Digimon Adventure 04 Chapter 18: The Villain and the Heroine
By Bluestar076
Hello everyone! Bluestar here with the first chapter of Adventure 04 of this year! It surely has been a long delay since the last chapter was uploaded at the end of December, and this makes me kinda sad, but since this chapter was pretty long and I've focused on other stories i couldn't do much. But yes, I've still thought of all the occasions I've lost to continue this story last year, but much like everyone, even for me 2020 was a disastrous year since I've had to adapt myself to new rules, the quarantine and I haven't been mentally well since I've had graduation exams and the pressure put by the study and the video lessons was really high. So I couldn't be as focused as I was in 2019. This experience really made me sad, because I knew that I could proceed a lot with the stories but I couldn't do it. But at the same time, this gave me motivation to do my best in 2021! And I'm proud of what I've done until this point. I hope to recover time even with this story, since it's my main project and I want to carry it on. Today's chapter will actually be important, since it will show the origins of this story's first main antagonist!
So this chapter will be more psychologic than others. But there will still be elements typical of the Digimon series we all know and love. So I hope you enjoy it!
Note: I do not own Digimon. All rights and characters belong to Bandai and Toei Animation. Also, this is a fantasy story. All references to real people, groups, places, laws, names and marks are completely casual.
Chapter 18: The Villain and the Heroine
Some hours had passed when he first felt hesitation in his heart. Some hours had passed when he was able to pass a possible breakdown. But…fear and hesitation were still present. That man was still controlling that everything was going according to the plan. His goal was becoming closer and closer, but at the same time, the possibility of defeat somehow…was growing stronger. How was that possible? Even he didn't know. The best he could do was moving on, now that he reached this point.
Saiba Rei was sitting in his office, looking at the computer on his desk. He was currently checking the position of all the mercenaries between the ones who had an USB key and the ones who didn't. Now that the mercenaries were starting to be less, he had to be more sure that nothing was going to happen any further. At first, he wanted to make the detectives from the Cheshire Cat Agency make their moves to see if his ideals were right. When this all started, he saw them just as a text of his actions. But now…he truly understood why he hired mercenaries to get rid of them in the first place. Right now…they were starting to become a threat.
He gave a quick look at all the mercenaries. And then he saw that the signal of one of them was lost the previous day. He sighed. Another defeat for him. "So even Astaroth had lost…with this…they have six keys at the moment…" He said. He then stood up and looked at the view of San Francisco from the windows of his office. The giant city that was living its life like a normal day, not knowing of the ambitious CEO that was hiding his plans. For a moment, Saiba envied the citizens peace and tranquility. At least, they wouldn't have to worry about greater ambitions or organizing something as big as what he was thinking of. "…The fulfillment of the plan is near to us…but at the same time we can be defeated…never I would have expected that this plan would have evolved into such a bizarre paradox…life surely is strange like Digimon…" He spoke.
"True enough. But that is what makes it funny enough to live it. Don't you agree, Mister Saiba?" A voice then suddenly asked. When Saiba turned around, he saw someone he knew.
Jake Ambra entered from the door of the office with his usual smirk. "Oh. It's you Jake." The CEO simply said. "You know…those bodyguards are much harder to avoid than expected. I've had to make such a road to come up here! How ironic…even you that work with criminality right now…can't help but still leave some surveillance out there." The criminal said.
"Bodyguards are always needed in places like this. It can always be possible that someone would aim at my life after all. And...i must not give a bad impression to the people out there. Now that I think of it…this reminds me of when this battle with those detectives even started…even in that time…there was an infiltrated. He tried to kill me, but was stopped by the leader of the Cheshire Cat Agency before he could even reach me." Saiba explained.
"Eheh…she probably would have preferred to let that guy come to you at this point. Even if it would have been clearly impossible, due to your Digimon." Jake jokingly said.
"Yes…back then, she was like many other people who respected me. But now she and the other detectives will see me as an enemy of the society. But this is but a secondary thing. I was prepared to become what they see as a villain. It was…for the good of my ideals." Saiba answered.
It was in that moment that Jake came closer to his boss. All this devotion to the plan that he didn't know about…made him somehow curious. "Speaking of which…it has been a while since you hired all of us and told us the importance of our presence. You said that each one of us had a key role in all of this. And now…the show is starting to avoid the script, thanks to that detective agency. But…there's still a missing piece. An important scene that we never got the chance to see, like the secret cutscene of a video game that you strive so hard to get but you still don't do the necessary." He said, before making a more serious stare. "Saiba Rei…what exactly is the goal that you want to achieve?" He simply asked.
"Hm?" The other man turned around. "When we got your call. All you told us was that you had a precious plan to make and that if we got rid of the Cheshire Cat Agency, you would have paid us. But I still don't get it." Jake started to answer with his usual smile. "What is this plan that you care about? What is the motive for which we are putting this show? What is the crusade that we are following?"
Saiba Rei silenced. He was the first one that asked this type of question. He said the purpose at Cassidy a while ago, but apart from that, no one ever knew the truth behind this. He wasn't sure to say the whole story behind it or not. But…Jake Ambra was surely a productive mercenary and one of his strongest. He, at least deserved to know something. He looked for a moment in his pocket and then made a deep breath. "Very well." He said before turning on his henchmen with a grin. "I hope you like long stories."
"Oooooh! It's a full story then! I'll hear it with pleasure then." Jake replied back, pleased.
"Indeed….it's a story that started even back when I was a kid. The story…of my devotion…to the United States of America." Saiba said, before telling the story…of how he became the Seeker of Darkness.
It all started 46 years before. Back in 1991. At the time, a four years old kid, was living his childhood and approaching himself to the life. A kid destined to do great things…and become important in the far future.
He was known…as Saiba Rei.
Saiba Rei came from a rich family, due to the jobs of his parents. His mother, an American woman was a book writer and wrote many novels that revealed to be giants successes. While his father, an American man of Japanese origins (This explained his name and last name) worked as a soldier for the UN, the United Nations. Life for him was a simple. He had time to play with his dogs, had the love of his family, and even stared to go to Kindergarten and start his education.
In this period of time, there were two important figures that were only the first pillar of what he would have become.
"Why can't I touch it?" The little Saiba asked to a kid with white hair and white eyes near him. "That's called a nettle. It's a plant with thorns. If you touch it, you get hurt! And you don't want to feel bad, right?" The kid answered back. This other child was Neo Rei. He was none other than Saiba's older brother. He got used to take care of the younger child of the family when they wanted to take a walk, and like a typical big brother, he was careful at every single action Saiba was doing. Right now, they were on a small park and Saiba was going to touch a nettle. The kid looked at the plant and then nodded at his brother. "Ok! I won't touch it! If you say so!" He said all happy.
"Good job! You've made a wise choice!" Neo answered back with a smile as well. "You know, I'm surprised in how much things you see and know! You always take care of me! I want to become like you one day!" Saiba then said. "I'm just older than you! That's why I know more things! I'm sure that one day you'll do as good as me!" His brother replied. "I will! I want to be good!" Saiba exclaimed all happy. He was innocent, happy and free of every thought. Just like other children, the only thing that Saiba wanted was to just live his life and have many successes in the future. He was a kid full of hopes and dreams that had only optimism in his heart. Of course, he was naïve of how life worked, but no one could blame him. No one knew that he would have contradicted his own words in the distant future.
And then…came the second important figure. The person that loved the most in the whole world. His brother was surely an inspiring figure, but his father was like a model to follow. Strong, brave, and caring for his beloved ones. Even if he didn't have much time, that few he had, always spent it in the best way. With his family. He had taught a lot of things to Saiba, much like reading, writing, and knowing about the animals, plants, and even the many states of the America.
Saiba's father was known to be a soldier proud of his own country, calling it the best in the world. He could have been considered the patriotism made in one person. And when he could, he always took the chance of talking about the history of America. From when it was discovered by Christopher Columbus, to the period of the Conquistadores, to the War of Independence, to Abraham Lincoln, and ending with the victories the country had achieved during the two World Wars.
Both Neo and Saiba heard of those stories with great interest. None of them could believe that such amazing stories were real. The fantasy of the little child was growing bigger, as he thought of making things as great as the ones he heard. But over all, he was grateful towards his father to be there and tell those stories…and to give him hope and comfort.
And then…the crucial moment came.
It was the 11th of January. The president George W. Bush received the permission to attack the Iraq on the Gulf War. And as a member of UN, Saiba's father had to leave and fight for the country he loved so much. A sad goodbye. But this didn't make the family sad, since they've got used to it. Despite all the travels, he always returned with a big smile on his face, ready to give his family company once more. They were hopeful. He was going to come back surely. But still…the wait was long.
Days passed on…and Saiba continued his life. Her mother had to take care of both him and Neo, at least until her husband would have came back. Luckily, thanks to the money she gained from her novels, she didn't have particular difficulties in doing that.
But still…the lack of his presence…was strong. And Saiba…tried to find happiness in his brother. Who was always there.
One day, they were reading magazines one close to another. "Do you think…dad will come back?" Saiba asked. Neo looked at his brother with a confused stare, but then smiled. "Come on, what are you thinking? Of course he'll come back! He's an hero after all! I can't wait for him to tell us how did it go!" Neo replied. Saiba stayed in silence, but smiled as well. "You're right! He'll make our country proud once again!" He said, before turning back to read his magazine. Even he didn't know what he was thinking when he asked that silly question. His father would have surely came back for them, and for making his country proud once again, just like his brother said. But still…something that didn't make him sure was still present in his mind. Something that was giving him some anxiety. When his mother looked at the TV News, he usually took the chance to see them as well, especially the ones regarding the war on Iraq. He saw how tremendous the conflict was, by just looking at the images. And obvious questions were coming up. How was dad doing? Was he in there? Was he hurt? Was he…alive? His mother always gave him reassuring questions. But this…somehow…didn't make him feel better.
Was he having…a doubt for the first time?
He didn't know, and the others for him couldn't give an answer. There was only one person that could give him an answer…was him. His father. If he was ok, only his return would gave him an answer.
And then…the moment came.
February 28th of 1991. The medias gave confirm that the gulf war ended. For the Rei family, this was indeed a good news. Finally…their beloved one would have came back. Saiba was the most excited one for the moment. How was his father going? What troubles and dangers he had faced? How many tears he would have shed after seeing his family? He wanted to know so many things for him. But most of all…he wanted to prove his love for him one more time.
But it was in that moment…that darkness covered his heart for the first time.
The day after…the doorbell rang on the family's house. Saiba, his brother and his mother came there to finally greet the person they missed so much. But…when they opened the door…it turned out that there was another soldier there. They were confused. What was going on? Why was he there?
"…You're Mistress Rei, am I right?" The man asked to Saiba's mother, who nodded. "I'm a soldier of the UN. And a colleague of your husband. I'm…deeply sorry to announce…that…he's no longer with us." He then announced.
Silence as an answer…and tears falling down. Hearts broken…the sky that was turning dark…and rainy. "W-What?" Neo asked. "I-It's not true! Come on! Dad is…strong…he…would never die…" He wanted to not believe, but he knew that the soldier was telling the truth. His tears were the evidence of his belief in his word. There was nothing to hide. His sadness was too evident.
"Unfortunately…it's the truth. The enemy caught him and tortured him to death. When we arrived and eliminated the responsible…it was too late." The soldier explained, definitely putting the family in despair. A people they loved so much…was gone forever. Saiba's mother started to sob while tears went down like two waterfalls. Neo was incredulous and shocked. A trauma that would have signed him forever. "No…it's not true…it can't be…" He said before falling in his knees and started to cry. As a sign of respect, the soldier took off his hat. "I'm…deeply sorry for what happened. If we were faster…maybe we could have saved him." He said, unleashing Neo's rage. "WHY DIDN'T YOU DO THAT THEN!? IT'S YOUR FAULT!" He shouted.
"NEO!" His mother answered back. His wrath was understandable, but this was no reason for insulting him. "…Sorry…" Neo said. Saiba remained in silence while crying. He didn't find the words to describe what he was feeling in that moment. It was like his own world was destroyed. An important part of him disappeared. A figure…dead. How could he have endured that pain for the rest of his life? He didn't know…and didn't want to know.
"Your father was a great soldier that contributed to the country. And…he actually left something to you…" The soldier then took out something from his pocket. It was a tissue. "We found it in his uniform's pocket." He said before turning to Saiba. "I think…he wanted to give it to you." He then proceeded to give it to the young child. Saiba didn't lose time and held it tightly. And by looking at it better…he saw that there was something written on it. A date.
January 1st 1987.
The day when Saiba was born. The kid understood everything. During all those days…his father wrote that date…in order to think of his family…and to think of him. A deep and strong sign of love of what was really important in his life. With this…Saiba thought of him as the greatest hero he ever had. "Father…" He simply said…holding the tissue tightly with tears on his eyes.
His mother looked at both of her children…and hugged them. She knew well of the pain they were feeling. Losing a parent during the childhood is one of the worst things a person could feel. She shared that pain with them.
Days passed on…the body of Saiba's father was buried at the graveyard of the city. A desire he probably would have wanted. The family still had a great pain…but tried to go on with their lives. They knew that despite death, he was still with them. And they even visited often his grave.
But probably…the most damaged one was Neo. Not only he was destroyed after the news, but he felt…deluded…and offended.
"You…lied to us…you said that you would have came back and greeted us…but you didn't keep your promise…how could you be so open? You're…nothing but a weak and a liar!" Neo shouted at his father's grave. It was the first anniversary of his departure. Luckily for him, Saiba and his mother were distant so they couldn't hear him. Without saying anything, Neo turned back to them. "Saiba…would you like to say something to your dad, now?" His mother asked with a smile. The child nodded and now it was his turn to go.
He looked at the tombstone in silence…for a few minutes. There was a photo of his father smiling, as if he was able to find peace after death. Thinking of that, made Saiba feel a little bit happy. And then…he spoke.
"…Hi, dad. It's…been a while since we visited you…isn't it? With today it's a year…i'm going well at school, just like you wanted. And I've even started to work with the computers. I'm actually doing very well! The other kids consider me an expert! I thought you would have been happy of hearing this. I know you would. And…I've even started to study even more of this country's story…your passion was surely the greatest virtue you had…and you did your best to show it. Everything in family goes well too! Except for Neo who is…more close to himself for a while now…" He started. But he wasn't finish yet. There was still something he wanted to say. Something he thought for a while. A big project. A wish that he started to grow. And his father was supposed to be the first person to know it. "I…I really admire…the things you've done for this country…for the America. But…it's really a shame that everything would have come to an end like that…I think…America still needs of people like you were. That is why…I made a decision. I…will become famous one day. I'll be a person that will change the country and bring it to the next level! As the proof of my love for you…I'll carry on the ideals you held so much…dad. Leave it to me." He declared with a smile. And when he said it, he meant it. It was an official oath. He couldn't let his father's acts be for nothing. That was why in that moment…Saiba Rei decided to do anything at his best…in order to become famous and change the whole America. This…was the step that decided his whole life.
Another year had passed. It was now 1993. Saiba was now six years-old and was starting elementary school while he was improving himself with technology. At the time the computers and Internet were still slow, but he was capable of showing his skills. Unfortunately, the same couldn't be said for his brother Neo. The older kid of the Rei family was now more close towards the others, and was starting to decline every offer his friends made. He preferred to be alone in his room, and sometimes, he was starting to go out home for some unknown reasons. Saiba was starting to get worried for him. Many times, he tried to talk with him to understand what was going on in him, but every time, Neo ignored him or yelled to leave him alone. This made Saiba terribly worried. He always cared so much for his brother, and seeing him in this state wasn't reassuring for nothing. Until that day…
Saiba was coming back from school. Until he passed in front of a skyscraper and heard someone breathing heavily. It was casual, but Saiba recognized that voice. "Wait…could it be?" He wondered. And his thought was right.
From an alley, came out Neo, who was holding his spleen with his hand. Judging by the breaths and his painful face, he seemed to be pretty wounded. Saiba didn't understand why he was there, and why he seemed to be in trouble. But then he saw it.
On his spleen…there seemed to be some blood. "N-Neo? Why are you here?" Saiba asked, feeling fear. "Oh…it's you…it's…not that of a big deal…i…just got it when I was taking…some money." Neo replied. There surely was something wrong. Why would he be that wounded for some money? As far as he knew, Neo never had troubles with people asking him for money. He didn't ever make a favor to someone. There was only one explanation for that. An explanation that Saiba didn't want to believe. "Money…? You…didn't steal them…did you?" He asked.
Neo glanced at him in silence…and turned around. "It's…not something you should get worried about. Your brother is fine. Go home." He said, sounding like he wanted to finish the discussion immediately. "Neo, wait! I need an answer! Where did you get those money!?" Saiba asked, feeling more panicked. "It's none of your business!" Neo retorted back, starting to raise his voice. "It is one of my business! As your brother, I need to know if you are ok or not! Did you steal those money!?" Saiba exclaimed. The pressure was starting to be too much for him. He needed an answer in that exact moment. Indeed he received an answer. But not a nice one.
"SO WHAT!?" Neo shouted. Saiba looked at him with a traumatized face. Neo never answered that angry to him. It was evident that he had completely changed his behavior. But Saiba didn't still understand…why was he acting like that? Neo has always been a good person. There had to be a reason why he started to become the complete opposite of his past self. "So what, Saiba? I…I just learnt that you can't trust no one in this world…not your friends…not your society…and not even your family…everyone at one point or another…will start to lie to you…just to make you feel worse. That's why I'm going to act differently. " Neo continued.
It was at this point that Saiba understood everything. Trust. Only one word to know a reason. Since it was also a moment that signed him for life as well. "You…didn't get over the death of our father…right?" He asked with a more calm tone. And as expected, this question made his brother mad. "DO NOT MENTION THAT MAN EVER AGAIN!" Neo shouted back. "I…I don't wanna hear about him again. NEVER! HE'S ONLY BUT A LIAR!"
"What?! How can you say something like that!? He…He was our father! You…loved him as much as I did…it was a hero for you…remember?" Saiba asked. "At first…that was what I thought. He was…the top model to follow in life. But then…he decided to abandon us…don't you get it, Saiba!? He abandoned us!" Neo answered.
"THAT'S WRONG! Y-You know it as well…he would have never abandoned us…they…didn't give him a chance to return." Saiba exclaimed back. He couldn't believe that Neo could talk like that, referring to his own father. "You…just can't accept the fact that he's gone…"
Neo was starting to shriek. Saiba was telling the truth. But he couldn't just admit that a beloved person was dead one year before. "N-No. That's not it…I know that he's gone…I'm…trying to move forward…I…I want to change everything…to open the eyes to everyone…to let them know that this world is wrong!" He said, staying firm on his words. It was at this point that Saiba's face became serious. He, who wanted to follow his father's ideals, knew that was Neo was saying was incorrect. Fighting for the country didn't mean make crimes. At this moment…Neo was taking the wrong side. "Do you…really think that what you are doing is right? No. If you keep doing this…you'll start to become an enemy of the society, and you will desire to see the whole world destroyed."
"So what? You want to stop me now? I…I knew it…I…can't even trust my own brother now. Just like I thought…they're all against me…" Neo said. "That's not it, Neo! Why don't you understand!? I'm not against you! No one is against you! But if you continue to do this, the what you say will become true! I…I know that it's sad that our father is dead. I know it's sad, dammit! But…you can't deny it. What you can do…is to move forward…and do the things he always wanted to do…in a good way…we can make good together, Neo…just like we once did…" Saiba continued, with a smile, showing that no matter what, He still loved his brother and wanted to make him turn back the way he was. But unfortunately…Neo still didn't want to listen.
"I…I won't believe you. No! I won't believe everyone!" His brother shouted. "Neo…please…stop this…" Saiba said, making one step forward that alarmed Neo. "NO! DON'T COME CLOSE TO ME! I'LL HARM YOU!" He shouted, starting to sound like a psychopath. "No, I don't want to do anything! I just want to help!" Saiba answered back, before looking at the right and seeing something that alarmed him. "NEO! GET OUT OF THERE NOW!" He shouted full of panic.
"OH LISTEN TO HIM! HE WANTS ME TO GET OUT OF HERE SO HE CAN CAPTURE ME! WHAT A GOOD BROTHER YOU ARE!" Neo answered back with a smirk. "I'M SERIOUS! GET OUT OF THE ROAD!" His younger brother said. It was in that moment that Neo was confused. "The…road?" He asked. He realized then that he was in the middle of the road and that the light was red. But…it was too late. It happened.
When Neo looked at the right…he could see it. A truck that was going towards him. In a moment…it hit him…followed by the traumatic expression of Saiba, who looked at the scene. He couldn't believe what he had just witnessed. He didn't want it to feel it again…the pain…of losing a member of the family.
The truck stopped after hearing the impact, and the driver came out and saw the damage. "OH GOD! WHAT HAVE I DONE!?" He shouted.
Saiba immediately ran towards Neo, who had a shocked expression on his face, as blood was coming out from all over his body. "Neo…please Neo…answer me…" Saiba asked, while he was starting to have tears in his eyes.
Neo turned his face…and looked at his brother. "Why…why didn't I listen to you…? I…I'm sorry Saiba…I…made a terrible mistake…tell mom…that I'm sorry…" This…was his last sentence…while crying…before closing his eyes…one last time.
Saiba wasn't able to say anything. The pain was too strong. Just like that time. Just like his father…his brother was gone. Why? Why was it happening again? Why did he have to pass through that pain again? He didn't do anything wrong. So…why? He had always been a good person. But…the pain was still there.
"No…it can't be…NEOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" He shouted in an agonizing pain. Even the truck driver started to cry. He couldn't believe that because of his lack of attention, someone got killed.
Soon, the police and Saiba's mother came. The driver was arrested. While The little kid was still feeling the pain of losing someone important. His brother…was always someone who looked after him. He taught him lots of valuable things. And gave him company when he was sad. He was a model brother. But right now…even he…was gone.
Some days had passed…and the funeral for Neo was made. Saiba's little brother was buried in the same graveyard as the father, some inches away from it. The Rei home was much emptier. Not only a father, but also a son and a brother…was gone. All that was left…was a mother…and a son.
One rainy day…some days after Neo's funeral…Saiba and his mother were sitting on the table, both with a sad expression. Life went on…but nothing was the same anymore. The silence in the house showed how hollow it became. Happiness seemed to be just an old and good memory. Saiba was only a kid…and yet he had to feel absolute despair. But still…he felt the need to move on and live his life at his best. Only by going further…he could have found the happiness he lost. Both his father and his brother were still going to be in his memories, but he had to move on. So he came closer to his mother…and made a smile. This moved the widow, making her hug the little Saiba. "Y-You're right…we can't stay like this…they wouldn't want to." She said.
Despite everything, a mother still had her son, and a kid still had her mother. It wasn't much…but it still was enough for them to move on. At least, what remained of the family…could see a sparkle of hope.
Two more years had passed.
In 1995, a big change came in the life of Saiba Rei. Due to the popular success of his mother's novels in the world, a Japanese corporation offered her a better place where to work in Tokyo, the capital of Japan.
"Saiba? Have you finished to prepare your stuff?" She asked to his son. "Yes, mom!" The little boy replied. For Saiba this was actually an unique experience. He was going to live in the country where his father's parents were born. By this, he felt more closer to his father, who still was his model after his death and promised to be like him in the future. Of course, he was also curious about what Japan would have looked like and he would also have started an advanced course of informatic at his new school. His experience with the computer was going to be much more advanced, showing the first signs of the man he would have become.
So, Saiba and her mother left the United States…and started a new life in Tokyo, more specifically at Shibuya. Both Saiba and Mistress Rei found themselves comfortable in the new home. The lady wrote many novels that all had a big success and earned enough money to give to the two of them a beautiful and normal life. Finally…they were able to find the happiness they lost. Even Saiba was living well and healthy. He found many friends in the new school and started to acquire even more skills with computers.
And then…one night…Saiba saw another element that changed his life.
Both him and his mother were sitting in the living room, watching the television news, which were broadcasting a bizarre event.
"Right now at Hikarigaoka, there are many explosions that are starting to destroy the whole road. The police still doesn't know what the cause of this is, but they are suspecting of a terroristic attack." This was what they said that day.
Mistress Rei was shocked to see the damages of the town and even she couldn't understand what was going on. But Saiba was different.
The boy had his eyes wide open, as he saw something he would have never believed to see. Something that only in his fantasies or even in his dream could see.
What he saw was a giant and orange dinosaur that was fighting a green parrot, causing havoc in the road of the quarter. He could also see two kids, presumably siblings, watching the fight. This was by far the most strange and bizarre thing he had ever seen in his life. Yet…Saiba felt attracted by that vision. He didn't know if what he saw was real or not…but it felt magic.
Naturally, he didn't say nothing to his mother, since she probably wouldn't have believed it, so he took that vision for himself. But from that night on…Saiba started to be more interested in the general informatic, but also started to search if there was a possible existence of fantastical creatures. He didn't find nothing, but he didn't give up. Conserving the information for himself, he continued his research and hoped one day to find the answer.
Then…three years passed.
It was now August of 1999. The 90s were about to end, and a new millennium was going to begin, and surely…it was an indeed strange summer, since many unexplainable phenomena were having place in various places of the world. For both the human world and another world…everything was about to change.
Saiba was at the first year of middle school, and was parting for a small summer trip with his class. There were lots of kids of his age, bigger and smaller than him. The boy thought that it was a good opportunity to meet more friends and see if there was someone who could listen to him and his theories about the future of technology. And in the end…he found someone.
Saiba was simply fixing his tent for the camp, noticing how the clouds were starting to get bigger. He knew that in a moment or another, it would have started snowing, but this certainty made him confused. Snow…in full summer? How?
Suddenly, he got distracted from such thought after he felt something touching his feet. When he looked down…he saw a soccer ball. "Uh?" He asked.
"Oh, sorry! That's mine, sorry if I bothered you!" A voice said. Saiba turned around and saw a boy with brown hair and yellow eyes, wearing a blue shirt and blue pants, white sneakers and even white gloves. But surely the most interesting particular of this boy was that he was wearing an headband and a pair of googles on his head. When Saiba looked at him…he felt like he was quite familiar. He was sure to have seen him somewhere…but doesn't remember where. "Do…I know you?" He then asked.
"Uh? Are you sure?" The boy asked back. "Hmmm…" Saiba tried to think more about it, but couldn't find an answer yet. But he was sure that wasn't the first time he saw that boy. "Maybe it was an impression of mine. Sorry."
"Don't need to apologize! My name is Taichi Yagami! What's yours?" The other boy then presented himself, willing to start a discussion. This made Saiba happy, as he presented himself as well. "Saiba. Saiba Rei!"
After that, both Taichi and Saiba started to spend some time together and talking about some various stuff. Even though they just have met, the two boys seemed to get pretty well together. Saiba talked to him about wanting to be a famous person in the world of informatic and technology, while Taichi didn't seem to have a road to follow. But that was ok for Saiba. He could tell that this boy was good-hearted and quite brave for someone of his age.
And then they started to play chess, seeming to have an intense play. "Tell me Taichi…do you believe in the existence of creatures out of the ordeal?" Saiba asked. "What do you mean?" Taichi said back. "Do you think that somewhere in the world…creatures that aren't normal at all and maybe even have some sort of speciality…could exist somewhere in this world?" The other boy explained better.
"Oh! You mean like…unicorns, dragons, bigfoot or even aliens?" Taichi then tried to guess. "Well…sort of." Saiba simply replied. "I don't know…when they mention those things, they usually reveal to be fake news…like the monster of Loch Ness. A photo appeared in a journal once, but no one was able to confirm his existence, right? Usually…stuff like this is fake. Do you really think something like that could really exist?" Taichi asked.
Saiba smiled as he moved a pawn. "Indeed. Many of these things are usually confirmed to be fake and turn out to be the fruit of simple hallucinations or the work of someone who wants to trick the others to have success. Creatures like elfs…dragons…extraterrestrials…are indeed fruit of fiction and really don't exist. But…something tells me that creatures similar to that…really exist. Even I know that it's technically possible…but…deep in my heart…there's something that makes me want to believe their existence. It's only a feeling…but so strong…" He said.
"And where did that sensation come from?" Taichi asked. "It happened some year ago…do you remember the terroristic attack at Hikarigaoka? All those destruction…surely it could truly be a terrorist attack but…that day…I saw something strange on that television…that day…I saw them. There were…what seemed to be…a giant dinosaur…and a giant parrot fighting each other. I know it sounds stupid and maybe I've just imagined it. But…that one sight…made me want to make researches of creatures out of ordeal that could exist in our world." Saiba answered. His reply shocked Taichi, since he knew well what he was talking about. That fateful night where he and his sister first made contact with creatures known…as Digital Monsters. Of course, he thought that he and his sister weren't the only first one to see all that havoc…but he still couldn't believe that someone else had seen what he had seen. And he was not the first one.
Saiba noticed that his new friend was having a shocked expression. "Uhm…are you ok?" He asked. "Uh? Oh, sure. Don't worry, Hehe!" Taichi answered back while scratching his head with a nervous laugh. "Anyways…if those kind of creatures would exist…what would you do with them?" He then asked. It seemed that Saiba was happy to hear that answer. "If that was possible…I would like to see if there is a way to form a bond with them. Live in harmony with those creatures would give our world wonderful advantages. They could even help us make our countries better! Can you think of it? Bringing our world to the next level would be such a great thing!" Saiba explained showing his passion. He always loved to explain things that interested him, such as technology and policy.
"I see…" Taichi said, before his attention got caught by someone else's voice. "Taichi!" When the two boys turned around, they saw a girl with orange hair, yellow eyes, wearing a yellow T-Shirt, blue jeans, snickers and a blue hat. "Sora!" Taichi said. "Me and some other kids are heading to the top of this camp! Wanna come with us?" She asked. The boy turned to Saiba. "Don't worry. If you want to have fun with them, you can go! I understand." He said.
Taichi understood and nodded. "Got it. Don't worry! I'll come back! I'm coming Sora!" He said before running with the girls. Saiba looked at his new friend leaving before going back to his tent and spend some time at studying informatic. He somehow felt happy to meet that boy. He didn't know why, but he felt that Taichi guy…had something special. Plus, he was certain to have seen him somewhere else, but he didn't know where.
A couple of minutes went by, and Saiba was still studying, until he heard many voices outside the camp. Intrigued by that, he came out of his tent and saw what was going on.
It was Taichi and six other kids. Saiba was surprised to see that Taichi already finished what he had to do with the other children, but what made him more confused was that those seven kids were holding seven strange beings, which also made the rest of the camp curious. Saiba could see that the group was under pressure by all that attention. But he himself, couldn't deny that he was curious as well to see what those things were. "Uhm…guys? They're not feeling well if you stare at them in that way. Could you give them some space?" He then asked to the rest of the camp, which seemed to understand. So the kids came back to their work, making the seven children take breath. "Thank you Saiba. I was starting to feel uncomfortable." Taichi said, feeling the sweat in his head. "No problem but…what is this? Where did you find it?" Saiba asked, pointing at the pink ball Taichi was holding in his hand. He still couldn't know that thing was actually Koromon, a creature they call Digital Monster, also known as Digimon.
"Oh, t-this? I found it in the old house at the peak of the camp. It's a plushie. You see, I have a little sister back home, so I thought this could be a good present for her!" Taichi answered, making a plausible excuse. "T-That's right. I've even took two of them so I could play with my little brother! Isn't it right, Takeru?" Even Yamato was supporting Taichi's answer. "Y-Yes!" Takeru replied.
But Saiba wasn't convinced yet, even if he remained silence. Filled with curiosity, he took a deeper look at what those kids called 'toy'. His stare was so deep that if someone called him, he wouldn't have listened. Koromon did his best not to make a single noise, but he could feel the amount of pressure coming on his circular body.
As he looked better, Saiba had a sensation that this wasn't the first time he saw something like that. Just like Taichi. But this time…he was sure. That night…he saw the same creature, only in a different shape. He wanted to advise those kids, but he also knew that by doing so, he would have alerted not only them, but the rest of the camp. So…for now…he decided to play it cool. "I see. Well, they have an unique design! I hope your sister will like it!" He said.
"Sure do! Eheh…" Taichi replied. Some minutes after that bizarre moment, all the kids on the camp were called to get on the bus. It seemed that due to the irregular snow, the summer camp was cancelled, and all the kids were going to go back home, including Saiba. But the travel back inside the bus was somehow unpleasant for him. For all the time, the boy kept looking at Taichi, who was talking at another boy called Koushiro. He could feel that those creatures were something different from usual animals. What were those creatures? This was a question that he would have kept in mind for a long time. Maybe…he would have gotten the answer he had been seeking for.
Once the bus came back to town, Saiba saluted Taichi and promised that they would have hung out sometime in the future. And so, the boy was going to pass his four last week of summer vacation at home, with her mother. But…the bizarre moments were just going to start.
Some days later, the whole city of Tokyo was attacked by an absurd invasion. Strange creatures were taking over the city, kidnapping people and attacking the building. Plus, there was a strange mist covering the whole town. It was the weirdest event the whole Japan had probably lived.
Luckily, Saiba and his mother remained untouched and unseen by that weird army, as they remained closed inside their house. "W-What Is happening?" Saiba asked, a little bit worried. "I don't know…but…whatever it is, don't exit the house!" His mother replied. "I won't, promise!" Saiba simply said.
It was a moment of panic for everyone, not only for them. But after a while…the panic stopped, and everything came back to normal. When Saiba's mother opened her window, he could see that it was night…and that the streets were destroyed but empty. But most importantly…the mist was gone. "It's…all normal now…" Saiba said. Or at least…that's what he thought…before both he and his mother looked up in the sky.
They saw what they seemed to be various scenarios of another land: A sea, a wood, a city, and a cave. It was like…they saw a completely different world. "My god…what is happening today? N-Not even in my novels I would have imagined something like that…" Saiba's mother said.
Even Saiba was confused, but at the same time…he felt attracted by that sight. It was as a new door has opened. A door…that would have led him to a new world…to a new page of the future. A door…that would have led him…to the next level. "That's…a whole new world…" He thought.
Then…in that moment, he saw a light made of various color…and a small group that was going in there. By looking carefully…Saiba remembered them. It was Taichi and the other children (Plus one). "Is that…Taichi?" He wondered. Then…he remembered. He remembered why he had the sensation to already have seen Taichi some where. The night of three years earlier. He had seen him there…along with those two creatures. "He…he's connected with them somehow…" He thought before going back to his room. "Uh? Saiba?" His mother wondered why he came back inside the house.
The boy stayed there in silence, but with a satisfied smile on his face. All of his thoughts, his theories, his suppositions…were all true in the end. Strange creatures…do exist…and they were there now. "It's all true then…it's all true…i…I can't believe it…" No one could describe the wonder Saiba was having right now. If it could be described, it was like a pure evangelist that just came to heaven and had witnessed the presence of God. It was just…pure happiness mixed with pure hope. Still in astonishment…he took something from his pocket: The tissue where his birthdate was written. The one his father held until the very moment he died. Saiba could see it. The moment he could finally make his dream come true. His father, his hero, was going now to be remembered by the whole world. "Oh father…I've saw it…the door to the future…i…finally see what could make our world better…I just have to find out how to use them properly…and then…everything will change…your sacrifice will be known to everyone…and the United States…will finally be…at their highest peak…I will carry on your will father…I know I can finally do it now…and I will…" he said to himself, while a small tear was falling from his eye.
As the day went on, the various fragments of scenarios Saiba could see in the sky, started to disappear, and then, everyone could see eight giant creatures fight what seemed to be a giant octagon or something. Then…all those strange events…came to an end. But Saiba knew it well. That wasn't the end…it was just the beginning. That…wasn't going to be the last time, humanity would have seen those creatures.
Time went on…and Saiba, after he had confirmed the existence of the creatures known as Digimon, continued his research on them, putting more effort into it, while continuing his studying. He started to research every little bit of all that happened in both 1995 and 1999, searching for people who were in those places where events associated with Digimon happened. In 2000, he was one of the many kids who had saw the battle between Omegamon and Diablomon on the internet. It was in that moment that Saiba learned of an important fact about those creatures. Digimon are able to change form and evolve in other stages, and one of the factors that made this impossible was the bond with a human and sometimes, a bond could be so powerful that it could even fuse two Digimon. With this, Saiba understood that Taichi, (with whom continued to have a good bond of friendship, with the two of them hanging out many times) and the other kids were somehow chosen to have a Digimon on their side and were able to make them evolve. This also made Saiba wonder…were they really the only ones that could have a Digimon on their own? Or there were others like them? Maybe new chosen ones would have been selected in the future?
The answer came two years later, in 2002. At the time, Saiba was at the first year of high school. Once he graduated from there, Saiba would have started his advanced studies. His dream was more closer by now. Plus, it was now…that he would have had…a fateful encounter with a being that would have accompanied him for the rest of his life.
One day, after he went back from school, Saiba entered in his room, and noticed something unusual. On his desk…stood something. It was a little blue device that had a particular form and some buttons. "What…is this?" He wondered, as he took it in his hands. At this point, Saiba knew a lot about various technologic devices, but this was the first time that he had seen something this particular. Then, he realized that the screen of that strange object was starting to shine. "Light?" He thought. Even the screen on his monitor was shining. Something in his mind told him to point the Digivice at the computer. And when he did that…he felt something dragging him inside the computer, and in a second…he was in another world.
"W-What!?" Saiba asked in astonishment, as he looked around. Right now, he was in what looked like a forest with large pines, with various and strange bird flying in the sky. It was entirely a different world from the one he knew. The boy immediately understood it…and a smile slowly showed in his face. Another step for his dream was made. Saiba finally went to the world where those creature lived, and now he was going to learn more about them. "This is it…this…must be the Digital World…" He said to himself.
He then realized that there was a TV behind him and deduced quickly that he could use that TV to go back in the real world whenever he would. But Saiba decided to not use it for now. He had a research to do after all.
The boy started to walk in that fantastic world, observing all the things and aspects of it. Everything could have been important to his project. He looked at all the creatures that were passing by. Some were small, some were big. Some looked like animals and some had more humanoid looks. During the walk, Saiba even witnessed the most important fact of those creatures. He could see a small black Digimon with yellow eyes turn into a bigger pink one with large ears. "Magnificent! That creature…just now…they transformed and changed shape! Just like a caterpillar turns into a moth…or a tadpole turns into a frog…they evolved…so this is another element of these creatures? They…evolve?" He wondered, thinking of even more questions. How many stages those creature had? What changes do these creature have when they evolve? All these questions would have an answer only after many hours of study, but Saiba was more than willing to do so.
After some time, Saiba ended up on the top of a hill, looking at the horizon while he thought of everything that he had seen until now and making some conclusions. "So…it appears that this world stands on a different dimensional plan from ours…yet…the logic and physics are almost the same of the earth…even the environment is similar to that you could find on our planet. As if this world…is a reflection of ours made out of data. But what makes this world special are these creatures that are far from normal. I was even able to observe what they could do…not only they are different from usual animals…but they even possess great powers. I wonder if Taichi and the others creatures are different from all of these. Maybe the bond between a human and these creatures makes them more special?" He spoke. And then…when he looked down…he could see that inside a wood, there was what seemed to be a purple smoke coming out. "What? Smoke…? Is there a fire there?" He wondered.
After descending from the hill, Saiba decided to take a better look by entering in the woods. There, he could already feel a sensation of death, as if something more supernatural than what he had seen was inside those woods. And then…he saw it.
Another creature, unrecognizable due to the darkness that surrounded his body was removing the soul of a victim from the body. The process made a sound that remembered that of a tornado. The boy stayed there, watching the scene. Normally, someone would have screamed and fell in panic, but he remained there, like he was attracted by what he was watching.
Once the creature sucked out the soul of the victim, this one disappeared in data. The being covered in the darkness then turned around, and saw Saiba. Only his red glowing eyes could be seen. The two of them stared at each other in silence for at least three minutes. Then the being came closer to the boy, and started a discussion. "How curious…no one has looked at me in the way you're doing it right now." The being said.
"What do you mean?" Saiba asked. "Me, a deity Digimon that lives in the darkness, has always been seen with terror…and sometimes with anger. This is the first time that someone had looked at me in a normal way…" The being said.
"So that's how they're named…Digimon…could it be that it's an abbreviation of Digital Monster?" Saiba thought before looking at the creature, again. "You ripped off the soul of that other Digimon from his body…why that?" He then asked. The Digimon made a small laugh. "That's simple, young one. It's my duty. Since its origin, I've always travelled in this world to search for wicked Digimon and give the eternal punishment they deserve for their actions. My duty is to suck their souls…and sent them to the realm of the dead." The Digimon answered.
"Interesting…so he's like…a Shinigami…" Saiba thought, before making another question. "What do you mean by…wicked Digimon?"
The Digimon looked at the sky with a tired and disgusted stare. "In this world…there can be such horrible creatures…that don't know the consequences of their actions…and think that they can do everything they want…and sometimes…even desire to challenge the higher rules of existence. Such beings make me want to puke…they shouldn't be allowed to exist in this world. That is why I do this. I give execution to those who don't deserve to live…in this world." The Digimon explained. "You may found it terrifying…but that's the way I think. And it's hard that someone will make me even change idea."
"No, not at all! In fact…I can clearly see why you're doing this. Even if it may sound violent and brutal…yours is still a personal sense of justice. Everyone must have at least one possibility to manifest their ideals. That's what I think. And justice is a great virtue to hold. That's…a thing…that could make the world…or a country…a better place…" Saiba answered, thinking of his own ideals. He realized that…in the end…his thoughts and those of that Digimon…were similar, after all.
"Eheheheheh…I would have never imagined to meet a human that agrees with my way of thinking…you're more interesting than I thought. What's your name, boy?" The Digimon then asked, looking at Saiba with more interest. "I'm Saiba Rei." The human simply replied. "Well…a pleasure to meet you. I'm ********." The Digimon continued, telling his name, which Saiba thought it was familiar with. "I see…so they even have name similar to elements of human cultures…"
"You're indeed an interesting person, Saiba. Probably, if I was talking to one of those children that saved this world from Apokarimon three years ago, they would have tried to take me down." The Digimon then continued. "But…it appears that the Homeostasis had decided to give more humans…a possibility to have a Digimon. It appears that in this year…the phenomenon of the Chosen Children is growing extraordinarily all over the human world."
Saiba thought for a moment about Taichi and the others and then he thought of what the creature just said. "So my theory was right…there would have been more selections in the future…this surely must be an event to study well…"
"And what about you? Are you planning to become…a Chosen Child as well?" The Digimon then asked. "Well…I would like to…ever since I've discovered about the Digimon three years ago…I was always interested in the study of them. And now…I'm here…finally my research can start…if I could have a Digimon partner…it would be perfect." Saiba replied while looking around and opening his arms to the sky. He then took out the small device he had found in his room from his pocket. "Maybe…this item is the key…"
The Digimon then came closer and looked it as well. "Oh! So you have been chosen after all…this…is called Digivice. It's an object that can create a bond between a human and a Digimon. Through it…the human can power up the Digimon and make it evolve. In my case it's not that much of a deal, since I'm already an Ultimate-Level Digimon." He explained, surprising Saiba.
It was then…that the boy thought of something…this Digimon seemed to be similar to him…they were going pretty well. And since the Digivice could create a bond…maybe…he…was the ideal one. Maybe…it was fate that made them encounter. "Create a bond with a Digimon…then…perhaps you could make it with me." He then proposed.
The Digimon was surprised. "What? You intend…to forge a bond with a deity? Think well of this…you could bear a power that you could not control." He advised. But Saiba didn't show signs of fear and hesitation. He was serious with the decision he made. "I'm well aware of the risks that I can have. But at the same time, I cannot waste this opportunity. We both have similarities when it comes to justice. My intellect with your strength could be such a strong combination. You see…I have a dream…a dream that could improve both humans and Digimon, and bring them at the next level. Something that will make everyone happy. In order to do that, I need the support of a Digimon partner…someone strong…someone…that can support me in my strong desire. And you…are such a potential partner. If you help me…I'll help you back on your duty. I'll make sure that you'll devour as many wicked and evil Digimon as possible. Partners must help each other." Saiba replied, showing resolution in his words, and then reached out for him. "What do you think?" He asked.
"…Ehhehehehehe…Ahahahahahahah! Humans really do amaze me sometimes…you would go this far…become a partner of a creature like this…just for the good of your desire…this is…very impressive…I admire your determination, Saiba Rei…" The Digimon said, before shaking his hand. In that moment…Saiba's Digivice started to shine and then it turned back normal. "What happened?" The boy wondered.
"A bond has been forged right now. You had become a Chosen Child…and my partner. From now on…we shall work together…for a better future." The Digimon said, making a little bow. Saiba was simply surprised. He didn't know what to say. But…he could feel happiness and satisfaction. He wondered if only Taichi and the others were the only ones. But now he had the confirm. There could be even more Chosen Children…and now…even he…was going to be one of them. Another little step for a greater purpose.
During the following days, Saiba continued his daily life, with the only exception that now he had his partner follow him around. Well…sort of. The Digimon didn't like to be seen from the others, so he usually stood invisible for most of the time while following Saiba, and talked only when the two of them were alone.
Life went on. Saiba continued his studies in the world of the informatic, as he started to study even more the biology of the Digimon, starting with his own partner. The opportunities life was giving him and his talent of intelligence, made Saiba take big steps forward. He could feel that his dream was coming closer day by day. Now nothing would have been able to stop him.
The young seeker also saw the phenomenon of the Chosen Children become much bigger. Many humans in the whole world started have Digimon as partnes. Most of them were children between 7 and 15 years old. Saiba was attracted by this. He could feel that both humans and Digimon were starting to come closer. But still…humans didn't know what they were and didn't want to acknowledge them.
One day, Saiba was sitting on a bench at a park during the sunset, writing notes on a notebook. For a moment, he raised up his head, and could see a small child with a Cocomon on his hands. The kid was behind a tree while talking with his partner. "How sweet…a child talking with his new friend…" Saiba's Digimon commented the scene. "Yes…indeed. If he manages to understand him better, the kid could make the Digimon much stronger. Even though…seeing this scene pities me…" Saiba added. "What do you mean?" His Digimon said, as he narrowed his eyes on him. "Look…The kid has to hide behind the tree to avoid…being seen with that Digimon…it is a shame that the Digimon as a species…have still to be kept as a secret. But I can't blame humanity after all…the terrible disasters that occurred three years ago…cannot be forgotten. Even so…" Saiba explained.
"You wish a society…where both humans and Digimon can live in harmony…right?" His partner asked with red glowing eyes. Saiba could not hide it. And nodded. "Yes…from a child and a Digimon…friendship is born. To think that the world doesn't comprehend it…makes me sad. Even Chosen Children are humans like the others. They have hopes…dreams…and light….in their hearts. Even they deserve this happiness. That is one of my goals. To make sure that both humans and Digimon are treated equally. You Digimon are monsters indeed…but at the same time you're not monsters. You are living beings, just like us. Plus…to make sure that the country I dream will be created…I need as many humans who use Digimon…as possible."
"I see…how beautiful…to wish for the others good. You almost seem like a saint, Saiba." The Digimon commented. "Heh…I don't consider myself a saint. Rather than a seeker. A seeker that wants to find the truth." The human answered back.
"Saiba!" In that moment, a familiar voice came out, which made the boy turn around. His Digimon disappeared immediately. After some seconds, a dear friend came up to him. It was Taichi.
"Oh, it's you Taichi. Good evening." Saiba said with a smile. "Hey there Saiba! I was passing by and then I saw you. So I thought that having a chat with you would have been a good idea!" Taichi told him. "But of course! A talk with a friend is never a bad thing." Saiba replied.
With that, the two Chosen Children sat on the grass, looking at the sky of the night. The sun was gone, and the first stars could be seen, shining up in the distance. "So…I've heard that there are two Digimon causing havoc in the Digital World with the control obelisk, right?" Saiba asked. After he became a Chosen Child, Taichi and the others told Saiba all the story about them. He even heard of the recent Digimon Kaiser that had been defeated. Now…it appeared that there were two Digimon now that tried to create problems for the two worlds.
"Yes…Their names are Archnemon and Mummymon. We still don't know what their goal is. But…we're doing our best to stop them. Or…at least…we are helping Daisuke and the others to stop them." Taichi answered. "Daisuke Motomiya…the boy you decided to give your googles to. Yes…even he is a quite interesting being. A such stubborn guy…yet so determined. Maybe he will make a difference like you did." Saiba commented. "I hope so! That's why I gave him my googles after all!" Taichi answered with a chuckle.
"…Say Taichi…remember that day when we met…and I told you that whole speech about fantastical creatures?" Saiba then asked. "Yeah…I remember…who would have thought that you were right in the end…what about it?" Taichi answered. "We both are Chosen Children…and the event is spreading all around the world now…but…humans still don't see Digimon well. Don't you find it sad?" He then asked.
Taichi thought of it for a while. "Well…kinda. Even I still have to hide Agumon from my parents…The same goes for Hikari. Even she has still to hide Tailmon from them. It's sad indeed…but for now…it's better this way. Sure…it would be happy to see a world where humans and Digimon live together." He said. Saiba remained silent for some seconds…then he looked up at the sky. "A world like that…is actually what I'm working on." He said.
"Huh? Really?" Taichi asked. "Yes. I think that Chosen Children need to live their lives like every other human being, without hiding themselves to talk with their partners. I think that one day…we'll reach the point where every human has a Digimon of their own, and if humans won't be able to acknowledge their existence even at that point…it could be troublesome. I'm of the idea that these two species has to become one with life…and live together in harmony. That's…one of my ambitions." Saiba explained, before turning around. "You and the others are the first ones to be chosen to have a Digimon partners. You could be of a great help for this…" He then reached out his hand. "When the time will come…will you help me, friend?" He asked.
Taichi looked at him in silence. Even if someone couldn't tell, he was admired by his immense resolute and dedication to that purpose, since before him, he never heard anyone who wanted to do something as unite humans and Digimon. Plus, even he, in his heart, desired for something like that. He wondered how many people he wanted them to meet Agumon. In the end, the former leader of the Chosen Children thought that over all, Saiba was right. Human needed to accept the existence of Digimon in the future, or the damages would have been irreparable. So he smiled as well, and shook his hand. "With pleasure. I'll tell the others and ask them what do they think of it." He said. "Thank you…Taichi." Saiba said with sincere gratitude.
"Now that I think of it…you said that some time ago, you finally had a Digimon of your own, right? Where is he?" Taichi then asked. Saiba knew that his partner didn't want to be seen, so he had to find an excuse. "Oh…you see, he's quite shy. I think it'll take some time to show himself to the others." He said. Taichi didn't have reason to doubt his friend, since they've almost told everything during all this time they knew each other. "Well, if you say so, I believe you." The former leader of the Chosen Children assured him with a smile, before standing up. "Well…I have to leave now. See you soon!" He said. Right after that, he left.
Saiba looked at his friend with a smile. "Yes…I need to build that society even for people like him. I'll assure happiness to everyone, Taichi…I promise." He thought.
Time started to pass, and the year 2002 was going to end. It was some day before Christmas…when Saiba had a quite particular encounter.
One day he was walking on the streets of Tokyo, until someone called him, making him turn around. When he did so, he could see three figures: the first one was a woman with long white hair, wearing sunglasses, a long red hat and a long red dress, the second one had a long blue jacket and a long blue hat, which hid most of his face, leaving only the left eye and the mouth visible, and in the end, the third figure had a pale skin, black hair and wore a long purple jacket. It was this third person that attired Saiba's attention. He could feel that there was…something more than meets the eye.
"I've been searching you for quite a while now…you must be Saiba Rei." The man said with a sinister smile. Saiba didn't show fear and remained with a neutral expression. He then looked at the other two figures and remembered what the other Chosen Children said to him. "You must be Archnemon and Mummymon…the two Digimon that are currently messing up with the Digital World." He said, surprising the two henchmen. "What? You know us?" Archnemon asked. Saiba didn't answer and looked back at the third figure. "So, I suppose that you are their leader. The one behind their actions."
"Indeed. Happy to hear that you are informed about this. My name is Yukio Oikawa. And I've been actually looking for you…for quite a while now." The man presented himself.
"Hm? What do you mean?" Saiba asked. "Not only you seem to be a Chosen Child like many in the world…but you also seem to be known as a prodigy when it comes to modern technology. A person with such talent is rare even in our country. You almost remember me of Ken Ichijouji…a boy like you is exactly what I need for." Oikawa answered.
"…Get to the point. What do you want from me?" Saiba said, starting to get annoyed by his presence. "I want you to join us. Have you ever heard of the Dark Seeds?" Oikawa replied. The young boy remembered well of that device. "Yes…it's the one that made Ken get corrupted by darkness…and become the Digimon Kaiser, right?" He asked.
"Correct! You see…ever since I was a kid…before any of you Chosen Children was born…I knew of the presence of the Digital World…and I've always wanted to go in there…it was my ambition for so long…mine…and a dear friend's…but I until now all my results have been pointless. But now, I've saw in the young Ken Ichijouji a spark…a possibility! I tried to manipulate him in the past by making him the Digimon Kaiser, but he came back to normal thanks to the Chosen Children. But still…the Dark Seed lives inside of him. All I need…is to take it from him, give it to other children and put it into more children, and once I've done that…the Digital World will finally be open! I will be able to go in there! That is where I need you. With a talent and a charisma like you…I can convince as many kids as possible…then, putting the Dark Seed in their heads will be a piece of cake! What do you think? You could get a lot from our cooperation…" Oikawa explained. But Saiba didn't seem that convinced, as he kept a neutral expression.
He turned around. "I won't." That was his answer, that shocked the trio. "What!? Why!?" Oikawa asked shocked. "If I have to be honest…I consider you a nuisance for me. You made darkness enter in your heart through an obsession you had when you were a kid. It was that same obsession that made you end up in this state. It appears that you aren't still able to turn page, as you're stuck in the visions of the past. Using children for your plans won't help you find the Digital World. If you are not chosen, then it's impossible for you. At least for now. Plus…I know that you and your henchmen are the ones that are causing so much chaos in these days. As a supporter of the Chosen Children, I cannot help you in any way." Saiba answered. In that moment, his Digimon (Who was invisible in that moment) could notice that his tone was much colder than the usual. Oikawa had his eyes and mouth wide open while feeling bewilderment. "Let me give you an advice. You should stop while you're still in time. Or that same darkness that you used until now…will become your doom one day." Saiba then said, before starting to walk away.
"How dare he to talk like that!?" Archnemon exclaimed angry. "We should get rid of him, right boss? Uhm…boss?" Mummymon asked to Oikawa before noticing something strange on him. The man was holding himself while trembling. "Y-Y-Yes…a-a guy like that…i-i-it's useless! He should…PERISH!" Oikawa exclaimed, before a dark red aura came out of his body, and behind him, the two henchmen could see the spirit of a strange creature. Perhaps a Digimon? Either way, the spirit tried to attack Saiba, but the Young Chosen Child turned around, and in that moment, a purple aura surrounded him and from it, his Digimon partner came up, still hidden in the shadow, and pushed back the spirit, which seemed to be terrified from him. "Y-YOU!?" The spirit shouted before going back inside Oikawa, who started to feel sick.
"So that's the truth…" Saiba's Digimon commented, recognizing the evil spirit. "Well, it doesn't matter. Now you know that you messed up with the wrong person. Don't come close to me ever again." Saiba added before walking away. Archnemon and Mummymon came closer to their boss. "Are you ok?" The woman Digimon asked. "W-What was that Digimon!? I've never seen something like that before…" Mummymon said, still terrified from the presence of Saiba's Digimon partner. "I…I don't know…but what I know is…that Saiba…is really someone not to underestimate…" Oikawa said.
Saiba and his Digimon went far from where they met Oikawa and looked at the sky. "So…what do we do? We know who their leader is and what they are planning. Should we tell Daisuke and the others?" His Digimon asked. Saiba stood in silence before giving his answer after a few seconds. "…No. There's no need to. That man's fate is sealed. The Chosen Children will find out the truth eventually, and they'll stop both him and the spirit that lives inside his body. I'm sure of it." He said. His Digimon made a satisfied grin. "You do count on them a lot, don't you?" He asked. "Yes. They're the Chosen Children, after all." The boy replied.
Time passed on…and a lot of things happened. At the end…it turned out that the one possessing Yukio Oikawa was actually Vamdemon, one of the many enemies that the Chosen Children defeated in the past. During the final battle against him, Saiba was one of the many Chosen Children that shared the energy of his Digivice with Imperialdramon: Fighter Mode to deliver the final blow. He could also see Oikawa's last moments before he became pure energy to restore the Digital World. In the end, Saiba thought that he was right when he said that his fate was sealed, and that made him sad. But at least, he was happy to know that he did something to redeem himself and was able to fulfill his dream to go to the Digital World.
Once again, the years passed on, the research of Saiba continued and the human and the Digimon became more closer. In 2003, he assisted at the return of Diablomon, who was ultimately defeated by Imperialdramon: Paladin Mode at the end. During the events of 2005, that revolved around Meicoomon and the infected Digimon, Saiba and his Digimon didn't participate directly or spoke with the Chosen Children that much. Rather, he observed how the situation evolved. He found interesting the fact that Meicoomon was able to do such thing as corrupt most of the Digimon in the Digital World. This also made him discover an important fact: the presence of deities in the Digital World. Yggdrasil and the Homeostasis. The two forces that were fighting one against each other: one to use Meicoomon and the other to stop it. It was also in this moment that Saiba remembered that it was the Homeostasis the being that choose the Chosen Children. The young seeker was actually grateful to the being that desired for balance and order in the Digital World. It was thanks to them, if Saiba was able to do a research that would have changed the world, and it was also thanks to them if he could chase his dream to the very end.
Five years later, in 2010, Saiba could finally begin his scheme. Thanks to his high intelligence and talent, he could already take a degree and found his own company. The Rei Corporation, the place of his future successes, finally opened. At first, the foundation concentrated on building technological devices such as computers, smartphones, televisions and more. At this point, Digimon and the Digital World were known to all the world, as the number of the Chosen Children started to grow on a large scale. Everything started to become more similar to the ideal that Saiba had in mind for many years. But there was still fear in the hearts of the humans, still doubt, still thoughts that Digimon could be seen as threats. But the seeker didn't still give up on his projects. For him, even an impossible vision could be possible.
One day, Saiba was talking with an important parliamentary of the United States, known as Michael Kental. This was the day when Saiba decided to take some courage and talk about his ambitions to someone important. Unfortunately for him…his idea didn't seem to be appreciated at all.
"Are you serious!? An union between humans and Digimon!?" Michael exclaimed, putting the papers with the idea written on it on the table. "What's wrong with that?" Saiba asked, trying to keep his composure. "Saiba…" The parliamentary started, as he stood up from the table. "We both know that you are, indeed, a genius and a talented man. But we both know that this is an impossible task even for someone like us. You should get an agreement from all the governments in the world, and not everyone have the same opinion like you. Plus, if I have to share my opinion, I could never think of acknowledging creatures like the Digital Monsters. Don't you remember all the havoc and the destruction they caused in the past years? Think of what happened in 2005! That giant angel woman Digimon was on the bridge of destroying everything! Do you really think they could even desire to side with us!?" He explained.
"We already have proof of that! Ever since the first time they appeared on our world! I, too, am a Chosen Child, and I can confirm that Digimon are more than capable of understanding us. They suffered as well during all these years. They, before all, want a desire for peace and make both worlds better places! Right now…there are thousands of humans and Digimon that live together…we'll arrive at a point where everyone in the earth will have a Digimon of their own. If we don't break these walls made by prejudice, there could be consequences! They don't want to destroy us, do you understand!?" Saiba answered.
"How can you tell me that? I need real proves for that! If I don't see it with my eyes, I won't believe your words. Even if what you say is true, this doesn't mean that they won't think of doing atrocious thing by taking advantage of our availability." Michael countered. Saiba remained silent. At this point…he understood that the parliamentary didn't want to listen any more, and it was pointless to continue. He was aware of it, so he sat down and looked at him. "…Fine…"
With that, the discussion was over, as Michael turned around. "Your ideal is impossible, Saiba. Open your eyes. There's no way that monsters like them…will ever want to live with us." He said before leaving. The seeker didn't do anything in particular. He simply kept looking at the direction where the parliamentary went. Total silence ruled in that room for some minutes, until a purple shadow appeared from Saiba's body, revaling his Digimon. "That surprised me. Never in my life I would have thought that there could be someone as close minded as him…" He said. Saiba looked down at an old family photo. A photo representing the days where all the members of his family were there. Back when he was a simple child, living with his mother, his father and his brother. Of course, the figure he looked the most, was his father, the figure who inspired him the most. The one who made him who he was. Everything that Saiba had done until that point was thanks to him, and his devotion for his country. The young seeker could not stop now, not when he was this close at his goal. "I…I won't let your ideals…be for nothing…i…I promise." He said.
"So…what do you intend to do now? The road has become harder now, Saiba. Perhaps we should…get our revenge…on him?" His Digimon asked. "No. At least…not now. Let's continue what we had done until now. I'm sure something will come…and that something will make things turn on our side." Saiba answered. Soon…that thing he mentioned…arrived.
A few days later, Saiba was walking through the streets of Tokyo. The sun was going down, and he kept on walking until a sight made him stop.
He could see Yamato look at a river, but for some reason…he was alone. Wanting to know more about what happened, Saiba came closer and greeted his friend. "Yamato…I didn't expect to find you here…" He said. When Yamato turned around, Saiba could see that the boy…was actually crying. "O-Oh…it's you Saiba…sorry if you see me like this…" Yamato said, trying to hide his face. The young seeker looked at his legs. "Where's…Gabumon? Isn't he always with you?" He then asked. The Chosen Child's face became more grim than before. Just hearing that name, made his heart get filled with sadness. But he couldn't hold the truth forever. In one way or another, it would have come out. So he took a deep breath…and spoke it out. "He's…gone."
Saiba Rei had his eyes wide open. What did he meant by that? "Gone? What…what do you mean?" He asked. "…Just like what I said…he's gone. He's not dead…but…he can't be with me anymore…" Yamato answered. The young seeker didn't understand. Once he asked for more informations, the Chosen Child told him everything that happened with the woman named Menoa Bellucci, what they heard from her…including the truth of the bond between a human and a Digimon. "Is…is it real…what you said?" Saiba asked. Yamato sadly nodded. "Yes…once a Chosen Child had grown too much…his Digimon will eventually fade away. Today…this happened to me and Taichi."
"Taichi? You mean…even Agumon disappeared?" The other boy asked. Yamato nodded again. For Saiba, it was a terrible thing to hear, heart-breaking. During all those years, he worked to find a situation where humans and Digimon could live without troubles and in harmony. He found their bond one of the most beautiful things he could find in his life. But to think that this bond was just temporary…he could not simply accept it. Not only his dream, but the happiness of his friends…could be destroyed instantly. But it wasn't still time to think about that. First…he needed to comfort his friend. "…It must have been painful for both of you…lose such a dear friend…" He said. Yamato was silent for some seconds…and then he run towards Saiba and hugged him tightly. Tears came down like two small waterfalls. He let out all of the sadness and grief that he was holding back. Saiba did his best and hugged him back, having an empathic reaction with him. Even he could feel the pain that Yamato was feeling. This made him really sad, and he could not make it go on like this. He needed to do something about it. For the others happiness.
Some days later…Saiba started to investigate about the phenomenon of the disappearance of the Digimon when the Chosen Child grow up. And in order to do that, he first had to know more about the most expert one. The woman who tried to prevent this and for doing so, she went to absolute despair.
Menoa Bellucci.
After asking for seeing her, he was able to enter the prison where she was and talk to her. When Menoa was told that she had a guest, she wondered who could that be. Maybe one of the Chosen Children? And then…she saw Saiba Rei.
"Who…who are you?" She asked. "You don't know me, but I've heard of you. My name is Saiba Rei. I'm a Chosen Child." He simply said. The woman was surprised. "Really? Could it be that you were one of the many that ended up in the Neverland I created?" She asked.
"Neverland? I don't remember ending up in such a place." He said. Menoa found it strange. She remembered that basically every Chosen Child ended up inside the Neverland. So why didn't he? Perhaps…he was special?
"Anyways…you don't have to worry. I'm only here to ask you simple questions…just like you, I'm a researcher." Saiba then stated. "Oh really? Well that's great…what do you need?" The woman said.
"I've heard that once a Chosen Child grows too much, his Digimon partner will separate from him. I wanted to know more about this. How does it work?" The seeker asked. With that question, Menoa already understood why he was there, even if she didn't know him. "Oh…I see. You must be a friend of Taichi and the others…" She said before starting the explanation. "You see…usually the humans who are chosen to have a Digimon partner are usually children for a specific reason. This reason is that children hold a great potential in their hearts that makes them hold their bond with a Digimon. As the years go by, this potential gets weaker, until a Chosen Child grows up to at least 20 years old. Around this age, the Digimon has to separate from his partner."
"And what happens to the Digimon? Do they perish?" Saiba asked. "No. They just return to the Digital World, living by their own." Menoa answered. "I see…but I don't understand. I'm older than Taichi and Yamato, yet I still have my Digimon partner with me. Why's that?" The boy then asked. "Well…it also depends on the internal growth that the Chosen Child had. Among the eight original Chosen Children, Taichi and Yamato were surely the most mature ones, and in a certain way, you could say that their growth was complete. And that…was the cause of Agumon and Gabumon's disappearance." The researcher asked.
Saiba stood silent for some seconds. So he was less mature than Taichi and Yamato? Was it really possible? If so…he would have accepted it anyways. He knew that someone never stops learning. But still…what made him different than those two?
In that moment, a police man entered in the room. "Time's up. You have to leave." He simply said. Saiba nodded in silence and started to move towards the exit. "Wait! Why…why do you wanted to know this?" Menoa then fairly asked. Saiba only moved his head of just a few inches and gave the answer. "For the future. I have a big project that will make everyone happy. You will probably hear of me again, one day." He said before leaving completely. Menoa didn't fully understand what he was meaning with those words. But she could feel it. A strong confidence and resolve inside the boy's heart.
After that, the studies continued for the seeker. He was now on a new quest: solve the mystery about the potential given by the Chosen Children to the Digimon. Why only kids could have this potential? What blocked the adults from giving more potential? He needed to find an answer to this, or the Chosen Children from all over the world could not have the ending they deserved.
In the end, after days of research, and with the help of his partner, who gave to him more informations about how a Digimon's life worked, Saiba finally found the answer to this problem.
The data inside the Digimon.
Until then, the Digimon had limited data in their body that could absorb only a certain limit of potential from a human. And the limit was reached when the Chosen Child had arrived at around 20 years old. It was like a sponge absorbing water. For Digimon, human emotions were like nourishment that entered in their heads, and once the Chosen Child grew up, they could not be fed in that way anymore.
Once he discovered it, Saiba grinned. Because he already knew how to solve this problem. All the Digimon needed to do, were more data inside their bodies. The right amount of data that could make them endure the potential given from an adult human was sufficient enough to help them. And luckily for Saiba, this wasn't an hard task.
With the help of his Digimon Partner, who had particular powers, and the help of Koushiro, who became a famous researcher of the Digital World and had his own corporation, Saiba was able to create a program which could give more data to a Digimon and put them into a special serum that he could inject to the creatures without hurting them.
And the result…was more than satisfying.
Soon, both the real world and the Digital World were filled with bright joy and hope. Many people could meet up again with their Digimon partner, even the Chosen Children. Tons of moving reunions met up, and many Chosen Children…were all grateful to Saiba Rei, who did this everything just for them. The young seeker was delighted to see such vision. Many of his close friends were once again happy to live new journeys with their Digimon partner. Another step for him was made. All of the Chosen Children thanked him. In that occasion, Saiba told them of his purpose, and they decided to help him as a debt.
"Are you about this, Saiba?" Jou asked. "Yes. Taichi already knows of it, and I'm sure that this is what you want deep inside your hearts. Together we can convince the governments of all world to accept the Digimon as part of us, and live a better life." Saiba answered. "It won't be easy though…" Ken remembered. "But remember that you can count on us anytime!" Daisuke added. "Everyone's help will be necessary. But I'm sure that we will be able to do this. I mean, after all the monstrous Digimon you defeated in the past, this is nothing right?" Saiba jokingly said, making the others laugh. And he was certain of it. What once could have been considered an unrealizable vision…now was just a future event that just needed just a little more time.
And that time…came. A day that changed the world. And for the occasion…Saiba Rei moved back to the United States of America with his mother. After 23 years, Saiba came back to home, to the land of dreams. To the place that his father, his idol, protected so much. And now, it was his turn to make that country a better place, with his plans.
It was the year 2018, at the United Nations Headquarters, where the 1st of August, an important conference was about to start. The conference talked about the creatures known as Digital Monsters. Due to the growing phenomenon of the Chosen Children all over the world, the governments had to take a serious decision about them. What to do about these creatures? To talk about it, was none other than a young man that headed a corporation of his own and that had a great project in mind. This man was none other than Saiba Rei. The original Chosen Children were also present during the conference, standing aside the young seeker.
Saiba slowly came closer to the microphone and started the heated discussion. "Gentleman, today we are all reunited here to discuss about the future of not only our world, but also the world of the creatures that sticked around us since the 90s. We are talking about…the Digital Monsters, also known as Digimon. Everything started when two DigiTama dived in our world for mistake. From them, two Digimon came out and struggled each other. Two of the people you see on my right are among the protagonists of this bizarre event." Saiba started, pointing at Taichi and Hikari. "Back then, the event was classified as a terrorist attack. But four years later, when the city of Tokyo was invaded by more strange creatures, everyone knew about the existence of the Digimon and the Digital World. From then, humans had more frequent contacts with Digimon. And more and more people started to have bonds with them. Thus, more Chosen Children arrived. Among the people you see at my right there are the eight original Chosen Children that the being known as Homeostasis choose in order to save the Digital World from villainous entities that wanted to put their hands on both our worlds. As you can see, at first it was only a restricted number, but through the year, the phenomenon continued to grow until today. We reached the point where around 90% of the world population has a Digimon partner. Yet…these creatures that have been to our side for a long time, are not recognized yet by many people. That is why, I'm here today to change this vision that some humans have of these creatures." He explained.
Many representatives started to mumble between themselves and discussed about what they thought about this. Then, one of them stood up and told his opinion, even if it wasn't positive at all. "This is nothing but utter nonsense! We all know how dangerous these creatures are! Acknowledging them in the human life would bring nothing more than damages! Think about all those places that were destroyed back in those years!" He exclaimed. But another representative wanted to know more. "Wait, it's too soon to jump into rushed conclusion. Please, Saiba Rei. Continue with your explanation. I suppose that you have solid proves that can confirm your vision."
"Indeed. What Mister Ermak said was indeed true. In the past, the Digimon made countless damages to our world. But please do not misunderstand. Not every of these creatures is like this. The ones you probably remember the most were the rampage at Tokyo in 1999 and the one all over the world in 2005. Those cases of havoc and destruction were not made by the Digimon as a whole but had motivations behind it. The first one was an invasion from an evil Digimon known as Vamdemon, that wanted to take over both of our worlds, but he was stopped by these brave people. And the second one was caused by a virus that was brought to a Digimon with serious problems. Digimon have their own minds and consciousness, and not everyone have wicked desires." Saiba continued.
"I can see where you want to go, Saiba Rei. But the fact that they have their own consciousness is worrying. Like you said there were some of these Digimon that wanted to conquer all of us. Nothing can tell us that there aren't still Digimon who have this kind of ambitions, or otherwise still have evil intentions. If Digimon and humans become one society, the crime rate could become higher, reaching heights that we could ever think. What types of advantages can these creatures give to us?" A representative asked.
"Please gentleman, do not see this situation only in black and white. There can be shades of grey in this. Indeed, with the Digimon, the crime rate could increase deeply and there could still be Digimon with evil intention. But a thing that I learned is that as long as there's despair, there's also hope. As long as there's darkness, there's also light. Trust me when I say that there are positive aspects in this project. Just as the criminals can multiply…so do the people that fight for the sake of others. It's true that there is the risk that criminals can raise, but at the same time, the law enforcement can be stronger with Digimon on their side. They can help us raise the security in our world. And not only that…Digimon have various abilities and can control various elements. They can help us in various way, like creating new products, help us to find new way of productions, and think of that…while we have to create particular forces like electricity, Digimon already have those on their own. We could even find a way to decrease environmental problems, decrease both the pollution and the global warming, save many endangered species of animals and much more. The advantages we can have with Digimon are endless! My friends here on my right can testify it. Digimon can bring us to the next level!" Saiba explained, showing the good factors that Digimon could bring to the world.
This speech hit the representatives deeply, what the young man said was indeed true and couldn't be ignored. Many of them talked between them, thinking of what was the right choice, until they made a decision.
"Saiba Rei…we do think that what you say…is correct, and we never thought in the same way you do. I do believe that indeed, we must give a chance to these creatures, because they are living beings just like us, and they can help us. We believe…that Digimon can live together with humanity, for a better future." The representative of the United States said, followed by a general applause. As a thanks, Saiba made a little bow. "Thank you very much." He said. "With this, we can declare the conference over. We shall now proceed to make the acceptance of Digimon all over the world legal. We shall trust your word, so do not let us down." The representative commented.
"I will." Saiba answered. With that, the representatives left, and Saiba could go reach the other Chosen Children. "Thank you, Saiba…what you did for us was beautiful." Taichi said. "There's no need to worry! I've always dreamed of a world where humans and Digimon lived and now it became reality, and it's also thanks to you if this was possible." The seeker replied.
"And now we are here…I can't really believe it's happening…oh right! If you atill need our help, you can count on us! Remember it!" Koushiro added.
"I will!" Saiba answered, before looking at Sora, Mimi, Miyako, Hikari and Meiko and noticing an interesting particular. "Your bellies seem to be larger…"
"Awww, you noticed. Well I guess that can no longer be a mystery but…I'm pregnant!" Mimi replied first. "Really? Well that's great! A children born from two Chosen Children…interesting…" Saiba answered. "Me and Yamato are going to have the second one as well…it's quite bizarre that many of us will give birth around the same time, right?" Sora added. "U-Uhm…me and Koshiro too…" Meiko said. "Well, you know that me and my precious Ken were so lovely since we were kids! And even we are waiting the second one!" Miyako added. "Yes! Even me and Daisuke are waiting for the second one!" Hikari concluded.
"It seems that a lot of things have changed…" Saiba commented. "You don't have a girlfriend of your own?" Daisuke asked, getting poked by Ken. "Ouch! What was that for!?" He exclaimed. "Have some privacy! It's not that gentle to ask!" Ken answered.
"It's alright, Ken. Plus…I'm really not interested in a romantic relationship. There are people who decide to be single for all of their lives…you can consider me one of them. But it's not that of a big deal for me!" Saiba said with a smile. At that time, he thought of it as a wonderful thing. Seeing many of his dear friends starting to have babies and forming a family couldn't make him happier, but never in his life he would have thought that those same children who were about to be born would become his greatest enemies.
And so…a few days later, one of the moments Saiba had been waiting for so long…finally arrived.
"And thus, we officially accept Digimon in our society!" The president of the United States of America said while shaking his hand with a Tyranomon. That act was followed by fireworks and applauses of many people. And Saiba was among the people that were clapping their hands. A simple guy from another country that at first didn't seem to have something special, now changed the world for better, making the society evolve.
But…this…was actually the beginning for him. This was indeed one of the dreams he always had since he discovered Digimon…but at the same time…it was only the first act of a greater scheme.
After the ceremony was over, Saiba came back to the building of his corporation. He had a small grin on his face since he was happy to see that everything went just like he planned. Once he reached the top of the building, where his office was located, he could see Michael Kental, the same politician he spoke with some time before. "Oh! It's you Saiba, you've arrived." Michael said. "Happy to see you, Michael…how are you today?" Saiba asked with a gentle smile.
"Fine of course! This is a good day for humanity after all..." The politician answered, looking down. Saiba already noticed that he wasn't completely sincere with that answer, and this made him more happy for some reason. "Is there something wrong, Michael? What? Are you…perhaps annoyed by the fact that I was right in the end?" He asked. At first, Michael didn't want to answer, but he grunted and told the truth. "Ok! Ok! I…I was wrong…I didn't think you were able to handle this plan you were having…" He said.
"But here we are, happy for this wonderful day. You should be happy, don't you think? With this, life will get better for everyone, even for you." Saiba said while he slowly put his hand on a pocket. He made this action by taking advantage of Michael that was looking down. "Or perhaps…you still aren't convinced yet?"
"…Look Saiba…I know it's for the best, but still…I don't know why…I don't trust this idea at all.." Michael answered, revealing his true opinion. With that Saiba knew exactly…what to do.
"Good…that was all I needed to know." He said while taking out a gun from his pocket and pointing it on the politician. The man was immediately scared by this sight. Why was he holding a gun? What was he going to do?
"WOAH WOAH Saiba! W-What are you doing!? What's with the gun!?" He exclaimed while starting to sweat out of the blue. "What it's best for the country, Michael. And if you're asking…no, it's not a joke. This gun is true." The seeker answered.
"What!? E-Enough of this! Are you out of your mind!? Are…are you really going to kill me!?" Michael asked, starting to raise his voice.
"It won't change anything if you yell, no one can hear you here." Saiba said, with a cold stare and with the gun pointed towards the politician's head. "S-Saiba…why?" Michael asked. "Like I said, it's for the sake of this country. I've been planning all of this ever since I was a little kid. My sole wish is to help this world, but most importantly, this precious country that my father loved with all of his heart. I can feel it…I'm the only one who can guide the United States in the right direction. This was nothing more than the first step to do so. One day, my vision will become reality, and I can't allow those who don't think like me to interfere, so the best solution is to…get rid of them. I know this may sound evil or foolish for you, but it's the only choice." Saiba explained.
At that point, Michael could see his new colors. He couldn't believe that such a kind and unselfish person…could hide a dark side, as he understood his real purpose. "Y-You…YOU ARE CRAZY! What do you think you can accomplish by doing this! If you think that this will guide the United States towards a right direction, then you're wrong! This is not freedom, this is nothing more than a selfish dicta-" Michael was going to yell and insult him with all the anger he had…but Saiba didn't give him time to finish…and shoot him directly in the head.
Soon, the politician fell on the ground, dead. The light brown floor was now becoming a crimson red, due to the blood that was coming out from his head, and Saiba simply remained there, looking at him with the same cold stare.
A dark aura surrounded him, and his Digimon came out from his Digivice, looking at the body. "You have been brutal…nice shot." He said. "I couldn't listen to him anymore, so I've done the right thing." Saiba simply said. "What I've done to unite humans and Digimon came from pure goodness of my heart, just like what will come in the next years…I can't let filthy people like him to block the arrival of the future."
"Eheheheh…you never cease to surprise me Saiba…no wonder why I decided to become your partner…" His Digimon said. "…Do you remember when we first heard about the Homeostasis?" Saiba then asked. "…What if you could become as powerful as them?" He then proposed.
The Digimon made a delighted face at the thought. "Well…that could be perfect! With that…I could finally punish all the impure ones that still walk on this world…why did you ask?" He then asked. Saiba turned on his desk…and looked at the photo of his father. "…I'll make you reach that power. I'm ready to use every mean to help this country…" He said before raising up his head. "Even if I…have to use the power of darkness."
And with that…Saiba started to think of a plan to obtain enough energy to power up his Digimon and have an unstoppable power, until in the end…he decided to kidnap other Digimon…and directly steal their energy. With that…he definitely became the Seeker of Darkness.
"As you have heard, mine has been a quite complicated story…but full of satisfaction. And now I can sense that the moment I've been waiting for so long…is finally coming. Soon, I'll be able to see the results of my actions." Saiba said to Jake, who was still listening.
"Wow…such a marvelous origin for a man like you…I got the chills during this whole time!" Jake commented. "Heh, glad to know. With the results we have gotten in these days, the creation of the Perfect Cube is almost complete…once my Digimon has absorbed it…he will become stronger…and my vision will finally become reality…all we need to do…is just a little more work." Saiba said.
"You can count on me, Mister Saiba…" Jake said with a grin. "As long as it's a crime that I can enjoy, I won't turn around."
"I couldn't expect any less from the most wanted criminal in the country. I hope you'll make a good work today as well. As for me, I think I'm going to the cinema this evening…I…want to relax and enjoy a good movie on the big screen, sometimes even I have to relax." Saiba said while standing up from his chair.
"And it's a wise choice, boss. A good criminal mind can't think well without some air. Well, I guess it's my time to leave. I'll go to the Digital World and see if I can find some worthy Digimon." He said before heading jumping down from a window. "Ciao!"
And with that, Saiba Rei was left alone. He took a deep breath and looked at the window. "So far we had good results…but at the same time, the Cheshire Cat Agency is defeating my mercenaries one by one…what…what will be the result in the end? Is…is it really possible that I will be defeated by them?" He thought. But then he closed his eyes and thought about what his Digimon told him the night before. "No…i am the one in the right. All I need to do is push forward…and I will accomplish my father's dream…I just need to wait…and be strong…it's what he would have wanted…" He wouldn't have been so easily beaten. Saiba had always been a person that kept his word. If he wanted to do something, he would have been ready to all to do that, just like in this case.
Even now, when the danger was greater…he had to keep his head up and do his best to reach his dream. He made a promise when he was a kid, and he was going to keep it.
"ORAORAORAORAORAORAORA!" In the meantime, Veedramon was using a barrage of punches to take down an enemy Meramon and his partner. The two criminals ended up getting slammed on a wall. Kasai didn't lose any time and quickly put the handcuffs at the wanted. "You're under arrest." She said with her usual tone. "Awwww…dammit…" The criminal said while his Digimon partner was knocked out.
After they delivered him to the police, Kasai and Veedramon started to walk through the streets of San Francisco in order to get back to the agency. "Ahahah! Did you see me there, Kasai? I was as strong as ever!" Veedramon commented with a large smile on his face that was showing all of his sharp teeth. "Yes, you were cool like always, even if our enemy was quite weak…" Kasai answered with a little smile.
"This reminds me that both Growmon and Leppamon evolved last night…aaaah, that's unfair! I thought I was going to be the first one to evolve! Agumon was always the first one! So why didn't happen to me as well!?" Veedramon then complained about what happened last night, an event that indeed surprised everyone. First Strikedramon, and then Growmon and Leppamon. Already three of their Digimon were reaching the Perfect-Level. And just like Norn said, the reason why they had never evolved before was because there wasn't any real danger before. Could it be that even the others would have gotten the chance to evolve in the future? It could have been a great help for them, since their Digimon would have become more powerful.
"You just need to wait. Maybe that day will come." Kasai answered while lighting a cigarette. "Hey, Kasai! What do you think I'll be like when I'll reach the Perfect-Level?" The blue dragon then asked. "Who knows…maybe you won't look like a dog." His partner replied. "H-HEY! How many times do I have to say that I don't look like a dog!?" Veedramon exclaimed. It seemed that it was something many people told him.
After some minutes of walk, both Kasai and Veedramon reached the Cheshire Cat Agency. Once they've entered, they immediately got greeted by Aisu, Strikedramon, Rikka and Leppamon. "Welcome back, sis! How did it go?" Aisu asked. "It was easy. We took him down with no problems." Kasai answered, referring to the case she solved.
"You joined us recently and you already show good results, Kasai! Maybe it's also because you're pretty good at fighting since you've been in some women's boxing tournament." Rikka commented with a smile. "It was actually something I did for an hobby, even if I ended up winning some trophy. Unlike my father, I didn't like soccer, so I wanted to try something different. By the way, Rikka…are you feeling better? Is everything fixed with your father?" Kasai then asked.
"Oh there's nothing to worry! I'm perfectly fine! My dad sucked out the poison and we've fixed up everything! That's probably why I'm feeling so energic today!" Rikka replied. "You were worried about me?"
"Just asking, nothing more." Taichi's daughter replied before going to her room and starting to work on the computer. Both Rikka and Aisu found it funny, as they made a smug smile. "What a liar…" They both said.
Then, even Kumo and Kouta arrived. "Oh, I see that Kasai has returned, and she seems the usual…" Kouta commented. "It appears that everyone seem to be fine after we told the truth to our parents." Kumo added. "Well, you've surely have one problem less now. I think they intend to help you, after all." BaoHackmon said.
"My father had assured that he would have done his best. And I think the same for the others. Maybe not in the way they were used to, but surely extra help never hurts." Kouta answered. "Well done! Plus, some of them like my father and Mister Ken can be of great help for us. And I do think that everyone seems to be chill because after all…everything is going well." Rikka added.
"We are able to answer Saiba's attacks, our Digimon are starting to evolve…and we have a good number of those USB keys that we need to enter inside the barrier that surrounds the government skyscraper of Somnus. So yes…maybe the situation is beginning to turn to our advantage." Kumo said, making a recap of what happened. "We have six of them, right?" He then asked.
"Correct. But don't think that everything is going to be easier from now on. There are still seven USB keys missing, which means that we still have to defeat other seven strong mercenaries to get them. We must be more cautious from now on!" Chikara said while entering in the room. "You ruined the mood, Chikara…" His partner Leomon said to him with a sceptic face. "I'm just being realistic!" Jou's son exclaimed.
"He does have a point though…we can't let our guard down, especially in a moment like this…" Kouta then said. "You know…during these battles, we got to know many of Saiba's mercenaries that retreated in the past. What if we try to find them in the first place? We already know what Digimon they use, so it can be easier to fight them." Strikedramon then proposed.
"Hmmm…it can be a good idea indeed…I think this can be a work of ours, don't you think, Rikka?" Leppamon then asked to her partner. "Sure do! I'll try to find more information about them by using my hacking skills. I'll even ask Cheri from the Lion Fang Agency if she can help." Rikka replied before heading to her room.
"Yup, everyone is in a good mood today! Happy to see that!" Kumo said, observing how productive the others were. It appeared that despite what happened the day before, the young detectives found new resolute to continue their fight against Saiba Rei, even if there were still some mysteries to solve. Like, what is Saiba Rei's planning? What is he going to do with the energy of other Digimon? Who is his Digimon partner? All questions that still needed an answer, but they could say with no fear that they were starting to reach a conclusion.
"Now that I think of it, Kumo…are you feeling better, now? You know…after what you saw yesterday." Chikara then asked. "Yes…don't worry. I…I've accepted the fact that Aleksi and Sigmund want me dead…but I've learned the hard way that at this point, I can't let them hear me. If I have to fight them properly…then I'll do it. I'll make them know the truth." The blue haired boy replied. "Remember that you can count on me as well! Hell, I might even evolve next time!" Shoutmon added with a laugh.
"Glad to hear that, little brother! Everyone must be at their maximum, like always!" In that moment, even Kyoko entered in her room with DORUgoramon beside her.
"Kyoko? I thought you were busy." Kumo asked. "Yeah, I know! I just came by to tell Kasai about tonight!" His sister and leader replied. "About what…?" Chikara asked confused. "Not telling!" Kyoko answered back with a wink, but she forgot that she had a big mouth as a Digimon partner. "Tonight, she and Kasai go on a date." DORUgamon gave the real answer with a sceptic face.
"COME ON, DORUGAMON! CAN'T YOU HOLD A SECRET FOR ONCE!?" The leader of the agency shouted. "A date? Why that?" BaoHackmon then asked curious. "Eugh…now that you know it, I have to answer…you see…it has been some time since Kasai first joined the agency, and you know how she and I are bonded. Now that we see each other more frequently, I wanted to take a chance to hang out with her like the good old times." Kyoko explained.
"Quite strange, coming from Kasai…" Strikedramon commented. "Nah, it's fine. She doesn't admit it, but Kasai loves spending time with a friend!" Aisu answered, followed by her sister's reaction from the other room. "I've heard you Aisu." And in that moment, even Tsuna, followed by Yatsura and Aria came by.
"I've heard everything. Kasai and Kyoko go on a date tonight, right? This is kinda suspicious…is this a lesbian date?" Tsuna said, catching everyone's bad stare towards him and somehow, this made Aisu uncomfortable. "…What?" He said before Coredramon stepped on his foot. "OUCH! What was that for!?" Daisuke's son asked annoyed. "Sometimes you need to hold yourself."
"Ok sorry! But man…even I would like to hang out with someone here…maybe a girl." Tsuna then said. "And who would you hang out with?" Yatsura asked, looking hopeful. "Maybe…Aria…" Tsuna replied, surprising Aria and somehow, this answer made Yatsura sadder.
"R-Really? Why thank you…maybe I can consider that someday." Aria said. "Wait really? I can't believe it worked! Ahah, thank you Miss Aria! I'll make sure to choose the best place just for you!" Tsuna then said all happy. Aria didn't fully understand what was going on, so she made a confused smile. "Ok, I guess…?"
"Well done Tsuna! It's ok to relax and go somewhere to have fun! It's exactly what I'm planning to do with Kasai! I'm sure she will be even more comfortable after tonight!" Kyoko said with a smile as well.
Meanwhile, Kasai was in another other room, working on her computer while listening to the others. "Kyoko surely is happy about tonight! Guess you do make a lot of company Kasai!" Veedramon commented. "Hmmm. We'll see what's gonna happen…" Kasai commented. But then she looked at the door…and made a little smile. She didn't want to admit it, but she too, was happy to hang out with a friend. Even if the date was going to be much more complicated than they thought.
And then…the night came by. It was around 21:00 P.M in San Francisco, and the whole city was illuminated by lights of various colors, made by the buildings, the announcements and other things. In the zone where the two detectives where supposed to meet, some speakers attached to the buildings were producing the song '1999' by Prince, an energetic music that was describing the lively and light moment of the night, where many people were hanging out, looking for fun, a place where to eat, or more simply, people who were passing by due to work or coming back home from work.
Among those people, there was Kasai who was looking at the citizens who were enjoying the night. "All this music gives me energy! Man if I love San Francisco!" Veedramon said while he was inside the Digivice "Now that I think of it…why did you bring me as well?" He then asked. "It's true that we're not at service, but we cannot know if there is some mercenary planning to attack us. Everything can happen, especially after what happened yesterday with Rikka and Aria." Kasai replied.
"Kasai! I'm here!" In that moment, the girl could hear Kyoko's voice, making her turn around and notice the other one coming closer. For this occasion, Kyoko was wearing a black jacket and long black trousers. On her feet, there were still her high heel shoes. "I've arrived in time! So, who's ready to have some fun with her boss?" She said. "I see that you changed outfit for the night…" Kasai said by giving a close look on her.
"Yes! And your next line will be 'it kinda fits you'." The blonde girl replied, by making her usual trick. "It kinda fits you…..oh dammit…" Kasai said before making a deep sigh. "Good grief…well…I guess we can say that the date starts…where do we go tonight?" She then asked.
"There are a lot of places to visit! This is the advantage of living in a city like San Francisco! I'll make sure to make you laugh tons of time!" Kyoko answered by making a thumb up, while Taichi's daughter made her usual neutral expression. "I find it hard…but you are free to try."
"Hey, DORUgamon! Are you there too?" Veedramon then said from Kasai's Digivice. "Yes! I guess they took you as well!" The furred dragon answered from Kyoko's Digivice.
With everything ready, the date finally started with a calm walk through the streets between two friends that wanted to chill and take a break from a complicated situations. Since they were detectives, they were of course ready for situations like this, but nothing forbade them to break away for a calm night.
"I've been wondering this for a while by now, but how do you feel inside the agency? Do you feel comfortable?" Kyoko asked. "Why yes. I never thought that being a detective and solving cases would be funny. Geez, I feel like I'm talking with Aisu…" Kasai replied with a smile. "And…it's good to be back with everyone else. Sure…it surprised me to see how you all got weird but…I guess it's fine."
"Awww, thank you! Maybe it's because you are weird too! No one is born perfect after all!" Her leader said, feeling happy. "Now that I think of it…who's your favorite among us?" She then asked. "The sus one of course." Kasai answered back, making a terrible joke. With that, Kyoko looked at her in silence for some seconds…and then made a facepalm. "…You know what I mean…"
"I know…I was joking. Well…if I have to pick some…it would be you…my sister Aisu, of course, Aria…and…Yatsura. After we dealt with that mafia boss, I got along with her pretty well. But in the end…I guess you are all…ok for me." Kasai then made a real answer. "Awwww, you do care after all…and the your next line will be 'shut up, Kyoko'." The blonde girl said.
"Shut up, Kyoko- …How do I always fall for that?" Kasai said, making Kyoko giggle. "Who knows? Maybe I'm too smart!"
"I wouldn't be so sure of that…" DORUgamon commented. "DORUGAMON!" And of course, Kyoko was altered by that.
The date proceeded with no apparent troubles. Kasai and Kyoko were able to have a good time by going to different places and doing various things. They first went to find something to eat, with Kasai taking an hamburger and Kyoko taking a kebab. They even took a coffee, and Kyoko took the chance to make one of her weird blends. She even offered it to Kasai, who naturally declined. After that, they went to a game room and then to a pub with the karaoke, even if in the end Kyoko was the only one who sang, since Kasai didn't want to show her singing skills.
"Aaaaaah…everything until now was so much fun! Don't you agree?" Kyoko asked. "Yes…i…didn't expect it either. You…are a great company Kyoko, even if you wanted me to sing but…thank you." Kasai replied with a smile.
"Come on! We both know you have a beautiful voice!" Kyoko insisted. "I'm ashamed, all right?" The other girl said, wanting to interrupt the discussion. "Eugh, fine fine…you know what could end a good night like this?" Kyoko then asked. "What?" Kasai asked, making Kyoko pointing at a building. "A good movie!"
Kasai and Kyoko entered at the cinema and gave a look at the movies projected that night, noticing that there were tons of genres. "Well…we do have a good variety of choices here…what do you want to watch?" Kasai asked. "I'd like to see the war one! It's a movie based on a real story that talks about the experience of a soldier during the World War II! It must be great!" Kyoko replied. The other girl didn't seem to be satisfied by Kyoko's choice. "Good grief…it'll probably be just like the others…Fury, Saving Private Ryan…they're all the same." She said. "Oh come on! It'll be fun!" Kyoko insisted while dragging Kasai with her.
Once they've bought the tickets, the two Chosen Children entered inside the room. Their seats were in first line, where surprisingly, there was no one else. The room itself wasn't full at all, which meant that they could raise up his voice a little bit. "How strange…there's no one here..." Kyoko commented. "Probably because they all went to see the romantic movie. Well, better for us." Kasai said, before sitting down.
The lights turned off…and the movie started. The two girls were quite relaxed…but then…an unpleasant surprise…came in. They could hear someone coming closer…but just when they turned to see who it was…their heart stopped…and they started to feel cold.
Saiba Rei…sat near Kasai with a normal expression, ready to watch the movie. The two young detectives had their eyes wide open and a terrified expression on their faces. Just a few seconds ago, they were in total piece for themselves, but now that their main enemy was there…everything changed.
Panic. Disbelief. These emotions were now inside their hearts, since they couldn't know what he was possibly planning. The seeker turned on them and made a grin, while the expression of the two girls didn't change. That grin made them feel even worse, more anxious of what this man could possibly do. They desperately wanted to do something like attack him…but they couldn't. There were other people watching the movie. They couldn't do something that could alarm them or put them in danger.
The only thing they could do…was just standing there…and watch the movie.
"…W-W-What are you doing….here?" Kasai asked with a shaky voice. This was the first time she felt so much fear after a long time. "I'm here to watch the movie. What do you think I came here for?" He said. "And…you think we can believe…you?" Kyoko asked. "There's nothing you should worry. I'm here just to relax. Now…you should lower your voice…the movie is starting." The seeker replied before turning on the big screen. Both Kasai and Kyoko looked at each other, still anxious…and then looked at the screen as well.
It appeared that Saiba Rei was right about what he said. He seemingly didn't do anything else but watch the movie while eating popcorn and drink a can of beer. But that normality of his was what gave more pressure to Kasai and Kyoko. They couldn't really know if he was telling the truth…or a lie. That sentence he said before could have been nothing more than a mask for some brute act he was planning to do.
For all the time…the two girls sweated from their heads…and had the heart in the throat. Then…a scene of intense action in the movie came, a scene of shooting and blood, which was quite impressive. It was in that moment…that Saiba Rei decided to tell a story.
"…Have you ever heard…the tragic tale of Ryo Akiyama?" He asked. The two girls started to get even more worried. The only thing they could do was answer. "N-No…" Both of them answered. This made Saiba more satisfied. "I supposed so…this isn't a story your parents would have told you. It's a myth…between the Chosen Children. Ryo Akiyama…was a young child…a Chosen Children that had the ability…to be friend of more than just one Digimon. His reliability…his trust…his skills…made him able to use the full potential of the Digimon. That potential…could have granted him the power…to change the world…as we know." He started.
"He…could…control them?" Kasai asked, confused. "Yes. But…he did had a weakness…a Digimon, that could be considered his archenemy. Ryo…defeated several times this Digimon…but he was never able to eliminate him from existence at all. He asked why he kept coming back…and the Digimon…told him that he was nothing more than his dark side…if Ryo existed…he would have continued to exist as well, and the end of one…meant the death of the other. But Ryo refused to accept such thing…and he kept on fighting…not knowing that he was slowly creating his own demise…in the end…Ryo couldn't be a match for that Digimon and in the end…" Saiba continued, and in that same moment…on the movie…there was a scene where a soldier was brutally murdered by an enemy. "…The Digimon…killed him."
"…So…the reason why…he couldn't defeat that Digimon…was because…" Kyoko said…understanding the truth. Saiba slowly turned around on them…and said the answer. "He did not accept the darkness in his heart."
After a while…the movie ended…and everyone came out of the cinema. Kasai and Kyoko were still under pressure, what just a few moments before was nothing more than a simple date between friends, now became a seat of pressure and fear because of a single man.
Saiba was about to go away from the cinema, but was stopped by Kasai and Kyoko. "Hold it, Saiba…we're not done yet." The leader of the Cheshire Cat Agency said.
"Oh come on…I'm leaving without tormenting you…and yet you still want to talk?" Saiba asked, still with that grin. "We can't let you go now that we are here…why did you come in the first place!?" Kasai asked, starting to get really nervous. "I just wanted to pass a night at the cinema…nothing more." The seeker replied.
"Then what about the story!? Are you…saying that we're going to end like Ryo?" Kyoko said, making Saiba giggle. "Well, correct. No wonder that you are a detective. I guess there's nothing more to hide…I was indeed referring to you. Until now, we have continued to fight, because you see me as an enemy and someone who wants to endanger the world. But…I want to say that there is more than meets the eye. The difference between us is that I decided to accept the darkness, and accepted that it must be use to change the world for better, while you think that it's nothing more than a dangerous thing that brings death and despair. It's important to accept that we sometime have perverted and evil thoughts in our minds, that helps us to make peace with ourselves, and think better. Just like I said to Kumo that night, I know that my actions are not good, but I do know and I believe…that they are necessary." Saiba explained. "And if you don't accept that…you will meet your doom one day."
"W-What? Are you saying that we should accept the fact that you are stealing energy from innocent Digimon and doing crimes like murder and terrorism!? Don't make me laugh, asshole…I'm starting to have enough of you…" Kasai said, getting angry while approaching Saiba with her Digivice in her hand. But then…
"Don't do things that you might regret, Kasai Yagami…or you could end up like your father." Saiba said with a cold voice. If Kasai was under pressure before, now she was at the highest state of anxiety…but at the same time…gave her more anger. "My father…?" She asked. "W-What did you do to Mister Taichi?" Kyoko added.
"This afternoon, Taichi and his partner Agumon were able to intercept me in the Digital World. They wanted questions about what I was doing…and I simply told them the truth. It was then…that they tried to stop me…but they did underestimate the power of my Digimon partner…and they lost. How brave…even when he's almost 50 years old…Taichi still has the strength to fight. That is why I've always admired him so much. I did not kill him, because I still consider him a friend, and what I'm doing is also for his happiness. But…I did make sure he could not interfere with me again." Saiba said.
With that…Kasai had definitely lost…her patience. She could not see him anymore as a normal person. "First you make a terroristic attempt at Somnus…then you kill Kumo's friend…then you throw us tons of mercenaries…and then…you harm my father…if you're angry with me…I can understand…but if you mess with my family…you can be considered DEAD!" She exclaimed, before her body was surrounded by a blue aura, from which Veedramon came out. "VEEDRAMON!" She shouted.
"Take this, bastard! MAGNUM PUNCH!" The blue dragon started to run to attack Saiba Rei with a punch, In that moment, even Kyoko was surrounded by an aura from which DORUgamon came out. "DORUGAMON! JOIN HIM!"
"GRAAAH!" DORUgamon attempted to crunch the seekers…but then…both attacks were stopped. "What!?" Everyone, but Saiba Rei, exclaimed. When the two Digimon saw better…they could recognize a familiar Digimon, remembering the description they've been heard about.
It was Raptordramon…that blocked both Veedramon and DORUgamon with his arms. "Eheheh…surprise!" The dragon said.
"That's Raptordramon!" Kyoko exclaimed. "But if he's here…then this means…" Kasai added…turning on her left…where she came by. Saiba's most famous mercenary and loyal mercenary, the first one that attacked the Cheshire Cat Agency: Cassidy Monroe.
"Hey there…it has been a while…don't you think?" She said before licking her teeth with a delighted face.
"Take care of them, Cassidy. I don't intend to fight in a place like this." Saiba said, before leaving. "SAIBA! WAIT!" Kasai and Kyoko tried to chase him, but the mercenary promptly threw some knives to them, which were avoided even if for a little. "D-Dammit…" Kyoko commented.
"Useless, useless! I don't think you understand that your attention should be diverged to me. I must say that I got a nice encounter tonight! The leader of the agency, accompanied by the sister of the girl that made me fall on that river, that day. I couldn't be more happier for the occasion Saiba gave me-" Cassidy was going to make a long monologue, but Kyoko interrupted her. "The next thing you're going to say is 'I can't wait to tear you apart'!"
"I can't wait to tear you apart! W-WHAT!?" Cassidy exclaimed. This made Kyoko made a small laugh. "Surprised, huh? I think that serves to let you know that we cannot be underestimated. Kumo actually told me about you back when you invaded Somnus. Between us in the agency you are quite famous, which made me curious of what kind of bitch you could possibly be!" She said pointing the finger at her.
"Yes…even Aisu told me about you…good grief…" Kasai said, fixing her hat and turning back to her usual stare. "Guess that I'll have to wait a little more to face Saiba…which means that I can let off steam to you first. I hope you are ready…because I'm not as soft as my sister…and I'm in a terrible mood now." She said with a face full of determination.
"So you're not scared? Fine by me…that means that your death will be MORE SATISFYING!" Cassidy exclaiming, throwing more knives at them. The two detectives moved one on the left and one on the right to avoid them before running towards the mercenary.
In the meantime, Veedramon and DORUgamon were still charging against Raptordramon, who seemed to be more than able to block them both. "You really think that you can push me with that strength of yours? Don't make me laugh! Crash Charge!" He then charged against them with high speed, making the two dragons clash against a wall. "GAAAH!"
"D-Dammit…" Veedramon said while standing up and noticing that Raptordramon was running towards them. "You'll be the first one, dog face!" He exclaimed. In that moment, Veedramon noticed an hydrant on his left and punched it to get water out and blind Raptordramon with it. "Agh, dammit!"
By taking the advantage that he was getting hit by the water, DORUgamon grabbed Raptordramon with his legs, started to fly and threw him to the ground, making a strong impact. It was a reckless strategy, considering the weight of the yellow dragon, but it was successful. But the battle was just getting started, as Raptordramon ran quickly towards the furred dragon and grabbed him by the wing with his mouth. "Ambush Crunch!"
"GAH! W-What!?" DORUgamon exclaimed after a roar of pain. The enemy Digimon then lifted him up with his teeth and started to make him slam against the ground various times. He was then ready to throw him away, just like DORUgamon did before with him, but before he could do that, Veedramon shoot an arrow of blue-white heat in the shape of a V against him. "V-Breath Arrow!"
"Ngh!" Raptordramon recoiled, and this gave the blue dragon a chance to reach his friend. "Are you ok, DORUgamon?" He asked. The furred dragon stood up and looked at his wing. He could see the bite mark and the blood coming out from it. "D-Dammit…the wing is heavily injured…I can't fly with this…" He said. "Are you sure you can still fight?" Veedramon asked. "Don't worry…I can handle this. Let's focus on taking him out." Kyoko's partner replied while turning on Raptordramon, who was glancing at them with a smirk on his face. "So…doing the hard preys, huh? Good…this excites me more!" He spoke.
In the meantime, Kasai and Kyoko were using their fist, trying to attack Cassidy, but to their surprise, the girl was agile enough to dodge them. "She's fast!" Kyoko commented.
"I didn't train for nothing and this isn't the first time I have to deal with people like you! Which means that you make no difference at all!" Cassidy answered before holding a small knife and give to both Kasai and Kyoko a cut with it. "Gh-"
"What are you going to say, no-" Cassidy was about to insult them, but she got hit in the head by an elbow from Kasai, who looked at her with a serious face. "I don't think you know who you're messing with…" The detective said before giving to Cassidy at least five punches in her face that made her recoil.
The mercenary fixed her nose and noticed blood in her hands with bewilderment. When she looked up, she could see that Kasai was having a pose similar to that of a boxer. "If you're finished getting all cocky, I would continue this…" She said. "Grr…you Yagami really like the hard way…I guess it's a family thing…but I'm getting sick of it! Cassidy exclaimed before running towards the Chosen Child while holding some knives on her hands, but before she could reach her, Kyoko already gave her a kick in the face, sending her against a trash can. "ACK!"
"Slow down, girl. Aren't you forgetting someone? As leader of the Cheshire Cat Agency it's my duty to look over her!" Kyoko said with a smile while striking a pose. "Look over her? Don't make me laugh-" Cassidy still had a convinced tone, but then…
"The next thing you're going to say is 'With that ridiculous pose you look more like a clown'." Kyoko said with a smirk on her face, and just like she thought…
"With that ridiculous pose you look more like a clown! WHAT!?" Cassidy exclaimed. "THAT'S IT! I'VE HAD ENOUGH OF YOUR STUPID GAMES! EAT THIS! USHAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" Out of patience, Cassidy jumped and started to throw even more knives at the two detectives. "Watch out! She's coming!" Kasai exclaimed.
"GRRRRRRRRRRRRR!" Veedramon and Raptordramon on the other head, were struggling pushing one against each other with the best of their strength. "AAAH!" In the end, the one victorious was Veedramon, who pushed away Raptordramon.
"Cannon Ball!" DORUgamon then started to shoot multiple fire balls towards the enemy, who ran and moved quickly to dodge them all and charge against Veedramon, sending him away. "Crash Charge!" The blue dragon roared out of pain as he was sent away another time. After having dealt with Veedramon, Raptordramon attacked DORUgamon with his tail, sending him away as well. "It would be sad to end this now that i was starting to have fun! But the boss cannot have you around! I hope you are ready to finish in my stomach!" Cassidy's partner said.
"D-Darn it…despite everything we throw at him, he still manages to stand up against both of us…there has to be a way to block him…" DORUgamon thought while he was standing on the ground. He then looked better at Raptordramon's body…and noticed that armor of his. "Wait a moment…the armor he's wearing…is it made of metal? Good…I think I have an idea…" He then slowly started to stand up…and charge an iron ball from his mouth. "Still shooting balls? I thought you were less dumb than this, but apparently I was wrong! Very well! I'll chop your head first! Ambush-" Raptordramon was going to charge against him, but before he could do that, DORUgamon shoot first.
"Power Metal!" DORUgamon shoot a larger iron ball than the others. As Raptordramon was going to charge, he felt as if the ball was attracting him. "W-What!? What's happening?! AAAAH!" Soon, his body was attached at the ball from the side of his armor. "You bastard! What have you done!?" He asked.
"I've guessed that your armor was made of Chrome Digizoid, so I made sur that the Power Metal I shoot at you had a magnetic effect, in order to attract you and make you more vulnerable!" DORUgamon explained, shocking the enemy. "W-WHAT!?"
"I see…so he cannot move…nice work, DORUgamon!" Veedramon said, raising a thumb up to his friend. "Attack him now!" DORUgamon ordered. "Roger that! V-Breath Arrow!" With the chance given by the furred dragon, Veedramon shoot an arrow made of heat in the shape of a V that directly hit Raptordramon.
The explosion, made Cassidy turn around, and she noticed of her partner badly injured. "What!? Raptordramon!" She exclaimed, before getting hit on the belly by a double punch of Kasai and Kyoko, which made her spit blood form her mouth. "BLARGH!" She then fell to the ground.
"So! Where's all that conviction you had before?" Kyoko asked. "If you're working for Saiba for money, then you can find a nicer job than this." Kasai added.
The mercenary ended up near her partner, while Veedramon and DORUgamon reached theirs. "G-Gh…money? Don't be ridiculous…it's true that I get rewards for my jobs…but that's not the main reason why I'm doing this! I kill just to become stronger! Strong enough to achieve my purpose!" She stated. "What? Purpose? What are you talking about?" Kyoko asked. "And you think I'll tell you that easily? I don't think so. You two would never understand what it means to live in the streets without a family that can love you. You two were lucky…you had a better fate than I had! And you're even on the side of this so called justice! The only thought that you are on the good side just because destiny preferred you pisses me off!" She exclaimed.
Those words struck Kasai hard. It seemed that what Cassidy said, somehow…made her feel annoyed…and made her remember something, since she put her hand on her heart. "…So...the fact that you had a sad past…justifies your actions? Right now…people are getting killed…Digimon are stolen of their energies…my father has been injured severely…your leader is trying to do some terroristic bullshit…and you think this is ok, just because your past was sad!? It's not like it's all been nice just because we are detectives! Even we've had a difficult lives, all of us! You can't judge us just for our work and we fight for the sake of others! But I guess that won't go inside your head…then I'll make my fists go through that closed skull you have!" She exclaimed, surprising Kyoko.
"Fine! If that's what you want, I'LL RIP THAT HEAD OF YOURS RIGHT NOW! RAPTORDRAMON! FINISH THEM!" Cassidy then ordered to her partner, who charged again. "Ambush Charge!"
"Veedramon! Let's do this!" Kasai exclaimed. "Happy to hear that, Kasai! Magnum Punch!" Veedramon replied by using a strong barrage of punches against Raptordramon while he and her partner released their battle cry.
"ORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORA!" The punches clashed with Raptordramon, who continued to answer. "They're on the same level…" DORUgamon noticed. "For now…I think this battle is already been settled, because if Kasai took something from mister Taichi, is the right resolute!" Kyoko added with a smirk.
"YOU CAN THROW YOUR PUNCHES AS LONG AS YOU WANT! IT'S USELESS!" Raptordramon shouted as he continued to charge, but even Veedramon didn't seem to move back and smirked. "I don't think so! ORAORAORAORAORA!" He said while his attacks started slowly to prevail over Raptordramon. "W-What!?" The yellow dragon exclaimed. "R-Raptordramon is getting beaten!?" Cassidy added.
"I'm not done yet!" Kasai exclaimed, while a blue aura started to surround Veedramon. "N-No! H-His power is getting stronger and stronger because of that girl! A-At this point he'll-" Raptordramon started to get worried, but…it was too late.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Veedramon was able to make Raptordramon stop moving. "N-No! That's bullshit!" Cassidy said with her eyes wide open, but she would have never expected what happened next. Not only Veedramon, but also Kasai…were ready to give a strong barrage of punches to the two of them. "N-No! Stop!"
"ORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORAORA!" The young detective and her partner gave one hit after another to the mercenary and Raptordramon before finishing the battle with one last punch. "ORA!"
"GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Both Cassidy and Raptordramon were sent far away from the detectives and crashed to the ground. "Anf…anf…anf…T-This is bad…i-I have to take Cassidy out of here!" Raptordramon said while carrying his partner on his back and jump away.
When the two detectives arrived, they were already gone. "Even if they were badly injured...they were able to escape." Kyoko said. "I guess…it'll be for another time…eheheh. Good grief, it's already the second time I let a mercenary escape, isn't it? Kasai said, with a smile. The blonde girl couldn't do more but change the smile back. Cassidy escaped…but at least, they won. "Yeah! You're losing hits, which means that you need to improve!"
"I guess you're right, Kyoko…I guess you're right." Kasai simply said. "You've really surprised me out there…I didn't think Cassidy made you that angry." Kyoko then noticed, remembering to see Kasai and Veedramon at full power. "Well…those things she said made me mad…I mean…we also had bad memories…but that doesn't make us do horrible crimes." Kasai answered before taking a deep sigh and taking another cigarette. "I guess…the date is ruined…" She then said.
"Hey…don't worry…I've had fun after all! At least we shared some good moment together!" Kyoko answered, still holding a smile on her face after all. "I guess…I should thank you for deciding to come with me…" She then said.
"No problem…now…i…think I'll head to my parents house. I…need to know how's my father…" Kasai said. "You want me to come with you?" Her leader asked. "Yes…thanks…" Kasai simply answered.
"Then let's go." Veedramon then said. With that, the two detectives and their Digimon started to go towards the Yagami house.
In the meantime…Raptordramon ended up on the top of a building, far from the two detectives, so that they could not find them. "Anf…anf…anf…with this…we should be safe…" He said before fainting. Cassidy was still feeling sick and weak for all the hits she received, but she still stood up and looked at the city with a face that showed anger and frustration. "H-How…? How did I lose again…? It's…not fair…it's just not fair! T-They can't be that strong! They can't be under me all the times!" She exclaimed. The only idea of getting defeated only gave her wrath, but she couldn't accept the fact that she would have been defeated more than one time. She thought about the time she was defeated by Aisu in the File Island, the strategy of that girl led her off guard and this costed her a defeat. She then thought about when she fought against Kumo. Even if she didn't lose because she had been told to run away, the boy seemed to be at his level. And now this…
"I'm not in the wrong…I'm strong…I'll show that man what I'm capable of…" Cassidy said…while on her mind, horrible memories came by. The cry of her mother, her weakness, but most importantly…a man that was leaving both of them alone.
"D-Dammit…DAMMIT AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL!"
Kasai and Kyoko had to go to the other side of the city in order to reach Taichi and Mimi's house, so it took them a while to arrive, but in the end they made it. Kasai knocked on the door, waiting for a quick answer, and fortunately, Mimi opened it and saw the two of them. "Ah! Kasai, Kyoko!" She said.
"Mom, where's dad?" Kasai asked. The older woman turned around and pointed at the coach. "There…he's resting." She answered. When the two detectives entered, they could see that even Aisu was there, but most importantly…they saw Taichi and Agumon. While the yellow dinosaur was simply laying on the ground, Taichi was on the couch, and some cuts and injuries could be seen in his head and on his arms. The former leader of the Chosen Children slowly opened his eyes and saw his other daughter. "K-Kasai…"
"Hey, old man…how do you feel?" Kasai asked. "Don't worry…it's alright…I'm not going to die as you can see! Eheheh…" Taichi replied. "H-Hey there Kyoko…i…see you're here too."
"We've…heard that you two…tried to fight against Saiba Rei, right?" Kyoko asked. "You know it?" Aisu asked. "Yes…we met him…and he told us so." Kasai replied, surprising her sister. "But…why?" She then asked.
"…I wanted to help…and understand better. Saiba had always been a dear friend of ours…he helped us with so many things…but now I hear that he wants to take you down…kill my own daughters. I simply cannot understand…he had never been evil, so why he's doing this? I couldn't stand him anymore…I needed answers…so I've went to the Digital World with Agumon…and met him." Taichi explained.
"And what did he told you?" Aisu asked. "…He said that all he was doing was for our best…and for the sake of our country…I remember that…he used to admire is father like a hero…but I don't know the rest. But I can feel it…he's doing something completely wrong…that's what I've tried to stop him…WarGreymon thought against his Digimon…they were around at the same level…but in the end…his Digimon's strategy was superior, and we lost. The reason why I'm in this state is because one of his attacks hit us both." Taichi answered. "I've tried to protect him, but it was pointless…" Agumon added.
"Were you able to see who was that Digimon?" DORUgamon asked. "No…he was covered in a shadow…but I can confirm that it's someone I've never seen before." Agumon replied. "…I see." Veedramon said.
"In the end…Saiba decided to spare me because he said that the one he should kill is not me…but you…he does see you as a dangerous threat. He still sees me as a friend and he didn't want to see me suffer anymore." Taichi continued, looking at the three detectives. "…I'm sorry if I wasn't that of a big help…I've tried…"
"Don't worry…I mean…it was a little bit reckless but…we appreciate that you wanted to help." Aisu said with a smile. "Aisu's right! And don't worry, Agumon…you'll be fine soon." Strikedramon added with the yellow dinosaur making a smile of appreciation.
"After what you said, we've all decided to help you in this case! After all, we're still Chosen Children and we are your parents! It's natural to help you!" Mimi said with a smile before heading towards Taichi. "And don't worry…I'm sure our little girls will make it right…" She said before giving him a kiss on the lips. "I know it for sure! They're my daughters after all!" Taichi answered.
"Some things never change, right?" Aisu asked. "I guess not! And…thank you for your help…you know…now that I think of it…there's something we could ask…" Kyoko said. "What is it?" Mimi asked.
"During this time, we've been fighting against some mercenaries that escaped in various battles. I thought that maybe you could help us track them down! I'm sure that people like Mister Koushiro and Mister Ken could be of a great help for this!" Kyoko explained.
"Say no more! Leave it to me! I'll advise everyone!" Mimi said with a smile and making the victory sign. "I knew I could count on you!" Kyoko replied, making the victory sign back.
"…Mom…thank you." Kasai then said, making her mother blush. "Awwww, there's no need. Didn't I tell you? If you need help, we'll always be there for you! Family must always help after all!" She said.
"Yeah…you're right. It's just what I want to do. I'll make sure to give that Saiba the same amount of pain he had given to the old man." Kasai said with a new found resolve. "I guess now there's someone who understands you, right Kumo?" Kyoko thought, looking at her friend.
But then…Kasai felt somehow…sick…as she touched her belly. "Eugh…"
"Kasai? Are you alright?" Aisu asked. "Y-Yes…sorry…I just need to go to the bathroom…" She said before walking away. "Stay here Veedramon…" She then gave a strange order to her partner, who was confused as the others. "Ok…?" But both Taichi and Mimi had a worried face as they saw her going towards the bathroom, since they knew too well…what was going on.
"BLAAAAAARGH!" Kasai was on her knees with the face on her toilet, puking and coughing. She had been like this for at least two minutes before she cleaned her mouth "Anf…anf…anf…e-everyday it's always worse…i…I really hope it won't kill me before I've helped the others…that would really piss me off…" She said before holding her belly again. "I'm sure it's not because of Cassidy's attacks…it must be it…" She then looked at what she had puked, not being happy of it…and flushed the toilet. She then looked at the window with a weak, yet determined stare. "No…I'm sure I will resist…I need to do this…for all of them. I will be there…and defeat Saiba Rei." She said.
It wasn't clear to the others…but that sickness was the reason why she got so angry for Cassidy's work. She had a good heart, but even she was feeling some sort of pain that started in the past. Because that wasn't a normal illness.
Since what she's puked…was actually blood.
