Midnight Blossoms
Disclaimer: I don't own Digimon.
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"Don't tell me you've gotten us lost." Miyako hissed as Daisuke studied the intersection, trying to match it up with what he remembered.
"Quiet down Dragon Lady, I'm trying to think." Daisuke shot back distractedly. Beside him V-mon chuckled under his breath. Even Hawkmon started to snicker before wisely shutting his beak as Miyako glared down at him.
Not for the first time, Miyako wondered what cruel twist of fate had forced her together with Daisuke. If she had been with Hikari, they would already be at the temple by now. Hikari's sense of direction was impeccable. Even one of the others would have been an ideal choice. But no, she had to get stuck with the only person whose sense of direction was possibly worse then her own. Life was too unfair sometimes.
"I think we're supposed to go left."
Miyako rolled her eyes, about to bite back with a scathing commentary when the howling of a wolf interrupted her. From behind them V-mon and Hawkmon suddenly ran up. "What the ......" she exclaimed turning around and trailed off at the site that confronted her.
A block away from them, a giant snow-white wolf had bounded into view. Atop its back was a blonde haired figure she recognized from so long ago.
"Remember, no confrontations until we know what we're dealing with," Daisuke whispered from behind her. "When he charges ..." Daisuke got no further as the wolf charged.
Miyako ran left, sparing a single glance behind her to see that Daisuke had not moved. Slowing down, she cursed, what was he up to. Suddenly, he threw himself right just as the wolf came speeding through the place he'd been standing in a moment before. The wolf skidded to a stop, turning its deadly gaze upon Daisuke. As for Daisuke, he did what only he would do when confronted with adversity; he stuck out his tongue.
"C'mon, is that the best you got." Saying that, he bolted down the side street, the wolf in pursuit.
Miyako blistered the air with curses, unsure whether to go after Daisuke or try to find the shrine. After some consideration, she decided on the shrine. Instructing Hawkmon to cover her from above, she set out. A few blocks later, she finally discovered a familiar landmark. It was a boutique where she and Hikari regularly shopped. Her mood brightened considerably. She knew the way to the shrine from here.
A thud from inside the boutique cut her levity short. Not wanting to be discovered and peering into shadows to make sure she wasn't, she continued onwards. Still, she missed the Gatomon observing her from the roof of the boutique.
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"Oh no," Mimi squealed unhappily, "this is just awful."
From the head of the alley, Tai and Ken glanced back at her in concern. "Is something wrong?" Tai asked softly. "And for god sakes, keep your voice down."
Mimi's eyes glinted dangerously. "I will absolutely not keep my voice down, Taichi Yagami," She whispered. "Look at what .. whoever it was did to my brand new skirt."
Tai glanced at the tiny hole in the fabric of the otherwise untouched skirt. "Considering the alternative, I can't say that I'm too distressed with the outcome."
"He's back," Ken whispered urgently motioning for them to be silent.
Tai and Mimi joined him at the mouth of the alley. Illuminated by the light of the streetlamps, walked a boy. His resemblance to Tai was uncanny as was the resemblance of the Digimon that walked behind him to Agumon. The boy looked to be checking the shadows, probably looking for them. The Digimon was the main problem though as it was sniffing the air, leading the boy right to their alley. Grimacing, Tai smeared some more of the garbage he and Ken had taken out of a resident dumpster and smeared it over Mimi to further deaden the odor of her perfume. To her credit, she kept quiet.
The three hid themselves within the thickest shadows the alley provided, as the boy and his Digimon walked past. After peering into the shadows of the alley, the boy continued on. His Agumon however, didn't and sniffed the air cautiously a few times. But then, it too moved on. As he moved past, Tai and the others moved back towards the mouth of the alley to observe.
The boy had reached the end of the street and was talking rather heatedly with a girl. "Damn it Roy, I know I saw some of them come this way." The girl said loudly. "I knew this idiotic plan of yours wouldn't work. You underestimated them and now Michael will have your ......"
Her voice was cut off in a strangled choke as Roy lunged forward, grabbing her neck. He said something softly to her and then shoved her back. The girl staggered but kept her feet. Glaring daggers at the boy in front of her, she walked away. After a moment, Roy continued onwards, checking the shadows. Within the alley, Tai turned back to Mimi and Ken. Before he could say anything Mimi blurted out, "I sound nothing like that."
"Well actually ......" Ken shut his mouth quickly as she glared at him.
"Alright, enough fun and games." Tai interjected. "This has been one seriously weird night. We're going to make our way to the shrine and hook up with everybody else. Then, we'll decide what to do." Raising his head, Tai whispered softly. "Agumon, you and Palmon should cover us."
A small grunt of affirmation came from above and the three friends set off.
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Sora peered over the edge of the hut shaped roof to witness the scene unfolding on the roof of the small building adjacent to them. Beside her lay, Koushirou, Jyou and Iori, all focused upon the same thing.
"How could you let him get away," Takeru said heatedly. "All you had to do was bat your eyelashes and he'd be following you around for days."
Hikari glared at him. "I got him with my dagger, didn't I. He's probably rotting in some alley right now."
"We can't assume that," Takeru argued. "This is where the trail of blood stops. He probably bandaged himself here."
As far as impersonations went, these were quite good, Sora thought. The mannerisms, the voices and even the clothes were the same as that of the chosen. There was a vague feeling of unease though, as if the hair on the back of her neck were standing on end. Their Digimon had confirmed the feeling. Apparently, they could smell through these disguises. Biyomon had explained that each human had a unique smell but these copies didn't. In fact, they had no smell at all.
Sora turned her attention back towards the fake Takeru and Hikari as their argument got decidedly more heated. After a bitter exchange, Hikari's arm flashed up. Takeru easily caught the slap but didn't let go of the arm when she tried jerking it back. The next moment he was on his back as she tackled him to the floor. And then her lips were on his and they were rolling around quite aggressively on the floor.
Sora closed her eyes in disgust. Nudging Koushirou beside her, she whispered, "We should head for the shrine now." They had been on their way to it when they had come across the two doppelgangers.
Koushirou flashed her a lecherous grin. "What? Are you kidding. I wanna see who wins."
"Pervert," Sora muttered but his grin only widened. Rolling her eyes, she turned towards Jyou only to find his eyes locked upon the scene too. Past him, Iori had turned his head away. Catching his eye, she quietly mouthed, "You get the dork, I'll bring the geek." Iori grinned in understanding.
And so, with a grumbling Koushirou and Jyou in tow, Sora and Iori made their way to the shrine. They had almost reached it when Angemon burst out from the entrance and took to the air, Takeru hanging on to his arms.
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All her thoughts kept circling back towards that infuriating blonde. It was distracting and she didn't need that right now. She tried to think about something else, anything else but her thoughts kept going around in circles until they inevitably ended up back on Takeru. Growling, she rammed the side of her fist into a nearby wall. Why was this so hard. He had hurt her more times then she cared to remember and just like a girl in one of those clichéd love stories she hated, she kept going back. She could learn from her mistakes, couldn't she? Why couldn't she learn from this one? What use was trying to get close to him when he would just end up leaving again. Why couldn't she just learn her lesson? Maybe it had something to do with the guilt she felt over Yamato's death. If only she had gotten to the e-mail Takeru had sent her, faster, Yamato may have survived. Maybe that was it, she felt guilty about Yamato.
Hikari shook her head irritably. No, that couldn't be it. Her feelings went beyond simple guilt. No, guilt had nothing to do with feelings of love. She paused. And there it was, she loved him. She had tried to deny it for the past three years, had tried to find solace in the arms of others, a particular episode of her life she wasn't proud of, but nothing had worked and in the end, she had just given up.
With a certainty, Hikari knew that her earlier words had been false. She would try to help Takeru and would inevitably get pushed away. It would hurt but it could not be as bad as the first time or even the second. Her heart could only be broken so many times before it became numb.
"Face it Hikari Yagami," she muttered under her breath, "you're a glutton for punishment."
Rousing herself from these particularly dark thoughts, she motioned for Gatomon to join her. A moment later, the cat bounded up out of the shadows. "I'm going to a boutique, a few blocks away. I have an idea. Stay in the shadows when we get there and keep watch outside but I don't want you to interfere with anybody on their way to the shrine."
Gatomon nodded and then slipped back into the shadows.
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Miyako rapped her knuckles on the door of the shrine three times in quick succession. The door slid open and she let out a strangled yelp as two strong arms grabbed her shoulders and yanked her inside. She stumbled, quickly regaining her balance as someone closed the door behind her. Miyako whirled around and then relaxed as she saw Angemon at the door with Hawkmon in his hands.
"Sorry," Angemon said softly. "I didn't want anybody to see the light outside."
Miyako looked around, noticing the soft dull light that was coming from further inside the shrine. "What is it?" She asked.
"Takeru. He was hurt and is recovering."
Hearing Takeru's name brought back the memory of the encounter she had been through. The story burst forth from her lips. Afterwards, Angemon was silent for a time and then he moved towards the inside of the shrine where Takeru was meditating.
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Takeru walked the passageways of his memories and the scenery was sparse. A dense fog surrounded him, covering everything. He could hardly even see his own hands. He wasn't concerned with his hands though.
Slowly, the fog started to dissipate and was replaced by a familiar scene. It was of him and Yamato on a gray December evening, playing in the snow. It was a memory from happier times when everything had been so simple. It was also not what he wanted to see. He concentrated and the scene changed again. This time he was in a clearing, surrounded by a thick forest on all sides. Unlike other memories that often played out from a first person perspective, this one was third person. It was as much artificial as it was real. He had put a lot of work in trying to reconstruct this scene in third person. This memory was as important to him as the previous one.
Takeru watched as his thirteen-year-old self rushed headlong into the clearing, Angemon on his heels. He paused at the head of the clearing, viewing the tableau in front of him. Yamato Ishida was on his knees, his head bowed down and his arms stretched out to either side and held by two men. Behind him stood a man he had never seen before.
Snarling, Takeru rushed forward. The blast came from the left side of the woods and struck Angemon in the chest. He was pushed back until he was flattened against a tree. Groaning, he collapsed to his knees and de- evolved to his rookie form. Takeru paused in his headlong rush, looking at his partner.
"Oy, boy." The voice caused him to twirl around. The man standing behind Yamato had come forward. "My name is Ryo Sumeragi. I killed your mother and father and now I'll kill your brother. But before that, I'll give you a chance. We'll fight and if you beat me, you and your brother can go free."
His heart burgeoning with rage, Takeru strode forward. From the first punch, he knew that he didn't stand a chance. Time after time, he got up only to be knocked down again. Lying face down in the dirt, he could taste his own blood. His breath came in ragged gasps as he tried to struggle to his feet again but his arms and legs wouldn't support him.
"Pathetic." He heard and saw Sumeragi say in derision. "Is this all you are?" Sumeragi started walking towards Yamato.
"No," Takeru croaked trying to rise to his feet. He saw the glint of a blade and desperation leant him some strength. "NO," he screamed staggering forward as Sumeragi drew the knife across Yamato's throat. Takeru found himself falling forward and hit the ground hard.
The sound of boots over hard packed earth and then a fist in his hair, pulling his head up. "Remember this moment boy," Sumeragi said smirking. "Remember how weak you were and how your family paid the price for it." A fist thudded into the side of Takeru's face driving the last vestiges of consciousness from him.
The scene paused, reset and began playing again. Takeru stood and watched, absorbing the images. He did not know how long he stood there but after a time, there came a disturbance.
"What is wrong?" Takeru asked as Angemon materialized beside him. The scene paused as Takeru's attention was diverted.
Angemon stared at the scene and sighed looking down at Takeru reproachfully. Why did he keep doing this to himself? The past should remain buried in the past, not be carried around like a burden.
"Angemon?" Takeru queried.
Angemon shook himself and quickly related all that Miyako had told him. Takeru blinked and Angemon suddenly found himself back within his own body. Across from him, Takeru's eyes snapped open and moments later they were flying over Tokyo.
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Daisuke dodged the first two punches, blocked the third punch and countered with a kick. The man he was fighting glided backwards gracefully and avoided the kick. Daisuke quickly snapped another quick kick to delay a follow up from his adversary and took the few seconds he had bought himself to check on V-mon.
The Digimon was stirring but was definitely out of it, which ruled out Bio Merging. Earlier, they had tried to escape by taking to the air. However, before they had been very far off the ground, the Garurumon had tackled them in the air. XV-mon had managed to turn the fall though and the wolf had been destroyed. Unfortunately, he had not managed to escape the fall unscathed and now Daisuke was alone and, at best, the fight was going evenly.
Knowing that he had to put away the enemy before reinforcements arrived, Daisuke leapt forward, taking the flight to his adversary. After a fierce exchange, the two broke apart, breathing heavily. The man in front of him suddenly raised his hand and it started glowing.
"Damn," Daisuke muttered under his breath. This guy had Yamato's elemental powers. That could make things extremely dicey.
Suddenly a shadow dropped out of the sky landed behind the man. He stiffened, his hand losing the white glow and crumpled to the floor. Takeru rose to his feet tiredly, scowling down at the figure he had just knocked out.
Across from him Daisuke started to open his mouth to ask a question but he quickly put up both hands to forestall him. "I'll explain everything later. Grab V-mon and let's go. I passed two others on their way here."
Daisuke nodded but then hesitated, his lips twitching upwards. "Isn't this weather a bit cold for you to be doing Bruce Lee impressions?"
It was only then that Takeru realized that he had left the temple in such a hurry that he had left his sweater and shirt behind. The result was that he was totally bare from the waist up. He grimaced at Daisuke, "Just grab V-mon. I'll strip our friend here and we can be on our way."
When Daisuke returned with V-mon, Takeru had almost finished taking off the unconscious man's shirt and coat and was in the process of putting them on. Afterwards, he instructed Angemon to take the man to the shrine. As Angemon left, he and Daisuke set off for the shrine on foot. They encountered only one patrol along the way and Takeru could see the questions forming behind Daisuke's eyes as he was confronted by a twin version of himself. Soon though, they were at the shrine and despite his exhaustion, Takeru looked forward to getting some much-needed answers.
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Himself, Tai and Mimi had gotten to the shrine a little before Angemon returned, bearing the body of Yamato Ishida. It wasn't Yamato though. Ken had seen too much this night to be so easily fooled. No, this particular imposter had only been sent out as a jab against the chosen. Tai and Sora had been particularly livid. Their guest was currently bound and gagged and awaiting his fate in one of the adjoining buildings. Now, they awaited Takeru and Daisuke's return.
From the corner of his eye, Ken studied Hikari. She looked for all the world like a person at ease, leaning back against the far wall, but he knew her better then most. She was dangerously close to losing her temper and Ken suspected he knew why. It was Takeru, again. Hikari took her duties as leader seriously and since Takeru was technically under her charge, she assumed responsibility for him. However, Takeru did not operate under those conditions. He never had. Even when they had been together, all those years ago, he had always moved according to his own discretion. Which was not to say that he didn't follow orders. He did and very well but every now and then, he had tended to go off on his own. Tai was resigned to it but Hikari was not.
With a start, Ken noticed Hikari looking at him. In the soft light that enveloped the room, he saw her arch one eyebrow inquisitively. Flushing, Ken looked away. Apparently, he had become too candid in his observation and she had noticed him. Thankfully, he was saved, as there came a soft tapping on the front door of the shrine. Miyako was there instantly and slid the door open ushering Takeru and Daisuke inside.
Takeru raised a hand in greeting and then suddenly Hikari was there in front of him. Ken saw his eyes widen in alarm and then he staggered backwards as she slapped him with full force.
"You ...... you have no consideration." Hikari said in a voice that sounded like she was trying to keep from screaming.
Takeru slowly straightened and the two stared at each other. Ken saw Miyako and Daisuke quietly inching away from the pair. Both knew that an argument between the two was imminent and neither wanted to be caught up in it.
"I ...... I'm sorry."
Ken's eyes widened. Was that deference he heard, from Takeru? He noted that Miyako and Daisuke were similarly shocked and couldn't imagine the countenance of the other chosen being any different.
"I just heard the news and reacted without thinking. I ...... I apologize for making you worry."
Hikari just stared at Takeru until he bowed his head. With a grunt, she turned and walked away. Takeru looked up as she was turning away and Ken saw something flash within his eyes but it was gone as soon as it had appeared and then Takeru was walking towards him.
"Ken," he said by way of greeting and sank down beside him.
"Takeru," Ken politely nodded.
Takeru was silent for a moment. "Did Angemon get back with that double?"
"Yes, the guy's in the adjoining museum. Tai and Sora are with him."
"Good," Takeru said closing his eyes. He was soon fast asleep and therefore missed some of the excitement that happened next.
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Next: Takeru interrogates the prisoner and many secrets are revealed.
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Author's Notes: Well, another week, another chapter. I want to thank the people that took the time to review the fic. As a note, the Ryo in this story isn't the Ryo from Tamers or Frontier. I haven't even seen those two seasons yet. This fic is just a way for me to make up a story revolving around the plot holes the first two seasons left for us. Another note, I won't be referring to the Undersea Master as anything other then the Undersea Master. Well, maybe as Cthulhu because there are just so many parallels there. Furthermore, I've already broken one of the things I said in the first chapter. There will be a little revision concerning Takeru and Hikari's history and I'll get to other pairings like Taiora and Miyaken later on. In fact, Miyaken may not even happen till the sequel. In any case, here's the promised timeline.
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TIMELINE
2000 - 02 ends (Takeru is eleven years old)
2002 - Yamato dies and Sumeragi goes into hiding. (Takeru is thirteen years old)
2005 - Sumeragi dies (Takeru is sixteen years old)
BACKSTORY (Missing Events)
2003 -- Daemon escapes the Dark Ocean
Daisuke steps down as leader of the 02 chosen
Daemon is defeated by Imperial Dramon under mysterious circumstances
2004 -- An extensive investigation is launched by the Japanese government to understand the many mysterious events taking place within their borders. Several anonymous tips point them towards the chosen.
2005 -- In early 2005, the chosen flee their homes when their own Government tries to apprehend them. In the resulting chaos, Sumeragi resurfaces and kidnaps Hikari. Takeru reappears after three years and trades places with Hikari as Sumeragi's prisoner. The chosen storm Sumeragi's hidden citadel. In the resulting chaos, Takeru
escapes and kills Sumeragi.
2006 -- Takeru begins his entry into the Guardians.
The rest of the chosen return home and begin fake lives set up for them by the Guardians.
2007 -- Takeru begins tests for Guardian status.
He is reunited with Hikari as they both must face one test together.
2008 -- Midnight Blossoms begins
Disclaimer: I don't own Digimon.
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"Don't tell me you've gotten us lost." Miyako hissed as Daisuke studied the intersection, trying to match it up with what he remembered.
"Quiet down Dragon Lady, I'm trying to think." Daisuke shot back distractedly. Beside him V-mon chuckled under his breath. Even Hawkmon started to snicker before wisely shutting his beak as Miyako glared down at him.
Not for the first time, Miyako wondered what cruel twist of fate had forced her together with Daisuke. If she had been with Hikari, they would already be at the temple by now. Hikari's sense of direction was impeccable. Even one of the others would have been an ideal choice. But no, she had to get stuck with the only person whose sense of direction was possibly worse then her own. Life was too unfair sometimes.
"I think we're supposed to go left."
Miyako rolled her eyes, about to bite back with a scathing commentary when the howling of a wolf interrupted her. From behind them V-mon and Hawkmon suddenly ran up. "What the ......" she exclaimed turning around and trailed off at the site that confronted her.
A block away from them, a giant snow-white wolf had bounded into view. Atop its back was a blonde haired figure she recognized from so long ago.
"Remember, no confrontations until we know what we're dealing with," Daisuke whispered from behind her. "When he charges ..." Daisuke got no further as the wolf charged.
Miyako ran left, sparing a single glance behind her to see that Daisuke had not moved. Slowing down, she cursed, what was he up to. Suddenly, he threw himself right just as the wolf came speeding through the place he'd been standing in a moment before. The wolf skidded to a stop, turning its deadly gaze upon Daisuke. As for Daisuke, he did what only he would do when confronted with adversity; he stuck out his tongue.
"C'mon, is that the best you got." Saying that, he bolted down the side street, the wolf in pursuit.
Miyako blistered the air with curses, unsure whether to go after Daisuke or try to find the shrine. After some consideration, she decided on the shrine. Instructing Hawkmon to cover her from above, she set out. A few blocks later, she finally discovered a familiar landmark. It was a boutique where she and Hikari regularly shopped. Her mood brightened considerably. She knew the way to the shrine from here.
A thud from inside the boutique cut her levity short. Not wanting to be discovered and peering into shadows to make sure she wasn't, she continued onwards. Still, she missed the Gatomon observing her from the roof of the boutique.
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"Oh no," Mimi squealed unhappily, "this is just awful."
From the head of the alley, Tai and Ken glanced back at her in concern. "Is something wrong?" Tai asked softly. "And for god sakes, keep your voice down."
Mimi's eyes glinted dangerously. "I will absolutely not keep my voice down, Taichi Yagami," She whispered. "Look at what .. whoever it was did to my brand new skirt."
Tai glanced at the tiny hole in the fabric of the otherwise untouched skirt. "Considering the alternative, I can't say that I'm too distressed with the outcome."
"He's back," Ken whispered urgently motioning for them to be silent.
Tai and Mimi joined him at the mouth of the alley. Illuminated by the light of the streetlamps, walked a boy. His resemblance to Tai was uncanny as was the resemblance of the Digimon that walked behind him to Agumon. The boy looked to be checking the shadows, probably looking for them. The Digimon was the main problem though as it was sniffing the air, leading the boy right to their alley. Grimacing, Tai smeared some more of the garbage he and Ken had taken out of a resident dumpster and smeared it over Mimi to further deaden the odor of her perfume. To her credit, she kept quiet.
The three hid themselves within the thickest shadows the alley provided, as the boy and his Digimon walked past. After peering into the shadows of the alley, the boy continued on. His Agumon however, didn't and sniffed the air cautiously a few times. But then, it too moved on. As he moved past, Tai and the others moved back towards the mouth of the alley to observe.
The boy had reached the end of the street and was talking rather heatedly with a girl. "Damn it Roy, I know I saw some of them come this way." The girl said loudly. "I knew this idiotic plan of yours wouldn't work. You underestimated them and now Michael will have your ......"
Her voice was cut off in a strangled choke as Roy lunged forward, grabbing her neck. He said something softly to her and then shoved her back. The girl staggered but kept her feet. Glaring daggers at the boy in front of her, she walked away. After a moment, Roy continued onwards, checking the shadows. Within the alley, Tai turned back to Mimi and Ken. Before he could say anything Mimi blurted out, "I sound nothing like that."
"Well actually ......" Ken shut his mouth quickly as she glared at him.
"Alright, enough fun and games." Tai interjected. "This has been one seriously weird night. We're going to make our way to the shrine and hook up with everybody else. Then, we'll decide what to do." Raising his head, Tai whispered softly. "Agumon, you and Palmon should cover us."
A small grunt of affirmation came from above and the three friends set off.
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Sora peered over the edge of the hut shaped roof to witness the scene unfolding on the roof of the small building adjacent to them. Beside her lay, Koushirou, Jyou and Iori, all focused upon the same thing.
"How could you let him get away," Takeru said heatedly. "All you had to do was bat your eyelashes and he'd be following you around for days."
Hikari glared at him. "I got him with my dagger, didn't I. He's probably rotting in some alley right now."
"We can't assume that," Takeru argued. "This is where the trail of blood stops. He probably bandaged himself here."
As far as impersonations went, these were quite good, Sora thought. The mannerisms, the voices and even the clothes were the same as that of the chosen. There was a vague feeling of unease though, as if the hair on the back of her neck were standing on end. Their Digimon had confirmed the feeling. Apparently, they could smell through these disguises. Biyomon had explained that each human had a unique smell but these copies didn't. In fact, they had no smell at all.
Sora turned her attention back towards the fake Takeru and Hikari as their argument got decidedly more heated. After a bitter exchange, Hikari's arm flashed up. Takeru easily caught the slap but didn't let go of the arm when she tried jerking it back. The next moment he was on his back as she tackled him to the floor. And then her lips were on his and they were rolling around quite aggressively on the floor.
Sora closed her eyes in disgust. Nudging Koushirou beside her, she whispered, "We should head for the shrine now." They had been on their way to it when they had come across the two doppelgangers.
Koushirou flashed her a lecherous grin. "What? Are you kidding. I wanna see who wins."
"Pervert," Sora muttered but his grin only widened. Rolling her eyes, she turned towards Jyou only to find his eyes locked upon the scene too. Past him, Iori had turned his head away. Catching his eye, she quietly mouthed, "You get the dork, I'll bring the geek." Iori grinned in understanding.
And so, with a grumbling Koushirou and Jyou in tow, Sora and Iori made their way to the shrine. They had almost reached it when Angemon burst out from the entrance and took to the air, Takeru hanging on to his arms.
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All her thoughts kept circling back towards that infuriating blonde. It was distracting and she didn't need that right now. She tried to think about something else, anything else but her thoughts kept going around in circles until they inevitably ended up back on Takeru. Growling, she rammed the side of her fist into a nearby wall. Why was this so hard. He had hurt her more times then she cared to remember and just like a girl in one of those clichéd love stories she hated, she kept going back. She could learn from her mistakes, couldn't she? Why couldn't she learn from this one? What use was trying to get close to him when he would just end up leaving again. Why couldn't she just learn her lesson? Maybe it had something to do with the guilt she felt over Yamato's death. If only she had gotten to the e-mail Takeru had sent her, faster, Yamato may have survived. Maybe that was it, she felt guilty about Yamato.
Hikari shook her head irritably. No, that couldn't be it. Her feelings went beyond simple guilt. No, guilt had nothing to do with feelings of love. She paused. And there it was, she loved him. She had tried to deny it for the past three years, had tried to find solace in the arms of others, a particular episode of her life she wasn't proud of, but nothing had worked and in the end, she had just given up.
With a certainty, Hikari knew that her earlier words had been false. She would try to help Takeru and would inevitably get pushed away. It would hurt but it could not be as bad as the first time or even the second. Her heart could only be broken so many times before it became numb.
"Face it Hikari Yagami," she muttered under her breath, "you're a glutton for punishment."
Rousing herself from these particularly dark thoughts, she motioned for Gatomon to join her. A moment later, the cat bounded up out of the shadows. "I'm going to a boutique, a few blocks away. I have an idea. Stay in the shadows when we get there and keep watch outside but I don't want you to interfere with anybody on their way to the shrine."
Gatomon nodded and then slipped back into the shadows.
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Miyako rapped her knuckles on the door of the shrine three times in quick succession. The door slid open and she let out a strangled yelp as two strong arms grabbed her shoulders and yanked her inside. She stumbled, quickly regaining her balance as someone closed the door behind her. Miyako whirled around and then relaxed as she saw Angemon at the door with Hawkmon in his hands.
"Sorry," Angemon said softly. "I didn't want anybody to see the light outside."
Miyako looked around, noticing the soft dull light that was coming from further inside the shrine. "What is it?" She asked.
"Takeru. He was hurt and is recovering."
Hearing Takeru's name brought back the memory of the encounter she had been through. The story burst forth from her lips. Afterwards, Angemon was silent for a time and then he moved towards the inside of the shrine where Takeru was meditating.
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Takeru walked the passageways of his memories and the scenery was sparse. A dense fog surrounded him, covering everything. He could hardly even see his own hands. He wasn't concerned with his hands though.
Slowly, the fog started to dissipate and was replaced by a familiar scene. It was of him and Yamato on a gray December evening, playing in the snow. It was a memory from happier times when everything had been so simple. It was also not what he wanted to see. He concentrated and the scene changed again. This time he was in a clearing, surrounded by a thick forest on all sides. Unlike other memories that often played out from a first person perspective, this one was third person. It was as much artificial as it was real. He had put a lot of work in trying to reconstruct this scene in third person. This memory was as important to him as the previous one.
Takeru watched as his thirteen-year-old self rushed headlong into the clearing, Angemon on his heels. He paused at the head of the clearing, viewing the tableau in front of him. Yamato Ishida was on his knees, his head bowed down and his arms stretched out to either side and held by two men. Behind him stood a man he had never seen before.
Snarling, Takeru rushed forward. The blast came from the left side of the woods and struck Angemon in the chest. He was pushed back until he was flattened against a tree. Groaning, he collapsed to his knees and de- evolved to his rookie form. Takeru paused in his headlong rush, looking at his partner.
"Oy, boy." The voice caused him to twirl around. The man standing behind Yamato had come forward. "My name is Ryo Sumeragi. I killed your mother and father and now I'll kill your brother. But before that, I'll give you a chance. We'll fight and if you beat me, you and your brother can go free."
His heart burgeoning with rage, Takeru strode forward. From the first punch, he knew that he didn't stand a chance. Time after time, he got up only to be knocked down again. Lying face down in the dirt, he could taste his own blood. His breath came in ragged gasps as he tried to struggle to his feet again but his arms and legs wouldn't support him.
"Pathetic." He heard and saw Sumeragi say in derision. "Is this all you are?" Sumeragi started walking towards Yamato.
"No," Takeru croaked trying to rise to his feet. He saw the glint of a blade and desperation leant him some strength. "NO," he screamed staggering forward as Sumeragi drew the knife across Yamato's throat. Takeru found himself falling forward and hit the ground hard.
The sound of boots over hard packed earth and then a fist in his hair, pulling his head up. "Remember this moment boy," Sumeragi said smirking. "Remember how weak you were and how your family paid the price for it." A fist thudded into the side of Takeru's face driving the last vestiges of consciousness from him.
The scene paused, reset and began playing again. Takeru stood and watched, absorbing the images. He did not know how long he stood there but after a time, there came a disturbance.
"What is wrong?" Takeru asked as Angemon materialized beside him. The scene paused as Takeru's attention was diverted.
Angemon stared at the scene and sighed looking down at Takeru reproachfully. Why did he keep doing this to himself? The past should remain buried in the past, not be carried around like a burden.
"Angemon?" Takeru queried.
Angemon shook himself and quickly related all that Miyako had told him. Takeru blinked and Angemon suddenly found himself back within his own body. Across from him, Takeru's eyes snapped open and moments later they were flying over Tokyo.
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Daisuke dodged the first two punches, blocked the third punch and countered with a kick. The man he was fighting glided backwards gracefully and avoided the kick. Daisuke quickly snapped another quick kick to delay a follow up from his adversary and took the few seconds he had bought himself to check on V-mon.
The Digimon was stirring but was definitely out of it, which ruled out Bio Merging. Earlier, they had tried to escape by taking to the air. However, before they had been very far off the ground, the Garurumon had tackled them in the air. XV-mon had managed to turn the fall though and the wolf had been destroyed. Unfortunately, he had not managed to escape the fall unscathed and now Daisuke was alone and, at best, the fight was going evenly.
Knowing that he had to put away the enemy before reinforcements arrived, Daisuke leapt forward, taking the flight to his adversary. After a fierce exchange, the two broke apart, breathing heavily. The man in front of him suddenly raised his hand and it started glowing.
"Damn," Daisuke muttered under his breath. This guy had Yamato's elemental powers. That could make things extremely dicey.
Suddenly a shadow dropped out of the sky landed behind the man. He stiffened, his hand losing the white glow and crumpled to the floor. Takeru rose to his feet tiredly, scowling down at the figure he had just knocked out.
Across from him Daisuke started to open his mouth to ask a question but he quickly put up both hands to forestall him. "I'll explain everything later. Grab V-mon and let's go. I passed two others on their way here."
Daisuke nodded but then hesitated, his lips twitching upwards. "Isn't this weather a bit cold for you to be doing Bruce Lee impressions?"
It was only then that Takeru realized that he had left the temple in such a hurry that he had left his sweater and shirt behind. The result was that he was totally bare from the waist up. He grimaced at Daisuke, "Just grab V-mon. I'll strip our friend here and we can be on our way."
When Daisuke returned with V-mon, Takeru had almost finished taking off the unconscious man's shirt and coat and was in the process of putting them on. Afterwards, he instructed Angemon to take the man to the shrine. As Angemon left, he and Daisuke set off for the shrine on foot. They encountered only one patrol along the way and Takeru could see the questions forming behind Daisuke's eyes as he was confronted by a twin version of himself. Soon though, they were at the shrine and despite his exhaustion, Takeru looked forward to getting some much-needed answers.
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Himself, Tai and Mimi had gotten to the shrine a little before Angemon returned, bearing the body of Yamato Ishida. It wasn't Yamato though. Ken had seen too much this night to be so easily fooled. No, this particular imposter had only been sent out as a jab against the chosen. Tai and Sora had been particularly livid. Their guest was currently bound and gagged and awaiting his fate in one of the adjoining buildings. Now, they awaited Takeru and Daisuke's return.
From the corner of his eye, Ken studied Hikari. She looked for all the world like a person at ease, leaning back against the far wall, but he knew her better then most. She was dangerously close to losing her temper and Ken suspected he knew why. It was Takeru, again. Hikari took her duties as leader seriously and since Takeru was technically under her charge, she assumed responsibility for him. However, Takeru did not operate under those conditions. He never had. Even when they had been together, all those years ago, he had always moved according to his own discretion. Which was not to say that he didn't follow orders. He did and very well but every now and then, he had tended to go off on his own. Tai was resigned to it but Hikari was not.
With a start, Ken noticed Hikari looking at him. In the soft light that enveloped the room, he saw her arch one eyebrow inquisitively. Flushing, Ken looked away. Apparently, he had become too candid in his observation and she had noticed him. Thankfully, he was saved, as there came a soft tapping on the front door of the shrine. Miyako was there instantly and slid the door open ushering Takeru and Daisuke inside.
Takeru raised a hand in greeting and then suddenly Hikari was there in front of him. Ken saw his eyes widen in alarm and then he staggered backwards as she slapped him with full force.
"You ...... you have no consideration." Hikari said in a voice that sounded like she was trying to keep from screaming.
Takeru slowly straightened and the two stared at each other. Ken saw Miyako and Daisuke quietly inching away from the pair. Both knew that an argument between the two was imminent and neither wanted to be caught up in it.
"I ...... I'm sorry."
Ken's eyes widened. Was that deference he heard, from Takeru? He noted that Miyako and Daisuke were similarly shocked and couldn't imagine the countenance of the other chosen being any different.
"I just heard the news and reacted without thinking. I ...... I apologize for making you worry."
Hikari just stared at Takeru until he bowed his head. With a grunt, she turned and walked away. Takeru looked up as she was turning away and Ken saw something flash within his eyes but it was gone as soon as it had appeared and then Takeru was walking towards him.
"Ken," he said by way of greeting and sank down beside him.
"Takeru," Ken politely nodded.
Takeru was silent for a moment. "Did Angemon get back with that double?"
"Yes, the guy's in the adjoining museum. Tai and Sora are with him."
"Good," Takeru said closing his eyes. He was soon fast asleep and therefore missed some of the excitement that happened next.
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Next: Takeru interrogates the prisoner and many secrets are revealed.
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Author's Notes: Well, another week, another chapter. I want to thank the people that took the time to review the fic. As a note, the Ryo in this story isn't the Ryo from Tamers or Frontier. I haven't even seen those two seasons yet. This fic is just a way for me to make up a story revolving around the plot holes the first two seasons left for us. Another note, I won't be referring to the Undersea Master as anything other then the Undersea Master. Well, maybe as Cthulhu because there are just so many parallels there. Furthermore, I've already broken one of the things I said in the first chapter. There will be a little revision concerning Takeru and Hikari's history and I'll get to other pairings like Taiora and Miyaken later on. In fact, Miyaken may not even happen till the sequel. In any case, here's the promised timeline.
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TIMELINE
2000 - 02 ends (Takeru is eleven years old)
2002 - Yamato dies and Sumeragi goes into hiding. (Takeru is thirteen years old)
2005 - Sumeragi dies (Takeru is sixteen years old)
BACKSTORY (Missing Events)
2003 -- Daemon escapes the Dark Ocean
Daisuke steps down as leader of the 02 chosen
Daemon is defeated by Imperial Dramon under mysterious circumstances
2004 -- An extensive investigation is launched by the Japanese government to understand the many mysterious events taking place within their borders. Several anonymous tips point them towards the chosen.
2005 -- In early 2005, the chosen flee their homes when their own Government tries to apprehend them. In the resulting chaos, Sumeragi resurfaces and kidnaps Hikari. Takeru reappears after three years and trades places with Hikari as Sumeragi's prisoner. The chosen storm Sumeragi's hidden citadel. In the resulting chaos, Takeru
escapes and kills Sumeragi.
2006 -- Takeru begins his entry into the Guardians.
The rest of the chosen return home and begin fake lives set up for them by the Guardians.
2007 -- Takeru begins tests for Guardian status.
He is reunited with Hikari as they both must face one test together.
2008 -- Midnight Blossoms begins
