Outside of the Digi-port room, the DDF's security force waited patiently.

Awaiting to be called in and assist their commanders against the Dark Imperium forces that had appeared upon their airship, but having not entered already as they saw Davis Motomiya and the other two fire champions enter the room beforehand, the small group of Commandramon and human soldiers were left to wonder what was going on.

However, the small security force then jumped backwards when they heard a loud bang against the wall next to them, as though something was slammed against it from the other side.

Within the room and amongst those present, TK held a look of pure fear and panic as his back was pressed against the wall and his feet dangled in the air, the Digidestined of Hope desperately trying to pry the hand that was around his throat off of him in order to breathe.

Looking down and with fear, TK saw the neutral look upon Davis' face as he continued to hold him by the neck.

Although Davis expressed no rage within his features, his eyes held a burning rage within, and TK couldn't blame him.

Looking over the concerning sight before them, even Yolei, Izzy, Matt and their Digimon partners were shocked to see Davis quickly slam TK against the wall, while the remainder of the DDF members present held their own expressions of concern, fear and worry, but each found they couldn't move, less their own lives would end up in danger.

At the same time Davis had moved, so did Julie and Caleb, the silver haired champion bringing her hands up, which were then engulfed in flames and ready to strike at anyone who dared move against her maroon haired friend.

Caleb, meanwhile, seemed to summon a pair of flaming pistols in his hands and had the weapons aimed at everyone present, almost daring them to make a move and give him a reason to take a shot.

The atmosphere within the room remained tense and with a sense of unease, and everyone present, save for the fire champions, were afraid of what could occur should anyone or anything act out of accord.

"Oh shit, things are going down, so let me out!" Blaze suddenly bellowed from the gem upon Davis' arm, with Ferox then adding from his own gem. "Me too, don't leave me out!"

"Will you two lizard heads calm yourselves down? Your heads alone will crush everyone in this room." Phirox said with a sigh from within her gem, her tone expressing a clear annoyance due to the antics of the pair.

"Hey, I'm not fat, I've just got a killer body!" Blaze snapped back and in response, the banter causing most in the room to sweatdrop in reply.

Ignoring the banter, however, Davis continued to stare at TK with an unnerving calmness, even as he continued to hold the blond Digidestined by his throat with a tightening grip.

Breaking the silence between him and TK, the maroon haired hero then questioned in a voice that was too calm in the eyes of those around him. "What was it you promised me before I got on that plane, TK?"

When TK didn't reply immediately, the blond Digidestined still struggling to get out of his grip, Davis suddenly snapped with enough rage that almost everyone else within the room flinched as he yelled. "WHAT WAS IT!"

A moment later, Davis narrowed his eyes as TK then started to laugh, almost as if he was losing his mind, before the DDF commander questioned in reply. "How do you protect someone from themselves?"

"I tried to be there for her... to help her through her pain..." The broken Digidestined then managed to tell Davis, before pointing to his eye patch and telling his friend. "And this is what I got from it!"

"Davis..." Sora spoke up, holding her hands out to allow Julie and Caleb to know she wasn't a threat and wished only to voice her thoughts as she approached Davis.

Placing a soft hand upon Davis' own and letting him know she needed him to hear her, the Digidestined of Love then told him with a remaining calmness and empathy. "After we thought you had supposedly died... Kari... she was broken, a shell of her former self. Each day she got worse and worse, and we started to fear she might harm herself if she didn't move on from her depression."

"But eventually, it did change, it changed into rage, rage at us, rage at Tai, rage against the world she felt took you from her, rage against everything and everyone." The Digidestined of Love then went on to say as she fought back the emotional tears as she remembered those early days.

Not taking his eyes off of TK, Davis merely questioned in response. "Why?"

Smiling solemnly, Sora replied as she finally allowed the tears to run down her cheeks. "Because she loves you, Davis... She's loved you since the day you both first met..."

Shifting his eyes slightly after what he was told, Davis sent Sora a glare her way, as though disbelieving her words, which didn't bother the orange haired Digidestined as she knew that with their past and how things were left before Davis was brought to Nexus, she could understand his refusal to accept her words.

Likewise, Julie and Caleb sent each other a spare glance, as though conveying a silent thought, but the pair remained focused as Sora continued her tale.

"She had always wanted you and her to be together, but after our first trip to the Digital World, things... We didn't make things easier for either of you, we never realized how close you both were or what Kari's feelings for you really were as we pushed her and TK together, and not wanting to disappoint us, she went along with it."

"But when you announced you were leaving, she finally snapped, letting Sora and I know the truth and how much she was hurting at the idea of you leaving." Tai then spoke up as he too voiced his thoughts, the Digidestined of Courage looking down and with shame as he then went on to say. "We didn't want her to convince you to not go on that flight, thinking that it was for the best with your dream... I tried to get her to the airport, but I wasn't... we didn't make it..."

Seeing Tai starting to break down, Agumon placed a comforting claw upon his partner's back, the empathy shared by Sora, who picked up where Tai left off and said to the maroon haired hero. "When the Dark Ark appeared, she answered its call without hesitation. The past five years, this war, it's all been her punishment to us, the Digital World and everything else for denying her the life she wanted with you, as well as punishment for those standing in the way of her revenge."

"And despite all of it, revenge hasn't been enough to quell her pain and rage." Yolei then informed, the voice of the purple haired Digidestined leading Davis to look over his shoulder and upon the Digidestined of Love and Sincerity, who added. "Only you could heal her pain, and to fix that, she tried bringing you back, using the core of the Digital World to revive you as a Digital God."

"But through that, we learned that you weren't dead, that you were brought here, and that was when the ceasefire was made." Cody went on to say, looking between their former friends in the Dark Imperium and Davis as he told the maroon haired hero. " If we can bring you home, then this war will end, and Kari will turn herself in, as long as you are brought home and recognized as the hero you are."

Continuing to hold a blank expression and allowing himself to take in everything he had heard, Davis then let go of TK and allowed the Digidestined of Hope to fall to the ground.

Gasping for air as he remained upon the floor, Catherine and Floramon rushed over to check upon the Digidestined of Hope.

Remaining with a glare toward his so-called friends, Davis then looked over Yolei, Matt, Izzy and their Digimon partners as he told them with a serious tone. "I can't leave here, the Veil won't let me pass, so bring Kari here!"

That being said, Davis then turned and left the room, with Julie and Caleb leaving behind him without thought, before Cody, Armadillomon and Patamon quickly took off after the maroon haired boy, leaving the room in silence.

Rubbing his sore neck as Catherine and Floramon helped him back to his feet, TK then glared toward Yolei after he heard her chuckle lightly.

Angered, the Digidestined of Hope questioned. "You think what just happened was somehow funny?"

"Actually, I am happy to see him react like that after all this time when it comes to Kari, it gives me hope." Yolei just said in reply, before she and Hawkmon left the Digi-port room themselves in search of Davis and those who took after him, uncaring for the fear the security sent their way, while Ryo quickly told them to stand down.

Left alone with Matt, Gabumon, Izzy and Tentomon, silence reigned within the Digi-port room as the DDF personnel seemed divided and now wondered what would happen next.

.

.

.

Walking down the hallways of the airship, Blaze, Julie, Caleb and their partners remained in silence as they followed Davis, who continued to hold an aura of unease.

His mind reeling over the news that he just heard, learning that the one who had caused some much damage to the Digital World, who had caused harm to his friends, who invaded Haru and Hiro's worlds, who killed Henry, was in fact the same woman he deeply loved within his heart.

And it was all his own fault.

"Davis, please wait up!" Cody suddenly called out from behind the trio, who turned to see the Digidestined of Knowledge and Reliability hurrying his way up toward him, accompanied alongside Armadillomon and Patamon.

Coming to a halt and regrouping, Cody said through his heavy panting. "Please... wait..."

Looking toward Julie and Caleb, Davis gave a small nod, the pair silently nodding in reply, before turning and heading toward the hanger so as to leave Davis alone and with Cody and the Digimon.

Looking upon the trio with a cold stare, Davis then questioned as he reigned in his anger. "Why didn't any of you tell me this?"

"We didn't have a choice." Armadillomon replied solemnly, before he added with a growing sigh. "TK threatened to throw anyone who told you before him into a cell."

Growling in response to Armadillomon's explanation, Davis then turned his head after Patamon pleaded. "Please, Davis, I know you think what TK did was wrong, but he was doing what he thought was best."

"He blames himself for everything that's happened, and that he failed to keep his promise to you." The Digimon of Hope went on to say as he continued his story. "And after Kari became the Dark Empress, he tried to reason with her, and she responded by striking at him, causing him to lose his eye, and blaming him among everyone else for you being gone."

"From there on out, TK hasn't been able to see Kari as herself anymore, his... his personal feelings against the darkness have made him see her as a dark being pretending to be her, especially after Matt and Gabumon joined her, and those feelings have pushed him even more to stop her, no matter the cost." Patamon then went on to say as he turned his eyes down and felt a growing bout of depression that he had been unable to help his partner in his time of need.

"Likewise, back home, the media is painting TK as the white knight that will save the world from the Dark Empress, so between that pressure and the pressure the higher ups are placing on him, TK has been over stressed." Cody then spoke up.

Looking to Davis, the Digidestined of Knowledge and Reliability finished. "Ultimately, he was afraid of how you would take the news of Kari's fall to darkness and feared that you would even take her side. I am sorry, Davis."

Sighing in response, Davis looked to the side and said in a gentle tone. "It's alright, Cody, you don't have to apologize..."

"I don't mean just about not telling you about Kari, I mean everything." The Digidestined of Knowledge and Reliability then cut in, his words causing Davis to look at him with a sense of curiosity as he saw the young Digidestined bowing respectfully.

"All our years as Digidestined, I never treated you with the respect you deserve. I thought of you as childish at times and thought myself more mature, even though I am younger than you and was often afraid and unsure of things myself. I should have treated you better." Cody then said as he too felt the guilt and concerns he had built up inside of him since Davis was thought dead coming to the forefront of his mind.

"Cody, you had to grow up quicker than the rest of us, none of us have ever lost a parent before." Davis said with a sincere smile, knowing that a lot of what made Cody who he was came because of his father's death.

"Besides, I did act like a brat back then." The maroon haired hero had to confess with a small chuckle as he remembered the way he used to act.

"But that's just it, it was just an act!" Cody then called, adding as he looked at Davis with his own solemn expression. "I saw you lift your mask a few times, especially to help others, before you put on that fake smile around us, and I never knew why until it was too late! I should have asked... I should have said something, maybe things would have been different...!"

"You weren't the only one causing the issue, Cody, we all contributed." A familiar voice then remarked, this causing the group to turn and see Yolei and Hawkmon approaching them, accompanied alongside a pair of Commandramon who looked ready to attack if the servants of the Dark Empress did anything suspicious.

"And for that, I am truly sorry, Davis." The purple haired Digidestined went on to say with a sadness within her voice. "I was a horrible friend to you... no, I doubt I could have even called myself a true friend back then. I looked down upon you, I belittled you, I argued with you about everything, including Kari and what I thought was best for her, and for that I ask for your forgiveness."

Sighing in response to Yolei's pleas, Davis looked to the Digidestined of Love and Sincerity and said with a kindness within his voice. "Yolei, I forgave you for all that a very long time ago. We both grew past all of that childishness and became good friends, and I have always cherished that."

To the honesty and care within Davis' voice, Yolei couldn't help but let a lone tear run down her cheek from the relief she felt as the guilt and self-loathing built over the years was finally removed from off of her shoulders.

Looking Yolei over for a second, Davis then held the purple haired Digidestined. "And from the looks of it, you and the others aren't corrupted or under some dark spell, you are still you."

Their eyes widening in surprise, Cody, Armadillomon and Patamon looked over to the Digidestined and Digimon of Love and Sincerity, before Yolei wiped her tears away and nodded her head in response to Davis' words.

Regaining her composure and remaining honest toward Davis, Yolei went on to say. "Correct. We joined Kari willingly."

"What!?" Cody, Armadillomon and Patamon questioned in shock, before the younger Digidestined then questioned with his own confusion. "Why!?"

Since the war began and seeing each of their former friends captured by Kari and were later fighting for the Dark Imperium, Cody and those still with the DDF believed that the remainder of the former Digi-heroes and heroines were somehow corrupted or brainwashed to obediently fight at the Dark Empress' side.

Looking to Cody, whom she had barely seen or spoken to over the past five years, Yolei said back and with a small growl. "First, to help reign Kari's anger."

Surprised to hear this, Davis, Cody, Armadillomon and Patamon listened to what the purple haired Digidestined had to tell them.

"You might think she had done terrible things, but I can assure you, without us guiding and advising her, things would be much, much worse. We're the only ones keeping her from burning the Digital World and the Real Worlds to ashes, and trust me, she has the power to do so."

Seeing the shock upon Cody and the faces of the Digimon, Yolei then continued. "Second, the DDF is a shadow of its former self. TK has allowed bureaucrats and those who wish to use the Digimon for their own gains almost free reign over the organization in exchange for their support, and after everything we've fought for, those of us with Kari refuse to let it all fall into the wrong hands."

Looking back at Davis, Yolei said with a soft and caring smile. "Finally, we joined Kari to honour you, Davis, to honour your memory and keep her from truly falling apart. Izzy has been doing what he can to try and help the Infected... along with some other issues, but we need you to come home. Only you can help fix all of this."

Clenching his fists, Davis closed his eyes and took a deep breath, before reopening them as he looked at Yolei and said in reply. "Like I said, I cannot leave Nexus. Please inform Kari of all this and I will prepare for her to come here."

Looking amongst his friends, the maroon haired hero then informed and questioned them. "And let it be known between the DDF and the Imperium that Nexus is neutral ground. Any form of conflict fought within the Fire Realm's territory will be met with force, do you understand?"

In response to Davis' words, Yolei and Hawkmon nodded their heads in understanding, ready to relay Davis' words to the rest of their forces.

As for Cody, Armadillomon and Patamon, the trio nodded with some hesitance as none of them knew if TK would agree to such terms so easily.

Saying his peace, Davis then turned and continued towards the hanger to regroup with Julie and Caleb as he left a group of former friends turned enemies alone who contemplated what their next steps would be in regard toward the Digidestined of Miracles and of Light.

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.

Several minutes later, Davis, Julie and Caleb were down on the grounds below the airships of the DDF and the Dark Imperium, where the trio of fire champions took in the newer aircraft, which looked like a black stoned construct with spiked wings and a front port that resembled a dragon's head.

Within the ship's open maw this revealed a massive energy cannon that looked ready to fire when commanded.

Below the dark airship, Davis and his allies then looked upon and took notice of a massive legion of Troopmon, Bemmon, Snatchmon and humans, all of whom were clad in dark version of the DDF's armour and holding position, each surveying the area and namely keeping their eyes upon the DDF's airship, as though expecting an attack.

Amongst the Imperium's soldiers, Davis then noticed what looked like shadowed versions of the Digi-Gnomes flying around them, the digital beings holding black with red markings along their bodies, a contrast to the white skin and blue marking of the Digi-Gnomes.

Observing the Digi-Gnomes further, the maroon haired hero saw the small creatures moving around and placing their hands together, before releasing a dark energy that formed into weapons and gear which the Troopmon and soldiers prepared to use for combat.

Continuing to look upon the unfamiliar creatures, Davis then raised an eyebrow when he saw one of them smile and to show a set of razor sharp teeth within the being's mouth, the dark smile and wickedness express through the small creature allowing Davis to know that these were the Digi-Goblins Cody and the others had warned him about, the dark counters to the Digi-Gnomes which faithfully served Kari.

Continuing to survey the newcomers, Davis then noticed a small group that stood out amongst the Dark Imperium's forces and to see a mix of humans in their dark armour alongside a variety of dark looking Digimon, all of whom were wearing a filter mask attached to a backpack shaped device strapped upon their backs, which seemed to be filtering something into the group as they continued to work and move their supplies around.

"Make sure everything is put in its proper place!" Davis then heard a familiar voice bellow with a sudden command within his voice, one said through a filter.

Turning down, the maroon haired champion and his friends looked over to see a trio of humans and what looked like a dark version of a familiar dinosaur Digimon deep down from the hill from them, the humans clad in their own Dark Imperium suits while all four had the same dark filter masks over their mouths.

"And remember, the locals are not our enemies! Do not give those DDF rats any excuses to turn them on us!" The brown haired boy among the group then called as he failed to notice Davis start to walk toward him and those all around him, accompanied alongside Julie and Caleb, who walked down and closely to Davis.

As though sensing his presence, Davis then saw one of the individuals turn towards him, who he immediately recognized as Kenta Kitagawa, whose eyes widened in shock as the dark haired Tamer started to tap the shoulder of the person by his side to gain his attention.

"Also, keep an eye on those DDF..." The leader of the group continued to say, before stopping mid-sentence as Kenta smacked the back of his head, this not only causing the brown haired boy to send a glare his way, but for the black dino Digimon and the young girl who was accompanying them to also glare.

However, seeing Kenta pointing behind them, the group then turned toward Davis and his allies, which allowed them to see that it was Takato Matsuki, Jeri Katou and Takato's Digimon partner, Guilmon, who each held their own shared expressions of surprise to see Davis as the maroon haired hero now realizing that the humans and Digimon with the filter masks were most likely the Infected.

"Davis!" Takato said with a great surprise and joy within his tone, before Jeri, who acted on her own joy, quickly rushed over to the maroon haired hero and wrapped her arms around his neck, the actions and affection Davis gently returned with a smile as he watched Takato, Kenta and Guilmon come approach him.

"Man, it's good to see you again, Davis." Kenta then remarked happily as he approached Davis and shook his hand after Jeri let go, while Guilmon, despite his black scales and the filter mask covering his face, retained his childish demeanour as he said joyfully. "We are happy you're alive, Davismon!"

Smiling in response to Guilmon's kind warmth, Davis rubbed the Hazard Digimon's head softly, before looking to see Takato approaching him, where Davis took his hand in friendship, no words needed to be expressed between the pair of old friends.

Looking briefly amongst Takato, Jeri and Kenta, Davis then noticed that their eyes were a dark yellow in colour in place of their familiar and softer colours, a side effect of the virus most likely, where the maroon haired Digidestined looked to Takato and said with an understanding in his tone. "Alright, let me see please."

Nodding his head in reply and understanding, albeit slightly reluctant, Takato then reached for his filter mask and slowly pulled his way from his face, the former leader of the Digimon Tamers breathing increasing fairly, not from pain, but instead from fighting back the hunger growing inside of him.

Taking a look, Davis then saw purple veins spreading from Takato's mouth and along his face and a pair of elongated fangs could be seen.

Chuckling slightly, Takato asked through his pain. "Not your typical vampire, huh?"

"Vampires feed on blood, you need to feed on Data." The maroon haired hero stated in reply, his comments earning a nod from Takato, where Davis then looked at the filter mask and inquired. "Which I am guessing these masks supplies to you?"

Again, Takato nodded in reply, not caring as the silver haired girl came closer and looked at herself, where the brown haired Tamer then said. "Izzy made these for us... it helps us control the hunger for a while, but..."

Nodding softly in reply and understanding, Davis then looked to Julie, who also nodded to Takato, a silent agreement as to allow the brown haired Digimon Tamer to place his mask back over his face as the silver haired champion told her friend. "I haven't seen or read about anything like this before, but I wouldn't give up hope, the Conclave or even our allies might be able to help cure this."

"We'll send word out and see what they think of this virus." Davis said back with a trusting smile, before looking around a moment and turning to Kenta and then inquired. "Where's the little guy?"

Chuckling a little, the dark haired Tamer pointed behind Davis, who turned around, his eyes rising as he saw a Digimon which looked like MarineAngemon, only three to four times the size and held a dark appearance within his form.

While wearing a mask like the rest of the Infected, the Digimon before Davis also held black coloured skin that had a red skull on his chest, this causing Davis to blink for a moment and to then remark. "Wow, talk about a growth spurt."

"Among other things." The Digimon that once was MarineAngemon then told Davis, this surprising the maroon haired hero slightly to hear Kenta's Digimon partner speak full sentences. "I'm Cthyllamon now."

Allowing himself to believe this change was due to the Virus, Davis nodded his head in reply.

Looking back at Takato, Davis then said with a further seriousness in his voice. "I heard what happened from Ryo and Kazu."

Seeing the former Tamer's eyes narrow alongside Jeri and Kenta's, while Guilmon himself gave a small and feral growl, Davis allowed the group a moment to compose themselves, knowing this would be their reaction as Takato said in a sarcastic tone. "Ah yes, our so-called friends. Did they tell you how they called us monsters, how they chased us from our homes over something we could not control, or how instead of trying to help us, they wanted to exterminate us?"

"Yes." Davis merely said in reply, his words surprising the Infected around him, before the maroon haired champion went on to say. "But at least with Ryo, Kazu, Rika, Monodramon and Guardromon, they feel the most guilt over what happened. You have every right to hate them, but... at least hear them out if given the chance."

Clenching his fist a little in anger, Takato questioned with some disdain in his tone. "And Suzie? Let me guess, she still thinks anyone who sides with Kari is evil and needs to be purged, all because of what happened to her brother!"

"What exactly happened?" Davis questioned in response, surprising Takato that he didn't know the full story as the maroon haired hero then went on with his inquiries. "All I was told was that Kari had something to do with it."

Nodding his head in reply, Takato looked out to his troops and said loud enough for Davis to hear him as the memories came back to him. "When Kari first began to absorb the energy from the Dark Ark, Henry tried to help her, to calm her and remind her of what you would have wanted. But unable to control the power at that moment, Kari unintentionally released a burst of energy, and Henry... there was nothing left of him."

Closing his eyes upon hearing what really happened, part of him still upset to hear that Henry was gone, while also feeling some relief to know that Kari didn't kill him on purpose, Davis had a few more questions on his mind, but felt another presence approaching the group, who all turned to see a figure floating down towards them from the Dark Imperium airship.

Resembling a humanoid in red robes, Davis found himself surprised to see a familiar face upon the being's head, that of the Mother Reaper, who landed before the group as a trio of Searcher Agents flew around her.

"Lord Motomiya." The Mother Reaper then said with a small bow, her voice sounding like a slightly more distorted version of Jeri's own, making it slightly distinct, before Davis saw the Searchers fly around and examine him, Julie and Caleb with a sense of curiosity.

"Ok, when they told me the D-Reaper evolved, I admit I wasn't expecting this." The maroon haired hero confessed as he looked around to see various D-Reaper agents, each without their usual cables now helping the Imperium's forces build a camp.

"When the energy of the Dark Ark flowed through the Digital World, we were quickly returned to our form during our fight with the Digimon and Humans of our world." The Mother Reaper explained. "However, thoughts, emotions, things that we ignored when we were connected to Jeri Katou, that we deed irrelevant, came to the forefront of our shared mind, and we began to question our purpose for the first time in our existence. We tried to understand the world we had awoken to, but..."

"All anyone could see is the monster you once were." Davis finished with an understanding nod in reply, the maroon haired hero adding as he looked to the core of the D-Reaper and questioned. "You do understand their logic though, right? You nearly destroyed two worlds as part of your old programming."

"Indeed, but that fear has driven them to illogical ends." The Mother Reaper calmly replied, before turning toward Takato, Jeri, Kazu, Guilmon and Cthyllamon and saying. "The Dark Empress offered us sanctuary, a place where we could find our way in this new world, this new view, and in doing so, we have found ourselves working alongside those we once fought and are still learning from them."

Nodding in understanding to what both the D-Reaper and the Infected were going through, Davis then looked to the group and said. "I cannot promise any of you will find what you are looking for here, but you are welcome in Nexus, so long as you behave yourselves."

"As I informed the DDF, this is neutral ground, your war has no meaning here. I have asked that Kari come here, so, no fighting or you will answer to me and the Legions of the Fire Realm, understand?" The maroon haired hero questioned, his words receiving nods from Takato, his group, as well as the Mother Reaper.

"We understand." Takato said in reply, before he looked at Davis with narrowed eyes and added. "But understand this, if and when those DDF rats attack us, we will defend ourselves."

Sensing the rage within Takato's tone, Davis sighed, knowing that things would not be easy, before he, Julie and Caleb moved to return to the DDF airship, ready to make sure things would be alright for Kari's arrival.

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.

.

Reappearing within the hangar of the DDF ship, Davis narrowed his eyes to see three people waiting for him, two of which looked like bodyguards, while the man between them was an all too familiar face to the fire champion.

"Minister Hashima." The maroon haired champion said with a friendly tone as he approached the man that once oversaw DATS and then nodded his head in greetings toward Davis.

"It's Councilman Hashima now." Hashima informed in reply as Davis and his allies approached him, before adding as he told the maroon haired hero. "I am a member of the Provisional Council overseeing the DDF. It is our responsibility to oversee things from a civilian perspective and act as liaisons from the various world governments."

"In short, you're one of the people driving my friends to their breaking points." Davis remarked as he narrowed his eyes towards the older man, who frowned slightly in response.

"I can assure you, all we have done is remind Commander Takaishi of what is at stake in this war." Hashima replied with a calm tone, who then added with his own sense of duty. "People back home are scared, with some fearing the need to disband the DDF in order to retain resources to confront the Dark Imperium on their own turf."

"Which brings me to why I came here, I have heard you are inviting the Dark Empress here, I pray this doesn't mean you are taking her side." The councilman then said, trying not to sound accusingly to the man TK and his friends have painted as a hero, one Hashima knew himself deserved respect.

"I am not taking anyone's side in this war, I merely need to speak to her." Davis merely said in reply as he gestured to Hashima to walk alongside him, the older man nodding his head as he and Davis walked side by side, while his bodyguards proceeded alongside Julie and Caleb, who both smirked as they noticed the guards trembling to the aura they emitted.

"I don't know what you expect to hear from her, she is a monster now." Hashima then stated, trying his best not to upset the maroon haired hero, especially upon learning of Davis' power, both physically and politically.

"With all due respect, Hashima, you're not the best judge of character." Davis said in reply, mentally grinning when he saw the man flinch in response to his meaning.

Recomposing himself, Hashima replied with a defeated sigh. "Yes, I admit I allowed Kurata to influence me, and I have done all in my power to make sure such events never happen again."

"Then you will continue to let me handle this." Davis cut in, turning to face the older man with a serious expression as he then said. "You all came here to find me in order to end your war, well then, you'll all be doing things my way, or you'll learn firsthand why I am respected and feared in the Fire Realm. Understand?"

Gulping lightly and nodding nodded in reply, Hashima felt his fear subside as Davis smiled and said. "Now, I am willing to allow you to meet with the Fire Lords if you want to discuss trade with them, but I need to refrain you from offering military support or the likes, you do not want to have any of the Realms as your enemies. Got it?"

Nodding once again, Hashima and his guards followed Davis and his group back towards the hangar to travel to the capital and begin preparations for the events to come.

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.

While Davis was inspecting the Dark Imperium's forces and speaking to Hashima, the rest of the DDF group met in a private room as Cody, Armadillomon and Patamon explained what Yolei had said to them, that their friends in the Dark Imperium were trying to keep Kari from doing far worse things they she had already.

"She's lying." TK merely said in reply, refusing to believe that Yolei, Matt and the others weren't under Kari's influence as he tried to rationalize it. "Kari's merely speaking through her, using her to confuse Davis and bring him to their side!"

"TK, it was Yolei talking to us." Patamon said, getting his partner's attention as he added. "Even Davis didn't sense any influence on her, and with his powers I can't see him not missing something like that."

"Plus, this does sound like something Mikey and Shoutmon would do." Christopher said with a sigh, one Tagiru, Gumdramon, Yuu and Damemon all shared, easily seeing Mikey and Shoutmon having those close to Kari advise her to keep darker influences, like the Demon Lords, from making things worse.

"So what? We should just forget everything she has done so far, from the deaths she's caused, to invading their worlds?" TK questioned in anger as he pointed to Haru and Hiro's groups, the blond Digidestined refusing to allow Kari to walk away from her crimes.

"It's not up to us anymore." Tai then said, his comment earning a glare from TK as the Digidestined of Courage removed himself from the wall and commented. "You have spent all this time asking what Davis would do, well, now it is in Davis' hands, and we need to trust in him."

"Likewise, he made it clear that there is to be no conflict between us or the Dark Imperium within Nexus, less we suffer the Fire Realm's fury." Thomas added, looking at the tablet in his hands as he then informed the group. "It seems Davis is bringing Hashima to meet the Fire Lords and prepare for Kari's arrival, I suggest we do the same."

Letting out a shuttered sigh as he reigned in his anger and worries, TK nodded as the group left the room, preparing for the arrival of their former friend turned enemy and for the events to follow.

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Within the Digital World and deep within the dark citadel that served as the capital of the Dark Imperium, a familiar being sat within an ornate throne, one made from the remains of the Dark Ark.

The being within the throne, meanwhile, was a young brown haired girl, whose hair now cascaded down her back.

She was dressed in a black robe that showed off her slender figure, while black feather shoulder pads that gave her an imposing feature added to her attire and menacing appearance.

Likewise, this being's eyes were concealed by a black eye mask, showing no features, save for a pair of horns that protruded from the mask as the individual held an emotionless expression upon her face, having long since forgotten the feelings of joy and happiness.

Remaining upon her throne, the Dark Empress, also known as Kari Kamiya, sat impatiently as she waited for word from the forces she had sent to Nexus and now waited to hear if Davis was indeed alive within this world and her servants were prepared to bring him back to her.

Upon hearing of Davis' supposed death all those years ago, Kari's world came to an end, all her hopes and dreams died before they could even start, and worst of all, the love of her life never knew what he meant to her.

Life had no meaning for the Digidestined of Light after that moment, with each passing day leaving her wishing to join her beloved, much to the protests of her brother and so-called friends, who seemed to be able to move on with their lives as though Davis' death held no meaning, as though he didn't matter, and that was when Kari's rage consumed her.

Kari came to hate her brother and those close to her as the former Digidestined of Light felt as though they had abandoned Davis' memory and merely discarded him.

And so, when the Dark Ark arrived and called out for one to calm its ancient power, Kari didn't hesitate, taking its darkness to exact her vengeance on those that kept her and Davis apart, on those who she felt betrayed her and the man she loved, and upon the worlds that denied her the happiness she sought with the Digidestined of Miracles.

Though she had no intention of harming Henry, what was done was done, and the former Digidestined of Light knew there was turning back as she began building her Imperium, her weapon to exact her vengeance, recruiting the Digi-Goblins, the D-Reaper and taking in Takato and the rest of the Infected into her dark embrace.

When Mikey and Shoutmon approached her, offering their services, however, the Dark Empress was hesitant and was left wondering what game they were playing, but found the added bonus of Shoutmon's armies, as well as Mikey's tactical expertise and advice quite useful, even more so when he they began bringing captives to her, each one of her former friends, who were convinced to side with her and fight at her command, which only added to Kari's sadistic joy as she pitted the rest of her enemies against their former friends.

But as the war raged on, and even with the addition of her Appmon servants and the GRB, Kari found she was never satisfied, that despite everything, she could not let Davis go, nor the pain of losing him.

And so, using the dark knowledge she gained from the Dark Ark, Kari attempted to resurrect her beloved, ready to drain the very core of the Digital World and bring Davis back as a God, one that would receive the love, worship and respect he deserved, even when she...

Shaking her thoughts of such things for a moment, Kari then focused on how the ritual failed, mostly because you cannot bring someone who isn't dead back from the grave, and reaching through the void, the Dark Empress found Davis and the mysterious world of Nexus.

However, despite her attempts, Kari could not reach Davis and found something, an unknown force, preventing her from reaching into Nexus, and thus, at Mikey's suggestion, the Dark Empress agreed to the ceasefire, forcing the DDF to bring Davis home instead, all to bring him back where he belongs.

As the Dark Empress sat upon her throne, nearby and waiting in a line were a group of familiar faces, which included Mikey, Shoutmon, Nene, Mervamon, Jeremy, Angie, Marcus, Agumon, Keenan, Falcomon, Takuya, Zoe and Tommy, with the humans all in similar outfits to Matt, Izzy and Yolei, while the Digimon, save Mervamon, held the same black colour to their appearances as Gabumon, Tentomon and Hawkmon, showing the dark energy Kari gave them coursing through their beings.

On the other side of the throne room, meanwhile, an Angewomon, whose normal white attire was replaced with a black set of robes due to the darkness coursing through her being.

Looking upon her partner through her helmet with a solemn expression, the Digimon of Light hoped that the news was true and that Davis was indeed alive.

As though sensing Angewomon's worries, a holographic image then appeared upon the centre of the throne room, displaying Yolei and Hawkmon, the pair kneeling in a show of respect as the purple haired Digidestined said with clear devotion. "My Lady."

"Report." Kari merely said back and with a cold tone, part of her believing that this was all in vain and the DDF was merely stalling in the attempt to try and strike while their guard was down.

However, the Dark Empress then watched as Yolei tilted her head up and smiled with a growing warmth in her voice as she told the brunette. "Kari... he's here, he's alive!"

To Yolei's words, this caused Kari's heart to feel a warmth deep within for the first time in so many years, while those present around her silently cheered toward the good news.

"Why have they not brought him back then?" The former Digidestined of Light then questioned.

"From what we have learned, there is a barrier around this world that keeps those within it from leaving, my Lady." Hawkmon said with his own respect, before informing Kari with his own joyous tone. "However, in response to this, Davis has invited you to come here, he is already making preparations for your arrival, but has warned that there is to be no conflict between us and the DDF within this world, and judging from what we have seen, this world is ancient and powerful, and we do not want to be on their bad side."

"We will explain more upon your arrival, Empress." Yolei finished as she lowered her head and allowed the hologram to fade.

Ending her conversation, Kari stood up from her throne and looked at Mikey and the others.

"Prepare my ship and summon my guards, Arcturusmon and the Ultimate Four, we leave at once!" The Dark Empress commanded, the tone of her voice receiving bows from her servants as they eagerly left to make their preparations, each eager to find the Digidestined of Miracles and put an end to all of this once and for all.

Left alone, a smile, one a mix of happiness, joy and near madness graced Kari's face as she said in a whisper. "Wait for me, Davis, my love... I'll be there soon..."

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Author's note: Now that Davis has learned the truth and those within the Dark Imperium have had their say, the maroon haired Digidestined awaits the arrival of the love of his life and the confrontation they will have, but will everyone respect his wishes, or will there be troublemakers who want things to go their way instead? Stay tuned as the adventure continues.

P.S.: If there are those waiting for more action, don't worry, not everyone wants a war to end without trying to make themselves heroes in their own, often misguided way.