Hey everyone I am so sorry for the delay. This chapter has been plauging me! I knew how I wanted it to end but getting there was the battle. But I think I got it figured out. As you can see I didn't do the whole "World Tour" bit. That would have taken forever for me to do. But I mentioned it last chapter so I know you all know that it happened.
And I would like to thank Taiski for favoriting this story. I love seeing support!
Okay enough rambling. I do not own Digimon.
Chapter 27: Taking the Key
When the Digidestined returned to Japan they found out that children all around Tokyo were missing. Sora immediately got to the phone and called Matt.
"Did you see the news?"
"Yeah I did. Why do you think so many kids are missing?"
"I don't know but I am sure it isn't a coincidence that it happened while we were gone helping other Digidestined around the world."
"You're right. I think we need to get everyone together."
"Yeah."
"Sora I know you are afraid right now but I promise everything will be okay."
"I hope so Matt. I will see you soon. Love you."
"I love you too Sora. Try and be strong okay."
"I will."
Sora hung up the phone. She was happy her mother had to go to the shop today to work on some flower arrangements. "Sora?"
"Good morning Mimi. How was everything back in New York?"
"Everyone misses me. Especially my parents but they know why I am here and what I need to do. They don't like it but they understand."
"That is good. We are going to get everyone together for a meeting so you better get ready."
"A meeting? Why?"
"Because on the news today they were saying that a bunch of kids have gone missing."
"Missing? When could that have happened?"
"It must have been while we were away."
Mimi just looked at her friend. She could see the fear in her eyes. She knew it was too much to ask for everything to be easy for one day. Then again they were Digidestined, nothing was supposed to be easy. Mimi was so lost in thought that she didn't hear Sora calling her.
"I'm sorry what?"
"I said you better get moving if you want to see Tai."
"Oh", Mimi blushed. "Actually before I go Sora can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"I heard you say 'love you' to Matt. Did he say it first or did you?"
"He did but I think he only said it first because he thought it was something I wanted to hear. Needless to say I was mad at him for it."
"Why? You know he does."
"Oh I know he does that is why I never thought he would be the first to say it. Matt, like a lot of guys, never really want to be the ones who say it first. And when he did he only did it because he thought that I wanted to hear it. While it is nice to hear I knew it was forced. Why are you asking this?"
"Well I am not sure if..."
"If you should say it to Tai because he hasn't said it yet?"
"I guess."
"I am sure Tai will say it eventually Mimi but if you say it first I am positive he will say it back."
"Thanks Sora but I am not sure if I want to scare him away if I say it."
And with that Mimi went to go get dressed to meet the others. Sora just watched her go. Mimi and Tai had only just recently gotten together a couple months ago. She can see where Mimi was afraid he didn't love her like she did him. Sora knew Tai had liked her for so long that Mimi was nervous he may not be over her yet. Sora also knew she couldn't interfere. Tai had to show Mimi himself how he felt for her. When Mimi came back out they both left the apartment.
When Sora and Mimi got to the small stage room everyone else was already there. Tai was talking to Davis and Matt when he say Mimi and Sora walk in. He walked over and said hi to Sora and hugged her. He then turned to Mimi and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and asked her how she was. All she did was smile at him in return.
"Okay I say we get this meeting underway. We all know that children are missing all around Tokyo. And for this to happen while we are off sending Digimon back to the Digiworld is not a coincidence."
"What do you say that Izzy?"
"Because Joe my mother was out shopping when she saw a very tall man talking to one of the kids. The next thing she knew they were gone."
"Did she say who the man was?"
"She didn't know who he was. All I know is that she said he was wearing a long trench coat and had long dark hair."
"My mother said something along the same lines."
"T.K?"
"Not that she saw him take any kids but he stopped her. He said that what happened four years ago isn't over but just beginning. And she said he was wearing the same that Izzy just described."
"Did she say if he gave her his name?"
"Oikawa."
"Oikawa? That is all she said?"
"Yeah. She looked a little scared of him when she said his name."
"Now that you said that name it does sound a little familiar. I think my father used to work with a man with that name."
"Like he used to work for the paper as well Ken?"
"Yeah but he hasn't mentioned him in a long time. Not since I first went to the Digital World with Wormmon but I don't really remember that time."
"How can you not remember?"
"Ken was hurt back then. I took care of him for three weeks before he was able to walk around. He had hurt his neck somehow. I am not sure how though. But after that is when he seemed to slowly change."
"Meaning my speed in soccer increasing and my grade going up. Like the way Sam used to be."
"Ken I am sure whatever happened your brain just blocked it out. But whatever you can remember of then would probably be helpful. If you also don't want to I can understand. It was a horrible time for you then."
"I will try Kari but it is all still so hazy."
"That is all we ask."
"Alright guys I think we need to figure out why Arukenimon and Mummymon took those kids. There has to be a reason behind it."
"We also need to consider that whoever is giving the orders to them too. I am sure they didn't make this decision on their own."
"Good point Mimi."
"Thanks Tai."
"So I say we try to figure out as much information as we can. Especially this Oikawa. If he is bringing up four years ago then maybe he is important to all of this in some way."
"Agreed. Though I do have one suggestion."
"What is that Matt?"
"Maybe Yolei should sit this out."
"Um excuse me?"
"I don't think it is safe for you."
"I think I can take care of myself thank you very much."
"I know but what if this is just a ploy to get you."
"So what? I am a part of this team and I will keep being a part of this team. What if Kari needs Aquailamon? I will be leaving out a Ultimate all because you are scared for me!"
"Matt I hate to say this but she has a point."
"Sora.."
"No Matt. We can't treat her like she is made of glass."
"Thank you Sora."
"But that doesn't mean we shouldn't be cautious."
"Yolei will never leave our sights. There will be five set of eyes watching out for her."
"Not that I don't appreciate everyone's concern but I am not just Gennai's daughter anymore. I am a Digidestined and a key part of this group. And if you all can't see that then maybe I should just leave."
When Yolei got up and started to walk towards the door. Ken had followed her and stopped her before she could leave. They couldn't really hear what they were saying but when they all suddenly hear Yolei yell how her own boyfriend couldn't defend her and stand up for her they knew how upset she was with everyone. Yolei had then turned and walked out the door.
"Yolei?"
"Not now Cody. Please I just want to be alone right now."
"Look..."
"Don't you dare say I shouldn't be alone. I don't need you thinking I am weak too."
"I wasn't. I know how strong you are. But can't you see we are just trying our best. You aren't just Gennai's daughter anymore Yolei. You made Paildramon Digivolve to Mega. Don't you see how powerful that actually makes you?"
"I never said I didn't realize it. I know that it puts me even more in danger. But that is no reason for me to be hidden away in some room with the key thrown away."
"No your right it doesn't. I just think you should see it from our perspectives. If not ours then Ken's."
"When did you get so smart Cody?"
"I think you rubbed off on me a little growing up together."
"Thank you Cody. What would I do without you?"
"Probably go nuts."
Yolei just smiled at the young boy. He always had a way of telling her how wrong she was without actually saying it. She then looked up and saw they others coming out. She knew what she had to do.
"Yolei I just want..."
"No Matt. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have gotten so mad. Cody helped me figure that out. I know you guys are worried for me and I guess I just hated the idea of being left out."
"But you should know I am sorry too. I guess I am always going to be overprotective. It isn't something I can help. Ask T.K he'll tell you."
Yolei just watched as the younger boy just nodded behind his brother. She couldn't help but laugh a little. "Well I forgive you Matt. But let me tell you this. If you ever, and I mean ever, try to tell me to 'sit something out' I will kick your ass so hard you won't be able to sit for a week!"
"Yes ma'am."
"Good. Now let's figure out a way to find these kids and finally stop Arukenimon and Mummymon."
Matt walked up to Ken when she turned and started to walk away with Cody and Kari not far behind her. "Is she always this scary?"
"It could have been worse."
"What do you mean?"
"She could have slapped you. And trust me when I say she doesn't hold back."
"Been on the receiving end I take it."
"Oh yes and I plan to stay away from it for the rest of my life."
"Good idea."
As they all were walking Ken had caught up with Yolei. While she didn't look at him as he walked next to her she did reach over and took his hand. He smiled knowing that everything would be alright between them. Kari who was walking behind them smiled as well. She was happy to see that she wasn't mad at them anymore. But should couldn't really blame her friend. If the roles had been opposite she would be just as upset as Yolei was. She knew she could never be expected to sit out of anything the group did. She would feel like she was abandoning them in their time of need.
"What are you thinking about Kari?"
"Just thinking about how Yolei felt when Matt said what he said."
"Still upset at my brother for that huh?"
"No not really. He is just acting like a big brother. I am sure if he didn't say anything then Tai probably would have. Though I am sure Mimi would had yelled at him long before Yolei would have started too."
"Haha yeah I could see that. Mimi can be pretty loud when she is mad."
"Very true T.K. And besides I know how Yolei was feeling in that moment."
"Well it is a good thing Cody went out and talked to her. She has known him for so long that I am not suprised he knew how to calm her down and see where Matt was coming from."
"Yeah. Cody can be so smart sometimes. But I think he can be too serious with is knowledge sometimes."
"Yeah he can be. But I think it has to do with his Kendo and everything."
"I can see that."
"Hey what are you guys talking about?"
"Not much Davis. Just how Cody was the one to make Yolei see that Matt was just being a big brother."
"He is such a good kid. And with how long he has known Yolei he knows her personality. He basically grew up with it."
Everyone stopped when a truck pulled up in front of them. On the back of the truck Arukenimon was there. She jumped down and stood in front of the Digidestined.
"Well then I think it is time. Ken Ichijouji I need you to come with me."
"Me? Why do you think I would go anywhere with you?"
"Oh I don't know. Maybe because of this?"
"All the missing kids! I knew you had something to do with this."
"Oh I can't take all the credit. And besides it was easy. When I told them they would get to meet their idol they were happy to come. Do you really want to disappoint them?"
"Ken?"
"I have no choice Davis. Maybe if I go with them they will let the kids go."
"Do you really want to take that chance?"
"I won't know if I don't go."
"Good boy."
Ken got into the back of the truck and Arukenimon followed him in and shut the doors. The truck started to drive off and Davis, Wormmon and Veemon tried to run after them. Mummymon and then stepped on the gas and they were gone.
"I guess we need to figure out a new way to catch up to them huh Veemon."
"You got it Davis!"
"Digi-Armour Energize!"
"Veemon armour Digivolve too...Raidramon, the storm of Friendship."
"Davis wait I am coming with you."
"Yolei you should stay here with the others."
"Why?'
"Well...because...maybe...''
"See even you can't come up with an excuse. I am coming with you whether you like it or not!"
"Fine whatever but don't be a back seat driver. Alright Raidramon lets go."
"Hawkmon, fly ahead and see which way they are going. We will follow you."
"You got it Yolei."
"Please be careful. Both of you."
"We will Kari. I promise."
"Don't worry we will be right behind you. Joe said he called Jim to give us a ride. It is better than having six more Digimon running around the city."
"Sounds great T.L. We will see you soon. Let's go Raidramon."
And with that Davis and Yolei were off. They were easily able to catch up to the truck. Especially with Hawkmon flying head but high enough to stay out of sight from Mummymom who was driving. Yolei had told Davis to hold back so they wouldn't be seen either. He then told Raidramon to slow down a little but not too much to where they would lose sight of the truck.
Inside the truck Ken was arguing with Arukenimon. Trying to figure out why she took the kids. She wouldn't give him a straight answer just kept telling him that all the kids wanted to meet him since they all looked up to him. Finally one of the kids stepped forward. He couldn't have been more than seven or eight.
"You are Ken Ichijouji right?"
"Yes I am. Why do you ask?"
"Wow I have always wanted to meet you. I follow all your soccer games. I want to be able to play just like you."
"And I want to get amazing grades like you," another kid piped up.
"But don't you all want to be home? Aren't you afraid of being here with this strange woman?"
"Now don't you see boy? They don't want to go home. Do you kiddies?" All the kids shook their heads no.
"But why?"
"Well you sure do want this kids to go home don't you. Don't you want to make these kids happy to give them the ability to be just like you?"
"Who was that?"
A man stood up in the back of all the children. "Don't tell me you don't remember me. We have met before."
"Before? When?"
"At your brother's funeral."
"My brother's...oh"
With a small flashback he does remember seeing him. They never said any words to each other but he couldn't forget that smile that he gave him. It was dark and it scared him at that age. When Ken came back to reality he was just looking at the man.
"I have seen you."
"You can call me Oikawa."
"You. You are working with Mummymon and Arukenimon. You are the one who made the decision to take all the kids. You are the one who was controlling me."
"See kids I told you he was smart. But of course you would still be in my control if it wasn't for..."
"Yolei."
"Ah yes that is what she is called now. Though I think Miyako suits her better. But we are not here to talk about her. We are here for you and the dark spore in your body."
"Spore?"
"Yes why else do you think you were able to get great grades and amazing speed in a short period of time?"
"And how do you plan on me giving these kids these abilities if there is only one spore?"
"With this." He held up a scanner. "All I need to do is scan the spore in your neck and I can pass it to all these children."
"You're crazy. Believe me kids. You do not want this. It doesn't just make you better in school and sports, your whole personality will change and for the worse."
"But we don't care about that. We just want to be like you."
"See the kids have made up their minds. I promise it won't hurt too much."
Then he walked behind Ken. He held he boy in place and put the scanner right up against his neck. When he was done scanning Ken fell over onto the floor of the truck. He didn't think it would hurt as much as it did. But he did say the spore was deep within his body. All Ken could do is hope that help is on the way as Oikawa started to put the data into the children through the same spot on their necks.
"Alright I can't take staying this far behind. It is time we stop that truck. What do you say Yolei?"
"You're right. It is obviously this truck isn't going to stop anytime soon. We need to get Ken out of there. Hawkmon! Stop the truck but don't attack it directly."
"You got it Yolei. Feather Strike!"
Hawkmon threw the feather right in front of the truck causing Mummymon to stop quickly. "Hey what was that?"
From the back of the truck Mummymon could hear Arukenimon yelling at him. "Why do I let you drive you fool? Don't you understand we are working back here?"
"I'm sorry my sweet but something made me stop. But I don't think it matters we have reached our destination. Now if only our hearts would reach theirs together."
"Shut up for idiot!"
Davis and Yolei both stopped behind the truck. "I know where we are."
"Where Davis?"
"Highton View Terrace. It was where Tai and Kari both first saw Digimon. They say it might be a gateway to the Digital World."
"Do you think Arukenimon and Mummymon know that?"
"They must if they brought Ken and all those kids here Wormmon."
"I'm going to quickly e-mail Kari so they will know where we are."
Just then Arukenimon came out from the back of the truck with Ken. She didn't get very far before Wormmon jumped out and attacked her with his Sticky Net. When she was knocked back Raidramon de-digivolved back to Veemon. Once Ken's scarf was untied from his hands Wormmon Digivolved to Stingmon.
"Ken you better get out of here."
"No way Davis not until we save the other children."
"Oh yeah I forgot about them."
"You guys worry about Arukenimon and Mummymon. I will get the kids."
"Yolei be careful. Oikawa was in there."
"He was?"
"Yes he is the one working with Arukenimon and Mummymon."
Just then Jim's car pulled up and Kari and the others came out. They had their Digimon Digivolve to join the the fight. Yolei who beside the truck to keep an eye on the kids waiting for them to move. It seemed that they didn't want to get away and go home to their families. Just then she saw someone else in there. A taller man, a man who she thinks she saw in the ally way a few nights ago. She moved out of the way when she saw him move towards the open doors with the kids not far behind them.
"Now kids I need you to remember this place. I will be calling you all back here soon. Then I will take you all to the Digital World."
"Hey you can't make these kids meet you here. They do have parents you know."
"Who do you think you...Miyako."
"Um what? How do you know that name?"
"I know all about you Miyako. My name is Oikawa and I believe we are going to become much better acquainted."
Yolei just looked at the man. How did he know about her? She could hear the sirens in the distance. She knew the police were coming and that the kids would be returned to their homes where they belonged. Oikawa took a step closer to her. She had just turned and was about to run when his arms caught her and he covered her mouth with his hand before she could yell. Mummymon and Arukenimon both retreated before the police got to them.
"Yeah you better run!"
"Davis Oikawa was just here. Where did he go?"
"Yolei? Yolei where are you?"
"Kari? What is wrong?"
"Yolei she's gone."
Davis, T.K and Ken ran in the direction Arukenimon and Mummymon went. Cody stayed with Kari who had fallen to her knees. She could feel the tears coming but she had to be strong for Cody. When she looked at the younger boy he was already crying. Kari hugged the boy and allowed her own tears to fall.
The three boys had ran down to another street and a car was just about driving away. Ken tried to run after it the best he could but he knew he wouldn't catch it. Before the car was out of view he saw Yolei in the backseat with Oikawa with the rag tied around her mouth. He could only guess that she was tied up so she couldn't fight back. Then the car was gone.
"Ken."
"That bastard! This wasn't just about me and the dark spore."
"Dark Spore?"
"That isn't important Davis. He now has Yolei."
"Ken is right. But also is Davis. Obviously this Dark Spore is important in some way. We need to get back to Kari and Cody. We left them up there with the missing kids and the police."
Davis and T.K both turned to walk back but they noticed Ken hadn't moved from the spot he was in. He was just watching. Hoping the car would come back. Hoping Yolei would be there standing beside him. T.K then went up to Ken and put his hand on Ken's shoulder.
"We'll get her back. I promise we will."
Okay that is Chapter 27. Hope you guys enjoyed. And I am sure you noticed that I didn't put Daemon and his team of Digimon in here. What could it mean? Could I have a sequel already happening in my head? Yeah I don't even know but I never really understood why they had Daemon and the Daemon Corps for like only three episodes. Anyways I am rambling again.