The next day, or at least what passed for a day within the Dark Realm, Dark Davis and a small entourage of Bone Guards escorted Kari, his fiery counterpart, Gatomon, Veemon, Mikey and Shoutmon through the Dark Capital.

Proceeding toward their destination and to a place where Kari could gain even more power for her upcoming conflict against Maligon.

Behind the group, Cyoton lead a small faction of dark robed attendants, each of whom were pulling several wagons filled with ingots of a dark metal which emanated with their own dark aura.

"So, exactly where are we going and how is this going to help Kari?" Shoutmon then questioned, the Digimon King slightly annoyed with having been told to accompany the group but not told the reason.

However, watching Dark Davis stop, draw out his sword and turn to face him, Shoutmon felt a fair nervousness, thinking that he had somehow upset the dark variant of Davis and he was now going to pay the price.

Fortunately, that didn't seem to be the case as the Shadow placed his weapon in both of his hands and told the Digimon King. "This is a rune blade, the primary weapon of the Dark Lords. They can take many forms, from swords, to axes and even staves, but their function is still the same."

"Rune blades are extensions of their wielders, powerful and nearly indestructible, with the power to even drain the lifeforce of their victims and grant it upon their owners." Dark Davis went on to say, the words causing Mikey and the Digimon to shiver lightly, before the Shadow then informed them. "Which is why we are heading to the Dark Forges, for Kari to receive her own rune blade."

"Then I am guessing that... metal we are carrying is for the creation of Kari's weapon?" Mikey questioned as he looked toward the small caravan of wagons behind them, his words receiving a nod from Dark Davis in reply.

"Yes, Shadow Steel is the primary component in creating rune blades, and I fortunately have a stockpile of it. A single ore contains a large amount of Dark Mana within it, and thus is a very sought after material." The Shadow then told Mikey and the others as he placed his sword back on his hip and continued to lead the group forward.

Eventually arriving at a massive complex, one with spiked pillars and dark smoke billowing from the top and passing through the doorways after entering the Forge, the group then proceeded down a long hallway.

Guided by Davis, Mikey and the trio of Digimon fought back the dreadful feeling consuming them as they reached a large set of doors that opened before them, revealing a massive forge with an anvil at the centre of the room and a series of dark fire furnaces.

However, what unnerved Mikey, Shoutmon, Veemon and Gatomon the most was the creature that seemed to be the blacksmith, a creature that resembled the four armed skeletal beast that dragged Carson off to his fate, but this being was clad within black armour, while its hands held the tools of a blacksmith.

"Lord Shadow, it is good to see you again..." The dark blacksmith then remarked with a disembodied voice, before they turned their attention toward Kari and to say. "And this must be our newest Dark Lord... I can feel her power... and she has much potential..."

"Indeed, Zarkon." Dark Davis said in reply.

Gesturing toward the Dark Empress, Dark Davis went on to say. "And we are here to forge her rune blade, so that its power may aid her in her Rite of Dark Combat. We have brought more than enough Shadow Steel to form whatever weapon your expert hands can forge."

"Indeed you have, Lord Shadow... but it takes more than Shadow Steel alone to forge a powerful rune blade..." Zarkon then said back, before turning its hallowed eyes toward Kari.

"Tell me, my Lady... do you have souls to sacrifice...? Beings whose power can be added to the blade…?" He questioned.

At first, Mikey and Shoutmon held a moment of panic, believing briefly that they were brought to this dark forge to be offered up as a sacrifice and to be used in the creation of whatever weapon the former Digidestined would need.

However, both expressed a small relief when Kari brought her hands up and two dark vortexes appeared.

Reaching within and withdrawing two orbs of Data particles, the sight confusing Mikey and the Digimon as they tried to figure out what exactly these Digital Beings were.

Examining the blackening orbs, Zarkon expressed an amused chuckle as he then placed his hammers down, held his palms out and allowed Kari to place the dark orbs within.

"Such powerful creatures... beings of death and destruction... what are their names, if I may ask...?" The dark blacksmith questioned as he looked upon the Dark Empress.

"ZeedMillenniummon and Abaddonmon." Kari replied, the names confusing all but Shoutmon, whose eyes widened in absolute shock as he looked upon the former Digidestined, before he brought himself to question. "What the hell were you doing with those two locked up like that?! They're worse than Quartzmon!"

Keeping her eyes upon the dark attendants as they brought the Shadow Steel ingots to Zarkon, Kari simply told the Digimon King. "Originally, they were my final solution in the event the DDF turned the tide against us, but now, they will serve a different purpose."

As Mikey, Gatomon and Veemon looked to Shoutmon, Fire Davis and Dark Davis sent him inquisitive looks causing the Digimon King to merely shake his head with an understandable fear, having only heard legends and stories of the two Digimon in question, and was now thankful they had come to Nexus and found the Davises, less the Digital World and all worlds connect burned and dissolved into nothing.

For the next hour, Kari, the two Davises, Cyoton, Mikey and the Digimon watched with intrigue as Zarkon worked his forges, the dark being merging the Data particles of ZeedMillenniummon and Abaddonmon into the Shadow Steel as it was melted down and poured onto the largest of the anvils, where Zarkon began to hammer and forge the rune blade of the Dark Empress.

"Channel your darkness into the mold, my Lady... allow your power to help forge your blade..." Zarkon then instructed of Kari, who nodded her head in reply as she held her hands out, sending forth her darkness as it infused with the burning hot metal.

Enveloped by Kari's darkness, the burning hot Shadow Steel seemed to react, and to the surprise of all present, including Dark Davis and Zarkon himself, the darkness split and formed into two weapons as they took form, revealing a longsword and a dark staff.

As the weapons cooled down, Kari was able to look upon the new items.

Sensing their power and their connection to her as she looked the weaponry over, the brunette then took in and examined her new sword.

The blade itself was crafted of a dark silver, with dark purple runes upon it that lead to a dark purple gem just below the hilt, while web-like designs were etched deeply into the blade itself.

The hilt was made of dark metal, with two black roses around the area where the blade extended from, golden webbing designs upon the handle and a half skull at the end, giving the sword a dark and ominous appearance.

Examining her staff, which almost resembled a human spine, the weapon held the same golden web design as its' counterpart, while bottom and just above the handle was constructed with a dark metal made to look like human bone.

What stood out the most to those who looked upon the staff was the human skull that rested upon the top.

Lacking a lower jaw and protruding with six bone-like horns around and on top of the skull, its appearance was very menacing.

Three dark purple gems glistened with an illuminating dark light, two within the skull's eye sockets, while the third was embedded within the forehead of the skull, this giving the object the same dark and ominous feeling as the blade it was paired with.

"Darkbringer..." Zarkon said as he picked up the first of the rune weapons, the sword, examining it for a moment, before handing it to Kari as the dark blacksmith informed her and those present. "Forged from the soul of the twin headed beast, this blade rivals that of Shadow's Wrath... a powerful weapon indeed..."

"Shadow's Wrath?" Veemon questioned, the Digimon of Miracles unfamiliar with the word, before watching as Zarkon pointed a finger toward Dark Davis, more in particular, the blade he wielded.

Looking upon Darkbringer, the weapon forged from ZeedMillenniummon's Data, the Dark Empress could feel the power within the blade, one that would bring death and destruction to any who opposed her, like a vampiric Dark Lord who doesn't know how to stay dead.

Placing the sword upon her hip, Kari then looked as Zarkon held the staff to her and said with a sense of pride in his disembodied voice. "Voidrender... imbued with the power of the beast with many eyes and mouths... a conduit to the dark oblivion between worlds... may they both serve you in the days ahead, my Lady..."

Taking the staff into her hand, Kari could feel the power of Abaddonmon coursing through it, a power she intended to use against not just Maligon, but also against any who would stand between her and her beloveds.

Nodding in respect to Zarkon, the Dark Empress told the dark blacksmith with a smile behind her face mask. "Thank you for your work and dedication, Zarkon. I am sure both of these rune blades will be of great help in my battles to come."

Seeing Zarkon nod in reply to Kari's words, Dark Davis then told the new Dark Lord and everyone else present. "Now, we need to return to the Dark Citadel and prepare our forces for battle."

"You're right, we have seven airships Digi-porting into Nexus as we speak with those willing to remain here and fight for their Empress." Mikey then informed both Davises, the Red General himself surprised by the number of forces willing to come and follow Kari into battle, including the majority of the D-Reaper, the Digi-Goblins and all of the Infected, while surprisingly Barbamon, Belphemon and Leviamon crossed over as well, joining Lilithmon as the four Demon Lord prepared to join the Dark Empress in her new role within Nexus.

Nodding in reply, Dark Davis, Kari and Cyoton paid their respect to Zarkon, before the entire group were whisked away in dark mist, returning to the Dark Citadel as they prepared for the conflict ahead of them.

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Now positioned several miles from the Dark Capital and back upon the surface, the Dark Citadel floated in the air as the Dark Imperium forces arrived, with seven airships floating around the dark fortress as legions of dark human soldiers, Troopmon, Bemmon and Snatchmon gathered on the grounds below the dark armada, along with the Infected, the D-Reaper and various other dark and powerful Digimon.

Along with their allies, Deusmon, Charismon and Biomon stood beside one another as they watched the Viramon and other Appmon that crossed over to Nexus mingle with the Digi-Goblins, who were focused on preparing the equipment for their allies to use in the battle to come, while the Mind Control Appmon mentally growled at Beautymon and Fakemon's cowardly nature for not coming to their aid of their Mistress.

Near them, Barbamon stood alongside Lilithmon, Belphemon, Leviamon, the Mother Reaper and Arcturusmon, the group of dark digital beings not only looking over their own forces, but found themselves in awe as they took in the forces of Dark Davis, the Legions of the Shadow.

Along with the skeletal legions, the black armoured soldier, the vampiric knights, ghostly legions, undead wyvern and the Bone Guard, those that looked upon Dark Davis' army also saw a large number of horrid abominations, each seeming to be fusions of various creatures and ranged from being as small as a wolf to larger than a dragon, horrid beings known as Chimera, which indeed live up to the name as those new to Nexus were informed that the abominations served as the Dark Realm's answer to the Fire Realm's Automatons.

Along with the Chimera, swarms of small but horrifying insects swarmed around the skeletal forces, while emerging from the ground, massive and horrifying worms seemed to burrow from out of the ground, ready to devour anyone unlucky enough to get in their way, while what looked like living skulls flew around the area, horrid creatures that would join the insect swarms in swarming their enemies.

Adding their own might into their Master's forces were the Shadow Knights, massive warriors which were clad in dark armour, being crafted of bone or of shadow as they wielded massive dark weapons and looked ready to strike down the enemies of the Shadow.

Within the air, meanwhile, dozens of black ships floated alongside the Dark Imperium's fleet, each resembling a floating coffin made of dark marble, with energy blasters along the sides of the hull, the dark ships each the Dark Realm's answer to the airship of the Fire Realm as more horrid creatures flew around them, which included more Death Dragons, more Shadow Demons and the Dark Reapers those new to Nexus have all heard about.

Taking in the Death Dragons first, Barbamon and his group looked to see the beasts in various forms, some with ghostly tails and claws, while others held skeletal wings as they moved about the air.

But the one that really stood out to the Demon Lords and Arcturusmon was a bipedal Death Dragon which stood along with the gathering ground forces, a creature completely formed of bone with and held dark purple eyes running along its being.

Out of its back, ten tails emerged, each with a dragon's head at the tip, all of which left the Death Dragon a terrifying sight.

Next to the ten tailed dragon, meanwhile, was one of the various Shadow Demons, a dark skinned, six armed being that looked like a Hindu deity, one with four blades in its hands, while next to it, a pair of creatures that looked like skeletal lions with horns and skeletal wings let out fierce roars, each bloodthirsty and ready for battle.

Next to the dark creatures was a group of five massive warriors, who were all made of bone and stood upon four legs.

With a sword in one hand and the other shaped like a mace, each with two horns protruding from their heads, the beings looked battle ready, while their commander seemed to show his superiority with horns curved to be shaped like a crescent moon.

Finally and floating above the group were a trio of Death Reapers, each of which looked like an Imperialdramon sized grim reaper, each with a scythe in hand and a look of death upon their faces as they prepared to harvest the dead for the Shadow and for Mordrakus.

Looking upon the dark being with awe, Barbamon and Lilithmon both imagined the power they could wield with such forces under their control, while Belphemon and Leviamon wanted to have the same power as the beings before them, power to crush any and all in their way, and all they had to do was remain loyal to their Dark Empress to do so.

Sensing a great power coming toward them, the Demon Lords, Arctrusmon and the Mother Reaper turned as a dark vortex opened near them, where Kari, Dark Davis, Fire Davis, Gatomon, Veemon, Mikey and Shoutmon emerged, the group looking over the array of dark forces as the group of dark beings then moved toward them, joined by Charismon and Biomon as they took in the Dark Empress, her new form and her new power.

Likewise, Takato and the rest of the Dark Imperium heroes and heroines moved to meet their leader, each taking in the sight of Kari's new weapons as they prepared to listen to the Dark Empress and the Shadow on what was to happen next.

"My Empress, though we have forces to spare and we don't have to worry about the filth of the DDF taking advantage of your territories back home, we await your command." Barbamon said with a respectful bow, while the Demon Lord eyed both Davises with mixed emotions.

On one hand, the Demon Lord of Greed held a grudge against the Digidestined of Miracles for having constantly been a thorn in his side before his supposed death and the rise of the Dark Empress.

On the other hand, however, Barbamon now saw the maroon haired Digidestined before him as a force of darkness that rivalled that of the former Digidestined of Light and knew there were three more Davises amongst this world, the Demon Lord knowing it was in his best interest to let go of his old hatreds for his own wellbeing.

Speaking up and taking over the debriefing, Takato then looked upon Kari and told the Dark Empress. "All the Infected are present and accounted for, each of us ready for a fight, while the entirety of the D-Reaper is at the ready."

"Not to mention the added bonus of his forces fighting alongside us." Marcus then remarked as he pointed to Dark Davis, who merely surveyed the armies gathering before him.

"It won't be an easy battle." The Shadow stated, turning his dark purple eyes to Kari and her servants. "Maligon has been preparing for this for a long time, legions of vampiric forces are at his command, along with the spectral hordes the Wraith has been gathering for centuries, all of which are dangerous and powerful."

"Likewise, since this is an 'internal matter' of the Dark Realm, Julie, Caleb, Victor, Kenji, Blaze, Phirox, Ferox and I cannot interfere." Fire Davis then commented with a small growl, before he added with a notable anger within his tone. "All we can do is just watch from the side."

Turning to look at his side, however, the fire champion then grinned as he added. "Fortunately, we have more friends on our side."

Confused for a moment, Kari then turned her head and looked in the direction Fire Davis was looking upon, her eyes widening to see TK, Patamon, Rika and most of the DDF heroes and heroines approaching the group, all of whom were holding a shared determination upon their faces.

Seeing their long-time enemies, Barbamon, Charismon and many of the Dark Digimon and Appmon were about to attack, but stopped as Kari brought her hand out, giving a silent command toward her allies as TK and the others stopped before her.

"We want to help you in this fight, Kari." The Digidestined of Hope then said, his words surprising the brunette, as well as the others amongst the Digi-heroes and heroines of the Dark Imperium.

"We've come this far with you all and we're not just going to leave, not until we see this through to the end." Tai then told his sister with a firm seriousness and familiar brotherly love. "Plus, this time we want to make sure that freak stays dead and never bothers us again."

"And I am sure Susanoomon could be of major help." JP then offered as he, Koji and Koichi looked to their fellow Legendary Warriors, who all nodded kindly in reply and respect, the Legendary Warriors eager to unite and to fight alongside their friends once again.

Looking between Rika, TK, Catherine, Jun and the others who she had fought against for so long, Kari could see the determination and, much to her surprise, the honesty within their eyes, to see that her enemies were indeed willing to help her in the battle against Maligon.

Although there were only three individuals missing, and the Dark Empress was more than alright with them not being there, given their past.

However, looking behind TK and the others, Kari found herself surprised once again as Suzie, accompanied alongside Terriermon and Lopmon, who rested upon her shoulders, then proceeded ahead of a group of dark robed attendants and Digi-Goblins.

Looking among the dark attendants, the group saw that they carried a large number of weapon crates, the sight drawing the Dark Imperium soldiers and Troopmon, who crowded around the crates to see dark rifles built with the Dark Imperium's aesthetics, each brimming with a dark aura around them.

"I used my tech to make a number of modifications for your soldiers with the help of the Digi-Goblins, making them out of that Shadow Steel stuff while these guys imbued them with Dark Mana." Suzie told Kari, gesturing toward the black robed attendants in the process.

The purple haired Tamer then said with a fair logic in her voice. "That way they can't be brought back through the Veil and could only be used here in Nexus. This should give your guys the edge in the battle."

Nodding in reply, Kari then turned to thank Suzie, but stopped when she saw the purple haired Tamer glaring at her with a returning anger.

"I can never forgive you for what you did, for what you took from me." Suzie then confessed to Kari.

Looking aside and away from Kari, her hands clenching, Suzie swallowed her pride. "But I am willing to make peace with you, if it means ending this battle between all of us and allowing us to move forward."

Remaining silent and sharing in Suzie's respect, Kari merely nodded her head in reply, accepting this response from Suzie, while most present felt pride in the young Tamer for her actions, especially Fire Davis.

It was then that the fire champion turned and faced his dark variant, tossed him an item toward and remarked. "And since you'll need all the help you can get, you'll need this."

Catching the item in his hand, Dark Davis' eyes then widened as he realized what the object was, turning his hand to see his and the other Davises' D-3, which their fiery counterpart had held onto since their arrival in Nexus so long ago.

While the object brought up a sense of nostalgia for the Shadow, the implications of what Fire Davis said shocked Dark Davis even more.

Turning to look upon Veemon, Dark Davis saw the V marked Digimon smile back upon him, expressing a long and almost forgotten confidence.

"Do you understand what this will mean, Vee?" Dark Davis then questioned, the Shadow not sure his partner understood the consequences of what could happen as he asked the Digimon of Miracles. "If you fight alongside me, you will be infused with Dark Mana, where most importantly, you will never be able to return to or protect the Digital World, is this truly what you want?"

Continuing to keep a supportive smile upon his face, Veemon replied with honesty within his voice. "When I lost you, I gave up protecting the Digital World. Life held no meaning without you and I was not going to stand against those you wanted to protect. My place is at your side, all five of you, and I am willing to spend the rest of my days here in Nexus if it means I can fight alongside my partner once again."

Clenching his hand into a fist and slamming it into his palm, Veemon said with a familiar confidence and enthusiasm. "Let's put that vampiric creep back in the ground!"

Hearing Veemon's determination, and sensing the amusement shared between Blaze and Belezar, Fire Davis and Dark Davis smiled softly in reply to the V Marked Digimon's words, before the Shadow put the D-3 away so it could be used during the upcoming conflict against Maligon.

"Speaking about being imbued with Dark Mana..." Arcturusmon then said, the Dark Digimon asking with a growing eagerness within his tone. "When are you going to give me that power, my Lady?"

"Soon, but you will have to wait your turn." The Dark Empress said in reply, confusing and annoying Arcturusmon somewhat as he was left wondering who would dare be before him to receive such power.

Hearing a growl above him, however, Arcturusmon then looked upward to see Belphemon looking down upon him, the glare within his red eyes informing the Dark Digimon that the Demon Lord of Sloth would be the first to receive the dark power of Nexus.

Leaning toward him, Lilithmon then whispered into Arcturusmon's ear. "Best let it be, that way we can use the big lug as a test dummy to see if this will even work."

Growling slightly but also in agreement with Lilithmon, Arcturusmon nodded in reply, before he and the others watched as the Dark Empress prepared to imbue Belphemon with the Dark Mana running through her, to empower the Demon Lord for their upcoming battle.

But before anything could happen, the moment was then interrupted as a dark vortex opened up and Desred emerged, the Dark Lord facing his Master as he told the Shadow. "My lord, you are needed upon the Dark Citadel, a Dark Council member wishes to speak with you."

"Tell them I am busy at the moment." Dark Davis merely said in response, having more important things on his mind than whatever this Dark Council member wanted of him.

"My lord..." Desred then said with a fair seriousness within his tone, before adding with a growing concern. "It is Lady Vaddik. She wishes to see you and Lady Kamiya."

Hearing that the Dark Council member who served under Maligon wished to see Dark Davis and Kari was a surprise to everyone, with the news also surprising the Shadow himself, who wondered what game she was playing or what tricks she could be pulling.

"Very well..." Dark Davis then said with reluctance, looking toward his friends and allies as he added. "Make sure the preparations continue, we'll be back soon."

Nodding in understanding, Fire Davis and the rest present went their separate ways as Dark Davis and Kari followed Desred into the vortex, both interested in hearing what Vaddik had to say.

Unbeknownst to all, the Wraith had watched the events occur within the shadows, before vanishing in a ghostly wisp.

Everything was indeed going as planned.

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Reappearing within the grand hall, Dark Davis, Kari and Desred looked to see Lady Vaddik standing before them, the Dark Council member flanked by two massive red armoured beasts that looked to be a cross between a man and a bat, each of whom were equipped with a pair of long blades within their hands, these being the elite warriors of the Vampire Clans and Vaddik's personal guard.

Briefly taking in Vaddik's appearance and sensing her power, the Dark Empress could see the dark beauty of the Dark Council member, while also sensing that she was not a force to take lightly, even if she was backing Maligon and his challenge against the former Digidestined.

"Lady Vaddik, this is an unexpected surprise, especially given your subordinate's challenge against my own." Dark Davis then remarked with the most pleasant of voice he could muster, while doing his best to hide his displeasure upon seeing the Dark Council member.

"I wished to meet the one who has long been a focus of my servant... and of yours." Vaddik merely said in reply as she approached the Shadow and Kari, her dark purple eyes gazing upon the Dark Empress as the vampiric being then told the former Digidestined. "I have heard many things about you, young Kari, and yet you seem to be a contradiction to them all."

"I can assure you anything that filth tells you is lies and that he will betray you when the opportunity presents itself." Kari merely said with a firm seriousness, standing her ground as she narrowed her eyes upon Vaddik, who continued to look upon the newly risen Dark Lord with a dark smile.

Noticing Kari's rune blades, Vaddik expressed an amused chuckle.

"Yes, I can see the potential in you." Vaddik then told Kari with a continued amusement, before gesturing for the Shadow to walk with her.

Nodding silently to her request and accompanied alongside Kari, Dark Davis approached and walked along with the Dark Council member, while Desred remained behind with the/her vampiric bodyguards, who kept their glare upon the right hand of the Shadow, knowing full well that Desred could easily kill them if he so chose to do so.

Walking down the halls of the Dark Citadel, Dark Davis, Kari and Vaddik remained in silence, though the Shadow and Dark Empress both could sense that the vampiric being had far more to say to them.

"Maligon plans to kill most of the Council and seal the Emperor away." Vaddik simply said as she broke her silence, her words shocking the Shadow and Kari as they turned to look upon her with a shared expression of shock.

"I knew he was deranged, but this is an entirely new form of insanity." Dark Davis commented with a fair growl, now realizing that challenging Kari to the Rite of Dark Combat was merely a facade so he could have an audience with the Dark Emperor himself.

Looking to Vaddik, the Shadow then questioned. "How does he even plan to accomplish this?"

"Long ago, he found the Crucible of Blood and has been charging it ever since." Vaddik said in reply, her gaze remaining firmly upon the Shadow as she then told him. "Currently, it has the power to make Malgion near god-like and allow him to overpower most on the Council, while he desires to use the dead that will come from his armies clashing with your own to fuel it even more, where he will use it to attempt to imprison the Dark Emperor, and in the chaos that will follow, he plans to remake the Dark Council in his own image, having offered me a place at his side."

Clenching his fist and feeling his hatred toward Maligon only growing, Dark Davis continued to growl in frustration as he realized the scope of the situation.

The Crucible of Blood was an ancient and powerful artifact of the Vampires of Nexus, its origins dating back to before the multiversal war and was considered lost to time, a powerful relic that gathers energy from the death that occurs around it and bestows that energy upon one strong enough to handle it, granting them power that could rival and possible surpass that of an Eternal Lord.

However, despite hearing all of this, one thing was bothering the Shadow.

Keeping his eyes upon Vaddik, the Shadow inquired with a fair amount of suspicion. "Why are you telling us this? It seems like this plan would benefit you most of all."

Nodding her head in reply, Vaddik expressed her honesty and told Dark Davis and Kari. "At first, yes, it was a plan I supported, but the circumstances have unfortunately changed."

"Firstly, the plan needs more time, but Maligon is rushing it with the arrival of your kin upon our world, the Crucible is not yet ready, but in his obsession for revenge, Maligon is overconfident, and that rashness will lead to the destruction of us all." The vampiric Dark Council member then said in reply, before her gaze fell directly upon Kari. "And secondly..."

Watching Vaddik with a sense of caution, Dark Davis and Kari watched the vampiric being slide her left gauntlet off of her hand, revealing her pale skin... and to reveal the Mark of Azara upon her forehand.

His eyes widening in realization, the Shadow turned his gaze upon Vaddik's face as he then said. "You're one of the Firstborn, a risen child of Azara."

Nodding her head in reply, Vaddik looked upon Kari and told the Dark Empress. "The Dark Mother does not give her favour so easily. She had seen great potential in you, and I will not incur her wrath simply because of my subordinate's lust for revenge!"

Mentally smirking, the Shadow now understood Vaddik's game, she was trying to save her own hide and nothing more.

Even if Maligon's insane plan were to succeed, they would still have to contend with the Eternal Lords, and Azara was not one any within the Dark Realm wished to make an enemy of.

"This changes our plans slightly, but it is not something we cannot overcome." Dark Davis then told Kari, who nodded in reply, before both refocused on Vaddik and allowed the dark being to express her thoughts further.

"Be warned, the Wraith's army is much larger than anyone else knows, he has been gathering souls for centuries and is waiting to unleash them upon his foes, do not underestimate him." The Dark Council member informed those before her, her words receiving nods from the Shadow and Dark Empress.

Slowly returning to the grand hall, each making sure there were no unwanted guests peering into their conversation, Dark Davis and Kari prepared for the battle ahead.

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Later that night and as most of her friends, allies and servants slept, the Dark Empress entered the library of the Dark Citadel and made her way toward the centre.

Briefly acknowledging the necromancers who studied within the halls, Kari eventually found herself back before the nine dark tomes, her eyes focusing upon the Tome of Eternal Shadows.

As though sensing her presence, the tome began to emit a dark aura around it, the eyes within the skull on the cover illuminating with a dark purple light, before Kari then heard a voice whisper from the book as it said. 'I sense great power within you... but you can have far more... do you seek to dominate this world...? Or do you wish to end all life and rule a realm of eternal darkness...? I can offer you all of that and more...'

Narrowing her eyes, Kari could sense that it was not the tome speaking to her, but another entity channeling itself through the tome, one just as connected to Mordrakus as the book itself.

"I don't care for conquest, all I care about is the power to crush my enemies and make them suffer, to let them know in their last moments that everything they have strived for was in vain and that as they take their final breaths, they realize they should never have crossed me! That is the power I seek, and if you can't give it to me, then you are of no use to me!" Kari declared as she looked upon the tome, her eyes narrowing as the voice simply chuckled in reply.

'Yes... you will go far... there are a few spells within these pages that can help you...' The voice then told Kari, before the Tome of Eternal Shadows opened, the pages flipped past Kari's eyes quickly, before stopping at a pair of blank pages, two that were soon filled with dark purple runes and to reveal a series of dark spells that the Dark Empress could master.

'Take this power... smite and destroy your enemies... and we shall see each other again, very soon...' The voice then said, before Kari felt the presence disappear, leaving the Dark Empress alone and with the information now provided to her.

Allowing her eyes to scan over the dark writing before her, Kari clenched her hand around her staff, the former Digidestined of Light more than ready to end Maligon's existence and strike down any and all who would stand before her and those she loved.

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A day later and upon a nearly deserted stretch of land, the Dark Citadel floated in the skies above with the combined fleets of the Dark Realm forces loyal to Dark Davis and that of the Dark Imperium, while the legions of both the Shadow and of the Dark Empress prepared for the battle to come.

On the ground and amongst the various forces surrounding them, TK, GrandGoldramon, ShadowGallantmon and the rest of the Digi-heroes and heroines of both the DDF and the Dark Imperium kept their guard up, with more than a few feelings relief to see a Digimon such as Susanoomon standing alongside them for the battle to come.

Within the God Man Digimon, meanwhile, Takuya, Zoe, Tommy, JP, Koji and Koichi allowed themselves to reconnect mentally and spiritually link for the first time in over five years, with those who fought against Kari sensing the pain and mental regret of their friends who fought against them to protect the Dark Empress, while those who sided with the Dark Imperium sensed the pain and agony they had caused their friends by forcing them to fight them.

But allowing that pain and regret to fade, the Legendary Warriors focused on the future, which allowed Susanoomon to focus upon the battle.

Floating just above Justimon, HiAndromon and her former friends amongst the Infected, Rika clenched her staff, before looking upon Dark Davis, who stood ready as Belezar floated above him.

Beside the Shadow Demon were two brand new Digimon, the dark evolutions of Gatomon and Veemon, who now wielded and accepted the Dark Mana infused within their very cores.

Looking upon Gatomon's new form, Rika saw that the new Digimon was feminine in appearance, clad entirely in black armour, with high heeled feet, claw-like hands, and a curved moon crest on its chest.

Six large silver bat wings came out of the female Digimon's back as a long, black cloak flowed down her neck and flowed through the air.

The shoulder pads resembled dark dragon heads, with black mist bellowing from the dragon's eyes, with her face resembling a silver porcelain mask, showing that her eyes glowed with a dark purple light, while silver hair flowed down the figure's upper back.

Finally, the upper head was shaped like a crown, with the spikes sticking out more as the dark purple gem on the forehead glowed brightly, giving the new Digimon an imposing appearance, a dark being now known as Ophanimon: Darkness Mode.

On the other side of Belezar, meanwhile, was the new form of Veemon, a being that almost resembled UlforceVeedramon, only the new Digimon was clad in pitch black armour, with a demonic face on the chest plate, while similar demon faces with horns formed the shoulder pads.

What little could be seen of the Digimon's skin was equally black, including a tail similar to Magnamon's, while a pair of black wings went through a long, black cape that flowed behind his back.

Claw-like gauntlets covered the new Digimon's hand, while a black helmet, similar to the Dark Davis', covered the Digimon's face, looking like a skull mask with two horns coming out of it, while in his right hand was a long and powerful dark blade.

Looking the terrifying Digimon over, Rika remembered hearing this new evolution of Veemon declare himself as TyrantVeedramon, a dark knight Digimon that indeed fitted in with the rest of the Dark Realm forces who served at the Shadow's command.

Hearing the sounds of shrieking, however, Rika and the rest of the Digi-heroes and heroines turned their attention toward the horizon, where they saw an equally large fleet of Dark Realm airships approaching them, along with swarms of bat-like creatures, Chimera, Shadow Knights, skeletal legions, Death Dragons, Dark Reapers and vampiric warriors that marched toward them, all led by a small group of vampiric Dark Lords, the servants of Maligon.

There was no sign of the Wraith or his spectral legion, however, but the Shadow knew the ghostly servant of his enemy was not too far behind and that he would indeed show himself when the opportune moment showed itself.

Steeling themselves, the two armies prepared for battle, one to serve the Dark Empress and defeat her enemies, the other to support their vampiric Master and to see his dark ambition come into fruition.

The Rite of Dark Combat was about to begin.

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Author's Note: the battle between Kari and Maligon is about to begin, what will happen next? Who will succeed? And what is the Wraith really up to? Stay tuned as the adventure continues.

PS: The Dark Realm Airships are based on Hive Tombships from Destiny, but larger, the ten tailed Death Dragon under Dark Davis' command is based on Super Necrodragon Lunarzberg from Duel Masters, Ophanimon: Darkness Mode is based on the same Digimon from my Digimon Adventures: Reign of the Dark Queen story, and TyrantVeedramon is based on the same Digimon from my Digimon Adventures: Final Eclipse story.