Frontier 02: Home Frontier – Chapter 20: Giving Up (in a good way)
madjack89: Holy crap, we're at the twenty chapter mark? That's flippin' sweet!
Takuya: Wow, twenty chapters.
Kouji: My god, twenty chapters.
Daiki: We should have cake for the occasion!
JP: We've already got cake for Madjack's birthday!
madjack89: You guys got me a cake? After all the crap I put you through in my story?
Kira: Could be worse.
Kouji: Speak for yourself.
madjack89: Kouji, your issues get amended in this chapter.
Kouji: In that case, happy birthday.
Tommy: Wow, you're turning sixteen. That's older than all of us!
Kouji: Yet she has the maturity of Takuya.
Takuya: Yeah, she…hey, wait a minute!
madjack89: At least I'm not as cold and distant as you.
Kouji: …Touché.
Shino: Where are Zoe and Kouichi?
JP: Chief and Zee wanted to be the first to check out Madjack's new video on youtube. They should be done soon.
Takuya: New video?
madjack89: Yeah, it has to do with this story. If you haven't checked it out already, it's called "My Digimon Frontier Fanfiction Thingy." I'm madjack89 on there too, so you shouldn't have any trouble finding it.
Takuya and Kouji: What kind of video is this?
madjack89: A video kind of video!
Takuya and Kouji: …
madjack89: Okay, time for reviews!
*break*
greywindfalcon: Sorry about taking so long. And don't worry, I plan on continuing this story til the end (I'm having fun writing it)! That's a bit harsh to Wizardmon (considering I showed a little of his soft side!). And thanks!
hazeleyedharmony: Sweet, I've never met anyone with the same birthday as me! Happy birthday! I'm glad I amaze you, too! One reason Kouji didn't go home was because his dad would chew him up (ouch)! Thanks for reviewing!
garnettfox: Calm down, I have done nothing to our little Tommy. He is busy wondering where everyone else went at home (he doesn't know about Kouji's little thing)! He got left out, but he'll be in the story more now, don't worry! Thanks for reviewing!
kyokoaurora: I should check out that story (lol)! And he is being an uber angst bunny, but he'll get over it soon. Thanks for the compliment!
Kayland Elric: Happy belated birthday! I figured they were old enough now to cuss and it adds emphasis, so…yeah. I don't really cuss, so I let them cuss for me, I guess! I wish you luck with your story writing (that could be my birthday wish)! And I also had Kouichi cuss, which I try not to have him do because he seems like the type who only cusses when they're angry or upset. Oh, and I have a question. Does the Elric in your author name come from the anime Full Metal Alchemist? Just curious. Thank you for reviewing!
babytigera: Don't be mad at her, sister person! I'm sorry! Blame me if you like! And it's okay if you look at minor technicalities, I do that all the time to my friends (they get annoyed at me)! I love random quotes, so I try to use them! I think it lightens the mood a little, too! And yay, I'm sixteen! Weeeeeee! And finally, in answer to your question, I've had this story in mind since I was thirteen, but I didn't start it until now. This was actually one of the first ideas I came up with, so I was happy to finally get to write it! Hooray! Thank you for reviewing and stuff!
angelswings217: Got in a little late, but thank you!
GoldenDragon326: Heheh, Sparta. I saw that the other day, so yeah. And Gatomon is totally not evil now! But what circumstances could change that…? Thanks for your review!
*break*
madjack89: Okay, time to eat cake and write this chapter at the same time!
Kira: Multi-tasking! One of the many skills of a woman!
Kouji: Shut up, Yankee.
Kira: Shut up yourself, Angsty McAngst Angst.
Kouji: Grrrrr…
—
Witchmon stood on the roof of a tall building, scanning the area for any trace of her brother or sister. She sat down, taking an apple from her pocket. She took a bite, and then sighed.
"These human apples are good, but they just don't compare to the Digital World," she said, taking another big bite. She chewed slowly, pondering things.
"I wonder why he would even want to see her…" she muttered, referring to Kouichi. "I mean, what can he gain from seeing her again?"
Her fist clenched, and she took an angry bite of the apple, looking sullen. "Oh well. I suppose he'll have to see for himself how two-faced Gatomon really is."
She stood up again, throwing the apple core off the building and watching it plummet into the midst of the city. She pulled her hat farther over her face, stepping onto the edge of the building.
"How far both of you have fallen, you poor lost souls," she murmured, jumping from the roof of the building and landing on a windowsill farther below.
"Well, here I go!"
—
"Hey Taki. Still grounded for life?" Kira sat cross-legged on her futon, holding her little red cell phone to her ear.
"Yes," muttered Takuya sullenly from the other line.
"Man, it sucks that all you guys are under house arrest," she said. "Now I don't have anything to do!"
"At least you aren't in trouble like the rest of us," said Takuya. "I never thought that I would wish I had a dad like yours."
Kira smirked. "Yeah, it does help in situations like this," she said. "When I got home, he was so drunk off his ass that he thought I was my mom!"
There was silence on the other line. Kira's smile faded slightly. "Taki, it's okay, I'm fine." More silence. "Would it make you feel better to give me an over-the-phone hug?"
"It would make me feel better to give you a real hug," he muttered longingly. "It's been an entire week, and my parents are still furious, especially since I can't even tell them where I was or what I was doing."
"Yeah, it would be hard to say 'Sorry I was gone so long, guys. I just had to get rid of the evil forces lurking around and messing with the mind of my best friend, plus I had to kick the crap out of an equally evil wizard monster. Did you save me any dinner?'" Kira mimicked Takuya's voice, giggling at her own joke.
Takuya laughed too, and they spent a few more seconds like that. Then their laughter melted into an awkward silence. Kira gulped and asked the question she'd been dying to ask. "So, how's Kouji?"
Takuya paused before answering. "I don't know," he said slowly. "He's been at school, but no matter what I do, he won't talk to me. He won't even look at me."
"Jerk," muttered Kira angrily. "So what's Chief's analysis?"
"He's depressed too," Takuya sighed. "But at least he's talking to me."
"What the hell does he have to be depressed about?"
"I don't know for sure, but I think it may have at least something to do with Gatomon. I mean, she seemed to open up more to him than anyone else, but…"
"But?" Kira's curiosity was aroused by Takuya's reluctance.
"But she was using him," Takuya growled angrily. Kira could almost picture his teeth clenching. "That's what I can't stand most of all. That attack Wizardmon used was originally meant for Kouichi, not Kouji. She was getting close to him, just so she would be able to do that to him later! I just can't stand it! Why does it always have to be him, anyway?"
"Always have to be him? What do you mean?" Kira asked, confused by Takuya's anger. This kind of thing hadn't happened to Kouichi before, had it?
Takuya paused on the other line, choosing his words more carefully. "I just meant that it's always been kind of hard for Kouichi to get by. I mean, his father abandoned him and his mom for some other woman, and didn't even tell Kouji that he existed. Then of course he was thrust into some strange world and given a spirit that he was barely able to control, and told to go save the world with it. Life's just been hard on him is what I mean."
"I guess," said Kira, pondering Takuya's hasty answer. Why would Taki keep something from me? What kind of secret is Kouichi hiding?
—
Shino sat on the floor of his bedroom, leaning against his bedside table. He had just come into his room and hadn't bothered to turn on any lights. He had, however, locked the door. He didn't want to scare his little sister, after all.
He slowly lifted up the sleeve of his shirt, revealing his now tattoo-like burn. "Alright then. Let's see if I can find Wizardmon now."
With that his arm began to glow brilliantly, lighting up his room. He smirked. "It doesn't hurt anymore, does it?" He moved slowly to his bedroom window, sticking his glowing arm outside. He held it there for a few moments, and then sighed.
"I guess you're still not in range, are you?" he said, his arm ceasing to glow. "You probably aren't even in Japan anymore. But that won't stop me from checking every now and again."
He fell heavily onto his bed, reaching his arm over to his lamp and turning it on. "After all, if I find you, I find Gatomon, and if I find Gatomon, I find that cute little tail ring of her's."
He rolled over, facing the ceiling of his room. "I just wish that I could track more than just Wizardmon with this stupid burn, but he is the one who gave it to me, so I guess it makes sense."
His eyes narrowed, thinking of his reason for wanting Gatomon's tail ring. "That bastard thinks he's won, doesn't he?" he hissed, referring to Kouichi. "Well, I can fix that. If I could make him say something terrible to Zoe, something completely horrible, then I can pick up where he left off. And a good way to do that would be altering his emotions."
His fists clenched angrily. "Kouichi," he growled, sitting up and punching his pillow violently, trying to vent some anger. He breathed slowly, tears suddenly forming in his eyes. He grasped his pillow tightly, laying his head on it.
"Why am I so screwed up, Zoe?" he whispered to himself, sobbing silently.
—
JP jumped when he heard a thump on his bedroom window. He quickly got up from his desk, opening the window slowly. "Okay, don't throw any more rocks, the window's open," he whispered into the night, recalling what had happened last time this had occurred.
Tomoyo suddenly popped up from the bushes, smiling and waving at JP. "Catch!" she whispered loudly, throwing a rope up to JP. He caught it, confused. "Tie it to something!" Tomoyo whispered impatiently, tapping her foot on the ground.
JP sighed, tying the rope to his bed post. He pulled on it for good measure, then called, "Okay, you can come up now."
JP quickly locked his door and went back to the window, checking on Tomoyo's progress. To his surprise, she was already reaching her hand up to his windowsill. He grabbed her hand, pulling her into his room with ease.
"Wow, you sure are stronger than you let on!" muttered Tomoyo breathlessly, blushing.
"What do you want, Tomoyo?" asked JP bluntly. "You know how much trouble I'm in. If my parents catch you in here…"
"Oh, calm down JP. I just wanted to see you." She giggled, looking at JP's lamp. "This is a Pokemon lamp! You still like Pokemon?"
"No, I just didn't feel like getting a new one. That's the one I've had since I was seven," he said, placing his hand on her shoulder. "Now can you please just get to the point? Why did you want to see me? What was your motivation?"
Tomoyo looked at him with big eyes, pouting. "Why are you being so cold to me, JP? You know I love you, so why wouldn't I want to see you?"
JP sighed, shaking his head. "Where do your parents think you are?"
"In my room, asleep," she answered, staring lovingly at JP.
She turned abruptly, staring instead at the opposite wall. "You didn't manage to get rid of me, did you?" she whispered softly so that JP could barely hear her. "You thought that you could scare me away by showing me the truth, but I'm still here."
JP's eyes narrowed. "That was my original intention," he murmured. He paused, seeing if Tomoyo would say anything. When she didn't respond, he continued, "I'm sorry, Tomoyo, but…I don't love you. I will never love you as you love me. Don't you see that? I…I just think it would be better if we were frie-"
Suddenly JP was interrupted by Tomoyo, whose lips were pressed firmly against his. Startled by the abrupt kiss, JP didn't respond to Tomoyo entwining her arms firmly around his waist, pressing her body against his.
JP's head swam for a moment, confused. What was going on? Why was Tomoyo doing this? No! Regaining his senses slightly, JP wriggled his arms out of Tomoyo's grip, grabbing her head firmly between his hands and pushing it back from his face.
Tomoyo released JP, backing up a few paces, breathing hard and looking flushed. JP's eyes were wide, staring at Tomoyo in complete shock.
"You…you k-k-kissed m-me…" JP muttered, still trying to get over the shock.
Tomoyo smiled playfully. "Yes, I did," she breathed, blushing from head to toe. "And it was wonderful!"
JP sat down slowly on his bed, putting his head in his hands. Tomoyo gasped. "I'm sorry, honey! Was that too sudden? We can take it slower, if you want."
"No, that's not it," whispered JP gruffly, shaking his head. "It's j-just that I…I l-liked it."
Tomoyo eyes grew wide with relief. "You don't know how happy that makes me!" She leaned forward, pulling JP into a hug.
JP stared at the floor, looking depressed. But I still love Zoe.
—
Kouji dialed the number slowly, still trying to think of what to say. He gulped, swallowing his nervousness.
Alright, Kouji, you can do this. It's time you told someone the truth about you and Seiko. Just get it off your chest, and you'll feel better.
The phone rang twice, and then Kouichi's voice answered from the other line. "Hello?"
Kouji froze. Oh god!
"Um, is someone there? I can hear breathing."
Talk, damn it, TALK!
"Oh my god, this is like that one movie I saw. Soon you're gonna tell me I'm gonna die in seven days! Oh crap! Call someone else, darn it!"
"Kouichi, it's me," said Kouji bluntly.
Kouichi breathed a sigh of relief. "Kouji? Wow, good thing it's you, because I never saw the end of that movie."
"I think everyone dies," said Kouji.
Kouichi paused. "Crap," he muttered. "So," he continued, "what's up? Why'd you call?"
Kouji pushed past the lump in his throat. "Well, it's just…I've had something on my mind lately and I just wanted to…get it of my chest."
"Are you coming to me first, or have you already told Takuya or someone else?" Kouichi asked bitterly.
"What do you mean by that?" asked Kouji, confused by Kouichi's sudden anger. "Did I do something…?" Suddenly it hit him. "This is about what I said before, about you ignoring me, isn't it? That's why you've been brooding this past week."
There was a long pause as Kouji waited for Kouichi's answer. Finally Kouichi said, "You were right. I even knew that something was wrong but…I didn't even lift a finger to help you. I got too wrapped up in my own issues that I didn't bother to notice what was going on with you.
"I was selfish, and I hated it. That attack wasn't even meant for you, it was meant for me. What kind of a brother am I?"
"You're wrong, Kouichi," said Kouji firmly. "None of this was your fault. There was nothing you could have done, even if you knew. Don't read into what I said to you then, because it was all a lie."
Kouji paused before continuing. "Besides, this was inevitable from the start. I've wanted this for a long time."
"Wanted to be lonely, right?" said Kouichi matter-of-factly.
Kouji's eyes widened in surprise. "How did you…?"
"There's not much you can keep from your identical twin, Kouji," replied Kouichi. "Or maybe Takuya's on to something with that freaky twin power thing?"
"Never," said Kouji, chuckling.
"Kouji," Kouichi began, hesitating slightly, "I know about that girl…I know about Seiko…"
Kouji smiled crookedly. "I see," he muttered.
"Kouji…were you…you were in love with her, weren't you?" asked Kouichi timidly, losing his confidence.
Kouji sighed. "Yes, I guess I was. And I still am." He chuckled coldly. "Funny how things work out, isn't it?
"I remember the first time I saw her in class," continued Kouji, forgetting that Kouichi was listening on the other line. "I thought she was your typical blond ditz. She was giggly and bubbly and all the things that got on my nerves! I used to hate her for it, but for some reason I was drawn to her.
"She was like the piece to the broken puzzle of my fragmented, jaggedy, screwed-up heart. She gave me the thing I needed. She gave me friendship, and the ability to make friends. Without her, I'd be as messed up now as I was back then.
"But then," Kouji paused, feeling the pain and sadness this memory always brought with it, "she gave her life to save mine. After that, I spiraled into a pretty deep depression. I just kept asking myself 'why did she save me?' or 'what made her think that I was important enough to be saved?' I didn't think I deserved it. Actually, those are the same things I asked myself when you sacrificed yourself for us in the Digital World."
"I'm sorry, Kouji, but you are worth it," said Kouichi solemnly.
"According to you and Seiko," Kouji said teasingly. "But, I suppose you've guessed the rest. I came to the conclusion that friendship only brought pain and loss. I decided that everyone leaves eventually, so why bother with friends?" He laughed to himself. "And then I met you guys. You broke right through my barrier like a wrecking ball. And now I've realized that I can't live without any of you. I can't make myself be lonely."
"So you're calling to say you give up?" asked Kouichi hopefully.
Kouji sighed dejectedly. "Yes, Kouichi, I give up. You guys are my friends, and there's nothing I can do to stop it."
"Hooray!" exclaimed Kouichi from the other line, giggling excitedly. Kouji couldn't help but laugh as well. He loved it when Kouichi was this happy and excited.
"So, I guess I'll see you at school tomorrow," said Kouji, preparing to call Takuya and tell him to stop sulking.
"Oh, by the way, just as a warning, Takuya and JP are planning a 'surprise party' for us with everyone else."
"Perfect," Kouji muttered, heading throbbing. "He's already giving me headaches…"
—
madjack89: There you go! Plot and character development, and no more angsty bunny Kouji!
Kouji: About time!
Kouichi: Why is he an angsty bunny?
madjack89: Because it sounds better than angsty wolfy.
Zoe: I don't know, that still sounds pretty cute.
madjack89: Shut up, Zoe.
Zoe: Shut up yourself.
madjack89: …You are a formidable opponent, Zoe Orimoto.
Zoe: As are you, Madjack.
Kira: What about me?
Zoe: You're formidable in the ass-kicking way.
Kira: Damn straight!
madjack89: Okay, I need to get back on topic.
Takuya: You had a topic?
madjack89: Shut up, Takuya. Okay, anyway, lately I've been thinking about all the different voice actors in anime and I began to wonder, "Who would voice act the characters in my story if my story were an anime?" Well, of course, the first six already have their voices…
Takuya: Michael Reisz is the best!
Kouji: Who?
Takuya: My voice actor!
Kouji: …Who?
Takuya: I'm gonna kill you!
madjack89: …but I wondered who would voice my other characters? Well, if it were up to me, I'd want Yuri Lowenthal to voice Shino…
Shino: Sweet.
madjack89: …Kari Wahlgren for Kira…
Kira: Heck yes!
madjack89: …Wendee Lee for Daiki…
Daiki: Yay, a girl!
madjack89: …and I'm not really sure for Hotaru. If anyone has an idea for him, drop it in your comment!
Hotaru: That was a bit anticlimactic.
Everyone: Shut up, Hotaru!
maqdjack89: Okay, well, see you later everybody!