Disclaimer: I don't own Digimon.
A/N: I once again sincerely apologize for what has probably been the longest wait yet for something writing related to come from me, but I've finally got the new chapter ready! It's not really long as it's a setup into the next chapter where their mission will become a little more clear, but I hope you all like it regardless! Also, a big thank you to those of you who voted with regards to the poll about Mickey. Your feedback has paid off, and you will start to see the effects of that result play out from here on in.
Following the Footsteps of Destiny
Chapter 295: Staying Strong
Makiya 'Mickey' Takaishi
Mickey discreetly glanced at the clock hanging above the chalkboard, and nervously twisting the pencil he was holding tightly in his hands, he silently begged for the bell to finally ring, signaling the end of class. Though a part of him was still in shock at the news of Dai's sudden disappearance, he was more concerned about Takara's feelings than he was about his own.
Lunch had been a somber affair, the atmosphere in the computer room making it feel as if there was a funeral taking place during their mid-day break, and not once since having left the Motomiya residence had Takara spoken a word to anybody. Instead, the female Digidestined had spent the day staring off into space with barely suppressed tears in her eyes, and even when the rest of them had spoken in hushed tones about the goggle-headed leader's possible whereabouts, Kara had merely sat there holding her digimon partner tightly against her chest, the haunted expression on her face indicating that she was lost in her own personal nightmare.
Even now, gazing at the female Digidestined's pale complexion and slumped shoulders, it was hard for Mickey to watch, and exchanging a worried glance with Sam, he had to physically stop himself from leaping out of his seat and rushing to put his arms around his cousin in a comforting embrace. It was a miracle Mrs. Hanari hadn't confronted Takara yet, since it was obvious the female Digidestined was distraught, but that didn't mean they were out of the woods just yet. He had seen their teacher studying Kara with a frown on her face, and no doubt once the bell rang, Mrs. Hanari was going to make a beeline for their group and demand to know what was going on.
And that wasn't something they needed right now.
Takara was hurting badly, probably worse than she had ever before experienced in her entire life, and though he wanted so badly to help her, he felt powerless to do so. And judging from the looks on the rest of his friends' faces, they were probably feeling much the same as he was.
Now that Dai's gone, I feel like everything we've ever believed in is falling apart. How do you stay motivated when something so precious to you suddenly disappears without any kind of warning whatsoever? How do you find the courage to stay strong when someone you love is no longer there?
It was a question he didn't have an answer for, and he was pretty Kara didn't either, which was why she currently looked as if she had fallen into the furthest depths of despair.
We should have been able to protect Dai, and yet there was nothing we could do. This wasn't supposed to happen. They shouldn't have been able to reach him in Odaiba. Has the barrier between Earth and the Digital World really grown so thin?
It was a terrifying thought, but it was a possible scenario that needed to be addressed. He was sure Izzy and Gennai were most likely on it already, but even then he couldn't help feeling nervous. Even though he was currently sitting in his desk at school, where normally he should have been safe, every loud noise startled him, and he was certain he could see shadows lurking in almost every corner.
If Dai's disappearance was having this much effect on him, he couldn't even begin to imagine what it was doing to Takara.
Don't give up, Kara. You need to stay strong. For Dai. You know that's what he would want...
"Come on already. Hurry up," a sudden voice grumbled next to him, the other boy's tone dripping with impatience.
Mickey glanced over at his twin, who was the source of the quiet complaint, and reaching out to place a comforting hand on his brother's shoulder, he let out a deep sigh. Truthfully he couldn't agree more with Matty, and knowing Dai was out there somewhere without the rest of the Digidestined to back him up, it was driving him crazy. He couldn't deny how worried he was, and more than anything he wanted to get out of class just as badly as Matty did.
I feel like the clock has stopped moving, even thought it's still ticking. Just ten more minutes...
Sitting in front of Matty, Sam turned around to give the younger twin a meaningful look, and knowing the raven-haired Digidestined could probably guess what they were both thinking, Mickey flushed and quickly glanced at Ryoko, who was staring hard at the empty desk in front of him. It was almost as if the golden-haired Digidestined felt like he could simply will Daichi to appear suddenly in the empty seat with the force of his stare alone.
Except unfortunately that wasn't going to happen.
We need to get out of here. I don't think any of us are going to last much longer...
"Doing okay?" Sam whispered, discreetly leaning over the back of his chair in the hopes of avoiding Mrs. Hanari's wrath.
Mickey glanced quickly at his teacher, who was busy doing something at her desk, and leaning forward in his seat, he whispered back, "As well as can be expected. I just...really want to get to Dai's house."
"Don't we all," Sam murmured, shaking his head in despair. The raven-haired Digidestined was seated next to Kara, and though she didn't acknowledge the whispered conversation, Mickey was sure he saw her shoulders tense.
Because she wants to get out of here even more than the rest of us...
Sam looked anxious, his deep blue eyes sparkling with concern, and reaching out to give his friend's arm a sympathetic squeeze, Mickey managed a smile and said, "Remember what we talked about before?"
Sam was about to answer when the bell suddenly rang, startling them both, and leaping out of his seat, Ryoko said fiercely, "Come on, let's get to the computer room."
"Yeah, before Mrs. Hanari stops us," Matty agreed, scrambling to his feet. "Let's grab our partners and get the heck out of here."
Takara was slower to react, and hesitantly lifting her head, the female Digidestined quietly began to put away her things, her pale face a mask of conflicting emotions. It was only when Ryoko placed a protective arm around her shoulders that she seemed to snap out of it, and nodding her head, she said quietly, "I'm ready to go."
Are you really? Doesn't sound very convincing...
It was the first time Takara had spoken all day, but unfortunately her tone hadn't exactly been encouraging. It was still better than nothing, though, and right now Mickey was willing to take whatever he could get.
"Mrs. Hanari's looking this way, and I bet you anything she's going to demand to know what's really going on with Dai," Sam warned, glancing warily over Takara's shoulder at the teacher's desk. "You know she's not going to accept the explanation that he's sick."
Mickey could practically feel Mrs. Hanari's sharp gaze tracking their every move, and as she took a step towards them, he quickly slipped out of his seat and said urgently, "Quick, before she tries to stop us!"
Sam bolted out of his chair in a frantic rush, and together the five of them quickly scrambled for the door, forcing several other students to leap out of their way in the process. Racing out into the hallway, they sprinted down the nearest corridor before quickly barricading themselves into the closest empty classroom, the sound of Mrs. Hanari calling after them ringing in their ears. Outside the door, they could hear the other students rushing past, and as their irritated teacher instructed the crowd to move aside in her haste to reach them, they waited in tense silence until her voice faded from ear shot.
Breathing a sigh of relief, Mickey slowly sank to the floor, and sliding down beside him, Sam let out a small laugh and said weakly, "That was way too close."
"That woman really has it in for us, doesn't she," Matty groaned, flinging himself onto the nearest desk and making a comical face.
Mickey was secretly starting to suspect his twin was right, and leaning his head back against the door, he smiled as Sam's arm proceeded to drape comfortably around his shoulders. It was a nice feeling, and closing his eyes, he allowed himself a moment to rest.
I've been so on edge lately. It feels good to just sit and relax. Something I haven't done in a while...
"Can't say I blame her," Ryoko huffed, crossing his arms over his chest, his deep blue eyes peering through the small window on the door. "If you were in her place, you'd probably think we were suspicious, too."
"Give it a minute, and then we'll head out," Takara murmured, huddling next to the desk Matty had occupied. "I don't want to stay here any longer than we have to."
Mickey was about to answer when Sam suddenly leaned close to his ear and whispered, "So what were you going to say back in the classroom?"
Mickey glanced hesitantly towards the female Digidestined, who didn't seem to notice his stare, and keeping his voice lowered, he murmured, "I'll tell you on the way to the computer room."
"I think it's safe now," Matty said slowly, reluctantly hopping off the desk. "I'll step out and make sure the coast is clear."
"Just don't attract attention to yourself," Ryoko warned, frowning towards the door.
Mickey quickly climbed to his feet, and holding out his hand to Sam, he pulled the raven-haired Digidestined up, which gave Matty access to the door.
The older twin slipped out without comment, creating an awkward silence, and glancing anxiously at Takara, Mickey wasn't sure if he should say anything or not. She looked so devastated that even just watching her was making his heart ache, and beckoning the female Digidestined towards him, Ryoko said shortly, "We'll be in the Digital World before you know it."
"Right," Kara whispered, attempting to smile as she made her way over to the golden-haired Digidestined's side.
Though Ryoko's tone had been a bit gruff, there was an underlying softness to it that indicated he was doing everything he could to protect Takara and watch over her in Dai's absence, and the force of the golden-haired Digidestined's determination made Mickey smile. It was such a relief to see Ryoko acting like his usual dependable self again, which meant he had one less thing to worry about now.
Though there's still Kara and Matty...
"All clear," Matty informed them, poking his head back inside the door. "Let's move before she makes another round of the hallways."
Mickey didn't need to be told twice, and nudging Sam ahead of him, they quickly slipped out into the corridor, which had grown considerably more empty thanks to how eager the rest of the students at Odaiba elementary were to get home.
As their footsteps echoed down the length of the hallway, Sam discreetly pulled him closer and whispered, "Well? What did you mean before?"
Mickey glanced quickly at the three Digidestined hurrying in front of them, and attempting to walk and talk at the same time, he said in a low voice, "I meant what we were talking about in the computer room yesterday. We're going to watch Takara closely and make sure nothing happens to her."
"Yeah, I don't want her to end up falling as far as Ryoko and I did," Sam mumbled, looking slightly embarrassed.
The raven-haired Digidestined's deep blue eyes were sparkling softly under the lights, and reaching out for his arm, Mickey said softly, "You came back to us, though, and that's what counts."
Sam slowly looked up at him, and as their eyes met, Mickey suddenly felt like he was having trouble breathing. It was an odd sensation, and refusing to look away, the raven-haired Digidestined said in a pained voice, "But what about Dai? We promised we would protect him, and look how that turned out."
Mickey suddenly realized they had come to a complete stop, and giving Sam's shoulders a comforting squeeze, he said gently, "I know we hadn't counted on something like this happening, and you know I'm just as worried for Dai as you are, but we can't give up that easily. We'll find him, and when we do, we will protect him, just like we said we would. For us and for Kara."
Sam nodded slowly, and leaning into his shoulder, the raven-haired Digidestined let out a sigh and said, "Thanks, I needed that. You're right, you know. We can't give in to our own fears. Not when Kara needs us so badly. We have to be strong for her sake."
"That's right. We'll get through this. All of us will."
"Hey, you guys coming or what?" Matty shouted, his impatient tone startling them both.
Realizing that the other three were waiting anxiously at the end of the hallway for them to catch up, Mickey blushed and quickly called out, "We're coming!"
"What's got you so worked up?" Sam teased, smiling slightly at him. "I mean other than the fact that we're holding everyone up."
Mickey shook his head, and feeling suddenly shy, he dropped his hands and said, "Nothing. Come on, we don't want to make Matty angry."
"Now there's a scary thought," Sam joked, turning to race off down the hallway.
Mickey was slower to follow, and shaking his head, he frowned at his own unusual behaviour. It wasn't like him to feel so shy around Sam, but for some reason the other boy's question and the fact that everybody had been staring at them made him feel oddly unsettled on the inside.
I'm not really sure what's going on, but I can't afford to think about it right now. Dai needs us, and I need to stay focused.
Glancing back over his shoulder to make sure they weren't being followed, Mickey quickly slipped into the computer room behind the others, and spotting Mr. Sugiyama and Gessmon sitting with Palelymon and the rest of their digimon partners, he stopped short, his mouth falling open in surprise.
Oh, that's right. Izzy did say he was going to contact Seta and tell him what's really going on.
"Mr. Sugiyama, what are you doing here?" Matty blurted out, having obviously forgotten Izzy's earlier words.
Seta was sitting on the floor, the digimon surrounding him in a tight circle, and looking serious, their principal said in a grave voice, "I heard about Dai from Izzy. It sounds like you're going to have quite the fight ahead of you."
"Yeah," Ryoko sighed, dropping onto the floor and gathering Iramon into his arms. "We have no idea what's waiting for us in the Digital World, but one thing's for sure. We have to get Dai back no matter what."
"If you need our help in any way, make sure you let us know," Gessmon urged, his tone anxious. "We'll keep Mrs. Hanari distracted, too."
"I don't like having to be so secretive, but I'll appease her if she starts asking too many questions," Seta sighed, shaking his head. "You should get going. I'm sure Izzy and the others are anxiously waiting for you. I'll take care of things here at the school."
"Yeah, thanks Mr. S," Matty replied, picking up his partner. "We appreciate the help."
"We'll get Dai back. We promise," Ryoko said firmly, the force of his determination plainly obvious in his voice.
"Of course you will," Seta replied, smiling slightly. "We can't let anything happen to Mrs. Hanari's favorite student, now can we."
Mickey smiled at that, and scooping up his own partner, they all quickly made use of their backpacks before heading towards the door. A quick glance out into the hall let them know the coast was clear, and waving goodbye to Seta, they proceeded to head for the entrance.
Their walk to the Motomiya residence was a silent affair, and upon reaching the door they were greeted by Davis, whom despite the loss of his son still managed a smile. "We're just about ready to go. Gennai's going to meet us at the rendezvous point."
"Everybody else already here?" Sam asked, glancing towards the living room.
"We've got a big enough crowd, if that's what you're asking," Matt replied, coming suddenly into the foyer. "Tay and the younger kids got here just before you did, and some of the others will be coming tomorrow. Izzy's going to give us a little briefing, and then we'll head out."
Mickey nodded, and holding Palelymon securely in his arms, he silently followed the others into the living room. The crowd was fairly big, and remembering that whoever was going with them would indicate who the next Spirit Chip belonged to, he was careful to take note of everyone who was in the room.
As usual, Izzy, Mina, and their partners were hovering around the computer with Taniko, and on their right the Ichijouji family, minus Sam, were sprawled on or around the loveseat. Noah was with them, sitting next to his girlfriend on the floor, and on their right sat Makku and his partner Shinji, along with Taka. Tai, Sora, Matt, and Mimi were all seated on the sofa, and on the floor in front of them sat Taysuke, Ema, and Kenzo. Davis and Noriko were seated on chairs pulled in from the kitchen, and on the floor in front of them sat Ami and Shadow. That left Joe, June, Rina, Cody, Rosa, his parents, and the remainder of the digimon, who were all seated in front of the televison.
The most surprising member of the group to see was Shinji, and gazing curiously at the older boy, Mickey said, "You came all the way from Hikarigaoka to be here today?"
Shinji exchanged a look with his red-headed boyfriend, and smiling slightly, the blond said, "Well, I came down to spend the weekend with Makku, but considering what's happened, I would say you guys need our support more than we need a couple of date nights."
"Besides, we wanted to be here for Noah," Makku added, sending his best friend a sympathetic look. "And of course for the rest of Dai's family, too."
Mickey nodded, and scrutinizing the people around him, he wasn't sure what to make of the situation. Since all of the older Digidestined were present, there was no immediate indication as to who the Spirit Chip might belong to, though he was sure they were about to find out.
"So, what's the plan?" Iramon asked, glancing up at his partner before turning to look at Izzy.
Instead of answering, Izzy turned to his daughter, and sitting up a bit straighter, Taniko said, "Gennai's going to brief you guys at the rendezvous point on Cyber, and from there he will relay that information back to us here in the human world. In the meantime, we do know that Gennai has requested that Ken, Tai, Matt, Sora, and my father accompany all of you to the Digital World."
I'm certain you know a lot more than that, Taniko. You and your dad...
There was a moment of silence as everybody frantically attempted to work out what that would mean in terms of whom the next Spirit Chip could belong to, and thinking back on Gennai's words from earlier, it meant that there were five crests represented in the current party that could possibly be used to break the first seal surrounding the Spirit Chip. Those possibilities were the Crest of Kindness, the Crest of Courage, the Crest of Friendship, the Crest of Love, and the Crest of Knowledge.
Out of the crests on that list, the Crest of Friendship could automatically be taken out of the equation, since it had already been used twice. That left four possible choices, three of which would be used to break the first seal surrounding the Spirit Chip, and one of those three that would be used to fuse with the Spirit Chip. Taking that into consideration, out of those four crests, the Crest of Courage and the Crest of Kindness weren't eligible to fuse with the new Spirit Chip, since they had already been used to fuse with the Spirit Chip of Loyalty and the Spirit Chip of Bravery. The Crest of Friendship had also already been used, which only solidified the fact that it would not play a role. That left only the Crest of Love or the Crest of Knowledge as possible candidates to fuse with the new Spirit Chip, and the only people who had the ability to use those powers were Izzy, Cody, Sora, Yolei, Takara, and Sam.
Out of those six people, only two of those possible candidates were new Digidestined, and one of them already owned a Spirit Chip.
Which only left Takara Kamiya.
Mickey was unable to stop himself from flinching at the revelation, and as a collective gasp echoed around the room, indicating that the rest of the group had come to the same conclusion, everybody immediately turned at once to stare at the female Digidestined.
Takara's face was deathly white, the truth about the Spirit Chip hitting her with the force of tsunami, and staring at the gate on the computer screen, her pretty features twisted in agony, the female Digidestined whispered, "See, I knew it. I knew. It really is all my fault."