After processing the information given to them by Helios, the heroes and heroines went their separate ways within the Magic School, with Jeri joining Eclipsemon within the library as he began instructing her on how to use the Digi-magic deep within her.
As Eclipsmon continued to assist the brunette in her understanding, Takato, Rika and their partners remained by Jeri's side to keep the brunette company during her training, which was observed by many curious students.
And further down the library's halls, Novicmon, Haru and Gatchmon were enjoying the vast library and the knowledge it contained.
Meanwhile, the rest of the group did what they could to keep themselves busy or distracted as to allow Jeri to work and study with Eclipsemon, many wandering around the castle and doing their best not to disturb the students as they had their lessons.
Currently, Tai, Sora, Davis, Kari, Takuya, Zoe and their Digimon were within an open courtyard at the center of the castle, one apparently used for recreation and fun for the students as the group saw Digimon either playing, reading books or practicing magic around them.
As she watched her surroundings, Zoe sat with her back against a tree, smiling as she looked down to see Takuya resting his head in her lap, his eyes closed and a smile on his face.
"You know, I dreamt of this once before." Takuya spoke up as a light blush appeared on his face, before he looked upon Zoe with a warm smile, which left the blonde to blush in reply.
"Really?" The Warrior of Wind asked with curiosity, which grew as her lover smiled back, looked upon Zoe with sincerity and nodded in reply.
"Remember when we were fighting Cherubimon, and you and the others made promises for whichever one of us beat him?" Takuya asked with a smirk, where Zoe closed her eyes and smiled as she said back. "And I said I would go on a date with the one who took him down."
Looking up at the sky, the Warrior of Flame's smile never left his face as he confessed. "When he knocked Koji and me out, for that short time, I dreamt of us like this, resting under a tree, with you reminding me that we were on a date."
Zoe blushed further at this, feeling her heart beat faster at hearing how long her lover had feelings for him, before smiling slyly as she then asked. "And let me guess, everyone else was trying to give their rewards to Koji, right?"
Takuya and Zoe then laughed at the question, imagining their friend being chased by the rest of the Warriors, Bokomon, Neemon and Patamon at the time, before returning to silence as they enjoyed their time together.
Not too far from them and enjoying their own time together, Davis sat against a tree, allowing Kari to rest in his embrace, the pair enjoying each other's company, while Veemon and Gatomon sat together next to them, where the V-marked Digimon looked at his feline lover with concern at seeing the sad smile on her face.
Looking in the direction Gatomon was facing, Veemon smiled to see a group of younger looking Wizardmon, the group practicing their magic not too far off.
Seeing that Gatomon was lost in thought about the Wizardmon she befriended, the one who gave his life for her and Kari, Veemon showed his support, showing Gatomon that though she had lost Wizardmon, she would never be alone.
"I know I didn't get the chance to know him like you and the others did, but from what you guys have told me about Wizardmon, I am sure he would be proud of you and all you've accomplished." The Digimon of Courage and Friendship said to the Gatomon, whose smile turned more positive as she leaned her head on Veemon's shoulder, both smiling at one another as they enjoyed the peace and quiet.
Smiling at seeing her partner and her lover in their embrace, Kari tilted her head to look at Davis, hoping to maybe get a kiss from her beloved, only to frown to see Davis' expression, seeing the maroon haired Digidestined in deep thought.
"You're thinking about what Helios said?" She asked, snapping Davis out of his thoughts, before he smiled down at her.
"Yeah, sorry..." Davis said in reply as he placed his free hand behind his head and gave a nervous laugh, before gaining a serious look as he then said. "It's just... I'm worried about the journey ahead. What is waiting for us, what will happen if, or when we run into the Dark Lady? We still don't really know anything about her."
"Probably best not to focus on that for now." Sora cut in as she, Tai, Agumon and Biyomon walked over to the pair and their partners, with the older brunette adding. "Sora's right, it's probably best if we focus on getting the tribes to work together first, because if what Helios said is true, we're going to need all of their help in this fight."
Looking up towards where the library is, Agumon then asked in wonder. "Do you think Eclipsemon could give us some information on the Dark Lady?"
Looking in the same direction as the Digimon of Courage, Davis thought for a moment and said. "He did seem unnerved when Helios said that the Dark Lady was more than we knew."
The Digidestined and their Digimon thought on this for a moment, thinking if they should confront Eclipsemon about more information on their enemy.
However, before any more thought could be put into it, Kari, along with Davis and their partners, both felt something dark and powerful coming straight at them, causing the Digidestined of Light to all but scream. "Everyone, run for it!"
It was then that something came crashing down at the center of the courtyard like a comet, sending out a shockwave that sent most of the Digimon in the area flying, while the four Digidestined, their partners, Takuya and Zoe quickly got to their feet and found cover.
When the shockwave subsided, the small group of heroes and heroines looked to see a tall dark Digimon on one knee, his spear in the ground, before getting up as he looked around, his appearance sending fear throughout the students of Mount Brocken.
"It's Wraithmon!"
"Why is the Dark Lady's champion here?!"
"Why is he here?! The Dark Tribe hasn't come to Mount Brocken in over a thousand years?!"
The panic cries of the students were enough to let the group of heroes know who they were dealing with and why he was there.
He was there for them.
Looking around, Wraithmon saw some of the heroes and heroines, where he narrowed his eyes as he pointed his spear at them, saying in a voice filled with malice. "You! You are the ones who have defied the Dark Tribe! The Dark Lady wants a word with you, so you can either come with me willingly, or I will drag your broken bodies before her!"
"Your fight is with us, so leave the students out of this!" Davis yelled as he and Veemon looked prepared to fight, where the Digidestined of Miracles saw Wraithmon's eyes focused on him.
"They mean nothing to me, only your heads!" The Dark Lady's champion declared as he swung his spear, ready to strike at the heroes.
Looking around, Sora and Biyomon realized that SacredPhoenixmon was too big to fit in the courtyard without causing damage, where Tai, understanding the duo of Love's predicament, then instructed. "Help evacuate the students and get the others. We'll hold him off."
Nodding, Sora and Biyomon took off to help the students as a large group of Mystimon came to help evacuate them and keep the fight contained as Tai, Agumon, Davis, Veemon, Kari, Gatomon, Takuya and Zoe were consumed in light, emerging as Samudramon, MagnaVeedramon, Lightbearer Ophanimon, CrimsonAldamon and GaleSilphymon as they prepared to fight Wraithmon.
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Meanwhile, within the library and before Wraithmon's arrival, as Mikey, Nene, Tagiru, Eri, Astora, Marcus, Yoshi and their partners joined the other in the library, the group watched as Jeri performed a few of the spells taught to her, with them and the rest of the audience applauding her efforts so far, the magic Digimon all in awe to see a human using the same Digi-magics they were learning.
"Jeri, this is amazing!" Dokamon said encouragingly as he took in the sights of some of the magic the brunette had mastered so far.
"I can't wait to see the look on those Dark Tribe jerks when they see you!" Eri added with a high level of enthusiasm, before covering her mouth as she looked at Eclipsemon and added. "Present company excluded, of course."
"It is no problem." Eclipsemon calmly replied, before he began to say to Jeri. "Now that we have some of the basics down, we should..."
However, before the dark mystic Digimon could finish his sentence, Eclipsemon sensed a familiar presence, followed by Renamon and Guilmon sensing a dark force, both growling and getting the other's attention, but before a loud bang shook the castle.
"What was that?!" Marcus questioned as the sounds of screaming were heard from outside, causing the Library's occupants to all head out, seeing the panicked students and faculty running around as more Mystimon were on the move.
"What has happened?" Eclipsemon demanded as one of the Mystimon stopped to face him.
"Wraithmon has appeared in the courtyard, he is battling the humans and their partners there! We are helping to move the students out of the battle zone!" The guard informed, before quickly rushing to help as the students behind Eclipsemon and the heroes with him began to whisper fearfully amongst themselves, letting the heroes and heroines with them know who Wraithmon was.
However, instead of looking concerned, Eclipsemon expressed a clear anger as he said mostly to himself. "I warned them..."
Unsure as to what the dark mystic Digimon meant, the heroes, heroines present, along with Novicmon, soon saw Eclipsemon moved down the hall, where they soon followed after him as he headed towards the courtyard himself.
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"Dark Lance!" Wraithmon declared, his spear covered in a dark shadow, as he lunged at MagnaVeedramon at speeds none of the heroes had seen before.
"Magna Shield!" MagnaVeedramon bellowed back, quickly bringing up his protective aura just in time as Wraithmon's weapon collided with it, causing a shockwave of energy that would have torn the courtyard apart, had the Mystimon around the area not brought up a barrier themselves to protect the school.
"Yes! I knew you would be a worthy prey!" Wraithmon said with a dark laugh as he continued to press his weapon against MagnaVeedramon's barrier, where the holy knight Digimon groaned and gritted his teeth as he tried to hold back the powerful attack, while feeling Wraithmon's bloodlust focused on him.
"Cross Slicer!"
"Striking Light!"
"Blazing Sabers!"
"Wind Blades!"
Moving together, Samudramon, Lightbearer Ophanimon, CrimsonAldamon and GaleSilphymon moved as one, trying to strike at Wraithmon and get him off of MagnaVeedramon.
However, moving back, the dark champion Digimon easily avoided their attacks, his body seemingly moving out of phase with reality as their blades passed through him, much to their shock and horror.
"Holy Strike!"
"Divine Calling!"
Working together, MagnaVeedramon and Lightbearer Ophanimon unleashed powerful blasts of light energy at Wraithmon, who merely laughed in reply.
"Dark Eradication!" Wraithmon bellowed as a dark shadow formed around him, before shooting out at the oncoming light attacks, causing a massive explosion that sent the five hero Digimon flying back with cries of pain.
But getting their bearings, Samudramon, MagnaVeedramon and CrimsonAldamon launched themselves at Wraithmon, keeping their blades out as they moved to strike at the dark Digimon as he moved, blocked and parried their attacks, with the Dark Champion seemingly enjoying himself.
"Yes! Finally, worthy prey to kill!" Wraithmon bellowed wickedly as he turned and kicked CrimsonAldamon in the stomach, sending him flying back and crashing into the Mystimon's barrier, before clashing his spear hard enough against Samudramon's blades to send him flying into a tree, causing it to snap and come crashing down on the Digimon of Courage.
"Full Force Strike!" MagnaVeedramon declared as his body shined with a bright light, before rushing at Wraithmon, hoping to strike him down once and for all.
"Dark Lance!" Wraithmon announced in retaliation as he swung his spear forward, meeting MagnaVeedramon's attack head on, causing a massive explosion that sent the holy knight Digimon flying back, skidding along the ground with a groan, before looking up as Wraithmon stood above him with his foot on MagnaVeedramon's chest, his spear in hand.
"Now for the reward of the hunt!" Wraithmon declared as he brought his spear up, ready to strike at MagnaVeedramon, while Samudramon, Lightbearer Ophanimon, CrimsonAldamon and GaleSilphymon tried to get up and save their friend before it was too late.
However…
"Shadow Spear!" A familiar voice called out as a blast of dark energy slammed into Wraithmon's right shoulder, causing the dark Digimon to let out a cry of pain as he dropped his spear, clenching his injured shoulder as he backed up and removed his foot from MagnaVeedramon.
Looking to see who saved the holy knight Digimon, the group saw Eclipsemon with his right arm out, his left hand holding his shoulder in the same stop Wraithmon was, as the rest of their friends and GrandPiximon were behind him, looking at what just happened in concern.
"Eclipsemon!" Wraithmon yelled with a growing hatred in his voice as he glared at the Digimon who attacked him.
"It's been too long... brother." Eclipsemon said in a pained voice, his words causing the heroes and heroines to widen their eyes in shock, before the dark mystic let out another bolt of dark energy at Wraithmon, striking his left shoulder and causing the dark champion to cry out with more pain.
Meanwhile, at the moment the attack struck Wraithmon, Eclipsemon let out a pain filled groan, where those present saw the same wound Wraithmon received appear on Eclipsemon's shoulder as well.
"Idiot! You kill me you kill yourself! Then who will be left to protect your precious school?!" Wraithmon bellowed at his brother with rage, his words causing the heroes, heroines and Novicmon widened their eyes even more as they realized what was happening, that somehow, both Eclipsemon and Wraithmon were linked to one another.
"I told you and your Dark Lady before that I would not hold back if you ever came here, are you willing to test my resolve?" Eclipsemon questioned back as he glared at his seething brother.
"You were always weak, pathetic! You could have been her right hand, instead of that insect, Charonmon. Instead, you chose exile, while I seized the power you turned your back on!" Wraithmon yelled as he glared at him brother, who kept a calm expression as he looked back at his brother.
"Leave, return to your Mistress in disgrace and never come back, or I will end us here and now, brother." Eclipsemon said in reply as he kept his arm out, with dark energy gathering in his hand as he prepared for another attack.
Glaring back between Eclipsemon, MagnaVeedramon, the other heroes and heroines, before looking back at his brother, Wraithmon let out a rage filled cry, before flapping his wings and taking off into the sky.
Not wanting to let his brother go that easily, however, Eclipsemon fired his blast, striking Wraithmon in the back as the Dark Champion let out another pained cry, picking up his pace as he flew away, while Eclipsemon let out a pained groan as he began to fall forward, causing the students, faculty and GrandPiximon to gasp in shock, only for MagnaVeedramon to quickly get up and grab the dark mystic before he hit the ground, seeing the wound now form on his back from the damage Wraithmon received.
Looking between themselves, the heroes and heroines were unsure how to process what they just witnessed.
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With a pained groan, Eclipsemon slowly opened his eyes, finding himself on the couch in GrandPiximon's office as both Novicmon and Jeri stood over him, their hands glowing with healing magic as they worked together to heal him, while the other heroes and heroines, along with the Headmaster himself, watched from behind.
"You do realize that by healing me, you are healing Wraithmon as well?" The dark mystic Digimon questioned the pair, but found that neither Jeri nor Novicmon seemed to care, both remained focused on Eclipsemon, who sat up once his body was fully healed.
"Eclipsemon..." Shoutmon then said, getting the dark mystic Digimon's attention as the Digimon King the said in an apologetic tone. "We owe you an apology. When you said you belonged here instead of fighting back against the Dark Lady, I thought you were being a coward. Now I see that you're the reason the Dark Tribe has never invaded Mount Brocken in the first place."
Nodding as he saw the guilt on the heroes' and heroines' faces, seeing that some had the similar thoughts, Eclipsemon looked at his hand as he explained. "Both Wraithmon and I came from the same Digi-Egg, our cores formed from one that split into two, whatever happens physically to one of us affects the other."
"I dedicated my life to the study of Digi-magic, while my brother desired to become the greatest warrior, his lust for battle, for his 'hunt', consuming him and creating the Digimon you met before. It was easy for him to earn his place at the Dark Lady's side, while I left, refusing to aid the usurper and her designs, warning that if the Dark Tribe ever came here I would not hold back, and the Dark Lady isn't willing to lose her champion, at least not yet." Eclipsemon finished explaining, earning nods from the heroes and heroines in reply.
"We can't stay much longer." Mikey then stated, getting everyone's attention as he added, "As long as we are here, they might try again, even with Eclipsemon still here."
"Spend the night, at least." GrandPiximon offered, where Eclipsemon added. "I will gather books to help Jeri on the rest of your journey in the meantime."
The heroes and heroines nodded in reply, thankful for the hospitality as they were escorted to their rooms for the night, looking forward to another pleasant night, before resuming their journey.
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Standing back before the gates of the Magic School once more, the heroes and heroines had repacked their gear and restocked their supplies as GrandPiximon, Eclipsemon and many of the school's students stood to see them off.
Within their own bags, meanwhile, Jeri and Novicmon had several books given to them by the Headmaster and dark mystic Digimon in order to help them learn new spells, a gift the pair gave their thanks for.
"Good luck on your journey ahead, brave heroes." GrandPiximon said with a smile, before looking to see Eclipsemon step forward, holding a small box in hand.
"Before you leave, I wish to give you two things." The dark mystic Digimon said as he opened the box, where the heroes and heroines felt a familiar power as they looked to see the object, seeing a small golden pyramid shaped item with a dark purple light to it, causing their eyes to widen as Asotra asked in awe. "Is that...?"
"A piece of the Infinite Dark, the primordial fragment of Voidmon, the Dark Tribe's primordial. I took it with me before the Dark Lady could twist it to her will." Eclipsemon informed as he handed the containment device to Novicmon, who looked at it wearily, before the dark mystic Digimon added. "May it serve you well in the battles to come."
Looking at his friends, Novicmon saw the group look at one another, before nodding to the small mystic Digimon, who placed the Infinite Dark into his hat, before looking back at Eclipsemon as he then said. "Finally, I have a piece of knowledge to give you, one few in Witchelny know."
The comment seemed to intrigue the heroes and heroines as Eclipsemon continued. "I do not know how well this information will aid you in your journey, but after Helios' message, I feel it is best that I tell you."
Taking a deep breath, the dark mystic then said to the group before him. "The Dark Lady... she is not a Digimon."
Upon hearing and registering Eclipsemon's words, it was as if the needle was taken off the record player as the heroes, heroines, Novicmon and even those around them widened their eyes in shock as Gatchmon questioned. "Say what?"
"Nor is she an Appmon like you." Eclipsemon then added as he looked at the search Appmon, before addressing the rest of the heroes and heroines, saying in a serious voice. "Whatever she is, her power should not be taken lightly."
"When she appeared before my tribe, she immediately challenged our leader, Abyssmon, to a duel for control of the tribe. He underestimated her, and she not only destroyed him in the blink of an eye, but absorbed his power and claimed his throne. After that, everything fell apart as she accreted her control over the Dark Tribe." Eclipsemon finished as he saw the shock on the heroes and heroines' faces.
Their enemy was neither a Digimon nor an Appmon, but something possibly more.
"Ok, this means we need to keep going and unite the tribes against her." Yoshi stated, getting nods from the others, despite the fact that they still had no idea where they would go next.
"If I could make a recommendation on that." GrandPiximon then cut in after getting over the shock of Eclipsemon's declaration, where the tiny Headmaster then said. "While you have gotten the Light Tribe to work with the Fire Tribe, getting one other specific tribe to join the Alliance would truly convince the others to join you, the Water Tribe."
Upon the words leaving GrandPiximon's mouth, the heroes and heroines heard a deep growl, before looking down to see that it came from Novicmon, the fire mystic Digimon's eyes narrowed in simmering rage.
"That is why I recommend going to them next." GrandPiximon said with a light chuckle, where he added. "There has been much... distance between the two tribes, and if you can convince them to join the Alliance, then the rest of the tribes will see that even two old enemies would put aside their hatred to fight a greater threat."
Nodding at the idea, the group of heroes and heroines bid their goodbye, turning and walking back down the mountain path as the faculty and students of Mount Brocken waved their goodbye and wished the group good luck in their journey ahead.
"I hope they can succeed." GrandPiximon then said to Eclipsemon, who nodded his head as he began to say. "I believe they will..."
But before he could finish, the dark mystic Digimon began convulsing as a dark electricity coursed through his body, causing him to cry out in pain as he fell to the ground, much to GrandPiximon and the students' horror.
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Within the Dark Citadel, Wraithmon screamed in pain as the dark energy coursed through his body as he fell to his knees before the Dark Lady's throne, her eyes glowing a bright, dark purple as she punished not only her champion for his failure, but Eclipsemon as well for interfering.
Nearby, Charonmon watched the scene in amusement, seeing Wraithmon being punished, while also feeling annoyed that Eclipsemon once again stood against them.
Despite being a traitor, Charonmon had great respect for Eclipsemon as a fellow mystic, and still felt sadness that he was no longer with the Dark Tribe.
Seeing the Dark Lady's eyes return to normal, Charonmon stood at attention as his Mistress commanded. "Heal him, then find where the heroes are going next."
"It shall be done, my Lady." Charonmon replied with a bow as a pair of DeathKnightmon moved to pick Wraithmon up and bring him to rest, while the dark mystic Digimon moved to find the heroes and heroines next destination, and find a way to deal with them once and for all.
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Author's note: The trip to Mount Brocken is over and the heroes are now heading for the Water Tribe, but many questions remain. Who or what is the Dark Lady, and what are her true intentions? Stay tuned to find out as the journey continues.