Chapter 4: Different Approaches

Morning came too quickly. Andrew's alarm blared, and every muscle in his body protested as he reached to silence it. The events of yesterday—the battle, the revelations, the impossible feat of channeling digital energy—had left him physically drained. Bruises had darkened overnight, and the cuts stung as he dragged himself into a sitting position.

"You should stay home," came a familiar voice. Black Tailmon sat at the foot of his bed, still in her true form rather than her cat disguise. Her green eyes studied him with evident concern.

"Can't," Andrew replied, wincing as he stretched. "If I miss school after what happened yesterday, it'll look suspicious. People already think I'm a delinquent—I don't need 'suspected of damaging school property' added to my reputation."

Black Tailmon's ears flattened slightly. "Your injuries need rest."

"They're not that bad," Andrew insisted, though his grimace as he stood contradicted his words. "I've had worse."

"That's not reassuring," Black Tailmon muttered.

Andrew made his way to the bathroom, each step a reminder of yesterday's battle. As he brushed his teeth, he examined the bruises in the mirror—his ribs were mottled purple and blue, his shoulder bore an impressive contusion where he'd hit the lockers, and various cuts and scrapes marked his arms and face.

By the time he emerged, dressed for school, Black Tailmon had shifted back to her regular cat form—the small black cat with the collar he'd purchased just days ago. The transformation still amazed him, despite everything else he'd seen.

"You don't have to come with me," he told her as he packed his school bag. "You can stay here and rest."

Kage—as he needed to think of her in this form—gave him a look that needed no translation. Her decision was made.

"Mom will wonder why I'm taking you to school," Andrew pointed out.

As if on cue, Haruko's voice called from the kitchen: "Andrew? Are you up? I made breakfast."

He found his mother at the stove, tired from her night shift but still taking time to prepare food before sleeping. She turned as he entered, her smile immediately shifting to concern.

"What happened to your face?" she asked, reaching up to examine the cut on his cheek.

"It's nothing," Andrew said quickly. "There was some trouble at school yesterday—some kind of gas leak or something. Everyone had to evacuate. I tripped during the commotion."

It wasn't entirely a lie. There had been an evacuation, and he had fallen—just not in the way he was implying.

Haruko's eyes narrowed slightly. "The hospital admitted several students from your school. They mentioned some kind of structural damage."

Andrew maintained a neutral expression. "Yeah, part of the ceiling came down in one hallway. No one was seriously hurt, though."

His mother studied him for a moment longer before sighing. "Well, I'm glad you're okay. Relatively speaking." She turned back to the stove. "Breakfast is ready if you're hungry."

Andrew felt a nudge against his leg and looked down to see Kage sitting by his feet, her green eyes fixed on him intently.

"Actually, Mom," he began, "I was thinking of taking Kage with me today."

Haruko turned, surprise evident on her face. "To school? Why?"

Andrew scrambled for a plausible explanation. "After yesterday's excitement, I think she's a bit anxious about me leaving. She's been following me around all morning." He gestured to the cat, who helpfully rubbed against his leg again, as if confirming his story.

His mother's expression softened as she looked at the small black cat. "That's actually quite sweet." She considered for a moment. "Will your school allow it, though?"

"Probably not officially," Andrew admitted. "But she's small and quiet. I can keep her in my bag most of the time, and I don't think anyone will notice or care."

Under normal circumstances, Haruko might have objected more strongly to bending rules, but the events at the school the day before seemed to have affected her. "Just be careful," she finally said. "And make sure she has water and a way to... you know."

Andrew nodded, relieved. "Thanks, Mom."

As they ate breakfast together, Haruko's eyes occasionally drifted to the cut on his cheek or the way he winced when reaching for his glass, but she didn't press further. Andrew felt a pang of guilt for not telling her the full truth, but what could he say? That he'd fought a digital monster alongside his pet cat who wasn't actually a cat?

"The school will be open today?" Haruko asked as she cleared their plates.

"They sent an email saying only the damaged section is closed off," Andrew explained. "Everything else is business as usual."

His mother nodded, then reached out to touch his hand gently. "Be careful today, okay? If anything feels wrong or dangerous, just leave. School can wait."

For a moment, Andrew wondered if she somehow sensed more than he'd told her. But he simply nodded and squeezed her hand. "I will. Promise."

After breakfast, he prepared his bag for Kage, creating a comfortable spot among his books and adding a small container of water. Kage jumped in without hesitation, settling in as though she'd done this a hundred times before.

"Ready?" he asked her quietly.

The small bell on her collar jingled softly as she nodded.

The walk to school was uneventful, though Andrew was acutely aware of the weight of Kage in his backpack and the slight pressure of the Digivice—his new smartwatch—against his wrist. He'd covered it with his sleeve, not wanting to attract questions about the unfamiliar device.

As expected, the school was buzzing with excited chatter when he arrived. Yesterday's evacuation had given the students plenty to speculate about, with rumors ranging from gas leaks to terrorist attacks to structural failures. No one mentioned digital monsters, at least.

Andrew kept his head down as usual, passing through the crowds with his customary invisibility despite his imposing stature. Occasionally, he murmured quiet updates to Kage, who remained silent but alert in his backpack.

It wasn't until he reached his classroom that someone actually addressed him directly.

"Slayn-senpai!"

Andrew turned to find Jeri Katou approaching him, her expression a mixture of concern and relief. She wasn't alone—a boy with messy brown hair and red eyes followed close behind, watching Andrew with undisguised curiosity.

"Katou," Andrew acknowledged with a nod, surprised that she'd approach him so openly. After yesterday, he'd expected her to avoid him entirely.

"I wanted to thank you," Jeri said earnestly. "For helping me during the evacuation. And..." She lowered her voice, glancing around to ensure no one was listening too closely. "For what you did after. When you told me to run."

Andrew tensed slightly, feeling Kage shift in his backpack. "It was nothing," he said dismissively. "Anyone would have done the same."

"No, they wouldn't," Jeri insisted, surprising him with her firmness. "Most people were only thinking about themselves. You went out of your way to help."

The boy beside her stepped forward, extending his hand. "I'm Takato Matsuki. Jeri told me what happened." There was something in his gaze—a knowing look that made Andrew wary.

Cautiously, Andrew shook his hand. "Andrew Slayn."

"I know," Takato said with a small smile. "Everyone knows who you are. But not everyone knows what you did yesterday."

Before Andrew could respond, he felt Kage shift more forcefully in his backpack. A moment later, he felt a slight pressure as she positioned herself to peer out through the partially open zipper. He tried to subtly close it, but Kage resisted.

"What happened to your face?" Jeri asked, noticing the cut on his cheek and the bruise near his temple.

"Like I said, it was chaotic during the evacuation," Andrew answered vaguely. "Things were falling, people were pushing."

Takato's expression suggested he didn't entirely believe this explanation, but he didn't challenge it. Instead, he asked, "Will you be at school all day? Some classes are canceled because of the damage."

"As far as I know," Andrew replied. "Why?"

Takato exchanged a quick glance with Jeri before shrugging. "Just curious. Maybe we could talk more later? About yesterday."

The suggestion immediately put Andrew on guard. What exactly had Jeri told him? How much had she seen?

Before he could formulate a response, he felt Kage shifting again, and then a barely audible whisper reached his ears: "He smells like a Digimon."

Andrew managed to keep his expression neutral, but his mind raced. Takato smelled like a Digimon? Did that mean he was one? Or that he had one, like Andrew did?

"Maybe," he finally said to Takato, noncommittal. "We'll see how the day goes."

Takato seemed about to say more when the bell rang, signaling the start of classes. "Later, then," he said, offering a friendly wave as he headed to his own classroom.

Jeri lingered a moment longer. "Thank you again, Slayn-senpai. Really." She paused, then added quietly, "I won't tell anyone what I saw. I promise."

As she hurried away, Andrew stood frozen, wondering exactly what she thought she had seen, and what it might mean for him and Kage.

The school day passed in a blur of distracted half-attention. Andrew found himself constantly aware of Kage's presence in his bag, the weight of the Digivice on his wrist, and the lingering questions raised by his brief interaction with Takato and Jeri.

During lunch, he found a secluded spot on the roof—his usual location—and allowed Kage to emerge from his bag. She stretched gratefully, still in her cat form but moving with the awareness and purpose that he now recognized as distinctly non-feline.

"What did you mean, he smells like a Digimon?" Andrew asked quietly, offering her some of his lunch.

Kage looked up at him, her green eyes serious despite her cat form. "Exactly that. There's a digital scent on him. Not as though he is a Digimon, but as though he's been in close contact with one."

"Like me with you?" Andrew clarified.

Kage nodded, delicately accepting a piece of fish from his bento.

"So you might be a Tamer too," Andrew mused. "And Jeri saw something yesterday—maybe not everything, but enough to know it wasn't normal."

Kage's tail twitched thoughtfully. "They could be allies," she suggested. "Or complications."

Andrew considered this as he ate. The idea that he might not be the only one dealing with Digimon was both relieving and concerning. On one hand, having allies who understood what he was facing could be invaluable. On the other, more people meant more variables, more potential for things to go wrong.

"We should be careful," he finally decided. "Find out more before revealing anything."

Kage made a small noise of agreement, then suddenly tensed, her ears perking up and swiveling toward the door to the roof.

"Someone's coming," she whispered.

Andrew quickly helped her back into his bag, leaving it partially open so she could see and breathe comfortably. A moment later, the door opened, and Takato emerged onto the roof, looking around until he spotted Andrew.

Instead of approaching immediately, Takato hesitated, then called out, "Can I join you?"

Andrew considered saying no but found himself curious despite his caution. "If you want," he replied with a shrug.

Takato came over and sat down, keeping a respectful distance. He pulled out his own lunch but didn't immediately start eating. Instead, he seemed to be gathering his thoughts.

"Jeri told me what happened yesterday," he finally said. "About how you protected her during the evacuation, and then stayed behind to face... whatever it was that caused the damage."

Andrew kept his expression carefully neutral. "It was just some kind of structural failure," he said, repeating the official explanation.

Takato gave him a long look. "We both know that's not true."

A tense silence fell between them. Andrew could feel Kage shifting slightly in his bag, alert and ready.

"What do you think happened?" Andrew finally asked, his tone cautious.

Takato glanced around, ensuring they were truly alone, then lowered his voice. "I think what happened at the school wasn't an accident or a structural failure. I think it was a Digimon."

Andrew's heart rate increased, but he kept his face impassive. "A what?"

"A Digital Monster," Takato clarified. "A being from the Digital World that somehow crossed over into our world."

"That sounds like something from a video game," Andrew said dismissively, though part of him was impressed with how quickly Takato had come to the correct conclusion.

Takato didn't back down. "Maybe. But I know what I'm talking about because..." He hesitated, then reached into his pocket and pulled out a device. It was different from Andrew's sleek smartwatch Digivice—bulkier, white and blue, more like a handheld gaming device. "Because I'm a Digimon Tamer."

From his bag, Andrew felt Kage tense further. He maintained his skeptical expression, though internally his mind was racing. "A what now?"

"A Tamer," Takato repeated. "I have a partner Digimon named Guilmon. I created him, actually, though I didn't know he'd become real." He laughed softly, as if still amazed by this fact. "Anyway, we've been dealing with Digimon appearances for a while now. Yesterday wasn't the first incident, but it was the first at the school."

Andrew weighed his options carefully. Revealing the truth could be dangerous, but having another Tamer as an ally could be valuable. Before he could decide, however, Kage made the decision for him by poking her head out of his bag.

Takato's eyes widened. "You have a cat in your bag?"

Kage fixed Takato with an intense stare, and Andrew could practically feel her analyzing him.

"He's telling the truth," she said quietly, her voice barely audible. "He's a Tamer. We can trust him."

Takato's jaw dropped. "Your cat just talked," he said, pointing with a shaking finger.

Andrew sighed, resigning himself to the revelation. "She's not exactly a cat."

Kage jumped fully out of the bag, sitting primly between them. "I'm Black Tailmon," she introduced herself. "Andrew's partner Digimon."

Takato's shock gave way to excited interest. "You're a Digimon? But you look like a normal cat!"

"It's a compressed form," Black Tailmon explained. "Easier to maintain in public, less energy-intensive, and much less conspicuous than my true form."

Takato turned to Andrew with newfound respect. "You're a Tamer too! That's amazing! How long have you had Black Tailmon as your partner?"

"It's... complicated," Andrew replied, still cautious. "We only became official partners yesterday, during the incident at school. But she's been with me for about a week before that, disguised as my pet cat while she recovered from an injury."

"So it was you," Takato said, his excitement growing. "Jeri said someone fought whatever caused the damage. That was you and Black Tailmon!"

Andrew nodded reluctantly. "A Digimon called Fladramon attacked the school. We stopped it."

"That explains the injuries," Takato noted, gesturing to the visible cuts and bruises on Andrew's face and arms. "Fighting a Champion-level Digimon is no joke."

"Champion?" Andrew questioned.

"It's a level of Digimon evolution," Black Tailmon explained. "I'm at the Champion level myself. Most partner Digimon start at Rookie and need to digivolve to reach Champion, but I'm naturally at this level. With enough energy and the right circumstances, I could potentially digivolve further to Ultimate."

"You guys are incredible," Takato said sincerely. "Taking on a Champion-level Digimon when you were just starting out as partners? Guilmon and I barely survived our first real battle, and that was just against a Vilemon."

Andrew felt a slight warming toward the enthusiastic boy. His admiration seemed genuine, without the fear or suspicion Andrew usually encountered from his peers.

"Where is your partner?" Black Tailmon asked. "The one who smells like bread and dinosaur."

Takato laughed. "That's definitely Guilmon. He's hiding in a stone shed I found in the park. He's too big and, uh, dinosaur-like to pass as a normal animal."

"You keep him in a shed?" Andrew asked, a note of disapproval creeping into his voice.

"It's not ideal," Takato admitted, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "But my parents run a bakery, and there's no way I could hide him at home. The shed is private, and I bring him food and visit every day."

Black Tailmon looked up at Andrew. "It's not uncommon. Larger Digimon can't easily blend in with human society."

Andrew nodded, thinking how fortunate he was that Black Tailmon could pass as an ordinary cat. "So there are more of you? More Tamers, I mean."

"A few that I know of," Takato confirmed. "There's me, and then Henry Wong—he's in my class and has a Terriermon. And there's a girl named Rika Nonaka with a Renamon, but she's... different."

"Different how?" Andrew asked, his interest piqued.

Takato's expression grew serious. "She sees Digimon as tools for battle. Nothing more. She and Renamon hunt other Digimon that cross over, but not to send them back or protect people—they destroy them and absorb their data to make Renamon stronger."

Black Tailmon's fur bristled slightly. "That's a dangerous approach. Treating partners as weapons rather than allies rarely ends well."

"I've tried talking to her," Takato said, "but she thinks I'm weak because I care about Guilmon as a friend rather than just a fighting machine."

Andrew considered this information carefully. Another Tamer with a completely different philosophy could be a potential ally or a dangerous adversary. "Have you seen her in action?"

"Once," Takato nodded grimly. "It was... ruthless. Efficient, but cold. No mercy, no hesitation."

Before they could discuss further, the warning bell rang, signaling the end of lunch period. Takato quickly gathered his things.

"We should talk more after school," he suggested eagerly. "You could meet Guilmon! And Henry too, maybe."

Andrew exchanged a look with Black Tailmon, who gave a small nod of approval. "Alright," he agreed. "After my last class. Where?"

"The park entrance," Takato said, beaming. "I'll wait for you there."

As Takato hurried off, Andrew carefully helped Black Tailmon back into his bag. "What do you think?" he asked her quietly.

"He's genuine," she replied. "And it would be valuable to meet other Tamers and Digimon, especially if more hostile Digimon continue crossing over."

Andrew nodded, his thoughts already turning to the afternoon meeting and what it might reveal.

After school, Andrew stopped by his locker to collect the books he needed for homework. Black Tailmon had been remarkably patient throughout the day, staying quiet in his bag except for occasional whispered observations.

"Is Takato waiting for us?" he asked her softly as he sorted through his textbooks.

"Probably," she replied from within the bag. "But there's something else..."

Andrew paused, recognizing the tension in her voice. "What is it?"

"I'm sensing something," Black Tailmon said. "A digital disturbance. Not here, but not far either."

Andrew felt a chill run down his spine. "Another bio-emergence? Like Fladramon?"

"Possibly," she confirmed. "We should investigate before meeting with Takato."

Andrew nodded, quickly finishing with his locker and heading toward the school exit. As they stepped outside, he felt the Digivice on his wrist vibrate slightly. Glancing down, he saw the screen illuminated with a directional indicator—an arrow pointing east.

"This way," he murmured, following the guidance of the device.

As they moved through the streets of Shinjuku, Andrew kept Black Tailmon updated on what he was seeing on the Digivice screen. The digital disturbance appeared to be centered near a shopping district, not far from where he'd planned to stop for groceries on his way home.

"There's digital fog ahead," Black Tailmon warned as they turned a corner. "Like yesterday."

Andrew saw it then—the same unnatural mist that had preceded Fladramon's appearance, rolling through an alleyway between shops. Pedestrians were giving the area a wide berth, apparently sensing something wrong even if they couldn't identify what.

"I need to transform," Black Tailmon said urgently. "Find somewhere private."

Andrew ducked into a narrow service passage between buildings, ensuring no one was watching before opening his bag to let Black Tailmon out. She jumped to the ground, and a brief pulse of purple light surrounded her as she shifted from her cat form to her true Digimon form.

"Ready?" she asked, flexing her claws.

Andrew nodded, feeling the Digivice on his wrist grow warm against his skin. "Let's go."

They approached the digital fog cautiously, Andrew tensed and ready, Black Tailmon moving silently at his side. As they entered the mist, the world around them seemed to distort slightly, the normal sounds of the city muffled and distant.

"There," Black Tailmon pointed toward a shimmering distortion in the air ahead of them. "Something's coming through."

The air rippled and tore, creating what looked like a window into another world—a digital landscape of geometric patterns and flowing data. Through this window stepped a Digimon that resembled a large insect, its body covered in blue exoskeleton, multiple arms ending in sharp claws.

"Stingmon," Black Tailmon identified in a low voice. "Champion level. Insect type. Fast and dangerous."

Before they could decide how to approach, another figure emerged from a different part of the fog—a tall, elegant fox-like Digimon with yellow fur and purple arm-guards. Beside this Digimon stood a girl approximately Andrew's age, with reddish-brown hair pulled into a spiky ponytail and cold violet eyes. She wore a shirt with a broken heart design and carried a Digivice different from both Andrew's and Takato's.

"Rika," Andrew guessed, recognizing the description Takato had given.

The girl's eyes flicked toward them, narrowing as she registered their presence. "Another Tamer?" She scoffed, turning her attention back to the Stingmon. "Stay out of our way. This one is ours."

"Renamon," she commanded, her voice crisp and authoritative. "Walk all over him."

The fox Digimon—Renamon—launched into action without hesitation, moving with incredible speed and grace. "Diamond Storm!" she called out, releasing a barrage of glowing shards that struck Stingmon with precision.

The insect Digimon reeled but quickly recovered, buzzing angrily. "Spiking Strike!" it countered, extending a glowing purple blade from its forearm and charging at Renamon.

Andrew watched as Rika pulled a card from a holder at her hip, swiping it through a slot in her Digivice. "Digi-Modify! Speed Activate!"

Renamon's movement instantly accelerated, allowing her to evade Stingmon's attack with ease before countering with a powerful kick that sent the insect Digimon crashing into a wall.

"What was that?" Andrew asked Black Tailmon, amazed by what he'd just witnessed.

"Card modification," Black Tailmon explained quickly. "Some Tamers use special cards to temporarily enhance their partners' abilities."

Andrew's attention was drawn back to the battle as Stingmon recovered, launching a series of rapid strikes that Renamon barely avoided. One hit connected, sending the fox Digimon tumbling backward.

"Get up," Rika ordered coldly. "Don't embarrass me."

Renamon rose without complaint, though Andrew could see she was injured. The lack of concern in Rika's voice bothered him deeply.

"Shouldn't we help?" he asked Black Tailmon.

Before she could answer, Rika shot them an icy glare. "I told you to stay out of this. Renamon doesn't need help, especially not from a rookie Tamer and a Black Tailmon."

The dismissive way she said "Black Tailmon," with the barest hint of disdain, made Andrew's jaw tighten. He stepped forward, about to respond, when Black Tailmon placed a restraining paw on his leg.

"Wait," she advised quietly. "Let's see how she handles this."

Rika swiped another card. "Digi-Modify! Power Activate!"

Renamon's next attack—another Diamond Storm—struck with visibly increased force, causing Stingmon to screech in pain. The insect Digimon tried to escape, its wings buzzing frantically, but Rika was relentless.

"Finish it," she commanded. "I want its data."

Renamon leapt into the air, spinning gracefully. "Diamond Storm!" The attack hit Stingmon directly in the center of its body, causing the Digimon to dissolve into particles of data which Renamon absorbed with evident satisfaction.

The digital fog began to dissipate, the battle concluded as quickly as it had begun. Rika turned her cold gaze fully on Andrew and Black Tailmon, assessing them with clinical detachment.

"A Black Tailmon," she noted, her tone shifting to one of actual interest. "Champion-level already without digivolution. Unusual to see one as a partner." Her eyes flicked to Andrew, taking in his imposing height and the bruises still visible on his face. "You're the one who fought at the school yesterday."

Andrew shifted slightly, angling his body to partially shield Black Tailmon—a subtle, protective movement that didn't go unnoticed by either Rika or Renamon. "News travels fast."

"In certain circles," Rika confirmed. "Takato can't keep his mouth shut." She stepped closer, examining him with undisguised curiosity despite her dismissive attitude. "They say you fought alongside your Digimon. Physically. With some kind of digital energy."

Behind her, Renamon watched silently, her expression unreadable.

"What of it?" Andrew asked, his stance subtly shifting to a more defensive posture, one hand hovering protectively near Black Tailmon.

Rika's lips curved in what might generously be called a smile. "Interesting, if true. Most Tamers are useless in actual combat—they just stand back and give orders." She glanced at Black Tailmon with a more calculating expression. "A Champion-level partner from the start is an advantage. So why haven't you digivolved her further?"

Black Tailmon's fur bristled at being discussed as though she weren't present. Andrew placed a hand firmly on her shoulder, a gesture both reassuring and restraining. His eyes hardened as they met Rika's.

"We've been partners for exactly one day," he replied coolly. "And Black Tailmon isn't some weapon to be 'digivolved' at the first opportunity. Unlike you, I don't see my partner as a tool to be upgraded."

Rika's eyes narrowed at the direct challenge. "Sentiment makes you weak. Digimon exist to fight and get stronger."

"Is that what you think, or what your partner thinks?" Andrew nodded toward Renamon, who remained expressionless.

"Watch yourself," Rika warned, her voice dropping dangerously. "You're new to this, so I'll give you a pass this time. But you should know that a Champion like Black Tailmon isn't enough in this world. When the real threats come, your protective attitude won't save either of you."

Andrew stepped fully in front of Black Tailmon now, his larger frame creating a barrier between his partner and Rika. "We deleted a Fladramon yesterday. Together. As partners, not master and weapon."

Something flickered in Rika's eyes—surprise, perhaps, or reluctant respect. "Fladramon is mid-tier at best," she said, though with less conviction than before. "Still, not bad for beginners."

She turned to leave, Renamon falling into step beside her. "You have potential, both of you," she admitted grudgingly. "But potential without power is worthless. Remember that when you face something you can't handle."

As she walked away, she called over her shoulder, "And keep your Champion-level partner out of my hunting grounds. I won't hesitate to have Renamon take her data if she interferes with our battles."

The threat hung in the air as she disappeared around a corner, Renamon vanishing entirely with a leap to the rooftops.

Andrew remained standing protectively in front of Black Tailmon until he was certain Rika was gone. Only then did he relax slightly, kneeling to eye level with his partner.

"Are you okay?" he asked, genuine concern in his voice.

Black Tailmon nodded, appreciating his protective stance but slightly amused by it as well. "I'm a Champion-level Digimon, Andrew. I can handle myself."

"I know," he said, his expression serious. "But that doesn't mean you should have to handle everything alone. Not anymore." His gaze drifted in the direction Rika had gone. "And I don't like how she talks about Digimon. Like you're just data to be used."

Black Tailmon's expression softened. "Not all human-Digimon partnerships are like ours. Some are based on utility rather than connection."

"That's not a partnership," Andrew said firmly. "That's exploitation."

He rose to his full height, but kept one hand reassuringly on Black Tailmon's shoulder. "Let's go meet Takato. I want to learn more about these other Tamers, and about the card modifications Rika was using."

Black Tailmon's whiskers twitched in amusement. "Always the analyst. Looking for tactical advantages?"

"Information is never wasted," Andrew replied with a small smile. "And I want to make sure we're prepared for next time."

"Next time?" Black Tailmon echoed.

"Next time we run into Rika," Andrew clarified. "Something tells me our paths will cross again. And when they do, I want her to see what a real partnership looks like."

Black Tailmon shifted back to her cat form, allowing Andrew to carefully place her in his bag before heading toward the park. As they walked, she reflected on the fierce protectiveness Andrew had shown—standing between her and perceived danger without hesitation, despite knowing she was a Champion-level Digimon capable of significant power.

It was different from how she'd been treated in the Digital World, where her value had been measured solely by her fighting capability. With Andrew, she felt valued for who she was, not just what she could do. It was a partnership in the truest sense—each looking out for the other not from necessity, but from genuine care.

The small bell on Kage's collar jingled softly as Andrew walked, the sound somehow comforting as they moved through the gathering dusk toward their meeting with Takato and the revelation of a larger world of Tamers and Digimon that Andrew was only beginning to understand.