Two Sided Views [Plot Case]

"Indeed, that would be me," Yuuki answered, then bowed in greeting. "It's very nice to meet you, Agent Machine. Once again, I'm Itou Yuuki, leader of KIZNA, a neutral team in Digital World. Here is my partner, Hikaru. I'll be just be brief in the introduction and say that we're not in position to make any sort of deal either, neither we're in position of strong power that is enough to move Digital World in certain way. However, at the same time, I'm here to understand the government's point of view while sharing you ours."

Hikaru then stepped forward and took out a music box like object from his kilt.. "...In this talk today, if you would like to avoid any sort of prying eyes and prefer whatever we said as classified, we have prepared a certain artifact. This one is called Haven Circle. It could make us vanish from eyes of those who aren't involved, and all our conversation to be private. If you prefer more open talk, then we can talk anywhere."

Of course trust is two way bridge, so Hikaru handed the box to the agent just in case if he wanted to examine it in detail.

"Do examine it of course if so you want. We'll follow your lead either way."

"Very well. Well, then, Hikaru?"

"Let's step in a place less likely to be stepped by people then." Hikaru suggested. After finding the right spot, the Dorumon would lightly roll it from his hand to the ground. It immediately played a song that seem to be soft enough to not be a disturbance. While at first some people seem to notice them, the moment the box hit the ground, some would look around like they've vanished, as Hikaru said before.

"Now no one would bother us. We can talk as we please here... but please wait for a moment."

Hikaru then produced four chairs and a table (out of where? His kilt obviously), then offered some light snacks; savory, sweet, you call it. Either way, it looked like a small tea party.

"Well, first thing first..." Yuuki sat on his chair, and following that Hikaru also did the same, pouring tea for the four of them. "Agent Machine... well I guess that's a bit too convoluted for the tongue, so please forgive me because I'll refer to you as Agent-dono, is that acceptable?"

After given the reply, Yuuki would began his questioning. "First, allow me to ask before we start... How long has you been chosen? How long has it been since your first adventure, and when was the last time you came to Digital World? Of course I don't mean this as interrogation. I'm asking just so it's easier for me and my partner to be on the same page as you are. It would be awkward if we spoke of events that you have no idea of."

"For the reference, me and Yuuki has been partnered for three and half years, which actually dilates to approximately fifteen years Digital World time." Hikaru told the two. "It wouldn't merit anyone if we hide the issue but Yuuki has lost approximately thirteen years of this experience... His memories of this thirteen years period are completely gone. That's why, I'll do most of the talking in regard to what we know during this fifteen years of partnership."

"Why thank you for the praise, my daughter made that, you see. My pride and joy she is, just like the rest of her 10 siblings!" Hikaru answered. Yuuki just looked at him with a wry smile. Hikaru seem to insistent on breaking the ice, whether it's a serious talk or a casual talk.

How indeed huh? "I'll answer that," Hikaru suggested to Yuuki. "I was... for lack of better word, spawned by his computer screen you see. I just appeared one day in his room as a wee egg, he thought some ostrich just laid an egg on his table and ran away for whatever reason. As silly as that is, for a... Can I say muggle? Would J. K. Rowling sue me?"

the human merely snorted at that and sipped his own tea.

"Anyway, uhm, for the unaware, that's only the possible scenario, right? So his plan was he gone to the vet and look up what am I. Luckily we found nice guy who told us that hey, you're partnered with a Digimon, and there you go, I was born to this world! A gift to the world indeed, but my other daughter would say that she's the actual gift to the world---"

"Hikaru, as much as I love your jokes, I don't think the agents would appreciate it as much as I do."

"Ah right, pardon. Anyway, that's the thing... I think this scenario is pretty much template, don't you think? No, we have no idea for what reason are we chosen and partnered together like this, we also have no idea who pulled the strings if that what your question meant.

As of how we arrived in Digital World... the same as everyone really... but we quickly found out that it's pretty much a lawless land beyond the cities. A special case might it be, but we did fought with a... seasoned human and Digimon. They killed our friend's partner Digimon. It happens that before the fight, he was merely an intimidating person, no battles and all that...

...But you see, this is where the story gets a bit heated. Someone irked the guy. It happened to be apparently part of old DATS agent... Nova Ozuka. He made the guy flared up and it ended up pulling us to that mortal battle. I myself nearly deleted in the process. I'm in belief that new DATS are more competent than that, but as you can see, when it came to DATS being said, I can't help but to remember that day.

That was ridiculously incompetent. He ran away, leaving... what, four newbies, first time coming to Digital World, fending against a Porcupamon that immediately evolved to Waru Monzaemon..."

"So that's why you're at first against this talk," Yuuki commented.

"Correct. I was against it at first, but... I guess eventually I warmed up to it. Old DATS and New DATS, what's so different between them? I'd like to see it with my own eyes. Anyway, Agent-dono, I guess it's my turn to ask, but...

Tell me frankly... After you heard all pf this, how danger does not come from just Digimons but also chosen human that has tossed away their moral code, do you think DATS is right? Of course a non-personal answer is fine too. Digital World is dangerous world, this is what the DATS think, right? However, what reinforced your own belief of so? I feel like there is an unspoken tragedy that caused you to get involved with DATS."

"What he mean is... if you're partnered to your partner for eight years... That was more than enough for you to function as an unit. He's still with you, he's still strongly bonded with you... the moment the government, and in extension DATS, said 'No Digimon ever again'... would you not think of what happened if you two were to be separated?" Yuuki added.

"I'd reckon Merlin's Beard is that long for how much they mentioned it in the books," Hikaru joked once more. But even then, he knows when to back down from his jokes. The agent indeed asked somewhat rhetorically, but Hikaru has answer for this.

"...You see, inside the cities, law protected you, some form of orders are protecting humans, but outside that? Who's in favor to exert their strength? The cities? Do they really need to expand? The Royal Knights? Does they even exist? I'd be faster finding Seven Great Demon Lords than finding the Royal Knights. The chosens? Radical Digimons probably going to hear about it and do invasion toward real world. That's why to protect the interest and safety of human, Digimons must act... The same way as the moment, don't you think?  This is why KIZNA is made, to counteract negativity done by humans, to make them understand that not all sudden influx of humans are bad, and we'll extend as many helping hand as we could offer.

Digital World is not human's theme park, that much is obvious, but amidst it all, there are chosens, like you and Yuuki, who somehow pulled to Digital World and partnered to us Digimons. Why? No one knows, but what we want is that you... still can have an adventure without worrying prejudice on top of already existing problems outside of the city walls. Just because it's not your world doesn't mean you can't explore it somehow and talk to your neighbor: us, the Digimons. I feel... Digimon should at least have the same rights for what goodwill they has extended to humans.

I'm not saying 'reveal all Digimons to the public' as that can go REALLY WRONG quickly, considering that I heard so far Japan is the only part of the world with Digital Gate access... At least, I'd like government to at least understand that there are Digimons who need your help, to adjust in real world and become part of real world working classes. They're not terrorists, they're not criminals, they're just Digimons who fed up with Digital World's 'might makes right' rule and want to settle down in our world."

"We fear, that unless some attempt of doing equal goodwill is extended, what happened in Scramble Crossing would once again repeat...  This is why we're here to talk," Yuuki surmised.

So looks like neither the current DATS have any idea what happened to the Old DATS.  That's fine with him. However, part of the AEGIS irked him. He might be not a part of AEGIS anymore, but he still consider Sophie James a friend.

"...Pretty much," Hikaru answered. "But as you know, politics are necessary but ugly. As far as I know, Sophie James are only a quarter Japanese, and in government eyes who always go 'Japanese first', her existence is like a sore point. Forget that some of DATS members are Japanese... as long as the leader is not at least half Japanese with Japanese citizenship, I think AEGIS will never be backed by the government. Thus isn't that the actual stance behind the screen?" Hikaru asked. "DATS will be reactivated even without AEGIS' lack of manpower.

Your stance on AEGIS' existence might change if only they performed well... But considering the collateral damage, I say it definitely isn't 'well'. If battle of scramble crossing goes any other way, let's say it was launched when you are ready, won't you say that it's a perfect opportunity for the government to shut down AEGIS, the sore spot that stayed on their shoulder by showing how more superior is DATS?"

"Hikaru, that's tone is a bit antagonistic."

"Oh I'm not criticizing Agent-dono. He's doing his job, he's brilliant. I'm criticizing the government behind him who used AEGIS' failure to push their own agenda. But even then that is politics."

With that, he sips his tea, seem signing that he's done talking for the moment. Yuuki sighed, meanwhile, hoping the Agent doesn't take it personally.

"I'm sorry for my partner's harsh words, but he doesn't aim that at you at all, so please understand that we really don't want to antagonize anyone... I think the government change is still a sore spot for him because it also affect how we KIZNA operates...We're bridge that kept the status quo on Digital World side... and of course there are Digimons who think of doing the same to humans... to extradite us back to real world and never again return to Digital World."

And then... the tone of the talk changed. This is where Yuuki took a sharp breath, as if something stuck on his throat.

"...I see, now everything fall into its needed pieces. Agent-dono, I will not pry further about this subject, but please understand that if you need any help, we, KIZNA will offer our help. This is not currying favor, nor we wish to have you owe us one. It's simply our duty--nay, our desire to extend helping hand."

"Missing sister is definitely not a light thing... If you could at least tell us where is she last seen... we might be able to work on something, or even send recon units and whatnot," Hikaru offered.

"Then are you saying that a complete mass preventing is better than anything else?" Hikaru asked back evenly. However, before he could say more, Yuuki raised his hand to stop him as he wished to say his point himself.

"I understand your point, Agent. The lack of knowledge can be fatal. 'Near to none' incident does not means that it doesn't exist, but before I answer, let me ask this: Do you know what's the process of being chosen? Do you know what's the procedure that made you being chosen?

Truth to be told, I have no idea. To everyone I asked, no one completely understand and most of the time it was so vague. Some human said 'by encountering Digimon in some way or another, you're automatically become chosen next time'... If you can't find the source of why someone is being chosen, how can you entirely stop the process of someone gaining Digimon partner?

Another problem is... if you, DATS, let's say, block the pathway between real world and Digital World... are you sure the [Will of Digital World] who chose me and you will stay silent? What's the chance that blocking the last two public portal in Japan wouldn't cause outbreak so huge that it engulf the world instead?"

Will of Digital World -- in other word, it's God, or perhaps something else? Yggdrasil or Homeostasis, or even just collective will of Digital World that called human, he have no idea... but that collective will, Yuuki believed would rebel on DATS decision. Yuuki offered his empty teacup to Hikaru, who quickly refilled it. He sipped it before truly answering.

"There's a compelling force to all that are chosen to return to Digital World, be it willingly or not. It's perhaps our curse. But even then, for newbies to stay unaware is a mistake that we'd like to rectify as KIZNA. One of our Cadre is planning to spread training awareness to human, to cull seed of 'main character syndromes'. We're not characters with plot armor, I'm sorry. We're just normal humans; ones that happened to partner with Digimon. That's our preventive measure. You might argue this is worse than DATS way of closing of all the gates... but we believe this is something with minimum backlash, thus status quo can be upheld."

'An unprovoked incursion'? Hikaru shook his head.

"Nay, it wasn't completely unprovoked. The bridge goes two way, Agent. Luminas was indeed invaded in the past... and probably El Doradimon at it. There won't be smoke without fire... and I feel it's a complete mirror of what DATS is trying to do if all of you are trying to steamroll your desire to break off the bond between Real World and Digital World. Either you're so opposed by fellow chosen... or if you try from this side, the Digimon would rebel. This matter is delicate, and I believe you understand that."

On that talk about age, Hikaru countered. "Agent, I'll ask you back: How can we trust matter between real world and digital world handled delicately when the government probably chose the agents that suited their agenda? AEGIS failed, that much I know, that's an undeniable fact... but can you say that their heart is not in the best interest of the real world? All that you need for them is to teach them to behave as a special agent. That sort of training unfortunately is not possible without cooperation of the government. Sadly, that means they need to swore allegiance to the government... and by then it's no different than DATS."

"DATS have weakness of it being affected by the government, surely you know this... as long as the government does not show itself as ally us, the experienced chosen of Digital World, they will not capture our heart. So far, I think they treated us as meddling kids?" Yuuki asked rhetorically, smiling as he sipped his tea. "You raises fine points, Agent... but I believe it's important for something as big as Digital Security to be independent from Japanese politics. However at the same time I know that it's almost impossible considering that it's also involving the well being of Japanese citizen and the country itself."

Hikaru and Yuuki nodded at the compromise. "Well that's more than enough I think. Though I do feel that indeed AEGIS need more training, hum..." Hikaru muttered. "Maybe I'll consider a simulation...? hm hm..."

While the Dorumon is busy thinking how to proceed to the future, Yuuki took out a small notebook and note every single thing that the Agent told him from that point about his sister. Eight years... Fifty six years, holy moly, that's rather spartan isn't it? Yuuki doubted that someone could stay there that long, but... He need closure. Everyone does. He showed the agent what he's writing, which is just recording of what he said, just to make sure he understood that he's not planning to use this for any funny business.

"I'll contact our intelligence division immediately after this. We promise to try to find as much as possible about your sister, and we'll keep in contact about that... Your partner is a Hackmon, surely he could find a security gap where our messages cannot be read by your higher up, correct? However, it might takes a long time, and we will not get back immediately at you. Even then, we promise that we, KIZNA, will do our best to provide closure to this matter."

So all the source of the problem is indeed the government. He guess he can't say anything else to that. Not having a sympathizer in the Government proved to be rather fatal. It's like appointing wizard who have no interest toward muggles to be ministry of muggle relations. It's super complicated, and honestly, it made Yuuki wonder how to reinstate the previous prime minister rather than the new one... or if there is a way for the prime minister to open their eyes.

"Such expectation is unrealistic, but I guess that's what happened when no one in the government is pro-chosen. Not helping that I can't say that this isn't a problem that has boiled for a while. All in all this felt like a tug-o-war. Being a chosen at the moment only felt like a chess piece. No matter how big of a player you are, in the end if you're not the player themselves, you'll be quite in a pinch," Yuuki muttered.

"Eh well whatever. Rather than the mastermind, don't you feel it's better to just be the force that can control the flow with your action?" Hikaru countered to his partner's musing.

There is nothing else to discuss. "I promise you that. We'll definitely try to locate your sister as fast as possible."

Just when he was about to get up, Seifer's word came crashing like a wrecking iron ball. Wait what!? What? What... what happened!? He thought that's just some rumor of what to come, but to think that they're serious!? Fuck... fuuuuck his life. It's at this time that sadly the gig is up. Because Seifer and Agent Machine stood, that means the effect of the field has broken. Hikaru quickly collected all items back to the infini-store, but not before looking worriedly at Yuuki who just stayed silent.

"...We'll return to the base. Preparation must be made," was all the brown haired teen replied to his partner. He opened a portal and entered through it. Fuck, if he had more time, he could raise an appropriate response. If he recalled it correctly, none of his core friends will be nearby on that time. Ryouta would be going off country to try his luck in cooking schools... Karin is visiting her cousins in America, Koutarou is part timing in the zoo, Koharu would be too busy with her part time job and Tetsu would be in Hokkaido.

...Shit.