Disclaimer-I don't own Digimon.
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Between Ordeals: Challenge
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Kouichi opened his eyes. A flood of green met his eyes. What...? Wait...this is...
The Village of Beginnings lay before his eyes as sparkling and majestic as Kouichi remembered it. The bushes seemed filled with more digi-eggs than ever. Overall, the place seemed more complete. Slowly, the boy made his way closer to the center. There was no sign of anything but the eggs.
"Swanmon?" he called out, carefully checking inside her tree home.
No Swanmon. No babies, crying or sleeping.
A twinge of unexplainable emotion spread throughout Kouichi. He felt numb. Where is everyone? Kouichi ran out, looking around the area. It was still green; everything seemed to be where it should be. Yet just as he took another step forward, a strange gleam caught his eyes.
The feeling grew stronger as Kouichi followed the glow and stumbled upon a bush that was truly overflowing with digi-eggs. Each egg seemed to carry a familiar sign and color that allowed Kouichi to relate them to each one of the legendary warriors easily.
However, there were no digi-eggs for Duskmon or Lowemon. He couldn't find any. Kouichi wasn't sure whether to panic or be happy.
The bush emitted a stronger shine than before. Slowly, he saw a few eggs fade away. Those are the digimon that came to the real world, realized the boy.
Just as Kouichi was about to step closer to the bush, it was enveloped in light. He let out a yell and jumped back, eyes widening in horror at the scene unfolding before him. The bright white light slowly stained with gray and eventually turned into a murky black radiance. A wave of fear washed over Kouichi as he was instantly reminded of Cherubimon's experiments.
The shadow light eventually cleared to reveal the bush to be empty of all but two digi-eggs. One egg was pure black, the other, pure white. That can't be Kouji and myself, thought the boy with a frown. He slowly approached the bush. He was only a foot away. Kouichi reached out with a hand reaching out to touch the eggs and-
Kouichi sat up in bed, one arm outstretched to grab the digi-eggs in his dream. "Wh-" The village...gone? A dream, he realized, getting out of bed. A quick flash at the clock settled the question of whether to get ready for school or not.
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A beautiful sunset was painted across the sky, casting a golden glow across the room. It was a day Kouichi would have loved to be outside. And so, he gazed longingly out the window for as long as possible. Sadly, he was in prison. Hideki's version of prison. What was Hideki's version or torture, you ask? Playing videogames, Kouichi continued to narrate further in his head, stating all the reasons why it would be so much better to go outside rather than be stuck playing videogames. He stared distastefully at the controller he held in his hand. Why videogames? I thought Hideki was smart!
"Keep going, twerp one! You can't pause in the middle of a battle! Oh, great, you're dead," Hideki snapped, glaring at him. "Stop slacking! Do you realize how important this is to your training?"
"NO."
Letting out an impatient sigh, Hideki turned around. "Keep going. If you don't beat this boss before I come back, I'm restarting your game."
Kouichi made a face at Hideki's retreating figure. He simply couldn't understand how playing videogames would help his training. And yet, Hideki insisted...
-FLASHBACK-
Hideki frowned. "This is how it starts. Step one-wait...did you finish your homework?" he suddenly asked.
Kouichi nodded, staring at Hideki strangely.
His new mentor grinned and announced, "Now let's move on to step two! We shall teach you how to game excessively."
"THAT'S MY TRAINING?" screamed Kouichi.
"Well...yeah," Hideki said, returning the strange look. "If you can't beat anything in a videogame, do you expect to beat anything in real life?"
-END FLASHBACK-
He still failed to see the point. "God, this is stupid," muttered the boy. He wanted actual training. In the back of his mind, he saw more point in meditating than playing videogames. At least meditating could somehow improve his mental abilities while videogames...
How are videogames supposed to help? Angrily, Kouichi pressed harder on the buttons, causing Sora to swing at an enemy heartless. Especially Kingdom Hearts. I mean, what's the point of the game? Sheesh...okay, so the beginning looks flashy. But 'keyblade?' And why are these controls so- At this point, Kouichi inhaled deeply, doing his best to stay calm. He was positive his brother (or any other boy, for that matter) would love to be in his place.
"The best this could do is improve my hand-eye coordination. What's that got to do with anything?" A sigh escaped him. Kouichi placed the controller down and stood up, walking over to the window and leaning on the windowsill. Both eyes slipped shut and the fading warmth of the sun touched his features with a golden tint. A door opened and his eyes shot open at the sound.
Footsteps sounded. Reluctantly, Kouichi tore his gaze away from the sunset and turned around. "I'm go-Kako," he murmured in surprise. He had originally thought Hideki had come back.
A small smile was on her face. It grew wider as she asked, "What are you doing here?" The girl looked delighted, as if he had come just to meet her.
Kouichi suddenly felt awkward. "I...er...well, see..."
"Are you done?" Hideki's voice cut into the conversation.
As if a blade had run through him, Kouichi winced and looked down at his feet. A dark chuckle was emitted from the young man. Kouichi's heart beat faster as he heard Hideki's heavy footsteps grow closer. What now? I told you not to slack, Kouichi, he thought, shutting his eyes.
Hideki stopped right in front of Kouichi. "Look. Up," he commanded sharply. The reluctance was obvious, but Kouichi slowly did so, a look of despise clear on his face. Softly, Hideki hissed, "If you think this will get you anywhere, it won't. You want to learn how to use a sword? Well you're going to have to earn that right. And I suggest you start by doing whatever I tell you to do, no matter how idiotic it sounds."
"H-Hideki!" Kako exclaimed, "Stop being so mean!"
"Kako, shut up."
Kouichi returned to the controller and stared at the TV screen. "Why?" he suddenly asked, turning to Hideki. "What's the point of playing some stupid videogame?"
"Maybe when you finish I'll tell you," growled his new mentor. "Kako, do your homework!"
Sticking her tongue out at her brother, Kako yelled childishly, "I'll do what I want!" Smiling widely, she walked over and sat down by Kouichi.
"KAKO!" Hideki thundered. When she didn't budge, he let loose a string of curses and stormed away.
Letting out a sigh, Kako brushed her hair back. She smiled softly and murmured, "Hideki's training is never straightforward. You have to get used to it. And though you couldn't begin to imagine, where a sword is involved, videogames help a lot."
"No it doesn't."
"Well, analogies are easier to come up with, believe me," Kako returned, leaning back on her palms. "So when the time comes to learn some really important moves, it's easier to say, 'Do a vortex,' or 'It's like guard.' See what I mean?" she asked, turning her head to face him.
He didn't want to give in. Angrily pressing down on a button, he snapped, "No."
Pushing off her palms, Kako grabbed the controller from him. "Listen," she snapped, "I don't know who the hell you think you are, but I prefer to have Kouichi back."
Kouichi lay down, hands laced together behind his head. A small smile appeared as he replied, "This is Kouichi Kimura. Please leave a message after the beep. Beep."
Growling, Kako reached out one hand to choke him. Kouichi grabbed it out of instinct and accidentally managed to pulled her down on top of him. The two stared at each other before Kako sat up and smoothed herself off. Clearing her throat, she turned to him and handed back the controller. "Do what Hideki says. Believe me, you'll get a lot further," she simply told him.
The boy turned away as he turned a deep shade of crimson. Calm down, he told his frazzled nerves. Calm down. When Kouichi turned back to Kako, he looked as normal as he had before the incident. "Where was I?" he muttered. Kouichi turned to Kako and asked, "That's all great, but tell me, how do I get off the island?"
"You got the keyblade?" she asked with a newly formed smile.
"Yeah..."
He thought the smile looked too sweet. It faded almost instantly. "THEN GO TO THE DAMN DOOR! GOD, HOW DID YOU GET THROUGH THE ISLAND? DIDN'T YOU GO TO THE SECRET PLACE? DIDN'T YOU SEE THE SCENE THERE? WHERE YOU SLEEPING THROUGH THE ENTIRE THING?" screeched the girl, continuing to yell at him for being ignorant as well as other things he didn't care much for.
So it was an important scene? It isn't my fault I don't really care for the stupid cut-scenes, he thought glumly while he had Sora head to the door. And yet as the next cut-scene took place, he knew that wasn't true. For what Kouichi knew he feared most was losing what he loved the most, just as he had it in his arms. He feared it would fade as Kairi did, but not in Sora's arms. He was afraid it would fade in his own.
It wasn't that Kouichi didn't care for cut-scenes, he realized, It's because I'm afraid of the truth they can hold.
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Kouichi had spent an hour longer at the Sakai's house and (with Kako's help) eventually moved on to Traverse Town. However, Hideki was still annoyed and refused to talk to either Kako or Kouichi whatsoever. The two did homework together until dinner time, when Kouichi politely declined Kako's offer to stay for dinner.
"Oh come on!" Kako insisted. "Hideki's not making dinner, I am!"
Smiling uneasily, he replied, "That's okay. I'm...busy." Her face fell. Swallowing, Kouichi continued, "But, um...it would be great if...next week, we could...you know, um, go somewhere?"
Kako turned around, but Kouichi swore he saw a blush. "N-next week? I...uh..."
"O-or tomorrow..."
"T-tomorrow...?"
How lame do I sound? Kouichi swallowed, unable to bear the anticipation. To his surprise, Kako turned around, smiling. "I'd love to!" she replied.
"Tomorrow?" he repeated, eyes widening.
Quickly, she answered, "If you're free."
"I'm free, are you free?"
"I'm free."
"Okay...tomorrow."
"When?"
Dumbly, he repeated, "Tomorrow." Noticing the strange look she sent him, Kouichi reddened. "Um, h-how about...er...after school?"
"Okay."
"Okay."
"Oh...okay..."
"Okay..."
Silence befell them. Kouichi could hear his heart racing, but for what reason, he couldn't name. It felt strange, standing there like an idiot and staring at Kako, but he did so nevertheless. They were inches apart. Nothing felt right. It was just as he opened his mouth that Hideki walked in on them, glaring coldly at Kouichi. Politely inclining his head in acknowledgement, Kouichi murmured, "Hideki."
"Twerp," was the only response he got.
The boy turned around and opened the front door. "Later," he murmured.
Hideki snapped, "I expect you come tomorrow, even if you do plan to take Kako out. At the rate you're going at, I'll be long gone while you still attempt to beat the game."
Kouichi's hand tightened considerably on the doorknob. Control, he told himself, relaxing slightly. "We'll see," he murmured, "and I assure you, I'll beat it quite soon."
He may have sounded brave, but Kouichi was having an internal panic.
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When he got home, the very first thing Kouichi did after taking off his shoes was plopping down on the couch and shutting his eyes. Kouji was right next to him, once more playing his file of Final Fantasy VII, but he didn't care at the least. He had enough of videogames for an entire lifetime, and he didn't especially want to see another one, even if it was his own.
"Had a rough time?" Kouji guessed, his eyes still glued to the TV.
Kouichi groaned, "Rough doesn't cut it. I never want to open my eyes again."
A small chuckle came from Kouji. The younger twin tore his gaze away from the TV and put the controller down. "You know," he commented, "I never gave you your gift."
"You said that yesterday. And I told you-"
Softly, Kouji's voice cut in, "I know, I know. You-"
"-don't want it," finished the older boy. Opening his eyes, he asked, "What would be a good place to take Kako out?"
"Where Takuya said," Kouji murmured, "that place a few stores down from the arcade. Tomoki went there with Katsuharu and Teppei yesterday."
Kouichi glanced up at the ceiling and exhaled sharply. "They're in town..." he murmured, more of a question than a statement.
"Yep."
"How long?"
Kouji shrugged and leaned back, stretching his arms up. His eyes were still glued to Kouichi. Clearing his throat, he asked, "So, you're taking her out."
"Yeah."
"When?"
The older twin narrowed his eyes on his brother. The question seemed innocent enough. He even looked as if it was a normal honest question. But something seemed to be bugging Kouichi. "Tomorrow," he answered slowly, "after school..."
Kouji mentally noted that down along with calling everyone else up. "Oh, yeah, anyway, pres-"
"I don't want it."
"It's not a joke, dammit."
"I know it isn't."
"No you don't!" Kouji snapped, resisting the urge to punch his brother or harm him in any other way. The boy stood up and glared down at his brother. "And don't you dare open it now. Not until you really need to," he warned as he handed to the wrapped package to his brother.
Kouichi reluctantly accepted the package. He got up and walked to his room, shutting the door behind him. The very first thing he did was place the present on his desk. The next thing he did was fall down on his bed. Food...doesn't matter, decided Kouichi as he shut his eyes. There was something he couldn't explain, something that made too much sense inside of him. He didn't want it. Why...? Why does it still exist? I don't understand. It should be gone...
He wanted to know why. He needed to know why.
If there was one thing Kouichi could be sure of, it was that he wanted it gone.
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Don't ring, don't ring, Kouichi begged, staring nervously at the clock. Mr. 'L' was droning on in his monotone voice about important points to keep in mind when conjugating in the past tense in French, all of which Kouichi knew by scanning his book.
"And remember," the man said just as the bell rang, "by the start of next week you should decide whether you're doing French or Spanish."
It rang, the boy thought, dismally getting out of his seat. I can't do this. I need to run away! I need to stop panicking. DUSKMON, ADVICE!
Duskmon appeared beside Kouichi, a smirk evident. I could always tell her to not go. After all, I do get until Monday.
Furiously, Kouichi thought, NO. I refuse to let you do something as stupid as that. Leave her alone, Duskmon! There was a slight pause before Kouichi added, Please.
Fine.
Kouichi stepped out of the classroom, relieved. He immediately tensed up, however, when Kako approached him.
"Kako..."
"Kouichi," she greeted.
The two locked gazes before turning away and clearing their throats. Remember, Kouichi told himself, questions. Don't forget. He turned back to Kako and smiled slightly. "Then, we should get going."
Ever so slightly, Kako nodded and murmured, "Right."
The two walked quietly, side by side. But there was a strange feeling at the pit of Kouichi's stomach. No matter what, he couldn't seem to get rid of it. He shot a quick glance in Kako's direction, but she seemed perfectly fine. What is it? Kouichi wondered. It wasn't like any other feeling he encountered before. He felt as if...
Almost immediately, he whirled his head around. Quite coincidentally, Kako did as well. The two exchanged glances, looked behind their shoulder, then came to a halt.
"You too?" Kako asked, eyes narrowing.
Kouichi nodded. "As if we're being watched..."
She let out a laugh, "But what idiot would want to spy on us?"
Kouichi soon joined her laughter. She was right, after all. There was no reason for anyone to spy on them at all.
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"You know," Kako murmured warily as they entered the restaurant, "Hideki has a shift here..."
Great. Laughing it off, Kouichi asked, "Does he? When?"
Looking grumpy, Kako muttered, "That's the thing. I don't know. He has shifts in every restaurant in town, it seems like."
Kouichi gulped at that. Is it possible to not get stalked by Hideki? The boy drew a breath. Time to ask, he decided. "Kako..."
"Yeah?"
"There's a few things I wanted to ask you."
She nodded. "I know."
"Do you mind?" he asked nervously.
Yes. Forcing a smile, Kako shook her head and replied, "Shoot away."
He started immediately, "Duskmon-"
"That's because of the intense distrust between us. See, we don't really know why Duskmon is here. It shouldn't be possible, but he's here, and it's just...weird. I think Rai knows, but no one will tell me," Kako answered, eyes focused on the table top.
"Your dad-"
Again, Kako cut in, "Hideki won't tell me. I tried last night, and he just brushed me off. I think he was still annoyed that I helped you, but what the hell? He's a jerk himself." Her eyes met his. "And...well, anything else?"
So many things to talk about...and I can't think of anything. After quickly making an order when the waitress passed by, Kouichi asked, "You think he'll tell you?" Kako shrugged. "You want to know, huh?" A nod was the response. "Sorry," the boy murmured, "that I'm making this a lot more awkward than it should be."
"It's okay. You know," she replied, an eyebrow raised, "it still feels like we're being followed."
"Why am I not surprised?" Kouichi lowered his head until his chin touched the table. In a whisper, he told her, "Izumi and Takuya have one table to my right, Tomoki's got a table with Katsuharu and Teppei behind you. And, not surprisingly, Kouji and Junpei are a few tables behind me."
Kako opened her mouth and Kouichi hissed, "Don't!" After seeing she had shut her mouth, he let out a sigh and sat up straight. "Are you doing Spanish or French?"
"French. It doesn't really matter, because Hideki knows both. But French seems a lot more fun to butcher," she replied. Noticing Kouichi's baffled look, she tilted her head to the side. "What?"
"Nothing...hey, you wanna leave?" he suddenly asked.
"Why?"
"Do you have my hat?" When Kako turned pink and nodded, he asked, "Can you give it to me? And I'll bug you about why you have it later."
Silently, she took the hat out and handed it to him. Kouichi leaned over to take it, nearly dropping the item at the contact with Kako's hand. A strange shock ran through him. He yanked his hand away and grabbed the hat with his other hand.
"What..."
"...was..."
"-that?" the two chorused, looking up at each other.
The next thing he knew, Kouichi's right index finger was grabbed tightly by Kako. Her own index finger hovered about an inch away. Bringing it closer, she muttered, "What was that?"
Kouichi did his best to free his finger. "Let go!" he scowled, trying to yank his finger away.
Kako tightened her grip even more. She pulled his finger closer and began to poke it with her own repetitively, waiting for the strange shock they had experienced to happen again. "Come on! Why won't it work again? Oh, give me a break..."
He could feel his face redden. How ridiculous do we look? "Kako..."
"What-WHA!" Kako's chair flew back, causing her to fall to the floor. Kouichi's chair scooted back about an inch. Shocked, and not because of the repeat of the surge from before, he rose to his feet and ran over to Kako. "Kako," he murmured, helping her up. "I think we should go."
Wincing, Kako nodded and stood up. Kouichi quickly placed the money on the table, then put on his hat, dashing out of the restaurant, Kako only a few feet behind him.
Little did they notice the fourth party in the restaurant.
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A/N-
Quick update. I couldn't explain that last part how I wanted to. Maybe the next chapter will clear it up. If you have any questions, please ask, because chances are I'll forget the points I wanted to clarify. Cool. This chapter warped from what I wanted it to be. Darn. Well, Kouji had to be serious.
Anyway, next chapter...will probably be posted Monday. I don't really get a chance to post on weekends, and it is Thursday. Horrible time to update. Sorry, but hopefully chapter seven will be done and posted sooner.
Thank you for the reviews:
The Light's Refrain, Catwarrior, PrincessYami, WithBrokenWings, Snowy Leopardess, GemmaniGirl
Also, it'd be a lot more help if you could explain why you didn't like a certain part of the story, so next time I get an idea like that, I can write it differently and (hopefully) to your liking.
Review or Flame.