Mirai No Kodomo
Co-Writer: Takato
(EDITOR'S NOTE: No, really, check the notes! As I said, Ori's either back or normal or completely out of his mind, I leave it for you to decide!)
Editor ('Cause he's been whining about the new Co-Writer): Taiki Matsuki
II: Grandfather (Matsuda Takato)
"...Jenrya is really taking your surname?"
"Yeah, I...I asked him if he would and he said he'd be glad to. I…We know it would mean a lot to you."
"...Thank you, Takato, but...Re-Really, I'm behind you two. I'm sorry again about how things went at first, but...Jenrya is obviously one of the greatest joys in your life. The fact that painting you made is what got you into college, the fact he was the one who talked you into going...Takato, I can't object to you and Jenrya, even if I still had a problem."
"I-I know, but...I want things to be...as much like what you want for me as possible."
"Then when the minister asks if you take Jenrya, say 'I do.' That's all, Takato."
"...Dad..."
"I...I am curious, have you two thought about...well...Having kids?"
"No. Not really, I mean...We'd have to adopt. And...W-Well..." I don't even know why I said this, I guess...when he asked about kids, this hit me harder than it had in a long time. And…This was something I had often sat up thinking about at night. Especially when we got close to our wedding. "...I'm sorry."
"So-Sorry? For what?"
"...It's the end of the bloodline. I-I just...thought of that...I'm sorry, Dad." It's always made me feel bad that…I would be the last. If I was with Jen, I would be the last Matsuda…Even adopting, our child wouldn't be related to me, he'd just have the surname…The Matsuda family, at least, our portion of it…It would die with me. When Jen and I were first together, that realization always made me sad. I sometimes cried when I thought about it long enough, especially after I came out and my Dad wasn't taking things well.
I know my Dad, when I was a kid, would talk about how proud he was to have a son. And he didn't make that big of a deal about it, not until Jen and I were first together, but…He'd sometimes tell me he hoped I had a son, too, to carry on the family line…
…When he told me that once after I was with Jen, before he knew about us, I cried. I just…I just thought about how disappointed this would make him that I was the end. It was just a few tears, I didn't break down or anything but he noticed and asked me what was wrong. I told him it was "nothing" and that I had to go "check something at my computer." The fact I called it "nothing" actually made me feel worse. That was when I cried "for real," thankfully it was when I was alone.
"Takato, please, stop apologizing so much...I-I won't lie, I sort of wish there was a way it could continue but I would love my adopted grandson or granddaughter just as much. Please, don't feel bad about anything like that. It's not important to me. Really."
"I know, but...I-I...I really appreciate how you accept us now. That Christmas, Dad...I-I was so happy when Jen showed up, telling me you were the one who invited him. Since then...I guess I'm still trying to find a way to thank you for that."
"Takato, you really don't have to do that. It's okay. You're my son. And, in a few weeks, Jenrya will be, too."
...And today I've finally found that way to thank him. Well, actually, it was...about eight months ago-No, that was when "the procedure" was done...It was actually a few months into our marriage. Jen-chan saw a report on a program at a fertility clinic for gay couples - A means of having a child through a volunteer...
...Of course, we...we NEVER thought Juri would end up being said volunteer. I-I still can't thank her enough. Kenta, too, for taking care of her before she told us. Jen and I have taken over a little but...Kenta likes his job as Juri's nurse.
I understood why she was afraid to tell us what she had done but there was no possible way we could ever be upset over this. Jen, a few times, started to cry like I would when he told Juri how thankful he was. Jen doesn't cry easily.
And today, I know I'm going to cry a little. Jen says he might, too, because of what we're about to do. We're finally telling my parents the news...Juri, Jen-chan and I are having a baby. And it's a boy...
...The Matsuda name and bloodline will live on, Dad. I know how much that would mean to you, you "mentioned" it a few times when you were "not so for" Jen and I. I understand why he took things with Jen and I so hard, I know he didn't expect this or want it for me...And I-I never really prepared him, I was...I was just so afraid of how he might take it...
I'll never forget how scared I was, that day in the park...I'm so glad Jen-chan was there for me, the way he handled things. His speech helped Dad understand we...we really did love each other. I wasn't confused or mistaking a 'close friendship' for love...I really did love Jen. And, after that, he did his best to accept us. He's completely behind us now, I know, but...I feel like I have to thank him.
And, since it's so close to the "due date," I have to ask his permission...I want to name our son Takehiro, after him. I want to be sure he'd be okay with that.
Jen parks alongside the Matsuda Bakery…We moved into an apartment a few months into our marriage but, at first, we lived here until we had enough for our own place. I missed it a lot when I went to college, I really missed the smell of fresh bread every day. I miss that smell a lot, I even started baking my own bread whenever I feel homesick. I've been doing that a lot, actually, I brought some to Juri a few weeks after we found out and she said she liked my recipes. So, then on, I always bring her a ton of bread for her and the baby. I hope he likes bread, too.
The bakery is closed for today, there's a sign out front.
Jen looks to me as he shuts the car off. "Are you ready?"
"…Sort of," I say. "I can't…I can't believe this is happening."
"You're going to be a Dad in about a month, Takato…And your Dad's going to be a grandfather. I can't even imagine how excited he's going to be," Jen says. "My Dad still can't stop talking about it."
We told Jen's parents and family last week, when they invited us for dinner…Mr. Li had trouble holding back, he was really excited! He wanted to celebrate with a special Chinese wine, it was really strong and Rinchei had three bottles of it. He had bought it that day and planned to just share one at the dinner…
…They both drank two of them together while the rest of the family split the third. I-I have never seen Mr. Li like that before, he and Rinchei…They were singing arm-in-arm in "celebration of the first Li Grandchild." I-I really like Jen's family. Mrs. Li was trying to keep them under control, but…She couldn't. No-one could…
…Rinchei really wants to be an Uncle.
Jaarin and Shiuchon were more reserved…Barely. Shiuchon couldn't stop talking about how she wanted to babysit and take care of the baby for us…
…Jen made a lot of 'Terriermon Playtime' jokes regarding that.
Jaarin was hugging us, telling us how happy she was and…We made a request for Juri. She wanted Jaarin to be the doctor attending to the birth. Jaarin made sure of it, she even made arrangements for when the time comes…"All you need to do is show up and Shinjuku General will take care of the rest," she said. "They'll call me, anytime, as soon Juri checks in with my nephew."
…I-I still…can't believe…
…Juri…
She's more or less stuck in bed now, with Kenta, Hirokazu, Jen or myself watching her at all times. Ruki and Ryou help out, too, whenever they can. Ruki is doing a lot to help Juri, she and Ryou are both helping her sous-chef (Sanae) manage her restaurant while she's in bed.
We've felt the baby kicking. A lot. Hirokazu thinks my son is going to be a soccer star or a kick-boxer. Jen-chan said he'll teach him martial arts when he's older, if I'm okay with it...
...I am.
Because I know he…Well…
…He might need it. I'm a little worried about when he's older and goes to school…And kids find out he has two Dads. Jen-chan, Juri and I talked about that…We'll do what we can for him, to make sure he's not bullied…But until that time comes, we don't really know what we can do.
"…I'm not sure how to tell him," I say, looking to the bakery. There's a sign out front, 'closed for today – Sons come around back.' Jen…My Dad really considers him his son, since we got married but he told me, after we got back from the cruise Jaarin booked for us, that he'd considered Jen to be family for a lot longer...Since I left for college, he told me. He was so happy that my painting of Jen-chan won me that scholarship but he was even happier when Jen-chan talked me into accepting it, even though it meant we wouldn't see each other for months at a time...
…I thanked him for what he said. I was so glad to hear that Jen was family to him.
"Just…say it," Jen shrugs. "I know you're nervous but…Takato, no matter what, he's going to be really happy."
I smile, turning to Jen. "I know. Think he'll…let me name him…?"
"I think so," Jen nods, smiling. I want to name our son Takehiro, after my Dad, as a way to thank him for his acceptance. That means more to me than he could ever know. I-I didn't want to lose my Dad over Jen and…I was so scared that that might happen.
We never told the others what happened that day in the park but…Everyone has sort of an idea of what might have happened, I'm sure. None of them were surprised when we told them we wanted to name our son Takehiro. Kenta said he knew it would happen after Juri told him she was pregnant, he knew "if it's a boy, they'll name him Takehiro." Even Hirokazu knew without anyone having to tell him.
It's been so long since then...I can't believe how much things have changed from when we were kids playing Digimon cards in the park. Jen-chan's working for Hypnos, the organization we were so against at first. Kenta jokes about how he looks like Yamaki-san's younger counterpart, except his hair is longer and his sunglasses are green. As for me, I grew out my hair a little in college but cut it back for the wedding, it's still a little on the long side. Like Jen's sunglasses, I still wear my goggles...But only when I paint. For good luck and inspiration, mostly. Usually they're around my neck but, sometimes, on my forehead if it's related to the Digital World or Digimon...Just to remember my old days as a Tamer. Jen-chan tells me he thinks I'm the only person on Earth who can wear goggles like that and still look normal...
...I hope our son might be able to do the same. I wonder how much he'll look more like me or Juri.
We'll find out soon.
Jen steps out of the car, I follow after him as he locks it. We go around the back of the bakery and knock on the door. My Mom answers with a smile. "We saw you out front, why'd you wait in your car so long? Your Dad wants to know what's going on, you sounded so nervous on the phone."
"It's...a good thing, really," I say. "I needed a moment to prepare."
"We're in the dining room, we just made tea," Mom steps aside and lets us in. We take off our shoes and go to the dining room, Dad's waiting at the table with a cup of tea and a tray of Guilmon and Terriermon bread.
"Dad..." I bow my head.
"Takato, Jenrya," Dad smiles, motioning for us to sit down. Mom sits next to him, we sit across from them. "Have some, just out of the oven." He passes each of us a plate for the bread.
"Thank you, Mr. Matsuda," Jen bows his head, taking the plate and piece of Terriermon bread.
"What's going on? Last night, you sounded really nervous, Takato. Everything's okay, right?" Dad asks.
"Everything is...beyond great," I say. "I-I mean, things could not be better right now...Es-Especially because...Because..." I look to my parents, I'm starting to shake. They're going to be so happy hearing this, I know. I still can't believe this all really happening...
...In a month, Jen and I are going be Fathers. We're going to have a son with Juri. The Matsuda name and bloodline will live on!
"Takato...?" Dad gives me a weird look. "What's...going on?"
I glance to Jen, he smiles and puts an arm around me. "You can do this, Takato." He whispers. "Just tell them."
I nod, taking a deep breath. "...Juri's pregnant. With my son."
My Mom's eyes widen. "Wh-What? Ju-Juri and...your son?"
My Dad...doesn't move, he simply stares forward. His expression, he's shocked but...I-I'm a little worried about how quiet he is.
I speak, "Da-Dad? Are you-" Suddenly, my Dad falls to one side, into my Mother.
"TA-TAKEHIRO!" Mom shouts, Jen stands to help catch him from falling face first into the table...
...My Father has fainted. I get up and help Mom and Jen balance him and revive him. "Dad! Dad! Wake up!" ...I should have probably come up with a better choice of words, but...
...It's the truth. As hard as it is to believe sometimes, Juri Katou is pregnant with my son.
My Dad stirs, taking a deep breath. "Wh-What happened?"
"You fainted," Mom says. "Ta-Takato just...Takato told us he and...Juri...Th-They're having a son."
My Dad, again, goes silent. He stares up at me from his chair, finally, saying, "You...Takato, you...You two are having...a son? As in you and Jenrya but...A-Also...JURI? Wh-What's going on?"
I nod. "In...In a month, he's going to be born."
"A month?" Mom shouts, sitting back down. Yeah, I-I feel sort of bad it took us this long to tell them but first we didn't know if it was really happening and, then, things were a little chaotic, preparing with the others for the birth.
We had two baby showers!
"So-Sorry it took us so long to tell you, we didn't know until a few months ago, to be honest," Jen says. He sits back down, too. I stand next to my Dad.
"Wh-What's going on exactly?" My Dad is, actually, shaking. "I-I mean...Juri is having...your son?" He whispers those last two words, I think he's still having trouble believing it. I am, too, Dad...I am, too. And I've known for months.
I take a deep breath. "A-A few months into our marriage, Jen saw a news report about a clinic that makes it so gay couples can have children...They arrange a volunteer to, um, 'carry' the child after one, um, 'donates' to her...O-Originally, the volunteer backed out and Juri convinced the doctor to let her take her place. She didn't know exactly how to tell us that, so the doctor told us the volunteer wanted to be anonymous. I-If we knew from the beginning, we would have told you but..."
"Because of how the doctor was acting," Jen begins, "I-I was skeptical we would even get Takato's child, but...Juri was just not sure how to tell us. We found out about five months into the pregnancy. "
Dad nods, slowly. "A-And...You know...it's a boy?"
I nod. "She told us the day we found out...He's my son, Dad. He's...going to be related to me."
"...Takato..." Mom whispers. "I-I can't believe it."
"Takato, the reason you did...all this," Dad lowers his head, whispering. "...Is it because...?"
I nod. "I-I know...how much it would mean to you if the name and bloodline went on. That's why we looked into it and why Juri volunteered to do it."
My Dad...Gods, he's...He's wiping his eyes. He stands up, facing me. "Ta-Takato..." He wraps both arms around me, he starts crying. "Th-Thank you, but...You...know you didn't...have to..." He can't go on, he's crying really hard. "...Thank you..." ...He's happy...I-I knew he'd be happy hearing this...
...I'm happy, too, Dad...Especially now.
I hug back, I'm going to cry any second, too, I already feel warm tears welling up in my eyes. "I-It's...more than just that but...I-I know how happy it would make you if...If we did this. I-I still can't stop thanking Juri for what she did."
My Dad and I hug and cry for...a long time. Mom and Jen join in after a bit. I can feel how happy he is over this. My Mom, too.
When we calm down, I sit back down next to Jen. Mom got a box of tissues for all of us a little after Dad started crying. He's actually used almost as many as I have so far. He never cries.
"I-I wanted to ask your permission, too," I say, wiping my eyes.
"Permission? Takato, please, you don't...need to ask anything of me regarding you and Jen. I mean, even before...this,"he wipes his eyes with a tissue, my Mom gives him a hug. "I-I can't believe this, Takato. I-I really, really can't. Wh-Whatever it is, Takato. Yes."
"...Can I name him after you?" I ask.
"What?"
"I-I want to name him Takehiro," I reply. "We...We think it would be fitting. Would you mind?"
Dad just nods. "N-No, not at all...If you want to do that, go ahead."
I bow my head. "Thank you."
"Takato, no, don't...Don't thank me. I still feel bad over...things at first," Dad says. "The fact you've done this...Thank you, Takato."
"We just knew how important it was to you," Jen says. "And we're excited to have a son. I-I mean, when I realized how I felt about Takato, I never thought I'd have kids. Especially not one related to either myself or Takato." Jen puts an arm around me saying, "We owe Juri a lot for what she did."
"How's she doing right now? Can you bring her some bread from the bakery for me? She likes the custard filled kind, right? And Choco-pan?" Mom asks. "I'll give you...Everything she likes! Takehiro, we have Terriermon bread dough in the refrigerator, right?" She asks, my Dad nods. She's already getting up to start baking...
"Th-Thank you, but...I-It can wait a little, Mom!" I smile. "She'd really appreciate that, I've been bringing her bread whenever I make it. She really, really likes our recipes." My Mom sits back down, nodding but...I can tell she wants to bake some fresh bread to thank Juri. My Dad, too.
"She's in bed most of the time, now," Jen says. "Kenta took care of her from the day it was 'official' to...Even now. He saw her every day and, until we found out why, Hirokazu was worried she and Kenta were, well, dating." He laughs, my parents and I join in. "I-I couldn't believe how upset he sounded. 'Jen! Takato! Help! I think Kenta's gone straight!'"
My Dad laughs, saying, "I wonder about him sometimes."
"We all do," Mom says.
"My sister made all of the preparations for when the day comes," Jen adds. "It'll take place at Shinjuku General, we'll call everyone when...Well, when it's time."
"I-I don't care how early or late, call me as soon as..." My Dad laughs, shaking his head. "I-I just...I can't believe this!"
"Happy to be a grandfather?" I ask.
"'Happy' isn't enough to describe it...Thank you," Dad smiles. "How did you find out?"
"We showed up at Juri's door, Kenta answered and Juri told him it was okay to let us in and it was...obvious she was pregnant at that point. She told us she was that 'anonymous volunteer' from the clinic," Jen tells the story back to my parents. Just like us, they can't believe what they're hearing. We still think this is a dream or something like that...It's too unreal. Juri...having my son...
...We'll never be able to truly thank her for this...
"...Tell her, 'thank you,'" Mom says. "Do your parents know, Jenrya?"
Jen nods. "My Dad is still celebrating, we told them last week."
"Sorry again we waited so long," I say. "I-I just...didn't know how to tell you."
Dad smiles. "Don't be sorry...Are you ready to be a Father?"
I nod. "I-I hope so. I really can't wait."
"What about Juri? Is she happy to be a Mother?" Mom asks.
Jen and I exchange looks. "Um...Ju-Juri, actually, she told us she'd prefer it if...Well, if our son didn't know her as his mother..." Jen begins.
"Why?" Dad asks.
"She feels that, well, she won't be as big of a part in his life as she should be," I explain. "When he's born, the plan is that we...We take him home and Juri visits as 'Aunt Juri.' I told her we feel bad doing that since, well, she is his mother but...It's Juri's decision."
Mom nods. "...I see."
Jen speaks, quickly, "We told her, she's welcome to visit him whenever she wants and...She can take him to her place, too. It's not that she doesn't want him but...Well, you know...Juri's past..."
Dad nods. "Y-Yeah, from that...I understand why she feels that way. I'm sure she's going to be a very active part of his life, even if she wants to just be 'Aunt Juri.' ...Tell her, Takato, this is...I-I wish I could find a way to thank her for what she's done but..."
"...I know, I-I feel the same way," I say. "'Thank you' will neverbe enough."
We talked with my Dad for a long time, mostly because my Mom did get up and started to bake bread for Juri while we talked. Jen offered to help her, too, so it was just my Dad and I for a while...
...He's so happy. And I'm really happy he let me name our son Takehiro, I really wanted to name him after my Dad...A-And I like the name, it means "vast strength." As opposed to my name, which means "open person." I'd rather my son...had a name like my father's than mine.
Jen-chan and I get in the car with...so much fresh bread for Juri as my parents wave us off from the door. My Dad is smiling like I've never seen him smile before. We knew he'd be happy, but...Well, I should have known how happy this would make him, even without knowing the bloodline will live on...He's going to be a grandfather. Something, I'm pretty sure, he didn't think would happen...
...Jen and I, to be honest, didn't plan to have kids. Not until Jen saw that report...I just didn't see it as possible for us. We were "happy enough," I guess, but...Now?
...We can't wait. We really, really can't wait...
I dial Juri's number as Jen starts the car. "...Juri?" I say as she answers her phone.
"It's me, Juri's sleeping right now," Kenta says. "She fell asleep after I made lunch...Gods, she's huge, Takato, her and that baby of yours...How'd your Dad take the news that you got a girl pregnant? Is he making you do the honorable thing? ...'Cause I'll take Jen for you."
I laugh, "He's never been this happy, Kenta. He fainted."
"Hiro-chan owes me a soda," Kenta chuckles. "And Grandma-to-be?"
"Almost as happy," I say. "And, um, we have...A ton of fresh bread for Juri from my parents. All her favorites, we'll run it by real quick if she's still asleep. Tell her it went well for us."
"I will."
"Anything we need to pick up for her?" Jen whispers.
"Jen wants to know if she needs anything...Pickled ginger and ice cream or eggs and bean curd?"
"She actually mentioned some choco-pan, but I'm guessing your parents covered that."
"Two dozen packages," I say. "Three dozen custard."
"...Takato-chan, I know they meant well, but...That won't last her an hour," Kenta says, I laugh.
"They said to come by tomorrow for more, this is just what my Mom could make while we were there...Jen-chan helped, too," I say.
"Oh, I hope Juri'll let me try a piece, then, I wonder how Jen is as a chef..."
"He's good, trust me," I look to Jen with a smile. "We'll see you soon, Kenta...If Juri wakes up, let us know. If not, we'll just drop off the bread. Thank you for watching Juri...Today and, well, the whole time."
"No thanks needed. Congratulations. See you in a bit," Kenta hangs up.
I hit 'end call.' "Juri's sleeping, we might just drop off the bread."
Jen nods. "...Excited?"
I nod. "Less than a month..." I trail off.
"...Until Takehiro is born," Jen finishes. "I'm glad he let you name him, but...I didn't think he'd object."
"I didn't think so, but...I wanted to be sure," I say. "He...He really supports us, Jen-chan. I can't thank him enough for doing that."
"I know...I can't, either," Jen smiles. "He'll be even happier in a month."
"We all will be."
We really will...
...Thank you, Dad.
And thank you so much, Juri. We hope you and Takehiro-chan like the bread...
Ori's Notes:
As you can see, as of this new chapter, I have hired a Co-Writer...Takato.
Takato is helping me write this fic, he's been with me for quite some time now. He's been a huge help and inspiration, even though most of the time just sits there and eats lettuce...Sometimes tofu soaked in a 50\50 mix of water and apple juice. Takato loves that as a snack! And he likes the goggles I got him, he really does! He plays with them all the time!
...Why are you looking at me like that? ...No, I'm not stoned! And I'm not hallucinating like House did in that season finale! Vicodin doesn't really do that, no matter what they say! Again, I have Dr. Jyou Kido and Doctor Percival Cox with me right now to back me up on this! ASK THEM, DAMN IT!
Seriously, stop giving me that look! Are you saying I can't name my turtle after my favorite Goggle Boy or something?
Hehehe, yeah, a turtle (named after Takato, 'cause Takato is my favorite Goggle Boy) is my "co-writer" for three reasons:
1. Ever since I got him in May, he's been hanging out by my computer for good luck. And a few times while having him out while I was thinking, I got some major plot ideas at times when I was worried I was hit by writer's block, so I felt I owed him a little credit for that.
2. He's escaped from his "turtle box" (the box he hangs out in while I have him at my computer, he's an escape artist) and walked on my keyboard to "add to" this fic enough times to where I think he deserves a writing credit.
3. Every time Twerp-chan asked for info on MNK Take Two, these were my usual responses (because in true Kako Mo Yadda Yadda Yadda Continuity tradition, Taiki Matsuki must be kept completely in the dark plot-wise and teased with the existence of this fic. Sorry, Taiki, I can't argue with tradition!)
-"Takato the Turtle says 'Hi, Taiki-chan. I can read Mirai No Kodomo and you can't! Nyaaaah-Nyaaaah! Kame!'"
-"Takato's read it, he likes it so far! I bet he'll tell you whatever you want to know if you ask him nicely."
-"My Turtle's breath smells like Turtle Food."
So, Taiki at one point joked that I was writing the fic with Takato's help...And, thus, I declared Takato to be the official Co-Writer of Mirai No Kodomo! And, believe it or not, Twerp-chan came up with the whole "jealous and abandoned" gag, not me. Hehehe...Twerp-chan, don't feel too bad - No turtle can edit like you can!
...My iguana on the other hand...
(Just kidding, Taiki, I don't even own an iguana)
For anyone who does care: You can find pictures of Takato over at my creativity blog on DeviantArt (Homepage link in Taiki's profile) and in my DA scrapbook.
Anyway, on with fic notes:
I really wish I covered Takehiro's reaction in the original draft, especially since I'm using his past disapproval more in the plot this time around.
Regarding names: The spelling for Takato's Dad's name (Takehiro – which there are A TON of different spellings for, I had to look it up through Chiaki Konaka's Tamers resource site to be sure I got the right spelling) means "strength" (take) and "vast" (hiro), so I translated it a little poetically as "vast strength." Takato's name means "disclose," "open" or "say" (taka) and "person" (to), so I thought "open person" would be a "fitting" translation...Especially for Takato Matsuda.
I wonder if I should put up a name translation along with those Mandarin spellings Twerp-chan stuck on the profile, actually...If anyone's interested, let us know. I'll even throw in the Adventure cast in Mandarin if you guys want! Wo ai Zhongwen!
Anyway, the rewrite is going to cover a lot more than the original, both in terms of the lives of the characters as well as the continuity of the series in general. There are a few "special" chapters that are coming up that will cover some stories I wanted to get around to but couldn't for various reasons (mostly not being able to find a way to fit them into the plot).
Oh, and one couple is going to be added that...was slightly hinted at but I never made official until now. It's a couple I sorta support, I'll explain more when they show up but...I like this pairing but, depending on how it's done, I can greatly dislike it as well. You'll see who I mean but, until then I'll just say this: I never thought I'd write these two as a couple. EVER!
I hope everyone likes how the new version of Mirai No Kodomo turns out! Thanks for the support and reviews, everyone! I'll give this one my all!
Taiki's Notes:
Yes, it's true: Ori has named a turtle his co-writer. Now you see why I feel so abandoned!I've been replaced by a turtle that cannot talk back! Or, at least, I pray to God doesn't talk to back (in Ori's head, I mean).
Ha ha ha, I have to say the turtle is cute and Ori is very happy with a shelled distraction and "good luck charm" as he calls him. Ori's a turtle fanatic! As if if fics like "Retrieve The Xros Loader," "The Paperweight and the Journal" and "Kokoro No Kikkou" didn't give you a clue!
I just want to go on the record and say that I support Ori's new "co-writer."
Just as long as your Co-Writer does not become your Official Editor, that is, Ori! Takato, I've got my eye on you!
I couldn't help but love Kenta's way of asking how Takehiro took the news about Juri, ha ha ha! Kenta, do you want Jen to yourself or are you just trying to make Hirokazu jealous? I suspect the latter and I think it's going to work quite well!
I'm glad Juri and Takehiro are in good hands with Kenta and (obviously) well-fed by the Matsuda bakers!
Ori mentioned to me that Takehiro (Senior) is playing a slightly larger role in this fic than the older version but he hasn't told me how. Either way, I am quite happy with the fact we're getting (an incredible amount) more to the Kako Mo Series!
I should add, for those who miss any of the "original version's" chapters – At the end of the fic, along with the Hirokazu and Kenta bonus chapter, Ori is letting me post all of the original drafts that didn't "survive" the rewrite, so don't worry if you still want to read the original fic! Ori's keeping his promise to not take down his work ever again!
I can only imagine the word count by the end of this fic! This was how we originally broke 500,000 words! Ori, I still think you should try for a million on this account! I think you can do it! You got 900,000 on the last one! Break that barrier, smash it to bleedin' pieces!
That does remind me: As I've taken down quite a few chapters to this fic, our recent "600,000 words archived" announcement is now a lie. I shall tell you when we break it againand if we go past 650,000 or even 700,000 words! And, with the chapter count Ori's given me I think it's entirely possible!
-Taiki Matsuki
