Heh heh... Next chapter or two next month MY ASS! I'm sure many of you want to murder me right now, but all that aside... Thank you all so much for the reviews! It was a long time coming, but finally the plot will get moving in this chapter. For all of you that have stuck with me thus far, thank you for your patience!
FireFriendship: I'm glad you've started to take a liking to this fic, and I hope you will enjoy the rest of it. I'm sure you won't be disappointed!
sc333: Again, thanks for your comments. Your thoughts on how well Tori fits in is very rewarding to me. I never really thought about it, but I did put hours of consideration and research in adding her and Shimamon to this story. Actually, I do that for any OC I add to a story, and so far only you and Alene have really acknowledged that. I'm happy to see that this has all paid off.
Yo, Alene! Many Pop-Tarts to you for noticing the analogies!
Oh, just a note. Seeing as I change the summary with just about every new chapter, the "official" summary to this, NWAS, and ER are in my profile. Um, just so you know.
Theme: My favorite song by Staind. Oh, the angsty goodness... But it doesn't really fit in until the last scene of this chapter.
Disclaimer: As of this chapter, a lot more things are going to appear that are more-or-less mine, but some things aren't, such as some official Digimon and the idea of some buildings or important places. Oh cripes, you'll see.
Spirit, Sleeping Somewhere Cold
Chapter 8: On the Outside
"Just a sec, Matt. Go on ahead, Izzy, and you too, Agumon. We'll be there in a minute."
"What gives? What do you want?"
"To know what's up with you. 'That's the least of our problems'? You're the one with the problem, so I should be the one upset."
"What for? There's nothing-"
"Bull, Matt! I have to admit, I was pretty damn scared when you just jumped off that cliff, but I knew you were doing it for a reason. She may not be the eighth Child, like you said, but she's still one of us. How can you act like that's not important? Worse yet, after your heroic deed, how can you act like she's not important to you?"
"... Yeah, she is a Chosen Child like us, but nothing more. So we have an extra addition? Big deal. We have more pressing matters at hand, like the fate of the worlds, so we shouldn't be worrying about some girl."
"Matt! Don't just walk away...!"
Plip...plip...
Dripping water.... a faint sound... A simple, quiet rhythm, like the last reminder of a recent rain shower. She could just picture the glistening tear drop, dangling from the edge of perhaps a leaf, hanging for a tense moment before releasing it's hold on the world it had just fallen to from the heavens. To fall through nothingness for what seemed like an eternity, before either uniting with the earth to be absorbed, or to once again become a drop among millions in a tiny sea.
But... this wasn't a forest drenched in the wastes of rain. No... the rhythmic drops of water left a small echo in their wake. The ground beneath her wasn't rich, moist soil, but cold, hard stone against her cheek. A cave?
Then there was the sudden touch of a hand that seemed timid at first, then concerned. Shaky fingertips brushed her forehead, then lifted her bangs to press a cool palm to her forehead. Soothing...
"Hey, are you awake?" The voice was low with worry, but wasn't quite as soothing as that touch. But the genuine concern was enough to want to make her banish the cloud of confusion from her mind, to meet this kind stranger.
Her eyes opened slowly, first focusing on the hand that lay palm upwards near her face, and recognized it as her own. She turned her face up, and when more of her world began to focus she was first aware of dark, anxious eyes that closed in relief when she met them. A great sigh followed, and the hand was gently removed from her head.
"Good. Can you sit up?"
Silently, she made a move to, welcoming the hand that moved to her back to support her. Finally in a sitting position, she looked towards the face of her savior. He wasn't quite the sight one would expect from their rescuer; this boy was tall, lanky, wore glasses, and had short, neatly trimmed navy hair. She overlooked the nerdy appearance because of those eyes she had first seen; they were full of a pure concern for her well-being that she rarely saw from anyone. It was this trait she found most admirable, and she saw no reason to judge him otherwise.
Though she did not know him, and he surely did not know her, she had found herself relying on him. It was him who had pulled her from the fog of her own mind. He had been there for her.
And though this boy was here for her, she had found herself thinking of the other boy who once would have been willing to do the same. Pain, though dull, pierced through the haze of her mind, at the thought that she would never receive any sort of support from that boy again. Still, she recalled when he had been willing to shed some light on her, and was able to determine who this new boy was. With a weak voice, she tested her assumption.
"Jyo?"
"Yep. The one and only." She wasn't sure what to make of his words, but he smiled kindly.
So, she was right. Glad as she was that he was here, she soon felt guilt wash upon her. He should be more worried about his comrades, and not a stranger like her.
"Thanks, but you should probably be checking on the others." A glance to her right revealed the others - the true Chosen Children and their Guardians - where they lay, scattered and dormant, but seemingly unharmed.
"They're fine," Jyo immediately assured her, "for now. Everyone's just in a sleep-like state. And, honestly, I'm a bit more concerned about you and Matt."
Now she blinked, confused. Jyo couldn't have known about the... problems she was having with that particular boy. "Doushite?"
"Because of something that happened last night." Jyo's voice had lowered as he finished that sentence, sounding more like that calm voice she had awakened to. "You see, I noticed-"
"OOGA-BOOGA-BOOGA!!"
"Yah!" Alarmed, Jyo instinctively drew Mitori closer to him, in a feeble attempt to protect her from whatever danger had revealed itself. He had drawn away from the sudden voice which was behind him, but when his startled eyes fell upon the owner he relaxed, though blatant annoyance showed on his face.
"Don't do that, Shimamon," the Child of Faith said sternly. "That was not funny."
The scarlet, striped Digimon, who was grinning like a Cheshire Cat, merely waved the comment away. "Right, you're so easily spooked." Shimamon blinked her large golden eyes in a quick mood change and looked curiously at Jyo. "Eh, just what are you doing to my partner?"
Jyo, realizing he was still holding onto Mitori tightly (she just looked at him with wide, wondering eyes, still a bit disoriented and puzzled by his behavior), swiftly released her and turned around to hide the embarrassment that showed on his cheeks in the same bright color as the Digimon that snickered at him.
"G-g-gomen nasai! I didn't mean... Um, I wasn't trying...!"
"It's okay, Jyo," Mitori reassured. Shimamon wasn't as forgiving.
"Huh, I never thought you were like that, Jyo-Jyo boy."
"No!" Jyo nearly shrieked at the Data Digimon. "It's not like that at all!"
"Ah, I see," Shimamon drawled, "you must like 'em a bit younger, like what's-her-name...?"
"Sh-Shimamon!" The crimson spread from his cheeks to his entire face.
Mitori tilted her head slightly as she watched the two. Even though Shimamon was her partner, it had taken a while for the two to really get along with each other; the Digimon had been often annoyed by the girl's behavior, and Mitori hadn't been sure how to act around a talking cat. It such a short amount of time, though, they had stopped thinking of each other as human and Digimon and instead as friends.
So, how could Shimamon and Jyo be getting along so well so suddenly? "Ano, Jyo?"
The navy-haired boy glanced at the dark-haired girl, coughed into his fist to regain his composure, then gave his full attention to her. "Yeah?"
"When did you and Shimamon...?"
"Oh, she was awake when I came to. Actually, it was Sora and Biyomon that woke me up, as well as Gomamon. Soon after they left to survey our surroundings-"
"An' I was just returning from that," Shimamon interjected, sauntering over to Mitori. "Ya sure you're okay? Y'seem dazed."
"Shimamon has a point," Jyo said, again worried. "Your head doesn't hurt or anything, does it? You could have a concussion..."
"I'm fine," Mitori said, placing a hand on her head and shaking it slightly. /Though I don't know why everything is so foggy... It seems the first things that come to mind are painful or full of shame./
"You sure?" Jyo questioned, still not convinced. "Tell me how you're feeling. Are you having any problems with your memories?"
"Um, not really..." Mitori glanced at Shimamon, who was sitting close to her and Jyo. The feline did not looked pleased with the reply and had a cross expression, as if demanding that her partner say was wrong before she'd have to beat it out of her. It worked, and Mitori continued.
"Well," she sighed, "everything recent seems a little hazy, but I managed to remember who you are. But, I can't think of how we got here... What is this place, anyway?"
"I have no idea, unfortunately," Jyo sighed. "It looks to be an underground dungeon of some sort. A very leaky one too, at that. But since there's a constructed water passage down here, that must mean we're under a building in a city or some other important place. Gomamon went to see if there was an underwater exit, and Sora and Biyomon must still be checking out the hall that starts beyond those stairs. Shimamon had climbed through a hole in the ceiling to check out everything from a different perspective. So here I am, looking out for you all," Jyo sheepishly pushed up his glasses, "In case any Digimon attack, wouldn't want you all to be caught sleeping, defenseless and all..."
Mitori smiled, amused and comforted by how Jyo wouldn't admit that he was just looking out for the rest of them. She was already starting to see how everyone fit in to this group; Taichi's enthusiasm surely made him the leader, Sora's maturity named her the big sister, and Jyo's dependability, intuition and age caused him to be the adult voice of reason. Koushiro was valuable for his growing knowledge of the DigiWorld, and Takeru's innocence must have kept all of them from falling into a depression from the seriousness of their situation. Their Digimon also shared these qualities with their human partners, from what she able to observe.
The only ones whose purpose was unclear to her were Mimi, Palmon, and Yamato; Gabumon's understanding and compassion made him another one to be listened to, but Mitori had not been with everyone long enough to see how the pink-clad girl and her partner and the blonde boy added to the crew. It pained her to even think of Yamato when she shouldn't, but from how she always knew him to be, she couldn't see how he would fit in. It had confused her greatly to see him treat her, someone he had known longer than anyone else here, with harsh indifference, but act calm and casual with the others. Then again, they had not done anything to cause him to not value their trust.
Mimi, though she was oddly joyful at meeting Mitori, actually somehow annoyed the raven-haired girl. She knew it was unfair to think this of someone she didn't really know, but Mimi gave off an aura Mitori wasn't used to. Honestly, she had never liked girls like Mimi; girls who could carry on as if there was nothing wrong with the world. But there could be more to the girl that she would have to wait and see.
As for herself... Mitori heavily doubted she or Shimamon could be of any use to the Chosen Children. Shimamon had already displayed discomfort among the other Digimon, and she had a feeling the striped Digimon didn't like fact of having to work with others. Mitori herself was surely useless to anyone. There was a heavy chance the two would not be welcomed for very long.
But now wasn't the time to dwell on such things for long. Here was Jyo, helping her, and she wanted to repay him for his kindness, and not burden him down with her helplessness. "Is there anything I can do," she asked, "now that I'm awake?"
"Uh... If you're feeling up to it..." Jyo exchanged a brief glance with Shimamon, "could you check on the others for me?"
"Um, sure..." Jyo politely helped her to stand, then turned to have a quiet conversation with Shimamon while Mitori made her way towards the others.
She got her first real look at their surroundings. The entire interior of this chamber was made of large, dark grey stone blocks that gave the place a somber feeling. Walls surrounded them on all four sides, though there were a few openings that led to various places. The aqueduct Jyo had mentioned was behind her from where she now stood; the wall to her left had a simple arch carved into it, and the beginning of a stairway could be seen before it disappeared into shadows. Most likely the stairs Jyo said Sora and Biyomon went up.
The wall to her right held nothing of interest, but the wall in front of her had a small hole near the center of it where it met the ceiling, with a few vines creeping down from it. Shimamon must have easily climbed up there to do her own scouting. The small sign of plant life was proof enough that this was some old building that had not been visited by any Digimon recently, allowing nature to begin to envelope it and claim it as its own. Mitori briefly wondered if the sudden, unexplained presence of several beings disturbed the flora in any way, but surely the Digital World would not reject the ones who were chosen to save it.
The Chosen Children who had not awakened yet were laid in front of the northern wall. Just as Jyo had assured her, there were all seemingly asleep. Her eyes immediately went to Yamato, and she saw no reason why Jyo would be more concerned about him. He was eerily still, like the others, but was breathing normally and unharmed - physically, anyway. He was lying on his stomach and his face was hidden in the crook of his right arm.
Fighting back the urge to approach his sleeping form and see if he was truly all right, Mitori instead looked over the rest; Taichi, Takeru, Koushiro, Mimi, and their Digimon partners. After going over to Agumon and moving him slightly so he wouldn't be poked by Gabumon's golden horn when either awakened, she went to Takeru. She did not want to alarm Jyo and Shimamon, but she felt awkward while standing up and had the urge to sit down. She tucked her legs beneath her and drew Takeru's head into her lap. Maybe it was maternal, but she felt a small need to comfort the child in some way, and besides Shimamon, he was the only one there who had taken a liking to her.
Plus, with Takeru nearby, she was more likely to be eased by his contagious warmth. She was usually more inclined to favor the cold, to numb the pain. Darkness, where she was welcomed and could be at ease...
Her darkened emerald eyes trailed to the small channel on the opposite side of the room. It was only a few feet wide, with one end going through a barred gate in the west wall and the other fading into a dim tunnel. Was Gomamon - that seal-like Digimon that was Jyo's partner - lost amidst those murky, grey depths, or enjoying himself as an aquatic Digimon surely would?
Wait... Murky? Grey? That wasn't a correct description for the water; being in an uninhabited place, it was surely clear and clean, and the color was only the reflection of the stones. Why, then, did gloomy waves come into mind? Had she seen them before? Or was it-
The sound of approaching footsteps shattered whatever trance Mitori had fallen into, and she became aware of the echoes of steps resounding down the stairs and Jyo's voice calling to her.
"Yeah?" When her eyes blinked and snapped to him, she caught a brief look of concern from him and Shimamon. Jyo quickly covered this a smile.
"Just checking on you. You got pretty quiet over there."
"Oh, I'm okay." Mitori returned the smile. "Just thinking, that's all."
Before Jyo could ask what she was thinking about, Sora's voice called down the stairs.
"Hey, Jyo! I found- oh!" she exclaimed, noticing Mitori when she reached the foot of the stairs. "You're awake, Tori!"
Mitori nodded and offered a smile. This seemed to please Sora.
"That's great. I was so worried..."
"Sora," Jyo called to her - drawing Sora's attention away from Mitori so the auburn-haired girl missed the slight frown of confusion - "did you find anything, too?"
"Yeah. There's a definite exit that leads to above ground. I couldn't find a passage out by foot, but Biyomon was able to fly up and see the sun from a hole." Sora's eyes trailed from Jyo to the sleeping children in front of her, and a look of concern flashed in her sorrel orbs.
"It's okay, Sora," Biyomon quietly soothed from where she fluttered, beside her partner. "I'll go tell Jyo what I saw. You can stay here."
Sora nodded as she mumbled a barely audible "Okay" to the pink bird before she went to Jyo to share what she was able to find out, leaving the girl to the rest of the children. Mitori watched silently as Sora looked over their forms one-by-one, carefully examining each of them. The taller girl kneeled down among them, and her movements revealed the tenderness of this person; her fingers brushing the wild lock of hair on Taichi's forehead; the brief hesitation before she gently touched Yamato's arm; the loving stroke to Patamon's back-
"Tori?"
Mitori's eyes snapped to attention. "Yes?"
"Have you been doing okay?" Sora asked softly, never taking her eyes from her comrades. "Since you've been in the DigiWorld, I mean."
"Yeah, I'm..." Briefly, Mitori mentally went over all of what had happened to her since coming into this world. She was anything but okay; she had been threatened by monsters; had thought she was going to die more than once; endangered the life of her newest friend, Shimamon; managed to betray her best friend...
And now? She often found her thoughts wandering to darker things... wandering to something in the dark... being beckoned...
Even her physical health was probably fading. She felt light-headed, sluggish, and what was she to make of that lurch in her stomach when Sora had touched Yamato?
"I'm fine," Mitori assured Sora. "Really, I am."
"Mmm..." Sora hummed to herself as she looked down at Mimi, holding the pink-clad girl's hand. "I'll believe you. You don't have anything to worry about." Sora finally looked up, meeting Mitori's deep emerald with her lustrous sorrel. The other girl smiled. "We'll take care of you."
Sora's words were gentle, yet immensely impacting - now Mitori could see how she was like a big sister to the other children. No, she was more like a mother. Still, the raven-haired girl felt a bit overwhelmed by the power held by the tomboy - by that unconquerable feeling that glowed in those ruddy eyes.
"So, according to you two, it would be easy for you Digimon to get out, but not us humans." Jyo sighed. "Great. I guess we'll have to wait for everyone else to come to, and see what Tai wants to do."
Both Shimamon and Biyomon nodded in agreement, then their normally bright eyes dimmed slightly when they looked back towards the other children. Jyo caught on to this.
"Hey, they both look fine right now, so don't let your worry show so much."
"Yeah, but..." Biyomon hesitated. "I'd hate to think that there's something happening to those two, and we don't know if we can do anything about it."
Shimamon said nothing, but her golden orbs clearly displayed her frustration and concern. Jyo laid his hand on the feline Digimon's head, wanting to reassure her since he was confident Shimamon felt the worse out of all of them. He smiled when the scarlet Digimon looked back at him. Her attention quickly changed to something behind him when he noticed her eyes lit up and widened and her right ear swiveled around.
Despite that small warning, Jyo was still caught off guard when something leaped out of the small channel behind him with a splash and landed on his back with a wet flop.
"Heya!" Gomamon said cheerfully. He didn't get the same response from his partner.
"Gomamon! How many times do I have to tell you not to do that?! And you're getting me wet!"
"Go-men!" Gomamon sing-songed, complying to his partner's wishes and scrambling off his back.
"So," Jyo sighed, lifting the back of his shirt briefly to ease the discomfort of the now damp fabric, "I'm guessing you found an exit, too?"
"Yep! I couldn't go out 'cause there was a gate, but there is definitely an outside. And from the looks of it, it's peaceful and really pretty."
"That's good. We don't want the misfortune of waking up in some Digimon's dungeon or something."
"Jyo, Jyo!" Sora called to him suddenly.
"Is something wrong?" Jyo asked worriedly, standing up.
"No, not at all! Look!" With a nod of her head, Sora indicated Taichi, who was beginning to stir in his sleep. "I think he's starting to wake up!"
Jyo let his jet eyes scan over the rest of the children and Digimon. Relief flowed like a gentle stream through him at seeing them show signs of life, too. It looked like all would be well soon.
/Well, almost.../ he reminded himself when he noticed Mitori. She was biting her lower lip slightly as she looked towards Yamato. When the blonde's hand moved - clenching a bit - she quickly averted her eyes to the boy in her lap.
Jyo thought dismally to himself, /Why is it that nothing ever seems to go right for us?/
"Takeru?" Mitori whispered softly to the blonde. Everyone was beginning to wake up - everything would be fine - but she had a small feeling of dread, and it was enough to scare her. She felt a little guilty doing this, but she was guilty of many things already. What was one more little crime going to hurt?
If she could see those eyes - those pure, clear, lapis lazuli orbs - then everything would feel okay. Takeru had to wake up now. She needed to be able to look at him, to know everything would be fine, because if he didn't, and Yamato were to wake first to find his brother unconscious with her... She didn't want to think about it. She needed Takeru, to feel a little of that - hope, maybe? - even if it lasted for just a second -
Those eyes opened, and Takeru yawned. All was well. Mitori breathed again.
"Warm..." Takeru murmured sleepily, "Mama?"
"What?"
"There was something warm... " Takeru continued, "I could feel it inside me. I thought for a moment that maybe my mom was here. I guess... it was you." He smiled.
Mitori blinked. Something about this was strange. "Was that what woke you up?"
Takeru nodded, then looked away as his voice grew quieter. "I think I was just sleeping, 'cause everything was dark and calm. Then, there was this red warmth... that reached out to me... I felt it, then I woke up." He sat up and gave a brief squeeze to Mitori's hands, then said, "I'm gonna go see if Patamon and Matt are awake," and scampered off to do just that.
Mitori placed her fingers in front of her lips, looking down, still wondering over what Takeru had said. She must have looked despaired, for she felt a nudge at her side, and glanced over to see her partner.
Shimamon's large, golden eyes were sincere and concerned. "You worry too much..." she said quietly.
He would never admit it to the others, but even Taichi had been more than a little startled at the most recent events. He wasn't scared; the only thing that scared him was seeing his friends go off into certain death with him being helpless to stop them - like Yamato's stunt yesterday. He'd never allow himself to be scared for just himself again - not after he almost lost Sora because of that. No, now that he was the Child of Courage in addition to being the leader, he would never be afraid to be brave for the others. He always put them ahead of himself.
Or at least, he tried to. He knew he was stubborn and sometimes too adventurous for his own good, and more than once he had put everyone else in the face of danger. But he was getting better - he had the support and belief of everyone around him, and now always considered their thoughts and concerns instead of just his. Then of course there was Yamato - for someone he had labeled as jaded and antisocial at first, he turned out being a pretty cool guy. He was the only one among them who would knock some sense into him - usually literally - if the need arised, when he was being headstrong and hasty. No wonder he was the Child of Friendship; the guy didn't even know how great a friend he was.
And it was because of Yamato and Agumon and Sora and Jyo - everyone! - that he began to doubt his leadership skills less and less. His friends believed in him - as did powerful figures in the DigiWorld such as Leomon and Gennai - so he must be doing a good job...
...Right?
If that was the case, then how was it that things could spiral out of his control so suddenly? Just when things were looking bad - but still a definite purpose and goal were in sight - something new always came up, followed by events that raised more questions... Like who had attacked and separated the group? Why had Yamato jumped off a cliff to save someone that - in his words - was "the least of our concerns"? Why were Mitori and Shimamon here if they weren't the eighth Child and Digimon? Why had Jyo been so worried about them earlier that morning? Where had they been transported to now? Would they find the true eighth Child here? Would they find the eighth Child at all?
Then it all led to the questions he found himself asking again and again... Just what was it they were fighting against? Every time they defeated an enemy, an new, more powerful villain would appear - so would it ever end? And when it did - if it ever happened - would he be able to lead them all out of it... alive?
Taichi closed his eyes and sighed heavily, and when he opened them again he retreated out of his thoughts and focused on his current surroundings. After everyone had awakened - shakened, but ready to get moving - he and Koushiro had obtained what little information they had on their whereabouts from Sora, Jyo, their partners, and Shimamon, then set out through the stairway Sora had indicated. Since then, they had been walking through several, gray stone halls that seemed to have no clear destination. He had figured that since there was a way to get outside - who would build such a large place without an exit anyway? - if they walked around long enough, they would eventually find a way out. But they had been walking for a really long time now...
Okay, maybe it wasn't that long a time, but with him going over all his troubled thoughts in his mind, he hadn't noticed how quiet it had gotten. So much for putting everyone else before him. The only sounds were the thuds of shoes, paws and claws against the stone floor (except for Tentomon, whose wings were buzzing along quietly). Just great. It was rare for him - the overly energetic leader - to be so quiet for an extended amount of time, so the others must have thought he was worried. And that, in turn, made them worry. That must be what everyone was doing now - well, Yamato was probably brooding over whatever had pissed him off lately... brooding as he almost always did, and Koushiro was most likely trying to process and make sense of the latest happenings in that remarkable head of his. The Digimon must be worried too - and hungry, as usual.
/Well, time to rally the troops, then./ Taichi clapped his gloved hands to his face, rubbed vigorously, then removed them and halted abruptly, placing his fists on his hips. "Alright, guys!"
At his suddenly cheerful outburst, the others stopped behind him, and he could feel their eyes on his back. The heavy discomfort that had settled from all the stress that had gathered lifted quickly, and was replaced by a silence that was a little too calm. Never one to be daunted, Taichi whirled around with a bright grin on his face and merriment shining in his chocolate orbs...
"We've been walking around long enough, doncha think? It's time we take some action!"
...Or maybe it was mischief and daring intent in his features; everyone's despondent, worried looks turned to curious looks... somehow still full of worry... for whatever he had planned now... But they didn't really know him for actually planning things out, did they? Ha ha! At the very least, he had their attention now.
/No worries, guys! Your fearless leader has returned!/
Naturally, Yamato was the first to speak up and demand his intentions. "What are you up to, Tai?"
His wide smile didn't fade. "Well, I know we figured that if we walked around long enough we'd find a way out, but so far that hasn't worked. So, rather than get even more lost than we already are, we'll just blast our way out!"
Sweatdrops abounded. Everyone was definitely worried now.
Yamato remained peeved, though, and narrowed his eyes into irritated blue slits. "... Man, you're even more of a baka than I thought. You do that, and this whole place will come crashing down on us. We're in a hall, after all."
"Ah, but I'm one step ahead of you!" Taichi jerked a thumb over his shoulder. "See that big room in front of us?" The brunette had noticed before he faced the others that just a short distance ahead of them the passageway opened up into a what looked like a pretty large room. They had come upon a few rooms already that broke the monotony of the halls, but they had served only as a link between them. He had already noticed that this room was different and clearly larger.
"We'll be outta here in no time!" Taichi continued. "I was thinking of you guys, too, you know. See..." He turned half-way and pointed towards the room. "In a room that big, we'll have plenty of time to run for cover if we need to in one of the halls. Meanwhile, Greymon will bust a hole in the roof big enough for all of us to get out! I know he can do it; there are a few beams of light leaking through, so it must not be too strong." He turned back to the others, hands once again on his hips. "So? Any questions?"
He had expected someone to say to he was nuts, but he was only met with astonished stares. Koushiro then asked in disbelief, "Did...you...really plan this all out, Tai?"
"Not really," he answered truthfully, "it just came to me about a minute ago. Be glad, Izzy, I gave your brain a rest for once!" Taichi then threw back his head and cackled gleefully, missing the doubled mass of sweatdrops that erupted again.
"All that thinking must have fried all the sensible circuits in his fragile little mind," Koushiro said.
"Or what was left of them, " Sora added.
Shimamon asked, "How didja all manage to survive this far with him leading you?"
"At this point," Palmon answered, "I can't help but wonder myself."
"Hey, why do I hafta do all the work?" Agumon asked his partner, causing him to cease his disturbing laughter and look down at him.
"It's not work, buddy!" Taichi clapped the orange reptile Digimon on the back. "This is a chance for you to show off those mon-ly muscles..." The goggle-head's eyes trailed over to Mitori. Who, ever since he had met her, seemed to give off a sad aura, no matter how hard she tried to hide it. She was a nice girl, and he really wanted her to feel comfortable around all of them, like she belonged. Because she did; eighth Child or not, she was still one of the Chosen, and therefore one of them. And since Yamato didn't seem to care anymore, he'd personally make sure Mitori would never feel left out.
It was already starting to work. Every since he had broken the despairing silence, he had felt that melancholy cloud lift from her as well, replaced by - from the looks of it - curiosity, and slight nervousness at his actions. He almost laughed to himself; she was already like the others, being wary of his ideas.
Their gazes met, and Taichi winked at her and finished his sentence. "... and a glimpse of the power we possess!"
"Um, are you sure about this, Tai?" Sora, always keeping him in line, questioned.
Taichi rewarded her with a thumbs-up. "Don't fret, Sora!" He turned to Agumon again and balled his hands into determined fists, an excited fire burning in his eyes. "Agumon! I thought you were the 'mon! Are you not up to this?"
"Are you kiddin'?" Agumon retorted with just as much spunk, "I am the 'mon! Of course I'm up to this!"
"Then let's do it!" The two turned and charged towards the large chamber, and the brunette wasn't surprised that the rest of the group didn't immediately follow. Taichi pulled ahead of Agumon - his long, athletic legs taking much longer strides than his partner's short, stubby pair - and was pleased to find that the chamber was much larger than he had anticipated. It could easily fit all of their Champion level Digimon... but now was not the time to muse over anymore details.
His deep brown eyes quickly found and focused on a particular area on the stone ceiling that had several cracks and small holes in it, letting a few beams of sunlight filter through. He pointed a finger to the spot. "Okay, Agumon, do your thing and aim right there!"
"I'm on it!" Agumon said as he dashed past Taichi. By now, the goggle-head had hyped him up so much that the depressing fatigue that had settled on him dissipated for the moment, replaced by the adrenaline-like rush that flowed through him - the combined energy of him and Taichi. The bars of light had filled up on his partner's Digivice, and it emitted a shrill whistle as light erupted from its place on Taichi's belt, washing over the small dinosaur and beginning his evolution.
By now, the others had caught up to the duo of Courage, and while most were frustrated at seeing Agumon evolve, one was in awe at the transformation. Mitori had seen evolution only once - when Gabumon had evolved into Garurumon - and then it had been a fascinating, but quick, transition. But watching Agumon's evolution was... Her fingers flew to her mouth, unable to hide her fascination. After light from his partner's Digivice flooded him, Agumon seemed to be caught in a small vortex of data. Strange symbols could be seen for a few seconds, then there was a small eruption of light that changed colors - like in her dream. From that star of light, sparks of fiery-hued energy poured onto the small dinosaur, filling him with the last bit of power needed to change him into the large, orange dinosaur with slashes of blue across his back, a brown, tri-horned mask, and piercing ruddy eyes.
Greymon roared his trademark attack - Nova Blast - and let loose a large fireball from his jaws which sped towards the ceiling and destroyed it on contact. Everyone had expected a hail of stone to rain down and bury them, but instead the roof crumbled into dust very much in the same way fire consumes paper. The grey cloud descended upon them and for a few moments clogged the lungs of those beneath it as they tried to conceal their mouths and noses.
Then a timely breeze came, and swept away the dust on invisible hands.
There were a few scattered coughs, then an odd silence. Hesitantly, everyone opened their eyes to the mostly cleared air that now almost shimmered with the lingering particles in the air from the now revealed sun. Taichi blinked, glanced down at the de-evolved Agumon, who returned his gaze, then looked up to the sky simultaneously with his partner.
"Well, that was rather... convenient..."
"Is that all you have to say?!"
Taichi looked over at Yamato, whose angry aura made him imagine flames of fury burning around him. The brunette simply grinned and shrugged.
"Hey, c'mon... At least now we have a way outta here, right?"
"Only after almost burying us alive!"
"Matt, dude, just chill for a sec. How's about at the next Digimon village we find you a nice bottle of shampoo and some hair gel? Then you'll look good as new, if that's what you're so upset about."
"That had better be a lot of shampoo, Tai!" snapped Mimi, who was frantically trying to clear her dress of the dirt. "Oh, gawd! This is gonna take forever to clean!"
"You can say that again," said Gabumon as he mournfully looked over his own fur coat.
"Uh, I take it no one appreciates me and Agumon getting us out?"
"No one appreciates you getting us all dirty," Sora sighed.
"You gonna be okay, Jyo?" Mitori asked, noticing the older boy seemed to have suffered the most from Taichi's latest exploit.
"Yeah, so long as Tai doesn't feel like blowing up anymore half-deteriorated buildings."
"Hey, can we go already?" Taichi almost whined. Before anyone could object, though, a new voice spoke up.
"Gracious, what a mess you've made! I say, you do realize that there is no way you can get out, thanks to He-With-Large-Hair?"
Taichi glanced around aimlessly - as did everyone else, since the voice seemed to be coming from everywhere. While he should have been worried that not even the Digimon had sensed the presence of the newcomer, there was no threatening tone in the voice so he felt no need to be alarmed.
So, he seemed all too simple and oblivious when he pointed a finger at himself and asked, "Who, me?"
"Yes, you. I fear you will need to be taught a lesson."
The small rush of wind that followed drew everyone's attention above them, to the grassy edge that now over looked them. The tiny tornado there cleared to reveal what looked to be a shriveled, old lady holding a broom like a staff.
"And you are...?" Taichi prompted.
"That's Babamon, a sorceror type Digimon," said Tentomon, who came buzzing up beside Taichi. Feeling everyone moving closer to him caused Taichi to smile a little. Their anger forgotten, everyone was now ready to back him up should Babamon prove to be a danger.
"That is correct, young one," Babamon said. "Now, tell me who you hooligans are supposed to be."
"We're the ones destined to save the Digital World," Taichi said proudly, "the Chosen Children!"
"You don't say?" Babamon was swept up in another small whirlwind to reappear directly in front of Taichi.
"Whoa!" Taichi, along with those nearest him, stepped back a little, startled. "How'd you do that?!"
"Skills, my dear boy, skills. I just had to see for myself if you are who you claim to be. Let's see..." The Digimon's seemingly closed eyes trailed over the group of children and Digimon. "Interesting... very interesting..."
"Is there something wrong?" Jyo asked, probably feeling like he and the rest of the group were being scrutinized.
"Nothing particularly... Well, I guess I'll have to make do." She beckoned to Taichi. "You, come here."
"Um, okay..." Taichi stepped close to Babamon and bent down, as she beckoned him to do. As soon as he did that, Babamon swung her broom faster than he could see and whacked him soundly on the head with the handle.
"OW!" Taichi clutched his bruising cranium. "Why'd you do that?!"
"A man who does not plan long ahead will find trouble right at his door. Or in your case, young man, on his head."
"Y'don't say..." Taichi grumbled, rubbing his head.
"Now," Babamon said, addressing the rest of the children and Digimon, "I'm sure many of you would like an explanation as to where you are and why you are here. I'll give you one, but in a more appropriate setting." The sorceress Digimon waved her broom, summoning winds that surrounded the whole group and lifted them out of the chamber.
Finally, their destination was clear, and they would receive the answers they desperately needed.
"Ah, this is just what I needed," Taichi sighed contentedly as he sank further into the steaming water.
Babamon had deposited the group in the middle of a lush forest that was alien from the usual woods of the Digital World because it resembled the vegetation of Earth. The oddly mystical but realistic quality had reminded him of New Zealand or something. They discovered that they were in a very peaceful place, but perhaps that was because there had been a lack of inhabitants.
After a short walk, they came upon the place where the sorceress Digimon resided; a large home that Koushiro had said was very much like ones found in the Victorian age of England. Naturally, they had wanted their many questions answered, but before they could ask even one they had been whisked away to white, marbled baths that separated the boys from the girls. Babamon had declared that there was no way she'd give them what they wanted if they tracked dirt and dust all over her house.
He smiled as he relaxed, knowing that the others were also enjoying this rare moment of rest. Not wanting to think about how long that would last, he opened one eye languidly to glance at Yamato. The blonde boy has his back to the males in the pool; Gabumon, still far too shy to join the rest of them without his fur coat, was in a room not far off tending to his own needs.
Yamato had been brooding a bit too long for his likes... now to bring him out of that mood...
"Heeyy, Matt..." Taichi said as he swam over to the blonde boy.
"What?" Yamato snapped in his usual careless manner. Nice front he was putting up.
"I was wondering, are you okay after that? You're not hurt or anything, are you?"
"I'm fine," Yamato almost growled, turning away from Taichi to rest his back against the side of the marble bath. He opened one glittering crystal blue eye to glare at the Child of Courage. "You can go away now."
"But I was soooo worried." Taichi dared to drift closer. "Are you really not hurt? Or are you just hiding it from us?"
Now Yamato looked at the brunette boy with both eyes wide in shock and perhaps a little concern for himself. Taichi looked over his shoulder at the other inhabitants of the bath, who had noticed his actions, and looked equally as shocked as Yamato. Taichi grinned at them - they looked even more worried - then he looked back at Yamato as his grin turned even more mischievous.
Yamato's face paled. He started to edge away.
"Then... I'll just see for myself!" Taichi said, then lunged!
"Tai! Godda-!" Yamato's curse was cut off as Taichi collided with him and sent them both underwater. A few seconds later he came back up, sputtering as Taichi just laughed.
"Oh, great, " Jyo sighed. "T.K., you know the drill."
"Yeah, yeah." Takeru placed his hands over his ears. As glad as he was that his brother was now in a somewhat better mood, he was sure that in moments his language would turn pretty ugly.
Sora smiled as she listened to the splashing sounds of the boys nearby. Only Taichi could bring Yamato out of whatever dark mood he was in, and with Takeru there the darkness that had claimed the Child of Friendship would be dispelled for at least a while. The sorrel-haired girl wondered why it seemed only the guys could help Yamato emotionally. She wished she could make Yamato happy, too, but he seemed to shun any sort of feminine compassion...
The smile began to wane when Sora looked over at Mitori. The raven-haired girl also noticed the sounds coming from the adjoining baths, and a ghost of a smile passed over her features until she turned her head away. Sora was about to say something to brighten the newest Chosen Child's mood but was interrupted by Mimi.
"Well! Tai seems to be doing a great job over there. How long do you think it'll take before Matt tries to drown him, Sora?"
"Oh, um, I dunno, about five more seconds?" Sora laughed nervously at the thought, taking comfort in the fact that Jyo knew CPR. Sure enough, there was a blood-curdling, oddly high-pitched scream followed by uncontrollable laughter.
"Looks like Matt found Tai's weak spot," Biyomon said from where she was perched on the rim of the bath, preening her feathers. Palmon nodded in agreement, swinging her root-like feet over the edge in the water. The whole group knew that if Taichi had any major weakness, it was that he was extremely ticklish.
Sora and Mimi giggled, then the Child of Love returned her attention to Mitori. She had not joined the other two girls in their laughter, and was instead looking off towards the doors. It was likely because of Shimamon; the Digimon had adamantly refused to get into the baths, and had to be literally dragged in and scrubbed down by Babamon's attendants, a group of Floramon. It had been a mortifying experience for Shimamon to say the least, who had been reduced to a ball of red fluff, and she had left her partner to go sulk somewhere.
The unnamed Child's isolation had not gone unnoticed by the Child of Purity. Mimi waded off towards Mitori, striking up a conversation with the raven-haired girl. Ever since they were separated from the boys, Mimi had nearly latched herself onto the girl, and was more than willing to "assist" her in washing her hair. Sora smiled again slightly, recalling that Mimi had hoped the new Child would be a girl with long hair. Currently, Mimi was beaming over how nice Mitori's hair looked when it was done up rather than down; Mitori received the compliment with an embarrassed blush.
Wasn't this how it was supposed to be among normal girls their age? Not wanting to lose out on this precious moment, Sora joined the other girls. Like she knew Taichi would, she would make sure Mitori didn't feel like the odd one out. Sora was determined to watch over her and make her feel safe...
She was doing her hardest to fight off the ultimate feeling of foreboding about the newest Child.
/This is going on so muchbetter than I expected, but... How long will it last?/
Mitori wanted to smile - for even though she wasn't completely happy, she was content - but instead turned her face into her soft, white pillow, letting the coolness of the cushion battle the burning in her eyes from the tears that threatened her.
Of course she felt more than a little odd being in this group, but the kindness of everyone was not false. They were really trying to welcome her, and she didn't mind befriending them all - though she couldn't say she was fond of Mimi, who was far too bubbly for her likes. Even though she was not familiar with it, it would be rather cool to make lots of new friends...
But, most of all, she just wanted her best friend back.
The girl sighed deeply and silently as she turned her face so that her cheek lay against the pillow. No matter how hard she tried to think of all the good being presented to her, her thoughts ultimately led back to all that was wrong. Like what had happened in the bath...
"Has the steam helped the pain?"
"Hm? What?"
"I noticed a bruise on your neck." Sora indicated the spot she had mentioned using her own body, placing her hand on the right side of her neck where it met her shoulder. "So do you feel better..."
Her words had trailed off; perhaps she had noticed how Mitori's face had paled and how she clamped a hand to the small red spot on her neck, only to snatch it away quickly as if she had burned herself.
"Um, yeah, it's just a small bruise. I got hit by a limb yesterday when I was running from a... a Flymon. I'm fine, now." Mitori turned her face away, aware that her face was turning red, but not from embarrassment so much as shame. "It doesn't hurt anymore."
Mitori was suddenly aware that her hand was already unconsciously raising to the spot on her neck, and she gently eased it back down to the sheets. It wasn't a bruise on her neck, exactly, but she hadn't known it was still there...
She shuddered, then reminded herself that the mark was fading, just as her problems back on Earth were. What mattered now was what was going on in the Digital World...
Babamon had not exactly been true to her word when she said she'd give them what they wanted after their baths. She had treated the Chosen Children and Digimon to a great feast that everyone had been grateful for, if it wasn't quite what they wanted. Mitori had supposed everyone didn't mind judging from how they wolfed down their food - Shimamon and Taichi had actually fought over a drumstick of some poultry. During the dinner Koushiro had tried to press Babamon for information on their whereabouts, but the sorceress had merely told him and the rest of the group to sleep easy. They were in quite a predicament, but at the moment they were safe and had nothing to worry about.
After the meal, they were led to a single large bedroom that held separate beds for each pair of children and Digimon. They were even given matching white sets of sleepwear to substitute for the white robes they had worn after their baths while their clothes were mended and washed.
Mitori noticed that even when sleeping they were always thinking of and protecting each other. The eight beds were aligned with four on each side of the room from the entrance. Taichi and Jyo took the beds closest to the door, while Yamato and Sora were on the opposite side of the room by the windows. Koushiro was next to Taichi - maybe to discuss tactics while the others rested - and Yamato had Takeru by him. The girls had nestled Mitori between them, and Mimi was adjacent to Jyo.
/There's such a strong bond between everyone... Will I ever be a part of it?/
Mitori sighed again, then realized that she was laying on her side, looking towards Sora. The maternal girl was resting peacefully; her pink Digimon was also slumbering, perched on the pillow between the window and her partner.
If even Sora - who was the most protective of the group that Mitori had seen - could relax and sleep easy, then it would be best if she could do the same. It would be a good rest for Mitori's mind and body, and the best she'd have in months.
It wasn't as though she would have to worry about anyone coming into the room and disturbing her... A Digimon attacking would be far more welcoming...
She was already drifting off to sleep, but she felt a brief brush of something soft against her cheek. She remembered she had something else she had wanted to say, but her partner had not been present until now.
"Hey, Shimamon?" she called in a whisper to her partner, who lay curled on the pillow above her head. The feline Digimon answered in what sounded like a disinterested grunt, but Mitori continued anyway. "Shimamon, listen... I know you don't like being in this group. I'm not exactly comfortable here either, but despite that, I won't let myself get in your way. ...I noticed the way you looked when Agumon evolved into Greymon."
Shimamon grunted and swished her tail again.
"Even though I'm not sure how much I can help, I'll try... I won't hold you back, okay? You'll evolve just like Agumon, I'll make sure of it. I don't want the guilt... of being a... burden... to you, and the..."
All the problems could wait until tomorrow. For now, Mitori let herself drift outside, and allowed her mind ease, and her body rest.
Shimamon had been dozing rather placidly, until a few moments ago. She wasn't exactly seething anymore, but she now just felt bitter. Did Mitori really think she was holding her back from evolving? The girl needed to realize that she wasn't the problem - in anything. Shimamon had to get stronger, and it was her own fault that she wasn't.
If she were stronger, she wouldn't have needed to be saved by Garurumon when those damn Flymon threw her and Mitori off the cliff. If she were stronger, Mitori probably would not have had to meet up with Yamato again, and she wouldn't be blaming herself for all the pain that followed. If she were stronger, she could have protected that little girl from her own family...
The scarlet Digimon wasn't aware that she had nodded off until she found herself snapping her head up, suddenly wide awake. Immediately she knew why; she must have sensed that one of the children had left the room, but was awakened fully when a second one did also.
Yamato leaving didn't surprise her at all, but Taichi - the leader of this group - did.
Judging from the orange reptile's position, anyone would have guessed that Agumon had kicked his bushy-haired partner out of the bed, but Shimamon could tell that Taichi must have left of his own will. That must have been why Gabumon - whom she knew was awake, but acted as if he weren't - didn't follow Yamato. He knew that if anyone could talk some sense into his depressive partner, Taichi would be the one to do it.
Shimamon lowered her nose to Mitori's head, closing her eyes and listening to the girl breathe softly as she deeply breathed in her dark hair. Then she carefully stood up, looked briefly towards Gabumon's still form, and jumped off the bed. Landing silently on the hardwood floor, she stole towards the door. She glanced back at all the sleeping inhabitants for a moment before leaving, following Taichi's soft, fading footsteps, and another faint sound she couldn't identify, but sounded mournful.
Yamato stopped the song and lowered his harmonica from his lips.
"You didn't have to stop," Taichi said from somewhere behind him, emerging from the shadows and into the partial moonlight.
"I know, but... there's no use in ignoring you anymore." Yamato sighed and laid his harmonica aside as Taichi took his seat beside him.
For a long while, both boys looked out towards where their wandering had led them. This area of the Digital World must truly be peaceful, for they had found double doors left open that had led to a small stone patio. The patio ended in steps that curved around it, and beyond them stretched a small garden - whose flowers were closed to the night - that extended around a marble fountain, whose figure of a robed sorceress and waters were still. Beyond the garden was the forest they had walked earlier that day, and with the pale fingers of the half moon's and blue night shadows cloaking all, it did not look menacing. Rather, everything was sleeping, save for the two boys who were the only spectators over this still night.
At length, Yamato took a deep breath and said, "I don't know where to begin..."
"You can start at the part where you tell me what's wrong." When Yamato didn't respond immediately, Taichi continued, "You just get more and more complex, Matt. First you go save the girl, and now you treat her like she's some plague!" Taichi tilted his head towards Yamato, glancing at him. "What happened?"
"... It's personal, Tai."
"I see... Well..." Taichi returned his gaze to what was ahead of them. "Whatever she did, I'm sure she didn't mean to... Aw, don't look so surprised! It's obvious that she must have done something to piss you off this badly. Thing is she seems to be taking this punishment you're dealing her with no remorse, like she deserves it."
"She does," Yamato snapped, frowning and closing his eyes.
Taichi sighed. "... Looks must be really deceiving, then. She doesn't look the type to want to hurt anyone."
"Well, she's nowhere near as pleasant as you think. She..."
Yamato cut his own words off as his eyes snapped open in realization. He had never really thought too much about Mitori... He had tried not to. Even when they had been most associated, they still had an awkward relationship. They had never seen much of each other outside of school, and he had begun to believe that she wasn't that big of an influence in his life. He had so little hope then...
So why, now, did such a 'minor figure' cause him to feel so powerless with just a few words?
Considering the circumstances of their last separation when she moved to America, he had just tried to be as friendly and casual as he could with her once they laid their anxiety to rest. Though the Digital World was the last place he expected to see her again - especially as a fellow Chosen Child - he had thought he could put aside most his worries and be able to.... just get along with her as he had before. He was doing much better with the social skills he so badly needed for this adventure because of her. Yet, still...
He knew - he knew - that was there was still something troubling her. She may not have been aware of it, but he had known of how she couldn't keep her eyes on him long; how she cast her eyes away far too quickly when their gazes briefly met. And, as heartless as it may have been, he didn't want to know what was bothering her. It had something to dowith him, and he didn't think he could take much more with all the mental pressure he was already under. He had wanted her to join him under this mask he had adapted to deal with the happenings of the Digital World and the people around him.
But her silence had wounded him even more - he had dared to believe there was some measure of trust between them - and once she broke that silence, something in him had shattered as well.
To think that the reason he was getting along so much better was because of her... She would have been proud.
Yamato didn't want to deal with it anymore - the problems with his family that just kept adding up, and then that girl. But Taichi wouldn't allow him that; as goofy as he was, there were times when he could seem almost philosophical. That time was now, and he had bravely broken through Yamato's icy wall to burn away the fog he had surrounded himself in and thus free him from himself. With his mind clear, he was able to truly see - and now he knew how the cold, apathetic facade he had shielded himself with had only caused more pain, contrary to how he felt inside.
"'She' what?" Taichi prompted with hesitation, after Yamato had stayed quiet for a few moments.
"She... doesn't mean any harm, but you have be careful with her. There's a lot more to her."
"Such as...?"
"Well, she's... She's like..."
"...I get it," Taichi said quietly. "She's like you, you mean." Taichi turned his head to look at Yamato again, and the blonde boy closed his eyes slowly, not meeting his gaze. "Look, Matt..." Taichi suddenly chuckled softly, prompting Yamato to snap his glittering crystal orbs to him.
"What's so funny?"
"You, man. You really do go for the whole rock-star attitude. That angsty, 'my soul is a cold, black, bottomless hole' thing, you know? Dude, you really need to brighten your outlook on life; the world's not against you, and we're not either for that matter."
Yamato raised a golden eyebrow. "Care to explain your sudden sage-ness?"
"I thought you'd never ask!" Taichi threw him a cocky grin, then looked up to the near-starless sky. "I've been doing a lot of thinking lately-"
"Quite an accomplishment-"
"Would you let me finish?! Anyway, since Sora told us the traits of our crests, it made me think of why they're specific colors.
"Like Sora herself... I still can't believe she really thought she didn't think she knew how to love... But that's what red's all about, right? Passion and all that stuff. Plus, it's the symbol of heroes. It's bright, bold, and a color that grabs your attention... and holds it there. And you want to stay, because it's warm and comforting."
"Yeah," Yamato agreed gently. /But then again, if it's darkened even the slightest bit, it becomes tainted... the color of blood./
"And Mimi's Crest of Purity is green, of all colors! I really thought she'd get pink, but it fits her. It makes you think of the outdoors, and the life that exists in everything that doesn't walk the Earth. Or DigiWorld. You'd think Mimi was shallow, but I think she does want what's best not just for herself, but for anything that lives."
Yamato was surprised how much Taichi's thoughts matched his, for he had thought occasionally of the same reasons why specific colors were assigned to each crest. Still, his thoughts strayed. /Green's the color of jealousy, too. And I think it represents some kind of sin...
...Mitori's eyes are darker, but they're the same color./
"Um, what else... No one ever thinks about violet much these days, because it's not a color that stands out that much. But wasn't it the color of royalty during the times of knights? It still deserves respect, and best represents those who should receive it. That must be why Knowledge is that color, lucky Izzy." When Taichi sniffled, Yamato looked at him out of the corner of his vision to see the bushy-haired boy wipe a mock tear out of his eye. "I really love that little guy!"
"Get on with it, will you? You're starting to make me sick with your affection for Izzy." Yamato sounded cross, but truly he was curious to hear what else Taichi had thought of, already impressed with his evaluations.
"Fine, fine... Hm, we wouldn't be where we are if it wasn't for Jyo, would we? I mean, we all help each other and all, but the both of us probably would've killed each other by now if it weren't for him. I'm glad he's the go-between."
"The neutral gray between the black of darkness and white of good," Yamato finished for Taichi.
"Now, now," Taichi said warningly. "I know there's at least one person who can brighten your day! Do I even need to explain why yellow's perfect for Hope?"
"No. All in all, it's just a... jolly color."
"'Jolly'?" Now it was Taichi's turn to raise his brow. "That's not a very Yamato word."
"Your weirdness is rubbing off on me."
"Me? Weird?"
"Well, yeah. Admit it, you're pretty much a hyper-active jock most of the time, and now you're talking like... someone's sifu from those old martial arts movies. And Courage is represented by orange - orange, of all colors! Who wears orange anymore?"
"Well, only the bravest would, and I wear it proudly upon my breast!" Taichi puffed out his chest, but it deflated soon when he was overcome with giggles.
"You're so immature..." Yamato rolled his eyes.
"Well, excuse me, I'm sorry I'm weird and not cool like you. Yeah, you heard me," Taichi said, his voice quickly changing from playful and sarcastic to serious, "you're really cool, Yamato. And I can't think of any other color that best suits you."
"But-"
"Don't 'but' me, dammit! I know, you're about to say that blue's the color of sadness and coldness and all that, and we know that! But it's also naturally soothing, and it puts us at ease at makes us feel safe. So..." Again, Taichi raised his eyes upwards, focusing on the moon. "If Blue is cold and sad, we're willing to help that go away, because... everyone likes Blue."
Yamato was stunned, and actually touched by Taichi's words. "Tai..."
"I... I really believe that even though we've all been marked with our own colors, there's a bit of each color in all of us, and I know there are more we can find.
"You know... I don't think her soul is as dark as it seems. I don't know what shadows may lurk down there, but I think the life in it far outshines them. There may be turmoil, but she covers it so calmly." He looked back at Yamato, a faint smile on his lips. "I may be wrong, but I think she's somewhere between green and blue."
In the night, the fire in one's eyes didn't burn so intensely, and neither did the ice in the other's seem so cutting; they were able to lock onto each other on a mutual, serene level. Even Yamato, after a while, was able to smile a little.
"So, all better now?"
Yamato almost said, "Not quite", but since Taichi had indeed remedied a great deal of the pain, he only lowered his eyes and nodded.
"Good! So..." Taichi spread his arms. "Hug?"
Immediately the Child of Friendship's head snapped up, a slight frown and glare on his features. "Hey..."
"C'mon, Matt..."
/I really hate it when he uses that voice.../ Nevertheless, Yamato's features softened, and he dropped his shoulders with a sigh.
"There's a good boy," Taichi said jokingly, wrapping his arms around the taller boy.
"....Thanks, Tai."
"Whoa... you like my hugs that much?"
"Not that!"
"I know... Anytime, man." Taichi eased away from Yamato a bit, but didn't release him.
"....You can let go now."
"Yeah, but..." Taichi cocked his head, looking sickeningly innocent as he did so. "While we're at it... Wanna little kiss, too?"
Feeling Yamato start and look at him in utter horror for the second time that day was enough for Taichi, and he swiftly sprang up and away from him, laughing.
"Just joking! I'll, um, go hit the sack now." Taichi yawned as he stretched his arms up, then looked over his shoulder at Yamato. "Coming?"
"In a minute... not that I'm eager to sleep in the same room as you."
"Heh, right." Taichi began to walk back to the room, but he paused as soon as he reached the door. "You sure you don't wanna-"
Yamato's eyes had flashed brightly with dangerous intent when he snapped them to Taichi, causing the brunette to break out in a cold sweat and turn back around quickly.
"Nevermind!" he squeaked. "G'night!"
After the Child of Courage had made his departure, Yamato heaved a great sigh of true relief. Though, as soon as Taichi had left, a bit of his despondency returned. But it was considerably less, and he realized that he would need the support of the others to truly dispel it. Everything could work out... in this world, at least.
He gazed up at the moon as Taichi had done, and noticed that the night sky surrounding that pale orb wasn't as black as he thought it to be. Rather, it mirrored the deepest shade of blue and looked velvet soft as it cradled the celestial globe. Yamato was content in the knowledge that the moon would simply retreat with its blanket of refuge where no one could see, while the sun took its place to fill the land with light.
Tomorrow, no matter what Babamon had to reveal to the group, he wouldn't let it pull him down into another black hole of depression. Stressing about it would do him and the others no good.
If he really was their blue shield, then he would be it. As for Mitori...
Another rare smile made its way through to him. He knew what he would have to do with her.
Um... Heh, sorry, but I have no good excuses for the long, long delayed update. All I can say is that however sporadic they may be, I will not abandon this story. There's still so much that needs to be said.
Now then... Eh, I'm sure you're all wondering what the heck is going on between Matt and Tai... Well, I have no specific comments on that, other than that while writing the scene I thought of an episode of 'Mad About You' where Bruce Willis guest-starred. Um, yeah.... Jeez, these chapters are getting pretty darn long, huh?
As always, feedback is food for my depleted brain!