Author's notes: After my account was deleted accidentally, I rewrote some parts of Dark Wing. There is another version, Dark Wing Type 2, that I'm writing that follows the anime more accurately. But for now, I'll focus on finishing the original Dark Wing since I want to wait and see what happens in the Japanese Tamer series. I'll upload the other chapters once I've finished double-checking them. Thanks for your patience.
Author's notes: After some consideration, I've decided to use the Japanese levels, since I'm already using the Japanese names, cards and attacks anyway. Therefore:
Digimon Levels:
Child : Rookie
Adult : Champion
Perfect : Ultimate
Ultimate: Mega
Digimon Tamers: Dark Wing
FALSE VICTORY!
Disclaimer: Digimon Tamers and related elements are registered trademarks of Toei, Bandai and their respective owners and are used without permission.
A shadow flew across the land, sending land-dwellers scurrying in fear. The shadow was cast by a huge bird-like creature, carried aloft by four pairs of wings. The colour of fire, the masive Digimon surveyed the ground below with four glowing red eyes as it soared majestically overhead. Six floating orbs encircled its neck and another six encircled its powerful, muscular tail, giving off a faint red glow as the bird-like Digimon flew straight up, higher than any normal bird could hope to fly. Through the clouds, a floating city became visible. Massive gates opened as it approached and soon Zhuqiaomon had entered Sky City.
"Greetings, Zhuqiaomon," rumbled a gigantic white tiger-like Digimon. Like Zhuqiaomon, he had twelve DigiCores, but his encircled his waist and were yellow in colour as opposed to Zhuqiaomon's, which were red. Spiked rings adorned his paws and tail. "How goes matters in the South?"
"Not as good as the West, I'm afraid, Baihumon," Zhuqiaomon replied, folding his wings. "That's the reason I called this meeting actually."
"Is it that bad?" Baihumon asked. "Surely it cannot be worse than the disaster that almost befell the Digital World not so long ago."
"It is not that bad. Yet." Zhuqiaomon moved to stand on a pedestal placed there for him. "However, something appears to be happening in the Real World connected to my domain, and if we do nothing a worse disaster may befall us."
"Is that so?" Baihumon sniffed the air, his ears twitching as he heard a familiar sound. "Ah, Qinglongmon is here."
The two Holy Beasts turned their heads to see another one of their number enter the hall. The newcomer had the form of a Chinese dragon, with a long snake-like body and wings on his back. Around each of his four legs were three DigiCores each, glowing with a blue light. His face appeared ancient and noble, with what appeared to be a long grey beard reaching down from his face almost to the ground. "Zhuqiaomon, Baihumon," Qinglongmon greeted. "How does the day find you?"
"Well enough, Qinglongmon," Baihumon answered him. "Though it seems Zhuqiaomon has something he wishes to share with us all."
"Yes," confirmed the firebird. "All we need to do is await Xuanwumon's arrival."
"I am here, Zhuqiaomon," rumbled an ancient yet powerful voice. The speaker resembled a two-headed turtle with a massive tree for a shell. The tree was surrounded by twelve DigiCores, these a dark shade of grey. "What matter is so important a meeting was necessary?"
"My brothers," Zhuqiaomon began. "As you are well aware, the East is finally rid of the many dangers that plagued it, through the actions of Qinglongmon's 'Chosen Children'." He glanced at his fellow Holy Beast. "And now the South, nay, all the Digital World has been freed of the threat which has endangered us all."
Baihumon's eyes narrowed as he remembered how he had been badly beaten by the aforementioned threat, to the point where his survival had been thrown into question. "This is history, Zhuqiaomon," he pointed out. "What is the current threat?"
Zhuqiaomon fixed the younger Holy Beast with a glare. "Respect thy elders, Baihumon," he chided gently. "However, to answer your question, the current threat is one that we thought had already been dealt with."
"What do you mean?"
"The Dark Messenger has broken through the barrier that separates our realms and has crossed into my domain."
"The Dark Messenger?!" Qinglongmon looked quizically at Zhuqiaomon. "How is that possible? He was deleted by the Chosen long ago, and his essence imprisoned in the Dark Ocean!"
"Aye," replied the red-and-orange Holy Beast. "I thought so too, but somehow he has found a way to return."
"Surely the Digimon in the South are more than capable of dealing with him?"
"Normally, yes." Zhuqiaomon shook his head. "However, let us not forget he is different from normal Devimons. It is his cunning and intelligence that makes him so dangerous." The pheonix ruffled his feathers. "And do not forget," he said seriously. "despite the destruction of Chimeramon and the Dark Spores, HE is not completely destroyed. Should the Messenger ally himself..."
"I realise your concern, Zhuqiaomon," said Baihumon. "But what would you have us do?"
"Yes," agreed Qinglongmon. "Do you want me to send my Chosen, or Baihumon his Guard Tamers?"
"No," replied Zhuqiaomon. "At least, not yet. The humans...the Tamers...should be able to handle him, but I beseech you to be prepared should anything occur in your own realms."
"Such as?" asked Xuanwumon.
"If the Messenger has managed to escape the Dark Ocean, he may try to bring others with him. We must be prepared to block such an attempt."
Xuanwumon shook, his twin heads speaking simultaneously. "Then it is agreed," he said. "For now, we will allow the Tamers to deal with the Messenger, while we try to discover how he managed to escape." Suddenly, the ancient turtle swiveled his heads. "Odd..."
"What's wrong?" asked Baihumon.
"For a moment...I felt..." he shook his heads. "Never mind. It isn't important."
"If there is nothing else," Qinglongmon said, "we should return to our domains and begin searching for the way the Messenger escaped the Dark Ocean."
"Yes," agreed Xuanwumon. "But keep alert..." He swiveled his heads to stare at each one of the others. "There might be more surprises in store..."
"Wake up, Takato!" Takato moaned as his mother drew the curtains and buried his head under the covers.
"Mo-om!" he whined. "It's Saturday!" Matsuda Mie frowned and pulled off the covers.
"You can't spend the whole day in bed!" Takato flailed around, trying to grab the covers. "Besides," his mother added. "Juri is here with some of your friends!"
"Huh?" Takato sat up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "Why are they here so early?" He glanced at the clock on his table. "Ten o' clock?!"
Minutes later, the brown-haired boy zipped downstairs, grabbing his red D-Ark and goggles on the way out of his room. When he got downstairs, he found Lee, Juri and Ruki sitting in the living room with his father Matsuda Takehiro. "Ah, Takato," he greeted. "Your mother finally got you up?"
"DAD!" Takato yelped. His father laughed heartily.
"I'm just kidding, Takato! I'll leave you with your friends." The man got up and, after bidding the three kids farewell, left the room.
Takato turned on the others. "Okay, what embarrassing story did he tell this time?" He counted off his fingers. "Was it the time I put salt into the batter? Or was it the time I forgot it was a holiday and ran to school? Or was it..."
"Uh, actually, Takato," Lee interrupted, "He was just telling us how you're able to handle the bakery on your own when he or your mother aren't there."
"Of course," Ruki added. "I'm sure all those things you just mentioned would've been much more interesting to hear..."
Juri laughed as Takato blushed, realising what he had said. "Don't worry, Takato-kun," she assured him. "We won't ask your parents about it!"
"Thanks, Katou-san."
"Of course," the girl added with a mischievous glint in her eyes, "treating us might help us forget what you just said..." She smiled sweetly. "I suddenly have a craving for ice cream..." The other two Tamers nodded in agreement. Takato got the hint and his shoulders sagged in defeat.
"Fine," he sighed with resignation. "Let's go..."
Deep in the abandoned building, a deck of cards lay on an old table. A figure stood before them, watching as the cards began glowing purple. "Soon..." laughed the shadow-wrapped figure as the now-glowing cards hovered in the air. "Soon I will be able to battle those Children on even terms..."
"Haaaa..." sighed Takato as he lay on his back, staring at the beautiful clear sky. "This was a great idea, Jen..." Lee sat on a fallen tree trunk, finishing off a sandwich.
"Thanks, Takato," he said, licking his fingers clean. The Tamers had decided to go on a picnic in the park in an attempt to act like normal kids again. It had actually been Leomon's idea, and the Adult had actually managed to convince Renamon to help him. Between the two of them, they managed to convince Ruki they all needed a rest. 'You're still children', he had said. 'You should enjoy your youth while you can!'
Juri sat on the blanket they had brought with them, sipping from a cup. "It's strange not having the others around," she commented.
"Yeah," Ruki agreed. "It's too quiet without Guilmon or Culumon making a racket."
Lee grinned. "I would've thought you'd like the peace and quiet! I mean, Renamon isn't exactly the talkative type, now is she?"
Ruki smiled slightly. "Let's just say I've gotten used to the noise. After all, considering the company I keep?"
Takato laughed. The other three looked at him. "Sorry," the brown-haired boy apologised. "It's just...a few months ago we'd never have thought we'd be sitting together like this!"
"You're right," Lee agreed. "Who'd have thought the 'Digimon Queen' would ever consent to go on a picnic with us?"
Ruki glared at the snickering boy. "Watch it, detention boy!" The red-head blinked. "Wait...That's right! Didn't you have detention or something?"
Lee smirked. "My father explained to sensei that I was working on something important for him so they let me off with a warning."
The others stared at him. Ruki spoke first. "I never thought you'd resort to something like deception to get out of trouble, Jen."
"Yes, Lee-kun!" Juri added. "I'm so disappointed in you!"
"It's not deception!" Lee protested. "I told my father about Devimon, and he helped me make that recording we used to trick him!"
"But still," Takato said. "It didn't seem very honest to me either..."
"Hey!" Lee exclaimed suddenly. "I heard there was a convention going on today!"
"Stop trying to change the subject," Ruki scolded.
"What convention is it, Jen?" Takato asked.
Lee grinned. "It's a Digimon convention!"
"A Digimon convention?!" the other Tamers chorused.
"Right!" Lee stood up. "That's another reason I wanted all of us together on our day off! I thought we'd go together and look around. Maybe we can pick up some new cards!"
"That's great!" Takato agreed. "Let's go! Where is it?"
Lee chuckled. "Odaiba."
"You're kidding."
"Hey, it's the Chosen Children's hometown in the show, right? What better place to have a Digimon convention?"
"Okay, then," Ruki decided, getting up. "Let's go!"
The others nodded as they stood up and packed their things, and headed for the nearest subway station.
Numerous decks of cards lay side by side on the massive table, glowing with a faint light. "Excellent...Now that I am ready, I must prepare a suitable battlefield." The figure picked up a card. "Perfect..." He threw the card into the air and it vanished. "Now, all I need is..." The figure raised an arm, and out of thin air materialised a ring-like object. It shimmered and displayed the Tamers laughing together at the convention. The figure's eyes narrowed and his face twisted into a cruel smile. "...bait." His gaze fell on Juri, giggling as Takato tried one of the games and failed. "She will do nicely." Evil laughter echoed throughout the building, and far below, the ground began shifting into a massive cave...
It was getting dark when the Tamers emerged from the subway back in Shinjuku. "Hahaha!" laughed Takato. "I can't remember when I've had so much fun!"
"I'll have to admit," Ruki said to Lee, "that was a great idea."
"Thanks," Lee replied, grinning at her. "I'm glad everyone had a good time!"
Juri smiled. "We have to do something like that again sometime!"
"Yeah!" the others agreed. Ruki looked up and sighed.
"Well, it's been fun, but I've got to get home!" She put her hands in her pockets and began walking away. "I'll see you tomorrow."
Takato and the others watched her go. "She's gotten much nicer than before, huh, Jen?"
"Yeah," the taller boy agreed. He looked at his watch. "Time for me to go too!" He walked away, then turned to wave. "Ja ne!"
"Ja ne!" replied Juri.
"See you tomorrow, Jen!" Takato called.
"Okay!" Lee grinned evilly. "Don't keep her up too late, Takato!"
"Jen!" wailed Takato as the other boy laughed and took off. When he looked, Juri was smiling at him. "Uh...you want me to walk you home, Katou-san?"
"Sure, Takato-kun!" the girl replied brightly. "That's nice of you!"
"Well," Takato said, rubbing the back of his head and blushing. "It's along my way home anyway..."
Sometime later, Takato and Juri stopped at a junction. "Okay," Takato said. "your house is that way, right?"
"Yeah."
"Then, I'll see you tomorrow, Katou-san! Ja ne!"
"Uh, Takato-kun!"
Takato turned to Juri. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing..." Takato noticed Juri's cheeks turning red. "I just wanted to say..." she said, coming closer. "...I had a really nice time today..." To his surprise, Juri kissed him lightly on the cheek. She stepped back, her face bright red. Takato felt his cheeks burning too. "See you tomorrow!" Juri called as she turned and ran in the direction of her home.
"K-Katou-san!" Takato called out as she vanished around the corner. He put a hand to his cheek. His expression changed, this mouth spreading in a goofy-looking smile. "Wow." The smile plastered on his face, the light brown-haired boy began walking home.
Juri panted as she leaned on the wall, her face still crimson with embarrassment. "I-I can't believe I did that!" The girl sighed. "I hope I didn't scare him or anything..." She smiled as she continued on her way home.
"Little girls shouldn't be wandering out late at night..." a voice said quietly. A figure detached himself from the shadows and snuck up on her. "You never know who you might meet!" Juri barely had time to scream.
Takato had just crossed the street when he heard something. "Huh?" he said, turning around. "What was that?" He cocked his head, listening. After a few minutes, he shrugged and continued on his way. "Must've been hearing things."
Later that night...
The sound of knocking roused Takato from his slumber. "Uh...?" he mumbled, sitting up in bed. "Wha...?" Glancing at a clock, he saw it read 11 p.m. After scrambling out of bed and opening the door to his room, he poked his head out the door and looked around. Hearing the sound of voices, the brown-haired boy made his way downstairs. When he got down, he saw his parents talking to someone. "Mom? Dad?" he called. "What's going on?"
"Takato," his father replied. "Can you come here?" Takato walked towards the grown-ups.
"What's wrong?" he asked as he approached. Then he saw the person his parents were talking to was Juri's father. Fear suddenly seized his heart.
"Ah..." began Juri's father. "Takato-kun...you and Juri were together just now, right?"
"Yes, but we split up." Takato felt a chill down his spine. "Is...is something wrong with Katou-san?"
Juri's father suddenly looked older and his shoulders sagged as if under some terrible weight. "Takato-kun...Juri never came home."
Reviews, comments, suggestions and criticisms (constructive or otherwise) are welcome and can be sent to Withoutmorals@antisocial.com
Author's notes: After some consideration, I've decided to use the Japanese levels, since I'm already using the Japanese names, cards and attacks anyway. Therefore:
Digimon Levels:
Child : Rookie
Adult : Champion
Perfect : Ultimate
Ultimate: Mega
Digimon Tamers: Dark Wing
FALSE VICTORY!
Disclaimer: Digimon Tamers and related elements are registered trademarks of Toei, Bandai and their respective owners and are used without permission.
A shadow flew across the land, sending land-dwellers scurrying in fear. The shadow was cast by a huge bird-like creature, carried aloft by four pairs of wings. The colour of fire, the masive Digimon surveyed the ground below with four glowing red eyes as it soared majestically overhead. Six floating orbs encircled its neck and another six encircled its powerful, muscular tail, giving off a faint red glow as the bird-like Digimon flew straight up, higher than any normal bird could hope to fly. Through the clouds, a floating city became visible. Massive gates opened as it approached and soon Zhuqiaomon had entered Sky City.
"Greetings, Zhuqiaomon," rumbled a gigantic white tiger-like Digimon. Like Zhuqiaomon, he had twelve DigiCores, but his encircled his waist and were yellow in colour as opposed to Zhuqiaomon's, which were red. Spiked rings adorned his paws and tail. "How goes matters in the South?"
"Not as good as the West, I'm afraid, Baihumon," Zhuqiaomon replied, folding his wings. "That's the reason I called this meeting actually."
"Is it that bad?" Baihumon asked. "Surely it cannot be worse than the disaster that almost befell the Digital World not so long ago."
"It is not that bad. Yet." Zhuqiaomon moved to stand on a pedestal placed there for him. "However, something appears to be happening in the Real World connected to my domain, and if we do nothing a worse disaster may befall us."
"Is that so?" Baihumon sniffed the air, his ears twitching as he heard a familiar sound. "Ah, Qinglongmon is here."
The two Holy Beasts turned their heads to see another one of their number enter the hall. The newcomer had the form of a Chinese dragon, with a long snake-like body and wings on his back. Around each of his four legs were three DigiCores each, glowing with a blue light. His face appeared ancient and noble, with what appeared to be a long grey beard reaching down from his face almost to the ground. "Zhuqiaomon, Baihumon," Qinglongmon greeted. "How does the day find you?"
"Well enough, Qinglongmon," Baihumon answered him. "Though it seems Zhuqiaomon has something he wishes to share with us all."
"Yes," confirmed the firebird. "All we need to do is await Xuanwumon's arrival."
"I am here, Zhuqiaomon," rumbled an ancient yet powerful voice. The speaker resembled a two-headed turtle with a massive tree for a shell. The tree was surrounded by twelve DigiCores, these a dark shade of grey. "What matter is so important a meeting was necessary?"
"My brothers," Zhuqiaomon began. "As you are well aware, the East is finally rid of the many dangers that plagued it, through the actions of Qinglongmon's 'Chosen Children'." He glanced at his fellow Holy Beast. "And now the South, nay, all the Digital World has been freed of the threat which has endangered us all."
Baihumon's eyes narrowed as he remembered how he had been badly beaten by the aforementioned threat, to the point where his survival had been thrown into question. "This is history, Zhuqiaomon," he pointed out. "What is the current threat?"
Zhuqiaomon fixed the younger Holy Beast with a glare. "Respect thy elders, Baihumon," he chided gently. "However, to answer your question, the current threat is one that we thought had already been dealt with."
"What do you mean?"
"The Dark Messenger has broken through the barrier that separates our realms and has crossed into my domain."
"The Dark Messenger?!" Qinglongmon looked quizically at Zhuqiaomon. "How is that possible? He was deleted by the Chosen long ago, and his essence imprisoned in the Dark Ocean!"
"Aye," replied the red-and-orange Holy Beast. "I thought so too, but somehow he has found a way to return."
"Surely the Digimon in the South are more than capable of dealing with him?"
"Normally, yes." Zhuqiaomon shook his head. "However, let us not forget he is different from normal Devimons. It is his cunning and intelligence that makes him so dangerous." The pheonix ruffled his feathers. "And do not forget," he said seriously. "despite the destruction of Chimeramon and the Dark Spores, HE is not completely destroyed. Should the Messenger ally himself..."
"I realise your concern, Zhuqiaomon," said Baihumon. "But what would you have us do?"
"Yes," agreed Qinglongmon. "Do you want me to send my Chosen, or Baihumon his Guard Tamers?"
"No," replied Zhuqiaomon. "At least, not yet. The humans...the Tamers...should be able to handle him, but I beseech you to be prepared should anything occur in your own realms."
"Such as?" asked Xuanwumon.
"If the Messenger has managed to escape the Dark Ocean, he may try to bring others with him. We must be prepared to block such an attempt."
Xuanwumon shook, his twin heads speaking simultaneously. "Then it is agreed," he said. "For now, we will allow the Tamers to deal with the Messenger, while we try to discover how he managed to escape." Suddenly, the ancient turtle swiveled his heads. "Odd..."
"What's wrong?" asked Baihumon.
"For a moment...I felt..." he shook his heads. "Never mind. It isn't important."
"If there is nothing else," Qinglongmon said, "we should return to our domains and begin searching for the way the Messenger escaped the Dark Ocean."
"Yes," agreed Xuanwumon. "But keep alert..." He swiveled his heads to stare at each one of the others. "There might be more surprises in store..."
"Wake up, Takato!" Takato moaned as his mother drew the curtains and buried his head under the covers.
"Mo-om!" he whined. "It's Saturday!" Matsuda Mie frowned and pulled off the covers.
"You can't spend the whole day in bed!" Takato flailed around, trying to grab the covers. "Besides," his mother added. "Juri is here with some of your friends!"
"Huh?" Takato sat up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "Why are they here so early?" He glanced at the clock on his table. "Ten o' clock?!"
Minutes later, the brown-haired boy zipped downstairs, grabbing his red D-Ark and goggles on the way out of his room. When he got downstairs, he found Lee, Juri and Ruki sitting in the living room with his father Matsuda Takehiro. "Ah, Takato," he greeted. "Your mother finally got you up?"
"DAD!" Takato yelped. His father laughed heartily.
"I'm just kidding, Takato! I'll leave you with your friends." The man got up and, after bidding the three kids farewell, left the room.
Takato turned on the others. "Okay, what embarrassing story did he tell this time?" He counted off his fingers. "Was it the time I put salt into the batter? Or was it the time I forgot it was a holiday and ran to school? Or was it..."
"Uh, actually, Takato," Lee interrupted, "He was just telling us how you're able to handle the bakery on your own when he or your mother aren't there."
"Of course," Ruki added. "I'm sure all those things you just mentioned would've been much more interesting to hear..."
Juri laughed as Takato blushed, realising what he had said. "Don't worry, Takato-kun," she assured him. "We won't ask your parents about it!"
"Thanks, Katou-san."
"Of course," the girl added with a mischievous glint in her eyes, "treating us might help us forget what you just said..." She smiled sweetly. "I suddenly have a craving for ice cream..." The other two Tamers nodded in agreement. Takato got the hint and his shoulders sagged in defeat.
"Fine," he sighed with resignation. "Let's go..."
Deep in the abandoned building, a deck of cards lay on an old table. A figure stood before them, watching as the cards began glowing purple. "Soon..." laughed the shadow-wrapped figure as the now-glowing cards hovered in the air. "Soon I will be able to battle those Children on even terms..."
"Haaaa..." sighed Takato as he lay on his back, staring at the beautiful clear sky. "This was a great idea, Jen..." Lee sat on a fallen tree trunk, finishing off a sandwich.
"Thanks, Takato," he said, licking his fingers clean. The Tamers had decided to go on a picnic in the park in an attempt to act like normal kids again. It had actually been Leomon's idea, and the Adult had actually managed to convince Renamon to help him. Between the two of them, they managed to convince Ruki they all needed a rest. 'You're still children', he had said. 'You should enjoy your youth while you can!'
Juri sat on the blanket they had brought with them, sipping from a cup. "It's strange not having the others around," she commented.
"Yeah," Ruki agreed. "It's too quiet without Guilmon or Culumon making a racket."
Lee grinned. "I would've thought you'd like the peace and quiet! I mean, Renamon isn't exactly the talkative type, now is she?"
Ruki smiled slightly. "Let's just say I've gotten used to the noise. After all, considering the company I keep?"
Takato laughed. The other three looked at him. "Sorry," the brown-haired boy apologised. "It's just...a few months ago we'd never have thought we'd be sitting together like this!"
"You're right," Lee agreed. "Who'd have thought the 'Digimon Queen' would ever consent to go on a picnic with us?"
Ruki glared at the snickering boy. "Watch it, detention boy!" The red-head blinked. "Wait...That's right! Didn't you have detention or something?"
Lee smirked. "My father explained to sensei that I was working on something important for him so they let me off with a warning."
The others stared at him. Ruki spoke first. "I never thought you'd resort to something like deception to get out of trouble, Jen."
"Yes, Lee-kun!" Juri added. "I'm so disappointed in you!"
"It's not deception!" Lee protested. "I told my father about Devimon, and he helped me make that recording we used to trick him!"
"But still," Takato said. "It didn't seem very honest to me either..."
"Hey!" Lee exclaimed suddenly. "I heard there was a convention going on today!"
"Stop trying to change the subject," Ruki scolded.
"What convention is it, Jen?" Takato asked.
Lee grinned. "It's a Digimon convention!"
"A Digimon convention?!" the other Tamers chorused.
"Right!" Lee stood up. "That's another reason I wanted all of us together on our day off! I thought we'd go together and look around. Maybe we can pick up some new cards!"
"That's great!" Takato agreed. "Let's go! Where is it?"
Lee chuckled. "Odaiba."
"You're kidding."
"Hey, it's the Chosen Children's hometown in the show, right? What better place to have a Digimon convention?"
"Okay, then," Ruki decided, getting up. "Let's go!"
The others nodded as they stood up and packed their things, and headed for the nearest subway station.
Numerous decks of cards lay side by side on the massive table, glowing with a faint light. "Excellent...Now that I am ready, I must prepare a suitable battlefield." The figure picked up a card. "Perfect..." He threw the card into the air and it vanished. "Now, all I need is..." The figure raised an arm, and out of thin air materialised a ring-like object. It shimmered and displayed the Tamers laughing together at the convention. The figure's eyes narrowed and his face twisted into a cruel smile. "...bait." His gaze fell on Juri, giggling as Takato tried one of the games and failed. "She will do nicely." Evil laughter echoed throughout the building, and far below, the ground began shifting into a massive cave...
It was getting dark when the Tamers emerged from the subway back in Shinjuku. "Hahaha!" laughed Takato. "I can't remember when I've had so much fun!"
"I'll have to admit," Ruki said to Lee, "that was a great idea."
"Thanks," Lee replied, grinning at her. "I'm glad everyone had a good time!"
Juri smiled. "We have to do something like that again sometime!"
"Yeah!" the others agreed. Ruki looked up and sighed.
"Well, it's been fun, but I've got to get home!" She put her hands in her pockets and began walking away. "I'll see you tomorrow."
Takato and the others watched her go. "She's gotten much nicer than before, huh, Jen?"
"Yeah," the taller boy agreed. He looked at his watch. "Time for me to go too!" He walked away, then turned to wave. "Ja ne!"
"Ja ne!" replied Juri.
"See you tomorrow, Jen!" Takato called.
"Okay!" Lee grinned evilly. "Don't keep her up too late, Takato!"
"Jen!" wailed Takato as the other boy laughed and took off. When he looked, Juri was smiling at him. "Uh...you want me to walk you home, Katou-san?"
"Sure, Takato-kun!" the girl replied brightly. "That's nice of you!"
"Well," Takato said, rubbing the back of his head and blushing. "It's along my way home anyway..."
Sometime later, Takato and Juri stopped at a junction. "Okay," Takato said. "your house is that way, right?"
"Yeah."
"Then, I'll see you tomorrow, Katou-san! Ja ne!"
"Uh, Takato-kun!"
Takato turned to Juri. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing..." Takato noticed Juri's cheeks turning red. "I just wanted to say..." she said, coming closer. "...I had a really nice time today..." To his surprise, Juri kissed him lightly on the cheek. She stepped back, her face bright red. Takato felt his cheeks burning too. "See you tomorrow!" Juri called as she turned and ran in the direction of her home.
"K-Katou-san!" Takato called out as she vanished around the corner. He put a hand to his cheek. His expression changed, this mouth spreading in a goofy-looking smile. "Wow." The smile plastered on his face, the light brown-haired boy began walking home.
Juri panted as she leaned on the wall, her face still crimson with embarrassment. "I-I can't believe I did that!" The girl sighed. "I hope I didn't scare him or anything..." She smiled as she continued on her way home.
"Little girls shouldn't be wandering out late at night..." a voice said quietly. A figure detached himself from the shadows and snuck up on her. "You never know who you might meet!" Juri barely had time to scream.
Takato had just crossed the street when he heard something. "Huh?" he said, turning around. "What was that?" He cocked his head, listening. After a few minutes, he shrugged and continued on his way. "Must've been hearing things."
Later that night...
The sound of knocking roused Takato from his slumber. "Uh...?" he mumbled, sitting up in bed. "Wha...?" Glancing at a clock, he saw it read 11 p.m. After scrambling out of bed and opening the door to his room, he poked his head out the door and looked around. Hearing the sound of voices, the brown-haired boy made his way downstairs. When he got down, he saw his parents talking to someone. "Mom? Dad?" he called. "What's going on?"
"Takato," his father replied. "Can you come here?" Takato walked towards the grown-ups.
"What's wrong?" he asked as he approached. Then he saw the person his parents were talking to was Juri's father. Fear suddenly seized his heart.
"Ah..." began Juri's father. "Takato-kun...you and Juri were together just now, right?"
"Yes, but we split up." Takato felt a chill down his spine. "Is...is something wrong with Katou-san?"
Juri's father suddenly looked older and his shoulders sagged as if under some terrible weight. "Takato-kun...Juri never came home."
Reviews, comments, suggestions and criticisms (constructive or otherwise) are welcome and can be sent to Withoutmorals@antisocial.com