Disclaimer:
Author's Note:
I honestly have no idea how I came up with this . . . call it early morning inspiration. The gist of this is take the movie "Pleasantville", a pretty good movie with an original concept, but instead of being sucked into some 50's television show – two teens are sucked into Digimon series. I wrote the first two chapters while on vacation (yep –two!) and this is the first series I have an actual outline for. Yay! I wanted to an action/adventure type thing really badly, since I'm considering to cancel A Forgotten Past – it's just not going anywhere. Thanks and please review!A/N:
I have nothing against the second season (Huzzah for Ken and Davis!), I just thought the first one would be a lot more fun to work with. This kind of takes place in the Myotismon arc.Important Note Concerning "A Story of the Future":
I will get around to finishing it! I have big plans for it, but I haven't had the time to concentrate on writing it. I've had rehearsals and a lot of other excuses. It will get done!*****
A young man slowly entered his home after a long day. He shook his sandy colored hair before dumping his bag by the front entrance. Wearily he made his way to the living room prepared to collapse in front of the television. He was very willing to become a mindless zombie.
He strode into his home and quickly glancing at the kitchen table. He saw a note. Must be from Mom. He lazily picked it up and glanced it over.
Kyle- Had to take your sister to tryouts. Will bring dinner home.Love Mom
He gave a mental good luck to his sister. Water polo was a bitch of a sport to get into.
The tall young man reached for the remote and carelessly clicked through the station. He reached into the pocket of his navy blue school blazer and pulled out his watch. The band was broken and he didn't have time to buy a new one. His eyes lit up as he saw the hour.
Perfect timing.
His mind seized control as he clicked onto the desired channel. The opening theme song just started."D-D-Digimon, Digimon . . . "
Kyle instantly sighed and relaxed further into the couch. "Good a classic," he muttered to no one in particular. The picture shown had been one of a well-known anime leader spinning across the screen. Kyle knew this theme song by heart. He knew the episode line up for this show. In fact Kyle could pass any quiz given based on the program.
Yep, Kyle was a hard core Digimon: Digital Monsters fan.
He was never big on anime, but Digimon somehow captured his interest. When the show first came on, he caught on to it as a fluke, but soon was visiting a few websites here and there, which then progressed to writing stories. Kyle was in every sense a Digimon fan.
He could tell you the basic Japanese translations, he had his couple opinions, and he at first disliked the second season, but soon grew to love it like the first. Kyle couldn't tell you his favorite character right off the bat, but he could say he didn't like Davis right away. Currently, Kyle was just glad to be home and become happily absorbed in the show. However, he was unaware that the front door had been opened.
"Hey Kyle!" Kyle jerked in his seat and nearly fell off the couch. He slapped his hand over his heart.
"Jesus Christ!" he spat out. The young man looked around to see he had a guest. He instantly paled and groped for the remote to shut off the television.
"Nice greeting," mused the girl walking into Kyle's vision. She was a fairly tall, pretty teenager with back length straight brown hair. The only thing Kyle noticed, however, was that in her hand was the remote.
She grinned. "What are we watching here?" She turned up the volume.
"Steph . . ." pleaded Kyle. His cheeks were turning pink with embarrassment. Stephanie's eyes widened and a bemused grin appeared on her face.
"We've got to save the Digital World! We're the Digi-Destined!"
Stephanie couldn't remember the last time she laughed so hard. "Kyle! Why didn't you tell me!" Kyle groaned. "You watch anime!" Kyle held his head in his hands. He bent over to breathe between his legs. This was a highly embarrassing situation.
As much as Kyle enjoyed watching Digimon, he was very aware of what people would think (especially at an all boys' Catholic school) if they knew he was so . . . attached to the show and its characters.
"Oh funny . . . ha, ha . . . let's all have a good laugh now," he muttered. Kyle glared at Stephanie – his long time friend and neighbor. Stephanie managed to stop her fits of laughter.
"Hey don't be moody," she giggled while attempting to get a smile out of her friend. "Look it's cute and now my brother will finally have someone to watch this with!"
"Thanks," Kyle growled. Stephanie's sides were really heaving now.
"It's just that I never pictured you one of those anime freaks."
"I'm not an 'anime freak'," snapped Kyle.
"If you say so," teased Stephanie. She flipped her gaze back to the program. "Digimon?" There was an edge of sarcasm on her voice.
"Yeah? So?" questioned Kyle wishing the subject was dropped.
"I don't know – why can't they just capture the monsters?" Kyle made a strangled noise in his throat.
"Digimon is an entirely different universe," began Kyle in an annoyed tone. "Capturing has no point as there is a unique bond between every digimon and their partner. This is their destiny! These kids go through incredible character battles while they have to save two worlds! And another thing I –" He stopped all together as he caught sight of the amused look on the girl's face.
"Just shut up," he muttered reaching his hands out as if he wished to strangle someone. Stephanie shook her head at the tall boy. She watched him for a moment as he sulked in his seat. Stephanie considered Kyle to be a good friend, and not half-bad looking either. His sandy hair was well kept and he used some gel despite her protests. He was tall with broad shoulders, which allowed him to pull off the preppy look quite nicely.
Stephanie brushed a hair out of her face as she moved to take her seat.
"Why are you here Steph?" asked Kyle not even raising his head. She batted her brown eyes at him for a moment.
"There you go again," she said in a mock-prissy sort of tone. "You always know how to make a gal feel welcome."
"Isn't it enough that you took away my dignity?"
"Oh please don't be so melodramatic," replied Stephanie. She waved her hand as if dismissing the subject entirely. "I'm here because you said you would help me with this school project. It's supposed to be a group thing, but do you think I'll let a bunch of failures ride on an easy A?"
Kyle smirked. "The joys of public school."
"Exactly." Kyle relaxed.
"Ok, I'll bail you out." Stephanie gave a mock bow.
"You are most kind." Kyle chuckled lightly, but his attentions turned elsewhere when he felt his stomach rumble.
"Jeeze, I'm starving."
"Band practice kept you late again?"
"Yep. Being the best base guitar player does that to you." Stephanie tossed her hair back.
"I'm glad you're doing something cool or I'd be worried that your Catholic school was really messing you up." She laughed. "Not that it isn't all ready."
"You are so witty," mocked Kyle pretending to throw his hair back as he bat his eye lashes too. Stephanie stuck her tongue out.
"I'm ordering a pizza," she said and reached for the phone.
"You're buying," replied Kyle going towards the refrigerator. He pulled out a can of soda. "Make it cheese!"
"My money, my call," she retorted. Kyle winced. Stephanie was very extravagant when it came to food. This would mean he would have to take an antacid.
Stephanie finally hung up. "They'll be here in forty-five minutes." She returned to her seat on the couch and picked up the remote.
Kyle gave her a questioning glance. "Um . . . don't you want to work on your project?"
"I like to exercise my right to procrastinate," she said simply. She flipped through some stations. "Ugh, there isn't anything good on."
"I know," replied Kyle seizing the remote. He immediately put it on Digimon. Stephanie groaned.
"Come on!"
"My house, my show," smirked Kyle. Stephanie started to argue, but Kyle shushed her. "It's a good one!" The show started.
"Who's that?"
"Tai, the leader. He's kind of reckless."
"Oh." Pause. "Who's that?"
"Sora."
"Why isn't she doing anything?"
"Because she's worried about Tai."
"Oh." Pause. "Who's-"
"Quiet!" Stephanie decided it was best not to ask any more questions if she valued her head. Thirty minutes later, the show had ended.
"Oh thank god that's over," muttered Stephanie as the announcer came on.
"Hey! Hold on!" cried Kyle. He pointed at the screen in excitement. "It's a marathon!" Stephanie moaned.
"I'm going to go wait for the pizza."
"You don't know what you're missing."
"Believe me. I know." Kyle shrugged and instantly went back to his show.
"Matt, come on! Don't be a chicken!"
"No Tai, we need to think this out!"
The image changed. Yep, they were about to duke it out.Outside of the house a power-line flickered. A type of flicker that no one would notice. Then two more, soon three. In about of minute, fifty flickers were traveling down the wire. The spark continued to each wire and triggered a blackout at houses one-by-one along each neighborhood. Then surging stopped as if nothing had happened at all.
It was at this time that Matt threw the first punch when Kyle's house completely blacked out.
"What the heck?" shouted Kyle into the darkness. "A blackout? I don't believe it!" He stood up and groped along the room.
"Steph?" he called out. No answer. "Steph? Stephanie?" Kyle hoped she wasn't playing some cruel trick on him. His ears picked up a muffled noise coming from the closet. He reached for the handle and out tumbled Stephanie landing directly on top of him.
"Oh god," muttered Stephanie. "What happened?"
"Blackout," replied Kyle from underneath. Stephanie lightly blushed as she saw how her hands landed on his chest.
"Sorry," she quickly got up. "I thought that door actually led somewhere. I was looking for flashlights."
"Good idea," answered Kyle. "I want to check the fuse box."
*****
"Damn," said Kyle closing the fuse box. "Blew out completely."
"That bad?" asked Stephanie. She held her light closer.
He nodded. "I'm going to call a repairman."
"Um . . hello? Power's gone."
"I'll get my cell-phone." However, just as Kyle reached for his phone, the doorbell rang.
"Must be the pizza," said Stephanie simply. She pulled out her wallet and opened the door.
"I'd say what you folks need is an electrician," came a voice from beyond the door. In stepped an old man with a wise face dressed in a faded gray jumpsuit. He carried a box of tools beside him.
"But I . . ." trailed Kyle.
"Of course electricians don't come falling out of the sky," stated the old man answering the blank look on Kyle's face. "Just the good ones do." He chuckled at his own joke. "With a series of blackouts in one area, I'm making my rounds." He gave them a warm smile. "Now what can I do for you?"
"It's the fuse box," informed Kyle. "It's blown." The old man nodded.
"Give me a light and show me the way." Kyle directed him outside followed by Stephanie. The old electrician analyzed the box. He tapped his chin in thought.
"Yep," he concluded. "I can fix this in a jiffy. Why don't you two go inside and shout when you see a flicker."
Once inside, Stephanie impatiently fiddled with the switches.
"Hey!" snapped Kyle.
"What? Doesn't hurt to check."
"You might have electrocuted him."
"He's experienced," she replied. "Wasn't that kind of weird how he came like that – out of the blue – right when we needed him?" Kyle rolled his eyes.
"You heard him," he said. "The whole neighborhood blacked out."
Stephanie sighed. "No imagination."
"I'm being logical here," huffed Kyle. "Be happy we don't have to wait in the dark."
"I'll be happy when my pizza comes," replied Stephanie. Suddenly, a few flashes occurred overhead as the whole house turned back on.
"There's light!" shouted Kyle to the old electrician.
"That box was one of the easier ones," said the old man shutting his toolbox. Kyle looked over into his living room as he noticed a problem with his television.
"Oh man!" he exclaimed. "The TV is acting up!" The television had gone fuzzy and the picture was becoming severely distorted.
"Poor Kyle," teased Stephanie. "Now you can't watch your marathon."
"And what marathon is that?" asked the electrician. Kyle looked down to hide his embarrassment.
"Um . . . it's an anime," he answered in a small voice. The electrician smiled.
"Oh yes, the Digimon," he said to the astonishment of both Kyle and Stephanie. "Love that show." A choking sound came from Stephanie.
"Really?" asked Kyle.
"Oh yeah," said the old man waving a hand, "I'm astounded how much those kids have gone through."
"What's your favorite episode?" asked Kyle. The old man pondered for a moment.
"That I can't say. There's so many to choose from." Stephanie rolled her eyes.
"I'm getting a drink," she said and left the room.
"Not a fan?" asked the electrician. He thumbed where Stephanie had exited. Kyle nodded. "Oh well, some people aren't that big on epic adventures and destiny."
"Destiny," murmured Kyle. "I wonder about that sometimes."
"Do you?" The old man raised an eyebrow.
"Well yes," said Kyle flushing a little. "If you think about it, destiny takes the surprise out of life, but I feel at times it would be comforting to know which direction your life is going. Then questions you never asked would be answered." The old man didn't say anything, but a small grin settled on his lips. He moved towards the television and fiddled with the back of it for a moment. As with the lights, the TV came back on in perfect quality.
"Wow," smiled Kyle. "Thanks a lot."
"No problem," returned the old man. "But one more thing – your television could use a new remote." He reached into his toolbox and pulled out a big silver one. "Here."
"Thank you." Kyle paused. "About the bill . . . " The old electrician shook his head.
"Don't worry about it. The Power Company will be paying for me." He moved towards the front door. "I better get going. Other families may need my services. Take care now and – " His eyes twinkled ever so slightly. "Try out that new remote. I guarantee you'll never view that show the same way." And then he left.
*****
"Is he gone?" asked Stephanie entering the living room with a can of soda. She saw Kyle sitting on the couch playing around with the new remote. "I thought you two were enjoying your little chat."
"Can it Steph," retorted Kyle turning up the volume.
"Why do we have to watch this?" protested Stephanie.
"Because." She grumbled.
"That's not an answer." She moved to snatch the remote.
"Hey!" cried Kyle.
"Would it kill you to change the channel?" The two teenagers suddenly latched onto the remote and became involved in a vicious battle.
"Let go!"
"You first!"
Admits the pushing and pulling, their fingers edged closer and closer to a big red button on the remote that neither of them seemed to notice. But that's exactly what the old electrician wanted.
Then it happened.
At precisely the same time, both Kyle's and Stephanie's thumbs hit the red button. This unknown button activated instantly sending incredible power through the remote. The silver control glowed brightly and sent a bolt of energy into the television. The screen glowed white in a flash. Two more streams of energy attached themselves to the teenagers, whom in mere seconds registered the abnormal effect. But it was too late to doing anything for just as quickly as they had pressed the button, they were sucked through the screen.
- *****
Author's Notes:
Nothing really to say except please don't be insulted by how Kyle was so embarrassed about liking anime. It's just his character – he's more vulnerable than Stephanie is. Next chapter should be up in a jiffy, and how many people are happy that FFN is working again waves hand frantically. Yep, I thought so.Just a few notes . . . Kyle and Stephanie are filling in for the Reece Witherspoon and Toby McGwuire parts, but it doesn't this story is going to turn out like the movie. Just the basic idea. Also, Kyle watches Digimon – Stephanie has a younger brother who watches the show – so she will know a few things about the show, not completely out of the loop.
Thanks and please review!
