"My name is Gennai… I always knew this day would come. Long ago, the Digital World was discovered and since the world hasn't been the same. At first 8, now 12 Chosen Children helped the world bring on peace. Truth be told, for a while, I began to believe it… but I always knew… I always knew one day the worst case scenario would happen… And the world would be plunged into a war. Not a battle, but a…"

Digimon: War

Chapter 1: Declaration

Taichi Yagami. 21 years old. A Junior in college.

He leaned back against the couch by the campus lounge area as he saw a plane flying in the distance. The television beside a pillar sounded off as a news reporter said, "The Prime Minister of Japan has once again decided to not sign the Digimon Bill. This bill was made to allow Digimon to be treated as a citizen. The Prime Minister argues that Digimon deserve to be treated like they have autonomy, but it's more complicated than allowing them to simply be citizens."

Taichi said as he reached for his bag to pull out some headphones. Before he could, his phone began to vibrate as he saw it was from Yamato Ishida.

Taichi opened his flip phone, "hello, Taichi speaking."

"Yo," Yamato answered on the other end before a slight cough came afterwards.

Taichi snickered, "hey man, aren't you in Germany right now? Isn't it like midnight or something there?"

Yamato could be heard chuckling a bit, "two A.M to be exact. No issue, I just woke up cause I had a cold all day yesterday and it messed up my sleep schedule."

"You sure you don't have a cold right now?" Taichi asked.

Yamato sighed, "no, just residual coughs." A small cough before Yamato spoke up, "actually, there is something I wanted to talk to you about…"

The voice got serious, Taichi picked up his bag and walked towards the exit. "What is it man?"

Yamato was silent for a moment, "Sora-san and I broke up." Taichi's eyes widened as his steps slowed. "And this is like… forever type of thing man."

Taichi looked down, "and you're telling me this… I mean… I mean…"

Yamato interrupted, "you're the easiest one to tell. I don't know if she told anyone, but I think she's going to wait a while." Yamato coughed a bit, clearly pulling the phone away, "it's complicated, but she mentioned having feelings that didn't align with the relationship. She also mentioned she was feeling conflicted. I think it's about you."

Taichi closed his eyes, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Don't say that man…"

Yamato interrupted once again, "Not going to be a hypocrite and say you shouldn't date her. This is more to give you a heads up before you begin feeling guilty."

Taichi walked once again, "this is different. She and I were together for a short while and we were young. You two…" He lost what he could say.

"We were young too," Yamato pointed out. "It wasn't meant to be, man. I just don't want you to think you're at fault. Just in case. You did the same for me when she and I began dating…"

"I get it," Taichi walked as he made his way to another building in the campus. "Hey, how about this. When you get back to Japan. We're going out for ramen and sake. On me…"

Yamato chuckled, "sure, I need to sleep now man… have a good… morning or whatever."

"Good night… or morning," Taichi chuckled before hearing Yamato hang up. Once he did, he took a deep breath. Slouching down a bit as he phone hung from his hand. He looked at it and instinctually went over to Sora's caller ID. He thought about calling her. He didn't know why, but he thought about it until he took a deep breath and decided not to.

He headed to his next class, though his mind would be wondering about Yamato and Sora the whole time.

…

Daisuke Motomiya, 18 years old. He graduated a few months ago. Instead of going to college, he decided to work as a noodle maker.

"Two orders of udon to go."

Daisuke was facing his boss, he simply raised his hand and said, "gotcha." He went over to a cabinet and took out uncooked noodles. As he prepped the Udon to be cooked, he glanced over at the small compact television to see the news about the Japanese Prime Minister declining the Bill to make Digimon citizens.

"V-mon isn't going to like this."

"What about you?"

Daisuke turned and saw Ken standing by the counter. "Oh…" Daisuke said before going to the udon and lowering the temperature. "Aren't you supposed to be in university?"

Ken shrugged, "Instructor let us out early. I was actually heading to Miyako's."

Daisuke looked around and said, "I thought you liked soba?" Dasiuke turned over and began to observe the udon cooking.

"I like all noodles. Miyako prefers udon." Ken answered and then asked, "so I was thinking of making a little party at my parent's house. I wanted to invite you… if you want to cook a noodle dinner?"

Daisuke chuckled and glanced over, "is that it? Chef? I don't come cheap."

Ken shook his head with a smile and rolled his eyes, "you're a guest. I know you like cooking for others too. Come on, it'll be fun."

Daisuke began to whisk the noodles around, but didn't answer.

Ken sighed, "Hikari-san is going to be there. Perfect time to ask her out on a date…?"

Daisuke took some spices and began to shake them into the pot. "Takeru-san is going to be there. And this isn't a race I can win anymore. They go to the same university anyways. Probably going out."

"Miyako-san hasn't said anything. You never know until you try."

Daisuke allowed the udon to cook as he turned and said, "I'm pretty sure I lost my shot when I was an annoying brat."

"You were young."

"Yeah and acted like a toddler…" Daisuke glanced over at the udon.

"You had confidence and a crush… I can certainly relate to being confident," Ken said with a warm smile.

Daisuke began to add a bit more spice to the udon. "I am not going because I expect it to be the moment I ask out Hikari-san. I am going because you're my friend. But please…" Daisuke swirled the noodles, "don't think I don't want to go to events because I didn't win the girl. What time is it?"

Ken shrugged, "it's going to start at six."

Daisuke sighed, "going to be late then. I don't get off until seven. But I'll make up for it by bringing everyone's favorite noodles. So enjoy the udon cause I'm bringing you soba."

Ken smiled wider and said, "you won't put too much spice to make Takeru-san sick?"

"Har Har," Daisuke said before getting some to-go containers and beginning to cook the vegetables. "Daisuke's Cook Rule Number 1. Food is personal. Never alter for personal interest."

Ken raised a brow, "How many cook rules do you have?"

Daisuke answered as he heard the vegetables sizzle, "one. For now." He then took the vegetables and noodles to place the meal into a proper to-go bowl. He wrapped it all together and places the chop stick inside the began.

"One order of two udon, ready." Daisuke smiled as he placed the order in front of Ken.

"Promise you'll be there. Okay?" Ken questioned.

"I'll be there," Daisuke replied.

Ken smiled, nodded and took the order, "see you tonight then."

Daisuke waved, "see you," he said happily. When Ken was out of sight, Daisuke leaned against the counter. His mind began to think that maybe Ken was right, he could ask out Hikari.

…

The only people that couldn't show up were Jyou and Yamato. Yamato because he was all the way in Germany and Jyou for his work in the hospital.

Everyone had shown up just on time except for Daisuke Motomiya who was still at his noodle job.

Ken's parents have made some food and then departed early enough to allow the Chosen Children to have fun on their own.

Ken decided to put on a movie on the television in case some people weren't in the mood to converse, although all the available Chosen Children were conversing amongst each other.

"Koushiro-kun, why are you on your laptop?" Mimi said with a frown looking directly at Koushiro who didn't pay attention.

"I am listening, I am just a good multitasker."

Mimi sighed, "we're at a time of peace. We have been like this for a while. What are you checking on?" Mimi went over and pulled on the laptop to see the screen.

"H-Hey, don't grab the screen with your fingers," Koushiro pulled away.

"Some things don't change, eh?" Miyako smiled nervously before turning over to Ken. "When is Daisuke-san getting here again?"

Ken looked at his watch, "he said he'll be at least an hour late…"

Hikari added, "I just hope he doesn't run too late…"

Takeru, who sat beside Hikari said, "he has a habit of being on time he said or being completely late. So we'll wait on the dot."

Ken chuckled, "he also said he'll bring us food so he's the most important guest."

Iori who was keeping his attention on the movie said, "Then he'll definitely make it on time. He cares more if his food is fresh for guests rather than making it on time to get his driver's license."

As these Chosen Children were conversing, by the dining table was Sora who had a cup of tea beside her as she took a sip from it. She glanced to see Taichi come over to the other side of the dining table. "We brought beer."

Sora smirked, "I'm not that type of drinker. Tea is fine with me."

Tai pulled up a chair and sat down, "not even a sociable one?"

Sora rested her head on her arm and said, "I feel like I'll be a heavy lightweight. And maybe drunk me isn't the best option to have right now. Everyone is peaceful."

Taichi took a sip of his beer, "they always have been." He wasn't directly looking at her, but his peripherals were paying attention to her. He couldn't help himself to watch her and as he turned his head to say something.

Mimi sprung by as she opened a can of beer, "hey, you two being all mature and silent back there!"

Taichi groaned playfully, internally thankful a bit, "Mimi, you're gonna make me make a mess."

Mimi signaled for a toast as Taichi obliged as their cans lightly hit each other. "Beer was brought and a mess shall be made. Right, everyone!?" Although not everyone, most of the Chosen Children by the sofa cheered, making Mimi giggle.

"Now, seriously, why are you two and Jyou-san and Yamato-san always the ones back there?" Mimi asked as Sora noticeably looked down when Yamato's name was mentioned. "Koushiro-san is looking at a screen, but he gets close."

Taichi took a quick sip, "well, I mean there's only so much partying we can have. If I joined in, we may have become reckless when we were kids."

Mimi hummed a bit and said, "we can still be reckless as young adults," she said before getting up and drinking all of the can of beer she just opened. She began to almost prance her way back to the others.

Taichi sighed before looking at Sora, "peaceful, huh?"

Sora giggled, taking a sip of her tea, "come on, Mimi-san not being peaceful hardly counts…" she said jokingly.

"H-hey!" Koushiro said as Taichi and Sora turned over. They looked to see Mimi picking up his laptop and typing something as he reached and failed as he almost slipped. "Don't touch that!?"

Mimi continued to type as she waved the computer around, "Okay. Here. We. Go!" She pressed a key as the computer began to shine. And suddenly a blinding light surrounded Mimi causing a mild panic before Mimi was toppled by everyone's Digimon with her barely holding onto the laptop.

"We were napping…" Tailmon rubbed her head.

"Mimi!" Sora stood up in shock.

The Chosen Children's Digimon all began to get off of Mimi as she sat up with a snorted giggle. Koushiro came over and took his laptop and even said, "how did you know to do that?"

Mimi continued her giggle, "I watched you enough times to figure it out."

"Mimi!" Palmon jumped on Mimi with a hug.

"Oh Palmon, I'm sorry I took you a long time to bring you over!"

Palmon and Mimi gave exaggerated cries as they embraced. Tailmon went over beside Hikari's foot and Patamon flew to Takeru's shoulder. Patamon snuggled to Takeru's face immediately. Hawkmon, Wormmon, and Armadimon went to their respectful partners.

Biyomon flew to Sora and hugged her briefly.

"Taichi!" Agumon ran over as Taichi got on one knee to pat Digimon's head.

Gabumon didn't seem to be confused by Yamato's lack of presence.

Gomamon on the other hand, "where's Jyou-chan?" The small Digimon looked around.

Iori answered, "he is at work, he couldn't make it." Gomamon's head dropped in disappointment in response.

"Sorry," Koushiro replied with a saddened look.

His Digimon, Tentomon, walked over and said, "Koushiro-san, wasn't our appearance going to be a surprise."

"It was…" Koushiro closed his eyes and got an angry look.

"Oh, it was," Mimi said holding Palmon now, "s-sorry, I got excited to see you guys. I know you guys enjoy your homes in the Digital World, but I miss seeing you guys sometimes."

"You can come visit," Tailmon said leaning on Hikari's leg.

"But it's not the same…" Mimi said, embracing Palmon strongly. Even enough to make the plant Digimon begin to tap from the pressure.

V-mon, who was silent, walked over to Ken, "Daisuke-san won't make it?"

Ken looked at the time, "he'll be here in hopefully ten minutes."

V-mon nodded, "right."

Mimi then said loudly, "you know what! I don't get why signing the law for Digimon to live amongst us is so hard. They just have to take one look at Palmon and they'll sign it immediately."

Koushiro, who was now cleaning his computer, said, "they have to take one look at you and think more carefully." This got some chuckles from the group, but a glare from Mimi.

Before Mimi could rant at Koushiro, a knock was heard from the door. Everyone looked over as Ken got up and made his way to the door. He looked over at the peephole and smiled before unlocking the door.

He opened it to reveal Daisuke who came inside holding two large bags. "Hey, sorry I couldn't be here sooner." He said before holding up the two bags, "I bought noodles for everyone…" he stopped and looked at Digimon. "Oh… I expected to send one of these bags through the Digital World, but this works too."

"Awe, you made noodles for Digimon too."

"Come on," Daisuke said entering the apartment and making his way to the kitchen table. "I wouldn't forget about them." He said putting both bags on the table. He opened one and said, "Taichi, here is your Ramen with some spicy sauce. Sora, I got your udon with extra vegetables. Koushiro, plain soba. Mimi, Ramen with a bit of extra meat. Jyou, soba with the vegetables separated as I know he likes to add them when he feels like it…" Daisuke immediately noticed that Jyou wasn't around, "oh." He put the container down and continued.

"Hikari, ramen with slightly less vegetables and some sauces for you to mix. Takeru, I got your soba. Ken, I got your soba as promised. Miyako, I know you ate udon so I brought you soba also, with some sauces in case you like it a certain way. And finally, Iori, you're the only one who prefers somen."

Mimi wooed before saying, "look at you, knowing everyone's order."

Daisuke smirked before getting the other bag and saying, "for the Digimon, it's all ramen with the meat separated in case you don't want it on your noodles."

Tailmon crossed her arms, smirked, and said, "maybe we Digimon should be around more to get Daisuke to make personalized noodles for us."

"Can always call the place I work. After three orders, I begin to memorize," Daisuke said as he saw everyone begin to gather around the kitchen table to begin to eat. Daisuke then took Jyou's order and knelt to Gomamon, "here, you can also eat his. If you don't mind soba."

"Thank you!" Gomamon cheered up just a bit.

Daisuke nodded and smiled before seeing V-mon who got his share of ramen already. Smiled at Daisuke as they both gave each other a fist bump.

"You didn't bring anything to eat?" Hikari asked as she began to add some sauces to her ramen.

Daisuke shook his head, "I wasn't feeling hungry. But no worries, I can go get some chips if I begin to get hungry."

Miyako, with a mouthful of noodles, said, "That reminds me. Maybe I should give you discounts."

Daisuke chuckled, "a couple years too late when I asked, but no problem."

Hikari then got up, "oh, I mean I think this is a perfect time with everyone eating and as many people here as can be…" Everyone turned their attention to her. "We have all been friends for a long time and sometimes you guys are like family to me."

Hikari looked at everyone, "so I wanted to… I wanted to tell you all that Takeru-san and I are dating."

Different reactions from everyone. Mostly of a happy surprise and audible gasps.

Hikari began to blush, "it's not something I would want to announce, but with you all I feel it's appropriate."

"No! Feel the need to announce!" Mimi said as she got up and hugged Hikari, "congratulations."

And quickly the congratulations were echoing through most of the group. Hikari and Takeru holding hands through it all, both nervous and overall happy.

Ken turned over to Daisuke.

Daisuke looked at the two before getting a knowing smile out and nodding.

Ken looked over at Hikari and Takeru who were now being surrounded by the other Chosen Children. Once Miyako went over to properly congratulate the two, Ken got up and turned to Daisuke only to see him walk to the patio with V-mon. Ken still followed.

"Everything okay, Daisuke-san?"

"Yeah, I just needed some fresh air. Always surrounded by hot noodles… ya know," he said leaning on the fence on the apartment patio.

"I didn't know…" Ken spoke up as Daisuke glanced over.

"Hey, I'm alright. I knew they would have been going out."

Ken rubbed his arm, "but you probably wanted to ask her–."

Daisuke interjected, "I promise I only showed up because this was a party you wanted. She likes Takeru-san, that's fine with me. Promise."

Ken looked down and sighed. He looked up and noticed Daisuke looking at someone behind him. He turned to see Hikari there, waving nervously.

"H-Hey," Hikari said softly, "c-can I speak to Daisuke-san?"

Ken glanced over at Daisuke who shrugged. Ken nodded at Hikari and looked at V-mon, "hey, V-mon, I got this very spicy sauce if you want to put it on your ramen?"

"Sure!" V-mon said with an excited smile, passing Daisuke and Hikari before following Ken.

Daisuke stood silent as Hikari closed the patio door slowly. "Hey, how are you doing?"

"Good," Daisuke answered.

Hikari rubbed her arms and looked to the side, "not… feeling mad or anything."

Daisuke looked over at Hikari, "come on Hikari, why would I feel that way?"

Hikari shrugged with a saddened look, "you walked away…"

The wind blew, Daisuke replied, "I needed fresh air. Come on, I did the same thing at graduation…"

Hikari frowned, "y-you swear you're not mad. You're not depressed about Takeru and I dating?" She asked, looking down.

Daisuke stared for a moment, "not at all. Congrats though…"

Hikari still looked down before looking up at Daisuke. Both looked each other in the eye before she nodded in acceptance, still frowning. She turned around to enter back in the apartment.

This is the part where I reach for her hand. This is the part where I confess to her. And she reconsiders and realizes she made a wrong choice in romance partners. Takeru agrees too. This… is how this would play out in an underdog romantic movie. This just isn't that…

Daisuke took a deep breath and stood on the patio, looking at his feet for a moment.

Takeru is supposed to come through the door, angry I made Hikari cry. We get into a fight that splits the group. Hikari tries to hold the peace and instead she has to choose between the affection she feels for one and the way the other makes her feel… but this isn't that story either…

Daisuke looked up and inside the apartment Hikari was smiling with Takeru beside her.

It wasn't meant to be.

Daisuke took a deep breath and got a slight, albeit fake, smile. He entered the apartment.

At the same time, the Chosen Children were eating their noodles and congratulating Hikari and Takeru.

Mimi said, "you know what sounds cute. A brother double date. Takeru and Hikari. Yamato and Sora."

When she said this, Sora's eyes widened and Taichi winced a bit. Sora was the only one who took note of Taichi's reaction, turning to him. Both looked at each other as Sora said, "you know…"

But she was interrupted.

"My, My…"

A cold voice spoke up. Not one from the Chosen Children or their Digimon. They all turned towards the apartment entrance to see a stranger standing there.

He looked human, but he had on a robe with unrecognizable symbols and shapes all over. He was pale and had spiky black hair. His age said young adult, but something wasn't right about him.

"How did you get inside?" Ken asked.

The stranger grinned, sinisterly, immediately making everyone defensive. "Now, Now…" he said, putting his hands up. "It's not every day you get to meet the ones who defeated the Dark Masters."

"The Dark Masters?" Miyako asked.

Taichi glared, "W-what about it? We beat them a long time ago."

The stranger nodded, "yes and that defeat sent a ripple effect."

"What are you talking about? The Dark Masters were created by Apokarimon! It was his influence and when we defeated him, it ended," Koushiro explained.

The stranger smirked, "remember how they altered the Digital World… it wasn't just the Digital World. Their influence created something… created…" the strangers eyes glowed blue. "Us."

"Us?"

"Yes. I am part of a group called DEVIL."

"DEVIL?" Koushiro asked.

"Yes, but not to worry. You will soon find out who we are."

Taichi clenched his fist, "what are you talking about?"

"Enjoy the peace you had with the Chosen Children. For this is the Declaration of War."

The Chosen Children and Digimon all looked on in shock.

The stranger said, "in the coming days… we won't just attack the Digital World, but the human one too. Do your best to stop us…" the stranger began to fade away as he grinned, "bring on your strongest. We will topple it… and we will make you all suffer." And he was gone leaving a stunned silence.

This was only the beginning.

Author's Note: For those of you that may or may not be keeping up with Starless/Starful series, that will still continue. This story is more because I want to try action stuff. It's an idea I had for quite a while.