Disclaimer: I don not own Digimon or any other products that may be referred to within.
Author's Note: This episode is horribly clichéd and I know it. I apologize for lack of originality.
Episode XXXVIII
Unmasked.
Everything you ever look for is always in the last place you look.
Ancient proverb
TK did not even glance around. He did not have to. He merely spoke.
Greetings. You would be the assassin Thanatos I presume. TK's voice was soft and barely carried above the sudden wails of his classmates. Bearer of the Nadir stone.
The voice that carried back from behind him was cold and dark, as cold as a winter night, as dark and angry as anything TK had ever heard. I believe that you are Takeru Takaishi. I was sent to eliminate you.
Kari could not help but let a scream pass her lips. Thanatos waved, and Kari turned suddenly as still as a rock, frozen in place.
Your companions have already suffered a similar fate, frozen in time. They cannot help you. Now it's just you and me boy. What are you going to do?
TK ignored him for a moment, his eyes passing over the cowering students and the suddenly terrified teacher, and then walked over to the wall and pulled the fire alarm. The sudden screaming of the electronic alarm cut through the noise in the other classrooms. TK did not move for a long moment after touching off the alarm, and then turned his head around and made eye contact with the black-clad Thanatos.
Clever boy. Thanatos hissed. Go on children, scamper for your freedom while I take up some business with your classmate here.
TK did not move as the other students poured out of the classroom. The air between him and his opponent was charged with electricity, the golden fire running down TK's staff matched equally with the light reflected off the cruelly sharpened katana in Thanatos' hand.
Thanatos hissed as TK could see the students line up outside in confused clusters. The duel begins.
Davis and Ken stood next to each other, each holding a backpack containing a very grumpy digimon, and watching the building. No flames billowed out of the windows, no amount of smoke rose to the sky. There was no sign of a fire. Behind them students alternatively grumped and cheered, played games or watched the school themselves.
You see Yolei? Ken asked. He was paler than normal, apparently all those hours of waiting for the apocalypse to arrive were beginning to wear on him.
Yeah, she's over there and making her way towards us. How about TK and Kari? Davis returned, pointing.
Not a sign. Ken reported.
Hmmm...usually the hat stands out like a lighthouse, I wonder where it is now.
Isn't that their classroom, with the busted window? Ken asked.
Yeah, I think it is. Davis' voice rose rapidly in pitch. Do you think something happened to them?
There it is again. Jim scratched his head and handed the printout to one of the other ghostbusters. I wish Professor Takenouchi hadn't picked the worst time in the world to go on a vacation. I think he was looking for something like this.
What is it? Somebody asked.
Another one of those neutrino surges.
Charley almost managed to get past the boss without being yelled at, as he tried to make himself scarce.
Where's our technical support? Hiroaki Ishida bellowed as the unfortunate technician rounded a corner.
It's coming boss. Charley rolled his eyes.
So, we've got the biggest JSDF exercises of the year, and NOBODY is out covering them? Ishida exploded in somebody else's direction. One of the camera crew who was coming by rolled his eyes so only Charley could see. I want camera crews and reporters out there on the field. This is big stuff, eye-candy for the viewers, and I want us to have it. Everybody understand that?
There was a ragged chorus of assent from the various offices up and down the hallway. Nobody argued with the chief when he was in one of his moods.
Ishida bellowed again. Charley froze, considered bolting for a moment and pretending he had not heard his boss, and then sighed in resignation.
Yes chief?
I want to double the news patrols out on the street. Hire more people if you have to, but get more cameras out there!
Out here? Charley could not quite contain his surprise. In Tokyo? But nothing's going on in Tokyo.
Something will be. The big man predicted ominously. International tensions have been rising for months, then they suddenly stop. The JSDF is called out to maneuver elsewhere. My kids start coming home late. I can read the signs. Something big is coming, and it's coming here.
I have no idea what you're talking about boss. Charley admitted truthfully.
That doesn't matter! Now get moving!
First objective. The voice in TK's head was speaking now, and TK felt himself seamlessly, flawlessly melding to it. Get him out of the building!
Golden fire exploded out from TK, surrounding him in a golden nimbus. The fire of the Heart of the World matched with the beating of his heart, giving him wings of glowing incandescent energy that nearly blinded Kari. With a single look at the girl, still sitting frozen in the classroom, TK acted to save her. Golden fire erupted from his staff and struck Thanatos full on and hurled him out the window.
Second, be ready, take him down. TK hurled himself out after him, staff whirling like a miniature tornado. He hit the game less then a second after Thanatos, but the assassin was already up and moving, leaping into the air to avoid TK's skull crushing blow.
Above you. The voice snapped and TK dived aside, rolling straight toward the grassy field where the other students were assembling for just a moment before Thanatos's blade carved a hole in the ground where he had been standing. TK jumped to his feet, swinging his staff up just in time so that it could collide with the incoming blade, sending him skidding across the ground in one way, until he was almost at the feet of his classmates. But he managed to twist as he was struck, and the katana bounced and slid all the way to the stands used to watch soccer games.
He found himself rising in the middle of a gaggle of students who rapidly ran from him, fleeing the golden nimbus of power. In the moment that he turned around however, he saw Thanatos rushing him. The assassin held out a hand and his katana spun back across the ground, lifting in the air and returning to his hand. But he did not attack with that.
TK had only a flicker of motion as warning before the ground beneath his feet shifted. The pipes that were part of the sprinkler system erupted from the ground and encased his feet in plastic chains in an instant. Then, as Thanatos skidded to a stop two baseball bats rose from their position where they lay forgotten near the baseball field and hurtled toward TK. The staff came up, double quick and smashed both incoming targets aside, but that left him open for a moment, and Thanatos charged forward. This time TK barely managed to get his staff around, and golden fire erupted as if some giant was attempting to blow TK's nimbus out like a candle.
Veemon...digivolve to...ExVeemon!
Wormmon...digivolve to...Stingmon!
Hawkmon...armor digivolve to...Shurimon, the Samurai of Sincerity!
Thanatos jumped to one side, his katana sweeping up and around. ExVeemon screamed as the blade impacted flesh, and then, startling, he de-digivolved, collapsing as Veemon to the ground.
What was that? Davis yelled. What's happening?
Double Star! Two stars flashed toward Thanatos, but the lethal human merely shattered them both contemptuously with his katana, sending shards of metal flying through the air. Then he raised a hand and Shurimon went spinning away, slamming into a concrete wall some distance away just on the force of Thanatos' will.
Look out! Veemon yelled from the ground, but it was too late. Of its own accord the nets in the soccer goals had risen in challenge, and entangled Stingmon, wings and all, sending him limply to the ground. Thanatos was there a moment later and reduced the mighty Champion to Wormmon. But before he could finish off the digimon he had to leap out of the way to avoid being speared from behind.
TK had used the distraction to cut himself loose, and now he was on the ramapge. His staff swung, both around his head and his feet like the rotors of a heliocopter, sweeping through the air and cutting it apart like a golden storm. A moment later he was on top of Thanatos, rotating both ends of the staff to continue blocking the whirling katana, and graudally forcing Thanatos back, as the assassin struggled to counter his blows.
And then his foot sank into the ground. TK did not even have to look down to realize what had happened. Thanatos had lured him into stepping in a sinkhole in the ground, and now he, TK, was standing up to his ankle in mud. His mobility impaired, the sudden effect of being off balance, of being too far forward, took his mind off the battle for a crucial second, and the katana came around and tossed TK's staff out of his hand. Thanatos refused to halt, his katana coming up to stab TK in the heart.
Crash! TK had only a glimpse of motion before Thanatos was broadsided by a silver sedan flying past at high speed. The assassin, hit unawares on the side, rolled up the hood, jumped over the windshield and landed on his feet, instantly diving to the ground to avoid what appeared to be a car door fly by at chest height.
Adam was standing down the field, in the parking lot, one hand raised. His western sword was in one hand, the katana was in his belt. There was a moment when he and Thanatos could just as easily have been statues, and then they charged at each other like maddened beasts.
Halfway across the intervening space Adam twisted and the katana came out and landed in his left hand. Now he was holding a sword in each hand, and the effect was devastating. He was surrounded by a whirling hurricane of steel, and Thanatos' katana slipped off those whirling blades as if he was striking at a forcefield. There were no tricks in this battle, the concentration on the bladework was total, the eyes never left each other.
TK held his breath as the unreality of the situation penetrated at his skull. The two combatants appeared to be standing still, holding their breath. It was around them, around their perfectly still centers that the blades orbited, striking out and slamming down. TK could watch their legs move, their waist turn, their arms pound and spin, but it seemed almost as if the bodies of the two swordsmen were simply sitting there.
Then they began to spin, to jump and fly through the air, rebounding off of each other as if they were merely rubber artifacts, massive vertically oriented trampolines. Aerial gymnastics ended with the clash of sword and sword, the thunder of blade against blade as the two warriors smashed into each other with the regularity of a hammer and an anvil. Sword to sword they clashed, sparks illuminating the yard.
Then they stopped, the two prowling around each other like stalking tigers. Swords extended low, eyes focused, they adopted low, wary poses, each waiting for the move on the behalf of the other that would signify the return to battle, the movement that would mean that conflict would be renewed at last. They moved with a suddenness, a fluidity that left TK breathless, even though he had been watching for it from the moment they paused.
No choreographed set of dancers could ever have done better. The footwork, the armwork, the symphony of the blades slamming against each other was beyond anything that TK could ever have believed. Even had they known where their opponent was they could not have reacted faster. For long moments they seemed deadlocked, equal skill matched with equal skill, and then, with one smooth movement, Thanatos made a strike.
He overreached.
There was only a few centimeters difference, but that was all that was needed. And in that gap, in that sudden dirth of motion, Adam came forward like a spear. Thanatos gasped as he felt the blade pierce his heart, entering his chest like a stick entering through the water. His own sword fell from nerveless fingers and he stood, half bent backwards, frozen in time for a long moment, eyes locked.
TK heard him hiss.
They didn't tell you? Adam's voice was filled with dark amusement. Then you are doubly betrayed.
Thanatos tried to say something, but the only thing that happened was a croak, and then he slid limply to the ground, already dead.
Leave TK. Go find your friends. You really don't want to explain this to the police. Adam told TK, not looking away.
TK began to back away and leave the abandoned field, looking for the other students, but as he did he caught sight of something out of the corner of his eye. Adam reaching down, removing a bracelet with a shining black jewel from Thanatos's left wrist, and fitted it on himself.
So talk about a lucky break. Ken whispered as TK sat with them in the park. School had been canceled for the rest of the day as the police tried to sort everything out. All the students who saw had their memory wiped? That's pretty impressive. Did you do that?
No, all I did was almost get killed. TK grumbled.
Hey, that guy would have wiped the floor with all the rest of us. You saw what he did to our digimon. We wouldn't have done any better. Ken leaned back and relaxed. In a little tent in the shade five digimon sat recuperating while the five digidestined whom they belonged to sat around and tried to keep a watch on things.
But man, you're lucky. Davis remarked, tossing rocks at a nearby pool. If your Mom had found out what you were doing I bet she would have freaked. Not to mention the fact that the principal would have sent you home forever. And I think I mean forever by that.
I don't think so. I think he would be too scared to do that. Yolei smiled and gripped Ken's hand tighter.
I don't think I could have handled that. Having students staring at me like I was some sort of freak all the time. Always being alone. I don't think I would've taken it so well, it's sort of the thing I don't deal with very well. TK sighed and looked down to where Kari lay, sleeping, in his lap.
Well it was a good thing that Adam was there to save your butt. Davis muttered, tossing another rock.
The thing that bothers me is why did he attack now? Do they know that we know about them. I'd really like to get in contact with some of the others, but they're all busy. So the question is what do we do next? Ken looked around and seemed to get a lack of response.
But TK had suddenly grown still. In his mind something was beginning to unlock, something that was very suspicious indeed.
Willis was jerked awake as they returned to New York. He had been sleeping fitfully on the airplane as they roared home, as Team Eagle, reassembled again, began their trip back to their home base. Now he was startled into consciousness by the thud as the plane hit the tarmac. It appeared that everyone else had been sleeping too, because he was surrounded by confused faces.
Steve walked into the cabin, grinning at them tightly. All right everybody. Back to the Aerie for you. You're going to need lots of sleep.
What about you? Willis groaned.
I spent the whole trip on the plane, and slept the whole way. The Thunderbirds and the Aztecs both called while you guys were unconscious by the way. They say that they think in the case of a repeat of the World Tour that they can secure the southern and western portions of the US.
Willis forced the sleep from his mind. That's good because we got hit hardest back then, and we may need the assistance again. I would like to keep this from turning into an all night affair. Michael, how did it go in coordinating with New York all night?
The New York teams are ready to go. We'll have coverage of the city at least. Michael looked around and yawned. Anything else happen while we were asleep Steve?
Well, maybe, I'm not really sure about that. The European Legion has finally gotten their act together, so we may be able to draw upon their manpower if everything works out. The problem is that I really don't expect everything to work out?
And what if we have to get to Tokyo in a hurry? Willis continued running down his mental checklist.
Well, we're the ones with the plane. I guess it'll be up to us. Are you ready to do some major flying?
I guess so. I would really appreciate another option, but I guess that this is something that we usually don't get.
Back at the familiar park bench, Chikara and Hideo were sitting next to each other once again, staring at the ominous signs of clouds on the horizon.
We've alerted our contacts in the military in other countries. They're going on high alert. Hideo Ishiguro reported, his eyes never losing their seriousness.
Our contacts here are going underground. Chikara Hida replied, mirroring the others concern. Whatever the opposition is up to, it's going to be big. Can we stop it?
Hideo admitted calmly. But we can help those kids to save the world. Everything after that is optional.
So, you know where everyone is? Tai asked Izzy as they watched over the computer screens in Izzy's now empty apartment. How accurate is this system?
Pretty accurate. We keep track of where people are because they tell us. So, how's living home alone?
Pretty good actually. I'm glad you got us those tickets. Now my parents think that you're some kind of saint, and they're outside of the territory we expect to be attacked.
Yeah. The problem is that not all of the parents left. Ken's parents are still in town, so is Joe's family, and Yolei's and Davis's, and Matt's Dad. That gives us a whole lot of vulnerable spots.
Hopefully we won't even have to be concerned about it.
Hopefully Tai, but I learned long ago not just to close my eyes and hope for the best. Izzy leaned back in his chair.
So do you know where TK and Kari are? I could give them a heck of a shock.
Izzy frowned. Actually, I don't. You know, that's sort of odd. TK called me a bit ago and told me that he wanted some time off alone, and he didn't want to tell me where he was going. He said it was important though, and I couldn't find him if I tried. So I just assumed he was up to something important. Do you think they're in trouble?
Knowing those two, probably. I guess they decided to shake off their watchers anyway. But they'll take care of it.
Izzy replied after a moment.
So how old is Adam? TK asked Master Ishiguro as the black belt continued punishing a punching bag.
I honestly don't know. He just sort of appeared on the world scene fully formed. I swear he hasn't aged in the past few years at all. It might be something to do with the Philosopher's Stone. Hideo punched the bag so hard that it practically screamed. I know that the Divine Blade keeps me younger than I should have been. I just don't know how much that effect is amplified by the Philosopher's Stone.
So, does anyone know anything about him.
Yeah. No family, he never talks about it. He's a bit strange, disappearing sometimes for months at a time, but reappearing at strange intervals. Why?
Well, I don't know. He acts a little...well...strange, if you know what I mean.
Do I ever. I blame that little hike that Janero disappeared on. Hideo smiled at the memory of something before going back to pummeling the bag.
What hike? TK asked, his suspicions flaring up again.
Well, there was this 'hike' they went on. I got the story from some of the other Helios members, especially since it happened before my time in the organization. The thing was that there were three of them. Adam, Janero Chou, and...what was her name? Oh yeah, Jessica somebody. Anyway, they went off on this expedition and something happened. Janero disappeared, Adam reported that he was going off to 'fight a greater evil' or something like that. Jessica went with him. Adam returned, but he was really different, changed a lot.
Changed how?
Well, he was a darker person. He brooded a lot more, disappeared a lot more often, and drew away from all those who had been his friends. They barely recognized him. But at the same time his tactical and strategic abilities grew to almost supernatural proportions. I don't think any of us truly know what happened to him there.
Is it possible that they were attacked, and someone wiped his memory? TK asked.
Hideo suddenly sounded thoughtful. Why, you suspect something?
Let's just say that there have been a few coincidences too many. And that bad guys can do that to someone.
Not to Jan they couldn't have. His mind was too resilient, too well trained in the service of the Ancient. The question is, could they have done it to Adam then?
I don't know. TK answered truthfully.
Master Ishiguro frowned. You know, I think I will keep a closer eye on our prodigal son. He's damn good, sometimes almost too good.
We'll keep track of him too. TK stood up and Kari followed him out of the door of the high school gym.
Kari asked.
Beyond bad. TK responded.
Mimi and Joe sat opposite Matt and Sora at the cafe table, checking out the avenue that they were on, one that led straight through Roppongi. They were sitting there to occupy a major traffic thoroughfare for street traffic, their digimon hiding out on the roof while they watched passerby with silent, watchful eyes.
Is this all worth it? Mimi asked after a moment. I mean are we really accomplishing something.
I think that Tai knows what he's doing. Matt vouched.
Everyone stared at him for a moment in pure disbelief.
I can't believe that Matt just said that. Joe murmured to Mimi in a whisper just loud enough for everyone else to overhear.
Ah Joe, your lack of faith in me is disturbing. Matt grinned at the tall blue-haired boy.
Sora rolled her eyes. So have we managed to find anything suspicious? I mean, I certainly haven't seen anything and we've been wandering the city for an hour.
I know. Matt replied. Which backs up Tai's original theory, it may not involve Tokyo at all. Everything seems to check out and be normal. The problem is that if that's the case they may be doing what Oikawa and MaloMyostismon did, pulling us out of Tokyo so they can do something here.
So everyone's thought of that problem, I take it. Joe muttered.
Yeah. We'd need real firepower to hold him off then. Matt grumbled.
Mimi and Joe exchanged a secretive look but said nothing.
So what's the problem TK? Kari asked. They were sitting on a bench in an empty part of one of the many seaside parks in Odaiba, a bench that was conveniently placed out in the middle of the beach, so that TK could make sure that nobody was coming close enough to overhear them. The waves lapping against the shore made a soothing sound, but it also helped mask the nature of their conversation.
Well think about it. I was wondering, if there was something like the Dark Spore active, where would you put it? In the place where it does the most damage, right?
Of course. Gatomon sat up in Kari's lap. That's only common sense.
So I was wondering who could possibly have access to enough information to do us actual maximum damage, and I came up with a few names.
Any of the digidestined would do. Kari pointed out.
I realized that, but I realized something else too. Do you remember what Ken said after MaloMyostismon was defeated? As long as those kids keep their dreams alive the dark spores will remain dormant. I did some backchecking, and I think that the presence of our crest causes that problem to be non-existent. Every digidestined now has a crest, and I think we would notice if those crests stopped glowing. And as long as those crests keep glowing, there's no way for a dark spore to activate.
So you think it's another digidestined.
No, that wouldn't be very helpful either. The entire Aerie is protected by the aura unconsciously projected by Willis, so that's out of the question. I don't think that even Izzy understands all the things that happened after the Enigma affair. That leaves the people at the top of the European Legion and the Australian Avengers, who are the other largest groups. The problem is that I don't really see that much damage being done by taking over a member of one of those groups. TK paused a moment.
All right, so let's say I admit that your logic is valid. Kari grinned. So then what do I say? What can I say?
Well, I think that it might imply that there is another member close to us who has the dark spore in him. TK mused.
And you suspect Adam obviously. Any particular reason?
Well, he's too...convenient.
Don't we want him to be convenient? Patamon asked, sounding confused.
Maybe, maybe not. TK leaned forward and spilled the small mammal off of his hat and down into his hands. It could be a really big mistake too.
Gatomon sounded curious.
Well, let's think about it. Our biggest ally just happens to be in a position to get us out of school and let us run around Tokyo on our own. Just happens to have access to the same computer equipment and technology that allows us to accomplish half of what we have accomplished. He just happens to be Izzy's friend, and part of a super-secret organization that stands up to a huge corporate menace. He just happens to know how important we are, and he happens to believe us too. He, by chance, is supernaturally powerful, having the same powers normally restricted to crestbearers, which he definitely is not. He has a convenient independent fortune that he's bought equipment for us on. He's an excellent swordsman, and he just happens to be available in time to save me from an unpleasant demise.
So what started all these suspicions TK? I agree that it's a bit strange, but everything around us has been strange. Kari stared at TK seriously.
Well, it started after the fight today. You see, when he won, he said something weird. Thanatos seemed to recognize him the moment he was killed.
Which makes sense. He does hold the other Philosopher's Stone. Kari pointed out, clearly starting to play Devil's advocate.
Yes, except for something that Tai told me from the first time they met Thanatos. You see Tai told me that Thanatos had fled because he had not wanted to fight Adam and Master Ishiguro at the same time. But the problem with that is that, according to Tai, Thanatos mentioned Adam's name in the fight. I can only assume that Thanatos would not only recognize that the stone was there, but that he would know what Adam looked like.
Okay, I'll give you that, but maybe they have a history. Maybe they've met somewhere before. Kari pointed out logically.
Maybe, but something that happened after that captured my attention. Adam said 'They didn't tell you? Then you are twice betrayed.' That got me thinking. Obviously he's referring to whoever employed Thanatos, but then the question becomes what would they know that they would tell their hired assassin? Obviously something about Adam, but why would it be betrayal if they refused to tell Thanatos something? The thing that makes the most sense there is that the darkness knew that Adam was working for something that made him more powerful than Thanatos. And why would they know that unless they knew who he was working for?
And what you're saying is that it makes most sense that they would only know if he was working for them. Kari pointed out. The problem is that I can see several different arguments that could have the same effect.
Yes, but what I was really wondering was whether or not they have the same probability. I agree that he could have been up to something peculiar that would have allowed him to count under that, and would have given him the insight to understand how important we might be, but sometimes the coincidences are a bit startling. TK looked up at the sky and watched a seagull fly overhead.
That's an awfully loose argument TK. Kari squeezed his hand.
But then other things began to occur to me. Adam knew that we were going to attack the Utopia central facility. And that's where we got ambushed.
He protected us. Gatomon pointed out.
But then he disappeared. He didn't leave with us. What was he doing in the building after we left? He reappears the next day, calm and easy, like nothing had happened, but did something really happen in there? Once again, I don't know. Do you? And then it occurs to me that he's known about most of our forays into the city. The only times we managed to thwart an attack was because Tai got suspicious.
But lots of attacks have stopped since then. Kari countered.
Yes, but the patrols have been run by the police, and Adam has no real authority over the police. After all, he only has authority over the Helios people. So the element of surprise forced Khartan to close up shop early.
He did alert us to Utopia's machinations. And they are dirty. Kari pointed out again.
Yes, again he did, but he may have realized that it could have been fruitless to hide it. It would only take so long before we stumbled upon the owners of the trucks that were transporting digimon. Or I might have mentioned it to my father, and then where would he have been. Dad's behavior would have tipped me and Matt off that something funny was going on, and that's that. Plus, with Master Ishiguro sniffing around, I bet he was worried that he might blow his cover. TK paused dramatically. And then something else happened. After he defeated Thanatos, he took that Nadir stone. The stone that made Adolf Hitler from a monster into a demon. Now how bad is that compared to what else we've seen?
So you think that they were attacked on their hike. Janero and the other girl got killed, and he was implanted with a dark spore. Kari frowned. It seems a little shaky.
Well maybe it is, but there is one way to find out. TK stood up resolutely.
I know but I don't like it.
I could really use Gennai's help here. Izzy murmured.
Well, get over it, you don't have it. Yolei snapped. Apparently spending two hours searching programs for viruses had not improved her temper any.
I know, but it's really awkward programming all of this by hand. Izzy looked at his screen angrily. These warnings should alert me if anything goes wrong, but I don't know how accurate they'll be. And since I don't know exactly what's going to go wrong, I'm not sure whether or not to do anything different.
So what's so important that you want me to hack your way into five different internet lines and a satellite? Yolei demanded impatiently, staring at her computer. I hope it's not a game.
Oh believe me, it's not. It's just a signal program. Ken responded, looking up from his own computer terminal.
Well, what does it signal?
You wouldn't believe me if I told you. Ken gave her a slight smile and a shake of his head.
Yolei stared at him for a moment, temporarily exasperated with her crush, and then turned back to her computer terminal, muttering darkly, while Ken and Izzy exchanged knowing looks over her head.
Reserves are on standby. Willis reported, as he shook the sleep out of his head.
Odaiba one? Michael pulled his wheeled chair back from the computer and leaned back to catch a glimpse of his best computer programmer.
Odaiba is ready to go anytime they hear anything. The question is when they're going to hear something. Bad news is already starting to get around. Even the military is starting to move, and that's making me nervous. If we start fighting each other in the middle of New York, there's not going to be much left of the city. Willis sat down on the chair heavily.
How're the terror twins? Michael asked, trying to steer the conversation away from the morbid and gloomy path it was threatening to take.
Strangely enough, they're quiet. I guess they understand that the situation is deteriorating, and they aren't giving me a hard time. If it wasn't for the emergency in progress, I might grow to like this. Willis smiled.
Well, don't get too used to it. Michael turned back to his computer, and waited for the sounds of doom to greet him.
Kari stuck her head in the open door.
Well, he did say we could come in if he wasn't here. Patamon, the familiar tension grabbing at his stomach, had decided to hover in the air instead of sitting on TK's head.
And he did give us the key, so let's go in and look around. TK pointed.
Kari shrugged and together the four of them walked into the room, looking around at the familiar decoration. A quick search of the bedroom and bathroom area revealed that nobody was there.
So where is there something left? Kari asked.
The weapons room. TK pointed at the two massive sliding doors.
Kari shrugged, trying to conceal the inner tension she was experiencing. She walked slowly over to the doors, once stopping out of fright as someone on the floor below yelled something at someone else, and then stopping before the door. Carefully, with a hand that was only slightly trembling, she slid the door open.
The room was empty, but there was something different. The two cabinets farthest away from the door had been tilted out into the room, and behind them, previously hidden, was a door.
Kari called, but there was no response. Shrugging off her own unease, she peered in through the doors and gasped.
Inside was an old style study, but it was filled with not only books in polished walnut bookcases but also with high tech computer systems that Kari had only seen before in the Digital World.
TK looked around. I don't even know what half this stuff is. He crossed over to one interesting looking circular contraption and pushed the dark screen on its side. Immediately it lit up, and an instant later a holographic image popped up, in perfect 3D rendering. TK did not recognize the map, but he instantly knew that this was technology beyond anything he had ever seen before.
What is this place? He whispered to Patamon.
Well whatever it is, you were right about something. Gatomon pointed out while she examined what appeared to be a massive hologram projector in the middle of the room with controls that TK could barely look at without becoming confused. All the lights were off but Gatomon still prowled around it like it might explode at any moment.
What's that Gatomon? Kari asked, looking at a book she had taken down with a faraway manner in her voice.
Whoever this guy is, he's certainly hiding something. If there is a traitor in our midst, I would bet on him. The white cat stared angrily at the contraption she was pacing, tail twitching with irritation.
I don't think so. Kari responded, still with that faraway voice.
Gatomon rounded on her partner. Why not?
Kari handed over the book wordlessly.
As TK took it he realized that it was similar to a photo album, but a few glances at a few pages as they flipped past showed him that he was not holding a collection of photographs, but rather of high quality pencil sketches, several of them of different people and different digimon. Then he got to the page Kari's finger marked.
It was a large drawing taking up both sides of the open page. There was a simple caption in clear, elegant script running across the top.
Friends Forever.
The picture was what captured TK's imagination. The figure in the center was unmistakably Adam, but he had his arm around a tall Caucasian brunette, and a boy that looked like her was sitting halfway in both of their laps, balanced on their knees. But what shocked him was that, on the boy's head, perched in a position so familiar that TK could have drawn it blindfolded, was a Patamon, who appeared to be arguing with a Gatomon on the woman's shoulder. And behind them...
There was a tall man looking like Master Ishiguro, resting one hand on an Agumon who was standing on a very flat looking Gomamon, who appeared to be arguing with another tall man, this one with dark skin. A man of medium height with a Tentomon hovering behind him was talking with a slightly taller Chinese girl who had a Palmon by her feet. That Palmon was turned around talking to a Biyomon passionately attached to a woman with pale white skin and hair as black as midnight. A blonde haired girl who looked familiar to TK was laughing and pointing as a Gabumon tripped over a dizzy looking Veemon. The Veemon appeared to belong to a boy who was cringing with one hand over his eyes, sitting on a Leomon's great shoulder. An Andromon was nearby also laughing. There were many others, people and digimon who TK did not know, was not able to identify, all of them lying around, laughing, talking, being friends. And there, standing behind Adam and the woman next to him, one hand on both of their shoulders, was Gennai, smiling into the picture, as if he was the only one who could see the artist.
The door! Gatomon, who had not seen the picture, suddenly exclaimed.
TK closed the book with a slam, turning around to face the doorway and realized what Gatomon had been talking about. From the angle they were at they could barely see through the door, but the light coming in had changed, the tint of the color had changed as well, and they could all see that whatever they were looking at was clearly not the room they had just come from.
What's out there? TK asked. Patamon, obedient as always flew out the door. A moment later they could hear him squeak in surprise. Not waiting for another moment, TK flew out the door with Gatomon and Kari directly behind him, and stopped dead.
He was vaguely aware that the place they were in was no longer the same, that it was much bigger, much more decorated, but that hardly seemed to make any dent in his awareness. What was occupying him was a giant window that stretched across the entire room, allowing him to see outside. The view was magnificent and breathtaking.
He was overlooking a gigantic city, a huge city, made up of golden spires and pinnacles of silver and ivory that loomed tall, rising towards the heavens. The entire thing was huge, TK could tell that from the height he was looking down on the rising buildings of the city itself he was taller than any skyscraper in Tokyo, was so tall that he had no choice but to step back from the window to avoid the momentary rush of vertigo. Everywhere he looked he could see what looked like pieces of castles and towers melded seamlessly with the most futuristic technology. Giant golden buildings glowing with light shone toward the heavens, while around them he could see specks dart to and fro.
No, not specks, he realized after a moment. Not specks at all, but digimon. Hundreds and thousands of digimon, buzzing around in circles, flying back and forth as if it was the most natural thing in the world. And there, almost directly beneath them TK could see massive gardens and terraces, hundreds of meters up in the sky, and he could see people, human beings, walking back and forth among the greenery. It was the most beautiful, the most awe inspiring sight he had ever experienced.
I told you there was no problem. The suddenness of the voice behind him nearly gave TK a heart attack, and all four of them spun around with expressions somewhere between a terrified animal caught in the headlights of an oncoming car, and a kid with their hand in the cookie jar.
Adam was standing behind them, smiling broadly, gesturing grandly out to the city beyond them. Beside him were a handful of people that TK recognized from the brief sketch, a tall man who looked a little like Master Ishiguro, the brunette woman Adam had been holding, and the boy who had been sitting on their knee. The laughing blonde woman, serious and composed now, but with laughter still in her eyes. The medium height man with dark hair, his Tentomon buzzing around behind him. And TK could see clearly that it was his Tentomon, not the one TK had known for half his life. And there was Gennai, looking much the same as the last time they had seen him, but not suspended in a column of rainbow light, but actually there, and looking more solid than TK had ever seen him before.
Welcome to the Basiton of the Light. Adam's voice rang out in the corridor, echoing like the blare of trumpets. Fortress of Ages. Welcome to Citadel.
Author's Note: This episode is horribly clichéd and I know it. I apologize for lack of originality.
Unmasked.
Everything you ever look for is always in the last place you look.
Ancient proverb
Greetings. You would be the assassin Thanatos I presume. TK's voice was soft and barely carried above the sudden wails of his classmates. Bearer of the Nadir stone.
The voice that carried back from behind him was cold and dark, as cold as a winter night, as dark and angry as anything TK had ever heard. I believe that you are Takeru Takaishi. I was sent to eliminate you.
Kari could not help but let a scream pass her lips. Thanatos waved, and Kari turned suddenly as still as a rock, frozen in place.
Your companions have already suffered a similar fate, frozen in time. They cannot help you. Now it's just you and me boy. What are you going to do?
TK ignored him for a moment, his eyes passing over the cowering students and the suddenly terrified teacher, and then walked over to the wall and pulled the fire alarm. The sudden screaming of the electronic alarm cut through the noise in the other classrooms. TK did not move for a long moment after touching off the alarm, and then turned his head around and made eye contact with the black-clad Thanatos.
Clever boy. Thanatos hissed. Go on children, scamper for your freedom while I take up some business with your classmate here.
TK did not move as the other students poured out of the classroom. The air between him and his opponent was charged with electricity, the golden fire running down TK's staff matched equally with the light reflected off the cruelly sharpened katana in Thanatos' hand.
Thanatos hissed as TK could see the students line up outside in confused clusters. The duel begins.
Davis and Ken stood next to each other, each holding a backpack containing a very grumpy digimon, and watching the building. No flames billowed out of the windows, no amount of smoke rose to the sky. There was no sign of a fire. Behind them students alternatively grumped and cheered, played games or watched the school themselves.
You see Yolei? Ken asked. He was paler than normal, apparently all those hours of waiting for the apocalypse to arrive were beginning to wear on him.
Yeah, she's over there and making her way towards us. How about TK and Kari? Davis returned, pointing.
Not a sign. Ken reported.
Hmmm...usually the hat stands out like a lighthouse, I wonder where it is now.
Isn't that their classroom, with the busted window? Ken asked.
Yeah, I think it is. Davis' voice rose rapidly in pitch. Do you think something happened to them?
There it is again. Jim scratched his head and handed the printout to one of the other ghostbusters. I wish Professor Takenouchi hadn't picked the worst time in the world to go on a vacation. I think he was looking for something like this.
What is it? Somebody asked.
Another one of those neutrino surges.
Charley almost managed to get past the boss without being yelled at, as he tried to make himself scarce.
Where's our technical support? Hiroaki Ishida bellowed as the unfortunate technician rounded a corner.
It's coming boss. Charley rolled his eyes.
So, we've got the biggest JSDF exercises of the year, and NOBODY is out covering them? Ishida exploded in somebody else's direction. One of the camera crew who was coming by rolled his eyes so only Charley could see. I want camera crews and reporters out there on the field. This is big stuff, eye-candy for the viewers, and I want us to have it. Everybody understand that?
There was a ragged chorus of assent from the various offices up and down the hallway. Nobody argued with the chief when he was in one of his moods.
Ishida bellowed again. Charley froze, considered bolting for a moment and pretending he had not heard his boss, and then sighed in resignation.
Yes chief?
I want to double the news patrols out on the street. Hire more people if you have to, but get more cameras out there!
Out here? Charley could not quite contain his surprise. In Tokyo? But nothing's going on in Tokyo.
Something will be. The big man predicted ominously. International tensions have been rising for months, then they suddenly stop. The JSDF is called out to maneuver elsewhere. My kids start coming home late. I can read the signs. Something big is coming, and it's coming here.
I have no idea what you're talking about boss. Charley admitted truthfully.
That doesn't matter! Now get moving!
First objective. The voice in TK's head was speaking now, and TK felt himself seamlessly, flawlessly melding to it. Get him out of the building!
Golden fire exploded out from TK, surrounding him in a golden nimbus. The fire of the Heart of the World matched with the beating of his heart, giving him wings of glowing incandescent energy that nearly blinded Kari. With a single look at the girl, still sitting frozen in the classroom, TK acted to save her. Golden fire erupted from his staff and struck Thanatos full on and hurled him out the window.
Second, be ready, take him down. TK hurled himself out after him, staff whirling like a miniature tornado. He hit the game less then a second after Thanatos, but the assassin was already up and moving, leaping into the air to avoid TK's skull crushing blow.
Above you. The voice snapped and TK dived aside, rolling straight toward the grassy field where the other students were assembling for just a moment before Thanatos's blade carved a hole in the ground where he had been standing. TK jumped to his feet, swinging his staff up just in time so that it could collide with the incoming blade, sending him skidding across the ground in one way, until he was almost at the feet of his classmates. But he managed to twist as he was struck, and the katana bounced and slid all the way to the stands used to watch soccer games.
He found himself rising in the middle of a gaggle of students who rapidly ran from him, fleeing the golden nimbus of power. In the moment that he turned around however, he saw Thanatos rushing him. The assassin held out a hand and his katana spun back across the ground, lifting in the air and returning to his hand. But he did not attack with that.
TK had only a flicker of motion as warning before the ground beneath his feet shifted. The pipes that were part of the sprinkler system erupted from the ground and encased his feet in plastic chains in an instant. Then, as Thanatos skidded to a stop two baseball bats rose from their position where they lay forgotten near the baseball field and hurtled toward TK. The staff came up, double quick and smashed both incoming targets aside, but that left him open for a moment, and Thanatos charged forward. This time TK barely managed to get his staff around, and golden fire erupted as if some giant was attempting to blow TK's nimbus out like a candle.
Veemon...digivolve to...ExVeemon!
Wormmon...digivolve to...Stingmon!
Hawkmon...armor digivolve to...Shurimon, the Samurai of Sincerity!
Thanatos jumped to one side, his katana sweeping up and around. ExVeemon screamed as the blade impacted flesh, and then, startling, he de-digivolved, collapsing as Veemon to the ground.
What was that? Davis yelled. What's happening?
Double Star! Two stars flashed toward Thanatos, but the lethal human merely shattered them both contemptuously with his katana, sending shards of metal flying through the air. Then he raised a hand and Shurimon went spinning away, slamming into a concrete wall some distance away just on the force of Thanatos' will.
Look out! Veemon yelled from the ground, but it was too late. Of its own accord the nets in the soccer goals had risen in challenge, and entangled Stingmon, wings and all, sending him limply to the ground. Thanatos was there a moment later and reduced the mighty Champion to Wormmon. But before he could finish off the digimon he had to leap out of the way to avoid being speared from behind.
TK had used the distraction to cut himself loose, and now he was on the ramapge. His staff swung, both around his head and his feet like the rotors of a heliocopter, sweeping through the air and cutting it apart like a golden storm. A moment later he was on top of Thanatos, rotating both ends of the staff to continue blocking the whirling katana, and graudally forcing Thanatos back, as the assassin struggled to counter his blows.
And then his foot sank into the ground. TK did not even have to look down to realize what had happened. Thanatos had lured him into stepping in a sinkhole in the ground, and now he, TK, was standing up to his ankle in mud. His mobility impaired, the sudden effect of being off balance, of being too far forward, took his mind off the battle for a crucial second, and the katana came around and tossed TK's staff out of his hand. Thanatos refused to halt, his katana coming up to stab TK in the heart.
Crash! TK had only a glimpse of motion before Thanatos was broadsided by a silver sedan flying past at high speed. The assassin, hit unawares on the side, rolled up the hood, jumped over the windshield and landed on his feet, instantly diving to the ground to avoid what appeared to be a car door fly by at chest height.
Adam was standing down the field, in the parking lot, one hand raised. His western sword was in one hand, the katana was in his belt. There was a moment when he and Thanatos could just as easily have been statues, and then they charged at each other like maddened beasts.
Halfway across the intervening space Adam twisted and the katana came out and landed in his left hand. Now he was holding a sword in each hand, and the effect was devastating. He was surrounded by a whirling hurricane of steel, and Thanatos' katana slipped off those whirling blades as if he was striking at a forcefield. There were no tricks in this battle, the concentration on the bladework was total, the eyes never left each other.
TK held his breath as the unreality of the situation penetrated at his skull. The two combatants appeared to be standing still, holding their breath. It was around them, around their perfectly still centers that the blades orbited, striking out and slamming down. TK could watch their legs move, their waist turn, their arms pound and spin, but it seemed almost as if the bodies of the two swordsmen were simply sitting there.
Then they began to spin, to jump and fly through the air, rebounding off of each other as if they were merely rubber artifacts, massive vertically oriented trampolines. Aerial gymnastics ended with the clash of sword and sword, the thunder of blade against blade as the two warriors smashed into each other with the regularity of a hammer and an anvil. Sword to sword they clashed, sparks illuminating the yard.
Then they stopped, the two prowling around each other like stalking tigers. Swords extended low, eyes focused, they adopted low, wary poses, each waiting for the move on the behalf of the other that would signify the return to battle, the movement that would mean that conflict would be renewed at last. They moved with a suddenness, a fluidity that left TK breathless, even though he had been watching for it from the moment they paused.
No choreographed set of dancers could ever have done better. The footwork, the armwork, the symphony of the blades slamming against each other was beyond anything that TK could ever have believed. Even had they known where their opponent was they could not have reacted faster. For long moments they seemed deadlocked, equal skill matched with equal skill, and then, with one smooth movement, Thanatos made a strike.
He overreached.
There was only a few centimeters difference, but that was all that was needed. And in that gap, in that sudden dirth of motion, Adam came forward like a spear. Thanatos gasped as he felt the blade pierce his heart, entering his chest like a stick entering through the water. His own sword fell from nerveless fingers and he stood, half bent backwards, frozen in time for a long moment, eyes locked.
TK heard him hiss.
They didn't tell you? Adam's voice was filled with dark amusement. Then you are doubly betrayed.
Thanatos tried to say something, but the only thing that happened was a croak, and then he slid limply to the ground, already dead.
Leave TK. Go find your friends. You really don't want to explain this to the police. Adam told TK, not looking away.
TK began to back away and leave the abandoned field, looking for the other students, but as he did he caught sight of something out of the corner of his eye. Adam reaching down, removing a bracelet with a shining black jewel from Thanatos's left wrist, and fitted it on himself.
So talk about a lucky break. Ken whispered as TK sat with them in the park. School had been canceled for the rest of the day as the police tried to sort everything out. All the students who saw had their memory wiped? That's pretty impressive. Did you do that?
No, all I did was almost get killed. TK grumbled.
Hey, that guy would have wiped the floor with all the rest of us. You saw what he did to our digimon. We wouldn't have done any better. Ken leaned back and relaxed. In a little tent in the shade five digimon sat recuperating while the five digidestined whom they belonged to sat around and tried to keep a watch on things.
But man, you're lucky. Davis remarked, tossing rocks at a nearby pool. If your Mom had found out what you were doing I bet she would have freaked. Not to mention the fact that the principal would have sent you home forever. And I think I mean forever by that.
I don't think so. I think he would be too scared to do that. Yolei smiled and gripped Ken's hand tighter.
I don't think I could have handled that. Having students staring at me like I was some sort of freak all the time. Always being alone. I don't think I would've taken it so well, it's sort of the thing I don't deal with very well. TK sighed and looked down to where Kari lay, sleeping, in his lap.
Well it was a good thing that Adam was there to save your butt. Davis muttered, tossing another rock.
The thing that bothers me is why did he attack now? Do they know that we know about them. I'd really like to get in contact with some of the others, but they're all busy. So the question is what do we do next? Ken looked around and seemed to get a lack of response.
But TK had suddenly grown still. In his mind something was beginning to unlock, something that was very suspicious indeed.
Willis was jerked awake as they returned to New York. He had been sleeping fitfully on the airplane as they roared home, as Team Eagle, reassembled again, began their trip back to their home base. Now he was startled into consciousness by the thud as the plane hit the tarmac. It appeared that everyone else had been sleeping too, because he was surrounded by confused faces.
Steve walked into the cabin, grinning at them tightly. All right everybody. Back to the Aerie for you. You're going to need lots of sleep.
What about you? Willis groaned.
I spent the whole trip on the plane, and slept the whole way. The Thunderbirds and the Aztecs both called while you guys were unconscious by the way. They say that they think in the case of a repeat of the World Tour that they can secure the southern and western portions of the US.
Willis forced the sleep from his mind. That's good because we got hit hardest back then, and we may need the assistance again. I would like to keep this from turning into an all night affair. Michael, how did it go in coordinating with New York all night?
The New York teams are ready to go. We'll have coverage of the city at least. Michael looked around and yawned. Anything else happen while we were asleep Steve?
Well, maybe, I'm not really sure about that. The European Legion has finally gotten their act together, so we may be able to draw upon their manpower if everything works out. The problem is that I really don't expect everything to work out?
And what if we have to get to Tokyo in a hurry? Willis continued running down his mental checklist.
Well, we're the ones with the plane. I guess it'll be up to us. Are you ready to do some major flying?
I guess so. I would really appreciate another option, but I guess that this is something that we usually don't get.
Back at the familiar park bench, Chikara and Hideo were sitting next to each other once again, staring at the ominous signs of clouds on the horizon.
We've alerted our contacts in the military in other countries. They're going on high alert. Hideo Ishiguro reported, his eyes never losing their seriousness.
Our contacts here are going underground. Chikara Hida replied, mirroring the others concern. Whatever the opposition is up to, it's going to be big. Can we stop it?
Hideo admitted calmly. But we can help those kids to save the world. Everything after that is optional.
So, you know where everyone is? Tai asked Izzy as they watched over the computer screens in Izzy's now empty apartment. How accurate is this system?
Pretty accurate. We keep track of where people are because they tell us. So, how's living home alone?
Pretty good actually. I'm glad you got us those tickets. Now my parents think that you're some kind of saint, and they're outside of the territory we expect to be attacked.
Yeah. The problem is that not all of the parents left. Ken's parents are still in town, so is Joe's family, and Yolei's and Davis's, and Matt's Dad. That gives us a whole lot of vulnerable spots.
Hopefully we won't even have to be concerned about it.
Hopefully Tai, but I learned long ago not just to close my eyes and hope for the best. Izzy leaned back in his chair.
So do you know where TK and Kari are? I could give them a heck of a shock.
Izzy frowned. Actually, I don't. You know, that's sort of odd. TK called me a bit ago and told me that he wanted some time off alone, and he didn't want to tell me where he was going. He said it was important though, and I couldn't find him if I tried. So I just assumed he was up to something important. Do you think they're in trouble?
Knowing those two, probably. I guess they decided to shake off their watchers anyway. But they'll take care of it.
Izzy replied after a moment.
So how old is Adam? TK asked Master Ishiguro as the black belt continued punishing a punching bag.
I honestly don't know. He just sort of appeared on the world scene fully formed. I swear he hasn't aged in the past few years at all. It might be something to do with the Philosopher's Stone. Hideo punched the bag so hard that it practically screamed. I know that the Divine Blade keeps me younger than I should have been. I just don't know how much that effect is amplified by the Philosopher's Stone.
So, does anyone know anything about him.
Yeah. No family, he never talks about it. He's a bit strange, disappearing sometimes for months at a time, but reappearing at strange intervals. Why?
Well, I don't know. He acts a little...well...strange, if you know what I mean.
Do I ever. I blame that little hike that Janero disappeared on. Hideo smiled at the memory of something before going back to pummeling the bag.
What hike? TK asked, his suspicions flaring up again.
Well, there was this 'hike' they went on. I got the story from some of the other Helios members, especially since it happened before my time in the organization. The thing was that there were three of them. Adam, Janero Chou, and...what was her name? Oh yeah, Jessica somebody. Anyway, they went off on this expedition and something happened. Janero disappeared, Adam reported that he was going off to 'fight a greater evil' or something like that. Jessica went with him. Adam returned, but he was really different, changed a lot.
Changed how?
Well, he was a darker person. He brooded a lot more, disappeared a lot more often, and drew away from all those who had been his friends. They barely recognized him. But at the same time his tactical and strategic abilities grew to almost supernatural proportions. I don't think any of us truly know what happened to him there.
Is it possible that they were attacked, and someone wiped his memory? TK asked.
Hideo suddenly sounded thoughtful. Why, you suspect something?
Let's just say that there have been a few coincidences too many. And that bad guys can do that to someone.
Not to Jan they couldn't have. His mind was too resilient, too well trained in the service of the Ancient. The question is, could they have done it to Adam then?
I don't know. TK answered truthfully.
Master Ishiguro frowned. You know, I think I will keep a closer eye on our prodigal son. He's damn good, sometimes almost too good.
We'll keep track of him too. TK stood up and Kari followed him out of the door of the high school gym.
Kari asked.
Beyond bad. TK responded.
Mimi and Joe sat opposite Matt and Sora at the cafe table, checking out the avenue that they were on, one that led straight through Roppongi. They were sitting there to occupy a major traffic thoroughfare for street traffic, their digimon hiding out on the roof while they watched passerby with silent, watchful eyes.
Is this all worth it? Mimi asked after a moment. I mean are we really accomplishing something.
I think that Tai knows what he's doing. Matt vouched.
Everyone stared at him for a moment in pure disbelief.
I can't believe that Matt just said that. Joe murmured to Mimi in a whisper just loud enough for everyone else to overhear.
Ah Joe, your lack of faith in me is disturbing. Matt grinned at the tall blue-haired boy.
Sora rolled her eyes. So have we managed to find anything suspicious? I mean, I certainly haven't seen anything and we've been wandering the city for an hour.
I know. Matt replied. Which backs up Tai's original theory, it may not involve Tokyo at all. Everything seems to check out and be normal. The problem is that if that's the case they may be doing what Oikawa and MaloMyostismon did, pulling us out of Tokyo so they can do something here.
So everyone's thought of that problem, I take it. Joe muttered.
Yeah. We'd need real firepower to hold him off then. Matt grumbled.
Mimi and Joe exchanged a secretive look but said nothing.
So what's the problem TK? Kari asked. They were sitting on a bench in an empty part of one of the many seaside parks in Odaiba, a bench that was conveniently placed out in the middle of the beach, so that TK could make sure that nobody was coming close enough to overhear them. The waves lapping against the shore made a soothing sound, but it also helped mask the nature of their conversation.
Well think about it. I was wondering, if there was something like the Dark Spore active, where would you put it? In the place where it does the most damage, right?
Of course. Gatomon sat up in Kari's lap. That's only common sense.
So I was wondering who could possibly have access to enough information to do us actual maximum damage, and I came up with a few names.
Any of the digidestined would do. Kari pointed out.
I realized that, but I realized something else too. Do you remember what Ken said after MaloMyostismon was defeated? As long as those kids keep their dreams alive the dark spores will remain dormant. I did some backchecking, and I think that the presence of our crest causes that problem to be non-existent. Every digidestined now has a crest, and I think we would notice if those crests stopped glowing. And as long as those crests keep glowing, there's no way for a dark spore to activate.
So you think it's another digidestined.
No, that wouldn't be very helpful either. The entire Aerie is protected by the aura unconsciously projected by Willis, so that's out of the question. I don't think that even Izzy understands all the things that happened after the Enigma affair. That leaves the people at the top of the European Legion and the Australian Avengers, who are the other largest groups. The problem is that I don't really see that much damage being done by taking over a member of one of those groups. TK paused a moment.
All right, so let's say I admit that your logic is valid. Kari grinned. So then what do I say? What can I say?
Well, I think that it might imply that there is another member close to us who has the dark spore in him. TK mused.
And you suspect Adam obviously. Any particular reason?
Well, he's too...convenient.
Don't we want him to be convenient? Patamon asked, sounding confused.
Maybe, maybe not. TK leaned forward and spilled the small mammal off of his hat and down into his hands. It could be a really big mistake too.
Gatomon sounded curious.
Well, let's think about it. Our biggest ally just happens to be in a position to get us out of school and let us run around Tokyo on our own. Just happens to have access to the same computer equipment and technology that allows us to accomplish half of what we have accomplished. He just happens to be Izzy's friend, and part of a super-secret organization that stands up to a huge corporate menace. He just happens to know how important we are, and he happens to believe us too. He, by chance, is supernaturally powerful, having the same powers normally restricted to crestbearers, which he definitely is not. He has a convenient independent fortune that he's bought equipment for us on. He's an excellent swordsman, and he just happens to be available in time to save me from an unpleasant demise.
So what started all these suspicions TK? I agree that it's a bit strange, but everything around us has been strange. Kari stared at TK seriously.
Well, it started after the fight today. You see, when he won, he said something weird. Thanatos seemed to recognize him the moment he was killed.
Which makes sense. He does hold the other Philosopher's Stone. Kari pointed out, clearly starting to play Devil's advocate.
Yes, except for something that Tai told me from the first time they met Thanatos. You see Tai told me that Thanatos had fled because he had not wanted to fight Adam and Master Ishiguro at the same time. But the problem with that is that, according to Tai, Thanatos mentioned Adam's name in the fight. I can only assume that Thanatos would not only recognize that the stone was there, but that he would know what Adam looked like.
Okay, I'll give you that, but maybe they have a history. Maybe they've met somewhere before. Kari pointed out logically.
Maybe, but something that happened after that captured my attention. Adam said 'They didn't tell you? Then you are twice betrayed.' That got me thinking. Obviously he's referring to whoever employed Thanatos, but then the question becomes what would they know that they would tell their hired assassin? Obviously something about Adam, but why would it be betrayal if they refused to tell Thanatos something? The thing that makes the most sense there is that the darkness knew that Adam was working for something that made him more powerful than Thanatos. And why would they know that unless they knew who he was working for?
And what you're saying is that it makes most sense that they would only know if he was working for them. Kari pointed out. The problem is that I can see several different arguments that could have the same effect.
Yes, but what I was really wondering was whether or not they have the same probability. I agree that he could have been up to something peculiar that would have allowed him to count under that, and would have given him the insight to understand how important we might be, but sometimes the coincidences are a bit startling. TK looked up at the sky and watched a seagull fly overhead.
That's an awfully loose argument TK. Kari squeezed his hand.
But then other things began to occur to me. Adam knew that we were going to attack the Utopia central facility. And that's where we got ambushed.
He protected us. Gatomon pointed out.
But then he disappeared. He didn't leave with us. What was he doing in the building after we left? He reappears the next day, calm and easy, like nothing had happened, but did something really happen in there? Once again, I don't know. Do you? And then it occurs to me that he's known about most of our forays into the city. The only times we managed to thwart an attack was because Tai got suspicious.
But lots of attacks have stopped since then. Kari countered.
Yes, but the patrols have been run by the police, and Adam has no real authority over the police. After all, he only has authority over the Helios people. So the element of surprise forced Khartan to close up shop early.
He did alert us to Utopia's machinations. And they are dirty. Kari pointed out again.
Yes, again he did, but he may have realized that it could have been fruitless to hide it. It would only take so long before we stumbled upon the owners of the trucks that were transporting digimon. Or I might have mentioned it to my father, and then where would he have been. Dad's behavior would have tipped me and Matt off that something funny was going on, and that's that. Plus, with Master Ishiguro sniffing around, I bet he was worried that he might blow his cover. TK paused dramatically. And then something else happened. After he defeated Thanatos, he took that Nadir stone. The stone that made Adolf Hitler from a monster into a demon. Now how bad is that compared to what else we've seen?
So you think that they were attacked on their hike. Janero and the other girl got killed, and he was implanted with a dark spore. Kari frowned. It seems a little shaky.
Well maybe it is, but there is one way to find out. TK stood up resolutely.
I know but I don't like it.
I could really use Gennai's help here. Izzy murmured.
Well, get over it, you don't have it. Yolei snapped. Apparently spending two hours searching programs for viruses had not improved her temper any.
I know, but it's really awkward programming all of this by hand. Izzy looked at his screen angrily. These warnings should alert me if anything goes wrong, but I don't know how accurate they'll be. And since I don't know exactly what's going to go wrong, I'm not sure whether or not to do anything different.
So what's so important that you want me to hack your way into five different internet lines and a satellite? Yolei demanded impatiently, staring at her computer. I hope it's not a game.
Oh believe me, it's not. It's just a signal program. Ken responded, looking up from his own computer terminal.
Well, what does it signal?
You wouldn't believe me if I told you. Ken gave her a slight smile and a shake of his head.
Yolei stared at him for a moment, temporarily exasperated with her crush, and then turned back to her computer terminal, muttering darkly, while Ken and Izzy exchanged knowing looks over her head.
Reserves are on standby. Willis reported, as he shook the sleep out of his head.
Odaiba one? Michael pulled his wheeled chair back from the computer and leaned back to catch a glimpse of his best computer programmer.
Odaiba is ready to go anytime they hear anything. The question is when they're going to hear something. Bad news is already starting to get around. Even the military is starting to move, and that's making me nervous. If we start fighting each other in the middle of New York, there's not going to be much left of the city. Willis sat down on the chair heavily.
How're the terror twins? Michael asked, trying to steer the conversation away from the morbid and gloomy path it was threatening to take.
Strangely enough, they're quiet. I guess they understand that the situation is deteriorating, and they aren't giving me a hard time. If it wasn't for the emergency in progress, I might grow to like this. Willis smiled.
Well, don't get too used to it. Michael turned back to his computer, and waited for the sounds of doom to greet him.
Kari stuck her head in the open door.
Well, he did say we could come in if he wasn't here. Patamon, the familiar tension grabbing at his stomach, had decided to hover in the air instead of sitting on TK's head.
And he did give us the key, so let's go in and look around. TK pointed.
Kari shrugged and together the four of them walked into the room, looking around at the familiar decoration. A quick search of the bedroom and bathroom area revealed that nobody was there.
So where is there something left? Kari asked.
The weapons room. TK pointed at the two massive sliding doors.
Kari shrugged, trying to conceal the inner tension she was experiencing. She walked slowly over to the doors, once stopping out of fright as someone on the floor below yelled something at someone else, and then stopping before the door. Carefully, with a hand that was only slightly trembling, she slid the door open.
The room was empty, but there was something different. The two cabinets farthest away from the door had been tilted out into the room, and behind them, previously hidden, was a door.
Kari called, but there was no response. Shrugging off her own unease, she peered in through the doors and gasped.
Inside was an old style study, but it was filled with not only books in polished walnut bookcases but also with high tech computer systems that Kari had only seen before in the Digital World.
TK looked around. I don't even know what half this stuff is. He crossed over to one interesting looking circular contraption and pushed the dark screen on its side. Immediately it lit up, and an instant later a holographic image popped up, in perfect 3D rendering. TK did not recognize the map, but he instantly knew that this was technology beyond anything he had ever seen before.
What is this place? He whispered to Patamon.
Well whatever it is, you were right about something. Gatomon pointed out while she examined what appeared to be a massive hologram projector in the middle of the room with controls that TK could barely look at without becoming confused. All the lights were off but Gatomon still prowled around it like it might explode at any moment.
What's that Gatomon? Kari asked, looking at a book she had taken down with a faraway manner in her voice.
Whoever this guy is, he's certainly hiding something. If there is a traitor in our midst, I would bet on him. The white cat stared angrily at the contraption she was pacing, tail twitching with irritation.
I don't think so. Kari responded, still with that faraway voice.
Gatomon rounded on her partner. Why not?
Kari handed over the book wordlessly.
As TK took it he realized that it was similar to a photo album, but a few glances at a few pages as they flipped past showed him that he was not holding a collection of photographs, but rather of high quality pencil sketches, several of them of different people and different digimon. Then he got to the page Kari's finger marked.
It was a large drawing taking up both sides of the open page. There was a simple caption in clear, elegant script running across the top.
Friends Forever.
The picture was what captured TK's imagination. The figure in the center was unmistakably Adam, but he had his arm around a tall Caucasian brunette, and a boy that looked like her was sitting halfway in both of their laps, balanced on their knees. But what shocked him was that, on the boy's head, perched in a position so familiar that TK could have drawn it blindfolded, was a Patamon, who appeared to be arguing with a Gatomon on the woman's shoulder. And behind them...
There was a tall man looking like Master Ishiguro, resting one hand on an Agumon who was standing on a very flat looking Gomamon, who appeared to be arguing with another tall man, this one with dark skin. A man of medium height with a Tentomon hovering behind him was talking with a slightly taller Chinese girl who had a Palmon by her feet. That Palmon was turned around talking to a Biyomon passionately attached to a woman with pale white skin and hair as black as midnight. A blonde haired girl who looked familiar to TK was laughing and pointing as a Gabumon tripped over a dizzy looking Veemon. The Veemon appeared to belong to a boy who was cringing with one hand over his eyes, sitting on a Leomon's great shoulder. An Andromon was nearby also laughing. There were many others, people and digimon who TK did not know, was not able to identify, all of them lying around, laughing, talking, being friends. And there, standing behind Adam and the woman next to him, one hand on both of their shoulders, was Gennai, smiling into the picture, as if he was the only one who could see the artist.
The door! Gatomon, who had not seen the picture, suddenly exclaimed.
TK closed the book with a slam, turning around to face the doorway and realized what Gatomon had been talking about. From the angle they were at they could barely see through the door, but the light coming in had changed, the tint of the color had changed as well, and they could all see that whatever they were looking at was clearly not the room they had just come from.
What's out there? TK asked. Patamon, obedient as always flew out the door. A moment later they could hear him squeak in surprise. Not waiting for another moment, TK flew out the door with Gatomon and Kari directly behind him, and stopped dead.
He was vaguely aware that the place they were in was no longer the same, that it was much bigger, much more decorated, but that hardly seemed to make any dent in his awareness. What was occupying him was a giant window that stretched across the entire room, allowing him to see outside. The view was magnificent and breathtaking.
He was overlooking a gigantic city, a huge city, made up of golden spires and pinnacles of silver and ivory that loomed tall, rising towards the heavens. The entire thing was huge, TK could tell that from the height he was looking down on the rising buildings of the city itself he was taller than any skyscraper in Tokyo, was so tall that he had no choice but to step back from the window to avoid the momentary rush of vertigo. Everywhere he looked he could see what looked like pieces of castles and towers melded seamlessly with the most futuristic technology. Giant golden buildings glowing with light shone toward the heavens, while around them he could see specks dart to and fro.
No, not specks, he realized after a moment. Not specks at all, but digimon. Hundreds and thousands of digimon, buzzing around in circles, flying back and forth as if it was the most natural thing in the world. And there, almost directly beneath them TK could see massive gardens and terraces, hundreds of meters up in the sky, and he could see people, human beings, walking back and forth among the greenery. It was the most beautiful, the most awe inspiring sight he had ever experienced.
I told you there was no problem. The suddenness of the voice behind him nearly gave TK a heart attack, and all four of them spun around with expressions somewhere between a terrified animal caught in the headlights of an oncoming car, and a kid with their hand in the cookie jar.
Adam was standing behind them, smiling broadly, gesturing grandly out to the city beyond them. Beside him were a handful of people that TK recognized from the brief sketch, a tall man who looked a little like Master Ishiguro, the brunette woman Adam had been holding, and the boy who had been sitting on their knee. The laughing blonde woman, serious and composed now, but with laughter still in her eyes. The medium height man with dark hair, his Tentomon buzzing around behind him. And TK could see clearly that it was his Tentomon, not the one TK had known for half his life. And there was Gennai, looking much the same as the last time they had seen him, but not suspended in a column of rainbow light, but actually there, and looking more solid than TK had ever seen him before.
Welcome to the Basiton of the Light. Adam's voice rang out in the corridor, echoing like the blare of trumpets. Fortress of Ages. Welcome to Citadel.