Digimon Fan Fiction ❯ Indiana Matt and the Jade Tokomon ❯ Part 2 ( Chapter 2 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

PART 2

CHAPTER 4

"Nice place," remarked Matt off-handedly as he and Tai stepped off of their DC-3 and into the Cairo airport.

The airport atmosphere could best be summed up in one word: chaos. People walked, jogged, and ran in every direction, trying to make their flights, buy tickets or control their screaming kids and generally not having much luck doing it. Merchants and businessmen peddled their wares loudly, declaiming the benefits of this, that or the other thing. Large, heavyset Arabs toting formidable-looking guns trooped about the premises, while the occasional British officer barked orders at them.

"Where were we supposed to meet that guide Jyou sent?" shouted Matt.

Tai looked at him with a puzzled look on his face and pointed to his ear.

"I said, where were we...oh, never mind, come on!" Matt grabbed Tai by the hand and led him outside. "Where are we supposed to meet that guide?"

"Oh...uh...I think it was in the..." Tai fumbled around in the pockets of his jacket. "Hang on, I have it in here, I know I do..."

"Dr. Ishida?"

A rather short, red-haired man in a business suit offered his hand to the pair.

"My name is Koushiro Izumi...Izzy to my friends and colleagues, I'm the project director for Professor Kido. He advised me that you may be needing some directions to the dig site, if I recall correctly." He indicated a pair of waiting jeeps. "If you are ready, we may set off right away."

"Right down to business, eh? My kind of guy. By the way, this is my...er...secretary, I suppose, Tai Kamiya," said Matt, indicating Tai, who curtsied. "Let's roll, Mr. Izumi."

As the two jeeps left the city and bounced across the dunes, Izzy turned to Matt and Tai and shouted over the roar of the engines.

"Jyou tells me that the temple he discovered contains the burial chamber of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh, but that its outer design is almost exactly the same as six other buildings' - they're located in the United States, France, Japan, Brazil, South Africa, and India. In each of the previous temples, there has been one figurine buried in the same chamber as its occupant. All of the temples indicate that there are eight of these figures."

"So what?" asked Tai, trying in vain to keep his hair from flapping all over the place. "What's so important about these figures?"

"I don't know," replied Izzy, smiling grimly. "Money, power, it's anyone's guess. The only thing that the temple inscriptions say is to never let the eight figures be brought together."

"But with this finding, there are only seven," observed Matt.

"Well...seven confirmed ones. There are also rumors from very reputable sources that a very rich and influential businessman has discovered an eighth temple in China."

"And I suppose you'd want me to go and investigate it?" asked Matt.

"Dr. Ishida, the University is willing to make a substantial investment in your department should you choose to take up this task."

"All in the name of science, eh?" Matt grinned as his adventurous side got the better of him. "I reluctantly accept, in that case."

Izzy merely nodded. "Very good then. We're here."

The temple was almost fully excavated, and the amount of residents of the tent-city had greatly increased. The sea of white canvas now included journalists, cameramen, sightseers, researchers, students, and even a detachment of the British army. As the jeeps sputtered to a halt at the camp's outskirts, Professor Kido and a small horde of reporters went out to greet them.

"Matt, Izzy, Tai, glad to see you," said the Professor. "Ladies and gentlemen, the renowned Dr. Matt Ishida."

The reporters oohed and aahed and the cameramen vied for position to take pictures of Matt, clad in his familiar khaki pants, beat-up leather jacket and trademark snap-brimmed hat.

"Matt, you made it just in time. They're starting to want to see the Jade Tokomon," whispered Jyou. "I told them that it's still being cleaned."

"Ahh. And they believe you?"

"They're journalists, they don't know any better. I promise!"

That night, Jyou circulated pictures of the Jade Tokomon that the snap-happy Hikari (Tai's younger sister) had taken when it was still in their possession. For the time being, it was enough to slake the ravening appetite of the press for the thing, and the journalists left Jyou alone for one night.

Around a flickering oil lamp and a makeshift desk, Jyou, Matt, Izzy, Tai and Hikari (Tai's younger sister) gathered to discuss just how to get the Jade Tokomon back into the University's hands.

"I'm afraid I have bad news, ladies and gentlemen," said Izzy. "The National Museum in Washington has just been broken into, where thieves stole the Silver Gabumon from right under the American government's nose." He stared at the group. "This means that none of the other artifacts are safe. The Smithsonian is easily the most guarded museum of the six that carry the rest of the artifacts. If you're going to do something, you'd better hurry, Dr. Ishida."

Matt nodded. "So, what do we know?"

Tai tossed a file folder onto the makeshift table. "This is the businessman, Ken Ichijouji. He's the one who's reportedly found the eighth temple." A picture and several documents spilled out of the folder. "I did some research on him today. He's the kind of guy who will pat you on the back with one hand while reaching into your wallet with the other - a real shady character. Ken owns the most lucrative espionage and military technology company in the world. He's got enough money to buy up all of the United States and still make a down payment on Japan, so he's got more than enough to finance the excavation of a site and hire people to steal other artifacts. He's our man."

Izzy flipped through the documents. "It says that his company's headquarters are located in Wuhan, China."

"Well then, tomorrow we go to China," said Matt, a mischievous grin playing over his mouth, "and we'll get you back your precious little pig."

* * *

For the second time in as many days Matt and Tai found themselves in the bustling Cairo airport. The few open ticket counters were inundated with customers, but Izzy led the pair right past them and straight to the Egypt Airways office. He knocked on the door.

"Er...hello?"

A heavy-set man in a black pinstripe suit sat catnapping at the desk, and didn't even bother to open one of his eyes to see who it was bothering his noontime nap. He spoke in a heavy English drawl.

"Sorry, gentlemen, this desk is off-limits to customers. If you have a formal complaint, I suggest you take it up with the management." He sniffed boredly. "Good day."

Izzy gave his companions a broad wink and slammed his fists down on the desk, causing the Englishman to jump.

"Do you have any idea who you're speaking to? This is Dr. "Indiana" Matt Ishida from the University of Tokyo, the world-famous archeologist! I seriously suggest, Mister...er..." He glanced at the nameplate on the desk. "...Weber, that if you wish to keep your head attached to your shoulders you let him aboard the next plane leaving for Beijing, NOW!"

Weber jumped to his feet, thoroughly chagrined. "My apologies, Mr. Ishida...I wasn't aware that we had such an...esteemed individual in our presence!" He took a handkerchief out of his pocket and wiped his face. "Please, right this way. Where did you say you were going to?"

Matt and Tai laughed, and waved their goodbyes to Izzy as they walked behind Weber. In less than an hour they were aboard an old, dilapidated DC-3 that was barely in flying condition. Matt flopped down into his seat, waiting for Tai do to the same.

"Hey, what's the matter?"

"Well, um..." Tai pulled at the neck of his sweater. "I really...dislike flying...and this plane isn't really helping matters."

Matt chuckled. "It won't be that bad, I promise."

Tai laughed nervously as well, buckling himself into the seat as, outside, the plane's engines coughed into life. He reached for Matt's hand and grabbed it until his knuckles were white. Matt looked at him and then laughed again.

"You wake me up if you need anything, all right?"

He tipped his hat down over his eyes and was asleep within minutes.

~~~

CHAPTER 5

Matt muttered something in his sleep, then tried to turn over when his head slipped and hit Tai's shoulder. He woke up with a start.

"Oww! Son of a..."

Tai turned to face him, only slightly more relaxed now. "About time you woke up. We're here."

Matt grinned at him and picked up his hat, which had slipped off of his face earlier. "Perfect timing, as usual. How you holding up?"

"Not much better," Tai replied, eyeing Matt darkly. "I will never get on a plane again if I can help it."

"Suit yourself, but you're going to have to get back to Japan somehow."

"I'll swim if I have to."

The co-pilot stepped out of the cockpit and called for everyone's attention.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we are approaching the Beijing airport now. Please remain in your seats until the plane comes to a complete stop. Thank you for flying Egypt Airlines."

* * *

Not much can be said about the Beijing airport, except this: it made the Cairo airport look efficient.

Matt and Tai jostled their way through the crowd, trying to find the way out, or at the very least a taxi, but after a half hour of futilely searching they gave up and collapsed onto a bench.

"Well, this is futile," they both said at the same time. Tai leaned against their bags and stared into the sea of people when he saw something in the crowd and sat bolt upright.

"Hey, Matt...what does that Mimi girl look like? Pink-hair, did you say?"

"Yeah, why?"

"I see her, way over there, in the sunglasses and khaki overcoat." He pointed, and Matt strained to see but couldn't make her out in the crowd.

Matt's mind raced. "All right, Tai, here's the plan. Follow her, and don't let her out of your sight. Izzy's made hotel arrangements...I'll meet you here," he said, handing Tai a piece of paper, "in the lobby at 10. Got that?" Tai nodded, and Matt winked at him. "All right then, see you tonight."

Matt watched Tai make his way through the crowd and start following Mimi. He was about to start the search for a taxi when he felt a hand in his back pocket, angling for his wallet. Coolly, he pretended not to notice, then reached back suddenly and caught the arm before it could withdraw.

"Nice try, kid," said Matt. He turned to face the owner of the arm.

It was a blond youth, wearing a woolen gray jacket over a tattered khaki shirt, and a pair of old, beat-up blue jeans with a few small holes scattered throughout them. On his head he sported a New York Yankees baseball cap, which he took off and made a bow to Matt with. Matt laughed at the would-be robber, who simply smiled back at him and indicated his arm, speaking around a mouthful of bubble gum.

"Thank you. Would you mind giving my arm back?"

"Let's make a deal, hmm? You tell me where to find a guide to Hankou and I'll give it back to you."

The boy bobbed his head eagerly and pointed to himself. "Already found one...me!"

Matt raised an eyebrow. "You?"

He nodded.

Matt shook his head. "Sorry, but I mean someone who knows what he's doing."

The boy nodded again. "Sure, I know what I'm doing. Born and raised in Wuchang. My parents died in a weapons plant explosion. So I come down here, make a living picking pockets."

Matt broke into laughter. He actually liked the little thief. "I noticed. What's your name?"

"My name's TK, but everyone calls me Short Round."

"Nice to meet you, Short Round," said Matt. "My name's Matt, but you can call me Indy. I guess I could use a bodyguard and a guide for this job. Now comes the test...do you know where the Imperial Hotel is?"

Short Round nodded and blew a bubble with his gum. "Sure, easy." With a laugh he set off, weaving his way expertly through the crowd, leaving Matt hard-pressed to follow.

* * *

Following a pink-haired girl in a human sea is not so easy as it seems, even if your name is Tai Kamiya.

It didn't help that Mimi felt she was being followed. All of Tai's senses had to be focused on his quarry, and more than once he lost her for a brief second before she resurfaced almost out of his sight.

Tai was finally gaining ground on her after following her around the airport for a good length of time. He edged ever closer, sometimes having to shove people out of the way or climb over their baggage, eliciting angry yells from some of them. He merely waved an apology and continued following Mimi.

However, a porter carrying a fully loaded baggage cart proved suddenly swerved in front of Tai and he had to stop or be run over. When the cart finally passed, Mimi was gone. He swore under his breath and walked forward through the crowd, when a door opened in front of him; a pair of hands fastened to his mouth and waist and pulled him inside, and then he could feel a knife pressing up against his throat. As the door closed, he heard a voice whisper in his ear.

"If you value your life, don't move."

* * *

Matt and Short Round arrived at the Imperial Hotel promptly at 9:30, where he got a room and checked for Tai, and then for any messages. Failing to find either, he and Short Round allowed themselves to be guided to their rooms by a porter.

"So, what do you know about the Ichijouji weapons company, Shorty?" inquired Matt.

"Why? You planning on trying to steal something from him?" asked Short Round, blowing a bubble casually.

"Yeah," Matt remarked.

Short Round's bubble popped and got gum all over his face. He tried to wipe it off as best he could while speaking around it. "You're crazy." He peered at Matt, whose bullwhip was slung off of his belt. "Or brave."

"A little bit of both, maybe, but more crazy than brave." He flashed Short Round a smile.

The porter stopped and opened the door. "Your rooms, sirs."

Matt opened his wallet and pulled out a small wad of bills. The porter's eyes bulged as Matt pushed the bills into his hand, and he bowed and thanked Matt profusely.

Short Round whistled and chewed his gum reflectively as he walked into the room. It was the biggest room he had ever seen. Two huge beds sat in the middle of one wall, covered in fine quilts and complete with down pillows. Opposite the beds was a huge mirror, surrounded by an ornate gold-and-bone carving of a pair of dragons, whose open mouths doubled as lamps. A brand-new radio stood in a corner, while opposite it was an ancient grandfather clock. The lush burgundy carpeting was partially concealed by a trio of fine Oriental rugs.

Matt slung his bags onto one of the large, luxurious beds and flopped down on the other one, bouncing up and down on the springy mattress, giggling.

"Nice place. I should move in here sometime."

Short Round sat on the next bed, watching his newfound idol's every move and trying to imitate some, even tipping his baseball cap over his eyes and lying back.

"So, what now, Indy?"

"Now, we wait for Tai."

* * *

The grandfather clock in the corner just struck ten o'clock when the phone in the hotel room rang. Matt and Short Round had fallen asleep, and the former regarded the phone groggily for a few seconds before he picked it up.

"Hello? Dr. Matt Ishida speaking."

"Hello, Dr. Ishida," replied a decidedly masculine voice. "I seem to have run into your...partner. If you want to see him again, meet us at 'The Dragon' nightclub in half an hour, and bring plenty of money."

Matt sat up with a start. "Who is this?"

The voice on the other end laughed. "I'll find you, Dr. Ishida." Then it hung up, and so did Matt.

Short Round looked over at him. "What's the matter, Indy?"

"Where's 'The Dragon' nightclub?"

~~~
CHAPTER 6

The Dragon was the sultriest nightclub a person could find in Beijing if they weren't looking for a brothel. The dining area was smoky and full of couples that intently watched the action on the main stage while the club's orchestra wailed behind the vocals.

A chorus line of beautiful girls, wearing tight, scanty clothes, began singing a slow, haunting melody as a huge paper-mache dragon head was pushed onto the stage from behind the curtains; a column of smoke issued from its nostrils and out of its mouth walked the star of the show, a beautiful red-haired girl with a radiant silk dress, singing her sultry solo to the applauding crowd.

Matt looked decidedly uncomfortable in the tuxedo he decided to wear for the occasion. He tugged at his collar for a few moments. Short Round sat beside him, completely enthralled by the show on-stage.

From a side door a big nest of brown hair caught Matt's eye, and he turned to see Tai, physically all right, but he realized that the situation was temporary as he saw a gun poking into the small of Tai's back, held by a stereotypical henchman - tall, heavyset, ugly, and only just smart enough to know how to use a gun. A dark-skinned, purple-haired, goateed man led the group. As they advanced toward Matt, the show on stage ended, and people broke out into wild applause and cheering.

"Short Round, listen carefully," whispered Matt. "I want you to get a car, taxi, anything and have it out front in 2 minutes. Got that?"

Short Round nodded and scampered off to find a ride. Meanwhile, the solemn procession weaved its way through the tables and eventually the leader sat directly across from Matt.

"Dr. Ishida, I presume?" Matt nodded. "My name is Daisuke Motomiya. I own this bar, and am a close...friend of the owner of the Ichijouji Weapons Company. Ken wishes to tell you that he is very disappointed an archeologist of your renown would try and follow one of his people rather than asking him straight to his face to see any of his newly acquired property. He wishes to give you a warning never to pry in his business again..." To prove his point he had one of his men open a switchblade and hold it to Tai's neck. A bead of sweat trickled down Tai's forehead as his eyes stared at the metal hovering ominously not an inch away from his jugular.

At that moment the redheaded singer sauntered up to them, unaware of the charged atmosphere at the table.

"Hiya, Daisuke, what'd'you think of tonight's show?"

"What? Er...oh. Marvelous, Sora, you were absolutely stunning."

"Hey, who's the cute fella in the tux?" she asked, looking at Matt.

In reply, he grabbed her around the waist and whipped out his own knife. Sora started to give a scream that was abruptly ended by Matt's covering her mouth and holding his knife to her throat. Daisuke was utterly shocked by this sudden move, but outwardly remained calm, even giving Matt a cool smile.

"Now, now, Dr. Ishida, there's no need for..."

"Shut up," snapped Matt. "I suggest you hand Tai over right now or your beauty will be squealing a different tune very shortly."

Daisuke glared daggers at Matt. "Dr. Ishida, nothing will be gained by this action."

"No?" said Matt. "If I lose my partner, you're losing your number-one moneymaker, and I seriously doubt you'd want that."

"Very well, Dr. Ishida," breathed Daisuke. "We will release your friend if you release my employee."

"On three, then," agreed Matt.

"One..."

"Two..."

"Three."

The henchman removed his knife and shoved Tai none too gently forward. Matt did the same for Sora. Daisuke got up to leave with his henchmen, then turned on his heel and addressed Matt and Tai.

"One more thing, gentlemen. Mr. Ichijouji instructed me to give you a warning never to interfere with his business again. I suggest you follow it."

It was about that time that Matt noticed that Daisuke's thugs were wielding a pair of Thompson machine guns, and as Daisuke finished his sentence and walked off they raised them up. Frantically, he searched for anything to buy some time.

Salvation came in the form of a waiter with a skewer of ducks flamb' that were just about to be lit on fire. Thinking quickly, he snatched up the skewer as they caught on fire and tossed it towards the henchmen, while grabbing Sora's arm with the other. Amid the angry shouts of Daisuke's goons and the squeals of protest from the terrified Sora, Matt and Tai, dragging Sora behind, dashed for the entrance.

"What the hell are you dragging me into this for?" demanded Sora as part of her dress caught on something and ripped off.

Matt didn't turn to address her, intent on keeping his head forward. "Insurance, baby doll. I figure that you're a big star round here, so your boss wouldn't risk pumping you full of hot lead." Finding their way blocked by a second band of armed guards, Matt and Tai ducked behind the bar and scanned the area frantically for another way out. They dragged Sora down with them just as the area above their heads was suddenly filled with bullets.

"What now?" asked Tai. Matt dearly wished he had brought his bullwhip with him, and was about to say so when his hand made contact with a rope that was hanging behind the bar. It was the only thing supporting a large gong right above their heads.

"Tai...I have an idea," shouted Matt over the hail of gunfire. "On three, I'm going to make this gong fall down. Get behind it and start running with it!"

He waited for Tai's nod of acknowledgement, and closed his eyes. "Three!"

With a loud, low boom the gong crashed to the floor and began rolling towards the door. Matt and Tai crouched down so they were completely hidden behind it, making sure to drag along poor Sora, whose objections were drowned out by the musical ping of bullets on the heavy gong. Eventually the three made it out the door, the exact same time as a Duesenberg raced around the corner.

"Get in!"

Tai and Sora were shoved into the back seat, and Matt jumped onto the rear bumper as the car sped off, leaving behind a group of very angry men. Sora breathed a sigh of relief, which was immediately cut short as she saw who was driving the car.

"Pleased to meet you, my name's Takeru, but everyone calls me Short Round."

She fainted with a small whimper, much to the amusement of Matt. "Hey, Shorty, you never said you could drive."

The kid nodded. "Sure, Indy, I learned to drive as a little kid. You rest easy now, you're in Short Round's capable hands."

Matt clambered over the back seat and sat between Tai and the fainted Sora.

"Take us home, Shorty."

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