Me: I don't own Digimon or Pokémon, and "The Time Has Come" from 2.B.A. Master. Well it's come a long way but this is the final chapter. This will answer Zindakku Hirokai's question on how the trainers will get home.
T.K.: (gasps) Caro reached the final chapter of this fic?
Chloe: Run for your lives! It's the apocalypse!
(Everybody screams and runs around in circles)
Me: (sigh) Lots of Tailoe in this here chappie and some Ash/Chloe friendship. Here we go!
Chapter 10- Friends Forever
A full week had passed since the Digidestined had teamed up with the Pokémon trainers to save their worlds from ultimate destruction. Everyone was relaxed and carefree. The many civilians of Pallet Town and the Kanto Region were staying in the Odaiba for the time being since they didn't know when the portal to their world would open up again, if it ever did. This suited the kids just fine, but what they didn't know was that their moments of peace and happiness would not last.
T.K. lay stretched out on his bed, staring at the ceiling. There was no doubt about it. Something was going to happen today. He vaguely wondered where he received this weird way of sensing things. Maybe it was from Chloe.
He wasn't sure what it was that was making him uneasy but he decided to shake it off. "What could go wrong now?" he wondered aloud. "Maybe I should pay a visit to Chloe. She can read minds—well, the first few things in peoples' minds. She could just figure out what's bothering me."
T.K. got up from the bed and walked out the door into kitchen. There he found Ash talking quietly to Pikachu. They both looked serious. "Ash?"
"Oh hi T.K.," said the trainer. "Listen…Gennai came around a few minutes ago. He said that we need to meet in the park. Something important."
"Okay, I'll get everyone."
* * *
A few minutes later, the members of both teams gathered in Odaiba Park. They looked puzzled. "Why'd you call us to the park T.K.?" asked Kari.
"I asked Ash to tell him to," said Gennai who was waiting for them. "I need to tell you something serious."
The kids nodded. They were listening. "The portal appeared again today for some strange reason."
Everybody blanched. "Nothing's come out of it right?" Davis asked quickly.
"No."
They breathed a sigh of relief.
"It came because it is time for the trainers to take their leave. What I need to tell you is that the gate between your two worlds will be closed…forever."
The kids looked at Gennai in horror. "Forever!" cried Misty. "But you can't!"
Gennai shook his head. "I'm sorry, but it must be done. The portal was opened by mistake and look at the danger it caused. You all were nearly killed. It is too risky to open it ever again. It's for the best that it closes."
"But maybe…Mewtwo can—" Ash began.
"I know as well as Gennai that the portal is closing," said the Psychic Pokémon. He floated up to them. "There is nothing in my power that I can do to sustain the opening of a rift between worlds."
Tracey blinked. "Then…then perhaps Lugia—"
"I cannot do anything either young one," said the majestic bird. "We are Pokémon, not miracle workers."
"But…" Matt said.
"I'm sorry," said Gennai heavily. "It's time for you to say goodbye."
The others looked at one another. Say goodbye? It seemed utterly impossible!
I close my eyes
And I can see
The day we met
Just one moment and I knew
You're my best friend
'Do anything
For you
Misty sat on the edge of the beach with Sora, Yolei, and Mimi. The girls tried to avoid each others' gaze with little success. Finally, the trainer could hold her tongue no longer. "You know…I really want to thank all of you. You've…been…so nice this past week."
Sora looked over at Misty and smiled shakily. "Your welcome. I'm sorry I seemed so suspicious of your nature before. I never knew you were doing that to protect us."
"Oh well, you know," said Misty. She bit her lip and looked back at the girls. "I…I was afraid you guys wouldn't accept me since I was too different."
Yolei shook her head. "No way. You're a good friend Mist. Really you are. I guess…you never realize it until it's too late."
Mimi's eyes were shining with tears. "We're going to miss you guys so much!"
We've gone so far
And done so much
And I feel like we've always been together
Right by my side
Through thick and thin
You're the part of my life
I'll always remember
Brock and Tracey looked depressed under the shade of the trees of the park. The other Digidestined boys, except for Tai and T.K., sat around them. Izzy smiled at the pair. "I want to thank you for letting Joe and I discover more about Pokémon and their natural instincts and abilities. I can use what information we have to help us on understanding levels of evolution and it's all thanks to you."
Tracey nodded. "I want to thank you for helping Professor Oak and I learn as much as we could about Digimon. Now we can research about different species of creatures."
"When are you leaving?" asked Ken.
Tracey and Brock looked at each other. "Gennai said that tomorrow is the last time he's letting the portal stay open," said Brock.
Matt grinned. "Too bad you guys are leaving so soon. I'd have wanted you to come to one of my concerts."
Brock's eyes got that wild look in them. "Do any girls go to your concerts?"
"Oh yeah; loads. They keep me pretty busy."
"Man," Davis groaned. "I hate traditions like this. Just when everything goes right, everything goes wrong."
His teammates and partner sweatdropped. "Uh Davis, I have no idea what you just said," muttered Veemon.
Tracey laughed. "I'm going to miss all of this."
"And so will we," replied Cody in a soft voice.
The time has come
It's for the best I know it
Who could have guessed that you and I...
Somehow, someday
We'd have to say good-bye
T.K. stood on the sidewalk lining the beach, overlooking the horizon. If he stared closely enough, he could make out the cumulous clouds lining the glowing sun. Ash, Kari, and Chloe stood near him. "I wish…" T.K. began and then stopped.
"What do you wish T.K.?" asked Chloe.
He swallowed and tried again. "I wish you guys didn't have to go. I mean…we've been through tough times and all, but we're still friends in the end. And well…it's just too painful to say goodbye."
Kari put her arm around him. "T.K.'s right," she said. "We don't even know if we'll see each other again."
Ash and Chloe looked at them. "We may not know what the future holds," Ash told the couple. "But we can still be friends, even if we never see each other again. We'll always have a place for each other in our hearts."
Chloe nodded. "I know we're going to see each other again someday. I can feel it."
T.K. held out his hand to them. "Let's make a pact. We'll see each other again someday and if not, we'll always keep our memories inside our hearts forever. Promise?"
Chloe placed her hand on top of T.K.'s. Ash did the same. "Promise!"
Tai appeared around the bend. He smiled when he saw them. "Uh…guys? I hope I'm not interrupting anything important but we need to get home."
T.K. nodded and turned away with Ash. "Till tomorrow Chloe," he whispered.
"Yeah," she replied quietly. Turning around, she was surprised to find only Tai standing there. "What happened to Kari?"
"She went on ahead," he replied. Without another word, he proceeded down the sidewalk. Chloe had no choice but to follow him. Once she caught up, she smiled at him.
"So," she said cheerfully. "All good things come to an end right?"
Tai nodded, looking so uncomfortable that Chloe eyed him with concern. "Are you okay Tai? What's wrong?"
He shrugged. "I just…we're going to miss all of you when you leave. We don't want you to…well…disappear forever. I guess you leaving is just too soon for any of us."
Chloe smiled. "So," she asked. "Is there a special girlfriend waiting for you in your life Tai?"
That question caught him off guard. "Uuuhh…no. No, not at all. There's…nothing like that in my life right now," he replied honestly. "Not since…Sora."
"Oh." Chloe's cheerful face faded slightly. "Oh." She looked down at the concrete ground. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you or anything. I was just—wondering."
"How about you?" he blurted out before he could stop himself. Mistake! You know she still has feelings for T.K. dumbbell!
Chloe colored a little. "Oh no. There have been some attempts, but—um—they just weren't the right people. And well—"
Tai stopped walking and turned around. "It's T.K. isn't it?"
"Huh?"
"You…you love him don't you?"
What? He…I…what do I feel about T.K.? She thought for a long time. T.K. was like no other human she'd ever encountered but she didn't know. She thought she was just joking around before but… I…I do…love him…but…there's something missing. Something's missing from my feelings towards him.
"Well…yes," Chloe said. "But…Tai it's not like that. At least…I don't know. Something in my heart is telling me that T.K. just isn't the one for me. Besides," she smiled lightly. "He has Kari. Why would he want someone like me when he has someone like her?"
"I…"
"Tai…" She frowned suddenly. "Why are you asking me this?"
"Uh…"
Chloe raised her face at him. "Why?"
He gulped and stared into her deep blue orbs for a long time. I must tell her. She's going to leave. Better now than never at all.
She looked at him questioningly. "Yes?"
"I…" He took a deep breath before saying, "I…I love you."
Chloe's eyes widened and her breath came out in a little whisper. "You…you what?"
"I thought…" Tai looked away and walked a few more steps. "I…I just…I've never met anybody like you. There's no girl like you in our world, let alone our town." He looked over his shoulder at her. "I guess I was pretty jealous of T.K. whenever you talked with him. And I didn't want you to see me look uneasy whenever you looked at me." Tai paused and then continued. "It…just seems impossible now 'cause you guys are leaving."
Chloe blinked, her face pale. "I…I don't understand." She walked closer to him. "Why didn't you tell me before?"
"I knew you loved T.K.," he said with a soft smile. "You looked so happy and content. And well, if you were happy then everything was okay. I just want you to be happy." And you'd be happier with someone else. "Anyway," Tai looked ahead and started walking. "You know the way home. Be safe."
The dark-haired girl stared after him, watching the sun sink below the cumulous clouds. Tai…
You've helped me
Find the strength inside
And the courage
To make my dreams come true
How will I find
Another friend
Like you?
T.K. gazed at the spot where he had opened the portal for the first time. It seemed so long ago now. "It may not seem right, but it's for the best. I guess. I know we have to do this. Our choice doesn't matter anymore."
* * *
Chloe closed her eyes, tucking the sheets around her more securely. She was trying to shroud herself in darkness, all darkness. Something would shut the light out and keep her hidden.
"I…I love you."
She had wrapped her arms around herself, shutting her eyes. She didn't understand anything, anything at all.
"You looked so happy and content. And well, if you were happy then everything was okay. I just want you to be happy."
Nothing made sense anymore, nothing. Every time she tried to think, all that she could see was Tai's face over and over. His dark brown hair, his chocolate brown eyes, his smile. She shut her own vivid blue eyes, trying not to think.
I don't understand…I like him…I know that. But he's just my friend…I haven't even known him that long…is he just a friend?
She didn't have to think to know the answer. No…no…
This wasn't something that she could compare to logic. It just…was.
Still, every time Chloe tried to sort it out, her chest would hurt as if her heart was contracting. She didn't know what to think.
What am I supposed to do? I love T.K. but…Tai…what do I feel?
Two of a kind
That's what we are
And it seemed
Like we were always winning
But as our team
Is torn apart
I wish we could go
Back to the beginning
Today was the day. It was time to say goodbye. No one could believe it was true. Yesterday went by so quickly, hardly anyone could remember it. Only a few did.
T.K. stood before the citizens of Kanto and held up his D-3 to that same spot for the last time. It began to glow and a white beam shot out of it. The portal soon appeared, swirling and spinning like a spiral galaxy of white fog. T.K. stepped back and allowed the civilians to pass. One by one, they stepped up to the portal and vanished into the fog of light. Most of the people went in quickly, but others took their time. Mrs. Ketchum hugged every one of the Digidestined. "It's been wonderful getting to know you all,' she said. "Don't forget us." She disappeared into the portal.
Professor Oak shook hands with the Digidestined and said goodbye to each of the Digimon. "It's a pity we couldn't have time to know one another better."
Gary smirked and followed his grandfather's lead. "I gotta admit, for kids who don't live in a world like ours, you're okay."
The Digimon bowed with reverence in front of Mewtwo and Lugia. "Please, there's no need for that," said the feline with a chuckle. "We're equals, all of us."
Lugia nodded and together they flew into the portal, vanishing into the light.
Finally, all that were left were the Pokémon trainers. For a long time, they stared at their friends. Then they walked toward them to say goodbye. Misty began to cry as she hugged Sora, Yolei, and Mimi one last time. "I'm going to miss you!"
The girls nodded, their tears spilling over. "We'll miss you too Misty."
Brock shook hands with Matt, Davis, and Ken. "It's been great knowing you guys. Hey Matt, thanks for giving some tips with girls."
"Knowing Matt, they probably won't work," Tai muttered under his breath but no one but Sora heard him. She grinned.
Tracey shook hands with Izzy, Joe, and Cody. "I'm glad I was able to help you find something knew to look up on." Then he smiled at Cody. "You're really smart for a kid your age. Don't give up on your abilities Cody."
Cody grinned shyly. "Thanks Trace."
Ash and T.K. shook hands and then hugged quickly (A/N: Guys don't usually hug). "You've been a great friend T.K. and I will never forget you," said Ash in a choked voice.
T.K. held back his tears and nodded. "I'll…never forget you either."
Chloe and Kari hugged each other for a long time. "No matter what, I'll never forget you," Kari murmured tearfully.
"Chloe smoothed back the younger girl's hair. "Take care Kari."
Then she looked at T.K. They hugged, looked at each other, and hugged again as if they never wanted to let go.
"Don't ever forget me T.K.," she whispered as her tears brushed like scattered kisses on his cheek.
"I…I won't," he replied chokingly.
"We'll be friends forever…won't we?"
He pulled away slowly, nodding. "Friends…forever."
Gennai looked at them. "It's time."
The time has come
It's for the best I know it
Who could have guessed that you and I...
Somehow, some way
We'd have to say good-bye
Slowly, the Pokémon trainers backed away into the portal. They shouted last goodbyes. "Goodbye!" called Ash.
"Take care of yourselves!" called Misty.
"Don't forget us!" shouted Brock and Tracey.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu called farewell to its Digimon friends.
"So long Pikachu!" cried Patamon.
Chloe reluctantly let go of T.K.'s hand and backed away slowly. Her lapis eyes traveled over to the Digidestined leader. "Tai…"
He looked back at her. "You…you never got an answer from me," she said, her tears still evident. "I'm sorry."
Tai smiled shakily. "It's okay." He hesitated before saying, "I'll wait for you. No matter what it takes; I'll wait for you forever." Everybody whipped around to stare at him, confused, but T.K. smiled proudly.
Chloe reached out for him but thought better of it. "Good…bye…"
The portal disappeared, taking the trainers with it. Kari heaved a sigh and tears fell from her face. "I'm going to miss them."
T.K. put an arm around her, his eyes still focused on the portal's last place. "Me too Kari. Me too."
Somehow, today…
…We have to say good-bye
Pallet Town looked about as beautiful as it did before the evil Digimon had used it as a playground. However, the light from the sun played across sad faces. Ash took a deep breath and walked forward. "Well…it's nice to be home."
"Yeah," Misty agreed reluctantly.
Chloe turned around and stared at the area where the portal used to be. The tears staining her cheeks had not yet dried. "I guess," she whispered.
Gennai, who had come with them into the portal looked seriously at her tearstained face. "Do you really wish to be with them?"
She looked up at him, surprised. "Y…yes."
"Then I will let you stay with them if you wish," said Gennai. "You can live with the Digidestined…but you must think hard and be sure of your decision. Once you make it, you cannot turn back."
Chloe nodded and her friends gasped. "Chloe, you want to leave us?" Misty demanded.
"I…I'm not sure."
"Go ahead."
The dark-haired girl looked at Ash in shock. "What?"
"They say home is wherever your heart is," he said seriously. "And it seems to me that your home isn't here anymore." He smiled. "Your heart…is telling you…where it rightfully belongs."
"Ash…"
"You belong there Chloe. Besides, you're already a Pokémon Master so there's nothing here for you."
Gary gaped. "You're a WHAT?"
The younger boy walked up to Chloe. "Of course, it's your choice Clo…I can't make the decision for you. But I think I know what you really want."
Chloe stared back at Ash and knew that he already figured out the truth. "Will…you…"
"I'm gonna miss you, of course I will," he said. "But if you're happy…then so am I. At least I'll know you're alive and…" he paused. "Maybe we'll see each other again someday."
Without another thought, Chloe flung her arms around the trainer. If she could've chosen anybody to become her brother then she would choose this boy. "Thank…you…"
Mrs. Ketchum held onto Chloe as well. "I'm going to miss you sweetie but I know my Ashy is right. Take care now."
"Thanks Mrs. Ketchum."
Chloe hugged Misty tightly. "Darn, with you gone, I'll be the only girl in the group again," Misty complained.
"Sorry."
"Aw, it's okay. I'm used to it."
"Y'know Mist, you really ought to tell Ash…"
"I know."
Chloe grinned and released her. "I'll be waiting to hear an answer."
Brock and Tracey stood back awkwardly but Chloe hugged them anyway. "Don't think I'm not going to miss you guys too," she whispered before kissing both of them on the cheek. "Be safe."
"We will…and you too."
Then she looked at Gary who shrugged. "Eh, it was nice seeing you again," he said.
She smiled and hugged him quickly. "Cya Gary." Turning, she slowly unhooked the belt that contained her Poké Balls. "Professor Oak, I want you to release my Pokémon in your lab please. Take good care of them." Her hands were trembling but she handed them over to the professor. He nodded.
One Poké Ball she kept and handed it to Ash. "Ash…this contains an Eevee that I've been training for a little while. I'm trusting you to continue to bring it up."
He took the Poké Ball and nodded once. "You can count on me. Have a good life."
"Thanks Ashy," she said with a wink before hugging him once more. "You're the best."
"Pika…Pikachu."
Chloe picked up the tiny mouse Pokémon and cuddled it for a little while. "I'm going to miss you too. Be good." Putting it down, she faced Gennai. "I'm ready."
* * *
Tai gazed at the smooth waves of the ocean, thinking. The soft wind blew back his hair and he raised his head to look at the sky.
It's not that late. Glad it's summer. He sighed to himself, contemplating his mood.
A blinding flash of light issued forth, causing him to leap to his feet. When the light vanished, Chloe Device stood there, coughing. "Aw man, I got the wind knocked out of me," she gasped.
"Chl-Chloe?"
She lifted her eyes and stared at him. "Tai."
"What—what are you doing here?"
Chloe looked serious. "Gennai gave me a choice. I could either return to where most of life has been or I could stay here and learn to live a new life."
"But…" Tai's jaw dropped. "Why did you choose us Chloe? Back there are people who care about you and you've been happy as a trainer. Why would you want to live here?"
"People care about me here too," she replied, walking closer. "People like T.K. People like Kari. People like…you."
He stared at her.
"I…I understand my feelings Tai," she whispered, coming even closer. "I've tried to compare them to logical thought but they just hurt. I can't breathe. That's when I realized and came to accept them for what they are." She looked into his deep brown eyes. "And I've discovered I…feel…"
"Just like I do?" he asked.
She snorted. "Okay, if there's one thing I don't like, it's people taking the words right out of my mouth. So hear me out Taichi Kamiya, if you even want to consider us becoming a couple, there's some ground rules that need to be laid ou—"
Tai leaned forward and silenced Chloe by brushing his lips against hers. Her eyes dilated but promptly fell closed before she kissed him back. It was soft, sweet, and gentle but the ardency usually felt in kisses was there. Her arms threaded around his neck while his own encircled her waist. He could feel the soft satin of her dark hair flowing over his hands.
A few minutes later, they pulled away breathing hard and eyes wide. "Funny that waiting forever only took a few minutes," Tai said with smile.
"Just shut up and kiss me."
Tai complied and they had to break away again for breath after the second one. Chloe turned her head to gaze at the ocean, the light of the sun reflecting in her large blue eyes. "Someday we'll see them again won't we?"
"Yeah. That gate won't stay closed forever. It has to open…someday. Even if it takes more than a decade, I know it will open again…someday."
THE END
Me: Well, it's finally done. What do you guys think?
Chloe: Hmmm…it's…okay.
Tai: I guess.
T.K.: So what's next Caro?
Me: Prepare yourselves for the sequel to this story: The Years Ahead. The sequel will be a bit darker than this lighthearted fic and it's going to have some really questionable decisions. Plus, I'm going to bring in two more OC's in and they'll have some secrets about themselves in store for the readers.
T.K.: That's nice.
Ash: Are we going to be in the
next one?
Me: Chloe will but you and the others won't really show except in memories and stuff like that. But it doesn't mean you guys won't show at all. I'm putting the first chapter of "The Years Ahead" in along with this update so whoever reads this fic should check it out.