Izzy and I followed Teddie to what looked like a night club. It was a deep red building with heavily tinted windows. LED lights flashed on and off in all of the columns, and various searchlights were circling the sky from the ceiling. In front of the building was a bright pink neon sign which featured a broken heart.
"The Broken Hearts Club," I said, reading the sign. "What kind of name is that?"
"Teddie, are you sure she's in here," Izzy asked.
"I'm positive," Teddie replied. "My sensors have perfectly tracked her scent and is locked onto it."
"I see. By the way, how do your sensors work? Do you have a hidden antenna somewhere? Perhaps your body is in tune with this world; therefore, you are able to track things normal people couldn't."
As Izzy was asking him questions, I put on my original goggles and focused on the building.
"Oh no, this building is full of distorted lines," I said.
"Is that true," Izzy asked me. "If so, there's a chance it might be a catalyst that helps Shadows enter our world. We better stop it while finding Sora."
"Right. Okay, Teddie, lead the way."
Episode 5
The three of us entered the night club. The inside was a wide, dark, and barren area filled with ceiling lighting fixtures that rapidly changed colors and an LED light up dance floor.
"Hey, doesn't this place look the one we saw on TV," I asked.
"You're right. I remember Shadow Sora dancing somewhere that looked like this," Izzy replied.
"Teddie, is there someone recording this? Like, is there a cameraman or a camera crew that comes in here with a studio camcorder to record whatever it is that the Shadows are doing and sending the feed into our world?"
"What's a 'camcorder,'" Teddie asked. "No, there's nothing like that here, and there certainly isn't any of those 'cameraman' people here either. The only things here are me and the Shadows. No one is recording anyone on anything."
"Well then, what about the studio cameras that were hung on the scaffolds when we first entered this world," Izzy questioned. "Are there similar locations to that in other parts of this world? Have those areas ever been used to document things like this?"
"I wouldn't know. I've never seen those things actually been used before. They were just there."
"So then, how are we able to see what's going on here in the TV World?"
"I'm not really sure. Maybe your world is just able to see things that are happening here in this world. It might be that."
"Huh? That just makes even less sense," I said. "Are you trying to tell us that we just happen to see things that might be happening in the Digital World, too? What's really going on here?"
"You guys said something similar before when we first met, and I wanted to ask you about it. What is this 'Digimon' thing you are talking about? Is the 'Digital World' the name of your world?"
"No, the Digital World is… how do I explain it? It's hard to put it into words."
"In any case, I know we called this world the 'TV World,' but does it actually have a name," Izzy asked. "It would be rude of us if we called it the wrong name the entire time."
"This world doesn't really have a name," Teddie replied. "It's been like this since the beginning."
"'Since the beginning,'" I repeated. "Ugh, now I'm just even more confused. If neither the Shadows nor the Digimon are the ones filming what is going on here, does that mean it's someone from our world who's able gain access to both worlds and recording it? Who is able to travel back and forth between the Real World, the Digital World, and this world? Is it another DigiDestined, Dark Gennai, or someone with even more power and authority than them?"
"Hmm, this seems more complicated than I thought. Based on what you guys told me, I can only guess that maybe the person who's on the TV wants to show it, or something like that," Teddie explained.
"So, either Sora or Sora's Shadow is producing this show? How? That doesn't add up. Like, Sora wouldn't be dancing around, wearing clothes like that, and doing all those poses. That's not like her at all. What would Shadow Sora's agenda be for showing us all that in the first place?"
"I'm not sure. However, I can assure you that no one else is doing any of this 'recording' stuff that you guys keep talking about. Also, I've never even seen this show that you guys are referring to, so I don't know if I'd be of any help from that department."
"No, Teddie, you told us plenty," Izzy said. "We can at least confirm that, from your perspective, it's not the Shadows who are showing this to us. In fact, just by our two trips here, I can confirm that this place doesn't even have something like electricity, let alone a satellite or any type of equipment that would even do the sort of broadcasting that we would find in the Real World."
"What," I replied. "Then, how do you explain the neon sign and the flashing lights that we saw outside?"
"If you look closely, there aren't any cables or wires that would allow them to plug into anything. The same goes for the lights here and those studio cameras from where we first entered. It's possible that the energy source that runs throughout this world is different than our concept of electricity. Also, it's possible that this building, and perhaps subsequent buildings like this, is the only one that can convert this "TV Energy" into some kind of power source as opposed to the half-hearted, makeshift TV studio that we entered from. What that power source is probably cannot be defined with our own knowledge of physics and chemistry, so we're going to have to assume for now that it is powered by some unidentified or supernatural phenomenon."
"Now, we're talking about magic and witchcraft and stuff? Ugh, my brain is in shambles. Let's just find Sora and get out of here."
"I agree. We can theorize what we know so far another time. Right now, Sora's wellbeing comes first."
Suddenly, a house mix beat starts playing, and the ceilings lights and the LED floors start to match with the beat.
"Where is this music coming from," I asked.
"Is that cheering," Izzy questioned. "Who's doing that? Are there other's here?"
"The Shadows are getting very restless," Teddie replied.
"Wait, can Shadows even cheer," I asked.
"Look, over there, in the dance floor," Izzy said.
Teddie and I turned towards the direction Izzy was pointing at. Sure enough, there was a figure dancing on the dance floor. The three of us ran towards it. When we got closer to it, figure stopped dancing.
"Oh my! I didn't expect to have VIP guests," Shadow Sora said. "Do you like what you see? Sorry, boys, you can look, but you can't touch, unless you really want to."
"So, this is your friend's Shadow," Teddie said. "Was she always hiding something like this?"
"I don't know, but we're going to find out for sure," I replied.
"Sorry, boys, my body isn't just for you guys to play around with; it's for everyone to share," Shadow Sora continued. "I'm going to show everyone some special dance moves that will make your eyes wide open and your jaw drop. Some might call it risqué, but I find it stimulating. It might be hard to see what I can do with all this smoke in the air, so why don't we go a bit further inside so you can see every last inch of me?"
A title reading "Broken Hearts Club Presents: Sora's Secret Expose" appeared in front of her.
"What is that," Teddie asked.
"It looks like a title screen for a TV show," Izzy said. "Unfortunately, it's a title that I don't think Sora would want to know about."
"Alright, you, where's Sora," I asked.
"Now, why would you ask such a question," Shadow Sora said. "I'm Sora, and Sora is me."
"We both know that's a lie. Where's the real Sora?"
"Don't touch that dial, boys. When we come back, I'll dance for you some more, and you'll be able to get a good, long, hard look at me. Stay tuned."
Shadow Sora quickly ran deeper into the night club.
"We better stop her before she does something outrageous," I said.
"Right," Izzy replied.
The three of us ran deeper inside the night club, but various Shadows appeared and blocked our way. Some of them were floating mouths, like the ones we saw at the shopping district. The other was two yellow figures that were bound together by locks and spears.
"The Shadows are here," Teddie screamed.
"Then, let's take care of them," I said.
"Yeah," Izzy replied.
"Persona," the two of us shouted.
Izzy and I smashed the two cards in front of us with our hands, calling out Agumon and Tentomon respectively. Similar to my transformation, Izzy was now wearing a purple wizard hat, a maroon wizard robe with a draping purple outer layer, purple shoes that curl in its tips, and maroon gloves. His glasses converted into large fly eye goggles. He was also carrying a crystal ball.
"What's going on," Izzy said. "Why am I wearing all of this?"
"You look like you're dressed for Halloween," I replied.
"Hey, guys, what's up," Agumon asked.
"I here serve your needs," Tentomon said. "Although, I don't suppose everyone else here is a warm, welcoming guest."
"Where are we, and what's with all these colored lights?"
"It almost makes we want to dance, and I don't know how to dance."
"Long story short, we need to save Sora, and these Shadows are in our way," I explained.
"Well, these Shadow things sure don't look hospitable," Tentomon said.
"Don't worry; I'll take care of them without breaking a sweat," Agumon said. "Pepper Breath!"
Agumon spits a fireball at the yellow figure taking it out in one shot.
"Super Shocker," Tentomon shouted.
Tentomon fired electricity from its wings at the same type of creature, but nothing happens. Instead, the yellow figures attacked Tentomon with an ice attack.
"Well, that didn't work as well as I hoped," Tentomon replied.
Agumon fired another fireball at the yellow figures, destroying it.
"I can't believe those Shadows have names," Izzy said. "The one with the large mouth is called a Hablerie, and those yellow figures are called Twins."
"How do you know all of that," I asked.
"I'm not sure, but this crystal ball is telling me a lot of information, information that I've never seen or heard of before."
"That's amazing," Teddie said. "Even I don't know the names of all the Shadows. You're pretty incredible."
"Hey, don't you live in this world," I inquired. "I thought you knew everything about this place."
"Well, do you know every single person in your place," Teddie retorted.
"Guys, there's no time for that," Izzy told us. "Look, I don't know for sure, but I think I found Sora."
"Really? How," I asked.
"Well, I have the reading of something that's neither a Hablerie nor a Twins, so I'm assuming it might be her. It could her Shadow, but so far, that's the only other reading that I have."
"Well, there's only one way to find out."
"I'll be your second pair of nose, just in case the reading of your crystal ball gets confusing," Teddie replied.
"Wait, you mean you don't know how to fight," I asked.
"Of course, I don't know how to fight. Look at me! I'm just an adorable, cute, little bear. I usually run away whenever the Shadows appear."
"Well, why aren't you running away now?"
"You expect me to run away given the situation we are in? It's a lot safer if I stick with the two of you, since you guys look very strong. Jeez, you're such a dummy bear."
"Say that again!"
"Guys, we have to save Sora," Izzy reminded us. "Don't worry, Tai. If anything happens, I'll protect Teddie. I might not be able to fight, but I can act as support. And, I have Tentomon with me, so I know everything is going to be okay."
"Izzy, your words bring tears to my heart," Tentomon said. "Although, I don't think hearts can produce tears, and I'm not sure if I have the same type of heart humans do."
"Less talking, more fighting," Agumon said, spitting out another fireball.
"Agumon's right," I said. "Izzy, lead the way. Teddie, you're our back-up."
"Got it," Izzy said.
"Okie-dokie," Teddie replied.
Meanwhile, Sora was still aimlessly running around the building.
"Biyomon, Biyomon, where are you," Sora shouted. "Where am I? I can barely see. This fog is really messing with my eyesight."
Suddenly, voices started to echo throughout the area.
"What? Who's there? Show yourself," Sora said.
"Sora is such a dull-looking girl," the voices said.
"Huh?"
"I can't believe she's still practicing soccer at her age. Who does she think she is?"
"Who's saying these things? Cone out, and say it to my face."
"She's so bossy and gets flustered over every little thing. Does she thinks she's my mom?"
"Cut it out. Stop saying those things. I'm warning you."
"She gets along with everyone, yet doesn't add anything to any group. It's no wonder why she doesn't have any true friends."
"True… friends…."
"I want people to notice me. I want people to recognize me. I want people to love me," a malicious voice said.
"Who's there," Sora said, turning to where the voice came from.
"You claim to be selfless. You claim to be everyone's mother. But, I know exactly who you are, Takenouchi Sora."
Colored lights started to flicker in the ceiling, which caught Sora off guard. The area around her lit up, revealing a stage where the floor occasionally light up as a pink heart. The figure that was talking to her walked closer to her. Once the figure was visible, it stopped and started and her menacingly.
"Wait… It can't be… You're… me," Sora said, shocked.
Meanwhile, Teddie, Izzy, and I continued running up the stairs.
"It looks like Sora is just up ahead," Izzy said.
"Alright, almost there," I said.
As we made it to the top of the staircase, a giant, steel, animated suit of armor carrying a lance fell from the sky and landed in front of the door. Upon its appearance, multiple Hablerie and Twins emerged with it, joining it in battle.
"Oh no, this guy's bigger and stronger than the other Shadows," Teddie said.
"You're right," Izzy said. "It's called a Knight, and its stats pretty very high."
"You know what that means," I said.
"It's time to Digivolve!"
"Agumon, Strength Arcana Digivolve to… Greymon," Agumon shouted.
"Tentomon, Hermit Arcana Digivolve to… Kabuterimon," Tentomon shouted.
"Nova Blast," Greymon shouted.
"Electric Storm," Kabuterimon shouted.
Greymon and Kabuterimon spewed out large flames and electricity respectively to wipe out all the Hablerie and Twins. The Knight charged at Teddie, Izzy, and I, but Greymon and Kabuterimon pushed him over to one side.
"Tai, Izzy, Teddie, leave this guy to us," Greymon said.
"Yeah, we'll join you as soon as we sweep the floor with this guy," Kabuterimon said. "Whoops, it looks like I said that a little too soon."
The Knight grabbed Kabuterimon with its unarmed hand and moved him away. It tried to pierce Greymon with its lance, but Greymon moved out of the way and continued to fight it as Teddie, Izzy, and I headed over to the door and went inside the final room. The sudden bright lights caught us off guard, but we noticed two Soras in the middle of a stage.
"Sora," I shouted.
"Tai, is that you," Sora asked.
"Well, well, it looks like your three princes have finally arrived," Shadow Sora said.
"Three princes," Izzy repeated. "But there're only two of us here."
"Finally, I get to be a prince," Teddie said.
"Yeah, keep dreaming," I told him. "Sora, we're here to save you."
"It won't be that easy," Shadow Sora said.
With a snap of her finger, a few Shadows that looked like policemen with a giant hole in its body appeared from the ground. In addition, more Hablerie and Twins leaked out from the walls.
"Oh no, we're going to be goners," Teddie whined.
"There's so many of them," I said.
"Stay focused, Tai. Don't do anything rash," Izzy commented.
"That's enough; stop it," Sora said to her other self. "Leave them alone; they're not a part of this. It's me you're after, right? Take me, instead."
"Oh, don't worry, you're not the only person I'm after," Shadow Sora said.
"Huh? What does that mean?"
"Welcome, everyone, I'm so glad you made it this far," Shadow Sora said to us. "In return, I'll be providing you with some special service. I normally reserve these for VIP guests, but you look like you worked hard to get here, so I'll make an exception. Listen up, guests. Remember your manners, and refrain from touching the dancers at all times."
Shadow Sora resumed dancing in a seductive fashion, creating a large uproar.
"It's those voices again," I said.
"Are you sure those are just from other Shadows," Izzy asked Teddie.
"It's possible that this is on that 'recording' thing you guys mentioned," Teddie explained.
"You mean, there are people from our world watching the Midnight Channel right now," I asked. "That's insane."
"Stop! Stop moving like that," Sora said to her other self. "I beg of you; stop dancing like that while wearing my face."
"Aww, how cute! You want me to stop," Shadow Sora asked. "Are you sure that's what you're really thinking? I think we both know you want me to keep going and do even raunchier things. And why do I know that? Well, that's because you're me! And I'm you!"
"No! That can't be true!"
"You wanted people to notice you, right? You wanted to show your stuff, don't you? You wanted to show how beautiful and feminine you can be if you really try. But, that only covers the surface of your thoughts, the make-up behind your true ugly face."
"W-What are you talking about?"
"You just want to be surrounded by people so you can block out the pain of isolation. The more friends you have, the more likely you'll be needed, right? You want all eyes on you so you're not reminded that you're just an insignificant girl who doesn't have any redeeming qualities."
"That's not…."
"Yet, after mingling with just about anyone and everyone to try to fill that empty void in your heart, who did you eventually hang out with? Why, your default group of boring friends, of course!"
"What?"
"Come on, admit it. You don't experience joy hanging out with them. You're not hanging out with them for fun. It's a chore, a responsibility, a second job, like a mom. And, just like a mother, you got complacent, thinking that you're the only one who could fill that role for your silly group. You never evolved as a caring mother; you regressed into an old hag."
"No…."
"Mimi's the pretty, but dimwitted bumpkin who acts like a spoiled brat. Kari is the tiny, adorable princess that must be pampered. Matt and Tai argue like kids. Izzy is always on his computer. TK flirts incessantly. And Joe, the only other responsible person in the group, never shows up. I'm the only one who can change the diapers of this baby bunch! And I'm sick and tired of it all!"
"Why would you say that?!"
"And what do I get for all I've done for them? Nothing! Absolutely nothing! No love, no care, no anything! I'm expected to do all those things because that's my job. It doesn't fill me with happiness; it sucks it away from me. If they don't love and respect, why in the world should I do the same for them? Forget about acting like their mother; they're not worth my time. I hate them all!"
"How dare you?!"
"Sorry, but momma needs to be free, free of the chains of acting like a mom, free of the anguish of taking care of some snotty brats, free of the responsibilities of caring for them all! Now, it's my turn to act spoiled. It's my turn to spread my love to people who will actually give it back to me with interest. It's my turn to finally fill my pathetic, childish, empty heart with all the shallow, gilded feelings of the masses, the true people who will grant me what I've always wanted!"
"W-What are you going to do?"
"Watch closely, and you'll see! And now, boys, the moment you've all been waiting for! The special service has finally come! I'm going to take it all off! I'm going show everyone what they came here to see! This is me; this is who I really am! Let my naked being be burned into your brains, and shower me with your love for all eternity!"
"NO! You're… You're…!"
"Sora, no," I shouted.
"YOU'RE NOT ME," Sora screamed at her other self.
Suddenly, a distortion appeared behind Shadow Sora, and an iron statue of a motherly figure carrying a baby appeared from it. The statue began fusing with Shadow Sora.
"Yes, that's it! Send it to me! Give me all of your love," Shadow Sora hollered in ecstasy. "All this power; it's surging and building, more and more, and it's all mine! If this keeps up, I'll… I'll…. AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
After successfully fusing with the statue, Shadow Sora became a gruesome, giant, bird-like figure with short legs, powerful talons, a large body, and multiple tail feathers with burning tips.
"I am DarkAkatorimon, the darkness within your true inner self," Shadow Sora said.
"No… you can't… be me…," Sora said, collapsing to the ground.
"SORA," I screamed.
"Tai, wait a second," Izzy said.
I kicked the ball at one of the policemen, who fell on the ground. The remaining policemen fired their guns at us. Teddie, Izzy, and I ducked as the bullets passed over us.
"I've never seen anything like that before," Teddie said, referring to DarkAkatorimon. "It kind of feels like a Shadow, but at the same time, it's not."
"We call those things Fused Digimon, and, unfortunately, I can't get any good data out of it," Izzy explained. "The numbers keep on fluctuating, giving me an improper read on it. It's probably because it is half-Digimon half-Shadow."
"Blast Shot," DarkAkatorimon shouted.
DarkAkatorimon fired several burning feathers at us.
"Greymon," I shouted.
Immediately, something flew through the door and grabbed us right before we were hit by the barrage.
"Kabuterimon," Izzy said.
"Sorry, we're late," Kabuterimon replied. "We just finished taking care of that Knight; although, looking at the crowd here, I think we were too late."
"Alright, who's next? I'll wipe them all out," Greymon said, barging in from the door.
The Shadow policemen fired at Greymon, but he powered through the bullets and rushed towards them.
"Tail Whip," Greymon shouted.
Grey swung his tail at all of the Shadow policemen, knocking them all against a wall, destroying them. Meanwhile, DarkAkatorimon continued to fire more burning feathers at us. Kabuterimon dodged all of them, but some of the feathers destroyed many other Shadows.
"I can't believe it's attacking the Shadows," Teddie said.
"It's not; they're just part of the collateral damage," Izzy explained.
"Yeah, that thing doesn't care what it hits as long as it hits us," I said. "Greymon, get it."
"I'm on in," Greymon said. "Great Horns Attack!"
Greymon charged at it with his three horns. DarkAkatorimon hardened itself with an iron body. Greymon was knocked back by its hardened body.
"Don't worry, leave it to me," Kabuterimon said, putting Teddie, Izzy and I back on the ground. "Electro Shocker!"
Kabuterimon fired an electric ball at the hardened body, but DarkAkatorimon didn't budge.
"Well, I was hoping that would work," Kabuterimon sighed.
"If one attack doesn't work, maybe a double attack will," Greymon said. "Follow my lead!"
Greymon and Kabuterimon charged at DarkAkatorimon, who returned to its normal state, from either side.
"Akatori Kick," DarkAkatorimon shouted.
With its large talons, DarkAkatorimon grabbed Greymon and Kabuterimon with both legs and swung them around until they both fell in front of us.
"Greymon, are you alright," I asked.
"Kabuterimon, answer me," Izzy said.
"I'm fine," Greymon replied.
"The plan wasn't," Kabuterimon responded.
"Melting Aura," DarkAkatorimon shouted.
The room slowly became hotter, as though we were in a sauna. Then, it started to feel more uncomfortable, as though we were in a burning furnace.
"I-It's so hot," Teddie said. "I'm starting to feel dizzy."
"I'm losing my strength," Greymon said.
"I can't concentrate," Kabuterimon added.
"T-Tai, what are we going to do," Izzy asked.
I wanted to answer, but I was so exhausted from the heat that I could not respond. I looked over at the stage. Sora was clutching her chest, breathing in pain. No, this can't be how it ends. I have to save Sora. I have to save everyone. I need power. I need even more power.
"I've been waiting for you," a familiar voice said.
In an instant, my mind was transported to the Velvet Room. I was sitting down on the couch, similar to our last encounter. Igor and Margaret were inside, as though they were expecting me.
"We heard your call and are here to provide you with a new kind of power," Margaret said. "This is the Fool Arcana, also known as the Wildcard. Right side up, it represents the beginning, opportunity, and freedom. Upside down, it represents fear, recklessness, and taking risks. Just like the number "0," it is filled with infinite potential."
"Because of the bonds you have made with your friends, you have unlocked the requirements needed to allow you to use the power of the Wildcard," Igor continued. "With it, you are allowed to use as many cards as you have bonds and use them to assist you and your partner for your path to victory. Allow me to show you how to use the power of the Wildcard to your advantage."
My mind was swiftly transferred back to the nightclub. Mimicking what I saw Igor do, I reached out my hand, creating a magic circle that had both Izzy and my arcana cards on it.
"Greymon, Slide Evolution," I shouted.
"Greymon, Slide Hermit Arcana Evolution," Greymon shouted.
I swiped my card over to Izzy's card, shattering both of them. Greymon digitized himself into the No. 11 card. After switching to the No. 9 card, it shattered, reconfiguring itself into a humanoid figure with flames engulfing its entire body.
"What is that," Teddie asked.
"Isn't that Meramon," Izzy asked. "But how? I thought Agumon's only evolution was to Greymon. When was he able to evolve into something else?"
"Wipe it out," I told Meramon.
"Heat Knuckle," Meramon shouted.
Meramon ran over to DarkAkatorimon with a giant, burning fist and punched it, knocking it away.
"That's it," I replied.
Meramon absorbed the heat and humidity in the room, sucking it into its own body. The room temperature returned to normal, and Teddie, Izzy, Kabuterimon, and I were able to stand up again.
"I feel much better now," Teddie said. "That flaming guy isn't so bad after all."
DarkAkatorimon slowly stood back up. Meramon jumped and prepared to strike it with another burning first, but DarkAkatorimon started to harden again.
"Tai, the hardening process starts from its head to its feet," Izzy said. "Strike its leg before it hardens."
"You got it," I answered.
I kicked the ball over to DarkAkatorimon's feet, making lose its balance. Because it also lost its concentration, the hardening process stopped, and it reverted back to normal. This gave Meramon enough time to strike it down with another burning fist, crushing DarkAkatorimon.
"It's down. Now's our chance," Izzy said.
"Everyone, attack," I shouted.
"Electric Storm," Kabuterimon shouted.
"Magma Blast," Meramon shouted.
Kabuterimon fired a wide array of electricity from its body, while Meramon bombarded DarkAkatorimon with raining magma rocks. Unable to handle the onslaught of attacks, DarkAkatorimon's body quickly dissipated, leaving behind a fallen Shadow Sora. With the threat of DarkAkatorimon gone, Meramon and Kabuterimon reverted to Agumon and Tentomon respectively. Izzy and I also returned to our normal attire. We headed over to Sora, who was slowly starting to come to.
"Sora, are you okay," I asked.
"W-What happened," Sora asked, as she slowly started to get up.
Sora looked around the room to find Shadow Sora kneeled on the ground.
"What's wrong? Got nothing else to say," Sora asked it.
"Stop it, Sora; it's over. Everything's okay now," Izzy said.
"But… But she…," Sora said, frustrated.
"Listen, Sora, I'm sorry, for a lot of things," I told her.
"Huh? Where did that come from," Sora asked.
"Ever since Joe went to college in another perfective, we subconsciously put all the responsibilities to taking care of us over to you, and we didn't mean to. But, you are far from not being loved. Izzy, Mimi, Matt, everyone in our team – we all care about you. Without you, I don't know our group would function properly."
"Everyone has a side like this, a dark side that they don't want others to see," Izzy continued. "I went through the exact same thing, so I understand how difficult it is to face it. However, I also know that it's even more difficult to accept it."
"She's waiting for you," I said, pointing to Shadow Sora. "Try facing your other self."
"O-Okay," Sora said.
Sora took a deep breath and cleared her mind. She walked over to her shadow self, who was looking up at her.
"Here, can you stand," Sora asked, extending her hand.
Shadow Sora hesitantly grabbed Sora's hand and helped herself up.
"I'm so sorry," Sora said. "I ignored you, turned my back towards you, and pretended that you didn't exist. I continued to not forgive you, creating a downward spiral for myself. But, I was wrong to deny you. You still exist within me; you are a part of me. You are me, and I am you."
Sora clasped her hands with Shadow Sora's hands. Touched, Shadow Sora smiled and nodded. She slowly ascended as light blue aura surrounded her, disintegrating her and releasing the sealed Digimon and tarot card associated with it.
"Biyomon," Sora cried.
Sora quickly ran over to catch Biyomon as she slowly descended to the ground.
"Sora, you remembered," Biyomon said softly.
"Biyomon, I'm so glad you're okay," Sora sobbed, tears in her eyes.
The card with the number "3" floated down towards Sora.
"What's this," Sora asked, touching the card.
The card disintegrated and embedded its power onto Sora.
"That is your Persona," I told her.
"Per… so… na…," Sora said.
Fatigued, Sora stared to sway. I caught her just before she fell.
"Sora," I said.
"Don't worry, Tai; I'm sure she's just tired," Izzy said.
"I guess it isn't you guys, either," Teddie said.
"What do you mean by that?"
"As of late, someone has been throwing people here into this world."
"Throwing people," I repeated.
"Yes," Teddie replied. "I can tell when someone is forced in here as opposed to coming here by will. Take that girl, for example. To me, it seemed like she was forced in here, calling out for help and running around aimlessly. You guys were more calm and composed, so I thought…."
"What? You actually think we threw her in here without any means to protect herself? You've got to be kidding me! Why would we…?"
"Wait, Tai, think about what Teddie just said," Izzy replied. "Remember when he told us the other day that other people like us have entered the TV World? And remember how, normally, none of us would be able to go in unless you touched the TV first? I never thought about it like this, but what if there are other people who have the same kind of power we do, and what if they are abusing this power with bad intentions?"
"Where are you getting at?"
"Teddie, what happened to the people who were forced into this world?"
"Well, unfortunately, they were attacked by their Shadows, and unlike you and the girl over there, they weren't so lucky," Teddie explained
"You mean, they were killed by their own Shadows," I asked. "That's crazy."
"But possible," Izzy said. "Teddie, when did this whole thing start?"
"About a couple of days ago, probably a few days before you guys showed up," Teddie explained.
"You know, thinking back, before we knew about the TV World, there was the heavy fog that covered parts of Tokyo where the Shadows and the Digimon were fighting each other, creating the 'riots' the media talks about. I wonder if the person dumping people into the TV, the fog, and the invasion of the Shadows are linked in some way."
"I'm not sure," I said. "Wait? Riots? Oh no! The others! We don't know if the fog came into our world yet."
"You're right! We were so engrossed with Sora that we completely forgot about the others."
"Teddie, can you make us a TV here, like you did previously, so we can leave this place?"
"Wait, Tai, that's too dangerous. Remember how we came here through Odaiba's shopping district and somehow ended up in the TV World's version of Shimbasa's shopping district? There's no guarantee that we will be anywhere near Odaiba if we create a television exit in this spot. The safest thing to do is return to where we first entered and open an exit there, since we know for sure that we will be in my office in the Real World."
"Izzy's right," Teddie said. "It's a lot safer that way. It's a bit far away from here, but I can help escort you guy back to that studio place."
"Let's do that, then," I said.
"Here, Tai, let me take one of Sora's sides," Izzy said. "Agumon, Tentomon, can you assist Biyomon the same way we are?"
"You got it," Agumon said.
"You can count on me," Tentomon replied.
"Alright, Sora, we're going to get you out of here," I said.
We slowly left the nightclub as the lights in the VIP room start to fade.
*To be continued*
Shadows Used:
wiki/Slipping_Hablerie
wiki/Trance_Twins
Inspiration for Shadow Sora:
wiki/Creation_Relic
wiki/Akatorimon