Author's Note: Here is another chapter. Unfortunately I am not quite yet up to regular updates, but I am trying my hardest. Chapter 19 coming soon.
Dedications: Thank you to the following: AkemiMimi, Jesse ME Gerrits, Invisible Observer, Senisan14, Aubrie1234, Nonrial and Belysa.
I don't own Digimon. But I do own any original characters that are of my own design.
Title: Expect the Unexpected
Summary: Kimiko is the estranged daughter of Mitsuo Yamaki. For her fifteenth birthday she acquires the Digimon: Labramon and becomes the fourth Digimon Tamer.
Chapter Eighteen: Never a Dull Day
It was the day after Vajramon's attack, and the Tamers were enjoying a little fun in the sun at the park. Kazu, Kenta and Jeri were also present, and were currently playing in the lake with Guilmon.
"Doesn't it seem like the Devas are coming after us specifically?" Henry asked. He was standing under a large oak tree, and partly concealed within its shadow.
"Don't they have anything better to do with their time than fight us?" Terriermon asked.
"But they're evil, right?" Takato asked. "So it's our duty as Digimon Tamers to defeat them, isn't it?"
"Hey, it's not our responsibility to fight them," Rika said. She was sitting at the base of another oak tree, and her eyes were closed against the blazing sun that was peering down between the open branches of the trees. "Let someone else do it."
"Like who?" Kimiko asked. "We're the only ones that stand a chance at defeating these things, and I don't know about you, but I'd rather not drag anyone else into this mess, it's a wonder we only manage to come out of a digital field with a few minor scratches."
Takato nodded in agreement, although it was a surprise to him to hear that Kimiko was on his side, normally she sided with Rika or Henry, and never him.
"Besides, if they want to fight us, we can't just walk away," Labramon said. "It's not in our nature to run from a fight."
"She's right," Renamon agreed, appearing beside Rika. The red-head groaned and lowered her head into arms.
From the pool, Kazu cupped his hands around his mouth and yelled, "Hey, come on, are you guys gonna get in the water or what? We're gonna make Guilmon get all pruny!"
"Are you kidding?! I'd pay to see that," Takato yelled back, waving his hand in the air. He laughed and turned back to his friends. "Are you guys coming?" he asked.
"No, I can't," Henry said, shaking his head. "I've got martial arts practice."
"Oh."
Rika scoffed, stood up and walked away, Renamon disappearing after her.
"I'm guessing that's a no," Takato said. He turned to Kimiko beside him. "How about you, Kimmie?" he asked.
Kimiko smiled at the name, but shook her head. "Maybe later," she said. "I have to go find Calumon. He managed to get out again last night, and I haven't seen him all day. I know I shouldn't be worried, but then again, I always am."
"Well, you know where we are if you want to join," Takato said, running off to the edge of the pool.
"Thanks, Takato," Kimiko murmured, standing up. She dusted herself off and looked up at Henry as he remained hidden beneath the oak tree. "You OK?" she asked, reading the expression on his face.
Henry snapped out of his thoughts and nodded. "Yeah, just curious," he said.
"Uh-oh, that's never a good sign," Kimiko teased.
"Haha," Henry said, smiling. "Kimiko, do you ever just... you know, think about this whole 'Tamer' thing?"
"What do you mean?" Kimiko asked, frowning.
"I mean, do you ever think that sometimes we're in over our heads?"
"Yeah, all the time, but then again we are Digi destined, and we wouldn't be Tamers or even have Digimon partners if the powers that be didn't think we couldn't handle the dangers of the digital world."
"Fair point," Henry said, nodding. "But, these Devas, they're more than just digital monsters. They're a real problem."
"Henry, the whole world is made of 'real problems'," Kimiko said. "Some people are strong enough to get by, others aren't, and then there are those that take a fighting stand. We just happen to be those that have to fight, whether we want to or not."
"I know, but still."
Kimiko sighed and reached for his hand. She squeezed it and smiled patiently. "Don't dwell on it too much, Henry," she said. "It'll drive you crazy, and I've already got enough crazy in my life."
"Thanks, Kimiko," Henry said.
~*Expect the Unexpected*~
After leaving Henry at the train station, Kimiko headed back to the park in search of Calumon. She and Labramon did have a few errands to run, but they were trying to put them off as much as possible seeing as they all led back to the Hypnos building.
"How much longer are you going to ignore and avoid your father?" Labramon asked. It had been a few weeks now since Kimiko had spoken or had any interaction with Yamaki.
"As long as I need," Kimiko said. "I told you, Labramon, I'm done waiting for him. I can't change myself any more than I already have, and he hasn't taken a scrap of notice until I started to turn back in the girl I once was. I'm sorry, but I just can't do it anymore."
"Don't be sorry to me," Labramon said. "It's nice watching you change back into the girl you were. I mean, I came into your life mid-change, so I never knew what you were like back then, but I like you either way."
Kimiko smiled and petted the hound on the head. They were just passing the kid's park when a high pitched squeal came from beyond the gate.
"What was that?" Labramon asked.
"I don't know," Kimiko said. "There's no digital field, and no energy reading, so it can't be a Digimon."
"Unless it's not a new one," Labramon said. "It could be Calumon or Impmon."
"True. Come on, let's check it out," Kimiko said, running through the gate. Labramon was hot on her heels.
On the other side of the park, near the water slide, three girls covered in too much make-up and dressed to the heavens, were crowding around a small water fountain.
"That is way totally cute!" one of them said, her voice unnaturally high.
"What is it?" another asked, her tone matching that of her friend.
"Duh! It's way totally cute," the third girl said.
"Um, I guess you guys don't have any mirrors at home, huh?" Calumon asked, staring at each girl with a look of confusion. He had never seen someone wear so much makeup before, especially since the usual girls he hung out with didn't wear any at all.
The three girls' gasped.
"It talked!" the brunette said, excitedly.
"It totally did!" the blonde squealed.
"That makes it even cuter!" said the last.
Kimiko whined and covered her ears with her hands. She couldn't stand the high-pitches of the girls' voices, it was driving her crazy.
"Like absolutely!"
"Like totally, totally absolutely!"
Calumon cocked his head to the side and stared back at the three girls'. They were strange, especially for humans.
"It's weird, talking usually makes them look stupid," the last girl said.
Calumon whined and retracted his ears. He wasn't stupid.
"What is wrong with all the Digimon in the world?" Impmon shouted as he appeared on top of the slide. "Stop trying to make yourself cute for the humans!"
Looking around, the three girls walked over to the slide and looked up at Impmon.
"Well, he's not cute at all," said the blonde.
"Totally, like, anti-cute," the brunette agreed.
"Totally."
Impmon growled and clenched his hands into fists. "Be quiet!" he snapped. "I don't want to be cute!"
"What?! Not want to be cute?!" the blonde gasped.
"Totally weird," her friends agreed.
Kimiko rolled her eyes and walked over to the fountain. She scooped up Calumon and hugged him as he laughed, his ears extending to hug her back. "Calumon, you've got to stop running off like this," she said.
"Play!" Calumon said, happily.
"I know you want to play," Kimiko said. "But with the Devas bio-emerging all over the city, I fear that you'll get hurt."
"Oh," Calumon said, retracting his ears ago.
Kimiko smiled and gently kissed his forehead. "I'll tell you what," she said. "Takato and the others are playing over at the lake. We'll head back there and you can play too, OK?"
"Yay!" Calumon yelled, excitedly.
Labramon laughed and nuzzled Calumon as he floated down to her level. "Hop on," she said, allowing him to land on her back.
A scream caught Kimiko's attention and she looked around to see the three girls that had been fawning over Calumon running away from the park. She frowned and looked up at Impmon as he laughed righteously at his work.
"Kimiko?" Labramon asked.
"No, just leave him," Kimiko said. "He's not worth the time, the little weirdo."
Hearing the comment, Impmon groaned and took off.
~*Expect the Unexpected*~
With Kimiko searching for Calumon, Rika off doing god only knows what, and Takato having fun at the park, Henry headed across town to his martial arts practice. Despite his conversation with Kimiko, he couldn't help but still worry about the devas and their never ending threats and appearances against him and his friends.
I've never felt more like a sitting duck in my life, he thought. If we only knew what the devas were planning. Then at least we might be more prepared. I don't know - maybe I've been asking the wrong questions.
Once they had reached their stop, Henry stepped off the train and headed for the dojo where he practiced every week with his Sensei. The older man had become more than just a friend to him, he was practically family, and Henry held a lot of respect for him.
"You've centered yourself with your breathing, Henry," Sensei said, standing opposite the teenager. He had changed into his usual training gear, and set Terriermon down in the corner with the rest of his things. "We may begin."
"Yes, Sensei," Henry said, bowing in respect. He prepared himself mentally, as well as physically, and kicked up high at the man opposite him. Sensei stepped to the left, avoiding the kick and then stepped back to avoid one of Henry's fists. He continued to step back, leading Henry across the room, but he could tell that something was bothering his student.
"Good, Henry, but you're not focused," Sensei said. "You're leaving yourself open to attack."
Breathing heavily, Henry aimed another punch, but missed. He was about to kick up, but Sensei shot forward and prodded him in the head with the tip of his finger, causing Henry to fall back onto the floor.
"You see?"
"Sorry, Sensei," Henry apologized, kneeling in front of his teacher.
"Don't apologize to me - apologize to yourself."
"Huh?" Henry asked, confused.
"You let yourself fall," Sensei explained. "Henry, you seem worried about something. Let's talk over tea."
~*Expect the Unexpected*~
Whilst Henry changed back into his regular clothes, Sensei boiled water and prepared two cups - one for himself and one for his student. He was setting the tea pot and cups down on the table when Henry walked back into the room.
"Now, what is on your mind?" Sensei asked.
"Have you ever heard of creatures called 'Devas'?" Henry asked, sitting down with Terriermon on his lap. "They're some kind of evil monsters."
"Perhaps," Sensei said. "In Sanskrit, there's an ancient legend about a group of good spirits - the Devas. The old writing stated that they battled the evil demon asura, preventing him from fully entering the world and conquering it - or at least that's how the legend goes."
"The devas are good?" Henry asked. That couldn't be true. All the ones that he and his friends had encountered had tried to do nothing but destroy.
"Now, that's a difficult question," Sensei said, sipping his eat.
"How so?" Henry asked.
"Well, there are those that followed Asura, and they thought that the devas were evil," Sensei explained. "In a way, it's like eating an entire gallon of ice cream."
"Uh-huh?" Henry murmured, not understanding.
"Let me explain," Sensei chuckled. "At first, it seems like a good idea, but your stomachache proves you wrong. A change in perspective can make good appear evil or evil seem good. Now, does that explanation clear things up for you?"
Henry smiled and nodded. "Yes, sir, it does. Thank you," he said.
"Good. Want some ice cream?"
~*Expect the Unexpected*~
It had grown late.
His friends had all left him to go home, leaving only Guilmon. But that wasn't what was troubling Takato. In fact his worrisome look had nothing to do with being alone in the park at sundown, but more to do with the burden of protecting the world.
"All I ever wanted was a Digimon," Takato said to himself. "But now I've got more than I can count, and I've got to stop some of them from taking over the world."
"What do you mean 'you'?"
Takato jumped and looked to his left. Kimiko was standing there with Calumon and Labramon. "Huh?" he asked, confused by her question.
"You said 'now I've got to stop some of them from taking over the world', when are you going to get it, Takato, we're a team, we do this together," Kimiko said. "Stopping the Devas isn't just your responsibility alone, it's ours too."
Takato sighed. "I know," he said. "It just sometimes too big a burden to remember that we're in this together."
"I know, Takato," Kimiko said, putting her hand on his shoulder.
"So, are you guys all done having fun now?" Calumon asked, jumping up onto Guilmon's head and peering down at him.
"No," Guilmon said.
"Yay! Can I play? Can I?!"
"Sure."
Calumon laughed and floated away towards the fountain. Guilmon followed him, and Labramon followed shortly after. Leaving Kimiko with Takato.
"Kimiko, can I ask you -"
"What do you need to know?" Kimiko asked.
"Well, it seems that, I don't know, every time our Digimon digivolve, Calumon's around," Takato said, causing Kimiko to smile. "So, does he have something to do with their Digivolution?"
"I'm surprised you haven't figured it out yet," Kimiko said. "Yes, I think he does," she nodded. "It does seem strange that he is around every time there is a Digivolution, and every time it happens that little red triangle on his head glows. I don't think he is your typical, run-of-the-mill-Digimon, but I do believe he is special."
"Do you think our Digimon would be able to digivolve without him being around?"
Kimiko shrugged. "Doubtful," she said. "It's almost like he's the key, you know?"
"Mhm-mm," Takato nodded.
"But I wouldn't let him hear you say things like you not wanting him around," Kimiko said. "You know how the words in your head never make it to your mouth the same way."
"Hey!" Takato whined.
Kimiko giggled.
Suddenly a shrill squeal cut through the silence that had fallen, and both Kimiko and Takato instantly reached for their D-Powers. The screens were blazing red, and two low growls came from behind the two Tamers.
Looking over his shoulder, Takato saw Labramon and Guilmon running off down the path to the main gates. "Hey, you two, wait!" he called after them.
"Come on," Kimiko said, scooping up Calumon as he returned to her, and running after Labramon and Guilmon.
Takato sighed and followed, keeping the pace beside her as they made their way down the deserted street after their Digimon. "Why is there never a dull day around here?" he groaned
"Hey, no rest for the weary," Kimiko replied.
~*Expect the Unexpected*~
Impmon grinned as he looked up at the giant horse-type Digimon that had just bio emerged. Behind, watching cautiously was Renamon and Rika.
"I'll show you that I can be strong without Digivolving," Impmon said. "That is unless you're too chicken to fight me, you dorky donkey!"
The deva chuckled.
"Get ready for a world of hurt!" Impmon shouted, clenching his hands into fists, "and you just stay out of my way, you neon hairball," he added to Renamon. The fox-type Digimon always seemed to have a habit of stepping in and helping him when he didn't ask nor need it. "This is between me and the purple pony!"
"Impmon, you don't stand a chance," Renamon said, trying to make him see straight.
"Bada-boom!" Impmon said, firing a small fireball at her.
"Do you want to be destroyed? Is that it?" Renamon asked.
"Go away," Impmon said. "I don't need your help or your pity. Now get out of here before I blast you. I said beat it!"
"I'd be glad to fight you both," the Deva said, speaking at last.
"Wait a minute; she's got nothing to do with it!" Impmon shouted, punching his little fists into the air. "This is between you and me! Right, let's do this!" He stepped forward, put a finger to his head and closed his eyes in hard concentration. "Infernal funnel..." The ground in front of Impmon started to swirl and open up as a much larger fireball hovered in front of him. "... FIRE!"
The fireball hit the deva in the chest, but it didn't even faze him.
"Ha! Ooh, that tickles," the Deva chuckled.
"Huh?" Impmon gasped. His surprise, however, quickly turned to anguish as the Deva lifted his foot and kicked him, hard, in the face.
Groaning, Impmon pushed himself back to his feet and shook his fist at the Deva. "Is that the best you've got?" he demanded. "A little old lady with a handbag full of marshmallows could hit harder! It's time to teach you a little think I like to call humility!"
He rushed forward. The Deva smirked, raised his hoof again, and kicked Impmon into the air.
"Oh! What's going on?" Kimiko asked, reaching Rika ahead of Henry and Takato, "What's Impmon doing out there? He's gonna be destroyed!"
"A better question would be why are we all just standing around?" Henry asked. "That's a Deva - you ready, Terriermon?"
"Wait," Renamon said.
"Wait?" Henry repeated. "Why should we wait?"
"He wants to do it himself," Renamon explained. "We should respect his wishes."
"I wouldn't wish this on anyone," Takato said, gasping as Impmon took beating after beating from the Deva.
As Impmon landed back on the ground, the Deva stood over him and smirked. He was seriously enjoying the torment and pain he was inflicting. "This is a valuable lesson you're teaching me," he said.
"It's better than your stupid sovereign can teach you!" Impmon shouted. "Your sovereign's dumber than mud and twice as ugly!"
Indramon growled and leaned forward. "I will not allow you to insult my master!" he yelled. He raised his hoof again and kicked Impmon harder than before.
Kimiko gasped as Impmon collided with the pavement. The impact caused her to wince and shiver. "So much for names never hurting you," she muttered.
"Uh, Renamon?" Rika asked, unable to take much more.
"Leave him be," Renamon said.
"So, little fool, have you had enough?" Indramon asked, stepping closer to Impmon as he lay, panting, on the floor.
"Not a chance," Impmon said. "I'm just getting my second wind."
Kimiko covered her face with her hands, and turned away. "Oh god, I can't watch," she said.
"Henry, normally I wouldn't complain, but don't you think this is going a little too far?" Terriermon asked his Tamer.
"You're right, Terriermon," Henry agreed. "Come on, Impmon, you can do it!"
"That's right! Give him the old one-two!" Takato shouted.
"Hey, stick a sock in it!" Impmon yelled back. He was still on his stomach, beneath Indramon, and still showed signs of breathlessness. "If I wanted your help then I'd -" he cut off as Indramon's hoof connected with his head, and knocked him flying onto his back.
Kimiko whimpered as she peered through her fingers at the fighting. Impmon's data particles were starting to scatter, and Indramon seemed to be preparing for the final strike. "Guys, if we don't do something, he's not going to survive this!" she said.
"She's right," Takato agreed.
"You have a lot of heart for a weakling," Indramon said. "But your fate was set when you stood against me."
"It's now or never, Renamon," Rika said. But Renamon didn't even budge.
"The world won't miss another weakling," Indramon said, hovering his hoof over Impmon's weakened body.
"Don't do it!" Takato yelled.
"That's it," Guilmon said, running forward. "I can't watch anymore. Come on!"
"Hurry, Guilmon!" Takato said. "Before it's too late."
"How about now, Renamon?" Rika snapped at her partner.
Renamon shook her head, watching the inevitable. Then, without warning, she disappeared and re-appeared in front of the Deva. She scooped up Impmon and threw herself aside, narrowly missing the hoof.
"Thanks," Impmon panted. "I had him right where I wanted him."
"Right," Renamon said, dropping the rat and turning to face the Deva instead.
"You have sealed your fate as well," Indramon said. He swung his hoof back and then forward, knocking Renamon down in one hit.
The Tamers gasped, and each took a step forward.
"That's it!" Labramon said, bounding forward. "Playtime's over. Kimiko?"
Kimiko nodded.
"Guilmon?" Takato asked, looking to his partner.
"Ready when you are," Guilmon said.
"You too, Terriermon," said Henry.
"Whatever you said, boss man," Terriermon replied.
"Renamon?"
Renamon nodded at Rika. Together the four tamers each reached for their D-Powers, each one, simultaneously swiping a card through its slot and yelling: "Digimodify! Digivolution activate!"
Digivolution!
"Guilmon digivolve to... Growlmon!"
"Terriermon digivolve to... Gargomon!"
"Renamon digivolve to... Kyubimon!"
"Labramon digivolve to... Seasramon!"
Indramon chuckled and spread his arms. The green leather straps on either shoulder disappeared and the horn on his back rose into the air. "I hope you feel you've increased your odds," he said. The horn started to lower itself, hovering in the air right in front of Indramon's mouth.
"Fox-tail inferno!" Kyubimon shouted, spreading her tails and firing nine fireballs at the Deva.
"Pyroblaster!" Growlmon yelled, parting his jaws and blasting his own fireball at the horse.
"Have a Gargolasers!" Gargomon said, lifting his gauntlets and firing them at the same time.
"Let's see you evade these! Tee-Dia!" Seasramon shouted, jumping into the air and firing a thousand bright arrows at the Deva.
The four attacks rammed hard into the deva, but were swallowed up by his giant horn.
"What the hell?!" Rika yelled.
"You mean I have to Digivolve to get stronger?" Impmon said, struggling to get back to his feet. He wanted to fight, but had very little energy left inside him to do so.
Indramon chuckled again as he towered over the four Digimon. "I was chosen by the sovereign," he said. "Did you really think you could defeat me with paltry tricks such as these?!" He laughed a deep and chilling laugh. "Now allow me to show you what a Digimon of true power can do!"
He put the horn into his mouth, took a deep breath and blew, as hard as he could. "Horn of desolation!" he yelled. A fireball, bigger than any the tamers had seen before, and burning hotter than the sun, exploded from the horn and collided with the four Digimon before him.
Impmon shook with both pain and anger. This was supposed to be his fight. "What, are you too afraid to fight me, huh?!" he yelled. "Afraid I'll digivolve?!"
"Huh, so be it," Indramon said. "Prepare to meet your doom!"
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!" Impmon screamed as, with the last bit of strength he had, he pushed himself back to his feet and threw himself forward, right into the line of fire.
Copyrighted ©
Chapter written by xXxKaraBeckerCutterxXx
Chapter updated Friday, June 19, 2015 at 9:49pm