The next morning and as the sun rose in the sky, Rika stifled a yawn and stretched her muscles as she exited her room and made her way down the hallways and went in searching for the rest of her group.
After the party died down from the previous night, the heroes and heroines of both the DDF and Dark Imperium were given their own rooms within the Fire Palace for a place to rest before they would travel with Davis around the Fire Realm, and for Rika, she found herself having the best sleep she had in years, not only due to the comfortable bed she had supplied to her, but to how things had been turning out for her friends.
Though she would not admit it aloud, the red haired hybrid confessed to herself that she felt quite jealous as she watched Kari dance with Davis and at seeing the happiness upon her face.
Deep down, there was part of Rika which wished she was in Kari's place.
However, that same happiness she saw upon Kari's face also brought a feeling of warmth to Rika, seeing the former Digidestined of Light returning to her familiar and kindhearted self as she was reunited with the love of her life.
If that love was indeed what was necessary to bring peace back to the Digital World, and to her own home, then Rika would willingly put her feelings aside, knowing that the fighting and bloodshed would end for her and her friends.
Walking up a few flights of stairs, Rika then spotted all of her female allies and friends, which consisted of Kari, Sora, Mimi, Yolei, Catherine, Jeri, Suzie, Zoe, Yoshi, Angie, Nene, Airu, Eri, Ruli and their Digimon and Appmon partners, alongside Julie, who all looked down from the railings and upon something which seemed to grab their attention.
"Morning." Rika said with a fairly polite tone, the red haired hybrid still getting used to the idea that her former friends were no longer her enemies anymore.
However, when none of the girls replied, Rika found herself confused and wondering what they were so focused on, before turning to look down from the railings and to see herself.
It was at that moment that Rika gained a bright blush as she looked down and now understood why Kari and the others were so distracted.
Looking down and to see a training area, and with her own blush, Rika watched as Davis was in the midst of training with a rather large Krogar, the maroon haired hero grasping the large lizardman's hands as they struggled against one another for supremacy, this display of power showing off Davis' impressing strength in the process.
What truly caught Rika's attention the most, however, was the fact that Davis was shirtless and showed off his tanned and muscular build.
Keeping her eyes on Davis and his training session, Rika's mind was quick to envision some rather erotic ideas that she could do with the handsome and hot champion, as well as a few subconscious ones with her and Kari "enjoying" Davis as one.
Quickly shaking her head of the more perverted thoughts, Rika then looked to see most of the female humans around her staring down at Davis with almost dreamy eyes, especially Kari and Julie, while Suzie, though she remained mad at Davis for siding with Kari, it was apparent that even she couldn't keep her eyes off of the maroon haired champion, much to Terriermon and Lopmon's concern.
Watching briefly as Davis actually flipped the Krogar over his shoulder and slammed him into the ground, Rika looked around to find something else to distract her mind, eventually seeing a rather large statue of a dragon looming over the training ground.
Looking the statue over and taking in its features, Rika saw that it was an image of a bipedal dragon, with scale-like spikes running along its body, while a pair of massive horns protruded from its head and a pair of tusks extended from its jaw.
Finally, and adding to the statue's imposing features were a pair of massive wings, each seeming to be made of pure fire as they extended out and around the training ground, this prompting Rika to look at Julie and question as she tried to distract herself from Davis' amazing body. "So... what exactly is that a statue of?"
"That's a statue of Voldrakon." The silver haired champion replied as her gaze never left Davis, surprising Rika as she looked back at the image of the Fire Dragon God, before Julie then added with a remaining slyness. "And I know you are trying to distract yourself, but face it, you want to keep looking. Just go with it, as long as we don't touch, am I right Kari?"
Too lost in watching her beloved as Davis then helped the Krogar to his feet, shaking the lizardman's hand in a show of good sportsmanship , just before those around the two fighters, including Caleb, Tai, Agumon and the other heroes of the DDF and Dark Imperium all cheered, Kari happily giving a nod of her head as she continued to watch the scene below with a soft smile.
Patting his sparring partner's back as the Krogar moved to the side of the training area, Davis then looked to those around him as he offered with a sly grin. "Anyone else want to spar?"
It was then, much to his intrigue, that Davis watched as Takato moved into the fighting ring, the Infected Tamer still clad in his Dark Imperium outfit and wearing his filter mask, but Davis could sense the confident smirk behindthe item.
"Aside from what I just saw, everyone else seemed to have watched you fight before and I kind of want to see for myself what you're capable of now, Davis." Takato then said as he got into a fighting stance, while Jeri, Gulimon, Kenta, Cthyllamon and a few other Infected that were joining the upcoming excursion around the Fire Realm watched with their own intrigue.
While sensing some around him, particularly his friends in the DDF, feeling concerned, Davis nodded his head and got into his own fighting stance as he told Takato with a smirk. "Don't hold back."
Feeling a desire to fight and eager to test his strength against Davis, Takato then seemed to disappear in the blink of an eye, and to then reappear before Davis with his fist clenched as he prepared to deliver a punch to the maroon haired champion's face.
However, as quickly as he moved, Takato was surprised and also thrilled when Davis easily caught his punch, the Infected Tamer sensing the great power within his maroon haired friend, who then leapt back as Takato and the maroon haired hero began to really spar and give it their all.
As he dodged and parried Takato's strikes, Davis remained calm as he took note of his friend's increased strength, stamina and speed, knowing that each was a side effect of the Virus now running through Takato's body.
However, as their fight went on, Davis began to sense something as he noticed Takato's breathing becoming more laboured, not out of fatigue, but from the growing hunger within him.
Realizing that the fight was driving it on and slowly causing the brown haired Digimon Tamer to lose control and focus, this caused his movements and his fighting to become more feral.
Back upon on the railing, Rika and the other girls snapped out of their stupor and love struck stares as they heard Jeri's laboured breathing and looked to see a familiar glint within her eyes as the desire to feed was seemingly getting the better of her, a sight that put Kari on alert as she prepared to halt both Jeri and Takato if needed.
Back down upon the training ground, meanwhile, TK, Patamon and the rest amongst of the DDF heroes and their Dark Imperium counterparts felt their own nervousness as Kenta, Guilmon, Cthyllamon and the other Infested around them looked ready to go feral at any second.
Gulping lightly, Gumdramon expressed his nervousness, telling Tagiru and the others. "I feel like I'm in the middle of a school of piranhas!"
A dark mist forming around his hands and turning into claw-like appendages, Takato almost went wild as he charged at Davis, who continued to dodge his frenzied friend with ease, this only adding to the Infected Tamer's desire for battle, his desire to feed.
However, just as he was about to deliver another strike, Takato was taken off balance as Davis grabbed his arm, threw him in the air and slammed the Infected Tamer into the ground.
Pinning him as Takato thrashed around violently and now behaved like a wild beast desiring his prey, the Infected Tamer looked at Davis with a frenzied look within his yellow eyes.
Remaining calm as he looked down at Takato and with a look of understanding, the maroon haired champion instructed in an even tone. "Breathe, Takato. Don't think about the Hunger, just breathe. Think about Jeri, think about happy moments in your life, like the day you first met Guilmon. Just take a deep breath and let go."
Seemingly listening to Davis' instructions, Takato took a few short breaths, before he gave a long and shuddering breath, where the Infected Tamer's breathing slowly returned to normal as he felt the Hunger within him subside a little more.
Likewise, and seemingly inspired by Davis' words, Jeri, Kenta and the rest of the Infected seemed to calm down as well, a sight that caused many in the room to let out sighs of relief, while Kari reigned in her power, a smile gracing her face to see how her beloved handled the situation.
"Sorry, I..." Takato started to say through his panting, before Davis took his hand and slowly assisted him to his feet.
"It's alright, I've been in similar situations in the past." The maroon haired champion merely said in reply.
Patting Takato's shoulder, Davis went on to say. "Like I said, we'll find a way to cure this, I promise."
Nodding in reply, Takato then looked on as a human in red robes then entered the chamber, getting everyone's attention as he looked toward Davis and said with respect. "My Lord, the airship you requested is ready, and the warriors of Asahi and Ignisia are waiting in the hangar for you and your guests."
Nodding in reply and watching the robbed messenger take his leave, Davis then looked around and told all present.
"Alright, for those who are coming with us, meet up in the hangar, the guards will show you the way."
Nodding in reply, Julie, Caleb and the heroes and heroines of the DDF and Dark Imperium moved out of the training room and to the next part of their journey in Nexus, wherever it would take them.
.
.
.
Arriving within the volcanic mountain of the Capital and entering one of the larger hangers, Kari, TK and the rest of the heroes and heroines looked in awe to see one of the Fire Legions' airships waiting for them, one that had been painted black and held the Crest of Miracles upon the side, allowing any who saw it to know that those onboard held no allegiance to any of the realms and represented the two factions of the Digital World as members of the DDF and Dark Imperium began to load up supplies onto the ship alongside its normal crew.
Looking to the side, the group then saw six individuals, three fire samurai and three fire knights, all of whom were standing at attention as Davis moved before them and passed like a drill sergeant inspecting his troops.
Walking past the samurai, Davis came to a stop and gave a side glance towards one, a young man who appeared to be around eighteen to nineteen years of age.
The individual had jet black hair, red eyes and remained with a neutral expression as he looked ahead and seemed to ignore the way the Emperor's Champion looked upon him.
Continuing to walk down the line and furthering in his inspection, Davis then stopped before the fire knights as he then looked at another young man who looked to be roughly around the same age as the first one, and taking in the appearance of this individual, they had brown hair and blue eyes.
And just like the person before him, they too remained with a neutral expression in response to Davis and his presence.
Mentally shaking his head in reply, Davis then moved to stand before both groups as he told the six individuals. "Warriors of Asahi and Ignisia, while I do not expect battle to occur during this trip, always remain vigilant and show our guests the honour and integrity your kingdoms exemplify!"
Saluting, the three samurai and the three knights then turned and began to head towards the airship, right as Davis then ordered. "Kenji Kurita, Victor Darion, stay a moment."
Instantly, the young samurai and the knight both froze as the rest of their companions continued to the airship, but expressed to the young warriors looks of sympathy.
"Should we run?" Victor, the knight, questioned his companion, Kenji, who looked at him and questioned him in reply. "Have you ever been able to outrun him?"
Letting out shared sighs of defeat, the two young men turned and approached Davis as Kari and the others watched with intrigue.
"Kurita, Darion..." Kari mused, before the brunette turned toward Julie and Caleb and questioned with intrigue. "Are they...?"
"The Shogun and Fire King's sons respectively." Julie said in reply as she looked back at Kari with a smile, to which Caleb then added with his own sly smile. "Better known as the heirs of Asahi and Ignisia, two people Davis doesn't want too much responsibility over."
As Kenji and Victor stood before Davis, both refusing to look him in the eyes in fear of pissing him off, the maroon haired hero sighed and proceeded to ask. "Why are you both here? And remember, I have known you both your entire lives, so I know when you bullshit."
Looking at one another and seeing no other way out of it, Kenji and Victor expressed further defeated sighs, before the young Kurita then told the maroon haired champion. "Our fathers, our grandfathers, they always talked about how to be true leaders, about the politics of the Fire Realm. But most of all, they talk about the time they fought alongside you or travelled the realms at your side."
"And now, with your kin having travelled to Nexus to find you, we wanted our chance to stand at your side and learn from you." Victor then added with a sincere tone as he and Kenji finished with their explanations.
Letting his own sigh, Davis thought back to his time with the families of both boys, going back thousands of years, and could understand the pair wanting to have their own time with him, but knew that there needed to be some ground rules.
"Alright but listen." Davis said with a serious tone as he told the heirs. "Aside from me, you both have somewhat been pampered your entire lives. Travelling with me and my friends, you won't be treated as royalty, you will be treated as normal human beings. To them, and to many places we may be going, the names Kurita and Darion have no meaning. In fact, in some places, they might just make you targets. So, keep your pride in check and remember, they are here as friends, not subjects or enemies."
"Yes, my lord!" Kenji and Victor said together, before seeing Davis nod in reply and allowing both to turn as they turned and headed towards the airship themselves.
"Another Kurita and Darion travelling with us... this should be fun." Blaze remarked with a small chuckle, while Davis just rolled his eyes and began to walk back toward his friends.
Seeing the way the two heirs acted as friends, Yoshi said with a small smile. "Wow, Asahi and Ignisia seem to be close kingdoms, and a powerful force together."
"Indeed." Julie said in reply, before gaining a sly smirk as she decided to give Davis' friends a little bit of history. "You would never believe that thousands of years ago, Asahi and Ignisia were mortal enemies."
Surprised at what Julie had told them, Cody looked at the silver haired champion and questioned. "Really?"
"Oh yes, there was a time when the two kingdoms were constantly at war with one another, spilling each other's blood over power and supremacy. They even had titles for warriors who held the most kills against their foes." Caleb informed in reply, continuing to surprise TK and the others even more toward the history lesson.
His curiosity growing, Hawkmon then questioned. "What changed?"
Smiling softly, Julie then said in reply. "A massive Orkkron horde began to push against both kingdoms, forcing them to work side by side. And to make sure they cooperated with one another, the Emperor sent his champion to oversee their forces."
To Julie's words, Kari instantly gained a smile, the Dark Empress knowing exactly where this story was going as the silver haired girl continued with a remaining pride and warmth within her smile. "Fighting alongside the Shogun and Fire King of the time, Davis defeated the Warlord and broke the Orkkron advance, not only bringing victory, but creating a friendship between our dear friend and the Kurita and Darion families that has lasted for generations and has brought both kingdoms together in friendship and comradery."
Blinking their eyes as they took in the story, TK and the others realized how important Davis was to the people of the Fire Realm, as he had all but literally written and shaped their history.
Smiling to the expression on the groups' faces, Caleb then began to walk toward the airship.
Looking over his shoulder, and with a further smile, Caleb told the others. "Come on, before they leave us behind."
Snapping out of their stupor, Kari, TK and the heroes and heroines around them quickly followed and boarded the airship, all sharing a feeling of eagerness to begin a new adventure within this new world.
.
.
.
Travelling upon the airship, which was made to have quarters for the united force on board, the DDF and Dark Imperium were first introduced to Forgras, the City of the Forges and Kormac's home, where Davis explained to them the origins of the automatons that also made up the Fire Legions' forces.
As they travelled amongst the many forges that made up the large city-states, which was home to humans, dwarves, lizardmen and of course, the automatons, Davis told his friends of how the mechanics of the ancient times managed to harness the Fire Mana of the realm into a power source, and from it, were able to power their robotic constructs, revealing that many of the mechanical creatures serve as mechanical battle suits, living armour for the warriors of the Fire Realm as they battled against their many foes, with some being custom made for the various kingdoms and city-states of the realm.
Davis then explained that, over time, some of the automatons began to develop minds of their own, becoming sentient, and by the Fire Emperor's own decree, were named subjects of the realm, with many becoming fire champions themselves as they worked to protect their home, while also assisting in the creation of more of their kin, both sentient and combat suits.
Several hours later that day, and arriving at their second destination, Davis, Julie and Caleb introduced their friends to the city-state of Charenji.
Located near the heart of the Fire Realm, Charenji was a melting pot of the various races, but the area held no military as it was safe within the proximity to the Capital and Forgras, and thus had little to offer in terms of military benefits to the realm.
The founders of Charenji focused namely on their city-state and transformed it into a tourist attraction, a centre of entertainment for the entire realm with the Charenji Games, a series of yearly competitions that pit star players and seasoned teams in combat within various arenas around the city, with the winners of the various tournaments being declared the Charenji Champions, while also promoting some of the best food and entertainment in all of the Fire Realm.
Arriving at the City of Games, Julie and Caleb led the heroes and heroines of the DDF and Dark Imperium, along with Kenji and Victor, to a VIP booth in the largest of Charenji's stadiums, where a match between two teams of Automaton Pilots was about to begin.
As TK and the others watched from their booth, supplied with food and beverages from the chefs that were stationed within the VIP room, those from the Digital World began to wonder where Davis was, before several deadpanned when his voice was heard over the speakers alongside the match commentators, who revealed that the maroon haired hero was also a fifty year champion of the Games before retiring, while the entire stadium bellowed with supportive cheers to hear the legendary hero's voice.
Seeing the smile on Kari's face as she heard the fans cheering for her beloved, the group too smiled, realizing that along with showing them his world, Davis was also using the opportunity to show off to the brown haired Digidestined, and Kari couldn't have been any happier.
.
.
.
As the sun began to set and as another day came to an end, one filled with fun and games as Davis and his friends led the Digi-heroes and heroines around the city of Charenji, while avoiding paparazzi, many fans and those interested in interviewing those from the Digital World, the maroon haired hero brought all his friends to the most exclusive restaurant in the entire city, one often only served those of noble rank or higher.
But having been one of the restaurant's founders and the one responsible for their world famous menu, Davis found it quite easy to gain reservations for some of the best seats within the establishment.
Seated at multiple tables at the top floor of the restaurant, TK, Patamon, Jun, Veemon and the other members of the DDF and Dark Imperium conversed alongside Julie, Caleb, Kenji and Victor, those newer to Nexus asking their many questions about the Fire Realm and on the various kingdoms as they learned more about Asahi, Ignisia and their societies.
Meanwhile and on a raised platform at the centre of the room, Davis and Kari sat together at a private table, one often reserved for the most influential people in the entire Fire Realm, where they could look out the windows around them and see all of Charenji as the city-state's lights began to illuminate the skies, the mood capturing an ideal romance.
"So, I do hope you are enjoying yourself, Kari." Davis said with an endearing smile as he took a bite from the chicken he had ordered, the smile remaining on his face as the cooks remembered his instructions on how to season his meals properly.
And taking in Kari's beauty as she sat in her black dress once again, the warth Davis felt within his heart continued to grow.
Enjoying her date, the Dark Empress smiled lovingly toward her beloved as they had their romantic and slightly private date.
"Aside from a few hundred fangirls I want to put in their place... this is more wonderful than I could ever have dreamed it would be." The former Digidestined of Light replied with a loving smile as she turned her eyes toward the window.
Sighing with content and allowing her head to rest in her hand, Kari then told Davis with a further warmth in her voice. "I used to dream about this."
"About what?" Davis asked in reply, the maroon haired hero eager to hear more on what Kari had on her mind.
Keeping her smile and returning her eyes upon Davis with a continued love, Kari replied with sincerity within her voice. "Before I learned of your dream to be a chef, to own your own noodle cart business, I had always thought that soccer would be your path, and I dreamt of you either as a superstar, or even owning your own team, and I saw myself as your beautiful, but confident trophy wife, dining with you at restaurants like this, or at events with others, just feeling pride and happiness at all you had accomplished."
Remaining silent after what Kari had told him, Davis could only stare upon the love of his life with awe in his eyes, to hear that she loved him enough that she dreamt of their future together, and even willingly putting his dreams before her own.
"I don't know if you'll be able to fix me or not, but in the end, all that matters is that we're together again, and I want to enjoy every moment with you." Kari then said as she looked back at Davis with a love in her eyes that nearly took his breath away.
Regaining his composure, Davis then asked his beloved with his own curiousness. "Then what would you like to do after this? Maybe take a walk about the city while I show you some of the nightlife, or some of the history of the area?"
Keeping her smile, Kari leaned in and said in a low enough voice so that only Davis could hear her as the Dark Empress replied with a small purr. "What I want is for us to go back to my room on the airship, or even find a hotel so that we can make up for all the years we could have been in bed together. I want you, Davis..."
His eyes widening as he took in the evident and growing love within Kari's words, Davis was about to reply.
Although he was willing to comply with her desires, part of him longing to take Kari in his arms and know their love in its most intimate form, Davis however before he sensed a familiar presence reaching out to him, one that caused him to mentally scowl as he thought to himself. 'Of all times, why now?'
The gem on his right hand lightly flashing, Davis brought it up as the image of another robed figure appeared, a female who said with a deep respect within her tone. "I apologize for the interruption, Lord Motomiya, but the Emperor has summoned you, and he wishes you to bring Lady Kamiya and Commander Takaishi with you."
Her own eyes widening to hear that the Fire Emperor wished to speak with her and TK, Kari looked from the image to Davis, who held a small scowl, knowing that this would be about more than a mere introduction.
When the Emperor called, trouble was often not far behind.
.
.
.
Despite the late hour upon their return to the capital and the Fire Palace, both Kari and TK were quite alert, both standing alongside Davis as they stood before a pair of massive doors that were flanked by a pair of large guards clad in deep red armour, each with fiery designs upon their gear and flowing red capes coming down their backs.
Upon further examination of the guards, the Dark Empress and the DDF commander saw a burning inferno within their helmets where eyes should have been, this allowing the pair to quickly realize that these beings were actually fire elementals, living infernos bound in armour.
"If he ever was human or some other being, or even had a name at some point in his existence, it has long been lost to history. He is immensely powerful and incredibly ancient, so... try not to piss him off." Davis merely told Kari and TK as he looked upon the guards, who nodded their heads in reply, before the doors then opened and the trio proceeded within the throne room of the Fire Emperor.
Making their way inside, Kari and TK briefly took in the massive chamber that was aligned with a series of red columns, each with golden dragons wrapped around them, while more of the infernal guards stood at attention along the hall.
Around the edges of the room, massive streams of fire shot up to the ceiling, all leading to a massive statue of Voldrakon, which loomed over a larger throne and the being that sat within it.
Clad in golden armour from head to toe, the large being was adorned in fire designs upon his form, while a crescent sun was attached to his shoulders and wrapped above his head, though not obstructing the red cape that flowed down his back.
In the being's right hand rested a large golden staff, one with a flame at the tip, while his left hand resembled a claw, one engulfed in flames.
Finally, the being's face was covered in a featureless gold mask, while flames swirled from underneath, forming a pair of horns atop the being's head, and well as forming his eyes, this allowing Kari and TK to realize that the figure before them was also a living fire encased in a metal frame.
Though faring better than TK, due in part to the Obscarian power running through her being, Kari could still feel the overwhelming power emanating from the being before the, the Fire Emperor himself, and knew that even with the power she wielded, the Dark Empress wouldn't stand a chance against him.
"Welcome, Kari Kamiya, Dark Empress of the Dark Imperium and former Digidestined of Light." The Fire Emperor greeted, his voice remaining powerful as he looked toward TK and said. "Welcome TK Takaishi, Commander of the Digital Defense Force and Digidestined of Hope."
"And greetings to you, my Champion. Your presence is always welcomed." The Emperor then said as he looked to Davis, who held a small frown upon his face.
"Normally I do not question your actions or decisions, seeing the results myself." Davis replied, before he reigned in his anger and questioned. "But you knew all of this, didn't you? You can pier beyond the Veil. You knew time was passing more slowly for my friends, you knew about the war in the Digital World, you knew about what happened to Kari and you said nothing?!"
"It was not my place to tell you, Champion." The Fire Emperor merely said in reply, his tone remaining neutral as he added. "Events are now in motion beyond your understanding at this time, and time will tell what it means for us all."
"So... you kept him in the dark, let him eventually believe we had all passed on and used him for your own ends?" Kari questioned as she tried her best not to sound accusing or threatening.
"There was and still is no way for him to pass beyond the Veil, and his presence and focus was needed here." The Emperor said with no anger or annoyance in his tone as he could sense the deep love which Kari held for his champion, before he continued in his explanation.
"When Davis was brought before the Council of Arbitration, I saw within him a Champion, a hero that would serve as a symbol for the Fire Realm and unite my subjects in a new era, and I have not regretted that decision since." The Fire Emperor explained, adding as he looked specifically to Kari. "Before his arrival in Nexus, the Fire Realm was a far more savage and chaotic realm, a byproduct of the aeons of isolation from the rest of the Multiverse. The Fire Realm you see now is the result of my Champion's own work and influence. Thus, the request you made to my Fire Lord to release him from my serve is denied. The Fire Realm needs its Champion, especially now."
Losing her anger to the latter of the Emperor's words, Kari looked toward Davis, as did TK, where the maroon haired champion looked confused, until the Emperor then informed him. "Warlord Krytus comes once again."
Seeing Davis' expression turn into pure rage, TK questioned for him and on Kari's behalf. "Krytus?"
"A Warlord from the Water Realm that has tried to invade the Fire Realm several times in the past ten thousand years." Davis answered in reply and with a growl, his tone allowing the Dark Empress and DDF commander to know that their maroon haired friend has had many encounters with this individual. "And this time, I won't let him escape."
"A counter offensive is being led by Fire Lord Lelouch and will meet the enemy at the Burning Shores, you and your Fire Team will join and aid in driving the servants of the Water Realm back to their undersea domain." The Emperor ordered, adding as he looked upon both Kari and TK. "Your beloved and your kin will remain here within the Palace, where they can oversee the battle from safety."
"We can help!" Kari all but shouted as the idea of Davis rushing into battle without her scared her more than she wanted to admit as she feared losing him again.
"No, Kari." Davis simply said as he approached the worried Kamiya and then pulled her into his arms and into a comforting embrace.
"I know you are scared, but it is important that you and the others do not get involved with these kinds of battles, you must not make enemies out of the other realms." The maroon haired champion said with a seriousness within his voice.
Stepping back from Kari and looking deeply into her eyes, Davis then told the love of his life. "And this is not my first rodeo. As much as I hate to admit it, I have been in many battles like this. I am not trying to sound arrogant, but I give my word, I will come back to you."
Though she remained worried and concerned for the boy she loved, Kari couldn't help but trust Davis as she saw the determination and love within his eyes to come back to her, while TK and the Emperor watched on in silence, where the Digidestined of Hope remained unsure as to what would now occur.
.
.
.
As the sun began to rise on another day, Kari, TK and the rest of the DDF and Dark Imperium heroes and heroines found themselves seated within a large theatre-like chamber, accompanied by High Lady Euphemia, Shogun Daisuke, Sun King Victor and Fire Lord Kormac as they watched the screen before them, one displaying the battle formations as the Fire Legions gathered in preparation for the approaching invasion forces.
Sensing the concern with the Dark Empress as she sat next to her, Euphemia placed a comforting hand upon Kari's shoulder, drawing the brunette's attention as the purple haired ruler smiled at her and said to the former Digidestined of Light. "Have faith, Lady Kamiya. Davis will prevail in this."
"How can you be so sure?" Kari found she had to question back, believing in Davis, but also feeling her own fears consuming her.
"Aside from having fought battles like this in the past?" Euphemia asked back in reply, before adding with a sweet and sincere smile. "Because now, for the first time in twenty thousand years, he has someone to come back to."
Hearing the words of the purple haired ruler' caused Kari to calm down a little, her heart warming up to know how much she meant to Davis, while the DDF and Dark Imperium heroes and heroines kept smiles upon their faces as they watched the screen before them.
Standing upon Blaze's shoulder as he surveyed the Fire Legion forces assembled, seeing three mobile fortresses floating alongside him and his partner, while several dozen airships were ready around them, Davis saw far more Dragons, both Fire and Magma, along with wyverns and arial Automatons fly around the air, accompanied alongside Draconoid commanders.
As more Champions stood ready to fight by his side, Julie stood on Phirox's shoulder and looked ahead to see seeing the massive legions, which consisted of hundreds of thousands of soldiers from all areas of the Fire Realm, including Kenji and Victor, who too stood ready for combat, along with artillery weaponry and Automation war machines.
Looking around, Davis noticed the lack of Caleb and Ferox, remembering his fellow champion leaving the briefing as he told the maroon haired hero he had a plan, which left Davis with some worry, knowing that the dark haired champion's "plans" would often be more damaging than helpful.
But letting Caleb be Caleb, Davis looked down upon the soon to be battlefield, the Burning Shores, a small stretch of beach between a massive canyon, one that had several large fortifications and weaponry built into them for such an attack, and now, those defenses would be put to the test.
Narrowing his eyes, Davis then watched as a fleet of submersible ships then surfaced from the water and began to float into the air, the majority of which looked like smooth blue coloured ships with hammer head-like fronts and two wings that held plasma weaponry upon them, while a slightly larger version had a large cannon at the front, a siege weapon and carrier mixed as one.
All around the fleet, smaller crafts that resembled manta rays began to fly around, while the cybernetic fishes began to swarm in the air, their cybernetics giving them the ability to fly and breathe in the air as they prepared for battle.
Finally, and as troop transports began to surface and head for the beach, a massive construct emerged from the sea, rivalling the mobile fortress in size as it resembled a silver eagle with its wings spread out, a Cyber Fortress, the command centre of Krytus and his army, a sight that caused Davis to narrow his eyes upon as the Cyber Dragons resting along the fortress let out rage filled roars.
Once more, two Realms, two ancient foes, would battle for the future of Nexus, and Davis would do everything he could to protect his home and those close to him.
.
.
.
Author's note: New sights and new friends, but now, Krytus has come and the battle is about to begin. Stay tuned to see how it turns out.
P.S.: Voldrakon's design is inspired by Voljaak, Flame Dragon God from Duel Masters (and if you see the rest of his group you'll get the idea of the other Dragon God's appearances), the Cyber Fortress is inspired by Luna Hedwig from Duel Masters, and the appearance of the Water Realm ships are based on the Atlantean fleet from Aquaman. Keep enjoying.
