DSI: RELOADED Chapter 24: Kurata Dives In, a digimon fanfic

Digimon Savers International: RELOADED

Chapter 24: Kurata Dives In

Greg

A week went by with no action. We were all trying to figure out Kurata. I took him to an allergist Tom recommended in Shibuya, and we ran tests on him. Turns out he wasn't allergic to anything. Next, we took him to the lab at DATS where Tom ran a complete inquest on this supposed Digimon allergy. We took some spare Digimon data we had lying around and injected it inside Kurata. Sure enough, his skin started to break out in hives.

About a week after the incident with SaberLeomon, we ran through the footage again. "I don't get it. Why did that DigiEgg disappear?" Marcus asked. "And who was that creature that destroyed SaberLeomon?" Tom inquired.

"Yeah... doesn't look like any Digimon I've ever seen. Hey, do you think it might be linked to Kurata?" I asked Tom. "Whatever it is, it isn't in the Digimon database. There's no signature."

Seconds later, the door opened and in walked Commander Sampson and Kudamon, along with a group of armored soldiers each carrying a strange type of gun. "Hmm... I didn't know you needed military escorts now, Commander," I said. That was quickly followed by a loud sneeze. Kurata had arrived. "Really good work, everyone. Keep it up,"he said as he came in, waving to everyone.

"You again," Tom said. "Looks like you got the Digital Dive fixed," Kurata noted as he passed by Marcus and Agumon. That made the hothead and his dino very irate. "Hey! Nobody told me!" "Yeah! How come nobody told us?" Agumon angrily demanded to know.

Gary and I shook our heads. "Not telling you was the whole idea, Marcus," Gary said.

"All right, enough," Sampson cut in. The soldiers stood at attention with their feet together. "We will be transporting Kurata and these corpsmen into the Digital World today," the commander announced. We all gasped at that. "But sir-" I started to say, but Sampson cut me off. "These orders came straight from the director."

"Figures," I said. Apparently, our fight had made the front page of the newspaper. That made Hashima jittery, so he ordered Sampson to send a team to take out Merukimon once and for all. Sampson told him what level he was and that it would need to be planned. The director wouldn't have that, claiming we were already at war. Who should be listening in on the conversation but Professor Kurata? He suggested that they go to the Digital World in an attempt to write up a new treaty with Merukimon. Hashima liked it so he made Kurata in charge of the expedition. Kurata just scratched his head. "Well, it wasn't my intention to get so involved in all this. I think the director made a terrible decision. Ha ha ha ha ha! But, orders are orders. From this moment on, I will be your commander for this mission. You will be joining my troops on this Digital Dive, and be our backup in case of trouble."

I just burst out laughing. After Veemon figured out what the joke was, he started laughing too. "Hmm? What's so funny?" Kurata asked. "Boy, you've got a real future in standup, Kurata. I just thought I heard you say we'd be your backup. Hahahahaha!"

"SILENCE!" Sampson roared, using every bit of his baritone voice. That shut me up. "Now let me ask you something, Gregory. Why do you consider that to be so amusing?" "Well sir, Thomas and I conducted a medical inquest on Kurata. When we injected him with spare Digimon data, we found that his skin broke out in hives. Plus, you've seen the way he's sneezed on all our Digimon. He doesn't even try to cover his mouth. I'm suggesting you excuse Mr. Kurata from this expedition for medical purposes." "Hmmm..."

Of course, Kurata had an answer. "Sir, if I may, I'm going to be medically supervised throughout this entire mission. I'll even go through a full physical and all my shots, if you don't believe me." "Very well," Sampson decided.

"But Commander..." Tom protested. "These are the orders from the director," Sampson insisted.

Marcus, as usual, rushed up to Kurata and verbally let him have it. "Is this some kinda joke? Why should I take orders from some dude who isn't even a member of DATS?" "Yeah, he's right. You've never actually ever fought a Digimon, have you?" Agumon asked in an accusatory tone.

Kurata sneezed, but this time he was considerate enough not to do it directly on Agumon. Then, he threw up his hands. "Hey, what are you blaming me for? I'm not the one who started this fiasco. The Digimon on the other side were the ones who decided to make us their enemies. We don't know what they're planning or when they're going to attack-"

Marcus pushed the professor and his soldiers away and started walking towards the Digital Gate. "That's exactly why you should let us take care of it. It's not like Merukimon's gonna invite you over for tea or to have a nice chat or something. There's only one way to get through to him, and that's my fists of fury!"

I shook my head. "Yeah, soon we're gonna start coming up with Marcus Damon facts," I joked. I elbowed Kurata. "That was pretty good, wasn't it? Ha ha ha ha ha," I laughed. Kurata just shot me this look of disgust. "More like alternative facts, frankly," he deadpanned. I gave up laughing and just walked away. Just another losing battle not worth fighting.

Anya shrugged. "I don't know, Marcus, it couldn't hurt to just talk to Merukimon. He seemed very civil when Greg spoke to him. You could always invite my father. He's a mediator and diplomat, specializing in global conflict. I think negotiating between two worlds would be nothing for him." "It seems like you want to go to the Digital World, but you don't want to follow Kurata's orders," Lalamon noted.

"That's the whole idea," I said with a smile. Again, Kurata shot me a look of disgust.

"Hang on a minute," Tom suddenly instructed. Marcus and Agumon stopped. "We're not ready yet. I'm going to have to recalibrate the Digital Dive to accommodate this many people. I'm going to need at least a day." Kurata and Tom met eye to eye, but then the older man's expression softened. "Hmm... well then, I guess there's nothing we can do but wait, right? Right. OK, the mission will be underway tomorrow morning. See you then." He started walking away but then got right up to Tom. "Well played, young man. I see a very bright future for you. Get the equipment ready to go. See you tomorrow," he said as he walked away.

"And make sure you take some medication for your allergies! A whole lot of it!" I called to him. "I will, I will," he brushed me off.

Something was off with Tom. "Sir, what's wrong? You're as white as a ghost," Gaomon said.

"I'm OK," Tom answered. When Kurata left, he addressed the commander again. "Commander, there's got to be another reason why he's so insistent on taking this dive." "I haven't figured out his true motives yet. However, this does not change our mission's main objective: to get the Digital and Human Worlds to stop fighting. Never forget that goal," Sampson said. Then, he asked me to see him in his office.

"Gregory." "What, sir?" "I don't like Kurata that much either, but your disrespect must be curbed immediately." "But Commander..." "No buts. You and Veemon are going to be acting as his backup. I've read your files. I know how much you want to be the leader. A true leader knows when to let someone else take the reins and follow. Think whatever you will of him and the Director, but understand that they, like me, are your supervisors. To this extent, if you disrespect the professor, you also disrespect the director and DATS as a whole. Now I realize that you have to put up with a lot of disappointment because of Marcus and who he is." "Exactly. Just because his dad happens to be this hero who did so much for the Digital World doesn't mean he gets free reign to be reckless." "He is reckless, but effective." "I don't even consider him to be the true leader. That role, while it should go to Anya and me, I believe is being filled by Norstein."

"Off the record..." He leaned in closer, "And this is strictly off the record... I agree." Sampson leaned back in his chair and continued, "I will say this though. Out of the five of you, I consider you the third-in-command. If ever both Marcus and Thomas get out of hand or aren't capable of leading, I give you the responsibility to keep the team strong. You're the solid rock, built on experience. You stay loyal to the team, and that makes you a valuable asset. Share your wisdom with the others, and keep them in check. Now you know I'm going to say this to everyone, but you play a valuable role in the team. Never forget that, Gregory." "Thank you sir. You don't know how much I needed that."

Later during lunch, Kudamon jumped off of Sampson's neck and scampered towards mine. "Hey. Kudamon, what brings you to my neck?" I asked in surprise. "Just some information. Commander Sampson was speaking with Thomas, and there may be a way for you to appropriately express your opinion towards Professor Kurata." I perked up at that. "Really? How?" He started whispering in my ear. That was genius.

After lunch, Director Hashima invited a guest speaker, some guy allegedly named Blake, to give us a pep talk in the boardroom. He was this American, with graying hair and a smart business suit. "Let me have your attention for a moment! So you're talking about what? You're talking about..." He paused to chug down a bottle of water, then continued. "...bitching about that battle you shot, some son of a bitch Digimon that doesn't want to play nice, somebody that doesn't want what you're selling and so forth. Let's talk about something important. Are they all here?" "All but one," Hashima said. Tom was notably absent. Blake continued, "Well, I'm going anyway. Let's talk about something important!" He spotted Commander Sampson refilling his coffee, then sharply called, "Put! That coffee! Down!"

Blake started walking towards Sampson and said, "Coffee's for closers, only." Sampson scoffed at that, so Blake went on, "Do you think I'm screwing with you?" Sampson shook his head. Blake continued, "I am not screwing with you. I'm here from New York. I'm here from Mitch and Murray. And I'm here on a mission of mercy. Your name's Sampson?" "Yes," the commander answered. Blake asked him, "You call yourself a commander, you son of a bitch?"

"We don't have to listen to this," Kudamon coolly answered. Blake continued, "You certainly don't, pal. 'Cause the good news is - you're fired. The bad news is you've got, all you got, just one shot to regain your jobs, starting with tomorrow. Starting with tomorrow's negotiations." All of us gasped as he walked back to the front. "Oh, have I got your attention now? Good. 'Cause we're adding a little incentive to this operation. If you succeed, you all get a sushi party and a bonus. Fail, you're fired. You get the picture? You're laughing now? You've got a lead. The Japanese government paid good money for this expedition. You can't close the lead you're given, you can't close crap, you ARE crap, hit the bricks, pal and beat it 'cause you are going out!" He looked at all of us. "You're weak. All of you are weak. I've been in this business fifteen years."

"So what? What's your name, anyway?" I demanded to know. He got right in my face. "Screw! You! That's my name! You know why, Mister? 'Cause you drove a Hyundai to get here today, I drove an $80,000 B-M-W. That's my name!" "That's not true, I rode in a limo with Thomas," I countered. "SHUT UP!"

Blake then turned to Sampson. "And your name is 'you're wanting.' And you can't play in the man's game. You can't close them." He got into a near whisper, but still loud enough for us to hear it. "Then go home and tell your wife your troubles." He then turned to us, his voice booming. "Because only one thing counts in this life! Get them to sign on the line which is dotted! You hear me!?"

He walked to the whiteboard and started writing a few things down. This guy was a nut, but he went on. Kurata seemed to enjoy him. "A-B-C. A-always, B-be, C-closing. Always be closing! Always be closing!" Blake underlined those words several times, then wrote some new words and letters. "A-I-D-A. Attention, interest, decision, action. Attention - do I have your attention? Interest - are you interested? I know you are because it's work or walk. You close or you hit the bricks! Decision - have you made your decision for Christ?! And action. A-I-D-A; get out there! That Meruki-whatever doesn't let you in his house unless he wants to buy. He's sitting out there waiting to give you the olive branch! Are you gonna take it?" He walked over and leaned in towards Sampson. "Are you man enough to take it?" Blake asked. Marcus gave him the bird. "What's the problem, pal? You. Damon."

Marcus had some words for him. "You're such a hero, you're so rich. Why are you coming down here and wasting your time on a bunch of bums?" he asked. Blake sat down next to him and took off his watch. "You see this watch? You see this watch?" he asked. Marcus nodded. "Yeah." "That watch costs more than your car. I made $970,000 last year. How much you make? You see, pal, that's who I am. And you're nothing. Nice guy? I don't give a crap. Good father? Screw you - go home and play with your kids!"

He then stood up, turned to everyone. "You wanna work here? Close!" He then turned to Gary. "You think this is abuse? You think this is abuse? You can't take this - how can you take the abuse you get in an actual negotiation?! You don't like it – leave." He continued, "I can go out there tonight with the materials you got, and close the deal myself! Tonight! In two hours! Can you?" He turned to Anya. "Can you?" He walked to his briefcase. "Go and do likewise! A-I-D-A! Get mad, you sons of bitches! Get mad! You know what it takes to negotiate for peace?" He pulled a pair of brass balls out of his briefcase, and said, "It takes brass balls to negotiate for peace."

He held the balls over his crotch, then put them away after a pause and continued, "Go and do likewise, folks. The money's out there, you pick it up, it's yours. You don't-I got no sympathy for you. You wanna go out on that negotiation tomorrow and close, close, it's yours. If not, you're going to be shining my shoes. Bunch of losers sitting around in a karaoke bar." He pulled out a book from his briefcase. It had his picture on the front. "This is my latest book on peace negotiations and diplomacy. A billion dollars in advance orders on Amazon. And to you, it's gold. And you don't get it. Why? Because to give it to you is just throwing it away." He gave the book to Kurata, and said, "It's for closers." Blake closed his briefcase. "I'd wish you good luck but you wouldn't know what to do with it if you got it," he said.

He returned to Marcus and picked up his watch, strapping it back on. "And to answer your question, pal: why am I here? I came here because Director Hashima asked me to, he asked me for a favor. I said, the real favor, follow my advice and fire you because a loser is a loser." With that, he walked back to his briefcase, picked it up, and walked away. Gary and I had to hold Marcus back.

Just before closing time, we asked good ol' Kurata to meet in the auditorium, where we had set up the stage. Sampson and Kudamon were there as well. Tom took the lead this time, suggesting that we had some hidden talents we wanted to share with him. "Oh? Hidden talents? How impressive. Please, share on," he said. I took electric guitar and backing vocals, Marcus took the drums, Veemon played bass, and Gary and Tentomon stood at their keyboards. Anya and Lalamon were each given a tambourine to tap. Tom counted us in.

["One Good Reason"

Written by Alan Parsons & Eric Woolfson

Performed by The Satsuma Rentarō Project

Lead Vocals by Thomas H. Norstein (Crispin Freeman)]

The band starts playing, and Kurata likes what he hears. Marcus gets a mischievous look on his face, one that reads "Oh boy, here it comes!" Thomas nods to everyone.

Thomas:

Gimme one good reason why I should listen to you
I need one good reason why I should do
What you want me to
Gimme some air or I can't breathe
I can't see so I can't believe
Show me just a little more
Whoa gimme one

Thomas/Backing:
Gimme one good reason why I should listen to you
Just one good reason why I should do
What you want me to
Under your thumb ain't no place to hide
I can't choose and I can't decide
Gotta be a better way
Whoa gimme one

Gimme one

Inside, Kurata is seething, but he keeps his cool and affable "personality" while around Sampson and Kudamon, who enjoy the performance. Agumon and Gaomon sit down beside Kurata.

Thomas/Backing:
I keep making the same mistake
No win no lose no give and no take
I'm just playing a simple game
And I don't wanna ask you again and again

For one good reason why I should listen to you
Just one good reason why I should do
What you want me to
Under your spell ain't no place to be
Don't mess around with a fool like me
Help me just a little more
Whoa gimme one,

gimme one

As the group goes into their instrumental break, Agumon and Gaomon get up from their chairs and start dancing along while Greg goes into a guitar solo. Kurata once again acts up on his allergy, pulling out a small bottle of hand sanitizer. He practically soaks his hands in it, using up one bottle. Then he pulls another one out of his pocket along with a small pack of tissues. The band is enjoying seeing Kurata squirm.

Thomas/Backing:
Well I keep making the same mistake
No win no lose no give and no take
And I'm just playing a simple game
And I don't wanna ask you again and again

For one good reason why I should listen to you
Just one good reason why I should do
What you want me to
Pull on the string you hold in your hand
Making me jump like a one man band
Gotta be a better way
Whoa gimme one

Marcus:

One good reason

Thomas:

One good reason

Marcus:

One good reason

Thomas:

One good reason

Marcus:

One good reason

Thomas:

One good reason

Marcus:

One good reason

Thomas:

One good reason

(continue to fade)

Greg

"Well well, that was... um, very interesting. Is this what you all think of me?" Kurata asked in that polished tone of his.

"In a word, yes," I bluntly stated. "Well, I'm so terribly sorry you feel that way. I do hope you'll grow to like me, because I'm planning on staying for a very long time. Oh, and Thomas, you will have the equipment ready for tomorrow, won't you?" Tom's eyes widened as he nodded. "Good. Ta ta," Kurata gleefully said as he got up and walked away.

That night at dinner, we celebrated the fact we were finally able to let Kurata have it. "I have to say, Thomas, that was a brilliant move," I said. "Why thank you," he humbly replied.

"Hey, maybe we can do that with Merukimon tomorrow," Veemon suggested. I laughed at that. "I don't know what they listen to in the Digital World, but it just might work," I said.

Gary just took a sip of his water glass. He looked worried. "What's wrong, Gary? Got something on your mind?" I asked him. "Yeah. I've just been thinking about Keenan. If he's coming with us tomorrow, which side will he be on?" he asked.

"That's a very good question. Either he'll join our side or Merukimon's. He'll have to decide where his alliances are," Tentomon buzzed.

I thought about it for a few moments. "Ya know, I think I'll call Keenan after dinner and just talk to him for a bit. You know, just to take the pressure off him." "How will you do that?" Veemon asked. "Simple. I tell him not to come."

So, after dinner, I called the Damon house. Sarah picked up. "Hello?" "Hi, Sarah. Does Keenan know how to use a phone?" "Um, I'm sure he can learn easily." "All right, I'd like to speak with him, please," I said.

A few minutes later, he was on. "All right. Me ready. Start talking." "Usually, Keenan, most people start off by saying 'hello' or 'moshi-moshi'. Given the circumstances, I'll let that slide. I take it you know we're going to the Digital World tomorrow." "Me know. Marcus tell me, and me going." "Oh, so you are going. I'd really suggest you don't." "Why?" "Well, you don't know which side you're on, do you?" "...Me don't know. Everyone say me human, me convinced me Digimon. But now... me not so sure." "Trust me, kid, you're not a Digimon. If you were, you wouldn't be able to use DigiSoul." "How you know?" "While Marcus, Anya, and Gary went with you to visit your parents, Veemon attempted to create his own DigiSoul with the Digivice. He failed. He looked awesome trying, but he failed. His hand didn't light up like yours does when you're about to Digivolve Falcomon. I checked you on my Digimon Analyzer, and you didn't come up. But what really sticks out is that you own a Digivice. Digimon don't own Digivices. Not the ones I know, anyway. The bottom line, Keenan Crier, is that you're a human."

He hung up. "...Goodbye," I said before I hung up as well.

The next morning, we met bright and early at the base. Kurata was the last to arrive, sneezing as usual. "Morning, everyone. It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, isn't it?" he asked. I just nodded. How dare he try to pull a Mister Rogers on us!

He went on, "Now I just finished confirming the final details with Commander Sampson. He says that after this mission is finished, you can all go home for the day. Of course, this assumes there aren't any problems. Hmmm?" Gary and I gave a forced thumbs up and quickly painted smiles on our faces.

"Nope, no problems at all, no sirree," I said. "Good."

"This is going to be about as fun as a root canal," Gary muttered. I nodded.

Gotsumon

This was not looking good for me. SaberLeomon hadn't returned from his mission. I had no indication of whether or not he had completed his task of destroying the humans. Worse than that, Merukimon called me in to see him. He just sat there with his face leaning against his fist, contemplating something.

"What is it? Is something wrong?" I asked him. "I can't stop thinking about that human," he said. "Which human?" "The one who fought me with his bare hands." "Merukimon... I don't think we should talk about this!"

His eyes narrowed. "I have never felt any connection with a human before. But when he came in contact with me, when his fist hit me, my strongest beliefs were shaken and I began to wonder if perhaps humans weren't all evil." "Humans and Digimon aren't supposed to coexist. So it's only right that those humans who broke the rules get what they deserve!" I emphatically stated. He didn't look so sure.

I had to convince him. "For many years, more than I can remember, I have faithfully served you, Merukimon. I stayed, because you can bring peace between the two worlds."

Just then, he sensed something. He stood up. "It's the humans. They're on the move." "It's starting. Then I'm with you no matter what." "There's something very different about it this time. I'm sensing their mission is the annihilation of all Digimon!" "Please sir! Allow me to plan the counterattack." I started to leave.

"Gotsumon, wait!" I stopped. "Merukimon, you're the only one who can protect the Digital World from the human threat. You have to be the last line of defense." With that, I ran off.

Greg

Kurata and his soldiers went off first, leaving the five of us and our Digimon to come in last. This was all Kurata's plan, of course.

"Awesome! Man, I love making Digital Dives!" Marcus cheered. At least he still had his enthusiasm, and of course, the Digital Dive was one of the more enjoyable parts of the experience. Kurata adjusted his glasses. "The more things change, the more they stay the same," he said.

"Professor Kurata! There are no signs of any Digimon within one mile of our perimeter," a soldier reported. "Then it was a good dive. Let's get moving!"

And he started to walk off. "Hey wait, you're not going anywhere without us!" Marcus shouted. He and Agumon ran to catch up with him. We soon followed. Soldiers went up ahead followed by Marcus and Agumon, Veemon and myself, Tom and Gaomon, Anya and Lalamon, Gary and Tentomon, and Kurata. Soldiers took up the rear.

"I'm comin' for you, Merukimon!" Marcus threatened. "Marcus... we're here to try to make peace, not war," I reminded him. "Aww you just don't get it. Champion fighters don't sit and talk things out. We settle things our own way." "Yeah, you may be a champion, but he's a Mega-level."

Veemon and I burst out laughing. Just then... "Digital signal dead ahead!" one of the soldiers called. We stopped. "It's approaching rapidly," another soldier said. "Get ready for it!" Kurata directed. So, we did. Soon, we saw something flying towards us in the distance.

It was Gotsumon aboard his flying steed. "Go back now, you sneaky humans!" he shouted. Kurata held up a megaphone and started speaking into a separate device. "Stop, please! We are here on a mission of peace and respectfully ask that we speak with Merukimon." "Do you really think I would fall for such an obvious trick? You were planning on attacking him when he wasn't expecting it. Well, it won't happen on my watch. Now, Zudomon!" Suddenly, a large wall of ice broke to reveal a spiked walrus wearing a turtle's shell and carrying a hammer.

Tom looked it up on his Digimon Analyzer. "'Zudomon, an Ultimate-level Digimon who has muscles of steel. His Vulcan's Hammer is made from Chrome Digizoid, the strongest metal found on either world.'"

Kurata freaked out. "Fall iiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnn!" Two soldiers guarded him, while the ones in front of us fell back to protect Kurata.

"Yeah, and we're supposed to just be backup?" Marcus asked. "Is it fightin' time, Boss?" Agumon asked. "Oh yeah." The two rushed in.

"There goes Marcus. What a surprise," Anya flatly said. Tom looked like he was going to come down with a migraine. "Just once, I'd like to see him come up with a plan," he said.

"We might as well go with the flow, guys. Unless of course you'd like to stay with Kurata," I teased.

So, Marcus and Agumon rushed towards Zudomon and made a running jump. Agumon went first. "Pepper Breath!" Zudomon saw that coming and swung at it with his hammer. "Vulcan's Hammer!" That deflected the blast and created icicles that came straight towards them. "Look out!" Marcus cried. Soon, they both got caught holding onto icicles and went flying.

"Marcus, no!" Tom called. Thankfully, they landed just above us in a snowdrift. Kurata and the soldiers took cover. The sly professor peeked his head out and took out his megaphone. "Okay DATS, it's up to you now. I'll be hiding here if you need me." I looked up, and Agumon was caught upside down in the snow. The rest of us shook our heads.

"Looks like it's up to us to save the day," Anya grumbled. Suddenly, she yelled, "Watch out!"

Zudomon swung his hammer again, and we ducked. Tom went first as he clenched his fists. "Let's go, Gaomon!" he called. "Yes, sir!" Gaomon answered as he ran towards the Ultimate-level. Soon, our blonde friend from Austria was covered in a blue aura as he took out his iC.

"DigiSoul... Full, CHARGE!" "Gaomon Warp Digivolve to... MachGaogamon!"

Next, it was my turn. I took my iC out and struck a determined pose. "Veemon, let's kick this up a notch!" I cheered, emboldened. "Right!" I fully ignited my DigiSoul and got in position. "DigiSoul! Full, CHARGE!" Veemon jumped up high.

"Veemon Warp Digivolve to... AeroVeedramon!"

"Let's go!" Tom and I called at the same time. The two Digimon went off on their attack. MachGaogamon punched at kicked away at the icicles, while AeroVeedramon fired heat beams. With another swing to the ground, more icicles came out of it. Thankfully, my partner melted those away. It was a stunning display of teamwork. One missed, though, and that was enough to send both of them crashing against the ice wall.

Anya

"I brought you all to beat these guys. So do your job or go home!" Kurata barked through his megaphone. I looked to Lalamon, and saw both of us had cross-popping veins. "I'm not sure I like the professor," I growled. Then, I regained my composure and asked, "Ready, Lalamon?" "Ready!" she confirmed. I took out my Digivice and prepared for action.

"DigiSoul... Full... CHARGE!" I slammed my hand on the sensor until all my DigiSoul had drained, then thrust it forward.

"Lalamon Warp Digivolve to... Lilamon!"

Lilamon brought her arm cannons forward. "Marvel Shot!" The set up was perfect. She could fire from a far range while still maintaining power and accuracy. That created a smokescreen. MachGaogamon and AeroVeedramon got up and joined the fight. "Gaoga Tornade!" "Twister Saber!" The two wind attacks brought Zudomon up into the sky, finally defeating him and reverting him back into a DigiEgg.

"Ha ha! We did it without Marcus!" I cheered.

Greg

"Not bad. But it's a small taste of what's waiting for you. You'll never get to Merukimon, so give up now!" Gotsumon shouted.

I just posed again. "Sorry, rockhead, but 'give up' isn't part of our vocabulary! It's just not what the Data Squad does!" I called to him. Tom joined in. "You give up, Gotsumon! You can't take us all on! Don't make us take you down!"

"It won't be that easy." Gotsumon jumped off of his steed and landed on the ground. "I've got something to show you. I'm not exactly who you think I am," he continued. We stood there for a few seconds in a standoff. I stared intently into that walking boulder's eyes, and he probably stared into mine. But soon, Gotsumon started yelling, in the same way Vegeta might when he was about to lay on a devastating attack.

"Oh no. What are we up against this time?" Tom asked in exasperation. Then, he started glowing.

"Gotsumon Warp Digivolve to... Meteormon!"

Keenan

Marcus and Agumon leave for Digital World without me. All these words just jumble around in head. Marcus say something, Agumon say something, Greg say something. Me think long and hard about it, eventually giving in to depression. Me body made of humon, but me heart Digimon. Where can me turn for peace? So, Falcomon and me go up on roof. Soon, Mama of Marcus climb up on roof as well. She let out sigh. "Popular place. Whenever something was bugging Marcus, he'd come up here and stare at the sky, too." Then she look at me. "You know something? You're a lot alike. Do you want to talk about it?"

Greg

"Meteormon?" I looked it up on the Digimon Analyzer. "'Meteormon, an Ultimate-level Digimon whose special attack is Cosmo Flash. With it, he creates beams from outer space and targets it at his opponents as a meteor shower.'"

"If you think I'm the same, you're wrong!" the Digimon formerly known as Gotsumon shouted as he raised his hands up. Soon, a black hole generated just above him, bringing in multi-colored particles.

"He's a lot more powerful than before," Tom stated. "Yesssssssssss, much more powerful than before," I agreed.

"Cosmo Flash!" Meteormon threw his hands toward us, sending a meteor shower in our direction. We braced for impact.

Then, we heard a voice from the snow. "Yoo hoo!" And as if the charge signal had been played on an imaginary bugle, in came punching power from our very own pugilist and Scrappy-Doo wannabe, Marcus. "Don't forget about me!" he shouted. Well at least he'd gotten out of the snow. I couldn't wait to tell him what we had done while digging Agumon out of the drift.

"DigiSoul… Full, CHARGE!" "Agumon Warp Digivolve to... RizeGreymon!"

RizeGreymon rose to the occasion and attempted to use a Solid Strike, but Meteormon disappeared.

"Huh? He vanished!" Marcus said, surprised.

But then, all the Digimon took a hit before Meteormon appeared again. "Ha ha ha, you guys aren't all that tough!" he sneered. Marcus joined our side.

I told him, "By the way, while you and Agumon were making snow angels, Lilamon, AeroVeedramon, and MachGaogamon defeated Zudomon all by themselves." Gary was too busy staring at something.

Tentomon

I couldn't believe it. Gary's head wasn't in the proverbial game. I nudged him. "Oh Gary... Gary..." "Huh? Oh. What is it, Tentomon?" "What are you thinking about?" "Nothing in particular." "Well, if you haven't noticed, and judging by your staring into space, you haven't, the other Digimon are up to Ultimate-level. Shall we join them?" Gary nodded and took out his Digivice.

"I think we should. I think we should." Then, he got in position and brought his hands up, ready to go. "DigiSoul... Full, Charge!"

I took off, ready to take the power. "Tentomon Warp Digivolve to... MegaKabuterimon!"

Greg

At last, Gary had made his entrance into the game. "Electro Shocker!" MegaKabuterimon carefully bounced his electric ball off the ice wall, aiming for Meteormon. That didn't do him any good, but it was an ingenious plan. Tom looked it up on his laptop. "He can attack at supersonic speeds," he concluded.

"He's too fast, I can't get a good shot at him," MachGaogamon said. "Ha ha ha! You're not gonna beat me!" the white rock continued to taunt. He used his supersonic speed to attack our Digimon again.

Falcomon

"What Keenan supposed to do?" Keenan asked.

"Sorry... but I really don't know what to say." Marcus' mother said as she turned towards us, "See, you're the only one who can answer that question, Keenan. Because you're the only one who knows what it's like to be both."

Keenan looked down. "Yeah. That problem. Me both." "Just take your time. It'll come to you." Marcus' mother's words were kind, sweet encouragement. She reminds me so much of Frigimon.

Greg

"What's wrong? Somebody kick your butt?" Meteormon jeered.

AeroVeedramon was the first to get up. "Ugh... yeah, and we'd like to return the favor," he called back. Tom worked out strategies on his laptop. "How's it coming, Thomas?" I asked him. "Not good. I'm still trying to come up with a plan."

"I've got it!" Marcus had come up with a plan. "When he attacks, it means he's close enough for us to counterattack. Hey, RizeGreymon!" "Got it, Boss!"

I acted fast. "You hear that, AeroVeedramon?" "Loud and clear!" Soon, the others got up, and were ready to go.

"So, you still got some fight in you, huh?" Meteormon attacked again, punching AeroVeedramon in the chest. After that, he became visible again. "There!" I called. My partner grabbed the little rock with his claw and held him up.

"Yes!" Marcus and I cheered. "I can't believe Marcus and Greg actually agree on something," Tom said in astonishment.

Lilamon was next in line to attack. "Un Deux Pollen!" After Meteormon was showered in pollen, my partner threw him up into the air, where MachGaogamon punched him in the face with his Winning Knuckle. That sent him flying a long distance, but when the smoke cleared, Meteormon was still standing.

"Well this really has been a lot of fun. But I've kind of grown tired of our little game. It's time to end it. Goodbye!" He lifted himself up into the air, preparing for another attack. "Cosmo Flash!"

"DRAGON IMPULSE!" AeroVeedramon fired his shockwave, and the dragon that it created began to swallow Meteormon whole. "Merukimon! HELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLPPPPPPPPPPP!" Within seconds, he became nothing more than a DigiEgg.

Suddenly, we heard clapping from behind. "Well done. Now, that's why I brought you here." It was that coward, Kurata, coming out from behind the wall to congratulate us. He adjusted his glasses. "Everything seems to be going as planned," he said.

Falcomon

Marcus' mother was kind enough to drop us off at DATS headquarters. Keenan and I wandered the halls towards the Digital Dive. "Keenan, are you sure you want to do this?" I asked him. "Yes! Me want all fighting to stop!"

We arrived in what was colloquially known as the "war room", where Commander Sampson and Kudamon were there to meet us. He stood up. "Hmmm? Keenan." Keenan turned to him. "Sir... you send me to Digital World!" He eventually agreed.

Greg

We continued in our path until we arrived in Merukimon's throne room. Marcus was the first to enter in, and Merukimon recognized him. "Damon!"

Marcus just stood before him, with no fear. "We have unfinished business, 'cause last time we fought, I got dragged back to the Human World, but you won't be so lucky this time!" I promptly approached our swaggering soldier and took upon myself the Southern tradition of beating him upside the head with my hand. "Bless your heart, Marcus, we don't want to get him mad at us. We've only been here less than a minute."

"Approach me, Damon," Merukimon commanded. So, he did. "It's you and me, big guy. Bring it on!" "You dare threaten me?" "It's not a threat if you can back it up. This is a human versus Digimon fight to the end!" "Yes, unfortunately, it will be your last fight."

I went up to Tom. "Tom, remind me when we get home to notify Sarah." "Why's that?" he asked. "Because I think Marcus has a death wish."

"Fightin' time!" Marcus shouted as he started running. Merukimon stood up and began making his swing. I was already coming up with remarks I could say at his funeral, when suddenly... "STOP IT!" We turned around, and there in the distance, were Keenan and Falcomon. Boy, did the boy look mad.

Author's Notes:

Kurata is a cowardly snake, isn't he? But he gets much worse later on, as you'll soon discover.

I was once asked in a review whether Lobomon and Lowemon would appear in this fanfic. Well you've already seen the Test Unit in a MusicBreak, so you must assume that Takuya, Kouji, Koichi, J.P., Zoe, and Tommy all work at DATS. Maybe they'll appear in another chapter, maybe they won't. My only issue is finding a more mature VA for Tommy. I am open to suggestions. "But wait! I thought the D-Tectors/D-Scanners reverted back into cell phones in the last episode of Digimon Frontier. Won't that disrupt canon?" Well if what you're reading is any indication, I'm already breaking canon. If you've forgotten, T.K. can now Biomerge with Patamon! (OK, it was a dream, but still.) Henry's using DigiSoul! Just in this chapter, AeroVeedramon killed off Meteormon instead of RizeGreymon! This whole fanfiction is an attempt to fit Digimon Savers in the Tamers universe while using particular elements and characters from Adventure and Adventure 02. I'm shattering canon to pieces!

The character Blake originally came from Glengarry Glen Ross. I had to sanitize it slightly.

And now, another MusicBreak!

DATS Talent Show: Part 3

["In the Real World"

Written by Alan Parsons & Eric Woolfson

Performed by The Satsuma Rentarō Project

Lead Singer: Greg Logan (Doug Erholtz)

Backing Vocals: Henry Wong (Dave Wittenberg), Commander Richard Sampson (Jamieson Price)]

At the auditorium, one light shines as Veemon plays the opening riff on his bass guitar. The other lights come on to reveal the rest of the band. Also present on stage is Gary on synth, Gaomon on drums, Henry Wong on electric guitar and backing vocal, Commander Sampson on keyboards and backing vocal, and Greg right in front with a guitar of his own.

Greg:

One more compromise I won't be making
One more easy way out I won't be taking
So many chances don't come twice
So many eyes are made of ice
One more cheating hand I won't be shaking

One more substitute I won't be trying
One more piece of the rock that I'm not buying
So many times we stand and fight
So many reasons can't be right
One more simple truth I'm not denying

Greg/Backing:

Too many lonely hearts in the real world
Too many lonely nights in the real world

Greg:

Too many fools who don't think twice
Too many ways to pay the price

Greg/Backing:

Don't wanna live my life in the real world

Greg:

One more sacrifice I won't be making
One more golden rule I won't be breaking
No one to let me state my case
No one to tell me to my face
One more sweet surprise I won't be faking

Greg/Backing:

Too many lonely hearts in the real world
Too many lonely nights in the real world

Greg:

Too many bridges you can burn
Too many tables you can't turn

Greg/Backing:

Don't wanna live my life in the real world

There's a short instrumental bridge. We see that the band is really having a good time, and so is the audience.

Greg:

Greg/Backing:

Too many lonely hearts in the real world
Too many lonely nights in the real world

Greg:

Too many games that I can't play
Too many windmills in my way

Greg/Backing:

Don't wanna live my life in the real world

Greg:

I don't wanna live in the real world

Backing:

Too many lonely hearts in the real world

(Greg: Too many lonely hearts)
Too many lonely nights (Greg: Too many lonely nights)

in the real world

Don't wanna live my life in the real world

(Greg: Don't wanna live in the real world)
Too many lonely hearts (Greg: Too many lonely hearts )

in the real world

Too many lonely hearts in the real world (Greg: Yeah yeah yeah)

Don't wanna live my life in the real world

(fade out)

As the song fades out, the audience cheers as everyone bows.