Chapter 20: Faith in the Light of Hope

The Digidestined managed to get out of the Kaiser's base. Daisuke saw the Kaiser and Wormmon on a Devidramon's back.

Daisuke: "Ichijouji… is this what you wanted?"

Hikari held on tight to Takeru and brought her head to rest on his shoulder. Takeru seemed like he wanted to say something.

Hikari: "What are you thinking about?"

Takeru: "Not much…"

Hikari knew it was a lie.

Hikari: "You sure you don't want to talk about it?"

Takeru: "Sorry."

Hikari: "It's alright. I know you will talk to me when you're ready."

Takeru: "No, I meant… sorry for just now."

Hikari: "Just now? You didn't do anything wrong."

Takeru: "I… just now when Ken tried to hit you. I was full of anger."

Hikari: "Right, but why are you saying sorry?"

Takeru: "I… I called you my Angel and it feels possessive in a way. It just… felt like when Daisuke called you 'his girl'. It feels… wrong. It… sounds like calling you an object belonging to someone."

Hikari's eyes widened. She tightened her grip on Takeru's waist and brought herself closer to him, hugging him with a smile on her face.

Hikari: "Keru, you don't have to worry about that. If anything, I liked it. I know you don't like saying it when others are around, even if it's just me. But out of curiosity, if I let you, would you do it?"

Takeru: "Only if you like it, it just kind of sounds like I'm not caring for your feelings, it sounds like I'm calling you an object that I possess."

Hikari's face softened as she pulled herself closer to Takeru.

Hikari: "You're such a gentleman, Keru, but you can call me anything you want, you and I, we have something special, and I cherish that."

Hikari's smile then turned into a playful smirk, as she put herself right next to Takeru's ear.

Hikari: "Besides, we're fated to be with each other, right? I'm your's anyways~"

Takeru's face turned crimson in a blush as he turned away.

Takeru: "I-I… T-That's…"

Hikari giggled at his reaction and put his hat back onto his head.

Hikari: "I believe this belongs to you."

Takeru: "T-Thanks, Hika."

The Digidestined landed on the sand, the Digimon reverted to their previous forms, and they all looked up to see the fight between Magnamon and Chimeramon.

Both Chimeramon and Magnamon charged at each other. They were both wounded and exhausted. Magnamon was still slightly faster than Chimeramon, but he wasn't fast enough to dodge every attack anymore. Magnamon punched Chimeramon, and Chimeramon swung his hands and managed to hit Magnamon. Magnamon cried in pain as he flew backwards. Despite the armor he had, Magnamon was clearly taking more damage than Chimeramon from their exchanges.

Magnamon: "Tch, Plasma Shoot!"

Four small missiles came out from openings in Magnamon's Armor. The missiles collided with Chimeramon, engulfing him in smoke. When the smoke cleared, Chimeramon was still there and roared. Magnamon flinched backwards.

"Dammit! How is he so durable!? I'm not going to have enough energy to defeat him if this keeps up…"

Chimeramon roared and charged at Magnamon and managed to grab him. Chimeramon began to crush Magnamon in his hand. Magnamon began to scream in pain.

Daisuke: "Magnamon!"

Iori: "He doesn't have enough energy left!"

Takeru and Hikari looked at each other and nodded. They were about to activate their crests, when they saw a bright light coming from the Devidramon the Kaiser was on.

Ken saw Chimeramon coming out of the smoke cloud.

Ken: "Yes, Chimeramon! You can't lose!"

Wormmon: "Don't give up Magnamon!"

Ken: "What? You dare oppose me?"

Ken went to grab his whip but hesitated. Wormmon turned around to face Ken.

Wormmon: "You don't really believe that, do you Ken?"

Ken: "What?"

Wormmon: "I can see it, Ken. The kind Ken I know is coming back."

Ken: "Shut up!"

Wormmon: "You're still in there, Ken. I can feel it… but it's too late. I'm sorry I couldn't save you, Ken. Goodbye."

Ken didn't react as Wormmon was enveloped in a golden light and headbutted him off the Devidramon. In an instant, the Devidramon flew straight to Chimeramon, crashing into the hand holding Magnamon. Chimeramon roared in rage.

Magnamon gasped and opened his eyes after being released, seeing Chimeramon's fists crash into the Devidramon, sending Wormmon off it. The force of the blow was so great, that the Devidramon broke into data from the hit. Chimeramon slammed his hand into Wormmon, sending him flying. On the ground, Ken's eyes widened.

Magnamon/Ken: "Wormmon!"

Wormmon: "Please, Magnamon. Save Ken!"

A beam of light shot out from Wormmon to Magnamon.

"Wormmon… I can feel your power… Please be enough!"

Magnamon flew in front of Chimeramon. Magnamon put his hands around him, as if hugging himself. Chimeramon roared and moved to grab him.

Magnamon: "RAH! MAGNUM EXPLOSION!"

Magnamon thrust out his arms, causing a large golden aura to burst forth from him and causing a large amount of sand to be kicked up. The aura enveloped Chimeramon as it screamed in pain.

Magnamon was hovering in the air and was panting heavily. He reverted to Veemon and fell from the sky. Daisuke quickly ran to him and caught him.

Veemon: "Did I do well, Daisuke?"

Daisuke: "You did it, Veemon!"

The Digidestined turned as they heard Ken screaming. Ken was clutching his head as if he was in pain. He kept on shouting Wormmon's name as he started to throw away his outfit. They all disappeared into data, leaving him looking like how he did in the Real World.

The Digidestined were about to move over to him when a pile of sand suddenly erupted. They heard a monstrous roar. Chimeramon was alive. Chimeramon's helmet, which was similar to Kabuterimon's helmet, was half broken, revealing his head, which looked orange like Greymon. His bone arm, from Skullgreymon was cracked and about to fall off. His wings were all torn and tattered. He was covered in bruises and scratches and was panting heavily, but he was alive. Chimeramon roared and began to slowly walk to the Digidestined.

Miyako: "No… even with Wormmon's sacrifice…"

Iori: "Magnamon didn't have enough power to defeat Chimeramon… and he used the last of his energy with that attack…"

Daisuke: "No! It can't be over for us…"

Takeru: "Looks like we have no choice… you with me, Hika?"

Hikari: "Our hands are forced… I'm with you, Keru. Always."

Takeru: "Let's do this then. One final push."

Hikari: "Right, we can't hold anything back."

Takeru and Hikari shared a quick embrace and a quick peck before turning to their Digimon with determination in their eyes. The four nodded at one another and stepped forward towards Chimeramon.

Hikari/Takeru/Patamon/Plotmon: "That's enough!"

Ken looked up with tears in his eyes.

Ken: "No… it's hopeless… even a Digimon born from Miracles couldn't win. Do you really think the Holy Digimon could stand up to this monster I created… We are all going to die…"

Takeru, Hikari, and their partners turned to Ken with determination.

Takeru: "No, you're wrong."

Hikari: "Chimeramon is the one who will die today."

Takeru, Hikari, and their partners turned to face Chimeramon.

Hikari: "For all the Digimon."

Plotmon: "All their irreplaceable Lights."

Takeru: "Their path."

Patamon: "Is guided by our Hope!"

Hikari/Takeru/Patamon/Plotmon: "For the Faith that the Digital World has in the Digidestined, Chimeramon, you will fall to our Light of Hope!"

Takeru and Hikari intertwined their fingers together as all four of them were enveloped in a white light.

"Patamon Warp-Evolution! Seraphimon!"

"Plotmon Warp-Evolution! Ophanimon!"

Ken: "Is this the true power of the Holy Digimon..? "

Takere/Hikari: "It's useless Chimeramon. The power of the darkness will never prevail against our Light of Hope."

Takeru: "If you truly are Millenniumon's reincarnation…"

Hikari: "We will stop you before you cause ruin upon the Digital World again!"

Seraphimon: "We will not let you go any further!"

Ophanimon: "We will not fail here!"

Chimeramon roared and unleashed his Heat Viper attack. Seraphimon calmly held his hands in front of him as seven balls of energy formed in front of them.

Seraphimon: "I hope you come back as a purer form, Seven Heavens!"

Seraphimon's attack burst through Chimeramon's attack, causing the seven balls of light to strike Chimeramon and stagger him. Ophanimon charged forward.

Ophanimon: "Be purified of your sins! Eden's Javalin!"

Ophanimon and her spear went through Chimeramon easily, causing it to burst into data. The fight with Magnamon left it too fatigued to even scratch Seraphimon and Ophanimon.

Seraphimon and Ophanimon quickly reverted to Patamon and Plotmon to prevent injury to Takeru and Hikari.

Takeru: "We… did it…"

Hikari: "Yeah… that really… takes a lot… of energy…"

Takeru and Hikari were breathing heavily and trying their best to support each other and keep the other from collapsing.

Miyako: "Hikari! Takeru! That. Was. So. COOL! Both of you were so in sync and so strong and that speech was AMAZING!"

Takeru: "Thanks… just…"

Hikari: "Give… us a… moment…"

Takeru and Hikari were barely keeping each other up.

Iori: "When Koushiro said you two were the strongest of the Digidestined, I was not expecting you two to be this far out of our league. Seraphimon and Ophanimon were so far out of my expectations."

Daisuke: "Yeah… Although I think Magnamon was quite amazing too."

Voice: "Ken…"

Ken and the rest of the Digidestined immediately ran over towards the voice, Takeru and Hikari slowly trailing behind while supporting each other. They saw Wormmon laying on his side.

Wormmon: "I see you are finally back… Ken. You are no longer the Digimon Kaiser."

Ken: "Wormmon… I'm sorry… I'm so so sorry… it wasn't supposed to be like this…"

Wormmon: "It's good to see you back Ken, it's too late for me, but I can come back… as long as you really want it…"

Wormmon began to flicker and burst into data. Ken's tears fell as Ken began to slam his fists into the ground.

Ken: "Wormmon…. No… Wormmon… I didn't come here to relive this again…"

Takeru: "He isn't dead. Digimon come back. Ken, if you want him to be back, he will come back to you."

Takeru was trying his best to hold back tears as he recalled when he met his partner. Angemon's sacrifice in front of him to save Taichi, Yamato and him. Hikari rubbed Takeru's shoulder reassuringly. Not many of the Digidestined knew how truly sad Takeru was to see his partner die right before his eyes, and not only that, have the egg stolen from him at the same time.

For the first time since Wormmon's sacrifice, Ken's eyes had a glimpse of Hope.

Ken: "I want him back… but will he want me back?"

Voice: "Of course he will. Our Digimon partners are with us through thick and thin."

Everyone turned to the new voice and Hikari had tears in her eyes.

Hikari: "Onii-chan… Onii-chan!"

Hikari, and Takeru who was still supporting and getting support from her, ran towards Taichi. Hikari tackled Taichi who leaned back in recoil from his sister's rush. Agumon was behind Taichi keeping him on his feet. Takeru had let go of Hikari to let her have her moment with her brother.

Hikari: "I thought… I t-thought you were… I'm so glad you're safe…"

Taichi: "Hey hey, shh… shh… take it easy. I'm here Hikari. I'm here."

Takeru was smiling as Taichi looked at him. Taichi's face had a smirk on it.

Taichi: "Why, hello Takeru. You have certainly grown taller since I last saw you. That's a nice hat."

Takeru: "Good to see you still recognise me. I agree the hat is amazing. Hikari and Mimi really put in a lot of effort to get it made."

Taichi: "How could I not recognise you? When Hikari took a picture of you after you won the Basketball competition just before I disappeared, she printed it out and framed it on her desk."

Taichi then leaned close to Takeru's ear and whispered into his ear.
Taichi: "I saw what happened, I'm quite proud of you two."

Takeru: "Yeah, it's quite amazing that we can make our partners evolve despite the dark towers if we combine our crests. Although it does take a lot of energy."

Taichi leaned back and spoke at his normal volume.
Taichi: "I wasn't talking about that."

Hikari looked up at her brother with a confused look on her face. Takeru's eyes opened wide and quickly he backed away from Taichi and turned away, trying to hide his blush. Taichi quickly burst into laughter.

Taichi: "HAHAHA! Oh man, you should have seen your face. Don't worry, I know you will take care of her."

Takeru: "You're not… you're not mad?"

Taichi's face went serious.

Taichi: "Takeru, while I am protective over my baby sister here, I have no right to decide who she gets together with. All I need to do is make sure they won't hurt her. Plus, it's you. How could I not trust my sister with you? After all, she is 'your Angel' isn't she?"

Takeru was taken aback at how much Taichi had trusted him. He processed the last few words from Taichi and blushed heavily.

Takeru: "Y-You heard t-that?"

Taichi: "I mean, you sounded quite angry and practically shouted it."

Takeru pulled his hat over his eyes as he blushed furiously. Taichi simply smiled and laughed.

Taichi: "So, how long have you two been together?"

Hikari: "It happened about a month ago, just after my shining knight of Hope here jumped off a cliff and transcended dimensions to save me from the ocean."

Taichi: "How much have I missed…"

Takeru: "D-Don't worry, we will explain later. Anyways, is it possible if you kept our relationship a secret from Daisuke and Miyako?"

Taichi: "Fair enough. I assume Miyako is the girl over there. And what about the last one?"

Hikari: "Yes, Miyako is the girl, and if Miyako knew, everyone would know we are together."

Takeru: "The last one is Iori, it is fine telling him since he actually found out about us last night."

Taichi: "Alright, I'll keep it a secret for now, but you two need to tell them at some point. The sooner the better. I assume the older Digidestined know already, and the public doesn't know for the same reason they don't know about Yamato and Sora?

Hikari: "Right, only our first group knows, and our families, of course."

Just then, Ken stood up from where Wormmon disappeared and started to walk away in a zombie-like state.

Daisuke: "Ken! Go home, your parents are worried about you!"

Hikari: "Uh-oh, not good."

Taichi: "What's not good?"

Takeru: "Ken has been missing from the real world for about two months now. The police will want to question him if he comes back suddenly… and I don't think he is in a good state to be answering anything right now."

Taichi: "Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do. If we take him back to Koushiro's office and we bring him back to his family, the police will be suspicious of us and wonder why we didn't let him respond to his parents. All we can do now is Hope he doesn't talk about the Digital World publicly."

Taichi gave Takeru a wink at the mention of his crest.

Hikari: "Oh yeah speaking of Koushiro, we should go inform him that we aren't dead yet."

Hikari put her hand to her earpiece.
Light: "Koushiro! It's over! We beat Chimeramon and Ken has maybe returned to normal, and guess what?"

Knowledge: "That's great Kari! Eh, I guess we can stop using the codenames now since Ken has been defeated. Anyways, what's up?"

Taichi: "Hey! Koushiro, how's it been the past… wait, how long was I gone for?"

Knowledge: "TAICHI!? YAMATO! SORA! GET OVER HERE!"

Light: "Oww, Koushiro I'm still the one wearing the earpiece… Give us a few minutes then we will come back, and you can talk to Onii-chan in person."

Taichi: "So it seems you two are still the strongest individual Digidestined."

Takeru: "Yeah, although using our crests is really tiring."

Taichi: "Hmm, Takeru, you more or less have the most experience as a Digidestined right?"

Takeru: "Eh? Uhh, I think you and Onii-chan still have more…"

Taichi: "But in this new group, you are the most experienced, aren't you?"

Hikari: "He most certainly is."

Taichi took off his googles.
Taichi: "Then I want you to have these. Think of it as passing down the mantle."

Takeru: "Passing down the mantle? What mantle?"

Taichi: "I don't know, that just sounded like a cooler way to give it to you. Honestly, I just gave it to you because they are very practical and good for extreme weather. After all, I'm pretty sure you will be in the Digital World more than me now."

Takeru: "Taichi… thanks, but I won't wear it."

Taichi: "What? Why?"

Takeru: "Ehh, googles, aren't really my style. Plus, I think someone else will look better with these."
Takeru then put the googles on Hikari, causing a chuckle from Taichi.

Taichi: "Well, they do look good on you Hikari."

Hikari: "Guess it runs in the family~"

After that, Takeru signalled to the new Digidestined to come over.

Daisuke: "Taichi-Senpai! Welcome back!"

Taichi: "It's good to be back, you haven't slacked off on your training since I've been gone, have you?"

Daisuke: "What!? Of course not! I wouldn't dream of it."

Taichi: "Good to hear. Anyways, hello to all of you. I'm Yagami Taichi, older brother of Hikari and the child of Courage."

Miyako: "Ahh, hello, my name is Miyako Inoue, I hold the Digimentals of Love and Sincerity. The other Digidestined have told us a lot about you."

Taichi: "Good things, I hope?"

Iori: "Hello, my name is Iori Hida. It is a pleasure to meet you. I hold the Digimentals of Knowledge and Reliability."

Taichi: "Good to meet both of you, now, what's a Digimental?"

Hikari: "Let's talk about that later when we have more time. Right now, we should get you back home and get you checked up."

Taichi: "Ahh, I'll be fine. The Kaiser didn't hurt me or anything. Honestly, I'm surprised, he just let me do whatever I wanted in the cell. Of course, he cut off any way I could communicate but, I was surprisingly free."

Hikari: "Alright… if you say so…"

Campsite

Yamato: "They actually did it."

Sora: "Yeah…"

Koushiro: "They managed to save Taichi and stop Ken."

Sora: "We're finally going to see Taichi again…"

Yamato: "I can't believe he's back."

Voice: "YAMATO!"

Yamato's face visibly paled, and he looked towards Sora.

Yamato: "No way…"

Sora: "Well, she is persistent, I'll give her that."

Koushiro: "Wait, they are about to come out. Why did she have to come at a timing like now…"

Jun: "That was mean, Yamato! How could you leave me behind like that?

Yamato: "Umm, that was err…"

Jun: "Hey, where are Daisuke and the others?"

Yamato's eyes widened and was glad.

"Oh perfect, we can bring them back with no suspicion."

Yamato: "Oh, don't worry, they're nearby. Koushiro go and get them quickly."

Koushiro: "Great idea, Yamato. I'll be right back."

Koushiro disappeared into the bushes and opened his tablet. He set it down on the ground and after a short while, the screen flashed and the Digidestined appeared in front of the tablet.

Koushiro: "Firstly, well done and thank God Taichi went into the Digital World from this tablet one year ago. Secondly, the Digimon need to enter my new program in my tablet."

Daisuke: "What? Why?"

Koushiro: "Yeah, funny story. You know how your sister is a really big fan of Yamato?"

Daisuke: "She didn't…"

Koushiro: "She did."

Taichi: "Alright then, let's get this done and over with."

The Digimon went into Koushiro's tablet and the Digidestined began to walk back to the campsite.

Jun: "Aren't you all together?"

Yamato: "Yeah, we are."

Sora: "They're just… playing in the forest over there. Yeah, that's it."

Jun: "And you just let them? Isn't that how that kid Daisuke looked up to disappeared a year ago? What was his name… uhh Yamagi Tachi?"

Just then, the group of Digidestined walked up to them.

Taichi: "Close enough, it's Yagami Taichi."

Jun: "Right, thanks. Wait, aren't you-"

Taichi: "Taichi? Yeah, I am."

Jun: "But you-"

Taichi: "I've been out camping here, what's this about disappearing? Didn't I write a note saying I would be camping with no communication, Hikari?"

Hikari: "What? There was no note…"

Taichi nudged Hikari and gave her a wink.

Hikari: "Hmm, maybe it got blown away by the wind… or maybe Miko did something to it. You've been gone for a year, Onii-chan. Everyone is worried sick for you, especially mom and dad."

Taichi: "Alright, guess I should go home and explain it all to them then."

Just then, Yamato's dad came back from fishing.

Mr Ishida: "Hey, Yamato, not many fi-"

Mr Ishida dropped his fishing pole upon seeing everyone, espicially Taichi.

Takeru: "Hi, Dad."

Mr Ishida cleared his throat.

Mr Ishida: "Well, I didn't catch many fish today, but that's fine. We are leaving soon anyways."

Jun: "What?! But I just got here…"

After a short time, the Digidestined were getting into the van Mr Ishida had driven to the campsite.

Jun: "Wait for me!"

Koushiro leaned to Yamato and whispered into his ear.

Koushiro: "So, slight problem, I may have forgotten about space."

Jun: "Eh? Why are you all crammed into one van? I thought there was another one?"

Yamato: "Ah… err… That one left yesterday, yeah."

Jun: "So then, how do I get home?"

Daisuke: "Figure it out yourself, you came uninvited."

Mr Ishida: "Sigh, Yamato did you bring your wallet?"

Yamato: "Yeah, why?"

Mr Ishida: "Bring her home, I'll pay you back later."

Yamato: "W-What?"

Sora smirked and looped her hand around Yamato's.

Sora: "Don't worry, Mr Ishida. I'll make sure they both get home safely."

Mr Ishida: "Thanks, Sora. I'm so glad Yamato has such a responsible-"

Koushiro: "Best Friend. Yup, you're such a great best friend to Yamato, Sora. Anyways, you three should get going, you don't want to miss the buses."

Yamato, Sora and Jun then began to walk off with Jun grumbling about something.

Mr Ishida: "What was that about?"

Koushiro: "Didn't Yamato tell you? Their relationship is a secret to the public."

Mr Ishida: "Oh... right."

Koushiro turned around in the front seat and saw the rest of the Digidestined sleeping. Taichi, Hikari and Takeru were sitting in the front row, while Daisuke, Miyako and Iori were in the second row. Daisuke had his head resting on his arm and was leaning to the side. Miyako was upright, with her head facing upwards. Iori was completely upright, almost as if he was simply meditating. Hikari had one arm wrapped around Taichi's arm and was resting her head on his shoulder. Her other hand was underneath a pillow. Takeru's arm was also underneath the same pillow.

"Rest well, guys. You all did great."

Yamato's dad had driven all the new Digidestined to their respective homes. Taichi and Hikari began to stir and woke up.

Taichi: "Yawn, thanks Mr Ishida."

Mr Ishida: "It's no problem. We are coming up on your home soon. Do your parents know you are back?"

Hikari: "Well, I promised them that I would bring Taichi back… but we haven't contacted them."

Mr Ishida: "Oh well, you'll see them in a minute anyways."

After a short time, the car stopped and Taichi and Hikari got out of the car. In the process, Takeru also woke up and got out of the car to walk Hikari to her door but was stopped by Taichi.

Taichi: "Don't worry about it, I got this."

Takeru was about to re-enter and close the door but was suddenly pulled by Hikari. She gave him a passionate kiss, which he happily gave into. Taichi was visibly in shock. When they seperated, Takeru gave a goofy lobsided grin at Taichi's shocked face. Taichi quickly recovered and cleared his throat.

Taichi: "Hey, just because you two are together doesn't mean I have to watch you two make out."

Hikari turned around and with a mischievous grin, ran past Taichi.

Hikari: "Then you can just turn away~"

Taichi's jaw dropped as Takeru tried to stifle his laughter. Taichi turned to Takeru and put one of his arms on Takeru's shoulder.

Taichi: "She's quite the handful, I wish you the best of luck."

Taichi and Takeru shared a laugh and Taichi left to run after Hikari.

Taichi: "You're not getting away from me Imouto-chan!"

Taichi had chased Hikari up the stairs and to the front door of their apartment, where Taichi had caught up to Hikari. He grabbed her and spun her around in the air. Hikari laughed as she was spun around and rested her face on Taichi's hair.

Hikari: "I missed you so much, Onii-chan."

Taichi set her down and hugged her. Tears began to fall from his eyes.

Taichi: "I've missed you too, Hikari. I'm so sorry. I should have been more careful."

Hikari: "Onii-chan…"

Taichi: "I was careless, and you, mom, dad… everyone paid for my mistake. I'm so so sorry, Hikari."

Hikari's eyes began to well up with tears as well.

Hikari: "Onii-chan… all that matters now… is that you're back. That's all that matters."

Hikari tightened her hold on Taichi.

Hikari: "Please… just don't leave me again."

Taichi: "I won't. I will make sure of it."

The two stayed like that for a short while, until the door to their apartment opened.

Mrs Yagami: "Welcome home, Taichi."

Taichi immediately hugged his mom, with a new set of tears coming out.

Taichi: "I'm so sorry mom. I made a mistake and it cost all of you greatly. I'm so sorry."

Mrs Yagami: "Taichi..."

Hikari: "How did you know we were outside?"

Mrs Yagami: "Oh, Hikari, your partner has very good hearing. Does she always have to be a cat? She's very cute as a dog too."

Hikari giggled as she went inside and closed the door. Plotmon went up to Hikari's leg and brushed her head on it. Hikari knelt and pet Plotmon before carrying her.

Hikari and Taichi walked further into the house, where they saw their dad on the couch watching TV.

Reporter: "The genius boy Ichijouji Ken, was just found in his house. Authorities are stumped as to how the boy who has been missing for two months, has suddenly reappeared inside his house."

Mr Yagami: "I assume you guys did that?"

Taichi: "Yeah, but it was mostly the new group. Ken, no, the Digimon Kaiser took me as a prisoner. He didn't hurt me… He was… surprisingly kind to me, he allowed me a lot freedom to do whatever I wanted. Dad, I'm sorry for making all of you worry.

Mr Yagami: "It's alright Taichi. You did all you could think of doing. And all that matters is you've come back to us."

Reporter: "In other news, the boy Yagami Taichi, who has been missing for a year, has also been found. It is unconfirmed whether the two incidents are related."

Taichi: "How did they know so fast?"

Plotmon: "Koushiro sent us back through the net. We told your parents that you were back."

Hikari: "Thanks, Plotmon. Where's Agumon?"

Plotmon: "Sleeping on Taichi's bed. He isn't used to moving in the net much, so it took a lot of energy for him.

Taichi: "Right, Koushiro said something about how you Digimon can travel through the net quickly which is why you guys can come out of any monitor, right?"

Plotmon: "Yep!"

Mr Ishida stopped his van outside the apartment that Takeru was living at. He had driven here just now to drop off Miyako and Iori, but Koushiro had suggested to just let Takeru and Hikari rest as much as possible. So, Mr Ishida decided to drive Takeru home later just before driving Koushiro home. Mr Ishida turned around and saw Takeru sound asleep again. He sighed and got out of his seat.

Mr Ishida: "Sorry, Koushiro, but I'm going to bring him up. Is it ok if you wait here?"

Koushiro: "It's no problem at all."

Mr Ishida: "Thanks."

Mr Ishida got out of the van and went to carry Takeru in a piggyback. After making sure Takeru was safe on his back, he started going up to the house. As he reached the front door, he realised he didn't have the keys to the apartment. He sighed and went to press the doorbell, hoping at least Patamon was at home. He was about to ring the doorbell, when the door opened, revealing Ms Takaishi, and Patamon on her shoulder.

Ms Takaishi: "Thanks for bringing Takeru home."

Mr Ishida: "How did you know I was going to ring the doorbell?"

Ms Takaishi: "What? You think Patamon's ears here are just for show?"

Mr Ishida: "Wait, his wings are his ears?"

Ms Takaishi: "Yeah, there's a lot of things you learn about these Digimon when you live with them."

Mr Ishida: "I see."

Mr Ishida then walked into the house and into Takeru's room. He set Takeru down on the bed and Patamon promptly flew over and nuzzled himself into Takeru's arm. Ms Takaishi let out a small chuckle as both she and Mr Ishida left the room.

They stared at each other for a moment before awkwardly looking away. Soon, Mr Ishida sighed and spoke.

Mr Ishida: "I'm sorry tha-"

Ms Takaishi: "Don't. We both know we just went too fast and had too many commitments to our work. I wish things worked out better with us but…"

Mr Ishida: "Yeah… I know… let's just… do our best to make sure our sons don't go down the same path as us."

Ms Takaishi: "Yeah, they grew up so fast. That Digital World really forced them to grow up quickly."

Mr Ishida: "Yeah…"

They stood there for a moment again before Mr Ishida awkwardly walked to the front door.

Mr Ishida: "I guess I should be going."

Ms Takaishi: "Alright, take care of yourself, and Yamato as well."

Mr Ishida left and went back to the van. He sighed as he entered. Koushiro was typing on his computer.

Koushiro: "It's not my place to ask… but are you ok, Mr Ishida?"

Mr Ishida: "Yeah, its nothing. You kids shouldn't worry about us."

Koushiro looked at Mr Ishida for a few seconds before going back to his computer.

Koushiro: "Alright."

Mr Ishida drove Koushiro back home, who gave him a quick thanks before running into his apartment. Mr Ishida leaned back and put his head on the headrest.

"Well, better get home. Don't want to keep Yamato waiting for me."

That's the end for this chapter, and the Digimon Kaiser arc. Honestly, when I started to write this fanfic, I wasn't expecting so many of y'all to like it. Thanks for reading and all the reviews. :D