Disclaimer: I do not own Digimon or any of its characters. Please support the official release.

"Best Dressed Character"

Rika had always hated going to the mall with her mother. These trips had almost exclusively involved being dragged to the girliest stores imaginable, being forced to try on clothing she would never choose to wear of her own free will, and then having to wait on line to purchase said clothing. On this day in particular, none of these had occurred so far, yet it was already shaping up to be the worst day at the mall Rika had ever experienced.

The sentiment came about thanks to a decent amount of the other mall goers. Being stared at or even approached by complete strangers was not a new experience to Rika, due to a combination of her mom's celebrity status and her own holding of the title of Digimon Queen. She was used to having eyes on her, though it was the owners of these eyes that were setting this afternoon apart from all the others that had come before.

"I know a few designers who would love to pick your brain," Rumiko commented as she scanned the crowd.

"That's not funny," Rika grunted, knowing full well that her mother was getting at least some enjoyment out of this.

"I'm being completely serious." Rumiko wasn't laughing, though she wasn't able to hide her smile.

Rika glanced outward again, finding the source of her current irritation scattered throughout the mall. A number of girls of about her age moved about around her, all wearing a very distinct article of clothing: a white and turquoise t-shirt with a dark blue heart on the front. Some of these girls took things a step further, throwing slightly faded jeans and wrist bands into the mix, and a couple had even attempted to replicate the ponytail Rika wore every day.

Unfortunately, scenes like this one were not uncommon following the defeat of the D-Reaper. The exact number of "fans" would vary depending on the day, though their behavior stayed consistent. They all stared, whispering and smiling and giggling at Rika's presence. A few were even forward enough to approach her in the hopes of getting an autograph.

Rumiko shrugged. "I'm not sure if I should be proud or jealous."

Rika growled before marching away, heading for the back of the next store she saw.

"What is going on here?" she asked as she hid behind a clothing rack.

"You seem to be trending," Renamon answered as she appeared at Rika's side, having chosen a spot where a mannequin obscured her from any onlookers. "At least I think that's the appropriate term."

Rika peered out from her hiding place. "Why can't they fixate on one of the others?"

"I imagine these girls would have a more difficult time identifying with Takato or Henry."

"I hate this," Rika said as she ducked back into cover.

"Why?" Renamon asked, her voice a mix of empathy and curiosity.

Caught off guard, Rika hesitated briefly. "What kind of question is that?"

Renamon tilted her head slightly. "The kind you seem to be having trouble answering."

"I don't like being gawked at." Rika turned away for half a second before instantly reaffixing her gaze on her partner. "I've told you this before."

"My mistake, I suppose." Renamon shrugged, not unlike how Rumiko had previous. "I was distracted by seeing how much you inspire them."

Rika shook her head at the idea, unable to wrap her thoughts around the idea of her being a role model for anyone. She had intended on saying just that to Renamon before being interrupted by someone poking at her side.

"Can I please have your autograph?"

Rika spun around with intent of denying the request, though was derailed upon realizing her eyeline was a bit lower than expected. Now standing right in front of her, dressed just like all the others and with a small notebook in outstretched arms, stood a girl who was no more than six years old.

"I've always wanted to meet a real life superhero," the girl added, bright and infectious smile across her face.

Struggling to find the words, Rika glanced at Renamon, whose only response was a subtle smile as she gestured back towards the child.

Rika sighed. "Alright, what's your name, shorty?"