IMPORTANT! Please read: This fic takes place a LONG time after the end of the second saga. The ages are different, and I'll list them here-
Izzy, Mimi, all of the Gem Warriors: 28
Tai, Matt, Sora: 29
Joe: 30
T.K., Kari, Davis: 26
Yolei: 27
Cody: 24
Likewise, in the NEXT EPISODE of this Saga, they will be TWO YEARS OLDER! For instance, Izzy, Mimi, and the Gem Warriors will all be 30, Cody will be 26, ect. ^^
Now, please read.
Gem Warriors 3 -- #1: A New Sapphire
Koushiro Izumi sat in his bedroom, kneeling on the floor and looking for his good dress shoes. Digging through the closet, Izzy was sure that he had placed them here, but, if that were true... where were they? As he clambered through the closet, searching for his shoes, a voice sounded from behind him.
Dada... Daddy?
Very attractive, honey.
Izzy looked up at the two people that were standing behind him, and he rolled his eyes. One of them was his five-year-old daughter Iaka, a green-eyed little girl with red hair that had matched Izzy's when he was younger, and the other was his wife, Megumi, who was giving him a skeptical look.
Very funny. Izzy muttered, finding his dress shoes, and standing up. As a matter of fact, I was looking for my shoes, Meg. Honestly... Izzy grinned to show that he was kidding, and he then bent down to pick up Iaka, who laughed at the attention. Hey, Iaka! How's my little girl doing today?
Iaka giggled. Whee! This is fun, Daddy!
Izzy laughed, and set the younger girl down on the ground, and looked at Megumi, who was giving him a skeptical look. What's wrong, Megumi?
We have to go, Izzy! Megumi said, looking at her watch. The show starts in twenty minutes, and the baby-sitter is going to be here any moment. C'mon honey... Megumi hugged Izzy lightly around the shoulders, laughing at him. We really need to get a move on.
I know, I know... Izzy muttered, digging through a pile of papers to find his wallet. Sheesh, when did I become so disorganized? I mean, one second I'm the most orderly guy I know, the next second I can't even find my check book in my own mess... I mean, honestly.
Megumi kissed Izzy lightly on the cheek. It's called having a seven year old, a five year old, and newborn in the house, dear. It get's to you.
Izzy laughed, finding his wallet, and looked down at Iaka, who was looking at him with a curious expression on her face. She looks so much like me when I was little.' Izzy thought, grinning down at Iaka, or Ia, her nickname. Except for the green eyes, of course, but I know that I was that curious... or, at least, that's what everyone tells me.'
Suddenly, Izzy heard a pouting voice coming from the doorway. Why can't I come?! his oldest daughter, Jehana whined. I want to come, and I'm old enough to go! You can leave Ia and Shorro here with the baby-sitter, and I'll come with you! C'mon, why can't I?!
Be-be sitter? Iaka asked, sounding out the words and acting younger than she really was.
Izzy sighed as the doorbell rang, signifying that the baby-sitter was there. Nodding to Meg to take care of the baby-sitter, Izzy kneeled down beside Jehana, who was giving him a wide-eyed, pouting look. Now, Hana, really. This is an evening for Mommy and I, you know that. Besides, I'm sure that you'll have fun with the baby-sitter. You've had Mrs. Kateima before, haven't you?
Jehana said, frowning and wrinkling her nose. Gesturing for Izzy to lean down, Jehana proceeded to whisper in his ear. But she smells funny...
Yeah. Mrs. Kateima is icky. Iaka agreed, nodding her agreement.
Izzy smiled and shook his head lightly, not backing down. Next time, I won't hire Mrs. Kateima, okay? But for now, you'll have to deal with her- no matter how icky she smells. Izzy told his daughters this with a scolding expression, but they didn't believe him. No, really, girls... be nice.
Jehana said, sighing. But that doesn't mean I hafta like her.
Kay, Daddy! Iaka said brightly, hugging Izzy. I'm gonna miss ou, though!
Izzy grinned, standing up and proceeding to walk into the main room, where Megumi had handed Shorro to Mrs. Kateima, and was now waiting for Izzy to come. Looking at the old woman in front of him, Izzy smiled and said, Don't worry, the girls will be fine, I'm sure.
Oh, I'm not worried. the woman said, smiling. Your girls are always so sweet.
Izzy smiled, and cast a glance at his wife. You ready to go?
Megumi nodded, and the two of them proceeded to walk out the door, leaving Mrs. Kateima in charge as they closed the door. Walking down the steps of his apartment building, Izzy couldn't help but wonder how he had gotten so lucky as to have such a perfect life. A beautiful wife, three lovely daughters, an awesome job with superior pay...
I'm so lucky to have all of this.' Izzy thought, smiling down at his wife. I never want this to end.' Walking down to his car, Izzy opened his door, and climbed into the driver's side. Looking up, he saw his wife seated in the passenger's side, and he smiled, starting up the car. A few moments later, the two of them were on their way.
Izzy smiled as he drove, thinking of the evening that lay before him. He and Megumi were going to go to an opera that had been recommended by many reviewers, and then to dinner. Izzy knew that this night out was needed, as how the two of them hadn't been able to go out alone for awhile. Between their jobs and raising the girls, it was nearly impossible.
Suddenly, a bright light was shining in Izzy's eyes, and he jerked his head back as he realized that the lights were actually headlights- and they were heading straight for them! Megumi screamed as Izzy swerved, attempting to avoid a collision with the other automobile.
The reaction came too late. With a sickening crunch of steal, the other car hit his own, and another scream was heard coming from Megumi. The other car rolled over his own, and the glass windows burst open from the pressure, as if it was paper. Izzy winced as he felt the sharp pieces of glass slice into him, and nearly screamed when an exceptionally large shard became enlodged in his shoulder. As his car came to an abrupt halt, Izzy gasped as he felt a rush of whiplash cover his entire body, sending him into increasing pain.
As suddenly as it had begun, the accident stopped. In the eerily quiet moment after the crash, Izzy found himself gasping for air, and he felt blood dripping down the side of his cheek. After he was sure that his physical health was all right, Izzy remembered with a rush about the other person who was in the car with him, and he turned to make sure that his wife was okay.
The sight that met him sent a feeling of disbelief and utter dread into his heart. The car roof had been shoved down when the other car had run over it, and the twisted metal was now pierced straight through his wife's body. Megumi was covered in what seemed like gallons of reddish blood, her limp body already beginning to cool and harden.
No...' Izzy thought, numb. In a rush, a sudden memory seemed to return to him, one that he had never known he had. It wasn't a complete memory, but more like fragments of the past, shown to him for apparently the first time since whenever the event had happened.
Bright lights... crashing metal... himself screaming.... other's screaming... blood... a girl... red hair... blood... smile... crying... glasses... pain...
Izzy blinked as he remembered the incident, and he suddenly realized when that event had occurred. My parents... they died in a car crash...' A sudden tear slipped down Izzy's cheek as he continued to stare, amazed and horrified, at his dead wife. Izzy's own pain seemed unimportant as he saw the terrible image that lay before him.
Why do I always have to survive?' Izzy thought numbly, resisting the urge to break down into tears. Why do I always live, when those I love die?'
Why does it always have to be this way?'
*****
Kyra yawned, resisting the urge to fall asleep at that very moment. Amon was supposed to have called them for the new training session, but it was obviously taking awhile. It wasn't like they needed more training, but it was always good to be on time for whatever engagement that you had agreed to help with... or at least, that's what Kyra had learned throughout the years of being a Gem Warrior.
The many, many years...
Kyra rested her head on the table, acknowledging once again that she was now 28 years old, and was still defending the galaxy. It wasn't that it bothered her, actually, it was quite the opposite. Kyra loved to fight for freedom and peace and all of that, but after awhile anyone would wonder... when would all this destruction end? When would the galaxy actually be free of evil?
As Kyra thought, she felt her eyelids becoming heavier... slowly, she slipped into the world of darkness, of slumber...
Hey, Kyra-chan, get up. a voice said, shaking Kyra's shoulder slightly. Kyra slowly opened her eyes, and instantly yawned as she sat up. After rubbing her eyes a few times, she looked up into the laughing face of Maria, who was saying, Sheesh, it takes you longer to wake up than it does Jason, and that's hard!
Kyra rolled her eyes, acknowledging that it was darker outside, and asked, Did I miss our training session?
Nani? Oh, iie, you didn't. He met with each of us separately. Maria said, ceasing her laughter. In fact, that's why I woke you up. Amon-san wants to talk to you. As Maria said this, Kyra brushed the sleep out of her eyes, and arranged her hair so that it didn't look like she had just woken up, although she had.
Hai, arigatou, Maria-chan. Kyra said, walking away. Ja ne!
Ja ne, Kyra-chan! Maria said as well, looking over her shoulders to see that Jason was coming. Kyra laughed as the blond boy hugged Maria, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek, and turned away, walking towards Amon's office. Maria and Jason had gotten married around four years ago, surprisingly enough, and the others sometimes made fun of the fact that those two were sworn enemies when they were little.
Kyra opened the office door, peeking her head in. She saw Amon sitting at his desk, apparently waiting for her, and she walked in, closing the door behind her. You wished to speak with me, Amon-san?
Amon said, and he stood up. You know that soon you'll have to find a new Sapphire, right? As Kyra nodded, Amon continued, Well, it's the same for all of them, and two weeks from today, they will all find their successors. The problem is, we don't have anyone to find the new Emerald, except...
Kyra blinked. You want me to find the new Emerald?
Amon said, reaching down to pick up the Emerald staff. The reason that I went to find all of you is because the former Gem Warriors had all been killed in battle. But with the Diamond Staff, it takes a lot longer than it would actually using the staff that belonged to the previous Gem Warrior. I couldn't have accessed any of the staffs until the Gem Warrior of that staff was discovered, you see?
Kyra nodded. Hai, Amon-san. Taking the staff from Amon, she instantly concentrated, focusing on the new Emerald, and the power that lay inside. Trying to actually think to the staff, Kyra thought, Who is the person with the strongest Emerald power inside of them, aside from the Emerald of this time? Please, tell me, and bring me to that person.'
Suddenly, Kyra felt a rush of energy around her, and she opened her eyes to see that she was inside the transportation sequence. But unlike her usual dark blue surroundings, Kyra found herself in a world of all green. Luckily, her Sapphire power protected her from being killed by the transportation- after all, she wasn't actually Emerald.
As the transportation sequence ended, Kyra blinked, and found herself by the side of a school. All around her, kids were laughing and goofing off- and excessively annoying Kyra. I hate kids so much...' Kyra thought, clenching the Emerald staff and growling underneath her breath. Willing herself to calm down, Kyra looked around for the person who had called the Emerald Staff to him or her.
Looking around blankly, Kyra was a bit lost until she saw a small boy standing near her, with the glow of Emerald emitting from him. Of course, only Kyra could see that glow, but it was there none the less. Taking a deep breath, Kyra began to walk towards the boy, who was reading.
Great... a reader. Sheesh, can we say Koushiro' all over again?' Kyra thought, grinning sardonically. Having another Koushiro around would just make everything so much more confusing... Shaking her head to block out the unnecessary thoughts, Kyra knelt down by the boy, smiling. Konnichewa, minna-san. What's your name?
The boy blinked, and looked up at Kyra. As he did, Kyra could see that he had brown hair and blue eyes, and was probably older than he looked. After pausing for a few moments, the boy answered, My name is Alan. Who are you?
I'm Kyra. Kyra replied cheerfully, thinking to herself that maybe this kid wouldn't be too bad. But, you know what? You're really not suppose to be here.
Alan blinked. What do you mean?
You're the new Emerald. Kyra explained, smiling. Will you come with me?
Shaking his head, Alan responded, Do you really think that I'm stupid enough to actually go with you? Come on, I don't even know you!
Then again, maybe I'll just rip this kid's head off and leave...' Kyra thought, clenching her teeth. Raising the Emerald staff, she concentrated on the power of Emerald, and suddenly, a fine green mist covered Alan, and his eyelids fell, causing him to slip into the darkness of sleep.
That's better. Kyra muttered to herself, touching Alan's shoulder and preparing to transport both of them back to Kaneoti. Looking at the book on the ground, Kyra rolled her eyes and grabbed it, figuring that he'd probably want to finish it when they arrived at the training ground.
Kyra concentrated, and the two of them disappeared in a flash of green light.
*****
It was quiet in the garden. Izzy was standing there, completely silent, and he was staring at the tulips that grew there. The flowers before him were beautiful, delicately gracing the area that surrounded them. The light purple color was the same color as the purple in the sunset...
They were Megumi's favorite flowers.' Izzy thought, finding himself unable to cry. He had already cried as many tears as he could for Megumi, and even more for his three daughters. Everyone was devastated by the accident... and no one knew more pain and devastation than Izzy.
It had been two weeks since the accident had occurred. The car that struck them had been driven by two drunk teenagers, both of which came out of the wreck with no injuries at all. Once they came to their senses, and realized that they had killed an innocent woman with children, the teens were devastated. Realizing that there was already enough pain from this incident already, Izzy had decided not to press charges.
I'm not the type to desire revenge.' Izzy thought, recalling the two teenagers. They had been carted off to jail, though, and were awaiting trial for killing Megumi Izumi... Izzy blinked slightly, looking down at his wife's gravestone. It was a small angel, with a phrase inscribed onto it: Shinjite iruno. Or, I believe in it'.
I'm so sorry, Izzy. a voice said from behind him, and Izzy turned to see the form of Cody standing behind him, giving Izzy a sympathetic look. From what I remember of Megumi, she was a wonderful woman. I'm sorry that it had to turn out this way, Izzy, I really am.
Izzy gave Cody a halfhearted smiled, and looked back at the gravestone. Cody, I read something in a book once, and I think it could relate to this. What it said was: You never know what is a curse or a blessing, because the fragments you see aren't enough to judge. You cannot know how life will turn out, because everything is intervened as one'.
You're right. Cody said, walking up beside Izzy to look at the gravestone as well. I'm sorry that the others couldn't come, but they are all pretty busy, you know. Matt and his music career... Yolei's running an internet business, or something like that. I haven't really been in touch with most of them, but I talk to Yolei on the phone every so often.
Izzy nodded, looking up at the brown-haired boy, who was still small for his age. And you? Aren't you in college now? How'd you get time off? And your major?
Well, I just switched some of my classes around, and that was that. Cody replied, shrugging. As for my major... I don't know yet. It's all kind of confusing, being in college... I was actually thinking of majoring in foreign languages, really. I took Spanish in high school, and a little Japanese...
A memory of the past suddenly struck Izzy, and he smiled for the first time in two weeks. Iori-chibi, right?
Cody blinked at the sudden name, and then he laughed, remembering the name. Oh, right, Iori-chibi. Man, that was the weirdest nickname that I've ever received... except maybe when that one kid called me an Oompa-Loompa' for the entire ninth grade... which one of them said that, anyway? It was so long ago... Kiara? Kara? Something like that...
It was Kyra. Izzy said, remembering the red haired girl. Remember, she was Sapphire, the one who apparently hated kids with a lust, but since you were special', she had to give you a nickname. Thinking about Kyra, Izzy remembered his past once again, up to the point when he met Megumi... Blinking slightly to stop the tears from coming, Izzy tried to keep his voice from shaking as he spoke. That was... a fun time...
Izzy felt a hand rest on his shoulder, and looked up to see Cody giving him a concerned look. It's like you said, Izzy. It's horrible that Megumi died, but who knows what might come of it? I know how you feel, Izzy. I had to go through the same thing when my father died, and it wasn't fun. But one thing that you should know, Izzy, is this- don't constantly hold it in. If you do that, it'll only get worse, and eat away at you.
I know. Izzy said, sighing. I went through the whole hold the pain in' thing when I was ten... At these last words, Izzy fell silent, quietly looking at the tulips that adorned the bush in front of him. After awhile, Cody bid Izzy farewell, and Izzy was left alone in the garden, knowing that someone was watching his three daughters.
Maybe this is for the better...' Izzy thought, a tear falling down his face. Maybe...'
*****
Kyra yawned loudly as she came out of the transportation sequence. It had been two weeks since she had discovered Alan, and everyone was happy to know that he was actually a pretty decent kid- once they got to know him. Alan had been quite quiet at first, as how he was surrounded by all adults, but Maria's friendly and observant nature had made Alan feel right at home... kind of.
At that moment, Kyra found herself in a park, the large trees towering over her head, and she was looking for the next bearer of Sapphire. Yawning again, Kyra remembered how she hadn't gotten much sleep the night before... she really didn't know why, but something in the back of her head had been bothering her. But what was it...?' Kyra thought, slightly curious.
a voice said, sounding amazed, and Kyra looked up to see Maria standing there, grinning brightly. Walking over to her, Maria continued, saying, What are you doing here? I mean, my Gem Warrior energy lead me here... did you just come by for a visit or something?
Kyra looked at Maria, as amazed and confused as she was. No, the Sapphire energy lead me here, too. Hm... that's odd...
Grace! You give me back that game!
Final Fantasy 7! Where'd you get this, Liaka?!
Both women turned to see two girls arguing, both looking around the age of eight. One was taller, with blond highlights in her short brown hair, and was glaring down at the shorter girl. The other girl was laughing, holding a video game at arm's length away from the first girl, with long reddish-brown hair that was pulled away from her face.
No. Way. Kyra said, a horrified look crossing over her face. Turning to Maria, she gave the Hispanic girl an exasperated look, and said,
Maria bit her lip slightly, a worried look crossing over her own features. They don't seem... too bad...
Kyra muttered, and held up her staff. As she did that, she could see a faint, dark blue glow emitting from the older girl. Looking at the younger one, a light blue glow was showing, as Maria also held up her staff. Sweatdropping slightly, both women approached the two girls, who immediately stopped arguing and gave the older people before them a confused look.
Konnichewa, minna-san. Kyra said to the two girls. May I ask your name?
The shorter girl grinned. I'm Grace Dragondale! I know, it's a weird name, and I've heard all the insults, so don't bother commenting about it.
Liaka Tukuyomi. the taller girl said, watching the two women in front of her with a skeptical gaze. Who are you?
I'm Maria, and she's Kyra. Maria said, stepping in. Now, you two are the new Gem Warriors. You, Grace, are the new Beryl, and you, Liaka, will have the title of the new Sapphire. Because of this, it's your destiny to come with us. Maria said this with a serious expression on her face, looking like she wouldn't take no' for an answer.
Way to ham it up, Mari-chan.' Kyra thought, rolling her eyes. As she looked down at the two girls, Grace and Liaka, she realized that the girls were staring at them with slightly amused looks on their faces, which slowly turned to amazement as they realized that Maria was dead serious.
Wait a minute. Liaka asked, narrowing her eyes. Are you abducting us?
Woah... are you aliens? Are you going to abduct us for scientific experiments or something? Grace replied to Maria's little speech, a starry look in her eyes.
Kyra sighed once again, the brief thought of ridding the universe of all children crossing through her mind yet again, and she raised her staff. Maria did the same, and soon, both girls were covered with a fine mist, which soon put them to sleep. Concentrating, Kyra focused on bringing the new Sapphire back to Kaneoti, where she and Grace would meet Alan, and hopefully, the other new Gem Warriors.
There was a flash of light and dark blue light, and all four girls disappeared.
A/N: Ah, yes, GW 3 - 1 is finally finished! WYAHH! I'm so happy! Hmm... explanations, explanations... oh! You know how when Cody said Well, except for that time when that one kid called me an Oompa-Loompa' for the entire ninth grade...' THAT ACTUALLY HAS HAPPENED! My soccer team calls me an Oompa-Loompa'... and the other team thinks that it's actually my name! *sigh*
Oh, yeah, here's something that I forgot to do for all of the first and second sagas...: Digimon is © to Toei and Bandai. I don't own any of the characters, cept for the ones that I've made up, like Maria, Laura, Kyra, Derek, Jason... ect, ect.
Also, like I said, in the next part, everyone will be TWO YEARS OLDER! ^^; Just thought I'd mention that again for the slow ones out there.... ^^;;; Like me. ANYWAYS, the big arigatou section for today is: DCI, Cybra, HRW, Grace Dragondale, Liaka, Aquarius, Kate, ~Lys~, Seiitsu, ~Kay~, and ArcherXtreme. ^^;
As for ~Lys~, Cybra, Aquarius, and ~Kay~.... I'll finish this series if you finish/write sequel for yours... *dangles a copy of the to-be Gem Warriors, waits to see if anyone cares* ......well, if THAT doesn't work... *dangles an Izzy keychain(+ a Jyou keychain for Grace)* Well, how about THIS? *evil laughter*
^^ Arigatou for reading, and please review. Ja ne! Kyra-chan