Disclaimer: I don't own Digimon.
Episode XXXX
A Call to Arms
"What's the matter grunts? You wanna live forever!?! Let's move it out!"
Anonymous sergeant
Doofus, Doofus! Davis groaned as he heard Jun banging on his door. Why did she have to be so loud?
He had been sitting around all day. At school he had been a nervous wreck, but nothing had happened yet, had it? After yesterday's stress affair he had been too much of a wreck to go to school. Fortunately it was his mother who had pointed this out, which meant that he was spending today at home. In his bed. This was okay for him, but not okay for Ken, who had to stick next to him, thanks to Tai's reissued orders. Ken and Wormmon were lurking somewhere nearby, keeping generally out of sight, because Jun was home from college, and was doing her best to bug her brother into committing suicide.
What is it? Davis called out, pausing in reading his latest assignment.
You've got to come see this! With that he could hear Jun running off.
Groaning and grumbling he got shakily up from his bed and, Veemon trotting along behind him, made his way through the door, where his sister could be seen, staring at the television. He could vaguely hear the announcer's voice too, speaking slowly and quickly as if he was under tremendous pressure.
And reports continue to come in. The entire eastern seaboard of the United States, with precious few exceptions, have been overwhelmed. This unknown force had destroyed one of the best military forces on the globe already, in a matter of an hour. Although we do not actually know anything concrete, scattered reports indicate that most civilian areas remain untouched, but military facilities have take severe losses. There are no further reports from those areas. Meanwhile disaster similar to this has taken place in Europe where a large area near the Alps has fallen under a mysterious darkness. Sources from as far away as Scotland report mass disturbances. We are working to bring our viewers more information...
The rest of the report was lost as Davis flung himself out of the room.
If the public was experiencing panic, the newsroom was chaos incarnate. Charlie threw himself narrowly out of Mr. Ishida's way as the man charged through the office cubicles like a wild bull. Reporters from other departments who had been sent over to the newsroom to find out what was going on were scattered by his entrance like bowling pins. He looked almost half mad, but nobody blamed him, and nobody was brave enough to point it out to him either.
I want every field reporter we've got in the field and I want them out there now. He growled at anyone who stayed in the vicinity long enough to listen. Everyone else is on invasion duty as of five minutes ago.
What does that mean? An intern from the sports department quavered.
If you don't know what that means, it means that you run errands for someone who does know what it means. Ishida growled, hurling a balled up collection of papers off of his desk. All the vets, you better get ready to hit the field as soon as we know where to send you.
Got it. Someone acknowledged. Several others just nodded and kept on working, heads bowed as they focused on the papers on their desks.
And one more thing. Mr. Ishida stood up, and a vast calm fell on the workers at their desks. Give yourselves and your families a back door to get out of this one boys. You may need it.
That definitely caused some rumbles of surprise, but it was better to be safe than sorry. Now, if only kids could take the same advice.
Something was bothering Willis as he fiddled with his pencil. After all, it was not like sitting around doing work in a class that was already years behind him was very fun. Right now their teacher was going over how the sun and the earth rotated around each other for the fifth time. It must have been his favorite subject. So Willis was sitting here, doing useless homework to calm himself late at night. In preparation for the next day the Aerie was filled with Team Eagle's active strength, beds and couches filled with resting bodies. It was hard to find a place to sit without stumbling over some sleeping form, either human or otherwise, that had made itself at home. Even if some, in their nervousness, were only pretending to be sleeping.
Willis watched, bored as the model of the Earth on his computer rotated. He scratched at his homework. The Earth turned, and turned, and turned...and turned...and turned...
Oh SHIT! Willis jumped up so fast, swearing so loud that everyone else in the room stopped doing whatever they were doing and stared at Willis.
What is it? Michael asked, alarmed, looking around for a threat.
I forgot about the time difference! Willis slammed his hand into the desk.
What about it? I was trying to get some sleep. Steve complained from his couch.
Time zones. It's a different time in Tokyo than it is here. Willis grumbled.
What does that mean? Michael asked impatiently.
Michael, it's the twenty-second in Japan already. Willis looked up with wide, horror filled eyes.
The scream of his general alarm cut them all off.
The entire history class ground to a halt as the door was thrown open and Master Ishiguro jumped in, his hair flying around him. He looked disheveled and anxious, and Sora, Matt and Tai all stared at him mutely.
Is there something wrong Mr. Ishiguro? The history teacher looked at the black belt over her glasses. I don't tolerate this kind of behavior from the students, I certainly expect professionalism from the instructors.
I need Mr. Kamiya, Mr. Ishida and Ms. Takenouchi to leave class with me. He panted. He looked like he had just run a mile.
I'm sorry, but those three have already missed a great deal of class. I can't let them leave again. The teacher glared at Master Ishiguro.
I don't care for excuses...
Suddenly the conversation was cut off when the door was busted open again and two men entered, both wearing black body armor, riot helmets, and carrying submachine guns. Both of them looked very serious, and waved their guns around in a very businesslike manner. Several students screamed, and there was a sudden general movement away from them. Even the teacher looked like she was about to panic. Papers went flying, binders fell off of desks, and several students hid beneath their desks, trying to avoid eye contact.
Lieutenant Takaeda. Master Ishiguro turned around. Is the building secure?
Yes sir. Lieutenant Takaeda flipped up his visor. But we don't have the manpower to actually hold it if something happens here. So get those kids out fast. We'll need them. We'll cover for you. Go!
Tai, Matt and Sora needed no encouragement. They were already running for the door when Takaeda yelled. With Master Ishiguro in tow they darted down the hallway, following the other police officers who already lined the halls.
Sorry for the interruption ma'am. Lieutenant Takaeda gave the teacher a snappy salute, closed his visor again, checked his gun, and ran for the door.
He had just gotten out the door when Tokyo experienced its first air raid warning in recent memory.
Where are we going? It'll take an army to stop this kind of attack. Tai asked as Izzy jumped into the van.
We can secure a location for you. What do you want? Lieutenant Takaeda asked them as the Tactical One van began to move out of the school parking lot.
My apartment. Izzy responded. Where's Mimi? And Ken?
Davis already called. Master Ishiguro reported. He and Ken are going to pick Joe. Mimi is in the second car. TK and Kari haven't called in yet, I'm not sure where they are. Yolei and Cody are already on their way from school in another police car.
Izzy's sudden act of swearing caught everyone else dead. Who else do we have?
Just us. Why?
Not enough without Ken and Joe. I knew we should have issued more codes. I want you to swing by the Nippon International bank by the new clothes outlet north of the school.
Master Ishiguro asked.
Just do it. It'll take less time. Send the other car to my house. Can we call the other car?
Lieutenant Takaeda looked confused.
May I? Izzy picked up the proffered radio.
Sure, go right ahead.
Mimi, are you there?
Oh wow, this is so cool. Yeah, this is Mimi, I'm here. The cheerful voice broke through the radio wavelengths, and Izzy smiled.
Listen, I want you to go to my house and go to my room. You've been there before, right? Izzy listened to the answer intently.
This time it was Sora who answered, sounding as if she was farther away from the microphone.
I have four networked computers attached together in my bookshelf. The box third from the left is black. Take it apart any way you can, there's a clasp in the back that should make it easier. Inside is a black briefcase, chained there and sealed by a combo lock. The combination is 3-4-1-5. Open it and remove the letter that says In case of my untimely demise.
Mimi's voice sounded grimmer. Izzy could practically hear the gasps of shock from Matt and Sora in the background.
What are you talking about? Tai hissed in Izzy's ear.
I'll tell you when we get to the bank.
Where are we going? TK asked. They had given up on the idea of stealth in favor or speed, and now he and Kari and Gatomon were all hanging onto Angemon as he blasted through space. Below him people gaped, turning up and pointing to the tremendous sight. They had been taking the day off from school, sitting nervously in the place where Mr. Ishida worked, waiting for the first sign of something big. They already had packed their gear in case they were going to have to make a long trip of it. Now they were trying to get to the others before things got too frantic.
It says we're going to Izzy's house. Kari reported.
Some speed here? TK asked plaintively.
Let's go. Angemon ignored the complaint's overtones as he blasted ahead at near sonic velocities.
Mimi burst through the door of Izzy's apartment, using the special key that he had given her just for this occasion. She ran, with a confused Matt and Sora behind her, straight to his bedroom, and immediately attacked the third computer as instructed.
What's going on? Matt asked, as they struggled to make the computer come apart.
Izzy's been backed into a corner. This invasion is something we can't really fight against. Mimi responded, managed to pry the case open. Sure enough there was a business-like black briefcase sitting there, waiting to be opened. Mimi began to fumble with the numerical lock.
So what's he doing? Sora asked.
He's activating the IDEF. Hopefully that will be enough power to deal with the forces of Darkness. Mimi wrenched open the briefcase, which was unfortunately upside-down, sending envelopes spilling all over the ground. She had seen them once before, Izzy had made special care to show them to her before he had hidden them. Now she sorted through them rapidly, glancing only briefly at the words scribed on each side in her haste to find the correct one.
What's that? Sora asked.
Mimi grabbed one that looked promising, glanced at it for a long moment, and then tossed it aside, almost giving Matt a papercut in his forehead. Envelopes and data CDs scattered all over as her hands dug into the pile. You'll find out when it starts.
Police. Nobody panic! Lieutenant Takaeda did not blame people for screaming. Five officers of Tactical One, all fully armed had just burst through the doors. They were followed by a flying beetle and a running waist-high dinosaur. As they ran up to the counter, customers panicked and moved out of the way.
I need that number Mimi. Izzy was talking, this time into a cellular phone.
I've got it. Mimi yelled triumphantly from the other end. Tai's number is Forty-three twenty-seven.
Izzy shoved forward. We need safety deposit box forty-three twenty-seven please.
It took several moments for the request to register on the man who was standing behind the counter, his jaw hanging open at the sight of so much conflicting information, before long years of training cut in. Ah...which one of you gentleman is Taichi Kamiya?
That's me. Tai stepped forward, producing his identification. He had never presented it before, in fact he had never been in this bank before. Izzy apparently was up to something, and Tai did not have a clue what it was. The bank clerk took several moments to stare at the identification in the boy's hand, apparently trying as hard as Tai to figure out what was going on. Lieutenant Takaeda also produced his police identification to avoid problems.
I suppose that all is in order. Just a second. The man staggered unevenly off to the vault. A tense minute later, in which customers stayed away from the heavily armed police, he returned, carrying a perfectly ordinary safety deposit box.
Izzy had it open in a moment, retrieved several slips of paper and a CD from inside the box, leaving the plain metal container empty, and then ran back for the door with all the others running after him.
Sorry about that! Lieutenant Takaeda yelled as they went out the door.
What is this stuff? Tai asked, looking at the piece of paper in his hand as they ran into his apartment, past police guards already in place. They looked nervous, and, a wonder for Tokyo policemen, had their guns out. I take it that it's important.
Yes. Very. Izzy kept running, ignoring surprised looks from neighbors sticking their heads out their doors to watch. He ran right into his room, ignoring the other digimon and digidestined in his room, placed the CD into the CD drive and waited tensely. A moment later a strange screen opened. Izzy clicked on it, typed a few things, and then waited. Five seconds later a blank screen appeared, and the computer beeped twice.
Tai, listen to me. Izzy whispered. There is a sentence on the red piece of paper. I want you to read it to the computer.
All right, whatever... Tai approached the computer, fumbled with the microphone for a second, and then read out loud. Well, I guess it wasn't my best idea after all. He frowned as he read it. He did tend to say it a lot, but why he was saying it now was a little beyond him. It wasn't a question of doing it, he trusted Izzy implicitly, but he had no idea why he was talking to a computer.
The computer beeped and then spoke. Voiceprint Identification, Taichi Kamiya, affiliation, Odaiba One. Command authorization verified.
Izzy hissed.
hey, is this thing on? Mimi spoke brightly into the microphone as Tai fell back, rolling her eyes at what she had to say. Apparently Izzy had not chosen to use their best moments to do this.
Voiceprint Identification, Mimi Tachikawa, affiliation, Odaiba One. Command authorization verified.
Izzy stepped up now.
Voiceprint Identification, Koushiro Izumi, affiliation, Odaiba One. Command sequence activated. All InterDimensional Expeditionary Force Units are being notified. All core contingencies are being activated. Network records positive response from Team Eagle, Australian Avengers, European Legion, Moscow Blizzard, Aztecs, Thunderbirds. Standing by for further orders.
Code Barbarossa. I say again, Code Barbarossa.
Code Barbarossa confirmed.
As Izzy sat back the computer began to whir. Electronic communications spat out, messages sent throughout the world. The arms of a vast network of light and sound began to slowly come to life.
What the hell is going on? Tai asked sarcastically.
I'll tell you when we're all here.
Willis scrambled for his computer as the second and third warnings screamed out. These were not the abnormal activity alarms, like the ones that had already activated, these were the proximity alarms. Whatever was coming, it was coming close, and it was coming fast.
What is it? Michael rushed to his side.
We've got incoming. Willis breathed. I'm encountering multiple digimon like organisms entering the New York area. How close are we to being assembled?
Farther away than I would like. Michael responded. He stared around. People were realizing that there was a real emergency going on. Startled shouts, both in human and digimon voices, were beginning to fill the air, mixed with an unusual amount of chaos. Humans, freshly woken up and stumbling around the unfamiliar building, stepped on tails and other limbs of various digimon, creating a background of hurt shouts. People who were in charge of various sections began to shout, looking for the people they were supposed to be leading. Gear was being tossed around as certain well-drilled digidestined tossed it to others who were a little bit beyond.
In the corner the printer suddenly began to screech, a piece of paper began to move through it. A moment later the still hot sheet of paper dropped into Willis' waiting hands. It held a single line.
Code Barbarossa.
What does that mean we do? Michael asked. He still did not know what all the codes meant, but from the lack of expression on Willis's face, this one had been expected. As well as being not good.
It means that we buy time. As best we can.
The trains are all out. The German girl frowned at the schedule. How do we get there now?
We fly and we run, and we take turns doing it. Her counterpart replied. Johann, how are we doing?
We'll do. He replied shortly. Then he said some choice German vocabulary under his breath. This was not going to go as cleanly as they had hoped, but nobody had ever expected this. Someone better inform Catherine that we will be just a little late though.
Paildramon, clutching Joe, Ken and Davis, settled to the ground right next to Izzy's apartment building and transformed back into Veemon and Wormmon. Three kids and three digimon ran up the building's stairs, clumping their way past police guards. Izzy had already finished updating the other digidestined on what was happening overseas, but data was disappointingly slim. There were few news reports coming after the first ones, only reports of chaos and general confusion running through the streets. People outside were beginning to panic, but so far there was no concrete report involving attacks in major civilian centers. Except perhaps for Washington DC which refused to answer any queries at all. All they knew now was that two immensely powerful forces had materialized and were headed toward Paris and to New York. Still they monitored the news channels in the hope of a break.
News anchors frantically threw up diagram after diagram to try and explain what was going on, but the one that ate at everyone's minds was the diagram of Europe and the United States. It showed an expanding black blob near New York, another crossing over into France. Both were already huge, and they were moving fast, considering how fast they had to update the images. And whatever they were, nobody had any news from inside there. None at all.
Fortunately Noriko had already managed to show up, with several of her other Tokyo digidestined companions. Izzy was still hovering over his computer, hitting keys in seemingly random combinations, and muttering to himself in cryptic phrases.
So what do we do now? Tai asked. And what is all this stuff that you've been talking about?
Well now that we're all here, I guess I should tell you. Izzy stood up. It's something I dreamed up after the MaloMyotismon affair. Gennai talked to me then, and gave me some ideas that sounded pretty important.
He talked to all of us. Yolei pointed out.
Not like that. While the rest of you were watching the later festivities, and Davis was attempting to break dance, Gennai pulled me aside and spoke to me. He said that there could be something bigger coming, something bigger and more dangerous than the world tour. The world tour was not really dangerous, but Gennai said that this time there could be a lot more complications, like dealing with malevolent forces that were actually trying to kill us. And worse, they would have years to plan, and would be ready for us. And they could corrupt digidestined, so we couldn't hide information from them.
He was worried that with all the new digidestined, that the forces of darkness would be able to hit them hard and early, take them out. After all, if they came into the open really fast, if everybody knew where they were, that would be a problem. He said that when the darkness came next time, the digidestined, all of them, would be the key to defeating them. But how could you gather them if merely knowing where they were put them in horrible danger?
So he suggested the ultimate counterplan. A group of digidestined hidden throughout the world. There would be new digidestined he claimed, and they should be organized and led. But he told me that it would be best if nobody knew who all the digidestined were. If a digidestined system was compromised, we could all be in trouble, and the new and inexperienced digidestined could be killed. So I set up a system where nobody, not even me, could hack into it and find out the names of the new digidestined. To anyone else, it would look like all the digidestined were organized randomly, that we weren't allied at all, while in truth we were all highly organized. Nobody outside of the organizers actually knew about the whole structure of the system, even those who were enlisted in it.
How did you do that? Sora asked.
I contacted some of the other digidestined, Derrick, Willis, Catherine and Sonja. Through them we arranged a new system. Using our digivices we were able to track down new digidestined, and form them into groups. We then set up a system through which they could report their existence to our central computers in Japan and in the US. The system reproduced itself, because small groups of digidestined would talk to other groups of digidestined, and tell them how to enter the system. However we wrote the program so that we would not be able to access the data on who was who, but that the best we could do was to use our computers to send them messages via email. Each new group spread out, contacted new groups, formed new cadres, spread the word about different dangers in the Digital World, and hopefully reported their existence to our central computers. We called ourselves the InterDimensional Expeditionary Force, because at that time we expected to see a lot of action in the Digital World, but we've never had a reason to call them up before.
We set up a line of commands so that we could alert these mysterious groups. Phase One, a general warning, was sent out the moment we got back. Phase Two was activated after our raid on Utopia. With it those teams of digidestined started assembling in a single spot, spending most of their time within shouting distance of each other, and a working computer terminal. Code Barbarossa warns of an all-out invasion. I don't know what will happen when we take the next step though. All those groups should call in to us, since we're functioning as IDEF headquarters at the moment, but we actually don't know how many of us there are. Willis, Catherine and company have been running around like crazy trying to contact as many groups as possible, but we don't know how many we have out there. Until this moment they were not really supposed to reveal themselves at all. How many knew about this? Tai asked suspiciously.
In the beginning only myself and Ken, who organized it, and Mimi, who helped contact the American digidestined. We told Joe to have a backup man, because three of us are needed to initiate anything. That's why I left your authorization codes to be activated in case something happened to me. TK and Kari found out too, but that makes all of us. The system uses a webcam to make sure that different people are telling it what it wants to hear. It cannot be activated unless three of us do it, and if nobody knew it was there, no temptations would arrise.
An army of digidestined? Tai asked, smiling. I like it.
So how do you contact them? Yolei asked.
I push this button here. Izzy pointed. And I start talking.
Every digivice in the world flashed. A sparkling display of light and sound alerted their bearers to the fact that devices were going off. They had already beeped in warning, and the word of a full-scale invasion had already passed around. All around the world groups of huddled children and teenagers staring at their devices jumped as they went off. Classrooms were halted by the beeping, people jolted out of a sound sleep. On seven continents heads turned.
In farm villages the sound of electronics was sometimes strange and exotic. In the built up cities of the west and Asia it caused no comment, just another facet of everyday life. In some places people jumped in shock, in others they were mutely prepared. But in all those places people stopped and prepared to listen to whatever was coming next.
A voice emerged, a voice speaking native languages all over the world. The translation program, borrowed from Gennai long ago for this purpose sprang into action, competently transferring data and information across the world. Digidestined who had only vaguely heard of their leaders and their heroes before now felt their eyes widen as the voice began to speak.
Attention. I hope that all of you who are receiving this message know why it is coming, but for those who do not, rest assured that we will attempt to find you as well. There has been a worldwide assault by the forces of Darkness. They have laid waste to our nations's militaries, they have attempted to destroy our society, and now they are on the march to destroy our cities as well. The authorities are helpless, they do not have the ability to truly battle digimon, no matter what they might think about it. The only way that these digimon are going to be stopped is by other digimon.
I know a lot of you out there might be scared. So are we. We are speaking of going into battle, both for ourselves and our families, and for the entire world. But without us, there is nobody else. And unless we unite, we are nothing. We have no choice but to go to war. There is nobody else! Today we either stand together, or we die separately, but there is no middle ground.
This is Koushiro Izumi. The counter-offensive has begun. Initiate Operation Salamis. Digital Command Odaiba coming on-line now.
The voice faded, but other voices spoke up all over the world.
Nice speech. What happens now? Tai asked.
We wait. Izzy responded shortly.
For what? Sora asked.
The computer crackled. A map appeared on the screen, with a blinking dot on it, right where they were now. Then another dot appeared and a voice spoke.
This is Willis. Team Eagle online.
Another dot. Catherine here. European Legion, Paris branch online.
Another. Derrick, Australian Avengers ready to go.
Another. Yuri. Moscow online is.
Another. Daniel here. European Legion London online.
Then Frankfurt, then Rome, then Bordeaux, then Madrid, the European Legion activated. There was a dot for Hong Kong. There was a point in Mexico City, and then another one in LA, and then all the regular teams had checked in.
There was a moment while everyone who knew what was going on held their breath, waiting to see whether they would soar or fall. There was a moment when Ken wondered whether any of their vast planning would bear fruit, whether they had spent years arranging something that was dead. In his mind he could see the spread of Darkness over the world, like during the abbreviated reign of MaloMyotismon. He could see all those points of light, slowly being overwhelmed by the spread of an even greater darkness. There was a moment when he waited tensely, when everyone held their breath.
Chicago here, checking in.
Houston here, checking in.
Melbourne here, checking in.
St. Petersburg online.
Minsk online.
We've contacted all of them. Izzy whispered. That gives us some manpower reserves.
Phoenix, Arizona, online.
Calvary, online.
Tai looked over to see whether or not Izzy had expected these groups, but Izzy was too busy watching the map.
Honolulu here, we're all dressed up with no place to go.
Singapore online, waiting for further instructions.
Ahhh...well...Singapore B here, also waiting for further instructions.
Does that makes us Singapore C? Well, whatever, we're ready.
This is Hong Kong team number two. Online.
Brisbane here, ready and willing.
Birmingham. We hear that.
Glasgow. No way we're going to let some bloody English have all the fun.
Liverpool here. We heard that.
I think you were supposed to. This is Dublin. How are you this morning?
Cairo here, I guess we're not late after all.
Well, if you guys claim Cairo, I guess we shall be Giza.
It's working. Izzy whispered as the globe began to light up. Everyone was watching now, watching the world change around them. Watching the light begin to come together.
Atlanta. Let's roll.
Buenos Aires. Estamos listos. You too?
Rio de Janiero here. We've always wanted to see New York, no?
Calais calling. We are leaving for Paris now actually.
Lima here. So what say we all get together soon?
Where's that? Matt hissed.
Peru I think. Ken responded.
Cape Town here. Online and ready to go. A dot appeared in South Africa.
Nairobi A here, we're ready to go when you are.
Nairobi B. It takes two to tango in this town.
The list when on and on. There were national capitols being mentioned, provincial towns, and small cities that nobody had ever heard of. Small villages in Africa with only one computer called in along with dozens of teams meeting around home computers all over the west. Cities with names that Tai had only seen in Geography called, Kinshasa, Brazzaville, Yamoussoukro, Santiago, Tegucigalpa, Tijuana, San Diego, Shanghai, Beijing, Vladisvostok, Islamabad, New Delhi, Bangkok, Calcutta, Bombay, Colombo, Riyadh. Cities that nobody could find in Izzy's online atlas. The entire west and east coasts of the United States lit up like a birthday cake. Europe looked like it was on fire.
Izzy let out a triumphant whoop as they got a call from McMurdo station. A dot blinked on in Antarctica as everyone stared in wonder.
Those are all digidestined? Tai asked, shocked.
Yes. And they're already ready to go.
So what do we do? Matt asked.
I have an idea. Izzy spoke up. Everyone turned to him. We split into three teams. One team goes to New York, where there seems to be a battle underway. One team goes to Paris, where the other main force seems to be heading. But one team stays with me, and that team includes Davis and Ken.
But that means that we lose one of our Megas. We need ImperialDramon. Davis protested.
Not as much as I do. Izzy countered.
What are you going to do? Tai asked.
I'm going to use ImperialDramon's flight abilities to fly all over the world, serving as a mobile coordination post. Using ImperialDramon we can not only cover the world, we can pick up digimon and digidestined from all over the world and bring them to those two cities. It's the best I can do. Those digidestined outnumber and outgun whatever help ImperialDramon can give. We need them at the battleground, and ImperialDramon is the only way to get them there.
So that's where you're going to be. Good. I think you should take another flying guard with you then. How about you Yolei, you know about computers, don't you? Tai was asserting control again.
Then it's settled. Izzy stays onboard ImperialDramon with Davis, Ken and Yolei. Then we need two teams. What's in more danger Izzy?
Let me check. According to my scanners it will take the Darkness a day to get to Paris at their current speed, but New York is already partially under attack, so I guess that New York is in the most danger. Why?
I'd like to keep Omnimon together if I could. Tai grew thoughtful.
Well then I guess I'll stick with you. Matt reported.
So here's how I would split up the team. Matt and I are going to New York. Mimi's coming with us because she knows her way around and she speaks English. One other, that means Joe, who has our marine digimon. TK, I want you to lead the team going to Paris. Kari will go with you, of course, and so will Sora and Cody. Noriko, I know you probably don't want to be left out of the action, but I'm afraid that this might be a distraction like last time. I want you to hold down the fort here.
Will do. You can count on us. Neriko swelled up.
All right people, let's get moving. TK, I want you to contact your grandfather and Catherine. Tell them to get ready to receive mass digidestined dropoffs from around the world somewhere in France. Izzy, tell Willis and Michael that we're on the way. Master Ishiguro, I think it would be best if you helped Noriko. I bet that Utopia is up to something here to.
Probably a good idea. Master Ishiguro conceded. Helios Ascendent has been alerted worldwide. They'll try to help you any way they can. I don't know how much help they'll actually be, but we can hope for the best.
I guess the battle plan runs like this. We'll hit the ground and try to hold off the enemy digimon until Izzy can get some reinforcements to us. Then, if we can get enough help from the locals we'll drive off Khartan's forces and see if we can contain them.
So now what? Matt asked, as everyone else nodded.
Tai asked, smiling slightly. Haven't you already guessed Matt? Now we fly.
A Call to Arms
"What's the matter grunts? You wanna live forever!?! Let's move it out!"
Anonymous sergeant
He had been sitting around all day. At school he had been a nervous wreck, but nothing had happened yet, had it? After yesterday's stress affair he had been too much of a wreck to go to school. Fortunately it was his mother who had pointed this out, which meant that he was spending today at home. In his bed. This was okay for him, but not okay for Ken, who had to stick next to him, thanks to Tai's reissued orders. Ken and Wormmon were lurking somewhere nearby, keeping generally out of sight, because Jun was home from college, and was doing her best to bug her brother into committing suicide.
What is it? Davis called out, pausing in reading his latest assignment.
You've got to come see this! With that he could hear Jun running off.
Groaning and grumbling he got shakily up from his bed and, Veemon trotting along behind him, made his way through the door, where his sister could be seen, staring at the television. He could vaguely hear the announcer's voice too, speaking slowly and quickly as if he was under tremendous pressure.
And reports continue to come in. The entire eastern seaboard of the United States, with precious few exceptions, have been overwhelmed. This unknown force had destroyed one of the best military forces on the globe already, in a matter of an hour. Although we do not actually know anything concrete, scattered reports indicate that most civilian areas remain untouched, but military facilities have take severe losses. There are no further reports from those areas. Meanwhile disaster similar to this has taken place in Europe where a large area near the Alps has fallen under a mysterious darkness. Sources from as far away as Scotland report mass disturbances. We are working to bring our viewers more information...
The rest of the report was lost as Davis flung himself out of the room.
If the public was experiencing panic, the newsroom was chaos incarnate. Charlie threw himself narrowly out of Mr. Ishida's way as the man charged through the office cubicles like a wild bull. Reporters from other departments who had been sent over to the newsroom to find out what was going on were scattered by his entrance like bowling pins. He looked almost half mad, but nobody blamed him, and nobody was brave enough to point it out to him either.
I want every field reporter we've got in the field and I want them out there now. He growled at anyone who stayed in the vicinity long enough to listen. Everyone else is on invasion duty as of five minutes ago.
What does that mean? An intern from the sports department quavered.
If you don't know what that means, it means that you run errands for someone who does know what it means. Ishida growled, hurling a balled up collection of papers off of his desk. All the vets, you better get ready to hit the field as soon as we know where to send you.
Got it. Someone acknowledged. Several others just nodded and kept on working, heads bowed as they focused on the papers on their desks.
And one more thing. Mr. Ishida stood up, and a vast calm fell on the workers at their desks. Give yourselves and your families a back door to get out of this one boys. You may need it.
That definitely caused some rumbles of surprise, but it was better to be safe than sorry. Now, if only kids could take the same advice.
Something was bothering Willis as he fiddled with his pencil. After all, it was not like sitting around doing work in a class that was already years behind him was very fun. Right now their teacher was going over how the sun and the earth rotated around each other for the fifth time. It must have been his favorite subject. So Willis was sitting here, doing useless homework to calm himself late at night. In preparation for the next day the Aerie was filled with Team Eagle's active strength, beds and couches filled with resting bodies. It was hard to find a place to sit without stumbling over some sleeping form, either human or otherwise, that had made itself at home. Even if some, in their nervousness, were only pretending to be sleeping.
Willis watched, bored as the model of the Earth on his computer rotated. He scratched at his homework. The Earth turned, and turned, and turned...and turned...and turned...
Oh SHIT! Willis jumped up so fast, swearing so loud that everyone else in the room stopped doing whatever they were doing and stared at Willis.
What is it? Michael asked, alarmed, looking around for a threat.
I forgot about the time difference! Willis slammed his hand into the desk.
What about it? I was trying to get some sleep. Steve complained from his couch.
Time zones. It's a different time in Tokyo than it is here. Willis grumbled.
What does that mean? Michael asked impatiently.
Michael, it's the twenty-second in Japan already. Willis looked up with wide, horror filled eyes.
The scream of his general alarm cut them all off.
The entire history class ground to a halt as the door was thrown open and Master Ishiguro jumped in, his hair flying around him. He looked disheveled and anxious, and Sora, Matt and Tai all stared at him mutely.
Is there something wrong Mr. Ishiguro? The history teacher looked at the black belt over her glasses. I don't tolerate this kind of behavior from the students, I certainly expect professionalism from the instructors.
I need Mr. Kamiya, Mr. Ishida and Ms. Takenouchi to leave class with me. He panted. He looked like he had just run a mile.
I'm sorry, but those three have already missed a great deal of class. I can't let them leave again. The teacher glared at Master Ishiguro.
I don't care for excuses...
Suddenly the conversation was cut off when the door was busted open again and two men entered, both wearing black body armor, riot helmets, and carrying submachine guns. Both of them looked very serious, and waved their guns around in a very businesslike manner. Several students screamed, and there was a sudden general movement away from them. Even the teacher looked like she was about to panic. Papers went flying, binders fell off of desks, and several students hid beneath their desks, trying to avoid eye contact.
Lieutenant Takaeda. Master Ishiguro turned around. Is the building secure?
Yes sir. Lieutenant Takaeda flipped up his visor. But we don't have the manpower to actually hold it if something happens here. So get those kids out fast. We'll need them. We'll cover for you. Go!
Tai, Matt and Sora needed no encouragement. They were already running for the door when Takaeda yelled. With Master Ishiguro in tow they darted down the hallway, following the other police officers who already lined the halls.
Sorry for the interruption ma'am. Lieutenant Takaeda gave the teacher a snappy salute, closed his visor again, checked his gun, and ran for the door.
He had just gotten out the door when Tokyo experienced its first air raid warning in recent memory.
Where are we going? It'll take an army to stop this kind of attack. Tai asked as Izzy jumped into the van.
We can secure a location for you. What do you want? Lieutenant Takaeda asked them as the Tactical One van began to move out of the school parking lot.
My apartment. Izzy responded. Where's Mimi? And Ken?
Davis already called. Master Ishiguro reported. He and Ken are going to pick Joe. Mimi is in the second car. TK and Kari haven't called in yet, I'm not sure where they are. Yolei and Cody are already on their way from school in another police car.
Izzy's sudden act of swearing caught everyone else dead. Who else do we have?
Just us. Why?
Not enough without Ken and Joe. I knew we should have issued more codes. I want you to swing by the Nippon International bank by the new clothes outlet north of the school.
Master Ishiguro asked.
Just do it. It'll take less time. Send the other car to my house. Can we call the other car?
Lieutenant Takaeda looked confused.
May I? Izzy picked up the proffered radio.
Sure, go right ahead.
Mimi, are you there?
Oh wow, this is so cool. Yeah, this is Mimi, I'm here. The cheerful voice broke through the radio wavelengths, and Izzy smiled.
Listen, I want you to go to my house and go to my room. You've been there before, right? Izzy listened to the answer intently.
This time it was Sora who answered, sounding as if she was farther away from the microphone.
I have four networked computers attached together in my bookshelf. The box third from the left is black. Take it apart any way you can, there's a clasp in the back that should make it easier. Inside is a black briefcase, chained there and sealed by a combo lock. The combination is 3-4-1-5. Open it and remove the letter that says In case of my untimely demise.
Mimi's voice sounded grimmer. Izzy could practically hear the gasps of shock from Matt and Sora in the background.
What are you talking about? Tai hissed in Izzy's ear.
I'll tell you when we get to the bank.
Where are we going? TK asked. They had given up on the idea of stealth in favor or speed, and now he and Kari and Gatomon were all hanging onto Angemon as he blasted through space. Below him people gaped, turning up and pointing to the tremendous sight. They had been taking the day off from school, sitting nervously in the place where Mr. Ishida worked, waiting for the first sign of something big. They already had packed their gear in case they were going to have to make a long trip of it. Now they were trying to get to the others before things got too frantic.
It says we're going to Izzy's house. Kari reported.
Some speed here? TK asked plaintively.
Let's go. Angemon ignored the complaint's overtones as he blasted ahead at near sonic velocities.
Mimi burst through the door of Izzy's apartment, using the special key that he had given her just for this occasion. She ran, with a confused Matt and Sora behind her, straight to his bedroom, and immediately attacked the third computer as instructed.
What's going on? Matt asked, as they struggled to make the computer come apart.
Izzy's been backed into a corner. This invasion is something we can't really fight against. Mimi responded, managed to pry the case open. Sure enough there was a business-like black briefcase sitting there, waiting to be opened. Mimi began to fumble with the numerical lock.
So what's he doing? Sora asked.
He's activating the IDEF. Hopefully that will be enough power to deal with the forces of Darkness. Mimi wrenched open the briefcase, which was unfortunately upside-down, sending envelopes spilling all over the ground. She had seen them once before, Izzy had made special care to show them to her before he had hidden them. Now she sorted through them rapidly, glancing only briefly at the words scribed on each side in her haste to find the correct one.
What's that? Sora asked.
Mimi grabbed one that looked promising, glanced at it for a long moment, and then tossed it aside, almost giving Matt a papercut in his forehead. Envelopes and data CDs scattered all over as her hands dug into the pile. You'll find out when it starts.
Police. Nobody panic! Lieutenant Takaeda did not blame people for screaming. Five officers of Tactical One, all fully armed had just burst through the doors. They were followed by a flying beetle and a running waist-high dinosaur. As they ran up to the counter, customers panicked and moved out of the way.
I need that number Mimi. Izzy was talking, this time into a cellular phone.
I've got it. Mimi yelled triumphantly from the other end. Tai's number is Forty-three twenty-seven.
Izzy shoved forward. We need safety deposit box forty-three twenty-seven please.
It took several moments for the request to register on the man who was standing behind the counter, his jaw hanging open at the sight of so much conflicting information, before long years of training cut in. Ah...which one of you gentleman is Taichi Kamiya?
That's me. Tai stepped forward, producing his identification. He had never presented it before, in fact he had never been in this bank before. Izzy apparently was up to something, and Tai did not have a clue what it was. The bank clerk took several moments to stare at the identification in the boy's hand, apparently trying as hard as Tai to figure out what was going on. Lieutenant Takaeda also produced his police identification to avoid problems.
I suppose that all is in order. Just a second. The man staggered unevenly off to the vault. A tense minute later, in which customers stayed away from the heavily armed police, he returned, carrying a perfectly ordinary safety deposit box.
Izzy had it open in a moment, retrieved several slips of paper and a CD from inside the box, leaving the plain metal container empty, and then ran back for the door with all the others running after him.
Sorry about that! Lieutenant Takaeda yelled as they went out the door.
What is this stuff? Tai asked, looking at the piece of paper in his hand as they ran into his apartment, past police guards already in place. They looked nervous, and, a wonder for Tokyo policemen, had their guns out. I take it that it's important.
Yes. Very. Izzy kept running, ignoring surprised looks from neighbors sticking their heads out their doors to watch. He ran right into his room, ignoring the other digimon and digidestined in his room, placed the CD into the CD drive and waited tensely. A moment later a strange screen opened. Izzy clicked on it, typed a few things, and then waited. Five seconds later a blank screen appeared, and the computer beeped twice.
Tai, listen to me. Izzy whispered. There is a sentence on the red piece of paper. I want you to read it to the computer.
All right, whatever... Tai approached the computer, fumbled with the microphone for a second, and then read out loud. Well, I guess it wasn't my best idea after all. He frowned as he read it. He did tend to say it a lot, but why he was saying it now was a little beyond him. It wasn't a question of doing it, he trusted Izzy implicitly, but he had no idea why he was talking to a computer.
The computer beeped and then spoke. Voiceprint Identification, Taichi Kamiya, affiliation, Odaiba One. Command authorization verified.
Izzy hissed.
hey, is this thing on? Mimi spoke brightly into the microphone as Tai fell back, rolling her eyes at what she had to say. Apparently Izzy had not chosen to use their best moments to do this.
Voiceprint Identification, Mimi Tachikawa, affiliation, Odaiba One. Command authorization verified.
Izzy stepped up now.
Voiceprint Identification, Koushiro Izumi, affiliation, Odaiba One. Command sequence activated. All InterDimensional Expeditionary Force Units are being notified. All core contingencies are being activated. Network records positive response from Team Eagle, Australian Avengers, European Legion, Moscow Blizzard, Aztecs, Thunderbirds. Standing by for further orders.
Code Barbarossa. I say again, Code Barbarossa.
Code Barbarossa confirmed.
As Izzy sat back the computer began to whir. Electronic communications spat out, messages sent throughout the world. The arms of a vast network of light and sound began to slowly come to life.
What the hell is going on? Tai asked sarcastically.
I'll tell you when we're all here.
Willis scrambled for his computer as the second and third warnings screamed out. These were not the abnormal activity alarms, like the ones that had already activated, these were the proximity alarms. Whatever was coming, it was coming close, and it was coming fast.
What is it? Michael rushed to his side.
We've got incoming. Willis breathed. I'm encountering multiple digimon like organisms entering the New York area. How close are we to being assembled?
Farther away than I would like. Michael responded. He stared around. People were realizing that there was a real emergency going on. Startled shouts, both in human and digimon voices, were beginning to fill the air, mixed with an unusual amount of chaos. Humans, freshly woken up and stumbling around the unfamiliar building, stepped on tails and other limbs of various digimon, creating a background of hurt shouts. People who were in charge of various sections began to shout, looking for the people they were supposed to be leading. Gear was being tossed around as certain well-drilled digidestined tossed it to others who were a little bit beyond.
In the corner the printer suddenly began to screech, a piece of paper began to move through it. A moment later the still hot sheet of paper dropped into Willis' waiting hands. It held a single line.
Code Barbarossa.
What does that mean we do? Michael asked. He still did not know what all the codes meant, but from the lack of expression on Willis's face, this one had been expected. As well as being not good.
It means that we buy time. As best we can.
The trains are all out. The German girl frowned at the schedule. How do we get there now?
We fly and we run, and we take turns doing it. Her counterpart replied. Johann, how are we doing?
We'll do. He replied shortly. Then he said some choice German vocabulary under his breath. This was not going to go as cleanly as they had hoped, but nobody had ever expected this. Someone better inform Catherine that we will be just a little late though.
Paildramon, clutching Joe, Ken and Davis, settled to the ground right next to Izzy's apartment building and transformed back into Veemon and Wormmon. Three kids and three digimon ran up the building's stairs, clumping their way past police guards. Izzy had already finished updating the other digidestined on what was happening overseas, but data was disappointingly slim. There were few news reports coming after the first ones, only reports of chaos and general confusion running through the streets. People outside were beginning to panic, but so far there was no concrete report involving attacks in major civilian centers. Except perhaps for Washington DC which refused to answer any queries at all. All they knew now was that two immensely powerful forces had materialized and were headed toward Paris and to New York. Still they monitored the news channels in the hope of a break.
News anchors frantically threw up diagram after diagram to try and explain what was going on, but the one that ate at everyone's minds was the diagram of Europe and the United States. It showed an expanding black blob near New York, another crossing over into France. Both were already huge, and they were moving fast, considering how fast they had to update the images. And whatever they were, nobody had any news from inside there. None at all.
Fortunately Noriko had already managed to show up, with several of her other Tokyo digidestined companions. Izzy was still hovering over his computer, hitting keys in seemingly random combinations, and muttering to himself in cryptic phrases.
So what do we do now? Tai asked. And what is all this stuff that you've been talking about?
Well now that we're all here, I guess I should tell you. Izzy stood up. It's something I dreamed up after the MaloMyotismon affair. Gennai talked to me then, and gave me some ideas that sounded pretty important.
He talked to all of us. Yolei pointed out.
Not like that. While the rest of you were watching the later festivities, and Davis was attempting to break dance, Gennai pulled me aside and spoke to me. He said that there could be something bigger coming, something bigger and more dangerous than the world tour. The world tour was not really dangerous, but Gennai said that this time there could be a lot more complications, like dealing with malevolent forces that were actually trying to kill us. And worse, they would have years to plan, and would be ready for us. And they could corrupt digidestined, so we couldn't hide information from them.
He was worried that with all the new digidestined, that the forces of darkness would be able to hit them hard and early, take them out. After all, if they came into the open really fast, if everybody knew where they were, that would be a problem. He said that when the darkness came next time, the digidestined, all of them, would be the key to defeating them. But how could you gather them if merely knowing where they were put them in horrible danger?
So he suggested the ultimate counterplan. A group of digidestined hidden throughout the world. There would be new digidestined he claimed, and they should be organized and led. But he told me that it would be best if nobody knew who all the digidestined were. If a digidestined system was compromised, we could all be in trouble, and the new and inexperienced digidestined could be killed. So I set up a system where nobody, not even me, could hack into it and find out the names of the new digidestined. To anyone else, it would look like all the digidestined were organized randomly, that we weren't allied at all, while in truth we were all highly organized. Nobody outside of the organizers actually knew about the whole structure of the system, even those who were enlisted in it.
How did you do that? Sora asked.
I contacted some of the other digidestined, Derrick, Willis, Catherine and Sonja. Through them we arranged a new system. Using our digivices we were able to track down new digidestined, and form them into groups. We then set up a system through which they could report their existence to our central computers in Japan and in the US. The system reproduced itself, because small groups of digidestined would talk to other groups of digidestined, and tell them how to enter the system. However we wrote the program so that we would not be able to access the data on who was who, but that the best we could do was to use our computers to send them messages via email. Each new group spread out, contacted new groups, formed new cadres, spread the word about different dangers in the Digital World, and hopefully reported their existence to our central computers. We called ourselves the InterDimensional Expeditionary Force, because at that time we expected to see a lot of action in the Digital World, but we've never had a reason to call them up before.
We set up a line of commands so that we could alert these mysterious groups. Phase One, a general warning, was sent out the moment we got back. Phase Two was activated after our raid on Utopia. With it those teams of digidestined started assembling in a single spot, spending most of their time within shouting distance of each other, and a working computer terminal. Code Barbarossa warns of an all-out invasion. I don't know what will happen when we take the next step though. All those groups should call in to us, since we're functioning as IDEF headquarters at the moment, but we actually don't know how many of us there are. Willis, Catherine and company have been running around like crazy trying to contact as many groups as possible, but we don't know how many we have out there. Until this moment they were not really supposed to reveal themselves at all. How many knew about this? Tai asked suspiciously.
In the beginning only myself and Ken, who organized it, and Mimi, who helped contact the American digidestined. We told Joe to have a backup man, because three of us are needed to initiate anything. That's why I left your authorization codes to be activated in case something happened to me. TK and Kari found out too, but that makes all of us. The system uses a webcam to make sure that different people are telling it what it wants to hear. It cannot be activated unless three of us do it, and if nobody knew it was there, no temptations would arrise.
An army of digidestined? Tai asked, smiling. I like it.
So how do you contact them? Yolei asked.
I push this button here. Izzy pointed. And I start talking.
Every digivice in the world flashed. A sparkling display of light and sound alerted their bearers to the fact that devices were going off. They had already beeped in warning, and the word of a full-scale invasion had already passed around. All around the world groups of huddled children and teenagers staring at their devices jumped as they went off. Classrooms were halted by the beeping, people jolted out of a sound sleep. On seven continents heads turned.
In farm villages the sound of electronics was sometimes strange and exotic. In the built up cities of the west and Asia it caused no comment, just another facet of everyday life. In some places people jumped in shock, in others they were mutely prepared. But in all those places people stopped and prepared to listen to whatever was coming next.
A voice emerged, a voice speaking native languages all over the world. The translation program, borrowed from Gennai long ago for this purpose sprang into action, competently transferring data and information across the world. Digidestined who had only vaguely heard of their leaders and their heroes before now felt their eyes widen as the voice began to speak.
Attention. I hope that all of you who are receiving this message know why it is coming, but for those who do not, rest assured that we will attempt to find you as well. There has been a worldwide assault by the forces of Darkness. They have laid waste to our nations's militaries, they have attempted to destroy our society, and now they are on the march to destroy our cities as well. The authorities are helpless, they do not have the ability to truly battle digimon, no matter what they might think about it. The only way that these digimon are going to be stopped is by other digimon.
I know a lot of you out there might be scared. So are we. We are speaking of going into battle, both for ourselves and our families, and for the entire world. But without us, there is nobody else. And unless we unite, we are nothing. We have no choice but to go to war. There is nobody else! Today we either stand together, or we die separately, but there is no middle ground.
This is Koushiro Izumi. The counter-offensive has begun. Initiate Operation Salamis. Digital Command Odaiba coming on-line now.
The voice faded, but other voices spoke up all over the world.
Nice speech. What happens now? Tai asked.
We wait. Izzy responded shortly.
For what? Sora asked.
The computer crackled. A map appeared on the screen, with a blinking dot on it, right where they were now. Then another dot appeared and a voice spoke.
This is Willis. Team Eagle online.
Another dot. Catherine here. European Legion, Paris branch online.
Another. Derrick, Australian Avengers ready to go.
Another. Yuri. Moscow online is.
Another. Daniel here. European Legion London online.
Then Frankfurt, then Rome, then Bordeaux, then Madrid, the European Legion activated. There was a dot for Hong Kong. There was a point in Mexico City, and then another one in LA, and then all the regular teams had checked in.
There was a moment while everyone who knew what was going on held their breath, waiting to see whether they would soar or fall. There was a moment when Ken wondered whether any of their vast planning would bear fruit, whether they had spent years arranging something that was dead. In his mind he could see the spread of Darkness over the world, like during the abbreviated reign of MaloMyotismon. He could see all those points of light, slowly being overwhelmed by the spread of an even greater darkness. There was a moment when he waited tensely, when everyone held their breath.
Chicago here, checking in.
Houston here, checking in.
Melbourne here, checking in.
St. Petersburg online.
Minsk online.
We've contacted all of them. Izzy whispered. That gives us some manpower reserves.
Phoenix, Arizona, online.
Calvary, online.
Tai looked over to see whether or not Izzy had expected these groups, but Izzy was too busy watching the map.
Honolulu here, we're all dressed up with no place to go.
Singapore online, waiting for further instructions.
Ahhh...well...Singapore B here, also waiting for further instructions.
Does that makes us Singapore C? Well, whatever, we're ready.
This is Hong Kong team number two. Online.
Brisbane here, ready and willing.
Birmingham. We hear that.
Glasgow. No way we're going to let some bloody English have all the fun.
Liverpool here. We heard that.
I think you were supposed to. This is Dublin. How are you this morning?
Cairo here, I guess we're not late after all.
Well, if you guys claim Cairo, I guess we shall be Giza.
It's working. Izzy whispered as the globe began to light up. Everyone was watching now, watching the world change around them. Watching the light begin to come together.
Atlanta. Let's roll.
Buenos Aires. Estamos listos. You too?
Rio de Janiero here. We've always wanted to see New York, no?
Calais calling. We are leaving for Paris now actually.
Lima here. So what say we all get together soon?
Where's that? Matt hissed.
Peru I think. Ken responded.
Cape Town here. Online and ready to go. A dot appeared in South Africa.
Nairobi A here, we're ready to go when you are.
Nairobi B. It takes two to tango in this town.
The list when on and on. There were national capitols being mentioned, provincial towns, and small cities that nobody had ever heard of. Small villages in Africa with only one computer called in along with dozens of teams meeting around home computers all over the west. Cities with names that Tai had only seen in Geography called, Kinshasa, Brazzaville, Yamoussoukro, Santiago, Tegucigalpa, Tijuana, San Diego, Shanghai, Beijing, Vladisvostok, Islamabad, New Delhi, Bangkok, Calcutta, Bombay, Colombo, Riyadh. Cities that nobody could find in Izzy's online atlas. The entire west and east coasts of the United States lit up like a birthday cake. Europe looked like it was on fire.
Izzy let out a triumphant whoop as they got a call from McMurdo station. A dot blinked on in Antarctica as everyone stared in wonder.
Those are all digidestined? Tai asked, shocked.
Yes. And they're already ready to go.
So what do we do? Matt asked.
I have an idea. Izzy spoke up. Everyone turned to him. We split into three teams. One team goes to New York, where there seems to be a battle underway. One team goes to Paris, where the other main force seems to be heading. But one team stays with me, and that team includes Davis and Ken.
But that means that we lose one of our Megas. We need ImperialDramon. Davis protested.
Not as much as I do. Izzy countered.
What are you going to do? Tai asked.
I'm going to use ImperialDramon's flight abilities to fly all over the world, serving as a mobile coordination post. Using ImperialDramon we can not only cover the world, we can pick up digimon and digidestined from all over the world and bring them to those two cities. It's the best I can do. Those digidestined outnumber and outgun whatever help ImperialDramon can give. We need them at the battleground, and ImperialDramon is the only way to get them there.
So that's where you're going to be. Good. I think you should take another flying guard with you then. How about you Yolei, you know about computers, don't you? Tai was asserting control again.
Then it's settled. Izzy stays onboard ImperialDramon with Davis, Ken and Yolei. Then we need two teams. What's in more danger Izzy?
Let me check. According to my scanners it will take the Darkness a day to get to Paris at their current speed, but New York is already partially under attack, so I guess that New York is in the most danger. Why?
I'd like to keep Omnimon together if I could. Tai grew thoughtful.
Well then I guess I'll stick with you. Matt reported.
So here's how I would split up the team. Matt and I are going to New York. Mimi's coming with us because she knows her way around and she speaks English. One other, that means Joe, who has our marine digimon. TK, I want you to lead the team going to Paris. Kari will go with you, of course, and so will Sora and Cody. Noriko, I know you probably don't want to be left out of the action, but I'm afraid that this might be a distraction like last time. I want you to hold down the fort here.
Will do. You can count on us. Neriko swelled up.
All right people, let's get moving. TK, I want you to contact your grandfather and Catherine. Tell them to get ready to receive mass digidestined dropoffs from around the world somewhere in France. Izzy, tell Willis and Michael that we're on the way. Master Ishiguro, I think it would be best if you helped Noriko. I bet that Utopia is up to something here to.
Probably a good idea. Master Ishiguro conceded. Helios Ascendent has been alerted worldwide. They'll try to help you any way they can. I don't know how much help they'll actually be, but we can hope for the best.
I guess the battle plan runs like this. We'll hit the ground and try to hold off the enemy digimon until Izzy can get some reinforcements to us. Then, if we can get enough help from the locals we'll drive off Khartan's forces and see if we can contain them.
So now what? Matt asked, as everyone else nodded.
Tai asked, smiling slightly. Haven't you already guessed Matt? Now we fly.