Nearly a day had passed since Miracle's Reach left the capital of the Beast Confederacy and the airship was now making its way toward the area of the Nature Realm known as the Faelands, for those newer to Nexus to explore more of the realm as they waited for the news that they may enter the Light Realm or that Light Davis will be joining them instead.
After leaving the beastkin capital and making sure a room was prepared for Ungala during her temporary stay onboard the airship, the various groups of heroes and heroines relaxed for the journey as Nature Davis also settled himself in as well.
Likewise, Alicia, Sakuya, Shinon and Lyna joined the various female humans and Digimon so they could hang out and discuss various topics, namely about the Davises, which annoyed Kari a fair amount, but the Nature Realm girls also got to learn more about the adventures which Kari and the other girls had experienced within the Digital Worlds and the Net Ocean respectively.
During the conversation and listening to how Eri and Ruli went on and on about Astora and Hiro respectively, expressing how Astora and Hiro held qualities which made them invaluable to their teams, Julie and the other girls eventually teased the pair on their crushes of the boys, the teasing earning bright blushes from Eri and Ruli as they tried to hide the fact that they were in love with the energetic Apptuber and the selfless brunette.
Despitethis teasing, however, the mood turned somewhat solemn when Kari suggested to Eri and Ruli to not hide their feeling and to let the ones they love know how they felt, less they lose them and be left alone with the knowledge of what could've been, her sombre remark earning sympathy from most of the girls as they knew the heartbreaking pain which the Dark Empress felt from having lost Davis once within her life.
Later that night, those onboard Miracle's Reach found themselves in for a treat as the four Davises worked alongside Takato and Guilmon within the kitchen.
While Fire Davis and Nature Davis goading Dark Davis to provide further assistance than he was giving, Water Davis remained silent and focused upon his cooking, each doing their part as Kari and the others had what they would always consider from that day forward one of the best meals of their lives.
The next morning and as Miracle's Reach drew closer toward the Faelands, TK, Patamon, Michael and Betamon had requested for everyone to meet them in the briefing room, a request the Digi-heroes and heroines of the DDF and Dark Imperium complied with, while Kari, the four Davises, Henry and the rest of those of Nexus were interested in hearing what the two Digidestined and their partners had to tell them.
Though remembering the last time TK had an announcement to make, Dark Davis remained with a fair skepticism as he wondered if the DDF would try another means of reining Kari in and keeping her under control for their protection and selfish purposes.
Fortunately, the Shadow sensed no nervousness, anger or anxiety from the Digidestined of Hope and instead sensed joy and eagerness, thus allowing Dark Davis to know that whatever the news was, it was good news.
Once he saw that everyone was present, TK cleared his throat in order to gain their attention, the DDF Commander and Digidestined of Hope holding a growing smile upon his face as he told the others. "So, we called you all here because Michael and I made some calls yesterday, and a few more of our friends have decided to travel to Nexus to rejoin us."
As TK then gestured his hand toward the door leading into the briefing room, everyone turned to see the door open and for several familiar humans and Digimon to make their presence known, the smallest amongst the group looking upon Jeri and expressed a pure warmth as he leaped toward her. "Jeri!"
"Calumon?!" The former Infected Tamer could only say in reply as she caught the energetic Digimon within her arms, the brunette holding back tears upon seeing her old friend after so long, who further nuzzled himself into the brunette's embrace.
Looking amongst the remaining newcomers, Takato and the others were happy to see Ai, Mako and Impmon amongst the group, the trio looking overjoyed to see their fellow Digimon Tamers again and to see that Takato, Jeri, Kenta and their Digimon partners were indeed cured of the Virus which had plagued them for so long.
Turning their attention upon the rest of the group, Marcus, Yoshi and the other DATS members were surprised and pleased to see Miki, Megumi, their PawnChessmon partners and, much to Marcus' surprise, Kristy there as well.
Upon seeing her brother and allowing her love to get the better of her, the younger of the Daemon siblings rushed over and gave her brother a deep and tight hug for the first time since the war in the Digital World first started.
To have her arms around her brother and to feel the warmth of his embrace around her, Kristy couldn't contain her emotions, tearing up in joy as she held the astounded brunette closer to her.
Amongst the group and much to the excitement of most of the Appli Drivers and their Appmon partners, Ai Kashiki stood at the door with an endearing and familiar smile upon her face.
Taking in Ai's appearance, Haru, Gatchmon and the others saw that the blonde haired girl was now wearing a DDF uniform like the rest of the newcomers.
Approaching her friends, Ai's smile continued to grow as she looked toward Haru, who blushed a little after seeing the beautiful blonde after so long.
Finally, amongst the newer group were two of Ruli's best female friends, Aoi Udagawa and Mika Kashiwagi, to the surprise and the happiness of the brunette.
Acting on her joy to see her friends, Ruli wasted no time and rushed toward the girls, embracing the pair in an inviting hug, while also complimenting the new attire of her friends, to see both of the girls also dressed within DDF uniforms.
Continuing the joyous reunion amongst their friends, Aoi and Mika then turned their attention to the other members of Team Liruru and greeted Hiro, Gammamon and the others with a growing joy, namely showing a great affection toward Hiro's cute partner and providing him with store bought chocolates they had had brought with them, much to Gammamon's joy.
"Man, it's so good to see you guys again and after so long!" Kazu said happily as he and the rest of the Tamers, baring Henry, surrounded Ai, Mako and Impmon, the reunion remaining with a great positivity as Calumon leapt from out of Jeri's arms and atop Guilmon's head with a joyous cry, which Guilmon was more than happy to accept.
"Yeah, we're sorry..." Ai started to say, before her brother took over and then informed. "It was just… we couldn't bring ourselves to fight against you guys, any of you."
Looking upon Takato, Mako then said with a growing sadness within his voice. "I'm sorry for how we acted back then, but I am glad you guys are back to your old selves again."
"Don't worry about it." The former leader of the Digimon Tamers said with a big smile as he was more than willing to put the past behind him and wanted to just look toward the future.
Smiling toward Takato's words, Rika then looked down as the red haired hybrid noticed Impmon approaching her with a solemn look upon his expression.
"I'm guessing this is permanent, isn't it?" He inquired.
Knowing what Impmon was really asking, Rika sighed solemnly herself and nodded her head in reply.
Having spoken with Water Davis a few days prior to their arrival in the Nature Realm, and promising not to jump him as he examined her, the Arch-Savant informed Rika that her DNA and Renamon's Data were permanently fused, and that even with all the knowledge at his disposal, there was no way to separate them without ending both of their lives, signaling to the red haired hybrid that Renamon was gone forever and only existed within her subconscious.
"Renamon may be gone, but her memories will live on through me, and she would be proud of you, Impmon." Rika told the small demon Digimon, who nodded his head and expressed another solemn sigh as he missed Renamon dearly.
However, Rika then noticed as Impmon gained a darker expression, while the rest of the new group looked behind the red haired hybrid with concern, this prompting Rika to look behind her as she saw Kari standing there with a small smile upon her face.
As Impmon looked ready to protect his partners, an action which the PawnChessmon mimicked, Ai, Mako, Miki, Megumi and Kristy looked at the Dark Empress with uncertainty, while Aoi, Mika and Ai were slightly nervous, having only known the former Digidestined of Light as an enemy that had threatened their friends and their worlds in the past.
However, ever the beacon of positivity, Calumon let out a happy cry and said with a great joy. "Yeah, Kari's back to her old self again!"
With that said and his enthusiasm expressed, Calumon leaped into Kari's arms, the former Digidestined of Light holding a welcoming smile as she held the small Digimon close to her as she felt warmth in her heart to know that he was no longer afraid of her.
Likewise, and upon seeing Calumon's actions and Kari's smile, those newer from the Digital World felt themselves relax a little, while Aoi, Mika and Ai looked on with curiosity and confusion.
"Nice to see some more familiar faces, plus a few new ones." Fire Davis remarked with his own smile as he, Dark Davis, Water Davis and Nature Davis stepped forward, their presence gaining the attention of the newer group as Ai, Mako, Miki, Megumi, Kristy, Impmon and the PawnChessmon looked upon the sight before them in complete shock, stunned to the sight of the multiple Davises.
"Holy crap, there's four of you now?!" Impmon exclaimed in shock, originally having not truly believed what he had been told.
"There are five of them." Many within the room informed in reply as one, before Kazu then told the demon Digimon. "We're waiting for the fifth one to join us soon."
All the while, both Ais, Miki, Megumi, Kristy, Aoi and Mika couldn't help but blush as they took in the four identical and handsome Davises before them.
"Davis!" Calumon then said with joy as he leaped toward Fire Davis first, before the small Digimon seemed to quickly move around and take in the differences within his appearance.
"Wow, this one looks really cool." The small Digimon remarked before he was quickly moving around Nature Davis as he added. "And this one is so leafy!"
Appearing on top of Water Davis and poking the spot on the Arch-Savant's head where the cybernetic chip was implanted, his curiosity expressed as Calumon inquired. "What does this do, is it like the mark on my head?"
Seemingly reappearing upon Dark Davis in his curious search, Calumon continued to look the Shadow over.
Curious, the catalyst Digimon then asked with a growing confusion. "Why does this one look so mean? He needs to get out and play more."
'Do not murder Calumon… Do not murder Calumon… Do not murder Calumon…' Dark Davis mentally chanted to himself as his right eye twitched toward the innocent Digimon's nature as Calumon continued to poke and prod him, the Shadow's anger growing particularly as his nature and fire variants stifled their laughter toward his predicament.
As everyone else watched as Calumon continued to examine the four Davises, Yoshi noticed as Miki then leaned closer toward her, the raven haired officer keeping her eyes upon the scene and a light blush on her face as she asked her fellow DATS officer. "So… how exactly is Kari… keeping up with them?"
Briefly sparing a glance at Sora and Rika, Yoshi looked back toward the Davises and told Miki. "Let's just say she's got it covered."
'Careful, Calumon, that one might bite…' Henry remarked with a chuckle as he dropped his Wraith mask, the sight of which, while shocking Ai, Mako and Impmon, had a different reaction from the rest of the new group.
"It's a ghost!" Miki, Megumi, Kristy, Ai, Aoi and Mika all screamed, where they quickly rushed behind Impmon and the PawnChessmon, the girls lifting and holding the Digimon outward like living shields, while Impmon panicked about his situation.
"Why the heck are you using me as a shield?!" Impmon demanded as he flailed frantically within the girls' grip, only to deadpan when Kristy replied through her own panic. "You're the only one that Warp Digivolves to his Mega form, that's why!"
"Henry!" Calumon then exclaimed in joy as he leaped toward the ghostly Tamer and was ready to hug his old friend, only for the catalyst Digimon to feel some confusion as he passed straight through Henry's form.
Confused by this, Calumon turned and kept trying to hug Henry, his frustration growing each time he passed through Henry's ghostly form.
'He's so cute!' Julie, Alicia, Sakuya, Shinon and Lyna all thought as they looked upon the catalyst Digimon, who continued to fly around and through the Wraith in his attempt to hug the ghostly Dark Lord.
Meanwhile and as they watched the scene themselves, Fire Davis, Nature Davis and Water Davis took note as Dark Davis' gem began to glow, alerting the Shadow that he was receiving a communication from the Dark Realm.
Nodding to their dark variant, the trio watched as Dark Davis took his leave as he exited the briefing room, before Fire Davis turned his attention upon Kari, giving her a reassuring smile as he saw the concern expressed upon her face.
'Hold on, Calumon…' Henry then said as he closed his eyes and focused his energy, before telling the catalyst Digimon with a soft smile. 'Ok, try now…'
"Careful!" Terriermon warned as the rabbit-like Digimon shuddered to the recollection of the cold chill he felt when he first hugged his partner within his new ghostly form.
Ignoring Terriermon and too joyous to embrace another person he cherished so much, Calumon then leaped into Henry's arms, which the ghostly Tamer wrapped around the small Digimon in a friendly hug.
"It's like hugging a snowman!" The catalyst Digimon cheered, his declaration causing many within the briefing room to laugh heartily, with everyone enjoying the joyous mood, especially Kari, who continued to feel a sense of peace after all the strife and pain she had felt in her life, especially now with almost all of her Davises back within her life.
"Lord Motomiya, there seems to be another delegation of Nature Realm leaders heading for us from the Faelands." A member of the bridge crew suddenly informed through the airship's intercoms, this bringing a brief concern to Nature Davis, Fire Davis and their allies.
While Sakuya had sent word ahead that they were on their way to her home kingdom, the idea that a delegation was on their way to meet them before they entered the Faelands meant that something else was going on.
"Open the hanger and we'll meet them there." Fire Davis said in reply through the comms, looking between his two present variants and the rest of the group as he led them to the hanger in order to greet their newest guests.
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Apart from Dark Davis, the rest of the heroes and heroines waited in the hanger as they saw a group of flying creatures heading toward the opening within Miracle's Reach, which had stopped next to a flat plateau that rose about the forest.
Six of the beings were large eagles, similar to the one that Kari and the others watched Tichalla arrive on when he came looking for Nature Davis, only these eagles were clad in a light green armour set, while the individuals riding them appeared to be elven warriors in green chainmail armour, each wearing helmets and shoulder pads in leaf design as they appeared to be a form of royal guard.
Alongside the eagles, meanwhile, were a dozen winged warriors which had butterfly-like wings sprouting from out of their backs and out from out of the sides of their helmets, the armouring covering their eyes and noses, the sight of which allowed those newer to the Nature Realm to recognize them as fairies as they carried spears that glowed with a powerful green nature energy.
It was the being at the centre of the flying Nature Realm beings, however, that caught the attention of Kari and the others, to see a beautiful woman who had long silver hair tied within a ponytail and pointed ears.
The woman was dressed in a beautiful white dress that went down past her feet, while a pair of large and beautiful blue butterfly-like wings spread from her back, showing off a sense of regal elegance within her appearance.
A golden arch was set around the woman's shoulders, with green crystals lined around the arch similar to the form of a flower, while two large green crystals seemed to hover around her head, which was adorned with a crown made out of tree leaves, the item showing the individual's position of royalty as she and her escorts entered the hanger.
Landing just in front of the group of heroes and heroines, the royal being smiled as Nature Davis, Fire Davis, the Pack, Julie, Caleb and Ungala approached her, where all but the latter bowed respectfully as the Grand Guardian said with a great kindness and respect within his voice. "Queen Cerine, this is an unexpected surprise."
"Forgive my sudden appearance, Grand Guardian, but when I heard from Lady Sakuya's father that you were on your way to the Faelands, I needed to seek you out myself." The fairy queen said in reply, before looking upon Ungala and informing the arch druidess with a continued kindness in her voice. "And your tribe has arrived safely, Queen Ungala, but I fear their strength will be needed soon."
Watching as the arch druidess nodded in understanding, Cerine's attention first turned upon Water Davis, the fairy queen having been told from the message sent to the Faelands that three of the Grand Guardian's counterparts were travelling with him.
Turning her focus upon Fire Davis, Cerine then questioned. "I assume the Shadow is here as well?"
"Yes, he is, your Highness." Fire Davis said in reply, before gesturing to the rest of his friends and Kari as he informed the fairy queen. "But he is not here as a threat, nor the Arch-Savant. Both are here because they are here."
Taking in the newer beings to Nexus for the first time, Cerine allowed her green eyes to look over the various humans, Digimon and Appmon, finally seeing the individuals the Grand Guardian had often told her about in the past, before her eyes landed upon the Dark Empress.
Slowly approaching Kari, the fairy queen then said with a mixture of curiosity and intrigue within her voice. "And you must be Kari Kamiya."
"Yes, my lady." Kari replied with her own respect as she felt the power emanating from the fairy queen, one that rivaled Ungala's in its connection to the Nature Mana and the Realm as a whole.
As she continued to look Kari over, a moment of silence reigned, before Cerine then said with a gentle voice. "Though there is great darkness within you, I can sense that the darkness within your heart has lifted."
Understanding the fairy queen's words as a sign that she does not see her as a threat, the Dark Empress nodded politely in reply, before she looked behind Cerine as Nature Davis and the others approached her.
Looking upon his friends and allies, Nature Davis then gestured to Cerine as he introduced her to the others.
"This is Queen Cerine, one of the main rulers of the Faelands and a powerful arch druidess herself." The Grand Guardian informed Kari and the others, who nodded bowed their heads respectfully toward the fairy queen.
Turning his focus upon Cerine, however, Nature Davis then inquired with a growing concern. "You said you needed to seek me out, Queen Cerine, what is so urgent that it could not wait until we had arrived within the Faelands?"
Her smile turning into a frown, Cerine then informed Nature Davis and all those present. "A great darkness had descended upon the Faelands. Legions of Wightborn and their servants are pushing through our territories, slaughtering everything in their path and raising them to serve in their undead legions, while swarms of Dark Realm ships cover the skies. They seem to be searching for something and we do not yet understand their motives."
Listening to Cerine's words, Fire Davis, Water Davis, Henry, Julie and Caleb frowned, not only to the knowledge that this was the Dark Realm's work, but to also knowing who was involved as each spared Kari a quick glance.
"With all due respect, Queen Cerine." Fire Davis then said, gaining the attention of the fairy queen and those around them as the fire champion went on to say. "When it comes to the Wightborn, the question is not what are their motives, but rather what is HIS motives, for they only answer to one Master."
At that moment, the doors to the hanger opened, causing everyone to look to see Dark Davis enter the chamber, where his eyes widened in annoyance upon seeing Cerine and her escorts.
"Oh, all the timings…" The Shadow growled with annoyance as a frown formed behind his face mask, before he turned his attention upon his fire variant.
"We agreed that this ship is neutral ground, that there is no fighting and they cannot attack anyone, regardless of Realm, correct?" Dark Davis then questioned the fire champion.
"Yes, and vice versa." Fire Davis said in reply, before growing concern as he then questioned back. "Why?"
"Ok, good." The Shadow remarked, before he gained a serious expression and informed everyone before him. "Dharak, Nergul and Senagos are on their way here."
While Kari and the rest of those from the Digital World remained confused, the Dark Empress and the others saw the clear shock and horror expressed upon the faces of those in the room that were a part of Nexus, where Henry cried out in sheer horror. 'Why the hell are the Dread Wyrms coming here…?!'
"Dread Wyrms?" Cody questioned with a mixture of confusion and uncertainty, which grew as he took in the concerned expressions of Nature Davis, Fire Davis and Water Davis.
"A trio of ancient Death Dragons that took the Trials of the Dark Lords and passed, each of whom has brought death and destruction to the enemies of the Dark Realm for eons." Dark Davis said in reply to Cody's question, before turning his attention upon Henry as he informed his fellow Dark Lord. "And they are coming here because HE is coming here. He wants to finally meet Kari, which is in his right after favouring her."
After hearing the Shadow's words, it finally clicked in Kari's mind, along with moat of the others, who was coming, the same individual whose forces Dark Davis helped drive off the Wild Horde invasion of the Dark Realm, the same being who commanded Argoth and the Wight Elves, the one who favoured her alongside Azara upon completing her Trial of the Dark Lords.
The Eternal Lord, Noctus, was coming.
Though she knew very little about this dark being, Kari was well aware of the fear his very name induced upon those who heard it, which left the Dark Empress to know that, like Azara, this Noctus was an individual who was not to be taken lightly.
"Um… Lord Motomiya…?!" One of the bridge crew said with a clear panic over the intercom, just as Fire Davis, Water Davis, Nature Davis, Dark Davis, Kari and the rest of those in tuned with Nexus' energy felt the trio of powerful energy signatures heading toward them.
"We know. Position the ship so the hanger is facing the plateau, but do not fire, they are not hostile!" The fire champions ordered through the comms, watching as the scenery outside changed as the ship turned about.
At the same time, Nature Davis ushered Cerine, her escorts and Ungala to position themselves behind himself and his Pack, while Fire Davis, Julie, Caleb, Victor and Kenji stood by them, knowing their allies would not dare fire upon them.
Alongside his other variants, Water Davis moved before those newer to Nexus, the water variant of Davis ready to place a protective energy field around the group in the event things suddenly became hostile.
Left to themselves, Dark Davis, Kari and Henry looked outside of the hanger and saw what was causing the panic to brew amongst the bridge crew.
Making their way through the skies and toward Miracle's Reach were a trio of Death Dragons, the creatures being at least twice the size of Kurdoss, each sporting long necks, a pair of black wings, four clawed legs, elongated and spiked tails, alongside glowing dark purple eyes.
Each of the Dread Wyrms appeared to be covered in dark purple glowing scales, while their bodies were encased in black skeletal frames, giving the three dragons a menacing presence that was only increased by the fact that their wings were made of pure darkness.
As they looked upon the centre Dragon, Kari and the others saw that it had a long snout and horns that grew towards the back of its head and curved upwards, while jagged spikes ran down the back of the creature's neck and to the tip of its tail, giving it a further fearsome and dreading appearance.
The second dragon upon the centre's right had a more skeletal face as a dark purple energy radiated from within its hollowed eyes.
Its horns were curved to look like blades, while razor spines were arranged down its back and to the tip of its tail.
Finally, the last of the Dread Wyrms was almost identical to the second, only this beast had a beak instead of a pair of jaws, while its build was slightly thinner when compared to its companions, the appearance of this creature left many amongst those from the Digital World to believe this one to be a female amongst the beasts.
As Dark Davis, Kari and Henry stood before the opening to the hanger, the trio and those behind them watched as the Dread Wyrms landed upon the plateau next to Miracle's Reach, each bellowing with fearsome roars before focusing their attention upon their fellow Dark Lords.
"Dharak, Nergul, Senagos, so nice to see you three again." The Shadow remarked with a small bow toward the Dread Wyrms, an action Kari and Henry mimicked as the trio of Death Dragons leaned their heads forward and into the hanger seemingly in a show of respect.
Looming largely over the trio, Veemon, Gatomon and Terriermon feared for the safety of their partners, but kept themselves at bay and trusted in Dark Davis' judgement.
"Ah, Lord Shadow, it has indeed been too long." The centre dragon, Dharak, said with a dark glee within his voice, before the Dread Wyrm focused his eyes upon Dark Davis' gem and added with a sense of arrogance. "And Belezar, it seems the rumours that you have undergone an evolution are true. Perhaps one day I can test my might against your own."
"Time will tell, Lord Dharak." Belezar replied with his own dark eagerness, the Shadow Demon delighted at the prospect of fighting one of the Dread Wyrms in single combat.
Meanwhile, the second of the Dread Wyrms, Nergul, leaned in and looked upon Henry as he then said with his own dark amusement. "And Lord Wraith, you and Kurdoss have finally shown your true colours after all this time, how interesting, I only wish I was there to see the look of horror upon that insect, Maligon's face before he was crushed."
Nodding in respect toward the Death Dragon before him, Henry then looked at the last of the Dread Wyrms, Senagos, who leaned her head closer toward the Dark Empress.
"Let us not forget the one who ended Maligon, brothers. Our newest Dark Lord and the Master's new favoured." Senagos remarked as she looked over Kari, before she added with continued amusement. "Yes… you hold great power, little girl. It will be interesting to see what the Dark Father has planned for you."
Her eyes then looking upon Kari's gem, the female Dread Wyrm then chuckled lightly as she said with a growing amusement. "And Faustian, finally out of your books I see, dear brother. Oh, yes, this new Dark Lord is one to watch indeed."
"As the Dark Father decreed." Faustian said with respect, before Dark Davis then cleared his throat, gaining the Dread Wyrms' attention as he questioned. "Now that you are here, when is He coming?"
At that moment, the air around the hanger seemed to change, as though a great and terrible darkness had descended upon the area as many felt a chill run down their spine, the chill of death itself.
To shake off the feeling of dread and despair filling the room, Ungala and Cerine held their hands out and focused, the pair releasing Nature Mana to try and balance out the dark energies filling the room, an effort TK and the rest of those newer to Nexus thanked the pair for.
It was then that a dark vortex opened to the right side of most of the groups, where they looked as four Bone Guard exited the rift, along with three dark and wicked beings.
Recognizing one as Argoth, the Wight Elf Dark Lord Dark Davis assisted before, TK and the others quickly looked at the largest of the beings, a bipedal undead lizardman that looked like a cross between a man and an alligator which was wearing armour similar as Argoth.
Icicles protruded from out of the back of the undead lizardman's armour, while more ice formed on his arms and formed a pair of horns upon his head.
The brute wielded a large axe which reminded Kari and the others of Cyoton's own weapon, showing the creature as a great and powerful warrior.
Sparing a brief glance, Kari noticed the anger within Garen and Erik's eyes as they looked upon the undead Lizardman, before she turned her gaze toward the being at the centre of the group, the one whose presence was radiating the darkness, to look upon Noctus himself.
Having seen a small glimpse of this being during her Trial, the Dark Empress was now able to take in the Eternal Lord's full appearance.
From her view, Kari could see that Noctus was indeed a gigantic skeletal being who looked to be around eight to ten feet tall and was draped within dark purple robes with black skulls as shoulder pads, each with glowing dark purple eyes and tassels draped down his shoulders.
A sphere of dark purple energy resided within the Eternal Lord's ribcage, while two large spikes of ice emerged from his back, along with an arch of bone that did not obstruct the dark cloak which draped itself down Noctus' back, one which appeared to have three spinal cords attached to it for show.
While his right arm had a series of dark spike-like protrusions emerging from his forearm and up to his elbow, Noctus' left arm was encased in bone armour that was shaped to look like a human spine and act as a blade.
Finally, and most terrifying to those who looked upon the Eternal Lord was his head, to see the full skull of whatever kind of humanoid being Noctus was on full display, with hollowed out eyes, enlarged fangs and a series of bone spikes that emerged from his head, giving the appearance of a bone-like crown.
Along with the darkness his mere presence emanated, Noctus was given the true appearance of death itself, which caused the DDF and Dark Imperium heroes and heroines to feel their nervousness grow and turn into absolute fear as the Eternal Lord turned his hollow eyes upon those before him.
"What? You've been in Nexus for months now and you act like you've never seen a skeleton before? You gopping little shits!" Noctus then inquired with a mild annoyance within his voice, while TK, Tai and the others newer to Nexus let their brains stop for a moment after hearing what they could only describe as an embodiment of death swearing like a drunken sailor.
Turning his gaze upon the Nature Realm group next, Noctus expelled a small growl and then told them with a growing seriousness in his voice. "Any other day, any other location, I would love nothing more than to flay you all alive."
Hearing the threat made toward their queen, the elven and fairy guards moved their spears into a fighting stance, an action the Bone Guard mirrored, only to relax as Cerine raised her hand in a silent command, the fairy queen and Ungala keeping their eyes narrowed as they looked upon one of the arch enemies of the Nature Realm.
"As a reminder, Lord Noctus, this ship is neutral ground and is protected by the Fire Realm." Fire Davis then said, the maroon haired champion keeping his calm as the Eternal Lord looked upon him and nodded, before turning his gaze as Dark Davis, Kari and Henry approached him.
"Welcome, Lord Noctus." The Shadow said with a respectful bow, before nodding toward Argoth and the undead lizardman as well.
"Ah, Lord Shadow, always a pleasure to see you." The Eternal Lord said in reply, expressing his own respect toward his ally, before he looked past Dark Davis and toward the Dark Empress.
Stepping forward as Dark Davis moved to the side, Noctus looked down upon Kari, who remained calm and in control as she looked upon the dark being, the Dark Empress not afraid of the Eternal Lord, but rather intrigued, a feeling Noctus seemed to share toward her.
"At last, we have finally met." The Eternal Lord remarked as he stood before Kari.
"So, you're the one the Shadow and his fucking rabble of counterparts have whined over for eons now." He then remarked as he looked over and examined the brunette, ignoring the glares the four Davises sent him as he sensed Kari's power, before adding with a hint of amusement within his tone. "It seems you're more interesting than I originally thought, little girl, especially after watching you torment that idiot, Maligon. I am glad to see that my favour was not wasted."
"It is an honour to finally meet you as well, Lord Noctus." Kari said in reply and with her own respectful tone, the Dark Empress willing to ignore his remark about her Davises for the moment in order to help keep the peace.
Briefly looking back upon those from the Digital World, Noctus then inquired of Dark Davis. "Are those little fuckers the creatures you once told me about? They don't look like anything useful."
Stuck between fear and annoyance toward Noctus' remark, the Digi-heroes and heroines then watched as the Eternal Lord tilted his head up and commented. "At least that fucker looks useful."
Turning to look up and see who Noctus was looking at themselves, Kari and the others saw Arcturusmon leaning against the railings and looking down at the scene with a clear interest.
"Looks can be deceiving, Lord Noctus." Dark Davis commented as he stood next to the Eternal Lord, where the Shadow added with a smirk behind his face mask. "He started off like the rest, and when necessary, they can change into forms that rival his own."
Nodding in intrigue, Noctus then looked around briefly, annoyed that the insects of the Nature Realm were still present, before he turned and faced both Dark Davis and Kari.
"Perhaps we can find someplace a little more… private. We have much to discuss." Noctus then offered toward his fellow Dark Lords, who nodded in reply, despite Kari's growing concerns.
What did the Eternal Lord really want and how would this affect Kari's chances of reuniting with Light Davis?
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Author's Note: Some old friends return and new friends have been gained, but now, Noctus has arrived and seems to be a force of destruction within the Faelands. What does the Eternal Lord seek? Stay tuned as the adventure continues.
PS: Cerine is based on Cesilla from the MMO Lost Ark.
