A/N: Sorry for not updating the story much in the past weeks. Was on Holiday and was busy with a lot of stuff so I couldn't find the time to properly upload stuff.

Chapter 14: High Noon

Tennis court

Sora was currently at the Tennis court in her school. She had gritted her teeth as she was playing tennis and it seemed as if she was very angry.

"Stupid Kaiser… I can't believe he would take Taichi and Agumon. Even forcing Agumon to fight for him. He has even made Hikari and Takeru have to fight again. I can't wait to get my hands on him. He'll pay for everything he has done to Hikari, Takeru and Taichi!"

At that moment Sora spiked the tennis ball with all her might. Sora's opponent immediately jumped out of the way with a scream. The tennis ball ended up hitting into the metal fence set up around the court, the metal fence dented when the ball hit it.

All the other players stopped and stared at the fence with wide eyes. Sora grimaced and sheepishly said sorry.

"Shoot, it's not like me to let my anger get the better of me. I better be more careful…"

Coach: "Umm is everyone alright?"

Sora: "Y-Yeah. Sorry…"

Coach: "Maybe we should take a break."

Sora's coach signalled for Sora to come with her. Sora went over quickly with a sorry look on her face.

Sora: "Sorry… I let my emotions get the better of me there… it won't happen again."

Coach: "It's alright, Sora… is it about… Yagami?"

Sora: "Yeah… kinda…"

Coach: "I hope that kid ends up coming back soon… it's not good to worry his parents so much…"

Sora: "Umm yeah…"

"If only you knew…"

Coach: "Well, if you want you can take the rest of the day off. Go ahead and spend the rest of your day with your friends and I hope your boyfriend comes back soon."

Sora: "Boyfriend? Oh, no no Taichi isn't my boyfriend. We're just close childhood friends.

Coach: "Oh? Sorry for my assumption then. I thought that kid was your boyfriend… you were around him a lot… anyways, you should go spend your time with your friends. It's easier to calm down and feel better with your friends after all.

Sora: "Sure. Thanks, Coach."

Coach: "No problem, Takenouchi."

Koushiro's office

Daisuke: "Where is Hikari?"

Iori: "Takeru as well."

Koushiro: "Eh. They won't be joining you guys today."

Armadimon: "Hmm? Why not?"

Koushiro: "When Hikari was taken… nevermind. They aren't coming today. Today will be a… rest day for them."

Veemon: "That's not fair…"

Tentomon: "I think it is fair. They went through a lot that day."

Koushiro: "Plus, this allows me to study their Digivices more…"

Miyako: "So… they're going to rest today?"

Koushiro: "Yes."

Miyako: "Together?"

Koushiro: "Probably."

Miyako: "So maybe they are on a date?"

Hawkmon: "Miyako…"

Miyako: "Calm down, I'm kidding!"

Koushiro: "To my knowledge, it's just another one of their outings together. Except they actually have the freedom to do it in our world instead of the Digital World. Anyways, you guys should get going. The Kaiser is definitely going to have more dark towers out down without Takeru and Hikari here to help. You can have this, Daisuke. It was much easier to program this earpiece since you inherited both the crest of Courage and Friendship."

Daisuke: "So this earpiece is mine? Cool!"

Miyako: "You program the earpieces? Do you need a special program for it to work in the Digital World?"

Koushiro: "I just play it safe with the earpieces. I don't want anyone else using them, so I programmed it to detect our Digital Data from our Digivices in the Digital World. Since each Digivice has a different energy signature, I can sync the earpieces to our Digivices, so only we would be able to use the earpiece assigned to us. Having a crest works as a secondary protection as I can use the energy signature of the crests as a back-up."

Koushiro looked up from his computer to see multiple confused faces.

Koushiro: "Err, each Digivice has a different energy that the earpiece uses? So other people can't steal and use your earpiece? Something like that."

Miyako: "Umm cool, I guess we should go now…"

With that, the new Digidestined went to the Digital World, without Hikari and Takeru. Just then the door to Koushiro's office opened.

Voice: "Oh? The new Digidestined aren't here today?"

Koushiro: "Hi, Sora. I thought you had tennis today?"

Sora: "I got released early…"

Tentomon: "It's good to have you here. Where's Piyomon?"

Sora: "At home, I didn't want to disturb her sleep, so I just came here alone."

Koushiro: "I see. Well, the new Digidestined just went to the Digital World to knock more dark towers down. Hikari and Takeru aren't here for… multiple reasons."

Sora: "They're on a date, aren't they."

Koushiro: "I- How did you know?"

Sora: "Eh, lucky guess. Anyways it's good you're willing to let them do this. They were much younger than us when we went to the Digital World. All of us matured much faster than normal. It's good that Takeru and Hikari can embrace normal lives, even if it's just for a day."

Koushiro: "Yeah… and plus after all the two of them just went through… they deserve some time to relax… plus this gives me more time to study their Digivices…"

Sora: "Yeah… so what happened the other day? You texted us saying like you couldn't see or something."

Koushiro: "Ah, I was studying Takeru and Hikari's Digivices when my computer detected a large energy spike from both of them. When I looked over, they began emitting a very very bright light. It was incredibly blinding."

Sora: "Ah I see, and then you texted us about it… speaking of, how did you text us if you couldn't see?"

Koushiro: "I know my keyboard like the back of my hand."

Sora: "You need to get out more. But on the topic, what have you learned about their Digivices?"

Koushiro: "Maybe when we finish handling the Kaiser. For their Digivices it's a bit odd. I found that the new Digivices don't transfer as much energy from its user to their Digimon. It might not be possible for them to reach the Ultimate level because of this. Hikari and Takeru's Digivices are very odd. Currently they are able to transfer energy but not as much as our old ones can."

Sora: "Right. I remember you mentioning something about us giving our partners power. You found that out with Wisemon after the whole Negamon thing, right? And you took Miyako's Digivice a few weeks ago to study the energy or something?"

Koushiro: "Yes to both, but oddly Hikari and Takeru's Digivices were also around the same after changing into the new Digivices. After they got cracked though, you would think they would get weaker, but it's the opposite. It's getting stronger. Which is why they are in between the old and new Digivices right now."

Sora: "I see. Is that why they are able to evolve through the dark towers?"

Koushiro: "No, the dark towers, to my knowledge, only block this energy flow between partners. That's why Armor Evolution still works, it uses the Digimentals as a power source for the Digimon. As for why Takeru and Hikari can bypass the energy flow problem, I'm not too sure but it could be due to Patamon and Tailmon being the Holy Digimon. Or it could also be due to Devimon and SkullKnightmon, considering that Dark-Evolution is still possible."

Sora: "I see, so if we will have to rely on Takeru and Hikari."

Koushiro: "Only as a last resort. When they evolve Patamon and Tailmon, it makes them really tired and I'm not sure of any other side effects. I'd rather we don't try to find out. Anyways enough about this, I assume you are here because of Taichi?"

Sora: "Hmm? What about him?"

Koushiro: "You said you got released early from tennis, and I can only think of one reason why you would leave tennis early."

Sora walked over to Koushiro and ruffled his hair like a mother to a child.

Sora: "You. Are too perceptive for your age."

Koushiro: "Crest of Knowledge, remember?"

Sora: "sigh yeah, it's because of Taichi. I just felt angry today. It was very unlike me. I may have even damaged the metal fence around the court."

Koushiro: "Don't worry about it. We got Agumon back. It's just a matter of time before we save Taichi as well."

Sora: "Thanks, Koushiro… hey you know what's funny?"

Koushiro: "What?"

Sora: "My coach thought he was my boyfriend."

Koushiro nearly fell out of his chair.

Koushiro: "What on earth?! How did she even come close to that conclusion?!"

Sora: "She said we spend a lot of time together. Honestly, I can't blame her. All of us spend a lot of time together. They just don't know what we are spending our time on… well and also how close all of us are."

Koushiro: "Fair point."

Sora: "So, where are Takeru and Hikari going anyways?"

Koushiro: "Beats me. Hikari texted me and it just simply said 'Takeru is taking me on a date today. We won't be coming but do text if the new Digidestined need our help.' I'm just going to assume they are going to hang out like normal. Those were basically dates anyways with how close they were in the Digital World and recently."

Sora: "Well, I just hope they can embrace a somewhat normal life more. I don't want them to get too stressed over the Digital World."

Koushiro: "Yeah…"

Takaishi Apartment

Takeru was currently looking through his closet. Patamon was on his head.

Patamon: "I still don't get why this is so difficult for you."

Takeru: "It's a special day and I have to be dressed well for it."

Patamon: "Then wear the same clothes from 4 years ago! That time was special, right?"

Takeru: "That's not the same kind of special and the clothes don't fit me anymore… but… I do have similar clothes… hmm the hat probably still fits…"

Patamon: "Then it's settled! Yay!"

Takeru grinned at Patamon's somewhat childish manners as he pulled out his clothes and hat which was still in good condition.

Yagami Apartment

Hikari was currently in her room with Tailmon. Agumon was currently sleeping on the living room floor, likely due to eating too much. Hikari was looking through her wardrobe in deep thought.

Tailmon: "What's the big deal? It's just clothes."

Hikari: "This is a special day and I want to make sure I'm dressed well…"

Tailmon: "It's Takeru, he wouldn't care what you wear, he just cares that you're there."

Hikari: "But it's special…"

Tailmon: "The Digital World was special too 4 years ago, why not wear those clothes?"

Hikari: "That's different! Although… I do have a similar yellow shirt that fits me…"

Tailmon: "Then go for it. I still don't get why you humans are so fixated on things like clothes and love."

Hikari: "You guys are just lucky that you don't have to deal with these problems."

Tailmon: "Exactly. It's so much simpler being a Digimon compared to being a human."

Tailmon grinned triumphantly at Hikari, as Hikari just gave her a quick glare before going back to her wardrobe to find her clothes.

Hikari and Tailmon left the room and entered the living room, they saw Hikari's mom in the kitchen cleaning the dishes. Just then, they heard the doorbell ring.

Hikari: "I'll get it, mom."

Hikari walked over to the door and opened it to see Takeru and Patamon. Patamon immediately left Takeru's head and went to sit on the couch with Tailmon. Takeru and Hikari stared at each other for a moment before bursting into laughter.

Takeru: "Was it Tailmon?"

Hikari: "Yep, looks like our partners are pretty in sync like us."

Takeru and Hikari both laughed again. When they were done, Takeru extended his hand out to Hikari.

Takeru: "So, you ready to go?"

Hikari: "Yep."

Just then Hikari's mom popped her head out of the kitchen.

Mrs Yagami: "Have fun you two."

Hikari: "We will, mom."

Takeru: "Patamon, Tailmon, you two sure you don't wanna come?"

Patamon: "No thanks."

Tailmon: "Enjoy your date without us."

Takeru: "Alright."

Hikari: "Make sure you don't give mom a hard time."

Mrs Yagami: "Don't worry about me, your partners are all so cute and friendly. I'm sure we will be just fine."

In the Digital World

Daisuke: "Jeez! It's so hot here. Why did the Kaiser have to pick such a hot desert for his spires…"

Iori: "Maybe we can ask Koushiro about it."

Daisuke: "Bah, Koushiro this, Koushiro that, you need to stop relying on them so much."

Iori: "But wouldn't Koushiro know more about the Kaiser than us?"

Daisuke: "Come on! We need to prove to them that we are better than this. So many threats and we have been powerless to stop them. We always have to rely on the older Digidestined."

Miyako: "What do you mean? We have been doing fine with Hikari and Takeru."

Daisuke: "That's just the problem! All the time, we are just relying on them to win our battles! When was the last time we did something?

Miyako: "Now that you mention it…"

Daisuke: "Takeru saved Hikari without us, and before that, Takeru handled that red Digimon that evolved from Metalgreymon."

Miyako: "Then there was also SkullGreymon… and the tree…"

Iori: "We also couldn't even stop them or Yamato from killing the Digimon… and their Armors are also stronger than ours…"

Miyako: "The last time we did something…"

Daisuke: "Was when we first got our Armors!"

Veemon: "Sorry, Daisuke…"

Daisuke: "No no, Veemon I didn't mean it like that. It's just… there must be something we can do differently…"

Iori: "But… they won't think any less of us…"

Miyako: "Yeah… but we can't rely on them all the time…"

Voice: "Meteor Squall!"

The new Digidestined couldn't react to the sudden attack, and they were all knocked out.

Koushiro's office

Koushiro: "So… that's how they think?"

Sora: "We shouldn't have heard that conversation…"

Koushiro: "It's my fault… I didn't tell Daisuke how to operate the earpieces correctly…"

Tentomon: "Then, that means…"

Koushiro: "Yeah, they didn't know that it was on open communication… they don't know we heard that…"

Sora: "If it's any better… only the two of us heard them since no one else is connected."

Tentomon: "Takeru and Hikari at least deserve the right to know this."

Koushiro: "Right… but I didn't think these three would think of themselves like that…"

The new Digidestined woke up in a dark jail cell. They looked around and were glad to see they were at least still together. Daisuke still had his earpiece on, and they all had their Digivices.

Voice: "So, you are all finally awake."

The Digidestined turned to the front of the cell where they saw a star like Digimon sitting down on a chair. The Digimon was wearing an old hat.

Daisuke: "Who are you?"

Starmon: "Just a sheriff for this town, I'm Starmon, a defender of justice."

Veemon: "Why would a defender of justice lock us up?"

Miyako: "We didn't do anything bad, did we?"

Starmon sighed and lifted his hat up, revealing a dark ring.

Iori: "So he is one of the Kaiser's…"

Starmon: "Right and wrong…"

Armadimon: "But the dark ring shows to us that you are under the Kaiser's control."

Starmon: "The dark rings… are flawed. Ugh, while they control Digimon, it is possible to fight it... if you're strong enough…"

Daisuke: "Then…"

Starmon: "It's hard to control my actions… but I have enough control to ensure I do not carry out the Kaiser's latest orders…"

Hawkmon: "And what would that be?"

Starmon: "To kill the Digidestined on sight."

The atmosphere turned tense, with none of the Digidestined or their partners wanting to move.

Starmon: "I… won't kill you… if that's what you're afraid of… I just… ugh… want this pain to end…"

Iori: "You're in pain?"

Starmon: "Fighting his control… causes a lot of pain… I can barely control myself anymore… I can only hold myself back from executing you… Please… I beg of you… find a way to end this…"

Just then a gunshot was heard and Starmon fell over. The Digidestined were surprised and looked towards the source of the sound. They saw a Digimon that had a gun on his chest and two guns in his hands. The Digimon pulled his hat off and walked over to Starmon.

Revolmon: "I'm sorry, Starmon. I will find a way to get you back. I promise."

Daisuke: "Who are you!?"

Revolmon: "I'm Revolmon, a defender of justice. I left this town for a while, leaving Starmon in charge."

Revolmon fists tightened on his guns.

Revolmon: "I'll make that Kaiser pay for what he has done to my friend."

Iori: "But you shot him…"

Revolmon: "It didn't kill. He is just knocked out. You guys must be the Digidestined from the legends, no? Odd, Leomon's stories told of eight."

Miyako: "We are part of the new Digidestined and we are trying to get rid of the Kaiser."

Revolmon: "I see. In that case, do you know of any way to help Starmon?"

Daisuke: "Yep."

Revolmon pointed his gun towards the cell and shot it open. The Digidestined jumped back in shock, as the door swung open.

Revolmon: "Then you may proceed."

Iori: "Let's bring him out. One of us can break the ring while the rest search for a dark tower."

The Digidestined brought Starmon out and set him on the ground.

Iori: "Let's do this, Armadimon. Digimental Up!"

Daisuke: "Miyako, Let's go search for the dark tower. Digimental Up!"

Miyako: "Got it. Digimental Up!"

"Armadimon, Armor-Evolution! Digmon! Steel Knowledge!"

"Veemon, Armor-Evolution! Lighdramon! Storm of Friendship!"

"Hawkmon, Armor-Evolution! Holsmon! Wings of Love!"

Digmon: "Gold Rush!"

Digimon's drills hit the dark ring on Starmon causing it to shatter. Starmon woke up shortly after.

Starmon: "What happened?"

Revolmon: "It's good to see you again, Starmon."

Starmon: "Revolmon!? But I thought…"

Revolmon: "I had to come back sometime. Do you know where the Kaiser put up the dark tower? It would be good if we could get rid of it."

Starmon: "It is covered by the wood over there. The Kaiser made me build around it to hide it."

Revolmon: "Then, let's get this over with. Justice Bullet!"

Starmon: "Meteor Squall!"

Digmon: "Gold Rush!"

The attacks hit the wood surrounding the structure causing it to fall. Lighdramon and Holsmon rounded back with their partners after seeing the attacks.

Daisuke: "So it was there? Let's get this Lighdramon!"

Lighdramon: "Lightning Blade!"

Holsmon: "Tempest Wing!"

The attacks hit the dark tower causing it to crumble and fall.

Starmon: "Thank you Digidestined for helping us."

Revolmon: "Indeed."

Iori: "But we didn't really do much…"

Starmon: "That doesn't matter. You helped and that's what counts. Don't think of what the others have done in your adventures. Think of what you can do better. All that matters is you help them to the best of your abilities. You don't always have to play the hero."

Revolmon: "Good to know you haven't lost your knack for encouragement since I left the town, Starmon."

Miyako: "Thanks, Revolmon, Starmon."

Koushiro's office

The Digidestined were currently on Koushiro's couch and were explaining what had happened.

Koushiro: "By the way, the earpiece turned off after a while when you guys were in the Digital World. If something happens to you, please try to make sure your earpiece still works. Just tapping it will turn it back on if it still works."

Daisuke: "Alright. That was a long day, can we go home now?"

Koushiro: "Go ahead."

Sora: "Just remember to rest well."

With that, the new Digidestined left Koushiro's office and went back home. However, as they passed by the school, they saw a peculiar sight. They saw two figures sitting on a bench, the male figure had his arm wrapped around the female figure and was resting it on her shoulder, while the female figure had her head resting on the male's shoulder. One of the figures had brown hair and looked oddly similar to Hikari, while the other figure was wearing a green hat so it was hard to tell who he was.

Miyako: "Is that…"

Iori: "Hikari? And who is she with?"

Daisuke: "Hikari!"

The two figures turned around and saw the Digidestined. They waved to them and got up from the bench to greet them. The newer Digidestined were clearly a little shocked as they had rarely seen one another in different clothes.

Takeru: "Hey guys, how was destroying the dark towers today?"

Hikari: "Hope it wasn't too bad without us helping."

Daisuke: "What are you two doing here?"

Takeru: "Us? We were just relaxing and enjoying the sunset."

Miyako: "Soo… kind of like a…"

Hikari: "We were hanging out. Couldn't do that much here in our world since Takeru came back when a crisis in the Digital World was happening."

Takeru: "Yeah. This was normal for us in the Digital World, but it was nice being able to do this in our world as well."

Daisuke: "So, you two really weren't on a date?"

Hikari: "We are best friends."

Takeru: "Yep. Anyways, I should get you home now."

Takeru and Hikari bid goodbye to the new Digidestined and walked off in the direction of Hikari's apartment.

Miyako: "They didn't answer the question..."

Daisuke: "No way they are dating..."

Iori: "You've matured a little, Daisuke."

Daisuke: "What is that supposed to mean?"

Miyako: "He's right actually. The Daisuke I knew when I met him would have went something like 'No way! Hikari can't be dating Takeru! She is my girl!' You have matured a little, Daisuke."

Daisuke: "Tch, don't tease me. It's just... nevermind..."

Miyako: "What's wrong?"

Daisuke: "Sigh I guess you could say... my eyes have been opened?"

Iori: "I'd rather not get involved in this, but care to elaborate?"

Daisuke: "It's just... you've seen how she is with him... When her brother disappeared I tried my best to cheer her up and nothing worked... for eight months I couldn't do anything for her. And then Takeru comes along and in one day... he makes more progress than me... and on top of that... she said she only saw me as a brother... heh if anything I would be happy to lose Hikari to him and not anyone else. But until he makes it official with her... I'll still be chasing for her."

Miyako and Iori looked to each other and went up to Daisuke and gave him smiles. Daisuke smiled back.

Daisuke: "Thanks for not judging, guys."

Miyako: "It's no problem, anyways we should get home now."

Iori: "Agreed, I don't want my mom scolding me for being out too late."

Takeru and Hikari stopped in front of her apartment door.

Takeru: "You think that was good?"

Hikari: "Yeah, technically we haven't lied to them."

Takeru: "Yeah."

Hikari giggled and brought herself closer to Takeru. Takeru got the message and did the same. Their lips met and it felt just as good as before. When they pulled apart, they gave each other a small smile and Hikari turned around to unlock the door. They entered the apartment and saw Tailmon walking up to them.

Hikari: "We're home!"

Tailmon: "Welcome back, Agumon has fallen asleep in Taichi's room."

Takeru: "Where's Patamon?"

Tailmon: "On the couch."

Patamon: "Hi Takeru! Did you have fun?"

Takeru went over to Patamon and hugged him, while Hikari pet Tailmon in the head.

Mrs Yagami: "Oh, welcome back Hikari. Did you two have fun?"

Hikari: "Yep, mom it was great."

Mrs Yagami: "Good to hear. Your partners were great too. So fun to be around. Hey, Takeru, how about you stay over for dinner?"

Takeru: "Are you sure, Mrs Yagami? I don't want to intrude…"

Mrs Yagami: "Nonsense, I've told you before that you are practically a part of this family already. And maybe you will be officially in a few years time..?"

Takeru and Hikari blushed.

Hikari: "Mom! We aren't thinking… that far into the future yet…"

Takeru: "Yeah… you never know what the future may hold…"

Mrs Yagami: "Alright, alright, I was just teasing. So, Takeru, will you stay?"

Takeru: "Sure, thanks for your hospitality, Mrs Yagami."

That's the end for this chapter. For the earpieces in the story, I see them functioning similar to Discord calls, where you can either have it as push to talk or just free speaking.
The issues with the new Digidestined will obviously be handled later, I'm just setting this up for later. :D