Disclaimer: I don't own digimon
Author's Note: I'm back...sort of. More updates soon.
Episode XXXIII
Incriminating Evidence
Toto – I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore.
Dorothy, Wizard of Oz Script.
What's happening in there? Tai snapped, irritated, at Matt, who was supposed to be in charge of communication.
Calm down Tai. I'm sure they're all right. Matt reassured them.
I hope so. Jim muttered.
How do we...? Ken began, but Gatomon had already spotted their way out.
Quick, this way! She pointed and they ran. A door on the far side of the room suddenly gleamed invitingly, but when Kari got to the handle, it was locked.
Now what? Joe despaired.
TK and Sora threw everyone else aside as the lockpick kit reemerged. Quickly, as the creaks of an elevator grew ever closer they concentrated, beads of sweat emerging from their foreheads as the lock stubbornly refused to spring. Then, just as the creaking and grinding began to fade, as the elevator arrived the lock clicked open and all nine of them squeezed through and into the room on the other side. Joe closed the door after them just as the elevator pinged.
So what are we doing? Someone inside asked.
Sealing the place off. We have to do one of those long-term virus scans. And this place is built like a digital fortress. We have to do each machine by hand.
That's gonna be fun. How long should it take?
Get comfortable, we're going to be down here for a few hours. The second voice replied, followed by some computer clicking.
Joe muttered, That isn't good.
TK agreed mildly. It isn't. Ken, have any good ideas?
One actually, where are we?
I don't see what you...oh, in an emergency stairwell. Shall we take a look at the higher floors?
Don't see why not. Ken shrugged, placed Wormmon on his shoulder and began to rapidly climb up the stairs. TK and Patamon followed with the others in tow. Unfortunately the other floors were even less interesting. There were four of them, one below the one they had started on, and two above, both of which were empty computer labs with no other exits in sight, besides the elevator. It was the top floor that attracted their attention.
Where does it open up to? TK asked after Ken returned from listening at the door.
Right into the middle of the security station. Ken replied, looking thoughtful.
Well, we can't use that. Sora shrugged. Let's look back at the ground floors for something better.
Wait a moment. Ken was staring at something. Look at that.
Cody asked. Oh, the ventilation shaft. It's too small for a human to crawl through...oh, I think I see what you're saying.
Right. Wormmon, do you think you could crawl through that up there?
You should know by now Ken, crawling is what I do best.
Right then. Cody, we need to use your sword to pry that off. Patamon, fly up there so you can catch it once we pry it open. Then Wormmon, you can take my D3, use it as a communication device and a transmitter so we can see what's out there.
He can use mine. Joe volunteered. Without Gomamon here I can't digivolve anyone anyway, so mine is the best shot.
Moments later Wormmon was squirming his way along the pathway, disappearing from sight, while Ken stood anxiously by, relaying the transmission to the Scanner.
After a few minutes Wormmon had managed to find the way that most of the security center was laid out. Two different times he managed to end up overlooking a large lobby filled with a dozen different blue-uniformed guards. Another time they found a room filled with monitoring cameras and security systems and more guards. And then Wormmon explored the last place he could go inside the ducts and found himself facing a room piled high with armaments.
Well well well. Ken muttered as he looked down at the room's inventory. That's impressive.
Sora asked curiously.
Look at that. Assault rifles, submachine guns, a pair of stripped down mortars, a rack of modern tactical shotguns, a set of complete anti-tank missile launchers. I haven't seen this much armament ever outside of an army base. This is an arsenal. Either they're ready to be hit by a small army here, or they're planning to invade a small piece of Tokyo. Ammo, grenades, explosives, all of this stuff is ready to go, and judging from the lack of dust, it's either well maintained, or well used. What do you bet that if we went into those basement areas that Izzy couldn't scan that we'd find a firing range?
But why do this? Kari asked.
Beats me. But these security guards could easily be trained in using this. That would give them a small army. But I have no idea what they would do with one. Ken frowned again. But that gives me an idea.
Well, spill it Sherlock. TK said sarcastically.
Calm down. Patamon, Gatomon, can either Angemon or Angewomon create a shock wave?
A what? Patamon asked, settling down again on TK's head.
A shock wave. Or, let me ask it another way. Can either of you knock down those things through a wall without damaging the wall?
Gatomon and Patamon exchanged long measuring looks before Gatomon responded. I think so.
Well, then here's my next plan. We need a distraction to get those guys out of our way downstairs. And, if I'm not reading the map wrong, we're right next to it. So, if we can get Angemon up here, he can knock down those weapons.
So, it'll make a big clatter. Joe replied.
Not just that. From what I can see, it seems that they've been racked ready to use. We might get a few gunshots, but even better, I think that the impact might set off the grenades, and some of the explosives. That'll make enough noise to send everyone in the building running.
Then what? Joe asked.
We shimmy down the ladder, get out the way we came in, and run for the exit. Nobody should be trying to intercept us. It will hide us because they'll probably think that something just fell over and set off a whole chain reaction. Ken smacked his palm with his fist. Get Wormmon out of there, and then everyone except Patamon get down to the floor we want. Patamon, I want you to digivolve when I give the signal and then I want that shock wave right... his hand moved,
The little mammal chirped.
C'mon Wormmon, hurry back.
Right on cue the green worm jumped out of the open grate and landed in Ken's arms. Quickly everyone else retreated below a level to give Angemon some room to work in.
Patamon...digivolve to...Angemon!
The angel knelt in front of the wall, huge wings barely fitting inside the room, but somehow managing to appear calm and comfortable nonetheless.
He whispered. Dance of a Thousand Stars. Each star moves in its orbit straight and clear, each knowing the steps of the great dance too well to make an error or an oversight. The power of the dance lies in movement, in fluid motion, in the power of the heart. I am a practitioner of the Asra-Dan-Catrel. Patience is my watchword, virtue my promise, concentration my symbol, honor my oath and grace my mark. I am Angemon, by right an angel, an agent of the guardians of worlds. Grant me my power now!
Suddenly he moved. Both hands rose and placed themselves firmly against the wall. For a moment they seemed to glow with power and then the wall reverberated, as if an explosion had been set off within, but the wall remained intact. And then the other side of the wall seemed to erupt. Explosions, deafening even through the heavily armored wall penetrated to their eardrums, causing them to jump backwards in pain. Staccato noises that sounded like rifles firing mixed with explosions from conventional explosives, and the occasional bang of the grenades.
They're gone. Gatomon reported, opening the door as the noises and the sound of alarms screeching began to wail. Now's our chance.
Next time, warn us. Cody muttered.
Maybe we should tell Tai that we're all right. Kari suggested.
I'll do that. Ken rolled his eyes. You just run, okay?
The explosion, muffled by the shielding of the building, was heard across the street where Tai was watching.
What was that? He nearly jumped up.
It sounded bad. Matt reported as alarms began to howl
We've got to do something. Tai began. We've got to get in there and...
We're on our way out. Ken reported from Tai's D3.
Well I guess they did it. Jim whispered after a moment.
I guess they did. Matt confirmed.
Ken ran through the corridors that they had just gone through. The place was now empty. Apparently all the security guards were heading back toward the armory. Ken was just about to run around a corner when Gatomon, who was bounding ahead, held up a hand.
They've sealed off this exit. Guards ahead.
Ken muttered back. Izzy, got any ideas?
Actually I do. Izzy's voice crackled back. Follow my lead. Turn around, when you get to the next corner turn right.
Ken murmured as his group took the corner.
Now open the fifth door on your left hand side.
Cody asked as Ken reached the door.
Just trust me. Izzy muttered back.
Ken opened the door, peaked inside, and grinned. Right. Two maintenance stairways to the parking garage. Everyone inside.
This is Tai. We have some activity around the main gates, but it seems that the rest of the grounds is clear. They don't seem to think that somebody else is around.
TK responded as they took the stairs two at a time. A moment later they were standing in the orange light of the parking garage. Quickly moving they ran to the nearest ventilation window and jumped up to the sill, crawling out.
We're all here. Cody reported, coming last.
Let's go. Ken pointed to the familiar grove of trees in the southeast corner. We might as well get going.
Tai, extraction. Joe barked.
On the way. Jim reported back.
Let's get out of here. TK shuddered, thinking how close they had come to being discovered, and defeating the purpose of the whole mission.
Izzy began to sort through the data he had retrieved. Most of the stuff that he had randomly downloaded was useless, accounting reports, geographical plots, reports about far flung outposts in Utopia's commercial empire, but those files that he had chosen through the guidance of his crest were much more...interesting.
He whispered, again and again.
He felt ashamed saying it. This might be fascinating, but it was also incredibly dangerous, and, as a clearer picture began to emerge Izzy became more and more horrified.
Did we get anything? Ken had arrived, he and the others looking like they had just been under a great deal of stress, which, Izzy reflected, they probably had.
Yes, did they? Adam walked in the apartment, unsurprisingly with Master Ishiguro at his heels.
Yes we did. And I'm beginning to get worried. Izzy pointed. Really worried that is. I think we have a problem.
Don't we usually? Tai quipped, but became serious as the expression on Izzy's face warned him of sudden consequences.
Maybe, maybe not. Izzy grimaced. Ever heard of FSUDP?
The Florida State University Dining Plan? Adam asked, scrunching his nose in concentration.
The Fujimora Sector Unfounded Development Project? TK scratched his head.
The Foreign Samurai...never mind. Davis shook his head.
Izzy growled at them. The Former Soviet Union Disarmament Program.
Adam jerked like he had been shot. They're nowhere near that, I checked.
Oh they aren't. Izzy narrowed his eyes. They aren't that is. You see the companies that got paid by the United States and NATO to buy up Russian armaments really didn't have much of a market for them for some reason. So they were thrilled when Utopia Corporation offered them use of storage lots in Japan to store their equipment. The files make a big deal out of that, and so would I.
My God. Adam whispered. How could I have missed it? How could I have been so dumb? How bad is it?
I don't know. We're talking on the order of a thousand tanks, and a thousand other armored vehicles, and probably at least a thousand artillery batteries. And several hundred airplanes. And a collection of missile and rocket launchers, radar towers, portable base materials, engineering vehicles...
Enough. That's really, really bad.
What does it mean? Tai asked, frowning.
It means that Utopia Corporation has, if not a numerical advantage, than at least parity in equipment with the entire Japanese Self-Defense Force. If they can man all those units, strike fast and thoroughly, and persuade at least some SDF units not to get involved in the battle, they can take Japan through military force. And it's already that bad. Adam paused.
But why? Ken spoke up as Yolei turned to him in the sudden silence. Why haven't they done it before? And how can they hope to hold it? After all, if they invaded Japan every other country on Earth would launch a counter-invasion. They could never hope to succeed.
They must have some sort of plan. Cody mused.
How long ago did they start this? Master Ishiguro asked quietly.
Recently, two months ago. Izzy reported.
Adam and Ken exchanged looks. It must be due to the digimon. It must, but how? Adam pounded his leg with his fist.
We'll figure it out sooner or later. Mimi tried to reassure him.
Probably in a bad way. Agumon murmured.
The Yakuza? Adam, Izzy and Master Ishiguro were all sprawled in Adam's small office at the University of Tokyo.
That seems to be the thing of the day. Somebody's been soaking up the usual thugs on the street, and that's putting the Yakuza out of business. Even the police have noticed that, so whatever's going to happen, is going to happen soon. The opposition isn't stupid enough to reveal itself without doing something. Master Ishiguro stared at the ceiling as if waiting for divine inspiration.
that's just wonderful. Adam intoned sarcastically. Not only are they trying to establish a monopoly on digimon research - for reasons that none of us understand, they are also recruiting every thug they can find. I'm sure we're going to love whatever they come up with this time.
What could they be trying to find regarding the digimon? Izzy wondered, half to himself.
Maybe nothing. Maybe they already found something, and want to make sure that we aren't going to find anything. They're doing a pretty good job of driving the digidestined underground as well. I'm not sure I like that either. Adam looked like he wanted to smash something.
I received a message from the Ancient as well. Ishiguro intertwined his fingers.
Adam raised his head up to make full eye contact. What does the old man say?
Only that the barriers between worlds are weakening.
Adam sounded even more annoyed than earlier. I cannot do Membrane Physics, I have no idea what's causing this. Somebody's playing around with the spacetime continuum, and I have no idea why.
Great. Just wonderful. Willis convulsed, squeezing an empty paper cup into a ball in one hand. Not only are we facing a powerful tyrant from the Digital World, we also get to handle a mutli-national corporation with a private army. Just wonderful.
So what do we do now? Michael asked over Willis's shoulder.
Do I look like I have a clue? We aren't going to invade Japan all by ourselves you know. At least the home front is clearing up. Willis gestured to his hand where the latest New York Times lay, casually thrown across the table. The title said Fighting Fire With Fire and the article talked about police-digidestined cooperation around the world, and the effect that the children were having on the strikes. It mentioned Team Eagle prominently, not releasing names, but naming them New York's Own.
The Aerie was more crowded than usual. Instead of the usual six of them occupying it, they now had fifteen inside, and more living in various parts of New York. The recent surge in publicity had brought recruits out of the woodwork, and now there were a firm dozen experienced fighters ready to go at moment's notice. That gave Willis and Lou time to create complicated computer programs to try and track down their enemies, but was not giving them any luck.
Steve sat down holding a bag of bagels from the bakery down the street, it seems that the attacks have fallen off.
They would have had to. Utopia doesn't have the same kind of support in New York, so they lose a big advantage when we start using digimon to fight digimon. What I wonder is what the next plan is going to be. Willis kept squeezing the remains of the paper cup.
Does it matter what we do now? Lou wanted to know from behind them.
No. This is in the hands of the A team. Willis muttered.
So what do we do? Michael asked quietly.
Start training. Willis put the remains of the cup down. I've been reading some of Izzy's work and I agree with him. It's time to turn our companions into real soldiers.
Do we have to? Terriermon asked from below Willis's chair.
Do we have a choice?
Damn, I do not like this. Professor Takenouchi stood looking at the graphs on his desk. There is a lot of energy swirling around here.
Maybe someone's building black holes in their basement. Jim suggested.
Ha ha, Jim, ha ha.
Did you know my father? Cody asked, very quietly.
Actually, yes, I did. Master Ishiguro stopped for a moment to observe the small child, the one who was no longer a child. You want to know what he was like, don't you.
Yes actually. Cody replied. You know, I always wanted to know what my father was really like. I really miss him, but I barely remember what he was like.
That's to be expected. You didn't know him very well, did you? Master Ishiguro sheathed the sword he had been practicing with in a smooth motion, and sat down.
I was very young. Cody sat down also, crossing his legs.
Then you wouldn't know. Master Ishiguro smiled softly. You know your father much better than I ever did.
What do you mean? Cody asked surprised.
Your father molded his whole life on your grandfather. In many ways he idolized the old man. I don't mean that in a bad way, but your father became the man your grandfather is now, wise and compassionate, careful to consider action, but quick to act. He became wise early on, he learned from your grandfather well, and your grandfather taught him very well indeed. I was honored to know both of them. For a moment there was something very like water in Master Ishiguro's eyes.
.I see. Cody stood up, realizing that maybe he did know his father.
Oh, and one more thing. Master Ishiguro spoke as he stood up.
Cody turned, surprised.
Your father was willing to give his life for a cause, for a purpose, to help other people. I have no way of communicating how proud he would be of you at this moment. And I know that, if he were you, he would have made the same choices.
Beneath a nearby table Armadillomon pretended not to cry.
Tactical Unit One. Lieutenant Takaeda speaking.
Lieutenant, there's going to be a transfer today. The voice on the other end hissed.
Suddenly Takaeda felt a flood of anticipation hit him. This would be the big break they might have been waiting for. Normally the biggest of the crime syndicates around were the Yakuza, but the Yakuza groups were slowly being driven off the streets by something both big and mean, and Takaeda and the rest of the Tokyo Metro Police never really had a clue who it was. All they knew, from what they had gleamed from scared informers, had been that somebody was smuggling something. But what they had been smuggling had never been apparent to the Police Department.
South warehouse district, the old Akron 47. The other end of the line went dead.
Maybe we'll get them after all. Takaeda muttered to himself.
Hawkmon tried his best to hide in the pillow. He was having a problem. Yolei's family, so cramped in their apartment, was also one of the most boisterous group of humans he had ever come in contact with. He loved them dearly, but they had a habit of expanding to fill any space. Hawkmon highly suspected that if they managed to win a mansion somehow that they would still end up occupying every available piece of room. Unfortunately, part of his problem was that he was not alone.
Maybe you could run for it now. Patamon whispered, peering through the open window with Veemon standing right beside him. It's not that far.
Are you joking Patamon? Hawkmon hissed back, his normal accent stretched to the breaking point. Her sister is looking straight into this room. If she even catches a glimpse of my feathers, I'm done for.
What, is the hawk a big chicken? Veemon asked, staring hard into the room.
There was an indignant noise from Yolei's pile of pillows. At least Jun didn't stick me in the washing machine.
That's not funny! Veemon snapped. Anyway, how was I supposed to know that I was hiding in the dirty laundry bin, and not the clean one.
I don't know. Common sense maybe? Hawkmon snapped back.
What was that? I thought I heard something. Yolei's older sister, who stayed home and helped run the store, turned curiously toward her room.
Oh nuts. Hide! Patamon squealed.
Kari jerked awake with a shout.
None of the digidestined had been getting much sleep lately, and Kari had been napping during the lunch break, along with Yolei and Ken who reluctantly climbed back into consciousness at that sound.
What was that? TK looked like he had just been drowsing or something.
Kari whispered, clutching her backpack to her and trying to ignore the cold sweat that was pouring down her face and the staring faces of some other students who were now staring in her direction. I dreamed that I was back in the Dark Ocean.
I hope you're alright. TK gave her arm a reassuring squeeze. It's alright here.
There's someone looking for me. Kari tried breathing in and out to calm herself. I think it's himthe Monarch of the Dark Ocean. I think he wants the Light. He told me Her voice failed for a second. he told me that the barriers between the worlds had been weakened, and that he could now reach through.
TK tried to comfort her, and hoped that this was only a single dream.
Mr. Kamiya, why are you yawning so much? Do you truly find this so boring? Tai's Biology teacher leaned over him like a breaking storm, her gaze fixed on the suddenly more aware teenager.
Sorry, it was a long night. Tai confessed.
Well, your late night partying has certainly cost your grades enough. His teacher snapped, irritation lining her face. You'll be staying here after school today Mr. Kamiya. And no groaning from you. You brought this on yourself.
Tai groaned again as the final bell rang and everyone else left the class, including his teacher, who shot him a blazing glance as she left. He slumped down in his seat, wondering what his parents would say about this. Sora and Matt entered the room just as he was about to bang his head against the desk again.
So hotshot, I hear that you got detention again. Matt nodded at him.
Yeah, I need a better publicist. Tai muttered.
Either that, or you should start drinking coffee in the morning. Sora advised.
I should have thought of that first. Tai groaned.
Taichi Kamiya? A new voice asked. A man in a long business coat entered the room, closing the door after him. Ah, and you're Sora Takenouchi and Yamato Ishida, aren't you?
Yeah, that's us. Matt replied warily.
Really. How fortunate to have found you. Well, I hope you don't take it personally, but I've been hired to kill you.
Tai tried to open his mouth to say something, but suddenly, to his complete and utter horror, he could not move anything at all. None of his muscles worked, he was frozen in place. Judging from the sudden wildness of Sora and Matt's eyes they were having the same problem.
He drew a straight knife from his belt, dropping his coat around him, revealing a pure black outfit and a dozen different weapons Tai could not recognize, as well as a black stone in a band around his left wrist. I'm a professional, so normally I don't make it hurt so much. But my employer wishes you to suff...aaauughhh!
Tai had not even seen anything until after it was all over. The window exploded inward in a thousand shards and, cannonballing inwards with them, Master Ishiguro shot through the gap, a long, curved katana in one hand swiping out horizontally right across the plane of assassin's upper arm. Then Master Ishiguro came to rest, his blade still held in a ready position.
The assassin laughed suddenly and held his hand over the gaping wound in his arm. Sora tried to flinch from it, the sight of bone and bared flesh was making her sick, but the assassin merely gestured and the wound grew smaller until it sealed up entirely. Than he turned his attention to Ishiguro.
So, the rumors are true. They tell of one who wields the Divine Blade in Janero's stead, of a master of the Sattoro Gesai, one who knows each step in the dance of death. It appears that I have a rare opportunity for entertainment in my work. Are you as good as they say you are Hideo?
The rumors also whisper in the dark of an assassin named Thanatos, named for death. Ishiguro spoke, still facing the wall, blade horizontal. They say that he is unstoppable, master of a dozen killing techniques, that he prefers to work with a blade instead of a gun, and that he has supernatural abilities. And some, who whisper in the darkest of nights, speak of the stone he wears. The Nadir they call it. I see that those unfortunate rumors are true.
You are well versed, but this endless talk gets us nowhere. Shall we?
At that Thanatos tore a katana of his own from his belt. And then they were off. Tai, frozen in place, could only see a brief part of the battle, but he had never seen anything like it. Walls crumpled, cut to pieces under sword slashes. Just when he was afraid that Hideo was going to die he shot up, for a moment adhering to the wall, and then the ceiling, diving down on his opponent. Then Thanatos seemed to warp straight through three desks, letting Hideo bounce off of empty ground. They rushed each other again, swords out and swinging, stroke after stroke, high parry, low thrust, low swing, middle parry, double twist, parry and middle swing. Knees bent and shoulders twisted to absorb and reflect weight, to absorb and react against incoming blows.
Suddenly Thanatos twisted free and flipped out of Ishiguro's path, holding out one hand commandingly. Three desks began to move, throwing themselves at Ishiguro's legs. All three of them were splinters before they hit, but the effort caused Ishiguro to fall to the ground. As Thanatos charged him, Hideo slapped the ground with one hand and a jet of exploding earth blasted toward the assassin, catching him unawares and blasting him temporarily skyward.
Then they were clashing in the middle of the room. Thanatos grimaced as Master Ishiguro, deadfaced, pressed the attack. Impossible spins, backflips and other techniques dotted a battle that was rapidly becoming an aerial display. Tai was reminded of the display of prowess and special effects from the Jedi battle in The Phantom Menace, as impossible motions came to life. The combatants no longer even had to look at what they were attacking, at what they were blocking. They merely moved against each other, swinging strokes without looking, dodging blows they could not see. If Tai could have moved he would have been gaping in awe at the display of skill, but all he could do was let his eyes widen as the blows came closer and closer to home.
Then, just as it seemed the one of them must surely be killed there was a crackle and a miniature bolt of lightning slammed down from the light fixtures, blasting through Thanatos' swords.
Well well well, it seems that Adam is coming. I have no wish to engage both of you at this time. Thanatos grinned, a smile Tai did not like at all. I will observe the protocols. For now the children are safe from me, but you will excuse my attempts to draw you both into the open.
Then Thanatos was simply gone.
Parlor tricks. Master Ishiguro muttered as life returned to the limbs of the others.
But potent ones. Adam entered through the door, his eyes calm and collected as he took in the damage to the room.
I agree with that. We're going to have to deal with this sooner or later Adam.
With all of this. Adam replied grimly.
It doesn't make any more sense today than it did yesterday. Izzy grumbled to Joe and Yolei, both of whom were watching him. I just don't like it.
Well, could it just be a business option? Joe asked.
Possible, but I highly doubt it. Izzy responded.
Cody was standing around in the background, carrying one of Adam's practice swords, a western-style rapier, over one shoulder.
Look at it this way. It just happens to give them enough military equipment on Japanese soil just in time for all hell to break lose. I mean, think about it. The timing is awfully coincidental. My theory is that they're going to use the digimon as the pretense for seizing Japan. That could be why they're willing to work with Khartan.
Did you get anything else from their mainframe? Yolei asked.
Quite a bit, and none of it good. The part that really bothers me is the fact that they seem to be spending so much money in digimon research. The ghostbusters work practically 24/7 and the only thing of use they've found is a basic synthesis of how digimon are put together. But Utopia is devoting all these energies to digimon research for some unknown reason, I have no idea why they're doing it.
Maybe they think they can harness the special powers of digimon. Yolei suggested, shrugging.
Maybe, but then how are they doing the research. We have to satisfy ourselves with researching the digital data leftovers of a destroyed digimon. How in the world do they do much research on that? You can barely even tell whether the digimon in question was a virus, a vaccine or a data type based on that knowledge. Logically for them to be gaining some other type of information they must be performing research on live digimon. But where are they getting them? Every time we get near, kapow, they blow up. So obviously they either must be working with Khartan, or they must be gaining some other source of digimon.
What other sources of digimon are there? Hawkmon settled next to Yolei.
Well, we all have one.
But you're digidestined. Armadillomon returned, paying more attention to Cody than he was to Izzy.
Right, but we're not the only digidestined anymore. There are hundreds of them, maybe even thousands of them around the world that we don't know about. How would we know if a few of them disappeared? Izzy suddenly sounded afraid.
That's horrible! Tentomon exclaimed.
Isn't it. Joe commented. Horrible and diabolical. I don't know how we're going to deal with this one.
We've got to find out what they're doing. Izzy stated it as fact.
Lieutenant Takaeda slowed the car for a moment, staring out the side of the patrol vehicle. No, never mind. It wasn't them. I'm glad you volunteered to come along on this kids.
Wouldn't miss it for the world. Tai reported, Agumon nodding next to him in the seat.
Sure thing. Matt and TK were sandwiched into the other side of the car, Patamon and Gabumon were pretty scrunched too.
I know that this normally isn't your thing, but, well, it seems that it might be tied up with all this other activity. If your theory about the enemy having human associates is true, this might be just what you're looking for. The unmarked police car shot through the streets of Tokyo.
So, who else is going to be in on this? Matt asked.
Just Unit One. I really don't trust anybody else not to tip off the bad guys to what's going on. You kids probably won't be needed, but I suspect somehow that I won't get away that lucky. Besides, if you do show up, it will give our officers another reason to trust you.
So how bad can it be? Matt asked.
I don't like to think about that. It used to be that we'd never have problems like this, but in the past three weeks violent crime in Tokyo has risen by about two hundred percent. Yet none of the usual suspects seem to be responsible. I simply don't know what to think about that. Takaeda pulled over the car next to an innocuous warehouse. They were in an isolated part of industrial Tokyo, surrounded by a set of abandoned buildings. Anyway, Kiyesu is actually in charge of the operation, and I hope he remembers how to work this.
There were sudden explosions of gunfire from inside the building. Takaeda jerked up suddenly as the sounds of shouts and screams broke out.
That's not supposed to be happening! He yelled, scrambling out of the car, gun drawn. The three digimon jumped out as well.
And then the door to the warehouse blasted open. Something rumbled out, something large.
Bloody Hell! Takaeda yelled. Since when did my city become another blasted anime show? His MP5 came off his shoulder, but he decided not to risk firing, and to dive out of the way instead. Tai was forced to agree with him. The thing that had walked out of the warehouse looked like a giant humanoid mechanical suit from any one of a number of animes that he enjoyed. Unfortunately, it was also standing fairly tall overhead, and, judging from the smoking gun barrel on its right shoulder, it was part of the cause of all this havoc. It was bulky, standing about three meters tall, made up of connected joint of huge, oddly shaped blocks of metal. A large, menacing head topped the construct, looking a little like Darth Vader's helmet. More menacing still was the combination of two mutli-barreled gatling guns, one on each arm over the large hands, the huge tank-sized cannon over the right shoulder and what looked like a set of missile tubes on the left chest.
What the ! Takaeda yelled, his last word fortunately blotted out by the roar as yet another robot stepped through the walls of the warehouse.
Tai yelled into his D3. You there?
Yes, I'm here. Izzy replied.
Never mind! Remember that analysis program for analyzing digimon? Use it remotely through my D3 to analyze these suckers, got it?
Sure, but what....
Never mind. Agumon, Gabumon, Patamon, go!
Patamon....digivolves to...Angemon!
Agumon...warp digivolves to...WarGreymon!
Gabumon...warp digivolves to...MetalGarurumon!
You've got to be kidding me. Matt was crouched down in the car, on top of TK. Giant fighting robots? What's next, alien invasions?
Tai was ignoring him, running into the battle scene. WarGreymon, get inside, see if any of them are inside there. MetalGarurumon, back him up. Angemon, can you take these guys?
Let's find out. Angemon muttered flatly. I'll peel the pilot out and have a word with him. He advanced on the two robots still visible. One of them turned toward him, and his right shoulder cannon fired once. Angemon was thrown back violently, crashing into a pile of boxes at the side of another building, sending debris flying.
TK broke free of Matt for a moment, and began to race toward his fallen companion before Matt grabbed him by one arm and threw him back into cover behind the car.
The angel rose from the boxes, shaking his head to clear it. That actually hurt. I admit, I'm impressed, but you don't get that chance again.
This time both cannons belched fire and smoke, thunderous roars temporarily deafening Tai, but Angemon was whirling his staff, and the two shells exploded harmlessly against the shield of his spinning staff, now suffused with a faint golden fire. The angel looked completely unimpressed, but then again, so did the monstrous robots.
Angemon suddenly shot into full motion, speeding across the ground so fast that the robots literally could not react in time. Reaching out with one glowing fist he slammed it into the heart of the first robot, grabbing at something within. Then he stopped and frowned for a moment.
Hand of Fate! He yelled, and the robot exploded in front of him.
Tai, TK! He yelled. These things aren't alive, they have no pilot, and they certainly aren't digimon. They must just be machines!
Works for me! Tai yelled from his new hiding place, next to Lieutenant Takaeda. Take them apart.
Kiyesu hunkered down beneath the cover of a huge metal table. The appearance of the four giant robots had certainly taken the surprise out of the ambush, the result was that it was now his team that was being surprised. The monsters were impervious to the low-caliber weapons of the Unit, and they were returning fire with those horrible gatling guns that were so much more powerful than anything in the police arsenal. They were armed with personal weapons, tactical shotguns and submachine guns, and these things were walking tanks. Fortunately the warehouse was crowded with heavy industrial machinery that prevented the robots from following his team, but regardless, this was just crazy. They could not even scratch the blasted things.
Metal Wolf Snout! A new voice cut through the battle, and there were two separate explosions from inside.
You didn't have to hit him quite so hard. It looks like him and his buddies don't have much fight left in them anyway.
Well, that one seems to.
Kiyesu ducked out of hiding to see the two huge digimon from the previous battle holding onto one of the giant robots. The robot was missing both arms and most of its shoulder cannon, and the giant armored dinosaur was shaking his head at it.
It's glowing too fast. Self-destruct device...everybody down!
The next explosion threatened to level a good part of the warehouse, but the explosions and the crashes of falling gear faded quickly.
Well, that was anti-climatic. WarGreymon noted as Tai and Takaeda skidded into the room.
What...the fuck...was that? Takaeda was gasping.
If I knew boss, I'd tell you. Kiyesu emerged from hiding, gun still drawn, but everything seemed to be perfectly under control.
TK was walking in from the door, a look of total and complete horror on his face. There was no pilot?
No there wasn't TK. I checked everywhere, and I could sense little within. There was some faint intelligence, but I cannot tell you more.
But that...that... He pointed at a white object fallen onto the floor. That's a human brain Angemon.
Takaeda walked up to a huge metal container and wrenched the door open. Tai peered in and nearly vomited all over the cargo of human internal organs.
So what the hell were those? Tai asked, having recovered from his brief fit of being sick back in Adam's apartment.
Beats the hell out of me. Adam responded. Thing just keep getting stranger around here.
I know. Even for the Digiworld huge giant fighting machines with human brains are pushing things. Someone's really screwing with reality around here. Sora sank down into a chair.
Davis remarked, scowling silently.
And why is someone shipping them along with huge stores of human internal organs? Izzy asked rhetorically, missing the sudden edge of revulsion that passed over TK's face. It doesn't make sense.
Well, I think I know where to find the answers. Tai was still looking out of the window.
Yeah, where?
Review please!
Author's Note: I'm back...sort of. More updates soon.
Incriminating Evidence
Toto – I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore.
Dorothy, Wizard of Oz Script.
Calm down Tai. I'm sure they're all right. Matt reassured them.
I hope so. Jim muttered.
How do we...? Ken began, but Gatomon had already spotted their way out.
Quick, this way! She pointed and they ran. A door on the far side of the room suddenly gleamed invitingly, but when Kari got to the handle, it was locked.
Now what? Joe despaired.
TK and Sora threw everyone else aside as the lockpick kit reemerged. Quickly, as the creaks of an elevator grew ever closer they concentrated, beads of sweat emerging from their foreheads as the lock stubbornly refused to spring. Then, just as the creaking and grinding began to fade, as the elevator arrived the lock clicked open and all nine of them squeezed through and into the room on the other side. Joe closed the door after them just as the elevator pinged.
So what are we doing? Someone inside asked.
Sealing the place off. We have to do one of those long-term virus scans. And this place is built like a digital fortress. We have to do each machine by hand.
That's gonna be fun. How long should it take?
Get comfortable, we're going to be down here for a few hours. The second voice replied, followed by some computer clicking.
Joe muttered, That isn't good.
TK agreed mildly. It isn't. Ken, have any good ideas?
One actually, where are we?
I don't see what you...oh, in an emergency stairwell. Shall we take a look at the higher floors?
Don't see why not. Ken shrugged, placed Wormmon on his shoulder and began to rapidly climb up the stairs. TK and Patamon followed with the others in tow. Unfortunately the other floors were even less interesting. There were four of them, one below the one they had started on, and two above, both of which were empty computer labs with no other exits in sight, besides the elevator. It was the top floor that attracted their attention.
Where does it open up to? TK asked after Ken returned from listening at the door.
Right into the middle of the security station. Ken replied, looking thoughtful.
Well, we can't use that. Sora shrugged. Let's look back at the ground floors for something better.
Wait a moment. Ken was staring at something. Look at that.
Cody asked. Oh, the ventilation shaft. It's too small for a human to crawl through...oh, I think I see what you're saying.
Right. Wormmon, do you think you could crawl through that up there?
You should know by now Ken, crawling is what I do best.
Right then. Cody, we need to use your sword to pry that off. Patamon, fly up there so you can catch it once we pry it open. Then Wormmon, you can take my D3, use it as a communication device and a transmitter so we can see what's out there.
He can use mine. Joe volunteered. Without Gomamon here I can't digivolve anyone anyway, so mine is the best shot.
Moments later Wormmon was squirming his way along the pathway, disappearing from sight, while Ken stood anxiously by, relaying the transmission to the Scanner.
After a few minutes Wormmon had managed to find the way that most of the security center was laid out. Two different times he managed to end up overlooking a large lobby filled with a dozen different blue-uniformed guards. Another time they found a room filled with monitoring cameras and security systems and more guards. And then Wormmon explored the last place he could go inside the ducts and found himself facing a room piled high with armaments.
Well well well. Ken muttered as he looked down at the room's inventory. That's impressive.
Sora asked curiously.
Look at that. Assault rifles, submachine guns, a pair of stripped down mortars, a rack of modern tactical shotguns, a set of complete anti-tank missile launchers. I haven't seen this much armament ever outside of an army base. This is an arsenal. Either they're ready to be hit by a small army here, or they're planning to invade a small piece of Tokyo. Ammo, grenades, explosives, all of this stuff is ready to go, and judging from the lack of dust, it's either well maintained, or well used. What do you bet that if we went into those basement areas that Izzy couldn't scan that we'd find a firing range?
But why do this? Kari asked.
Beats me. But these security guards could easily be trained in using this. That would give them a small army. But I have no idea what they would do with one. Ken frowned again. But that gives me an idea.
Well, spill it Sherlock. TK said sarcastically.
Calm down. Patamon, Gatomon, can either Angemon or Angewomon create a shock wave?
A what? Patamon asked, settling down again on TK's head.
A shock wave. Or, let me ask it another way. Can either of you knock down those things through a wall without damaging the wall?
Gatomon and Patamon exchanged long measuring looks before Gatomon responded. I think so.
Well, then here's my next plan. We need a distraction to get those guys out of our way downstairs. And, if I'm not reading the map wrong, we're right next to it. So, if we can get Angemon up here, he can knock down those weapons.
So, it'll make a big clatter. Joe replied.
Not just that. From what I can see, it seems that they've been racked ready to use. We might get a few gunshots, but even better, I think that the impact might set off the grenades, and some of the explosives. That'll make enough noise to send everyone in the building running.
Then what? Joe asked.
We shimmy down the ladder, get out the way we came in, and run for the exit. Nobody should be trying to intercept us. It will hide us because they'll probably think that something just fell over and set off a whole chain reaction. Ken smacked his palm with his fist. Get Wormmon out of there, and then everyone except Patamon get down to the floor we want. Patamon, I want you to digivolve when I give the signal and then I want that shock wave right... his hand moved,
The little mammal chirped.
C'mon Wormmon, hurry back.
Right on cue the green worm jumped out of the open grate and landed in Ken's arms. Quickly everyone else retreated below a level to give Angemon some room to work in.
Patamon...digivolve to...Angemon!
The angel knelt in front of the wall, huge wings barely fitting inside the room, but somehow managing to appear calm and comfortable nonetheless.
He whispered. Dance of a Thousand Stars. Each star moves in its orbit straight and clear, each knowing the steps of the great dance too well to make an error or an oversight. The power of the dance lies in movement, in fluid motion, in the power of the heart. I am a practitioner of the Asra-Dan-Catrel. Patience is my watchword, virtue my promise, concentration my symbol, honor my oath and grace my mark. I am Angemon, by right an angel, an agent of the guardians of worlds. Grant me my power now!
Suddenly he moved. Both hands rose and placed themselves firmly against the wall. For a moment they seemed to glow with power and then the wall reverberated, as if an explosion had been set off within, but the wall remained intact. And then the other side of the wall seemed to erupt. Explosions, deafening even through the heavily armored wall penetrated to their eardrums, causing them to jump backwards in pain. Staccato noises that sounded like rifles firing mixed with explosions from conventional explosives, and the occasional bang of the grenades.
They're gone. Gatomon reported, opening the door as the noises and the sound of alarms screeching began to wail. Now's our chance.
Next time, warn us. Cody muttered.
Maybe we should tell Tai that we're all right. Kari suggested.
I'll do that. Ken rolled his eyes. You just run, okay?
The explosion, muffled by the shielding of the building, was heard across the street where Tai was watching.
What was that? He nearly jumped up.
It sounded bad. Matt reported as alarms began to howl
We've got to do something. Tai began. We've got to get in there and...
We're on our way out. Ken reported from Tai's D3.
Well I guess they did it. Jim whispered after a moment.
I guess they did. Matt confirmed.
Ken ran through the corridors that they had just gone through. The place was now empty. Apparently all the security guards were heading back toward the armory. Ken was just about to run around a corner when Gatomon, who was bounding ahead, held up a hand.
They've sealed off this exit. Guards ahead.
Ken muttered back. Izzy, got any ideas?
Actually I do. Izzy's voice crackled back. Follow my lead. Turn around, when you get to the next corner turn right.
Ken murmured as his group took the corner.
Now open the fifth door on your left hand side.
Cody asked as Ken reached the door.
Just trust me. Izzy muttered back.
Ken opened the door, peaked inside, and grinned. Right. Two maintenance stairways to the parking garage. Everyone inside.
This is Tai. We have some activity around the main gates, but it seems that the rest of the grounds is clear. They don't seem to think that somebody else is around.
TK responded as they took the stairs two at a time. A moment later they were standing in the orange light of the parking garage. Quickly moving they ran to the nearest ventilation window and jumped up to the sill, crawling out.
We're all here. Cody reported, coming last.
Let's go. Ken pointed to the familiar grove of trees in the southeast corner. We might as well get going.
Tai, extraction. Joe barked.
On the way. Jim reported back.
Let's get out of here. TK shuddered, thinking how close they had come to being discovered, and defeating the purpose of the whole mission.
Izzy began to sort through the data he had retrieved. Most of the stuff that he had randomly downloaded was useless, accounting reports, geographical plots, reports about far flung outposts in Utopia's commercial empire, but those files that he had chosen through the guidance of his crest were much more...interesting.
He whispered, again and again.
He felt ashamed saying it. This might be fascinating, but it was also incredibly dangerous, and, as a clearer picture began to emerge Izzy became more and more horrified.
Did we get anything? Ken had arrived, he and the others looking like they had just been under a great deal of stress, which, Izzy reflected, they probably had.
Yes, did they? Adam walked in the apartment, unsurprisingly with Master Ishiguro at his heels.
Yes we did. And I'm beginning to get worried. Izzy pointed. Really worried that is. I think we have a problem.
Don't we usually? Tai quipped, but became serious as the expression on Izzy's face warned him of sudden consequences.
Maybe, maybe not. Izzy grimaced. Ever heard of FSUDP?
The Florida State University Dining Plan? Adam asked, scrunching his nose in concentration.
The Fujimora Sector Unfounded Development Project? TK scratched his head.
The Foreign Samurai...never mind. Davis shook his head.
Izzy growled at them. The Former Soviet Union Disarmament Program.
Adam jerked like he had been shot. They're nowhere near that, I checked.
Oh they aren't. Izzy narrowed his eyes. They aren't that is. You see the companies that got paid by the United States and NATO to buy up Russian armaments really didn't have much of a market for them for some reason. So they were thrilled when Utopia Corporation offered them use of storage lots in Japan to store their equipment. The files make a big deal out of that, and so would I.
My God. Adam whispered. How could I have missed it? How could I have been so dumb? How bad is it?
I don't know. We're talking on the order of a thousand tanks, and a thousand other armored vehicles, and probably at least a thousand artillery batteries. And several hundred airplanes. And a collection of missile and rocket launchers, radar towers, portable base materials, engineering vehicles...
Enough. That's really, really bad.
What does it mean? Tai asked, frowning.
It means that Utopia Corporation has, if not a numerical advantage, than at least parity in equipment with the entire Japanese Self-Defense Force. If they can man all those units, strike fast and thoroughly, and persuade at least some SDF units not to get involved in the battle, they can take Japan through military force. And it's already that bad. Adam paused.
But why? Ken spoke up as Yolei turned to him in the sudden silence. Why haven't they done it before? And how can they hope to hold it? After all, if they invaded Japan every other country on Earth would launch a counter-invasion. They could never hope to succeed.
They must have some sort of plan. Cody mused.
How long ago did they start this? Master Ishiguro asked quietly.
Recently, two months ago. Izzy reported.
Adam and Ken exchanged looks. It must be due to the digimon. It must, but how? Adam pounded his leg with his fist.
We'll figure it out sooner or later. Mimi tried to reassure him.
Probably in a bad way. Agumon murmured.
The Yakuza? Adam, Izzy and Master Ishiguro were all sprawled in Adam's small office at the University of Tokyo.
That seems to be the thing of the day. Somebody's been soaking up the usual thugs on the street, and that's putting the Yakuza out of business. Even the police have noticed that, so whatever's going to happen, is going to happen soon. The opposition isn't stupid enough to reveal itself without doing something. Master Ishiguro stared at the ceiling as if waiting for divine inspiration.
that's just wonderful. Adam intoned sarcastically. Not only are they trying to establish a monopoly on digimon research - for reasons that none of us understand, they are also recruiting every thug they can find. I'm sure we're going to love whatever they come up with this time.
What could they be trying to find regarding the digimon? Izzy wondered, half to himself.
Maybe nothing. Maybe they already found something, and want to make sure that we aren't going to find anything. They're doing a pretty good job of driving the digidestined underground as well. I'm not sure I like that either. Adam looked like he wanted to smash something.
I received a message from the Ancient as well. Ishiguro intertwined his fingers.
Adam raised his head up to make full eye contact. What does the old man say?
Only that the barriers between worlds are weakening.
Adam sounded even more annoyed than earlier. I cannot do Membrane Physics, I have no idea what's causing this. Somebody's playing around with the spacetime continuum, and I have no idea why.
Great. Just wonderful. Willis convulsed, squeezing an empty paper cup into a ball in one hand. Not only are we facing a powerful tyrant from the Digital World, we also get to handle a mutli-national corporation with a private army. Just wonderful.
So what do we do now? Michael asked over Willis's shoulder.
Do I look like I have a clue? We aren't going to invade Japan all by ourselves you know. At least the home front is clearing up. Willis gestured to his hand where the latest New York Times lay, casually thrown across the table. The title said Fighting Fire With Fire and the article talked about police-digidestined cooperation around the world, and the effect that the children were having on the strikes. It mentioned Team Eagle prominently, not releasing names, but naming them New York's Own.
The Aerie was more crowded than usual. Instead of the usual six of them occupying it, they now had fifteen inside, and more living in various parts of New York. The recent surge in publicity had brought recruits out of the woodwork, and now there were a firm dozen experienced fighters ready to go at moment's notice. That gave Willis and Lou time to create complicated computer programs to try and track down their enemies, but was not giving them any luck.
Steve sat down holding a bag of bagels from the bakery down the street, it seems that the attacks have fallen off.
They would have had to. Utopia doesn't have the same kind of support in New York, so they lose a big advantage when we start using digimon to fight digimon. What I wonder is what the next plan is going to be. Willis kept squeezing the remains of the paper cup.
Does it matter what we do now? Lou wanted to know from behind them.
No. This is in the hands of the A team. Willis muttered.
So what do we do? Michael asked quietly.
Start training. Willis put the remains of the cup down. I've been reading some of Izzy's work and I agree with him. It's time to turn our companions into real soldiers.
Do we have to? Terriermon asked from below Willis's chair.
Do we have a choice?
Damn, I do not like this. Professor Takenouchi stood looking at the graphs on his desk. There is a lot of energy swirling around here.
Maybe someone's building black holes in their basement. Jim suggested.
Ha ha, Jim, ha ha.
Did you know my father? Cody asked, very quietly.
Actually, yes, I did. Master Ishiguro stopped for a moment to observe the small child, the one who was no longer a child. You want to know what he was like, don't you.
Yes actually. Cody replied. You know, I always wanted to know what my father was really like. I really miss him, but I barely remember what he was like.
That's to be expected. You didn't know him very well, did you? Master Ishiguro sheathed the sword he had been practicing with in a smooth motion, and sat down.
I was very young. Cody sat down also, crossing his legs.
Then you wouldn't know. Master Ishiguro smiled softly. You know your father much better than I ever did.
What do you mean? Cody asked surprised.
Your father molded his whole life on your grandfather. In many ways he idolized the old man. I don't mean that in a bad way, but your father became the man your grandfather is now, wise and compassionate, careful to consider action, but quick to act. He became wise early on, he learned from your grandfather well, and your grandfather taught him very well indeed. I was honored to know both of them. For a moment there was something very like water in Master Ishiguro's eyes.
.I see. Cody stood up, realizing that maybe he did know his father.
Oh, and one more thing. Master Ishiguro spoke as he stood up.
Cody turned, surprised.
Your father was willing to give his life for a cause, for a purpose, to help other people. I have no way of communicating how proud he would be of you at this moment. And I know that, if he were you, he would have made the same choices.
Beneath a nearby table Armadillomon pretended not to cry.
Tactical Unit One. Lieutenant Takaeda speaking.
Lieutenant, there's going to be a transfer today. The voice on the other end hissed.
Suddenly Takaeda felt a flood of anticipation hit him. This would be the big break they might have been waiting for. Normally the biggest of the crime syndicates around were the Yakuza, but the Yakuza groups were slowly being driven off the streets by something both big and mean, and Takaeda and the rest of the Tokyo Metro Police never really had a clue who it was. All they knew, from what they had gleamed from scared informers, had been that somebody was smuggling something. But what they had been smuggling had never been apparent to the Police Department.
South warehouse district, the old Akron 47. The other end of the line went dead.
Maybe we'll get them after all. Takaeda muttered to himself.
Hawkmon tried his best to hide in the pillow. He was having a problem. Yolei's family, so cramped in their apartment, was also one of the most boisterous group of humans he had ever come in contact with. He loved them dearly, but they had a habit of expanding to fill any space. Hawkmon highly suspected that if they managed to win a mansion somehow that they would still end up occupying every available piece of room. Unfortunately, part of his problem was that he was not alone.
Maybe you could run for it now. Patamon whispered, peering through the open window with Veemon standing right beside him. It's not that far.
Are you joking Patamon? Hawkmon hissed back, his normal accent stretched to the breaking point. Her sister is looking straight into this room. If she even catches a glimpse of my feathers, I'm done for.
What, is the hawk a big chicken? Veemon asked, staring hard into the room.
There was an indignant noise from Yolei's pile of pillows. At least Jun didn't stick me in the washing machine.
That's not funny! Veemon snapped. Anyway, how was I supposed to know that I was hiding in the dirty laundry bin, and not the clean one.
I don't know. Common sense maybe? Hawkmon snapped back.
What was that? I thought I heard something. Yolei's older sister, who stayed home and helped run the store, turned curiously toward her room.
Oh nuts. Hide! Patamon squealed.
Kari jerked awake with a shout.
None of the digidestined had been getting much sleep lately, and Kari had been napping during the lunch break, along with Yolei and Ken who reluctantly climbed back into consciousness at that sound.
What was that? TK looked like he had just been drowsing or something.
Kari whispered, clutching her backpack to her and trying to ignore the cold sweat that was pouring down her face and the staring faces of some other students who were now staring in her direction. I dreamed that I was back in the Dark Ocean.
I hope you're alright. TK gave her arm a reassuring squeeze. It's alright here.
There's someone looking for me. Kari tried breathing in and out to calm herself. I think it's himthe Monarch of the Dark Ocean. I think he wants the Light. He told me Her voice failed for a second. he told me that the barriers between the worlds had been weakened, and that he could now reach through.
TK tried to comfort her, and hoped that this was only a single dream.
Mr. Kamiya, why are you yawning so much? Do you truly find this so boring? Tai's Biology teacher leaned over him like a breaking storm, her gaze fixed on the suddenly more aware teenager.
Sorry, it was a long night. Tai confessed.
Well, your late night partying has certainly cost your grades enough. His teacher snapped, irritation lining her face. You'll be staying here after school today Mr. Kamiya. And no groaning from you. You brought this on yourself.
Tai groaned again as the final bell rang and everyone else left the class, including his teacher, who shot him a blazing glance as she left. He slumped down in his seat, wondering what his parents would say about this. Sora and Matt entered the room just as he was about to bang his head against the desk again.
So hotshot, I hear that you got detention again. Matt nodded at him.
Yeah, I need a better publicist. Tai muttered.
Either that, or you should start drinking coffee in the morning. Sora advised.
I should have thought of that first. Tai groaned.
Taichi Kamiya? A new voice asked. A man in a long business coat entered the room, closing the door after him. Ah, and you're Sora Takenouchi and Yamato Ishida, aren't you?
Yeah, that's us. Matt replied warily.
Really. How fortunate to have found you. Well, I hope you don't take it personally, but I've been hired to kill you.
Tai tried to open his mouth to say something, but suddenly, to his complete and utter horror, he could not move anything at all. None of his muscles worked, he was frozen in place. Judging from the sudden wildness of Sora and Matt's eyes they were having the same problem.
He drew a straight knife from his belt, dropping his coat around him, revealing a pure black outfit and a dozen different weapons Tai could not recognize, as well as a black stone in a band around his left wrist. I'm a professional, so normally I don't make it hurt so much. But my employer wishes you to suff...aaauughhh!
Tai had not even seen anything until after it was all over. The window exploded inward in a thousand shards and, cannonballing inwards with them, Master Ishiguro shot through the gap, a long, curved katana in one hand swiping out horizontally right across the plane of assassin's upper arm. Then Master Ishiguro came to rest, his blade still held in a ready position.
The assassin laughed suddenly and held his hand over the gaping wound in his arm. Sora tried to flinch from it, the sight of bone and bared flesh was making her sick, but the assassin merely gestured and the wound grew smaller until it sealed up entirely. Than he turned his attention to Ishiguro.
So, the rumors are true. They tell of one who wields the Divine Blade in Janero's stead, of a master of the Sattoro Gesai, one who knows each step in the dance of death. It appears that I have a rare opportunity for entertainment in my work. Are you as good as they say you are Hideo?
The rumors also whisper in the dark of an assassin named Thanatos, named for death. Ishiguro spoke, still facing the wall, blade horizontal. They say that he is unstoppable, master of a dozen killing techniques, that he prefers to work with a blade instead of a gun, and that he has supernatural abilities. And some, who whisper in the darkest of nights, speak of the stone he wears. The Nadir they call it. I see that those unfortunate rumors are true.
You are well versed, but this endless talk gets us nowhere. Shall we?
At that Thanatos tore a katana of his own from his belt. And then they were off. Tai, frozen in place, could only see a brief part of the battle, but he had never seen anything like it. Walls crumpled, cut to pieces under sword slashes. Just when he was afraid that Hideo was going to die he shot up, for a moment adhering to the wall, and then the ceiling, diving down on his opponent. Then Thanatos seemed to warp straight through three desks, letting Hideo bounce off of empty ground. They rushed each other again, swords out and swinging, stroke after stroke, high parry, low thrust, low swing, middle parry, double twist, parry and middle swing. Knees bent and shoulders twisted to absorb and reflect weight, to absorb and react against incoming blows.
Suddenly Thanatos twisted free and flipped out of Ishiguro's path, holding out one hand commandingly. Three desks began to move, throwing themselves at Ishiguro's legs. All three of them were splinters before they hit, but the effort caused Ishiguro to fall to the ground. As Thanatos charged him, Hideo slapped the ground with one hand and a jet of exploding earth blasted toward the assassin, catching him unawares and blasting him temporarily skyward.
Then they were clashing in the middle of the room. Thanatos grimaced as Master Ishiguro, deadfaced, pressed the attack. Impossible spins, backflips and other techniques dotted a battle that was rapidly becoming an aerial display. Tai was reminded of the display of prowess and special effects from the Jedi battle in The Phantom Menace, as impossible motions came to life. The combatants no longer even had to look at what they were attacking, at what they were blocking. They merely moved against each other, swinging strokes without looking, dodging blows they could not see. If Tai could have moved he would have been gaping in awe at the display of skill, but all he could do was let his eyes widen as the blows came closer and closer to home.
Then, just as it seemed the one of them must surely be killed there was a crackle and a miniature bolt of lightning slammed down from the light fixtures, blasting through Thanatos' swords.
Well well well, it seems that Adam is coming. I have no wish to engage both of you at this time. Thanatos grinned, a smile Tai did not like at all. I will observe the protocols. For now the children are safe from me, but you will excuse my attempts to draw you both into the open.
Then Thanatos was simply gone.
Parlor tricks. Master Ishiguro muttered as life returned to the limbs of the others.
But potent ones. Adam entered through the door, his eyes calm and collected as he took in the damage to the room.
I agree with that. We're going to have to deal with this sooner or later Adam.
With all of this. Adam replied grimly.
It doesn't make any more sense today than it did yesterday. Izzy grumbled to Joe and Yolei, both of whom were watching him. I just don't like it.
Well, could it just be a business option? Joe asked.
Possible, but I highly doubt it. Izzy responded.
Cody was standing around in the background, carrying one of Adam's practice swords, a western-style rapier, over one shoulder.
Look at it this way. It just happens to give them enough military equipment on Japanese soil just in time for all hell to break lose. I mean, think about it. The timing is awfully coincidental. My theory is that they're going to use the digimon as the pretense for seizing Japan. That could be why they're willing to work with Khartan.
Did you get anything else from their mainframe? Yolei asked.
Quite a bit, and none of it good. The part that really bothers me is the fact that they seem to be spending so much money in digimon research. The ghostbusters work practically 24/7 and the only thing of use they've found is a basic synthesis of how digimon are put together. But Utopia is devoting all these energies to digimon research for some unknown reason, I have no idea why they're doing it.
Maybe they think they can harness the special powers of digimon. Yolei suggested, shrugging.
Maybe, but then how are they doing the research. We have to satisfy ourselves with researching the digital data leftovers of a destroyed digimon. How in the world do they do much research on that? You can barely even tell whether the digimon in question was a virus, a vaccine or a data type based on that knowledge. Logically for them to be gaining some other type of information they must be performing research on live digimon. But where are they getting them? Every time we get near, kapow, they blow up. So obviously they either must be working with Khartan, or they must be gaining some other source of digimon.
What other sources of digimon are there? Hawkmon settled next to Yolei.
Well, we all have one.
But you're digidestined. Armadillomon returned, paying more attention to Cody than he was to Izzy.
Right, but we're not the only digidestined anymore. There are hundreds of them, maybe even thousands of them around the world that we don't know about. How would we know if a few of them disappeared? Izzy suddenly sounded afraid.
That's horrible! Tentomon exclaimed.
Isn't it. Joe commented. Horrible and diabolical. I don't know how we're going to deal with this one.
We've got to find out what they're doing. Izzy stated it as fact.
Lieutenant Takaeda slowed the car for a moment, staring out the side of the patrol vehicle. No, never mind. It wasn't them. I'm glad you volunteered to come along on this kids.
Wouldn't miss it for the world. Tai reported, Agumon nodding next to him in the seat.
Sure thing. Matt and TK were sandwiched into the other side of the car, Patamon and Gabumon were pretty scrunched too.
I know that this normally isn't your thing, but, well, it seems that it might be tied up with all this other activity. If your theory about the enemy having human associates is true, this might be just what you're looking for. The unmarked police car shot through the streets of Tokyo.
So, who else is going to be in on this? Matt asked.
Just Unit One. I really don't trust anybody else not to tip off the bad guys to what's going on. You kids probably won't be needed, but I suspect somehow that I won't get away that lucky. Besides, if you do show up, it will give our officers another reason to trust you.
So how bad can it be? Matt asked.
I don't like to think about that. It used to be that we'd never have problems like this, but in the past three weeks violent crime in Tokyo has risen by about two hundred percent. Yet none of the usual suspects seem to be responsible. I simply don't know what to think about that. Takaeda pulled over the car next to an innocuous warehouse. They were in an isolated part of industrial Tokyo, surrounded by a set of abandoned buildings. Anyway, Kiyesu is actually in charge of the operation, and I hope he remembers how to work this.
There were sudden explosions of gunfire from inside the building. Takaeda jerked up suddenly as the sounds of shouts and screams broke out.
That's not supposed to be happening! He yelled, scrambling out of the car, gun drawn. The three digimon jumped out as well.
And then the door to the warehouse blasted open. Something rumbled out, something large.
Bloody Hell! Takaeda yelled. Since when did my city become another blasted anime show? His MP5 came off his shoulder, but he decided not to risk firing, and to dive out of the way instead. Tai was forced to agree with him. The thing that had walked out of the warehouse looked like a giant humanoid mechanical suit from any one of a number of animes that he enjoyed. Unfortunately, it was also standing fairly tall overhead, and, judging from the smoking gun barrel on its right shoulder, it was part of the cause of all this havoc. It was bulky, standing about three meters tall, made up of connected joint of huge, oddly shaped blocks of metal. A large, menacing head topped the construct, looking a little like Darth Vader's helmet. More menacing still was the combination of two mutli-barreled gatling guns, one on each arm over the large hands, the huge tank-sized cannon over the right shoulder and what looked like a set of missile tubes on the left chest.
What the ! Takaeda yelled, his last word fortunately blotted out by the roar as yet another robot stepped through the walls of the warehouse.
Tai yelled into his D3. You there?
Yes, I'm here. Izzy replied.
Never mind! Remember that analysis program for analyzing digimon? Use it remotely through my D3 to analyze these suckers, got it?
Sure, but what....
Never mind. Agumon, Gabumon, Patamon, go!
Patamon....digivolves to...Angemon!
Agumon...warp digivolves to...WarGreymon!
Gabumon...warp digivolves to...MetalGarurumon!
You've got to be kidding me. Matt was crouched down in the car, on top of TK. Giant fighting robots? What's next, alien invasions?
Tai was ignoring him, running into the battle scene. WarGreymon, get inside, see if any of them are inside there. MetalGarurumon, back him up. Angemon, can you take these guys?
Let's find out. Angemon muttered flatly. I'll peel the pilot out and have a word with him. He advanced on the two robots still visible. One of them turned toward him, and his right shoulder cannon fired once. Angemon was thrown back violently, crashing into a pile of boxes at the side of another building, sending debris flying.
TK broke free of Matt for a moment, and began to race toward his fallen companion before Matt grabbed him by one arm and threw him back into cover behind the car.
The angel rose from the boxes, shaking his head to clear it. That actually hurt. I admit, I'm impressed, but you don't get that chance again.
This time both cannons belched fire and smoke, thunderous roars temporarily deafening Tai, but Angemon was whirling his staff, and the two shells exploded harmlessly against the shield of his spinning staff, now suffused with a faint golden fire. The angel looked completely unimpressed, but then again, so did the monstrous robots.
Angemon suddenly shot into full motion, speeding across the ground so fast that the robots literally could not react in time. Reaching out with one glowing fist he slammed it into the heart of the first robot, grabbing at something within. Then he stopped and frowned for a moment.
Hand of Fate! He yelled, and the robot exploded in front of him.
Tai, TK! He yelled. These things aren't alive, they have no pilot, and they certainly aren't digimon. They must just be machines!
Works for me! Tai yelled from his new hiding place, next to Lieutenant Takaeda. Take them apart.
Kiyesu hunkered down beneath the cover of a huge metal table. The appearance of the four giant robots had certainly taken the surprise out of the ambush, the result was that it was now his team that was being surprised. The monsters were impervious to the low-caliber weapons of the Unit, and they were returning fire with those horrible gatling guns that were so much more powerful than anything in the police arsenal. They were armed with personal weapons, tactical shotguns and submachine guns, and these things were walking tanks. Fortunately the warehouse was crowded with heavy industrial machinery that prevented the robots from following his team, but regardless, this was just crazy. They could not even scratch the blasted things.
Metal Wolf Snout! A new voice cut through the battle, and there were two separate explosions from inside.
You didn't have to hit him quite so hard. It looks like him and his buddies don't have much fight left in them anyway.
Well, that one seems to.
Kiyesu ducked out of hiding to see the two huge digimon from the previous battle holding onto one of the giant robots. The robot was missing both arms and most of its shoulder cannon, and the giant armored dinosaur was shaking his head at it.
It's glowing too fast. Self-destruct device...everybody down!
The next explosion threatened to level a good part of the warehouse, but the explosions and the crashes of falling gear faded quickly.
Well, that was anti-climatic. WarGreymon noted as Tai and Takaeda skidded into the room.
What...the fuck...was that? Takaeda was gasping.
If I knew boss, I'd tell you. Kiyesu emerged from hiding, gun still drawn, but everything seemed to be perfectly under control.
TK was walking in from the door, a look of total and complete horror on his face. There was no pilot?
No there wasn't TK. I checked everywhere, and I could sense little within. There was some faint intelligence, but I cannot tell you more.
But that...that... He pointed at a white object fallen onto the floor. That's a human brain Angemon.
Takaeda walked up to a huge metal container and wrenched the door open. Tai peered in and nearly vomited all over the cargo of human internal organs.
So what the hell were those? Tai asked, having recovered from his brief fit of being sick back in Adam's apartment.
Beats the hell out of me. Adam responded. Thing just keep getting stranger around here.
I know. Even for the Digiworld huge giant fighting machines with human brains are pushing things. Someone's really screwing with reality around here. Sora sank down into a chair.
Davis remarked, scowling silently.
And why is someone shipping them along with huge stores of human internal organs? Izzy asked rhetorically, missing the sudden edge of revulsion that passed over TK's face. It doesn't make sense.
Well, I think I know where to find the answers. Tai was still looking out of the window.
Yeah, where?
Review please!