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"Whoah." Ryo said, making Dobermon come to a halt infront of a small cottage.
The house was round, and looked as if it was made of mud, moss, twigs, leaves, and any other earthly matter found around the forest. Ryo hoped off of Dobermon, and was reaching up to grab Raiden, as Cyberdramon landed a few feet beside them. An unconscious Takato in his arms.
"Halt! Who goes there?" A voice demanded. Ryo looked back at the front of the cottage, Raiden in his arms, to see a white, purple and yellow colored digimon glaring at them. He stood in a fighting stance, making Dobermon move forward and growl in his face.
"What's going on?" Kimi asked, as her, Emiko, Kudamon and Biyomon ran over to join the boys.
"Hey, it's alright. This is just Mushroommon. He lives here with Babamon. He's the one who goes out and retrieves all and any herbs she needs." Ryo stated, hoping to calm the protective Dobermon, and also his own partner who had let out a snarl.
"Huh?" Mushroommon got out of his fighting stance and squinted at Ryo. He then smiled. "Oh Ryo, it's you! What brings you here?" Mushroommon managed to slip away from the still, unsure Dobermon, and make his way up to the blue eyed boy.
Ryo put Raiden down, then led Mushroommon over to Cyberdramon. Emiko was over there, brushing her hand through Takato's messy brown hair, her eyes filling back up with tears. She sniffled as she looked over at Mushroommon. "Takato..he was badly hurt. Can you help him, please?"
Mushroommon could feel the hurt in Emiko's voice, and it even made him frown a bit. 'Poor girl.' He thought to himself.
"A digimon named, Gokumon, attacked him. He sliced his stomach pretty good with his sickle." Ryo lifted up the younger boys shirt, to reveal the horrid gash. Mushroommon's expression changed, as if he was deeply thinking. "I don't think there was any poison, but it is very deep and he's lost a lot of blood. If anyone could help him out here, I knew it would be you and Babamon."
Mushroommon was rubbing his chin. "Hmm..I think I may know a few herbs that will speed up the healing process, but you most defiantly want to consult with Babamon first. She will know exactly how to save your friend." Mushroommon gasped as arms were thrown around him, giving him a tight squeeze.
"Oh, thank you, thank you, sooo much!" Emiko hugged the giant mushroom.
Mushroommon blushed. "Oh, jeez, ya see, it's nothing really."
Ryo and Raiden laughed, while Kudamon shook her head. Kimi, who was standing a few yards back, however, was staring at Takato. Her arms folded, her brows knitted in question.
Cyberdramon, Ryo and Mushroommon made their way into the cottage to talk with Babamon, Cyberdramon still carrying Takato. Raiden was sitting on the ground, throwing a stick for Dorimon, who excitedly always got it and brought it back. Emiko was sitting back against a tree, happily petting a purring Kudamon in her lap, and humming her a song.
"Something is up with the goggle-head, I'm telling ya, Biyomon! Even when his partner showed up, Gokumon still wanted to end Takato's life. Why? It just doesn't make sense. Unless there's something about the kid we don't know." Kimi was pacing back and forth, her gloved hands in fists as she spoke.
"Like what, Kimi?" Biyomon asked with a worried expression, watching her partner pace, making her more uneasy.
Kimi stomped her foot as she stopped pacing, letting out an irate sigh as she stared at the ground. "I don't know. But we need to find out. I don't even think it's safe to be traveling around with the guy."
"Kimi!" Biyomon's voice sounded even more high pitched than usual.
"Wha-" As Kimi brought her face up it, was met inches away from a black and brown one, it's red eyes piercing into hers. She let out a gasp and stumbled back. Dobermon lifted its lips to revel its sharp, shiny teeth then taking a step towards the red head. The usually bold female opened her mouth to say something smart, but for some reason she felt like it would be better not to. Dobermon snorted at her, as if giving a warning, then turned and walked back towards the others.
Once out of ear shot Kimi spoke. "What is up with that mutt?" She then looked at her digimon partner. "And where were you?" She folded her arms, glaring at the pink bird.
Biyomon rubbed her wings together, trying to find the right words. "Well, you see Kimi. Dobermon is a very powerful digimon even thought it is only a Champion level. But..it's not just that. Dobermon's give off a very unpleasant vibe. Almost like a one of your worst fears is going to be reveled."
As Biyomon spoke the red head watched as Dobermon laid down beside Raiden. 'Maybe that's why I kept my mouth shut.'
Ryo, Cyberdramon and Mushroommon emerged from the mud cottage. Mushroommon soon rushing off into the forest, as if he was on a mission. Ryo and his partner walked over to where Raiden and Emiko were with their digimon, including Dobermon. Emiko and Raiden looked up at the older boy with hope, eager to hear about Takato. Ryo gave them a smile.
"Babamon has came up with a couple herbly specialties that will help your friend." Ryo noticed Kimi and Biyomon join the group. "Mushroommon is out now, getting the last ingredients. He should be healed up in not time. However, we will have to stay here for the night. Although, fast working, it will be a a while before he will be up and at'em again."
"Yay, a camping trip!" Raiden threw Dorimon into the air, falling on his back as she caught the furry purple digimon. Ryo smirked at the sight.
"Oh, that's wonderful! I'm so glad you came along, Ryo. Your like an angel." Emiko squeezed Kudamon tightly, making the poor digimon gasp for air.
"No, I'm just a fellow Digidestined helping another. Who, thankfully, ended up at the right place at the right time." He laughed slightly.
"Wait, why can't we sleep in the cottage?" Kimi asked, her signature stance of her one hip sticking out and her arms folded, a glare on her face.
Ryo looked at the feisty red head and couldn't help but smirk. "Because that is Babamon's place. She needs her privacy, doesn't really like guests actually, haha. Besides, she only has two rooms besides the living room. And one is hers and the other is where Takato is staying in."
"So, why can't we all just sleep in the living room?" Kimi retaliated, there was no way she was going to sleep outside on the ground.
"I don't think we would all fit in there, so let's just be fair." Ryo's eyes glanced over at the large Dobermon then back at Kimi.
Kimi looked at the large dog digimon then sighed, knowing he was right. Dobermon was way to big to even fit through the door way of the cottage.
"Wonderful." Kimi turned and left the group, obviously annoyed she wouldn't have the luxuries she had back home.
"Don't mind her. My Uncle Matt just spoils her." Raiden cheesed up at Ryo. Ryo cocked an eyebrow.
"You guys are related?" He asked, somewhat interested in the subject now.
The little blonde nodded. "Mhm! She's my cousin, she's always been kind of a brat, but my mommy tells me not to call her that." The boy rubbed the back of his neck which made Ryo laugh. "But, Takato is my cousin too." Now this intrigued the brunette. He squatted down to be eye to eye with the little guy. "They aren't sibilings though. My daddy is brothers with Kimi's dad, while my mommy is sisters with Takato's mom! I love Auntie Max..she's lots of fun." Raiden started to mumble, off subject. "But anyways, yeah. They are both my cousins!" He stated proudly. "Takato is my oldest cousin though. He's 12! I hope I can be just like him when I get bigger. Just don't tell my big brother Pat that, okay?"Raiden smiled with his eyes.
Ryo nodded with a smile. "No problem, champ. Your secret is safe with me." He ruffled Raiden's hair before standing and looking over at Emiko. "So what about you, blue? Have any relatives running around the digiworld too?"
Emiko giggled, but shook her head. "Nope. My little sister is back home, safe and sound. What about you, Ryo?" She asked as she played with Kudamon's ears.
"Nah. I'm an only child. Thank goodness. I don't think my dad could handle another me." Both Ryo and Emiko laughed.
Something then growled at them. Ryo and Emiko looked over at Raiden who was holding his stomach.
"There's a digimon inside you! I'll destroy it!" Dorimon growled, getting ready to headbutt Raiden in the gut.
"No, no! My stomach is growling because I'm hungry, Dorimon." Dorimon twisted his head, his face clearing of all anger.
"Me hungry too, Raiden." He admitted.
"Yeah, we should find something to eat." Emiko said, now standing and brushing herself off.
Ryo nodded. "Me and Cyberdramon-" The sound of logs falling cut Ryo off. The boy spun around, seeing Cyberdramon and Dobermon drop some logs. Ryo smirked. "Already on top of things, boys?" Dobermon nodded and Cyberdramon growled, "Of course."
"Great! Now all we need is some food." Emiko said, cheerfully.
"Right. There's a river not too far from here where we can catch some fish." Ryo stated.
"I'd like to help, you guys!" Biyomon flew over to the group. Emiko smiled at the pink bird.
"Of course you can help. The more, the merrier!" The blue haired girl greeted.
"Okay then. Emiko, Kudamon, Biyomon, Cyberdramon and I will head down to the river to catch some fish and gather any fruit along the way. Dobermon, you stay here and watch after Raiden and Dorimon. We'll be back before you know it." Ryo seemed like a natural leader as he gave orders. Everyone nodded and followed suit.
Raiden, the help of Dorimon, had placed stones all around the stacked wood. "Now we just need a fire!" Raiden said, giving his digimon a look.
"Right!" Dorimon jumped at the opportunity. "METAL SPARK!" A small fire ball with electricity sparking around it, shot out of Dorimon's mouth and hit the logs, setting them on fire with a sizzle and snap sound.
"Yay! You're awesome Dorimon!" Raiden jumped up and down with excitement, but it was short lived as he noticed Dobermon. Dobermon was sitting down, back to the fire, staring at the cottage. Raiden walked over. "What's wrong, Dobermon?" Raiden glanced from the dog to the cottage then back. He placed his hands on the digimon's hip. "Takato will be okay. I promise. You'll get to see him tomorrow. Momentai!"
Dobermon looked down at the sweet blonde headed boy, who's eyes were filled with hope and light.
"I don't really know what that word means, but I've heard my dad's friend from work say it a couple times when my daddy seems worked up about something." Raiden's sweet smile started to fade, as his blue eyes reverted to the ground. "I miss my daddy..and my mommy."
Dobermon licked Raiden's face, almost knocking the 7 year old off his feet. He laughed. "Hey, that tickles!"
Kimi was sitting a little ways from the camp fire, up on a boulder. She had her legs crossed, and was leaning back on her hands, staring up at the now starry sky. She hadn't even noticed the others had returned with the food, only the fact that Raiden, Dobermon, and Dorimon had finally quieted down. 'Finally. Some peace and quiet.'
"What are you doing over here by your lonesome, feisty?"
'Well, that lasted long.' Kimi rolled her eyes at Ryo's voice.
"Come over and join us. We caught plenty of fish we're cooking up, and if that's not your thing, we gathered plenty of apples and berries also." Ryo gave a handsome grin.
"Listen, I'm glad you helped Takato and all, but we don't need you to baby us." Kimi never stopped staring at the sky.
"No, but maybe just you then?" Ryo's voice was filled with sarcasm and slyness.
Kimi's head swung to look at him, giving him an evil glare, which just made him smirk more. "I don't need anyone to take care of me, got it, punk?!" Kimi jumped down off the boulder and got in Ryo's face. "I'm very mature for my age and if I can handle five other sibilings, then I certainly don't need some- some..." Kimi hadn't realized how handsome Ryo was until now. She didn't know if it was because how close she was to him now, or she just hadn't paid that much attention to him, but she suddenly felt herself blushing as she yelled at him. "Some dragon boy to help me!"
Ryo had been smirking the whole time, getting to take in the girl's whole look. She was very beautiful, and he actually found her attitude very attractive. "You have a very angelic voice, Kimi."
Kimi looked at him, stunned for a moment, her face blushing even a deeper red now. Which is why Ryo was a big startled when the red head slapped him on the cheek.
"Jeez." Ryo said, rubbing his cheek. Kimi covered her mouth with her hands, eyes wide.
"Oh my gosh. I'm sorry, Ryo. I wasn't even thinking." Kimi's bright blue eyes looked like they were filling up with tears.
But Ryo gave her a smile. "Sure ya were. You were just putting me in my place." He chuckled a little, but noticed the red head was staring at the ground, her body shaking a little. "Hey...what's up, pumpkin?" Ryo took the usually stubborn girl in his arms, which she did not protest.
"I just...I don't want to be here. I want to see my dad, it wouldn't even seem that bad if he was at least here. He's always been like my best friend. I really miss him." Kimi pressed her face against Ryo's hard chest, a tear escaping from her left eye.
"You will see him again. I promise, Kimi." Ryo rubbed her back, as she stopped shaking. "It's a good thing you have such a close relationship with your father, I don't. Which you think I would since I'm his only kid." Ryo let a slight laugh, which was booming sounding from where Kimi was.
"What, about your mom?" Kimi sniffled, turning her head so now her ear was against his chest, hearing his heart beat.
There was a silence before Ryo answered. "She passed away, back when I was Raiden's age. But, before that, we were very close."
"Not me and my mother." Kimi almost grew angry thinking about her mother, Sora. "We've never gotten along. All she ever does is complain and start arguments with my dad."
Ryo had a look of concern on his face, but he didn't want to start another argument, so all he said was, "I'm sorry, pumpkin."
Kimi finally pulled away from the handsome guy and wiped her eyes. "Ugh, I'm a mess. Don't pay any attention to me."
"It's kind of hard not to." Ryo smirked and winked at her.
Kimi smirked back and laughed. "Yeah, I'm sure. Now, aren't you suppose to be cooking me some fish?" She stuck her tongue out at the boy, who laughed in response. Both of them joined the group together.
Matt was standing outside his studio. He was just lighting up his first cigarette when his cell phone started to vibrate in his jeans pocket. He took a quick drag before taking his phone out and reading the caller ID. He sighed. Sora. He flipped open his phone and answered it.
"Hello? Well, it would be a better day if you haven't already called my phone 15 times. I haven't called you back because I've been busy...do we really have to start this right now?..." Matt checked his watch. "School only got out 10 minutes ago, she's probably still walking home...okay then maybe she went to hang out with a friend...no she didn't ask me...ugh, Sora, listen its not a big deal, holy crap, and you wonder why she doesn't like you! Give her some space, alright?! Jeez...please don't start crying...I'm sorry I was mean...WELL THEN FINE I WASN'T IF I'M SUCH A BAD GUY, STOP CALLING ME THEN!" Matt hung up and shoved his cell phone back into his pocket, taking a nice long drag on his cigarette. He ran his free hand through his blonde hair, letting out a deep sigh.
As he took another drag, he pulled his cell phone back out, and started to look through his pictures. Most were of his kids, a couple of him and Sora back when they first got together, and then he finally paused on one. It was a picture of his buddy Tai, wearing a black sweatshirt and jeans shorts, a big smile plastered on his face. And on his back was Tai's twin sister, Max. She had the same color eyes and hair as her brothers, her long hair flowing over her shoulders. She had her hands on Tai's shoulders and Tai was holding her legs. Max was sticking her tongue out at the camera, and she was wearing black skinny jeans and a gray sweatshirt, like Tai's, that obviously too big for her, as it came off of her right shoulder a bit, revealing the strap to her black tank top. The gray sweatshirt was Matt's, and he couldn't help but smile staring at the picture. It seemed so long ago now. Six kids, 4 Best Selling CDs, and one proposal to Sora, here he was today. He would be lying, if he said he wouldn't give it up just to be back with his dream girl...Max.
So this was my longest chapter so far, I hope it was good! Please review to let me know :) And don't worry, in the next chapter we'll be checking on Takato! So, who's your favorite character so far, and which one do you think you are most like? LEAVE IN THE REVIEW SECTION, THANKS :3
Come back for another chapter of Digimon: Digital Aftermath!
