Following Arcanadramon and ArchAbbottessmon down the hallways of the castle, the heroes, heroines and their accompanying friends soon entered a massive chamber, one with ten large thrones circling around a centre platform, one with a massive table that projected a map of Witchelny and energy projects, each showing images of events currently happening around the mystical Digital World.
Sitting upon the thrones were nine large and powerful looking beings, ones that caused TK, Catherine and the remainder of those new to Witchelny to feel a shared feeling of concern and nervousness as to what could happen.
For Davis, Kari and the other heroes and heroines more familiar with Witchleny however, the sight of the nine beings brought smiles to their faces, to see the nine Tribal Leaders that stood by their side during their previous encounters and adventures.
Infernomon, Celestimon, Tsunamimon, Silvamon, Titianusmon, Odinmon, Ventusmon, Aurummon and Fulgurmon, along with BlazeShogunmon and LordPaladinmon in attendance all looked upon the new arrivals, expressing a shared surprise and joy to see the familiar faces of Davis, Kari and the other.
"Our heroes have returned." Infernomon said with a kindness and warmth in his voice, before looking toward TK and the other newcomers, before adding. "And you have brought more friends this time."
Smiling and about to reply, to say how good it was to see the Tribal Leaders once again, Davis fell silent as he looked to see one of the ten thrones empty, and for his eyes to narrow as he saw a familiar crescent moon symbol on it, this being the symbol of the Dark Tribe.
Sensing what was concerning the Digidestined of Miracles and his allies, Tsunamimon spoke up.
"I apologize for Ankokukyomon's absence, there is some⦠internal issues within the Dark Tribe that he has been seeing to." He informed them.
Confused by the name, Ankokukyomon, Veemon and the others looked to Arcanadramon, who explained and answered their confusion. "The Mega form of Dakumeijimon, who has, for the most part, taken well in his role as the Dark Tribe's ruler."
Blinking their eyes and expressing their surprise, Davis, Kari and the other heroes and heroines remembered the small, though egotistical, mystic Digimon that led the Dark Tribe Resistance and aided them in the final battle, before focusing on the present as Arcanadramon approached the table at the centre within the room.
Placing his right hand over the table, Arcanadramon closed his eyes and focused his energies, causing several floating screens to appear around the chamber, each displaying different aspects of the battle to the Tribal Leaders, who each watched with pride and concerns, pride to see that the heroes and heroines came to their aid once again, but concerned to the power of the invaders, especially their leader, the Burning King.
Looking toward Davis and Veemon, Infernomon said with a seriousness within his voice. "That you both had to take that form just to push his attack back, that is gravely concerning."
"And we are unaware of this being's capabilities." Aurummon added with his own concerns, the leader of the Metal Tribe asked with a small growl. "And there are apparently three more just like it? How are we supposed to fight a force such as that?"
"We also have no idea if there is something or someone else driving them, or what they are holding back for when they can fully assault our world." Ventusmon then remarked, the ruler of the Wind Tribe expressing her own worries to the shared predicament.
"Let them come!" Odinmon said with a hearty laugh as he looked toward Davis and the others and added with a joyous tone. "Our champions have returned, and brought some friends along with them this time! We have stood against the end once before, and we'll do it once again!"
Laughing nervously to Odinmon's praise and great confidence within them, Davis and the others then looked to Arcanadramon, who chuckled lightly himself, before looking to the Tribal Leaders and addressing them with unified leadership.
"My Lords and Ladies, while the return of our heroes is a great boon, we still don't know enough about our new foes, or their goals. Until then, we should focus on gathering what strengths we can, including uniting the Orders, for whatever may come." The Mystic Digimon stated, his words receiving approving nods from the Tribal Leaders.
"Indeed." Celestimon said in reply, before looking to ArchAbottessmon and commanding kindly. "Please, my friend, return to our capital and speak with the Grand Masters of our Orders. Tell them what has transpired and see if you can convince them to put their differences long enough to deal with this threat."
"At once, my Lady." ArchAbbottessmon replied loyalty and with a bow, turning and placing a comforting hand on Arcanadramon's shoulder, while giving the heroes and heroines nods of respect, before leaving the chamber.
Looking to the heroes and heroines, Silvamon then spoke her mind, the ruler of the Nature Tribe offering with a kind tone and familiar sincerity. "In the meantime, it is late, and you have all fought in such a harrowing battle. Please, brave heroes and heroines, rest for now, I am sure an old friend has prepared sleeping arrangements for all of you."
"Indeed I have." A familiar voice then said from behind, this causing Davis, Veemon and the others who had been to Witchleny prior to turn and smile to see the Headmaster of Mt Brocken, GrandPiximon, flapping his tiny wings as he flew towards the group.
Watching on with interest, TK and most of the other newcomers looked upon the variant of Piximon with curiosity, while Airu kept herself from squealing at how cute he was, and how she desired to add him to her collection of cute Digimon.
It was also at that moment that Gatchmon's eyes widened in joy as he turned to his fellow Appmon and the Digimon who had also been to Witchelny beforehand, where the search Appmon asked in happiness. "Do you all realize what else this means?"
Seeing them blink in confusion, Gatchmon answered with pure joy and excitement. "This means we get Davis' cooking again!"
To Gatchmon's joy, many within the group sweatdropped as Dokamon, Musimon, Guilmon, Marcus' Agumon, Lalamon and Gumdramon all shared in their cheers of growing joy and excitement.
Then, much to everyone's bewilderment, Davis and Veemon panicked as said group of Digimon and Appmon hoisted the pair into the air, before Gatchmon pointed toward the door and yelled with a growing eagerness. "To the kitchen!"
Before anyone, especially Davis and Veemon, had a chance to protest, the group was gone with a trail of dust, with Shoutmon, Renamon and Mervamon sighed as they too followed after the group.
While most of the remaining heroes and heroines remained with sweatdrops, especially Kari and Gatomon to the sight of their respective boyfriends being carried off like that, the newcomers watched the scene with a mix of amusement and confusion.
"It can't be that great, can it?" Terriermon asked, baffled and bewildered by what just happened.
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"This is the best food ever!" The rabbit-like Digimon exclaimed in joy, before stuffing two whole riceballs into his mouth, his cheeks puffed out as he happily chewed down the food with stars in his eyes.
Sitting at a large table within the dinning hall of the castle, the majority of the heroes and heroines of Witchelny, alongside the newcomers, dug in as they enjoyed the food that was being brought out to them.
Within the kitchen, Davis, Veemon, Takato and Guilmon were using what they were provided in preparing a suitable and fuel packed meal for their friends.
Although enjoying the food and taking another bite into a piece of perfectly seasoned chicken provided to her, Yoshi looked to see Kari and Gatomon also absent from the table, where the DATS member gained a sly smirk and turned her attention to Sora.
"They're in the kitchen with their boyfriends?" The auburn haired girl asked with intrigue, which grew as Sora smiled back and nodded in reply.
"Yep. Everytime Davis and Veemon cook, Kari and Gatomon help them out now." The Digidestined of Love replied, her words causing most of the girls to sigh at the loving tenderness between the Digidestined and their respective partners.
"I need to start doing that with Takato." Jeri said wistfully, imagining herself and Takato in the bakery, sharing a few loving moments as she helped him make bread and other confectionery.
"It just sounds so romantic!" Mimi all but squealed happily, adding as she put her hands together and said with starry eyes. "Lovers sharing their feelings in the kitchen."
Hearing that as he was just taking a sip of water, Kazu began to choke as his mind went to more provocative thoughts, only to receive a slap to the back of the head, courtesy of Rika, causing him to stop choking and let out a yelp of pain.
"Not like that, you idiot." The red haired Tamer said with a growl, who mentally prayed she could get through having Kazu on this adventure this time without killing him.
Between a mix of giggles and shaking their heads in response to the display, the group resumed their meal as Tai then looked to Jeri and the rest of those that travelled with him the last time he was in Witchelny and asked. "So, I take it it's only been six months for you guys as well since we were last here, anything new?"
"Life's continued on for us." Rika merely said back in reply as she looked at Jeri, who remained with a warmth upon her face.
"Same for us, though with a few changes." Takuya remarked as he looked at Zoe, his girlfriend smiling back at him as she rested her head softly on his shoulder.
"Man, JP is going to freak out once he hears we came back here and he still wasn't able to come." The Warrior of Flame then commented, hearing a small laugh from Zoe, Tommy and Koichi as they imagined the expression on JP's face once he heard about their adventures.
"Don't count Koji out, he'll be upset too." Koichi then remarked, the Warrior of Darkness thinking of his brother and how he would most likely be worried about the sudden disappearance of him and his friends.
"I got home to find out my sister's dating now." Marcus commented with a scowl, this causing Yoshi to giggle at her boyfriend's reaction, while Thomas just smirked in response.
"Do you know the guy?" Tai asked in curiosity, sharing the brotherly bond towards the DATS member as an older brother himself.
"Yeah, it's Keenan, and I do trust him, it's just..." Marcus started to say but found himself unable to properly line up his words with his emotions.
Giving out a defeated sigh, Tai nodded in understanding, knowing that, despite the trusting bond Marcus held within Keenan, this was still his little sister they were talking about.
Continuing in their conversation and talking about the changes within their own lives, Shoutmon spoke up as he told his friends. "For Mikey and I, things are pretty normal, however..."
"A certain couple here starred in their own movie together." Mervamon added as she casually slurped down a string of noodles and looked to Nene and Tagiru, who both blushed brightly to having the Amazonian Digimon spill their secret.
"Yep, a romantic thriller." Gumdramon then told the others with his own sly grin as he saw the freaked out expression upon his partner's face.
Upon hearing this news, Sora, Jeri, Zoe, Yoshi and Eri all let out shared squeals of joy, before quickly surrounding the pair as they bombarded Tagiru and Nene with questions.
To the sudden wave of questions, Tagiru and Nene remained silent as they thought about the times between shots and what they did in privacy.
"I don't get it." Airu mumbled to herself, annoyed at the attention Tagiru was receiving. "She could have picked any of these hunks, including that stud who is apparently a world class chef, and she chooses... him?"
While most seemed to ignore Airu's comment as the girls continued to question Tagiru and Nene on their movie and the romance between them, Astora leaned toward Yuu and asked the blond haired Digimon Hunter. "Dude, what is her problem?"
Sweatdropping, Yuu gave a small sigh and then told Astora. "She has her own views on what is... cute and what's not, and Tagiru doesn't fit that, so my sister dating him is messing with her mind."
All the while, as most of the others in the group just laughed at the interaction amongst their friends, Suzie, Cody and Tommy remained silent and continued to just eat and enjoy their meal.
Pouring herself a glass of water but keeping an eye to her surroundings, Suzie took a glance at each boy every now and then, while Cody and Tommy would look toward the purple haired Tamer every now and then, both trying to figure out how to talk to her.
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"We're going to bring the next round out to everyone." Takato said to Davis and Kari as Guilmon, Veemon and Gatomon helped him carry out the trays of food and a large pot of ramen for everyone to enjoy.
Seeing that they were now alone, at least for a few moments, Kari turned to her beloved and smiled.
Watching Davis stir the next batch of ramen for their friends, the Digidestined of Light slid herself behind her boyfriend and wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her head against his back, the closeness of his girlfriend causing Davis to smile in response.
However, gaining a worried expression, Kari found herself asking with some concern. "Are you feeling any better?"
Letting out a small sigh, Davis remained silent for a moment, as he knew exactly what Kari was referring to.
Since they returned home from Witchelny the last time, the maroon haired Digidestined had felt as though something was off, almost as if part of him was missing somehow.
At first, Kari thought that there was something wrong with their relationship, but Davis quickly put those thoughts to rest, reminding her that she was the best thing that had ever happened to him, even more than being a Digidestined.
After clearing that up, both Davis and Kari then believed that he merely missed their time in Witchelny, and believed that returning to the mystical Digital World would help Davis feel better.
However, still feeling that emptiness, and unsure as to what the cause was, Davis shook his head in reply.
"No... Don't get me wrong, I'm happy to be back and see everyone again, but... I just don't know what this is." The maroon haired Digidestined replied, frowning as he felt as though he had let Kari down.
In response, however, Kari merely leaned up and gave her beloved a kiss on the cheek, bringing a smile to his face as she then assured kindly. "We'll figure it out. In the meantime, we need to figure out what we're going to do next."
"I think that move should be getting TK, Cody and everyone else new to Witchelny ready and get their own D-Bracers." Davis said in reply as he continued to stir the pot before him, getting a small look of confusion from Kari in the process.
"You don't think they were brought here just because they were around us when we were teleported?" The Digidestined of Light questioned, having thought TK, Catherine and the other newcomers were brought to Witchleny by mistake.
"If that was the case, Yolei and Hawkmon would be here too." The Digidestined of Miracles said in reply, while also thinking about Ken, Matt, Joe and their partners and how they weren't brought to Witchelny either.
Nodding her head in understanding, Kari then stifled a laugh as she realized that they left Yolei and Hawkmon at the picnic, the thought leaving the brown haired Digidestined imagining their shock and panic to see all of them just disappear like that.
"Oh, we're going to have to calm Yolei down when we get back." Kari then remarked, her comment causing Davis to smile a bit as well, before finishing the last pot of ramen.
"For now, let's go join the others and eat, then we can figure out our next move." Davis offered, the suggestion causing Kari to nod in reply as she joined her boyfriend and left the kitchen, both uncertain and wondering how the newer group would react to Witchelny, while also concerned by what these Legions were planning.
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Within the void, the Burning King floated before a being that knelt before its king with absolute obedience.
"Deliver the warning, and if they refuse, end them!" The leader of the Infernal Legion commanded, his command receiving a nod from the figure before him.
"Yes, my King." The being replied, before disappearing in a small inferno, breaking through the veil between worlds to face those that stood before the Legion and their purpose.
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Several hours after their meal, and after a small rest from their previous battle against the Infernal Legion, the heroes, heroines and their friends who had just arrived in Witchelny sat within a small opened air area within the castle grounds, a training ground of sorts as Arcanadramon explained to them.
All around the group, meanwhile, but keeping a small distance for their privacy, various mystic Digimon and other onlookers from the city watched and admired the sight of the legendary heroes and heroines present and before them, especially as Davis, Kari, Veemon and Gatomon moved to stand before their friends.
"Ok, as I am sure the rest of you know, I don't think our friends came with us back to Witchelny by mistake, so we think it might be best to figure out how they gain their D-Bracers and gain access to their new forms." Davis suggested, his words receiving nods of agreement from some, while some expressed their doubt.
"Are you even certain we will even receive our own D-Bracers?" Cody questioned with a mix of curiosity, caution and worry as he withdrew and looked at his D-3. "Your Digivices changed as soon as we arrived, while ours have remained the same."
"Ours stayed the same for a while as well." Mikey assured, which remained in his kind tone as he looked to his own D-Bracer and then told Cody and the other newcomers. "It wasn't until their power was needed that they changed the first time."
"I guess that makes sense." Tommy then said as he withdrew his D-Tector, looked over his Digivice and commented. "It wasn't until we found our spirits that our D-Tectors were of any use."
Getting nods from most of the group, Davis then continued as he then said to the gathered group. "So first, we wanted to show you guys how the evolutions we have are different from what most of us are used to."
"Um, Davis, mind if Guilmon and I take over here?" Takato offered, the request receiving a nod from the Digidestined of Miracles as Davis, Kari and their partners moved to sit down, before Takato and Guilmon moved before the group.
Looking at Henry, Kazu, Suzie and their partners mostly, the leader of the Digimon Tamers then spoke up, telling his friends. "As you guys are aware, when Rika, Henry, Ryo and I Biomerge with our partners back home, our minds, while linked, are separate entities, while control over Gallantmon and the other Biomerged forms can freely share."
It was then that both Takato and Guilmon were consumed in a pillar of light, which faded to show Medieval Gallantmon now standing in their place, the sight of the noble Digimon causing those watching the group to let out gasps of awe and excitement.
"However, as Medieval Gallantmon, there is no separation, I am both Takato and Guilmon, their minds, memories and hearts combine to make me who I am, and this is the same for each of the others that merge with their partners through their D-Bracers." The Knight Digimon then told those newer to Witchleny, his words intriguing many listening to his explanation.
For Kazu, however...
"Wait, so if you are both of them combined and all that... with Chumly and Jeri, and Guilmon and Renamon..." The brown haired Tamer started to say, this causing Medieval Gallantmon to sweatdrop.
"Don't finish that thought process." Rika said with a small growl, her glare causing Kazu to shrink a little in fear, while Jeri, Henry, Suzie, Terriermon and Lopmon sighed in annoyance at Kazu's immaturity.
"Moving on..." Medieval Gallantmon then said as his being turned into pure light, reverting back to Takato and Guilmon, who each gave Kazu a glare as they moved to sit down, while Takuya and Zoe moved to stand before the group.
Bringing their arms up as their own D-Bracers activated, the Legendary Warriors transformed into CrimsonAldamon and GaleSilphymon, before addressing the group before them, with a main focus on Tommy and Koichi.
"This form is basically a different version of Aldamon, who draws his power from the Digi-Magic flowing through Witchelny, while GaleSilphymon is another Advanced Spirit form." The Warrior of Flame informed, adding as he addressed his fellow Legendary Warriors. "I am sure when your D-Bracers activate, you'll both have Advanced Spirit Forms based on the Human and Beast Spirits you both have."
Nodding in understanding, Tommy and Koichi were left in thought as the Warrior of Ice thought on Kumamon and Korikakumon and what form he could achieve here in Witchelny, a similar thought Koichi held as he thought on Loweemon and JagerLoweemon.
Returning to their human forms, Takuya and Zoe took a seat as Yoshi and Lalamon, after talking Marcus and Agumon out of showing off, stood before the group as Yoshi's D-Bracer activated, causing Lalamon to turn into light that flowed over her partner, changing into the same Digi-Armour the newcomers had seen her wearing during the earlier battle.
"Unlike the others, instead of Biomerging with our partners, for Marcus and I, our Digimon turn into armour that we wear." Yoshi explained as she summoned her thorn blades into her hands and performed a quick swing of her blades, her focus solely toward Thomas and Gaomon.
"Despite her change, I can still feel Lalamon around me, almost like a sixth sense, guiding me in battle, while also feeling her power flowing through me when we fight." Yoshi then said, the auburn haired DATS officer adding as she put her weapons away. "Likewise, when the armour is damaged, I can feel her pain and know when she is at her limits."
Thomas and Gaomon nodded in response to the explanation, Gaomon most intrigued and wondering how in such a form he could protect his partner, while the blond haired genius shared in Gaomon's interest, mentally questioning if he and Gaomon would even have a similar transformation.
Once the Digi-Armour turned back into light and reformed as Lalamon, Yoshi and her partner moved to sit back down as Davis, Kari and their Digimon returned to standing before the group.
Continuing the explanation, Davis started to say with a confident tone. "For those with Mikey, Shoutmon, Haru and Gatchmon's groups, you probably would have similar merged forms like us and..."
However, the maroon haired Digidestined then stopped as he felt something in the air, something wrong, a feeling everyone else immediately picked upon as they looked around, trying to figure out what was wrong.
The concerns grew as, in a flash of light, Arcanadramon appeared beside Veemon and Gatomon, his appearance causing the onlookers to start whispering and wondering what was occuring.
At that moment, the sky above Mt. Brocken was covered by a familiar dark cloud, dark red energy coursing through it, before a large void rift then opened in the sky, causing a panic to fill the Digimon onlookers, leaving guards and sentries to hurry and to defend the city from any immediate attack.
It was then that a large fireball quickly shot down from the rift, which closed behind it, the sight causing Arcanadramon to act fast and to bring up a barrier so he protect those around him, while Davis, Kari and their partners moved before him in order to deal with whatever was coming as the fireball impacted the ground some feet away from them.
Feeling a powerful force before them, Davis, Kari and their partners kept their guard up, while the rest of the group looked at the cloud of smoke with concern, which grew as it then dissipated and revealed five figures now standing before them.
Four of the five looked the same, with these infernal creatures appearing as menacing warriors, almost monk-like beings, with scaled and spiked armour covering their entire bodies, while their shoulderpads looked like gaping maws with horns atop them.
Each of these entities wore helmets that covered their entire heads, showing only a pair of glowing red eyes, while the helmets themselves seemed to almost resemble demonic dragon heads.
Finally, along with a pair of blades that seemed to be strapped to their backs, the beings held fist weapons that looked like a pair of blades, each brimming with fire and a glowing red orb set within them.
While the newer infernal warriors appeared quite imposing, it was the being that led them that caused Davis, Kari and the others even more concern.
At first, the Digidestined of Miracles thought the Burning King had returned, but quickly saw that this was an entirely different individual, though one that seemed to be close to the Infernal Legion's commander.
Dressed in torn and almost burnt robes which allowed his figure to be better seen, Davis, Kari and the others remained with a further sense of unease, not only to the wicked energies of this being, but to their overall appearance.
From behind the being, black wings similar to the Burning King's flowed with scorched edges, while behind the figure's hooded head was an icon that resembled the weapon of the Infernal Legion Commander.
In fact, the being even held a weapon similar to his Master as a lone burning eyes shone from behind the hood, looking toward the heroes, heroines and their allies with a growing evil.
"I am the Herald of the Burning King, and I speak to those who dare stand against his purpose." The being, now calling himself the Herald, just said as he looked to Davis and Veemon in particular, who narrowed their eyes in response.
Unwilling to allow this being and its allies to intimidate him, or harm his friends, the Digimon of Miracles remained strong as he demanded. "What do you want?"
"This is not your world, you need not perish with it. Return to your worlds and prepare them for when the time comes that the Legions descend upon them." The Herald stated in reply, his words causing the heroes and heroines to glare upon him in anger, a feeling most of the newcomers shared.
Though this was their first time to Witchelny, TK and the others refused to just leave and let the Digimon of this world suffer because of these malevolent creatures.
"What do you even want with Witchelny? These Digimon have done nothing wrong to you!" Kari demanded as she too expressed her emotions, feeling anger to see these invaders and what they have done to the world she, Davis and their friends fought so hard to protect.
"It is our charge, we shall cleanse this world of the stain of Order and return it to the Chaos that birthed it!" The Herald replied, his words confusing even Arcanadramon, before the infernal being then said. "You will leave, or this world shall be your graves."
"Sorry, pal, but we aren't going anywhere, and we will stop you, your King and the rest of your 'Legions'." Davis said back in reply as his D-Bracer began to glow, accompanied by Kari's, which caused pillars of light to consume the Digidestined of Miracles and of Light, followed closely by Veemon and Gatomon, before revealing MagnaVeedramon and Lightbearer Ophanimon now standing in their places.
Removing themselves from out of Arcanadramon's barrier, MagnaVeedramon and Lightbearer Ophanimon remained strong and united as they prepared to fight.
"If you will not leave, then you shall all die." The Herald merely said in reply, before the infernal monks leapt into action, charging at MagnaVeedramon and Lightbearer Ophanimon with the intent to end their existences.
"Magna Saber!"
"Striking Light!"
Moving as one, MagnaVeedramon and Lightbearer Ophanimon quickly blocked the strikes from a pair of the infernal monks' fist blades, only to dodge as the other two then appeared behind them, moving to strike the pair as the Light Digimon went on the defensive.
"Ok, we need to help them!" Tai declared as the original Digidestined of Courage, alongside the remaining heroes and heroines, brought up their D-Bracers to aid their friends against their attackers.
However, before anything could happen, the Herald brought his free hand up, which glowed with a dark red energy that shot out like a shockwave, one that even passed through Arcanadramon's barrier, much to the Mystic Digimon's shock.
Passing through the barrier, each of the remaining D-Bracers then gained a dark red aura around them, with infernal runes appearing as the heroes and heroines felt the power within fading, preventing them from changing into their battle forms, and thus leaving MagnaVeedramon and Lightbearer Ophanimon to fight alone.
"Damn it, that's a cheap trick!" Tagiru growled as he looked to the Herald, shaking his arm in the hopeless attempt to remove the energy blocking his D-Bracer.
"So not Groovy!" Astora and Musimon said as one, posing their arms down to express their own disapproval as they watched the Herald then turn his focus on MagnaVeedramon and Lightbearer Ophanimon.
As the Digimon of Miracles and of Light dodged the fiery strikes from the infernal monks, the Herald rushed at MagnaVeedramon, bringing his bladed staff up as he prepared to strike the hero down.
"Magna Shield!" The Holy Knight Digimon declared in retaliation as he brought up his shield of light, just as the weapon struck his barrier, the impacting force causing a great shockwave of flame and energy to surge throughout the area, before MagnaVeedramon was forced to jump away as another infernal monk tried to attack him.
"Divine Calling!" Lightbearer Ophanimon then exclaimed as a dozen rings of light formed around her.
Unleashing a barrage of light energy upon the Herald and his servants, who dodged the onslaught with ease, while the Herald then flew higher into the sky.
Flapping his flaming wings, the Herald then held his arms out as a series of fireballs formed in the sky above him, which then rained down upon the battlefield, forcing MagnaVeedramon and Lightbearer Ophanimon to act fast before the attack could cause any harm to those surrounding them.
"Holy Strike!"
"Holy Judgement!"
Unleashing their most powerful attacks, MagnaVeedramon and Lightbearer Ophanimon struck down most of the fireballs, extinguishing them amongst their onslaught of light before the inferno could strike the ground.
However, distracted by the attack, the light Digimon then expressed great cries of pain as each were slashed from behind by the infernal monks, this causing MagnaVeedramon and Lightbearer Ophanimon to fall out of focus and the monks to then continue in their relentless assault.
"This is the fate of all who oppose our sacred duty, only pain, suffering and death!" The Herald declared from above as he watched his servants continue to strike at MagnaVeedramon and Lightbearer Ophanimon, while seeing the growing concern within their friends' eyes.
As everyone within Arcanadramon's barrier watched with growing concern, TK clenched his hands in frustration, feeling that now that he was there, he needed to do something, knowing that two of his closest friends desperately needed his help.
Looking up at Patamon, who looked down at his partner from atop his head and nodding with a similar determination, the Digidestined and Digimon of Hope then rushed out of the barrier, much to the concern of Arcanadramon and everyone else watching.
"TK!" Catherine screamed in concern, her call causing MagnaVeedramon and Lightbearer Ophanimon to turn their heads over and to see that TK and Patamon were indeed running toward them, much to their own concern, while the Herald and the infernal monks turned their attention to the single human and his small pet.
Having faced various evils before, TK and Patamon remained undeterred, the Digidestined and Digimon of Hope willing to do anything to protect their friends and those they loved.
It was in that moment that the Digidestined of Hope came to a halt when he noticed a bright light coming from out of his pocket, this causing the blond to retrieve his now glowing D-3 from within.
Likewise, Izzy, Mimi, Cody, Catherine, Henry, Suzie, Kazu, Tommy, Koichi, Thomas, Yuu, Airu and Rei also withdrew their own Digivices and Appli Drive, to find all of which were now glowing brightly with their own unique light, before each turned into pure energy, along with TK's D-3, which then moved to each of their wrists and reformed into familiar objects, to the surprise and delight of Tai and the other heroes and heroines.
"D-Bracers!" Shoutmon called excitedly, before looking to see that TK's new D-Bracer was still glowing, showing that its power had awakened.
Realizing that they now had the chance to help and fight alongside Davis, Kari, Veemon and Gatomon, TK and Patamon looked to each other and nodded in agreement, before the Digidestined of Hope held his arm out, just as he had seen his friend do earlier, this causing TK and Patamon's bodies to be drawn within and consumed in a shared pillar of light.
From their own positions as they returned to their feet, both MagnaVeedramon and Lightbearer Ophanimon smiled, the Light Digimon sharing their joy to know that TK and Patamon would soon be able to fight by their side.
The pair were also curious to what kind of celestial Digimon TK and Patamon would become, a thought shared by many within the group.
However, much to the confusion of all, the pillar of light then turned into a darkness that shot out like a shockwaves, causing even the Herald to shield his eyes from the immense energy, before the energies died down, revealing something else entirely in place of the Digidestined and Digimon of Hope.
Vaguely resembling a Seraphimon, the figure which had replaced TK and Patamon held a terrible darkness through the energies radiating from off of and around him, as well as throughout his dark form.
Clad in pitch black armour which was decorated in skulls, the continued sense of darkness and death itself ran through the unknown Digimon.
Spreading along the Digimon's back was a set of dark wings infused with a ghostly energy, almost resembling trapped spirits forcefully fused as one to maintain its horrid and twisted appearance.
Thick black spikes protruded from out of the Digimon's shoulderplates, directing those who looked upon him to take in his face, to see his head concealed by a pitch black mask as several red and glaring eyes ran all along the Digimon's face, the sight horrifying to Catherine, Floramon and their friends.
"Zetsubomon..." The being said in a voice that sounded similar to TK's and Patamon's, but sounded distorted and lacking any real emotion.
"What?" MagnaVeedramon and Lightbearer Ophanimon called in a shared confusion.
"What?!" Tai, Agumon, Sora and the other Digidestined then let out, expressing more fear within their voices, along with the confusion as to how the Digidestined and Digimon of Hope turned into something with such malevolence.
"It can't be..." Arcanadramon said in awe and disbelief, this causing Mikey and Shoutmon to look to the mystic Digimon, who seemed to recognize the Digimon that TK and Patamon had just turned into.
Unphased by their newer foe, however, the infernal monks continued their assault, two of the wicked beings appearing on the sides of Zetsubomon, who just remained in place as the monks rushed at him with their blades drawn.
However, in a split second and before the monks could strike, Zetsubomon halted their attacks as he grabbed their heads with both his hands, before merely saying. "Dark Seraph's Wrath..."
At that moment and to his declaration, dark energy coursed through Zetsubomon's hands as he crushed both the monks' heads, causing them to dissolve into flames, while MagnaVeedramon, Lightbearer Ophanimon and the others were shocked to see the cruel brutality of the new Digimon's attack.
"Shadow Lash..." Zetsubomon then declared, expressing a remaining emptiness in his tone as the dark energy then formed into a pair of energy whips, which he lashed out upon the remaining monks, wrapping around them as they were then restrained, lifted into the air, and them slammed the duo harshly into the ground, leaving a pair of craters where they bodies impacted and dissolved.
Seeing his servants vanquished by this dark entity, the Herald's weapon was then consumed in an infernal blaze, before he shot toward Zetsubomon.
Seemingly moving in the blink of an eye, the dark fusion of TK and Patamon met the Herald mid-air, clashing his claw-like hands with the infernal messenger's weapon, the pair parrying strikes as fought one another within the air, the Herald growing frustrated with the powerful and near savage nature of his foe's relentlessness.
"Is... is that really TK and Patamon?!" Mimi questioned in terror as she and the others watched the Dark Digimon fight against the Herald, finding Izzy, Cody, Tai and Sora just as shocked as she was.
Rage filling his being, the Herald brought his weapon up and prepared to strike his foe down, only to be shocked as Zetsubomon grabbed the weapon with one hand and swung his other at the base of the weapon, shattering it as the Herald flew back a few feet in shock.
"Dark Oblivion..." The dark fusion of TK and Patamon then declared as his body turned into dark energy, growing and reforming, until only Zetsubomon's upper torso remained, while within his arms, a large black portal formed, one that instantly began to draw everything around it into its dark abyss.
Turning and trying to fly away, the Herald found himself unable to free himself of the vortex's gripping pull, the infernal being crying in despair as he was sucked into the portal, his cries still heard as the attack finished and the vortex then closing behind of him, while Zetsubomon reverted back to his normal form.
Still in shock at what they had witnessed, while Arcanadramon cautiously lowered his barrier, MagnaVeedramon, Lightbearer Ophanimon and the others watched as Zetsubomon floated down to the ground, standing only a few feet away from the two Digimon of Light.
"TK... Patamon... you both alright...?" MagnaVeedramon asked cautiously, his concerns growing as Zetsubomon moved his left foot forward toward them.
"Guys, it's us, snap out of it!" Lightbearer Ophanimon then called out in desperation, but found her words falling on deaf ears as Zetsubomon continued to slowly approach them, a sight that caused everyone else to feel concerned that the Dark Digimon would attack his friends and allies next.
"TK/Patamon!" Catherine and Floramon then screamed, desperate to reach those they love and end this growing nightmare.
At the screams of the French Digidestined and her partner, however, something seemed to click within Zetsubomon as the Dark Digimon came to a halt, his hands shaking a bit, before grabbing his head and expressing a sudden and loud cry of pain and rage.
Concerned by the sudden exclamation of despair, MagnaVeedramon and Lightbearer Ophanimon felt some relief as Zetsubomon's body turned into a dark light and quickly reverted back to TK and Patamon, the Digimon of Light on his side, while TK himself was on his hands and knees, panting heavily after what he had endured.
Acting quickly, MagnaVeedramon and Lightbearer Ophanimon reverted back to their normal forms as Davis, Kari and their partners rushed toward TK and Patamon, the Digidestined of Miracles calling with a remaining concern. "You guys ok?!"
"I'm fine... just freaked out." Patamon replied honestly as he continued to lie upon the ground, his eyes widening as he tried to recall what he and TK had done.
TK, meanwhile, remained silent as he continued to stare upon his new D-Bracer, the Digidestined of Hope expressing a further shock and horror to what he had become, uncaring as Davis and Kari stood by his side, to see if he was ok.
Long had the Digidestined of Hope stood against the darkness, fighting alongside the light to drive back the evils within it.
So why, here in Witchelny, had he found the darkness within himself?
.
.
.
Author's note: Our first new Digimon has joined the team, but probably not one anyone expected. Will TK and Patamon be able to control Zetsubomon's power? And how will the Infernal Legion respond to their warning being rejected? Stay tuned as the adventure continues.
PS: Zetsubo: Despair
