Back within the Dark Citadel, Fire Davis, Kari and the others were gathered around a large pool of dark energy, which projected imagery of the battle as Desred, Orphiais and Sythial stood with by the side of their allies as all took in the sight of Belezar's true form.
"Ok... he looks as intimidating as he sounds." Zoe commented with a nervous chuckle as she looked the Shadow Demon over and felt a growing fear as she took in the creature's intimidating features.
"Belezar is one of the oldest and most powerful of the Shadow Demons, direct children of Mordrakus, along with the Death Dragons and Dark Reapers." Desred informed the Warrior of Wind and those around her, a pride remaining within his voice as he then told the others. "Alongside our Master, Belezar has brought death and despair to our enemies for twenty thousand years. Those foul beastkin have every right to be afraid, for death has come for them."
Ignoring the cruel delight within the Dark Lord's voice, TK, Kari and the remainder of the others new to Nexus then focused on the imagery of the beastkin, to see variants of beastmen, which ranged from half cats, to half gorillas, half rhinos and elephants-like hybrids, to even half birds, with some resembling bipedal and even humanoid based versions of said animals, while others held more humanoid features, but managed to keep the features related to the various beasts, such as tails, ears or even wings.
What truly caught the attention of those from the Digital World was the weaponry of the beastkin, to see them armed with simple wood spears, wooden shields, clubs, makeshift swords, as well as simple bows and arrows, a far cry from the technology they had witnessed from the Fire Realm and Water Realm forces.
As though sensing the confusion of his friends, but keeping his eyes upon the imagery, Fire Davis spoke up.
"The Nature Realm, though the largest of the five realms in terms of territory, is the least technologically advanced in all of Nexus, with only the human and elven nations being more advanced, due to them having medieval-styled blacksmiths." He informed the others.
"That being said, the Nature Realm has a higher level of gravity then the rest of Nexus and all within have learned to adapt to it, with beastkin in particular having herculean strength." The fire champion then said with a small amusement as, though to prove his point, the imagery showed one of the cat men throwing a spear that impaled a dozen six legged skeletal warriors with one strike.
"Ok, I guess that makes sense." Kenta remarked as he and the others watched the beastkin warriors charging the undead forces of the Dark Realm, before he and the others then took in the darker beings fighting the Wild Horde, taking in creatures that were slightly different than the ones they saw earlier.
While Kari and the others saw the same skeletal warriors that ripped the rogue DDF forces apart as the bulk of the forces fighting the beastkin, in place of the armoured skeletal warriors and the vampiric knights were entirely different creatures.
Each between seven to eight feet in height and were dark and almost decaying skinned creatures set within black armour, with icicle-like spikes coming out of their elbows, shoulders and their backs, which were wielding various weapons from long blades, bows and arrows, a dark energy blaster made out of bones and spears that all emanated their own darkness to them.
Looking at the faces, however, and excluding Kari and those of Nexus, the rest of the group felt dread and disgust to see the skeletal faces of the beings, with the same decaying skin covering all but their mouths and noses, while dark purple eyes glowed as they looked around the battlefield before them.
Finally, and perhaps most noticeable of these new beings were their pointed ears, which allowed those viewing the beings to know what they were.
"Wight Elves." Caleb remarked with narrowed eyes, getting the attention of those new to Nexus as they looked at the fire champion, with Tagiru questioning with an understandable confusion in his tone. "What kind of Elves?"
"Wight Elves." Haru said in reply, the green haired boy adding as he thought further upon the subject. "I think a Wight is a ghost or spirit bound to its undead remains, such as intelligent skeletons or zombies and such."
"Correct for the most part." Julie said back and in reply, adding as she looked back at the imagery. "The Wight Elves are an ancient force of the Dark Realm dating back way before the Veil came into existence and are the primary servants for a very old and powerful Eternal Lord, one who has long been an enemy of the Nature Realm."
"One who is also a powerful ally of our Master." Sythial then informed with a dark glee in her tone, with TK and most of the Digi-heroes and heroines noticing the way the vampiric Dark Lord was gripping her blade, as though desiring to leap into the imagery pool and join the battle herself.
Focusing on Fire Davis, however, Kari held a solemn expression as she saw the way her beloved was looking through the imagery.
Taking his hand comfortingly, Kari then asked. "How many of them on this battlefield do you know?"
"About a hundred and fifty of them, mostly on the Nature Realm's side." The maroon haired champion told Kari in reply, his words shocking TK and the others new to Nexus, each feeling sympathy for Fire Davis, knowing that he cannot do anything while individuals he knew would most likely be slaughtered, and by his own dark variant, nonetheless.
Returning their focus upon the battlefield, those of the Digital World could only watch as another battle between the realms of Nexus began to play out before their eyes.
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Continuing to survey the battlefield as the beastkin of the Wild Horde all expelled various shrieks and roars of rage upon seeing his forces and to see Belezar, Dark Davis then looked to see a figure who was riding an undead horse and clad in dark armour that then approached him, the being someone the Shadow knew all too well.
Clad in his own dark armour, the being's armour had spiked shoulder pads and icicles coming from out of his arms and from his back, while a dark purple cape which bore a black eye symbol upon it flowed down his back, furthering his dreadful appearance.
Strapped to the figure's left arm was a black scaled shield, while upon his hip was a black axe which bore several dark purple runes upon it, the blade emanating with a dark aura that sent a continued unease and sense of fear to those not used to its power.
Finally, the dark figure wore a dark metal helmet that covered all but his dark purple eyes and his pointed ears, while three blades protruded from the top of the helmet, one large blade and two smaller ones around it, which gave the being a dark and imposing appearance, one that the Shadow was all to use to seeing.
"Lord Argoth." Dark Davis said with a small nod of acknowledgement, one the Dark Lord before him returned in reply and respect.
"Lord Shadow, my Master will be pleased by your assistance." The Wight Elf Dark Lord said in reply as he and Dark Davis looked out toward the battle before them.
"How did these vermin get past you and your Master's armies?" The Shadow then questioned, knowing his ally was in the midst of a large campaign against the Nature Realm and found it interesting that a number of the Wild Horde's forces managed to enter the Dark Realm.
"Their main forces are engaging my Master in their lands, along with most of their leaders." Argoth said in reply, adding as he looked to see some of the beastkin being cut down by his warriors. "These vile insects are hoping to draw my Master back to defend our realm and stop his campaign for the time being, which is why he has asked for your assistance. He wants your help in wiping out this invasion so he can remain focused on his own devices."
"And in exchange, he is willing to grant a... favour for tomorrow." The Wight Elf Dark Lord then said as he looked back to Dark Davis, who smirked behind his mask as he knew exactly what Argoth was referring to, knowing that, despite Kari's own power, the favour of an Eternal Lord would be beneficial to her in building her own power and prestige in the Dark Realm's hierarchy.
"Very well then." The Shadow said in reply as he looked to Cyoton and nodded his head, giving the signal as his subordinate then brought his right hand up, darkness seeping from the dark purple gem on his hand as a vortex opened above him and a massive bone dragon, one which held icicles running along its spine, as well as along its claws and horns, emerged from the darkness with a deafening roar as its partner and the Bone Guard began to march toward the battlefield.
Seeing the forces coming toward them, many of the beastkin rushed toward the Bone Guard of the Shadow, only to crash upon the bone constructs' shield and to then being cut down by their spears and blades, forming a moving phalanx as the dark creatures struck down their foes with deadly precision.
At the same time, the frosty Death Dragon swooped down from the skies, breathing a frozen blast of ice that either turned the beatkin below into frozen statues, or struck them down with icy shards of dark death, which left a trail of death and destruction in the dark beast's wake.
As the Bone Guard walked over the dead, one of two things happened, either the dead rose back to their feet, their eyes now glowing a dark purple light as they joined the undead, or horrid six-legged bone constructs with cages on their backs would pick them bodies up with claw-like hands, acting as living corpse wagons that collected the dead so that their bones could be used later on for whatever dark purpose they could be used for, a sight that unnerved most of those new to Nexus, as well as Kenji and Victor, who were seeing both their Realm's allies fighting for the first time.
Refusing to just be a spectator, Dark Davis then surged forward, the maroon haired Dark Lord appearing in wisps and flickers of dark energy as he cut through the Wild Horde forces, while Argoth and Belezar moved forward to join their allies in the slaughter, the Shadow Demon floating forward as he looked down upon his foes.
Bringing his right hand outward, dark energy formed within the maw on Belezar's palm, before the dark being unleashed a series of dark energy blasts, which shot around the battlefield and struck down many of the beastkin, the half humans, half beasts dissolving into darkness with agonizing screams.
Swinging his icy axe, Cyoton cut down a trio of elephant beastkin with ease, walking past their corpses as they split in half, before the Dark Lord then noticed another foe standing before him, a tiger-like beast man with his left eye missing and a pair of blades within his hands, the warrior taking a fighting stance as he looked ready for battle.
"Face me, dark one! Show me if you have any honour in your blackened soul!" The tiger warrior demanded furiously as his blades began to glow with a light green energy, where he then declared with a growl. "I am Gareth of the Saber Tribe, and I challenge you, dark one!"
Sensing the resolve within the beastkin before him, Cyoton smirked behind his helmet, nodding to his warriors as they moved around the pair and allowed their Master as his challenger to fight, where Cyoton saw the tiger warrior nod respectfully.
Despite his own history with the beasts of the Nature Realm, Cyoton respected the warrior spirit, even from those who knew they could not win, but still pushed themselves forward regardless.
"Show me your resolve, beast, and I will grant you a warrior's death." The icy Dark Lord then said in reply as he got into his own fighting stance, the two warriors staring at one another as they prepared to combat one another.
Lunging forward with a great battle roar, Gareth swung his blades at Cyoton, who easily blocked with his axe, the tiger warrior using his smaller build and agility to try and move around his foe to strike the Dark Lord down with a quick and deadly strike.
All the while, Cyoton continued to smile, enjoying the resolve and fighting spirit within his foe, a true warrior in the Dark Lord's eyes.
However, the icy Dark Lord knew he could not keep this up for much longer, not when his Master desired to end this battle quickly.
As Gareth swung his blades to strike down Cyoton, the Dark Lord blocked with his axe, before swinging the blade upward and pushing the tiger warrior aside, where Cyoton then swung the axe down, cutting through his foe and ending his life.
As the tiger warrior's lifeless body slumped to its knees, blood draining down to the ground around it, Cyoton looked upon his defeated foe and said with a respectful tone. "A fine performance. Gareth... I shall remember that name."
Picking up the warrior's blades to preserve them as trophies, Cyoton then sent forth his energy toward Gareth's body, where it quickly became encased in ice, preserving it, while also preventing the warrior from being brought back as an undead soldier.
As the twin blades turned into energy and entered Cyoton's gem, the Dark Lord then walked around the frozen body, an action the remaining of the Dark Realm soldiers and recently risen from the afterlife also performed as they continued to drive the Wild Horde back.
"That was... surprisingly honourable." Shoutmon commented as he watched the end of Cyoton's battle.
"Cyoton shows respect to true warriors, regardless of which realm they come from." Desred then said in reply, his words receiving nods as the others continued to watch the battle.
Looking at Fire Davis, Ruli then felt as though she had to question. "Um, was he someone you knew?"
"I knew his father, but I never got to meet him." The maroon haired champion merely said in reply as he continued to watch the battle, while feeling Kari's hand continue to hold his own in the process.
Cutting down several more warriors, Dark Davis then sensed a power approaching him, the battleground began to rumble violently as something large approached.
Looking behind the retreating forces of the Wild Horde, the Shadow looked upon a colossal beast that was as tall and big as Blaze and that resembled a bipedal creature made entirely out of stone.
Four massive arms sprouted from out of the rock beast's form, while trees seemed to grow along its body and shoulders, leading up to a stone head with three bright green eyes, a trio of horns and a large mouth that let out a fearsome roar as the creature charged forward, its eyes focused upon Belezar with a blinding and growing rage.
"Oh, they brought a Titan with them." Caleb commented with some interest, his words gaining the attention of those new to Nexus as Mikey had to ask. "A Titan?"
"One of the children of Karnus, the Dragon God of Nature, living mountains, or giants, that often serve as partners of the Guardians, the Nature Realm's answer to Fire Champions and Dark Lords." Julie explained in reply, adding as she looked back at the image of the Titan. "Which means..."
Looking upon the Titan charging towards his forces, Dark Davis narrowed his eyes as he looked to see a figure upon the rock beast's shoulder, the Guardian to whom the creature was partnered and bonded to.
Resembling a slender human female, clad in armour made of wood, the Guardian had green eyes and violet hair tied into a ponytail, while a pair of cat-like ears could be seen atop her head, along with a matching tail and whisker marks, while a green blade rested upon her hip and a bow was strapped to her back.
"Ishara." Fire Davis merely said in reply as he looked upon the Guardian, looking to see three claw marks on the upper right part of her armour, the mark of the Wild Horde, and showing her allegiance to the radical faction of beastkin.
Drawing her sabre, the feline Guardian, Ishara, leapt from off of the Titan's shoulder and landed gracefully a few feet from the Shadow, who chuckled amusingly as he watched his foe get into a fighting stance, her glare remaining upon him.
"Shadow..." Ishara said with pure hate in her voice, continuing to glare upon Dark Davis with her green cat eyes as she then growled. "You murdered my father, burned my village and scattered my tribe, chasing us to the point of extinction... I have been waiting for the day I will make you suffer for your crimes!"
Listening to the Guardian's words, TK, Kari and the rest of the newcomers to Nexus looked at Fire Davis, who merely nodded his head in reply, confirming that what Ishara just said was the truth.
Waiting for her enemy to reply, to hear him make some mockery of the pain he caused her, Ishara's eyes widened as the Shadow seemed thoughtful for a moment, before replying with a dismissive tone. "Honestly, I don't remember your pathetic village or your father."
As the Guardian hissed at him, Dark Davis chuckled amusingly as he then stated. "I am sure it was an important day for you, a defining moment, but for me, it was just another day of the week, another group of insects to be squashed."
"I don't remember your father... and I doubt I'll remember you." The Shadow then said as he brought his blade up, this prompting Ishara to launch herself at her enemy, swinging her blade and moving incredibly fast as she tried to bring the Dark Lord to his knees.
However, to the feline Guardian's growing frustration, Dark Davis easily blocked each strike, parrying her attacks as he merely stood in place, his movements and actions showing that he didn't take her assaults seriously.
Meanwhile, the Titan lunged forward, bringing its two right fists up as it moved to punch Belezar and deliver a powerful blow to the Shadow Demon.
However, Belezar merely brought his right hand up, raising his index finger, where a dark energy barrier formed around him, easily repelling the Titan's strikes as the large rock beast tried to break through and strike at his enemy.
Below them, Ishara continued to move around Dark Davis, the feline Guardian trying to strike at him with her blade, only to be pushed back by his superior strength, where she put her blade away and withdrew her bow, pulling back the string as several arrows of light green energy formed, which the Guardian then unleashed upon the Shadow.
However, much to her growing frustration and anger, Ishara watched as the Shadow merely swung his blade and sent forth sending out a shockwave of darkness that dispelled the arrows, which caused the feline Guardian to draw out her blade once again as she moved to strike in close combat.
"It is blasphemy to compare a monster like you to the Grand Guardian, the Archon or even the Fire Champion!" Ishara said with great anger as she continued to trade blows with Dark Davis, a further disdain and hatred expressed within her voice as she then declared. "They have more honour than you ever will!"
Chuckling lightly as his foe brought up his Nature, Light and Fire variants, Dark Davis swung his blade, forcing Ishara to block as the power behind the strike sent her flying backwards a few feet, skidding across the ground a few times before she caught her bearing and landed on her feet, the cat girl panting lightly from the powerful strike as she saw the Shadow then approach her.
"We are all products of the lives forced upon us." Dark Davis merely said as he moved closer to his foe, ready to end this battle already and return to his beloved.
Sensing his partner's desire, Belezar's eyes glowed as he sent the energy of the barrier outward, pushing the Titan back as the beast stumbled a few feet, before the Shadow Demon brought his wings out as he questioned. "Now then, how do you wish to die?"
Letting out a hollowed roar, the Titan moved to strike at Belezar once again, only for the Shadow Demon to bring his hands together, causing a massive amount of dark energy to gather within and to then form a massive ball of energy, which the Shadow's partner then sent forth.
Growing in strength and size, the dark energy sphere consumed the Titan, which let out a cry of agony and pain as the energy tore through and broke its body apart, before imploding, leaving nothing but dust in the wind.
Uncaring about the loss of her partner, too consumed with her desire for vengeance, Ishara continued to clash against Dark Davis, the feline Guardian only seeing red as she sought to avenge those she had lost.
However, as she moved to strike with her blade, the Shadow quickly swung his sword, shattering the Guardian's weapon, much to her shock as she snapped out of her rage, only to be blinded as the Dark Lord grabbed her by her face and lifted her off the ground.
"Actually, now that I think about it, I do remember your father." Dark Davis then commented, before adding with a sadistic glee in his tone. "He died screaming, just as you will."
And then, sending his power through his hand, the Shadow watched with a dark glee as Ishara's body was consumed in dark flames, the feline Guardian screaming in agony and despair as her body burned away, leaving nothing but ash in her place.
Looking around, Dark Davis then saw that the Wild Horde was in retreat, where the beastkin were being hunted down by the skeletal warriors and the Wight Elves, along with the zombie forms of their former comrades, a sight that would be forever etched into the minds of the fleeing beast men, should any of them survive.
Turning into dark purple energy, Belezar and the frost Death Dragon returned to the gems upon their partners' hands, where Cyoton and Argoth moved to meet with the Shadow, the Wight Elf Dark Lord seemingly pleased with the outcome.
"Another successful battle, if you want to call it that." Argoth commented as he looked toward the fleeing beastkin, before looking back upon Dark Davis as he informed him. "My Master will be pleased, and he will uphold his end of the bargain."
Nodding in reply, the Shadow then watched as Argoth took off to join his forces in driving the Wild Horde out of the Dark Realm's lands, before turning to face Cyoton.
"Make sure we claim our share of the... resources, then return to the Dark Citadel." Dark Davis commanded, with Cyoton bowing respectfully to his Master as he then moved to direct the troops to gather the bones of the dead to repair and rebuild the Bone Guard, as well as the souls of the dead to use in empowering their weaponry.
Satisfied that things were to his liking, Dark Davis brought his hand up and summoned a dark portal, his helmet fading into shadows while his face mask remained, before entering and reappearing in the same room as his fiery counterpart, Kari and the others.
Looking around, the Shadow saw Desred and Sythial bow respectfully toward him as he noticed the absence of Orphiais, before looking to see Fire Davis, Julie, Caleb, Victor and Kenji nod in response to his appearance, each understanding Dark Davis' role in protecting the Dark Realm, while Kari smiled with a further trust and love.
Looking at TK and the rest of the newcomers to Nexus, however, the Shadow noticed their expressions, some fearful, while a few seemed disappointed by his actions.
"Do you expect me to apologize?" Dark Davis questioned as he narrowed his eyes and looked upon his old friends, feeling his anger return to him as he then informed them. "This is MY life! Did you think I could survive in this place keeping my virtues, keeping my selflessness? I will do whatever is necessary to keep what I have built, less those who seek to bring me down find a reason to, and trust me, I can think of at least one that will most likely try something tomorrow."
Though confused, Kari then felt Fire Davis tighten his grip around her hand, as though seeking to protect her, where she noticed the cold glare within the maroon haired champion's eyes, as though he knew exactly who Dark Davis was referring to.
"We aren't expecting anything, Dark Davis." Sora then said, taking a breath as she then told the Shadow with an honest tone. "We are just still getting used to... to the change in you and what your role in Nexus is... just give us time, please..."
Growling slightly as he reigned his anger in, Dark Davis looked at Kari and his fiery counterpart, who both nodded in reply, where the Shadow sighed and nodded to the others, each letting out their own sighs of relief as they allowed themselves to remind themselves that this was the Dark Realm for a reason, and Dark Davis was its champion.
Before any more words could be shared, however, Orphiais then emerged from the floor, freaking out Kiyoshiro, before the ghostly Dark Lord looked to her Master and informed him. 'My Lord, more representatives from both factions of the Digital World have appeared upon their airship, they request an audience with you.'
Surprised to hear this, Kari looked to TK and Mikey, both of whom seemed equally surprised as they too hadn't received any word of any new arrivals.
"Well, then, shall we greet them?" Dark Davis suggested with a dark glee, the Dark Lord interested to see what would come with this new twist.
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Sitting upon his throne, with Kari to his right and Fire Davis to his left, while TK, Patamon, Mikey and Shoutmon stood off to the side, the Shadow watched as the first group entered his throne room, which included a pair of Knightmon, who acted as bodyguards for a familiar individual both Davises, Kari, TK and Patamon knew all too well.
"Ah, Gennai, so good to see you again." Dark Davis just said with sadistic glee as the digital human and member of the DDF Provisional Council approached the throne.
Although things seemed to start off normal and in a good way, the Shadow then questioned with a hint of aggression within his voice. "What brings you to Nexus? Looking for more children to fight your battles, or perhaps you wish to finish what Carson started?"
Biting his lip and ignoring the jab, knowing that there was no doubt a part of all five Davises that blamed him and his actions to bring forth the Digidestined as part of their current situation, Gennai merely said in reply. "I am here as a representative of the Council, not only to apologize for Carson's illegal and unsanctioned actions, but as a former friend to all of you, here to see Kari's fate through to the end, no matter what happens."
"And we are here to keep an eye on you!" A familiar voice then called out from behind Gennai and his guards, who all turned to see three figures enter the throne room, taking in the Mother Reaper, Arcturusmon and...
"Lilithmon, why are you here?" The Dark Empress questioned as she looked upon one of her main servants and had to wonder just what kind of game the Demon Lord was playing this time.
Placing her golden clawed hand to her heart, Lilithmon replied with a tone of loyalty. "My Mistress, it is obvious after all this that the DDF still can't be trusted. We are merely here, along with the forces I have brought, to protect you during this moment of triumph."
"Ah Lilithmon, still a lying bitch I see." Dark Davis commented with a sly glint in his eyes, looking to see the Demon Lord flinch from his comment, before the Shadow looked her and her companions over.
"While the Mother Reaper and her children are here for the reason you speak of, you, my dear, are here to either find allies for yourself or to appease Kari enough that she'd make you her successor to rule the Dark Imperium." The Dark Lord then said, his words causing Gennai, TK and Patamon to narrow their eyes as they understood what Dark Davis was saying.
Even if Kari were to remain within Nexus, the Dark Imperium would remain, and while many would follow their Dark Empress if she commanded them to move to Nexus, others would remain, particularly the Demon Lords, who would fight over who would rule the dark and powerful empire in the absence of Kari.
"As for our new friend here." Dark Davis then said as he looked to Arcturusmon and saw a similar glint within his pitch black eyes, the Shadow then said. "He's looking for a good fight."
"And you look like someone who might just provide me with one." The Dark Digimon said with a small chuckle, which grew as he saw the dark glint reflected within the Shadow's eyes.
"Behave and I'll give you a fight you'll never forget." Dark Davis then offered, his smirk growing behind his face mask as he saw the Dark Digimon nod in reply.
Clearing her throat, Lilithmon put on her best smile as she looked at both Dark and Fire Davises and said to them. "My Lords, I may have my own personal reasons, but I am sincere about my Lady's protection. I am sure that such powerful, intelligent and gracious beings such as yourself would..."
"Do you think flattery will keep you alive?" The voice of Belezar then questioned with a dangerous tone, his words and the way they were spoken sending chills down Lilithmon's spine as she quickly said with a fair and understandable nervousness. "N... No."
"No indeed." The Shadow Demon said, before adding with a dark tone. "I have heard much of you and your fellow 'Demon Lords', and I am not impressed. Stay in line, or I can assure you, you will know the true power of Darkness, as well as the true meaning of fear."
Smirking to see Lilithmon nod her head in agreement and out of fear, Dark Davis then rose from his throne and told her, her companions and Gennai with a serious tone. "You may remain here and witness the Trials, but any interference, and you will all die painfully."
"For now, we need to prepare, we are almost to the Capital and we have a big day ahead of us." The Shadow then announced, receiving nods from everyone as the room emptied, with both Davises ready to begin the first part of the plan to save Kari from the darkness consuming her, while also remaining vigilant of the one they knew would try and cause trouble for them all.
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Author's note: A battle, or massacre, between the Dark and Nature Realms, and the return of a few familiar faces. Now, the time is upon our heroes and heroines as Kari is about to perform the Trials of the Dark Lords. But what dangers still await them? Stay tuned as the adventure continues.
