Here you go people. My birthday was yesterday and I felt that I should update this story. A somewhat unusual reason but whatever.
This is the third chapter to this current story of my series. Mostly this chapter is going to happen shortly after the previous one. Well, I hope you enjoy this chapter and as for the disclaimer, I don't own digimon.
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Be alert to give service. What counts a great deal in life is what we do for others.
Anonymous
Chapter 3:
Girls' Night Out
"Thank you and have a nice night." Nodding back, the man grabbed his bag and exited the store.
"Was that the last one honey?" a female asked from the back.
"Yes it was dear." Coming from the back of the store was an elderly woman in her sixties who walked over to the only other person in the place, who apparently was her husband.
"That's good to hear since it's time to close shop." Agreeing with his wife's statement the elderly husband went to the front entrance and locked it. "Let's head upstairs and get some sleep. Tomorrow's going to be a busy day."
Turning the sign from 'open' to 'close' the husband headed to join his wife to their upstairs apartment. Two minutes later, the entire building exploded, consuming it entirely in flames. Just down the street an unidentified man in the backseat of a car was putting away some type of device away. "That takes care of that nuisance. Now let's get out of here." Giving the signal to the driver the car drove off, leaving the store to burn to the ground.
-/-/-/-/-
"Are you sure that you should be doing this?"
"Yes, I'm sure. After all, I would have to do this sooner or later, might as well start now." Assuming a fighting stance, Daisuke went on the attack against his opponent. The two traded blows back and forth until his opponent was able to get a shot at his ribs. The reaction was almost instant as he fell to his knees in Pain.
"Daisuke, are you all right?" asked a third person. On closer examination it could be seen that they were in the basement of Daisuke's home and the person that he was going against was none other than Hikari.
"I'm okay Mimi." informed the other person that was in the basement with them. "Apparently I've trained Hikari better than I thought."
"Or perhaps it's because you're still suffering from the injuries that you received from Serenity." With the assistance of Mimi the two helped Daisuke into a chair. "I know that it's been a week but you still need to take it easy until you fully recovered."
"Not going to happen." retorted Daisuke who apparently was getting over the sudden pain that he had experience. "I'm not one of those people who can just sit back and do nothing. Besides, there's no need to speed up my recovery since there hasn't been as much as a peep of evil occurring."
Seeing this was going nowhere, Hikari decided to change the subject. "Well then, with us having this unexpected vacation I have a good idea on how to spend some of it."
-/-/-/-/-
While those three were doing their thing, Ken was doing research on the copy that was made of the scrolls that were stolen. "Let's see, that matches, so does this and this section as well."
"I don't see why you're still looking through that." remarked Miyako. "We already discovered about Daisuke's role in the future so why even bother with it?"
"Maybe because there could be some clue of what may happen or even something about what's to become of us in the long run." muttered Ken without taking his eyes off his work.
"And what could that be? Dieing in a gruesome battle, being betrayed or possibly Mimi and I finding a way back to our home world? Stuff like that?" Whether she meant to or not when Miyako mentioned about her and her cousin going back to their home world, Patheran there was a trace of loathing to the idea. If Ken sensed it he didn't show it as he kept looking at his work.
"Perhaps those things could happen. But perhaps tell us if we'll ever meet that special…someone." Ken was somewhat embarrassed about what he said but tried to keep it in. "A silly idea isn't it?"
"I don't know. It doesn't sound all that silly to me." Looking at one another a strange vibe went across them. Neither one said a word as if they didn't want to take the chance of whatever was going on between them to be broken.
"I'm telling you, my answer is no." hollered Daisuke as he and the girls coming from the basement. Their sudden appearance broke whatever moment that Ken and Miyako had as they turned away from each other before anyone notice.
"I still don't see why you don't want to go ahead with my suggestion."
"I've told you already Hikari, I'm not going to go and that's final."
Not liking to be out of the lope, Miyako spoke up for her and Ken. "Mind telling us what this is all about for those who don't know what's going on?"
"Hikari got tickets to an opening for a new club that's happening later tonight. She's trying to convince me on going with her and if you haven't realized it yet, I declined the offer."
"That's what I don't understand." butted in Hikari. "Don't you feel that you deserve some fun?"
"Maybe I do. But my recent track record at social gatherings isn't that good. The last one ended with me being practically brainwashed by a crazed girl who wanted me to kill her ex-boyfriend. Wouldn't want something like that happening again, would we?"
"All right, I get it." admitted Hikari in defeat. "You don't want to go and I can't make you. But I got two extra tickets and I don't feel like going alone. Mind telling me how I'm suppose to fix that problem?"
Looking around, Daisuke smiled as if he came up with an answer. "Oh, I think I know the perfect solution to your problem."
-/-/-/-/-
"I don't know how you were able to talk me into doing this." muttered Miyako.
"Because unlike Daisuke you haven't built a tolerance to my constant persuading." answered Hikari. The both of them, alone with Mimi, were driving to the club opening.
"Or maybe I couldn't stand another moment of you saying 'Come on, it'll be fun. You know you want to go.'" Miyako answered in a voice that was trying to imitate Hikari's. "If you weren't a friend I would've beaten you down."
"Oh, come on, I didn't complain that much." When she get an accusing stare from her friend, Hikari tried to get some support. "What do you say Mimi?" she asked her friend who was in the backseat.
"Now I wouldn't go as far as Miyako but I wouldn't say that she's completely wrong."
"Well, if that's how you feel then I should just turn this car around and head back." pouted Hikari in a mocking tone.
"All right, we get it Hikari. I think I speak for both Miyako and I when I say that we didn't mean anything by our comments. It's just that we didn't expect you to invite us to go with you."
"Okay, I'll admit that Daisuke was my first choice but with him repeatedly saying no I thought we could use this opportunity as a way to get to know one another better." Finally the three women arrived at the club and after parking the car they went inside to a two story building with loud music blasting loudly, and multicolored lights swirling around, with numerous people dancing to the music that was playing. "Well, let's go ahead and have some fun."
Allowing themselves to have fun they chatted with people and danced a couple of songs. At the moment they were sitting at a table, drinking and chatting. "Man, Hikari I must admit that this was a good idea you had." exclaimed Miyako as she was on her third drink.
"I told you that it would be fun. This is giving us a chance to relax from everything that we've gone through these recent months. Wouldn't you agree Mimi?" Not getting a response, Hikari looked over to her friend to see that she was looking over to some good looking man. "Do you see something that you like?"
That remark snapped Mimi out of whatever trance that she was in as she turned back to her companions. "Huh? Did you say something?"
"All that I said was that it's been just hanging together but it seems as though you're interested in hanging out with someone besides us."
When that was said Mimi immediately tried to deny it. "I don't know what you mean." She was lying and her friends could tell.
"Don't try to hide it. It's obvious that you're interested in that guy so why not just go over there and talk to him?" said Hikari as if it was the easiest thing to understand. "I mean, if you like somebody you should go ahead and talk to them."
"If that's the case then what's your excuse with Daisuke?" Mimi responded back in hopes that it would get Hikari off from talking about her business.
This time it was Hikari's turn to become uncomfortable as she nearly choked on her drink. "What in the world are you talking about?" Before Mimi had the chance to reply, Miyako added in her two cents.
"Please Hikari, like it was hard to figure out that you have a strong affection for Daisuke and yet you don't do anything to fulfill those feelings."
"First off, whatever is going on between Daisuke and me is none of your concern. Second, you telling someone to express their feelings to "answer are like the pot calling the kettle black. I can't count how many moments that you and Ken have had." That thankfully stopped Miyako from coming back with any type of remark. "Wouldn't you agree with me Mimi?"
Getting no response the two of them looked around to see that Mimi was chatting with the man that she was eyeing earlier. "Apparently our friend has set her interest on something than our little argument. Wouldn't you say so Hikari?"
"You're right about that Hikari. Now all we need to do is to find something to past the time."
-/-/-/-/-
"Did you really have to do that?" asked Hikari as she was driving.
"Oh come on, that guy got what was coming to him." Miyako quickly answered back with a bit of annoyance in her voice. "How dare he insinuate that I was some street walker and try to force himself on me. Besides, I think I handle it quite well."
"You tossed the guy across two tables and nearly broke both of his arms. Fortunately getting a beat down from a girl stopped him from pressing any charges but we had to remove by the club owner and the security." Hikari was clearly embarrassed by what happened. "I swear that was one of the most embarrassing moments of my life."
"I actually had a good time." stated Mimi, adding her two cents in.
"Obviously you did. You and that guy that you were talking with were awfully chumming before we had to leave. I believe he's name was James and if I'm not mistaken he gave you his phone number." The only answer that Mimi gave them was her looking away but wasn't able to hide the blush that was covering her face. Not wanting to embarrass her friend anymore, Hikari decided to change the subject. "I just remembered that I need to get some groceries before headed home." Turning the car to a new street they arrived at a small convenience store.
Parking near by they went inside and saw a dirty blonde woman that was perhaps in her mid thirties working at the front counter. "Welcome, how may I help you?"
"We're just here to get some groceries and that's all. But thanks for asking." Hikari quickly answered. Going through the aisles the girls picked up what they wanted and put them in their carts.
"Hey Aunt Helen, I'm back." spoke a male voice that was coming in from the back of the store. "Nothing serious happen while I was gone was there?" When the man came to the store front the three girls saw that he was around their age. He had short brown hair and blue eyes. There was nothing special about what he was wearing as it was simply casual clothes along with a store apron that he had apparently tied around his waist after coming in.
Peeking out from the shelves both Hikari and Miyako recognized him as the man that Mimi was talking with earlier that night. Feeling that he was being watched the man, known as James turned his head and saw the two. "Oh, hello there, haven't we met somewhere before?"
"We have. Actually, you met a friend of ours." answered Miyako. "She had long brown hair, maroon colored eyes and a cute face. Does it ring a bell?"
"It does actually. She wouldn't happen to be here with you is she?" When James was asking this he was looking around in the hopes of spotting the girl in question.
"As a matter of fact, she is." Seeing that the woman that they were talking about was hiding Miyako pulled her out into the open.
"Well, I was hoping to see you again but not this soon. Not that I'm complaining." Mimi simply lowered her head in an attempt to conceal the blush that was coming over her face and saying a small response in return.
Before anything else could happen, someone in a gray suit entered the store. However, what caught everyone's immediate attention was instead of the person that was wearing the suit was an actual human it was a grayish green skin creature. He had a bulky frame that couldn't be hidden even by the suit and four small horns going that were on top of his head that went from the front to the back as well as three additional horns that went along either side of the creature's jaw line.
"Good evening Miss Aida. I do believe that we have some business to attend to." By the expression on the woman's face whatever type of business that the man was referring to it wasn't anything good.
"I don't know what you mean. We've already settled whatever business we had last week."
"But there lies the problem. The donation that we received from you came out a little short."
"What do you mean short!" shouted James in anger. "We gave you the same amount as always."
"Ah, that would be the case if we had been going by last month's set quota." Casually the creature walked over to the near by shelves. "This problem can be solved quite simple. Just pay the amount that you still owe or there may be some accidents." Reaching over he pushed the items from one of the shelves to the floor.
Coming to understand what was going on, the girls wanted to step in and when it seemed as though Miyako was going to get involved until Hikari stopped her by holding onto her shoulder.
"You have until tomorrow night to pay the remaining amount of protection money or this little store or even yourselves might have itself an accident." Turning around the demon was prepared to leave but someone wanted to give him a going away present. Reaching over for a near by broomstick, James ran at the demon and smashed the broomstick over his back that it actually broke. Despite the force of the blow, the demon didn't seem the least bit hurt from it as he grabbed James by his shirt and threw him across the floor where he bounced off of the counter before crashing to the ground.
"James!" Rushing quickly over to her nephew, Helen Aida knelt down to see if he was okay. Not that behind her was Mimi.
"Consider this as a warning. Don't pay up and you'll have to deal with the consequences." Once that was said the demon left the store leaving all those inside to think about what just took place.
"Are you okay James?" asked his worried aunt. "Say Something."
Hearing his aunt's words, James tried to regain his breath before he spoke. "I'm fine Helen. Just a little bruised up that's all." Struggling slightly he got back to his feet and was about to fall back down until he was caught by Mimi. "Thank you. I appreciate it." When she realized how close that she was to him, Mimi quickly backed away. Making there presence finally felt both Hikari and Miyako came over to join the others.
"I hope we're not stepping any boundaries but do you mind explaining what that was all about?" wondered Miyako who couldn't keep her curiosity hidden anymore.
It seemed as though James was going to talk but was stopped by his aunt. "It's nothing that you need to concern yourself with. Just go ahead and get what you came for. Consider them on the house for what you had to witness tonight."
When it became clear that they weren't going to get any answers the girls got what they came for before getting back into the car and driving off. "Do you guys have any idea what that was all about?"
"The best that I can come up with Miyako is that it's some sort of extortion racket." By the looks of confusion on her friends' faces Hikari decided to elaborate further. "It's when a gang or something similar trying to get money from small businesses by offering 'protection'. However, all they're doing is threaten the business into paying them a sum of money or having something bad happening to them. Apparently we saw one of the minions to the person who's in charge of the whole thing."
"If that's the case then why did you hold me back when we could've fought them?"
"Because if we did we might've got James and his aunt hurt in the crossfire. I promise you we'll help them and stop whoever is behind the whole thing."
Nothing was said between the three of them for sometime until Mimi asked the question that was needed to be asked. "Then if we're going to get involved then shouldn't we bring Daisuke and Ken into this? If we're heading into a big battle we should go in with all that we have."
Quickly Hikari responded with an answer. "No we won't. This is something that we must do on our own." Once again her friends gave Hikari confused stares. "Daisuke is still hasn't fully recovered from his fight with Serenity and Ken needs to concentrate on translating on the scrolls before the Takenaka Corporation has a chance to. Until it appears absolutely necessary we'll keep them out of this. But for now we need to better understand of what's going on and I believe that Mimi can help us with that department."
Not bothering to answer the question that had to be going through her friends' minds Hikari just gave them a suspicious smile.
-/-/-/-/-
Next Day…
"It's good to see that you decided to show up." Sitting down James sat across of his company.
"Well, when I got the call I thought I was going for a date. But judging by seeing all three of your girls here, I figure that you want to talk about what happen last night." Already knowing what the reason what was to come, James got himself comfortable in his seat. "Go ahead, ask away."
Taking the surprising lead, Mimi started the interrogation. "We already got the idea that your family's store is being extorted of its money in exchange for self-proclaimed protection. Of course, we all know that isn't the case."
"Ah, so you got brains along with looks. I like that." That flirtatious comment resulted in Mimi to back up slightly in her chair and light blush went across her face.
Not wanting her friend to be repeatedly distracted by their new companion, Hikari took over where Mimi left off. "Could you please tell us the back story of what's going on?"
"It started about three months ago. Before then everything was going fine until that…demon you saw showed up. He did that whole pay up or else speech and we told him to piss off." That cause a small laugh to come from the three girls. "Turns out we weren't the only ones as everyone in our district said that the same thing happen to them. However, are way of thinking changed when a store that an elderly couple owned exploded in what was called an 'accidental fire' when it was actually an example for those who didn't pay for the 'protection'."
"So are you telling us that you just went along with the whole thing?" questioned Miyako.
"Of course I didn't I tried to rally the others to join together and fight back but they didn't want to risk losing everything and when my aunt begged for me to stop I did. Basically I choked down my self-respect and went along with it." As he spoke the girls could see that James was clenching and unclenching his fists to hold in his anger. "But be damn sure it ate at me up inside every time I had to hand the money over to that son of a bitch demon. If only there was a way to put a stop to them."
"Maybe we can help you in that department." informed Hikari. "After all, we have some experience in that area."
"Do you mean you guys are some type of demon exterminators?"
"You could say that. Now, if you really want to put an end to this you perhaps should hear our plan."
-/-/-/-/-
"Okay, are you ready to begin?" Nodding her head the woman readied herself for what she was going to do. Soon, a buzzer went off, signaling for the woman to begin. Sprinting off, the woman maneuvered around the obstacles and she seemed to be doing quite well.
Things went on like that until the woman had to avoid a sudden obstacle that appeared. Moving out of the way quickly she landed hard on her left leg. When that happened it resulted in her collapsing to the ground in pain.
"Serenity, are you all right?" asked Rowan from the control center. Turning off the training simulation she hurried over to Serenity to see what the damage was.
"I'm okay Rowan. Apparently I put too much strain on my knee." As Serenity was getting back to her feet she was straining as the pain that was going through her sore leg. "At least it held out longer than before."
"That only means that you're healing quickly. It's just a matter of time until you've fully recovered from your injuries." Allowing Serenity to lean against her, Rowan lead her over to a near by bench. "Do you think that you should be pushing yourself like this? Maybe you should consider slowing down on these recovery sessions until you're a bit stronger."
"That's not really an option." Serenity replied as she lifted her left pant leg to examine her still tender knee. When she got it all the way up she saw that with the exception of some slight swelling it seemed all right. "I've got to continue these sessions if I want to be prepared to go up against Daisuke again."
"You're actually going to go after him so soon after recovering?" Not really noticed by Serenity but Rowan was somewhat worried about her charge. "Why would you do such a thing?"
Trying her luck, Serenity attempted to stand and after much strain and few failed attempts was at last able to stand up but on closer examination it could be seen that she was slightly putting more of her body weight on her healthier leg. "That's my mission isn't it? Go after Daisuke bring him here so you can do whatever you plan on doing. What is your plan for him anyways?"
"That's classified and it's really nothing that you have to concern yourself over." Rowan quickly answered. If Serenity had listened more closely she may have notice that she was keeping something from her and perhaps even be aware that Rowan was somewhat regretting what she was hiding. "Just know that what you're doing is right and I'll be behind you to the end."
Glancing over to her friend and assigned friend, Serenity showed her gratitude with a thankful smile. "Thank you Rowan. I really do appreciate it. Now, why don't we continue with my training?"
With a nod of the head Rowan went back to the control panel. "It pains me to deceive her like this. What they have control plan for her isn't right. Unfortunately I'm not in any position to do anything to stop it. Hopefully when the day comes she'll be able to forgive me."
-/-/-/-/-
"Are you sure that this plan of yours will work?"
"I'm sure of it Mimi." answered Hikari. Currently she and Mimi were hiding behind some shelves in the closed Aida Store waiting for that demon collector to arrive. "We wait back here until the time is right." Just two minutes later a car parked itself in front of the store. Stepping out was the same demon that they encountered the previous day."
Not believing that there was no possible danger, the demon entered the store and walked over to Helen and James. "Well, the deadline is up. Now if you be so kind as to hand over the monthly protection money then there'll be no need for any trouble." Seeing their chance, the girls came out from their hiding spot and crept up behind the demon.
He didn't know that they were there until Mimi pressed the tip of her sword into his back. "It'd be a wise move if you don't try anything foolish." informed Hikari. To help him better understand her friend's advice, Miiyako placed a bit more pressure on his back with her sword.
"Now we're going to be asking you a few questions. After that and depending on if you play along we may let you go. Do we have an understanding?"
The response that they got wasn't what they were expecting as the demon merely laughed. "Man, I must be getting careless. That's got to be the reason on how you snuck up on me."
"Then perhaps you should've had a back up plan for something like this." Mimi mocked as she was allowing herself to become over confident.
"As a matter of fact, I did." With a simple snap of his fingers four more demons, similar to him came barreling in and surrounded everyone. "So what do you plan on doing now?" asked the somewhat captive demon. "Still willing to deal with me and my associates?"
"If I'm going out I'll be taking you with me." retorted Mimi, who despite being out numbered was not going to back down anytime soon.
"My men being killed would surely be a lost. But I'm willing to deal with it. Can you say the same for your group?" Taking the hint, two of the demon goons pointed their weapons at James and Helen. "What's it going to be? Kill me and most likely die or let me do what I came to do and possibly leave with nothing permanent happening." There was no doubt that the demon was enjoying the fact that the tide of the situation was on his side. "The choice is up to you."
Mimi stood her ground but was slowly starting to wonder what they should do now. The answer wouldn't come until Hikari spoke up. "You want an answer? You'll get one." Grabbing the cusp of her shirt she spoke into it. "Do it now."
The demons didn't have a clue what that meant but would soon as a mailbox came flying through the store front window. Taking advantage of the momentary distraction, Hikari and Mimi immediately took down two of the demon goons. Following their lead, James pushed his aunt out of harm's way before dealing with the two remaining demons with the assistance of the two girls. Now the only opposition that remained was the leader of the whole thing.
"Ha, ha, maybe I spoke a bit too soon there." voiced the mow concerned demon as it was he who was now on the bad side of the situation. "Perhaps we should do that talking thing that you suggested earlier."
"Yeah, that's a good idea." commented James who wished to be a part of what was going on. When he heard that the demon believed that he was in the clear until James spoke up again. "But before that happens there is still the matter of you continuously threatened me and my aunt. For that you should be punished."
Before James had the chance to do anything, his Aunt Helen stepped up and clocked the demon in the jaw that actually knocked him out. She was going to continue her attack but was held back by nephew. "Whoa, calm down Helen. There's no need to go all postal on him for the moment."
"Let me go James. That son of a bitch deserves to pay for what he's done. Don't you remember what he did to that elderly couple?" With the mentioning of those people James grip loosen slightly but quickly regained it before his aunt could get away. "They were friends of ours who didn't deserve what they got. He probably doesn't even regret doing what he did."
"Of course I remember what he's done." The mere mentioning of that unfortunate incident caused the anger that James was already feeling to intensify even further. "Trust me; he'll get what's coming to him. But first, let our friends do what they need to do so they can get what they're looking for." Thankfully that seemed to calm his Aunt Helen down.
"All right, since he's been knocked out we'll have to go with the basics. Mimi, if you would do the honors." Understanding what her friend was talking about Mimi started to search the unconscious demon to see if he had anything useful in his possession.
As that was going on Hikari went over to the broken window front. "That was some good work on your part." Walking over the broken glass was none other than Miyako.
"It was no problem. After all, if you're stronger than your average human throwing a mailbox through a window isn't that hard to do." Unable to hide her amusement, Miyako let a small smile to come across her face. "Hopefully they won't be too upset about the broken window."
"I wouldn't worry about it. Under the circumstances they should be okay with what you had to do. But I think to be on the safe side we should pay for a replacement window." The two shared a quick laugh before Mimi spoke up. "Hey guys, I think I found something."
Walking over they saw that she had something in her hand. Handing the item over to Hikari it was revealed to be some type of business card. There wasn't much to the card except that there was a name in black bold letters written across it. "Xanatos? Who's that?" Getting only confused stares it was clear that everyone else didn't know who the person was either. Knowing that she wouldn't find the answer at the moment Hikari shoved the card into her pocket hoping to find the answer at a later time.
Unbeknownst to any of them was that about a block away, a car sped off with the driver, who couldn't be identified do to him being covered in shadows, had seen all that he wanted to see.
-/-/-/-/-
Hours Later…
"Man, this was some night." exclaimed Hikari. "Wouldn't you girls agree?" The three of them had just recently left the Aida store after dealing with the demon collectors by sneaking them onboard a cargo ship that was heading off to a far away place.
"I've had better." Miyako remarked from the passenger seat. "I had some incidents back in Panthran so don't ask." She quickly added when she saw the confused look on Hikari's face.
"So do we tell Daisuke and Ken about our little adventure from the past few days?" asked Mimi from the backseat.
"We don't have to. After all, we've solved the problem so I don't see the reason why they need to know what we did." Parking the car the girls walked to the house. Opening the door they stepped in to see both Daisuke and Ken just lounging about.
"Hey girls, it's been a while since we've seen you." remarked Daisuke. "What have you guys been doing for the past few days?"
The three girls gave each over knowing smiles and Hikari would give a simple answer. "Nothing much, just doing girl stuff."
-/-/-/-/-
In a undisclosed location, the car that saw what happen at the store showed up and the person quickly entered to meet a shadowy figure. "Sir, I'm afraid to inform you that your collectors have been taken out by some unknown people."
Despite the bad news, the man didn't seem bothered by it. "You don't say? I guess we'll have to have a meeting with them in the very near future. Which no doubt should prove to be very interesting."
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Hopefully you guys like this chapter. The reason why I really didn't have Daisuke, Ken and Serenity really involved in this chapter is because I wanted to focus on the three women of the group and as for the James character, he was originally suppose to be a one chapter character with the ocassional mentioning but I've decided to have him comeback later on in the series. I hope that you readers are okay with that idea.
Well, until I update again, which I don't know when that'll be since I'm going to be really busy with school and doing another story on the side. But I promise that I'll do my best. So, see ya until next time.