Chapter 7: Questions Abound

: Rika's POV:

Rika awoke slowly this morning her body not wanting to move, yesterday was again the first thing she thought of and she found herself wondering how Takato was dealing with it. She had been shocked by what she had seen, Renamon had told her that he was part Digimon but it was different knowing then fighting with him in his digivolved state. Then there was Guilmon's mega form without Takato, just the memory of the armored dragon sent a chill down her spine.

She could feel Renamon in the room as she sat up, a small smirk on her face "You went to see him again?" it was both a statement and a question. Renamon froze, Rika was smiling and experience told the vixen that it wasn't a good thing.

"Yes Rika," there was no point in lying to her tamer.

"Well?" the girl asked impatiently when the Digimon paused.

"He had already known that I was going to come," she started slowly "but I could see in his eyes he hoped I hadn't. He explained the digivolution to me, showing me its stats before he passed out on his bed." She was a little worried when she saw Rika pale when she said 'passed out' and a little worry appear in her eyes. Knowing that the girl would demand all the answers she continued "He explained that he was able digivolve because he was part Digimon but he could only go to one form. He told me that his Omnivice allowed him to create his form which is why he can still use the Omnivice while like it as well as the reason it's a mega and not a random level. As for the picture and data, they're in a notebook in his bag and I was Takato just needs rest and that he will be better today."

"Extra hour of training for going behind my back again" Rika stated as she walk out leaving her partner to moan at the thought. Just then Rika noticed the TV nearby showing the morning news and a familiar face. "Yamaki?! What is he doing in the news?" Rika asked as Renamon quickly made her way to the TV before turning it up. The two watched as Yamaki gave an earth changing interview while gasping in shock at certain parts. After it was all over Rika and Renamon sat there staring blankly at the TV in shock like people all across the world where.

"W-Why am I just hearing about this now?!" Rika thought, she had been a part of the League for the better part of a year and a half now, at least a part of the Global Digimon Tamers Tournament Association branch. To hear that the League had military branches that she hadn't been informed of made her feel somewhat betrayed. When she had heard about the deaths of Tamers and the details of the Sao Paulo incident she had felt sick knowing that kids just like her had been dying without her knowing or looking into the matter. Suddenly her thoughts shifted to a certain virus tamer "He has to be a part of this FANG group Yamaki mentioned. He seems to have a lot of experience and is too powerful for him to have not been approached by them for recruitment." Rika thought as she made up her mind to interrogate the teen when she got to school.

Renamon for her part shared many of the same feelings as her Tamer although what stood out for her was the information about digimon settlement and the human's ability to combat digimon. "I knew that the League had plans to bring over some digimon into settlements here eventually but by the sounds of it they have already started to do so. I really do need to get in touch with my family." Renamon thought before her mind shifted to the military comments "But to think that humans now have the ability to delete a digimon… the implications is overall concerning if the technology falls into the wrong hands. But given the way events have been going I can see why the humans would need the ability to fight on their own." Renamon thought before she remembered Takato's recent exploits "He definitely is involved with this somehow. I should ask him later today." Renamon thought unaware that her thoughts mirrored that of her tamer.

Rika glanced at the clock and saw that she needed to leave for school and quickly walked out the door quickly followed by Renamon. When Rika boarded the bus and didn't see Takato she knew he was arriving to school via Grani and so sat down before focusing on what questions to ask the young enigma. Around her she heard her fellow school mates discussing the new segment or filling in their friends who didn't watch the news.

When the bus arrived at school Rika disembarked just as Grani landed, she watched as Takato and his Digimon made their way inside and to her the boy looked like he was in a trance. He walked into the building not even noticing to looks he was getting from the people around him as many tried to muster up the courage to approach him. Following him into school she saw him again as she walked into class. He was leaning back in his chair staring out of the window, his Digimon standing around him protectively. Rika just walked over and sat at the table in front of his, she knew he needed some time before he would be open for interrogation.

A minute later she saw a familiar wolf Digimon walk in accompanied by Seth. The pair walked over and immediately sat down next to Takato though Seth merely glanced at him before staying silent and not bothering the teen. "He must know Takato pretty well if he knew not to ask him what was wrong." Rika thought before her gave was drawn to the classroom door or more specifically at who had just walked in.

Kari entered the class with Gatomon, seeing the boy from yesterday sitting at the back she remembered what her partner had told her last night. She couldn't imagine why Digimon would try and delete the four, but she decided to have a word with him about it at lunch along with the information on the news segment she had watched this morning.

Takato sat through his classes, he couldn't really concentrate on anything his teachers was saying as his mind kept bringing up the image of Piedmon and his father. It was in the last class before lunch when he finally realized he was getting strange looks, most of the students were staring at him in fear and the first tamers just avoided looking him in the eyes. He made his way at lunch over to the usual tree and sat down to eat his lunch while Seth quickly joined him.

"Nightmare?" Seth asked after a couple of minutes of silence between the two humans and their digimon partners.

Takato nodded before glancing over at how close Shade sat to Seth's right side. "Partnered?"

Seth shifted his arm that held his G-ark beneath the sweatshirt he was wearing "Yeah… the usual nightmare?"

Takato nodded again as he finished up his sandwich before leaning back into the tree and enjoying the day.

"Silver just got into town you know." Seth informed as the pair sat there.

Takato looked up and gave a slight smile at the news. Silver was another of his good friends from the League. The thought that another of his friends was going to show up soon banished the thoughts of last night's nightmare. "That is good it has been to long since I've seen him. Though isn't it somewhat strange for three of us to be here all at once?" Takato asked in a questioning tone.

Seth gave a slight nod "Yeah well unfortunately the League has judged this area as an area of concern because of the coordinated attack the other day. They have even determined that there is a sect of IDT somewhere in the city."

Takato scowled "Seriously, dammit. I hope we find it soon, those guys deserve to get crucified by Ladydevimon." Takato stated as BlackGatomon gave a dangerous look as she flexed her claws to show her agreement.

Seth gave a smirk at the reactions "Me too but that's unnecessary. The League decided to send Ghost to handle the situation. If he feels he needs back up both of us as well as a local FANG unit are on standby to help. Though Ghost can likely handle matters himself, he is one of the best infiltrators in the League for a reason." Seth reason to which Takato nodded in agreement before the two lapsed back into silence.

(Kari's POV)

As Kari walked outside the school building in search of her target she found said boy sitting under a tree at the edge of the school grounds. Next to him his two dinosaur Digimon were stuffing their faces behind him while on his lap was BlackGatomon purring in contentment with Seth and the Sangloupmon to the boys right sitting down as well. Deciding not to say anything quite yet Kari just sat down next to him on the other side, Gatomon jumping onto her lap so Kari could stroke her before laying down and facing her black counterpart.

"Sounds like you're enjoying that" Gatomon stated with a smile on her face before asking "is he really that good?"

BlackGatomon lazily opened one eye looking at the other Digimon smiling "He really knows how to use his hands" she said with a smug smile and a wink.

"If I didn't know any better I would have sworn that LadyDevimon was just here teasing me again" came the tired voice of the boy. "Oh and afternoon Kari, you too Gatomon" he said before opening his eyes.

The feline Digimon on his lap smiled up at him, Takato knew that normally meant he was about to be embarrassed "I have to tease, you won't let me do more than that." She stated much to Seth's amusement and Kari and Gatomons shock. She then turned to Gatomon "Do you want to swap places so you can see how good he is for yourself?" she asked while giving a sly grin.

Kari was shocked when Gatomon gave a shy smile to her virus counterpart asking "Are you sure?"

"Go ahead" BlackGatomon said before jumping off Takato.

Gatomon gave a quick stretch before she jumped on Takato's lap to take her new place. Still looking down at the white feline in shock Takato started to scratch behind her ear before hearing her start purring in delight. While BlackGatomon was being pet by Kari.

Gatomon felt the boys fingers slowly start to stroke her, the firm but gentle pressure made it feel like he was massaging her and he knew the best way to relax each and every muscle. She reveled in the pleasingly soothing and warm feeling she received at the skilled hands of the teen.

Kari for her part couldn't help but stare at her partner in surprise at her forwardness. The cat like Digimon usually didn't get on well with humans and only spoke with a few Digimon outside of the digidestend's. But somehow this boy already had her on his lap and purring as if she were having a VERY good dream.

Next to them Kari noticed Seth's eyes flicker upward before returning to the book he had pulled out while Gatomon and BlackGatomon where trading places. Takato spoke up suddenly a couple seconds later "Renamon why don't you stop hiding now, I'm guessing ether you or Rika want to ask another question."

Kari stared at the boy like he was mad until the Digimon in question jumped out the tree to land lightly in front of him. He just smiled at the vixen "I take it that you have more questions" he said.

"A few for now but Rika will likely have her own as well as to see the drawing and data. I have a few I want to ask personally right now however first what did Guilmon mean when he said 'we're in control this time' yesterday?" the vixen asked getting a smile in response.

"The first time we didn't have control and the Digital World was almost destroyed just by its existence" Takato replied as if it was the simplest thing.

"OP* much." Takato heard Seth mutter before Renamon continued with her questioning.

"Are you a part of the League?" Renamon asked.

"Yes. Though what branch I cannot say, sorry." Takato replied.

Renamon nodded as she saw that coming "Do you know the locations of the Digimon settlements here in the real world and how would I go about getting a few Digimon into those settlements?" She asked wanting to really know this question.

Takato shrugged "I only know that the place houses about 2000 to 3000 Digimon currently and is named New Haven. I'm not really involved in that aspect of the League's work. If you want more information talk to Seth he's involved with that project." He answered while giving a nod to where Seth sat.

Seth looked up from the book and saw Renamon inquiring look before giving a sigh. "Speak to me after class, we can go over it then." Renamon gave a nod and Seth went back to his book.

It was Gatomon that spoke next "Can I ask how you know what's happening to virus types in the Digital World?"

Takato glanced down at her for a moment "Me and Guilmon had a run in with a Greymon before the D-Reaper's attack, BlackGatomon was hunted before coming to the real world and meeting me" the boy replied with a sad smile. "BlackWarGreymon I met while in the Digital World the second time. At the time he was hiding in the middle of nowhere to stop people attacking him in order to load the data of a mega virus type."

Gatomon nodded before a memory of a story she overheard in the digital world hit her and she stared at the boy in shock. She had heard of what had happened involving a Greymon deleting a human but that would mean… "Y-your dead" she stuttered.

"Well it seems you've heard of our little encounter. How much do you know?" Takato asked still smiling. Kari stared between her partner and the boy wondering why he should be dead.

The white feline looked at the boy in awe, he had just admitted he should be dead "I heard that a Greymon deleted a human when it protected a Digimon, I also heard the Digimon it protected loaded its data and digivolved before deleting the Greymon"

Takato couldn't help but smile before replying "So you do know most of it," pausing to watch Gatomon's and Kari's faces freeze in shock "you just don't know what happened after the fight. The only bit you don't know was my body was rebuilt after the fight using Digimon data making me half data and letting me digivolve." Takato finished as he heard the lunch bell chime indicating class was resuming.

He quickly scratched behind Gatomon's ears before she reluctantly leapt off his lap allowing him to stand up and walk towards the school, as he drew level with Renamon he stopped. "Up to you if you explain to the others but I'm not repeating it all again" he said before walking back into school with Seth and their Digimon.

Kari was confused about his parting comment to Renamon but picked up Gatomon and headed back toward the school as Renamon phased away. She was half way back to class when she heard Gatomon speak up "She was right you know" seeing Kari's puzzled look the feline continued "he really is very good with his hands" purring quietly at the memory. Kari blushed slightly, she had never seen Gatomon act like this before… though it did make her wonder just how good his hands were. Shaking her head she walked to class, she would have to tell the others but that could wait till after school.

It was the last period of class where they were cover history, or more specifically current events, that Kenta finally breached the subject many had been wanting too voice out loud. He stood up in the middle of class and suddenly announced "I want to know what the League is thinking!" Kenta shouted in a loud voice that got many of the class muttering their agreement.

Ms. Asaji sighed as she had been waiting for this particular topic to come up all day. "Very well I guess it is important enough for us to talk about." She said before facing the class "Now what exactly are your questions?" she asked as she raised a hand with a marker to write on the dry erase board.

"Is the League spying on us?" one student asked.

"Where do they get off telling us what to do?" Another asked.

"Is anyone here a part of the League?" a girl asked.

"What's the big deal if they have a military branch?" a boy in the front asked.

"Don't they know that this will only make things worse between digimon and humans?" Was Henry's question.

"Why didn't they approach me to help them if they got the best tamers?" Ryo asked.

"Why are they using kids like us as soldiers?" T.K. stated angrily.

Ms. Asaji wrote the questions on the board before she turned around to address the class. "Well let's start with the third question. Is there anyone here that works for the league?" A few hands rose into the air belonging to Rika, Alice, Takato, and Seth. It seems that many had held their suspicions as only a few where surprised by this result. "Ok why don't you tell us what you do?" Ms. Asaji instructed before she sat down behind her desk.

Rika decided to answer first "Well I'm technically an employee of the Global Digimon Tamers Tournament Association as a marketing model for their products and promotions. My mother also is an important event coordinator and marketing specialist for the branch." She explained.

Ms. Asaji nodded "Well then Ms. Nonaka could you answer any of the questions on the board?" she asked.

Rika looked down the list before she smirked "Yeah the League probably didn't ask for Ryo's help because he is an idiot."

"Hey!" Ryo shouted indignantly before Rika kept going.

"As for the other questions I can't say. I was just as surprised by the interview as you all where." Rika finished.

"I can answer the first question." Came the soft voice of Alice from the back row. The class turned their heads in surprise as the girl stood up "As you all know my name is Alice McCoy. What you don't know is that I work for the Digital Assessment and Reconnaissance Team or DART and in answer to the first question on the board the answer is yes, we are spying on you. That is my job." Alice stated which caused sounds of outrage from the class.

Ms. Asaji quickly calmed the class down "Perhaps you should explain you actions Ms. McCoy." She asked after finally returning order.

"To put it simply the League want some form of oversight into the activities of tamers especially those related to battling wild digimon. The simple fact is that many are worried about a tamer using their digimon for the wrong intensions. Hell the USA monitors their own people in order to find potential threats like terrorist cells or school shootings did you honestly think that the government and the League wouldn't track a couple of kids with basically a super powered being that will do whatever they ask of it?" Alice asked in a 'duh' tone.

"But I don't want the League to know what I do all the time!" a girl exclaimed.

"Do you honestly think we give a flying rat's ass about what you do on your free time?" Seth's voice interrupted.

As the students turned to him Seth sighed before continuing "The DART branch only follows the activities of partnered digimon in terms of where they often go, what opponents they fight, and how they fight. Other than that they do not care or know about what you talk about on your free time, who you're fucking, and when or how many times you masturbate in your bedroom." Seth answered in as crass means possible.

"Language Seth we are in school!" Ms. Asaji chided.

"Their Tamers Ms. Asaji in the eyes of the League they are adults that are either assets or security concerns." Seth answered before standing up. "I'm Seth, just Seth. I am still technically a member of the Fast Assault and Neutralization Group or FANG along with Takato." Seth explained to the class getting surprised reactions from everyone save Takato and Alice.

"To answer your remaining questions in order. Because we adults and your all mostly dumb shits. The fact that the League has a military branch means we are now basically the armed forces of the UN. Being able to combat digimon doesn't make things harder on Human/Digimon relations it even the playing field so nobody has an unfair advantage. Lastly, we're using young tamers as soldiers because that is how hostile digimon will see you as well. If we don't train you and prepare you for your role in life than chances are you would get killed." Seth answered before he glanced over at T.K. for his last answer. The class looked like they had all just swallowed a sour lemon when the bell rang signaling the end of school for the day and allowing Takato and Seth to make their way out of the school before anyone forced them to answer even more questions.

: Later with Takato:

Takato was walking through the park after school trying to clear his head from the outraged faces of his classmates when the digital field appeared nearby. He sensed the group of Digimon inside were thankfully between champion and a few Ultimates. He made his way to where the Digimon were and upon getting close Takato heard a large explosion and sensed a Tamer and Digimon team attacking the group. Takato hoped that it was able to go to mega and that it had a smart tamer or they were dead.

As he ran into the clearing he saw a MetalGreymon getting pushed back by the sheer number of Digimon. Takato quickly gave orders to his team as he saw a small group go for the Tamer.

DIGIVOLUTIONS ACTIVATED

BlackGatomon digivolve to …. LadyDevimon

BlackAgumon warp-digivolve to …. BlackWarGreymon

Guilmon matrix-digivolve to …. WarGrowlmon

"Our turn Angel" he said.

ALTERNATE DIGIVOLUTION ACTIVATED

Takatomon fused-digivolve to …. Flamedemon

Flamedemon was already running towards the other Tamer's position. He knew that if he wasted even second the boy would likely be overwhelmed. While this was happening MetalGreymon had lost his footing and as he fell he saw a group of Devimon diving at him. Just before he was about to get hit he heard someone shout "Black Inferno!" MetalGreymon saw a massive black fireball delete the diving Digimon, jumping up he looked at where the attack had come from and saw three virus type Digimon attacking the wild ones. Turning to check on his tamer what he saw made him freeze, three IceDevimon were charging at Tai and then someone appeared in front of him.

Takato dived forward using his wings to close to extra distance to land in front of the tamer and the demon warrior threw out his arms and shouted out "Solid Inferno!" MetalGreymon watched as this armor clad demon slammed a wall of fire out towards the IceDevimon deleting all three of them.

While Flamedemon took out the group of IceDevimon attacking down the middle his other two megas took out the Devimon coming at them from the sides, WarGrowlmon took out any Digimon that strayed out on their own. When they were down to the last five Digimon Takato finished the battle with a shout of "Burning Blade" slashing down at the group as he landed in their midst causing the five to be almost simultaneously deleted.

Tai for his part was shocked when after the battle one of the Digimon turned into a human until he remembered that Kari had told him about this boy yesterday. As he saw the boy and his digimon approach he let a relieved and pleasant smile cross his face. "Thanks for the help there. I was on my way home when I stubled onto this group biomerging and had to engage them. I didn't think reinforcements would get here in time but you certainly proved to be much appreciated exception." He began before shaking hands with the boy. "My name is Tai Kamiya, nice to meet you."

Takato shook Tai's hand and nodded "Takato Matsuki and it was no problem. If I may ask why didn't you call for back up?"

Tai shook his head before indicating his phone which showed a black screen "The bioemergence was close enough to mess up my phones electronics so I had to go it alone and couldn't go mega because WarGreymon's attacks tend to be a little on the destructive side."

Takato nodded "You were worried about collateral smart. Thankfully the area is pretty much deserted otherwise the sound of fighting might have attracted some bystanders. Then again it's how I found you so it all worked out I guess.

The two boys had chatted for a little before parting ways, while talking Takato learned that Tai had just moved into the area with a group of friends and family along with their Digimon. Takato had told him to make sure to register with the local League branch and to ask about new phone hardware before the two parted ways.

: With Tai:

When Tai walked into the house still amazed that what his sister had told him was true, even after meeting the boy it was hard for him to believe it. Walking into the lounge he saw Kari siting on the sofa. "You were right," he said, continuing when he saw her puzzled look "that boy you told me about really is an amazing kid."

Kari looked and her brother in shock and asked "When did you meet him Tai?"

"He helped MetalGreymon out of a tight spot when a group of Digimon ambushed us" he replied with a smile.

"Well Gatomon found out a little more about him" she said before explaining what had happened at lunch. Like her Tai had been shocked to hear that he had died protecting his partner and that was why he was able to turn into a Digimon. It was that very sacrifice that made Tai admire the boy. Giving his life for the ones he cared for was what made a real leader and he had worried about whether Ryo was good enough to lead. Hearing how Gatomon had acted around the boy made him laugh it seemed that it wasn't only humans that liked the boy. As Tai climbed into bed he wondered if Kari liked the boy, he had noticed the slight blush on her face which made him inclined to think she did. Later that night Gatomon also thought of the boy. She just couldn't help but wonder how he had learned to stroke her like that and if he would do it again.

: With Takato:

Takato was still walking home when he pulled out his cell phone and made a call. "Hey just wanted to give you the heads up that the Digidestined just arrived into town…. Just met their old lead fighting another group bioemergence….Yeah it's handled it was no trouble… He was fairly impressive actually, tactical mindset, held his own even outnumbered, easy to get along with, and not opposed to virus types… Right just wanted to let you know that I agree with your recommendation so far you did well in choosing him." Takato conversed before hanging up the phone but not before he said a parting farewell to the individual on the other end. "…Right talk to you soon Azulongmon."

What the human didn't see was a shadow appear in an ally three blocks further back and a feminine voice whispering "Very impressive half breed, but soon your end will come. I have all I need to lure you into my clutches."

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaannnnnnnnnnnnnddddddd Chapter!

Hey guys sorry for the long wait but life and thieving little shits got in the way. Anyway here is the results of the poll so far based on the Poll results as well as PM and review votes.

Buff

Tai- 12

Matt- 9 (oh so close but no cigar)

Ken- 10

Ryo- 3

Kenta- 2

TK- 5

Mimi- 6

Jeri- 6

Joe- 1

Henry- 3

Everyone else received 0

This means that Rika, Kari, Davis, Izzy, Sora, Tai, and Ken will be getting some major training in ass kickery. For those that didn't have their choices pan out sorry but they will still be doing good work. Now you all have to vote on who will be bashed though it should be noted that eventually they will not be anyone who is bashed. You are just voting on who you think needs a sever wakeup call or kick to the ass to set them straight.

Anyway till next stay frosty and don't forget to review!

*A gamer term for Over Powered usually referring to a character or item that is significantly stronger than other characters or items to a point that it is considered unfair.