August 1st 2013

10:09am

"How are you doing Gennai?"

The old man chuckled as he sipped on his tea. "As well as I can be, all things considered," he said with a gruff voice that betrayed just how tired he was. "I'll be a hundred and eighty-seven in a few more days."

The flying beetle seemed happy enough. "Congratulations."

"Thank you."

Izzy Izumi himself however, frowned. "You just made that number up, didn't you?"

Gennai laughed. "Yep."

Izzy shook his head in disbelief. "You haven't changed."

"On the contrary Izzy," Gennai began, "I've changed quite a bit. I've grown old, haven't I Izzy?"

"Its not such a big deal really Gennai," Izzy looked away.

"Oh no, that's alright. I've come to peace with myself. I won't be with this world much longer." He took another sip of his tea. It was soothing to the throat, and his core thanked him for it. However, he wasn't in the mood for false pleasantries, and not even the warming sensation of the tea could cure him of his wariness. "But you didn't just come here to check on little old me."

Izzy sighed. "No, we didn't. We have a proposition for you."

Gennai allowed himself to smirk. "Oh this should be good."

"Mr. Takenouchi and I agree. It would be advantageous for our research if you allowed us to go through your library and…"

"No."

Izzy blinked. "But you haven't even heard me out!"

"I don't allow just anyone to waltz into my home just willy-nilly you know." Gennai smiled and stirred his tea once more. "I let you come in because I like your company."

"It wouldn't be any trouble," Izzy attempted. "We'd just have a few researchers go over your library. We'd be in and out."

Gennai sighed. "I'm too old to deal with over exuberant hackers with a penchant for adventure."

Izzy frowned. "But Gennai, think of all the advances that could be made! Safer Digivolutions, Faster Digiports..."

"A cure for the common hiccup," Tentomon flew closer.

Gennai leaned back in his comfortable recliner. "I'm thinking about my quiet house, with my quiet fish."

Izzy sighed. "There's no way I can change your mind, is there?"

Gennai took another sip, and realized that he was almost out of tea. For some reason he found that very amusing. "You should probably get going Izzy. You wouldn't want to be late for your Digidestined Grand Reunion."

DIGIMON: ANNIVERSARY

YEAR: ELEVEN

August 1st 2013

12:09pm

Miya Ichijouji was a loud girl.

It wasn't just volume either. It was duration. Just for fun, Yolei had once timed how long the girl's fits could last before she calmed herself down. Thirty-three minutes fifty-two seconds. And that had been with Yolei doing her best to quiet her. She shuddered to think what would happen if Miya was left to her own devices.

As it stood, Yolei was desperately patting the baby on her back, while Hawkmon continued to search their bag for the formula. "Hey, hey! Don't cry," Yolei tried to coo softly. "What do you want huh?"

Apparently nothing from the bag, for even when Hawkmon handed the bottle to his partner, Miya continued her vocal rampage. Her father sighed.

"Here," said Ken. "Let me hold her."

The moment the babe was handed to the dark haired Digidestined her cries turned to squeals of joy, and she immediately began tugging at his long, smooth hair. Yolei sighed. "She hates me," she said with finality.

Ken frowned. "She doesn't hate you Yolei."

"How else do you explain it?"

Hawkmon cleared his throat. "Perhaps the child enjoys the company of men more. She seems to be a little better with me as well."

Yolei glared at her partner. "Thanks Hawkmon, that's very reassuring."

"Hello everyone." Tai and Rei, along with Matt and Sora, were walking along the beaten trail towards them.

Ken nodded to the approaching group, while trying to keep Miya from borrowing his hair. "Hey there everyone. You're looking well."

Rei returned the favor. "Thank you Ken."

"She's like a little bundle of joy," Sora smiled.

"Joy. Ha." Yolei grumbled, sitting on a rock. "There's a good word for her."

Sora ignored her friend, turning again to Ichijouji. "Thanks again for all your help Ken."

Ken's voice turned serious. "Don't worry Sora. We'll catch the creep that did this to your family."

Sora bit her lip in hesitation. "Are there any suspects yet?"

Ken looked away. "I'm not sure if I'm allowed to say."

"It's alright." Sora sighed. "Mother was just worried is all. She's lived at that flower shop all her life."

"Don't worry. We've got our eye on all the arsonists in the area. It won't be long before the culprit is caught."

"Thank you Ken."

"How are you managing your finances?" Asked Rei.

"Momma's living with my aunt for a little while, until she can get back on her feet. I've had to get a seamstress job with a kimono designer."

"Well that sounds nice," Hawkmon nodded.

"It's hard. My new boss is horrendous."

"I'm sure it isn't that bad Sora." Said Wormmon

Sora sighed. "She's got the one world symbol tattooed on her left arm."

Ken frowned. "HADD?"

"Former member. She knows well enough not to show her true colors, but it isn't easy working for her." Sora felt her hands ball into fists. "She wants me to fail."

Matt sighed behind her, unzipping his JSDF jacked in the heat. "I've already told her she shouldn't have to worry."

"I like working," Sora shrugged.

Wormmon frowned. "But if you are unhappy with your job, why continue in it?"

"It's no use," Tai yawned. "Once someone's challenged Sora, there's no dissuading her."

"Hey, I can be a darn good seamstress when I want to be."

Matt sighed again. "No one said you weren't babe."

Before Sora could respond, the sound of thunderous buzzing poured out across the lake. They turned to face a slightly dejected Izzy Izumi riding Kabuterimon. Tai frowned. "Hey Izzy, where have you been?"

"Visiting a friend," Izzy said simply. "Have I missed anything?"

"Just Miya," Wormmon answered.

Izzy barely glanced at the child. "She's cute."

Yolei rolled her eyes. "Yeah, cute."

August 1st 2013

12:19pm

"He… isn't with me Gatomon."

T.K. didn't like saying it anymore than Gatomon liked hearing it. The cat Digimon opened her mouth to say something, and then shook her head in disbelief. "Alright… Alright. That's just fine." Then she simply turned and walked in the opposite direction.

Kari went to call for her, then decided against it. Gatomon needed her space, she thought. Instead she turned her attention to a depressed looking T.K.. "It isn't right," she said finally. "T.K., what are you thinking, letting him spend all his time there?"

T.K. sighed. "He's his own 'mon now Kari. There's little I can do."

Kari frowned. "T.K., you have to talk to your partner."

"I… I know."

"I mean it."

T.K.'s eyes shifted away from his lover. "Last time we talked we got into a huge fight."

Kari leaned into him, her face flashing sympathy now. "Friends aren't going to be on the same page all the time."

T.K. held her tighter. "I feel like I've lost my connection to him, you know?"

Kari looked up at him, worry in her eyes. "You mean your actual connection?"

T.K. frowned. "Yeah. What, why?"

Kari's eyes furrowed and her mind went far away for a moment. "Joe said the same thing when Ikkakumon first digivolved."

T.K. was getting worried. "What about it?"

"Maybe it's nothing. But… I've got a very funny feeling."

August 1st 2013

12:51pm

"I've been here for some time Lord Seraphimon. I've been allowed to see many things. But I have yet to be invited to one of your meetings. If I am to truly assist you, then shouldn't I be present at your table?"

Seraphimon didn't seem to acknowledge his companion, instead simply looking at a flower that had snuck its way into the Golden City. "Ophanimon has spoken to you then?" Was his only reply, and even that seemed to take the Digidestined off guard.

"It is a question that I ask," Dominimon reiterated.

"Yet it is also one that she brought up to you." Seraphimon sighed and cradled the small flower in his armored glove. "You have not been invited because you are not ready."

Dominimon frowned. "But I feel ready. I was asked to join your group as an advisor to human affairs, and yet not once have any of you asked me the state of the Digidestined. I ask why I haven't been invited to your table for one reason. If my services are not of any use to you, then why am I not allowed to see my friends?"

"You are allowed to do what you will."

"At the cost of the Golden City being shut to me forever and the loss of this form," Dominimon seemed to scoff at the thought. "I know what is at stake for me."

Seraphimon turned to Dominimon now, his eyes hidden behind his armored mask. "So you would rather live in the Golden city than be with your friends."

"I was asked to help you," said Dominimon, ignoring the statement. "You won't let me. What am I supposed to do? Has this past year been meaningless?"

Seraphimon turned back to the flower. "No it has not," he said with a degree of disappointment. In what, Dominimon could only guess. "You are right. We have brought you hear under false pretenses, but the future of our world is at stake." Seraphimon turned his gaze to the heavens. "We believe that you may be one of the heralds of the coming storm, and that in some way you may be the key to preventing it.'

"The Hazard?" Dominimon asked. Seraphimon only nodded. Dominimon frowned. "I've heard the same from Ophanimon, but no explanation went with it."

At her name, Seraphimon's voice became very low. "Be wary of Ophanimon. Her desires for you do not reflect the interest of the Triumvirate as a whole."

"And what could Ophanimon possibly want with me?"

Seraphimon continued to regard the flower, soothing it's petals. "She wishes to have a part of your legacy. You are a special case Dominimon. You are a Digidestined. Because of this, you will always be remembered for your actions. It is my belief that Ophanimon wants a part of your future Dominimon, and she's not used to taking no for an answer."

Dominimon hesitated. "I don't understand…"

"She wants to have your babies."

Despite himself, Dominimon blushed, but continued. "How do you know that?"

"I have known her since she hatched from her digiegg. Her thoughts do not escape me."

Dominimon crossed his arms. "So it's true. She is your daughter."

Seraphimon let silence reign for a moment, his body stark still. "Who told you this?"

Dominimon shrugged. "Rumors. Whispers in the dark."

Seraphimon sighed. "Tread lightly Dominimon. If one stays to long in the shadows he will be engulfed within them."

"Like Daemon?"

Seraphimon shook his head. "Daemon was a special case. His fall was especially devastating to us."

"Why, because he was your personal aide?"

Seraphimon turned his face from Dominimon. "Daemon wasn't an aide Dominimon." With simple execution, Seraphimon ripped the flower from its place in the city wall and tossed it into the darkness. "He was to be my replacement."

August 1st 2013

1:17pm

She hadn't meant to bump into him so soon.

To be fair, things between Mimi Tachikawa and Joe Kido had been patched up some time ago. But that didn't make any of their later meetings any less awkward. Mimi fidgeted in front of the television, realizing that she and Joe must have briefly shared the same connection on their journey. "Oh. Hi Joe."

Ever the stoic surgeon, Joe simply nodded. "Hello Mimi."

Silence. It was one of those moments Mimi wanted back. "How is your wife?" She finally managed. "Naomi?"

"Nayumi," Joe corrected. "She's fine."

"Un huh."

"And Michael?" Joe attempted.

"Huh?"

"How is Michael?"

"He's fine," Mimi nodded.

"Good, good."

"I heard Ikkakumon has been getting along well."

"Yeah."

"I wish Togemon was as gracious about things."

"Gracious isn't the word I'd use," he let himself smile.

Mimi hesitated, then sighed. "…I don't think I ever thanked you."

"For what?"

"Back when I… wasn't myself. I always just thought you were being hard on me. But, you just wanted to help me."

Joe felt his face flush a little, but managed to keep himself in check. "Like you said," he answered, "you weren't yourself. I hope you're feeling better now."

Mimi smiled. "I am, thank you."

"Mimi!" The voice pulled Mimi away from her tall friend. Davis and Veemon, who apparently arrived earlier, were waving over to them. "Help me with this food, huh! I want to show these guys what New York style Ramen is like!"

"Just a minute Davis." Said Mimi with a sigh. She turned to Joe, who looked rather content just then.

"After you," Joe smiled. After a moments, Mimi returned the expression, and the two walked arm and arm towards the trolley.

August 1st 2013

2:17pm

It was the second time today that Togemon dropped a pitcher.

It was frustrating, because she was so used to just waking up and stepping in Mimi's shower and enjoying a good morning drink. And now she couldn't fit in the shower, and the local gym wouldn't let her anywhere near the pool (not that she enjoyed drinking chlorine water anyway).

She was also by now very partial to fingers.

The giant cactus grumbled until Veemon picked it up for her. "Need help," he said with a cheeky grin.

Togemon sighed. "Thanks. Just toss it at me, will you Veemon?" Veemon blinked, as if unsure of himself. With a shrug he splashed water about Togemon's feet. She let out a sigh of joy. "Ahh…"

Biyomon frowned. "You alright?"

Togemon moaned. "This sucks," she said a little gruffer than she wanted to. "I was already to help Mimi land that TV anchor gig when this happened."

"Hey it isn't so bad," said Ikkakumon as he lazily floated in the lake.

"Maybe not for you. You like living here. I've gotten so used to the human world that all this jungle is throwing me for a loop."

"Well, at least you get your sector back," yawned Tentomon, who had been responsible for its defense since Palmon moved back to the real world.

"Yay, me." No one paid attention to her sarcasm.

"Consider yourself lucky", Agumon growled from his corner. "At least you can hold onto your champion forms."

"Eh, sorry Agumon."

Agumon just waved her off. "Yeah, yeah."

Togemon sighed. "I'd just gotten so used to being on that side of reality, that coming back to this side… to my side."

"Sure, it's different," Ikkakumon told her, rising a little from the water. "But it's the kind of different you can get used to."

"I hope so." She went to grab a plate of Davis' NYC Ramen. She was able to grab the fork. But sadly it was to small for her giant gloves to truly control, and most of it ended up in the grass. Agumon blinked, then shifted five feet away from her.

"I WANT MY FINGERS BACK!"

August 1st 2013

3:47pm

"Aw, she's so cute."

Yolei crossed her arms. "Of course she is," she told Noriko. "Until she's screaming in the middle of the night for no reason!"

The Digimon Tamer smiled at the small child, who looked perfectly comfortable in her arms. "Aw you wouldn't do something like that would you?"

"Alright," Davis Motomiya said with a huff. "It's time for her Godfather to have a turn!"

Miya cooed with laughter as Davis began to play airplane with her. Yolei groaned. "Look at that, she even likes Davis better."

Cody sighed. "She doesn't like Davis better Yolei, you're being paranoid."

"Thank you Cody," said Ken. "That's just what I was going to say."

"I'm going to get the rest of my stuff, I'll be right back."

And before he could say something to her, Noriko had kissed him on the cheek. His face was a deep shade of crimson as his eyes followed her to the direction of their vehicle. "Oh…Okay," he finally managed, but she was long gone by then.

Davis, and for some reason Miya, had cheeky looks on their faces. "Ooh!" Davis grinned, and Miya even copied the reaction.

"It isn't that big a deal." Cody looked at the ground.

"Looks like Cody's doing a little more than studying at law school huh," T.K. grinned.

"We aren't even really serious yet," Cody tried to explain.

"Yeah, and besides," Armadillomon started. "She totally snores when she's asleep. It wakes Cody right up…"

"Hush up Armadillomon!"

Davis flashed a grin. "Uh-Oh Cody. Better watch out. Next thing you know she'll be changing around your bathroom and add a bunch of sick looking flowers."

"It sounds like you're speaking from experience," Kari grinned slyly.

Davis glared at the former child of light. "Laugh it up why don't you." His face then contorted into a disturbed mess, and he held Miya out at arms length. Miya began to giggle. " Er… Yolei? What do I do if she."

Yolei sighed. "Aw Miya…" She sighed and held out her arms for her child. "Here come here baby." Miya let her mother take her, but as soon as she was in her arms, began to whimper again.

"Yes, yes I know you don't like mommy," Yolei said with a groan. "But somebody's got to change you."

Ken tried to smile, but it didn't do him much good. "Some things you can't help Davis."

August 1st 2013

4:23pm

Rei made a mental note to thank Davis and Mimi for their preparations today. She turned back to her husbands' partner and his life-mate, who were chowing down themselves. She decided she and Agumon didn't talk enough, so she initiated conversation.

"How's Zero?"

Sadly for Rei, it wasn't a good starting point. "That arrogant blue dog?"

Biyomon sighed. "Zeromaru is fine and sends his regards.

Agumon glared at his life-mate. "what are you defending him for?"

"He's our neighbor Agumon. I told you be nice."

"He took over Gabumon's territory Biyomon!"

"Gabumon moved in with Matt Agumon." Biyomon sighed. "And Zero asked your partner to move there."

Agumon's eyes turned to slits. "Whose side are you on?"

Biyomon ignored him and swatted him playfully on the snout. Rei blinked. "What happened?"

Biyomon shrugged. "They almost got into a fight yesterday."

Rei's eyes betrayed worry. "About what?"

Agumon rubbed his nose and went back to his plate. "Junior's been hanging around Gallantmon to much for my liking."

"I don't know Agumon," Biyomon cooed. "It's nice that Guilmon has a nice male role model in his life."

"That's my job Biyomon!"

"I don't like it anymore than you do," Biyomon retorted. "But Guilmon's made his decision. At least it isn't with Crusadermon."

Agumon sighed. "Let's just not talk about them right now huh?"

Rei tried to lighten the situation. "Is it really as bad as all that? Zero is a good friend."

"So I've heard." Agumon's voice reeked of sarcasm.

"You'll have to excuse him. He thinks Tai's going to replace him."

"I do not!"

Rei smiled. "I have it on good authority that you are irreplaceable to Tai."

"Really?" Rei nodded. Agumon glared at her. "Then where is he?"

"Er… With Matt probably. He said he needed to talk to him about something important."

"Un-huh."

Rei sighed. "Zeromaru is a very old friend of ours. And he is Taichi's partner. But so are you. And he has known you longer. And he's not going to give you up at all."

For once, Agumon flushed with pride. "Thanks Rei. But like I said, that wasn't a problem…"

Biyomon whapped him on the snout again, smiling at Rei. "He's very appreciative."

Agumon rubbed his sore nose in annoyance. "Ouch, what did I do?"

Rei couldn't help but smile.

August 1st 2013

6:07pm

He saw her leaning against a tree, far away from the others. He approached her patiently, they hadn't been on the best terms for a while, but they had been getting better. Before he got within six feet of her, she spoke up. "He's not coming back, is he?"

Gabumon sighed, leaning against the base of the tree. "We don't know that for sure.'

Gatomon gave a tragic sigh. "I'm starting to forget what he looks like."

Gabumon starred off into the distance, recalling the features of the powerful Dominimon. "He's tall," he began. "He's very lean. He hides himself well behind his armor and his virtues, but… If you luck under his mask… if he lets you look under it, his eyes are still as blue as always." He turned to the silent cat Digimon. "He's the same Patamon we used to know. Just… busy."

Gatomon hesitated. "You've seen him?"

Gabumon shrugged. "I've been taken to him on occasion. He sends us his regards."

"He doesn't know there is no us anymore?"

That stung Gabumon a little more than he would have liked. "He doesn't usually ask. And I don't usually feel like telling him."

"How is Slepimon?"

Gabumon sighed. "I don't know."

"What's the matter? You don't hang out with the six legged freak anymore?" The silence told her that she may have struck a nerve, and she felt awful about it. "I'm sorry."

"We're on separate paths," Gabumon answered finally. "She's ready to defend the world, I ought to be on permanent leave."

Gatomon found herself smiling sadly. "You and me both."

"I'm sorry about Patamon."

"What are you sorry about? You didn't abandon your friends and partner to prove a point."

Gabumon sighed. "I'm sorry we couldn't fix this the right way."

"There's nothing to fix."

"I knew about his feelings before you did. And I still pursued you."

Gatomon rolled her eyes and sunk deeper into the tree. "It's not like either of you was my first choice Gabumon."

Gabumon blinked, then remembered. "Oh…"

Gatomon sighed. "He's been gone fourteen years. I'm not getting any younger."

"Neither am I."

Gatomon finally turned to him, her eyes a little glazed over. "I just want somebody to talk to Gabumon. Somebody like me…"

"I'm a good listener," he answered.

"You wouldn't be my first."

"I know. I'd have large shoes to fill."

"…Alright"

Gabumon frowned. "Alright?"

"There's no point in me waiting for him if he isn't coming back. It's time I moved on." She hopped down to meet him, her cunning eyes regarding him with a kind of sad respect. "There's no turning back you know. For either of us."

Gabumon turned away. "You say that now."

"Well?"

Gabumon turned back to her, his eye locking with hers. There was no use in fighting it. "My name is…"

August 1st 2013

8:09pm

"Yo, astro boy."

Matt let that one slide, because it wasn't necessarily the first time someone had called him that in the last month. The blonde gave Tai Kamiya a sly grin. "Do I look like a piece of boy-jailbait to you?"

"Depends on how you're asking," Tai returned the favor. The two Jogress partners laughed, shaking off the cobwebs that seemed to have been growing on their friendship as of late. Tai let his hand slide through his chocolate-brown hair. "I never got to congratulate you."

"Thanks," Matt shrugged, "but I got my wings a few months ago Tai."

"Yeah, but you know how I am. Always busy. So how are you taking it?"

Matt sighed. "It's surreal. How many people can honestly say they're going to be an astronaut?"

"You spent enough time with JSDF. You might as well move on up."

"True. But I think it was mostly due to the rebuild efforts of Gabumon and I."

Tai smiled. "Ah yes, they signed Gabumon up as well didn't they."

Matt nodded. "We're not sure when our first flight will be. It may be as soon as next year. It might be never. I might be backup for someone else. But…" Matt smiled, hardly able to contain his excitement. "Its exciting to think of. I've been to several different worlds, but never in my own solar system. Isn't that funny?"

Tai nodded, but his smile softened significantly. "What does Sora think of all this?"

"She's fine," said Matt. He felt the mood drop then and there. "She's got other things on her mind right now."

Tai looked away. "Well yeah, but…"

Matt sighed. "It sucks. That flower shop has been in her family for a long time."

"I got my first kiss in there." Tai remembered.

Matt regarded Tai casually. "You also got punched in the face from what I hear."

Tai's eyes shifted playfully. "Yeah, lets not talk about that part."

Matt chuckled to himself. "Serves you right Tai."

"So when are you going to ask her name?"

The question actually caught Matt off guard. "What?"

Tai's face still had his smirk, but his eyes were glinting dangerously now. "You know what I'm asking. How long have you two been together, on and off? Longer than anyone else, Ken and Yolei included. And yet she's still doesn't have a ring around her finger."

Matt hesitated. He wasn't sure where this was coming from. "Don't take this the wrong way Tai," he attempted to grin lightly. "But I don't think that's any of your business."

"It is," Tai said frankly. "Because, whether you like it or not, Sora is my best friend. And I hate seeing her cheated out of happiness."

"Look, Tai. I appreciate this concern-"

"No you don't, but you're going to hear about it anyway." Tai's smirk was gone now, and he crossed his arms, his eyes never leaving Matt's. "You know what I think?" He began. "I think you're scared. You're worried about a full-scale commitment. You think you'll end up like your family. But despite your cool attitude, Sora has been honest with you one hundred percent. Ten years is a long time to wait. Sora is the most patient person I know Matt, but even she has her limits." Tai chuckled to himself, as if laughing at some unspoken joke. "Trust me."

Matt frowned. "What do you want from me Tai?"

"I want you to do the right thing. Or you will regret it."

Matt blinked. "Is that a threat?"

"More like a promise."

"Tai? Matt? What are you doing? Izzy is giving the toast."

Tai's face returned to the jovial, if tired face he'd worn previously. "Oh, coming Kari!" He turned back to Matt, his sharp eyes dancing across his friends face. "We cool?

Matt cleared his throat. "Sure."

But he felt like he'd just been punched in the gut.

August 1st 2013

9:07pm

Dominimon frowned. "If Daemon was such a vital part of your organization, then why did he fall?"

"He chose to fall away because of his own convictions. He believed the Digiworld could not be ruled by three alone. He believed that we were far too lax in our governing. And he believed Ophanimon was wrong."

"How so?"

"Perhaps, the same reason you've begun to feel she is wrong."

"How do you think she is wrong?"

"Simply put she wants you to remove me."

"To remove you? That is not why I came."

"But it is what you will do."

"You will not be deleted by my hand."

Seraphimon faced Dominimon with fatherly bemusement. "Then another. One who is tighter under her grip."

"Excuse me?"

"You aren't the first digisoul to catch her attention. And you probably won't be the last."

Dominimon's sword was against Seraphimon's throat then. "I cannot allow you to continue. Whatever happens, she has shown me great kindness, and I shall remember that". The motion actually caught the Angelic member of the Triumvirate off guard. Had Dominimon's power increased so drastically since he'd arrived?

"I mean nothing by it young Dominimon…" He hesitated.

"I am no young freshling that you can sooth with simple words Seraphimon! I have saved this world countless times and if for that alone I deserve respect."

"Remove your sword from my throat," Seraphimon said, sterner than before.

Dominimon didn't budge, and Seraphimon realized that he had insulted the aides' sense of honor. He sighed. "Please?" Seraphimon suddenly realized that he'd never had to say that before. Dominimon hesitated then shifted away. "I meant no disrespect," Seraphimon said finally. "I simply meant for you to watch yourself. This Triumvirate has represented peace for nearly fourteen generations. And now we find ourselves gearing up for war. Passion can be a wonderful thing, but when focused on the wrong agenda…"

"Dominimon, sir!" The Calumons' call caught Dominimon's attention from Seraphimon. "Mistress Ophanimon wishes for you to entertain her in her quarters."

Dominimon hesitated, looking from Calumon to Seraphimon as if searching for answers. "I will head your words," He told Seraphimon finally. "But I am my own 'mon. If I think that the safety of my friends and this world will be increased by your removal, I will not hesitate." With that he turned to follow the Calumon who looked nervously back at Seraphimon.

Seraphimon checked his armor. A small crack had formed. Impressive. "I'm glad to hear that."

August 1st 2013

11:57pm

"Matt?"

Matt tossed his cigarette to the side. The ceremony went off with no incident, though Matt kept his gaze on Tai for most of it. He had however noticed that his partner had been acting a little strange, his ears picking up when Gatomon mentioned Wizardmon. He hadn't thought much of it, figuring his partner would find him if he wanted to talk. "What is it Gabumon?" He asked.

Gabumon shifted his gaze. "I was wondering if you could be a witness."

Matt frowned. "Gatomon?" When his partner said nothing, Matt sighed and kneeled to eye level with his friend. "What happened to Slepimon?"

"You didn't like her," Gabumon almost snarled.

"What does that have to do with you?"

"It just does," Gabumon looked away again.

Matt sighed. "Sorry Gabumon. I just don't trust them."

"It's alright. I don't think it would have worked out anyways. Besides, it's about time we both settled down."

Matt considered his partner before rising again. "Alright."

"You don't have to come now," Gabumon said. "She still has time to change up her mind."

Matt hesitated, and then called after his partner. "Hey Gabumon?"

"Yeah?"

Matt then found that he couldn't meet the dog-dragon's eyes. "When we get back home, we're going to have to buy you a tux."

"Sora?" When his partner said nothing, Gabumon simply smiled. "It's about time."

August 2nd 2013

12:07am

Gennai coughed. Hard.

Had he been human, he was sure his mouth would have been full of blood. But he wasn't human. He hadn't been human for a long time. And so he dragged himself on, looking for the one bit of information that he would need to get him through the next few years.

He found it in a book, tearing through page after page until he found it. A simple circle on a blank page, a dark figure in its center. Gennai almost had to smile in awe of its simplicity. He looked out to the dark sky, and realized it was about to rain.

"It will not be long now."

End Year Eleven...