The questions and thoughts for the Fusion Fighters and Appli Drivers about what it was like to become one with their partners left the groups' minds as the gathering of heroes and heroines arrived at the gates to the Fire Tribe's Capital, with the caravan stopping behind them as the civilians unloaded their belongings.

Looking upon the walls, the group saw a large number of Fire Tribe Warriors on guard duty, keeping a vigilant watch over their domain, with the defenses also set with flame based Digimon who were manning large cannons and trebuchets for the upcoming siege.

"Well that's reassuring." Zoe commented dryly as the group then crossed the gates and ventured into the city, taking in the sights before them.

As Haru and Gatchmon had seen when they were in the air as Sagemon, the city was styled in feudal Japanese architecture.

Making their way through the streets, the heroes saw many shops and restaurants open for business, not only to fill their own pockets, but to serve the Digimon who now crowded the area upon arriving to the capital for safety.

"There's so many of them." Sora said, expressing a growing solemn tone as she looked upon the various Digimon, seeing the sadness and depression at having lost their homes, where Tai clenched his fist and added. "Lycanmon will pay for this."

However, before the group could proceed any further, with Novicmon leading them to the massive palace built at the foot of the volcano, a large Digimon landed in front of them, causing the heroes to stop and see who had gotten in front of them.

The being resembled the FlameBushidomon the heroes had run into before, only this Digimon was slightly taller, with only two arms and one powerful looking katana in his hand, while a flaming cape covered his back.

Looking down at the heroes, the Digimon brought his blade up to strike, with the group preparing to defend themselves, before Novicmon quickly moved before his friends with a panicked cry.

"Wait, BlazeShogunmon!" Novicmon cried out desperately, stopping the Digimon as he looked down at the small Digimon, while the information on the Digimon appeared on the heroes' D-Bracers.

"BlazeShogunmon, Mega Level!" Tagiru said in surprise, where he and the others looked back at the warrior Digimon, who continued to look down at Novicmon.

"Novicmon!? Who are these intruders and why have you brought them into our city?!" BlazeShogunmon questioned as he stared down the outsiders, uncertain to their connections and the possibility they were Dark Tribe spies.

"They're not enemies, BlazeShogunmon, they're my friends, heroes who saved my village from the Dark Tribe, they have D-Bracers, look!" Novicmon replied as he pointed to Davis and the others, where the warrior Digimon looked to see the human wearing D-Bracers.

"It's true, they saved us from being destroyed by Lycanmon's forces." Another voice then said, where the heroes looked to see a FlameMusyamon, a Pyromon and a FlameBushidomon coming towards them.

Upon close examination, the heroes realized that the FlameMuysamon was the one who they helped defend Novicmon's Village, while the Pyromon and FlameBushidomon were the same one they helped when they first encountered Lycanmon.

Looking between his other tribesmen, BlazeShogunmon put his blade aside, before looking at the heroes and saying with respect. "Apologies. I am BlazeShogunmon, Lord Infernomon's right hand and protector of this city. With the Dark Tribe's army bearing down on us, we cannot take chances, even with strangers."

"We understand." Davis replied, before adding with a further serious tone. "But we need to speak with Infernomon, please."

"Very well, he has been expecting you." BlazeShogunmon said in reply as he turned and began walking, surprising the heroes slightly, before they followed Infernomon's right hand man, walking closer to the palace.

Reaching the inner walls of the palace, the heroes then saw hundreds of warrior Digimon, all training and preparing various equipment for their upcoming battle, with some FlameMusyamon and FlameWizardmon Digivolving right before their eyes, Digivolving into FlameBushidomon and Pyromon.

Meanwhile, along the training grounds and around the palace were two types of Digimon that left the heroes in awe, six each as they looked down upon the heroes.

One type was a powerful looking figure clad in red armour and white robes, decorated with golden trimmings around his chest, shoulders and arms, showing his regal appearance, with the back of his armour closely resembling a dragon.

Taking in the remaining aspects of the Digimon, though the Digimon held a draconic form, the group could see this was another mighty warrior, with the armour cast around his form resembling the mighty dragon.

Overlooking the face of the Digimon, all could sense behind its helmet and seeing it within his emerald eyes, the Digimon held great power, which seemed to burn as a faint red aura.

The second type of Digimon also resembled dragons, but were far more feral looking then their warrior brethren.

While not having wings, these dragons stood on their back legs, and looked like they were made of molten rock and lava, letting out hisses as they looked at the heroes walking by.

"ShogunDracomon and MagmaDracomon, both Mega Levels." Yoshi said in awe as she read their information on her D-Bracer, before she asked with some confusion. "Why aren't these guys out there fighting?"

"Because they are all we have left." BlazeShogunmon replied without looking back, causing the heroes to nod in understanding, realizing that these six were a part of the city's final defense, and could not afford to lose them in battle.

Entering the palace, BlazeShogunmon led the heroes into a massive throne room, occupied by three Digimon, where Mikey, Shoutmon and Nene were shocked at first to see one resembling Tactimon.

Unlike the Tactimon they fought, however, this Digimon's armour was a deep shade of red, with the flame patterns black, while golden flames came out of his shoulder pads and helmet as he looked at the heroes.

"ScorchTactimon, Mega level." Nene said to her fellow Fusion Fighters as she looked at the information on her D-Bracer, where Mikey and Shoutmon nodded in reply, before looking at the other Digimon in the room.

Across from ScorchTactimon was another Digimon, one that resembled a larger Pyromon, only his face wasn't covered, resembling a more mature version of Novicmon, as well as a tail coming out from his robes.

"GrandPyromon, also a Mega Level." Marcus added as he looked at the info on his D-Bracer.

Finally, the heroes' gazes turned to a large Digimon at the center, sitting atop a massive throne of gold with flame designs, as BlazeShogunmon moved next to him.

The Digimon was large, almost the size of SacredPhoenixmon, resembling a larger version of BlazeShogumon, but with a more regal look to him.

Flames covered the Digimon's hands and feet, while a massive red cloak seemed to cover a burning fire that came out of his back, as dragon shoulder pads released simmering smoke from the flames within the Digimon.

His shogun helmet and a face mask covered most of his facial features, leaving a pair of burning eyes that looked down upon the heroes, where they felt not only his raw power, but his determination and ability to lead, as well as seeing the twin katanas strapped to his sides.

"And finally, we have Infernomon. Leader of the Fire Tribe, and a Mega Level warrior." Davis finished.

As the group looked upon the leader of the Fire Tribe and his associates, they looked back at Novicmon, who knelt before his tribe's ruler.

"Welcome, most noble of heroes. I must thank you for seeing my tribesmen to safety during these dark times." Infernomon said, his voice powerful but kind, before looking at Novicmon and adding with sincerity. "And it is always good to see you, Novicmon. Thank you for guiding them here."

Looking amongst the Fire Tribe Digimon, Infernomon introduced his allies, gesturing toward those he considered great warriors and even closer allies. "This is ScorchTactimon, my chief military advisor. GrandPyromon, our lead Digimon in terms of magics, both new and ancient. And you have met BlazeShogunmon."

"It is a pleasure to meet you all." Shoutmon said, speaking for the group as he knelt before the Fire Tribe's leader, an action followed by Mikey and the others.

"I know you all have questions, but I will answer the ones I know have been plaguing you since you arrived in Witchelny." Infernomon then said, causing the heroes to look in awe and excitement, hoping to find the answers they've been seeking.

"And the answer is sadly, no, I do not know how you were summoned to our world or why you are here." Infernomon declared, his words causing the group to deflate, with some holding their tongue from lashing out in rage.

"However, seeing as you all now possess the D-Bracers, I can tell that you each have the souls of heroes, and that is something Witchelny is in desperate need of." The Fire Tribe Leader then said, where he began explaining Witchelny's history to the heroes and heroines present.

"As I believe Novicmon told you, over a thousand years ago, Witchelny was mostly a peaceful world, the tribes living in harmony as we practiced our Digi-Magics, sending students to the school on Mt. Brocken, while knightly orders protected the innocent from Bandit and wild Digimon."

"What changed then?" Davis asked, having remembered that Novicmon never told them what originally started the war in the first place.

"A thousand years ago, an entity known only as the Dark Lady took over the Dark Tribe, changing them from what they were and into the dark force you see today. Other than her existence, we sadly do not know much else about her. Her power has enslaved many of the wild Digimon, such as the DarkHydramon and DeathWendigomon, and bound them to her twisted will." Infernomon explained, surprising the heroes at hearing his tale.

"The Knight orders tried to fight her, but they fell to her power, with many being destroyed, while others bowed before her. Lycanmon was one such Digimon." The Fire Tribe's leader then said.

This shocked the heroes upon hearing that Lycanmon was once a defender of Witchelny, before Gumdramon let out. "So what, she's out to conquer the world?"

"Unfortunately, that is not their main goal." GrandPyromon spoke up, getting the hero's attention as he then explained. "Digi-Magic makes up much of Witchelny, it allows life to thrive and flow within this Dimension. But everywhere the Dark Tribe goes, they drain the Digi-Magic from it, causing the world to rot away in the process."

This information caused most of the group to widen their eyes, remembering the dying forests and the dried up rivers they passed, now realizing that it was due to the Dark Tribe's hunger for Digi-Magic.

"Some of this Digi-Magic is used to create more of their forces, with the Dark Lady experimenting and creating newer monstrosities almost daily to assault Witchelny, while the majority of it is taken for something else, for whatever dark purpose the Dark Lady has for it." ScorchTactimon then added, this adding to the heroes' shock.

"This might be an ignorant question, but there are nine tribes against one, why haven you guys and the other tribes banded together and fought back?" Davis then asked, seeing BlazeShogunmon about to respond in anger, only to stop as Infernomon held his hand out.

"There has been a long-standing rivalry and mistrust amongst the tribes even before the Dark Lady appeared, and, though I admit now it was not a wise choice, our tribe, along with the others, have adopted a standalone tactic, each tribe defending their own against the Dark Tribe's onslaught. As BlazeShogunmon showed you when you arrived, the idea of others outside our tribe coming to help is a foreign concept." Infernomon explained, thinking of their past mistakes and the mistrust between the tribal leaders.

"Lycanmon isn't coming here just to conquer the Fire Tribe, is he?" Haru then asked as a thought came to mind, getting the others' attention, while Infernomon and his associates looked at one another, before the Fire Tribe's leader nodded his head, rising from his throne.

"Follow me." Infernomon merely said.

Doing as they were told, with Davis and the other returning to their feet, the group of Digimon and Appmon heroes followed the large Fire Digimon and his associates, where he led them down the walkway and into a large room, which consisted of walls made of pure rock.

It didn't take long for the heroes to realize that they were either close or at the center of the volcano, evident from the rising smoke pooling around the area.

And looking around and above, all found a dozen or so SacredPhoenixmon could fit within the circular interior.

But what caught the attention of the group was a massive column of fire at the center of the room, the flames roaring up to the ceiling, filling the heroes with awe.

Despite the massive inferno, however, the heroes did not feel any heat from it, but instead, felt raw power emanating from it, power similar to what they felt when their D-Bracers activated.

"What is this?" Takuya asked curiously.

"This is the Eternal Flame." Infernomon said in reply, where he looked back at the heroes and explained. "It is the remnant of one of the Ten Primordial Digimon whose energy created Witchelny, and is the source of all Fire Digi-Magic in this world."

"This is what Lycanmon and his forces seek, to drain the Eternal Flame of its magic and give it to the Dark Lady. Should he succeed, not only would all life in our lands die out, but the balance of Magic within Witchelny would be forever thrown off balance." GrandPyromon then informed, adding to the shock and worry of the heroes.

Turning back to face the group, expressing a further seriousness, Infernomon asked. "I know that this is not your world, or your fight, but after hearing of your exploits so far, I ask you to help us defend our tribe and this city from Lycanmon and his forces. The Dark Lady cannot gain the Eternal Flame, or all of Witchelny shall suffer."

The heroes looked at one another with uncertainty, now seeing that they may be dragged deeper into this war then they realized, that there was far more on the line than they originally believed.

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Fully recovered, Lycanmon let out a growl as he moved towards the dark mirror, where Charonmon appeared within, the dark magic Digimon asking. "Have you reached the Capital yet?"

"We shall strike soon." Lycanmon replied with a growl, causing Charonmon to narrow his eyes.

"Then why have you contacted me? And where are the DeathWendigomon I sent you?" Charonmon then questioned.

"Destroyed by humans and their Digimon pets, humans with D-Bracers!" Lycanmon replied bitterly, expecting Charonmon to call him a liar and berate him for failing.

Instead, the hooded Digimon's eyes widened as he asked in interest. "Are you certain?!"

"I fought them, twice! They take the forms of the legendary heroes, they've ruined part of my forces and killed your pets!" Lycanmon yelled in rage as he slammed his hammer into the ground and moved closer to the mirror, still angered by his defeats at the hands of the so-called heroes.

It was then that Charonmon disappeared from the mirror and Lycanmon felt his rage growing, ready to rip the hooded Digimon's head off, before something caught his eyes.

All around him, the DarkWolfmon, BlackGargoylemon, ShadowKnightmon and Necromon all moved to a kneeling position with their heads down, before the Dark General felt a presence, causing him to turn back to the mirrors, where his eyes widened in surprise.

In place of Charonmon was the Dark Lady herself, the sight of which caused Lycanmon to stumble back in fear and collapse to his knees, posturing himself with his arms out as he bowed and said with a voice filled with obedience and fear. "My Lady."

"Lycanmon." The Dark Lady merely said, her voice dark and foreboding, even though she was talking normally, showing her dissatisfaction in the wolf Digimon and how long he has taken.

"My Lady, I am at your service." Lycanmon offered with continued obedience, knowing that he would have to work back into her grace once more, before the Dark Lady questioned. "Is it true that you ran into humans?"

"Yes, my Lady." Lycanmon replied as one of the Necromon came forward with a black orb, before images began showing within, showing the heroes before and after their changes as they fought him and his forces.

Unable to read the Dark Lady's expression, Lycanmon could at least sense her interest, before the leader of the Dark Tribe faced him and commanded. "Continue your assault and once the capital is in ruins I will come for the Eternal Flame."

"As you wish, my Mistress." Lycanmon said in reply, before seeing a dark portal open next to the mirror, where a pair of Necromon and another Dark Digimon emerged, the sight of which left the Dark General's eyes widening at seeing the large scroll within their hands, knowing what it meant.

"In the event these... 'heroes' prove too much for you." The Dark Lady remarked as she narrowed her eyes and added. "Complete your task, and I shall build you your own fortress over the ruins of the Fire Tribe to rule from. Fail, and you shall not return."

Now realizing that not only his glory, but his life was on the line, Lycanmon bowed once again as he said in reply. "It shall be so, my Lady."

"Also, of these humans, there is one I want brought to me alive. Kill the rest." The Dark Lady then said.

From the command, Lycanmon looked upon his Mistress with some confusion, but knew better not to question her, lest he suffer her wrath.

"It shall be done."

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Sitting in an elegantly decorated room within the palace Infernomon provided for them, silence surrounded the group of heroes as they thought about all they learned, as well as thinking on the idea that soon, Lycanmon and his full army would be upon the city.

It was then that Davis stood up, catching everyone's attention as Kari asked with curiosity and worry. "Davis?"

"You guys get what supplies you can and get out of here, I'm staying to help them." The Digidestined of Miracles stated, who was surprised when he got a different reaction then he expected.

"Like heck we're going anywhere!" Marcus said as he got up, adding with his own determination. "We didn't run when Novicmon asked us for help, and that was before we got our new powers, so don't expect us to run now!"

"Marcus is right." Sora then said as she and Biyomon stood up, where the Digidestined of Love added. "We've come this far, and we're not going to back down."

"And this is not just about the Fire Tribe, but this entire world's future." Mikey added as he stood up and said. "What's to say the Dark Tribe won't stop with Witchelny? We need to make sure our homes are safe from this evil as well!"

Davis watched on in surprise as most of the group got up and agreed with the others, gaining a smile of his own at seeing the courage within them, before he then noticed the worried expression on Kari's face.

Kneeling down next to her, Davis took her hand, where he told the Digidestined of Light. "Don't worry, Kari, we'll get through this together."

Blushing lightly at his touch, Kari did her best to suppress her worry, for it was not her safety or that of the others that worried her, but of Davis' own.

However, trusting in the man she loved, Kari smiled and nodded her head in reply, joining the others as they prepared for the battle to come.

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For most of the night and into the morning, the heroes worked with the Fire Tribe Digimon to prepare for the upcoming battle, some helping with the defenses on the walls and closing the gates, while others helped move the civilian Digimon into more secure areas of the city.

Meanwhile, Novicmon met up with GrandPyromon in the hopes of learning more offensive Digi-Magics to help his Tribe and friends.

Later on, the heroes met up within a war room as ScorchTactimon reviewed the information they had on Lycanmon's forces.

"Thanks to your efforts, a part of the Dark Tribe's forces have dwindled, but there is still a sizable force heading our way." The fire tactic Digimon stated, before adding as he looked over the small map. "Lycanmon himself might be strong, but in the end, he's a blunt instrument, and will throw his forces at our walls to tear them down."

"He is not the one that worries me." Infernomon then said, getting everyone's attention as he added. "It is whatever horrors the Dark Lady has provided him that has my concern."

As the group nodded to his words, the sounds of horns and bells ringing from the outside caught their attention, leaving Davis and his allies to clench their fists as they realized the meaning.

The siege of the capital, and the battle for the Fire Tribe, had begun.

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More lore and some questions answered. Now the final battle against Lycanmon and his forces has begun. But what weapon has the mysterious Dark Lady provided him? Stay tuned as the battle is about to begin.

A heads up, the next chapter might be delayed a week or so due to work issues.