REVIEW TIME!
Candlite: True man, true.
Freedom89justice: lamento el restraso. Pero la historia sigue y veras lo que tengo planeado.
Daemon looked nothing short of a beast that has been ripped straight out of hell and put in Killua's way, with the fire coming from his mouth and hands and the way even with his natural red eyes one could tell they were bloodshot with rage. The Hunter took a deep breath, he was on his own now, his plan was not the brightest one and he knew it, but at that moment his body just moved without a thought. He doesn't regret it, he would do the same for all of his friends in a heartbeat, he just wished he had a plan B to begin with.
The Deadmon continued to stand near the boy, ragged and angered breaths coming out of his mouth as he clenched his fists and the size of his flames grew. He was planning on carbonizing this boy to the dead, and then going back and killing all of the Digidestined and drag the Child of Light kicking and screaming with her limbs reduced to ashes if possible. And both Oikawa and Morrow would pay too for their incompetence, Oikawa let the girl go and the previous Anomaly let his desires carry him away from his main goal.
'Daemon.'
All the rage he was filling quickly drained and was left with nothing but dread as a voice resonated inside his head. A raspy breath came from his mouth without realizing it. "Mas…ter…"
Killua's ears caught on the words and he looked around, senses sharp as always and even focusing his aura around his eyes and ears to enhance his hearing and sight. 'The big guy behind this place? Where is it?'
He looked back and flinched at what he saw. Daemon, the guy who beat fought all of them in equal terms looked completely terrified. A stark contrast to the raging beast of hell he appeared to be mere moments ago.
'You come back empty handed? With the Anomaly who must I add is still breathing?!' Daemon flinched and tensed as his master's voice boomed in his head. 'Your squad is death, you failed your mission, and bring an invader to my world… Is this the way to pay me for making you?! For sacrificing hundreds of my subjects in creating all of you?!"
"Master… Please let me finish him…" Daemon hissed. "I can kill him, and go back to the human world to take the Child of Light back. And here in our world I can assimilate him! Imagine the power I'd gain if he becomes a part of me!"
Killua's face twisted in disgust and confusion at this. What the hell did he meant assimilate? And by the looks of it, this master must have some sort of telepathic connection with Daemon, weirder things have happened to not consider that, and meant that for all intents and purpose that guy could be really far away from here. Who knew how truly big this world was.
Inside his head, the master's voice had gone quiet. And Daemon waited anxiously for the answer he would receive.
Then a scoff was heard. 'Hmph, if you succeed then I'll consider giving you a second chance. So do not disappoint me again.'
The flames came back in full force once the fear was mostly dissipated and all was left was now a renewed anger towards the Anomaly as well as a newly lit determination to not let down his master and creator. His fists clenched and the dark flames concentrated until they were orbs covering his knuckles almost like gloves.
Killua took a defensive stance, Whirlwind ready and set to dodge and counter his attacks.
Daemon flew upwards his wings spreading and he opened his hands to released condescend fireballs at Killua. The boy vanished from his sight, leaving behind a stella of lightning. Daemon raised his hands in the air and unleashed several fireballs in the air, creating a dreadful rain of black fire over the mushy sand they were in.
Killua's lightning helped him in moving across the hellish rain with ease, yet this also made him grimace. He didn't had access to electricity in this world, if he ran out of energy now then that would be it. He needed to get close to Daemon and engage in close combat, snap his neck, rip his head off. Any tactic that would made the Zoldycks proud would work in such situation, even if the thought of making them proud gave him nausea.
The hellish rain stopped and Killua turned back, Daemon had stopped his attack and changed tactics. As if copying BlackWargreymon he turned into a black tornado aiming to impact. With his enhanced reflexes Killua saw it coming, he dropped Godspeed and moved to the side to dodge. That however was a faint, as mere centimeters to impact with the floor Daemon unwrapped himself from the tornado and aimed an open palm at Killua before releasing a point-blank fireball. Killua crossed his arms and was sent skidding back. The sleeves on the coat he was wearing burning away and scorch marks appearing on his arms. 'Crap… Did he realized that he has an advantage in long-range combat?!'
If the bloodthirsty smile on his face was any indicative, then yes. Yes, he knew. He reared cupped his hands together and the black flames condescend together. "Infernal Flame!"
A grossly big wall of flames was sent in Killua's direction. The boy pumped as much aura on his legs as he could to propel himself upwards and over the torrent of flames. A shadow was over him in a moment, Daemon had both hands cupped together and brought them down onto the boy's head. Killua raised his hands and caught the punch, but belched when he saw Daemon charging flames on his mouth. Killua kicked him fast in the chin to avoid the flames and pushed the hands away. Gravity did its thing and Killua fell back to the ground, flipping in the air and giving out a small burst of aura to cushion his fall.
Daemon's head straightened and he unleashed a flamethrower down on him. Killua ran, zigzagging to avoid the dark flames that threatened to consume him. 'He definitely knows he has an advantage, shit!'
All the flames on that shore were heard by a figure from far away. A pair of blue eyes glistening from beneath a hood observed the flames, the figure raised his hand and a sword appeared in it, receiving a tight grip as welcoming.
The rest of the older Digidestined arrived and were soon told of the recent turn of events. The younger kids were distraught, T.K was unconscious being carried by Matt as he put Tsunomon and Poyomon in the scruff of his coat to carry them as well, and after crying a bit on her brother's chest Kari had fallen too with Tai imitating the blonde to carry Nyaramon and Koromon.
No word was uttered for a while as the bombshell was dropped. The older group looking just as lost as their younger friends over the disappearance, or rather the kidnapping of one of their friends.
"This can't be happening," Mimi said as she put her hands on her face. "Just when we thought things couldn't get worse…"
"… I'm sorry," Ken said, holding Wormmon and looking down to the floor with guilt in his eyes. "If I hadn't opened the door to that world then…"
"Then you guys would have still been in problems!" Tai cut him off before he went down that rabbit hole. "Ken, we were all against a rock and a hard place tonight. The situation sucks, and we are all tired and sad and lost, but you did what you could to help. Think that without that, the situation could be worse.
Ken still looked down, but his shoulders did relax for a moment. He felt two hands on his shoulders and looked up to see Yolei and Davis giving him reassuring smiles, even if the puffiness and redness of their eyes made a contrast with it.
"For now, you kids should come with," Shin said as he climbed out of the car. "I might not be involved in whatever you guys are dealing with, but I can at least give you all a ride back home."
"Sorry for the bother, Shin," Joe said as he looked at his brother sheepishly.
"Don't mind it," Shin said as he scratched the back of his head. "Although I'll certainly make a few turns to come back for you."
"I can call my dad if it helps," Matt says. "He knows about everything too, and he'll have no problem with T.K staying the night as long as we call mom."
"We'll call our parents too," Mimi said. "All of them know of our Digimon so explaining should be easy for us."
"Very well then. That'd save some time and gasoline," He climbed back in into the car. "There's enough space for five more, anyone else wants to come."
Tai shifted Kari on his shoulder. "I can sit her on my lap so we go home, if that's okay," He turned to the others.
Sora walked forward and patted his chest, "Of course it is. Take care of her, okay? She already went through enough tonight."
Tai smiled and nodded, walking towards the car with the younger kids following them. The kids turned back to the rest of the veterans, seeing them giving smiles of reassurance, like trying to tell them everything was going to be okay. However, it did little to lift their spirits…
The car sped away. The first stop was going to be Odaiba to drop Ken and then head back to Odaiba to drop the others. The road was accompanied by an awkward silence, as the children all mulled over their defeat, with only the sound of Kari's soft breathing coming from the front seat.
Eventually Cody broke the silence. "Umm… Guys, I-I think…" He gulped. "I think we should come clean with our parents about the Digimon."
His friends in the backseat looked down at him with surprise. "Where did that come from?" Davis asked.
Cody rubbed his hands together nervously. "It's just. I just think its not fair to leave them worrying like this. Its late in the night, and we've been out there… They have the right to know what's going on."
"Cody is right…" Ken said as he frowned. His parents must be specially worried after he ran away earlier this year as the Emperor. "I will tell them when I get home."
Wormmon looked at him. "Then that means I finally get to introduce myself to your parents?" He asked with an edge of excitement.
Ken smiled softly and pet his head. "Yes, of course."
"That will also help with the big elephant in the room…" Yolei muttered.
"Elephant?" Hawkmon questioned.
"Ain't it obvious?" Davis asked as he leaned in the door of the card. "How to get Sparky back, of course!"
Tai turned his head as much as he could from the front. Listening to the conversation.
"But we don't know how to get to that world," Armadillomon pointed out.
Ken looked again at his Digivice. "My Digivice could always take us there but now… As I look at it, I can tell it doesn't have any connections with that world anymore."
"Then maybe Gennai or Azulongmon might know," Yolei said as she pressed a finger to her chin an looked up. Then she looked ahead and caught Tai's eye and flinched. "Um… We…"
Tai looked at them for a moment before sighing and looking at his sleeping sister. "Look, I know that once she wakes up, she'll be the first one to jump into the fray. She would do it for any of us."
"You can always come if you get too worry, ya know?" Davis proposed with a smile.
Tai smiled. "For now, let's all get home and sleep and we'll talk it all together in the morning. 'kay?"
"Speaking of home…" Shin said as he pulled the car to a stop. "We're we go, Ken."
Ken nodded and opened the car. "I'll talk with you guys in the morning, okay?"
He received nods and he closed the door after climbing out. He looked up at the building and took a deep breath, ready for what he was going to say.
The Ichijouji parents stared anxiously at the T.V, watching the footage of the kids that were rescued after the kidnapping from that same morning. Hoping that there was any news regarding their own son, who has yet to return home.
"He's not back, he wasn't with those kids and yet… Where is he?!" Miss Ichijouji questioned in tears, fearing that her boy might have run away from home again.
Her husband didn't sit still. "That's it, I'm calling the police! Make sure he comes back one way or the—!" He stopped when the door to their home was opened and a person walked in.
"I'm home…"
Both adults bolted out of the couch and walked to their main door. Their son was there, and he looked like he's been through hell. His clothes were dirty, and there were some bruises on his face, he also seemed completely drained and barely managing to stand.
"KEN!" That didn't stopped his mother from wrapping him in a hug and weeping in relief. "Ken…"
His father walked to him and gave him a stern look. "Ken, what were you doing out there so late. Do you have any idea how worried we were?! You can go out and make your mother worry like this…"
"I'm sorry… For everything," he said, looking at his father in the eyes as he said it. "I just… had no choice."
"Ken, please," His mother begged as she pulled apart from him. "Tell us what's happening. The city has become so chaotic with those monsters and towers roaming and you just go out at times like this, and we can't understand why…"
Ken's face softened and his eyes glistened with tears. He blinked them away and moved past his parents. "Please, come with me…" He said, guiding them to their room.
His parents while confused and still upset complied. Ken opened the door to his bedroom and walked to the slide doors that went to the balcony. He leaned in the railing and waited a while before scooping something in his arms. "Mom, dad…This… Is Wormmon."
Before coming, he asked Wormmon to climb by the side of the building to his room. That way he could at least try and calm his parents after his disappearance before the reveal. The little worm Digimon stared at the two adults with nervousness before giving a small bow with the head. "Good evening, ma'am, sir…"
Ken looked at his parents' flabbergasted expressions and took a deep breath, knowing this was going to be a long night before he can actually go to his bed.
After Shin dropped her at her house and took responsibility for her outing so late. Yolei got dragged into her house by her very upset mom, and was victim to the stares of her whole family.
"Young lady!" Her mother started.
"Before you say anything!" Yolei said, running towards a window and opening it. "You have to meet someone!"
From the window, Hawkmon flapped up and stood on the windowsill. "Good night, everyone," he said, giving a respectful bow.
Pandemonium broke loose.
"OH MY GOD IS ONE OF THOSE MONSTERS!" Her mother screeched, hiding behind her husband.
"YOLEI GET AWAY FROM IT!" Her father yelled, grabbing the nearest weapon: A lamp.
Her siblings on the other hand…
"Awww, it's kinda cute…" Momoe said, cupping her cheek.
Chizuru looked at it in curiosity. "It can talk, maybe it's not like the ones from the news."
Mamoru smiled and pointed at Hawkmon. "That thing is rad."
Yolei looked at the raging expressions, from her parents ready to attack Hawkmon, to the surprisingly calm reaction from her siblings, before taking a deep breath and yelling. "EVERYONE BE QUIEEEEEEEET!"
Everyone winced at her tone of voice and flinched back, even Hawkmon lost footing on the window and almost fell back. "Yolei… I think I got tinnitus now…"
"D-Ditto…" Mamoru said, digging his pinky on his ear.
Yolei sighed and adjusted her glasses, giving her family a softer look. "Everyone, this is Hawkmon… my best friend in any world, my partner and a Digimon," she gave them a cheesy smile and scratched the back of her head. "Let's take this from the top and slowly, okay?"
After that display of lung capacity that put her mom to shame, no one thought of going against her.
"Hi Davish mom and dad, I'm Demiveemon!"
His parents promptly passed out and he blinked.
"Didn't see that coming…"
"YOU ARE ADORABLEEEEEE!" For her part, Jun squealed in delight and grabbed Demiveemon from the living room's table and held him against her chest. "Forget puppies, kitties, or even dumb boys. You are the cutest thing ever!
"Davish these are soft…" Demiveemon mumbled as his tiny paws were pressed against his sister's chest.
"Hey stop that, before you suffocate my partner!" Davis complained, trying to take his friend back, only for Jun to spin around and avoid her brother's attempts. "Come one!"
"No way, mister! You had this awowable wittle guy all for yourself," Davis groaned as she started baby talking. "For like what? The whole year, I wanna cuddle him extra hard for that! He sleeps with me tonight!"
"Sleepover!" Demiveemon cheered.
Davis fell to the floor in defeat. He didn't expect this was how the reveal of his partner was going to be…
"And by the way, little bro?" He looked up to see her sister leaning to his face and giving him a curious look. "What's the name of the guy who dropped you off?"
"You mean Shin? He's Joe's older brother," Davis said with a shrug. "Why?"
"So, Shin…" She blushed and smothered Demiveemon further on her chest. "He looked so mature; he must be in college…"
"What's with you?!" Davis asked, sitting up. "I thought you had it out for Matt…"
Jun pouted and sagged. "I'm over him…" She said. "Back in the concert…"
She still remembers it clear as day. How when the rumble was falling and the monsters were invading, he saw how Matt jumped in the way to save a girl with green clothes. The way they looked at each other, she wasn't blind. She knew when she was defeated…
"Younger kids are no good," she said with a shake of her head. "But older ones? Now that does sound good! So, it's Shin, what a lovely name ~!"
She skipped back to her room, with Demiveemon. "Wait, who's gonna wake up mom and—"
She slammed the door behind her back.
"—dad… Ugh, man…!"
"IORI TOSS THAT OUT!"
Cody flinched as his mother raised his voice at him, she rarely did. Then again, he rarely did something to upset her. His grandfather sitting impassively behind as he watched the scene unfold. "Mom, please. He's not—!"
"It's one of those… things!" She spat, shivering and keeping a disgusted look as she stared at Armadillomon, who hid behind Cody's legs with a frightened expression. "The monsters and those weird towers! I won't let one of them being near you, no matter the size!"
"C-Cody's mom, ma'am," Armadillomon tried to say. "If you could just let me—"
"And don't you open your mouth!" Fumiko yelled, grabbing her son by the shoulder and pulling him behind her. "I don't know what you did to my son for him to listen to you, but I won't allow you to come into this house!"
"But I've already lived here…" Armadillomon argued.
"What?!"
Cody wanted to facepalm. He was the one to propose to give a full disclosure to their parents, and felt like he was the one that was going to receive the biggest whiplash out of all his friends. His mother rounded on him with questioning eyes. "What does he mean by that?!"
"H-He…" Cody tried to formulate the words.
"Around the time Iori started the school year."
Both mother and son stopped and turned to Chikara, who has finished serving a cup of tea and looked at his family members with a calm expression, a big contrast of the shock the rest of the occupants had.
"G-Grandfather… you knew?!" Cody asked in shock.
Chikara calmly sipped from his tea. "Not at first no… But after the first time you asked to skipped our kendo lessons, I started to pay closer attention. Didn't helped that he snuck around at night for snacks, and I can see that they helped in making him grew fatter."
Cody gave his partner a deadpan stare, and Armadillomon chuckled nervously.
Fumiko for her part fumbled with words. "Then why didn't you say anything?!" She demanded. "If this thing did something to Iori then—!"
"But he didn't, did he?" Chikara cut her off. "And quite honestly, since this being entered Iori's life I've noticed him grow more and more in different aspects. He shouldn't hide things from us, but this is something that couldn't be easily explained. So, let's give him that chance. Let's hear what he has to say for I think our Iori… Might be even more involved in all this than we thought."
Fumiko still looked conflicted, but her gaze softened and she walked to the table and sat down. Cody looked at his grandfather and felt relief wash over him and walked next to Armadillomon, who slowly stood a bit straighter as he stared at the two adults.
"Mother, grandfather… This is Armadillomon, my partner."
T.K's eyes flustered open. Feeling slightly better than from last night, he looked to the side and saw Tokomon sleeping next to him. He reached for his partner and poked his cheek softly, and felt a smile coming to his face seeing him sleep.
Then it all came back to him.
"Killua!" He sat up, throwing the covers off him and sat up from bed. The moment his feet touched the floor however, he realized it was covered in clothes. He looked around and realized, "this isn't my room…"
He walked out to the door more calmly, and when he opened the door he found a scene out of his dreams. His parents were both at the table, both drinking coffee, while Matt worked in the kitchen preparing breakfast. A scenario that looked as if the divorce never happened and they were still a single family. But of course, he was pinching his arm and noticed how it stung, so this was reality and as hopeful as he was, he wasn't that naïve.
His mother was the first to notice him. "T.K!" She sat up and ran to him, wrapping him in a hug. "Thank goodness…"
T.K wrapped his arms around her and mumbled, "I'm sorry for worrying you, mom…"
Natsuko shook her head as she ran a hand through his hair. "I'm glad you're okay."
"Good morning to you, kiddo," Hiroaki said as he walked up and gave his youngest a pat in the head.
"Come over squirt," Matt said as he set plates in the table, and an extra one for Tsunomon. "We have a lot to talk about, don't we?"
Where to even start? T.K sighed, and walked forward to sit at the table with the rest of his family. He felt a small sense of guilt, he should be calling the others by now to think of a way to get Killua back, but right now he wanted to enjoy this brief moment of peace where he could just sit next to both of his parents and his brother.
He knew their job was far from done, that there were still many things to do. So, who knows when a chance like this might present again before getting back to the battle.
Her eyes fluttered open, and was greeted with the sight of her brother sitting next to her bed with a smile on his face. "Hey sis, good morning."
She blinked, her mind still feeling drowsy. She looked to the side to see Salamon sleeping next to her and for a moment wondered why she was back into her Rookie form and not her usual Champion level…
…That's when it all came back and she sat up from bed.
"Killua!" She gasped and whirled to see her brother. "Tai…!"
Tai gave her a shake of his head. "We're still as lost as last night. On the bright side mom and dad are making us a big breakfast right now…" He tried to say to brighten the mood and failing miserably.
Kari gripped her sheets and bit her lip as tears again swell up in her eyes. Tai didn't even wait for them to fall to wrap her in a hug. "Hey, hey. It's going to be okay; we're going to take him back no matter what."
"I hate this…" She gripped out, clinging to him. "I hate this, I hate this, I HATE THIS!" She sobbed out. "Why do those creatures have to come after me?! Why did everyone have to put their lives in risk for me!? I don't want this!"
Her screaming woke Salamon out, who upon laying eyes on her partner could only walk and lay next to her to give her some silent comfort. The scream also called the attention of their parents, they opened the door slightly and peered in. Tai noticed them but gave a shake of his head, right now as a Digidestined he could understand the weight of the responsibility currently crushing his baby sister. They gave reluctant nods and moved back, closing the door silently.
Minutes passed, before she finally calmed down, in the meantime he heard her terminal going off with messages, possibly from the others and how their parents took the revelation of their role as Digidestined. Eventually she calmed down, her eyes bloodshot and puffy. "… What now?" She asked. "How do we get him back?"
Tai sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "That's the complicated part… Izzy text me earlies, he put Gennai up to speed with what's happening and he said he was going to Azulongmon for help too."
"So, we just wait?" She asked, uncharacteristically yet understandably bitter.
Tai opened his mouth to respond, yet another beep from her terminal had Kari grabbing it and opening it with a sigh just to see what was going on. Her eyes immediately widening by what she read. "Eh?!"
Tai moved and stood behind his sister, reading the chat.
Davis: So, my folks took Demiveemon well enough… After they came back after passing out. When I tell them about me fighting those creatures they started fretting all over, EVEN JUN! crzy huh?
Yolei: I think dad wants to turn me into modern day Rapunzel by how he is basically guarding the door to prevent me from leaving. And my brother is helping…
Cody: My mother didn't took it well, my grandfather however is encouraging me. Yet I can see the worry in his eyes…
Davis: What about you Ken?
Davis: Ken?
Davis: KEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEN!
Yolei: Davis writing in upper case isn't going to make him listen.
Ken: Srry, I was brushing my teeth. But nevrmind that. I need to tell you all something:
The next part of the message was what really caught Kari's attention.
My dad knows Oikawa.
No sooner had Ken sent that message, the Digidestined rushed out of their homes and went to Mister Ichijouji's work place where the man himself and his son were awaiting.
"Here it is," Ken's father said as he placed a folder in front of the kids, all of them gathered in a waiting room. "This was a picture that was took five years ago."
There was no mistake as they stared at the picture. With shorter hair, and with less sunken cheeks, but the man in the picture along with others was none other than Oikawa.
"It's definitely him," Kari said, all of the kids and their partners glaring at the picture so hard it could make a hole on it. "When I was on the truck, he said he was unemployed…"
"Around four years ago, Oikawa suddenly quit and vanished without a trace," Ken's dad explained. "He wasn't a really outspoken person, everything he did here was purely professional. Never got interested in social meetings of any kind."
"Why did he quit?" Cody asked, for curiosity's sake.
"I don't know for sure, but some rumors say he suddenly started gaining a lot of money out of nowhere," The man scowled at the picture too. "If what Ken told me is all true then he probably used those abilities to do it."
The kids looked at Ken for a moment, wondering if he also told their parents about the Nen abilities. For the rest of the younger ones they only told their parents about their Digimon partners and the Digital World.
"Here's his direction, however I'm afraid it might be outdated," The man explained. "He might have changed it after all this time."
"Thank you for all this, dad," Ken said, grabbing the file. "It was a big help."
The man smiled at his son. "Glad I could help," then he gave him a stern look. "I know this is something only you and your friends can do, but please be careful. Okay?"
Ken nodded; a sentiment followed by all the kids. Oikawa might not be their highest priority right now, but it didn't take away the fact they had to be wary of him. Specially with their leader missing.
"How can a normal man create something like the Digiport as well as have under control two Digimon like Arukenimon and Mummymon…" Cody muttered as he looked at the picture of the man.
"They might his partners?" Everyone turned to look at Yolei who shrugged defensively. "What?! According to you guys there were other Digidestined before T.K and Kari, maybe he was one!"
"If so, why damage the Digital World again?" T.K asked with anger.
"He doesn't want that," Everyone turned to Kari as she looked at the floor. "And I don't think he was a Digidestined either. The way he spoke about the Digital World, it was like someone who's never been there. He said he wished he could go but couldn't even with the port and Killua's Digivice. That's why he made the towers and… why he used Ken."
Ken's eyes widened and he walked to Kari. "Did he say why? Why did he make me the Emperor?"
Kari nodded with a sad frown on her face. "Convenience…" She revealed. "He thought of using us, my brother, T.K, or our other friends, and make one of us the Emperor. He just needed a Digidestined, and… you…"
"I just me him by accident…" Ken realized, putting a hand to his face and feeling his body tremble. "Damn it. This is all a sick joke…"
"Ken…" Wormmon muttered.
"And why plant the towers? Why use them to make fake Digimon?" T.K asked, trying to move the conversation forward.
"Maybe he wanted an army?" Salamon suggested. "One without a will to avoid betrayals… not like that didn't stop BlackWargreymon but still…"
"Not only that," Kari shook her head. "He wants to repeat what the Dark Masters did five years ago, to make both worlds merge together."
"WHAT!?" The ones who witnessed the event screamed. T.K shook his head furiously. "That lunatic, that almost destroyed both worlds!"
"Why would he do something so drastic!?" Yolei asked, putting her hands on her head.
"To be in the Digital World," Kari sighed, running her hands along her arms. The cold from the weather and the chills from being near that man being a bad combination. "He thinks he can make a paradise, where Digimon and humans live together."
"That doesn't sound so bad…" Armadillomon trailed off as he received incredulous looks from everyone. "W-What?"
"May I remind you that humans have received TWO invasions from Digimon?" Salamon deadpanned. "Sure, the second one were Deadmon behind it but since they're posing as us we aren't exactly being painted in a good light."
"A war might break out…" Cody trembled at the thought. "It's insane."
"And all the more reason to stop it!" Davis said, punching his fist on his open palm. "And to do that, we need Sparky back!"
"How do we get him back, Davish?" Demiveemon asked, from atop of his head.
"I… have no idea…" Davis slumped.
Kari bit her lip. "The only real link to that world is… Is Hisoka," she shook her head at the thought. "But I don't even want to consider that an option."
"He's not even a last resort," Salamon said bitingly, snuggling more into Kari's grasp. "Even if he takes us there, there's not telling that we'll end up anywhere near Killua."
"Uggggh, we're all hitting dead ends after dead ends!" Tokomon said, his whole boy sagging in T.K's arms.
Silence ensued after that. They all wanted to rescue their friend, but without a safe access to that world that just seemed to be impossible at this point.
So then when their terminals beeped in unison, made them all perk up and drawing them out. There was a recent message, from a familiar direction. In all the Terminals the message was the same, with the same sender as well.
Gennai: Digidestined. I'll keep this message brief. I've been put to date with the current situation, and I might have the solution. Please come as soon as possible, I might have a solution.
The spirits of the group visibly lifted as they finished reading the message. Davis had a grin that threatened to split his face in half as he leaped into the air. "ALRIGHT! YOU GO GENNAI!"
"Davis, pipe down!" Yolei hissed, as she looked around. "People are staring…"
"Finally, some good news," T.K breathed with relief. "It's only been a day, yet it felt like forever…"
"Gennai must have broken a world record or something!" Tokomon chirped happily.
"Then let's go to my house!" Ken offered as he stuffed his Terminal. "It's the closest one, and since my parents know my mom won't worry if we vanish."
No one disagreed with the notion, and with renovated energy they all moved as fast as they could.
"Hisoka!"
The day had started pretty slow all things considered…
Him and Maki shared the bed on Oikawa's extra room—strange how a man who lived alone in the woods had an extra room—had a pretty awkward breakfast with their guests and while Hisoka prepared for a plan to hunt down the girl, Oikawa moved to prepare his own plans.
The gate on his computer, the one who let Arukenimon go to the Digital World was opened again, yet there was something strange yet familiar when he booted up the program. Hisoka felt a shiver ran down his spine and looked down at his hands as they fizzled in and out of reality, causing Maki to yell his name in apparent distress.
"Oh dear, this doesn't look good," Hisoka said, raising an eyebrow and looking at Oikawa. "What did you do?"
Oikawa raised his hands in a show of innocence. "Don't look at me, I just opened the door to go to that… Oh, I was just going to the world of the Dark Ocean. And since you came from there, well…" He turned the screen of his computer towards Hisoka. "It seems it's calling you back."
When the screen was turned to Hisoka, he could see in it the image of unnerving black waves. His body fizzled with static and a voice resonated in his head.
"Come, Anomaly, for your task is far from over."
Hisoka's eyes narrowed as he recognized the voice of the being who pulled him away from his world. 'What could he want? I don't have the girl yet. So why is he calling me back there?'
"Wait!" Maki called, grabbing Hisoka's shoulder and making him turn around. "You can't just leave like that!"
"It is hardly within my choice to leave," Hisoka said, rising an eyebrow. "It seems my benefactor has other tasks with me."
"We had a deal, Hisoka," She said, grasping firmly his hand and flinching when hers also started to fizzle. "I… Am going too!"
"Are you sure?" He asked. "That world isn't exactly friendly."
"If I'm with you it shouldn't be a problem," Maki said, giving a scoff. "Since you are their ally."
Before anything else could be said. Their entire bodies fizzled and vanished, leaving only the owners of the cabin in their living room.
"Hahaha! What strange turn of events," Oikawa said, giving a shake of his head and adjusting his monitor. "Arukenimon, dear, remember to keep the house clean. Not to play into stereotypes but… Since you are the only one who will be staying here for the time being."
"How long will you be gone, master?" Arukenimon asked.
"Not much," He shrugged. "Just enough to grab our boy, bring him home and find a way to lure our prodigal son back to us," he grinned and his eyes flashed blue. "With the two of them together, our plan will finally be complete!"
He grabbed the Digivice and a black aura surrounded him before being pulled into the screen of the computer. Leaving behind the woman in red, who sighed and sat slacked on the couch.
"These are going to be a loooong couple of days…" She grumbled.
"Then perhaps should I make some tea? Prepare your bathtub so I can massage your feet? Just say it, my dear Arukenimon!"
Arukenimon shook her head and massaged her temples, making the familiar voice quiet down. "You buffoon… Why did you have to get yourself killed…"
The Digidestined blinked in surprise when, after accessing the port in Ken's computer, they found themselves already in their destination. The home of the man that has done everything within his reach, with ups and downs along the way, to guide them throughout their journey. They expected to go to the nearest port in the forest and making a beeline for the underground city, yet appeared straight into the man's living room.
"Welcome, Digidestined," the man himself greeted them with a smile. "I'm sorry for the sudden urgency, yet I can tell that you needed to know of this as soon as possible considering the current circumstances."
"So this is Gennai…" Ken muttered as he settled his eyes on the man for the first time.
T.K stepped forward to address him. "Gennai, you said you have something that can help us, is it true?"
"But of course," The man said, grabbing a computer and booting a familiar program for them.
"Isn't that the Digiport?" Hawkmon asked, tilting his head.
"As you know I have been working on this so I can send Killua back home," Gennai said. "Quite the difficult task, since our worlds had barely any contact with one another. Yet in this case, the Digital World has had contact with this dark world in the form of certain eyesores you are good at destroying."
"The Control Towers," Ken realized, eyes widening.
"Correct," Gennai smiled. "Perceptive as I imagined, Ken. Now then, with most of the program changed all I had to do was extract data from the few remaining Control Towers in the Digital World and put it in the program and now…"
He pressed a few keys on the computer and like other times, the red dot in the screen changed to green. Yet instead of showing their world, it showed a world with no color and waves crashing against a shore.
Shivers ran down their spines, with Kari and Ken having the strongest reaction by flinching and backing away. "It's there…" She whispered.
"Damn, that places doesn't look good!" Davis said, running his hands over his arms.
"That place… It feels like the whirlpool from back then…" T.K muttered, remembering their last assault on the Emperor's base.
"You guys had all gone there…" Cody said, looking at Yolei, Kari and Ken.
"This world…" Gennai said, catching their attention. "The order and even Homeostasis knew of its existence from a long time, yet it never posed a threat like this. Their inhabitants never acted this way, according to what we've seen before they always were… Dead, hence their name, dead while living just existing harmlessly. I don't know what produced this change in their behavior."
"Maybe it has to do with who or what sent Hisoka here," Yolei theorized. "But what exactly has an ability able to pull people from their worlds."
Kari gulped, staring at the waves in the screen with apprehension. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, she let her Nen shroud her for a moment, to remind her that she wasn't the same as the first time she got dragged back to that world. Killua pulled her out the first time, and now she will do the same, they all will.
"There's one problem with this though," Cody said, calling the attention. "We don't know how big that world is. For all we know is as big as ours, or the Digital World. And since Killua doesn't have a Digivice, we have no way of tracking him down."
Gennai put a hand to his chin and hummed in thought before looking at Kari. "Tell me, does Killua had his Crest on him when he left."
Kari blinked and hummed in thought. Ever since she gave him that pendant to keep it safe… he didn't take it off once. "Yes, he had it."
"Good!" Gennai smiled brightly and pulled out something from his pocket. "Then this shall help."
He opened his palm to reveal something familiar to both Kari and T.K. "A Tag," they breathed in awe.
"With this, I'll be able to triangulate Killua's signal in the known map of this world," Gennai explained, pressing a few keys and changing the scenery. For the first time, they saw a part of that world free of that ocean, instead showing an empty forest, then a canyon, and then to their surprise a ruined town. In the last one they noticed that a soft glow came from the Tag before vanishing. "I'll keep the trace, but for now I want to give you some time."
"Time?" V-Mon asked. "For what?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Salamon asked. "This will be a rescue mission, with enemies all around. It'd be like that time where we looked for the Emperor's base."
"We'll have to be there full time…" Ken clarified. "At least until we have Killua back."
"I'll be here, monitoring your movements," Gennai explained. "With this connection, your terminals will be connected to my computer and that way we'll be able to communicate. Sadly, since Killua didn't go through this gate, we can't do the same with his terminal. Hence why we depend on the Tag."
With the situation settling in, the Digidestined exchanged looks. "Good thing we finally told our parents," Yolei said sheepishly.
"We'll also have to gather resources, who knows how long we'll be there," T.K said.
"Not long if I triangulate the coordinates well enough," Gennai reassured.
"Very well then," Kari said, giving a small grateful bow to Gennai. "Thank you for everything Gennai."
"It's the least I can do," Gennai waved it off. "But beware Digidestined. Whoever was behind this attack might be more active since you, Child of Light, will be there."
Kari and the others tensed hearing that.
"With the newfound power of the Matrix Evolution you will stand a chance," Gennai said. "Just believe in your powers, as they have not failed you, and you might be able to end this conflict once and for all. And when you get your friend back then you can give him some good news!"
"Good news?" Armadillomon asked.
"The gate to Killua's world is finished," Gennai revealed. "Now he'll be able to go home."
Smiles erupted across the group. Happiness that their friend's quest to go back to his sister will finally be completed, momentarily eclipsing the dread of going to the dark world. "That's awesome!" Davis cheered, pumping his fists in the air.
"We'll have this over before the year's end then!" Yolei said, with renewed determination and throwing punches at the air.
Gennai smiled at the newfound positivism in the Digidestined. "That's all for today kids. Go, prepare any resources you might need, and I'll see you all tomorrow."
With hope filling their chests at the prospect of getting their friend back, the Digidestined went back to their homes to prepare for what they felt would be an even bigger task: To inform their parents of their new rescue mission, with the reveal fresh in their minds.
With his friends gone, Ken told his mom that he had a request for both her and his dad. So they waited until the man came back from his job, and once he did, Ken asked them to sit on the couch as he had to find the right way to break this out for them.
"Mom, dad," Ken started, keeping Wormmon in his lap of support. "First of all, I want to thank you for being so understanding with… everything surrounding Wormmon, and the Digital world. It means a lot to me."
Their parents smiled softly as they looked at Wormmon. "He is clearly somebody important to you and… helped you through the hard times Oikawa made you go through," His father said, smiling at the bug.
'Hard times' was a way of referring as his time as the Emperor. When Ken told them everything, he meant everything, including that. Yet Wormmon jumped in his defense, claiming Oikawa was the true responsible for what his ability did. That's when Ken also had to explained them what Nen was, and even give them a demonstration with Sochi and the water divination test.
They were marveled by it, yet he could tell they felt anger towards Oikawa for his manipulation on him.
"So that's why… once again I have to ask something out of you," Ken said, taking a deep breath. "Something that's… actually dangerous."
Immediately his parents tensed, but he had to do this. To keep them in the know and for the sake of their friend.
"I have to go away…" Ken finally blurted out. "One of my friends, Killua, is in danger right now! And it has to do with those that attacked the other night!" He took a deep breath, with Wormmon cuddling in his lap to give him support. "So… I have to go where he is right now and if I'm being honest with you, I'm not even asking for permission, even if afterwards you ground me forever I… I have to go and help him."
He looked at his parents with determination and worry, expecting their reactions.
The two looked shocked at his sudden burst and at the request. And to Ken's dismay, he started seeing tears around his mother's eyes, before she wiped them away and smiled. His father stood up and walked to sit next to him. "Son, your mother and I might not get much of what's going on and we are worried about what might happen… but this, is clearly really important to you."
His mother stood up and sit on his other side. "I am scared, and wished you didn't have to be involved in this…" She said, before clasping his hand. "Yet… I am proud that your part of something so big and not backing away from it."
"Mom… Dad…" Ken muttered, feeling a warm feeling on his chest.
"As you said, we can't stop you, specially since you have superpowers now," his father jested before growing serious. "But promise us that you'll come back. We… We need you to promise that."
The underlaying meaning didn't escaped Ken. They wanted him to promise that and to come back, because they didn't want to lose him. Or rather, they couldn't bear to lose another son. With a stone-set expression, he nodded. "I will!"
His mother smiled at Wormmon, making the worm perk up. "Wormmon, please look after Ken at every turn please."
"Of course, I will!" Wormmon smiled. "It's my duty to be there for Ken, no matter what!"
The two adults hugged their son, who reciprocated the hug with a smile and relieved tears. "Mom, dad, thank you…"
He looked at the wall on the other side of the living room, where a picture of his brother was hanging. 'Sam… I'll come back after saving Killua, look after mom and dad for me while I'm gone, please.'
"YOU ARE NOT LEAVING THE HOUSE AGAIN!"
Yolei sighed as her mom and dad guarded the door with frying pans as if they were swords. Giving her a leveled glare that would usually have her shuffling back to her room, her siblings were behind her with Momoe obnoxiously holding Hawkmon like a plushie.
"We are already on the verge of breaking down by having your… friend with us!" Her mom said, pointing at Hawkmon. "And now you're saying you want to go to another world!?"
"I've been doing that since the year started…" She muttered under her breath.
"And that's yet another thing!" His father scolded.
Yolei rolled her eyes and puffed out a long exhale. "Look you guys. I get it, this was scary for me at first too! You should have seen me the first day, I almost pissed my pants! But! If we want this whole nightmare to stop, first I gotta save my friend from those things! So me and Hawkmon are going and that's final!"
"YOU WILL NOT DO SUCH A THING!"
"WILL DO!"
"DO NOT!"
"WILL DO!"
"DO NOT!"
Mamoru watched the back and forth between his sister and parents before sighing. "Okay, that's it," he said. "I'm breaking them off."
"Do you have to?" Chizuru asked, as she received Hawkmon and pet his head. "It's kind of entertaining."
"Sis." Momoe said in a warning tone.
"Just saying!" She said raising one hand defensively.
While Yolei and their father butted heads and their mother looked ready to actually beat some sense with the frying pan. Mamoru stood in between them, pushing his sister and dad away from one another while Momoe took the pan from their mother's hand.
"Wha— Kids!" Their father yelled.
"Oh good, maybe you can talk some sense in her!" Their mom said.
"Actually, I'm with my little sis in this," Mamoru said.
"You are!?" Their parents exclaimed, and Yolei accompanied them.
Momoe stood next to her brother, acting as a barrier for their little sister. "Yolei and her friends dealt with this things yesterday and through out the year. Do I like it? No. Would I prefer if she stayed home with us? Yes. Do I understand this? Also, yes."
Chizuru walked next to her and held Hawkmon in front of their faces. "And she has little Hawkmon to help! Tell them buddy!"
"I will protect Yolei no matter what!" Hawkmon swore, with a wing on his chest.
"You guys…" Yolei said, touched by her siblings' gesture. She sometimes found them a bit annoying, but right now she just felt thankful of not being an only child.
"Kids this is insanity!" Yet their parents were still unconvinced. The two of them had shocked and scandalized looks on their faces at their children united front.
Yolei stood in front of her siblings, giving them a grateful smile. "I'll take it from here," she said. "Mom, dad. I can take care of myself. Not only do I have Hawkmon by my side, but also… this."
With a swift motion, she swiped her hand. Suddenly the frying pan in her dad's hand was cleaved in half. Making him and his wife gap in awe, same with their other children.
"I learned some tricks while I was with my friends," Yolei explained giving them a peace sign. Her aura blades flaring down, invisible to the eyes of her family.
His father closed his mouth and dropped the handle of the frying pan before sighing. "You've really changed this year without us realizing, huh?"
"Well… I know it wasn't fair to hide it," Yolei said, while poking her fingers together. "But considering your reaction, I think you can understand…"
Her mother lowered her frying pan as well. "We just… It's just a lot, sweetie."
"I know," Yolei said, giving them a tired smile. "But before the coming of the new year, everything will be back to normal. No, even better, so… if it's not too much to ask trust me and let me and my friends save the world… and some food for the travel." She said, clasping her hands together with a pleading look.
His father gave her a scrutinizing look. "Will you work over time next year to pay for what you take."
"Over time? Puh-lease! I'll drop school and work full time for it!" She boasted proudly.
"Yeaaaah, no, over time is good enough honey," Her mother said. "But… do make sure to come back before New Year's Eve."
"It will only take us a day and a half!" She boasted again.
"Um, Yolei, you shouldn't…" Hawkmon tried to caution, before sighing. "Oh, what the darn. Yes! Before that new year evening!"
"Then let's go down to the store, while mom makes a dinner to remember!" The father said, opening the door to guide their children down to the store.
"BINGO!" The four siblings said in unison, with Hawkmon included.
As they made their way down stairs. Yolei turned to her siblings. "Thanks, you guys."
Mamoru ruffled her head and smiled. "Hey, what are siblings for?"
"Free livers?" Chizuru jested.
"Sis!" Momoe elbowed her ribs as a scolding.
Cody waited anxiously. He was sitting on his knees in front of his mother and grandfather as he delivered the news of his departure to save Killua, explaining the situation with as much reason as he could while leaving Armadillomon in his room since this was a really personal matter, even showing his Conjured Shinai and explaining what Nen was to them so they would see he wasn't defenseless. And yet, the look of apprehension in his mother's eyes told him just in what stance she was in this instance.
"Why…?" She choked, barely fighting tears. "Why does it have to be you?" She buried her face in her hands and let the tears fall, as her frame shook with barely contained sobs. "First your father and now…"
Chikara looked at his daughter in-law with sympathy. "Fumiko…"
Cody's hands clenched around his legs as he saw his mother breaking down in front of him, because of his decision. "I… I don't have to do it," Cody said. "I want to do it. I could just leave him to my friends, to save Killua and the world, but… when I can do something about it, I can't just hide away… I'm sorry, mother."
Chikara put a comforting hand around his in-law and looked at his grandson. "Iori, if I'm being honest. I also dislike this situation, and your decision." Cory gasped and looked at him, making Chikara smile wryly. "Is it that hard to believe? What kind of grandfather wants their grandson to be in danger after all?"
Cody looked down, unable to meet with either of their eyes. Torn apart from wanting to avoid his family to suffer more hurt and his duty towards his friends and as a Digidestined. What would his dad say if he was here? Would he back him up? After all he did fulfilled his duties. 'And died while doing it,' A treacherous part of his mind whispered.
Chikara closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "You've always been a level headed kid, unlike many of your peers. Never broke into a temper tantrum to get what you want, nor did you ever complained about the food put in your plate even when it wasn't for your liking. For you to be making such a decision, in spite of what we might think…" His eyes softened as he looked the child. "It must be really hard for you right?"
Cody didn't say anything, just nodded while continuing to refuse to meet his eyes. Chikara stood up from his spot next to Fumiko, who looked up to see the old man walked to her son.
"When he was a child your father had a friend, no more than that, that boy was like a brother to your father," Chikara started. "However, as they grew up, I didn't like the harmless, yet strange hobbies he possessed and forced your father apart from him. And to this day, is something that weights heavy on my mind."
He put his hand on his grandson's head and make him look up. "What you're asking is dangerous. Yet if you don't take it, regardless of the result, you'll regret it forever, right?"
Cody looked up at his grandfather, with wide eyes. It was as if the man had read his mind. "Y-Yes!"
"Then… go, and make sure to come back so I don't regret it," The old man said with a forced smile. "This old heart of mine couldn't take any more regrets."
"Grandfather…" Cody said as he looked at the man, before nodding with determination. "I will. Me and all of my friends will come back!"
Chikara, nodded satisfied. Cody stood up and walked past his grandfather and towards his mother, who still sobbed with her hands covering her face. The young Child of Justice didn't doubt it and sat again on his knees and wrapped his arms around her midsection, surprising her.
"I make the same promise to you, mom," Cody muttered.
The woman didn't answer at first, but wrapped her arms around her child's frame and held him tight.
From a small opening in the door, Armadillomon watched the whole scene with breaming tears. "I shouldn't have eaten those onions, darn it!"
To his surprise, Chikara came close to the door and knelt in front of him. "Armadillomon, please look after my grandson."
"Cody's my best pal forever," Armadillomon said. "Of course, I will!"
"It's a beautiful night."
"Yes, it is."
The Ishida-Takaishi brothers were on the balcony of the youngest sibling's apartment. Their parents working on dinner while the two took some time for themselves.
"Bet that other world doesn't have it," Gabumon said, looking at the stars, however he received a small swat to the head from his partner. "What? I—" He looked to the side to see T.K's conflicted expression. "Sorry…"
"No, it's okay. You are right Gabumon," T.K reassured, looking up with a smile. "Nothing this amazing can be in that world."
Matt frowned at his brother and sighed. "Are you sure you don't want any of us to come?" He asked. "We can all reach the Mega level. Even if it's not the Matrix thing, you and Kari can do."
T.K nodded. "I know. And maybe we should take you with us, but there's Oikawa to look for. He is the one who put the towers in our world, so who knows what else can he do." He swallowed thickly and looked at his brother. "He might create yet another Mega Digimon with the Control Towers if we don't stop him."
Matt winced, the stories about BlackWargreymon and BlackMetalGarurumon weren't pretty. Another one of them would not be good, and he has towers to spare to do that, at least in this world.
Matt sighed. "Fine, fine. But we'll at least stay in Gennai's house to check on you, and also keep our parents to date. Switching turns so one group watches over her while the other looks after you kids and your adventure," The older blonde said, ruffling his hair.
"Hey, cut it!" T.K chuckled, swatting his hand away.
"Oh yeah?" Before the younger blonde could react, his brother caught him on a chokehold and started to give noogie to his head. "Nen user, my foot! I can still do this with you!"
"Ow, Matt! Cut it out!" T.K protested with a smile, struggling to get his brother off him. Yet barely trying, as to give his brother a small chance.
From the kitchen Natsuko observed with a small smile on her face, before a burnt smell followed by a curse caught her attention. "Shit!"
She turned to see Hiroaki turning off the stove, and looking at an overcooked steak with a disappointed expression before sighing. And she couldn't help to giggle, "Well, I didn't marry you for your cooking."
"Very funny," he said, giving her a deadpan expression.
He turned again to see the boys having fun outside. Now the situation was reverse and Matt was in the embarrassing position of trying to escape his little brother's hold, while their partners cheered for them.
"It's nice to see them in high spirits, even now," he said, massaging the back of his neck. Yet when he turned to see her, he saw the downcast expression. "Shit… sorry, I…"
"No, you're right," she said, putting on a somewhat forced smile. "This whole insanity is too much and… I wish neither of them was involved, and yet I can't help but feel proud of how much they achieved, even if the rest of the world doesn't know…"
"I hear ya," he said. "And now, we have to do what we can. We both might have failed our marriage, but as parents we must be doing something good if those two were chosen to save the world."
A giggle came from her and she turned around. "Now come, I'm going to show you how to properly a decent dinner."
"Yes, ma'am."
"So yeah, that's the gist of it," Davis finished explaining his parents, with Demiveemon sitting on his lap. The little In-Training and his partner deciding to keep that form in case the latter's parents had another reaction like last time.
Davis was met with silence, with his father gaping like a fish, and both his sister and mother looking pale. "U-umm… guy?"
"Daisuke," His father started, rubbing his eyes as he worked on a headache. "Do you hear what you're saying? You're going to 'another world' the same world where those monsters came from!"
"Yep…" Davis nodded, already expecting the protests.
"And you are making the little guy fight?!" Jun asked, planting her hands on the table and leaning forward. "He's just a tiny little thing! How is he going to protect you?!"
"Puh-lease!" Davis scoffed as he held Demiveemon in the air. "You haven't seen him in action!"
"Fire Lariat! Lightning Blade! X-Laser! And Blaze Sonic Breath!" Demiveemon listed the attacks of his evolutions and in the last one he blew air from his mouth and bubbles started to come out from it, result of his attack Frothy Spit.
Davis blinked at the bubbles and lowered Demiveemon to his eye level. "I didn't knew you could do that."
"Me neither!"
"Daisuke, please think this through!" His mother pledged. "This isn't a game! Those monsters are dangerous!"
"I know!" Davis declared, standing up. "But this is important to me!" He took a deep breath and put Demiveemon to the side. "Look… I… haven't been the best friend to Killua at times," Or T.K for that matter, if one thinks about it. "And yet we all own him big time for a lot of stuff…"
With that part said, he squared his shoulders and look at them with the same fierce stance that he gave the Kamiya siblings and Killua himself back when he wanted to help Ken in Tamachi. "I'm going you guys. And I'll be back before New Year's Eve!"
Now that was a bold statement, and he knew that, but hey he was the Child of Miracles, he could make it work. He gauges on their reactions, again their parents were staring at him with gaping mouths and wide eyes, Jun managed to do the impossible and keep her mouth shut before blinking and standing up straight with her fists on her hips.
"Okay then… If you don't come back by then, then your room is mine," Jun blurted out of the sudden.
"WHAT!?" Davis exploded, setting Demiveemon down. "But you already have yours!"
"A girl needs her space, and a bit more…" She walked around the table and wrapped an arm around her brother's shoulders. "So, you got a deadline to come back," She tightened the hold to brought him close to her chest. "You better come back to not face the consequences. You dork…"
Davis blinked; he must have heard wrong. Or else, he just heard his sister's voice crack for a moment. He tried to look up and saw something glistening on her eyes. 'She…!' His eyes widened as he realized what she was doing. "As if I'd let you have my bedroom, and let it with your stinky smell…"
"Jun isn't stinky Davish, she smells better than you even!" Demiveemon provided innocently.
"Dude!"
"Owww, thanks little guy!" Jun changed her grip from a side hug into a chokehold as she doubled down to gush over the In-Training. "You are a true gentleman, unlike doofus over here."
"HEY!"
Their parents observed them, conflicted and lost for words to use. "We're… really going to allow this?" The matriarch asked her husband.
The man sighed and ran a hand through his face. "Can we stop him? I don't know about you, but I've never seen our boy so determined for something. Not even a big game."
She deflated at his words, and stared at her two children. Bickering and wrestling as it was usual. She slapped her cheeks and stood up. "You two! Stop right now, and help prepare the table!"
"He/She started!" They said at the same time.
"Well, we're ending it," Their father said as he stood next to his wife. "Do as your mom say. Daisuke has a big day tomorrow, and needs a nice dinner and some supplies too."
"Make your bag after dinner son," His mother said. "And remember to put in your teeth brush and some floss."
Davis blinked at them and nodded. "Um sure, will do."
"And some extra undies, who knows if you have an accident."
"MOM!"
The Kamiya siblings and their partners blinked at what was on the table in front of them. What can only be described as a humbled buffet was splayed on the table, and with normal traditional food unlike their mother's experimental cooking.
"W-What's the occasion?" Tai asked, bewildered.
"What do you mean, 'what's the occasion'?" Their mother, Yuuko asked as she set another plate down. "Not only did we survived another monster invasion, though of a different kind, and now our girl needs all the energy she can get for tomorrow."
Kari blinked as she stared at their smiling parents with some confusion. "You guys are…"
"Okay with this?" Susumu asked, raising an eyebrow. "Nope, not at all. No normal parent would. But we are not normal parents, we are parents of two world saviors!" He said proudly.
"While it is frustrating, that we can't do anything to stop you, or stopping those things from trying to hurt you," Yuuko started as she walked and stood behind her two children. "This is something we can do."
"I know that you will get your friend back," Susumu told his daughter, before turning to his son. "And that you will keep this place safe if that guy Oikawa tries to do something. So, for now, eat as much as you want, we made plenty. Including for your partners!"
Moved by their parents words, the Kamiya siblings could only respond to it by clasping their hands together as a sign of gratefulness for the food before digging in with as much as possible. Their partners joining in, enjoying a big dinner in family.
When it was over, and the dishes were clean, everyone in the family went to sleep. Yet Tai remained awaked, laying on his bed, staring at his goggles as he held them up in his hand, observing his reflection on the lenses.
A creak from his door makes him turn, and Koromon from his spot on his desk wrapped in blankets made an unintelligible sound.
"Hey uh… Can I sleep here tonight?" Kari asked nervously, Gatomon next to her.
Tai smiled and shifted in bed, leaving a space open for her. "Climb in."
Closing the door behind her, the girl did as told. Gatomon even brough her little cat bed to sleep in the floor of the boy's room.
As she laid down in bed next to her brother, a soft sigh escaped her nose. Tai patted her head reassuringly. "Nervous, right?"
"Yes…" She mumbled. "More than that I am… Anxious. I don't want and won't let the fear for that world control me yet… This'll be the first time we wander around it. Who knows how long we'll be there, what we'll see…"
"It's normal to feel that way," Tai assured her, as he caressed her head. "But you and the others can do it… you sure you don't want us coming, though?"
"With what we learned today about Oikawa, he could use his ability to take more hostages, or try something with the rest of the Control Towers around the world," She turned to face him and smiled. "When we get Killua back, we'll take them out before he can try to use them, but for now… is best to be safe."
Tai sighed. He didn't liked the idea, and knew Matt was the same, yet they could see the logic behind it. The taking back Killua was important, they also needed to keep their world and the Digital World safe for anything the maniac behind everything might do.
"It kinda feels like… We're reaching the end, you know?" Tai said with a chuckle. "It's been one crazy year."
Kari nodded silently.
"… What is it now?" Tai asked, not out of annoyance, but worry at her lack of response.
"Ummm, nothing, nothing," Kari said, trying to deflect the issue as she turned around.
"Kari…" Tai said with a small warning tone as he poked her cheek.
Giving a resigned sigh, she spoke. "Gennai and Azulongmon finished a door back to Killua's world. It means that when we get him back and when we stop Oikawa."
"So?" Tai asked, before giving her a sly look. "Is it because of your crush?"
Kari blushed and took a deep breath before exhaling. "It's silly. I kind of fear he'll just move on and forget about us once he goes back."
"That is silly," Tai confirmed. "Killua didn't forget about us after he went home the first time."
"True…" Kari said, conceding to the point. "I told you it was silly…"
"Maybe," Tai said, before patting her head reassuringly. "… Y'know something? I'm really proud of what you and the others achieved this year. Whatever comes tomorrow, and afterwards. I'm sure you'll have it handled."
Kari turned around and smiled at her brother. Her thoughts on Killua as a hero in the classic sense were still in her, yet there was no denying that her brother also occupied that title for her. She snuggled closer to him, feeling the tiredness finally taking a toll as well as feeling her chest lighter after the talk. "Good night, Tai…"
Tai smiled, setting his goggles aside and shifting in his covers. "Good night, Kari…"
The Digidestined around the city of Tokyo, of both recent generations, despite the madness that occurred the night prior, slept soundly on that night. For it would be a while before they enjoyed a good night worth of sleep for what is to come.
And so, the next day came, waiting for nobody. Digidestined of both the present and from five years ago, gathered in the home of whom did his best to guide them through their journey. The younger kids had duffel bags full of provisions, and a first aid kid from Joe just in case.
Gennai pressed a few keys on his computer and opened a new Digiport in it and showed it to the group. "Here, this is the area where Killua's Crest was last detected," He showed the screen to them. "Once you're in, you just have to follow the tag. If everything goes right, you'll find him soon…"
The implications of what would happen if not was not lost to the rescue group.
"Good luck, everyone," Izzy wished them.
"Please be safe, and look after each other," Sora told them.
Mimi pumped her fist as a sign of cheer. "I know you guys will bring Killua back in one piece!"
"I also left instructions on how to properly apply the bandages," Joe told them. "Just in case."
The group gave their older counterparts grateful smiles for their encouragement. "You guys keep the fort safe, if Oikawa plans something beat him to a pulp!" Davis said, grinning at them.
"Will do," Tai said, stepping forward. "But before that, I have something for you. A parting gift if you will..."
Davis blinked at Tai's words. And everyone's eyes widened when he took off the goggles from his head and held them out to the younger boy. "I… WHAT?!"
"Yours broke a while ago, right?" Tai asked, giving him a smirk. "So think of this as a late Christmas present."
"But Tai, you like those goggles a lot," Sora said, putting a hand on his shoulder.
"I do," Tai said, smiling at them. "They were with me through every hard thing we went through five years ago. And this seems like your hardest quest yet, so I want you to have them. Take them, before I change my mind."
Davis gaped like a fish, before closing his mouth and reuniting his courage to grasp them and put them on his forehead. Glistening with the lights on Gennai's underground home, Davis gave Tai a firm nod. "I'll take care of them, don't worry!"
"I know you will," Tai smiled as he stepped back with the group.
Davis turned and looked at his friends, all of them ready to go. "Alright everyone… Let's get our friend back!"
They pointed their D-3 at the computer. Unlike the times when they were absorbed by a light when sent to the Digital World or vice versa, here their bodies flickered like a broken T.V before vanishing completely. Leaving the room in suspense.
Gennai typed in his computer, before sighing in relief as five signals appeared in the map. "They're safe, they made it through."
Now the really hard part began.
Tai's eyes hardened as he bit his inner cheek. "Good luck, everyone…"
Sora walked forward and grasped her hand into his. He gave her a squeeze which she returned.
Matt clenched and unclenched his fists as he stared at the screen. "Come back soon, T.K…"
Mimi wrapped her arms around his and leaned on him. He grasped one of her hands and did the same, thankful for the support.
Everyone stared at the screen, hoping for the best for the young group.
"… Are you awake?"
"Yeah… Yeah, I'm up…"
"Good, we have to keep moving."
"Osu."
Killua stepped out of the cave, stretching his arms until they popped. Footsteps crunching behind him, making him look back with a side-eyed glance. "Where to now?"
"There's another place where we can stay. But if you really want to go there we'll have to take a different route."
"… Sorry, you got caught in all this."
"… you're the last person that should apologize to me."
Killua closed his eyes and nodded, adjusting his coat and looking up at the grayish horizon in front of them. Their next target made up. "Let's go then, Blademon."
A flash of light appeared behind him, and his companion walked out of the cave, with his sword resting on his shoulder. "Right."
The two dashed out of the cave at full speed, their destination: Finding the ruler of this world and take them down once and for all.
A/N:…
*Pokes head from his door* Hey—AAAHHH!
*Many arrows that claim for his head are launched*
I'M SORRYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY! I was meant to take a small break to finish this semester! Not take two months to write a chapter!
This chapter is the calm before the storm… after another storm.
This past month I sprained my leg, failed math, and suffered from economic problems…
It's why I'm opening a . If you want new chapters before time, and access to some stories I plan to post here anyways. So if you don't want to, or can't afford to donate, don't worry I will still post here.
Everything will be just at 1$. With the economy of my country that's actually a lot… Sad I know.
Here link: p,,atre,, /user?u=86905404. Just take away the comas.
I'll update a Fallen Knight next time, and by then I'll have… ACTUAL content there. I'm just starting bear with me…
I'll make the most out of my break. And I'll see you all, next time.
Thank you as always for the support, and I hope you support my new .
Bye guys!