Well here's chaper 21! Many of you have been asking for me to write a Tamers piece for some time and your request has been answered! This whole chapter if from Tamer's POVs. I hope you enjoy this chapter. I was stumped on what to write for it, but I think I did alright. Enjoy!
I DO NOT OWN DIGIMON 02, TAMERS, FRONTIER OR ANY OF ITS CHARACTER!
Chapter 21: Stranger Danger
The Digital World: Location: The Woman's Guest Tower
In the guest bedroom that she'd been given, Rika was reclining on the bed with her eyes shut, but was too still to be asleep. Renamon was leaning against the adjacent wall, staring out the window while her Tamer "slept." An hour and a half ago Rika had spotted T.K. and Koichi sneak out of the palace grounds while she had been checking out her "guest suite." Mimi, her assigned next-door neighbor, had referred to their rooms as such. When the pink loving teen had invited Rika down to join her for tea in the tower's common room with Sora, Kari, Yolei and their Digimon, Rika had politely declined, saying that she was tired from their journey and only wanted to rest. When the other girls were gone Rika told Renamon what she'd seen. Now they were waiting.
"They have returned Rika," Renamon reported when the fox Digimon saw the two figures of T.K. and Koichi race across the grounds with a couple Otokomon and enter a back door that was one floor directly below Rika's room.
"Good," Rika nodded. "We don't need idiots like them fooling around outside with that Zaigou on the loose, especially Koichi of all people. He's sure got guts for sneaking out when he's the one that the Zaigou are after."
Renamon smiled; amused that this was coming from her Tamer who used to sneak out on a regular basis before the relationship with her mother had improved.
"Is someone dealing with them?" Rika asked.
Renamon paused, straining her ears to see if she could pick up on any sounds from the floor below. At first there was nothing, but then she could hear a soft but admonishing voice speaking with T.K. and Koichi's louder voices. She tried to put a name to the voice but came up empty.
"Well?" Rika asked impatiently.
"I'm not sure," Renamon answered truthfully. "I don't recognize the voice talking to them. It sounds human, so it could be one of the other DigiDestined, but I've never heard this person speak before."
"It could be that Cody kid," Rika shrugged. "I don't think I've heard that brat speak once."
"You could be right. He doesn't speak much, which could account for why I wouldn't recognize his voice, but- Wait…" Renamon paused.
The voices had suddenly shifted towards the hallway. Renamon took up a new position near the bedroom door so that she would have a better chance of listening. She couldn't make out what was being said, but a new voice had joined the other three. One that she recognized very well.
"Tai's found them," Renamon reported.
"Even better," Rika grinned. "He'll deal with them."
"Why are you so concerned about T.K. and Koichi, Rika?" Renamon asked.
Rika paused for a moment before she opened her eyes and sat up.
"You remember when that Takuya guy died right?" she whispered.
Renamon nodded slowly.
"I don't think any of us will be forgetting about that anytime soon."
"That's exactly the point," Rika muttered. "Remember when Jeri lost Leomon? It was like something had died within her. She was left vulnerable and the D-Reaper took advantage of that. Koji had a similar look in his eyes when Takuya died. His eyes didn't quite have that dead look in them, like Jeri's, but if Koichi, his twin brother, were to be killed by this Paressemon… And T.K. He's got an older brother and that Kari girl… I just don't want to see that look in anyone else's eyes. It's too sad. When Takuya died, it made me realize that it wouldn't take much. We humans are pathetically fragile, Renamon. So fragile that we have to rely on you Digimon to fight our battles for us. Well, except those Warrior DigiDestined. They are stronger then normal, but they are still human. Still weak."
"Now stop that Rika," Renamon said softly, but firmly. "You humans are very strong. If it weren't for you, none of us Digimon could Digivolve. None of us could fight. We Digimon can be weak creatures too. But together, you humans and we Digimon can form the strongest of bonds. Together there is nothing that can beat us. We can do anything we set out to do. I believe that we can beat these Zaigou. You've all allowed the death of Takuya to hinder your efforts. You've begun to doubt! Don't you see Rika? If you allow the Zaigou to fill your minds with doubt they will win! We have to believe in ourselves. Believe that we can win and we will."
Rika smiled at Renamon, but jumped when she heard someone clapping. Renamon whirled around and came face to face with Cyberdramon and Ryo who were standing in a now open doorway.
"Lovely speech Renamon," Ryo smiled. "What did you think, Cyberdramon?"
Cyberdramon nodded mutely.
"What do you want Ryo?" Rika growled.
"Nothing in particular, Princess of the Tower," Ryo smiled. "No one has seen you since the meeting so I just wanted to make sure you were alright."
"I have Renamon with me," Rika frowned. "Of course I'm alright."
"That's what Takato said," Ryo shrugged. "I just wanted to make sure for myself, but since you are apparently fine I suppose we should be leaving then."
Cyberdramon was already heading back down the hallway, uncomfortable with Rika's hostile stare, but Ryo hung back for a second.
"Renamon's right you know," he said with his back to her. "I can't tell you how many times I thought I was inadequate to be a real Tamer, but together there isn't anything I can't do with Cyberdramon at my side. The same goes for you and Renamon. Isn't that right?"
"Ryo," Rika blinked with surprise.
"Food for thought," Ryo shrugged before following Cyberdramon back down stairs. "Don't stay up here by yourself for too long Rika. The others will start to worry too."
"Too?" Rika repeated, but he was gone.
"I think Ryo is rather fond of you Rika," Renamon mused.
"Don't be stupid Renamon," Rika muttered indignantly, but was unable to prevent the blush from creeping into her cheeks. "Fine, the two idiots are back, so let's take that Mimi girl up on her offer for tea. I could use something to drink."
"If you wish," Renamon nodded, trying to hide her small smile.
The Digital World: Location: Himizu Palace Halls
Kenta and Kazu were exploring the many halls and corridors of the palace. Guardromon was marching obediently behind them while Marineangemon whizzed around their heads, sometimes flying ahead to inspect a painting or tapestry and the occasional odd-looking door.
"Why are we exploring the castle again?" Kenta asked as they paused before a rather funny looking painting of a sleeping Shogunmon.
"Because all old castles have at least one secret room and we're going to find it," Kazu stated matter of factly. "We've got nothing better to do anyways since we're stuck inside this place until we leave. Guardromon, are you getting any weird sort of readings? Like an odd hidden room?"
"Negative," the robot Digimon beeped.
Kenta sighed and then watched Marineangemon zoom around the hall. He remembered the time he'd first spent with the little Digimon. Kenta himself wasn't much of a fighter, but after the excitement of finally becoming a Tamer had worn off, he had been rather disappointed to get Marineangemon for a partner. The little guy may have been a mega, but he wasn't a fighter like Renamon or a powerhouse like Guilmon. Even Terriermon, who was cute-looking like Marineangemon, could at least fight, especially in his higher evolutions. As a mega, Marineangemon didn't have any higher form. At the time Kenta knew that he should be proud that he was the only Tamer to have a mega leveled Digimon for a partner, but Marineangemon was just so peaceful and wouldn't hurt a fly. It was much later during the D-Reaper incident that Marineangemon showed off his defensive-offensive abilities that had made Kenta begin to appreciate him more as a partner. In many ways they were well suited for each other.
Suddenly the little pink Digimon squealed, attracting both Tamers' attension.
Kenta rushed to his Digimon and found himself staring at another odd looking doorway. It was slanted and looked like it was too warped to open.
"What's this?" Kazu asked, excitement lighting up his eyes.
"Open it! Open it!" squealed the little Digimon happily, zooming around Kenta's head. In the early days this had made Kenta dizzy, but he was used to it by now.
"Any unusual readings Guardromon?" Kazu asked, casting a slightly annoyed look at the energetic puffball.
"…Most unusual," Guardromon exclaimed. "It is a door, but I am not getting any readings of a room beyond. It is as if this door was installed with no functional use at all."
"You mean it's a decorative art piece like the paintings?" Kazu asked looking put out.
While Kazu and Guardromon talked, Kenta ran a hand over the frame and it's weird angles. He soon realized that the door was not a door at all. It was actually an intricately carved part of the wall made to look like a door. Marineangemon was now inspecting the wall-door as well, humming a rather catchy song. Kenta soon found himself humming the song while they prodded and looked over the "door."
"Let's move on," Kazu sighed. "Maybe there is something further down the hall. What do you think Guardromon?"
"I think we should cease this pointless search completely," Guardromon beeped. "My scans pick up no hidden rooms nor do I believe that they will detect any."
Just at that moment, Marineangemon prodded the "door handle" and the floor beneath them suddenly gave way. Marineangemon soared after his Tamer and actually sat in his lap to join the "ride," screaming happily with the terrified boys and robot. Kenta held onto him for dear life. They were quickly descending down an old musty tube slide that spat them out in a cold and dank room. Kenta had bounced off of Guardromon, but Kazu had done the same thing and landed on top of his friend. Marineangemon, who had abandoned his Tamer in the midst of landing, was laughing with delight as he whizzed in circles overhead.
"You were sure right about not detecting anything, Guardromon," Kazu gasped sarcastically. "Were you even searching the lower floors?"
Guardromon gave an indignant beep, protesting that he'd found nothing unusual about the scans and that the shaft they'd just fallen through shouldn't exist.
"Well it's looks pretty real to me," Kazu growled.
"Lights would be nice," Kenta groaned under Kazu.
"Yeah," Kazu agreed shakily. "Guardromon? Some light please? And Kenta, can't you get Marineangemon to shut it? He's giving me a headache."
Guardromon did what his Tamer had asked of him and turned his head lights on. Kenta grunted and after Kazu was off of him, he reached up and snatched his partner out of the air, holding him close. Rather than be offended and hurt by the action, Marineangemon snuggled in his Tamers arms and purred softly. Kazu sighed with exasperation when he got a look at them.
"You're partner's nuts Chumley," he griped, calling Kenta by his nickname.
Kenta ignored him as Kazu continued with the usual witty and scathing comments. Kenta instead looked around the now illuminated space. There wasn't much to look at. The walls and ceiling appeared to be made of cinderblock, but the floor was damp earth. The air smelled musty like the tube slide, but not enough to make any of them sneeze. The space was empty and unused and looked to have been that way for a long time. Not one moldy box or crate occupied the space. There were torches mounted on the wall though, engraved with a mysterious insignia. Kenta walked over to one to get a better look, but ended up casting a shadow over it.
"Hey Kazu!" he called over to his still ranting friend. "Come look at this!"
"What'd ya find?" Kazu asked, darting over.
"Don't know," Kenta admitted, "but could you have Guardromon aim his light here?"
With only a hand sign from Kazu, Guardromon wordlessly shined his light on the torch's housing. The insignia was elaborate, yet simple and looked oddly familiar, but neither boy could remember where they'd seen it. They knew that they hadn't seen this exact symbol before, but the basic lines of the character in the middle stirred some memory. There were three even vertical parallel lines. The middle line continuing down a little bit until it branched off into two. Then the ends of these two lines were directly below the other two upper lines, they continued straight down as if they were a continuation of the ones above. It was Guardromon who was the first to figure it out.
"That character is the same symbol for 'fire' that was on Agunimon's belt and the forehead of his facemask below the center horn," he beeped.
"Oh yeah!" Kazu yelped. "Wow! I had totally forgotten about that."
Kenta gave him an incredulous look.
"I meant the symbol!" Kazu protested. "Of course I haven't forgotten the actual dude! That'd be insensitive and rude to the guy's memory!"
Kenta rolled his eyes behind his glasses and continued to inspect the symbol. A flame pattern and many other squiggly lines surrounded the 'fire' character, but none of it made any sense. If he squinted, it looked like fireworks or sparks were spurting out of the center top line. But what did it mean?
"Here's a thought," Kazu said, trying to recover from his blunder. "What's the Warrior's symbol for fire doing down here in the underground of a city in the middle of a frozen wasteland? Wouldn't that Tommy kid's symbol for ice be more appropriate?"
"That is a rather good question Kazu," Guardromon stated.
"Don't act so surprised," Kazu grumbled.
"You wouldn't happen to have a lighter on you, would you Kazu?" Kenta asked.
"Do I look like that joker smoker Yamaki?" Kazu frowned.
Dimensions away, the real Yamaki was grumbling at the comment and shoving his Zippo lighter into his pocket, ignoring Riley's amused glance.
"Allow me," Guardromon sighed, using an arm flare to light the torch. The moment it made contact with the torch's oiled fuel source, it and all the other torches flared to life.
"Wow," Kazu gasped. "No one is going to believe this."
"This isn't exactly one of the top ten weirdest things to happen in this world," Kenta whispered.
"A tunnel! It's a tunnel! It's a tunnel!" cheered an excited Marineangemon squirming in Kenta's arms.
Kenta and Kazu turned to their left and, sure enough, there was a large tunnel leading further down into the earth.
"Do we go?" Kenta asked nervously.
"Of course!" Kazu grinned. "This is exactly the sort of thing we've been looking for! We can't turn back now! Besides, what are you going to do? We slid down a freaking tube slide. Who knows how far down we've come? How are you going to get back up? Fly?"
Kenta was about to retort that Marineangemon would have no problem getting him out of there, but he let the retort die on his tongue. He wasn't going to leave Kazu down in the tunnel all by himself, so he followed his friend instead. The tunnel seemed endless, but then it eventually branched out in different directions.
"Aw man!" Kazu huffed with frustration. "Which way do we go? Any ideas Guardromon?"
"Negative," the robot sighed. "My readings and scans are malfunctioning. I cannot even track our previous steps. We are, as you say, winging it."
"So if we go any further we're lost," Kenta sighed.
Marineangemon whimpered a little as he looked at all the tunnels before them, but then suddenly shot out of Kenta's arms.
"What is it?" Kenta asked, alarmed by his Digimon's sudden behavior.
"There's a boy over there!" Marineangemon squeaked.
"What?" they all gasped, following the tiny Digimon's gaze.
Far off down the second tunnel to their left stood a person in reddish-brown robes that looked like the ones worn by the Jedi in Star Wars. The hood was drawn over the upper part of the person's face, but he did appear to be a boy like Marineangemon had said. He was short in stature, but the robes masked any other outstanding physical features. Something was off about him, but no one could find a word to describe what that was. The strange boy suddenly bolted and ran out of sight.
Kazu instinctively ran after the stranger, leaving the others no choice but to follow him.
"Are you sure we should be following him?" Kenta panted.
"You got any better ideas?" Kazu yelled.
When they reached the end of the tunnel and saw that it branched out in three directions they spotted the boy again on the right. Every time they came to an intersection of tunnels, the boy was waiting for them at the end of one and would run off as soon as they spotted him. This went on for what seemed like hours, but when they finally reach one intersection, the boy didn't run away when they came after him. He allowed them to get closer, but before they could get near him he began to fade out and vanished completely. What was worse was that the tunnel he'd led them to was a dead end and none of them could recall the way they'd come.
"Who was that guy?" Kenta huffed, leaning against a wall trying to catch his breath.
"Dunno," Kazu sighed, plopping down onto the floor. "Now we're lost even more then we were before. Do your scans still not work Guardromon?"
"Affirmative," the Digimon sighed sadly. "Systems are still malfunctioning."
Marineangemon rested on top of his Tamer's head and began to whine softly. Kenta knew that he'd have to do something soon, or Kazu would get irritated again.
"That guy had to have led us here for some reason," he pointed out. "What was the point in waiting for us when he could have gotten away easily. He didn't even look out of breath."
"He wanted us to get lost," Kazu grumbled. "And that's exactly what we are. Lost."
"I'd like to know is how he vanished like that," Guardromon twittered.
Curious about how the strange boy had vanished, Kenta got up and looked at the ground in the general area he had disappeared. The dirt where the boy had stood was barely disturbed. This peaked Kenta's interest.
"What are you doing Chumley?" Kazu sighed.
"Just wondering what would happen if I stood where he stood," Kenta mused. "Would I disappear like that boy did?"
Kazu cocked his head to the side and watched Kenta, with Marineangemon on his shoulder, placed his feet in the two indentations in the earth. A strange feeling surged throughout Kenta's body and when he looked down at his hands he found that he was fading just like the strange boy had. Kazu let out an alarmed cry, but when he reached out to grab his rapidly disappearing friend, his hand when right through him. Just like that, Kenta and Marineangemon were gone. Kazu stared at the spot for a moment before grabbing Guardromon's arm and standing in the same spot Kenta had just disappeared from. He too felt something weird going on with his body, making him tighten his grip on the confused Guardromon. One minute Tamer and Digimon were standing in the tunnels and the next they were in a strange room facing Kenta's back.
"Chumley!" Kazu sighed with relief. "Thank goodness. I thought you might have been a goner there buddy."
When Kenta and Marineangemon didn't respond, Kazu looked past his friend and saw the strange boy that they had followed through the tunnels. He was no longer wearing his hood and was staring at them with golden eyes. Kazu and Guardromon gasped when they saw him but before they could cry out in alarm their minds suddenly went blank. Their faces became expressionless and if they could have turned to look, they'd see that Kenta and Marineangemon were wearing the same expression. They all forgot everything that had happened over the past couple of hours and when they snapped out of their daze, they found themselves in bed in their rooms. For all they knew, after the meeting they'd been shown to their rooms and fell asleep.
The Human World – Tamers: Location: Hypnos HQ
"Rewind that," Yamaki ordered Shibumi. "Rewind the footage to just before Kenta blacked out. Riley, do the same for Kazu."
Both of them did as they were told and freeze-framed the feed from Kazu and Kenta's channels. Yamaki and his employees had been working on recording the system for days, and now they had finally figured it out. It was simple really. All they had to do was record it as if it were a regular program. They had hundreds of tapes used up already covering every channel.
"Got it sir," Riley reported. "Pulling the images up onto the screen."
Yamaki watched them as the big screen flashed and two images appeared side by side. Both of them showed a figure with golden eyes, but they were poor shots of him at odd angles and only the eyes were in focus in either image, since the main focus of every shot was supposed to be the DigiDestined it covered.
"Can you clear them up?" Yamaki asked.
"Hold on," Shibumi muttered as he bent over his keyboard. "How's this?"
The image cleared, but not enough to see the rest of the figure's face clearly.
"The figure appears to be male with dark brown hair," Riley reported. "We can't get any more of then that. I'm sorry sir."
Yamaki growled, clicking his lighter in aggitation.
"Pull up any other images of the boy we have and see if there is a clearer shot," he ordered.
Shibumi and Riley typed away, runing over footage for fifteen minutes before Riley found a good shot of the strange boy. It was of him fading away, but in this image, his hood was raised slightly. She enhanced the grainy image as best as she could and the result was incredible. She couldn't beleive what she was seeing, but she uploaded the image to the big screen for Yamaki and Shibumi to view.
"Is that-?" Shibumi gasped.
"It can't be," Yamaki whispered. "That's-!"
Who is the strange boy? Another of the Zaigou? What does his appearance mean for the DigiDestined? Find out next time on Digimon Digital Monsters!
Cliff hanger! Mwa ha ha ha! Who is this strange boy? Not even I know that yet! :P
Did you guys like this chapter? It was a filler and I'm still a little unsure about it, but the story is deffinatly going to pick up again in next chapter. I'm going to revert back to TK, Koji and Koichi's POV next time so bare with me for a little bit. I will hopefully have it posted is a few days. I also have a poll running for what might be my next fic. Id appreciate it if you all not only sent me a review of this chapter, but if you also took the time to respond to my poll. Please and thank you! Look forward to the next chapter you guys!