Lost and Found

Chapter Nine

Mervamon paced, wondering how Mewtwo's reunion with Renamon was going. She had been tempted to go check, but then just as quickly dismissed the thought. It would be rude to just interrupt, especially since they had been separated for a while. Mervamon wondered what it must be like, to have someone special who cared that much for you that he would be willing to do anything for you. She envied Renamon. Despite her tough girl facade, Mervamon was a romantic at heart, which was half the reason she had agreed to help Mewtwo find Renamon, the other half being the Council's orders.

Nearby, Beelzemon was waiting patiently, occasionally glancing over to where Mewtwo was meeting Renamon. Mervamon wondered if, like her, he was curious how things were going with them, too. For a moment, her gaze lingered on him, almost admiring him. He was so strong and confident, she admired that...She shook her head, reminding herself that she was still mad at him for interfering with her assignment.

"Something wrong," Beelzemon asked.

"No. Just wondering how things are going over there," Mervamon replied.

"I'm sure everything is alright," Beelzemon said. "Though I still can't help but wonder why Renamon was here of all places."

"Yeah, I can't help but wonder, too," Mervamon agreed.

Mewtwo could only stare at the infant Digimon, unable to speak. His daughter? He had a child? After a moment, he finally found his voice.

"How? How did this happen? I mean, I know how it happens, but..."

"I've thought about that since she was born," Renamon said. "And I could only come up with one logical conclusion: The Unknown. We blacked out in their temple and three days had passed, remember? I think somewhere in between those three days, she was conceived. At least, that's what I think."

"But why would," Mewtwo began, but then abruptly stopped. "Of course. You and I had been discussing having children just before we entered the temple. The Unknown must have sensed that and they...must have given us the chance to...Ahem. I suppose that would be the most logical answer." Once more, he gazed down at the sleeping infant. "I can't believe it. We have a child. We actually have a child of our own."

"Would you like to hold her," Renamon asked. She knelt down and scooped the baby Digimon out of the basket and placed her in Mewtwo's arms.

Mewtwo held her carefully, watching as Merenamon dozed in his arms, snuggling against him.

"I think she knows who you are," Renamon said, smiling. "I wonder if she has psychic powers like you."

"She does," Mewtwo said. "I can sense it. I can feel her reaching out to me."

Renamon stood next to him, gazing down at their daughter. Both she and Mewtwo felt a sense of pride and happiness. They had a family now. They were complete.

"Hey, here they come," Mervamon said, noticing Mewtwo and Renamon approaching. She also noticed that Mewtwo was holding something.

"Mervamon," Renamon greeted. "It's good to see you again. Mewtwo told me you brought him here. I can't thank you enough for helping him." She fell silent as she spotted Beelzemon. "And you must be Beelzemon. I've heard of you."

"I've heard quite a lot about you as well, Renamon," Beelzemon said.

"Mewtwo, is that...a baby," Mervamon asked, peering closer at the bundle in Mewtwo's arms. "Oh, my gosh, it is! She's so cute! Is she...yours? When were you going to tell me you and Renamon had a baby?"

"I actually just found out a few minutes ago," Mewtwo said. "Meet Merenamon."

"Pokemon and Digimon can have children together," Beelzemon asked. "I didn't think that was possible."

"Well, that makes two of us," Renamon said. "To be honest, I wasn't sure if it was possible either. But it seems it is. And I couldn't be more glad."

"So, how does it feel to be a daddy, Mewtwo," Mervamon asked.

"It's a bit overwhelming," Mewtwo said. "But in a good way. It's unlike anything I've ever felt before."

"Well, now we know why you were here, Renamon," Mervamon said. "You were looking after this little bundle of joy here." She turned to Mewtwo. "Well, Mewtwo, seeing as you found Renamon, there's no need for me to stick around. I'll be sure to let the Council know you're settling in just fine. Congratulations to both of you and I hope everything works out for you." She turned to Beelzemon, pulling him along. "Let's go, Beelzemon."

"What's the hurry," Beelzemon asked.

"I'm giving them some private time," Mervamon said. "I doubt they want us hanging over their shoulders."

"Have you forgotten we're both under orders from the Council to keep an eye on Mewtwo," Beelzemon reminded her.

"So we'll check up on him later," Mervamon said. "Besides, our orders were mostly to ascertain whether he was a threat to the Digital World or not. And psychic powers not withstanding, I don't think we have to worry about him."

"Well, I suppose you have a point," Beelzemon conceded. "But I'm a bit concerned about their child. A Pokemon/Digimon hybrid? Will the Council approve of such a thing?"

"A little late for that," Mervamon said. "And so what? Mewtwo's not all that different from a Digimon. I honestly don't see the problem."

"I'm concerned how DNA from a powerful Pokemon like Mewtwo might interact with a Digimon's DNA," Beelzemon said. "That child could grow up to be incredibly powerful given her heritage."

"Again, so what," Mervamon said. "The Digital World's full of powerful beings, several of which govern the place. Look, would you stop worrying? I highly doubt the Council's going to raise a fuss about this."

"I hope you're right," Beelzemon said. "But don't forget, BanchoGolemon has pretty much sworn a vendetta against Mewtwo. If he should come after him..."

"That will be the biggest mistake of BanchoGolemon's life," Mervamon said. "Now that they have a child, both Mewtwo and Renamon will defend her fiercely. There's nothing more dangerous than protective parents, especially when it comes to those two."

Beelzemon pondered on that for a moment and then nodded. Mervamon was right. Swanmon alone was a force to be reckoned with when she defended the Baby Digimon and they weren't even her own children. If anyone threatened Mewtwo and Renamon's child, it would be at their own peril.

"I suppose that's true," he spoke aloud. "All the same, we should probably keep an eye on them, if only to help them just in case he does show up again. After all, BanchoGolemon has much to answer for with the Council."

Mervamon nodded. "And I'll be looking forward to dealing with him. I don't like being thrown off a mountain."

A short time later, night had settled in, and both Mewtwo and Renamon were enjoying the quiet evening with their daughter. Merenamon had awakened from her nap and was now more active. Mewtwo was delighted to see she had violet colored eyes just like him and now they stared up at him, curious but at the same time happy. She knew who he was alright. He could feel her psychic aura reaching out to him, her thoughts speaking to his own. Mewtwo felt a surge of pride. So this was what it felt like to be a parent.

"I meant to ask," he said to Renamon. "When was she born?"

"Well, I arrived here at Primary Village about a month ago," Renamon said. "Shortly after I got here, I gave birth. After two weeks, she hatched from her egg. I've been raising her here ever since."

"How long was it before you knew you were expecting," Mewtwo asked.

"I'd say maybe a month after returning," Renamon said. "Or at the very least I began to suspect. When I was certain, I laid low for a while, knowing that it wouldn't be wise to engage in battle while I was with child. When I was close enough, I came to Primary Village and told Swanmon I was expecting a Digi-Egg. So I stayed until I had it. And I've been here ever since." She smiled as Merenamon snuggled against Mewtwo, making a slight murring noise of content. "I was a bit concerned how she would react to you, but it seems she's doing just fine. I think part of it is her psychic ability."

"I think so too," Mewtwo said, caressing his daughter's head.

"You know, Mewtwo, you still haven't told me how you managed to get here," Renamon said. "I don't suppose Palkia and Dialga changed their minds, did they?"

"Ha! As if," Mewtwo replied. "Though I did try to talk to them. And by talk to them I mean force them to open a way to the Digital World. That didn't go so well. After I managed to get out of there with my life intact, I went all over trying to find another way to reach the Digital World. But everywhere I went, I just found dead ends. I was beginning to think I would never find a way here, when help arrived from an unexpected source."

Mewtwo then went on to explain to Renamon about Looker contacting him about Charon's offer, leading up to the portal bringing him here, the meeting with Koromon, Greymon, and Growlmon and the battle against Kuwagumon, reuniting with Leomon, Gatomon, and WhiteTigramon, his meeting with Myotismon, his encounter with Digitamamon, meeting Mervamon, and the battle on Infinity Mountain with BanchoGolemon.

"You really went through a lot to get here," Renamon said after he had finished his story. "I can't believe you actually ran into BanchoGolemon. He's quite a notorious Digimon."

"So I've been told," Mewtwo said. "Mervamon and Beelzemon told me he's wanted by the Council."

"And for good reason," Renamon said. "He and his gang are troublemakers. They've defied the Council numerous times, attacking towns and innocent bystanders just for fun."

"I was told he had a gang," Mewtwo said. "Four other Mega Level Digimon, if I recall correctly."

"That's right," Renamon said. "As it is, BanchoGolemon isn't the leader of the gang. That would be BanchoLeomon. Think of him as the opposite of the Leomon you know. Then there's BanchoLilymon, a plant-like Digimon. There's also BanchoStingmon an insect Digimon and finally, BanchoMamemon, the smallest of the group, but by no means a pushover. Chances are BanchoGolemon will probably rejoin the others and come after you."

"Yes, he pretty much told me I hadn't seen the last of him," Mewtwo said. "Normally I wouldn't worry about myself, but now that I have a daughter..." He glanced down at Merenamon who gazed back up at him with wide eyes. No doubt she sensed his concern.

"If they do show up, I'll make them regret it," Renamon said. "I just got you back, Mewtwo, and I'm not letting some Digi-punks ruin our lives for some stupid vendetta. And it will be even worse for them if they threaten our child."

Mewtwo nodded. If these Bancho Digimon did threaten his daughter, no power in the Digital World would be able to save them from both his and Renamon's wrath.

"I won't let anything happen to you," Mewtwo said to Merenamon. "I promise."

A small smile came across the Baby Digimon's face. She gave a soft murring sound, letting her father know that she understood perfectly and that she trusted him.

"So, I have to ask," Renamon said after a moment. "Whatever happened to the human Charon?"

"I don't know," Mewtwo said. "Either he didn't make it through the portal or we got separated upon arrival. I suppose it doesn't matter. If he made it here, then chances are he probably doesn't care what became of me so long as he gets the chance to study the Digital World."

"You don't think he'll be able to cause trouble, do you," Renamon asked, taking Merenamon from him. The Baby Digimon murred in content as she settled into her mother's arms.

"I don't think so," Mewtwo replied. "He's an old man with no access to computers or any other technology that could be used to stir up trouble. And as I said, it's possible he never even made it through the portal at all. I suppose in time we'll know for certain. So, Renamon, how long will we remain here in Primary Village?"

"Well, since Merenamon is doing alright," Renamon replied. "And now that you're here, we could leave anytime."

"But where would we go," Mewtwo asked. "Where could we live? I'm not so sure raising a baby in the wild would be a good idea. I've seen first hand just how dangerous the Digital World is."

"Which is precisely why I have the perfect place in mind," Renamon said. "There's a place called File City, just a few days from here. It's actually more of a town than a city, but the Digimon there are friendly and the leader of the town is a wise old Digimon named Jijimon. We could go live there."

"File City, huh," Mewtwo mused. "Well, if you say it will be an ideal place to live, then I will take your word for it. I could fly us there rather than walk. It would take less time that way."

"Sounds good to me," Renamon said. She looked down at Merenamon who had fallen asleep in her arms. "I think she has the right idea. We should probably get some sleep."

Mewtwo nodded. After all the excitement he'd had today he was ready for some sleep. Both he and Renamon settled down on the soft ground, Merenamon snuggled in between them, sleeping soundly. Soon they were asleep, happy to be together again.

Elsewhere...

"So, Mewtwo found Renamon, did he?"

"Yes, Emperor Greymon," Mervamon said. Mervamon had just returned to the Council Chambers to make her report. Upon arriving, she had sought out Emperor Greymon, whom she answered directly to, and immediately told him what had transpired.

"At the moment he's in Primary Village with her. I know I was assigned to keep an eye on him, but I felt it best to let him and Renamon be alone with each other."

"I think we've established that he means no harm," Emperor Greymon replied. "After his heroic battle against the renegade Emperor Leomon I would say he's earned the respect and trust of the Council. And the right to live here." He frowned. "Though I'm sure there will be one or two objections from a few members of the Council. But I suppose it is inevitable. Was there anything else to report, Mervamon?"

"Yes," Mervamon answered almost reluctantly. "It seems that Mewtwo and Renamon...have a child."

"A child," Emperor Greymon said, a surprised tone in his voice.

"He knew nothing about it until he had reunited with Renamon," Mervamon said. "It certainly surprised me, too. My guess is she was conceived just prior to Renamon's return to the Digital World." She fell silent, waiting to see what Emperor Greymon had to say.

"A Pokemon/Digimon hybrid," he mused. "I never imagined it was possible. That child could grow to be quite strong one day." He suddenly noticed Mervamon seemed tense. "You can relax, Mervamon. I'm not upset by this news. Far from it."

"Really? I was worried that the Council might not like the idea of a...hybrid child," Mervamon said.

Emperor Greymon waved a dismissive claw. "First of all, the child is already born. There's nothing that can be done about that. Second, as I've stated, Mewtwo has more than earned the Council's trust so I won't begrudge him starting a family. And I'm sure most of the Council will agree, with a few notable exceptions."

Mervamon had a feeling she knew who those exceptions would be.

"But right now," Emperor Greymon continued. "My main concern is BanchoGolemon. The fact that he's finally surfaced after all this time has me worried. We haven't seen or heard anything from him or his allies for some time. I have a feeling the Bancho Gang will soon be returning. And if that's the case we'll need to be ready to deal with them. For now, I'd like you to continue keeping an eye on Mewtwo. I feel the Banchos will target him in retaliation for defeating BanchoGolemon."

"I think so, too," Mervamon concurred. "I'll head out immediately."

"One more thing, Mervamon," Emperor Greymon said. "I've learned that a human did come through with Mewtwo, though it seems they got separated. The human is currently in File City. Jijimon is keeping an eye on him, as is LadyDevimon."

Mervamon grimaced. She wasn't all that fond of LadyDevimon.

"For the moment, the Council will just watch over this human," Emperor Greymon said. "If, however, he starts to cause trouble, he will have to be dealt with. That being the case, I've sent word to some of our agents to also keep an eye on him. Knowing LadyDevimon, I wouldn't put it past her to attack the human just for the fun of it."

"That's understandable," Mervamon said.

"Well, then, Mervamon, I'll let you be on your way," Emperor Greymon said. "Be careful out there. I don't have to remind you how dangerous the Banchos are. And be sure to give my regards to Mewtwo. Perhaps one day I'll have the chance to meet him and thank him personally for his help."

Mervamon nodded. "I'll be sure to do that, sir."

With that, she turned and exited the chamber. After she was gone, Emperor Greymon made his way towards the meeting room where the other Council members would be waiting. He needed to inform them of what Mervamon had told him regarding the Bancho Digimon. At the moment that took priority over everything else. If any inquiries came up about Mewtwo, then he would tell them. But for now, that could wait. Right now, the Banchos were the Council's biggest concern. He just hoped Mewtwo, Renamon and their child would be safe from the wrath of BanchoGolemon and his gang.

End of Chapter Nine...