Note: this chapter contains a lot of examples of coarse language due to some of the characters' habits and speech patterns. I really hope this offends no one. Anyway, I hope you'll have fun reading.

PROJECT IC 2

Tome 1. The Data Thief.

Arc 1. Mon in Black.

Chapter 7. The thief.

IRQ glimpsed swiftly across the Sunshine's main square. Last time he visited it, he didn't really pay attention, due to some "factors". Now however, judging by the little memories he had, he came to the conclusion the city hadn't actually changed. Most buildings were in the shades of yellow, light blue and white, as opposed to dark blues, purples and black - the colors of the Night Crows clan. Not that he cared. Now, after the mission had ended, he could finally go home. It was all that he wanted. He looked at the others, already approaching the biggest building on the platform, located in its center. The dawn was close, so, although the square was still almost empty, the first people and digimon started to appear.
- That thing - the boy pointed at the palace - is the headquarters?
- Yep. That's where we're going - Jax replied.
- And is the stampede we're doing acceptable?
- No. Reports are individual. But I've met requirements and want to take an exam for a higher tamer rank, so is Raph, Thorin is a wanted criminal that finally can prove his innocence and you were brought here against your will and you wish to be taken home. If not for their paperwork, I'd be here two weeks ago. So if they like papers so much, wouldn't it be fun to leave them with three times as much of these as we could?
- As heck.
- Glad we all get it. Let's go. Rescue teams are a priority, they'll let us in right away.

- Rescue teams are a priority, he said. They'll let us in right away, he said.
- Shuddup, Buggy.
- Stop calling me buggy.
- Shuddup, Tentomon.
- I didn't see this one coming.
- Listen to it then.
- No.
Jax only sighed as the quarrel started again. Actually he understood Tentomon well. After four hours of waiting he was fed up himself, especially as they were the only ones in the waiting room. At last, Glare's room was opened. A pair of tamers left it - a girl in Night Crows uniform with purple hair and a blond boy wearing the Light Fang colors. They were accompanied by two digimon One looked like an orange bipedal cat with a small flame on its forehead. The second one resembled a rabbit in a long dress, with golden earrings and a crescent - shaped charm on its neck. The Sun and the Moon... IRQ smiled faintly while scanning them. Coronamon, ROK/HOL/DAT and Lunamon, ROK/DRK/DAT. The names were enough to support his theory.
- Viceleaders? - he asked when the four was far enough not to hear him.
- How'd ya know?
- Wild guess - IRQ said, killing the conversation for another fifteen minutes. Then the room was opened again. This time the ones to leave it were Julia and ChaosGallantmon. The woman walked past the team, drinking her coffee; when she was next to IRQ, she choked on it.
- What are YOU doing here? - she managed to ask, still coughing.
- We're reporting a mission success - the tamer replied.
- Already?
- Already.
- We've estimated it will take three days at least! And you? Sixteen hours?
- We... had a good guide. And strong support.
- Yeah, sure. Two rookies and... - Julia looked at the digimon in the hall. She sighed.
- Well, I do have to praise your efforts - her partner said instead - for I have not expected to witness the results of evolution. Especially yours, Tentomon.
- Oh, he? I thought I might as well digivolve him because it would be hard to get any uglier. Hard but not impossible, it seems.
To IRQ's surprise, Julia and ChaosGallantmon laughed at his line.
- Indeed it is good to hear you two in a good mood. I do not however wish you to overdo. With your partner's personality, your words might be well used against you.
- If he ever uses it to anything save for talking. Besides... I'm coming home, right?
- Yeah, right. When you're finished with Glare, tell him I gave you permission to use our personal teleporter. That'll be much faster. - Julia detached a crescent badge from her vest then gave it to the tamer. He silently put it in his pocket. The clan chief nodded at her partner, then they both left using one of the side doors. Everything became silent again.
- Digimon starting with T? - Raph said.
- Don't even make me mad - IRQ sighed.
- The greatest of digimon! Tentomon!
- Shut it, Buggy.

Glare was sitting in his room, deep in thoughts. The extraordinary meeting didn't make him happy. Especially the decisions regarding older models of digivices. Unluckily, he was outvoted five to three. Sometimes he hated democracy. There were different rumors, too. Sayo, for instance, told him about some weird symptoms that some people had at the very same moment... He doubted though that it was connected to the Primal Tamers. They needed to be found. But how was it supposed to look like? "Hi, a little birdie told us your digivice is weirder than it's legally allowed to so we have to..." - The thought of it made him shudder. No, bad solution. And it all started because the one and only they knew about went active. If only he could somehow get rid of it... His partner, Ophanimon, interrupted his thoughts.
- There are some people in the waiting room. A rescue team with their report.
- Nobody's here.
- They've been waiting for hours. They saw the others leaving this room.
- Darn. Tell them to write down their reports and...
- They all seem to have some individual cases as well.
- They can wait. That's about our most significant matters. If we had at least some information about this blockade...
- Jax is with them.
- That changes everything. Let them in. Immediately.

Glare slowly walked past the row of tamers.
- That doesn't feel right. It went too easy - he just said.
- Sir, I was held captive for three weeks. When I was set free, I kinda... got angry. It had its effect on Agumon and the fight.
- How?
- A critical energy. MetalGreymon.
- Wow. I'm impressed. Despite the evo block?
- It was short circuiting at the moment. Caused by...
- My Tentomon - IRQ interrupted his brother. He didn't want some details to go public. Luckily, Jax hasn't told everything yet. - ...Thanks to some boosters the tamers present here taught me how to use. Then it was destroyed, together with GrapLeomon that is.
- Good job. Didn't you save the script by any chance?
- No. It fell apart when its digimon was defeated. A defense mechanism if you ask me.
- So they may have copies?
- Probably.
Glare for the first time looked at the person he was talking to. IRQ noticed the leader, despite being rather young, to have a few wrinkles on his face, probably due to the stressful job. He tried to stay calm when the man was staring at his face. It wasn't easy. He hated him for what he had done and had to try hard not to punch him.
- Don't I know you? - Glare finally asked.
- You need to ask? Seriously? Now you pretend you've never seen me? Of course you do, Glare. - IRQ growled, finally snapping. The leader did not expect this kind of reply. He furrowed his eyebrows.
- You know, you may not be from my team, but some respect WOULD actually be in place. Stay in this room when the reporting's over.
- Gladly.
- Now if I may, the other things. Jax, in your case it's the gold rank test I suppose?
- Sir, yes, sir. My friend Develor present here also would like to take up the test for his bronze rank.
- Koh is free on Tuesday morning. That's the time and day for now. I'll call you back later. Next. What brings here our Neutrum guest? May I ask your name?
- Thorin, sir. I'm on the "wanted" boards.
- You want to collect bounty for your own head?
- No, sir. I can prove my innocence.
- Good. I'll order your name off the lists immediately. The proofs you have we'll be looked into next week. Please come here for an exact date... Let's say on Saturday.
- And... that's all?
- I could make it more difficult for you if you want to. The problem is, I have no time for that. Urgent and very important matters. And now, if you could excuse us. I'll have words with your friend.
The tamers left. Only IRQ and Glare stayed in the room. The later started to talk.
- I don't like your lack of discipline. Rest assured Julia will know.
- Breaking news. She does not care. Neither do I for that matter.
- I assure you it will. Your name. And I mean full name.
- Richard Matthew Darren - IRQ hissed. To his satisfaction, Glare looked at him as if he had seen a ghost.
- Are you gonna stand there and stare or are we getting to the point?
- You...
- Me.
- You...
- Yep, we agreed on that. Anything else?
- You...
- NO, QUEEN VICTORIA! Glare, get a hold on yourself!
The Light Fang leader managed to handle it although it didn't come easy to him. Tentomon sighed.
- Is it normal?
- No idea. I prefer him this way though. The last time I was here he was normal and it didn't end well for me.
- You... because of that? I mean...
- I feel good, thanks. If I cared, I'd ask how about you.
- What... are you...
- That's an easy one. Your rescue team system is thoroughly screwed and my brother is so good and-slash-or annoying that he makes everybody handwave it saying "go die already". So it's up to whom to save both his retarded rear and your important mission?
- To you, I reckon.
- Bravo! At last you're not brain dead.
- IRQ, I'm proud. I'd tell the same thing.
- Shuddup Buggy.
- Stop calling me buggy.
- So you're back after all?
- No. I'd say I dropped by to do my job. And now it's done so Julia can take me home. - The tamer took the crescent badge out of his pocket and showed it to Glare. - And to make it faster I was told to use your personal teleporter. Hope you don't mind it?
- No... Whatever... The teleporter is in one of the side rooms... - Glare handwaved it resigned. He had no intention of arguing with this guy. His health was too important to him for that. - And when we find the mon that did it to you...
- Yeah, sure. A report and a video from the trial. No doubt. Over a year and you haven't caught it. Are you expecting it to come now and ask for spare change?
- Just go already. Third doors to the left.
- Never mind the doors. Glare, what did you do to him so that he wets his pants every time he thinks about it? - Tentomon interrupted.
- Shut up already, Buggy. None of your business.
- Will you actually stop calling...
- GET OUT! - Glare snapped. The door closed behind quickly leaving IRQ and Tentomon. The leader sighed as he sat on his armchair. Ophanimon came closer to his desk.
- Not a pleasant conversation, I admit.
- Way more than just unpleasant, Ophanimon. Julia must have been desperate to bring him here.
- Speaking of Julia... You do realize the teleporter is to the right?
- Oh crap. So I sent them to...
- Don't worry. That room is closed. And since they won't get inside, they'll either come again or check elsewhere. They'll find it, with or without someone else's help.

A small, puppy - shaped digimon looked at the door closing behind it.
- Thirteen minutes thirty seven seconds. Far from the high score board - it said in a high - pitched, shaky voice.
- Spare it, Salamon. It could be way more difficult. Considering what's here? I expected much better security at this part. I could have easily made it below two minutes. But we're here after all... - A girl in a full ninja suit pointed at a small column in the middle of a square room they just walked into. There was a digivice on it. It didn't differ from the ninja's one - save for the screen not being shattered. And, naturally, for the white housing. The girl looked around then touched her mask next to the right temple. Her eyes were covered with a dark, semitransparent film. Another touch. The film was removed and another one, this time red, appeared on its place. Then another - and the red one was substituted for the orange. After a few switches the girl uncovered her eyes, only to use the black film again. Out of one of the many pockets on her belt she took out a few darkened mirrors, each the color of the film. She carefully approached a wall and placed one of the mirrors against it. A thin, black - colored light beam appeared.
- A laser made out of the negative light? Oh please... It doesn't even need a different method. It just makes some random physics professor cry right now... - The ninja pushed one of the edges. It caused a blade inside to be shot towards the floor and stabilize the mirror. She repeated it several times, redirecting a total of seven negative laser beams. Then she opened another pocket and took out more mirrors, similar but with red glass. She switched the film again and started to redirect red lasers. She then repeated it for every color of the spectrum, excluding orange. Salamon blinked.
- There are no orange ones?
- No. Didn't you notice? There are seven colors and I had to retract seven beams of each. You can't see it but they all formed a wall. One of seven identical walls.
- Three sevens?
- Exactly. Divine number guarding an item supposed to give angelic powers. And since there are already seven colors of the rainbow, they had to toss one for the black laser. It's really expensive, so rarely used. Here, at our job, nobody uses the filters...
- Or rather nobody claims to use.
- People don't have to know. Two basic ninja rules?
- First: never tell everything you know.
- I'll make a mon out of you. So, two traps to go...
- How do you know?
- Logic. One based on sevens. That leaves three and four... Pure numerology.
- You got it quickly.
- Riddles like these is what I do - the girl replied, looking down. A moment of silence occurred. Salamon started to look around too.
- Got anything? - she eventually asked.
- The tiles.
- I think I don't get it...
- They start right behind the lasers. The other part of the floor is wooden. A square inside a heptagon.
- Nice... But what with three or four? Save for the square, that is...
- Count them. Twenty seven long, twenty seven wide. That's three to the power of three. But the column is covering the middle. A nine - by - nine square. That gives three to the power of four.
- What's with them? My dibs only few are walkable.
- That's it. - The girl took down the films then put a pair of strange - looking goggles from one pocket. She put them on and stood for a while in complete silence, counting something. Then she put the goggles down. - I don't like it. Too low security for what's inside.
- A trap?
- Possibly. The footprints are only on every third tile in every third row. For now let's just presume we've got a "three". In that case a "four" will be...
The girl looked around carefully once again, this time with no lenses. After a short while she found what she was looking for. She pointed at a small ring on the ceiling. Then she looked at the floor. She found three more around the column.
- ...A thetraedrical pyramid. Its base is a triangle, inside the tile square, which is inside a laser heptagon. Said triangle holds another shape, namely a square column base.
- And... What's the pyramid's purpose?
- You've seen the edges. Force field generators. Each three of them are a triangular shield. So short - circuiting three should be enough... - The ninja took three circular boxes from another pocket, opening them and releasing three little insect - shaped robots.
- Voltage bugs?
- I've wanted to test them for a long time.
The first bug was put on the ceiling. It spun rapidly until it was facing the generator then moved towards it. When it reached the device, it sported a probe which connected to it. Sparks appeared. The other two ones were placed on the tile square, so that they didn't activate the lasers, and switched off two more generators. The thief approached the column carefully placing her feet. She reached it, stopped for a while then burst into laugh.
- And that would explain worthless defenses. That's not the Digivice of Light. That's a digivice painted white.
- How do you know it's not a real one disguised as a fake?
- Just think. The potential thief should just know about a white digivice. But we've seen one genuine already. The middlewoman's. The housing went gold then turned normal. With this paintjob they wouldn't see it flashing. And what was the reason for the meeting that made those morons wait in the corridor for hours and forced us to stay in the air vent above them?
- Oh. Right.
- That means the real thing is...
- Somewhere else?
- No, not really. The meeting was held here at first. They moved to Glare's room later. So...
- ...this room.
- Exactly. And where could something be hidden in here?
- Not in the walls. Too much work with attached lasers. that leaves the floor full of sensors, the ceiling in which a power source must be installed or...
- ...that's right. Have you noticed some of the carvings in the column being deeper? Three to be exact, one in front of me and two at forty five degrees to the left and to the right. That gives the right angle. So... - The girl gently pushed the fake Digivice of Light down. The column opened showing a hidden panel inside. One part of the board was laid down, creating a small keyboard with only eleven keys - the digits and "enter" - and small, rather primitive LED screen, with just enough room for five symbols. There were two digivice screen - sized rectangles as well as a small safe above. Salamon smiled.
- Well, well, well... What might be in there... Any ideas?
- Can't decide if the One Ring or the Deathly Hallows.
- Very funny, Nayia. Do you know a way to open it?
- We need a password but this will come later. I'm more worried about the rectangles...
Salamon frowned.
- It's the first time I've seen this. And you showed me lots of traps...
- That's because it's not a trap. It's a safety mechanism. Maybe even... a lock.
- Do we have a key then?
- I need to think. The question isn't if we have the key but what the key is.
- A digivice? I mean... If you look closely at the shape...
Nayia hit her forehead.
- Salamon, you're brilliant. Seriously, my mind must be getting out of shape if I didn't think about this myself... That's right, two digivices. Now we just have to learn...
- Whose?
- Glare and Julia's, possibly the viceleaders' ones too. That's not a problem. I'm more concerned about it needing two. But whatever. It's about the matrix. Each device has its own, unique pattern. We have to get the right ones.
- Any plan?
- No. Something better than "any" plan. - The girl took two devices looking like empty mobile phone housings.
- I haven't seen this one either... - her partner said.
- The voltage bugs got their chance so let's play with another insect. Meet the Scarabs. Good thing I took a spare one...
- What do they do?
Instead of replying the thief pressed the sides of one of the devices. An U - shaped antenna slid out, making it actually look like a beetle. The she grabbed the Scarab and put the antenna on the rectangle, scanning it carefully. Salamon noticed a spark going through the "U". Meanwhile Nayia opened the other Scarab and repeated scanning with the second lock. Then she turned to her partner, proudly presenting the devices. Their lower part, translucent a while ago, was covered in a weird, barcode - like pattern.
- They copy the keys based on the data systems inside the lock. Unfortunately, they can be used only once, but now it doesn't matter. Right now I'm holding perfect matrix copies of Julia and Glare's digivices. One thing to do.
- Password?
- Password - Nayia confirmed, putting on the very same goggles she used for checking the tiles. For a while she was just staring at the keyboard, then she let out a loud sigh.
- Is something wrong? - Salamon asked.
- That's where it gets nasty. Four buttons, excluding enter, were used and password has five digits. Usually that would mean one is used twice but they're all equally worn out.
- Are you sure?
- Are you implying I don't know what I'm doing?
- No, none of that. It's just... A little weird.
- It's not. The traps before were easy to make the potential thief less careful. This one however...
- They were easy. For you. Not for a potential thief. I think there's a difference between "easy" and "logical".
- Maybe for someone who can't use logic.
- Ninety percent of the population, that is.
- Point. Glare's really unlucky he's got the minority here.
- Now just think. What could you have missed?
Nayia looked around once again. She focused on the screen on which the code was supposed to appear. There was something wrong with the metal parts around it. With the screws to be precise. Two different threads. One plain and flat, the other plus - shaped. Especially considering a fingerprint on the latter...
- Got it. A secret button. 1, 4, 6, 7... And a plus. Now how to put them together? A hundred and twenty combinations. And this type of computer makes the decoder unusable.
- A wild guess?
- You're crazy.
- What's the chance? There's four and seven but no threes. I doubt there's a hidden meaning here...
The ninja performed a powerful facepalm. Then she pushed the plus screw and entered the rest of the code. Salamon blinked.
- What are you doing?
- Revealing a hidden meaning. - The girl stepped back, showing the code she entered. It was "+4617".
- You sure?
- Look upside down.
Salamon carefully approached the column, choosing the right tiles. The tamer lifted the digimon who then turned her head to see the password from the right angle.

"LIGHT".

- No way... - she started.
- Yes way - Nayia nodded, pressing the enter button. The screen turned green.
- I didn't see this one coming...
- I've changed my mind. Glare is a genius. He must have planned it all. And now... - The thief put the Scarabs on the locks. The safe beeped softly then opened. There was a regular digivice inside, not different from any other.
- That's... It?
- You doubt it? That can't be anything else... Now just to clean the room, take our stuff and we can...
- I'm telling you, Buggy, that's not the way it works! And no, I will not tell you why when we were... Oh, excuse me. Wrong room. - Somebody slammed the door. Nayia turned to Salamon. One could see her speechlessness even despite the ninja mask.
- The fuck was that?
- No idea! Did they see us?
- Shit...

- Stop calling me buggy. What was in there?
- I dunno... A pillar and a ninja holding a puppy.
- ...What.
- What I just said.
- Moron. What pillar? Maybe it was the darn teleporter?
- Nope. There was a digivice on it and an open safe inside. No idea what was that about. Not our business. Better think of the teleporter. Any ideas, Buggy? ...Buggy? - IRQ turned around. Tentomon was floating mid - air shocked several feet behind him.
- Tell me this did not just happen.
- This did not just happen, why?
- Remember what Greg told us about Primal Digivices? After the fight, when we were all by the campsite?
- So? What's with that?
- We... well, YOU learned about sixth one.
- You mean the light one in the... WHOOPS.
- Big whoops. And I admire your self - control. I'd use another phrase. The one starting with "f".
- Couldn't that be just a janitor?
- How many janitors dressed up as Japanese assassins have you ever seen?
IRQ didn't even try to answer that one. He placed his hand on the doorknob. He remembered everything he knew about ninjas, closed his eyes and entered the room.
He opened his eyes ten seconds later. Half an inch away from his eye there was a small dart filled with some liquid. Now however it was covered in a purple net, like everything else. IRQ moved seven feet to the left and asked Tentomon to fly inside, then he closed his eyes and immediately opened them. He heard the dart tapping the door.
- Freeze in the name of law? - he said insecurely.
- Geez, have you ever watched any cop story? Tell that and whoever's in front of you will either run away laughing or shoot you...
- Shuddup, Buggy.
- Stop calling me buggy.
Salamon looked unsurely at the tamer and Tentomon.
- Are they real? - she asked, listening to the argument. Nayia just shrugged her shoulders. As long as they had no clue she had no intention of revealing her gender because of her voice. She just sighed when she saw the guy getting zapped by Tentomon. This probably activated his brain since he activated digivice.
- Salamon, ROK/HOL/DAT - he said.
- At last I don't need to evolve. Seems good to me.
- And to me. What a predictability...
IRQ turned around. GunNumemon was standing behind him, aiming at his face.
- You... - the tamer hissed.
- Me. Of course you interrupted. Long time since I've seen such a professional work... By the way we work for the same employer so how about you finish and I take care of these two idiots?
- Yeah, come here and make me... - IRQ couldn't finish. An incredibly strong hit sounded in the back of his head. Falling down he saw Tentomon getting hit by a beam removing half of his upper limb and converting it to a data sphere before everything blurred.
- I'm done. Only to get rid of the bodies. PORT CRYSTAL!
- My brain's connected to you... - IRQ sent a thought to his digivice - so please help me. Take us to Julia. You're one of the specials, I'm sure you ca... - Everything went black. IRQ couldn't fight anymore. He lost consciousness.

- Nice photo. Who's the girl?
The redhead nervously let down the photograph. Quicker than she could react, Nayia grabbed it for her.
- What are you doing here?
- What I promised. I'm coming back... with the Digivice of Light - the thief replied, looking at the photo. It depicted two girls: the middlewoman and a much younger one, being ten, maybe eleven years old.
- That's not what I meant. I didn't know you were in here. My partner couldn't notice you and that requires a lot of skill. The person who... asked me to get the digivice... wanted to talk to you today. He'll probably be glad to hear the news.
- Thank you for the compliment. Remember I'm a ninja. I'm paid for not being noticed.
- I don't know about your other employers but I pay you for doing the job.
- Which I surely would have succeeded in if I entered Glare's room and said "hi, I'm in for the Digivice of Light, stay here for a while".
- Another gossip proven right. Tongue sharper than your shurikens...
- Trust me, you have not heard my tongue being sharp. Is that your sister?
- Why do you ask?
- I'm a curious kitty.
- Yes, you can say she is.
- So you mean that you're not related but it's a long story. That's good, 'cause I don't like listening about people's problems. Unless I'm getting paid for solving these problems, that is. I don't think I've seen the face. Is she here?
- She's on Earth. I want her here. That's why I need the Digivice of Light. So, may I offer you a drink? Coffee or tea? - the redhead asked putting two mugs on the table.
- A tea, please. I took three cups of coffee at once before the mission. For concentration, you know. Another one will take me down. Can't you ask Glare? He's your leader after all...
- I'm not even asking how do you know because probably it's a matter of details... But Glare won't help me - the middlewoman said as she poured the tea - because the orphanage we lived in iis too poor. No Internet access. I got here by accident, while I was visiting a library. And I say I've got better perspectives here than I could ever have in the human world. And I want the same thing for her.
- Noble. So you lived in an orphanage... I should say that I'm sorry for your parents but since I have no idea what happened to them, It'd be off.
- Neither do I. I never met them.
- Well, accidents happen. And, after all, you got your life straight and found somebody to bring your friend here, even though, if you ask me, you're terribly overpaying...
- That's the problem. It's not the ticket cost. They knew I could afford you, so they told me if I don't get the digivice... Well, they know the address. That's how they put it.
Nayia didn't answer. The mug slipped off her hand and loudly crashed on the floor, shattering. Salamon, silent so far, approached the table.
- Nay... You all right?
- Something wrong? - The redhead stood up. - I shouldn't have said that.
- No. That's great you told me. The employer wants to talk? Good. Put him, her or whatever on line.
The girl sighed, turned on a screen built into the wall and pressed some buttons. Nayia blinked. Her eyes were trained to see in a weak light but, contrary to the common opinion, nothing can be seen in darkness. Cats and other creatures known for their sight need the minimal amount of photons. There wasn't even that on the screen. That is, if one excluded a pair of bright yellow eyes, rectangular in shape.
- Ah. Famous Nayiama Lovecat. The most talented thief amongst the tamers. There are many deeds considered yours and some of them are quite an achievement. It's an honor to meet you. - The voice was somewhat deformed, slightly metallic. So either a machine type digimon or one in a full helmet. Not enough data.
- I wish I could say that. People who hire don't always want to meet me in person, because of obvious reasons and I respect that. But when they do, I want to know who I am talking to. Especially now, when you know and can see me.
- I understand, yet I cannot do this for a mundane reason: there are no light sources in the room I'm in. I'll tell you my name though, it will bring you no information however: Devastamon.
Nayia didn't change her expression. She knew many digimon, yet this really was a name she heard for the first time.
- You mentioned my achievements... That's funny. People consider many thefts mine. Most of them aren't. Most of mine hasn't been discovered yet.
- Well, stealing the Digivice of Light will be found rather quickly...
- Will not. Because it didn't happen.
- ...Excuse me?
- An unknown tamer interrupted me. I could easily handle him: disarm, put to sleep, even kill. Then that Numemon with mechanical parts came, I knocked the tamer senseless so he torn the partner's arm apart and teleported them somewhere. Then he teleported again and in two minutes, before I had the chance to finish, the room was full of guards. Now I'll have to wait for months before it calms down. Oh, and he said we were working for the same guy. You can thank him, I guess.
- I understand you will do your job in due time?
- I will. Don't worry about that.
- Excellent. I bid you farewell then. - The screen shut down. The girl listening to the conversation looked at Nayia fearfully.
- Did you lie to him?
- Naturally.
- So...you've got the digivice?
- Yes.
- Are you going to give it to him?
- No.
- Why?
- Listen to me now. I'm not your average living saint. If anyone knew me, and nobody does, they'd say I've no feelings, I'm a soulless tool, things like that. But I also have rules. And honor. - Nayia took down the broken digivice. Then she threw it on the ground and stepped on it. - I'll tell you one thing: if in my commission somebody threatens a child, instead of the prize they get a fucking beating of a century. Delivered by a furious ninja. Let's say that: For the cash you offered I'll bring your little sis here myself. And then I'll find the motherfucker and tear him down with my bare hands. And the toy he wants will help me. - Nayia took the digivice out of her belt pocket and put it on her right wrist. The device gleamed with white light. The new owner of the Digivice of Light smiled ominously.
- So... what now? - the redhead asked.
- Now? We need a better hideout. I'm not gonna work in this barn.

Angry roar sounded through the black castle. The green - eyed digimon, with five energy spheres of colors of Primal Tamers they were taken from circling around it, sighed loudly when steel titan's stomping stopped and Devastamon stood in front of it. GunNumemon present in the room turned around nervously.
- How can I serve you, my Lord? - he asked humbly.
- I've had enough of your servitude. Did you fight a Primal Tamer where the Digivice of Light was hidden?
- Don't be such an ignorant, Devastamon. You know well he did. You can see my little collection expanding.
- Silence. Your position do not allow you to ruin my plans. GunNumemon, what did you do to the tamer and the digimon after the fight?
- You can't even call it a fight, sir. The thief knocked the tamer out cold, I absorbed digimon's energy, then I sent them to the south pole.
- Explain to me then, how could he appear at Julia of Darkmoon's rooms, making her alarm the others?
- I can't. Could a Primal Digivice alter my portal?
- I cannot answer but it's possible. If this was the reason it means that was not your fault, although I must tell you this will delay the realization of my plans for months. Come back to your current activities.
- Current activities that require some changes to them. Devastamon, I ask you to leave the room. I need to talk to our servant on my own.
- Shall I dismiss the Assault Squad V? We won't be needing them anytime soon...
- On contrary. Initiate transporting them to their destiny. We will need a little diversion...
- It's risky.
- I am aware of that. Please, leave now.
Devastamon agreed reluctantly. As soon as he left, GunNumemon kneeled down. The green - eyed digimon looked at him.
- Don't waste your time for that. Do you believe the thief couldn't steal the device?
- She was holding it when I entered.
- So Devastamon has been deceived?
- That's possible. Shall I inform him?
- I forbid that.
- But... I vowed loyalty...
- I will explain that. The Digivice of Light cannot be brought here unless you steal the data from its digimon. And since it didn't have a tamer before... The success of the theft completely foils my plans. On the other hand we need it only for more power. Now you can prevent my actions by serving Devastamon or create a minor inconvenience for him by serving me. I hope the choice is obvious?
- Yes.
- Go to Devastamon now. Tell him it is my wish for you to go with V squad.
- But... They're sent to...
- ...To the place where the new owner of the Digivice of Light will come within few months. Until then - enjoy your holiday. You can leave now.

IRQ opened his eyes. He saw white tiles on the ceiling.
- Does every my visit here have to end in a hospital? - he mumbled.
- Seems so.
IRQ turned his head to see a worried face of Julia sitting next to his bed.
- What... - he asked weakly.
- You both teleported literally at my feet. You had a lump half as big as your head and Tentomon a data loss of over five percent and freshly wounded arm. It was three hours ago. I should be the one asking.
IRQ thought of it. He really felt as if his skull was hammered. He tried to remember anything...
- Somebody... tried to steal...
- ...the Digivice of Light, yes. What's worse, it worked. We were there five minutes after you. Defense systems untouched but the safe was empty. Glare said he pointed you towards the wrong door so we assume you got into the wrong place at the wrong time. Do you remember the thief? Anything?
IRQ carefully sat up and propped up his head in case it tried to break from his neck. He clearly remembered a ninja but he wasn't sure if it wasn't just a trick played by his mind. On the other hand, he certainly didn't think up...
- A Numemon... With mechanical parts. He said his name was GunNumemon. He wants the Primal Digivices. That's all I got. He torn Tentomon's hand. There was something else but I couldn't see it. It was behind me and hit me on the head while I was looking at the Numemon.
- Sounds like you're delirious...
- I'm still wondering if I really saw that but I think I did.
- Okay. I'm not convinced but I'll send the description. Anything else?
IRQ looked around. Save for his bed and chair occupied by Julia, it was empty.
- Tentomon.
- Don't worry. He got it nasty but it already scarred. Besides, he'll be reconverted anyway and his memory deleted. When you give your digivice back, I mean, which will happen in a few hours, as soon as you are able to go back on your own.
- You're gonna kill him? After what he did for you?
- No. Just wipe his memories from this mission and revert him to egg form.
- Oh, sorry. Kill him and then take what's left of him and make another toy which may find a tamer in a few years' time. Can't the Union give him a job?
- Even if we can, that's against the rules. Besides, what's the matter? You hate him.
- I hate many people, starting with Glare. You don't see me running after him with a knife.
Julia was silent for a long time. Finally, she stood up and turned to door.
- I see you need to be left alone. You're not thinking straight - she said before leaving and slamming the door. IRQ looked down.
- That's not what I wanted - he said quietly - I'm sorry, Buggy...
- Stop calling him buggy.
IRQ looked up. The voice was coming from the ceiling.
- Certainly not thinking straight - he murmured.
- That's nothing new. - The air vent grid fell down, crashing loudly on the floor. It was quickly followed by Grigori.
- Greg! What are you...
- News travel through Darkmoon quickly - the scout just said, helping Gabumon to get out of the vent - and if they didn't even let an "old friend" you've met three hours ago in... Well, the "old friend" had to find another entrance.
- But why?
- Something's on, can't you see? Jax unlocked a new level thanks to some scripts. It made every special digivice react, giving the tamers and digimon connected a killer headache. Not even twelve hours pass - Bang! The Digivice of Light gets stolen. And there is one person connecting the facts.
- Me.
- Exactly. A totally fresh Primal Tamer. And one that's coming back home soon. Feeling suspicious yet?
- A little but...
- Not enough suspicious? Have it your way. There's no rule forcing digimon to be deleted when tamer resigns. Buggy got a capital sentence because you might have a Primal. So you either stay to help him, giving Darkmoon control over yourself as long as they can neither confirm nor deny that, or you go anyway, giving Julia what we know IS a Primal Digivice. That's a win-win, don't you think?
- Unless we take a third option.
- That is?
IRQ pulled a small badge out of his pocket and gave it to Greg.
- Dude, you're genius.
- I know.
- You sure you didn't steal the Digivice of Light?
- What the heck do I need the second one for?

Two tamers were sitting in the room Tentomon was recovering in. They had no digimon to prevent abuse. Tentomon himself could do nothing because of data loss nobody was eager to fix. That didn't mean he didn't know what was going on. Julia explained it to him. IRQ signed the execution and gave them the digivice. Healing him now would be throwing the data away. Not that he wouldn't agree to that if he was in his tamer's situation... But he expected something else. They might not like each other, but he seemed okay. He even helped Tentomon to digivolve. Twice the same day! Well, too bad that life sucks. He didn't even look at the door when he heard it opening. The voice speaking about the guards change seemed familiar but he couldn't gather strength to think about whose voice it might be. It didn't matter anyway...
- That's true, we're here for too long... But Julia didn't mention we were going to get changed.
- We've got this one. - The newcomer showed a small Darkmoon badge he was holding. - It's hers. If you don't believe us, just take it to her.
- No, come on. We believe you. And your digimon?
- Somewhere in the building. They were told to stay outside of this.
- Yep, enough. Johann, let's go. Good luck guys.
- Thanks. But what could happen?
- Exactly nothing...
The door closed, entirely ignored by Tentomon again. So was the tamer that approached him.
- Uuuh... That's a plague. Got any data backup?
- How am I supposed to?
- Open the vent then. Just keep it quiet with Gabumon. Speaking of which... Dude, got the map already?
- No problem. It should be in your digivice.
- I'll check it. But for now let's charge our undead guy...
Tentomon looked up weakly. He just saw a bright light and felt energy flow through his body. Several seconds and he was strong enough to stand up. He looked around.
- Thanks, Greg... But what is HE doing here? Checking on the sentence? Performing execution?
- The heck are you talking about, Buggy? - IRQ was outright confused.
- Stop playing. Julia told me. Everything. You want me deleted.
IRQ looked at Greg.
- I don't like her game - he said.
- Buggy, I may assure you, we overheard IRQ talking to Julia. She said the rules stated so, which wasn't true, so IRQ told her off. She got mad and left. Something's wrong with her and it's about the Primal Digivices. So, are you with us?
- I don't get it. You don't wanna get rid of me?
- You promised to take me home at all costs. I think you overpaid though.
- You know, I've been a mercenary for some time. I'll tell you rule number one: no one gets left behind. I'll ask again. Are you with us, Buggy?
Tentomon finally realized something.
- Call me buggy one more goddamn time and you will be the ones left behind.
IRQ yawned.
- Whatever. Let's start the operation Free Buggy!
- ...I hate you so much.
- I'm glad. Now get into the vent.
- What?
- What you just heard. Do you think we can use doors?
The tamers not without an effort went after Tentomon, then Greg closed the grate. Then he ordered the others to stay quiet and follow him. He turned on the map Gabumon got and started moving.
- Where are we going? - IRQ asked after a short crawling.
- To the portal room. For now you'll camp in your home. Then we will... - He quickly stopped. With a single gesture he told the others to stay quiet and put his ear on the vent. IRQ did the same thing.
- I still think this is wrong - Glare's voice said.
- I know... But you've been outvoted - Julia replied.
- Accusations are not enough. This way before we find one, half of our best tamers will be out of the picture. That's not how it works. Can't we just let it be?
- Are you crazy?
- No. When one of these was caged, we had a reason. Now we have neither. Let's just let the kids act.
- We don't know how their acting will end...
- The risk's on me. I suspect two, maybe three tamers and they're all people I'd entrust my life to. These digivices cannot make wrong choices.
- Why leave choosing who's above the others to machine?
- And why being as wrong as human? Do you want to make another personal army under your orders out of the Primal Tamers? No, I won't allow that. Leader's veto. I have the right to do that.
- Glare, do you want a war?
- So you're threatening me now?
- No. I'm warning you.
- I have nothing else to say then.
IRQ heard the videoconference ending. Greg started to crawl at double speed, so the tamer sped up to catch up to him. Luckily, the portal was just a few rooms away in an empty room. Grigori carefully opened the vent and helped the others to go out.
- What was that about? - IRQ asked.
- From what I've got, the Union wants the Primals for themselves. The Union - but not Glare. They want to get rid of suspects, like you two now. And I have a feeling we're on the lists with Jax...
- What are we gonna do?
- We? Nothing. Not your thing. I'll call the others. We'll piss the Union by taking your digivice, the one and only they're sure about, and hiding it. And for now... Connect your digivice to the console and enter the port_homeserv command.
IRQ listened to him. The teleport activated and the four entered it. After it went off, Greg looked at the new location and whistled.
- Somebody, who's gonna spend a total of less than an hour here gets a tropical beach... Geez, I still can't get a place anywhere in the mountainside...
- Cool story, bro.
- Shuddup, Buggy.
- Stop ca... uh, never mind. What now?
- It's plannin' time. Greg, will you help us?
- Do I have a choice?
- Point. - IRQ came first, crossing the corridor and entering the ladder. - If I recall correctly, all the rooms are... - he dried up as he saw a blonde - haired girl in black clothes working on the computer. She heard him and turned around much faster than an untrained human being would be able to. She looked at him in disbelief. From the chair behind her a puppy digimon jumped down... Salamon.
- You... - the girl hissed, reaching one of many pockets on her belt. IRQ knew right away she's about to use weapons but he had no idea how to react. Surprisingly, Tentomon saved the day.
- What's up, ran out of brainpower to talk? Or just... Ah, you're with a lady. Pardon me.
- Tentomon. Try to think. Look at her.
- What are you... Oh crap.
- The two clowns again? - Salamon asked resentfully.
- Any problems up there? - Greg asked, entering the ladder.
- And kinda big ones... - IRQ replied, looking at shurikens in blonde's hand. Greg and Gabumon jumped at the floor the second IRQ closed his eyes. When he opened them, he saw a shuriken about ten inches away from his face. He was starting to get used to it.
- That trick's getting boring - Tentomon said.
- This trick just saved my rear for the fourth time so spare it - the tamer replied, making two steps to the right. He closed his eyes and opened them in the same second. He couldn't help the feeling that's way too much time for a ninja.
- So who's the lady? - the mercenary asked.
- Sorry but I don't know her name. Said lady stole the Digivice of Light, putting us in the crap we're in now. Oh, and she's trying to kill me - the response sounded. The girl was visibly surprised by how IRQ "teleported" but it didn't affect her concentration.
- Good luck taking it back!
Greg sighed
- Friend, I'm not gonna complain, but we've been in trouble because of you. Big trouble. Why do you need that toy? Can't you get a normal model?
- I'm not a friend of yours. And I have my reasons. I don't have to confess to you. Besides... - The girl took out more shurikens so quickly IRQ hardly noticed the movement - ...I still have an advantage.
- I wouldn't say so. - Greg stepped forward. IRQ noticed he was holding a short knife. He slashed the air a few times, moving with a speed comparable to the thief's, then stood in the throwing position. - I assume you, as I can see a ninja warrior, are faster than me. On your side there is one digimon able to perform a physical attack. We've got two with range attacks. Are you sure you will be able to kill me, dodge a thrown knife, a fire blast and a high voltage beam at the same time? And I'm wondering what was so important it nearly caused a digimon to get killed?
The blonde dropped her weapons. She was furious.
- I tell you what was more important than getting a monster deleted and reborn a week later. Saving human's life. You want to take it? Have a go. One life on your hands for free. Or rather two, because I am not going to leave it this way. - The digivice turned white. Three beams of light created a snow white Y-Digivice in the girl's hand.
- And now we're so totally f...
- That's not helping, Buggy.
- Stop calling me buggy.
The ninja rolled her eyes.
- Are you done? Well, I can't do a thing in human fight, let's go for digimon then. Salamon!
- I'm on it. Salamon digivolve to...
The puppy was covered in light. IRQ expect the effect to be the size of their room but the body almost didn't grow. The tail lengthened taking a shape of a cable ended with a brush. The ears became bigger too, pointy and stiff, also with brushes on the top each. The front paws expanded, revealing claws. The data showed the fur on the tail to be purple with white stripes, as a gold ring appeared near the end, and on the rest of the body to be all white, different from Salamon's beige. The claws were ripping through weird green gloves with orange tiger stripes. The most surprising, however, was the head. IRQ realized Salamon... turned from a dog to a cat.
- ... Gatomon.
- Much better - the girl smiled. IRQ scanned the digimon. Gatomon, CHM/HOL/VAC.
- That little thing... is a champion level?
- Remember Thunderballmon? - Tentomon asked.
- Don't even remind me.
- Just give up and go away. The portal is being reprogrammed so you won't get here again. - The thief raised her right hand in which she was still holding the Y - Digivice. - This is a Primal Digimon. Even at two against one I don't think your future will be... bright.
- Ba-dum! Tshhh!
- Shut it, Buggy - IRQ said and, not even waiting for the standard, much abused reply, he looked at Greg. He looked back. They both burst into laughter.
- Oh my. A Primal Tamer. We'll die.
- What are we, poor things, going to do now?
- Maybe... Counter it? - IRQ and Greg at the same moment raised their hands. Energy beams made two another Y - shaped devices to materialize. Both opponents stood there, shocked.
- I did not expect that - Gatomon said.
- The fuck.
- What now?
- How about the two of you giving up instead?
- Nope, I don't think so!
IRQ looked at another ladder. Another girl, shorter and red - haired jumped down from it. She approached the others and stood in the same position, with right hand straight. She was holding a golden Y - Digivice.
- I did not expect that - IRQ said.
- The fuck.
- I'd like to note - the newcomer said - that we can clearly see you and your digimon. My partner, on the other hand, might be anywhere in this room. Do anything she won't like and she'll attack. And I assure you, she can pack a punch. Put it down before you hurt somebody because chances are that somebody would be you.
IRQ sighed and dropped the digivice, which turned into light and disappeared into his wrist. A short while later Grigori did the same thing.
- Ok. I'm lost. Who's winning, who's against who and why is everyone still standing?
- Keep sleeping, Buggy.
- Stop calling me buggy.
The redhead stepped forward.
- Seriously though, the Buggy...
- Oh come on!
- ...The Tentomon is right. What the hell is going on? Who are you and how did you get there?
- That's easy. One of them saw me "at work". He got hurt, now that he feels better he asked his friend, found me somehow and came after me. You don't have to tell anything, I know that's the truth. - The blonde entered the command on her digivice. The voice, informing that "Partner digimon has been successfully level - locked in: champion level", could be heard. - Well, at last. We don't have to worry about Salamon form.
- Thanks.
IRQ decided he should say something.
- You know you're not the reason we're here?
- Sure thing. Anything else?
- Yes. We're here because it's my house?
- Nice try. the owner went back to the human world few hours ago, he gave back the digivice and the digimon was reset. Even the data has been cleared. Not even a photo left, just his nickname.
- I'm IRQ, nice too meet you. I, sent to Earth, am standing in front of you with the turned back digivice on my hand and the deleted digimon above my head. Next, please.
- What the fuck.
- Now I'm the one asking. What are you doing in my house?
- Well, it's not yours anymore. I reprogrammed coordinating script, changed passwords, scripts and the location. Check the window.
IRQ listened. His house was still on the water. It just wasn't the tropical island anymore. They were in the middle of a forest lake.
- Dude, they fucking stole your house - Greg summed up.
- You don't say... I just don't know, why.
- We really need a workplace. As I said, a matter of life and death - the blonde replied.
- I can live with that. Need a roommate?
- You? Here? Go screw yourself.
- What? Me? No, nope. Buggy.
- Who will what now?
- I'm coming home. But since I'm a Primal Tamer, what the Union suspects anyway, they want my digivice and him dead. In this case...
- In this case I say I didn't sign up for this and want to live. And we agree to flip the Union and take away their precious digivice. Also, stop calling me buggy.
- Now I'm lost too. What are you two planning? - Greg asked.
- The ladies here probably don't want the Union to know about their whereabouts, too. So how about planting Bu... TENTOMON... here and giving them my digivice for keeps.
- Just one thing. How are you going to prove said Tentomon is not a mole supposed to bring the Union's army in?
- Why would he? He got a capital just because. I wouldn't go for cooperation were I him.
- Not really convincing...
- He'll do half the chores here?
Tentomon raised his head.
- Now WHAT?
- Well, we can ask Julia if she has free rooms. I heard the annihilator is comfy.
- I like vacuuming. Really like it. And washing up. Yep. Washing up is cool. Do you have a kitchen? Cause if you do...
- Enough. - The blonde furrowed her eyebrows. She didn't seem to like the idea. Her friend, on the other hand, was deep in thoughts.
- So we get the third original one as long as we babysit the ladybug boy? Deal.
- Does every single Primal Tamer have to think up a hopeless nickname for me?
- Don't get mad... Buggy.
- AAAAAARGH!
The ninja turned to her roommate.
- Think about it. That seems too easy.
- That's our part of the deal. One time we catch him doing anything suspicious, one time the Union does anything he could have helped with to us - he'll beg them for a reset before we get him.
- As far as my well - being is concerned, that's legitimate. My part of the deal: aggression attacks when I'm called buggy are allowed.
- No.
- Aw, damn. Well, it was worth a try.
- What did we just get ourselves into... Anything else?
IRQ suddenly remembered one important detail.
- Yes. GunNumemon. But since you're working for the same guy...
- You mean the cannon slug that took you down in one hit? - The blonde asked. - We WERE working. What's up with him?
- He hunts down the Primal Tamers. Do NOT fight him. Under no circumstances.
- Why wouldn't we? He doesn't look so strong. It's a Numemon after all.
- Your kitty doesn't look strong either. Get the point?
- How hard is he?
- Three champions of Primal Tamers couldn't scratch him. And he's also a champion.
- Right. Be careful with the Slugonator. Noted.
- I think that's all.
Greg, silent for the most of the dialogue, now looked at his friend.
- IRQ, one thing. How are you going to get to the human world without the Union noticing? There are only two legitimate portals. Sunshine and Darkmoon.
- I'm glad you asked. You need four regular digivices to teleport anywhere on the planet?
- So? Do you want to get right to the portal? Won't work. It's password protected and only the leader can use it.
- No, that's not it. We have four Primal Digivices. Enough to jump one dimension further?
- Hell knows.
- We'll test it. Anyone got coordinates?
- Are... are you crazy? What if...
- My risk, I'll take it. - IRQ turned one of the computers on and found the data he wanted. He only had to change one coordinate... He smiled. Google Maps got all the coordinates of his city for him. He entered them into his digivice and somehow he turned the teleporter on. He wasn't sure how. Then he entered the data as the destination, which caused the message to appear: "Connect 3 or more devices to initiate". No problem.
- Now what? - the redhead asked.
- Ready. We can start.
- I'm not gonna lay a finger on this one. - Greg stood a little back with his arms folded.
- I'll be needing your wrist, not your fingers.
- Can't you just stay here and...
- Enough. I don't want to. I'm here for the second time and two groups are trying to hunt me down. The first... Oh God, please don't make me remember. Every time I'm here, the worst things happen. Please, just let me go.
- Have it your way. - Greg connected his digivice to the system, followed by both girls. A small portal appeared on the floor.
- It's not that big... - the redhead noted.
- That's what she said!
- Shut your face, Tentomon. It must be using up much more energy than same world ones. Well, I gotta go then. - IRQ took off his digivice and gave it to the blonde. - In your hands. Good luck at whatever. Kick Buggy's butt from me every now and then.
- Deal.
- I'll miss all the unneeded violence I could use on you.
- I won't. Wish you luck though. Greg, take the others. Up for the slug?
- Aye aye, sir. Have a good trip.
- Ok, I'm out - the ex - Primal Tamer finished, jumping into the hole. It closed after a short while. Greg looked down on the spot it used to be.
- I'll be going, too. I still have no clue... but good luck.
- Thanks. Same to you.

Meanwhile on Earth, in a city like many others, in a dark alley looking just like every other one a noise made by knocked down trash cans and an obligatory scared cat meowing could be heard. A teenage boy left the alley, dusting himself down. He looked around then smiled widely. At last he was home...

================================/

And with this optimistic accent we end the first arc. See you soon in arc 2: Child left behind, in chapter 8. I'm not going to give the title, as it may contain minor spoilers.

Anyway, IRQ's home, so I guess he's out of the picture… At least for a while. The second arc will feature some old characters, some new and a lot of action, compared to the first. It will give more focus to Nayia and her still unnamed friend, which happen to be two most interesting female characters in the story, and their business in the human world. It's possible for the "Assault Squad V" mentioned in this chapter to appear but I'm not going to get into details.

Speaking of Nayia, I'm proud of her. She's the best character to write. Well, for one, she's a ninja. And a pretty good ninja to that. You'll learn all the other reasons soon, don't worry.

And I liked the traps in the Digivice of Light's room. It shows that Glare actually knew what he was doing.

One thing I don't like is that the Union's attitude seems too random. Like they haven't actually decided what to do after the threatening. I hope to clear it out soon, but I'm not sure if I can put it the right way.

And once again I humbly ask for feedback. Don't leave me in suspense, write anything, please :)

Disclaimer: The "Digimon" franchise belongs to Bandai. I do not claim ownership. The text above is non-profit and written only for entertainment purposes.