Sora: Hm? We have a guest review here and it's for Takuya. "How exactly does your enhanced eyesight work? Do you just zoom in to things or…?"
Takuya: Uh… Well, for the most part, everything just looks clearer, in higher definition, and I can pick out small details that ordinary people would miss. Like I can easily count the number of freckles on someone's face or see dry water stains or see the legs on an ant.
Zoey: And he can "zoom in" to things by squinting. It's like having binoculars 24/7.
Kristy: I always thought it was useful, having those kinds of powers. But I'm guessing you guys have had some bad experiences along with them.
Shinya: Oh wait, Tommy, weren't you in a lot of pain that day we were playing dodgeball and you got hit in the stomach? Everyone thought you were super tough for standing up to bullies all the time but then you were just crumpled up on the gym floor for hours!
Tommy: *Blushing profusely* It was five minutes… though I wanted to stay down longer.
JP: I will say that my enhanced taste has done wonders for my cooking. Just tasting something allows me to figure out what the individual ingredients are and how much was put in and what should or shouldn't have been added.
Nene: Really? But wait, wouldn't you have to know what the individual ingredients taste like to figure that out?
JP: *Chuckling nervously* I was a... constantly hungry and overactive child. I'd get into the pantry or the cabinets and eat whatever looked edible.
Guilmon: I used to do that too! But now Takato won't let me…
Takato: Because you ate all the flour and felt sick for the next ten days! Not to mention make the bakery run out of stock super fast.
Zero Unit: Okay, that's enough of the weird… talk… here. Let's talk about something really important!
Gatomon: Oh no… I know what this is about.
Zero Unit: Me!
Gatomon: Shameless self-promotion.
Zero Unit: I made a Tumblr blog not too long ago under the same name, no spaces, so it's "zerounitrgb." It's just a bunch of random fandom stuff and unfortunately, I've only posted one Digimon-related thing. But just check it out if you'd like. Anyway, thank you for your patience, it is now time for you guys to read the newest chapter of… Children of the Future!
Gumdramon: Read and enjoy!
-X-
January 1: Katou Family Restaurant - 12:03 AM
At only eight years old, Katou Masahiko was not yet old enough to help out at his family's restaurant. Especially not on New Year's, when there would be multiple groups clinking their glasses of beer together and merrily cheering for the months to come. Though the place wasn't as packed as it usually was. Probably because there were many that lived in fear of going outside due to the presence of Digimon.
Since there was a distinct lack of customers, aside from drunken group in the corner, the owners decided to start closing up early. A few stragglers stepped inside the venue and one of them waltzed up to the bar to order a few drinks. None were alcoholic though.
Masahiko sat on the other side while his father prepared the drinks. The customer hadn't moved over to join his friends at their table. Rather, he was staring down at the boy doodling on a piece of paper with a green crayon.
"Is that Leomon?" the stranger asked.
Masahiko paused and looked up. Recognizing the patron as Kamiya Tai from the TV. His big sister pointed him out a few times as the Chosen Children spokesperson or something like that. "Uh-huh," the child nodded. "I watched the show too! But big sister said that the Leomon you know is different from her partner."
Tai pulled out a stool and sat down. "Yeah, he is. But they're both brave and strong warriors."
The green crayon slipped from his fingers and clattered beside the paper. "Jeri says they would do anything to protect people important to them. And that that's the kind of person she wanted to grow up to be. But I don't know if I want the same."
"What do you mean?" Tai frowned.
The drinks were delivered to the table though no one felt that thirsty. Matt and Sora were talking normally for the first time since their breakup though there were some strange pauses here and there. It was a good thing Mimi was there to facilitate conversation and bring a lighter atmosphere to the group. Izzy was on his laptop, trying to figure out the location of the kids in the Digital World and Joe was just trying to warm up from the cold outdoors.
"It's scary," Masahiko admitted. "The big monsters on TV."
Sitting at the table closest to the DigiDestined, six Rookie Digimon were fighting over who would get the last dumpling. It only came out two seconds ago, how did they gobble the entire platter so fast? Palmon had it in her vines, but Gomamon snatched it like a sea lion grabbing a treat extra early. Gabumon got it with his horn, but Tentomon plucked it off from there. Finally, it ended up in a tug-o-war between Agumon and Biyomon before tearing in two and falling back onto the plate.
Sure, that was funny and both Masahiko and Tai couldn't help laughing out loud. But the older human couldn't help but notice that the boy's laughter died off fast. After all, those creatures had the power to knock down buildings and gobble a person up in a flash. It must be scary.
Tai took the drawing and flipped it around. The green Leomon standing next to the yellow Jeri. "I get scared too."
"You do?"
"But I'm more terrified of losing my loved ones." Tai turned the page back around. "Your sister probably knows that feeling better than anyone."
"She does?"
The brunet didn't go into too much detail. But he explained that there were two separate times when someone important had disappeared from Jeri's life. For both times, it hurt her deeply, so much that she ended up isolating herself.
It's like being trapped in a dark closet. It's hot because the coats are closing in on you and your throat gets dry because dust is falling onto your tongue. Sweat drips down your forehead and your butt begins to go numb from sitting on the hardwood floor for so long. What can you do?
In Jeri's case, she chose to be in that closet. So instead calling for help, she shrunk into herself. But she still desperately wanted to get out. No one wants to be in that closet for too long. But it's rarely ever easy to get out.
Masahiko tilted his head to the side when Tai paused. "Why not?"
"I can't play soccer anymore."
The rest of the team had been dumbstruck when their captain uttered those words. Leg in a cast, crutches to keep his balance, and eyes red and puffy from staying up all night. They had all believed that Tai would keep playing in college once his leg healed. But there he was telling them otherwise.
"So what if you didn't get scouted?!" Nakamura had shouted. "You're still one of the best players this school has ever seen! And you love it! We've seen your passion."
It was like an old argument with Matt. Hands would grab at his collar, spit would fly in his face, and maybe some knuckles would connect with his skull. But back then, Tai made no move to counter or argue. He just… took it.
"Because… you need to get help first," Tai exhaled. "Whether you want it or not. Whether it… comes from others… or you."
In that closet, there are two ways to get out. You can wait it out. Maybe someone will notice that you're gone and will unlock the door from the other side. But it's risky. Because maybe that someone is death, ready to take you. Then there's the second option. You stand up, you grab the knob, and you either call for help or you break down that door yourself.
Jeri got lucky. She had friends that knew right away that she was gone. They just had to find and free her. Tai was lucky too.
But now it was up to them. Every time they felt themselves moving back towards that forsaken space, they had to snap out of it. They needed to stop themselves. Shout to the heavens. Tear down the door until there was no way to get locked up again.
Tai continued. "The fear is never truly gone even after that. You always have to keep fighting."
"Is that why big sister is always fighting?" Masahiko asked.
He nodded. "Jeri… wants to be able to protect her loved ones by doing it herself. So she fights that fear… every single day."
Masahiko lived in fear as well. While there was admiration and care for Leomon, there was also an aversion to the bipedal beast as there was to the table of hungry digital creatures. Tai saw that. This child was continuously living in the fear of that which he could not understand. But if he kept living like that, would he not reject everything that was different from who he was or what he knew?
Sliding out of his seat, Masahiko stumbled over to the Digimon. Interest and wonder crossed over his face once more as he interacted with them. Agumon and the others greeted him with big smiles and complimented him on his art.
"One question," said Joe. "Why is Leomon green?"
Mr. Katou stopped at the table, his intimidating face glaring down at the med student. "He's color blind."
"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't realize!"
"It's not a bad thing."
"Oh… uh…"
Mimi patted his shoulder. "Just keep digging that hole."
Zoey's Hair?
Takuya stared off into the horizon. He didn't have to be at the edge of town to see the forest and mountains and lakes that surrounded them from all sides. All he needed was his vantage point from atop the highest castle tower. And it wasn't long before he spotted a group of humans heading towards them.
Takuya leapt down, landing with a thud and nearly scaring Risa into passing out in shock. Giving her a quick apology, he sprinted off to the entrance just in time to see the other group enter. Immediately, Bokomon and Neemon jumped into his arms and gave him a hug.
"We missed you so much!" Bokomon sobbed.
"We're so glad to see you again!" Neemon cried.
Takuya chuckled and squeezed them tighter. "I missed you guys too."
A feminine voice called out to him. "Hey, did you miss us too?"
The boy would recognize that voice anywhere. But when he looked up, standing beside the familiar Kouichi was someone with short blonde hair and baggy purple clothes not owned by the person he was thinking of. "Who are you?"
"Zoey, stop!" Kouichi cried out. "He's already lost a lot of blood!"
"You're not even trying to stop her!" Yolei yelped.
January 1: Kingdom Town - 10:27 AM
As soon as Jeri crossed through the twenty-foot tall fortress walls that closed in the quaint little town, it was like stepping into a whole other world. Of course, she has literally stepped into another world and it wasn't as enchanting. For a second, she looked past the hem of her skirt to see if she was walking on thin air.
There were Digimon, big and small, In-Training to Ultimate, humanoid and beast all moving from one place to another. If it weren't for the fact that some were flying and others stood over rooftops, it would look like a scene from a period drama. Wives gossiping in the marketplace, swindlers trying to sell cheap items for a high price, and a sleeping vendor who's had a slow day.
A murmur, starting from the Knightmon guard at the gate, traveled through a line of clucking Deramon and giggling Floramon. It didn't take a good ear to understand the hushed whispers of "The King" in an awed tone. And brushing right past the brunette's legs was the scarred and battered but reverent King Shoutmon.
A Centarumon clopped through the crowd and bowed to the little red one. "Welcome home, your majesty!"
"Welcome home!" the town roared.
Flower petals and confetti fell at the group's feet as they passed, heading up towards the massive castle in the center of it all. It was quite the welcoming party. There was even a palanquin prepared for the royal dragon though he declined the offer. The Goblimon carriers seemed disappointed that they didn't get the chance to hold their monarch high.
"How have things been?" Shoutmon asked, turning to the centaur.
"Well, we've had no serious attacks thanks to Wisemon's cloaking device," said Centarumon. "An Airdramon raid did fly over last night though. It took a long while calm the young ones."
Taiki moved closer to the pair. "Speaking of young ones, we have a boat filled with eggs at the dock."
"CaptainHookmon has already informed me," Centarumon nodded. "I will send for the best nurseries to care for them."
At the back of the group, Jeri struggled to keep up. They had encountered half of the raid (consisting mostly of Ultimate level Digimon) the other night and ended up having to fight. Borrowing Takato's Hyper Wing card, she had GrapLeomon fly into battle. But he was completely out of his element. They defeated the enemy, all of which sported a Dark Ring, but not without the lion-man sustaining several injuries which of course, translated to his partner.
"Jeri?" Leormon called, pausing a few feet away. "Are you okay?"
"Oh, I'm just… peachy," she replied, putting on a soft smile.
Trying to keep a straight face, Jeri marched forward. Takato and the others seemed to heal so quickly after getting back from their fights. Then again, they usually didn't end up in a battle every day and when they did, it was never with army after army. Everyone seemed a little beat.
"You shouldn't push yourself," the feline told her. "If something's bothering you, tell us."
Jeri nodded. "Of course. I just couldn't sleep well last night."
Leormon didn't believe her even as she briskly walked towards the castle gates. As they creaked open to reveal the flowery courtyard, they were greeted with several familiar and friendly faces. A little worn out and dirt-covered, but otherwise inviting.
"TK!" Yolei squealed, throwing her arms around his neck. "It's so good to see you again!"
The younger teen returned the gesture. "You too, Yolei." He then acknowledged Ken and Cody who seemed deep in discussion moments ago. "I guess this means Kari's group isn't here yet?"
"Unfortunately," Ken confirmed.
"But they can't be far," said Kouichi, standing nearby. "Each group has shown up within hours of each other so far. There might not be any correlation but I think it's a good sign. It's been a while since we were all together."
Takato and Jeri wished they understood the feeling. As great as it was to see Ai reunited with her twin brother, they couldn't shake the heavy feeling in their chests when they noticed that Henry was nowhere to be found. Rika and Kenta were part of the group that hadn't arrived yet so as of right now, they were the only Tamers.
Takato, anxiously tapping his foot, watched as his partner roam around the fountain, calling out for Terriermon. The outgoing rabbit saying "Momentai" would be absolutely welcome at this moment. Thankfully, Zoey noticed his behavior and told him that Henry was inside.
"You got a partner?!" Takuya blanched.
"Wow, you're so lucky!" Risa cooed.
Shinya had a wide, cocky grin on his face as he showed off Commandramon. "Isn't he just the coolest? He stabbed Armageddemon right in the eye!"
The Tamer and dinosaur stepped away from the sappy "I missed you"s to step inside the castle. He didn't know much about European history but he was certain this was how westerners had built their strongholds back in the dark ages. So, clambering up the spiral staircase, he ended up in front of the wooden door with Henry's name tag on it.
The Chosen Children were given rooms in the castle and offered baths to wash up but no one wanted to go in until their friends returned. Well, no one except Henry. Why the blue-haired Tamer had locked himself inside was a mystery. But it was one that Takato planned to solve.
"Henry?" Takato called, tentatively knocking on the door.
"I smell them inside," Guilmon remarked.
Some sheets sounded like they were being shuffled before the sound of chair legs scraping across the floor could be heard from the other side. There were momentary pauses, as if the person was checking to make sure it wasn't leaving scratches behind. Then a click, and Terriermon peeked through the crack. He was taller, than he usually is.
"Henry's sleeping," he whispered.
Takato craned his neck as if he could see more by doing so. "Did… something happen? Zoey and the others in your group seemed a bit… off."
"It's… a long story," the Rookie confessed. "I'll, or maybe Henry will, tell you guys once we're all together. He just wants to rest for now."
It wasn't like the Tamer couldn't understand. Sleep sounded absolutely heavenly since he hasn't had a decent one for a while. But the thought of one of his closest friends going through something while he just waited for answers felt wrong. It felt like… like when he rode that train with the fake Jeri. There were so many things he wanted to say, wanted to do to help, but he didn't know how.
"Just tell him, when he wakes up, that I came to see him," said Takato. "And that if he needs to, that Rika and I are willing to listen to whatever it is he has to say. We trust him. And we want him to trust us enough to talk about the things that trouble him. I know… he has trouble doing that sometimes."
It's not that Henry didn't trust them. Terriermon knew this for a fact. Whenever they were bio-merged, thoughts of Henry's family and friends would run through because more than anything, he wanted to protect them. But… Henry did have a tendency to hide his true feelings all the time.
"I'll tell him," Terriermon assured him. "I'll see you guys later." With that, the door closed shut.
Zoey's Hair?
Obviously, Tommy and Shinya immediately gravitated towards their older brothers when they made it within the castle walls. After Zoey finished telling Takato of Henry's whereabouts, she moved back to the other Warriors. Tommy was already looking up at her curiously.
"Don't tell me you don't recognize me either," Zoey sighed.
The boy shook his head. "It's not that, I recognize you, Zoey. I was just thinking that it looks nice on you."
The girl was taken aback by this remark as her face flushed and she turned away. "Thanks. I… was kind of worried about how others would take it."
"Since when were you one to worry about something as trivial as that?" Shinya chuckled.
"Everyone worries about things like that," said Takuya, "no matter how cool we act. We're human, it's what we do."
Zoey nodded. "I know I act like I don't care about my appearance but it's the first thing people see. We act like it's not important, but the truth is, it feels incredibly so."
"I guess...," Tommy remarked. "But you know… I really do think it's impossible for you to look bad."
They all seemed surprised when he said that. So Yutaka placed his hands on his brother's shoulders. "Have you already gone through puberty?"
"What is that supposed to mean?!"
January 1: Wisemon's Lab - 11:31 AM
"Amazing," Yolei stated breathlessly.
The small group passed through the sky high bookshelves in the ornate library, they made it into a room filled with sophisticated technology. Files and folders and books and binders all meticulously arranged in a neat stack on the nearby desk and power tools lining the walls as far as the eye can see. Finally, a pod-like machine came into view, past some giant supercomputer. This was what Wisemon had used to bring the Generals' and Hunters' Digimon into the human world.
"Unfortunately, it's no longer functional," Wisemon explained. "According to my assistants, it's because this was originally connected with the red, blue, pink, and yellow X-Loaders. However, now that all four of those digivices are here in the Digital World, we can't use it to travel back to your world."
"So you want Yolei, Kouichi, and Yuu to help you figure out a way to connect it back to the human world," Hawkmon concluded.
"That's great!" Damemon cheered. "Yuu is super smart! He'll figure this contraption out and fast!"
The Hunter wasn't so sure about that though he was grateful for his partner's praise. "Maybe if we work together with the guys at Hypnos, we'll be able to do it."
"In that case, we'll first need to create a way to communicate without having to wait days for a reply," Kouichi muttered. "But I have to confess, I'm good with numbers and science on paper but machines are my strong suit."
"That's what you got me for!" Yolei grinned. "If you guys figure out the calculations, I can handle the rewiring and maintenance."
Wisemon wanted to put everyone to work immediately but his partner forbade that. After all, no one had eaten a proper meal, slept in an actual bed, or bathed in a long time. They were dirty and tired. So the hooded Digimon told them that they would start in the morning while worked on creating a communication channel with Hypnos.
Suddenly, the sound of metal clanging down the steps caught everyone's attention as they watched a white PawnChessmon stop in front of them. Standing tall despite having run from the courtyard down to the study and remembering to respectfully salute the Chosen Children in their presence as instructed by Knightmon. "The last group of DigiDestined has arrived!"
"Kouji's here?" Kouichi gasped.
Yolei was already on her way out. "Hopefully nothing bad's happened to them!"
The courtyard was dead silent when the three humans were hit with sunlight. Heads down, eyes closed, hats and helmets in their hands. They assumed the worst but it looked like everyone was here. Kari went to give Yolei a hug while Nene and Kouji reunited with their brothers. And that was when Knightmon expressed his sadness for the loss of Cherrymon, a lieutenant of the United Xros Heart Army.
The real problem was with JP. The injury he had sustained from LadyDevimon still hadn't healed. Every time Kari changed his bandages, they seemed to get worse. No amount of healing from Sakuyamon or Angewomon seems to help. So Davis helped move him into the infirmary.
From the castle, Taiki stepped out with Shoutmon and Jijimon on either side of him. The former was donning a flowing mantle and a glittering crown. It was like it had been polished every single day while the king was gone. As for Jijimon, the elderly Digimon used his claw staff to hit a gong that his partner was dragging out in order to gain everyone's attention.
"We have two large, open-air baths if you kids would like to unwind," stated Jijimon. "By the time you're done washing up, we should have lunch ready!"
"Great," Takuya smiled. "I'm sure we're all famished."
"It would be good to take a moment to relax," Relena agreed.
Rika would've followed the girls had Takato not stepped out of the building. She had been told by Jeri that the boys were inside so she didn't worry. However, upon making eye contact with the brunet, she knew that something important just happened.
"After lunch," Rika told him as she passed. "We'll talk then."
Takato nodded before following the guys. "Sounds like a plan."
Zoey's Hair?
The Warriors watched as JP was escorted to the infirmary before smiling wryly towards Kouji, grateful to see that he was no worse for wear at the very least. Actually, he was probably in the best shape out of the group. His battles weren't as big or life-changing or anything but of course, that didn't mean he didn't put in the extra effort either.
"Kouichi, are you okay?" Kouji asked. "Duskmon didn't…"
The older twin had to keep his long-haired brother from smothering him. "I'm fine, really."
Once Kouji was able to affirm the fact that Kouichi had no terrible injuries anywhere, he turned to the other guys on their team. "And I heard you two got new forms." He placed a fist on his chin as the pair flashed him wide grins. "Fusion evolution is one thing, but it never occurred to me that we could even become our Ancient forms."
"It's incredible!" Bokomon piped up. "There are few records on the Ancients aside from the fact that they existed! If all of you can bring out those forms, I can be the first Digimon ever to research them from head to toe! I'll probably win another award!"
"Is that all you think about?" Zoey chided.
"Oh, uh…," he muttered sheepishly. "That is… if it's okay with all of you."
The Legendary Warrior of Wind exhaled before turning to Kouji. "Speaking of transformations, don't you have anything to say to me?"
"...Did you learn to fusion evolve too?"
She narrowed her eyes. "Are you telling me you don't notice?"
"...That you're wearing a shirt that's one size too big?"
Zoey's head dipped down as her back leg lifted off the ground. Before any of the guys could react, the heel of her sneaker slammed into Kouji's cheek and he was sent flying. They watched as the boy's head hit the dirt and he was knocked unconscious.
"That's one hell of a kick," Yutaka gaped.
Takuya shuddered, hugging himself as if he was trying to protect his body. "Tell me about it…"
January 1: Dining Room - 12:05 PM
There was probably enough room in the baths for the entire student body at Yagami High plus a few of their rival schools. Apparently, Shoutmon invites the whole town for bareskin bonding at least once a month. It's supposed to help them cleanse their bodies and rejuvenate their bones. And no wonder, as soon as they stepped into the water, they immediately felt like moving in.
Afterwards, they moved into the golden, sparkling dining area. When Shoutmon said he was the king, they had expected it be in title and that he was more like a war hero considering the various scars on his body. But it seemed that in the year he was separated from the Generals, he was building his reputation and keeping his world safe to the point that he was revered by everybody. Working together while he was working hard, they built this castle and the town just for him and the rest of the army.
The chefs were hard at work as well, they'd been cooking since morning when the first group arrived. Now there was a feast placed out for the Chosen Children. It was also where many familiar faces were waiting to greet them, including the Celestial trio, Gokuwmon, Sanzomon, and everyone they picked up along the way.
"So the babies are safe?" Kari asked, turning to Elecmon.
"That's right," the caretaker nodded. "You can check on them later in the west wing."
Gatomon raised a claw. "Let's make sure they grow up happy even during these trying times."
"Agreed," Kari smiled.
Speaking of children, it seemed a certain parent was reunited with his own. Bokomon somehow managed to run in slow-motion, tears running down his face, and jumped into Seraphimon's arms. The bigger shocker was watching the stoic angel return the gesture with a surprising amount of warmth.
"You're grown so tall and magnificent!" Bokomon gushed. "I can't believe you're even the same egg I once carried!"
"It's good to see you too, Papa," Seraphimon chuckled.
Davis choked on his drink. "You're his dad?!"
"Well, he used to be 'Mama'," Takuya snickered.
Cherubimon floated over to Kouichi and gave the boy a formal apology for the pain he had caused him when he was corrupted. The angelic beast also apologized for losing the four spirits he was assigned to protect but thanked the Legendary Warriors for taking them back.
At the doorway where Sanzomon quietly meditated, Henry walked across the threshold with Terriermon on his shoulder. The monk and the human noticed each other but didn't say a word. The last time they had met, they battled in the city street. Now they saw each other again, but the Tamer felt nothing towards her.
JP followed soon after. New bandages were wrapped around his bare stomach as he was carried by Unimon to his seat in between Takuya and Kouji. The Warrior had insisted upon eating with his friends and it was difficult to deny his request despite his wound.
"I like your haircut," JP remarked, looking over at Zoey.
"Why thank you," she replied before glaring at Kouji. "At least someone has eyes." She then turned to Takuya. "And recognizes me."
Before everyone settled into the dull hum of the dining hall, Shoutmon called for their attention by clinking his metal spoon against his wine glass. As soon as all eyes were on him, he cleared his throat and took out his signature microphone. The king addressed the soldiers that were lost in battle and thanked Jijimon, his top advisor, for taking such good care of the kingdom in his absence. Once that was done, he got onto the real issues.
"We came to this world in search of Impmon and to stop the Demon Lords from conquering more of our beloved home," said Shoutmon. "Things haven't gone exactly as planned. That's to be expected, I mean, none of us thought it was going to be easy."
Ryo and Suzie and their partners were snatched away from them. Cherrymon and Etemon were deleted and absorbed. A whole town was destroyed.
Taiki stood tall beside his partner before taking his turn to speak. "But that doesn't mean we'll give up without a fight. We have allies from all over backing us up, from the opposite hemisphere, to the human world. From here on out, we are the new United Xros Heart Army!"
"For today," Shoutmon continued. "I want us all to eat well and smile big. It's a new year after all! We can take one more!"
Cheers rang from most present in the hall. Some were stoically thinking up strategies already while others just weren't up to the festivities just yet. It couldn't helped. But the ones that did smile on this day were the ones that knew they needed the morale boost.
"The mochi is done!" a Hamburgermon, the head chef, sang as she skipped in with a huge trolley of rainbow-colored mochi following closely behind.
Jeri gasped in delight while Ai and Mako were climbing on top of each other to get a better look. "Mochi?!"
"Our group got here first," Yuu chuckled. "So I asked a favor from the chefs and taught them how to make mochi. We'd been working since four in the morning but it was fun."
The group wanted to make the day feel as normal as possible for New Year's so as soon as they finished their meal, they went back into the courtyard to continue the festivities. Playing karuta, flying kites, spinning tops, or simply exploring the town and window shopping. While they were still together though, they did "kakizome," otherwise known as first calligraphy.
"Whoa!" Davis gaped.
"Rika, your handwriting is beautiful!" Kari stared.
"Well, it's not wonder," Jeri giggled. "Despite being in class B, she is second in our grade in Japanese."
The redhead crossed her arms after signing the giant piece of paper. "Legible handwriting has nothing to do with understanding language, grammar, and syntax. However, I am absolutely terrible when it comes to science."
"That would be more my area of expertise," Yolei grinned before staring down at her chicken scratch. "Well… I'm done!"
Takuya looked over, cocking his head to the side. "What does that even say?"
"It says exactly what it's supposed to say!" she pouted in response. "I want to find true love!"
Kristy rolled her eyes. "During kakizome or even the first shrine visit, you have to make more important wishes than that. For example…" She finished the last few strokes before holding up her own masterpiece. "I want to find the cure for cancer!"
"That's what it says?!" Takuya and Davis shouted together.
"Uh… That seems… ambitious," Yolei scoffed as the boys were thrown over the wall.
Taiki couldn't help laughing as he watched the girls argue about it. He then turned over to his classmate to see what he was writing. But when he turned to Takato, he found the black paint to be completely gone. "A mountain landscape ink wash painting?!"
"Ah…," Takato blinked, sitting up. "I wanted to draw something in the corner and I guess I got carried away…"
"There's only a tiny bird in that corner!"
"Yay!" Guilmon cheered. "I finished mine!"
"It doesn't even look like Japanese!"
"It can't be helped," Gatomon murmured. Somehow, the cat's fur had taken on an ashen color. "After all… we don't have thumbs."
"Gatomon's handwriting is also pretty bad…," said Hawkmon.
"Well, that makes me feel better about mine," Zoey chuckled. "Plus, I have the excuse of being non-Japanese to fall back on."
Rika stood up and gestured over to Relena and Bearmon. "Those two look like they could teach calligraphy and one is a foreigner while the other is an anthropomorphized bear. I don't think you guys have any excuses."
"Why are you so good at everything?!"
"Eh?!" Relena flinched.
The cheerful chatter turned into bothered bemoans upon hearing that they would have to wake up early the next morning to start training. It wasn't like it was a bad idea. They were all just hoping that they could stay in real beds for longer. But they needed to get stronger if they wanted to stand a chance against the Demon Lords. And that didn't just mean the Digimon.
During the commotion, the trio of Tamers managed to slip away and sneak into one of the empty corridors.
Takato and Rika sat patiently as they watched their friend struggle to form the right words. Terriermon ended up retelling most of their story. From the second they heard that Suzie had been taken by the Demon Lords to the moment they were defeated in battle by Dianamon. The other two Tamers waited and hung onto every word.
"It's just like that time we confronted Zhuqiaomon," Henry finished, still staring down at his sneakers. "I lost sight of everything and was just… so mad… at the whole world for involving my little sister. This time, I was mad at the Demon Lords but I took it out on everyone else… my own friends."
"Happens to the best of us," Rika shrugged.
"Rika," Renamon chided.
The redhead grimaced, realizing how that came out. "What I meant was… We all have our own breakdowns and meltdowns and episodes. It's not something to kick yourself over. We're here for you and we'll hold you down if you ever go ballistic again."
"Rika's right," Takato agreed. "You can't always be the one we rely on. Rely on us once in a while."
Terriermon had to cut in. "This time was different. Sort of…"
Taking a deep breath, Henry told them about his childhood days, before he took apprenticeship under Sensei Cho. He used to run amok, tearing through the house like a maniac. Chairs were flipped, papers were ripped, couches were tipped, and plaster was chipped. It was hard for anyone to imagine seeing as he was always the calm one in the group.
According to Henry, going crazy like he did a few days ago felt exactly the same as it had when he was young. With a hand clutching at his heart, he told them his theory. He's an experiment, one of the last for testing when it came to the completion of the Dark Spore. What made it incomplete… was that it was too much darkness to be contained. He lost control.
"But you've taken control," Takato interjected. He leaned forward and placed a hand on his friend's shoulder, forcing him to look the brunet in the eye. "We've been with you for five years. We've seen you lose your temper once. But even if we see that two or three or even a hundred more times, we will be there to help you."
"Momentai, right?" Rika added, taking Henry's other shoulder. "Besides, it's not like you haven't seen either me or Takato go nuts. And that was just during our first adventure. We'll be there for you just as you were for us."
"What if… I end up hurting one of you?" Henry ventured.
Guilmon suddenly took a step forward with his pupils dilated into slits and fangs bared. "I would never let that happen." He calmed down immediately once Takato placed a hand on his head. It was somehow so relaxing that he closed his eyes and his tongue just flopped out.
"He's right," Renamon nodded. "If you were to ever turn on our partners, don't think that we would hesitate to bring you down."
"I hope that you will keep your word if it ever comes to that," said Henry.
January 1: Hypnos - 5:17 PM
They almost couldn't believe their eyes and ears when Yamaki told them about the message that was sent to them from the Digital World. Wisemon was able to establish a clear enough connection for them to create a bridge between their transporter pods. With a few modifications, they might be able to bring the kids back and forth between dimension lines. It's the breakthrough they'd been waiting for!
"It's going to take some time," said Daisy, looking over her notes. "But we should have it done in less than two weeks."
"Fifteen days at most," Babel added.
Their partners watched on in awe, having never seen the adults work before. They rolled across the linoleum in their swivel chairs and had their fingers clack away at their keyboard and their papers shuffling across the desks and through the air. It was a hodgepodge of sound and commands though none for the little creatures on the floor.
"They really have grown up, huh," FanBeemon buzzed.
"Well, of course," said Salamon. "Though even as little kids, they were pretty mature."
Betamon couldn't help feeling bored since he really wanted to play with his partner again. But he knew that the man was busy. So he turned to the other digital creatures with wide-eyed wonder instead. "Hey, what were you guys doing before Gennai called us all together again? I'm curious."
Ryudamon lived as a blacksmith in Ebonwumon's world in his Champion form, Ginryumon. In a world where war was being waged between beasts and humans, the dragon was making plenty of digi-dollars by repairing armor and forging weapons for both sides.
Fanbeemon, as Waspmon, was a normal hive guard living in Zhuqiaomon's world. He lived on the opposite hemisphere as the chaos of the D-Reaper happened so he wasn't too bothered by it though he had heard much panic from fleeing refugees. There were some holes in the digital plane popping up here and there as well.
Salamon, as Darcmon, was a schoolteacher in Ebonwumon's world. She wasn't as surprised as Ryudamon was at the fact that they had never met. After all, what sane Digimon brings a legion of children into a weapons shop as a class field trip?
Betamon, as Seadramon, explored the oceans of Baihumon's world. He apparently made lots of friends and was completely oblivious to the fight between the Data Squad and Yggdrasil. Though he did hear about a crazy human scientist that was deleting Digimon on sight for his own gains.
Lastly, there was Candlemon. They didn't have to ask which world or what form he was in. They all knew the story.
"Candlemon," Rai called. "The communication channel is going to be active all night. They've set up a link so if you want to talk to Gatomon…"
"I… don't even know what to say to her," Candlemon muttered.
Salamon hopped over and nudged him forward. "Come on, she was your best friend from your last life, right? The least you can do is say hello."
"Yeah," Ryudamon agreed. "Besides, I'm sure she has a lot to say to you."
The armored dragon knew the feeling of losing a close friend better than any of them. After all, for the longest time, Shibumi's partner had been the enemy. That partner was Ryudamon's brother, the Digimon he could count on no matter what. So Candlemon knew he couldn't let this pass him by.
Taking a deep breath, Candlemon hopped over to the computer screen where Gatomon was waiting. Her ears perked up when she heard metal clang against the tiled floor as the Rookie Digimon waved awkwardly. "Long time no see."
The feline Digimon didn't say anything at first. Just studied her old friend. But then a smile appeared on her face. "You've gotten shorter."
"Yeah, degeneration can do that to you," Candlemon chuckled.
As Wizardmon, he scoured the world in search of something or someone that would take away his loneliness. Whether it was because inside, he knew that Rai, or his brother, or his best friend were all missing or simply because he didn't know how to make friends. But he was grateful when he met Gatomon.
When Gatomon told him that she was looking for something but didn't know what, something clicked inside the mage. There was someone important to him that he couldn't find. So he wanted desperately to help this stranger to repay the debt he owed.
"I was too busy crying," said Gatomon. "On the day I lost you and the day I got to see you again… that I couldn't thank you properly for everything that you've done."
Candlemon glanced between Gatomon and Rai. "When I protected you… I think, some part of me didn't want to go through that again. Losing your best friend, losing someone you love, is just so painful. I'm sorry that I put you through that but I knew that Kari would be able to make you smile again."
"She did," Gatomon nodded. "But just like no one can replace her, no one can replace you."
"I know exactly what you mean... I've missed you."
"...I've missed you, too."
-X-
Things are pretty quiet in this chapter but it seems like drama is brewing in all sorts of corners. Tai is teaching Masahiko about not letting fear control you, Henry has confessed his concerns over the spore inside of him, and Gatomon finally got to see one of her best friends again. But most importantly, we got to see how not to react to your friend after she's received a major hairdo change. Find out what happens next on Digimon: Children of the Future!
Hey all! Mimi, here! Usually, Zero does these outros but since I don't need him to translate Japanese to English, I decided to hijack it! So welcome to Mimi's Corner!
Anyway, Valentine's Day is tomorrow and while Zero is going to be alone, it doesn't necessarily make it a bad thing. Even if you don't have a significant other or a best friend to chill with, taking a Me Day is just as important. And if you've got work or school to deal with, remember to take a short break. It can be a big help to your health and wellbeing.
If you plan on professing your feelings to someone on that special day, then here's some advice.
First, it's okay to be nervous. Just take a few deep breaths and if you stutter, it's not the end of the world, just keep going.
Second, don't get extravagant with a gift because you'll make them feel guilty if they say no or obligated to say yes. If you're serious about this person, you don't want to make them feel like that. A rose or a simple box of chocolates will do nicely. Again, rejection is not the end of the world. It'll hurt, yes, but you've survived every terrible moment in the past before, right?
Third, if this is a friend and you don't want to jeopardize what you already have, then be sure to emphasize on that point. Things will be awkward but eventually, it'll get back to normal. So long as you do things as you always have.
Finally, fourth, you don't have to be direct. A love note or having a friend with you or nearby is fine as well.
Thank you for listening to Mimi's corner and I hope my advice helps. Just remember that Valentine's is about love. Familial, platonic, romantic, or even the self, that's what is important. Just don't go overboard with the sweets or you might get sick. Anyway, leave a review and have a happy Valentine's guys, gals, and non-binary pals! See you next time!