After explaining what she had seen in her vision to those around her, with Gatomon and Veemon staying close by her side and ensuring she was alright, Kari took quick note of the concern within Fire Davis, Dark Davis, Water Davis and even Henry's expressions, while the Dark Empress felt Faustian's own concerns through her link with him, this allowing Kari to know that there was more to what she saw then just a random vision.
An hour later and after calling Julie and Caleb to join them, the Dark Empress, her beloveds, Henry, the fire champions and the pair of Digimon made contact with Light Davis and Nature Davis, where Kari listened in as Water Davis explained to the pair about the aberration having black blood, similar to that of the creatures she had witnessed in her vision, the Dark Empress taking note of the clear shock and concern upon the faces of the remaining variants of her beloveds.
"So let me get this straight, not only did you encounter an aberration that seems to have been made by them, but Kari not only saw them, but HE spoke to her as well?!" Light Davis questioned with a raised voice, his concern evident over the news, and neither Dark Davis nor Fire Davis could blame him, especially over the fact that a certain individual seemed to have been able to connect with the love of their lives in such a way.
"Yes, but aside from these two incidents, there has been no other signs of their interference upon Nexus, nor has there been any signs of a breach." The Arch-Savant said in reply to the holographic images of his Light and Nature variants. "These could be nothing more than isolated incidents, but we need to remain vigilant, especially due to the lack of information regarding the formation of the aberration and their involvement."
As she listened to her beloveds talk about what she saw and this new piece of information to her about the aberration, Kari realized that these events were far more serious than she previously realized as she saw the concern not only within the expressions of the five Davises, but also within Julie, Caleb and Henry.
"What are they?" The Dark Empress questioned, asking what she knew Veemon and Gatomon also had within their minds about what these things were that worried the Davises so much.
As though remembering that there were individuals within the room that had no idea what they were talking about, the five Davises looked upon Kari and the Digimon, before looking back at one another and sharing a look of understanding.
"Please understand, Kari, we are not trying to keep you in the dark about this out of ignorance or the belief that you would not understand this, but out of our own hope that, like Water Davis said, these are just isolated incidents and not something else, something far worse." Fire Davis told Kari with an understanding in his voice.
Clenching his fist, he then told the Dark Empress with a further seriousness within his tone. "However, and to help you understand, there is very little that could force all five realms to unite together, and they are the main reason."
Looking between the five Davises and the others of Nexus within the room, Kari, Veemon and Gatomon realized how serious this was and how dangerous the beings the Dark Empress saw could be, where Kari looked down at her hands and told those before her what the creature had said. "It… He told me that he knew how to bring down the Veil."
Looking upon one another, those within the room seemed to share a silent conversation, before Fire Davis looked back at Kari and told her with a small sigh. "Knowing him, I am sure he has some twisted way to indeed bring the Veil down."
"But please understand that his price… it's too high." The fire champion went on to say, before Dark Davis continued the conversation and told Kari, Veemon and Gatomon. "Kari, he and his kind must remain where they are. If they were to escape from their… 'prison', it would mean the end of not just Nexus, but of everything."
"For now, and until we are certain there is no larger threat looming, accept the answers we have given you. Should the threat become serious, we will explain to you and the others what they are and why they must never succeed in their goals." The Arch-Savant added, where Kari and the two Digimon nodded in reply, understanding the Davises' concerns, even if they were still curious as to what this threat was.
"If you all don't mind, I'll bring Victor and Kenji at least up to speed." Caleb then offered as he got everyone's attention, the fire champion adding with a rare seriousness within his voice. "They have a right to know that there is a potential for them to appear and be a threat."
Nodding to his fire team member, Fire Davis then faced the holographic images of his Light and Nature variants as he went on to say. "For now, we'll focus on regrouping. We're on our way to the Nature Realm and should arrive midday tomorrow."
"I will meet you at the usual spot." Nature Davis told his fiery counterpart, who nodded in reply, knowing exactly the location the Grand Guardian was referring to.
"Have only a small group wait at the location and have the rest wait on the airship, that should keep any of the local inhabitants from getting the wrong idea and attacking." Nature Davis then told the others, before he turned his attention back upon Dark Davis, Water Davis and Henry. "Likewise, you three are to remain upon the airship until I arrive. As part of the arrangement for the two of you to set foot upon the Nature Realm, I need to be with you all always, otherwise there will be consequences."
"I'd like to see them try and stop me." Dark Davis remarked with a dark glint within his eyes, which narrowed as Water Davis put a hand on his shoulder and held a fair seriousness within his expression, before the Arch-Savant then looked back upon Nature Davis.
"Violence is unnecessary, we will abide by your terms for the sake of Kari and these meetings." The water variant of Davis then told everyone present, his words causing the Shadow to growl a little and to sigh in frustration.
"Fine, but if we end up in some sacrificial pit, I am blaming you." Dark Davis remarked as he glared upon the Arch-Savant, who ignored his dark variant and allowed the conversation to play itself out.
Shaking his head toward the antics of his dark counterpart, Fire Davis then turned his attention upon Light Davis, the Archon, and questioned with his own curiosity. "And what's the situation on your end? Will we be allowed to travel to the Light Realm once we are done there?"
Growling lightly, Light Davis looked to the side with a clear frustration and told those present. "Unfortunately, the Conclave isn't in agreement on the issue, with more than half voicing objections to allowing all of you into our borders."
'They still don't trust having these two enter their lands…?' Henry questioned as he pointed toward Fire Davis and Dark Davis, before he gestured to the Arch-Savant and Nature Davis.
'Even with the two of them present…?' Henry then asked.
"Unfortunately, it's not about them." Light Davis replied with a further frustration, briefly looking upon Kari as he told those before him. "They are not happy about the idea of a "servant" of the Light becoming a Dark Lord and see it as sacrilege to allow Kari to even set foot within our lands."
"Arrogant pricks." Caleb mumbled underneath his breath, his anger and frustration felt by many within the meeting, especially by Dark Davis, who stood a step forward and glared upon his light variant.
"You are the damn Archon, the champion of the Light Empress, the commander of the Host of Justice, use your power and overrule the damn bastards!" The Shadow growled in annoyance as he looked upon his light counterpart, who glared back at him in response.
"Unlike some of us, I do not abuse my position for my own ends! There are rules and traditions here, sacred laws, that cannot be overlooked and cannot just be discarded!" Light Davis said back with growing anger as his holographic imagery almost drew itself within Dark Davis' face.
"It's that attitude that got us in this position in the first place!" Dark Davis all but yelled in response, to the point that if Light Davis was physically present the two would be trading blows right now.
"That's enough, both of you!" Fire Davis yelled as he got between the pair, even though one was just a hologram, where both Dark Davis and Light Davis turned their glares upon him, before seeing him gesture with his eyes to the side, this causing the Shadow and the Archon to turn their heads and to see the fear and concern within Kari's expression.
While it did not matter to the Dark Empress what the Light Realm thought of her, seeing her beloveds at each other's throats tore violently at her heart.
Realizing that they were both fighting in front of Kari, the girl they both loved and cherished, Dark Davis and Light Davis relented and stepped back, each muttering with a small apologetic voice. "Sorry."
But not willing to let the issue rest, not when she felt that she was the one responsible for this hostility, the Dark Empress continued to look upon the five Davises with shock as she asked with a serious tone. "Is… is this normal?"
"For the two of them, yes." Nature Davis replied, his words causing Light Davis and Dark Davis to glare at him as he then gestured a hand toward the Shadow.
"To him, the Archon and his ties to the Light reminds him, and us, of the bond you and TK shared, the bonds of Angewomon and Angemon, the Crest of Light and the Crest of Hope, everything that was used as an excuse to say that you and TK were meant for each other, that you were destined to be together." The Grand Guardian stated, before looking upon the Archon as he then told Kari, Veemon and Gatomon. "And he looks upon the Shadow and sees everything that was wrong with us, everything that, in his eyes, made us unworthy of you."
Turning his eyes back upon Kari, Nature Davis gained a solemn expression as he told his beloved. "We have been here for over twenty thousand years. We have developed our own convictions about the past and are still getting used to the idea that those beliefs were wrong. Please have patience with us, the five of us will figure this out."
Looking back toward Light Davis, the Grand Guardian then suggested toward his light variant. "If you are unable to grant us access to the Light Realm, then see if you can take leave and join us within the Nature Realm. There is plenty here for them to see and explore while we wait for you."
Watching as the Archon nodded in agreement to their nature variant's suggestion, Fire Davis then turned his attention upon the Grand Guardian and told him. "We'll be arriving tomorrow afternoon at the location, make sure you are there."
"Also, I did not inform the others about the Dark Realm because he wanted it to be a surprise." Fire Davis then said as he gestured to Dark Davis, before adding as he pointed toward Water Davis. "And I didn't want to give too much of a biased opinion on the Water Realm. You want me to explain what I can about the Nature Realm before we arrive?"
Seeing Nature Davis nod in reply, both the Grand Guardian and the Archon looked toward Kari and sent her a smile, before the holograms vanished and the device returned within Fire Davis' hand.
Returning his focus upon Kari as Dark Davis and Water Davis moved to his side, the fire champion told the Dark Empress with a small smile. "Looks like we need to gather the others. There's a lot to tell them."
Approaching Kari and placing a comforting hand upon her shoulder, Fire Davis then said with a continued reassurance and kindness within his voice. "Put them out of your mind for now. Like we promised, if their threat becomes something serious, we will tell you whatever you need to know."
Nodding in reply, Kari moved alongside the three variants of her beloved as they, Julie, Caleb, Henry, Veemon and Gatomon left the room to meet with the others and give them a briefing about the Nature Realm.
But lost within her own thoughts, particularly toward the hostility between Dark Davis and Light Davis, as well as the hostility the Light Realm held towards her that kept her from seeing the Archon, the Dark Empress felt her resentment toward Nexus slowly simmering to the forefront of her mind, a growing part of her blaming the rulers and the realm wars for causing such strife between her beloveds.
The offer of the unknown creature echoing within her mind, there was part of Kari which briefly wondered if tearing down the Veil would really be such a bad idea after all.
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Nearly an hour later and after rounding up their friends and allies from the DDF and Dark Imperium, along with Victor and Kenji, the group found themselves within the briefing room of Miracle's Reach, where Fire Davis stood before his seated friends and his allies as he prepared to tell them what he could about the Nature Realm.
Before starting, however, the fire champion mentally took note of some of the occurrences he and his variants noticed as they went around the ship to gather their friends, most of which pleased the trio of Motomiyas, while others left their eyes twitching.
The first occurrence was when Water Davis and Henry went to collect Suzie, Terriermon and Lopmon, while the pair found Thomas, Izzy, Gaomon and Tentomon with the younger Wong and the Digimon within the armoury of the airship.
Before they could even speak to the group, however, Suzie practically dragged the Arch-Savant around the armoury, the purple haired girl showing off some of her creations and asking Water Davis' opinion upon her various designs.
While Water Davis was more than comfortable in examining the Digi-gear Suzie had invented and giving her his criticisms, Henry found his eye twitching behind his ghostly mask as he took instant notice of the way his little sister stared at the Arch-Savant, to see starry eyes and a look of admiration as Suzie stuck closely by Water Davis' side.
Although knowing that the Arch-Savant's heart belonged to Kari and that he would never think of doing anything with Suzie, the spectral Dark Lord remained with a building overprotectiveness, holding back his brotherly instincts to the fact that Suzie seemed to have a growing crush upon the watery variant of Davis.
At the same time, the others within the group entered the cafeteria to gather others from the group, where they first noticed Yolei and Ken sitting next to one another and conversing, with the purple haired Digidestined giggling a little to something Ken said as she placed a hand on top of his own, the sight pleasing to Fire Davis, Kari and to some extent, the Shadow to see the pair of lovers mending their past and moving forward.
It was at that moment that Zoe, Takuya, Yoshi and Marcus entered the cafeteria, where both Davises and Kari raised their eyebrows to see the two girls sharing the same dazed and satisfied expressions upon their faces, while the boys seemed dazed and seemed a little out of it.
Behind them, meanwhile, Tagiru and Nene walked into the cafeteria together, both holding one another's hand as they seemed to enjoy each other's company, which also left a few wondering where the pair went off to together after the party ended the night before.
Shaking his head and refocusing on the present, Fire Davis looked upon the gathered heroes and heroines, briefly noticing the distant and concerned looks upon Kenji and Victor's faces, knowing that Caleb had informed the pair on the situation involving them, before the fire champion began his explanation of the Nature Realm.
"Alright, we are on our way to the Nature Realm and will be arriving at a meeting point to link up with our nature counterpart tomorrow afternoon." Fire Davis told the group, before noticing Tagiru had raised his hand in order to get the fire champion's attention and to ask a question upon his mind.
"How come we aren't going to the Light Realm first?" The Superstar inquired, before going further into his understandable confusion. "Not that I am complaining or have anything against going to the Nature Realm, but I figured since they shared a border with the Water Realm it would be easier to go there first."
"There are lots of reasons, Tagiru, but mostly political and overzealous bullshit that our Light variant needs to work out." Fire Davis said in reply, his response causing a few within the group to look at him with curiosity, before the fire champion continued in his explanation and informed his friends. "In the meantime, the Grand Guardian has given me the ok to tell you guys what I can about the Nature Realm so you have an idea of what to expect when we arrive."
Looking over and toward Dark Davis, Water Davis and Henry, Fire Davis then commented. "And nothing from the peanut gallery!"
"Fine by me, tell them all you want about the savages." Dark Davis merely replied with a fair amusement within his voice, one that caused a few in the group to roll their eyes in reply as they had gotten used to the Shadow's cynicism.
"It will be interesting to hear about the Nature Realm from the perspective of their allies instead of from those who are at odds with them." Water Davis then said back in reply, seeing this more as a learning opportunity for himself and a chance to gain more knowledge on a realm that has always been at odds with the Water Realm, believing that if he could understand the Nature Realm better, it could help form some sort of peace and understanding in the future.
Refocusing and nodding to the airship technician that would be supplying imagery to a large screen behind him, Fire Davis began his explanation as he told Kari and the others. "It is said that when Nexus was created, Karnus, the Dragon God of Nature, released a spark of life upon a barren landscape, a spark that grew and eventually became what is today the Nature Realm."
At that moment, a large map of Nexus appeared upon the screen behind him, with a green border surrounding the Nature Realm, revealing that it was the largest of all the five realms in terms of territory.
"It is a vast wilderness, a conglomeration of forests, mountains, jungles, savannas and deserts. It is as beautiful as it is wild, as serene as it is savage." Fire Davis then went on to say as he kept his focus directed solely upon Kari and the others. "Life within the Nature Realm can be divided into three categories, the first of which is the Beast category, which ranges from the various wildlife within the Nature Realm to the beastkin you briefly saw invading the Dark Realm."
"Then you have the Fae category." The fire champion informed as he moved forward slightly and pulled Palmon and Lalamon from their seats and before the others, startling the pair of plant based Digimon as Fire Davis then said. "The Fae represent the living plants, trees, spirits and even rocks within the Nature Realm, with many even taking on humanoid forms and building societies among the trees and forests."
Allowing Palmon and Lalamon to return to their seats, the plant Digimon still a little dazed from the actions of the fire champion, Fire Davis continued as he told the others and went on to say. "And the third category is the in between, those that aren't beast nor fae, or for better understanding, the humans, elves and even fairies, those who commune with Nature, but are not plant nor beast themselves."
Pausing for a moment, the fire champion then told those new to Nexus with a seriousness in his expression. "Keep this in mind, unlike the other realms, there is no central government within the Nature Realm, there is no Council of Fire Lords, no Dark Council, no Council of Logica counterpart. The Nature Realm is made up of millions of beastkin tribes, human, elven and fairy kingdoms, as well as various groups of faes, with tribes and kingdoms rising and falling daily. There are a few groups that have withstood the test of time and have grown in power, but none can be considered the primary power within the Nature Realm, while the Nature Empress herself, like the rest of the rulers, is apathetic towards the events within her domain, less the entire realm is threatened."
"For eons after the birth of Nexus, the Nature Realm remained in a state of internal struggle, tribes and kingdoms fighting amongst themselves and the wilderness for survival of the fittest, until that fateful day with the first harvesting forces of the Water Realm and the Dark Realm invaded their lands." Fire Davis then told the others as everyone turned their attention toward Water Davis and Dark Davis.
"As you can see, the Nature Realm's territory is vast and mostly undeveloped, thus it has an abundance of resources, from wood to minerals, that could greatly benefit the energy supplies of all of Nexus." Water Davis then said in reply, expressing the logical thinking of the Water Realm toward his friends and allies.
"Yes, but keep in mind, to those within the Nature Realm, they aren't just trees or mere rocks, it is their home, it is where their ancestors are buried and where they believe their spirits reside. It is sacred to them, and they will always defend their homes." Julie commented as she looked upon the Arch-Savant, who merely looked back at her with a neutral expression.
Refusing to get into a philosophical argument with his watery counterpart, Fire Davis continued in his explanation.
"Against the unified forces of the Water Realm and the Dark Realm, the various tribes and kingdoms, due to their lack of unity, were not able to hold back the new threat to their home." He said.
"And thus, with the blessing of the Nature Empress and Karnus himself, that same spark of life sent forth energy once again and created the first Guardians of the Nature Realm, who drove off the invaders and helped rally the Nature Realm's defenses for eons." The fire champion told those gathered before him, where the imagery behind him changed to the black silhouettes of dozens of warriors, from humans, beastkin and others, clad in various wood or stone based armours and weapons within their possessions.
"The Nature Realm's answer to Fire Champions, Dark Lords and Savants, Guardians are imbued with Nature Mana and are bonded with the children of Karnus, the Nature Dragons, the Titans and the Great Beasts, serving as protectors of the realm and inspirations for those within the realm." Fire Davis then said, before he informed the others with a fair seriousness. "But unlike the other realm champions, there is no central leadership among the Guardians, only a sense of brotherhood and fellowship, with our nature counterpart serving as close to a leader as he can amongst them."
"Because of this, the Guardians each have their own views on how to perform their duties and protect the Realm, with one example being that of Tigris Khan, the leader of the Wild Horde you saw invading the Dark Realm before." The fiery variant of Davis then said, where the group remembered the horde of beastkin that Dark Davis helped drive off, each with a triple claw mark on their armour to show their allegiance toward the group.
"Tigris truly cares for the Nature Realm and believes that the best way to defend it is for the realm to unite under a single leadership to defeat the Water Realm and Dark Realm." Fire Davis then went on to say, before adding as a small and solemn expression graced his features. "However, he strongly believes that that leadership should be him and him alone. This had put him at odds with various leaders within the realm and other Guardians, forcing them to either bend their knee to him or be wiped out, and has made him a… 'rival' in a sense to Nature Davis."
Seeing more than a few within the room frown upon hearing about Tigris Khan, especially Kari, Fire Davis decided to move on as he told the group. "Anyways, since there is no central capital within the realm and most Guardians act as sort of wandering adventurers, helping out when needed or taking jobs from various tribes, villages and kingdoms, the Guardians have what they call Guardian Lodges throughout the Nature Realm."
"As focal points for Nature Mana, the Lodges are tended by veteran Guardians called Lodge Masters and serve multiple purposes. They are places where Guardians can gather and rest, where those seeking the aid of the Guardians can make their requests for aid, and most importantly of all, where potential Guardians can undergo the Trials of the Guardians to become ones themselves and be bound to a child of Karnus." The fire champion told the others, where he then said. "This is what you can expect from the Nature Realm. There will also, depending on where we go, be ambassadors from both the Fire Realm and the Light Realm in some of the places we might visit, so be respectful, especially with those of the Light Realm, as that might help our light variant with his issues."
Taking a moment to process what Fire Davis had told them and understanding that they might have different reactions wherever they would travel within the Nature Realm, Matt then spoke up as he then questioned not just Fire Davis, but the rest of those from Nexus.
"What about Nature Davis, what is he like?" The Digidestined of Friendship inquired.
Remembering that only Kari, Jun, Veemon and Gatomon had met all five Davises previously, Caleb actually spoke up and told those within the room. "Out of the other four, he and our Davis are probably the closest in terms of personality. Just don't piss him off, otherwise he gains a rather… feral side to him."
"Makes you wonder how wild he can be in bed." Julie whispered as she leaned in so only Rika and Sora could hear her teasing remarks, a growing slyness appearing upon her face as she saw the two girls gain dazed and slightly perverted expressions upon their faces, ones that fortunately were not noticed by the rest of the group.
Getting everyone's attention as he cleared his throat, Fire Davis then looked amongst the group and informed them. "Like I said, tomorrow we will be arriving at the meeting spot to rendezvous with Nature Davis. So that any of the locals or wildlife don't see us as a threat, I'll be taking a small group with me and Kari to meet with him, while the Arch-Savant and the Shadow remain here until we bring the Grand Guardian back up here."
"If I may make a recommendation?" Water Davis then questioned, gaining the attention of Fire Davis as the Arch-Savant then suggested. "Perhaps having a skilled hunter and survivalist amongst the group would be beneficial."
"Yeah, that is why I was going to have Keenan and Falcomon in the group." The fire champion stated with a fair respect toward the duo.
"While both fit the criteria, I was thinking of someone else." The Arch-Savant then remarked as he turned his gaze, where Fire Davis and Dark Davis raised an eyebrow to see who their counterpart was looking at, to see his gaze upon the Digidestined of Sincerity, Mimi Tachikawa.
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.
.
The next morning, Miracle's Reach had crossed the border dividing the Water Realm from the Nature Realm and now, many amongst the various factions of Digi-heroes and heroines looked out of the windows to take in the scenery, specifically the large military installations set along the Water Realm's side, the defensive point to block assaults from the wild forces of the Nature Realm and a staging point for the Water Realm's own assaults upon their ancient foes.
Thankful that the Water Realm's defenses did not fire upon a ship that resembled a Fire Realm warship, which Kari, TK and the others attributed to the fact that they had Water Davis on board, those new to Nexus took in the change in atmosphere as they entered the Nature Realm, a feeling as though one was within a forest, sensing the wonders and wilds of nature itself.
Traveling above the vast forests, Miracle's Reach soon reached its destination, where, true to his word, Fire Davis, Julie and Caleb had Blaze, Phirox and Ferox ferry them and a small group of their friends to the ground, while Water Davis, Dark Davis and Henry remained with the rest of the group within the airship, watching everything from a monitor within the briefing room and remaining on comms with those on the ground.
As he led the group he was with through the forest trails and toward the meeting spot, Fire Davis looked over his shoulder as he took in those with him, seeing that alongside his fellow fire champions, the group consisted of Kari, Jun, Veemon, Gatomon, TK, Patamon, Rika, Takato, Guilmon, Agunimon, Kazemon, Keenan, Falcomon, Mimi and Palmon.
But upon looking over the Digidestined of Sincerity, however, the fire variant of Davis frowned a little as he took in her change of attire.
In place of her usual DDF uniform issued for all members, the pink haired Digidestined was now wearing a dark green bodysuit, which highlighted her body, accompanied alongside a black tech belt around her waist and armoured gloves and boots.
The attire, although somewhat revealing, also allowed her a greater sense of mobility, which would come in handy in the event she needed to evade any dangers or obstacles within her path.
Her outfit, along with her pink haired which was now tied into a ponytail, however, were not the main things that drew Fire Davis' attention, the metal bow and arrow quiver upon Mimi's back captured the attention of the fire champion, along with the calm and on guard expression the Digidestined of Sincerity held upon her face, her eyes scanning the area as though looking ready to engage in combat at any second.
"Alright, enough of this, enough of the dancing around the subject, I need answers!" The Shadow growled through the comms.
"You are telling me that in five years, the girl who was more obsessed with fashion and her hair, the one who despised violence unless it was to get rid of unwanted suitors, is a huntress and survivalist?!" Dark Davis then questioned with a growing frustration and further confusion within his voice.
Sighing to his dark variant's bluntness, Fire Davis then turned his gaze back upon Mimi, where he saw most in the group look upon her with their own concerns as the pink haired Digidestined narrowed her eyes.
"I have already examined the incident report, but it would still be beneficial to hear it from your own words, Mimi." Water Davis' voice then said through the comms, the Arch-Savant wishing to hear about what exactly had happened from Mimi's point of view.
As the group continued to walk, Mimi looked between those from the Digital World, particularly Kari and TK, before the Dark Empress expressed a small guilt within her expression, while TK nodded his head, telling her to let the Davises and their allies know what had happened.
Closing her eyes and letting out a small sigh, Mimi began to speak as she told the trio of Davises and those who didn't already know the story as she told them. "A year after you vanished, after we thought you were dead and this damn war started, during a battle against Kari, she teleported me away from the others and I ended up in the middle of the Wildlands."
"As I recall, that is a vast wilderness within the Digital World, containing countless numbers of wild and feral Digimon." The Arch-Savant remarked, his words receiving nods from those around him within the airship as Mimi then continued her story.
"I didn't have my Digivice, I had no way of contacting anyone and Palmon wasn't with me. I was alone in that wilderness for six months, doing whatever it took to survive until I finally found my way out and ran into a DDF scouting party that just happened to come across me. And I never let go of what I learnt, what I need to do to survive, and I have carried that with me to this day." The Digidestined of Sincerity then said as she failed to notice the surprised look upon Fire Davis' face.
Narrowing her eyes as she looked at the ground, Mimi then said with a small coldness within her voice. "I used to believe that those I cared about within the Dark Imperium didn't come looking for me because Kari was somehow controlling them, but now…"
Listening to the clear anger within Mimi's tone, most of those from the Digital World held solemn expressions upon their faces, while Izzy focused solely upon his tablet, the Digidestined of Knowledge looking over some data he had collected from the Water Realm and tried to tune the conversation out so to not let his own anguish get the better of him.
"Get over it." The Shadow then said through the comms, his comment causing the group on the ground to stop for a second as their eyes widened, while some on the airship looked at Dark Davis like he had lost his mind.
"Yes, I am sure it was a harrowing time for you, but you survived, you escaped, you grew. Like I had said, the idea of who you were before we came to Nexus was not someone I could not see surviving alone in such conditions, but you did, you proved me and the whole world wrong, you became stronger than even you knew you could be. Embrace it, celebrate it, revel in it!" Dark Davis went on to say, and with a small growl in order to get his point across.
Though many within the group felt he was being harsh toward what Mimi went through, they also in their own ways agreed with him, each amazed that Mimi not only survived her ordeal but grew from it and became someone much stronger than she realized she could be.
"And as for those within the Dark Imperium, what, did you expect Izzy to come swooping down like a knight on a giant bug to save you?!" The Shadow then questioned, his words causing Izzy's eyes to widen and turn toward Dark Davis with horror as he attempted to stop him.
"Hey!" Tentomon said, feeling offended to be referred to as a giant bug.
"Kabuterimon and your other forms are big bugs, so get over it!" The Shadow snapped, before refocusing on what he was saying as he told Mimi. "That's not Izzy's style, he helps from the sidelines."
"Accessing the Dark Imperium's database, I have found several discrepancies, ranging from missing supplies to random energy signals sent around the Wildlands, one of which brought the patrol group you encountered to the area." The Arch-Savant then commented, his words causing many to look upon him with shock, before turning their attention upon Izzy.
"Now that sounds more like Izzy." The Shadow remarked with a small glint within his eyes, while on the ground below the airship, Mimi stopped walking, her eyes wide as she took in what she heard, that secretly and in his own way, Izzy had helped her out during one of the darkest times in her life.
"But… why didn't he…?" The confused Digidestined of Sincerity tried to ask as she was unable to understand why Izzy didn't just come to help her himself.
As though knowing what Mimi was asking, it was Kari who then informed the Digidestined of Sincerity. "Back then, if I had found out that he helped you, I would have killed him. And out of paranoia and thinking that the others who had pledged themselves to me were secretly helping my enemies, I would have killed them as well."
Hearing Kari's words, Agunimon, Kazemon, Keenan, Falcomon and Gatomon flinched, as did most of the others from the Digital World, each reminding themselves that just over two months ago, the brown haired girl they had been spending time with was once a homicidal maniac hellbent on making them all suffer for Davis' supposed death.
"You and Izzy really need to talk to one another." Fire Davis then told Mimi, knowing now that the tension between them was out of misunderstanding and the fact that they were on opposite sides of the same conflict, before the fire champion refocused his attention ahead of him as he led the group toward their destination.
A moment of silence reigned over the group on the ground and those upon Miracle's Reach, which was then broken when Takato expelled a small chuckle and stretched his arms, the Digimon Tamer commenting with a big grin on his face. "Man, the air here is so fresh, I am starting to like this place."
"Takatomon, do you think we can make some Guilmon bread later?" The red dino Digimon inquired with an innocent and hopeful tone, where Takato wrapped his arm around his Digimon partner and pulled him in for an endearing hug.
"You bet, buddy, we'll take over the kitchen and make as much bread as we can!" Takato declared with a joyous tone, one that caused Guilmon to cheer happily in reply, the sight of the Digimon Tamer and his partner acting like their old selves bringing a smile to Fire Davis' face, alongside Kari and the others amongst the group.
"Well, your more chipper than when we met you." Caleb remarked with an amused tone.
"Is this a side effect of the antidote?" He then asked.
"Nope, this is just us when we're not fighting back against a maddening hunger that drives us into a killing frenzy." Takato replied with a small chuckle as he rubbed the back of his head shyly in reply, the sight causing many in the group to smile to see the brown haired Tamer back to his old self.
Eventually, the group arrived at a series of stone pillars that formed a circle, with a series of smaller stones arranged around them, where Fire Davis turned to the group and remarked. "Alright, we are here, now we just need to wait for the Grand Guardian to arrive."
Looking around the area, Patamon then questioned with a fair curiosity. "What makes this spot so important that you guys use it to meet up?"
To answer Patamon's question, Fire Davis activated the comms and asked. "Hey, you guys on the airship, since you can see where we are, notice anything about this area?"
As the monitor before them changed to a bird's eye view of the area, Shoutmon let out an amused laugh, before responding to Fire Davis.
"The stones are arranged to look like the Crest of Light." The Digimon King said in reply.
Smiling upon hearing this, Kari allowed herself to walk around the stones, her hand caressing the smooth surface, before, through her senses and Rika's over, the Dark Empress and the red haired hybrid feeling the energies of the land all around them.
"I can sense it, the Nature Mana, I can sense it flowing through the ground, in the air and through each of the trees, I can feel them resonate with life." Kari remarked as she looked through and examined the area.
"I can feel them too. The trees, they are watching us." Rika then commented, before an echoing groan could be heard, one that caused Mimi to draw her bow and to ready an arrow, while Agunimon brought his fists up and for fire to consume them, the Warrior of Flame ready for battle.
"They're talking amongst themselves." Kari remarked in awe as she felt the energy flowing through the area, before she turned toward Agunimon and told him. "Takuya, stand down."
"Why?!" He questioned with some concern in his voice.
"Because we are in a living forest right now and you are using fire." Fire Davis said in reply.
Blinking his eyes as he put two and two together, Agunimon dispelled the flames around his hands, held them up and repeated with a great apology within his voice. "Sorry, sorry, sorry!"
Letting out their own sighs over Agunimon's antics, the group relaxed for a bit as they waited for Nature Davis to arrive, while Kari felt the attention of the tree spirits in the area focus upon her, as though wondering why a Dark Lord had invaded their home.
Allowing herself to relax, Kari sent off a vibe to let the spirits know that she was not their enemy, even allowing them a sense of who she was, which seemed to intrigue them, as though they knew Nature Davis, and through him, knew her.
However, after a moment, the spirits seemed agitated, where Kari realized that the group was not alone and that something was coming.
"We got company!" Mimi declared as she remained with her bow drawn, pointing her weapon toward an area of the forest as Fire Davis, Julie, Caleb and the others went on alert, especially as something seemed to be barreling through the foliage.
It was then, with a great leap, did a large creature emerged from the forest and land before the group, revealing it to be a massive wolf-like creature, twice the size of Garurumon, with white fur and stone-like spikes on its paws and back, where swirls of green energy flowed around the beast's body and to its glowing green eyes as it let out a fearsome roar.
"Damn it, a Great Beast!" The Shadow said with a fair snarl as he was about ready to go down and protect Kari from the wolf-like beast.
"Is it a friend?!" Sora questioned in concern for the group on the ground.
"No, it thinks we're its lunch!" Fire Davis remarked as he and his group prepared to fight off the predator, which looked ready to leap right at them and ready to attack.
Before it could move, however, something then slammed into the side of the wolf beast's face, sending it flying a few feet and skidding across the ground, before he leaped back to its feet and glared upon its new foe.
Taking in the newcomer themselves, the ground group and those watching from the airship saw that the being was a humanoid figure clad in armour that appeared to be a combination of stone and wood.
Branches sprouted from the being's shoulder pads and a green energy seemed to swirl within the centre of their chest armour.
Covering the individual's head was a full wooden helmet that only showed a single slit for eyes, where a further green energy emanated, while a pair of branches extended from the sides similar to a pair of elk horns.
Within the being's hands was a massive hammer that was made of stone, with the top shaped to resemble a dragon's head, while green crystals formed the back end of the dragon head and lined the bottom of the weapon.
Finally and upon his back, the individual had a large, round shield set upon his being to use, if necessary, one made of wood with the Nature Realm's symbol upon it and a series of green gems set around the icon, this with the rest of the being's features gave the warrior an imposing form.
As the wolf beast snarled toward its attacker, the being spoke in a familiar voice, one that caused Kari to smile and for the rest of the ground group to relax as the being told the beast. "Be gone! They are not prey, continue your hunt elsewhere!"
Snarling once again, but doing as the being had told it, the wolf beast then turned around and ran back into the forest, on the hunt once again and seeking another source of prey for its meal.
Relaxing to see the beast had left them alone, Fire Davis, Kari and those with them smiled as the warrior turned to face them.
His helmet then turned into a series of roots that sunk into the rest of his armour and revealed the face of Nature Davis, the Grand Guardian, a pleasant sight toward the Dark Empress.
"Sorry about that, I hope everyone's alright." Nature Davis said with a smile, which grew as he looked upon Kari with his glowing green eyes, a smile the Dark Empress happily returned.
Though they had finally met up with the nature variant of Davis, the group of heroes and heroines knew that their time in the Nature Realm was only just beginning.
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Author's Note: At last, our heroes and heroines have arrived in the Nature Realm and have linked up with Nature Davis. What adventures await them as they wait for word from Light Davis? Stay tuned as the adventure continues.
PS: As one has questioned about it, all I will say is, when the Light Realm is brought in, it will be epic.
