ONCE AGAIN IF YOU DO NOT WANT ANYTHING ON CHRISTIANITY GO AWAY. I WILL JUST NOT ACCEPT ANY FLAMES ON  MY CHOICE OF RELIGION OR STORY. IF YOU REACHED THIS CHAPTER THEN THAT MEANS YOU HAVE ACCEPTED THE FACT THAT I AM CHRISTIAN AND WANT TO ADD CHRISTIANITY IN MY STORY. IF NOT THEN DON'T BE A BABY AND COME COMPLAINING TO ME ON HOW I SHOULDN'TVE PUT THAT IN MY STORY AND THROW A TEMPER AND POUT AND FLAME.

Muahahahaha it's been long since I last updated eh? Well I was too busy with my website, Digimon Remembered. Besides, I ran out of ideas. This is probably the second to the last chapter, more or less. After this story I really have to work on Blasting the Gauge and the Power of Friendship. I don't feel like typing lately and I'm trying to stop my friend from writing any yaoi fics. Oh yeah and I'm sure the sudden switch to Christianity surprised you guys but this fic was supposed to be about Christianity even before I thought of it or even typed it so lame me about that and you'll be sorry.

But don't worry though, this will still have Ryuki!!!!!!!!

Blast-Hornet: SORRYTALAGA! Habang tinatayp ko nawalan ng battery yung videocam. Pero promise ko sayo bibigay ko pa rin!!!!!

Disclaimer: Do I have to say this all the time? I do not own Digimon.

What are Friends for? :  Chapter 9: Taking a step forward towards a new life

  "Yes they are. But if you don't know many Chinese have converted to Christianity. My grandmother in China had too and has influenced my family and me. It may sound weird at first but the experience is amazing guys. I can't describe the feeling…" Shuichon nodded beside her brother. A small bracelet with a crucifix could be seen hanging limply at her wrist.

As Jen's words entered her ears, Ruki felt something inside her. Suddenly she burst out her question;

"Tell me more about it Jen. I need to know"

Everyone turned to look at her, shock and confusion written in their faces. Ruki asking about Christianity? Ruki's family was very Japanese-like and kept those traditions and stuff. Even their mansion was Japanese! That moment had surprised them all and drawn them deeper in interest on what was behind Ruki's strange behavior. Takato looked over at Ryo, knowing he held the key to Ruki's locked life. The boy just looked over at Jen at what he was to say.

Jen just nodded and motioned Ruki to follow him. Ryo, feeling responsible for Ruki followed too and the others, out of sheer interest, walked along behind them. Shuichon trotted along her older brother's side, bracelet dangling loosely at hand. As if in a ceremony all fell quiet. All that could be heard was the rhythmic sound of their feet alternately as their feet hit the ground, like horse's hooves when one is at gallop.

Finally they reached a small structure. It looked like a cottage but had a real roof. There was a big room inside filled with long chairs good enough for the whole group to fit in. Up front there was a table filled with flowers and closely behind it lay another table with a small structure-like thing that looked like a smaller version of the building. A huge statue of a man nailed on a cross, arms outstretched was behind the two tables. Around the building were many large doors always open for visitors. It was the chapel. The table had been the altar, the small structure the place to put the holy Eucharist and the man Jesus himself.

They entered one of the many large doors and Ruki eyed a door leading to another room and wondered what could be behind it. Jen and Shuichon bowed solemnly before the altar before proceeding to one of the chairs. Hesitantly the others followed their movement and went over to sit with Jen.

Ruki sat next to him to make sure she got first-hand information. Ryo sat next followed by Takato, Juri, Kenta and Kazu. A long pew was before them. Brother and sister kneeled down and began to pray. Ruki once again took another good look at the chapel and noticed a statue of a woman in white and sky blue standing near the side. Her bare feet were set against clouds and a rosary was dangling from her folded hands. Her face had a smile so sweet and heavenly that it made you feel guilt inside. She became incredibly interested on who it was and why.

All of a sudden a deep man's voice was heard from behind them. All turned except for the two who were praying. Behind them stood a man dressed in white with a friendly face. He was smiling upon them all. He put a hand on Ruki's shoulder.

"I see the statue of our Blessed Mother has drawn your attention"

Not knowing what he was talking about, Ruki asked if it was the statue she had been looking at. He smiled and nodded. Jen and Shuichon had already finished their prayers and sat down beside the others. All of a sudden Jen stood up and, putting a fist into the center of his other palm and clutching it, bowed deeply. Shuichon just beamed and took the man's hand and touched it to her forehead.

"Good morning, Father Hayame" Jen motioned the others to stand up and bow also. This they did. Father Hayame touched Shuichon's head and blessed her before turning back to Jen.

"I see you have brought some friends along Jenrya. Are they, too, willing to take the difficult path towards a new life?" He looked at them one by one.

Jen looked at his friends. "I don't know father…" The priest nodded his head and looked at all of them once more. "Have you then come to learn more or just to watch Jenrya do his prayers?" At once Ruki replied. "We have come to learn more, Father"

Father Hayame just smiled and looked at the others. Ryo agreed to Ruki. So did Takato, Juri and Kenta. Kazu was not yet sure. Father just looked at him and smiled once more. "Tell me when you are ready" Kazu simply nodded.

He brought the others outside where there was a tree and some chairs under it. It was warm and shady as a soft breeze swept through their faces. Silence had overcome there for the moment as they were new to this and did not know anything. Jen had led Shuichon to the back of the church and had entered the Perpetual Adoration Chapel where they were to pray more solemnly and where they were to come face to face with the Holy Eucharist who was exposed in the room.

Once they were all seated the priest first smiled.

"I am very happy that you have all come to hear God's word. I know that since you are all Japanese this is a very hard thing to do. Japanese are Buddhists or Shinto's. Believing in God is difficult and will require a big sacrifice. It is not like any other religion. There are no particular rules except for the 10 commandments. We are not forced to do anything against our will and it is our own choice whether or not to follow. Jen himself had had a hard time. But nevertheless the reward is great and beyond anything we have ever dreamed off. My children, are you ready to receive Jesus into your hearts?"

"Yes father"

"Good. The first thing that I am going to teach you is Jesus…" Before he could finish his sentence Juri raised her hand and stood up.

"But father, isn't Jesus in the New Testament? What about the old testament? Shouldn't we learn that first?"

Father Hayame just smiled at Juri's knowledge as the others gasped. Juri had some hints of Christianity before as she had been a bookworm and had read various books.

"My child, let us learn about Jesus first. He is most important"

Juri nodded and patiently sat down.

"What your friend has said is correct my children. But we must first study about Jesus. Jesus is the son of God. God loves us so much that he sent his only son to become mortal and free us all from sin. Jesus was humble and didn't bother the complaints and taunts others did to him. They tortured him and teased him but all he knew that mattered was his mission and what his father in Heaven wanted him to do. He doesn't choose the good or righteous or rich ones to be his disciples. Instead he chooses sinners like us. He chose 12 humble fishermen from Galilee to help him spread the word. Jesus was humble and even let his cousin, john the Baptist baptize him even though he was the son of God. Jesus was loyal to his parents his whole life and never sinned. He was tempted by the devil and even did not eat for 40 days but still he survived. When he had been consequenced to death by sheer jealousy of the high priests and high-ranked people, he neither complained or defended himself. He knew that this was the only way to save humankind and this was the path God wanted him to choose. Once he had died on the cross, the blood that he shed freed all of humankind from sin and now we are able to join him in Heaven.

3 days after Jesus' death he rose again and brought good news to his mourning disciples. With this news they spread the word to all the world that was within their reach.

This is but part of the great story. What I have told you cannot even be considered a part. There is more to tell you but you have to be ready and prepared. All I want you to keep in mind is this; The sacrifice may be great and painful but the rewards everlasting…"

All had been already drowned in Father Hayame's words and were listening attentively, hunger to know more of the story filling them. Kenta then asked "Father, what are the rewards we will receive?"

The solemn but friendly face of the priest turned to face him. "We will be rewarded with eternal life in paradise. In paradise the streets are made of gold that is as clear as glass. The huge gates are made of but one single pearl and no light is needed to brighten everything up as the Lord God is already the brightest light. This is not even a glimpse of Heaven. More will be revealed to you as time goes by. But now you must head home as it is getting late"

For the first time they had noticed that the sun was setting, it's orange arms embracing the blue sky and engulfing it with the time called dusk. As the others headed over to the back of the church to wait for Jen, Ruki stayed with the priest. Father Hayame looked at her.

"I see that you have a problem. Do you want to talk about it?"

She nodded and followed him inside the door that had had Ruki's interest for so long. Inside was what Ruki least expected. There wwere but 2 chairs. There was a pew in the corner with another seat behind it and a net-like thing separating the two.

"This is the reconciliation room. This is also the room in which I help people with their problems. Now, tell me everything and may God hear it and help you" He sat down in a chair and faced Ruki who had her head down. She recalled all the problems within her family. How she had felt and all that Ryo had told her.

"Father…"

"Yes?"

"What if…what if you feel that…that there is someone in the world whom you…need. How would you know if someone even cares about you or not? What if you feel alone and you feel like there is no one there for you?"

"That is a lot of questions for someone so young. Daughter, you are never alone no matter how much it feels. Jesus is always right there for you and whatever happens happens for a reason. Jesus is sure to help you"

"But what if he doesn't? He took away the only person whom ever cared for me and whom I really learned to love. He took away my best friend who has been there for me all the time. He divorced my parents and sent my mom to another country! Do you call that help?" Ruki didn't mean to be enraged but she couldn't help it. It was a good thing Father Hayame was patient and kind and had encountered the situation before.

"Child, that is your destiny. God has something in store for you that will help shape your future and mold you into the person he wants you to be. God definitely doesn't want us to feel bad or hurt and he never abandons us. He is always there especially when you are in a time of depression"

"But what if he hasn't? What if he doesn't?" Ruki was now getting confused.

"Child, what if he has? Have you ever thought of what happens to you everyday, the people you meet, the events that happen?"

Ruki thought for a moment before responding to his question.

"Father, what if they only give their time to you? What if they don't truly care or love you?"

The priest shook his head and looked at the girl.

"My child, time is love"

Ruki got confused and, sensing this, Father Hayame rephrased his sentence to be more understandable.

"Every person only has a specific amount of time set to live here on earth. We must use our time wisely. If somebody gives you their time, they are giving you part of their life. Instead of doing what they want they are using their time to be with you and help you. Time is very precious and when someone gives you time, they are giving you love. Always remember that"

The now confused girl understood and was stunned. She was silent for a long time until the priest stood up. "Well then your friends are waiting for you outside. You better be going. Ruki nodded and bowed and thanked Father. He just touched her forehead and blessed her as she went outside to join the rest of the gang.

Jen smiled at her. "I see you have had a talk with Father Hayame. We went to the chapel to pray. Perhaps next time if we're early you could come too if you want" She smiled and nodded. Shuichon went over to the priest to be blessed once more and ran back to Jen. He then led them back to Shinjuku park where they went their own separate ways.

Ruki was eating over at Ryo's house for Dinner. They had all skipped lunch. My, my did time go fast! But before that she had told Ryo to stay with her for a while in the park. They sat down on a bench and Ruki told him all that she had heard. Ryo just nodded understandingly. Tears were gathering up slowly at the girl's lavender eyes as the thought of her dead grandmother entered her mind once more. After she talked she suddenly threw her eyes around the older boy and buried her face in his shoulder and cried. Not much but still she cried. Wrapping his arms around her comfortingly he whispered what Father had told her and that everything will get better.

"Don't worry. You can always count on me when everything seems wrong. I know I may not make everything better but at least you know that you have me, who will always be your friend"

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Okay that's it for now. The story is NOT YET over FYI. View my website! I guess it was kinda weird for Ruki to suddenly burst out crying like that but I put her in my position. She didn't cry hard, only about one, two tears. I put Ruki in my position when I'm sad. Also, I tried to make the chapel as much as possible like my church here, but different. Remember I accept flames. As I always say,

REVIEW!