Ben10 & Digimon Tamers

Heroes and Humanity

Part 01: Heroes and Humanity

Chapter 61

Originally Written: Wednesday March 5, 2014 326AM to 307PM

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The tamers and their digimon minus Suzie, Ai, Mako, their respective Digimon and one Henry Wong watched the group of students at the table in front of them. They sat enjoying their own meals, while watching the students brush up on their studies. The students routinely filled up an entire section of the food court, a routine, and balance instilled in them by their tutor for many weeks.

"He's not even here and they're keeping it up." Kenta pushed his glasses up on his face.

"And during a school break too." Rika sipped her soda gingerly. "Couldn't catch me doing that."

"It's hard to break a habit like that one, I guess." Takato commented. He pushed his food around on his tray. "I thought he was going to bail a lot sooner than the few weeks he lasted..."

Kazu threw his arms up in the air. "Didn't tell us, Henry, these kids... He just left us all hanging." Kazu frowned. "What a jerk. Who does that?"

"A nerd who can't handle all the emotion the world decided to throw to him in copious amounts?" Ryo leaned against the table. He shrugged his shoulders. "Some people are stronger, better at this than others."

Rika looked at him, scowling.

"Look, I'm not saying what he did was right, but I understand it." Ryo stood up with his trash and walked away. Monodramon quickly followed him.

Rika ducked her head. "He got close to him, working on the project with him."

Renamon appeared next to her, her arms folded.

Jeri placed a tender hand on Rika's shoulder.

"What the hell were they working on anyway?" She folded her arms. "Do you know, Jeri?"

Jeri shook her head, "No, I don't. He did take a look at my Digivice for a bit."

"He what?"

"But Ryo is giving you a come hither look." Jeri smiled sweetly.

Rika cussed and got up, Renamon close behind.

Kenta looked at Kazu, "I think we should tell them." He looked at the studying teenagers.

"And say what?" Kazu gave him a look.

"Something damage control related." Kenta stood and walked over to the group. Kazu, MarineAngemon and Guardromon followed him.

An older kid looked up at Kenta, "Oh! You're one of Mr. Wong and Professor Lowenthal's friends, right?"

"They let you call them such stuffy names?" Kenta snickered.

"I don't think they minded." She replied scratching her cheek. "I mean, we've heard his name, but he hasn't actually told us we could call him by it." She smiled nervously.

"Got it." Kenta nodded, "So I guess you're his right hand woman?"

The girl saluted, "Assistant Tutor Saya Hamasaki at your service!"

Kazu laughed warmly while Kenta just stared nervous. Kazu nudged him with an elbow. Kenta smiled encouragingly. "So, Ms. Hamasaki, can you do us a favor?"

"Of course!"

Kazu looked at Kenta.

"Can you spread the word that something has come up and Albedo won't be back after the break, most likely to continue your tutoring sessions?"

Saya gasped, "Is he all right?"

Kenta nodded, "Sometimes...life gets in the way."

Those who heard Kenta looked at him in disappointment.

"Musta been big for him to not say anything beforehand." A kid who reminded Kenta of a Visual Kei singer said. "Usually he's good at such things."

"But I was getting such good grades."

"Oh, it's not fair." Students bemoaned.

Kazu smiled, "Albedo's not the type to just show how to do things. I'm sure he's given you all the tools you need to conquer any challenging work you come across." He folded his arms, and looked at him proudly. "I'm sure he's very proud of you all."

The students beamed at him, but disappointment still lingered heavily in the air.

Saya nodded, "I'll be sure to spread the word."

"Thank you Ms. Hamasaki." Kenta and Kazu bowed quickly. Saya returned the action.

"Dude." Kazu looked at Kenta, "How much money you have?"

"The same amount as you?" Kenta fixed his glasses.

Kazu poked his nose. He looked at the students. "No one go anywhere!" He spoke gleefully while holding up a finger, "Be right back."

Kenta watched him run off.

Kazu hugged Takato from behind, "Heya, Chumly!"

Takato flushed, "Hey...Kazu."

"How much money you got?" Kazu beamed sweetly at him.

"Oh no…," Takato moaned, "the last time you asked me that you spent a fortune on Trading Cards."

"And snacks!"

Takato covered his face with his hands.

"What are you thinking of?" Jeri looked at him.

Kazu looked over to the study group, "I wanna buy 'em lunch."

Takato hit his chest with a fist, "That's a-"

Kazu looked at him sweetly again.

"There goes my paycheck." Takato moaned.

Kazu hugged him tightly, before running off to Rika and Ryo.

"Isn't that such a rude move?" Jeri looked at the students.

Guardromon and MarineAngemon attempted to distract them with play. It partially worked on some of the younger students. The older students seemed more annoyed.

"What do you mean?" Takato looked at her.

"Albedo's actions." Jeri continued. "To befriend and get close to someone, only to leave them in their own misery. Right when they need you the most." Jeri shook her head. "Isn't that such a dickish thing to do?" She tsk'd.

Takato blinked at her. He looked away and coughed awkwardly. "Um..." He stared down at his hands. "...yea..." He coughed awkwardly.

Jeri continued smiling, watching Kenta speak to the students Albedo once tutored. She reached into her purse and pulled out some money. She handed it to Takato. "For Kazu's purchase." She smiled. "I hope the shop owners don't get too annoyed at the impromptu order."

"Yea..." Takato nodded. Guilmon nuzzled him sweetly. Kazu, Rika, Ryo and their Digimon returned to the table.

"You alright, Chumly?" Kazu laid a hand on his shoulder.

"Yea." Takato smiled, "I'll help you with all those orders." He followed Kazu. Guilmon stood patiently, wagging his tail. Kenta, Guardromon and MarineAngemon walked back over to them, glancing at Takato on the way.

"They told me we were distracting them." Kenta laughed. "Albedo started a trend teachers have been trying to instill in kids since the beginning of time!"

"He was annoying, but had his uses, I guess." Rika folded her arms. "Think he'll be back?"

Ryo smiled confidently. "Of course. He loves us too much."

Jeri watched Kazu and Takato talked to the students. Some of them were in awe that the Takato Matsuki would even bother with them. "We are unforgettable, aren't we?" She smiled. "Let's go see Henry later today." The others quickly agreed. "We can pretend he's sitting with us."

A/N: And now you know what I think Albedo did in between Ben 10: Alien Force and Ben 10: Ultimate Alien. In my own head canon at least. Thank you for giving this a looksee. I hope you enjoyed reading. Please stick around if you liked the story so far. There's an epilogue chapter!