Chapter Two:
Swarm
"What's wrong with these people?!"
Motomiya Daisuke
The wind blew like a soft sigh against the cheeks of each of the children and digimon standing on the beach. The subtle smell of salty sea spray tickled their noses as they stared impassively at the horizon, hoping for something friendly, but knowing it was highly improbable. The waves crashed softly upon the white beach, bubbling around their feet as it retreated. Then washed back up again, only to gurgle back, never changing its rhythm. Angemon and Angewomon floated above the assembled children and digimon, while Digmon hid underground, prepared to surge up at a moment's notice. Shurimon stood near the back, trying to make his presence as unnoticeable as possible. Agumon and Palmon stood near the trees, ready to help, but knowing they were useless against any champion digimon without their partners, and the remaining digimon stood near their respective partners, ready to digivolve at a moment's notice.
Everyone was tense and the silence made the wait seem longer than it really was, so they all jumped when Angemon spoke suddenly, his baritone voice brushing through Takeru like a bad omen.
"TK, it looks like a swarm of Kabuterimon."
"What?"
"He's right," Angewomon confirmed, "it is a swarm. But somehow, they seem . . . different."
Hikari looked up at her digimon partner questioningly, "Angewomon, what do you mean?"
"They seem too intense. Too focused."
"So what does that mean?" Jyou frowned.He nervously clenched and unclenched his hands, trying to stay calm for the younger children, but the moment was too tense to hide the slight tremor in his hands.
"They're looking for something," Takeru's quiet statement drew the stares of everyone present, "and it's right here."
After a moment Daisuke broke the uncomfortable pause by pointing at the horizon, "They're here."
"EVERYONE, DUCK!"
Angemon's cry goaded humans and digimon alike to drop to the ground as a whirling ball of electricity passed overhead with a thunderous boom. Crystalline droplets of glass and sand sprinkled upon the digidestined where they lay, as the noticeable buzz of insectile wings filled the air.Most of the Kabuterimon headed for the large group on the beach, their gaze extremely focused and strangely dead, while the rest aimed for the angel digimon hovering above the group protectively.
"Everyone," Daisuke cried, "Get to the cover of the trees!"
"DIGMON," Iori echoed as the group began running towards the forests. The ground behind them exploded in a shower of sand and dirt as the yellow digimon of knowledge burst from the ground to join Angemon, Angewomon, and Shurimon in combat.
"Veemon," Daisuke shouted to his digimon partner, "You have to digivolve!"
"Right!
VEEMON DIGIVOLVE TO EXVEEMON!"
"WORMON!"
"Yes, Ken.
WORMON DIGIVOLVE TO STINGMON!"
A moment later Gomamon joined the battle as Ikkakumon, but even with seven champion level digimon, the swarm was driving them back towards the tree line, and as hard as they fought, the destined digimon tried even harder to only knock the Kabuterimon out, but there was a price to pay. The toll was clearly showing as the destined digimon's actions became sluggish and attacks came much slower. Kabuterimon who had been knocked out earlier were now regaining consciousness and rejoining the fight.
Ikkakumon staked a spot on the ground and defended it for all that he was worth. Kabuterimon, one after another flew at him, only to be blown away by his Harpoon Torpedo or knocked down unconscious if they got past that attack, but even with his strength and endurance, the great digimon of reliance was beginning to tire as more and more enemies got past his guard.Shurimon, on the other hand bounced crazily from place to place, never staying long enough for an attack to hit him.He flipped from brown earth to touch briefly onto the back of a Kabuterimon, knocking him out, then onto the yellow sand again.All under four seconds.
Digmon was on the edge of the fight, sending Goldrushes at any foolish enough to get too close, then covering his friends when he could.But one could see the unrelenting attacks of the Kabuterimon were wearing him down.Making his attacks come slower even as their own struck his hard yellow shell.
"V-LASER!"
Exveemon used brute strength to plow through the Kabuterimon who were foolish enough to land and try to take him on.
Angemon, Angewomon, and Stingmon zipped through the air creating a terrifying aerial ballet as one after another, Kabuterimon fell from the sky.Then it happened.Stingmon managed to dodge an oncoming Kabuterimon, but another clipped him, making him lose his balance.Another bulled into him, and another and another, until one finally shot him with its electrical attack.
Stingmon fell for an unbearably long time.His translucent wings hid his face as the wind whipped past his hard, green body.The sun cast his body into a silhouette as his limp arms floated gently above his body, giving the strange impression of an insect-winged angel praying for a miracle.
Then his body crashed into the sand with a resounding thud.A glow surrounded the insectile digimon, and he dedigivolved back to rookie form.
"NOOOO!"
"KEN!"Daisuke tackled his friend, "KEN!IT'S TOO DANGEROUS!"He looked up to Takeru, "Takeru, tell Angemon to get him out of there!Quickly!"
But the blonde boy was silent.He was staring at the scene blankly and trembling again.
"TAKERU!" Davis cried, "What are you waiting for?!Wormon could die!"
Still the blonde boy just stood there, seemingly mesmerized by the scene.
"TK!" Hikari shouted.
That shook the boy out of his daze with a snap.He shook his head and looked around at the people giving him worried frowns.
"Ahhh, forget it!" Davis freed Ken's legs and stood up to shout to his partner, but before he could open his mouth Takeru ran out from the protective cover of the trees to stand at the edge of the sandy beach.
"TK!" Several voices called out, alarmed.Everyone made a move to follow him, but Davis held up an arm, "No!Everyone stay back!I'll go out there."
"No!" Jyou grabbed his arm, "As the oldest one here, I'm going out there!"
Daisuke glared up at the older boy, "Jyou, I think I can handle dragging that dumb blonde back!"He broke free of Jyou's grasp flashing a confident smile, "I'll be back in a moment."
However, as he stepped from the shadows of the forest, Takeru shot a strange glare over his shoulder. His eyes were an arctic chill and narrowed dangerously, and when he spoke, it was an icy calm voice of a stranger, "Nobody move.Everyone stay back."
Daisuke swallowed audibly.He tried to move, but found his muscles strangely locked in place.His white knuckled fists tightened, fingernails digging into the soft flesh of his palm.This person was TK and yet at the same time, he had become some strange being with TK's face.Daisuke fought hard against tight muscles in his throat and the fear that had flashed through his heart when he'd heard Takeru's voice.He opened his mouth to shout, but Takeru blinked quickly and shook his head.The familiar warm blue eyes stared back into Daisuke's brown ones.
"TK!"Hikari stepped fully from the protection of the trees, her arms reaching out to the blonde boy as if to embrace him.Her eyes were wide with fright.Not from the danger of the battling digimon, but the anxiousness which coursed through her being, upon seeing Takeru of the shining eyes and bright Hope, glare at them with flinty eyes more suited to a killer.She trembled uncontrollably at seeing a Takeru that was not Takeru.Hikari took another step towards the blue-eyed boy, but an explosion close to their hiding spot caused her to flinch and cry out at the same time.
"Kari!" Again Daisuke tackled another of his friend, trying to prevent her from getting hurt.He protected her body as shrapnel flew past the group of children.Everyone ducked, letting the worst part fly harmlessly overhead.
Takeru stood there, facing them, not a muscle twitching.Shrapnel and debris flew past him, the artificial wind whipped and tore at his clothes, but he didn't move.Only stared at the children with an almost sorrowful look on his face.Fortunately, he had only received a single gash along his cheek from a piece of flying woodchip.
Daisuke glanced up angrily, "TL, you idiot!Get down or you'll get yourself killed!What do you think you're tryin' to do?!"
The blonde boy brought a hand up to his cheek to touch the bright red trail.He stared at the sticky warmth on his fingers, then slowly clenched his hand.Hikari shook her head, seeing the determined look in the boy's blue eyes.
"TK," Hikari gasped, "TK, whatever you're thinking, stop it!Stop it right now!"
Without answering, Takeru spun around to shout to the swarm, "I AM HERE!"He spread his arms wide as if offering himself as a sacrifice, yet at the same time, as if to challenge the very heavens itself.
He paused only long enough to let the swarm catch sight of him, anger and determination firing his blue eyes to a brilliant hue, then took off running parallel to the beach, staying close to the boundaries of the trees.Like a synchronized dance the swarm broke off their attack on the champion destined digimon and pulled up after the running blonde.Angemon wasted no time in following the Kabuterimon, intent on protecting his partner.
"TK, come back here!" Jyou shouted uselessly, "Dammit!I'm following him, the rest of you, stay here!
Ikkakumon!" he shouted to his partner as he followed the younger boy.
"Right.I'll follow them by water."His huge form lumbered to the ocean edge, then he disappeared under the twinkling depths with a huge splash.
Hikari shot off after the two boys, her expression like a fierce lioness ready to defend what was hers."Jyou, TK, you complete morons, you can't fight the whole swarm by yourselves!"
"What's wrong with these people!"Daisuke screamed with frustration."Ken, get Wormon! Iori, stay with him!Miyako, c'mon you and I have to rescue those idiots!"
Takeru ran flat out.His mind concentrated on nothing else but the fact that he had to get away.As far away from his friends as possible.For somehow he knew that the Kabuterimon were looking for him, and ifthat was the case, then he didn't want anyone else getting hurt.One of their digimon had already suffered.He offered a silent apology to Wormon and his partner, knowing the strong feelings of helplessness Ken felt whenever his digimon was severely injured.
His breathing hitched and Takeru stumbled.Quickly regaining his balance he kept running, not knowing where he was going and wondering what would happen first.Would the Kabuterimon catch him, or would he fall from exhaustion?He stumbled again, but this time he couldn't stop himself.He felt his legs give as his arms reached out to grab onto anything to stop the inevitable, but he never touched the hard ground as something whooshed by, catching him in its arms.
Takeru panted heavily and smiled weakly up at his heavenly partner, "Thanks, pal."
Instead of smiling back, Angemon frowned down at his human charge, "TK, what were you thinking back there?"
"That was the problem," Takeru laughed self-mockingly, "I wasn't thinking."
"TK!" Angewomon's long golden locks whipped away from her face as she matched speed with the two males."Jyou and Kari are right behind you.We've just taken care of a group of Kabuterimon.The rest of the digidestined will be here shortly."
"No!"Takeru's voice was hard with concern and urgency, "Tell them to stay back!"
"But—"
"Tell them!"
"They're all worried about you, TK."
"I know.But the Kabuterimon aren't after them, they're after me!"
Angewomon's voice held a note of skepticism, "How do you know?"
"I just do.Tell them to get out of here and I'll meet them in the lab!"
Angewomon still looked doubtful, but she accepted."You two be careful."
She slowly dropped back, knocking out the few Kabuterimon who broke off from the main group to engage her in combat.
"Are they really only here for you?" Angemon glanced over his shoulder at the swarm, buzzing towards them tirelessly.
Takeru also looked over his partner's shoulder, "I only suspected it at first, but now . . . now I'm certain. . . .Look at them.When I shouted they all turned towards me, like it was fate."
"Or they thought you were an easier prey."
"No.I don't think so.You said so yourself, they were too intense, too focused.Why would they suddenly decide to go after me?"
"But why are they after you?Why are you being targeted?" Angemon frowned again, "It makes no sense to come only after you."
"I don't know," Takeru frowned worriedly, "Think you can shake them?"
The angel digimon gave a single perfunctory nod, "Of course."
With a final flap, the angel digimon caught a thermal and shot straight up like a cannon.Not being able to use the winds and thermals to their advantage like Angemon, the Kabuterimon had to work hard to catch up, and once among the clouds it was short work for Angemon to shake them off.
The silent computer lab stood still, dust motes gently disturbed by the air circulation.Flutters riffled the loose ends of sheets of announcements tacked to the wall, but no one was there to hear or even see one sheet slip free of the tack and float gently to the floor.It touched the ground with only a wisp of sound, and there was illuminated by the late afternoon sun, shining through the curtainless windows.Darkened computers waited like gray sentinels for the arrival of exuberant students, but one machine, still powered, brightened briefly then expelled its cargo.
They appeared with a flash of legs and arms entangled.
Daisuke groaned, "I still can't believe we haven't found a way to leave the digital world without having to be dog-piled."
"And I still can't believe how heavy you've gotten," Miyako snapped, she straightened her arms, pushing against the floor and knocking Daisuke off her back, "Now get off!"
"Oh look who's talking, you chunky monkey!"
"WHAT?!"
"I said chunky monkey!Chunky monkey!"
"Why you—"Miyako leapt for his throat, causing another pile of entangled limbs.
Everyone's protestation went unheeded, so they crawled carefully away from the ensuing squabble, leaving an enraged Miyako sitting on Daisuke's back with her fingers in his mouth and stretching his lips to the limit.Tears of pain poured from the boy's brown eyes and he wapped his hand against the floor.But both paused momentarily, staring at something behind the group's back.
"Gari?Uat al ou goin-ing?"Daisuke asked.
"Huh?"Miyako and everyone else looked down at the goggled boy.He turned to stare back at her, watery eyes and stretched mouth making a comical sight.
"I'g gaid, uat al ou goin-ing."
"What?"
He made a frustrated noise and pointed to something behind the rest of the digidestined.They all turned to find Hikari standing by the computer they had just exited.She gently brushed the monitor and whispered, "TK, are you alright?"
It was Jyou, who placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, "It's alright, Kari.He's okay."But the young med student couldn't stop the small furrow of worry that creased his brow.It had been a hard decision to trust Takeru's judgment and leave him in the digiworld alone, but it had been just as important to lead the rest of the group out of there safely too.In the end, everyone, except Hikari, decided to trust the young blonde boy and came back to the real world.Even then, Miyako and Jyou had to drag the stubborn brown-haired girl through the portal.
"Okay, everyone stay back, I'm going back in."
"What?!"Everyone stared at their unofficial leader incredulously.He was the one person they least expected to volunteer himself to rescue Takeru.
"What?What?" He glared at the group, "What?Just because I don't like him, I can't rescue him?"
"It's just that . . . just that . . . are you alright, man?"Ken peered at his friend worriedly.
"Yeah," Miyako chimed in, "You do know this is TK, right?"
"Hey!"He planted his fists on his waist, "I resent that!Just what are you guys implying here, huh?You think I'm gonna let a friend get hurt because I don't like him!"
Everyone slowly smiled.Ken patted his brown-haired friend, "Daisuke, that just made the least and the most amount of sense I've ever heard from you.You truly are the digidestined of friendship."
"What?What?"Daisuke whipped his gaze back from one smiling face to another."Aw, forget it!You people make no sense, " he muttered as he stalked towards the computer.Before he could use his digivice to open the portal, however, Jyou grabbed his hand.
"Jyou, what—"
"I'm sorry, guys, but we have to trust TK can get himself out of this one."
"Hey!" Daisuke jerked his arm out of the older boy's grasp, "Just what are you sayin'?!We should leave him?!"
"No.I'm saying we should go over to Koushiro's and find out what's going on first before we go charging back in there."He looked around at the young faces giving him questioning looks, "Look, I'm as worried as any of you about TK, but we can't help at all if we don't know what's going on ourselves.Our digimon said they would contact us once they've found TK or once he left the digiworld.I trust TK can take care of himself.He's not exactly your average kid," he finished wryly.
Daisuke frowned heavily at the taller med student, "Yeah, and while we're all busy picking apart at the problem, those Kabuterimon could be picking apart that idiot blonde!"He fisted his hands, wanting to go now!Do something!All this standing around talking wasn't solving the problem, if they even knew what the problem was!"At least some of us can go back, just to make sure he's alright and the rest can find Koushiro.We'll stay in contact with the D-3's, so no one will be caught up short."
Raising an eyebrow, Jyou stared at the passionate leader of the second gang of digidestined, "And what if those Kabuterimon decide to come after one of you?"He shook his head, "No, it's too dangerous.TK's already got the attention off us long enough for us to escape."
"I don't think they'll be after us, Jyou!"
"And we have to go!"Hikari's brows were knitted, "I'm worried, Jyou.There's only one digimon who can digivolve right now, who can help him.If Angemon falls, then what would TK do?"She closed her eyes, drawing a deep breath, "And I'm going back, whether you approve or not," she looked up at the older teen, moisture shining her eyes to ruby brightness, "but I would prefer if we all agreed, Jyou."
Jyou stood there uncertainly.A million possible outcomes zipping through his head; all of them involving two certain irate older brothers at his throat.He looked around at the young faces, seeing only determination and steadfastness; even Iori, second holder of the crest of Reliability.On the one hand it was certainly dangerous, but these "children" had faced dangers just as serious and came out victorious, on the battlefield and in their hearts.No matter the circumstances, they had been unwavering in their beliefs.Even if compromises had to be made; still, they had been true to themselves.But. . . .Jyou looked at the young faces again, shaking his head slowly, but behind the set faces, he could still see how painfully young they were.No, he shook his head more vigorously, no . . . he couldn't just let them get hurt, knowing he could have done something to stop them.Takeru's disappearance was already weighing heavily on his conscience.
Seeing the resolution on the elder boy's face, Hikari delivered her final point, using Jyou's words earlier "We're not your average kids, Jyou.We can do this!"
The frowns on Jyou's forehead softened, "It really doesn't matter what I say, does it?You'll still go anyway?"
There were five nods all around.
"Well," Jyou sighed, then smiled, "Alright then, this is what we'll do.Davis, Ken, and I will go back in to look for TK.The rest of you, find Koushiro and explain this to him."
"I'm going back."
"Kari, I don't think—"
"I'm going."She lifted her chin obstinately.
"Look, Kari — eep!" Daisuke was choked off by the sudden glare she sent his way, then added weakly, "Ah . . . okay.Heh-heh.Kari goes."
Jyou sighed, rubbing his temple, "I swear I'm going to get a permanent migraine from all of this."
Koushiro set his bag down after ringing the bell and no one answered the door of his family's modest two-bedroom apartment.He was searching for his keys, wondering if he should install the new program, which would boost his laptop processing speed, when some very tired and very sweaty children ran up the hall.They collapsed at his feet, panting and gasping heavily.He stared down at them without expression, keys dangling in one hand.
"Hello."
"Koushi . . . Koushi . . . Koushiro," Miyako finally managed to gasp out."We have a . . . have an . . . emergency."
"Yeah . . . emer . . . emer . . . gency," Daisuke echoed.
"Why don't we all go inside and get something to drink first?"
Having caught his breath Iori stood up straight and shook his head, "No.We have to take care of this now!TK can be in trouble."
Koushiro frowned.Opening the door, he quickly ushered the three in, then locked it behind him.After announcing his presence and getting no response, Koushiro lead them to his bedroom.
He sat on his chair at the computer as Miyako quickly explained what had happened, with input thrown in from time to time from Daisuke.When she'd finished, he sat quietly in thought for a little bit before spinning around to turn his computer on.The other three crowded around his shoulders.
"What are you doing?" Daisuke asked curiously.
"Well, first I need to ask if any of you have contacted TK yet."
"Yeah, just before we left," Daisuke fiddled with his D-3, "but we didn't get a response."
"Hmm.Well, then, I will put out a tracer for any signs of a human being in the digital world, but the only problem will be that someone else can follow the trace, but I think the pros far outweigh the cons and if we consider the fact that Jyou, Ken, and Kari in the digital world as well, the chances are great that they will be able to find him before our swarm does.Second I think I'll try to follow the trail this swarm has left behind.Digimon, in that great a number, are bound to leave a scattering of data in their wake, and there should be sufficient time before the trail goes cold, I suppose."He paused to look up a Miyako, "I thought to e-mail Gennai after I put out the tracers, but if you'll turn my laptop on, we may be able to get a response before this is over."Pulling a cell phone out of his pocket, he handed it to Daisuke, "I think Matt and Tai need to know about this."He turned back to the computer, ignoring Daisuke's sudden gulp of nervousness.
Daisuke stared hard at the small offending piece of machinery in his hand.Who knew how those two would react upon hearing that, more than likely there was a new threat in the digital world and their younger siblings where there traipsing around in that world.He didn't want to be the one to bear the bad news; he still valued his life!For a few minutes the clacking of computer keys were the only sounds in the room.
But they deserved to know about this.Daisuke dialed the numbers and held the small device tensely to his ear.There were four rings before a click sounded and Taichi's voice came on, "Hello?"
"HelloTai?ThisisDaisuke.There'sanemergencyinthedigitalworldandKariwenttochectitout.Itriedtostopherbut—"
"Oh.I'm sorry.Did you think we were home?Please leave your name, phone number and a brief message after the beep."
Daisuke stood there for a full minute, his mouth hanging open, his hand slack on the phone, disbelieving of his luck; until Iori tapped him and motioned for him to hurry.He swallowed hard one more time then dialed in Yamato's number.It was picked up on the second ring and Yamato made Daisuke explain himself three times, each time much more slowly, before he picked up the gist of the emergency.
"Prodigious!" Koushiro exclaimed from his position before the computer."I've located all humans who are in the Digiworld at this moment."He pointed to three dots on the screen as everyone, except Miyako, crowded around his chair once again."I assume this is Jyou, Kari, and Ken."
Daisuke confirmed, although the redhead had already moved on to another dot on the screen.
"This is the only other human left in the digital world, so I think it is safe to say this is TK."
"Great!" Daisuke exclaimed.
"Great?What's great?"Yamato asked from the other end of the line.
"Oh.Koushiro's just found blondie."From the other end, Daisuke heard a sigh of relief.Briefly he felt almost a pang of jealousy at how easily the two blond brothers shared their relationship, unlike with him and Jun.Sometimes he wasn't sure if he and his sister could ever like each other at all, much less have that special bond which Yamato and his brother shared.
"Uh oh."
"Uh oh?"Those two words dug a pang of fear into Daisuke's heart and he had to remind himself to breath."Uh oh?!Uh oh?!Koushiro, what's that supposed to mean?!"
From the other end of the line Yamato's voice rose steadily and panic crept into his tone."What's going on?What's happened?Where's TK?!"
But Koushiro refused to let himself panic.He typed furiously as he explained in an even tone, "It looks like someone else has tapped into my tracer.Iori, use your D-3 to warn the group and tell them TK's about one and a half kilometer due north from their present position, and tell them that's all I can tell them for now.I've already turned the tracer off.I'm going to backtrack and maybe find this other person."
Iori nodded, doing as he was told, while Daisuke updated Yamato.As soon as he'd finished, Yamato announced shortly that he would be over in a moment and Daisuke was left with a dial tone before he could respond.Miyako looked up from the laptop only long enough to announce her intent to follow the trail left by the swarm.Koushiro didn't bother to respond, only grunted his agreement while his fingers flew over the keyboard.
"Kari, Jyou, wait," Ken called to his friends, "We have a message from the others."
The red-eyed girl wasted no time in whipping her device to read the message, which popped up on its screen.Gatomon stood by her partner's feet, resting one paw on the girl's legs, reassuring her.Picking out the vital information, she turned sharply on the ball of her foot and walked purposefully past the blue-haired men and their respective digimon.They followed the determined girl silently.
After a moment, Ken pulled his D-3 out again and tried tracking the digidestined of Hope.He frowned when nothing appeared on the screen.But the others had been sure about Takeru's position; however, his device was only picking up the signals of Hikari's and Jyou's digivices.He typed a message to the others.He waited less than two minutes before he'd received a reply.His gaze became thoughtful before typing in another message.
This time when the reply came, his expression became one of alarm and ran to catch up with the others.He slipped the machinery into his back pocket and called out.
"Jyou, Kari!We have a problem."
They stopped, staring curiously over their shoulders - Hikari, with a slight frown marring her forehead.
"Well, gee, we have a huge swarm of Kabuterimon breathing down our necks, golden boy's lost out there somewhere with said swarm chasing him down and will probably maim him once they've caught up to him, while we're looking for said blondie with only a single clue as to where he might be.A problem?I don't see what the problem is," Gatomon replied testily.
Ken ignored the feline digimon as Hikari bent down slightly to smooth the bristling fur along Gatomon's back.
"The others have just discovered several Kabuterimon converging on TK's position.I suggest we hurry there as fast as we can and forget about secrecy.Wormon, can you digivolve?"
"Yes, Ken.
WORMON DIGIVOLVE TO STINGMON!"
The sleek digimon held both Ken and Jyou, who had a hold of Gomamon.Hikari had Gatomon armor digivolve and clambered onto Nefaritimon's back.The two group took to the air easily and upon clearing the trees, they could see a dark cloud hovering above the treetops to the north.
Nefaritimon and Stingmon needed no urging as they sped towards the spot.
Takeru ducked as another group of Kabuterimon flew overhead.As soon as they had passed, he let out a silent breath and glanced down at the bright orange digimon by his side.Patamon returned the look, then as one both went back to scanning the skies and the surrounding area.When neither could spot any sign of their pursuers, they silently skittered to another tree, careful to stay within its shadow, and scanned the area once again.Takeru was tensed to run again, when he felt a sharp tug on his pants.He looked down at his orange digimon, who shook his head and pointed up at the sky.
Takeru nodded.He knew he could trust Patamon with his life and had done so on more than one occasion.He crouched down to hide within the shadow of the tree again and not a moment later, another group of Kabuterimon flew by overhead.He looked down at his partner again, but the digimon shook his head, indicating that Takeru should stay as still as possible.
Takeru shifted subtly, only enough so that a glance over the area wouldn't reveal his presence.Again he wondered why the Kabuterimon were coming only after him.There could be any number of reasons, yet those same reasons could be applied to the rest of the digidestined, but the swarm was only after him.He considered people or digimon who might have a reason to hate him, but he could not come up with anyone who really disliked him enough to want to seriously hurt him.He wanted to pound his head in frustration, but the immediate threat stilled his hands.
Four Kabuterimon walked by his hiding place, and Takeru wondered again at how strange these particular digimon were.First, they didn't talk to each other and didn't communicate in any way that the blonde boy could see. Second, when he looked into Koushiro's Kabuterimon's compound eyes, he always found a light, a glint, to show that the digimon had a soul, but when he tried finding that same glimmering of life in these digimon, he could find nothing.Third, they seemed intent on finding only him.They scoured the forest, but weren't destroying it in the process, and they didn't seem to want any company, seeing as they went about the search as quietly as possible.
He felt another tug on the cuff of his pants and looked down at his partner again.Patamon indicated with his head and Takeru ran silently to another tree.He'd barely hidden in the shadows when another patrol walked by.He waited silently, then peeked around and seeing nothing, scuttled from his hiding place.
"TK, behind you!"Patamon's high squeak barely saved the golden-haired boy from a world of hurt.Takeru dodged to the right and an arcing ball of electricity shot past him.That was the fourth abnormality of these Kabuterimon.Their eerie silence extended to the announcement of their attacks, so he and Patamon were hard-pressed to guess when and where the next attack would come from.
Rolling with the fall, Takeru was up on his feet in a flash and running flat out, with Patamon hanging onto his head with dear life.Low hanging branches slapped his face and he pushed thick brush out of his way as he tried not to trip on the various brambles and dead branches that littered the forest floor.Trees and other vegetation passed by in a blur as the sound of pursuit followed not far behind.
Then there was a thunderous boom as a Kabuterimon crashed through overhead to land directly before the panting Takeru.There were several other booms, and several other insect digimon crashed through the branches to surround the blonde boy.Takeru searched around desperately for a way out, but there was no quarter.
"No," he stilled his partner when felt Patamon's body tensed to digivolve, "There's too many of them, and it looks like they're not going to attack yet."
The orange digimon looked around at their pursuers, and indeed, none looked poised to attack.They all just stood silently, not a muscle twitching.
"Why do think they've stopped?" Takeru's voice was a whisper, "They didn't have any problems about hurting me before."
"I don't know. . . ."
"How am I going to get out?"
Patamon stared hard at the Kabuterimon, measuring the distance and the height of the large digimon."TK.TK, I think you can jump over one of them."
"What?!Are you crazy?I can't jump that high!"
"No, wait.Let me explain."Patamon kept his eyes trained on the still unmoving digimon, "You, the digidestined, every one of you has always had something special.You've all known it.No one has ever been able to explain how or why, but all of you have always possessed this power.A power within yourselves, which you have used for more than helping us digivolve.We've seen Kari demonstrate it several times when you were younger, and I've always thought there could more to this special power then what we've given credit for."
Takeru looked skeptical, but he trusted his friend implicitly, "So, what do you want me to do?"
"Concentrate.Find your center.The deepest, most secretive part of your soul."
Takeru closed his eyes and concentrated, but the adrenaline was still pumping through his system. He couldn't keep his mind off the large silent Kabuterimon; couldn't shut out the fact that any moment he could become barbecue if they wished. "Patamon," he looked at his partner miserably, "I can't do it."
"No! Don't think that! Don't give up, TK! You are the digidestined of Hope! You have to do this!"
Takeru shook his head, "I don't know, Patamon. How do I find my soul?"
"TK. There have been many times where everything seemed lost or despair was inevitable, but I never lost faith in you. I never doubted that you would pull through somehow because you are the digidestined of Hope. I knew that you could always find the light in a situation. You've never given up and I don't expect you to do so now." Patamon patted his friend's shoulder briefly, "I know you can do this."
"Right," Takeru smiled softly, "You're right, Patamon. How do I know if I don't try?"
"Right!"
"Well, here goes." He took a deep breath.
He closed bright blue eyes and slowly pushed all unnecessary thoughts away.He heard the low breathing of the gathered Kabuterimon, the lighter one of his orange partner, and finally his own deeper ones.He concentrated until he could hear the soft whispers of wind among the trees and the laughter of a stream several kilometers away.One by one he picked apart the sounds like he was dissecting an experiment, until they became muted.The musty smell of earth and forest green filled his nostrils, sending another multitude of thoughts tumbling through his brain.Faint memories associated with green and sunny summers, which lead to another multitude of memories.He carefully concentrated on the scents wafting through his being and caught each like an elusive butterfly, then he softly expelled a breath, releasing the scents and their intangible hold on his mind.Feeling ready, he looked internally, and mentally. Groped through unknown darkness, even as he attempted to ignore the fear and other clutter of thoughts.
There was a prickling on his skin and a soft roar that he just began to notice that had gone on for quite some time. It was like the continuous breaking of waves were echoing through his ears.The prickling continued, almost a tickle and almost an itch spreading all over his skin.Behind his closed eyes, a soft buttery light slowly drove the darkness away, and he lifted his head as if searching for the warmth of the sun.
Patamon looked at his charge with his mouth hanging open.He'd suspected, but he'd never expected anything like this!Takeru was standing so still, he could have been mistaken for a statue, except a faint golden aura bathed his body and an invisible wind gently fronded through the messy blonde bangs and softly flattened his clothes against his body.But the appearance of the glow around the golden-haired boy was not what had the Kabuterimon suddenly shifting restlessly.Patamon looked at the seemingly nervous Kabuterimon and could guess why.When Takeru's aura had appeared, he had began emitting a large amount of energy.Patamon could feel it washing over his small form and had to resist the urge to digivolve.If he digivolved now, the Kabuterimon might attack, and Takeru's safety was top priority.
"TK," he whispered, "do you feel it?"
"Yes. It's warm and yet . . . it makes me tingle. . . ."
"Good.Good. Now what I want you to do, TK, is concentrate some of that warmth where you need it. Namely your legs.The energy will give an extra boost.Do you understand, TK?"
"Yes. . . ."
"TK!"
At the feminine voice, Patamon's gaze whipped to the skies above.Hovering on Nefaritimon, Hikari frowned worriedly down at the scene.She wondered briefly why there was a glow around Takeru, but concern for his safety soon eclipsed all other thoughts.She was ready to zip down to save the blonde boy when Patamon's voice stopped her.
"Kari!Don't come any closer!They're gonna fire!"
She and Nefaritimon barely acknowledged the warning when several of the insect digimon let loose their electrical attack.Nefaritimon evaded the attacks, but was leery of getting closer to the group for fear of harm coming to her human partner.But she needn't have worried as Patamon's voice came floating back to them.
"Kari!Nefaritimon!There's a cliff not far from here!Go there!We'll be coming!"
"But—"
"No!Just trust us, please!"
Both females hesitated a moment longer, but finally nodded and took off to the west.As they disappeared the Kabuterimon began charging their attacks for the defenseless boy among them.
"TK."Patamon knew Takeru had heard him."Let's go for the one on your RIGHT!"
Takeru's eyes opened with a snap.Their blue orbs glowing as brilliantly as sapphires.Time slowed and everyone's movements became sluggish, like they were dragging through molasses.
Takeru crouched slightly, then kicked off with his back leg. Behind him there were two explosions as two Kabuterimon released their attack, but still he ran on. Explosion after explosion ripped the ground behind the blonde boy in a series of attempts, however, not one touched him as his sight zeroed on the Kabuterimon whom Patamon had chosen.
A particularly close explosion singed the blonde's hair and blinded him momentarily from the debris it threw up and artificial hot winds buffeted his body, tossing his bright hair every which way and tore at his clothing.But the golden-haired digidestined kept his blue eyes trained on his goal, cerulean depths fired with determination and a spirit that refused to be defeated.Then the Kabuterimon he had aimed for began charging up his attack, yet Takeru's legs did not falter.His eyes remained steady.
An orange blur shot past his shoulder staying level with the ground.Patamon sped towards the Kabuterimon, his small bright orange shape a sharp contrast with the dark, angular, insectile digimon.He kept going, as if to bull into the larger digimon, as if his size would matter, but still he kept going, even as the Kabuterimon got ready to launch his attack at this foolish digimon and his equally foolish partner.
But at the last second, the last moment, Patamon's tiny form shot up from the level of the digimon's legs.Straight up at an insane speed and stopped!Stopped right before the digimon's face.
"BOOM BUBBLE!"His nimble form dodged around the large digimon.
And the attack.Although far from causing any significant damage to the champion level digimon, it served its purpose in disrupting the Kabuterimon, who's attack dissipated soon after.And it made an opening long enough for the brightly glowing Takeru to jump up, almost four times his own height, touch briefly onto the crown of the Kabuterimon's head, and on to the other side.
Not stopping to gape or think about what he had just done, Takeru rolled with the fall and came up running.Behind him the champion digimon were thrown into confusion as each and every one tried to follow him, but plowed into the stunned Kabuterimon.
Time for my rants!
Hmm. Ki power? Psychic powers? What the heck?!?! Well we all know the digidestined are a bunch of special people, so why not?
Gee, if anybody was waiting for this chapter, I'm sorry I took so long. There's a lot going on in my life and I don't have access to a computer 24/7, but excuses aside, I think I can sum up all the reasons why this chapter took so long in coming, in one word: lazy. Yes, I am an incredibly lazy writer. I procrastinate a lot, too. I think, once, I sat at a computer for two hours intending to write this chapter, but ended up surfing through the net and writing a total of three sentences. Yes, yes, I know. Bad girl! Bad girl!
Oh, I have to ask people, are the people out of character in this fic? I've had a little trouble trying to keep Takeru in character and I'm having trouble with Hikari as well. I would really like your thoughts on this and the pacing of this story.
And one last thing. I recently reviewed another digimon fic and suggested that the characters were OOC, and the person e-mails me claiming I had flamed him/her and basically told me to mind my own business!
Okay, I swear I saw red. I swear there was a rid tinge to my vision and a little fireball started burning low in my stomach and I had to remind myself that this person is probably a juvenile and isn't worth my time. (If you're reading this, you know who I'm talking about!) Ooooo! I could THROTTLE someone, just thinking about it, but since reading it, I've calmed down a lot, (You should've seen my original rant.) but I had to tell you all this. And let you know that if you send criticisms which could make my story more interesting or improves it, I will listen. Doesn't mean I'll use the suggestion, but I won't ignore it either. (And I definitely won't send you a hate mail, either.) After all that's what the review box is for, right?
Here's my original review, if you're interested (But I'm not giving the name of the story or the person, it's not my place to give.) : "I like your dialogue. It's fun to see the characters interact with each other, but I think the characters are a little OOC. I know fanfiction allows for things like this, but since this is a continuation, I think you should develop their traits a bit more."
Here's his/her e-mail (I edited it a little): "hey b*tch wat's the f*ckin idea flaming me? if you f*ckin want to writ th e story go do it smewher else yea this is MY fanfic so f*ckin leav eme alone!"
*sigh* I'll be more careful who I review next, I guess.
Comments? Criticism? Please send them my way!