I Want to be a Hero, Just One Last Time

Chapter 6:

Written by: Juggalomalice

"Time! Put down your pencils and pass your exams to the front. I'll have the grades for you by next week," The Professor announced to the class.

Relief washed over Tai as he allowed himself a relaxed sigh. He had just finished his exam in the nick of time and now that this class was over he was free to return home for the evening and sleep. A favorite past time that he hadn't been able to properly take part in for some time now. With one quick motion he swung his book bag onto this back and left the classroom.

The plan was simple. Get home as fast as possible could and fall asleep before his blasted digivice, or anything else for that matter, interrupted him. He couldn't be blamed if the world went to hell while he was asleep. Plato himself said that you can't be held responsible for any evil that you aren't aware of though Tai would probably agree that the Greek philosopher didn't mean that as a way to dodge out of saving the world from digital extinction. Now if he could just get off of campus without having to talk to anyone.

"Hey Tai!" a voice called out to him right before he could step out of the gates.

Tai pasted a cliché smile on his face before he turned around to face the voice. A lean young man, only slightly older than Tai, with model perfect black hair and an equally perfect smile greeted him. The young man wore a green and white soccer uniform which sported a seven and the name SAKAMOTO.

"What can I do for you Sakamoto?" Tai asked through clenched teeth. On Tai's list of "People I Hate Talking To" Yoshi Sakamoto, captain of the soccer team, was probably number four. Not because he was unpleasant, but just overly persistent. He often bothered Tai at least once a week and always with the same question.

"I just want to let you know that we have an exhibition match this weekend. I thought you might like to dust off your uniform and join us for once."

"Sorry Yoshi, but I told you already. I don't play soccer anymore."

"Don't be like that Tai. Didn't you get into this college with a soccer scholarship?"

"I did, but there were a lot of better players than me who should have gotten it."

"But they didn't. You did though. Don't you find it weird that you got into this college with a soccer scholarship, yet you refuse to play soccer?"

"Yeah, it is weird. Want to know what's weirder? Why they let me keep my soccer scholarship even though I refuse to play soccer?"

Yoshi stopped for a moment to consider this question, "You're right. I never thought about that. Why do they let you keep money if refuse to play?"

"Because that money wasn't given to me so I can play soccer."

"Huh? Then why did they give it to you?"

"To keep me quiet, probably."

"What? Tai are you like in some kind of witness protection program or something?"

"You shouldn't ask too many question Yoshi or the men with the black suits will have to pay you a visit. Ooohhooohh!" Tai answered as he waved his arms in a bad impersonation of a ghost.

The look of uncertainty on Yoshi's face was quickly replaced by his "Captain Hard-ass" face. "You know Tai, for a moment there I honestly believed you had some legitimate reason for refusing to play, but now I see you're just a jerk. There are hundreds, maybe even thousands of people out there working their butts off in hopes of getting a scholarship like yours and one of them has been deprived of that privilege because a lazy ingrate like you lucked out on got it instead."

"Can't ever fool you, Yoshi. You figured me out. It's true. I'm just a lazy guy who got lucky and doesn't want to work hard anymore. You know I'm so well off I can eat Kobi beef three times a day if I want. As such I don't really care if I play soccer or not," Tai answered back as he pulled his hood over his head and turn to walk away.

"Fine, be that way. See if I care you damn ingrate!" Yoshi shouted at him as he walked off.


The bus ride back to his apartment seemed to pass by faster than Tai could remember. He couldn't help but wonder if that's how others saw him. As some kind of arrogant, lucky, ingrate. Whatever, he was home to his messy floor, home to his empty fridge, and home to his sofa that doubled as his bed.

"Agumon, I'm home," He called out as he entered the small domicile.

"Tai, where have you been?" Agumon cried out as he rushed past Tai and out the door wearing his new grey hoodie. "Come on! Why are you still standing there? There's a wild digimon out there with really good stealth abilities. I was barely able to detect him when he passed by. We have to leave now; otherwise I'm going to lose the trail."

"Can't I eat dinner first?" Tai asked as he was dragged back outside.

"No time!" Agumon exclaimed as he took several sniffs of the air. "This way!"

Tai merely accepted his fate with a shrug as he closed the door and followed Agumon on their latest hunt. Agumon seemed to have a good lock on the smell though. In all the years Tai had known Agumon he had learned to never question Agumon's nose. Over all these years, regardless of what type of digimon they hunted, it was never wrong. Since his digivice wasn't picking up a signal he surrendered his trust to his partner's proven technique.

They dared not take any form of transportation for fear of losing the scent. So they walked and they walked. Past the streets, past a small Shinto temple, past the wooden gates of a large traditional estate that read Nonaka, into the subway, and finally ending in one of the stairwells in front of a security grate.

"The trail ends here," Agumon said as he sniffed the grate.

"Well I doubt our mystery digimon runs a local trinket shop by the station. Probably has some phase or teleport ability. Let's see if we can get a digital signal on my digivice," Tai offered as he pulled out his digivice and began to hold I up as if he was trying to pick up a radio station. There was a moment of worry that passed over both hunters faces for fear of losing their prey after almost a whole day of stalking it and then…. BEEP.

Tai lit up, "I got a ping. Just need to calibrate this thing to lock on and… there! Now we should be able to trace it back to its origin." Tai explained to Agumon as they climbed up the next flight of stairs back to street level. "It seems to be close by."

"Ah, Tai. I don't think you're going to need your digivice."

"Why not?"

Agumon pointed up at a building, "Look."

Tai looked up to where Agumon was pointing, taking note of the starry night that now painted the sky while was at it, to see what looked like a huge ice dome that had been frozen on top of a nearby office building.

"I always wondered if anyone else sees these things." Agumon mused out load as the two proceed to their destination.

"My theory is that the effects of certain digital fields can only be seen those who have been touched by the digital world. That or everyone is stupid. Besides that, I can't think of any other reason why people don't freak out over the giant, evil igloo on top of a building." Tai offered as an explanation as they slowly entered the building and began the long climb up the stairs.

"Tai, I know it's kind of our style to be nonchalant and walk really slowly because we're awesome, but aren't you worried those kids may be up there already?"

Tai let out a light laugh, "Oh come on Agumon. They may be kids, but they're not stupid. I'm sure they would see something like this they won't come near it and if they do they won't go charging in like a bunch of reckless fools."

The two shared a hearty laugh over how anyone without lots of experience like them could be stupid enough to charge into a situation like this without a plan. Though they both laughed, neither one commented on how the other suddenly felt the need to walk just a little faster. With their new found speed the two reached the top much faster then either one anticipated.

"Do you hear that Agumon?" Tai asked.

"Yeah, a voice. Someone's talking."

"No, sounds like someone is monologuing to me."

"… but you feel as if you fought with a friend." The voice said. "Hanging out with those guys has made you soft. You should go back to your old self," The sliding doors slide open for the two veteran hunters at this point as they entered the giant ice cavern that doubled as grave, "When your heart was as cold and cruel as this ice!"

"For crying out loud, someone shut this guy up already!" Tai shouted out turning all attention towards him.

"Who are you?" IceDevimon demanded.

"We're the two who are going to break your jaw so you can't kill anyone by your excessive talking." Agumon snapped back.

IceDevimon simply laughed, "You think a child digimon like you can defeat me where these other two failed. Do you have any idea who I am?"

"IceDevimon, champion level. Fallen Angel category with a virus attribute. The bitch form of Devimon." Tai replied.

"What?"

"Everyone knows that Devimon is the preferred evolution start. Better evolutions and no vulnerability to fire. Now, I have two questions which have been bothering me for a while now. One, why do you evil digimon love to talk to much and, more importantly, two, what is it about you evil digimon and little girls? First there was Myotismon and his creepy fascination with my sister and now you and Lil' Miss Sourpuss there."

"Heh, those sound like fighting words to me, young man."

"Oh please let there be a fight," Agumon begged as he cracked his knuckles. "I know you're not the same Devimon that caused us so much trouble all those years ago, but you look enough like him that just the thought of me ripping your wings off is getting me all tingly with excitement. Oh please give the attack order Tai. I know I'm usually not like this, but there's just something about his face that makes me want to curb stomp it."

"As much as I'd like to see you do that Agumon, we have to be polite and wait our turn." Tai interjected.

"Why?"

"Can't you see? The kids were here first. We have to wait till they're done."

"According to those ice sculptures over there I think they already lost."

Tai shrugged, "That's two, but there should be three. Hey Lil' Miss Sourpuss, where's Renamon? I was told that she only shows up when you call her."

Rika hesitated for a moment, "She won't come. Even if I do call her."

"That doesn't sound right. Have you tried already? You never know until you try, you know?" Tai mused. Rika blinked in confusion at this piece of commonly heard advice. It was kind of like listening to a bad PSA commercial when you're about to die. "Don't tell me you want to be the tamer of mister IcePsycho-mon over there?"

Rika looked once more at IceDevimon and at the many monuments of death surrounding them. She wanted nothing to do with any of that. "Renamon!"

"DIAMOND STORM"

The shout echoed out as a large explosion blasted through the ice wall to reveal Renamon.

"About damn time." Tai groaned in a lower voice. "I swear, rookies these days always taking their sweet time."

"Tai, I thought you didn't want the kids to fight."

"Well I want them to grow up at the least."

["Ice Claw"]

"But doesn't this put them in danger?"

"Well, yes kind of, sort of."

["Renamon is… my friend!"]

"So, let me get this straight. We're for them growing up?"

"Yes."

["Renamon Digivolve to Kyubimon"]

"But we're also for keeping them safe."

["Fox Tail Inferno"]

"Clearly."

"But letting them grow up like this puts them in danger."

"True."

["Ice Shower"]

"So shouldn't we be against them growing up like this since it put them in danger?"

"I can see the logic in your argument partner."

["I have a plan. Digi-Modify!"]

"So Tai, I'm kind of confused in what you want here."

"Agumon, right now the only thing I know is that I want to go to sleep. Everything else is up in the air."

["Digi-Modify: White Wings!"]

"You worry me sometimes, Tai."

"I worry myself sometimes."

["Arrgggh"]

"Oh, check it out. They won some how," Tai said after he looked up.

"Oh, when did that happen?"

"Probably while we were arguing."

"You mean to say there was an epic digimon battle going on around us and we didn't even notice."

Tai shrugged, "Ants to giants, man. Ants to giants."

"I guess we should congratulate them," Agumon suggested.

"Yeah, it is a big step for them," Tai agreed as the two hunters joined the three tamers. "Everyone congratulations are in ord—"

"I hate digimon." Rika suddenly declared as she walked off from the group.

"Where the freak did that come from?" Agumon asked.

"Well she was just kidnapped by an evil digimon I'll go talk to her. By the way guys, great job out there. You could use some pointers, but major improvement."

"Hmm, thanks," Takato replied with a bit of uncertainty due to the Rika's suddenly storming off. "What can you do to help Rika though?"

Tai began to walk backwards so that he could still talk to them face to face, "Let's just say that dealing with girls who have been kidnapped by evil digimon is kind of a second skill set of mine. Agumon, fire escape. Find Renamon and make sure she's OK. She looked a bit banged up."

"On it!" Agumon said with a salute before he dashed off the side of the building. With that Tai dashed into the building to catch up with Rika.

"Hey Lil' Miss Sourpuss!" Tai shouted down the stairwell at the small girl two stories bellow. No reply. Tai groaned before finally shouting, "Rika!"

The small figure briefly stopped to look up at him this time. "I don't want to talk to you Mop-Head."

"Well you don't have to talk, but at least hear me out." Tai quickly replied as he began to descend several steps at a time.

"What could you possible say to me that would help me right now? Some cheap line from an old movie about find the strength to movie forward or something. Can the melodrama."

"No, nothing like that. I just wanted to say, if you enter this door into the main building," Tai began as he finally reached the young girl and kneed down so he was eye level with her, "Straight ahead you'll find the elevator that can take you to the ground level much faster. Now that the ice on the top floor is gone the gears are functioning again."

Rika blushed a bit in embarrassment having not even thought about using the elevator herself. She walked past him into the dimly lit hallway towards the small illuminated elevator control pad, Tai quickly at her heel. The two stood quietly in the dark for several seconds before the ding signaling the arrival of the cart allowed the doors to slide open flooding the hallway with light. Rika stepped and one once more Tai stepped in after her. He pressed the first floor button.

"I don't need you to follow me." Rika said.

"I know."

"I don't want you to follow me either."

"I know."

"Then why are you following me."

Tai let out a slow breath, "Rika, you've just been kidnapped by an evil digimon for diabolical and nefarious purposes. That's quite a dramatic event; believe me I know, but…"

"There's always a but," Rika commented snidely.

"But I know you're a pretty strong girl. In fact, I think you're probably the strongest girl I've met in a long time," Tai said with a smile as he took to his knee once more to face the girl face to face.

"What?" Rika replied in surprise as she turned to face him. She had been expecting a lecture, not praise and why the hell did he have to have such big expressive eyes that so clearly communicated his sincere concern about her?

"That's why I know you don't need me to help you get home. I know you don't need me to help you feel better, but I'm not as strong as you so I would feel much better if, just for tonight, you let me walk you home."

Rika quickly turned away from him in order to hide her blush. She was upset. She should be blushing damn it.

"Fine, but only because you're such a wuss," Rika conceded.

"Thanks Rika. So, want me to give you a piggy-back ride?"

"Do you think I'm 5 or something?"

"Oh, be honest with yourself. After everything we went through tonight do you honestly mean to tell me you want to walk all the way home on your own two feet?"

Rika stopped for a moment to consider this. She honestly was tired and wasn't in the mood to walk.

"It'll be a secret between just the two of us. No one will find out or if you prefer I can princess carry you if that's what rocks your socks."

"Piggy back is fine," Rika quickly replied with a scarlet face.


Front of Nonako Estate

The walk back had been quiet. There was no need for small talk. Tai knew that Rika didn't need a conversation right now. What she needed was to calm down and get some rest. Piggy back rides over long distances were ideal for this. That's what Tai's big brother training had taught him at least.

With younger sibling pressed up so closely to ones back it took just a little bit of skill to hear their heartbeat and Rika's heartbeat was quite frantic. It was to be expected and that's why Tai was so glad that it had slowed down considerably by the time he reached the gate to her home. He was pretty sure she had fallen asleep on the trip

"Home sweet home, Princess," Tai gently called out and he lightly shook the girl awake. Yup, totally asleep.

"I'm no princess. I'm a queen. A Digimon Queen," She replied in a drowsy tone.

"A queen? Doesn't that imply there's a king somewhere?"

"Why do you ask? Are you looking to apply for the position?"

"Does that count as a pass? Did a half asleep elementary girl make a pass at me?" Tai thought.

"I think you're still half asleep," He answered as he put the small girl down. She yawned some of the sleep away as she rubbed her eyes a bit. "Hey Rika, before we part for tonight. I just want to say, sorry."

Rika began to wake up a bit more at this point, "Sorry for what? Being an idiot?"

"No, sorry for not being there to keep you safe like I promised I would. Sadly, you're not the first girl I've let down."

"You're still on about that? I already told you that I hate digimon so you don't have to worry about this anymore. You don't have to worry about keeping your stupid promise." She assured him.

"Doesn't matter. A promise is a promise and I'll try to do better next time. Not that I hope there is a next time. Just…" He trailed off a bit.

"I think I get it Mop-Head. You're concern is unneeded, but I get it."

Tai reached into his jacket pocket, pulled out a scrape a paper & pen, scribbled something on it, and handled towards Rika. "Here, I want you to have this. In case of emergency."

"What is this?"

"It's my cell phone number. If you need me just call, OK?"

"I told you I don't need your help nor do I wa—"

"Boop." Tai interrupted as he pressed her nose.

"What was that for?" Rika said as she once again guarded her nose.

Tai gave her a warm smile as he gently pushed some loose strands of her hair back behind her ear, "That was the button that makes you accept my help with no questions, simply because Tai is a wuss who would worry about you otherwise."

"You are so annoying sometimes. Fine, but it's not like I care what you do."

"Good night to you too, Rika."

"Whatever." She grumbled as she closed the wooden door behind her. She was upset, that hadn't changed and she was sure she still hated digimon, but at the same time, as she stared at the phone number in her hand she couldn't help but feel a tingle in her stomach. "I hate that jackass so much." She growled as she walked into her house.

She didn't announce her presence to the house and quickly darted past the hallway before her grandmother could call her. She made a bee line straight for her room and allowed herself to flop on her bed. She stared once more at the piece of paper in her hand.

Tai Kamiya

xxxxxxx

Rika growled in frustration as she quickly fiddled with her phone before putting it aside on her desk so she could change her cloths. The phone display read:

MOPHEAD

XXX-XXXX

End Chapter 6


Author Notes:

Enjoy, wrote this pretty quickly in on honestly. Started sometime around midnight here I think. One of the fastest updates in ages. I think questions are slowly be answered as well. It's not a story if I tell you everything in one sitting, right? Anyway, I guess rewatching the carton forces the writing juices out. This was suppose to cover several episodes, but it just kind of kept going and only episode 10 was covered. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing. I have the 1st revisions for the past chapters and those will probably be posted when I wake up. This story will be submitted for revision around the same time. I usually do several revisions before posting, but for some reason I just want to get this story out there while it's fresh in my mind. I'm going to do my best to follow the canon from now on, but as you can guess that creates the problem of trying to write Tai into situations where he never existed. I think it's working well so far. Do let me know what you think so far in the comments as this type of story telling, that which follows or retells a series, isn't really my favorite form so I have little experience with it. Remember, if two weeks pass without an update feel free to send me a pm on here or facebook reminding me to get back to work. I'm easily distracted and I honestly love hearing from readers. My irl friends never read my works regardless of how much I hassle them, lol.