Lost and Found

Chapter Twelve

The next day...

Deep in the forest, not more than several miles from File City, a group of Goblimon and their leader, Ogremon, were pursuing a lead which they hoped would lead them to Mewtwo. Earlier they had questioned, or rather, threatened, some Rookie Digimon and they had revealed they had seen a creature matching Mewtwo's description in File City. Now they were on their way there to confirm if the information was accurate.

"Lets get a move on," Ogremon said. "I want to get to File City before anyone else does. If anyone's going to get the reward it's me."

"Don't you mean ''us'', boss," a Goblimon asked.

"I know what I said," Ogremon snarled. "Now move it!"

Grumbling, the Goblimon did as they were told. As they marched through the forest, Ogremon was busy visualizing what he would do with the reward the Bancho Digimon would give him. Perhaps he would treat himself to a fancy dinner at one of Digitamamon's restaurants There was also the new spa and hot spring resort that had just opened up recently. Perhaps he might go there for a soak and get a massage from some pretty Digi-ladies. He could barely contain his excitement.

"Hey! I think someone's coming!"

Ogremon snapped out of his daydream. "Huh? What's that?"

"I said, I think someone's coming," Goblimon said.

"Quick, get out of sight," Ogremon ordered.

Moving quickly, the Goblimon and Ogremon hid themselves among the bushes. Peering cautiously from his hiding place, Ogremon soon saw who was approaching...

"So Mewtwo and Renamon are at File City," Gatomon asked.

"That's right," Leomon replied.

"But how do you know," WhiteTigramon asked. "You just told us we're going to File City to see them but you have yet to tell us just how you know they're there."

"I'm not sure how I know," Leomon said. "I just feel that we'll find them there. I know it sounds strange."

"Well, I'm sure we'll find out soon enough once we arrive," Gatomon said. "I gotta say, I'm anxious to see Renamon. I can't wait to tell her how much I missed her. Then I'm going to give her a piece of my mind for running off and worrying us!"

WhiteTigramon hid a smile. "It will be nice to be reunited with our two friends again."

As they passed by, they failed to notice Ogremon and his gang hiding nearby. After they were gone, Ogremon emerged from his hiding place.

"Did you hear that," Goblimon said. "They said that Mewtwo guy is in File City. We should go tell the Banchos."

"Idiot," Ogremon snapped. "They said they think he's there. They didn't know for certain. We need to go there and find out for ourselves. Now, lets go."

With that, they followed after Leomon and his two companions towards File City.

In File City, Mewtwo and Renamon, along with Merenamon were getting a tour of their new home from Jijimon.

"Over there we have what we call our Market area," Jijimon pointed out. "You can buy food there as well as other things, such as medicine, clothing or even furniture."

"But we don't have any money," Mewtwo said. "We won't be able to purchase anything."

"Oh, don't worry about that," Jijimon said. "There are ways to earn money around here. But we'll worry about that later. Now, over there, we have restaurants and diners where you can get all kinds of delicious meals. I'm sure you'll enjoy them."

"Just as long as there's no egg-like Digimon running them," Mewtwo muttered, remembering his encounter with Digitamamon.

"Then we have a hospital over there," Jijimon continued. He turned to Merenamon and smiled at her. "So if anyone has any aches or tummy problems, that's where you'll go."

Merenamon murred, smiling back at Jijimon.

"Jijimon," Mewtwo spoke up, as they resumed the tour. "There's something I think I should tell you. Apart from that incident involving LadyDevimon, I've also encountered another problem. Namely a Digimon named BanchoGolemon."

Jijimon stopped walking and turned around to face Mewtwo. "You had a run in with one of the Bancho Digimon?"

"Unfortunately, yes," Mewtwo replied. "I encountered him on Mount Infinity. Mervamon and Beelzemon helped me fight him off, but he vowed revenge on me. I fear he and his gang might come after me. And if that happens, there may be an attack on this town."

"Mewtwo, I understand where you're going with this," Jijimon said. "But don't worry. The fact of the matter is, there's always a chance this town could be attacked. The Bancho Digimon have been a problem for some time now and they have attacked here before. And they're not the only ones. There are other powerful and dangerous Digimon lurking out there always waiting to strike."

"And yet you don't sound worried," Mewtwo said.

"Because when push comes to shove, this town bands together to stand up to the likes of the Banchos," Jijimon said. "And there are other Digimon who will help, such as the Council. And then there's you and Renamon. As long as we stand together then there's nothing we can't do. So don't let it bother you, Mewtwo. Everything will work out just fine. Now, then, shall we continue the tour?"

And with that, they resumed their tour of the city. Mewtwo felt some comfort from Jijimon's words, but he also still felt a bit apprehensive. The last thing he wanted was to bring trouble to this town and it's inhabitants. He had witnessed firsthand how strong BanchoGolemon was. And there were four other Digimon like him. What if all five of them decided to show up and attack? Would there be any hope of stopping them. He looked up as Renamon placed a comforting paw on his shoulder.

Hey. It's going to be alright," she said. "We're actually a lot safer here than we would be in the wild. Besides, if we could take on someone as strong as Emperor Leomon, then we can definitely handle the Banchos." Merenamon murred softly. "See? Your daughter believes in you, too."

Mewtwo smiled. "I'm very lucky to have you two. And you're right. We'll stop them if they show up here."

Renamon nodded. Then she suddenly gasped. "I don't believe it!"

"What," Mewtwo asked, fearing the Banchos had actually just showed up.

"Look," Renamon said, pointing.

Mewtwo glanced in the direction she had indicated. He also gasped in surprise and his fear of an attack faded and was replaced with relief and excitement. Not more than a few feet away from them stood three familiar faces: Leomon, Gatomon and WhiteTigramon.

"Hey! Renamon! Mewtwo," Gatomon called out to them.

They waited as Gatomon and her two companions approached them. Gatomon embraced Renamon as soon as she had reached her.

"Renamon! I'm so glad to see you!" Then she glared at her. "Do you have nay idea how worried we were? You just up and leave in the middle of the night without a word and..." She fell silent as she suddenly noticed Merenamon in Renamon's arms. "Hey, what's with the squirt there?"

Renamon smiled. "Gatomon, I'd like you to meet mine and Mewtwo's daughter, Merenamon."

"Your...your daughter," Gatomon exclaimed. "You're kidding me!"

"Ah, now it all makes sense," WhiteTigramon spoke up. "That's why you left. You were expecting and went to Primary Village, didn't you?"

"That's right," Renamon said. "Sorry I left so abruptly, Gatomon. I was planning to get word to you and the others afterwards, but then, Mewtwo showed up and we ended up here."

"Well, congratulations, Mewtwo," Leomon said, shaking his hand. "Not only did you find Renamon, but now you're a father, too."

"Thank you, Leomon," Mewtwo said.

Gatomon, meanwhile, was getting acquainted with Merenamon. The infant Digimon stared back at her, murring.

"Well, I gotta say, she is pretty cute," Gatomon said. "Hey, there, kiddo. I'm your Auntie Gatomon."

"Auntie Gatomon, huh," Renamon chuckled. "By the way, how did you three know we were here?"

"Ask Leomon," Gatomon replied. "He's the one who led us here."

"I'm not really sure myself," Leomon said. "I just had this feeling we would find you two here."

"Actually, I can explain that," Mewtwo said. "I called you here, Leomon. I used my psychic abilities to let you know where to find us."

"Ah, I see," Leomon said. "Well, that certainly explains it then."

"Mewtwo, tell us," WhiteTigramon said. "What happened to you after we parted ways?"

"Quite a bit actually," Mewtwo said.

"Well, how about you tell them over lunch," Jijimon suggested. "My treat."

"Sounds good to me," Gatomon said. "I'm starving."

As the group made their way to the nearest diner, they were unaware they were being observed. Hiding nearby out of sight, Ogremon and his gang of Goblimon watched them, Ogremon's gaze lingering on Mewtwo.

"That's the guy alright," he said. "He matches the description the Banchos gave us." He turned to his gang. "Alright, we know he's here and it's obvious he ain't going anywhere. Let's report back to the Banchos and let 'em know we found him."

Elsewhere, another gathering was commencing. EmperorGreymon watched as all the members of the Council filed into the room and took their spots at the table. He, along with Seraphimon and AncientMermaimon had already been there, waiting for their arrival. Soon everyone was present and seated. EmperorGreymon gazed over the arrivals: He immediately spotted Myotismon and Daemon in their designated spots. Beside them were the four other Digimon that represented the evil portion of the Council. First there was Lucemon, a tall humanoid Digimon with blonde hair. One half of his body was angelic while the other half was demonic. Then there was Barbamon, a vile and greedy demon Digimon with the appearance of an old man. Next to him sat Laylamon, a beautiful, raven-haired succubus Digimon clad in black and purple robes. And then there was Piedmon, a clown-like phantom Digimon, always wearing a painted smile on his pale features. Six of the most evil and darkest Digimon and they were part of the very Council that helped govern the Digital World. The irony certainly wasn't lost on him.

EmperorGreymon turned his attention to his side of the table and the five other members that made up the more righteous and virtuous section of the Council. Besides Seraphiman and AncientMermaimon, there was Cherubimon, a large pink and white Angel Digimon, with a friendly smile on his face. Next was AncientGarurumon, the newest member of the Council who had taken the spot left by Emperor Leomon. He was a fearsome, bipedal wolf Digimon, clad in armor and wielding large golden blades. And finally there was Ophanimon, a Celestial angelic Digimon clad in blue armor and possessing golden wings.

All the members were gathered which meant the meeting could now begin. EmperorGreymon heaved a sigh. He was not looking forward to this. Beside him, Seraphimon stood up and everyone fell silent.

"Welcome, everyone," Seraphimon greeted. "I apologize for calling this meeting so abruptly, but some of our fellow Council members have voiced some concerns."

Concerns. That's a laugh, EmperorGreymon thought.

"The concern in question," Seraphimon continued. "Involves the Pokemon known as Mewtwo. As some of you may recall, several months ago, this Mewtwo helped to stop Emperor Leomon and prevented an all out war between our world and the human world. Just recently, Mewtwo arrived here in the Digital World."

This caused a stir among the Council.

"How is that possible," Barbamon asked. "I thought the portals used by Emperor Leomon had been closed and the data to create them destroyed. How exactly did this Mewtwo get here?"

"At the moment, we're not sure," Seraphimon replied.

"Why haven't you asked him," Lucemon said. "I would think after his arrival you would want to know how he got here?"

"I can answer that," Myotismon spoke up. "As it is, I met and questioned Mewtwo about how he arrived here and why he was here."

EmperorGreymon started. Myotismon had spoken with Mewtwo?

"Why are we now just hearing about this," Ophanimon asked Myotismon. "You should have brought this information to the Council's attention."

"At the time it seemed unnecessary," Myotismon replied. "It seems that Mewtwo had some help from a human scientist. They used some remaining data to open a portal to the Digital World. The portal closed behind them upon their arrival."

"So besides Mewtwo, a human is also here in our world," Laylamon asked.

"Yes, that's right," Myotismon said.

"And why exactly did Mewtwo and this human come here," Lucemon inquired.

"The human I can't say why," Myotismon said. "But it seems Mewtwo came here seeking a Digimon named Renamon. Apparently she helped him defeat Emperor Leomon and the two of them grew close. Mewtwo came here to be reunited with her."

"Ohh, how romantic," Laylamon gushed.

"What exactly does this have to do with our meeting," Cherubimon asked. "What is the concern we need to address?"

"The first concern posed by Myotismon and Daemon," Seraphimon explained. "Has to do with Mewtwo and the human, known as Charon, being here in the Digital World in the first place."

Seraphimon hesitated for a moment. EmperorGreymon knew what was coming. This next bit of news was going to be a bombshell.

"The other concern," Seraphimon continued. "Involves the fact that both Mewtwo and Renamon have a child. A half Digimon, half Pokemon child."

EmperorGreymon braced himself, waiting for the Council to explode with questions, outrage and demands to do something. Strangely enough, it didn't occur that way. The silence that followed was broken by laughter from Piedmon.

"Is that all," he asked, after he had regained control of himself. "You called us here for that? Why exactly were Myotismon and Daemon so concerned about a baby?"

"Their reason was due to the lineage of the child," Seraphimon explained. "They felt she could grow up to be incredibly powerful and a possible threat to our world. They were suggesting she should be destroyed."

"Really," Laylamon asked. "Oh, come on. Even if she grows up to be strong, so what? Our world is full of powerful Digimon, us included. If this child does get out of line down the road, then we'll deal with her."

"Regardless, we called this meeting to decide what to do regarding Mewtwo, Charon and the child, Merenamon," Seraphimon said. "For everyone's peace of mind. Now then, first, the human Charon."

"What can you tell us about him, Seraphimon," AncientMermaimon asked.

"From what I understand, he is an old man," Seraphimon replied. "He has currently settled down in File City and is under the watchful eye of Jijimon. It seems his reason fro coming here was the chance to explore and study a new world. He has nothing but a few possessions with him, all of which pose no threat to this world."

"Yes, yes, we get it," Laylamon said, waving her hand dismissively. "He's a harmless old man. I really don't care about it. Just let him be."

"And the rest of you," Seraphimon asked.

Many of the Council agreed. It seemed, like Laylamon, they really weren't all that concerned about an old human either.

"Very well," Seraphimon said. "Now, what of Mewtwo? Are there any concerns about him being here?"

"I don't see why there should be a problem," Cherubimon said. "As you pointed out, Seraphimon, he did stop Emperor Leomon and prevented war from breaking out between our world and the human world. I'd say letting him live here with Renamon and their child is the least we can do for him."

"The Council always repays it's debts," Ophanimon said. "I'm in agreement with Cherubimon. I say let Mewtwo live here in peace."

"All in favor," Seraphimon asked.

Again, much like with Charon, the Council voted in favor of letting him stay, with one or two exceptions. But that was to be expected. At any rate, now it was time for the crucial subject: The fate of Mewtwo's child. Would the Council vote to leave her be, or, would they deem her a potential threat and decide to eliminate her?

"So then, lets move on to the final matter of this meeting," Seraphimon said. "Namely, Mewtwo's daughter. You have heard the reason why these concerns have been brought to our attention, now I ask you to carefully consider the ramifications and decide what is to be done. Do we leave the child alone, or...Do we...delete her?"

This is it, EmperorGreymon thought. Despite their earlier flippancy, there was always the chance Laylamon and Piedmon could still vote in favor of Myotismon and Daemon. And there was still Lucemon and Barbamon to take into consideration. And, while he was loathe to admit, despite their benevolence, there was always a chance the others might be practical and decide Merenamon might pose a threat.

"It might be wise to err on the side of caution," Lucemon spoke first. "This child is unknown to us and we have no idea how strong she will be in time. For all we know, she could end up going out of control. I say delete her."

"I second that," Barbamon agreed. "Better safe, than sorry."

"Oh, honestly, I don't know why you're all making such a fuss over a baby," Laylamon said. "Personally I think you're all getting worked up over nothing. I say leave her be."

"I agree," Piedmon said. "We have more than enough to deal with. After all, there is the matter of those trouble-making Banchos. For now, I say leave the child be."

EmperorGreymon glanced over at Myotismon and Daemon. He had a pretty good idea how they were going to vote.

"After some consideration," Daemon said. "I have decided to leave Merenamon alone."

That surprised EmperorGreymon. Daemon had changed his mind?

"I, too, have reconsidered," Myotismon said, further surprising EmperorGreymon. "Leave Merenamon be."

"Just a moment," EmperorGreymon said. "You two asked for this vote in the first place. Why are you suddenly against the very idea you brought up?"

"As I said," Daemon replied. "I have taken some time to rethink things. And upon further reflection, I feel I may have been a bit hasty in my decision."

EmperorGreymon didn't buy that for a second. There was something going on here.

"So, we have 4 votes to leave Merenamon alone, and 2 to delete her," Seraphimon said. "Now the other half of the Council shall vote. EmperorGreymon?"

"I vote to leave Merenamon alone," EmperorGreymon responded immediately.

"While I do see the point in the earlier concerns regarding the child," AncientMermaimon spoke up. "I think we have nothing to fear from her. Leave her be."

AncientGarurumon, who had been silent throughout the meeting, finally spoke up. "I may be new to the Council, but I for one do not wish to delete an innocent child, especially when she has done nothing to us, save to arouse fear and paranoia regarding her lineage." Here he glared pointedly at the ones who had voted to delete Merenamon. "That being said, I believe you know where I stand on this matter."

"What about you, Cherubimon," Seraphimon asked.

"You need to ask," Cherubimon said. "I could never harm a child. Let her live."

"Ophanimon," Seraphimon said, glancing at his female counterpart.

"Let her live," Ophanimon replied. "Every living thing deserves a chance at life and we shouldn't have to decide whether she gets it or not."

"I feel the same way," Seraphimon said. "So, by a majority of ten votes against two, the child Merenamon will be allowed to live in peace here in the Digital World. So, unless there is anything else to discuss, we shall call this meeting adjourned." He glanced around the table. When no one spoke up, Seraphimon nodded. "Very well. Meeting is adjourned. Thank you for your time, everyone."

With that, the Council members all stood up and departed. EmperorGreymon, along with Seraphimon and AncientMermaimon, stayed behind.

"Well, that went better than I thought," Seraphimon said after a moment. "I was a bit worried that we might have a tie. If that had happened, I don't know what we would have done."

"It is a bit surprising," AncientMermaimon said. "Most of them actually didn't have a problem with it."

"I'm more surprised by Myotismon and Daemon," EmperorGreymon said. "Don't you two find it a little strange that they went to all this trouble and then suddenly had a change of heart?"

"I do find it a bit odd," Seraphimon said. "I want to think they may have genuinely had a change of heart, but knowing those two, I don't think that's the case."

"They're up to something," EmperorGreymon said. "I think we should keep an eye on them."

"I don't like the idea of spying on members of the Council, but in this case, perhaps discretion is the better part of valor," AncientMermaimon said.

Outside, Myotismon and Daemon were discussing the results of the meeting.

"Well, I guess it didn't matter if we did change our minds or not," Myotismon said. "In the end the majority of votes would have counted against us."

"It might actually work in our favor," Daemon said. "Considering Lucemon and Barbamon voted to delete the child, if any suspicions come our way when the time comes to enact our plan, then it could be shifted towards them."

"Hm. A good point, Daemon," Myotismon agreed.

"Is LadyDevimon in place," Daemon asked.

"She's keeping an eye on the Banchos even as we speak," Myotismon said. "Once they make their move against Mewtwo, she'll inform us and then we make our move."

"Good," Daemon said. "Since most of the Council is too soft to act on this, it falls to us to rectify that."

"Just as I did with Emperor Leomon," Myotismon said.

They passed onwards, leaving the Council Hall behind them. Once more, neither one were aware of an eavesdropper in the shadows.

End of Chapter Twelve...