Hey everyone! Woah, it's been a long time since I last updated any of my stories, ne? Anyway, I forgot a LOT of my ideas for most of my stories that I wrote in the past, and since my computer crashed and we weren't able to back up anything, well, I lost all my stories saved on the computer. So, the solution is that I'd have to reread all of my stories again. I might, but I'd probably only continue 'Digital Partei' and 'Blasting the Gauge'…I think those are the only two stories I need to finish anyway.
Another thing; my fandom has quite dwindled, and that's another reason. I have other more personal reasons, which, of course, I don't feel like sharing.
The idea for this story just came to me recently, and I want to work on it before I resume my others. So sorry to all those whom I kept waiting, especially for DP. I'm glad you all enjoyed it anyway. I have to edit some chapters of that though…it was pretty terrible and done carefree. So, uhm…yeah.
P.S. I never really thought of the plot for this story much, just the idea. So most of this will probably be made on the spot. Japanese names will be used. In case you don't know or aren't used with it, here's a guide:
Akiyama Ryo: Ryo Akiyama
Makino Ruki: Rika Nonaka
Matsuda Takato: Takato Matsuki
Lee Jenrya / Jian-liang (Lee-Kun): Henry Wong (I'll be using various versions of Lee's name; sometimes Lee, Jen, Jenrya etc.)
Kato Juri (Kato-san): Jeri Katou
Shioda Hirokazu: Kazu Shiota
Kitagawa Kenta: Kenta Kitagawa
Lee Shuichon / Suichon: Suzie Wong
Mako: Makoto
Kurumon: Calumon
Other important notes: The Ryo x Ruki in this story won't be the mushy romance that you see in practically most other stories. I shall quote from le-petit-chou: There's too much of those going around. This is really more Ryo-based, but Ruki comes along as well. (Ryo-Ruki friendship, may have some hints of romance if I feel like it).
Let the story begin. BTW, you will learn some Tagalog through this story (numbers, anyway. Maybe an extra guy or two). The chapter numbers are in Tagalog.
Unexpected Blessing : Chapter ISA : Surprise, surprise
"Good-bye school, helloooooo summer!"
A certain brown-haired boy with certain brown skin and a certain yawn and a certain smile woke up with a certain grin and a certain instinctive stretch, and that first phrase you have just read is what he sang first thing in the morning, on the first day of his summer vacation.
Akiyama Ryo, as you most probably know that that is his name, was in high spirits that morning. School had been quite fun, yes, but more often than not he had some weight on him just waiting to be removed. Being in High School, he was overloaded with projects, researches and tests. Upon arriving home, his daily schedule had mostly been to relieve himself for thirty minutes than do his homework, which frequently took a couple of hours. Afterwards, it was usually near the time for supper, and he would eat dinner with his father.
Barely had he the time to spend with his tamer friends. In fact, they themselves seemed utterly busy with schoolwork as well. Ignoring him, Ruki and Shuichon, all the others studied in the same school, so they probably hung out a lot there. Of course, he had friends in his own high school with whom he occasionally associated with, but they, too, had been drowning in homework.
Ryo smiled with content as he recalled all the hectic days that had flown by in a blink of an eye, but a blink with a sloth's pace to go with it. He felt accomplished, and it felt great to have completed the year successfully. This year went by brilliantly for him, and he managed to pass all his activities, though not perfectly, but excellently. He was in the top 5 of the grade, and, no matter how old he was, he still felt a boyish pride that swelled within him.
Alas, it was all over now. The time had come when they were given their freedom to do anything they want, at least for 2 months. Ryo hadn't really planned much. Perhaps meet up with the tamers every now and then? He was surprised that he didn't really think of the them much.
'Wonder how they're doin'?'
He rested his hands behind his head and looked up out of his window, which was next to his bed. The sun was shining the same way it had every day, except that today it seemed mightily brighter. He wondered on what he should do this first day of summer. He considered going back to sleep, but decided against it.
'Why waste the day? I could oversleep anytime.'
Ryo lied down but a minute longer before finally kicking his feet up into the air and literally jumping out of bed. He inhaled deeply, feeling great. He walked to his bathroom, washed his face and gargled. While drying up with a face towel, he looked at the mirror and grinned.
'Man, am I good-looking! Oh yeah!'
He did some poses and smiles, then pumped his fist in the air before leaving his room and making his way downstairs into the kitchen to eat breakfast. His father was already awake and was gulping down some bacon and toast and sipping a steaming cup of coffee. He saw his son enter the door and greeted him with a wave.
"Pretty early for your first day of vacation" he smirked. Ryo just chuckled and returned the smirk. He took a seat across the counter from his father and got a few pieces of bacon for himself. Along with that, he poured himself a full glass of water.
Ryo crunched a piece between his teeth and began steadily to chew, savoring the flavor of his first breakfast on the first day of summer. He popped the rest of the piece into his mouth and chewed more normally. He finished all 8 pieces, and drank halfway of his water.
His father then studied the glass carefully, as if it were some scientific evidence that needed much wits and investigation. He scratched his chin.
"Son, do you see this glass as half-empty…or half-full?"
Ryo cocked his head and pondered. He looked up, thinking.
"Hmmm…"
He tapped his fingers on the countertop. He then looked his father in the eye.
"There's no answer to this. It depends on how a person thinks. It can be half-empty, or half-full. If you say it's half empty, then you think negatively. Half-full, positively"
His father smiled as if that was the exact answer he wanted to hear from his son. To Ryo, his father's eyes seemed to be teasing him…testing him, perhaps.
"Why do you think so, son?"
That was not the reply he expected. He had predicted that his father would ask him what he thought. This was a whole different affair.
Again, he gave the question some thought before answering. He said his words slowly, as if not sure of himself.
"That's because if you think that the glass is half full, then that means you see the brighter side of life. You are glad with the little blessings that are given to you every day, and are aware of how lucky you are to have such blessings. You accept the fact that life has its obstacles, and you prefer to live every day as if it were your last. You think positively, because you are content with what you have.
"On the other hand, if you think the glass is half-empty, then that means that you see the more negative side of life. You are given blessings, but you can't see them. You are always yearning and wanting more. You deal with things badly, and you always feel downbeat about most of everything."
His father nodded. Ryo awaited the question he thought was coming. But it never escaped the man's lips, nor did it occur to him to ask. He already knew what the response would be.
Ryo swallowed down the rest of his water, got up and brought his glass and plate to the sink and began to wash them. His father continued to sip slowly at his coffee with his eyes closed, as if contemplating over something which held high importance. Silence settled upon the two, and nothing was heard except for the running water which flowed from the faucet, and Ryo's hands with the sponge scrubbing the porcelain and glass.
Once done, the boy wiped his hands on a hanging dish towel and made ready to take a bath. As he approached the door, his father startled him by suddenly speaking.
"So, what are you going to do today, son?"
Ryo found it strange that his father be so suddenly interested in his doings. His father never really asked him that question before, although he was aware that he sometimes took interest in his activities. He just never said it out loud. So this question seemed out of place…very, very out of place.
For a fleeting second he wondered if this man here was indeed his father or some mysterious guy who had plastic surgery and stole the clothes of his father to…to what? He couldn't put his finger on why anyone would be that desperate to impersonate his father.
"Erm…I'm not too sure yet dad. Might go out and hang around with some friends or somewhat. Perhaps do some skateboarding…" He thought of all this on the last minute and was pleased with himself.
"Alright, then. Just be home before supper. I have a surprise for you."
Ryo couldn't help but smile. A surprise! Of course. A little reward for his achievements. Good ol' dad. No matter how old you get it's still fun to get a small treat from your parents every now and then.
"Okay."
As his son left the room, Mr. Akiyama slowly massaged his temples. He wasn't too sure if Ryo would take his 'surprise' too well. Nevertheless, his son was understanding, anyway…right?
'If he can withstand some life-threatening blob, live in an area where you're nothing but data and all those adventures he had back there in the other side, then he should be able to take this…I hope he won't be too excited.'
-----
Ryo set his jet-black helmet with blue and red flames into place atop his wet hair and grabbed his skateboard. He was halfway to the gate when his father called out to him.
"Ryo! Have you taken a bath already?"
His cheeks tinged with red. He glanced around in fear that someone he knew must have heard his dad's remark. Relieved, he called back.
"Yes, dad. I'm off to the park"
"Did you brush your teeth?"
Ryo cringed and glanced again. "Yes, dad"
"Okay, then, be back before supper"
"Sure"
He skated down their pathway and across the street, skillfully dodging a red car that sped past. He jumped onto a sidewalk and continued there, making precautions not to end his life on the first day of summer.
On his way he wondered what overcame his father. He never really cared before whether Ryo took a bath or brushed his teeth before leaving the house (But then of course, being someone with good hygiene Ryo always did). His father reminded him of it, being the good father that he was, but always inside the house, out of earshot from anyone. What was he trying to do, anyway? And the glass thing…he never knew his dad would even come to that, or that he could be so philosophical.
He sighted Shinjuku Park up ahead and increased his speed. His plan was to skate around a little, do some tricks every now and then, and explore around the place. He grinded some railings before coming across the stairway that lead to Guilmon's hideout. He released the board from under his feet and did a move that made it jump into the air, landing safely in his arms. He heard applause from somewhere, and looked up to see Hirokazu and Kenta clapping their hands from behind a tree.
"Oh yeah, Ryo's in the house! Long time no see, dude!"
Ryo climbed the flight of steps to be greeted by Hirokazu, who slapped him joyfully on the back. Kenta was near as well, and was rejoicing just as much as Hirokazu was.
"Where'd you been? It's been, like, a century since we last met!" Kazu remarked. Kenta nodded.
"Well…you know, high school's pretty tough"
"Don't even mention it! I don't want to be reminded that I'll be entering HS in a few months…let's enjoy the summers dude!" Hirokazu led him to where the others were stationed, each doing their own separate thing.
Ryo was surprised to see them all gathered there, as if it were planned. He turned to Kenta "Hey…do you guys hang out here every day?"
"Nah…most of the time, though."
"Arranged?"
"Nope. We just like it here. Let's us feel close to the Digimon." He nodded towards Guilmon's hideout and Ryo understood. The gateway had been closed by the government, amidst protests from the children. They said they couldn't risk anything anymore. After that, they never saw their partners again, except for the occasional feeling that they were right behind them, but upon turning around they saw nothing but air.
He smirked when he saw Ruki, the one person in their group whom he felt closest to and could sometimes confide with. She was sitting and talking with Lee under a tree, and both of them were wearing practically the same thing as he was: Lee with shorts that reached near to his knees and a plain-colored shirt. Ruki had on shorts that weren't too high and a shirt that had nothing on it except the brand name.
He looked around and noticed the others had on similar clothes, except that Juri wore a skirt that reached under her knees and a plain sleeveless top. Takato no longer wore his goggles regularly, but only on "special" occasions. To tell the truth, everyone thought the lad was better off that way. Hirokazu kept his visor, though.
He walked over to the pair, and Jenrya waved to him. Ruki acknowledged him with a nod and later on a smirk.
"Look who's here"
"Hey Ryo"
"Hey Ruki," He nodded and flashed a smile in her direction. "Lee-kun" He wasn't that close to Jenrya, so preferred to call him respectfully.
"Long time no see" Ruki said. "School?" Lee added.
"Yep. Say, when'd your school let out?"
"Mine went out about a week ago, and Jen's 3 days before that"
"Well, that's pretty early"
"For you"
Ryo sighed. He removed his helmet and slumped down on the grass between the two, making a small circle.
"So what's up?"
Ruki looked up. "The sky. Duh."
Ryo sneered and chuckled. "Still have your irony, huh?" Ruki just rolled her eyes. Lee laughed at the two.
"Well…I've really been doing nothing lately, just hanging out here with the others…talking and such. We've been doing this for about a week already…but it seems like a month. Not that I'm complaining."
Ryo sighed. "Ah…the endless days of summer"
"You mean 'day'" Ruki pointed out. Lee laughed again. The conversations of these two get really interesting…
"So what mischief have you been up to?"
"For your information, miss, I graduated this year being in the top 5 of my grade" Ryo beamed with mocked pride.
"So what? I graduated Junior high school Junior High School Middle School TOP of my grade. Beat that, Mr. Ego"
"Awwww" Ryo smiled and sighed again. "High School's tough…"
"Pffft. Nice excuse."
At that moment Shuichon came running to Jenrya, her hand holding her summer hat from falling off. She had on a sleeveless light pink shirt and shorts not too short. She was laughing cheerfully, and, as always, the sight of her and the sound of her laughter always lightened the heart of her older brother.
She flopped down on his lap and closed her eyes. She covered her face with her hat. Lee smiled down at her. Carefully he removed the hat, revealing the smiling little girl. Her small hands covered her innocent face, as if she were hiding. Lee laughed and knocked lightly on her fingers. Carefully, she peeped out one eye and closed the gap again. A moment later her arms burst open.
"Boo!" She laughed, and Lee feigned surprise. Her small chest was heaving up and down quickly and Lee sat her upright in a sitting position. He felt her backside. She was practically swimming in perspiration. He quickly pulled out the small face towel that hung behind her back (it served as so her back wouldn't be too wet and she wouldn't get sick) and replaced it with a drier, fresher one that he got out from his backpack. He also brought out his canister of water and let her drink from it. Water dripped down the sides of her mouth as she drank down the liquid selfishly, and Lee caught them with his hand and wiped them on her already used face towel.
Then, as if her batteries had just been replaced, she stood up, hugged her brother then dashed back to Ai and Makoto, who spent some of their summer days here with their parents. Lee smiled after her and shook his head.
"Aww, Jen, you're so sweet with Shuichon-chan" Ruki teased. Lee smiled sheepishly and shrugged.
"Heh…well, you get used to it. Besides…you learn to get attached to them" He glanced back at his sister.
Ryo followed his gaze and smiled. "I wonder how it's like, being a big brother? Any comments, Lee-kun?"
"Hmmm…it feels pretty refreshing sometimes and…well, you gotta be one to actually understand"
"Not like we'll ever be one, anyway" Ruki sighed. She motioned her head towards Ryo, who nodded. Considering their family state, neither expected to be an older brother slash sister anytime soon.
-----
It was a few minutes before supper, and Ryo was skating home after a great day spent with the tamers. They spent most of the afternoon just lazing around and talking in the park. They went out for lunch in a nearby restaurant (they all chipped in for the bill), and after that Ai and Makoto went home to spend the rest of the day with their parents. Lee brought Shuichon home before returning. Mostly they recalled stories of their adventures in the digital world, for it had been a mighty long time since they last had a get together wherein all of them, excluding Shuichon, Ai and Makoto, were able to participate.
Also, they contemplated on ways on how they could possibly meet their Digimon again. During this talk, Ryo mostly remained quiet. The tamers took it for nothing, and regarded it as 'adjustment'.
Then they talked about the past school year and their plans for the summer. In a few weeks time, Juri would be flying to America, and Kenta would be taking a vacation down in Kyushu. Takato was spending a week at his grandparent's farm up north, and Lee and his family were taking a trip to China to visit their relatives. Ruki was going to visit her dad for a week or so, and Kazu was going to the beach. As for Ryo, he didn't have any big plans yet. So, again, he mostly took interest on what the others were saying and contributed little to the discussion about plans.
Frequently he was quite anxious to get home, to see his surprise. The whole day he had been haunted by the thought of wonder on what it could be. What could his father possibly have gotten him? He was bouncing to find out.
Alas, it was time for them to go. They said their goodbyes, and began to part, promising meetings in the future. As he was putting on his helmet, Ruki approached him and questioned his unnatural behavior. She thought she understood his silence, but didn't quite put a finger on his fretfulness. He just smiled and shrugged and made ready to leave. She held him back.
"C'mon, Ryo. Really, now. What's wrong?" For a fleeting second her eyes flashed with a glint of concern, then that glint disappeared and her eyes returned to their normal state of curiosity.
"Well…" His smile widened and behind his eyes Ruki could see a childish grin. "My dad has a surprise for me".
Ruki smirked. "You really are a child at heart, aren't you?"
Ryo grinned and stuck his tongue out. They laughed. He winked.
"Alright then, I better go. I promised I'd be home before supper. Bye Ruki!"
"See ya"
Then they went their separate ways.
-----
Ryo closed the gate. He removed his helmet and carried his board inside. He removed his shoes in their front door and slipped on his slippers. Carefully, as to contain and prolong his excitement, he opened the door. He entered the house, which had grown unusually silent. His pulse rate quickened.
"Hello? Dad? I'm home!"
"RYO!"
"AAAAHHH!" Ryo screamed in surprise as his dad opened the living room door behind him. He placed his hand over his heart and breathed deeply. He looked up at his dad and smiled.
"I'm home"
He beamed at his son. "Welcome home, son. You're right on time! How was your day?"
Once again Ryo felt that queasy emotion that told him something was definitely out of place. "Great. I was with the tamers."
"Well, that's good. Been a long time since you guys got together"
"Yeah, I know"
"So, you ready for your surprise?"
Finally. The time he'd been waiting for all day.
"Come with me to the kitchen. I want you…" He seemed to be hesitating. "to meet someone"
What? Did he just say someone? Didn't he mean something? Wait, wait, wait…was this a prize for his achievements or just a small surprise that's similar to a man getting a new wife and introducing her to his children?
'Woah, what if I'm getting a new mom?'
"What did you say?"
"Son, I want you to meet someone in the kitchen. He's the surprise"
He? So he wasn't getting a new mom after all.
"Who is he, dad?"
His father froze. He closed his eyes and bowed down his head. He seemed to be talking to himself for awhile, encouraging words, it sounded like. He inhaled deeply before answering.
"Ryo, I think it was time you met your brother"
omgulay wtfudge. What did he just say? My brother? No, this can't be happening.
It was as if the whole world grew silent, intent on listening to the boy's heart and mind, and concentrating on the tension that had grown between father and son.
"Wh-what?"
"Your brother, Ryo. Your brother's in the kitchen, and he wants to meet you" His father's voice was stern, but Ryo could sense the discomfort in his tone.
Ryo glared at him and narrowed his eyes, as if giving in to the nagging thought in his mind that this man wasn't his dad. He was beginning to believe it now, and he had the urge to punch this man in front of him and ask for his dad.
"I don't have a brother…"
Mr. Akiyama sighed. "Ryo, I'm sorry I'm just telling you this now but…"
Silence.
"If I have a twin, why did you keep that secret away from me all these years!" Ryo burst out. Despite himself, his voice had gone higher and louder. He wasn't even sure of what he was saying.
"Mom and you were never separated, so I don't understand why you didn't keep both of us! What did you do to him, put him up for adoption! And why couldn't you simply just tell me anytime during my life! You think mom would have wanted you to let that knowledge be deprived from me forever!"
"That's why I'm telling you now Ryo. If you would please just listen to me…"
The boy's ocean blue eyes flared with anger, disappointment…and fear.
With a last glance, he ran up the stairs into his room and banged the door shut. He locked the knob and collapsed on his bed, head in his arms. His mind was a whirlpool of thoughts. The once cheerful day had turned out, at the last minute and at the time he most looked forward to, to be a disaster. He thought of his mom, who had passed away when he was young. He thought of his dad, whom he lived with all these years. He thought of all the rest of his life he'd lived thinking he was an only child.
'I mean…a twin? C'mon…'
Then a feeling overcame him that took him completely by surprise. He wanted his mom, more than ever. Why? He didn't know. But this longing was more than he had ever experienced in his entire life, and, in a way, it scared him.
He heard Ruki's voice, somewhere in his mind.
"You really are a child at heart, aren't you?"
He managed to smile.
Not once did a tear threaten to fall from his eyes.
-----
Mr. Akiyama stared longingly after his son. He shut his eyes and massaged his forehead. He didn't think Ryo would react so quickly. He quietly climbed the stairs and knocked on Ryo's door. He didn't mind to open the knob, since he knew it was already locked.
"What you don't know, son, and wouldn't give me the chance to explain is that the person I've brought with me isn't your twin…" He said, making his voice loud to be certain it reached the other side. He knew that his son was all ears to listen to his 'explanation'.
"The boy I've brought with me…he's your 4 year old half-brother."
At the other side of the door, Ryo's eyes widened with horror.
"No…dad…no…"
Phew. This idea has been on my mind for some time now, and only now did I put it to reality. So…hope you guys enjoyed it and perhaps I'll update soon (seeing it's summer). And since I have the time, I'm going to actually proofread this. Woah…I just did and it seems a little fast paced. Well…that's okay I guess. Doesn't matter too much. I didn't have much ideas for this anyway.
Ao-Senshi
