Digimon Fan Fiction ❯ The Outcast ❯ Sacrifice ( Chapter 4 )

The Outcast

Chapter 4: Sacrifice

by Silver

*Standard Disclaimer: I do not own any rights to Digimon's creatures, characters, etc.*

Author's Note: Several of the Digidestined's parents are mentioned by name in this chapter. Even though most of them are never named specifically in the show, Megchan was generous enough to provide names on her message board. These names come from the Japanese script.

Thanks go to Daisukefire and Chapel, my two proofreaders. They're a huge help in improving my stories.

I hope everyone enjoys this chapter.

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"When a friend is in trouble, don't annoy him by asking if there is anything you can do. Think up something appropriate and do it."
- Edgar Watson Howe

Thin rays of light trickled past the drapes and poured down over Kari's eyes. She grumbled some unintelligible words and rolled over on her side, away from the dreary light. Today was the day. The day she'd have to say goodbye.

Gatomon lay next to Kari, curled up in a small ball of smooth white fur. Kari gently traced her fingers through her partner's hairs while she remembered the first day they'd met. Gatomon had looked like such a strange kitty with those purple-tipped ears and yellow gloves. It was only until much later that Gatomon had felt comfortable enough to show Kari the scars that lay hidden under those gloves. Gatomon had been through so many terrible events in her life, it broke Kari's heart to have to force more pain upon her. I won't cry… Not today. Kari closed her eyes to hold back the stinging tears.

In truth, Kari was just as afraid of being alone herself as she was for Gatomon. She had lost most of her friends, and many of the few friends she had left were too far away to help. Only Davis, Cody, and possibly Ken were still close. Cody was very busy with his school work and kendo practice. It was doubtful he even knew of Kari's situation. Ken lived on the other side of town, and it wouldn't be easy for him to reach Kari once word got out of her special powers. For all she knew, Hitoshi Ikari had already made a public statement.

A gentle knock sounded from the door. "Kari?" Mr. Kamiya peeked in, "You need to get up and get dressed. Mr. Takenouchi will be here soon." Kari nodded and slipped out of bed, careful not to wake Gatomon. She showered and dressed, a routine she followed every day of her life. Yet this time, every simple routine felt like a heavy weight. The burden of what this day held was almost more than Kari could bear. Be strong. Gatomon won't be able to go peacefully if she sees you like this.

Kari gently nudged her partner. "Gatomon, it's time for breakfast."

Gatomon opened one eye. "Is it today already?" Kari nodded. "I see…" Gatomon stood up and jumped into Kari's arms. "I hope your Mom has some good fish this morning, I could use a good meal." Food was one of those things that usually made Digimon happier.

"I know how you feel." Kari stepped out into the hallway. Her mother was busy cooking breakfast. Her father was reading the morning paper. Both of them had somber looks on their faces. "Good morning." Kari tried to sound cheerful, but failed.

Mr. Kamiya smiled at his daughter, "Good morning, sweetheart. Morning, Gatomon."

"Yeah, sure." Gatomon's voice was hollow and dark.

Mrs. Kamiya brought over their breakfast. Blueberry pancakes and fresh salmon, Kari and Gatomon's respective breakfast favorites. "I know this is hard, but it's only temporary."

Mr. Kamiya nodded, "This is just until we work out Kari's condition, then everything will be back to normal."

Condition. Normal. They made it sound like Kari had a disease, as if she were as sickly as when she had been a child. I wish this would all go away as quickly as the flu did. Kari could feel the reservoir of tears stinging her eyes, but she willed them back. They couldn't come now. They'd have to wait. Kari finished her meal in silence.

The doorbell chimed. Mr. Kamiya got up and answered the door. As predicted, it was Sora's father. "I'd say good morning to everyone, but I doubt that'd be true." He nodded to Kari and Gatomon somberly. "We need to get going. I've made all the preparations, but we have to hurry. Hitoshi Ikari is going to make a public announcement in less than a hour.

* * * * * * * *

In his dreams, Davis had battled snarling monsters, outrun huge avalanches, and driven a very loud car. In all this dreams, there had been one omnipresent noise that was so familiar that he was actually comfortable around it. As he awoke, he couldn't remember what that sound was, until he looked to his right and saw Veemon asleep next to him. The little blue Digimon's mouth was curled back as he let out a snore while a small bead of drool dangled from his lip.

For a moment, Davis could have stayed there forever, listening to his friend snore and enjoying the bond they shared. But then reality reached for him again with uncaring hands, and he knew what was going to happen. Today's the day we have to say goodbye.

Davis stumbled out of bed and onto the floor. The noise he made could have woken ShogunGekomon, but Veemon simply mumbled something and rolled over to resume his snoring. Davis chuckled, then proceeded to shower and dress. He had a lot to do today, but even simple routines like brushing his teeth took a lot of energy. This is a day to get through, not to enjoy. He doubted he'd find anything enjoyable about this day.

He'd told his parents about Veemon's decision to go to the Digital World last night. They had been saddened by the loss, since Veemon was just as much a member of the family as Jun or Davis, but they understood. Davis hated what was happening, but this was what Veemon wanted. Veemon was his partner, not his pet or slave. If Veemon wanted to do something, Davis had no right to deny him, even if it hurt to let him go.

Davis walked into the kitchen and poured some cereal. No one else was home, his parents had already left for work. There was a note on the desk.

Davis,

We're going to get home early tonight, so don't worry. We'll have an extra-special dinner tonight, with all your favorite foods. I packed a lunch for Veemon. It's in the fridge. There's enough food there to share with Gatomon. It's the box with blue and pink stripes.

I also packed a lunch for the two of you. It's the box colored like a soccer ball.

Your Father and I are so proud of you for the difficult decision you've made. You're doing the right thing. Hang in there.

Love,

Mom

The Motomiya family had never been renowned for brilliant speeches, but they all believed in speaking from the heart. The words on the paper gave Davis a little bit of strength to keep going. I have to hang in there, for everyone's sake. Veemon can't help out Gatomon if I break down like a baby. I've gotta stay strong until he leaves. Crying wasn't usually a concern for Davis, but he'd come to realize that it wasn't "unmanly" to cry. It was a necessity.

Davis decided to watch TV while eating breakfast. He switch on the TV, only to drop his spoon two seconds later as the camera focused upon Hitoshi Ikari. A small "live" sign was overlaid in the upper right-hand corner of the screen. Ikari was in a room with wooden walls and bright lights glowing on him from behind the camera. He stood behind a podium and was looking intently at the camera. Davis had been in the room that he saw on the screen, but he knew where it was. It had to be inside the "Guardians Opposing Digimon" organization's office.

G.O.D. coordinated all anti-Digimon speeches and rallies. They were publicly funded and had speakers and supporters in almost every nation. Ikari was the prime speaker for Japan, but Mimi and Michael had reported hearing anti-Digimon speakers in America. Other Digidestined had reported similar talks in every other part of the world. It sometimes scared Davis to think that the whole world was split between two sides in the Digimon debate. He hadn't met anyone who had yet to develop a firm stance on the issue.

Mr. Ikari said, "Ladies and gentlemen, the world today faces a new threat to its children. Often times, threats approach silently and take the forms of innocence. Global warming started with just a few harmless gasses. World War II began with some angry words. But today we face a danger not of this world. We face a danger that takes the form of cute creatures calling themselves 'Digital Monsters,' or 'Digimon' for short.

"I have advocated the reality of this threat for over two years now, but I have been unable to alert everyone to the ever-present danger amongst us. But now the danger has struck my family directly. My son, Muri Ikari, is in a mental hospital, driven mad by horrors he cannot coherently describe. After conducting a private investigation with the aid of my colleagues and concerned citizens, I have discovered the source of my son's pain."

Guy works fast. Davis braced himself for the declaration. I hope Kari isn't watching this.

* * * * * * * *

Kari's face paled slightly as she heard the words reach out to her through the radio speakers. They were in Mr. Takenouchi's car, heading for the research institute. The radio program that they had been listening to had been cut off by a special announcement. Curious, they had all listened intently as Hitoshi Ikari began to speak. Now, their curiosity gave way to fear.

"Don't listen." From the back seat, Mrs. Kamiya reached for the off switch.

Kari, in the front passenger seat, reached over and held her mother's hand back. She wanted to hear what charges she'd be facing. "No, Mom, I need to hear this."

Mr. Ikari continued, "I spoke with Muri's friends and classmates, only to learn a very disturbing truth. One young girl, Kari Kamiya, has developed unnatural powers, possibly due to the presence of Digimon. She is registered in the community records as owning a cat-like Digimon called 'Gatomon.'" Gatomon bristled at the way Ikari portrayed her as a possession.

"Several days ago, Ms. Kamiya began to glow bright white in the middle of class. After which, she fainted and spent two days in the hospital. Upon her return, she once again began to glow near her school's soccer field. It was then that my son was attacked by her intensive powers."

Kari could feel tears welling up in her eyes. That's not true! I didn't do anything to Muri. It was the Dark Ocean! She couldn't control the Dark Ocean, yet she was being blamed for its evil. The unfairness of it clenched around her heart.

"Now, I do not blame Ms. Kamiya, nor do I feel that she is the real threat. She is a victim of circumstance, and I do not seek vengeance. But as a citizen and as a father, I demand to know the cause of this change within such a young girl." Kari could hear the sound of Ikari pounding the podium with his fist for emphasis. "We must know if Digimon can effect such a change in humans before more people are changed. We must realize this potential threat and confront it before it overwhelms us. I call upon the people of Tokyo, no, the people of the world for their support in researching and understanding the nature of this change before it spreads to others. I have several eye-witnesses who saw Ms. Kamiya glow. There is no doubt in my mind as to the validity of this event. As unbelievable as it may sound, Ms. Kamiya has gained powers that no human could ever possess. We must understand this change to protect both her and ourselves. I thank you for your time, and I promise to pursue this development with all my strength and willpower. For I want nothing more than for peace in this world, a peace where my son need not be afraid. A peace where we can all be free from the fear of outside invaders."

The radio faded to silence. A second voice came on. "That was Hitoshi Ikari speaking from the Guardians Opposing Digimon organization's headquarters in downtown Tokyo. We have yet to confirm his eyewitnesses, but we promise to-" Kari flicked off the radio. She didn't need to hear anymore.

Her lips began to quiver and her body trembled. Tears pooled in her eyes and streaked down her face. This was it, the moment of dread. This was where her life as she knew it ended.

"Kari," Mr. Kamiya placed hand on her shoulder, "it's going to be fine. Mr. Ikari doesn't have any proof that Gatomon did this, and he's not labeling you as the cause either. This is just temporary."

Mr. Takenouchi nodded, "And we'll have a counter press release ready in less than an hour. I've already prepared it." He nodded towards his briefcase in the back seat.

Kari just sighed. She wasn't sure she could stand the thought of people being terrified of her. The fear that had started in her school was now spreading out over the whole of Japan, maybe even the world. Tai will hear about this. He's going to be mad. Kari knew that he wouldn't like being kept in the dark about what was going on in Kari's life, but she hadn't wanted to worry him. I'm sorry, Tai, everyone.

* * * * * * * *

Davis, like Kari's family, had shut off the news report the instant Hitoshi Ikari had finished speaking. Unlike Mrs. Kamiya, however, Davis had been less restrained. His parents would yell at him for sure, and he probably wouldn't see any allowance for over a year, but the television was getting old anyway. A nice big footprint had been pounded into the metal directly over the off button.

Davis had never been so angry in his whole life. Not at Ken, not at when he'd been jealous about TK's friendship with Kari, not even as mad as he had been against MaloMyotismon. At least with his old rivals he could have attacked them physically. He could have vented his frustration. But with Hitoshi Ikari, Davis was completely powerless. I probably couldn't even get close to him to land a punch. Ikari and G.O.D., there were the two foes he couldn't defeat with force. Davis took a deep breath. Keep it together. Ikari isn't your problem right now.

Davis walked into his room and shook Veemon gently. "Hey, buddy, time to wake up."

Veemon stirred, "Is it breakfast time yet?"

"Yep." Davis laughed, "Time to eat." In a flash of sheets, Veemon was through the doorway and heading strait for the kitchen. Whenever Veemon needed motivation, food was always the source.

Davis walked back into the kitchen. Veemon was already devouring several doughnuts. Davis would have had those for breakfast if not for the fact that Veemon had developed the annoying habit of hiding a personal stash of food for himself. Whenever Davis' mother bought treats, half of them vanished into Veemon's personal supply. Then again, half of what was left went into Davis' hiding place. Mrs. Motomiya commented that it was like having two sons instead of just one.

Davis could feel his eyes burn at the thought of that tradition ending. After today, there wouldn't be a need to hide his food. Veemon wouldn't be there to steal it.

"Hey," Veemon said between bites, "What happened to the TV?"

Davis muttered, "Don't ask." Veemon nodded. He had a pretty good idea of what happened.

The blue reptilian Digimon said, "So… today's the day, huh?"

Davis nodded solemnly. "Yeah. This is it."

Veemon gave an obviously forced smile, "It won't be so bad. I'll be back in no time."

"Yeah. That's right…" Davis tried to sound positive, but it wasn't working.

"And the Digital Worlds a really fun place. Even though most Digimon don't play soccer like you and I do."

"Uh-huh"

"And other Digimon don't have pillow fights like you and I do."

"It'll be okay." Maybe.

Veemon's voice began to waver. "And other Digimon don't have hot-fudge-sunday-making contests like you and I do."

"We'll have 'em again." This was murder.

Tears were streaking down Veemon's face. "But at least I won't have to hide all the good treats while I'm in the Digital World and you're here on Earth."

Davis' wet cheeks pulled back in a smile, "Don't suppose you wanna tell me where your stash is for while you're gone?"

"Not a chance!" Veemon jumped up on his seat. "Just you watch, Davis! I'll be back! And then I'm gonna run circles around you in soccer, create a hot-fudge Sunday ten times bigger than your own, and hide ALL the yummy treats! Just you wait!"

Davis laughed, "You're on! It's a deal!" They shook on it.

Veemon sighed, "But it's not gonna be any fun without you, Davis."

Davis nodded, "You sure you want to go through with this?"

Veemon nodded, "Yeah. I want to help Gatomon the same way you wanna help Kari. It's hard, but it's the right thing to do."

Davis said, "We'd better contact Gennai. He's gonna need some persuading."

The human-Digimon conflict wasn't isolated to just Earth. Many Digimon had doubts about mingling with humans. The only human that most Digimon had encountered was the Digimon Emperor, who'd enslaved them on sight. It was the ultimate in bad first impressions. Some Digimon violently protested the notion of "serving humans" and still others returned from Earth after being abandoned. Their stories of sleeping in the streets and being cast out by their partners only added to tension among Digimon. Davis sometimes wondered if their wasn't a Digimon version of Hitoshi Ikari roaming around the Digital World stirring up trouble too.

To make matters worse, military organizations around the world were still trying to enter the Digital World. Just as before, Gennai and his counterparts had been charged with deleting all information relating to the Digital World. Humans could not force their way through dimensions. There had to be mutual agreement between both Digimon and humans so as to avoid the Digital World becoming a tourist attraction as Gennai feared.

In order to safeguard against such an event, Azulongmon had declared all digiports closed until further notice. The only time the portals were allowed to be opened was if a Digimon had to go back to the Digital World. Sometimes Digimon slipped through the barrier between dimensions, which had been weakened by MaloMyotismon's attack. The only portal was that 100% secure was the Heighten View Terrace portal, which had been sealed by BlackWarGreymon. Davis was sure that Gennai would allow Veemon to traverse the barrier and go back to the Digital World, but it was a strictly one-way trip. Veemon and Gatomon wouldn't be allowed to return until things settled down enough for Digimon to safely enter human society; and that could take years.

Davis stood up from the table. "Let's get to it. If we get it out of the way now, then we'll have time for one last soccer game later on."

Veemon smiled, "Sound great! But…"

"But?"

"Could we have a hot-fudge Sunday contest instead?"

* * * * * * * *

The research center where Mr. Takenouchi worked was a large white building with mirrored glass covering the every portal, even the doors. They were electronically sealed with guards standing beside them. A metal fence surrounded the entire facility. A guard at a booth inspected Mr. Takenouchi's papers and allowed the car entrance. A small ramp at the side of the building lead to a metal garage door. Mr. Takenouchi handed out ID passes to each of his passengers, then produced a card from the inside of his pocket. He pressed it to a reader, and the garage door slowly creaked open to reveal a second gate, which began to open as well.

Mr. Kamiya blinked, "You sure do take security very seriously around here."

Mr. Takenouchi nodded. "The windows are bullet proof, as are the garage doors and there are armed guards on every floor. You can't enter any of the rooms without a pass key or temporary ID, which is restricted access. Only a few other scientists and myself have access to all the floors."

Gatomon stared at him wide-eyed, "All that just to protect Digimon research?"

Mr. Takenouchi nodded, "Like I said, whoever has the greatest knowledge about Digimon has the edge over every other country. The government spared no expense building this facility."

Mr. Kamiya grumbled, "Probably at the tax-payers' expense." Mrs. Kamiya elbowed her husband sharply.

Mr. Takenouchi said, "The information we hold in here is the key to all future technological, medical, and social advances involving Digimon. It has to be protected at all times. My card is also a tracer, so that if I'm ever kidnapped I can be located." Despite his words, it was clear from the expression on his face that he got a kick out of all the cloak and dagger material.

Kari asked, "Isn't it stressful to have such responsibility?"

Mr. Takenouchi nodded, "Sometimes. And Sumiko is constantly questioning me about Sora's safety in all of this. She keeps saying she's developing wrinkles over the whole thing. But she understands how much I love researching Digimon to build a peaceful future. And Sora's strong enough to protect herself, so we're not too worried, but we have warned her and we make sure she calls us often from college." He pulled into a reserved parking space and everyone emerged from the car.

The elevator also required a security card for both entry and exit. Kari constantly looked around her as they walked down the sterol white hallways. The doors all looked sturdy and were probably bullet-proof as well. There were card readers by each door, and glass doorways at each hallway intersection. Security cameras monitored their every move. There was a low hum emanating from somewhere, and Kari could almost feel the energy coursing through the building to the hidden machinery locked behind those doors. It took them almost fifteen minutes to traverse the hallway. It occurred to Kari that there was absolutely no privacy within this building. People probably couldn't even go the bathroom unmonitored, and it would take an army to storm this place. All this because people want to use Digimon as weapons. The thought made her sick to her stomach.

Mr. Takenouchi led the group to a doorway that was positioned a fair distance from the way. Being the last door on that side of the hallway, Kari could only assume that they were about to enter a very large room. Mr. Takenouchi pressed his palm against a black square next to the door. A red beam crawled down the face of the panel, outlining his hand in bright red as it descended. After completing, its trek, the line vanished an a loud click resounded. The door hissed open, and the group entered.

Kari was immediately altered to the drop in temperature. The air was so cool that bumps rose up all along her skin. She shivered slightly, but the sensation quickly passed.

"Welcome to the icebox." A voice came from across the room. A man in a white lab coat approached. He was unusually short for his age, which was already a dead giveaway, but his face was one of the most welcome sights Kari had experienced recently.

"Izzy!" Izzy Izumi, long-time Digidestined and computer nerd extraordinaire, smiled as he approached the group. Izzy was still the shortest member of the elder Digidestined. His hair was smoother now without the spikes that had appeared in his childhood and early teenage years. His face was still round and his eyes maintained that child-like eagerness for knowledge and challenges. Kari ran up to him and hugged her.

Izzy returned the hug. "How have you been?'

Kari replied, "I've been better."

Izzy nodded, "I figured as much. I heard Mr. Ikari's speech. His testimony has more flaws in it than a 1st year computer engineer's final programming project." Kari nodded, even though she had no clue what Izzy had just said.

Mr. Takenouchi said, "Izzy-"

Izzy replied quickly, "I called your reporter friend. He's on his way and he's been cleared for level 1 access. He'll be here in 10 minutes. The meeting room is all set and the equipment's been primed. The others are getting ready with the second-phase equipment. We'll be ready to start in twenty minutes."

Mr. Takenouchi smiled, not the least bit surprised at Izzy's preparation. "You can be ready in ten minutes." Izzy nodded an affirmative. Mr. Takenouchi said, "I couldn't ask for a better 'assistant' than Izzy. He knows what I want before I even know. He'll be conducting most of the tests while I make a public statement regarding Kari."

Mrs. Kamiya said, "My goodness, Izzy. You must be very skilled to be trusted to run the tests yourself."

Izzy blushed and laughed, "Well, I know how to push the right buttons. That's all there really is to it."

Mr. Takenouchi said, "Izzy's just being overly modest. The truth is, he probably knows more about Digimon than anyone else in this building. He's more of a Digimon expert than I am. The trouble is that most people don't take him seriously due to his age, so he's officially listed as my assistant. Everyone here recognizes him as a key member of the research team. We'd be lost without him." With that, Sora's father bade everyone goodbye and exited the room.

Gatomon asked, "Hey, where's Tentomon?"

Izzy replied, "Tentomon doesn't feel comfortable in here. He says that all the scientist leer at him as if he was some kind of lab experiment. He stays at home and helps my Mom with her chores. I think he stays because her food is a lot better than the cafeteria here. We're not allowed to bring in our own lunches, so we have to eat here." Izzy motioned to a group of chairs around a small table. "You can sit down while I make sure everyone else is ready. I've apparently got ten minutes."

Kari frowned, "Is that too short a time?"

Izzy shook his head. "Naw. Dr. Takenouchi just likes to keep me on my toes. Wait here while I check on the other scientists. Don't leave the room because you can't get back in without a card." Izzy left only after getting a nod from each member of the Kamiya family.

Gatomon looked around the room, "This place gives me the creeps. My fur's standing on end."

Kari stroked her partner's fur. "Don't worry. It's not like they experiment on Digimon here."

"Not here, maybe. But what about everywhere else?"

That comment made Kari feel even more uncomfortable. Surly every country had a facility similar to this one, but who knew what they were experimenting on there. The memory of Kimeramon, the synthetic Digimon, tore its way into Kari's mind. What if people tired to create Digimon on their own? What if they kept churning out Digimon bred for war? What if? What if? What if? A million terrifying questions flashed through Kari's mind.

She must have had a very fearful expression on her face because her mother said, "Don't worry, Kari. I'm sure everyone is looking for a peaceful solution."

Kari wasn't so sure of that. "Mom? Dad? Do you think we'll ever have peace?"

Mr. Kamiya said, "Of course we will. People eventually learn from their mistakes and come to realize how important peace is."

Mrs. Kamiya said, "As long as there are people like you, Kari, who wish for peace, then it's only a matter of time."

Gatomon nodded, "I didn't mean to upset you, Kari. Things'll work out. I promise." Kari smiled and nodded, but the fear wouldn't leave her.

The door hissed open again, and Izzy stepped back into the room. "Dr. Takenouchi is on his way up. We'll start the tests in a few minutes."

Kari stood up. "What do I have to do?"

Izzy gave her a reassuring smile, "Just relax. That's all. We're just going to give you a small physical. Trust me, you'll be fine."

Izzy's "small physical" lasted the better half of the day. Kari ran on treadmills, lifted weights, blew through a tube into water-filled cylinder, and had so many cat scans and x-rays that she was positive she'd glow bright green instead of white from that point on. Each test was done in two stages. Stage one was performed when Gatomon was near Kari. Stage two was simply doing all the tests over again, except that Mr. Kamiya had to take Gatomon back home before the tests could begin. Gatomon hadn't liked the idea of being separated from Kari, but Kari had persuaded the angry feline to go along with Mr. Takenouchi's methods. The purpose of these tests, Kari quickly realized, was to detect any physical change in Kari due to the presence or absence of Gatomon. They weren't trying to discover the source of her powers, they were just interested in clearing Gatomon of any suspicion. For all his kindness and support, Mr. Takenouchi was primarily interested in protecting human-Digimon relations, not helping Kari finding answers about herself.

Kari had never figured out why her crest gave her such strange powers while Tai and the others' respective crests had no side-effects. It wasn't like Tai could set himself aflame at will, despite his fiery crest of courage. Kari also couldn't understand why she hadn't stopped glowing after giving up her crest power to form the protective barrier in the Digital World. She hadn't thought about these questions in years, until it all came back to haunt her. This was driving her crazy. Why did she have to be different? Why did she have to deal with the burden of these powers? And why was she considered a freak by "normal people?"

Izzy came up with a folder full of readouts in his hand. Kari asked, "What's the diagnosis?" She was only half-joking.

Izzy flipped through the pages. "Well, other than the fact you could stand to lose a few pounds, you're as normal as me or Tai or anyone else." Kari gave a feint smile. Izzy had developed a slim sense of humor over the years.

"So," Kari hesitated, "do you know why this is happening?"

Izzy replied, "Well, it's definitely not Gatomon."

"Then I guess the tests were a success."

Izzy blinked, "Huh? What do you mean?"

Kari sighed, "Come on, Izzy. I know the truth. Mr. Takenouchi is doing this so that we can prove Digimon don't make people go. We're not trying to find out why I'm actually glowing."

"Now hold on, Kari." Izzy's voice became stern. "It's true that these tests are designed to see if Gatomon really does have an influence upon you, but it's not like were going to just toss you aside like last year's motherboard. We're not done testing yet. We'll find out what's happening, you just have to be patient."

Kari huffed, "But we already know it's my crest that's causing this!"

"Are you sure about that?"
"What?"

Izzy's voice changed to his distinct hypothetical tone. "You're the only Digidestined who has exhibited powers that the rest of us don't seem to have. We've assumed for a while that it was because of your crest of light. But the question is: Is it because of your crest that you have these powers? Or is it because of these powers that you received your crest?"

Kari blinked several times. "Um… Yes?"

"Sorry," Izzy laughed, "I'm not making much sense. Here's what I'm trying to say: during the battle with the Dark Masters, you were possessed by a spirit inhabiting the Digital World. That spirit showed us the events of Heighten View Terrace when we were very little. Our digivices and crests were created based on the power detected within each of us at the time. It's because of those powers we were chosen to be Digidestined. But that means that crest power was present within us even before the physical crests were created. One could also argue that your powers were also present even before the crest of light was designated to you."

Kari could only listen in confusion and wonder, "So, you're saying that I might have glowed even if I hadn't been chosen to have the crest of light?"

Izzy nodded, "That's one of many theories. Another is that it's because of the Digital World itself. Up until now, you've always glowed in the Digital World, but now that the barrier between the two worlds is weakened, it might be that your powers are a sign of the two worlds coming into contact. Yet another theory is that your powers are reacting to the presence of the Dark Ocean. I'm sure I can think up at least a dozen more theories by the end of the week."

Kari's shoulders fell. "So how are we supposed to figure out what's wrong with me? How can I be cured?"

Izzy reached down and took Kari's hand in his own. "Kari, listen to me very closely. There is nothing, absolutely nothing wrong with you. You're not sick, you don't have a disease, and there's no need for you to seek treatment. Whether it's your crest or something else, your powers are a part of you and you don't have to be ashamed of them."

Kari's voice was hushed, "Tell that to Hitoshi Ikari and his friends."

Izzy nodded, "I know it's hard, but people will eventually come around. We'll show them the truth and then everything will be back to normal." Funny how everyone kept saying that "everything would be back to normal." Kari was no longer sure who they were trying to assure, her, or themselves?

"Kari," Izzy looked at her with some confusion in his eyes, "Why didn't you mention this to any of us sooner?"

"I… I didn't want anyone to worry. I didn't think it was anything that needed to call the group back together. I didn't want to interrupt their studies."

Izzy protested, "But now Tai and the others will find out through the television and radio rather than directly from you. I have to admit I was very shocked about this when Mr. Takenouchi told me rather than you."

"I'm sorry, Izzy. I just-"

"Kari." Mr. Takenouchi walked towards them with Kari's mother. "It's… it's almost time." Izzy and Kari's conversation came to an abrupt halt with the sobering piece of news.

Kari nodded. Almost time to say goodbye. "Where's Gatomon?"

Mrs. Kamiya said, "She's still at home, dear. We're going back home now."

Kari said, "I don't understand. Aren't we sending Gatomon back to the Digital World today?"

Mr. Takenouchi replied, "Yes, we are. But there's something I didn't count on. Due to public mistrust of the government, the Prime Minister's staff have decided that we have to send Gatomon back to the Digital World publicly. There have to be witnesses, and cameras."

Kari could feel anger and despair welling up inside of her. She wanted to scream and shout and turn over tables. She wanted to cry about how unfair this all was. Bad enough to send her friend away, but now she had to do it with everyone watching. Instead of screaming, the words hissed out through her tight lips. "When did I become a public spectacle?"

Mr. Takenouchi said, "I know it's unfair, Kari, and I'm sorry. I fought this as hard as I could, but the officials won't budge. People are already afraid of what your powers signify. A band of protestors has already formed near your house. Fortunately, police are keeping them away from your house."

Kari asked, "What about the people who live in our apartment complex?"

Mr. Takenouchi sighed, "That's part of the problem. The Prime Minister's staff is also very concerned with your safety within the apartment complex."

Mrs. Kamiya looked up, startled, "Wait a minute! You said we could still live in our home!"

Mr. Takenouchi said, "I did, but I'm afraid my friends in office backed out on me. I just got a call saying that Kari can't stay in the apartment. Police say there's too great a risk of bomb threats and riots. Kari has to stay in a safe-house. You and Susumu can still live in the apartment, but Kari can't."

"Absolutely not!" Mrs. Kamiya fumed, "Wherever Kari goes, we go! I won't be separated from my daughter!"

Mr. Takenouchi nodded, "I figured you'd say that."

Kari whispered, "I have to leave my home? I have to give up everything?"

Mr. Takenouchi kneeled down and place his hands on Kari's shoulders. "Kari, I'm sorry. I know I broke my promise, but it's out of my hands now. This happens with government deals. Higher powers step in and change things. There's nothing I can do to stop it. Your family will still own your apartment, the government will handle the rent and make sure it stays secure. You and your parents will get to live in a fully-furnished house on the city outskirts. You can still have friends over, but they'll have to go through some security first."

"Will I be allowed to even go outside?"

Mr. Takenouchi nodded, "There's a yard surrounded by a fence. You can spend all the time you want outside, but you can't leave the fence."

"So it's really a fancy prison!" Mrs. Kamiya was furious. "Haruhiko, how could you let this happen?"

Mr. Takenouchi whirled on her. "Let this happen? I have fought this at every turn and protested to every person I know in the government. I called in every favor I had to make this happen. It's either go to the safe-house, or remain in a lab. Do you want Kari to have spend her life in a place like this?" He gestured to the blanched walls and the sterile air.

Mrs. Kamiya exhailed, "No. I just…"

Kari's knees turned to rubber and she began to sink to the floor. "No. No…"

Izzy reached down and pulled Kari back up into a hug. "Easy, Kari, easy. It's only temp-"

"STOP STAYING THAT!" Kari shoved herself away from Izzy. "Stop saying it's only temporary! Stop saying everything will be okay! Just stop!" She could feel her skin begin to grow hot again. She could feel the rage and grief burning through her veins. Her brow began damp with sweat and the flames spread throughout her veins. "Just stop it! Stop everything! I've had enough! This is total unfair and I just want it all to go away!!!" Izzy, Mr. Takenouchi, and Mrs. Kamiya all dove behind nearby machines as Kari's light reached out and tossed a nearby desk across the room. The desk soared through the air and struck one of the windows. Instead of smashing through, it bounced off the super-enforced material and broke in two as it struck the ground.

The last thing Kari saw was a stunned and fearful faces of her mother and friends before the world faded from view.

* * * * * * * *

"Ughh…" Veemon leaned back in his chair, his belly swelling up and his lips dripping with chocolate. "I can't believe I ate da whole thing!"

Davis wasn't much better off. "So, who won this time?"

"I dunno. I feel kinda sick, how about you?"

"Ohh yeah." Davis looked over at the three empty vanilla ice cream cartons, the two whip cream cans, and the five chocolate fudge containers. He felt sick just looking at them. Davis and Veemon had made a special run to the grocery store to have one final hot-fudge-Sunday-making contest. That ice cream, plus the lunch Davis' mother had made, came up to one hell of a stomach ache. "I think it's a tie."

"Ahh. I'll beat'cha next time."

Davis frowned, "You mean we're gonna do this again?"

"Not for a long time." Veemon moaned and rubbed his belly. "But… it was fun!" He smiled.

Davis smiled and nodded. "Yeah. We'll do this again, soon." A loud ping sounded from Davis' pocket. He reached in and pulled out his D3. The screen was flashing in digital code, signifying a message and its sender. "It's Gennai!" Davis and Veemon stumbled out of their chairs and moved towards the family computer in his father's office.

"Next time," Veemon winced and rubbed his belly. "Let's use low-fat ice cream."

Davis patted his partner's back. "Just sending you off with something to remember me by."

Veemon's face grew a wry smile. "From now on, Davis, whenever I get a stomach cramp, I'll think of you."

Davis held his D3 up to the computer screen. Both the D3 and the screen glowed white, and the image of Gennai flashed onto the screen. He still appeared youthful and energetic, a complete contrast to the stories Tai and the others had told Davis, but now Davis could see rings encircling his eyes and a weary expression on his face. Gennai had a great many responsibilities in preparing the Digimon to interact with humans. The toll it was taking on him was hard to miss.

"Davis," Gennai said, "Azulongmon has agreed to allow Veemon to return to the Digital World; but he wants me to make it clear to you that Veemon will not be allowed to return to Earth until it is decided that it is safe for both worlds to integrate with one another. Do you understand?"

Davis nodded, "Veemon and I understand. We're willing to do this."

Gennai said, "Good. I'll open a portal right next to where Gatomon will come out. I'm sure she'll be happy to see a friendly face." Gennai's expression relaxed a bit. "This is a very generous thing you're both doing, Davis, Veemon. Kari and Gatomon are lucky to have friends like you."
"Thanks." Veemon smiled. He then turned to Davis. "I guess this is it."

"Yeah." Davis could feel his eyes start to burn. He spun around quickly. "Hang on one sec!" He dashed to the kitchen and returned with a soccer ball-colored lunchbox. He handed it to Veemon. "A gift from my Mom."

"More food?" Veemon looked a little green, but seemed happy with the gift. "I'll keep it refridgerated for a while. Tell your Mom I said thanks."

Davis usually had something to say in any occasion, even if it wasn't very smart, but this time he was at a loss for words. Instead, he kneeled down and hugged the small blue Digimon, hard.

"Davis!" Veemon gasped, "I'm gonna throw up!"

"Tough." Davis squeezed even harder. "I'm gonna miss you, Veemon." He relaxed his grip and leaned back. "Have fun, okay?"

Tears were brimming in Veemon's eyes. "Yeah, sure. I'll miss you too, Davis. You have fun too, okay?"

"Sure." Never good at saying goodbyes, Davis stood up and held his D3 to the screen once again. "Digiport open!" The familiar electronic gateway flashed on the screen and glowed white as it clasped around Veemon.

"Bye, Davis." Veemon waved as his body shrunk down and was pulled into the computer screen. The monitor dimmed back to its normal appearance. The silence weight down upon Davis instantly. The apartment his family shared now felt twice as big as it had several minutes ago. This was probably how Kari would feel after she gave up Gatomon. This would be when she needed a friend the most. This would be when Davis had to be there for her.

But, until then, there was only his own loss. In the silence, in solitude, Davis words were suppressed to a whisper. "Bye, Veemon."

--------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------

Davis has made a great sacrifice, but Kari has lost even more than he can imagine. She will have to give up her home, her freedom, her life as she knows it will end. All this in the next chapter.

Author's Note: These chapters are taking forever, and I love it! I'm really worked up on this story and I hope to write more soon, especially during Thanksgiving. I'd like to give thanks to everyone who has read my story and double thanks to everyone who has taken the time to review my work.