As the victorious cheers bellowed further throughout the area, Cody and Armadillomon looked to see the dragon, Blaze, turned into a burst of pure fiery energy, which then shot down and reentered the red gem set upon Davis' right hand, this causing the Digidestined and Digimon of Knowledge and Reliability to know that the battle really was over.

Rushing down the ridge and toward their long lost friend and bypassing those who were protecting them, however, neither Cody nor Armadillomon noticed the commander speaking through a communication device upon his ear, speaking to someone with more authority than him as his eyes remained focused upon the duo as they rushed toward Davis.

At the same moment, a majority of the DDF Digi-heroes then travelled through the Digi-port, arriving a few metres from the battlefield, accompanied by a small escort of soldiers as they prepared to meet up with Cody, Armadillomon and the maroon haired Digidestined.

Letting his emotions get the better of him and unable to wait any longer, DemiVeemon wiggled his way from out of Jun's embrace.

Tears running down his eyes as he hurried as quickly as he could in his In-Training form, DemiVeemon shouted with all his joyous emotions. "Davis! Davis! Davis!"

Turning to see Cody and Armadillomon running up to him, Davis stopped when he heard an urgent beeping sound he hadn't heard in a long time.

Reaching behind his waist and withdrawing his old D-3 and seeing the screen light up for the first time since he arrived in Nexus, surprise filled the maroon haired hero.

Looking back upon Cody and Armadillomon, Davis then saw the growing smile upon Cody's face as he nodded in response to the unsaid question.

Running behind DemiVeemon, the other Digi-heroes and heroines present looked with a shared shock to see the Digimon of Miracles glow with a bright light, which then dispersed and revealed DemiVeemon had Digivolved back into Veemon for the first time since Davis had disappeared.

While surprised a little to his Digivolution, but remaining focused upon his reunion, the Digimon of Miracles continued to rush toward his partner and called to the top of his lungs joyously. "Davis!"

His eyes widening as he heard the call, Davis turned and fell to his knees, just in time as Veemon jumped forward and wrapped his arms around Davis' neck, the V-marked Digimon crying lightly as Davis wrapped his arms around his Digimon partner.

"Veemon... I've missed you..." The maroon haired Digidestined remarked in a quiet voice, doing his best to keep his emotions in check as he held his Digimon partner tightly.

Hearing a loud clamour, however, Davis kept his arms around Veemon and looked behind his Digimon partner as his eyes widened slightly.

They barely had a chance to let out a remark as a group of Digimon crashed into Davis and Veemon, knocking the pair to the ground as all of the Digimon happily tried to hug Davis.

Looking the Digimon over, Davis saw Agumon, Patamon, Biyomon, Palmon, Gomamon, Wormmon, Monodramon, Lalamon, Gumdramon, Damemon and Opossumon all around him, while Guardomon and Gaomon moved their friends aside and allowed Davis and Veemon back to their feet as to allow Davis to first look and for surprise to fill his being once again to see his sister standing before him with tears in her eyes.

"Davis..." Jun could only say with shock and happiness, before she too expressed her own emotion and tightly wrapped her arms around her brother, who returned it with equal love to see and hold his sister after so long.

Breaking the silence between them, the older of the Motomiya siblings let out with a small chuckle. "Looks as though you're taller than me now, squirt..."

Chuckling lightly to Jun's teasing, Davis then looked around and took in the gathering of old friends, which included TK, Tai, Sora, Mimi, Joe, Ken, Ryo, Kazu, Koji, JP, Koichi, Thomas, Yoshi, Christopher, Tagiru, Yuu and Airu all present and sharing smiles of joy and excitement.

Breaking her embrace from her brother after a while, Jun moved aside to allow the others a chance to speak with Davis.

With TK approaching first, Davis raised an eyebrow as he saw the eye patch covering the blond's eye.

"It's a long story." TK quickly said, answering the unsaid question, hoping that Davis wouldn't get into any major questions at this time and he would just allow them all to enjoy the moment.

Nodding, but mentally keeping the questions in mind, Davis then looked to Mimi, where the maroon haired champion gained a smile and he said. "Mimi, I've waited a long time to say this."

Confused, the pink haired Digidestined then watched as flames emerged from the red gem upon Davis' hand and formed in his grasp, turning into the CD case Mimi had given him before his flight all those years ago, where then said in a dead serious tone. "You have HORRIBLE taste in music!"

There was a brief moment where silence reigned as everyone sweatdropped, but the silence was broken as Mimi let out what sounded like a mix between laughter and tears.

Rushing up and hugging Davis as the laughter spread throughout the group, everyone was quite happy to finally have this moment.

Likewise, and to themselves, allowing themselves a moment to check Davis out, Sora, Mimi, Yoshi and Airu found themselves blushing a little to see how handsome Davis appeared, but shook off their more intimate and mature thoughts for the time being.

As Davis allowed this unforeseen moment to carry on, to be around the friends and family he thought he would never see again, the Digidestined of Miracles took a moment as he noticed three things that didn't sit right with him.

The first was the different uniforms his friends now wore for the DDF, which lost the similarities from that of the DATS' old uniforms and now resembled more militaristic based outfits.

The second were the additional individuals with them, seeing a group of four Commandramon present, where Davis noticed their normal rifles were replaced by hi-tech energy rifles, as well as a visor that covered their right eyes, each displaying information to the D-Brigade Digimon.

Alongside the Commandramon were a group of human soldiers as well, each clad in silver tech armour that covered their entire bodies, with energy visors over their faces and the DDF logo on their shoulders, along with energy rifles of their own.

And finally, and most disheartening to Davis, was the fact that a number of his friends were not present, including one person in particular he desired to see above all others, this causing his eyes to soften as he wondered where she was.

'Kari...'

Before anything else could be said, however, the moment was broken as the group found themselves surrounded, the fiery soldiers that were fighting alongside Davis quickly surrounding the DDF heroes and heroines, who all looked shocked as some of the soldiers called out with authority. "Hands where we can see them!"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" Davis quickly called as he moved before Veemon and the others, calling out. "Do not fire! They are not enemies, so don't open fire!"

Bringing his right arm up, the maroon haired champion then yelled into the red gem. "Caleb, don't you dare take a shot!"

"Aw, but I got four eyes right between their eyes and You know that's a good shot!" Another voice then wined through the gem, the new voice confusing the group even more and seemingly infuriating Davis a momentarily.

"Take a shot and I'll shove that rifle up your damn ass!" The maroon haired champion bellowed in reply, this causing the voice on the other end of the call to say back in annoyance. "Alright, alright sheesh."

Looking back at the gathering of soldiers, Davis' glare grew as he then commanded with greater authority. "Stand down now!"

"Sorry, sir, Fire Lord Cameron's orders." One of the soldiers then replied, this causing Davis to growl as he looked up to the floating mountain, before letting out a sigh and turning back to TK, Tai and the others.

"Do as they say and keep calm, everything will be alright." The maroon haired champion then said, his words causing Tai and the others to nod and do as he said, the group unsure of what was about to happen to them.

.

.

.

Around twenty minutes after their reunion, TK, Tai, Cody and the rest of the DDF group were transported up to the floating fortress, where an elite guard of the Roman styled soldiers led the group down a series of hallways and eventually to a large room near the top of the mountain.

As the doors opened, the DDF members found the room to be ornate, also regal in the art style, with over a dozen chairs for them to sit on, while at the other end of the room, Davis had his back to them, the maroon haired champion surveying the actions on the ground below as his allies gathered their forces from the battle to return home.

But between the DDF and their long lost friend, however, was an individual sitting in a more regal chair than the ones provided to them, one who sat with his hands together in a pyramid shape as he looked upon them with intrigue.

Taking in the individual's appearance, Tai could tell that he was no more than eighteen or nineteen years old, with short jet black hair and an elegant face, as well as violet eyes that seemed to pierce each member of the group as he surveyed and studied them.

Looking over the boy's attire, the DDF saw that he was in regal clothing, with a jet black cape with flame designs and a gold badge that held the same cog and fire symbol the group saw earlier upon it holding his cloak around his body.

Looking upon the boy's face, however, Tai could easily tell that he was not someone to mess with, someone whose intellect was more than his age, and as the DDF's main diplomat, the Digidestined of Courage knew he had to speak for him and his friends, approaching the seated figure and saying in a respectful tone. "Greeting, I am..."

"Tai Kamiya." The boy merely cut in, a grin forming upon his face as he saw the surprise upon the older Digidestined's face, before adding with a serious tone. "Or so you claim to be."

Confused by what the boy had said, Tai then saw the boy gesture for him and the group to be seated, with the majority of the DDF obeying, save for Guardromon and Gaomon, the former being too big for the seats and the latter being on alert in the event things don't go so well.

"I am Fire Lord Lelouch Cameron." The boy said as he introduced himself, before looking between the group and then saying with a growing seriousness. "And I need to be certain you are who you claim to be."

"Excuse me?" Tagiru questioned as he felt offended by Lelouch's accusation, a feeling Airu and a few others shared.

Looking at Davis and believing he would have their backs, the brown haired Superstar began to say. "Davis, can you tell this weirdo...?"

However, Tagiru's call died down when Lelouch held his hand up, the look he gave not only leaving a threatening feeling to the group, but also to how the guards in the room suddenly clenched their weapons.

"Do not speak to him, I am the one talking to you." The dark haired Fire Lord said in a calm tone, one that, however, had an edge to it allowed the DDF to know that they were not to cross this person any further.

"Now, I want to know what your intentions here are." Lelouch then demanded, looking back at Tai, who narrowed his own eyes back at the dark haired boy.

"We're here to bring Davis home." The Digidestined of Courage said in reply, his response causing Lelouch to raise his left eyebrow curiously.

"So you're telling me that you found this world, somehow broke through the Veil and have brought military forces here, just for one man?" The Fire Lord inquired, leaning back into his chair as he awaited their answer.

Getting slightly annoyed, however, especially after all they had done to get this far, Tai did his best not to snap at Lelouch as he replied with a remaining calmness. "To find Davis, after we thought he was gone forever, yes. I don't know what kind of life he has had here, but in the five years since he's been gone..."

At that moment, however, Tai stopped when he saw Lelouch's calm demeanour change into shock and surprise, before the Fire Lord turned his head to look at Davis, along with the guards within the room.

Confused, the DDF's understandable worry grew when they heard a faint chuckle coming from Davis, as though he had just heard the most ridiculous joke in the entire world.

Looking toward their friend, whose body shook slightly from his laughter, Davis said softly. "Of course, of course."

"Davis?" Veemon questioned with some worry, the Digimon of Courage and Friendship unsure if he or the others had done or said something wrong.

However, the maroon haired champion continued to look out the window, before he questioned with a seriousness in his tone. "Tai, remember what you once told me about when you and the others first went to the Digital World, before following Myotismon back to ours?"

Confused by the question, Tai was about to ask what Davis was referring to, before his eyes widened as he realized what his young friend meant.

When the Digidestined of Courage and his friends first entered the Digital World, dealing with Devimon and Etemon, the group had travelled for months before following the vampiric Digimon back to the Real World, where they learned only several minutes or so had passed in the Real World due to the Digital World's lack of synchronizing with their own.

Dread filling his being, Tai looked back to the maroon haired champion and asked with a seriousness in his tone. "Davis... just how long have you been here?"

There was a brief silence as the rest of the DDF realized the meaning toward Tai's question, before Davis replied in a quiet, albeit serious tone. "Twenty thousand years..."

One could hear a pin drop at that moment, as the silence was almost deafening, each member of the DDF realizing that Davis wasn't joking and was being serious, before Kazu broke the silence and asked with a great confusion. "Dude, how are you still alive?!"

Ignoring the sound of Kazu letting out a pained yelp as Sora slapped the back of his head in her frustration, Davis held his right hand out, where the DDF saw a small flame form in his palm, before the maroon haired champion then said. "This power prevents me from ageing, while offering some healing abilities. It has helped me live for as long as I have and perform my duties here."

"That's why you were so shocked to see us." Cody remarked, getting everyone's attention as the Digidestined of Knowledge and Reliability said. "You thought we were all dead."

"The humans, yes, the Digimon, I had a thought that they could live that long, but I wasn't sure." Davis said in reply as he walked towards the group, stopping next to Lelouch as he then told his friends. "Until today, I had to make peace with the idea that you had all lived your lives and were gone, while I used my time here to make new friends and allies."

Gaining a sly smirk, Davis then placed his hand on Lelouch's chair and remarked. "Heck, I still remember the day this guy was born."

"Please don't!" Lelouch pleaded with fear and annoyance in his voice, which TK and the DDF found amusing.

"What? There's nothing wrong with a few stories." Davis remarked with a grin, causing Lelouch to groan as he placed his head in his hand, before the maroon haired champion turned to his friends and commented. "One time his sisters wanted to play dress up with him, and after chasing him through the palace, they did such a good job, people thought he had a twin for almost a week."

Hearing this, the DDF group did their best to stifle their laughs, an action the guards mimicked, while Lelouch continued to scowl in response to having his childhood trauma shared with strangers.

As their laughter died down, Tai, TK and the others then paused as the realization of what Davis said meant, that he has known Lelouch, who was around their age, since he was born, meaning that Davis has been a part of the Fire Lord's entire life, and possibly that of many others, having seen them born, grow old and eventually die, while he remained.

As though not wishing to get into the issue any further, Davis then looked down at Lelouch and told the Fire Lord with confidence. "They are real, this isn't a trick and I believe them."

Regaining his calm demeanour, the Fire Lord gave a small sigh, before looking back upon the DDF group and questioned with a seriousness in his tone. "And how exactly do you plan on bringing Davis back to your world?"

In response to the question, Yoshi reached into the backpack she had upon her person, with Thomas holding out a hand to show the guards that she wasn't reaching for anything threatening, before the auburn haired DATS member retrieved a tablet and turned it on.

After a few quick types, Yoshi then turned it to show a Digi-port displayed upon the screen, before standing up and placing it on the chair as the rest of the group stood up in the process.

Seeing the Digi-port, Davis withdrew his D-3, sparing a quick glance at Lelouch, who nodded his head in reply, telling Davis to give it a try, despite both knowing the possible outcome, while Veemon, Jun and the others looked on with anticipation, each hoping that at long last they would be able to bring Davis home as he pointed his D-3 at the Digi-port.

"Digi-port open!" The maroon haired Digidestined announced as everyone in the room watched with curiosity and anticipation.

However, much to the DDF's dismay, nothing happened, this causing Davis to give a sigh and remark with a solemn tone. "I figured that would happen."

"We're not done yet." Cody then remarked.

Moving over to Davis alongside Armadillomon, the younger Digidestined then placed his hand upon his old friend's shoulder, before pointing his own D-3 at the Digi-port and announcing. "Digi-port open!"

Lelouch and the guards were then shocked as the screen of the tablet lit up, before seeing Cody and Armadillomon change into pure energy and were sucked within, where the screen's light died down a second later.

But just like before, and much to the growing frustration of TK and the DDF members present, Davis still remained in place and was not brought through the Digi-port.

Seeing the screen light up once again, Davis moved to the side as Cody and Armadillomon reappeared in Nexus, the pair looking between the maroon haired Digidestined and the rest of their friends as they tried to figure out what exactly was going on.

"Ok, surround him. Let's try as a group!" Kazu then declared, before Davis found himself sandwiched between Tai, Agumon, Ryo, Monodramon, Kazu, Guardromon, JP, Tagiru and Gumdramon, where Kazu withdrew his D-Power and exclaimed. "Digi-port open!"

Once again, the Fire Lord and his guards watched with interest as the Digi-port activated for a third time, while TK, Jun, Veemon and the others hoped that this time it would work.

However, just like the previous two attempts, while the majority of the group were able to cross through the Digi-port, Davis remained in place, a soft smile on his face to see the effort his friends were putting in to try and bring him home.

Stepping aside once again, Davis watched as the group reappeared in Nexus, before Tai all but yelled in frustration and annoyance. "What the hell?! Why isn't this working?!"

Looking at Lelouch, Davis suggested with a calmness in his tone. "I think it would be best if I explain to them where they are and why I can't go back. Mind if I use the briefing room?"

"Go ahead, we'll be back in the Capital in a few hours and I need to inform the rest of the Council and the Emperor on all of this." The Fire Lord said in reply as he stood up and began to walk to the door, with most of the guards following him as he called out over his shoulder. "I know they will all be intrigued to hear that your kin have come to Nexus for you."

Watching Lelouch leave the room, Davis then gestured for the group and remaining guards to follow him, an action TK and the others were quick to follow as everyone wanted to know what Davis was going to tell them so they could figure out how to get him back home.

.

.

.

Following Davis, the DDF group eventually arrived in a large briefing room, with several rows of seats that led down to a presentation floor, while a large screen was mounted upon the wall.

With the guards and a few other humans clad in red robes taking positions around the room for security and technical support, TK and the others took their seats, while Davis moved to the presentation platform.

"No offence, but that Lelouch guy is a serious pain in the neck." Tagiru commented as he took his seat alongside Gumdramon, with JP, Kazu and Airu agreeing and not caring for the glares which the guards and techs sent their way.

"He means well." Davis said in reply, adding as he looked to the group. "I wouldn't have been the first time enemies have tried to pretend to be you all in order to get to me."

Shocked to hear this, the DDF group then listened as Davis went on to say. "Likewise, don't underestimate him. Despite his age, Lelouch is a brilliant tactician and one of the most influential of the Fire Lords."

"Now." Davis went on to say, getting everyone's full attention as he went on to say to them. "To explain why I can't leave this world, I need to explain the history of Nexus to you guys first."

At that moment, the screen behind Davis turned on, showing an imagery of space as Tai, TK and the others sat back and allowed their friend to explain this world to them.

"Long ago and before even our universes came into existence, in the void between realities, a cosmic egg formed, and from it, Arkoth, the Dragon of Order, came into existence." Davis told Jun and the others as an image of a massive dragon, one made out of stars appeared upon the screen, along with five smaller dragons.

"From Arkoth came the five Dragon Gods, the creators of Nexus, who, alongside their father, created this world and its inhabitants, a world five times the size as the merged Digital World, one where the energy of Arkoth and his children, Mana, runs through the fabric of this reality." The maroon haired Digidestined explained as the image of Arkoth faded and a world appeared on the screen, one with the five smaller dragons surrounding it.

"Arkoth disappeared after that, allowing his children to divide Nexus into the five realms, each becoming a direct source of their mana and magic, each ruled by an Emperor or Empress, avatars of the Dragon Gods that have ruled the realms since Nexus was created." Davis said as he continued the tale and the screen turned white, before within the bottom left corner, the red cog and flame symbol appeared.

"Of the five realms, we have the Fire Realm, which is where you guys have shown up and where I am a part of." The maroon haired Digidestined explained, before gesturing his hand back to the screen.

"Then we have the Nature Realm." Davis said as another symbol appeared above the Fire Realm's on the screen, which resembled a green tree emerging from a green circle, one with six circles surrounding it.

"Next is the Light Realm." The Fire Champion informed as at the top of the screen a golden sun symbol appeared, one with its own circle around it and a series of dotted lines coming out of it, as though looking like rays emerging from the sun.

"The Water Realm." Davis then told his friends with a slight growl, one TK and the group noticed as they saw a symbol form beneath the Light Realm symbol and across from the Nature Realm's icon, this resembling a blue was surrounded by a circle that held circuitry extending from it.

"And last but not least, the Dark Realm." The maroon haired Digidestined finished as a final symbol appeared on the screen, one at the bottom right which resembled a black skull with fangs, one with a circle of spikes surrounding it, an icon that caused TK to narrow his eyes upon.

The DDF then watched as a series of lines connected the symbols like a pentagon, before more lines crossed within, where Davis then explained. "Between old alliances and ancient rivalries, the realms that you see next to each other are allies with one another, while those across from each other are sworn enemies."

"So… you guys, the Fire Realm… are allies with the Nature Realm and the Dark Realm, but enemies with the Water Realm and the Light Realm…?" JP questioned with some uncertainty as he looked over the chart before him and received a confirming nod from Davis.

"Why are you enemies with the Light Realm?" TK had to ask in a calm and polite voice, but each knowing the Digidestined of Hope and his mindset of late, the rest of the DDF mentally sighed in annoyance.

However, that sigh quickly turned to confusion when the group heard the guards and the techs let out curses, before the sounds of coins being moved were heard, followed by Davis holding out his hand as a small sack came flying into his possession.

"Spread the word, do not bet against Davis with these guys!" A guard said as one of the techs ran out, the comment caused Tai and the others to sweatdrop at the fact that these people were betting on them.

Putting the sack of money away, Davis looked to TK and said with a serious tone. "I understand why you ask that, TK, but understand, here, Light isn't just about good or valour, it also represents order, discipline, consistency, elements the Fire Realm doesn't represent. We value passion, and at times, can be chaotic, and that has always put us at odds with the Light Realm."

"That and they are arrogant assholes who need a beating every now and then." Blaze then commented for the first time since the battle, his remark causing Davis to glare at the gem on his wrist, before continuing in his explanation.

"Now, after eons of constant warfare between the realms, the rulers decided that Nexus needed to expand in order to end their conflicts, but this only sparked a multiversal war between Nexus and the worlds they began to invade." The maroon haired Champion then explained, this causing the DDF to look surprised at their friend.

"The war nearly destroyed the fabric of existence, until those opposing Nexus forced the realms back to their world, upon which, they used what power they had left to create the Veil, an impenetrable energy barrier that's sole purpose is to keep Nexus and all associated with its energy locked away from the rest of the multiverse." Davis then explained, adding as he looked to his friends and loved ones. "Since that day, the inhabitants of this world have tried to breach the Veil, but to no success. But with you guys seemingly able to come and go... it's going to have a lot of people interested."

"So this world, this Nexus, it's...?" Thomas started to question as he realized the true purpose of this world.

"It's a prison." Davis finished, adding with a serious expression. "One meant to keep Nexus and its power locked away forever."

Silence reigned for a moment as the DDF realized the dilemma they now faced in their task to bring Davis home, before Sora broke the silence and then inquired. "How did you end up here then, Davis?"

Sighing lightly, Davis leaned with his back against the screen, before explaining to his friends. "The Veil is more than just an energy barrier, it has a form of sentience to it, acting as the warden and the prison all at once, and most wardens know you need to bring in books, movies and such to keep the inmates entertained."

"Thus, the Veil seeks out those are either about to die, have died or are forgotten and brings them into Nexus, where they are brought to the Infinity City, a large city located at the point all five realms meet, where a Council of Arbitration, sometimes with the five rulers present, decide on which realm the individual or individuals brought before them are sent to, and thus how I ended up in the Fire Realm." The maroon haired Champion then said as he moved forward and brought his right hand up, showing the red gem upon it.

"Here, I became a Champion, an individual that can harness the Fire Mana of Voldrakon, the Fire Dragon God, and use its power to defend the Fire Realm from any threats, both internal and external." Davis went on to say.

"Like those Orkkron things?" Cody asked as he remembered the green skinned beasts that almost attacked him and Armadillomon.

"Yes, the Orkkron are a savage race that live in the Fire Realm, but do not obey the Fire Emperor, and constantly attack the civilians out of a need for battle and carnage. Normally, they are content fighting one another, but every now and then, a Warlord rises and leads them against the rest of the Realm, and we are forced to stop them before they can tear everything apart." Davis said in reply, before continuing his explanation to the rest of the group.

"Continuing with what Champions are, we not only have power, combat abilities and healing capabilities as you saw, but we are also partnered with the true children of Voldrakon, which range from Phoenixes to the Fire Dragons like my partner here." Davis then said as he heard Blaze then remark with annoyance. "Oh, now you're introducing me?"

Rolling his eyes, Davis looked to the others and commented. "We call him Blaze as his full name is a mouthful."

"What's his full name?" Airu asked in curiosity.

"Blazerion the Infernal Immolator!" Blaze then bellowed with pride in his tone, this causing more than a few in the room to sweatdrop.

"Ok, Blaze it is." Kazu remarked, before everyone heard Blaze growl in annoyance.

Veemon, however, got up from his seat and approached Davis, where he looked at the gem and said with an honest tone. "Thank you for looking out for Davis all this time."

Letting out a light chuckle, Blaze replied in his own sincere tone. "Davis can take care of himself, but you are welcome."

"Besides, he hasn't told you everything yet, he's not just any Champion." The dragon then said, getting everyone's attention as they looked back at Davis, who sighed in response.

"I am the Fire Emperor's Champion, kind of like a Darth Vader thing but not evil." Davis remarked with a chuckle, adding as he explained to his friends. "I travel the Realm acting on his behalf."

"Which includes executing Fire Lords, nobles and other forms of politicians that he deems a threat to the Realm, and can get away with it." Blaze added with a light chuckle, seemingly remembering an event from the past, while Tai, TK and the others lightly sweatdropped at the idea that Davis had that kind of power in the Fire Realm.

Crossing his arms, Davis then gained a more serious expression as he looked at his old friends and questioned. "Now, what has happened since I left?"

Looking to one another for a moment, TK and the rest of the DDF then told Davis about the Dark Ark, the rise of the Dark Empress and the Dark Imperium, of their friends that she had corrupted, of the Infected and of the reborn D-Reaper and other dark digital beings, before telling him of the other worlds they had encountered, the allies they gained and of the dark forces which had pledged themselves to the Dark Empress' will.

Remaining silent as he let the group explain everything to him, Davis merely nodded his head in reply to each statement, before eventually speaking to those before him.

"Let me get this straight, among all of this, Takato Matsuki, who fought tooth and nail to defeat the D-Reaper, and Jeri Katou, who was tormented at the hands of said D-Reaper, are now willingly fighting alongside it?" Davis questioned, looking around and focusing on Ryo and Kazu as he then said. "Either this Virus has really affected their minds, or someone screwed up royally."

Lowering their heads in shame and regret, Kazu spoke as he said. "A little of both, I guess. When the Infected started running rampant, we were scared, we didn't know what to make of the virus, and out of fear we treated them like monsters, like they weren't really them at all, and we chased them right into the Dark Empress' embrace."

"They won't even listen to us now, as far as they care, we are the enemy and we need to pay for abandoning them." Ryo then added, the brown haired Tamer feeling regret for not only chasing Takato, Jeri, Kazu and their Digimon away, but for driving them to their enemies, where he added with a solemn tone. "Mako, Ai and Impmon even refused to fight and retired from the DDF, with Calumon staying with them and away from us."

"We've all suffered because of the Dark Empress and her evil." TK stated, adding as he looked back at Davis. "She uses our friends against us, has harmed millions and won't stop until the Digital World and the Real Worlds are crushed beneath her heels."

Continuing to stare at TK, Davis then asked the one question that was on his mind. "And how's Kari...?"

"She's fine." TK quickly replied, adding with a small smile. "She's just taking care of a few things back home, but she is eager to see you, Davis, and you'll see her soon."

Looking around and seeing the smiles on everyone's faces, Davis nodded in reply and said. "Alright then, but since I can't leave Nexus, I guess you guys can set up shop once we arrive at the capital. I need to inform the Fire Lords about all of this and get things set up, you guys can relax here until I come back."

Nodding their heads in acknowledgement, the DDF group then watched as Davis walked past them and left the briefing room, with the guards and tech following behind him, giving the group a moment to themselves.

Upon seeing that they were alone, however, the smiles of the group faded, before Mimi turned to TK and all but shouted. "TK, what the hell was that?! Why didn't you tell him?!"

"It was not the right time. I'll tell him soon!" TK snapped back, placing his right hand over his face as he fought back his growing headache over the new developments in their plans to bring Davis back.

"Like hell, you don't get a say in what he does and doesn't need to know." Tai remarked as he stood up, about to leave and find Davis.

"You say one word to him and I'll throw you in a cell for insubordination!" TK then yelled to Tai, this causing the Digidestined of Courage to glare at the young blond with pure hatred, while the rest of the group remained silent at the tension, having grown used to it over the years since the war began.

"And that goes for all of you!" TK snapped to the rest of the team, before he added with a serious tone. "I will be the one to tell him! For now, we need to focus on getting him home, that's what matters now! We'll contact Rika and the others and bring an airship here, then we can figure out how to get Davis through this Veil and bring him home!"

Finished with his orders, TK got up and made his way toward the exit, with Patamon flying after his partner with a worried expression on his face and looking back apologetically to his friends.

Watching the Digidestined of Hope and his Digimon partner leave, the rest of the DDF group all gave sighs of frustration and annoyance at seeing that things were only going to get more complicated from here on out.

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Author's Note: The DDF has arrived and learned a little about the world of Nexus, especially to the reasons why Davis cannot leave. Will they manage to bring him home? And what secret are they keeping from him? Stay tuned as the adventure continues.

PS: I have always wanted to make a world based on the five colours system of Magic the Gathering/The five civilizations of Duel Masters, so for those who know either series, you can understand the kind of world Nexus is, and what you can expect going forwards.

Likewise, I am certain more than a few of you know what the secret is. Hope you all enjoy what else is to come in Trials of Nexus.

And for those Anime enthusiasts, the Lelouch of this story is inspired in appearance and personality by another anime character of the same name.