August 1st 2012

7:59am

"We're going to be late aren't we?"

Izzy ignored the large water mammal. "Take a deep breath Ikkakumon."

The beast in question grunted as Izzy moved to his flank. "Yeah, yeah. Let's just hurry this up, alright? UMPH!"

Ikkakumon's partner frowned. "You alright?"

Ikkakumon glared at Joe. "This doesn't leave the lab."

They were situated in Izzy's new base of operations in Kyoto. The lab was constructed specifically by the father of Sora Takenouchi for use by Izzy and a team of researchers. By far however, this was the most important bit of research Izzy had done for some time. Inspecting the anatomy of a willing Digimon. Most of their analysis came from medical checkups of prisoners-of-war. This was the first time a Digimon had willingly asked to be inspected.

In so much as he wasn't fighting back.

"Can I go now?"

He certainly was being grumpy about it all though.

Izzy sighed when it was all over, and walked back to Joe. "Well his vitals are normal."

Tentomon floated in front of Ikkakumon's face. "Are you sure you're not hiccupping Ikkakumon?"

"If I am, this is one long hiccup."

Tentomon cocked his head in frustration. "You know, we're only trying to help. There's no use in being grumpy."

"I'm not grumpy," said Ikkakumon. But his undertone said otherwise.

Tentomon yawned. "Suit yourself."

Izzy ignored the bickering, instead turning to his associate. "I don't know what to tell you Joe", he said, personally handling the bearer of reliability Ikkakumon's paperwork. "His stats seem normal for Ikkakumon."

Joe sighed. "So, is he stuck like this?"

Ikkakumon growled. "Hey. I'm not stuck. Alright? This is a perfectly natural situation. If I de-digivolve later, then so be it. But I see nothing but benefits."

Tentomon looked frustrated. "Well you can't go walking around the real world like this.

"Why not?" Ikkakumon argued. "Other champions do it."

"Other champions are humanoid. You're a giant walrus."

Ikkakumon frowned. "Gee, thanks Joe. You really know how to lift a guy's spirits."

"You don't expect to pop into a sushi restaurant like this do you?" Asked Izzy.

"Here's the real question, why should I stay in the Real World at all?"

Joe sighed. "Ikkakumon…"

"I'm not trying to be rude. But why is this such a big deal to you Joe?"

Joe let his eyes wander off into the distance. "I've just got a bad feeling is all... A real bad feeling."

At that, Ikkakumon scoffed, his belly roaring with his laugh. "Bah, it's not like this is the first time a Champion's been at the Digidestined Grand Reunion."

DIGIMON: ANNIVERSARY

YEAR: TEN

August 1st 2012

9:49am

Armadillomon had never personally been to File Island.

Oh he'd heard about it from someone, probably long before he'd met Cody, but he'd never actually been. Lounging around the lake however was relaxing, even though this strange forest-jungle was rather hot.

Cody was talking with Matt and Sora, leaving his partner to relax in the Digital World's summer. It had been Matt's idea in the first place to hold Anniversary in the Digiworld, far away from the rebuilding process Japan was currently engaged in. And that had only been after much prodding from his significant other, who had to diligently remind the man of the adage all work and no play. At least that's what Cody had told Armadillomon. All he knew was that, all in all, this was an acceptable substitute.

His fellow Digimon would agree, those who had already arrived. But they were few and far between. Hawkmon and Wormmon were here, hanging from a nearby tree. The Agumon/Biyomon clan had arrived early as well; they had set out to fish today. And Gatomon was around… somewhere. Everyone else, for one reason or another, was unaccounted.

This was fine with Armadillomon, personally. He wished he could see his friends more often, but these Anniversary get together were often crowded, and sometimes it was easy to get lost in the shuffle. The small mammal-lizard rested soundly on a rock on the edge of the lake.

A shadow crossed over him. Peaking his tired eyes out of its darkness, he saw a rather annoyed cat searching for something.

"Howdy Gatomon!"

The feline ignored him. "Have you seen Gabumon?"

"No." Armadillomon frowned and sat up. "I thought you two were…"

Gatomon averted her gaze. "Apparently you thought wrong."

"I think I overheard Matt say Gabumon asked if he could sit this one out," Hawkmon replied to his former DNA partner.

Armadillomon blinked. "Where's Patamon?"

Gatomon frowned. "Dominimon's with the Triumvirate."

Armadillomon stared blankly at Gatomon. "Who are they again?

"Aristocratic angel type snobs", Gatomon practically spat.

Wormmon spoke next. "How come they didn't ask you to join Gatomon?" He asked quietly.

Gatomon rolled her eyes. "Don't ask me."

"Hello everyone."

The Digimon let their conversation fall as they were joined… or rather interrupted, by the figure of a dark haired man. "Ken."

Ichijouji nodded sheepishly to the Digimon, though his eyes told a tale of impatience. He glanced nervously about until his focused on the partner of Yolei Inoue. "Hey, Hawkmon. Can I talk to you for a minute?"

Hawkmon blinked and sat up. "Huh? Uh, sure Ken."

Ken nodded away from the group, and Hawkmon followed suit. Leaving Armadillomon with even more space to laze about in. Gatomon's angry musings however left him no rest. "There goes another," she said under her breath.

Armadillomon yawned and sprawled out again. "Another what?"

Gatomon sneered. "Look around. How many of us are actually communicating to each other?"

Armadillomon shrugged. "You, me…" He looked around now, realizing that there were only three left at the lake. "Uh…Wormmon, you're communicating right?"

Wormmon blinked, a little taken aback. "I can. What are we talking about?"

"Gatomon wants somebody to talk to. Now that Patamon's gone…"

Gatomon, in spite of herself, blushed. "He's not gone, and that's not it either."

Armadillomon let a lazy smile caress his face. "Uh-oh. I must have scratched a nerve. Sounds like someone's bitter."

"I'm not bitter," Gatomon sighed. "I'm concerned. I feel like we aren't as close as we used to be. We're all splitting up."

Wormmon blinked. "But Gatomon, it isn't that serious… Is it?"

Gatomon took a deep breath. "Dominimon spends all his time in the Golden City. Ikkakumon's joined the Deep Savers; he may not even be connected to Joe anymore. Agumon and Biyomon are too busy keeping Guilmon from running amok, and never seem to have time for anyone but Gabumon, who is avoiding anyone and everyone else for one reason or another. Palmon's off with Mimi doing Broadway or whatever it is Mimi's been up to. They only talk to Davis and Veemon, who in turn hang out with our American counterparts far too often. And the rest of us are all off with our crummy sectors pulling double duty for some of these freshies who have nothing better to do than travel around the real world like a bunch of tourists."

Silence.

Armadillomon smiled slyly. "…You sure you're not bitter?"

Gatomon groaned and took off. "I'm going for a walk."

Armadillomon didn't even watch her leave. It was too early to be dealing with a Digimon scorned anyway. His attempts at a good morning nap were again thwarted however, by one of the more unlikely voices.

"You know, she's not exactly wrong," said Wormmon quietly.

Armadillomon frowned. "What do you mean?"

"I mean think about it", said Wormmon, letting his eyes wander. "When exactly are we ever featured on an Anniversary?"

August 1st 2012

10:02am

Something was wrong, and he knew it. Ken was sure he'd seen Yolei this morning. And Hawkmon's presence proved it. Why his lover was avoiding him deeply bothered Ken. It didn't help that they'd fought over his acceptance of a late night beat as he continued to learn the ropes of law enforcement. It was bad enough the media didn't leave him alone about his desire not to continue in his brother's footsteps as a chess maverick. But to hear the same from Yolei was very taxing.

And now she was avoiding him, which really put a strain on things. Ken sighed inwardly. When he felt he and Hawkmon had a reasonable place to talk he turned to her partner.

"Be honest with me Hawkmon. How has Yolei been? She hasn't been answering any of my calls recently."

Hawkmon shrugged. "I don't know exactly. She keeps looking at a weird thermometer over and over again. And she won't eat anything she usually likes."

Ken frowned. "Is she sick?"

"She has been acting a little strange now that you mention it Ken."

"She's never hidden anything from me before." Ken ran a hand through his hair in frustration. "Now she's sleeping back at her place. And she may be sick…"

Hawkmon blinked. "What could it mean Ken…"

Ken thought for a moment, and then turned to Hawkmon with ice-cold eyes. "You wouldn't lie to me Hawkmon. Would you?"

Hawkmon sputtered, a little flustered. "Lie, me? Of course not!"

Ken sighed sadly and looked away. This was going to hurt to ask. "I-is Yolei seeing someone else?"

Hawkmon looked as if he would cut the former Emperor then and there. "Ken! How dare you…"

"I mean it Hawkmon. Is there someone else I should know about?"

Hawkmon kept his angered face for as long as he could, then sighed and stared at the ground. "…I don't think so."

Ken nodded. It didn't answer his fears, but it justified them. "You've had doubts too."

Hawkmon looked away. "She's just been so distant lately, even from me. I'm not sure why…"

Ken frowned, a look of determination on his face. "Something's going on, and I'm going to get to the bottom of it.

August 1st 2012

10:11am

"You are very diligent Dominimon."

Dominimon bowed his head in respect. "Thank you."

The Golden City on the continent of Folder was simply incredible. Dominimon, partner of T.K. Takaishi, had never seen a city with such marvelous structure. He wasn't sure how the Blessed Triumvirate had managed to sustain this was of life as they did, but he was rather envious.

He walked with Ophanimon, one of the three guardians of this continent, down a golden pathway. Both were waited upon by young creatures known as Calumon. It was one of the more surreal experiences Dominimon had ever had.

"I see the Golden ring we delivered has been doing you wonders."

Dominimon looked towards the golden ring he'd placed on his finger before the fight with OuuRyuumon. It shone in the sunlight as a beacon of light, and even still Dominimon felt its power flow through him. "I've never held a form this powerful for so long. Now I see why Gatomon was sorry to lose hers."

Ophanimon frowned beneath her opal armor. "Yes well, we don't simply hand them out. That one happens to have been stolen from us."

Dominimon felt embarrassed. "Oh."

Ophanimon waved his hesitation off however. "We do not judge. Your friend has been forgiven."

Dominimon bowed again. "Thank you. I guess…"

"Data like Myotismon's should not be allowed to exist in this world," Ophanimon continued. "It corrupts the very fabric of our existence. Their presence is a herald of the Hazard we seek to avoid."

Dominimon frowned. "This Hazard you speak of. Can it be stopped?"

Ophanimon sighed. "We hope so young Dominimon." She then turned and smile towards Dominimon. "Come; let us not talk of such tragedies. How are your friends, the Digidestined?"

Dominimon was taken aback by her question. "I haven't seen them in quite a while to be honest. I've been so busy here."

"One should never forget his friends Dominimon."

"Yes, I know," Dominimon began. "But Lord Seraphimon is very adamant about my staying here while a member of your council."

Ophanimon allowed herself to laugh. It wasn't quite a scoff, but it was very close. "Seraphimon is the past Dominimon."

"Really?" Asked a confused Dominimon.

"One day", Ophanimon turned to him, "it will be you seated by my side."

Dominimon hesitated. "…And Cherubimon's side."

"Of course." Dominimon frowned inwardly but kept it to himself. Ophanimon continued with no notice. "Where are your friends now Dominimon?"

"By now, Anniversary." He said with a sigh. "But beyond that," something caught his eye then, and he slowed his path behind her. "I don't know…"

He turned to look at one of many beautiful stain glass windows that brought the city its light. A picture of young woman and man reaching out for one another was displayed. Dominimon was sure that the woman was Ophanimon, but there was something very disturbing about the man. He shook the feeling and continued after his liege as she paced down the corridor.

August 1st 2012

10:31am

"There's the newlyweds!"

Matt took a long dreg from his cigarette before looking up at the incoming Tai Kamiya and Rei Kamiya. Fresh off their honeymoon in Barbados. Far from a ruined Tokyo. There was a part of Matt that was very unsettled by that. Still, he remained as cordial as possible for Tai and his lover. That was the least he could do.

The Ambassador to the Digital World let loose one of his famous lopsided grins. "Sorry we're late. We really got hounded this morning."

Sora blinked in confusion, then sheepishly looked away. "I keep forgetting you can walk in this world."

Rei blinked, looking down at where Sora's eyes had been. She was standing on her own two feet. Rei smiled. "So do I sometimes."

Matt doused his cigarette in the sand, before turning a watchful eye on Tai and his wife. "Maybe we should hold Anniversary on the lake more often. To keep the press from hounding you so much."

If Tai caught the hint of sarcasm in Matt's voice, he chose to ignore it. "Well that would be up to the rest of you."

Rei shrugged. "I don't mind so much."

"We'll talk to Izzy about it later then," Matt managed, a little softer than before.

Before any other discussion could be had, a purple haired girl poked her head out of a set of bushes across from them. Her entrance startled them a little, though Rei was quick to rebound. "Oh, there you are Yolei, what are you doing sneaking around."

Yolei's eyes darted left and right. "Is Ken around?" Her voice was very low and soft.

Matt frowned. "He got here an hour or so ago. He's been looking for you."

Yolei let out a half sigh-half sob. "I know."

Sora frowned. "Is something wrong?"

"Sora, can I talk to you for a second?" Yolei asked after she'd composed herself some.

Sora blinked. "Um, Okay."

Silence.

"Alone?"

Sora looked to Matt, who shrugged. "…Sure Yolei," she managed hesitantly.

Matt yawned and took out another cigarette. "We'll be fine babe."

"...Uh-huh." With that Sora took off after Yolei.

Tai scratched his dark, chocolate-colored hair in confusion. "What was that about?"

Matt shrugged and took another dreg. "Don't know."

Tai's eyes turned to slits. "You know Matt…"

"Not today Tai, thank you."

Tai backed off, hands in the air. "Suit yourself."

"Digiport Open…"

The rip in the sky meant the arrival of a new party member. Matt wished it had been this easy to come and go years ago. The small group of humans turned to face a very professional looking man and a large walrus.

Rei smiled for both of them. "Oh, there's Joe. Izzy got back earlier, he was worried about you."

Joe bowed in gratitude to her. "Thank you Rei."

Ikkakumon said nothing, instead staring out towards the water. Rei tried again. "Hey Ikkakumon."

"What?" Ikkakumon answered rather roughly.

Tai frowned. "Oh. Sorry, bad timing."

"Something like that," Joe answered sadly.

Rei kept smiling, trying to shift the tension a little. "It's alright. He's just being grumpy."

Ikkakumon growled. "I'm not grumpy."

Tai frowned, stepping in between the walrus and his wife. "Okay, chill out Ikkakumon. We get it. You're in a foul mood."

Ikkakumon averted his gaze. "It's not that."

"What's wrong then?" Demanded Tai.

Ikkakumon stared at Tai as if he was looking at him for the first time. "You know this is the first time I've been back in the digital world in years?"

Tai blinked. "…Wow, I didn't think about it like that."

"Exactly. You didn't think."

Joe sighed. "Ikkakumon…"

Ikkakumon, sensing he might have overstepped himself, simply grunted and headed towards the lake. "I'm going for a swim," he said simply, before diving in. Before his fur covered head slipped beneath the water, he managed to fire one last sour shot. "Happy anniversary everyone."

Matt frowned. "You alright Joe?"

Joe sighed, his dark eyes watching the water from Ikkakumon's dive ripple to the shore and wake a sleeping Armadillomon. "I feel like I've lost my connection to him. I feel like…" Joe took a breath to keep from shaking. "Like I'm not his partner anymore."

Tai hesitated, the smirked. He placed a supportive hand on his friends shoulder. "That can't be," he said with finality. "Once a Digidestined, always a Digidestined."

Joe let himself smile. "You're right", he said to Tai's face. But inwardly, Joe wasn't so sure.

August 1st 2012

10:49am

"Alright Yolei. What's going on?"

Yolei let her eyes wander. If Ken were to be snooping around again, she'd be in a lot of trouble. The news she was keeping was bad enough. "I've got a problem," she said finally. "But I don't really want to tell you what it is. And I really don't want to talk to Ken about it, but I don't know what to do."

Sora blinked. "Um, okay. Is it a big problem?"

"Oh, it'll get bigger. A lot bigger…"

Sora frowned. "What is it?"

"It's… I'm…" Yolei sighed and averted her gaze from her mentor. "I'm sorry Sora. I'm just not…"

"Hey, don't worry," Sora said as she gave Yolei a comforting hug. "When you're ready to talk about it I'll be right here."

Yolei sighed into Sora's shoulder. "I'm really worried about Ken. How will I tell him? How can I tell him? What will he say?"

Sora took a deep breath and met her eyes to Yolei's. "I think I know what's going on."

"You do?"

Sora nodded, but kept silent about it all. "Yolei, he's going to find out about you… it… whatever it is, eventually. You know Ken, always snooping." She sighed. "And at any rate, I suggest you tell him about it. Who knows? Maybe it'll help you grow closer."

"Yeah…"

"Come on, I want to show you around. It' been so long since I was here last." Sora took her hand. Yolei hesitated. "Don't worry," Sora said with a smile. "Things will work out for the best."

Yolei looked away. "I hope so. Because if they don't, I don't know what we're going to do…"

August 1st 2012

12:09pm

"Good grief you're fat!"

Davis Motomiya fought the urge to punch T.K. in the face. He really, really fought that urge. He didn't spend forty dollars for the American digiport just to hear the Mr. Perfect run him ragged about his… questionable physic. "I'm not fat," he said with finality. "I'm thick. There's a difference."

T.K. begged to differ. The dirty-blonde Digidestined pulled Ken away from Agumon's grill and towards the newly arrived Davis and Veemon. "Ken look at him! He's gained like ten pounds."

Davis blushed when his best friend made a face. "It's muscle!"

Ken blinked. "Muscle?"

Davis nodded, going into full scale downplay mode. "Pushing a cart is hard work."

"You push a cart?" Asked T.K..

Davis sniffed. "Yeah, so?"

"What happened to you opening a restaurant?"

"You got to start at the bottom T.K.," answered Davis, as if it was the simplest question in the world. "That's the only way to go."

T.K. ignored him, instead pulling Kari into the conversation. "Kari, get a load of Davis!"

Kari blinked. "Wow Davis. You've gotten big!"

"See," smiled T.K..

Davis frowned. "It's muscle!"

"I can tell."

"Kari?"

"Ehh…"

Davis blushed and averted his gaze. "…I pull a cart on occasion."

"On occasion?" Veemon scoffed. "It seems like that's all you do all day!"

"What's the cart like Davis?" Ken asked.

Davis pulled a flyer out of his pocket. "Noodle, Noodle, Come Get Your Noodle!"

T.K. blinked. "Well that's creative."

"Hey, it's a start. And I'm getting good dough."

Veemon yawned, walking towards the lake. "Maria says he's poor."

"Maria?"

Davis blushed, pulling out his wallet and flipping to a picture of himself and a sweet looking Hispanic girl in central park, his arm nonchalantly draped over her shoulder.

T.K. frowned. "Are those cornrows?"

Kari ignored him. "She's cute," she said, though her voice had an air of disappointment.

Davis' face turned redder. "A-ah… Thanks Kari."

Cody took a look at the photo next. "You guys sure seem close over there in America."

"Yeah. Willis even shows up from time to time." Davis took his wallet back and flipped through more pictures. "Him and Gummimon and Chocomon."

Kari smiled, remembering the mysterious American. "Aw how cute."

Davis stretched. "So what did I miss? Anything good in Japan lately?"

"Anything interesting?" Veemon added.

"We won a world cup." Said Ken, somewhat proudly.

Davis yawned. "Watched it. Wasn't interested."

"T.K.'s got a column in the paper." Kari smiled.

"Good for you TP."

T.K. glared playfully at the leader of the Digidestined. "We're back to that now are we?"

"I'm just ribbing ya man!" Davis slapped both hands together in anticipation. "Anything juicy? Come on! Hit me with it!"

Cody sighed. "I hate to say it Davis, but since the Alphamon Fiasco, nothing big has happened. The rest of the world moves on while the rest of us pick up the pieces."

"Hey…"

Cody, not realizing he had spoken out of turn, blushed. "Sorry."

Davis frowned. "Me and ExVeemon worked our tails off trying to fix the damage we caused."

Cody sighed. "I know."

Davis clenched his fist, and then let go of the tension. "Is it still that bad?"

Kari frowned. "You haven't been back?"

Davis shook his head. "I've seen still photos and flybys. It looked better from where we were."

"Better is relative."

Davis felt ganged up upon. "What do you want me to do T.K.?"

"Nothing I... I don't know." T.K. found the ground far more interesting now for some reason. "You always seem so happy when the rest of us…"

Davis hesitated. Then his smile was back. "Hey, I can't help it. It's just the way I am."

Apparently his smile was infectious. "Yeah. Nothing gets you down easily Davis."

"Tokyo will be back on its feet in no time, and the campsite will be up and running again, and everything will be the way it was."

"Davis…"

He grins so hard he has to close his eyes. "Come on! I'm hungry!"

August 1st, 2012

12:00 am

(Around 2:00pm Japanese time.)

Mimi didn't want to be here.

She nodded sheepishly to her cast-mate of her most recent musical. The show itself was a flop but she'd gotten some good reviews, and it had landed her a new agent who said he could get her on TV. So she wasn't complaining about that. It was the fact that, despite the show being a flop, the Stage Manager still insisted on throwing a party at his apartment.

It didn't help that everyone had come drunk.

One of her cast mates, Robin… something, handed her a red plastic cup with dubious contents. Mimi had seen this before, and had problems with it before. She had no need to go back to them. "I really shouldn't." She pushed the cup away.

Robin was pretty far gone though. Mimi couldn't make out a thing he said. He pushed the cup at her again. Mimi was worried he'd get a little rough. "No, I really shouldn't, I have somewhere to be tomorrow."

"Here, I'll take that."

Mimi blinked when she heard the voice of Michael. The young American took the cup from an inebriated Robin, who probably didn't know where he was, and led Mimi towards the door. "Michael, what are you doing here?" Mimi asked, though very much relieved for an excuse to leave.

"Palmon called and said you were going to be late," Michael frowned.

Mimi sighed. "Our run is over. I forgot about the after-party, that's all."

Michael's eyes seemed to pierce through her. "Uh-huh. You don't want to go back do you?"

Mimi blinked. "Of course I do... It's just."

"Just what?"

Mimi opened her mouth to say something then shut it again. It was time to stop running. "Nothing. I'm making excuses."

Michael smiled as he led her outside for a waiting taxi. "Well no more of that, alright?"

Mimi nodded and fiddled with her digivice. "Alright."

August 1st 2012

4:09pm

"Who's hungry?"

The fire was a good one. Hot enough to cook the gutted digifish and various M-meat and L-meat gathered by the others, and small enough not to get out of hand. All things considered he was rather proud of himself.

"These are good fish Agumon," mumbled Tai as he took a huge bite out of his fish on a stick.

Agumon beamed with pride. "Thank you. I caught them myself."

"You mean you watched me catch them. Right?"

"Eh… Right dear."

The sun hung lazily over File Island, already making its way behind the impressive Infinity Mountain. The Digidestined, those who had arrived, all ate leisurely, chatting about the good times, and sharing fond memories of this place. They were joined by several friends they hadn't seen in some time. Centaurumon and Andromon were very respectful, taking their plates of food with them as they chatted with the humans.

Ogremon was just being a pest.

"Watch it Ogremon!" Biyomon grumbled, wing pointing at the large Champion level accusingly.

Ogremon tried to frown, and couldn't. Not because he didn't want to, but because his mouth had been open so long he'd forgotten how to close it. "What! I'm hungry too!"

Biyomon's eyes turned to slits. "There's a line." She pointed at the line of File island Digimon, including Frigimon, Mojamon and Unimon who were all glaring at the virus. Ogremon's stomach grumbled and he limped to the back, his pride hurt.

Matt sat back, his stomach full. "It certainly is peaceful here now that our problems are over."

"I'm just glad our big problems are over," Rei admitted.

"There haven't been any problems on file", Centauromon said.

"Has anyone else noticed the Royal Knights seem to have disappeared?" Asked Izzy.

"Not all of them," said Veemon. "Alphamon seems to be pretty visible still. We keep seeing him on the news in America."

"Yes but the others... You hardly ever see them."

Agumon cleared his throat. "Well Short…err… Crusadermon's been bugging Biyomon, but other than that." He yawned and poked at one of the L-meat. "I've actually gotten pretty cool with Dukemon. He's a standout guy."

"And the other one," Biyomon began. "Zeromaru. He comes by to check in with us. He's very cordial."

"Like the Darkness Zone he is", said Agumon under his breath.

Biyomon rolled her eyes. "Agumon's jealous because Zeromaru finds me attractive."

"HAH!"

"Slepimon is alright as well… once you get to know her."

The soft, almost apologetic voice of Gabumon startled the others. He wasn't supposed to be here. Matt's face shifted into a grin at the sight of his friend. "Gabumon? You came!"

Gabumon shifted his gaze away from the crowd. "Hey."

"What's up dude?" Agumon waved at his DNA partner.

"Uh, nothing."

Matt frowned. "Slepimon huh?"

"So it's true. That's why you've been avoiding everyone. Matt included. You've been fraternizing with the enemy," came the still voice of Gatomon from her perch in the tree.

Kari frowned. "Gatomon, be nice."

Gabumon frowned. "The Royal Knights are hardly our enemies anymore."

Matt frowned and glared at his partner a little longer. "What does she do with you anyways Gabumon, this Slepimon?"

Gabumon shrugged. "She asks me to come on runs with her from time to time."

"Didn't think your short little legs could keep up with her", Gatomon mocked.

Gabumon let his voice drop, so that it was almost the growl of Garurumon. "I manage."

"Alright. That's enough you two." Matt growled. Gabumon silenced and took his place at his partner's side.

Gatomon purred. "Whatever."

Kari sighed. "Gatomon…."

"And what about Patamon?" T.K. interjected, trying to lighten the mood. "Is he coming too?"

Gabumon shook his head. "I heard from Dominimon. He's very sorry, but he will not be appearing at Anniversary this year. Ophanimon is asking for his advice…"

"Oh." Said T.K., very disappointed.

Gatomon laughed viciously. "So that's what they call it now."

"… And Cherubimon is in need of his aid as well."

Gatomon shifted in her tree and faced away from the others again. "Sounds like he about fits right in with them, doesn't he?"

"What's her problem?" Davis grumbled.

"She's bitter," said Armadillomon, never raising an eyelid.

"I am not bitter!"

Agumon yawned and poked at one of his fish to see if they were done. His life-mate suddenly glanced off into the forest. Agumon frowned. "What's the matter dear?"

Biyomon took a deep breath. "Has anyone seen Guilmon?"

August 1st 2012

4:19pm

"Uncle Ikkakumon, why are you so grumpy?"

Ikkakumon hadn't even pulled himself on shore yet, and already the trouble-making son of Greymon was bugging him. How he got off his mothers short leash, Ikkakumon would never know. "I'm not grumpy," he said finally.

Guilmon didn't let up. "Poppa says you've been grumpy since you digivolved last."

Ikkakumon was getting tired of hearing that. "I'm not grumpy kid."

Guilmon shrugged. "Poppa says you're hiccupping."

"I'm not," Ikkakumon said, fully intending on plodding away from the crimson-scaled rookie.

Guilmon decided that he was just supposed to follow. "Poppa used to hiccup."

"I'm not hiccupping kid…" Ikkakumon growled.

"-He said it wasn't fun."

"Try dying in the human world," Ikkakumon laughed bitterly. "It isn't fun."

"Poppa said you didn't die."

"Your poppa doesn't want you having nightmares."

Guilmon cocked his head. "I don't have nightmares."

Ikkakumon frowned. "Don't you have something better to do? Like arson?"

"I don't do that anymore."

"Poppa told you not to?"

Guilmon shrugged, and Ikkakumon wondered if the kid didn't understand the term sarcasm. Before he could continue ignoring the boy, the dragon said something very interesting. "I'm moving out soon."

Ikkakumon blinked. "Eh?"

Guilmon nodded. "It's time I went out and saw the world."

Ikkakumon frowned. "B-but you're just a kid."

"It's what I was born to do."

"Wander about the digital world?"

Guilmon shrugged, his eyes darting to a butterfly that hovered nearby. He had clearly lost attention. "It's natural", he said simply, starting off after the digital insect.

Ikkakumon shifted a little. "…Doesn't seem like fun."

"Poppa said he envies me," Guilmon said as he chomped after the insect.

"Oh…" Ikkakumon cleared his throat. "Well good for him…"

"Uncle Ikkakumon, why are you so grumpy?"

Ikkakumon blinked. The kid had the attention span of a gnat, and the memory of one too. And yet there was something oddly chilling about this dragon. Something very sad. And Ikkakumon realized that it was because he was growing up. Ikkakumon sighed and headed back to the camp sight. "I don't know," he grumbled sadly. "I just don't know."

August 1st 2012

6:19pm

"Your quarters are very beautiful."

The words came out before Dominimon could censor them. Thankfully, Ophanimon seemed to take it well. "Thank you Dominimon. That was very sweet." Her quarters were made of jasper, or that's what it seemed to be. They were quite lovely. Ophanimon surely knew this already. She shooed away several Calumon and leaned closer to a kneeling Dominimon. "I have to say, I am pleased that you have joined us Dominimon. You are perhaps the most convicted monster I know."

Dominimon dipped his head lower. "My liege."

But Ophanimon brushed him off. "Oh don't bother with that. Ophanimon please."

"Alright."

Before they could continue, a Calumon floated up to her with a message in his mouth. "News from the Eastern Gate," it mumbled. Ophanimon frowned and took the scroll, reading it thoughtfully.

"Ahh. Roachmon again," she grimaced. She then handed the scroll back to the in-training form and sat back in her seat. "I'll send a group of Kyuukimon to dispose of them."

Dominimon frowned. "Dispose of… Surely you wouldn't."

"Any threat to this city, small or great must be eradicated," Ophanimon said sternly. "You've been here long enough to know that."

Dominimon sighed. "Begging your pardon Ophanimon, but there are… peaceful alternatives."

Ophanimon stared at him. "I'm not sure if you knew this or not, but we are at war. We have been at war for millennia and until the end we will be at war."

"War with whom?" Asked Dominimon nervously.

Ophanimon shrugged, almost bored. "The Seven Demon Lords for one. They are constant thorns in this capitals side. We live under constant threat of invasion. But not only them. Both the Nightmare Soldiers of Folder and the Olympus Twelve have given us trouble." She yawned. "A purge has also come to mind."

Dominimon felt the features on his face tense. "A what?"

"A purge", Ophanimon repeated. "A simple wipe out of those Digimon considered undesirable."

Dominimon took a long, hard look at Ophanimon, and then rose to his feat. "I'm sorry Ophanimon, but I think you have the wrong aide."

"I'm sorry?"

Dominimon sighed. "I'm no good at advice on genocide. I'm a much better peacemaker than that. And besides," he adjusted his armor, "a purge sounds far too one sided for my liking. And that will surely get a rise out of the legendary twelve." Dominimon stared directly at Ophanimon, his face set in stone. "If you wish to go to war with the Digidestined, be my guest. You'll find me on the other side."

Instead of a humbled reaction, or one of fury, Ophanimon just laughed. "That's what I mean!"

Dominimon frowned. "Pardon?"

"Your conviction. Even in the face of true adversity, you never lose sight of your goal for peace for all."

For some reason, Dominimon felt the urge to return to her side, but he fought it off, instead he remained standing, and said "…thank you."

Ophanimon hesitated, as if expecting him to kneel. When he did not, she smirked, and walked to him. "Come, we have much to discuss." She smiled joyfully and wrapped her arm behind his back, leading her away from her quarters. "Perhaps you can give me a solid heir," she said nonchalantly.

Dominimon felt his cheeks flush, in spite of himself. "An heir?"

August 1st 2012

8:30pm

"Alright, we're about to make the toast guys! Gather round."

Tai frowned. "Where is everybody?"

Izzy shrugged. "I don't know. Who are we missing?"

Kari began looking around. "Cody and Armadillomon are here… Noriko's not here?"

"Her mother is sick," Cody answered.

Izzy sighed. "Oh, sorry to hear that."

Cody shrugged, blushing. "Thanks."

"Ken and Wormmon," continued Kari.

"Hey."

"I'm still here," Wormmon almost celebrated.

"Joe? Goma…er… Ikkakumon."

"Hey…" Ikkakumon rumbled.

"Um, Mr. and Mrs. Kamiya."

Izzy smirked. "Finally"

Tai ran a hand through his hair. "Gee thanks Izzy."

"Agumon and Biyomon… and Guilmon."

"We're all here." Biyomon nodded.

Mimi, Palmon.

"Here," a tired Mimi managed.

"Sorry we're late," said Palmon.

"Sora and Yolei?"

Matt shrugged. "Haven't seen them since Yolei dragged her off that way…" At his gesture, the two woman popped out of the bushes again. Matt blinked. "Oh, there you are."

Tai frowned. "Where have you two been?"

"Oh… Nowhere," said Sora.

"Sora was showing me the path you all took to get here. That must have been a horrific fall."

Tai looked up towards the place Yolei indicated. The side of Mount Panorama still had the scars of Kuwagamon's last-ditch attempt to eat them. "You're right. And that was our first day too. A Digidestined's life is never dull."

"Tell me about it…"

"Yolei..."

Yolei went into panic mode. Ken had snuck up on her. Darn him and his stealth abilities! "Oh. Ken. Um… Hey, long time no see right? You look hunkishly great. Your skin is amazing! Well, gotta go! Hehe…"

"Alright, that's enough now."

Yolei blinked. "Huh."

Ken frowned, crossing both arms in front of his chest. "Yolei, I think I deserve to know what's going on."

Yolei shifted her gaze, realizing the multiple pairs of eyes glancing at her. "I don't know what you're talking about…"

Davis frowned. "What's going on with you two?"

Yolei brushed him off. "It's nothing Davis, mind your business."

"It's not nothing Yolei. You've been dodging me all day sweetheart. And I know it isn't about me joining the department, because we talked about that! Now, what's going on?"

Sora hesitated, trying to usher the others away from what was quickly devolving into one of those tragic scenes. "Do… we need to give you two some space or."

Ken brushed her off now. "There shouldn't be a need for that Sora, thank you."

"I don't think now is a good place…" Yolei managed through clenched teeth.

Ken stood his ground. "Why not now? I want to know, what is going on Yolei?"

Silence. And then…

"I'm pregnant."

Silence again. The faces of those around him were mixed. Kari looked excited, Davis looked shocked. Armadillomon looked bored. Ken didn't really feel like paying attention to them. In fact, he didn't feel like paying attention to anything. "Oh. Oh that's all. How nice. Excuse me for a moment." He turned on his heel. He took two steps. Then fell flat on his face, unconscious.

August 1st 2012

11:31pm

The fallout from the announcement was mixed to say the least. While the majority of the Digidestined were respectful about the couples on coming gift, most of the rest of the day was spent reviving a wiped out Ken and comforting a stressed out Yolei. There were some who thought it was far too early for either to be thinking about children, and were worried with Yolei's decision. However, Yolei affirmed to them that she would be keeping the child. With or without Ken.

Ken of course announced frankly that it would be with, resolving Yolei's fears. The exact date of their marriage wasn't finalized, but it was expected that as soon as Ken returned to the physical world, a ring would be purchased.

Ikkakumon had watched all of this with a silent eye, off to the side of the group, almost detached. He wasn't sure what was going on with him anymore, nor what he was supposed to do. But he knew what he didn't want to do.

"Hey."

So deep were his musings, that he didn't notice his former partner… his partner slip beside him. He shifted and looked out towards the distance. "Hey."

Joe sighed. "You still mad at me."

Ikkakumon hesitated. "No."

Joe frowned, his spectacled eyes never leaving his friend. "What's bugging you?"

"Guilmon."

Joe frowned. "What about him?"

"That kid… That kid is about to leave his nest. He's only a few years old!"

Joe nodded. "Digimon age differently from us humans Ikkakumon. You knew that."

"Yeah. It's just, he's about to give up everything that makes him a child and go off into the world." Ikkakumon sighed. "He's doing exactly the thing the eight of us were never able to do. I should feel envious! I should want to do the same thing. I thought I did. And then…"

"What?"

Ikkakumon let out a deep breath he hadn't known he was holding. "I miss being a kid, you know? I miss playing with the others. I miss cheese doodles. I miss not having to worry about things. You used to do all the worrying for me, remember?

Joe let himself smile a little. "Yeah, I do."

"I'm so… grumpy all the time. So rude. And I don't know why."

"Maybe… we're just at a crossroads. You and I."

Ikkakumon frowned and turned to Joe. "What do you mean?"

"Something you said earlier." Joe sighed and turned away. "Maybe it's time you left the nest… or the… whatever walrus' call home."

"Ah Joe, I didn't mean it like that. I just meant…" Ikkakumon looked at the starry sky, as if Azulongmon would give him the answer. "I don't know what I mean. Things used to be less complicated."

"That's life though. The longer you live, the more complicated it gets."

"I want to be your partner Joe."

Joe blinked. "Huh?"

"I mean it. I want to be the partner I used to be." Ikkakumon looked at his friend with a sparkle in his eyes he hadn't seen in some time. "I want to tell jokes, chase girls. You know." Ikkakumon smiled. "All the things you don't do."

"Gee, thanks," Joe let himself laugh.

Ikkakumon softened his voice. "I want to be Gomamon again. Your Gomamon again."

Joe hesitated, reaching a tough hand to Ikkakumon's firm pelt. "How about, we just stick to you being my friend. It doesn't matter what form you take."

Ikkakumon nodded. "Alright."

"Happy anniversary buddy."

Ikkakumon smiled. "Thanks. You too Joe."

End Year Ten...