"We don't need fighters or wizards," said Norn. "However, you are still a necessary part of the equation. Please, follow me." Mikihara led the way down the hall. "While there are no humans here in Witchelny, there are inhabitants other than myself. Are any of you familiar with the concept of digital lifeforms?"

"I remember reading a book involving it," said Ryūko. "Computer programmers create and use software that mimics real world behaviors in animals; they give it the ability to seek out and consume resources in a given environment."

"Among other things." Norn led them to another room. Like the rest of the castle it was pure white, save for what appeared to be a metal altar. "Witchelny is populated by digital lifeforms known as Digimon. However, unlike software used by your world's people, Digimon are able to think and behave freely, as well as reproduce."

Ryūko flushed bright red at the thought. "You mean they…?" she squeaked. She made a motion with her hands. Ironically enough, [I]a lot[/I] of the dōjins she'd bought at the 'con had been rather mature, courtesy of a fake ID.

Norn giggled. "I have seen what human reproduction involves, but Digimon reproduction is different. You see, when Digimon reproduce they copy a part of their data, and combine it to form a DigiEgg. Depending on the number of Digimon involved in the creation of the DigiEgg, the child Digimon can be quite different from any of the parents. For example, they can grow up and take on Beast or Knight attributes, even if they look like a reptile or amphibian."