Chapter 2

Discover and Conversation

Rika woke up the next morning ten minutes before her alarm clock was supposed to go off. Usually, she would have gone back to sleep, but she was in to good of mood to stay in bed. After shutting her alarm off, she got out of bed and got ready for the day. Twenty minutes later she stepped out of her room. She was dressed in her school uniform, her hair already pulled up into its usual spiky bun.

Rika walked into the kitchen where her grandmother and Renamon were already seated, drinking some tea. Rika smiled over at them and said, "Good morning."

Seiko, Rika's Grandmother, looked up from her tea and said, "Good morning Rika. You seem to be in a good mood today. Then again, you do have an excellent reason to be."

Rika nodded her head, grabbing some bread before popping it in the toaster. Renamon turned her head, looking over at Rika as she asked, "Do you want me to go on patrol Rika?"

Rika shook her head, turning her head away from the toaster, "I don't think so, not today at least. You just got back after all." Rika then began to smile, an evil idea popping into her head.

Seiko noticed the smile, putting her tea down as she said, "What are you planning now?"

Rika turned and said, "Remember a few days ago when I told you about Jerrica."

Seiko nodded her head, "Yes, she is a girl in your class that always brings her cat to school. You told me she thinks that cat misses her to much while she is at school, and since her father is a major donator to the school the principle allows it."

Rika heard the toaster popped, and grabbed the freshly toasted bread. As she buttered it, she turned her head to look at her partner and grandmother, "Oh, but you forgot the time that cat puked on my homework, and the teacher wouldn't accept it."

"I still don't see your point."

Rika smiled, her eyes landing on Renamon, "Well, the principle may allow a cat, but I would love to see how badly that cat will want to go home she sees a certain fox."

Renamon blinked a few times, quickly realizing what Rika was planning. She turned away from Rika, hiding a smile as she finished off her tea. It was good to be home.

After Rika finished her toast she and Renamon said good bye to Seiko and began to head for Rika's school. Renamon choose to travel in the shadows, not planning to enter the classroom until Rika asked her to. Hopefully, she could get through the day without making a scene. However, knowing Rika wouldn't take any crud from anyone, it was highly doubtful.

When Rika got to class most of the students were already sitting in their desk. A few last minutes stragglers shifted in as the bell rang, and the teacher turned to the class. He smiled a bit and said, "Good morning everyone."

Rika rolled her eyes. Why did they go through this every morning? Still, knowing better then to contradict the teacher, she chimed in with the rest of the class as they wished him a good morning. The first half of the morning went by smoothly, but when the midmorning break came things went down hill in a hurry. Rika had pulled out her digimon cards, flipping through them as she checked to see which ones she should pull out for her battle deck, the one she used with during battles with Renamon.

At that moment, a shadow came over Rika's desk. She looked up to see Jerrica standing over the desk, her cat in her arms as she said, "Hey Rika, what are you doing?"

Rika looked away from Jerrica, concentrating on her cards, "I am working on my battle deck. Why?"

Without warning, Jerrica snatched one of cards out of Rika's hand and looked at it, "Digimon is so stupid, and it's a game meant for little boys who don't have anything better to do with their time. I think it is high time you tossed these stupid cards away."

Rika glared at Jerrica, her eyes becoming hard as she held back the urge to call Renamon, "If digimon are so stupid, how come me, Renamon, and the other digimon tamers were the only ones that were able to stop the D-Reaper."

Jerrica shrugged, "I heard about that on the news. Still, the digimon couldn't have been that impressive. I mean, as soon was the fight was over they had to go back to the digital world. They couldn't cut it in the real world. Maybe you should have gone with them Rika."

Jerrica then held it down for her cat to sniff it as she said, "Hey, why don't you give these nasty cards to me. I am sure they would do a wonder job of adding color to my cats litter box."

Rika's eyes flashed with anger before she said something in a near whisper.

Jerrica didn't even notice that a shadow had appeared behind her. She just continued on lecturing Rika for several minutes, even after the rest of the class had fallen silent. Then, a cool female voice said, "Would you mind saying all that again?"

Jerrica turned, her face frowning as she prepared to tell of the person that had so rudely interrupted her, "I said…uhh…" Rika began to smile as Jerrica's eyes locked with Renamon's, who had appeared behind the snooty classmate with out a sound. Jerrica's face turned white, and she literally dropped her cat. The white puff ball fell to the floor, landing on its head. Rika's smile grew a little bit. Jerrica's cat was so spoiled it couldn't even land on its feet like all cats were supposed to do.

Renamon continued to glare at Jerrica, her blue eyes becoming as cold as ice, "I believe you were giving that card back to my tamer."

Jerrica nodded her head, quickly turning around as she handed the card back to Rika. Then, after picking up her cat, rushed back to her desk on the opposite side of the room. Rika's other classmates and teacher were still a little shocked to see Renamon appear out of thin air.

Rika's teacher quickly regained his composure and said, "Miss Nonaka would care to explain who this "person" is."

Rika smiled a bit, "This is Renamon, my digimon partner. She and I were among those kids that helped defeat the D-Reaper a few months ago. Surly you remember."

The teacher nodded his head, "I do remember Miss Nonaka, and I would like to extend a thank you to Miss Renamon for her service to the world community. Still I am afraid I must ask Miss Renamon to please leave so we may continue our lesson."

Renamon turned, bowing to the teacher a bit before she disappeared into thin air. Rika smiled, enjoying the looks on the entire class's faces. More importantly, she had given Jerrica a taste of her own medicine. For the first time in years, Rika went for at roughly two hours with a smile on her face.

During lunch, Rika took her tray out and sat at a table underneath a tree. Her good mood had run its course, and she was back to her old self again. Renamon appeared in the tree branches, looking down at Rika as she said, "Rika, I have been wondering about something?"

Rika continued to stare at her food, but responded by asked, "What is it?"

"Last night, at the party, the guy in the wheelchair, do you know anything about him?"

Rika shook her head, "You would probably know more then me."

Renamon looked up through the tree's leaves at the distant Hypnos building, "All I know is he played some part in bringing me and the other digimon back here to the real world. Still, I can't be sure."

Rika turned her head, hearing the school bell that called her back to class. She stood up, picking up her lunch tray, "Renamon, if you're curious I would go find the guy and ask him yourself. I, however, am stuck here until the bell rings." With that, Rika began to walk back towards the building. Renamon watched Rika until she disappeared through the cafeteria doors. She then looked up, locking her eyes on the Hypnos building, "Maybe I will go ask him a few questions."

With that, Renamon leapt out of the tree and began to make her way across the city. In a few minutes she reached the Hypnos building. Renamon moved to the entrance, disappearing before she reappeared inside the elevator. Renamon stared at the many floors, wondering which one the guy in the wheelchair was on, or at least which one Yamachi was on. She then remembered the guy, Jason, had a digimon with him. She began to listen carefully, focusing her senses. Renamon, like most digimon, had a sixth sense that allowed her to find other digimon easily. After a few moments, Renamon opened her eyes and gently pressed on of the elevator buttons.

Renamon never saw any researcher in the building, or even Yamachi. They were all gone, maybe taking a vacation after successfully bringing her and the other partners back to the real world. With no one to throw her out, Renamon came out of the shadows and began to walk down the halls normally. She then heard voices, and followed them until she walked into a large laboratory.

Jason and Tijgmon had been playing a game of cards when they heard the doors open. Tijgmon quickly jumped from the chair he was sitting in, moving between Jason and the door as he began to growl. Jason turned her wheelchair, and watched as the door opened. Jason then smiled politely as he asked, "Renamon, what a surprise. Might I ask what brings you to Hypnos today?"

Renamon walked forward as Tijgmon moved back over to his side of the table, picking up his cards again as he said, "It was your move Jason."

Jason turned back to the table, looking at his own cards as he picked one out, and set it on the discard pile. As Renamon got closer, she saw they were playing a game of Uno, an American game she had heard about through Rika. While Tijgmon tried to figure out his next move, Jason looked over at Renamon and asked, "Well, did you just come here to watch us play cards or is there another reason you are gracing us with your presence."

Renamon looked away from the cards themselves and asked, "I wanted to ask you a few questions."

Jason watched Tijgmon place a card, and he quickly placed another as he said, "A few questions. Well, what were you wondering about?"

"I got the feeling you had a hand in bring me and the rest of the digimon partners back to the real world. Is that correct?"

Jason nodded his head, "Yes, it is. In fact, I'd say I played a major role. The Monster Makers were able to figure out how to bring you here, and how to find you so they could bring you here. However, I solved the final piece of the puzzle. I created the program that allows you and the other partners to stabilize in the real world."

"Still, how come you were able to solve the problem when the Monster Makers or Yamachi couldn't?"

Jason paused a second, sighing as he said, "There are some mysteries better left unsolved Renamon. Now, anymore questions."

Renamon shook her head, "No. That is all I was wondering."

Jason placed his final card on the table, making Tijgmon drop his head on the table in defeat. Jason chuckled a bit, laughing at the tiger cub digimon's antics as he said, "Well, that was easier then I expected. Still, if you don't mind, I have a question for you Renamon."

Renamon perked her ears up. Jason quickly began to sweep up the deck of cards, packing them together nicely before he asked, "I heard from Yamachi that you, Rika and the other tamers and digimon meet at a stone structure in Shinjuku Park almost everyday."

Renamon nodded her head, "I believe Rika still goes there."

"Do you think the others would mind if I and Tijgmon joined you. This is our twentieth game of Uno, and Tijgmon just can't seem to get the hang of it."

Renamon blinked a few times, then shook her head, "I don't think Rika would mind, and if she wouldn't mind I doubt the others would even care."

Jason smiled, "Well then, I will see you again this afternoon." Renamon nodded her head, disappearing as suddenly as she had appeared. Jason smiled a bit, turning back to Tijgmon as he said, "So, up for another game."

Tijgmon got a sad look on his face, "WHAT! Another game, don't you get tired of winning."

Jason chuckled, putting the cards off to the side of the table as he said, "Well, then, what do you suggest we do." Tijgmon smiled a bit, jumping up on the table before he crouched down. Before Jason could react, he pounced on the hardwired human, and began to wrestle with him. Jason fought back as best he could, laughing as he managed to push Tijgmon off.

Tijgmon turned, grinning, "Hey, we played twenty games of cards and you won all of them. It's time I settled that score." Tijgmon then leapt back up, and the wrestling match continued.

When 3:30 rolled around, the Takato, Henry, Kazu, Kenta, and Jeri arrived at Guilmon's old hideout. Their partners had spent their day at the old hideout, Rika being the only one that had let Renamon get anywhere near her school.

Soon, the tamers began there usual ritual of playing a few rounds of the digimon card game. Kenta was playing against Takato while Jeri was facing off against Kazu. The digimon watched with little interest. Calumon started a game of tag between himself, Guilmon, Terriermon, and MarineAngemon. Guardromon did not join in the game, mostly because he ran far to slow to catch any of the others. Lopmon and Suzie were not there because Suzie always went straight home after school. Ai, Mako, and Impmon were also gone because AI and Mako lived on the far side of the district. Finally, the ever confident Ryo and Cyberdramon were away at a card tournament for a few days.

A few minutes after the others had arrived, Rika and Renamon came walking up the stone steps to the well hidden meeting ground for the tamers. Takato looked up, waving a bit as he said, "Hey Rika." Then, before Rika could respond Guilmon ran in between Takato and Kenta, kicking up their cards like a dust storm. Takato and Kenta both yelled at the red dino, but Guilmon ignored them as he continued to run from Calumon, who was currently it. Unfortunately, the red dinosaur was not watching where he was going, and caught his foot on a tree rot. With a great trip, Guilmon began to tumble down the stone steps that lead up to his old hideout from the normal park path. Takato stood up, running after Guilmon when the entire group heard a loud crash.

Everybody soon stood up, and were moving down the stone steps after the red slinky that was Guilmon. Soon, they all saw what had caused the crash. Jason and Tijgmon had chosen a bad time to arrive. Guilmon had bowled them over like a pair of pins, leaving Jason sprawled out on the ground. He began to pull himself up when the other tamers came down the steps. Before he knew it, Jeri was standing over him saying, "Oh, are you all right."

Before Jason could protest, Jeri was helping him back into his wheelchair. Kazu was scratching his head, a bit of a dazed look on his face, "Why does that guy seem so familiar."

Rika turned to Kazu and said, "Well, he was with Yamachi and Shibumi the night of Takato's party."

Kazu snapped his fingers, "Of course, now I remember. Still, what is he doing here now?"

Jason groaned a bit, he shoulder sore from the fall, "Well one thing is for sure, I never intended to become practice for Guilmon's seven-ten split."

Guilmon got up, shaking his head as he said, "Falling down stairs can really hurt."

Takato shook his head a bit, "Yes Guilmon. Now, I think you should apologize to uhh…"

Jason smiled, "My name is Jason, and this is Tijgmon."

Guilmon smiled, forgetting that he should apologize to Jason as he moved over to Tijgmon and said, "Hey, you want to play tag with us."

Calumon landed on Guilmon's head, "Yeah, it's a lot of fun."

Tijgmon smiled, moving away from Jason as he said, "Sure, but whose it."

Calumon reached out, touching Tijgmon on the forehead as he said, "You are." Before Tijgmon knew what was going on, Guilmon and Calumon were already running back up the stairs. He smiled a bit, crouching down before he began to run after the two, very playful, digimon.

With some help from Guardromon, Jason managed to get up to Guilmon's hideout. He was then content to sit and watch the other play their digimon card games. As he sat, he noticed Guardromon was not playing tag with all the other digimon. He rolled over to the rust colored champion and asked, "Is there a reason you aren't apart of that, apparently, dangerous game of tag."

Guardromon nodded his head a bit, "I am afraid that I have far too much girth, and not enough speed for such a game."

Jason shrugged, "You just got to be a little inventive, that's all." Jason then began to smile, waiting until Calumon flew by. He gently caught the tiny white digimon in his hands, and began to say something into his ear. Calumon began to smile, flying off as he chanted, "Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy."

Guardromon looked over at Jason, a bit of a worried tone to his voice, "What did you tell him?"

Soon, all the other digimon, minus Renamon, came running towards Guardromon shouting, "Home Base." Guardromon took a step back, and then began to run in the other direction as Calumon, Guilmon, Terriermon, MarineAngemon, and Tijgmon began to chase after the metal digimon. Guardromon began to yell back at Jason, but soon the champion was having too much fun acting as home base for the game of tag. He never had to worry about tagging anyone, and he just had to stay away so nobody could use him as home base.

The tamers hung around for another hour, some joining in with the game of tag before they all decided to go home. Jason noticed that the entire time Renamon did not bother playing with the other digimon. He then shrugged it off, realizing that Renamon didn't seem like the playful type.

For about a week the group met at the park. Each day Jason and Tijgmon showed up, and they slowly became just another part of the group. Then, on a particularly hot day, the tamers came to the park and decided to head down by the lake. They were going to go splash around in the water, which made Jason hesitate a bit. Still, with some coaxing from Jeri, Jason joined the tamer and digimon.

As the group walked beside the lake, no expected for Kazu to trip on his own shoe laces and fall, head over heal, into the water. The tamer set there laughing for a few minutes, Rika content to smile as she said, "I always knew you were a little wet behind the ears."

Kazu stood up, reaching his hands down into the water as he said, "I'll show you wet behind the ears." With a great splash, Kazu started a water fight between most of the tamers and their digimon. The only ones that remained out of the water were Rika, Renamon, and Jason.

Still, Kazu wasn't satisfied unless everybody got a wet. He moved over to Guardromon, who currently trying to splash a already halfway drench Kazu, whispered something to the metal digimon. Kazu then began to smile devilishly as Guardromon nodded his head, and dipped down into the water as he let his hollow insides fill up. He then lifted up his rocket launchers, and switched them to a pair of spray guns before letting then shoot off like to great fire hoses. With a great blast of water, Rika and Renamon were drenched. Jason had managed to move out of the way of the main blast, but he still got splashed.

Kazu did not stop though, looking at Jason as he said, "You aren't getting away that easily." Guardromon then began to turn, bring the spray of water closer and closer to Jason. Jason, once again, tried to get away, but while he back was to Guardromon the metal digimon managed to douse the back of his head, making his long black hair soaking wet. This is where things went bad. Jason began to yell in pain as he held the back of his head. Tijgmon quickly stopped playing, rushing up to Jason as he asked, "What's wrong."

Jason grimaced, struggling through gritted teeth as he said, "Water in….the…connection."

Tijgmon eyes narrowed as he jumped up onto the back of Jason's head and pushed back some of his wet, waist length hair. He then reared his head back and called out, "White Lighting." A small burst of pure white electricity came from Tijgmon's mouth, and drove away some of the water on the back of Jason's head.

Jason slumped over, his breathing heavy as he slowly recovered from the shock. Unfortunately, when he tipped his head forward his hair fell down in front of him, revealing the coils of wires that connected Jason's brain to the computer that was built into the wheelchair. That had been Yamachi's payment for Jason's help bringing the digimon back. He had been given the chair with the computer built into the bottom. It allowed him to get around on his own power. Also, for the first time since he had undergone the procedure, he was able to go outside into the fresh air.

The tamers had rushed out of the water to find out what was wrong, and why Tijgmon had used his special attack. They all stopped short thought when they saw the wires, metal coils, and devices that had been hidden by Jason's hair. Jason slowly sat up, his head aching from the surge of electricity. The water had gotten into the wires, and caused a short. The computer and the connecting wires were designs to stay active even during such a short out. Jason himself, however, would have a spitting headache for several hours.

As Jason slowly sat up, he looked at the tamers and could tell they had seen something he would have rather they hadn't. They were all silent for several minutes before Takato asked, "Are you all right."

He sighed, nodding his head as he looked over at Tijgmon, "Yes, I'm fine. Come on Tijgmon, I think its time we went back to Hypnos." Jason then turned his wheelchair, and began to move away from the tamers, who were still a little stunned. Tijgmon glanced back at the others before he looked back at Jason and ran to catch up.

That night, when Rika got home she told her grandmother about what she had seen in the back of Jason's head. Luckily, her mother was off a photo shoot in Paris. She would have surly just forbid Rika to ever seen Jason again. Rika doubted it would matter, because she got the feeling Jason didn't want to see any of them again.

When Rika finished Seiko sat in her chair a few minutes before she said, "Well, I think I can understand why Jason would leave so suddenly. He was trying to hide those wires in his hair. After you and the other found out, he probably felt you wouldn't accept him."

Rika stood up, walking towards the door, "That's so stupid."

Seiko shook her head, "It may seem like that to you Rika, and I agree with you. Still, you must try to put yourself in Jason's shoes. I actually remember hearing a report about him, on a local news station. It was several years back, just after the surgery had been preformed. The doctor said something about the patient could never be disconnected from a computer because his brain would just turn itself off in about two hours. Then you must remember that back then, computers were as compact as they are today. This past week, the time he has spent with you and your friends, is probably the first time he has been outside, or in the company of other people, for a very long time."

Rika looked back at her grandmother, "Did they news report say how old he was when the surgery happened?"

Seiko thought a second, her memory not as good as it used to be. Still, that wasn't something you would easily forget. She looked at Rika, the memory flashing back to her as she said, "He was very young, only about two or three if I remember correctly."

Rika nodded her head, thanking her grandmother before she went to bed for the night. As she lay there, she began to think about Jason. How long had he been trapped in a hospital bed. Did he make any friends, and when did he make his first. Rika sighed, closing her eyes as she went to sleep. She couldn't imagine having to live like that. It was just too terrible to think off.

The next morning was Saturday, and Rika intended to get a few answers out of Jason. With Renamon following in the shadows Rika made her way to Hypnos. Since she was a tamer, the guards let her in without trouble. With some help from Renamon, the pair found their way to the main research lab. The lab was once again empty. The only ones in the building that day were the security guards and the normal office workers.

Rika saw Jason, sitting in his chair as he looked up at the Juggernaut core. Lying next to the side of the chair was Tijgmon. The rookie tiger cub stood up when Rika and Renamon walked in. He walked over to them, a bit of a sad look on his face as he said, "Hello Rika, Renamon."

Rika bent down, lowering her head near Tijgmon's, "How is Jason?"

Tijgmon sighed, looking over his shoulder, "He hasn't said a word since we got back. He has just been sitting there, looking at the Juggernaut core. I have tried to get him to talk to him, but he just sits there, staring into the distance."

Rika nodded her head, standing up straight before she walked up behind Jason. Jason turned his head a bit, hearing Rika's shoes on the laboratory floor. He looked at her for a few seconds, and then turned forward as he said, his voice cold, "Go away."

Rika paused a second, but then moved forward, "Jason, I wanted to ask you something."

Jason turned his chair, glaring at Rika with cold eyes, "Do you think I care You probably have come to ask me more questions about the hardware coming out of the back of my scalp. Well, tough cookies. I am in no mood to talk about them."

Rika glared a bit, watching as Jason turned his chair to face the Juggernaut core. She abruptly reached out, turning Jason around as she said, "Now I did not come here to get yelled at."

Jason met Rika's glare, "Then admit it, that is why you came here. You came to ask me about the metal coils that remind me every day that I can never have a normal life."

Rika growled a bit, raising her voice, "No, we came here to ask you..."

"I DON'T WANT TO KNOW. I DON'T CARE WHAT YOU HAVE TO ASK!"

The argument reached its pinnacle, and finally Rika had it. She had not come to ask Jason about those stupid metal wires, and still he wouldn't shut up about them. Finally, after shouting at Jason one final time she raised her arm and gave the hardwired human a firm slap across the face. Jason's eyes flashed with anger, a bright red hand print on his face. Rika returned Jason's glare as she said, "For the final time, that is not why we came here?"

Jason gritted his teeth, standing up from his wheelchair as he stood in front of Rika. He was at least six feet tall, towering over both Rika and Renamon. Jason's eyes burned with a powerful rage as he shouted, "THEN WHY ARE YOU HERE?"

Rika quickly snapped back, "Because Renamon and I were worried about you."

Jason's eyes quickly shifted from hard as ice to a more surprised look. He gently sat back in his chair, holding his head. He let out a few calming breaths, his usual good nature returning. He turned his chair around, looking up at the Juggernaut core. Finally, he sighed and said, "I am sorry Rika, I really am. I had no right to raise my voice."

Rika took a seat at a nearby table, noticing a half played game of cards set out on the wooden surface, "You better be sorry.."

Jason looked over, and then nodded his head, "You're right, and once again I am sorry. I imagine you already no a little bit about why I have been hardwired to connect to a computer. You don't, however, know what it was like. No one does."

Renamon took a seat next to Rika, crossing her arms, "Well, were ready to learn."

Jason smiled a bit, but that smile soon disappeared, "When I first had the operation, things were absolutely terrible. At the time, the only computer I could hook up to ran so slow I could barely talk. My thoughts were clouded, and I couldn't even find peace in my own mind. As I grew older and time passed, technology improved and I went through several up grades. The computers became faster, and better able to handle my brain's normal operations. I was finally gained the ability to write when I was five, the ability to talk when I was seven. I had all the knowledge, but if I ever tried to talk it would always come out one sound at the time, the computer lagging as it compiled the different words I was trying to say."

"To make matters worse, my parents had restricted me to a private part of the hospital. They were the only ones allowed to be in my room for the longest time, and soon they just stopped coming. They had other children, ones that had been born normally. I had become nothing more then a small expense in their checkbooks, a cost they dealt with every month as they forgot why they paid the money. Still, I should be thanking them for that much."

Jason fell silent, the memories proving too great to bear. Rika and Renamon were as silent as Jason, waiting for him to say something else. Finally, after whipping away a stray tear he said, "I was alone for so long, I began to think that was the hand fate had dealt me. To be alone for my entire life, with only a computer to talk to. I was on the verge of pulling my own plug, unhooking my brain and slipping slowly into oblivion. Then, with a turn of luck, Yamachi came and asked me to do something. It was something worth while, and soon it was all I could concentrate on. The rest, as you would say, is history."

Rika leaned forward a bit, her voice a little weak, "Then, what happened at the park?"

Jason turned his chair, smiling as he bent down and picked up Tijgmon, "When Guardromon splashed me some water got into the cables coming out of the back of my head. Simply, I began to short circuit. If it hadn't been for Tijgmon here, the surge of electricity might have seriously injured my brain."

Rika nodded her head, looking over at the clock. She had to meet the other tamers in the park. She stood up, looking over at Jason as she said, "I have to go, but you are welcome to come with."

Jason shook his head, "No, not just yet. I will keep the offer in mind though." Rika nodded her head once, turning as she left the room. Renamon hang back a second before following Rika. She wanted to talk with Jason a little longer, but knew better than to leave Rika waiting.

That night, after Rika had gone to sleep, Renamon went back to the Hypnos building. To her surprise, Renamon found Jason out on the roof, looking out across the city. She landed silently, walking up as she said, "It's beautiful out tonight, isn't it."

Jason turned, smiling a bit as he watched Renamon walk up to the edge of the building, "Yes, it is nice out. Still, I wonder what brings you here at such a late hour."

Renamon paused a second, looking out across the city as she said, "I just wanted to come and say I know how you feel."

Jason raised an eyebrow, confusion written across his face, "What do you mean?"

"In the digital world, friendship is something a rare commodity that few digimon have. Most digimon lived for destruction, seeking to become more and more power as they destroy until they are destroyed. Before I met Rika, I was no different. I just went around, fighting those I could defeat and uploading their data. I was alone then. Rika and the other tamers don't realize that I am much older the others, a reward I got for picking my fights very carefully. Digimon rarely live past ten years old. By then, even if they get to the mega level in that time, they pick a fight they can't win and end up beginning blown into data. Terriermon, he is roughly three years old. Guilmon is not even a year. All the others, including Impmon, Guardromon, and even MarineAngemon, are right around six years old."

Jason shook his head a bit, "I guess digimon don't age like humans. As they get stronger, they get more mature. Going from in-training to rookie, and then all the way up to mega. Those are their stages of life, passing through each depending on how much power they gain. Humans, however, are bound by the ticking of the clock. We mature with time, and no one can stop it. Are born, we become children, then teenagers, and then adults before we become the elderly, and then eventually die. So, you said you were much older then the other digimon. Then, if you don't mind saying, how old are you?"

Renamon looked over, "I thought it was rude to ask someone their age?"

Jason shrugged his shoulder, "Hey, I am new to this whole talking to other people thing. Usually I have to try and chat with a computer, and it never gets offended. It won't even respond when I call it a pile of silicon that would be of much more use as a pallet of paperclips."

Renamon smiled a bit, "I am seventeen years old, in human years anyway."

Jason blinked a few times, "You're older then me?"

"How old are you?"

"Sixteen."

"Then I guess I am older then you."

Jason chuckled a bit, looking back out across the lights of the city, "So, your seven years older then a digimon's average life expectance. I must say that isn't a bad accomplishment. That's like a human living to be roughly 150 years old."

Renamon bowed her head a bit, "Well, it has just been another seven years of fighting by myself. Still, no matter how much I fought I couldn't digivolve on my own. I saw other digimon do it, but no matter how much data I took in I just couldn't get to the next level. Then, less than a month after I met Rika, I was able to digivolve into my champion form, Kyuubimon."

"I guess Rika really made a difference in your life."

Renamon nodded her head, "She did, and she still does. Since I met her the feelings of loneliness began to disappear. At first I was nothing but a bunch of data, but as time went by she saw I was more then that. With that understanding my loneliness completely vanished. For some reason, I thought Rika would always be there. The one person I could just spend some time with. We would never talk, but just her presence made such a difference. Even after we were separated the loneliness didn't return, at least not as strong as it was before. I now have memories to fight the loneliness, and that helped me keep the hope alive I would see her again. That destiny would bring our paths to cross."

"Jason." Renamon and Jason turned to see Tijgmon slowly walking up. He yawned, his eyes dropping as he said. Jason smiled, turning his chair as he picked Tijgmon up. The rookie yawned, stretching as he said, "You left the lab without me?"

Jason smiled, gently scratching Tijgmon behind the ear. While other digimon would get offended by getting treated like a cat or dog, Tijgmon actually enjoyed it. Jason chuckled a bit, Tijgmon slowly calling asleep in his lap, "I'm sorry, but I needed to get some air, clear my head. Now, let's get to bed."

Jason turned, looking up at Renamon, "I am sorry we had to end cut our conversation short. I wouldn't be able to interest you in coming back here tomorrow night. You're the first person, or digimon, that I have ever been able to talk with so openly. Also, I would be interested in hearing more about your past. The life of a digimon has to be an interesting one, and I imagine yours is probably no different. Still, if you are interested I'll be back out here tomorrow night. To tell you the truth, every night this past week I have been out here, taking in the sight of the city at night. "

Jason began to roll towards the elevator on the roof, leaving a slightly surprised Renamon in his wake. As she stared after Jason, she began to smile. Renamon then turned, disappearing into thin air before making her way back to Rika's house. She paused in a tree, looking back at the now distant Hypnos building. In her mind, Renamon was putting a note to go back the next night. She had never told anyone about her past, but for some reason she got the feeling that Jason would be the perfect person to talk about her life in the digital world.