Italics = thoughts

"Quotes" = dialogue

bold = 'The Millenniummon's words and thoughts.

underlined = reading something that is written

Disclaimer: I do not own digimon or any of its characters. I do however claim ownership of any original characters introduced.

Chapter 21: Setting a Plan in Motion

Atticus scratches at his chin as he stares out the shattered window of the cabin. Repairing the roof and walls had been relatively simple with the help of Guardromon and Renamon, but there weren't exactly any glass panes lying around waiting to be installed. Always woefully underprepared… I haven't changed a bit since dying… Atticus smirks at his own thought and glances over his shoulder, noticing Jeri entering the room. "Ms. Katou is it? What can I do for you?" he asks, turning around. "I'd prefer if you did nothing," she remarks coldly. "I don't trust you."

Atticus shrugs. "That's your prerogative, of course. Is there anything I can do to convince you to trust me?"

"Yes. Do nothing." Atticus raises an eyebrow in inquiry. "We don't want your help."

"We? Do you mean yourself and Alice? Everyone else seems willing to accept my help."

"My interests are not currently aligned with the others…"

Atticus takes a seat on the windowsill and gestures for Jeri to sit next to him. "Interesting. Care to elaborate? I have some time before my partners will report anything to me." Jeri gives him a skeptical look but takes the spot next to him. "I don't want to save Takato."

Atticus' eyebrows rise in surprise. "Even more interesting. Why, I wonder, would you be so willing to leave him to Millenniummon and the demon lords?"

"I have my reasons…"

"Now you're just using my lines…" Jeri scowls and looks away. "You're extremely bitter, you know that?" Atticus remarks. "I'm assuming this is something personal you have against him."

"He cost me my partner and my friends. Even as he suffers, he still has friends trying to rescue him and he doesn't deserve them!"

"No one ever does. Friendship isn't built on merit. Obviously the others pull some advantage from keeping him around. Advantage is the whole reason Millenniummon and the demon lords want him as well."

"Well I want him to feel alone. I want him to know how what he did to me feels."

"I can't allow the Hazard to fall into their hands. What would you propose I do if not rescue him?"

"Just rescue Guilmon then. Leave him."

"Your friends wouldn't like that very much, and I highly doubt I could convince his partner to leave without him."

"Just forget it. You're not going to take my side anyway…" She stands and crosses the room to the door.

"So sure are you…" She freezes and turns on her heel, raising an eyebrow. "What do you want me to do, Jeri Katou?"

"What is just…"

"You mean what is logical? You want me to eliminate the Hazard instead of rescuing him."

"Guilmon was a gentle soul until Takato turned him into that monster. I don't want Guilmon destroyed for his mistakes."

Atticus smirks. "No, just the boy right?"

Jeri turns back around and leaves with a huff. "My condolences for your lost partner, Jeri Katou," he shouts after her. Now that's the attitude I remember people having towards the Hazard. It seems that even she doesn't understand the truth about the Hazard though. Oh well, they will all learn soon enough: I will do what must be done…

"Pyrosphere!" Guilmon fires another ineffective shot at the bars of his cell and collapses down in exhaustion. Armageddemon grins and swishes his tail in amusement. "Giving up already? Why don't you stop playing and use the Hazard already? You know you want to…"

Guilmon growls from his place on the cell's floor but does not otherwise move. "I'm still confused as to how the Hazard could be tamed; even more baffled by how that human managed to seal the Hazard's power away. I would have imagined keeping you separated would have allowed the Hazard to resurface but perhaps I was wrong…" Guilmon continues to growl from his place on the cell floor.

"Tell me, is it the human who continues to prevent you from using your power, Hazard?" Guilmon pushes himself back to his feet. "Rock Breaker!" He swings a clawed paw at the cell's bars but they hold firm and he grumbles from annoyance and fatigue.

"How is our project coming?" Millenniummon's voice echoes through the dungeon. His snout appears in the moonlight and the cannon on his back glistens. "Nothing, master. He is still unable to use the Hazard, and I don't think it's from a lack of trying."

"It must be that human boy that tamed him. Perhaps he is somehow the key to unlocking it."

"I think severing their bond would do it. Perhaps if we terminate the human…"

"Leave Takatomon alone!" Guilmon shouts, banging his skull against the bars.

"Perhaps, Armageddemon, but first, I wish to use him to find the last of the deva signatures. According to him, Lord Beelzemon absorbed the data of the monkey and dog. Boltmon is going to…free him from the humans' influence and so we will soon be in possession of those. Then there is the defector, which is with the humans as well. Last is the dragon, which the human said is loose in the Digital World. He will lead you to it and you will bring it back to me. You can kill him once you have it for all I care." Armageddemon's tail swishes in excitement. "I'll set off immediately then."

"And I will continue to work on our guest here," Millenniummon states coolly while smirking at the imprisoned saurian. "Soon, I will have everything I need to destroy the sovereigns and rule the Digital World!"

"Hi, I'm Trish Takaya and this is JMN News. Prime Minister Kurota has called a press conference to discuss the digimon issue. We go live to the conference…"

"After much deliberation, the Diet has determined that these digital anomalies cannot be simply dealt with as they emerge. To put it bluntly, Hypnos and the tamers have failed…" The crowd cheers loudly and Kurota waits until they settle down before continuing. "We have decided to initiate a program to eradicate the Digital World and all of the digital anomalies along with it!" The crowd erupts into cheers once again.

"There is a price to be paid for this program, however. The Diet has determined that amnesty shall be offered to the Monster Makers and the tamers in return for their constructing this program…" The crowd murmurs amongst itself, voices ringing out in confusion and anger. "Settle down… I know many of you feel the tamers should face justice for their failures on our part, but I remind you that they tried and it is the fault of the Diet for permitting these children's activities. Nevertheless, it is more important that we end this threat then to punish a bunch of misguided youths."

The crowd murmurs some more and Kurota continues. "The tamers will be retrieved from the Digital World by Hypnos, after which the agency shall be shuttered. The Diet has cautiously decided to allow the children to keep their digimon partners, but under strict government regulations. These digimon shall be the property of the Japanese government and shall be subject to monthly examinations. They shall be confined to the homes of the tamers and shall only exit said domiciles for their examinations with Naicho escort. Additionally, the tamers shall be barred from holding any government positions and shall be barred from leaving the country without governmental approval. Furthermore, violation of any of these regulations shall result in their partners' deletion and considerations for their deportations."

The crowd roars once again and Kurota waits for them to calm before finishing, "All of this is tentative on the Monster Makers providing a method of eliminating the Digital World and all of its digital denizens. We will not be taking questions at this time. Thank you very much…"

Yamaki flips off the TV as Dolphin slams a large manuscript down on the table and begins leafing through it. "There must be something in the digital coding that we can exploit to cause a decompile," he remarks without looking up from the pages.

"Perhaps we could create another version of D-Reaper for the job?" Babel suggests.

"Not an option," Janyuu answers immediately. "We already know such a program is liable to corruption. We need a program specifically targeted at deleting digital information and to self destruct afterward."

"Something like white blood cells you mean?" Curly asks, dashing to the lab shelf and pulling out a biology textbook.

"Did we design any programs like that?" Dolphin asks. "No we didn't…" Daisy answers, slumping her shoulders. "We're going to have to design this from scratch."

"Maybe not…" Yamaki interjects, moving to the computer console and typing something in. "Digimon evolved on their own from their base code. If we can find one that operates like white blood cells, we can use its data structure as a base program to install our program into and perhaps even as a delivery mechanism."

"Poetic: Destroying digimon with more digimon. Shibumi might know one that we could use…" Janyuu says, looking over at the man slumped in a lab chair. "I want no part of this. We're talking about eradicating all the digimon…"

"Shibumi, we have to. Do you want those kids to spend the rest of their lives in prison because we created a bunch of programs that went renegade?" Dolphin asks.

"Of course not! But to eliminate an entire race of creatures like this…"

"Shibumi, they're just data patterns. I know they've evolved a lot, but they're still the same programs we designed and now we need to undo our work," Daisy says, her eyes bearing a sympathetic look for her fellow Monster Maker.

Shibumi stares her down, his eyes showing his contemplation. "I… I can't…"

"Let me go through our data banks and look for one," Yamaki suggests. "Shibumi can focus on designing a new ark to rescue the children."

"Have we heard anything from them?" Janyuu asks. Yamaki shakes his head. "Communication to the Digital World was something I never really managed to crack. Last time, they were only able to contact us when certain conditions were met within the Digital World. We will just have to wait and trust that they are all right for the time being. We should focus on building the ark and this deletion program."

"…I'll get started on the ark…" Shibumi says, rising from his chair and heading over to a secluded desk. "Poor Gorou…" Curly says frowning. "These programs have always meant more to him then the rest of us…"

Janyuu pats her on the shoulder. "I don't like it either but we have to do this. For the children…"

Henry, Rika, Suzie, and Kai lounge outside of the cabin, watching the surrounding tree line and waiting for Commandramon's return. "We should be rescuing Gogglehead, not sitting around waiting for the shade's pet to come back," Rika remarks stiffly. "I don't like it anymore than you do, but I stand by my previous assertion: rushing in would not be our best move. We need a plan and there is a good chance that whatever Commandramon and Chiblynmon report can give us one," Henry remarks as if in reply.

"Still, every minute we spend not rescuing him is another minute they are tormenting him and Guilmon…" Suzie points out, deflating slightly.

"How did my cousin get himself captured? I thought he was a good fighter," Kai asks.

"It was mostly our fault…" Henry answers.

"Yea, we got our butts handed to us by a bunch of Diaboramon and Takato came and saved the day!" Terriermon adds, pumping a fist.

"He was already injured from a previous battle and he just couldn't hold on that long. He dedigivolved and then Armageddemon snatched him and Guilmon up and fled here," Lopmon adds.

"Wow, that bites…" Kai says, turning his gaze downward.

"You never told us how you ended up here," Renamon states with a suspicious tone. Kai looks up and shrugs. "I'm not really sure. I thought I saw Seasarmon out in the ocean and I swam out to meet him. I got caught in the surf and tossed around. I kind of figured I had drowned or something but then I woke up in this cabin and saw those three digimon fighting. The Pandamon looked like he was in trouble and I just wanted to help…"

"We get it… You're as reckless and excitable as your goggle-headed cousin…" Rika grumbles as she waves off his explanation. Kai laughs. "You haven't changed a bit, Rika." Rika allows a small smile. "Yea, well, neither have you…"

"I really wish I could help you guys. I'd give anything to be able to help my little cousin out and fight these evil digimon that kidnapped him."

"I'm sure you'll be able to help in one way or another…"

The four children and their digimon turn to see Atticus standing in the doorway. He walks over and takes a seat next to Henry. "Where have you been? You better have come up with a plan…" Rika starts.

"According to Chiblynmon's bauble, they're going after the dragon deva's data. They're going to use your friend to lead them to it."

"Then we should get moving! This is our chance! We have intercept them!" Henry shouts, clenching his hand into a fist."

"As soon as Commandramon returns with any further details, we can head out," Atticus answers with a hint of condescension. "We need to decide how many and who is taking part in this little rescue operation."

"Well I'm definitely going!" Suzie shouts.

"So am I!" Rika joins.

"Me too!" Henry adds.

Atticus chuckles. "What's so funny?" Rika asks with annoyance. "Oh nothing. Just the scope of zeal in your little cadre is remarkable. I'm already aware of Henry's opinions of this Takato and I just got through talking to that Jeri Katou. I wonder what you and…"

"…Suzie…"

"Right, Suzie's opinions of him are."

"What'd Jeri say?" Rika asks with a raised eyebrow. "Merely her thoughts. You may ask her yourself if you are so curious."

Rika hmphs and turns her gaze away. "So I'm guessing you two have a generally positive view of the Hazard and his partner. Mind telling me why?"

"Takato and Guilmon are our friends. Why wouldn't we want to help them?" Suzie inquires.

Atticus chuckles once more. Friends… As if the word has some kind of meaning."

"Wow, and I thought Rika had an icy personality," Terriermon quips.

"It does have a meaning!" Suzie shouts forcefully. "It means we're willing to do anything for him because we care about him."

"Why care about someone who may not care about you?" Atticus ask, giving a skeptical look to the young female tamer.

"He does care about us. We're his friends!"

"And how do you know that?"

"He was only captured because he was protecting us, despite the fact he had been injured protecting us the previous day," Henry interjects.

Atticus leans back against the cabin exterior. "How well do you think you know him that you interpret his actions as altruism?" Rika jumps from her seat. "What are you getting at? Takato is good; he always has been. He believed in all of us long before we believed in him or even some cases ourselves. Maybe you should stop trying to judge him and just focus on helping us rescue him!"

Atticus mouth contorts into a smirk. "And is that what you're group really wants? To rescue the Hazard?"

"Yes. We want to rescue Takato and Guilmon." Atticus stands to bring himself to eye level with her. "At least one member of your group disagrees, but I don't have time for technicalities." His eyes shift to the left and the others follow his gaze to see Commandramon running up.

"What can you tell me, Commandramon?" Atticus asks as he nears. "The digimon is in the dungeon it seems," Commandramon explains. "As for the human, they're taking him somewhere."

"Yes, they want to fetch the last free floating data signature. Do you know what digimon we will be contending with when we attempt our rescue?"

Commandramon furrows a brow in confusion but answers, "Armageddemon is leading the group, I think. There was also a NeoDevimon and a Kyukimon."

"Two ultimates and a high class mega. That shouldn't be too hard. How many in your group can reach the mega level?" he asks, turning to Henry.

"Five. We have MegaGargomon, Sakuyamon, Beelzemon, Justimon, and MarineAngemon."

"Alright the pixie stays here: he's better for defense anyway and we need to have a place to come back to so your friend can recover after we get him. Leave the demon lord here too: less chances of them getting to him in case they're planning to lure us out with meager numbers. I'd recommend the Sakuyamon and the Justimon go on the mission and the MegaGargomon stays here: not maneuverable enough in case it goes south."

"There's no way I'm sitting this out…" Henry says, standing and crossing his arms.

"There's also no way I'm going on a mission with Ryo…" Rika adds as she stands.

"Do you want to maximize the odds of success here? You have to trust my judgment on this."

"Why should we take your advice?"

Atticus diverts his gaze toward the door to see Alice and Ryo standing there and scowling at him. "Because I happen to know a lot about fighting, especially when it comes to Millenniummon and his cronies."

"Being as I'm the one who has actually defeated him before, I'd say my advice is the best to take," Ryo responds.

"Last I checked your victory over Armageddemon last time was pure luck and then you couldn't handle Millenniummon. I've actually defeated Armageddemon by more then just a hair's length…"

"Ohh, fight, fight, fight!" Terriermon cheers from Henry's shoulder.

"Terriermon…"

"Fine. Who else do you think should go and who else should stay?"

"I'm not staying!" Henry shouts immediately.

"Yes you are!" Atticus and Ryo shout together before looking at each other in surprise once more.

"Whatever. So it's me and Mr. Perfect. We're not going to be enough to beat Armageddemon and two ultimates."

"Well, how many in your group can reach ultimate? I have two which will be at your service for this fight already."

"We have Antylamon, Andromon, and Pandamon."

"The Andromon comes too then. Pandamon is not fully recovered and I'd prefer not bringing a deva out in the open."

"I'll tell Kazu…" Ryo says as he turns to leave.

"I'm going with you too, Atticus," Alice says continuing to scowl. "I have to keep my eye on you."

"Your champion will be no use against these opponents…"

"Then I'll focus on grabbing the boy while you all fight them off," she says, interrupting him. She turns and enters the cabin without another word, Rika, Suzie, Henry, Kai, and their partners filing in behind her. As Atticus moves to follow, Commandramon stops him. "I thought you said we should eliminate the boy. Now we're rescuing him?"

"I've said this before: we will need the power of the Hazard to defeat the demon lords and Millenniummon. The plan has to change here and there."

"But…"

"No buts. I didn't expect that he could endear himself to anyone while he had the Hazard but I appear to have miscalculated. We need the trust of these tamers far more than we need to destroy the power of the Hazard at this time. Just be patient…"