Chapter 18: The search for the Kaiser

Koushiro's office

The new Digidestined were currently resting in the office after another day of destroying the dark towers. Sora and Yamato were also there. They were all about to leave when Koushiro's tablet started beeping, signalling that Koushiro received a call from Wisemon. Koushiro quickly answered it and all the Digidestined immediately crowded around him.

Wisemon: "Hello, Koushiro."

Koushiro: "Wisemon, did something happen?"

Wisemon: "Yes, but it is good news. Leomon has been scouting around the Digital World for all of you. And he has found some good information."

Leomon then appeared on the screen beside Wisemon.

Leomon: "Greetings, Digidestined. I have some valuable information for all of you. I was out scouting with Spadamon and we found an area with a large amount of dark towers. In the middle seemed to be this big structure, which we believe is the Kaiser's base. Wisemon will send you the coordinates shortly."

Koushiro: "I see, I assume you all managed to get out safely?"

Leomon: "Of course, however, it may not be the best idea to go directly for the base."

Miyako: "Why not?"

Leomon: "The Kaiser had many controlled Digimon at the base. And those dark towers will make it difficult for you to fight effectively."

Yamato: "What level were the Digimon?"

Leomon: "We saw a lot of Tuskmon and Kuwagamon."

Wisemon: "I hope this information has been helpful, Digidestined."

Koushiro: "It has been very helpful, thanks Wisemon and Leomon."

Koushiro and Wisemon then ended the call and the Digidestined began to discuss.

Koushiro: "Hmm, the Armors might be able to take on a few… but if there is truly an army there…"

Hikari: "Takeru and I will have to use our crests…"

Sora: "But it's going to be difficult because you two won't have much time."

Hikari: "We will get a good amount of time if we only go up to ultimate."

Koushiro: "It's still going to be a problem. Unless we do this the fastest way possible."

Daisuke: "You have a way to deal with them quickly?"

Miyako: "Then why not do it?"

Yamato: "Considering your previous reactions… I don't think you guys would enjoy it."

Iori: "You mean…"

Koushiro: "Yes, Takeru and Hikari will have to show no mercy."

Takeru: "It's… fine if you guys don't want to go. Worst case scenario… we will just reduce his army and do this as often as we can without pushing ourselves. But really, we need to aim to get to the base and stop anything he is planning right now."

Koushiro: "I think we should just try to sneak onto the Kaiser's base and attack from inside. It will be much easier to handle fighting inside. And it would be quicker as well. We need to consider that time will also be an issue."

Sora: "Right, it's unlikely that this could be completed in a day…"

Yamato: "It will be fine for us since our parents already know about the Digimon, but you guys haven't told your parents about this, have you?"

The new Digidestined nodded.

Miyako: "So we need to either tell our parents… or we tell them an excuse…"

Daisuke: "We could make something up, like saying we're just staying at a friend's."

Iori: "I won't lie to my mom like that."

Sora: "Wait, I know. Why don't we say you guys are going camping? Yamato, Koushiro and I can go camping while you guys go to the Digital World."

Yamato: "Hmm, that's a pretty solid Alibi."

Takeru: "It's technically not lying since going to the Digital World for a few days is practically camping anyways."

Hikari: "It would work… although for me, I would tell my parents the truth."

Takeru: "Same, but this lie is mainly for Daisuke, Miyako and Iori."

Sora: "Oh, wait we would need someone to bring us to the venue, wouldn't we?"

Yamato: "I can ask my dad. He would probably be able to do it. And plus, with the amount of work he has been doing… I think he needs a break."

Takeru: "I'll come with you to ask. It'll be easier to convince him with both of us there."

Hikari: "Then it's settled. Unless you three have any objections?"

Daisuke: "Do we really have to kill Digimon?"

Takeru: "If we try to sneak into the Kaiser's base, we probably won't have to kill many, but you need to understand that if it comes to it, we will do what we have to do."

Miyako: "You guys make it sound like some kind of war…"

Hikari: "Sorry, but this is the most effective way we can handle this. I don't like killing Digimon too, but if we need to do it to save our friends… then I will do it."

Iori: "But to kill Digimon… it just doesn't feel right…"

Takeru: "You three don't have to come if you don't want to. We aren't going to force you."

The new Digidestined looked at one another before Daisuke stepped forward.

Daisuke: "Can you guys give us a moment? I think the three of us need to discuss something first."

Yamato: "Go ahead."

The three Digidestined left the room.

Yamato: "Do you think they will accept this?"

Sora: "Definitely."

Takeru: "They may not like doing this, but I have a feeling that they will do it."

Hikari: "Yeah."

Daisuke: "What do you guys think?"

Miyako: "I don't know. I don't want to kill any Digimon."

Iori: "It just feels wrong, but it is our duty, isn't it?"

Daisuke: "Yeah… we were chosen just like them. And they also had to make the same decisions when they were on their Adventure."

Miyako: "Can we really do it though?"

Daisuke: "If it's any consolidation… at least it won't be the three of us doing the most fighting."

Iori: "True… it'll still be painful to watch Takeru and Hikari kill Digimon, but… we have a duty to help them."

Miyako: I guess…"

Daisuke: "Then it's settled. We will help them, won't we?"

With the agreement of the new Digidestined, they went back into Koushiro's office.

Yamato: "So?"

Daisuke: "We will help."

Koushiro: "Alright. So, let's try to get this set up by tomorrow?"

Yamato: "Yep, don't worry, Takeru and I will get our dad to help us."

Takeru: "Yep."

Koushiro: "Alright, rest well, and be prepared. Camping in the Digital World isn't exactly a paradise. Especially since you guys won't have Komondomon."

With that, the Digidestined went off to their respective homes.

Takeru, Yamato, and their dad were sitting outside a small restaurant.

Mr Ishida: "So let me get this straight. You two, want me to go on a camping trip?"

Their father leaned closer to them and whispered.

Mr Ishida: "And this is just a cover-up so you can get these… new Digi whatever you call them… into the Digital World?"

Yamato: "Yes, you said you had a lot of paid vacation days, right? A break could do you some good."

Their father sighed.

Takeru: "Please? We can't really ask anyone else…"

Mr Ishida: "Sigh, alright, a break does sound kind of nice."

Yamato and Takeru thanked their father, and they left the restaurant to get ready for the trip.

Yagami Apartment

Hikari was currently telling her parents about the trip, while they ate dinner. Tailmon and Agumon were also there.

Mr Yagami: "So, you're going to the Digital World with your friends, and we won't see you guys for a few days, right?"

Hikari: "Yep."

Mrs Yagami: "And Takeru will be there to protect you, correct?"

Hikari: "Of course."

Mr Yagami: "Go ahead then, I trust Takeru to keep you safe. Tailmon as well of course."

Hikari: "Thanks, Daddy."

Agumon: "Hikari, can I come along as well?"

Hikari: "Agumon?"

Agumon: "I can feel it… Taichi will be there, and I'm going to save him."

Hikari glanced at her parents, who both nodded.

Hikari: "Of course you can come, Agumon. But please be safe."

Agumon: "Don't worry, Hikari."

Motomiya Apartment

Daisuke was packing his bags for a 'camping trip' while Jun was asking him questions about it.

Jun: "So you're going camping?"

Daisuke: "Yes."

Jun: "With your group of friends?"

Daisuke: "Yes."

Jun: "So that blonde kid, Takaishi, is he going to be there?"

Daisuke: "Yes, what's your point?"

Jun: "So, Yamato is going to be there as well, then. Bring me along I need to get closer to Yamato."

Daisuke: "Stop annoying me. Plus, it doesn't matter if you go Yamato's Gir-"

"Wait, that's supposed to be a secret."

Jun: "Hmm? What did you say?

Daisuke: "Nothing."

Jun: "Whatever, there's no point talking to you. I need to go and get ready for this trip."

Daisuke sighed as Jun left his room.

"I didn't even say you could come… Whatever, I just need to focus on our mission now. We can't afford to just let Takeru and Hikari do all the work."

Inoue Apartment

Miyako was currently in her room thinking about their upcoming mission.

"We will have to stay in the Digital World for multiple days for this… It's our duty to do this, right? We need to do our best for this. This won't be like before when we just destroying the dark towers…"

Hawkmon opened one of his eyes and looked at Miyako from his 'nest', which was just a bunch of Miyako's old clothes in a basket.

Hawkmon: "You're still awake? You're going to be tired tomorrow. You should sleep."

Miyako: "Right, right…"

Miyako threw her blanket over her as she tried to sleep.

"We need to do our best. We need to do our best… We… need to… do… our best…"

Ishida Apartment

The Digidestined were each carrying a bag which they packed for the trip to the Digital World. Takeru and Hikari's bags were quite small, only carrying snacks and water in case they, or their Digimon needed it. The new Digidestined, on the other hand, had much larger bags, containing much more food, water, and sleeping bags.

Daisuke: "Why do you two pack so little?"

Takeru: "Because we only packed what we needed?"

Iori: "But you barely have any food or water…"

Hikari: "The Digital World has plenty of fruits."

Takeru: "The fruits have enough water, and even if there wasn't enough, almost every lake is safe to drink from."

Miyako: "But what about sleep?"

Takeru: "What about it?"

Daisuke: "You didn't even bring sleeping bags."

Hikari: "We won't need them."

Iori: "But…"

Takeru: "Relax, we've slept using our bags as pillows and leaves as blankets before."

Hikari: "Plus, warmth won't be a problem. The Digital World isn't that cold at night."

Koushiro cleared his throat before speaking.

Koushiro: "Anyways, are you guys ready to go? Also, here you go, Miyako, Iori. I finished your earpieces."

The five Digidestined, their partners and Agumon all nodded, as Miyako and Iori put on the earpieces.

Agumon: "Let's go save Taichi!"

The group were then transported to the Digital World through Koushiro's tablet.

Sora: "Alright, guess we can go off now."

Koushiro: "Actually, I am currently testing something for our Digimon. I have confirmed it to be 100% safe. I'm just working on its design for now."

Yamato: "This is the special room project, right?"

Koushiro: "Yep, this way we can bring our Digimon around without needing to find them a disguise. Although, I do prefer the stuffed toy approach. This was just in case we needed to go somewhere and didn't have the space."

Piyomon: "Sounds perfect! So how do we use it?"

Tentomon: "The same way we enter the Digital World."

Tentomon then entered Koushiro's computer and was displayed in a small and bright-coloured play area. Piyomon and Gabumon entered as well.

Mr Ishida: "Well, that is really convenient for space…"

Koushiro: "Yep, anyways, we are ready so we may go now, Mr Ishida."

The group then left the building and entered a van, with Mr Ishida and Koushiro in the front, and Sora and Yamato behind. They were about to leave when they saw a girl calling out to Yamato. Sora chuckled as she saw Yamato's exasperated face.

Sora: "One of your fans?"

Yamato: "Even worse, she's Daisuke's sister as well."

Sora: "Good luck."

Yamato got out of the van and did his best to look happy, although his smile looked incredibly fake. However, Jun paid no mind to it.

Jun: "Hey, Yamato. I heard from Daisuke that you were going on a camping trip."

Yamato: "Is that so…"

Jun: "Yep! Hey, where are the rest of them?"

Yamato: "Ah, they err- went ahead of us… in another van. Anyways, I err need you to do me a favor."

Jun blushed as she replied.

Jun: "Oh? What is it?"

Yamato: "Can you turn around for ten seconds? Oh, and close your eyes as well."

Jun: "Alright, anything for you."

As Jun began to count, Yamato quickly rushed back to the van and entered it.

Yamato: "Dad. Drive."

Mr Ishida: "What about her?"

Yamato: "Drive."

Mr Ishida: "Alright…"

The van started to move off and just as it passed Jun, she finished counting and opened her eyes. She swiftly looked around for a few seconds before realising what had happened.

Jun: "YAMATO!"

Sora: "Oh, she sounds mad."

Yamato: "Maybe I should take a page out of Takeru and Hikari's book and announce we are dating soon. The extent of things that my fans are trying to do is getting ridiculous."

Koushiro: "You sure you won't lose some fans if you do that?"

Yamato: "At least then, I would know how many of them are fans because of my music."

Koushiro: "Fair point."

The Digidestined were currently scaling the mountain, with Takeru and Hikari taking it slowly. They wanted to ensure they had as much energy as possible so they could use their crests for as long as possible. Miyako was the fastest at scaling the mountain and was calling out to the rest of them.

Miyako: "Are we sure this is the right place?"

Daisuke: "It should be, why?"

Miyako: "There's nothing here."

Iori: "What?"

Miyako: "There's a big hole up ahead, I'm going to go check it out first. Make sure Hikari and Takeru get up safely."

"We need to do our best. Even if Hikari and Takeru are stronger than us, we can still help."

Daisuke: "Miyako wai-"

But Miyako had already gone ahead with Hawkmon.

Daisuke and Iori quickened their pace and managed to reach the top of the mountain, where they saw a rope that Miyako had left behind. They threw it down to Hikari and Takeru. Hikari was pulled up first, Patamon and Tailmon stayed with Takeru as they would be able to get up much quicker and they wanted to make sure Takeru was protected. After they had pulled both Hikari and Takeru up safely, they heard a scream from Miyako, followed by a sound of pain from Hawkmon.

Daisuke: "Wasn't that…"

Iori: "It's Miyako!"

Daisuke: "Shoot, she shouldn't have gone ahead, Veemon! Digimental Up!"

Veemon: "Got it, Daisuke!"

"Veemon, Armor-Evolution! Lighdramon! Storm of Friendship!"

The Digidestined started to run towards the hole, while Lighdramon sped ahead with Daisuke on his back. Once they reached the hole, Daisuke jumped off Lighdramon and Lighdramon pounced into the hole without losing any speed. Lighdramon immediately reverted to Veemon and Daisuke clenched his Digivice.

Daisuke: "Digimental Up!"

"Veemon, Armor-Evolution! Fladramon! Burning Courage!"

The other Digidestined had caught up by now and saw the rope Miyako was attached to. They began to pull on it and managed to bring Miyako up. She had Hawkmon in her arms.

Fladramon began to envelop himself in fire as he aimed himself towards the spider-like Digimon below him.

Fladramon: "Fire Rocket!"

With the speed he had built up as Lighdramon, Fladramon crashed into the Dokugumon causing a large explosion of fire. When the dust cleared, the dark ring on the Dokugumon was completely deleted, while the Dokugumon was flickering.

"Shoot, I overdid it with the speed."

Fladramon then looked upwards and jumped out of the hole, landing next to the Digidestined.

Fladramon: "How are they?"

Takeru: "Miyako is fine, but Hawkmon took a hit for her."

Daisuke: "What happened to the Digimon that attacked her?"

Fladramon: "It's flickering right now."

Iori: "Flickering?"

Hikari: "It's almost dead then…"

Fladramon reverted to Veemon and hung his head low.

Veemon: "Sorry Daisuke."

Daisuke: "No, Takeru and Hikari were right yesterday. When it comes down to it, it's a choice between our friends and the enemy. And I know which one I'll choose."

The atmosphere was tense as Tailmon went away with from the group, with Agumon, to find some herbs for Hawkmon.

When they came back, they saw the children talking on the earpieces.

Hope: "Yes, right now, we can't find the base. Yolei and Hawkmon are out of commission for now."

Knowledge: "Understood. I'll try my best to search for any clues but for now, just rest up. Did you guys need to use it?"

Reliable Knowledge: "No. Davis did a very smart move that helped us defeat the digimon without much trouble. However, it may die."

Knowledge: "So it was flickering… alright. I'll keep in touch."

The Digidestined sat down as they contemplated their next move.

Hikari: "What do you have there, Tailmon?"

Tailmon: "Herbs, for the poison."

Miyako: "Sorry guys… I shouldn't have gone ahead."

Takeru: "It's fine, for now though, we need to make sure Hawkmon gets better."

Hikari: "We should set up camp here, then. It's getting late and Koushiro needs time to try track down the base."

Agumon: "I'll go get some wood for a fire."

Tailmon: "I'll go find some fruits."

Patamon: "I'll help you."

As the Digimon went off, the rest of the group sat down and began to take some of their stuff out, mainly the newer Digidestined setting their sleeping bags. Soon Agumon came back with wood and lit it on fire with his Baby Flame attack. He then sat down next to Hikari. Soon after, Patamon and Tailmon came back with fruit and leaves in their hands. The Digidestined began to eat the fruits in silence. After a while it felt a little awkward for the new Digidestined.

Iori: "Umm, the fruits here are really good."

Takeru: "Yeah, we managed to survive on them a lot during our first time here."

The Digidestined then fell into silence again, until Hawkmon woke up.

Hawkmon: "What happened?"

Miyako: "Oh, Hawkmon! I'm so sorry!"

Miyako began to hug Hawkmon.

Iori: "Miyako and you were attacked, and you took a hit for Miyako. Daisuke managed to save you two by utilising both of Veemon's Armor forms."

Hawkmon: "I see. Thank you, Daisuke, Veemon."

Veemon: "No problem!"

Miyako: "I'm sorry, Hawkmon, it was my fault that you got hurt."

Hawkmon: "Don't worry, Miyako. We, Digimon would do anything to protect our partners."

Miyako hugged Hawkmon even tighter. Hikari giggled at the sight as she pet Tailmon, who was curled up in her lap.

Takeru set himself up by a tree and pulled his hat off. He placed Patamon into the hat. Hikari giggled and walked over to Takeru and sat next to him.

Hikari: "Nice to see that my gift has become Patamon's glorified bed."

Takeru chuckled at Hikari's teasing.

Takeru: "You know me, I have got to give Patamon the best."

Hikari leaned her head on Takeru's shoulder, and he grabbed some of the leaves Patamon and Tailmon had brought. He placed the leaves over himself and Hikari to act as blankets. Hikari smiled.

Hikari: "Alright, goodnight, everyone. We will attack the Kaiser's base tomorrow when Koushiro gives us more information."

The rest of the Digidestined said their goodnights, with Miyako mumbling something about romance after seeing Hikari and Takeru. Soon the rest of the Digidestined went into their sleeping bags. Takeru took a quick glance at the new Digidestined before kissing Hikari on her forehead.

Takeru: "Goodnight, my sweet angel of Light."

Hikari smiled and opened her eyes and turned to face Takeru. Takeru immediately blushed.

Hikari: "So, that time after SkullGreymon, wasn't a dream?"

Takeru: "I err- I t-thought you were asleep."

Hikari: "After SkullGreymon or now?"

Takeru's blushed even harder as he responded.

Takeru: "Err- Both..?"

Hikari giggled at Takeru's response as she brought her hands up to his face and pulled him closer. Takeru brought his hands around her back and pulled her closer as well. They shared a passionate kiss, not caring about their surroundings. After they pulled away, they were panting a little and Hikari nuzzled herself on Takeru's shoulder.

Hikari: "You're the best, Keru, my Knight of Hope."

Takeru: "Same to you, Hika, sweet Angel of Light."

On the opposite side of the campfire, Iori was embarrassed that he had woken up and saw what had just happened.

"Oh, guess they have been dating. But for how long? And why haven't they told us? Ah whatever, if they aren't going to tell us, they probably have a reason. I won't intrude on their privacy. They will tell us when they feel comfortable about it."

Armadimon: "Iori? You're still awake?"

Iori: "Ah. Armadimon, be quiet, you'll wake up the others."

Iori nervously looked over to Takeru and Hikari, who had horrified expressions. He quickly glanced to his left and right, to see Miyako and Daisuke fast asleep. He quickly got out of his sleeping bag and went over to Takeru and Hikari. He bowed deeply as he whispered.

Iori: "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to hear or see all that."

Hikari: "Err, no no, it's not your fault, Iori."

Takeru: "But, can you keep this a secret from Daisuke and Miyako?"

Iori: "Got it, but if I may ask, why?"

Takeru: "Well, word spreads quickly since Onii-Chan is so popular, which is also why Yamato and Sora never announced anything to the public."

Hikari: "And I don't want to hurt Daisuke. I may not have the same feelings as him, but he is still like a brother to me."

Iori: "I see, but just so you know, Daisuke said that he would be fine if you two were dating. If anything, he said he would be happy if he lost to Takeru and not anyone else."

Hikari: "Really?"

Iori: "Yes. Also, congratulations. Based on what the older Digidestined say, you two were fated to be with each other."

Takeru: "Thanks, Iori."

With that, Iori went back to his sleeping bag and the Digidestined drifted off to sleep. Ready to fight the Kaiser the following day.

That's it for this chapter. Hope y'all enjoyed it. For Koushiro's office, I would take it as something like the little shed Koushiro and Mimi were in at the end of 2020. Obviously, Koushiro would probably have it in a convenient location. And it is definitely not the super good office he had in Tri. Koushiro definitely does not have that kind of money.