Chapter 4: The Web of Trust (Part 1)
"I'm home!" cried out Dev's mother as she entered the small apartment.
"Mama, you're home!" yelled Devon Norris as he jumped up from the couch and hugged his mother. Beside his spot on the couch, BlackAgumon was chewing on the TV remote with a childlike enthusiasm until he jumped up to join them.
"Momma Norris is back! Momma Norris is back!" cried the shadow Digimon as he danced around the two. Mrs. Norris laughed tiredly at the sight, her brown eyes reddened by stress.
"How was work mom? Did Mr. Miyamoto like your cooking?" asked Dev.
"Yes, but he had to delay his dinner twice on account of some accident in Japan. He even told me that a dinosaur had wrecked his home. How has your week been?" asked his mother.
"Pretty interesting, mom," replied Dev.
Devon's mother had been at work at her restaurant/catering business serving up exotic foods for New York's wealthy for about a month now. In fact, she had been stuck at work for the entire week Devon had started school. Although they talked on the phone daily, it had been days since Mrs. Norris had been home. Her job was tiring and restless, often placing her on call no different from the way firefighters work. This particular client was some videogame director from Japan that was visiting New York for vacation. Dev's mother had told him about her most interesting customers the week before. Her restaurant took reservations as a necessity to uphold. An unusual job for an unusual city, thought Dev.
Tonight was the night after Devin and Sam had met Sam's best friend Noah and took on Cyclonemon. The fearsome Cyclops had nearly attacked the rollercoaster at Coney Island before Dev and the gang's intervention. Although Dev had left BlackAgumon at home, he had put up a good fight alongside Lopmon and Betamon. Despite this, Betamon was a wimp and Lopmon got knocked down by the Cyclopean Digimon. Dev nearly had his head bitten off by the monster if it hadn't been for that mysterious red-headed girl and her Biyomon. The duo had easily toyed with the beast before destroying him in full view of the public. Nevertheless, neither of the Tamers had been spotted amidst the digital fog that seemed to accompany every new creature they faced.
Over the next few hours of the late evening, Dev recapped his mother on all of his classes, friends, and latest Digimon adventures over the week. His mother smiled weakly as she lay on the couch, flipping through channels with what was left of the remote. She gave BlackAgumon a disapproving look but was too tired to scold him. Of course, Dev left out the part of him almost dying, for that would worry his mom more than usual.
"You know I don't approve of you getting into trouble like this," said Mrs. Norris, slowly drifting to sleep. "But if you aren't the only person in the world with a Belugamon, then it would be nice to make some friends. Just stay out of harm's way. On the ride home, I heard on the radio that Coney Island was attacked by a giant lizard and a purple bird. Don't let me catch you starting any fights."
"Yes mom, but they're called Digimon and he's called BlackAgumon, not Belugamon," said Devon, sighing at her frequent mispronunciation as he waited for her to fall asleep. When he finally heard the snores, he grabbed BlackAgumon by the claw and snuck to the door.
Quickly, Devon opened the door to see if the hallway and stairs was clear. It wasn't. Several Latino children played ball in the upstairs hall while their landlord, Mr. Sanchez was getting his hair trimmed by an elderly gentleman. Events like this were common at Dev's apartment, but if he wanted to get to the roof with his Digimon, he would have to act natural.
"Looks like you'll have to hide," said Dev to his Digimon as Dev's own shadow became one with his Digimon's. Suddenly, BlackAgumon was gone and Dev's shadow resumed its shape. Dev closed the door and locked it before making his way up the 7-story apartment. He smiled and waved to everyone as he passed by, recognizing the elderly fellow as the guy who cut his afro down to size for the school's dress code.
Mr. Sanchez had his eyes closed as Dev snuck by. Normally, he was allowed to visit the roof. However, Dev's frequent visits are too noticeable to be taken lightly by the landlord. Dev needed a way to let BlackAgumon get some playtime in moderately fresh air, and the roof was his best choice. As Dev's shadow, BlackAgumon would be dropped off at the roof every morning to run around and chase pigeons. As cruel as this sounds leaving the Digimon alone on the roof all day sounds, it was better than leaving him in the apartment, for the shadow Digimon tended to break things when curious or bored.
Opening the door to the roof, Dev breathed in the city air and looked at the one star visible in the light-polluted night sky.
"Why are we up here again Dev?" asked BlackAgumon with an adorable curiosity as he sucked on his thumb, or what would pass for a thumb on a dinosaur's claw.
"We need to get you trained so that we can help Noah and Sam fight Digimon next time. I almost lost my head last time," said Devon matter-of-factly. The human and Digimon faced each other on the building's roof surrounded by darkness.
"It's too noticeable to shoot flames right now. How 'bout a tackle attack?!" ordered Devon.
"I don't think I know that move, Devin. Must have forgotten it," replied the Digimon.
"It's easy, just stick your head to the side and use your shoulders to put some damage to your opponent. Like this." With that, Devon tackled his Digimon to the ground. With an "oof", BlackAgumon fell on his back and began to sob.
"Don't cry Blackie, it was only for show. I didn't mean to hurt you," said Dev, worried. BlackAgumon got back up and crossed his arms as he huffed and shuffled away from Devin.
"No wait, come back! Let's start over with a scratch attack!" begged an exasperated Dev as his Digimon pouted. "This is going to be a long night," said Devon to himself as he chased his Digimon around the roof.
...
Meanwhile, at a secluded dungeon somewhere underground in Brooklyn, trouble was brewing. Commander Devimon sat at his throne as his three Demidevimon spies reported their findings. Beside them, dozens of silhouetted henchman bowed with respect to Devimon's leadership.
"The Chosen Children have started forming groups against us," chirped the first Demidevimon while bobbing in the air with its tiny wings.
"With Cyclomon defeated, that's eight agents digitized in this first month alone," replied the second Demidevimon while hopping off the ground.
"Something must be done! SOMETHING MUST BE DONE!" yelled the three spies in unison.
The dark commander stroked his chin in deep thought. Suddenly, one of the silhouettes stepped forward, revealing a Wizardmon amongst the shadows.
"We still haven't found Yatagaramon and Cho-hakkaimon's destroyers after the attack against those hood rat scum, although they're most likely in hiding with the rest of the lot," muttered Wizardmon.
"SILENCE!" roared Devimon towards Wizardmon. "I didn't give you permission to speak, worm." Surprised, Wizardmon bowed down in fear.
"My apologies great disciple of the One True Lord. I merely state my claim that these so-called Tamers are better off being destroyed one-by-one instead of as a group before our next operation arises," stated the sorcerer Digimon with the utmost regard to his superior. Devimon smiled an evil smile, a smile of pride and spite.
"Apology accepted, agent. While it is true that these children should be dealt with soon, I say we start with the weakest link. If we target the weakest link of the group, the rest will surely fall". The rest of the henchman cheered and howled in agreement. Devimon turned to the Demidevimon.
"Go, my spies, and discover which one of the Tamers from yesterday's battle are the weakest. Then, my pet will feast on their soul, and the rest of them will know of their imminent judgment!" commanded Devimon.
The three bat-like Digimon flapped away as the rest of the Digimon in the chamber yelled in unison.
"Since you are so adamant at destroying these humans, I am placing you in charge of this operation. Do not fail me again, agent," said Devimon, turning to Wizardmon. "I have not forgotten your failure with Yatagaramon and Cho-Hakkaimon last week."
"As you wish, commander," was all Wizardmon said as he bowed in respect and fear for his past failures.
...
The next morning, in class, Dev and Dillion had sat through their Chemistry class for nearly forty minutes. Since each class was forty-five minutes long, Devon could only hope that time would speed up. As his second class of the day, Chemistry was not the most engaging class to take in the morning. However, the beauty that was Ms. Gordon always knew how to grab her class's attention.
"Now class, before I dismiss you, remember to turn in your homework on my desk," said Ms. Gordon, "and have a nice weekend."
Devon shook with realization that he did not do his homework. The battle that he took part in yesterday was so intense, that he forgot to finish his homework.
"I guess that wouldn't be the best excuse," Dev said to himself as he left the classroom with his friend Dillion.
"Dude! Did you not do your homework dude?" asked Dillion loudly in front of the teacher. Before Dev could shush him, it was too late.
"Mister Norris, could I speak with you for just a moment?" asked Ms. Gordon with a stern expression. Crap. He was so dead.
Several classes later that day, and Dev and Dillion sat in the cafeteria for lunch. The place was crowded beyond belief, making the scene a competitive place to hold a conversation. Dillion stuffed his face with spaghetti, getting the noodles and sauce everywhere. Dev, on the other hand, couldn't stomach anything with the stress he had been given.
"How'd it go with Ms. Gordon earlier, dude? You two make out after class?" asked Dillion with surprising clarity as he stuffed his face some more.
"What? No way man. Isn't she married?" Dillion shook his head as he ate a biscuit. With a response from Dillion out of the question at the moment, Dev continued:
"She pretty much scolded me for getting a zero on my first lab assignment. And she said that I have to do better with my writing, math, and every other skill that I need in the class or else I'll fail."
Hearing this, Dillion spewed his noodles out of his mouth, hitting the back of the head of a student at the nearby table. The student turned around in anger, revealing the face of Malcolm. This was the bully that helped attack Devon on his first day and the same guy who nearly started a fight with him yesterday. The guy got up with his jock friends and started yelling obscenities. Luckily for everyone, the room was too loud for anyone to hear, but Dev understood them loud and clear.
Without flinching, Devon got up in Dillion's defense. "Sorry guys, he didn't mean it. It was an accident. I told him a funny joke apparently." The jocks noticed Mr. Neeson and the principal sitting down several tables away in sight of them and backed down.
"Let's hear that joke spaghetti man. I need a good laugh," replied Malcolm with a calmer demeanor. Dev hesitated at the sudden peaceful vibes he got from the jocks. They actually forgot about the mess, wanting a laugh out of the new guy instead, or maybe an excuse to beat him up.
I suddenly can't think of a joke to get me and him out of this, he worried.
Oblivious to Dillion, Dev was surprised when Dillion cupped his sauce-covered hands into his ears to whisper something to him. Dev snickered at what Dillion had told him. The jocks were already sitting down, but anticipating a good one.
"Okay, what time should you always go to the dentist?" asked Dev, gathering the jocks' interest.
"I don't know, when?" asked one of them. Dev waited for a drum roll before giving the answer: "Two thirty, of course!" The jocks scratched their heads while the people around them laughed.
"Spaghetti man, that wasn't very funny," said Malcolm with irritation.
"Oh, shut up Malcolm. You just don't get it," replied one of his peers. Devon smiled at the joke he got from Dillion.
"Where did you hear that? It was good," asked Devon.
Dillion, covered at this point in the scraps of his meal, simply but oddly replied "the interwebz, my good sir."
While Dillion cleaned himself up after an embarrassing lunch, Devon went over to Samantha's table where she and several girls were gossiping. With an authoritative nod, her peers moved out of the way for Devon to sit. Although he was nowhere near as popular as the other guys, the girls still gushed at how handsome he was. His dedication to exercise and jogging finally paid off. They discussed hanging out later and, when no one was paying attention, mentioned Digimon.
"I think Noah wants to talk to you after school," said Sam to Devon who was distracted at the moment as he wrote his number down for Sam's attractive friends.
"What was that, Noah wants my number too? Hear that ladies, even the guys want me," joked Devon with a playful arrogance.
"I'm serious, Devon. He said it was extremely important. He wouldn't even tell me." Dev shrugged as his demeanor changed at the sight of Sam's nervousness. Devon could sense something was wrong with her today, but wasn't sure what.
After school was over, Dev and Sam walked to the flagpole near the parking lot as Sam handed him her phone to answer Noah's call. Behind them, Dillion was lagging from the weight of his giant backpack.
"It's okay guys. Just ignore me. No need to wait for poor Dillion over here," yelled the exasperated Dillion.
As Dev picked up the phone, fearing the worst:
"Sup hombre? I got three tickets to Yankee Stadium tonight! You and Sam in or out?" said Noah excitedly over the phone.
Surprised, Dev pondered for a moment as he tried to remember his homework for tonight. "I think I'm free today. I'm in. What about you Sam?"
As Dev handed the phone to Sam, he could see her listen to the speaker with a strange expression, an all too familiar feeling for him.
"I'm sorry Noah, but I can't. Today's when they get here and I want to spend time with them. Why don't you hang out with Devon and have a guy's night out or something?" said Sam.
"Who is coming?" asked Dev with curiosity.
"My parents, silly" giggled Sam, "they're coming over to the house this weekend for a break from work and were going to take me shopping."
The speaker phone on, Noah answered back. "Well Devon and I are going, so that leaves us with one more ticket. Hey Dev, you know any guy who would want to go?"
Overhearing this, Dillion jumped up and down, his backpack falling to the ground.
"Pick me, oh pick me!" screamed Dillion with an unhealthy enthusiasm.
"Hhhmmm. Who is my best friend and would want to go see baseball with me?" pondered Dev out loud as Dillion attempted cartwheels to get his attention. "I know!" said Devon…
...
Hours had passed since Devon and Sam left school to get ready for their various activities for the night. Sam wished Noah and Dev well before leaving the surf shop and going home. After getting his mother's permission, Devon and his best friend went with Noah to ride the long subway ride to Yankee Stadium in New York City. Unaware of the evil forces at work, Dev and Noah stayed silent amongst the people in the crowded train as it made it to the destination.
Getting BlackAgumon to hold his ticket was no small task, so Noah just held them all. Although Noah was only 16 and Dev was 14, they got into the stadium on their own easily under the guard's watch. Finding their seats at a decent center of the stadium behind home plate, Dev and Noah finally spoke to one another.
"I don't get it, how did we get in, didn't Sam say you were 16? Don't we need an adult or something?" asked Dev.
Noah laughed. "It's the fuzz, dude," said Noah, proudly pointing at his light facial hair. "Every teen who has some can pull it off at these place."
Dev looked to his left to see BlackAgumon eating popcorn off the floor.
"Black, don't embarrass me. You're supposed to be a kid, remember?"
BlackAgumon bumped his head on the seat in front of him as he got back on his seat. With a toothy grin, he replied "Aww, but I'm hungry and there's food everywhere."
Noah laughed. "You sure anyone is going to buy that disguise?" he said. Dev shrugged.
"It worked when we got here," replied Dev. Noah was right. When Devon decided to bring his best friend, he didn't think about the repercussions of bringing a dinosaur to the game. His own mom was reluctant to allow it, but seeing BlackAgumon locked in the house all the time was too much for her tired self.
As easygoing as Noah was, Dev's Digimon could have rampaged the stadium without worrying the surfer boy. For his disguise, the reptile wore tennis shoes, gym shorts, and a Jurassic Park T-Shirt and a Yankees ball-cap on his head. Although the shadow Digimon could assume the shape of Dev's shadow, having him in plain sight was more fun.
"Of course it will work, he fits in with the other costumes around here," said Devon as the two observed the people around them. One young dad dressed as Waldo was holding a baby girl in one arm while waving a foam hand in the other. A few seats ahead, a dozen college students were wearing skin tight green suits as they danced for their team. Other than the passing mascot, a man in a panda bear costume walked down the aisle, noticing BlackAgumon.
"Great costume my brother! JP is my movie yo!" yelled the panda.
BlackAgumon looked at the panda then to Dev. "Is he a Digimon too?"
"No, Black. He's a guy in a costume, which is what you are too. Stop playing with your tongue and wear a mask like a normal person" answered Dev as BlackAgumon licked the chair. Forgetting about his Digimon's antics, Dev noticed the fact that a grown man dressed a panda bear was attending a Yankees game.
"Noah, what team is that guy representing?" asked Dev.
Noah shrugged. "Welcome to New York, bro."
Several hours passed, and the Yankees were losing 35-36. Sports wasn't Dev's kind of thing, so he watched with disinterest. Meanwhile, as soon as his Digimon sat still, he grew to enjoy every minute of the spectacle. BlackAgumon jumped up and cheered every time any player did anything. Dev noticed Noah looking around the stadium every once in awhile.
"You like the game so far?" asked Noah.
"Baseball isn't really my thing. But Black seems to be enjoying himself," said Dev with a shrug as his Digimon jumped for joy. "What about you?"
"You know it. It kinda sucks that they're losing I guess. I don't know baseball either," replied Noah with an even bigger shrug.
As the two talked for awhile, Dev asked Noah about his relationship with Sam.
"Well, it's kind of a long story, but I guess we have time" said Noah. "Yeah dude. Are you and Sam a-" questioned Dev before getting interrupted by Noah, blushing.
"No way man. She is like my baby sister. You see, my parents and her parents go way back since college. Sam's dad and my dad were roommates and they were best friends when they graduated. Our parents kept in touch and our families hung out a lot growing up. For a couple of years in elementary school, Sam even lived with us back at California," said Noah. Dev's interest was piqued.
"How come?" asked Dev as a foul ball made it to the father dressed as Waldo several seats beside them. The man was able to catch the ball with his foam finger without dropping the child, much to the applause of the crowd. The two tamers paid no mind to that as Noah continued his sad story.
"Well Sam might not want me to say this, but since we're all sort of a team now, I guess it wouldn't hurt. You see, Sam's parents love to work. I mean they can't stay away from work. You know how her dad helps build houses and her mom basically sells them? Yeah, well they've been climbing the corporate ladder since me and Sam were babies and they still won't stop. So, she needed someone to take care of her until they got that butler guy."
"Wait? She has a butler. Must be nice to be rich," said Dev.
Visibly red with annoyance, Noah got louder. "NO it is not nice! Sam's parents come home about once every three weeks, if that. I mean, they call her every day, but I think she's lonely not having her parents around. She's a tough girl and can take care of herself, but no one should go through life without their parents in it."
Dev could see the emotion emanating from his friend's face. He could tell that Noah truly cared about Sam.
"I feel you, dude. My father died when I was young, and it hurt me to live without a father as amazing as he was," said Dev with a tear in his eye. Noah realized that they might start a scene from the emotions they carried as the Yankees were starting to win and thought it best to keep a low profile around fellow Yankees fans.
"I guess we both got a little emotional there, didn't we?" said Noah as they both laughed it off. BlackAgumon laughed too, oblivious to the reason.
Thirty minutes passed, and the game reached halftime. Noah left and returned with drinks for the three of them.
"Thanks man, how much do I owe you?" asked Dev while BlackAgumon was chewing on the bottom of his full cup, making a mess.
"Forty bucks, give or take," replied Noah with an artificial seriousness. Dev nearly spat his soda in a way not unlike Dillon's earlier incident.
"Forty dollars for two sodas? This is crazy!" yelled Dev as Noah laughed.
"Like I said, welcome to New York," replied Noah. Dev chuckled as it was the absolute truth.
"Hey man, I'm sorry for sounding like a jerk back there. I didn't mean to offend you and Sam or anything," said Dev. Noah looked apologetically as well.
"Don't be man. I'm the one who should man up. I never yell and I just care about Sam, you know? She just doesn't have a lot of good friends who are not after her family's money. When she told me about you saving her, I wasn't sure what to think. You seem like a swell guy to hang out with, just promise me one thing Devon," said Noah.
"What is that?" asked Dev as Noah spoke into his ear.
"Promise me she won't get hurt when she's around you. She tends to giggle and be a friend to any strangers that come her way, but she's vulnerable. I don't go to school the same school as you guys, so I can't protect her there. With the crazy stuff going on lately, I'm not sure if even Lopmon can keep her safe from danger. If I can trust you, can you promise me you won't get her hurt?" asked Noah.
Dev straightened his posture as he answered. "I promise."
Reaching a new level of understanding with each other, the two guys stuck to watching the band perform a musical number for half-time. A homerun was hit and everyone around Dev and Noah was standing with cheers, BlackAgumon especially, except for Dev and Noah. At the moment, everything was awesome, yet something didn't seem right.
"Hey Noah?" asked Dev. Without turning his head, Noah responded.
"Yeah dude?"
"Was that why you brought me here? To get to know me better or what? To watch the game? I think neither of us know anything about baseball," said an observant Devon.
"Nah dude. Like I said on the phone earlier, I just wanted to hang out with my buddies is all. You're right though. There was another reason I took us here but it's been such a long day, I can't remember. Let me think…"
Noah scratched the blond hairs on his scruffy goatee for ten minutes. Dev waited and waited. Still, nothing from Noah other than 'hhhmms and ahhhs'.
"COTTON CANDY! GET YOUR COTTON CANDY OVER HERE!" As a cotton candy vendor walked up the aisle yelling out her merchandise, Dev suddenly saw someone he had not expected to see.
Not even twenty feet away down the stairs was the same girl Dev, Noah and Sam had seen the other day. The day Dev had met Noah, Coney Island was attacked by a Cyclopean Digimon that nearly wrecked The Cyclone. Sam and Noah's Digimon did not stand a chance, while Dev didn't even have BlackAgumon with him. The intervention of this girl not only defeated the Digimon, but saved Dev's life. The redheaded girl in front of them was now in a Stadium uniform, selling cotton candy for the masses.
"You see what I'm seeing, Noah?" asked Dev. "The panda? Yeah, he's so going to jail. Oh? You meant the redhead. Wait, now I remember! That girl works here!" yelled Noah upon remembering that important detail. "I wonder how I can get to talk to her," said Dev to himself out loud.
"I got a brilliant idea dude," suggested Noah, as he began to yell "Hey! We'll take some up here!"
BlackAgumon's eyes lit up. "Can I have some cotton candy too?"
"Sure buddy, whatever you want," replied a half-listening Dev.
"Oh boy, I bet it tastes better than the couch cushions!" BlackAgumon cried happily.
As the girl walked up the stairs, her view was obstructed by the tower of cotton candy she carried in front. She didn't see them until she stood on the same row five feet away. Her red hair was tied in a bun under her sun-visor hat. Yet, strands of fiery hair managed to flow under the hat.
As she turned to face them, she froze instantly in recognition of the two tamers as well as BlackAgumon.
"You!" said the girl as she pointed at Dev. She then threw her cotton candy into a pile on top of them before running for the exit. With an "oof", the three of them were pinned down by cotton candy.
"Somebody help! I can't get up!" cried Dev as he struggled to push the cotton candy off of him.
"It's just cotton candy, dude. Light as a feather," remarked Noah, chuckling as he stepped out of the pile.
A few bystanders, including Waldo dad and Panda Bear were picking up cotton candy off of the ground to eat. "Five second rule," muttered both Panda Bear and Waldo dad.
Meanwhile, Dev was still pinned to the ground.
"Why is this so heavy?" asked Dev out loud. Suddenly, he felt something move and get off of him. As he got out of the pile, he saw BlackAgumon standing above him on the seat, stuffing his mouth with the cotton candy that was previously on him. "Thanks B, but next time how 'bout you get off me when you try to help?"
BlackAgumon was too full to speak.
"She got away dude. Should we go after her?" said Noah as he turned back to Dev.
"Might as well. She did throw candy at us. Besides, this game is boring." With that, the two of them left with Devon pulling BlackAgumon by the arm as the Digimon ate some more. Unbeknownst to them, a pair of beady eyes loomed over the field lights, watching their every move.
...
Hours earlier:
Back at Samantha Petit's penthouse, the 14 year old was busy cleaning the apartment along with her Digimon, Lopmon, in preparation for her parents' visit. After school that day, her best friend Noah had invited her and Devon to watch a baseball game. Knowing that today was a special day, Sam respectfully said no. While she hung out with Noah all the time, a visit from her parents was the only thing more important to her than hanging out with her friends.
"I'm so excited, Lopmon! Can you believe it? I wonder what they got me for my birthday," said Sam. Lopmon swept the floor with her ears into the dustpan that Sam held to the floor.
"Birthday? Your birthday was the day we met, remember? That was like a month ago," said Lopmon giggling not unlike Sam's usual self.
"Oh yeah! I remember now. It was a sad day until you came. You were the best present I ever had," said Sam, remembering her past. She had cried all day that day because her parents didn't show up to her birthday party after an emergency house sale. That is, until the rabbit Digimon appeared through her laptop and gave her the biggest hug she ever felt. It was the start of a magical friendship.
At first, Sam wasn't even sure what her Digimon was, or what Digimon were for that matter. It wasn't until she discovered that her best friend Noah was also a Tamer that she knew what Digimon were. The two of them fought wild Digimon for two weeks together, getting stronger each day. Lopmon rarely won a battle, but she was able to dodge most of her attackers. It was usually up to Noah to finish them off.
Despite their teamwork, Sam always regretted fighting. She loved every creature in the world, including Digimon. It wasn't until she was saved by Devon and his Digimon that Sam realized that some Digimon are too dangerous to be around. She convinced Noah to take care of any nonthreatening Digimon that entered the real world. He took care of baby Digimon in a basement under his apartment while the others stayed at the surf shop. She took care of most of the money and food costs in raising them. Although this and school kept her busy, she didn't tell anyone, yet alone her mother and father. Even Noah convinced her to not tell Devon until he could trust him.
Trust. That was a funny thing to her. Sometimes she wasn't sure if she could trust anyone anymore. Other than Noah, the people she cared about often made promises they couldn't keep.
"Of course I was the best present you had! Look at me, I'm adorable," said Lopmon with a spin. Sam giggled at the sight of her Digimon dancing around the hall.
Footsteps could be heard near the door and Lopmon immediately fell down stiff like a doll. "Daddy?" asked Sam excitedly. She walked forty feet into the living room to see Mr. Sykes standing there with his coat and hat in his arms. "Sorry, I thought you were my dad. You heading home?" asked Sam, disappointed.
The elderly gentleman placed his hat on his head as he opened the door.
"Yes, master Sam. I have an appointment to keep. Your parents should arrive momentarily."
Suddenly, the phone rang. Sam picked it up and heard her mother's voice.
"Hello? Samantha dear! Your father and I just heard the most intriguing news! Your father's coworker, Marty, just got a raise! We just had spoke with him and are going to celebrate at his place tonight. We don't know when we'll be home, but it might be next week." Sam was speechless.
"Are you sure you'll be gone 'til next week? I mean, I haven't seen you since before my birthday," asked Sam.
"Don't worry," said Sam's mother, "we'll be safe. Just remember to keep the doors locked and keep the place clean until we get back. Toodles!"
With that, her mother hung up the phone and Samantha was left alone. Mr. Sykes could sense something was wrong in the way the girl cried all over the living room carpet. "Miss, is something the matter?"
Sam replied, "It's nothing, Alfred. Please leave me alone and go to your appointment or whatever."
Mr. Sykes frowned. Rarely did anyone call him by his first name unless it was important. "Are you sure Madame?"
"Yes Alfred, it's just that my parents won't be here tonight or the rest of the week so that they can celebrate someone's raise."
With a look of concern, Alfred replied "Shall I cancel my evening appointment to make sure you'll be fine?"
"No Alfred, that will be all," answered Sam as she got off the floor. "It's just hard sometimes when my parents act like this."
Alfred was about to say something but then thought against it. As he left the room, his back facing Sam, he changed his mind.
"You know, your parents do love you. They just have a strange way of showing it. Good day to you both," said Mr. Sykes before heading out.
Sam looked behind her to find Lopmon standing at the corner to the next room, eavesdropping. Apparently, Alfred was used to the existence of her Digimon, whether or not she was supposed to be a doll.
"Oh well, maybe next week," muttered Sam as she went to her Digimon.
As Mr. Sykes made his way into the elevator, he wondered if the girl would be alright by herself. She's been alone before, she can take care of herself, thought the gentleman. His butler/driver duties included watching after the Petites' daughter when they weren't home. Yet, Sam's parents haven't been home for weeks and they do not pay him for any extra days he looked after her.
He wondered if what he was doing was right. He left the girl he was responsible for in order to play D&D with his buddies. He was embarrassed to tell the truth to her parents, out of fear that they would think less of him as a butler. Despite this, he originally believed Sam's parents would be there for her. But he was wrong. No one could take care of Samantha but herself, and the experienced chauffer wished he had said more to her.
"Oh well. She knows how to take care of herself," said Mr. Sykes as he left the elevator and headed to the apartment's exit. "Miss Petit has been alone for the weekend before, and she'll be alright on her own." As he opened the door and stepped outside, he was immediately tackled against the wall by a shadowy figure.
"That's where you're wrong," whispered the assailant. Before he could make a struggle, Alfred was struck to the back of the head by a blunt object.
Agent Wizardmon watched Alfred's crumpled body fall to the ground, out cold by the swing of his staff. Noticing numerous witnesses on the street, Wizardmon rushed past him and into the apartment.
He had spied on this girl all day and followed Sam to her home. Disguised under a cloak, he had patiently waited outside the door until someone would leave. He needed to verify weakness before signaling the nearby Demidevimon to send Devimon's pet to finish the job. He couldn't fail his commander again, especially after his fellow agents had been destroyed by a Tamer a few weeks ago. As the sole survivor of the attack. Sergeant Wizardmon was scolded for his cowardice and demoted to an expendable agent no different from his fallen comrades. However, he was different. He was going to survive. He, Wizardmon, was going to call for backup soon and win for once instead of running away. His honor and his life counted on it.
Above the building, one of the three Demidevimon fluttered in the sky as he spied on Samantha through the massive glass windows on the sides of the penthouse's roof.
"Tell Devimon that Wizardmon has found his target and to send his pet over here," chirped the bat-like Digimon. On a nearby roof, Shademon nodded and drifted away like a black cloud.
"This is about to get really good!" chirped the Digimon in excitement for the carnage that was promised to him.
Back at Yankee Stadium, Dev and Noah were in the middle of a chase. They were now in the crowded lobby as they weaved in and out of crowds. As the game was three quarters finished, hundreds of people had the same idea to leave early.
"Now where did she go?" asked Dev, puzzled. Behind him, Noah and BlackAgumon were struggling to keep up.
"Hey man, slow down. We can barely see you," said Noah as Dev drifted through the throngs of people.
Slowly as people pushed and shoved Devon around, he found himself at the entrance to a parking garage. People pushed past him as he stood there, staring into the eyes of the girl he had chased. The red head had what would have been sparkly blue eyes, but they weren't sparkling anymore. Instead, the girl stood there furious as if she was cornered mountain lion. As Devon took a step forward, the girl ran past the cars and into the upper levels of the garage.
"No wait, come back!" yelled Devon as he ran after her.
After a couple of minutes, Devon found himself at the roof of the garage over seven stories above the ground. Dark as the sky was, Devon figured it might be at least nine 'o' clock by now. He heard a whistle coming from the corner to his left and turned to see the girl standing at the building's edge with a whistle in her mouth.
What is she doing, thought Dev to himself as he endured the screech of her whistle.
"Look girl, I'm not trying to hurt you or anything. I just want to talk," said Devon as he walked closer.
"Stay back! I'm warning you, don't come any closer," yelled the girl. Luckily for Dev, there weren't too many cars parked this high. They were the only ones up there at the moment. Unfortunately for Dev, that moment would soon pass as the cry of a bird could be heard overhead.
"Was that what I think it is?" asked Dev as he looked up.
"Spiral Twister!" screamed the bird as green flames burst onto the ground in front of Dev. Dev yelped and fell backwards as a line of fire fell between the girl and him.
"I'm warning you, go home and leave me alone," yelled the girl as she got closer to the fire.
"No way! I just wanted to thank you for-" said Dev before getting pecked on the head by Biyomon.
"Pecking Attack!" roared the pink Digimon as she pecked Devon's head relentlessly. "Owowow!" cried out Dev as he fell again.
"That's enough Beebee. I think the hardhead learned his lesson," said the girl with a commanding voice. Biyomon flew back to the girl as Dev lay there sputtering dirt out of his mouth.
"No I have not learned a lesson, you crazy bird lady. I just wanted to talk to you," cried out Devon as he stood up. The fire was already extinguished by the cold air as the two Tamers faced one another.
"Suit yourself. Beebee, walk all over him!" yelled the red head. Biyomon took off on her shoulders and barreled straight for him.
"Me and my big mouth," said Devon as he winced at his upcoming pain.
"Pepperbreath!" yelled BlackAgumon as he leaped out of the shadows behind Dev.
A fireball hit Biyomon head on and knocked her into the ground at Dev's feet.
"Beebee no!" yelled the girl as she ran to pick up her Digimon. BlackAgumon growled at the fallen bird Digimon as he stepped beside his partner.
"Way to go Black! I didn't know you had it in you. How did you find me?" asked Dev. BlackAgumon growled again.
"No time to explain. Got to look tough," said BlackAgumon as he kept up his bad boy persona.
"Now will you listen to me, you psycho?" said Dev. The girl glared at him while crouching at her Digimon.
"Psycho?! You're the psycho! Following me to where I work, making me lose my cotton candy and possibly getting me fired! You even chased me up here!"
"Oh I'm the crazy one?!" said Dev, "You're the one who saved my life and then disappeared afterwards. I just wanted to talk." As Dev said this, he realized that perhaps his argument wasn't so well thought out after all. He really did sound crazy. As Biyomon regained consciousness, the girl temporarily cooled down.
"Yeah, I get it that you wanted to thank me, but I already told you before that it's not a big deal. Me and Biyomon are going to be the strongest there is and we were just trying to fight to win. Not save anybody," muttered the girl as she tended to her Digimon's wounds. "And you didn't have to hurt Beebee like that."
"What do you mean? You attacked me first! My Digimon was defending me. You could have killed me," yelled Dev.
The girl's face turned red as she resumed her rant. "You!? You chased me to the edge of a building! And you started it for trying to fight a Digimon on your own yesterday! I mean, who is that stupid? I guess that means you!" yelled the girl.
"Guys, guys, calm down. Let's just calm down for a minute," said Noah as he ran up to quell the argument.
...
Back at Sam's apartment, Lopmon was cheering up her Tamer as the girl cried into a pillow on her bed.
"Look, even though I never met your parents in the month you've known me, I'm sure they're swell fellas," said Lopmon. This caused Sam to cry more. That didn't help at all, thought the rabbit Digimon.
Suddenly, they heard a heavy knock at the door.
"What was that?" muffled Sam as she spoke through the pillow.
"It sounded like a gorilla learning how to open doors," said Lopmon as they both got up. Sam walked over to the front door as she looked at the eyehole of the door.
"Who is it?" asked Sam, slightly confused as to who it might be.
"It's Daddy, open up," said the voice from behind the door.
"That doesn't sound like him," muttered Sam to Lopmon beside her.
Not knowing what else to do, Sam unlocked the door and opened it. Suddenly, the door was violently pushed open as a robed figure let itself in. The door slammed into Sam and knocked her onto the floor.
"Who's your daddy now? It's me, Wizardmon," said the sorcerer as he laughed at his own half-joke.
"Sam!" yelled Lopmon as she scurried over to where she fell.
"What do you want?" cried Sam at the intruder weakly, huddling close to her Digimon.
"What do I want? A vacation, that's what. You kids messed with the wrong Digimon and my boss really wants me to kill you. If I don't, I'm dead. No hard feelings?" said Wizardmon as he raised his staff at Sam. "Electro Squall!" yelled Wizardmon, causing a small thundercloud to appear in the room.
"Move now!" cried Lopmon as she pulled Sam up and pulled her out of the way and over the couch. With a flash, a streak of lightning struck the floor where Sam had been.
"Hold still you brats so I can destroy you!" yelled Wizardmon as he shot lightning towards the couch. Sam lay low on the other side of the couch as another streak of lightning burned the back of the seat.
"Lopmon what do we do?" whispered Sam as Wizardmon calmly walked around the burning couch.
"We fight," said a defiant Lopmon as she jumped into the air and spun. "Tiny twister!" cried Lopmon as she spun around with her ears as a propeller. A gust of air pushed Wizardmon backwards and into the dining room tables with a crash.
"So, you want to play games, eh? Well two can play at that game, but I have a schedule to keep. Vision of Terror!" yelled Wizardmon.
Suddenly, Lopmon screamed in agony and fell to the floor. She shook and cried in absolute terror. Sam ran from behind the couch and tended to her. "Lopmon! What have you done with her?" asked Sam.
"Why, I made her see her worst fears come to life. Why don't you join her while we wait for my commander's pet to get here" said Wizardmon as he struck Sam with the same attack. Both of them cried out as their worst nightmares entered their minds. Wizardmon chuckled at the sight and gave a thumbs up to the Demidevimon outside the window. "Don't worry, it gets worse. I can promise you that," said Wizardmon as he waited for their executioner to arrive.
...
Back to the Yankee Stadium, Noah and the girl had been talking for several minutes to sort this out as Dev waited with Biyomon and BlackAgumon.
"What's taking so long? I wanted to fight you guys some more," said Devon to the bird Digimon.
"I agree, I need to get back at you for hitting me with that fireball. No one's ever had the drop on me like that," said Beebee to BlackAgumon.
"I like ladybugs," said BlackAgumon as he looked up at the stars overhead. Devon sighed at his Digimon's lack of an aggressive behavior. Noah and the girl returned and joined the group.
"This girl here says that she was afraid you'd ruin her business and we kinda did," said Noah.
"What do you mean? You attacked me!" cried Dev.
Biyomon joined the girl as the two Tamers glared at one another and started yelling again.
"Whoa Dev, calm down so we can discuss how we are going to make things right" said Noah.
"Yeah! I might lose my job because of you! I told you guys I don't want to be in a team and you still won't take no for an answer!" yelled the girl.
"Look, while we wanted to say thank you for saving my life, we just wanted to watch the game as bros. Isn't that right Noah?" asked Dev.
"That's right bro," said Noah, nodding in agreement.
"Is this true?" asked the girl with a hint of skepticism in her husky voice.
"Yup," said Noah and Dev in unison. "Yup yup yup," said a cheery BlackAgumon as he chimed in.
Silence. Noah and Dev looked at the girl as she whispered with her Digimon. She turned around and faced them.
"Okay," said the girl.
"Okay what? Are we cool now?" said Devon.
"Beebee and I decided to not attack you anymore, at least for today. I'm sorry we ruined your game, but my job is on the line. I still don't want to be on any team, but you don't have to consider us enemies," declared the girl.
"And you can consider us allies whenever you're ready," said Noah. Noah and the girl shook hands in agreement.
Both Biyomon and BlackAgumon suddenly growled. While the tension had cooled down between the Tamers, someone had been watching them.
"Oh come on already, when are you humans going to fight again?" yelled Demidevimon as he soared over head, "For a minute there, I hoped you were going to do my master's bidding for me".
"Who are you and what do you want?" asked Devon.
The girl, on the other hand, had taken out her red-colored D-Power and examined the Digimon. "That is a Demidevimon, rookie-level. Very unfriendly, but not a threat in my opinion," remarked the girl.
"Not a threat?! I'll show you a threat you witch! Demi Dart!" yelled Demidevimon. Toxin-filled syringes started raining from above as Demidevimon flapped his wings at them.
"Look out!" yelled Noah as they ran behind a parked van.
"Is he gone?" asked Devon. "Not quite" said Noah as he watched Demidevimon fly after them.
"Goblinmon! Get off your lazy bum and get over here! I know you're here!" yelled Demidevimon as he ascended into the sky. With a grunt, a green, goblin-like creature climbed over the edge of the building and ran towards them, club in hand.
"Aren't you going to check it out on the D-Power?" asked Dev to the girl, mockingly. The girl punched him on the shoulder. "I don't use it all the time okay? Especially when I recognize them from the card game. That's Goblinmon, or Goburimon , the Japanese name on the card. Rookie level also," said the girl.
"Sweet! You play the card game too? What's your strategy?" asked an inquisitive Devon.
"Now's not the time for flirting, Dev. We gotta move," yelled Noah as Goblinmon spotted them. "Flirting!? With her?" joked Dev before getting punched by the girl again.
Meanwhile, the green Digimon raised his club and started swinging at the air as he grew ever closer. The Tamers started running to the next vehicle while BlackAgumon fired a couple of shots at him. Goblinmon swung the fireballs away with his club. Demidevimon, meanwhile, laughed at the entertainment. "I should have sent him to destroy you before while you were watching the game. That would have been a sight to see. Batter up! Kapow!" chuckled Demidevimon.
"You want to know my strategy, boy? It's kill or be killed," said the girl as she gave the all clear signal to Biyomon. Biyomon soared in the air above Goblinmon some twenty feet from the others and aimed her beak at him.
"Double Fire!" cried Beebee as two bursts of flame left her beak. One fireball was deflected by Goblinmon's club while the other hit his hand, knocking his club to the floor.
"Ow! That was my killing arm!" yelled Goblinmon.
"Tsuibami Attack!" cried Biyomon as her beak turned and spun like a drill. She landed on Goblinmon's shoulders before drilling her beak into head. "YEEEEEAAAAARRRRRHHHHGGGGG!" screamed Goblinmon before his face digitized. His remains turned to dust as Biyomon absorbed it. She then turned her attention to Demidevimon.
"Uh-oh. Gotta go!" yelled the bat Digimon as he tried to flee. Biyomon caught up with him and pecked his head towards the ground. Both collided onto the roof of the van with a thud. The Tamers then moved back to the van to see if Biyomon was alright.
"Beebee? You okay?" asked the girl, concerned.
"Never better," said the Digimon sarcastically.
Noah pulled Demidevimon by the wings and held him down. BLackAgumon's breath was starting to heat up as he let out a raspy growl.
"No please! Don't kill me! I'll tell you anything!" cried Demidevimon
"Okay, then talk. Why did you come here and why did you and your pal tried to attack us. Also, why were you spying on us?" asked Devon.
"My commander ordered us Demidevimon to spy on each Tamer and find the weakest one to send his monster to. That way, his pet can get fed and won't try to eat us, and you would learn to stay out of our way," said Demidevimon.
"Who is this commander and why is he trying to attack us?" asked the girl.
"Wouldn't you like to know, you psycho," said Demidevimon. The girl turned red with fury and the bat Digimon started yelling for mercy again.
"At least I'm not the only one who thinks she's crazy," muttered Dev as BlackAgumon snickered.
"I heard that" replied the girl as the two became silent.
"You humans think this is funny? You might have me captive, but one of your own will soon be spider chow," said Demidevimon as he began to laugh maniacally. "Who?" asked Noah, fearing the answer.
"Why, that girl who lives at the top of that fancy building near the river, I believe. We got her thirty five minutes ago. Our pet is already there decorating the place with her babies. You'll never make it there in time before she is eaten," laughed Demidevimon.
"That's it. One, Two, Three, Pull!" yelled Noah as he hurled Demidevimon into the air. BlackAgumon and Biyomon fired several shots at him, but he dodged them with success.
"Missed me, missed me, now you got to kiss me!" sang Demidevimon as he flew away.
"What was that? A little warning would have been good!" yelled the girl as she punched Devon.
"Ow! Why did you punch me? He's the one who let him go!" yelled Dev.
"He's cute though, and you deserve it more for ruining my life!" yelled the girl as she started her tirade again.
"Oh here we go again. You started it!" yelled Devon as the two began to fight some more.
"Stop fighting. We gotta go now. You heard the bat. Sam's gonna die if we don't save her" said Noah as he pulled them by the hands.
"How are we going to get there in time? Can't the police handle it?" asked Devon. Noah looked at him with the most serious expression he had ever seen. "The police didn't even show up when she blew the whistle at you, and not even when we fought up here," said Noah to the girl and Dev, "Plus, we need to make sure she's alright."
"I'm with you, I don't know why I said that," said Dev apologetically. "Are you with us?" asked Noah as he faced the girl.
The girl shook her head. "I have work to do. I really need the money for this job and I can't afford to lose it now. I hope your friend is okay, but I can't help you," said the girl. With a look of defeat, Noah lowered his head and turned to leave. "Suit yourself. Come on Dev, let's go."
As Noah left, Dev stayed behind and looked back to the girl. "Look, I know we got off to a rough start earlier, but we could use a powerhouse like y'all right about now. We can't do this without you. I know y'all don't want to be on our team, and I understand that now. But we might have a lot of fight coming our way and I don't think I can do it alone. What do you say?" asked Dev.
"I…can't," said the girl as she thought it over. Biyomon elbowed the girl's leg in response.
"Come on," said Beebee. "Look at him. I'm just a rookie and I still almost beat them. They wouldn't stand a chance without us. We should go."
The girl looked confused as her own Digimon sided with their former enemies.
"What about work? You know we need this job. Do you want to starve?" asked the girl as her face reddened with agitation.
"No, but do you want their friend to die? There's always tomorrow to get another job. Humans only live once," said Biyomon.
"You two lovebirds coming or what?" asked Noah as he neared the exit. Dev and BlackAgumon looked at her questioningly.
"Fine. You win. I'll go with you guys, but only to make sure you live to pay me back for the job I am about to lose," said the girl.
"Sweet. The three amigos are going to kick some tail!" yelled Dev as BlackAgumon cheered.
"Whatever. You owe me one either way," said the girl. "For what?" asked Dev.
"Don't even get me started," said the girl as Biyomon laughed.
The two of them caught up with Noah as they departed for the battle that was sure to come.
TO BE CONTINUED...