Author's Note: Thank you DarkBalance for being my Beta for this chapter.
Starless
Chapter 1
A blonde boy sat down beside a large bonsai tree. His soft brown eyes looked at a book sitting on his knees. The author was Takeru Takaishi and the title read: Daisuke's After Story.
"Honey, I'll be inside if you need me," Hikari shouted from afar.
"Alright momma."
The boy smiled as he opened the book to the first page to find a quote.
No one knows how much your life can change. No one can ever predict their future no matter how much they try to shape it. This is the story of how I earned my six stars – Daisuke Motomiya.
Not even a week after the defeat of BelialVamdemon. The world was beginning to change, but unfortunately, that change did not come easy. Sacrifices needed to be made and no one took that sacrifice as hard as Daisuke Motomiya, the leader of the Chosen Children, did.
"That's not fair," Daisuke sounded as if he was ready to cry. "They did nothing wrong! What did they do wrong?" The world seemed rather cruel to Daisuke. The glare in his eyes told the tale of his feelings. His heart broken, his soul being emptied into an abyss, and the pain just growing deeper. Denial was his only way of coping with the pain.
"I told you to stay calm," Gennai, with his eyes closed, raised up his right hand.
Daisuke clenched his fist, feeling his nails dig into his skin as it tightened. "Why can't we allow them to stay? Didn't people already know about Digimon before? Why now? Why this? Why?"
"Daisuke-san!" Gennai raised his voice and the leader cringed, "yes, the world has known about Digimon. For three years, they have known. But back then, it wasn't an issue to them. The world thought Digimon was just a phase and that they would never return. That Digimon would disappear."
"But—."
"Let me finish," Gennai spoke up again. "Times have changed. Daisuke, there are more Chosen Children than ever in history. I realize that the Chosen Children have been around for a while, but now the world knows about them. Daisuke, there is a new wave of Chosen Children. This wave is much larger than anything that came before. In three years, we had eight Chosen Children turn to hundreds. Now, there may be thousands or even millions coming. Most of them will be children."
"Does that matter? What about me!?" Daisuke slapped his chest and yanked on his shirt, "I'm not even a teenager yet!"
"It was luck," Gennai spoke harshly. Confusion took over Daisuke's anger. "We are lucky. Lucky that we have had children, kind children, become Chosen Children so far. Children and teenagers willing to fight a peaceful world... Daisuke-san, you were one of those. You were selfless, caring, and loved everything that brought peace and light to the world. But not everyone is going to be like that. People aren't all nice, I think you know that best. There may be Chosen Children who want to cause harm. Any kid becoming a Chosen Child could be the next Digimon Emperor."
"But it won't happen!"
Gennai placed his hand on Daisuke's shoulders. "Humans and Digimon are both unpredictable. Both can be evil, and both have unstable individuals. Please understand that I don't want to turn on the news to hear how one kid with a Digimon went crazy and told his Digimon to attack people... do you?"
Daisuke did not answer, just sat down on the park bench where Gennai had chosen to meet. Daisuke shook his head and imagined Ken as Emperor then the scene of his team when they lost to BlackWarGreymon.
Finally, Gennai said the words Daisuke knew were coming.
"The world isn't ready for Digimon right now."
A pain surged through his chest. "When will it be?" he asked, petulantly.
"Who knows," and Gennai replied seriously, but disheartened. "Ten years," Daisuke flinched. "Maybe more. Many governments don't care for Digimon, but they know that we, as people, do not have the technology allow a Digimon to live in human society. What do we do when a strong Digimon attacks? What do we do if a group of people use their Digimon to terrorize others?" Daisuke couldn't answer. "It needs time. The world needs to advance first for humans to successfully coexist with Digimon." Gennai sat beside Daisuke, "Laws need to be made first, and a process followed to turn Digimon into citizens."
"They're not humans though."
"But not all humans are Chosen Children," Gennai looked up at the cloudy sky. "Terrorism, murder, all these things you may know so little about, do we just allow Digimons to get away with the same crimes? Or do we punish the Chosen Children? If we don't think about this then now, when it happens, what will be the solution?" Daisuke buried his hands into his face. "It may take ten years, but in that time, we can build a fair world where Digimon can live among us in peace and no one can ever fear the other. Or would you rather have a world where V-mon is looked at as a monster?" Daisuke gasped upon the realization that maybe the world isn't ready for Digimon right now. "You're young and I realize that you may not know how things work. But assimilation is not an easy task as proven by history."
Finally, Daisuke gave a small nod.
"I believe with patience we will get the outcome we all hope for. We will be able to see children go to the school with their Digimon. Learn about them and maybe even the other way around," Gennai smiled, saddened.
Daisuke let out a small painful chuckle. He had a defeated look on his face, a look he never thought he would make. He grabbed his chest as This was it, he needed to accept it. He needed to come to terms that Digimon and humans cannot coexist just yet. The pain was building up in his heart. Feeling like the pain was tearing his heart from the inside. He grabbed his chest as a response and told himself 'accept it' repeatedly. But the pain grew, and tears formed in the corner of his eyes from him, but he did not let them fall. He refused to cry and let him emotions dictate reason. But once his deep breaths turned to calm ones. He hesitated to speak, fearing he would break down, but after one final long breath, he asked, "what's the plan?"
"Some people I work with will find the Chosen Children around the world and negotiate with them. Hopefully they all will understand and give their Digimon up."
"Will you mention the possible ten years?" Daisuke glared.
"It's only a possibility that it will take ten years. It could take longer," Daisuke didn't want to hear that. "I believe a time frame that is already vague will make people have high expectations. High expectations to something that is vague—."
"I understand!" Daisuke interrupted, "move on."
"Hopefully, when all the Chosen Children's Digimon are gathered, the world will announce the ban of Digimon on Earth…"
"Until the government can fight against the Digimon!"
"Leaving that part out will avoid any riots or rebellion from breaking out, something this plan does not need. But don't worry, I plan on being the one who creates the proper weapons to fight against the dangerous Digimon. I won't let the weapons be built by those who have no care for a Digimon's life." Gennai told him, but there was no bright side for Daisuke at this moment. "Just to warn you. There may be some protest at first, but the goal is to safely remove all Digimon."
"What about the ones who hide their Digimon?"
"We will find them sooner or later. Our technology is improving," Gennai's eyes went cold, "but if it's needed and force needs to be taken, I will do everything in my power to make sure all Digimon go to the Digital World."
"And what will happen to the Chosen Children who decided not to give their Digimon so easily."
"For there to be peace in this situation, I cannot allow punishment to go towards the children. I do not want to create criminals, only a peaceful transition," Although, the information was relieving, there was still a fury burning in Daisuke's heart.
"It's not fair," Daisuke gritted his teeth. "I don't get it. They protect everyone. Digimon protected the people of this planet and we will just ban—."
"Humans are being banned from the Digital World," And like that, it felt as if Daisuke's heart had been torn in two. He was too stunned to respond. "I will negotiate with the Chosen Children and their Digimon. Make sure that both parties are comfortable with their long departure."
"I won't get to see V-mon anymore…"
Gennai hesitated, "That's right," he nodded, "you probably can talk to him through messaging and—."
"But I won't be able to see him. Hold him. Be with him!" Daisuke's eyes built up tears. The memories, the great memories, began to pour. "That's not… Digimon can't be on Earth. And you… you expect me… to…" he gasped. His eyes widened, and his eyebrows furrowed. The Digital World, his accomplishment, his friends were all being torn away from him at once and there was nothing he could do about it. "No… no! That's not right!" He stood up and clenched his fist.
"Daisuke!"
"He saved the world, we saved the world!"
"Try to understand—."
"We fought—."
"I know it's unfair!" Gennai snapped. Daisuke could only swallow his sorrow. It finally was let out, his tears and pain, only left as a crying mess. "I did what I could and tried my best. I didn't want this, but it must be done. We cannot have access to the Digital World while banning them from coming here. Right now, we must remove the Digimon from Earth as fast as possible. That will lead to the Digimon's proper return to Earth." Gennai walked over and embraced Daisuke in comfort. "Will it be fair to ban Digimon here and not ban humans to the Digital World? Will the Digimon accept something that unfair?"
"N-no," Daisuke's voice cracked.
"I did my best. You did your best, but do not lose hope," Gennai smiled as Daisuke's sobs subsided. "There are a lot of people who will accept Digimon who want to accept them. Some may not be Chosen Children themselves. Those are the people that will bring both worlds together. And I promise you that Digimon will be able to live among us."
Daisuke gave a light nod and Gennai broke the hug. He put his hand on Daisuke's shoulder. He tightened his grip to get Daisuke's full attention. "You and V-mon will reunite. You both will walk among the world freely and happily. No fear, no paparazzi, no strange looks… a world where both Digimon and humans live among each other..."
"It will just take time," Daisuke finished the sentence and Gennai gave him a sad nod. So many things Daisuke wanted to argue about. So much screaming and yelling he wanted to let out. He didn't want V-mon to go, but it had to be done. "Will I be able to tell him goodbye?"
"You have to by the end of the day. And the other Chosen Children will too."
Suddenly his jacket pocket felt heavy. He reached and took out his D-3. Looking at his reflection in the black screen, he called himself 'pathetic' seeing his tearful face. At that moment, his goggles became heavy. What has once represented so much lost all its meaning. They made him a leader, but he wasn't a leader anymore. It was his pride and what made him stand out. It didn't mean anything anymore and that hurt the most.
"I can accept a world without Digimon," Daisuke put away his digivice, "I can live without seeing a Digimon for the rest of my life," he grabbed his goggles, holding them fondly. "It's going to be difficult to live in a world where I'm not a Chosen Child. A world without V-mon who wasn't just a Digimon, he was my Digimon."
"He will always be your Digimon. This is just a temporary goodbye," Gennai closed his eyes, "you understand that all this must be done for peace?"
Daisuke nodded, he made the decision there that he will not allow his selfishness to destroy the peace he and his friends fought for. "I wish things would be different. I wish Digimon could live with humans now."
"I do too," Gennai whispered and placed his hand on top of Daisuke's head, "I do too."
One final tear streamed down Daisuke's cheek. At the same time, he took off the goggles from his head. The heavy goggles were now light, but they hurt to hold. They hurt him more than anything in his life ever did. "I'm not a leader anymore, eh?" He sadly smiled before beginning to sob. Gennai was left to comfort him.
The memories flowed. Vividly, Daisuke could remember each moment he had with his Digimon. Fladramon saving Hikari from Monochromon, Lighdramon, battles with the Emperor, BlackWarGreymon, Imperialdramon, Daemon, and finally, BelialVamdemon. But one memory stuck out more than the others. A memory that hurt the most. A memory that was innocent and happy. The memory of when Daisuke was given the title leader and goggles by Taichi. A memory that is now heartbreaking to remember.
It felt more like an execution day than a goodbye. Daisuke didn't get to do much with the short time he was with V-mon, mostly because V-mon didn't want to do much. Now time was ticking to the moment where Daisuke may never see his Digimon for a decade to come.
Did he cherish his last moments with V-mon well? Yes. He played video games, ate junk food until they collapsed, and watched a movie. Despite receiving the news early on, V-mon did not care. He said that all he cared for was for Daisuke to be safe.
As for the other Chosen Children, Daisuke does not know how they exactly took the news. He heard Mimi didn't go to school because she was crying and Yolei was the most difficult to convince.
Now it was time for V-mon and Daisuke to say their farewells.
The moon was bright in the sky, acting as a source of light to see through the dark streets of Odaiba. They headed to the direction where their final goodbye will take place.
My name is V-mon.
His first introduction, the day Daisuke became a Chosen Child and the day his life changed. It was so blissful to remember and until now, Daisuke could not even fathom how much it meant to him. V-mon had done so much for him, it seemed impossible to repay him. Even if Daisuke's friendship was enough, it wasn't to Daisuke.
"V-mon, do you want to go out to eat anywhere?" Daisuke asked as they walked down the sidewalk.
"No," V-mon shook his head causing Daisuke to lower his head.
"Anything?"
"I'm okay, Daisuke-kun."
Daisuke clenched his fist. "Just something."
"Daisuke-kun," Like Gennai, V-mon raised his voice to silence the leader. Daisuke had tears streaming down his face, dripping to the ground. Despite the depressing scene, V-mon could smile. "I want you to be happy." The Chosen Child stopped the sobbing and looked at his Digimon with surprise. "I want you to be happy from here on out. And don't worry, I will see you one day."
Daisuke widely smiled, "R-right," he wiped his tears, "you will."
The wind softly blew, "Goodbyes are hard, huh?" V-mon asked, and Daisuke gave a sad nod. "I have always told you goodbye. Back when I lived in the Digital World. Those goodbyes never hurt. So, this one can't."
"But," Daisuke sniffed, "I won't see you for a very long time."
"I waited for you for a very long time," V-mon said and Daisuke's eyes widened. "I waited and waited. Not knowing who you were, but I knew you would come. I think I waited millions of years or Digital World years, maybe… sorry I was never good at math. But I waited. Waited a long time." He reached and held Daisuke's hand. "I will wait again so you can be safe. I'll be able to handle this one."
"V-mon…"
V-mon let go of Daisuke's hand, "I will miss chocolate. The Digital World doesn't have stuff like that, but I think I will manage," he joked, and Daisuke nodded with tears flowing down his cheek. "I will miss video games, I never beat your high score in Pac-Man. Jun, even if you don't like her, I found her fun. Your mom's cooking, playing soccer, sleeping with you, takings baths, running in the rain," as V-mon went on, Daisuke had a pained look on his face. "Snacks, running in the snow…" V-mon stopped. "Huh?" He went to touch his cheeks which were wet. It took him a moment, but he realized what was going on. "Oh. So, this is how you feel?"
Daisuke finally broke and hugged V-mon as hard as he could. V-mon broke into sobs, sobs he was holding in for a very long time. "I'm going to miss you!" Daisuke cried and whimpered. "Everyday. Everyday I'm going to miss you. I may be okay later, but I'm going to miss you. And when you return… I promise I will love you as much as I do now. I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry that we must separate! That I didn't get to do as many things as I should have. I'm sorry… V-mon, I love you."
And they both, in the cold winter night, sobbed together, an experience they never had before. "Daisuke-kun," V-mon warmly said as Daisuke embraced him tighter. "Promise me you won't cry every day for me. I don't want you to be sad.
Daisuke separated from the hug but put his forehead over V-mon's. "I won't cry," he wiped the tears from his eyes before meeting V-mon's. "I promise I will never forget you. And I will wait to reunite." Daisuke showed his pinky.
"I promise I will wait too," V-mon and Daisuke both pinky swore before having a joyful tearful laugh. "Can I ask you something, Daisuke?"
"What?" Daisuke sniffed.
"Be happy," V-mon held Daisuke's hand. "Be happy forever. I want you to be happy while I'm gone and when I come back, still be happy. I don't know much about humans and their life, but I know happiness is important. I want you to be happy. Do things that make you happy. I want you to be safe," he hugged Daisuke, "Never suffer and never put yourself through so much pain. I want you to smile when I return."
"V-mon… I promise," Daisuke, letting out a few tears, hugged V-mon. He rested his head on V-mon's shoulder, nuzzling his soft blue skin. "I will be happy from now to when you return and forever… promise."
"Sounds good like ice cream," V-mon pressed his forehead against Daisuke, "you are the best person I have ever met."
Daisuke pressed closer, "And you are the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. I will miss you."
V-mon could only reply with an "I know." They both sat down in the middle of the sidewalk at night, crying and confessing many things. Even if it was short, they wanted their goodbyes to hurt less. Finally, after a few sobs and chats, the walk to V-mon's departure resumed. Neither said a word, nor did they cry any tears. Daisuke did glance a few times at V-mon wondering if he would break down again, but he didn't.
And the memories poured in, but they didn't hurt. All the fights they had. The moments with V-mon Daisuke knew he will never forget like teaching V-mon soccer. How to dribble a ball, caring for smaller Digimon, and playing video games.
They both may have been silent, but it meant so much. They accepted that they would now be separated. They were happy too, happy about their adventure and lives together, although it was short.
It was funny really, it all started with Daisuke getting jealous of Takeru and aspiring for Hikari's attention. All that and he became the fated Chosen Child. That's how he met V-mon, a stranger with an already close bond.
For a moment, Daisuke wondered if V-mon was all a dream. If it was all an amazing dream. That after V-mon leaves, he will wake up, go to school, meet Hikari briefly, never meet Takeru and consequently never meet Yolei or Iori. Never become good friends with Hikari or any of the other Chosen Children later. That would be a nightmare to find out it was fake. He was happy with this outcome, he regretted nothing.
"I don't regret this," like they read each other's mind and said in unison.
A smile ran through their face before arriving at the park with Gennai, the place they would say their final goodbye.
Only with Gennai there, it was a perfect ending to their friendship. Not another person in sight and both having the privacy Daisuke wanted. V-mon loved it too, for Daisuke to be the final human he sees for a long time.
"Ready?" Gennai asked with a sad look.
"Yes," Daisuke could wipe one last tear dangling from the edge of his eyes. He turned to V-mon and was about to say one last thing, but nothing came out. They already had said their goodbyes and repeating would only hurt, "go," was all he said.
"Bye," V-mon nodded and walked to Gennai.
Daisuke-kun, a single memory appeared in Daisuke's head, what is a Digimon to a human?
What do you mean?
Well, I see that you and Ken smile and talk a lot. Call each other friends. Same with Hikari, TAKERU, and the other humans. So, what am I?
You are my Digimon…
The portal opened from below as the Digital World reflected on it. Daisuke clenched his fist and bit his lower lip. "V-mon!" Daisuke screamed. Gennai looked back confused as V-mon did not turn around, only flinched.
But...
"You are my greatest friend!"
V-mon lowered his head and walked above the portal as a beam of light rose. Gennai looked away and cringed in pain as the light of the portal consumed V-mon. He looked back at Daisuke and smiled with a few tears in his eyes.
The light burst and faded, taking V-mon away. Daisuke smiled one last time while closing his eyes.
He collapsed to his knees and shed the tears he held back. The tears poured, they poured more than before. He cried so much that his throat hurt. Ten years, longer, maybe never. He may never see V-mon, but deep in his mind, he knew that if they never meet then they will remember each other. They both shaped each other's lives.
It was over, the adventure was now over. A new one had begun, and Daisuke knew it. It may be less tamed, and less action packed, but Daisuke was willing to prepare. His normal life had begun, or so he thought…
Was it easy? No.
Giving up V-mon was never going to be easy. It was much harder than Daisuke had expected. He stood, at the peak of the midnight, in front of the mirror of his room. His cheeks red from the crying and his goggles dangling by his neck. He took them off and looked at his reflection. "It's time I take a break." He said before walking over to his bed.
Gently, he placed the goggles on top of his nightstand beside his digivice. He turned away wondering if they will ever be used again. But the thought was quickly diminished the moment he remembered V-mon. The goggles meant nothing to him without his Digimon.
He turned his night lamp off and drowned himself in the darkness of his room, resting on his bed, laying his head on a pillow and hugging the warmth of his blankets. His heart ached the moment he reached his hand out to find no one was beside him. It became cold that very moment, but it wasn't by the winter's night.
Tomorrow is a new day, Daisuke remembered his mother's words. Reciting them in his head as if he was counting sheep. Look forward to the next day because it means the day before is in the past.
And with one final recite, the 'former' leader went into a silent slumber. While in the sky, six stars twinkled.
My name is Daisuke Motomiya. This is where my adventure as leader ended and where my new adventure began. There's so much I can say, but I don't have time to tell you myself. It may take long to get everything down, but I'll be brief. My friends and family will be a big part of this new adventure.
This is the adventure of how I would gain six stars in my life. – Daisuke Motomiya
Daisuke lived by the words of 'you either catch up or you stay behind.' The thing was that Daisuke stood still as everything moved. In the two weeks since the Digimon were convinced to return to the Digital World. He waited and waited the whole time. But things flowed like usual and time did not wait for Daisuke.
The world was a strange place. It acted like Digimon did not exist. And for Daisuke, the world was boring again.
It was Friday, so there were packs of people in the mall. Daisuke was sitting down at a bench with a strawberry slushy in hand. He slightly squeezed the cup and tasted the sweet flavor of the drink. Once the cold overtook his mouth, he removed his lips from the straw and took a deep breath. He stared at the clock at the central pillar of the mall, it read 3:45.
Daisuke looked down at the crowd of people, counting how many times he saw the same person before they disappeared. Once bored, he looked down and concentrated on the conversation's others were having. Many topics could be heard and each he pretended to be a part of to satisfy his boredom.
Soon, one voice took over all the other's voices, "and the loser got a brain freeze!" The voice was cocky and sounded directly over Daisuke's head. His eyes looked up to find it was none other than his older sister Jun. "Daisuke Motomiya ladies and gentlemen. The one who proclaimed to win the soccer's championships as a kid will now perform his most useful trick. The frowniest face—."
"I get it!" Daisuke closed his eyes and frowned. "Are you done?" He opened his eyes angrily.
"With the joke or the mall?" Jun asked.
"That was a joke?" Daisuke snorted and looked up at his sister. "Shuu-san was right. You have no sense of humor."
Her eyes widened in shock before turning into a fiery rage that frightened Daisuke. "Don't mention that traitor! How dare he get a girlfriend that isn't me!" Jun held her sleeves and slightly pulled them.
"You said the same thing about Yamato-kun— Never mind! Are you done shopping?" Daisuke huffed.
"Silly brother," Daisuke's sister returned. "A girl is never done shopping in one hour," she mocked waving her bags around. It annoyed him how many bags she had because none were for him. He only was at the mall to accompany Jun in her monthly shopping.
That led him to ask, "Why am I here again?" He put his palm on his cheek.
Jun pat his shoulder, "Because you and I need some bonding. Fighting and arguing can get quite boring."
"Yeah, because you don't have a boyfriend to—." Jun hit the top of his head, "ow," he rubbed his head.
"It's also good to get you out of the house. Mom is worried that you are staying in your room too much." Jun's words could not be more correct. Daisuke cannot deny that he is slowly becoming a shut in. Accepting V-mon's departure is much harder than he anticipated, and it is currently taxing on him. Sometimes, he cries himself to sleep.
"I will be better," is all he could say. But he was half lying. As much as he wanted to live a normal life, which he is, accepting it is difficult. Just weeks ago, he saved the world and now he is a citizen in a place that seemed to have forgotten Digimon existed.
"Why don't you ask out that girl and get a girlfriend… who was it? Hikari-san?" Daisuke blushed upon Jun's question. "Didn't you brag about how you were going to be her boyfriend by the end of fifth grade."
"I—I was only playing around. I don't like her that way." It was the Chosen Children stuff that got in the way. Yes, he was going to ask out Hikari back then. But he isn't shallow anymore and sees Hikari as a friend. Back then, he thought she would be the best girlfriend because she is 'cute'. That has passed and now he is mature when it comes to girls. Really, he is less interested in them currently.
Jun moaned, disappointed. "You spent all summer whining this and that about this girl, and NOW you choke?"
Daisuke remembered the whining. He had wanted to date Hikari because he thought it would make his ordinary life more fun; V-mon accomplished that and so much more. His Digimon became his top priority.
Daisuke closed his eyes and immediately saw V-mon's joyful smile. He bit his lip and glared at his sister, "Hikari-chan likes Takeru-san… you know, YAMATO'S brother." He put a heavy emphasis on Yamato to annoy Jun and force her to change the topic.
"Stop mentioning traitors!" Jun covered her ears and shook her head. "H-he… he will one day go out with me!"
"Yeah, when he dies from kissing Sora," Daisuke snorted only to receive a punch to the top of his head. "Ow! No violence in public," he moaned while rubbing his injured head.
Jun rubbed her knuckles as Daisuke's pain faded. At the same time, the crowd of people in the center began to diminish.
Jun's fake fury faded and sighed, indicating to Daisuke that the sister talk was going to begin. "Little bro, you still miss him… V-mon?"
Not a word was said by Daisuke. But once Jun sat down next to him, he began, "I guess it's somewhat what you feel with Yamato. Y'know, excluding the dating stuff. I just, I loved the little fella."
His eyes watered, and Jun stared before snickering, "Pfft," and she got Daisuke's attention. "It's not the same idiot. I like Yamato because he is famous. You and V-mon were like brothers or at least that is what mom said." Daisuke stared, "shame I never got along with the little guy. He probably would have been a better brother."
Daisuke smiled warmly before grinning and laughing. "He would have made an amazing sister."
Jun laughed before fading to seriousness. "I can't say to get over it. If I say that then I would be a hypocrite," she stood up and fixed her shirt. "I just want you to have fun. You have no time to be depressed right now, we're shopping."
"What can I possibly get?" Daisuke got up despite his opposition with shopping.
Jun looked around the mall's center before smirking, "a haircut." Daisuke blinked, "come on! You have weird hair. It looks like an explosion. I think you can get a better hairstyle."
He raised a brow, "says the human firecracker," he laughed before Jun began to pull on his cheek aggressively, "Okay! Okay! I'm sorry!"
Jun let go and grunted, "such a rude brother. Y'know hair is the most precious thing to a girl and insulting it could lead to death. You should think about that when you get married."
Daisuke rubbed his cheeks, "I won't marry a fire—." He stopped the moment he saw Jun's death glare. He crossed the line already and he wasn't about to do it again. And that moment, he thought, I can't tell who is worse… her or Miyako-san.
"I'm never getting a haircut," Daisuke commented before smiling, "I know what you can buy me…"
"What is it?" Jun asked. Before could answer she pointed. "And don't say taking you home!"
"I would like a VirtualKid," Daisuke pointed up and Jun looked to the see a game store.
Jun blinked before disappointedly turning to Daisuke, "I can get you cologne, so you can find a girlfriend—."
"You said you would buy me something!" Daisuke argued.
"No!" Jun poked Daisuke's forehead. "I did not! I said we are here to shop. There is no way I'm buying you a console, so you can lock yourself in your room."
"It's a handheld," he corrected, and Jun turned around, "hey!"
"He wouldn't want to see you sad," Jun told which made Daisuke stop. "V-mon. Look, I know this sounds cliché and obvious. But he wouldn't want to see you sad. Be happy."
Daisuke looked down and the crowd of people became silent to him.
There are many things Daisuke could have said to Jun. A comment on her dating life, a snarky remark, a joke, changing the subject, angrily screaming at her, and walking away. But what came out was, "I'm trying."
And that was all it needed to be said so Jun could understand. She knew Daisuke was not exactly in a situation that could be solved with one talk. She blushed and simply replied with, "come on little bro. I'm going to get more bags and I'm going need you to carry some." The sisterliness response she could give him.
Daisuke didn't nod, smile or frown. He followed Jun up the escalator, feeling guilty about ruining an experience for Jun. As they trailed up, Daisuke looked at the crowd of people below. Seeing all types of people. Some smiling, frowning, minding their own business, or conversing. Despite the natural look, he thought how great it would be if they had Digimon among them.
In the break of his small fantasy, something caught the corner of his eye. He turned to the water fountain in the middle and saw a small figure moving around people's feet. It was white, ghost-like body with two spikes on its back, red eyes with black outlines around them and two long antennae.
He didn't need Koushiro to determine that it was a Digimon.
The Digimon glided around people's feet, quickly enough to not get attention from anyone around. Daisuke looked around to see if other people noticed before passing his sister in the escalator. "Daisuke!?" She gasped as he ran to the top of the escalator before running down the other.
Upon passing his sister again, he said, "I need to go see something. I'll catch up with you!" He told her.
Jun was going to say something, but Daisuke was already running down the stairs. He ran into the crowd of people, bumping into some before arriving at the water fountain. Casually, at least to him, he looked around to see where the Digimon was.
He found the Digimon beside a woman's bag. Hiding and quivering before Daisuke sat down next to it not to gather attention. He quickly swooped the Digimon away from the bag and covered its mouth. Daisuke quickly received a small bite and let out a small "ow," before running to the nearest bathroom. Luckily it was empty, so Daisuke safely let the Digimon go.
The Digimon growled and glared at Daisuke, ready to strike. "Hey little guy," Daisuke had no time to explain and knew he needed to make friends to the Digimon before he begins to attack. "What are you doing here?"
"You know what I am?" The Digimon pointed to himself dumbfounded.
"A Digimon, right?" Daisuke grabbed the little Digimon and held him up, "can I get your name?"
"I'm Pitchmon!" He answered kindly.
Daisuke wanted to ask so many things. Seeing a Digimon for the first time in weeks was amazing enough. But the excitement faded the moment he realized that Pitchmon needed to return to the Digital World. "Do you have a partner?"
"Yes, yes I do!" Pitchmon nodded.
"Would you mind telling me who it is?" Daisuke asked. It was a stupid question for the simple fact that Daisuke will not know everyone in the world.
"Her name is Rei-chan. She's the strongest partner anyone could ever have!" Pitchmon cheered. Daisuke giggled upon hearing him hype up his own partner. It reminded of the times V-mon would hype him up.
"Rei-san…" Daisuke spoke before grabbing Pitchmon close, thinking he heard someone come in. He waited until he heard nothing, but silence, "would you mind telling me what you were doing?"
"Rei-chan went shopping," Pitchmon's antennae fell. "I lost where she was, and I waited by the fountain. I always wait there because she always goes there when we come here. She always told me to wait and she'll come," he lowered his head in shame. "She told me not to get caught."
"Kinda hard in a public area," Daisuke could only be thankful that he found Pitchmon. Anyone else and the situation may have turned violent. But he couldn't deny the reality that sooner or later he must report Pitchmon. It won't be fair for other Chosen Children who already gave up their Digimon to allow Pitchmon to stay. The task seemed impossible since how innocent and cute Pitchmon looked. He was so loyal like V-mon, it made Daisuke not want to relive the departure again. But also, there something in the back of Daisuke's mind; that the Digimon was abandoned. And that would be more devastating.
"Would you like it if I help you find Rei-san?" Daisuke suggested.
"Oh! That would be amazing!" Pitchmon's face lit up, he raised his arms and spun around.
"But you can't move!" Daisuke touched Pitchmon's head down to stop him from bouncing. "I'll carry you like a stuffed animal and once you see Rei. Tell me quietly, is that fine?" Pitchmon nodded.
"But one question," the Digimon raised his fin. "What's a stuffed animal?"
The question was so off it made Daisuke laugh. "Just don't move when I'm carrying you." He chuckled and put Pitchmon against his chest. He opened the stall and jolted out of the bathroom. As he made his way back into the crowd, he looked for anyone who could resemble a Rei. He didn't know how she looked like, but his main goal was to find her as casual as he could. He walked around the center of the mall at a pace where he could see many people walking around. The thought occurred, if this Rei truly abandoned Pitchmon. How hurt Pitchmon would feel and how Daisuke would make it worse if he ends up turning him in.
The thought of V-mon's departure struck him, and he did not want Pitchmon to suffer something worse. He was loyal and deserved better, but in the end, it would be the same result, Pitchmon would be taken away.
"Do you see Rei-san?" Daisuke asked avoiding his emotions from taking over.
"No," Pitchmon answered softly.
Daisuke kept moving among the crowd hoping to find Rei or for Rei to find him. The problem came that there were a second floor and many parts of the mall. Being in one place doesn't increase his chance. But he had to find Rei, but what were the chances of her still being at the mall?
The other scenario that appeared was Jun. Daisuke knew that Jun would not stay in the mall forever and she will come looking for him. That would raise a different issue.
Suddenly Pitchmon began to wail around, "Rei…" he said, but Daisuke covered his mouth trying to not draw any attention to the people around. Pitchmon and Daisuke looked forward.
There was a young brunette with short hair, but a small ponytail. She had on black long sleeve top, denim skirt with black leggings and white sneakers. She held a large bag strapped to her right shoulder. Overall an average girl.
She looked nervous and agitated as if she was trying to find someone. "Is that Rei?" Daisuke made sure and Pitchmon nodded furiously.
Daisuke began to casually walk towards Rei. He did not know what he was going to say. It did help that she looked younger, about nine like Iori, but the scenario could be that she becomes aggressive. Upon closer inspection, he saw small tears in the corner of her eyes. The comfort of seeing her as a Chosen Child who lost their Digimon raised Daisuke's confidence. He paced forward before arriving in front of Rei, "hey."
Rei looked back, confused, but her expression completely changed upon sighting Pitchmon. Her mouth opened in a smile and her tears faded. She had pure happiness and looked like as if she was going to burst. Daisuke grabbed her shoulder and leaned. "Can we go somewhere else? There are people around and you don't want them seeing a Digimon."
Rei swallowed her excitement and nodded happily. Daisuke led the way out the crowd of people, Rei followed while looking happily at her Digimon. They both arrived in an arcade and Daisuke walked to the back where there wasn't anyone playing. It was perfect because it was dark too.
The shallow neon light was the only source of light they had, but it was good enough. Once noticing no one around, Daisuke turned to Rei, "You could have lost him."
"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Rei repeated as Pitchmon jumped off Daisuke's arms and onto Rei's. "I thought I lost you Pitchmon."
"I thought I lost you, but I knew I would find you. I knew you would find me… Rei-chan," Pitchmon had innocent tears in the corner of his eyes.
"Of course, I was… you're my Digimon." Rei held her Digimon to her face before embracing it more.
Daisuke smiled at the heartwarming sight. As lovely as it was, it still hurt because of V-mon. Wishing it was him and V-mon instead. But despite his slight jealousy, he was still happy that they somehow found each other.
"I don't think there's a way to thank you enough," Rei smiled at Daisuke who could only nod.
"Uh… yeah…" it was strange to him, talking to a stranger so casually. He shuttered, "I found the little guy by the fountain and he seemed lost so—."
"You're Daisuke-sama!"
And his words were taken out his mouth the moment Rei said his name.
"Yeah. You're Daisuke-sama!" Genuine amazement filled Rei's soft green eyes. It was the face of a child meeting their long-time hero.
"You know who I am?" Daisuke tried to recall ever meeting Rei, but nothing came up.
"You're the leader!" She paused, "yeah! You're the Chosen Children's leader! Pitchmon, this is Daisuke… the one!" Rei shook her Digimon to look at Daisuke.
"The leader Daisuke-sama?" Pitchmon looked closely, "that's so cool!" He cheered.
All the while Daisuke was trying to comprehend what just occurred. Never in his life he thought he would meet a fan. He went back to his own school and everyone behaved the same as usual. No one showed interest in him as a Chosen Child. He always thought that there wasn't anyone in the world, much less in Japan, that admired him or knew who he was.
"How could I not notice you at first?" Rei giggled and leaned to look closely at Daisuke's face. "You don't have your goggles…" she stated tilting her head.
Daisuke did, in his pocket. He carried them around for some reason. Yet he has not put them on since V-mon left because he couldn't. "I took them off a while back." He answered, but still had questions, "asking… where did you hear about me?"
"Online!" Rei jumped. "People talked about meeting the leader of the Chosen Children themselves. Some had pictures of you and I saw you for the first time. After that, I got Pitchmon and my digivice," Rei took out her D-3 which had gray handles and a red body. It took Daisuke by surprise to see another Chosen Children with a D-3. Nostalgia quickly hit him, and he remembered the times V-mon digivolved. "It was so cool to find out you lived in Odaiba. I wanted to meet you. Can you tell me how it was?" She hopped closer to Daisuke.
"Huh?" Daisuke blinked, confused.
"How was it being a Chosen Child? I wanted to be one myself, but I never got the chance," her eyes showed the pain of disappointment which made Daisuke guess she may know about the ban. "But I would love to hear about you. You were the leader and all, I bet the stories are amazing."
The thought of a fan still left Daisuke without words. It was astounding to meet someone who adored him and as much as Rei was even more shocking. "Where do I begin…" he nervously whispered and rubbed the back of his neck. Trying to come up with something was harder than it looked. He didn't want to say the wrong thing to Rei.
"How did you become a leader?" She spoke up.
The question was more specific and much easier to answer. "I was with two other Chosen Children at the time. I got my digivice and went to the Digital World for the first time. That's where I met V-mon." And the pain was restored. "Then Hikari-chan, another Chosen Child, was attacked by a Monochromon. And my Digimon saved her. The former leader gave me…" stopping short from mentioning his goggles. "He made me the next leader." He refused to mention his goggles since it may give Rei the wrong idea. Taking off his goggles long ago meant he wasn't leader and Rei thinking she has a chance may be dangerous. Daisuke wasn't going to mention how he quit, most likely because Rei doesn't know herself.
"Former leader?" Rei's jaw fell, "there can be more leaders!?" She put up her fist with a wide smile cracked on her face as her eyes sparkled.
"I don't know that myself," Daisuke knew he made a mistake mentioning Taichi, but he couldn't promote the chance of another leader to Rei. The fact that she has her Digimon now is bad enough but becoming a Chosen Children's leader could lead to more danger."
"The next leader may be cool, but you will be the coolest!" Rei walked over and grabbed Daisuke's hands. It was relieving to see that Rei was not interested in the role. It was enough to calm the former leader down from any escalation.
"I know I am cool, BUT not that much," Daisuke fake laughed while Rei let go of his hands. But the thought has not gone away since meeting Rei, he knew one day Pitchmon would be ripped away from Rei. But how loving Pitchmon was towards Rei made it harder to accept. "Rei did—."
"Can you tell me about your adventures? I want to know what you experienced!" Her glowing admiration was impossible to ignore and to deny.
She was a real fan admiring him. The thing he wanted, but never got was happening in front of him. "Ahem," he coughed. "I fought this guy named the Digimon Emperor one time. He was a human who entrapped Digimon." What am I doing? "And I decided to be the one to stop him. My Digimon and I went to fight him alone and his evil creation." Why am I getting her hopes up? She must get rid of her Digimon or else... "He actually golden digivolved to this amazing Digimon. It was a long and hard fight, but we beat it. At that moment, V-mon was the strongest Digimon I knew."
It hurt. Not the memory, but what he had done. Giving Rei more motivation to become this Chosen Child she desires to be. What made it worse was when she asked, "where's your Digimon?"
Daisuke pretended as if he didn't hear a word, "Um… what?" He tilted his head foolishly.
"If you don't mind me asking, where if you Digimon?" Rei questioned.
Does she not… know? Daisuke pondered seeing the girl waiting for an answer. "Rei-san…" V-mon's departure popped up. "My Digimon is at home. He doesn't like the mall too much and he felt sick. Eating chips last night until he could barf. He is at home." He put up facade, but inside guilt succumbed him.
"Oh okay, can I hear more about your adventure?" Rei became a fan again.
"I mean my best times happened here on Earth and everyone knows those in some way. I fought across the world and met other Chosen Children. I don't think there is anyone who doesn't know about the final battle…" he paused. "There's not much to talk about."
"You must have more stories. I know you do." Rei calmly argued with Daisuke
"I do have a lot…" he looked away.
"So, tell them," Rei tugged on Daisuke's hand. He looked back and faced the young admiring girl once more.
"Your parents must be worried sick by now," he said like a grown up. "I think you should go find them," trying his best to sound mature.
"One more," her admiring eyes just made Daisuke's knees feel like noodles, but he held on.
"Last one," he whispered and huffed, "Tch! I don't really like telling this one," returning to his cocky attitude. "I mean it was my story, but this other guy took the credit. So, Hikari got stuck in this metal city. I had to go save her of course because I am the leader and all, but one of my other friends decided to come. If it wasn't for me then we wouldn't have saved her. BUT in the end, the other guy got all the credit."
"But didn't you save her?"
"That's what I was trying to say. She didn't even appreciate that I—," Daisuke began to laugh, "I did my best to make sure she came safely." How fun it was to tell stories when he thought about it. It still pained him when realizing what he was doing, but seeing her smile was refreshing. "I deserve all the credit. But who cares, the other guy is in the back stealing all my credit as I was on the frontlines being the hero."
"Sounds like this guy is in the way."
"Look at that, something we can agree on," Daisuke snorted and shook his head. "I'm kidding. He was the best teammate anyone could ask her. Really, we both saved her deservingly. She was safe and sound. That's all that mattered to me." And before Rei could speak, "now speaking of girls being safe and sound," he smiled, "we need to get you to your mom."
"Right," Rei nodded her excitement withering away, but her happiness in an all-time high.
"You know where they are?" Daisuke hoped she did. He did not want another finding game involving Rei this time. It would look much weirder and be more difficult.
"I know where they are. I can go to them right now," Rei held Pitchmon up to her mouth and whispered at him before placing him inside her bag. "It was good meeting you, Daisuke—."
He quickly remembered something, "H-hey!" He interrupted looking down. "I… um… I think we should meet up sometime."
A blush ran through Rei's face as Daisuke became aware. "No, no, no! Not that way— Look, I think it's best if we meet up. I can tell you about my days as a Chosen Child and maybe even teach you."
"You would!?" Like the last thing he said was all she could hear. Daisuke slowly nodded knowing he was taking a risk. "Yes! That would be awesome. Okay! Um? Do you know where's Kite's Ice Cream shop?"
"There's a lot," Daisuke informed.
"Do you know where… erm… Old Rental Games is at?"
"You mean the one by the bridge?" Daisuke asked, and Rei nodded. "Yes, it's not that far from where I go to school."
"Yes! I would love if you get to meet me there every day like at…" she began to think, "5 PM, I promise I will come."
It felt wrong, "it's a promise," it all felt wrong.
"See you there, Daisuke-sama," Rei giggled and turned around. Running off away from him. He didn't think about her as she was leaving, but only of her Digimon. I… I couldn't turn him in. Daisuke thought to himself until Rei was out of his sight. She exited the arcade and Daisuke was left in the back alone.
"What have I done?" He put his head and the first time since giving up V-mon, he felt guilty. The memory returned, and it pained him so much that tears threatened to fall from his eyes once again. But he refused from V-mon's promise, so he took a deep breath and exit the arcade himself.
Not wanting to think about anything that occurred, he started his search for Jun. The crowd of people was smaller, but it still wasn't easy to look through them all. He looked at each one wondering if Jun is going to pop up.
"Stupid brother!" Her voice echoed from afar. Daisuke looked up to the second floor as his older sister waved and said, "Come up here."
"Alright," he nodded and gave a sharp fake smile. He went on the escalator, but before going up, in the corner of his eye, he saw Rei going into a store and meeting in the front what looked like her parents. Daisuke wondered if Rei's parents knew about Pitchmon and if Rei knew about the Digimon Removal process.
He didn't say a word until he arrived at the top where Jun had her arms crossed, frowning. Did she see me with Rei? Was Daisuke's first thought upon walking towards Jun who put her hands on her hips.
"You stormed out of nowhere!"
"I was— I was at the arcade!" He had to come up with something, might as well with the easiest excuse. "I just wanted to be away from you, okay? No one likes being around you."
Once again, the small insult took over the conversation. Jun, disgusted, turned around, "you're just a rude little brother. Now respect your elders."
"You're fourteen!"
"I'm an adult," Jun smacked her chest.
"A teenager…" he corrected, "a childish one at best." Jun pulled on his ears aggressively. "Ow, ow, ow. Okay! I'm sorry!"
Once she let go, Daisuke rubbed his ears in comfort. "Can we go home?" He begged.
"No, I need to buy new shoes…" Jun huffed.
"Why? Because you're stinky—." He stopped himself upon seeing Jun's death glare. "You have enough shoes!" He quickly corrected himself to avoid pain.
"I do not," Jun then put two bags right in front of Daisuke's feet. "Daisuke, carry them for me."
Wanting to retort, he knew arguing would just make the time to the mall last longer, he decided to stay silent. "Right," he said and picked up the two bags. Jun blissfully smiled and skipped away to the next store.
Daisuke sighed and looked back down at the store Rei went into wondering if she was still there. When he saw she wasn't there, it made him happy. But sadness overtook him as the thought of seeing Rei, happy and kind, become sorrowful pained him. And as much as he didn't want that to happen, he knew it was going to.
