Following BloomLordmon and MysticLillymon's group, the heroes and heroines soon found themselves approaching a massive wall of wood, where beyond, they saw a gargantuan tree that seemed to be at the center of the city before them, one giving off a familiar pull of energy, letting them know that it must be where the Nature Tribe's primordial fragment was being kept.
As they got closer to what appeared to be a gate, Davis and the others took note of two large objects on either side of the entrance, which at first appeared to be large trees, until they saw the humanoid structure to them, with two legs and two massive claw hands made of wood, the fingers appearing sharp and ready to strike, while the beings looked that them with glowing green eyes, with the long branches acting like horns coming out of their heads.
"Treantmon, Champion Level Digimon, defenders of the forest." Jeri said as she read her D-Bracer's information, where the group stopped as MysticLillymon flew upwards to speak to the two sentries.
"These are the heroes Lady Silvamon has been expecting, please let us through." The fairy Digimon said to the two, who looked at BloomLordmon as he nodded in confirmation.
Seeing their tribe's champion nodding, the Treantmon moved aside, where the gates slowly opened up behind them, allowing the group of heroes, heroines, Novicmon and BloomLordmon's group to enter, allowing the group to take in the sight of the Nature Tribe's capital.
Beyond the walls was a massive city, as large as the other capitals the group had visited so far, with a mix of wooden building alongside the trees and brushes, with some structures built into the trees as plant, fairy and woodland Digimon mingled and went about their lives, while at the center of the city, the largest of the trees stood, with light seeming to flow from it, illuminated by the nature magic within.
Looking ahead, the heroes and heroines then saw another group of Nature Tribe warrior Digimon approaching them, showing three new types of Digimon the group had not seen before.
The first type of Digimon resembled the Sylvanmon, only with more armour and large, wooden shields, accompanied by swords or spears, looking like elite warriors ready to fight.
The second type, meanwhile, looked like an upgraded version of the Druidmon, a type they had seen before at Mount Brocken, with branches as shoulder pads and two branch horns coming out of their hoods, showing their own elite status as magic types.
The final type, of which there were a pair of, were two larger versions of the Treantmon, each sporting more elegant horns and what looked like long, braided beards made of vines, each holding a wooden staff with large flowers at the ends.
"WoodKnightmon, SageDruidmon and GrandTreantmon, all Ultimate Level Digimon." Eri informed her friends as she read her D-Bracer, where one of the Dryadmon added pridefully. "They are our elite warriors and defenders of our Tribe."
It was then the group saw a trio of MysticLillymon fly over to them, while all around them, the other inhabitants of the Nature Capital looked upon the newcomers with awe and intrigue.
Seeing the heroes, heroines and Novicmon tense up a little to see all the attention on them, BloomLordmon said with a confident tone as he believed their concerns were for something else. "Worry not, little heroes, our walls are well protected from the Dark Tribe's fiends rampaging through our forests."
'We're not worried about that...' Davis and the others thought with a sweatdrop, seeing that BloomLordmon used the opportunity to boast, only to sweatdrop further as the MysticLillymon that was with them once again smacked the Nature Tribe's Champion in the head with her staff, causing him to wince while most around them chuckled in amusement.
"I apologize for our citizens, but we are not used to outsiders, and the tale of your heroism has reached even our ears, giving us hope in the battle against the Dark Tribe."
Despite MysticLillymon's words being honest and full of hope, the heroes and heroines did their best not to frown, the memories of their near defeat at the Dark Lady's hands returning to the forefront of their minds, and fear that such news would demoralize the Nature Tribe and prevent them from entering the alliance.
"Please follow me, heroes, I will lead you to our Lady." BloomLordmon then said, nodding to the other Nature Tribe warriors, who disperse and went back to their duties, while MysticLillymon bowed to the heroes and heroines, before flying towards the other MysticLillymon, who began questioning her about the group, who proceeded to follow BloomLordmon towards the giant tree.
Following BloomLordmon, the group of heroes, heroines and Novicmon soon found themselves at the base of the massive tree, finding it to also be a palace as they entered through a pair of large doors, the WoodKnightmon and SageDruidmon acting as guards as the group moved deeper into the tree, soon arriving at a large throne room.
Looking around, the group took in how the roots of the tree formed many great intricate designs all along the room, which lead to a large throne, one of golden wood and leaves, where the group took in two individuals waiting for them.
The first being standing beside the throne, looked like an even more upgraded version of the SageDruidmon, with the added feature of a pair of wooden vines coming out of his back, forming an arch over his head, who looked at the group with intrigue.
"ArchDruidmon, Mega, master magic type of the Nature Tribe." Jeri whispered to her friends as she read the D-Bracer's info, before looking at the throne, where the heroes and heroines saw a tall but tranquil figure sitting upon it.
As tall as Celestimon, the being was no doubt a fairy type Digimon, who was covered in a gown and robes made of leaves and petals, ranging from dark to light green.
Four butterfly-like wings emerged from out of her back, leaving her appearance of elegance and beauty, and unlike the other tribal leaders they had met so far, nothing covered the Nature Tribe ruler's head or face, this allowing the humans, Digimon and the Appmon to take in her head and her face, her hair covered in deep green leaves, while branch-like horns came out on top, a flower forming between them, giving the Digimon a regal look to her as she looked upon the heroes and heroines with deep green eyes, giving a smile that brought a warm feeling to them, like seeing the sunrise after a cold night.
"Silvamon... Tranquil Mode?" Eri let out with confusion in her voice as she read off the Digimon's name, which caused a few who understood the term to know what it meant, that this form of Silvamon was her peaceful form, and that they hoped they would not have to see her other mode any time soon.
Meanwhile, behind the throne and within a spiral column of roots and vines was a pulsating light, one that reminded them of the Celestial Light of the Light Tribe, but gave off the feelings of new beginning, letting the group realize that this was the primordial fragment of the Nature Tribe.
Smiling upon the group before her, Silvamon stood up from her throne and said in a voice filled with warmth and wisdom. "Welcome, brave heroes, we have been expecting you since you arrived in our territory."
The heroes, heroines and Novicmon bowed in respect, about to reply and thank the leader of the Nature Tribe, before widening their eyes as Silvamon's words registered in their minds.
"You... you knew we entered the forest?" Shoutmon asked with some concern, this causing Silvamon to nod in reply.
"I am a part of the forests, and I can sense everything even beyond our borders." Silvamon explained, before adding with a still calm tone. "I also sensed your battle with the Dark Lady."
Seeing the fear and concern within the heroes and heroines' eyes, as well as sensing the dread within them, the ruler of the Nature Tribe held her hand out as she said to the group before her. "Fret not, despite her power, your battle with her will not persuade my decision of whether or not we shall join your alliance."
"But..." Biyomon started to say, gulping lightly as she did not want to make things worse, before adding with some doubt. "We couldn't stand up to her..."
"If she could have been beaten so easily, Witchelny would have been freed from her terror long ago." Silvamon replied with a genuine smile, causing the group to look at her in awe as she then stated. "Her goal was to try and break you, to take your hope away, as well as the hope of others, and we shall not let her succeed, as long as there is hope, hope that you yourselves radiate, hope that you have brought back to this world, then there is always a chance."
"Does... does this mean you will join the alliance?" Davis then asked with hope, one the group shared as they took in Silvamon's words.
"Our tribe would." ArchDruidmon started to say, only to sigh deeply and express his lament. "However, there are... complications within our borders we must attend to first."
Seeing the confusion within the heroes, heroines and their guide's eyes, Silvamon sat back down on her throne, where she began her explanation. "As you have seen, a large horde of Dark Tribe Digimon are scouring our territory, led by a savage beast known as DarkTaurosmon, who has led the assault on our tribe for many years now."
"I assume that they have tried to take your primordial fragment." Shoutmon theorized, before adding as he remembered the scouting group they ran into earlier as he questioned. "Are you expecting an attack soon?"
"No, for the Spark of Life is not their goal, at least not yet." ArchDruidmon replied, his words surprising the heroes and heroines, where Silvamon spoke up and continued the explanation as she stated. "Not all of Mortismon's Horrors were locked away by the Dark Tribe."
Hearing this caused the group of heroes and heroines to look surprised as Silvamon continued. "One of the Primordial of Death's most powerful abominations, Interitusmon, has been sealed deep within our forests since the Primordial Wars. DarkTaurosmon seeks to find and free Interitusmon, hoping to use its power to destroy our forest and claim the prizes of his mistress, where he is being edged on by a vile traitor to our tribe, ShadowLotosmon, a Scion of Mortismon."
"A what?" Mikey asked in confusion, where Novicmon picked up, having heard the term before. "They are a cult of Digimon spread throughout the tribes that worship Mortismon, even though he is gone. Their numbers had often been small and their order not worth looking into, but they have gained power and influence since the rise of the Dark Lady."
Nodding in appreciation to Novicmon for explaining, Silvamon continued. "Interitusmon, more than the rest of its kin, is a creature of death, rot and decay. If it is freed, its power would spread not only throughout our lands, but to all of Witchelny, ending life on this world."
"ShadowLotosmon and her corrupted servants have the ability to sense Interitusmon's prison, so in order to prevent the Dark Tribe from finding it, our tribe has been using our Digi-magic to blind them, forcing them to constantly be on the search." ArchDruidmon explained, adding as he informed the heroes and heroines. "This is why our tribe cannot join the alliance, not while we are using all our energy to keep the Dark Tribe running in circles."
"What about Sifakamon and the Digimon with him?" Veemon then asked, where he and the others heard BloomLordmon let out a light growl in response.
"Sifakamon and his followers refuse to listen to us. They feel betrayed by our refusal to fight DarkTaurosmon's forces head on, their vengeance has turned them into a singular faction, thus they have tried to attack the Dark Tribe's forces every chance they can." Slivamon explained, adding with a solemness. "Unfortunately, each time they attack the Dark Tribe, each time there is a battle, the illusion spell weakens, and Sifakamon's pride prevents him from seeing that. If they continue, it will only be a matter of time before Interitusmon's prison is found."
"My forces were tracking them down when we ran into you." BloomLordmon then said, allowing the heroes to understand that he was coming to try and stop Sifakamon's forces from fighting, and that is why they ran.
"What about Ajatarmon? Sifakamon's forces seem to respect him more than their leader, can't he be convinced to sop this?" Takato questioned, remembering feeling the noble spirit within the plant warrior that helped them fight earlier.
"Unfortunately, no." BloomLordmon answered as he explained. "Sifakamon is the last of the bestial clan leaders who inhabit the forest with us, and Ajatarmon swore an oath long ago to follow him, no matter the cost."
"Despite Sifakamon's somewhat unpredictable attitude, his power is greater than expected. Ajatarmon respects Sifakamon as a warrior, and as a brother in their rebellion." Slivamon said softly.
Davis and the others nodded in understanding, now realizing how complicated the situation was for the Nature Tribe and Sifakamon's forces, each trying to think of some way to help Silvamon and her people.
"I know this is much for you to take in, especially after the battle you just had." Silvamon then said, getting the heroes, heroines and Novicmon's attention as the Nature Tribe's leader added with a kindness in her voice. "Rest for now, we shall provide rooms and food for you while we discuss this matter further. We are willing to do what we must to protect all life in Witchelny, and will do what we must to end this stalemate with DarkTaurosmon."
Nodding and bowing respectively to Silvamon, the heroes and heroines were escorted out of the throne room by a pair of WoodKnightmon, while the leader of the Nature Tribe continued to look upon the group with intrigue.
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"Was I the only one who didn't see a Tactimon back there?" Gatchmon asked in confusion as the group sat in a same room on one of the palace's branches, where the heroes, heroines and Novicmon ate the fruits that the Nature Tribe gave them, the group taking Silvamon's advice as the sun set, each member of the group relaxing as they sat in a circle around the table before them.
"They probably don't have one." Mikey replied, adding as he looked in thought. "Maybe the other tribes don't all have the same hierarchies, and that makes me wonder what the remaining tribes are like."
The others nodded silently as they continued to chat and eat, before Davis noticed that Shoutmon was not only quiet, but not eating and deep in thought.
"Shoutmon, you good?" The Digidestined of Miracles asked, his question causing not only the Digimon King to snap out of his thoughts, but get the others' attention as well as they turned to look at Shoutmon.
"Yeah, I..." Shoutmon started to say, before sighing as he continued. "I'm still just thinking about yesterday."
"Man, you need to let it go." Tai cut in, adding with a smirk. "So she whooped our asses, we'll get her next time."
"No, it's not that." Shoutmon said back, adding as he looked down at his hands. "She knew who I was."
"Um... she knew who we all were." Astora pointed out, expressing a confusion in his tone, knowing that the Dark Lady would surely know about those who have been defeating her forces time and again.
"That's not what I mean!" Shoutmon yelled, before questioning as he looked at everyone. "Don't you remember what she called me and Mikey as LordShoutmon?!"
The rest of the group blinked a few times, before Davis' eyes widened as he replied. "She called you your Majesty, meaning she knows about you being the Digimon King in your world."
Everyone's eyes snapped open at this, before Gumdramon crossed his arms, closed his eyes and commented. "She probably heard him boasting about it at some point from one of her underlings., when they should've been talking about me and Tagiru."
"I haven't mentioned being the Digimon King since we first got here, not after Novicmon's advice!" Shoutmon said with a glare toward Gumdramon, with Mikey and Tagiru doing what they could to keep their partners from fighting one another, while the rest of the heroes and heroines remained in silence, processing what Shoutmon had said.
The Dark Lady knew more about them then she let on, leaving them even more concerned with who or what their enemy was.
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A little while after the sun had set, the majority of the heroes and heroines finally fell asleep, their exhaustion, both physically and mentally from the day before, their sleepless night and the battle they encountered getting to them as they rested within their room.
All save Davis, who looked out of the room's window and out to the city below, his mind still processing the events of the past two days and the information they had received, while also trying to think of ways to lure DarkTaurosmon's forces out of the forest and take them down, allowing the Nature Tribe to join the alliance.
Resting his head on his arms, the Digidestined of Miracles' thoughts then returned to the Dark Lady, and Shoutmon's words from earlier.
The more he thought on it, the more Davis realized that Shoutmon was right, their enemy did know about his status as the Digimon King, and that fact that she did know that only added another layer to the mystery that was the Dark Lady, one the maroon haired boy knew they needed to solve if they were to stop her reign.
Turning his head slightly, Davis was surprised to see Silvamon on a balcony near the room, looking out towards her city, where the Digidestined of Miracles slowly got up and made his way towards the door, sparing a moment to make sure Kari was resting peacefully, before exiting the room.
Arriving at the balcony, Davis saw Silvamon turn her head towards him, giving a slight nod to not only let him know she knew he was there, but to invite him to join her as Davis moved next to the leader of the Nature Tribe, looking out towards the glowing city below, one filled with light and life.
"For a long time, our tribe kept mostly to ourselves, with the other tribe unwilling or unable to understand our ways, but now, a common enemy threatens us all, and the children of Animamon, the Primordial of Life, cannot continue to allow this darkness, this death, to claim our world." Silvamon said as she looked out towards her city and her people, her words causing Davis to nod in reply, happy to hear that the Nature Tribe is willing to put the past behind them and work with the other tribes against the Dark Tribe.
Looking up to the sky, Silvamon then added with a serious tone. "Your battle with the Dark Lady was the first time she has ever left her territory, and I could feel her presence even her, her malice, her hatred, her intellect, but most of all, her grief."
This caught Davis' attention as he looked up at Silvamon and asked in confusion. "Grief?"
Nodding her head in reply, Silvamon continued as she stated. "Beneath her hatred, her darkness, pain, sorrow, loss, they all form her core, driving her to whatever her goals are. Why, I do not know."
Looking back out to the city, Davis took a moment to process what Silvamon told him, adding another layer to the Dark Lady's mystery and her goals.
"More so..." Silvamon then said, getting Davis' attention back as she continued. "Since her arrival in Witchelny, there has been a darkness lurking in the shadows, just out of reach, out of sight, watching, waiting and scheming."
Looking back to Davis, the leader of the Nature Tribe said in a serious tone. "There is more threatening Witchelny than the Dark Tribe's invasion, I urge caution for you and your friends as you continue this journey of yours."
"We will." Davis replied faithfully, the maroon haired Digidestined looking back out at the city as he added. "We let our pride get the better of us and nearly paid for it, but now, now we'll move forward, we'll help this world as best as we can, and together, we will find a way to stop her and any other evil out there."
Silvamon smiled at Davis' words and determination, before looking back out towards the forest with a serious look, where the leader of the Nature Tribe then said. "I can sense them, DarkTaurosmon, ShadowLotosmon and their servants, they are close now to the prison, even if they do not realize it yet. I fear that if Sifakamon and his warriors attack now, the Dark Tribe will be able to find Interitusmon."
Looking back at Davis, Silvamon then said with a small smile. "Return to your love and rest, for at dawn, we shall have to march to Interitusmon's prison, before it is too late."
Nodding in reply, Davis gave a respectful bow as he turned to return to the room he and his friends shared, sparing a glance at the area he knew Kari was resting in, silently vowing to protect her no matter what as he went to get some sleep, knowing that they would soon be in another battle, this time for the fate of both the Nature Tribe and Witchelny as a whole.
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Rampaging through the forest, the dark horde of DarkTaurosmon continued to search for the ancient horror's prison, where the SavageBeastmon, FeralCentaurmon, BloodMinosmon and DarkGoremon were joined by other terrors as they rampaged through the wilderness.
Flying just above the Dark Digimon was a swarm of feral Digimon with feminine body structures with bat-like wings and talon hands and feet, know to their allies as FeralHarpymon, Champion level Digimon, who flew alongside large winged Digimon, resembling a cross between a lion, with scorpion tails and bat-like wings, ultimate leveled Digimon known as FeralManticoremon.
Meanwhile, alongside the DarkGoremon were dozens of FeralCyclopsmon, Mega leveled creatures that resembled the DarkGoremon, but with only one set of arms and a single eye, one that brimmed with dark energy.
As the feral Digimon continued their charge, alongside them and more relaxed, where what appeared to be corrupted versions of the Sylvanmon, only much taller than their counterparts, with demonic faces and thicker wooden armour that appeared to be decaying as they held sharp swords and spear.
These were the Yatevevomon, dark Champion leveled warriors that served ShadowLotosmon, who marched alongside horrors of their own, a pair of Entmon and a series of foul looking Digimon that resembled Toropiamon, known as FeralToropiamon, having their plant-like wings replaced with venus flytraps that dripped with venom.
As the Dark Tribe Digimon continued their march, DarkTaurosmon stood on top of another rock alongside another figure as a pair of Necromon held a dark mirror before them.
Despite her name, ShadowLotosmon was a far different being then the Lotosmon of the Digital Worlds, resembling a tall, priestess-like figure covered in robes made of black petals, revealing a thin, pale figure beneath, with claw-like hands filled with venom.
From her back, four vine-like spikes came out of her robes, while her read resembled an orb like shape, surrounded by dark petals, almost resembling a sun, while within the orb, a humanoid head was shown, one devoid of all features but two yellow eyes and razor sharp teeth for a maw.
"Have you found Interitusmon's prison yet?" Charonmon questioned from the dark mirror, anxious to hear any update from DarkTaurosmon and ShadowLotosmon.
"We are close, Charonmon." ShadowLotosmon said with a deep, shrill voice, adding with a grin on her face. "Soon, great Mortismon's most favoured child shall be free and at the Dark Lady's command."
"See to it that it is, the Dark Lady will not accept failure." Charonmon stated, before adding as he glared at the pair. "Then you will strike at the Nature Tribe's capital and claim the Spark of Life for our Mistress."
"There is more!" DarkTaurosmon bellowed, desiring battle already as he told the Dark Lady's advisor. "The humans and their pets are here, the male human is with them!"
"Remember, DarkTaurosmon, he is to be brought to our Mistress alive, you may kill the rest." Charonmon reminded the Dark General, knowing that his bestial nature often overruled his intellect.
"I will break him and crush his allies! I will bring him to the Dark Lady, along with her prizes, and even You will respect my might, Charonmon!" DarkTaurosmon bellowed, before letting out a fierce roar, one that echoed throughout his army.
Ignoring the Dark General, ShadowLotosmon bowed respectfully to the mirror and stated. "It shall be as the Dark Lady desires, Charonmon. She will have her chosen, she will have her prizes, and a new era of death and darkness shall reign over Witchelny."
"Indeed it shall." Charonmon said in agreement as his image faded from the mirror, where DarkTaurosmon and ShadowLotosmon turned to lead their forces, already sensing the fools who follow Sifakamon heading their way.
The Dark Digimon grinned, knowing that they would crush those in their path and bring about a new age, one ruled by the Dark Tribe and the Dark Lady.
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Author's note: Another battle is on the horizon, will the heroes be able to stop the Dark Tribe from freeing Interitusmon? And with more revelations about the Dark Lady, what will the heroes and heroines discover about their foe? Stay tuned to find out as the adventure continues.
PS: Apologizes for the lateness of this chapter.