Friend or FOE??
Disclaimer: My friends and I do not, I repeat DO NOT own in any way shape or form, Digimon, the only things in this story that we own are Alieda and Kyra!
Man, do I hate walking down this street! Aleida thought bitterly. It brings back too many unwanted memories. She glanced at the nearby apartment building and continued to frown.
Kyra paused in mid sentence that her friend wasn't paying any attention. She followed her gaze. "Isn't that where that boy genius lives?"
The two stopped to take a better look. Kyra folded her arms and frowned as well. "I bet he's so full of himself that he carries a pocket mirror in his hand every where he goes!"
Aleida shrugged. "He's not that bad. We used to play video games together."
Kyra burst out laughing.
"What?"
"You were friends with Ken Ichijouji?!" Kyra exclaimed. "You're dreaming!"
Aleida's gloved hands shook. "I'm not!"
"If that's true how come you never talk about it or talk to him at school?"
She blushed redder than her brick red hair. "That's because we're not friends anymore."
Kyra sighed. "He probably thought you'd want to take part of his new fame."
Aleida shook her head. "We just went different ways, that's all. Can we go now?"
"Why are you so uncomfortable around him?"
Aleida gritted her teeth. "I'm not."
Kyra wasn't fooled. She folded her arms across her chest. "I dare you to go up to his apartment and say 'hi' to him."
Aleida frowned.
"If you really aren't uncomfortable around him, then you wouldn't have a problem doing that..."
Aleida turned on her heel and stormed into the apartment building. I can't believe I'm doing this! She waited for the elevator to come. When it opened, she accidentally bumped into a girl. She wore a white and pink tank top with a camera around her neck. "Sorry about that."
The girl smiled. "That's okay."
Aleida had a feeling that she knew her, but it was impossible. She'd never meet her before. As the elevator went up to the 10th floor, she practiced what she would say. When the elevator door opened, she forced herself to approach the door. Taking a deep breath, she knocked. The door opened and a woman's head poked out. She was wiping tears from her eyes.
"Hello Mrs. Ichijouji," Aleida said nervously. "Is Ken home?"
She shook her head sadly.
"Is it Ken?" A man asked eagerly, poking his head through the kitchen doorway.
Mrs. Ichijouji shook her head. "It's Aleida Katomi."
He smiled. "It's been a while. Why don't you come in for a moment? I'm watching a football game."
Aleida grinned. "Sure." She looked up at Mrs. Ichijouji. "That is, if I can."
She nodded. Aleida hurried into the kitchen. Ken's dad was sitting at the counter, staring at the mini screen TV. She quickly pulled up a stool. "What happened to the big screen TV?"
He sighed. "It broke down. I sent it back for repairs."
Ken's mom entered the room sadly. Despite Aleida's love for football, she approached her. "Are you all right?"
At this, she burst into tears. Ken's dad lowered his head. "Ken's run away."
Aleida took a step back. "What? When?"
"Two days ago," he explained. "He left a note on his computer."
"May I take a look at it?"
He nodded.
She walked down the hallway and entered the room. It was dim and the lights didn't seem to want to work. This room sure has changed since I was last here, she thought as she took a seat at his computer. She frowned as she read the message left on his computer. That was rather harsh thing to write Ken! This looks more like an email than something he just typed up and left...I wonder if he sent it from another place...She clicked around, recalling some fancy computer skills he taught her...when they were still friends. Her cheeks burned as she remembered this, but she drove it from her mind. Her fingers ran across the keyboard, and soon she was doing things she didn't know how to do. It feels like...someone wants me to find him...but who? A few mintues later, she found her answer on a web page that was titled. Digi Port. Her forehead creased as she looked the page over. It said that the little screen she saw in the center (which showed a lush forest) was the Digital World.
"The Digital World? Is this some sort of joke?" She shrugged. "I doubt it, he never had much of a sense of humor." She eyed it curiously. It seemed vaguely familiar..."Is this where Ken is?" She continued to click around.
"There!" She said triumphantly. "I believe I've---"
Before she could finish her sentence, she was sucked into the computer.
* * * * * * "Woah!" Izzy exclaimed. "That's impossible!"
"What is?" T.K. asked.
"They must have outlawed those stupid hats," Davis teased. "Can't say I blame them."
"Oh shut up," T.K. growled.
Davis grinned, but said nothing more.
"Someone just went into the Digital World," Izzy said. "Without a digivice!"
"That's not possible," Kari said. "Is it?"
"I've never heard of such a thing before," Izzy admitted.
"Let's go," pipped Cody.
Everyone turned to look at Cody.
"We'll never figure out who it is unless we go."
Everyone continued to stare at him. Cody was more of a follower than a leader. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his D3. He held it out to the computer. His small figure faded and was sucked into the computer.
"Well," Davis said as he pulled his out. "The kid's got a point."
* * * * * * The Digimon Emperor reclined in his chair, wearing a devious smile. So, the DigiDestined want to play. About time! I was beginning to get bored! He thought to himself.
Wormmon, his own digimon, sat in the sidelines. He desperately wanted to please his Master, but Ken always pushed him away. A beeping noise alerted him to the computer. He crossed the room to the computer and glanced at it. A usual, Ken hadn't noticed.
"Master?"
Ken frowned. He hated having his thoughts interrupted. "This had better be important. You just made me forget a great plan."
"There's someone in the forest."
He shrugged. "It's the DigiDestined, that's all."
Wormmon shook his head. "No, it's someone else."
Ken frowned harder. His hand tapped on the console on his armrest. The pictures on the screens flashed. They now showed a girl with green eyes, red hair was pulled into two ponytails on either side of her head, a white T-shirt, light baggy blue jeans, yellow gloves, and dark blue sneakers. He leaned forward, his eyes narrowed. There's something familiar about that girl...His eyes suddenly widened. "No! It can't be!"
* * * * * * Aleida glanced at the terrian as she walked. It seemed all so familiar. She could have sworn she had been here before.
Suddenly, she heard a whirring noise. She looked up to see some sort of sea serpent with wings flying in her direction. Someone was standing on its head. She turned to run...then stopped. Something told her to stay where she was. Confused, she obeyed.
Eventually, the sea serpent landed and the person jumped off. It was a boy around her age. His hair looked as though it had been attacked by a weed whacker and she tried not to laugh. Still, his outfit and blue cape looked great and the glasses added to his mysterious personality.
He frowned. "What are you doing here?"
She met his gaze coolly. "What's it to you?"
"Are you aware you're on my property?"
She rose an eyebrow. "Aren't you a little young to rule a world?"
He briefly smiled. "You haven't changed at all..."
She folded her arms sarcastically. "Who the heck are you anyway? The grim reaper gone digital?"
"I am the Digimon Emperor."
She could no longer hold her laughter back.
He blushed. "What? I really am!"
She managed to contain herself. "And I'm Darth Vader!"
"I'm dead serious Aleida," he warned.
She froze. How does he know my name? Why do I feel like I've seen him before?
"I'm in control of all digimon. For instance..."
He snapped his fingers. Another flying sea serpent appeared and picked her up. He leaped into the air and landed on his mount's head. "What do you say we talk else where?"
* * * * * * "How are we supposed to find him?" Davis complained. "We've been wandering around for hours!"
"Quit your whining," Yolei said. "We've only been walking for twenty mintues!"
"You know Davis," T.K. said with a smirk. "If you had a hat like mine, you wouldn't be so tired."
Davis snorted. "I'd sooner join Ken's cause before I'd buy a stupid hat like that!"
"Don't joke like that," Izzy said sternly. "You might be giving him ideas."
"Ah, come on Izzy," Davis said. "He only control's digimon."
"Comforting thought," Veemon muttered.
"I wouldn't put it past him. He's one smart kid," Izzy continued. "There's no telling what he's planning this very second."
Davis broke into a grin. "You know Izzy, you may be right..."
"How so?"
"Perhaps he's plotting to turn T.K.'s hat against us!"
"Huh?!" Everyone asked, looking at him strangely.
"Yeah, and it'd have attacks like Fiber blaster! or Cotton Supreme!"
"Okay," T.K. whispered in Kari's ear. "Tell me again just how Davis was chosen to be a DigiDestined again?"
Kari giggled.
* * * * * * Aleida followed the Emperor into a large room full of screens. She didn't say a word. A caterpillar-like creature approached him. "Oh, it's good to see you Master." He looked at her. "Who's she?"
The Emperor sat in his chair. "Aleida Katomi."
She crouched in front of the creature. "What's you name?"
"Wormmon," the Emperor said automatically.
She glared at him, though he couldn't see it. "I think he's capable of answering such a question. Is he friendly?"
"Unfortunately."
"Good," Aleida said, scooping the digimon into her arms. Wormmon was surprised...but he rather liked it. He felt all warm and cozy and---
"PUT HIM DOWN!" The Emperor demanded.
Startled, she obeyed. "What's your problem?!"
"He's mine," he said in a tone that sounded like a spoiled child.
She frowned and walked toward him. "Are you usually like this?"
He ignored her.
She stepped in front of him. "Look, I've got to be going."
"Where to?"
"I'm looking for an old friend of mine," she blushed. "I wish I never accepted that stupid dare."
"What dare?"
She placed her hands on her hips. "I hardly think its's any of your business!"
He finally glanced at her. "You wouldn't happen to be looking for..." he paused as though he wasn't sure he wanted to go on. "Ken Ichijouji would you?"
She nodded in surprise / relief.
"Why are you looking for him?"
"Once again it's none of your business," she said. "But if you seen him, tell him his parents are worried sick about him."
He rested his chin on one hand. "What about you?" He asked with a teasing grin. "Are you worried about him?"
She gave him a dry look. "Just tell him okay?"
He paused for a moment, then looked away. "I've seen him."
"You have?"
He nodded. "But he doesn't want to go home."
"And how would you know?"
He glanced back at her with a smirk. "Now that's none of your business, now is it?"
At that moment, she could see through his glasses. His blue eyes sparkled mischievously.
"I'm leaving now," she announced. "Just tell him what I said okay?"
"Don't worry," he assured her, then softly added. "He knows..."
* * * * * * Davis stopped short. "What's that up ahead?"
The others paused to see what he was looking at. A was girl was walking, looking down at the ground.
"Get ready to digivolve," Davis said, looking at Veemon.
"Not so fast," Izzy said. "She doesn't have a Digimon."
"Is that possible?"
"She must be the one who entered the Digital World without a digivice," Cody pointed out.
Davis blushed. "I knew that."
T.K. rolled his eyes. "Of course you did..."
"Excuse me!" Yolei called out.
The girl looked up.
"Can we see you for a moment?"
The girl approached them. "I didn't know other kids lived here."
"We don't," Davis said, then thumped his chest. "We're the DigiDestined!"
"We've here to protect the Digital World," Kari said. "Please excuse Davis, he's not exactly humble."
"Aren't you the same girl I bumped into at the elevator?"
Kari nodded and held out a hand to shake. "I'm Kari Kamiya."
She shook it. "I'm Aleida Katomi."
"I'm T.K. " He said. "You're lucky the Digimon Emperor didn't find you first."
"Actually, he did, " she said, then frowned. "I guess you can say he gave me a tour of the place."
"The Emperor gave you a tour?" T.K. asked in puzzlement.
"It wasn't as though I had a choice," she said. "He sort of picked me up."
"How did you escape?"
She frowned. "I didn't, he let me leave. He proved to be of little help."
Izzy cocked his head. "Are you looking for something?"
She nodded. "Yeah, he was an old friend of mine."
Izzy took the guys in the group aside for a moment. "Do you remember her?"
T.K. shook his head. "Not that I can remember."
Davis sighed. "She's cute, it's a shame that she isn't looking for me."
T.K. rose an eyebrow. "I thought you liked Kari."
Davis glared at him, then broke into a devious smile. "What about Cathrine from France?"
T.K. blushed furiously, but didn't say a word. He wasn't about to give Davis any satisfaction.
"What about you Cody?"
Cody shook his head as well. "She used to babysit me, but she wouldn't come looking for me."
Izzy led the others back to the group. "Who are you looking for?"
"Ken Ichijouji."
"But he's the Digimon Emperor!" Davis spit out.
Her eyes widened. "How can that be? He was always so nice...at least, when we stayed in touch."
Davis's jaw dropped. "You're his girlfriend?!"
She blushed. "No, just friends...well...used to be anyway."
Cody frowned. "What do you mean?"
"When we were little, I used to be his best friend," she explained. "Perhaps his only friend. Anyway, once he became famous, he refused to speak or see me."
"How come?"
She shrugged.
"If he hasn't spoken to you for so long, how come you want to find him?" Izzy asked.
She blushed. "I'd rather not talk about it."
"You sure have weird taste in friends," Yolei muttered.
Aleida looked at her. "What makes you say that?"
"You haven't heard all the rotten things he's done?" Kari asked.
Aleida frowned. "No...what has he done?"
* * * * * * Wormmon approached Ken's chair. "Master, why didn't you tell her who you really are?"
He glared at him. "I have no desire to return home."
"But she risked her safety trying to find you---"
Ken arose. "I didn't ask her to do so."
Wormmon watched him walk away. "Where are you going?"
"I need to be alone. Take over for me."
Wormmon's expression brightened. Now's my chance to drive a---
Ken rested his hands on the doorknob. "Absolutely no driving."
Wormmon frowned. Another opportunity lost!
The Emperor entered the room and locked the door behind him. This was his home away from home. It looked similiar to his bedroom back home. He approached his bed and got to his knees. Unwanted memories ran through his head as he rummanged under his bed. Memories of how much fun he'd had when he and Aleida were friends. Ke knew that hadn't had as much fun since they parted ways. The fact that she managed to find him distrubed him slightly. Part of him had wanted to tell her, but if he had, he knew she'd ask him a bunch of questions that he didn't want to answer. At last, he found what he was looking for. He crawled out from under his bed and shook the dust out of his hair. This threw his glasses across the room. He was too distracted to even notice. In his hands, he looked at a photograph of the two of them in third grade. He couldn't help but smile. Times seemed so simple then. Once he realized that his glasses were off, he reached out and put them on. He stood up and shoved the picture in his pocket.
"Master?"
Ken glared at the door. "I said I wished to be alone."
"I don't mean to interrupt," Wormmon apologized. "But your friend is with the DigiDestined."
* * * * * * Aleida walked with Izzy and Davis on either side of her. Davis seemed to be in love and Izzy kept asking her questions. She found it very annoying.
"How were you able to enter the Digital World?"
She pushed him away. "Leave me alone!"
Surprised, Izzy fell to the ground. Kari helped him. "You should be more considerate."
Aleida sighed. "I'm sorry, it's just...I can't believe how much Ken has changed."
T.K. was surprised to see her tremble. They must have been really good friends.
"People change, you know," Cody said.
"From good to bad?"
Cody frowned. "I can't imagine him ever being good."
"You dind't know him as well as I did," she said coolly.
Suddenly, an evil echoed as a large dinosaur-type digimon approached them. The Emperor stood on his shoulder.
"It's him," Izzy said although Aleida all ready knew it.
"What type of digimon is that?" She asked.
"Deltamon."
"What's up with the red eyes?"
"That's what all digimon under his control look like," Kari explained.
The others took a step back, all except Aleida who walked forward. "Ken? Is that you?"
"The 'Ken' you refer to his no more," he laughed evilly. "I am the Digimon Emperor!"
"Talk about Doctor Jekell and Mr. Hyde," Davis muttered.
Yolei looked surprised. "You actually paid attention in English class?"
Kari placed a hand on Aleida's shoulder. "He's right."
"No! I won't accept that!" Aleida snapped and twisted away. "There's still some good in him! I know it!"
"But how?"
Aleida had a strange look in her eyes, almost as though she was seeing something beyond this world. "I have a feeling."
"I thought I told you to go home," the Emperor said.
"I never listened to you remember?"
He refused to admit that he did. "You had better this time."
"Friends don't threaten friends."
"We're not friends!" He snapped. "Even you admitted it!"
She took another step forward. "You aren't as evil as you think."
He smirked. "Wanna bet? Deltamon! Attack!"
A blaxe of fire headed towards Cody. Seeing his danger, she pushed him out of harm's way. Unfortunately, she took the force of the blow.
"NO!!" The others exclaimed as they gathered around her.
Ken cringed as he took a step back. I can't believe I just did that...
Davis glared at him. "How can you stoop so low as to nearly kill your own best friend?!"
This statement made Ken blushed. He recalled what Wormmon had said. He hated to admit it, but he was right. She had risked her safety to find him. He turned to Deltamon. "Bring her here."
The digimon reached out and gently gabbed her.
"What else are you going to do?" Davis snarled.
Ken didn't answer. He slid down Deltamon's arm and landed on his hand. He gingerly cradled Aleida in his arms. Leaping into the air, he landed on another flying serpent's head.
"Where's he thinking of taking her?" Davis growled.
Kari watched them leave. "I think I know where..."
* * * * * * Wormmon was surprised to see Ken carrying Aleida in his arms. She seemed to be unconcious. "What happened?"
The Emperor glared at him sternly. "I will only saw this once, so you had better listen."
Wormmon cringed.
Ken's expression softened and he even wore a small smile. "Thanks...for helping me to see the truth."
Wormmon was surprised and tried to hide his happiness. Aleida must have reached him! He had never met her when he first knew Ken, but he remembered how Ken would go on and on about their adventures in the Real World. It was her would made him want to visit the Digital World. Ken refused it, saying that the Real World was no place for a digimon.
Ken turned away and strode to his room. His computer was on, the Digi Port was open. He was distrubed to see this since when he left, his computer was off. Still, Aleida needed help. She stirred slightly, but didn't open her eyes. Shifting his hold on her, he held his digivice out to the screen. Before he knew it, he was back in his room in the Real World. He stared at his reflection in the mirror. It feels so strange to be home. What surprised him the most was how much he missed his old clothes and hair style. Then he realized that he wasn't holding Aleida. He looked frantically around the room. She wasn't anywhere to be found."
"Aleida!"
He flung his bedroom door open. She had just collasped into his dad's arms. It was then that his mom saw him.
"You're home!" She exclaimed as she rushed forward to hug him. He thought his ribs would break under the pressure. "I missed you so much!"
"I know mom," he gritted. Even those words were an effort to say.
"Ken, come here," his dad said calmly as though Ken had been home all along.
His mom released him. He was still trying to catch his breath as he approached his dad who carefully handed Aleida to him. "Take her to the car."
He nodded and helped her to the car. "Are you okay?" He whispered, desperate to know.
She moaned softly. "Yeah."
"We're taking you to the hospital. "You'll be all right."
She nodded, but didn't say a word.
His dad came within seconds and started the car. "Did you have fun?"
"I...guess so," Ken said. "Aren't you wondering where I was or how she got hurt?" He didn't understand. Parents weren't supposed to act like this.
"Of course I am," he admitted. "But if you feel that it isn't necessary to tell me, then I'll have to accept it. After all, I understand. You just needed to get away from the press. I knew you'd be safe."
Ken's eyes widened. That was one of his reason's for leaving.
His dad looked at him and smiled. "You should visit us, don't worry about the press finding out."
Ken sat silently. "Sure thing dad. I can try."
This time, he didn't dodge his dad's hand when he ruffled his hair.
* * * * * * Kari glanced around her to make sure that no one was following her. Once the coast was clear, she entered the hospital's waiting room. Just as she had expected, Ken was seated off to one side. He nearly had a heart attack as she approached him. Instantly, he glared at her. "What are you doing here?"
Kari sat down next to him. "Don't worry, I'm alone."
Ken grimaced as though he was sitting next to Wormmon.
"How is she?"
"She's in intensive care," he said. "Thanks to you meddling kids."
"It wasn't Cody's fault," she pointed out. "You can't blame him."
He snorted. "It wasn't my fault. It was Detlamon who fired the shot."
"True," Kari admitted. "But who was controlling the digimon?"
Ken blushed and glared at her. "What are you trying to do? Put me on a guilt trip?"
She shook her head. "No, I'm just saying that we all make mistakes."
Suddenly, T.K. burst into the room. Immediately see the two, he approached Ken with raised fists. "What do you think you're doing with Kari?!"
Ken stood up and shoved him. "Back off blondie! I'm not doing anything to your stupid girlfriend!"
"She's not my girlfriend!" T.K. growled.
Kari tried to seperate the two. "Stop it! Just because we're opponents in the Digital Worl doesn't mean we have to be enemies in the Real World!"
At last, the two broke up. T.K.'s hat was crumbled and Ken's hair was in disarray.
"What are you doing with this slimy creature?" T.K. demanded.
Ken scowled at him. "I prefer the term 'evil genius'."
"Oh yeah?" T.K. asked sarcastically. "I could care less what you prefer!"
Ken was on the edge of his seat once again. "I ought to put you out of your misery pal..."
"I ain't a pal of your's!"
"Stop it right now," Kari warned. "T.K., I came here to ask Ken---"
"Digimon Emperor," Ken corrected.
Kari's glance told him not to push it. "I wanted to know how Aleida was doing."
"I don't know yet," Ken said, narrowing his eyes at T.K.. "I won't know for some time."
"Thank you Ken," she said. "Tell us how she is later."
He watched with amusement as she dragged T.K. away.
"Some friend you are!" T.K. shouted. "You nearly killed me!"
Ken arose from his seat. "You DigiDestined are really going to get it!"
Then he noticed that everyone was staring at him. Blushing furiously, he sat down.
* * * * * * It was a few hours before he was allowed to visit her. Ken cringed as he entered the room. He took a seat next to her bed. A bandage was wrapped around her head, her skin was a shade darker than usual.
"It's a miracle she's still alive. If you hadn't brought her when you had, her chances of living would have been slim." the nurse said from the doorway. "She's lucky to have a friend like you."
He cringed once again. I'm no friend, he wanted to say. I'm the reason why she's like this to begin with! His mouth couldn't form the words.
She saw tears well up in his eyes. "Oh, I didn't mean to say that. I'll just leave you two alone."
Once she had closed the door behind him, he took Aleida's hand in his. No matter how hard he wanted to deny it, it was impossible. He was at a loss of words. This has happened before...he remembered when his parent's took Sam to the hospital, this very one, after the accident. He had been sitting by his side just like now, only younger. He remembered the nurse saying it was too late to save him. If only you had brought him sooner, his chances of living would have been higher. He lowered his head to hide the tears that emerged. How come chances are never in my favor? Why must I always lose those who are close to me? Who's next? He bit his lip. No, it's not going to happen again. Aleida will live. The nurse said so. Perhaps there is still hope left for me...only if I forsake my role as Digimon Emperor...hopefully it's not too late.
"I'm so so sorry," he said softly, although he knew she was asleep. "I lost Sam, I'm not about to lose you the same way."
"You won't."
He jumped and looked up to see her. She wasn't smiling, but she looked happy to see him. "You returned."
He nodded. "I couldn't leave you to die, you know that."
She grinned weakly. "I don't know. Weren't you ranting and raving a second ago that you could care less?"
He lowered his head in shame. "I'm sorry about that."
"It's been a long time huh?" She said, looking away. "Since we've seen each other."
"It has," he agreed and took a deep breath. "But that will end today."
She jumped. "Huh?"
"It's time to renew our friendship." He held out a hand. "What do you say?"
She paused.
He frowned. "What's the matter? I promise I'll never be the Digimon Emperor again. You have my word."
"It's not that," she assured him. "I can't lift my hand."
"Oh," he said blushing.
"But I agree."
He looked surprised. "Really? After all those nasty things I said ealier?"
"I knew you didn't mean them."
Ken was silent for a moment. "Thanks, for giving me second chance."
"I only have one question. It's about when you were the Digimon Emperor."
He braced himself. "What?"
"How on Earth did you manage to get your hair up like that?!"
To be continued...
Disclaimer: My friends and I do not, I repeat DO NOT own in any way shape or form, Digimon, the only things in this story that we own are Alieda and Kyra!
Man, do I hate walking down this street! Aleida thought bitterly. It brings back too many unwanted memories. She glanced at the nearby apartment building and continued to frown.
Kyra paused in mid sentence that her friend wasn't paying any attention. She followed her gaze. "Isn't that where that boy genius lives?"
The two stopped to take a better look. Kyra folded her arms and frowned as well. "I bet he's so full of himself that he carries a pocket mirror in his hand every where he goes!"
Aleida shrugged. "He's not that bad. We used to play video games together."
Kyra burst out laughing.
"What?"
"You were friends with Ken Ichijouji?!" Kyra exclaimed. "You're dreaming!"
Aleida's gloved hands shook. "I'm not!"
"If that's true how come you never talk about it or talk to him at school?"
She blushed redder than her brick red hair. "That's because we're not friends anymore."
Kyra sighed. "He probably thought you'd want to take part of his new fame."
Aleida shook her head. "We just went different ways, that's all. Can we go now?"
"Why are you so uncomfortable around him?"
Aleida gritted her teeth. "I'm not."
Kyra wasn't fooled. She folded her arms across her chest. "I dare you to go up to his apartment and say 'hi' to him."
Aleida frowned.
"If you really aren't uncomfortable around him, then you wouldn't have a problem doing that..."
Aleida turned on her heel and stormed into the apartment building. I can't believe I'm doing this! She waited for the elevator to come. When it opened, she accidentally bumped into a girl. She wore a white and pink tank top with a camera around her neck. "Sorry about that."
The girl smiled. "That's okay."
Aleida had a feeling that she knew her, but it was impossible. She'd never meet her before. As the elevator went up to the 10th floor, she practiced what she would say. When the elevator door opened, she forced herself to approach the door. Taking a deep breath, she knocked. The door opened and a woman's head poked out. She was wiping tears from her eyes.
"Hello Mrs. Ichijouji," Aleida said nervously. "Is Ken home?"
She shook her head sadly.
"Is it Ken?" A man asked eagerly, poking his head through the kitchen doorway.
Mrs. Ichijouji shook her head. "It's Aleida Katomi."
He smiled. "It's been a while. Why don't you come in for a moment? I'm watching a football game."
Aleida grinned. "Sure." She looked up at Mrs. Ichijouji. "That is, if I can."
She nodded. Aleida hurried into the kitchen. Ken's dad was sitting at the counter, staring at the mini screen TV. She quickly pulled up a stool. "What happened to the big screen TV?"
He sighed. "It broke down. I sent it back for repairs."
Ken's mom entered the room sadly. Despite Aleida's love for football, she approached her. "Are you all right?"
At this, she burst into tears. Ken's dad lowered his head. "Ken's run away."
Aleida took a step back. "What? When?"
"Two days ago," he explained. "He left a note on his computer."
"May I take a look at it?"
He nodded.
She walked down the hallway and entered the room. It was dim and the lights didn't seem to want to work. This room sure has changed since I was last here, she thought as she took a seat at his computer. She frowned as she read the message left on his computer. That was rather harsh thing to write Ken! This looks more like an email than something he just typed up and left...I wonder if he sent it from another place...She clicked around, recalling some fancy computer skills he taught her...when they were still friends. Her cheeks burned as she remembered this, but she drove it from her mind. Her fingers ran across the keyboard, and soon she was doing things she didn't know how to do. It feels like...someone wants me to find him...but who? A few mintues later, she found her answer on a web page that was titled. Digi Port. Her forehead creased as she looked the page over. It said that the little screen she saw in the center (which showed a lush forest) was the Digital World.
"The Digital World? Is this some sort of joke?" She shrugged. "I doubt it, he never had much of a sense of humor." She eyed it curiously. It seemed vaguely familiar..."Is this where Ken is?" She continued to click around.
"There!" She said triumphantly. "I believe I've---"
Before she could finish her sentence, she was sucked into the computer.
* * * * * * "Woah!" Izzy exclaimed. "That's impossible!"
"What is?" T.K. asked.
"They must have outlawed those stupid hats," Davis teased. "Can't say I blame them."
"Oh shut up," T.K. growled.
Davis grinned, but said nothing more.
"Someone just went into the Digital World," Izzy said. "Without a digivice!"
"That's not possible," Kari said. "Is it?"
"I've never heard of such a thing before," Izzy admitted.
"Let's go," pipped Cody.
Everyone turned to look at Cody.
"We'll never figure out who it is unless we go."
Everyone continued to stare at him. Cody was more of a follower than a leader. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his D3. He held it out to the computer. His small figure faded and was sucked into the computer.
"Well," Davis said as he pulled his out. "The kid's got a point."
* * * * * * The Digimon Emperor reclined in his chair, wearing a devious smile. So, the DigiDestined want to play. About time! I was beginning to get bored! He thought to himself.
Wormmon, his own digimon, sat in the sidelines. He desperately wanted to please his Master, but Ken always pushed him away. A beeping noise alerted him to the computer. He crossed the room to the computer and glanced at it. A usual, Ken hadn't noticed.
"Master?"
Ken frowned. He hated having his thoughts interrupted. "This had better be important. You just made me forget a great plan."
"There's someone in the forest."
He shrugged. "It's the DigiDestined, that's all."
Wormmon shook his head. "No, it's someone else."
Ken frowned harder. His hand tapped on the console on his armrest. The pictures on the screens flashed. They now showed a girl with green eyes, red hair was pulled into two ponytails on either side of her head, a white T-shirt, light baggy blue jeans, yellow gloves, and dark blue sneakers. He leaned forward, his eyes narrowed. There's something familiar about that girl...His eyes suddenly widened. "No! It can't be!"
* * * * * * Aleida glanced at the terrian as she walked. It seemed all so familiar. She could have sworn she had been here before.
Suddenly, she heard a whirring noise. She looked up to see some sort of sea serpent with wings flying in her direction. Someone was standing on its head. She turned to run...then stopped. Something told her to stay where she was. Confused, she obeyed.
Eventually, the sea serpent landed and the person jumped off. It was a boy around her age. His hair looked as though it had been attacked by a weed whacker and she tried not to laugh. Still, his outfit and blue cape looked great and the glasses added to his mysterious personality.
He frowned. "What are you doing here?"
She met his gaze coolly. "What's it to you?"
"Are you aware you're on my property?"
She rose an eyebrow. "Aren't you a little young to rule a world?"
He briefly smiled. "You haven't changed at all..."
She folded her arms sarcastically. "Who the heck are you anyway? The grim reaper gone digital?"
"I am the Digimon Emperor."
She could no longer hold her laughter back.
He blushed. "What? I really am!"
She managed to contain herself. "And I'm Darth Vader!"
"I'm dead serious Aleida," he warned.
She froze. How does he know my name? Why do I feel like I've seen him before?
"I'm in control of all digimon. For instance..."
He snapped his fingers. Another flying sea serpent appeared and picked her up. He leaped into the air and landed on his mount's head. "What do you say we talk else where?"
* * * * * * "How are we supposed to find him?" Davis complained. "We've been wandering around for hours!"
"Quit your whining," Yolei said. "We've only been walking for twenty mintues!"
"You know Davis," T.K. said with a smirk. "If you had a hat like mine, you wouldn't be so tired."
Davis snorted. "I'd sooner join Ken's cause before I'd buy a stupid hat like that!"
"Don't joke like that," Izzy said sternly. "You might be giving him ideas."
"Ah, come on Izzy," Davis said. "He only control's digimon."
"Comforting thought," Veemon muttered.
"I wouldn't put it past him. He's one smart kid," Izzy continued. "There's no telling what he's planning this very second."
Davis broke into a grin. "You know Izzy, you may be right..."
"How so?"
"Perhaps he's plotting to turn T.K.'s hat against us!"
"Huh?!" Everyone asked, looking at him strangely.
"Yeah, and it'd have attacks like Fiber blaster! or Cotton Supreme!"
"Okay," T.K. whispered in Kari's ear. "Tell me again just how Davis was chosen to be a DigiDestined again?"
Kari giggled.
* * * * * * Aleida followed the Emperor into a large room full of screens. She didn't say a word. A caterpillar-like creature approached him. "Oh, it's good to see you Master." He looked at her. "Who's she?"
The Emperor sat in his chair. "Aleida Katomi."
She crouched in front of the creature. "What's you name?"
"Wormmon," the Emperor said automatically.
She glared at him, though he couldn't see it. "I think he's capable of answering such a question. Is he friendly?"
"Unfortunately."
"Good," Aleida said, scooping the digimon into her arms. Wormmon was surprised...but he rather liked it. He felt all warm and cozy and---
"PUT HIM DOWN!" The Emperor demanded.
Startled, she obeyed. "What's your problem?!"
"He's mine," he said in a tone that sounded like a spoiled child.
She frowned and walked toward him. "Are you usually like this?"
He ignored her.
She stepped in front of him. "Look, I've got to be going."
"Where to?"
"I'm looking for an old friend of mine," she blushed. "I wish I never accepted that stupid dare."
"What dare?"
She placed her hands on her hips. "I hardly think its's any of your business!"
He finally glanced at her. "You wouldn't happen to be looking for..." he paused as though he wasn't sure he wanted to go on. "Ken Ichijouji would you?"
She nodded in surprise / relief.
"Why are you looking for him?"
"Once again it's none of your business," she said. "But if you seen him, tell him his parents are worried sick about him."
He rested his chin on one hand. "What about you?" He asked with a teasing grin. "Are you worried about him?"
She gave him a dry look. "Just tell him okay?"
He paused for a moment, then looked away. "I've seen him."
"You have?"
He nodded. "But he doesn't want to go home."
"And how would you know?"
He glanced back at her with a smirk. "Now that's none of your business, now is it?"
At that moment, she could see through his glasses. His blue eyes sparkled mischievously.
"I'm leaving now," she announced. "Just tell him what I said okay?"
"Don't worry," he assured her, then softly added. "He knows..."
* * * * * * Davis stopped short. "What's that up ahead?"
The others paused to see what he was looking at. A was girl was walking, looking down at the ground.
"Get ready to digivolve," Davis said, looking at Veemon.
"Not so fast," Izzy said. "She doesn't have a Digimon."
"Is that possible?"
"She must be the one who entered the Digital World without a digivice," Cody pointed out.
Davis blushed. "I knew that."
T.K. rolled his eyes. "Of course you did..."
"Excuse me!" Yolei called out.
The girl looked up.
"Can we see you for a moment?"
The girl approached them. "I didn't know other kids lived here."
"We don't," Davis said, then thumped his chest. "We're the DigiDestined!"
"We've here to protect the Digital World," Kari said. "Please excuse Davis, he's not exactly humble."
"Aren't you the same girl I bumped into at the elevator?"
Kari nodded and held out a hand to shake. "I'm Kari Kamiya."
She shook it. "I'm Aleida Katomi."
"I'm T.K. " He said. "You're lucky the Digimon Emperor didn't find you first."
"Actually, he did, " she said, then frowned. "I guess you can say he gave me a tour of the place."
"The Emperor gave you a tour?" T.K. asked in puzzlement.
"It wasn't as though I had a choice," she said. "He sort of picked me up."
"How did you escape?"
She frowned. "I didn't, he let me leave. He proved to be of little help."
Izzy cocked his head. "Are you looking for something?"
She nodded. "Yeah, he was an old friend of mine."
Izzy took the guys in the group aside for a moment. "Do you remember her?"
T.K. shook his head. "Not that I can remember."
Davis sighed. "She's cute, it's a shame that she isn't looking for me."
T.K. rose an eyebrow. "I thought you liked Kari."
Davis glared at him, then broke into a devious smile. "What about Cathrine from France?"
T.K. blushed furiously, but didn't say a word. He wasn't about to give Davis any satisfaction.
"What about you Cody?"
Cody shook his head as well. "She used to babysit me, but she wouldn't come looking for me."
Izzy led the others back to the group. "Who are you looking for?"
"Ken Ichijouji."
"But he's the Digimon Emperor!" Davis spit out.
Her eyes widened. "How can that be? He was always so nice...at least, when we stayed in touch."
Davis's jaw dropped. "You're his girlfriend?!"
She blushed. "No, just friends...well...used to be anyway."
Cody frowned. "What do you mean?"
"When we were little, I used to be his best friend," she explained. "Perhaps his only friend. Anyway, once he became famous, he refused to speak or see me."
"How come?"
She shrugged.
"If he hasn't spoken to you for so long, how come you want to find him?" Izzy asked.
She blushed. "I'd rather not talk about it."
"You sure have weird taste in friends," Yolei muttered.
Aleida looked at her. "What makes you say that?"
"You haven't heard all the rotten things he's done?" Kari asked.
Aleida frowned. "No...what has he done?"
* * * * * * Wormmon approached Ken's chair. "Master, why didn't you tell her who you really are?"
He glared at him. "I have no desire to return home."
"But she risked her safety trying to find you---"
Ken arose. "I didn't ask her to do so."
Wormmon watched him walk away. "Where are you going?"
"I need to be alone. Take over for me."
Wormmon's expression brightened. Now's my chance to drive a---
Ken rested his hands on the doorknob. "Absolutely no driving."
Wormmon frowned. Another opportunity lost!
The Emperor entered the room and locked the door behind him. This was his home away from home. It looked similiar to his bedroom back home. He approached his bed and got to his knees. Unwanted memories ran through his head as he rummanged under his bed. Memories of how much fun he'd had when he and Aleida were friends. Ke knew that hadn't had as much fun since they parted ways. The fact that she managed to find him distrubed him slightly. Part of him had wanted to tell her, but if he had, he knew she'd ask him a bunch of questions that he didn't want to answer. At last, he found what he was looking for. He crawled out from under his bed and shook the dust out of his hair. This threw his glasses across the room. He was too distracted to even notice. In his hands, he looked at a photograph of the two of them in third grade. He couldn't help but smile. Times seemed so simple then. Once he realized that his glasses were off, he reached out and put them on. He stood up and shoved the picture in his pocket.
"Master?"
Ken glared at the door. "I said I wished to be alone."
"I don't mean to interrupt," Wormmon apologized. "But your friend is with the DigiDestined."
* * * * * * Aleida walked with Izzy and Davis on either side of her. Davis seemed to be in love and Izzy kept asking her questions. She found it very annoying.
"How were you able to enter the Digital World?"
She pushed him away. "Leave me alone!"
Surprised, Izzy fell to the ground. Kari helped him. "You should be more considerate."
Aleida sighed. "I'm sorry, it's just...I can't believe how much Ken has changed."
T.K. was surprised to see her tremble. They must have been really good friends.
"People change, you know," Cody said.
"From good to bad?"
Cody frowned. "I can't imagine him ever being good."
"You dind't know him as well as I did," she said coolly.
Suddenly, an evil echoed as a large dinosaur-type digimon approached them. The Emperor stood on his shoulder.
"It's him," Izzy said although Aleida all ready knew it.
"What type of digimon is that?" She asked.
"Deltamon."
"What's up with the red eyes?"
"That's what all digimon under his control look like," Kari explained.
The others took a step back, all except Aleida who walked forward. "Ken? Is that you?"
"The 'Ken' you refer to his no more," he laughed evilly. "I am the Digimon Emperor!"
"Talk about Doctor Jekell and Mr. Hyde," Davis muttered.
Yolei looked surprised. "You actually paid attention in English class?"
Kari placed a hand on Aleida's shoulder. "He's right."
"No! I won't accept that!" Aleida snapped and twisted away. "There's still some good in him! I know it!"
"But how?"
Aleida had a strange look in her eyes, almost as though she was seeing something beyond this world. "I have a feeling."
"I thought I told you to go home," the Emperor said.
"I never listened to you remember?"
He refused to admit that he did. "You had better this time."
"Friends don't threaten friends."
"We're not friends!" He snapped. "Even you admitted it!"
She took another step forward. "You aren't as evil as you think."
He smirked. "Wanna bet? Deltamon! Attack!"
A blaxe of fire headed towards Cody. Seeing his danger, she pushed him out of harm's way. Unfortunately, she took the force of the blow.
"NO!!" The others exclaimed as they gathered around her.
Ken cringed as he took a step back. I can't believe I just did that...
Davis glared at him. "How can you stoop so low as to nearly kill your own best friend?!"
This statement made Ken blushed. He recalled what Wormmon had said. He hated to admit it, but he was right. She had risked her safety to find him. He turned to Deltamon. "Bring her here."
The digimon reached out and gently gabbed her.
"What else are you going to do?" Davis snarled.
Ken didn't answer. He slid down Deltamon's arm and landed on his hand. He gingerly cradled Aleida in his arms. Leaping into the air, he landed on another flying serpent's head.
"Where's he thinking of taking her?" Davis growled.
Kari watched them leave. "I think I know where..."
* * * * * * Wormmon was surprised to see Ken carrying Aleida in his arms. She seemed to be unconcious. "What happened?"
The Emperor glared at him sternly. "I will only saw this once, so you had better listen."
Wormmon cringed.
Ken's expression softened and he even wore a small smile. "Thanks...for helping me to see the truth."
Wormmon was surprised and tried to hide his happiness. Aleida must have reached him! He had never met her when he first knew Ken, but he remembered how Ken would go on and on about their adventures in the Real World. It was her would made him want to visit the Digital World. Ken refused it, saying that the Real World was no place for a digimon.
Ken turned away and strode to his room. His computer was on, the Digi Port was open. He was distrubed to see this since when he left, his computer was off. Still, Aleida needed help. She stirred slightly, but didn't open her eyes. Shifting his hold on her, he held his digivice out to the screen. Before he knew it, he was back in his room in the Real World. He stared at his reflection in the mirror. It feels so strange to be home. What surprised him the most was how much he missed his old clothes and hair style. Then he realized that he wasn't holding Aleida. He looked frantically around the room. She wasn't anywhere to be found."
"Aleida!"
He flung his bedroom door open. She had just collasped into his dad's arms. It was then that his mom saw him.
"You're home!" She exclaimed as she rushed forward to hug him. He thought his ribs would break under the pressure. "I missed you so much!"
"I know mom," he gritted. Even those words were an effort to say.
"Ken, come here," his dad said calmly as though Ken had been home all along.
His mom released him. He was still trying to catch his breath as he approached his dad who carefully handed Aleida to him. "Take her to the car."
He nodded and helped her to the car. "Are you okay?" He whispered, desperate to know.
She moaned softly. "Yeah."
"We're taking you to the hospital. "You'll be all right."
She nodded, but didn't say a word.
His dad came within seconds and started the car. "Did you have fun?"
"I...guess so," Ken said. "Aren't you wondering where I was or how she got hurt?" He didn't understand. Parents weren't supposed to act like this.
"Of course I am," he admitted. "But if you feel that it isn't necessary to tell me, then I'll have to accept it. After all, I understand. You just needed to get away from the press. I knew you'd be safe."
Ken's eyes widened. That was one of his reason's for leaving.
His dad looked at him and smiled. "You should visit us, don't worry about the press finding out."
Ken sat silently. "Sure thing dad. I can try."
This time, he didn't dodge his dad's hand when he ruffled his hair.
* * * * * * Kari glanced around her to make sure that no one was following her. Once the coast was clear, she entered the hospital's waiting room. Just as she had expected, Ken was seated off to one side. He nearly had a heart attack as she approached him. Instantly, he glared at her. "What are you doing here?"
Kari sat down next to him. "Don't worry, I'm alone."
Ken grimaced as though he was sitting next to Wormmon.
"How is she?"
"She's in intensive care," he said. "Thanks to you meddling kids."
"It wasn't Cody's fault," she pointed out. "You can't blame him."
He snorted. "It wasn't my fault. It was Detlamon who fired the shot."
"True," Kari admitted. "But who was controlling the digimon?"
Ken blushed and glared at her. "What are you trying to do? Put me on a guilt trip?"
She shook her head. "No, I'm just saying that we all make mistakes."
Suddenly, T.K. burst into the room. Immediately see the two, he approached Ken with raised fists. "What do you think you're doing with Kari?!"
Ken stood up and shoved him. "Back off blondie! I'm not doing anything to your stupid girlfriend!"
"She's not my girlfriend!" T.K. growled.
Kari tried to seperate the two. "Stop it! Just because we're opponents in the Digital Worl doesn't mean we have to be enemies in the Real World!"
At last, the two broke up. T.K.'s hat was crumbled and Ken's hair was in disarray.
"What are you doing with this slimy creature?" T.K. demanded.
Ken scowled at him. "I prefer the term 'evil genius'."
"Oh yeah?" T.K. asked sarcastically. "I could care less what you prefer!"
Ken was on the edge of his seat once again. "I ought to put you out of your misery pal..."
"I ain't a pal of your's!"
"Stop it right now," Kari warned. "T.K., I came here to ask Ken---"
"Digimon Emperor," Ken corrected.
Kari's glance told him not to push it. "I wanted to know how Aleida was doing."
"I don't know yet," Ken said, narrowing his eyes at T.K.. "I won't know for some time."
"Thank you Ken," she said. "Tell us how she is later."
He watched with amusement as she dragged T.K. away.
"Some friend you are!" T.K. shouted. "You nearly killed me!"
Ken arose from his seat. "You DigiDestined are really going to get it!"
Then he noticed that everyone was staring at him. Blushing furiously, he sat down.
* * * * * * It was a few hours before he was allowed to visit her. Ken cringed as he entered the room. He took a seat next to her bed. A bandage was wrapped around her head, her skin was a shade darker than usual.
"It's a miracle she's still alive. If you hadn't brought her when you had, her chances of living would have been slim." the nurse said from the doorway. "She's lucky to have a friend like you."
He cringed once again. I'm no friend, he wanted to say. I'm the reason why she's like this to begin with! His mouth couldn't form the words.
She saw tears well up in his eyes. "Oh, I didn't mean to say that. I'll just leave you two alone."
Once she had closed the door behind him, he took Aleida's hand in his. No matter how hard he wanted to deny it, it was impossible. He was at a loss of words. This has happened before...he remembered when his parent's took Sam to the hospital, this very one, after the accident. He had been sitting by his side just like now, only younger. He remembered the nurse saying it was too late to save him. If only you had brought him sooner, his chances of living would have been higher. He lowered his head to hide the tears that emerged. How come chances are never in my favor? Why must I always lose those who are close to me? Who's next? He bit his lip. No, it's not going to happen again. Aleida will live. The nurse said so. Perhaps there is still hope left for me...only if I forsake my role as Digimon Emperor...hopefully it's not too late.
"I'm so so sorry," he said softly, although he knew she was asleep. "I lost Sam, I'm not about to lose you the same way."
"You won't."
He jumped and looked up to see her. She wasn't smiling, but she looked happy to see him. "You returned."
He nodded. "I couldn't leave you to die, you know that."
She grinned weakly. "I don't know. Weren't you ranting and raving a second ago that you could care less?"
He lowered his head in shame. "I'm sorry about that."
"It's been a long time huh?" She said, looking away. "Since we've seen each other."
"It has," he agreed and took a deep breath. "But that will end today."
She jumped. "Huh?"
"It's time to renew our friendship." He held out a hand. "What do you say?"
She paused.
He frowned. "What's the matter? I promise I'll never be the Digimon Emperor again. You have my word."
"It's not that," she assured him. "I can't lift my hand."
"Oh," he said blushing.
"But I agree."
He looked surprised. "Really? After all those nasty things I said ealier?"
"I knew you didn't mean them."
Ken was silent for a moment. "Thanks, for giving me second chance."
"I only have one question. It's about when you were the Digimon Emperor."
He braced himself. "What?"
"How on Earth did you manage to get your hair up like that?!"
To be continued...