Disclaimer: I don't (do not) own Digimon or any of its related products.
Episode XXXII
Cloak and Dagger
Nothing like a little theft to get the blood running.
Gennai, Raid on Trugore.
A self-destruct device. Izzy stated flatly, looking around at the other gathered digidestined.
Inside a digimon? Gatomon sounded so repulsed that she actually shuddered.
Buried inside the coding. Izzy confirmed. You see, we've been examining the leftover data from digimon that have lost pieces of themselves all over the world. And the stuff we've been getting has some sort of control virus in it. I didn't realize what it was until Professor Takenouchi and I examined the records from the battle last night. Now I know what it is. A self-destruct device, to prevent us from ever getting our hands on one of his digimon.
Ken mused, his chin in his hand.
But it does lead to a puzzling question. Joe pointed out suddenly from the corner.
Yes it does. Izzy frowned again. What is Khartan trying to hide?
The tide began with a single phone call, which Lieutenant Takaeda, Tokyo Metropolitan Police, Tactical Unit One, picked up in his new office in West Shinjuku.
Lieutenant Takaeda, Tactical Unit One here.
The voice on the other end was quiet and stumbling. It sounded like a kid, a boy trying to act like a man. I'm calling b-because I saw that thing on the news, and I h-h-have a digimon, and my parents say that if things aren't too d-dangerous that I can help.
Takaeda broke out into a wide smile. Of course you can help. And we'd be glad to have you helping us out. And tell your parents not to worry, we'll keep you out of harm's way any way possible. Give us your name and address, and I'll send some friends of mine out to tell you what you're getting into.
All right... the voice on the other end began to gain confidence.
By noon half-a-dozen calls had come in. The children who called, who volunteered were being lauded as heroes in the media, children willing to forgo playtime, to help save a city. Their names were being kept secret for now, but a half dozen police patrols went out that morning with a child and a digimon in the back seat. By the time Takaeda came back from his lunch break there were a dozen more calls waiting for him, and a street-wise teenager standing outside his office with a Betamon next to her, pugnaciously demanding the opportunity to help.
All over the world, the forces of Light began to gather.
So, operation Cloak and Dagger. Izzy flashed his laser pointer at the huge computer screen on Adam's wall. The screen displayed a mutli-layer diagram of the Saffron Corporation office building in Ginza. Electronic systems were outlined in different colors, and different rooms were color coded to indicate their function. The building was built like a rectangular eight on a digital clock, four stories tall, with six story towers at each vertex. There was also an eight story tower in the middle of the complex. In the two courtyards were a helicopter pad, and a cafeteria and garden. The perimeter was guarded by a simple chain-link fence, but Izzy's analysis had revealed that there were several objects that looked suspiciously like security cameras and sensors surrounding the outer grounds. The basement housed two different levels, one a parking garage, and the other covered in concrete.
So where's the target? Davis asked, lounging against a wall.
The center tower. The laser pointer turned to illuminate the center structure.
Veemon wanted to know.
Because it stands out. Adam replied from the corner. The architecture is all wrong.
Tai muttered.
It's built wrong. Izzy continued, pointing things out on the diagram. The center tower is eight stories tall, connected to a four story building. It has executive offices on the top four floors, and a security station on the fourth floor where it connects to the rest of the building. But the bottom was actually pretty heavily shielded.
So what? Matt wanted to know. Sora elbowed him gently in the ribs, and rolled her eyes when he pretended to have been seriously injured.
If you walk into the center tower from the fourth floor you have to choices. On your right is a set of offices and an elevator. On your left there is the security center, one sealed control room, one duty room, and a protected lobby. Inside the lobby is another elevator. But the elevator on your right only goes up, connecting the top of the building together. The only way to get into the bottom three floors is through the elevator in the security center. The base of the tower is completely independent of the building it's next to. And the windows look funny. Especially when we scan them from the air.
I've seen the material before. Adam told them. It's the same stuff they use on the Popemobile. But this time they reinforced it pretty heavily. I don't have a good way of breaking through that.
Well that's funny. Sora confirmed. But why do they put it on the bottom instead of the top of the tower?
Because the top is more interesting. They really don't want their average employees poking around that, so they hide it pretty well in the bottom of the tower to keep others from finding it. That way it's almost completely safe from discovery, and nobody bothers to talk about it. Ken nodded at the diagram grimly.
So what do we do about that? Patamon sat up on TK's head, pushing his unfortunate partner's hat down over his eyes.
We break in. Izzy smiled at them.
How do we do that? Mimi sat up straighter.
That's your job to plan. Here's their security. Izzy pointed back at the diagram. There are five main entrances to the building, one on each side, and one in the parking garage. The garage has, as far as we can tell, what looks like two different stairwells for maintenance, or emergencies, or something, and then a central elevator and stairwell to the main lobby. Each central door has a security desk that seems to manned twenty-four hours a day by a uniformed guard. There is a pair of guards all day long at the station at the entrance to the parking garage, and there is a pair that man the lobby constantly too.
How good are they? Yolei asked thoughtfully.
They look professional to me. Adam rumbled.
That's affirmative. I checked all the security services I could through the police with that man, Lieutenant Takaeda's assistance, but all we could find was that nobody in the civilian district had hired out to Saffron Corporation. So these are guards hired by Utopia itself, and given their demeanor, and the reputation of Utopia, they might be armed as well. Izzy nodded grimly at them. They also have a security station on each floor, on the northwest tower for the first floor, the southeast for the second, the northeast for the third and the southwest for the fourth. They seem to have five guards in them at all time at least. The central station in the central tower seems to have about ten people at all times. To add to that they have five patrols of two guards each throughout the building at any given moment. Add some we probably missed and we're talking forty guards constantly throughout the night. And that doesn't include what they have hidden away that we don't know about. And that's a lot of security.
I agree. These guys are paranoid. Gatomon sat up a little straighter.
And that means that they're afraid of us finding something in there. TK narrowed his eyes at the diagram. Okay, so, since I assume we don't want them to ever know that we were there, we can rule out the main entrances. The windows are probably alarmed, so we can't get through there. Is there any sort of open-air ventilation for the parking garage?
Izzy smiled broadly. That's just the target I was going to suggest. There is indeed a way to get into the parking garage. They have several open slits to allow exhaust out, but they turn out to be wide enough for us to get through. From there we can use the maintenance staircases to get inside. From then on we'll have to wing it, because I don't have a good way to get into the central area, except going through the main security lobby.
So who's going? TK asked. All of us together would make too much noise.
I assume that they have an interest in following me, so I'm going out hunting down near Yokohama, and I'll be just clumsy enough so that their agents can find me. Adam reported.
So how many are going? TK pressed.
Five or six with their digimon at the most. Tai spoke up, the old light of command was back in his voice. And not me, and not Matt, and not Davis.
Why not? Davis protested as Matt jerked up as well.
Because the team that goes in is going to be under a lot of stress. Tai was obviously miles away. I have the bad habit of reacting to stress by charging off, and so do you. Matt has the bad habit of trying to go lone wolf, so that excludes him. Not Yolei and not Mimi either, I hate to say it, but the truth is that you tend to get loud when you're stressed, and you don't move quite as silently as some of the others.
Not me. Izzy stated firmly. I'm staying here to monitor things, and to help with a remote computer hack. I am the computer expert after all.
So that already gives us six. TK pointed out.
Not Kari. Tai interrupted, suddenly sounding more like an older brother than a fearless leader.
If TK's going, I'm going. You can't protect me forever older brother. Kari stood up fiercely, causing even TK to flinch back in surprise.
For a moment Tai looked like he was going to yell, and then he merely glowered and rumbled out. We'll talk about this when we get home, but you can go tonight.
Kari looked a little nervous, but still attempted to be supremely confident as she sat back down.
Izzy was clearly trying to restore some order. We go in a group of six. Ken has practice moving quietly and invisibly, so does TK now. Sora keeps a calm head in the face of danger, and Kari has powers and skills that would be invaluable to us. Cody and Joe give us the manpower to deal with unexpected surprises, and they also have skills, Joe knows how offices are laid out, and from his time volunteering at the local hospital, he should have a pretty good idea how the filing systems work, while Cody can add his own martial arts skills.
TK suddenly laughed.
What's so funny? Izzy asked.
I just remember a time when we would have forgotten Joe first. I just realized, I haven't seen Joe stumble into something, or fumble something in quite a while. It just seemed so much a part of you Joe that I didn't even realize when it disappeared. And if we had done this before Davis would howl about being left out of the action, and Yolei would be doing approximately the same thing. Mimi would be offended, Matt would be in a huff, and Tai would have been pulling his hair out. I would have been a wild card, Kari would have been uncertain, Cody distant, Ken depressed and Sora nervous. We've just changed so much, and yet it's not like we're different people. It's like we've gotten rid of the parts of us that aren't us, that we've become more like ourselves.
That's right bro. Matt patted TK on the back, and TK swore that for a moment he saw some moisture in his brother's eye.
So let's do it. We meet here at seven. Izzy slammed his laser pointer down with decisiveness.
Hey Doofus! Davis winced as Jun skipped into his room and grabbed onto his spiky hair. What're you up to?
Gerrofff me! Davis huffed and managed to wiggle out from beneath his sister's grappling hold. You'll mess up the hair.
It doesn't need the help. Jun eyed her brother's hair critically.
Hey! Lay off it!
Besides, you didn't answer my question. I know that look. My idiot of a younger brother is off to get himself into trouble. What is it that timefinally managed to get that girl to go out with you? Trying to put the moves on somebody? Should I tell Mom you're lovesick and need advice.
Davis complained, finally managing to shove his sister back. For your information, I'm just going out to have a nice day with my friends. Now lay off!
Take care of yourself then Doofus. Jun skipped out of his room again.
I do my best. Davis sighed, rolling his eyes.
So that's about the size of it. Mr. Hida sat on the bench, staring at his vacuum sealed package of prune juice. Nobody really knows anything, and everybody who does know something isn't saying a word. But the Yakuza are suddenly experiencing a manpower shortage. Someone is absorbing all the extra thugs that they normally depend on for help with odd jobs.
Maybe a takeover? Hideo Ishiguro had seated himself on the opposite side of the bench, facing a decorative fountain. The two of them were almost alone in the green expanse of the park. I heard rumors that the Osaka syndicates were beginning to move out of their home territory.
That rumor has been confirmed. Mr. Hida took a sip of his juice. But they're moving away from Tokyo. In fact, everyone big has been moving away from Tokyo. The old men, the ones who really run things, they're looking a lot more worried these days than usual.
So someone's scaring away the Yakuza.
Either that, or they're just trying to get a lot of people, and get them fast. That could be one reason to eliminate the presence of the Yakuza. That would free up the kind of lowlife that the opposition depends on.
Master Ishiguro stared at the fountain again. Well, try and keep our home network here intact. I get a feeling that those recent disappearances may not stop.
I'll do my best. Cody's Grandfather stood up and walked away, leaving Hideo Ishiguro to muse on the best way to deal with this latest problem.
Kari, come in here. Tai spoke quietly, but Kari could hear him as she bustled around holding her math book. Tentatively, scared of her brother's legendary temper, she entered the bedroom they shared, and closed the door behind her. Tai was sitting on the bed, his face obscured by the shadow of his hair as the sunlight died behind him.
Sir down. He patted the bed next to him. She sat slowly.
I just want you to know something. I know that our parents haven't been that close to us. I know they love us very much, but they just aren't good communicators, just like me. I think you've been sister and friend to me so long, that I've forgotten that you are your own person. I guess in the digital world I've always thought of myself as the only parent you had, as the one who had to protect and shelter you from the harshness of reality. I always thought that this would be my job.
I know you think you've grown up. I was your age too once, you know, and not that long ago. I also know that you have a long way to go before you become the woman you will be, and that's quite a big step.
I want you to know this. I understand how you feel, and that you want to put yourself in danger for the sake of others. You're young though, impulsive, not quite stable, not quite comfortable with who and what you have become. You're still naive, and sometimes your mercy is misplaced. Sometimes you're too gentle, and like the gentle flower you have to be protected.
I want you to know. There is no way I could be more proud of what you've become than I am now. I know that I'm not mom or dad, but I have had a great deal of influence in your life, and now I know what they must feel like. You've become a person who is not only gentle and compassionate, but brave and full of righteousness. You know yourself, and you know what you have to do. You're certain, and you've made good choices, choices I might not have made, but good choices nonetheless. You're smart and courageous, and the best person I know, and that's saying a lot.
I guess I never wanted to deal with the fact that my sister Kari was grown up. I wish that I had earlier, but this latest journey showed me that. The world I thought was a fairy tale come true turned out to be false. I wasn't the only hero, there were many of us. I didn't get the princess, my job wasn't to save the damsel in distress. I think that this taught me more than I ever realized. I want you to know that I understand that you've grown up, even if I may not want to face up to it. I want you to also know that you are a great person, and that I am proud of you, of what you've done, of what you've built, and what you will build. I'm proud of you for finding Takeru, and proud of the way you've dealt with that at such a young age.
I'm proud of you little Hikari. Take care of yourself out there. And know that I'll love you, no matter what you do, always.
Kari held her brother tight as he began to cry.
The white-coated scientist swore as he stared at the images. No matter what they changed at the clean room, they got the same anomalous signal.
Well, somebody better get a call through to Professor Takenouchi in Tokyo. His companion noted. That damn neutrino burst is showing up again. Someone out there is literally tying knots in the space-time continuum.
TK wrapped the last band of black cloth around his head, fully hiding the shock of blond hair in concealing darkness. Beside him Ken was concealing the last of his skin. Cody was already good to go, his sword from Citadel sheathed next to him. TK had considered taking his staff, but he was too bulky already.
I'm really sorry Gomamon. Joe was explaining off to the side.
That's all right, I understand. Gomamon nodded at his partner. Joe had figured that while his companion was acrobatic in the water, he might not fare so well on the land, and so should probably stay away from the mission. Gomamon understood perfectly well. Armadillomon had too, his claws made loud clicks when he walked, noises they could not afford to make.
You ready Kari? Sora could be heard in the next room.
Yep. How about you Gatomon?
I still like being a white cat more than a black one.
At least you get to go. Biyomon responded. I have to spend my time flying around.
You guys ready yet? Adam called from outside.
As ready as we're going to get. Ken reported, and Sora echoed him.
All right. Tai came in. Remember, if you need help we'll be waiting on the other side of the street. Good luck you guys.
Thanks Tai. Everybody to car number one. TK nodded at them.
Jim was sitting in the drivers' seat of the Ishida van, as Mr. Ishida was currently back at the news station. He had said that he really did not want to know what was happening here, but he had agreed to let them use the van. Quickly the infiltration team piled into the van while Tai, Matt, Mimi and Davis jumped into Mr. Hida's car, which was sitting right next to them. TK noted that Jim appeared to be sweating a bit as the van eased out of the parking lot, but he just smiled reassuringly at the driver.
So where do I drop you off? Jim asked, his voice hardly shaking.
You drove by earlier? Ken asked. Jim nodded in response. All right, in the southeast corner. They planted a tree too close to the roadway. We ought to be able to sneak in without anyone being any the wiser for it. We'll have to do it fast, so seat belts off as we get in sight of the building.
Jim let the car guide smoothly out of the parking lot. His hands clenched the wheel until his knuckles were white.
Let's not get caught. Joe murmured from the back seat.
That's my line bro. Jim responded. I'm supposed to be persuading you and your suicidal companions that felonies are for bad guys.
Well, there's a first time for anything. Ken seemed more animated now. TK smiled, Ken would have to be the leader in this, and he was trying to instill confidence in his troops. Kari was growing increasingly pale, but she and Sora sat calm and still, waiting for the future with wide, unblinking eyes.
Jim turned the car around a corner and nodded once, keeping his calm. All right, we're within sight.
We're right behind you. Tai's voice crackled over the communications gear that Ken had brought. Head in nice and easy now.
Right. Seat belts off!
There was a click as everyone unbuckled their belts. Slowly, ever so slowly the darkened grove of trees at the street corner crept between them and the building until...
Right. Everybody out.
The van door slid silently open and Ken and Cody, TK, Kari and Sora slid out of the van one after another, as fast as they could. Joe jumped out of the front seat, making sure to close the door quietly. Jim tried his best to look as if he was just reading directions, but watched anxiously as the digidestined strike team faded into the darkness of the trees before starting the van and driving off.
First task, the fence. Sora? Ken was a shadow in the darkness, and his words came extremely quietly, but Sora still heard. She silently unsheathed the inscribed stick she had been given, and a moment later it was tall enough for them to use to get up to the top of the fence and jump down the other side.
Now the security systems. Ken murmured, and brought out the Scanner from his backpack.
How do we do that? TK whispered back.
We hope this works. Ken hit a set of buttons, and the air around them seemed to shimmer briefly.
What's that? Kari hissed.
It's Izzy's variant on the original digital barrier program. It doesn't make us invisible, but it masks our presence from computer and electronic equipment. That means that we can get through these systems, but it won't be much help if we get discovered. Ken packed up the Scanner again with practiced movements.
Where do we go from here? TK asked.
Right there. Ken unpacked another device, this one a hand-held GPS system. We have this accurate down to a tenth of a meter, and we already programmed our route in. Let's go.
TK shrugged and followed Ken as he made his way through the grounds, homing in on a certain location. Everyone else followed, but they were all now nervous, jumping at the slightest sound. There was nobody else out here, but that did not make them calmer. Rather it increased their nervousness as they searched for imaginary enemies. Fortunately they did not run into any real opponents before Ken had guided them carefully to a rectangular hole in the concrete base of the building, spilling over orange sodium light into the world.
Ken whispered again, and they used Sora's expanding staff to make their way down to the bottom of the parking garage. It looked perfectly normal, filled with columns and empty spaces, oil stains on concrete, and glaring orange lights. There was nobody in sight, but around the corner nearest to the exit they thought they could catch the faint strains of radio music playing.
The security guards are over there, but what we want to do is make for the maintenance door to our left. He pointed again, and they all nodded and followed him. Creeping silently six humans and three digimon managed to creep over to the door, feeling horribly naked in this place, where the light glared down on them from above, and the white background provided no cover. The door itself was a heavy metal structure, looking impervious to their approach. Kari had to swallow a brief start of panic at the thought of being trapped before this imposing feature, waiting for the inevitable discovery.
How do we get in here? Cody asked. Do you have another device for this?
Ken muttered. But it's certainly locked.
So how do we get in? Joe snapped, fear heightening the tension already running rampant in the little group.
TK, Sora, Matt told me all about the incident with the guitar. Ken looked at the two suddenly blushing figures with sharp eyes.
Well...we could give it a try I suppose. Sora recovered her composure first, but TK was still trying to wilt away from Kari's gaze. So, at least there's something the genius can't do. C'mon TK, I need your help with this.
Right away. TK seemed glad to be out of immediate scrutiny.
Ken pulled a black plastic kit out of one pocket and handed it to TK who quickly opened it and nodded in satisfaction. He pulled out what looked from a distance like a bent bar, and a long thing needle and handed them to Sora. Then the two of them crouched close to the door, Sora poking and prodding while TK held onto something and whispered in her ear. After a few nervous moments there was a thunk and TK shook his head.
It's a safety lock. It could take us a few moments. TK turned back when a sudden sound made them start.
It was unmistakable. The sound of a car engine had just grown louder, and then there was the sudden thump as tires drove up pavements. Someone was turning into the parking garage.
We don't have a few moments. Ken told them unnecessarily, but neither TK nor Sora were paying attention to him anymore. They were working with a furious concentration. There were the faint sounds of Japanese being spoken above, and then the car revved up again from where it must have stopped before the security booth.
Then there was a click. TK yanked the door open, and it creaked its way open until they could see the stairway behind it.
Ken hissed unnecessarily, and they dived through the door. Ken was last, and the last thing he saw as the door closed behind him was a pair of headlights sweeping the garage.
We're in. The voice spoke tensely into the communications net. Tai breathed a little easier.
How was it? Izzy's voice crackled back.
Let's just say that I don't want to talk about it. Ken's voice crackled back.
Brother, I'm going to kill you. TK's voice crackled through the channels.
You just try it. Matt grinned back.
Sora was advancing at Ken with a menacing light in her eyes. How did you get my lockpick kit?
Uh, well, Matt gave it to me. Ken looked rather embarrassed by something. Sora immediately turned a furious scarlet.
Why that, that... she let out a deep breath. Oh, he's in so much trouble.
Kari asked innocently. And what does TK have to do with this?
Oh, well I took up lockpicking sort of as something that might be fun to learn a long time ago, but I got bored. It wasn't until last year that I actually used it. Matt was getting insufferable with all that fame from his rock group, and TK and I decided to have a little vengeance. We practiced on every lock we could find, and then we just started stealing all the stuff that belonged to Matt's band. We didn't do much with it except for move it around, but it frustrated Matt to no end. The deal was that one of us would distract him and then the other would go, unlock his guitar case, or his storage room or anything else they found interesting, steal what was inside of it, and put it in another storage room. Or in his Dad's car. Or somewhere where he wouldn't discover it missing until the next practice. We left little notes on them saying 'From your greatest fans'. It drove him crazy for about a month before we 'fessed up. I honestly had forgotten about that.
That doesn't sound too bad. Why are you so angry? Kari asked.
Because...because...when I stopped that I hid the lockpick kit.
Kari's eyes got wide.
Sora stammered something.
TK put a hand to his ear.
Sora turned even redder. And then, visibly gathering control over herself, she said very plainly. In my underwear drawer.
Everyone else slapped a hand over their mouths to keep their laughter from waking the whole building.
So this is what a broom closet looks like on the inside. Fascinating. Joe's tone of voice was dry and sarcastic. Ken grinned inwardly, knowing that part of his plan had succeeded. The laugh they had shared at the bottom of the stairway had released the tension, let it run out. They were focused again, and ready to go.
So, is it safe? Gatomon whispered.
Ken took another of Izzy's scavenged gadgets out of the bag he was carrying, placed one end on the door, and the other to his ear. After a few moments he shrugged.
I don't hear anyone. Ken reported. How about you Patamon? You're the one with the ears.
Nope. Not a thing. Patamon responded, raising his ears like an aerial antenna.
Well then, we just hope. Ken let the doorknob click open, and the door slid silently outward.
Gatomon peered around the corner in both directions, and then whispered. All clear.
Ken sighed and stepped out into the corridor. They were standing in an office corridor lined with doors and potted plants. Each door had a so they could see that the lights were off in each office. Down to the south they could see a more ornate room, brightly lit, and in the other direction there was a corner.
TK, you and Gatomon come with me. We'll go down and take a look and see how the land lies. Sora, you take the others and stay here. Gatomon, you have point.
Ken and TK inched behind the black-painted cat as they moved southward, toward the larger, lit room. Fortunately they could stay hidden behind the tall plants that were decorating the hallway, darting from one safe spot to the next. Slowly, the source of the light crept closer and closer, moving steadily toward them.
Suddenly they could hear the unmistakable sounds of conversation, muted by the walls, but carrying enough so that Ken could identify three different voices. He motioned quickly to TK, and then crept closer and closer on his own, finally poking the top of his head around the corner.
Five blue-uniformed security guards stood around the front reception desk, talking together about sports. They did not look too attentive, but the lobby was large and would be hard to sneak through under the best of circumstances. Now it was nearly impossible. Ken sank back with a sigh. If ever he needed inspiration it was now. And then, just like that, inspiration hit.
They want us to what?!? Matt howled. Tai stuck a finger in his ear to clear it.
I think you heard them. Mimi giggled. Davis looked furious.
Mimi asked.
I guess so. Joe's brother muttered darkly. Do you want to join in?
Of course. Mimi dazzled them all with her smile. I wouldn't want to miss this for the world.
Will we be close enough to the door for them to hear? Tai wondered suddenly.
We'll just have to be real loud. Mimi grinned. Everyone else groaned.
So how do we get past the guards? Sora asked quietly.
Ken was grinning. Just wait. I've provided a distraction.
Suddenly there was a horrendous caterwauling. Peering out into the lobby Ken could just get a glimpse through the door of five figures, four in pants and one in a pink dress, weaving drunkenly through the street outside. They were carrying a radio, and trying to sing along, but obviously failing. Then one, a blond turned to his brown haired companion.
Yer flat. He slurred drunkenly. Messin' us up.
I ain't flat. Yer, yer, yer...flatter. Yeah, that's it.
The blonde made a swing but the other one backed up, tripping over the one with the flame jacket. Within moments there was a drunken brawl taking place outside of the compound, and the guards were fixed on it, cheering one on, laughing at another, and generally enjoying the spectacle. They never even noticed nine figures dart by, diving into the east-west corridor that connected the middle of the building.
We're safe. Ken grinned, as the semi-drunken choir staggered off into Ginza proper.
Where's our target? Sora asked, looking up and down the corridor they were in now.
Through this wall. Ken tapped on the wall next to him, and frowned. Unfortunately I don't see a good way of getting in from here. We're going to have to find a new way. That's the problem with this way. I'm not sure what to do.
Think of something. TK suggested. We can't stay undetected in this building forever. There's got to be a weak point somewhere.
Um, guys...I know it's a bit of a long shot, but I want to try something. Kari raised her hand as if she was in class, drawing their attention immediately.
Ken looked surprised, but TK suddenly smiled.
TK once said I had lots of powers too. Do you think I might be able to use them to find another entrance to this place?
Well, I... Ken began
Yes. Of course. TK laid both hands on Kari's shoulders. Kari, I can't do it because my powers are geared toward fighting evil, but yours are slightly different, more passive, broader, stronger. You can do it. I have faith in you, but you have to find faith in yourself.
Kari nodded silently, and then let her eyes close. She searched inward, and suddenly, was gone.
Where am I? She asked. The glorious city, emblazoned in silver and pearl white glimmered in what seemed like sunlight, but it was sunlight coming from everywhere. There was enough diamond and glass nearby to give her the expression that she was standing in the middle of a rainbow, letting the colors run over her.
The Silver City. A woman's voice responded, but when Kari turned, there was no woman there. Only a glorious figure, with white wings. Kari could see no body, only a nimbus of light that glowed like the sun itself. The city of angels we call it sometimes. You have come as the Guide, and as such, you have reached the Gate of Dawn.
The Gate of Dawn? Kari gasped, and suddenly there it was, a huge golden gate, straight vertical bars glimmering so brightly that she involuntarily shielded her eyes.
Takeru is a Paladin, a warrior of good, and as such it is his right to enter through the Gate of Stars, through the country that is wild and free, but you are a Guide of Light, and you enter through the Dawn Gate, in the Silver City. Tell us Hikari Kamiya, for what purpose do you seek the power of the Heart of the World? The angelic figure paused.
I seek it to help my friends. We must find some information that is important to us. For some reason it sounded foolish saying anything to this glorious guide form heaven, but the woman smiled inside the light where Kari could not see.
A noble request. Such as the one you made the last time you were here Hikari.
The last time? Kari asked questioningly.
Of course. And such a precious little girl you were. All you wanted was to free those Numemon. We had to help you then, but now we simply unlock what is inside.
Do I go through the gate? Kari glanced back in the direction of the gate, but shied away before the light could burn her eyes.
No, you aren't ready for that. The woman smiled again.
Kari shook with relief and then caught sight of a figure, imprisoned in a glowing crystal, calmly awaiting his fate.
Who is that? She pointed.
That too shall be revealed one day. Now return home.
And Kari went home, carrying every step of the way a little piece of heaven.
Ken reached out to shake her, but TK caught his hand, an intent look on his face. When Ken met his eyes, TK shook his head seriously.
I'm back. Kari stood up. Her eyes opened, and suddenly TK remembered the last time he had seen this, under MachineDramon's city. The ivory ring still on her finger gleamed like fire, and she simply began to walk.
What do we do? Ken asked suddenly.
TK shrugged. We follow her of course. This rush of power won't last very long, but it could be very useful.
Kari walked along the corridor until she found a doorway leading to the outside courtyard, in the opposite direction of the tower. Opening it silently she stepped outside and stared wordlessly upwards. A window on the second floor swung open. Ken and Cody both felt their mouths drop open in shock.
It was more of a command then a request, and Sora found herself unpacking her stick and using it to get them through the second floor window before she could consciously think about it. Within moments they were standing inside of an enclosed room. Kari, without a second thought, opened the door, crossing a new darkened hallway and stopping in front of a piece of wall that looked utterly unremarkable. For a few moments she stared at the wall and then spoke very firmly and formally.
I am Hikari Kamiya, a Guide come from the Gate of Dawn, to wake the Slumbering Dragon. I bear within me the power of the Silver City. What right or power do you have that can bar my passage?
Suddenly there was a series of clicks and the piece of wall swung outward, revealing a high tech computer lab inside, shielded by a huge slab of steel.
Is she glowing? Cody hissed to TK.
Yeah, 'fraid so. Izzy's going to love this one.
Izzy, we're just about in.
Wow, you guys are fast. What's happening?
Kari lit up like a birthday candle and is doing her lightbulb imitation.
Tai's voice cut into the circuit.
Relax Tai. We're receiving divine guidance from the source here. We're perfectly safe. Believe me, nothing can hurt us like this.
Kari prowled through the computers as the door shut behind them and then pointed at one. This one.
Ken walked over, hit a few buttons and was rewarded by a simple screen:
UTOPIA CORPORATION DATA BACKUP SYSTEM
All right. We're in. He carefully placed the most essential device he had into the computer through one of the I/O ports and clicked it on. The computer whirred into action, and then data began to process itself through the link. At the same time Ken began to consult data on the terminal a whirling line of code, and then he turned back to his D3 to talk to Izzy.
Izzy, we've successfully confused the security system, but that program of yours won't keep it busy forever. I think we've got about five minutes before I have to pull out.
Izzy took a single look and shook his head grimly. Even with the incredible speed of the transfer devices they had put together five minutes was not going to be enough to download all those files. They would need an hour at least, and Izzy realized they did not have an hour.
Which files look important? He grumbled to himself, trying to figure out which ones to download. Then, with a look of deep concentration he closed his eyes, and tried to touch his crest. There was a feeling in his chest of something stirring and Izzy persisted, moving through a sightless world blindly, crawling toward the faintest signs of the light. He waited until his panic faded into determination, and then pressed onward again.
Suddenly he was bathed in the Net Ocean, that vast sea of knowledge that once more filled him with awe and power, swimming in the middle of obscure facts and datapoints. Its light nurtured him, fed his brain, filled it with ideas, decisions. He felt himself cast adrift and responded instinctively.
Quickly pushing keys he began to choose which files to download.
Ken slammed the connection off just as the security system started to catch on and breathed a sigh of relief. At the other end of the room everyone else was clustered around Kari, who had stopped glowing.
Shall we go? Cody asked.
Ken turned toward the door and started to reach for the exit door when it suddenly clicked. Heavy bolts slid shut across it, barring it from opening. At the same time, there was a rumble of machinery from the other end of the room.
What is it? Joe asked suddenly.
The elevator. Patamon reported, ears cocked. Someone's coming down.
Cloak and Dagger
Nothing like a little theft to get the blood running.
Gennai, Raid on Trugore.
Inside a digimon? Gatomon sounded so repulsed that she actually shuddered.
Buried inside the coding. Izzy confirmed. You see, we've been examining the leftover data from digimon that have lost pieces of themselves all over the world. And the stuff we've been getting has some sort of control virus in it. I didn't realize what it was until Professor Takenouchi and I examined the records from the battle last night. Now I know what it is. A self-destruct device, to prevent us from ever getting our hands on one of his digimon.
Ken mused, his chin in his hand.
But it does lead to a puzzling question. Joe pointed out suddenly from the corner.
Yes it does. Izzy frowned again. What is Khartan trying to hide?
The tide began with a single phone call, which Lieutenant Takaeda, Tokyo Metropolitan Police, Tactical Unit One, picked up in his new office in West Shinjuku.
Lieutenant Takaeda, Tactical Unit One here.
The voice on the other end was quiet and stumbling. It sounded like a kid, a boy trying to act like a man. I'm calling b-because I saw that thing on the news, and I h-h-have a digimon, and my parents say that if things aren't too d-dangerous that I can help.
Takaeda broke out into a wide smile. Of course you can help. And we'd be glad to have you helping us out. And tell your parents not to worry, we'll keep you out of harm's way any way possible. Give us your name and address, and I'll send some friends of mine out to tell you what you're getting into.
All right... the voice on the other end began to gain confidence.
By noon half-a-dozen calls had come in. The children who called, who volunteered were being lauded as heroes in the media, children willing to forgo playtime, to help save a city. Their names were being kept secret for now, but a half dozen police patrols went out that morning with a child and a digimon in the back seat. By the time Takaeda came back from his lunch break there were a dozen more calls waiting for him, and a street-wise teenager standing outside his office with a Betamon next to her, pugnaciously demanding the opportunity to help.
All over the world, the forces of Light began to gather.
So, operation Cloak and Dagger. Izzy flashed his laser pointer at the huge computer screen on Adam's wall. The screen displayed a mutli-layer diagram of the Saffron Corporation office building in Ginza. Electronic systems were outlined in different colors, and different rooms were color coded to indicate their function. The building was built like a rectangular eight on a digital clock, four stories tall, with six story towers at each vertex. There was also an eight story tower in the middle of the complex. In the two courtyards were a helicopter pad, and a cafeteria and garden. The perimeter was guarded by a simple chain-link fence, but Izzy's analysis had revealed that there were several objects that looked suspiciously like security cameras and sensors surrounding the outer grounds. The basement housed two different levels, one a parking garage, and the other covered in concrete.
So where's the target? Davis asked, lounging against a wall.
The center tower. The laser pointer turned to illuminate the center structure.
Veemon wanted to know.
Because it stands out. Adam replied from the corner. The architecture is all wrong.
Tai muttered.
It's built wrong. Izzy continued, pointing things out on the diagram. The center tower is eight stories tall, connected to a four story building. It has executive offices on the top four floors, and a security station on the fourth floor where it connects to the rest of the building. But the bottom was actually pretty heavily shielded.
So what? Matt wanted to know. Sora elbowed him gently in the ribs, and rolled her eyes when he pretended to have been seriously injured.
If you walk into the center tower from the fourth floor you have to choices. On your right is a set of offices and an elevator. On your left there is the security center, one sealed control room, one duty room, and a protected lobby. Inside the lobby is another elevator. But the elevator on your right only goes up, connecting the top of the building together. The only way to get into the bottom three floors is through the elevator in the security center. The base of the tower is completely independent of the building it's next to. And the windows look funny. Especially when we scan them from the air.
I've seen the material before. Adam told them. It's the same stuff they use on the Popemobile. But this time they reinforced it pretty heavily. I don't have a good way of breaking through that.
Well that's funny. Sora confirmed. But why do they put it on the bottom instead of the top of the tower?
Because the top is more interesting. They really don't want their average employees poking around that, so they hide it pretty well in the bottom of the tower to keep others from finding it. That way it's almost completely safe from discovery, and nobody bothers to talk about it. Ken nodded at the diagram grimly.
So what do we do about that? Patamon sat up on TK's head, pushing his unfortunate partner's hat down over his eyes.
We break in. Izzy smiled at them.
How do we do that? Mimi sat up straighter.
That's your job to plan. Here's their security. Izzy pointed back at the diagram. There are five main entrances to the building, one on each side, and one in the parking garage. The garage has, as far as we can tell, what looks like two different stairwells for maintenance, or emergencies, or something, and then a central elevator and stairwell to the main lobby. Each central door has a security desk that seems to manned twenty-four hours a day by a uniformed guard. There is a pair of guards all day long at the station at the entrance to the parking garage, and there is a pair that man the lobby constantly too.
How good are they? Yolei asked thoughtfully.
They look professional to me. Adam rumbled.
That's affirmative. I checked all the security services I could through the police with that man, Lieutenant Takaeda's assistance, but all we could find was that nobody in the civilian district had hired out to Saffron Corporation. So these are guards hired by Utopia itself, and given their demeanor, and the reputation of Utopia, they might be armed as well. Izzy nodded grimly at them. They also have a security station on each floor, on the northwest tower for the first floor, the southeast for the second, the northeast for the third and the southwest for the fourth. They seem to have five guards in them at all time at least. The central station in the central tower seems to have about ten people at all times. To add to that they have five patrols of two guards each throughout the building at any given moment. Add some we probably missed and we're talking forty guards constantly throughout the night. And that doesn't include what they have hidden away that we don't know about. And that's a lot of security.
I agree. These guys are paranoid. Gatomon sat up a little straighter.
And that means that they're afraid of us finding something in there. TK narrowed his eyes at the diagram. Okay, so, since I assume we don't want them to ever know that we were there, we can rule out the main entrances. The windows are probably alarmed, so we can't get through there. Is there any sort of open-air ventilation for the parking garage?
Izzy smiled broadly. That's just the target I was going to suggest. There is indeed a way to get into the parking garage. They have several open slits to allow exhaust out, but they turn out to be wide enough for us to get through. From there we can use the maintenance staircases to get inside. From then on we'll have to wing it, because I don't have a good way to get into the central area, except going through the main security lobby.
So who's going? TK asked. All of us together would make too much noise.
I assume that they have an interest in following me, so I'm going out hunting down near Yokohama, and I'll be just clumsy enough so that their agents can find me. Adam reported.
So how many are going? TK pressed.
Five or six with their digimon at the most. Tai spoke up, the old light of command was back in his voice. And not me, and not Matt, and not Davis.
Why not? Davis protested as Matt jerked up as well.
Because the team that goes in is going to be under a lot of stress. Tai was obviously miles away. I have the bad habit of reacting to stress by charging off, and so do you. Matt has the bad habit of trying to go lone wolf, so that excludes him. Not Yolei and not Mimi either, I hate to say it, but the truth is that you tend to get loud when you're stressed, and you don't move quite as silently as some of the others.
Not me. Izzy stated firmly. I'm staying here to monitor things, and to help with a remote computer hack. I am the computer expert after all.
So that already gives us six. TK pointed out.
Not Kari. Tai interrupted, suddenly sounding more like an older brother than a fearless leader.
If TK's going, I'm going. You can't protect me forever older brother. Kari stood up fiercely, causing even TK to flinch back in surprise.
For a moment Tai looked like he was going to yell, and then he merely glowered and rumbled out. We'll talk about this when we get home, but you can go tonight.
Kari looked a little nervous, but still attempted to be supremely confident as she sat back down.
Izzy was clearly trying to restore some order. We go in a group of six. Ken has practice moving quietly and invisibly, so does TK now. Sora keeps a calm head in the face of danger, and Kari has powers and skills that would be invaluable to us. Cody and Joe give us the manpower to deal with unexpected surprises, and they also have skills, Joe knows how offices are laid out, and from his time volunteering at the local hospital, he should have a pretty good idea how the filing systems work, while Cody can add his own martial arts skills.
TK suddenly laughed.
What's so funny? Izzy asked.
I just remember a time when we would have forgotten Joe first. I just realized, I haven't seen Joe stumble into something, or fumble something in quite a while. It just seemed so much a part of you Joe that I didn't even realize when it disappeared. And if we had done this before Davis would howl about being left out of the action, and Yolei would be doing approximately the same thing. Mimi would be offended, Matt would be in a huff, and Tai would have been pulling his hair out. I would have been a wild card, Kari would have been uncertain, Cody distant, Ken depressed and Sora nervous. We've just changed so much, and yet it's not like we're different people. It's like we've gotten rid of the parts of us that aren't us, that we've become more like ourselves.
That's right bro. Matt patted TK on the back, and TK swore that for a moment he saw some moisture in his brother's eye.
So let's do it. We meet here at seven. Izzy slammed his laser pointer down with decisiveness.
Hey Doofus! Davis winced as Jun skipped into his room and grabbed onto his spiky hair. What're you up to?
Gerrofff me! Davis huffed and managed to wiggle out from beneath his sister's grappling hold. You'll mess up the hair.
It doesn't need the help. Jun eyed her brother's hair critically.
Hey! Lay off it!
Besides, you didn't answer my question. I know that look. My idiot of a younger brother is off to get himself into trouble. What is it that timefinally managed to get that girl to go out with you? Trying to put the moves on somebody? Should I tell Mom you're lovesick and need advice.
Davis complained, finally managing to shove his sister back. For your information, I'm just going out to have a nice day with my friends. Now lay off!
Take care of yourself then Doofus. Jun skipped out of his room again.
I do my best. Davis sighed, rolling his eyes.
So that's about the size of it. Mr. Hida sat on the bench, staring at his vacuum sealed package of prune juice. Nobody really knows anything, and everybody who does know something isn't saying a word. But the Yakuza are suddenly experiencing a manpower shortage. Someone is absorbing all the extra thugs that they normally depend on for help with odd jobs.
Maybe a takeover? Hideo Ishiguro had seated himself on the opposite side of the bench, facing a decorative fountain. The two of them were almost alone in the green expanse of the park. I heard rumors that the Osaka syndicates were beginning to move out of their home territory.
That rumor has been confirmed. Mr. Hida took a sip of his juice. But they're moving away from Tokyo. In fact, everyone big has been moving away from Tokyo. The old men, the ones who really run things, they're looking a lot more worried these days than usual.
So someone's scaring away the Yakuza.
Either that, or they're just trying to get a lot of people, and get them fast. That could be one reason to eliminate the presence of the Yakuza. That would free up the kind of lowlife that the opposition depends on.
Master Ishiguro stared at the fountain again. Well, try and keep our home network here intact. I get a feeling that those recent disappearances may not stop.
I'll do my best. Cody's Grandfather stood up and walked away, leaving Hideo Ishiguro to muse on the best way to deal with this latest problem.
Kari, come in here. Tai spoke quietly, but Kari could hear him as she bustled around holding her math book. Tentatively, scared of her brother's legendary temper, she entered the bedroom they shared, and closed the door behind her. Tai was sitting on the bed, his face obscured by the shadow of his hair as the sunlight died behind him.
Sir down. He patted the bed next to him. She sat slowly.
I just want you to know something. I know that our parents haven't been that close to us. I know they love us very much, but they just aren't good communicators, just like me. I think you've been sister and friend to me so long, that I've forgotten that you are your own person. I guess in the digital world I've always thought of myself as the only parent you had, as the one who had to protect and shelter you from the harshness of reality. I always thought that this would be my job.
I know you think you've grown up. I was your age too once, you know, and not that long ago. I also know that you have a long way to go before you become the woman you will be, and that's quite a big step.
I want you to know this. I understand how you feel, and that you want to put yourself in danger for the sake of others. You're young though, impulsive, not quite stable, not quite comfortable with who and what you have become. You're still naive, and sometimes your mercy is misplaced. Sometimes you're too gentle, and like the gentle flower you have to be protected.
I want you to know. There is no way I could be more proud of what you've become than I am now. I know that I'm not mom or dad, but I have had a great deal of influence in your life, and now I know what they must feel like. You've become a person who is not only gentle and compassionate, but brave and full of righteousness. You know yourself, and you know what you have to do. You're certain, and you've made good choices, choices I might not have made, but good choices nonetheless. You're smart and courageous, and the best person I know, and that's saying a lot.
I guess I never wanted to deal with the fact that my sister Kari was grown up. I wish that I had earlier, but this latest journey showed me that. The world I thought was a fairy tale come true turned out to be false. I wasn't the only hero, there were many of us. I didn't get the princess, my job wasn't to save the damsel in distress. I think that this taught me more than I ever realized. I want you to know that I understand that you've grown up, even if I may not want to face up to it. I want you to also know that you are a great person, and that I am proud of you, of what you've done, of what you've built, and what you will build. I'm proud of you for finding Takeru, and proud of the way you've dealt with that at such a young age.
I'm proud of you little Hikari. Take care of yourself out there. And know that I'll love you, no matter what you do, always.
Kari held her brother tight as he began to cry.
The white-coated scientist swore as he stared at the images. No matter what they changed at the clean room, they got the same anomalous signal.
Well, somebody better get a call through to Professor Takenouchi in Tokyo. His companion noted. That damn neutrino burst is showing up again. Someone out there is literally tying knots in the space-time continuum.
TK wrapped the last band of black cloth around his head, fully hiding the shock of blond hair in concealing darkness. Beside him Ken was concealing the last of his skin. Cody was already good to go, his sword from Citadel sheathed next to him. TK had considered taking his staff, but he was too bulky already.
I'm really sorry Gomamon. Joe was explaining off to the side.
That's all right, I understand. Gomamon nodded at his partner. Joe had figured that while his companion was acrobatic in the water, he might not fare so well on the land, and so should probably stay away from the mission. Gomamon understood perfectly well. Armadillomon had too, his claws made loud clicks when he walked, noises they could not afford to make.
You ready Kari? Sora could be heard in the next room.
Yep. How about you Gatomon?
I still like being a white cat more than a black one.
At least you get to go. Biyomon responded. I have to spend my time flying around.
You guys ready yet? Adam called from outside.
As ready as we're going to get. Ken reported, and Sora echoed him.
All right. Tai came in. Remember, if you need help we'll be waiting on the other side of the street. Good luck you guys.
Thanks Tai. Everybody to car number one. TK nodded at them.
Jim was sitting in the drivers' seat of the Ishida van, as Mr. Ishida was currently back at the news station. He had said that he really did not want to know what was happening here, but he had agreed to let them use the van. Quickly the infiltration team piled into the van while Tai, Matt, Mimi and Davis jumped into Mr. Hida's car, which was sitting right next to them. TK noted that Jim appeared to be sweating a bit as the van eased out of the parking lot, but he just smiled reassuringly at the driver.
So where do I drop you off? Jim asked, his voice hardly shaking.
You drove by earlier? Ken asked. Jim nodded in response. All right, in the southeast corner. They planted a tree too close to the roadway. We ought to be able to sneak in without anyone being any the wiser for it. We'll have to do it fast, so seat belts off as we get in sight of the building.
Jim let the car guide smoothly out of the parking lot. His hands clenched the wheel until his knuckles were white.
Let's not get caught. Joe murmured from the back seat.
That's my line bro. Jim responded. I'm supposed to be persuading you and your suicidal companions that felonies are for bad guys.
Well, there's a first time for anything. Ken seemed more animated now. TK smiled, Ken would have to be the leader in this, and he was trying to instill confidence in his troops. Kari was growing increasingly pale, but she and Sora sat calm and still, waiting for the future with wide, unblinking eyes.
Jim turned the car around a corner and nodded once, keeping his calm. All right, we're within sight.
We're right behind you. Tai's voice crackled over the communications gear that Ken had brought. Head in nice and easy now.
Right. Seat belts off!
There was a click as everyone unbuckled their belts. Slowly, ever so slowly the darkened grove of trees at the street corner crept between them and the building until...
Right. Everybody out.
The van door slid silently open and Ken and Cody, TK, Kari and Sora slid out of the van one after another, as fast as they could. Joe jumped out of the front seat, making sure to close the door quietly. Jim tried his best to look as if he was just reading directions, but watched anxiously as the digidestined strike team faded into the darkness of the trees before starting the van and driving off.
First task, the fence. Sora? Ken was a shadow in the darkness, and his words came extremely quietly, but Sora still heard. She silently unsheathed the inscribed stick she had been given, and a moment later it was tall enough for them to use to get up to the top of the fence and jump down the other side.
Now the security systems. Ken murmured, and brought out the Scanner from his backpack.
How do we do that? TK whispered back.
We hope this works. Ken hit a set of buttons, and the air around them seemed to shimmer briefly.
What's that? Kari hissed.
It's Izzy's variant on the original digital barrier program. It doesn't make us invisible, but it masks our presence from computer and electronic equipment. That means that we can get through these systems, but it won't be much help if we get discovered. Ken packed up the Scanner again with practiced movements.
Where do we go from here? TK asked.
Right there. Ken unpacked another device, this one a hand-held GPS system. We have this accurate down to a tenth of a meter, and we already programmed our route in. Let's go.
TK shrugged and followed Ken as he made his way through the grounds, homing in on a certain location. Everyone else followed, but they were all now nervous, jumping at the slightest sound. There was nobody else out here, but that did not make them calmer. Rather it increased their nervousness as they searched for imaginary enemies. Fortunately they did not run into any real opponents before Ken had guided them carefully to a rectangular hole in the concrete base of the building, spilling over orange sodium light into the world.
Ken whispered again, and they used Sora's expanding staff to make their way down to the bottom of the parking garage. It looked perfectly normal, filled with columns and empty spaces, oil stains on concrete, and glaring orange lights. There was nobody in sight, but around the corner nearest to the exit they thought they could catch the faint strains of radio music playing.
The security guards are over there, but what we want to do is make for the maintenance door to our left. He pointed again, and they all nodded and followed him. Creeping silently six humans and three digimon managed to creep over to the door, feeling horribly naked in this place, where the light glared down on them from above, and the white background provided no cover. The door itself was a heavy metal structure, looking impervious to their approach. Kari had to swallow a brief start of panic at the thought of being trapped before this imposing feature, waiting for the inevitable discovery.
How do we get in here? Cody asked. Do you have another device for this?
Ken muttered. But it's certainly locked.
So how do we get in? Joe snapped, fear heightening the tension already running rampant in the little group.
TK, Sora, Matt told me all about the incident with the guitar. Ken looked at the two suddenly blushing figures with sharp eyes.
Well...we could give it a try I suppose. Sora recovered her composure first, but TK was still trying to wilt away from Kari's gaze. So, at least there's something the genius can't do. C'mon TK, I need your help with this.
Right away. TK seemed glad to be out of immediate scrutiny.
Ken pulled a black plastic kit out of one pocket and handed it to TK who quickly opened it and nodded in satisfaction. He pulled out what looked from a distance like a bent bar, and a long thing needle and handed them to Sora. Then the two of them crouched close to the door, Sora poking and prodding while TK held onto something and whispered in her ear. After a few nervous moments there was a thunk and TK shook his head.
It's a safety lock. It could take us a few moments. TK turned back when a sudden sound made them start.
It was unmistakable. The sound of a car engine had just grown louder, and then there was the sudden thump as tires drove up pavements. Someone was turning into the parking garage.
We don't have a few moments. Ken told them unnecessarily, but neither TK nor Sora were paying attention to him anymore. They were working with a furious concentration. There were the faint sounds of Japanese being spoken above, and then the car revved up again from where it must have stopped before the security booth.
Then there was a click. TK yanked the door open, and it creaked its way open until they could see the stairway behind it.
Ken hissed unnecessarily, and they dived through the door. Ken was last, and the last thing he saw as the door closed behind him was a pair of headlights sweeping the garage.
We're in. The voice spoke tensely into the communications net. Tai breathed a little easier.
How was it? Izzy's voice crackled back.
Let's just say that I don't want to talk about it. Ken's voice crackled back.
Brother, I'm going to kill you. TK's voice crackled through the channels.
You just try it. Matt grinned back.
Sora was advancing at Ken with a menacing light in her eyes. How did you get my lockpick kit?
Uh, well, Matt gave it to me. Ken looked rather embarrassed by something. Sora immediately turned a furious scarlet.
Why that, that... she let out a deep breath. Oh, he's in so much trouble.
Kari asked innocently. And what does TK have to do with this?
Oh, well I took up lockpicking sort of as something that might be fun to learn a long time ago, but I got bored. It wasn't until last year that I actually used it. Matt was getting insufferable with all that fame from his rock group, and TK and I decided to have a little vengeance. We practiced on every lock we could find, and then we just started stealing all the stuff that belonged to Matt's band. We didn't do much with it except for move it around, but it frustrated Matt to no end. The deal was that one of us would distract him and then the other would go, unlock his guitar case, or his storage room or anything else they found interesting, steal what was inside of it, and put it in another storage room. Or in his Dad's car. Or somewhere where he wouldn't discover it missing until the next practice. We left little notes on them saying 'From your greatest fans'. It drove him crazy for about a month before we 'fessed up. I honestly had forgotten about that.
That doesn't sound too bad. Why are you so angry? Kari asked.
Because...because...when I stopped that I hid the lockpick kit.
Kari's eyes got wide.
Sora stammered something.
TK put a hand to his ear.
Sora turned even redder. And then, visibly gathering control over herself, she said very plainly. In my underwear drawer.
Everyone else slapped a hand over their mouths to keep their laughter from waking the whole building.
So this is what a broom closet looks like on the inside. Fascinating. Joe's tone of voice was dry and sarcastic. Ken grinned inwardly, knowing that part of his plan had succeeded. The laugh they had shared at the bottom of the stairway had released the tension, let it run out. They were focused again, and ready to go.
So, is it safe? Gatomon whispered.
Ken took another of Izzy's scavenged gadgets out of the bag he was carrying, placed one end on the door, and the other to his ear. After a few moments he shrugged.
I don't hear anyone. Ken reported. How about you Patamon? You're the one with the ears.
Nope. Not a thing. Patamon responded, raising his ears like an aerial antenna.
Well then, we just hope. Ken let the doorknob click open, and the door slid silently outward.
Gatomon peered around the corner in both directions, and then whispered. All clear.
Ken sighed and stepped out into the corridor. They were standing in an office corridor lined with doors and potted plants. Each door had a so they could see that the lights were off in each office. Down to the south they could see a more ornate room, brightly lit, and in the other direction there was a corner.
TK, you and Gatomon come with me. We'll go down and take a look and see how the land lies. Sora, you take the others and stay here. Gatomon, you have point.
Ken and TK inched behind the black-painted cat as they moved southward, toward the larger, lit room. Fortunately they could stay hidden behind the tall plants that were decorating the hallway, darting from one safe spot to the next. Slowly, the source of the light crept closer and closer, moving steadily toward them.
Suddenly they could hear the unmistakable sounds of conversation, muted by the walls, but carrying enough so that Ken could identify three different voices. He motioned quickly to TK, and then crept closer and closer on his own, finally poking the top of his head around the corner.
Five blue-uniformed security guards stood around the front reception desk, talking together about sports. They did not look too attentive, but the lobby was large and would be hard to sneak through under the best of circumstances. Now it was nearly impossible. Ken sank back with a sigh. If ever he needed inspiration it was now. And then, just like that, inspiration hit.
They want us to what?!? Matt howled. Tai stuck a finger in his ear to clear it.
I think you heard them. Mimi giggled. Davis looked furious.
Mimi asked.
I guess so. Joe's brother muttered darkly. Do you want to join in?
Of course. Mimi dazzled them all with her smile. I wouldn't want to miss this for the world.
Will we be close enough to the door for them to hear? Tai wondered suddenly.
We'll just have to be real loud. Mimi grinned. Everyone else groaned.
So how do we get past the guards? Sora asked quietly.
Ken was grinning. Just wait. I've provided a distraction.
Suddenly there was a horrendous caterwauling. Peering out into the lobby Ken could just get a glimpse through the door of five figures, four in pants and one in a pink dress, weaving drunkenly through the street outside. They were carrying a radio, and trying to sing along, but obviously failing. Then one, a blond turned to his brown haired companion.
Yer flat. He slurred drunkenly. Messin' us up.
I ain't flat. Yer, yer, yer...flatter. Yeah, that's it.
The blonde made a swing but the other one backed up, tripping over the one with the flame jacket. Within moments there was a drunken brawl taking place outside of the compound, and the guards were fixed on it, cheering one on, laughing at another, and generally enjoying the spectacle. They never even noticed nine figures dart by, diving into the east-west corridor that connected the middle of the building.
We're safe. Ken grinned, as the semi-drunken choir staggered off into Ginza proper.
Where's our target? Sora asked, looking up and down the corridor they were in now.
Through this wall. Ken tapped on the wall next to him, and frowned. Unfortunately I don't see a good way of getting in from here. We're going to have to find a new way. That's the problem with this way. I'm not sure what to do.
Think of something. TK suggested. We can't stay undetected in this building forever. There's got to be a weak point somewhere.
Um, guys...I know it's a bit of a long shot, but I want to try something. Kari raised her hand as if she was in class, drawing their attention immediately.
Ken looked surprised, but TK suddenly smiled.
TK once said I had lots of powers too. Do you think I might be able to use them to find another entrance to this place?
Well, I... Ken began
Yes. Of course. TK laid both hands on Kari's shoulders. Kari, I can't do it because my powers are geared toward fighting evil, but yours are slightly different, more passive, broader, stronger. You can do it. I have faith in you, but you have to find faith in yourself.
Kari nodded silently, and then let her eyes close. She searched inward, and suddenly, was gone.
Where am I? She asked. The glorious city, emblazoned in silver and pearl white glimmered in what seemed like sunlight, but it was sunlight coming from everywhere. There was enough diamond and glass nearby to give her the expression that she was standing in the middle of a rainbow, letting the colors run over her.
The Silver City. A woman's voice responded, but when Kari turned, there was no woman there. Only a glorious figure, with white wings. Kari could see no body, only a nimbus of light that glowed like the sun itself. The city of angels we call it sometimes. You have come as the Guide, and as such, you have reached the Gate of Dawn.
The Gate of Dawn? Kari gasped, and suddenly there it was, a huge golden gate, straight vertical bars glimmering so brightly that she involuntarily shielded her eyes.
Takeru is a Paladin, a warrior of good, and as such it is his right to enter through the Gate of Stars, through the country that is wild and free, but you are a Guide of Light, and you enter through the Dawn Gate, in the Silver City. Tell us Hikari Kamiya, for what purpose do you seek the power of the Heart of the World? The angelic figure paused.
I seek it to help my friends. We must find some information that is important to us. For some reason it sounded foolish saying anything to this glorious guide form heaven, but the woman smiled inside the light where Kari could not see.
A noble request. Such as the one you made the last time you were here Hikari.
The last time? Kari asked questioningly.
Of course. And such a precious little girl you were. All you wanted was to free those Numemon. We had to help you then, but now we simply unlock what is inside.
Do I go through the gate? Kari glanced back in the direction of the gate, but shied away before the light could burn her eyes.
No, you aren't ready for that. The woman smiled again.
Kari shook with relief and then caught sight of a figure, imprisoned in a glowing crystal, calmly awaiting his fate.
Who is that? She pointed.
That too shall be revealed one day. Now return home.
And Kari went home, carrying every step of the way a little piece of heaven.
Ken reached out to shake her, but TK caught his hand, an intent look on his face. When Ken met his eyes, TK shook his head seriously.
I'm back. Kari stood up. Her eyes opened, and suddenly TK remembered the last time he had seen this, under MachineDramon's city. The ivory ring still on her finger gleamed like fire, and she simply began to walk.
What do we do? Ken asked suddenly.
TK shrugged. We follow her of course. This rush of power won't last very long, but it could be very useful.
Kari walked along the corridor until she found a doorway leading to the outside courtyard, in the opposite direction of the tower. Opening it silently she stepped outside and stared wordlessly upwards. A window on the second floor swung open. Ken and Cody both felt their mouths drop open in shock.
It was more of a command then a request, and Sora found herself unpacking her stick and using it to get them through the second floor window before she could consciously think about it. Within moments they were standing inside of an enclosed room. Kari, without a second thought, opened the door, crossing a new darkened hallway and stopping in front of a piece of wall that looked utterly unremarkable. For a few moments she stared at the wall and then spoke very firmly and formally.
I am Hikari Kamiya, a Guide come from the Gate of Dawn, to wake the Slumbering Dragon. I bear within me the power of the Silver City. What right or power do you have that can bar my passage?
Suddenly there was a series of clicks and the piece of wall swung outward, revealing a high tech computer lab inside, shielded by a huge slab of steel.
Is she glowing? Cody hissed to TK.
Yeah, 'fraid so. Izzy's going to love this one.
Izzy, we're just about in.
Wow, you guys are fast. What's happening?
Kari lit up like a birthday candle and is doing her lightbulb imitation.
Tai's voice cut into the circuit.
Relax Tai. We're receiving divine guidance from the source here. We're perfectly safe. Believe me, nothing can hurt us like this.
Kari prowled through the computers as the door shut behind them and then pointed at one. This one.
Ken walked over, hit a few buttons and was rewarded by a simple screen:
UTOPIA CORPORATION DATA BACKUP SYSTEM
All right. We're in. He carefully placed the most essential device he had into the computer through one of the I/O ports and clicked it on. The computer whirred into action, and then data began to process itself through the link. At the same time Ken began to consult data on the terminal a whirling line of code, and then he turned back to his D3 to talk to Izzy.
Izzy, we've successfully confused the security system, but that program of yours won't keep it busy forever. I think we've got about five minutes before I have to pull out.
Izzy took a single look and shook his head grimly. Even with the incredible speed of the transfer devices they had put together five minutes was not going to be enough to download all those files. They would need an hour at least, and Izzy realized they did not have an hour.
Which files look important? He grumbled to himself, trying to figure out which ones to download. Then, with a look of deep concentration he closed his eyes, and tried to touch his crest. There was a feeling in his chest of something stirring and Izzy persisted, moving through a sightless world blindly, crawling toward the faintest signs of the light. He waited until his panic faded into determination, and then pressed onward again.
Suddenly he was bathed in the Net Ocean, that vast sea of knowledge that once more filled him with awe and power, swimming in the middle of obscure facts and datapoints. Its light nurtured him, fed his brain, filled it with ideas, decisions. He felt himself cast adrift and responded instinctively.
Quickly pushing keys he began to choose which files to download.
Ken slammed the connection off just as the security system started to catch on and breathed a sigh of relief. At the other end of the room everyone else was clustered around Kari, who had stopped glowing.
Shall we go? Cody asked.
Ken turned toward the door and started to reach for the exit door when it suddenly clicked. Heavy bolts slid shut across it, barring it from opening. At the same time, there was a rumble of machinery from the other end of the room.
What is it? Joe asked suddenly.
The elevator. Patamon reported, ears cocked. Someone's coming down.