A/N: I'm so happy Gaiden is seeing more updates in such a short time. I hope I can keep this going as long as I can. I have quite a handful of side stuff to tell.
This entry will cover events post-Dawn of Chaos. It will be a Rika and Izumi friendship short. Fresh from graduating high school, Izumi wants a jump start to her modeling career. She turns to one famous model, who just happens to be the mother of one of her best friends Rika Nonaka.
Now on with the story.
xxxxx
The Tomboy and the Girly Girl
xxxxx
Shibuya District/Orimoto Residence/June 20, 2009
(Cue Digimon Frontier Theme ~Izumi no Theme~ - Kaze no Theme)
Summer season is here and a few months fresh from the devastating, world changing Dawn of Chaos event. Ever since then, one particular Legendary Warrior has given much thought of her now post-high school life and what career she wishes to pursue. She had thought about being a chef, but she saw that more as a hobby and necessity than as a career choice.
Then, she remembered the modeling contest incident when Felinismon, at the time a nefarious Pharaohmon agent, lured young women, including her and Rei Hino to a trap. It had been set up as a modeling contest. Though she was happy to try out at the time, she felt it just wasn't for her... at least that's what she thought.
Izumi Orimoto has had second thoughts through her high school days. Her alluring looks attracted all the guys and made the girls jealous. But, she didn't mind. Any guy who touched her would've been dealt with by Takuya, her boyfriend that she's been going out with since middle school. Although she wasn't without her flaws, she still had her own insecurities, including not being able to deal with ridicule from the cheerleaders, who were the most jealous of her beauty, still using Italian slang that some people didn't get, and giving some people the impression she was a 'snob'. However, she kept her head held high knowing she still had Takuya, Kouji, and Kouichi to hang around with.
Now, minus Tomoki, they've all graduated and were ready to move onto their career paths.
Takuya signed on to become a fireman and was in the middle of his training. Junpei has since become an apprentice baker. Kouichi started to run his mother's flower shop. Kouji works part-time at the flower shop while entering a university to get his business degree.
Izumi was left wondering what she wanted out of life. And she came to her own conclusion.
Walking out her front door, Izumi, wearing a bright smile, waved to her parents. The couple, Kenichi and Asuna Orimoto, watched their daughter leave the roost, at least for the time being.
"Thanks for giving me the support and the good luck, mom and dad," Izumi smiled, waving to them. "Addio, I'll be coming by to see y'all every now and then!" But, it's about time I get out on my own.
The couple watched their daughter leave carrying her purse and a huge bag. It was beginning to feel like Izumi was moving out to the college dorms, but that wasn't the case.
Rather, after calling up a popular model, she was asked to come this lady's agency for a long talk about her future.
(End theme)
xxxxx
Shinjuku District/Nonaka Modeling Agency
"I'm glad you could come, Izumi. Please have a seat," Rumiko offered the blonde girl, who sat down as told. The woman sat down in her office chair and gave her a smile. "Comfy?"
"Yeah, just a little nervous about doing this."
"I understand. I was the same way when... well, no I was a few years younger than you were when I began my modeling career. I was just an elementary student when I modeled for my first commercials."
"What got you into modeling, Ms. Nonaka?"
"This may sound cliché, but the glitz and the glamor. You see when I was a child I had stage fright. My mother wanted me to take part in after school activities since she was so busy working just to keep a roof under our heads. She suggested I try taking part in plays. I hadn't realized it at the time, but I had stage fright. I blanked out the first time I went on stage and nearly ruined our show. So, my instructor, who worked at a modeling agency, taught me to overcome my fears. I was merely a child then, but I wasn't going to let this fear hold back my talent. With practice and a few performances, I was finally able to overcome my fear. My shining star struck a beautiful cord with the audiences and talent agencies were quick to have me featured in their commercials. My mother couldn't believe the talent I had."
"I had no idea. I knew you were young when you started doing commercials and magazine pictorials, but since you were a child?"
"I was a fourth grader and I could only do kids commercials. Since I became so high in demand, I received the best agents a girl my age could ask for. I was treated with class everywhere... except in school."
Izumi was taken aback hearing this from the popular model. "That I also had no idea, but can sorta relate."
"I gained a huge following and at some point started letting my fame to go my head. I grew an ego, which rubbed a few students and teachers the wrong way. Despite being classified a local celebrity, the teachers weren't going to give me any free passes and students who hated me didn't like how I treated them. You could say I became that stuck-up popular princess that demanded things handed to me on a silver platter and became a bitch to anyone who didn't bow their heads to me."
"Ok... that I can't relate to. Usually I'm the one the popular girls look down on. They get jealous of my pretty looks, but I don't go flaunting my looks and treat others poorly."
Rumiko nodded, cupping her hands together. "I'm glad to hear that, Izumi. You really don't want to become what I was before. But, it was an experienced I learned the hard way. By high school, I was already one of the country's popular models. Just when I thought my ego didn't get worse, it did. And it nearly destroyed my relationship with my mother. We had our friction. As more agency work piled in, my grades started to slip further. I told my mother I wanted out of school to pursue my dream. She wouldn't stand for it. Having been heart broken when my father passed away, she didn't want the only thing she had left to become another moral failure: me. She pleaded that I stay in school and not become a drop out. So, I complied while doing my best juggling two occupations: as a model in demand and as a struggling student. I buckled down hard and did my best in school... but then came another obstacle in my life..." She said with saddened look in her eyes, which Izumi picked up on. "...I dated my first and only guy, who would later become my husband and Rika's father, Satoshi."
"You met Rika's dad in high school?"
"Yes and he was quite the romantic. He treated me well and was a huge fan of my modeling work. So, we started dating though my mother wouldn't approve at first. She still wanted me to focus on my school work, but... I just couldn't..." The woman sighed deeply, smiling from ear to ear. "Those were some of the best times of my life. We went all over the town. The Paparazzi were all over my new love life. Let's just say my life got better since then. Not only did I finish school with flying colors, but I married Satoshi after graduation. I had enough money saved up to buy us the traditional Japanese home we live on."
Izumi inquired. "The shrine you guys live on?"
"That's the one and it's a beautiful home. I've always much preferred traditional homes to contemporary ones. Although, things weren't as merry as they should be, shortly before we got married me and Satoshi attended a party celebrating my latest cover page. It was a big deal because I was finally getting recognition the biggest magazine agency in the country. Well, that night me and Satoshi got too irresponsible and drank a little too much alcohol. We both got knocked up and went in bed together without me knowing... that neither of us were wearing protection like we should've. And this wasn't the first time we've had sex, Izumi. I've done it with Satoshi several times behind my mother's back. But, those times we knew to be responsible using protection... not this time I'm afraid. Several months later, I couldn't hide the oversized belly and my mother questioned me for this. I wouldn't have none of it. I was adamant about having the child. Fortunately by the time I gave birth to Rika, I finished school and married Satoshi. The day Rika was born was the best moment in my life. I didn't care how young I was, I was already living like an adult woman as a teenager. This was just another blessing from the gods. By the way, Izumi, how old are you now?"
"18, Ms. Nonaka."
"Oh dear, I was your age when I became a married woman and had Rika. Promise that'll never happen to you. I mean having a child at 18."
Izumi furrowed her brows. "Oh don't worry, I make sure Takuya brings protection all the time." He'd better or I'll chew his ass out!
"Sadly not everything ended happily ever after. A few years later, Satoshi and I divorced."
Izumi gasped. "Any reason why?"
"Rika believes it's because of her, but I doubt so. Even to this day, she rarely ever talks about him, but I know deep down she still thinks about him. Satoshi left because our fights we had later on. I wasn't giving him the attention he wanted because I was too caught up in my modeling work. I was rarely around at home with my mother taking care of Rika. Rika became the distant and cold child because of the lack of parental care... which I regret to this day. I tried making it up to her by getting her to wear dresses I'd buy for her," Rumiko sighed again this time with sad regret. "She wouldn't have any of it. I was pushing too hard my own tastes on Rika and pressuring her to become a model like me. Nothing seemed to work. She'd rather be playing that Digimon card game all the kids were into those days. She never opened up to anyone... that is until Renamon appeared in her life. Then, Takato, Henry, Himura, and the others came along. They all helped her open up and become a caring individual. And then you and your friends from Shibuya came along. Then, she goes and joins up saving the world with this hero business. As her mother I still worry for her. These last few years have been life changing for her to say the least. But, lately she and I have been butting heads. After pleasing her with the cute heart t-shirts I've been making her, I've tried again to convince her to take up modeling, but again she won't do it. That's why I was happy you called me up."
The blonde girl leaned forward with a confused look. "You are?"
"If Rika can't become the model I wanted her to be, Izumi you could be the ideal model I've been wanting out of Rika for the longest time."
Izumi was slightly hesitant about this. "Your whole life story wasn't what I expected. I feel bad what you had to go through and happy for the good things that did happen to you. Look, with all due respect Ms. Nonaka, I know I want this opportunity to learn to become a model under you. That's why I agreed to move in with your family for my model training and to hang with Rika more, but you can't expect me to replace your daughter. She'll always be your daughter. As far as I'm concerned, I'm just a guest."
"Of course, Rika will always be my one daughter and I will love her dearly. It's just that... all she has at home is Renamon, that dragon spirit of hers, and out of home her friends. I told her I'd be bringing a surprise when I come home today."
"You're asking me to keep her chin up?"
"Something like that and for her to give you the moral support to become a model. Maybe if she sees you doing it, she'll have that weight lifted off her shoulders of ever becoming a model."
Nodding, Izumi smiled. "Well, if you think this will work, then I'm in, but can I make a suggestion?"
"Sure, name it."
"Have me wear the dark and punkish clothes, too, because I know Rika loves wearing those. You might not know this, but Rika's quite the artist."
"Really?"
"Yeah, she's shown me drawings of some really cool punk and rocker outfits. Maybe through me I could convince Rika to help design clothes for me? That'd be great, wouldn't it?"
Rumiko rubbed her chin and smiled. "You're onto something, Izumi. I must say you know how to reach out to my daughter better than I could. Izumi Orimoto, it's a deal. Welcome board the Nonaka Modeling Agency."
They firmly shook hands to seal the deal.
xxxxx
Shinjuku District/Nonaka Shrine
Later that evening, Rika Nonaka came home from the park on her skateboard. She was seen wearing her skater wardrobe, which could be seen as a phase for her, but she has adopted a more unique and open artistic mindset mostly thanks to her boyfriend Takato's influence. She picked up her skateboard and headed for her quarters.
"Rika, you're home?" Rumiko called out from the dining room. "Could you come inside? I have a surprise for you!"
"Huh?" Rika turned, overhearing her mother. "Yeah, coming."
As Rika walked inside, she entered the dining room and her eyes shot open. To her shock, Izumi was seen sitting down with Rumiko and Seiko. Izumi finished drinking her green tea and jumped out of her chair.
"Izumi?!"
"Ciao, Rika!" The blonde rushed over and hugged Rika. "How are you?"
"Great, but what's this about?" The ginger-haired girl asked, hugging Izumi back.
"I've just gotten hired to be a model for your mom's agency. I'm finally going to live my dream!"
"That's great. Congrats, but that doesn't explain why you're here?"
Izumi took Rika's hands and smiled. "Looks like you've got a new housemate for a while. I moved out of my family's place to come live here. Your mom and grandma are ok with it. In fact, it's your mom's idea."
Rika glanced past Izumi's shoulder and sighted her mother. She mouthed off to her 'you did this?' to which Rumiko responded with a big innocent smile.
"C'mon, Rika, why don't you come help me unpack?" Izumi said, dragging Rika along toward the guest room.
Seiko finished sipping her tea. "This will be interesting to see, Rumiko dear."
"I hope it works out for them both."
xxxxx
(Cue Digimon Tamers Theme – Ruki no Theme)
Upon entering the guest room, Izumi opened her bag and started piling up her clothes on her floor bed. She counted her clothes and turned around seeing Rika with arms folded.
"Ok, Izumi, what's this all about? Did my mother put you up to this?"
"No, what makes you say that?"
"For you to suddenly show up unannounced and move in with us, seems fishy to me."
Izumi sighed and walked over closing the door behind them. She called Rika over to sit outside next to her.
"Care to spill anything?"
"It all happened so fast, Rika. You know I've been wanting to be a model for a while, right?"
"Yeah, you kept yammering on about it and I just cringe every time."
Izumi chuckled. "Yeah, I knew you wouldn't be into that kind of stuff. It's not all bad."
"Not for you or my mom, but I abhor wearing frilly dresses and all that cutesy crap."
"You realize not all models wear dresses or try to look like all glamorous like you'd see on those Top Model reality shows, right? Heck, I've seen some pretty hardcore punk-looking models that look straight out of a manga! I mean, you collect punk and rocker magazines, don't you?"
"Yeah, but only cause gogglehead lent them to me."
"And now you've take that inspiration to draw some really neat fashion designs. Who knows? Maybe I can be your model?"
Rika blinked thrice and gawked at her. "What? You want me to make designs for you?"
"Sure, why not? I'm open minded! I'd love to expand my horizons besides wearing girly dresses and outfits!" The blonde stood up encouraging Rika. "Why not show your mom these designs? She'd be thrilled to know you can make really cool fashion trends!"
"I don't know..."
"Are you going to let this new talent of yours go to waste? I've seen the drawings and they're really awesome."
"But, you told my mother about my designs?" Rika asked, looking little miffed.
"Yeah, I'm sorry, Rika. I didn't mean..."
Rika just nodded. "No, it's fine. Somehow I knew one day mom or grandma would pry into my things to see if I'm keeping up with my school work. My secret would get out sooner than later. You have no idea how nosy my mom can be."
"I can relate with both of my parents," Izumi sat down and stretched her arms behind her head. "Mmm, it's so pretty out here."
"Ok, I'll do it."
"Use your designs for me?"
"Yeah, but I'm only doing it for you and not because mom asked me. After all, we're friends, right?"
"Friends and hero companions," the blonde replied earnestly. "I promise I'll rock these designs out and we'll both get credit for our hard work. Now consider us business partners. Deal?"
They both sealed the deal with a friendly handshake.
(End theme)
xxxxx
A week has since passed and Izumi has been hitting the agency every day to start off her modeling training. It has been the same morning routine: waking up every day at 6:30 in the morning, eating a balanced breakfast, joining a local gym to do cardio & stretching exercises to stay lean, and getting to the agency to do some practice pictorials. It was a rough few days for Izumi to say the least. She's practically had to stay at the agency until 8:30 each evening before Rumiko goes back home with her. On some days, Rika would drop by to see Izumi's progress.
Needless to say, Rika could tell the stress of the first week took its toll on Izumi. However, this routine was meant to wear Izumi on purpose in order to try breaking her will and attempt to drive her out. But, being the adamant woman she as, Izumi wasn't going to let this down. She persevered through the first week and looked forward to the second.
Having been there to see Izumi in action, Rika started to comprehend the grueling schedule a fashion model had to go through. She was glad she passed this up. However, she gained a new level of respect for Izumi for having the will to go through with this.
xxxxx
Shinjuku District/Nonaka Modeling Agency
(Cue Catwalk – Fashion Runaway Music)
"That's the way, Izumi! You're looking glamorous, dear!" A photographer encouraged the girl and snapped pictorials of a curly-haired Izumi in a lavender dress and white high heels.
Izumi blew a kiss to the camera and ran her hands through her hair. She threw her head back and stretched her arms behind her head, standing in a split-legged position. Another pic shot had her on the floor on all fours on a floor mat drinking a cup of tea. Another had her hugging a Calumon doll. Another had her holding an electric guitar and playing with it. At one point the photographer had her take a provocative shot of her turning her back to the camera and bending over to pick up a golf ball. When Izumi realized he was going for a rear shot, she cut him off and stopped.
"Nope, we're not taking that!" Izumi barked at him. "Pervertito!"
Rika watched smiling. "I love how you're taking charge, Izumi. I wish I had that courage to chew that one jerk for even daring to say the camera was my friend on the spot."
Rumiko sighed. "I had a long talk with that guy for that. He's learned his lesson since then."
"So, what do you think, mom? Think she's cut out?"
"She survived my first week training and already in her third week she's showing me a lot of energy. She's definitely what I've been looking for in a young model in a long time."
"When are we going to use my designs for her?"
"Soon. Very soon, Rika. Miss Orimoto is really coming into her own now."
Both ladies watched Izumi berating the camera guy and already owning the stage like it was her own.
(Theme fades)
xxxxx
Shinjuku District/Nonaka Residence
Having finished cooking one of her favorite family cuisines, Izumi brought out plates full of Fettuccine alfredo. She passed plates along to Rika, Renamon, Rumiko, and Seiko.
Izumi clapped her hands together and smiled. "This is my way of showing thanks for allowing me to stay in your household and helping me prepare to fulfill my dream of becoming a renowned fashion model. I hope you'll take a liking to one of my favorite dishes."
"Wow, is this really Fettuccine alfredo?" Rumiko smelled the food. "I loved eating this when I toured Italy years ago!" She picked up a fork full of the alfredo and tasted the deliciousness of it in her mouth. "Oooh, so good!" She rubbed her cheek and giggled.
"Non è delizioso?!"
"Not all of us speak Italian, blondie," Rika replied sardonically, rolling her eyes.
"I asked, ain't it delicious?"
"Dunno. Guess I'll be the judge of it."
"I agree this is very good, Izumi!" Seiko praised her cooking.
"Molto bene!"
Izumi turned watching Rika and Renamon eating theirs. Both of their eyes lit up as they enjoyed every bite of their meal.
"Dang, this is good!" Rika said after swallowing.
"You really should cook for us everyday, Izumi. We'd love Italian cuisines every night!" Rumiko said.
"Sheesh, mom, let's not slave her. You already do that enough at the agency."
Guess I forgot to tell her I cook more than just Italian food. Izumi thought, chuckling under her breath.
xxxxx
Later that evening, Izumi was in her bed. She took off her socks revealing a few blisters on her feet, which came from walking on heels all day during the past few days. She took some lotion and rubbed it over her blistered feet. There came a knock on her door. She quickly put away the lotion and lied in her bed.
"Come in!" Izumi called as Rika stepped inside carrying a sketch book. "Rika?"
"No more fooling around. Mom's really trying to mold you into her. Let's give my stuff a go."
"Oh god, I never thought you'd ask."
xxxxx
Athens, Greece/Parthenon, Acropolis/July 15, 2009
The next month prior to the O-Bon Festival, Rumiko, Rika, and Izumi flew into Greece to prep Izumi for her first pictorial shots in a foreign country. The first days of photo shooting went well. Izumi had taken photos outside the Parthenon on Acropolis.
(Catwalk – Fashion Runaway Music resumes)
After a lengthy talk with Rumiko, the girls finally convinced her to have Izumi wearing Rika's designs. A makeup artist applied black lipstick on Izumi, painter her nails dark purple, and added a bit of lavender highlights in her blonde hair.
Now coming out of a trailer, Izumi was fully garbed in a punk girl wardrobe wearing a lavender vest with a skull and crossbones on the center, a blue jean skirt, purple and white stockings, and lavender boots. Attached on her back were butterfly wings, paying homage to Fairymon. The emblem on her white shirt was her Wind Spirit symbol. Upon seeing her craft now being worn, Rika gave her thumb of approval to Izumi.
Izumi took pictorials of her standing in front of the Parthenon and sitting down giving a prayer to the Greek gods. She took more playing a flute and jumping up pretending she were flying with her 'wings', which she could if she turned into Fairymon.
As Rumiko was taken in by Izumi's glamorous photoshots, Rika was happy to see her friend living her dreams and to an extent her mother's. Rika felt better knowing Izumi was her scapegoat to keep Rumiko from ever pressuring her from becoming a model. Rika was free to do what she wants when she graduates.
(End theme)
xxxxx
Athens, Greece/Hotel
Having taken a shower from working up a sweat from photoshooting outside, Izumi walked out putting on lavender vest over a dark purple tube top, a lavender miniskirt, and purple knee-length boots. She tied a neck choker and put on purple gloves as she walked out of her hotel room.
Just outside her door was Rika dressed in a black shirt with a yin and yang symbol, baggy blue jeans, and red Doc Martin's. She, too, had a neck choker, a blue one, and ear phones.
Taking off her iPod ear plugs, Rika beckoned Izumi over. "Ready? I found a place for us to wind down."
"Ok."
xxxxx
Dance Club
(Cue Hard Trance Techno Rave Music by trancElovE)
"Rika, should we even be here?" A flabbergasted Izumi saw a rave-like party going on inside the club. "Does your mom know?"
"We're close to the hotel, aren't we? Shouldn't be a problem," Rika said. "As long as I'm with you, I can get in. You're 18, right?"
"Yeah, but that's besides the point..."
"You're already dressed to impress. We easily pass being 17 and over, Izumi. Besides, I checked and they don't serve alcohol to anyone under 17."
"I don't know..."
Rika took Izumi's arm and led her along into the club. Izumi showed her ID to a bouncer to let them in. The girls witnessed a huge rave party going on. Rika enticed Izumi to go dance with her. Hesitant, Izumi was afraid of getting Rika and herself into trouble. However, a little persuasion from Rika convinced Izumi to lighten and enjoy the thrill of dancing.
Rika and Izumi danced together with glow sticks in their hands. They slipped glow sticks into each other's hair and grinded.
"Do you do this on your spare time back home, Rika?"
"It's actually how I discovered my artistic side. Partly it was from Takato's influence, but going out to these rave dances opened my mind up to the punkish culture."
"How do you go if your mom doesn't know?"
"She's not around home much. You would know with how late you and her have been staying out working lately."
"True, but what about your grandmother and Renamon?"
"Grandma's asleep by the time I sneak out and Renamon's been busy lately watching over the pups with Inumon. Although, Renamon was the one who caught me sneaking out one night and put me on the spot. I convinced her to comply and take me under the condition she stays and looks after me from the shadows. It's not like I go out alone."
Izumi sighed and gave her a stern look. "Well, that's a huge relief, but please tell me you haven't started to drink and all that stuff?"
"You kidding? No way! Even I'm not that irresponsible!"
"Look, sorry if I'm sounding like a worried adult, but you really should be careful. I'm glad I'm here because who knows what creeps could come up to you."
"We're not alone," Rika said, peering over Izumi's shoulder as she sighted Renamon standing on the balcony outside the club. She turned Izumi around to show her Renamon. "We'll be ok."
"If you say so..."
"Say, just how well have you and Takuya danced together?"
"Pretty good. What about you and Takato?"
Rika laughed. "Gogglehead's not much of a dancer!"
Izumi giggled. "Poor you then. Me and Takuya are the perfect dance partners. Want me to show you?"
"Be my guest."
With that, the girls danced and grinded together amidst the rave party that went on until past midnight. Rika insisted they stay longer to which Izumi complied. They became deeply entranced by the rave music to even consider leaving.
(End theme)
By 2:00 am, Izumi and Rika were finally out of the rave party sweating from the nonstop dancing. They turned the corner to see Renamon waiting for them.
"Thanks for waiting for us, Renamon."
"You two stayed out later than you should."
Izumi gasped. "Oh crap! I have a shoot tomorrow morning! Let's head back to the hotel!"
With that, they bolted over to the hotel they've been staying at for a few days.
xxxxx
Hotel/Izumi and Rika's Room
After showering up, the girls lied in their beds wearing extra large shirts.
"I had a good time, Izumi. Thanks."
"Sure, me, too. Sorry if I tried sounding like a nagging parent back there. I'm just worried with you going to these parties, something would happen to you."
"Well, I've been doing ok so far. I don't go without Renamon watching my back and Seiryuu's always with me, too."
"Rika, before I moved in with your family, me and your mother had a long talk. I know about your mother's troubled life growing up. She juggled with different lifestyles: being a student, a fashion model, and a fiancee to your father."
Upon hearing the mention of her father, Rika's heart stopped for a few seconds. She gripped her blanket and turned over to Izumi.
"What did she say about my dad?"
The blonde turned over on her side and looked Rika in her eyes. "Do you blame yourself for your father leaving you and Rumiko?"
"That's really something you shouldn't know. I don't know why my mom would tell you that."
"Yeah, but she told me anyway."
Rika sighed. "I did talk to my father by phone not too long ago. He told me..." She paused and seemed hesitant to let out too much detail about her family's troubled history.
"What did he tell you?"
She tried refraining from tearing up, but Izumi noted the teardrop in Rika's right eye. "That he loves me and that I'm not to blame. He couldn't take mom not being around much because of all her work. He wanted us to be together all the time like normal family, but mom being her stubborn self just couldn't let go of the modeling career. She was making a hefty amount that put my father's to shame. He left because of my mother not being around like she should and out of shame. Shame he'll never be a renowned figure my mother has become." She wiped the tear from her eye. "This is likely why I turned out to be the girl I was. I wore jeans and shirts in rebellion against my mother and her feminine ways. I was mad at her for dad leaving us."
Izumi stayed quiet listening to Rika's side of the story.
"I hated mom for letting dad go. So, I turned to Digimon cards to keep me from turning to becoming a delinquent. It was my call to life. Then, Renamon showed up and I knew I'd have a greater purpose than my mother ever could. I became a Tamer and now a holder of one of the Beast Spirits. Me and my friends are heroes. Heck, we all saved the world several times over, including that Dawn of Chaos event we won not too long ago!"
Izumi faced the ceiling and smirked. "Got that right. We kicked a lot of bad guy butt these past few years."
"My life was finally looking up until dad called me. I wanted to believe he meant what he said that I'm not to blame. Before that call, the last I thought about my father was after the Locomon incident. I sang a song I hadn't done since I was very little and around my father. Hearing him again... I was confused. I didn't know whether to love or hate him. To get this off my mind, I turned to rave dancing and art. I found another solace to comfort me."
"And those new talents helped design new outfits for my modeling career. I have to thank you for that."
"Sure, anytime. I just wish I hadn't opened up more than I already have and I don't mean to turn you away."
"You're not," the blonde nodded and turned around facing Rika. "Listen, whatever problems you've had with your mom and dad, you're getting over them by turning to not-so-harmful ways of comfort. At least you didn't turn to joining gangs, drinking, or taking drugs. You've turned to card games and art to cope with your insecurities. Remember if anything's troubling you, you have Renamon, Takato, the Tamers, and many others to turn to for help. And now you've got me." She said smiling from ear to ear, her positive aura was enough to brighten Rika's mood.
Rika nodded and smiled. "Thanks for hearing me out, Izumi. It makes me feel better knowing I can trust someone enough to listen to my problems. You aren't being judgmental and I can appreciate that."
"No problem. We're living together now for as long as I can stay. But, even once I leave, we both have each other's numbers. If Jeri isn't around, I'm here whenever you need a girlfriend to talk to. Capito?"
"You're a pal, Izumi."
"Just one thing, Rika."
"Yeah?"
"Don't go to another one of these raves without someone like Takato, Renamon or me. Got it?"
"Deal. Then again, I can always rely on Seiryuu to protect me."
"Oh, right, Seiryuu, too. How could I forget?"
"Buonanotte, Izumi."
The blonde grinned, realizing her Italian dialect was now rubbing off on the Digimon Queen. "Buonanotte, Rika."
Both fell deep asleep for the rest of the night knowing another photoshoot was scheduled in the morning.
xxxxx
Parthenon, Acropolis
(Cue Catwalk Fashion Runway Music 2)
Now dressed in her punk wardrobe again, Izumi took more photos near the Parthenon. Rumiko clapped in approval of Izumi's picture perfect shots. Before shooting wrapped up, everyone saw Rika walking out wearing a cute cyan shirt with a capri blue jeans, and high-heeled black shoes. She had on a straw hat with a blue bow on it.
"Mom, is there room for a double pictorial?"
Rumiko nodded, smiling proudly for her daughter. "Yes, of course, dear. You look fabulous, Rika." She watched Rika walk next to Izumi as she ordered extra photoshoots of the two friends.
Both did glamorous poses like Vogue models as the photographers feverishly snapped photos of the duo.
(End theme)
xxxxx
Tokyo, Japan/O-Bon Festival/August 14, 2009
It was already festival time and it's been weeks since the Greece tour. Izumi received high praise for her pictorials and already her pictures made headlines in the latest trend magazine. Izumi couldn't have been more prouder. She didn't just get her foot through the door, she smashed and tore it down with a bulldozer.
Rika, too, got some recognition for her glamor shots with Izumi.
The girls, dressed in their yukatas, flipped through a fashion magazine to check out Izumi's pictures. Rika wore a cyan one, Izumi wore her purple one, Jeri had her yellow & green one, Suzie had her pink one, and Jaarin had her green & blue one. Renamon was with them the only one without a yukata.
"There I am, I look hot don't I?" The blonde showed off her pictures proudly to Jeri, Jaarin, and Suzie.
"You look great, Izumi!" Jeri said, flipping through the pictures. "I even liked seeing you and Rika posing together."
Rika folded her arms and scoffed. "I only did it to show my support for Izumi, guys."
"That was awfully nice of you, Rika," Jaarin said. "Only a real friend would do that."
"Anything else we should know from the tour?" Jeri inquired.
Before they could answer, Rika and Izumi exchanged looks and smiled.
"Nothing yet, but I expect to be in demand for commercials and TV spots soon," Izumi added. "I hope to be in a music video, too."
"You've got it made, Izumi!" Jaarin said.
"Girls!" Takuya called out behind them.
They turned to see Takato & Guilmon, Takuya, Henry & Terriermon, Junpei & Norn, Himura & Inumon, Kazu & Kiyoko, and others waiting for them.
"There's our goggleheads, Rika," Izumi giggled. "C'mon, let's go have our fun with them. What do you say?"
"I love the way you think, blondie."
"Eccellente."
The girls headed over to reconvene with the group to find booths.
Takuya checked out Izumi's pics. "You look great, babe. I'm happy you've finally realized your dream."
"And this is just the beginning. I'm flying out to Brazil next week."
"That's where Helena used to live. Maybe we can ask her where you can go and sight see?"
"Sure and I'll bring you back souvenirs now that I'm getting paid!" She said, kissing his cheek.
Takuya smiled and chuckled like a goof as he put an arm around Izumi's. "Say, is it just me or have you filled out a little more?"
"Heh, well I have been working out a little more. It comes with the territory being a model."
"How's it like living with the Nonakas? Living in that nice shrine of theirs must feel old school."
"Yeah, it's pretty. Hey, why don't you become a model? Rumiko's been looking for more male models. You'd definitely pass," she winked to him playfully.
"Hah, no thanks besides I just passed my firefighter's exams and about to get out into the field! I can't wait!"
Izumi sweatdropped. "Oh, you dork." She looked over to Rika and Takato. Both of them were glancing over Izumi's pics.
The two girls exchanged looks and smiles.
One thing's for sure, we can depend on one another during down times and our friendship ties are much stronger than we thought. Let's continue to support each other, Rika/Izumi.
xxxxx
A/N: A few English/Italian translations
Addio = goodbye; Ciao = Hello; Pervertito = Pervert; Molto bene = very good; Capito? = Understood?; Buonanotte = Goodnight; Eccellente = Excellent
Yes, I hope this experiment works so it entices more friendship fics. I took the main female leads of the respective Tamers and Frontier series by putting them in a situation where their friendship is slightly tested and grows stronger through circumstances. Izumi gets to know more about Rika than as a hero companion and helps to overcome her insecurities. Yep, I even went as far as bringing up Rika's father (who I've named Satoshi specifically for this series).
Now why pair Rika and Izumi up in this friendship story? I like the trope of Tomboy and Girly Girl characters hanging out. It reminds me of over hundreds of Tomboy/Girly Girl duos, including Sora & Mimi and yes even Rika & Jeri (which we've already seen in Tamers).
Notice I pulled a reversal trope during the third fashion shoot? I had Izumi dressed as the punker tomboy and Rika as the girly girl (boy she had to suck up her pride for that one) just this once. :P
Now, why modeling? Well, LazerWulf asked me a few years ago what the core Legendary Warriors would do post-high school graduation. By this point, Tomoki is still in middle school and Junpei has been out of school for a year while now being married to Norn Mikihara. With this being a few months after Dawn of Chaos, he concluded Takuya could be a fireman (fits his element), Kouichi can tend his mom's flower shop, Kouji works part time and goes to college, and Junpei becomes an apprentice baker. Izumi was the only one with a question mark.
I always imagined Izumi would take a liking to a modeling career. She already got a taste of it in Wrath of Pharaohmon/Redux and she already does sexy/provocative like poses when she transforms into her Spirit forms anyway. I guess in a way the Spirits of Wind kinda brought that side out of her, lol. And then who else could she turn to to start a modeling career? Why Japan's top model Rumiko Nonaka, of course, and thus tying into Izumi's augmented friendship with Rika. And Rika needed that human contact (not to say Renamon couldn't talk to her but you know...) whose close to her age to bring her out of her funk after her dad called again.
I rambled on. This was another piece I've wanted to get out and got the chance to do a lone Tamer/Frontier crossover.
Hope you like it. Send a review and until the next entry!