Strength of One's Heart

by Tomoe Mami

[02]. Post-BelialVamdemon AU. Yukio mentally admits his own failures and shortcomings as he watches Iori bravely struggle to lift him, lead him into the Digital World through fading eyes. His internal injuries are too much and he knows it's taking a lot of Iori's courage not to cry. Yukio gives up and informs Iori with his last breath to stay strong and true to his heart.

If I had never wished to follow the Chosen Children to the Digital World, I never would have landed in this mess with Vamdemon's spirit taking over my body. Yukio thought as Iori slung one of his arms over his small back. When his body slid away from Iori, the boy cried in frustration and tried again, keeping a firmer grip on his arm.

Mulling on his shortcomings, Yukio barely heard the boy say "almost there, don't give up!" He knew his body had been critically injured after BelialVamdemon formed, could tell his organs were starting to shut down. At first, Yukio didn't have the heart to tell the young Hida boy that it was no use, to just leave him. But he didn't and wondered why.

If Chikara hadn't told me to stay away from his son, Hiroki, would Hiroki still be alive today? Yukio continued to reflect on all the mistakes that had been made in the past. Part of him hoped that if he gave up his body to the Digital World, he would find a way to see his childhood friend again.

"Just a little further, Mr. Oikawa, don't give up now!" Iori was determined to carry him to the Digital World.

Grimacing from the pain and opening his eyes from being shut, Yukio answered for the first time. "I don't know if I can."

The boy was insistent. "Get up! You have to try; we're almost in the Digital World!"

Yukio looked at Iori at last. "Thank you, Iori. If only I had your optimism, I might not have ended up with such a sad fate. But I was unable to maintain hope through the bad times and I drowned in my despair. If only I had friends like you or allowed myself to have them..."

"This is your chance. All you have to do is stand up and walk into the Digital World!" Iori persisted again.

Iori and Gennai had a short conversation, which led to Iori beginning to shed tears. The boy knew Yukio would have loved the Digital World, but if he didn't have much time left…

"Is that the Digital World? It seems rough somehow, unfinished..." Yukio asked through rapidly deteriorating eyes.

Hearing Gennai's explanation, Yukio made his choice. "My body is too weak to go on, but I won't need it." As his body began shining white, Yukio turned to Iori. "Hold onto your optimism, your friends and especially your dreams, Iori. Perhaps if I'd been more like you, I could have had adventures too. Stay strong and true to your heart."

And then he was gone, energy to protect the Digital World for the rest of time.