemon wondered why Jeri didn't join them during the Quartzmon incident, but after Kari and Gatomon explained what happened to her partner, Leomon, the two understood and felt empathy for the brunette.
But remaining a little focused on Jeri, Davis knew there was a deeper reason for her being with them as opposed to mere emotional support.
Turning his attention away from Jeri and Takato, seeing the Tamers remaining closer to one another, Davis then looked over and nearly laughed at the sight of Tai and Agumon, who were having a little trouble setting up the tents.
And suppressing his laughter, Sora and Biyomon couldn't help but to laugh at the sight as they finished their tents.
Finished in their amusement, Sora and Biyomon joined Tai and Agumon, assisting the pair in setting up the tents, leaving Davis and Veemon smiling at the closeness their friends held.
Meanwhile, Nene and Mervamon were both smiling, or smirking in the amazon Digimon's case, as Tagiru and Gumdramon did their best to not only set their tents up, but the girls' as well, showing their lack of skill in the process, to the point Tagiru and Gumdramon wound tied up amongst the ropes and cloth of the tent.
Reminded that Tagiru had never actually visited the Digital World his world was connected to, Davis and Veemon found the sight amusing, but saw Tagiru overlooking Nene from time, expressing a familiar refusal to never give up, where the Superstar managed to pull himself from out the tangled mess and tried to set the tent the right way.
Finally, Davis and Veemon noticed Astora, Dokamon and Musimon trying to set up their tents, with Dokamon literally trying to punch the tent into shape, earning a punch in the head from Eri, much to the amusement of those watching, while Astora and his partner expressed a great pride in themselves as they set up their tent with ease, the Appli Driver even withdrawing his smartphone as to take a selfie.
Amongst the various humans, Digimon and Appmon he had come to call his friends, it was then that Davis saw Novicmon, Mikey, Shoutmon, Haru and Gatchmon approaching him, where the Red General then suggested. "I think we should have a nightwatch while the rest of us sleep."
"Nighttime is when some of the more... devious members of Lycanmon's forces are active." Novicmon added with a shudder, his warning left those around him to worry as to what kind of trouble the Dark Tribe Digimon could cause to earn such a reaction from the small Digimon.
"Right, and until everyone else unlocks their power from the D-Bracers, Vee and I will take the first watch, then we'll rotate with Tai, Agumon, Kari, Gatomon, Sora, Biyomnon, Takato, Guilmon, Rika and Renamon." Davis offered, taking a more responsible and serious tone, knowing that the twelve of them could Digivolve quickly and alert the others should an attack occur.
However, the group then noticed Guilmon and Renamon reacting a little strangely, the pair quickly moving their heads around and Guilmon's eyes narrowing as he growled loudly, getting everyone's attention as Takato asked his partner in concern. "Guilmon?!"
"There's something in the shadows, and it's not the others." Renamon informed, expressing a concern in her voice as she spoke for Guilmon, sensing a large number of beings moving and watching them from the shadow's edge.
At that moment, the shadows themselves came to life, moving out from the trees and taking shape, revealing over a dozen creatures which looked like living shadows.
Each had a head, torso and two arms like a human, but were completely blacked out with no faces, while misty darkness formed their lower bodies as they floated in the air.
Each wore a chest piece of armour, made of the familiar dark purple the heroes were used to, while similar bracers covered their arms, each with twin blades coming out of them.
And finally, and most telling, were the crescent moon icons cast upon their chest plates.
"Umbramon!" Novicmon called fearfully, telling the heroes, who quickly moved to defensive stances. "They're the Dark Tribe's assassins!"
"And they're Ultimate Level!" Mikey called informed as he read the data upon his D-Bracer.
Knowing their enemy was one to take seriously, Davis, Tai, Sora, Kari, Takato, Rika and their partners prepared to Digivolve and take the latest forces of the Dark Tribe down.
However, as though sensing what their targets were about to do, the large number of Umbramon held their hands out, the action puzzling Davis and the others, until dark seal appeared beneath the group's feet, causing dozens of dark metal chains to rise out from the ground and entrap the small group.
"Guys, hold on!" Shoutmon yelled, before quickly moving as one of the Umbramon rushed down to strike with its blades, setting the remaining heroes off as they tried to deal with their shadowy opponents.
"Soul Crusher!"
"Fire Vortex!"
"Night Stalker!"
"Gatch Claw!"
"Doka-Doka Rush!"
"Music Hour!"
The three Digimon and three Appmon unleashed their attacks upon the Umbramon, only for the shadowy Digimon to either move fluidly out of the way, or in some cases, much to the shock of the heroes, allow the attacks to strike, which merely phased through the Umbramon.
The shadowy Digimon then launched themselves at the heroes, who did their best to dodge the sweeping blades as their Umbramon attacked, while Davis and those remaining trapped by chains tried to break free and help their friends.
Even Mervamon, the one Mega amongst the group, was growing frustrated at how her abilities were ineffective against her attacks.
When the Umbramon then moved to strike the humans, however, Novicmon quickly sprang into action, the small Digimon once again harnessing into his magics to conjure up a barrier as to repel against the shadowy Digimon's strikes, but found himself straining from their might, knowing he would only be able to hold out for a little while longer.
"Hold on, guys, we're coming!" Takuya yelled as he, Zoe, Marcus, Yoshi and their partners ran towards the battle, where the two Legendary Warriors mentally tried tapping into their Spirit forms, to unlock their power once again and help their friends.
Likewise, the two DATS members and their partners felt their desire to help their friends push them, guide them to move forward and save their allies, which combined with Takuya and Zoe's determination, caused all four of their D-Bracers to light up.
For Takuya and Zoe, both were consumed in light, catching the attention of their friends, as well as the Umbramon, as the two felt their Human and Beast Spirits once more, only now sensing a great power within them as they merged into one.
When the light faced, two new Digimon stood in the Legendary Warriors' places, with those remembering the forms the pair could take during the Quartzmon Incident in shock at their new appearance.
In place of Takuya was a Digimon that almost resembled Aldamon, but had a more medieval look to his armour, which also included two golden blades on his bracers ignited with flame, while tassels came down from his shoulder pads.
His helmet remained almost the same as Aldamon, with the addition of a metal mouth guard over his face, leaving only his striking blue eyes as he swung his blades and declared with might. "CrimsonAldamon!"
As the blazing aura around the Warrior of Flame died down, a purple stream of wind cut through the area, revealing Zoe's new form.
At first glance, the Digimon held a similar appearance of Zephyrmon, only this Digimon held the familiar free flowing length and blonde of Zoe's hair, while her face was no longer hidden behind a mask, allowing those around her to take in her elegance, beauty and her determination.
Set around her forehead was a golden circlet, the emblem of wind, while a series of pure white wings spread from the Digimon's back.
Her stomach was exposed, but her chest was protected by golden armour, set with two shoulder pads resembling golden eagle-like wings.
Drawing her golden talons out and revealing her new form held a set of weapons, a pair of twin wind shuriken, Zoe's new Digimon form swung her weaponry around and announced proudly. "GaleSilphymon!"
With CrimsonAldamon and GaleSilphymon springing into action, seeing their own D-Bracers light up, Marcus and Yoshi looked toward Agumon and Lalamon, who both turned into pure forms of energy.
However, much to everyone's surprise, instead of covering their partners in pillars of light, the energy that was once Agumon and Lalamon flowed around their partners, before changing into armour the two DATS members found set upon their forms.
With Marcus, the armour resembled a cross between a medieval knight and the armour ShineGreymon's appearance held, which also featured ShineGreymon's wings and shoulder pads.
A helmet now concealed Marucs' face which held aspects of his Digimon partner and a mighty warrior, reflecting the clear power Marcus and Agumon held.
By his side, Yoshi found herself in a new attire, her being clad in red and pink armour, which showed her off as both a fighter and as a woman, showing off her femimine appearance.
As a flowing cape similar to Rosemon's draped down Yoshi's back, she too now wore a helmet, which held a flora design to it, concealing her face and leaving only her eyes visible.
Despite the different alteration to their evolutions, Marcus and Yoshi could sense Agumon and Lalamon within their forms, while feeling the sheer power of their partners now coursing through their beings.
Set up and ready to fight CrimsonAldamon, GaleSilphymon and the infused DATS fighters charged toward the Umbramon, who turned their attention to the new arrivals, letting out shrieks as they rushed towards them.
"Blazing Sabers!" CrimsonAldamon declared as the flames upon his blades surged with a great intensity, swinging them just as the first Umbramon lunged at him, where, much to everyone's surprise, the shadowy Digimon let out great shrieks of pain as the blade cut through the Dark Digimon, causing it to burn away into Data particles instantly.
"Wind Blades!" GaleSilphymon then announced as her twin shurikens began to glow with purple energy, which she then threw at the oncoming Umbramon, cutting through several of the shadowy Digimon.
And showing her mastery over her weaponry, the set of shuriken returned to their owner, where the Warrior of Wind moved herself back into a fighting stance.
Seeing several of their dark brethren taken down, the Umbramon began to move and spread out, where the two Legendary Warrior Digimon flew into the air, ready to take down more of their foes.
"Crimson Force!" CrimsonAldamon bellowed as he held his hands out and cast forth several great blasts of fire at the Umbramon, striking a handful, which caused the Dark Digimon to dissolve into Data.
"Hurricane Spiral!" GaleSilphymon then declared, expressing her continued might and swinging her shuriken, sending out powerful streams of air, the sheer force of the attack sent the Umbramon crashing to the ground below.
Quickly getting up and those who just recovered from GaleSilphymon's power, the surviving Umbramon rushed toward Novicmon and the humans, hoping to take out the weaker of their enemies quickly.
"Oh, no you don't! Firewall!" A familiar voice then announced with might, where the heroes watched as Marcus moved in front of the group, before a flaming shield gathered and appeared around his left arm, which grew and intensified, deflecting the attacks of the Umbramon, before the DATS member held out his right hand.
"Blazing Blade!" Marcus followed up as a flaming sword appeared in his hand, which he swung forward, cutting through the Umbramon before him with ease.
While remaining calm and focused, Marcus was mentally confused, unsure as to how he knew what to do with his new power, but decided to ask questions after the battle was over.
"Rose Blizzard!" Yoshi followed up, continuing the attacks as she stretched her arms outward, bringing forth a storm of rose petals that tore through the Umbramon, the intensity of Yoshi's power causing the Dark Digimon to shriek in pain with their defeats, before the auburn haired girl turned on another group of shadowy Digimon, keeping up her fighting spirit.
"Thorn Saber!" She then announced as vines shot down her arms, forming a pair of thorn blades, which she used to strike through the Umbramon onslaught, cutting a few down in the process.
Seeing their numbers dwindling, one of the Umbramon reacted as it suddenly let out a high pitched cry, this causing the others to quickly move towards it, where the heroes watched as they were absorbed into the lead Umbramon's form, which began to grow and alter its appearance.
Soon, there was a new Digimon before them, resembling the Umbramon they had seen before, only this one rivaled SacredPhoenixmon in size, with four arms and a billowing cloud of darkness around it as it let out a shriek of rage.
"Stay on guard, guys. That's GrandUmbramon, a Mega Level!" Haru called in warning toward CrimsonAldamon, GaleSilphymon, Marcus and Yoshi, who all nodded in reply, but remained determined as they moved to take their foe down.
"Arcane Inferno!" CrimsonAldamon declared as he brought his hands forth, unleashing a powerful blast of fire at GrandUmbramon, who retaliated as it brought its arms up to shield itself from the flames.
But even defending, the flames burnt through GrandUmbramon's hands.
"Flaming Destruction!" Marcus then declared, adding to the firepower as he swung his blade as GrandUmbramon, sending out a powerful shockwave of fire, striking the Dark Digimon from the other side, furthering its agony.
Enraged by the attacks against it, GrandUmbramon fought back.
Drawing its hands outward, the corrupt Digimon unleashed a barrage of dark energy blasts upon its foes, causing the four Digimon heroes to quickly move out of the way as to avoid the darkness.
"Shooting Star Strike!" GaleSilphymon declared as she swept aside, throwing her shuriken once again, but with even more energy, which then cut through two of GrandUmbramon's arms, causing the arms to detach and dissolve into nothingness.
With GrandUmbramon weakened, Yoshi saw an opportunity to strike down GrandUmbramon.
"Violet Blast!" The auburn haired DATS officer yelled, her call causing a dozen pink energy orbs to form around her, which she then cast toward GrandUmbramon, causing the dark Digimon to shriek loudly in pain.
"Nature's Wrath!" Yoshi then followed up, where the ground beneath GrandUmbramon shook, before dozens of large vines wrapped around the shadowy Digimon, constraining its movements as it writhed in pain.
"Arcane Twister!" GaleSilphymon announced as she joined in, aiding Yoshi as the Warrior of Wind threw her shuriken, forming a massive twister that consumed GrandUmbramon, who cried in great pain as it felt the shuriken's force cutting through its form.
"Inferno Strike!"
"Corona Dash!"
Working as one, CrimsonAldamon and Marcus were consumed in flames, before the pair shot at GrandUmbramon on either side, reemerging in the same spot the other was, leaving the Dark Digimon crying out in pure agony with its defeat, dissolving before everyone's eyes, much to the others delight, especially when the chains around Davis and the others faded.
As the group regathered, they watched as the armour on Marcus and Yoshi glowed with light, before moving off their bodies and reformed as Agumon and Lalamon, who both had dazed spirals in their eyes, the pair drained after using so much energy, which left the group to chuckle lightly at the sight.
.
.
.
"Ok, I get how you two Digivolved." Davis started to say as he overlooked CrimsonAldamon and GaleSilphymon, who were still set within their new Spirit forms, before the Digidestined of Miracles turned his attention toward Marcus and Yoshi, adding with confusion. "But I don't quite understand your evolutions."
Not long after the battle, the group returned around their campfire, recovering their energy, with Renamon keeping a vigilant eye in case another wave of Dark Tribe Digimon came to strike.
"It felt strange, like I was there protecting Marcus, watching everything, but I wasn't in control, Marcus was doing everything." Marcus' Agumon informed as he tried to describe what happened to him, the feeling shared by Lalamon, who hovered close to Yoshi, looking at her partner with pride.
"That's because you guys became legendary Digi-Armours." Novicmon cut in, getting the group's attention as he pulled his large book out of his hat once again, flipped through a few pages, before finding the data he was after.
Turning the book around to allow his friends to examine the pages themselves, the imagery amongst them showed a pair of armour sets that looked similar to the armour Marcus and Yoshi were wearing during their battle.
Putting the book away, the heroes then saw Novicmon withdraw a smaller book and a quill, where he jotted down some writing as he then suggested with starry eyes. "Since you guys don't have Digimon names like the others, how about we call you Fire Knight Marcus and Rose Knight Yoshi when you're in those forms?"
From her position and looking upon Novicmon, Kari asked curiously. "What are you writing in that book?"
"You're the first humans as far as I know in Witchelny, heroes battling against the darkness plaguing it. Someone has to write your story down." Novicmon replied with a growing smile, one the others shared, before Kari stifled a yawn.
"You guys go ahead and get some sleep, we'll take the first watch." CrimsonAldamon offered, since he and GaelSilphymon were still set within their powerful Digimon forms, the suggestion getting nods from the others, who went to their tents to get some rest.
Before entering their own tents, however, Marcus and Yoshi spared a glance at one another, smiling as a silent message passed between them, one promising that they would stand together during all of this.
Meanwhile, as the pair kept watch, GaleSilphymon was then surprised when she felt CrimsonAldamon take her hand reassuringly, causing her to look at her companion, sensing his smile through his helmet.
"I don't know why we are here, or what we're supposed to do, but I am glad you're here with me, Zoe." Takuya said, his honesty and caring tone causing GaleSilphymon to blush a little, but smile nonetheless, with the pair remaining silent through their watch, hoping that the answers they seek are waiting for them at the Fire Tribe's Capital.
.
.
.
With an annoyed growl, Lycanmon stood before a large black framed mirror, held by a pair of Nercomon, where the Dark General looked at the reflection of a robed figure within, a mysterious being set sickles upon his shoulder pads, while their face was covered by a hood, leaving only red eyes visible and glaring back at Lycanmon.
"Lycanmon, how is the campaign going?" The figure questioned in a condescending tone, causing Lycanmon to suppress a growl, wishing to tear the individual's head off, but knew if he stepped out of line, his superior would crush him.
Charonmon, a slippery snake, and one of the strongest Magic Digimon in the Dark Tribe, often got on the Dark General's nerves.
Unfortunately, he was also Her chief advisor, and so Lycanmon was forced to deal with Charonmon.
"It goes we'll, we shall be at the capital in a few days." The wolf Digimon said in reply.
"I certainly hope so. She will not tolerate any more delays, I would hate to see you fail Her." Charonmon said back, with Lycanmon almost sensing the smirk behind the dark Magic Digimon's mask, causing the Dark General to tighten his grip on his hammer.
"We also have reports that more and more refugees are heading to the capital. It would be... tragic, if anything were to happen to them." Charonmon then added as a pair of dark portals opened behind the mirror, where Lycanmon saw a pair of massive Digimon emerge, causing the Dark General to smirk, looking forward to unleashing the new additions to his forces upon the Fire Tribe and reach his goal.
He would not fail Her.