Disclaimer: Digimon is a franchise owned jointly by Toei Animation and Bandai, and conceptualized by Akiyoshi Hongo. Doctor Who is a property owned by the British Broadcasting Company created by Sydney Newman. The concept of The Tamer v2.0: In His Name is a fanfiction idea. Please support the official properties.

The Tamer v2.0: In His Name

Chapter 23: Visitors Not Welcome

Everyone screamed as they felt themselves pulled down, up, back and forth in an endless void of swirling colors and blinding lights. A few times, it felt like they were drowning in water. Other times, it felt like they were suffocating from air. And sometimes, it just felt like standing on solid ground. Through it all, Kazu screamed, "What the hell is going on!?"

"Language!"

"Really Henry?"

"I'll do what the hell I want! You're not my mother!" he spat out.

"Where even are we?" Rika shouted out.

"The space between worlds!" Takato's voice rang out in the endless voice, "This gate is a little sloppier than my usual ones. Give it time! It'll get better. Probably. We should land whenever we get there."

"Land where? All I see is bright lights!" Terriermon shouted back.

"Maybe there?" Juri pointed at what looked like a floating piece of land. As soon as she said that, they all found themselves flying towards the ground at break neck speed. Or falling. The perspective was just plain messy at this point. And as quickly as it started, it subsided as they gently rolled into a mound of sand in the desert. Rough, coarse sand blowing straight into their clothes and battering their face as it struck them. Then the wind died down and they were able to gather their bearings.

Juri dusted herself off, coughing as she tried to get sand out of her mouth, "Is it always like that? If it is, then I don't want to do it anymore."

"Only when you're crossing the boundary between worlds," Takato answered, poking his head out of the sand and trying to clear it out of his hair to little success . Rika scoffed, "So all the time is what you're saying."

He clicked his tongue, "I didn't say that at all. Ah! Home sweet home! It's a lot dustier than I remember. Andromon, how long was I gone for?"

Andromon spun his limbs and his neck to remove the sand from his joints, whirring and beeping grotesquely. Once he finished, he scanned around the desert, "Information: The Digimon Tamer's last recorded sighting in the Digital World was...Error. Time dilations detected, unable to verify passage of time since last sighting."

"Oh that's bad. That is very bad," Takato frowned, retrieving his digivice from his pocket to examine it carefully, "Okay, better be quick then. We don't want to spend too much time here."

"Hold up! What was that about time…dials…whatever?" Kazu asked quickly. Takato put a hand over his eyes to block the sun and started scanning the horizon, ignoring Kazu's question. Kazu called again, "Takato?"

"I thought I already explained this Kazu. Time's become convoluted," Takato answered back, "We may have been here for about a minute, but that doesn't mean time is flowing the same back in the human world. Days, weeks, months, years could've passed. And we're a few days behind Makuramon in that world. Who knows how far behind we are here! Or how far ahead we are! We could be here before Makuramon arrives, which gives us an advantage but it's not like we know which is which."

"Okay, that hurt my head," Leomon grumbled. Frustrated, Terriermon shouted, "Are we going to just sit here and talk about this or are we going to go find Calumon already? This heat is killing me and I don't like sitting around here doing nothing!"

"Terriermon's right. We should get moving," Henry agreed solemnly, wiping his brow, "The sooner we get out of this heat, the better. Where to first?"

"If I had to guess, that would be a good place to start," Rika pointed off into the distance. Somehow, in the confusion of their arrival, they all missed a giant glowing orb of light over the horizon. It was almost like a second sun, but closer to the ground and nowhere near as blinding. Takato took a good look at it and asked, "Hey, Andromon. When were you going to tell me about the big glowing light in the Digital World that wasn't here last time?"

"Answer: The light was not present during departure for the human world. This light is unknown at this time," Andromon answered flatly, staring at it intensely, "Optical Zoom at 50. Moving figure spotted. Unable to identify at this time."

Kazu pointed straight at it, waving the flag in his hand, "Well I say we go that way! I betcha Calumon is right there."

Rika raises up her digivice "What about our digivices? I mean, it can detect and identify digimon when they come from the other side, right? Why wouldn't it be able to find Calumon here?"

"Maybe?" Takato examined his own, "My old one broke and I can't still figure out how this specific model works. It's like…going from a computer to a calculator."

Rika cycled through the options on her digivice but didn't find anything out of the ordinary. In truth, she hadn't done much to experiment with the digivice since she got it. It usually just set off alarms whenever something happened and powered up Renamon when she swiped cards through the card reader. And from the looks of it, neither Henry or Juri had either. Renamon folded her arms at their hesitation and grunted, "We've been sitting idle for long enough and I'm not hearing any better ideas. Let's go…and everyone stick together. The last thing we need is to get separated from each other in a dangerous place like this."

"Hang on!" Kazu shouted aloud to stop them. He reached into his bag produced a collapsible pole that he reassembled and a piece of cloth that he mounted on top. With a firm shove into the ground, he shouted, "This is one small step for 'mon! One giant leap for 'mon kind!"

"Alright! It's picture time!" Kenta added happily, waving a digital camera in the air excitedly, "Come on guys! What are you waiting for! Kodak moment for our first time in the Digital World."

"What is he talking about?" Leomon looked at the rest of them in confusion. Rika closed her eyes, "It's a thing people do in our world. They take photos of every little thing to make memories of whatever. It doesn't matter how unimportant it is."

"Oh don't be like that Rika! This is important! It's our first time in the Digital World! Come on!" Juri cheered excitedly, taking hold of the poor girl and dragging her over to the flag. Rika wanted to protest but saw Renamon already perched atop the pole. Rika couldn't believe what she was seeing, "Not you too, Renamon!"

"I'm curious Rika. Besides, I get a pretty good view from up here. I can scout for danger while our photos are taken," Renamon answered flatly. Rika sighed in defeat and went along with getting their pictures taken, watching the others assemble beside the flag. Kenta took his time with each photo: first everyone, then just the humans, then just the digimon, the girls, and finally just the boys. Once they were done, Kenta excitedly started examining the pics only to groan, "Oh, what? What happened to my pictures? They're all fuzzy and blurry."

"That's never happened before," Takato called out, snatching the camera to see for himself, "I definitely remember Dizzy's computer worked fine. I wonder what happened here?"

"Well we are in another world. Maybe it's messing with the electronics?" Henry assumed quietly.

"That sucks. I brought this camera for nothing," Kenta sighed in defeat. Kazu picked up the flag and declared, "Don't worry about it. We got a lot more stuff to do. Let's just bring home some souvenirs while we're here!"

"What souvenirs? There's nothing but sand for miles," Kenta pointed out quietly. He marched along with them but sounded entirely annoyed by the loss of his photos. Rika decided now would be a good time to message her mom. She was probably worried sick about her already and started typing her message. She pulled out the D-Terminal and opened the lid. To say it was like nothing she'd ever seen would be an understatement. It was like a crammed keyboard and screen but it ran like it was a brand new computer. Still, part of her was just a little excited to think that her dad used to be one of the characters in her favorite book and that this was his D-Terminal. Without even thinking, she started typing aloud as she spoke, "We made it and we're all okay. We'll message you more later."

She wasn't sure which of the contacts were her mom so she simply hit send all. She closes the lid once the message was sent and noticed everyone was looking at her with the biggest of smiles. It was creepy in how unnerving it was, "What?"

"Just admiring how much more you've been opening up lately," Juri answered, folding her arms behind her back as her smile widened. Rika grunted, closed her eyes and put the device away, "Whatever. Let's get going already."

"Leomon, is the entire Digital World like this? Just miles of desert in every direction," Juri asked her partner aloud. Leomon grunted, "No. I don't know where this is but I've seen a lot of the Digital World: vast oceans, thick forests, steaming jungles, high peaked mountains, frosted glaciers, and more. The whole of the Digital World is as varied and diverse as your world I imagine. Unless I'm mistaken in thinking your entire world is just one big city."

"Yeah, I guess that would be silly if the world were just one big desert," Juri giggled quietly. Takato pocketed his hands, "Don't be too sure of that. There are lots of worlds that only have one kind of environment, if they have any at all."

"And how would you know that?" Kazu rolled his eyes in disbelief. Without skipping a beat or even cracking a smile, Takato answered, "Got stuck outside reality for a while - it was an abstract void of nothingness. Took me forever to find a way back to the Digital World. Went through a lot worlds in the process. One with naked giants trying to break down a wall, another where the whole world was flooded and dry land wasn't a concept, another where the only light came from a fire that everyone was really anxious to throw themselves into so it would burn a little longer. That world was…different. Also, does anyone else feel like something is off?"

"We're in another world goggle head! What part of this isn't weird?" Rika snapped at him. Takato laughed, "You have me there. No, I was thinking about how…I don't know…it feels like your world still. Like we never left."

"Well you said that there were two versions of our world sitting on top of each other. Maybe this is the same thing?" Kenta reasoned quietly. Takato's eyes widened and he spun around to face him, "Say that again."

"What?"

"Again! Say it again!"

"I was just saying that maybe there are two digital worlds sitting on top of each other," Kenta repeated quietly. Takato slapped a hand to his forehead, groaning in disbelief, "Of course! Of course! I'm an idiot! Henry! You're dad said he invented digimon! But the Digital World is infinitely old! UNLESS! He didn't build this Digital World! He built another one with his friends. And it started to intersect with this one! I'm an idiot! How did I miss that? It's no wonder nothing makes sense! There aren't three worlds sitting on top of each other! There are four! Not just two human worlds with conflicting histories and realities! Two digital worlds! That's what all of this is!"

"He's doing that thing where he's not making sense again," Kazu scratched the back of his head in confusion. The rest of them nodded in agreement but Terriermon chimed in, "He may not be talking sense but he's got more sense than any of us when it comes to this stuff. I say we keep listening to him and maybe we'll all make it out of this okay!"

"So basically do what my parents did back when they were our age?" Rika took the chance to shoot him a dirty look. Takato frowned at that, throwing up his hands defensively, "Your mom has issues with me. Actually, so did a lot of them. That's alright."

"Wait, I thought you said you couldn't remember much," Kenta pointed out. Takato smiles back, "Yeah, but being in the Digital World is helping to make it easier to remember things. It's like...oh! It's like when you have a horrible headache that finally goes away for the first time."

He said that with gleefully, and Terriermon commented, "Wow. That bad, huh? It's no wonder you do crazy stuff some times."

Juri had no idea what any of them were talking about. It was so confusing. But being in a strange new world like this was kind of exciting. And she was eager to learn as much about it as she could. So she looked to her partner, "Hey Leomon. What can you tell us about the Digital World?"

A big toothy grin came across his face and he beamed at her "What would you like to know Juri?"

"Anything, really. I don't know a whole lot about digimon. A lot of what I do know is just from what's been going on," she answered sheepishly. Leomon beat his chest proudly, "I will be happy to tell you any and all tales that would suit you, Juri. How about I tell you the story of the fallen hero? Or perhaps a tale of the Royal Knights? Stories of monsters and villains. I can even share a little history, but that's not really my specialty."

"A story sounds nice. What was that one about the Royal Knights?" Juri asked excitedly. She noticed Leomon begin breathing heavily with excitement as he began, "The Digital World has been home to many a hero in its time. But the Digital Knights were among the greatest of these heroes, gathered together by Imperialdramon during a dark time to help strike back and bring order. Of these heroes, one rose to become their leader: Alphamon, the Knight of the First Seat. In his absence, the Knights are led by Omegamon or some say Omnimon. And there were many strong digimon in their ranks: Gallantmon or some say Dukemon, Dynasmon, BanchoLeomon, Magnamon, UlforceVeedramon, Crusadermon, Examon. Together, they served to enforce order in the Digital World at the behest of its one true ruler: a being they call the king. That which is sublime, they preserve. That which is weak, they protect. That which threatens, they destroy. Some call them the first heroes of this world. But, as with all heroes and all unions, it was only a matter or time before they were driven apart - some say it started with The Great War, the war that threatened to tear our world apart. Each had their own ideas on how to end it, and their unity was tested by it. It broke, as they turned on each other. Some say they slew each other, others say they went into hiding - knowing their struggle was threatening to destroy an already fragile world. Whichever it was, they haven't been seen in a long time as a result. It is said though, that they will reveal themselves when the Digital World needs them most, doing all they can to save it before disappearing again. In my time I've seen at least two: Magnamon and Imperialdramon. If I live long enough, I would like to see more."

Kazu threw his arms behind his head, "That's lame. They only show up when you're already screwed. What's the point?"

Juri didn't agree. If anything, she felt the story was kinda sad. What would cause these heroes to turn on each other like that? "So...what was this war thing that drove them apart?"

Leomon sighed, "No one can say for sure. It was so long ago that few digimon remember what the reason even was. The few who did are either dead, in hiding, or no longer with us."

"Isn't that a fancy way of saying dead?" Henry looked back, joining the conversation too. Juri looked ahead to see the rest of the group looking back at her and Leomon. She was t sure when that had happened but she was embarrassed to suddenly be the center or attention. Leomon was much more welcoming of his listeners and answered, "Not at all! Life and death is different for digimon compared to you humans. I understand that human life ends upon death. But for a digimon, and all digital life really, that is much more complicated."

"Yeah, you guys reformat or something, right?" Henry asked aloud, "I remember that part from the books. The weak lose their memories, but the strong can retain their memories and part of their personality, right?"

"That is only if our data is able to disperse freely. It takes time but it can coalesce back into an egg. But for others, that isn't the case. You noticed I absorbed Indramon's data when I defeated him. He is dead but not dead. It would be more accurate to say we became one. He is in me or rather, I have absorbed him into my being. We are one entity, sharing thoughts, knowledge, memories, and skills. However, I am the dominant personality. If you're still following me."

Juri's head spun in confusion at that annoying explanation. If it even was supposed to be one. Rika must've understood it though because she asked, "Wait, does that mean you know what the Devas were up to? If you have his memories, why don't you tell us? Renamon! Why didn't you tell us?"

"What else was there to add that we didn't already know?" she replied matter of factly. Rika raised an eyebrow, "How would we know that? So does that mean you already knew?"

Renamon shook her head, remaining stoic in her answer, "Not at all. In truth, I've learned nothing I didn't already know. Well, besides WarGreymon perishing. That is a serious loss to all the Digital World. And also explains why the devas were in such a panic. Other than that, there was absolutely nothing I could have shared that we didn't already know. The devas are looking for the catalyst, there's some kind of danger coming that scared them and the Sovereigns, and they were desperate enough to try and break the barrier between worlds."

"Is that why digimon started showing up in our world?" Henry asked, looking over to Terriermon. Terriermon's ears perked up, "Hey! You brought me to your world. That had nothing to do with me."

"Many digimon knew there was a great danger coming, so we scrambled to become stronger. We turned on each other. How we ended up in the Real World is something I can't answer though. For me, the gate just appeared and I felt a calling to you. You were looking for a strong digimon partner and i was the strongest there at the time," Renamon said to Rika, her expression as unreadable as ever. Than didn't help Rika from looking like she was trying to hide the biggest scowl ever. After an uncomfortably long silence between them, Leomon offered, "To be entirely fair to Renamon, I don't think any digimon outside the sovereigns really know what's going on."

"The sovereigns. If I remember from the show, those are Azulongmon and three others, right?" Kazu asked excitedly, "So are we going to go meet them? Cause dude, that'd be so awesome to get to see those guys in real life! I even have his card! Do you think he'll sign it?"

He excitedly produced his deck and scanned through it before holding up a card for them to see. On it was an azure dragon with long flowing white hair, wrapped in chains and curling in on itself. Upon seeing it, Takato snatched the card from him, "This was him! Azulongmon! That's his name! Right! And Zhuqiaomon, the vermillion bird of the south! And there was...um...Ebonwumon! The tortoise of the north! And Baihumon, the tiger of the west! These guys are the protectors of the Digital World! It's all coming back now! They were...I...uh...oh..."

"Spit it out gogglehead," Rika snapped at him, "You keep doing that thing where you get excited and talk a mile a minute. Don't also start pausing for no reason. What is it?"

"Sorry," Takato shook his head, trying his hardest to avoid eye contact with them, "Renamon, you said WarGreymon was gone, right?"

"Yes, why?"

"What happened?" Takato murmured. Renamon shrugged and looked at both Andromon and Leomon. Both shifted uncomfortably, but the silence said more than words could. Then Leomon added, "We wanted to tell you. We just...weren't sure how to."

Takato gave no answer, sheepishly handing Kazu his card back and continuing walking ahead without them. Kazu shouted to get his attention but he didn't even look back, "Hey! Takato! What's with him?"

"If he is who he claims, then it's no surprise," Renamon folded her arms, "The Digimon Tamer had a partner of his own. WarGreymon - one of, if not the bravest digimon in the Digital World. The two were close to each other in a way that can't be put into words. Until The Digimon Tamer vanished. WarGreymon stood guard in his absence. If he is The Digimon Tamer, it can be said that he is truly alone now."

"Why is that?" Juri asked. Renamon started walking after him, "I will explain as I walk...or rather, Leomon can since he was there. My knowledge is second hand."

Leomon grunted quietly, "She is right, The Digimon Tamer is truly alone now. You recall that conflict I mentioned, yes? The Great War as it's called. It didn't just threaten our world. It threatened all worlds. The Digital World. The Human World. All other worlds. A long time ago, perhaps before even the sovereigns themselves, there was a race called the Digital Agents, but they had other names. Today, we refer to them as the Ancients. Although he seems insistent on calling them the Guardians. From atop their holy bastion, they looked down upon the lesser life forms of this world and others - sworn to observe and guide only when needed, for the Ancients had one thing that no other race could. They could see the ebb and flow of destiny: what was, what is, what could be, what must be, what can't be, and what must not. But something came, something out of the cold dark outside their purview. What it was is forgotten today but the Ancients waged a war against it. A war so devastating that it spread across other worlds like wild fire. In the end, the war destroyed countless worlds and altered the very fabric of reality. The only survivors of that long forgotten war were The Digimon Tamer and his partner WarGreymon. Everyone else perished. And now, with WarGreymon gone, it would seem that The Digimon Tamer is the last. One can only wonder what that kind of isolation does to a mind."

"All the more reason to keep up with him in case he does something really stupid," Renamon added, hurrying her pace. Juri's eyes were fixed on Takato now, wondering what exactly was going through his head. He always became uncharacteristically quiet when something was bothering him. And he was very quiet right now.

They continued on towards the bright light in the distance in silence after that. Well, mostly silence as Kazu and Kenta chatted excitedly about what exactly they'd get to run into in the Digital World. And soon, they found themselves getting passed by a dozen small glowing balls bouncing along the ground, "What is that?"

"They look like tumble weeds. Digital tumble weeds? Is that a thing?" Kazu said aloud, watching them bounce along. Andromon finally spoke, "Information: These are data fragments from deleted digimon that haven't reached Primary Village, coalescing into barely sentient entities with barely any will of their own."

"Oh, that's so sad," Juri said quietly, watching the balls bounce along and wondering just who they were before they became this. Could they think? Could they feel? Were they even aware that this is what they were? It didn't help that Renamon added, "This is the Digital World and that is its only real law: the weak die, the strong live. Don't feel too sorry for them."

"What happened here?" Takato asked at just above a whisper.

"Where are they going anyway? There's no wind," Kenta pointed out, adjusting his glasses to see what lay just ahead of them. Andromon pointed ahead, "Observation: they're probably fleeing from that."

They followed his pointed finger to see Takato still walking with his head down. And just ahead of him was a digimon whose body was made of bright orange flames. It slowly stomped towards him, spreading out his hands to create two burning flames as he shouted, "Who are you and what are you doing in my domain?"

Takato didn't answer. In fact, he didn't even seem to register Meramon was there. He just kept walking right up to it. Guilmon had already rushed ahead to growl at him but that didn't stop either of them from walking towards each other. Rika groaned, "That idiot! What is he doing? Renamon! You have to help him before he gets himself killed to that Meramon!"

Meramon. Juri looked ahead at the digimon and wondered just why Takato was ignoring it. And that was definitely annoying the digimon more. Just as Meramon raised his fist to deal an attack, Renamon and Guilmon dashed ahead, "Pyrosphere!"

"Diamond Storm!"

Both attacks took Meramon by surprise and he instead moved his arms to defend himself, "You fiends, attacking me with your numbers. You won't beat me with such tactics!"

"Takatomon!" Guilmon called out to him, rushing at the boy and sliding between his legs to throw him onto his back. The boy didn't even register that he was was on his partner now as the digimon started retreating back to the others - leaving Renamon alone to deal with Meramon. Guilmon slid to a stop beside the others and Rika scolded him, "What's the matter with you Gogglehead? Are you trying to get yourself killed?"

Takato didn't answer and was still spaced out. Henry waved his hands in front of his face and even snapped his fingers to get his attention, "He's definitely out of it. Maybe we should leave him be for a while."

"Leave him be? We're in another world where the first person we met tried to kill us and he wants to...do whatever this is!" Rika shouted out angrily, "You know what? Forget it. Well take out Meramon on our own! Renamon! Kick some of this sand on him to douse his flames!"

"Excellent idea, Rika!" Renamon complied, whipping her tail along the sand to kick up a small cloud of want at Meramon. The digimon roared in disgust, covering his eyes, "More cheap tricks? You won't get me with that! Learn to fight with honor!"

"I take offense to that," Renamon spat out, charging straight into Meramon and kicking him across his jaw, "Take this!"

The digimon staggered back in surprise, angered that she'd gotten the drop on him, "Grah! You think you're so strong! Take this!"

He threw a fireball at Renamon, who managed to leap over the attack and kick more sand at Meramon. Watching the fight play out, Terriermon couldn't help but state, "I'm all for watching a good fight, but does anyone else think it's kinda one sided? I mean, Meramon hasn't even gotten a hit in."

"And here I thought you would've wanted to join in," Henry murmured. Terriermon shrugged at that suggestion, "I don't know, I still might if Meramon gets a lucky hit in. If, Henry. If. Don't look at me like that."

"Well, I don't think he's going to anytime soon," Kazu folded his arms behind his head just as Renamon got another good kick in, throwing Meramon onto his back. The fiery digimon lay on the ground, holding his hands up in defeat, cursing at them furiously, "You fiends! You've defeated me! Just go ahead and finish it already! You…you…dirty, vile cheaters! Using cheap tactics like that."

"We're not finishing anything," Renamon answered seriously, offering him a hand to help him stand up, "As for cheap, you're the one who attacked a defenseless human boy who didn't even realize you were there. Now stop your whimpering and tell us why you attacked."

Meramon became defensive, "You entered my territory! All I wanted was a little peace and quiet, but you crazy digimon keep coming here trying to pick fights. I don't care if you want to fight each other until you're all dead just do it away from me! But if you're so insistent on fighting me to the death, then finish it already so I don't have to deal with this conversation."

"I ALREADY SAID WE'RE NOT DOING THAT!" Renamon said more loudly, but it still didn't seem to register with Meramon. Juri looked at Leomon in confusion, wondering if all digimon were like this. Her partner shrugged back, just as lost as she was. Then Terriermon provided another observation, "Talk about melodramatic. Look buddy, we're not going to kill you! We're looking for one of our friends. A little digimon named Calumon. He was taken by a monkey called Makuramon. Have you seen them?"

"Wait, so you're not here to kill me?" Meramon looked up at them with a raised eyebrow. Rika scoffed, "Are you kidding? We've been saying that!"

"He's kinda slow, isn't he?" Terriermon turned his head. Andromon shook his head, "Negative. Meramon's speed is within acceptable parameters for his type. Renamon simply moved faster than he could."

"It's called a joke buddy, learn what that is," Terriermon frowned in disbelief. Meramon pushed himself up, dusting the dirt off himself before answering, "Well, I haven't seen a monkey ever. And I don't even know what a Calumon is. Is that a baby digimon?

"I mean…you're not wrong," Terriermon answered, earning himself a smack from Henry, "Be nice."

"What? He is kind of an odd ball," Terriermon said in his defense. Henry just sighed, covering his face in disbelief at his partner's own disregard for polite behavior. Juri giggled a little though. It was nice that the fighting was over, especially since it seemed like the only thing that got hurt was Meramon's pride. Then she looked over at Takato who still appeared to be stuck in a daze. All this had transpired, and it seemed like he hadn't noticed.

She could feel herself shaking, worried for him. But then the shaking didn't stop. In fact, it seemed to be getting stronger. Kazu asked, "Is there an earthquake?"

"Not an earthquake, a stampede," Terriermon said as his ears perked up. He pointed off into the horizon towards a small dust cloud and a beam of light coming towards them, "I can hear it! It's coming from over there!"

"What is that?" Kenta asked, adjusting his glasses to get a better look. Juri felt her digivice beep again and examined it, watching an image come on screen of what looked like a dog covered in rocks with a plant for a tail, "Jagamon, a vegetable digimon that are known for migrating in large herds. Is that bad?"

Leomon explained, "Only if we get stampeded. Maybe we should move. Meramon, is there a safe place nearby where we could hide?"

"Sure, I'll just invite you in," Meramon began with an insincere tone, "It's not like I said I want to be left alone. What's with all these visitors I'm getting today? Forget that, JAGAMON! IF YOU COME ANY CLOSER, I WILL DESTR-Wait! I SAID WAIT! Uh-oh! AARGH!"

His threats fell on deaf ears as he was summarily run over by the stampede. Renamon leapt back to Rika's side before she could be trampled by the horde of digimon and warned, "We should get out of the way."

"Good idea," Henry said, already turning to run out of their path. Henry, Terriermon, Juri, Leomon, and Guilmon carrying Takato all moved to one side of the stampede. Rika, Renamon, Kazu, Kenta, and Andromon retreated to the opposite side. Both groups could only look on at each other and the stampede of Jagamon as they continued streaming past in some kind of collective panic. In fact, when Juri concentrated on what they were all saying, it sounded like they were all screaming, "Run away! Run away! Run away! Run away!"

"What are they running from?" Juri asked Leomon, following the stampede back to see the pillar of light inexorably advancing towards them. Leomon pointed at it, "Likely that. It's a data stream. They became a lot more frequent in the Digital World lately. We're not entirely sure what they are beyond the fact that they just pull you to another part of the Digital World. Only it's entirely at random. Don't worry. Based on its path, it'll go right past us."

Juri traced the path with her own eyes, uncertain of Leomon's assessment and gasped. It would miss them. It would also hit the others. And they didn't even notice because they were too busy watching the Jagamon run past to notice, "GUYS! RUN! DON'T LET THE LIGHT HIT YOU!"

Rika shouted something back but it was hard to hear over the roar of the stampeding Jagamon. Juri pointed at the light and shouted again, "LOOK OUT FOR THE LIGHT!"

Rika shouted again. It was no use. They couldn't hear each other. And then they started bickering - at least that's how it looked from where she was standing. Henry tried his luck next, "Guys! Look out for the light!"

It was still no use. And then, like some kind of cosmic prank, they finally realized the pillar of light was coming straight at them. It was too late for them to run from it, and too late for Juri or the others to do anything to help them. All they could do was watch in silent terror as the light sucked them up into the sky. Leomon frowned, "Well. That's bad."

"We need to go after them!" Juri declared pointing at the pillar of light as it continued on. Before she could even try to run after it, Leomon grabbed her by the shoulder, holding tight despite her protests to chase after it, "I understand how you feel Juri, but that's not a good idea. If we jump into the light, there's no guarantee that we'll go where they went. It's better for everyone if we don't."

"We can't just leave them!" she protested. Leomon nodded, "I'm not saying we abandon them. I'm saying we look for them the old fashioned way. It'll be easier to start from where we know we are than it will be for us to chase after them and getting just as lost."

Juri felt her heart sink into the pit of her stomach. They'd only been in the Digital World for an hour and they were already separated. Takato was out of it. Half of them were lost, some place else in the Digital World. She hoped this wasn't a signal of things to come.

Author's Notes: The rescue mission has already run into disaster! Will Takato snap out of his funk? Can they find the others before they find more trouble? Will they be okay without them? Find out all this and more in the next chapter of The Tamer v2.0 - In His Name due out next week on Friday, August 23rd at 5 PM CDT. If you loved it, let me know in the reviews section. And don't forget to follow the story to keep up with updates and favorite to show support! That's all for now! Let's look at previews for the next chapter!

"But the headache is what kept us safe!" Clockmon countered, "Now he will wake up and bring a hundred years of death and destruction upon us! He'll change all the clocks, reprogram our VCRs, change the language settings on our computers, and steal everyone's left shoe!"

Rika had just about enough nonsense for one day, "Okay, I'm going to start ignoring you guys now. Let me know when you're ready to start making sense."

"But you don't understand!" Hagurumon panicked, "He's going to kill us all!"

"Who is?" Kazu asked curiously enough, signaling a low rumble to start in the distance. The snowy land began to rip itself apart and split open for a massive orange dragon with mechanical claws and wings to emerge from the earth. Clockmon pointed at the digimon, "He is! Megadramon! Destroyer of lands, breaker of our things, and bully of us!"