Chapter 20: Connections

Lunamon kept a steady watch as the Trailmon steadily moved on by. She and Kudamon had managed to convince Mole to take them as far as the outskirts of Forest Terminal. It was a lucky break on their part and allowed the kids to rest up. Takuya was leaning against Kouichi, head resting in the crook of his neck. Kouichi had his head resting on Takuya's, an arm lain protectively around her waist. Tommy had his head in Takuya's lap, spread across the bench. His legs were on Kouji's lap, who was leaning forward slightly. Zoe was leaning against Kouji with JP asleep next to her, leaning back against the seat. It was such a serene scene, despite all the bruises that were slowly healing. Hopefully they could get as far as Forest Terminal before being attacked again. They deserved a rest.

She kept a steady glance on Takuya and Kouichi. Lunamon was never one who had many fears growing up in the wild; it was only when she made friends that she had begun experiencing the emotion fully. In a way she was just like Takuya, afraid that she would lose all those she cared about. The fear that everyone would leave her. Now that the children were here, the feeling had increased along with her protective instincts. It was particularly strong over the fire and darkness duo, and Lunamon had a feeling it wasn't because they were the first humans they met. After all, the group had been taking to watching over all the children lovingly. Coronamon was there to catch JP if ever fell. They were a strange duo, but things just seemed to work out that way. Betamon and Tommy, being the two youngest of the group, had each other's backs throughout the day. It was honestly quite adorable. Kudamon had the best influence over Kouji, being alone far longer than the others. She knew what she needed to say in order to get the boy to think before acting out. Even though Kouji had a more strategic approach to battles he could be as hotheaded as Takuya if his friends were hurt. Not that he'd admit they were all friends. Lunamon herself had welcomed Zoe, finding similar connections other the annoyance with Ranamon. Zoe was a sweet girl really, standing tall for the most part.

Then there were Takuya and Kouichi who had brought positive impacts on all of them. Lunamon smiled, glancing at Takuya; the girl had told the digimon her story one day before meeting the others. Kouichi had too, but he was much more hesitant. The fiery girl that was forced to grow up after an accident and the boy stuck in his shell, afraid that he'll hurt the ones he loves. They certainly made an odd pair. But she guessed JP did have a point when he said they were all one large dysfunctional family. She wondered how it would get if Kouichi ever told Kouji the truth. Actually, it all was so much to reflect on at the moment. She let out a small yawn as Coronamon and Bokomon turned to her. Kudamon, Betamon and Neemon were fast asleep.

"Looks like someone's ready to fall asleep herself," Coronamon said with a smile. Lunamon tried her best to refrain from punching him a third time that day. "Get some sleep, Bokie and I will keep watch."

Bokomon had taken the opportunity to lightly punch Coronamon at the nickname. Lunamon gave a small giggle before giving a hesitant nod. She was feeling sleepy. Coronamon let out a chuckle before turning back to Bokomon. Nothing would happen at the moment. Lunamon knew that she was right this time around.

Everyone was wide awake, questions still ringing in their heads. The much-needed rest was comforting, though Kouji nearly blew a gasket when he woke up with Zoe leaning against him. Kouichi couldn't help but laugh at his twin's antics. Takuya was just amused that her 'rival' couldn't really interact with girls that well.

She glanced at Kouichi, knowing that now would be their only time to rest for a while meaning it would probably be best to start explaining things. She also knew that the others wanted to know what happened between her and Cherubimon, something she was not looking forward too. Everyone looked so happy at the moment though. Maybe the explanations could wait just a little while longer. Once everyone settles down.

It's a few minutes later when everyone goes quiet. There isn't much too actually talk about and Takuya is wondering whether she should start talking or let someone else do it. She's never had this many problems talking in front of a group before. Luckily, it's Kouji who breaks the silence, giving the girl a stead glance.

"Are you ever going to tell us what happened between you and Cherubimon? After all, those bruises around your neck shouldn't have been made by our attacks."

Takuya gave a small growl, still furious about the memory. She really hadn't wanted to talk about it either, but it was easier to get it off her chest now rather than blowing up at someone later again. "I'm sure you guys have noticed that Cherubimon and his warriors seem to have this weird fixation on Kou and me. He wants to use our powers, namely Kouichi's, to help destroy the Digital World, which is why he seems so intent on capturing us. Yesterday, Cherubimon had tried one of his tactics to try and manipulate me into joining him. Apparently he and his troops just love bringing up painful memories to see if we'll be easier to get to. I kind of mouthed off to him after he called me a 'lovely specimen' and kept being a creep. He really lost it when I called him and his troops pathetic, so we kind of had a little brawl. I think lost that one."

She was rubbing a sore spot on her neck, giving a tense smile. To the side, she noticed Kouichi tense up when she mentioned the memories and an almost inaudible growl escaped from both him and Tommy when she mentioned Cherubimon's nicknames for her. It was out of character for them in her opinion to act that way, not that she was complaining. It had become increasing noticeable in this world that Kouichi had gotten rather ruthless when one of their friends had gotten hurt. Even more so if something happened to her. Tommy was the surprising factor in it though.

"What do you mean by using your memories against you?" Zoe asked quietly. She didn't want to upset the younger teen anymore than she already was.

"I don't know how, but Cherubimon somehow knows our weak points. He knows what'll make us tick, what we're afraid of; things that'll make us emotionally susceptible to whatever he has planned for us. However, he's not prepared for us fighting back. He's not aware that emotions may have changed or that there is the possibility of you finally getting over it."

"Our weaknesses tend to be our memories, sometimes worse things. To think he'll actually go that far in order to corrupt someone," JP growled, glancing at the floor. The digimon had remained silent, watching the humans intently.

"I think he's just a sadist, in an extremely creepy sort of way too," Takuya said with a small shutter. If he did call her "dear" or "lovely" one more time, she was sure she'd burn something.

"What else did Bugs Bunny do?" Kouji said, earning an outbreak of laughter from Takuya. Everyone stared at her until she calmed down.

"I'm sorry about that. But seriously I called him that a few times in our brawl. I think it just pissed him off more though," she said with a slightly red face. Kouji had stared at her blankly for a moment when Kouichi had started laughing as well. The others had just stared as the duo's laughter filled the air. Suddenly the atmosphere wasn't so tense either. The flame and darkness duo had then proceeded to have a conversation with their eyes. JP had glanced at the two and crossed his arms.

"This so isn't fair, you guys have reached the point where you can speak using only your eyes. Why aren't we that close?" JP whined, much to the amusement of the entire group. Not that Kouji would show it.

"Well we've known each other for six years and have been best friends for five so I'm not really surprised," Kouichi said with a small blush. Takuya was giving him a cheeky smile, her eyes lighting up at his words. She was happy to know that despite not talking for a year, he had still considered her his best friend.

"Six years! I knew you guys were close, but I didn't realize it was that long," Tommy nearly shouted after finally cooling down. This had brought a large blush onto Takuya's face, and deepened the one Kouichi already had.

"I guess there's a lot we don't know about each other," Takuya commented, glancing up at the others. It was painfully true that they barely knew anything about each other. Sure they knew about things like JP being able to do magic and Takuya bringing up her brother every now and then, but that barely scratched the surface.

"Well, it'll be a long ride until we reach Forest Terminal. Maybe you guys can try to do a bonding game or something. After all a team of friends is better than group of strangers," Betamon said.

"How about things we're most passionate about? Or what makes us happy? Something to brighten up the mood," Zoe said.

"Why don't you start then Zoe?" Lunamon suggested. The blonde blushed slightly before nodding.

"I used to live in Italy for a few years when my dad had received a really great job offer. While we were there my mother, sometimes my babysitter when my parents had work at the same time, would teach me different recipes from the culture. I had learned to make simple foods like risotto, breads and anything else you can think of. Of course my mom never let me work on some dishes by myself. One time I accidently burned my hand when she wasn't watching me, and since that moment she watched my like a hawk until I turned nine," Zoe said. Her eyes were closed as she pictured every dish she worked on with her mother and babysitter. She remembered dropping a basket of vegetables she was too stubborn to let anyone else carry. She had cried for ten minutes being so young, before her mother had told her they need to wash them. She gave a small laugh before continuing her story.

"It had become my favorite time of the day, helping my mother cook. We'd only ever eat out on a special occasion, so cooking had become a routine. It was the best when we tried experimenting with a dish; making the recipe completely ours. Sometimes we would even cook Japanese dishes, so that we wouldn't forget my heritage. I only had a few friends, and sometimes they would come over when we made a Japanese dish. The look of surprise on their faces would always be hilarious. They would be like, 'what' and 'why is rice all sticky'. Apparently it was surprising to learn that I had some Japanese blood in me.

"We moved back to Japan a year ago and we still keep the tradition. My mom planned on opening a restaurant while we were in Japan that way people could learn to appreciate different cultures. Girls at my school never really realized that my family happily accepted being part of two cultures. In fact, I was going to help her start making plans for it before being called here actually," Zoe ended. She hoped no one had noticed her little tidbit about the people in her school.

"That sounds so lovely," Takuya commented, noticing the uneasiness Zoe had about ending her tale. "You and your mom must be real close. And to actually have the skills to cook; I can't cook to save my life."

"I can vouch for that too. Between Takuya and her brother, Shinya wins hands down," Kouichi chuckled. He could feel a glare from his best friend and responded with a sheepish look.

"I don't know if I'm that good. But me and my mom are close. She's been there for me whenever I needed her. I guess that's why I've been a little more irritable here. I've never been away from her for this long before," Zoe confessed, looking down.

"Don't worry Zee; we'll be here for you if you ever need us. I know it isn't much seeing as we haven't known each other as long, but the offer will always stand," JP insisted. Kouji was giving a faint smile off to the side while Tommy was giving a thumbs up.

"Maybe you can even whip us up a dish while we're here," Tommy laughed. Zoe had glanced around as the others gave her grins and gave a fierce nod. Tears were welling up in her eyes.

"Thanks guys."

"So who's going next?" Takuya asked.

"Can I give it a try?" Tommy responded. Takuya gave a soft nod and patted the younger on the head.

"Go for it."

"I guess you guys had noticed that I tend to cry a lot, and it's not just because I'm the youngest. I mean Betamon is the youngest out of the digimon and he easily stood up when there was danger around. I envy that really. I guess it's because I'm spoiled at home a lot. My parents would always be there for me and they would even get me anything I wanted. It would always annoy my older brother seeing as he always got scolded whenever he would pick on me. He's actually older than JP too, already in high school, and always picked on me," Tommy started. He grimaced at the memories of the last few arguments they had gotten into back on earth.

"I never really understood why he would do it, but whatever. Despite the way my big brother treated me, I really loved my family. We'd always go to the park or anywhere in Shibuya really. It was especially great when we went to the festivals at night. People would dress up and the food was delicious. It was one of those times we can sit back, relax and have a good time. I would either go to some of the booths and play with my friends if they were there, or I would go up against my brother. Festivals were the one of the few places we'd actually get along at.

"My favorite festival had to be Shibuya's summer festival. We'd get there around five and stay until real late. It was always close to sunset so the sky had so many colors, a real nice sight. That's what I liked best really, coming to see the sunsets. Most of the time I wasn't allowed out if it got too dark because my parents didn't want anything happening to me."

"I've heard of the Shibuya festivals, never actually been to one though. We live a few districts away," Kouji admitted softly.

"Same here," Kouichi said. Takuya was giving Tommy a thoughtful look, as if wanting to get something off her chest. She's save it for later though.

"You guys are missing out then, I've actually been to one and it was great. All the food they serve there is amazing!" JP shouted, earning a laugh from the girls.

"Who's next?" Kouichi asked.

"How about our little flame princess?" Kouji responded, earning a glare from Takuya. She returned to her original posture, before thinking.

"Out of ideas?" Tommy asked.

"No, I'm trying to find one that didn't end me in detention," Takuya said, a Cheshire smile appearing on her face as an idea hit. "I'll go, but Kouji has to go right after me. No questions asked."

"Whatever,"

Kouichi was giving Takuya a look of concern, which she lovingly waved off. "This isn't going to be about one of your pranks is it?"

"No, no. It's much better, though you know those girls deserved it. Same with those boys. And the bullies picking on Shinya. A lot of people really. Besides, you'll love this one."

The others' exchanged glances as the duo talked. They all made another mental note about getting on Takuya's bad side before she started.

"So, Kou already knows this, but I'm one of the only girls on my school soccer team. As such I would have to take a lot of crap from other teams and sometimes my own. Coach seemed to notice this one day, especially when me and my teammate Cat nearly chewed off someone's ear in the middle of practice. Coach does not tolerate any crap, at all. Especially if it's our team giving it. So that day, he let me and Cat take over practice drills and warm ups," she paused for a moment as a sly grin appeared on her face. Kouichi was trying to stifle a laugh as the rest of the group gave near identical horrified looks. Takuya had let out her own laugh before continuing.

"Now, the boys on our team know what we're capable of on the field. But they never had a clue about what we could dish out on someone. So Cat and I decided that we'd put them through all the drills we had to do for try outs. Without a girls team, Coach had held two separate try outs to see how we would do. Boys would have normal try outs, but he put us through something completely different. Seeing as we've never had a mixed league, he pushed us really hard, which is why we had fewer girls than we even started out with.

"First we started with our normal warm ups, with a few spices. I mean do you know how hilarious it is to watch boys try and do a yoga routine when they have no idea what you're talking about. We started out easy afterwards, with dribbling and step jumps. Then someone made another wise crack and we changed it up to wind sprints and partnered bleachers following up with our partner routines. Cat and I had no problems leading all the drills and our girls had a great laugh when we finally started a game against them. Let's just say we never had those problems again," Takuya was grinning madly while Zoe was off laughing with Kouichi, who could easily image the soccer team's reactions to Cat and Takuya's antics. Cat was one of the only people Takuya would willingly talk to other than himself after all.

"Weren't you guys tired after all that?" JP asked, amazed.

"Sure we were, but we had gotten used to most of those drills and whenever we wanted to hone our skills that is exactly what we would do. Coach does not approve of a second-rate team, and he appreciates us whipping the boys into shape," Takuya said.

"Takuya, you are giving me more reasons to appreciate your tomboyishness," Zoe laughed. Takuya gave a wide grin before turning to Kouji. He gave a small grimace before looking away.

"Are you really going to make me do this?"

"Kouji, you volunteered Takuya. It's only fair. If it makes you feel better I'll even go right after you. JP will go after that and then we'll figure out where to go from there," Kouichi said.

Kouji gave a small nod, followed by a sigh. He didn't know why, but Kouichi's words were actually encouraging him. He couldn't even talk to his father the way he had to Kouichi or any of the group for that matter. Even so, he usually wasn't comfortable talking about anything personal. This group was wrecking that.

"Fine."

"My dad and I used to move around a lot when I was younger. I never really figured if it was because my mother died or because his work was that nuts. Despite that we were pretty well off, finally being able to settle in near the Kuhonbutsu distract. When we settled down here, I got so annoyed because my dad had gotten a girlfriend after years of it just being us and our German Sheppard, Wolf. I never knew how to react. I'm sure you guys had noticed that I don't exactly open myself up to anyone," he glanced around, seeing the knowing reactions on his companions' faces. Takuya was giving him a 'no shit' look while Tommy and Zoe had gotten off giggling. JP and Kouichi were quiet, but Kouichi even more so. It was making the long haired teen wonder what was going on in the other's head. Takuya, sensing the distress, had propped up closer to the two teens.

"I wasn't exactly the nicest person to her either especially once she and my dad married a few years ago. I couldn't get over the fact that my real mother was gone and I had a step-mom appear out of nowhere ya know? Dad would always get on my case about accepting her into the family, and I would try. I was hesitant, more than I am with you all. It felt as though something was missing and it wasn't just my mother."

Kouji noticed that as he mentioned that last part Takuya had stared wide-eyed at him. He knew he was missing something, but the only way he would get answers were from the two people more secretive than himself. "I never really realized what I had in my life until recently, and after three years of arguments between me and my dad, I finally got the message. Satomi had been trying her hardest, and I could finally be happy once I accepted the truth. The day we came here, I planned on apologizing to her. It was their anniversary after all."

"That's so sweet Kouji," Zoe gushed. Tommy was laughing at Zoe's expression along with Takuya who appeared to be even closer to Kouichi. Kouji was beginning to wonder what was going on with them.

"You guys live so far away, it's not fair," Tommy finally came out and said.

"It's only about an eighteen to twenty-five minute train ride if you think about it. Walking would be a pain, though," Kouichi murmured.

"Yeah, but it's weird. Kouji do you attend any of your school sports events? You don't live that far from us but I've never seen you around when we need to go places for our games," Takuya commented, glancing between him and Kouichi.

"I'm not really into sports."

"That explains so much."

Kouji had given Takuya an irritated look before glancing over to Kouichi. Taking it as a sign to move on before an argument started up again, Kouichi placed a hand on Takuya's knee, instantly shutting the girl up. JP had given the duo a knowing glance, causing a blush to heat up on Takuya's face. Kouji debated on whether or not to laugh at her expense. He cracked a smile, sparing her from any further embarrassment for the moment.

"My mom's a busy woman. We've had financial troubles since I was little so she'd work several jobs a week to find ways and support me. My grandma would always take care of me when she was busy, and sometimes Takuya would as well to lighten the load. Well… with Takuya it was more of a 'you're coming over, no questions asked' sort of thing. I guess the situation just made me feel useless and weak," Takuya was giving him a look that he'd known all too well at the moment. She had worked very hard to help him with self esteem issues, that they BOTH had, but sometimes his domineer slipped. He gave a sheepish smile before continuing on.

"Takuya tried extra hard to help me with that problem. She'd always have different ideas to try and distract me. They all did truthfully, but Takuya's ideas had always annoyingly found ways to succeed. Some just end up badly, which is why the only time I go near the soccer field is for one of her games or when it's just her, me and Shinya. She finally hit the spot with basketball, though why it was her last choice in sports is still beyond me. I don't know why, but basketball just kind of clicked."

"For a story that's supposed to be about you, you sure talk about Takuya a lot," JP noted aloud.

"I'm getting there," Kouichi murmured as Takuya gave an annoyed twitch. If it wasn't for her, I don't even know where I would be at right now. "I've actually been doing basketball for the last few years and it's really helped. My mom would try getting off work to come and watch a game and grandma used to come to every single game. I would see them in the crowd and seeing them look so proud. That's what I like best, seeing them smile. Though the rest of the attention I got in a game or at school was unnerving. Seriously, how do people deal with that? Days like that I would always duck out in bathroom or the school library."

"It's just 'cause you're so likable Kou," Takuya said cheekily. Zoe was off on another giggle trip while Tommy gave both of them wide-eyed looks.

"You know, if you stopped trying to prank everyone at school, they might be nicer."

"But where is the fun in that? Besides they've hated me since year one, stopping my pranks on anyone won't change a thing. Also, you have no proof that I am the cause of all the things happening at school. It could be someone else for all we know."

"The stink bomb in the girl's bathroom."

"First off, I told you about that so it doesn't count. Secondly, you know exactly why I did that! No one messes with my boy and gets away with it."

"So if Takuya deals with problems by pranks, how does Kouichi do it?"Kouji asked.

"He had a big voice for someone who usually is very quiet," Takuya responded. "Though I would still win in a yelling contest."

"You guys are so cool," Tommy said.

The entire group had begun laughing at that. It certainly nice to have the weight of the world off their shoulders for the moment.

"I guess it's my turn now, right?" JP asked after they all calmed down again.

"Magic has become one of things I'm best at, and I can't say that about many things. I never really had that many friends back home, but unlike Kouichi I actually did like getting attention. That's the main reason I started learning my tricks in the first place. Not the best reason to start learning something new, I know that. I was just tired of being so alone when everyone around me had someone else to be around," he had quieted down for a moment, as the other grew silent. Takuya and Tommy were giving him stern looks while Kouji, Kouichi and Zoe exchanged glances.

"I don't even know why I chose magic of all things. I hadn't really been that into it before I started doing it myself. But it got me attention. Kids at school finally started noticing me and I wasn't just that kid who obsesses over chocolate. I was even enjoying what I had learned. Performing my magic tricks had become one of my favorite things on classes.

"I wasn't that alone anymore despite the fact people would sometimes ignore me. I just became happy doing what I do best. Because of that, I got to share it with you guys too! It's not as lonely anymore with you all," JP finished.

"Remember when you told us that we were on large dysfunctional family JP?" Takuya said, staring off at the roof. "You were right. And the thing is, even when we're not there in person, we'll always be there for you. We're all friends, and the thing about friendships is the bonds we create are hard to destroy. If we stand tall together, we can stand up against all of our fears. You reminded me of that."

"I did that?" JP asked.

"Yes, back when Mercurymon attacked. When he brought up everything… It made me have my doubts. They'll do whatever they can to make us have doubts, to make us weaker. They might even go as far as separate us." Takuya said, looking back down.

"We'll beat the odds though!" Tommy shouted, throwing his hands up.

"I guess you're right," Kouji said.

"We'll make it through this together."

A/N: Heh… my two updates for the week had turned into one very large chapter. On the bright side I was able to bring in a bit of everyone's background. About 4,800 words. My longest chapter yet! There are even more hints if you can catch them. I kinda want your opinions on what'll be happening if you get what I'm talking about. The next chapter will be a bit more on the train and onto Forest Terminal. It's about time really.

My lovely reviewers, thanks for you kind words. As always I enjoy hearing from you.

Silver, I've never really thought of actually having a love triangle. There might be signs of jealousy within the group but it always passes, like what happened between Zoe and Takuya. I'm surprised, you haven't heard of cosplay? It's basically people dressing up as characters from different shows and animes. I hope the fluff in this chapter was able to suffice.

Imjaypaw, it's lovely hearing from a new voice. I'm glad I've gotten new readers.

DarkFlame-Chan, you'll be surprised about how I get Duskmon in here. It will be hard, I know that. And I was wondering about the unified spirit name too. EmpressGreymon seems lovely. I'm curious as to what you think the double meaning is about what Takuya said. I'm not saying you're wrong and I'm not saying you're right. I just want to hear what you think.

I hope this wasn't confusing and that you all enjoyed the chapter. Peace, Love and Digimon!