Regless:  Sorry for the extra long delay in this chapter.  I finally tweaked out some of the finer points of this fic that damn near screwed me over with a serious inconsistency. (minus the one where I thought Riku was the duel wielder which I'm going to ignore.)

Damerek: I'm still here…?  Dammit Reggy stop using me as your muse.

Regless:  Aww, but you don't exist outside of my head.

Damerek: Small price to pay.

Black: Lucky bastard, wish I could dodge him by not existing.

Regless:  Tch, you're all so mean… so that means I get to burn you all to the ground. :Whips out flame Thrower:

Demsius: Are you sure you aim is good enough to hit any of us?

Regless:…No, now shutup.

******^******

Digital Hearts – World 02 – Get Together: Part Two: Around Town

******^******

***Sakura's POV: Avalon Residence: 7:00am sharp***

"What a mess…" Dad took his glasses off.  They were broken and it was a miracle none of the pieces of glass went into his eyes.

Tori bent over and started picking up the pieces of glass.  "Hey Sakura, can you go over and get the mop and broom?"

"Mm-hmm."  I nodded once.  "Do you want my help in cleaning this up?"

I couldn't see behind me, but I knew dad was back to smiling again.  "No, it's alright.  Tori can stay and I'll give him a ride to work so he isn't late.  You can go and get changed now."

"Umm, alright."  I said, leaning the two poles against the table next to my brother. 

Tori didn't object.  He didn't even seem to notice anything else had been said.  I turned around and started back to my room.  But I didn't get even one step before my mean older brother grabbed the back collar of my pajamas and held me back.

"Eh?  Hey!"

"Hey squirt."

I frowned. He still hadn't let go yet.  "What is it now Tori?"

"…Watch where you're stepping."

"Huh?"  I looked down and moved my foot to the side a bit.  Underneath was one of the larger fragments of glass.  I stepped around it carefully as Tori finally let go.  "Uh, thanks."

"Whatever.  Such a klutz."

            I ignored the comment as I went back up to my room.  Today was another day of school, another day of sunshine, another day of Li…  We had become an official couple, one day after I transformed the Emptiness Card into the Hope Card.  So why did I feel so sad in the back of my mind…  It felt like… something was coming…  Something big.  I opened the door, Kero seemingly came to life as soon as he saw it was only me.

"Nooooooo!"

I sweatdropped.  "Eh, Kero-chan.  You might want to be a bit quieter."

"B-But I was on the last level…"  He sobbed.  "And that kid ruined it."  He started crying at that, I giggled at him.

"Don't worry, you got there once you can do it again."

He wiped his tears away as I changed.  "I guess.  But that kid…  he didn't come through the door or window."

Pulling my shirt down over my waist, I glanced at him confused. "Really…  I was thinking something like that too… since I'm pretty sure I would've seen him if he did that… But he doesn't have any Magic to him either."

Kero glanced over as he restarted the game.  "You didn't feel anything?"  I shook my head as he put a paw to his chin.  "That's bizarre, then I wonder what…"  He stopped and flew behind the TV, then came back holding an all too familiar card. "…this is."

I started down at it in shock.  "Is that a…?"

"Clow Card?  Nope, the seal is different on the back so you would need a different type of Magic to Summon it." I kneeled down and picked it up.  Kero flew next to my head and studied it with me. 

 "Hmm, I wonder what it does?"

"Well…"  Kero went back into his floating thinking pose.  "No one has signed it… and I can just imagine the trouble it would cause.  Why don't you claim it?"

"But…" I started.  "…What if it belongs to that boy?"

"Then just sign it in pencil or something."  He suggested. 

I blinked. "You can do that?"

"Well I think so.  I don't see any reason for it not to work but… then again this is a pretty unique situation.  Can't hurt to try though, can it."

I nodded.  "Okay, just let me get one from my bag."

            I got up and started for my dresser, it was right near the door and it was also support the weight of my bag.  As soon as my hand grabbed it, the door swung open suddenly again.  Tori grabbed my hand and pulled me out of the room.

"Come on squirt, I shouldn't be able to leave before you with all the cleaning I have to do so get in gear."

"Ah, just… wait a second.  I-I have to-"

"Hurry!"  And with that he yanked me outside next to my roller-blades.  Tori can be such a pain.  But I guess I could trust Kero to watch over the card and make sure it didn't get into too much trouble.  I put on my roller-blades and set off for school.

*^*Kero Insert*^*

Well… maybe it won't release itself until Sakura get's back…  But it's kinda funny.  The names of the cards usually reflect traits they have and their purpose for existing…

"So then what was the purpose of making a 'Guilmon' card?"


            I know now that I shouldn't have said that out loud.  I know now that this Guilmon is a Saurian in body, but a child at heart.  And I know now, that when I said his name he unsealed himself, for no other reason than to say hi back.  The only thing I don't know, is why he kept pointing at me, and what's a 'Digimon?'

***POV: None***

            Lumiere stood in the mass of white.  The little worlds shone like little black stars all around her.  Behind her, Kurashell and Reseal stood vigil… well one was vigilant.  One was seeing if he really could suffocate himself by holding his breathe.

"So you say they escaped here… how odd that a human could navigate through the door of Darkness…  Reseal!  Destroy that door, there's no reason to keep it blocking your brethren."

The blue eyed man shuffled a bit.  "…I'd prefer if you didn't associate me with them like that.  But, as you command."

Reseal spun around and started chanting in an eerily quiet voice.  The echoes bounced off infinity as his whole body began to glow.  The last two words he said however were much louder and more pronounced as they concluded the magic he was harmonizing with.

"…DRAGON SLAVE!"

            The other two didn't flinch as the door behind them splintered and fire engulfed the area.  That was immediately followed by darkness as Heartless poured out to conquer the worlds.  Reseal brushed himself off and returned his attention to his mistress.

"Should we begin searching for them?"

She nodded.  "Yes, but even if you split up you can only cover two worlds at a time…  I think it's time I bring Sephiroth closer to where he wants to be."

"…"  Reseal bit his tongue.  The idea that she would rely on that inferior cretin was sickening.

"But first… I'll need more servants to find those little brats."

The eyes of the Heartless swarm locked onto the girl. Millions, maybe billions of them.  They recognized her…  What she was, and what she was about to do.  They turned on her, temporarily forgetting about their purpose to destroy the emotions of every living thing there is.  Reseal moved to block them off, but Lumiere stopped him.

"Be calm… this is what I wanted.

Powers of Darkness,

Slaves of Light

By all your power I invoke my Right.

LOCK!"

            The Heartless started to transform at that last word.  Of course they did, this is what she used on Reseal and Kurashell as well.  The only difference was his level of power.  They all started taking shape, becoming more than just mere shadows, but each one being a unique existence of color and features.  Too many to tell about.

"All of you, fan through the worlds and find those that do not belong. When you succeed tell me and we will destroy them."

Reseal nodded.  "You partially locked their hearts…  very clever."

"They had hearts?"  Kuri Kuri asked.

"Dark hearts with no minds. The oldest Heartless also had hearts, but because of the years of decay they have fallen apart, beyond repair."

Kuri Kuri just blinked at me.  "But… uh hey.  I'm a Heartless Lord, aren't I one of the oldest?"

Lumiere glared back.  "Yes… You're slightly different.  My seal on you is… not the same as the ones I put on those creatures."  The light haired girl motioned to her new minions.

"It was just common sense.  But they still aren't strong enough to keep their invincibility… well, perhaps the Dark Sides, but as for the rest…  They are just insects… doing as I command."

***Henry's POV:  Town: 9:00am***

"You know, I can wait here as long as you can, young man."

Wanna bet?

            I think I seriously got cheated on my landing.  I tried my hardest to lie my way out of this, since I know my excuse is justified, but the elderly man in front of me is sharper than he looks.  At the moment, we were both sitting across from each at a wooden table in the dining room.  He had his arms crossed, still awaiting a plausible excuse.  He seemed nice enough, just…firm in his position.

At last he sighed.  "Young man, I have many chores to do today.  If you don't want to tell me what you were doing, then tell me the address of your parents so I might escort you home and we can leave it at that."

Hmmm, if I can't convince him to let me go with a lie, then maybe I'll try for pity…

"…Actually… my dad is… not with us."  Hey, it wasn't a total lie.

"Oh…  And your mother…"  The elderly gentleman responded carefully.

…mom…

"She's… with my dad…" I looked down at the rim of the table sheepishly. I hope and pray that they're alright in Traverse Town.

The man nodded. "…I see…"  He got up and paced around, examining the windows and scenery they beheld.  "…It might be a bit cool, but if you'd like to go for a walk I suppose I could still finish my tasks before master Shoran returns."

"Huh?"  I glanced up.

"Yes indeed, nothing cleanses the mind like a brisk walk in fresh air."

I nodded.  "Sounds good…  Thanks Mr…"

The man chuckled.  "Just Wei will do fine."  (A/N:  Sorry, I dunno his real name)

***^***

            It really was cold outside.  At the very least 'Master Li' had a spare coat.  I had jammed my hands into my pockets in a feeble attempt to keep them warm.  It didn't work, but I found something I didn't expect.  It looked something like a new age Tarot Card with a light blue backing with some magical seals and stuff.  On the front, however, was the curious, fun loving form of my partner, Terriermon.

            Upon seeing the card himself, Wei gave me a glance that left everything to the imagination.  He definitely had some kind of reaction to the card, but I'd have better luck trying to win the lottery than to figure what it was.  So, I simply put the card back in my pocket, and double-checked to make sure my D-Arc was hidden.  Most of our little walk was done in silence until we got to a stony wall overlooked by bare trees.

Sakura Trees…

Wei sighed.  "My, my, it seems as though the young ones are skipping out at such a young age nowadays."

"Hmm?" 

I looked over and followed my temporary guardian's gaze to a pair of children about my age sitting on a bench.  They were sleeping in such cold whether, and the outfit on one hardly provided the much-needed protection against the elements.  I didn't need to look twice to recognize them.  They were none other than my dear friends, Takato and Rika.

"Those guys…  What are they doing?"

The butler glanced to me once more.  "Friends of yours?"

I nodded.  "Mind if I say hi?"

"By all means, I'll wait here for you."

            As I made my way over to the pair, I made a few observations.  Number one was the fact that they were both sleeping.  Another was the skirt 'n' shirt Rika was dressed in.  I'd have to ask about that later.  Then there was the fact that they were huddled so close together, the untrained eye might mistake them for a real pair.  But Rika, despite her efforts was shivering.  Obviously their position was nothing more than a simple plan to stay warm.  She probably would have done the same with Ryo, or even me if I was there instead. 

I took my jacket off and placed it on her.  She stirred in a newfound comfort and I took a seat beside them.  Feeling my own tiredness I let my body fall back, however, when I realized the bench would probably freeze attach itself to me, I turned slightly and my rested head on Takato's shoulder.  He seemed to be doing fine in the cold.

"Mmm~mmmph?  Henry, is that you?" He asked in a whisper.

"Yep."  I replied back casually.  "Mind if I use you for a pillow."

"Not really.  Hey I was supposed to find you first."

I chuckled.  "This way works too."

            Takato straightened himself out forcing me to do the same.  Rika seemed content to stay sleeping.  I nodded to Wei and he made his way over to us.    I started the introductions.

"Wei, these are my best friends Takato Matsuki, and the sleeping beauty is Rika Nonaka.  Takato, this is Wei.  Butler for 'Master Li… Shoran?'." Regis nodded.

"N-Nice to meet you sir."  Takato did an exaggerated bow.

Wei smiled warmly with a bow of his own.  "The pleasure is mine."

Great that went well, now for the hard part…

"Umm, Wei. These two don't have a place to stay either… would it be… alright…"

"Say no more, I'll have the guestrooms prepared at once when we return.  But do bear in mind the final say belongs to master Li."

Takato seemed to snap a bit more into consciousness.  "Uh, huh? I mean, thanks, we won't be there for long, just for a day or so."

I nodded.  "Then we should probably head back now. Or else you won't have time for anything else.  Takato knows how to cook and clean, and Rika's pretty independent.  We can help you out."

"That would be marvelous."

I smiled.  "Hey Takato, would you wake Rika up?"

The goggled boy backed away from me.  "Not on you're life, you do it."

…crap…

***Sakura's POV: Elementary School: Right When The Bell Rang (whew, I made it)***

            I stepped in and waved to the teacher.  He nodded and smiled back, despite my close call with being late.  Everyone else was already here, so I quickly took my seat next to Madison and Li.  The former leaned in towards me as the teacher started his lesson plan.

"Almost didn't make it, Sakura.  Did you sleep in?"

I sweatdropped.  "Umm, kinda.  A boy I've never seen turned up in the weirdest place in my house."

Li glanced over to us.  "Are you serious?"

I nodded.  "Mmmm hmm."

"The same thing happened to Meilin in the…" The boy glanced back to see Meilin giving him the evil eye.  He decided not to disclose the location after all, or at least not directly. "Uhh hey.  He didn't… happen to land in the shower… did he?" Li was blushing.

I blinked.  The question seemed a bit odd, but I shook my head and he breathed a sigh of relief.  "It was my room instead.  He scared me half to death, then he tried to escape and turned the kitchen into a disaster zone."  I groaned.

Li's mouth hung open.  "Uh, he didn't… er…"

"…?"  I waited for him to finish the question, but he shrugged off whatever he wanted to say and went back to his usual sitting position.

"Nevermind."

"Uh, okay…"

Madison chuckled.  "What are the odds that such a thing would happen to both of you on the same morning?"

I nodded.  "That reminds me.  That boy gave me a strange feeling.  It's… similar to the feeling I used to get around Eli but it definitely corresponds to a different person."  I sweatdropped once more.  "Ummm, it's hard to explain."

Li just frowned.  "I hope this isn't another test, or some kind of new card Eli forgot to mention to us again."

"Come on."  Meilin cried.  "We got the Yin and the Yang.  There can't possibly be any more cards."

"At least not made by Clow Reed anyway."  I murmured.  Everyone blinked at me, so I started to explain.  "I, uh, found this new Card.  It didn't have the same seal on the back but it was the same basic design.  I think that boy might've left it.  But… it was unsigned too."

"That doesn't make any sense."  Li stated.  "If he knows enough to catch a card he should know enough to sign it."

"Maybe he's like you when you started." Madison suggested.  I flushed a bit, as I really was clueless back then.

"Er… maybe…"

"Well, if you're going to search for him later tonight… I have the perfect costume for you." Madison squealed with delight, leaving me to just sweatdrop… again.

"Why don't we meet at my house?"  Li suggested.  The rest of us nodded in agreement.

"Sakura Avalon, can you answer this next question for the class?"

Oh no.

***Kero's POV: Sakura's Bedroom: 3:15pm***

"Oh no you don't, take this, and this." I yelled, unleashing as much firepower as could fit in ten seconds.  Guilmon sidestepped and ran up to me.

"You fight like a Punimon."  He started swiping at me, but I backed up and hit him with my most explosive shot.  Guilmon cried out.

"You sunk my battle ship."

I frowned.  "That's a board game Guilmon, this is completely different."

"Oh sorry."

            The words 'WINNER' showed up on my side of the TV while the words 'LOSER' were proudly being displayed on Guilmon's side.  Not that I could blame him of course, I was a pro at this game.  It'd take more than some three fingered newbie to take me down.  Guilmon got up and stretched himself.

"Well that was fun Keromon-"

"AY!  I told you it's Kero!  Keroberos!"  I shook my fist at him, but he didn't seem to care.

"Right Keroberomon.  But I'm kinda hungry."

I folded my arms and started floating upwards. "Sorry, buddy, not possible.  You're a spirit.  You can't get hungry."

"Not hungry?  Mmmmm…"  Guilmon looked up at the ceiling and scratched his head.  "Is there anyone else here?"  The saurian asked.

"Huh?  Well… uh Tori's at work and same with Sakura's dad but…hey!  Come back here!" Guilmon didn't listen to the rest of my explanation.  He was already happily walking out the door with his nose turned up, obviously smelling something good. "Hey!  Wait, you can't just go outside."  I grabbed his tail and started pulling, for all the good it did me.  I was seriously considering switching to my other form.  "Hey!  You gotta wait till Sakura gets back.  If Tori or her dad stepped through the door right now…"

"Don't worry, I'd let them have pan-cakes too."

I growled.  "You're missing the point!"

"Too bad there's no Guilmon Bread, but oh well."

I frowned once more.  "Guilmon Bread?  Do I even want to know what you're talking about?"

"Guilmon bread.  Guilmon bread.  Bread shaped like my head."  The red dino started singing and it was kinda scaring me.

"Ah… right.  Look we don't have any bread but we got pudding."

"No bread?"  He seemed disappointed.

"Forget the bread.  Pudding knows all and sees all."

"Guilmon Bread!"

"Pudding!"

We leered at each other, eventually Guilmon back down and start scavenging for leftovers, though he stopped when he stepped on a piece of glass that Tori had missed, lucky for me I fly.  He looked at the bottom of his heel… which is very hard to do as a dinosaur and he tipped over, falling into a heap on the floor.

"Ouch, my he~ad."

I laughed.  "Serves you right, now get back to the room."

He got up, looking like he was finally ready to start obliging, when his nose tipped upwards again.  "Takato?"

I frowned.  "If you mean that kid with brown hair and the tacky blue shirt he split before you even woke up."

Guilmon turned on me.  "Where he go?"

"Out the window.  Not my first choice for exit but when you got Sakura's older brother running you down…"

-Crash-

"Takato?"  Guilmon had just jumped through the window, making the hole bigger and he was still sniffing around for his guardian.


Oh man… If he gets loose in the town it'll be a disaster.  I don't wanna do this, but her leaves me no choice.

            I let my wings engulf me, returning to my true form which, for those that doesn't know, was a lion with golden eyes like the sun, matching collar brace, and of course my wings grew to accommodate my size.  I followed Guilmon and flew over his head, blocking him off.

"Sorry but you need to sit tight."

Guilmon walked up to me and sniffed the air around me, then took a few steps back.  "Keromon!  You got a big doggy in your backyard!  Don't worry though, I'll scare him off.  Raar."

I sweatdropped.  "Uh pardon me but, I'm Kero."

"Gee, you're braver than most the doggies I met..."

Is he even listening to me right now?

"…Pyro Sphere!"

I jumped back, startled.  It turned out it wasn't needed as the attack was aimed at the ground just in front of me.  "So… You're a fire spirit of sorts?"

"Bad doggymon.  I need to go now, please move."  The dino replied, ignoring my question completely.

"I told you I can't let you."

"Pyro Sphere!"

            This time I was prepared for such an onslaught and countered with my own fireball.  I was able to gauge the strength he as using by the size of the hole he made with his warning shot before.  My attack overpowered his and knocked Guilmon back.  I felt a little bad for the guy, but I can't have him running around. Guilmon landed on his back, then lifted himself to a sitting position, pouting at me.

"Sorry, I got to go."

I stepped forward.  "For the last time you're not going-"

            I didn't get a chance to finish as the red dragon suddenly hunched down, then like a mole, he started ripping up the earth like there was no tomorrow.  I ran over and tried to grab his tail, the only part of Guilmon sticking out of the hole by the time that I got there, and I succeeded. Not that that was a good thing, he yanked hard twice smacking my head into the ground, then squirmed free.  And try as I might, there was no way in the world I was going to get through THAT hole without getting stuck halfway. I let my wings fold over myself once more, going back to my smaller form and checked to see if anyone was around.

Well, at least no one saw me…  But if Sakura finds out I let Guilmon go, I'd be banned from cake and pudding for a week!  Not good.

***Meilin's POV: Li's Mansion: 4:00pm***

            After a bizarre day, there nothing like coming home and just kicking up your feet to relax.  However, that was not going to happen, for as soon as I opened the door I saw the pervert bringing tea into the main foyer through the doorway. He stared at me for a second, then smiled kindly…  I glared back.  He was sure comfortable for someone who wasn't welcome.

I growled and pointed a finger at him.  "WHAT ARE YOU STILL DOING HERE?"

At that, a red haired girl walked by my vision and leaned backwards against the wall next to the blue haired kid.  "He's a glutton for punishment. Who are you?"

I narrowed my eyes and Li, Sakura, and Madison stepped inside behind me.  "I'm a resident of this place.  Who are you?"  The girl narrowed her eyes back.

The blue haired kid set the tea down and addressed us a quickly as he could after hearing what his friend said.  "Uh, I'm Henry Wong.  This is Rika Nonaka.  She's… nicer once you get to know her…"  I could see the red head cast an angry glance at Henry, who shrugged it off just as easily.  "…And Takato's is in the kitchen making some pastries."

I growled.  "Another one."

"How come you're all here?"

Henry sweatdropped.  "We're orphans… kinda.  To put it simply we don't have a home so I asked Wei if we could stay and he said we must ask you."  The boy walked up to Li, grabbing Rika by the arm and bowed deeply.  "Please allow us to stay, we'll earn our keep, I promise."  The girl paused for a moment, but she lowered her head too.  At least she has some sense of decorum.

"I am not staying with that pervert!"

"It'll just be a couple days… I hope."

Li gave it only a moments thought before agreeing.  "Alright, you can stay."

"WHAT?!"

Li frowned.  "Sorry Meilin, but he's got a point.  It's freezing out there. Besides it won't be for long."

"Hmph."  I pinned Henry with a glare and a finger just as he started to look up.  "You owe Li and me big."

Rika glanced over to me, a look a genuine curiosity expressed on her face. Obviously she could tell my anger was rooted in something other than this temporary inconvenience.  "What did he do?"

"Ah, let's not talk about that."  Henry copped out quickly. Figures he'd say that.  "I take it these two are your friends?"  He motioned to Sakura and Madison, who as it turns out taped our entire introduction thus far.

"My name's Sakura Avalon, nice to meet you."

"And I'm Madison Taylor."

After the rest of us exchanged introductions I heard the voice of the remaining free-loader in the kitchen. "Ouch Ouch ouch!  Uh, Henry, a little help?"

Mr. Pervert chuckled as he called back while pouring us tea.  "Sure, I'll be there in a minute, just don't drop anything."

"If you want me not to drop it, you'll have to get here a lot faster than a minute."

"Uh, Rika? Can you take over for me?"

The girl nodded and took the pot, allowing Henry to go back.  I saw Sakura get up as well.  "I'll help too. The more people you have the easier it is, right?"

"Sounds good."

"Less talking more helping!" Takato called from the other room. 

            They both ran towards the sound of his voice, but strangely Sakura stopped in the doorway.  I leaned over so I could see partly into the room Takato was in.  He was a brown haired boy with… goggles?  Anyway, he had pastry pan on every plausible part of him.  One on his head, one per hand, and one he was balancing on his foot.  How he managed to get into that position without dropping anything, I'll never know.

"Careful, it's hot."

"I figured."  The pervert replied grabbing a spare towel and taking the pan from Takato's foot, then the one from his head.  "Better?"

"Much."

            The two boys started walking back into our room just as Rika finished pouring us all tea.  However the brunette stopped as soon as he saw Sakura.  Everyone at the table took a sip as we waited for the food to come.  Pervert didn't even notice until he was halfway between them and the Master of the Clow Cards started waving rather timidly.

"…Oh no, don't tell me I somehow ended up in your room again."

"PFFFFFT!" Li, Rika, and myself both exhaled… a bad thing to do when you've got a liquid in you're mouth.  I felt bad for who ever cleaned our mess off the table.  It would most likely be Wei.

"Nope, definitely not.  That weird stuffed animal is nowhere in sight."  He joked.

            We could all tell it was a joke, but me and Li both sweatdropped as our minds dawned on the same thing… Kero.  Li had risen to his feet and was currently running to his girlfriend's side.  I followed him, of course.  I had a feeling I was going to get another chance to practice my moves on this kid.

Takato, as he was known, was smiling a lot considering what he just said. I cracked my knuckles as he glanced past Sakura and at me.  "………Well Henry, could you put these on table, I'm pretty sure there's a window around here I'll have to jump through in like two seconds."

"Uh, no!  It's alright.  I'm not angry or anything.  It was just weird… You got in without making any noise or anything."

"It was a… uh… fluke?"

"Hmmm…"  I folded my arms and 'hmph'ed.  "Normally I wouldn't believe you, but considering what Pervert did your little story sounds a lot more plausible."

The browned haired boy blinked while Henry just slapped his forehead.  "Pervert…?"

***^***

            We were sitting down once again.  Wei had explained the situation a little further… mainly the part about these freeloaders having more freeloading friends. Basically I didn't like what I was hearing.  Now I was stuck with two prevents for an undetermined amount of time.  Possibly more.  I can't say I cared for the description of this Kazu or Ryo, the latter of whom Rika described as the worst kind of person. Kenta, Jeri, and the younger ones all seemed alright, but still…

"And we can sleep in the living room." Henry wrapped up.

Takato was rubbing his head nervously.  "Umm… does that mean… you too Rika?"

"Of course Takato.  I don't want to make anyone any more uncomfortable than necessary."

Hmmm, didn't think she'd say that.

Takato's head drooped as he started murmuring.  (Great, and with my luck she kicks, punches, and tosses in her sleep. I better make sure Henry stays between us… or maybe Meilin can tie her down, she seems pretty violent too.)

I leered at him until he noticed.  "What was that?!"

"Uh, err oh nothing I was just… admiring my shoe laces……That I got for my birthday…" (…Crap…)

I was about to tell him to fess up to what he really said when the phone rang.  Regis answered it promptly.  "Good evening, Shoran Residence…  Oh Mr. Moon, it's good to hear from you again…"

My head snapped in the butler's direction.  "Moon?  As in Eli Moon?"

Wei nodded while continuing his conversation.  "You are? Right now? …Yes I understand…  Sakura? Why she's here right now, I'll put her on."

Oooo… What's he doing back here?  Last time a Polar opposite of all the Clow Cards just about wiped everything out… well, granted that was when he left and his mansion was torn down, but still…  And before that he put us through the weirdest tests… I still have sores on my hands from punching the ceramic penguins in the park.

Sakura took the phone and held it to her ear with both hands.  "Hi Eli!"  Cheerful as ever.

"Umm, who's Eli?" Takato asked.

"Well he's… kinda a friend I guess.  It's a bit hard to explain."

"Eli attended our school last year, but he had to move away after just one year." Madison responded.  "I hope he's doing well, but then he has Ruby and Spinel to keep him company.  Crumpet anyone?"

Takato nodded.  "Kinda like Ryo then. He's a friend and he helps us out a lot, but he keeps leaving so it's hard to know him."

"Exactly. And sometimes he's a real pain."

"Then he's exactly like Ryo." Rika gestured.

I shrugged.  "I guess, but something tells me Eli was more annoying."

I bet Ryo never tried to bury someone in a pile of plush sheep.

"Hmph.  We'll see."

"Yeah." Sakura giggled.  "We had some visitors too.  One of them even showed up in my… huh? You want to talk to one of them?  Well, sure."  She paused covering the mouth of the phone with her hand.  "Uh, he wants to speak to one of you."

"At this rate he'll have spoken to everyone in this room before he hangs up." Rika replied.

"I wanted to say that." I whined.

"I'll take it." Henry called out getting up.  "Henry speaking… Jeri?!  Er, yeah I know her.  She's with you.  Umm, yeah okay, just let me get a pen."

            By the time Mr. Pervert turned around Takato had already navigated the house for any writing object practically leaving a dust cloud behind him and was currently holding it out to his friend.  His energy didn't die down once he handed the object off either.  He kept circling around Henry trying to catch little bits of the conversation.

"So cuuuuute." Madison chimed, taking out her video camera.  "Maybe you should take notes Li."

"…"  Both brunettes blushed though Li looked at the floor while starting to rub the back of his head sheepishly.

I turned to Rika.  "So I guess Takato and Jeri are boyfriend and girlfriend."

The girl glanced back. "……Mmm… yeah I guess, but Takato hasn't actually stated his feelings clearly as far as I know.  So… maybe…"

I leaned in.  "…Maybe…?"

"…No, nothing.  Nevermind."

Weirdo.

"Uh huh, okay sounds good.  Right I'll meet you there." Henry hung up.  "Well that's lucky."

Rika blinked.  "He has to meet someone now, great. Just another reason to go outside where it's minus seven in a skirt."

"Yeah, how'd that happen anyway?" Takato asked turning around. 

The pervert. stomped on his foot.  "Remember Takato, Rika just got transferred."

"Tch, yeah sure I remember anything you want me to."

"Oh, so that's why we didn't see her in the school before." The brown haired girl exclaimed like she'd been thinking about it since they met.

Madison just tilted her head and smiled at Henry, staring him down.  She was thinking about something, but who or what was anyone's guess. "…Hmmm, did Eli say where you were meeting?"

The blue haired boy nodded.  "Penguin Park, have you heard of it?"

"Of course we go by there all the time." Madison replied. "Need a guide?"

"Yes please!" Takato blurted out rapidly.  "Uh, can we go now?"

"Easy boy." Rika replied coolly crossing her legs.  Suddenly she looks uncomfortable and uncrossed them.  "Er, damn I hate these things.  Anyway, they'll probably take a bit to get there if this Eli's been out of town for a while."

"Actually he said he'd be waiting for us no matter what time we showed up."

Takato turned back.  "Then let's go, I'll go get my shoes."

"Hold on a second Gogglehead.  These people just got here, they might want a rest."

The brunette already had one shoe on when he heard that.  He looked up rather ashamed.  "Err, sorry.  I guess I kinda got a little carried away."

"No problem.  Actually I'm fine if everyone else is."

Madison set her tea down.  "It'll be great to see Eli again.  Definitely a moment for the camera."

I frowned.  "I wanna stay and rest my feet a little more."

Li got up.  "I'm ready."

Tch, he's just saying that to impress Sakura. He hates the cold as much as I do, and even though I may not be his girlfriend, there's no way I'm getting left behind!

            I raced over and stared putting my shoes on with break neck speed equivalent to what Takato just used.  I could hear the others talking behind me.

"Alright, but let's wait for Meilin… Meilin?"

I frowned once more.  "Are you coming or not?"

"Wow… fast."

"Close your mouth Goggles and let's go."

***Takato's POV: Sidewalk: 4:30 pm***

            Will Rika ever stop calling me Gogglehead?  How is Jeri doing? Where has Guilmon gone?  What did Henry do that kept causing Meilin to give him a death glare every minute?  Well, at least I'd be getting the answer to one of those questions soon.

            There was really only one concern that especially weighed me down.  What was going on with our Digimon.  Guilmon, Terriermon, and Marine Angemon all had a built in survival mechanism. Dig and the ability to act like rag dolls.  Guardromon would have a harder time of it, but as a machine he didn't need to bring himself into the open to grab a snack. Monodramon... Well he's a mysterious little guy, especially with the day saving Digivolve. Impmon was obnoxious, and Calumon was brainless.  Odds are someone would've spotted them by now… or maybe not… Renamon had me the most worried.  Not a single Tamer didn't know of her extra special ability to be close to her Tamer always… and yet never be seen.  But when Rika called her there was nothing.

"Hmmm…"

            I glanced at Rika, and was instantly reminded of how happy I was that I didn't go to a private school.  But it was strange… how Rika's clothes were the only ones that changed, again, not that I'm complaining.  I just wish I knew why it happened.  I glanced ahead at Henry.

I wonder if he's thinking the same thing… I'll have to ask him when I get a chance.  Until then…

"My, it certainly got dark quickly." Madison exclaimed, forcing me to take sudden note of my surroundings.  She was right, it was almost black in every direction, but oddly it seemed that most the stars were still hidden.


I wonder which part of the world I'm in... I don't think I'm out of Japan, but then again the layout of this world could be completely different.  I'd like to ask, but I don't think Meilin trusts me very much and, even though Sakura seems to have put it out of her mind, I did still show up in her room.  I guess I'll just keep quiet for now.

            I glanced at Li and Madison, both of whom also seemed nice enough.  But Li kept glaring at me every few seconds, not that I could blame him.  And Madison…  Well, I haven't been that confused about a girl since Jeri and her sock puppet.  Compared to them, Sakura was a breath of fresh air, and probably my best ally in this world.

Great, now I sound like Henry…  I should enjoy the sights more.  The clean bare trees… The fresh air… the gorgeous night… The Legendary Tamer in the back of a patrol car… The good compan-HEY!

"Ryo?!"  I checked again.  I could only see the back of his head now but it certainly did look like him."

"Eh?"  Rika turned as well letting her ponytail bounce, but not fast enough to catch the boy passing by.  So she turned to Henry and me instead.  "Was that him?"

You sound pretty worried for someone you allegedly hate…

"Don't know.  I think it might've been him, but I didn't get a good look."

"Ta~daaa."

Madison swung around holding her video camera proudly, almost like it deserved to be put on a pedestal.  And when I got a closer look at it, I realized she was right.  It was one of those Digital recorders with an extra panel/screen on the side so you could see what the camera sees.  And right now we all saw Ryo, there was no mistaking him now.

"So that's supposed to be the evil one…" Meilin muttered.  "…Are you sure?  He was pretty cute.  Not as cute as Li but still."

Rika narrowed her eyes.  "That was him.  He even has that stupid grin on."

"I wonder why he was in the back of a patrol car." Henry pondered.  "Hmmm… must've been somewhere he shouldn't, and since he has no home or parents… Yeah, they must be holding him temporarily."

I nodded at Henry's explanation.  "That sounds about right… So… Should one of us go see him and try to get him out or something?"  Our new friends watched us as we puzzled ourselves about what to do with Ryo.

"Well, Eli asked specifically for me when I was on the phone.  He said he had something he wanted to talk about."

I rubbed my head nervously.  That meant I'd probably have to go see him… until Henry started again.  "And Jeri said she really wanted to see you again Takato.  So that only leaves…"

"Umm, Rika."  I could her eyes twitching at me already.  "Could you…"

"I should've known."  She replied callously.  "Legendary Tamer my foot."

I could see Sakura and her friend exchange glances while Henry and I just sweatdropped massively.  Well, actually Madison just smiled and tilted her head…  Again, I wasn't sure what to make of that response.  Either she was a ditz or the comment went completely over her head, or she heard it and was just smart enough that she had already started figuring out the reality behind my friends and me.  Rika didn't care about her 'slip' or maybe she did it on purpose.  I don't know, but in the end Henry and me gave her puppy dog eyes and she agreed to go 'bail the idiot out'.

Madison smiled.  "Mind if I be your guide?"

            Madison's offer surprised me.  I thought Meilin would've been the one dying to get away from the so called Mr. Pervert, but perhaps her willingness to be close to Li cancelled her common sense thinking ability… Li and Sakura… They had been holding hand the entire time, and even though the boy was blushing, you could see his happiness…  I wish I could be that open…

Madison chuckled hauntingly as she walked off with Rika.  "Ho ho ho, I wonder how sir Ryo will explain his bold move earlier…"

…Great now I wanna know what Ryo did…

            We walked further, about five minutes further when I stopped.  I don't know what possessed me to stop. But I did, and I turned around for much the same reason… well actually, it wasn't much of a reason so much it was a feeling.  I seem to be getting a lot of those recently.  My eyes widened when I saw, just down at the very end of the street, a small black creature with glowing yellow eyes.

"A Heartless!"

I whirled around back to Henry, but suddenly he and everyone else seemed miles away. When did they get so far ahead?  Not that it matters.  I tried to run after them but I felt all my energy leave me in my first step.  I was grounded and things were getting darker.  All around the colors had faded into a drab grey.  The building hunched over like looking at the world through a warped magnifying glass.  I had felt this before, and before Ryo pulled me out of it with just a touch.

I remembered what Riku said, about the Heartless attacking in swarms, so did this one lead me around by my nose, and my dreams?  It looked one of the ones that covered my world in hoards, but it was always alone.  I was sure that this was the exact same one that guided me through the Door of Darkness as well.  It acted so unique it wasn't hard to figure out, even for me.

"H-Henry…  H…"  My voice ran out… my eyelids lost the strength to stay open.  And finally…

…everything was black.

************^************

Reviews

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Proofreading Stops Here.

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Anime Obsessed Fan – Heh, yeah sorry about that.  I promise I'll wait this time.  Lessee, as for Tori, yep.  He's over protective, but he's also calm and very in control of himself.  One of the reasons I liked Card Captors so much, they didn't have a single character I hated for any length of time.  It was all good.

Black: The clothes of certain Tamers changing and the Digimon changing are directly linked.  I wanted to explain that in this chapter but since Eli's the only one who can explain it'll hafta wait.

And yes you are correct about Clow Reed name spelling.  I watch a lot of anime but Digimon's my specialty so I'll probably make more little mistakes like this, please bear with.  And thank, I'm rather proud of that scene myself.  (I still got some… interesting ones in Last Shot to come as well.)  Though brace yourself, I think I'm going to be putting in a Ryuki moment shortly.

Black: Oh dear lord no.

Yes… anyway thanks for the review.

Newbi – The Hope Card does have an… interesting role in this bit.  But Sakura hasn't used her key yet.  She just grabbed it in case Takato turned out to be a violent lecherous pervert… huh… I think I just described my oc: Kuri Kuri.  LOL, heh, about what Henry said 'I've been in this situation before', he merely meant he knew someone was about to have a shower and he was in the worst spot.

Black: I certainly hope he's never been in that situation before.  That's a good way to make enemies.

Oh and as for what you said about sealing the Digimon into cards. While most of them are already sealed like Monodramon, one is definitely going to cause trouble… Erherm, not to mention any names Impmon! (That is if this section doesn't last to long because I have lots of other stuff I wanna do also.)

Tamer of Light – Heh, thanks.  Card Captor Sakura Rulez!  And thanks for the review as always.

Zerodragon – Heh.  One thing I noticed about Kingdom hearts is that while Sora did interact with numerous different worlds, it was a fleeting acquaintance.  So Takato will definitely have more interaction with Sakura, but nothing too… severe.  And yes, you are correct about Rika. And Sakura's eye color, my bad.

QuestionDeca – Henry needed a moment in the spotlight.  And yeah I think I saw some screen shots for that game. (Though the one I'm really looking forward to is on the PS2)  Thanks for the review.

Jakotsu-aniki – …Twitch…  Yeah, Not sure when Sephiroth's next appearance to the Tamers will be but he is not done quite yet. Thanks for the review.

Neverwhere: Chaos Mode – Heh.  Yep, Renamon and Monodramon are both sealed inside the cards.  Right now there are only two Digimon unsealed, one being Guilmon of course, and the other being everyone's favorite little Imp.  Thanks for the review.

Pokemon-35055 – Thanks! And thank for the review.

LoneWalker – Walks up to Lone Walker's fridge and grabs a soda while the muse and his master wrestle.  Thank you!  Gee, mistaking wine for juice, I should try that on my little bro.  Thanks for the review.

Kara – Yep, kinda sucks for Henry too cause she can kick his ass.  Sory about spelling Reed wrong. Naw, Guilmon won't cause tooo much trouble.  That's Impmon's job! Thanks for the review.

The Mad Shoe – Thank you kindly.  And thanks for the Review as well.

Kayono – Hiiii~  I can understand your ranting fine and I noticed Gallantmon too.  Blew my friggen mind… which shows just how pathetic I am when unemployed and out of school, but anyway.  Thank you for the review.

John on 'da john – Belt?  Ahhh the good old days.  Err, anyway.  Here is the update as you asked.  Thank you for the review.

ChaosDukemon – Yep, Kingdom Hearts is an excellent game too.  One of the best I've ever played. And, heh, I kinda slaughtered their characters in my first fic so this is kinda a makeup for that.  Kurashell, Lumiere, and Reseal are all OCs as you suspected.  Riku is really from the game. And I guess you right about spelling jutsu, my comp doesn't have it in spell check but it looks right.

Nightdragon0 – Heh, Card Captors will always be one of the sweetest animes I ever saw. Sakura was… uh… kawaii throughout the entire thing.  Thanks for the review.