Digital Shuffle Chapter 9: He Who Cried Wolf, a digimon fanfic

Digital Shuffle
By famirad

Disclaimer: I don't own Digimon. This fanfic is for fun.
Author's Note: Once again, this is pretty much an AU. It starts off at a point in the canon storyline (before the first Deva appears) and goes off in a totally different direction. This will be a crossover between Digimon canons.

Bold for implied feelings, mostly for the Juggernaut's voice in Takato's head
"Dialogue" is similar to telepathy

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Digital Shuffle
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(He Who Cried Wolf)

"Jenrya…"

A voice, wandering just out of reach.

"Jenrya, come here."

Why?

"Come. Share."

Who?

"You're too far away."

Takato?

"Please come here, Jenrya. Please? I can't see you from here."

So...cold, so emotionless. Weirdly familiar, the voice was hypnotizing. Jenrya wasn't quite aware of what he was doing as he got out of bed, his gray eyes glazing over as he stumbled over to the computer, its monitor glowing an eerie green and throbbing in time with the "words".

Drawn to it, Jenrya blindly sat down in his chair, face blank as he stared intently at the screen.

"I need to see you. Come closer."

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Yamaki muffled a yawn.

This early in the morning, most of Hypnos's personnel hadn't arrived yet. Those that did were trying frantically to wake up as their boss strode past. At this ungodly hour, when it was still dark outside, he didn't really care how unprofessional they looked. When he'd contacted Nagamora a few years ago, he hadn't been expecting these early meetings the man kept springing on him, otherwise he might've thought twice about the deal. Well, he would've said yes no matter what, still.

Yamaki his way through still-dark corridors. Although he recovered his sight a couple of years ago, he found he was still comfortable with moving in the dark. After all, he'd gotten so used to it that it was hard to shake the habit of relying on senses other than sight, even when it wasn't necessary anymore. Besides, he knew this building up and down. From the innocent offices on the top floors, the lobby and the elevators that would only travel to certain levels (as protection against people wandering in on Hypnos), all the way down to the Yuggoth chamber.

Yamaki let himself into the conference room, his stride hesitating only for a moment when he noticed Nagamora wasn't alone. The man reclined in one of the chairs around the black marble desk, a woman at his side. Yamaki raised an eyebrow at this, his expression hidden behind the safety of his sunglasses. What was Kincaid doing here? He kept his mouth shut. Right, Kincaid was originally one of Nagamora's staff, so he'd probably called upon her services again.

Yamaki sat down across from Nagamora. "Well?"

Nagamora held out his hand. Kincaid handed several folders to him, the woman stepping backward discreetly. Laying the folders out before him, he slid one to Yamaki, lacing his fingers together.

"These are the reports concerning Hypnos's progress and that," he motioned at the papers Yamaki inspected, "is the details of our branches."

"Hard to believe you're having financial trouble," Yamaki remarked. Behind the sunglasses, his eyes scanned the packets. Everything had been doctored almost to perfection, as expected, but he wasn't fooled and Nagamora already knew that. This was really just his sponsor's strange way of exchanging pleasantries. "But this isn't what you wanted to talk to me about."

"Of course not. These are merely minor details." Nagamora adjusted his glasses, pushing them up the bridge of his nose. "Actually, I'm a bit curious about several things, one of them concerning you." The mild-mannered man gave a little half-smile. "If you don't mind."

"Not at all."

Nagamora leaned back, regarding Yamaki. "For the most part, we have worked on good terms with each other. I contacted you four years ago, after doing some…ah, research." Nagamora accepted the cup of coffee Kincaid offered him, sipping it as Yamaki his cup.

"I know."

"I noticed you changed your name."

A shrug. Why bring this up? A name was a name. It didn't mean anything to Nagamora. "I did."

"And your personal records seem to have mysteriously disappeared." This time there was a hint of amusement in the older man's voice.

"It's annoying when people keep taking peeks at who I was," Yamaki said. He was uncomfortable with the idea of someone stumbling across them; after all, there was enough about him there to uncover Hypnos – if one dug deep enough – and it was easier just to get rid of them. "I prefer to remain anonymous, if possible."

"I see," Nagamora chuckled. He fiddled with the ring around his middle finger, touching the strange designs carved into it, and glancing askance at Kincaid. "I was just wondering about that."

Yamaki deigned not to give any response. Without asking, he lit a cigarette, watching silently as his sponsor sipped his coffee. He then set it down, smiling with an almost fatherly expression. "It's been what, four, five years?"

God, not this again. "Four," Yamaki answered tersely.

"And you're still dedicated to your goal."

"Yes."

"That's good to hear," Nagamora took another sip, gesturing at the files laid out on the table. "Regarding the Juggernaut. We'll unseal it in a few months but there might be a few…technical difficulties. Nothing serious. Kincaid here tells me that without the constant maintenance of its tech crew, the system will probably need to be adjusted. It should take a day or two, nothing to worry about."

"Fine." Yamaki wasn't sure what to make of this. Something wasn't quite right, but right now he couldn't put his finger on the specific details. Just a gut feeling. A quick glance at the Hypnos reports: mostly things he already knew and was on top of. Good. It went to show if you wanted to keep something secret, you kept it to yourself. "The Digimon are coming in greater numbers, but Hypnos can handle them. However, I believe I requested some military support, if it became necessary."

Nagamora waved the matter away. "Done."

"Also, concerning some of the employees, there are a number I want off the job. And this time I'm hiring the replacements."

The corner of Nagamora's mouth twitched, but that was all.

"Very well."

Yamaki didn't bring up the kids with the Digimon. Perhaps it was his own experiences with Junko that kept him silent about them, but whatever the reason, he didn't mention them. His trust in Nagamora was already low, despite the help he gave him. Best to have a wild card somewhere in the works. Nagamora conducted the rest of the meeting with his trademark ease, moving along at an unhurried pace. Occasionally he would ask a sensitive question, make a double-sided remark. Yamaki, however, was ready, fending them off, readily taking up arms in this verbal fencing. This went on for about an hour, at which Nagamora glanced at his watch.

"Ah, it looks like we're done, for the time being." A nod. "Thank you for your cooperation."

His face carefully expressionless, Yamaki nodded and left, the door shutting behind him. His footsteps gradually faded away, leaving Nagamora and Kincaid alone. With a soft chuckle, Kincaid draped her arms along the head Nagamora's seat, looking down at him. Her partner. It'd been far too long since they could work together like this.

"Think he knows?"

Nagamora began cleaning his glasses with a small square of cloth, shrugging. "To some extent, probably. But he's willing to deal with me regardless of his suspicions. He'd deal with the devil if it meant he got what he wanted. And that's all I'm asking for."

Kincaid seated herself close to her partner, an impish grin on her face. She'd thoroughly enjoyed the exchange between Yamaki and Nagamora, listening with interest as they exchanged veiled barbs. Yamaki was a good opponent for the Founder, she realized. The human apparently had done his own research. Maybe too much. In fact, she had to wonder just how far the his knowledge went. Did he know of the previous human encounters with Digimon, for example? Or did he even know of the role Digimon played now?

That just made this all the more interesting and she told Nagamora exactly that.

A throaty laugh. "You haven't changed a bit."

"A girl's got to entertain herself somehow."

"You always manage to make a game out of everything."

"Not everything," Kincaid mock-pouted, gesturing at the ring her companion wore on his finger. "Case in point. Also newsflash: you looked better with horns than glasses."

"And people would take more notice of me," Nagamora answered dryly. As Founder, it was far more useful to blend into the background, to play the hidden conductor in the orchestra, than to be the war hero he was back home. But he appreciated the gift, more so when he recalled the fact that Kincaid made it for him and him alone. "I never got to thank you."

"You know I favor you." Kincaid had that same, cheeky expression grin, but it was between equals this time. She would never dare treat Nagamora the way she treated her subordinates. Not only were they equals, but he was also a long-time friend of hers. A partner. Perhaps more than a friend. "Besides, it was nothing."

"I appreciate your attentions and I think I'm honored. However, returning back to the topic…" Nagamora shook his head, leaning back into the seat. "Yamaki probably knows quite a bit, more than he lets on. I wouldn't be surprised if he knew about the previous Purged children before his niece. Unfortunate mess, that."

An exaggerated groan. "I remember that. It was such a pain trying to get their partners back on track and actually useful."

"Humans tend to have that negative effect on their Digimon slaves."

"When did you suddenly get so observant?"

"It was obvious watching them during quarantine. Some of them were practically suicidal." Nagamora set his glasses on the spotless surface of the table, his voice reproaching. He didn't even need them, but he found wearing them tended to throw humans off-guard, which was just what he wanted. "But of course that was several years ago. I heard you were going to recommend several of them for the remaining positions of the Line."

"I planned to nominate Greymon for the Sword, but he went and got himself deleted, so that idea's out the window," Kincaid frowned thoughtfully. "Right now we need the Shield. The Juggernaut will be online soon enough and since I plan to begin the second phase soon, I'd like to start taking care of things ahead of schedule." Her lips pursed as she considered her options.

"You're going to use Golems for fuel?"

"It's not like anyone's going to miss them. Besides, they make good vessels and I'm pretty sure they can hold the energy drained from the hosts, at least long enough for them to make a one-way trip to the Juggernaut."

"There'll be bodies then. Humans get finicky about corpses lying about." Since humans didn't dissolve into data like Digimon did, it was a bit harder to hide any remains. If too many were found dead, then there could be large scale of panic in the city, which would complicate things unnecessarily. The Shield would have to be quite powerful to contain the unavoidable fear, not just maintain a physical barrier. The population would have to stay within the confines of Tokyo if the mission was to succeed. Otherwise the Juggernaut's fuel sources would scatter.

Otherwise the humans, with their superior numbers, might swarm them if they realized what was really happening.

"Bah! Leave that to me." Kincaid flapped a gloved hand, smirking.

"If you insist."

"Have you no faith in me? You're terrible."

"Very terrible," Nagamora agreed mildly. Kincaid only shook her head. "No, no, I trust you. Seriously, I do." Getting to his feet, he turned to regard Kincaid. "Although I may have to ask another favor of you."

The Deceiver raised an eyebrow. "Fire away."

"Watch Yamaki for me, could you? I can't watch him every day. Although his cooperation is still needed, he could be a potential danger."

"I'll tell you as soon as I see any signs of trouble," Kincaid assured him. She winked. "Should be easy to take care of him if it comes down to that. After all, he's only human."

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Terriermon would sleep in, if he had the choice. Gotta…get up. But the bed was so warm, the comforters just the right amount of comfyness and he wasn't too keen on the idea of dragging himself away. Besides, as soon as he did, he'd probably get jumped by Shuichon and stuffed into another one of those doll dresses. But I promised to wake Jenrya up...

A weary, heroic sigh. The things he did for his partner.

Rolling over, Terriermon opened his eyes. To his surprise, Jenrya wasn't there sleeping next to him like usual. Did he already get up? Yawning, Terriermon rubbed at his eyes with bunched paws, casting a regretful look back at the bed. Well, no point in snuggling back in. Another sleepy yawn. The Rookie sat up. And promptly blinked in surprise as he saw Jenrya sitting in front of his computer.

"Uh…Jenrya, we gotta go soon."

No response.

Oh, so now he's not talking to me? Terriermon huffed. That's not very nice! His human remained sitting where he was, motionless as he stared at the screen. Grumbling, Terriermon hopped down from the bed, making his way toward Jenrya. He'd told him to get him ready and he was keeping that promise. Even if it meant dragging the Tamer to the closet! For crying out-loud, he wasn't even dressed yet. What am I, his babysitter? The Digimon threw up mental paws.

"Jenrya, I mean it," he raised his voice, scrunching his button nose. Tugging on Jenrya's pant leg, he continued more urgently, "You're going to be late for school!"

Jenrya started as Terriermon's voice woke him up. Blinking, he glanced down at his partner, then at the computer. The screen was off, the monitor black. For some reason, he must've fallen asleep at his desk; it explained the cramp forming up the base of his spine. Wincing, he got to his feet, smiling sheepishly at Terriermon:

"Sorry, guess I fell asleep."

"You sleep like a log. Sheesh," Terriermon grumbled, moving behind him and pushing at his heels. "Get dressed! You know, I coulda been sleeping late, but no-o-o, a certain someone insists I wake him up even though he already has an alarm clock…"

Jenrya only laughed at this as he pulled a shirt over his head. "But you're so much better than some boring old alarm clock."

That made Terriermon feel a little better: he couldn't help preening a bit. True, he had lots of perks.

"And besides, no one can nag like you can."

"Jenrya!" Terriermon threw a pillow at him. Jenrya ducked the projectile, sticking his tongue out at Terriermon, who began reaching for the nearest weapon with a threatening gesture.

"Kidding, kidding," Jenrya reached for his orange vest. "Anyway, thanks for waking me up. Nag."

He dodged the next pillow thrown at him.

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Good news was, Jenrya didn't get to school late – he still had ten minutes to go as he slid into his assigned seat. Juri watched the door, occasionally glancing at him curiously, wondering where Takato was. Jenrya had told the truth, that he didn't know where he was. It was sad, watching her perking up hopefully whenever the door slid open, even though she tried to look busy: her hand puppet was currently engaged in an energetic conversation with another student. Jenrya sighed, rubbing at his eyes tiredly.

It's been almost a week since I last saw Takato.

Mr. Mori stepped into the classroom as the last few kids straggled in, rushing to get to their seats. Once again he called attendance. Once again there was always one missing.

This wasn't good. His worry for Takato only doubled as the time went by and now he couldn't get a hold of Ruki. Even Renamon was nowhere to be seen. First Takato vanishes and now Ruki. Jenrya wanted to tear his hair out. Why was all of this happening? Why now?

" - Class, I'm pleased to announce we have a new student."

Jenrya looked up. A around him, the other kids chattered with each other, wondering what this new student would look like, why he might be arriving so late in the school year. The teacher held his hands up and nodded toward the door.

"Please welcome Ryo Akiyama, class."

The door slid open. A tall boy let himself in as the other students turned as one to take a look at this newcomer. Dressed in dark shades of blue and gray, Ryo Akiyama cut an impressive, if not cocky figure. His brown hair was swept back away from his face, cropped no-nonsense short. His black eyes flicked around the room, his lips turned up in a cynical half-grin as he made his way toward the front of the room, coming to a stop at Mr. Mori's desk. Nodding at Ryo, the teacher turned to face his class, glowering until everyone quieted down.

Ryo leaned against the teacher's desk, crossing his arms over his chest as he grinned at the class. "Ryo Akiyama. Hi. This is the sixth school I've transferred to and will probably be the sixth I'll have transferred out of." He shrugged. "Nice to meet you."

"….I'm sure you'll fit right in, Ryo," Mr. Mori gestured at the only empty seat available, not sure what to say. "How about you sit next to Jenrya? He can help you if you've got any questions."

Ryo glanced over at Jenrya. "Sure."

Jenrya watched, wary, as Ryo wound his way toward him, sauntering toward Takato's unoccupied desk. Reaching it, Ryo plopped himself down in the desk, lounging back as he dumped his backpack onto the floor. He looked perfectly at home. Jenrya turned his attention elsewhere. Maybe it was him, but there was something about this new student. Maybe it was just the kid's attitude…but it was also weird for a student to be transferring so late. Jenrya froze as he noticed that Ryo was looking over at him now. The look he gave was bored, but...held a little too long.

Jenrya matched his stare with one of his own.

Mr. Mori was oblivious as he addressed the class. "Since we'll be having an extended weekend coming up, we'll be focusing mostly on group work. I'll assign each group a topic. You'll be presenting it to your classmates at the end of the week. I want this to look good, as well as be informative. Remember, those of you who aren't presenting will take notes on each other's projects – expect a quiz next Wednesday."

Ryo only rolled his eyes as the rest of the children groaned in protest.

"I'll be assigning team leaders. They'll pick the groups." The teacher held up a hand before the class exploded into questions. "What they say goes. Now, if you've got questions, I'll be at my desk," Mr. Mori began walking down the aisles, counting off the students. "Form groups of five." Turning about, he surveyed his students. "Alright, very good. Juri, Setsuna, Kyoichi, Haruhiko, Rumiko, and Hitoshi are the team leaders. Go get started."

Jenrya discreetly watched Ryo, pretending to be absorbed in flipping through his history book. The new guy didn't bother to get to his feet, leaning back lazily as the other students milled about. Apparently he didn't see the point in getting to work, that or just didn't feel like standing up. Jenrya frowned. There was definitely something about him, though the Tamer couldn't place a finger on it. Maybe I'm just being paranoid. Just because Ryo was new didn't mean that -

"Jenrya."

He looked up from his book. Juri stood over him, with her usual friendly smile. "Um…since I'm one of the group leaders, I was wondering if you wouldn't mind being a part of my group?"

Jenrya nodded. "Sure."

Juri beamed, her hand puppet giving a delighted bark at him before she turned right around and promptly asked Ryo if he wanted to join.

"Might as well," Ryo grunted, getting to his feet. He towered over Juri, who only reached his shoulder. Shooting an unreadable look at Jenrya, Ryo followed the hand puppet to the corner of the classroom, where the other member – Hirokazu – was zealously protecting a square of four desks pushed together from the other kids. Hirokazu would growl warningly at any kids that tried to run off with one of the desks under his protection.

He was in the middle of shooing another thief away when Juri approached him with Ryo and Jenrya in tow.

Hirokazu grinned as the others sat down. "About time you guys came."

Juri's hand puppet barked, dog head bobbing. "Juri had to get more people for the group, Hirokazu!"

Ryo leaned back in his desk. "What's this topic Mr. M wants?"

Hirokazu, looking slightly startled at the lack of respect in the Ryo's voice, spoke up. "I think we're supposed to be something on – get this – Genghis Khan. Again!" An incredulous laugh. "How messed up is that?"

"Sounds like busywork."

Jenrya wisely kept his mouth shut. Ryo rubbed him the wrong way, but he couldn't tell if it was the attitude or if it was because he didn't like that he was sitting in Takato's desk. Jenrya said nothing, deciding that silence was golden as he took out some notebook paper and handed it to Juri.

"Thank you, Jenrya," the hand puppet was set down as Juri took up pencil, her voice returning to normal. "I guess I'll write down the key points: anyone want to read them out-loud to me?"

Ryo shrugged. "What the hell." Everyone stared at him. "I'll do it."

Jenrya handed the packet to Ryo. Maybe it would be better if he just watched this new student before saying anything, observe him before he jumped the gun. Ryo read off the sheet, interjecting it with his own sarcastic remarks that had nothing to do with the project and oblivious to the worshipful stare Hirokazu fixed on him. Juri didn't seem to mind Ryo – but then again, she didn't seem to mind anything, tolerating just about anyone and trying to be friendly with whoever would let her, talking about this and that. Jenrya was ready to ignore his suspicions until Hirokazu suddenly asked Ryo if he ever played the Digimon card game.

"Used to. Not anymore." Ryo glanced at Jenrya, noticing his gaze on him. "What about you?"

"I'm not a serious player," Jenrya replied quietly.

Ryo raised an eyebrow at Jenrya, fixing him with a cynical smile.

"Oh, I think you are."

"What makes you so sure?" Jenrya asked.

"It's a lot different when other people are depending on you, for one thing," Jenrya froze at this cryptic remark. Ryo didn't seem to notice the other boy stiffen, going back to carelessly flipping through the packet. "Besides, it's a lot of fun when the stakes are low. It doesn't matter so much when you lose in a game."

Jenrya said nothing.

Ryo folded a page back. "When you're serious about it, though, you can't afford to lose. Know what I mean? Pretty sure you're hardcore about it."

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Floating among the shifting neon digital lines, Takato gazed up at the darkness, his arms folded behind his head. He guessed it was several hours since the conversation with the Juggernaut; thinking back to it now, it already seemed like a vague memory. He wondered if it happened in the first place. He wasn't sure.

It got so...blurred.

Where was the Juggernaut? That question had been bugging the young Tamer for a while now as he tried to keep himself busy. At first he tried counting as high as he could, but that got boring after awhile, and he kept miscounting anyway. As time passed, he stopped bothering to play games in his mind, instead opting to stare off into nothing. Letting his mind go blank. There was nothing to focus on, nothing at all. Takato sighed. The problem with not thinking of anything was that eventually you'd think of something – like he was doing now – which would completely defeat the purpose.

It was with more than a little relief that he actually welcomed the supercomputer back when it spoke to him again. A "voice" cutting through the dark.

My apologies, companion system. New information processing status: COMPLETED.

Takato pulled himself into a sitting position.

"New information?" From him?

No. Someone you know. During the conversation I had with you not long ago, I was reminded that the option of a permanent avatar was available. I decided to look for a familiar face so you will have less difficulty identifying with me. It took a while to process the data I copied from the scan, due to the outside source's nature and the fact it is different from yours, but I can now take a form.

Really?

Observe. The digital lines rippled to Takato's surprise. The boy watched with interest as they changed directions and swirled into a spiral, winding about a small patch of shadow that seemed to be solidifying as light wound a dizzying pattern around it. They continued to be absorbed by the form until only the two of them were left floating in the empty space, now devoid of any color. The Juggernaut, getting to its new feet, plastered on a smile. Familiar?

Takato was at a loss of words as the avatar gazed at him, still as a statue. He couldn't believe this – his eyes went wide with shock as he stared back at the human standing before him, breathless. This…I…

Jenrya.

Of course. But remember I am not the real thing.

Takato continued to stare, gaping, as Jenrya Lee strode toward him. This image of Jenrya was almost flawless: he had those same, piercing gray eyes, that cropped blue hair. Even the same expression was there, a gentle, knowing smile on Jenrya's face, though his clothes were a bit different than he remembered – in fact, looking closely, they would shift, from the orange and black outfit to a loose t-shirt and shorts to a black jacket and matching tight jeans. But…he wasn't a perfect copy, Takato saw that now. His stare dropped down to the other boy's chest. Occasionally it would spark with static, fuzzing in and out for a few moments only for the splotches to reappear again somewhere else on his body. Sometimes there would be holes where Takato could see through him.

It is difficult to maintain an avatar here, hence the imperfections in the image. Jenrya…no, the Juggernaut, he realized, sauntered closer, looking down at Takato, who couldn't hide the struck expression on his face as he gazed up at his friend. An effective choice. I thought so. Jenrya's lips never moved.

Takato couldn't help but fall back into the habit of speaking aloud, swallowing several times as he tried to collect his wits about him. He was further startled as Jenrya/the Juggernaut held a hand out to him. Takato started to reach for it, but hesitated.

"I…w…won't I just go right through you?" Jeez, he was sounding like such an idiot right now…

No. I'm as material as you.

Humans, after all, valued physical contact.

Still doubtful, Takato accepted the gesture, allowing the avatar to pull him to his feet. Despite the fact he wasn't entirely solid, Jenrya/the Juggernaut was strong. Even now, a part of his stomach was fuzzing out along with the black denim jacket. His hand was even warm, Takato realized. Suddenly curious, he turned the avatar's hand over in his. There was that small scar across his knuckle, faint and almost invisible. The one that'd he gotten from a soda can because he hadn't been paying attention to what he was doing. Takato looked up at his friend's face: the supercomputer returned the glance with a serene, docile expression.

Reaching out tentatively, Takato touched the black jacket; it had been about to shift to the orange vest but solidified back to dark denim as soon as his fingers brushed it.

The Juggernaut stood where it was, allowing him to examine the avatar's shape. Takato took in everything with morbid curiosity, buttoning and unbuttoning the dark sleeves, poking his arms, gently bending the fingers back and forth, standing on his tiptoes and eyeing the other's shock of blue hair. He even went back and checked to see that the knuckle scar was still there, running his thumb over the small ridge. His eyes fell onto a patch of blurriness forming on Jenrya's/the Juggernaut's shoulder, and, with a sudden swell of courage, he poked several fingers through it: there was some resistance, rather like passing through thick, muggy hot fog. He could see part of his hand through the other boy's shoulder, his fingertips sticking out the other side.

As if suddenly self-conscious, Takato quickly jerked his hand away, as if he'd been stung. The hole closed, becoming solid again.

Currently impossible to control those. A work in progress, the Juggernaut remarked, breaking its "silence". Jenrya's tanned hand rose up, gesturing at a new splotch forming on his side. For a moment, a string of static danced from his waist to his neck, vanishing just as quickly as it appeared. What do you think, Takato Matsuda? Is this suitable?

Takato rubbed at his eyes, wondering at length if Jenrya was really standing here with him. "It's…it's almost…almost..." His voice was strained, tight. This couldn't be real, this was more than he could handle with indifference.

Like the real thing?

"…y-yeah," Takato said, thoroughly shaken.

This will make communication between us easier. Those gray eyes meet his, so familiar to him that Takato almost cried. He barely had enough self-control to prevent himself from bursting into helpless tears.

This wasn't Jenrya, he knew that. But still…it was so difficult not to let himself forget – even now, stealing a glance at the other boy – he was already starting to regard the avatar as "Jenrya", instead of "it", instead of "the Juggernaut". Gulping again, he turned away. Jenrya wasn't here. This was only a fake. A very, very, very good fake. But not Jenrya. He looks exactly the same, Takato worried. Will I forget?

Takato raised his eyes to see Jenrya/the Juggernaut standing in front of him, his head tilted as he regarded him. Takato immediately dropped his gaze again, feeling self-conscious.

This is important, Takato Matsuda. Pay attention. Jenrya knelt now, trying to get Takato to look him in the eyes. Takato looked away, biting his lip. He couldn't do this. Seeing Jenrya's face brought back all the fears, all the memories of his family and friends he'd tried so hard to forget. He couldn't take this, this pain: his family, his friends…but Jenrya was here now, someone was actually here. Tears brimmed, blurring the edges of his vision. Companion system, you are overreacting.

He knew that, but… "You…Jenrya…I." Takato trailed off lamely.

There was a pause, such a long one that Takato looked up, suddenly worried the other boy might have vanished on him. Those piercing gray eyes, devoid of that friendly, caring spark Jenrya possessed, were fixed on him. Locking him where he stood. Trapped now, the Tamer's gaze was transfixed. He couldn't look away, only squirm uncomfortably as he was held in place.

He felt like something in him was going to explode: it was building and building and wasn't stopping…

Do you want to believe I am him, companion system? Does it matter that much to you?

Takato, his eyes glimmering with tears, gave the barest of nods.

Very well.

Jenrya smiled again, and, taking a few steps forward, he wrapped his arms around Takato in a hug. Takato felt a sudden sob wrack his body as he pressed his face into the other boy's shoulder and cried. Everything came tumbling out. Jenrya said nothing. He couldn't speak because Jenrya was Jenrya. Jenrya never spoke. Something was breaking inside Takato, but he didn't care. He buried his tear-streaked face further. Jenrya never spoke, not with words, but with feelings, never with words. Jenrya was Jenrya now. As the Tamer sobbed quietly, his hands clutched blindly at the blue-haired boy, his fingers sinking into the warm body as the fuzzing patches appeared and disappeared. He knew this wasn't right, this wasn't Jenrya. But…but it was easier this way, just to have a friendly shoulder to cry against. To lie to himself.

This was a good lie.

It was a good one that would hurt him. It would hurt him simply because it was so very tempting, so inviting.

It's going to be alright, Jenrya told him – now his "words" sounded so familiar, losing the stilted, formal tone. This only caused Takato to lose whatever little composure he had left, his choked sounds growing louder in desperate relief and more urgent. Takato, it's going to be okay. I'm here. I'm here for you.

Takato cried himself out after a while. Jenrya slowly rocked him in the hug, imitating the images the supercomputer picked up from the scan. Eventually the wrenching sobs died down, although Takato continued to sniffle into the avatar's shoulder, his face still resting against his jacket.

Are you done?

Takato rubbed at his nose, sniffling tearfully. "I…I think so."

There's no need to cry, Takato.

But there was a reason to cry, there was always a reason to everything. The Juggernaut knew that, Takato knew that, Jenrya knew that. He cried for a bunch of reasons: he was scared, he was lonely, he was bored, he was angry, he was relieved, he was ashamed. Everything. Ashamed because he knew he was only setting himself, relieved because he was glad to be set up. It would hurt later. Much later. But right now there was only an aching numbness.

Takato wearily leaned his head against his friend's shoulder, pulling his hand out from where it had sunk into a translucent blotch in Jenrya's back. "I…you know why I cry. But…"

I don't understand it. Jenrya finished for him. But maybe understanding isn't what matters anymore, Takato. Knowing why does. Besides, you know I can't cry: I can't identify with that feeling.

Takato said nothing, feeling some hiccups coming along.

A perfect imitation of a comforting chuckle. After today, you won't cry anymore, Takato. There won't be a reason to.

"After today?" Takato craned his head up to blink in confusion at Jenrya. The other boy gave him that same, serene smile, still holding him. Jenrya wasn't worried. He wasn't because he couldn't. They weren't real emotions, merely fakes. But that didn't matter.

Jenrya was Jenrya now.

That mattered. It mattered a lot.

Don't you remember? Jenrya said. Today we merge.

Oh. He forgot about that. Takato wiped the back of his hand across his eyes. He was numb, so very numb. Maybe it because something small inside was broken. He couldn't feel so much now. It didn't hurt as much as before.

It won't hurt at all after we merge. Jenrya told him. You won't feel anything. Isn't that comforting, Takato? Doesn't that make you happy?

"I-I don't know." Takato was being such a stupid idiot: Jenrya was probably laughing at him because he was a crybaby.

I'm not laughing at you. I wouldn't do that, not to you. Jenrya rewarded him with a warm smile. It's good you let it all out. It's not a bright idea to keep it all pent up. You'd explode otherwise.

Takato almost started bawling all over again – Jenrya sounded so real now, it was almost painful again.

Don't cry. It's going to be fine. I'll be there for you when the time is right.

Would he? Takato would get lost, the lines weren't there because Jenrya had eaten them all up and didn't leave any behind. Because the lines had become Jenrya. Jenrya was made of those boring digital lines. They were gone, gone, gone. They weren't coming back and now there was just a whole lot of black here. There would be nothing to guide him to wherever he was supposed to go.

You won't need them. I'll guide you the rest of the way after we meet again. Now, Takato, I need you to listen to me. This is important.

A muted sound of agreement. Takato was listening.

When we merge, you'll be conscious for five to ten minutes. Thirty at most. I won't be able to talk to you. When that happens, keep calm. Close your eyes, if it makes you feel any better: but you must stay still, okay? Okay. Great. Don't forget. You'll know the merge is beginning when you see images from outside. They'll appear on the matrix – that's the heavy thing on your head. It's going to be slow at first, the info you'll be receiving.

"Will it hurt?" Takato mumbled into the shoulder of Jenrya's black jacket.

No, it won't. Not in the ways you're thinking of. It won't hurt emotionally or physically. But it will get…Jenrya trailed off, trying to figure out a way to phrase what he wanted to say in a way the companion system would understand. …it will get very confusing. It might be scary because you'll be receiving more than you think you can handle. You have to ignore the images, anything you can "see" or "hear". You mustn't let yourself get distracted – ignore everything, don't dwell on any one thing, otherwise you'll get overwhelmed. Don't get distracted. Jenrya repeated.

Takato's shoulders slumped. Okay. He wouldn't get distracted.

The first step of the merge is to ignore the vast amounts of info you receive. After that…it's really very easy. You have to ignore everything and, past all those images and sounds, you'll find me again.

I'll wait for you.

So…Takato had to ignore everything: it was only in nothing Jenrya would be there. It was because Jenrya was made up of those digital lines. The lines were made of numbers. Those numbers weren't really there. Jenrya was made up of nothing and so he would wait in nothing.

I'll show you what to do next. Then you won't be alone. You won't cry, you won't laugh, you won't feel anything anymore. Won't that be a relief? No responsibilities.

No...responsibilities…?

None. Zip. Nada, Jenrya reassured him with a grin. His hold around Takato loosened, allowing the Tamer some breathing space. It looked like the companion system was starting to regain his composure, although the brainwaves were still somewhat disjointed and unconnected in areas. A quick scan showed some of these probably wouldn't recover in the near future, too jarred by shock and stress. Nothing to worry about. You always worry too much, Takato. Lighten up some time. Whoever says I'm a worrywart hasn't met you.

Takato managed a shaky laugh at Jenrya's remark. That was true. Maybe he did worry too much, even though he might go around with a grin on his face. You could still be hurting and smile on the outside. "…I'm not a worrywart, Jenrya." Just a crybaby…

Not all the time. Just most of it. And no, you're not a crybaby. Not to me. Jenrya amended and gently pried Takato away from his shoulder; it ran with static lines as it solidified, dry now and missing the wet stain from the tears earlier. The young Tamer swayed unsteadily on his feet, leaning into the avatar for support. Are you done crying? Jenrya asked again, his face still concerned. It was touching Jenrya was worried about him, miserable little Takato, the kid with so many flaws it took a computer four days to catalogue the biggest ones.

"Y-yeah."

That'll be the last time you cry, you know. Sure you don't want to have another go?

Takato almost smiled. "No, not really. I don't really like crying, Jenrya. Alwayed hated it when I get a stuffy nose, and my eyes turn all red and irritated."

Jenrya tilted his head curiously. They're not red now.

"I know."

After a short pause, Jenrya patted Takato on the shoulder. Get ready, Takato. Moving away from the dazed boy, the avatar strode into the darkness. Jenrya was far away when he finally turned around, looking over his shoulder at the companion system, lost in the endless space around him, and looking so small. Don't forget, Takato. Otherwise you'll just make it harder for yourself. The more attention you pay to the pictures and sounds, the worse it'll be. If you concentrate, you won't get lost. I'll wait for you. I'll show the way once you get past.

Takato nodded dumbly. Without another word, Jenrya turned and, with a nonchalant wave, vanished. The lines were back again as soon as the avatar blipped away, shifting about as if Jenrya hadn't ever eaten them up in the first place. The silly things were too blind to see his friend had ate them and too stupid to care even if he told them. Besides, they couldn't hear him, even if he shouted at the top of his lungs that yes, Jenrya had been here, that he'd eaten all those dumb lines and they hadn't even known it! Takato Matsuda hugged his arms to himself, shivering despite himself. Would he be eaten, used like those poor, stupid lines? Would he be eaten all up?

Would he be eaten by Jenrya Lee too, only to be spat out as soon as his friend was done?

Takato hoped not.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Her throat hurt. Ruki had to use a scarf to hide the bruises, but at least she was out and about instead of hiding in her room.

Now that she was feeling a little better, she was determined to get to the bottom of this. "This" being what happened two days ago. It was still freaky, thinking back to it now. It was hard to believe that Takato – innocent, goody two-shoes Takato – could attack her, say those weird things to her.

Wandering about the park, Ruki kept herself alert. She didn't know if Takato might be lurking about, waiting for her to drop her guard, and it did occur to her that walking alone like this, she could present a tempting target. Why didn't Jenrya tell me Takato got his goggles back?

Ruki made her way through the grove of trees, her gray uniform blending in and out of the shadows. It hadn't been a hard decision to play hooky. She simply pretended to be sick so her grandmother wouldn't start asking questions, and took off as soon as she could sneak out. Her clothes, however, were all in the wash: her grandmother had been surprised when she'd staggered home caked in mud. But she hadn't asked questions, instead herding her granddaughter off to the bathroom and sweeping away with the dirty jeans and shirt. Her mom would've asked all the questions. Good thing she was away at her modeling gigs...again.

"Ruki?"

Ruki glanced up at the familiar voice. Waiting for her partner, Renamon was leaning against a tree trunk only a few yards away.

"Any luck finding Impmon?" Ruki asked as she caught up.

Renamon shook her head, falling into step with her Tamer. "No. The area's just too large for me to cover alone, Ruki – there are thousands of places he could be hiding."

"Stubborn twerp," Ruki grumbled. Her voice was still a bit hoarse, but the day off helped. "But I've a feeling he won't be of much help, now that we've found Takato." They were approaching sensitive territory now. Renamon's voice was a low, dangerous monotone.

"I find it hard to believe he had it in him. He seemed too soft."

"Me too. I'm wondering why he did it."

Renamon stopped in her tracks, turning to gaze down at Ruki. The Tamer paused, watching as her partner looked about for a proper way to say something that looked important. Although Renamon was usually composed and cool, her snout was working around her fangs as she avoided the girl's eyes in a slightly nervous gesture. This was going to be awkward, but she felt she had to say it, no matter how unsure she felt about her partner's reaction. Her inhuman eyes fixing on Ruki.

"I'm glad you're alright."

Ruki looked away, her cheeks flushing. Her stare focused somewhere else, suddenly self-conscious. "I…it's not really important. We need to find out what's the deal with Takato." She cleared her throat. "…But….thanks, Renamon."

Renamon nodded. Although her fox's face was unreadable, she was feeling a rather strange emotion as she turned her attention on her Tamer. It was rare for Ruki to give thanks (or praise) to anyone, much less her Digimon partner. But Ruki was changing now – even if she herself wasn't aware of it. Maybe for the better.

"Okay, this is far enough." Ruki plunked herself down on the damp ground. Renamon dutifully kneeled down as her Tamer tried to get things straight. "I hate to sound like Jenrya, but we've got to be objective about this."

"I can see the merit in that."

"Right. What we know: Takato isn't acting very Takato-ish. He attacked me, stole his own D-Arc, led us to a wild Digimon, and somehow got his goggles back from Jenrya." Ruki counted off each point on her fingers as Renamon nodded. "Also, Guilmon wasn't with him. He's been missing for almost a week. We found his D-Arc, some of his cards and his goggles at Tokyo Tower."

"Guilmon didn't seem to know where Takato went, therefore Takato never told him," Renamon added.

"What we don't know: why Takato felt the need to attack me for his D-Arc. Why Jenrya didn't tell me. Where Takato ran off to before or even where he is now. Also, I'm still puzzled about his whole disappearance in the first place. It's fishy."

"Didn't Jenrya say the night he disappeared, he left through his window? I don't see how he could have done that, unless he jumped."

"That a two-story drop, Renamon. He would've broken something if he didn't do the brilliant thing and land on his head."

"True."

Ruki shifted in her position – her school uniform's skirt was starting to get wet from the damp ground. "I don't know what to say. Nothing seems to connect. Either Takato's snapped or something, or there's another explanation."

"It would be better for his own well-being if it's the latter." Renamon said – she buffed her claws on her fur coat, seemingly nonchalant, though her voice clearly stated she would carry the hidden threat out if necessary.

"I got to tell Jenrya. Yeah, I know Takato's his friend and all, but this is too important." Ruki drew her knees up to her chest, frowning to herself. "None of this makes any sense. And it was weird how Takato led us on that chase too."

"Almost as if he knew where he was taking us."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

It was after class that Jenrya finally found himself alone with Ryo. The new guy and him had clean-up duty. Usually he wasn't a fan of staying behind, but at the moment, he was actually glad he'd gotten an opportunity to talk to Ryo without worrying bout others overhearing. It would be easier this way. He had some questions of his own he wanted to ask.

"Get it nice and spotless," Mr. Mori had said.

Ryo had sketched off a salute. "Will do."

He frowned thoughtfully as he watched the other boy sweep the floor. Golden sunlight, deepening gradually to red as the sun sank lower, tumbled through the glass panes of the windows. The teacher's footsteps faded away by the time Ryo finally glanced over his broom at Jenrya, raising an eyebrow as if just noticing the other boy sizing him up.

"Well? What do you want?"

Jenrya didn't return the grin. "What were you trying to say to me this morning, Akiyama?"

Back and forth the broom went.

"Hey, I was wondering if you played Digimon."

"You know that's not what I meant." Jenrya scowled across the room at Ryo. "You know perfectly well what you're talking about."

Ryo continued sweeping. "Maybe I do. But maybe I don't." He held up a finger before Jenrya could interrupt him. He closed his mouth, his eyebrows drawing together. "All I did was give you a warning. I'll be blunt: how long have you been doing this? Do you even know what you got yourself into?"

"Long enough that I know what I'm doing," Jenrya shot back. So Ryo knew what he was talking about, like he'd expected – he'd been playing games earlier, teasing him by taunting him with hints. Like he was testing the waters. Ryo knew Digimon wasn't only a game. And that made Jenrya all the more suspicious: was Ryo an ally, then? Or a potential enemy? Jenrya couldn't be sure. "How come you know about Digimon?"

Ryo turned his back on Jenrya with a tight smile and a shrug.

"Does it matter? Thing is, I know tons about them. Call me a pro." Swish. Swish. "And you're not. Just because you're aware of the fact that this is reality doesn't mean that you're prepared for what's coming. Just because you know what Digimon are doesn't mean you know how or why. So, no, I don't think you know what you're doing. On top of that, there's something wrong with your way of thinking."

"And what would that be?"

Ryo leaned his broom against the windowsill, half-sitting on it as he studied Jenrya. "Digimon and humans aren't meant to go hand in hand, know what I mean? It's like peanut butter and pickles: they just don't mix. It's wrong and it doesn't work." Ryo folded his hands over his chest, staring at Jenrya with an almost bitter expression. "You're just gonna regret it if you try to tame one."

"For your information, I never 'tamed' Terriermon," Jenrya said frostily.

"Hey, whatever makes it easier to swallow," Ryo shrugged. "Believe whatever you want. Here's some advice. Maybe you haven't noticed, but the wild Digimon are increasing in numbers. You can't beat all of them, no matter how hard you try. On top of that, you can't tame a Digimon. Sooner or later he's bound to go feral on you. And it'll be at the worst time possible."

"Why should I believe you?"

"Look, you shouldn't involve yourself with something that'll backfire on you. You're in over your head."

Jenrya fought to keep his composure from breaking: everything this stranger said went against everything he believed and he could only feel a slowly smoldering anger aimed Ryo. But he had to keep calm, despite the fact that a muscle in his face was ticking. Terriermon wouldn't turn into one of those wild Digimon they encountered. This guy has some major problems to be spouting this stuff, Jenrya thought to himself, his gray eyes fixed on the black ones of the new student. And how was he over his head? What did that even mean?

"Believe me. Or don't," said Ryo. "Of course you're not going to take my word for it."

"Don't see why I should."

A cynical smirk as Ryo turned to face him. "I have experience. More than you, that's for sure. For one thing, I know where the wild Digimon come from. I've been there."

Jenrya felt his mouth start to drop open in a surprised gape. Angrily he clamped it shut. This was insane! How could Ryo know where they came from? Jenrya didn't know, Ruki didn't know, and he was pretty sure Takato didn't know either. And, up till now, he'd been convinced they were the only three who knew about the existence of Digimon. Well, up until Ryo swaggered into his class. Just how many people knew of Digimon? And what about the wild ones? How come no one seemed to do anything about them?

"Way I see it, you've got a timebomb next to you with your partner. Digimon can't be tamed. No matter how nice you are to them, how much leeway you give to them, they just can't get along with us. They can't or they won't. They might behave for a bit, but they become wild eventually," Ryo's lips tightened. "I'd be better off trying to warn some of your friends, but it looks like one of them's gone and disappeared on me."

Jenrya froze.

Ryo pushed himself away from the window and picked up his coat from where he'd tossed it over someone's desk. He shrugged into it. "Really too bad. He probably wasn't as stubborn as you. Still, I'd be careful if I saw him again…"

Jenrya glared at Ryo. Was he here to help or to be a human speed bump? What was his game? Why did he know about them, about the wild ones? From the sounds of it, Ryo also had an idea of what they might be up against.

Only Jenrya kept getting the impression there would be strings attached.

"I gotta get home." Ryo headed for the door, his boots thudding on the floor. Reaching it, he glanced over at Jenrya: for a moment, an unreadable expression crossed his face. It almost looked pitying. It was gone just as quickly as it had appeared. "See you around."

And then Ryo left.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Closer. Is it coming closer?

Yes. Almost time.

Takato hugged his knees to his chest, resting his cheek against them as he stared at the ever-changing shapes. They really weren't that bad, now that he thought about it. They couldn't help being what they were. And everything was okay, because when Jenrya came to eat them, they never knew what was happening. Everything was okay.

Any time now, Takato thought. The merge would be starting soon and he needed to be ready for it. It would be a big surprise, the transition from this digital plane to the Real World, but he would be ready, just like he'd promised Jenrya.

Five minutes remaining and counting, companion system.

Glancing up at the arc of digital lines overhead, Takato blinked owlishly. Hard to imagine four days already passed – so fast, too! But there was still an eternity before he would have to meet Jenrya again. Takato tried to remember what Jenrya told him. I'll find Jenrya. He said he'll wait for me. And Jenrya would, because Jenrya also kept his promises.

Jenrya knew what he was doing. He knew everything because he had access to the entire Tokyo network. He saw more than he ever could.

Takato admired Jenrya a lot.

Three minutes remaining and counting.

Despite what Jenrya told him, Takato still had to wonder how intense the first part of the merge would be. It sounded just as confusing as his friend described. Would he be strong enough to ignore the distractions, like Jenrya seemed to think he was? He hoped so. It was up to Takato to do his part.

One minute remaining and counting.

Takato closed his eyes, concentrating. It was coming.

The Real World was coming for him one last time.

His glazed eyes blinked for the first time in several days as Takato "woke up", shunted out of the digital plane with no warning. A gasp ripped through him, the wet cough from someone drowning. Takato couldn't see anything. Where…? It sank in as he sucked in a breath. He was in the Juggernaut – somewhere, he vaguely remembered this seat, the gross sensation of wires worming their way into his skin. It felt like someone else's memories, a lifetime ago.

Jenrya?

No answer. Of course there wasn't one. Jenrya told him that he couldn't talk with him. It was just Takato. He would have to sit tight and stay quiet until the merge started. Still, there were a thousand things bugging him now that he was fully conscious. For one thing, his throat was awfully dry, like someone decided to pour a pound of dust down it. Swallowing carefully, he began to work moisture back into his mouth as he took note of his surroundings.

It's…it's amazing. The Juggernaut completely engulfed him; he could literally feel it moving around. Is this what it feels like to be eaten? Maybe. The lines had never told him. It was very warm here, very crowded. Around him, things were in constant motion, shifting. The coil around his neck was throbbing gently, but it wasn't tight. He could breathe well enough, but that was about it.

This was reality as it was. It was here Jenrya couldn't go: this was what Takato was for. He had a potential for "power", like the Juggernaut told him.

It's nice to know Jenrya needs me.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Jenrya left the building only to face another surprise: Ruki, the last person he expected to see, was waiting for him, the pony-tailed Tamer leaning against a lamppost just outside of the school grounds.

She had been watching Jenrya since he'd left the school. There was something in his step that told her he was agitated about something. Now what?

"What's the matter?"

Jenrya scowled, glancing at her for the first time. He ignored her question, returning it with one of his own. "What're you doing here, Ruki?" His eyebrows knit in confusion as he noticed something. "And what's wrong with your voice? You sound hoarse."

"If you'd stop and let me talk, I'd tell you." Ruki spat back. Just because Jenrya was mad about something didn't mean that she'd sit here and take it. "Look, I need to talk to you in private. It's important."

Without another word, Jenrya led her around the campus, moving quickly about the perimeter of the school grounds until he had come upon a cramped hall between two of the main buildings. The alley ended in a dead end, but he was positive that no one would overhear their conversation. Jenrya was surprised when she fixed an angry glare on him, her hand on her hip.

"Jenrya, why aren't you returning my calls? And why didn't you tell me Takato stopped by your apartment?'

Jenrya's eyebrows shot up. For a second he completely forgot he was angry at Ryo. What was she talking about? Had she found Takato? Jenrya was completely lost and he held up his hands in a gesture to slow down. "Back up! When did Takato stop by my place?"

Ruki was taken aback. She'd been so sure that Jenrya might have some answers.

"Well, he picked up his goggles, didn't he?"

"They're still on my desk. Why wouldn't they be?"

Ruki kicked the crate she was currently sitting on with the back of her heel, thoroughly frustrated. "When I saw him, he had them. So I figure he visited you."

"You saw him? Why didn't you call me?" Jenrya exclaimed.

"Hey, I tried. Spent all morning trying to contact you!"

"I was trying to call you yesterday!" Jenrya exclaimed.

Ruki smiled bitterly, gesturing to her neck. "Yeah, I wasn't exactly in a position to pick it up then."

She pulled down her scarf. Jenrya's confusion doubled as he noticed the ugly, purple bruises in a ring around the girl's throat. Alarm bells went off. When had this happened? Why didn't Ruki tell him she was hurt? She needs a doctor or something. Ruki really shouldn't be walking around like that, she should get some treatment, and he told her as much.

"I'm fine. Besides, if I went to a doctor, they'd start asking a bunch of stupid questions. It'd be way too awkward."

Jenrya was incredulous. "How can you be fine? Who did this to you? What happened? And what does Takato have to do with this?"

"I came to you hoping I'd get some answers," Ruki gazed at a point past Jenrya as she continued. "But I guess I might as well start here. First off, I'm fine. Don't treat me like I'm some kind of baby. I can take care of myself." She took a breath, collecting himself. "Two days ago I saw Takato –"

"Where?"

"Near the park. Now stop interrupting me!" Ruki glowered at Jenrya until he raised his hands in submission before continuing. "As I was saying, I saw Takato. Actually, Renamon saw him before I did. He was acting all weird, Jenrya. Like…well, it's hard to explain. Very unTakato-ish. For some reason, he was staring at me with this really creepy look." Ruki's eyes narrowed, trying to recall the exact order of events. "As soon as I saw him, he turned and ran into the park. I went after him, but he gave both of us a good chase."

"He shouldn't have been able to outrun you, much less Renamon…"

"You say something?"

"Nothing."

"You can mumble whatever you want after I'm done. Jeez. Anyway, we went after him. He led us near the playground – you know which one I'm talking about – and then a wild Digimon appeared. We had to deal with Greymon before we could deal with Takato. I was too busy trying to help Renamon to notice that he was kind of sidling closer to me: actually, I thought he was trying to get out of Renamon's way…but that wasn't the case…" Ruki shook her head, her expression darkening.

This didn't sound at all like Takato: his friend just wouldn't act at all like this, especially not when his parents were so worried about him.

"Takato attacked me," Ruki said coolly. Jenrya stared. "I ended up falling down because he surprised me. He started choking me, which is where these," here she pointed at the healing bruises on her neck, "came from. I think he was trying to prevent me from fighting back, because he pretty much killed my backpack stealing his own D-Arc. What idiot would steal something that's his to begin with? He said a bunch of weird stuff to me afterward and then he vanished off somewhere. Kyuubimon couldn't find him."

Jenrya ran his hands through his cropped blue hair, trying to figure out what this meant. This wasn't what he'd been expecting, and, with a jolt, he realized Ryo had indirectly warned him this might happen. Ryo knew something was wrong, but he hadn't said anything, had only given him that bizarre little remark. "…still, I'd be careful if I saw him again". Jenrya wearily scrubbed at his eyes.

"Well, what do you think?"

"I'd have a hard time believing this if you weren't sitting here right in front of me," Jenrya replied. "You know as well as I do that he'd never do anything like this."

"But he did. Nice conclusion."

"There's only so much I can do with what I've been told, I'm not going to automatically come up with answers out of nowhere. What I do know is that Takato wouldn't hurt you. My take is whoever you saw wasn't Takato." Jenrya's mouth tightened. "Besides, how could he have gotten his goggles back? Maybe it's a fake. A...Digimon who changes shapes?" Jenrya sucked in a hissing breath, letting it out in an exasperated whoosh. "You know, someone warned me about this."

Ruki was immediately on her guard. "Who?"

"New kid in my class. Ryo Akiyama. Got a chance to talk to him after school and…I didn't really agree with what he was saying." Well, that was an understatement, but it didn't really matter. "He told me to back off. Said Terriermon was a bad influence. I don't suppose you've heard of him?"

"Ryo Akiyama? Doesn't ring a bell."

"He said he knows where these wild Digimon come from, but he didn't tell me. Guy's not exactly a fountain of info. You want to know my opinion?" Jenrya said. "I think he's involved in this whole thing. He only told me to be careful if I saw Takato again, but he didn't even say why."

Ruki frowned. "What if he's really on our side? We'd be wasting time pointing fingers at the wrong person. At this point we're undermanned, in case you haven't noticed."

"All I know is it's too convenient he happens to transfer to my school," Jenrya said. Ryo knew about both him and Takato. Probably Ruki too. It sounded like he wanted to make contact. But why now? He wouldn't know, not until he'd talked to Ryo again.

Ryo was right. They would be seeing each other again.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Where was Jenrya?

It must have been at least half an hour since Takato found himself, again, in the embrace of the Juggernaut. If time seemed to crawl in the digital plane, then it completely stopped here. Where was the Juggernaut? Where was Jenrya? Wasn't he supposed to be somewhere now? Of course his questions went unanswered – before, the Juggernaut had been able to read whatever he thought or felt, and not much later, Jenrya had done the same thing. But neither responded to his thoughts now. It had been almost comforting to "hear" another being. This was just plain creepy. He didn't enjoy having to listen to the creaks of the Juggernaut's coils against each other, the dull rasping sounds of metal against metal.

At least he wasn't being crushed.

The merge should be starting soon. Takato wasn't looking forward to it, but he couldn't disappoint his Jenrya, not after he'd made that promise not to get distracted, to find his way to Jenrya's nothing. Well, an unstable smile, they always say "no pain, no gain". Although that probably couldn't really apply to his current situation, because Jenrya assured him that he wouldn't feel any pain. I guess it's really just the principle.

Takato felt disconnected. As if he wasn't really all here. Like he wasn't really a part of the world outside. Takato couldn't imagine what it might've been like if he hadn't followed Guilmon so blindly that night. Wait…but was it Guilmon? Had Guilmon brought him here? Or someone else? Takato couldn't be sure. Did it even matter?

No.

Talk about a relief. If everything started to matter again, he'd probably go crazy. A chuckle escaped his lips, chapped from disuse. It wound its way through the coils above him, around him, below him and was finally lost in the silence. He didn't want to go crazy. Jenrya wouldn't like it. Jenrya liked him the way he was, after all.

He already missed Jenrya. His family and friends were already a dull, faceless mass smearing into a blur in his memory – but Jenrya Lee was very clear. So sharp he was unreal. Everything about him was burned into the young Tamer's memory: those too-clear gray eyes, that blue hair, the holes and splotches of fuzziness that wouldn't quite go away, the scar on his knuckle he'd gotten from a soda can because he hadn't been paying attention and cut himself on it. He had bled and bled for a little bit before Takato had enough time to drag him over to the school nurse, apologizing. Takato was very sorry about that too, that scar that had been his doing. It had been because Takato had been talking, showing Jenrya some new drawings that Jenrya had cut himself. So it was his fault that Jenrya had that tiny, itty bitty scar across his knuckle. At least Jenrya wasn't mad at him.

And that was all that mattered. As long as he did whatever made Jenrya happy, Jenrya wouldn't leave him. Takato wouldn't be alone.

I don't want to be alone. Takato shuddered. It was bad enough he was alone right now. He couldn't see anything because of the matrix resting over his eyes, blocking his vision. It was pitch-black. Even if the lines were to return, he wouldn't be able to see them. He really was alone. I don't want to be alone forever.

Jenrya wouldn't leave him. Bolstering his own faith was rather easy, considering how much he liked the other Tamer. Jenrya was reliable (unlike Takato), Jenrya had patience (unlike Ruki), Jenrya also cared for him – after all, he'd been nice enough to spend four days cataloguing everything wrong with Takato, trying to point the problems out so it might be possible to fix them. Takato wouldn't be fixing his flaws though. Jenrya would.

To be honest, Takato couldn't help feeling scared. Yeah, he knew he wasn't a little kid anymore, but still. Jenrya waiting for him would make it slightly easier, but it didn't make him any less scared. But the stuff before? Would there be just too much to handle? Or would it be the things he would hear and see themselves that would be too much? Unfortunately, Jenrya hadn't been very specific about that, so he had no way of knowing.

Takato was so wrapped up in his thoughts that at first he didn't notice the small image beginning to come into focus. By the time he noticed, the number had become two: the pictures were each different, but they were definitely there. Takato could see them. It was just like Jenrya told him.

It was starting.

To be continued…

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