After a short briefing to those newer to Nexus about the full truth toward the Urgothians and to Urgoth, the passengers of Miracle's Reach took their leave from the briefing room, parting their separate ways.
With most of those of Nexus going about in order to contact their realms and see what they could expect in terms of reinforcements, the heroes and heroines of the Digital World continued to contemplate this new threat, and to how exactly they could help in the battles to come.
Meanwhile, wishing to get away from the major crisis of Nexus for a brief moment and to just enjoy their time together, Light Davis and Kari walked together in silence.
Making their way down the hallways of the airship, the Archon and the Dark Empress happily enjoyed one another's company after finally being reunited.
For Kari, it was the end of a long journey, to finally have all five Davises together, and once the conflict with the Urgothians had ended, they would discuss their futures together, one where the former Digidestined of Light would forever remain by their side and would never, ever let her beloveds go ever again.
However, being with the last variant of boy who had claimed her heart, the one who served as the champion of the Light Realm, Kari couldn't help but allow some unwanted concerns to surface within her mind, the Dark Empress namely worried that despite Light Davis' feelings towards her, the Archon would hold some anger or resentment due to her actions.
There remained a deep part to Kari who believed that the love of her life would detest her for turning her back on the Light, for bringing war and death to the world he once swore to protect, for bringing harm and misery to those he called his friends, thoughts that sent a greater doubt through Kari's mind and very soul.
Meanwhile, and from his own perspective however, Light Davis kept a soft small smile upon his face directed toward Kari, who felt a great warmth within his heart to finally be with the love of his life so close to him, to at last have the woman he cherished within his arms once again.
However, beneath his warmth, the Archon also felt a simmering anger, an anger toward himself and toward his variants, all for being the ones who drove Kari to the darkness, all because of their cowardly decision to leave and not fight for what they loved.
"Davis." The Archon then heard Kari say softly, her soft voice causing him to look upon the brunette as she continued to look forward, before the Dark Empress steeled herself and found she had to ask. "I know you still have feelings for me but… do you hate me for what I have done… what I have become?"
Smiling to himself and assuring her concerns, Light Davis replied honestly and lovingly. "No, Kari, I blame myself and the other Davises more for what has happened to you then I would ever blame you."
His expression changing and gaining a frown, the Archon then said with a small annoyance within his voice. "Though it does bug me that when I finally embrace the Light, you turn to the Darkness."
Giggling a little to the face Light Davis made from his remark, Kari remained curious as the light variant of her beloved then sighed and told her. "But I kind of figured something like this happened a while ago."
"What do you mean?" The Dark Empress inquired in reply, before watching as Light Davis brought his right hand up and his gem began to glow.
Emanating with a radiant golden light, a golden medallion then formed itself within Light Davis' palm, one depicting what the brunette was sure was the Dragon God of Light, Alpharius.
Taking a closer look upon the image engraved upon the medallion, Kari took note that Alpharius' body appeared serpentine in nature, its physiology appeared to be more machine then organic as metallic gold sheets covered the upper part of his body, which acted almost like scales, while similar silver crafted sheets covering his lower part and trailed down to a sharp tipped tail.
Around the Dragon God's lower and upper torso, four appendages appeared to have been detached and were somehow hovering from the being's main form, the lower of these two protrusions resembling energy thrusters, while the upper appendages appeared to be a set of claw-like arms.
Metal wings emerged from out of the dragon's back, while his head protruded between the appendages.
The God of the Light Realm held eight horns, some of which were made of a unique blue energy, others constructed of gold or silver, emerging from his being, giving Alpharius an imposing, but regal appearance.
Looking over the medallion for a moment, Light Davis sighed, before he then told Kari with a small smile. "The Faith of Alpharius takes many forms within the Light Realm, and as Archon, I am often required to participate in many of these rituals."
"One such ritual is a pilgrimage, where the faithful must walk through one of the largest deserts within Nexus without water and reach an oasis, where not only would they find the water they need, but would receive a vision sent to them from the Dragon God himself." The Archon then informed Kari, who looked upon her beloved with shock to hear that such a ritual was performed within the Light Realm as she wondered how many did not survive such a harrowing journey.
But sighing to herself, Kari truly understood how far those of such faith would go to show their devotion, before the Dark Empress refocused her mind.
"What did you see?" She asked the Archon, confident that he had passed the trial.
Clenching the medallion, Light Davis turned his head toward the ceiling, a sigh escaping his lips as he then told Kari. "I saw the Crest of Miracles and the Crest of Light dancing around each other, moving as though they wanted to become one, but they always remained at a distance from each other."
"But after a moment, the Crest of Miracles then disappeared, and the Crest of Light shattered, a darkness emanating from the broken pieces and consuming it." The Archon said as he continued his tale. "I never understood what that really meant, I mean until you guys arrived in Nexus."
Turning her head forward and facing Light Davis, Kari shook her head and told her love with an honest tone of voice. "That… basically describes what happened. I was lost, broken without you… I let my heart grow cold and my hatred and rage consume me… Nothing mattered to me without you being there."
Expressing her love further as she held his hands into her own, her eyes beaming with the love and devotion she had felt for the Motomiya her entire life, the Dark Empress she told the Archon with absolute love in her voice. "But now, now we are together again. I don't care that there are five of you, you are all Davis to me. No matter what it takes, no matter what I need to do, I will do it so that all six of us can live together in the happiness you deserve. I love you, Davis Motomiya, and that will never change."
Holding Kari's hands and looking into the brunette's loving eyes, Light Davis smiled back at his beloved, knowing that she spoke the truth and was determined to make things work between her, him and his variants, all for the love that they were denied so long ago.
Allowing the moment to last a little bit longer and remaining in silence, the Archon escorted Kari back to her chambers and to allow the Dark Empress a chance to relax after the battle against Velgoth and his swarm.
Taking his leave, not only to allow Kari to rest, but to take care of other issues that plagued his mind, the Archon held a seriousness within his expression.
Though he had heard from his variants the states of their friends and their old worlds since the five of them had come to Nexus, the Archon needed to hear from TK and the others himself in order to ease his mind and prepare not just himself, but all those newer to Nexus for the battle that was to come.
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Walking through the hallways of Miracle's Reach, Light Davis soon found TK, Catherine, Patamon and Floramon exiting what he guessed were their living quarters aboard the airship, the Archon held a smile as he saw that despite the horrors they had witnessed and the knowledge they had learned about the Urgothians, the four seemed to be able to smile and remained happy together.
But as they turned to continue down the hall toward their destination, the group came to a stop as he saw the Archon standing before them.
Curious, Catherine found herself asking. "Oh, Monsieur Light Davis, what bring you by?"
Ignoring his own personal annoyance to the name system those of the DDF and the Dark Imperium assigned to him and his variants, Light Davis kept a smile upon his face as he looked toward Catherine.
"I was actually hoping to speak to your fiance, if you don't mind." He said in reply.
Placing a gentle hand upon the French Digidestined's shoulder, TK nodded reassuringly to Catherine so to allow her know that it was ok, as well as to say that he and Patamon would meet up with her and Floramon later on.
Giving her future husband a small kiss to further show her love, Catherine and Floramon then proceeded past Light Davis and left the Archon alone with the DDF Commander and his partner.
"So, what do you want to talk about?" TK inquired.
While keeping a friendly expression toward TK, Light Davis took a step forward and then said with a fair seriousness within his tone. "When I last saw you, you were a man who, while kind and fair, you were someone who despised all things related to the darkness, to the point that we had to work with you to get you to see that Koichi was not an enemy. Since then, your life has been turned upside down and your beliefs put to the test, especially when it came to Kari and to her Dark Imperium, and lately with your visit to the Dark Realm. I want… no, I need to know if you are alright, my friend."
Chuckling mostly to himself as he thought about the past five years and thinking about his hatred toward Kari for her fall to the Darkness, of his inability to grapple with his personal beliefs as his friends were forced to fight one another and to finally what he had been through since the DDF first arrived in Nexus, TK could understand this variant of Davis and his concerns for him.
"I admit… it's been a rough five years." The Digidestined of Hope eventually said with a fair honesty within tone, before he informed the light variant of his old friend. "At first, I felt like a failure for not being able to help Kari, I felt as if I had failed my promise to you, when she took the Dark Ark's power, I found myself stuck between believing she had betrayed us or that some dark entity from the Ark had possessed her and that there was nothing left of her. My rage only grew as Matt and our friends began to join her side, I couldn't fathom why and let myself believe that she had corrupted them or was somehow controlling them."
"But since we arrived here in Nexus and ran into Fire Davis, I have questioned everything I let myself believe in this war, and remembered the one thing I forgot through all of it, that Kari was in pain, she was broken, and the only thing that could heal her was you. As for the Dark Realm, I admit I was wary of them when we first arrived there, but after meeting Dark Davis and seeing that realm from his perspective, I have kept the words Gatomon and Patamon said to each other on our way to meet the Shadow close to me, that just because something is of the Darkness doesn't always mean that they are evil, and that just because something is of the Light doesn't mean that they are always good either." TK went on to say, the blond silently hoping that his words would not offend the Archon in any way as the champion of the Light Realm.
However, TK felt relieved as Light Davis kept a smile upon his face, before frowning as he then said. "Too true of words, sadly of which often fall on deaf ears."
Gesturing for TK and Patamon to walk with him, the Archon walked alongside the pair as they made their way down the hallways in order to continue to talk and to catch up with Catherine and Floramon.
"While there are many within the Light Realm that see things as I do, that despite the few bad apples amongst their ranks, the Dark Realm and Fire Realm are both vital parts of Nexus, there are those amongst the Light that unfortunately seek to go to the ultimate extremes to deal with what they see as the enemies of the Alpharius." Light Davis went on to say as he walked alongside the Digidestined of Hope and his partner.
"For example, there are those within the Host of Valour that believe that Nexus must not only be cleansed of all who live within the Dark Realm and the Fire Realm, regardless of their actions, but also those who associate themselves with the two within the Nature Realm and the Water Realm in order to purify this world of the problems they preserve within Nexus." The Archon then said, his words leaving both TK and Patamon in shock as the DDF Commander all but yelled in reply. "But that's genocide!"
"You and I call it that, but those elements I mentioned call it their duty." Light Davis said back, his tone laced with a fair annoyance as he thought of the more zealous members of the Host of Valour.
Narrowing his eyes, Light Davis then told TK and Patamon. "And sadly, that isn't even the worst of them. Amongst the Host of Purity, there are those that preach that in order to save Nexus and serve Alpharius, all of Nexus, regardless of Realm, must convert to the worship of the Dragon God of Light, whether willingly or unwillingly, in order to bring peace."
"And that sounds like cult brainwashing." Patamon commented with a woeful frown.
Nodding in reply, Light Davis then stopped walking, turned and faced TK and Patamon and then told them with a retained seriousness. "I am telling you both this, you especially, TK, because I need you to understand that, just like all the Realms, the Light Realm also has some… darker elements to it, and do not want you to get dragged into their influence because of your old feelings and beliefs."
Nodding in understanding toward the Archon's reasoning and knowing how his behaviour had been over the past five years, TK smiled back at Light Davis and told him. "Don't worry, I will be sticking with you and the other Davises, no matter what path you guys choose."
Mentally deadpanning at the idea of TK listening to his dark variant, but pushing those thoughts aside, the light variant of Davis kept a smile as he said in reply. "That's all I ask for, especially in the battles to come."
About to turn and continue down the hallway, Light Davis then stopped as TK then asked. "Can I ask one thing? Since it doesn't seem like we'll be visiting it any time soon, what is the Light Realm like in general?"
His smile growing as he thought of the Realm he had defended for the past twenty thousand years, the Archon looked upon the ceiling as he said in reply. "Green fields, white shores and cities that glisten in the sunlight. On the surface, the realm consists of countless kingdoms that follow the paths of Alpharius, and each at least has one cathedral to the Dragon God within it, allowing the faithful to pay their devotion to their god whenever they desire, while bazaars and tech gatherings allow traders from the Nature Realm and Water Realm respectively to trade goods and knowledge to those within our realm."
"Above and within the clouds, meanwhile, glistening cities of gold float above the realm, the homes of not just the angels and exalted, but where the Arbiters train and watch from above, keeping their protective gaze upon those within their charge, while the largest of these cities serves as the capital, the meeting point for the Conclave and the residence of the Light Empress, where they guide the Realm based on Alpharius' will." Light Davis then explained, smirking as he thought of his many allies and friends he had made over the eons.
"So, the Light Realm rules from above while the Dark Realm rules from below." TK theorized as he remembered the underground capital of the Dark Realm and saw the contrast between them and their main enemies within Nexus.
"We're opposite sides of the same coin, but the same coin nonetheless." Light Davis remarked in reply, receiving a nod from TK as the pair continued down the hallway, where the Archon eventually parted ways with the Digidestined and Digimon of Hope, satisfied in the knowledge that his old friend had moved on from his old hatreds and obsessions, ones he knew certain individuals in his realm would try to take advantage of.
Now, the Archon needed to meet up with his variants and see with his own eyes just how much things had truly changed from the Digital World he left to the one that came to save them.
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Using his senses, alongside the connection he held between himself and his variants, Light Davis soon found the rest of the champions within the main hanger of Miracle's Reach, the other Davises were seen resting upon the railings of the upper floor as they looked down upon the forces which had gathered within the hanger.
Giving his variants a nod in acknowledgment, one the other Davises returned, the Archon then looked down upon the hanger floor as he took a moment to take in the forces of the DDF and the Dark Imperium for the first time and not in the heat of battle.
First looking over the DDF soldiers as they ran through practice drills and prepared themselves for battle based on their previous encounter with the Urgothians, Light Davis watched as the human soldiers trained alongside the Digimon of the D-Brigade, as well as the various Digimon and Appmon who too had enlisted their services to the organization.
Meanwhile, the Digi-Gnomes remained hard at work, creating, fixing and even improving the various weapons, gears and vehicles of their allies based on Suzie's designs, to prepare themselves to aid their allies in Nexus against their oldest and most terrifying of enemies.
Despite the welcomed sight of more allies, Light Davis couldn't help but frown a little, as he and his variants had helped form the DDF as a means for those new Digidestined, the Digimon Tamers and the Digimon Hunters to experience a peaceful transition into the Digital World, so they could work together in protecting it and not from turning things into a military organization.
Turning his head to look upon the other side of the hanger, the Archon looked upon the reason for the DDF's shift in priority, to see the sight of Kari's Dark Imperium.
Despite the Dark Mana he sensed running through most of the warriors below, Light Davis saw that many of the forces loyal to the Dark Empress retained their normal forms as he watched the dark armoured soldiers train alongside a variety of dark and corrupted Digimon and Appmon, with Troopmon, Bemmon and Snatchmon, before the Archon's eyes widened as he took in the numerous D-Reaper Agents moving about and training with their allies, the light variant of Davis still getting used to the fact that this former enemy of the Tamers was now more evolved and not only no longer needed their cables, but were more aware of themselves and on par with Digimon and humans in their attempt to find their place in the world.
It was even more of a surprise for Light Davis as he watched Takato, Guilmon and the rest of those he knew from his counterparts were formerly known as Infected working with the D-Reaper, sharing the information they had learned about the Urgothian with the humanoid Mother Reaper, who would share that same information with her children in order to prepare and stratergize for the battle ahead.
Looking past the D-Reapers, the Archon also took in the sight of the Digi-Goblins he had heard about and watching the darker variants of the Digi-Gnomes performing similar tasks as their counterparts in regards to creating weapons, gear and vehicles for their allies, the Digi-Goblins seemed to have a darker glee within their eyes directed toward their work, which Light Davis found himself cautious about.
Near the Digi-Goblins' makeshift workshop, Light Davis then spotted the Digimon known as Arcturusmon rallying many dark skinned Digimon and Appmon for battle, all of which the Archon knew had been infected with the GRB virus he had been told about and knew that these warriors would be relentless in their battles ahead.
Despite the military prowess of the Dark Imperium, Light Davis found his frown remaining as he kept in mind the name reason for the organization's existence, along with the pain his disappearance had caused to those he cared for as he looked toward the middle of the hanger floor, seeing many of the Digi-heroes and heroines from both factions of the Digital World training alongside one another to prepare for the inevitable battles to come.
"This is my first time really taking this all in myself." Nature Davis said to his light variant, who nodded in understanding as he knew that the Grand Guardian had a few rough days since joining up with everyone.
"You should have seen Takato and the others before they were cured." Dark Davis then remarked with a dark glee in his voice, adding as he looked over the former Infected. "They fought like beasts and had the strength of Mega Level Digimon. It's a shame that strength can't be used in the war that's coming."
"I would rather have them as themselves then as the monsters they choose not to be." Light Davis said with a glare toward his dark counterpart, before the Archon refocused his attention back upon his friends below.
"Still, I feel that we are asking too much of them. This war is much bigger than they can comprehend, and the foes they will be facing will be unlike any they have ever seen before. It may have been better to have just told them to go home until this crisis has passed." Light Davis remarked with a solemn expression, the Archon not wishing to put his friends through any more danger or any more suffering.
"Many of them cannot leave, Nexus is now as much their home as it is ours, so I say if they wish to fight, then we must do what we can to prepare them." Fire Davis said in reply, before he looked upon the hanger below and frowned.
"What worries me, however, is the timing of all this." The fire champion added with a growing concern.
"Glad I'm not the only one concerned about that. The fact that this kind of an invasion shows up now, right after an outside force not only finds a way to enter Nexus and bypass the Veil, but also is able to pass through said Veil with no issue, is not a coincidence." Dark Davis remarked as he removed himself from the railing and faced his counterparts with a serious look within his eyes.
"Additionally, the fact that Gixar was able to contact Kari and offer her a means to bring the Veil down does not bold well and could indicate that whatever they are planning involves her as well." Water Davis then said as he seemed to be in thought for a moment, a look his variants quickly took notice of.
"What are you thinking?" Light Davis questioned as he looked toward the Arch-Savant.
"It's only a theory for the moment, but I will refrain from sharing it until I have more data to back it up." The water variant of the Motomiya merely said in reply, his words, while annoying his counterparts, earned an approving nod from Light Davis, for he knew that the Arch-Savant would reveal his thoughts in time.
"I am going to go down there and speak more with them." Light Davis then said as he looked upon his old friends, who were in the midst of various training routines to prepare themselves for the war ahead, before adding as he informed his variants. "I already spoke with TK and Patamon, preparing them for the inevitable encounter with some of the more… negative elements of the Light Realm."
Looking toward his light variant with surprise within his eyes, Dark Davis commented with an amused chuckle. "Wow, I'm quite surprised."
"Don't." The Archon growled back as he was in no mood to deal with the Shadow's teasing or crude remarks right now.
"No, I am seriously surprised you told him." The dark variant of Davis said, his words causing his light counterpart to look upon the Shadow, who then remarked. "Most within your realm turn a blind eye to their actions, writing it off as their service to your Dragon God and ignoring the issues their zealotry creates. I am glad to see you are not one of them and see the problems even the Light has."
Remaining silent as he turned his head to observe those below, namely to see Veemon and Gatomon giving it their all as they spared against one another, the Archon allowed the comment to pass as he and his variants took a moment to contemplate their new moves, before a sudden 'eep' broke then champions from their thoughts.
Turning around, the five Davises looked to see Rika standing behind them, as though she had just walked in upon them and just noticed them, while four of the five Davises could see the blush forming upon her face.
"Ah, Rika, I was just about to head down and talk with everyone." Light Davis commented as he took a step forward, the Archon oblivious to the special fun Kari had arranged for his variants as he looked upon the red haired hybrid.
"Great. I'll see you down there." Rika said in a rather rushed tone of voice, sparing all five Davises a glance as she quickly rushed down the stairs and fought back the more perverted of her thoughts, which left the Archon in a state of some confusion.
Turning and refacing his variants, Light Davis found himself asking. "Um, what was that about?"
Sighing toward Light Davis' unknowing, Fire Davis approached his light variant and began whispering into his ear, explaining to him about the special nights Kari set up for them.
Watching from the side, Dark Davis, Water Davis and Nature Davis suppressed their laughter as they watched the Archon's eyes widen in shock and disbelief.
"What?! Kari… our Kari, arranged all that?!" Light Davis all but screamed, the Archon trying to wrap his head around the idea that his beloved would arrange for something so… exotic, just for her lovers.
"I have yet to be a part of any of this." Nature Davis remarked with a small shrug, knowing that things had been too hectic since he arrived on Miracle's Reach for Kari to even contemplate another night.
"And with all five of us now present, it will be interesting to see who else Kari can convince to be included in these sessions." Water Davis then commented as he mentally went over the list of Digi-heroines Kari might seek out for their nightly passions.
As his variants continued to discuss the issue amongst themselves, Light Davis remained with an understandable shock as he tried to mentally process his beloved's more seductive side and her desire to do anything to please him and his counterparts.
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Having rested for a few hours and now wide awake, Kari exited her room with the intention of seeking out her beloveds, to be by their side as they eventually arrived at the Infinite City.
Walking down the hallways, however, the Dark Empress was surprised to see Paraz walking toward her, which left Kari to wonder why the Hierophant was on board Miracle's Reach herself.
"Hierophant Paraz." Kari said with a respectful bow as to show her kindness and the respect she knew the priestess deserved, the brunette was indeed pleased to see the Hierophant bow in reply and with her own respect.
"I must say, this is the first time a Dark Lord has even shown respect for me." Paraz said with a soft smile, one Kari returned as she began to walk alongside the Hierophant, the pair making their way toward the same destination.
"I am not like other Dark Lords." Kari said with a growing sincerity as she kept her sight ahead. "I only took the title as part of what was needed to save my life, so that I can live with my beloveds, not to participate in the wars of this world."
"And while I know there are those amongst your Realm that view me as evil for forsaking the Light, it was the Light of my world I turned my back on. I have no qualms or issues with the Light of Alpharius, nor do I desire any." The Dark Empress then said, her words causing Paraz to nod in reply.
"I may have divine faith in the great Alpharius, but I also have such faith in the Lord Archon, and I trust his wisdom when he says you are not our enemy." Paraz said in reply to Kari's words, this causing the Dark Empress to look upon the Hierophant with a smile, knowing that she could count on the priestess as an ally and not as a foe.
Looking upon the ceiling as she continued to walk alongside the former Digidestined of Light, Paraz told Kari with a soft smile of her own. "When I was little life seemed perfect, living with my family on our farm within the safety of the light, until the servants of the Eternal Lord Myrkul invaded our lands, his Dark Realm servants slaughtering everything in their path, including my family."
"I too should have perished that day, were it not for the arrival of the Host of Justice and the Lord Archon himself. He saved me from my fate, nursed me back to heal and gave me another chance at life, and I devoted that life to aiding him as best as I could." The Hierophant then explained, her words only adding to the smile upon Kari's face.
"That's Davis for you, he can't help himself but to help others." The Dark Empress said with a warmth within her voice as she continued to admire her beloveds and all they had accomplished in Nexus, as well as thinking on what future they would all have together.
Stopping as she saw Paraz move before her, Kari could see the seriousness within her eyes as the Hierophant then told her. "The Host of Justice and I stand with you and believe you are our ally, but you must remain vigilant, especially once we reach the Infinite City, for not all who have answered the call to war with the Urgothians believe as we do and will let their zealotry blind them."
Nodding in reply to the Hierophant's words and knowing that there were still those within the Light Realm that didn't trust her, Kari watched as Paraz regained her smile and said to the Dark Empress. "Now, I believe we are both looking for the Lord Archon and his counterparts, I suggest we continue to look for them before we reach the city."
Smiling back at Paraz, Kari followed the Hierophant as the pair continued down the hallways of Miracle's Reach, the Dark Empress briefly lost in thought toward her personal anguish and disdain for the machinations of Nexus, before she pushed those thoughts aside and focused on the task at hand.
Soon, the heroes and heroines would arrive within the Infinite City, the place where for many brought to Nexus through the Veil, their journeys would begin.
And, unbeknownst to her at the time, the place where soon, Kari's own long and arduous journey would find an ending of its own.
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Author's Note: Light Davis has reconnected with some old friends as more of the Light Realm is revealed, while the Archon learns of the more… interesting things his beloved had been up to. What will happen once they reach the Infinite City? Stay tuned as the adventure continues.
PS: Once again, thank you all for your patience as I continue my recovery from my hospital stay. I am doing better but the doctors say it will be a few months before I am back to normal, so until then, I ask for continued patience as I bring you more and more of this adventure.
Apharius is based on Arczeos, Heavenly Dragon God from Duel Masters.
