Several hours after they had returned from the Digital World, and after making a few phone calls, Davis now found himself alongside Izzy, Tai, Kari and TK as they traversed through Odaiba Park, where the newly appointed Digidestined of Miracles followed Kari and the others to an important meeting.
Joining the five were other members of the old Digidestined, which included Sora Takenouchi, Tai's oldest friend and the Digidestined of Love, TK's older brother, the Digidestined of Friendship, Matt Ishida, alongside the Digidestined of Reliability, Joe Kido.
The last member of the original Digidestined, the Digidestined of Sincerity, Mimi Tachikawa, had moved to America a year ago, but still remained in contact with her fellow Digidestined.
From his position and taking notice of the way Matt and Joe were looking upon Davis, Tai spoke first as he began the conversation, telling his fellow Digidestined as he gestured to the maroon haired Digidestined. "First off, I'd like you guys to meet Davis Motomiya. He's a good friend of Kari's, myself and Sora, and he's a new Digidestined himself."
Taking his cue and showing his respect toward his fellow Digidestined, Davis bowed politely toward Matt and Joe, before the Digidestined of Miracles told the pair with a further respect within his voice. "It is nice to finally meet you both, Matt Ishida, Joe Kido. Kari has told me a lot about you both over the years."
Raising an eyebrow toward the latter of Davis' comment, Matt looked at Tai and asked with a small sense of annoyance within his voice. "What happened to not telling anyone else about the Digital World?"
While he didn't feel any animosity toward Davis, having just met him, it still bugged the Digidestined of Friendship that after all the promises they made to one another, to keep the Digimon and the Digital World a secret, Kari seemed to have backed out of that agreement.
However, Matt found his annoyance turning into confusion as both Tai and Sora gave him deadpanned expressions and merely shook their heads, as if telling him to drop the subject altogether.
Looking upon Kari next, the older of the blond Digidestined actually felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up as he looked upon the brunette.
Despite the friendly smile upon Kari's face, Matt felt an aura of rage and annoyance emanating for the young Kamiya, as though daring him to question her on her decision to tell Davis everything.
Gulping nervously, Matt looked away from the Digidestined of Light and dropped the subject, before he refocused himself back upon the conversation.
Meanwhile, and after Joe had readjusted his glasses as he looked over the maroon haired boy, his eyes widened as he finally recognized Davis from the past.
"Oh, you're Kari's friend! The one she desperately had me check on when Myotismon put everyone else to sleep!" The Digidestined of Reliability remarked with surprise, his comment causing Kari's face to fluster at once again being reminded about how she acted so drastically when it came to Davis' wellbeing.
Smiling once again to the way his sister blushed at that particular memory, Tai decided to spare Kari as he then explained to everyone as to what had occurred within the Digital World, from the darkness infecting and invading the Digital World, to the Digi-Egg of Courage, to Davis' arrival and the knowledge that Yolei and Cody were now Digidestined as well, Tai made sure everything lay on the table.
Continuing to inform the others to all he had witnessed, Tai then told the others about Davis' new partner, Veemon, and how the the V-marked Digimon was the last member of a legendary group of Digimon, before the older Kamiya found himself cut off by his sister as Kari went into great details about the battle, Davis' heroics and how Veemon used another form of Digivolution to save the day, ending with how Davis gained the Crest of Miracles and how their Digimon were waiting with Gennai until they returned.
Listening to the Kamiyas as they explained everything to them, Sora, Izzy, Matt and Joe were at first shocked and concerned by the evil that seemed to be taking over the Digital World, each concerned for the safety of their Digimon partners, before they found themselves in awe to what they heard about Veemon and how he and Davis defeated the Digimon they encounters.
Furthermore, Matt noticed how adamant and excited Kari sounded as she explained all Davis did and how he saved her from the Golemon, this causing the Digidestined of Friendship to eye his younger brother, who merely shrugged toward Matt's unasked questions.
"Are you alright though, Davis?" Sora then asked as she looked upon the maroon haired boy with a soft concern. "That's a lot to go through for your first time in the Digital World."
For as long as Tai and Kari have known Davis, so too had the Digidestined of Love, and Sora had watched the young boy she met all those years ago grow into a kind, selfless and brave individual, one she knew would be there for those in need.
"I'm fine, Sora. I'm just glad everyone was safe." Davis replied with a modest tone of voice, one Sora appreciated.
"We'll head back to the Digital World tomorrow, not only so we can help Yolei and Cody, but so we can get some more answers from Gennai and Veemon about what is really going on in the Digital World." Tai then said with a further command and leadership within his tone.
Respecting their former leader and all in agreement with his planning, Tai then looked upon Davis, Kari and TK, where the trio of younger Digidestined nodded their heads in agreement, despite Kari mentally sighing to the fact that Yolei would now be joining them.
"I'll come with you guys." Izzy spoke up with his own sense of determination.
Not only was the Digidestined of Knowledge interested in learning more about what was happening in the Digital World, the chance to further understand this new form of Digivolution remained enticing.
But the main reason for Izzy to join was to see Tentomon again, to ensure his Digimon partner was holding up.
"So will I." Sora added with her own eagerness as she too wished to see how Biyomon was doing and to see if she was alright.
Sighing themselves, Matt and Joe looked at one another, before facing the others with shared solemn expressions.
"I can't make it, I have band practice tomorrow." The Digidestined of Friendship said with a solemn tone of voice, while Joe added with his own sadness. "And I have a major test tomorrow."
"It's alright, I know it's hard to be able to put your normal life to the side in situations like this." Davis said with a sense of understanding, before he informed the two older Digidestined with a further trust in his voice. "If we can find out anything about Gabumon and Gomamon, we'll let you guys know as soon as we can."
Smiling and thanking Davis for his kindness, the Digidestined eventually parted ways.
As Joe was the first to leave, followed shortly by Matt, the Digidestined of Friendship spent a fair time with TK, grilling his brother to see if he had any more details on the day's events.
After Izzy had decided to call it a night and too made his way home, Tai, Davis, Kari and Sora headed back to their apartments, a simple task for them as Davis and Sora both lived fairly close from the Kamiyas' residence.
As the group of Digidestined went home, each remained wondering what the next day would hold for them, both the good and the bad.
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An hour after leaving the park and making sure Davis, Tai and Kari all safely arrived home, Sora laid upon her bed and expelled a soft sigh as she held the phone close to her ear.
Despite how late it was at night for her, it was early in the morning for Mimi, which allowed the pair to talk, and for Sora to explain everything to her best female friend.
"I just can't believe this is happening and I can't be there to help. Oh, Palmon..." Mimi said with a solemn tone of voice through the phone, much to Sora's empathy.
Knowing Mimi and the kindness she held toward others, the Digidestined of Love could relate to Mimi's concerns in regard for her Digimon partner, alongside the Digimon they had befriended during their adventures.
"When we get there tomorrow, I promise I'll find out everything I can about Palmon's whereabouts and keep you updated on what is going on in the Digital World." Sora then told Mimi, hoping that her words would lighten the Digidestined of Sincerity's spirits.
"I need a distraction right now." Mimi then confessed, before the Digidestined of Sincerity all but demanded through the phone. "OK, just who is this Davis kid, and why am I only hearing about him now?! Is he really that close with Kari?!"
Gaining a small smile of her own and giggling lightly to see that Mimi remained eager for gossip, Sora told her fellow Digidestined with a sense of happiness within her voice. "Davis has been Kari's best friend for years now, ever since they were six."
"Back then, Tai asked me to come with him and Kari when they went to the park, not only to play soccer, but so that there was someone else there in case Kari's breathing problems happened again. During that time, Tai kicked the ball a little too hard and Kari chased after it. We got worried when she didn't come back immediately, but when she did, she was pulling a boy her age along with her, and that's when Tai and I first met Davis." The Digidestined of Love then said as the soft smile on her face continued to grow, recalling just how happy Kari appeared to be to introduce her new friend to her and Tai.
"Since then, they have all but been inseparable, with Kari either going to his house every day or him coming to see her. Whenever she was in trouble or she wasn't feeling too well, Davis was there for her, and Kari is always encouraging him, even convincing him to be himself when he once tried to act like Tai. They always have each other's back and both have grown close together." Sora finished with a smile as she thought more upon the relationship between Kari and Davis.
"Wow." Mimi said with a soft awe in her tone, before mischievousness seeped its way into her voice as she questioned. "So are they just friends or...?"
"They are best friends, the best there is." Sora replied in all her honesty, but having a small hinting tone to her voice, one that Mimi quickly picked up on as she then asked. "But?"
With her own grin turning sly, Sora expelled a small giggle as she said in reply. "Tai and I have a running bet as to when they'll realize that they are in love with one another."
Barely a moment later, Sora quickly moved the phone away from her ear as Mimi expelled a loud and delighted squeal from the other end of the line.
Allowing Mimi a moment to calm down and to regain her hearing, the Digidestined of Love placed the phone back next to her ear as Mimi expressed her growing excitement.
"Oh my God, that is so romantic! Young and growing love! And Tai is even ok with this?! He must really trust Davis!" Mimi said with pure excitement in her voice.
"More than he even lets Davis know." The Digidestined of Love replied with her own smirk as she then thought of the strong bond formed between Tai and Davis, a bond she found quite endearing.
"Makes Tai kind of a softie, doesn't it?" Mimi then questioned with a sly tone, one that caused Sora to blush a little and mentally groan to her best friend once again teasing her about her own hidden feelings for the Digidestined of Courage, feelings which had steadily grown over the years.
Refocusing on the topic in regards to the new Digidestined and Kari's potential boyfriend, Sora and Mimi continued to converse for a little while longer, before the Digidestined of Love bid her friend a good night, knowing that the next day would be a big one for her as Sora did her best to get a good night's sleep.
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Standing behind the counter of her family's convenience store, Yolei continued to look upon her new Digivice, which she held in her right hand.
Resting her head upon her left hand, Yolei remained deep in thought about everything which had occurred.
From receiving her Digivice, to learning about the Digital World, as well as finding out that she was now one of these Digidestined, it all felt surreal to the purple haired girl.
But upon seeing Davis return through the computer screen alongside TK, Kari and her older brother, as well as hearing Davis express his own thoughts about what he had experienced, Yolei found herself curious and excited.
On one hand, Yolei found herself curious, not only to learn more about the Digital World and to receive a Digimon partner of her own, one she hoped would be similar to this Veemon Davis spoke of, Yolei found herself growing excited to the idea she would be at Davis' side.
Although she didn't know what Digimon really were, Yolei hoped her Digimon partner would be an ideal ally toward her plans in winning Davis' heart.
Despite her excitement, Yolei found herself slightly annoyed by the fact that Kari was also a Digidestined, which meant she too would be travelling alongside Davis.
Having more experience in the Digital World, Yolei believed Kari would use that as an advantage to stand in her way of trying to get Davis all to herself.
Clenching her Digivice and shaking her head of her more negative of thoughts, Yolei gained a look of pure determination within her eyes.
She wouldn't lose to Kari, she would gain an amazing Digimon partner, and she would finally win the boy of her dreams.
"Yolei, make sure to take out the trash before you clock out!" Yolei then heard her brother, Mantarou Inoue, call out from the back storage room.
"And make sure to vacuum as well!" One of Yolei's older sisters, Chizuru, added.
Deflating, Yolei leaned further on the counter as she silently prayed that her Digimon partner was nothing like her siblings.
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As Yolei finished up her responsibilities at work, and with Cody, the young Digidestined found himself within his bedroom and staring upon his Digivice.
Resting upon his bed as he looked upon the mysterious item, Cody remained deep in thought over everything he had learnt.
To the young and new Digidestined, everything he had heard about the Digital World, of the Digimon and of being a Digidestined seemed unbelievable, but Cody knew he could trust Davis.
Cody knew that Davis deeply trusted Kari and TK, and that alone was reason enough for the young boy to feel excited about going to the Digital World, to meet and become friends with his own Digimon partner as Davis had done with Veemon.
While excited about the Digital World, there was also part to Cody that felt nervous when he thought about the evil mentioned by the Digidestined, supposably turning good Digimon into evil and violent beings.
Turning his head briefly toward the photo of his late father, Hiroki, Cody wondered what his father would think about all of this.
Clenching his Digivice, the young Digidestined allowed himself to sleep as he allowed his trust and admiration for Davis to comfort him and make him excited for the next day, no matter what would happen.
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As classes were coming to an end the next day at Odaiba High, Davis was walking down the hallway to the computer lab with a sense of excitement at the idea of seeing Veemon once again.
Meanwhile, Kari and Yolei walked on either side of the maroon haired Digidestined, both holding sweet smiles upon their faces, though there was a silent tension within the air toward one another's presence, one TK and Cody noticed as they walked behind the trio and held deadpanned expressions upon their faces.
Furthermore, the Digidestined of Hope couldn't help but frown a little as he saw how Kari stood closely to Davis, almost as if she wanted to reach out and hold his hand like she did the day before, which caused a small sense of jealousy to creep within the blond.
As quickly as the jealousy surfaced, TK did everything in his power to suppress it.
Despite the jealousy he felt toward the closeness Kari and Davis shared, after the events of the previous day, TK couldn't help but to hold a deep level of respect and admiration for the maroon haired boy.
Looking back upon Davis and seeing that the maroon haired Digidestined seemed oblivious to the tension between Kari and Yolei, TK noticed the mixture of seriousness and excitement upon his face, excited to see Veemon once again, but also wishing to learn more about the threat now plaguing the Digital World, a question TK knew he himself was eager to have answered.
Clenching his Digivice within his right hand, Davis led his new team into the computer lab, where the Digidestined of Miracles found several individuals waiting for them.
Within the lab, the younger Digidestined took notice to see not only Izzy at the computer terminal with the Digi-port upon it, but Sora as well as she stood by Izzy's side, leaning over as she observed the monitor.
Alongside Sora and Izzy was Tai, who stood behind his friends and seemed to be looking around as though he was trying to find a way to distract himself.
In truth, the older of the Kamiya siblings was doing all he could not to let his eyes linger upon the captivating figure of Sora Takenouchi.
From his position, Tai could see how Sora's bent over position showed off more of her amazing and slender legs, while the skirt she was wearing just barely covered her panties, the idea of which left Tai slightly flustered.
Since the day he first met her, Tai found himself growing closer and closer with the orange haired girl, even becoming best friends and over the years, but those feelings had grown and grown to the point that there were times when all the older Kamiya could think about was Sora.
In his view, Sora was smart, kind, brave, loyal and beautiful, traits which continued to win him over.
Yet despite these growing feelings, Tai also found himself afraid, afraid that Sora didn't feel the same way, and that if he pushed on the issue it would only drive the Digidestined of Love away, a thought that did not sit well with the older Kamiya.
To that thought, Tai couldn't help but mentally chuckle at himself, for as the Digidestined of Courage, he stood against Devimon, Etemon, Myotismon, the Dark Masters and Apoclymon, but when it came to telling the girl of his dreams how he felt, he was an utter coward.
Thankfully, Tai found his attention turning to the entrance of the lab when Davis, Kari, TK, Yolei and Cody entered the room, their presence also getting the attention of Izzy and Sora as the pair looked upon the arriving group.
At the same time, while recognizing Izzy and Tai from the day before, Yolei and Cody found themselves a little confused as they took in the appearance of the older girl amongst the duo, the sight of their confusion causing Davis to smile.
"Yolei, Cody, this is a good friend of Tai, Kari and myself, as well as the Digidestined of Love, Sora Takenouchi." The maroon haired Digidestined explained as he gestured his hand toward Sora, who bowed politely and then said with her own kind tone of voice. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you two."
"Likewise/The same." Yolei and Cody said at the same time, both smiling to meet another of Digidestined they were told about, before the group looked upon Izzy, who remained typing away at the keyboard.
"Ok, the Digital Gate is open, and it looks like it'll bring us close to Gennai's house." The Digidestined of Knowledge told Davis and the others as he looked back upon the group, his words receiving a majority of understanding nods.
Looking upon Yolei and Cody, and seeing there remained uncertainty between his friends, Davis gave the pair a reassuring smile, one that put the pair at ease a little as they prepared themselves to visit the Digital World for the first time.
But before anyone could say anything else, a knock at the doorframe caught everyone's attention as they looked in shock to see one of the teachers standing at the entrance to the computer lab.
"Tai Kamiya, is that you?! I haven't seen you in ages!" The teacher exclaimed with excitement, while the Digidestined shared in the mental panic toward the man's presence.
Acting fast, Tai quickly approached the teacher and started a conversation with him as he began to drag the older man away, shooting the others an expression that conveyed a simple message, to go ahead without him.
Grateful for Tai's quick thinking, Davis moved closer to the computer, with Izzy getting out of the chair as Sora, TK and Kari moved around the pair, an action Yolei and Cody mimicked as they looked at Davis with confusion.
"Just hold out your Digivices toward the screen." The Digidestined of Miracles instructed, receiving Yolei and Cody's compliance as they, along with the other Digidestined within the room pointed their Digivices toward the computer.
"Digi-port, open!" Davis then announced as he and the rest of the Digidestined were consumed within the blinding light and transported to the Digital World.
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When the blinding light faded, Yolei and Cody expressed a similar awe to Davis the day before to find themselves at the edge of a large forest as they realized that they were no longer within Odaiba High, but to realize they were now within the Digital World.
Remaining with a shared sense of awe as they examined their new surroundings, Yolei and Cody were further astonished to see that their own attire had changed.
Checking herself out, Yolei found she was now wearing a light blue turtleneck shirt under a tan vest with pockets on both sides in addition to white gloves, red pants which were held up by a black belt with a silver buckle.
As Yolei took her time admiring her change of clothing, Cody examined his new attire, which consisted of a beige tunic buttoned up with a single square button, a wide collar and purple trimmings.
The young Digidestined also wore a yellow undershirt, purple pants, alongside brown and white slip-on shoes.
As Yolei and Cody remained in awe to their new outfits, Sora and Izzy looked around the area, the Digidestined of Love and of Knowledge sharing a sense of amazement to be back in the Digital World as the memories of their past adventures quickly returned, both the good and the bad, leaving the older Digidestined eager to see their Digimon partners once again.
Looking around themselves, Davis, TK and Kari took note of how the sky seemed far clearer when compared to the day before, or at least in the immediate area, thus allowing the trio to realize that by Flamedramon destroying the dark spire, the darkness that was infecting the area had lifted.
Turning her attention upon Davis, Yolei gained a small blush upon seeing the Digidestined of Miracles within his new outfit for the first time, believing that his new jacket complimented him quite well.
"Hey, Davis, what do you think of my new outfit?" The purple haired Digidestined found herself asking as she posed her left hand behind her head, her blush growing a little as her crush seemingly examined her new attire.
"I think it suits you, Yolei." Davis replied with an honest tone of voice, one he kept as he looked upon Cody and added. "Same for you, Cody."
"Thank you, Davis." Cody said with a respectful bow, uncaring as Yolei deflated next to him as the purple haired Digidestined hadn't received as much attention as she had hoped from her crush.
Shaking her head toward their interactions, but also remembering how she, Tai and the others held many uncertainties, Sora looked over and toward Kari, before the Digidestined of Love mentally chuckled to see the way the young Kamiya's eyebrow twitched in annoyance toward Yolei's attempt to win Davis over, another sign to Sora that Kari truly didn't know how in love with her maroon haired best friend she really was.
But looking next to Kari, Sora's smile turned into a frown as she took notice of the down and slightly envious look TK held as he looked between Kari and Davis.
Although knowing TK was a good person, the orange haired Digidestined mentally cursed as she realized that the unsaid resentment could be a big problem for this new team in the future if it wasn't addressed.
Thinking further, the Digidestined of Love easily remembered how close TK became with Kari during their last adventures in the Digital World, but the blond Digidestined now found himself competing in a one-sided rivalry for the Digidestined of Light's affection against Davis, to Sora's unsaid opinion.
Worried for TK, Sora knew she, and perhaps Tai, would need to sit down and speak with the Digidestined of Hope in order to help ease some of his worries about his friendship with the young Kamiya, to dispel any insecurities TK felt.
Almost oblivious to the mental struggles of those around him, Davis took in his surroundings, before he turned around and called with an authoritative tone of voice. "Gennai's house should be this way. Follow me."
Taking the lead, Davis began to walk in the direction he believed he needed to go, with both Kari and Yolei rushing up to walk alongside him, the trio followed closely by Cody as TK, Sora and Izzy silently followed behind.
Feeling a gentle hand upon his shoulder, TK turned his head and saw Sora giving him a friendly smile, while the look in her eyes told him that they would talk later, a sight that left the blond Digidestined smiling himself as he pushed his inner turmoil to the side for now and focused on the here and now.
Walking for a few minutes, the group of Digidestined came to a stop when Davis heard a familiar voice call out happily. "Davis!"
Looking ahead, the Digidestined of Miracles shared in the positivity as he found Veemon running over to him.
Accompanying the V-marked Digimin was Gatomon and Patamon, who too shared in Veemon's joy and rushed toward their respective partners.
"It's good to see you again, Vee. Is everything alright here?" The maroon haired Digidestined asked with a kind but cautious tone as he quickly scanned the area, hoping that there hadn't been any more incidents like the battle the previous day since he was gone.
"No, thankfully the Enemy has avoided this area since yesterday." Veemon replied as he smirked toward the nickname Davis had given him, before the Digimon of Miracles added with a growing smile. "Agumon is out looking for the rest of his friends, but a few of them arrived earlier."
To the latter of Veemon's words, Sora and Izzy looked behind the Digimon of Miracles and saw two Digimon flying toward them, two the pair had longed to see after so many years.
"Tentomon/Biyomon!" Izzy and Sora exclaimed with joy as they rushed to meet their Digimon partners, the emotions shared within the Digimon of Knowledge and of Love.
"Izzy/Sora!" The two Digimon cried happily as they met their partners and were wrapped within their welcoming embraces.
Allowing the reunion to get the better of her emotions, joyful tears trailed down Sora and Biyomon's faces as the pair held one another tightly.
Off to the side, Yolei and Cody watched the scene with a mix of awe and wonderment.
As the newer Digidestined were fairly stunned to see such creatures for the first time, but seeing how close Davis, TK, Kari, Sora and Izzy seemed to be with their Digimon partners left Yolei and Cody wondering how their interactions with their future partners would occur.
"Well, this is a pleasant reunion." A voice then said from behind Yolei and Cody as the pair saw a shadow cover them, this causing the pair to slowly turn their heads and look upon the source of the voice.
Though unsure what they were expecting, neither Yolei nor Cody expected to see a large, green-skinned creature with horns, long white hair, large teeth and a club in his right hand as he looked down upon the two newer Digidestined.
Paling toward the sight and half a second later, Yolei let out a panicked scream and rushed toward the nearest source of safety she could find, in other words, Davis, as she hid behind her crush and held onto his left arm for dear life, her actions quickly followed by Cody, who while not showing as much fear as Yolei, was still concerned toward the sight of the large Digimon.
Davis, meanwhile, looked upon the newer Digimon with some curiosity, but seeing that it wasn't covered in the same dark aura as the infected Golemon, nor did he feel any malicious intent from it as he did the Troopmon, the maroon haired Digidestined wondered just who this Digimon was.
While the newer Digidestined held mixed reactions toward the newcomer, Kari, TK, Sora and Izzy shared the same excitement within their voices as they said together. "Ogremon!"
"Ogremon?" Yolei and Cody asked with confusion as they turned and looked upon the other Digidestined, while Davis' eyes widened as he now recognized the new Digimon as one of the friends Kari had mentioned, one of the Digimon allies who had befriended and helped her and the others out the last time they were in the Digital World.
Exuding a hearty laugh, Ogremon looked upon the original Digidestined, especially Kari and TK, before he expressed his joy.
"Yep. Gennai asked me to help protect this place from those dark Digimon causing trouble." Ogremon informed as he rested his club over his shoulder so he could illustrate his means of defence.
Looking between the Digidestined of Light and of Hope, Ogremon then chuckled as he commented. "Wow, you two have grown since we last met."
"Tends to happen with time." Kari said with a soft giggle.
Glad to see Ogremon again, but wishing for a past friend to meet her new ones, Kari gestured toward Davis, Yolei and Cody, before saying with a warm smile. "These are our friends and the newest Digidestined, Davis, Yolei and Cody."
Sharing in Kari's friendly nature and bowing before Ogremon, the maroon haired Digidestined said with his own kind smile. "It's nice to finally meet you, Ogremon, Kari has told me a lot about you."
Looking down and seeing that Yolei remained as terrified as before, Davis told the purple haired girl with a reassuring smile. "It's alright, Yolei, he might look different to us, but he's a good guy."
"I... if you say so, Davis." Yolei replied with a shaky tone of voice as she still looked upon the large Digimon with a frightful expression.
"Yolei, you are safe... you can let go of Davis now." Kari then said with a deadpanned expression as she looked upon the purple haired girl, who remained clinging to her best friend's arm.
"Oh, right, sorry." Yolei said as she eventually let go of Davis, mentally sighing by the fact that she couldn't feel his muscles anymore.
While in good spirits to meet the Digidestined, but gaining a fairly serious expression, Ogremon then told the Digidestined and Digimon before him. "Come on, Gennai is waiting for all of you. There's a lot to discuss."
"I promised when you returned that I would explain everything to you guys, and I keep my word." Veemon said with his own serious tone of voice.
Looking between one another and the Digimon, the Digidestined nodded their heads in agreement as they then followed Veemon and Ogremon to Gennai's house, each anxious and nervous as to what they were about to hear from the Digimon of Miracles.
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Once gathered within Gennai's living room and after introducing Yolei and Cody to the Digital Human, with the pair still finding it hard to believe that the brown haired man before them wasn't a normal human, silence reigned as the Digidestined, as well as most of the Digimon, waited patiently to learn about the threat now plaguing the Digital World.
Breaking the silence, Izzy was the first to speak as he voiced a question that had long been on his mind since he first heard that the Digital World was in danger once again.
Looking to Gennai, the Digidestined of Knowledge asked with confusion. "Gennai, I don't understand, we sacrificed our Crests to make sure no evil could enter the Digital World ever again, so why is this evil here?"
Hearing the question, Kari, TK and Sora all frowned as each remembered how they had sacrificed their Crests to help create a barrier that would protect the Digital World from evil at the expense of their Digimon partners' abilities to Digivolve past Champion Level.
"The barrier does indeed keep evil from entering the Digital World, but this evil did not enter our world, it was set loose." Gennai informed in reply, his words shocking the Digidestined and the Digimon, before the Digital Human looked upon Veemon and nodded, signalling for the Digimon to begin his tale.
As the Digidestined and other Digimon looked at him, Veemon closed his eyes and expelled a small sigh, before his gaze returned toward Davis and the others.
"Long ago, and before there was a need for the Digidestined, the Digital World was protected by myself and my friends, the Royal Knights, thirteen warriors who kept peace and order within our world, alongside those we called our friends and allies. But one day, a threat emerged, one created from the darkness made from the origins of the Digital World, a being of pure evil... Millenniummon." Veemon explained with a small growl as his eyes narrowed in hatred to the latter of his explanations.
At the same time, Gatomon, Patamon, Biyomon, Tentomon and even Ogremon felt a shiver down their spines, as though the very name of their enemy was enough to instil fear, a reaction Davis and the other Digidestined quickly took note of.
"Millenniummon was the antithesis of life, a being of pure destruction, ruination and death, who sought to destroy all life and remake it in his image, and he had the power to do so." The V-marked Digimon then said as he continued his explanation.
"To combat those who would stand in his way, Millenniummon gathered servants, legions of Dark Digimon who willingly served him as though he was a god, and the greatest of his servants were a group of dark and powerful Digimon, the Seven Great Demon Lords." The Digimon of Miracles carried on, before Gennai took over in order to explain a few things about the Digimon that were just mentioned.
"Most of the Demon Lords are Mega level Digimon based on the myths of Demons from the Real World. Each represents one of the seven deadly sins, and uses that power to overwhelm their foes." The Digital Human explained as most of the Digidestined understood what he was saying.
"So we're up against pride, wrath, lust, greed, gluttony, envy and sloth?" Yolei inquired, her remarks gaining a nod from Veemon.
"First amongst them was Lucemon, the Lord of Pride, a fallen angel Digimon who uses the power of darkness and light. He is a cruel and arrogant being who sees himself above all others and follows Millenniummon with the promise to be able to create his 'perfect' world." The V-marked Digimon said with a voice filled with anger, while TK felt his eyes widened toward the idea of an evil Digimon being able to use the power of the Light for such wicked purposes.
"After Lucemon is Daemon, the Lord of Wrath. Daemon is a cruel and sadistic monster who would crush any who stood in the way of his desire for conquest." Veemon then added, where unbeknownst to most in the room, Patamon seemed to shutter a little, though the Digimon of Hope wasn't too sure as to why he reacted that way.
"Next is Lilithmon, the Demon Lord of Lust." The Digimon of Miracles remarked, where Veemon took note of how Gatomon seemed to sneer a little upon hearing the name.
Refocusing on the topic, Veemon continued as he told the others. "She is the most manipulative and vile of the Demon Lords. Lilithmon uses her dark allure to manipulate others to do her dirty work. She is following Millenniummon for the promise of power, and for her own dominion of countless innocents to rule over."
"After Lilithmon is Barbamon, the Lord of Greed and someone I have a personal score to settle with." The Digimon of Miracles remarked with a growl, shocking most within the room as he went on and explained to them. "Despite his appearance as an old man, Barbamon is a cruel and vile being with the power to use the darkness within others, to turn them into cruel hearted slaves. He turned several friends of mine against me, and for that I will never forgive him."
Looking over Veemon and taking notice to them mention of Barbamon left him a little shaken, Davis and the others allowed the V-marked Digimon a moment of silence to recompose after what they knew was a deeply emotional subject.
"Barbamon's greed and lust for power and dominion is what binds him to Millenniummon, he'll stop at nothing to get what he believes is his." Veemon then told Davis and the others.
Taking another moment to calm himself as he thought of his old enemy, Veemon then continued with the lore of the remaining Demon Lords.
"Next we have Beelzemon, the Lord of Gluttony. Beelzemon's a savage warrior who gorges on battle and combat, he's never satisfied until he has bested everyone and proven himself superior to all." The Digimon of Miracles told his friends, some fearful toward such a bloodthirsty foe.
"After Beelzemon is Belphemon, the Lord of Sloth. Even though he spends most of his time sleeping, Belphemon's mind is quite awake. He can manipulate his surroundings, which deeply affects those by his terrible power." Veemon explained, before gaining a serious expression as he then told his friends. "But once awake, Belphemon becomes a raging beast with the power to tear the Digital World apart. Trust me when I say he's not an enemy that should be underestimated."
"Finally, but not least, is the Lord of Envy, Leviamon. A cunning and devious monster who manipulates others before he strikes. Those Leviamon cannot control, he devours whole." The Digimon of Miracles said as he finished explaining the enemy, before continuing the overall tale.
"Together, and alongside our allies, the Royal Knights fought against Millenniummon and the Demon Lords to save the Digital World. Even though we were able to handle Lucemon and his vile kin... Millenniummon was just too powerful for us." Veemon remarked with a solemn expression, one Davis understood as a look of someone who wished they could have done more.
"And so, with their last breath, the rest of the Royal Knights, and many of our friends and allies sacrificed themselves to seal Millenniummon and the Demon Lords away, ending their reign of destruction. While I remained as the last of the Royal Knights, I too was sealed away in the event that their evil would one day break free." The V-marked Digimon finished as he fell silent, with Gatomon, Davis and the others looking upon Veemon with sympathy for all he had lost.
Deciding to give the Digimon of Miracles a moment to collect himself, Gennai then spoke as he told the Digidestined and the Digimon. "When the Dark Masters reformatted the Digital World into Spiral Mountain, and with its restoration, the seals around the Demon Lords and Millenniummon's prisons were weakened, and soon enough, they were able to escape their prisons."
"Wait, that Millenniummon thing is free too?!" Yolei asked with an understandable concern within her voice.
"No, but the Demon Lords are." Veemon replied with lament.
"While some of his power is freed, Millenniummon's own prison is far more complicated and requires more for it to be broken. That is the goal of the Demon Lords and the Dark Legions, to weaken the Digital World enough so that their dreaded Master can walk this world once again. If they succeed, it won't just be the Digital World that will be destroyed, but the Real World will also feel Millenniummon's wrath as well." The Digimon of Miracles then said, his words allowing the Digidestined and their Digimon partners to fully understand the gravity of the situation.
"The darkness infecting the Digital World is a combination of Millenniummon's aura and that of the Seven Demon Lords, its corrupting influence only the strongest to those in close proximity to those casting it. In other words, knocking the infected out is enough to free them." Veemon told his friends and partner, before he then explained to the others. "While those dark spires are fragments of Millenniummon's power solidified, their presence weakens the Digital World and prevents natural Digivolutions from occurring."
"How were you able to Digivolve then?" Patamon then asked curiously, his question shared by other Digimon and the older Digidestined.
"Armoured Digivolution, it's a rare form of Digivolution that only I and a few others can master. My true form as Magnamon is one such evolution." Veemon replied with a smile, before he became thoughtful and added with some intrigue. "My Digi-Armour, the Digi-Egg of Miracles, must have been placed somewhere else when I was sealed away. We must find it if we have any hope of confronting the Demon Lords."
Expelling a small sigh, however, the Digimon of Miracles felt frustrated as he then told the others. "But even if I could become Magnamon again, I'm not enough to take the Demon Lords all by myself. It's just me now, alone against this evil."
Despite his downcast mood, Veemon then expressed some confusion after as he felt too separate hands rest upon his shoulders.
Turning his head, the V-marked Digimon looked up and found both Davis and Kari gazing down at him with kind expressions.
"You aren't alone, Vee. You can count on us." The maroon haired Digidestined said with a further kindness within his voice, an honesty Kari shared as she nodded in agreement.
"He's right, Veemon. You got Davis, who is already an amazing person, as your partner, and I know together you two can beat any odds." The Digidestined of Light said with a great enthusiasm in her voice, unaware of the way Davis chuckled shyly, the way Sora giggled, the way Izzy and Cody just stared at her, nor the way TK seemed to sigh in annoyance, or how Yolei glared in response to the brunette's words.
Ignoring the looks sent her way, Kari gestured toward the other Digidestined, the Digimon, before as she then said with a further confidence. "And you have all of us! Yolei and Cody undoubtedly will have Digimon partners of their own, and the rest of us will help out as best as we can."
"Veemon, I am sorry about your friends, but you don't have to fight this battle alone, not while we are here to fight alongside you." The younger Kamiya then declared, her words not only bringing a smile to Veemon, but to Davis and the others within the room.
Emboldened by Kari's words and despite her feelings toward her rival, Yolei got to her feet and declared with a renewed enthusiasm and determination within her voice. "Kari's right! Once we get our partners, we'll fight alongside you and Davis. We'll kick these Demon Lords' butts and make sure that Millenniummon never sees the light of day again!"
Though not as enthusiastic as Yolei, Cody stood himself, before the young Digidestined added with his own determination. "While I don't know how I can help, I'll do my best to be there for each of you in this fight ahead."
To Yolei and Cody's declarations, Davis, Veemon and the rest of those within the room all smiled, a smile they each shared as they mentally prepared themselves for what they knew would not be an easy battle.
After a moment, the silence was then broken as a series of beeps were heard from Yolei and Cody's pockets, to their surprise.
Reacting to the unfamiliar beeping and retrieving their Digivices, Davis, Veemon and the others moved around the pair so they too could examine the sight now displayed upon the screens.
Set upon Yolei and Cody's Digivices and amongst the map of the Digital World two lone lights could be seen blinking a fair distance from their current position.
Remembering a similar situation from yesterday, Davis' eyes widened as the realization hit him.
Looking upon Veemon, Davis then said with a fair awe in his voice. "The same thing happened with my Digivice yesterday. It wasn't leading me to Tai, or to this place. It led me to the Digi-Egg of Courage... It led me to you!"
His eyes widening to what Davis had said, Veemon was left in thought for a moment, before a smile began to form upon his face.
"I had a pair of friends who could Armour Digivolve as well... they might've been sealed along with me." The Digimon of Miracles commented with a growing excitement.
Joy filled Veemon with the idea that some of his old friends were still alive after so many years.
"Then those must be Yolei and Cody's partners! We need to get to them!" Gatomon said with some urgency within her voice.
"We'll come with you guys." Sora offered as she, Biyomon, Izzy and Tentomon held their own looks of determination as they too remained eager to do what they could to help the newer Digidestined.
Seeing the Digidestined and their Digimon in agreement, Gennai looked upon Ogremon, who nodded toward the Digital Human.
"Very well, Ogremon and I will stay here in the event that the remaining Chosen Digimon arrive here or our allies while you all go find these new Digi-Armours. Good luck, Digidestined." Gennai said with authority and trust in his voice.
Nodding in appreciation toward Gennai's words, Davis, Veemon and the rest of the Digidestined prepared to head out so they could start in search of Yolei and Cody's Digimon Partners, the group unaware of the dangers that would soon face them.
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Not long after leaving Gennai's house, the Digidestined and their Digimon partners continued to follow the maps upon Yolei and Cody's Digivices, a shared silence expressed itself within the group as many processed the information Veemon had given them about their new enemy.
Meanwhile, and though the thought of this new evil was still on her mind, Gatomon found her attention drawn toward Veemon as she took in his downtrodden expression, as though he was now lost in the harsh memories of his past.
Seeing the concern and worry upon her partner's face as she looked upon Veemon, and knowing that the feline Digimon seemed to feel something for the V-marked Digimon, Kari leaned down and had a word with her partner
"Go talk to him, Gatomon. I'm sure he'd appreciate the company." Kariwhispered encouragingly.
Nodding toward her partner's suggestion and smiling expressing an appreciative smile, Gatomon quickly sprinted her way toward Veemon, who snapped out of his thoughts as he noticed the feline Digimon now by his side.
"Are you alright?" Gatomon asked with curiosity and concern within her expression, a look that Veemon couldn't help but smile toward.
Though he wasn't certain as to why just yet, the Digimon of Miracles felt he could trust Gatomon, as though she reminded him of someone, someone he had lost long ago.
"I'm fine, just... reminding myself of what I am fighting for." Veemon replied with an honest smile, one Gatomon returned as she continued to walk alongside the V-marked Digimon.
Knowing the emotional turmoil and wishing to unburden her new ally, Gatomon looked over Veemon with empathy.
"I... I know what it's like to regret the past and let it haunt you." The feline Digimon then said with a solemn expression, before she went on and told Veemon about her past.
Telling Veemon all she could of her past, how she was separated from the other Chosen Digimon and eventually found by Myotismon, ho tormented the feline Digimon to the point of corruption, before she found Kari and remembered her true purpose a chosen Digimon, as well as being Kari's partner.
And all the while and as Veemon listened to her with his full attention, the Digimon of Miracles assured Gatomon of how she was not to blame for her past, to Gatomon's appreciation.
As Veemon and Gatomon continued to chat, both growing closer in their bonds, Kari and Sora watched the scene with endearing smiles.
The girls were left wondering if a real connection could form between the two Digimon, while Davis smiled himself as he too saw Gatomon was indeed helping Veemon get out of his sombre mood.
As the group continued to walk, Sora, Izzy, Yolei and Cody quickly took note of how the skies above turned darker, a sign Davis, Kari, TK and the Digimon knew meant that they were in the Enemy's territory.
"Be careful, guys. We're in the Demon Lords' territory and our Digimon can't Digivolve normally until we destroy that spire." Davis informed Sora, Izzy, Yolei and Cody.
In agreement with the Digidestined of Miracles, Kari, TK and the Digimon went on guard for any signs of infected or Dark Digimon as they took in the sight of another Dark Spire off in the distance.
As if on cue and not a moment later, a loud buzzing noise was heard overhead, which was closely followed by a loud shriek, the noises drawing the attention of the Digidestined and their partners.
Looking to the skies, Kari, TK, Izzy, Sora and their Digimon partners took in the form of a familiar large green insect Digimon with twin scythes heading toward them.
"That's a Snimon! With those big bladed arms it could easily slice us up as if we were made of paper!" Biyomon cried with concern and warning in her voice, the Digimon of Love remembering having encountered one that served Myotismon during their battle against the vampiric Digimon years ago.
And from the dark aura engulfing the mantis Digimon, the Digidestined and Digimon knew that this Snimon was not going to be friendly.
With a fearsome shriek, the infected Snimon swung its arms, sending purple energy shaped like crescent blades down toward the group below.
"Get down!" Davis quickly shouted as he rushed and pushed Kari and Yolei to the ground, the Digidestined of Miracles even using himself to shield the girls in the event that the attack would strike at them.
At the same moment, and following in Davis' example, TK grabbed Cody and pulled him to safety, while Izzy and Sora fell to the ground.
As the Digimon managed to retreat from harm's way, the Snimon then flew past the group, his wings creating a powerful uproar of wind and dust that rushed past the Digidestined and Digimon.
If it wasn't for the fear and adrenaline running throughout her body, Yolei would have blushed at the idea of her crush on top of her and protecting her, but that quickly faded as Davis helped her and Kari to their feet, just before Veemon and Gatomon rushed to their sides.
As the Digidestined and Digimon regrouped, another loud roar from the forest caught their attention, before Davis and the others suddenly ducked as a large bone-like boomerang covered in ice shot over their heads.
Coiling within the air, the boomerang then returned to its owner, who emerged from the trees and shared in the Snimon's blind fury.
Looking upon the being, Yolei and Cody could have sworn that they were seeing an abominable snowman, its appearance resembling that of a large spherical being with white fur and a large bone-like club that was covered in the same dark aura as the Snimon.
"That's a Mojyamon! Unless you like seeing stars, I suggest you watch out for his club." Tentomon said in warning.
Expressing a great concern within his voice, the concern Tentomon held only grew when he saw the Snimon flew down and landed beside the beastly Digimon.
Growling with pure rage in their expressions, it was evident the two infected Digimon perceived the Digidestined and their Digimon partners as their enemy.
From his position and knowing that none of the other Digimon could Digivolve or fight against the two Champion Level Digimon, Veemon looked upon Davis, who nodded in agreement with his partner.
Rushing ahead and standing between their friends and their newer foes, Davis and Veemon prepared themselves for a fight.
However and just before Davis could retrieve his Digivice, the ground beneath the Digidestined and Digimon of Miracles began to shake, before it suddenly gave way, turning into a large crater which he and Veemon fell within.
"DAVIS!" Kari screamed in pure fear as she saw her best friend holding onto the side of the opening.
Struggling to pull himself up, Davis kept his other hand to support Veemon, less his partner was swallowed by the dark abyss.
Hearing a growl below them, Davis and Veemon looked upon another infected Digimon, the one responsible for this massive hole as the pair looked upon what appeared to be a giant mole with a large drill protruding from its head.
"A Drimogemon!" Veemon said with pure shock in his tone.
Between their disastrous position and knowing full well what the subterranean Digimon was capable of, the V-marked Digimon knew he and Davis were at a severe combat disadvantage.
Before the Digimon of Miracles could elaborate any further as to the threat this newer Digimon posed, Davis' grip upon the ledge gave way, where the duo of Miracles fell further within the pit, the Drimogemon grabbing the pair and descending further into the deep darkness.
"DAVIS!" Kari screamed once again, before, and to the shock of almost everyone else present, the Digidestined of Light leapt down and into the pit herself.
Although holding some fears as to what could happen to her, but fearful toward Kari's safety, Gatomon quickly followed her partner and willingly jumped into the darkness herself.
Traversing down the pit, Kari and Gatomon shared a similar thought, saving Davis and Veemon.
As TK, Izzy and the remaining Digimon were taken aback to see Kari act so recklessly, Sora felt her concerns toward the Digidestined of Light and of Miracles continuing to grow.
Furthermore, and as if being called away, the Snimon and Mojyamon retreated back within the dense forest, which left the remaining Digidestined and Digimon shaken and uncertain as to what they could do.
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Author's note: Old and new friends meet and the Enemy has been revealed. What will come next? Stay tuned as the adventure continues.