Disclaimer: I don't own Digimon


Chapter 13: Danger Approaches



It has been exactly one year since Taichi first met Kiku. Once again, it's the first day of school, only this time, there was no Kiku to greet Taichi at the end of the long day. All the Digi-destined wondered what had happened to the Guardian, though not one ventured to the Digital World to find out.

Each Chosen Child had received an e-mail from Gennai. All the e-mails were the same. They simply stated that because Kiku had now fully harnessed her powers, there was no need for them. Though there were times when each one wanted to go back for a visit, none dared. Not because of Gennai, but because of Taichi.

After the party Taichi had made two things clear: one, that he was not going back to the Digital World again and two, no one else was allowed to go and disturb Kiku. As far as Taichi knew, everyone obeyed him...

Needless to say, not everyone obeyed Taichi. Once a week Hikari would claim she was on a date with Takeru, and the two would go and visit Kiku in the hotel she lived out. Those days were spent talking about things that teenagers really wouldn't normally talk about. The subjects they touched never included anything of emotional value, for Hikari didn't want to upset Kiku. Neither knew, but Kiku valued those visits more than her life.

So, back to the present day, the end of the first day of school. Taichi was miserable and alone once again. He sat on the bleachers of the soccer field, half hoping that Kiku would come and sit down beside him. Well, it wasn't Kiku who did so.

"Sumimasen (A/N: translation: excuse me)."

Taichi looked up to find a beautiful young woman standing before him. She had short blonde hair, stunning blue eyes, and wore a mini skirt and halter top. She was no Kiku, but she was a good substitute.

"Do I know you?" Taichi asked.

"No, I'm afraid not," the girl replied. "I'm new here, and I'm also very lonely."

"What's you're name?" he asked her.

"I'm Sakura," the girl answered.

"That's a really pretty name," Taichi said, practically drooling.

"Thank you. What's your name?" Sakura inquired.

"Taichi."

The two smiled at each other, then Taichi stood up and held out his arm.

"Would you like to get something to eat, Sakura? Since you're so lonely?" he asked.

Sakura giggled, nodded, then took Taichi's arm.

~Meanwhile~

"I know, Gennai, I know," Kiku assured as she rushed out of the hotel, still pulling on her shoes. "He's a mega, and I've never fought a mega before, but will you just trust me this one time?"

"Yes," Gennai sighed. "Just be careful!"

"I know!" she exclaimed as she ran off.

Gennai watched Kiku until she disappeared into the distance. He sat down and sighed. Kiku was emotionless...Talking to her was like talking to someone without a soul, but she wouldn't admit how lonely or sad she really was...And it was all his fault.

"Piedmon!"

The mega Digimon turned to see the tiny Guardian standing before him. He laughed an evil laugh. Kiku frowned and put her hands on her hips.

"You've caused me a lot of trouble Piedmon. Gennai has been worried since the day you were reborn, and now you got to this level in such a short amount of time," Kiku said with a sigh. "Now I have to delete you. Please make this easy on both of us so that I can go home."

The Digimon stared at Kiku. He laughed once more and pulled out one of those famous white clothes. He tossed it in Kiku's direction, and to his surprise, she did not try to dodge it. Instead she held out her hand, her eyes narrow.

"Do you think you can stop me?" Piedmon demanded.

The cloth flew away from Kiku and exploded. She had a small grin on her face, then began to walk toward Piedmon. He didn't move.

"Thank you for making my job easier," Kiku said.

She extended her hand again, this time, Piedmon's body began to delete itself. Piedmon looked at Kiku, eyes wide.

"How did you...?"

He didn't get time to finish his sentence, because the rest of his body was deleted. With a blank expression, Kiku left the spot.

***

A/N: Kiku's getting a little freaky...But it's not over yet. Just remember that. There is a happy ending!!