Disclaimer: I do not own Digimon or any of the other character except the one(s) I have created. If I did then . . . well, that would be cool or prodigious or heck, if I feel like it, perfecto.
Chaptering Note: I don't particularly like the whole "up-dated" chapter section, so I'm going to publish each chapter as a separate story for a couple of days and then merge it into the main copy. Also, for those of you who clicked onto this and haven't read part 1 – I suggest you go read it.
Author's Note: Wow, thanks for the reviews for Part 1! Anyway, this continues what was started in part 1, but now there's Joe and Izzy friendshipy story. Matt and Tai's problems are still around, but not too deep. Also Kari enters the picture, and will Ken and Yolei ever emerge form the bathroom? Same idea as before: cannon lives, except not all kids are around and all marriages (aside from Sorato and Kenyoko) are paired with fictional characters . . . aside from one, but you'll have to wait and see. And I was debating for a while if I should continued the Michael-Mimi-Joe love triangle . . . again read on to find out. Thanks!
A/N: A few more notes, the kids ages have shifted around compare to how they really are in Episode 50 because of how I wanted the story to flow. In reality Davis' kid should be older than Joe's and Izzy's, but I changed that. Also, its getting a smidge more dramatic with more romantic tensions. I can definitely say this is not the conclusion nor would the next chapter be either. I'm also giving a hint that the couples might stray from what is set in Episode 50.
*****
The sunlight streaked through the half-drawn windows of the apartment. The increasing brightness of the sun filled the room causing the young man asleep on the couch to stir. His eyes fluttered momentarily and nausea as a result of last night's heavy drinking intensified. What time is it? 6 am . . . 7 . . . he did not know. All knew was if he didn't get up soon, he was going to vomit.
And that's what he did.
After allowing his body to pump his stomach clean into the trashcan that was mysteriously at the side of the couch, the young man slowly sank onto to his back. He stared up at the ceiling, his chest heaving slightly. His palm came to rest on his clammy forehead. When was the last time he felt this sick?
Or miserable, he thought bitterly. His thoughts were interrupted, however, by the delicious aroma of breakfast . . . or brunch? Whatever. He struggled to get up, weakened once again by vomiting his brains out, but finally managed to stumble into the kitchen.
"Morning!"
"Ahhhhhh!" Tai fell back against the wall from the shock of the cook's greeting. Cheerfulness plus really bad hangover were not a good combination for the first thing in the morning - er -afternoon. Davis loomed over Tai with a spatula in his hand.
"Well good morning to you too," scoffed Davis looking at Tai with a grin on his face. "To be honest I never saw anyone throw up half as much as you."
"Thanks," muttered Tai pulling himself off the floor. He wobbled slightly and clutched onto a chair for support. "How the hell . . ."
"Agumon called me," Davis said simply returning to his cooking. "Sort of late I might add, but from what he described . . . I was needed." He glanced over his shoulder. "How do you like your eggs?"
"What time is it?" said Tai massaging his head while completely ignoring Davis' question.
"Eleven thirty."
"Eleven thirty?!" shouted Tai shooting out of his chair. But that only caused his migrain to increase. He tripped over towards the door. "I – I gotta go to work . . ." Davis shoved him back into his seat at the kitchen table.
"In your condition? I don't think so."
"But!"
"Agumon called! Ok? Will you relax?" Tai sighed. "Now shut up and tell me how you like your eggs."
"Why? It's nearly lunch anyway." Davis gave a smile.
"I'll have you know that eggs are the best thing for a hangover, especially with some grilled cheese."
"Fine, sunny side up."
"Sunny side eggs coming right up." The two men sat in a comfortable silence for a while with the only sound coming from the sizzling of the eggs.
"When the hell did you learn to cook Davis?" asked Tai abruptly. It was a good question. The guy comes in and starts cooking and everything – something a person usually never sees Davis do.
"Since I opened my first food ramen cart." He paused from the eggs to reflect. "Traveling everywhere with noodles in a giant wagon. An interesting job, but it has perks . . . for one thing, I'm the boss." Tai chuckled.
"I can imagine. How's business?"
"Not bad, not bad. I've actually made a decent amount and I've had some people offer to have a share in turning my cart into a restaurant. I think it helps when you have connections with the famous Ken Ichijouji."
"Wow Davis, you really seem to have a good grip on things." Tai looked away clenched his fist. "I wish I did."
"We're different Tai, if you can believe it. I'm more of an easy-going guy. I don't think – I do. You're a thinker, but that makes you a great leader."
"I think my days as 'leader' are over."
"Whatever," said Davis with a grin as he served the eggs and grilled cheese. Tai slowly ate, careful not to upset his stomach. Davis laughed. Tai and food was not usually a slow process.
"Jeeze Tai! You really hit the bottle!" Tai's cheeks tinted slightly.
"Can it. I was . . . not up to a heart to heart talk last night."
"Alcohol can certainly be a great therapist." Davis motioned over to the sink where several empty cans of bear were disposed. The continued to eat quietly for a few more minutes. Suddenly David burst in the room carrying Demi-Veemon with Veemon and Agumon following behind.
"Dad, can we have some lunch?" asked David.
"Food please Uncle Davish!" cheered Demi-Veemon. Davis laughed.
"Well, you should see if it's ok with Tai," replied the parent. David's mouth suddenly dropped open as he gaped at the brown haired man sitting next to his father.
"Taichi?" repeated David softly. His innocent eyes widened at the nod of the man. David looked back his dad with a face full of amazement and furry. "You didn't tell me we were going to Tai's house?! I can't believe I'm at Taichi Kamiya's house!!!" The little boy began to shake as Tai gave a questioning glance to Davis.
"Davis?" asked Tai cocking an eyebrow. "Care to explain?"
"Hey, you were my hero – so I figured you can be my son's." Tai blushed slightly and turned his attention to the little boy in his kitchen. He immediately noted the resemblance to his father, practically identical to when Davis was young, and to top it all off – the goggles.
"I guess that's what you meant by something I'd be familiar with," said Tai smiling at Davis. Davis gave a nod.
"Tai, you were – are – a hero to us all. You were more than a mentor to us second batch of chosen, and that's something we can never forget. There aren't any legacies anymore or any epic battles that are going on." He paused. "The world needs a leader – and you're that leader." Davis turned away and looked at his son who stared intently at Tai. Very slowly, Davis took off his goggles and clutched them in his hands tightly. He moved shakily towards Tai, never blinking. With one movement, Davis held the goggles out in his palms.
"You can have them back if you want," the little boy said in a steady tone,
"A leader needs goggles." Tai gingerly touched the old relic with his fingers. Memories of his time in the digital world replayed in his mind. The past would always be with him; the pains and triumphs of his life. The goggles were apart of that world that he left behind. David was part of the new generation now, a very different world. Tai took the goggles and placed them back on the young boy's head.
"Yes, a leader does need goggles," said Tai simply. He gripped the boy's shoulder in a tender gesture and leaned forward into his ear and whispered.
"You better be ready."
*****
The door to the "occupied" lavatory remained closed in the quiet airplane. It had been "occupied" for about forty-five minutes. The passengers wondered briefly what had happened to that nice married couple sitting up in first class, but they went back to the in flight movie with out another thought. After all there are a hundred or so people on the flight, who really cares what two random people are doing in a lavatory for forty-five minutes.
And counting.
The door opened slowly and a young women sauntered out of it with a satisfying smirk on her lips. She walked to her seat with light steps and snuggled back into the leather seating. No more than a minute later then that very familiar looking (but you couldn't put your finger on it) indigo haired man gradually emerged from the same lavatory. He too walked, a bit more stiffly as if he was still in shock, back to his seat – next to the purpled haired women and sat down with his gaze remaining forward.
"And how was your organic experience?" whispered the women in the man's ear. Her lips brushed close to his skin.
"Simply orgasmic," was all he managed to get out in his gentle voice. Yolei giggled and brushed his cheek with a quick kiss. She noticed a strand of his hair sticking out and with her delicate fingers she smoothed it back into place.
"Your hair looks great by the way," she murmured. Ken came out of his dreamy phase and faced her.
"Well you washed it pretty thorough," Ken finished. He ran his fingers through his hair. "It feels great." Yolei pressed her body into him and softly brought her nose to his head.
"It smells wonderful," she cooed. Her midriff was in her husband's face as she had to get on her knees to be above him. Although Yolei was tall, Ken was taller. Ken, in return, pressed his nose into her stomach and slyly lifted up her shirt without her noticing. His lips placed gently kisses around her navel as his arms encircled her body and held her there.
"Ken!" she giggled in surprise and suddenly jerked upward where she bumped her head against the low airplane ceiling. She winced in pain.
"Yolei!" cried Ken, "I'm so sorry!" At once he let go of the woman's slender body and allowed her to slide back into her seat. Yolei rubbed her head.
"No, I'm all right . . . sort of." Ken's face showed obvious concern and guilt as well. Yolei gave a sigh. She had to shake off the pain or else send her husband into a huge guilt trip.
"Can I get you anything?" he asked.
"A Bloody Mary," replied Yolei grinning wickedly. Ken blinked at her. She sighed again. "Joking, joking – a ginger ale." Ken nodded and took off for the back of the plane.
The young women relaxed into her seat despite her throbbing head. Life was perfect now. She had an adoring husband, a cozy home, and . . . a job she couldn't stand.
Yolei grimaced. Programming was something she was always good at, and it had its benefits. One of those benefits was boys, but that was a token of her adolescence. Despite her high position at the software company, there was no fun anymore. Where was the challenge? The triumphs or the failures? Mondays became days Yolei absolutely abhorred because it meant she had to leave the loving arms of Ken and instead be clamped tightly by the claws of endless hours at staring at a screen.
I swore to myself I would take a job that had meaning or purpose or that was just plain fun. When did everything change? What's the right job for me?
She began to coil a lock of her purple hair around her finger as she stared off into space contemplating her life. A sound suddenly interrupted her thoughts. It was a light sound, very cheerful and innocent. Yolei turned her head in the direction of the sound.
Across from her seat sat a young women – no a mother. She held a child about a year old. The mother and child seemed completely absorbed in each other. Not a care in the world. The mother would gingerly poke her finger in the baby's stomach causing the child to giggle. The sound of the baby's laugh seemed so soothing to Yolei. The mother's face looked so relaxed and peaceful. Even the baby's digimon, a Punimon, slept with a blissful look on its face. The scene was very heartwarming.
Yolei slowly lowered her hand to her stomach and rubbed it. It was flat and thin. Something to store food in. She looked back to the mother and child. Her eyes looked longingly at the pair.
"I want that job," she whispered. Her mind was made up. If raising a family wasn't a meaningful job, then she didn't know what was. A family was something she was always used to; being surrounded by her brother and sisters. It seemed only natural for her – Yolie wanted her life to be complete. She could easily quit her job and money wasn't a problem. The problem was Ken.
"Here you are Yolei," said Ken presenting her with a can of ginger ale.
"Thanks," mumbled Yolei still lost in her thoughts. Ken gave her a hesitant glance.
"You're not mad at me . . . are you." Yolei gave him a bright smile and squeezed his thigh.
"Of course not silly, I was just thinking that's all."
"You look sexy when you think," purred Ken moving to kiss her neck.
"That's why I think a lot," she replied arching her neck for better access. His lips caressed her long neck sucking slightly on the skin. Yolei gave a happy moan. "Ken . . . Ken dear . . . close the curtain." With out even ceasing his kisses, Ken swiftly closed the curtain. "Much better."
"I'm surprised at you Yolie," said Ken as he began to move down her back, "I would think you wouldn't care if anyone sees us. After all it was you who felt that making out on a park bench on a Sunday afternoon was acceptable."
"It's not my fault that you turned me on with that rousing game," she replied.
"Chess isn't usually considered a 'rousing' game."
"I didn't hear you complain."
"Hey making out is something I accept very easily." He lifted his face to her. "And if it's with you then I can only surrender." His mouth latched onto Yolei's lips as he pulled her into a deep kiss. His hands wrapped around her. Yolei could only enjoy the sensations Ken was giving her.
"I love it . . ." she panted, slightly out of breath. "When you're dominant." Ken didn't answer, but put more effort into his kisses. Yolei's hands worked up and down Ken's back. Her fingers rubbing his muscles and caressing every fiber of his body.
But what Yolei loved most about Ken was the fact that she loves him and he loves her. Sure there was the physical attraction, but there was also an unbreakable bond. Every minute they enjoyed being with each other. It may have started off as a simple crush by Yolei as she fantasized over the boy-genius Ken Ichijouji, yet time told that the two chosen children found something much more. Ken's kindness and Yolei's love. Perhaps the crests really do intertwine with each other.
Although . . . that whip was certainly a major turn on . . .
I wonder if I could convince her to put on the helmet again?
He looks really good in spandex . . .
I love the layered look . . . so many layers to take off, which is double the fun . . .
The husband and wife took a moment to relax in each other's arms. Their eyes closed and their bodies relaxed. It seemed as if everything was going to be "happily ever after".
And then fate takes an ugly turn.
The plane took a sudden jolt alerting the passengers. Some shrugged it off while others tensed up. Another jerk caused quite a few vocal reactions and another further panicked the travelers. The clattering of luggage in the overhead compartments were heard and the in-flight movie began to be scrambled.
Ken and Yolei looked up at each other. They could sense the danger. Fighting and saving lives had become a second nature to them. The thin line between life and death was in jeopardy, thus it was their duty to become involved.
"Ken . . ." said Yolei in an uneasy tone.
"Come on," he said quickly, "We need to help the crew."
The couple stepped out of their compartment and struggled to make their way to the head of the plane. The lights were flickering on and off randomly. More screams echoed through the airplane. The crew tried to calm the passengers, but the unsteadiness of the plane was growing.
"Please get back to your seats!" cried a stuardess as she saw Ken and Yolei coming up to her. Her eyes were wide with panic.
"Don't worry Ms!" replied Ken. "We're here to help!"
"You're Ken Ich-"
"Yeah I know," he cut her off.
"There isn't time," informed Yolei. "What's going on?" The stuardess shakily pointed her finger towards the cockpit.
"There was a small explosion knocking out the captain and the controls are not responding!" Ken nodded and ran off towards the cockpit. The woman looked at Yolei. "Does he know how to fly a plane?"
"He'll sure as hell try," she said. Yolei gripped the woman's shoulder. "Do you have any flying digimon on board?" The stuardess shook her head no.
"I'm afraid that hasn't been cleared yet . . . " Yolei grumbled. Everyone hadn't quite accepted the merge.
"Don't worry," said Yolei, "I –" She stopped her sentence as she just realized a crucial point. Hawkmon wasn't with her. If he and Wormmon digivolved to their champion levels, they might have had a chance to guide the plane, but now . . .
"Ken!" cried out Yolei racing the cockpit. She burst in the door to see Ken at the controls with another flight attendant looking on. "Ken!"
"Yolei, I'm going to try and land this thing."
"Did you work out the controls?"
"For the most part."
"You do know we don't have our digimon with us."
Silence.
"Ken?!"
"I know." Yolei fell back onto the doorframe. This can't be happening. She looked over at the flight attendant who only gave her a wordless response. She took one last glance at Ken before running back out to the plane. Yolei ran over to the intercom and pretty much tore it off.
"Does anybody have a flying type digimon that can possibly digivolve to champion or ultimate?" Yolie questioned. Her eyes frantically searched the passengers for a hand. "Anyone?!" She looked at one man with a Tentomon next to him. "Sir, you have a flying digimon!" The man shrunk back defensively.
"Yeah, so he can fly."
"Can't he digivolve?"
"I guess . . . I dunno, what's his next level?" Yolei stepped back in shock. He didn't know his own digimon's levels? Her ears picked up passengers whispering "champion" and "ultimate" as if they were foreign words. So much for the merge.
A few tears stung Yolei's eyes as the lights cut out for almost a whole minute. So this is how it ends, she bitterly thought. A plane crash. She gave a hard look at the man, clearly seeing his digimon as nothing more than a pet, and stormed off. He could've saved us, he could've saved us all.
Yolei found her way back to the front and talked to the attendant. The woman sadly informed them they could not establish radio contact. Yolei clenched her fist, but said nothing. She looked out back in to the crowd and her sight fell on the mother and child – this time not smiling – but holding onto each other for comfort.
This isn't fair.
She felt someone tapping her shoulder. It was the flight attendant from the cockpit. She followed him towards Ken.
"Ken?" Yolei asked hesitantly.
"I'm sorry Yolei."
"No!" Yolei screamed. Her future was crashing down, soon literally. She ran out of the cockpit.
"Yolei!" shouted Ken. Yolei reached the mother and child when suddenly she cried out. An aura of red surrounded her body. Her D-3 suddenly appeared in her hands.
"What the?" With out warning, one of the doors of the lavatory burst open with a stream of light revealing Kari, Salamon, and Hawkmon.
"Kari?!" cried Yolei completely surprised and thankful.
"This door's been wedged shut for the longest time!" Kari replied breathlessly. "But suddenly Hawkmon digivolved and got it opened."
"Kari," said Yolei grabbing her friend's hands. "What are you doing here?!" Kari waved her hand.
"Let's just say I'm here on business."
"And I sneaked in with her." chirped up Hawkmon. Yolei basically strangled Hawkmon with a hug.
"You stowaway!" Yolei sniffled.
"There's no time for that," interrupted Salamon. "We've got a plane to save. We need to DNA digivolve!" Yolei nodded.
"We need to open the emergency exit door. Arquillamon is way too big for the airplane." The pairs rushed over to the door and escorted the passengers seated there to another area of the plane.
"Everyone hold on!" shouted Kari preparing to open the hatch.
"What are you doing?!" shrieked the stuardess.
"Get in a seat now!" shouted Yolei shoving the woman into a chair and strapping her in tightly. "Ready?" Kari nodded and strapped herself into a seat before opening the exit door. The suddenly suction was incredibly as papers and other light objects were sucked out the door.
"Hawkmon! Go!" Hawkmon guided himself out the door and at once felt Yolei's power.
"Hawkmon digivolve to . . . . . . . . . . Arquillamon!" The grand eagle-like digimon flew along side the plane. The travelers gasped in awe.
"Your turn Salamon!" shouted Kari.
"Salamon digivolve to . . . . . . . . . . . . Gatomon!" The white champion feline wrapped her tail around a pole to keep herself from being sucked out.
"I'm ready when you are guys!" the digimon cried looking at Kari and Yolei. The young women nodded.
"Lets do this!" cried Yolei.
"I'm with you!" agreed Kari. Their D-3's instantly activated.
"Arquillamon . . . . . . . . . . !"
"Gatomon . . . . . . . . . . . . !"
"DNA digivolve to . . . . . . . . . . . Silphymon!" The ultimate glowed with its awesome power.
"Who's that?" cried a passenger.
"DNA what?" said another.
"All right!" shouted Yolei and Kari.
"Silphymon!" instructed Yolei through her D-3. "Fly under the plane and stabilize us!"
"Will do!" affirmed the digimon in the combined voices of Gatomon and Aquillamon. The plane suddenly shifted under the hold of the ultimate. "We've got this one in the bag!"
"We're loosing power!" informed a flight attendant.
"Use your Static Force to charge up the plane," said Kari.
"Static Force!" The plane became flooded with a pink surge of energy. Light poured out of the plane.
"We're back online!" shouted someone. Everyone cheered as Silphymon took the plane in for an impromptu landing.
*****
The quiet streets of the suburbs were settled in a snug little district of the city of Odiba. Grant it, there were enough apartment buildings closer to the main industries, but this neighborhood was the perfect place for families. So what if the commute was longer, the area was peaceful and a way from most of the dangers of the city. Parents wouldn't have to be paranoid 24-7.
Of course, unless that parent happened to be Joe Kido.
Joe Kido, former bearer of the Crest of Reliability, had indeed become the doctor his father wanted him to be. A successful digiworld world doctor (the first ever mind you), which pretty much exeeded his father's expectations. Even his brother Jim managed to fly in from South America as well as the eldest brother James pulled himself a way from work in Kyoto to come see Joe's opening of the Digiworld Medical Clinic. And through it all Joe retained his title of "old reliable", of course.
Although no one really expected Joe to have a kid. Sure Davis as a father made sense, he was always the adolescent at heart, but Joe . . . most likely he would be going through mood swings before the pregnant mother as well as massive fits of hysteria. He wasn't always the most stable guy. Yet it was obvious to his closest friends, meaning the digi destined, that Joe had continue to change through the course of his life. From over coming his fears in the digital world to becoming confident in his profession. But kids? That was another story.
However Joe, now the respected Dr. Kido, had a house in the suburbs and a family despite opinions.
"Father?" called out an eight-year-old boy with the unmistakable blue Kido hair. "Father, I need your opinion?"
"What do you need Uncle Joe's opinion for when you got mine?" chirped the voice of the boy's digimon, a Bukamon. The rookie digimon hovered in front of the boy's face cocking his head slightly. "Doesn't my opinion count?" The boy sighed and tried not to insult his friend.
"Well, it's kind of a . . . fashion situation."
"I have great fashion sense!" cried the digimon.
"Um, you don't wear clothes."
"Green, black, orange – it's all the same to me!"
"You know a friend of mine would flip if she heard you say that," came a mature voice from the direction of the doorway.
"Father!" said the boy a bit exasperated. "I need your opinion!" Joe chuckled.
"I figured from the commotion."
"What's wrong with Bukamon's opinion?" piped up Gomamon appearing from the corner of doorway.
"You don't wear clothes," replied father and son in unison.
"Hey!" defended Gomamon. "I can't help if I'm naturally stylish." Joe bent down and ruffled Gomamon's fur.
"Chill out," he said giving a smile. The digimon bowed his head with a slight blush in reference to the old days. Joe looked back to his son. "Jeremy, why does it matter what you where today? It's only Koushirou, you've known him for ages." The boy lowered his gaze and pushed his glasses back on the bridge of his nose; an unmistakable sign to the father of embarrassment.
"Well you don't have to tell me exactly why . . ." began Joe trying to coax the information out of his son.
"Is it because of Isabelle?" blurted out Bukamon. Jeremy whirled around and faced his digimon with an annoyed look.
"No!" he snapped. "It's not because of – of – her!" He folded his arms in a huff. Joe widened his eyes slightly in surprise of Jeremy's outburst.
"You don't like Isabelle?" he asked. Jeremy sighed.
"No . . . it's not that I don't like her but . . . " He looked up. "Her curiosity can be annoying." Joe nodded with a small smile.
Like father like daughter, Joe thought. Jeremy continued.
"She asks me all these questions like 'what type of fabric is your sweater made of? It could be harming the rain forest'."
"So it's a few fashion questions, I don't see the problem." Jeremy gave another sigh.
"She also said my sweater vest was out of style," he muttered. Joe patted his son on the shoulder.
"Why don't you put on what you normally wear and don't let her questions bother you. She is just saying what's on her mind and her questions is just how she gets a feel for her surroundings. Isabelle has known you for a long time and feels comfortable around you. That's why she is so called 'annoying'. According to Koushirou, she clams up around everyone else."
"Lucky me," replied Jeremy drooping his shoulders.
"Just be nice ok," said Joe a little warningly heading out the door. "They should be here soon so, why don't you change and entertain yourself for a bit."
"I could study!" shouted Jeremy enthusiastically rushing towards his desk. Joe gave an uncomfortable chuckle.
"Whatever makes you happy . . . " He left the room not to long after hearing Bukamon cry out to his partner.
"Hey! Want to review what mitosis is?"
Joe walked softly with Gomamon crawling besides him. He made his way towards his living room. He walked over towards some packing boxes and finished the job he started.
"Do you think she'll mind if I choose to keep some of Jeremy's baby pictures?" Joe asked Gomamon.
"Cindy will want copies though," reminded Gomamon. Joe nodded.
"That's her all right. She'll want copies of everything."
"Although," said Gomamon softly, "I don't think she'll want a copy of your marriage license." Joe bit his lip.
"I guess that rules out the wedding album as well," he mumbled. He pulled out a white scrapbook embroidered with gold lettering and roses. In the center was a picture of their wedding day. Joe, only twenty-two, still with his shoulder length blue hair and in a tux and wrapped in his arms was Cindy, the bride – a fairly tall, attractive woman with layered aqua colored hair (something to give Yolei a run for her money) and stunning blue eyes. Joe continued to thumb through the album looking at the pictures. There was a shot of the best man – Izzy – raising a glass of champaign to the newlyweds. Another photo showed Matt and Tai fighting over who caught the garter, signifying who was next to be married. Joe laughed seeing all his close friends at an important part of his life. There was even a photo of Gomamon, possibly a bit shnockered, posing with Cindy's Dolphinmon, despite the fact he found the female digimon's laugh somewhat irritating.
He flipped the page to a collage of the bridesmaids – mostly friends of Cindy, but Joe managed to sneak in Sora, Kari, Yolei, and Mimi. The girls were dressed in long midnight blue gowns with violets wrapped in their hair. There was one photo of Kari holding hands with both Davis and Takeru, taken when romantic tensions were still high. Kari looked a bit flustered and her cheeks showed a hint of a blush while Davis was eyeing Takeru warily despite the blonde's disarming grin and peace sign to the photographer. In another photo Ken and Yolei were cuddling, still quite young and in high school, but very much in love.
I hope their marriage lasts, Joe thought bitterly.
Joe scanned the pages for the final familiar face. One of his best friends, the one who stood beside him through turmoil, the one he stayed behind with, the one who he had a mutual understanding with. Then he found her photo.
"My god," he whispered to himself. "She's beautiful."
Even with out the professional photography, Mimi had the natural gift of beauty. The young girl's light brown hair hung softly around her shoulders and the violets added the delicate appeal. The gown hugged her slender body and the matching shawl provided the extra touch draped slightly below her shoulders. Despite how incredible she looked in the gown, Mimi's head was lowered and her eyes closed. Her shoulders were hung over slightly and her small hands grasped onto the bouquet she held. The way her eyes were closed was as if she didn't dare to look up for a reason only she would know. Joe fingered the photo.
Did I hurt you that badly?
"Joe?" called Gomamon coming back from another room. Joe quickly took the photo of Mimi from the album and stuffed it into his pocket.
"Yeah?"
"I think I heard the doorbell." Joe nodded and snapped the album shut then tossed it back into the closet. He swiftly set Cindy's boxes aside, as not to clutter the room, and moved towards the door.
"Salutations Joe," greeted Izzy warmly stepping into his long time friend's home.
"As always," replied Joe with a smile.
"I trust everything is in order," said Tentomon in his usual official voice flying into the room.
"If you mean whether there are cookies and punch, that's an affirmative."
"Oh thank you!" cheered Tentomon. "I'm awfully hungry, you know how it is for us digimon." Joe and Izzy smirked at each other.
"I'm sure I can show you the way to the goods Tento 'ol buddy," cackled Gomamon.
"Please do!" The digimon swiftly made their way to the kitchen.
"And where's my two favorite red heads," called out Joe through the doorway.
"Well you know how I like to be fashionably late," shouted a cheerful female voice. Slowly, but surely, in wobbled a very pregnant Jun Motimiya Izumi. Her cheeks glowed as always and her fiery red hair remained as bright as ever. Joe and Jun hugged briefly.
"You're looking great Jun," said Joe. "I'm guessing any day now." Jun jabbed him in the chest.
"You should know, you're the doctor," she giggled as she turned to look at her husband, giving her a gaze of admiration and love.
"And to think you could have been my sister-in-law," sighed Joe rolling his eyes. Jun giggled again.
"No offense to James, but he was my rebound. I was very heartbroken you know," she lifted her hand to her forehead in a melodramatic pose, "since I lost my teenage crush to a more deserving red head."
"Says you," replied Izzy pretty much underlining the unmentionable love triangle. Jun frowned.
"Well . . . it's none of my business, but if they truly love each other than he should get over it and out of their way – I mean I did and look who I found!" She wrapped her arms tightly around Izzy and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Her husband turned red, still as ever highly embarrassed when it came to affection. "Besides my brother got over it too and he had the worst case of puppy love I have ever seen."
"But he fell in love with someone at the same time," observed Joe. "It makes everything a lot easier." Jun nodded.
"True . . hey! Why are we standing around the doorway anyhow? I'm starving!" Jun walked a few steps outside. "Isabelle! Motimon! Demi-Veemon! Get your kiesters inside pronto!"
Joe leaned over and whispered in Izzy's ear.
"Mood swings bother you much?" Izzy rolled his eyes.
"Not at all . . ."
Shortly after hearing her mother's voice, a girl of the age of seven appeared inside carrying a Motimon in her arms and a Demi-Veemon, with a red boy tied around one of her long blue ears, on the girl's head. She received most of her traits from her father's side with the darker toned red hair and the deep, almost black eyes filled with knowledge. However, Isabelle did have her mother's rosy cheeks.
"Hello Joe," greeted Isabelle in a polite manner. "I trust you are not feeling like a dinglehopper."
"Isabelle," advised Jun, "you shouldn't use you and your father's language with people who are unfamiliar with the terms . . ."
"No Jun," interrupted Joe. "It's fine, I think I am able to translate." He turned his attention back to the young girl. "No Isabelle I am actually quite springeng, and feel snarfblaten." The young girl recoiled with an incredibly surprised look, and slightly grossed out look on her face. She looked over at her father in an appeal for help. Joe backed away and turned to Izzy in confusion.
"What did I say?" Izzy shook his head.
"You said you felt like you were going to vomit and pass out on a Monochromon." Joe's face paled.
"All that from a few words?" Izzy nodded.
"We designed the language to give complete messages in only a few words, thus saving time for trying to clarify simple things."
"Sounds pretty simple to me I guess," affirmed Joe.
"Well actually it isn't," said Jun in a straightforward manner, "He just put it in Laymen's for you to understand." Izzy blushed for the second time that day.
"Well, uh – lets see how Tentomon and Gomamon are doing with those cookies!" The three adults, the little girl, and two rookie digimon made their way to the living room. Joe ushered Jun to the recliner where she could be most comfortable given her current state while Izzy and himself made their way to the couch. Only Isabelle remained standing.
"Honey you can sit down with us if you want," began Jun.
"I was actually wondering . . ." started the young girl.
"Jeremy is in his room," replied Joe motioning to the stairs. Isabelle gave a quick nod, took Demi-Veemon off her head and settled her in her mother's lap, and made her way to the staircase.
"Hey Tentomon!" shouted Izzy, "How about bringing some of those cookies for the rest of us to eat?"
"What am I a Butlermon?" called the bug like digimon in return, but soon entered with the food, drinks, and Gomamon. The adults munched on the food and gave Jun permission to make requests for cravings.
"Could you two bring me a Caesar salad with peanut-butter and jelly?" she asked.
"You like that too?" cried Tentomon in surprise. Everyone just gave him an odd look. "Er – I'll get that."
"Hmm, sounds good," muttered Gomamon to himself following the digimon back into the kitchen.
"Funny," said Joe to Jun, "how you became partnered the same digimon as your brother." The woman nodded and stroked her digimon's head.
"Yeah it's nice though. It kind of reminds me how proud I was – am – of finding out Davis was a digi destined and then getting a digimon of my own. I felt really connected to him for a moment." She gave a happy sigh. "Even if he's a bit daft, but I love him. Besides he gave me a nephew!"
"And you gave him a niece as well as another niece and a nephew on the way ," reminded Izzy. Joe's eyes bugged out slightly.
"Twins?" he gasped. Jun blushed and rubbed her stomach.
"They need a lot of room," she murmured. Joe looked over at Izzy.
"You ready for midnight wake up calls?"
"It beats to walking around and getting nowhere." They all laughed and made chit-chat. Jun smiled, she felt through Joe and Izzy (of course) that she was really accepted in digi destined's circle. In the corner of her eye, Jun noticed a few boxes pushed in the corner. Joe noticed her gaze.
"Oh yeah," he said quietly, "Those are Cindy's." Jun gave him a sympathetic look.
"We're really sorry to hear about your divorce Joe," she said in soothing voice. Joe nodded with his eyes cast down.
"It's all for the best," reminded Izzy. "You two just have your own paths to follow."
"So when is the divorce going to be final?" asked Jun.
"As soon as I finish up the rest of the paperwork and head over for the final hearing," replied Joe in an uneasy tone. "Custody battle for Jeremy is going to be tough, I know. But, thankfully Cody is my lawyer and I know he'll do whatever it takes."
"This is his first big case Joe," spoke up Izzy, "He is somewhat fresh out of law school." Joe glanced at his friend with a smirk.
"Cody will do fine," he answered, "After all, he is the bearer of both our crests."
"A little bit like Izzy and little like Joe," summed up Jun quietly, "Scary."
"I believe Kari said the same thing," finished Joe.
"Speaking of Kari," said Jun, "How's the kid doing? I mean, she was the cutie that stole my lil' bro's heart for a time."
"Not good," responded Joe glumly, "Unfortunately, like her brother, she is having problems with matters of the heart."
"Didn't take the news of TK's engagement well, did she?" said Izzy. Joe nodded. "Those Ishida boys . . ." The two men sat in silence in deep thought. Something needed to be said or got off their chests, according to Jun's women intuition.
"Well," said Jun, "I am going to check up on my salad. I bet Tentomon ate half of it already." With out another word she picked up Demi-Veemon and walked off towards the kitchen.
"Damn," muttered Izzy with a small smile, "She can read me like a book." He looked over at Joe, still plastered with a grim look. Izzy gave an annoyed sigh. "Joe what's with you lately?" Joe sat up, perplexed by the sudden third degree.
"I'm sorry Izzy," snapped Joe in an agitated voice, "If there's something more that you're searching for in my life besides my failed marriage, then be my guest to look!"
"I'm just trying to find the reason for your with drawl," Izzy retaliated. "You are hardly seen out of the clinic . . . it's almost you're trying to fade away. Even Gomamon says you're acting snappish . . . more so than usual he claims."
"I think my allergies are acting up," grumbled Joe searching for his inhaler. He shifted in the couch pulling miscellaneous items out of his pockets. With all the junk came Mimi's picture too lying face up on the couch. Joe frantically reached for it, but Izzy grabbed his wrist to stop him.
"What's this?" the red head questioned.
"I – I – nothing!" defended Joe. Izzy snatched the photo and examined it.
"Feeling nostalgic?" said Izzy skeptically eyeing the blue haired man.
"Well – er," fumbled Joe.
"I highly doubt it." Izzy hummed softly. "Poor girl. You threw for a loop you know."
"I know." Joe grabbed the photo back. "Hey! I was heart broken too you know!"
"I knew," said Izzy in a low voice, "Too bad she didn't."
"I was never good at romance," grumbled Joe covering his face in his hands. "Med school – sure, saving the world – ok, asking a girl on a date – never!" He sat up. "It was pretty much Cindy being dominant through our marriage. I just bought the ring." Izzy smiled and leaned back on the cushions.
"Yeah, Jun asked me out on our first date, but I popped the question."
"Via online?" smiled Joe.
"Is there any other way?" Izzy chuckled. He became serious. "Ready to talk?"
"Shut up," rebuked Joe as he chucked a pillow at his friend.
"Ok! Ok!" cried Izzy defending himself. "I won't ask!" Joe sighed and rubbed his temple. He abruptly got up and walked away from the couch.
"Joe," said Izzy softly, "I know you're feeling something and I like to understand the problem. You usually aren't the type to shut the world out – that's Matt's department. Normally, I can relate to you, but right now . . . I'm feeling very alienated." Joe's ears picked up his friend's last phrase. Alienated? Izzy? He used to absorb himself in the computer, concentrating only on his search for knowledge. He wants to know my problems and help me through them. Joe closed his eyes. I'm responsible for pulling him in my complicated life, he was merely fulfilling a request by coming here. He's my friend and I'm responsible for that. Suddenly a white light glowed briefly from Joe's chest. A faint image of his crest showed through his sweatshirt.
"Alright," Joe said, "I'm ready to tell you." Izzy nodded. "I've been . . . in a way . . . pushing the digital world a way from me these past years." Izzy made no comments. "I suppose it started after the merge, everyone got a digimon! I didn't feel – well – special anymore. The digiworld was a place I, out of millions of people, had been accepted. I was destined for a role in another world. Even if the place freaked me out for a while, I adjusted . . . for the most part."
"I know what you mean," sighed Izzy, "The digiworld was a place I had real friends, and my knowledge had the power to unlock doors. Under the Professor's guidance in Kyoto, I feel like I'm part of a team again and that my knowledge is once again an asset!"
"Yes exactly!" agreed Joe. He softened. "But I struggled to break a way from that. I wanted to be successful with out the digital world. I became a doctor – like I was instructed to be and . . . I married someone who would be a surefire bet of not being connected to the adventures – the memories. Cindy has no idea what it's like to fight a war . . ."
"But you're missing out on what you can gain from each other! Someone who can relate to you!" argued Izzy.
"Cindy is a doctor too," said Joe quietly. "That was a good enough relation for me."
"Was it good enough for Jeremy?" asked Izzy with intent. Joe thought for a moment.
"No," he finally answered. "No, it wasn't. I want my son to learn something through me and that means the digital world. In the end I returned to it by setting up the clinic. Cindy saw it as a bonus for the economy, not the deeper meaning. I guess that's what finally did our marriage in . . . she just didn't understand." Joe got up again and dumped out the contents of the boxes on to the floor. "She can pack her own damn stuff." Izzy chuckled.
"Anything else you would like to get off your chest?" Joe sighed.
"I'm good . . . for now." He looked over at his long time friend and blushed slightly. "Izzy – I . . ." Izzy held up a hand.
"You don't need to say anything." Joe nodded with a grin.
"Fair enough."
"One last question though," asked Izzy. Joe nodded for him to continue. "What are you going to do about Mimi?"
"I don't know . . . she's in her own world now. You know we keep in contact of course, but I can't interfere. Besides, I'm too old now."
"Thirty-one is not old."
"You're one to talk, you're twenty-six." Joe smirked. "Four more years . . . " he taunted. Izzy groaned.
"Don't remind me!"
"I could give you some medication for your arthritis . . ."
"And I could download a nasty virus into your computer." Joe shrugged.
"Whatever floats your boat, uh – or sinks mine." Izzy clutched his stomach.
"I hate boats . . . I get sea sick entirely too easy."
"Me too." The two friends looked at each other and laughed. They knew one another too well, but it was great. Suddenly a painful moan came from the kitchen as well as the sound of broken glass hitting the tile.
"Jun!" shouted Izzy sprinting towards the kitchen with Joe not to far behind him. The men found the woman clutching onto the edge of the counter top and the bowl of Caesar salad splattered next to her. Tentomon was flying near Jun trying to comfort her while Gomamon just looked on with a worried gaze. Demi-Veemon was becoming tearful.
"Jun! What's wrong?" cried Izzy. Jun clutched her stomach.
"I'm fine . . it's just . . ." she cried out in pain again. Izzy latched onto his wife and offered his arms for support.
"Joe . . . isn't early for her contractions to be starting?" asked Izzy with a hint of panic in his voice.
"I did say any day now," affirmed Joe taking his role as the doctor. "I believe her water broke too."
"Oh god," moaned Izzy. Joe patted him on the back.
"Hey, you've been through this before, you'll be fine! Now lets get her to the hospital!" The three adults and digimon moved quickly to Joe's car, piling in and speeding off in a hurry that they forgot one thing . . .
"Mom," called a young girl's voice from the top of the staircase.
"Father?" came a boy's voice.
"Uncle Koushirou? Uncle Joe? Auntee Juuuuuunnnnn?" came the voices of two digimon.
"Oh no!" panicked Jeremy in a familiar style, "The left us! Alone! By ourselves! What are we going to do with out adult supervision?!" Isabelle gave a small mischievous grin.
"I think I know . . . " was all she said and Jeremy knew he was doomed.
*****
"You what?!" screamed out Davis' voice through the complex. Tai winced and clutched his head. It was still entirely too early too have any form of a real conversation.
"I called Matt," restated Tai for the fifth time now.
"You were drunk!!" reminded Davis pointing an accusing finger at the brown haired man. "You were drunk! You were depressed – and –and drunk!" Tai rubbed the back of his head.
"I think you established that . . ." he muttered.
"You can't just call up people randomly after not speaking to them for a year!"
"Matt called me first!" insisted Tai. Davis rolled his eyes.
"So what? You were the one who cut them off Tai." Tai growled slightly.
"I'm sorry if I didn't know the rules. What's the big deal anyway?" Davis sighed.
"Who do you think comforted them? I hate seeing everyone in a wreck Tai. It's just who I am. I'm just the let it all out kind of guy. I can suffer, but I can't stand watching my friends so hurt . . . by you! The one person who should have been the guy to brave the bridge instead of blowing it up!" Davis collapsed in a chair. Tai folded his arms crossly.
"Well I just called ok?" he sniped, "It was a pretty short, drunk message. I don't plan on going over there if that makes you happy." Davis sat up.
"Oh you don't do you?" Tai's eyes widened. "You are going over to his house Tai! Tonight!"
"What?!" Tai sputtered. "But it's across town . . ." He stopped. There was no use arguing with Davis.
"Stubborn," grumbled Tai.
"I wouldn't talk," scolded Davis.
"I'll think about," said Tai softly.
"I hope so." Davis stood up. "I should get going. I did promise to take David out to lunch and a movie." He called to his son. "Is ramen ok?"
"Ewwwwwwww!" whined a voice. "Ramen! Not again! Daaaaddd, we eat that aaaaalllll the time!" Davis chuckled.
"He does that aaaaallllll the time," he mimicked.
"I don't blame him!" joked Tai punching Davis lightly in the arm.
"Whatever!" Tai escorted him and David to the door. "Take care Tai!" Davis scooped his son into his arms.
"Thanks for the food!" cheered Demi-Veemon, "It was delishious!"
"Bye Taichi," said David shyly.
"Make your dad proud kiddo," said Tai tapping the boy's goggles. David eagerly nodded. The father and son left with smiles on their faces. They had seen their hero, it had been a great day.
Tai returned to his living room and pulled his robe tighter. He picked up the trashcan that contained the remains of his stomach and poured it into a garbage bag. Agumon gave a toothy grin at his long time partner.
"Cleaning Tai?" he asked skeptically.
"Can it and help me straighten this dump up," said Tai with the famous Kamiya grin.
"Of course master!" joked Agumon twirling his claw up in the air and mock bowing. The two worked in silence for a few minutes shoving trash out of sight and flipping the cushions over to the "clean side".
"You really called Matt last night?" asked Agumon seriously.
"I did," affirmed Tai. "I did and I was drunk as Davis pointed out again and again and again. But, if I can remember through this killer hangover, I got the machine." He clasped his head in his hands. "Should I really go over tonight?" Agumon shrugged as Tai let out frustrated groan.
"I can't decide like this!" He pounded his fist against the wall. "Davis is right! It's been too long!"
"Hey!" shouted Agumon snapping Tai out of his breakdown. "You've never called it quits before! Why does it matter now? Huh? Answer me Tai."
"I don't know," mumbled Tai, "Because . . . because," he struggled to speak his mind. "Because it has to do with Sora." His eyes briefly watered. "Sora was my other half. She knew me so well. Even though I was such a blockhead for not realizing what she really meant to me sooner . . . Sora looked past that and saw me with new potential. That's Sora, always finding the love. I feel empty with out her."
"But she tried helping you find a second chance for love," said Agumon gently. Tai narrowed his eyes.
"It was pity Agumon, pity because she knew how hurt I really was. She knew I needed someone and even though I wanted that someone to be her, Sora wanted to find someone for me to fill those shoes." He lowered his head. "I made an ass out myself at their wedding." Agumon sadly had to agree.
"They forgave you."
"I can't forgive myself . . . she doesn't need me." Tai stopped himself. "But Matt does . . ." he said slowly. His thoughts went to the blonde boy. He depended on Matt's opinions and needed to argue with him. He trusted Matt through thick and thin and felt in a way they needed each other. Sora was his first love, but Matt was . . .
"Matt," Tai said in a soft voice. He ran to the door and snatched his coat while quickly tossing off his robe.
"Where are you going?" shouted Agumon.
"I'm going to see them Agumon!" cried Tai, his eyes sparkling with life. "I need to fix this!"
And with that he ran out the door.
*****
Prologue for the next chapter. . .
"Kari," gasped Yolei. "I've never expected you to come to Paris. It's a surprise!" The purpled haired woman laughed as Kari smiled uneasily. "What are you trying to do . . . steal my thunder?"
"No of course not Yolei!" Yolei just put her hands on her hips.
"I know, I'm just giving you a hard time." She pulled Kari into a hug. "I'm just really glad you're here . . " she finished softly. Kari pushed Yolei away with a reassuring smile.
"It worked out ok, didn't it. Ken will find those terrorists in no time." Kari lowered her voice. "It bothers me so much that people are willing to risk the lives of others to make a point. I can't believe there are groups that want to stop the merge! Shouldn't the idea of two worlds combining be a beautiful thing?" Her eyes were full of sorrow. "You know, that was what Malo Myotismon showed me . . " Yolei nodded.
"I figured your deepest desire would be unselfish . . . like you Kari . . you truly bear the Crest of Light well. Your light is for everyone." Kari lowered her head in shame.
"My light isn't for everyone," she said in a troubling tone startling Yolei. "I came on your flight for selfish reasons." Kari turned her back to Yolei. "I take that you heard about TK and Catherine's engagement."
"Yes, of course," answered Yolei becoming confused, "He asked me to be a bridesmaid, but Kari I don't understand what this has to do with you being in Paris?"
"It makes perfect sense," said Kari in a steady tone. "I'm here to break up their engagement."
"What?!" gaped Yolei.
"I'm still in love with Takeru Takaishi."
*****
Author's Note: Sorry its been so long, but I promise the next part will be up quicker! Ok . . . some quickie notes.
One sided Takari will be on the menu for the next chapter. Also some history of Tai's other love (not Sora or Matt). Life is getting complicated for everyone.
Isabelle and Jeremy are going to uncover something very important that will effect the children of both batches of chosen.
Ok, that about wraps things up. A lot more to come and some couples might change. And I like Junshirou! In my little world I haven't paired Izzy up with anyone and I like Jun so . . I think it works. My opinion that's all. I still need some creative flair in a story that's based on so much cannon.
A cookie to anyone who can tell me where I got two of Izzy's daughter's words from!
Thanks!