Rise of the Mechanical Digimon

The plane ride to Hawaii was going alright except for one minor issue. Alejandro and Megumi didn't seem the least bit interested in what the other would want to talk about. Alejandro was flipping through a magazine while Megumi looked through blue prints for the heck of it.

Mato simply stared at the Spanish ex-model as he looked up from his magazine and asked, "What's up with you? Did I do something?" Mato remarking, "Shouldn't you at least talk to Megumi-San?"

"She's in her 30's," Alejandro replied, "And besides, she seems a little too interested in what she's doing."

Suddenly, the plane hit some turbulence as everyone jumped in their seat, and as soon as it calmed down, Neil noticed his hand was right up against Mato's chest, his eyes going wide. Mato, as expected, freaked out before punching Neil's cheek hard.

Rina clung to Neku wining, "Onii-Chan!" Neku patting her on the head and replying, "It's okay, Rina. Just a little turbulence."

Kotaha was also quite startled as she clung to Luchi, the man rubbing her back and saying, "It's okay, honey."

Neil groaned as the stewardess, Mia from house keeping, walked by and asked, "Want some peanuts?" Neil slowly saying, "I'll have a bag..." the woman whispering, "Come to the back and I'll let you feel me up all you like," winking as Neil's eyes widened while twitching, Mato pouting in response to this.

Soon enough, the plane arrived at its destination as Yomaki said, "Alright, everyone, I have booked us all the biggest hotel here. Once you get your things unpacked, you're free to do whatever you want."

As the group exited, Alejandro tried desperately to keep his excitement contained. Before, whenever he travelled, it was always for a photo shoot or something business-related. This would be his first real vacation outside of Mexico or Japan.

Soon enough, everyone had unpacked his/her things and it was time for the one thing everyone came to Hawaii for: the beach.

The men all marvelled at the women in their swimsuits until Midori showed up wearing a T-shirt and a pair of shorts, everyone's eyes twitching as one of the guys asked, "What the hell is that?"

"This is what I swim in," Midori replied, "The way I see it, it's better to conceal than to reveal."

"NO IT'S NOT!" the guys retorted, "THAT'S RETARDED!"

Midori rolled her eyes and remarked, "You got 50 other women to ogle. Just look at them."

While Alejandro might not have been among the guys criticizing Midori's outfit, he was easily the most disappointed of them all. He had looked so forward to seeing her in a swimsuit, so seeing her wearing everyday clothes was a huge letdown for him.

To make things even more awkward, a group of hula dancers were eyeing the Spanish man, winking at him. They recognized him from the many different magazines he starred in. As such, they danced over to him, Alejandro feeling uncomfortable but being a gentleman anyway and allowing them to feel his biceps after they begged him to.

"Oh, so strong," said one of them as the other added, "You must work out all the time," Midori rolling her eyes at this, Alejandro seeming oblivious to the flirting but was fully aware and just didn't want to acknowledge them.

Neil soon entered the area in his own swimsuit looking around for Mato, the one he wanted to see most of all, and it wasn't long until he found her. Seeing the girl of his dreams, Neil's eyes sparkled. But he had to hide his dirty thoughts.

As such, he walked over to her and rubbed the back of his neck stating, "Hey, Mato, that swimsuit looks great on you."

Mato beamed and giggled, "You think so?" Neil nodding as Neku joined him, saying, "Yeah, it looks good," mostly just wanting to be polite and set a good example for his sister, though deep down inside, he didn't really care.

At that moment, Midori invited Mato over to play beach volleyball with her and the other girls, Megumi and Kotaha jumping at the opportunity, Kotaha figuring a good workout would be good for her upcoming child. All the while, she hoped the mech war wouldn't last as something that intense was sure to have negative results eventually.

"Hey, Mato, c'mon," Midori said as she added, "The wimp can watch," Neil lowering his eyelids.

Mato nodded as Neku gave Neil a look as if to say 'Hey, this is your chance to spend quality time with her'. It was time for Neil to be a man. He was on vacation with the woman of his dreams and wasn't going to screw this up. As such, he volunteered to be her team mate much to Midori's dismay.

Kotaha was a little surprised seeing Neil of all people stepping up as she said, "I take it you're good at this game," Neil grinning nervously and replying, "Well... I don't suck too much at it..."

Megumi smirked and spun her arm around while replying, "It's time to show your game boy-o, it would suck to be taken down by some girls, but me, Yomaki, and Beat used to play volleyball and such way back when."

And so the game went by, Midori's team dominating the others by a bit... thanks to Neil. Unfortunately, the man was responsible for 75% of the other team's points, not getting a single point for the team.

'Okay, concentrate,' the boy thought, 'You can do this.'

And thus Jasmine served up a big one as it headed toward Neil, the boy leaping toward it and for once, hitting it hard as it flew to the other side, actually landing on the other side much to everyone's surprise.

Unfortunately, Neil had also tripped upon hitting the ball as he bumped into Mato from behind, taking her down with him. As he opened his eyes, he pushed himself up, soon realizing his hands were on top of the woman's butt cheeks, the boy's eyes going wide as he subconsciously gave them a squeeze.

Neku face palmed as Mato screamed and reeled her foot back, shooting it upward and planting it hard against Neil's face, causing him to let go. Why he didn't see this coming was a mystery.

Midori slapped her forehead, sighing, "On the plus side, Neil, you actually won us the game, as in, not your team," Kotaha and Megumi nodding as Neil groaned, "Sorry, Mato..."

"There, there," Mato replied with a sweet smile, patting the man's head while Megumi whispered something regarding Neil into Kotaha's ear, the woman giggling in response to this.

After that, everyone decided to go for a swim. After all, it was a beach.

Neil stood by the water, reaching his foot forward then retracting it. He hated getting wet outside of a shower.

Mato saw this and grinned deviously, teasing, "Watch out for sharks!"

"Sharks!" Neil remarked, trembling as he backed off, Midori laughing and saying, "Wow, Mato, I'm impressed. That's like something I'd do to scare someone."

Eventually, Neil stepped into the water and let out a sigh, smiling at Mato and approaching her slowly. He then decided to go for a swim with her.

During this, Megumi simply sat out of the water, no interest in it whatsoever as Kotaha simply didn't want salt water in her mouth and was very cautious about it. Luchi had also rented a jet ski, Alejandro watching this with wonder. He figured since Midori had a motorcycle, she might be attracted to a man on a jet ski. In fact, he was so determined to win her affection that he rented one almost instantly, performing all kinds of stunts on it.

Midori looked at the sight of this, whistling while Yomaki shouted, "Woo! You go, Al-yama-llama-rama-daba-ding-dong!" Midori replying, "Now you're just being mean."

Alejandro turned his attention to the girls, amazed that Midori was impressed. With that, he grinned, getting distracted as he lost his footing and fell off, Luchi breaking out into hysterics while shouting, "Nice one man!" Alejandro spat a bunch of seawater out of his mouth, scared of what Midori thought of that, noticing that Midori slapped her forehead and Yomaki was laughing insanely.

Yomaki exited the water, coming back with her own jet ski as she shouted, "PAY ATTENTION, YOU NEWBIES!" showing up Luchi in a heartbeat.

Mato's eyes sparkled as she squeaked, "Oh, I wanna try that!" Neku nodding and adding, "It does look like fun."

Luchi and Alejandro stared at Yomaki's skills as Luchi spat, "You wanna go, lady? Let's dance!" speeding up while trying to outdo her only to end up failing while Alejandro rolled his eyes.

Neil was ultimately pressured into doing it as he started it up behind Mato, taking her lead. He was doing surprisingly well for a while but unfortunately lost his balance as he flew forward, flying into Mato and knocking her off of her jet ski with him.

As he emerged and took a deep breath, his vision was pitch black as if something was covering his eyes. He quickly removed what it was, realizing it was a bikini, but not just any bikini as his eyes went wide.

Mato wiped her forehead and said, "Well, that was fun while it lasted, right Ne-?" turning to noticing him holding a bikini that looked suspiciously like hers, the girl's eyes widening as she looked down at her exposed chest, shrieking before slapping Neil hard in the face, hiding her chest and running out of the water.

"WAIT!" Neil spat, pursuing her while trying desperately to apologize only to end up tripping and pulling on the back of her bikini bottoms, the clothing slipping down as now her butt was exposed, Neil panicking.

Mato fumed, feeling legitimate anger toward Neil for the first as she rose her foot, planting it into his face before running off toward the changing area to get back into her regular clothes. She was both embarrassed and furious right now, not wanting to see Neil.

Pretty much everyone had stared at this scene too. Neku was concerned about where this would end up, Rina just confused about the whole thing as Alejandro turned away, not wanting to watch this painful sight. Kotaha simply had her hand clutching her heart, giving a prayer for Neil.

"Oh god, that was awkward..." Neil sighed, holding up the bikini parts as Midori said, "Wow, I've never actually seen her that embarrassed before. You totally need to confront her about this."

"Right now!" Neil spat, his eyes widened as the woman nodded, saying, "You two are best friends, right? You can't let this mishap compromise that," as she pushed Neil toward where Mato went, Neil panicking him shouting, "She might not be changed right now!"

Unfortunately, Neil had been pushed coincidentally right where Mato was hiding, the boy covering his eyes as he said, "I feel terrible right now. Please don't hate me."

However, despite being in her regular clothes at this time, Mato blushed brightly and ran off. She wasn't sure if she could forgive him for this.

"OH, C'MON!" the boy shouted, groaning as he sighed, looking down and walking to a rock just a ways from the beach, sitting on it and looking on, sadness now taking over.

Alejandro sighed, "Tough luck, I wonder what Neil would be like if he wasn't cursed. I mean he and Mato are so compatible, it's just sad the universe won't allow it at all."

"I usually don't care about the affairs of men," Midori said with a sigh, "But you're right. I'm just wondering if it would be wise to interfere."

"Since I cured you, maybe I should try," Alejandro replied as Midori shook her head remarking, "This is more complicated than my stupor."

Meanwhile, Mato was off in the jungle sitting on a stump in front of a pond, pouting while wining to herself, "Geez! I've forgiven him so many times, but this is the worst thing he's ever done!"

Neil let down tears as he sat on the rock, motionless. Now there was nothing in his life anymore. He had truly blown it.

Midori saw the boy on the rock and let out a sigh, saying, "It looks hopeless. I think the only way for him to get out of his stupor is if Mato forgives him."

"Don't give up hope," Yomaki said, "I know those two better than anyone else. Mato will realize it was an accident and forgive him eventually. Just leave them be."

Alejandro shrugged his shoulders and replied, "Whatever you say boss, but I have to say, it's painful seeing him so depressed. It's like whenever one of us is upset, everyone else feels it."

"At least we're not in a battle now," Midori sighed, shrugging and saying, "Well, Yomaki, you'd better be right."

The day went by as Mato was still nowhere to be found. Now everyone was worried. It was time for dinner with Yomaki treating everyone and Neil was still on his rock while Mato was nowhere to be found.

Alejandro simply wouldn't eat. He just had a sinking feeling in his gut telling him not to, Megumi remaining silent all the while. Kotaha was anxious, keeping her hands busy, worry starting to take over.

Neku simply got up and sighed, "I'm gonna go look for Mato, guys," before walking away from the area. He had to try and set things right, or at least someone had to.

"C'mon, I paid for this," Yomaki said, sipping her long island ice tea before adding, "Anyone who doesn't eat his dinner will have it taken off his paycheque... or hers..."

She then got up and walked over to Neil's rock, handing the boy a plate saying, "I bought you dinner. Now eat it or it's coming off your cheque."

Neil stared at the plate and murmured, "Mato likes eating food..."

Yomaki rolled her eyes and headed off, Neil staring at the plate for some time, picking it up and saying, "I'm going to share my meal with Mato," then got off the rock, placing his hands against the sand and with precise skill and mastery formed a perfect sand sculpture of Mato's head, putting the plate in front of it and saying, "You must be hungry... oh, you forgive me? Oh, that's such a relief..." going back onto his rock and rocking back and forth, singing to himself, "Daisy, Daisy, give me your answer, do..."

All the while, Mato was skipping pebbles in the pond, feeling almost as down as Neil was right now. Neku was headed there, determined to rekindle their friendship.

All the while, Megumi stood up from her seat, frustration on her face. She then marched over to Neil and barked, "You know, I may be upset and annoyed by this too, but nobody's died, we're all healthy and we're on vacation! Now stop being emo and enjoy yourself!"

Neil looked up at her and said, "Hi, Megumi... Mato and I were sharing dinner together... isn't that great? I'm so happy right now..."

Megumi blinked and sighed, putting a hand on his shoulder and replying, "It sure is," faking a smile but knowing someone would have to snap Neil out of his insane state soon.

At that moment, Neil laughed insanely, his body trembling all over as he turned around, saying, "Yes, all is right in the world," then broke out into waterworks, actually crying now. He hadn't cried for real in over 8 years.

Midori, out of concern walked over as Neil turned to face her, whimpering, "Hold me..." Midori's eyes going wide as she pushed Yomaki in front of the boy, Neil embracing her and crying on the front of her shirt, Yomaki sighing and patting the boy on the head saying, "There, there," then looking at the sand sculpture thought, 'Wow, I didn't know the boy was such an artist,' then faked a smile saying, "Mato's enjoying her meal. She's really happy right now," Neil smiling through his tears and saying, "I'm glad..."

Megumi joined Yomaki in wrapping her arms around Neil, hoping this would help while adding, "It's okay to feel lost, but don't worry. Mato loves you just as much as you love her. She'll forgive you."

"Really?" Neil asked, his eyes sparkling as he said, "Yes, of course she does. One day, we'll be married and have 3 children. We'll live in a beautiful house together and never have to fight in our mechs again."

Megumi nodded and asked, "Why don't you go look for her? Tell her how you feel and how sorry you are."

"But..." Neil said, pointing at the head as Yomaki sighed, "Neil, that's sand... you sculpted it yourself... now stop being a baby and confront your issue like a man."

Neil got up, tears still running down his eyes as Midori handed the boy a flower called a Costus, indigenous to Hawaii and said, "Now you're ready."

The boy then went off, tears still in his eyes but a look of confidence also taking over. He was going to meet destiny and punch it in the face.

Megumi smiled at Yomaki before saying, "Well, boss, we did it. We got him back on his toes. Now let's hope he can stay on them."

Neku looked at Mato with concern after finally finding her and asked, "Are you still mad at him?" Mato nodding slightly.

However, at that exact moment, Neil found the spot where they were, tapping Neku on the shoulder with the same serious, tearful expression on his face as he signalled Neku to step aside, walking over to Mato and pulling out the Costus, holding it out for her and saying, "Mato, words cannot describe how sorry I am for earlier. I hope we can still be great friends. You complete me and give me a reason to go forward in life. I don't want this to end because of my own clumsiness. I can understand if you refuse to ever talk to me again, but please consider it," standing there, completely silent after that statement and still holding the flower out.

Neku was speechless before sighing with relief, glad that Neil had mustered up the courage to face his problem head-on, Mato blushing slightly and taking the flower, uttering, "Th-thank you..."

And so Neil just stood there, still silent, not saying anymore as he proceeded to sit down in front of her, placing his hands on her shoulders and smiling, a look of compassion in his eyes. This was too tender a moment for him to say any more.

Neku walked away, knowing exactly how this would turn out as Mato leaned forward, closing her eyes and gently pressing her lips up against Neil's. Neil's eyes went wide before closing, the boy holding the kiss for some time. His dream had finally come true and he wasn't going to let it go.

Afterwards, Neil wiped his tears and said, "I love you, Mato," his face turning red as he said, "Whoa, I didn't think I was ready to say that yet."

Mato blushed bright red, not completely believing what she'd just heard as Neil added, ""I mean it. I've been in love with you for god-knows-how-long! I want our time spent together to mean much more than just a ten-year friendship that could never die! I want us to get married one day, live in a beautiful house and have 3 children!"

Mato gasped, replying, "But you're a year younger than me," Neil sighing, "A year doesn't make much of a difference when we're both over the age of 20," his smile returning as he took her hand and sat there with her, enjoying the moment. He didn't want this to end, at least not yet.