Almost a week had passed since the heroes, heroines and Novicmon had left the Water Tribe's territory to continue their adventure and to unite the other tribes of Witchelny against the Dark Tribe and the Dark Lady.
Venturing back through the Borderlands and having visited a small village to rest and restock their supplies, the humans, Digimon and Appmon found their continued heroics had spread, reaching the Digimon inhabitants before they got there, which brought celebration and kindness to their arrival.
Leaving the village in good spirits, namely from the kindness and the generosity of the village's inhabitants, many of which had allowed the heroes and heroines to help themselves to whatever they needed for their adventure ahead, the group continued to follow Novicmon, who led his friends through a mountain pass atop the village, this allowed the small mystic Digimon and his friends to see the continued support of the Digimon below, that was until the altitude grew.
With much of the terrain an endeavour to pass, Novicmon suggested they'd make camp for the night once they reached the top, this not only allowing the heroes and heroines to regather themselves, but to choose which of Witchelny's Tribes they would visit next.
As the humans, Digimon and Appmon continued up the mountain path, the mood of the group was one of pride and joy, with their recent victories giving them a boost of confidence in their mission, having not only saved three of the tribes battling their enemy, but uniting them together in their struggle, giving the heroes and heroines a sense that their journey would reach its end, with some even discussing amongst themselves of their plans for back home.
To the group of heroes and heroines, it wasn't a question now of if they would return to their worlds, but when.
"Hey, Eri..." Astora then said, breaking the silence between them as he looked to the pink haired Appli Driver with an unseen nervousness, this confusing Eri, who had seen Astora do many crazy and amazing things both on his Apptube casts and in their battles against Leviathan and its forces.
"Maybe when we get back home... we could go to that ice cream shop you like, just the two of us...?" The Apptuber offered with a bright blush as he continued to shift his eye contact away from Eri.
From Astora's offer, Eri's face gained a fair blush, which quickly faded and was replaced by a bright and warm smile in the process.
"Yeah... I'd like that." The pink haired idol said back, her words causing Astora to look up at Eri in surprise, his blush growing, before he too found his smile, not only to see that her words were genuine, but to the warmth Eri held as she looked toward the Apptuber.
"Yeah! I love the ice cream there!" Dokamon then called out with a cheer, while Musimon gave a thumbs up in response, their enthusiasm and misunderstanding that they were trying to organise a date caused both Eri and Astora to sigh as they realized their partners would be joining them, whether they liked it or not.
Looking at his partner and knowing his feelings for a certain girl most likely waiting for him back home, Gatchmon suggested to Haru with support in his voice. "Maybe you should ask Ai to join you and go with them on a double date?"
In response to Gatchmon's words, though glad Gatchmon showed a little more consideration toward his feelings, Haru gained a bright red hue along his face at the thought of him and Ai on a date.
But managing to push past his nervousness, Haru replied with a nervous laugh. "We'll see about that..."
With the Appli Drivers talking about dating, similar instances were expressed amongst many of the heroes and heroines who had grown more romantic feelings.
Nearby, Tagiru worked up his own courage as he approached Nene and offered. "Hey Nene, when we get back to our world, want to maybe grab a bite sometime? You know, without the cameras and all that around us?"
Blushing at the thought of her and Tagiru having dinner together, the brunette idol replied with a smile. "Sure, I would love to."
Both young teens smiled at one another, enjoying the moment, until Mervamon let out an annoyed sigh and all but asked with a fair irritability. "Will you two just kiss already?"
"Yeah, this is getting annoying now, just kiss!" Gumdramon then added in agreement with his own frustrated sigh, the outburst from their partners leaving Tagiru and Nene to blush bright red, while everyone else laughed lightly at the scene.
Looking at his own partner, Shoutmon asked Mikey with a sincere tone. "I bet you're looking forward to seeing Angie again. And I can't wait to see Lunamon again."
Sighing, Shoutmon looked toward the horizon, deep in thought. 'Lunamon, I miss you, my Queen.'
Smiling as he thought of his girlfriend, the Red General replied honestly. "Yeah, I am. Things have been different this time around, especially with us being in a different world, and with some familiar faces, but I am looking forward to seeing her again."
Smiling at the interaction between their friends and the trusted bond Mikey and Shoutmon shared, Marcus and Yoshi looked at one another and smiled, both imagining plans to be with their family, friends and each other for when they got home.
While Marcus' Agumon could not wait to see Kristy and the Damon family again, or to enjoy the loving home cooked meals Sarah Damon would always prepare for them, Lalamon was just happy for her partner and her friends.
"How do you think the guys will react when they find out we're together?" Zoe mused out loud as she rested her head on Takuya's shoulder, the Warrior of Flame having his arm around her shoulder as he thought deeply on her question.
"JP will probably freak out..." Takuya remarked, with the pair mentally imagining their friend losing it to hear that Zoe was no longer single, before the brunette added. "But I think Tommy, Koji and Kouichi will be supportive, and JP will be fine after a while."
"Yeah, you're right." Zoe said back with a smile as she remained relaxing herself on Takuya's shoulder.
Further up, Takato and Jeri were walking side by side, both holding hands as they smiled and chatted with one another, talking about plans they could make once they returned home, with Rika, Guilmon and Renamon behind them, smiling to see the love between the pair, while Renamon looked over at Guilmon, wondering if she could have such a relationship with him.
Though Guilmon continued to hold his child-like innocence at times, Renamon knew that behind that side to the red dino Digimon was someone who was kind, loyal and endearing, the qualities of which attracted her to him.
Ahead of the Digimon Tamers, Tai and Sora were in the midst of conversation, the orange haired girl had her arms around her the left side of Tai's body, who looked over Sora with a smile.
Finally over the traumatic incident of the inn and enjoying Sora's company, Tai and Sora talked about what they would do when they got home, with Sora making a few suggestions of what they could do alone and back at Tai's apartment.
While Agumon and Biyomon looked to their partners, failing to hear the more intimate ideas in Sora's mind, Agumon felt his own love growing as he allowed Biyomon to snuggle her head on his shoulder, her feathers tickling him a little, not that he minded.
Finally, and remaining ahead of the others, Veemon and Gatomon expressed their own affections as they held hands, both enjoying their time together and to allow Davis and Kari to remain close to one another.
Holding Kari close to his own body, Davis found the warmth of the Digidestined of Light continued to make him smile, the pair looking at one another and glad their feelings were genuine.
And just ahead, and continuing to lead the group of humans, Digimon and Appmon, Novicmon continued to look upon his map, examining the surrounding areas and deciding which path would be the best to take through the mountains.
"I was thinking, if it's still out when we get back, that I take you to see that movie you wanted to see, and after, I'll prepare dinner for the two of us. How does that sound, Kari?" Davis offered with a sweet and caring smile as he looked down at Kari, who beamed at the idea, loving the thought of having a romantic dinner with the man of her dreams, as well as the potential ideas for what they could do together after dinner.
About to reply and to tell her beloved she was looking forward to the wonderful idea, but before she could speak, Kari nearly doubled over, sensing a powerful darkness, one more powerful than anything she had ever felt before.
And it was coming towards them.
It was almost suffocating to Kari, for the evil felt greater than Myotismon, greater than any of the Dark Tribe Digimon they had encountered so far, even stronger than Anansimon or Krakenmon.
"Kari... Kari...!" Davis' voice called out in concern, this causing Kari to snap out of her trance-like state as she looked up to see her lover looking down at her in concern, along with Veemon, Gatomon, Tai, Sora and their partners, with the brunette realizing that she had fallen to her knees from the darkness she felt, but found Davis had reacted fast and had caught her.
Looking around, Kari saw some of their group rush to check on her, while others circled around Jeri, who had doubled over after sensing an immense source of Digi-magic heading their way, with Takato helping her back to her feet.
As Davis and Tai helped Kari back to her feet, the Digidestined of Light felt her dread growing as she sensed the dark force once again.
And sensing something was now off, Davis and the others looked out from the ridge and to the landscape before them, where the heroes and heroines saw what looked like a cloud made of pure darkness heading toward them at a rapid pace.
Before the heroes and heroines could move, the darkness quickly surrounded and circled around them, enclosing all forms of escape, even covering the sky above them, where the group prepared themselves for whatever they were about to encounter.
"Guys!" Takuya then said as he looked in one direction, where the group turned and gained looks of concern to see both Wraithmon and Sciophobimon emerge from the darkness, the jester-like Digimon letting out a wicked laughter, while Wraithmon planted his spear into the ground, narrowing his eyes at the heroes and heroines.
Preparing for a potential fight, the heroes and heroines knew they had to take Sciophobimon down, knowing it would not be easy as they remembered how he fought during the siege of the Light Capital.
Wraithmon, however, worried them, not because they were afraid to fight him, but because they were worried that anything they did to the dark Digimon would affect Eclipsemon in the process, and thus were thinking of ways to take him now without causing too much damage.
"Now, now, now." Sciophobimon then said, getting the heroes' attention as he added with a dark glee. "We're not today's entertainment, we're just here to watch."
The jester-like Digimon's words confused the heroes, heroines and Novicmon, before the darkness around them receded and focused on one point, coming together in the air over Wraithmon and Sciophobimon, taking form, where it solidified, forming a being unlike any the group had ever seen.
Resembling a female humanoid, as tall as Sora or Yoshi, the being was covered in black armour and robes, with razor sharp claw-like gauntlets that had dark purple tips, while matching spikes covered the sides of her arms and legs.
Out of her back came a long, flowing black cape, which did nothing to obscure four raven-like wings, two larger ones on top and two smaller ones underneath as they extended outwards.
On the being's chest and shoulder pads were the dark purple crescent moon icon of the Dark Tribe, while her head was covered in a black helmet, with a series of spike-like horns sticking out, and a dark purple face mask that left no physical features, only revealing a pair of dark purple eyes that glared down at the heroes and heroines.
"Wh... what is that...?" Astora asked with a small hint of fear in his voice, feeling a sense of dread as he looked upon this being.
And looking at his D-Bracer, the Superstar was shocked at what he saw.
"There... there's no Data on her..." Tagiru said in shock, leaving the others surprised, before Haru remembered something important.
"Guys... remember what Eclipsemon told us!" The lead Appli Driver then said, his words causing every one of the heroes and heroines to widen their eyes as the revelation came to them as they remembered Ecplisemon's words on the leader of the Dark Tribe.
Digimon or not, whatever this being was, one thing was for sure to the group, the individual before them was the Dark Lady.
"So, you are the vermin who have entered My world, attacked My forces and have interrupted My plans." The Dark Lady stated in a cold tone as she looked down at the heroes and heroines, who realized her eyes were the same ones they had seen through the dark portal when they defeated Lycanmon, before each and every one in the group had a sudden flash of their own demises at the Dark Lady's hands, each doing their best not to fall down or pass out from the killer intent her stare gave them.
But shaking his head, having too much to fight for, Davis moved in front of the group, holding his hand out protectively before Kari, where he looked at the Leader of the Dark Tribe and said back with a determined look. "This isn't your world, this world belongs to the Digimon you are tormenting and causing pain to, and we won't stand back and let you continue to bring ruin to them."
"They are but pawns to be discarded as I desire." The Dark Lady said back, before bringing her right arm out, her hand pointed to the small village at the base of the mountain that helped the heroes and heroines earlier in the day as she then added. "And it's time they remembered their place!"
Quicker than the heroes could see, a large mass of darkness then shot out of the Dark Lady's hand, moving like a tidal wave and quickly consuming the village, before retracting back to her just as fast.
When the darkness cleared, the group of heroes and heroines looked down in horror to find the entire village, and the Digimon inhabiting it, completely gone, the ground around the former village scorched with dark purple flames, the only sign that there had ever been life around the area left.
"Why?! They were innocent, they didn't do anything!" Kari screamed as she began to tear up at seeing so many innocent Digimon wiped off the face of the earth like that.
"They aided you, and that is enough of a crime." The Dark Lady replied with a continued coldness in her voice.
"Their ends will serve as warnings to anyone else who dares to defy me, as well your own."
Hearing the threat, and wanting justice not only for the Digimon from the village, but for all those who had suffered at the Dark Tribe's hands, the heroes and heroines felt their courage return to them as their D-Bracers began to glow, covering all but Jeri and Novicmon in pillars of light.
"Samudramon!"
"MagnaVeedramon!"
"MedievalGallantmon!"
"Lightbearer Ophanimon!"
"SacredPhoenixmon!"
"MysticSakuyamon!"
"CrimsonAldamon!"
"GaleSilphymon!"
"LordShoutmon!"
"ShaolinArrestedramon!"
"AncientMervamon!"
"Sagemon!"
"ShogunOujamon!"
"BardMusimon!"
The group of Digimon and Appmon got into their fighting positions, along with the Digi-armoured forms of Marcus and Yoshi, while Jeri's arms were covered in Digi-Magic, each and every one of them ready to try and bring down the Dark Lady and end the threat to Witchelny once and for all.
"This is starting to get good. I'm thinking we should've bought popcorn." Sciophobimon commented with a wicked laugh, this causing Wraithmon to chuckle at the remark, while interested to bear witness to the beating the heroes and heroines were about to receive.
"You will face justice for all the lives you destroyed!" LordShoutmon snarled furiously as gripped his sword, ready to move in and strike at the dark being before him.
"Boldly stated, your Majesty..." The Dark Lady said with a sarcastic tone, her words causing LordShoutmon's eyes to widen in surprise, before she then said to him and his allies. "I will show you the justice of the dead, and the true meaning of fear!"
"Enough!" Samudramon finally snape as he brought his blades together and unleashed a familiar attack upon the Dark Lady.
"Rinkageki!"
"Rage of Wyvern!"
"Holy Strike!"
"Holy Judgement!"
"Sacred Flame!"
"Full Spirit Wave!"
"Arcane Inferno!"
"Arcane Twister!"
"Flaming Destruction!"
"Violet Blast!"
"Omni Force!"
"Inferno Spiral!"
"Ancient Blaze!"
"Gaia Link!"
"Golden Arrow!"
"Rhythmic Stream!"
Unleashing their attacks together, along with a great fire blast from Jeri, the heroes sent their combined onslaught straight for the Dark Lady, hoping to take her down with one mighty strike.
However, much to their shock and horror, the heroes and heroines saw that the Dark Lady did not move from her place in the sky.
Instead, her dark purple eyes glowed for half a second, before all the attack sent towards her stopped mid-air and dissolved into Data particles, shocking the heroes at how easily she countered and canceled their attacks.
"My turn." The Dark Lady then said, flapping her wings, before sending out a swarm of black feathers at the group, which quickly morphed into dark spikes, causing the heroes, heroines and Novicmon to quickly move and dodge the razor sharp objects as they pierced the ground, before melting back into shadows.
Watching the Dark Lady land on the ground, Samudramon and MedievalGallantmon moved in to strike, moving as fast as possible to strike her on either side.
"Cross Slicer!"
"Noble Strike!"
However, as they brought their weapons down to strike, Both Samudramon and MedievalGallantmon's attacks were stopped as something blocked their blades, looking in shock to see that the Dark Lady had brought her index fingers up and was holding their weapons back with sheer strength alone.
"I expected more from you." The Leader of the Dark Tribe commented, before a surge of dark energy short from her fingertips and through Samudramon and MedievalGallantmon, causing the pair to cry out in agony, before the Dark Lady gave a quick kick to MedievalGallantmon's stomach, sending the knight Digimon flying backwards with a powerful force, crashing into the side of the mountain and leaving a massive crater in his wake, where everyone could see his body flicker from the damage he sustained.
Turning to Samudramon, the Dark Lady then delivered a powerful kick to the dragon warrior Digimon's chest, causing him to let out an agonized cry as he was sent upwards into the sky, before the dark being appeared above him and slammed her fists into his back, sending him crashing back onto the mountain ridge with a powerful force, sending out a shockwave of dust as the other heroes and heroines tried to shield their eyes from.
When the dust settled, the group looked in shock to see the unconscious and bruised forms of Tai and Agumon within the newly formed crater, shocking most to see one of their toughest fighters taken down so easily.
And though fearful, the sight of Samudramon being harmed sent SacredPhoenixmon into a fit of rage and concern.
"Tai! Agumon!" The Digimon of Love let out in shock, before turning to face the Dark Lady as her spear ignited in flame as she lunged at the dark being and bellowed with rage. "Blazing Spear Strike!"
Despite seeing the massive avian Digimon heading towards her, the Dark Lady remained calm, even as the flaming spear came toward her.
Reacting to SacredPhoenixmon and her great power, a dark mist surged down the Dark Lady's right arm, forming into a dark sword, which she used to strike the side of the spear as it came at her, knocking SacredPhoenixmon's attack to the side, before the Dark Lady slammed her left fist into the Digimon of Love's right leg, where the sounds of bone snapping caught everyone's attention as SacredPhoeinxmon cried out in pain.
It was then that the dark blade receded back into her right hand, forming a dark energy, which she slammed into SacredPhoenixmon's chest, sending the large Digimon flying right into the same mountain as MedievalGallantmon, who pulled himself out of the way just in time as the Digimon of Love crashed into the wall, her body bruised and greatly damaged, showing SacredPhoenixmon seemed to be in a state of unconsciousness.
"And that's one down for the count!" Sciophobimon declared with a wicked laugh, while Wraithmon smirked viciously to see three of the heroes taken down, while furthering the delight of seeing the heroes and heroines suffer.
"Full Spirit Wave!" MysticSakuyamon announced as she aimed her spear toward the Dark Lady, sending out her spiritual fox spirits at their foe, which was accompanied by Jeri, stood by MysticSakuyamon's side and used her Digi-magic to unleash a barrage of fire blasts at the Dark Lady.
In response, however, the two saw the Dark Lady's shadow grow and turn into a dark liquid-like substance, one the heroes and heroines recognized as it grew and took the form of DracoLichmon's head, before firing a blast that shot through MysticSakuyamon and Jeri's attack, heading straight for them.
"Spirit Ring!" The fusion of Rika and Renamon called out as she quickly slammed her spear into the ground, forming a protective barrier around Jeri and herself as the dark energy slammed into the protective ring, with Jeri lending her own magic as she brought her hands up, both of them groaning at the sheer energy being fired at them.
When the energy died down, however, MysticSakuyamon and Jeri were shocked to see the Dark Lady right outside their barrier, where the dark being simply walked in without any problem, quickly closing the distance between her and her foes, before quickly placing her right index finger on Jeri's forehead.
Instantly, Jeri found herself in a dark lit domain, unsure what was going on as she looked around, before finding herself surrounded by glowing red eyes in the dark, emerging to reveal zombie-like versions of the D-Reaper's agents, all moving towards her, all with outstretched hands.
Back in the real world and outside her mind, Jeri gripped her head and began screaming in pure fear and agony, the brunette shaking her head frantically as the illusions plagued her mind, concerning MysticSakuyamon.
"Jeri!" The mystic Digimon called out as she moved to check her friend, only to receive a backhanded punch, one filled with dark energy, to the face, sending MysticSakuyamon flying backwards and skidding across the ground with an agonizing cry, before crashing into the rock face, reverting back to Rika and Renamon as the pair fell unconscious to the ground, while Jeri passed out from the mental trauma her mind was forced to endure.
"Crimson Force!"
"Hurricane Spiral!"
Working together, CrimsonAldamon and GaleSilphymon unleashed a series of fire blasts and twisters at the Dark Lady, only for their eyes to widen in horror as the leader of the Dark Tribe's eyes began to glow once again as she moved her hands fluidly, causing the fire and wind attack to turn dark as they began to move around her being instead of attacking her, forming into a stream of dark fire and wind, which she then shot back towards the Legendary Warriors, who quickly took off to try and dodge the blast.
However, seeing the blast closing in on GaleSilphymon, CrimsonAldamon quickly flew over and wrapped his body around the Warrior of Wind, taking the overall power of the Dark Lady, leaving the Warriors of Flame and of Wind to scream in pain.
Crashing back to the ground and reverting back to their human forms, Takuya and Zoe were greatly bruised and beaten, the Warrior of Flame however pushing himself to ensure his body protected Zoe's and blocked the evil of the Dark Lady.
Moving as one, Marcus and Yoshi rushed at the Dark Lady with incredible speeds, hoping to take her off guard through their combined power and teamwork.
"Blazing Blade!"
"Thorn Saber!"
Though their strikes were valiant, Marcus and Yoshi found that they too were no match for the Dark Lady's power.
Dark blades forming in her hands, the Dark Lady quickly parried the onslaught of attacks and began fighting with her blades, causing the Digi-armoured heroes to jump back.
"Nature's Wrath!" Yoshi then announced, causing dozens of vines to emerge from the ground, where the auburn haired warrior hoped that they could contain the Dark Lady and allow her time to discover a way to best their nemesis.
But much to her shock, Yoshi watched as the vines all withered and turned to dust around the Dark Lady's presence, before the dark being brought her blades together, causing them to turn into energy as they fired off in a powerful blast.
"Firewall!" Marcus yelled as he moved in front of Yoshi and cast out his fiery shield in order to protect her from the blast.
Determined to keep Yoshi safe, Marcus found he and Yoshi were sent flying back with a scream as the destructive power of the Dark Lady clashed against Marcus' fire blockade, the armour around Yoshi reverting back to Lalamon as the pair landed on the ground unconscious, while Marcus' armour was left greatly damaged and shattering apart.
As he tried to get up, Marcus then collapsed, his body drained of almost all its energy, which infuriated the brunette at feeling so helpless,while his armour reverted back to Agumon, who groaned in pain himself.
"Star Shine Dive!"
"Skydive Force!"
Moving quickly, the Dark Lady brought her left hand up and grabbed AncientMervamon's wrists tightly, while her right grabbed ShaolinArresterdramon's staff, much to the shock of the Digimon.
Before either could react any further, the leader of the Dark Tribe quickly moved her hands upon their faces and slammed the pair into the ground with an intense force, while sending dark energy to course painfully through the duo.
Discarding ShaolinArresterdramon and AncientMinervamon like a pair of ragdolls, both crying out in pain and disengaging their combined forces, leaving behind Tagiru, Nene and their partners, the group lay unconscious upon one another, the sight furthering the dread, anger and concern within the remaining fighters.
Knowing that it would be dangerous, but never turning their backs on their friends, LordShoutmon leapt into action.
"Courageous Spirit!" The combined voices of Mikey and Shoutmon declared.
Summoning a large energy avatar around himself, LordShoutmon then brought his energy sword down upon the Dark Lady.
However, in response to LordShoutmon's display of power, the Dark Lady brought her left hand up, her darkness stopping the blade in its tracks, shocking LordShoutmon to no end.
Before LordShoutmon could say anything, or before he could react, the Dark Lady lunged at him.
Passing through the energy form and grabbing the knight Digimon by the throat, the Dark Lady threw LordShoutmon out of the energy form, which broke dispersed with the absence of the knight Digimon, before LordShoutmon found himself slammed into the mountainside.
Dragging him upward and through the rock, the Dark Lady furthered the pain of the combined forces of Mikey and Shoutmon, before throwing LordShoutmon back down to the ground with a loud crash, the damage too much for the knight Digimon to handle, which left LordShoutmon flickering from the damage.
Fearful as he tried to scan the Dark Lady for any signs of weakness, but came up with no results, Sagemon pushed past the fear growing within his heart and tried his luck.
"Ultimate Search Strike!" He announced as he drew his staff into the air and fired down hundreds of blue energy shots toward the Dark Lady, who easily moved and dodged each one with a graceful motion.
Dodging all of Sagemon's attacks, the Dark Lady showed her power, a dark aura forming around her being, taking the shapes of a set of dragon-like heads, which unleashed a pair of dark energy streams directly upon Sagemon.
Caught off guard by the attack, Sagemon cried out in pain, which furthered as the Dark Lady appeared before him, grabbed him by his face and sent him crashing to the ground.
Standing over his bruised and damaged body, pushing a foot into his chest to further his pain, the Dark Lady then summoned another blade of dark energy, which she prepared to use to strike Sagemon down for good.
"Sonic Strings!" BardMusimon announced as he stepped into the fight, the music Appmon strumming his guitar in the hopes his attack would at least paralyze the Dark Lady long enough for Sagemon to escape.
However, much to his terror, BardMusimon saw that the dark being was unaffected by his attack a she turned her head towards him, before appearing before him in the blink of an eye, crushing his guitar with one hand, before gripping his face with the other, where she slammed him into the rock face behind him with a powerful might, leaving another crater in her wake as dark energy coursed through her arm, while BardMusimon remained almost lifeless in her hand.
Sharing the protectiveness SacredPhoenixmon shared toward Tai and Agumon, the combined forces of Eri and Dokamon acted.
"Get away from him! Palm Cruncher!" ShogunOujamon yelled furiously as the warrior Appmon rushed at the Dark Lady, who dropped BardMusimon's defeated form to the ground as she turned and easily dodged each of the warrior Appmon's blows, before dark energy formed around her right fist as she slammed it into ShogunOujamon's stomach, causing the Appmon to cry out as they went flying back and nearly falling off the ridge, groaning in pain as their armour was broken and shattered.
"Magna Saber!"
"Striking Light!"
Hearing the two attacks, the Dark Lady swung around as two more dark blades appeared in her hands, blocking the blows from both MagnaVeedramon and Lightbearer Ophanimon, who growled in defiance at the being who harmed their friends, before both were pushed back by her strength.
Bringing the energy that made her blades back into her right hand, the Dark Lady then unleashed a powerful ball of dark energy at the pair, sending both flying backwards with a pain filled cry.
Landing on the ground, MagnaVeedramon slowly got up, where he looked to see Novicmon come towards him, the holy knight Digimon seeing the fear in the small Digimon's eyes, and understanding his concerns.
"Novicmon... I need the fragments..." MagnaVeedramon said through his pain as he managed to pull himself up, the call of MagnaVeedramon causing Novicmon to snap out of his fear induced state and quickly reach into his hat, who then asked. "Which one?"
"All of them!" The holy knight Digimon replied, his request causing Novicmon to look at him with shock and surprise.
Ignoring MagnaVeedramon for the moment, the Dark Lady stalked over to Lightbearer Ophanimon, who struggled to recover herself after such a thrashing and found the dark being approaching her.
Reaching down, the Dark Lady grabbed the celestial Digimon by her neck and lifted her up, causing Lightbearer Ophanimon to thrash in her grasp, the celestial Digimon desperately trying to break free.
"So much for your precious Light." The Dark Lady commented in her cold tone, before unleashing a surge of dark energy from her hand and into Lightbearer Ophanimon, the blast causing the combined force of Kari and Gatomon to scream in agony and pain within the Dark Lady's tightening grasp.
"Let her go!" MagnaVeedramon suddenly yelled, his outburst causing the Dark Lady to turn and look at the holy knight Digimon, before tilting her head as she took in the change in his appearance and power.
All around the figures of MagnaVeedramon and the Dark Lady, MagnaVeedramon's injured friends, the conscious ones at least, looked at him with surprise, while Wraithmon and Sciophobimon looked intrigued to see the holy knight Digimon's armour now black with golden linings, while six wings came out of his back, a pair of fire wings, a pair of light wings and a pair of dark wings, while two rings of water circled around his being as he extended his blades, ready to fight the Dark Lady once more.
"Are you sure you can handle all that power?" The Dark Lady asked, expressing a vague interest in her tone, before discarding Lightbearer Ophanimon as she threw her aside, where the celestial Digimon reverted back to the injured forms of Kari and Gatomon.
Barely able to stay conscious, Kari and Gatomon looked at MagnaVeedramon with a growing shock and concern, seeing the energies of the four primordial fragments the group possessed now circulating through him, uncertain to what negative effects such power could hold on Davis or Veemon.
"I won't let you harm my friends anymore!" MagnaVeedramon bellowed, doing his best to keep it together as the massive amount of energy ran through his being, before launching himself at the Dark Lady and crying out. "Magna Saber!"
Seeing MagnaVeedramon rushing towards her, the Dark Lady extended her right arm, where a dark wisp flowed down her arm and into her hand, creating a staff with the crescent moon on both ends, before a blade of dark purple energy extended from the top, where the dark being used her new scythe to block MangaVeedramon's strike, sending out a shockwave of energy that caused everyone to shield their eyes.
Breaking from their clash, both MagnaVeedramon and the Dark Lady shot into the air, moving faster than anyone could see as the clash of energy was seen all over the sky, with the holy knight Digimon doing his best to strike down his foe.
"Holy Strike!" MagnaVeedramon then declared as he gathered energy into his chest and fired it off as a powerful force of pure light, the beam looking like a combination of energy as it surged towards the Dark Lady, who closed her wings around her form, repelling the attack and receiving no injury.
It was then that darkness around the Dark Lady came to life once more, growing and changing in size, before shooting out towards MagnaVeedramon, taking on the form of dragon heads and screaming skulls as they rushed towards the magic-imbued knight Digimon, who did his best to dodge and avoid each attack, cutting through them with his blades, before rushing back up to the Dark Lady, who used her scythe to once again block his attack.
As he struggled against the Dark Lady's weapon, trying his best to push back against her might, MagnaVeedramon looked up and was mentally shocked to see, while she was pushing back against him, the leader of the Dark Tribe did not show the same struggle he was against her.
And that was when the realization hit him, he could not win, they could not win against her, not now, not like this.
Pushing back, MagnaVeedramon shot down to the ground, while looking up at Dark Lady with a sense of fear growing in him, where he looked at the injured form of SacredPhoenixmon, who was pulling herself out of the crater.
An idea forming in her head, but knowing he needed the power of the Digimon of Love, MagnaVeedramon called simply. "SacredPhoenixmon!"
Looking in his direction, the avian Digimon, along with everyone else still conscious, knew what he had in mind, where the Digimon of Love brought her spear up and declared. "Blazing Spear Strike!"
SacredPhoenixmon then slammed her spear into the ground, causing massive volcanic eruptions to occur all around the area, shooting up streams of lava that caused Wraithmon and Sciophobimon to move out of the way, while the Dark Lady merely brought her hand up, creating a barrier that protected her from the lava surge.
When the lava disappeared, however, the Dark Lady and her servants looked to see that the heroes and heroines had all vanished without a trace, and realized that lava was a distraction, a clever technique to escape.
Looking around, the Dark Lady landed back on the ground as she saw a trail of dust from the side of the ridge, going down into the forests below, where Wraithmon was about to take off after the heroes and heroines, but stopped as his Mistress held out her hand, looking down at the trail with a cold stare.
"Leave them for now." The Dark Lady said as she turned away from the signs of retreat. "I will handle them in due time."
Far below and in the woods, MagnaVeedramon flew as fast as he could, carrying Kari, Rika and their partners in his arms, while Novicmon sat on his shoulder, the mystic Digimon looking around with fear in his eyes.
Behind them, MedievalGallantmon was carrying the unconscious form of Jeri in his arms, while SacredPhoenixmon carried Tai, Takuya, Zoe, Tagiru, Nene, Haru, Eri, Astora and their partners in her arms as Marcus and Agumon carried Yoshi and Lalamon, while LordShoutmon covered the rear, making sure they were not followed by the Dark Lady or her forces.
With everything that had just happened, there was only one thought going through the minds of those conscious, to run, run and fight another day.
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Half an hour later, the group found a cave hidden within the forest, where Novicmon currently worked to fix Sora and Biyomon's legs, which felt the effects of the break from SacredPhoenixmon, while Davis and Veemon tried to help out the others still injured as Takato, Mikey and their partners kept watch at the entrance to the cave, everyone expecting the Dark Lady to show up at any moment to finish the job.
Making sure Kari was comfortable, Davis was about to get back up, only to stop when Kari grabbed his arm and looked up at him with concern.
"You're hurt too." The brunette said through her pain, seeing the scrapes and cuts Davis received from MagnaVeedramon's injuries, which left her worried for his safety.
Smiling at his girlfriend's concern, Davis placed a hand on hers and said with a smile. "I'll let Novicmon check on me after everyone else is ok."
Unable to really protest, Kari just smiled at her lover's selflessness, before Davis got up, Veemon joining him as he went to check on Takato, Mikey and their partners.
"Looks like she didn't chase after us." Mikey told the maroon haired Digidestined, getting a nod from Davis as he looked outward the cave in order to make sure Mikey didn't miss anything.
"What the hell was that?!" Tagiru then questioned, groaning a little from the pain he felt as he tried to sit up, where he added with continued concern. "I know Eclipsemon said she wasn't a Digimon, but how in the world is she that powerful?!"
"It didn't even look like we were a match for her at all." Eri added with a downcast tone, one many in the group felt, until Dokamon said as he tried to cheer everyone up. "Except for Davis and Veemon using all the fragments we have against her, you were able to put up a fight then!"
"Yeah..." Davis replied with a sigh, though he wasn't sure how to tell everyone what was on his mind.
"I... I don't want to be the one to ask this, but I have to..." Astora then said, getting everyone's attention as they turned to the Apptuber, who was resting against the wall next to the still unconscious form of Jeri, where the group saw the fear and doubt in the blond's eyes as he then asked. "How... How are we still alive? Why isn't she coming after us?"
Everyone remained silent for a moment, not sure how, or if they wanted to answer the question, until Davis, who was looking outside, replied in a serious tone. "Because she wasn't trying to kill us, all of that was just a warning."
"How do you know that?" Marcus questioned back, where he saw Davis looking at Mikey and Shoutmon.
"You two felt it too, right?" The Digidestined of Miracles then asked, getting an affirmative nod from the pair, adding to the rest of the group's confusion and concern.
"Felt what, Davis?!" Tai questioned in concern, which grew as Davis turned to face them.
"She wasn't even using half her power during that fight, she was just toying with us." Davis replied in a serious tone, his words causing the group to pale, seeing that the being that had thrashed them wasn't even trying, and that scared them more than anything.
"Then how are we going to beat her?" Yoshi questioned with fear in her voice, now believing that even the alliance would not stand a chance if they encountered the Dark Lady, or if she used all her power in their next encounter.
Looking back outside, Davis replied as he answered. "We move forward, we keep going. Maybe with the rest of the primordial fragments' help, we can gain the power to stand against her. We've come too far to give up now, and everyone is counting on us. We will find a way, and we'll do it as a team."
Hearing Davis' encouraging words helped the group feel somewhat better, knowing now that the rest of their journey would not be as easy as they had hoped, and that more dangers and trials awaited them in the future.
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"I do not understand, my Lady, why not dispose of the heroes and claim your chosen?" Charonmon questioned as he followed the Dark Lady down the hallway to her chambers.
"Because I wish to continue to see their progress, to see them grow, which will be helped by the rest of them." The Dark Lady merely said in reply, adding in a cold tone. "And when their usefulness has ended, so shall they, and I will claim my chosen."
"Inform the rest of my generals to continue their efforts, we are close now, and I will not tolerate more delays." The Dark Lady then said as she continued into her chambers, while Charonmon bowed in reply, before turning to inform the remaining Dark Generals of their Mistress' desire.
Within her chamber, the Dark Lady passed by the golden orb, caressing it lightly, before approaching a dark mirror, one that showed the heroes and heroines currently hiding within the cave, before her eyes landed upon her chosen.
"Continue to learn and grow, show me your strength, your determination, show me that when the time comes, you will be prepared." The Dark Lady said as she looked upon her chosen and added. "Show me you will be ready... Davis Motomiya."
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Author's note: Well, the heroes have had their first encounter with the Dark Lady herself, and it did not go so well. Just what is the Dark Lady? What are her plans? And now that her chosen has been revealed to be Davis, the question now is, why? Stay tuned to find out as the adventure continues.
PS: If you are trying to imagine the horns for the Dark Lady, imagine Marvel's Hela.