Disclaimer: I don't own Digimon Tamers, Rurouni Kenshin and all of its characters. They all belong to Bandai and Nobuhiro Watsuki-san respectively. I do, however, own Himura Daigo, Ada (the character), Red Agumon and Red Piyomon which is Ada's digimon.
The Foreign Tamer chapter 3: Lunch, and Daigo's sakabatou
In the previous episode of The Foreign Tamer, the tamers (minus Jen, Hirokazu and Kenta, and the young tamers) were at class. Daigo and Takato couldn't concentrate on the subjects that they are being taught, while Ruki and Juri stayed glued to their chair, taking in the subject very seriously. Then, Daigo asked Takato if he could join him for lunch. Both Juri and Takato agreed to his suggestion, and Daigo asked Ruki to join them for lunch, which Ruki agreed almost too ambitiously. And so, the tamers met at lunch.
Lunch hour (the tamers didn't have class after lunch, because most of their classes are in the morning)
Takato and Juri were the first to arrive at the lunch area (I was about to type lunch site. But then it would sound like launch site now wouldn't it?) A few minutes after they arrived, they were greeted by two familiar voices.
"Konnichiwa, Takato-kun. Katou-san."
Both Takato and Juri turned their head towards the voice. There, standing in front of them, were Yamaki and Juri's boyfriend, Lee Jenrya. (I forgot to mention that Jen and Juri are together in my stories. They often get hitched before Takato and Ruki do.) Juri was overwhelmed with joy that her boyfriend could come to the college and spend time with her.
"Jen!" She quickly jumped and hugged her lover, while in the process giving him a peck on the lips. "I've missed you so much…"
"Hi Juri! Missed you too…"
"Missed her? You guys practically see each other every day…" Takato teased the two lovers. Jen and Juri blushed, but not heavily. Yamaki was also humored by this.
"True, Lee-kun sees Katou-san everyday. So how can you say that you miss her?"
This time, Jen and Juri blushed heavily, totally embarrassed of this.
"Ah, come on you guys! Even if I do see her everyday, its 's not that I can see her when I get home."
"Well, for starters, you can ask her to marry you…" Takato just blurted out straight to the point. He knew that he hit the jackpot with that statement. After 8 years, Takato now knows how to hit people where it really counts.
"Ma… marry… marry her?" both Jen and Juri blushed heavily when Takato mentioned this. True, Jen and Juri are serious in their relationship, but both of them never thought of marriage yet. Jen was planning on working and saving the money for that particular event. But he never exactly planned on asking her, yet.
Before Jen and Juri could answer the question, they were greeted by four more familiar faces.
"Gomen Takato! Our class had some extra activities."
"Ii yo, Daigo. I see you've met Hirokazu and Kenta."
"Hai. We met them when we were coming here. Ruki-san asked them if they wanted to join us, and here they are..."
"So ka… by the way Hirokazu, when did you get here?"
Both Hirokazu and Kenta looked at each other and grinned. All the tamers, minus Juri, Jen, and Yamaki looked at them curiously. What the hell are they grinning about? Is it another scheme they're plotting? Ruki didn't like it one bit when the two of them were grinning.
"Juri asked Jen to come and have lunch together. So when he was on the way here with Yamaki, they stopped by at our shop and asked us if we wanted to join u guys. There's no way we were going to say no."
"But what about the shop? Who's running it when you guys are out?"
"Don't worry about it! Both Andromon and MarineAngemon are taking care of it."
"Oh… okay." Ruki didn't press the matter further, as she practically knows that Andromon, who was previously Guardromon, is now a very reliable partner to Hirokazu.
"Okay, now that everyone is here, why don't we sit down and listen to Daigo's story…"
They all nodded, except for Takato and Juri of course, as they both were already sitting. Jen was the first one to ask Ruki on why they would want to hear Daigo's story.
"Ruki, what story are you talking about?"
Before Ruki could answer, Daigo beat her to the punch.
"Oh, that one, Jen-kun. She wanted me to tell her about how I got this in my possession." He pulled out his sakabatou from his side and put it on the ground. Yamaki stretched out his hand to take a good look at it, but he hesitated.
"Himura-kun, is it?"
"Hai, what is it Yamaki-san?"
"Can I take a look at this sword? I mean if you…"
"Mochiron desu. You know pretty well that that sword can't kill anyone."
Yamaki nodded and picked up the sword. As he started to examine the sakabatou, Ruki asked Daigo the question that she asked him earlier in the morning.
"So, Daigo… can you tell us all how you manage to get hold of the famous sakabatou? I mean, that katana must've been around for at least hundreds of years… it must've been rusted to the point that it cannot be used again..."
Ruki's questions and statement were taken by the others with a nod from all of them, including Yamaki, who was still examining the katana.
"Well, since we don't have any classes this afternoon, Jen-kun and Yamaki-san is also not busy, I might as well spill it out.
"Takato, remember the day I arrived here in Japan?"
Takato nodded to Daigo's question.
"What about it?"
"At the time I arrived at the airport, it was around 4pm. You told me to walk around 'coz you won't be arriving for at least 2 hours. So, I took your advice and started to walk around the airport."
The whole group, minus Yamaki who was busy studying the sakabatou, dropped their jaws when Daigo told them of this.
"You mean to tell us that, while waiting for Takato, you walked around the airport for two hours! What the hell did you do?"
Ruki's question was answered by Daigo with a smile on his face.
"What are you smiling about?"
"Ruki-san, remember the sakabatou?"
"Yes…"
"I'm getting to it…"
Realizing that Daigo was about to tell his story, she blushed a bit. Takato, who was sitting beside her, smiled at her. Daigo sees this and he also smiles.
"Ok, it all started when I had this urge to go to the toilet…"
Huge sweat drops from everybody, including from Yamaki.
Flashback
After calling Takato and receiving an answer the he will pick him up for at least 2 hours later, Daigo decided to take a walk around the airport. With his knowledge in Japanese language, he could ask around and get to know Japan and Tokyo more.
Even if his name is Japanese, he's not Japanese. He adopted that name as that name would be easier to be called among Japanese, and also that the name suited him best. He only adopted a name for himself while not putting a family name. He didn't put a family name, as he didn't know what family name that he would stay with and adopt when he is in Japan.
Fifteen minutes after he started walking and asking around, he suddenly got the urge to go the toilet. After asking the direction to the rest room, he quickly sprinted to that direction. After doing his "stuff", he came out feeling relieved. But when he came out of the toilet, he noticed that everything was completely wrong. Why? Because, right now he wasn't at the airport. Now, he was standing on soil, in some kind of village. The houses were in ruins, the atmosphere filled with darkness. He turned back to find the rest room he came out of, but he couldn't find any. Behind him was all the same. Ruined houses with dark atmosphere.
What the hell is going on here…? I went into the toilet to take a leak, and I come out to find myself in a ruined village in ancient Japan?
As if to answer his curiosity, a dim blue light shimmered a few feet in front of him.
"Huh? What the…?"
Before he could ask what the light was, the dim light took form of a young man. A man wearing a samurai's clothing, with two swords at his side. But the most distinct feature of this person is of his hair color and a cross scar that is visible on his left cheek. (the attire that Kenshin is wearing right now is the attire that he used to wear when he was the Hittokiri Battousai, except that his hair is the same style when he is a rurouni.)
"That red hair… that scar… masaka…"
"So, you're guessing is correct. I am the Hittokiri Battousai, Himura Kenshin."
"But… but weren't you supposed to be deceased for a long time ago?"
"Hai… again you are correct. I am deceased. This is only my spirit talking to you."
Daigo's curiosity was getting on a higher level.
"Spirit? Okay… I know that when spirits come to talk to people, there must be a reason behind it. And they don't just pick anyone. So desu ka?"
Kenshin smiled at him. A genuine smile.
"So degozaru. I was right to pick you, Daigo-dono…"
"Pick me? I know of you're legend, Himura-san… but why would you pick me? I mean, I'm not very good at anything, except for cars and computers that is…and how'd you know my name?"
Kenshin looked at him curiously, but quickly dismissed the look. He quickly got back to the task at hand.
"I chose you because of your intuition and guessing. And also, your knowledge of me."
"Oro?"
Kenshin laughed at this. "I never thought that I would hear anyone else other than me saying that word…"
"Himura-san, what do you mean by what you said earlier?"
Instead of answering him, he turned away from Daigo. Daigo was about to ask where he was going when Kenshin spoke.
"Why don't we talk a walk?"
Knowing that he wasn't going to be able to be back to airport any time soon (and don't know how for that matter), he nodded and the both of them started walking.
They walked past many places: the place where Kenshin first fought Sagara Sanosuke, the mansion where he, Sanosuke and Myojin Yahiko fought to save Takani Megumi and at the same time fought again Shinomori Aoshi, the burning furnace where Kenshin fought the shadow Battousai Makoto Shishio with the help from Aoshi, Sanosuke and Hajime Saito, the beach where he fought against Yukishiro Enishi, and many more, until they finally stopped at a dojo. The dojo of Kamiya Katsushin ryu.
"Himura-san…"
"Hai?"
"Why did we stop here? From my knowledge of your past, this is the dojo Kamiya Katsushin Ryu, where you and your family, Himura Kaoru and Himura Kenji lived. Is there anything that I might find here?"
Kenshin did not answer his question; instead he started to walk towards the dojo. Daigo, who was getting more and more puzzled, just followed the rurouni.
When inside, Daigo was overwhelmed with awe. Why wouldn't he? The exterior was ruined, but inside, it was almost as if the place was well preserved. Everything in it was preserved perfectly. When he stepped forward, something stopped him.
"Daigo-dono… the reason I picked you and guided you here is because I want you to become the next of my line of family. I want you to continue my heritage."
This one really puzzled Daigo a lot more than he already is.
"Oro? The next in your line of family? I'm not even a Japanese person. I just used a Japanese name so that people can call me easier."
"Did I hear another person said 'oro' other than Kenshin?"
Both Daigo and Kenshin turned towards the source of the voice. Four dim blue lights shimmered into view and materialized into four persons. They were Himura Kaoru his wife, Hiko Soujiro his sensei, Myojin Yahiko his protégé and Sagara Sanosuke his best friend.
"Hai, Kaoru-dono. There is another person that said that word other than me." Kenshin smiled as he went to his wife.
"Never thought I would hear that word from anyone else other than Kenshin, na Yahiko?" Sanosuke was always like he was; chewing on fish bone.
"That's right, Sano. And from what I see, Kenshin did a good job of picking another Battousai, but not a killer Battousai." Yahiko smiled at Sano's statement, totally agreeing with him.
"Not a killer Battousai? A Battousai is still Battousai; a killer. Nothing can change that, boy."
This time, all of them turned towards the source of this new voice. There, three more lights materialized into 3 persons. They were Hajime Saito, Shinomori Aoshi and Makoto Shishio's right hand man, Seta Soujiro. Saito started walking towards Daigo and studied him.
"Even if Battousai trains him to be his next successor, Hittokiri Battousai still means a killer. That boy will become a killer, like the killer that Battousai was before." Saito's eyes were studying him and his looks made Daigo shiver with fear.
"Please Saito; we know that in his time, crisis will arise. And with that, a new protector must arise to protect everyone."
After hearing this, Aoshi stepped forward, placing his hand on Saito's shoulder.
"Himura is right, Saito. The new era needs a new protector. We must help him protect his era and his people. There is no time to dwell on the past anymore…"
"Tch…" Saito jerked Aoshi's hand and just smoked his cigarette as usual.
"Why did you choose me, Himura-san?"
"We chose you because there is a part of each and every one of us here within you. Even Soujiro-sensei included."
That statement was followed with a BANG to Kenshin's head with a sword by Master Soujiro. The other Soujiro just smiled.
"Himura is right. You even have my characteristic as well."
"Yahiko's will to go forward to the future."
"Sano's eagerness to fight."
"Saito's strong sense of justice."
"Aoshi's incredible skill and ninja techniques, as well as agility."
"Hiko's boldness and macho ness."
"Soujiro's calm and cool expression."
"Kaoru's compassionate and caring feelings for others."
"And finally, Kenshin's will to swing his sword and protect his loved ones."
By this time, every one of them was encircling Daigo. They began turning into 8 blue lights and one by one those lights zoomed towards Daigo.
What the…?
Each of these lights represents us all Daigo. And with it our power, skills and techniques. We have chosen you as the next in my family. You are the next Himura.
"The next Himura?"
Slowly, the lights have all gone into Daigo's body. After the light disappeared, he felt strange. Like Kenshin said to him, he can feel all eight people's power inside of him. Then, another miracle happened.
Daigo…
"Huh?"
He looked towards the source and found a lone source of light. He calmly approached the light. He stopped in front of it just as the light faded.
Himura Daigo. You are the new Battousai. You will swing your sword not to kill, but to protect. For this, you will use this sakabatou. Remember that my new descendant.
"I will Kenshin-san… I will." With that, he reached for the sakabatou. Taking it from its holder, he pulls it out and examines it. He starts swinging it around, to get the feel of it. Then, when he feels confident with it, he pulls out some new tricks.
"KUZURYUSEN (NINE HEADED DRAGON ATTACK)!"
"AMAKAKERU RYUNO HIRAMEKI!"
The results of these attacks were devastating. The things in front of him were, first cut and stabbed at nine places; the same position as a person standing; his head, left and right shoulder, left and right arms, left and right thighs, groin and center stomach. And then when that was clear, a huge upward right diagonal slash was visible. After that, the spot that was attacked disintegrated.
He sheathed his newly earned sakabatou, and another light came.
Himura Daigo, since you will be using my techniques, I shall give you a present. Receive this and you will be able to master the 2 handed sword techniques.
The light disappeared and another sword materialized. This time it was shorter. It was the same short sword that Aoshi used. The kodachi, which was the short sword that samurai often used to commit hara-kiri, the suicide ritual.
"Arigatou, Aoshi-san… I will use it wisely."
Boy, Battousai was right to pick you… and I admit it. Use my sense of justice to protect your world, and also your people.
"Wakarimashita, Saito-san. I will do just that."
And use my compassionate and caring side to take care of those that are close to you and to your heart.
"Ore no kokoro (my heart)… I will Kaoru-san, I will…"
After receiving more words of wisdom and getting used to all the techniques that he gained from the spirits, everything turned white, and Daigo found himself inside the rest room again. But this time, there were the sakabatou and kodachi attached to his belt. The sakabatou was in place just like Saito places it on his belt. (To give you an idea on how this looks, the sword is put in place using the style that Japanese swords policemen use.)
"So ka… it wasn't a dream after all…"
When he came out, he started looking for the clock, and realized that it was now 6pm.
Have I been in that place longer than I had in the toilet? Maybe there was a temporal distortion in the time field or something like that. (I made this up)
End flashback
"Oh, so that's how you got hold of the sakabatou. But where's the kodachi? I don't see it anywhere…"
"Well, I stored it inside my closet in the hotel. Kinda afraid of bringing it, 'coz the blade isn't reversed like the sakabatou."
His answer came with a SMACK on the head, courtesy of Ruki. Takato, who was sitting closest to her, eyed her with a puzzled and baffled look.
"Why did you do that to him, Ruki? I mean, what did he do wrong? You usually do that to me if I did something wrong…"
Ruki turned her violet eyes towards her lover (they haven't confessed to each other, but hey? I can't take it anymore!)
"He should've brought the kodachi along with him. Who knows, if the hotel boys clean his room, they might take it away or do something bad with it, right? I mean, the kodachi is the sword that can kill. You don't want that do you now Daigo?"
Daigo put his hand on his chin and thought about it. She's right. Those hotel boys could take away Aoshi-san's kodachi; I mean my kodachi that Aoshi-san gave. Can't let that happen.
"You're right, Ruki-san. Thanks for reminding me."
"No sweat."
"Well, Takato. Can you and Ruki follow me to the hotel? I want your guys help on picking up my stuff and bringing it to your house."
"Sure, but why do you need to bring Ru…"
Takato's question was cut short as Daigo locked his head and whispered to him.
"Listen… the reason I brought Ruki along with us is that I want you guys to spend time together… got it? If you wanna confess, do it. Remember what I said earlier. It all depends on you guys. Okay?"
Takato nodded to him. Ruki was giving them both a curious look when Daigo released his lock on Takato.
"What the heck is up with you two? Whispering behind me like that? Is there anything I should know about?"
Takato was a nervous wreck, as he doesn't know how to answer Ruki's question. But for Daigo, he was as calm and as cool as Soujiro Hiko and Soujiro Seta.
"Oh, it was nothing Ruki. I was just telling Takato that he's a lucky guy, that's all."
"Huh?" both Ruki and Takato looked at him curiously. As for the other tamers, they were also puzzled by Daigo's behavior. Yamaki, who has finished examining the sword, gave back the sakabatou to Daigo.
"I think we should eat lunch before setting out, Himura-kun. I mean, these guys practically haven't even touched their lunch."
This one got the attention of everybody (excluding Yamaki of course). They looked at each others lunch, and sure enough, it wasn't even touched.
"Oro? Was my story that interesting that you guys didn't even touched your lunch?" sweat drops from everyone.
"I guess so Daigo. But like Yamaki said, let's eat! Ittadakimasu!"
"ITTADAKIMASU!"
And so, the tamers enjoyed their lunch. Takato and Ruki on the other hand, had trouble eating. Two things: one is that they were both next to each other, and two is that they were thinking on how to confess to each other.
Okay Takato. Daigo asked Ruki to come along so that you can confess to her. But I can't just tell her straight away. Even if I know that she loves me back, I think I need time. But I better take Daigo's advice: don't take too long.
Okay Ruki. I think I know what Daigo's thinking. He brought me along so that I can confess to Takato. I know I want to, but this is all happening too fast. I know I love him… God, I love him so much after what Daigo has told me. Well, I'll just enjoy the time together with him. And I know that Daigo will leave us alone.
With that in their minds, they turned towards each other. Daigo, who was sitting across them, looked. He was expecting them to turn away, but his expectations were wrong. They didn't turn away. Instead, Takato just smiled at her, and she smiled back.
Well, those two are beginning their first step in their relationship. I've done what I should have done, and the rest is up to them. Can't interfere with that.
All of them enjoyed the rest of lunch. After that, they all departed to their own destination. Jen and Yamaki headed back to their office, along with Juri. Hirokazu and Kenta headed back to their shop. And as for Daigo, Ruki and Takato… the three of them headed to Daigo's hotel to pick up his stuff and bring it to Takato's house.
That's it for chapter 3. Daigo has revealed the secret of the sakabatou, along with the Himura name. And what could be in stored for our heroes? It's all in the next chapter of The Foreign Tamer.
Note: the techniques of the other characters that Daigo have will be revealed in the later chapters. And please give reviews! I appreciate them. Arigatou gozaimasu.