Alrighty here is the next chapter. Now that Ken has returned home what will happen? Will the others give him a chance now that he gave up on his own? Who knows!
Also to my new follower MerlockVonBaron thank you for following and showing support! I will have to check out your work :)
Anywho...I do not own Digimon.
Chapter 8: Time to start the Search
The next day Yolei woke up before Poromon. Good thing because she had to hide the Digimon Emperors cape he let her borrow. She still couldn't figure out how she got there. She wasn't holding her Digivice and she certainly didn't have the gate open on her computer. When she grabbed her glasses off the table and looked at the chair she put the cape it was gone. While she was glad it was gone she couldn't help but question where it went.
"Yolei breakfast is ready."
"Coming mom," Yolei said as she looked at Poromon who was just waking up. "I will sneak you back some food."
"Thanks Yolei. Bring back lots of food okay!"
"Haha I will try."
Yolei quickly dressed for school and went out to the kitchen. Only her mother and her sister Momoe were in the kitchen. When she sat down her sister was looking at her.
"Can I help you?"
"You were up late last night. Late night talking sessions with a boy maybe?"
"What?" A blush started to show on her face. "No. I was studying."
"That is what you say. Your face says other wise."
"Oh Momoe leave your sister alone. Your question just caught her off guard is all."
"Mom come on. It is normal for girls her age to be interested in boys."
"Who is interested in boys?"
"Oh hi daddy. Just giving Yolei a hard time is all because she was up late. Well I am off to the store now that your home daddy."
Yolei finished her breakfast and put some toast in a napkin to bring to Poromon. Her parents were talking to each other to see what she was up too. When she got up to leave the kitchen all she heard her mother say was "Maybe we should allow her to live her life a little."
Poromon was up and about when she got back. Yolei opened the napkin and offered it to her little friend. Poromon ate the toast with earnest. He was also watching Yolei put her books in her bag. When she went to grab her Digivice she thoughts about last night. How she just appeared in his base of all places. 'How could thinking about him bring me there?'
"Yolei are you okay?" His words came out muffled.
"Poromon don't talk with your mouth full. And yes I am okay. I was just thinking."
"Did you have a dream again?"
"No I didn't. I don't think I slept long enough to dream last night."
While it wasn't a lie she was starting to dream when she woke up. Nothing serious had happened so she didn't feel need to talk about it to Poromon. Poromon was just about done with his toast when Yolei picked him up and put him in her bag. As Yolei walked out of her room and headed to the door to meet up with T.K and Cody to head to school her father stopped her.
"Your mother and I have been talking. She thinks we should let you have a little free time. I reluctantly agreed when she brought up the boy who ran away from his family and we don't want you to feel you have to do the same. So your sisters have offered to work a little more and if you promise to keep up on your homework you may spend time with your friends."
Yolei didn't know what to say. All she could do was drop her bag feeling guilty because she remembered Poromon was in there and ran up and hugged her father. He hugged her back remembering when she was a young child. She used to hug him all the time. Until he took away her independence. He vowed that he wouldn't do it again.
Yolei looked at the clock on the wall and broke the hug. "I have to get to school."
"Just please remember to call if you will not be home right away."
"I will dad."
She grabbed her bag and walked out the door. She couldn't help but smile. A little more freedom. Made it easier to be able to go the Digital World and try to stop Ken from what he was doing. To help save the enslaved Digimon and the ones that were being hurt by them. She saw Cody and T.K waiting for her down by the gate.
"Yolei usually isn't running this late. She is usually in the elevator waiting for me."
"You're right Cody. I hope she is okay."
"Yes I am okay. Just got some great news."
"Oh hey Yolei. What great news did you get?"
"Well my father just gave me a little more freedom. I am now allowed to spend time outside of my room and be able to help more without thinking about the consequences of coming home late."
"That is great Yolei."
"It sure is!"
T.K was happy her father finally gave her a little room to breathe. He remembered his conversation with Matt he had and was glad he never went to talk to her father.
'Hey Matt can I talk to you?'
'Sure what's up?'
'I recently met Yolei's father and he told me that Yolei has no time for friends if she wants to go to University. I can tell that she is always nervous about getting home late from when we are in the Digital World. But we need her. She is a part of the team. I realize that we won't be doing this forever but the Digimon Emperor seems to getting stronger. We need to get stronger to stop him. What can I do to help her?'
'Well my advice would be to just let her father come around on his own.'
'Matt you didn't meet him. I don't think he will.'
'And you are only going on this by one meeting. He only wants what is best for Yolei. I say let things run their course. You don't want to get her into anymore trouble than she already is with being late coming home.'
T.K was happy things worked out for the best for Yolei. He was glad he followed Matt's advice and stayed out of it. But if things were going to start going downhill for her, he probably would have to step up and help her by talking to her father. He guessed that having an older brother had it's perks. They stopped by the computer lab and dropped their Digimon off their and went to their classes.
The day went on like normal. Davis, Kari and T.K were talking about a way to stop Ken and free every Digimon under his control when they heard some girls talking.
"Hey did you hear that Ken returned home?"
"I did. I saw it on the news this morning. He is supposed to go back to school next week and return to soccer."
"That is so great. Maybe I can finally get a date with him."
Davis, T.K and Kari looked at each other. "Wow Ken is back home. Does that mean he isn't the Digimon Emperor anymore?"
"I am not sure Davis. I don't think we should believe that he has just suddenly changed."
"Come on T.G. Maybe our words finally got to him. Maybe if I can talk to him he will join us. Obviously he is a Digidestined if he has a D-3 like us."
"I don't know Davis. How can we allow him to join us after all he has done."
"Kari is right. And besides. If he isn't the Digimon Emperor anymore we now have the responsibility of looking for Gennai's lost daughter."
Davis couldn't believe what he was hearing. Ken finally saw the error of his ways and stopped what he was doing and hurting Digimon. He had to be a Digidestined and obviously Wormmon was his partner. The one Digimon that was always by his side without a Dark Ring on him. Always following him even though Ken didn't want him around.
At lunch Yolei was in the computer lab feeding their Digimon. Yolei was sitting in a chair looking at the map. Slowly more white squares were showing up and black ones were disappearing. 'Could the older kids be going while they are on lunch?' Yolei looked towards the door when it opened. Davis, Kari and T.K came in but looked like they got bad news.
"Hey guys. You look like someone just died."
"You mean you didn't hear?"
"Didn't hear what Kari?"
"About Ken?"
Yolei felt her heart sink. She didn't show it though. "What about him?"
"He apparently returned home. It was on the news this morning. We overheard some girls talking this morning."
"Really? Well that is one problem solved huh." 'Did I really get through to him?'
"Yeah well now Davis wants him to join us."
"Well why not T.K? He is obviously supposed to be a Digidestined and he was just confused on what the Digital World was because he was alone."
"That is what I am saying. See now it is two against two. Cody will have to be the one to break it. Once Cody sees that Yolei agrees with me, which by the way is weird that you do, he will pick our side."
"Davis don't start."
"Don't start what?"
"You are going to make us all divided. We can't be. This isn't a debate. We needed to make the decision as a whole team. Just because I agree with you doesn't mean I want to make everyone else uncomfortable with Ken being with us. And Cody has his own mind. He doesn't always agree with me."
"What am I agreeing with you on?"
"Cody glad you are here!"
"You are Davis?"
"Sure am! You are a smart kid. And I know you know when something sounds like a great idea. Well it seems that Ken has decided to stop being the Digimon Emperor and now he just a Digidestined who needs to be with the team. What do you say Cody?"
"No."
"Don't you wanna think-"
"No. He doesn't deserve to help us. And now that he is out of the picture we can focus on finishing the other task at hand."
"Come on Cody. Yolei agrees with me."
"What?"
"It is true Cody. He was just confused. He didn't realize what he was doing."
"That is bull and you know it. He just didn't care."
"Cody!"
With that Cody walked out of the computer lab. Kari was shocked by his language. Upamon was on the floor and just stopped eating. Kari looked how sad he looked and picked up the small Digimon. Upamon just started to cry. He knew Cody didn't mean what he said. He knew that he would eventually see that Davis and Yolei are right. T.K and Kari and just hesitant about it but know that he isn't the way he was.
"Don't worry Upamon. Cody will calm down eventually."
"Thank you Kari."
"Hey guys we need to get back to class. Lunch is almost over."
Well instead of going to class Davis decided that he was going to talk to Ken himself. He knew he would get in trouble for skipping class but he didn't care about that. He had to see if it was true. He left the grounds and went to the bus station and got on the one for Tamachi. Gatomon watching him leave and decided to follow him. She could get away with being seen more than the other Digimon since she looked like a cat.
Once Davis got to Tamachi he was walking towards the apartment building that Ken lived in. 'Well what do I say when I get there? I guess I should have thought this through more before just skipping the rest of school.' Davis stopped walking and he was in front of the building. It was quiet but then again he was sure his parents wanted to keep the reporters away. Davis looked at the building directory and saw that the apartment was on the sixth floor.
Davis entered the building and got on the elevator. Once he got to the floor he walked to the door that said 'Ichijouji' on it. He rang the bell because his hand was too shaky to knock. He heard someone unlocking the door and he was almost tempted to run away. When the door opened he was relieved to see Ken had answered it.
"Davis? What are you doing here?"
"So it is true. You are home. You look normal."
"Um. Is this why you came? To make sure I really did come home?"
"What no. Well yes but not just that. Look I think you should join the team."
"Davis I don't think that is a good idea."
"Why not?"
"You do know what I did right? I only just came to my senses last night."
"I realize that. But you are a Digidestined like the rest of us. You should be on the team." Davis peeked behind him and saw Wormmon around the corner. "Ha I knew Wormmon was your partner."
"Look Davis I don't think joinging you guys is the best idea. I should just try to fix my mistakes on my own."
"But Yolei agrees with me."
Ken just lightly blushed at her name. "Sorry Davis but I can't." And with that he shut the door. Davis just stood there for a few seconds before leaving.
Ken was leaning against the door. "Ken honey who was at the door?" His mother called from the kitchen.
"No one mama." Ken picked up Wormmon and carried him to his room. He turned on the computer and went back to the Digital World. They just had to knocked down more control spires.
Davis left the building and looked back and stared at the building. "What were you expecting from this trip Davis?"
"Ah! Gatomon you scared me. Why did you follow me?"
"To make sure you didn't get into any trouble."
"I would have been fine."
"You came here alone without your digimon to talk to the Digimon Emperor. Yeah you weren't going to get into trouble."
"But he isn't like that anymore. He said he wanted to fix his mistakes alone. You didn't see the sadness in his eyes. Wormmon was there too."
"He had his Digimon here with him?"
"Yeah he did just like we do with you guys. That just means that he is trying to make amends with his Digimon. Not that he has too. Wormmon wasn't to far from him. Protecting him like any Digimon would their partner."
"Well then Davis I say we get back and tell the others. I am sure they will be wondering why we both are missing when classes get out."
"Very true. And I am sure I will have to have a meeting with the principle when I get back for skipping the rest of my classes which would then get back to my parents and I will be grounded."
"Maybe you should have just waited until after school."
"Yeah I didn't think that far ahead."
"Obviously."
Davis and Gatomon went back to Odaiba in silence. They didn't need people on the bus staring at him talking to a cat. The last thing he needed was people thinking he was insane. Once they got back to the school Gatomon snuck back in without being seen. Davis on the other hand had the principle waiting for him, with his parents not far behind. Davis just walked into the office ready for his punishment.
Back in the computer lab the other digimon were waiting for Gatomon to come back. She entered through the open window. She walked up to the others.
"So what happened?"
"Well Patamon I didn't get the chance to overhear anything. Davis was just leaving when I got there. He said that Ken was different and that Wormmon was here in the Real World with him."
"Wormmon? So he must be a Digidestined if his Digimon was here with him."
"True and if he is then maybe we should at least give him a chance."
"Are you sure about this Gatomon? Cody seems to think he doesn't deserve it."
"But doesn't he Upamon? Everyone deserves a second chance. I got one."
"What do you mean?"
"A few years ago back when the others were the only Digidestined I was helping Myotismon look for the 8th child. The child of Light. I didn't know it then but I belonged to that Digidestined. But I did some bad things along the way."
"Gatomon is right. And besides Yolei is good at seeing the good in others. If she thinks he deserves to be on the team then I say he does."
Yolei had walked into the computer lab at this point and the Digimon decided to keep their conversation between themselves. Yolei walked up the the computer and saw that their were a couple more white squares. 'I take back what I said earlier about the older Digidestined. Ken is that you?' Kari and T.K walked in and picked up their respective Digimon.
"How does the map look?"
"Well their are more white squares but the black ones still take over most of the map. Ken must be working alone right now."
"Well I say let him." Cody said in the door way.
"Cody you can't mean that?"
"I do. It is his fault they are there. He deserves to work alone."
Kari watched as Cody picked up Upamon and just left. "Well I guess that means we aren't going to the Digital World today. Probably a good thing. I think we all need a day to think about things. Especially since Ken has changed his ways."
"Where is Davish?" Demiveemon asked.
"He skipped the rest of the classes. He is in the principles office with his parents."
"I wonder where he went?"
"I think I know. I think he went to talk to Ken."
"How can you be so sure Yolei?"
"Well it does seem like something he would do Kari."
"Yeah this is true."
"Oh hey guys. I am surprised you are still here."
"Davish!"
"Hey pal. So are we going to the Digital World?"
"We were just talking about that. Cody stormed off so he is still pretty upset. I think we should just skip today. And besides don't you think you should get home and get your punishment?"
"Yeah probably. I have a weeks worth of detention starting next week. I will probably be grounded for weeks."
Kari and Davis left the computer lab together. T.K stayed back so he and Yolei could walk home together. But she just kept staring at the screen and it hadn't changed. So she figured that he must have stopped for the day. She turned the computer off and got up from the desk.
"Ready to go?"
"Actually do you mind taking Poromon for a little while?"
"You're not?"
"Please T.K?"
T.K didn't say anything. He took Poromon and walked out of the computer lab. Yolei quickly went to the payphone in the hallway and called home. She had told her mother that she was going to be late. She was going to study at the library for a little while where it was quiet. Once Yolei hung up the phone and quickly took off towards the bus stop. She made it just in time to catch the bus to Tamachi. She knew that Davis was already here but she wasn't going to do what Davis did. She just wanted to..no..needed to talk to him.
Yolei got off the bus and walked to his apartment. Once she got there and looked to see which floor she needed to go to. She took the stairs instead of the elevator. Once she reached his floor she knocked. A woman answered he door rather quickly. She looked like she was ready to go out for the night.
"Oh hello, may I help you?"
"Um yes is this the Ichijouji residence?"
"Oh yes it is. If you are looking for an interview or anything we are not giving one at the moment."
"Oh no I am not looking for anything like that. I am a friend of Ken's and-"
"A friend?! My boy has a friend." The woman started to cry a little.
Voices started coming towards them. "Ken are you sure about this? You just came back to us we don't have to do this."
"I know dad but you missed your anniversary because of me. Please I insist."
"Okay Ken. Honey who was at the door? Dear are you okay?"
"Oh yes I am fine. This pretty young girl is a friend of Ken's."
"Ken has a friend?"
"Yolei? What are you doing here?" Ken asked coming around the corner.
"I wanted to see how you were doing."
"Oh where are my manners. Please come in dear."
Yolei removed her shoes and walked into the apartment. "I don't mean to ruin your night."
"Oh of course not dear. Ken she said she is a friend of yours. I didn't know you had a friend. You never said how pretty she was."
"Mama."
"Dear you are going to embarrass him."
"Oh I'm sorry. Maybe we should be going. Ken are you sure?"
"Yes mama please go out and enjoy your anniversary."
"Come on dear we have reservations."
As the adults walked out of the apartment silence fell between them. Ken was looking at the floor and Yolei was looking around the apartment. It was bigger than hers but then again hers was cramped with her brother and sisters there. So maybe they were the same size and she couldn't see it. Ken finally decided to break the silence.
"So why are you here? You aren't here to talk me into joining your team is it. Davis already tried."
"So he was here when he skipped classes. No I am not here for that. Though it would be nice if you did. But I really am here to just see how you are doing."
"I am doing okay thank you."
"Well that is good."
"Ken did your parents leave? Can I come out now?"
Ken quickly turned and went back to his room. Yolei followed and watched as Wormmon came crawling out. Wormmon stopped and went back in when he saw Yolei there. Ken followed him in. She walked closer to the room and listened to Ken tell him it was okay and that she wasn't there to hurt them. She also heard him tell Wormmon how nice she was and was just checking in on him. Yolei decided to walk into the room. Apparently Wormmon felt safe there.
"Hello Wormmon. My name is Yolei. I am a Digidestined and Hawkmon is my partner. I am not here to do anything bad to Ken or to you."
"I know who you are. You are the only one who thought Ken was confused. I thank you for helping me get my Ken back."
"It was my pleasure. So do you feel better coming out of the room now?"
Wormmon nodded and started crawling out leaving Ken and Yolei alone in his room. She looked around the room and saw something pink on the desk. She picked it up and it had a symbol on it. There was also a picture on the desk.
"That was my brother Sam. He passed a few years ago."
"I'm sorry. I don't know what I would do if I lost any of my sisters or brother."
"It was a confusing time for all of us." Ken then left the room. Yolei followed. He sat down on the couch. Yolei saw Wormmon sitting with him. She joined them. She didn't know what to say. Ken has probably never talked to anyone about his brother. She didn't want to pry either.
"He was the genius of the family. Not me. He was the one with the interviews. Mom and dad doing everything for him. So I was left alone a lot. But Sam would always make time for me. He taught me how to blow bubbles. One day something came out of the computer. We didn't know what it was. Sam picked it up and put it in his computer desk. One day I wanted to see it again. Something was telling me it was mine and not his. I picked it up and the computer just turned on and I was brought to the Digital World. I met Wormmon that day. He already knew my name. He said he was my partner. That day I also found my crest."
"Is that what was on the desk as well?"
"Yes. It was the Crest of Kindness. When I got sent back I couldn't believe where I was sent to. A place for me and not my brother. Something finally for me. Well Sam came in and took the device out of my hand. Yelling at me to never touch his things again. I was so mad. I said I wanted him to disappear."
Ken almost didn't want to continue but when Yolei placed her hand on top of his he felt the same warmth from last night in his base when she touched his cheek. She was there for him. He wasn't sure why he was telling her all this but he knew it felt good to finally get it all out. He decided to continue telling her.
"The next day he did disappear. He was in an accident. Mom and dad were devastated that their favorite son was gone. I tried to tell them that they still had me but it didn't matter to them. The next time I went to the Digital World I was somewhere else. It was a grey place with a beach and ocean. When I put my Digivice in the water it changed to the black Digivice I have now. I figured if I took over the Digital World then I would have a place just to call my own. When I got home I started doing better in school and sports. My parents started to notice me. But it was only because I reminded them of Sam."
"But I am sure you know now that isn't the case. Your parents were so worried about you when you were gone."
"I know that now. I know now that my parents love me as Ken and not Sam."
Yolei moved closer to him and placed her head on his shoulder. She had only ever comforted Cody and he was a little easier to work with. She has known him. Ken was different. She didn't really know him but he had just confided in her. Ken had placed his hand in hers and their fingers were intertwined. Yolei knew she wasn't doing good at comforting him but at least he wasn't alone. And that was the important part. Yolei had closed her eyes and just let in and the kindness that is in him.
Ken looked down and saw his hand was holding hers. If he didn't just tell her his deep dark secret he would have been blushing like crazy. He couldn't deny that she was very attractive. And she wasn't gushing over him like every other girl does. She knows his faults and now this. And that she is still here with him after telling her all that is amazing. He practically just told her he killed his brother and she is still here. She may not have said anything but her comfort is coming through her hand.
"Ken I know what you are thinking. I do not think you killed your brother. It is not your fault. It was an accident. Just because someone says something does not mean it will happen. Fate just has a cruel sense of humor."
Ken then placed his head on top of hers. He didn't want to believe her but he knew she wouldn't lie to him. She didn't have the heart to lie to anyone. He heard that her breathing had deepened and he realized she had fallen asleep. With his other hand he reached up and took her glasses off and placed them on the arm of the couch. He didn't want to disturb her but would wake her in about an hour so she could get home. He turned the T.V on but soon he was fast asleep.
Wormmon was watching them. He was happy Ken finally had someone he could talk to besides himself. Wormmon was watching them sleep and he knew Ken should join the other Digidestined. He was going to need their help in the future. Especially now that the next Guardian of the Digital World had to be found. Gennai wasn't going to be around forever and his daughter will have to take his place.
Phew there is chapter 8. Who doesn't love Kenyako! I know I do. I needed to add a little something in there. It may not have been much but it will grow. I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter.