Chapter 17: Our Memorial Day

Yagami Apartment

Hikari was sleeping peacefully with Tailmon in her arms. Tailmon had taken off her gloves to prevent injury to Hikari. After all, she didn't have anything to hide behind those gloves. Tailmon was awake and glanced at Hikari to make sure she wasn't awake. Tailmon began to think back to when she had first met Hikari. The innocent young girl full of Light. The young girl she had to protect. That's what Hikari was to her. Now, they protect each other, with Hikari giving Tailmon the strength to handle adversity. As Tailmon was deep in thought, Hikari stirred and decided to pet Tailmon.

Hikari: "Morning."

Tailmon: "Good Morning, Hikari. Sleep well?"

Hikari: "Yeah…"

Tailmon looked at her solemnly, as Hikari got up and rubbed her eyes. She looked over to her desk and smiled as she saw the little gift box she had wrapped. Just then, the door opened, and Mrs Yagami entered the room with some clothes.

Mrs Yagami: "Good morning, Hikari."

Hikari gave her mom a smile.

Hikari: "Good morning, Mom."

Mrs Yagami nodded and went to put the clothes in Hikari's wardrobe.

Hikari: "Mom?"

Mrs Yagami: "Yes, Hikari?"

Hikari: "You know what today is… right?"

Mrs Yagami: "It's the anniversary for when all of you saved the world."

Hikari: "You know I don't mean that."

Mrs Yagami remained quiet as she continued to put clothes into the wardrobe.

Hikari: "We will get Onii-Chan back, mom. I assure you."

Mrs Yagami: "Just… be careful… please… I couldn't bear it if…"

Hikari hugged her mom from behind.

Hikari: "Don't worry mom, I'll be safe. After all, Tailmon and Takeru will always be there to protect me."

Tailmon: "Yeah, I swear that I won't let Hikari get hurt."

Mrs Yagami: "Thank you, Tailmon. But you must be careful as well. You and Agumon are part of this family too."

Takaishi Apartment

Takeru woke up and turned to his left seeing Patamon sleeping peacefully, with his ears covering his eyes. He turned himself over and put his head in his hands with a smile. He poked Patamon softly as he reminisced about their time in the Digital World. He remembered of the time where he had promised Patamon that he would be by Patamon's side. Soon after that promise, Patamon was able to evolve to Pegasmon.

Patamon began to stir and started to laugh.

Patamon: "Takeru! Don't poke me! It's ticklish!"

Takeru smiled and sat up. He looked over to his desk where he saw a small gift box he had wrapped. He smiled and turned to face Patamon.

Patamon: "That's your present for Hikari, right?"

Takeru: "Yeah, thank goodness Mimi could help me with it."

Patamon: "Yep!"

Takeru: "You know, it feels like just yesterday since we first fought the Kaiser. Yet, it's already been four months."

Patamon: "Yeah, and it's been a month since you and Hikari confessed to each other."

Takeru chuckled and placed his hand on Patamon's head.

Takeru: "Yeah… it was so scary, I thought I had lost her when Tailmon came running into Koushiro's office."

Patamon: "It was a good thing you took that leap of Faith of the cliff."

Takeru: "Yeah, thanks, Patamon. You were amazing when you were Seraphimon. I just wish we could figure out how we are doing it."

Patamon: "Well, it doesn't matter. All we know is you're doing the same thing as you always have, giving me the strength to get stronger and protect everyone."

Takeru smiled and went off his bed to get dressed for the Memorial. Soon, his mom came in and looked slightly surprised.

Ms Takaishi: "Takeru, what are you doing up so early?"

Takeru: "It's our Memorial Day, Mom."

Ms Takaishi: "Oh, right. Sorry I've just been so swamped with work. It's hard to keep track of time. I was just going to come in and check on you before I left."

Takeru: "What's the news?"

Ms Takaishi: "Nothing much, I'm just still trying to cover up for you and Hikari. It's been getting a lot of attention because people had videos of the Angels flying overhead."

Takeru: "Sorry about that Mom…"

Ms Takaishi: "Oh, don't you worry about me. You did what you needed to do to save Hikari."

Takeru: "Thanks, Mom."

Ms Takaishi: "Well, you better get ready. Oh, and say hi to Yamato for me."

Takeru smiled cheekily.

Takeru: "Just Onii-Chan? No one else? Oh, they will be so hurt, Mom!"

Takeru's Mom glared at him for a second before leaving the room with a smile. She had gotten used to Takeru's jokes by now.

Koushiro's office

Koushiro's office was a little cramped, considering it was currently occupied by nine Humans and ten Digimon, but they were about to go to the Digital World, so space wouldn't be an issue soon.

Koushiro: "Alright, final check, does everyone have everything they need?"

Sora: "I have the flowers and some food."

Joe: "Medical Supplies are good to go."

Koushiro: "I meant more of personal items, but still good to know."

After a short silence, Koushiro spoke up again.

Koushiro: "Alright, then let's get going. First stop, Petaldramon's forest."

The group went into the gate Koushiro had opened, and they ended up at Petaldramon's forest, where Mimi and Palmon were waiting for them with Komondomon.

Mimi: "Hi guys!"

Yamato: "Morning."

Mimi: "Morning? It's already nighttime for me."

Koushiro: "It's a shame that the time difference is so great, it makes it harder for us to meet."

Mimi: "It's fine, Koushiro."

The group went forward into Petaldramon's forest, until they were in front of a field of pink flowers, with a large figure in front of them. Hikari took the flowers from Sora and placed them down into the field.

Hikari: "Petaldramon, thank you for protecting all the Digimon here. We will never forget you."

Just then, the blooming pink flowers started to become fruit. The first group of Digidestined smiled at the sight.

Hikari: "Four years, and you're still taking care of us. Thank you so much, Petaldramon."

The new Digidestined were amazed by the sight of the many blooming flowers.

Miyako: "So pretty…"

Iori: "They must have meant a lot for this Digimon…"

After the group gathered a few of the fruit that Petaldramon produced, they left for their next destination, which was the tree. Upon nearing the tree, they saw Wisemon outside it.

Wisemon: "Welcome, Digidestined. I hope the journey here was smooth."

Koushiro: "Thanks, Wisemon. It was smooth."

Daisuke: "So why exactly are we here… again."

Yamato: "This was where we had all gathered for our final battle."

Koushiro: "If anything, you could have called it a base of operations. There is an abundance of data here that can be studied."

Wisemon: "On the topic, I have new information regarding the evolutions of the Holy Digimon."

Koushiro: "Oh? You managed to find something on it?"

Wisemon: "Yes, a young, robed human came to me and told me about it. He appeared outside of the tree yesterday and wished to talk to me. He told me that he could be trusted and was not on the side of the Kaiser."

Daisuke: "And you believed him, just like that?"

Wisemon: "Komondomon and Searchmon were very friendly to him, and he seemed to harbor no ill-intent."

Koushiro: "Well, what did he say?"

Wisemon: "We do not know much about the Crests that you have. This man seemed to have vast knowledge on it. As we know, the crests of Hope and Light are special crests, however we do not know why exactly. The man also did not give information on why they were special. He did, however, say that the Child of Hope and Light have far surpassed 'their' expectations. He did not specify who 'they' was. We know little of this man."

Wisemon stopped briefly to allow Koushiro to rapidly type the information.

Koushiro: "Go on."

Wisemon: "He said 'We were not expecting the Child of Hope and Light to have achieved such unity yet. This is far more advanced than what they should be able to do... The two of them managed to combine the powers of their crest together, producing the crest of Faith, which puts a name to the crest the Child of Knowledge has found from his research.' I am unsure whether the information that this man has given is reliable or not. However, it is the biggest lead we have."

Koushiro: "Did he say anything on how to activate it?"

Wisemon: "Certainly. 'The Children of Hope and Light must be in unity with each other. However, they must be careful. They achieved this power far before they were supposed to. It will be exhausting for them to use this power with the Digivices they are using. They will be more exhausted if they use the power to evolve their partners to a higher level.' He also told me to thank you for the Phone Digivices, Koushiro."

Koushiro: "He knew about all my findings on Takeru and Hikari's Digivices and even my own Phone Digivices? Who is this guy…"

Wisemon: "He told me his name was Gennai. Does that ring any bells?"

Koushiro: "No… I've never heard of someone by that name before. It could be possible that he is a Digital entity… It would make sense considering he managed to access my information on the Digivices without even leaving a trace…"

Takeru: "So, he said it would cause great exhaustion, with the Digivices we were using… does that mean that we are supposed to have our old Digivices? Or maybe a new one that's even more powerful?"

Hikari: "It's very odd that this Gennai knows so much about us."

Koushiro: "Whatever the case, it seems you two have unlocked this power prematurely. I guess for now, we will only be using it as a last resort. At least we sort of know what it is now, the crest of Faith, kind of fitting if you ask me."

Sora: "Well, is there any more information, Wisemon?"

Wisemon: "No, although do be prepared to meet this Gennai. He said he would see you Digidestined in the foreseeable future."

Koushiro: "I see, then I guess we can relax for now. Alright guys, go ahead and do whatever you want for a bit."

Mimi: "Alright, then we can continue telling our Adventure."

Yamato: "Sounds good to me, unless anyone else has any ideas?"

Takeru: "You guys start without me, I'm going to do something. I'll be back soon."

Takeru then turned around and Patamon evolved to Pegasmon. Takeru mounted Pegasmon and they headed for one of the branches on the tree. Hikari looked worried and decided to follow after giving Takeru a few minutes.

Takeru and Pegasmon landed on the branch and Pegasmon reverted to Patamon. Takeru had a serious look on his face as he turned to look at Patamon.

Takeru: "Devimon… are you there?"

Patamon's eyes turned blood red, as a devilish grin appeared on his face.

Devimon: "I'm here."

Takeru: "Ok, that's creepy… seeing your red eyes on Patamon. But whatever, what do you think about this Gennai person?"

Devimon: "I'm not sure. I will have to meet him to properly determine if he has malicious intentions or not."

Takeru: "I see."

Patamon's eyes turned back to normal as Takeru saw Nefertimon fly up towards him. Nefertimon landed and Hikari went to sit beside Takeru. Nefertimon reverted to Tailmon and landed softly in Hikari's arms.

Hikari: "Hi, what's up?"

Takeru: "Hello, I was just asking Devimon what he thinks of this Gennai."

Hikari: "I see."

Takeru: "He doesn't know what to think of Gennai. He says he must meet him before giving me a proper judgement."

Hikari: "Well, I get the feeling that we will see him soon enough."

Takeru: "So, what brings you here? I thought you would be telling stories with the rest."

Hikari: "I wanted to make sure you were ok. Also, I had something for you. We have been together for a month, after all."

Takeru: "Well, I got you something as well."

Takeru and Hikari pulled small gift boxes out of their bags. They exchanged their gift boxes with smiles and opened them at the same time. They smiled at each other again and proceeded to put on their gifts. Hikari wrapped the pink cloth into a scarf around her neck, and Takeru put the white bucket hat on his head. The hat looked similar to the hat Takeru had given to Hikari during their incident at the tree, however it had the crest of Hope on the front, while the scarf looked like the pink scarf Hikari wore in their first adventure. The scarf had the crest of Light on it. Hikari had wrapped it so that the crest of light was displayed prominently on the front.

They both smiled and moved closer to each other and shared a passionate kiss. Takeru had his arms wrapped around Hikari's waist, while Hikari had her arms around Takeru's head, both were pulling each other closer, relishing in the contact they had with each other.

Just then, they heard some thumping noises. They broke apart and looked down to see Garurumon running up the tree. Garurumon reverted in mid-air and Yamato and Gabumon landed on the tree branch smoothly.

Takeru: "Show-off."

Yamato: "Hello to you too. I've brought something you two might like."

Yamato held out two thumb drives, one yellow and the other pink.

Hikari: "What's this?"

Yamato: "Just a little recording for two songs. I do need two very special people to handle the vocals for me though."

Takeru and Hikari's eyes widened in realisation. Yamato smirked in response.

Takeru: "Thanks, Onii-Chan."

Hikari: "How did you finish both of these so fast..?"

Yamato: "One month for the two songs wasn't that bad, considering I had a lot of motivation to finish these."

Yamato then embraced Takeru and Hikari in a hug. After the hug, Yamato took a step back and stared at them for a moment.

Yamato: "Those look good on you two."

Patamon proceeded to sit on Takeru's new hat and his face looked contented.

Patamon: "Mmm… it's more comfortable than the last one…"

Hikari giggled at Patamon's statement.

Hikari: "Well, it's custom made, and Mimi helped out, so she probably got the best for me."

Takeru: "So, you asked Mimi to help you as well?"

Hikari: "Yep."

Takeru: "Well, she definitely went all out for our gifts. I wonder how much it cost her…"

Yamato: "Well, that's good. I'm happy you two are together. It's almost felt fated that you two have such a close bond."

Gabumon: "Yeah, both partners to the Holy Digimon. And also, the two with very special crests."

The group smiled at one another. The Digimon evolved and they started to descend from the tree branch on their respective Digimon.

When they got back to the group, Koushiro was currently telling the new Digidestined about the satellite sniping operation.

Koushiro: "After his evolution, BlitzGreymon and Taichi distracted the rest of the wild Digimon."

Takeru: "Hey guys."

Mimi: "Well, look at you two. You both look perfect with those."

Koushiro: "Those really do fit on you two."

Miyako: "Where did you two get those from..?"

Takeru: "America."

The new Digidestined looked confused.

Hikari: "They are custom designs, you won't find another one anywhere in the world."

Daisuke: "How much did they cost?"

Takeru: "Good question, but I honestly don't know."

Hikari: "Yeah, we got them for free."

The new Digidestined looked even more confused as the older Digidestined were trying to contain their laughter.

Mimi: "Alright alright, that's enough teasing you two. Their designs were done in America by a friend of mine. As for the pricing, that's my secret to keep."

Sora: "Whoever your friend is, they did a really good job on it."

Mimi: "Exactly!"

The old Digidestined continued to tell stories of their adventures.

Yamato: "And then, Taichi told us he would handle Mugendramon alone."

Hikari: "Yeah, he told the rest of us to go ahead."

Koushiro: "Oh, wait guys, we may have to cut the stories short here. Its going to be evening soon."

Mimi: "What!? How did I not feel sleepy at all during all this time… Oh god, my sleep schedule is going to be so messed up…"

Koushiro: "Sorry, I should've kept better track of time for you."

Mimi: "It's alright, Koushiro. I'll be fine, probably."

Joe: "Mimi does put up a good point though. We did sleep here in the Digital World, but we rarely felt like we were actually tired. Last time, it could have been because of the time difference thing, but now even when time is synced, we rarely feel tired."

Koushiro: "It could be another one of those things that our Digivices do but I'm not sure. Maybe I'll research it more when we defeat the Kaiser."

Iori: "Wait, if Takeru and Hikari can activate their crests to reach Seraphimon and Ophanimon, couldn't they just do that and easily beat the Kaiser?"

Takeru: "Well, first we would have to find where the Kaiser's base is."

Hikari: "If he even has a main one…"

Koushiro: "Although there is apparently not much danger to them using the power, it would be better to not rely on it unless necessary."

Yamato: "Yeah, I would rather not think of what could happen if they end up collapsing half-way through a battle."

Takeru: "Right, we might be able to handle Ultimate for a fight but…"

Hikari: "If we go Mega, we might not last long. When we did it in that ocean place… I collapsed after we used it for only a few seconds."

Koushiro: "You might be able to last longer in the Digital World, based roughly on your accounts, it might have been harder to use your crests in that dark ocean place. Pegasmon couldn't destroy the dark tower there, so it may have required more energy for you two to use the crests."

Takeru: "Sounds plausible, but we would have to try that."

Sora: "Well, I guess we can call our Memorial Day finished for today."

Koushiro: "Yeah, Hikari, Takeru do you two have anywhere you need to be?"

Takeru: "Not really."

Hikari: "Do you want to test our crests now?"

Koushiro: "If you two are free."

Takeru: "Sure, it's good for us to test it anyways."

Iori: "Will you guys need us there as well?"

Koushiro: "You can join us if you want, but if we go past a certain time, I will have to send you guys back first."

Daisuke: "Why can't we stay as long as you guys?"

Takeru: "Because, our parents know of our duties as a Digidestined. Also, Hikari and my parents won't be expecting us for dinner."

Miyako: "And why is that?"

Takeru immediately flushed red.

"I'm so stupid! I practically told them I was taking Hikari out to dinner!"

Hikari glanced at Takeru and immediately had a mischievous grin.

Hikari: "He just wanted to hang out at a restaurant near our homes. I don't know why he is getting so flushed though."

Takeru glared at Hikari as his face turned even more red.

Miyako: "Looks like Takeru sees it more than just a hang out~"

Takeru: "I-I don't know what you are talking about."

Hikari had both of her hands behind her back and put on her most innocent face and smiled.

Hikari: "Why are you so flustered, Takeru? It's not like you to get so flustered from teasing."

Takeru pulled his new hat down to cover his face a little as Koushiro cleared his throat.

Koushiro: "Anyways, let's move onto our main business here. I'll open a gate to an area with a dark tower, so that we are certain you two are using the power of your crests."

Koushiro opened a gate and the new Digidestined entered it, as Yamato, Sora, Mimi and Joe followed Wisemon, who had a random computer that Koushiro had set up in the past, so that all the Digidestined could leave at any time they wanted.

The new Digidestined were sitting on a fallen log as they watched Takeru and Hikari attempt to use their crests, but the result was always the same, with Takeru's Digivice glowing yellow and producing a white light around them and their Digimon, and Hikari's Digivice glowing pink and producing a pink shield around them.

After a while, Takeru and Hikari walked up to Koushiro and whispered something into his ears. Koushiro had a look of confusion before walking up to the new Digidestined.

Koushiro: "Sorry, I don't think we will be able to figure this out today. I'm going to send you guys back first and we will continue trying here."

Miyako: "That's alright."

Iori: "It is unfortunate that we won't be able to figure this out right now."

Daisuke: "Don't worry, they've been able to do it before."

Koushiro nodded at them and opened a gate for them to leave the Digital World. Koushiro then sighed and turned back to Takeru and Hikari.

Koushiro: "So, what exactly do you two have in mind?"

Takeru: "I think we would be able to use the crests for evolution if we are in danger."

Koushiro: "It could make sense… but we can't really test that theory."

Hikari: "It is possible we could do it in another way though…"

Koushiro: "Hmm?"

Hikari: "Maybe we need to think of it in an easier way? He said we need to have unity with each other. Maybe we need to have similar thoughts?"

Koushiro: "It's a good theory but… the previous times you two activated it, I don't think you two were thinking of the same thing. For SkullGreymon, yes, maybe you two were thinking along the lines of how you wanted to protect each other or the new Digidestined. But when you were in the dark ocean, I don't think you two had the same thoughts."

Takeru: "Hmm, during the dark ocean, the only thing on my mind was trying to protect Hikari."

Hikari: "Hmm, I was begging that you could save me from those… creatures…"

Koushiro: "Hmm, we aren't getting much out of this. I think the best conclusion I can get is that it would only be able to be used when you guys are in danger…"

Voice: "Do you require any assistance?"

The three Digidestined turned around quickly, with their Digimon taking defensive stances in front of them. They saw a robed man. He had a hood on, and his face couldn't be seen.

Tailmon: "Who are you? Do you work for the Kaiser?"

Robed man: "Me? You may not know me personally, Digidestined. But I know you. I don't work for the Kaiser."

Koushiro: "A robed human… are you Gennai?"

Robed man: "You are very perceptive, Child of Knowledge."

The robed man began to remove his hood.

Gennai: "Or, would you rather me use your name, Izumi 'Izzy' Koushiro?"

Gennai extended his hand to Koushiro offering a handshake.

Koushiro: "You have access to our communications?"

Gennai: "Maybe, ah, these two must be the Child of Hope and Light."

Gennai extended his hand towards Takeru. Takeru stared at the man before replying and shaking his hand.

Takeru: "Yes… pleasure to meet you Mr Gennai, I'm-"

Gennai: "Takaishi 'T.K' Takeru, previously Ishida."

Takeru's eyes widened in shock, and he instinctively took a step back, pulling his arm back in the process. Gennai smiled warmly and extended his hand out to offer Hikari a handshake.

Gennai: "And you, young lady must be Yagami 'Kari' Hikari."

Hikari cautiously shook his hand as she replied.

Hikari: "How do you know so much about us?"

Gennai: "That is a good question, however I cannot answer, not now."

Koushiro: "What are you here for..?"

Gennai: "To provide a little assistance."

Gennai then walked up to Takeru and Hikari and made them hold hands. Their Digivices were in their other hands. Gennai then placed his hands on their Digivices. Their Digivices cracked again and looked on the verge of breaking apart. There was a bright light as Takeru and Hikari nearly collapsed on each other. They held each other up and were breathing heavily. Both looked ready to collapse and could barely keep their eyes open.

Patamon and Tailmon immediately rushed to their side as Gennai took a few steps back with his hands now behind his back. Koushiro eyed Gennai cautiously.

Koushiro: "What did you do to them!?"

Gennai: "Relax, Koushiro they are fine."

Koushiro: "What. Did. You. Do."

Gennai: "Nothing much, I just made it so they can access their power at will instead of only when they are in danger."

Takeru: "We're… fine… Koushiro…"

Hikari: "So… tired…"

Tentomon: "Their Digivices…"

Koushiro looked at the Digivices and saw their current state.

Koushiro: "What on earth…"

Gennai: "Not to worry, the Digivices can survive cracking at least one more time."

Koushiro: "What happens when they shatter?"

Gennai: "That, is something you will find out in due time."

Gennai turned towards Takeru and Hikari.

Gennai: "Focus on each other, it will be easier to activate the crest of Faith. Also, do try to avoid using the power of the crests for an extended period of time, at the level of your current Digivices, the consequences will be... less than ideal... I can assure that much. Farewell, Digidestined. I will see all of you soon."

With that, Gennai opened a portal and disappeared through it. Koushiro pointed his tablet towards it.

Koushiro: "Untraceable… Who is this Gennai guy…"

Takeru: "Don't… know…"

Koushiro: "I better get you two home."

Koushiro then opened a gate and they went through it. Upon arriving in the Human World, they all went out of Koushiro's office.

Koushiro: "Alright, Tentomon I'm counting on you."

Tentomon: "You got it, Koushiro."

"Tentomon Evolution! Kabuterimon!"

Kabuterimon then lifted the rest up onto his back and he flew straight upwards. Once he was above the clouds, he went off in the direction of Hikari's house.

Kabuterimon landed at a nearby park which had no one around. He reverted to Tentomon and went into Koushiro's arms to pretend to be a stuff toy. Takeru and Hikari followed behind slowly as if they were sleepwalking. Koushiro rang the doorbell and Hikari's mom answered.

Koushiro: "Hello, Mrs Yagami."

Mrs Yagami: "Hi, Koushiro. Hikari, how was today?"

Hikari: "Tired…"

Hikari's mom had an amused look on her face and let Tailmon bring Hikari to Hikari's room.

Mrs Yagami: "So what great adventure happened today?"

Koushiro: "Umm, long story short, remember a month ago when Hikari stayed over at Takeru's because they were really tired?"

Mrs Yagami: "Right, Hikari said something about crests?"

Koushiro: "Right, so we kinda figured out how they can use it, but they got really tired, which is why I'm escorting them back."

Mrs Yagami: "Right, but they will be fine, right?"

Koushiro: "Yes, they will be fine. It's just exhaustion. They should be fine after a day or two."

Mrs Yagami: "Alright, thank you, Koushiro."

Koushiro: "No problem, Mrs Yagami. Now if you will excuse me, I need to get Takeru home as well."

Mrs Yagami: "Sure, take care of yourself Koushiro, you too Takeru."

Takeru mumbled something in response as he kept trying to keep his head up. Mrs Yagami chuckled a little before closing the door. Koushiro supported Takeru as they walked over to the same park they landed in. After checking that no one was around, Koushiro and Tentomon nodded to each other and Tentomon evolved to Kabuterimon. They then set off towards Takeru's house.

They landed on the balcony of Takeru's home. Koushiro opened the door and Takeru promptly walked in and collapsed on his bed. Patamon quickly said thanks to Koushiro before joining Takeru. Koushiro left the room and started to write a note for Takeru's mom. After that, Koushiro left with Kabuterimon for his office to continue his research.

That's the end of this chapter. Hope y'all enjoyed it. :D