Digimon World Tour
Digimon Adventure 02, Digimon Adventure, Digimon Data Squad, etc. 1999-2014 Toei Animation, Akiyoshi Hongo, Studiopolis, Saban Brands, etc.
Before We Begin:
I had consulted with three of my most avid readers/supporters concerning my poll. You know who you people are. Two of them suggested Marcus, and one suggested both Marcus and Thomas because he couldn't decide and/or because they were two sides of the same coin. Well, when I closed the poll, it turned out a third person had voted to put Henry in. I'll admit, I did not know you could look at the poll results while it was still open (even though it was a blind poll). Unfortunately, as we now have seven main characters already, not to mention those on the side, I don't think we can fit Henry in. But "moumentai", guys. You can still catch up with him by rereading Digimon Tamers International and Digimon Savers International.
Chapter 2: The Deal
Matt
We waited until the next day to actually get to know each other. I got their contact information and became Facebook friends with all of them. Sure enough, Rika had "liked" Roxette. Who knew? We decided to meet at the food court in Decks Tokyo Beach, one of the many malls in the area. I wore sunglasses just in case anybody recognized me. While we had lunch, I started up the conversation. "So guys, tell me a bit about yourselves. Why don't we start with family? I've got one brother, T.K. over there. Our parents divorced when I was seven, I decided to split us up. T.K. went with my mom, I stayed with my dad. That's the way it's been ever since." Rika nodded her head. "Same here, except I'm an only child. Dad just up and walked out. Never saw him again," she sighed before taking a sip of her drink. "Agreed. A family is one thing that was never meant to be broken. I should know," Thomas added. He toasted with T.K. in agreement. I was amazed. "Man, I had no idea I had something in common with two people already," I said. Marcus raised his hand. "Yeah, I got a question. Rather than talk about who comes from a broken home, because nobody cares about that, really... When are we gonna get down to business about this whole rock group thing?" "Patience, Marcus..." I said through gritted teeth. Rika was next. "Yeah, I didn't come here to hang out. I thought you called us on Group business, so let's get it on." Kari tried breaking it up. "Guys... how are we gonna be a good band if we don't get along with each other?" she asked. "Kari's right, but so is Rika," T.K. decided. Kari looked to my brother. "Huh? What do you mean?" "Well, when we met Davis, Yolei, and Cody, we had to get to know them as time went on. These guys really aren't any different," he explained. "Hold up, Davis? Yolei? Cody? These guys new band members, too?" Rika asked, taking another sip and eyeing T.K. "...Well, no. It's kinda complicated." "It can't be that complicated," Greg piped in. And so, he spilled everything. Right in the food court. I had to make sure nobody else was listening in.
"So lemme get this straight, you've got something called a Digimon that hangs out with ya and fights with ya?" Marcus asked. T.K. nodded. "And there's this place called the Digital World?" Thomas went on. "Yep," Kari said. Rika said nothing, but stood up and walked back to the soda fountain to get a refill. She went for the Coke Zero, filled it up as far as she'd go, put the cap and straw back in, and then walked back to sit down. "...Come to think of it, I did see something a couple of years ago," she finally said. We listened intently. "I was watching it on the news. Whole bunch of people got held up in a convention center. Then, these two angels shot arrows of light and these giant mecha appeared. It was freaky." "Two angels? Arrows of light?" I asked. Then, I pointed to T.K. and Kari, who were just grinning their heads off.
A look of surprise came over Rika's and Greg's faces. "No way. You mean you two know about this whole thing?" Greg asked. "Know about it? We were there!" Kari said. Just then, my cell phone rang. I excused myself and hid in the men's room, answering the call.
"Hello?" "Is this Yamato Ishida?" "Um, yes it is." "Yamato. This is Commander Richard Sampson of the Digital Accident Tactics Squad. You and all in your party have been summoned. We are tracking your location at Decks Tokyo Beach, and will be there to pick you up shortly. Stay where you are, and do not attempt to escape. That is all." Then, he hung up.
Thomas
Hello, everyone. My name is Thomas H. Norstein, and I have a feeling I'm going to be the brains in this organization. During that first meeting, I gathered more detailed impressions of the team. First, Matt. He's the leader of the band, and from first impressions, a pretty solid person. I don't think I'll have any trouble getting along with him. T.K. and Kari seem very friendly, almost like the perfect couple. Rika has quite a bit of fight in her. Maybe she'll be tempered down in time. Greg is harmless enough, but I'll need more data on him. The only person I think I'll have trouble with is Marcus. I find him crude and obnoxious. Obviously, he appeals to things aimed at the lowest common denominator, which is perhaps why he chose the drums.
Greg
Thomas H. Norstein is quite an interesting character. There's just something about him that makes you want to associate with him. On the other hand, he has this other certain something about him that just screams "elitist". Something about him seems too good to be true. But I focused a lot of time on Kari. If I could just get her away from the guy with the bucket hat, I might have a chance with her. It was either her or Rika, I was sure of it. But before I could fully get into my fantasies, we found ourselves surrounded by tall men wearing dark green business suits lined with a gold fabric, white dress shirts, black dress shoes, silver bar tie clips to complement the tie, square sunglasses, and earpieces. We didn't know what to do. Kari just looked around, and Matt came out of the restroom. "Uh guys... oh, they're already here," he realized. Thankfully, none of them had guns, but we were forcefully escorted to a set of limousines waiting outside. I didn't want to fight with them, but Rika and Marcus did. "Let go of me! Where are you taking us? Huh?!" Within seconds, Marcus was subdued against his will.
We rode through Minato until we reached a building, then drove into a tunnel that led to a parking garage. We each had to stand at a computer display and look into the screen. "Retinal scan activated," the AI system beeped. After a few seconds, I heard a ding. "Subject identified: Gregory Logan. You may proceed." "Huh? How'd it know my name? I don't have a criminal record!" I protested. With that, the door opened and I met a large group of people in this war room of sorts.
T.K.
I started counting them as I went in. Nearly everybody was there, including Cody, Yolei, Tai, Sora, Ken, Davis, and Izzy. They even managed to bring in Joe, which was quite rare considering he was in medical school. The only one I could see missing was Mimi, but she was still in New York. That was fine with me. "Well well, it looks like not even B.P. could escape," Davis quipped. "Who's B.P.?" Greg asked, looking around. "Aww, don't mind him. That's just Davis," I replied. Thomas took notice at Ken. "So, the world famous Ken Ichijouji. At last, we meet," he said. "Uh... I'm not that famous. And who are you?" Ken asked back. "Thomas H. Norstein. I've been reading a lot about you in the papers. I'm a genius as well." "Oh... you weren't kidnapped by a guy wearing a purple trenchcoat, were you?" "No. Not at all." Ken breathed a sigh of relief, then smiled.
Just then, this man wearing a purple trenchcoat and sunglasses walked in, wearing what looked like a white scarf. Kari and I gasped. "But- but, but I thought Oikawa died!" I stuttered. The man introduced himself. "Greetings, and welcome to the headquarters of the Digital Accident Tactics Squad, or DATS. I am Commander Richard Sampson, and this is my partner, Kudamon." All of us Original DigiDestined gasped at that. "He's got a Digimon partner?!" we asked at the same time. All of a sudden, the scarf lifted itself up and spoke. "Yes. I don't know why you're all surprised. I've been waiting a long time to meet Sampson," he said. Izzy scratched his head. "Hmmm... I guess that throws a few theories I've had out the window," he reckoned. "Why is that, Koushiro?" That took Izzy aback, because nobody ever called him by his real first name. He'd always been "Izzy" for as long as I've known him. He finally got himself back together (or regained his composure, if you prefer. Yeah, that sounds more like a writer.). "...Because I've always theorized that only children could become DigiDestined. Of course, I'm only going by what Gennai told me, and so far, he's been pretty accurate. On the other hand, Mr. Oikawa met his partner just before he transformed himself into data... so based off of that, my theory has just been disproved. I guess that's all right." "Hmmm... three geniuses," Thomas mused to himself.
Marcus just had to speak up. "All right, all right. Enough of all this theory junk. Why'd you bring us here? We didn't do anything!" "That's true, but I have a feeling you will, very soon," Sampson replied. Marcus growled. "And why's that, old man?!" "Hmmm... all right. I guess I should explain more. Shortly after the events of the past Christmas, the United Nations Security Council formed a special committee to investigate what had happened. Our country, Japan, is participating with Australia, China, France, India, Mexico, Russia, the United States, and Vietnam. Since the first incidents originated here, we are leading the investigation. That is why I'm enlisting the help of the original DigiDestined to join us." "And what if we say no?" Matt dared to ask. Sampson stood there stone-faced and answered, "I'm afraid you have no choice in the matter." Tai clenched his fist. "It won't matter, Matt. We're the DigiDestined! We can handle this!" he cheered. Thomas had another opinion. "Commander. That's all well and good, but what about us? We were just brought in with the others. We've never dealt with Digimon before. In fact, I'd only seen them before on the news." "Yeah, you can't just hold us captive like this! We'll fight!" Marcus shouted. Sampson thought about that one long and hard. Then, it looked like he remembered something.
"Ah yes, I remember now. Yolei mentioned something about you having a group, Yamato. The Teenage Wolves?" That surprised Matt. "Huh? Yeah... what about that?" he asked. "Well, I know how hard it is for a musical recording group to get started. I was in one myself when I was a teenager, in Florida. Anyway, it just occurred to me that a concert tour could be a perfect cover for international reconnaissance. You could go all over the world and investigate on the side." "The perfect cover," Kudamon agreed. Marcus didn't buy it. "Naw, man, that's not what being a rock and roll star is about." "Oh really, what is it then?" Kudamon inquired.
["Rockstar"
Written by Chad Kroeger, Ryan Peake, Mike Kroeger, and Daniel Adair
Performed by The Teenage Wolves feat. Kudamon
Lead Vocals: Marcus Damon (Quinton Flynn)]
The group faces Commander Sampson and Kudamon, who are at their usual spots. This, ladies and gentlemen, is an example of the Adaptation Hypothesis. We delve into Marcus' fantasy.
Marcus:
I'm through with standing in line
To clubs I'll never get in
It's like the bottom of the ninth
And I'm never gonna win
This life hasn't turned out
Quite the way I want it to be
(Kudamon: (spoken) Tell me what you want)
The lyrics should be self-explanatory. As Marcus demonstrates it, we find Kudamon conveniently in the scene nearby.
Marcus:
I want a brand new house on an episode of Cribs
And a bathroom I can play baseball in
And a king size tub
Big enough for ten plus me
(Kudamon: (spoken) Yeah, so what you need?)
I'll need a credit card that's got no limit
And a big black jet with a bedroom in it
Gonna join the mile high club
At thirty-seven thousand feet
(Kudamon: (spoken) Been there, done that)
I want a new tour bus full of old guitars
My own star on Hollywood Boulevard
Somewhere between Cher
And James Dean is fine for me
(Kudamon: (spoken) So how you gonna do it?)
I'm gonna trade this life
For fortune and fame
I'd even cut my hair
And change my name
The scene shifts to a performance on Kōhaku Uta Gassen ["Red and White Song Battle"] where the band is playing to the delight of Yumiko Udō, Wataru Abe, and Mao Inoue.
Marcus:
'Cause we all just wanna be big rock stars
And live in hilltop houses, drivin' fifteen cars
The girls come easy and the thrills come cheap
We'll all stay skinny 'cause we just won't eat
And we'll hang out in the coolest bars
In the VIP with the movie stars
Every good gold digger's gonna wind up there
Every Playboy bunny with her bleach blond hair
And well, hey, hey, I wanna be a rock star
Hey, hey, I wanna be a rock star
Back to Marcus' "definition" of being a rock star. Again, the lyrics should give you a good idea.
Marcus:
I wanna be great like Elvis without the tassels
Hire eight body guards that love to beat up jerks
And sign a couple autographs
So I can eat my meals for free
(Kudamon: (spoken) I'll have the quesadilla, ha, ha)
I'm gonna dress myself with the latest fashion
Get a front door key to the Playboy mansion
Gonna date a centerfold that loves
To blow my money for me
(Kudamon: (spoken) So how you gonna do it?)
I'm gonna trade this life
For fortune and fame
I'd even cut my hair
And change my name
It seems the gang is thinking carefully about this, as we find each of them lip-synching to the lyrics (a la Nickelback's music video), with some playing air guitar. Sometimes the lyric they are lip synching relates to themselves, and sometimes it's quite off, as Izzy discovers.
Marcus:
'Cause we all just wanna be big rock stars
And live in hilltop houses, drivin' fifteen cars
The girls come easy and the thrills come cheap
We'll all stay skinny 'cause we just won't eat
And we'll hang out in the coolest bars
In the VIP with the movie stars
Every good gold digger's gonna wind up there
Every Playboy bunny with her bleach blond hair
And we'll hide out in the private rooms
With the latest dictionary of today's who's who
They'll get you anything with that evil smile
Everybody's got a drug dealer on speed dial
Well, hey, hey, I wanna be a rock star
Back to the self-explanatory fantasy for this one.
Marcus:
I'm gonna sing those songs that offend the censors
Gonna get my face on a Pez dispenser
Get washed-up singers writin' all my songs
Lipsync 'em every night so I don't get 'em wrong
Well, we all just wanna be big rock stars
And live in hilltop houses, drivin' fifteen cars
The girls come easy and the thrills come cheap
We'll all stay skinny 'cause we just won't eat
And we'll hang out in the coolest bars
In the VIP with the movie stars
Every good gold digger's gonna wind up there
Every Playboy bunny with her bleach blond hair
And we'll hide out in the private rooms
With the latest dictionary of today's who's who
They'll get you anything with that evil smile
Everybody's got a drug dealer on speed dial
Well, hey, hey, I wanna be a rock star
Hey, hey, I wanna be a rock star
We quickly return to the real world.
Matt
As cool as some of that sounded, I had to set the record straight. "...Yeah, a few things about that, Marcus. I really hate to burst your bubble, but I want to avoid drugs where possible. I mean, the less trouble we get in, the better." Sampson nodded. "And I can have it all arranged. We'll spend the rest of the year giving you training. You'll master your vocal abilities, your instruments, your physical abilities, and your abilities with Digimon. The work will be long and hard, and will push you to limits you thought you'd never reach before. In the end, it will all pay off." Marcus could agree to that. "Yeah, yeah. I'm ready for it. I mean it's not like we're gonna do the whole boy band thing, like a buncha trained dancing monkeys. We're gonna do it right, like how they used to do it." "Sign me up," Greg agreed. The others agreed as well.
Greg
We spent the rest of the day getting our brains scanned, taking personality tests, and basically getting wrung through a psychological wringer in order to determine which Digimon was right for us. Some of the tests were easy, I'd done them before at some colleges for money. Others were a bit harder. I saw a set of four images, and then heard a statement. After that, I only had three seconds to touch the correct image or images on the screen. Then, I had to land a Boeing 737 in a flight simulator (I didn't do so well in that one), followed by the Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test, where I had to take a shape and place it into a corresponding space.
Matt
While the newbies took their "tests", the rest of us were reunited with our Digimon. Gabumon and I didn't say much, but that was just how we rolled. Patamon snuggled up with T.K. and Kari and Gatomon embraced. "T.K., Kudamon told us all about our new mission, and I like it!" Patamon said enthusiastically. "Yeah, we're gonna go all over the world," his partner went on. Tentomon put in his two cents. "Hmmmm... I'm not quite sure all of us are going on this trip around the world. After all, someone's got to stay here and guard the fort." "Which is just what we'll do, Tentomon. Besides, my vocal chops just don't cut it, despite all my studying," Izzy admitted. "I know, I've heard you in the shower," the insect buzzed. Wormmon climbed up on Ken's arm. "Oh, it's so good to be back with you," he said. "Wormmon, it's only been a couple of weeks," Ken reminded him. "Oh."
(All of a sudden, we return to the writer's office, where The Narrator [Doug Erholtz] is just about to explain something. He puts on a pair of fake glasses.)
Narrator
Before we go any further, there is something you must know. This is a musically-based piece of fanfiction, similar to those currently written by IrishDreamer4 (whom the author has collaborated with). What you have just seen in the "Rockstar" montage and what you are about to see here with this Wilson Phillips montage are examples of the Adaptation Hypothesis. The explanation from TV Tropes reads thus: "Derives from the Literary Agent Hypothesis: the songs are merely a dramatic reconstruction of what really happened. For instance, if two characters converse in song and come to some sort of conclusion, it is assumed that the characters really just had a normal, non-musical conversation that came to the same conclusion, but for the sake of upping the drama (or comedy), it has here been adapted into a song. Technically, all musicals are really examples of the Adaptation Hypothesis: there is a story and the music is added to dramatize it. However, to truly count as a definite Adaptation Hypothesis example, the others must generally be clearly not applicable: it must be a non-diegetic song during which the singing character clearly communicates with other characters in some form but the universe is still not implied to treat spontaneous singing as normal." And as you may know from watching all six seasons of the anime, spontaneous singing is not generally accepted in the Digimon universe. If anything, this is closer to the drama CDs released in Japan, where the seiyuu [roughly Japanese for "voice artist"] also perform songs written for their characters. Apparently, the concept of "a paycheck is a paycheck is a paycheck" is universal.
Am I the only one who enjoys Michael Cunio as T.K.'s singing voice?
["Eyes Like Twins"
Written by Rupert Hine and Jeanette Therese Obstoj
Performed by The Chosen Children (Sora [Colleen O'Shaughnessy], Kari [Lara Jill Miller], T.K. [Michael Cunio], Hawkmon [Neil Kaplan], Gatomon [Mary Elizabeth McGlynn], Patamon [Bridget Hoffman], Yolei [Tiffany Christun], Biyomon [Tiffany Christun])]
And so, the friendship bonanza begins. Most of the boys are too ashamed, embarrassed, or not talented enough to make their contribution to this song. Mimi's absent, so that kind of lowers the numbers a bit.
Sora:
I recognize that smile
Our winter was oh so cold
You wore your mysterious cloak just like a child
T.K. finds himself drawn into this song as he joins in. Tai facepalms, wondering what's gotten into that boy. Matt, the very leader of the band, wonders why it's come to this.
T.K.:
No careless words were said
We spoke with eyes instead
We looked into each other like long lost friends
Commander Sampson and Kudamon look on pleased, as the commander joins in playing the synthesizer. And just because most of the guys aren't in this doesn't mean they don't feel the same way. Gomamon climbs up Joe's back, which takes our wannabe doctor aback a little, only to put a smile on his face.
Kari/Gatomon:
Then you went away
And I never heard
Kari:
You had a summer haunt
You said the ice would kill
But you would not be caught (Sora: Not be) (T.K.: Not be caught)
The background seemingly melts away to become white, with various patches showing meaningful clips from Digimon Adventure and DA02.
Group:
We have eyes like twins
T.K.:
Where your last thought ends,
Patamon:
my next begins
T.K./Patamon/Kari:
always
Group:
Just one heartbeat away
From everything I mean to say, oh
Catch me, I'm falling like you
Wish for me, I'll be running to save you
Touch me, I'm calling for you
Remember me, I will never betray you
T.K.:
We have eyes like twins
(Sora: We have eyes like twins)
(Kari: We have eyes like twins)
Gatomon:
I slept a thousand hours
My heart felt cold as a coward's
You sent a southern breeze like a forest fire
I heard those voices too
Kari/Gatomon:
I dreamed each dream with you
Gatomon:
We breathe as one together and we shed our tears
We continue as the Digimon and humans nonverbally show their affection to each other. Cody's confused by the whole thing, but seemingly understands the concept. Davis and Veemon are probably the most clueless at this point.
(T.K./Patamon/Kari/Gatomon: Ahhhhh)
Yolei:
But then I woke with you
(T.K./Patamon/Kari/Gatomon: Ahhhhh)
And my dream came true
(T.K./Patamon/Kari/Gatomon: Ahhhhh)
Hawkmon:
I'll never hold you here
Yolei/Hawkmon:
I know when winter comes that you will disappear (Kari: Disappear) (Gatomon: Disappear)
Eventually, Matt gives up as he starts playing bass.
Group:
We have eyes like twins
Kari:
Where your last thought ends,
Gatomon:
my next begins
Kari/Gatomon/Yolei:
always
Group:
Just one heartbeat away
From everything I mean to say, oh
Catch me, I'm falling like you (Biyomon: falling like you)
Wish for me, I'll be running to save you (Biyomon: I'll save you)
Touch me, I'm calling for you
Remember me, I will never betray you
Patamon:
We have eyes like twins
(Sora: We have eyes like twins)
(Yolei: We have eyes like twins)
(Group: Ahhhhh)
Patamon:
I see red (Hawkmon/Gatomon/Sora: I see red)when you're in danger
Gatomon:
And I see blue (Patamon/Hawkmon/Yolei: I see blue) when you are crying
Patamon/Gatomon:
All the pictures I believe (T.K.: I believe)
Patamon:
You are no stranger
Patamon/T.K./Gatomon/Kari:
You are no stranger (Sora: Stranger, Stranger) (Hawkmon: No)
By now, the whole room is full of joy and feelings. Marcus passes by and is disgusted at what he sees, quickly exiting.
Group:
We have eyes like twins
T.K.:
Where your last thought ends,
Patamon:
my next begins
T.K./Patamon/Kari:
always
Group:
Just one heartbeat away
From everything I mean to say, oh
Catch me, I'm falling like you
Wish for me, I'll be running to save you (Gatomon/Hawkmon/Patamon: I'll save you)
Touch me, I'm calling for you
Remember me, I will never betray you
Patamon:
We have eyes like twins
(Sora: We have eyes like twins)
(Kari: We have eyes like twins)
T.K.:
Touch me, I'm calling for you
Remember me
You are no stranger
(Group: We have eyes like twins)
Kari:
You are no stranger (Group: We have eyes like twins) to me
Group:
Just one heartbeat away
(continue until fade, transition to next scene)
Matt
After that was over and the testing was done for the new guys, Commander Sampson had another surprise for us. Izzy was in on this one, not surprisingly. "For this, we'll need to collect your Digivices and D-Terminals," Sampson announced. We looked to each other. "Huh? Our Digivices?" Tai asked. "What does he need my D-Terminal for?" Davis wondered. "That's a very good question," Cody replied. We passed along our equipment, unsure of what would happen next. "Commander Sampson told me what he was planning on doing, and it'll be great. I'll be working on it with the team, so it should be good," Izzy reassured us. "I hope so," T.K. said. "This project should take about a week. In the meantime, hide your Digimon and keep them out of the public eye. Security must not be compromised. Understood?" We ad-libbed our agreement, but that didn't satisfy him as his voice became sterner. "What was that!?" This time we got our act together."Sir yes sir!" Sampson nodded. "Good. We'll bring you back here in 168 hours. That's next week. Dismissed!"
After that, we were each given our own DATS identification badge so we'd be able to get in. T.K. and Patamon went home with Gabumon and me so we could map out our first album. One thing that's always puzzled us was why Mom and Dad split up. Dad wouldn't give any other reason except "it's complicated", even when I pressed him during our usual Sunday barbecues. He's your typical Japanese working man, devoted to his job and his family. I decided our first album would be about being a teenager and dealing with the feelings that came with that. I picked up a sheet of paper I'd been working on. "OK, T.K., how does this sound? 'Things are starting to accelerate into something/Never stopping always trouble bubbling/Now I think I'm getting dizzy, too much spinning/Page by page the plot is thickening quickening!'" My brother quickly analyzed it. "Hmmmm... is this about your first time on the Tilt-a-Whirl?" I picked up my guitar and started playing the chorus. That brought a smile to Gabumon's face. "Ooooh, that's catchy. I'd keep that part," he suggested. "Ha ha, thanks," I chuckled as I quickly took out a sheet of paper and started putting down the notes. "'Things, are, starting to accelerate-into-something-never-stopping-always-trouble-bubbling...' hmmm... it's easier to play on the guitar than on the piano." I quickly went to a nearby piano and started hitting a few keys, trying to find the right pitch. "'Things, are, things, are, things, are, star-ting to...'" "By the way, did you hear back from that radio station in Mexico?" T.K. interrupted. "Shhh. Not right now, I'm busy." Just then, Patamon chirped, "Yeah, that reminds me. T.K. never got that CD to Chérie FM. He was too busy flirting with that French girl, Catherine." With that, T.K. took off his hat and playfully covered Patamon with it, pretending to punish him. "Hmmm... does Kari know about this? Hmmm?" I asked. "Eh... I'm, I'm sure she'd understand. I mean, Tai and I were just being polite." "Heh heh heh, you have so much to learn about women, young grasshopper." I caught T.K. in a headlock and gave him a noogie.
When we finally went to bed, I couldn't sleep. I just kept staring at the wall. "T.K.?" "Yeah, Matt?" "I've just been thinking. It's been a heck of a few months, what with the Dark Spores, and the whole mess with MaloMyotismon. Just when you think something's over... it's not." "That's why I'm glad I've got the crest that I have. You need your friends... (yawn) and I can go it alone." "No one crest is more important than another." "That's not what Azulongmon said. (yawn) Kari and I have an advantage." "How so?" "I'll explain in the morning. Go to sleep, Matt." "OK, good night."
Well, he finally explained it to me in the morning. Apparently, the crests of Hope and Light are special in that they can generate a positive energy and directly influence the Digital World. ...Yeah right. I didn't give it much thought until that next Saturday morning at DATS headquarters. Greg was the first to meet us, with a Mello Yello can in his hand. "Morning, guys," he said cheerfully, taking a sip. I raised an eyebrow. "Mello Yello this early in the morning, Greg?" I asked. "Yeah, I mean, it's citrusy, right?" "Might as well put a cup of coffee in your hand." "Oh no, Matt, I don't touch coffee. It's too expensive, and doesn't have the right amount of sweetness." "Hey, whatever gets you through the night, buddy," I relented, patting him on the back and walking away.
After everyone arrived, Commander Sampson and Izzy made their entrances. Izzy's clothes were all different, kind of a bodysuit with a jacket. I thought for a sec he was wearing his Captain Picard outfit he wore at Halloween. The commander addressed us. "Good morning. Well, DigiDestined, the time has come. First, I have to introduce our Digimon to our new recruits. These Digimon were chosen for you based on the results in your tests last week. We'll start with..." He took a glance at a clipboard. "Rika Nonaka." Rika cracked her knuckles. "That's just how I like it," she confidently said.
We walked into a room with a long ramp that led to a tube. A tractor beam of data dropped down, and something began to form. Thomas took out a small notepad and wrote something in it. By the time it was finished, this new Digimon raised its eyes and glanced at us. It looked like a fox, and had fur sticking out from her shoulders and a furry chest. It also had purple sleeves, with yin-yang symbols. I couldn't help but stare at its penetrating icy blue eyes. This Digimon uttered one word. "Rika..." The voice definitely told me it was a female Digimon. Her eyes matched with Rika's, and they stared each other down for a few minutes. "Hmmm... what's your name?" Rika asked. "My name, is Renamon. I've been waiting a long time." The two got closer and closer, continuing to stare each other down. After a while, they bumped fists. Instant friendship, baby. If you listened carefully, you could hear Marcus panting. Renamon turned to him. "Barbarian," she grumbled.
Greg was next. The Mello Yello had made him anything but. "All right, I'm ready! Bring it on!" he rambled, jumping back and forth like a boxer. As the data started to piece itself together, it looked quite familiar. When it finished, the blue lizard-like result jumped down the catwalk. "Yahoo! I'm in the Human World!" Davis looked absolutely stunned. "Another Veemon!?" he finally uttered. This new Veemon eagerly shook hands with Greg. "Hiya. My name's Veemon. But you can just call me Veemon. I've been waiting a long time, it's nice to meet ya. Nice to meet ya." Just then, Davis' Veemon decided to interrupt as he approached his clone. "Hold it, hold it." The two stared each other down, and Greg just stood there awkwardly. "...Oh crap, is there supposed to be a limit of one Veemon per team?" he asked. Davis' Veemon nodded. "You bet there ish!" "Hey, what's your problem?" Greg's Veemon shot back. "Look, dere's only room for one of ush Veemon." Greg's Veemon looked around. "Dere is?" "Yeah! Isn't dat right, Davish?" "Yeah!" At that point, Commander Sampson cut in. "Both of you! I assure you, there's no mistake. The tests proved that Gregory should be partnered with a Veemon. Davis, I offer my apologies." "Why are you apologizing? I think Greg's the one who should be apologizing!" Davis retorted. Greg gasped. "For what? Can I help it if you have the same Digimon as me?" "No, you have the same Digimon as me!" "And that's a problem, why?" Davis started getting in Greg's face. I had a feeling things were going to get ugly. Luckily, Greg's Veemon jumped in. "Vee Headbutt!" It landed right in Davis' shin, bringing him to the ground. Kari had to break the two up. "Enough fighting! Davis, I don't think Greg can help it. If Commander Sampson says he was meant to be partnered with a Veemon, then he shouldn't have to switch because you got one first." "Look, Davis, I don't want to cause any trouble. You can keep your Veemon, I'll take a Pikachu, and we'll call it even," Greg meekly offered. Commander Sampson again had to give his word on the matter. "Mr. Motomiya! Your behavior is childish and petulant. Knock it off! Gregory Logan will be partnered with a Veemon, and that is final!" Greg's Veemon's face lit up. "You mean I can stay?" he asked hopefully. "Yes." "Yahoo!" Davis didn't look too happy, but at least his Veemon was getting used to the idea.
Marcus was next. "All right. Let's see what I got here. Maybe I'll get a smokin' hot Digimon like Renamon," he said. Thomas took out his notepad and wrote in it again. "Oh grow up, Marcus," he murmured. The data pieced itself together, and out came a Digimon that again looked very familiar. In fact, it looked just like Agumon, except he had red training bracers on his claws He started running with his claws forward, yelling bloody murder. That excited Marcus. "All right! A challenger!" he exclaimed as he clenched his fists and started running toward the Digimon. The two fought against each other, tooth and nail, matching each other move for move. T.K. got a bit worried. "It looks like they're gonna kill each other," he whispered. I had a different idea. "Naw, they wouldn't do that so soon. Look at Marcus' face." Sure enough, he was smiling. The two were enjoying this fight. "You know how sometimes you and Patamon play patty cake? Well, that's kinda what they're doing," I went on. It went on for about five minutes, until the two were both exhausted. Tai looked to his Agumon. "Weird, huh?" "Yeah. We never fight like that. Maybe we should," Tai's Agumon suggested. Again, Davis cut in. "You mean you're actually okay with the fact we have another Agumon on the team!?" he asked in his usual concern. Good ol' Davis. Greg joined the conversation. "Dude, you seriously need a chill pill," he suggested. Finally, the fighter and the Digimon shook hands. "Name's Agumon, and I like your fighting style," this new Agumon said. "Name's Marcus, and you're not so bad yourself," Marcus returned. "Thanks, but I've got so much to learn. That's why I'm going to follow you. Just consider me your new employee, Boss." He offered his hand, and the two shook.
Next, it was Thomas' turn. He stood at the catwalk's entrance, waiting patiently and calmly. "I wonder what partner I'll get," he thought out loud. Once again, the data pieced itself together, and a blue dog wearing boxing gloves and a red scarf tied around his head walked out and approached him. "Are you Thomas H. Norstein?" the dog-like Digimon asked. "Yes, I am," Thomas replied. "Good. My name's Gaomon, and I've been assigned to be your Digimon partner. It's a pleasure to meet you, sir." The two shook hands. "Hmm, looks like they're getting along," I said. "Almost like a business transaction," Gabumon added.
After the newbies got a chance to meet their Digimon, Izzy brought out a pair of suitcases and laid them out on a table. "OK, guys. Commander Sampson and I worked all week on these. It's time the DigiDestined entered the 21st century. Behold, your new Digivices!" With that, he opened the case.
Author's Notes:
I would introduce the Digivices this chapter, but I still need to think them over. Since this is a completely new story, why use the same Digivices? I'm mulling over the idea of creating a wrist-mounted device, something like the Motoactv or ZYPAD. Only so much can be done with handheld Digivices. And yet, I'd like to implement DigiSoul as well. The way I could see it working is the Tamer charges up his DigiSoul in his hand/body, then scans the hand over the Digivice watch, and then poses while allowing the Digimon to absorb the data. It'd be similar to Power Rangers or Super Sentai, but I just don't have it fine-tuned yet. Any help I could get would be appreciated.
I've been trying to fit in "Eyes Like Twins" ever since Digimon Tamers International. Perhaps it may not completely be an example of the Adaptation Hypothesis, but it works. This particular arrangement is based on the Wilson Phillips version, but if you ever have a chance, listen to Rupert Hine's version. He originally wrote the song and it's interesting.