Digimon: Restoration
This is the new and improved It Begins Once More! Enjoy the chapter.
Prelude
It was a good day of school, everything was going well for Tai. He was in his last class of the day and he was more than happy about it almost being over. Sora sat beside him, contemplating what she would do about her friend. He sat there staring at the round clock. Not the infatuated stare he gives her when she wasn't looking. An anxious and rather excited stare.
Tai's brown hair hung over his head as he watched the time go by, slowly. He was going to the digital world. It's his favorite past time. In the digital world he feels at peace, he feels relaxed. It's like all the stress of being the leader of the digidestined goes away after entering the other world.
The clock ticked at an almost inconsistent beat. It's resonant pulse was torment to the young brunette, who sat at the edge of his seat.
"Tai," Sora whispered to her best friend. "You know I love you and everything, so when I say this please don't get offended," she started sweetly. "But if you don't start paying attention you will never make it out of school."
"Huh? Oh, sorry," Tai turned around and flashed a smile. "I'm just a little impatient I guess."
Sora sighed. He was always anxious for the end of the day. But today he was acting peculiarly excited. "That's right, you're going to the digital world today aren't you? May I tag along?" The auburn beauty asked brightly.
"Yeah, of course, you don't need to ask," he stuttered slightly as the word fumbled out of his mouth, earning him a quizzical look from his best friend.
How could he ever say no? Especially to her. It's awkward, to be secretly in love with your child-hood best friend. It all started out as a small crush when they first went to camp together. But then it grew, as they ventured into the digital world. The time they spent with each other, the hardships they went through, only seemed to solidify that feeling. He's been trying his hardest to muster up enough courage to ask her out. But he's always backed out. He was afraid that she would reject him. The damage that it would do to their relationship would be beyond repair.
And that is one risk he's not willing to take.
"Hey Izzy, you don't mind if I copy your notes do you?" Tai whispered to his friend, who was seated beside him. It may not look it, but Tai actually does care about his school work. Sometimes.
"Sure Tai, but first can you answer this question. How did you ever manage to get into a class with me?" His friend asked. Izzy, despite being in a lower grade than Tai, managed to advance far beyond anyone in his classes. He may be younger, but age means nothing to Izzy. Tai shared a similar notion. "Not implying anything at all Tai, it's just a little odd that you are taking political science with me," Izzy said bluntly. He was never one to sugar coat things.
Tai turned away and pouted. "Didn't you ever think that politics is something I might want to pursue? Plus, I could do pretty good in school if I just work on it. Ask Sora."
Sora looked up from her notebook and laughed. "He speaks the truth."
"Well I know that Tai, I mean you are a bright guy. You are great with your words, and hell, you aren't half bad with math when you try. But the problem is exactly that; you never put any of it to good use," Izzy replied as he jotted down the last bit of notes on the board.
"Hey, I was the one who made up most of the plans we used in the digital world."
"God forbid you would ever have to do that ever again," Izzy stated rather coldly. The 'ingenious' plans that Tai created, were nothing far from mediocre. "Sure, we survived; but only by the skin of our teeth."
Tai turned away, slightly offended by his friend's words. "Well, none of us were capable of planning anything fool proof. The last time I checked, none of us have ever had any experience fighting evil. We weren't master minds. We were just kids trying to escape the digital world."
Sora smiled, staring into her digivice. Escaping the digital world. It's ironic;we treat that place more like a place to get away from reality. So much has changed. We're not the kids we were back then. And we aren't in immediate danger the moment we step foot into that world. It's nice for a change to take everything in stride. To be able to relax.
The bearer of courage chuckled as he looked at his friend. "And she talks about me phasing out in the middle of class," Tai let out a small laugh and leaned back in his chair.
"Kamiya!" His teacher shouted from across the room.
"Huh?" Tai said with a sudden impulse, stumbling out of his chair and onto the ground; his head colliding with the desk behind him. Tai tended to his injured head, already feeling the bump starting to swell.
"Stop talking and finish the notes. Miss Takenouchi, put that phone away," he said; referring to the digivice of course.
"This sucks," Tai grumbled as he got back into his seat. He brushed his hair back with his hand and sighed. "At least today is just getting started."
The house stood there in all it's two story glory. It was small and made of white stone, but the craftsman ship on it was astoundingly sharp. The front yard was filled with colorful flowers and bushes. Who knew such a hero would be living in such an inviting and cute home? The mere sight of the orange dinosaur in the garden was enough to make anyone giggle. And giggle they did.
But he didn't mind. He was the Agumon. The Wargreymon. The one who single-handedly defeated two Dark Masters. The Warrior of Courage. And most importantly the partner of the great Taichi Kamiya. Agumon smiled at the thought of his partner. They've gone through so much together, the two were a force to be reckoned with. But that didn't matter anymore. He's glad everything is tranquil again. Agumon looked forward to another period of peace, where he wouldn't have to worry every night he would go to bed. Or if he would even sleep that night. Worry about his friends. Worry about his partner. Worry about himself.
Now he sleeps every night with a clear head, looking forward to the next day. Only concerned about the usual, yet unusual, chores that he must fulfill. The small reptile stood in the garden, quite confused. It wasn't that he had no idea what to do. He stood there, lingering. Waiting. Agumon scratched his head, something was missing. Rather someone. Where could she be? It's noon, yet there is still no sign of her anywhere. Gardening wasn't something Agumon preferred to do, but he didn't really mind it. It adds on to the already embarrassing circumstances, but he can take it.
Since the day he set the whole front yard on fire(a story for another time), he was only obligated to help cultivate the plants and flowers.
"You're quite punctual, Agumon," a soft voice hummed from across the yard. It was none other than his fellow housemate, Biyomon. Gardening wasn't his preferred chore, but it was much more bearable with her.
The two lived in the same sector, so Agumon suggested that she move in with him. It was nothing of the romantic sorts. To them, they were just really good friends under one roof. But of course, Biyomon was quite appealing to the eye in the digital community, and Agumon knew that. He himself has fallen victim of the charm, over time. Her alluring presence seemed to entice the small dinosaur. But he kept his feelings to himself. He's grown really accustomed to Biyomon's company and he wanted to avoid anything that would put their relationship on the line.
Biyomon began to carefully water the plants she owned. She boasted a large variety of rare plants and flowers. They were all different, and varied from the wide assortments of flowers from Mrs. Takenouchi's shop to Palmon's exotic plants. Agumon tried to match Biyomon's delicate touch, but to no avail. His hand reached to pull a weed, only to have Biyomon tenderly grasp his hand and assist him in it. He blushed slightly, as he stared at her graceful features; Biyomon catching his gaze from the corner of her eye. "You are getting pretty good at this Agumon."
"It doesn't hurt to have a good teacher," Agumon whispered charmingly. The two knelt their admiring each other, oblivious,to the fact that they were still holding hands, and oblivious to the fact that their partners stood there, staring at them, giggling.
Biyomon was the first to notice Tai and Sora, Tai softly laughing and Sora nudging him occassionaly to stop. She caught herself staring at her house mate and blinked, "I... I'm sorry Agumon."
"Oh, it's... it's quite alright," Agumon whispered reassuringly to his 'friend'. "Biyomon, my... our hands are still..." Agumon blushed as he hinted towards their entwined hands. Agumon would normally be fine with this, but the additive of Tai and Sora being around just made it awkward.
Biyomon blushed, her face turning a bright crimson. Quickly, she pulled her hand away, preceding to conceal her face. She shifted her eyes towards Tai and Sora, barely managing to croak up a hello.
"I don't come to visit for a while and Biyomon replaces me in your heart," Tai feinted his offense and turned away from Agumon. "Is this a bad time?" He continued arrogantly with his face pointed away from his companion.
Suddenly, Tai felt a hand slap him in the back of the head. "Stop teasing him Tai." Sora turned away from him and grinned brightly at Agumon and Biyomon. "How's it going you two?"
Damn, worse timing ever Tai! How do you think I feel Sora...? Her hands were so warm... great, my heart hurts now, Agumon thought. "I'm fine." Agumon muttered out and walked towards the door of his house. Biyomon slowly following him from behind. "Come on into the house you two."
"You think he's upset?"
Sora frowned slightly. "Yeah. Biyomon is really shy you know?" She shifted towards Tai and scolded him. "Can't you be a little more considerate about Agumon's feelings? He is your partner."
"Yeah, I should apologize later shouldn't I?" Tai said, feeling quite guilty.
Sora looked back at the house and thought of her partner. Agumon and Biyomon. Together. "Those two make a cute couple don't they?" Tai just nodded in response. "I wonder what Biyomon is doing here. This is Agumon's house isn't it? You don't think...?"
Tai shrugged and before Sora could ask another question, he grabbed her hand and pulled her into the house.
The two looked around, amazed. The walls of the house were painted a light sky blue. The living room was beautifully decorated, from pictures of ancient digimon to pristine and rare artifacts. Even various pictures of their friends. In the center of the room were a few couches, between them a small coffee table and fire place. Agumon and Biyomon were seated on the couches. Both carefully distanced themselves from one another, each feeling considerably timid.
"This is quite a cozy place you got here Agumon."
Agumon stretched his arms out and yawned. "I didn't do any of the decorating. I left it all of that to Biyomon." He shifted his gaze towards her. "I just picked the color of the walls," Agumon mentioned.
Tai and Sora looked at each other, waiting for one of them to speak up. Sora shoved Tai forward slightly, as she took her seat beside Biyomon.
"So Biyomon, do you come over to Agumon's house often?" Tai finally asked.
Biyomon looked up at her housemate. "You didn't tell him?" Agumon just shook his head.
"Tell me what?"
"The truth is that we both live here, together. We both protect the same sectors, so Agumon offered me a room here. I've been living with him ever since."
"I guess that makes sense," Sora said. So they aren't together... yet, Sora thought to herself.
Tai and Sora began telling their partners of their current lives. The subject of interest between Tai and Agumon seemed to be when Tai would reveal his feelings for Sora, and whether Agumon had feelings for Biyomon. Coincidentally it was similar with Sora and Biyomon. As the group reacquainted themselves with each others lives, the door bell rang.
"I'll go get the door."
Agumom walked towards the door and slowly opened it, revealing a tall figure.
"Why, hello Agumon," the figure greeted politely.
"This isn't good. You never make house calls unless it's something urgent. Either that or I'm in trouble," Agumon stated, slightly worried.
"Well in this case my friend, it's both."
It was a typical afternoon for Davis. He lied there on the bench gazing into the sky. Everything was quiet. Beside him, Kari sat on the ground, leaning back onto the bench. The only thing missing was the presence of T.K.
"Where did he say he was going anyways Kari?"
"He's with his brother and dad," Kari replied softly. She took a deep breath of fresh air. Davis's eyes were closed and he silently rested on the bench. "Summer is almost here Davis."
Davis grunted lowly, letting one eye peer at Kari before closing it, once again. "Yeah, I can't wait. We need some time to relax," he yawned.
"Are you really that tired? Your daily sessions with Tai that bad?"
He grunted again, this time at Kari's question. Workouts, weekly patrols in the digital world, and finals have really put a toll on him. Workouts with Tai were vigorous. He didn't push you or anything. Tai's a great trainer and makes you feel really comfortable when you are training; That is until he actually starts himself. He just makes you want to try harder. "No, just exhausting. You're brother wasn't at the gym today."
Kari giggled. "That's right. He called me after school and told me he's going to the digital world with Sora. My brother is always so happy around her. I'd just wish he'd tell her he likes her. Tai told me one day that he'd give up everything to be with Sora."
Davis opened his eyes and amorously stared at his best friend. "Hey Kari," he said lightly. "How should Tai tell Sora? Just wondering."
"What do you mean-" she started, before getting cut off by the ring of her phone. "Sorry Davis."
"Take your call," he smiled. She just nodded. Davis was not subtle about his feelings about Kari. Sometimes he thought that was the problem. He was so open about it, people begin to think that it's just an overdue joke. But it wasn't. It irritated him that people would think so lowly of him at times. He's had a feelings for Kari for a long time. And it hurt, that for all these years he's been throwing himself at her, that she never returned the feeling. But he never let it get to him. Davis wasn't going to give up. He was determined.
After a few "Okays", Kari finally hung up the phone. She seemed quite distraught as she did. Davis became suspicious.
Davis looked up curiously. "Hey, what's up?"
Kari bit her lip. "Izzy wanted us to call the others. To tell them we're planning on a visit to the digital world soon. We got things to finish up." Usually this would be a normal thing. They frequently visit the digital world. But this time, Kari's tones was different. She sounded more disheartened than excited. She looked at Davis's confused face. He wasn't going to take this easy. She knew it.
"Why did you say it like that..." he started, but quickly realized what Kari meant. Things to finish. He shook his head in disbelief. "No."
"Davis."
The calm before the storm.
Davis looked into the sky again. He could see the dark grey clouds shifting towards them. Davis cussed to himself in a low whisper. The thunder already began its loud resonate crashes. "Come on, I'll walk you home."
"Not there!"
Matt was clearly annoyed. It was a hot day, band rehearsal was stressful, and to top it all off, there is a high chance he tanked his history exam.
T.K. dropped his suitcase and just took a seat on the couch. He decided to spend the summer with Matt and his father. But he picked the wrong time to come over. "You know what Matt? You can do this yourself." T.K. pointed at all the boxes and junk scattered all over his living room floor. Redecorating? No. Un-decorating is more like it.
Mr. Ishida has been wanting to clean up the place for weeks. He's not a fan of the finer things in life. To him, the pictures, the plants, and the statues took up way too much space in the living room. All he needed to survive was the couch, television, and refrigerator; Or so he says.
Matt hopped on to the couch and leaned his head back. "Gah," he growled out of frustration. "You know what? I'll let Dad take care of this. I'm done. Call for some pizza or Chinese food."
Matt tossed his phone to his younger brother. T.K. caught and turned the phone on. "Hey Matt, you got a text," he stated.
"Who is it?"
"Izzy," T.K. answered. He read the text carefully; his eyes grew wide as he finished. He couldn't believe what he was reading. T.K. shifted his gaze at Matt, who could spot the frantic look in his little brother's eyes.
Matt was worried. What possibly did Izzy sent him? "Are you okay, T.K.? What's wrong?"
"Look maybe you should read this later."
"Give me the phone."
"Matt," he said again, concerned. "I really insist that you read this later, please."
"Give me the phone, now, T.K.!" Matt's voice roared, causing T.K. to flinch. Hesitantly, T.K. handed his brother the phone. Matt read the text slowly, quickly realizing why his brother didn't want him to read it. "Why?" Matt dropped the phone to the ground, breaking it the moment it hit the floor. Matt looked at his brother. He brought both palms to his face and stroked back his hair and gasped in disbelief, "Not again."
"Where are we going?"
Joe ignored her and continued his driving. Ken sighed at Yolei, trying to remain quiet beside Joe. Cody on the other hand was fast asleep beside Mimi. The three boys were dragged to the mall by Yolei and Mimi, Joe because he had the car and the money. Cody, because Yolei had to babysit him(not that she minded it). And Ken because he could carry all the bags, plus Yolei insisted on it. They've spent the whole day shopping, and now they are going home; or so Yolei thought.
"Joe, can you please tell me where we are going?" Yolei continued to ask, persistently.
"We are going to that restaurant Mimi's been whining about," Joe simply stated, slightly irritated. He usually didn't mind taking them out to places, but Yolei does get annoying, quite fast. But Mimi always seem to have a way to get what she wants. No matter how hard. Granted she and Joe have known each other for years.
Cody woke up and yawned quietly. He rubbed his eyes and looked around the car for a bit. "Hey there, sleepy-head. Finally awake aren't we?" Mimi asked tenderly. Cody just squeaked in response and lied his head on Mimi's arm once again.
"He's worn out from all the shopping," Joe said, still intently focused on driving. "Leave the poor kid alone."
Ken chuckled at Joe's comment. Mimi and Yolei on the other hand were not amused, and Yolei began to pout.
The two girls are extremely hard to keep up with, especially when they are shopping. Cody found it extremely exhausting, between trying out so many different sets of clothes, holding so many bags, and delivering clothes to the girls as they could tried on their outfits; there was no time at all to sit and rest.
Mimi gently brushed his hair with her hand. He deserves all the rest he can get, she thought to herself. She smiled and turned back to the window. Mimi stared, out the into the sky, at the approaching storm. The grey clouds shimmered as the lightning discharged through them. Drops of water began their descent towards earth. She gazed out into the sky. Everything was so beautiful, yet the moment the thunder would begin to explode, and commence it's merciless assault on your ears, it would all change. Much like herself, sometimes.
The car came to a gradual stop as Joe parked the car in the lot. Everyone exited and walked to the restaurant. On their way they ran into some unexpected company. Davis and Kari were walking home from their visit to the park.
Tension was thick as the seven teenagers sat quietly at the table. Everything was uncomfortably awkward. Davis sat there looking down into his cup of water. He told them what little he knew of their summoning to the digital world, again.
There was an unbearable period of silence. Everyone just stared at each other, unable to find words to say. Yolei looked up and felt that she needed to say something. Anything to break the silence.
"This is a really nice place," Yolei said out of the blue. Everyone just looked at her for a moment, then they just turned down and remained silent. She pouted and crossed her arms. "Why are you guys so down in the dumps? For all we know it might be a very small problem."
Davis sighed as he took a sip of his drink. For Yolei to bo so smart, yet be so arrogant baffled him. "If it was such a small problem don't you think it would be a little stupid to call us all to the digital world?"
"You didn't have to say it that way Davis," Ken said sternly to his friend. He understood where Davis was coming from, but Davis had to think clearly. It was no time to cause trouble amongst the group. "We know you're upset, we all are."
"Davis is right though," Cody spoke up. "If it was something negligible Gennai or the Sovereigns would of just called one of us. And If I'm not mistaken, Tai is already at the digital world."
Kari's face shot up. Her brother. How would he take all this? "Do you think my brother knows already?"
Sora grasped her partner's hand tightly, quite distressed of their current situation. Gennai silently sat there as he let the group digest the news. They were being thrown back into the battles of the digital world. Right when she thought it was finally over. Sora thought of what her mom might think. What the others might think. And if they knew already. But mostly, she worried. What would happen this time? She was especially worried about him. She turned herself towards Tai.
He placed his hand on Sora's shoulder, almost like he was assuring her that it would be alright. She gazed at him.
He smiled bitterly. He couldn't help it. His eyes revealed a rather dauntless presence. He slowly stroked his hair with his hand, breathing deeply as he did. He scanned the room, pausing at Agumon. He kept his composure and nodded slightly at Tai, gesturing that he knew everything was going to be fine. Agumon was relatively calm, much like Tai. They were ready for it. They had to be. They were the leaders. Refusing to defend the digital world has never crossed their mind.
Defeat has failed to cross their mind.
The third time they are being forced to fight.
The third time they will come out victorious.
The last time?
Maybe.
That concludes chapter 1, Prelude.