Standard Disclaimer: I STILL don't own Digimon!
Author's Notes: Bleh. Studying for SATs and real life stuff are constricting my writing schedule. I'm sorry for the delay.
In other news, I'm changing the story's name to 'Zero 2: Housemates'. This way, people can be sure this story is part of the Zero 2 timeline.
To the reviews!
ficmaster: …you reviewed twice. (boots him off a cliff) Missed that. ;P
Chosen Child of Darkness: 'Seppuku' equals 'suicide'.
Yami Shadowclaw: BLARGH! NOT ANOTHER REVIEWER SPAMMER! I BEG YOU! NOOOOO! (wails on like Calculon)
Anthony1: You have your answer here!
Assamite: …in a K-Plus story? No. By 'socialite', I mean 'spends too much time partying with friends' and whatnot.
Dot Cubed: So complex it's cool, eh…? Does that mean chaos theory and string theory are going to become the new Snoop Dogg? ;P
Yamimaru: Yes. (SPOILER ALERT) Impmon's champion form appears in this episode.
Digi fan: You'll see them.
Trey Miller: Nope. It's gone. As for those cartoons you mentioned, what are they?
Lord of swords and waffles: It's almost like a train wreck; you wanna look away but you can't.
Anime obsessed fan: Oh…it'll be interesting…
Dark Qiviut: (blinks and steps out of the box) You forget…I'm…the AUTHOR! (sends Dark Qiviut into either the Teletubbies or Barney universe…whichever one's more evil…but not before booting him off a cliff twice). ;P
Cloud-821: Apology accepted.
MajinMewtwo: I guess spammy humor that belongs on message boards (an art I used frequently before joining FFnet. ;P ) isn't your forte. (boots him off a cliff…and boots Stoppa off a cliff with a spiked iron boot)
Silver Warrior: Wrong. In Japan, Davis' name was 'Daisuke'.
Mewgia Mirrorcoat: Thanks for the OOC comment. Daichi's actually being introduced now…because he'll play a large role in other entries in the Zero 2 series.
Ninetalesuk: Blargh. Haven't had much time to read your story. X.X
Bluesv20: Exactly!
Kmoney: Ouch. Morbid picture. Welcome to Housemates!
Chigy: Indeed.
Begin!
xxxx
Chapter 12: The Ties that Bind Us
xxxx
/Odaiba School, Odaiba, 7:52 AM/
The stares were immediate.
Students stared at Veemon with utter shock. Their surprise was evident on their face; standing amongst them was a Digimon.
As Davis and Veemon continued to walk, they could hear an occasional sentence or two.
"Look at that…"
"Is that a Digimon?"
"A Digimon? Aren't Digimon the ones who destroyed Odaiba?"
"A monster…why at our school?"
"Why's he walking with Davis?"
"Is he a friend of Davis?"
"He's probably an attack 'dog'. What else could he want a monster for?"
"That worm…acting like nothing's wrong with bringing a Digimon here…"
"Monsters…"
Davis resisted the urge to sneer. What did they understand? Nothing, that's what. They didn't know how great a guy Veemon was. But that was just it; they DIDN'T know. They didn't know that Veemon was his best friend. And to be honest…if he was in their shoes…he would be distrustful as well.
Man…this is gonna be a tough day. Even so, he would bear with it…and he would wear a smile all the while.
Veemon and Davis continued to walk through the halls. Davis stopped in front of his locker and looked through the clutter of papers and old candy bar wrappings for his math book. As the Child of Miracles searched for his math book, his partner stood by his feet and waved at the students that would pass by. "Hi! How are you? Nice day, ain't it?"
The stares would not stop coming.
A black-haired girl – arms full of books – was so mortified by the sight of Veemon…after all, he was a Digimon. She had actually seen a Digimon when she had taken refuge in the Fuji Television Station…she had seen up close and personal what they had done. She froze on the spot.
A notebook slipped out of her grasp, falling to the floor with a noisy clatter. Veemon happily hopped over and picked it up, holding it towards her. "Here ya go! You dropped this!"
That was all the girl could take. She shrieked and ran for all her worth, dropping her books in the process. As she ran down the hall, her screams attracted attention. Students stared at her as she ran.
Then the glared back at the innocent Veemon, who looked a bit confused. "Huh…did I do something? Maybe it's my breath…"
"Nope," replied Davis as he closed his locker, math book in hand. He smiled as he gazed into Veemon's red eyes. "You didn't do anything wrong."
Veemon smiled. "Oh. Okay Davish!" Veemon walked beside Davis as the two continued on…but the male Inoue knew that Veemon was hiding the hurt in his eyes. How painful it had to be…to be rejected at every turn…
It made Davis angry to know that Veemon was going to be experience this pain today…and yet the little Digimon was going to go along with it anyway.
Stay calm Davis. You have to stay strong…because Veemon's staying strong. If you don't stay by his side…what will that say to him?
He would not back down. He was no coward.
After all, he WAS Davis Inoue.
Bleh…stupid name.
xxxx
/Homeroom, Odaiba School, Odaiba, 7:59 AM/
Davis sat down in his chair just as the clock turned to 7:59. One more minute till school began. Veemon quietly sat down beside his desk. "Ready Veemon?"
"Ready for school Davish!" exclaimed Veemon.
They seemed oblivious to the glances and stares they were receiving from their fellow classmates. The biggest stares came from none other than Kari and TK. Right now, their facial expressions were the epitomes of shock. The Kamiya girl leaned over and whispered, "Davis…WHAT ARE YOU DOING?"
"I'm just going along with Veemon's plan," replied Davis with a grin. "Let's just say I'm making things easier for Digimon."
RRRRRIIIIINNNGGG!
The clock struck eight.
School time.
Mrs. Hakashi entered the classroom. "Okay class, get your math books ready; we'll be getting into today's lesson immediately after roll call." As her eyes scanned the room, they saw a shade of blue skin.
Wait…blue skin?
She did a double take. The one with the blue skin wasn't a sick individual like she originally thought; it was a tiny little creature sitting by Davis Inoue's desk. …either that's a toy, or it's one of those creatures…those digital things…
"Davis Inoue."
Davis blinked at the sound of Mrs. Hakashi's stern, authoritative voice. "Uh…aren't you supposed to start at 'A'?"
A snicker or two came out from among the class. However, they were short and swift, lest Mrs. Hakashi identify them.
Veemon helpfully said, "Davish, I don't think that's what she meant."
That verified it for the math teacher. The movement…and the speech. It IS a Digimon… "Davis Inoue…what is that thing doing in this classroom?"
"Veemon's a 'he', Mrs. Hakashi," pointed out Davis. "And as for why he's here, I thought it would be nice to let him come with me to school for once."
As Davis spoke, TK couldn't believe what he was doing. That idiot! He's acting as if nothing's wrong! If he keeps this up, the anti-Digimon crowd is going to lynch both him AND Veemon!
Mrs. Hakashi grimaced as she let out a small puff of breath; it was clear from this early on that Davis was adamant about this little…thing. She took another course of action. "You DO know that pets aren't allowed in school, correct?"
Veemon sweatdropped. I'm no pet…
Davis grumbled. "Veemon's not a pet! He's my friend, and he wanted to come here for once!" Davis had to be careful with his words; although Veemon wanted to be here, there was no telling how the other Digimon felt…so he couldn't reveal the others. That'd be the equivalent of selling the other Digidestined out…and he didn't want that.
If anything was going to happen…it was going to be on his shoulders and his alone.
"Is that so?" Mrs. Hakashi glowered, her eyes gazing intently into Davis' eyes. "How long have you had this…'Veemon' of yours?"
Kari could only blanch as Davis nonchalantly replied, "Few months? Why?" The Child of Light could not believe what was happening. Please Davis…I don't know what you're doing…but don't do anything that could reveal the existence of Digidestined…!
The teacher was silent. Then, she stood to her full height. "Come with me Davis Inoue. I'd like to speak with you outside in PRIVACY."
An alarm suddenly blared in Davis' head. This wasn't good; if Mrs. Hakashi wanted to talk to him, then he was about to endure something WORSE than detention. Nevertheless, he nodded and replied, "Yes ma'am." Davis obediently walked out of the classroom, followed by Mrs. Hakashi who closed the door behind him.
The students were silent.
Then, as one, they turned towards Veemon.
The little Rookie nervously waved at them. "Hi!"
xxxx
Davis grumbled as he watched Mrs. Hakashi close the door. Man…she's gonna whale at me just because of Veemon…I knew this was gonna happen…but still!
"Davis Inoue, I pity you."
Davis suddenly felt confused as Mrs. Hakashi spoke to him in a somber voice. "Huh? What are you getting at?"
"I can see it in your eyes…regardless of what's going to happen to you, you won't abandon that Digimon," said Mrs. Hakashi. "I'll be frank with you Davis; it's no secret amongst the faculty that there are Digimon hiding out on the school's rooftops. I've seen them myself."
This statement caused a chill to go down Davis' bones. They knew….they knew…they knew about the other Digimon on the roof…
"And I have to tell you that most of the faculty wants them off the roof…some have advocated calling the police to remove them by force." Mrs. Hakashi sighed; this was something she really didn't feel like discussing with a child. "I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt that most of the children in this school are anti-Digimon…and if it hadn't been for the five titans that restored Odaiba and the American' president's speech, ALL of the children here would be anti-Digimon. That's a fact."
Davis' eyes stared down at the floor, seemingly out of hopelessness…and futility. Mrs. Hakashi sighed again. "Davis…for your safety…keep that Digimon out of the eye of the public. And if you know who those other Digimon belong to…tell them to stay away. For the children's sake."
Silence.
Then…chuckling.
Mrs. Hakashi raised an eyebrow out of surprise. "Davis Inoue?"
Davis raised his head to reveal a defiant grin. "I'm not going to listen…because if no one does anything…human-Digimon relations won't improve a bit!"
The teacher was silent…but even she had to admit that she was impressed by Davis' resolve. Finally, she sighed. "Very well…but he'd better not be a disruption."
"Don't worry! He knows how to behave!" exclaimed Davis as Mrs. Hakashi opened the door.
xxxx
Veemon was dancing on Davis' desk. The children around him were either grinning, snickering, giggling, chuckling, or just plain laughing. As Veemon did stationary flips and dance moves, he sang.
"I told the witch doctor I was in love with you!" He flipped and landed on his hands. "I told the witch doctor I was in love with you!" He twirled and bounced onto his tail. "And then the witch doctor he told me what to do!" He quickly jumped up and heartily sang, "He said that," He landed on the desk and danced as fast as his feet could carry him. "Ooo, eee, ooo ahh ahh! Ting tang, walla walla bing bang! Ooo, eee, ooo ahh ahh ting tang, walla walla bing bang! Ooo, eee, ooo ahh ahh! Ting tang, walla walla bing bang! Ooo, eee, ooo ahh ahh ting tang, walla walla bing bang!" As shocked as TK and Kari were over the whole predicament, even they found themselves laughing at Veemon's stunt.
Mrs. Hakashi shot Davis an annoyed glare. The boy had quickly been proven wrong.
Davis nervously chuckled. "Heh heh…don't worry…he just has a tendency to get…bored…"
"Takes after you apparently," muttered the teacher as she rubbed her temples. This was going to be a LONG day…
Meanwhile, near the back of the class, Daichi Etsuya wasn't laughing. He was beyond bewildered. Why…? Why is Davis doing this? Why did he bring his Digimon here…? I don't get it…
Outside one the classroom's windows, meanwhile, was Impmon. He was discreetly watching the spectacle. He resisted the urge to snicker at Veemon's bad dancing…or snort at how the tall female teacher immediately stopped it, causing Veemon to accidentally to fall to the floor. "Feh. And just when it was gettin' funny."
But mentally speaking, Impmon was confused. He was still in shock over the fact that 'David or Darren or Haggis or whatever the heck his name was' was letting his partner walk freely amongst the humans. Man…I don't get it! Daichi told me that if I was seen, I'd get ripped apart…but those two ain't gettin' any flak at all! What's the deal?
xxxx
/Lunch Table, Odaiba School, Odaiba, 12:04 PM/
"PPPFFFFTTT!"
Davis scowled as he wiped his face clear of milk. "Is this going to be a habit?"
Yolei coughed as she protested, "Well gee, what the heck was I supposed to do? You just walked up here with Veemon right beside you!"
Speaking of Veemon, the little Rookie said, "Are you gonna finish your milk?"
"Eh, forget it Veemon. We'll sit at another table," muttered Davis as he walked away from the table Kari, TK, Yolei, and Cody sat at. Yolei stared incredulously at Davis as he walked towards another table, Veemon walking right behind him. "Geez…all I did was get a little milk on him! It happened yesterday…so why's he so cranky?"
"Maybe it's the talk he had with Mrs. Hakashi earlier," ventured TK.
Yolei froze. "Don't tell me…did he-"
"Bring Veemon into the classroom? Yes," finished Kari. A sudden giggle crossed her lips. "And I have to say…Veemon's a funny dancer…"
Yolei groaned out of exasperation. "Aw MAN! What made him think of such a hair-brained idea?"
"Perhaps he's impatient," answered Cody as he bit into his banana. "Human-Digimon relations are bound to become more interconnected…perhaps Davis just wants to speed up the process."
TK shrugged. "Maybe. But he could've used a different method. I mean, bringing his partner to school I can understand; we do it all the time. But the classroom…?"
Yolei snorted as she bit into a sandwich. "I think he's committing social suicide. I mean, do you know how many people here just don't like Digimon?"
At that statement, Cody suddenly said, "And that's why Davis didn't sit with us."
This caused the other three to blink out of confusion. TK asked, "What do you mean?"
"Think about it," replied Cody, his voice tinged with sadness. "If Davis were to sit with us…people would brand us as his friends. They would automatically link us to him."
"Yeah? So?" asked Yolei.
Cody frowned. "So…that means that whoever socializes with him now will be branded as a friend of Digimon…or a Digimon-lover, if you want to put it that way. Since Davis is a friend of Digimon, his friends will be friends of Digimon as well."
It suddenly dawned upon the three. Davis didn't want to sit by them…because of what would happen as a result. Not because he was upset over the milk on his face (which he was, but not so much as to leave them hanging)…but because he didn't want them dragged into this.
Kari quivered as she saw Davis try to sit at another table…but was flat-out rejected. He tried another table. Same result. Davis… Just because of Veemon's presence…everyone was treating himlike public enemy number one…yet he didn't care. "It's not fair…why are they treating him like this…?"
TK sighed regretfully as pained hardness came to his voice. "That's the way a social structure works. The majority's opinion matters…and those in the minority are afraid to speak out, lest they become branded…and shunned."
Cody nodded. "Well said TK…that's how it works. I'm sure there are people who'd love to let Davis and Veemon sit with them…but that's how peer pressure is."
Yolei grumbled. "Man…this stinks." In a way, she sort of felt guilty; after all, she picked on Davis a lot, even if it was mostly harmless fun. But this…this just wasn't right.
It wasn't fair.
xxxx
Daichi Etsuya frowned as he watched Davis and Veemon walk away from the lunch area in a huff. Rejected…then again, what did they expect? He knew what was coming.
Then why did he feel so odd? It just irked him…to see Davis so blatantly walk around the middle school tables with his partner, looking for a seat that he KNEW wouldn't be offered…so why even bother trying?
Why…why? Why does he bother? Why did Davis bring Veemon to school in the first place? To make things easier on me…what the heck did he mean by that?
As he watched Davis and Veemon round the corner of the gym – presumably to eat there alone – he saw three figures walk away from the high school tables and towards the gym. The three figures were male; all three were muscular, and they all held an aura of meanness to them. The center one had neatly combed orange hair, whereas the other two – one tall and one short – had heads full of black hair. However, it was clear from the cocky stride and menacing black eyes that the center one was the ringleader of the small group.
Daichi recognized him. Seiji Waya…
Waya was a senior in high school…and he had a propensity for bullying. However, he was feared enough within the student body that he had others do most of the bullying for him, so that next-to-nothing could be linked to him.
Daichi should know; he had sometimes worked for the creep. He didn't care. Roughing up the victims Waya told him to rough up was a way to vent anger and frustration.
Yet…for some reason…something didn't seem right…
Daichi frowned as the three rounded the corner to the gym. He had to check this out. He stood up and made quick strides towards the gym.
xxxx
/Central Alley, Gym, Odaiba School, Odaiba, 12:15 PM/
"Gah…this SUCKS!" yelled Davis as he angrily sat down inside the central alley, tearing into his sandwich – which happened to have cheese, mustard, and lettuce on it, by the way – with gusto.
The gym was shaped like a giant 'B'…so this meant that the center between the upper and lower halves was nothing more than a small, enclosed hallway that connected them together. The rest of the empty space formed a central alley where the gym's dumpsters, power systems, and air conditioning equipment were situated.
Veemon quietly grabbed a bag of chips. "You don't mind, do ya Davish?"
"Of course not Veemon. Help yourself."
"YAY!" Veemon eagerly tore into the chips, scarfing them down with unmitigated hunger.
As Davis watched chip crumbs fly, he couldn't help but smile. Veemon…you're something else…
No. Veemon was MORE than just something else.
With the exception of Kari, Veemon was probably the best thing that had ever happened to Davis. He gave him a friend closer than anyone could relate to. He gave him a new duty as a Digidestined. Despite all the bad things that being a Digidestined entailed…Davis didn't care. The good outweighed the bad. Veemon was truly unique…because he was someone that Davis could be…well…um…man, he couldn't even put Veemon's importance into words. How's THAT for Veemon's value?
Davis smiled as he swallowed the last of his sandwich. Even if the whole world turned its back on him…as long as he had Veemon, he'd be okay.
"Well well…looks like the rumors are true."
Davis froze at the sound of that voice. So did Veemon. "Davish, did you say that?"
"No…I did."
Davis and Veemon turned to face the entrance/exit to the central alley…and they saw none other than Seiji Waya and two of his personal goons. Davis frowned; he had heard of this guy from Tai. "What do you want?"
Waya grinned. "I'd heard rumors of a boy with a Digimon walking around school today…and since I never got the chance to personally thank the Digimon that trashed my home during the Odaiba War, I can repay this one in kind."
Davis snarled as he stood up. "In case you didn't know, all the buildings were repaired after the War ended…BY DIGIMON. Your house was fixed; and Veemon wasn't even allied with the Digimon that trashed your place!" Careful with the wording Davis…don't give away too much info.
"It's the principle of the thing," replied Waya. "Digimon…creatures from another world that have no place among humankind…and it's clear that they're nothing more than mongrels after all the lives lost! Digimon are nothing more than monsters…"
"You're right…some ARE monsters…" Davis smirked at the older male. "But not Veemon."
Waya was silent. By this time, Daichi had caught up…and he was now staring from the corner of the central alley at Waya, his goons, and Davis and Veemon. What's going on…?
Also, from the rooftops above, Impmon was watching with a smile. Heh…looks like there's gonna be some action today! Maybe I should start making a bet.
Then, Waya snapped his fingers on the right hand. "Get the blue guy." The short goon immediately charged forward with a punch; a punch aimed at Veemon's head. "RAAAGH!"
POW!
His punch collided with Davis' gut. The Inoue boy grunted…but he didn't move. Veemon yelled, "DAVISH!"
Daichi's eyes widened. So did Impmon's.
Davis had taken the blow meant for Veemon.
But…why? He only got himself hurt! wondered Daichi out of shock.
Hmm…weird. That punch wouldn't have made a Rookie Digimon cry…but the twerp still took it. Why? Impmon's thoughts pretty much mirrored Daichi's.
Waya smiled slightly at the sight of Davis' pain. "Idiot. Taking punches like that is going to hurt."
Davis said nothing to respond to Waya. All he did was glance back at Veemon and say, "Don't try to stop them Veemon…"
Veemon paled. "But…why?"
"Because…if you attack them now…even if it's because you try to help…all the work you've done today will be for nothing…" Davis smiled as he clenched his fists. "Veemon's off-limits…but if you want your sick kicks, then hit me all you want!"
This caused Waya to raise an eyebrow out of amusement. "Interesting…very well. I was going to hit you anyway…but since you set the terms like this…" He snapped his fingers on both hands. "Restrain the blue monster. I don't want him to try and sneak a hit in."
"Yes boss!" The two goons rushed at Veemon, pressing him down into the ground. The Rookie growled as he struggled, trying to move his restrained limbs. "Lemme go! Davish, let me help!"
"No Veemon…I can handle anything this guy dishes out at me." Davis grinned as Waya approached.
Then Waya delivered a vicious uppercut to Davis' body, knocking all the air out of his lungs. Davis barely had time to breathe as a series of hooks and jabs met his face.
As Davis got the stuffing beat out of him, Veemon screamed, "DAVISH!" He wanted to digivolve to help his partner…he HAD to digivolve!
But he couldn't. Davis' willpower was somehow suppressing the digivolution powers of the blue D-3.
As Davis continued to get beaten into a bloody pulp. An odd tightness caught Daichi's chest. His eyes felt strange…and his conscious ate at him. Why…? Why is he doing this…he should have run…he should've tried to sneak past Waya…so why?
POW! Kick to the sides.
Why…why is he doing that?
BAM! Punch to the kidneys.
Why is he taking the hits…?
SLAM!
Why…why can't I do anything?
KA-POW!
Davis gagged as Waya slammed his fist into his face. A squirt of blood erupted from Davis' lips. The Child of Miracles grumbled as he tasted his own blood. He felt utterly horrible…but he wouldn't back down. He remained steadfast.
Waya chuckled as he cracked his knuckles. "I'm actually curious…as to why you're taking all this abuse for an inhuman monster…mind enlightening me?"
Impmon frowned as he looked on from above. He was actually wondering why…because the beating the boy was sustaining was something else.
Davis grinned a bloody grin as he clutched his aching sides. "Yeah…because Veemon…has given me something that can't be taken away from me. He is a part of me…as I am a part of him…we share a bond you can't even comprehend."
Daichi became full of awe at that statement. A bond that tied Davis and Veemon so tightly together…was that why? Was that why they were willing to go through such an audacious plan…because of their trust for each other? Their belief that if they stuck together, everything would be okay in the end? It was unbelievable…that such a bond could exist between a human…and something not of this world. Their bond…could it be possible…for me to have that kind of bond…with Impmon…?
Davis chuckled as he spat some blood onto Waya's shoe. "Funny you mention 'inhuman'…because Veemon's more human than you'll ever be…you scumbag…"
Waya snorted. "Still wordy…fine then." He ran as fast as he could, rearing his right fist for a tremendous punch to the forehead. "Let's see if you're still grinning after THIS!"
SMACK!
The punch connected with a pair of hands.
Daichi's hands.
Waya stared out of disbelief. Davis' eyes widened out of shock. Veemon and the two goons gaped at the sight. High above, Impmon was completely surprised. What the…?
Daichi quickly slammed his foot into Waya's gut, sending the high school senior backwards by several feet. His yellow eyes glared hatefully at Waya. "Don't even think about touching Davis…because now…you ANSWER TO ME!"
xxxx
To be contined…
Next time…
Chapter 13: Taking Root
xxxx
Author's Notes: Meh. Intended to finish up this plotline in this chapter…but it grew, and I had to increase it by another chapter. Oh well; more room for character development!
See you soon (hopefully), and please review!