A/N: Hello, everyone! So, I guess you could say that this is the beginning of an attempt on my part to write a changed-up version of the Adventure 99+02 canon, tying up loose ends, expanding characterization, and playing with elements that I feel could have been used in greater scope. The main focus is to do over 02 into something free of all the plotholes and missed opportunity the original is generally thought to be rife with, but part of that involves needing to change up some aspects of the related works to match - and although I do think Adventure was done much, much better, there are some things I would have liked to see implemented there as well. I guess you could say it's going to be a series of 'fix fics'? And while I've seen multiple attempts at this before, they all sort of , well, faded away, so... I'd like to try my hand at things! Well, without further ado, let's begin!
Disclaimer: I do not own Digimon in any sense. I'm just passing through the playground.
Even with Zudomon's aid, it's a long trip back to land, and under the circumstances (they still don't quite know the current situation with the other Chosen, or with Vamdemon) there is not much to be said between two Chosen Children, their partners, and a half-dead Wizarmon. At least, not now that the sorcerer has explained the Tag and bright pink Crest clenched in his hand like the one tether to life remaining. In that silence, Takeru is left to reflect.
Patamon can evolve again. It happened all the way back in Shibuya, but it's still a notion that turns over and over in his mind like a wheel, and that he can't quite settle his mind about. His partner is nothing but pleased, of course, to assume an angel's form again, and Takeru can't help but smile at that. Angemon really does look cool, and Takeru is glad that he and his partner can fight again. Unlike Patamon, however, worry still tugs at him (the devil and the angel, dissolving into equal dark and bright; all he can take away from it is that he's leaving too). On the other hand, Patamon is his partner, his friend. He has to trust him.
He only wishes that he could be more helpful. Or, at the very least, that he was more able to help himself. Of course, he was grateful to Jyou for saving him, and to Zudomon for protecting them from MegaSeadramon – and on a more general basis, to the others, and most especially Patamon and Onii-chan, for everything they'd done together – but he still doesn't like that he's been stuck at the side for so long, while everybody fought and fought. I'm always the one who needs to be looked after. Even after his Crest glowed, back at the fairgrounds, Patamon wasn't able to evolve even to Adult, let alone Perfect. Is it because I'm not strong enough? Not like Onii-chan, or Jyou-san, or any of the others?
"Patamon?"
He speaks quietly; Wizarmon's drifted back into dreams for the time being. The Vaccine looks up, smiling like always, but he seems to pick up on Takeru's mood. "Yeah, Takeru?"
The youngest Child knows that Jyou will fret over him if he overhears what's really on his mind, so instead he asks, "Do you think we're ready?"
Patamon seems to have an idea of what his real question is, though. "Don't worry! If we do our best, there's no way Vamdemon can win. I'm sure!" Just the same way, Takeru can figure out what Patamon really wants to convey. We're stronger now, Takeru. We both are. I won't leave this time!
Looking over at them, Jyou nods in agreement. And indeed, Takeru has seen how strong Angemon is, especially against the dark. Alongside the other Perfects, they certainly had a chance. Regardless…
Takeru doesn't want to be useless any more. But he doesn't want Patamon to hurt anymore either.
He has to hope that things will turn out okay.