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Digimon Tamers Crimson: Knights of Grim Episode 32: The Heartful Cry...
February 21st, 2016...
It seemed like a lot of things came and went. Another school year bit the dust, and Taichi along with Yamato, Sora, Mimi, and Koushiro had all graduated and moved on to college. Though, they didn't end up moving into the college dorms. They still hung out with the other Tamers, as well as each other. Each day, Taichi would come home being very thorough when it comes to his homework. Koushiro seemed to juggle multiple things at once again... Though this time, with a tad bit more management skills. Mimi was able to help with some of the scheduling, since she was actually really good at multi-tasking as well. Sora was quite anxious about being a part of the college soccer team, along with Taichi. Both Biyomon and Agumon came to support their games, but of course Agumon is only in on it for the competitive sense... Not for good sportsmanship. Biyomon was there because Sora's mom let her partake in these events. Koushiro seemed to be captain of the computer club... Much like in high school, though he still uses his spare time to decifer some of the Digi-Code that lingers throughout the area.
Tentomon at first seemed a bit unsettling to some of his classmates, when they were outside... But slowly and steadily they warmed up to his prescience. And that was after school, when Koushiro would hang out with some of the computer club members. Yamato still found some way to get in touch with the other members of Knife of Day, but could barely find times for rehearsals... Since they went to a different college than he did. Mimi meanwhile, still went to some of the college parties and even invited Koushiro to them. Most of which he declined, but he did go to some, just for being there with Mimi. It seemed that for the oldest members of the Tamers, they'd finally be together in the same college... But they somewhat missed their friends. Yamato felt that sentiment for almost all of the Tamers... Except for Simon, whom he still considered an asshole though they were semi friends. Taichi still worries about Hikari on a daily basis, though Sora keeps on telling him to relax and enjoy what's in front of them. Most of them were eighteen with the exception of Taichi who had turned nineteen in November.
Simon and co. meanwhile, seemed to be having an interesting year at high school. This may be Simon and Nia's last year at said school. But considering the events of last year, with the two being parents to their currently ten month old son... Things have been far from boring. The two had been taking turns with who cares for baby Takato, and Simon had been preparing himself for when the baby comes to visit. He makes sure to move the cradle whenever it stops moving, and always feed the baby. Which is one of many things he has to multi-task. He still does the occassional night duties with Guilmon, and does help out with some Black Rose operations. Though, that's when the group isn't enough to take on the foe that would otherwise sully their reputation. He tries to devote his time to most of these things, but ends up a bit fatigued by the end of the day. Still though, he cares deeply for both Nia and the baby. Guilmon and Renamon also switch between who takes care of Gigimon, since they too had become parents. However, since Gigimon is already capable of speech it's easier to communicate between parent and child.
Whereas baby Takato has yet to utter a single coherent word... Other than the occasional crying. Nia also feels some of the fatigue of multi-tasking due to her trying to keep up her strength and raise the baby. However, she has a much easier time due to living with Erwin. Since he seems very willing to help her out whenever she doesn't know what to do. Kittan does get to see baby Takato on occassion... Though that's mostly lampshading the fact that he and Erwin are both relatively young grandparents. Impmon also felt concerned for his Tamer, since she's doing too much and not getting enough rest... So he came up with a schedule for her. Unfortunately, they also know that baby Takato will never know either grandmother. It seems that day to day basis for these two sets of families is quite hectic. Kittan will often do some combat practice with Leyte or Dayaka, though that's to get some blood flowing... And to not feel so old. He gets really excited whenever he feels the rush come back to him, and wishes that every day could be like this... Though like Simon on certain days, he knows that would get too old if you got everything you wanted. Even Simon got in on the combat practice, but still couldn't beat Kittan in sword combat. Though, that was mostly due to never being rusty.
Henry still practiced some tai-chi, though Terriermon was trying to get in some practice... But realized that he would need champion level just to practice. Suzie had lopmon evolve into Turuiemon, to practice tai-chi. She seemed to have a much easier time with practice than Terriermon. Rika had come to watch, mostly to draw out the fights that would happen. They thought quite highly of her drawings, and how accurately they depict the battles. She still could use some improvement in the movement departments. Daisuke had still be sifting through some noodle recipes on the internet to see what works, while Hikari volunteered for these experiments. Though Gatomon and V-Mon weren't too far behind in terms of the taste testing. Some didn't turn out well, others did. But Daisuke knew for sure he needed to find one place that didn't have just ramen noodles to cook from. Hikari seemed to be taking the psychology classes very seriously, since she herself has wanted to study and understand her own psychosis. Though, that was mostly on the merit of her wanting to know, why she's a bit of a yandere for Daisuke...
But then again, she knew that Daisuke still loved her for what she is. Ken meanwhile, had volunteered to solve some mysteries for some people around school. Although, he was mostly for using deductive reasoning for finding out the answer to said mysteries. Simon had decided to help him out, since he too solves some crimes going around Shinjuku. Although, Ken still believes that maybe he should try doing most of these on his own... But not without Wormmon of course. Takeru had pondering what it would take to be a publisher, so he had begun writing a story, but not really sure on where to go from there. He felt that maybe, personal experiences would help him on his path. Though Patamon would make sure he doesn't overdo it every night. Taiki and Kiriha seemed to still spend some time doing training with Shoutmon and Greymon. Though, Taiki is still puzzled about the fact that Shoutmon ended up taking in three other mega level Digimon instead of just VictoryGreymon and ZekeGreymon. So, he and Kiriha were looking around and trying to figure things out. Kiriha still has a strong relationship with his father, while Taiki's parents are still a bit overprotective of him when it comes to Digimon. Simon and Nia are both seventeen years old, while everyone else except for Suzie are sixteen, bordering on seventeen. Suzie has officially turned fifteen over the course of the last year...
Around Shinjuku, Simon was walking with Nia and baby Takato. Who still would fluctuate between which parent he gravitated towards. One day it'd be Simon, and other days, it'd be Nia. When baby Takato opened his eyes for the first time, Simon had been very excited for what color they'd be. Takato's eyes were both red, in contrast to Simon's hazel colored eyes and Nia's light blue eyes. Simon got a good look at baby Takato's eyes and saw that the brand of the exalt, that was on Nia's chest ended up on his left eye. His right eye appeared to have a spiral pattern leading to the pupil. Simon recognized that pattern as one that had developed in his own eyes, due to now having a large amount of spiral energy within him. Nia still enjoyed looking into baby Takato's eyes, and held him very close to her. "So after today's shopping for the kid, how about we go grocery shopping?" Simon asked Nia who responded "I hope you're paying for most of those..." Simon sighed and said "You and me are both getting worked, or working each other to the bone aren't we?" Nia nodded before heading into the store.
There, they found quite a few cute outfits for baby Takato to wear and decided to buy some of them, on the basis of the color scheme... Which seemed to be blue and red. As they were grocery shopping, Nia pondered that this probably would be the rest of their lives... Especially after the best part of a stable relationship. Though, Simon noticed the wandering eyes that would sneer at the two due to both of them being teenage parents. But he knew that telling Nia would make her more aware of it, and cause her to become increasingly angry. After shopping the two headed back to Nia's house, where Erwin and Kittan were waiting. "I see you two decided to do more than shopping for the baby." Erwin said to Nia who responded "Well, Simon thought it'd be fun for more grocery shopping. But then again, at least it was nice showing Takato what Tokyo has to offer." Kittan then said "Yeah, but you haven't even shown him all the cool stuff yet! You've got amazing skyscrapers, local restaurants, heck even the sports arenas are great! He should totally root for the Tokyo Ravens at their next game!" Simon sees that Kittan's gotten all fired up and says "Dad... I don't think he's old enough where sports are going to be a thing in his life. He's only ten months old. And his birthday's coming up in April."
Kittan looked at Simon with a sour expression on his face and said "Way to bring down the mood... But then again, I'll find a way to bring out that fire in your blood. Some day, you'll understand the meaning of screaming at your team when they don't score a point in something!" Simon responds "That's the day when actual pigs can fly. And no, Patamon doesn't count." Kittan shrugs his shoulders and says "Still, way to kill the fun. Just remember, that fire is inside you. Clara didn't give you spiral energy for nothing. She knew you had that type of determination... And I think that you'll become one of the most hot-blooded amongst our family." Simon raised an eyebrow at Kittan's statement, before going to check up on baby Takato. He noticed that he seemed to be asleep already, and decided against bothering him. Simon then headed for the door and said "Well guys, I'm gonna head back home if you don't mind. I gotta make sure that everything's ready before I get to the night shift." Before giving Nia a kiss on the lips, and heading out the door.
Impmon was looking over baby Takato and said "You know Nia, I'm beginning to think that your boyfriend is still worried about the crime that's been going on in the city. You think Black Rose should go in there?" Erwin shook his head at Impmon and responded "For now, there's no need. Since there hasn't been a crime that needed all four of your help this year so far, I decided that for now I'll signal you when we need you. But for now, I believe you two have some work to do later tonight." Nia and Impmon both saluted Erwin and decided to make sure they were both prepared... For their night shift. Simon was messing around with a yo-yo that he found one day, and found he couldn't do much with it. Guilmon sometimes wondered why his partner had some of that strange curiosity in him. "Let's see if I can do a walk the dog..." Simon said before rolling down the yo-yo which then ended up hitting Simon in the face. "I'm sorry... But how on earth do I hit myself with a yo-yo?" Simon asked Guilmon who then responded "Because you can't really do the yo-yo?" Simon sighed in defeat and decided to head up to the roof with Guilmon for combat practice.
On another rooftop, it seemed as though the yellow Guilmon along with a mysterious hooded individual was watching Simon and Guilmon practice. "Takato... Are you sure now was the time to do this? We could've waited for Emir to give us the go-ahead, before heading out you know..." Guilmon asked Takato who then pulled down his hood and responded "I'm positive that now's the time. This is for his own good, and everyone else's own good. Today, Simon Ackerman the Shadow Tamer, dies..." Takato then decides to wait until nightfall, and when Simon's guard is down. Just to strike down whatever would come his way. Later that night, Simon was out patrolling as the Shadow Tamer... With Guilmon still at his side. "So Simon, how's the modifications feel?" Leeron asked on the other end of the comm line. "Leeron, let me tell you this... It feels pretty amazing. It covers practically all the bases, and it's very light and easy to manage. So yes, this is perfect." Simon answered Leeron, who felt very proud of his work and said "Well Simon, just let me know if the day comes that you'll need another few mods added. There's no such thing as absolute perfection you know." Simon nodded and looked down at the street.
The two saw that a bank robbery was in progress. "Seriously? Who robs a bank at night?" Simon asks Guilmon who shrugs his shoulders and the two decide to plan their strategy. They would both sneak in, and take out the guys holding the workers hostage. "I swear, they could not make these ventilation shafts any tighter huh?" Simon said sarcastically regarding his difficulty in traversing the shaft. Guilmon meanwhile, dug underground and made sure that he knew a soft area to punch through. Simon opened up the grate and used his whip to grapple over to a scaffold. "Alright, we've got four thugs, and all of them are armed to the teeth. Looks like this isn't gonna be easy..." Simon said to Guilmon over a communication line the two shared. "Now where's the real heroes here? I would appreciate it if either Black rose, or the Shadow Tamer himself appeared. And if they don't... We start offing workers. Are we clear on that!?" Their leader said, while holding an Ak-47. Guilmon had dug all the way through, and found one of the men holding a worker hostage. He swiftly took him out, and told the hostage to go hide.
Simon meanwhile, was surveying the situation and made sure to check and see if there are any other hostages. "Alright, we're all clear on this end. Time to go to work." Simon said to Guilmon via comm. line. He then jumped down and whipped one of the guns out of the robber's hands. "Sorry to cause a commotion... But I'm gonna ask you kindly to turn yourselves in." Simon said to the robbers, who then looked at each other and tried shooting... Only for Simon to dodge the shots in question. He threw a kick at one of the men, and then wrapped the whip around the other man's torso. "We done here? Cause I got things to do tomorrow... And I don't want to be late." Simon said, while only semi oblivious to the other man leftover pointing a gun at Simon. "Really? You're pointing a gun at me? When more than half your guys are down?" Simon asked the man who responded "I'm just here because our boss hired us. And he'd be very disappointed if we didn't get him the money he needs..."
Simon looked back at the man and used his whip to pull the gun away. "You should've taken the shot nimrod." Simon said before using his whip to knock out the last man. When Simon and Guilmon brought out the group of robbers, the police all had a sigh of relief. "Nice work Mr. Vigilante..." One of them said and Simon responded "All in a days work. Now, if you'll excuse me... I need to do some further patrol." Simon and Guilmon then climbed up to the rooftop, while the officers took in the robbers. "You know Guilmon, sometimes... I don't feel wanted... But I definitely know that in some way, I'm needed." Guilmon nodded and responded "You've been taking this rather well. What happened yesterday?" Simon sighed and answered "Well Guilmon, lately it feels like the world might end up not needing me in the future. So I figured, while I'm still needed I do the best I can. I mean, sure there's the new section of the police force, but there are times when I'm available for a joint operation." As Simon was talking to Guilmon, a hooded figure appeared nearby waiting for the right moment. Guilmon then sniffed for something. Looking for what potential assailant could be behind them.
"Simon, someone's watching us." Guilmon said, having his eyes suddenly go viral. Simon then grabbed one of his throwing knives and aimed for the suspect's shoulder. However, said person in question kicked the knife into the air and then hit it back at Simon... Who then caught it. "Good reflexes... I doubt whoever your father or mother was, taught you how to do that." The hooded man in question removed the coat to reveal that it was, in fact Takato... Whom Simon still assumed was Shinta. "Now, is the time for our rematch." Takato said to Simon who responded "Alright, enough bulshitting Shinta, why are you so fixated on fighting me?" Takato then pulled out the sword, which was a paralell version of Falchion and pointed it at Simon. "Because you ruined my life..." Takato answered with quite a vicious tone. Simon didn't seem all that surprised since he has been awfully spiteful towards him as of late. And yet, he seems to be friendly towards the other Tamers. Sure Yamato didn't end up being all that well acquainted with the gang, but at least he didn't try to outright challenge him to a duel to the death...
The two then headed towards the unoccupied Shinjuku park. Though that was mostly because it was late, and nobody in their right minds would be out at this hour with the exception of a few people and Digimon. Simon looked him in the eyes and asked "Before we do this, can I ask... Why? I know I supposedly ruined your life but, I don't even know you." Takato sighed and responded "Oh, but you do know me. You know me very well, Simon. You and I actually have quite a lot of history behind us. And still can't believe you have the audacity to look at me with that same stoic expression." Simon was about to ask another question... Until Emir walked into the park, listening to some music. "Oh, hey Shinta! I've been looking for ya. So, has he figured it out yet? Or are you still being stubborn and beating around the bush?" Emir asked Takato who then sneered at him. Simon then ponders one possibility. "Shinta, I'm going to take a shot in the dark and assume those are contact lens you're wearing... You mind taking them off?" Simon said to Takato who responded "Gladly..." Before reaching into his eye, and struggling to pull of the contact lens. After a while of struggling, Takato panted and had his hands on his knees.
Takato then raised his head to look Simon in his eyes, and Simon saw what was in his. "You know... I've been right about a lot of things. But this... Is not something I wanted to be right about." Simon said to Takato who responded "Why's that!? Because you think I'm a failure!? Or is it because you're deeply ashamed of me!?" Simon shook his head and answered "It's because... I didn't want this to be the way you turned out. I thought, I was being a good father to you. I cared for you, I loved you every single day, and I even changed your diapers! But now... I see that, I'm a failure at being a flawed human being... And a failure at being a father." Emir sighs and says "Simon, you're getting better... It's just that face you need to work on." Takato looks at Simon, his father and says "You make that stoic facade, until you reveal who you really are underneath... Nothing but scum. You're only like this, until that darkness consumes you and then you plan to destroy everything you supposedly care about. When in actuality, you're nothing but an insane psychopath. You probably looked at my eyes the day I was born, with a psychotic smile that showed me what you planned to do from day one! And I'm here in this timeline, to prevent you from ever causing me or anyone else misery! Especially mom!"
Guilmon meanwhile, seemed to be conversing with his son... Who was a Guilmon. "So wait... He didn't figure it out based on the hair?" The yellow Guilmon asked his father who responded "Well, brunette is a common color... And the only way to really prove himself, was to show his eyes." The yellow Guilmon somewhat understood. But still stood in Guilmon's way. "I'm sorry dad... But I can't let you interfere with Takatomon's mission." Guilmon sighed and decided to believe in his Tamer. Simon pulled out Falchion and said "Takato... I know that you may be my son... And I probably did terrible things to you in the future. But there really is nothing I can say, except... I'm sorry." Simon then shed a single manly tear. Emir sighed and said "Well since you two are unbelievably stubborn, I'm gonna listen to some tunes while you fight..." Simon gives Emir a skeptical look, while Emir sits down and puts on his headphones before picking a song...
[Cue Persona 3 ost Heartful Cry]
The two looked at each other, poised to strike one another. "This is for your own good! I'll make sure you at least die a hero!" Takato said before charging at Simon, who blocked the blade. "You know, I think Emir might've taught a few tricks here and there!" Simon said before overpowering Takato's blade, and continued striking at his Falchion... Hoping to win just by disarming him. Unfortunately, Takato's strength was somewhat on par with Simon's. Takato tried throwing a kick at Simon's side... Only to be blocked by Simon's right arm. They both somehow ended up disarming each other, and Simon decided to rely on his hand to hand skills. The two threw well aimed punches and kicks, that they each blocked and/or dodged. Though Takato ended up stealing one of Simon's knives and cut his face. Simon then pulled out his whip and knocked the knife out of Takato's hand. He felt a bruise on his hand, and looked at Simon... Who ended up feeling a little sorry for him. "This pain... Is nothing compared to what you did to mom!" Takato yelled before running up to Simon and pinning him to the ground.
He then proceeded to keep punching him into submission. After a while, Takato got up off of Simon to see the injuries on his face heal. "So, that's why you can't feel pain huh? Because you can just heal it away?" Takato asked sarcastically, to Simon who's expression was obscured by some shadow. Takato then pulls back another punch and says "Well, this oughta make you feel something!" Before launching a punch, which Simon dodges and grabs before pinning Takato on the ground. Holding his arm in that extended position, twisting it to the point where he could dislocate it. Simon then responds "I may heal from every blow given to me... But that doesn't mean I don't feel it! You have two choices Takato, give up now... Or I'm going to dislocate your shoulder... Your choice..." Takato looks into his father's eyes which he now sees are quite sad. He realizes that perhaps, his father actually is pained in more ways than one. Takato also sees that Simon is very hesitant and takes the whip into his hand. And it looked like the two were about to take shots at each other. But then... Emir got tired, and realized the song on his music player stopped looping. And put his foot in between the two...
[End Persona 3 ost Heartful Cry]
"That's enough you two." Emir said before Simon released his grip on Takato's arm and grabbed the whip out of his son's hand. The two stood face to face with each other, while Takato starts to feel his resolve breaking. "Takato, I've made a lot of hard decisions in my life... Dislocating your shoulder is one that I'm not willing to make." Simon said to Takato who responded "You coward... Even when you look caring, it's out of cowardice. You're just a coward who's not willing to show your true colors, and-" Emir then smacked Takato in the face. "How about, instead of just saying what he is, how about telling us how in what way?" Emir asked Takato who rubbed his cheek. "Alright fine... In the future where he comes from, he deigns to rule over literally everything, with an iron fist. And almost every time he's near mom, he would torture her... Just for his own amusement. And yet, anytime he would try coming near me... He always seems so hesitant. Every one of the Tamers are dead. Henry, Rika, Suzie, EVERYONE! Nia was all that was left, and yet every time she would tell me how great of a person you were. And when I looked at your emotionless face... I could only look in disgust. How could I possibly know a man I never met before in my entire life!"
Emir looks over at Simon who then says "I think there might be a few plot holes in your story..." Takato looks at Simon and responds "What do you mean?" Emir then answers "He means that, you haven't explained how he tortured you." Takato then looks away and says "He made me watch mom die, and told me that he only lets me live... Just so that I could continue to be tortured by him..." Simon sighs and says "And this is why I don't like time travel tropes... When someone from the future comes in, and tries to explain this crap... They don't have the details I need. And besides..." Simon then embraces Takato and holds him closely. "Every time I looked at you as a baby... I never once dreamed of hitting you. Nor have I ever dreamed of hurting Nia. I love both of you, as my greatest family treasures..." Simon says to Takato, who then feels that maybe he was wrong the whole time... And realizes that maybe Simon isn't so bad after all. He then starts crying into Simon's chest. The two Guilmon were hugging each other out of finally seeing some clarity.
"Alright, now that that's over with... how about you show yourself!" Emir says before pointing his knife at a figure in the trees... Which turns out to be Grima... "I see, so you've known that I was here eh?" Grima asks Emir while still standing on a tree branch. "You make it too easy..." Emir answers before both Simon and Takato break out of the hug to grab their Falchions, and point them at Grima. "There's no point in fighting yet boys... This is merely but a projection of myself." Grima said to the duo, before lowering himself to the ground. "What did you came here for?" Simon asked Grima who responded "Simple, I came here to see how the fight went. And seeing as though you're still alive, it appears the paradox had let you live." He then approached the trio and continued. "I find this very vexing. Father and son, reconsiling over just mere words. Words that wouldn't be enough for the sane man to hear. So then, What will you do now? Will you fight a futile battle against a god? Or... Will you submit to your roles in this play?" Takato then yelled "Shut up! We're not part of your little play! We have willpower of our own! And we plan on using it to destroy whatever you are!"
Grima saw some fire in the boy's eyes... That same fire lied in someone else he fought. "It appears the fire within that first one's eyes is genetic." Grima said pointing out the look in the boy's eyes. Simon looks over at Takato, and says "You swing wildly at a hologram, and you're not gonna accomplish anything. Wait until the real thing appears." Takato looks back at his father, and sees that stoic expression again. Though this time, he knew the emotions behind it. "You must enjoy being the puppetmaster don't you? Always being able to pull whatever string, just to bring everyone together. And now, you've even added your own son to your growing strings of puppets." Simon then looked over at Grima's direction, and glared at him. Grima looked at Emir and said "Well then Peterson, I look forward to torturing you in the near future." Emir responded "Yeah... I don't have any time for wimpy gods, The only gods I have to go after, are the big fish... And you are but a mere guppy." Grima shrugged his shoulders and said "Fair enough, but mark my words... My debut will be quite devastating. So look forward to that Digimon Tamers..." Before fading away.
The three looked at each other afterwards, and tried to come up with a plan. "Alright, Takato... We'll discuss things before the final battle back at home." Emir said to Takato who then had memories, of Emir's adopted sister. "On second thought Emir... How about I stay with dad for now?" Takato asked Emir who smiled and responded "I'm glad we settled that. And by the way Simon... Laters!" Emir then leaves very stealthfully. Simon looks at Takato, while the two Guilmon appeared from the bushes. "It's okay Simon, I'll be staying here for the night... Since my son here wants some bonding time as well." Guilmon said to Simon who then patted him and responded "Alright, just be careful that nobody spots you two okay?" Guilmon nodded and Simon left with Takato back home. "Now, son... I'm gonna be taking you to my little place... Where I like to keep all the personal things from Simon." Guilmon said to his yellow son, who asked "But don't you live with Simon?"
Guilmon sighed and answered "Those two need to be alone right now." The two then headed into the abandoned tool shed, and hung out for a bit. Simon and Takato meanwhile, got to the apartment... And Simon set up a futon. "Takato... When was the last time you bathed?" Simon asked Takato, who responded "Um... I didn't really think of that." Simon then pointed towards where his shower was, and Takato proceeded to enter into the bathroom. Simon sighed at that experience... And wondered how he was going to tell Kittan about this. "I am seriously pondering an explanation to all this. I mean, my own son time-traveled at first to kill me... But then we made up. And, I really hope that I can make things right to him." Simon said to himself while sitting on his bed. Takato came out of the shower with a set of pajamas, that Simon left out for him and said "Well dad, I'm squeaky clean now. Can I go to bed?" Simon sighed and responded "Yes my boy, you can go to bed." He nodded before laying on the futon and falling asleep. Simon looked over at the boy before falling asleep himself.
The next day...
Simon woke up early as usual, and got dressed in his Senior year school uniform. Though, Takato was still asleep. Simon looked over at the boy and thought "This must've been the longest he's ever slept in his whole life... Well, I should leave a note, with detailed instructions... Just so he'd know what to do for breakfast." Simon then wrote down the extensive note. And left smiling at his son on the floor. Takato woke up a few minutes later... Seeing that his dad wasn't in the apartment. "A note? With all these instructions?" Takato asked himself before looking through all of them. "Jeez dad! You're really that thorough about all this?!" Takato said in shock after looking through each of the notes. But then he hears his cell phone ringing. "How in the hell?" Takato asked himself once again, before picking up the phone. "Hello?" Takato asked before hearing his father's voice on the other line. "Sorry, I got up a bit earlier because of school. Listen, I know you really looked forward to some father/son activities, but I'm understandably busy right now. So, just make sure that you don't end up blowing up my place okay?" Simon said to Takato who responded "Don't worry dad, I got this. Just have fun at school alright?"
Simon sighed and said "I love you son..." And hung up. Takato, didn't really know how to take that, since he only heard those words once before from Simon's mouth. He felt, overjoyed to hear that... And decided to make sure he checked off all the bases. Though, when he was changing into one of Simon's casual clothes, he didn't hear Kittan knocking on the door. "Well, I guess Simon must've left for school then." Kittan said before entering the room to see... Takato wearing some of Simon's clothes. "Aren't you that Shinta kid that Davis told us about?" Kittan asked Takato who responded "Hi grandpa..." In a shy manner. Kittan was at first very confused, until he looked into Takato's eyes and said "Kid... You and I are gonna have a long chat!" He then dragged Takato over to his apartment where, Leeron was also present. Kittan told him about how he was Takato, but likely from the future. "First, I need a blood sample." Leeron said before pulling out a small pricker. Takato sighed and raised his arm to Leeron. He then examined the blood to see that he is in fact, the same one.
"Yep, he's our little grandkid!" Leeron said to Kittan who then looked over at Takato, who then asked "Wait? All of your little grandkid? I thought I was just related to Kittan and Erwin? How are you all related to me?" Kittan then answered "My mercenary gang is like a family to me, and a family to your daddy. Whom, I assumed was out doing things correct?" Takato nodded in response to Kittan's question. "So then kid... How far in the future are you from?" Leeron asked Takato who responded "Does it really matter that much?" Kittan saw a little snark in that and asked "First, who taught you how to snark? Second, it really does matter since we might need to know what to do!" Takato didn't really have much, since Emir didn't really perfect his snarking technique. So, he just sighed and responded "Fine, it was Simon's friend Emir. Who I had to learn from in order to beat him."
Kittan and Leeron were both really confused, since they knew Simon for practically his whole life. "You're really gonna have to come up with an explanation for this kid. Cause otherwise, we might not believe you on being my grandson." Kittan said to Takato who was about to say something... Until Leyte and Dayaka came back from breakfast. "You know, you could've told us that Simon found a new friend. I would've shown him my medical equipment." Leyte said, intimidating Takato before Dayaka added "It's not that bad, she's just trying to make sure you don't get hurt... That's all." Leyte sighed and said "Gotta kill the fun don'tcha?" Takato sighs and says "Alright, here's what I was going to tell Kittan and Leeron." Before going into a long winded explanation about his future. All the hardships he went through. Suzume. The things that Simon from the future did. Suzume. The training before his fight with Simon... And Suzume. "And that's how it went." Takato finished explaining and Kittan then asked "Okay, that's great and all... But who's this Suzume chick?" Takato shuddered at the mere name and answered "She's... Emir's adopted little sister..."
つづく