Chapter 49
New Associates
Agumon eventually found himself standing outside the Kamiya residence, though he had no idea why. He couldn't remember if anyone was supposed to be home, and if they weren't, he wouldn't be able to get in. He raised a claw and knocked anyway.
He was surprised when he heard low grunts inside, along with the sound of objects hitting the floor, before the door eventually opened. He was surprised when he saw Guilmon standing in the doorway, holding some cookies in his right claw.
'Hm?' He blinked curiously before swallowing his mouthful. 'Agumon? I thought you were training with Baihumon?'
'Uh... yeah, well... things didn't go as planned...'
Guilmon shrugged and let him in.
'Is there anyone else home?' Agumon asked.
'Yeah... but Yuuko's sleeping. I'm going to surprise her with these cookies I made!'
Agumon raised an eyeridge in surprise. 'Uh... what cookies?'
Guilmon blinked and looked around. 'Huh? There was a whole tray just a second ago...'
As Guilmon began looking around for his missing cookies, Agumon found himself pondering his ageing problem again, and couldn't help but think about how Tai and Biyomon would feel if he told them. He shook his head as Guilmon began to stare at him with concern.
'Agumon? Your face looks weird - because you're not smiling like you usually do.'
Agumon grimaced, and forced a smile. 'It's nothing.'
Guilmon looked unconvinced and didn't move an inch. 'I've never seen you like this. Something must have happened - and I want to know what.'
Agumon shook his head again. 'I don't want you to worry, Guilmon.'
'Well, too late.' Guilmon frowned stubbornly. 'Come on! Now I'm worried. Tell me. Please?'
Guilmon continued to badger him until he finally let up, throwing his claws in the air.
'OK, OK! I'll tell you... but it might not make much sense.'
Guilmon grinned gently. 'That's all right. I'm used that sort of problem.'
Agumon sighed. 'When I went to training again today... I lost consciousness again.'
Guilmon frowned with confusion. 'What do you mean, again?'
'When we played in Transparent lake... it happened then, too.'
'Oh. Right.'
Agumon gave a troubled frown. 'When Baihumon saw it, he said that time and patience may eventually stop it... but since we share a bit of a mental connection, I knew he didn't believe what he said. So, basically... I have no idea how to stop it, and it could be fatal if I just faint in the middle of a fight.'
Guilmon frowned thoughtfully. 'Is there a cure for fainting? Maybe you could ask one of the doctors in City?'
'... I did. They can't find anything wrong with me, apart from the Chronodata.'
'So is there a cure for Chronodata?'
Agumon blinked in surprise. 'Most of the doctors hadn't even heard of Chronodata - so there's no cure.'
'Well, if there's nothing you can do about it, don't worry!'
Agumon gaped at Guilmon's simple response. 'But... but... what if I-'
'You have friends with you, right? If you do faint in battle, at least you'll have a friend there to protect you, right? You have lots of friends! So I don't understand why you're so worried.'
Agumon was silent for a moment. 'You might be right, but if I... well... got hurt, all those friends would be hurt too.'
Guilmon nodded slowly. 'I know. That's why having friends is important, because they'll do anything they can to help you, and to protect you.' He smiled sincerely. 'So stop worrying, Agumon.'
Guilmon's attention quickly returned to his lost cookies, as Agumon managed to smile and exhale heavily. 'Now can you help me find those cookies? I was really hoping to surprise Yuuko...' He eventually slowed down, looking disappointed. 'I must have eaten them.'
Agumon chuckled fondly. 'I guess you couldn't help yourself, huh?' He spotted a lot of crumbs and chocolate spots on Guilmon's chest and stomach. 'Maybe you should use the apron next time?'
'An apron?' Guilmon thought for a moment. 'Oh! That thing you wear when standing in front of the oven?'
'Well - cooking in general.'
Guilmon nodded and quickly found the apron hanging on the wall, before taking it and putting it on.
'Well, I've got to get some cookies for Yuuko... want to help?'
Agumon thought for a moment before shrugging lightly. 'I've got nothing else to do right now.'
Yuuko found herself stirring when she heard soft knocking on her door.
'Yuuko? You awake?'
She sighed softly. 'I was...'
'Oh. Sorry.'
She blinked in surprise. 'Agumon? What are you doing home?'
He opened the door slowly so as to not blind Yuuko with the lights. 'Well... I just came back early. Guilmon's got something for you.'
Guilmon walked in with a bowlful of cookies, and Yuuko stared at it for a moment with surprise, before smiling warmly.
'Those smell delicious! When did you learn to cook so well, Guilmon?'
Guilmon grinned modestly. 'Mostly from Yuji, actually.'
Yuuko quickly tried one, and took a bite, making a pleased grunt before getting out of bed. 'These are wonderful! Thank you, sweetie.'
Guilmon blushed slightly as Yuuko cupped his face warmly before gathering her clothes. 'Why don't you boys take these and leave them on the kitchen bench? I could use a snack while we do some scrubbing and vacuuming!'
Agumon and Guilmon's eyes widened fearfully as Yuuko ushered them out, and looked at each other.
'We're not really staying for that, are we?' Guilmon asked uncertainly.
'No way.' Agumon stated immediately. 'We've got to get out of here!'
They quietly made their way out the front door and closed it behind them, and they exhaled with relief as they made it out.
'Where should we go?' Agumon asked uncertainly, to which Guilmon responded by perking his ears up.
'Actually, I was going back to see Takato tonight... do you wanna come?'
Agumon stared at him incredulously. 'Wha-are you sure, Guilmon? What about... protecting him?'
Guilmon frowned thoughtfully for a moment, before smiling. 'I know, but I trust you, Agumon. I want Takato to meet you, at least. I've thought about this for a while, you know... so I'm sure.'
'OK... Guilmon...'
Agumon found his stomach churning a little with anxiety. He quickly thought out a list of things not to say to Takato, which he quickly realised encompassed most of his life.
Ugh... I just won't mention the Digidestined... I guess. I need to relax...
Guilmon was quick to lead Agumon into another section of the city, and he was surprised when the passersby saw Guilmon as a familiar presence. Some of the children even waved at him, and he waved back.
After a while, Guilmon led them around a corner and stopped in front of small wall around a quaint courtyard with a few exotic buildings surrounding it. He pointed at it enthusiastically.
'That's where Renamon and Rika live.'
Agumon studied the property with fascination. 'Seems quite fancy. And Rika is Renamon's partner?'
'Mm-hmm. She's every bit as tough as Renamon, though she seems to have a soft spot for me and Calumon.'
They continued out to another street, only to come face-to-face with a small group of young schoolgirls in blue dresses. Guilmon greeted them happily.
'Hi! You guys just finished school?'
'Guilmon!'
They reacted gleefully and immediately surrounded him.
'Where have you been, Guilmon? We missed you.'
'What adventure did you go on this time?'
Guilmon attempted to answer their questions, but they didn't seem to listen and started petting him with adoration. Agumon stared at them incredulously.
'Uh... human... girls... as well... what?'
They blinked once, before smiling at Agumon brightly. 'Is this your friend, Guilmon? He's quite cute, too.'
Guilmon nodded vehemently. 'This is Agumon - and he's one of my best friends.'
Agumon couldn't help but smile at him, which quickly faded as some of the girls began to badger him in a similar manner. He groaned forcefully, awkwardly squirming his way out of the group.
'Guilmon... I didn't come with you to be mobbed by girls again. Can we please go?'
Guilmon studied him for a moment before nodding slowly. 'OK... sorry Agumon.' He looked up around at the girls' disappointed faces. 'I'll see you again soon, OK? But I've got to show Agumon something.'
Agumon was surprised as they simply smiled and waved goodbye, heading off to their own homes. Guilmon's eyes brightened as they rounded the next bend into a large street.
'Takato's place is down here - I sure hope they've got Guilmon bread! I should really learn how to make that myself... I think I will!'
Agumon glanced around curiously. 'This place isn't as fancy as Renamon's house.'
Guilmon shrugged. 'This place may be a bit...dirtier, but that suits me and Takato just fine! Besides, it smells way better here, thanks to our bakery.'
'Bakery, huh? I guess that explains your talent for it.'
'You think... I'm talented? Really?'
Agumon chuckled at Guilmon's child-like innocence. 'Come on, how else could you have made five foccacia breads at Yuji's, and eat them, in the time it takes a human to make one?'
'Same way you could bake four pies for every one a human can.'
Agumon frowned slightly. 'What? What do you mean, four? I made five. Just like you.'
'Nah, pretty sure it was only four.'
'Five, Guilmon. I can bake with my claws!'
'Well, I'm pretty I made more loaves than you made pies.'
'What? That's stupid detail to remember.'
'That being four.'
'Five!'
'Four!'
'Five!'
'Four!'
'Four!'
'Five!'
Agumon suddenly pointed at him cheekily. 'Ha! I win. You said five.'
Before Guilmon could give a disgruntled retort, they heard a light voice cut in. 'Five what, Guilmon?'
They both turned to see Takato's mother, Yoshie, walking towards them with a basket full of wet clothes. Her expression brightened warmly as she beheld the two of them.
'Oh, how wonderful! You've made a new friend, Guilmon.'
Guilmon smiled back and walked up to her, and she scratched him around the ears. He turned back towards Agumon.
'Yoshie, this is Agumon.'
Agumon smiled awkwardly and held out his claw, and Yoshie gradually shook it.
'Nice to meet you, Agumon. I'm sure Takato would like to meet you as well. I'm sure we'd all like to hear how you two met!'
As Yoshie and Guilmon began to lead the way, Agumon gave a small gulp, but they didn't seem to take any notice.
As they opened the door to Matsuki Bakery, a wave of soothing smells filled Agumon's nostrils, and the nervousness in his stomach was quickly replaced by hunger. He scanned the food items out on display on the counter, but fought the desire to eat them.
Yoshie chuckled when she saw him. 'I see you've got a sweet tooth too, Agumon.'
Agumon scratched his neck awkwardly. 'Sorry. I guess I haven't been to a good bakery in a while...'
A boy's voice suddenly sounded from upstairs. 'Mom? Is that you? I heard someone else come in.'
Takato walked down the stairs in his socks, but otherwise normal clothes. He beamed when he saw Guilmon, but looked amazed when he spotted Agumon.
'Guilmon... who is that?'
Guilmon blinked in surprise at Takato's reaction. 'Uh... Agumon?'
Takato rushed forward eagerly to examine Agumon. 'He's so cool! I didn't know Agumons could look like this! Are you some special variant, Agumon?'
Agumon grimaced modestly. 'Uh... I guess. I'm not really special, though...'
Takato shook his head. 'Not special? You're the biggest Agumon I've ever seen! Do you use different moves than a normal Agumon?'
Agumon thought for a moment. 'Well... yeah, actually. I can't remember the last time I used Pepper Breath in a fight... I use Spirit Fire more now.'
'Wow! I wonder what it looks like? Hey, maybe you can show me?'
Unused to Takato's inattention, Guilmon frowned in objection.
'Takato! You're asking too many questions!'
Takato blinked and shook his head. 'Oh... sorry about that, boy.' As he looked between the two of them, he regarded them with surprise. 'Are you two friends?'
Yoshie rolled her eyes. 'Oh no, Takato, Guilmon brought him all the way here to say they're not.'
Takato frowned thoughtfully. 'If you two are friends, Guilmon... how come I've never heard of him?'
They both grimaced nervously, unable to answer. Yoshie finally sighed.
'Never mind that, Takato, he's here now. Let's make the most of it! Would you like to stay for dinner, Agumon?'
'Uh... well...'
He twiddled his claws, and Guilmon examined him with a puppy-dog look, and he sighed submissively. 'Oh, fine. I'll stay.'
Takato was quick to try and introduce Agumon to the card game, but he was more interested in reading the information on the cards, especially the ones depicting himself.
'Did I really look like that?' He scratched his head as he examined some of Takato's cards. 'My tail is so... short. It's just a small spike on my butt. And my head looks way too heavy.'
As Agumon continued to flick through his cards, Takato couldn't help but narrow his eyes slightly. 'Your voice... it kind of sounds familiar...'
Agumon raised an eyeridge at him. 'How could it be? We've never met before.'
Takato nodded. 'I know - I'm pretty sure I've never seen you before. Still... weird...'
'Oh! There's one with Gabumon! And here's Veemon! Just how many cards do you have, Takato?'
He seems to know those digimon... but it's impossible...
He shook his head slightly, and smiled politely. 'Don't you want to actually use these cards, Agumon?'
Agumon quickly shook his head. 'Uh... no thanks. I think I might accidentally set them on fire or something.'
He sniffed a bit and a dreamy look came over him. 'Maybe I'll go check on your parents' cooking. I might be able to help them, actually.'
Before Takato was able to object, Agumon had already gone downstairs. He was about to follow when Guilmon poked his head around the corner.
'Takato? Can we talk about something?'
'That's a silly question, boy. You know we can always talk.' He studied Guilmon curiously. 'By the way, what were you doing down there?'
'Your dad was teaching me how to make Guilmon bread.'
'You can make bread?'
Guilmon grinned smugly. 'Your dad was so impressed that he said I should teach you a few things.'
'Ugh... Guilmon, I don't even know if I want to learn.' He shook his hands in front of him. 'Nevermind. What did you want to talk about?'
Guilmon glanced around shiftily before answering. 'Well... about... girls.'
Takato was taken aback. 'What? Are you serious, Guilmon? Since when have you ever been... interested in that sort of thing?'
Guilmon scratched his neck nervously, finding it difficult to start. 'Well about the... thing, with the thing and... umm... this is hard...'
Takato could see that Guilmon was flushing a little as he continued to avoid Takato's gaze.
'Are you saying you... like someone?'
'Well... yes... yes, I do.'
A shocking thought suddenly crossed Takato's mind. 'Don't tell me it's one of those schoolgirls down the street?'
Guilmon blinked obliviously. 'What? No, a digimon girl, silly.'
Despite his composed expression, Takato couldn't help but feel rather concerned. 'Oh... I guess that makes more sense... so who is she?'
'...not telling.'
I guess I shouldn't be surprised - I thought he was way too young to start developing crushes already.
'Why exactly are you asking me, Guilmon? I don't understand them much more than you do...'
Guilmon gazed at him hopefully. 'But you do know a little bit, right?'
After a moment, Takato sighed. 'OK, what do you want to ask, Guilmon? I can't promise any answers, though.'
Guilmon adopted a rather pensive smile. 'Well, I really, really like her, but I don't think she likes me the same way. The last time I tried to get close to her, she... ran away, and doesn't seem to talk to me as much anymore.'
'Uh... what do you mean, get close to her?'
Guilmon flushed a little. 'Uh... I hugged her.'
Guilmon tried to imagine it happening in his head, and it started to make a little sense.
'What, you just went up to her and hugged her? Just how well do you know each other?'
'We've been friends for a long time.'
Takato opened his mouth for a moment, quickly thinking of who the girl was. 'Even if you are friends, that still seems like you're coming on a little strong, Guilmon...'
Guilmon grew a confused look. 'But... Takato, you always said I should never hide how I feel...'
Takato sighed heavily. 'I know, Guilmon, but that's between you and me, mainly. When it comes to someone else... I don't know...'
'That's confusing, Takato. How do I know when to show how I feel or not... what should I do, then?'
'I don't know, Guilmon...'
Guilmon kept pestering Takato for answers, but it soon became apparent that Takato either really didn't know anything else, or simply didn't want to say anything.
'But... how can I make her like me back, Takato?'
It was such a strange question that Takato couldn't help but laugh. 'You can't just make her. Besides, if there were a simple answer to that question... well, I guess life would be a lot more boring.'
'Aww...' Guilmon looked a little disappointed. 'Oh well, thanks for listening anyway, Takato. I better go see what Agumon's doing.'
'Now, you put the next layer on... and done!'
Agumon studied the pie Takato's father, Takehiro, had just assembled, and frowned with a little disappointment.
'It's so small.'
'For a digimon, you mean.'
'No... I'm pretty sure this is too small for anyone but a child. And they're so expensive! What's up with that?'
Takehiro grimaced uncomfortably. 'Well... to tell you the truth... our oven isn't the most energy efficient around... so we have to pay a lot to keep it running, and we have to make some money somehow. We... kind of decorate the pies to make them look bigger than they really are.'
Agumon stared at him incredulously, as if he was crazy. 'That's... weird. Hey!' His expression brightened. 'Why don't I just cook it for you? I can, you know.'
As Agumon reached for the pie, Takehiro quickly objected. 'Wait! You need gloves to handle food, like I am now. Didn't you ever learn that?'
Agumon's eyes widened slightly, and just realised that all the pies he had cooked before were made without him wearing gloves.
'Uhh... I guess not...'
Takehiro sighed shortly, before he looked up as Guilmon entered the room curiously. 'Guilmon! Come to check on your Guilmon bread?'
'Ooh! Is it ready yet?'
Yoshie found herself smiling pleasantly throughout watching Agumon mingling with the family. She was surprised when she saw Takato wearing a worried expression as he came down the stairs after Guilmon.
'Takato! You should see these two cook! They're both naturals! Who knew that was possible with those claws of theirs?'
Takato didn't seem to hear her, and just sat down slowly at the table. She tilted her head with concern.
'Takato? What's wrong?'
He shook his head glibly. 'I'm not sure, Mom... I just feel kinda worried. More than I have before...'
'About Guilmon?' When Takato slowly nodded, she chuckled. 'It's only natural, Takato. Guilmon's changing.'
'Not really... but he does seem to be asking me weird questions lately.'
'Like what?'
'Well, a few days ago, after not seeing him for a week, he asked me if it was possible that he could ever become a mega without me. And just then... he... asked me about girls.'
Yoshie raised her eyebrows in slight surprise, but after thinking for a moment, she relaxed.
'You know, those questions sound quite normal... well, if you take that mega thing in a different context...'
'What do you mean, Mom?'
Yoshie hesitated before answering, though amusement crossed her expression. 'It reminds me of... well, brothers... who grow out of sharing a bedroom or bathroom...'
Takato looked confused. 'I don't get it, Mom.'
'I'm saying that... you feel Guilmon seems to be drifting away from you a little, is that right?'
'Well... yeah, he does seem more distant, I guess.'
'It's just part of growing up, Takato.'
Takato quickly grasped her meaning, but it didn't do anything to allay his worries. In fact, they seemed to increase as he recalled the many things that complicated his life as he grew up, and those that still did.
'But... that's not really a good thing, Mom. Guilmon, he's... well, he's not much more than a year old! He's... he's still a baby...'
Yoshie snorted derisively. 'You do realise what you just said, didn't you Takato? Why is it so hard to believe, that Guilmon's growing up?'
Takato shook his head in disbelief. 'I just... never really saw it...'
'It's not hard for me to see. He's quite big now; taller than you, even when he's hunched over like that.'
'What!?'
Takato exclaimed, before quickly turning around to look at Guilmon. His jaw dropped as he realised just how big Agumon and Guilmon were compared to Takehiro.
'I never noticed!?'
Yoshie chuckled before covering her mouth and motioning her other hand downwards. 'Oh calm down, Takato.'
Takato watched Guilmon for a little longer before turning around. 'There's... another problem. The girl he said he liked... it's probably Renamon.'
'Why is that a problem?'
Takato frowned worriedly. 'Are you kidding? Renamon might punch him or something... not to mention Rika... ugh...'
'It might be Lopmon.'
'Uh... I don't know, Mom. He never talks about Lopmon... but whenever he talks about Renamon, he can't help but smile. I never thought he actually had a crush on her, though...'
Yoshie studied him for a bit, and sighed lightly. 'Give it time, Takato. You and Guilmon are still best friends, no matter how much either of you change. You'll just have to get used to the changes, that's all.'
'But what if Guilmon gets hurt? I don't have much experience with this, but... he could really get heartbroken if he chases after her...'
Yoshie frowned sympathetically. '... I know, Takato. But this isn't something you can protect him from.'
Takato was silent for a while, before they heard panicked exclamations from the kitchen.
'Agumon! You put my Guilmon bread on fire! Don't touch my stuff!'
'I'm sorry! Let me just beat the fire out...'
Takehiro quickly objected. 'No! Just... stay put, I'll get some water... just... don't do anything else, please.'
Takato got up and helped his father deal with the ignited pastry, before he decided to help prevent any more disasters until dinner.
Hiroaki listened patiently as Toushiro gave him the weekly update on ratings in his office, and as usual, had some pretty useful recommendations.
'And for the late night Adult Swim... there is a gap that could be filled, I believed by a web show, believe it or not. People are getting sick of the ad times, around 3 minutes between each segment of broadcasts. I've watched quite a few of the videos myself, and I would highly recommend it to fill in these gaps - and it's called "Foamy the Squirrel".'
Hiroaki studied Toushiro with interest. 'What is it about this show that makes you recommend it?'
'Well... it's vulgar and honest outlook on many current issues that apply to everyday life makes it relatable to many people. I would highly recommend you watch some for yourself. It would be appropriate for Adult Swim given that adults can relate to these issues the most.'
'Well... perhaps I will, Tou. Thanks for the update.'
Toushiro suddenly gave him a troubled frown. 'There is... something else, that's rather... sensitive.'
'There have been reports of digimon roaming free around the city... I fear that we can't keep the media off of them forever. They smell money, and they want the scoop.'
Hiroaki sighed heavily. 'I know... but I can't think of any solutions, but... do you have any suggestions? You sound like you do.'
'Perhaps we should let them see one, but in a... controlled manner.'
Hiroaki frowned slightly.
'Periodically, we could... convince one of those children to give a digimon to us, allow the media to interview us about them, before giving them back.'
Hiroaki shook his head. 'No, I don't believe any of them would be willing to do that, nor would I be willing to treat a digimon like some sort of media attraction. Not everyone is willing to accept them into our world yet, but I won't force them to pose in front of our cameras.'
At Hiroaki's stern glare, Toushiro paused and inclined his head. 'I apologise. I should have thought my words through. I'll... get to work and try and think of something else.'
Hiroaki studied his back as he left. Strange... the look in his eyes didn't seem sincere at all. Just how did he plan to get the digimon to appear on camera...? Was he going to force them?
He looked down at his computer's clock, and realised he still had another half an hour before his break ended.
Perhaps I should warn Matt or TK... I hope that Toushiro is not serious about this, but it can't hurt to be safe... or see what they think about it all.
He reached for his phone and called home to Matt first. After a short while, Matt picked up the phone.
'Hello?'
'Matt? It's me.'
'Oh, hi Dad. Are you getting home late again tonight?'
'No, no... I just found myself with a little free time. Listen, there was something I wanted to ask you about...'
'Alright, Dad. No need to be so uptight.'
'OK, well... it's about... Toushiro.'
Matt paused before answering slightly guardedly. 'What about him?'
'He was discussing a solution to the media wanting to put digimon on camera...'
'Say what? Why would you want to do that?'
'Well... like or not, Matt, many humans are aware of digimon's existence nowadays. And they want to know about it.'
'...I don't know, Dad... unless Gabumon would be okay with it, I wouldn't be okay with it. And I'm not sure if I could trust the media... they could twist it around and make Gabumon look like a monster, and I wouldn't be able to have him live with us anymore. I don't think it's worth the risk.'
'What can we do though, Matt? We can't keep them away forever.'
'... maybe there's a way to motivate them to present the truth, but I can't think of anything right now, Dad.'
'OK, Matt.'
'And Dad? Maybe you shouldn't trust Toushiro so much...'
Hiroaki was caught off guard, and blinked in surprise. 'What do you mean?'
'He might not like digimon as much as you think. TK doesn't seem to be at all wary of him, but something about him bugs me. I know he's your friend, Dad, but if he doesn't like digimon... maybe you should just avoid talking with him about it.'
'I can't figure this out by myself, Matt.'
'Well, apart from me, quite a few of us digidestined are capable of helping, you need only ask, but then again, we're all pretty busy...'
Hiroaki gripped his chin thoughtfully. 'Maybe you're right, Matt. I just hope something simpler presents itself.'
After Matt hung up, Hiroaki pondered Toushiro's true view of the digimon. He'd seemed to be unsurprised when he learned of them, and met some, though he seemed to be only wearing a pleasant mask. Hiroaki recognised his affable mask, as he often appeared on camera about company problems or disputes. While he may talk and smile pleasantly on the outside, his eyes didn't show the same sincerity, and Hiroaki recalled glimpsing flashes of this mask whenever the topic of digimon was brought up.
Are you really looking out for the digimon too, Toushiro? How did you deal with them before? After all, the digimon started appearing many years before now...
He attempted to bring up Toushiro's staff records, and searched for any events concerning digimon in particular. He was surprised when he found nothing, even though he remembered Toushiro sometimes discussing digimon sightings and his observations on their importance, sometimes with great interest.
I know you did several reports on the digimon sightings a few years ago - especially when that large tear appeared in the sky. You even mentioned that it is possible proof that digimon could harm our world! Where is your report?
He managed to find the exact date of that particular report in the records, but the moment he tried to open the report, the browser reported a permission error.
I shouldn't be blocked from accessing his records... I'm his superior, after all... what the hell is going on here?
He tried to access other records of a similar nature, but he could only find repeated errors on the browser. Eventually, the computer began to abruptly overheat, with a blue screen suddenly appearing, outputting code so fast he couldn't follow until his computer shut down. He stared at the blank screen for a couple of seconds before leaning on the table, rubbing his forehead.
What has he got to hide?
Takato and his family found that night's dinner enjoyable, despite the excessive volumes of pie and bread supplied, along with Agumon and Guilmon's terrible table manners causing all their clothes to quickly receive many food stains. They were currently in the process of finishing the main course, but everyone except Agumon and Guilmon were too full to even think about desert yet.
'So... Takato?' Agumon piped up curiously. 'How did you and Guilmon meet?'
Takato grimaced a little uncomfortably. 'Well... actually, I... created him... kinda by accident, really.'
Agumon frowned sceptically. 'What? You can't just make a digimon... that makes no sense.'
'Well...' Takato slowed down. 'He didn't just appear out of thin air. Well... it's hard to explain. I had been drawing my own idea of a cool digimon, and I guess I became so attached to the image of Guilmon that my D-Arc just... activated, and made him for me.'
Agumon glanced over at Guilmon. 'I've never heard of a digivice creating a digimon before.'
Guilmon frowned thoughtfully. 'I don't remember much of anything before Takato's face. I followed Takato everywhere, and he took care of me.'
Takato smiled. 'Mind you, Guilmon, you didn't turn out perfect. I mean, just think of all the trouble you caused me! You didn't always listen to me, and ended up causing so much trouble at school...'
'I was only trying to find you, Takato.'
'Yeah... at least you don't get into trouble anymore.'
There was an awkward silence as Agumon glanced around shiftily. 'Yeah... no trouble at all...'
'What?' Guilmon objected indignantly. 'I don't cause you any trouble!'
'Not me... but for others...'
Yoshie studied Guilmon with amusement. 'What, you've been chasing too many squirrels again Guilmon?'
Guilmon shook his head. 'I haven't been able to find any squirrels in the digital world. Which sucks, they're a lot of fun.'
Agumon stared at Guilmon incredulously. 'What's the point of chasing squirrels? Do you eat them?'
'No, I just like flicking their big tails and watching them jump high...'
They were interrupted by a sharp chime from the oven, and Takehiro gradually got up and inspected its contents.
'All right, desert's ready.'
Agumon adopted another dreamy look as he sniffed. 'I wonder what it is...'
Yoshie smiled pleasantly. 'Guilmon tells us you like pie, Agumon so we made...'
Takehiro placed a steaming plate in the middle of the table. 'Apple pie!'
While Agumon's mouth was practically watering, Takato glanced at his parents suspiciously. 'How come when I ask about it, you always say it costs too much?'
Agumon suddenly looked disappointed when Takehiro picked out a slice and placed it in front of him. 'What? Is that all?'
Takehiro sighed apologetically. 'You might be used to more, but you should really learn to share. There's only barely enough for all of us to have a slice.'
Agumon nodded reluctantly and sat there waiting while everyone else had their slice. Guilmon quickly gulped his down, and shortly had his ears droop as he realised there was no more. Agumon only tried to eat when everyone else had started, and tried to copy them. It was near impossible, almost like feeding himself grains of rice one at a time, as his mouth was so big compared to theirs. He eventually gulped it down just like Guilmon.
Yoshie managed to crack a smile. 'Well, at least your table manners have improved by dessert.'
Agumon grimaced apologetically. '...probably because it's so small...'
'What kind of food are you used to?' Takato asked curiously.
'To be honest... I'm used to Mexican food... or just plain snacks like sandwiches.'
Takehiro glanced at him with scrutiny. 'You're kidding, right? Where would you find Mexican food in the Digital World?'
'Where I live, actually. It's a little dusty, but the digimon there are pretty cool.'
'Where do you live, exactly?' Yoshie asked.
'It's called Ghost Town. It's kinda like the Wild West in the real world.'
Takato blinked and stared at him. 'Ghost Town?'
Agumon grinned self-consciously. 'I know it sounds kinda scary, but it's actually a lively place, despite its name.'
No, not that... I've heard of Ghost Town too. This Agumon...
Agumon's stomach suddenly lurched a little, and he made a sickly look. 'Uh... where's the toilet, please?'
Yoshie quickly pointed up the stairs. 'It's on your right just as you exit the stairs up.'
'Thanks... I won't be long...'
Soon after he left, Guilmon started fidgeting as well, causing Takato to sigh.
'You want to go too, boy? Ugh... you'll have to wait for Agumon, we've only got one toilet here...'
Guilmon suddenly glanced upwards thoughtfully. 'I'll do that, then.'
Takato glanced at him with slight confusion before Guilmon ducked upstairs as well. 'Weird. He usually asks me if I want to go too.'
Guilmon found himself waiting outside the toilet door, but soon got bored waiting and went out to the rear veranda again, and sat there looking over the landscape again. The moon was once again visible, just like the last time Guilmon was alone on the overlook. Warmth slowly spread through him as he smiled, finding his thoughts drifting off towards Renamon again. He felt a little worried, however, given her response to him hugging her, and whined softly.
'Still thinking about bread, Guilmon?'
Guilmon jumped a little at hearing Agumon's voice, but quickly relaxed and grinned awkwardly. 'Uh... yeah... bread... that's what I was thinking of...'
Agumon smiled and rolled his eyes at Guilmon's awkward expression. 'You know I was joking. Not even bread can make you look so... love-struck.'
Guilmon nodded slowly before turning back towards the moon. 'It's kinda... hard to believe that, but...'
When Guilmon remained silent, Agumon glanced at him before joining him. 'Renamon, right?'
Guilmon stared at him in surprise. 'What? How did you guess?'
'It's not really a guess... you know, there are ways of telling how you feel about her, and you've made it pretty obvious... to... everyone, basically...'
Guilmon couldn't help but unconsciously cover his face a little, suddenly feeling exposed. 'Uh... I didn't know...'
He suddenly blinked as he studied Agumon. 'Hey! Maybe you can help me, Agumon. I've already asked Takato, but... he didn't know much. Would you know more? You... well, you do have a - what's it called? A girlfriend? That's what Yuuko said to me, anyway.'
Agumon grimaced uncomfortably. 'Well... yeah, but... I don't normally talk about us like that to others... but maybe I can help you, Guilmon.'
Guilmon's ears perked up enthusiastically. 'Great! So... how can I make Renamon like me back?'
Agumon frowned with confusion. 'Uh... what? She already likes you, Guilmon.'
'Not the same way I do for her.'
Agumon furrowed his brow thoughtfully. 'I'm not really sure, Guilmon. You've done enough to send her a message already, so... I guess all you can do is find out how she feels. But I don't really know much about that... did you end up finding her after you - hugged her? At the beach?'
Guilmon's expression grew solemn. 'No, not for a while, and by the time I saw her again, it was time for those fireworks, and she wouldn't really talk to me at all about it.'
Agumon scratched his chin a little. 'Hmm... how long have you two known each other?'
Guilmon glanced upwards. 'It wasn't long after Takato made me... we also met Rika.'
'So when you two first met... did anything strange happen?'
'She... uh... kicked me in the face.'
Agumon stifled before bursting out laughing. 'Hah! Somehow that sounds very like her.'
Guilmon grinned a little before continuing. 'And then I was dizzy for a while, and it took a while for me and Takato to be friends with Renamon and Rika.'
'So that was your first meeting with Renamon? That kinda explains she's a little cold, even to you.'
Guilmon's eyes suddenly widened a little. 'No... actually... I know this may seem weird, but I remember seeing Renamon... before I first saw Takato.'
Agumon raised an eyeridge in disbelief. 'Uh... really, Guilmon? How could you have seen Renamon when you didn't really exist yet?'
'I don't know, Agumon, but it might have been... inside Takato's digi-arc thing.'
'Since when can digimon fit inside their partners digivice?' Agumon pondered in wonder. 'That sounds quite hi-tech, if you ask me.'
'I remember now!' Guilmon began suddenly. 'Takato was there, too... I didn't see him, but... I felt him with me, and we both saw... Renamon fighting a digimon that looks like a lion on fire.'
Agumon could only blink in bewilderment. 'Uh... a little too much info, Guilmon. None of that will help you with Renamon, it would probably weird her out if you told her.' He scratched his chin again. 'So... between you first meeting Takato as a partner, and then joining up with us... how much time is that?'
'I think it was a year... I've been wishing Takato's next birthday would come soon, the only one I've been to was so much fun! So much cake, too... which is almost as good as bread...'
Agumon nodded, believing that was an accurate way of measuring time, at least for Guilmon. 'All right then, so you and Renamon were friends for around a year?'
'Maybe not that much, but most of the year we were, yeah. She and Rika actually became very nice... at least compared to how they were.' He suddenly frowned. 'Wait, why are you asking? I thought we were talking about how to make Renamon like me.'
'Ugh... the way you say just makes it sound kind of silly. You can't make her like you... if you did, it wouldn't mean anything.'
'Now you're sounding like Takato.'
Agumon smiled. 'Well, he knows more than you made him out.'
'None of it helps!'
Agumon sighed. 'Look, Guilmon, either Renamon actually feels the same way... which would be quite lucky, or she doesn't. You can't really change her mind... since she seems to be reacting the same way to your... affections. But even I don't know what she is really thinking. So stop worrying about it.'
'But I can't help it!' Guilmon whined. 'I like everything about her... and I want her to smile more, like she used to when we were friends. But now she barely smiles at all, I don't know if it's because of me, or something else, or what... whenever I'm near her, I just...
He sighed dreamily. 'I feel like I'm melting, like an ice cream when it gets too hot, but it feels so strange - like it feels so good but hurts a little at the same time...'
Agumon chuckled lightly. 'I've never seen you get so stressed, Guilmon. Weren't you telling me to stop worrying this morning?'
'Well... yeah... but I just... I'm worried that she won't be my friend anymore. Will she hate me if I tell her how I really feel? I would rather just be friends, if that's what might happen...'
Agumon frowned thoughtfully. 'Well... maybe you could just ask her how she feels? And if she doesn't feel the same way about you, you can be friends.'
Guilmon studied him nervously. 'That's easier said than done... just the thought of it makes me a little scared...'
'Would you rather be this stressed all the time?'
'No... I guess not.'
Agumon smiled gently. 'You know, I wouldn't have figured you would like Renamon so much. I thought you would have been happy enough in your life as long as you had your friends and some bread.'
'So did I.' Guilmon looked confused. 'I don't know why, but I feel like I'm changing, though I don't really get how I am.'
'Well, digimon can age just like humans... though I don't know if we can actually die of old age. I guess you're just ageing, Guilmon. It's normal.'
Guilmon nodded slowly, before glancing back. 'Is that what's happening to you? Ageing? Are you getting too old or something?'
Agumon snorted in amusement as he thought of Tai's grandparents in some photographs. 'No, but it must be something else... but I guess you're right; it could just be part of ageing.'
Agumon suddenly found himself thinking of AbyssGreymon, and if he was having similar problems. It was far more likely that he was in a worse state than him, which only brought a wave of sorrow.
'Agumon?' Guilmon asked with concern. 'What's wrong?'
'I was just... thinking... about AbyssGreymon...'
Guilmon studied him for a moment. 'If you start stressing about him too, you'll definitely grow old.'
'I can't help it, Guilmon. Not many others care about him, or would even bother to. I just wish he could be free... that's part of the reason I'm training so much.'
'How long have you guys been trying to find him and Alphamon? Seems to be going really slow. I haven't heard any news about Alphamon since the Digital City was attacked. I hope you find him, but it seems really hard.'
'You're right... but I can't give up, because I will never forget about him even if I tried.'
'What exactly happened between you and him?'
Agumon paused before he recalled his first appearance. 'When Kari, TK, Davis and the younger humans and partners were trying to stop Arukenimon and Mummymon from wrecking the Digital World, they made BlackWarGreymon out of Control Spires. The thing was, he didn't take their orders, and ended up wandering the Digital World without a purpose.'
'That sounds kinda sad.'
'Yeah... I met him soon after that, though. He seemed rather distrustful, but I got him to talk to me, and eventually he asked about his purpose and whether his life had any meaning. I thought that if I could be his friend, he could find a purpose, or at least not feel so alone.'
'So what happened after you talked to him?'
'We never finished. He just flew off after groaning in pain, out of nowhere... afterwards, I learned from Gabumon that he had destroyed the first Destiny Stone.'
'What's a Destiny Stone?'
Agumon grimaced uncertainly. 'I don't really understand them much myself, but at that time, the Digital World's existence depended on them.'
Guilmon frowned. 'Why was BlackWarGreymon destroying them, then? Was he just being a jerk?'
'I'm not sure... but from what he told me, I think he was trying to find an opponent as strong as he was. That turned out to be Azulongmon, who he kept seeing after destroying the Destiny Stones.'
Guilmon scowled angrily. 'So... what? He destroyed these stones needed to protect the Digital World, just so he could get closer to Azulongmon? That's just... that doesn't make any sense!'
Agumon blinked in surprise. 'Guilmon? Why are you getting so riled up over this?'
Guilmon forced himself to calm down. '...nevermind. Keep going.'
Agumon glanced at him with concern. 'Well, he kept destroying the stones, until the Digidestined managed to move the last Destiny Stone to safety, and Azulongmon met him and convinced him to seek another purpose.'
'Did he destroy anything else when hunting those stones?'
Agumon scratched his head. 'I don't know... but he left a lot of destruction behind as he moved around. A few villages were destroyed, too...'
'So he could have killed digimon, too?!'
'Well... I don't...'
Guilmon folded his arms doubtfully. 'I'm not exactly sure if BlackWarGreymon is worth feeling sorry for. Couldn't he have... thought of some other way , instead of just destroying things?'
'I said I don't know! And I'm not finished!'
Guilmon was a little taken aback at Agumon's outburst, but sighed softly. 'Sorry...'
Agumon's expression softened a little. 'After a while, when a guy called Oikawa started a lot of trouble with Ken and things called Dark Spores... BlackWarGreymon showed up to stop him... but he wanted to kill him, too. That's why we fought each other, but... not for long.'
'Why? What happened?'
'He...' Agumon frowned sadly. 'He blocked Oikawa's attack on Cody's grandpa... and gave up his body so that Myotismon, who was possessing Oikawa, couldn't infect the digital world anymore. Gabumon, Bee and Tentomon later talked about his silhouette, sealing the gates between our worlds...'
Guilmon blinked with surprise. 'That other Myotismon... I know he did some terrible things to you guys before. When all this started, and even before... he managed to break that gate, didn't he? So what exactly happened to BlackWarGreymon?'
'His data must have found its way back here.' Agumon grinded his teeth in distress. 'And none of us even thought to look for him...'
'...hey! Snap out of it!'
Agumon blinked suddenly. 'Huh? What?'
Guilmon sighed heavily. 'You know, every time you start talking like that... it really gets to people, especially Gatomon. You've gotta stop getting so depressed over this... you're trying to fix it, right?'
'Well... yeah. I just...'
Guilmon studied him briefly as he sighed.
'I just wish things could have been different... like a second chance, or something... but I know it's pointless.'
'Yeah, you've got that right. We just have to keep trying.'
After Agumon grunted in agreement, they were silent for a while. Then, Agumon spoke up.
'I should probably go, Guilmon.'
'... yeah, we've been up here too long.'
Guilmon was surprised when Agumon motioned to climb over the balcony.
'What? You're not even gonna say goodbye?'
Agumon grimaced nervously. 'Well... I thought about it... but Takato's been watching me. I think he might know I've been hiding things...'
'Maybe, but they served a nice dinner!'
Agumon quickly sighed submissively. 'Yeah... you're right. Let's go.'
Takehiro chuckled lightly as Agumon and Guilmon came downstairs. 'That was a very long bathroom break! Where have you two been the last half hour?'
Yoshie cupped her mouth in amusement. 'You two need to start eating properly on your own. More fibre, more vegetables.'
Agumon flushed a little with embarrassment. 'Uh... I think I'll be fine.'
After studying Guilmon a bit, Takato spoke up. 'Are you... leaving, Agumon?'
Agumon nodded. 'Yeah, I really need to get home... and I'll need to use your computer, or something like that.'
Takehiro blanched slightly. 'What? You're telling me you can go into computers?'
'Well... yeah. I can do that.'
Takehiro and Yoshie glanced at each blankly, before turning back to Agumon with sceptical looks. 'All right...' Takehiro agreed. 'I suppose it's safer than you going out into the streets at night, though it sounds way crazier. Unless you're sure you won't stay here?'
Agumon shook his head vehemently, to which Takato frowned with disappointment. 'No, but I've really got to get home... things to do.'
'What things?' Takato asked curiously, to which Agumon forced down a gulp.
Yoshie deftly got up and motioned Agumon to follow her, and everyone else followed behind to see Agumon off. When they arrived at the small office, Guilmon had to wait outside as he couldn't fit in comfortably.
'Thanks for the food!' Agumon smiled gratefully. 'It was nice having different food once in a while. And I'm glad I got to meet Guilmon's family.'
'It was our pleasure.' Yoshie smiled. 'Just take care of yourself, OK? And come back to see us once in a while!'
'I'll try, Yoshie.'
Takehiro glanced at his desktop computer nervously as Agumon approached it. 'You sure you won't damage it?'
'Yeah, it'll just open up for a second.'
He glanced over at his shoulder and waved to Takato and Guilmon. 'See you guys!'
'Wait, Agumon.' Takato asked suddenly. 'Who... who are you, really?'
Takehiro and Yoshie regarded him with confusion, while Guilmon grimaced nervously. Agumon simply smiled.
'I'm just... a friend of Guilmon's.'
A large window suddenly appeared on the screen, and Agumon's body flashed blindingly before disappearing. The window closed very quickly, but Takato managed to glimpse the image of a bed with a lamp on next to it before it closed.
