Once again, I found myself in that familiar blue room; however, there was only one person waiting for me.
"Welcome to the Velvet Room," Margaret said. "I'm afraid the master is out again. Perhaps you wanted to meet me alone on purpose instead."
Three cards appeared and immersed themselves in the book she was carrying.
"I see that you have obtained three more types of power: the Lovers, the Devil, and the Tower," Margaret explained. "Right side up, the Lovers represents harmony, relationships, and choices. Upside down, it represents disharmony, imbalance, and misguided values. Right side up, the Devil represents attachment, addiction, and sexuality. Upside down, it represents detachment, limited beliefs, and dark thoughts. Right side up, the Tower represents change, upheaval, and awakening. Upside down, it represents fear, disaster, and questioning."
The three cards eventually disappeared inside the book, prompting her to close it.
"I must say, your rapid growth as the bearer of this power is most fascinating," Margaret continued. "You have my utmost curiosity. I can only imagine just how far you will go with these new bonds of yours. Well now, until we meet again."
Episode 17
It was another scorching day at Tokyo. My mom asked Kari and I to go out and do some errands for her as she was busy working at her job. I was wearily carrying around heavy bags as Kari looking through the shopping list to see what was next in our errands.
"Kari, how many more stores do we have to go to," I asked.
"Just a few more," Kari replied. "We'll be done soon."
"I sure hope so. My arms and legs are about to reach their limit."
"Aren't you a soccer player? Use your muscles."
"There's a limit to what the human body can handle. I didn't know mom wanted to buy so much heavy stuff all at once."
There was a commotion happening somewhere in the middle of the shopping district. At first, we ignored it to continue with our errands, but something caught my eye. I could make out an oddly-shaped blue and red creature from the gaps made by the crowd. I figured it was my imagination and continued walking.
"Mommy, there's a weird-looking bear over there," a child said.
"Now, now, it's rude to point," the mother said.
As soon as I heard that, I immediately dropped the bags to run over to the crowd.
"Tai, where are you going," Kari asked.
Ignoring my sister, I pushed my way in to confirm my suspicions. In the center of the crowd was a familiar, oddly-shaped bear, confused about what to do as the crowd of people stared at it and asked it various questions.
"Teddie," I asked, surprised.
"Tai," Teddie said, excited. "Oh, I'm so glad to see you. I didn't know what I was going to do without you. I got so scared."
Now, the attention was drawn towards me as the crowd began to murmur about us.
"Look, now isn't a good time to do this," I said. "Man, I have so many questions; I don't know where to start. Wait, I'll call Izzy. Actually, I need to call everyone. Hey, Teddie, let's head over to Izzy's office, okay? You can explain yourself there."
I grabbed Teddie's hand as we pulled our way out of the crowd.
"Tai, what are you doing, and what's that thing following behind you," Kari asked.
"No time to explain," I said. "Get Sora, Matt, and the others, and tell them to go to Izzy's office."
"Right now? But what about our errands?"
"This is more important. Here, I'll grab half while you grab the other half. Okay, let's go."
"Tai, wait a second. Slow down."
A million different thoughts whirled about in my head as I called Izzy about heading towards his office.
Once everything calmed down, I found myself inside Izzy's office, exhausted from running so much in the heat. Sora, Matt, Izzy, and Mimi were surprised at what they saw while TK and Kari blankly looked at each other with confusion.
"Teddie, is that really you," Sora said.
"Of course it is," Teddie replied. "Want to touch my fur?"
"I don't want to know where that fur has been," Matt said.
"Grr, I'll have you know that my fur is soft and cuddly to the touch," Teddie said.
"I'll pet it," Mimi said. "Wow, you're right; it's super soft."
"See, Mimi appreciates my beartiful fur," Teddie said.
"Okay, I'm confused," Kari said.
"Teddie is the one we see every time we visit the TV World," Sora explained.
"We get that part," TK said. "We don't get why it's here."
"I've been meaning to ask that," Izzy asked. "What are you doing here in our world? Did something happened that required your attention?"
"Nope, I just wanted to stop by and see what this place was like," Teddie explained. "It was crazy. I've never seen so many people in my life. But, Tai saved me from that scary crowd, so I'm all better now."
"Well, you've been through a lot," I said.
"Thanks, Tai," Teddie replied. "I knew I can count on you for knowing my pain."
"You came to this world just to see us," Sora asked.
"How did you even get here in the first place," Matt asked.
"Of course, I was able to get here," Teddie replied. "There is an exit, you know? It just never occurred to me to actually use it."
"Well, we did see other Shadows come out from the TV World before," Izzy said. "It should be no surprise that Teddie could do the same thing."
"Where did you enter from," Mimi asked.
"I think it was this very room," Teddie said. "I used that elevator thing to come down and leave this building."
"You didn't see him at the office, Izzy," Sora asked.
"I probably wasn't here when it occurred," Izzy explained.
"How long were you even outside for," Matt asked.
"I guess for a few hours before Tai saved me," Teddie answered.
"I'm surprised it took that long until a commotion happened," Mimi said.
"Phew, all that walking around really did a number on me," Teddie said. "I'm beary tired. Hey, Tai, can I have one of your water bottles?"
"Sure, go for it," I said. "It's one less thing to carry."
"Thanks, Tai," Teddie said. "Off this goes."
Teddie tried to unzip his head when Matt stopped him.
"Hey, what do you think you're doing, taking your head off so suddenly," Matt said to Teddie.
"Matt, what are you doing," TK asked.
"He needs to take it off to drink, right," Mimi asked.
"How can you guys act so calmly over something like this," Matt questioned. "First of all, I never knew you could even eat or drink; I've never seen you done either. Second, your body is completely hollow. There's nothing inside. What's taking it off going to do about it?
"He's empty inside," Kari asked.
"That doesn't make any sense," TK asked. "How does it function?"
"Matt took off his head that one time the four of us went to the TV World," Izzy explained. "We can vouch for Matt on this one."
"That's so weird," Kari said.
"But, that was in the past," Teddie said. "I'm not hollow anymore! I have a body inside of me!"
"A what," Matt asked.
"Is that even possible," Sora questioned.
"I've never seen or heard anything like that," Izzy questioned.
"Well, there's only one way to find out," I said. "Let him drink the water bottle, Matt."
"Fine, whatever," Matt said.
Teddie continued to take his head off once Matt was off of him. A handsome boy with blonde hair, blue eyes, a white dress shirt with a rose, black dress pants, and black dress shoes appeared out of the Teddie outfit. Everyone was taken aback as Teddie chugged the water bottle down in seconds.
"Phew, that hit the spot," Teddie said.
"No way," Sora said.
"Is that really you, Teddie," Mimi asked.
"Yep, the one and only," Teddie said. "How do I look?"
"Very nice," I said.
"Please don't say that," Kari said.
"I'm not convinced," Matt said. "How do we know it's really you? How did you even appear? You're supposed to be empty!"
"I grew a body inside of me so I can hang out with my other friends," Teddie explained.
"You mean, other people who walk around inside bear costumes," TK asked.
"No, I'm talking about Sensei and the others," Teddie replied.
"Sensei," Kari said. "Who's that?"
"Didn't Teddie mention that there were other people who were able to enter the TV World besides us," I said.
"Yeah, I remember that," Sora said. "You're talking about the other DigiDestined or another set of people entirely, right?"
"Yep. They're very nice people. You should see them," Teddie said.
"So, did your new body already came with clothes, or did they buy them for you," Izzy asked.
"They bought it for me," Teddie answered. "One of my friends is super loaded in cash. I'm working for him at his store right now."
"How is someone like you even employed," Matt asked.
"I work as a mascot in their department store," Teddie explained.
"His bear outfit does make him look like a mascot," Sora said. "Your friend is pretty smart, making you blend in like that without any suspicion."
"Well, I think your outfit looks adorable," Mimi said. "It brings out your personality really well."
"Thanks, Mimi," Teddie said. "Actually, my lady friends picked this outfit for me. It was the first gift I ever got from them. They're the reason I wanted to grow a body in the first place, so I could one day go on a date with them."
"Now you just went from cute to creepy," Sora said.
"I'll say," Matt replied.
"The mystery of Teddie continues to unravel itself," Izzy said. "There's still so much we don't know about him, even after learning all this new information from him."
"I'm glad some of us are enjoying this," Sora said.
"TK, what's wrong," Kari said. "You've been quiet for a while now. Are you alright?"
"It's nothing," TK replied. "I guess my role as the pretty boy in the group might be in jeopardy."
"Huh, what are you talking about," Kari said.
"By the way, you said that you have another circle of friends here, right, Teddie," Mimi said. "Are they in Tokyo, too? Do you know if we can meet them?"
"Hmm, I'm not sure," Teddie said. "They're town is pretty big, but this place is even bigger. I don't recognize a lot of the stuff here compared to where they are."
"It's possible that they live in an urban or suburban prefecture outside of Tokyo," Sora said.
"It's also possible that they're not from Japan, but another country altogether," Izzy added. "Upon closer inspection, Teddie looks more like a foreigner than he does Japanese. It's possible that he based his look on the people he's around with the most."
"Forget the foreigner part, he might as well be an alien," Matt said. "He's from a whole different world, for starters. Would nationality even matter for someone like him?"
"Sorry, Teddie, this might be a little much for you," Sora said.
"It's okay; I feel very comfortable here," Teddie said. "This group has the same vibe as my other friends, so, if you guys do end up meeting each other, I bet you'd be the best of buds in no time."
"That's good to know," I said.
"Hey, since this is Teddie's first time here, why don't we show him around the area," Mimi said.
"Good idea," Sora replied. "We don't want his first experience here to be a bad one. Let's make him have some good memories of this place and us here."
"Y-You guys," Teddie said.
"As much as I want to keep questioning you, you did just get here and all," Matt said. "Besides, the questioning could wait another day."
"Look who's acting all soft and responsible," Mimi said.
"Hey, cut it out," Matt replied.
"To be fair, I don't think one day is enough to process what just happened," Izzy said. "A change of pace shouldn't hurt."
"In that case, let's show Teddie around and have him experience the best that Tokyo has to offer," Mimi said.
"We're going to pass on that one," Kari said. "Tai and I still need to do errands for our mom."
"You're right; I completely forgot about that," I said.
"Seriously," Kari asked.
"What," I replied. "The whole Teddie thing happened, so it completely slipped my mind."
"You should probably do your errands first," Sora said. "Once you guys are done, give us a call to text us. We'll tell you where we are or where we will be later."
"Sounds like a plan," I said.
"Alright, let's get going," Mimi said.
"Wait, am I going, too," Matt asked.
"Of course, you are," Sora said. "You want to make up for your inhospitable behavior, right?"
"When you put it like that, I guess I don't have a choice," Matt said.
"I'll be joining as well," Izzy said. "I'm still curious about what Teddie's human form is capable of."
"Speaking of which, we should probably leave the bear suit in your office," Sora said. "Is that okay with you, Izzy?"
"I don't mind it," Izzy said. "The office TV is where Teddie came out from anyway, so it makes sense to leave it here."
"Plus, we don't want a weird talking bear hanging out with us in the middle of Tokyo," Matt said. "We'd get a lot more attention than we already need."
"Okay, if everything is all set, let's get going," Mimi said.
"Hurray," Teddie shouted. "I'm beary excited to see what this part of the world is like."
As we all left the office to do our separate thing, TK remained sitting on the couch.
"What's wrong," Matt asked TK. "You're not feeling well?"
"Kind of," TK said. "I'm actually going to head back home for a bit. Today was a lot to process."
"You don't have to tell me that. I'll let you know if I'm coming home late so you can tell our folks that they don't have to cook my dinner. It shouldn't take long, but given how Mimi is whenever we hang out with her, I'm not so sure."
"I'll let them know."
"Thanks. Don't strain yourself too much, okay?"
Matt closed the door, leaving TK alone in the office. A dark look clouded his face as he stared at the head of the bodiless bear outfit.
The next day, it was raining. Because I didn't have any plans today, I spent most of the day watching TV.
"Hey, Tai," Kari said, walking up to me.
"Hey, Kari, what's up," I asked.
"Are you going to watch the Midnight Channel tonight?"
"Oh, you're right. It's raining today. I don't see why not. It's been a while since the last time it rained. What's wrong?"
"I feel like we should watch it today. I think something important is going to happen in the show."
"What makes you think that?"
"I'm not sure. I just have this hunch."
"Well, why don't we watch it together later tonight? I trust your judgement."
"Thanks, Tai."
Later that night, we waited until midnight as we continued to stare at the blank television screen. Once it struck midnight, the screen turned yellow. There were several small Digimon trying to fly away as quickly as possible from the Shadows that have suddenly emerged into the Digital World via portals. While many managed to escape, some were attacked and taken away by the Shadows. One Digimon in particular, an orange and white creature, was trying to fly away with all its might with its large ear wings. It desperately flew as the Shadows got closer and closer towards it. The screen stopped displaying right before it looked like the Shadow was able to grab hold of the Digimon. It took me a while to catch my breath after that intense chase onscreen.
"That was Patamon, wasn't it," Kari asked.
"Kari, were you able to see the screen clearly this time," I asked.
"No, it still looked very fuzzy to me, but I had a hunch that it might be Patamon."
"How did you know?"
"I'm not entirely sure. It was just a lucky guess."
"Do you know something that I don't?"
"Well, ever since we met this Teddie person, TK seemed to be feeling down. It might be the reason why Patamon was on screen."
"Did he say anything to you?"
"He said something about not being a pretty boy anymore or something. I'm not entirely sure why he thought that. He's pretty handsome and cute if he can turn down his flirting a bit."
"You're not in love with him, are you?"
"What? Of course not. I've been with him for so long that I don't even see him that way."
"That's good to hear."
"Besides, what does it matter to you who I like and don't like?"
"I'm your brother. It's my job to make sure only the best person in the entire world is worthy of you. Otherwise, no one is."
"Wow, you became very creepy very quickly."
"Hey, I'm serious."
"That's why I'm creeped out. Anyway, we should probably talk to Matt and the others about this. They probably saw the same thing you did, including TK."
"You're right. I'll text everyone to meet up at Izzy's office tomorrow."
The next day, Sora, Matt, TK, Kari, Izzy, Mimi, and I gathered at Izzy's office to discuss what happened last night.
"So, everyone saw the Midnight Channel, right," I asked.
"To be honest, I almost forgot about it since it hasn't rained for a while, but I'm glad I did," Sora said.
"That was Patamon onscreen, wasn't it," Mimi said. "He looked so afraid, running away from those terrible creatures."
"How are you feeling, TK," Izzy said.
"Like I wish I could go back to the Digital World to save him," TK replied.
"I know you're frustrated, but bear with it," Matt said. "Once he ends up in the TV World, we can save him. The same thing happened to Sora, Mimi, and I, so we know what to do."
"Yeah, but what if we don't have to wait until then," TK shouted. "Why can't we same him now?"
"TK, you know the answer to that question," Sora said. "As much as we want to do that, none of us can enter the Digital World right now."
"Well, maybe Izzy just hasn't come up with the best solution yet," TK said.
"TK, that wasn't very nice," Kari said said.
"You're right," TK said. "I'm sorry, Izzy. I went too far."
"Don't worry about it," Izzy replied. "Like Matt said, we know you're frustrated. Everyone has felt that way when they saw their partner Digimon onscreen. One way or another, we will save him. You can count on that."
"The weather said that it will rain later today," Sora said. "There's a good chance the Midnight Channel might come up again."
"You mean the other TK will be onscreen tonight," Mimi asked.
"Maybe we should provide you guys some company at your place," I suggested.
"Thanks, but no thanks," Matt replied. "The apartment won't be able to hold all of you."
"Besides, I have more self-control than my brother," TK said. "I'm not going to suddenly jump into the TV without a plan of action."
"Now, you're just making fun of me," Matt replied.
"Okay, let's watch the Midnight Channel later tonight to see if Patamon made it to the TV World," Izzy said.
"Don't worry, TK. We'll save Patamon. I know we will," Mimi said.
"Thanks, everyone," TK replied.
Later that night, Matt and TK were at their apartment, staring at the blank TV screen.
"So, how are you feeling," Matt asked.
"Nervous, I guess," TK replied. "I don't know what to expect from the Midnight Channel."
"When did you start feeling frustrated?"
"Right when I saw Patamon running away from those things."
"I'm talking about before that. Did anything happen these last few days that made you angry or depressed?"
"Are you my therapist, now?"
"I'm serious. I get this feeling that whenever something bad happens to us, it affects the Digital World in some way, which is why our Digimon in particular are getting attacked. I'm not sure why, but that's what's been happening so far whenever stuff like this happens. So, did you feel annoyed prior to when you saw the Midnight Channel?"
"Nothing comes to mind. A lot of it is silly reasons, anyway; so, it's nothing to worry about."
"Even if it means putting Patamon in danger? I don't care how ridiculous the reason is; just throw whatever comes to mind."
"I mean, there was that one time when we saw… Teddie, was it? And, he looked more like a lady-killer than I was, so I got a little jealous, but…."
"You actually think you're a lady killer? A smooth-talker, sure, but a lady killer? Please, you look like a kid chasing older girl's skirts."
"Well, what about you? You might not know this, but you have a ton of secret admirers. There are girls in my school who would come up to me and ask when and where you will be performing next. Also, wasn't there a time you received a ton of love letters from who knows how many girls? And what did you do? You threw them in the trash."
"I don't care about that stuff. It's all white noise to me."
"You're going to keep their hopes up if you don't say anything. Is it possible that you have someone in mind?"
"No, there's no one like…."
"So, there is someone. Tell me who he or she is. I won't judge. I just need a name so I can tell them that you're occupied."
"I don't see how that would solve anything."
"You see, this is why you don't get along with other girls outside of our group."
"What was that?"
Before they could continue arguing, the clock stuck midnight, and the Midnight Channel turned on. After a brief yellow glow, the screen revealed what appeared to be a normal café. Suddenly, five TK's appeared on screen.
"Hello, everyone, and welcome to Despair Host Club," they all said.
"I'm Handsome TK," one of them said.
"I'm Serious TK," another one said.
"I-I'm Timid TK," the third one said.
"I'm Hyperactive TK," the fourth one said.
"I'm Sly TK," the final one said.
"We are some of the many TK's who are here to serve your every need," Handsome TK said.
"We're here to cater to everyone's tastes and desires, no matter how many there are," Serious TK said.
"I-If there is a personality that you haven't seen yet, we can create one for you," Timid TK said.
"There's nothing that the TKs can't do! No matter what it is that you want us to do, wear, or act, it is our job to cater to our guests 110%," Hyperactive TK said.
"We will meet every single one of your demands. The only limit is your imagination," Sly TK said.
"So, come on in, and let us become the TKs that you want us to be, so you can have the time of your lives," the five of them said.
The TV suddenly turned off, returning to its normal blank state.
"There's so much that I want to say, I don't even know where to begin," Matt said.
"Don't look at me like that," TK said. "That was so embarrassing. I can't believe everyone saw that."
"Well, if anything, this proves that Patamon has entered the TV World. Let's go in with the others and save him."
"Right."
The next day, we met up at Izzy's office to discuss our next course of action.
"So, why were there so many TKs in the Midnight Channel," Mimi asked. "I thought TK's partner was just Patamon."
"Most likely, one of them was Patamon, and the rest are just copies of him," Izzy answered.
"True, but which one is it," Sora questioned.
"You have to remember that they said 'some of us,' which means there's more than just those five in the TV World," I said.
"There's probably one for every known personality out there," Matt said.
"You're not making this any better," TK said.
"How are you handling this, TK," Kari asked.
"Pretty well, actually," TK replied. "I'm more confused than I am angry or frustrated, so that's a plus, unlike someone else."
"Why did you look at me when you said that," Matt asked.
"Anyway, now that we've seen the Midnight Channel, we can finally go and save Patamon," Sora said.
"You're right," Mimi said. "Let's all head in there right now!"
"Hold on," Izzy said. "Remember when we tried to save you, Mimi? Fog suddenly appeared in the Real World. There's a good chance that something like that may happen again."
"Are you recommending that some of us stay here should another fog episode appear again," Sora asked.
"Exactly," Izzy replied.
"In that case…," Mimi started.
"I'll go," Matt said.
"Matt," Sora said.
"It's the older brother's duty to make sure that the younger brother doesn't stray from his path," Matt said.
"Matt," TK said. "But, I'm taller than you."
"That's not the point here," Matt said.
"Alright, here's the plan," I said. "Izzy, TK, Matt, and I will head over to the TV World. Hopefully, we can meet up with Teddie so we can get Patamon out of there as soon as possible. Sora and Mimi will be on standby in case anything abnormal happens here in the Real World. If you guys need assistance, don't hesitate to contact Michael and the others. I'm sure they'll be willing to help."
"Got it," Sora said.
"But I want to come, too," Mimi pouted.
"Kari, if anything happens, stay in the office," I said.
"I understand," Kari said. "Be careful, everyone, especially you, Tai."
"When am I not careful," I asked.
"All the time," Matt replied.
"The same can be said about you," TK said.
"Cut it out," Matt replied.
"Okay, everyone, let's get going," Izzy said.
"Say hi to Teddie for me," Mimi said.
"Come back safely," Sora replied.
Matt, Izzy, TK, and I went through Izzy's TV and arrived to the TV World. When we arrived, we saw a noticeable figure mindlessly pacing back and forth.
"Teddie," I said.
"Oh, it's Tai and friends. Thank goodness you're all here," Teddie said.
"You're back to your bear form," Matt said. "Why is that?"
"I feel more comfortable in this from here than I would my human form," Teddie explained.
"Doesn't it get cramped in there," TK asked.
"It's something that you guys wouldn't understand," Teddie said.
"Back to the topic at hand," Izzy said. "Teddie, you said you were glad to see us. I suspect something happened here, didn't it?"
"That's right," Teddie said. "The change was so sudden, it made my bear skin stood up. You really are the smart one of the group.
"Teddie, we're looking for TK's Digimon," I said. "TK, can you show Teddie your Digivice so he can track Patamon with it?"
"Sure, anything to save Patamon," TK said.
TK showed his D-3 to Teddie. Teddie took it and started to sniff it before sniffing the air around the area.
"Is he sniffing for Patamon's scent," TK asked. "How does that even work? Are you sure he's a bear and not actually a dog?"
"Don't ask questions that you know we don't have the answers for," Matt said.
"I think I got something," Teddie said.
"Seriously," TK said, surprised.
"Take us there," I said.
"You got it," Teddie said. "Okay, everyone, follow the bear!"
Teddie led us down a nearly dark path until we saw a bright and gaudy building. It was a buttermilk-colored café with a hazelnut and white vertical-striped awning. The café's name "Despair Host Club" was glowing on top of the roof of the building. The loudness of the building contrasted the dark and gloomy path we took to get here.
"Man, it's so bright," Matt said. "Are you sure it's here?"
"The nose knows," Teddie said.
"Yep, he has to be here," I said, putting my goggles on. "I see many distortion lines hovering above the building.
"Then, that settles it," Izzy said. "Let's steel ourselves for whatever lies ahead."
"Persona," Matt, Izzy, and I shouted.
The three of us shattered the cards in front of us, donning our new outfits while Agumon, Gabumon, and Tentomon fell from the sky.
"It's very bright here," Agumon said.
"Could someone turn off the lights," Tentomon asked. "Or, at least make it a bit dimmer?"
"Matt, it's good to see you again," Gabumon said. "And TK's here, too. That's good."
"Gabumon, is that you," TK asked. "It's hard to see what's happening with all this fog."
"Right, you don't have those special glasses," I said. "Teddie, can you make some for TK?"
"Already on it," Teddie said. "Here you go."
Teddie gave TK yellow semi-rimmed horned glasses with SMPTE bars on the sides.
"Thank you," TK said. "Wow, I can see clearly now. Hey, Gabumon, it's nice to finally meet you again. I see Agumon and Tentomon are here, too. Although, I have to ask, what's with the getup?"
"It helps us fight alongside with our Digimon," I explained.
"Can you even wield a sword that big," TK asked Matt.
"I've already used it several times now," Matt explained. "I think I'm getting used to it."
"More importantly, Izzy, do you have a scan of the area," I asked.
"I'm one step ahead of you," Izzy said, looking through his crystal ball. "Found it. The person in question is waiting just on the other end of this door."
"That makes this easy for us," I said. "Let's quickly return Patamon back to TK and return to the TV World."
"No need to tell me that," Matt said. "Let's get going."
The five of us entered the gaudy café. Similar to all the other locations, the inside of the café was bigger than what it appeared outside. In the center of the café, someone was mopping the floors of the café.
"There he is," I said, pointing at him.
"A customer," Janitor TK said. "Oh no, I have to go tell the manager. He'll figure something out."
Janitor TK started to run away.
"Hey, come back here," Matt said.
Before we were able to go any further, the lights suddenly turned on. Surrounding us were tables filled with various dining wares. In addition, a plethora of TKs stood by each table.
"Greetings, and Welcome to Despair Host Club," all of them said.
"I'm Bashful TK," one of them said.
"I'm Silly TK," another one said.
"I'm Intelligent TK," a third one said.
"I'm Malevolent TK," a fourth one said.
"Just how many TKs are there," I asked.
"I don't know," Izzy said. "I keep counting, but they seem to be growing in number."
"And now, the moment you've all been waiting for," all of the TKs said. "Here is our main host, Manager TK!"
A spotlight shown on another TK, who stood on top of a table.
"Hello, everyone, and thank you for visiting today," Manager TK said. "I am the owner of this lovely café. And, isn't it just the greatest! Here, there is no need for you to decide anything or choose anything. Everything is all done in service for you. Throw away your free will and ambition, and let one of the many TKs guide you to a live of lavish and splendor. There is no need to think. Art on your carnal desires and rely on us so that we may have your undivided attention. That way, none of you will have a reason to leave here."
A bright sign reading "Too Good to be True!? Despair Host Club's Secret Special Exposé" appeared in front of us.
"Tai, the one on the table is the one we're looking for," Izzy said.
"Well, that makes things easy for us," I replied.
"Hey, you, you're me, aren't you," TK asked Manger TK.
"What are you talking about," Manager TK asked. "Everyone here is you."
"Welcome to your host club," Smiling TK said.
"Would you like some soothing tea," Mellow TK said.
"I really like your hairstyle," Fashionable TK said.
"Enough of this," TK said. "You're going to give me Patamon right now!"
"Wow, things are really heating up in there," Manager TK said. "I think it's time we play a special game. Turn on the fog machines, everyone! We need to give our guest a proper welcome."
Manager TK disappeared as he dropped down a trapdoor while standing on a table.
"Hey, get back here; I'm not done with you," TK shouted.
As soon as the trap door closed, the floor and the furniture started to move around. Matt, Izzy, TK, and I braced ourselves as the movement of the floor and the furniture sped up. Once everything calmed down, I surveyed my surroundings. I was in a dim private lounge with a TV and a sofa.
"Tai," Agumon said.
"Agumon," I said. "It's good that you're here, but where is everyone else?"
"I don't know. I'm just as confused as you are."
"Maybe Shadow TK separated us on purpose."
"If that's the case, we need to find everyone fast."
"You're right. The faster we get to TK, the better."
The two of us left the lounge when someone ran up to us.
"Tai, Agumon, I'm glad I found you," TK said.
"TK, have you seen Matt or Izzy," I asked.
"No, they weren't with me when I came to," TK said.
"Well, at least, I was able to find you," I said. "Come on, let's try and find the others and regroup to take on the mastermind of this place."
As I started to walk away, TK's hand started to morph.
"Tai, look out," Agumon said.
I quickly moved to the side as TK lunged towards me.
"TK, what's wrong with you," I asked.
I quickly realized it was not him, as he fully transformed into a giant arm carrying a sword.
"That must be one of those Shadow things," Agumon said.
"I thought they were all wearing that butler outfit," I said. "If they were able to copy his clothes, there's no way we will be able to figure out which one is the real one."
"Well, we know this one is a fake. I say we teach it some manners for fooling us like that."
"You're right. Are you ready, Agumon?"
"Ready anytime! Agumon, Strength Arcana Digivolve to… Greymon! Nova Blast!"
Greymon fired a fireball at the arm, incinerating it.
"That'll teach him to trick us like that," Greymon said.
"Alright, let's keep moving," I said. "We might not have Izzy, but I do have my goggles. It's going to be rough, but it will eventually lead us straight to Shadow TK. Let's go."
Greymon and I carefully walked through the café maze, encountering various false TKs along the way and defeating them one by one.
Shadows Used:
wiki/Judgement_Sword