Disclaimer: I don't own Digimon. If I did, I wouldn't have let Saban shred it to pieces in the editing room. WHAT WERE THEY THINKING?!?! :(
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"Crests of Destiny"
By Cloud Ishida
~Chapter 6-Friendship...~
"We don't need help from some immature brats!" Asato yelled in frustration. The children arrived at Gennai's old house that used to be hidden in a lake. The Dark Master's reconfiguration caused the house to be exposed by the stripping of the lake water. The digimon, in their Rookie forms, collapsed on the ground in exhaustion. Midori sat away from the argument between Asato and their leader, Taichi.
Her mind was filled with the images that had taken place earlier that day. Bodies dismembered everywhere, and Itami taking delight in his work. What was more disturbing, were Piedmon's last words. ["And I need you alive as well, my love."] 'My love'...why did he say that?
"Midori?" The blonde who saved her approached in silent steps. She didn't meet his eyes, nor move an inch of her body. "Midori...are you alright?" Alright?! Of course not you idiot! She just saw her friends being slaughtered in front of her eyes! he criticized to himself. But Yamato couldn't think of anything else to say. Sitting beside her, he let his hand reach out to embrace her from her sorrow, offering a shoulder to cry on.
"...what are you doing?" she questioned with a puzzled look.
He whipped his hand back, "I, just thought that...you know, needed comforting..." His blue eyes scanned her face. The scars were still there, the one on her eye reminding him of her saving his life. Strangely, her face didn't speak of emotion, not even fear. She held a cool composure since being rescued. He at least expected a tear.
Midori could feel his eyes scrutinize every part of her face. She leaned back to the boulder she sat near and closed her weary eyes, "If you're waiting for me to cry then you'll be waiting for a very long time. I hate crying." Yamato was a bit shocked by her words, and sounded all too familiar. "...it just shows how weak you are..."
Yamato was about to say another word when they sky turned to a kaleidoscope of grey and purple. The clouds swirled into one circle and from it a pillar of light penetrated through. After a few seconds, the light returned back to the sky and returns the atmosphere to a cerulean blue. In the middle of the group, Koushiro, Jyou, Tentomon and Gomamon stood in the light's place. "Whew, we made it back!" said a relieved Jyou.
"How did it go guys, did you find him?" Sora asked before anyone could.
"We did." Koushiro simply stated. The others except Yamato gathered around the tired four, asking questions of "what was he like?" and "is he okay?" Koushiro didn't say much though; Jyou and the their digimon answered for him. The little boy was busy taking in the three new figures hanging around. Myotismon was the most obvious character that didn't belong with the Digidestined. He hid in shadows of a couple of trees. The other, a brown haired boy, like the one he saw when they battled the Darkdestined stood with arms crossed. He didn't look Koushiro's way, rather, at the third character and Yamato.
Beside the blonde, a girl, with long black hair and some scars on her face. Her eyes were closed, muttering something to Yamato. But something about her... the boy genius thought. Her description seemed very familiar.
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"We can just end it all if we just go after them!" Itami still argued with his superior digimon. They were still at the lakeshore, taking in the bloody view of the sacrifices they made.
"We don't need to do anything," Piedmon's patience with his human partner was wearing thin, "the Digidestined will do a better job anyway."
"I don't want to wait any longer! I want that power you promised me!" The boy took hold of Piedmon's arm and pulled him to meet his eyes.
Piedmon wasn't very happy, but made a smile to hide his detest, "Oh you will...you will get *exactly* what you deserve..."
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"...So that's what happened." Jyou adjusted his glasses, not knowing how to react to the events that occurred in their absences. Yamato was with the group; Asato had taken his place beside Midori. But the Darkdestined had no luck in comforting his comrade either. Myotismon had joined them, withstanding the pain of the sun for his friend. "Then, what should we do now?"
Hikari pulled on her brother's shirt, "Tai, maybe we should go back home."
Taichi kneeled down to meet his sister at eye level, "I know your scared Kari but..."
She shook her head, "I don't mean that. I mean, if he wanted to, Piedmon could have just killed us but he didn't."
"She has a point." Sora thought back to the massacre, "Even that psycho kid was aiming for his own 'friends'."
"If we brought them back with us," Hikari pointed to the three hunched figures, "then wouldn't they be safe? At least for a little while?" Taichi weighed the option. It did seem as if the Darkdestined were the targets. But why would Piedmon kill his own?
"I agree with Kari." The group turned around to Yamato. He was busy staring a hole into his shoes, "Until we know exactly what his intentions are."
Slowly but surely, the others agreed to the plan. "We'll let you talk to them Matt." Taichi patted his friend's back, giving his trademark grin.
"Me?! W-Why me?" Yamato stuttered.
"Cause you've been with them a lot longer...and I think she likes you." Taichi soflty snickered. The others smiled at the sight of the blonde's cheeks turn a light shade of pink.
"I have no idea what you're talking about..." Yamato took shelter in his Mr. Cool pose and turned his eyes to the three sitting across from him, "...but I guess I should." He slowly walked over, feeling the eyes of his friends and digimon staring him down. Gabumon joined him at his side, somehow noticing his human partner's bashfulness. Yamato was glad to have him around, especially at this moment. Did he blush because he likes her? Of just the thought of it... He was confused with his feelings and he wasn't about to share them any time soon.
His shadow fell upon Asato, who turned to him, "What do you want?" he asked in an irritable reply.
"We think you should all go back to the Real World. Obviously, Piedmon and Itami have their sights set on you all." He meant to warn the group, but his eyes fell on Midori. **Protect her...** Huh? Yamato blinked in response to the voice. Why does it always come back...Is Midori the one I'm suppose to protect?...
Asato considered the option. He didn't want to admit it but he did need help. Why Piedmon would attack, he couldn't understand. The last time that such a massacre occurred was with the original Destined...and that digimon of death. "Midori, what do you think?"
Her face was still emotionless, staring out at the empty lake, "Fine, whatever."
Asato didn't like the idea but he had no choice. He assumed if they didn't want to go they would be forced to. After all, one digimon against eight weren't good odds. Go back...go back to what? Going back meant more ridicule that he had tried so hard to forget. More names at him for his appearance, but to stay alive, it was the logical choice. He took a deep sigh, and reluctantly replied, "Alright. Myotismon, I think you should de-evolve back to Wingmon. I'll carry you." The vampire complied and shrunk from the seven-foot giant to a one-foot bat.
"Hello, I'm Gabumon. I'm Matt's friend." The reptilian wolf grinned while standing in front of Midori. She couldn't help but stare back at his crimson eyes. Capturing the sight of his precious-stripped fur, she reached out halfway, waiting for permission. Gabumon stepped closer and lowered his head to say yes.
Midori carefully stroked the glistening fur and her lips curled up with each touch. "I'm Midori."
"Well, it is nice to meet you Midori." Gabumon let out his paw; Midori stopped her petting session and shook hands with the gentle digimon. Yamato watched them interact. Simple words and a touch brought out a smile in the stone face. Thanks Gabumon. He was proud to have him as his digimon.
"But I don't want to go back home." She said as Gabumon purred from her docile strokes.
"As do I." Asato added. Yamato didn't quite understand, but he had to make them feel safe in order for them to return.
"Okay, then it's settled." He and Gabumon led the three to the rest of the group. Yamato announced their agreements and Koushiro made the arrangement on his computer.
**Ask her to stay with you...** The voice came back. Yamato hesitated by the proposal. Should I?...She wouldn't agree... would she? "Midori, would you like to stay with me?"
The other kids turned their attention to the two in anticipation. Asato slanted his eyes, jealousy rising exponentially. Midori was shocked herself, and was at a loss of words, "I...um...alright."
"Then I guess I'll be staying with you too." Asato leaned down on Yamato so only the two can hear, "...and I'll be taking a very close watch..."
"Wait." Jyou separated the two rivals and waited until he got Asato's attention, "Just to be safe, I think it would be a good idea if you both split up." The face the green-eyed boy made could have killed twenty Devimons. Jyou squirmed by the look.
"You can stay with us." Taichi chimed in to save Jyou in his uncomfortable situation.
"You guys, the programs ready." Koushiro interrupted as he finished typing the last set of codes. The sky did its dance again only with eight bright colours and two dim strays of light.
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Piedmon's eyes shimmered by the light of the pillar. Soon my love, I will have you back... The light disappeared all too soon, leaving an anxious clown to ponder how to greet his angel of death.
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"I know it isn't much, but it's home." Yamato led Midori and Gabumon to his room where it looked like a hurricane ran through it, "Sorry about the mess. When you're out saving two worlds it's hard to keep up with chores." Midori grinned at the remark. Yamato went around his room, picking clothes, socks and the unexpected finds of underwear making him blush in extreme red.
Her eyes glanced around the room. The walls were bare, except for a few cracks here and there. Most weren't made by the natural aging of buildings, but put there by human hands like fists. Underneath the clothing, music sheets carpeted the floorboard and masked his simple desk. Over his drawer hung a mirror on the wall. Midori smiled at the photographs that framed the small mirror. Images of his brother outlined the circular reflector, and one image of the whole family that was.
"Would you like anything to eat?" Yamato placed the last of his clothes into the top drawer, not bothering to fold them in place. Midori politely declined the offer, but the growl in her stomach told either wise. "C'mon, I'll cook up something." She and Gabumon followed to the kitchen, and were seated at the dining table. Gabumon, having been at his place before, found the controller and turned on the television. He flipped through the channels five times before Yamato scolded him to leave it on any damn channel. Gabumon whimpered from the censure and Yamato gave him ice cream as an apology for his outburst. Midori giggled from the two's interaction. The wolf digimon reverted to his cheerful self and licked the chocolate-mint flavour in no time.
Midori peeked into kitchen to see Yamato chopping and dicing up a storm, "You really don't have to cook me anything."
"It's no trouble. I cook all the time." His back was turned to Midori. He missed the smile that would have illuminated the world.
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"You can stay in Taichi's room, if it isn't too much of a toxic waste dump." Mrs. Yagami offered Asato a full dinner course.
"Thank you very much Mrs. Yagami. But the sofa would be alright. I don't want to impose." Asato made a deep bow and graciously accepted the tea. Taichi wondered in amazement as how the bratty, selfish-bastard could be so polite.
"It's alright. You can have my bunk bed. I can sleep with my parents for a while." Hikari offered.
Mr. Yagami patted his son an ovation, "I hate to admit it but I was worried that you might lose that battle son."
"Hey dad, it's not just us that kicked that Apoclymon's butt. Agumon and the others did all the work." Taichi nudged the yellow dinosaur, stuffing his face full of rice and noodles. Gatomon stared at his gluttony, while she carefully nibbled on her fish. Wingmon rested upside-down on the roof, sleeping away his weariness.
"If I may, could I use your phone please?" Asato asked, barely touching his food. "I just want to make sure of something."
"Of course."
The green eyes shifted to the boy fighting over the last piece of sweet potato tempura with Agumon, "Taichi-san, could you help me with a phone number?"
'Taichi-san'? What happened to all those colourful four letter words? "Uh, sure."
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"Ta-da!" Yamato placed the dish on the middle of the table, "It's the special order of extra hot and spicy vegetable fried rice with extra hot sauce, just as you requested."
"It looks great!" She took in a spoonful of the red laced spice, "And it tastes wonderful! Are there any other talents you're hiding from me?" Gabumon took another spoon and gulped down a mouthful. His eyes began to water from intense flames rushing to be set free turning his Blue Blaster into a Red Blaster.
It was Yamato's turn to try his newest creation. He examined the flavour with his tongue and swallowed with ease, "Hmm...a bit hot. But, not bad." He got no answer from Midori as she was devouring the food. "I'm glad you really like my cooking."
Her cheeks turned to a slight shade of pink, "Sorry, I didn't mean to pig out like that..."
"Remember me hogging all the fish? It's a way for me to pay you back for your generosity." He watched her eat every bite, savouring every flavour. Her stone cold exterior melted away leaving a shy and gentle girl. "I'm gonna go take a shower. I haven't had one since going back to the Digiworld. You need anything?"
She licked the spoon clean and received an apple offered by Gabumon, "You have some pen and..." The phone interrupted her.
Yamato answered by the third ring and was greeted with a less than grandeur greeting, "You better have done nothing to her!"
"What kind of sick person do you think I am?" Yamato sneered over the phone, "How did you get this number anyway?"
"Forget that, let me talk to Midori."
The blonde made a face at the speaker, "You could say please ya know..." he whispered. "Midori, it's Asato." She quickly answered the phone, and Yamato sat with Gabumon. "He's starting to really annoy me."
"I'm fine Asato; you don't have to worry." Midori tried to ease the boy's anxieties but more worries and complaints greeted every effort.
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"Yamato, save her to save yourself."
"Why do you keep telling me these things?!" He returned to the dark atmosphere.
"This is why you were urged to stay in the Digital World. The Digidestined's mission is over, but you still have one left. Take Courage and declare Friendships you refused to see. She is the key."
"What does that mean?" But Yamato's shadow world faded with the dawning of the sun.
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The next day was a day of fun. Mr. Ishida had gone out early for a report and left money for Yamato to entertain his friend. Gabumon stayed at his place since a digital monster walking on the street may arouse a bit of suspicion. Yamato took Midori out on the town in an effort to make her happy and to buy a frame for a picture she drew. The vision came again for him the night before. It was the same one he had since beating Apoclymon. The voice told him to show "her" his true meaning of his crest. He didn't know exactly what it meant but it urged him to be with her. "Thanks, for helping me get my mind off things." Midori played with her sundae's cherry as the ice cream melted slowly by the sun's rays through the cafe window.
"You looked like you needed some time off." He scooped up the last of his chocolate-mint ice cream and let it melt in his mouth. Looking over to her serving, she hadn't eaten even half, "You don't like it?"
"Huh?" She broke from her daze, "No, no...I was just preoccupied with stuff."
"Want to talk about it?"
"It's nothing."
"C'mon, don't hold things all bottled up." Yamato reflected back to when Gabumon helped him in his self-crisis, "Sooner or later it'd blow up right in front of your face."
"Really, it's okay." She tried so hard to smile but only came up with a twitch.
Yamato shifted his head to meet her eyes, "That face doesn't say it's 'okay'."
She took a deep sigh, knowing he would keep asking until she confessed. But he didn't need to know the whole truth... "When Piedmon caught me, he said something that was the last thing I thought I would ever hear." Midori left placed her spoon down, letting the frozen sweet turn to cream. "He said he needed me alive...and called me his 'love'..."
Yamato's jaw dropped like a rock, "His what? Why didn't you tell me...I mean us earlier?" She didn't answer him, and turned to stare at the world outside the window. Piedmon's words perpetually flowed through her mind, a hint of nostalgia ringing from them. "Midori?..." Her stone face returned to conceal her deep brown eyes. "C'mon, the day's too young to be sulking."
He took her to the zoo and her face lit up like a light bulb. Once again her worries were forgotten but Yamato had a harder time. Why does Piedmon want her?... It just doesn't make any sense. At the souvenir shop, he bought her a necklace that had caught her eye the whole time she was at the store. It was a pendent made from pewter stone. Engraved on it was the Chinese character for Friendship. (Cloud: I actually have this for real! ^_^)
Returning back to his apartment, they were greeted by a hyperactive Gabumon who apparently raided the sweets cupboard. Midori welcomed the warm gesture; she welcomed Yamato's company. She felt needed and glad to know that he appreciates having her around. He made her feel important, and her thoughts mattered. He showed the lighter side of life as well as his. He was the first one that she ever showed her drawings openly and with acclaimed reviews. The drawing of her and Yamato that the blonde thought was amazing was placed in their newly bought frame. He was the Friend she was waiting for. She wore the pendent proudly to the world. The Crest of Loneliness lost its ever-present glow.
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"So how is the Digiworld coming along?" Itami surveyed the landscape, seeing the chaos ensue the land.
"Rather well. Fear, Ignorance, Deceit, Doubt and Despair are spreading like wildfire. A job well done destroying the crests." Piedmon praised his young protege. "Are you ready for your trip?"
"Anytime." Sword in hand, Itami's digivice started to glow.
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Tentomon jumped by the sudden beeping of the pineapple laptop. Woke from his short nap to answer the sudden alarm. Urgency was written all over the e-mail that was sent by, "Gennai..."
-Izzy,
I received your request for a picture of Scythemon, but the only one I could find is of very poor quality. But I hope it helps you in any way possible.
-Gennai
The image attached to the mail made the boy's eyes his eyes pop out. The long, flowing black hair, right eye black as coal. But the left eye in particular had a scar over it, with an intense blood red eye. Another scar etched into her cheek. He had seen this person before. Koushiro called the others to a meeting while he proceeded to print the picture.
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Another boring chapter but a necessary one. Confused by what Piedmon and Itami were talking about with the crests? In this digital universe, a crest holds an attribute of the digital world. If one is broken, like the crest of fear, then digimon or whatever has their fear amplified. Confusing? I know. Next chapter is the turning point and again, rated R for blood. Violent aren't I? I'm uploading this and Ch. 7 on the same day so don't miss it! Till next chapter, 2-da-loo! ~_^
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"Crests of Destiny"
By Cloud Ishida
~Chapter 6-Friendship...~
"We don't need help from some immature brats!" Asato yelled in frustration. The children arrived at Gennai's old house that used to be hidden in a lake. The Dark Master's reconfiguration caused the house to be exposed by the stripping of the lake water. The digimon, in their Rookie forms, collapsed on the ground in exhaustion. Midori sat away from the argument between Asato and their leader, Taichi.
Her mind was filled with the images that had taken place earlier that day. Bodies dismembered everywhere, and Itami taking delight in his work. What was more disturbing, were Piedmon's last words. ["And I need you alive as well, my love."] 'My love'...why did he say that?
"Midori?" The blonde who saved her approached in silent steps. She didn't meet his eyes, nor move an inch of her body. "Midori...are you alright?" Alright?! Of course not you idiot! She just saw her friends being slaughtered in front of her eyes! he criticized to himself. But Yamato couldn't think of anything else to say. Sitting beside her, he let his hand reach out to embrace her from her sorrow, offering a shoulder to cry on.
"...what are you doing?" she questioned with a puzzled look.
He whipped his hand back, "I, just thought that...you know, needed comforting..." His blue eyes scanned her face. The scars were still there, the one on her eye reminding him of her saving his life. Strangely, her face didn't speak of emotion, not even fear. She held a cool composure since being rescued. He at least expected a tear.
Midori could feel his eyes scrutinize every part of her face. She leaned back to the boulder she sat near and closed her weary eyes, "If you're waiting for me to cry then you'll be waiting for a very long time. I hate crying." Yamato was a bit shocked by her words, and sounded all too familiar. "...it just shows how weak you are..."
Yamato was about to say another word when they sky turned to a kaleidoscope of grey and purple. The clouds swirled into one circle and from it a pillar of light penetrated through. After a few seconds, the light returned back to the sky and returns the atmosphere to a cerulean blue. In the middle of the group, Koushiro, Jyou, Tentomon and Gomamon stood in the light's place. "Whew, we made it back!" said a relieved Jyou.
"How did it go guys, did you find him?" Sora asked before anyone could.
"We did." Koushiro simply stated. The others except Yamato gathered around the tired four, asking questions of "what was he like?" and "is he okay?" Koushiro didn't say much though; Jyou and the their digimon answered for him. The little boy was busy taking in the three new figures hanging around. Myotismon was the most obvious character that didn't belong with the Digidestined. He hid in shadows of a couple of trees. The other, a brown haired boy, like the one he saw when they battled the Darkdestined stood with arms crossed. He didn't look Koushiro's way, rather, at the third character and Yamato.
Beside the blonde, a girl, with long black hair and some scars on her face. Her eyes were closed, muttering something to Yamato. But something about her... the boy genius thought. Her description seemed very familiar.
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"We can just end it all if we just go after them!" Itami still argued with his superior digimon. They were still at the lakeshore, taking in the bloody view of the sacrifices they made.
"We don't need to do anything," Piedmon's patience with his human partner was wearing thin, "the Digidestined will do a better job anyway."
"I don't want to wait any longer! I want that power you promised me!" The boy took hold of Piedmon's arm and pulled him to meet his eyes.
Piedmon wasn't very happy, but made a smile to hide his detest, "Oh you will...you will get *exactly* what you deserve..."
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"...So that's what happened." Jyou adjusted his glasses, not knowing how to react to the events that occurred in their absences. Yamato was with the group; Asato had taken his place beside Midori. But the Darkdestined had no luck in comforting his comrade either. Myotismon had joined them, withstanding the pain of the sun for his friend. "Then, what should we do now?"
Hikari pulled on her brother's shirt, "Tai, maybe we should go back home."
Taichi kneeled down to meet his sister at eye level, "I know your scared Kari but..."
She shook her head, "I don't mean that. I mean, if he wanted to, Piedmon could have just killed us but he didn't."
"She has a point." Sora thought back to the massacre, "Even that psycho kid was aiming for his own 'friends'."
"If we brought them back with us," Hikari pointed to the three hunched figures, "then wouldn't they be safe? At least for a little while?" Taichi weighed the option. It did seem as if the Darkdestined were the targets. But why would Piedmon kill his own?
"I agree with Kari." The group turned around to Yamato. He was busy staring a hole into his shoes, "Until we know exactly what his intentions are."
Slowly but surely, the others agreed to the plan. "We'll let you talk to them Matt." Taichi patted his friend's back, giving his trademark grin.
"Me?! W-Why me?" Yamato stuttered.
"Cause you've been with them a lot longer...and I think she likes you." Taichi soflty snickered. The others smiled at the sight of the blonde's cheeks turn a light shade of pink.
"I have no idea what you're talking about..." Yamato took shelter in his Mr. Cool pose and turned his eyes to the three sitting across from him, "...but I guess I should." He slowly walked over, feeling the eyes of his friends and digimon staring him down. Gabumon joined him at his side, somehow noticing his human partner's bashfulness. Yamato was glad to have him around, especially at this moment. Did he blush because he likes her? Of just the thought of it... He was confused with his feelings and he wasn't about to share them any time soon.
His shadow fell upon Asato, who turned to him, "What do you want?" he asked in an irritable reply.
"We think you should all go back to the Real World. Obviously, Piedmon and Itami have their sights set on you all." He meant to warn the group, but his eyes fell on Midori. **Protect her...** Huh? Yamato blinked in response to the voice. Why does it always come back...Is Midori the one I'm suppose to protect?...
Asato considered the option. He didn't want to admit it but he did need help. Why Piedmon would attack, he couldn't understand. The last time that such a massacre occurred was with the original Destined...and that digimon of death. "Midori, what do you think?"
Her face was still emotionless, staring out at the empty lake, "Fine, whatever."
Asato didn't like the idea but he had no choice. He assumed if they didn't want to go they would be forced to. After all, one digimon against eight weren't good odds. Go back...go back to what? Going back meant more ridicule that he had tried so hard to forget. More names at him for his appearance, but to stay alive, it was the logical choice. He took a deep sigh, and reluctantly replied, "Alright. Myotismon, I think you should de-evolve back to Wingmon. I'll carry you." The vampire complied and shrunk from the seven-foot giant to a one-foot bat.
"Hello, I'm Gabumon. I'm Matt's friend." The reptilian wolf grinned while standing in front of Midori. She couldn't help but stare back at his crimson eyes. Capturing the sight of his precious-stripped fur, she reached out halfway, waiting for permission. Gabumon stepped closer and lowered his head to say yes.
Midori carefully stroked the glistening fur and her lips curled up with each touch. "I'm Midori."
"Well, it is nice to meet you Midori." Gabumon let out his paw; Midori stopped her petting session and shook hands with the gentle digimon. Yamato watched them interact. Simple words and a touch brought out a smile in the stone face. Thanks Gabumon. He was proud to have him as his digimon.
"But I don't want to go back home." She said as Gabumon purred from her docile strokes.
"As do I." Asato added. Yamato didn't quite understand, but he had to make them feel safe in order for them to return.
"Okay, then it's settled." He and Gabumon led the three to the rest of the group. Yamato announced their agreements and Koushiro made the arrangement on his computer.
**Ask her to stay with you...** The voice came back. Yamato hesitated by the proposal. Should I?...She wouldn't agree... would she? "Midori, would you like to stay with me?"
The other kids turned their attention to the two in anticipation. Asato slanted his eyes, jealousy rising exponentially. Midori was shocked herself, and was at a loss of words, "I...um...alright."
"Then I guess I'll be staying with you too." Asato leaned down on Yamato so only the two can hear, "...and I'll be taking a very close watch..."
"Wait." Jyou separated the two rivals and waited until he got Asato's attention, "Just to be safe, I think it would be a good idea if you both split up." The face the green-eyed boy made could have killed twenty Devimons. Jyou squirmed by the look.
"You can stay with us." Taichi chimed in to save Jyou in his uncomfortable situation.
"You guys, the programs ready." Koushiro interrupted as he finished typing the last set of codes. The sky did its dance again only with eight bright colours and two dim strays of light.
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Piedmon's eyes shimmered by the light of the pillar. Soon my love, I will have you back... The light disappeared all too soon, leaving an anxious clown to ponder how to greet his angel of death.
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"I know it isn't much, but it's home." Yamato led Midori and Gabumon to his room where it looked like a hurricane ran through it, "Sorry about the mess. When you're out saving two worlds it's hard to keep up with chores." Midori grinned at the remark. Yamato went around his room, picking clothes, socks and the unexpected finds of underwear making him blush in extreme red.
Her eyes glanced around the room. The walls were bare, except for a few cracks here and there. Most weren't made by the natural aging of buildings, but put there by human hands like fists. Underneath the clothing, music sheets carpeted the floorboard and masked his simple desk. Over his drawer hung a mirror on the wall. Midori smiled at the photographs that framed the small mirror. Images of his brother outlined the circular reflector, and one image of the whole family that was.
"Would you like anything to eat?" Yamato placed the last of his clothes into the top drawer, not bothering to fold them in place. Midori politely declined the offer, but the growl in her stomach told either wise. "C'mon, I'll cook up something." She and Gabumon followed to the kitchen, and were seated at the dining table. Gabumon, having been at his place before, found the controller and turned on the television. He flipped through the channels five times before Yamato scolded him to leave it on any damn channel. Gabumon whimpered from the censure and Yamato gave him ice cream as an apology for his outburst. Midori giggled from the two's interaction. The wolf digimon reverted to his cheerful self and licked the chocolate-mint flavour in no time.
Midori peeked into kitchen to see Yamato chopping and dicing up a storm, "You really don't have to cook me anything."
"It's no trouble. I cook all the time." His back was turned to Midori. He missed the smile that would have illuminated the world.
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"You can stay in Taichi's room, if it isn't too much of a toxic waste dump." Mrs. Yagami offered Asato a full dinner course.
"Thank you very much Mrs. Yagami. But the sofa would be alright. I don't want to impose." Asato made a deep bow and graciously accepted the tea. Taichi wondered in amazement as how the bratty, selfish-bastard could be so polite.
"It's alright. You can have my bunk bed. I can sleep with my parents for a while." Hikari offered.
Mr. Yagami patted his son an ovation, "I hate to admit it but I was worried that you might lose that battle son."
"Hey dad, it's not just us that kicked that Apoclymon's butt. Agumon and the others did all the work." Taichi nudged the yellow dinosaur, stuffing his face full of rice and noodles. Gatomon stared at his gluttony, while she carefully nibbled on her fish. Wingmon rested upside-down on the roof, sleeping away his weariness.
"If I may, could I use your phone please?" Asato asked, barely touching his food. "I just want to make sure of something."
"Of course."
The green eyes shifted to the boy fighting over the last piece of sweet potato tempura with Agumon, "Taichi-san, could you help me with a phone number?"
'Taichi-san'? What happened to all those colourful four letter words? "Uh, sure."
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"Ta-da!" Yamato placed the dish on the middle of the table, "It's the special order of extra hot and spicy vegetable fried rice with extra hot sauce, just as you requested."
"It looks great!" She took in a spoonful of the red laced spice, "And it tastes wonderful! Are there any other talents you're hiding from me?" Gabumon took another spoon and gulped down a mouthful. His eyes began to water from intense flames rushing to be set free turning his Blue Blaster into a Red Blaster.
It was Yamato's turn to try his newest creation. He examined the flavour with his tongue and swallowed with ease, "Hmm...a bit hot. But, not bad." He got no answer from Midori as she was devouring the food. "I'm glad you really like my cooking."
Her cheeks turned to a slight shade of pink, "Sorry, I didn't mean to pig out like that..."
"Remember me hogging all the fish? It's a way for me to pay you back for your generosity." He watched her eat every bite, savouring every flavour. Her stone cold exterior melted away leaving a shy and gentle girl. "I'm gonna go take a shower. I haven't had one since going back to the Digiworld. You need anything?"
She licked the spoon clean and received an apple offered by Gabumon, "You have some pen and..." The phone interrupted her.
Yamato answered by the third ring and was greeted with a less than grandeur greeting, "You better have done nothing to her!"
"What kind of sick person do you think I am?" Yamato sneered over the phone, "How did you get this number anyway?"
"Forget that, let me talk to Midori."
The blonde made a face at the speaker, "You could say please ya know..." he whispered. "Midori, it's Asato." She quickly answered the phone, and Yamato sat with Gabumon. "He's starting to really annoy me."
"I'm fine Asato; you don't have to worry." Midori tried to ease the boy's anxieties but more worries and complaints greeted every effort.
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"Yamato, save her to save yourself."
"Why do you keep telling me these things?!" He returned to the dark atmosphere.
"This is why you were urged to stay in the Digital World. The Digidestined's mission is over, but you still have one left. Take Courage and declare Friendships you refused to see. She is the key."
"What does that mean?" But Yamato's shadow world faded with the dawning of the sun.
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The next day was a day of fun. Mr. Ishida had gone out early for a report and left money for Yamato to entertain his friend. Gabumon stayed at his place since a digital monster walking on the street may arouse a bit of suspicion. Yamato took Midori out on the town in an effort to make her happy and to buy a frame for a picture she drew. The vision came again for him the night before. It was the same one he had since beating Apoclymon. The voice told him to show "her" his true meaning of his crest. He didn't know exactly what it meant but it urged him to be with her. "Thanks, for helping me get my mind off things." Midori played with her sundae's cherry as the ice cream melted slowly by the sun's rays through the cafe window.
"You looked like you needed some time off." He scooped up the last of his chocolate-mint ice cream and let it melt in his mouth. Looking over to her serving, she hadn't eaten even half, "You don't like it?"
"Huh?" She broke from her daze, "No, no...I was just preoccupied with stuff."
"Want to talk about it?"
"It's nothing."
"C'mon, don't hold things all bottled up." Yamato reflected back to when Gabumon helped him in his self-crisis, "Sooner or later it'd blow up right in front of your face."
"Really, it's okay." She tried so hard to smile but only came up with a twitch.
Yamato shifted his head to meet her eyes, "That face doesn't say it's 'okay'."
She took a deep sigh, knowing he would keep asking until she confessed. But he didn't need to know the whole truth... "When Piedmon caught me, he said something that was the last thing I thought I would ever hear." Midori left placed her spoon down, letting the frozen sweet turn to cream. "He said he needed me alive...and called me his 'love'..."
Yamato's jaw dropped like a rock, "His what? Why didn't you tell me...I mean us earlier?" She didn't answer him, and turned to stare at the world outside the window. Piedmon's words perpetually flowed through her mind, a hint of nostalgia ringing from them. "Midori?..." Her stone face returned to conceal her deep brown eyes. "C'mon, the day's too young to be sulking."
He took her to the zoo and her face lit up like a light bulb. Once again her worries were forgotten but Yamato had a harder time. Why does Piedmon want her?... It just doesn't make any sense. At the souvenir shop, he bought her a necklace that had caught her eye the whole time she was at the store. It was a pendent made from pewter stone. Engraved on it was the Chinese character for Friendship. (Cloud: I actually have this for real! ^_^)
Returning back to his apartment, they were greeted by a hyperactive Gabumon who apparently raided the sweets cupboard. Midori welcomed the warm gesture; she welcomed Yamato's company. She felt needed and glad to know that he appreciates having her around. He made her feel important, and her thoughts mattered. He showed the lighter side of life as well as his. He was the first one that she ever showed her drawings openly and with acclaimed reviews. The drawing of her and Yamato that the blonde thought was amazing was placed in their newly bought frame. He was the Friend she was waiting for. She wore the pendent proudly to the world. The Crest of Loneliness lost its ever-present glow.
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"So how is the Digiworld coming along?" Itami surveyed the landscape, seeing the chaos ensue the land.
"Rather well. Fear, Ignorance, Deceit, Doubt and Despair are spreading like wildfire. A job well done destroying the crests." Piedmon praised his young protege. "Are you ready for your trip?"
"Anytime." Sword in hand, Itami's digivice started to glow.
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Tentomon jumped by the sudden beeping of the pineapple laptop. Woke from his short nap to answer the sudden alarm. Urgency was written all over the e-mail that was sent by, "Gennai..."
-Izzy,
I received your request for a picture of Scythemon, but the only one I could find is of very poor quality. But I hope it helps you in any way possible.
-Gennai
The image attached to the mail made the boy's eyes his eyes pop out. The long, flowing black hair, right eye black as coal. But the left eye in particular had a scar over it, with an intense blood red eye. Another scar etched into her cheek. He had seen this person before. Koushiro called the others to a meeting while he proceeded to print the picture.
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Another boring chapter but a necessary one. Confused by what Piedmon and Itami were talking about with the crests? In this digital universe, a crest holds an attribute of the digital world. If one is broken, like the crest of fear, then digimon or whatever has their fear amplified. Confusing? I know. Next chapter is the turning point and again, rated R for blood. Violent aren't I? I'm uploading this and Ch. 7 on the same day so don't miss it! Till next chapter, 2-da-loo! ~_^