Chapter 2: The Gentle breeze of Remembrance

Cyber Dramon and Andromon scooped up Davis and Cody and leapt away to a safe distance from the black digimon.
"Wow! That was some power boost. What do you say we give these guys a little pay back Andromon?" asked Cyber Dramon.
"I think that would be a most logical course of action Cyber Dramon." replied Andromon
The seven black digimon turned to face Cyber Dramon and Andromon.
Cyber Dramon charged at the black digimon closest to him, "ERASE CLAW!!" The black digimon tried to protect itself, but to no avail. Cyber Dramon's powerful claws cut through the digimon's forearms, causing it to rear back in pain just before disintegrating into thousands of black particles.
Cyber Dramon quickly turned his attention to another of the black digimon to the right of him, "CYBER NAIL!!" Having caught his opponent off guard, Cyber Dramon's sharp claw tore into the black digimon's side - it, too, disintegrated.
Andromon raised his right arm and pointed at four of the remaining black digimon, "GATTALING MISSILE!!" A swarm of miniature missiles shout forth from Andromon's arm, once the smoke had cleared from the large explosion that followed, nothing remained of the four black digimon but a brief cloud of black particles.
Cyber Dramon looked over at Andromon, "Where'd the last one go?"
"I don't know, I lost track of him in the explosion." Andromon answered.
"Well, he couldn't have gotten very far."
The black digimon erupted from the sand behind Cyber Dramon and brought its pincer arms back into a striking position.
"Cyber Dramon, watch out behind you!!" Davis shouted.
"INCOMING!!" a voice from far above shouted, followed a second later by a spear skewering the remaining black digimon. The spear was followed a second later by a loud sonic boom that caused everyone to cover their ears and wince their eyes closed.
Once everyone opened their eyes, all they could see that remained of Cyber Dramon's would be attacker was a long spear protruding from the sand surrounded by a dispersing cloud of black particles.
The armored figure fell from the sky a few seconds later and landed next to the spear. He retrieved the spear from where he had thrown it, and walked over to Cody and Davis.
The armored figure towered over Cody and Davis, standing at least six feet tall.
"Head back to where you logged into the Digital World, the others will join you shortly. I know you have many questions, and I'll do my best to answer them after I've rescued your friends."
The armored figure then turned his attention to Cyber Dramon and Andromon, "Sorry guys, but I'm gonna need my energy back." He raised his left hand, which began glowing white.
Cyber Dramon and Andromon glowed white for a few brief seconds, then streams of white energy shot forth from each of them and snaked their way back to the armored figure's glowing hand. As the energy left them, Cyber Dramon and Andromon de-evolved back to Veemon and Armadillomon.
The rookie digimon ran over to their partners.
"Get going, I'll do my best to get your friends back safely as well."
Cody and Davis nodded their heads in agreement, then turned to head back to where their day had began.

Ken turned to face Yolei, "I think it's time we got out of here."
"I think I agree with you." She replied.
Ken and Yolei ran over to where Wormmon and Hawkmon were taking a break.
"What is it Ken? What's wrong?" Wormmon asked.
"There's something headed this way and judging by the amount of sand being kicked up it's big and moving fast." Ken answered.
"And we don't have any intention of sticking around to see what it is." Yolei added.
Ken and Yolei both raised their D3's and pointed them at their digimon partners.
"Wrommon digivolve to... Stingmon!"
"Hawkmon digivolve to... Aquilamon!"
Ken and Yolei both hopped up on Aquilamon's back, and then took to the sky with Stingmon following not far behind.
After a few moments, Ken looked back over his shoulder to see if he could see the source of the large sand cloud he had seen approaching them. He saw seven black digimon, and they were following, fast.
Ken turned around and tapped Yolei on the shoulder, Yolei turned to face him.
"We may have a problem." Ken said.
Three beams of crimson energy shot passed them, narrowly missing. "Correction, we have a problem."
"What's the plan guys?" Aquilamon asked.
"There are too many of them for the four of us to take on. Our best chance is to run."
"Run where though?" Stingmon asked.
"I'm working on it!" Ken replied.
"Well think faster, our problem may have just gotten bigger" Aquilamon interjected.
Ken and Yolei both faced forward to try and see what Aquilamon was talking about; running toward them at a humanly impossible speed, was a single humanoid figure.
"What now?" Yolei asked, panicked.
"Keep going, and pray the this one is friendly."
Another volley of energy beams shot past, Aquilamon and Stingmon dodged the inbound fire with some effort.
Yolei and Ken watched intently as the figure came closer and closer, and then finally leaped high into the air. In a single leap, he was well above their heads. They did their best to keep their eyes on him, but lost him in the bright desert sun.
"INCOMING!!"
The airborne quartet watched as a spear passed between them and found its mark, skewering the lead black digimon, causing it to disintegrate into a cloud of black particles.
The armored figure followed the spear's path, falling between Aquilamon and Stingmon. As he passed them, he spun in mid-air and threw two spheres of white energy.
"Aquilamon digivolve to... PARROTMON!!"
"Stingmon digivolve to... DINO BEEMON!!"
"What the?!?! How'd you guys digivolve?" asked a very surprised Ken.
"Whoever that is just gave us a nice big energy boost." Parrotmon replied.
"You think we should help him out?" Dino Beemon asked.
"Well, I think it would be kinda rude not to." Yolei said.
The armored figure, still in the air, spun around again to face the black digimon. "BUSTER CANNON!!" a blue beam of energy lanced out from the armored figure's arm and slammed into another of the black digimon, causing it to instantly disintegrate.
Dino Beemon and Parrotmon came about and made a low strafing run past their pursuers.
"SONIC DESTROYER!"
"IRRITANT BUZZ!"
The sound based attacks blanketed the remaining black digimon and caused them disintegrate
Dino Beemon and Parrotmon flew over to the armored figure and landed. Ken and Yolei dismounted.
"Thanks for you help." Ken said.
"Yeah, we really appreciate it." Yolei said.
"Not a problem. Look, this area isn't safe for you guys anymore. I need you four to head back to where you logged in, I'll be along with the other members of your group shortly."
"You sure you won't need our help?" Ken asked.
The figure nodded his head, "I'll be fine. Now get going, there are a LOT more of those Dark Terrormon on their way."
Ken and Yolei looked at each other, nodded and the hopped back on Parrotmon's back.
"Oh, I almost forgot. Sorry guys, I'm gonna need that energy back." The figure raised his left hand, and the white energy returned to him from Dino Beemon and Parrotmon.
As the energy left, Dino Beemon and Parrotmon de-evolved to Stingmon and Aquilamon.
The quartet took to the sky once again, racing back toward where they had logged in while the armored figure collected his spear and ran off, heading southeast toward Kari and T.K.

T.K. awoke to the alarm tone of his D-Terminal. As he opened his eyes, he saw that everything was just as it had been an hour ago; Patamon and Gatomon were still curled up together taking a nap and Kari was still asleep and snuggled up to him. He reached down and shut off the alarm, then turned his attention to Kari. T.K. noticed that a stray lock of Kari's hair had fallen in her face while she slept; he reached over and gently brushed it back into place.
Kari awoke as T.K. had just finished moving her hair.
"Hi there sleepy head, have a nice nap?" T.K. asked.
"It was wonderful. Thank you."
"For what?"
"For letting me to use you as a pillow."
"Anytime."
T.K. reached up and gently stroked Kari's cheek and stared deeply into her eyes. Kari stared back, studying T.K.'s eyes as if searching for something.
Moving the hand he was using to stroke her cheek behind her neck, T.K. gently pulled Kari in a little closer, and leaned down.
As his lips met hers, T.K. could feel his heart race, waiting to see how she'd react.
Kari pulled herself into the embrace. As she felt T.K.'s hand behind her neck begin to tremble, she reached up and took his hand in hers, interlocking their fingers.
They remained in the embrace for what seemed like an eternity, until T.K withdrew slowly from the kiss.
"You have no idea how long I've wanted to kiss you." T.K. said quietly
"Probably about as long as I've wanted you to kiss me." Kari sighed.
The sound of someone clearing their throat interrupted the moment. Both T.K. and Kari looked to see who was there.
"I'm sorry to interrupt you two, but I think we may have a problem." Gatomon whispered, and then gestured for the pair to follow her over to edge of the Control Spire. T.K. and Kari followed.
Patamon was at the edge of the Control Spire peeking around the edge; as Kari, T.K. and Gatomon arrived, he stepped back toward them and gestured for T.K. and Kari to peek around the corner.
They counted eight black digimon sifting through the ruins, apparently looking for something.
"What are they?" Kari asked in a whisper.
"I don't know, I've never seen digimon like them before." Patamon replied.
A bright red light struck the corner of T.K.'s eye; he scanned the area for its source.
Ducked down behind another downed Control Spire twenty feet away, was an armored figure. He was using a laser pointer to get T.K.'s attention.
T.K. nudged the others, pointing out the armored figure to them.
The figure gestured for them to stay where they were. The quartet nodded in acknowledgment.
They watched as the figure came up from his hiding spot, reached over his left shoulder with his right hand and grabbed a silver cylindrical rod from its holder.
As the rod was pulled free, a teal colored blade of energy droned to life from the emitter in the top of the cylinder.
"Hey! You guys looking for me?" the figure shouted at the black digimon.
The digimon turned to face the figure.
"Well, now that I have your attention."
The figure charged the group of digimon and struck them down one by one, dodging all their attempts to strike him with seeming ease.
As the last of the black digimon disintegrated, the figure extinguished his weapon's blade and placed the weapon handle back in its holder.
The quartet came out from behind their hiding spot and ran over to join the figure.
"I'm… getting…. too old ….for this." The figure commented as he struggled to catch his breath.
"Are you going to be alright?" Kari asked the stranger.
"Yeah.... I'll be... just fine.... As soon... as I catch my... breath."
"Do you have any idea what those digimon were and what they were doing here?" T.K. inquired.
The figure took in one last deep breath to bring his breathing back under control, "They're called Dark Terrormon, and they were sent here to kill you and you digimon."
"Who sent them? Arukenimon?" Kari asked.
The figure shook his head, "No, the guy Arukenimon works for sent them."
"The guy she works for!?! Who's that?" T.K. said.
"Love to tell ya, but it's a long story and we're short on time."
"Short on time?"
"Yeah, there are more of those things on there way here."
"How many?
The figure paused for a moment, "Looks like about fifty or sixty."
"How do you know that?"
The figure tapped the visor on his helmet, "Built in soloton radar system. I can see the location and heading of every digimon in a twenty-kilometer radius. So, can we get going?"
Kari and T.K. quickly pulled out their D3's and turned to face their partners.
"DIGI-ARMOR ENERGIZE!!"
"Patamon armor-digivolve to... Pegasusmon, flying hope!"
"Gatomon armor-digivolve to... Nefertimon, the angel of light!"
"Where are we headed to?" Pegasusmon asked.
"Back to where you guys logged in, all your other friends are there waiting for us."
"Can we offer you a ride?" Kari asked.
"If it's not too much trouble, I'd appreciate it."
"Kari and I will ride on Nefertimon. Pegasusmon will give you a lift." T.K. said.
That said, Kari and T.K. hopped on Nefertimon and took to the sky. The armored figure hopped up on Pegasusmon and took off, following close behind the others.

Davis, Cody, Ken, Yolei, and their digimon milled around at the login point, anxiously awaiting the return of T.K. and Kari.
As Yolei was pacing back and forth, she spotted two objects flying just above the horizon line, "Look!! I think I see them." Yolei said excitedly and pointed eastward.
Davis quickly got to his feet, pulled out his spyglass and looked through it in the direction that Yolei had pointed, "Yup, it's them; and the guy that helped us is with them." Davis said.
As the quintet landed, the others ran over to join them.
"Are you two all right?" Yolei asked.
"We're just fine, I'll tell you about it later Yolei." Kari said, and shot Yolei a wink.
The armored figure dismounted from Pegasusmon, and gave Pegasusmon a pat on the neck, "Thanks for the ride. My legs were getting kinda tired."
"My pleasure. It's the least I could do after you bailed us out back there." Pegasusmon replied.
As T.K. and Kari hopped down from Nefertimon, the group turned their attention to the armored figure.
"I'm sure you guys have got questions so I'll do what I can to answer them."
"Well, why don't we start with introductions, I'm Cody. This is Davis, Ken, Yolei, T.K. and Kari."
"Pleasure to meet you all. I'm Zero."
"Zero? You're a human? I thought you were a digimon." Ken stated with a puzzled look on his face.
"In this form I'm actually a little of both."
"Both?" Ken raised an eyebrow
"It's kinda complicated to explain, I'll tell you later when we have more time."
"I though you said we'd be safe here." Davis said
"The Dark Terrormon that attacked all of you were sent to kill you and your digimon. As I told T.K. and Kari, there are a lot more looking for you. It won't take them long to figure out which way you headed."
"Dark Terrormon? I've never heard of those digimon before." Nefertimon said.
"I'm not surprised. They're not from the Digital World."
"Not from the Digital World? Where are they from then?" Kari nervously enquired.
"Where else? The Negative Plane."
"The Negative Plane?" Cody said inquisitively
"Yeah, it's a dark and twisted place. It's always night, usually very foggy, and creepy as all heck."
"It kinda sounds like the Dark Ocean." Yolei observed.
"The Dark Ocean is part of the Negative Plane."
"So, how did creatures from the Negative Plane get to the Digital World?" Ken asked.
"And more importantly what are they doing here?" T.K. added
"That's the million dollar question right now. I'm still trying to figure that out myself. They're obviously not friendly. I've got a feeling that the groups of Dark Terrormon we saw today are just part of an invasion spearhead. I'd love to explain more, but there's a rather large group Dark Terrormon headed this way now, you need to logout now."
"What about you? Are you going to be safe?" Cody asked.
"I'll be fine, don't worry about me."
"How will we find you if we need you again?" Davis asked.
"Don't worry, if you're in trouble, chances I won't be that far off. Now get going."
The group nodded in agreement, and turned to face the TV.
In a flash of blue light; Davis, Cody, T.K., Kari, Yolei and their digimon were gone; leaving Zero, Ken and Wormmon standing alone in the desert.
"Guess it's our turn. Common Wormmon."
"Ken, wait a second. I have a question for you."
"Yah?"
"What's your last name?"
"Ichijouji. Why?"
"Nothing, you just look like someone I used to know, that's all."
Ken turned and faced the TV. In a flash of blue light, Ken and Wormmon disappeared.
"Boy oh boy, little Kenny sure has grown in five years."
Zero 's armor began glowing white, and then broke away from its wearer. After breaking away, the armor turned into pure energy, which reformed into a small dragon digimon.
The armor's wearer stretched a little, thankful to be free of the armor's confines and back to wearing his usual attire; t-shirt, an untucked and unbuttoned denim shirt, steel-toed work boots, and Oakley, penny style, X-metal sunglasses, all black, save for his purple and blue D3 attacked to his belt and a grey star with a teal Z in the middle embroidered above the left pocket of his denim shirt.
The small dragon looked up at his partner, who reach down and scooped up the small digimon.
"I still can't understand how this is happening Alex. I thought we sealed the bridge between the Digital World and Negative Plane years ago."
"So did I Pseudodramon, but it looks like someone found a way to break that seal. The question is who broke it, and why?"
"Do you think it was Marcus?"
"No. He doesn't have that much power. I'd be willing to bet he's working with whoever broke the seal though."
"He's still angry after all these years?"
"Yeah, he is."
The partners stood in silence for a moment, pondering the past. A gentle breeze picked up, Alex closed his eyes and took in a deep breath and let it out slowly.
"Alex? Are you alright?"
"This breeze, I've felt it once before. The Winds of Change are about to start blowing Pseudodramon, just as they blew five years ago." Alex opened his eyes, "I had better get going, those Dark Terrormon will be here soon. Stay safe my friend."
"You too." Pseudodramon gave his wings a couple of flaps and was airborne, flying away from Alex and the Dark Terrormon.
Alex reached down and grabbed his D3 off his belt clip, "Digiworld Logout."
The display of Alex's D3 began emitting a green light. The light enveloped Alex, then shot straight up into the sky.

"The wind.. calm, relaxing, and yet full of sorrow." Alex thought to himself.
"Every time I feel a gentle wind I think of you Lauren. I can't believe its been five years. Five long years since we protected the Digital World. Five painful years since Marcus and I lost you and Jen."
Alex paused, and sighed heavily.
"The Winds of Change are starting to blow again in the Digital World... I felt it when I was there a couple of days ago... I only hope that Marcus and I can weather the coming storm."
Alex kneeled down and placed a bouquet of roses next to the gravestone he'd been talking to. He took a moment to read the inscription on the gravestone:

Lauren Simmons
1984 - 1996
Loving Daughter, sister, and friend

"Ready to go Alex?"
Alex stood up and turned to face his friend, Marcus.
"Yeah, I suppose."
"You do have a plane to catch."
"Really? I had completely forgotten about that." Alex said sarcastically.
Marcus and Alex began to walk over to where Marcus had parked his car.
"I really wish you were coming with me Marcus."
"Yeah well, I had two choices. Go with you and visit Japan, or look for a college to go to next year."
Marcus and Alex both chuckled.
"Yeah, I guess college is more important in the long run."
There was an uncomfortable pause in the conversation.
"Are you going to visit Sam while you're over there?"
"Yeah, I planned on it. I'm also going to drop in on the rest of the Ichijouji clan."
"Well, say hi to them all for me."
They reached Marcus' car, got in, and drove off.

All of the digidestined, old and new, and their digimon sat in the shade of a tree at the public park, enjoying a picnic lunch.
As usual, Davis was running a bit late, showed up last. No sooner had Davis and Demi-Veemon dug in and started eating, when Ken stood up.
"I'm sorry guys, I have to get going."
Of course, Davis was the first to speak up in his normal whiney tone, "But the picnic just started. You can't leave yet Ken."
"Oh Davis, I'm sure whatever Ken has to take care of is really important." Kari interjected.
"I have to go to the Tokyo International Airport and pick up an old friend of my brother's, Alex."
"Kind of a odd time to go on an international trip, isn't it?" enquired Yolei
"The U.S. schools have a 'Spring Break' around this time of year. It's also his Senior year in high school this year, and he wanted to visit Japan again."
"He's visited before?"
"Yeah, five years ago. Alex, his family, and a couple of his friends came over."
"Why isn't your brother going to pick him up?"
Ken's expression turned somber
"Sam died about four years ago."
Yolei, usually unflappable, stumbled for words, "Ken, I'm sorry. I...I...I..."
Ken walked over to Yolei and hugged her.
"It's alright Yolei."
Wanting to end the awkward moment Davis spoke up, "So, how did your brother and Alex meet?"
While still embracing Yolei, Ken turned his head to look at Davis, "I think they met over the Internet."
"You think?"
"Well, I know that Alex and Sam shared a common interest in computers; and they knew each other pretty well by the time Alex visited five years ago."
"Any chance we'll get to meet him?" Izzy asked.
"I don't see why not. He'll be staying in Japan for at least a week or so, and he never makes plans to do anything 'til he gets here."
"Excellent, I look forward to meeting him."
Everyone returned to their previous conversations:
Davis and Tai discussed and upcoming soccer tournament, Sora and Matt went over their plans for their upcoming date, Kari and T.K. were taking note of the obvious attraction between Ken and Yolei and were betting on how long it would be before they realized they liked each other, Joe and Cody were absorbed in a philosophical debate, Izzy was in an internet chat talking to Mimi over in the U.S., all the Digimon were huddled together chowing down, and Ken and Yolei hadn't budged.
After a few minutes, Yolei finally unburied her head from Ken's shoulder and looked him in the eye.
"Ken?"
"Yes, Yolei?"
"Would you mind if I come with you to meet Alex?"
"Not at all, I was actually hoping you'd ask."
Ken and Yolei smiled at each other, then turned and walked to the bus stop hand in hand.
Poramon noticed Ken and Yolei leaving, and turned to face Wormmon, "You think we should go with them Wormmon?"
"No. I don't think they'll be needing us. Beside, I'm starved."
Poramon nodded in agreement before returning to the sandwich he had been munching on.

"Sir? Sir?"
Alex came to, as a flight attendant gently shook his shoulder. Alex removed his headphones, to listen to what she was telling him.
"We'll be starting our final approach into Tokyo International in a few moments, I need you to turn off your CD player."
"Ah, ok. Any idea on how long it will be until we land?"
"Shouldn't be more than another ten minutes."
"Thank you."
Alex turned and looked out the window, down at Japan as the memories of five yeas ago washed over him. He recalled the first time he looked down at Japan from the air.

"Oh Alex, I'm so excited!! Just look at it! I can't wait to get down there!" beamed Lauren
All Alex could do was smile as he looked at Lauren in the seat next to him; at least until he felt a crushing pain in his right hand.
"Um, dear.. Your excitement is killing my hand."
Lauren looked over to see what Alex was referring too. Indeed, Lauren had forgotten she was holding Alex's right hand. The part of Alex's fingertips that were visible was glowing a bright shade of red from being held so tightly.
"I'm sorry dear."
Lauren gently raised Alex's right hand and kissed it ever so lightly.
"That better?"
"Much. Thank you hon."
Alex looked across the isle to see how Marcus and Jen were fairing. There were in the same position they had been in 5 hours ago, holding hands, Jen's head resting on Marcus' left shoulder, and both out like a light.
"They really do make a cute couple." Alex noted.
"Thank you, I consider them one of my best works." Lauren preened.
"Yes dear, you are quite the match-maker."
Lauren reached up, gently grabbed Alex's chin and turned his face to meet her's.
"But I saved the best catch for myself."
"Who is he?"
"Who?"
"The other guy your saving for yourself."
Lauren gently slapped Alex's chest.
"Jerk, I was referring to you."
"Oh. Very good then."
Alex leaned forward and kissed Lauren.
After a few moments, Alex withdrew from the kiss and Lauren rested her head on Alex's right shoulder.
"How much longer till we land?"
Alex looked down at his watch.
"Shouldn't be too much longer, half hour at most."
Lauren let out a big yawn
"Ok, wake me from my nap when we've landed."
"Yes m'love."

"Sir, sir."
"Huh wha?"
"We've landed, you can disembark from the aircraft at this time."
"Oh, thank you."
Alex realized that he had been daydreaming again.
He stood up, collected his notebook computer, and exited the airplane.

"I'm getting worried Ken. Almost all of the passengers are off the plane and I haven't seen Alex yet. Are you sure we're at the right gate?"
"I'm positive that this is the gate and flight number that Alex sent me in his e-mail."
Both of Ken and Yolei's D3's chirped to life.
A look of surprise washed over both Ken and Yolei's faces.
"What in the world?" Ken exclaimed as he pulled his black D3 from his pocket. The D3's display had one blip on it, "Well, whoever has the unidentified D3 is close and moving toward us."
"Ken, look." Yolei gestured toward the ramp from the plane, "Is that him?"
The guy Yolei pointed out looked to be 17 or 18 years old, about 5' 11" or 6' tall with shoulder length, sandy blond hair and light blue eyes. He was wearing black jeans, a white tee shirt, and an untucked and unbuttoned purple/black/blue flannel shirt.
"Yeah, that's him."
Ken waved his right hand over his head in an attempt to get Alex's attention.
Seeing Ken trying to get his attention, Alex walked over to Ken and Yolei.
"Ken Ichijouji I presume."
"And you must be the infamous Alex Jansen."
Ken and Alex shook hands.
"Might I inquire as to who this vision of beauty is that you have accompanying you Ken?"
Yolei blushed.
"I'm Yolei. Yolei Inoue."
"The pleasure is all mine Ms. Inoue." Alex bowed slightly to Yolei.
"Well, shall we?" Alex said with a smile.
The trio turned and left the plane terminal heading toward the baggage claim.

In the next chapter of "Winds of Change", Alex will meet the other digidestined and tell them of his adventures in the Digital World, but will anyone figure out that Alex is Zero? This and more in the next chapter of "Winds of Change" entitled: "A Tale of a time long past."