Digimon World Tour Chapter 51: A Decent Proposal, a digimon fanfic

Digimon World Tour

Recap

[Thomas] Upon my suggestion, Marcus apologized to Speaker Boehner... and the rest of America as well. To my dismay, he showed a lot of charisma and seemed to win over the entire country. He even earned an opportunity to co-write a song with Bruno Mars. While I was venting at the piano, Anya allowed me to take her out on a date. In retaliation, Greg took Kari. The evening was fine until I was called in to handle NeoMyotismon. He knew every strategy I ever had and could counter them perfectly. My overthinking eventually led to falling out of consciousness, but my willingness to attack without a strategy reconnected me with Gaomon, and I was able to unlock Burst Mode. That sent NeoMyotismon retreating, permanently!

Chapter 51: A Decent Proposal?

["A Matter of Trust"

Written by Billy Joel

Performed by The Teenage Wolves feat. Barack Obama

Lead Singer: Kari Kamiya (Lara Jill Miller)]

Kari:

One, two

A one, two, three, four

The band starts playing in their rehearsals in the East Room. President Obama, wearing sunglasses, is providing backup with the tambourine. Several White House staffers, as well as Vice President Cheney, are watching. The press is also recording this for posterity. Kari confidently approaches the mic.

Kari:

Some love is just a lie of the heart
The cold remains of what began with a passionate start
And they may not want it to end
But it will it's just a question of when
I've lived long enough to have learned
The closer you get to the fire, the more you get burned
But that won't happen to us
Because it's always been a matter of trust

Now you know I'm an emotional girl
It took a lot for me to not lose my faith in this world
But I can't offer you proof
But you're going to face a moment of truth
It's hard when you're always afraid
You just recover when another belief is betrayed
So break my heart if you must
It's a matter of trust

You can't go the distance
With too much resistance
I know you have doubts
But for God's sake don't shut me out

This time you've got nothing to lose
You can take it, you can leave it
Whatever you choose
I won't hold back anything
And I'll walk away a fool or a queen
Some love is just a lie of the mind
It's make believe until it's only a matter of time
And some might have learned to adjust
But then it never was a matter of trust

By now, the non-performing DigiDestined, all the Digimon, and the White House staffers are dancing on the dance floor. T.K. performs a powerful guitar solo.

Kari:

I'm sure you're aware, love
We've both had our share of
Believing too long
When the whole situation was wrong

Some love is just a lie of the soul
A constant battle for the ultimate state of control
After you've heard lie upon lie
There can hardly be a question of why
Some love is just a lie of the heart
The cold remains of what began with a passionate start
But that can't happen to us
Because it's always been a matter of trust

It's a matter of trust

It's always been a matter of trust

It's a matter of trust

'Cause it's always been a matter of trust

The group continues until they fade themselves out. Everyone cheers, and Kari curtsies. "So, what did you think?" she asks. The audience gives their approval. "Uh... I don't like it," she reluctantly admits. The crowd groans.

Greg

I tuned my guitar. "All right, so maybe Billy Joel isn't your speed. I like what you did with the second verse." "Thanks. There's no doubt about it, we need to write a new song," Kari said. Marcus tried balancing his drumstick on his nose.

Commander Sampson and Izzy were called back to the House Chambers for more questioning about Digimon, including the recent attacks. So, that left us with a lot of time to prepare for the Sunday morning political affairs programs. That's where they talk about current events and sociopolitical issues. Marcus and I were starting to get restless.

In the meantime, I still had to get Anya back. It seemed what she wanted me to do was propose marriage to her. I had just assumed we were steady, but apparently not. So, I had to win her back. I took a Secret Service agent with me to Boone & Sons Jewelers. The clerk there was only too happy to show me some rings. "Now here's a nice 18-carat yellow gold and platinum ring, with .65ct total weight of diamonds," he suggested. I examined the ring. "What's the price on it?" I asked. "Only thirty-three-five." "Thousand?" "Yes. $33,500." My jaw dropped. "For this little thing? That's the price of a new car." "But, I'm sure you can afford it, can't you?" "Uh, no. Do you have something a little less expensive?" He then showed me a Marquise Halo engagement ring, worth only $5,500. That was much better, so I bought it.

On my way out, I got stopped by 500 screaming fans who recognized me. I quickly packed the ring away and ran to our limo.

I planned the evening out perfectly, and discussed it with Matt at lunch. "I've got it all planned out, Matt. First, dinner. Then, we go to some sensory deprivation tanks that Thomas told me about in Bethesda. Then, after about an hour of floating alone, I'll drop on one knee and propose." "Why not just do it at the restaurant and save time?" "Save time? Oh, Matt... this is something that you think about. I want her to have a completely clear mind about this. I want her to really think about it, because deep down, she wants me. And I want her. I just don't want to marry her yet." "Dude, you'd be engaged. You don't have to get married right away." "I know that. It's just that we're one massive attack away from death." The discussion went on and on, and I don't think Matt got it.

"Sora and I don't have that problem," Matt said as he took another sip of his soda. "You don't?" "Nope. We did it already in the Solarium. Best night of my life." "You proposed to her?" Matt raised his eyebrow and grinned. "Who said anything about proposing?" "No..." He nodded. "Incredible. Look, even if I wanted to do that, which I don't, Anya would never let me. I don't even get to kiss her now."

["Keep Your Hands To Yourself"

Written by Dan Baird

Performed by The Teenage Wolves

Lead Vocal: Greg Logan (Doug Erholtz) with Anya Rădulescu (Kate Higgins)]

On the set of a local honky-tonk TV program, a stage manager points to Matt as he starts playing. The shot changes to show the gang in clothing befitting a honky tonk. Greg approaches the mic.

Greg:

I got a little thing in my pocket going ding-a-ling-a-ling
Wanna call you on my cell phone, baby, and give you a ring
But each time we talk, I get the same old thing
Always,

Anya:

"No huggee, no kissee until I get a wedding ring"

Greg:

My honey, my baby, don't put my love upon no shelf

She said,

Anya:

"Don't hand me no lines and keep your hands to yourself"

The band kicks in as we get shots of the local dancers (plus some of members of Congress, as well as the Obamas and the Digimon).

Greg:

Ooh, baby, baby, baby, why you wanna treat me this way?
You know I'm still your loverboy, I still feel the same way
That's when she told me a story 'bout free milk and a cow
And said,

Anya:

"No huggee, no kissee until I get a wedding vow"

Greg tries moving in close towards Anya.

Greg:

My honey, my baby, don't put my love upon no shelf

She said,

Anya:

"Don't hand me no lines and keep your hands to yourself"

Anya "pushes" Greg away. The guitarists play while the dancers have a good time. The joint is jumping. "Go, man, go!" Greg cheers as T.K. plays a guitar solo.

Greg:

You see, I wanted her real bad and I was about to give in
And that's when she started talking about true love, started talking about sin
And I said, "Honey, I'll live with you for the rest of my life"
She said,

Anya:

"No huggee, no kissee until you make me your wife"

Greg again tries to go in close...

Greg:

My honey, my baby, don't put my love upon no shelf

She said,

Anya:

"Ne day mne nikakikh liniy i derzhat' svoi ruki pri sebe "

(subtitle: "Don't hand me no lines and keep your hands to yourself")

Denied again. She's greeted with a fistbump from Rika. We get more shots of the dancing and band playing. We fade back to the scene.

Greg

"Well, good luck with that," Matt said as he finished. Then, he got up and left.

Rika

The launch party for our latest album had to be moved again, so it gave us plenty of time to coordinate wardrobes and stuff like that. All of us girls met in Tai and Kari's room to get ideas, and maybe to help write a new song. "I liked that cover, Kari," Yolei said. She held up a yellow dress next to her. Hawkmon shook his head, so she passed it down to me, and I passed it to Sora. Contrary to what color my Digivice is, yellow is not my color.

Kari pulled out another dress. "Thanks, Yolei, but it just doesn't sound like me. I know I should try getting away from the sweet, innocent love songs, but I think that's truly where I shine. I'm meant to be cute and wholesome. ….Aren't I?" I shook my head. "Not necessarily. Kari, I don't know how many times we gotta tell you this, but you're stronger than you know," I said. "Don't get me wrong, Rika, I know that. It's just that, sometimes I don't feel like it."

She walked over to her nightstand and picked up a book she'd been reading. It was The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. "That's why I've really been enjoying this book. Katniss reminds me a lot of you, Rika." "You don't say. Do you mind if I borrow it?" "No, not at all. I can get another copy from the library. Malia really likes it."

Speaking of the Obama girls, they were really getting friendly with the Digimon. We were getting friendly with them, too. It was only a matter of time before they got their own Digimon. Sasha was partnered with Strabimon, this wolfish wizard. Malia's partner called himself Flamemon. He had tribal sketches on his chest and red pants. The two girls eagerly brought them into the Oval Office. Seconds later, I heard a loud "OH NO!" from behind the door, and out came the President, scrambling. He grabbed both girls by the arms, dragging them and the Digimon clear to the National Security Adviser's office. I really didn't see what the big deal was, but I got Commander Sampson in with them. He and Izzy started running a bunch of tests on them over at a lab they'd set up at the Pentagon. We wouldn't see them for the rest of the day.

Greg

I made a reservation for us at six, and Anya reluctantly agreed to accompany me. I even rented a Ferrari for the occasion so we could drive there. The first stop was Bourbon Steak at the Four Seasons Hotel. I ordered the "A5" Miyazaki Japanese Wagyu, medium-well. Anya ordered the eight-ounce filet mignon.

"So, Gregorivich. Have you considered all the options?" she asked me. "Oh yes, I have. However, before I tell you my decision, I want you to have a clear and open mind." She tapped her fingers on the table and looked bored. "Please tell me this is your attempt at being romantic." "Now why would I bring you to the most romantic restaurant in Washington if I wasn't attempting to be romantic?" "You enjoy fine dining." "No, I just like to eat- but that's beside the point! Now Anya, there's something I want to ask you." "Why don't you ask me?" "Because I want you to think about it." Her eyes lit up. "I already know the answer. It's yes." "Huh?" "I know what you're going to ask me, and the answer is yes."

Anya

Somehow, I knew what he was going to ask me. My mind wandered into fantasy.

["Couldn't Have Said It Better"

Written by James Michael and Frank Carlton Serafino Feranna, Jr.

Performed by Greg Logan (Doug Erholtz) and Anya Rădulescu (Kate Higgins)

Backing Vocals: Cast, Kasim Sulton, Todd Rundgren, Eric Troyer, James Michael, Karen Strassman, Dave Wittenberg, Steve Staley]

In this fantasy, Greg drops the dessert menu on the table, eagerly beams, and breaks into song as the music starts playing.

Greg:

And you said nothing at all
Well I couldn't have said it better myself

A pair of tables next to them join in.

Greg/Backing:

Tonight the conversation takes the fall
Just love me like you love nobody else

The piano player at the piano starts playing as Greg gets up and walks over towards Anya's side of the table. He pulls a thornless rose from a vase on another table and gives it to her.

Greg:

Oooh, little lady, I think there's something on your mind
I've known you long enough to know
The words are not that hard to find

Anya takes it, and then Greg takes her free hand as the two of them waltz through the dining room.

Greg/Backing:

And the harder you try and the longer you go
Well there's nothing but love in those eyes anymore
And you know what to say but you never know how
You can keep your mouth shut 'cause it doesn't really matter right now

I will guide you all the way
Because I know exactly what you're trying to say

The piano player thumps three times in between lines.

Greg:

You have the right to remain silent
I'll get the lights...

He signals to a waiter as the lights dim, leaving a spotlight on the two of them, as they dance throughout the restaurant. Greg manages to sneak in a few bites of a banana split.

Greg/Backing:

You get that smile

And you say nothing at all
Well, I couldn't have said it better myself
Tonight the conversation takes the fall
Just love me like you love nobody else

They drive back home to the White House, where they move into the Oval Office. Greg takes off his suit jacket and loosens his tie. Anya kicks off her shoes.

Greg:

I see the angels, they're standing right outside your door

Anya:
They're watching over me, they're watching over us all

Greg:
Well you can send them home tonight, 'cause you won't need them anymore

Anya:
In your arms, I think I've found the safest place to fall

The two chase each other around the couches, like a hunter and his prey. They end up getting in each other's faces before breaking away. The Obama family, Strabimon and Flamemon walk in and witness this.

Greg/Anya:
And when I step in the door and I stare at your face
And there's so many things that I wish I could say
Well I struggle with words but they put up a fight
You can keep your mouth shut, 'cause it doesn't really matter tonight
I will guide you all the way (Backing: Tonight)
Because I know exactly what you're trying to say

Anya takes control of the situation, not allowing Greg to get a lyric in edgewise. Anya dims the lights as the two continue their "pursuit of each other". The rest of the band quickly sets up shop.

Anya:
You have the right to remain silent
I'll get the lights...

Greg/Anya/Backing:
You get that smile
And you say nothing at all (Anya: Ahhhhhhhhh, yeah)
Well I couldn't have said it better myself
Tonight the conversation takes the fall
Just love me like you love nobody else

Greg:
And I know you feel the same

Greg/Anya:
You've been searching for the words,
Now you know what to say

Greg/Anya/Backing:

Oh yeaaaah!

The band continues. The Obama women, including Michelle's mother, crowd around Greg and silence him.

Obama:
Just say nothing

Backing:
Don't say a word
Silence is golden
Don't say a word

Greg looks to the camera and shushes them up. Rika plays something on her keyboard and the gang breaks into a jam. Greg rips off his shirt and the two of them passionately make out on the Oval Office rug, eventually moving back into the couch.

Greg/Anya/Backing:

Ohhhhhh
This is the moment we've been waiting for! (Greg: Oh yeah)

Anya:
If I exercise my right

Greg:
Then I will take your body language

Greg/Anya:

And hold it against you tonight

Greg:

Oh yeah

And I know you feel the same

Greg/Anya:
I've wondered all my life, "If this moment comes, would I know what to say?"

The music softens as Greg quickly checks his pocket for the box containing the engagement ring. It's not in his either of his pants pockets, so he quickly checks his suit. The music and vocals intensify and get progressively louder as Marcus comes in.

Greg:
Then you say nothing at all
(Anya: So many times, I stumbled on the words that I wanted to say)
Yeah, you say nothing at all
(Anya: So many thoughts I should have just let my heart explain)
Well, you say nothing at all
(Anya: So many ways we could turn the words around)
You said nothing at all
(Anya: So many nights, our hearts came crashing to the ground)
You say nothing at all
(Anya: So many dreams that are finally coming true)
Well, I couldn't have said it better myself
(Anya: Now you finish me off when you finish my thoughts the way you do)

Greg finally finds the box, opens it, and drops to one knee. Anya excitedly takes the ring and the two celebrate, along with everyone else in the Oval Office. The newly engaged couple goes running, hand-in-hand, through the West Wing.

Greg/Anya/Backing:
Oh, you say nothing at all
Well I couldn't have said it better myself (Anya: I love you!)
Tonight the conversation takes the fall

Just love me like you love nobody else

(Backing: Just love me, just love me like you love nobody else)

Greg/Anya:

You say nothing at all
Well, I couldn't have said it better myself
Tonight the conversation takes the fall
Just love me like you love nobody else

And you say nothing at all
Well, I couldn't have said it better myself

As the two stop, they embrace each other. Greg repeats Anya's name over and over, but it becomes more echoed until finally…

Greg

"Anya. Anya?" I waved my hand in front of her face and whistled. "Huh? Hmmm….. I'm sorry. I was, as you Americans say, spacing out," she said. "Right. Anyway, I'll pay the check. Got change for a $20?" Anya gave me a look that read, "Are you kidding me?" I paid the check and left the whole $20 on the table. Nobody could say the Teenage Wolves weren't good tippers.

We drove to Hope Floats, a name T.K. would've liked. I bought the Couples' Special, which included a stop in a sauna relaxation room with acoustic resonance therapy for half an hour, followed by 60 minute floats in the tanks. Anya spent most of the sauna time trying to get clues about what I was going to ask her, but I stuck to my guns. There was no way in the world she was going to ruin my planned evening.

Any clothing worn inside a sensory deprivation tank is considered a distraction, so we put everything (including clothes and Digivices) inside a locker. Thomas told me all about this before we left. Basically, the tank is filled with water that's heated to the temperature of your body and has 800 pounds of Epsom salt in it. That's a concentration so high that no living microorganism can survive. You're supposed to shower anyway to stay clean.

When I saw Anya completely naked, I definitely got turned on. We both got in the tanks. I shut the door and laid with my head at the rear of the tank. I ended up on my back, feeling really relaxed. Then, I closed my eyes and started my own interpretation of meditation. To my surprise, I felt a similar sensation to when my DigiSoul was being "upgraded", except it was so much deeper.

Veemon

While Greg and Anya were hanging out in this tank, Lalamon and I were hanging out in my Digivice. We couldn't see what they were doing, though. "So, lemme get this straight. Greg and Anya are floating on their backs in a tank?" I asked Lalamon. "Apparently. From what Thomas told Gaomon, and from what Gaomon told me, a lot of humans do it to meditate." "Cool. You think maybe Anya will finally unlock your Burst Mode?" "I hope so." "Yeah."

Anya

The water felt so relaxing, but my legs and elbows started to itch while I was lying there. I tried not to think about it. Instead, I made every effort to clear my mind and reflect. Had I been too hasty on insisting marriage, simply because Greg had caught the garter belonging to Rika's mother? Surely he had a valid point. It is usually not good to marry in times of war, when the marriage may be short-lived. On the other hand…. Ahhhh, how romantic it would be to die in the arms of my beloved. I thought back to the first time we met, in Australia. It was a rocky start, to be sure, but eventually we grew to like each other.

Although, when I thought about it further, he was so easy to go along with my admission of love. Was it genuine? ….Of course it was. As far as I knew, we truly loved each other, and I should not be one to question his sincerity. Would he ever question mine? …I do not think so.

As I began to drift away into my subconscious, I heard loud pounding and what seemed like arrows hitting the tank. I also heard a French voice loud enough and bad enough to pierce through the tank. "All right, where are zey?! Where are zose pesky 'umans? I am ze great Lord Zamielmon, and I take no prisoners!"

Thinking quickly, I moved towards the tank door, opened it, and quietly left the tank. Taking only a very brief but thorough shower, I returned to my locker to retrieve my Digivice, bra, and panties. After getting dressed, I checked my Digivice to make sure Lalamon was inside. "Lalamon, are you in there?" I whispered, pressing a few buttons. She answered, "I sure am. It sounds like we've got trouble. You should probably suit up first." I agreed.

[BGM: "100% Hero (Instrumental)" by Hashimoto Yukari]

Anya thrusts forward her Digivice Burst, whirling it in a circle before tapping the bottom button in her open palm. Her body glows in sparkly marbled lavender and pink. She swings her Digivice around, revealing her marbled bodysuit. She shows her arms, revealing her gloves. Then she does a high jump kick, revealing her boots. As she lands, she spins around, and begins to slide along the ground. While she's doing this, she secures her Digivice to her belt. When she stops, she poses. Then, she draws a circle of pink flowers before her and shoots them at the camera, before finishing with a final pose.

Anya

I opened Greg's locker and took out his Digivice, hoping to get him out. When I went back to the tank area, I was faced with a half-archer, half-bee demon man dressed in green like Robin Hood. I looked him up on my Digimon Analyzer. "'Zamielmon, a Mega-Level Demon Man Digimon. Despite his maniac personality, Zamielmon is an expert hunter skilled with many weapons, with which he relentlessly hunts his prey.'"

The door to Greg's tank couldn't be opened, because a set of steel arrows was blocking the way. I stared at Zamielmon and growled. "So... you are one of ze DigiDestined, oui? You are vairy pretty," he said. "Yes. I am very pretty. Pretty angry at you for what you've done. Let him go!" I demanded. "Oh, I don't zink so. Two against one, zat would not be right, n'est-ce pas?" "He better still be breathing!" I growled. "I do not know whether 'e is or not. It makes no difference to me. Now, my dear, shall we take zis fight outside?"

We did take it outside, into the parking lot. The night sky was beautiful, but it made no difference to me. I unclipped my Digivice and thrust it forward. "Lalamon, realize!" I called, and Lalamon came out. "Ready to fight!" she chirped. "Lalamon, we have to act fast. We don't know how long Gregorivich can breathe in there." "Right!" I formed my left hand into a fist, then charged up with my Digivice in my other hand in front of me. That ignited my DigiSoul to the right level. "DigiSoul, Charge! OVERDRIVE!"

"Lalamon Double Warp Digivolve to…. Rosemon!"

Zamielmon snapped his fingers, and several Troopmon appeared from nowhere. I entered in the proper code on my Digivice. "DigiSoul Aura Mode, on!" In seconds, the DigiSoul evenly coated my body in the proper consistency, so I secured my Digivice and went on the attack. The battle became much more difficult when Zamielmon fired his arrows everywhere. I had to dodge strikes from both the Troopmon and the arrows. A few of them whizzed by and broke through my hair and into a car window. I took the arrow out, and cut my hair with its blade. Then, I threw my cut hair in a Troopmon's face and escaped.

Rosemon was having just as much luck as I was. Her Thorn Whip was continually cut by an arrow. Zamielmon was too quick for a Forbidden Temptation. Finally, it got to a point where he stopped the fight himself. "Zis is getting us now'ere. It was fun, but it is getting us now'ere fast. 'Owever, I shall fix zat!" With that, he grew to the relative height of the Washington Monument. I had to look up to see all of him. "'Ow do you like me now, you puny 'uman? I fart in your general direction! I spit on your very existence!" He fired a large arrow, which blew up Greg's rental car. Luckily, I was out of the way.

The battle went on and on between the two. They were evenly matched, but Rosemon started getting tired. "I don't think, I can keep up, much longer," she panted. I knew how she felt as I defeated the last Troopmon. To be perfectly honest, I had not really kept 100% of my mind on the fight itself. I was still busy thinking about Greg. Maybe I had been too hard on him. Perhaps I was being a fool. That's it, a hasty fool. I jumped to a wrong conclusion, and now Greg could suffocate, or even worse...

"NO!" I shouted. Then, everything came out as the tears came to my eyes. "I know what I've done now was wrong. Gregorivich! I know you can't hear me, but I'm sorry! I never should have jumped to conclusions, and I never should've become frigid towards you! I shouldn't have pushed you, it's my fault, and I'm sorry!" I turned towards the damaged building and screamed, "I love you, Gregory Logan!" I powered down from Aura Mode and dropped to my knees, with my head in my hands, crying.

Suddenly, I heard Rosemon's voice. "Anya..." I looked up, and time had frozen. We were in a blank space. "Y-yes?" "Anya, that was hard for you. I know it was. I'm so proud of you for admitting your mistake." "But-" "Come on, now. Your sincere feelings of love towards Greg are giving me strength." "T-they are?" "Yes, but we must hurry. Take your pure feelings of sincere love, and use them as a weapon." "As... a weapon?" I had to think about it. She was absolutely right. I got back up on my feet. "You're right, Rosemon. Enough crying from me. It's time for action!" All of a sudden, my Digivice began to glow. I felt Rosemon's and my hearts becoming connected, becoming one. It was a fantastic feeling.

When time continued, Rosemon and I were both glowing. I was covered in a rising aura of DigiSoul. I unclipped my Digivice and held it tightly, then pointed up to Zamielmon with fire in my eyes. "Zamielmon! If you hurt anyone, especially the love of my life, I will never forgive you! Rosemon, prepare to fight in three! Two! One!" I pressed the buttons on my Digivice in reverse order from right-to-left.

I shifted the Digivice to the side, slowly bringing my free hand into the beam of light the Signal Port was giving off. I noticed the aura being drawn in as I swung it. "CHARGE! DigiSoul...BURST MODE!" I called. After the Digivice beeped, I thrust both hands fully out to my sides and fired the beam. When Rosemon accepted the power, she gained a white leather suit, pink cape, and black vines. "Rosemon, Burst Mode!"

I looked her up on my Digimon Analyzer, and she said, "We've pushed past the Mega level, Anya. By using my special attacks like Kiss of Breath and Charité, nothing can stop us now!" I nodded in agreement.

Zamielmon did not look impressed. "Zo, you 'ave changed your color. Zat matters very little, for you shall still die!" "I don't think so," Rosemon answered defiantly.

Zamielmon was still as fast as usual, but I started to pay more attention as I put the skills I'd learned in the Russian military academy to use. As the fight progressed, I noticed one critical weakness. I made it known to my partner. "Rosemon! After one of his dodges, he is forced to remain immobile for an instant. Strike him then!" "Got it!" she answered. She backed him up towards a body of water, then pretended to lunge towards him. He dodged it, but then stood still for a second. Rosemon then struck him down with Tifarets.

It was time for the kill. "Zamielmon, we have one thing left to say to you..." Rosemon started. I struck a pose as we concluded together, "Les jeux sont faits! [The game is up!]" I snapped my fingers. Rosemon amplified the aura of her mantle, gently wrapped it around the opponent, and then annihilated him. He became a DigiEgg and went back up into space.

After checking to see that the coast was clear, I brought Rosemon back into her Digivice and went back inside. I "took off" my uniform and nearly started taking off my underclothes. The attendant came towards me, much to my surprise. "I'm sorry, your time is up," she said. "It is? Oh. Did you clear away those arrows?" "What arrows?" I ran towards the tank, and the arrows were gone.

The attendant knocked on the tank door, and Greg opened it. He looked towards me and smiled. "Oh, hi there. I didn't know you'd finished already. Are you ready for my question?" I eagerly nodded. "Yes, yes I am." "All right, let me take a shower first." While he was showering and cleaning his hair, I looked through his clothes. In his suit pocket, I found a small box. I opened it up and gasped. It was a beautiful engagement ring. I screamed in delight. He'd bought a ring! He was going to propose to me! I decided to beat him to the punch.

As Greg walked in, he noticed. "Uh, eh, eh, huh, eh, uh..." I took the initiative and got down on one knee. "Gregory Logan, since you have such an open mind, I shall ask the question to you. Will you make me the happiest woman in the world and take my hand in marriage?" "Take your hand? I was going to ask you first." I put my other hand up. "Uh uh. Yes, or no?" The answer was a resounding "Yes!" I gave the box to him, and he put the engagement ring on my finger. We celebrated and embraced.

Greg

She'd asked me. After all this buildup, she asked me. Of course, I said yes. We quickly called our parents to tell them the good news. Dad answered the phone. "Hello?" "Hi, Dad. This is Greg. I've got great news." "Oh, really? What is it?" "I'm engaged to Anya!" There was a pause. "To... Anya?" "Yeah, Dad. That Russian girl I told you about. In fact, she proposed to me." There was a longer pause. I could hear a loud "thud" over the phone.

Finally, it went off. "VALERIE!" "What?!" I could hear from over the phone."Our son's engaged to a Soviet!" Dad whined. Mom started celebrating.

Anya

It was an extremely long-distance call, but my plan covered it. My father answered. "Hello?" "Papa?" "Anya! So good to hear from you. We have been listening to your group's latest album." "I have good news for you." "Yes? What is it?" "I proposed to Greg, the American." There was a long pause. "You? Proposed to him?" "Yes, Papa. I did." There was another pause. "You proposed to him? Unthinkable. You offered marriage to him? Unheard of. Absurd." Oh no... One of Papa's favorite movies is Fiddler on the Roof. Papa fancied himself a modern-day Tevye, even though my family is Eastern Orthodox. "Anya, your mother and I will fly out to America immediately, and we will discuss this. Thoroughly." He hung up.

Kari

I paced back and forth on the Solarium floor, with a notebook and a pen in my hand. I wanted to write a new song, but I couldn't think of the lyrics. Just then, I heard a knock at the door. "Who is it?" The door opened, and it was T.K. "How's the song coming, Kari?" "Oh, hey. I'm stuck. Hadn't even written the first verse yet." "Oh. Sorry to hear that. I just thought of something."

I sat down. "What is it?" "OK, you might think this is really weird, but this whole experience has gotten me to think of what Azulongmon said a few years ago. 'Those two crests, Light and Hope, are somewhat different from the others. Courage, Love, Knowledge... all of these are powers that the child's heart holds. But Light is what gives life to this world. And Hope means not to lose the light, even when engulfed by darkness. When your hearts become one, a new power is born and the light shines brighter.'" "Oh, that's right." "Well, now that you and I have become a couple... what's really bothering me is this whole 'when your hearts become one' bit. We were able to combine our powers to help Anya, but could we possibly do more?" Could we? That was an interesting theory.

"But really, what does it even mean?" I asked. I got up and started pacing again. "OK, OK, I got it. Most of the time, my crest kicks in when I'm fighting the darkness. I'm protecting the light... and since you have the Crest of Light, I'm really protecting you." Those words made my heart melt. "Oh, T.K..." I moved in towards him, and he instinctively took me into his arms. We kissed for at least two minutes, taking pauses to catch our breath. We ended up on the couch, madly in love. I had my inspiration. I had my song.

I broke out of liplock. "T.K., you're a great muse! I've just got a song!" I cheerfully said. He beamed. "That's great!" I got to work writing it right away. "Need any help?" T.K. asked. "Uh huh. We put 'The Middle' on the first album, right?" "Yeah." "Could you get the CD player for me, please? I think I have an idea for the melody." "Got it." T.K. wrote the music, I wrote the lyrics.

Greg

On our taxi ride back home, I yelled "We're engaged! Anya and I are engaged! WHOOOOOOOOOOO!" out the window every chance I got. We stopped at the rental agency, where we managed to get the explosion passed off as an act of God. We were off the hook.

We finally arrived back at the White House, where we were escorted into the Oval Office. Sasha and Malia were wearing DATS uniforms, with Sasha in blue-white and Malia in red. Izzy and Commander Sampson were in their uniforms as well. "Gregory, Anya, I'd like to introduce you to two of the newest members of DATS. Malia Ann and Natasha Obama." President Obama nervously popped some aspirin in his mouth and chugged down a bottle of water. "Why me? Why is this happening to me? What am I going to tell the press?" he wondered out loud. Marcus snickered the whole time. "Looks like you'll have to pass that bill after all, huh, Barry?"

The president gave him a dirty look, then shook his head some more. "My political career is ruined," he lamented. Michelle, trying to be helpful, said, "Now that's not true, dear. We survived Obamacare, didn't we?" That didn't help.

We gave everyone the good news, and they celebrated with us. Kari even had a new song, and gave me only enough time to learn my part.

["Heartbeat Song"

Written by Kari Kamiya and Takeru "T.K." Ishida (Mitch Allan, Kara DioGuardi, Jason Evigan, and Audra Mae) influenced by "The Middle", written by Jim Adkins, Tom Linton, Rick Burch, and Zach Lind

Performed by The Teenage Wolves

Lead Vocal: Kari Kamiya (Lara Jill Miller)

Backing Vocals: Rika Ishida (Melissa Fahn), Yolei Inoue (Tifanie Christun), Gatomon (Mary E. McGlynn)]

In the East Room, the band is set up again as Kari silently counts the group in. Then, the group starts singing.

Kari/Backing:

This is my heartbeat song and I'm gonna play it
Been so long I forgot how to turn it up up up up all night long
Oh up up all night long

We get more shots of the band. And yes, the original first line in the first verse is different. I changed it because "where the hell did you come from?" doesn't sound like Kari.

Kari:
You, where on Earth did you come from?
You're a different, different kind of fun
And I'm so used to feeling numb
And now, I got pins and needles on my tongue
Anticipating what's to come
Like a finger on a loaded gun

I can feel it rising
Temperature inside me
Haven't felt it for a lifetime

One thing I should mention about Strabimon and Flamemon is that they're pretty good dancers. They hit the floor with Sasha and Malia.

Kari/Backing:
This is my heartbeat song and I'm gonna play it
Been so long I forgot how to turn it up up up up all night long
Oh up up all night long
This is my heartbeat song and I'm gonna play it
Turned it on
But I know you can take it up up up up all night long
Oh up up all night long (Kari: all night long)

Everyone looks like they're having a good time.

Kari/Gatomon:
I, I wasn't even gonna go out
But I never would have had a doubt
If I have known where I'd be now

Kari:
Your hands on my hips
And my kiss on your lips
Oh, I could do this for a lifetime

Kari/Backing:
This is my heartbeat song and I'm gonna play it
Been so long I forgot how to turn it up up up up all night long
Oh, up up all night long
This is my heartbeat song and I'm gonna play it
Turned it on
But I know you can take it up up up up all night long
Oh up up all night long

Until tonight I only dreamed about you
I can't believe I ever breathed without you
Baby, you make me feel alive and brand new
Bring it one more time, (Kari: one more time)

Kari vocalizes through the first and most of the second chorus.

Backing:
This is my heartbeat song and I'm gonna play it
Been so long I forgot how to turn it up up up up all night long
Oh up up all night long (Kari: Yeahhhhh!)
This is my heartbeat song and I'm gonna play it
Turned it on
But I know you can take it up up up up all night long
Oh up up all night long (Kari: All night long)
This is my heartbeat song and I'm gonna play it (Kari: All night long)
Been so long I forgot how to turn it up up up up all night long
Oh up up all night long

Kari/Backing:
This is my heartbeat song and I'm gonna play it
Turned it on
But I know you can take it up up up up all night long
Oh up up all night long

When the song ends, the audience cheers. We cut to black.

Author's Notes:

For those of you who have been looking up Strabimon and Flamemon, they are indeed the Rookie forms of Lobomon and Agunimon (the Spirit Evolutions of Koji and Takuya, respectively).

That's it. Every one of the main team should have Burst Mode unlocked now. Fear not, we will be heading to Vegas very soon. We still have some unfinished business in Washington, though.

That part about Anya cutting her hair? Well, if you've been paying attention to the "music videos", you'll see that Anya here is voiced in the "English dub" by Kate Higgins, who also voiced another character that cut her hair during battle. In this case, Sakura. [Fun Fact: Dorothy Elias-Fahn, who voices Lalamon and most of her Digivolutions here, is also the voice of Sakura in the Naruto spinoff "Rock Lee and his Ninja Pals".]

This story is getting long. I plan for it to have 60 chapters at most. We should be finishing very, very soon.