Chapter 21: Aftermath

Takeru was currently at the building of the Yagami apartment. Usually, he wouldn't be here before school, as Hikari and him had agreed that Takeru picking her up to go to school would be suspicious, because Takeru lived halfway between the Yagami apartment and the school. However, today was a little special as Takeru had awoken and saw a simple message on his phone from Taichi, saying 'Help. Not urgent but come before school'. And thus, Takeru was outside the door of the Yagami apartment.

Takeru was about to press the doorbell when the door suddenly opened. Takeru was a little surprised that there was no one at the door, but he quickly looked down and saw Tailmon.

Takeru: "Umm, where's Taichi?"

Tailmon: "In the living room, good luck."

Takeru: "Wait, good luck for what?"

Tailmon: "Oh, you'll see."

Takeru followed Tailmon and saw Taichi and Hikari on the couch. Both Hikari and Taichi were in pyjamas. Hikari had tightly wrapped her arms around Taichi and was resting her head on his shoulder. Takeru took a second to take in the sight before clearing his throat, which got the attention of the two.

Hikari: "Takeru? What are you doing here?"

Takeru: "Taichi asked me to come over. Also, you should get ready for school, Hikari."

Hikari: "Wait, it's that late already!? I'll be right back!"

Hikari ran into her room and closed the door. Once it was closed, Taichi breathed a sigh of relief.

Takeru: "I'm going to assume this is why I'm here?"

Taichi: "Yeah, I understand why but, she has been very clingy since last night. I even woke up to her snuggled up to me. I think she sneaked out of her room in the middle of the night."

Takeru: "Yeah, it makes sense. I'll try my best to get you some time alone if that's what you want."

Taichi: "Nah, I'm fine with it, as long as she doesn't start skipping school."

Takeru: "Alright."

Just then, Hikari came out of the room in her summer outfit, with Taichi's googles hanging around her neck, and Takeru's gift scarf wrapped around her neck. She gave Takeru a quick peck before turning to Taichi, who was currently scrolling through his phone.

Hikari: "Bye, Onii-Chan. I'll see you later!"

Taichi: "Bye, Hikari. Have a good day, don't make out with Takeru too much."

Hikari went over to Taichi and playfully slapped him on the head. Afterwards she went to put on her shoes. Taichi waved to Hikari and silently mouthed a 'thank you' to Takeru when Hikari turned away. Takeru nodded and went off with Hikari. They walked to school in silence until Hikari turned to Takeru.

Hikari: "Do you want to hang out at my place after school?"

Takeru: "Sure, what's the plan?"

Hikari: "Nothing much, just playing games with Onii-Chan. Can you invite Yamato for me? I'll invite Sora."

Takeru: "Sure, the new Digidestined will probably be fine without us today, right?"

Hikari: "Yep, it's just clean-up right now."

Takeru: "I wonder how Ken is faring…"

Takeru went silent as he looked down at his feet. Hikari grabbed his hand and held it tight. Takeru looked to Hikari's face, which had a small reassuring smile. Takeru produced a small smile of his own as the two continued walking to school, texting Yamato and Sora an invite on the way. As they entered the gates, they went to the back of the school and let their partners out of their bags. Tailmon and Patamon darted up a tree, leaving Takeru and Hikari alone. Takeru took a step towards Hikari and wrapped his arms around her. Hikari returned the hug.

Takeru: "Thank you, Hika."

Hikari: "For what?"

Takeru: "For always being there for me. For being you."

Hikari: "That's what friends are for."

Hikari pulled herself away from Takeru to look around. Upon seeing no one around, she kissed Takeru deeply, with him returning the gesture. After they separated, Hikari giggled, while Takeru faked a look of disappointment and disapproval.

Takeru: "Taichi will be so disappointed in you."

Hikari: "He won't find out~"

Takeru gave Hikari a lopsided grin and they both laughed as they walked back to the front of the school. Their laughter brought a few weird stares from other students, but most ignored it. After all, the dynamic duo of Takeru and Hikari was always considered by the school as weird due to their incredible closeness.

All the new Digidestined went about their day as usual, and now it was their final lesson of the day.

Coach: "Alright class, as usual the girls will go ahead with dance, while the boys play basketball. You are welcome to swap over if you want."

Takeru started to stretch to get himself ready while talking with Hikari, who was getting ready for her dance. She liked playing Basketball with Takeru, but she still preferred photography and dance over it. Daisuke was getting himself ready by trying to shoot the ball a few times.

Patamon, Tailmon and Veemon were currently hiding on one of the pipes at the top of the gym.

Patamon: "The basketball game is about to start."

Tailmon: "A shame Hikari and Takeru aren't going to play against each other."

Veemon: "Why would you want them to play against each other and not with each other?"

Tailmon: "Because that's the only way to make this interesting to watch."

Patamon: "Yeah, Takeru and Hikari have a lot of stamina and they are evenly matched."

Veemon: "But they were so tired when using the crests things, weren't they?"

Tailmon: "That's just because it used a lot of energy for them."

Patamon: "The other kids also have really good stamina, but Takeru and Hikari definitely have the best, considering they were always pushing themselves to the limits to give Tailmon and I strength."

Tailmon: "Honestly, I think we might be enhancing them without even doing anything."

Patamon: "Yeah, it could be possible that we indirectly give them more stamina and strength with our powers as the Holy Digimon."

Tailmon: "It's really weird, we shouldn't be able to do it if we don't evolve, yet sometimes it feels like we are giving Takeru and Hikari the enhancement."

Patamon's eyes turned blood red.

Devimon: "It could be something to do with the Digivices. If you recall, Takeru managed to call upon the powers when he fought the Kaiser."

Tailmon: "It's possible… wonder if that Gennai person knows about it."

Devimon: "Who knows… but I do know that Gennai is quite trustworthy. I couldn't sense any evil from him at all."

Veemon looked slightly confused as he processed all the new information. Patamon's eyes returned to normal, and the group looked down to watch the game.

Coach: "Alright, go!"

The coach threw the ball into the air, and Takeru jumped, managing to grab the ball. He effortlessly weaved through his opponents, until he faced Daisuke. Takeru flinched towards the left, and Daisuke followed, but it was a fake, and Takeru immediately dashed to the right and managed to get past Daisuke. Takeru jumped and shot for the basket, and it went in smoothly. Takeru landed smoothly and ran back to his teammates. Daisuke was simply in shock.

"Damn. He's good."

The game continued to be one sided as Takeru's teammates kept on passing the ball to him, allowing him to score more points for them. By now, most of the girls had stopped their activity and were currently screaming their support for Takeru. Hikari watched the sight with a sigh. Hikari looked to Takeru, who gave her a small, defeated smile.

"They're always all over Takeru. He isn't even trying that hard yet. Maybe I should go in there, at least he would have somewhat of a challenge then."

Hikari sighed and stretched a little to get ready. She was about to join the game when the coach blew a whistle.

Coach: "Alright, I think some of you need a break. Takaishi, I know you're our star player but please, tone it down a bit."

Takeru chuckled nervously and looked to his coach.

Takeru: "Umm, sorry coach."

The group of boys went over to the side to take a small break. Takeru grabbed his water bottle and drank a little, before leaning on a wall. Hikari walked over to him and leaned on the wall as well.

Hikari: "Hey there, how's the fame treating you?"

Takeru: "Sigh, you know I don't like it."

Hikari: "Well that's what happens when your brother is Yamato. Plus, you're a basketball star here."

Takeru chuckled.

Takeru: "Well, once Christmas comes around, you'll be very popular too."

Hikari glared at Takeru.

Hikari: "Duly noted, Takaishi."

Takeru: "But let's move on, you up for a game?"

Hikari: "Here? Now? But…"

Takeru: "You don't have to if you don't want to."

Hikari: "No… it's just I don't want to embarrass you in front of your fans when I beat you~"

Takeru: "Oh, this is so on Yagami. Get on the court."

Takeru and Hikari started walking towards the court. Daisuke noticed this and gulped.

Daisuke: "Uhh, coach?"

Coach: "Yes, Motomiya?"

Daisuke: "Just saying, the court is going to be unavailable for some time."

Coach: "What do you mean?"

The coach turned to the court and saw Takeru and Hikari walking into it.

Daisuke: "That court is about to have one of the most intense games ever."

The coach laughed.

Coach: "That's a good one, Motomiya. Takaishi is the star of the basketball team and we've never seen Yagami play Basketball before."

Daisuke sighed and shook his head.

Daisuke: "Don't say I didn't warn you. Just make sure no one else gets on the court. It wouldn't be a good idea."

Coach: "Alright, Motomiya. I'll play along with your game since you seem so eager."

The coach walked to the side where the students were resting.

Coach: "Alright, class. Motomiya has just told me that we are about to witness 'one of the most intense games ever' so don't go onto the court."

The students began to whisper to each other, while Daisuke just sat down and laid back.

"Alright then, Hikari and Takeru. Time to show our class how good you two really are."

Takeru: "Same rules as always?"

Hikari: "Obviously."

Takeru: "Alright."

Hikari: "Daisuke! Can you come down here?"

Daisuke got up immediately and walked over to them. Takeru passed him the ball. Daisuke held the ball with his arm outstretched. Takeru and Hikari placed their hands in front of them and walked closer to each other until their hands touched. They turned around and took three steps away from each other. They both took a deep breath.

Hikari: "Ready?"

Takeru: "Three."

Hikari: "Two."

Takeru: "One."

Takeru/Hikari: "Go!"

Both of them turned around and ran towards the ball quickly, which was thrown into the air by Daisuke. Daisuke quickly ran off the court as fast as he could. Takeru and Hikari both jumped for the ball and Takeru just managed to grab it. He quickly dashed off to the side with the ball in hand and managed to get close enough to shoot. Hikari was right behind him, but she was unable to stop him from shooting. The ball went in smoothly and Takeru turned around and faked a smug look. Hikari rolled her eyes and went over to pick up the ball.

Takeru: "You still confident you can beat me, Yagami?"

Hikari: "Of course I can."

Hikari brought Taichi's googles up and snapped them to the top of her head. Immediately after, Hikari darted off to the side, bypassing Takeru. She managed to run across the court quickly and scored. Hikari turned to face Takeru and gave him an innocent smile. Takeru smirked back and ran to get the ball. He quickly ran back, ball in hand and did his best to get past Hikari. He tried to fake her out, but they knew each other too well, and it was hard to successfully do it. After a while, Takeru managed to get past and tried to make another shot. However, Hikari was faster this time. She managed to jump and grab the ball before it even made it close to the hoop. Hikari quickly ran off and threw the ball just before Takeru caught up to her. The ball went in smoothly, shocking all the audience watching.

Takeru: "You know, three-pointer shots don't matter for our game, right?"

Hikari: "Please, you know that this is normal for us."

Takeru and Hikari continued their back and forth scoring with neither of them getting more than a one-hoop lead. They were both starting to slow down. The audience were simply shocked at how Takeru had been playing so seriously for close to half an hour. They were even more shocked that Hikari had kept up with him.

Both Takeru and Hikari were panting but refused to give up. Takeru was currently leading by one and had possession of the ball. The two of them were almost under the hoop on 'Takeru's side' so Takeru had a lot of distance to cover to get a shot. He took a deep breath and ran right towards Hikari, dashing towards the right as he did so. Hikari quickly blocked him, and Takeru tried to fake out Hikari, but it didn't work. Takeru frowned at Hikari and did his best to get closer to the hoop. Hikari was not making it easy for Takeru as she successfully stopped his advances. Eventually, Takeru managed to get past Hikari, but he knew she would stop him soon. He just managed to get to the three-pointer line when he took the shot. The ball rolled on the hoop for a second before falling in.

Takeru let out a small scream of joy and he quickly set himself down backwards with his arms stretched out. Shortly, Hikari went over to him and joined him on the ground. They were both panting heavily. Hikari turned to Takeru with a small smile on her face. The audience was completely shocked.

Hikari: "Good… game."

Takeru: "Yeah, wow. it's been too long… since we've done that…"

Hikari: "Agreed. Last time was… Golden Week..?"

Takeru: "Yeah, that sounds… about right… phew… I'm getting out of practice… that wasn't even one of our most serious games…"

Hikari: "Maybe we just haven't recovered from our crest usage. We did cough up a lot of blood."

Takeru: "Yeah… you've been fine though, right? No other side effects?"

Hikari: "Yeah, I'm fine. Just tired today."

They both smiled at each other. Takeru got up and extended his hand out to Hikari, which she gladly accepted. Takeru pulled them both up and they went off to the side. They grabbed their water bottles and collapsed onto the bench. They drank the water greedily as the rest of the students, except Daisuke, backed away from them a little. Mainly to give them space, but also because none of them knew how to react.

Coach: "Takaishi… that was amazing… Yagami you were amazing too. I've never even seen Takaishi play so seriously before. Since when were you two able to play so well?"

Takeru: "Thanks coach. I usually don't play this seriously because Hikari is the only one my age that can play at that level with me."

Coach: "That… sounded unusually arrogant of you."

Takeru: "Sorry, I don't mean it in an arrogant way. Games are more fun when both sides are evenly matched, which is why I don't try this hard in tournaments. Don't get me wrong, I want to win, but above all else, I just want to have fun."

Coach: "I see… I never knew Yagami was so good at basketball… if you want, I can try get you on the basketball team. It might be a little hard, but I think I can pull a few strings especially if you are as good as Takaishi.

Hikari: "No thanks, I prefer photography and dance. Besides, Takeru is good enough on his own."

Takeru: "Don't say that."

Coach: "She is right, especially if this was your best. Anyways, thank you Yagami and Takaishi for such an amazing game. We've gone overtime a little, so you all are dismissed."

The group of students thanked their teacher and left. Takeru, Hikari and Daisuke left the quickest to avoid any questions on Hikari's hidden proficiency in basketball. They quickly ran to the back and picked up their Digimon before going to the front gate.

Daisuke: "Alright, time for the Digital World."

Takeru: "We won't be going today."

Hikari: "Yeah, we're going to have some fun with Onii-Chan."

Daisuke: "Alright, you guys did do a lot, you four deserve the rest. Have fun!"

Daisuke ran off to Koushiro's office, leaving Takeru and Hikari to walk back to the Yagami apartment together.

Takeru: "Daisuke has really grown a lot, hasn't he?"

Hikari: "Yeah, he used to be so much more assertive. Honestly, it was getting annoying. Now, it's much better. The Digital World really does make us mature quickly."

Takeru: "Yeah."

The two walked in silence, with Patamon pretending to be a stuff toy, and Tailmon acting like a pampered cat. Soon, they reached the apartment. Hikari opened the door and saw Taichi, out of his pyjamas but still sitting on the couch, scrolling through his phone.

Hikari: "Did you even do anything other than changing and looking at your phone?"

Taichi: "Not really, I mean the school let me stay at home for a week to 'rest' so…"

Hikari: "What am I going to do with you…"

Taichi chuckled as Hikari, Takeru and their partners went over to the couch. Taichi got off and went over to their TV to start up their games. Takeru and Hikari went to sit down on the couch as Taichi passed them controllers. They played games for a while until Hikari became sleepy. Takeru got off the couch to allow her to lay down. She gave him a small smile as she fell asleep.

Taichi and Takeru continued playing games until Taichi turned to Takeru.

Taichi: "Thanks for being there for her when I disappeared."

Takeru: "You don't have to thank me for that, Taichi."

Taichi: "I know, but really, I'm thankful that you were there for her. You always did your best to protect her when I couldn't…"

Takeru: "Taichi…"

Taichi: "I can only imagine how hard it was for her when I was gone… but I know you were there for her. Don't stop protecting her for me."

Takeru: "Taichi… you have my word. I'll always protect Hikari when she needs it."

Taichi smiled. Soon after, the doorbell rang. Taichi got up to answer it and saw Yamato, Sora and their partners at the door. Sora immediately hugged Taichi tightly.

Taichi: "S-Sora! C-Can't breathe…"

Sora loosened her grip on him.

Sora: "Thank goodness you're back. We've missed you, all of us."

Taichi: "Sora… sorry, I made a mistake. I was way too overconfident in Agumon and my powers."

Sora let go of Taichi and smiled.

Sora: "Don't worry about that. How's Hikari been?"

The group walked into the living room where Takeru greeted them.

Taichi: "Quite good, she was very tired today for some reason though, as you can see here."

Yamato: "That's probably because of what she did with Takeru."

Taichi's voice clearly had a hint of nervousness as he glared at Takeru.

Taichi: "What did she do with Takeru?"

Sora smacked him on the head.

Sora: "Get your mind out of the gutter."

Takeru blushed and turned away.

Takeru: "W-We don't… t-that's not… w-we just had a very i-intense game of basketball… w-wait how did you hear about that, Onii-Chan?"

Yamato: "Are you kidding? It's all the news on your school's online page."

Takeru: "Sigh Maybe I shouldn't have asked Hikari to play with me. She doesn't like others knowing her proficiency in basketball."

Piyomon: "Well, I'm sure you both had fun at least."

Yamato: "Yeah, she's still the only one that is your age and able to give you an actual challenge, right?"

Takeru turned away and began to mumble.

Takeru: "Well, that's what happens when we play for four years..."

Patamon: "Tailmon and I also think it might have something to do with our enhancement."

Yamato: "Hmm I guess it does make sense. You guys do have a very impressive long shot."

Yamato went and sat on the ground next to Taichi and Takeru and picked up a controller, joining in on their game. The Digimon also sat on the ground, excited to watch the boys play. Sora chuckled before going to the fridge and opening it.

Sora: "Taichi, your mom won't mind if I cook you guys something, right?"

Taichi: "You can go ahead. I was supposed to cook a meal for Hikari anyways."

Sora sighed and shook her head as she entered the kitchen to cook them a meal.

Yamato, Takeru and Taichi played their game for a bit before Hikari groaned in her sleep as she readjusted herself to a more comfortable position, resulting in her putting her arms around Tailmon and pulling her closer. Tailmon looked at the group in dismay. She didn't have a problem with being babied by Hikari, but it was embarrassing when it was done in front of the other Digidestined. Takeru looked at Hikari, concerned before realising she was perfectly fine. Taichi and Yamato chuckled at Tailmon before smiling at Takeru.

Taichi: "You really care a lot for my dear sister, don't you?"

Takeru: "I'm just scared of that ocean taking her again. I don't want those… creatures taking her again."

Taichi: "That… was one month ago, right?"

Takeru: "Yeah, why?"

Taichi: "She called for me. I could feel it, but I couldn't even do anything for her."

Yamato: "Taichi, don't beat yourself up for it. What could you have done? You were trapped in a cell with no way out."

Taichi: "Everything is a blur from when I was in that cell, but when she called for me… I just couldn't take it. I couldn't even remember how long I was in there before she called for me. That one month after… I was so worried, but I couldn't do anything…"

Takeru: "Taichi…"

Taichi: "I'm… fine Takeru… just take care of her for me, please? I honestly can't think of anyone better for her other than you."

Yamato: "Yeah, you two really are meant for each other. You both can understand each other so perfectly. You two are like the perfect couple."

Takeru: "You say that but…"

Yamato: "What? Trouble in paradise?"

Takeru: "No no, it's not that. It's just… Hikari and I… we don't really like labelling ourselves like that. When your gig happens, we will say we are a couple but to us… we prefer to not label it. What does it matter if we're best friends or a couple? To us, we're just Hikari and Takeru. We're just Light and Hope, and nothing is going to change that."

Taichi and Yamato stared blankly at Takeru for a moment before Taichi sighed.

Taichi: "You know, sometimes you really seem a lot more mature for your age."

Takeru: "Nah, I can leave that to Iori."

The group laughed as they continued playing their game. Soon, Sora had finished cooking a meal for all of them and their partners. Agumon opened the door to Taichi's room and came out of it while yawning.

Taichi: "Had a good nap? Sora just cooked some food for us."

Agumon: "Thanks Sora!"

Sora giggled as she set down the plates she was carrying and pet Agumon.

Sora: "Its's not a problem, Agumon."

Taichi went over to Hikari and shook gently. Hikari stirred and sat up, yawning, and rubbing her eyes.

Hikari: "How long did I sleep?"

Taichi: "Probably about an hour. Sora cooked some food for us."

Hikari: "Oh, thanks Sora!"

Sora: "It's no problem, Hikari."

Taichi turned the TV off from their game and changed it back to normal channels, where they saw the news.

Reporter: "The child prodigy Ichijouji Ken, has been reported to have a case of amnesia. It was stated that he had been sleeping for a day and woke up without any memories. Authorities and medical professionals are stumped as to what has been happening to this genius boy in the past few months."

Hikari: "That's not good."

Takeru: "So he isn't… we have to go to him."

Yamato: "Takeru, don't be absurd. You can't go over to his house now. You don't even know where he lives."

Hikari: "Actually we do. We tracked down where he lived when he was the Kaiser. But I agree with Yamato. We can't go to him now. If you want, we can go there tomorrow?"

Takeru: "Yes, let's go there tomorrow. I don't… we can't let him go through this alone."

Taichi: "Then maybe it's best if just you two go. It wouldn't be nice for his parents if too many of us go there."

The group of Digidestined all nodded as they ate the food on the table.

The new Digidestined were in Koushiro's office.

Koushiro: "Alright, now that you guys are here, we can go to the Digital World. Hikari and Takeru will not be joining today."

Daisuke: "Right."

Koushiro: "I'll be joining today to help you guys out. Today I think we can focus on the farm. The Digimon are going to need more food since they will be working harder to repair the damage done by the Kaiser."

Daisuke: "Woah…"

Miyako: "This farm is so big…"

Iori: "What's that Digimon over there. He is massive…"

Koushiro: "Well, the farm is big because there's a lot of Digimon settle down here. Many of our friends are here as well. That Digimon is Shakkoumon. He acts as the guardian of this village. He's incredibly strong. He was able to fight Wargreymon apparently, but I think Taichi and Wargreymon were holding back their power."

Daisuke: "That's incredible… "

Koushiro: "Alright, let's get to work."

The Digidestined worked on the farms, plowing and planting seeds in the fields. They had done so for some time and were currently taking a break. A Digimon walked up to them.

Koushiro: "Oh hi, Junkmon."

Junkmon: "Hi, can one of you get some water from the river? But remember to be careful sa-"

Koushiro: "Don't worry, safety first. I remember."

Koushiro and Junkmon smiled at each other. Veemon got up from the log they were sitting on.

Veemon: "I'll get the water."

Daisuke: "Alright, Veemon."

Veemon walked off and the Digidestined waited for Veemon to return. Koushiro was on his tablet, while Miyako and Iori were talking about school. As time went by, it was starting to worry Daisuke.

Daisuke: "How far away is the river?"

Koushiro: "Not that far away. Wait, Veemon should have been back by now."

The Digidestined looked to one another and they all quickly got up and sprinted for the river.

Upon arriving at the river, they saw Veemon fall into it.

Daisuke: "Veemon! Iori hold this!"

Daisuke threw his phone and Iori fumbled with it before catching it.

Koushiro: "Daisuke, wait!"

Koushiro's words were ignored as Daisuke jumped into the river and started to swim after Veemon. Soon they were out of sight. Miyako and Iori both looked worried, while Koushiro looked oddly calm about the situation.

Miyako: "What are we going to do!?"

Iori: "W-We just have to trust him, right Koushiro?"

Miyako: "Y-Yeah, soon he is going to be on Lighdramon and running to us."

Koushiro: "Wishful thinking. He threw his phone, which means he does not have access to the Digimentals."

"Well, this gives us the opportunity to test a theory of mine."

Koushiro: "Come, Tentomon. Let's go."

Tentomon: "Got it Koushiro."

"Tentomon Evolution! Kabuterimon!"

Koushiro: "Hop on if you want. We're going after Daisuke and Veemon."

Miyako and Iori both hopped on with their Digimon and Kabuterimon took flight in the direction of the river current. Although, it seemed like he was trying to prioritise stealth over speed. They soon saw Daisuke and Veemon on a shoreline being cornered by a yellow dinosaur-like Digimon.

Iori: "There! He's there on the shore. That Digimon is attacking them!"

Koushiro: "Yep, Kabuterimon, make as little noise as possible and stay here."

Kabuterimon nodded lightly, and Koushiro placed his hand down, as if petting Kabuterimon.

Miyako: "Aren't we going to help them?"

Koushiro: "We will if it comes to it. I just need to test something first."

Iori: "We aren't going to help him?"

Koushiro: "He will be fine. That's a Tortamon and it isn't particularly dangerous when it's alone."

Miyako: "Why aren't we going to help them? You can help them. Kabuterimon being here proves you can help them."

Koushiro: "I just need to test something. If it gets bad, I'll help."

"After all, our Digimon always evolved from our faith, and their desire to protect us."

Daisuke and Veemon were backed into a corner with Tortamon slowly advancing on them. None of them realised the very faint buzzing noise from above.

Veemon: "Sorry Daisuke, it's my fault we are here."

Daisuke: "It's fine Veemon, we can win this. Digimental Up!"

The Tortamon looked at Daisuke with a confused face before roaring and advancing forward slowly.

Daisuke: "What? Why can't yo-"

Daisuke felt his pocket for his phone and his eyes widened as he recalled where it was.

Daisuke: "Sorry Veemon, we can't Armor-evolve. My phone isn't with me."

Veemon: "What?!"

Tortamon roared and charged forward. It tried to bite down on Daisuke and Veemon, but they both dashed to the side. Tortamon sent out missiles from it's back causing Daisuke and Veemon to be surrounded by dust and smoke.

Daisuke: "Cough Veemon! Where are you!?"

"Dammit, what can we do here?!"

Veemon: "Daisuke! Look out!"

Daisuke turned behind him and saw Tortamon preparing to stomp on him. Veemon quickly ran and dove for Daisuke, barely managing to bring both of them away from harm.

Daisuke grit his teeth as Veemon and him continued to barely dodge Tortamon's attacks. It was manageable as Tortamon was moving slowly.

"What do we do? What can we do without Armor-evolution?!"

Daisuke's eyes widened.

"If only I could evolve… I want to fight too!"
"Gabumon! Got it Yamato! Gabumon Evolution! Garurumon!"
"Don't worry, we can do this. Light and Hope together always, right? Always. Let's do this. Patamon Evolution! Angemon! Angemon Super-Evolution! HolyAngemon! Tailmon Super-Evolution! Angewomon!"

"That's right! Armor-evolution isn't our only way to fight! But can Veemon even evolve normally? What am I thinking!? I need to have faith in my partner!"

Daisuke: "Veemon! You can do this! I believe in you, you can evolve and beat this guy!"

Veemon: "Daisuke… for you, I'll never give up!"

Daisuke's Digivice began to glow.

"Veemon Evolution! ExVeemon!"

Daisuke: "ExVeemon…"

Tortamon roared and started to charge at ExVeemon. ExVeemon flew upwards and dodged it with ease. Tortamon released missiles again, but ExVeemon weaved through them easily.

ExVeemon: "Is that all you got?"

ExVeemon dashed down towards Tortamon and slammed his fist down on Tortamon, before spinning and throwing a kick, causing Tortamon to be sent back. ExVeemon put his hands in front of his chest and flexed them out.

ExVeemon: "X-Laser!"

The attack connected with Tortamon, causing it to be sent through the trees in the forest.

Daisuke: "Nice one, ExVeemon!"

ExVeemon: "Thanks Daisuke."

Just then they heard multiple roars. They turned to see multiple Tortamon stalking out of the destroyed trees. Daisuke and ExVeemon gulped. Just then they heard a shout.

Voice: "Horn Buster!"

Iori: "He evolved?"

Koushiro: "Well then, looks like my theory is right. Our partners really do evolve when we are in danger."

Miyako: "You planned this?!"

Koushiro: "I would say more of a happy accident rather than planned."

Kabuterimon: "As usual my Koushiro's brain is as impressive as ever!"

Just then they heard multiple roars and saw patches of yellow in between the trees.

Koushiro: "That's not good. Kabuterimon!"

Kabuterimon: "You got it, Koushiro!"

"Kabuterimon Super-Evolution! AtlurKabuterimon!"

AtlurKabuterimon: "Horn Buster!"

AtlurKabuterimon fired the blast into the forest, causing most of the tortamon to scramble, while swooping down to grab Daisuke and ExVeemon.

Koushiro: "Hop on, we're getting out of here!"

Daisuke: "What? We can fight them and release the-"

Koushiro: "In case you hadn't noticed, these tortamon are not controlled by dark rings. If you want to fight, you fight to kill. I know you guys don't want to do that and neither do I because we can get away from here without a conflict."

Daisuke and ExVeemon nodded and quickly got onto AtlurKabuterimon as he sped off. The tortamon didn't bother to chase after them. There were easier ways to get data than challenging an ultimate.

Daisuke: "Phew, thanks for the save I don't think we could have taken on those guys alone."

Koushiro: "Congratulations on your first evolution."

"I hope I'm wrong about the Digivices. It would be sad if they couldn't evolve further."

Iori: "It was impressive."

Miyako: "Yeah, you handled that overgrown tortoise like it was nothing!"

Daisuke: "Heh, I guess ExVeemon is pretty strong. It's like he has the speed of Lighdramon and the power of Fladramon and more!"

Iori: "Right, here's your phone."

Daisuke: "Thanks."

ExVeemon reverted to Veemon and the Digidestined sat in a circle on AtlurKabuterimon.

Koushiro: "The armors generally weren't that strong to begin with. They were outclassed very easily, except for travel speed."

Iori: "But it's still useful to have because some of the armor forms could be advantageous in different situations, such as Submarimon underwater. Assuming Armadimon doesn't evolve into an underwater Digimon."

Koushiro: "Right."

The Digidestined were quiet for a few moments before Miyako gasped.

Iori: "What is it?"

Miyako: "We didn't get the water…"

The Digidestined laughed as they travelled back to the farm, stopping along the way to fill buckets.

Honestly, I didn't expect the moments of relaxation to take so long. I was just writing and by the time I was done, it had the same number of words as an actual chapter. :P

Also, for Veemon, I kinda forgot the Japanese version of his name is just V-mon, and evolution would be XV-mon. So, I'm gonna end up using the English dub name for him. It doesn't really affect anything, just something to note. :P

I did quote some of previous moments in this fanfic for the flashback bits, but I didn't specifically say who is talking. For this I'll just be putting the chapter it's from and who it was in the ending segment here in case anyone forgets/wants to know where it's from.

Flashback 1: Chapter 3, Patamon
Flashback 2: Chapter 4, Yamato & Gabumon
Flashback 3: Chapter 8, Hikari & Takeru & Patamon & Tailmon