Digimon Fan Fiction ❯ Digital Phantom ❯ Digital Phantom Index 0:1 ( Chapter 1 )

Thursday 13th May 200X, 22:30

Streets of Shinjuku

Swear raced down the sides of Sakamoto Masaharu's face as he ran from his pursuer. His parents were always saying he should lose some weight maybe get fit. But he'd always replied that there wasn't any real point in him getting into shape. Now he really wished he'd listened to them all those times. His panting got heavier as his hands felt for the white and magenta coloured device stuffed in his pocket.

With a grunt he pulled it free with a cascade as the sweet wrappers he'd left in there spilled out. But his fingers were thick and clumsy and as it fell to the ground he began crawling around trying to find it noticing for the first time how dark it was. With a feeling of triumph his hands wrapped around it.

And that's when he heard the clump of its boots. It had been chasing him for some time never running and yet always managing to keep up with him. In a few seconds the shadow of it came round the corner.

The figure was no taller than Masaharu was, although Masaharu was short for his age and his girth made him seem shorter. The body was completely covered by a cloak so black that he had to make sure he was looking at his pursuer and not just shadows.

"What the hell do you want with me?" yelled Masaharu as rain began to fall from the sky. In seconds he was soaked through while the figure across from him didn't seem to notice that raindrops were hitting it.

A long silence followed as he waited for and answer. None came.

"Why are you after me?" Masaharu had composed himself and tried to be as polite as he could to this 'person' in front of him. But again the figure made no move to react as its hands delved into the cloak and pulled something out. Although it was obstructed from his view he knew what it was instantly.

"A device? You've got one of those strange devices, too? How'd you get that? What is it?" Masaharu was frantic now as he pulled his own out waving it in front of him as if it could ward off evil spirits or more hopefully whatever was there in front of him.

And a part of Masaharu hoped something more important. He hoped his partner was around watching this. He hoped that it would save him. With a cry he raised his arms into the air as if praying to some omnipresent being to come down and save him. But he heard no divine thunder and no buzzing that would indicate his partner was around and ready to save him.

So with no other option left to him he did the only thing he could think of. The thing he'd not done since he was younger. The only thing that in the end managed to ward off the bullies. The thing that got him the attention he didn't need but dearly wanted to get him the attention all young boys crave from the people around him. With a bellow of pain he broke down in a fit of tears. For the first time in four years he cried.

"Why are you doing this to me? I'm a kid. I've not even gone through puberty." He leapt forward throwing himself down at the being's knees gripping them as a suppliant. He hoped his last words would stir someone who didn't seem to have gone through puberty himself. He dearly wanted to find a common thread that they both shared. He wanted to save himself. He knew, despite know true basis, that this figure wasn't here to chat niceties or give him back a lost wallet. The figure was too ominous.

With a yell he leapt to his feet and aimed a punch at the cloaked figure. But that's when he heard the buzz of his partner above him.

"Don't do it Masaharu. Run. Run fast. Run as fast as you can." He was instantly heartened to see the familiar black and yellow wasp like bug with a red stinger and magenta wings, the same colour as parts of his device, with yellow eye designs on them. Flymon hovered while his two left arm-like mandibles directed him far away from his stalker. This was when he realised that as he'd gone to hit it he didn't see it move an inch.

"What is this?" With his hand he gestured to the still being. It made no indication to have noticed him talking about it.

"They say he hunts our kind. They say he hunts the "Tamers" and destroys their digimon. They say there have been many before us." Flymon's voice was grave as if he knew more than he was telling his partner. Masaharu somehow felt this fear and began to back away always keeping his eyes on it.

"Now I guess you can come out of hiding." Masaharu was confused by his partner's words until something else appeared. He knew instantly it was a digimon. Whether it was the fact that it was a dragon, or that it was black and white with strange red markings all over and a white mane of hair or whether it was the pure fact that it was two stories tall he knew it was a digimon like his partner. And he felt bile building up inside him.

With a heave he vomited violently over the ground feeling it stain his face as he failed to bend over quick enough. With a exasperated sigh he finally gave in to his stressed limbs and slid to the floor lying against a wall no longer caring that he was sitting next to vomit despite the pungent smell it gave off.

"Hmm, Flymon. I Black Growmon." The words were loud but it seemed that the dragon didn't quite fully understand the language it was speaking. If not for its size Masaharu would have called it a baby, or at least a young infant.

"I've never heard of your species. But no matter, I was well known back in the Digital World. And I was feared throughout the land." Flymon let out a haughty laugh as it hovered just higher than Black Growmon stood.

"You No Nice. I Delete. Exhaust Flame." Flymon hadn't expected an attack so early. But as the giant dragon spat out a flaming ball he used his superior speed to dodge at the very last second feeling it singe him along the edge of his wing.

"So we're playing already. Deadly Sting." Flymon curled up as the stinger on his rear end shot out hitting Black Growmon. But much to Flymon's, and an exhausted Masaharu's, dismay the stinger hit the hardened skin and bounced away ineffectually. This was clearly not as simple as it seemed.

"Plasma Blade." A blade slid out of his arm growing a dark red with black highlights as Black Growmon swung it around. A deadly arc shot out. This time Flymon hadn't expected it. He'd been sure that the dark dragon's attacks would be slow but strong. But this time it was fast. Too fast for him to dodge. With a shriek he fell as his wings were ripped from his back in a shower of data. With a thump he hit the ground heavily feeling his body rupture.

"No, please no." But by now Masaharu was barely conscious. His words were lost in the wind and as he reached out he barely got far before having to stop and lie back. His breathing was heavy now and he wondered what would happen to him if his partner was killed. Would it be like the newspaper article he'd read? Was this really what did it to all those children?

That's when he saw the figure above him. Its face was still hidden in the cowl of the cloak but somehow it radiated pity.

"Sakamoto Masaharu, what is your last wish?" The voice was masculine, or so Masaharu thought but by that time he couldn't be too sure. But somehow all the selfish wishes of being rich and having the girl of his dreams were gone. By now he only desired the one piece of knowledge that he wouldn't let elude him.

"What is this? Please I want to…" The voice died of and Masaharu's eyes darkened as Black Growmon brought his foot down on Flymon crushing the insect digimon. But in his hand rested the magenta and white device, its screen now darkened. The body slid down the wall coming to rest with his face lying in the vomit with a squelch.

"D-ark." With no more words he bent down and picked up the device, slipping it into his robes. Then he turned to Black Growmon who was watching the data stream out from between his toes and disappear into the sky.

"You. You're the Digital Phantom…" cried a new voice from the shadows.

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Digital Phantom

By Misc666

A Digimon Tamer fanfiction with Boogiepop Phantom influences. I don't own either series. I only own the idea of the story and several minor characters.

Index 0:1 - Dream a Little Nightmare

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Friday 14th May 200X, 11:12

WestShinjukuElementary School, Class 5-B

"Takato you'd better wake up." Takato grunted as he opened his eyes. Beside him the visor clad face of his friend Hirokazu was looking at him intently while his hand was shaking him viciously. With another groan he turned around to where Ayaka was giggling in the seat behind Juri and Miki, sitting either side of her, were only barely containing their own giggles.

"Bleargh." The two girls couldn't hold it in after hearing Takato's first words. He'd only just gained consciousness and was unable to form words as he tried to use his voice box after just waking up.

The giggling girls however caught the attention of their teacher, Asanuma Nami, who immediately halted the kid who was reading the current passage in the book they were looking at.

"Katou, Itou, Nakajima. Is there something you find funny about the passage I'm reading? Do you want to explain to the class why you interrupted?" Takato felt frightened as small veins seemed to pop up on her forehead. Beside him he felt Hirokazu carefully slid back onto his own chair making sure not to catch her attention.

"Sorry buddy. I'm staying away from her today; Jun said it's her time of the month if you know what I mean." Hirokazu quickly whipped the book up into his hands and made it out to look like he was busy reading it. Of course Takato could see the digimon cards hidden behind it that Hirokazu was looking at.

"I'm sorry Asanuma-sensei. It wasn't out fault. Takato was sleeping in class again and made some really odd noises." Miki put on her sweetest smile while Ayaka nodded agreement. Juri meanwhile cast a dirty expression at the two of them for escaping punishment by placing the blame elsewhere, even if it was justified.

"Okay. Well Matsuda, what do you have to say for yourself? And it better be good, this is the second time you've been asleep in my class. And that's only counting this week. Just… just go out in the hallway again." As Takato got to his feet he heard her mutter about being too young to deal with kids.

"You're not that young." Takato once more put his foot in his mouth as shown by the angry expression on her face, the increase in popping veins and the increased amount of giggles including those of his friends Hirokazu and Kenta, although they were more of a fit of laughter as Hirokazu even went as far as rolling on the floor.

"Shiota get back in your seat. And Matsuda, hallway now! I don't think the PTA would look kindly on me killing you." She rubbed her forehead as Takato backed away as fast as he could always keeping his eyes on her as sweat poured down the sides of his head.

"Thank you for that Asanuma-sensei." As he hit the door he spun and burst through it as fast as he could which led to him falling to the floor. The kid nearest the door kindly closed it discretely although he could see that some of the class had noticed his clumsiness.

"What happened to me in there? It happened on Monday as well. I just passed out without any warning. I remember her starting and then Hirokazu waking me up. What happened? And what was that dream?" That's when he realised two girls were giggling and pointing at him.

"Look at him Ayane, he's talking to himself. What a weirdo." Said one girl between giggles, despite him being pretty sure she knew that he could see and hear them.

"Quiet Miyu, that's not nice. Besides don't you want me to tell you about what I heard? About that kid in 5-D?" The other girl smiled at him while her friend pouted at having to give up her fun.

"Yeah go on then, how'd you find out though?" said Miyu as she leant against the wall.

"My little brother Hideaki is in 5-C and his friends were talking about it when we came in. So I listened in because it sounded interesting. It was really messed up, though I can't work out who'd tell a bunch of ten year olds about it." She seemed to ponder this question for a second

"Come on Ayane. Don't keep me in suspense. We got kicked out of the classroom because you were going to tell me in class. So tell me." She grinned in earnest as Ayane sighed.

"Okay apparently Masaharu, you know the really chubby kid in 5-D?" asked Ayane in a tone that suggested it would be pointless unless Miyu recognised the name. Takato realised he did. But he didn't know anyone in 5-D. Maybe Hirokazu or Kenta had been talking about him.

"Oh yeah the fat one. He makes my skin crawl, on Monday he tried chatting me up. I told him to fuck off." The girl waved her hand dismissively as if she didn't care whether it had hurt the boy's feelings. Takato was pretty sure this was true as the girl didn't look like the nicest person he'd met.

"Well apparently last night he was found comatose lying in a puddle of his own vomit. I heard it was really sick. Anyway, it looked like he'd just passed out. Apparently nobody had beaten him up or anything, the police are really stumped." Ayane shrugged as Miyu seemed to get excited by this.

"Well damn brat got what was coming to him." Miyu seemed a bit too happy by this.

"You didn't have anything to do with it?" said Ayane with a large grin plastered over her face. Miyu looked at her with mock hurt.

"Me, how dare you imply…" Miyu broke down into laughter as did Ayane shortly after. They were broken up as their stern faced teacher pulled open the door and ushered them inside.

"Masaharu, in my dreams. I saw Masaharu. And those things. And the figure in the dark cloak." Takato felt a shiver down his spine as he thought of the figure whose face he never saw. What kind of dream was that? And was it more than just a dream?

And why was he obsessing over it?

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Friday 14th May 200X, 12:51

WestShinjukuElementary School, Cafeteria

"I'm telling you. Sakamoto Masaharu was found comatose," yelled Hirokazu loudly and happily as Kenta tried to pretend he didn't know him and the others at their table covered their ears.

"Shut up you idiot. You don't have to be so loud," yelled an equally loud Ayaka as she slammed her palms down on the table. Hirokazu shrunk away from her as he sat back down. She also sat down but with a much smugger look on her face compared to the visor wearing boy.

"Look, Hirokazu's right. Apparently it was Lee in 5-D who found him last night." Kenta leaned back as Hirokazu's smug grin returned to his face as someone backed him up.

"Blue haired Lee Jenrya, right? Why was he wondering around at night, why was Sakamoto out for that matter?" asked Miki, who like Kenta was far more subdued than her own friend Ayaka. Ayaka was now pouting herself as she lost a chance to put down Shiota.

"Yeah. As for what he was doing. I think he said he was on his way back from martial arts practice. Of course as for Sakamoto, it seems he was running away from someone." As Kenta said this Takato felt his memory jog. Wasn't the cloaked figure chasing Masaharu in his dream?

"I had a dream while I was asleep in class. In it I saw Masaharu." Everyone spun as Takato came out with this. He was sure he saw Miki stifle a giggle before she turned away to hide it.

"And what happened in this dream? Did you see who was chasing him? Do you know what happened?" Everyone sighed again as Hirokazu jumped up and yelled. Sometimes Takato wondered how Hirokazu didn't seem to realise he was yelling all the time. It seemed that everyone else would have agreed with him, including people from other tables who'd turned to see what was going on and who was yelling.

"Well I saw this figure in a black cloak chasing him. And then these two monsters fought. And when one defeated the other Masaharu just collapsed into his vomit." Takato felt his ears burning as he said this realising that he sounded crazy telling them about this. The suppression of giggles and the odd looks he was receiving were proof of this.

"Sure Takato. And what were these monsters like. You've been watching monster anime again. Remember when you were sure you saw yourself crush me while I was in Evangelion Unit 03 and you were in Unit 01. You stopped watching Evangelion after that." Hirokazu grinned as everyone laughed at this.

"Yeah but this is more than that, isn't it?" asked Takato hopefully as everyone turned away.

"Maybe it was the Digital Phantom?" said Miki quietly. Ayaka and Hirokazu both jumped at this with their eyes gleaming.

"What's the Digital Phantom?" Takato looked at the pair with a dazed expression. They both seemed surprised.

"Haven't you heard the rumours?" asked Kenta pushing his glasses up with his hand.

"Yeah, they say that at nights this guy hunts down 'special' people. And sends them away to somewhere. And they say he was responsible for doing in Sakamoto, and at least four others. You know how this isn't the first unexplained comatose kid they've found. They've been finding them since January." Hirokazu scoffed as Ayaka finished speaking.

"That's all you know? Well I'll tell you some more stuff. Like the day when the first kid fell comatose was also the day Akiyama Ryou disappeared. And how the kids have all either been at this school or that private school that Makino Ruki goes to." Hirokazu beamed proudly as everyone cast him worried looks.

"You're doing it again Hirokazu. You're a bit obsessed with the two of them." Ayaka stuck her tongue out at him getting revenge on him knowing more than her.

"Well, does any of that help? Not that I personally believe in the Digital Phantom. Frankly it's pretty much as likely as Hirokazu is as meeting Akiyama Ryou." Kenta finished the last of his food as Hirokazu looked over with a hurt expression.

"What… what do you mean? Don't you think I'm ever gonna get to meet Ryou-sama?" Everyone felt a little uncomfortable knowing how unstable their friend could get when it came to Akiyama Ryou.

But luckily they were saved from answering him as the bell rang signalling that classes were starting again. Hirokazu, Kenta, Ayaka and Miki all leapt up and ran off. But Takato was surprised to find Juri still there staring at him.

"We have to clear up the trays, they left without doing it." Takato sighed as he realised this was the only reason she'd stayed behind. She probably thought he was mad just like the others.

"Okay, Katou." He got up and together they moved the six trays off the table before heading back to class themselves. As Takato began to open the door he felt Juri's hand on his shoulder.

"I believe you." And before he could respond she slipped into the classroom leaving him standing there with his hand on the door. Did she really believe him? She didn't look like she was just humouring him.

And confusion set in.

Not for the first time of course.

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Friday 14th May 200X, 17:01

ShinjukuPark

"I'm telling you. That dream was more than just a dream," protested Takato that afternoon as he played against Hirokazu and Kenta with their digimon cards. Luckily they were able to stay out of other people's attention by sitting inside the dinosaur shaped playing apparatus.

"Yeah, I don't doubt you. Now shut up and play." Hirokazu fumed as he slapped down another card. Somehow despite his complacency, or maybe due to it, Takato was pulling off some amazing moves and was easily beating Hirokazu.

"Heh, Takato's got you now Hirokazu." Kenta grinned as Takato put down another card which destroyed Hirokazu's Guardromon with ease. Takato paled upon seeing what he'd played. He hadn't realised this when he had the dream.

"Flymon. There was a Flymon in the dream. That's what the monsters were. They were digimon." Hirokazu and Kenta both put on equally worried looks. In their opinion their oldest friend seemed to be going crazy.

"Come off it Takato. Digimon don't exist. If they did I'm sure there'd be lots of news stories about them. After all some of them are pretty huge, and dangerous. I mean, imagine a Meramon and how hard a time it would have hiding. It is made of fire after all." Hirokazu seemed pretty proud of his reasoning, Kenta however seemed a little unsure.

"But how'd we don't know that new stories are about them. How many unsolved arsons are there? They could be Meramon, not that I'm saying I really believe you Takato. But what if they were real? Why partner with Sakamoto?" Kenta seemed to ponder this for a minute as Hirokazu nodded in agreement.

"He's right. I've talked to Sakamoto a couple of times. And frankly I couldn't see why anyone, or anything, would want to partner with him. Frankly he's one of those kids who think they're much harder than they really are, and uses his money to try and back this up." Hirokazu sighed as he remembered the annoyance the boy often caused when he entered a room.

"Yeah but you know I've never met Masaharu. But I could describe him for you perfectly. How can you explain that?" Takato felt his face flush as his voice rose in anger, despite the pair being his best friends.

"Yeah but answer this for me. If digimon partner with kids, why not me? Ain't I the best at digimon cards?" Hirokazu banged his chest proudly as he laid another card. Then paled as Takato played another which wiped out Hirokazu's and then won the game.

"Not really, you're good. But your no Akiyama Ryou, heck you couldn't even stand up to Makino Ruki. And those two are the best in Tokyo." Kenta smiled at the sour expression on Hirokazu's face, not out of spite but out of mischief.

"Frankly I wouldn't mind being second best to Ryou. And besides neither has been to any tournaments in over a year." Hirokazu laughed as the other two worried about their friend's slightly disturbing obsession with Akiyama Ryou, the legendary duellist.

"Look let's just head home. I've got to help my parents in the Bakery tonight. And we've all got homework to do, that means you Hirokazu. Asanuma-sensei will chew you out like crazy if you don't do it this time." Hirokazu returned to his irritated fuming as Kenta grinned in agreement.

"Sure, let's go." All three grabbed their boxes of cards and slipped out into the park before walking in the direction of the Matsuda Bakery.

As they reached the exit a blue haired boy their age holding the hand of a much younger reddish haired girl. Hirokazu brightened upon seeing the two of them.

"Hey Lee, how's it going?" Hirokazu waved to the boy who looked back feebly and gave a little wave. He turned to the girl and got her to quiet down for a second as he addressed the boisterous kid.

"I'm fine. Just out taking my little sister to play in the park." Takato personally couldn't see much family resemblance in the Lee siblings except maybe for the fairly Chinese looks. Of course he didn't know Lee Jenrya well since he didn't hang around way too much with other classes and Hirokazu only knew from taking some martial arts in the same class a long time ago, not that Hirokazu had managed to stay interested in martial arts for long.

"Okay see you around then." Hirokazu turned away and continued walking. Kenta turned to follow him but Takato stopped.

He turned. He looked at Jenrya.

Jenrya turned. Jenrya looked at him.

Recognition passed between the two. But neither knew why.

The moment passed. Jenrya's sister began tugging on his arm. Takato realised the others hadn't noticed he'd not been following them.

They departed in opposite directions.

But Takato still couldn't work out why. He was sure he'd never met Jenrya before. Not even in passing during school. But then he thought of something.

It all came back to the dream.

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Thursday 13th May 200X, 22:47

Streets of Shinjuku

"You. You're the Digital Phantom…" cried a new voice from the shadows.

The figure in the black cloak turned to where a blue haired boy stood. Behind him was a rabbit that stood like a man with trousers and guns for arms. In the blue haired boy's hand lay a D-ark with white and green colouring.

"I'm going to stop you this time. I can't let you do this again. This time it's the end for you. Your desire for power will be your undoing." The boy's face showed the anger he had for the cloaked figure although the figure seemed to show no emotions of his own.

"Hey Jen. I don't think he's listening. Want me to fire at him? Just a little warning shot. Around head height, maybe?" The bunny grinned as it hefted the gun arms in the air and pointed them at the figure.

"Galgomon. There's always a better way to deal with it. We can talk. We don't have to fight." The bunny pouted while Jenrya turned back to where the figure was departing and the giant dragon had disappeared despite its size.

"He's ignoring us Jen. Sure you don't want me to shoot him?" Galgomon felt downtrodden as Jenrya glared at him. But then Jenrya's expression became more upbeat.

"Yes, but try to miss. I don't want you killing him." Galgomon grinned at this.

"Thanks Jen. Gatling Arm." Galgomon brought the arm up and shot alongside the Digital Phantom making sure not to hit him. But suddenly a bullet clipped the cloak.

And the roar was heard.

And the black dragon once more appeared as if out of nowhere.

And Galgomon wished he hadn't done that.

And the endless fight began once more.

"Exhaust Flame." The ball of flame hit the ground in front of Galgomon sending him flying backwards into a wall. Jenrya ran over to help him only to be pushed away.

"Feh, he just got lucky. I'm more of a match for him than that Flymon had been. This battle will be over in no time." Galgomon grinned as he got back to his feet.

"Exhaust Flame." Black Growmon spat out another ball of fire but Galgomon was prepared for him.

"Dum Dum Upper." With speed and agility that defied his bulk he leapt into the air hitting Black Growmon straight in the chin.

But Black Growmon failed to feel this.

And his eyes glowed as he grew angry.

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Friday 1st January 200X, 00:00

Sakamoto Household

Sakamoto Masaharu's hands dropped the receiver of the phone as he reached over to grab a jacket. Then he stuffed some snacks in there just in case it took some time. Then he ran down the hallway, past the kitchen where his mother was cleaning the dishes and to the front door.

"Masaharu, where are you going?" Masaharu ignored his mother's calls as he walked outside. The call had been very specific. If he left the house at the right time and made it to his destination he'd see something beautiful.

And nothing was going to stand in his way.

And that's when he saw the glorious glow.

And the light blinded him.

And it was gone.

But it hadn't left him on his own.

The buzzing began.