Me: I don't own…oh you people should know by now! To include on the list of what I don't own, I will add "Simple and Clean" by Utada Hikaru from Kingdom Hearts, "To Know the Unown" by Innosense, and "Looking Through Your Eyes" by The Corrs. This chapter will finally answer the truth about Chloe and T.K's relationship and the new feelings blossoming among the Tamers. I was considering waiting a little longer before chocking this chapter out but then I thought about Thanksgiving so I'm giving you guys this as a belated gift! I hope you enjoy!
Chapter 14-A Promise of the Setting Sun
"Even when you've played the game of your life, it's the feeling of teamwork that you'll remember. You'll forget the plays, the shots, and the scores, but you'll never forget the teammates,"—Deborah Miller Palmore
"It's just too painful to say goodbye,"—Palmon, The Fate of Two Worlds
"I care too much about you to let anyone take you without a fight,"—T.K. Takaishi
"You know what? I care for you too,"—Kari Kamiya, His Master's Voice
"Who can say if I've been changed for the better? I do believe I have been changed for the better. And because I knew you…because I knew you…because I knew you…I have been changed for good,"—Glinda and Elphaba: For Good, Wicked
Digital World
Server
Next Day
When you walk away
You don't hear me say please
Oh baby, don't go
Simple and clean is the way that you're making me feel tonight
It's hard to let it go
Gennai stared at the television monitor with happiness and heaviness in his heart. On the screen the three teams were together and enjoying one another's company as well as the stability and harmony of the Digital World. They looked so happy and cheerful, yet…
I hate to shatter their happiness. I'm not one for complaints but it doesn't seem right, he thought with a sinking feeling. "If only there was a way."
"Gennai, you and I and the Sovereign know there is no way that we know of," Oikawa's spirit replied. "I as much as you hate to do this but they were never meant to stay together."
The old Digimon/human/unusual being sighed wearily. "It's a shame. The last time I had to do this was to the Digidestined and the trainers."
"We know it is a shame," responded Azulongmon gravely. "But until we figure out what to do about them otherwise, we can't change the consequences. They are all from different worlds and dimensions and those were meant to remain separate. The Pokémon World portal is permanent with the Digidestined and can never leave but Missingno brought the others together. They are not linked. Until we can fix everything, they must remain apart."
"It's out of our hands now," Gennai confirmed half-heartedly. "Oikawa, inform your nephew. Being the most patient, he should take the news maturely."
Forest Sanctuary
You're giving me too many things
Lately you're all I need
You smiled at me and said,
Don't get me wrong I love you
But does that mean I have to meet your father?
When we are older you'll understand
What I meant when I said "No,
I don't think life is quite that simple"
"WHAAAAAAAAAT!"
If Oikawa could have, he would have rolled his eyes. So much for Jacob taking the news maturely. I should've talked to Izzy.
"Uncle Oikawa," Jacob said after he calmed down. "Are Gennai and the Sovereign serious? Are-are we really—leaving each other?"
"It's true Jacob."
Datirimon noticed his partner express a look of deflation. "Do we have to?" he asked in his tiny chirpy voice. "And for how long?"
The silence that emitted forth from Oikawa caused Jacob to cry out, "Not forever Uncle! It can't be forever!"
"It's not forever but I cannot guarantee you seeing each other again anytime soon. I'm sorry my friend. Truly I am."
"That's…not…that's not fair!" Jacob burst out, slamming his fist against the ground. Even the most patient of Digidestined had his limits. "We worked so hard, so hard to save this world and others! And what do we get in return? Separation!"
"I'm sorry Jacob. But you see, your worlds are not connected like the Digidestined and the Pokémon Worlds are. Missingno was the one who summoned Chloe and T.K. to the Tamers Dimension, not Rika. And he brought the rest of you there as well. So you see, with the virus gone there is nothing keeping you together any longer."
Jacob shook his head. He was not one to cry so he didn't, but the way his face tightened, Datirimon and Oikawa could tell that pain was clawing away at him.
Cody and Matt, along with Armadillomon and Gabumon, arrived on the scene. Cody blinked curiously at the chagrined expression on his friend's face. "Jacob, what's wrong?"
Mimi and Palmon came by as well. "Guys?"
Finally, the brown-haired boy spoke. "Uncle Oikawa just told me that now that we've saved our worlds, we don't need to be here. It's about time we left for home."
"So?" said Matt, confused.
"You don't get it do you?" Jacob exclaimed, working his throat. "When he said that, he meant that we would never see the Tamers again. Our worlds have been apart so that's how we're going to stay."
Cody's mouth dropped. "You can't be serious Mr. Oikawa!"
"There's nothing any of you can do children. Nothing at all."
"But…that means…" Matt began.
"We have to say goodbye?" Gabumon finished in shock.
Oikawa was silent. The kids took that as a "yes" and absorbed the sorrowful information in. Matt looked up again. "When do we have to leave?"
"Today…at sunset."
Mimi's brown eyes began to water. "But we just got back together again! Why?"
It's just how thing were meant to be for now. You'll have to trust us on that."
Palmon drapped a vine arm around Mimi who broke into sobs. Cody and Matt exchanged a look. How are we going to break this to the others?
When you walk away
You don't hear me say please
Oh baby, don't go
Simple and clean is the way that you're making me feel tonight
It's hard to let it go
Takato walked through the trees, hoping for a sure sign of Jeri. He'd left Guilmon behind with the Digidestined Digimon (the dinosaur was only too happy to play) so there wouldn't be any interruptions. He had to tell her. Tell her what? That I used to have feelings for her but now I'm in love with someone else? How will she take it?
"Takato?"
He glanced to his left to see Jeri sitting under a tree with Leomon by her side. Her face had taken on a more lighthearted appearance since he had returned. "You look a little preoccupied."
"Can I tell you something Jeri?" She nodded and he took a seat beside her. "Uuuhh…alone?"
Leomon took the hint and moved away, leaving them together beneath the tree. "Okay…how to put this in simple terms…ah…Jeri?"
"Yes?"
"I…um…" Takato struggled to work his throat. Oh come on already! "Jeri…you're the nicest girl I know and I could always talk to you. You understand me and you try to help me whenever possible. And y'know…I…sometimes I think you like me or something."
Jeri gasped slightly. Takato sighed.Here it comes. "Jeri," he said. "What I'm meaning to say is that I like you…I mean, I liked you—more than a friend. But that was before this whole adventure started. I couldn't think of anything but you when we were fighting the D-Reaper. I heard your screams when you were in trouble. I guess that meant I really cared about you—not that I don't care about you." He took a deep breath and continued. "The thing is…I don't feel the same way toward you like I used to. It's because…I'm…I'm…well can't you see I…" Crap.
"Takato," said Jeri. She was smiling. "I understand what you're trying to say."
His eyes widened in astonishment. "You do?"
She nodded. "To tell you the truth, I do like you…but I can't be with you. You have too much power and anger sealed inside. You turned Guilmon…into something…terrible. I'm sorry but I can't live with that. I just can't."
"I-I know," he replied regretfully. "But…Jeri…"
"And I also know that while you only like me…there's someone out there that you love right?" she prodded gently.
"Um…" He blushed.
She smiled again. "When you unleashed your anger and created the fearsome ChaosGallantmon, you were angry over Rika's death. And you heard her own pleas for help when Missingno grabbed her. Even when you were far away, the way you looked at her and helped her…I knew. I could see so much compassion in your eyes, how you would do anything to keep her safe. You love her don't you?"
Takato stared at the ground for a long time before replying, "Yes."
Jeri laughed quietly and placed a hand on Takato's shoulder. "Then tell her. I know Rika. She'll understand."
He gave a hollow laugh. "Easier said than done. What if she doesn't accept me? You know, what if she's in love with—"
"At least let her know. She has a right to know the truth," said Jeri sensibly. "It hurts to watch the one you love, love somebody else. But it will hurt more by not knowing what your love's reaction is to your own feelings." She stood up and brushed off her dress. "I'm going to go see Henry and Suzie. In the meantime, tell her." She bent and gave Takato a kiss on the cheek before departing.
During normal standards, Takato would've blushed automatically at such a gesture from Jeri but not anymore. Only Rika could do that to him now.
"Hey Jeri?"
She turned around. "Yes Takato?"
"About Henry…all those times you spend with him…do you like him?"
A slight blush crept over Jeri's face. "I like him Takato…but as for more than a friend, I don't know."
"Oh," Takato mumbled. Then he smiled. "Thanks Jeri."
"You're welcome," she said sweetly before leaving him.
The daily things
that keep us all busy
all confusing me that's when you came to me and said,
Wish I could prove I love you
but does that mean I have to walk on water?
When we are older you'll understand
It's enough when I say so,
And maybe some things are that simple
Darn it! Darn it! Darn it! The same phrase repeated over and over in Henry's brain as he moved past trees and shrubs, heedless of his sense of direction. Even with his best efforts, he wasn't able to think clearly.
"Henry? Earth to Henry."
The boy blinked rapidly before looking at Terriermon sitting on his shoulder. "Oh! Hi Terriermon. No need to worry about me; I'm fine."
"Really." Terriermon looked hard at him, skepticism clear in his tone. "Yeah, I see."
Henry scowled. "It's nothing Terriermon."
"You just can't admit that you have feelings for Jeri can ya? Of course then Takato is a bit of a problem but it's nothing that you can't handle."
Henry's gray eyes narrowed. "Terriermon, I do not like Jeri."
"Soooo, you wouldn't mind if I think Takato is weird for liking Jeri?"
Henry shook his head. "No."
"How about if I call Jeri a freaky, puppet-wielding, nutcase?"
"WHAT! She is NOT any of those things! She's the nicest girl I've ever had the fortunate chance to meet!" Henry snapped but stopped when he realized that Terriermon was kidding. He stopped walking after a minute and considered his actions. "What's wrong with me?"
"If I didn't know better, I'd say you were in love," mumbled Terriermon from beside him.
The boy groaned exasperatedly. "Terriermon…" You are so pushing it!
"Look, just because you happened to hear a little bit of Jeri and Takato's conversation, you start jumping to conclusions," said his partner wisely. "But of course, you rarely listen to me on stuff like this."
"Unlike you, I don't enjoy eavesdropping," Henry snapped, a little more ticked than usual. "I just..."
Terriermon put an ear around Henry's shoulder like a comforting arm. "Take it from me Henry; if you want the girl then you should go for her."
He once again tried to force his partner to think otherwise. "But…Terriermon…I don't like…"
"I'm not listening," said the rabbit. "If you like her, take a chance. Otherwise, I'm gonna have to call you a chicken in addition to a party-pooper."
"If Jeri and Takato are happy with each other then I don't care. It's better to be happy for your friends," said Henry in a final sort of voice. Hard to think that way. "They look good together and they've known each other since forever. They've liked each other since forever."
Terriermon scratched the side of his head. "Well now that you put it that way…but Henry…" He shook his head and pointed with one ear, eyes suddenly bright. "Hey look, it's your dream gal!"
Henry whipped his head around to see that his partner was quite right. Jeri was wandering through the woods, apparently thinking hard about something. Somehow, in his head, he felt…strange.
"It isn't that simple. People can't fall in love so fast!"
"And why not?" Terriermon demanded.
The blue-haired Tamer struggled to find a rational answer, anyrational answer that would satisfy the dog-rabbit. "It's not logical…it's not real if it's so fast."
"Since when was love something that could be defined logically?" the Data Digimon demanded firmly. "It's confusing, it's unexpected! That's why it's called love! You can't just break it down! If you love somebody, your heart lets you know!" He flapped his ears impatiently. "What are you waiting for; a shove? If I were you, I'd go right up to her, fess up, and give her a big smooch on the lips."
"Terriermon!"Wow, who knew that he could actually say something philosophical?
"Or if you don't like that option, you can kidnap her and force her to love you."
Henry facefaulted. "What the—? Where do you get stuff like this?"
"You should see those sites online. Whoa."
"Eeew." Henry looked disgusted. "Remind me to ban you from the Internet when we get home."
His Digimon partner crossed his arms and grinned. Unlike usual, he didn't care about his ban. "Of course you wouldn't do that. But something tells me that you will do something right." He gestured at Jeri. "Good luck," he said before taking to the air with his large wing-like ears.
Henry watched him leave before turning to look at the pretty brunette once more. He wanted so much to look away but he couldn't, wouldn't. And somehow…his partner was right.
Love isn't something I can break down into one conclusion. It's mysterious…and unexplainable. So the question is…all this confusion…is it love that I feel for Jeri?
When you walk away
You don't hear me say please
Oh baby, don't go
Simple and clean is the way that you're making me feel tonight
It's hard to let it go
Jeri continued to walk through the glistening forest, dodging the trees and stumps as if she had sixth sense. Although her heart felt light after giving Takato advice, it also felt heavy for not taking it herself. True, she did feel slightly sorry that she couldn't help Takato any more than she already did, but she had problems of her own to think about.
"About Henry…all those times you spend with him…do you like him?"
"I like him Takato…but as for more than a friend, I don't know."
What did I mean as more than a friend? I don't understand. Jeri stopped dodging trees and stared at the mossy grass floor. I like him…I know that. But…is that all? No…
"Nothing's going to happen to us. I promise."
Jeri closed her eyes and pressed her hands to her heart. The more she tried to think about it, the more she felt so unsure of herself. All of the comfort and understanding that the blue-haired Tamer had given her were not out of pity or masked disgust for weakness. Henry was truly willing to do whatever he could to help her. He always wants to keep me safe…but why can't I give him a chance?
…It's because you're afraid he'll leave you…just like everyone else…
No…he won't leave me. If he did, he'd come back. Leomon came back when I needed him…I have to give him a chance…I have to give love another chance…but Henry might not feel that way about me. He might think I'm just on a rebound from Takato.
A voice quavered from behind her. "J-Jeri?"
The brunette lifted her head to see the very person she had been thinking about for the longest time standing in front of her. Luckily, he seemed to have abandoned his partner. "Oh…hello Henry." I've never noticed how handsome he actually is. She tilted her head to one side. "Where's Terriermon?"
"Huh? Oh he left," said Henry. He was as nervous as heck. "I…um…Jeri?"
"Yes?" Unbeknownst to him, she was just as nervous as he was. "What is it?"
He shuffled his feet, trying to look anywhere but at her. "Can I ask you something?"
Jeri smiled sweetly, although her pulse quickened. "Of course."
"Do…um…do you love…Takato?"
Of all the questions she had imagined Henry asking her, this was not it. "No."
No? "No?"
Jeri shook her head. "I like Takato. He's a great guy and a true friend. But I don't love him Henry. He's just…a friend."
Henry blinked. "But I thought…we all thought…" His head was spinning and his brain seemed to be working triple-speed. "If you don't love Takato…why you do always…"
"I did really like him at one time. Truly I did. But after Megidramon," she shivered and hugged herself. "I just couldn't see him the same way I used to. He was so nice and caring, but I couldn't believe how much anger he could hold."
Henry felt sorry for her. The way she looked…he wanted to shield her from the pain she had experienced. "Oh."
Jeri nodded and suddenly frowned. "Why are you asking me this?"
"H-huh?" Henry's face flushed crimson. Okay say something. You're supposed to be the smart one remember? "Um…no reason. Just out of curiosity." Oh yeah, that was smart Henry.
Jeri stared at him, her eyes suddenly hurt. "Oh. I see." Why can't I tell him how I feel? Perhaps rejection is the answer?
They stood there for what seemed like hours, staring at the ground. Both of them stood there, waiting for the other one to make a move. It's so quiet. Come on Jeri; say something.
What should I do? Am I supposed to make the first move or is Jeri? Henry thought to himself. But how'll she react? And aren't we moving a little too fast?
Finally, Henry forced someone to move…or else everything they had thought about would turn to nothing. He turned to leave.
Jeri wasn't going to let him slip away. She walked over to him and grabbed his arm, forcing him to face her. "Henry, please don't go. I have something to tell you."
Henry blinked in shock. Jeri had never done that before. He looked into her light brown eyes filled with compassion and…was that love?
"Jeri…?" He blushed, noticing that she had not let go of his arm. What if she screams "Ew cooties!"?
"I…I…Henry…will you…" Her cheeks turned cherry red in embarrassment.
"What is it?" Henry brought his other hand up to her cheek, lightly caressing it with his fingers. What was frightening her so much?
The young brunette moved even closer, feeling a lot braver than she'd ever felt before thanks to the comfort of his touch. If I can't tell him how I feel then I'll just show him. In one swift motion, she grabbed his face and planted her lips against his.
Henry's eyes widened before falling closed. His head began to feel dizzy, like he was floating among the clouds. Half of him wanted to let go but the other half wanted to stay. Is this right?
Jeri slowly pulled away long enough to look into his soft gray eyes. Her own sweet brown eyes were anxious. "What I was trying to say was…do you…feel anything…for me?" Please don't hurt me. "I mean…I know this may be a little too sudden for you…but…I really think…I…"
Then again, who cares? Henry pushed the conflicting thoughts out of his head and wrapped his arms around Jeri's waist, kissing her and surprising her with his response. He pulled away and held her close, a grin on his face. "Of course I feel something for you. It's love."
Henry wasn't sure if that was the most romantic answer he could give…but Jeri's smile was well-worth it.
Hold me
Whatever lies beyond this morning
Is a little later on
Regardless of warnings the future doesn't scare me at all
Nothing's like before
Chloe stared at the pair through the trees with wide eyes. Well this is certainly a sight to see. She smiled to herself. They are so cute together.
"Well this is certainly a sight to see," said a male voice. Chloe turned around to see T.K. standing behind her, a smile etched on his face. "Henry and Jeri…who knew?"
"Does Takato know about this?" Chloe asked him.
T.K. shook his head. "Somehow…I don't think he'd mind."
Chloe frowned. "Why?" T.K.'s smile broadened and comprehension dawned on her face from the exhausting battle with Missingno. "Oh…right." She grinned back and hugged him. He hugged her back, not wanting to let go.
They stood there for a little while, just enjoying each other's company. Words weren't needed to describe their feelings toward each other. Yet both had learned something during the time they had temporarily died: the truth. They knew the truth behind their feelings and they were ready to expose it.
T.K. and Chloe both knew what they were going to do was necessary. T.K. loved Kari too much to hurt her but he loved Chloe too much to hurt her too. Chloe felt the same way about him and Tai. What we are going to do is the right thing…for all of us.
T.K. looked at Chloe in the eyes. A ripple of affection surged through him. "Are you ready?"
She nodded once and smiled quietly. "I am. It's been tough but…we got through in the end right?"
"We certainly have. But know this Chloe…"T.K. placed one hand on her cheek. "I could never have made it through any of our later adventures…without you."
He's so modest. So unique. So…T.K. "It's only because you love me."
"No…it's because we love each other."
In that way, without any words of agreement except in their eyes, they joined their lips together in a long and passionate kiss. It was heartbreakingly gentle, wonderful, and sweet; a lot more meaning behind it than the one they had shared at the cliff at the time of their confession. Chloe wrapped her arms around T.K's neck (nearly knocking off the boy's hat), molding her body to his. He, in turn, deepened the kiss and buried his hands into her silky hair. They had to make it last…for when they finally let go…something would change.
When they did let go, T.K. grinned at Chloe, breath coming out in short bursts. "Wow, now I know why Tai gets so dizzy around you."
"Aw shut up!" Chloe playfully smacked him on his arm but did not move out of their hug. Her own eyes were sparkling with mischief. "So is Kari the better kisser?"
T.K. turned red. "Like I'm gonna tell you that!" He elbowed her. "Enough teasing already. We have to tell them."
Chloe nodded and followed him through the trees. She knew she loved both T.K. and Tai, and it was incredibly hard to choose between the two.
But she had made a choice.
And in her mind, it was the right one.
But first…
The pair turned towards each other at the same time, the same thought traveling through their brains. One more wouldn't hurt. Silently they joined together in one long, meaningful kiss; their last.
When you walk away
You don't hear me say please
Oh baby, don't go
Simple and clean is the way that you're making me feel tonight
It's hard to let it go
Rika pressed her hands against the strangely smooth bark of a tree. Renamon had disappeared for the time being, so no one was there to talk to her or give her advice on the tree's strange softness.Funny that this tree is digital and yet it feels smoother than normal trees. Talk about lush vegetation. She straightened as she heard the sounds of happy voices coming near her. Wonder who that could be?
Labramon raced happily through the sunny trees. In his mouth was a blue-and-black object that Rika automatically recognized as Kazu's visor. Kazu and Gaudromon were chasing after him, apparently for the visor.
And where's Alice?
As if she had conjured up the girl from out of nowhere, Alice darted forward in front of Labramon. Labramon tossed the visor to her and she caught it. Now it was Alice's turn to be chased. Laughing, she flitted through the trees and tossed the visor back to Labramon.
Rika watched this game of keep-away continue for a few more minutes with a smirk on her face. It finally ended when the visor sailed over to Alice again, but before she could catch it, Kazu reached up and swatted it away with his fingers. Unfortunately, he lost his balance and fell backwards.
"Aw crap!"
Alice reached out with her hands to grab him but the force of the fall pulled her down with him. They fell with a crash. CRASH! The dust lifted and settled.
Rika winced. Gosh, are they okay?
Kazu raised his head and glanced up. His arms were around Alice's back and her hands were on his shoulders. She stared down at him in shock.
"WAH!" They leaped away from each other, blushing furiously.
Kazu rubbed the back of his head. "Eh, sorry about that Alice. I didn't mean to…"
"It's okay." The blonde girl was breathing hard. "It was an accident." She glanced sideways at him and smiled shyly.
He blinked, and then returned it. Labramon and Guardromon raced around them joyfully.
Well that was weird, Rika thought to herself. I think Kazu's got himself a crush. That fast? Man, time flies.
"Renamon."
The yellow kitsune landed on a branch above her. "Yes Rika?"
"Do you think it's too late for people to find love…even after they've lived so long without it?"
Renamon tilted her head in concern, a startled expression on her face. She was no supreme expert on romance but she knew enough about human nature by now. "If you mean it's too late for you then no. It's not too late for you to find love. You know Chloe and Takeru feel a great deal of affection for you and you feel the same towards them right?" Rika nodded slowly. "Then it's not too late for any other stage of love."
"I suppose…" Rika's tone was doubtful. She sighed and looked up at her partner. "I guess…I'm pretty lucky to have people that feel affection for me. I don't regret it even through all the pain it puts me through now and again."
"And what about your feelings toward Takato?" Renamon asked quietly. Rika gawked at her, amazed that her friend could read the emotions coming off her so well.
"I…I don't know." She looked slightly dejected. "I thought in time…but it's too late. I always knew it was too late."
Renamon slipped down the tree until she was standing beside Rika. She placed a paw on the girl's shoulder. "Don't stop trying Rika. It won't be too late…until your heart says so." With a knowing nod, she vanished.
Rika frowned, mulling over what her friend had said. But there's Jeri…
A hand landed on her shoulder. At once, her instincts kicked in. Okay, should I punch, kick, or elbow-jab?
"Rika it's me."
Oh. A fiery heat rose up from her face. She quickly suppressed it as she turned around. "Hey Gogglehead. What's up?"
Takato grinned sheepishly. "Nothing really. I just wanted to see how you were doing."
Rika shrugged. "I'm doing all right. No problems." She turned around again, her hair just barely missing his face.
He took a step closer and followed her gaze as she turned to look back at Kazu and Alice again. Gaudramon was shaking leaves on them and Labramon. Alice had a hand on Kazu's shoulder, and he was brushing the leaves off both of them. They laughed at Labramon rolling around in the grass, tilting his head up to receive the leaves. "They really seem to like each other don't they?"
She shrugged and chuckled. Her eyes flicked to Alice push a leaf off of Kazu's hair. "Visor-head and the Goth? Who'd have thought?"
"I know." They exchanged a laugh before turning to meet each other's eyes. For some odd reason, the whole world seemed to be at peace and nothing would ever be able to break the tranquility.
"Um…Rika?"
"Hmmm?" She turned around again to face him. As she did, her hair caught the lights from the sun, causing it to shimmer.
Takato turned slightly red and his gaze traveled to the ground. "Um, do you want to talk?"
"Not if you're going to stare at me and stutter nonstop," she replied smoothly.
Takato's face flushed even redder. Oh great. She hates me for some reason. Ah don't be stupid. She doesn't hate me. "Listen, Rika…about yesterday…"
"What about yesterday?"
"Um…you remember when you asked me to tell Jeri how I felt about her?" She nodded once. "Well, I want to tell you that it's all done. I don't love Jeri."
Rika's eyes widened. "You don't?" He doesn't?
Takato shook his head. "Jeri is in love with Henry. At least I think she is. She knows how I really feel and she and I just resolved to be friends in the future." He could see the doubt in her violet eyes. "Believe me. I—uh—saw them together earlier." He grinned sheepishly. "So…yeah. I'm in love with someone else."
Rika stared into his reddish brown eyes. Eyes don't lie. He's really…then…I… "Then…you didn't hurt Jeri?" He shook his head. "Well…that's good. If you had I would've rearranged your face."
"I can understand that," said Takato cheerfully. "But why were you so insistent that Jeri and I should end up together?"
"Huh?" Rika blinked, blushing. "Oh…um…well…" Her heart began to pound like thunder. "Takato…I…"
The brown-haired Tamer looked confused. "What's wrong?"
Rika crossed her arms. Secretly, she was prepared to kill whomever he truly liked later. But she really needed to get this off her chest. "Takato…I really like…no, I…"
"Hey Rika! Takato!" called Ryo. He hadn't been there a moment ago. "I need to talk to you two."
DARN IT!Rika fixed a pretty angry glare on the Legendary Tamer while Takato's face fell. "We're a little busy here Akiyama."
"Look I didn't mean to interrupt anything important, but what you need to say can wait Rika," said Ryo impatiently. "The Digidestined and the trainers are leaving today right before sunset and there's nothing that's keeping our worlds linked so we have to say our farewells."
Wha-what?Rika blinked. Takato glanced at her, then at Ryo. "You're not serious are you?"
Ryo rolled his eyes. "Hello? Would I not be serious about something like this?" His face softened at the stricken expression on Rika's face. "Hey Rika…sorry about what I said. I…I know you don't want to say goodbye."
She nodded, her breath coming out slowly. Her bright eyes were glassy with chaotic emotions and she bit her lip to keep from tearing up. Darn it. I'm getting soft.
Takato looked at her sympathetically. "Rika?" He moved closer. "Are you...?"
"I'm okay Gogglehead," she whispered, but her voice sounded strangely choked. "I'm okay. Just…" She leaned her head against his shoulder. "Just hold me for a minute okay?"
Takato didn't fight the blush that radiated from his face but obliged. He wrapped his arms around her and rubbed her back gently, his check against her head. At least I can show her I care.
Ryo raised his eyebrows. This would be a good time to retreat. "Uh, see you guys later." He spun on his heel and left.
"Rika?"
She shook her head and pressed her face against Takato's shoulder. I don't ever want him to let me go…
Hold me
Whatever lies beyond this morning
Is a little later on
Regardless of warnings the future doesn't scare me at all
Nothing's like before (song fades out)
"Tai?" Chloe called as she looked around the forest, her hands cupped around her mouth. "Tai!"
"Kari?" T.K. called from beside her. He frowned slightly. "Where are they?"
Chloe shrugged and blew a strand of dark hair out of her eyes. "I thought they'd be here. I was sure I was sensing them here earlier but I guess—"
"You're not wrong," a voice muttered quietly. "We're here."
Tai and Kari emerged from behind the trees. Their eyes were worried and somewhat childlike.
"Tai," Chloe whispered joyfully. She ran up to him but he held up his hand and shook his head. She blinked, fairly hurt. "What?" What did I do now?
He didn't say anything and neither did Kari. "Would you two like to tell us what's going on?" T.K. asked them warily.
Kari and Tai glanced at each other before Kari chose to speak: "Well, you know that Gennai said we have no need to be here anymore with the Tamers. We've served our purpose and we'll be able to finally go home and resume our adult lives. But…" here Kari faltered. "We were talking…and…we…"
"We were thinking about you two," Tai finished for her. His rich brown eyes traveled to the ground. "We were wondering…if you were willing to change the future."
The pair gasped. What on earth? "Taichi Kamiya, what are you talking about?" Chloe demanded, her dark eyebrows rising. "What do you mean you were wondering if we wanted to change the future?"
"Well, it wouldn't matter to us if you two wanted to um…hook up," Kari whispered. She seemed to be struggling internally. "I mean, Tai and I…we both know how you and T.K. truly feel about each other Chloe. We know you…love each other…more than anything."
T.K. and Chloe's eyes widened a bit. They want us…to be together when we return to our dimension?
"I…you two deserve each other. You fit together like no pair I've ever seen," Tai added hoarsely. "I guess Kari and I didn't want to accept it…but now we do. We know you two are not happy without each other so the only choice is for you to be together."
"But Tai," T.K. protested. "What about you and Kari?"
"As long as you're happy," Tai answered quietly. "It doesn't matter."
Chloe shook her head firmly at the same time as her heart flooded with love and emotion for the former leader of the Digidestined. "No Tai. We can't."
"Why not?" he asked her curiously. "No one's stopping you."
"But Chloe's right Tai," said T.K. firmly. "We can't do that to you and Kari. It wouldn't be right."
Kari sighed.Why are they making this harder than it actually is? "It isright T.K. It's been obvious since you two met all those years ago. You love Chloe…don't deny it. And I know she loves you." She raised her eyes to the older girl. "Don't you?"
Chloe bit her lip. "I don't deny it…but Kari…"
"Then you should just get together," said Kari bitterly. "It doesn't harm us. I mean, so we'll have to start over. It won't be that bad." She gave them a weak smile.
"Okay that's enough," snapped T.K. He crossed his arms in front of his chest. "What you guys are telling us to do is ridiculous. You're right that Chloe and I love each other. We always have and we always will. But you're making a mistake." His blue eyes met Kari's brown ones. "I love you Kari…no matter what you say. My feelings for Chloe have not changed my feelings for you and they never will."
"Besides," Chloe said briskly. "T.K. and I learned quite a bit during the time we were gone. He and I figured something out."
The other pair looked curious. "What is it?"
T.K. adjusted his hat. "When our crests were first formed, the creators believed that the Crest of Hope was bound to that of human life. Life is nothing without hope so when they created the Crest of Life, they assumed that the bearers of Life and Hope would one day meet and fall in love. The holders of the crests were like the crests, destined for each other because they were part of the same soul. When the crests were created, that soul entity was divided in half until the two pieces would reunite again.
"Unfortunately, the creators did not know that the Crest of Hope was bound to the fate of the Crest of Light as well as that of the Crest of Life. There would be no Hope without Light and there would be no Light without Hope. They also didn't know that the Crest of Life would not go to a Digidestined…but to a Pokémon trainer. The holders of the crests of Light and Hope grew up together and were linked in such a way that they could never be torn apart while the Crest of Life remained dormant in another world."
"Until the day came when T.K. and I met each other," said Chloe softly. "And the beliefs of the creators was confirmed. He and I felt the pull between each other because we were meant to feel the bond. We were bound by fate, by destiny, by our crests. But…something unexpected happened." She smiled faintly. "T.K. was already in love with Kari and when he met me, his feelings became confused…same as mine when I fell in love with you Tai."
"We knew then that nothing would be the same because we were so confused," said T.K. "Chloe and I…we felt like were betraying you both…because we loved you both but we loved each other as well. But that's when we learned…the feelings between Hope and Life are not meant to be the same as Hope and Light or Courage and Life. The feelings that Chloe and I have for each other are those of a soul. We love each other but we are not in love with each other."
The dark-haired beauty beside him nodded. "That's all our feelings really are. We are two halves of the same soul. Like a right hand and a left hand, we belong together but we made our choices. We are connected by fate…fate that we cannot control…but we don't want to be together. T.K. and I want the lives that we chose…not the lives that fate would want for us. Besides, our choices don't change the fact that we're always one and the same…mind, body, heart, and soul." Chloe frowned and she stared into Tai's brown eyes. "Taichi Kamiya, if you wanna walk away from me now then go ahead. You offer me a second chance…a chance to live my life with T.K…a chance to live my life the way that my soul was destined to live. But that's not what I want. I want what I've chosen for myself. And it wouldn't be right to take away whatever you have for me."
Her brows furrowed but she stubbornly did not look away. "I guess what I'm trying to say is…I choose you Tai, not T.K. I've loved him for as long as I've known him…even before. But I don't want him." She sighed. "I can't make your choices…but I can give you my heart. I don't expect anything else. You're right in saying I love T.K. because I do. But I love you more Tai…so much more."
Tai stared back at her; she looked so serious and beautiful. He remembered that he had been attracted to her for pretty much the same reasons as he had been attracted to Sora: her beauty, her compassionate nature, and her strength. He had felt guilty about that because he thought that loving Chloe would only be a lie, a false substitute of his love for Sora.
But Chloe was not Sora. She was skilled in other areas and more prone to emotion. She had a different sort of beauty, a mysterious sort of beauty with a mist constantly surrounding her painful past. She was tougher with an air of aggressiveness around her when provoked. In other words, she was harder to love. Yet he knew that his love for her was stronger than his for Sora. He had gotten over Sora, accepted her as a friend.
But I'll never get over Chloe.
"So what do you say Tai?" Chloe asked him, taking a step closer to him. Her long dark hair fluttered around her.
In response, Tai smirked and pulled her into a loving kiss. Chloe gave a little gasp of shock, but it was quickly suppressed as she melted into the leader's embrace. Her arms slid across his back and up to clasp his neck while his own hands ran through her hair. Their hearts even seemed to be beating in unison as their minds formed the same thought: This is my choice. This is whom I really want.
Tai pulled away and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Was that a good enough answer for you?" he asked her, smiling. "Or did you really need words?"
Chloe shook her head, playfully swatting his arm. He's so dense. So amazing. So…Tai. "Idiot," she muttered, leaning into his embrace.
Behind them, T.K. laughed. "Y'know, maybe I should have tried that with her instead of trying to reason with her earlier."
"What is THAT supposed to mean!" Kari demanded.
T.K. laughed again and wrapped his arms around her. "Nothing Kari. You know I love you."
She turned around to face him, her eyes shining. "I never get tired of hearing you say that."
"Hmmm, then I should say it more often." T.K. leaned down and kissed her gently.
Kari smiled against his lips and wrapped her arms around his neck, pouring everything into that one passionate kiss. When they finally let go for air, she leaned her head against his chest, his arms curving around her slender shoulders.
"And I love you too T.K."
T.K. grinned down at her and looked up, his blue gaze locking with Chloe's. They smiled gently, knowing this choice was what they really needed. All they had ever wanted. As for their feelings for one another…they silently bid farewell to them. Those feelings would still be there as constant parts of their souls. But that's all they were. Nothing more.
Because no matter what happens, we're the same person…and that's all we really need…
To tell? Or not to tell? To tell? Or not to tell? Takato paced irritably back and forth across the grassy floor. He was sure that Jeri's advice would help him earn the courage he needed, but he still felt as unsure as he had before speaking to her.
On the one hand, if I tell Rika how I feel, she might fall into my arms (heh, yeah right) and accept my feelings. On the other hand, if I tell Rika how I feel, she might punch me, insult me, laugh in my face, or all three. And there's still the question of whether or not she likes Ryo.
Takato stopped pacing and sighed, rubbing the back of his head. On the whole, my options aren't too good. The sound of chattering reached his ears. "What I need is some more good solid advice," he muttered, turning towards the chattering. He could make out the familiar forms of Chloe, T.K., Tai, and Kari.
"And who better to give the advice than the people she remains close to." He took a deep breath, and then darted toward them. "T.K.! Chloe!"
The two teens turned at the sound of his voice, their eyes surprised. "You need something Takato?" T.K. asked him.
Takato nodded, looking meaningfully at Tai and Kari. "I really need to speak with T.K. and Chloe alone please. It's…um…personal."
Tai grinned, understanding completely. "Sure Takato. Let's go Kari." He and his sister left the three kids alone.
Once they were gone, Chloe crossed her arms in front of her. She smiled at the young Tamer. "Okay Takato, what do you need to talk to us about?"
He looked at her nervously. "Well…Chloe…T.K…I need to talk to you guys about Rika."
"What about Rika?"
"I…I was sort of hoping you guys could give me some advice," he mumbled. He rubbed the back of his head again, his gaze drifting toward the ground. "Y'see, I sort of…well…okay, I'm in love with her." He rushed on before they could interrupt him. "I think I've loved her...for a long time…only I never knew."
The two teens said nothing for about two minutes. Then a smile lifted the corners of Chloe's mouth. "I was wondering when you would decide to fess up."
"Huh?" Takato lifted his head to stare at her and T.K. They grinned down at him. "You…you mean you guys knew?"
"We took a hint," T.K. replied cheerfully. "I mean, it wasn't that hard to notice that you at least cared a great deal about Rika."
Takato nodded solemnly. "So…like I was saying…I don't know how to tell her how I feel. It's because if she finds out, there's a chance that…that…"
"That you'll face rejection and probably severe pain in the process?" Chloe finished gently.
"Well…yeah."
Chloe laughed and shook her head. "No way Takato. Rika may be like that most of the time, but if I know anything you should go ahead and tell her your true feelings for her."
"But…what about Ryo?"
"What about him?"
Takato sighed inwardly. "Why would she accept me when she has someone like Ryo? I mean, he's handsome and I'm not, he's skilled and I'm not, he's powerful and I'm not, he's smart and I'm—" He paused, realizing what he was going to say.
"And you're not?" T.K. laughed. Chloe giggled and covered her mouth with one hand.
"GUYS, I'm being SERIOUS!" he yelled, though he blushed a bit in the process.
T.K. stopped laughing. "S-sorry." He grinned. "But you're wrong Takato. You're pretty skilled for a Tamer and you're the strongest out of all of them."
"You may not be that bright, but you're not a complete idiot like some people I know," said Chloe, her blue eyes dancing. "And I must admit, you're quite cute." She giggled again at the younger boy's blushing face. "Besides Takato, Rika does not like Ryo in that way. They may be similar in the way they train and all that, but she doesn't see him in the way you see her."
"Chloe's right." T.K. said. "Take a chance. Life is all about making risks. The worst she could tell you is that won't want to be friends." For obvious reasons, he and Chloe did not tell Takato that his feelings for Rika were mutual.
Some things need to be done without the help of others.
Takato sighed. "You sure?"
"Rika trusts you with almost anything Takato," Chloe told him. "She cares about you and you know you care about her." She placed her hands on his shoulders. "If she doesn't feel the same way, then at least you won't lose your friendship. She really would never hurt you."
He grinned self-consciously. "Why do you guys have such faith in me?"
They smiled, still not . "Because you tried to get through to Rika," said T.K. softly. "You always tried to be her friend even when she pushed you away. I think you have a pretty good chance with her Takato."
"But if you break her heart," Chloe warned. "I'll break your legs."
Takato laughed nervously. "I'll keep that in mind." He stared up at the sky, noticing that the sun was starting to sink towards the west. No…it can't be that late already.
Chloe and T.K. also followed his gaze. Comprehension dawned on their faces. "You already know, don't you?" T.K. asked the Tamer softly.
Takato nodded solemnly. Chloe reached out and took his hand. "I think it's time."
As the three teams stood close to one another at the front of the Forest Sanctuary, Azulongmon, Gennai, and Oikawa floated above them. "Again we thank you for everything you have done for us children," said Azulongmon solemnly. "We only wish there was some way to repay you for all of your troubles."
"We…we want…" Takato began but then closed his mouth. What was the use? He knew there was nothing to change what was about to happen.
"Can't we just have…a little longer?" Jacob asked Gennai solemnly.
The elderly being shook his head. "I'm sorry Jacob, but the rifts have to be closed. The longer we wait, the less time you have to get back home."
"What if we don't wanna go back?" Davis demanded. "What if we wanna stay here…like this…with the Tamers?"
"That cannot be allowed Davis," Oikawa whispered. His voice fluttered with the butterfly wings. "You belong in your world and that is where you must be returned."
"But what about our Digimon?" asked Tai. "If we visit them in the Digital World, doesn't that mean we might be able to see the Tamers sometimes?"
Agumon bit his lip. "Not exactly Tai. We talked about that with the Sovereign already. We can't."
"It's because we're on different levels of the Digital World," said Patamon. "And even then, though you may make frequent trips here; the Tamers cannot."
The sun's golden rays hit the soft leaves of the trees and a brilliant luminosity of white light floated around in front of the older teams. Slowly, the Digidestined and the Pokémon trainers turned towards the Digimon Tamers.
Feeling a compelling urge in her heart, Chloe closed her eyes and then began to sing. Her voice was achingly lovely and flowed gently over her teammates like a crystal douse of water.
How the universe began
What the future holds
Why do fools fall in love
What happens to our souls
Clues to life's mysteries
Are what we hope to find
Always reachin' for a reason
Searchin' for a sign
To know the unknown
(It doesn't mean that much to me)
To know the unknown
(Some secrets are just meant to be)
Don't want all the answers
'Cause one thing is true
As long as my heart beats
I'll always love you
So I don't need to know
The unknown
She looked over at Rika, who slowly nodded. Taking up the second verse, the Tamer closed her own eyes and began to sing. Everyone was stunned. Rika's voice was so breathtaking and angelic. I've never sang anything since "Promise of the Setting Sun."
Is there life on other planets
Why there's magic in a kiss
What dreams really mean
Who hears us when we wish
Everybody's wondering
Tryin' to understand
But all the revelations
Are like castles in the sand
To know the unknown
(It doesn't mean that much to me)
To know the unknown
(Some secrets are just meant to be)
I don't need all the answers
'Cause one thing is true
As long as the earth turns
I'll always love you
To know the unknown
(It doesn't mean that much to me)
To know the unknown
(Some secrets are just meant to be)
I don't need all the answers
'Cause one thing is true
As long as the earth turns
I'll always love you
Chloe and Rika both began to harmonize the song, the sound of their voices resonating throughout the safe haven. They sang of the mysteries of the unknown, of what lay ahead, and that there would always be friendship and teamwork.
You don't have to tell me
Just why you went away
Now that you've come back
There's nothing more to say
All I really need to know
Is that you're here to stay
To know the unknown
(It doesn't mean that much to me)
To know the unknown
(Some secrets are just meant to be)
Don't want all the answers
'Cause one thing is true
As long as my heart beats
I'll always love you
To know the unknown
(It doesn't mean that much to me)
To know the unknown
(Some secrets are just meant to be)
I don't need all the answers
'Cause one thing is true
As long as the earth turns
I'll always love you
The girls trailed off, ending the song in voices barely higher than whispers.
So I don't need to know…the unknown…
"Well guys," said Tai solemnly. "It's been real. We all wanna just say…thank you. Thank you for being with us throughout all of those battles, and for standing up to meet the challenge no matter how much the odds were against us. But most of all, thank you for being you, the Digimon Tamers. Without you guys, I don't know where we'd be."
T.K. nodded. "Everything that we've been through this past month…never forget any of it. We promise never to forget you if you promise to never forget us."
The Tamers nodded. "We will never forget you."
For one long moment, the three teams could think of nothing else to say to each other. Then fresh tears broke away from the ducts within their eyes as the pain of leaving became actual physical pain, and everyone began to call out his or her goodbyes and last words as the older teams gradually began to disappear into the light.
"Don't stop being who you are Takato," Tai told the young Tamer. He managed a shaky smile.
Davis nodded. "Yeah. You're a great leader, and you've done us proud."
"That's for sure," said Ash solemnly. "D-don't forget us okay?"
The Tamer smiled sadly. "Thanks you guys." The tears in his eyes wobbled slightly and he resisted the urge to bawl right then and there.
"Watch out for yourself Henry," Izzy said seriously. "Oh and keep an eye on Terriermon."
Henry attempted to laugh. "I'll do my best."
"Henry keep an eye on me?" Terriermon snorted. "It's vice versa on that one Computer Boy."
Mimi hugged Jeri tightly. "Take care of yourself Jeri," Mimi whispered against her tears. She broke away and began to bawl uncontrollably. Palmon passed her a packet of tissues.
Jacqueline also hugged the female Tamer closely. "You'll be okay won't you?"
"Of course I will," said Jeri breathlessly. "I know I'm not alone anymore now that I have Leomon again and—" here she looked Henry "—other people who care about me." Tears ran down her face in rivulets.
Terriermon noticed the look and grinned. "I knew it! Who's the Mon? Who's the Mon?"
"Not you," Henry muttered.
"Hey! I resent that!"
Ken and Ryo gripped each others' hands tightly. "We'll see each other again right?" Ken asked him.
"We better."
"Thank you for everything Tamers," called Matt. "We'll miss you guys!"
"You guys are the best friends we've ever had!" Sora added with a teary smile.
Jacob nodded. "And remember, you'll make us proud even if we're not there to say the words. You always do."
"Oh yeah! Say 'hi' to your parents for us!" Yolei added. "Considering we won't be seeing them after this."
"Stay out of trouble you two!" Brock called to Kazu and Kenta.
They grinned. "Who us?"
"Stick together okay?" said Misty tearfully. "We'll be watching over you."
Suzie began to wail. "Don't go! Don't go!"
Cody smiled at her as he slowly disappeared. "Don't be sad Suzie. Don't think of this as a farewell. Think of this as a goodbye…for a little while."
"Say 'hi' to the Monster Makers for us," Joe added. His glasses seemed to wink. "And keep each other safe."
"Don't eat all the bread okay?" Guilmon whispered innocently.
"Pikachu!" Goodbye!
One by one the Digidestined and the Pokémon trainers faded away from view, still shouting out last goodbyes. The Digimon partners followed as well to return to their own plane of the Digital World. Finally, only T.K. and Chloe were left in the glowing light. Patamon had gone on ahead.
"It's time for you to leave as well children of Life and Hope," rumbled Azulongmon.
The pair nodded and gazed at the Tamers, remembering the day they had met. It seemed so long ago now.
"Well…"
"Yeah…"
Unhurriedly, the trainer and the Digidestined went over to each Tamer and hugged them gently farewell. They lingered around Takato a little longer than usual.
"Please take care of Rika for us," T.K. whispered to the younger boy.
"I…I will," he murmured, fighting back the urge to cry. Judging by the feeling of moisture rolling down his face, he was failing miserably.
Chloe smiled tenderly and moved Takato's bangs aside to kiss his forehead. "I know you won't let us down Takato. You're a great friend." She winked at him. "And be sure to think about what we said okay?"
"Sure thing."
Silently, the pair turned towards the last Tamer in the group, the only one that they still had yet to say goodbye to. Rika bit her lip. "Go on. Aren't you guys gonna leave already?"
T.K. shook his head, smiling sadly. "We don't wanna leave you. Not like this."
She closed her eyes. "What does it matter? You'll leave anyway won't you? So just go."
T.K., Chloe, Renamon, and the other Tamers knew exactly why Rika was acting like this. She was doing her best to bury away the actual pain of letting them go. She didn't really want them to leave but she knew the separation was not her decision to make.
Chloe looked down at her blue ocarina for a minute and then put it to her lips. Lugia's Song poured forth from the small instrument, hauntingly beautiful and full of promise. Then Chloe stopped playing and cocked her head to one side. What is…this…song? She frowned for about a minute, and then put the ocarina to her lips once more. The new song that poured forth was similar in minor keys to Lugia's Song, but it was more like a melodic message than a song of healing. Out flowed feelings of love, friendship, life, dedication, teamwork, and destiny.
Teamwork…is the key…to your destiny…
When she finished playing the new song, Chloe removed the ocarina from her mouth and wiped off the mouthpiece. She frowned as if considering something, and then she handed the ocarina to Rika. Rika stared at it and then at her. "What Chloe?"
"I think it's time we let go of the past a little," said Chloe with a small smile. "So I've decided to give it to you."
She could hear the rest of the Tamers gasp, though in admiration or in shock she could not tell. Rika blinked. "W-why?"
"Think of it as a memento," said Chloe cheerfully. "You don't have to learn how to play it; just keep it and take care of it for me."
"But…don't you need it?"
"I'm not giving it up," Chloe replied. Her brilliant blue eyes glowed with happiness. "I'm passing it on."
Rika's eyes widened…and then filled with tears. She pressed the ocarina to her chest, a smile lifting the corners of her mouth. "Thank…you."
Chloe reached over and hugged her tightly. Her own eyes were glimmering with unchecked tears. So much for hiding my sentimentality. "No…thank you Rika. Thank you for choosing to open your heart to me and T.K.…and giving us a chance to live."
T.K. hugged the redhead as well, reaching between Chloe's arms to reach her. "Take care of yourself and remember…just because you can't see us, doesn't mean we're not there. Anytime you feel alone then look up at the stars. Know that we'll always be watching over you." He brushed away the skittering tears that were falling from Rika's eyes. "Both of us."
Rika nodded, crying and smiling at the same time. She could already see that their bodies were slowly becoming as transparent as their teammates before them. They pulled away from her and allowed the transparency to take effect.
"I…"
Chloe and T.K. stared at her questioningly.
"I…" Rika stood up straight and uttered the words she'd only remembered saying twice in her lifetime. "I love you."
The two teens smiled back at her for the last time. A brilliant luminosity of white light floated around them, blocking them from outside view. Yet Rika and the other Tamers caught their last words as they faded away into the brilliant radiance.
"We know…"
I name this song…Teamwork is the Key…
West Shinjuku District (Tamers Dimension)
The parents and friends of the Digimon Tamers stood huddled around the lake area in Shinjuku Park as they had when the children had first gone to the Digital World. A few more inhabitants of West Shinjuku, curious about what was going on, had also come along to watch the Tamer's return.
A glimmering sphere of white light appeared at the edge of the lake and slowly faded away. Standing in place of the sphere were the Digimon Tamers and their partners, home at last.
Takehiro and Mie Matsuki raced over to Takato and Guilmon, gathering them both in a hug. "I'm so glad to see you," Takato whispered, choking back tears.
"We're glad to have you both back safely," Takehiro told him. "I knew you could do it."
"Thanks for believing in me."
"Home! Home!" Guilmon cheered joyfully. "Where I can finally sleep in my house and eat Guilmon bread until I get sick!"
Rika and her mother exchanged a long tearful hug. "Oh Rika, when I saw what had happened I feared the worst, but you came out all right in the end." Rumiko smiled. "I knew you'd show the bad guys who was boss."
"Oh Mom," Rika laughed. "Thanks."
"Thank you for looking out for her Renamon," Seiko said to the kitsune fox.
"Frankly, I'm not sure who was looking out for whom."
Henry and Suzie were immediately snatched up by their parents into a hug. "Mommy! Guess what? I tuwned into a Digimon!"
"I know Suzie. I saw."
"You did a wonderful job Henry," said Janyu. "I'm so proud of you."
He smiled. "Thanks Dad." There was a tug on his shirt, and he turned around to see Jeri standing there with her father. "Oh right. Dad…Mom…we've had a lot of changes happen to us in the Digital World…and well…you already know Jeri here."
"Smooth Casanova," Terriermon muttered under his breath.
The brunette smiled at seeing him so flustered. She glanced at her father. "Daddy, this is someone I'd like you to meet." She also waved a hand up at Leomon. "Oh yeah, and Leomon coming back to me was only one of the changes."
Ryo and his father exchanged an awkward hug, but it was clear that they were happy to see each other. Kazu's parents held onto the boy so tightly, Guardromon had to pull him out of the embrace. Kenta and his parents held a tearful reunion as well, though less exuberant than his friend's. Ai and Mako were also happily reunited with their family, after a brief scolding about running off to "fight the bad guys."
As for Alice, she introduced Dobermon to her grandfather Rob McCoy, who was overjoyed to have her back. The smile that lit her face was something he had never seen in a long time.
Yamaki grinned at them all. "We're pleased to have you back Tamers…but what of your other teammates?"
At this, Takato hung his head. The Tamers' happy expressions became sorrowful and subdued. "They…left…"
"Oh."
But not forever…
West Shinjuku District (Tamers Dimension)
Nonaka Residence
Next Day…
Look at the sky tell me what do you see
Just close your eyes and describe it to me
The heavens are sparkling with starlight tonight
That's what I see through your eyes
Takato walked down the sidewalk, his steps slow as he thought about everything that had happened before. It felt like everything he had been through had cost a lifetime rather than just a few weeks. It feels like forever since we said goodbye.
He'd just gone to visit Guilmon to deliver the usual bread but now he had no idea what else there was left to do. The long evening stretched out before him. It's like nothing really seems like much of a purpose now that we've saved the world again.
Takato sighed and looked up. To his shock, he found himself in front of Rika's house. Huh? How the heck did I end up here? Unless it was by pure intuition. He was about to turn around and leave when Seiko Hata and Rumiko Makino opened the door.
"Oh Takato! We didn't expect you," said Rumiko, ushering him inside.
"Um, actually I wasn't planning to come here. Y'see I—"
"Rika's actually been a little down lately, so you coming here is actually perfect timing. Maybe you could bring a little ray of sunshine in her life," said Seiko pleasantly. "Go on. She'll be happy to know you're here."
Rumiko nodded. "Renamon's out at the moment with the other Digimon—at least that's what Rika told me. Go right ahead young man." She and Seiko left.
Takato looked at the door nervously. Normally, it would have been okay for him to go to Rika's house but so much had changed since then. Still, he had come this far and he wasn't going to back down now.
But what if she hates me?
…She does not hate you…
What if she secretly loves Ryo?
…Weren't you listening to Chloe and T.K.?…
He bit his lip as his hands reached for the sliding door leading to the porch. He stopped, considering, Should I?
At once, his friends' words of advice drifted in.
"Rika trusts you with almost anything Takato. She cares about you and you know you care about her."
"Take a chance. Life is all about making risks. The worst she could tell you is that she won't want to be friends."
With the support of Chloe and T.K.'s words, Takato pushed aside the door and walked onto the porch. He quickly scanned the area bathed in the orange glow of the sunset. Then he saw her.
There's no turning back now.
I see the heavens each time that you smile
I hear your heartbeat just go on for miles
And suddenly I know why life is worthwhile
That's what I see through your eyes
That's what I see through your eyes
Rika rested her hands against the top of the bridge, gazing at her reflection in the pond. The glow of the setting sun lit up every delicate feature on her face and the golden highlights in her hair gleamed. For a minute, Takato could only stare at her serious face as she gazed into the water's depths. He hadn't expected to find a tearful, frail Rika like that memorable night on the Digital World cliff top (Rika would probably grind him into hamburger if he mentioned it). Yet he hadn't expected such a blank emotionless face. Perhaps if she refused to express any emotion, she would feel no pain.
"Rika?"
Rika glanced out of the corners of her eyes. Takato was standing next to the end of the bridge as if he were afraid to step onto it.
"What…what are you doing here Gogglehead?"
"I...I…came to see you," he stammered nervously. "Your mom and grandma let me in."
She raised her eyebrows slightly but shook her head. Doesn't matter. He just came to see me like a friend would. Nothing more. "Oh."
"Yeah." Takato looked at her again. "So, where's Renamon?" Oh wait, I already know.
"Out…but she'll be back before dark."
"Oh."
Silence.
"Um…"
Oh, so it's going to one of those visits. "Why are you really here?"
"I just wanted to see how you were doing," Takato replied, rubbing the back of his neck. "Soooo…how are you doing?"
"Despite the fact that I had to say a fond farewell to a bunch of people I happen to care about very much, I'm just peachy," she replied cynically. "If that's all you wanted to know, then you can kindly leave me to deal with my thoughts. I trust you know the way out."
Takato flinched but he forced himself to ignore the twinge of uneasiness. Nobody said this was going to be easy. "I…actually I didn't come here to see how you were doing…well…not really…I mean…aw heck I don't even know what I mean!" He stared down at the earth and cleared his throat. "Well…"
Rika's gaze stayed on the water. Her knuckles had turned white from gripping the bridge railing too tightly.
Takato stepped onto the bridge. "You're not crying."
"How observant you are," she said sarcastically.
"I'm sorry," he stammered, walking over to her. "I just…" He paused and looked at her looking into the water's depths. Despite her emotionless face and serious posture, she looked so…so… Takato bit his lip to keep the heat from rushing to his face.
Rika turned away from the water to face him. He was a lot closer than she realized. "Takato?"
Takato looked down at the wooden planks, more to stop her from looking at him than anything else. "Don't bury away the pain."
Rika's face hardened. Bury away the pain? "I don't feel…pain. I know my friends will come back to me." She turned back to the water. "I'm still with them and they're still with me."
She felt his hands touch her shoulders hesitantly. She jerked away. "I don't want you to come to me just because of an ordeal Takato. I can take care of myself."
Takato felt a slight twinge of hurt course through his body but he shoved the feeling aside. Taking her hand, he forced her to face him.
Rika's eyes widened. He had never done that before. "Trying to surprise me Gogglehead?" She gave a small laugh.
He ignored her comment. "Don't shut me out Rika. I want to be there for you in the toughest of times. I want to be the one that you can turn to when you need someone to turn to. Let me be someone you can rely on. If anything's bothering you, I need to know."
"I do rely on you Takato," she replied matter-of-factly. She tried to tug her arm away but he had a death grip on her. More than you think. "I don't need you all the time. You don't know how I feel."
"I know that," said Takato earnestly. "But don't shut me out." Rika fixated her violet eyes onto his auburn ones. "It's only when an ordeal happens that you need me and I want it to mean more than that." He took a step closer. "It's only when you do need me then I'm not so afraid."
Rika backed away but her hand was still caught in his. When she took a step backward, it just drew Takato even closer. "Don't go," he whispered quietly.
She cocked an eyebrow at him, her eyes meeting his. They seemed to shine with inner light. "The thing is…I need you Rika," Takato added.
"No you don't."
"Yes I do." He took another step closer to her, until he could almost feel the warmth radiating from the proximity of her body. He swallowed hard. "I…I do."
Finally she answered. "Why do you need me?"
"Because you're a part of me," Takato answered softly. He didn't know how he was going to be able to do this. "Just tell me what to do to make you happy and I'll do it. More than anything, I just want you to be happy."
"Takato…"
He stared back at her face, blank and emotionless as before. His heart sank. She doesn't…feel the same way. "And if…you're happy…with someone else…then it doesn't matter," he said in a choked voice. "I mean…I never did give you any hints. It's my fault really for not realizing it sooner."
Rika wanted to speak but she couldn't work her throat.
Takato let go of her hand and turned away. "I understand…I've always sort of known you wouldn't care about me the way I do about you. I always thought I could be the one to melt your heart of ice, but I was wrong wasn't I?" He studied the rough wooden planks. "It's okay…really. I just…at first I was unsure of my heart and I can't believe it took so long for me to figure out…but now…now I know…"
What is he talking about?
"Even if you don't feel the same…I just want you to be happy. Because I figured out that I really…I…"
"You what?"Is he saying what I think he's saying?
"I…I…"
…For crying out loud! Spit it out Matsuki!…
Here in the night, I see the sun
Here in the dark, our two hearts are one
Its out of our hands, we can't stop what we have begun
And love just took me by surprise, looking through your eyes
He took a step away, still not looking at her. "I love you Rika."
Rika's eyes widened in shock and her mouth dropped open. He loves me? He…he loves…me? "You what?"
"I…I love you," he repeated, trying out the words on his tongue. He saw that her face was filled with astonishment. "I…I really do."
Rika's surprise melted down into plain old confusion. She took a step closer, trying to see his face.
Takato sighed, still keeping his back to Rika. He had finally let out the four secret words that had been buried away in his heart ever since the battle with Piedmon…heck, maybe ever since he figured out she existed outside his dream long ago. This friend who had been a constant part of the team, this girl whom when he thought he'd lost her forever, he discovered he loved more than life itself. "But I understand…if you don't feel the same way. I understand if you…" He took another deep breath. "I'd better go."
"No!" Rika grabbed his arm, willing him to stay. "Don't leave." She was not going to let the one person whom she had spent most of the time thinking about walk away from her now.
He didn't look at her. "But Rika…you were right. I could never understand how you feel. I'm not Renamon. I'm not Chloe. I'm not T.K." He shook his head. "I could never hope to mean anything like they mean to you. I could never measure up to them."
"I don't care!" Rika burst out. Now he did look at her. "You've always been there for me and I know you'll always be there for me. Don't say that you don't understand me 'cause you do."
"Rika," Takato whispered. "I'm not—"
"I don't expect you to be. Don't change yourself Gogglehead!" She tightened her hold on his arm. "It doesn't matter if you're not Renamon or Chloe or T.K. I never asked you to be them! You care and you show you care because you're you." She fixed her eyes on his face. He wants to know. He needs to know."Don't walk away from this…please don't." A tear escaped from her eye and she brushed it away angrily. "Damn it Takato…can't you see? I love you!"
Takato blinked rapidly. She loves me? His face slowly flushed and he was sure his heart skipped about two beats.
"I don't know when…I don't know how," Rika continued. Her eyes trailed to the floor. "And frankly, I don't care anymore. I've been fighting it for the longest time…but I know…I love you."
"B-but you and Ryo…"
Rika shook her head hard. "You believed I was in love with Ryo? Oh for the love of God, open your eyes Takato! He and I may have a lot in common but that doesn't mean anything." She clenched her free hand into a fist. "You stupid baka! The whole time with the D-Reaper and the Parasimon and our adventures…even now! It was only you I ever wanted! Only you!"
She only wanted me…For a long time the goggled Tamer just looked at Rika, really looked at her. She was so…beautiful. All this time she really loved me and I was too stupid to realize it.
The fiery redhead let out all of the air from her lungs. Did I change his mind? Am I already too late and I'm nothing to him again? It's not my fault that I chose to fall in love with the gogglehead. "I don't know what else to say. What else do you want me to say!"
Takato shook his head, a small smile appearing on his face. I should've known. Slowly, he took Rika's hand away from his arm and turned to face her properly. He cupped the sides of her face and lifted it. "Rika?"
She stared at him. "Gogglehead?" Okay, what's going on in the weird head of his? For some strange reason, she found her instinct to close her eyes.
Takato took a shot at it and leaned closer. "You don't have to say anything," he whispered before pressing his lips gently against hers.
If their inner voices could have agreed on one thing throughout that entire afternoon, it was this: Finally.
I see a night I wish could last forever
I see a world we're meant to see together
And it is so much more than I remember
More than I remember
More than I have known
After about ten seconds, Takato whipped his head back. His heart was pounding, his head was spinning, and his breath was ragged as if he had run a mile. Rika was breathing rapidly and trembling.
"I…Rika I'm sorry," he stammered nervously. He was blushing heavily and he knew it. "I've never done that…before."
Rika stared at him and bit her lip. "Not even…with Jeri?"
Takato shook his head. "Not even with her." His gaze drifted to the wooden planks once more. "I'm sorry." She must hate me now.
Rika's face broke into a smile, the first smile she'd worn in a long time. Him and his stupid heart. "Don't be." Truth be told, the kiss had been a little awkward and unsure as if he was afraid to hurt her, or as if he was unaccustomed to kissing. The latter was most definitely the case. But it's better than anything I've ever experienced so far.
Still smiling, she wrapped her arms around him and leaned her head against his shoulder. Takato's head shot upward in surprise and he couldn't stop the temperature in his face from rising. "Takato?" Rika whispered.
"Yeah?"
"Why…why do you love me?"
He blinked and moved her head away from his shoulder so he could look at her properly. "Rika, what kind of a question is that?"
"A smart one," she replied smoothly. "So really…why do you love me? You could have anyone in the world Takato…so why me? In case you haven't noticed by now, I'm not the nicest nor the most agreeable person in the world."
Takato nodded. "Well of course I know that. But I also know that you're not the type to be afraid of anything and when you are, you don't let it get to you. You're different from any other girl I've ever known and I find that most attractive about you. You don't want people to shoulder your responsibilities." He blushed again. "And besides Rika…I don't want anyone else. I only want you, cons and all."
Rika's smile broadened. Good enough answer for me. "Am I really worth the trouble?"
Takato nodded. "Every time." He stared up at the trees for a moment and then asked, "Rika?"
"Yes?"
"Why do you love…me?"
The Tamer frowned for a minute. "Do you really need that question answered Gogglehead?"
His face said it all. She sighed. "It's because you're different from the others. You've never lied to me or tried to leave me alone. And you make me…happy. No one has ever had the ability to do that. Oh sure Chloe, T.K., and Renamon have but…I could never feel that way about them. If any of our teammates left…you'd be the one I'd miss the most." Rika noticed that Renamon had appeared and disappeared in the background but she barely cared. "Will you promise again Takato…that you'll never leave me?"
He smiled softly and held her close to him. She leaned her cheek against his and his hand reached up to play with her ponytail. "I promise. I love you Rika. And I'll never leave you alone ever again. I'll stay with you as long you'll have me."
"You don't know how long I've waited for you to say that." She smiled a true genuine smile. "I'll stay with you as long as you'll have me. And even then, I'll love you forever."
Takato shrugged. "Y'know, it's been a proven fact that forever could actually only last two minutes," he said jokingly.
Rika rolled her eyes. "Just shut up and kiss me Gogglehead."
Takato obliged and their lips once again met in a gentle kiss. This second one was less awkward and more passionate as they held each other close, sharing their newfound feelings. Her arms found their way around his neck while his tightened around her waist and upper back, pulling her closer and kissing her deeply. There was no more pain, no more suffering…just this close and wonderful feeling of love.
They slowly pulled away a few minutes later and smiled, red dusting their cheeks. Behind them, the sun slowly sank below the trees, stars beginning to glisten in the sky.
Takato turned to look at the setting sun, the glow reflecting in his auburn eyes. Rika leaned herself against him. "Do you think we'll ever see them again?"
He smiled at her. "I think we will…someday."
And as the two Tamers watched the stars flickering in the sky, they could almost see the reflections of their friends…and their smiles of contentment.
Alexis: Love. In its greatest and most potent form, it brings people together even during a time of setting suns and goodbyes. Mysteries laid to rest, feelings brought to the surface, and friends united under a common thread, it's finally over…or is it?
Wow. For a mushy chapter, this completely takes the cake in length and all of the fluffiness I seem to lack in real life. (giggles) Well like I stated before in the earlier chapter, this chapter could be considered the last and it could not. I mightwrite one more if you readers want (just to wrap up the whole spiel) but if you want me to end it here then that's okay too since it works as a last chapter. So review and whatnot and happy holidays!