Now that Kimi has joined the picture, Davis' group at the academy continues to grow. He's made new friends, although unknown to him, they each want to be more than friends with him. At the moment, Davis was doing some training with Dragonic Heaven as he was having a sparring match. Davis flew at her and kept trying to slash at her, but she was blocking each one of his attacks.

"Davis, keep in mind you're facing two opponents." He looked behind him and saw Serene taking aim with her lasers as he was fighting both of them. Serene began to shoot at him, but Davis was doing his best to avoid the attacks.

"Don't forget about little old me." Kimi said. She shot a few fireballs and Davis tried to avoid them, but one hit him on the wing and caused him to go off balance and nearly crashed.

"Oh my! Are you hurt?" Serene asked.

"I'm fine." Davis said.

"Kimi, please watch yourself. You could have seriously hurt poor Davis." Serene said.

"Me? We're doing training." Kimi said. "Besides, you actually tried to shoot him while he was busy fighting me."

"Who said I was aiming at him to begin with?" Serene questioned with a smug look on her face. The two of them glared at each other.

"Why are you two arguing? Come on. Let's keep going." Davis said. "I can't get enough of all this. It's almost like I don't want to stop."

"Pace yourself." Lita said as all she could do was sit by and watch, but was helping them by keeping track any improvements they need. "Remember to keep your guard up around both opponents, Davis. There'll come a time where you might have to face multiple opponents at once, but if you're too focused on one opponent, that gives the others an opening."

"Got it. You two ready to try this again?" Davis asked.

"Ready." Both of them said. Davis flew up into the air and was getting ready to face the two again. However, as he flew in the air, he spotted someone in the stands. It was the same girl that he's been seeing around a lot. "Her again?" He said as he saw her at the dojo, in his class, and in the dorm. "Who is she?"

"Davis! Focus!" Lita called out, but it was too late as Serene and Kimi already attacked him and they both blasted him right out of the sky.

….

Lunch

Lunch soon came around and the four of them were having lunch together outside. They were going over what happened during their training session.

"Davis, you have to keep your head in the game. You still have a lot of improvement to work on." Lita said.

"Sorry. I just got distracted for a moment. On the bright side, nice work on Serene and Kimi for taking advantage of an opening your opponent leaves." Davis said. "I can't wait to see you in action one of these days, Lita."

"Me?" Lita said and she's hoping to show Davis one day herself.

"Hey, Davis!" All of them looked to see Ichika with Rin and Cecilia with some food of their own.

"Hey. You guys made it." Davis said.

"Who are they?" Kimi asked.

"Oh. That's my roommate, Ichika, with his friends, Rin and Cecilia." Davis said. "Where's everyone else?"

"They're working on their own units." Rin said. "Anyway, Ichika told us you would like to mix our lunches together so Cecilia and I took up on that offer."

"Yes. I brought my sandwiches that you like so much." Cecilia said and Davis' mouth was starting to water.

"Anyway, let's eat up. I'm starving." Ichika said. All of them reached for some of the food they brought and helped themselves.

"Wow! Rin, you're a pretty good cook. This sweet and sour pork is awesome." Davis said.

"Thanks. My family use to own a restaurant and I picked up a few tricks." Rin said.

"But I've got to say the best is Cecilia's sandwiches." Davis said and that did some damage to Rin's pride.

"Oh, Davis. You flatter me." Cecilia said. The three of them didn't like how nice Davis was being to Cecilia, but they were also curious about those sandwiches.

"Let me be the judge of that." Lita said.

"If Davis likes them so much, maybe I should get the recipe." Serene said.

"Are they really that good?" Kimi questioned. All of them grabbed one and took a bite, but they each had different reactions. Lita's eyes popped, Serene's face turn blue, and Kimi tried to air out her mouth. "I can't get the taste out of my mouth."

"It certainly is a unique flavor." Serene said.

"I haven't really had anything like it." Lita said, but Cecilia took that all as praise.

"Ichika, you're a lucky guy to be friends with these girls." Davis said. "Rin and Cecilia are going to make one hell of a wife one day." Both of them were flattered from that compliment.

"Hear that Ichika? Davis thinks I might make a great wife one day." Rin said.

"Yes, but he said that to me too." Cecilia said. "Since he likes my sandwiches better, I would make the better wife."

"I would have to agree with Davis. Any guy would be lucky to have both of you." Ichika said and caused both of their hearts to go a mile a minute. Davis got up from his spot and walked over to the railing.

"This place is pretty great. Awesome tech, great food, and you get a great view." Davis said. As he was looking around, he spotted something as he looked down. He saw the same girl that's been following him reading a book and eating an apple on a set of stairs. "Hey. Come here. Quick." All of them got went right over to him.

"What is it?" Rin asked.

"That girl. Right there." Davis said as he pointed at her. "Do any of you know who she is?"

"I do believe I've seen her in our class." Serene said.

"Me too. I think her name is Sierra." Lita said. "Rumor is she's a country representative as well from Italy. Why are you asking about her?"

"If she's from Italy, I bet she knows all the good pasta. Anyway, I've been seeing her around a lot." Davis said. "It's almost like she's following me, but I don't know what she wants."

"Really? That's weird." Ichika said.

"I say just ignore her. She's probably just shy or something. She wants to say hello, but can't." Kimi said.

"I wouldn't worry too much about it, Davis." Serene said. Davis didn't want to, but there was something about her that was bugging Davis.

…..

Maintenance Room

The rest of Ichika's friends were in a room where they were working on their I.S. units. After having their lunch, Ichika and the others walked right in.

"Hey, guys." Houki said.

"How's it going everyone?" Ichika asked.

"Bonjour." Charlotte said. "We're all just finishing up our modifications to our I.S. units. Everything seems to be going well."

"We should be all set for when the tournament comes around." Laura said.

"Tournament? What tournament?" Davis asked.

"You don't know about it yet? It's actually next month." Ichika said. "They're talking about the Inter-class tournament. It's a tournament and it's been decided that it's going to be a partnered tournament. It's to see how much everyone has learned and if you don't have a partner, you'll be given one randomly. You still get to compete whether or not you have your own personal unit."

"Sounds like it could be fun." Davis said as he was getting excited for it.

"You're right it does, but you're going to need a partner." Kimi said as she grabbed him from behind. "So how about you and I partner up?"

"Hold it, missy." Serene said as she grabbed Kimi and pulled her back. "Davis is my classmate. He should partner with me."

"Hang on. By that logic, he should partner with me." Lita said. "Though, let's be real. Davis is probably going to partner with Ichika since they're both the only guys in the school."

"Uh….Ichika, what do you think?" Davis asked, but Ichika gave an apologetic smile.

"Sorry, Davis. Houki asked me ahead of time and I already promised her I would be her partner." Ichika said. Houki smiled with pride at hearing that, but Ichika's other friends all moaned.

"That's okay." Davis said. "Actually it might be better this way. You and I are the only guys at the school. This might be a great chance to see which one of us is the better pilot." He said with a competitive look on his face. Ichika gave one himself as he was thinking the same thing.

"You're on." Ichika said.

…

Cecilia

Cecilia was on her way through the halls. She was disappointed she isn't going to partner with Ichika for the upcoming tournament, but if she can't have him, there's no way she'll lose to Houki in this tournament.

"Cecilia." Cecilia turned around and was met with Serene.

"Oh. Hello, Serene. Is there something I can do for you?" Cecilia asked. "If you're going to ask if I could be your partner, I should already tell you that I've already agreed to be partnered with Rin."

"I want something cleared up." Serene said. "I want to know exactly what is going on between you and Davis."

"Me and Davis? Are you saying there's a thing between us? Never." Cecilia said. "He just simply enjoys those sandwiches I made. Besides, my heart already belongs to that of my Ichika Dear."

"Ichika?" Serene said.

"Yes. Sadly, he doesn't seem to get that." Cecilia said. "On top of that, there are others who keep trying to get in my way and it's so frustrating."

"I know just what you mean." Serene said. "Davis might not be the smartest, but he's brave and strong. He's my definition of a true man. Lita and Kimi see that too and keep trying to get in my way."

"Does it feel like they're doing that on purpose because, though they do feel the same as you towards that man, they do it just to spite you?" Cecilia asked.

"Yes. Does it feel like Ichika makes you feel alive even though he doesn't quite see what's going on?" Serene asked.

"Yes. However, despite that, I will not give up." Cecilia said.

"Neither will I." Serene said.

"We'll keep trying until we win their hearts!" Both of them said and the two of them started to get along like they were sisters.

…..

Rin

While Rin was working on her I.S., Kimi stayed back and hang with her. Kimi got a taste of some of Rin's cooking and she was loving it.

"Rin, this sweet and sour pork of yours is awesome." Kimi said.

"Thanks. My family use to work in the restaurant business before we moved to China." Rin said. "In fact, it's all because of Ichika I tried to become a better cook. Now if only he could get the sacred promise he made!"

"Ha! Rin, I like that fiery attitude of yours." Kimi said. "What promise are you talking about? What did Ichika not get?"

"He agreed that "If I became a better cook, he would eat my sweet and sour pork every day." However, he didn't get what that meant." Rin said with some frustration.

"What did you expect? Boys don't really get that kind of stuff." Kimi said. "At least he remembered. Davis didn't remember me at all."

"You're still upset about that?" Rin said.

"A little because I never once forgot about him. He's lucky he's cute." Kimi said. "Still, I'm just glad I got to be here with him. Now if only those other two would stay clear so I can have him to myself."

"I know what you mean. The others kept trying to get in my way." Rin said. "Those boys just better watch themselves or else…."

"….we'll kill them." Both of them said. They sounded menacing, but they changed it around to a joking manner with both of them sharing a laugh.

…

Davis

Davis went back to his room and was sending another email to the others. With him by himself, DemiVeemon was able to move around freely.

"Hey, guys. Everything seems to keep getting interesting around here. I became good friends with this girl named Serene. I think she's pretty cool as she is beautiful. I've also met with another girl named Kimi. It turns out she was actually someone I met as a child and it's been great hanging with them and Lita. We've also got a tournament coming up and it's a great way to see which one is the better pilot between me and Ichika. Too bad you guys can't see me in action." DemiVeemon jumped and landed on his shoulder and looked over the email.

"Davis, when am I going to see you in action?" DemiVeemon asked.

"I guess you could, but we need to find a place you can hide." Davis said.

"Well, when I'm going to meet these girls you keep talking about?" DemiVeemon asked.

"Sorry, pal. I don't know how they might feel about digimon. You'll just have to keep hiding out until then." Davis said.

"Davis, are you in there?" Ichika called through the door. "How getting in a little extra practice?"

"Sure thing." Davis said as DemiVeemon jumped off and Davis went off with Ichika.

"Man. I'm getting bored just sitting around here." DemiVeemon said, but noticed Davis left his computer on. Before he could do anything, he saw heard the door open up and someone else came in.

"You've been doing pretty well, but against some of the serious competition in the tournament, you'll have to give it your all." Ichika said.

"Yeah I get it. I'm wondering who I should partner." Davis said. "Serene is good with sniping, but Kimi's got that and close-range combat. I could ask Lita, but I don't know what she can do with an I.S. yet." He thought about it and just realized something. "Oh! I think I left my computer on. I'll catch up." Davis ran back towards his room. Davis made it, but he saw it was still opened a crack. "Why is my door left open?" He opened it, but he saw someone on his computer. It was that strange girl that's been following him. "You!"

"Ugh!" She noticed Davis walked in and knew she was in trouble. Davis saw this as an opportunity for him to get some answers as he closed the door behind him so she couldn't leave. Davis already told Ichika he changed his mind so he could get answers and DemiVeemon continued to act like a stuffed animal. Both of them sat on opposing beds and faced each other, but the girl was nervous.

"Okay. It's time you told me why you're following me." Davis said. "Your name is Sierra right. You're a representative from Italy?"

"Si." She said, speaking to him for the first time. "My name Sierra Monomia. I am from Italy."

"Okay. That's cleared. Now tell me why you've been following me around. What do you want?" Davis asked, but she was refusing to answer. "Listen, I know someone. You might've seen her. She's got silver hair, has an eyepatch, and can be a psycho. You tell me what I want to know or I'll get her to force you."

"Okay." Sierra said. "I'm sorry if I've been annoying you, but I had to do this. You see, my father is a scientist that helps in the development of I.S. systems."

"He is?" Davis questioned.

"That's right." Sierra said. "It's because of him that I managed to come here in the first place, but it wasn't for the reason you might think."

"What do you mean?" Davis asked.

"You see, my father sent me to this academy for one reason and that reason is Ichika Orimura." Sierra said. "He wants to know why Ichika Orimura was the only male I.S. pilot in the world. So he sent me here to gather data on him and to find out why so he can create brand new I.S. pilots who are fellow male. The reason I've been following you around is because….well for similar reasons. When I found out that you were able to operate an I.S. as well, I decided to gather information on you as well."

"Is that what you were doing on my computer?" Davis questioned. "Were you hoping to gather data on me and Ichika?"

"Si. I heard that you two are roommates. It makes sense since you two are the only males." Sierra said. "So I thought I could, how you say…..kill two birds with one stone. I'm really sorry about all of this." Davis could tell there was a lot of regret written on her face.

"You didn't want to do this, did you?" Davis asked and surprised Sierra. "Your father made you do this, didn't he?"

"That's right." Sierra said as she was amazed he could see that.

"Why didn't you tell him no?" Davis said. "If you didn't want to do this, he shouldn't have forced you. So why didn't you just tell him you didn't want to."

"I couldn't." Sierra said and there was some fear in her voice. "I'll show you why." She stood up and started to unbutton her top. Davis was shocked at what she was doing.

"Whoa! Hold on!" Davis said with DemiVeemon doing his best not to react. Sierra turned around with her face blushing and lowered her clothes. Davis was surprised at what she was doing, but even more surprised at what he saw on her back. Around half of it was covered in bruises. It was like part of her back was a mixture of colors. "Your dad did that to you?!"

"That's why I couldn't say no to him. I should fully heal in a few more weeks." Sierra said as she placed her clothes back on. "I'm bound to get worse when he hears that I found nothing. I'm sorry for everything. I should just leave now." Sierra didn't wait around as she walked out the door, but Davis felt awful for her.

"Poor girl." DemiVeemon said. He looked to Davis and saw a serious look on his face. "I know that face. What'ch you thinking?"

…

The Next Day

"I'm partnering with Davis!" Serene said.

"No, I am!" Kimi said.

"No, I am." Lita said. The three of them were out in the halls with Ichika and his group. All of them were out in the halls with this argument going on.

"Yeah right, Lita. You don't even have you own I.S. You would just slow him down." Kimi said.

"You're more of a hindrance than I am." Lita said.

"So it's agreed. I be more beneficial to him." Serene said, but they continued to argue about this.

"Oh boy! Are they still going on about this?" Charlotte questioned.

"If I may…why not just ask Davis who he wants to partner with?" Kanzashi suggested.

"Good idea. Here he comes now." Ichika said. All of them spotted Davis heading their way with his three friends coming up to him.

"Perfect timing, Davis." Serene said.

"Yeah. Which one of us do you want as your partner?" Lita asked, but Davis walked past them and the others much to their confusion. Davis went into his classroom and spotted Sierra staring out the window.

"Hey, Sierra." Davis said and got her attention.

"Davis? Is something wrong?" Sierra asked.

"I thought a lot about what you told me yesterday." Davis said and Sierra thought she was in some trouble. "I mean this when I say it. I want to help you, Sierra. I want to be your friend and I know how to show it. Do you want to be my partner for the upcoming tournament?" Everyone was surprised to hear him ask her, but Sierra was the most surprised, but she was happy to hear that.

…

Davis: I feel real bad for Sierra. Her life story must be the hardest one I've ever heard. Her father sounds like a real jerk for treating a nice girl like her like this. What did she do to have her be treated like that? Well, I'm going to make sure that she has nothing to worry about anymore.

Next Time: Caring Heart, Sierra's Friends

By the way, what's the deal with the new transfer student?