Infinite Possibilities

Phase 1: Bridge

Chapter 4

Koushiro stood outside of an impressive office building in Toyosu, a district in the Koto Ward close to Odaiba. As a CEO, he had to leave his office more than he cared to. Although leadership duties were relatively new to him, he already wondered if he could delegate meetings, networking, and public statements. But today, meeting with a collaborator was a convenient cover for what he was actually doing this fine Friday morning.

He was visiting Eimi at her new Bureau job, with Tentomon at his side and a briefcase in hand. Koushiro stepped into a fancy courtyard, a circular space shared between a group of office buildings. It was surrounded by trees and dotted with grass, flowers, and benches to rest and eat. Sakura petals coated the lovely paving stones underfoot. A floral scent hung in the air, subtle and sweet.

"Oh my," Tentomon buzzed. "Eimi-han works in a nice building!"

Koushiro's head tipped back to view the entire high rise. The exterior was mostly glass, sleek and modern. It was conveniently located above an underground mall. A sign posted by stairs leading down to the mall's entrance listed restaurants and stores and bore a train station symbol.

"She certainly has her pick of dining options." Koushiro wasn't sure how to interpret the Bureau's interest in Eimi. Sure, she was recently unemployed, and her whistle blowing allowed them to enact their raids at high personal cost. But why protect and employ her? The Chosen checked on her out of gratitude, but he doubted the Bureau's reasons were so benign.

Koushiro recalled what Hiroaki said about the Bureau possibly needing a scape goat or hero. Though the April morning was mild, he shuddered. Bureau agent Himekawa Maki used the Chosen to her own ends, once. Would something similar happen to Eimi? As if the words could ward off danger, Koushiro murmured, "I hope it treats her well."

"Me, too. But let's see how Eimi-han is doing right now."

Tentomon was right, of course. It was far better to focus on what could be done in the present than to fear for something that might not happen. "Right. Let's go."

Koushiro opened the office's huge glass door and entered a stunning lobby. Its main features were its glass walls and the views of the flowering trees beyond. Otherwise, soft gray and wood tones generated a calming space outfitted with comfortable seating. It was grand, but Koushiro was not the type to be distracted or intimidated by finery. He approached the desk, manned by a receptionist in a suit. After some back and forth, the receptionist made a phone call, then said, "Anami-san will be right with you."

"Thank you." Koushiro stood aside to wait, and Tentomon hovered nearby. The moment he had downtime, his mind entrenched itself in the news reports he had checked throughout the day. In theory, the raids could be covered up, since they took place at night in private facilities. Corporations and employees might not speak out, given the questionable ethics of their work. However, the sudden upset in the stocks of several profitable technology companies couldn't go unnoticed, and investors were already demanding explanations. Koushiro made inquiries of his own, partially so no one would find it unusual if he didn't, but mostly to see what was said, and by whom.

The sound of approaching footsteps warned Koushiro that his attention was required. He turned and found Eimi, wearing slacks and a blouse. A knot of tension came undone in his gut. Eimi was beaming, and seemed far more relaxed than when they met.

"Tentomon! Izumi-san! Thanks so much for coming."

"It's a pleasure, truly," Koushiro replied, offering a relieved smile.

"Good morning, Eimi-han!"

"I'm really glad to see you both. There's so much to show you! Can you come with me?" Eimi spoke rapid fire, sentences nearly smearing together. Koushiro's smile grew, although he didn't consciously realize that her enthusiasm was infectious.

"I'd like that. But first, is it possible to talk somewhere quiet?" What Koushiro meant was somewhere private, but he doubted that existed in a Bureau-owned building. Their best bet was a restroom, but he and Eimi couldn't enter one together.

Thankfully, Eimi seemed unperturbed by his request. "Oh, sure. This way, please."

"Thank you." Koushiro and Tentomon followed her to an elevator. Eimi tapped a scanner mounted on the wall with her badge, then pushed the up button. Koushiro hovered awkwardly when they entered, unsure how to maintain small talk. Happily, Tentomon drove the conversation, which Eimi seemed delighted with.

They disembarked into the encapsulation of a fancy office space: hard carpet that could be easily cleaned, neutral walls featuring soothing abstract art, and a wide receiving area by the elevators that narrowed into hallways on either side. Eimi led them down one.

"There's a, um... Hm." Eimi leaned closer and lowered her voice. "You don't want a conference room."

Koushiro shook his head. Conference rooms had microphones to pick up voices for remote calls. They could be monitored, or even recorded, inside one. "An outdoor break area, perhaps. Do you have a patio?"

"There is one, but I can't guarantee it will be empty. Let's look."

Koushiro and Tentomon followed her to the building's outer glass wall. Eimi opened a door and peeked out. They entered a patio hosting dining tables with umbrellas.

"It's nice!" Tentomon said. The view was beautiful so high up, featuring Toyosu, Tokyo Bay, and Odaiba in the background. Mt. Fuji towered in the distance, capped with snow.

"The area seems amazing," Eimi said. "I hope I get to explore Toyosu someday... Odaiba, too."

"Tentomon and I would be happy to show you around." Koushiro was no agent or guard, but he was able to help Tentomon evolve into a selection of gargantuan war beetles. That seemed like adequate discouragement for anyone interested in threatening Eimi.

Her eyelids flared open, as if he had said something shocking. "That's... Really kind of you. And, um… You've been so kind to me already. I don't know how to thank you."

Koushiro shook his head. "No need. In fact, I'm in your debt. You're paying a high price for saving those digimon. That means a lot to the Chosen."

Eimi's smile broadened. "Well. Perceiving it that way makes you kinder, in my eyes. But let's have a seat. Oh! Geez, I forgot to offer you a drink."

"Perhaps some tea later. I'd like to talk before anyone else takes advantage of the patio."

"Alright." Eimi moved towards the closest table, but Koushiro advanced to the one furthest from the door. Tentomon and Eimi followed without comment.

When they were seated, Koushiro began, "First, how are you? Do you feel safe?"

Eimi's, "Hmmmm," rose and fell in pitch, like a little song. "Yes, but with caveats? It's kind of a loaded question."

Smiling seemed like the incorrect response, but something about Eimi's wry tone invited it. "I imagine so."

"Right?" Eimi's laugh sounded more overwhelmed than amused. "Uh, so. Ikeda-san set me up in a gorgeous apartment. It's on one of the top floors of this building, so my commute is just down an elevator. I was on house arrest for a few days, like I told you."

Koushiro nodded. Eimi kept Tentomon, Yamato, Gabumon, Hiroaki, and him updated via text on her Bureau phone. Her messages assuaged their worry, but everyone was painfully aware that the Bureau would monitor all communication.

"Ikeda-san offered me a job and protection, like she said before. But the news hasn't mentioned the raids at all, so how can I be in danger? I wanted the offer you two made me, not the Bureau job. But then..."

Sighing, Eimi grabbed her braid. When she caught herself picking at it, she folded her hands on the table. "I assumed the Bureau would have you send the rescued digimon straight back to the Digital World. But they're still here. Like, here here, in this building. And they want someone to look after them."

There was a pause as Koushiro stared at her, struggling to process. "I've been in contact with Ikeda-san. I asked if she needed assistance with returning the rescued digimon to the Digital World. She mentioned that the Bureau wanted to wait until they passed health examinations first. But if they hired you to watch them... That implies that they intend to keep them here longterm."

"Right?" Eimi crossed her arms and gazed at the Toyosu skyline, her mouth set in an uncomfortable frown. "I don't know what I think of the Bureau. They tell you only what they want you to know- really deliberately, I mean."

Koushiro nodded, but opted not to give opinions. Instead, he proposed a way out, should Eimi feel uncomfortable with the Bureau. "My offer stands. Any time you want."

"Thank you." Eimi managed a stiff smile. "I really want the job, but… I accepted a year-long internship with the Bureau. They fixed things so I can study remotely until we know I'm safe, so I figured I didn't have much choice. And... If I'm honest..."

When Eimi hesitated, Tentomon supplied, "You want to make sure the rescued digimon are safe." Koushiro brushed Tentomon's three-digit hand beneath the table, knowing he had noticed Eimi struggling.

"Y-yeah," Eimi sighed. "Maybe that's silly of me. I was so sure of my decision when the digimon asked me for help. But the more I think about it… I'm just a random person, not a Chosen or an agent, or even a real researcher."

"Anami-san, please." Koushiro waited until Eimi looked at him to continue, and calmly held her troubled gaze. "We need people who care about digimon. There are far more people who aren't Chosen, agents, or established researchers than people who are, and we all need to work together to make a world where we can coexist with digimon."

Eimi's eyes averted as she considered. "Hm… I see your point. But this is such a volatile situation. Do you think there's a Chosen who is better suited to helping the digimon?"

Koushiro offered what he hoped was an encouraging smile. "You care about them- enough to endanger yourself. That makes you just the right person, I think. I'm glad the digimon have you."

"Oh." Liquid filled Eimi's eyes and spilled over, almost instantly. Only Eimi could know how she felt, but to Koushiro, her emotions seemed so earnest and strong. "Oh, I- You both truly are so kind."

Koushiro fidgeted, unsure how to comfort a crying acquaintance. He considered telling her that there was nothing kind about his words- he was simply stating truth. But being so open with a near stranger felt impossible. He fell back on his old habit of focusing on practical, addressable concerns. "So, um. You're working with the Bureau through this university year, and your living situation is settled. Are you being given enough time to study?"

Eimi blinked, likely surprised by the change in subject. "Are you worried about my schooling, through all of this?" She managed a tiny grin. "Crest of knowledge, huh?"

Koushiro paused to process. "You know about that?"

"She's a fan, Koushiro-han!"

Eimi's syrupy giggles were a relief, much preferable to sniffles. "Tentomon's right! I'm really interested in the Chosen. I grilled Howl, and he said the Japanese Chosen have crests and can evolve further than anyone else."

Koushiro stiffened. The patio was deserted, but that didn't mean there weren't hidden listening devices. "I'm aware that the Bureau knows more about the Chosen than I'd like. But please refrain from mentioning specifics about us, especially on Bureau-controlled property."

Eimi clapped a hand to her mouth. "I'm sorry. Howl says the same thing."

Wishing to change the subject, and forever curious, Koushiro asked, "Can I ask when Howl-san met his Gabumon? He's been on our Chosen network for years, but I haven't had the pleasure of speaking with him."

Eimi seemed to brighten at the mention of her friends. "Oh, ages ago, back in middle school. He said Gabumon's digitama came out of his computer." Her smile faded. "I sat in front of my family's computer for hours, for years and years. But I guess... Not many people are Chosen."

"Ah..." Koushiro and Tentomon shared a long look. He couldn't imagine his life without Tentomon and the Chosen. And being locked out of the Digital World would have killed him. A whole world that he couldn't see? A life form that he couldn't freely interact with and study? He almost understood where the researchers who kidnapped digimon were coming from, although their methods repulsed him. In another universe, if he couldn't work with digimon out of mutual trust, would he have done the same? Or looked the other way for the chance to learn? A queasy feeling spread from his stomach outward; he felt greasy on the inside.

Eimi's shoulders hunched. "Actually, now that I'm living it... Maybe being involved in Digital World stuff is more than I bargained for."

A laugh popped out of Koushiro, a welcome respite from his thoughts. "I can certainly see where you'd think that."

But he mentally filed the fact that Eimi had been involved with digimon for most of her life, if peripherally. That was another fairly rare thing about her, something that might be of use to both the Chosen and the Bureau. Another strength, or another reason for harm to befall her?

The thought made Koushiro lift his briefcase onto the table. "With privacy in mind, I have something for you."

The flaring of Eimi's eyelids suggested panic. "Oh? Um, I don't- Don't have anything for you."

Koushiro managed a wry grin as he opened the case. "I don't see how you possibly could. This is a coordination tool, not a gift, so please don't worry."

"Coordination tool?"

Tentomon lifted a talon, like a student raising a hand. "He means a phone."

Eimi clapped a palm to her mouth, which failed to obscure her snort. "Ah."

Koushiro grinned as he offered Eimi the phone stowed inside. "Thank you, Tentomon. Here you are."

Eimi hesitated, making no move to take it. "I'm sorry, I just- That's so expensive?"

"It's vital," Koushiro said, ignoring that his offering was pricier than Eimi likely suspected. Smart phones were fairly new, and the Izumi Corporation model was far more advanced than others on the market. Especially with his special security modifications, which, naturally, were not available in the model for general sale. "My company produces these phones for Chosen. They work on their own network, and are not traceable by the government or providers. I link them to our digivices."

"It's very handy," Tentomon said.

Eimi ogled the device. "Um, absolutely. But- sorry- is it very, um... Legal?"

"It isn't illegal." Koushiro had checked- extensively. Truthfully, his security measures fell in a gray area, not unlike the situation with captured digimon in labs. They were legal, but only because lawmakers hadn't foreseen them.

"So... I don't have to worry about what I say to you via this phone."

"That's right," Koushiro replied. He inched the phone closer to her and held it by a far corner, as if tempting a nervous critter with a treat. "I'm the only person who can access your message records- please know that upfront. Use it to communicate with the Chosen, but keep in mind that anything you say vocally is still in danger of being overheard, obviously. I've added Yamato-san, Ishida-san, and myself to your contacts. Our secure phones, I mean, not the numbers we gave you last time. As you meet more of the team, they can be added, too."

This, at last, convinced her to accept the phone. "More Chosen? Do you think I'll meet Yagami-san?"

Koushiro blinked. "How- How much do you know about us?"

"Oh..." Eimi's shoulders hunched as she slid down in her chair, looking sheepish. "I, um, I saw the Diablomon incident online. I have a recording of it, and I watched it a lot as a kid. Yagami-san and Ishida-san were cool. But you and the digimon were amazing."

Tentomon waved his talons, an expression of excitement. "I told you, Koushiro-han! She is your fan!"

Eimi's smile warmed, becoming doting. "I'm your fan too, Tentomon! And Gabumon's."

Koushiro remained silent while Eimi and Tentomon reminisced. Logically, he knew that thousands of people, if not far more, watched the Diablomon incident online. Hell, he relied on emails from viewers during the fight. But it always embarrassed him when it came up. And Eimi's impressed, "Izumi-san really has been amazing for a long time," did not help.

"Always!" Tentomon agreed. "He always has! Take it from me!"

"Eimi-san." Koushiro spoke so loudly that Eimi and Tentomon broke off to look at him. He cleared his throat as his face heated further. "Please, we're working together now. Let's be on a first name basis."

"Really?!" Excitement glittered in Eimi's eyes. "Okay! Koushiro-san!"

Koushiro very deliberately moved on. "And to answer your question, I imagine you will meet Taichi-san eventually. But for now, let's focus on what's in front of us. Take care of your phone. Don't let the Bureau see it. I'll set it up so it unlocks only for your face."

Eimi looked from the phone, to Tentomon, to Koushiro. She seemed winded. "Oh, wow. Okay. Thank you so much. I don't think I really realized... We're staying in contact?"

"I think that's best, don't you?" Koushiro replied. "We're in a situation where we can mutually benefit. Furthermore, while I hate to frighten you, it's always wise to exercise caution around government organizations. You're in a bad situation because you helped digimon. That means the Chosen have a duty to you."

This wasn't the place to say so, but later, in a secure setting, Koushiro would explain what he wanted from Eimi. He needed to know what the Bureau was doing with those digimon, and if they would be willing to share whatever intel and tech they recovered from raided labs.

Trouble was, he was frightfully aware that the Bureau would ask Eimi to share what she knew of the Chosen- if they hadn't already. He wasn't sure how to broach that topic, or if he even should. Eimi seemed sympathetic to the Chosen, but her life was in the hands of the Bureau now. He couldn't blame her if she felt indebted to them, or intimidated by their sudden power over her. Eimi could be a boon to the Chosen in the future, and she could be a danger. Worse yet, those were not mutually exclusive. It was a volatile situation, but not a hopeless one, at least.

"I have other things to discuss with you, but it would be best to do so over these phones or somewhere private."

She scrambled to attention. "Oh, yes, me too!" Ignoring the phone bit, she leaned closer. "Um, Ikeda-san mentioned that my job would be helpful to the Chosen. She also hinted at some kind of history between the Chosen and the Bureau that she couldn't talk about."

"Later, please." Eager to change the topic, Koushiro added, "I'm also sending you resources on how to check for listening devices and cameras in your apartment and planted on your belongings. If you feel comfortable with it, I'll come sweep your apartment myself. However, if we remove a device, the Bureau will likely replace it, so it's best that you sweep routinely."

"C-Cameras?" Koushiro hadn't known Eimi long enough to say for sure, but she seemed to have a remarkable talent for hyper-focusing on a specific detail. How could he reassure her, while still being honest about the realities of her situation? The possibility of being monitored at home had to be distressing.

Tentomon interceded, bless him. "We apologize for alarming you. This is likely an excess of caution."

Eimi took a few deep breaths. "That... Doesn't seem like a bad idea right now. Thank you both. My apartment is kind of, um, empty. But if you wouldn't mind checking it..."

"Hm... Keeping it bare might help. It's more difficult to obscure a device that way." Catching himself drifting into another subject, Koushiro shook his head. "But tell me more about the recovered digimon and your job."

This topic seemed far more preferable to Eimi than the last. "Sure! Oh, I should warn you, though. Um, Ikeda-san told me that the digimon might be... Basically booby trapped with illnesses? So maybe it's best if only Koushiro-san meets them first to protect you, Tentomon."

"I can wear a mask," Tentomon suggested. Koushiro grinned.

"Truthfully, not much is known about how disease spreads among digimon." Koushiro tried to study this topic following the infection that ravaged both the Digital World and earth while he was in high school. But again, it was difficult to research digimon ethically. He certainly couldn't spread disease and record what happened.

"That's what I hear," Eimi replied. "But animals often contract illnesses when they stay in a kennel or shelter environment. It's just an exposure issue."

"Are the digimon being kept together?" Koushiro asked. "If they are, then that argument is a bit... Tenuous."

Eimi's fingers drummed the table. "Yes. I pointed out that if one of the digimon is ill, then they all have it now. I didn't get much of a response, definitely not a reason or explanation. I kinda get the feeling that, um... That happens a lot around here."

"Need to know basis," Koushiro agreed. The gods only knew how much time he had wasted pounding on that wall since since his introduction to the Bureau.

"Koushiro-han." Tentomon's feelers gently waved. That, combined with his crossed talons, indicated that he was thinking hard. "If it's alright, I'd like to meet the rescued digimon. After all they've been through, I think seeing a human and digimon cooperate might be helpful."

Koushiro winced, and Tentomon deflated and looked away. He knew he should respond, but too many thoughts crowded his mind. So many aspects of the Meicoomon incident remained painful and triggering to this day. Infections, reboots. The tenuous nature of existing as a digital being. The frustration and frenetic fear of knowing digimon were more than code, just as humans were more than genetics, but not understanding how or why.

But Koushiro decided to keep moving forward, even after the reboot. And so, although his hands shook against the table, he said, "I agree. However, I'll examine you after."

"Oh!" Koushiro flinched at the sound of Eimi's voice; for a moment, he forgot she was there. Again, she was beaming, eyes lit with interest. "You can give digimon health scans? Can you teach me sometime?!"

Ah… This connection with Eimi was beginning to become a time sink, but... Well, Koushiro enjoyed sharing knowledge, especially with an eager student. Even more so when it would help the digimon in her care. "I'd be glad to."

"Thanks! I want to learn as much as I can about digimon." Her shoulders hunched, and Koushiro blinked. Eimi expressed a wide range of emotions in a fluid, dazzling fashion. Surely hopping from excited to… Sad? Dejected? And onto the next feeling had to be exhausting.

"I'm glad I somehow got another job after... Well, losing the first. And it includes room and board, which is so wild! But... Well, I was going to be a researcher at my old place. Right now, I'm just here to keep the digimon comfortable. But at the same time- I really want to be here for them!" Eimi sighed and rubbed her forehead. "Sorry. I'm all over the place."

She really was, and yet… "That's understandable, given the circumstances. I'm sure you'll take on research responsibilities as things calm down. There is far more to learn about digimon and the Digital World than our current research body can hope to cover. And if you're unhappy at the Bureau, my offer stands."

Eimi took a deep breath, clearly gathering herself. "Thank you. I truly do appreciate that, and I'm sorry I turned you down. I wouldn't have if I wasn't so worried for the babies. And speaking of, I'd like to get back to them."

Tentomon launched into the air. "Let's go! I want to see that they're safe."

Koushiro stood and collected his briefcase. "I do, too. And please, don't worry about turning down the job. I understand and appreciate your reasons."

"Thank you. This way, then!"

Eimi led them back inside. The researchers and any possible agents were professional, but Koushiro noticed a few double takes as he and Tentomon passed. "The playroom is in an office area," Eimi explained. "The Bureau thought it best to keep the digimon... Um, away from anything that looks like a lab."

"Good idea." Koushiro detected the concern in Tentomon's deadpan delivery.

"How exactly does your position work?" Koushiro asked. "Are you under a researcher?"

Eimi shot him an uncertain look accompanied by a micro shrug. "It's all so new. So far, I meet with Ikeda-san daily. There's not much structure. I get the feeling that no one really knows what to do with the baby digimon. Or with me."

Koushiro tapped his chin, considering. "You probably have the most experience with digimon by far at the Bureau..." Unless, of course, there were more adult Chosen on their payroll that Koushiro didn't know about.

"That seems to be the sentiment. I have zero clue what you do with a bunch of traumatized babies, though."

Something twisted in Koushiro's stomach. "How... Are they?"

The concern in Eimi's eyes was gut wrenching. It caused a reciprocal pang of worry, and Koushiro found that he couldn't hold her gaze. "I was hoping you could tell me," Eimi said. "I think it's… not great. And the Bureau keeps bringing more of them..."

She fell silent, and Koushiro noticed that the ambient office chatter had decreased in volume. Was it his imagination, or were Eimi's colleagues watching them? "We'll talk later," he murmured.

"Mm. This way." They approached the end of a long hallway. Eimi tapped her card on the scanner beside the door, and it unlocked. She drew a breath with her hand on the knob, then plastered on a smile as she opened it. "Hey, everyone!"

"Eimi! Eimi!" Chatter spilled through the doorway, along with the impact sounds of baby digimon bouncing over, like a stampede of marshmallows. They entered, and the door snapped shut and locked with an electronic mechanism. Koushiro half turned, surprised. The digimon are locked in?

Uneasiness coiled in his belly, but lifted somewhat as he observed the room. The building's outer walls were glass, and the views were just as stunning as the patio. Morning sunshine lit a bright, cheerful, well-kept space. It was large and open, and resembled a cat café in amenities. The floors were tile, easy to clean, but covered with soft rugs, foamy play mats, and blankets. Climbing structures and toys littered the area. Everything looked brand new and squeaky clean.

Digimon converged near the door, as if Eimi were a magnet. Some of them came to an abrupt halt, causing collisions, pileups, and an outbreak of upset exclamations. Koushiro stepped back when he realized the hesitating digimon were staring at him. Without intending to, he stared. Why did so many of them have wounds and scars, particularly on their faces?

An imbecilic question, given why the digimon were here. Recalling Tentomon's advice to be kind to himself, Koushiro amended, An emotional question, and a valid one. That nauseous, greasy feeling, a common companion since Eimi reported the lab digimon, spiked once more.

"I brought friends!" Eimi knelt and reached out to pat the nearest digimon, a Koromon with blue eyes and wounds on its cheeks. It nuzzled her hand, but kept its gaze on Koushiro. "Meet Izumi Koushiro and Tentomon!"

The Koromon blinked. "Chosen!"

"That's right! You're really informed!" Eimi scooped the Koromon up and hugged her. "What do you know about the Chosen?" Something about her tone hinted that the exchange was somehow… Performative? Koushiro's eyes flicked to the baby digimon, gauging their response.

The Koromon's face smushed as she rubbed it against Eimi's cheek. "They help digimon! They are friends! If you are in trouble in the human world, find the Chosen!" A teaching moment, then, one digimon advising the rest on how to view the Chosen.

"Friends! Friends!" Some of the baby digimon swarmed Koushiro and hopped at his feet, like a herd of beach balls. Almost every species he had encountered was here, but most were Koromon or Pyocomon.

A Pyocomon gently tugged Koushiro's pants around the ankle. "Chosen, can you please take us home?"

Ah. How had he failed to anticipate this? When Koushiro knelt, a few of the babies scrambled backwards. He hoped the ache in his chest didn't make him wince. Even the braver babies, those willing to approach, were on guard. Far more hovered further into the room, out of reach. "I, ah. I'm afraid that's dangerous right now."

Mercifully, Eimi interceded. "The people who rescued you want to make sure you're all better before sending you home."

A Tsunomon bumped Koushiro's shoe. "Please... It was so scary. The humans... They kept us in cages. They weren't nice, like Eimi."

Koushiro swallowed hard. At first, he thought the digimon in the open were the only ones here. But the more time he spent in the playroom, the more he noticed. Faint pinpricks glowed inside play tunnels, beds, and hidey holes, digimon watching from the shadows. A few Tanemon and Pyocomon huddled beneath a bench, conspicuously missing leaves and vines. A PetiMeramon openly stared at him from atop a bookshelf, its expression blank. The weight of its gaze was heavy, almost oppressive.

Instinctively, Koushiro reached for Tentomon, to feel the reassuring solidness of his exoskeleton. "You're safe with Eimi-san." He couldn't say they were safe with the Bureau, or even in this room. Eimi was the only person he trusted here.

Tentomon flew over the gathered babies, low to the floor. "You're all so brave! Now you can recover together and get strong somewhere safe before you go home. After all, it can be dangerous in the Digital World, right?"

There was a reluctant murmur of agreement. "I'm really sorry," Eimi said. She hugged the Koromon in her arms, and it nuzzled her.

"You'll stay with us, right?" Koromon asked.

"I will." Eimi cleared her throat and turned to Koushiro. "Tentomon, Koushiro-san, can I introduce you to Koro-chi?"

"Koro-chi?" Tentomon echoed.

"That's me!" The Koromon Eimi held had a scratchy, high-pitched voice.

Tentomon's arms crossed over his chest. "Not Koromon?"

"It's weird, right?" Koro-chi squeaked. "I told her we're all Koromon! But she said it's hard to talk to us like that!"

Pink tinted Eimi's cheeks as everyone looked at her. "Well- It is! You should all have a name. Instead of having all of you come when I say Koromon, I can specify Korin, Karin, Koron, and Koro-chan. And of these Tanemon, meet Tantan, Tan-chan, and Taneko."

There were far too many digimon to continue this, and regardless, Koushiro got the gist. "I see. You can tell them apart? I'm impressed."

Eimi's crumpled brow suggested genuine confusion. "Yes? Of course."

Some of the digimon had unique physical traits, like Koro-chi's blue eyes, but most looked identical at a glance. But there was no point challenging Eimi when she could clearly name the digimon, so Koushiro continued, "Nice to meet you all. Koro-chi, do you mind if I ask you some questions?"

Now that the excitement had passed, some digimon were migrating away from the humans and back to the toys. The sounds of chatter and play filled the background as Eimi led Koushiro to a seating area looking out the windows. She pulled up a beanbag for Tentomon, who sank onto it.

Eimi selected a chair, but Koushiro opened his briefcase. "If you don't mind, I'd like to sweep for listening devices before continuing."

"Oh. Right. Um, can I help? There are cameras…"

Koushiro nodded; he checked for cameras on entering. "I see them. Please, let me do it alone today. I'll teach you how to sweep in your apartment." Away from baby digimon and their questions- and their penchant to innocently divulge information better unmentioned.

Quickly, Koushiro swept the room with his device, heart twisting as hidden digimon scrambled away when he approached. He found nothing, so he returned and stowed his tools. "Save for the obvious devices, we're clear," he said as he sat.

Koro-chi made herself comfy on Eimi's lap. "Koro-chi, if this gets upsetting, please let me know. I won't push," Koushiro began.

"Okay!" Koro-chi executed a happy bounce. "You're a Chosen! And you have a digimon! So I'll help!"

Koushiro offered Tentomon a smile, grateful that he had asked to accompany him. "Thank you very much. Do you remember how you ended up in a lab?"

Koro-chi smushed herself against Eimi, like a puppy trying to hide amongst its litter mates. "I lived in a village of Koromon with some of the others here. We went to sleep in the Digital World, like every other night. But we woke up in cages on earth."

Koushiro shared a mystified look with Tentomon. "I don't understand. Only Chosen can enter and leave the Digital World. I suppose there have been exceptions to that, but they're so rare..."

Eimi wrapped both hands around Koro-chi, a gesture that read as protective. "Koushiro-san... I really don't want to suggest this. But have you considered that..."

She fell silent. "Yes?" Koushiro prompted. "All ideas are welcome."

Eimi slid down in her chair. "It's just… I bet the demand for digimon- especially small ones like the babies- is high among a certain crowd."

Unscrupulous researchers. Collectors who fancy themselves exotic pet owners. People who want to be Chosen. Weapons developers. Koushiro nodded, signaling that he understood. There was no need to be specific in front of the babies.

"Have you considered that some parties would pay a fortune for a digimon?"

"I understand, but the only people who can enter and leave the Digital World are-" Koushiro's mouth snapped shut. Eimi was suggesting that Chosen were smuggling digimon out of the Digital World and selling them on earth. He glanced at Tentomon, whose face was unreadable, then back to Eimi. "I don't think that's possible."

Eimi gazed at Tokyo Bay, jaw rigid, hands still protective around Koro-chi. "I don't, either. But it's the simplest solution."

Eimi was invoking parsimony, the scientific tenet that the simplest solution fitting the evidence was usually correct. As researchers, they were both familiar with the concept, and had seen it in action. Her theory merited exploration.

No matter how much he hated it.

With a hard edge to his voice, Koushiro replied, "The Chosen will look into it. Our Chosen."

Eimi released a long breath. "Good. That puts my mind at ease. I'm really sorry to suggest it."

Koushiro nodded. Only Daisuke's group could unlock Digital World gates with their D-3s. Every other Chosen was forced to wait for gates to open on their own. If Chosen poachers existed, then they were either patient and persistent, or skilled and creative- or both.

They were all problems, in their own way.

Although he was upset, Koushiro forced a smile- or tried to, anyway. "Don't apologize. I appreciate your theory. Don't hesitate to share any you have over our secure connection."

"Thanks for being understanding," Eimi sighed. "Can I change the subject? There's something else I'd like to show you, unless you'd rather ask more questions."

"Of course." Despite his easy agreement, Koushiro tensed. Was he about to meet the nonresponsive digimon? The implications of copying digimon and the need to understand the process made him desperate to see them. On every other level, the mere thought of their existence turned his stomach.

Eimi stood, kissed Koro-chi between her ears, and gently placed her on the floor. "I'll be right back, everyone." Koushiro and Tentomon excused themselves and followed Eimi into the hallway amid a chorus of goodbyes.

It was difficult to say with a new acquaintance, but Eimi seemed cheered by their visit. But now, the pleasure and animation she displayed on their arrival morphed to visible stiffness and worry. Wringing her hands, she began, "It's… down the hall. We don't want the digimon to stumble on it by accident, even though we keep it locked."

Koushiro nodded, but didn't know how to respond. She led them to another room with a sensor lock, badged in, and paused in the threshold. "Tentomon... If you want to wait here, I understand. The nonresponsive copy digimon are inside."

"I thought so," Tentomon sighed. "I don't really want to see, but I think it's best that I do. I might have more insight, as a digimon."

"Okay. But both of you, please leave if you need to." When they agreed, Eimi stepped inside. Koushiro halted a few steps into the room.

The walls were lined with shelves from floor to ceiling, supporting digimon spaced a few inches apart. The room was bare otherwise, save for the single glass wall letting in sunlight. It was like a library of baby digimon, silent and still.

"Oh," Tentomon breathed. Koushiro nodded. Oh, indeed.

Eimi turned to face them, backlit by sunlight. "We're calling them shells. They're identical to the parent digimon their code was copied from. And yet..."

Stomach churning, Koushiro forced himself to walk further into the room. The digimon were frozen, eyes unfocused and unmoving as he passed. As in the playroom, most of the digimon were Koromon and Pyocomon, but other types of digimon were mixed in. Unbidden, he stopped dead in front of a Motimon.

"Koushiro-han," Tentomon murmured.

Koushiro brushed Tentomon's hand. "Eimi-san, may I touch them?" She confirmed, so Koushiro gently picked up the Motimon. It hung limp in his hands, a dead weight. But otherwise...

It was warm, with a soft, springy body that almost felt sticky, but left no residue. The arms moved if he manipulated them, but flopped back upon release. Koushiro stared, willing himself to think, but his brain felt mushy. "I don't understand. It isn't breathing, but it's warm. Clearly alive. And yet... not."

Koushiro desperately tried to avoid comparing the Motimon to a corpse, but where else could his mind go? However, the cold and stiffness of a deceased body were absent, and there were no signs of decay. Not dead, but surely not alive.

"Any thoughts, Tentomon?" Koushiro asked.

Tentomon gazed about the room, unusually subdued. "I'm sorry, Koushiro-han. I don't understand, either. As far as I can tell, those are digimon. But… They're not."

Eimi's voice was soft and gentle. "I'm sorry to show you this."

Koushiro was suddenly cognizant of pain pounding in his head. "No. Thank you. It's vital that we understand this. Can you tell me anything more about them?"

"I'm told that the Bureau researchers and agents are combing through the seized research for information. I think they want to help them, but... If they've found anything, they haven't told me. They asked me to show you them today, so I imagine Ikeda-san might reach out to you later."

"I see..." Koushiro placed the Motimon back on the shelf, where it sat like a high-end stuffed toy. "Pardon me." Quickly, he swept the room with his counter surveillance device and found it clear, save for visible cameras. Then counted how many digimon he saw of each type and recorded the information on his phone. "Would you mind keeping track of how many digimon of each type are in this room? Please update me if there are any changes."

Eimi's eyes widened. "You, you think..."

"You and I look around this room and see strange digimon that need help. Unfortunately, there are researchers who would see a supply of extremely useful tools. These shells were likely created as a means of studying digimon without resistance or risk to the kidnapped digimon, which must be difficult to obtain." Koushiro's brow furrowed as he considered. "Unless, of course, the labs made shell digimon to sell them, or to..."

Well. He could expound on why a laboratory, or any group, might want an army of digimon. But that discussion was unproductive without proof, and would only upset Eimi and Tentomon.

"It's possible that all of the recovered shell digimon aren't in this room..." Eimi swallowed hard. "And I have no way of knowing if all of the rescued digimon are in the playroom."

Eimi's stricken expression made Koushiro wish he hadn't said anything. But what could he do? She was his only connection to the Bureau, the only way he could keep tabs on and try to help the rescued digimon. "If the Bureau has more recovered digimon, they'll be hidden somewhere you can't find them. Almost certainly not in this facility. Unfortunately, our only option is to trust the Bureau- while keeping our eyes open."

Eimi's hands curled into fists. "I asked the babies if all of the digimon they saw in the labs are here. Except for injured digimon that are being helped by researchers, everyone is accounted for. But there were so many doors at LogiTech alone. Some of the digimon might not have seen each other- and I'm sure the Bureau kept track of that."

Koushiro nodded. "You've demonstrated the ability to remain calm and think through volatile situations. The Bureau would expect you to continue doing so. So yes, it's possible that digimon from other labs, or even separate parts of the same lab, are elsewhere. The Bureau only had to produce the three Koromon you discovered to avoid raising your suspicions, and any other digimon those Koromon saw."

Koushiro followed Eimi's gaze down long shelves of digimon. "I just… I wish I could do more. I'm not analyzing seized data or instruments. I only know what I'm told. All I can do is watch the digimon."

"That's a lot!" Tentomon said. "I'm glad those digimon have you."

"I understand your frustration, believe me," Koushiro added. "But frankly, your job is difficult. Those digimon underwent major trauma. They're frightened and distrustful of humans. Were they scared of you?"

Eimi began pacing. "They all were, at first, and most still are. I only just met them, you know? It… really hurts to see them looking so scared. The Bureau agents told the babies about my role in rescuing them, and I told them that I'm a friend of the Chosen. Some of them knew of you, and they relaxed when I could name you and your partners. Plus, Koro-chi is one of the three Koromon that I met in my old lab. She told the babies that they were rescued just after I showed up. She decided to trust me, and that... That helps a lot, I think." She roughly wiped a tear from her eye. "But I think some of them will never… Never be comfortable around people again."

Koushiro approached slowly, as if he might otherwise startle her. He murmured, "Do you have an idea of what they went through?"

When she wiped another tear, Koushiro opened his briefcase and removed a travel tissue packet handed to him on the street as an advertisement. "Thanks," she sighed as she ripped a sheet free. Dabbing her eyes, she continued, "Not yet. I was instructed to focus on earning trust and making the digimon happy first. Most of this info came from Koro-chi. As far as I know, the only questions the Bureau asked the digimon so far were how they got to the labs and if they saw any other digimon that weren't recovered."

Koushiro stored the tissues. "As much as I want to ask questions, I think that approach is best, for now. Their comfort comes first, and of course, they will tell you more if they trust you. I'd say you're making remarkable progress."

"Most of the digimon seem fine," Tentomon offered. "Some are even happy. But… Some are awfully frightened."

Eimi's eyes were eloquent and honest. In that way, she reminded Koushiro of Daisuke, whose face could never hide his thoughts. But, in Eimi's case, only her feelings were obvious, not so much the ideas behind them. "I know. I really want them to feel safe, but I can't fix anything, not really. I'm just trying to give them as much love and attention as they are willing or able to receive."

Her eyes glazed with tears. Unsure what to say, Koushiro placed a hand on her shoulder. "Thank you. That will go a long way towards helping them."

"I hope so..."

Wary of making her uncomfortable, Koushiro withdrew. "If the Bureau is willing to share any information, can you have them contact me? I'd be in your debt if you would ask questions on my behalf. As you might imagine, I'm interested in all seized research and technologies. The sooner we know what the labs were doing to the digimon- and why- the better."

"I will. You can also contact Ikeda-san with the info on her card. I get the impression that they'll comb through everything and formally document what to tell you before they reach out, though."

That was exactly what Koushiro expected- and feared. "Thank you. If I may, do you know what the Bureau plans to do with these shell digimon?"

"Well, um… I begged them to try to help them," was Eimi's sheepish reply.

"Help them?" Tentomon echoed. "How do you mean?"

"Well, um... I thought, maybe... They could make them real digimon? All the way? It just seems so sad to be alive but not alive, like they are. Did you know that some humans in comas retain consciousness? What if these guys do? What if they can hear us and see us, but they can't..."

Slowly, Koushiro began to understand. "This is a nice room they're in," he hazarded.

"Um." Eimi's gaze plummeted to the floor. "They were originally keeping them in the cages they were recovered in, somewhere out of the way. I, I just thought... That was so sad. I know it's silly, but... Well, they agreed to move them here."

"Eimi-san..." Without willing it, Koushiro peeked at the still Motimon. "I... Thank you. For caring for them. I'll do whatever I can to help." He wasn't sure if it was wise to have clones of real digimon around, but the alternative...

The alternative was not appealing.

"Koushiro-san... The Bureau will send the digimon home eventually, right?"

The unspoken question lingered between them, heavy and terrible: What if the digimon have new captors now?

Koushiro hesitated. "I'm sorry. I can't make any guarantees on what the Bureau will do. Please keep pushing for their return, and I'll do the same. But in the meantime, I do see merit to keeping them here until we understand the situation more. It's possible that, if we return them, they might be kidnapped again. And this time, the kidnappers and labs will be more careful about hiding them."

Eimi recoiled as color drained from her face. "I didn't think of that! How awful..."

His eyes traveled down a row of frozen digimon. "Still, we can't know the Bureau's true intentions. Please, continue keeping an eye on them. While I regret the loss to Izumi Corporation and the difficulty of your situation, you're positioned to help the digimon and the Chosen in your role here."

"Absolutely! And please have your friends look into who kidnapped the digimon, and how to prevent future kidnappings. I know it's asking a lot-"

"It's not, not at all!" Tentomon said. "That's what Chosen do! We look out for digimon."

"Alright. Then please, I'm counting on all of you. I also have one more question."

Koushiro almost managed a smile, acknowledging his own extensive list of remaining questions. "Of course."

Eimi hesitated, tipping her head to the side. "So, like Tentomon said, some of the digimon are really scared. But there's one that sticks out."

Something about Eimi's puzzled tone caught Koushiro's attention. "How so?"

"I don't know," Eimi sighed. "The babies who aren't afraid tend to be bubbly and active. I understand that the ones who went through the worst of it are reserved and quiet. But there's one who... He doesn't say a word, but he also doesn't hide or look frightened? He just... stares. At me, specifically. All day. Every day."

Koushiro and Tentomon shared a long look. "That does seem odd," Tentomon allowed.

"Would this happen to be the PetiMeramon?" Koushiro asked.

"Noticed him, huh? Well, he isn't subtle about it. You know, at first I thought he would burn the place down? And he does seem to give off heat. But nothing catches fire, thankfully." Eimi's forehead creased. "Are some digimon constant fire hazards?"

In truth, having digimon around could be difficult. A single foolish use of their powers could devastate. They often misunderstood things in the human world, and even in the Digital World, they had the mentality matching their evolution stage. Baby digimon behaved like toddlers, child digimon behaved like children. Power and childish immaturity were not the best mix.

"Um. Is the room equipped with sprinklers?" Koushiro asked.

"Oh, no. I mean, yes! Yes, it is. But... Oh, no." Eimi crossed her arms. "Wow. Being Chosen really is hard..."

"I don't electrocute things at random," Tentomon pointed out.

"You're an expert, though," Eimi replied. Koushiro wasn't sure what she meant, but Tentomon seemed pleased with the praise.

"I'm afraid I can't give you any insights on the PetiMeramon," Koushiro replied. "If the staring is common for that digimon type, it's the first I've heard of it."

"I've never heard or noticed that, either," Tentomon added. "But we all have our own individual personalities, like humans."

"That's fair, thanks. I should get back to the digimon," Eimi said. "Do you want to spend more time with them? Or do you need to leave?"

Koushiro considered. He was always intensely busy, but... "I wouldn't mind sitting with them for a while. I'd like to gauge for myself how they're doing."

Eimi seemed to perk up. "Alright, that sounds great! I'd love your company. I adore the digimon, but being able to talk to you two would be great."

"Then let's return." Koushiro hoped it wasn't obvious that he was desperate to leave this room. The hundreds of blank eyes seemed to bore into him.

"Okay. Goodbye, everyone! I'll turn music on for you."

And, oddly, Koushiro's eyes stung. Eimi approached a speaker on a shelf with an mp3 player docked to it and selected a play list. English music began to play.

"What kind of music is that, Eimi-han?"

"Songs that were popular in the states when I was a kid. You know, 90s and 2,000s hits."

"Oh! Oh, do you know ska? I like it!" Tentomon said.

Eimi laughed as they left the room. "Really! Koushiro-san, are you a fan, too?"

Baffled, Koushiro blurted, "Tentomon, where did you hear ska?"

"I don't remember. A movie, maybe?"

"I'll recommend some songs," Eimi said. Koushiro wondered if he should intercede. Was his office about to be overtaken by ska?

But he couldn't bring himself to break up the cheerful conversation between Eimi and Tentomon.

Author's Note: Thank you so much for reading! Please let me know if you enjoyed it, it would mean a lot. Love Hidden.