MESSAGE
From: Davis
To: DigiDestined
Subject: Abrupt Trial
'Please let me know if you all have heard the whereabouts of tomorrow. If the majority has not, a meeting will be held within the hour over at the Fuji station.'
Upon closing the device after submitting, he looked up to see Kari smiling.
"It's good to see…well, you taking charge this time around."
He opened his mouth to respond, but didn't have anything to say; after a minute, he knew what to say.
"Have I been absent this whole time?"
"Like I said on Christmas, ever since Ken came along, you have been more absent than ever."
"…Me and him were…cordial in our time together."
"Cordial…but nothing else?"
A firm head shake gave Kari her answer.
"It seems to me," she continued, "that there is a bit of denial in you that you don't want to own."
Before he could respond, the device in his pocket began to buzz in short increments.
"I…guess those would be for me."
As he pulled out the D-Terminal, the buzzing continued in those short bursts. After a few seconds of no action, Davis opened the device and read the responses.
"Okay, everyone else got the same lecture. So…what now?"
"Go back and get ready for tomorrow – that's the only thing any of us can do."
With a firm head nod, he embraced her in a hug. "Thanks again for letting Veemon come over; hopefully, he was able to mend things over."
"You're welcome, and I hope the same is true for Gatomon."
As he stepped outside and braced for the weather, Davis lost himself in thought walking through the harsh winds.
'Am I in denial? In what way? After what Ken put me through, I…'
He shook it off, but it kept returning.
'After…after the fact…he put me through that, but now…'
Davis drew in a deep breath and exhaled slowly; he knew what he would be doing for the remainder of his day.
Within the white-walled room stood all of the Digimon that fought for the safety of Odaiba, angry to know that they were seen as the bad guys within the chaos.
Yet, every single one of them couldn't find their voice to speak their opinion on the matter.
Someone had to break the silence within the mold…
"What are we going to do?" Veemon asked, looking around at his teammates.
The silence continued to linger as the blue dragon sighed and shook his head in defeat.
"I'm sorry…but what did you expect to happen?" Agumon responded with a question of his own before continuing, "We are all confused and angry, but there is nothing that we can do right now except to wait it out."
"Okay, and then what? Say that the trial doesn't go our way – how do we fight back?"
As Veemon approached the dinosaur, it was Gabumon that stepped forward to ease the tension.
"Please don't do anything irrational."
"Oh yeah, what are you—"
"Stop!" Gatomon yelled from across the room, her eyes fierce in frustration.
Veemon shook his head, sighed heavily, and retreated.
After a few seconds of silence fell within the room, it was Armadillomon who spoke.
"I think a good night's sleep will do us well."
Murmurs of agreeance came from the Digimon, and in a matter of minutes, all were asleep with their own thoughts swirling around.
The next morning, after putting on his school attire, Davis sat for an early breakfast with not much sleep.
"Gee, you look awful," Jun commented as she made her way over to the table, "feeling nervous?"
"A little," was the only response he could muster.
"Well you shouldn't feel like that, hun," Mrs. Motomiya said as she placed slices of toast down. "You have someone good in Mr. Ishida who will do nothing short but to protect you and your friends."
"Thanks," Davis responded monotonously, "but it's more than that."
"And you don't wanna spare us any information?"
A head nod was Jun's only answer.
"Look," Davis said as he got up from his seat, a piece of toast in his hand, "I'll be okay. Afterward, though…that's another story."
Both his mother and sister said their farewells as he left the complex, heading towards the station that will get him to the courthouse. As he got onto the subway, his mind trickled back into last night.
'Ken has changed, and I've been a fool not to recognize that until right now. I know what I need to do, but it's going to be hard…either way, when this is all said and done, I hope that we can start fresh.'
An hour later, Davis arrived at the courthouse. Stepping into the building, he saw the rest of the DigiDestined.
"Hey, gang," he said upbeat, trying to hide his nerves, "how are we all doing?"
They responded in murmurs, making Davis all the more nervous.
'Guess like being peppy is a big no-no.'
"In the trial of Leiko vs…eh, what would you consider yourself to be?"
"We are…the DigiDestined," Hiroaki said.
"Okay, in the trial of Leiko vs the DigiDestined, please be prepared. You have five minutes until your case starts. You can go in between now and then."
Looking over, the group saw Leiko, dolled up in an all-pink suit, her hair straight down her back.
She still had the same smirk she wore the first time meeting them; with a small wave, she headed inside.
"So, are we ready?" Hiroaki asked, and to a tune of determining head nods, they all headed inside.
"All rise."
The bailiff addressed the room as the DigiDestined made their way in.
"Matter in the trial of Leiko vs the DigiDestined will commence. The Digimon in question are being held in solitary confinement at this time, and however the result of this trial goes will determine where they end up. Please raise your right hand to swear."
All members followed the bailiff's order.
"Do you swear to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth during this trial?"
A chorus of 'yes' rang out from all.
"You may be seated…judge, please call your first witness."
"Alright, this will be short," the judge said, "Miss Azure, please head towards the stand."
Leiko solemnly nodded and made her way on up.
"Please state your case."
"I'm a prominent news anchor that covers all the truth and nothing but. A few days ago, we had an after-Christmas phenomenon take place as these…Digimon as you call them brawled against one another. There were many injured and even a couple of deaths in the aftermath. Charging them with murder and negligence is the only way to right these wrongs."
"Thank you – please return."
Leiko did so as Hiroaki breathed lowly, knowing that his defense will have to be good to come out unscathed.
"Hiroaki, please approach the stand to give your defense."
The elder did so and from there he began his speech.
"These Digimon that you have heard about are nothing short of extraordinary. They are digital monsters from another universe, equipped with powers unlike anyone has ever seen. My team was aiding in an upcoming heist being sought out by a terrible Digimon and his army. To charge us with these counts would show as a red scar on what could have been a worse outcome had my kids and his friends not been there to fight."
"Thank you – please return."
Hiroaki did so with a thoughtful sigh of relief – he knew he opened strong.
"So, Leiko, I know you have a question for Hiroaki – you may proceed."
"Thank you; Mr. Ishida, simply putting, if you knew about this supposed heist, why didn't you alert the rest of Odaiba?"
"Do you honestly think anyone would have taken that seriously?" he retorted.
"If you were the supposed good guys, you should have done your due diligence and alerted the masses of such a heist; an evacuation plan would have been really great to have."
"Again, do you believe that the masses would have believed a word coming out of Fuji TV about the attacks? We only heard word of it on Christmas, and they attacked the very next day."
"…Your honor, I would like a recess."
"Overruled – do you have any more questions?"
Leiko sighed. "No, your honor."
"Good – now, since there are minors within this case, we will need to tread lightly. Therefore, surveillance will be hung and severely monitored until after the first of the year where we will regroup. Your Digimon will be given back, but under no circumstance should they engage in fighting within Odaiba unless you want them to suffer. Case dismissed!"
With the bang of the gavel, the judge walked away from the main stand. After a few seconds elapsed, everyone else was making their way out but a certain cry came from one of the DigiDestined.
"Why do you even care about this?"
Leiko turned to Davis, walked over to the group, and said, "Your…pests, they killed average citizens. How does that lay on your conscience?"
With her rhetorical question asked, she left the courtroom.
"I'm sorry, guys; I thought that—"
"Eh, don't sweat it," Tai said, reassuring the leader, "she's a bit…of a handful, to put it lightly."
As the DigiDestined were about to leave, they all had one question on their mind – how were their partners doing. As each arrived home, they found two things to be there – a surveillance camera on the outside of their complexes, and their partner alive and well.
MESSAGE
From: Matt
To: DigiDestined
Subject: NYE Celebration
'Hey, gang! I know we've dealt with a lot of crazy stuff over the past couple of days, so let's unwind and enjoy the new year as one over at the Fuji TV station! We can all watch the fireworks go off, kick back and relax for the night. Don't worry about food or drinks – that's all being covered. Only bring yourself and your partner if you can – guests of one can be accompanied. Meet around nine, see you all then!'
As the replies started to pour in, Matt felt elated – something to look forward to without any real care in the world.
"So, I heard that there's a celebration happening?"
Matt turned to see Gabumon coming towards him within the bedroom.
"Who did you hear that from?"
"Your dad, of course."
Matt nodded his head as he laid back on his bed. "Yes, he and I are planning a gathering on New Year's Eve so that we can all relax and enjoy the time together without dealing with any shenanigans."
"Sounds fun and all, but…what exactly is this New Year?"
Matt chuckled. "Its when we flip ahead one more year and everyone comes out to celebrate the occasion."
Gabumon shrugged his shoulders – the answer would be fine for now.
As the evening of the party came upon the DigiDestined, all were ready to have a grand time…except for one.
Kari checked herself over in the bathroom mirror for the umpteenth time before exiting to the living room where Tai and their partners were awaiting her arrival.
"Okay, are you ready?" he asked to which she gave a small nod.
"I guess so."
"Are you okay?" Gatomon asked, "it seems like something is on your mind."
"No, trust me, it's nothing."
"So…there is something you are worried about. Well, what is it?"
Kari sighed. "I don't need to explain, now c'mon let's go."
As the small group ventured out into the brisk December night, Kari's thoughts were running rampant.
'Everything is going to be okay – stop worrying. But I have to be on edge in case anything was to happen. And if something does happen, are we all ready to fight? After all, no shenanigans should come from us unless we want our partners gone, or even worse…'
Within minutes, the group arrived at the station. Inside, they located their friends all around the first-floor lobby.
"Hey, guys," Matt greeted, "Happy New Year! Help yourself to some food and drinks over on your right, relax and enjoy the night!"
Tai chuckled. "Okay, Mr. Fancy pants."
As the gang dived right in, eating and mingling with friends alike, one Digimon was left uneasy.
'Ooh, every time I'm here, I always think of him…'
"What seems to be the problem, girl?"
Gatomon shook her head as she heard Biyomon's question.
"Oh, it's nothing, to be honest – was lost in some thought."
"…Okay," the pink bird replied as she retreated back to Palmon.
Gatomon knew where she had to go, but she wanted to make sure nobody was watching from afar.
As she spotted everyone else conversing, she made a break for the one oval room in the entire building. Climbing stair after stair, her heart and mind were racing madly with adrenaline.
As she reached the room, she took a few deep breaths and allowed herself to be in a trance.
'He has to come…any minute now…'
She moved towards the center of the room, still in her focused state.
It took a few more minutes until she heard the faint calling of her name.
"Yes, I'm here," she responded.
Her eyes locked into the being that came in.
"I'm so glad you're here…Wizardmon."
A smile formed on her lips, elated to be reunited with an old friend.
"Yes, I've been waiting for you as well," the old soul said. "Have you been thinking about what I told you all a while back?"
Gatomon paused and thought. She did remember about him telling them that 'Kindness alone will not be able to defeat the darkness' but couldn't quite put the puzzle together.
"We know the person with kindness, but we don't quite understand the darkness…unless the darkness ends up being…"
She thought for a few seconds before she answered, "Daemon! He must be the darkness! Am I right?"
"Sorry, but there's one greater than he," Wizardmon said. "You and your team must be prepared to take on whoever is out there that wants you all dead."
"We will be fine," the feline responded before hearing footprints coming from afar.
"There you are – I was looking everywhere for you."
The sound of Veemon's voice caught her off-guard.
"Oh, well I was getting reacquainted with an old friend…remember Wizardmon?"
She gestured out to the ghost who in turned waved hello to the blue dragon.
"Oh yeah, I do remember wanting to beat him up! Then you said no, and then he went on and on about kindness…yeah."
Gatomon nodded solemnly. 'The one time you had to have a dim moment…'
"Alright," Wizardmon said, "I must go. Again, one greater wants you all dead. Please do what you can to defeat the evil one."
"We will do our best!" Gatomon replied with gusto in her voice.
As the old soul left the room, the white feline turned towards her good friend before saying, "You really had to interrupt us with that embarrassment of a statement?"
Veemon scratched the back of his head. "Yeah, well…that's what came to me in that instance."
She shook her head. "Sometimes I wonder why I put up with you."
"Well, why don't I show you?" As he said this, he inched closer, holding out his right arm.
"You wanna…dance, here? Without any music?"
"Let the movement be the music, darling."
Gatomon chuckled. "Okay, Mr. Suave."
She grabbed his hand and they started to dance around the oval room. With each step, their heartbeats began to sync with one another, beating in a rhythmic tone.
"So, tell me," Veemon asked as he twirled his partner around, "are you ready to celebrate in the best way possible tonight?"
"You mean with a little midnight kiss?"
Veemon's eyes widened as he almost stopped dead in his tracks.
Gatomon giggled. "You know you want that so bad from me…our first kiss."
She rested her head against his chest as they moved slower around.
"You know that would be really nice," she said seductively.
It took Veemon a few seconds to regain his composure. Once he had it, he said, "Oh yeah, we can watch the fireworks, ring in the new year, and enjoy that little something special."
A few more minutes of slow dancing was conducted until Gatomon said, "So, are you ready to head back downstairs sneakily and mingle?"
"Sure…but why sneakily?"
She laughed. "We don't want anyone else to catch on."
"Catch on to…. what, exactly?"
"Us."
It took a little moment for Veemon to understand.
"Ooh yeah, you got a point."
"Like I always do."
As the hours dwindled away, and as it was five to midnight, the DigiDestined were preparing themselves for the firework celebration.
Unbeknownst to them, two figures made their entrance into the station, making everyone on edge.
"Relax, guys," Tai said as he spotted Arukenimon and Mummymon, "they're here to help."
"Help…with what, exactly?" Matt asked.
Tai bit his lips, unsure of how best to explain as he was dealing with thoughts of his own.
'They are here to help with us going against Daemon…is that happening now? Sooner rather than later? How do I try and protect Kari? Along with everyone else?'
"We are here to help you all in the upcoming battle," Arukenimon said, approaching the group.
"When will that be?" Sora asked.
"We…don't really know," Mummymon replied.
"Okay, fine," Matt said while putting his hands up, "you guys can join us in celebrating in a few minutes. Then, we need to seriously talk."
Both parties agreed as they patiently waited…
Across the lake on top of a warehouse, looking at the station from afar, Daemon's eyes gave off a sneering look.
"Don't worry," he whispered, "soon they'll meet their match, and with them out of the way, the Digital World will be mine for the taking."
Thirty seconds to midnight struck as the first set of fireworks went off near him.
'In less than a minute, their whole lives are going to be rocked.'
Back at the station, the gang all waited for the drop of midnight to come.
"Okay, here we go…ten…"
As they counted down the seconds to midnight, two Digimon made their way over to each other.
"So…are you ready?"
"Ready for something a little passionate…why yes, yes I am."
As the clock struck midnight and the firework show started, the celebration went off without a hinge. It was only after hearing a collection of gasps that the two were frozen in their tracks.
"…What?" Veemon asked, "we were just—"
Before he could finish, he spotted three preteens down on the floor, lying unconscious.
