Tamed Instincts
Part Two: Hidden Pasts in the Digital World? I Forget.
Chapter One: Bright Eyes, Bright Mind, Bright Heart.
Ryo sits on a hilltop in the Japanese countryside, eating a bowl or ramen.
==
Daisuke actually made this. Not bad. Zero loves this stuff, but Zero would eat almost anything.
Everyone's home now, including me. Dad asked me where I've been for the past six years. I told him that I was studying abroad in a foreign country, learning its customs. True for the most part.
However, I'm a field commander for the country's self-defense force. Dad would've understood. He's left our family alone for years at a time since becoming a paramilitary agent. Which is Japan's covert way of saying we have a functioning military, even though our constitution says we can't have one. Planes crashing into two skyscrapers have a way of rousing military force.
My two sisters know about the digital world, and the work I'm doing there, but...I've basically had to raise them on my own, especially since Mom died. Yohko's about Hikari's age, fourteen; Akane, the hellion that thinks she's Sawaguchi Koume, is nine.
I have a list in my hand.
Motomiya Daisuke, he says whatever's on his mind at the moment. Has an eager young Veemon. Wears Taichi's old goggles. Is somewhat more disciplined than Taichi, but that may be due to Taichi's memory suppression.
Takaishi Takeru has a deep attachment to holy digimon, and an entrenched hatred for unholy virals. Which explains why Hikari is reluctant to speak to him regarding Kishi and Gotsutei. Zed's actions against them were unconscionable. It makes me sick. Though Takato was still out of line-that hothead has got to learn to identify his target before attacking. But that's nothing compared to what Takeru might do if he finds out how Gotsu was tortured.
A pretty girl, Yagami Hikari. She seems kind of mischievous, too. One of those quiet children who'd jump on the bed when no one's looking. Hikari has this cute, slender body; along with a head of curls that catches the light perfectly. Matches those eyes of hers. With that bit of puerile gushing out of the way, I'm honestly not sure if she's much of a soldier. But that Gatomon of hers clearly picks up any slack, and I have to admit that Hikari has guts. Why am I thinking of her all the time?
Perhaps it's the connection to Yagami Taichi. I should be professional about my attitude toward him, but I can't. Maybe I'm jealous or something. Zero knows Taichi, and likes him. I think at one point he wanted to be Taichi's partner digimon. But, Taichi has Agumon. It really angers me that Taichi is repressing his memory so much. I'm sure it hurts Zero. But why should I care? I'm a Tamer. I lead digimon soldiers into battle. Once the fight's over, I go home. No attachments, no regrets.
Yet...Taichi's a Tamer, he has a partner digimon, and he has Zero's unrequited affection. I don't really want to admit it, but I think I am jealous. I'll apologize to Taichi later.
Hida Iori, Tachikawa Mimi, Kido Jyou, Izumi Koushirou, Ishida Yamato, Takenouchi Sora, Inoue Miyako. They all have different quirks about them, with Miyako being the only one to make Ken blush. And vice versa. I think they like each other.
Speaking of Ichijouji Ken. My history with him is long. Puberty has blessed him, but he has enough angst to play all the characters in a crappy American teen drama. I hate those things. Dubbing them in Japanese couldn't make them any worse.
If memory serves me right...yum, I miss Iron Chef. Still enjoying these noodles.
==
The year is 2000.
Nine-year old Ken bolts into the apartment after school.
"Mama, is Osamu home yet?" he shouts.
"No, honey; you know he has chess practice today." Mrs. Ichijouji looks at her son. The boy's hair stands in disarray due to his rush from school, and his eyes glisten in excitement.
"Oh, yeah-got to go!"
"Ken, your Spanish teacher called saying you were daydreaming."
"Oh, gomen nasai, mama." Ken looks bashful.
"But, you did well on your Spanish quiz," she smiles.
"Gracias, madre!" Ken grins, sprinting to his room.
"What has that boy so excited?"
- - - -
Oh...Osamu will be fine. I just want to look at it. Honestly, he acts as if the whole world wants to destroy me.
I mean, if he __really__ wanted me not to touch it, he would put a lock on his desk drawer. Yeah, that's it. It's not like he has to be grouchy about everything.
I'll just be careful not to break it. It's glowing again....
- - -
A few hours later.
- -
"So, my Tamer partner should be in Primary Village picking up his digimon.
"Eastern Continent, right? Roger that. Guess Milleniumon is that big of a threat."
Thanks for the vote of confidence, Gennai. I sign off. This new Tamer had better be useful. I can't believe the Harmonious Ones think I need a partner just to take out an evil digimon. And then they say I have to protect this partner from the darkness, too? Sounds more like a liability case to me.
Oh, well. At least I got a Veemon out of the deal. From Central. He insists that his name's Zeromaru, and we've finally settled on Zero. Zero's the perfect Tamer digimon. He and I are strictly business. I'm glad he understands the rules. No attachments, no regrets.
Name: Akiyama Ryo. Designation: Tamer, First Class. Age: Thirteen.
I'm at Primary Village now, and there's an Elecmon fussing over the freshies, as usual. The babies are quiet for once.
There's a little kid looking inside all of the baskets for something. Better make sure he doesn't disturb the babies.
- -
Ken continues looking for his digimon. Ryo taps him on the shoulder.
"Excuse me; I think you should leave the babies alone."
"I'm just trying to find out which of them is my digimon. He was born two weeks ago, and I've been thinking about him ever since.
"I can barely concentrate on my classes, but that's okay."
"How old are you?" asks Ryo.
"I just turned nine a few days ago." Ken eyes the older boy. "Is that your digimon?"
"No. I don't have one of my own. He's my Tamer field leader."
"Oh. I have one. See this?" Ken takes out the digivice. "The lady digimon said having this means I have a digimon of my own."
"I have one, too." Ryo takes out his Tamagotchi unit. "But again, I don't have my own digimon."
"Actually, though," whispers Ken ashamedly, "the digimon's my big brother's. But I'm going to care for him until my brother gets back from chess practice."
** The way this chatterbox goes, I thought his brother would be at soccer practice. The kid must be a minor genius, though. * "What's your name?" Ryo asks aloud.
"Ichijouji Ken."
A Minomon tugs at Ken's shorts. "There you are! I've been looking all over for you," the Minomon pouts.
"Huh? Leafmon! You look different from when I saw you two weeks ago."
"I digivolved out of my fresh stage since then, Ken."
"Minomon's his name now," says Ryo.
"You haven't changed much at all," notes the Minomon.
"Humans take longer to digivolve, I guess," Ken shrugs.
"No, humans age," corrects Ryo.
"I know that," grins Ken, "but Minomon has to know what that means in his terms. You have to talk to others in words they understand. I learned that in Spanish."
"Oh. Anyway, my name's Akiyama Ryo."
"Ken, we're supposed to meet him!" squeals Minomon.
"That's right! I'm going to be your partner," adds Ken.
- - -
One week later.
- - - -
I can't be stuck with a nine-year old. This sucks so much. And he's the worst possible choice for a Tamer.
Ken just runs off with Wormmon-yes, he reached rookie-level-and concocts some crazy plan. Sure, we managed to defeat that gang of Dark Unimon that was terrorizing Western. But he's got to learn restraint.
And the way he chats with Wormmon, like he's an old friend. Zero and I are steamed. What kind of Tamer unit is this? Ken and Wormmon are forming too close an attachment, and that only leads to heartache later, which leads to irrational decisions. That is intolerable in a Tamer First Class.
Yet somehow, those two can pull it off. They are a functioning unit. Ken absorbs information. He's constantly studying the Tamers' Manual and Index.
I saw the kid bring down a Dark Tyrannomon. Ken can ride an Airdramon, and I am flat-out afraid of the things.
- - - -
"Kimeramon's heading into Machine City," says Ken.
"Okay. Our mission is to neutralize Mugendramon before Kimeramon can jogress with him. I can't stress to you enough what will happen if we fail."
"He becomes Milleniumon, and we're in deep kuso."
"Yeah...."
"You'd better quit saying those words around Ken, if you don't want him to say them," notes Zero.
"I don't mean to."
"It's okay. I heard it from my brother and his friend too," Ken grins. "They don't think I can hear them. But I'm usually careful not to say stuff like that around mama and papa."
"Anyway...all you have to do is stay here."
"But why?"
"Don't question me-I'm your superior. Just hold our position until I get back. You can monitor my progress using my binoculars," Ryo adds.
Ken is none too happy, but he complies, taking the binoculars.
Ryo enters the city.
- - -
A Mugendramon...sugoi.... Ryo and Zero will be annihilated. And if they're annihilated, we can't stop Mugendramon from fusing with Kimeramon. Then the digital world gets squashed by Milleniumon.
"This isn't working!" I say aloud.
"You want to do something, don't you, Ken?" How does Wormmon know what I'm thinking all the time? Someday, I'll conduct an experiment on it.
I nod. I think Ryo would have it easier if he could keep Mugendramon from launching that Giga Cannon attack. Otherwise, he and Zero will just keep running until they're too tired to escape the death ray.
But...I think I've got a way to help Ryo. Just hope he doesn't overreact.
- - -
"Damn!" Zero and I duck yet another Giga Cannon. We can't do this much longer.
Then, all of a sudden, a lot of metal scaffolding above starts shaking. I hope that's not a certain boy and caterpillar team I see up there....
- - - -
"I need Silk Threads there, there, there, and there," commands Ken.
Wormmon does as directed. "Alright, Ken."
"Now hop on my back." Ken winds the strands together into a thick cord. "Hang on!"
Ryo glances up from the battle, only to watch the scaffolding cascade down on Mugendramon.
"Banzai!" Ken swings down on a rope, bringing down all of the rickety metal constructs. He lets go of the rope, allowing a Sticky Net from Wormmon to help Ken glide to safety.
They stand next to a shocked and irate Ryo.
"I. Will deal. With you. Later." Ryo takes a breath. "Right now, I'll terminate Mugendramon while he's immobilized."
"Better hurry before Kimeramon gets here." Ken looks worried. "I can feel him coming."
Glancing to Ken's left, Ryo indeed sees the beast in question in the distance; breathing a Heat Viper into the air.
Ryo takes out his Walther Shot. "Ken, Gaiaforce clip. Sun card."
"Hai." Ken hands him the requested items. "Wish we could tame him instead."
"I know; it's really not his fault." Ryo loads the clip. "But we can't afford to have the jogress between these two powerhouses. The resulting Milleniumon can't be controlled-he's evil."
Using a card slash, Ryo loads the Sun card to boost his clip.
"Sun Charge. Gaiaforce Shot. Solar--*" Ryo cries in pain, dropping the Walther Shot.
"Ryo, what happened?" asks Ken in shock.
Ryo looks up, seeing a pale blond figure clad in white robes, wearing a featurless mask.
"You."
"Gen, you screwed up his shot!" scowls Ken. "Why?"
"Of course. I can't allow you to prevent this from happening," says Gen.
"But Milleniumon...will destroy the digital world."
"Ken, don't try to reason with him," grunts Ryo.
"Yeah-charge me with the Gaiaforce power!" adds Zero.
"I'll do it, Ken. You get out of here."
"You can't do this alone," protests Ken.
"Just trust me. Now go."
"Devidramon, after the small boy and his Wormmon." Gen looks toward Ryo and Zero. "Milleniumon will arise to finish Ryo."
"Not a chance! Kinaeroveedramon Zero!" Zero becomes a Gold Aeroveedramon.
"Finish Mugendramon now!" orders Ryo.
"Roger that, taishou."
However, Kimeramon emits another Heat Viper, which Zero barely eludes. The mismated digimon and Mugendramon jogress before Zero can recover.
- - - -
I halt suddenly. Turn around. And there's this huge black Kimeramon, radiating evil.
Wormmon nips my leg. I guess I was dozed out, because there's also a Devidramon chasing after us. And we can't fight him in an enclosed forest like this.
Only one thing to do-though I hate to leave Ryo alone....
"Run!" Wormmon and I haul our butts away, fast as we can. Which means I have to carry him, because I can walk faster than he can run.
Lucky for us that I'm a fast runner. We're out of the forest.
I whip out my digivice. "Wormmon, digivolve!"
Wormmon tries his hardest, but he can't do it.
"Come on-I've seen Zero do it millions of times-do it!"
"I'm trying!" I must have really hurt his feelings-he's never snapped at me before.
"I'm sorry...." I still see Devidramon. We have to do something. "You think you can fight him like you are now?"
"I'll try, Ken."
Maybe I can do a card slash to boost his power a bit. But first, we've got to slow Devidramon down.
"Use a Net!"
"Okay." Wormmon uses the strongest Sticky Net he can. That gives me just enough time to use a card.
I have a Death card. Scary looking, but it's a strong card.
"Card Slash! Death card. Wormmon, tackle him while he's still stuck."
- - -
"Fate charge. Gate Shot! Final Portal!" With those words, Ryo seals Milleniumon away.
"We did it. Now we part ways, Zeromaru," says Ryo.
"Yeah," grunts Zero.
"Only for a year, Northern time." Gennai's image appears on Ryo's Wonder Swan.
"What?" Ryo's eyes widen.
"You did succeed in sealing Milleniumon away; however, the seal will only hold for a digital year, tops."
"What's the difference-the eight digidestined Chosen already stabilized time."
"In File and Server. Those sectors are stable. The four main continents are unstable. Until Milleniumon is neutralized, it will be impossible to fully secure the digital world.
"For that, I need their eight crests. You can't expect me to endanger their lives with Milleniumon, now can you?"
Ryo sighs. "No, Gennai. I would have destroyed Mugendramon if it hadn't been for Gen's interference. That guy seems to have his own agenda.
"Now I guess I have to finish the job in a year."
"For you, in four months. Ken should also be ready by then."
"What is it about Ken that you and the Harmonious Ones like so much?"
"What do you like about him?" smile the voices of the Harmonious.
"Gennai, signing off." With that, the Wonder Swan fades to black.
"Somehow, I have a feeling that we'll fight together again," grunts Zero.
"That would simplify things." Ryo allows Zero a small smile. "Now let's find Ken and debrief him."
"Are you sure that Ken's okay?"
"Trust me; I feel badly for that Devidramon."
- - -
Ken's left for home. Thank the gods. That kid was beginning to grate my nerves.
Who am I kidding? I almost miss him already. Almost.
"Wormmon; I know you and Ken are a unit, so I can expect you to be a lot stronger when I get back.
"Zero, my last standing order is for you to remain in this area unless other orders that supersede mine are issued. You know what those are."
"No problem, taishou." Zero salutes as I leave. I acknowledge the salute and head home.
Any further statement would signify an attachment. Zero would cease to respect me.
==
Now, to the year 2006. Ken will be fifteen in seven months.
With that personal sentiment out of the way, our ultimate goal is to neutralize Neo by summer's end. Plans are already being discussed by the Eight to accomplish this goal. I guess there is an advantage to friendship.
No, there are many advantages to close attachements. Implicit, unconditional trust and loyalty. The stability and security such a reliable group would provide is great...but it's fleeting. There's a major disadvantage that outweighs attachments to others; they don't last forever.
This is a particular problem when dealing with digimon. I've spent three years with Zero and that crazy crew I have back in Central. Takato, Kazenori, Sayuki, Kishi, and Gotsutei. Those five are too emotional, and they get angry too quickly with us.
But Zero? He and I understand the rules. No attachments, no regrets. Once this tour of duty ends, the six of us move our separate ways and go on with our lives. That's the way of a Tamer unit.
I'll just have to make sure that my stupid heart doesn't try to change my mind. It's bad enough to have Hikari dancing in there.
==
"Ow!"
"Did I give my Ryo-chan a boo-boo?" teases Akane.
"Watch your baseballs next time," hisses Ryo.
"Ooh...I see. A girlfriend," giggles Yohko.
Ryo snatches his picture of Hikari. "Get real. Why would I date a girl your age? Besides, she lives in Tokyo."
"Love knows no boundaries."
"Love would bring Dad home," Ryo scowls.
"Daddy loves us, doesn't he Ryo?" Akane's brown eyes quiver, nearing tears.
"Of course; my point is that love does have its limits. And one of those limits is the need of the nation."
"Whatever. We'll play tomorrow, guys!" snarls Akane, running to the house.
"Ryo...." Yohko glares at her brother. "I guess you'll quiet her, then."
** I have no choice. I lost it and made Akane cry. I hate seeing girls cry. * Sulking, Ryo walks toward the house.
Part Two: Hidden Pasts in the Digital World? I Forget.
Chapter One: Bright Eyes, Bright Mind, Bright Heart.
Ryo sits on a hilltop in the Japanese countryside, eating a bowl or ramen.
==
Daisuke actually made this. Not bad. Zero loves this stuff, but Zero would eat almost anything.
Everyone's home now, including me. Dad asked me where I've been for the past six years. I told him that I was studying abroad in a foreign country, learning its customs. True for the most part.
However, I'm a field commander for the country's self-defense force. Dad would've understood. He's left our family alone for years at a time since becoming a paramilitary agent. Which is Japan's covert way of saying we have a functioning military, even though our constitution says we can't have one. Planes crashing into two skyscrapers have a way of rousing military force.
My two sisters know about the digital world, and the work I'm doing there, but...I've basically had to raise them on my own, especially since Mom died. Yohko's about Hikari's age, fourteen; Akane, the hellion that thinks she's Sawaguchi Koume, is nine.
I have a list in my hand.
Motomiya Daisuke, he says whatever's on his mind at the moment. Has an eager young Veemon. Wears Taichi's old goggles. Is somewhat more disciplined than Taichi, but that may be due to Taichi's memory suppression.
Takaishi Takeru has a deep attachment to holy digimon, and an entrenched hatred for unholy virals. Which explains why Hikari is reluctant to speak to him regarding Kishi and Gotsutei. Zed's actions against them were unconscionable. It makes me sick. Though Takato was still out of line-that hothead has got to learn to identify his target before attacking. But that's nothing compared to what Takeru might do if he finds out how Gotsu was tortured.
A pretty girl, Yagami Hikari. She seems kind of mischievous, too. One of those quiet children who'd jump on the bed when no one's looking. Hikari has this cute, slender body; along with a head of curls that catches the light perfectly. Matches those eyes of hers. With that bit of puerile gushing out of the way, I'm honestly not sure if she's much of a soldier. But that Gatomon of hers clearly picks up any slack, and I have to admit that Hikari has guts. Why am I thinking of her all the time?
Perhaps it's the connection to Yagami Taichi. I should be professional about my attitude toward him, but I can't. Maybe I'm jealous or something. Zero knows Taichi, and likes him. I think at one point he wanted to be Taichi's partner digimon. But, Taichi has Agumon. It really angers me that Taichi is repressing his memory so much. I'm sure it hurts Zero. But why should I care? I'm a Tamer. I lead digimon soldiers into battle. Once the fight's over, I go home. No attachments, no regrets.
Yet...Taichi's a Tamer, he has a partner digimon, and he has Zero's unrequited affection. I don't really want to admit it, but I think I am jealous. I'll apologize to Taichi later.
Hida Iori, Tachikawa Mimi, Kido Jyou, Izumi Koushirou, Ishida Yamato, Takenouchi Sora, Inoue Miyako. They all have different quirks about them, with Miyako being the only one to make Ken blush. And vice versa. I think they like each other.
Speaking of Ichijouji Ken. My history with him is long. Puberty has blessed him, but he has enough angst to play all the characters in a crappy American teen drama. I hate those things. Dubbing them in Japanese couldn't make them any worse.
If memory serves me right...yum, I miss Iron Chef. Still enjoying these noodles.
==
The year is 2000.
Nine-year old Ken bolts into the apartment after school.
"Mama, is Osamu home yet?" he shouts.
"No, honey; you know he has chess practice today." Mrs. Ichijouji looks at her son. The boy's hair stands in disarray due to his rush from school, and his eyes glisten in excitement.
"Oh, yeah-got to go!"
"Ken, your Spanish teacher called saying you were daydreaming."
"Oh, gomen nasai, mama." Ken looks bashful.
"But, you did well on your Spanish quiz," she smiles.
"Gracias, madre!" Ken grins, sprinting to his room.
"What has that boy so excited?"
- - - -
Oh...Osamu will be fine. I just want to look at it. Honestly, he acts as if the whole world wants to destroy me.
I mean, if he __really__ wanted me not to touch it, he would put a lock on his desk drawer. Yeah, that's it. It's not like he has to be grouchy about everything.
I'll just be careful not to break it. It's glowing again....
- - -
A few hours later.
- -
"So, my Tamer partner should be in Primary Village picking up his digimon.
"Eastern Continent, right? Roger that. Guess Milleniumon is that big of a threat."
Thanks for the vote of confidence, Gennai. I sign off. This new Tamer had better be useful. I can't believe the Harmonious Ones think I need a partner just to take out an evil digimon. And then they say I have to protect this partner from the darkness, too? Sounds more like a liability case to me.
Oh, well. At least I got a Veemon out of the deal. From Central. He insists that his name's Zeromaru, and we've finally settled on Zero. Zero's the perfect Tamer digimon. He and I are strictly business. I'm glad he understands the rules. No attachments, no regrets.
Name: Akiyama Ryo. Designation: Tamer, First Class. Age: Thirteen.
I'm at Primary Village now, and there's an Elecmon fussing over the freshies, as usual. The babies are quiet for once.
There's a little kid looking inside all of the baskets for something. Better make sure he doesn't disturb the babies.
- -
Ken continues looking for his digimon. Ryo taps him on the shoulder.
"Excuse me; I think you should leave the babies alone."
"I'm just trying to find out which of them is my digimon. He was born two weeks ago, and I've been thinking about him ever since.
"I can barely concentrate on my classes, but that's okay."
"How old are you?" asks Ryo.
"I just turned nine a few days ago." Ken eyes the older boy. "Is that your digimon?"
"No. I don't have one of my own. He's my Tamer field leader."
"Oh. I have one. See this?" Ken takes out the digivice. "The lady digimon said having this means I have a digimon of my own."
"I have one, too." Ryo takes out his Tamagotchi unit. "But again, I don't have my own digimon."
"Actually, though," whispers Ken ashamedly, "the digimon's my big brother's. But I'm going to care for him until my brother gets back from chess practice."
** The way this chatterbox goes, I thought his brother would be at soccer practice. The kid must be a minor genius, though. * "What's your name?" Ryo asks aloud.
"Ichijouji Ken."
A Minomon tugs at Ken's shorts. "There you are! I've been looking all over for you," the Minomon pouts.
"Huh? Leafmon! You look different from when I saw you two weeks ago."
"I digivolved out of my fresh stage since then, Ken."
"Minomon's his name now," says Ryo.
"You haven't changed much at all," notes the Minomon.
"Humans take longer to digivolve, I guess," Ken shrugs.
"No, humans age," corrects Ryo.
"I know that," grins Ken, "but Minomon has to know what that means in his terms. You have to talk to others in words they understand. I learned that in Spanish."
"Oh. Anyway, my name's Akiyama Ryo."
"Ken, we're supposed to meet him!" squeals Minomon.
"That's right! I'm going to be your partner," adds Ken.
- - -
One week later.
- - - -
I can't be stuck with a nine-year old. This sucks so much. And he's the worst possible choice for a Tamer.
Ken just runs off with Wormmon-yes, he reached rookie-level-and concocts some crazy plan. Sure, we managed to defeat that gang of Dark Unimon that was terrorizing Western. But he's got to learn restraint.
And the way he chats with Wormmon, like he's an old friend. Zero and I are steamed. What kind of Tamer unit is this? Ken and Wormmon are forming too close an attachment, and that only leads to heartache later, which leads to irrational decisions. That is intolerable in a Tamer First Class.
Yet somehow, those two can pull it off. They are a functioning unit. Ken absorbs information. He's constantly studying the Tamers' Manual and Index.
I saw the kid bring down a Dark Tyrannomon. Ken can ride an Airdramon, and I am flat-out afraid of the things.
- - - -
"Kimeramon's heading into Machine City," says Ken.
"Okay. Our mission is to neutralize Mugendramon before Kimeramon can jogress with him. I can't stress to you enough what will happen if we fail."
"He becomes Milleniumon, and we're in deep kuso."
"Yeah...."
"You'd better quit saying those words around Ken, if you don't want him to say them," notes Zero.
"I don't mean to."
"It's okay. I heard it from my brother and his friend too," Ken grins. "They don't think I can hear them. But I'm usually careful not to say stuff like that around mama and papa."
"Anyway...all you have to do is stay here."
"But why?"
"Don't question me-I'm your superior. Just hold our position until I get back. You can monitor my progress using my binoculars," Ryo adds.
Ken is none too happy, but he complies, taking the binoculars.
Ryo enters the city.
- - -
A Mugendramon...sugoi.... Ryo and Zero will be annihilated. And if they're annihilated, we can't stop Mugendramon from fusing with Kimeramon. Then the digital world gets squashed by Milleniumon.
"This isn't working!" I say aloud.
"You want to do something, don't you, Ken?" How does Wormmon know what I'm thinking all the time? Someday, I'll conduct an experiment on it.
I nod. I think Ryo would have it easier if he could keep Mugendramon from launching that Giga Cannon attack. Otherwise, he and Zero will just keep running until they're too tired to escape the death ray.
But...I think I've got a way to help Ryo. Just hope he doesn't overreact.
- - -
"Damn!" Zero and I duck yet another Giga Cannon. We can't do this much longer.
Then, all of a sudden, a lot of metal scaffolding above starts shaking. I hope that's not a certain boy and caterpillar team I see up there....
- - - -
"I need Silk Threads there, there, there, and there," commands Ken.
Wormmon does as directed. "Alright, Ken."
"Now hop on my back." Ken winds the strands together into a thick cord. "Hang on!"
Ryo glances up from the battle, only to watch the scaffolding cascade down on Mugendramon.
"Banzai!" Ken swings down on a rope, bringing down all of the rickety metal constructs. He lets go of the rope, allowing a Sticky Net from Wormmon to help Ken glide to safety.
They stand next to a shocked and irate Ryo.
"I. Will deal. With you. Later." Ryo takes a breath. "Right now, I'll terminate Mugendramon while he's immobilized."
"Better hurry before Kimeramon gets here." Ken looks worried. "I can feel him coming."
Glancing to Ken's left, Ryo indeed sees the beast in question in the distance; breathing a Heat Viper into the air.
Ryo takes out his Walther Shot. "Ken, Gaiaforce clip. Sun card."
"Hai." Ken hands him the requested items. "Wish we could tame him instead."
"I know; it's really not his fault." Ryo loads the clip. "But we can't afford to have the jogress between these two powerhouses. The resulting Milleniumon can't be controlled-he's evil."
Using a card slash, Ryo loads the Sun card to boost his clip.
"Sun Charge. Gaiaforce Shot. Solar--*" Ryo cries in pain, dropping the Walther Shot.
"Ryo, what happened?" asks Ken in shock.
Ryo looks up, seeing a pale blond figure clad in white robes, wearing a featurless mask.
"You."
"Gen, you screwed up his shot!" scowls Ken. "Why?"
"Of course. I can't allow you to prevent this from happening," says Gen.
"But Milleniumon...will destroy the digital world."
"Ken, don't try to reason with him," grunts Ryo.
"Yeah-charge me with the Gaiaforce power!" adds Zero.
"I'll do it, Ken. You get out of here."
"You can't do this alone," protests Ken.
"Just trust me. Now go."
"Devidramon, after the small boy and his Wormmon." Gen looks toward Ryo and Zero. "Milleniumon will arise to finish Ryo."
"Not a chance! Kinaeroveedramon Zero!" Zero becomes a Gold Aeroveedramon.
"Finish Mugendramon now!" orders Ryo.
"Roger that, taishou."
However, Kimeramon emits another Heat Viper, which Zero barely eludes. The mismated digimon and Mugendramon jogress before Zero can recover.
- - - -
I halt suddenly. Turn around. And there's this huge black Kimeramon, radiating evil.
Wormmon nips my leg. I guess I was dozed out, because there's also a Devidramon chasing after us. And we can't fight him in an enclosed forest like this.
Only one thing to do-though I hate to leave Ryo alone....
"Run!" Wormmon and I haul our butts away, fast as we can. Which means I have to carry him, because I can walk faster than he can run.
Lucky for us that I'm a fast runner. We're out of the forest.
I whip out my digivice. "Wormmon, digivolve!"
Wormmon tries his hardest, but he can't do it.
"Come on-I've seen Zero do it millions of times-do it!"
"I'm trying!" I must have really hurt his feelings-he's never snapped at me before.
"I'm sorry...." I still see Devidramon. We have to do something. "You think you can fight him like you are now?"
"I'll try, Ken."
Maybe I can do a card slash to boost his power a bit. But first, we've got to slow Devidramon down.
"Use a Net!"
"Okay." Wormmon uses the strongest Sticky Net he can. That gives me just enough time to use a card.
I have a Death card. Scary looking, but it's a strong card.
"Card Slash! Death card. Wormmon, tackle him while he's still stuck."
- - -
"Fate charge. Gate Shot! Final Portal!" With those words, Ryo seals Milleniumon away.
"We did it. Now we part ways, Zeromaru," says Ryo.
"Yeah," grunts Zero.
"Only for a year, Northern time." Gennai's image appears on Ryo's Wonder Swan.
"What?" Ryo's eyes widen.
"You did succeed in sealing Milleniumon away; however, the seal will only hold for a digital year, tops."
"What's the difference-the eight digidestined Chosen already stabilized time."
"In File and Server. Those sectors are stable. The four main continents are unstable. Until Milleniumon is neutralized, it will be impossible to fully secure the digital world.
"For that, I need their eight crests. You can't expect me to endanger their lives with Milleniumon, now can you?"
Ryo sighs. "No, Gennai. I would have destroyed Mugendramon if it hadn't been for Gen's interference. That guy seems to have his own agenda.
"Now I guess I have to finish the job in a year."
"For you, in four months. Ken should also be ready by then."
"What is it about Ken that you and the Harmonious Ones like so much?"
"What do you like about him?" smile the voices of the Harmonious.
"Gennai, signing off." With that, the Wonder Swan fades to black.
"Somehow, I have a feeling that we'll fight together again," grunts Zero.
"That would simplify things." Ryo allows Zero a small smile. "Now let's find Ken and debrief him."
"Are you sure that Ken's okay?"
"Trust me; I feel badly for that Devidramon."
- - -
Ken's left for home. Thank the gods. That kid was beginning to grate my nerves.
Who am I kidding? I almost miss him already. Almost.
"Wormmon; I know you and Ken are a unit, so I can expect you to be a lot stronger when I get back.
"Zero, my last standing order is for you to remain in this area unless other orders that supersede mine are issued. You know what those are."
"No problem, taishou." Zero salutes as I leave. I acknowledge the salute and head home.
Any further statement would signify an attachment. Zero would cease to respect me.
==
Now, to the year 2006. Ken will be fifteen in seven months.
With that personal sentiment out of the way, our ultimate goal is to neutralize Neo by summer's end. Plans are already being discussed by the Eight to accomplish this goal. I guess there is an advantage to friendship.
No, there are many advantages to close attachements. Implicit, unconditional trust and loyalty. The stability and security such a reliable group would provide is great...but it's fleeting. There's a major disadvantage that outweighs attachments to others; they don't last forever.
This is a particular problem when dealing with digimon. I've spent three years with Zero and that crazy crew I have back in Central. Takato, Kazenori, Sayuki, Kishi, and Gotsutei. Those five are too emotional, and they get angry too quickly with us.
But Zero? He and I understand the rules. No attachments, no regrets. Once this tour of duty ends, the six of us move our separate ways and go on with our lives. That's the way of a Tamer unit.
I'll just have to make sure that my stupid heart doesn't try to change my mind. It's bad enough to have Hikari dancing in there.
==
"Ow!"
"Did I give my Ryo-chan a boo-boo?" teases Akane.
"Watch your baseballs next time," hisses Ryo.
"Ooh...I see. A girlfriend," giggles Yohko.
Ryo snatches his picture of Hikari. "Get real. Why would I date a girl your age? Besides, she lives in Tokyo."
"Love knows no boundaries."
"Love would bring Dad home," Ryo scowls.
"Daddy loves us, doesn't he Ryo?" Akane's brown eyes quiver, nearing tears.
"Of course; my point is that love does have its limits. And one of those limits is the need of the nation."
"Whatever. We'll play tomorrow, guys!" snarls Akane, running to the house.
"Ryo...." Yohko glares at her brother. "I guess you'll quiet her, then."
** I have no choice. I lost it and made Akane cry. I hate seeing girls cry. * Sulking, Ryo walks toward the house.
