Ben10 & Digimon Tamers
Heroes and Humanity
Part 02: Humanity and Heroes
The Beginning – Chapter 19
Originally Written: Tuesday, June 30, 3015 253PM to 641PM
. . . . .
"Back again, Jenrya?"
Henry looked at Trang, face blank of emotion. The first time Trang caught him off guard. This time, he was ready. Of course he wouldn't have needed to be prepared if he hadn't shown up here in the first place. When he woke this morning, his feet dragged him off to Hypnos instead of work. He made a mental note to come up with a proper believable excuse for his boss.
"Hello Trang." He spoke after a few moments of silence.
Trang leaned on his cane, gripping it tightly. "So eager to see me?"
"Not at all." Henry looked forward, trying not to frown as Trang chuckled.
Behind them, the plumber guards who were meant to escort Trang spoke with a higher up, getting future orders for the day.
Henry sat and Trang stood in mostly silence. Trang breathed heavily as though his lungs were straining. Henry lowered his eyes and placed one shaking hand over the other in his lap. There were plenty of guards here, and in Trang's condition, he could easily outrun him, he hoped.
He heard footsteps and a familiar voice asking, "They won't even let me down here and you've a permanent pass!?"
A female giggled softly, "Well, it depends on circumstances..."
Henry and Trang looked at Takato Matsuki and Jeri Katou. Takato narrowed his eyes and stepped in front of Jeri.
"Matsuki." Trang spoke through a raspy laugh.
"Shion." Takato clenched a fist.
"Ah, remembered my name." Trang held out his free arm. "I'm almost impressed that a famous guy like you would remember me."
Jeri held Takato's hand.
"Oh stop it." Henry muttered. "You make sure everyone remembers you."
Trang winked at him, a lecherous grin on his scarred face.
"If you're done making sure everyone knows the inside matches the outside, we'd like to get on our way." Jeri spoke up. "Feel free to join us Henry." She smiled at the silver eyed male as she pulled Takato forward, giving Trang a wide berth.
Henry stared at her in shock, though he stood. Sometimes it was hard to remember that meek Jeri was the one who came out infinitely stronger after facing D-Reaper.
"So that's where you went, Matsuki." Trang spoke, his voice dark and growly. "Found someone who could keep you in line, eh?"
Takato froze. Henry watched him clench his fists.
'He's just goading you.' Henry wished to speak, but found his mouth dry, and his will to speak not quite strong enough to overcome his will to stay quiet.
"If you want to keep someone, you should refrain from hurting them." Takato spoke, almost snarling.
Jeri dropped his hand, but Henry wasn't sure if Trang or Takato noticed or cared.
"Is that advice for you, or me?" Trang nearly cackled as Takato turned around. Jeri placed her hands on her hips. "Little lady isn't satisfied, Matsuki." Trang held his free hand up. "I know actual men, who could give you what you need and more." Trang whistled, "With an ass like that, they'd fight for the chance."
Jeri groaned loudly, "Ugh."
Henry stepped in between Takato and Trang. He locked eyes with Takato, silent, as he hoped Trang didn't notice his shaking form. He placed his hands on Takato's shoulders.
"So little lady, if you ever find yourself bored, just give me a call."
Henry refused to turn around for all the good that would do.
"Your charge is seconds away from having a foot shoved up his ass!" Jeri screamed. The two security guards looked at her and back at their superior. "Rank Omega, gentlemen!" She shifted so she was standing up tall as she clenched her fists. The superior gasped, and shooed the two plumbers off towards them.
Takato set a hand on Henry's wrists. Henry willed himself to ignore Trang's laughter as the plumber guards pulled him away.
"Ring, ring, sweety!" Trang called in a raspy voice, full of laughter.
Jeri pointed to the higher up, a female Henry didn't recognize. "I'm writing you up for interference of duty!"
The female's jaw dropped in disbelief. Henry switched his gaze from Jeri and the higher up to Takato. Jeri's scowl was as impressive as it was rare. Henry hoped she didn't start growling.
Takato shook his head, "Why did you even come here today, Henry?"
Henry lowered his arms. Takato let go of his arm, letting it fall. "I..." Henry looked behind Takato, focusing on Jeri.
Takato closed his eyes, "I'm starting to think you really are a masochist."
Henry smiled a weak, tired smile as he shrugged his shoulders and then fell limp.
Jeri folded her arms and turned around. "The nerve of some of these guards. I've seen better guards fulfill their job while they're full out drunk at a bar."
Takato looked at Jeri while scratching his temple. Henry looked down at the tiled floor, wondering once more why he came. He knew why when he wasn't in Hypnos, but the moment he walked through those double doors things got so hectic, remembering why was utterly hopeless.
"I hope that meanie didn't bother you too much, Henry." Jeri smiled at him warmly. There was no sign left in her posture that she had been screaming moments ago.
"Oh no." Henry shook his head. "He's always like that. I've gotten used to it." He lowered his head. Maybe he should have stayed home with Albedo.
"Why don't you come with us, Henry? They won't let me in during Takato's appointment, you know." Jeri looked at Takato as though daring him to say anything protesting.
Henry nodded, "Alright." He followed the couple down the halls, feeling sick to his stomach. He should have stayed home with Albedo. Then he wouldn't be stuck intruding on Takato's medical exam, he assumed, while he dealt with Trang riling him up internally.
A/N: Mama Jeri is such a boss.