Tamed Instincts

Interval A: Wonder, Curiosity, Innocence - A Glance at the Past, a Glimpse of the Future.


Neo returns to the palace, and observes a disheveled Iori storming outside.

"Hello again," he smiles.

Pausing only to give Neo a murderous glare, Iori leaves, slamming the door.

"He was inexcusably rude to you, Saiba-sama," pouts Mari.

"He takes offense at my unorthodox methods of disposal. I have forgiven him." Neo shrugs, considering Iori's discontent unimportant.

"How'd it go with Ken?"

"He...is displeased as well. It signifies a strong yet vulnerable will and heart. Bringing Ken into the fold will be no easy task.

"Nevertheless, the darkness demands him, and will claim him. As will I. I've waited far too long for my koibito...."

==

Ken returns home, meeting his concerned parents and an open photo album.

"Strolling through memory lane?" he quips.

"You could say that," smiles Ken's father. "We were wondering-trying to remember-if your brother ever had any friends. And it turns out he actually did."

"Memories...." Ken looks at a picture of a happy trio of boys around birthday presents.

"The one with frosting on his face is you," grins Ken's mother.

"Never let Daisuke see this picture," says Ken. "I must really like cake."

"You were so cute."

"In other words, son: don't be surprised if your friends blackmail you with this picture," sighs Mr. Ichijouji.

"Of course, there's always Naked Dai-dai, age two," Ken smirks.

[AN: NO Kensuke jokes, people!]

"The blond boy was a classmate of Osamu's, wasn't he?"

"Yes...Saiba Neo," muses Ken's mother. "He and Osamu seemed to get along for two years, then they just drifted apart."

"Isn't Neo a senior now?"

"Yes; that's why he looks so familiar."

"He hasn't changed much."

** No, except that he's poised for total domination of the earth...unless a bunch of data monsters and their human partners can stop him. I sound like the narrator of a Saturday morning serial cartoon. *

[AN: Badly dubbed for a foreign audience.]

"Could you two...humor me?" asks Ken aloud. "Tell me more about niisan and Neo."

==

Alone, a ten-year old boy studies his math. The child has wild blue hair and wears glasses.

Another bespectacled boy, one with sun-bleached blond hair, taps the first boy lightly on the shoulder.

Scowling, the first boy continues his studies.

"I understand that you have no friends, Ichijouji Osamu. Perhaps your lack of social graces provides an explanation."

"Or the fact that I'm smarter than most ten-year olds," grunts Osamu ruefully.

"Your problem, then, is your photogenic face. You're too easy on the eyes."

"I don't want to compound my problems; I already look like a geek."

"I wear glasses, too. Why not at least look at me?"

Osamu turns to see the blond, and his eyes widen in shock.

"You're...Neo Saiba!" Osamu abruptly shrugs. "So of course everyone likes you."

"I'm a true genius. You, Osamu, are a media darling. The quintessential Japanese male, eldest son of an ordinary family. If you weren't so studious," adds Neo, indicating Osamu's stack of books, "you wouldn't be worth notice."

"So, your purpose in badgering me is...?"

"I was hoping to cultivate an association with you. Nothing as binding as a friendship to start, but with time, I could place you under consideration."

Osamu gives Neo a lopsided grin. "You are weird."

- - -

A few months later.

"Remember to make a wish," smiles Osamu.

"I know; I'm nine now," lectures Ken, Osamu's young brother.

"Take care with your wishes, Ken-chan," continues Neo.

The smaller blue-haired boy grins, blowing out the candles with all his might.

"You blew them all out, Ken," smiles his mother. "What did you wish for?"

"Mama...I can't tell you that. If I do, my wish won't come true.

"You see, birthday genies are very shy about their job, so they don't want attention drawn to them. If everybody knows about your wish, the birthday genies will get bothered with the same wish over and over. So rather than have to face all of those people, they just go on to another birthday party."

"Your imagination is just too much, Ken," smiles his father.

"Talking about birthday genies makes me want that cake!"

"I get the second slice." Grinning like an overgrown child himself, Mr. Ichijouji digs into the cake.

As he and the tiny child dive into the cake and ice cream, Osamu takes out a few board games.

"We have...Monopoly, Sorry, mah-jongg, chinese checkers; mama still has Candy Land in here-papa still has a hard time with that one-chess, and backgammon.

"Which game do you want to play?" Osamu asks.

"Whatever." Neo appears disinterested.

"Chess okay, then?"

"Yes, though I'll still win." The blond youth barely focuses on the game, knowing every move Osamu would make. Instead, he gazes at Ken and his parents. Particularly Ken, whose eyes brighten in delight at his new Wonder Swan game.

An hour later, the party ends, and the Ichijoujis drop Neo off at home. They head toward the door.

Neo kneels down just below Ken's eye level, gazing at the younger boy.

He sighs. "Ken, you're so beautiful. I could kiss you right now."

This elicits a pair of curious stares from the parents, and a flat-out confused look on Osamu.

None of which disturbs Neo in the least.

- - -

[AN: Those of you who saw "When the Digivice Is Infected With Darkness...." will understand what transpires here. If Saban told you this episode, then you saw "Genesis of Evil". Enjoy.]

Two weeks later.

Ken sits dejectedly on the balcony, reading a manga.

"What are you reading, Ken-chan?" asks Osamu.

"Ojamajo Doremi Sharp. My book." Scowling, Ken returns to his reading.

"Sorry for asking." ** Maybe I was overreacting. That slap to Ken's face must have changed his personality. * Shrugging, Osamu heads back into their room, going on a walk with Neo.

Twenty minutes later, the boys continue their chat.

"...now Ken's angry with me. I have no idea what goes on in that little kid mind of his, but he has to realize that I'm the one who always gets in trouble if I don't toe the line."

"I believe he does realize that, or your parents would be breathing down your neck," smiles Neo. "I don't think they'd take kindly to you bitch-slapping Ken, no matter how smart you think you are."

"Funny, Neo. He'd have to tell them why I slapped him-and it was because he messed with something of mine even though I told him not to. He has to learn responsibility."

"Don't you read his comics all the time?"

"That's different, and I've always asked him beforehand. Don't invent excuses for him."

Neo yawns.

"Oh, I forget-the great Saiba Neo is an only child, above the decadence of sibling wars."

"No, I'm merely growing rather bored of you."

"Even after I let you kiss me last week?"

"I couldn't really enjoy it, either. Not with your preconceived ideas."

"If you were any other boy, I would have punched you. But I knew you were strange to start with, so the kiss didn't really bother me that much.

"But the next day, my brother was changing his clothes. You thought I had gone outside, but I saw you watching him undress. And liking it. And...."

"Touching myself? Ken will be a very sexy young man someday, but I didn't grope myself.

"I can't believe you spied on me. I'd be so relieved if you were jealous. Are you?"

"No," says Osamu emphatically.

"I believe you," sighs Neo tiredly. "I'm so disappointed in you."

"I don't give a damn."

"If your parents only knew what a foul mouth you have, though it was nice when we kissed."

"Neo, you are a sick, disturbed kid. I think it would be in our mutual interest if you stay away from my little brother."

"Osamu. You are an idiot. If I leave, you and Ken have no friends, for lack of more accurate terms.

"Not that I'm all that concerned about your pitifully veiled threat. You're a dinosaur, Osamu, and it's only a matter of time before you're extinct. Once you die, I'll embrace my Ken over your grave."

Osamu grabs Neo's shirt collar and drags the blond close. "You touch my brother-you do anything to my brother-and I swear that I will kill you."

Neo grins insolently. "I highly doubt that, Osa-chan. People have tried to kill me before."

[AN: Ha! Yeah, just read the V-Tamer manga. If Ken will let you back into his collection.]

Osamu releases Neo and walks away angrily; Neo straightens his shirt, turning away with a catlike smile.

Osamu returns home, and he finds his young brother working in angry silence on a math problem from one of his old textbooks.

The older boy gently pinches Ken between his neck and shoulder.

"Ken-chan?"

"Yes?"

"I see you haven't learned a thing, considering you're messing with one of my textbooks."

"You're wrong," says Ken quietly. "You gave me this one because it was from last year, and you're not using it anymore. Remember?"

"Yes, I do now. But I shouldn't have to ask you about my things every time, now should I? That's what I mean by trust."

"That's okay-you said you didn't trust me anymore, and that you could never trust me again. Why don't you leave me alone?"

"Neo's...not going to come over anymore, okay?" says Osamu. "You don't have to crack your brain open over math problems too advanced for you."

"I never did math because of him," Ken answers, confused and peeved.

"Anyway...Ken, we should be able to trust each other again, don't you think?"

"Yeah, because it's more fun than being mad at you."

"I agree. Why don't we talk about ways you can earn my trust back? It'll be hard, but it builds character."

- - -

Neo waits outside an office building the next afternoon. A somber, pale-faced man walks out.

"Good day, Myotismon."

The man's eyes widen in shock, and he whirls around. Seeing Neo smiling, the man snorts in annoyance.

"I think you have me confused with someone else."

"No; you're the only viral digimon desperate enough to resort to this idiotic a plan, whatever it is."

"I think you'd best be going, before I call security."

Neo groans in disgust. "Myotismon, your host, Oikawa, is too dominant. Now get out of Oikawa-san before I have to destroy you both."

Oikawa halts suddenly, becoming as lifeless as a doll.

Coming out of his body is an odd apparition, the ghost of a pale blue-gray yet eerily handsome man.

"I thought so...." Neo teases the digimon with a knowing smile.

Myotismon scowls. "I don't have to explain myself to the likes of you."

"Humor me, and do so anyway. Otherwise, I know Demon's looking for company. He'd be quite amused at a partially-deleted digimon.

"How did you die again?"

"Those miserable digidestined. That eighth Chosen Child and her brother. I'll never forget what any of them did to me. But soon, I will have the instrument of their destruction."

"Is that why you've been targeting the Ichijoujis?"

"One of them is a very powerful Chosen, perhaps even beyond you. And he's quite oblivious to his true power, making him an excellent tool for my plan."

"Which is to plunge both worlds into total darkness...haven't we heard this before?" Neo dismisses Myotismon's protests with a wave, and he smiles as if pleased with Myotismon's plan.

"Do not mock me, merely because of your place with Dagomon."

"Oh, relax and suck someone's blood. You haven't had any in over two years. At any rate," Neo continues, "I was only saying that your ridiculous plan actually has merit. Osamu's death will leave Ken empty, and I so want Osamu dead right now."

"How did you know which of the boys was Chosen?"

"Osamu isn't even under consideration. We Chosen Ones have a way of knowing one another, but it's an acquired skill. I wanted to kill Osamu myself, but you would save me a lot of time and effort.

"Once Osamu's out of the way, then we'll all have Ken right where we want him."

"I presume Dagomon has plans for the boy?"

"Dagomon...will make sure your little plan works. It won't be a walk in the park, though," smiles Neo. "You think it's easy to manipulate him.

"I remember that you thought the same of a certain Gatomon. Look where it got you."

"It won't happen again." Myotismon reenters the man's body; the man and the boy part ways.

- - -

Neo knocks on the door of the Ichijouji residence.

Mrs. Ichijouji answers. "Hello."

"Good day," smiles Neo. "I came to see if I could keep Ken company. It must be hard losing a brother."

"Ken's busy," she says curtly.

"You're lying, Ichijouji-san. Ken has been 'busy' for two months. Why are you trying to keep me away from him?"

Mr. Ichijouji nods to his wife, and she lets Neo inside.

The two adults and the boy read over Osamu's will. A simple notarized letter that basically acted as a restraining order.

"This is rather foolish of Osamu," Neo protests. "Ken needs to play with others. I'm the only friend he has."

"Are you saying," counters Mr. Ichijouji crossly, "that I shouldn't honor my late son's last request?"

"I merely believe it to be mean-spirited of him. Osamu and I had a disagreement; however, it has nothing to do with Ken."

"It's not just that," says Mrs. Ichijouji gently. "We...also feel that Ken should play with children his own age."

"But no other children wish to play with him," answers Neo simply. "Ken will be alone."

"Get out." Scowling, Mr. Ichijouji stands and points toward the door.

==

The family Ichijouji finishes their stroll down memory lane; Ken and his father walk into Ken's bedroom.

"Something is troubling you, isn't it, papa?" the youth asks.

"Yes. Ken," sighs Mr. Ichijouji, "it's about Neo. I never liked his tone of voice."

"I don't understand."

"It always seemed condescending to me. Either I'm letting my ego get to me, or I'm just uncomfortable about the two of you together. I don't know."

"So, you finally said it," smiles Ken.

"Felt I had to. Ever since he was Osamu's friend, I had misgivings about Neo. Mainly because he seemed more interested in you. Which wasn't a problem at first.

"Then, I saw him and your brother kissing."

** He did kiss you, oniisan. * "And so you thought he'd try to lure me into his arms," Ken grins. ** He's still trying. *

"You were nine, and did not need to be confronted with those issues then. However, we didn't want either of you to lose a friend, so I simply confronted Osamu about the matter."

"Why are we talking about something that happened six years ago?" shrugs Ken.

"Neo has merely grown taller, son. Taller and more...seductive." Mr. Ichijouji smiles. "I just want you to be careful."

"I will," says Ken. ** Where was this advice when school started? *

==

"So we meet at the designated coordinates to develop a plan of attack in forty-eight hours," says Ryo.

"You mean you're giving me an extension?" asks Ken wryly, speaking through his D-3.

"I'm giving everyone a chance to say good bye. Everyone's going back to their homes.

"You'll be pleased to know that Takato found Iori. He's okay, but very pissed."

"I'd be pissed too if some madman pushed me off Tokyo Tower."

"We're also cranking up excuses for us to be missing for the rest of the summer," adds Yamato.

"Last time some crazy kid tried to take over the digital world, we were able to cover for them with the camp excuse," adds Taichi.

"What was my excuse?" asks Ken, not catching the joke.

"You ran away from home and built your own digimon Frankenstein," grins Daisuke.

Ken smacks his forehead.

"Hey, we understand. You probably have a lot on your mind, with Zed and all."

"Yes...I do have a bit on my mind."

"Kai-chan?" Kishi walks to the monitor. "Kai-chan, I'm worried about the babies."

"There's no need to worry, Kishi," counters Ryo. "They're in a secure area."

"Honestly, you sound like an Elecmon," grunts Zero.

"You would too if you grew up around Kazeyu-san, taishou," says Gotsutei calmly. "Remember, Kazeyu's not there to protect the fresh digimon anymore."

"But the location's a secret," says Ryo.

"That's true now," says Kishi, "but sooner or later Neo will find Primary Central. We've managed to keep the location a secret no matter what, but Neo's so relentless."

"You're saying that the moment our backs are turned," continues Gatomon, "Neo and his forces will root out Primary Central until it's found."

Kishi nods.

"We're not leaving," says Gotsutei grimly, "until the freshies are safe and sound."

"You're nothing but a bunch of overgrown freshies yourselves," growls Zero.

"I refuse to leave, with all due respect, taishou. Kishi agrees." Gotsutei sighs. "Our suffering would be in vain if those babies came to any harm."

"Then what's the harm in bringing them here to our world?" asks Ken.

"There are 244 fresh digimon to take to the real world," says Takato.

"No way we can smuggle that many babies home without the parents noticing," groans Taichi.

"Think. We've got 212 digidestined on call throughout the globe. Counting ourselves," continues Ken, "that is, the twelve of us, that makes 224."

"Leaving twenty baby digimon. Ken, you're good. 224-that's the number of fresh digimon in Central who have the life experience to withstand transport outside Japan. However," says Ryo, "that leaves ten hatchlings, who have to stay near the Tokyo sector, and ten digieggs. It would be too risky to transport them."

"Don't forget, Ryo," adds Zero, "We've still got the old General to worry about. One of those eggs is a new Leafmon, and that coot loves to steal that type of digimon for his own army."

"Couldn't we pull double-duty?" asks Yamato.

"Our parents wouldn't suspect our partners and one baby digimon; but two or three could raise difficult questions," sighs Ken.

"We could tell them the truth," grins Iori.

"Iori, think about this a moment. 'Grandpa, our classmate's an evil genius madman bent on world domination. He's taking over the digital world, and we're risking our lives to stop him.'

"Now, your grandfather would understand, but our parents are still a bit edgy about the previous situation, including your mother."

"You're right, I guess; Mom still cries sometimes over Dad."

"And my parents still miss Osamu a great deal; my runaway act didn't help matters much."

"We need a miracle," groans Daisuke.

The phone rings, and Ken answers. "Hello."

==

"Twenty baby digimon are displaced...why? Someone's plotting to take over the digital world...who'd be such a jerk...Neo?"

Noriko's eyes widen in shock. "Let me get this straight, Ken: Neo's had partial control of the area for years, and plans for total, undisputed rule of both worlds...wonderful...what can I do to help?"

Noriko's mother peeks in. "Nori-chan," she smiles, "I'm sorry to interrupt, but your teacher left a message about twenty kindergarteners and a responsibility course."

"Thanks, mom," Noriko smiles. Back to the phone. "I almost forgot! Damn...yeah, I've got twenty cute kids as my own personal guinea pigs for my teaching style this summer, and I've got to teach them responsibility...have an idea with getting each kid a goldfish, or letting the class take care of a hamster...ordinary?

"What's that gibberish Dai's talking about...miracles? Twenty baby digimon, and twenty kids eager for lessons in responsibility...yes-I've got it!"

==

"That is insane. Ken, we can't trust a bunch of six-year olds to care for digimon," says Ryo.

"Noriko will help them," says Ken.

"Hey, why not, taishou?" adds Takato. "Those kids are pure-hearted, and there are twenty of them."

"It's a sign," Ken grins sardonically.

"What have we got to lose?" shrugs Ryo. "Leave the babies to some irresponsible mocchi eaters, or a sadistic eighteen-year old and his equally psychotic digimon. What a choice.

"Kishi, this is your call."

"I trust Kai-chan," smiles the spotted Salamon. "He'd never let anybody hurt baby digimon."

Ken's smile weakens. ** Sometimes, I think you're just too trusting. *

Ryo grins broadly. "I can't deny that."

"So we're agreed," says Yamato.

"Yeah; let's put Operation: Fresh Exodus into high gear!" beams Daisuke.

==

Why does Ryo have such confidence in me? Doesn't he know what the name Kaizer means to me?

He can't possibly know the full nature of the monster I was; and Kishi...it's best that she and Gotsutei never know. They've been through enough as it is.

What does Ryo see in me?

==

Ryo types a letter.

- - -

Why do you keep doubting yourself, Ichijouji Ken? I know who you are. You know the old rule: the more things change, the more they stay the same.

I don't know about Osamu, or the Kaizer; but you're the smartest, most resourceful person I know. That's who you are. That's how you always were.

We need you, Ichijouji Ken. And, I wouldn't mind fighting at your side again. You've only become stronger and smarter, and you've got a small army to back you up. I'm impressed.

I know that if we could compare this Kaizer persona of yours to the true evil of Neo, we'd have the entire digital world on his head. Then this war would finally end.

To tell you the truth, we were all beginning to lose hope. It was Zero, Takato, myself, and a few rookies. Gotsutei and Kishi had a bit more combat experience, hanging around Kenichi since they were fresh stage. And of course, helping Kazeyu-sama to care for the other babies. I don't know exactly what happened to Gotsutei in the past three years, but it can't have been good.

Kazeyu's dead. The other Elecmon have yet to know. That number I gave you was after I had sent many other freshies to other Primary Villages. Takeru helped me clear things with the ornery Elecmon on File Island. But I still believe that if you hadn't come, Neo would've won. I was at the point where I couldn't fight anymore. Even Zero was losing his steam.

But when you came, Ken, I knew I had to throw away that attitude of defeat. You're the type that wouldn't give up without fighting, all the way to the end, no holds barred. And you don't have to even be there. I can just look at your friends.

Can't believe that they've done the occupation campaign bit before. Against you, no less. I do know they probably had a long fight if they had you as an enemy. When I hear Kaizer, I think of all of your prickly qualities without any of your usual controls. Takato wasn't scared. And I know Kenichi probably laughed, thankful that you freed him from Neo's control.

Don't doubt yourself, Ichijouji Ken. I know about that stupid Dark Seed. And Hikari explained about the Dark Ocean.

You're such an idiot sometimes, Ken. Why didn't you tell me your brother had died? It all makes sense now. You bottled all of your emotions to focus on the task at hand when we faced Milleniumon. Even with that, we could've spared ourselves some of our problems if we'd listened when...well.

Ken, we need you now.

- - -

And Ryo saves the document to disk. ** I can't bring myself to mail it. He won't listen to that. Ken needs confidence in his own memory again. *

==

"How many brides can you take, Dago-sama?" smiles Neo.

"As many as I require. The Child of Light I must take without your interference," continues Dagomon.

"I have no interest in her."

"Why not release me, that I may finish destroying those miserable mortals?" asks Demon.

"And now you understand why I double-crossed this idiot in the first place. 'Destroy this, crush that, obliterate these.'" Neo sighs. "We need only destroy Taichi, the Child of Hope, and Iori."

"Why them?" Demon asks again.

"Taichi...is rather obvious." Neo caresses his cheek, tracing a small scar. "Hope is the weakest of the three, and thus is of no use to our purposes. As for Iori, his stoic, stolid attitude annoys me unto hell; thus, he dies out of spite."

"Akiyama must be destroyed as well," adds Dagomon.

"Normally, I wouldn't question your judgment; however, Ryo is quite weak."

"Neo; the Child of Light is my bride. Akiyama is unaware that he is my rival. Kill him before he recognizes that fact."

"Are you afraid, then, that Ryo may fall in love with Hikari?"

"Your soldier loves your enemy. Love is an extremely powerful force of nature, that shatters darkness and even death itself. Which is why I leave it to you to marshal that power before it runs out of control.

"Kill Akiyama. Seduce your chosen three. Crush your enemy and the two you deem to merit destruction. That will place the rest of the Chosen under subjection.

"That is your task, my servant."

"And my pleasure," smiles Neo.

"This must be done quickly," says Demon. "If the Chosen learn of the Chimera Prophecy, it will make matters...difficult."

"The ones who know of the prophecy have been silenced. The digital world is ours."