I don't own digimon.

Story 54

Where did you get that?

Takeru Takaishi liked to think he was a good person. Minus the handful of outbursts he had when younger, of course. But as he knocked on the door of Victoria Arcana's apartment, what felt like tension seemed to come over him. The chosen of hope could say with certainty that he had never been to this place before. Yet, a sense of sins forgotten threatened to creep in and drown out his life. So far, only Hikari and Miyako had talked to this strange woman. According to Hikari, the conversation had been less than pleasant. Would it be a similar

"Watashi ni ate sasete kudasai. Anata wa teirumon no tame ni koko ni imasu. (Let me guess. You're here for Tailmon.)" Victoria announced and brought out a pet cage. Within the rather spacious bars sat Tailmon. Not at all happy at being caught yet again, that didn't stop the feline digimon from sticking her tongue out.

"Anata wa sore o iu koto ga dekimasu. (You could say that.)" Takeru answered and met the black cat's gaze. Eyes meeting, he tried not to gulp. The person before him could very easily kill him. Yet, sadness hung over her eyes. As if she somehow knew something key but had chosen to keep it secret for both of their sakes.

"Rirakkusu. Watashi o osoreru ni ataisuru yōna koto wa nani mo shite inai to omoimasu. (Relax. I don't think you've done anything that would warrant being afraid of me.)" Victoria answered and looked to the door frame, muttering something in the general direction for good measure. Turning back to Takeru, that was his cue to take the cage. "Kōkai suru yōna koto o shiyou to suru mae ni, sukunakutomo Yagami-san no pātonā o tsuremodosu koto o o susume shimasu. (I would suggest at least taking Ms Yagami's partner back before she tries to do something she'll regret.)"

Tailmon shot Victoria a glare, doing the closest equivalent of a middle finger that cat claws could achieve here. Didn't quite achieve the desired result, not that either chosen particularly minded.

"Wakatta… (Okay…)" Takeru answered and made the short walk over to Hikari's apartment. Knocking on the door, he only needed to wait a moment for Hikari to open the door.

"Ē to… arigatō. (Uh… thanks.)" Hikari muttered and did her best to avoid looking in Victoria's direction. After what had happened last time, the chosen of light had decided it was best to keep her distance. At least until she understood why that other woman threw her off so much. Once that was figured out, then maybe this whole mess could be ironed out. Until then, this was just a necessary precaution. Closing the door right after, TK didn't get a chance to ask for the carrier back. Letting out a deep breath, he looked further down in the hallway.

"Watashi wa nanika o nogashimashita ka? (Did I miss anything?)" Patamon announced as he flew over. Taking care to land on the chosen of hope's forehead, that action was rewarded with a head pat. Heading back to Victoria's apartment, effort was made to compose himself. Whatever the black cat had to say, he would need to be receptive and at least respectful. Anything beyond that was on the table. Especially if she divulged something of use. But Takeru doubted it.

"Sonotame ni wa ganko sugiru. (Too stubborn for that.)" he thought as he came to a stop in front of Victoria. Waiting a moment for the black cat to move, the chosen of hope was allowed inside. Relatively unchanged from the last time a chosen child had stepped foot in the apartment, something in particular stuck out to Takeru. A D3 sat on the table, awaiting its owner to possibly return and reclaim it once more. Sadly, that was not likely to happen. Green grips met that of a white body and black buttons. A crack had formed on the screen and someone had quite forcibly ripped off the antenna.

"Ē to… doko de teniireta no? (Uh… where did you get that?)" Patamon announced and got a look from his partner. Turning back to Victoria, the pair were met with a sigh.

"Shōtobājon to rongubājon no dochira ga īdesu ka? (Do you want the short version or the long version?)" the black cat inquired and took a seat at the table. Takeru was not far behind. Once there, he took a moment to set Patamon on the table and picked the digivice up. There was no mistaking it. This had been his digivice. Or at least, a past version of him that had this particular model and it had somehow ended up in Victoria's possession.

"Kanōdeareba, nagai bājon. (The long version, if possible.)" Takeru answered and set the digivice back on the table. Focusing on Victoria, he was met with a nod.

"Sore wa kono konran no zutto mae ni hajimarimashita… (It began long before this mess…)"

.

TK Takaishi had not intended to live through a massive, world-changing event. At least, not in the sense that he could quite understand how he had done it or really the why. Standing in what should be his childhood bedroom, something about it felt wrong. Like he did something in a video game the designer didn't intend for and was now

"Why am I here?" he thought and took a moment to compose himself. He needed to find Patamon and then figure out what year it was. Once he had those two things, the digidestined of hope would have smooth sailing for the foreseeable future. At least until something happened that forced him to change his plans. "Patamon?"

Waiting a moment, the sounding of flapping echoed forth from his closet and TK made his way over. Opening it up, Patamon slammed right into his chest. Knocking him back a couple inches, TK managed to catch his balance. Dusting himself off, he looked to Patamon.

"TK, is this your home?" Patamon whispered and was met with a sigh from his partner. On one hand, this very much looked like his childhood room. Could he really say that it was actually his? For all he knew, there was an entirely different TK that called this place home. How exactly would his mother react to him being here? Probably wouldn't believe him and throw him out. Heading out of the room, the pair made quick time down the hall. Taking care to not create any noise, TK's attention shifted to the kitchen. While hunger wasn't a concern, it might be a good idea to at least see what his mom and this possibly other TK had on hand. Maybe even find a calendar to look at. The latter was more ideal than the former, but either would go a long way in getting his bearings.

"Anything in particular that you want, Patamon?" TK inquired, Patamon raising up a hoof to his chin. What exactly would TK's mother have in stock that could serve as snack food. A cheese stick didn't sound half bad right about now. Especially since they were getting those before they got dropped here. Beyond cheese sticks, there was little else that the winged pig digimon could think of here that could satisfy him.

"Whatever you get I'll be fine with." Patamon answered as they entered the kitchen. TK took a moment to look for a calendar. His mother had to have one around here. Then he saw it.

August 1st 1995

A chill ran down TK's spine. He and Patamon had traveled back in time. There was no doubt about it. Letting out a sigh, troubling questions flooded into his mind. Why were they sent back in time? What purpose could be gained from sending one digidestined back to what was likely the day that spurred forth their destiny? Had he and Patamon been the only ones to be sent back? If they had, what about the future they had been stolen from? Scariest of all, did his spouse and family still remain?

"I don't understand." the digidestined of hope thought, taking everything in his power to keep himself together. Forcing his gaze away from the calendar, TK slowly opened the fridge. Waiting a moment for the light to turn on, they were met with a relatively modest assortment of food. None of which looked quite like it could be a snack.

"Darn it." Patamon announced as the sound of footsteps echoed up from behind. Tapping against TK's head, that made the digidestined of hope spin around. Before them stood a woman. Brunette locks of hair hung to her neck, while pale blue eyes stared down the pair.

"Anata wa daredesuka, soshite anata wa watashi no reizōko de nani o shite imasu ka? (Who are you and what are you doing in my fridge?)" the woman announced and TK gulped. Much as he wished to reason with this woman, it wouldn't get him any closer to figuring out his predicament. Looking about, he headed for the front door. Just in time for his back to get pelted with assorted shoes. Exiting into the apartment hallway, a deep breath escaped his lips.

"That… was certainly something." he muttered to himself and looked around. Off in the distance, a girl with sandy brown hair stood. Looking in the direction of the pair, she walked robotically towards the pair.

"Takeru 'TK' Takiashi, you are not supposed to be here." the girl announced, her voice reminiscent of Kari than that of what TK could only assume to be her natural voice.

"Who are you?" the digidestined of hope announced and was met with silence. Even more questions came rolling into his mind. None of which were of the happy variety. Before he could get a chance to dwell on said questions, snickering escaped the girl's lips and their gazes met.

"I am Homeostasis, the balancer of both worlds." the girl answered, TK taking the opportunity to bend down to be on her level. "A bygone parasite like you has no place in this story. If you do not kill yourself in the next couple moments, you will be punished."

Every word came through loud and clear on TK's ears, but it all felt like a complete and utter blindside on his part.

"I just want to get back to my son and family. Would that at least bring balance?" TK countered and silence fell over Homeostasis. Lasting only a few fleeting seconds, it was promptly followed up by laughter.

"Those figments of a future were designed purely for the sake of having a way of holding you in until you were next needed." Homeostasis announced, all the color draining out from TK's face. There was no way that was actually the case. This entity had to be blowing smoke for the sake of their narrative. Nothing else could explain it. But what if they were telling the truth? Then what? Where exactly did that put him? By all accounts, his existence was paradoxically nonexistent. "Now that a new threat has appeared, I have no need for the futu-"

Homeostasis found herself unable to complete that sentence, TK smashing his fist squarely into her chest. Running for the stairs, he could feel Patamon tap the top of his head. The digidestined of hope was aware that he had fucked up. That part was obvious. But to what extent remains to be seen. Was this a small oopsy or a massive gaping mistake? In this moment, TK could not answer. He wanted to know. For now, he needed to find some place to hang low for however long it would take for his future to come back around. Definitely for the best as he ran down the stairs. Taking care to not make any more of a scene, the sounds of destruction echoed about. His thoughts turned back to his future. They had just reached their goal of true peace between both worlds. All kinds of digimon were finally able to meet their humans and vice-versa. Why did Homeostasis have to burn it all down for this possible threat? Could she take the littlest of time to actually look and see all that was accomplished? It just flew in the face of reason and reality. But he let that thought fade. Just thinking about it made TK even more frustrated. One day she would get her just desserts. But not today.

"Want to get something to eat, Patamon?" TK inquired and felt his digimon partner get off his head. Flying around a couple times, he took his place at the digidestined of hope's side. Getting a pet in return, they reached the bottom with ease. Now at a door,

"A burger soun-" Patamon started, only for the ground to shake. Poking their heads out, a large green bird had decided that this was the perfect time to begin stomping about.

"Do you think you have it in you to take on Parrotmon?" TK inquired and watched his partner nod. Raising up his digivice, he could feel the energy surging from within.

Patamon digivolve too… Angemon!

In place of the little orange pig now stood a tall angelic figure with locks of long orange hair. Golden staff in hand, it was a touch of a challenge to get out of the apartment building without accidentally creating a massive hole. But Angemon managed to the best of his abilities. TK followed right behind, taking care to look about for anyone who might dare to interrupt this mom-

"Are you sure that is the action you wish to do?" a voice announced and the pair spun around. Towering over them was a woman. Pale skin kept to a minimum here, covered mostly by a long black dress. Blacked heeled boots poked out from under the hem of the skirt. Short black gloves covered her hands, but did little to hide her lengthy arms. Especially once one saw the locks of ghostly white hair hanging down to the waist. Red lenses stared right at them and a sigh escaped their lips.

"LadyDevimon, what are you doing here?!" TK screeched and was met with an eye roll from his possible opponent. Why did it have to be her of all people? Anyone else would've been fine. No, it had to be her of all digimon. Even if that didn't explain how exactly she managed to end up in the Human World and not the Digital World. The answer to that hypothetical mattered little in this situation. He would just defeat her and then deal with Parrotmon. It was just that simple. Or at least, the digidestined of hope wanted it to be like. This situation was likely not anywhere close to that in the slightest. If it had been, none of this would've likely happened in the first place. He would be back with his family, enjoying the peace they had worked so hard to create. Perhaps Davis or Hikari would stop by and they would tell their children stories of adventures long past. Perhaps even read something out of his latest novel.

"First off, my name is Victoria. Secondly, I could ask the same of you as well." the woman countered as Angemon swung his staff her way. Knocking it back with a single punch, she responded with a sweeping kick. Knocking the angelic digimon back, out came the butterfly swords.

Hand of Fate!

Holy energy gathered around Angemon's free hand, shooting forth in a beam of light. A shame that Victoria easily dodged it and responded by stabbing Angemon's hand. Comboing into a kick, she was met with a punch back.

"Let's say you do manage to kill Parrotmon with Angemon here. We would both end up back here and the story would begin once more." Victoria announced as she continued to spar with Angemon, silence falling over TK.

"So we have to let things play out the way they were meant too?" TK countered and was met with a nod from Victoria. This whole thing just kept getting worse the further he was into it. Almost as if he was purposefully being screwed over by whatever system was put in place.

"Pretty much. Truly amazing of Homeostasis to be that big of a bitch to everyone they meet." Victoria announced and snatched away Angemon's staff. Pointing it in the direction of her opponent, all it took was a single push to knock the angelic digimon to the ground. Turning the weapon to TK, the digidestined of hope raised his hands out. The last thing he needed to happen here was someone to kill him outright. Best to play along for both their sakes. "But I like to think that I'm a better person than they ever were."

Setting the staff down, Victoria put her butterfly swords away. Afterwards, she held her hand out to the digidestined of hope.

"We are not friends, nor will ever be." TK announced as Angemon reverted back to Patamon. Looking away from their opponent, they made their exit. Even as TK's digivice fell out. Victoria stared down at the D3 for a couple seconds and scooped it up.

"Well, that's one way to ensure a rematch.

.

"Anata wa kare no dejivu~aisu o tori, sore o kaeshimasendeshita ka? (You just took his digivice and didn't give it back?") Takeru inquired and Victoria shook her head. Holding in her laughter, she was met with a look from the chosen of hope.

"Mochiron, watashi wa sore o kaeshimashita. Kare ga 105-sai no jukunen de nakunatta nochi, sore wa chōdo watashi no shoji ni modotta. (Of course I gave it back. It just ended up back in my possession after he died at the ripe old age of 105.)" Victoria answered as she pushed the digivice forward. Watching Takeru pick it up, he set it into his pocket. Felt weird up against his phone. The whole upgrade by Koshiro was meant to consolidate the various tools that they used on a daily basis. But when put up against what had come before, a bit of the charm had been lost in the upgrade process.

"I'm going to assume there's more to this story?" Takeru continued and was met with a nod from Victoria. He expected that reaction, but it was still appreciated.

"Mochiron. Saiteigen demo yari sugitara, nan'nichi mo koko ni irudeshou. (Of course. We would be here for days if I went over even the bare minimum.)" Victoria answered and got up from her seat. "Shikashi, anata no gārufurendo wa shinpai shite ite, anata ga ima hanarenakereba, itsu demo doa o toppa suru kamo shirenaito watashi wa omou. (But I suspect your girlfriend is getting worried and might break through the door at any moment if you don't leave right now.)"

Takeru's face turned red. Doing his best to hide it, that didn't stop his partner from making it even more obvious here.

"Sore ga nando okotte mo, ikutsu ka no koto ga ittei no mamadearu no o miru no wa yoi kotodesu. (Good to see that some things remain constant no matter how many times it happens.)" the black cat announced as her guests made their exit. Once they had, a sense of satisfaction came over her body. Perhaps she could make this work.

Notes:

Happy 3500 views. Onwards to Maki. ;)