By noon the next day, the group of heroes and heroines had reached the base of Mount Brocken and were in the midst of walking up a rather long stairway built into the rock face, hoping to reach the school supposedly at the top of the mountain before nightfall.
"Dang it, why can't we just change into our Digimon and Appmon forms and fly up there?!" Eri questioned with a clear and understandable annoyance, the App Driver growing tired and exhausted from first their walk to the mountain and now the steep walk up it.
"Because one, not all of us can fly, and two, the guards would probably shoot us down, seeing us as potential attackers." Novicmon told Eri in reply, his words causing the pink haired idol to sigh in defeat.
"I hope they at least have beds for us waiting at the top." Eri then remarked, leaving a handful of the group staring at her, sweat dropping to see Dokamon carrying his partner.
Chuckled lightly at Eri and Dokamon's continued antics, the group finally reached the top of the mountain, where the heroes and heroines were in awe at the sight before them.
Nestled within a small crater at the top of the mountain, the rock walls acting as protection, was a massive castle, nearly half the size of the tribal capitals they've visited so far, with glittering spires, each a different colour for the different magics taught there.
"Ok, that's impressive." Rika confessed with some surprise in her voice, getting a nod of agreement from Renamon as the usually calm and collected vixen Digimon showed surprise herself, before the group made their way down the walkway and towards the castle's gates.
Upon arrival, the heroes and heroines saw a pair of Digimon guarding the entrance, ones Shoutmon easily recognized.
"Hey, those are Mystimon! They're Ultimate Level magic warrior Digimon, I know a few of them from my Digital World." The Digimon King said with an excitement in his voice, causing most of the group to smile in reply, realizing they may see many types of Digimon they knew already within the castle.
However, seeing the unknown individuals, the Mystimon suddenly became more defensive.
"Halt! Who goes there?!" One of the Mystimon demanded as he and his fellow guard drew out fiery swords and glared at the newcomers, the hostility shown by the duo immediately caused the heroes and heroines to hold out their hands, showing that they were not threats.
"Please, we need to speak with the Headmaster." Novicmon said as he slowly stepped forward, gestured to the friends he had made and added. "These are the heroes who wield the D-Bracers, and have been fighting against the Dark Tribe and their forces."
This seemed to intrigue the Mystimon as they looked surprised, where the Mystimon who had ordered the group to stop then asked. "These are the ones who defeated Anansimon and saved the Fire Tribe's capital?"
"And took down Draculmon and saved the Light Tribe, but yeah." Gumdramon added, lightly bragging, but found his overconfidence rewarded him with a fist slammed into his head, courtesy of Eri, who glared down at Tagiru's partner.
Blinking in response, the Mystimon turned to his fellow guard and said with a clear seriousness and command. "Inform the Headmaster immediately. I will stay here with them."
Giving his fellow guard a complying nod in reply, the other Mystimon turned and vacated from his post, leaving the other guard with the group.
Understanding their trust needed to be earned, the group of humans, Digimon and Appmon all waited patiently for the school's headmaster to arrive, hoping that he could help Jeri with her new powers and help her understand and control them.
Waiting for over half an hour, but having plenty of leftovers to keep them distracted, the heroes and heroines all returned to their more alert status as they then saw the Mystimon return with another Digimon, one whose appearance caused Tai, Sora, Kari, Agumon, Biyomon and Gatomon to look on with surprise, having seen the Digimon's base form before, along with Takato and Rika, while Zoe, Yoshi and Eri did their best not to squeal at how adorable the newcomer was.
"Welcome! Welcome, heroes! I am GrandPiximon, Headmaster of this school!" The tiny Digimon declared with great enthusiasm as he flapped his tiny wings and flew towards the group.
Looking upon his being, those among the group who had seen them before could easily see that this was a Digimon similar to Piximon, only his fur was gold instead of pink as he wore a white robe and matching wizard's hat on his being, and held a small staff in his hand.
"Oh, wow, talk about big things in small packages, this guy's packing a serious punch with some a Mega Level energy!" Astora said in surprise as he looked at the info on the D-Bracer, the surprise the blond expressed causing GrandPiximon to say with pride. "That's correct. And don't let my size fool you, I'm more powerful than you think!"
'So cute!' Most of the girls thought to themselves as they looked upon GrandPiximon.
Focusing beyond the mixed emotions of the heroes and heroines, GrandPiximon then eyed their D-Bracers in awe, immediately flying toward Davis as to further examine the maroon haired Digidestined and his device.
"In all my years, I never thought I would behold the legendary D-Bracers!" GrandPiximon said in astonishment as he looked over the device on Davis' arm, before regaining his composure as he then asked. "So what brings heroes like you to our school? I would have thought you would be busy trying to unite the tribes against the Dark Lady."
"You seem well informed." Yoshi replied, trying to show her respect and not to sound suspicious of the small Digimon.
"Word has spread all over Witchelny of your heroic deeds, and many new arrivals to the school have spoken of your bravery at the Fire Tribe's capital." One of the Mystimon informed, getting a nod from the heroes, before Jeri stepped forward.
"I'm the reason we are here." The brunette said as she summoned her courage, explaining all she could about her apparent connection to Digi-magic, much to the surprise of GrandPiximon and the Mystimon guards.
"Now that is most intriguing!" The Headmaster said with renewed joy as he flew around and examined Jeri, before saying to the heroes. "Come inside and let me give you a tour while one of the guards manages to obtain one of our professors to help with this."
Nodding with loyalty to GranPiximon, one of the Mystimon ventured back into the castle to find any of the available professors who wasn't teaching any class at the moment, leaving the heroes and heroines to follow the further excited form that was GrandPiximon into the castle, thankful for the Headmaster's hospitality.
Walking through the hallways behind GrandPiximon, who guestered around and explained the rich heritage of the school, the heroes, heroines and Novicmon were in awe at the sites before them, seeing massive hallways with countless bookshelves in between the doorways to large class rooms, many of which were filled with various Digimon students, who were seated in school desks.
Amongst the student Digimon, this included Pyromon, LightBishopmon and various other Digimon they had not seen before giving lessons as teachers and professors, Digimon they assumed were the counterparts of Pyromon and LightBishopmon from the other tribes, save the Dark Tribe.
All around them, meanwhile, Wizardmon, Witchmon, Sorcerymon and other spell casting Digimon wandered the hallways, talking to one another between classes, earning a shared smile between Takuya and Zoe to see a small group of Bokomon walk past them, the sight of the Digimon bringing up many good memories of the Bokomon which had guided them through their adventure and became their friend, a feeling Mikey, Shoutmon, Nene and Mervamon experienced as they saw a Wisemon floating behind the Bokomon group.
Only in Mikey's head, he hoped the knowledge seeking Digimon weren't as experimental when he and Wisemon first met.
"This is all amazing." Haru then confessed as he and the others continued walking behind GrandPiximon, where Shoutmon added with his own amazement. "I have heard a lot about this school from the Digimon who came to my Digital World, but I never imagined anything like this."
Grateful to the clear care, respect and interests of his guests, GrandPiximon said in reply, expressing his pride. "This school has stood for thousands of years, long before the Dark Tribe lost its way and began this war, and we are thankful that they have left us in peace."
"And here we have our many graduates over the centuries, Digimon who have learned all we can offer them, before they journey to worlds beyond our own, wishing to learn more." The Headmaster then said as the group continued down the hallway as they looked at the many images of the magic user Digimon, which included Wizardmon, Witchmon, Sorcerymon and many other magic Digimon upon the walls.
Though impressed herself, Kari then noticed someone was missing from their group, which left the Digidestined of Light to look back behind her, getting the attention of the others, who all saw Gatomon a little further back and looking up at a particular photo with a sad smile on her face.
Approaching her partner, with Davis, Tai, Sora and their partners behind her, Kari knelt down and gently wrapped her arms around Gatomon as they looked at the photo of a particular Wizardmon.
Smiling softly and keeping her arms around her partner, Kari asked curiously. "That's him, isn't it?"
"Yeah..." Gatomon just said back as she felt tears start to slide down her cheeks, remembering all that Wizardmon had done for her, giving his own life to protect her and Kari from Myotismon, and even coming back briefly to warn them about the malevolent Digimon's return.
"We have to help this world, we can't let his home suffer like this." The Digimon of Light then said as she returned to a more composed status, her words getting nods from those closest to her, those who remembered or knew of Wizardmon and his selfless deeds, and vowed to help Witchelny through the darkness invading it.
While the remainder of the humans, Digimon and Appmon watched the Digidestined mostly in silence, Tagiru gained a puzzled look, before nudging both Takato and Takuya to get an answer.
"Um... how do they know that's the right Wizardmon? They all look the same to me." The brunette whispered, his words left Takato and Takuya in brief thought, but both found they couldn't come up with an answer between them since they themselves have been confused a few times when trying to tell Digimon of the same type apart.
Allowing the four Digidestined and their partners a few more moments, the group then continued down the hallway and arrived at GrandPiximon's office, where the Mystimon from earlier was waiting for the Headmaster and his guests.
"Sir, only one professor is available right now, he is waiting for you inside." The guard informed with a bow, before taking his leave to return to the entrance of the school.
Turning back to the heroes, GrandPiximon said with a smile. "While I would love to be able to help you myself, I am sadly swamped with paperwork. It's not easy to run a school you know."
"But I can assure you, our professors are all uniquely qualified to help you in this case." The Headmaster then added with confidence as he opened the door to his office, smiling at the current occupant as he and the heroes entered.
However, upon seeing who was waiting for them in the office, the heroes, heroines and Novicmon widened their eyes in shock.
Standing before the Headmaster's desk was a tall humanoid Digimon, clad entirely in black armour, with only a slit to reveal a part of red eyes, while dark purple robes covered his being.
Silver runes could be seen on his armour and robes, showing his status as a magic based Digimon.
His helmet, however, resembled a crescent moon, an icon that was also emblazoned on his chest piece, causing Dokamon to call out in panic. "Dark Tribe!"
Jumping at the fighting Appmon's words and seeing the heroes and heroines preparing to attack, GrandPiximon realized what was happening as he quickly moved in front of his colleague and spoke with haste. "Wait, wait, wait! Eclipsemon is a part of the Old Dark Tribe! He holds no loyalty towards the Dark Lady!"
"GrandPiximon is right. I have no allegiances to the Usurper, nor those who bow to her. I left my Tribe and came here in exile, rather than serve in Her fowl plans." The Digimon, now known as Eclipsemon, said in a calm voice, despite the hostility directed toward him.
Hearing Eclipsemon and GrandPiximon's words, Takuya and Zoe immediately thought of Koichi, their fellow Legendary Warrior, and their friend, and how he fought alongside them after being freed of Cherubimon's corruption, wielding the darkness against their enemies, and of Oryxmon, who went against his Master to help them stop the evil destroying their Digital World.
"Guys, I think we can trust him." The Warrior of Flame then said, his words leaving many of the group to look at him as if he had lost it, especially Kari, who was about to express her protests, but was cut off by Zoe.
"GrandPiximon trusts him, and it's like Novicmon said, the Dark Tribe was completely different before the Dark Lady took over. If Eclipsemon is one of those Digimon from that time, shouldn't we hear him out first?" The blonde asked empathetically, causing the others to look at one another, before nodding in agreement, the sight of which caused GrandPiximon to let out a sigh of relief.
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A few minutes later, and after making sure the heroes would not attack Eclipsemon, GrandPiximon returned to his duties, while the heroes and the school's professor remained in the office.
Taking it upon herself, Jeri was trying to remain calm as she lay on a couch the Headmaster had in his office beside Eclipsemon, who sat in a chair before her, his hands hovering over her body as his fingers glowed with a faint, but dark light.
Keeping their distance, and though skeptical at first, the heroes and heroines were assured by Novicmon that the dark magic Digimon was using a powerful scanning spell, with Haru comparing it to an x-ray or MRI scan based on what he had heard, allowing Eclipsemon to see the flows of Digi-magic within Jeri's system.
"Interesting." Eclipsemon said as he closed his hand and ended the spell, looking over Jeri as he then asked in curiosity. "Did you spend a long period of time connected to a powerful Digital Lifeform?"
Upon hearing the question, Jeri, Takato, Guilmon, Rika and Renamon blinked as they remembered that she had spent several months imprisoned within the D-Reaper's core, her energy used to help the evil program evolve, where the three Tamers and their Digimon finally replied in unison. "Yes."
"That explains it then." Eclipsemon then said, where he added as he sat back. "Whatever the lifeform was, part of its base Data is a part of your own now. Whenever you are in a world like Witchelny or your Digital Worlds, that Data allows you to become attuned with the energies around you, while the D-Bracer acts as a focus."
"So... the D-Bracer plus the D-Reaper's Data inside her allows her to use Digi-magic like a Digimon?" Takato questioned to clarify, this earning a nod in reply from Eclipsemon.
"I believe we have a few books in the library that can help." Eclipsemon then offered as he stood up and started heading towards the door. "And if you don't mind spending a day or two here, I believe I can help your friend start with the basics."
"Thank you." Davis said on Jeri's behalf, alongside the others as they began following Eclipsemon through the school's halls once again, before the Digidestined of Miracles then added. "Also, we're sorry for our behaviour when we first saw you."
"You're the first Dark Tribe Digimon who hasn't tried to harm, destroy or manipulate us." Veemon added.
"It is understandable." The dark mystic Digimon said without looking back, where he kept his focus ahead and added. "I am not blind to the evils my former tribe has done, or how far they have fallen under the Dark Lady's rule."
"Though I do ask, why were you two willing to trust me?" Eclipsemon then asked as he looked at Takuya and Zoe, who smiled back in reply.
"We have a friend back home, Koichi, he's the Warrior of Darkness from our world, while his brother is the Warrior of Light." Takuya informed, where those who were present during the Quartzmon battle remembered the twins that fought alongside them against the twisted Digimon, remembering one of them wielding the darkness and using it to help them fight back against that evil.
"Just because something is dark doesn't mean it's evil." Zoe finished with a trusting smile, leaving most of the group to take in her words as Eclipsemon nodded in reply.
Curious about the Dark Tribe's past, Gatchmon questioned with interest. "What was the Dark Tribe like before the Dark Lady took over?"
"We were the keepers of ancient knowledge and secrets, those who worked in the shadows to keep the balance between the tribes and prevent Witchelny from falling into chaos by guarding the Ancient Horrors and other dark magics." Eclipsemon explained in reply as the group rounded another corner, where he then added in a dry tone. "The irony that my tribe is now the one causing chaos and using that which we were sworn to protect as weapons to cause suffering and pain."
"Why don't you and the others that don't serve the Dark Lady just fight back?" Tagiru suggested, wondering why, if there were those among the Dark Tribe that refused to serve the enemy, they did not try to free their tribe from the Dark Lady's grip.
"Unfortunately, there are not that many of us, with most hiding in the shadows, biding their time, while others are hunted down and executed as traitors." Eclipsemon said back, before adding with a neutral tone. "As for myself, I have my reasoning, but this is where I belong."
While most of the group respected the dark mystic Digimon's answer, others, like Gumdramon, Dokamon, Eri and Shoutmon thought that Eclipsemon was being a coward, but kept their mouths shut.
As Eclipsemon lead the humans, Digimon and the Appmon toward the library, however, passing by one particular room, Jeri stopped.
Sensing something calling out to her from beyond the doors, Jeri felt obligated to enter the room, causing the group to stop and watch her.
"Jeri?" Renamon asked in concern as the heroes, heroines, Novicmon and Eclipsemon followed Jeri into the room, finding themselves in a large, dome shaped room, with a shining sword on a pedestal at the center.
The sword itself looked like it was made of pure energy, with angel wings as a hilt, and a large, blue crystal at the center, the blade lodged within the stone pedestal, while around them, the heroes and heroines saw a massive mural of an ancient battle being played out.
But returning their focus on Jeri, who seemed to be in a trance-like state, the brunette stretched her arm out and reached for the sword, concerning Eclipsemon, who began to warn. "Wait, don't touch...!"
But before the dark mystic Digimon could finish, Jeri's D-Bracer, along with the rest of the heroes', began to glow with a bright light, one that consumed the entire room.
When the light faded, the heroes, heroines, Novicmon and Eclipsemon were shocked to see that they were no longer in the room, nor on Witchelny as far as they could tell, but floating in a void of stars and space.
"What the heck is this?!" Eri questioned as the group took in their surroundings, with Astora and Musimon adding in a panic. "So not Groovy!"
"This is a memory of a time long past." Jeri informed as she remained with her back to her friends, which furthered the confusion and concerns they felt for the brunette.
Whilethis was Jeri's voice, the words were not her own.
The Tamer then turned to her friends, where they saw her brown eyes now a shining golden colour, causing a few to worry about Jeri's safety, before the being now in control of her body then said. "Greetings, heroes, I am Helios."
"Helios?!" Novicmon and Eclipsemon both questioned in shock and awe, confusing the heroes as they looked between the possessed body of Jeri and the two mystic Digimon.
"On your worlds, my counterparts go by the names of Homeostasis and King Drasil." Helios informed as the being borrowing Jeri's body looked over the heroes and heroines, causing the group of Digimon and their partners to widen their eyes, before the possessed form of Jeri looked at Haru and his group as the being added. "While in your world, my counterparts would be Minerva and Leviathan."
Upon hearing this, the group of heroes and heroines understood who they were talking to, a program or AI on par with the supposed Digital Gods of their worlds, and this most likely Witchelny's answer to them.
"So, wait, this is like when Homeostasis took over Kari's body, right?" Biyomon questioned, remembering when the Digital entity took over the Digidestined of Light's body as to explain the history of the Digital World to them.
"Yes." Helios replied, before answering as they saw the concern in those before them. "And yes, Jeri is fine, and is listening to all this as we speak."
"Why do you want to talk to us?" Davis asked, before asking with curiosity. "Are you the one who brought us to Witchelny?"
"No, that was the work of another." Helios said in reply, causing the heroes and heroines to sigh lightly, having hoped that they would get an answer to that question finally, before the Digital Entity went on, telling the group. "However, I am the one who granted you the D-Bracers, to help this world in its time of need."
"But for you to understand the dangers, you must understand Witchelny's past." Helios then said, before the imagery around the group changed, showing what appeared to be Witchelny from a space view.
"Long ago, as Homeostasis and King Drasil came into existence from your world's Data, I was formed from the information on mankind's fantasies, their myths and legends, and through it formed the world around you, by first creating the Primordials." Helios informed as the silhouettes of ten Digimon formed around Witchelny, one the group remembered as the Fire Tribe's Primordial, while Davis, Kari and their partners saw Archonmon amongst the group.
"With my children, Witchelny began to take shape, Digimon were being born, and Digi-magic began to form around the world." The Digital Entity then said as the imagery changed to small villages being formed and new Digimon being born.
"However, it did not take long for the peace to be broken, and for one of my children to lose their way." Helios continued as an eleventh figure appeared, letting out an ear piercing and haunting shriek, where the heroes, heroines, Digimon and Appmon all looked at the new being in terror.
As large as the rest of the Primordials, the Digimon resembled death itself, a large, robed skeletal being, wielding a massive scythe as the image changed to the dark being on Witchelny as the skies darkened and the images of the Digimon fled in terror.
"Mortismon, the Primordial of Death." Helios informed the group before them as it continued. "His function was to help the passage of the departed and allow the cycle of rebirth to continue."
"However, Mortismon became... damaged, gaining an insatiable hunger for the dying energies of the Digimon, as well as Digi-magic, where he set forth to consume everything to feed his hunger." The possessed form of Jeri then said as those present watched as the Digimon in the memory were consumed as Mortismon's shadow seemed to reach out for them, destroying them as their Data and the spark of Digi-magic flowing into his gaping maw as he continued to feed.
"This is horrible." Nene stated as she watched the scenes before her, where she and the others then saw the silhouettes of the other Primordials charge forward at Mortismon, trying to stop his rampage.
"The Primordial Wars!" Novicmon said in awe, the group of heroes and heroines now understanding the bit of history the small mystic Digimon mentioned back after they got their D-Bracers, before watching the battle unfold before them.
Then, without warning, the heroes and heroines nearly jumped out of their skin as more illusionary figures rushed pass them, before their eyes widened to see that it was their Witchelny forms, along with two Digimon wearing the Digi-armours Marcus and Yoshi wore, charging into the battle, with MagnaVeedramon seeing the same blade that was in the room they were just in within his hand.
To counter them, the heroes and heroines then saw Mortismon's shadow grow once again, before a small group of Digimon emerged from it, including Anansimon, revealing to them that Mortismon was the one responsible for the Ancient Horrors.
"The battle to stop Mortismon nearly destroyed Witchelny. To end it, I chose a group of heroes, and created a blade imbued with my energies, one that would call upon the very heart of the world, one that ended Mortismon's destructive reign." Helios then informed the group as they watched the hero Digimon push through the Ancient Horrors, before slamming the sword through Mortismon's heart, causing the dark Digimon to roar in rage and pain, before exploding in a great light.
The heroes, heroines, Digimon and Appmon then watch the hero Digimon disappear, while the other Primordials, damaged by their battle, begin to break apart, leaving only the primordial fragments, including the Eternal Flame and the Celestial Light.
"Mortismon's defeat brought a new era to Witchelny, the tribes forming around the fragments of their creators, and the hero Digimon passing into legend." Helios continued to tell the tale of the past as the imagery around the heroes and heroines showed the building of the capitals and an era of peace within Witchelny, before the imagery returned to the space view.
"But now, the Dark Lady's actions have thrown that stability back into chaos, bringing Witchelny back to the dark times of Mortismon's rampage. She has enslaved the Primordial of Death's servants, corrupted the Dark Tribe with the same type of magic used to create Mortismon, and if she is not stopped, the damage will not only affect Witchelny, but other worlds as well, including your own." Helios finished, causing the heroes and heroines to look in shock, having not realized that what was happening on Witchelny would affect their homes as well.
"Stand strong in the days ahead, and beware the Dark Lady, she is more than you know." Helios then warned the heroes and heroines, before looking at Eclipsemon as it said the last part, causing the dark mystic Digimon to widen his eyes in understanding, before another bright light filled everyone's field of view.
When the light faded, the heroes, heroines, Novicmon and Eclipsemon found themselves back in the sword room, where Jeri's eyes returned to normal.
Feeling lightheaded and weak, Jeri began to fall forward, but with haste, Renamon quickly moved and grabbed the brunette, before Rika, Takato, Guilmon and the others rushed as to check on her.
"Ok... that's a lot to take in." Mikey remarked, breaking the silence as he spoke what was on most of the group's minds, where the group of heroes, heroines, Novicmon and even Eclipsemon wondered what it would all mean for their future.
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Flying like the dark angel he resembled, Wraithmon could see the towering form of Mount Brocken far off in the distance, where he clenched his spear tightly.
"He better not get in my way." The Dark Lady's champion said to himself as continued to fly to the Magic School, ready to take on the heroes and heroines that had caused so much trouble for his tribe, bring them low and bring his Mistress' chosen to her.
Beneath his mist-like face, Wraithmon grinned, looking forward to a good hunt.
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Author's note: An arrival at a famous location, some new and unexpected allies, and more on Witchelny's past. How will this affect the heroes and heroines on their journey? And what will happen when Wraithmon arrives? Stay tuned to find out.