Infinite Possibilities

Phase 1: Bridge

Chapter 2

Koushiro sat in the largest meeting room in Izumi Corporation's office, working on a laptop at the conference table. One of the short walls of the rectangular room was dominated by a screen, and the other sported a magnetized dry erase surface. The glass wall facing the hallway was subtly frosted for privacy. The remaining long wall offered stunning views of Tokyo Bay, glittering in the night with light reflected from the Daikanransha ferris wheel.

The door set in the glass wall opened, and Tentomon flew in, bearing a tray. Opening doors was difficult for Tentomon, and a motion sensing door was too distracting during meetings, so Koushiro had an accessibility button installed.

With comical care, Tentomon placed the tray on the massive table. It bore a modern, high quality teapot. "Here's the tea, Koushiro-han. I need to go back for the cups and snacks."

"Thank you. Are you sure you don't want help?"

As always, Tentomon declined. "You focus on preparing for the meeting. It seems difficult."

"Thank you. Please don't push yourself."

The sound Tentomon made wasn't quite a snort, but it wasn't far off. "That's my line, but I'm fine." Koushiro offered a tired grin. What else could he do? Certainly not defend himself.

Tentomon tapped the button by the door and exited, leaving Koushiro alone. He tried to return to work- he wasn't behind, but there was always more to do. But with the meeting so imminent, he couldn't focus.

The National Data Processing Bureau agent in charge of this case informed him that Anami Eimi made it safely through her work day. That was a comfort, but still, nervous thoughts bounced in his brain. What would this meeting mean for digimon, and for relations between humans and digimon on earth?

A chirp from his cellphone snapped him out of his thoughts. Koushiro checked and found a text from Yamato, alerting him that he and Ishida Hiroaki were here. He connected his laptop to the screen via a dock on the table, typed a brief message in case Tentomon returned to an empty room, and went to collect his guests.

At this hour, the office was dark and empty, even of cleaning services. Motion sensing lights flickered on as he approached and off as he passed, so that he traversed the silent halls in a moving halo. Koushiro's company was about two years old, launched just after he graduated high school. Skipping college was a difficult decision, but he was awarded honorary degrees from various universities, and he believed that the work they were doing couldn't wait. The world was changing faster than anyone could keep up with. And while he preferred to face the future with optimism, Koushiro knew difficulties lay ahead.

Bridging two worlds was no easy task, after all.

Koushiro opened the office's main door for Yamato and Hiroaki. "Thank you for coming. Please, come in."

"Evenin'." Hiroaki was a hale man in his mid forties to early fifties. He had a long face with a firm chin, handsome features, and short brown hair, peppered with more gray than Koushiro remembered. Though he seemed fit, more or less, there was always a haggardness to Hiroaki. The man worked too hard and slept too little, and his career in the news industry was stressful. He wore khakis, a buttondown shirt, a loosened tie, and a brown leather bomber jacket.

Yamato stood beside him, and at a glance, Koushiro wouldn't have guessed that they were related. Physically, he took after his mother, sharing her blue eyes and most of her facial features. Yamato's blond hair was styled, something Koushiro had exactly zero clue how to achieve. He wore a black leather jacket, a green shirt, and blue jeans. Dog tags hung around his neck, and he carried a black leather backpack.

Gabumon stepped closer, appearing in the doorway. "Hello."

Koushiro smiled for Gabumon, a colorful creature and an old friend. At a glance, he read as blue and fluffy, with a patterned coat. But the fur was not his own; he wore it like clothing. The body beneath it was reptilian, with yellow skin and vibrant markings on his stomach. He had big red eyes and a large horn on his forehead.

"Welcome, everyone. Thank you for coming. Shall we?"

Hiroaki whistled as he followed Koushiro into the office. "Damn. Is this really your company, Koushiro-kun? Aren't you about Yamato's age?"

Koushiro tensed. There was nothing worse than parents mentioning his accomplishments in front of their children. Luckily, Yamato caught his glance behind Hiroaki's back and rolled his eyes, signaling that he wasn't upset with him.

"I'm fortunate to work with incredible people," Koushiro deflected.

Hiroaki blinked, then grinned. "You're just like I remember. Same hair, too. Just taller."

Koushiro's hand was halfway to his hair before he caught himself. He was suddenly self-conscious. Did he really have the hair of an elementary schooler?

"You look fine," Yamato snapped, scowling at his father.

"Of course," was Hiroaki's easy agreement. "Why fix what ain't broke?"

Koushiro nodded, recognizing that any teasing here was friendly. He pushed aside the questions Hiroaki's simple comment elicited. Had he really not changed? If so, was that good or bad? Wasn't he meant to change as he grew and matured? Had he failed to?

And with that, he realized that anxiety was interfering with his thinking process. Koushiro was not the nervous type, but all humans experienced that emotion. And though he knew emotions weren't always linked to logic, apprehension seemed like a reasonable response to this situation.

Perhaps Hiroaki sensed that he erred, because he shifted to complimenting the office without making comparisons. They bumped into Tentomon, and Hiroaki took the tray from him. He examined the assortment. "This is high quality stuff!"

"Oh, good!" Tentomon replied. "That's what I was going for! I imagine this Anami-han has had a difficult day, and she's doing us a favor by reporting this issue. I wanted to offer her the best we had."

"Tentomon," Koushiro murmured. "That's thoughtful." Koushiro used his time and talents to help those he loved, and the Chosen as a unit. But Tentomon was far more skilled at seeing the immediate needs around him, and finding ways to meet them, or at least acknowledge them. With Tentomon at his side, calling attention to such things, Koushiro was far better able to appreciate and care for those around him. He hoped he never took Tentomon's precious insight for granted.

"If someone looks out for us, we'll look out for them!" Tentomon made it sound so simple, and for the digimon, it was. A friend was as friend, no questions asked- and it took a lot for that optimism to falter.

"That's right," Gabumon agreed. "I'm sure we'll be able to help the captured digimon if we work together."

"That's the goal," Hiroaki said. "Let's just hope things go well with the Bureau agent. Koushiro-kun, do you have a read on the agent or the girl who reported the lab digimon?"

"I haven't met either of them. Anami-san was thorough in her initial message via the Chosen blog, however, and in the responses she made to the agents, some of which were passed on to me."

"You said she has an internship at a research lab, yeah? Must be smart," Yamato offered. "Lucky for us she's friends with an American Chosen."

"If she's Japanese American, then it's lucky for us she speaks Japanese." Hiroaki's grin only served to make him look more exhausted than ever.

"I don't know her background," Koushiro replied. "I suspect we'll soon learn more. They're due any minute."

He led them into the conference room, and they took seats near Koushiro's laptop. "I'll pour the tea!" Tentomon bustled, hovering over the table. Their casual chatter, the catching up of friends who see each other only semi-regularly, was short lived. Koushiro stood when he received a text from the agent.

"Pardon me. Our guests have arrived. I'll be right back."

Yamato half stood. "I'll go with you."

Koushiro smiled, touched by his concern. "Thank you, but Tentomon will come with me. I'll only be a moment."

Yamato hesitated, but sat. Tentomon was a more effective guardian. Besides, Koushiro warned the Ishidas beforehand that the office was monitored by cameras and audio devices for security. The interior units were off during most work days, and the audio recorders were rarely utilized, but every device was on tonight, watching, listening. If anything untoward happened, it would be captured.

Koushiro retraced his steps with Tentomon flying at his shoulder. "Don't worry, Koushiro-han. Everything will be alright."

Koushiro didn't bother asking how Tentomon knew he was anxious. His partner knew him better than anyone, perhaps even more than his doting mother. "Thank you. I'm reassured that you and the others are present."

"Good. That's why we're here, after all."

The rest of the walk passed in silence, until Koushiro stood before the entry once more. He drew a deep breath, then opened the door. A woman in a black skirt suit bowed.

"Izumi-san, thank you for having us. I know we've met via phone, but I'd like to introduce myself. My name is Ikeda Sayuri, an agent with the National Data Processing Bureau." When she straightened, she offered him a business card.

Koushiro accepted the card, bowed, and said, "It's a pleasure to meet you in person. I'm Izumi Koushiro, CEO of Izumi Corporation. This is my digimon partner, Tentomon." He offered Sayuri his card, completing the introduction.

Sayuri stepped inside, clearing the way for the person behind her. "Oh, um- Good, good evening. I'm, um, Anami Eimi. Thank you for... For seeing us."

Eimi shifted the enormous bag she carried and bowed. Koushiro and Tentomon bowed in turn, and the introduction and card exchange took place once more.

"S-sorry," Eimi muttered. "I, um, I only have a card from my current..."

"Of course." Koushiro came into this conversation nervous. In comparison, Eimi seemed so anxious that she bordered on panicked. "Please, try to relax. We're going to help those digimon together."

"That's right!" Tentomon cried. "Thank you for coming forward, Eimi-han! That was very brave!" Eimi's gaze was riveted to Tentomon, so Koushiro took a moment to observe his guests- hopefully with more subtlety than Eimi was displaying.

Sayuri was petite, tiny and slim, with a straight body type, cropped black hair, and black eyes. She emanated a sense of calm competence, wearing a tiny smile that revealed none of her thoughts or feelings. Eimi was tall, of a thicker build, and curvy. She had deep brown eyes framed with impressive lashes and long brown hair tied in a thick braid. She wore a dark green jumpsuit, black booties, and a gold coin necklace. Where Sayuri might be described as elegant and beautiful, Eimi... Well, she mostly looked overwhelmed.

"It's wonderful to meet you," Eimi said. "I've never met a Tentomon."

The statement was a touch odd, but Tentomon took it in stride. "Well, I've never met an Anami Eimi-han, so we've got that in common."

And for the first time since entering the office, Eimi smiled- laughed, even. "Okay, fair! Can I shake your- Um, hand?"

"Of course." Tentomon offered a talon. Gently, it seemed, Eimi grasped it and moved it up and down.

"Oh!" Koushiro twitched at Eimi's excited gasp. She shoved her hand back in her pocket. "Do you have a card, Tentomon? Do you want mine?"

Tentomon hesitated, then turned to Koushiro. "Do I have a card?"

"I'm afraid not." Although no one had asked for Tentomon's card before, the fact that he didn't have one suddenly seemed like an enormous oversight. Rude, even, as if his company didn't value the work Tentomon did at the office.

Alas, Eimi's smile drastically shifted to mortification. "Oh, I- I'm sorry."

"Not at all," Koushiro replied, hoping his uneasiness didn't show. "Izumi Corporation should be setting an example for working with digimon. Tentomon, I can't promise it will happen soon, but I will start the process of formally hiring and compensating you right away."

Eimi beamed at Koushiro, then turned that goofy smile to Tentomon. "Wow! That's so great, Tentomon! Congratulations!"

Tentomon's body tilted as he looked from Eimi to Koushiro. "Um- Thank you, Koushiro-han. I appreciate that, truly. But I'd prefer that you spend the money on your efforts to support the global Chosen."

"That is what he's doing, if you don't mind my saying so," Eimi said. "The more visibly we respect digimon, the better society will treat them, in time. And all we have is goodwill, since there aren't laws protecting digimon rights on earth."

Koushiro hoped his surprise wasn't obvious. Eimi's words hinted that she considered the subject of digimon rights often, and with an understanding of the situation rarely seen in Chosen, let alone non-Chosen. Was this perspective the result of being longtime friends with a Chosen? Did she somehow have a political background? Or just a love of digimon and open eyes?

Shelving those thoughts for later, Koushiro said, "Agreed. There's no need to hesitate, Tentomon. You'll be payed and recognized moving forward, like all of my employees. I truly apologize for failing to do so sooner. I hope you'll assist me in setting this precedent for digimon at our company, and hopefully more companies over time."

"I'm happy just being by your side, Koushiro-han. But if this is important to you, then of course my answer is yes. And Eimi-han, please do me the honor of being the first person I trade business cards with."

Eimi's smile was so bright that Koushiro couldn't help returning it. "I can't wait."

"Congratulations, Tentomon. If I may, can I suggest moving on with the meeting? There's a lot to cover."

"Oh! Sorry, Ikeda-san," Eimi replied.

"Of course. This way, please." Koushiro backtracked to his office with the others in tow.

"Um, excuse me, Tentomon?" Koushiro couldn't see Eimi, as he was walking in front of her. Somehow, this emphasized his perception of her voice. It was beautiful, high with lilting inflections. Her Japanese was fine, but there was a definite American twang to her accent.

"Eimi-han?"

"Can I ask what your attack attribute is? And can you really just keep flying? That's so cool!"

"Thank you, but I couldn't always fly this well, you know. I could barely stay afloat when I first met Koushiro-han!"

"You got stronger? Congratulations!"

"That's right!" Koushiro peeked over his shoulder, enjoying this rare instance of Tentomon bragging. He emphasized his words by moving a talon, basking in Eimi's interest. "With Koushiro-han's support, I can evolve all the way to ultimate!"

"Ultimate?! Wow, isn't that really strong? Do you get huge?"

"I do! Golden, too!"

"Tell me you have pictures, Izumi-san!"

"Surprisingly, yes. The situation tends to be dire when our partners evolve that far, but I usually keep a video feed running during our battles to analyze later."

"I'd love to see!"

Before Koushiro could reply, Tentomon began describing his electricity-based attacks. As much as Koushiro hated to admit it, he realized that he was perhaps being too frank with Eimi. She clearly cared about digimon, but that wasn't a reason to offer information that he normally reserved for Chosen and trusted collaborators.

Especially not in front of a Bureau agent.

But Eimi kept asking questions, and it wasn't as if Koushiro could judge her for that. "That's amazing. But how do you make the electricity?"

Tentomon hesitated, clearly stumped. "Well... Hm. How do you make sweat?"

"Tentomon!" Koushiro warned. Sayuri hid a little laugh behind her hand.

Fortunately, Eimi seemed unoffended. "That's hard to answer out of the blue, huh? I think it comes from our endocrine system? It's mostly water and salt. I see your point, though."

"Right. Luckily, we don't have to know everything about how our bodies works."

"I'd like to know, though," Eimi sighed. "Digimon don't have doctors, right? What if you get sick? Who will help you?"

Tentomon had the basics of when to withhold information, but Eimi's friendly, inquisitive way of speaking was disarming. Koushiro leaped to intercede. "We're working on those issues. As you say, it's not easy to gather information for a wide variety of digimon, especially in a way that is safe and dignified for the digimon."

Eimi's expression abruptly shifted from excitement to strain. "That's... What I wanted to do."

"That's what you are doing, Eimi-han! We'll figure this out together."

By now, they had reached the meeting room. Koushiro pressed the door open button. "That's right. If you would please enter, I'll introduce you to our other guests, and we'll begin."

Eimi stopped dead just a few steps into the conference room, causing a near collision with Tentomon. "Gabumon!"

Gabumon twitched with surprise, and Yamato clapped a hand to his shoulder. "Oh, wow," Eimi murmured. "Oh- Um, I'm sorry. You really look like Howl's partner Gabumon. But..." She stepped closer and squinted. "Not identical..."

Catching herself, she said, "I'm being rude. I'm sorry. Are you also called Gabumon?"

"That's right, and I'm not bothered at all." Gabumon was an easy-going sort, comparatively level headed among the child stage Chosen partners. Although it wasn't Koushiro's place to say so, he was a balm against Yamato's more volatile personality. Gabumon slid from his seat and offered a hand. With visible reluctance, Yamato remained seated as Eimi shook Gabumon's hand.

"Nice to meet you, Gabumon. I'm Anami Eimi."

As this was his office, Koushiro probably should have been making introductions. He was beginning to suspect that Eimi lacked a full grasp of business etiquette in Japan, but this wasn't really a business situation. Regardless, the way Eimi favored the digimon was charming- and more pressingly, Koushiro was realizing that this attitude was rare outside of Chosen.

"I'm Gabumon. This is my partner, Yamato."

"Ishida Yamato," Yamato added.

Sensing an opportunity to shift the situation to a more standard protocol, Koushiro said, "Yamato-san is also a Chosen, as you can see. We've been friends and comrades for years. And may I introduce Ishida Hiroaki, his father?"

"Hey, Eimi-chan." Hiroaki's grin hinted at his amusement. "I work in the news industry, and I've been covering digimon situations for over a decade. I'm here to offer insight on how this news, should it get out, might be portrayed and received."

"Nice to meet you both." The mention of news coverage seemed to alarm Eimi. Her smile was forced beneath panicked eyes.

"And this is Ikeda Sayuri from the National Data Processing Bureau," Koushiro finished, politely nodding at the agent.

Sayuri bowed. "Like Ishida-san, I'm here to tell you how my organization will handle this incident. Within my permissions, of course."

Yamato's, "Of course," bordered on insolent. The Chosen were familiar with being danced around, dragged around, and outright lied to by the Bureau, which naturally added an uncomfortable undercurrent to this meeting. Eimi blinked, hinting that she caught Yamato's tone without understanding it.

Koushiro wisely opted to move things along. "Tentomon prepared tea and snacks."

"Let me make your cups!" Tentomon flew towards the teapot as Koushiro invited the ladies to have a seat.

"Would you like help?" Eimi asked.

The buzzing of Tentomon's wings leaped in pitch. Koushiro recognized this as a sign of agitation- Tentomon's pride as a host was prickling in response to a guest offering help. "You rest! You're our guest of honor, Eimi-han!"

Eimi paused, hovering over a chair. Traces of color rouged her cheeks. "Oh, um- Really? I mean- But-"

"Don't argue with Tentomon over serving Koushiro's guests," was Yamato's correct advice. "All you'll get is a long fight and cold tea."

The snort that escaped Eimi seemed to surprise her. She half fell onto the chair with a muted yelp, dropping her bag on the floor. Both Sayuri and Hiroaki smothered laughs.

When everyone was served (with overblown thanks from Eimi, who seemed stunned to have a digimon preparing her tea), Koushiro leaped into the discussion at last. "I believe you're all briefed, but please allow me to recap. Anami-san, you live and work in Tokyo. Yesterday, you started an internship at a company that studies digimon, where you discovered caged digimon used as research subjects against their will. You then contacted Howl-san, your friend and an American Chosen, who put you in contact with me. Then, I reached out to everyone here to set up this meeting. Is that correct?"

Eimi took a dainty sip from her cup, checking the temperature. "Yes."

"I'm going to ask you some questions. Is that alright?"

"Of course."

"Don't forget the treats!" Tentomon interjected. The corner of Eimi's mouth twitched up.

"They look delicious." Eimi grabbed the closest packet without looking, opened it, and placed a pineapple manju on the dessert plate in front of her. The others duly copied her, so as not to let Tentomon's hosting go to waste. "Thank you, Tentomon. Izumi-san, ask me anything."

To set the tone of the discussion, Koushiro began, "My most immediate concerns are rescuing the digimon and protecting you from backlash. I'll start by asking how your work day went."

Eimi grabbed her braid and began picking at the end. "Tense. I tried not to show how bothered I was, but..."

"You seem to love digimon." Hiroaki was smiling, but the sharpness of his eyes hinted that he was alert. Koushiro imagined that years as a reporter, sometimes in volatile situations, might have granted him developed instincts.

"Oh!" Again, Eimi went pink. "Um. Well, yes. I've been close with Howl since before he found his digitama in middle school. I've seen how hard things can be for Chosen and their partners, and I guess that made me sympathetic. And also, I just... Like them. Plus, they represent a whole new field of study, which is exciting!" The color drained from her face, and her gaze dropped to her teacup. "But I never wanted to research them like this."

"We're in agreement." Koushiro shared a quick glance with Tentomon. A lot of what Eimi said resonated with him, that mixture of the thrill of learning and fondness for digimon, all tinged with concern for their well being. Sometimes, he dealt with that anxiety by working harder, harder, and harder still.

As he understood more each day, that simply wasn't sustainable. The best option was to find more trusted individuals to share that burden, to entrust the future of digimon to. He couldn't unite people with wildly different opinions on digimon if he only worked with Chosen, and he certainly couldn't do it alone. The more perspectives, voices, hearts, and hands were dedicated to the cause, the better.

"Can we circle back to your day at work?" It might have been blunt, but Koushiro was grateful for Sayuri's input. Keeping meetings on task was a must for anyone in a management role.

Eimi wrapped her hands around the teacup, looking somewhat embarrassed. "Right. Um, I went about my day as directed. I tried to ask the questions recommended by Izumi-san and Ikeda-san, but to be honest... I think they know that I don't like how they do things. I mostly stuck to questions that came up naturally."

"Were you able to learn how they acquired the digimon?" Koushiro asked.

Eimi tensed. "No. I could tell I wouldn't get an answer for that."

"It would be foolish to tell a new hire," Sayuri offered. "I'm not surprised."

Koushiro could only hope his questions weren't bordering on interrogation. "Did you learn anything about the nature of their research, or their goals?"

Eimi's shoulders rose and fell with a deep breath. "Nothing too specific, but... They're definitely looking for weaknesses digimon share. The broader, the better. I got the sense that they would love to, um..."

Seconds passed, and Hiroaki gently prodded, "Eimi-chan?"

"I'm sorry," she murmured. "It's just so awful. They, um, they made all of these... Copies? Of the real Koromon."

"What?!" Koushiro twitched in tandem with Eimi at Yamato's outburst. Yamato's forearm smashed the table, rattling his teacup. The rage in his eyes was arresting.

"S-sorry!" Eimi gasped.

Hiroaki gripped his son's shoulder. "It's not your fault. Tell us more."

"I'm really sorry to tell you this. They, um, they call the original Koromon donor specimens-"

"Specimens?" Yamato spat.

Gabumon grabbed Yamato's knee. "Let her finish, Yamato."

Yamato sucked in a deep breath, then nodded. "I know," Eimi groaned. "I hate the way they talk about digimon. They told me that they use language like subjects and mice to avoid anyone knowing they have digimon, which could alarm the locals. That seemed reasonable enough at first. But at best, they use that language to avoid alerting anyone to their activities. At worst, that might be... how they see them."

The horrible silence that followed seemed physical, weighing the air like humidity. Koushiro's thoughts scattered in a thousand grisly directions. He endeavored to collect them before he spiraled into panic. "Tell me about these copied digimon."

Eimi's face was blank, her eyes unfocused. "They pull up a digimon's code on a computer and essentially copy and paste it. Into what, I'm not sure." She looked up at last, and the dismay in her eyes was terrible to behold. "Is it possible to, to- I don't know- Connect a server to the Digital World from earth? To access its systems from an ordinary computer on our end?"

It was impossible for the manju to be in Koushiro's intestines already, but something was roiling in there. "I can't say." He had ideas on the subject, none of them pleasant, but he wouldn't risk discussing them with strangers. "I will say that defending the Digital World from earth interference is just as vital as preventing unwanted contact from the Digital World."

"Like the Vamdemon incident," Eimi murmured. "Digimon breaching earth and attacking humans. But what could happen if it went the other way? Humans can only enter the Digital World if they have a digivice."

Koushiro avoided confirming or disproving Eimi's final statement. "In theory, the two worlds are usually separated. Impenetrably so. And yet..."

"Those Koromon came from somewhere," Yamato pointed out. "I don't see how they got through a gate on their own."

Koushiro's mind raced with possibilities. "As much as I hate to say it, we have to save speculation for later."

"Especially since we plan to seize the digimon and research from these facilities as soon as possible." Sayuri crossed her arms and leaned against the table. "Anami-san, my organization is planning to move quickly. Respectfully, I'm going to ask a few questions. I'd like you to answer as succinctly as possible."

Koushiro shared glances with Yamato and his father. They knew the Bureau wanted to take action, but none of them could guess what they had in mind.

"O-okay," Eimi replied.

"So, by means unknown, the company you work for obtained three Koromon and filled their lab with copies of them. Tell us about those copies."

"The copies are identical to one of three donors, except that they don't move and don't respond to stimuli. I don't think they were breathing, and I haven't seen anyone feed them."

"So whatever they're doing, it isn't sufficient to create a fully functional offspring digimon," Koushiro summarized. "I... Suppose that's a relief."

"If the copies aren't functional, then why keep making them?" Sayuri asked.

Koushiro was no doctor, but he didn't like the way the color drained from Eimi's face. "They, they said... The copies are easier to, to replace. I got the impression that..."

Yamato snarled a curse. Hiroaki closed his eyes tight and murmured, "If their biology is identical to a real digimon's, except for consciousness, then..."

They can test anti-digimon weaponry on the copies. It's like using pig corpses for ballistic testing. There was no way Koushiro could say that out loud, especially not in front of Tentomon and Gabumon. Besides, there was no need. The humans at the table knew where this was going.

Eager to move things along, Koushiro said, "That also implies that it was difficult to obtain their captured digimon."

Eimi nodded. "I got that sense, too, but I think there's more to it. I'm wondering... Could they want to make an army of digimon? If they can figure out how to make a functional copy of the original Koromon... Would the clones have those Koromon's memories? Or could the researchers implant whatever memories are most useful to them? Could they somehow evolve the cloned digimon?"

"Do you have any reason to believe that's their end goal?" Sayuri asked.

Eimi shrugged helplessly. "I'm sorry. I don't know. There were just so many copies..."

"How were the Koromon held? Describe the lab to me. Be as brief as possible."

"Pardon me, but I did help your agents make a map." Eimi spoke politely, but seemed baffled.

"Yes. I want to hear it again, as a double check."

Eimi hesitated, then described the building's security, layout, and how the Koromon were kept. "I've only been to the one lab, though. Each lab has its own separate list of permitted staff who can badge in."

"We'll take care of that." Sayuri's tone suggested that she was going to a convenience store for snacks, not breaking into a research facility.

"What's your plan?" Hiroaki asked.

"I'll tell you what I've been cleared to," Sayuri replied. "Izumi-san, Anami-san, your reports started a flurry of Bureau activity. We've long suspected that labs are researching digimon, but this is the first testimony we've received, as no one is foolish enough to publish or share their data."

"Why not, though?" Yamato turned a furious expression to Sayuri. "It's not illegal."

"True, but consequences aren't limited to legal repercussions. If they're wise, then the researchers are concerned about public outcry, both from pro-digimon humans and humans who fear them and don't want them kept nearby. Retaliation from Chosen or interference from agencies like mine are likely also concerns."

"What I'm hearing is that your organization has been poised to act immediately if evidence appears," Hiroaki said.

"Correct," Sayuri replied. "We've been developing our plan of action for months. Essentially, we will storm Anami-san's work facility tonight using the intel she provided. Simultaneously, we will send agents to other labs suspected of similar activities."

"Why sweep the labs at the same time?" Yamato asked. "Won't that spread your people out?"

"It will," Sayuri agreed. "But this is the best way to prevent other labs from hearing about the raid and moving or destroying any digimon, research, or instruments. Destruction and removal of incriminating evidence is a common response when government agencies move against certain activities."

The silence that followed was palpable. Removal of evidence when evidence was digimon… That was not something they wanted to consider. Would the Bureau raid end with more destroyed digimon than rescued ones?

"What can we do?" Yamato asked, ever a man of action.

"Tonight? Nothing. As Anami-san said, digimon legally have no rights. Civilians can't interfere without being charged for trespassing, theft, and so on. Our agency is protected from such charges."

Koushiro wasn't comfortable knowing that government agencies could, to a degree, do whatever the hell they wanted, at least within the scope of their organization. But in this case, he'd accept it without comment. "I'm sure we can help in the future."

"Surely. We'll be in touch. No doubt we'll seize research of interest to you. And the rescued digimon will need help returning to their own world."

Hiroaki raised a hand. "What I want to know is: are you sure about this, Eimi-chan?"

Eimi nearly sloshed the tea she was drinking down her front. "Huh?"

Though his tone was gentle, Hiroaki's expression was serious, almost hard. "Have you thought about what this means for you?"

"Oh..." Slowly, Eimi placed her cup on its saucer. With a weak laugh, she said, "Well, I'll be out of an internship."

Koushiro frowned. Eimi's safety was his primary concern, but losing the internship would set back her career prospects. And what if she was relying on the funds? But then...

"The company will know you blew the whistle, or at least suspect. It isn't safe to return to that lab. If you need a new internship, Izumi Corporation would be happy to have you."

Eimi's mouth popped open, prompting grins around the table. "Work with you? And Tentomon?"

"That's very generous, Izumi-san. But Anami-san has far more pressing worries than that," Sayuri said.

"Er." Eimi's ashen face and wide eyes seemed to beg the question, I do?

"That's why I had you bring that go bag," Sayuri continued.

"I wondered. But... I hoped there was some other reason." Eimi swallowed hard. "I'm… Not going back to my apartment tonight, am I."

Was this the first Eimi was hearing about being forced to relocate? Koushiro wished he could offer support, but could think of nothing to say. He had lived in the same apartment in Odaiba Mansion with his parents since elementary school. Home was a safe, loving constant. Certainly, there were misunderstandings between the Izumis surrounding the death of Koushiro's biological parents and his subsequent adoption by Kae and Masami. Thankfully, the questions and distance between them eased after they began openly talking things out during Vamdemon's siege. What was it like to move from Japan to America, then back to Japan all alone, and then deal with all this? Koushiro was never alone, not even during the most difficult parts of his life.

But his window to speak was only a second long, and it passed him by. Sayuri continued, "You'll be in the Bureau's custody until we have an understanding of the consequences of and public reaction to the raids."

Yamato placed both hands on the table and drew a loud breath. Koushiro tensed. Social aplomb was not his forte, but he knew what Yamato was thinking:

Years ago, the Bureau told the Chosen that they had Daisuke, Miyako, Iori, and Ken in protective custody. After weeks of tension and worry, Taichi discovered them kidnapped and gravely injured in the Digital World.

"We understand your concern." No one said a word, but Sayuri correctly interpreted the silence. "It's not our intention to hide Anami-san away. We're furnishing her with a cell phone and giving the number to everyone here. Additionally, if Anami-san is comfortable with it, we will grant Izumi-san tracking access to this phone."

Before Koushiro could get a word in, Yamato protested, "That just means we know where the phone is."

"Unfortunately, that is true. But it's all we can offer." As if the matter was closed, Sayuri turned from Yamato to Eimi. "Anami-san, we'll be taking your current phone. We're concerned about it being used to track you."

I imagine Anami-san gave her number to her employer. Is it possible that the Bureau wants to prevent the lab from contacting Anami-san? Or is it simply easier to monitor her on a phone they furnish her with? Koushiro hated the suspicious turn of his thoughts. Sayuri's explanation of why Eimi needed protection made sense… But it also inherently raised concerns.

"Oh." Eimi managed a wobbly smile. "Um, I see. Well… I hope you'll call me, Tentomon. Gabumon."

She must be terrified. At last, Koushiro found his tongue. "I'll call you."

"We all will." Yamato's glare was intense, but Sayuri returned his gaze calmly. In fact, she was smiling, and Koushiro caught himself wondering if she wanted the Chosen to side with Eimi. When Eimi first entered the conference room, Yamato was distrustful of her. Now, he was espousing support. Why else would Sayuri inform Eimi of personal matters in front of the Chosen, instead of privately?

A curious idea to store away.

"Then that's settled," Sayuri proclaimed, again ignoring that no one had agreed to anything. "However, Anami-san, I'm afraid there is more for you to consider."

"That's true," Hiroaki murmured. "You likely won't be able to work in this industry again. Even labs who want to ethically study digimon may hesitate to hire you if your report dismantles several companies."

"There's always room in my company for someone who wants to help digimon," Koushiro repeated.

"I know," Hiroaki replied. "And that's great. But having your career possibilities reduced to one company before you even have the degree isn't promising."

"It is if it's Koushiro's company." Koushiro appreciated Yamato's support, but he saw Hiroaki's point.

"Well, I guess... It's still early enough for me to pivot." Eimi's eyes watered above a wobbly smile.

"I would encourage you not to," Sayuri replied. "Because my organization very much wants to support your development."

Every head whipped towards Sayuri, expressions ranging from shocked to suspicious (that last one was mostly Yamato). "T-thank you," Eimi wheezed. "But I don't know anything about government work."

"The Bureau employs hundreds of scientists. What we don't have many of, however, are people we trust to interact directly with digimon- to put their well-being before everything else."

"Really?" Koushiro couldn't interpret Eimi's complex expression. "I appreciate that, but… I can't help wondering. Can I actually help as a digimon researcher? Or does everyone just want to... Endanger digimon, profit off them, or even... Produce weaponry to fight them?"

"I can confidently say that hundreds of people, if not thousands, are doing the work you want to do," Koushiro replied.

"That's right!" Tentomon added. "We work with so many people who want to help, just like you!"

"Don't give up," Gabumon said. "We need people who want to help both sides."

Although they all tried their hand at offering comfort, it was Gabumon's warm smile that won Eimi over. Her troubled brow finally smoothed, and she almost managed a grin. "That's reassuring. Thank you all."

Hiroaki blew a gusty sigh as he rubbed his forehead. "Look, I don't want to bring the mood right back down, but I'm also worried that Eimi-chan is in danger of retaliation."

Eimi flinched, and any signs of restored calm vanished. "Yes," Sayuri agreed. "It's possible that disgruntled coworkers, or an unrelated person who simply wants research on digimon to continue, may retaliate. That's why we're moving Anami-san into our protection and changing out her phone. We will try to hide her involvement in the raid from the public. However, word of mouth is difficult to control, so we can't make any promises. If one of Anami-san's colleagues goes to the media with her name..."

"I'll do my best to convince my people not to publish her name, if it comes to that," Hiroaki replied. "But I can't make guarantees, either. I can only intercede on reports made to the news station I work for. And you're a third year in college, right Eimi-chan? That means we can't cite laws protecting minors to hide your involvement if it gets out."

"The possibility of Anami-san's name leaking is a real risk," Sayuri agreed. "But frankly, it was too late for her to back out as soon as her testimony reached the Bureau. As I mentioned, my organization has been desperate for information on digimon in lab settings for months. The raids are already in motion."

Koushiro's gaze flicked to Yamato, who looked as horrified as he felt- absolutely nauseous with it. Koushiro made the call to involve the Bureau. Had he put Eimi in danger and disrupted her life?

Eimi didn't seem to notice the tear sliding down her cheek. Though her eyes watered, no other signs of crying were evident. Koushiro wondered if she was in shock, and if so, what should be done. "You... You think I'm in danger?"

"If we didn't, we wouldn't be taking you into our protective custody. Furthermore, that's why I strongly advise that you work for us. We'll arrange things so you can shift to online learning at your university. If you agree to work for us, we'll offer you a secure apartment unit in a complex we own and protect as part of your package, attached to our secure work facilities."

"You'll shut her off from the world." Yamato managed to speak evenly, but the hardness of his eyes revealed his mood.

Koushiro had no idea how Sayuri maintained that peaceful smile. "Of course, Anami-san would be free to invite visitors to her apartment. There are also public spaces in the complex for people in similar situations to socialize while remaining under protection. And she wouldn't be under house arrest. If she chooses to take the risk of leaving protected areas, we won't stop her."

Perhaps not, but you'll have agents tail her. "That's generous," Koushiro substituted. "I can't offer that kind of protection, Anami-san. But please be assured that we offer the positions you're seeking, and that, now and in the future, we'll need qualified people to fill them. Of course, anyone would understand if this incident changes your future plans. But if researching digimon is your dream... Please, keep pursuing it."

"Yes! Let's be coworkers someday, or at least collaborators!" Tentomon added.

"Are there further questions?" Sayuri asked. "If not, it's best if I escort Anami-san to her new apartment."

"Um, I didn't bring everything I own... And what about my lease?"

"We'll have people move the rest of your things to your new apartment after the raids. Don't worry about the lease; we'll take care of it."

"Wait. Let me give you my card, Eimi-chan." Hiroaki fished a card from his pocket, and Yamato grabbed it.

"I'll write my info on the back."

Koushiro said, "Anami-san, if you don't mind, I'd like your cell phone number. Personal and the Bureau-issued phone."

Sayuri slid a card from her pocket. "Here is the phone number for the Bureau-issued phone. Anami-san, would you like to write your personal phone number on this? Please keep in mind that it will be temporarily disabled."

The glaze on Eimi's eyes suggested that she was no longer processing the growing evidence that she was in danger. "Um... Okay."

Yamato handed off a pen and Hiroaki's card. Eimi wrote her number on the card from Sayuri and gave it to Koushiro. "Thank you," he said. "With your permission, I'll give these numbers to Ishida-san and Yamato-san."

"Thanks."

Eimi didn't seem capable of discussing much more. As if in agreement, Sayuri stood. "Ishida-san, I'm glad you were able to attend. We'll be in contact with you concerning media coverage of this incident, and possible public reactions."

"Sure, but I think your organization has more experience with that second point."

"Perhaps, but we recognize how long you've been involved in covering digimon incidents- and that your sons give you rare insights. Everyone, we'll be in touch. Anami-san, please come along."

Eimi jerked as she stood, like a marionette with a novice puppeteer. Everyone else rose, and the polite goodbyes began.

Sayuri and Eimi were on their way out when Koushiro said, "Just another moment of your time, please, Anami-san." She paused and looked at him, eyes wide, almost shell-shocked. "Please, call or text me if you need anything. I'll text you my email, as well. Even if you just want to talk, or to talk to Tentomon."

It took Eimi a solid ten seconds to absorb his words. A tiny line indented her brow, suggesting confusion. "Oh... Aren't you busy, though? You're a CEO, and you do so much for the Chosen..."

Koushiro hoped his smile was genuine enough to convince Eimi of his sincerity, despite the worries crowding his thoughts. "It's no trouble at all. We all owe you a debt for helping those digimon- and all the other digimon that will be recovered tonight. And please, remember what I said about my company having positions for you, should you need one someday."

"Take care!" Tentomon added.

"Yes." Koushiro tried to catch and hold her gaze, but she seemed unable to focus. "Take care. Be vigilant. Call for help as soon as you suspect you might need it."

Her lower eyelids were turning pink. A tear rolled out of one eye, then the other. This time, the signs that crying was near were very much present. "I- Thank you. I will."

Eimi bowed, and Koushiro and the others bowed back. "I'll see you to the entrance," Tentomon offered.

When Sayuri, Eimi, and Tentomon were out of earshot, Koushiro slowly sank onto his chair. "That poor girl," Hiroaki muttered. "I hoped to give her a chance to back out, but..."

Yamato snorted. "You tried. But the Bureau already leaped on their sacrifice."

"It does... sound as though they intend to protect her." Koushiro wanted to assume the best of everyone and be optimistic. Most of all, he wanted to lose the sinking feeling that Eimi may never resurface from the Bureau's 'protection.'

And that, indirectly, her loss would be his fault.

Hiroaki drew a large, rough hand down his face. "I guess our only solace is that, if this does get out, the Bureau will have to produce her for the public. I don't think they intend to harm her... But I can see them using her, depending on how the public reaction plays outs."

His hand fell away, revealing an unusually grim expression. "Controlling the populace is one of the government's chief concerns. Usually, I guess it's not as dark as it sounds. If people panic, there can be uproar. Agencies like the Bureau will spin incidents in whatever way causes the least turmoil... Unless unrest would be useful, in some way. Question is, does the Bureau need a scapegoat? A hero? If so, for how long?"

He shrugged, eyes stormy and complex. "It was good of you to be so kind to her, Koushiro-kun. We should all check on her. The digimon, too."

"Yeah. She liked Gabumon and Tentomon," Yamato observed. "Gods. I wish she didn't walk into a minefield just by doing what she thought was right. Losing career options is one thing. Being in Bureau custody for who knows how long... That's another."

Yamato didn't mention the darker risks suddenly in front of Eimi. Koushiro suspected he didn't have the heart to.

"We should get some rest," Hiroaki sighed. "We're going to need it."

"Yeah. Don't stay up all night waiting to hear about the raids, Koushiro." Yamato placed a hand on Gabumon's shoulder. "Take Tentomon and go home."

Yamato's guess was, of course, exactly what Koushiro had planned to do. But suddenly, he needed to see his parents, to feel some sense of normalcy and security. "We'll go home. Thank you again for coming."

Hiroaki shook his head. "Don't thank us. We're in this together. And Koushiro-kun, don't blame yourself for Eimi-chan's situation. You're trying to help, and you can't control the Bureau. None of us can."

Koushiro blinked. Was his guilt that obvious? "Thank you," he replied, because he had no clue what else to say. Yamato clapped his back, a supportive gesture, but didn't risk speech. Koushiro suspected he was also at a loss for words.

"We'll see ourselves out," Hiroaki said as he stood. After another round of goodbyes, this one less polite and more exhausted, Koushiro was alone in the conference room. He stared at nothing, ears ringing in the silence, until Tentomon returned.

He flew to his side, wings lightly buzzing as he considered. "You were very kind to her, Koushiro-han."

Koushiro drew a deep breath. He couldn't tell Tentomon that he suspected he had destroyed Eimi's life in his attempt to help the lab digimon. He offered another truth, one that wasn't much more comforting.

"In the near future, I think we'll need all the help we can get."

Author's Notes: According to the character profiles at the beginning of the Kizuna novelization, Koushiro is a third year university student, a CEO, and also the manager of Chosen affairs. I don't know if those profiles are canon, but I do know that doing all of those things is not… Possible. So, in this story, I have decreed that Koushiro has a ton of honorary degrees to open whatever doors he needs opened, and he is not a student.

Also, a reminder that I don't know Japanese business etiquette, don't use anything you read here as a guide.

Special shoutout to my Camp Digimonth friends for tracking down a screenshot of Koushiro's office door to read his company's name in katakana lmao! THE THINGS WE DO FOR FICS!

Thanks very much for reading, please do leave a comment 3

Love, Hidden