Disclaimer: I don't own Digimon, and I'm tired of saying this!

Following the Footsteps of Destiny

Chapter 5: Family Ties

Takara 'Kara' Kamiya

Odaiba, Japan, Earth

"Wow! This ice cream is great! It's too bad Dai couldn't join us," Mickey commented, and Takara nodded in agreement, blushing slightly. She and the others were strolling down the streets of Odaiba with cones in their hands and the sun shining down on their backs. She could not help feeling a little disappointed that Dai had not come with. He was always so energetic and fun to be around, despite his fights with Ryoko. Takara frowned. Speaking of Ryoko...

"Serves him right," her blond friend snorted and turned up his nose. "He should learn to control his temper!"

Takara exchanged a look with Sam and rolled her eyes. That's Ryoko for you; always the sympathetic one. She loved Ryoko very much, but sometimes she just could not understand him, and that frustrated her. In all the years that she had known him, she still could not understand why he was so hostile towards Dai. It did not matter how much she bugged him, he still would not give her a straight answer. That worried her. She and Ryoko always told each other their secrets, but this was one thing he would not clue her in on; not that she blamed him. After all, there was one secret she was keeping from him.

Takara blushed hotly and lowered her eyes to the sidewalk. There was one thing about her that none of her friends knew, including Ryoko, and it was the fact that she had a huge crush on Daichi Motomiya. Deep down she felt that she had a good reason for not telling Ryoko this, but it did not make her feel any less guilty. Ryoko hated Dai so much that he would not even call the other boy by the nickname that everyone else used. He always insisted on calling Dai by his full name and Dai always called Ryoko by his last name. Takara figured it was a way for Dai to get a little bit of revenge. Their dislike for each other was reason enough to keep silent. She did not think Ryoko would approve of her taste in boys, and she was afraid that if he knew she liked Dai, it would cause and even bigger rift between the two. She had not told any of the others, including her twin cousins, because she was afraid one of them might let it slip to Dai, and she definitely did not want him to know. They would not do it on purpose, but she wasn't willing to risk an accident either. Dai will never feel the same way about me. If he found out, I'd be totally humiliated. It would not only be awkward for her, but for the whole group as well. If they found out, it would create tension, especially considering the fact that Dai would never return her feelings. I'm nothing but another soccer buddy to Dai. That's the way it has always been and that's the way it always will be! Stop moping around and face facts! The thought made her feel lonely, and she let out a soft sigh.

"Hey, guys. Do you want to go in? I told Mom I'd stop off here before going home," Sam said. His words brought Takara out of her sad thoughts, and she looked up. They had stopped in front of the convenience store Sam's parents, Ken and Yolei Ichijouji, owned. Ken and Yolei had taken over the business when Yolei's parents had decided to give it up and enjoy retirement. Now the couple ran it full time and it was busier then ever.

"Okay. Hey, maybe your mom will let us have some toppings to spruce up these ice creams a bit!" Matty grinned and elbowed Sam in the ribs, nearly dropping his cone. Takara frowned at him and shook her head. He was lucky he had not gotten it all over his blue jeans and hooded navy sweater.

Sam laughed and smiled back at him. "Are you kidding? There's no way my mom would let me spoil my supper like that!"

Takara gave her raven haired friend a sympathetic pat on the back. Sam's mom was known in their group for being pretty strict.

The five of them headed inside and were greeted by Sam's mother. Thirty-eight year old, Yolei Ichijouji, who was formerly of the Inoue surname, stood behind the counter wiping the surface clean with a hand towel. Her long, lavender hair was still a vibrant colour and fell down her back in a thick braid. Behind a pair of glasses, her brown eyes were as sharp as ever and her tongue just as quick. Even after three kids, Yolei was still slim and young looking, with a legendary temper to rival Davis'.

"Sam! How was school today?" Yolei leaned over the register to kiss his cheek and gave him a bright smile.

"It was okay, only..." Sam frowned. "Dai got stuck in detention again, so he couldn't come for ice cream with us."

Takara winced. Uh oh. Telling Yolei about Dai probably wasn't a very good idea. Here it comes.

"That boy!" Yolei muttered. "Honestly! Just like Davis at that age! The fool doesn't have enough sense to keep his kid in line! Spoils him to much if you ask me. Poor Noriko; how she puts up with the two of them I'll never know!"

Takara exchanged amused looks with the others and tried not to laugh. According to her Aunt Kari, Yolei had not changed much, if at all, in the past twenty-five years!

"I swear Noriko spends just as much time disciplining Davis as she does Daichi! Why she ever married him is beyond me. If Davis hasn't learned to grow up by now, he's never going to! Oh well. I suppose loves makes us do some crazy things!" Yolei glared at the counter she was wiping and continued to mutter to herself.

Sam sighed. It was obvious he had heard all of this before. "Whatever you say, Mom. Is Dad around?"

"In the back with Nao," a voice replied. Takara glanced down to find Sam's fifteen year old sister, Miya Ichijouji, seated on the floor with her back against the counter and a textbook in her lap. She and Dai's sister Ami were best friends, which was astonishing when you considered how well Davis and Yolei got along. Miya had inherited her father's raven hair, which she wore long, and her mother's honey brown eyes. Miya smiled at her from behind a pair of stylish glasses, and Takara smiled back.

Sam's sister was dressed in a short skirt and a bright top, which made her look even taller and slimmer than she was. Her personaltiy was a lot like her mom's and she drove Sam crazy sometimes. Despite that, she and Sam, along with Nao, got along really well.

"Miya, how many times do I have to tell you not to do your homework in the middle of the floor! I don't want my customers tripping over you," Yolei said in exasperation.

Miya rolled her eyes. "Chill out, Mom. There's no one even in here!"

"What are we, chopped liver!" Takara laughed and smiled at the older girl. She really liked Miya and admired her spirit. The female Ichjouji was also very smart. Takara figured that probably had to do with the fact that her father was a former boy genius. Even after all this time, people still pointed Ken out in the streets when they passed him. Her uncle had been one as well, before he had passed away, and Takara was sure that the genes had resurfaced in Miya.

"You know what I mean," Miya said, smiling back.

At that moment, Sam's father came into the room. Thirty-seven year old former boy genius and soccer star, Ken Ichijouji, was holding the most adorable little boy in his arms and nearly tripped over Miya's legs as he came around the counter.

"Miya, is it really necessary for you to sit there?" Ken asked. He grabbed the counter top, to regain his balance, and frowned at her with deep, midnight blue eyes. His sleek, black hair was cut shorter than it was in his childhood days, and his pale skin was as smooth as ever. Tall, slim, and still handsome, with a soft smile, Ken too had not changed much. Takara had always felt there was an air of mystery about him and a gentle kindness that put you instantly at ease. According to Yolei, the only real difference was that he smiled a lot more often then he had when he was young. He and Yolei were complete opposites, and as a result, they complimented one another perfectly. Yolei's talkative chatter made up for Ken's quiet soft tones and few words. Takara hated to think what life would be like for Sam if both his parents were like Yolei! It wasn't that they didn't like Yolei, they did, but one of her was quite enough to deal with!

Miya groaned. "Not you too, Dad! Where else am I going to do my homework in this place?"

"You could always use the frozen foods section with the glass covers for a desk!" Matty joked.

The older teen's eyes brightened. "Hey, you know, that might-"

"Don't even think about it," Yolei warned. Miya pouted as her mother gave her a stern look.

"Hey, Dad," Sam said and rolled his eyes at his sister.

Ken's face softened into a smile. "Hey, Sam, how was school?" In his arms, seven year old, Nao Ichijouji, chewed on the sleeve of his shirt glancing shyly at everyone. His hair was a think purple, the same as Yolei's, and his eyes were a deep blue like Ken's.

"It was okay. Hey, Nao, how's my little brother?" Sam grinned and held out his arms towards the younger boy. Nao's face brightened, and he wrapped his arms around Sam's neck. Sam pulled him into a hug and held him tightly.

"How was school?" Sam asked. He swung Nao around in a circle, and the younger boy let out a sweet laugh. He snuggled against Sam's chest and clutched the older boy's shirt. "It was alright," he said softly, and Takara smiled at him. Nao was a lot like Ken, and he was also very shy.

Sam smiled down at Nao and ruffled his hair. "Did you miss me?"

Nao nodded and gave his brother a big, adorable smile.

Ken gave his two sons a fond look at the obvious affection between them and turned to Yolei.

"Ken!" Yolei practically shouted. "Sam has informed me that Daichi's gone and gotten himself into trouble again! When is Davis going to learn to keep his children in line!"

An amused smile flitted across Ken's face. "Yolei, honey, you know Davis doesn't appreciate you telling him how to raise his kids. I think you'd better give it a rest."

Even after twenty-nine years, Ken was still a loyal best friend. He did what he could to defend Davis against Yolei's harsh judgements, even if it meant getting yelled at for his efforts. Yolei did not look as if she liked that very much from the way she was slamming things around on the counter. Yolei always seemed to think she knew best when it came to parenting and that being a mother of three meant she had all the answers. She was constantly acting like a mother hen and fussing over them whether they were her children or not. Miya was always complaining about how embarrassing it was, but Sam just shrugged it off. Takara knew Sam thought it was kind of cool that his mother was so caring. I'm just glad she's not my mother!

"Well someone should tell him! Noriko shouldn't have to do it all by herself," Yolei said loudly. She looked annoyed.

Ken raised an eyebrow. Despite the years, Yolei and Davis still bickered over everything. Most of the time it drove Ken up the wall because he was the one often stuck in the middle of it. Usually, he tried to go neutral or stay out of it completely. Otherwise they both ended up yelling at him for defending the other. I thought we were suppose to be the immature ones. Adults get away with everything!

"Honestly! Sometimes I think T.K. and Kari are the only ones with sense around here! At least their children behave!"

Matty and Mickey both beamed at Yolei looking as innocent as it was possible to look. Takara's Aunt Kari, also a mother of three, was the only one Yolei seemed to feel was as adept at being a parent as she was. Takara figured it had something to do with the fact that the two happened to be best friends. "Matty behave? Yeah right!" Takara giggled. It was to good of an opportunity to miss.

"Hey!" Matty shouted, glaring at her, and Yolei laughed.

"What about us? Don't we behave?" Miya gave her mother a grin and stood up.

"I mean, besides my own children of course," Yolei promptly replied.

Miya and her father grinned at each other. It was no secret that Sam and his siblings got along with their dad. If there were fights, they were usually with Yolei.

"We have to behave," Sam muttered. "Otherwise she'd skin us alive!" Everyone laughed this time, including Yolei.

"Miya, why don't you do your homework back at the house?" Ken asked.

Miya shrugged. "It's easier to do it here. That way you and mom can help me when I get stuck."

"You never get stuck," Sam said with a snort.

"Oh alright. I just like watching all the weirdos that come in here," she giggled.

"Miya!" Yolei shouted.

"What?" Miya gave her an innocent look.

Ken sighed and kissed Yolei's cheek with a small smile.

"Is there any chance we can get some toppings for these ice creams?" Matty asked hopefully.

Yolei rolled her eyes. "You've all had enough sweets for today. Go on, get out of here you troublemakers! I don't want your parents on my case if you're late for supper."

"Told you she wouldn't," Sam whispered to Matty who looked disappointed.

"Bye, Sam. See you tomorrow!" Mickey laughed.

"Bye everyone," Takara added with a wave. She left the store with the others shaking her head. At least I'm not the only person with a crazy family!

Ryoko Ishida

Odaiba, Japan, Earth

Ryoko Ishida sighed softly and leaned against the door of the house he lived in with his parents. Today had not been what he would called a very good day. In fact, if he was honest with himself, the day had been a complete disaster, and he was miserable. I'm such a jerk. I might as well admit it. Dai is stuck in detention because of me, and now he's going to hate me more then he already does. When did everything fall apart without me even noticing? He had not wanted to be mean to Dai, but somehow, he had not been able to stop the flow of words coming from his mouth. Why does Dai hate me so much? It's not like I've done anything really horrible to him. It can't be that. Dai hated me even when we were little. Since then, Dai's hatred of him had only gotten worse. Now they coud not even be in the same room together for two minutes without a fight breaking out. I hate this. I just want it to end. But it wouldn't. Not until he or Dai backed down, and he definitely wasn't going to back down first leaving Dai a clear path to his real feelings. If Dai knew, everything would be ruined.

He sighed once more, took a deep breath, and entered the house. The smell of something good cooking caught his attention, and he followed his nose to the kitchen where his father, forty-one year old, Matt Ishida, stood leaning over the stove.

Ryoko plastered what he hoped was a convincing smile on his face and stepped into the kitchen.

His father looked up at the sound of his footsteps, and a brillant smile covered his still strikingly handsome face. "Ryoko! How come you're so late today? Supper's almost ready," his dad said, sounding curious.

"We stopped off at the convenience store with Sam," he explained and felt suddenly more lighthearted; this time his smile was genuine.

He stepped up to his father's side and sniffed the food. His stomache rumbled, and he realized how hungry he was. "Smells great," Ryoko laughed. "At this rate I'll end up totally spoiled. I'll never be able to eat anyone elses cooking!"

His father laughed and leaned down to gently kiss the top of his head.

Ryoko smiled at his dad in return. He was well aware of the fact that he looked remarkably like his father. Everybody thay met always commented on it, and it always brought a soft smile to his dad's face. Even their personalities were similar. The best part was that they were very close and rarely argued. His father's hair still shone a golden blond and his sapphire eyes sparkled under the lights. The lines beginning at the corners of his eyes were the only real evidence of his age.

"So what are you cooking?" Ryoko asked curiously, his thoughts about Dai temporarily forgotten. Time enough to think about that. Coming home was always a wonderful feeling for Ryoko. He loved his parents very much and there was always a great sense of family atmosphere in the house.

"It's a new recipe. Want to be my guinea pig?" His dad handed the spoon to him and smiled.

"You haven't poisoned me yet," he joked and took a big bite. "Perfect as usual."

"Just be glad your father does the cooking around here, otherwise there might be a few poisonings," his mother said dryly as she entered the room. At forty years of age, his mother, Mimi Ishida, was still as beautiful as ever. She wore her rosy coloured hair long and her amber eyes sparkled with life. Currently she was working part time as a model.

"Hey, Mom," Ryoko smiled and gave her a big hug.

"Hello, sweetheart. How was your day?" His mother gave him a kiss on the cheek and returned his hug.

That's when his problems with Dai came back to him and he sighed. "It was okay, I guess." He took a seat at the table and frowned.

His parents exchanged looks, and Ryoko blushed.

"Is something bothering you?" His father turned down the stove and sat next to him looking concerned.

He shrugged and managed to smile. "Not really."

His father's deep blue eyes narrowed into a frown, but he did not push the subject. Ryoko had a feeling they did not believe him for a minute.

"So how are Yolei and Ken doing? I haven't had a chance to see them this week and I heard you say that you stopped off at the store with Sam." His mother gave him a funny look, and Ryoko slipped lower into his seat.

"They're doing alright."

"How's that nephew of ours?" His dad looked amused. "Is Matty staying out of trouble?"

"Yeah, he's not the problem," Ryoko muttered without thinking.

His mother stared at him, her face filled with concern. "What do you mean?"

"You know, the usual," he mumbled, avoiding her eyes. "Dai got in trouble at school again today; nothing new."

His mother gave him a look. " What has that boy done this time?"

Ryoko flushed, feeling guilty. Nothing. It's my fault he got in trouble. I'm the one who should have been in detention, not him. "Nothing really," he said softly. "You know what Mrs. Hanari is like. She'll find any excuse to get him into trouble."

"Still, Dai does seem to get into trouble a lot," his mother said thoughtfully.

His dad smiled slightly. "Does that surprise you? Look who his father is!"

"Don't I know it," his mother laughed. "Davis was the worst when it came to getting into trouble!"

"He made Tai look like an angel, and Tai was anything but," his father said dryly.

Ryoko laughed, and his dad smiled softly at the mention of Tai. His father and Takara's father had been best friends for twenty-nine years and counting, same with their moms. It was obvious from the fact that when he was born, his mom and dad had named him after Tai. His full name was actually Ryoko Taichi Ishida. When he was born, Tai had been so moved by his father's gesture that Tai had hugged his dad and promised that if he ever had a son, he would name him after his dad, Matt. Tai had kept his word. When his dad's friend's youngest child was born, it turned out to be a boy. Tai and his wife Sora named the newborn Taysuke Yamato Kamiya. Now, thirteen years later, even though Tai and Sora were not technically his aunt and uncle, he still called them Uncle Tai and Aunt Sora, just as Takara and Taysuke called his parents Aunt Mimi and Uncle Matt.

His father got to his feet and brought the food over to the table. He motioned for them to dig in, and Ryoko eagerly took a bite.

"So how is it?"

"You've outdone yourself as usual," His mother smiled and leaned over to kiss his dad on the nose.

After his father and the rest of the Teenage Wolves decided to call it quits, his dad had followed through with one of his other passions and became a gourmet chef. He still wrote music though and could often be found strumming his guitar or playing his harmonica. Ryoko just loved to sit and listen to him play. His music had this quality to it that captured your attention and did not let you go until the song was over. Often in the evenings he could be found curled up beside his father on the couch listening while he played. When he was little, his parents use to sing him to sleep when they tucked him in. Many times he would wake up the next morning to find himself warm and safe in his bed. His parents had great voices.

"Do you have much homework? If you need some help just let me know," his mother said.

He smiled at her. "No, I'm fine for now, but thanks anyway." To him, her skills as a parent more than made up for her lack of cooking skills!

Ryoko smiled at them, and they smiled back. One thing was for sure, he could not have asked for two better parents.