Disclaimer: I do not own digimon. This is not a work for profit, and using it as such is strictly against my wishes.
Author's Note: No matter what I do, this episode will sound a little weird. I tried
Act III
Paradise Lost
And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
Genesis, 3:22-3:24
To: Address encrypted
From: Address encrypted
Subject: Greetings and Farewell
Main:
Greetings Old Friend. I hope you are well.
I suspect this is my last message to you friend. It was a pleasure to know you, and an honor to call you friend. Despite the way we have been made to live our lives, I do not regret it yet. I just wanted to let you know I said goodbye. I suspect that we will not meet again on this Earth.
Events are moving fast now, with the monster attacks appearing to have been some sort of signal. Tensions have been rising, and I fear my presence is more hinderance than they can overlook. I sent my associate Riley out to look for something this morning and he has not returned. I do not expect to see him again. Even now I catch the flickers of movement that indicate that they are here.
I suspect now with somewhat more urgency that your suspicions were right, and that something is occuring, perhaps the latest unfolding of the grand plan. I do not know where this message will reach you, or when, but I know one thing. You must return to Tokyo at once! Else all may be lost. Our suspicions about the children are twice confirmed.
I must go now. They are trying to break down the door. It will hold them for a time, but I fear my end comes soon. I'll try to take a few of them with me, for old times sake.
Farewell.
End Message
To: Address encrypted
From: Address encrypted
Subject: Orders
Message Router: C-27D (secure)
Beginning Encryption program: Encryption Key: White Rose
Encryption Complete.
Main:
I hope you understand what an insane risk you're running here. Nevertheless I fear that you are correct, and unfortunately, I must agree with you. As you have surmised, CIA and MI-6 informants in critical locations across the third world have begun to mysteriously disappear. I suspect likewise that the big movement is coming, but I don't know what, or when.
I can do nothing to stop it. The upper levels of the government are untrustworthy, but I do not know how deeply, nor do I dare compromise us by finding out.
There is only one thing I can do. Your orders stand as follows:
Reactivate Helios Ascendent.
God save us all.
End Message
From: Address encrypted
Subject: Dojo.
Main:
I suspect that you are startled, like most, that I use email. Such is the hubris of youth. Besides, I'm truly not that old. Yet.
I have a new assignment for you, and I suspect that it's the one you've been patiently awaiting. I apologize for all of this.
A dojo requiring a Master in interdisciplinary martial arts has become vacant in Odaiba, Japan, as Master Akihara has been forced to return to Hokkaido. I have been aproached, and have suggested that you take over administration there, since you are certainly qualified. I believe you understand what this entails.
You know how to contact me should the need arise.
Keep an eye on the children. I received word yesterday: Helios Ascendent has been reactivated.
Keep your wits about you.
I am getting to old for this.
End Message.
To: Address encrypted
From: Jim Kido kido.shin@emrl.u-tokyo.ac.jp
Subject: The Vault
Main:
Hey chief!
I just wanted to let you know that we got a new shipment from the Vault today. MI-5 claims that all digital matter from the British Isles should be their property, but MI-6 managed to steal some from them. They claim that we do better work with semi-organics.
I also thought I should warn you that Professor Takenouchi is on the warpath again. Apparently we got the IR spectroscopy scans back from that last sample, and they're completely useless. It could be something new in the material, or one of the ghostbusters managed to overexpose the sample. Either way, he's going to be one unhappy camper until we get this fixed.
I hear this rumor that you're going to be seeing those kids soon. If you see my brother before I do, tell him I said Hi. I'll probably be here all night. We have to recalibrate the X-Ray scanners again.
Cheers,
Jim
End Message.
Episode XXVII
A New Kind of War
Two weeks after Episode XXVI
Please not too late. Izzy pleaded as he sprinted down the sidewalk, his running feet hitting the pavement with rapid thuds. He was panting and sweating, and the people who were being forced to jump out of his way were staring at him with looks that normally would have mortified the digidestined to no end. But now he had ceased paying attention to them, the only thing existing in his mind was his need to get to the end of the block, his need to speed around the corner, to do everything possible, and by this he meant absolutely everything, to get there in time.
There was a break in the crowd. He used it to his advantage, and jumped around the last group of random pedestrians and sightseers on the walk. His shoes skidded on concrete as he turned, and then he stopped dead and closed his eyes.
He was too late. It was already over. The now-familiar sight of construction workers and emergency personnel gathering around collapsed buildings, trying to look and see if anybody was under there, the familiar sights of people clutching bloody wounds, being attended to by paramedics, of ambulances screaming away, of spectators watching with wide, horrified eyes. Izzy felt like he was going to be sick to his stomach. Too late again. He heard a news reporter talking in the edge of his awareness.
Yet the seventh mysterious attack in the last two weeks by the creatures known as digimon. In all cases casualties have been light, and all injured victims have survived. Nevertheless these mysterious creatures appear to be out to attack and destroy either humanity or Tokyo. Reports from the rest of the world also indicate that these creatures have been attacking overseas. What they want, and why they keep coming is a huge question.
These creatures appear to be larger, fiercer cousins of the smaller digimon that children all over the world have been receiving for the past year and a half. This has raised health and safety concerns all over the world about whether children should be exposed to these creatures. However, since attempts to remove these monsters from the care of children has resulted in numerous incidents, lawmakers are currently stumped. The Prime Minister was quoted as...
Izzy shook his head as the reporter droned on, and then turned his head as another familiar sight greeted him. Tai and Sora sprinted up, both still wearing their soccer uniforms, both sweating as much as he was. Above he caught sight of what looked like Veemon speeding from building roof to building roof, but Agumon was nowhere in sight. Their digimon had to stay out of sight to keep out of the public eye, to keep from being attacked in public. It was becoming more than a nuisance, it was becoming a real danger.
Late again? Tai asked unnecessarily.
Izzy responded bitterly.
We need a new plan. Sora muttered.
I think I've got one. Izzy responded. C'mon, let's get back to school before those passes I forged catch somebody's attention.
So what's this new plan? Tai asked as they began to jog back to school.
We need to find a legitimate series of excuses to get the others out of school, and we need allies in the school itself. Izzy shook his head. There might be a way to do that all at once.
How does that work? Tai asked.
We start by getting your sister and her friends into a lot of trouble.
I hope you five understand why you're here. The Middle School Principal looked out at the five students standing in front of his desk with a cold expression. The five students in front of him squirmed just a little. Missing class, coming in late, trying to run off early, talking in class, falling asleep in class, all this comes with a price. Each of you has had steadily dropping grades for the past two weeks. Is there anything you would like to tell me? Ken opened his mouth to say something, but closed it before Yolei stepped on his foot.
Davis I could understand, but the rest of you have always tried to be diligent students, and have always tried not to slack off. But now I find you all facing academic failure. He paused for a moment in his tirade before staring off into the distance. Well, we have other options to fall back on now.
Such as? Ken asked as politely as he could manage.
We're sending you all to one of our school district tutors. It's a new program involving private citizens who, unlike you, are concerned about the education of the youth. The principal rose from his desk and paced around the room heatedly. You will go to his house after school where he will hopefully teach you enough to get you back on track. I know that this is an unusual step, and were you less diligent students normally I might let you fail or place you in remedial classes, but we do have district tutors now, and if this one can help you, I expect that this will be the best thing I can do for you.
TK began, quickly seeing any hope for saving the world slipping out from under him.
That's all. We've already informed your parents, and they were very disappointed. You will meet him outside of school immediately after your last class. His name is Adam Davids and he's easy to recognize. He's the only American likely to show up. The principal's disapproving gaze swept back over each and every one of them.
He's American? Ken asked curiously, something Izzy had told him buzzing in the back of his mind.
Yes, which, since all of you are enrolled in English, should be an excellent choice. Now return to class.
TK tried again.
I wasn't asking for an argument Mr. Takaishi.
Yes sir. TK responded after a moment, leading the despondent digidestined out the door.
Tai skittered back into the gym just as class entered. He almost immediately ran into trouble with a capital T. The school had decided to offer a more diverse set of physical education classes than it ever had previously, and one of the instructors was usually hanging around with nothing to do. Had Tai run into the enthusiastic basketball coach, or the volleyball coach, or any of the other coaches he would have been fine. But Master Hideo Ishiguro, the instructor for an experimental class in the martial arts, was down on Tai's list as seriously bad news. His sudden appearance two weeks ago had thrown the entire PE department into a tizzy. He was one of those teachers who did not even pretend to have an eye in the back of his head. He had full 360 degree peripheral vision, and a built-in radar set to go with it. It did not matter how cleverly you tried to do what you wanted to do, he would see it. Tai had thanked his luck before this day that the only subject that he had to encounter Master Ishiguro was gym, but now he was cursing his luck but good. He doubly cursed when he heard Sora screech to a halt behind him.
Yes, and what are the two of you doing out of class? He asked pleasantly, taking a look over to where the soccer group was just packing it in for the end of class. As I recall, you're supposed to be the star players over there.
Tai did not trust his voice to answer, especially after running so far, and he stuck his forged pass up, just as Sora did the same thing. He felt, more than heard, the bump as Biyomon landed somewhere above them, trying to stay out of sight, and felt a momentary surge of panic. But without looking around he instinctively knew that the bird digimon was out of sight of the teacher on the ground.
I see. You know, I really don't think this looks too much like our principal's signature. Master Ishiguro turned the passes one way and then another with one hand, while fishing a package out of his shirt pocket with the other. Lemon drop?
Both students shook their heads. Tai was holding his breath, and Sora sounded like she was beginning to panic. Master Ishiguro shrugged and placed the package back into his pocket and continued to look over the passes.
Still, I guess it's really not my concern, is it? The teacher let his gaze pass over the two students in such a way that Sora's face matched the color of her hair. Tai was not much better off. Although it might be better in the future if you could arrange to leave class less often.
Tai nodded rapidly, still not trusting himself to speak less he betray them with his shaky voice. Master Ishiguro gave them back the rumpled paper passes with the forged signature.
Well, I guess I'll leave you to your business. The way he said that made Tai turn even redder. Then, unexpectedly, the tall black belt smiled. Besides, if I keep you here much longer, your friend up there is going to pass out from lack of breath. His eyes lazily traced their way upwards until they landed on the spot of wall behind which Biyomon was hiding. You can only keep from breathing for so long.
He turned and walked away. Tai only managed to keep from exclaiming suddenly through conscious use of willpower. Once he was far enough away to be out of earshot, he turned to Sora.
What just happened? Tai asked.
I have no idea. Sora shook her head.
I can't believe this. Ken hit his thigh with one hand. I can't believe this at all. How could we have messed up this badly?
Because we were trying to save the world Ken. Yolei told him, carefully placing a comforting hand on him, feeling a little surprised by her own audacity in doing so.
Save the world. Paugh! TK spat angrily as they hung around the front of the school. The closest we've come to saving the world is saving an old woman from picking up her own trash. This is just useless.
I'm going to agree with TK. Kari took his hand gently in hers. Khartan hasn't attacked anything. He just seems to be hiding somewhere and pulling the strings.
He's got a lot of strings. Those attacks of his are causing a lot of panic. Ken pointed out. And they don't make any sense. What's he trying to accomplish?
At least Cody can keep his grades up. Yolei remarked as they thought about the missing digidestined.
But he can't help with anything farther away than Odaiba, and he has to keep all the other digimon in his house and dojo all the time. I don't know how his grandfather puts up with all of this. Ken ran a hand through his hair, turning it from frazzled to disorderly with a single gesture.
Prune juice. Davis suggested, causing them to all have a brief laugh. He was watching a group of children from the school playing soccer on the giant field out in front of the school, as were several other groups, laughing and cheering on the players.
So where is this guy? Davis asked again, growing impatient.
Be patient. I looked outside. Traffic is horrible today. Yolei whispered.
I think that's him. TK remarked suddenly, pointing.
Sure enough there was an adult who was clearly American coming their way, a tall man, looming head and shoulders above most Japanese adults, with unkempt brown hair and gold-framed glasses. He passed through several groups of cheering kids and stopped right in front of them, his casual work clothes looking a little rumpled.
Good afternoon. He told them brightly, looking down at them. He was smiling as if he was amused by something, but whatever it was he seemed disinclined to discuss it. Do I have the honor of addressing, let's see...Daisuke Motomiya, Miyako Inoue, Takeru Takaishi, Hikari Kamiya and Ken Ichijouji?
They all nodded, Ken still looking puzzled, Davis looking resentful, and the others looking carefully neutral.
Ah, good...as you probably guessed I'm supposed to be your private tutor, or whatever they're calling it these days. My name is Adam Davids, although you can call me Adam. I don't mind. His Japanese was excellent, although accented with what Kari thought of as an American accent. Anyway, I'm supposed to be escorting you to my apartment, your new designated study area, where you're supposed to come after school so we can take care of you. My job is to keep you on track academically. It shouldn't be too much of a problem, should it? I guess we should try and get going, eh?
He gave them what he thought of as a winning smile, but Davis was still grumbling when a tall, blue haired figure pushed through the crowd and reached them, panting and holding a large canvas sack in one arm. It was Joe's elder brother Jim.
He panted. ...glad I found you. Professor Takenouchi told me to give this to you post-haste, so I ran to catch up with you. Should have known you'd be with these hooligans. Jim gave them all a quick grin.
Adam examined the bag's contents quickly, and then looked up at Jim, eyes narrowing sharply. Where did we get this?
Smuggled it through customs. Jim smiled at him. Even Ken's eyebrows rose. Joe's straight-laced brother smuggling?
Adam seemed unimpressed.
Diplomatic pouch from Great Britain, arrived from London about two hours ago, but got delayed by traffic. British Counter-Intelligence sends us their finest regards. They took this from the shipment that was going to the Vault. Professor Takenouchi thought you might like to have a piece of the sample.
Thank him for me. Adam closed the bag again, as if everything was decided. Tell him that this time he might want to do the radiological examination first. I don't want to risk contaminating this particular sample before we check those readings. And tell him that I think it's about time to make the grad students recalibrate the heavy-ion accelerators again. They were responding a bit badly."
Will do. Jim grinned at them one last time and then sprinted back off toward the parking lots.
Adam grunted under his breath. Well, I guess we better get going.
What's in the bag? Davis asked.
That, Mr. Motomiya, is something that should not be discussed in public. Adam led the digidestined toward the nearest parking lot, and, once they were there, to a large, comfortable looking van much like the one Matt's Dad owned. Quickly they clambered in and squeezed to make fit, and then they were off, driving toward wherever they would be spending their afternoons.
So, now you know what to call me. So what do I call you? He asked.
I'm Yolei. Yolei introduced herself.
TK introduced himself.
Davis sounded more curious than sulky now.
But Ken remained silent. Then he looked up. My name's Ken. I have a question for you.
Go ahead. Adam did not take his eyes off the road.
If I asked you about hot wasabi, would that mean something to you?
They paused at a stoplight and Adam pantomimed slamming his head into the wheel. I'm never going to live that one down, am I? he asked plaintively.
Ken grinned. I thought it might be you.
Ah well...fame has its price. They both grinned as if sharing a private joke. TK was suddenly amazed at how young Adam looked, as if he were only ten years older than them, something rare among his teachers. I could win the Nobel prize, cure cancer and be the first person to Mars, and all that they'll remember me for is being stupid enough to pour Ota's experimental powdered wasabi into my cup instead of hot chocolate.
There was a moment of silence while the others digested that remark.
So, what do you do, and why did Jim know you? Kari asked politely.
Ahhh...that. A few years ago I moved to Japan to pursue research in those monsters that appeared. If he noticed them tense up at the reference he ignored them. Anyway I ended up working for the Institute for Solid State Physics, attached to Tokyo University. I've been doing a lot of research alongside Professor Takenouchi, examining these digimon very carefully. Jim and I get along great.
Why do you tutor? Ken asked curiously. I know it isn't for the money.
Job satisfaction. I'm doing my part for society. Adam responded with a wink, as he pulled his van into a marked space underneath a rather large and expensive looking apartment complex. Everybody out.
They quickly piled out of the van and followed Adam in a long trooping line, heading upstairs and into an elevator, where he quickly pushed the button for the second to the highest floor. There was a rush of movement, familiar and welcome, but the ride was held in silence.
The corridor they came out in was quiet and sparsely decorated, a blank white wall along one side with doors at long intervals, a large window showing the expanse of Odaiba further inland, and the city to the north. The door he led them too, the second door was decorated by a peculiar inlay that protruded a little out in the hall. Adam procured a card and swiped it through an electronic lock, and the door clicked silently open.
There was a short hallway, and then the apartment branched out. Another hallway led off to their right, and Ken could see the doors of what looked like a set of bedrooms and a bathroom. In front of them was a large living room area, and to their left was a small kitchen, and a large door apparently leading into a different room. The living room drew his eye, there were four computer boxes at least, one of them sitting open, a pair of soft couches, a filing cabinet and computer desk, and several large wall monitors, large, high quality screens displaying different screen savers. Only one appeared active, a large map of the world showing a number of blinking red dots.
What are the red dots? Yolei asked, breaking the silence.
Locations of known digidestined. A familiar voice broke the silence. Izzy's red hair and questing hand appeared over the side of the desk, grabbed a tool that had been lying there and then disappeared back down out of sight.
They exclaimed loudly.
Yeah, that's me. Now where was that? Ah yes, here... There was a small popping sound and then Izzy's head swung back up over the desk, smiling at them. Good to see you again. Hey Adam I have a message for you.
Adam asked guardedly. Apparently Izzy had not always been a bearer of good news.
Willis called from America. They want to send the lab down at Solid State another sample, but apparently the data won't transfer.
Ah, yes. Adam suddenly looked acutely embarrassed. Well, there was a slight problem down at the lab today. They wanted us to double run a sample group, but somehow we ended up fooling the data server into thinking that we were running two streams on one port and, well...the computer crashed on us. I left Professor Takenouchi and the rest of the ghostbusters scrambling over it.
Oh. That would explain it, I guess. Izzy turned back to what he was doing. I was wondering, could we borrow your room for a meeting later. Alone?
Adam raised an eyebrow to indicate curiosity, but did not press Izzy further. But I do have some responsibilities for these kids you know.
Don't worry. Izzy suddenly gave an evil grin. They're all hopeless anyway.
Adam grinned back. We'll see. He turned to the other digidestined, and asked professionally. Now what subjects are we dealing with here?
The Aerie did not look like the headquarters of an organization of secret individuals dedicated toward preserving world peace and harmony. It did not appear to be the meeting place of an extraordinary band of heroes, who regularly risked both life and limb to save the world. It did not appear to be the above ground headquarters building of America's premiere superhero group.
This was, said the group's oldest member, tall, blonde 17-year old Steve, with a distinctly pained look in his eye, because it wasn't. Not that it wasn't cool and everything, but it wasn't much more than a clubhouse.
This was also not true. What the Aerie really looked like was a perfectly ordinary three story office building on the outskirts of commercial New York City, with an underground basement. What the Aerie actually was could have been debated. The bottom two floors were held by the researchers from Columbia University, who gladly used the space given to them, and the donated equipment in the converted office building, to expand their research in digimon studies. The basement was used as a combination storeroom and workshop for the manufacture of electronic gadgets and gizmos that every research lab needs to stay functional. The top floor was personal domain of Team Eagle.
This was because Michael's Dad, being not only a famous movie star, but a rich famous movie star, could afford to indulge his son's whims. Michael, being astonishingly unspoiled, tended not to ask for any whims, but his first big one, presented by his father on his thirteenth birthday, had been the creation of a research center for research into digimon, as well as a collection point for his friends to gather at, a glorified, high-tech clubhouse. Thrilled by his son's interest in the sciences (since he had already announced that he had no interest in the movie business), his father had quickly purchased an old apartment building in the outskirts of New York City, and set his son up there with a place where he and his digidestined buddies could meet, sleep over and such, as well as interact with some of the city's finest researchers. As a result the Aerie was home away from home for the twelve members who constituted Team Eagle's active strength.
Actually, on paper, Team Eagle had an active strength of about forty people, but most of them were living somewhere else in the United States. The core of Team Eagle was built around the Seven who had been part of the effort to keep digimon from rampaging across the world during MaloMyostismon's brief worldwide rampage. Of the Seven there was Amy Nakamura, the Japanese seventh grader, Phil, a short black kid in the Seventh grade, Maria, a dark haired latina in eighth grade, Lou, a tall Native American from the tenth grade, Steve, and the co-founders, tenth graders Michael and Willis.
Michael, who served as official leader, often gave thanks that it was Willis and not him who ran most of the affairs of Team Eagle on a day to day basis. Willis might have been two years younger, but there was a reason he had skipped two grades, and it mostly had to do with his extraordinary intelligence. Michael had been all for plastering their team name and insignia across New York, but Willis had kept them calm, more controlled and more secretive. Now, with the negative publicity that digimon were getting, being well connected to the scientific community and to the police department was proving a bonus. And it was getting them popularity as well.
There was a bulletin board, filled with pictures and newspaper clippings. One had a picture of the NYPD SWAT team racing toward an attack site with Willis, Kokomon and Gargomon looming behind them, monstrous backup for a monstrous battle. Another showed the massive bulk of Seadramon supporting a falling building. Despite the general outrage against digimon attacks, especially in already battered New York, public support for the Eagles was actually pretty strong. But it did not help them solve the problem.
So we can't cover this. Willis gestured wildly at a map of New York on the nearest wall. How can we cover that?! This with an accusing finger pointed at the map of the United States on the other wall. We're not superheroes.
Michael chimed in with the familiar argument, but even he was looking glum.
So, we've got a major bad guy hiding out somewhere, and we don't know where. Phil summed everything up with a single sentence.
Or why he's there. That's something that's still puzzling me. Steve put his hand under his chin.
We do have some good news. Any major concentration of digimon on the move should be spottable from the air. So they'll have to keep hidden. Lou regarded the map. Plus we have digidestined contacts in twelve US cities, and in how many other places Willis?
A lot. Willis responded, searching his memory. The A team is in Japan of course, and Tokyo boasts a lot of digidestined on top of that. We have an organized digidestined force in Hong Kong in China, and a small group in New Dehli in India. The Australian Avengers operate out of Sydney. Catherine is chairing the European Legion now, which has a whole bunch of divisions including the primary ones in Paris, London and Frankfurt. The Moscow Blizzard remains in Moscow, but they're not quite on ready alert, because apparently they've been having some problems with phone connections. Rosa has some friends in Mexico City, but that's about all we've got organized. Nobody foresaw that we'd have to become some sort of global guardians or something. We need some coordination.
And all digidestined have been alerted? Michael asked, already knowing the answer.
All the ones that we know about, but it's hard to get them all, or make sure we even have a thousandth of their numbers. The other problem is, with this anti-digimon backlash, most digidestined are hiding their digimon from their parents and their friends. In addition more and more people are finding it harder to sneak out for a few hours to battle the forces of evil. It's slowly isolating our manpower, and that's the only way we can fight against this guy. We need to call on more people.
We have a coordination meeting with Japan late tonight. I suggest we get some sleep since tomorrow is a weekend. Willis looked around. We're going to be getting up early in the morning to talk to them.
Yolei groaned. She had been a good student, but after the she had been having real problems finding time to study and time to do homework. Adam had not needed to give her extra lessons to improve her scores, but he had given her several worksheets and problems to do that were keeping her occupied. Kari and TK were isolated in a corner, trying to hold a conversation in English, hampered by the fact that, whenever they could not think of a word they seemed to be bursting out laughing. Ken was, as usual, zooming through his work, the enforced time giving him a moment to relax. Adam was standing over Davis, tackling the impossible task of keeping Davis' attention focused on the problem. Izzy was in a corner, muttering to himself about something.
She groaned again, keeping from snickering at Adam's efforts, and went back to work.
Taichi, could I have a word with you?
Tai groaned inwardly as he and Sora tried to sneak away from school quietly after their latest detention. Then his eyes widened in surprise. It was Master Ishiguro again, and he was standing right behind them, a peculiar light in his eyes. He tossed his head imperiously at the two delinquents who stopped dead in front of them.
Want a lemon drop? He asked.
Uh...no thank you sir. Tai got out.
I heard that your grades were slipping again. Is this something I should know about? He looked unexpectedly concerned, normally he only looked strict.
No, it isn't. Tai spoke up hurriedly, attempting to divert the stream of conversation, but Master Ishiguro gave him a knowing look.
So what is the problem then? His voice was quiet, as if he already suspected the answer.
Tai paused for a moment. He barely knew the man at school, so why was he so concerned?
Sora started to say, when Ishiguro cut him off.
I see. He nodded again. I hope you understand when I say, if you ever need me, all you have to do is ask. And then, with a final penetrating glance, he left down another corridor.
What was that all about? Tai asked, puzzled.
The last two have left the building, they're headed the same way that the others already went, probably to the same rendezvous. The man lying on the roof was proud of his patience and his discipline. Even though it had taken hours, he had sat motionless, his gray clothes blending in perfectly with the top of the school. He had been watching and waiting, and now his final two targets were moving. He had performed his mission and emerged undetected. But suddenly he frowned as no reply came through his radio. He shook it once or twice, and then spoke into it again.
Where is everybody? He asked sharply. If they were playing around at a time like this, with how important the job was... But there was simply no reply, as if they had dropped off the network.
There was a sudden crinkle of plastic behind him, and the man froze, consciously overriding the impulse to spin around and reveal how hair-trigger he was. He had chosen his costume to look deliberately like a maintenance worker, and if some student had managed to sneak up on him while he was distracted, he would simply act the part. He straightened his face and started to turn around.
Lemon drop? A voice asked right behind him.
As usual, Tai arrived latest, with Matt and Sora.
Good evening Tai. Adam spoke up as Tai came through the door.
Good evening Adam. Is Izzy here? Tai remembered Adam from a few times when Izzy had introduced him, although he could not remember exactly what Adam did. Adam just pointed at the living room, and then left, closing the door after him.
Is he gone? Izzy asked, when Tai plopped down.
Tai smiled at him, and looked around at the other eleven digidestined who were sitting around in a circle. So what's up?
We're in trouble Tai. We have to come here every day after school. TK spoke up first. He's tutoring us because of our failing grades, but that means that we'll be kept off the street.
No way! Matt exclaimed. You really think he can do that. Izzy, we've got to take care of this...do something...
Don't worry. Nobody panic. We have this all under control. Izzy gestured reassuringly at them. Trust me.
So what's the master plan Izzy? Yolei wanted to know.
Very simple. Izzy stood up and began pacing the room in front of him. Adam is doing this because I asked him to, and because he's qualified.
TK started. Ken just smiled.
It's easy. I keep in contact with the Middle School, and when I found out that you five were in trouble academically, I persuaded the principal that Adam, who is on retainer for the district, wouldn't be too troubled to take you on.
But that means that we won't be able to help you. Davis protested.
Give me a moment. The principal was considering sending you to extra classes instead, but I have enough influence to persuade him that this is the better course. The reason is simple, Adam is a ghostbuster.
A what? Tai asked.
Sorry...it's a nickname that the digimon researchers working under Professor Takenouchi at Tokyo University have assigned to themselves. They're one of the most pro-digimon research groups in the world. And they understand the stakes involved. Adam gets you guys out from under the gaze of your parents, because he is important enough to know a good deal of the story already. He's helped us before.
Yolei wanted to know.
Well, for instance, when Diaboromon first attacked both worlds Adam was the one who I went to in order to find a satellite uplink. That kind of stuff isn't sold at stores very often, but I knew Adam had one, so I borrowed it from him. And then again a lot of the programming that went into tracking BlackWarGreymon and the Control Spires was done by him. He has a real interest in the digimon.
He's also head of Averson Electronics at the moment. Ken continued, eyes narrowing. That makes him quite an ally, doesn't it?
That thought crossed my mind. Izzy nodded.
What does that have to do with anything? Sora asked.
It's quite simple actually. He has enough private wealth, and access to any piece of electronic equipment you could care to name. As an ally that would be invaluable. He has a car. He has interest in helping us. Why does the car matter? Davis inquired.
Izzy replied. Whenever there's an attack, the first thing they shut down is the subway system. Without that, we can't pursue. But Adam can provide transportation. Plus, he's an official tutor. Seeing their blank looks, he rolled his eyes. He's a school district official. He has the ability to get you out of school.
TK responded, out of surprise at Izzy's reasoning more than actual surprise.
My plan is simple. Izzy drew all their attention fully to him. We need to stop these attacks. To stop these attacks we need to get around the city faster. To do that we need two things, more freedom, and better transportation. I think that we need to start telling adults who can help us get those things.
So you think Adam will help us, and you think we should tell him our secrets? Tai continued.
I think we should tell several people. I know that none of us have told our parents yet, but I think that we should all give information to those who are either going to figure it out, or can help. Izzy pointed at his audience, who nodded.
So who do we tell? Mimi asked.
Simple. First, we tell Cody's grandfather. Cody jerked up, but after a moments reflection the look of surprise faded. Your grandfather is really smart and incredibly perceptive. He's been mixed up in this business since the start, in a sense even before we were. He deserves our trust, and he'll figure things out for himself. His mind is in excellent shape, and he could really be an asset.
Izzy pointed at Sora. Your father. Professor Takenouchi is, if not the world expert, one of the leading experts on digimon. Therefore he gets information about all kinds of incidents, and data that we could not normally get our hands on. His scientific equipment could also prove invaluable. Besides, he already is on our side, we might as well tell him the truth.
Izzy turned to Joe. Your brother would also be a lot of help here. I'm not sure if you know if, but Professor Takenouchi depends on him a lot. He can send Jim to help us, and to give us some support around town on the pretense of examining digimon sightings in this area. He knows a lot about the digimon already, and is definitely in our corner, and he's quite a good scientist.
Then Izzy turned to Matt, who looked surprised. Your Dad Matt. I know it sounds odd, but your Dad is a lot faster on the uptake than most of us suspect, and it isn't going to be too long before he suspects something. Besides, he's editor for Fuji TV's news desk. This means that he hears about attacks fast, and his job is to collect information on the attacks anyway, so if we can get it from him, we'll do all right. He can provide transportation, and he'll understand. Now, does anybody else think their parents should be informed?
There was a universal shaking of heads. Not now. TK chimed. She'll just freak out.
Yeah. Really. Matt grinned.
My mother would have fits. Sora smiled into her hand.
Count our parents out. Tai snuck an arm around his sister.
Don't even look here. They panic enough as it is. Ken shrugged.
I don't think they'd take it especially well. Mimi said, as if considering something very, very carefully.
My Dad would go nuts. Joe smiled down at Izzy.
So would my Mom. Cody nodded solemnly.
My parents might not care, but let's not take that chance. Davis snapped his goggles tighter around his head.
Mine either. Yolei volunteered.
All right. Izzy glanced around. It's decided now. There's only one problem, I don't have a contact at our High School that I think is trustworthy.
Something from earlier nudged Tai in the back of his head. What about Master Ishiguro?
What? You mean that big karate guy who teaches the self defense class? Matt looked puzzled. Why him?
Let's call it a feeling. He's been popping up in the most unexpected places recently. He seems completely trustworthy. Tai pointed out. Then he shrugged. Call it a hunch. And there's just something about him
Izzy considered slowly.
I have an idea. Joe exclaimed, anxious to head off a long debate. Why don't we think about this for a few days. That way we can change our minds. It also gives us a chance to get everyone together at once to talk about this.
That's good. Sora supported Joe and everybody else nodded.
In that case. Izzy planted himself firmly between the giant display screens. Why don't we get down to business?
Author's Note: No matter what I do, this episode will sound a little weird. I tried
Paradise Lost
And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
Genesis, 3:22-3:24
From: Address encrypted
Subject: Greetings and Farewell
Main:
Greetings Old Friend. I hope you are well.
I suspect this is my last message to you friend. It was a pleasure to know you, and an honor to call you friend. Despite the way we have been made to live our lives, I do not regret it yet. I just wanted to let you know I said goodbye. I suspect that we will not meet again on this Earth.
Events are moving fast now, with the monster attacks appearing to have been some sort of signal. Tensions have been rising, and I fear my presence is more hinderance than they can overlook. I sent my associate Riley out to look for something this morning and he has not returned. I do not expect to see him again. Even now I catch the flickers of movement that indicate that they are here.
I suspect now with somewhat more urgency that your suspicions were right, and that something is occuring, perhaps the latest unfolding of the grand plan. I do not know where this message will reach you, or when, but I know one thing. You must return to Tokyo at once! Else all may be lost. Our suspicions about the children are twice confirmed.
I must go now. They are trying to break down the door. It will hold them for a time, but I fear my end comes soon. I'll try to take a few of them with me, for old times sake.
Farewell.
End Message
To: Address encrypted
From: Address encrypted
Subject: Orders
Message Router: C-27D (secure)
Beginning Encryption program: Encryption Key: White Rose
Encryption Complete.
Main:
I hope you understand what an insane risk you're running here. Nevertheless I fear that you are correct, and unfortunately, I must agree with you. As you have surmised, CIA and MI-6 informants in critical locations across the third world have begun to mysteriously disappear. I suspect likewise that the big movement is coming, but I don't know what, or when.
I can do nothing to stop it. The upper levels of the government are untrustworthy, but I do not know how deeply, nor do I dare compromise us by finding out.
There is only one thing I can do. Your orders stand as follows:
Reactivate Helios Ascendent.
God save us all.
End Message
From: Address encrypted
Subject: Dojo.
Main:
I suspect that you are startled, like most, that I use email. Such is the hubris of youth. Besides, I'm truly not that old. Yet.
I have a new assignment for you, and I suspect that it's the one you've been patiently awaiting. I apologize for all of this.
A dojo requiring a Master in interdisciplinary martial arts has become vacant in Odaiba, Japan, as Master Akihara has been forced to return to Hokkaido. I have been aproached, and have suggested that you take over administration there, since you are certainly qualified. I believe you understand what this entails.
You know how to contact me should the need arise.
Keep an eye on the children. I received word yesterday: Helios Ascendent has been reactivated.
Keep your wits about you.
I am getting to old for this.
End Message.
To: Address encrypted
From: Jim Kido kido.shin@emrl.u-tokyo.ac.jp
Subject: The Vault
Main:
Hey chief!
I just wanted to let you know that we got a new shipment from the Vault today. MI-5 claims that all digital matter from the British Isles should be their property, but MI-6 managed to steal some from them. They claim that we do better work with semi-organics.
I also thought I should warn you that Professor Takenouchi is on the warpath again. Apparently we got the IR spectroscopy scans back from that last sample, and they're completely useless. It could be something new in the material, or one of the ghostbusters managed to overexpose the sample. Either way, he's going to be one unhappy camper until we get this fixed.
I hear this rumor that you're going to be seeing those kids soon. If you see my brother before I do, tell him I said Hi. I'll probably be here all night. We have to recalibrate the X-Ray scanners again.
Cheers,
Jim
End Message.
A New Kind of War
Two weeks after Episode XXVI
Please not too late. Izzy pleaded as he sprinted down the sidewalk, his running feet hitting the pavement with rapid thuds. He was panting and sweating, and the people who were being forced to jump out of his way were staring at him with looks that normally would have mortified the digidestined to no end. But now he had ceased paying attention to them, the only thing existing in his mind was his need to get to the end of the block, his need to speed around the corner, to do everything possible, and by this he meant absolutely everything, to get there in time.
There was a break in the crowd. He used it to his advantage, and jumped around the last group of random pedestrians and sightseers on the walk. His shoes skidded on concrete as he turned, and then he stopped dead and closed his eyes.
He was too late. It was already over. The now-familiar sight of construction workers and emergency personnel gathering around collapsed buildings, trying to look and see if anybody was under there, the familiar sights of people clutching bloody wounds, being attended to by paramedics, of ambulances screaming away, of spectators watching with wide, horrified eyes. Izzy felt like he was going to be sick to his stomach. Too late again. He heard a news reporter talking in the edge of his awareness.
Yet the seventh mysterious attack in the last two weeks by the creatures known as digimon. In all cases casualties have been light, and all injured victims have survived. Nevertheless these mysterious creatures appear to be out to attack and destroy either humanity or Tokyo. Reports from the rest of the world also indicate that these creatures have been attacking overseas. What they want, and why they keep coming is a huge question.
These creatures appear to be larger, fiercer cousins of the smaller digimon that children all over the world have been receiving for the past year and a half. This has raised health and safety concerns all over the world about whether children should be exposed to these creatures. However, since attempts to remove these monsters from the care of children has resulted in numerous incidents, lawmakers are currently stumped. The Prime Minister was quoted as...
Izzy shook his head as the reporter droned on, and then turned his head as another familiar sight greeted him. Tai and Sora sprinted up, both still wearing their soccer uniforms, both sweating as much as he was. Above he caught sight of what looked like Veemon speeding from building roof to building roof, but Agumon was nowhere in sight. Their digimon had to stay out of sight to keep out of the public eye, to keep from being attacked in public. It was becoming more than a nuisance, it was becoming a real danger.
Late again? Tai asked unnecessarily.
Izzy responded bitterly.
We need a new plan. Sora muttered.
I think I've got one. Izzy responded. C'mon, let's get back to school before those passes I forged catch somebody's attention.
So what's this new plan? Tai asked as they began to jog back to school.
We need to find a legitimate series of excuses to get the others out of school, and we need allies in the school itself. Izzy shook his head. There might be a way to do that all at once.
How does that work? Tai asked.
We start by getting your sister and her friends into a lot of trouble.
I hope you five understand why you're here. The Middle School Principal looked out at the five students standing in front of his desk with a cold expression. The five students in front of him squirmed just a little. Missing class, coming in late, trying to run off early, talking in class, falling asleep in class, all this comes with a price. Each of you has had steadily dropping grades for the past two weeks. Is there anything you would like to tell me? Ken opened his mouth to say something, but closed it before Yolei stepped on his foot.
Davis I could understand, but the rest of you have always tried to be diligent students, and have always tried not to slack off. But now I find you all facing academic failure. He paused for a moment in his tirade before staring off into the distance. Well, we have other options to fall back on now.
Such as? Ken asked as politely as he could manage.
We're sending you all to one of our school district tutors. It's a new program involving private citizens who, unlike you, are concerned about the education of the youth. The principal rose from his desk and paced around the room heatedly. You will go to his house after school where he will hopefully teach you enough to get you back on track. I know that this is an unusual step, and were you less diligent students normally I might let you fail or place you in remedial classes, but we do have district tutors now, and if this one can help you, I expect that this will be the best thing I can do for you.
TK began, quickly seeing any hope for saving the world slipping out from under him.
That's all. We've already informed your parents, and they were very disappointed. You will meet him outside of school immediately after your last class. His name is Adam Davids and he's easy to recognize. He's the only American likely to show up. The principal's disapproving gaze swept back over each and every one of them.
He's American? Ken asked curiously, something Izzy had told him buzzing in the back of his mind.
Yes, which, since all of you are enrolled in English, should be an excellent choice. Now return to class.
TK tried again.
I wasn't asking for an argument Mr. Takaishi.
Yes sir. TK responded after a moment, leading the despondent digidestined out the door.
Tai skittered back into the gym just as class entered. He almost immediately ran into trouble with a capital T. The school had decided to offer a more diverse set of physical education classes than it ever had previously, and one of the instructors was usually hanging around with nothing to do. Had Tai run into the enthusiastic basketball coach, or the volleyball coach, or any of the other coaches he would have been fine. But Master Hideo Ishiguro, the instructor for an experimental class in the martial arts, was down on Tai's list as seriously bad news. His sudden appearance two weeks ago had thrown the entire PE department into a tizzy. He was one of those teachers who did not even pretend to have an eye in the back of his head. He had full 360 degree peripheral vision, and a built-in radar set to go with it. It did not matter how cleverly you tried to do what you wanted to do, he would see it. Tai had thanked his luck before this day that the only subject that he had to encounter Master Ishiguro was gym, but now he was cursing his luck but good. He doubly cursed when he heard Sora screech to a halt behind him.
Yes, and what are the two of you doing out of class? He asked pleasantly, taking a look over to where the soccer group was just packing it in for the end of class. As I recall, you're supposed to be the star players over there.
Tai did not trust his voice to answer, especially after running so far, and he stuck his forged pass up, just as Sora did the same thing. He felt, more than heard, the bump as Biyomon landed somewhere above them, trying to stay out of sight, and felt a momentary surge of panic. But without looking around he instinctively knew that the bird digimon was out of sight of the teacher on the ground.
I see. You know, I really don't think this looks too much like our principal's signature. Master Ishiguro turned the passes one way and then another with one hand, while fishing a package out of his shirt pocket with the other. Lemon drop?
Both students shook their heads. Tai was holding his breath, and Sora sounded like she was beginning to panic. Master Ishiguro shrugged and placed the package back into his pocket and continued to look over the passes.
Still, I guess it's really not my concern, is it? The teacher let his gaze pass over the two students in such a way that Sora's face matched the color of her hair. Tai was not much better off. Although it might be better in the future if you could arrange to leave class less often.
Tai nodded rapidly, still not trusting himself to speak less he betray them with his shaky voice. Master Ishiguro gave them back the rumpled paper passes with the forged signature.
Well, I guess I'll leave you to your business. The way he said that made Tai turn even redder. Then, unexpectedly, the tall black belt smiled. Besides, if I keep you here much longer, your friend up there is going to pass out from lack of breath. His eyes lazily traced their way upwards until they landed on the spot of wall behind which Biyomon was hiding. You can only keep from breathing for so long.
He turned and walked away. Tai only managed to keep from exclaiming suddenly through conscious use of willpower. Once he was far enough away to be out of earshot, he turned to Sora.
What just happened? Tai asked.
I have no idea. Sora shook her head.
I can't believe this. Ken hit his thigh with one hand. I can't believe this at all. How could we have messed up this badly?
Because we were trying to save the world Ken. Yolei told him, carefully placing a comforting hand on him, feeling a little surprised by her own audacity in doing so.
Save the world. Paugh! TK spat angrily as they hung around the front of the school. The closest we've come to saving the world is saving an old woman from picking up her own trash. This is just useless.
I'm going to agree with TK. Kari took his hand gently in hers. Khartan hasn't attacked anything. He just seems to be hiding somewhere and pulling the strings.
He's got a lot of strings. Those attacks of his are causing a lot of panic. Ken pointed out. And they don't make any sense. What's he trying to accomplish?
At least Cody can keep his grades up. Yolei remarked as they thought about the missing digidestined.
But he can't help with anything farther away than Odaiba, and he has to keep all the other digimon in his house and dojo all the time. I don't know how his grandfather puts up with all of this. Ken ran a hand through his hair, turning it from frazzled to disorderly with a single gesture.
Prune juice. Davis suggested, causing them to all have a brief laugh. He was watching a group of children from the school playing soccer on the giant field out in front of the school, as were several other groups, laughing and cheering on the players.
So where is this guy? Davis asked again, growing impatient.
Be patient. I looked outside. Traffic is horrible today. Yolei whispered.
I think that's him. TK remarked suddenly, pointing.
Sure enough there was an adult who was clearly American coming their way, a tall man, looming head and shoulders above most Japanese adults, with unkempt brown hair and gold-framed glasses. He passed through several groups of cheering kids and stopped right in front of them, his casual work clothes looking a little rumpled.
Good afternoon. He told them brightly, looking down at them. He was smiling as if he was amused by something, but whatever it was he seemed disinclined to discuss it. Do I have the honor of addressing, let's see...Daisuke Motomiya, Miyako Inoue, Takeru Takaishi, Hikari Kamiya and Ken Ichijouji?
They all nodded, Ken still looking puzzled, Davis looking resentful, and the others looking carefully neutral.
Ah, good...as you probably guessed I'm supposed to be your private tutor, or whatever they're calling it these days. My name is Adam Davids, although you can call me Adam. I don't mind. His Japanese was excellent, although accented with what Kari thought of as an American accent. Anyway, I'm supposed to be escorting you to my apartment, your new designated study area, where you're supposed to come after school so we can take care of you. My job is to keep you on track academically. It shouldn't be too much of a problem, should it? I guess we should try and get going, eh?
He gave them what he thought of as a winning smile, but Davis was still grumbling when a tall, blue haired figure pushed through the crowd and reached them, panting and holding a large canvas sack in one arm. It was Joe's elder brother Jim.
He panted. ...glad I found you. Professor Takenouchi told me to give this to you post-haste, so I ran to catch up with you. Should have known you'd be with these hooligans. Jim gave them all a quick grin.
Adam examined the bag's contents quickly, and then looked up at Jim, eyes narrowing sharply. Where did we get this?
Smuggled it through customs. Jim smiled at him. Even Ken's eyebrows rose. Joe's straight-laced brother smuggling?
Adam seemed unimpressed.
Diplomatic pouch from Great Britain, arrived from London about two hours ago, but got delayed by traffic. British Counter-Intelligence sends us their finest regards. They took this from the shipment that was going to the Vault. Professor Takenouchi thought you might like to have a piece of the sample.
Thank him for me. Adam closed the bag again, as if everything was decided. Tell him that this time he might want to do the radiological examination first. I don't want to risk contaminating this particular sample before we check those readings. And tell him that I think it's about time to make the grad students recalibrate the heavy-ion accelerators again. They were responding a bit badly."
Will do. Jim grinned at them one last time and then sprinted back off toward the parking lots.
Adam grunted under his breath. Well, I guess we better get going.
What's in the bag? Davis asked.
That, Mr. Motomiya, is something that should not be discussed in public. Adam led the digidestined toward the nearest parking lot, and, once they were there, to a large, comfortable looking van much like the one Matt's Dad owned. Quickly they clambered in and squeezed to make fit, and then they were off, driving toward wherever they would be spending their afternoons.
So, now you know what to call me. So what do I call you? He asked.
I'm Yolei. Yolei introduced herself.
TK introduced himself.
Davis sounded more curious than sulky now.
But Ken remained silent. Then he looked up. My name's Ken. I have a question for you.
Go ahead. Adam did not take his eyes off the road.
If I asked you about hot wasabi, would that mean something to you?
They paused at a stoplight and Adam pantomimed slamming his head into the wheel. I'm never going to live that one down, am I? he asked plaintively.
Ken grinned. I thought it might be you.
Ah well...fame has its price. They both grinned as if sharing a private joke. TK was suddenly amazed at how young Adam looked, as if he were only ten years older than them, something rare among his teachers. I could win the Nobel prize, cure cancer and be the first person to Mars, and all that they'll remember me for is being stupid enough to pour Ota's experimental powdered wasabi into my cup instead of hot chocolate.
There was a moment of silence while the others digested that remark.
So, what do you do, and why did Jim know you? Kari asked politely.
Ahhh...that. A few years ago I moved to Japan to pursue research in those monsters that appeared. If he noticed them tense up at the reference he ignored them. Anyway I ended up working for the Institute for Solid State Physics, attached to Tokyo University. I've been doing a lot of research alongside Professor Takenouchi, examining these digimon very carefully. Jim and I get along great.
Why do you tutor? Ken asked curiously. I know it isn't for the money.
Job satisfaction. I'm doing my part for society. Adam responded with a wink, as he pulled his van into a marked space underneath a rather large and expensive looking apartment complex. Everybody out.
They quickly piled out of the van and followed Adam in a long trooping line, heading upstairs and into an elevator, where he quickly pushed the button for the second to the highest floor. There was a rush of movement, familiar and welcome, but the ride was held in silence.
The corridor they came out in was quiet and sparsely decorated, a blank white wall along one side with doors at long intervals, a large window showing the expanse of Odaiba further inland, and the city to the north. The door he led them too, the second door was decorated by a peculiar inlay that protruded a little out in the hall. Adam procured a card and swiped it through an electronic lock, and the door clicked silently open.
There was a short hallway, and then the apartment branched out. Another hallway led off to their right, and Ken could see the doors of what looked like a set of bedrooms and a bathroom. In front of them was a large living room area, and to their left was a small kitchen, and a large door apparently leading into a different room. The living room drew his eye, there were four computer boxes at least, one of them sitting open, a pair of soft couches, a filing cabinet and computer desk, and several large wall monitors, large, high quality screens displaying different screen savers. Only one appeared active, a large map of the world showing a number of blinking red dots.
What are the red dots? Yolei asked, breaking the silence.
Locations of known digidestined. A familiar voice broke the silence. Izzy's red hair and questing hand appeared over the side of the desk, grabbed a tool that had been lying there and then disappeared back down out of sight.
They exclaimed loudly.
Yeah, that's me. Now where was that? Ah yes, here... There was a small popping sound and then Izzy's head swung back up over the desk, smiling at them. Good to see you again. Hey Adam I have a message for you.
Adam asked guardedly. Apparently Izzy had not always been a bearer of good news.
Willis called from America. They want to send the lab down at Solid State another sample, but apparently the data won't transfer.
Ah, yes. Adam suddenly looked acutely embarrassed. Well, there was a slight problem down at the lab today. They wanted us to double run a sample group, but somehow we ended up fooling the data server into thinking that we were running two streams on one port and, well...the computer crashed on us. I left Professor Takenouchi and the rest of the ghostbusters scrambling over it.
Oh. That would explain it, I guess. Izzy turned back to what he was doing. I was wondering, could we borrow your room for a meeting later. Alone?
Adam raised an eyebrow to indicate curiosity, but did not press Izzy further. But I do have some responsibilities for these kids you know.
Don't worry. Izzy suddenly gave an evil grin. They're all hopeless anyway.
Adam grinned back. We'll see. He turned to the other digidestined, and asked professionally. Now what subjects are we dealing with here?
The Aerie did not look like the headquarters of an organization of secret individuals dedicated toward preserving world peace and harmony. It did not appear to be the meeting place of an extraordinary band of heroes, who regularly risked both life and limb to save the world. It did not appear to be the above ground headquarters building of America's premiere superhero group.
This was, said the group's oldest member, tall, blonde 17-year old Steve, with a distinctly pained look in his eye, because it wasn't. Not that it wasn't cool and everything, but it wasn't much more than a clubhouse.
This was also not true. What the Aerie really looked like was a perfectly ordinary three story office building on the outskirts of commercial New York City, with an underground basement. What the Aerie actually was could have been debated. The bottom two floors were held by the researchers from Columbia University, who gladly used the space given to them, and the donated equipment in the converted office building, to expand their research in digimon studies. The basement was used as a combination storeroom and workshop for the manufacture of electronic gadgets and gizmos that every research lab needs to stay functional. The top floor was personal domain of Team Eagle.
This was because Michael's Dad, being not only a famous movie star, but a rich famous movie star, could afford to indulge his son's whims. Michael, being astonishingly unspoiled, tended not to ask for any whims, but his first big one, presented by his father on his thirteenth birthday, had been the creation of a research center for research into digimon, as well as a collection point for his friends to gather at, a glorified, high-tech clubhouse. Thrilled by his son's interest in the sciences (since he had already announced that he had no interest in the movie business), his father had quickly purchased an old apartment building in the outskirts of New York City, and set his son up there with a place where he and his digidestined buddies could meet, sleep over and such, as well as interact with some of the city's finest researchers. As a result the Aerie was home away from home for the twelve members who constituted Team Eagle's active strength.
Actually, on paper, Team Eagle had an active strength of about forty people, but most of them were living somewhere else in the United States. The core of Team Eagle was built around the Seven who had been part of the effort to keep digimon from rampaging across the world during MaloMyostismon's brief worldwide rampage. Of the Seven there was Amy Nakamura, the Japanese seventh grader, Phil, a short black kid in the Seventh grade, Maria, a dark haired latina in eighth grade, Lou, a tall Native American from the tenth grade, Steve, and the co-founders, tenth graders Michael and Willis.
Michael, who served as official leader, often gave thanks that it was Willis and not him who ran most of the affairs of Team Eagle on a day to day basis. Willis might have been two years younger, but there was a reason he had skipped two grades, and it mostly had to do with his extraordinary intelligence. Michael had been all for plastering their team name and insignia across New York, but Willis had kept them calm, more controlled and more secretive. Now, with the negative publicity that digimon were getting, being well connected to the scientific community and to the police department was proving a bonus. And it was getting them popularity as well.
There was a bulletin board, filled with pictures and newspaper clippings. One had a picture of the NYPD SWAT team racing toward an attack site with Willis, Kokomon and Gargomon looming behind them, monstrous backup for a monstrous battle. Another showed the massive bulk of Seadramon supporting a falling building. Despite the general outrage against digimon attacks, especially in already battered New York, public support for the Eagles was actually pretty strong. But it did not help them solve the problem.
So we can't cover this. Willis gestured wildly at a map of New York on the nearest wall. How can we cover that?! This with an accusing finger pointed at the map of the United States on the other wall. We're not superheroes.
Michael chimed in with the familiar argument, but even he was looking glum.
So, we've got a major bad guy hiding out somewhere, and we don't know where. Phil summed everything up with a single sentence.
Or why he's there. That's something that's still puzzling me. Steve put his hand under his chin.
We do have some good news. Any major concentration of digimon on the move should be spottable from the air. So they'll have to keep hidden. Lou regarded the map. Plus we have digidestined contacts in twelve US cities, and in how many other places Willis?
A lot. Willis responded, searching his memory. The A team is in Japan of course, and Tokyo boasts a lot of digidestined on top of that. We have an organized digidestined force in Hong Kong in China, and a small group in New Dehli in India. The Australian Avengers operate out of Sydney. Catherine is chairing the European Legion now, which has a whole bunch of divisions including the primary ones in Paris, London and Frankfurt. The Moscow Blizzard remains in Moscow, but they're not quite on ready alert, because apparently they've been having some problems with phone connections. Rosa has some friends in Mexico City, but that's about all we've got organized. Nobody foresaw that we'd have to become some sort of global guardians or something. We need some coordination.
And all digidestined have been alerted? Michael asked, already knowing the answer.
All the ones that we know about, but it's hard to get them all, or make sure we even have a thousandth of their numbers. The other problem is, with this anti-digimon backlash, most digidestined are hiding their digimon from their parents and their friends. In addition more and more people are finding it harder to sneak out for a few hours to battle the forces of evil. It's slowly isolating our manpower, and that's the only way we can fight against this guy. We need to call on more people.
We have a coordination meeting with Japan late tonight. I suggest we get some sleep since tomorrow is a weekend. Willis looked around. We're going to be getting up early in the morning to talk to them.
Yolei groaned. She had been a good student, but after the she had been having real problems finding time to study and time to do homework. Adam had not needed to give her extra lessons to improve her scores, but he had given her several worksheets and problems to do that were keeping her occupied. Kari and TK were isolated in a corner, trying to hold a conversation in English, hampered by the fact that, whenever they could not think of a word they seemed to be bursting out laughing. Ken was, as usual, zooming through his work, the enforced time giving him a moment to relax. Adam was standing over Davis, tackling the impossible task of keeping Davis' attention focused on the problem. Izzy was in a corner, muttering to himself about something.
She groaned again, keeping from snickering at Adam's efforts, and went back to work.
Taichi, could I have a word with you?
Tai groaned inwardly as he and Sora tried to sneak away from school quietly after their latest detention. Then his eyes widened in surprise. It was Master Ishiguro again, and he was standing right behind them, a peculiar light in his eyes. He tossed his head imperiously at the two delinquents who stopped dead in front of them.
Want a lemon drop? He asked.
Uh...no thank you sir. Tai got out.
I heard that your grades were slipping again. Is this something I should know about? He looked unexpectedly concerned, normally he only looked strict.
No, it isn't. Tai spoke up hurriedly, attempting to divert the stream of conversation, but Master Ishiguro gave him a knowing look.
So what is the problem then? His voice was quiet, as if he already suspected the answer.
Tai paused for a moment. He barely knew the man at school, so why was he so concerned?
Sora started to say, when Ishiguro cut him off.
I see. He nodded again. I hope you understand when I say, if you ever need me, all you have to do is ask. And then, with a final penetrating glance, he left down another corridor.
What was that all about? Tai asked, puzzled.
The last two have left the building, they're headed the same way that the others already went, probably to the same rendezvous. The man lying on the roof was proud of his patience and his discipline. Even though it had taken hours, he had sat motionless, his gray clothes blending in perfectly with the top of the school. He had been watching and waiting, and now his final two targets were moving. He had performed his mission and emerged undetected. But suddenly he frowned as no reply came through his radio. He shook it once or twice, and then spoke into it again.
Where is everybody? He asked sharply. If they were playing around at a time like this, with how important the job was... But there was simply no reply, as if they had dropped off the network.
There was a sudden crinkle of plastic behind him, and the man froze, consciously overriding the impulse to spin around and reveal how hair-trigger he was. He had chosen his costume to look deliberately like a maintenance worker, and if some student had managed to sneak up on him while he was distracted, he would simply act the part. He straightened his face and started to turn around.
Lemon drop? A voice asked right behind him.
As usual, Tai arrived latest, with Matt and Sora.
Good evening Tai. Adam spoke up as Tai came through the door.
Good evening Adam. Is Izzy here? Tai remembered Adam from a few times when Izzy had introduced him, although he could not remember exactly what Adam did. Adam just pointed at the living room, and then left, closing the door after him.
Is he gone? Izzy asked, when Tai plopped down.
Tai smiled at him, and looked around at the other eleven digidestined who were sitting around in a circle. So what's up?
We're in trouble Tai. We have to come here every day after school. TK spoke up first. He's tutoring us because of our failing grades, but that means that we'll be kept off the street.
No way! Matt exclaimed. You really think he can do that. Izzy, we've got to take care of this...do something...
Don't worry. Nobody panic. We have this all under control. Izzy gestured reassuringly at them. Trust me.
So what's the master plan Izzy? Yolei wanted to know.
Very simple. Izzy stood up and began pacing the room in front of him. Adam is doing this because I asked him to, and because he's qualified.
TK started. Ken just smiled.
It's easy. I keep in contact with the Middle School, and when I found out that you five were in trouble academically, I persuaded the principal that Adam, who is on retainer for the district, wouldn't be too troubled to take you on.
But that means that we won't be able to help you. Davis protested.
Give me a moment. The principal was considering sending you to extra classes instead, but I have enough influence to persuade him that this is the better course. The reason is simple, Adam is a ghostbuster.
A what? Tai asked.
Sorry...it's a nickname that the digimon researchers working under Professor Takenouchi at Tokyo University have assigned to themselves. They're one of the most pro-digimon research groups in the world. And they understand the stakes involved. Adam gets you guys out from under the gaze of your parents, because he is important enough to know a good deal of the story already. He's helped us before.
Yolei wanted to know.
Well, for instance, when Diaboromon first attacked both worlds Adam was the one who I went to in order to find a satellite uplink. That kind of stuff isn't sold at stores very often, but I knew Adam had one, so I borrowed it from him. And then again a lot of the programming that went into tracking BlackWarGreymon and the Control Spires was done by him. He has a real interest in the digimon.
He's also head of Averson Electronics at the moment. Ken continued, eyes narrowing. That makes him quite an ally, doesn't it?
That thought crossed my mind. Izzy nodded.
What does that have to do with anything? Sora asked.
It's quite simple actually. He has enough private wealth, and access to any piece of electronic equipment you could care to name. As an ally that would be invaluable. He has a car. He has interest in helping us. Why does the car matter? Davis inquired.
Izzy replied. Whenever there's an attack, the first thing they shut down is the subway system. Without that, we can't pursue. But Adam can provide transportation. Plus, he's an official tutor. Seeing their blank looks, he rolled his eyes. He's a school district official. He has the ability to get you out of school.
TK responded, out of surprise at Izzy's reasoning more than actual surprise.
My plan is simple. Izzy drew all their attention fully to him. We need to stop these attacks. To stop these attacks we need to get around the city faster. To do that we need two things, more freedom, and better transportation. I think that we need to start telling adults who can help us get those things.
So you think Adam will help us, and you think we should tell him our secrets? Tai continued.
I think we should tell several people. I know that none of us have told our parents yet, but I think that we should all give information to those who are either going to figure it out, or can help. Izzy pointed at his audience, who nodded.
So who do we tell? Mimi asked.
Simple. First, we tell Cody's grandfather. Cody jerked up, but after a moments reflection the look of surprise faded. Your grandfather is really smart and incredibly perceptive. He's been mixed up in this business since the start, in a sense even before we were. He deserves our trust, and he'll figure things out for himself. His mind is in excellent shape, and he could really be an asset.
Izzy pointed at Sora. Your father. Professor Takenouchi is, if not the world expert, one of the leading experts on digimon. Therefore he gets information about all kinds of incidents, and data that we could not normally get our hands on. His scientific equipment could also prove invaluable. Besides, he already is on our side, we might as well tell him the truth.
Izzy turned to Joe. Your brother would also be a lot of help here. I'm not sure if you know if, but Professor Takenouchi depends on him a lot. He can send Jim to help us, and to give us some support around town on the pretense of examining digimon sightings in this area. He knows a lot about the digimon already, and is definitely in our corner, and he's quite a good scientist.
Then Izzy turned to Matt, who looked surprised. Your Dad Matt. I know it sounds odd, but your Dad is a lot faster on the uptake than most of us suspect, and it isn't going to be too long before he suspects something. Besides, he's editor for Fuji TV's news desk. This means that he hears about attacks fast, and his job is to collect information on the attacks anyway, so if we can get it from him, we'll do all right. He can provide transportation, and he'll understand. Now, does anybody else think their parents should be informed?
There was a universal shaking of heads. Not now. TK chimed. She'll just freak out.
Yeah. Really. Matt grinned.
My mother would have fits. Sora smiled into her hand.
Count our parents out. Tai snuck an arm around his sister.
Don't even look here. They panic enough as it is. Ken shrugged.
I don't think they'd take it especially well. Mimi said, as if considering something very, very carefully.
My Dad would go nuts. Joe smiled down at Izzy.
So would my Mom. Cody nodded solemnly.
My parents might not care, but let's not take that chance. Davis snapped his goggles tighter around his head.
Mine either. Yolei volunteered.
All right. Izzy glanced around. It's decided now. There's only one problem, I don't have a contact at our High School that I think is trustworthy.
Something from earlier nudged Tai in the back of his head. What about Master Ishiguro?
What? You mean that big karate guy who teaches the self defense class? Matt looked puzzled. Why him?
Let's call it a feeling. He's been popping up in the most unexpected places recently. He seems completely trustworthy. Tai pointed out. Then he shrugged. Call it a hunch. And there's just something about him
Izzy considered slowly.
I have an idea. Joe exclaimed, anxious to head off a long debate. Why don't we think about this for a few days. That way we can change our minds. It also gives us a chance to get everyone together at once to talk about this.
That's good. Sora supported Joe and everybody else nodded.
In that case. Izzy planted himself firmly between the giant display screens. Why don't we get down to business?