Disclaimer: I don't own Digimon, nor do I own Kibomon, Aiwemon, Velinemon, or Gessmon, who were created by RoyalKnightX, Shire Folk, Silver Kitsune Lunara, and Miss Anonymous hp respectively. These digimon will be appearing in later one-shots.
A/N: It's finally done! Sorry about the wait, but seeing as it's the longest thing I've ever written, when it comes to chapters, I'm not surprised it took me so long. (Though I am surprised it turned out to be this long!) I also have a sneaking suspicion that I may have missed a few mistakes, so I'll make sure to look over the chapter again. Enjoy!
One-shot #2: This one-shot takes place one day after A Den of Wolves, in the evening.
Northern Lights
Walking down the crowded sidewalk towards his apartment at the Highton View Terrace complex, Kenji shook his head in disgust, feeling more than a little depressed. Thankfully, another horrific day at the local elementary school had come to an end, but despite his freedom he couldn't even summon enough energy to feel relieved over the fact that he was finally going home. Only moments ago, he had had another close encounter with Yosuke, which he had cleverly managed to avoid before the confrontation could get out of hand, but despite his quick thinking and his unique ability to get himself out of tough situations unscathed, he still felt like there was a huge weight resting upon his shoulders.
Why?
Despite Yosuke's two attempts to bully him that day, once at lunch and once just as he was leaving the school, the sandy-haired soccer player was not in fact the most important thing on his mind at the moment. Instead, his thoughts kept drifting back to another member of the boys' soccer team.
Takahiro Kuroki.
Though it really wasn't something worth remembering, Kenji couldn't stop thinking about the way Tal had tried to apologize to him the day before, just seconds after nearly knocking him off his feet, but despite their awkward first encounter, not once during class had Tal even so much as glanced in his direction, though the golden-haired soccer star had every reason to do so after the harsh words he had received for his trouble.
From the way he acted today, you'd think I didn't even exist! Shows how much of an impression I made on him. What a jerk.
Scowling, Kenji glanced at the cloudy sky looming above the city, and letting out a deep sigh, he ran a hand through his dark hair, uncertain of what he should do. Luckily, the rain had stopped, and the sun had even managed to peek out between the clouds, casting a warm glow over the Highton View Terrace complex up ahead, but despite the beautiful scenery awaiting him at his apartment, the thought of going home and having to spend the evening with his family made him wince. He definitely didn't want another confrontation with his stepfather and his stepbrother like the one he had endured the night before, so instead of heading directly for his apartment building, he veered off the sidewalk and headed towards his favorite place on the Highton View Terrace grounds. Located directly behind the apartment buildings was a large courtyard occupied by several worn benches, a playground, picnic tables, and a ring of large, shady trees surrounding the perimeter, but despite its appeal, especially for kids, the courtyard was unusually deserted.
Which suited Kenji just fine.
Most of the time he had the grounds to himself, and as a result, he spent a lot of time beneath the trees where he could be alone with his thoughts, but unlike most days he spent sitting by himself on his favorite bench, this time something about the atmosphere seemed...different somehow.
I must be imagining things. How is today any different from any other day? I'm still sitting here, and I'm still alone...
Letting out a soft sigh, Kenji lowered himself onto the bench he so frequently occupied, his chin resting in his hands, and looking up at the sky, he proceeded to stare at the horizon without really seeing it.
Stupid Tal. He probably thinks I'm beneath him. No wonder he never even looked in my direction. To someone as popular as Tal, a person like me isn't even worth a second thought...
Making a face, Kenji muttered to himself, "Why am I even thinking about him? He's no one to me."
And yet, despite the anger he felt towards the golden-haired soccer star, he could not deny the fact that ever since the moment when he had first laid eyes on Tal, he'd had the strongest feeling that the golden-haired soccer star would one day become very important to him.
I must be going crazy. He's a nobody. He's nothing to me. I don't need him. I don't need anybody...
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Shaking his head and letting out a weary sigh, Tal slowly headed towards the Highton View Terrace complex, his heart heavy and his bones aching from the several falls he had taken earlier that afternoon. His soccer practice had been uncharacteristically rough considering how well the team had been performing lately, and to make matters worse Yosuke had thrown a fit, insisting they weren't practicing hard enough and that it was crucial they changed their strategy for their upcoming game against one of the other elementary schools at the end of the week. On top of that, their meeting at lunch time had been more of a shouting match than an actual soccer meeting, and several times the coach had uncharacteristically been forced to break up a few arguments before a fight could break out.
Hot and tired, Tal stared miserably at his shadow, which stretched out behind him in the light of the setting sun, and making a face, he sped up his pace, anxious to get home. High above him, the sky had turn a brilliant shade of orange streaked with yellow, and the clouds had taken on a pink hue, creating one of the most beautiful sunsets he had seen in a while, but despite the fantastic view awaiting him from the balcony of his Highton View Terrace apartment, he could not stop thinking about the raven-haired boy who sat at the very front of Miss. Shibata's classroom.
A boy he now knew went by the name of Kenji Iwamoto.
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Staring after the dark-haired boy with his mouth hanging open, Tal slowly turned to look at the two girls who were standing by Miss. Shibata's desk, his heart twisting painfully in his chest, and reaching out to place his hand on the female who was standing closest to him he said urgently, "Kameko, Who's that guy who sits beside you in class? I mean, what's his name?"
"Huh?" For a moment Kameko looked confused, but then her face suddenly brightened and she said cheerfully, "Oh! You mean the dark-haired boy? His name is Kenji. Kenji Iwamoto. Honestly, Tal, don't you ever pay attention to roll-call?"
"Er..."
"Thought so. You and Yosuke are the worst. No wonder Miss. Shibata's always getting on your case!"
"Kenji? Are you talking about that guy who sits on your right?" Ayano asked, glancing curiously at Kameko.
"Yes, that's him. Why do you ask?"
Rolling her eyes and letting out a loud snort, Ayano said coolly, "He's not exactly very friendly, is he? I mean, what's up with him? He always looks so angry all the time, plus he never talks to anybody, at least not that I've ever seen. What a weirdo."
"Hey! Come on, Ayano, that's not very nice," Kameko scolded, elbowing her red-haired friend in the stomach. "Personally, I think he's just a bit shy. What's so bad about that?"
"Shy? Hello! If you ask me, that guy has got some serious issues. It's kind of depressing, if you want to know the truth."
"I wouldn't be so sure about that if I were you," Kameko shot back, angrily placing her hands on her hips. "He's just quiet. You know...reserved. Mysterious."
"Mysterious?"
Bursting into laughter, Ayano had to hang onto Miss. Shibata's desk to stop herself from falling onto the floor, and blushing slightly Kameko muttered, "It's not that funny."
Despite the silly antics of the two girls standing in front of him, Tal was not paying the slightest bit of attention to their conversation, his thoughts focusing on the dark-haired boy who had spoken so harshly to him. Though he could not explain why, for some reasons Kenji's outburst had hurt him deeply, and thinking back on their strange meeting, he felt a small shiver race up and down his spine.
I feel...strange. I feel...almost like what happened between us wasn't an accident...
Gazing thoughtfully at the door Kenji had just excited only moments ago, he shook his head in confusion, trying unsuccessfully to clear his head.
Funny...I don't think I've ever noticed him before, but...how can that be possible? And the look on his face...
Deep down inside, he knew it probably shouldn't matter what Kenji thought of him, since the two of them didn't even know each other, nor to his knowledge had they ever even spoken to each other before, but for some reason he couldn't explain, the thought of Kenji thinking bad things about him made him feel slightly uneasy.
This is ridiculous. Kenji probably doesn't even know who I am. We're complete strangers, but even so...there's just something about him...
Something he did not know if he would ever be able to understand...
Why was he so angry? I don't even know him, but he acted like I'd personally done something to him, something worse than just accidentally banging into him in class...
Shaking his head, Tal quickly stepped away from the two arguing females, and heading towards the door, he proceeded to make his way down the hallway towards his locker, having already promised Yosuke they would get together after school.
I'm probably imagining things. Maybe Kenji was just having a bad day. It happens to everyone once in a while, even me. It was nothing against me personally. At least...I don't think it was...
And yet, despite his attempts to cheer himself up, he had a strange feeling there was more to what had happened between them than Kenji had let on.
"Fine, I'll admit he's cute, but that's about all he's got going for him," Tal heard Ayano snort from behind him, her voice carrying down the hallway.
"Whatever," Kameko retorted, the tone of her voice indicating she was not at all pleased with her friend's behaviour. "You're just seeing what's on the surface. I bet he's a really nice guy underneath his moody personality. Don't judge a book by its cover, Ayano. You never know what might be between the pages."
Could Kameko be right about Kenji? Underneath all that hatred, is there really somebody in there who would make a good friend?
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Thinking back on his earlier confrontation with Kenji the day before, Tal couldn't help wondering if maybe he was going slightly crazy. All through class he had spent the entire time watching Kenji out of the corner of his eyes, something he had never done before, and to his complete shock and astonishment, every so often Kenji would glance hatefully in his direction, a look of pure loathing on the raven-haired boy's pale face. Thankfully, Kenji hadn't seemed to realize he was being watched in turn, as Tal had been careful to keep his eyes lowered to his desk every time the dark-haired boy would look in his direction, but despite his success, he still felt like there was a huge hole in his heart. There was no doubt in his mind that Kenji did not particularity like him very much, but that did not explain why he had been singled out, despite the fact that he had never so much as looked in the dark-haired boy's direction in the many years he had been attending the school.
I bet Yosuke would say it's because Kenji is jealous of me, but...I don't think that's the case. I can't explain it, but I think his hatred towards me goes much deeper than that. He's not shallow. Well, at least...I don't think he is. He doesn't seem like the type who would care about things like popularity. Besides, there's nothing to be jealous about. I have my fair share of problems, just like everyone else. Maybe I should ask Yosuke about it, only...for some reason asking him about Kenji just doesn't...feel right...
Several times he had come very close to telling Yosuke about Kenji, but every time he'd almost let something slip about what had happened to him the day before, something had always held him back, something he could not for the life of him make sense of. Normally he told Yosuke everything, since they were best friends, but for some reason his encounter with Kenji seemed too important to be telling just anyone, including the person who was closest to him, other than his parents.
Though he couldn't explain it, even to himself, at the moment he felt it was best to keep what had happened between Kenji and himself a secret, despite the fact that it was ridiculous to think along those lines, since Kenji wouldn't know the difference either way, but even so telling Yosuke, or anyone for that matter, about Kenji just seemed like the wrong thing to do.
Besides, even if I did tell Yosuke about Kenji, he probably wouldn't understand. Knowing him, he'd probably think I was nuts, and his advice would probably consist of telling me to get over it. Funny, I've never noticed Kenji looking at me before. Is this something new, or has he always hated me, right from the very beginning? And more importantly, why do I care so much?
It was strange, but the moment he had locked eyes with Kenji in the classroom the day before, he had felt instantly that in some way the dark-haired boy would somehow end up becoming very important to him, though he could not explain why he felt so strongly about the odd connection that seemed to have formed between them. Despite his uneasiness, though, he was determined to find out just exactly what this boy Kenji meant to him, even if it meant he would have to suffer a lot of pain along the way.
It can't just be my imagination. When he looked at me, I could feel it. It was so strong, I felt like my head was going to explode. There has to be a reason why he feels so important to me, despite the fact that I don't even know who he is!
Wincing at his own confusing thoughts, Tal looked up to watch the sunset again, determined not to miss what was left of it, and becoming suddenly aware of his surroundings, he glanced anxiously towards his third floor apartment building. There was nothing about the Highton View Terrace complex that looked particularly out of the ordinary, but despite the warm welcome he knew he was sure to receive as soon as he got home, a small shiver raced down his spine.
That's odd. Why does the place seem so deserted? Usually the Highton View Terrace grounds are swarming with people, but today there isn't a single soul in sight.
Excluding a lone figure sitting on one of the benches at the back of the apartment buildings, the place was completely void of life.
Wait a minute, that boy looks kind of familiar...
Taking a second look at the shadowy figure sitting all alone on an old bench beneath the large trees surrounding the courtyard behind the Highton View Terrace complex, Tal felt his mouth drop open in shock.
It was Kenji Iwamoto, the very boy he had been thinking about only moments ago.
Staring at the dark-haired boy in disbelief, Tal managed to gasp, "It can't be! I don't believe it!"
But even as he tried to deny the very image before his eyes, there was no mistaking the boy's shiny black hair, covered by a blue hat, or the blue jacket, green shirt, and gray pants he was wearing. Even at that distance, Tal could tell Kenji's forest green eyes were dark and shadowy, as if there was something weighing heavily on his mind.
Just like me...
Taking a deep breath, Tal quickly hurried across the lawn towards the boy whose fate he was sure had somehow become intertwined with his own.
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I wonder...when will it ever change? When will things finally be different...
Frowning at the setting sun and shaking his head in despair, Kenji was about to get to his feet when the sound of footsteps coming from somewhere behind him suddenly captured his attention. Turning slightly, a scowl on his face, he quickly looked over his shoulder to discover the source of the noise and to yell at whoever had invaded his sanctuary.
At first, he didn't see anyone, but then a familiar voice to his left suddenly said pleasantly, "That's funny, I've never seen you around here before."
Startled, Kenji whirled around in surprise, and spotting the figure standing just behind his left shoulder he let out a gasp of shock.
It was Takahiro Kuroki.
What...what is he doing here? He must have crept up behind me on my right and moved to catch me off guard on the left. Of all the dirty tricks to pull!
Realizing all of a sudden that Tal was standing there watching him silently, the golden-haired soccer star's intense gray eyes studying his face, Kenji felt his cheeks turn pink, much to his annoyance. For some reason he suddenly had the strangest feeling that Tal could read his thoughts, and shifting uncomfortably on the bench, he quickly looked away from the golden-haired soccer star, feeling suddenly uneasy.
It was almost as if his hateful thoughts had conjured Tal up on the spot, giving the golden-haired soccer star life and an excuse to make him even angrier than he already was.
And once again the cruel hand of fate clings to my existence. Typical. As if this day couldn't get any worse...
Lifting his chin and glaring at the golden-haired soccer star, Kenji snapped, "I could say the same about you!"
Jerk! Why don't you just leave me alone! Go back to your idiotic friends and let me hate you in peace!
Frowning slightly, Tal looked momentarily taken aback by the rude greeting he had just received, despite his obvious efforts to maintain a respectful tone, but instead of getting angry the golden-haired soccer star merely smiled and said cheerfully, "I live here. I have my entire life. My apartment's in the first building. Third floor."
That's...impossible. I've lived here for six years, and I've never once seen him anywhere near the Highton View Terrace grounds before...
Or maybe, he had merely not wanted to see, since ignorance was a much safer road to follow than the path that led to the truth.
For six years, six long, painful years of solitude at the prison that was his elementary school, he had put much time and effort into hating Takahiro Kuroki, and to find out only now that they had both been living at the Highton View Terrace complex together for all of those six years, he felt like his entire world was turning upside down.
This must be some sort of bizarre dream. Any minute now I'm going to wake up...
"Is something wrong?" Tal asked curiously, looking a little bit confused.
Momentarily forgetting his anger, Kenji blurted without thinking, "You can't live here! I've lived here for six years in Building Two, on the second floor, and I've never seen you around here before!"
For a moment Tal looked stunned, but then a smile appeared on his face, making his gray eyes sparkle brilliantly in the light of the setting sun. "Well, Highton View Terrace is a pretty big place. I guess it's not really all that surprising that we've never seen each other here before. If I hadn't just been coming home from soccer practice right now, I might have missed you again."
This is crazy! Two days ago we'd never even spoken to each other before and now all of a sudden Tal's trying to have a conversation with me like it's the most normal thing in the world? Less than forty-eight hours ago, he didn't even know I existed! Not only that, he's never even so much as looked at me before, let alone been this close to me. What...what's going on? Why do I feel so weird all of a sudden?
Staring at the golden-haired soccer star with his mouth hanging open, Kenji was unable to utter a sound, and before he could even attempt to absorb what was happening to him, Tal suddenly came forward and sat down next to him on the bench, making him jump in surprise.
"Seems a little crazy, doesn't it?" Tal said quietly, turning slightly to gaze thoughtfully at the road to their right, his gray eyes studying the empty street, as if searching for an answer hidden somewhere within the cracks littering the sidewalk.
"Really, you think?"
"I mean, especially since we're in the same class," Tal continued, ignoring his obvious sarcasm. "I don't know if you remember, but I sort of accidentally bumped into you the day before."
Did he remember? Of course he remembered! He'd only been stewing over it for two days!
What astonished him the most, though, was the fact that Tal actually remembered the incident.
You wouldn't know it from the way he acted in class today. I might as well have been a rock for all the attention he gave me. I wonder...how did he even know I was here? He must have spotted me from the road. But...if that's the case, why would he bother to stop and talk to me? I'm nothing to him. I mean, I know he's an idiot, but he's never done anything this stupid before. What is wrong with him? Is this just another attempt to hurt me the way everybody else is always trying to hurt me? Is the way he's acting now just...well...an act?
Growing suddenly uneasy, Kenji turned to gaze suspiciously at the golden-haired soccer star sitting beside him, convinced he'd find Tal laughing silently at him, mocking him for his moment of weakness, but instead the golden-haired soccer star continued to stare at the road, his face half hidden in shadow.
I wonder what he's thinking about...
"Your name's Kenji, right?" Tal said softly, after a long moment of intense silence.
Huh? He...he knows my name?
Jerking his head up so fast he could have sworn he heard his own neck crack, Kenji stared at the golden-haired soccer star in astonishment, unable to believe what he had just heard. Apparently Tal must have noticed his reaction because the golden-haired soccer star suddenly smiled, his lips twitching in amusement.
I'm such an idiot!
Blushing in embarrassment over his own vulnerability, his mind reeling, Kenji was unable to come up with a coherent reply, having lost his ability to speak.
He actually knows my name? I don't understand. It's not like I've ever given him a reason to learn it. To him, I'm just a nobody. There must be a reason like...like roll-call. That must be it. Maybe he's one of the few people in our class who actually pays attention to that sort of thing. How else could he have possibly found out what my name was? Unless...could everything I thought I knew about Tal...could I maybe have been wrong about him?
Shaking his head to clear it, Kenji quickly looked away from the golden-haired soccer star, his cheeks turning a deep shade of read.
There has to be a catch. He can't possibly think I'm worth remembering...
Growing suddenly angry again, he said quietly, "What's it to you?"
Out of the corner of his eyes, he thought he spotted a spark of pain in Tal's gray eyes, which surprised him, but before he could open his mouth again the golden-haired soccer star said softly, "I was just asking. My name's Takahiro Kuroki. Everybody calls me Tal."
"I know who you are!"
"I...oh..."
Lowering his eyes to the ground, Kenji wanted to kick himself, but unfortunately at the moment, he was too stunned by his own angry outburst to bother with something so trivial.
What is wrong with me? I shouldn't have said that. Now he probably suspects I know more about him than I should. I don't want him to get the wrong impression...
Oddly enough, though, Tal actually looked surprised that his name wasn't exactly a mystery, and making a face Kenji glared at the golden-haired soccer star.
How stupid can he be? Of course I know his name! Everybody knows his name! He should know that by now. He's only the most popular student in our entire school!
Unable to stand looking at the golden-haired soccer star's stupid face anymore he snapped, "What do you want from me?"
"What? I...nothing!" Tal stammered, looking rather shocked by the accusation.
"Then go away. If you don't mind, I'd like to be alone."
Instead of leaving, Tal suddenly placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, and wincing at the sudden touch he snarled, "Do you mind?"
Don't...don't look at me like that! Just...just go away...
Convinced Tal was watching him with cruel, malicious eyes, the same expression he always received whenever anybody else from school looked at him, Kenji was unable to lift his head again, having no desire to put up with any more pain inflicted upon him, but when Tal didn't answer he knew he had no choice but to look at his unwanted companion. To his astonishment, instead of laughing at him or gazing at him like he was nothing more than a useless piece of dirt, Tal looked surprisingly hurt by his harsh words.
Contrary to the rest of the students at his school, there was no trace of cruelness in Tal Kuroki's sparkling gray eyes.
Is this...really happening to me?
Feeling confused, he snapped, "Why are you here?"
"I could ask you the same thing," Tal said pleasantly, smiling slightly.
Blushing, Kenji quickly looked away again, trying his best not to feel guilty for his rash judgements of Tal, and twisting his hands together he gazed uneasily at his feet.
"Kenji, don't take this the wrong way, but...there must be something very wrong if you accuse me of wanting something from you before we've even gotten a chance to get to know each other yet," Tal suddenly said softly, his gray eyes growing dark and serious.
Unable to reply, Kenji stared at Tal in disbelief, shocked by the golden-haired soccer star's surprisingly insightful observation, but before he could even attempt to come up with a coherent reply, a female voice said in embarrassment, "Oh! I'm sorry, I didn't realize there was anyone here."
Huh?
Glancing around Tal's shoulder, Kenji spotted a pretty girl with short, dark hair done up in bobby pins, and frowning he crossed his arms over his chest, annoyed at being interrupted. She looked to be the same age as him, approximately thirteen, and in her hands she was holding a textbook and what looked like several sheets of lined paper. Dressed in a short, white skirt, blue and white knee-length boots, a blue shirt with sleeves that ended at the elbows, the front of it being decorated with a silver peace sign, and white and silver stripes along the arms, the girl looked beautiful standing in the twilight sun, her dark brown eyes intently studying their faces. But despite her obvious curiosity she looked a little hesitant to approach them.
And rightfully so! Who do these people think they are invading my sanctuary?
"It's okay," Tal said quickly, much to Kenji's disgust. "Have a seat. The more the merrier, as I always say."
"Really? Thanks! Sorry about interrupting, but I need to get my homework done, and I thought this would be a nice quiet place to do it, at least until the sun sets. Don't mind me. I promise I'll keep out of your way. If I'm bothering you just say the word and I'll move somewhere else."
Raising his eyebrows, Kenji said nastily, "Well, actually, now that you mention it..."
"Ignore him," Tal said cheerfully, gazing curiously at the girl, who was lying stretched out on her stomach in the grass by their feet. "Hey, wait a minute...you look a little familiar. Do you I know you from somewhere?"
For a moment the girl looked confused, but then her face brightened and she said happily, "You're that soccer star! Tal Kuroki, right? I don't know if you remember, but you and your friend nearly knocked me out in the hallway at school with your soccer ball the other day!"
"That's right, I remember now!" Tal laughed, shaking his head in amusement. "I'm really sorry about that. It was Yosuke's fault, but since he's not here to apologize, I'll do it for him. What's you name?"
"Inca. Inca Sasaki."
"Nice to meet you, Inca."
"You, too, " Inca replied, smiling at the golden-haired soccer star.
You've got to be kidding me.
Letting out a loud snort, Kenji rolled his eyes and said, "Could you two be anymore cheesy?"
Inca blinked, as if only now realizing he was there, and tilting her head to the side she said pleasantly, "Hello, I'm Inca. And you are?"
"This is Kenji Iwamoto," Tal said quickly, before he could answer. "We're in the same class together at school."
Wait a minute...He knows my last name, too?
"Miss. Shibata's," Inca replied, smiling in amusement. "You guys are lucky. I've got Mr. Oda, who's about as evil as you can get."
"Ouch," Tal laughed, regretfully shaking his head. "So, you're in class B. Too bad."
"Oh well. It's nice to know that there are students my age who lucked out with a good teacher, even if I'm not one of them!"
You should consider yourself lucky, Inca. At least you don't have Yosuke in your class...
As if sensing his thoughts, Inca suddenly turned to look at him again, and wrinkling her nose in confusion she said slowly, "Wait a minute...aren't you that guy who nearly ran me over in the hallway yesterday?"
What?
Blinking in surprise, Kenji stared at the dark-haired female, trying unsuccessfully to figure out just exactly what it was she was talking about, and then it hit him. Now that he looked at her more closely, she did seem vaguely familiar, and thinking back on what had happened the day before, he felt his face turn red with embarrassment. Yesterday he had been so angry at the way Tal had treated him, as if they were old friends when in reality they didn't even know each other, and as a result, he must have knocked Inca aside in the hallway after class in his haste to get as far away from the school as possible.
I can't believe she actually remembered me. And now that I think about it, why isn't she treating me the way everyone else always treats me? She doesn't have that look in her eyes. That look of disgust. She's actually being...nice. Just like Tal...
"Kenji, are you okay?" Inca asked gently, looking a little bit concerned.
Bushing a deep shade of red, Kenji quickly mumbled, "I'm fine, and um...I'm sorry about yesterday. I...must not have been watching where I was going."
Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw Tal glance curiously between the two of them, and feeling suddenly uncomfortable, he quickly looked at the ground, trying unsuccessfully to avoid Inca's deep brown eyes.
"It's no big deal. I was just wondering why you looked a little familiar to me, that's all. Well, I should get started on Mr. Ota's homework. He always gives us tons of work to do, unlike Miss. Shibata."
"So I've heard," Tal laughed, giving Inca a warm smile. "Miss. Shibata does give us our fair share, but we don't get nearly as much as you guys do."
"Don't I know it," Inca groaned, reluctantly opening her textbook and once again stretching out on her stomach.
So much for having the grounds to myself...
Sighing in defeat, Kenji proceeded to gaze miserably at the trees lining the courtyard, his elbows resting on his knees, but before he could even attempt to sink back into his depressing thoughts a loud female voice suddenly said indignantly, "Oh great, how am I supposed to read with you three here buzzing away like a hive of bees?"
Wonderful. Now what?
Once again jerking around in his seat, Kenji glared at the blond-haired girl standing behind him, and grumbling to himself he crossed his arms over his chest, determined not to be interrupted a third time. With bright blue eyes, short blond hair in pigtails, and a rather annoyed look on her face, the girl appeared to be about ten years old, though Kenji had no way of knowing for sure. At the moment, she was dressed in purple capris and a pink shirt with green sleeves ending at the elbows.
Her taste in fashion is certainly...er...loud, and considering her earlier outburst it must be a reflection of her annoying personality. Seriously, what is wrong with these people? Don't they have any consideration at all? Can't they tell I want to be alone? What right do they have to invade my personal sanctuary? So much for my favorite thinking spot. It's being invaded right under my very nose!
"Hey, are you three like friends or something?" the girl asked curiously, her hands on her hips.
What? Wait, she doesn't actually think that...that Tal and Inca...
Wincing, Kenji snapped, "Not likely!"
To his astonishment, instead of responding Inca suddenly looked at him in surprise and Tal merely stared at the ground in silence, his expression unreadable.
As if anyone would ever think these two are my friends. Nobody wants to be friends with me...
"Whatever," the girl snorted, and to Kenji's complete outrage she promptly settled herself on the grass next to Inca's outstretched form, and opening the book she'd been holding in her hand upon arriving only moments ago, she began to read as if it were the most normal thing in the world to be sitting with a group of strangers.
Is she completely insane?
Growing angry again, Kenji felt his hands clench into tight fists, and glaring at the young female he shouted, "I thought you said you couldn't read with us here!"
"Oh well. That's life, I guess. Besides, I have to get this book finished before school tomorrow. You know how it is."
For a moment all Kenji could do was stare at the blond female in disbelief, and dropping his head into his hands, he tried desperately not to scream. Ever since moving to Highton View Terrace, the grassy courtyard had always been the place he came to when he needed some time to be alone with his thoughts, especially on those days when he felt particularly bad, today being one of those days. It was his own personal sanctuary, often deserted except for the young kids who occasionally came to play and never bothered him, and now it was being invaded by an idiot soccer play and two she-devils, the younger one of the two he secretly suspected was most likely some sort of screaming banshee in disguise. Now everything was ruined, and it was all Tal's fault!
Idiot! I told him to leave me alone and now look what's happened!
A soft sound near his feet suddenly captured his attention and looking down he spotted Inca trying desperately not to laugh, her face buried within the pages of her textbook. On his left, Tal was trying unsuccessfully to hide his smile, and next to Inca, the blond girl was smirking at him from beneath her pale eyelashes.
Stupid idiots are all laughing at me! Yeah, well I'll show them!
And yet, despite their laughter, even the blond girl wasn't looking at him as if he were nothing more than a useless piece of garbage like the way his classmates did...
What's...going on here?
Glancing away from the three students sprawled around him, Kenji suddenly spotted a small boy hovering anxiously outside their circle, and judging from the look on his face he seemed hesitant to approach them. At the moment, he was dressed in brown cargo shorts and an orange t-shirt, and though his skin was pale, his eyes and his hair were a dark brown, bordering on black.
Oh no. Not another one...
Losing his patience altogether Kenji scowled at the young boy and snapped, "What do you want?"
In response to his outburst, the young boy jumped in fear, his eyes widening in terror, and taking a step back he glanced anxiously at the apartment buildings behind him, clearly debating whether or not to make his escape.
Unfortunately, before the boy could bolt, Tal suddenly shot to his feet and approached the boy with a smile. "Hey there. What's your name?"
"I...um...Seta," the boy squeaked, blushing a deep shade of red. "Seta Sugiyama."
Kenji didn't miss the way Seta sent him a fearful look, and rolling his eyes, he proceed to glare daggers at Tal, not caring that both Inca and the blond-haired girl were both glaring at him in turn.
"I'm Takahiro Kuroki, but you can call me Tal," the golden-haired soccer star said warmly, taking Seta's hand and leading him over to the bench. "Don't mind Kenji, he can't help the way he is."
Wait a minute, is he insulting me?
"Tal's right," Inca laughed, shaking her head in amusement, "I wouldn't let it get to me if I were you. By the way, Seta, I'm Inca Sasaki. It's nice to meet you. Isn't that right, Kenji?"
"Huh?"
Inca raised her eyebrows and giving him a look she said pleasantly, "Aren't you going to properly introduce yourself?"
She can't be serious!
But judging by the no-nonsense look on her face, she was indeed being entirely serious.
I can't believe this...
Making a face, Kenji turned to look at the young boy again, and muttering to himself he said shortly, "I'm Kenji. Kenji Iwamoto."
"See? Now that wasn't so hard, was it," Tal said cheerfully, a slight smile on his face. "The girl next to Inca is...er..."
"Mai," the blond-haired girl supplied without looking up from her novel. "Mai Nakaniwa."
"So, Seta, um...do you live around here?"
The boy smiled shyly at Tal and nodding his head he said in a soft voice, "Yes, right here at Highton View Terrace. I'm in the second building on the first floor. I also go to school near here too. I'm in class 3-B."
"Really? That's great! I live here, too! I'm in the first building on the third floor, and I also go to the same school."
"Are you guys serious?" Inca gasped, looking surprised. "But...I'm mean, Tal...I didn't know you lived here! I also live here in the first building, only I'm on the second floor! And of course you already know I go to the same school as you."
"Wow, we must have passed by each other lots of times in the past and never even noticed!" Tal laughed, looking a little shocked himself.
"I know what you mean."
"Kenji lives here, too," Tal explained, shaking his head in disbelief.
Once again glaring daggers at Tal, Kenji had to resist a strong urge to smack the golden-haired soccer star, but not surprisingly Tal didn't seem to notice.
Stupid Tal! He's doing it again! How can he just sit there acting as if we're old friends or something? It's insulting!
"Like Seta, he lives in the second building, only he's on the second floor," Tal explained, "And like I said, he's in my class at school."
"So? What's the big deal?" Mai spoke up, abandoning her book, "I live here too. I'm also in the second building, but on the third floor. I'm in class 5-A at the same school as you guys."
"That's kind of funny. I don't remember seeing any of you guys here before," Seta said shyly, a tentative smile appearing suddenly on his face. "Or at school."
Shrugging her shoulders, Mai said nonchalantly, "Neither have I, but I don't think it's really all that surprising. It's a pretty big world out there."
"Not big enough, obviously!" Kenji snapped, glaring at the blond-haired female sitting at his feet. "Excuse me, but I was here first! This is my spot so the rest of you get lost!"
"I don't see your name on it!" Mai shot back, giving him a dirty look.
Pointing at the side of the bench where he had carved his name into the wood after first moving into his apartment, he snarled, "Right there!"
"You expect me to believe that?"
"See for yourself!"
Leaping to her feet and stomping over to the edge of the bench, Mai snorted when she spotted his name. "So? Keep your stupid bench! You don't own the grass, which means I'll park my butt here if I want to!"
"You know, for a ten year old you have a pretty big mouth on you!"
"Hey...how did you know I was ten?"
"Lucky guess!"
"Yeah? Well just because you're older that doesn't mean you can boss me around!"
"Whose the one trying to boss who around?"
Glancing at the other three, Kenji blushed when he realized they were all staring at Mai in surprise, and much to his annoyance he suddenly understand why that was the case. Unlike his other companions, Mai was the only one who didn't seem to be intimidated by his unfriendly attitude.
"I was just coming to get my bag," Seta mumbled defensively, pointing quickly to a backpack sitting beneath one of the large trees surrounding the courtyard.
"Go ahead," Inca said gently, holding out a hand to the young boy.
Smiling shyly, Seta quickly took her outstretched hand, and leading him over to the base of the tree, Inca helped him slip it on, her friendly smile instantly putting the younger boy at ease.
Great. These idiots have barely met and they're already acting like a big happy family. How pathetic.
"I still can't believe I've never seen any of you here," Inca suddenly said softly, coming back over to the bench with Seta. "Or at school. Except for Tal and Kenji, of course. And..."
"What is it, Inca?" Tal asked curiously.
"Well, um...are you sure you and Kenji aren't...you know...friends?"
Outraged, Kenji shouted, "No, we are not!"
"Oh. It's just...you guys looked like...well..."
"What?" Tal mumbled, avoiding Inca's eyes.
"Nothing. Um...just forget it."
"Well," Tal said slowly, after a brief moment of uncomfortable silence, "I've never seen any of you here either, and the same is true when it comes to school, except for Inca and Kenji."
Feeling a sudden spark of rage in his heart, Kenji said angrily, "So what? I've only seen you and Inca at school before and none of you here at Highton View Terrace. Big deal."
"It seemed to be a big deal earlier," Tal said quietly, watching him closely.
Blushing a deep shade of red, Kenji quickly turned his back on Tal, and frowning at the lack of traffic on the street off to his right, he shook his head in disbelief.
It was completely unbelievable what had conspired in the last two days, and despite his rudeness to Tal, he felt terrible inside. He knew the golden-haired soccer star was just as shocked as he was, and it was truly amazing how much the two of them had learned about each other in such a short time. It was almost as if their lives were becoming weaved together, and that was something Kenji didn't like one little bit.
Why are the other four looking at me like that? Am I missing something?
It was strange, but all of sudden he felt like the five of them were connected somehow. It was almost as if their sudden meeting had not, in fact, happened by chance.
What am I thinking? Their stupidity must be starting to rub off on me...
"Kenji?" Tal suddenly said softly, placing a hand on his arm.
Wincing at the sudden contact, since normally when someone came within touching distance of him, they were usually trying to beat him up, Kenji shrunk away from the golden-haired soccer star, and gazing up at the sky, he suddenly realized that the sun had almost set completely. Only a faint haze of orange remained in the horizon and the rest of the sky had turned a deep, velvety shade of blue. Thanks to the dim light, the faces of his four companions were now shrouded in gloom and in the dark he could just barely make out their features.
Gazing at them, he suddenly felt a strange flutter in his stomach, and for the first time in his entire life, he felt a sudden desire to prove to the four gathered around him that he was not who they appeared to think he was.
"Kenji?" Inca murmured.
Lowering his eyes, Kenji mumbled, "Don't you people have anything better to do than bother me?"
"Hey! What the..." Mai suddenly squealed, looking up at the sky in surprise.
Huh?
Without warning, Kenji suddenly felt something wet hit him on the bridge of his nose, and glancing up at the sky in surprise, he frowned in utter confusion.
What was that?
"Did you guys just feel something now?" Inca said in a low voice, looking a little unsure of herself.
"What do you mean?" Tal asked curiously, standing up and glancing anxiously at the dark-haired female.
"Something wet hit me!" Mai complained, wrinkling her nose.
"Me, too," Seta gasped, grabbing onto Tal's wrist.
Nodding in agreement, Inca said, "I felt it, too."
Wait, so...I'm not just imagining things?
Before he could stop himself, Kenji said quietly, "Something wet hit me on the nose."
Is it starting to rain? No...it can't be. The sky was clear just a moment ago. Even the clouds had all disappeared...
For a moment, Tal merely stared at them, but then a sudden drop of water hit him on the forehead, just above his left eye.
"There!" Mai cried, pointing triumphantly at Tal's forehead.
Looking up, Kenji suddenly spotted something falling gracefully out of the sky, and shielding his eyes out of habit, ignoring the fact that the sun had already set, he spotted what appeared to be tiny snowflakes drifting their way leisurely towards the ground.
"Um, guys?" Mai squeaked, her face turning pale. "Is it just me or is it snowing?"
Staring at the golden-haired female in disbelief Kenji said, "In September? Don't be dumb. It can't be snowing!"
"Tell that to the sky why don't you?"
"No, Mai's right. It is snowing!" Tal gasped, pointing towards the white flakes spiraling out of the sky.
"Impossible!"
"Really? Then by all means please explain what this white stuff is!" Mai said sarcastically, rolling her eyes.
"Um...this is starting to get just a little bit weird," Inca squeaked, huddling close to Tal's side. "I mean...all day the weather's been unusually warm for September. How can it be snowing?"
Unable to respond, Kenji merely watched the snow in awed fascination, wondering if perhaps he was having some sort of bizarre dream.
A nightmare is more like it...
"Oh look! It's beautiful!" Mai suddenly gasped, waving her hand at the sky in excitement.
Turning to where Mai was gesturing with her arm, Kenji let out a gasp of shock. Unbelievably, the sky above the line of tree ahead of them was glowing brilliantly in several colours, which in turn glowed in several shades of colour. Blues, pinks, greens, purples, yellows, oranges, reds, and grays littered the night sky, and they seemed to be pulsing with life, as if the black abyss hanging above their heads had suddenly come to life.
"What is that?" Kenji gasped, scrambling out of his seat and latching onto Tal's arm in fear. Out of the corner of his eyes he spotted Inca on Tal's other side, and Seta was clinging anxiously to the golden-haired soccer star's t-shirt. On his right, Kenji felt Mai grab onto his hand, and squeezing her fingers he gaped at the phenomenon reflecting off the faces of his four companions.
"Wow!" Mai whispered, staring at the sky in disbelief. Though she was obviously frightened, at the same time she also appeared to be utterly fascinated by the strange events that seemed to be occurring all at the exact same time.
"Wow is right, but...what is it?" Inca whispered, unable to take her eyes off the sky.
"I have no idea!" Tal gasped, his hand closing around Inca's fingers in a tight grip.
Overcoming his initial shock, Kenji rolled his eyes and said in disgust, "Oh please. There has to be a reasonable explanation for this!"
"If you've got one I'd love to hear it," Tal retorted, smiling in amusement.
Before Kenji could come up with a suitable insult, the snow suddenly stopped falling and the Highton View Terrace grounds grew so still even the trees branches ceased to rustle, despite the fact that he could feel a cool breeze on his face.
"Well, that was quick," Mai commented, her blue eyes beginning to sparkle with excitement. "I have to say, that's the shortest snow fall I've ever been in!"
"A snow fall that shouldn't have happened in the first place," Tal muttered, shaking his head in disbelief. "It didn't even get cold. How were the flakes able to freeze?"
Grinning, Mai said cheerfully, "No idea!"
"Um...guys?" Inca interrupted, glancing anxiously at the Highton View Terrace complex. "Don't you find it just a little bit weird that the place is...well...empty?"
Glancing at the apartment buildings, Kenji was surprised to find that Inca was right. Although lights shone in the windows, except for them, the grounds were completely deserted. Even the Highton View Terrace bridge was void of life.
"You're right, Inca," Seta whispered, as if talking too loud would bring the buildings falling down in a crumpled heap. "Highton View Terrace is never empty like this, even at night!"
"Something strange is definitely going on around here," Tal said quietly, scratching his head in confusion.
Rolling his eyes, Kenji snapped, "Well duh! Look at the sky. It's all colourful and glowing! I wouldn't exactly call that normal!"
"I'd say it was the Northern Lights, but seeing as how we're in Japan, that explanation isn't going to work very well," Inca said sheepishly, trying unsuccessfully to smile. "I wonder what it could be..."
"Oh! Are we going to play a guessing game now?" Mai giggled.
Of all the...
Turning to Mai and tugging irritably on one of her pigtails Kenji shouted, "No, we're not! This is serious!"
"Maybe it's some sort of trick with the light," Tal suggested, waving his hand at the sky. "You know, because of the sunset."
"But...the sun's already disappeared!" Seta whimpered.
"Hey, what's that?" Inca suddenly blurted, squinting at the sky and pointing with her finger.
Looking up warily, Kenji spotted five small, brilliant lights in the sky that appeared to be twinkling and pulsing with life. From his position on the ground, they looked almost like colourful stars shining against a backdrop of multicoloured lights. To him, they looked like they were just hovering there, as if waiting for some kind of signal.
"Fireflies?" Inca suggested, shrugging her shoulders.
Crossing his arms over his chest, Kenji snorted, "Only if they're giant mutant fireflies!"
"Airplanes?" Seta guessed, glancing hopefully at Tal. "Comets?"
"They look kind of like shooting stars that haven't started falling yet," Tal said thoughtfully, almost to himself.
"I know!" Mai shouted, snapping her fingers. "I've got it! They're UFOs!"
Doesn't she ever shut up?
Feeling even more annoyed than usual, Kenji snapped, "We're not guessing!"
"You are such a poor sport, you know that?"
"Yeah, and you're a loud mouth! Do you ever keep quiet?"
"Do you ever smile?"
"Nobody asked you!"
"Nobody has to! It's so-"
"Guys!" Inca squeaked, and Kenji jumped when she suddenly grabbed onto his arm to get his attention. "Those lights! They're...uh...they're heading right towards us!"
Huh?
Glancing at the sky again, Kenji felt his mouth drop open in shock as the five stars shining above them suddenly dived out of the sky, leaving five tails of bright light streaming out behind them. Each star was a different colour, and from what he could tell they were yellow, orange, green, purple, and blue. And as Inca had stated, the stars, or whatever they were, were indeed heading straight for them.
"Everyone hit the ground!" Tal shouted, diving onto his stomach.
At the last second, Kenji felt Tal grab his arm, and he found himself being pulled onto the ground, his nose nearly hitting the grass with painful force. On his other side, Tal had pulled Inca down as well, and next to the golden-haired soccer star, Seta had his arms flung over his head. Beside Kenji, Mai was huddling against his side, and as he watched in fascination, the five comets slammed into the ground all around them, causing streams of light to shoot up into the sky. Screams rang out as everyone covered their faces, and Kenji quickly flung himself over Mai to protect her head.
"No, this isn't fair!" the female blond cried. "I'm too young and innocent to die!"
Smiling despite the situation, Kenji said dryly in her ear, "You, innocent? Yeah, right!"
Seconds later, the Highton View Terrace grounds grew quiet again, and slowly lifting his head Kenji glanced warily at the sky.
It was pitch black.
"Is it over?" Inca asked hesitantly, peeking between her fingers.
"Are we dead?" Seta whispered, burying his face against Tal's stomach.
Sitting up and putting his arm around the younger boy's shoulders, Tal said quickly, "No, we're not dead."
"What was that all about?" Mai asked curiously, sitting up and adjusting her pigtails.
Glancing at the apartment buildings, Kenji said seriously, "Do you think anyone else saw what happened?"
"I don't think so," Tal assured him, trying to smile. "It doesn't look like it."
Frowning at the buildings, Kenji had to agree. Surprisingly, there wasn't a single person peering out their window, nor had anyone else appeared on the grounds to find out what was going on.
"Um...guys? I don't think it's over yet," Inca whispered, pointing at the ground in front of her where she was kneeling on the grass. From Kenji's position, it looked like there was a small hole in the ground by her knees, and as he watched in astonishment, a blue light suddenly shot out of the hole, causing Inca to jump back in surprise. In front of Tal, a yellow light shot up into the air, and in front of Mai, the light was purple. In front of Seta, the light was green, and as Kenji watched in horror, a bright beam of orange light shot out of the hole in front of him, right next to his left hand.
Shrinking away from this new phenomenon, Kenji gasped as the light suddenly leaped into his hands, and right in front of his eyes it formed into two distinct objects. One was a strange, white digital device, and the other object looked like a tiny, translucent orange orb hanging from a golden chain. On the orb was a symbol that to him resembled the sun.
"What are these things?" Seta squeaked, holding out his own green orb and the digital device in his hand for Tal to inspect.
Shaking his head and staring at his own yellow orb and digital device, Tal said, "I have no idea."
"I must be dreaming," Inca whispered, gazing at her blue orb and digital device in awe.
Holding out her own purple orb and digital device for inspection, Mai squealed, "This is so cool!"
"That's one way of putting it," Tal laughed, and Kenji jumped when the golden-haired soccer star suddenly looked in his direction. "What does your orb thingy look like?"
He...actually cares?
For a moment, Kenji was tempted not to show the others his strange trinket, but something about the look in Tal's eyes made him change his mind, though he had no idea why. Holding it out for Tal to inspect, Kenji watched the golden-haired soccer star study it closely, and feeling stupid he quickly snatched it back and held it tightly against his chest.
"They look like necklaces!" Inca said in amazement, holding hers up to the pale light of the moon.
Feeling suddenly vulnerable, Kenji said rudely, "Wonderful. Just what I needed. Another useless piece of junk to carry around!"
"Could you be any more of a pessimist, Kenji?" Mai snorted, rolling her eyes in exasperation. "It's so annoying."
"Not as annoying as you are!"
"Hey! You take that back right now!"
"No!"
"Well, Mai is right about one thing. It is kind of cool," Tal said cheerfully, beaming at the blond-haired female. "I mean, it's not every day something shoots out of the sky and tries to kill you!"
Gaping at the golden-haired soccer star, Kenji said sarcastically, "Only you would think this is cool."
"How would you know? You don't even know me," Tal said pleasantly, looking far too innocent for Kenji's liking.
Jerk!
"Come on, Kenji, where's your sense of adventure?" Mai giggled, elbowing him in the stomach.
"Oh, excuse me for not wanting to end up in a six foot grave!"
"Um...if these are necklaces then...what are these things?" Seta asked hesitantly, holding up his strange digital device.
Turning over the small device in his hands, Tal said slowly, "It looks like some sort of digital gadget."
"But what exactly is it for?"
Shrugging, Mai said, "It could be for anything."
No, this thing must have a purpose. It looks like it was designed for a specific use.
Speaking without thinking, Kenji murmured, "I wonder where it came from..."
"Good question," Inca muttered.
Turning to look at the sky again, Kenji gasped when he realized the colourful mirage had returned, and hearing a strange rushing sound he turned to look at Tal in confusion. "Hey, do you hear that?"
"Yeah, I wonder what it is."
"It sounds almost like water," Inca said quietly, frowning at the sky. "You know, like rushing water. Like a waterfall."
"You mean, like that waterfall?" Mai shrieked, pointing at what looked like a tsunami that had appeared suddenly in the sky above their heads.
Staring at the sky in shock and taking a step back, Kenji moaned, "This totally just isn't my day."
"I was just thinking that!" Mai squeaked.
Crying out and latching onto Tal's left arm, Seta cried, "This can't be good!"
"It's coming right for us!" Tal shouted.
"We're going to drown!" Inca shrieked.
As Kenji watched in terror, the tsunami suddenly dived towards him, and before they could even think to run, the waves were upon them. Everyone screamed, and Kenji closed his eyes as he felt himself being washed away by the tide, and praying he'd somehow manage to come out of this current stroke of bad luck in one piece, the darkness claimed him.
Though their activation remained unseen, all five Digivices began to glow with a soft, pale light.