Chapter 33: A very Digi-Christmas

Digital World

The Digidestined were congratulating their Digimon as they all came down and reverted.

Daisuke: "Nice! There shouldn't be that many dark towers left, right?"

Iori: "Yep. We are almost finished with all of them."

Miyako: "Perfect! It would be great if we could finish before the New Year."

Ken fiddled with something in his pocket. Wormmon noticed it and brought his head up.

Wormmon: "Ken, you should ask them."

Ken: "I know… I just…"

Daisuke: "You have something to ask us?"

Ken: "Erm..."

Wormmon: "Go on, Ken."

Ken bowed a little and showed a paper envelope to the Digidestined.

Miyako: "What's this?"

Ken: "A-An invitation. Christmas Eve is today so I- my mom organised a party for us. W-Would you like to come?"

Takeru: "If it's at your house… Hikari and I may not be able to join… Onii-Chan's gig is at night, and we need to be there early to prepare."

Ken: "I-If transport is an issue, I-I can always use a Digital Gate to transport us."

Hikari: "Then, we would love to come to your Christmas party."

Ken walked over to Iori, who had been watching from the side. Ken presented the envelope.

Ken: "Would you like to come?"

Iori's face was serious, but a smile slowly formed on his face.

Iori: "It would be my pleasure."

Ken smiled and the Digidestined started to relax and get ready to go back to their world.

Koushiro's office

Koushiro pushed himself away from his desk and stretched. Tentomon was on the couch observing Koushiro.

Tentomon: "Koushiro, you should go home. It's Christmas Eve."

Koushiro: "Yeah, I will. I just need to wait till everyone is back then I'll go home and get ready for Yamato's gig."

Tentomon: "That's not what I meant…"

Koushiro: "Mom and Dad know I'm going to Yamato's gig. We're having dinner together after the gig, don't worry."

Tentomon: "Koushiro, you really need to take a break sometimes."

Koushiro: "Come on, Tentomon. I can't relax that easily with what's happening in the Digital World. Once it's over, I promise I'll take a nice long break with you."

Koushiro's phone got a notification, and he picked it up, with Tentomon flying over to his shoulder.

Light: "Ken is opening a Digital Gate for us to his home. Don't wait up for us. Enjoy your Christmas Eve. ^w^"

Knowledge: "Alright, enjoy your's as well. See you later at the concert."

Light: "See you. :)"

Koushiro: "Well that's convenient, guess we're going home now."

Koushiro gave Tentomon a smile and grabbed his tablet. Tentomon flew into Koushiro's free arm and acted like a stuff toy.

The Digidestined arrived in Ken's room.

Ken: "Mama, I'm home!"

Ken's mom opened the door and walked in.

Mrs Ichijouji: "Oh you're earlier- oh what a pleasant surprise. You all must be the friends my dear Ken has been talking about."

Ken had a small blush as he fidgeted.

Mrs Ichijouji: "Well, why don't all of you relax while I prepare some food?"

The Digidestined gave their agreement and Mrs Ichijouji left the room. The Digimon went off into their own small group. Tailmon stayed behind and curled herself up on Hikari's lap.

Iori: "So, any suggestions?"

Ken: "Erm I have card-"

Miyako: "Truth or Dare!"

Ken: "T-That works too."

Takeru: "Good idea, Miyako."

Miyako: "Alright, I'll start first then! Hikari! Truth or Dare?"

Hikari: "Truth."

Miyako: "What is Takeru to you?"

Hikari: "Simple, he's my best friend."

Miyako: "Is that all?"

Hikari: "Maybe, maybe not, but I answered the question~"

Miyako pouted as Hikari thought carefully.

Hikari: "Ken, truth or dare?"

Ken: "Truth."

Hikari: "In this room, who are you closest with?"

Ken: "Wormmon."

Takeru: "Fair enough."

The Digidestined continued their game until Ken's mom called them.

Ken: "Alright, we will be out in a minute. Let's do one more before we go eat."

Miyako: "Perfect, Takeru, Truth or dare?"

Takeru: "Hmm, let's end it on a high. Dare."

Miyako grinned.

Miyako: "Call the person you really like, and don't pull a 'oh I like Hikari as a friend so I'll call her.' You know what I mean, so don't try and pull a fast one on me."

Takeru glanced at Hikari, seeing her sigh and nod with a frown on her face. Takeru sighed as well, giving a nod to Hikari. He took out his phone. He dialed Hikari's number and held it up to his ear.

Hikari's phone got a call, and she picked it up. Hikari quickly shifted away to avoid any interference from the phones.

Hikari: "Hello, Takeru."

Takeru: "Hi, Hika."

Hikari: "What are you calling for?"

Takeru: "See, funny story, I got into a truth or dare game and now I have to call the person I really like."

Hikari: "I see. Well, you can go ahead and tell your friends that we've been dating for a while. We're going to 'announce' it at Yamato's gig anyways."

Takeru: "Alright, thanks. See you there."

Hikari: "See you."

Both of them hung up and Hikari shifted back to the group, seeing all of them with their jaws dropped.

Daisuke had a mix of dismay and shock.

"I knew I said I'll support them… but this… is way too sudden…"

Miyako had a mix of excitement and shock.

"No way that actually worked… wait they've been dating? Since when?!"

Iori's eyes were wide as he stared at Takeru and Hikari.

"You two… just reveal it… Just like that?"

Ken stared at the ground, feeling the awkward silence in the room.

"That… that is a very unexpected twist to our game…"

Hikari: "Well, I guess that wraps up our game."

Takeru: "We should go, we wouldn't want the food to go cold, especially after Mrs Ichijouji put her effort into it."

Miyako: "W-Wait wait wait. You can't just drop a bombshell like that and not expect questions!"

Hikari: "sigh sorry. Takeru and I, well we've been dating since he saved me from the dark ocean… the first time."

Takeru: "We wanted to tell you guys… but we were scared of it… leaking out. We prefer to not have the media on us, especially since we are handling Digital World stuff right now."

Hikari: "We also didn't want to disrupt any coordination we had in our team."

Miyako: "What even…"

Takeru: "We'll answer any more questions later. Hikari and I really have to rush a little. We can't be late for Onii-Chan's gig."

The Digidestined awkwardly walked out of the room, sitting down at the table, and thanking Mrs Ichijouji for the food. They ate silently, with the Digimon eating as well. After they finished, Takeru and Hikari walked to Ken.

Takeru: "Is it possible for us to go to the venue now?"

Ken: "Sure."

Takeru and Ken went to Ken's room to set up the Digital Gate. Hikari turned to the other Digidestined.

Hikari: "Sorry we kept it a secret. We will explain anything you want to know later. I… we will give you some time to process everything…"

Hikari walked away with an apologetic look and entered Ken's room.

Takeru and Hikari walked through the gate with Ken, entering the Digital World, with their partners. Ken quickly typed in new coordinates and Takeru, Hikari and their partners walked through the gate, thanking Ken. Ken quickly went back to his room and went to the living room, seeing the three in deep contemplation.

Ken sat down at the table and rested his forehead on the back of this hands, looking down at the table. Silence filled the air for an extended period of time, all the Digidestined collecting their thoughts. Ken looked up and sighed.

Ken: "Erm. Sorry."

Iori: "Sorry? For what?"

Ken: "Maybe it's not the best time to say this but… I found out about the two of them a little after all of you defeated Chimeramon."

Miyako: "Nevermind that, they really kept us in the dark about this…"

Iori: "To be fair… they have been getting really close recently… maybe they were trying to hint it to us?"

Miyako: "Maybe…"

Daisuke: "Does it matter? They're together, and happy. We should be happy for them."

A silence filled the room as the Digimon stared at their partners worriedly. Ken sighed.

Ken: "Regardless, we should get going soon. We don't want to be late."

The Digidestined simply nodded as they walked to Ken's room. Ken set up the gate and the Digidestined walked through. Ken quickly went to the living room.

Ken: "Mama? I'm going off with them now."

Mrs Ichijouji: "Alright, have fun, Ken."

Ken: "I will, thanks."

Ken walked back to his room and entered the gate with Wormmon in his arms.

Taichi was walking to the back of the large stage set up for Yamato's gig, Agumon walking alongside him. There weren't many people around, so Taichi allowed Agumon to walk with him.

"This stage is so much bigger than I thought it would be."

As Taichi brought his attention back from his thoughts, he saw Sora at walking to the door for the backstage.

Taichi: "Hey, Sora!"

Sora turned to Taichi, Piyomon standing beside Sora as well. Agumon and Piyomon went up to each other and excitedly started talking. Taichi had a smile as Sora responded.

Sora: "Oh, hi Taichi. You going backstage?"

Taichi: "Yeah, just thinking of dropping by to see how Hikari is doing."

Taichi noticed a bag in Sora's hands.

Taichi: "Oh, those for Yamato?"

Sora: "Yep."

Taichi: "What a lucky guy, getting homemade erm what is that actually?"

Sora: "Just some cookies."

Taichi: "Cool, so he's getting homemade cookies on Christmas Eve, how lucky."

Sora pouted jokingly and faked a frown.

Sora: "If you wanted something you could've just asked."

Taichi: "Nah, Christmas is a good time for couples, wouldn't want to interrupt that."

Sora opened the door to backstage, and Taichi walked with her.

Sora stared at Taichi for a moment, before taking a deep breath.

Sora: "We're best friends, right?"

Taichi: "Yeah, why?"

Sora: "Can you be completely honest with me?"

Taichi: "Err what's this about? This isn't exactly the best place for a serious conversation."

Sora: "Have you ever… had feelings… for me?"

Taichi: "What?! No of course not… err not saying I don't like you. Like I do like you… but only as a friend you know. Oh God I'm making this worse."

Sora giggled and gave a smile.

Sora: "Sorry, I just had to ask. Because we were very close during our childhood, so I was just wondering if you had those kinds of feelings."

Taichi: "Honestly, I felt we were close because I treated you like a guy…"

Sora: "Hey! What is that supposed to mean?"

Taichi: "I'm just saying, you were quite rough when we were young, not that it was a bad thing. Soccer was very fun with you."

Sora smirked and lightly punched Taichi on the shoulder, as they reached the band. They saw Takeru and Hikari put on mics (It's those ones you can just hook onto your ear then you don't have to hold it), as the rest of the band tuned their instruments.

Taichi: "Hey guys!"

Yamato: "Took you long enough to get backstage. Performance is starting soon, so we got a few minutes to talk if you want."

Taichi walked over to Hikari, observing her. Hikari noticed him and walked over.

Hikari: "Is there something on my face?"

Taichi: "No, you look good, do your best. I'll be cheering you on."

Hikari smiled and hugged Taichi.

Hikari: "Thanks, Onii-Chan."

Yamato: "I'm sure you two will do great. You will be called up into stage when it's time. For now, you two can relax here."

Sora walked up to Yamato and presented him her bag.

Sora: "For you, Merry Christmas."

Yamato: "Thanks."

Yamato took the bag of cookies with a smile and placed it on his bag.

Taichi let go of Hikari and dug his pocket for his ticket.

Taichi: "Alright, Sora and I should probably head for our seats."

Sora: "See all of you on the stage."

Taichi and Sora left backstage, grabbing Gabumon, Patamon and Tailmon on the way out, all of them hidden from anyone, including the band members. Taichi and Sora went to the entrance and showed their ticket, earning a few odd stares for the large 'stuffed toys' they were bringing in. Taichi and Sora went over to their seats and found several familiar faces, each holding familiar 'stuffed toys', with a two-seat gap between the two groups.

Taichi: "Hey, guys! Nice to see all of you here."

The groups turned around and greeted Taichi and Sora.

Koushiro: "Hello, Taichi and Sora."

Joe: "Good to see you here."

Mimi: "Long time no see!"

Taichi: "Wait, Mimi? I wasn't expecting you to be here."

Mimi: "Well, Ken helped me get here, I've been in Japan since morning. Good thing my grandpa could house me when I came back. Anyways, we saved seats for you two. We have loads to catch up on!"

Taichi took his seat next to Ken, while Sora sat next to Mimi and Taichi. Taichi noted the serious expressions on the second-generation Digidestined and he leaned towards Ken.

Taichi: "Psst, what happened?"

Ken quietly whispered back.

Ken: "Takeru and Hikari told us about… well their relationship… and now they are processing it."

Taichi: "Iori as well?"

Ken: "I would assume so."

Taichi: "That's odd, Iori already knew… oh well. How are they taking it?"

Ken: "It might be too early to tell."

Taichi: "Well, let's just enjoy this."

Taichi gave a smile as Yamato and his band took the stage.

Yamato tapped the mic in front of him to test it.

Yamato: "Alright! Are you all ready?"

From the cheers in the crowd, Yamato had a smile.

Yamato: "Then let's get started! One, Two, Three, Let's go!"

Yamato's band started on his tempo, playing through a few songs, loud cheers coming from the crowd after every finished song. Before long, Yamato and his band finished their last song.

Yamato: "Alright! I hope all of you enjoyed that!"

The crowd cheered him on.

Yamato: "Well, I have some news which I think all of you will love! We still have two more songs!"

The crowd cheered loudly.

Yamato: "Now, both of these songs are very special, and we've never released them before. Here's an even bigger surprise, I won't be singing them. That role is fulfilled by two very special people to me. May I ask you to welcome Takeru and Hikari!"

Takeru and Hikari walked on stage, stopping behind Yamato.

Yamato: "Now as all of you probably know, Takeru is my younger brother. As for Hikari, she is the younger sister of my best friend, and I consider her as my little sister as well. Now then, if we are ready, let's proceed onto our grand finale!"

Yamato nodded to Takeru and Hikari, as he walked back and they walked in front, the two of them taking center stage.

Takeru took a deep breath and took a step back and began to sing.

Focus

Ki ga tsuku to kimi no koto wo miteru
Naname ushiro ni tatta mama
Kimi no kokoro no fookasu boku ni atte iru ka na?

(Before I know it, I'm watching you
staying only diagonally behind you
Am I the focus of your heart? I want to ask you)

Takeru stood diagonally behind Hikari as he sung, looking at her as Yamato's band played the instrumental.

Chiisana koro kara bokura wa issho datta ne
Hashitte, koronde itsu demo waratta
Ima demo otona ja nai kedo ano koro yori bokura mo
Tooku hashireru yo ne
Ki ga tsukazu ni ireba yokatta koto dakedo ne
Ki ni narun da kimi no koto

(We've been together since we were small, right?
Running and falling, we were always laughing
I'm not grown up yet, but now I can…
Run further than I used to
It would be better if I'd never noticed, but…
I can't get you off my mind)

Takeru looked away from Hikari, towards the ground and placed his hand over his heart, faking a look of pain.

Naite bakari ita kimi ga ima wa
Hikari no naka de tatte iru

(You used to cry all the time, but now…
You're standing in the light)

As Takeru sung the last line, all the stage lights shone straight at Hikari, leaving the rest of the stage in darkness.

Kimi no kokoro no fookasu dare ni
Atte iru no ka sore dake shiritain da

(Who is the focus of your heart?
I want to ask you, I only want to know that)

The stage lights went back to normal, as Takeru placed his hand on his heart, Takeru repositioned himself during the instrumental, standing beside Hikari.

Donna ni senobi wo shitatte todokanakatta
Ano hi no tobira ga ima de wa hirakeru
Honto wa tsutaetai koto ga takusan aru keredo ne
Umaku ienain da

(No matter how much I stretched, I couldn't reach
Now I can open the door of that day
The truth is I have a lot of things I want to tell you, but…
I can't express it very well in words)

Takeru took a step back and looked away from Hikari, acting like he was ashamed of himself.

Mamorarete bakari no bokutachi datta keredo
Boku ga mamoritai mono wa

(We were always protected
But the one I want to protect now is…)

Takeru turned his head to look at Yamato, before turning to the crowd and looking directly at Taichi.

Ki ga tsuku to kimi no koto wo miteru
Naname ushiro ni tatte mama
Kimi no kokoro no fookasu boku ni atte iru ka na?
Sore tomo kikenai yo ne

(Before I know it, I'm watching you
Staying only diagonally behind you
Am I the focus of your heart?
I want to ask you… I can't, right?)

With the last line, Takeru had a small smile, looking pained as he looked away from Hikari.

Naite bakari ita kimi ga ima wa
Hikari no naka de tatte iru
Kimi no kokoro no fookasu dare ni atte iru no ka
Sore dake shiritain da

(You used to cry all the time, but now…
You're standing in the light
Who is the focus of your heart?
I want to ask you, I only want to know that)

The lights turned to Hikari again in timing with the song. The lights went back to normal almost immediately, as Takeru placed his hand on his heart and gave a genuine smile to Hikari.

The band continued playing the instrumental, with the crowd clapping as they ended. Yamato signalled to his band, and they got ready to play the next song, taking on much different instruments from before.

Reflection

Itsu goro kara datta no ka na?
Kizuitara itsumo soba ni itekureta ne
Tooi hi kara

(I wonder, when did it happen?
I realised you were always by my side, right?
From a long ago day)

Hikari walked beside Takeru, smiling at him.

Fushigi na hibi datta yo ne
Kanashii koto datta ikutsu mo atta kedo
Ima wa wakaru

(Those were mysterious days, right?
There were sad things, many of them, but…
I understand now)

Hikari placed her hand on her chest and smiled with her eyes closed.

Mitsumete itekureta yo ne
Kimi no hitomi totemo kirei datta yo
Mitsume kaesu to me o sorashita kedo
Kimi no Hitomi itsumo kanjite ita yo
Sore wa omoide no rifurekushon

(You were watching me, right?
Your eyes were very beautiful
When you stared back, I diverted my eyes, but…
I always felt your eyes
That's my memory's reflection)

Hikari opened her eyes and turned to Takeru. When Takeru turned to her in time with the music, Hikari quickly turned to the crowd and had a smile on her face.

Mamottekureteta nda yo ne
Massaki ni kimi wa tasuketekureta yo ne
Chiisa na te no hira

(You've protected me, right?
From the beginning, you helped me, right?
With the palms of your little hands)

Hikari walked up to Takeru and lightly grabbed his hand, smiling at him as she did so.

Osanai omoi kasanete
Kimi no Hitomi zutto wasurenai kara
Koi to yobu ni wa kawaii sugi da yo ne

(I pile up my childish thoughts
Because I'll never forget your eyes
It's too cute to be called selfish love, right?)

Hikari looked at Takeru and smiled brightly, like an innocent child looking at their closest friend with happiness.

Kimi no hitomi ima mo takaramono da yo
Kitto eien no rifurekushon

Even now your eyes are still a precious thing
Reflection of doubtless eternity)

Hikari stared into Takeru's eyes, and as she finished singing the last line, she turned to the crowd.

Kimi no Hitomi totemo kirei datta yo
Mitsume kaesu to me o sorashita kedo
Kimi no Hitomi itsumo kanjite ita yo
Sore wa omoide no rifurekushon
Osanakatta Futari e no rifurekushon

(Your eyes were very beautiful
When you stared back, I diverted my eyes, but…
I always felt your eyes
That's my memory's reflection
The reflection of both of us when we were still children)

Hikari looked at Takeru with a smile on her face. When he turned to her, she quickly turned back to the crowd with a smile.

As Yamato's band played the instrumental, Hikari took Takeru's hand and danced with him, the calmness and slow pace of her song making it feel all the more romantic.

Takeru's face had a quick look of confusion at the sudden improv, but he quickly played along, swaying side to side with Hikari in his arms. As the music ended, Takeru and Hikari turned and faced the crowd, smiles on their faces.

Takeru had his arm around Hikari's waist, while Hikari had one hand placed on Takeru's chest, her other wrapped around Takeru's back. She rested her head on Takeru's shoulder, both having a level of intimacy too close for friends.

Takeru and Hikari slowly turned to face each other, their faces almost touching. Both smiled at each other.

Takeru: "I love you, Hikari."

Hikari: "I love you too, Takeru."

Both had intended for only each other to hear it, but their microphones just managed to pick up on it, shocking the crowd. Yamato and Taichi jumped a little, while Mimi and Miyako cheered for their friends. Daisuke looked away, while the rest stayed unmoved but slightly surprised at the sudden declaration.

Yamato and his band all went forward to join the two. They all bowed to the crowd and left the stage.

Takeru and Hikari were backstage with Yamato's band.

Band member 1: "You two are dating?"

Takeru: "Yeah."

Hikari: "We have been for a while."

Yamato: "Was this how you were going to announce your relationship?"

Takeru: "Yeah, I think we looked intimate enough without going into a display of affection."

Yamato: "I mean, you're right about that but you just said you love each other into the mics."

Takeru and Hikari spit out the water they were drinking, coughing as they composed themselves.

Hikari: "It got picked up!?"

Takeru: "That wasn't… oh I'm so sorry, Hikari… I didn't mean for that to get picked up…"

Hikari: "I wasn't expecting it either…"

Yamato: "Sigh well, what's done is done."

Just then, the door to the room burst open and the Digidestined quickly streamed in. Mimi quickly ran up and grabbed both their hands excitedly.

Mimi: "Finally it's out to the public!"

Takeru and Hikari blushed at Mimi's excitement.

Takeru: "It's… not really a big deal…"

Taichi: "Sorry, but it is quite a big deal, considering what you said into the mic."

Koushiro: "This news is going to spread like a wildfire…"

Sora: "On the bright side, you two accomplished what you wanted to do, right?"

Hikari: "I guess. Oh, where's Daisuke?"

Miyako: "Hmm? He said he was going to go home with his sister."

Takeru: "Oh…"

Takeru and Hikari looked at each other with guilt.

Iori: "It's not your fault, either of you. He just…"

Ken: "needs some time…"

The atmosphere was gloomy for a bit.

Band member 2: "Hey, that kind of face isn't the one you guys should be having."

Band member 3: "Yeah, we don't really know what's up with your group but, it's Christmas Eve!"

Band member 1: "Yeah! You should be out having fun, celebrating and having a great time!"

Yamato smiled.

Yamato: "Thanks guys."

The rest of the Digidestined had small smiles as they all decided to walk as a group to Taichi and Hikari's home, Ken offering to send them all home through Digital Gates.

Knowledge: "Alright, Ken. Everyone is back, I'm going through now, then you can send yourself home."

Kindness: "Got it."

Koushiro and Ken had been working together to send all the Digidestined home, with Koushiro bringing the Digidestined into the Digital World, and Ken bringing them to their respective homes with his Digital Gate.

Koushiro waved goodbye to Taichi and Hikari as he walked through the gate, thanking their parents for allowing all the Digidestined to crowd inside their home for a short while.

As the gate closed, Taichi and Hikari went to the table with their family, ready to eat dinner.

Mrs Yagami: "That was a very good performance, Hikari."

Hikari smiled brightly.

Hikari: "Thanks mom."

Mr Yagami: "The dance at the end was very well done as well. It fit perfectly."

Hikari: "Would you believe if I said it was not planned?"

Taichi: "Wait, seriously?"

Hikari: "Yeah, I thought of it on the spot and Keru managed to play along."

Taichi: "Wow, that's impressive, Hikari."

Mr Yagami: "Although, your declaration of love at the end was quite bold."

Hikari blushed and looked away in embarrassment.

Hikari: "It wasn't meant for the mics to pick up. We both thought we were soft enough and no one else would hear it."

Mrs Yagami: "Oh well, you two are so cute together. I'm sure a lot of people will be happy for you two. Honestly, we really have been having a lot of publicity recently, huh?"

Hikari: "Sorry, mom."

Taichi: "Sorry."

Mrs Yagami: "It's fine. Neither of you are at fault. Let's enjoy this Christmas properly this year."

The family was full of smiles as they ate dinner and celebrated.

The Digidestined were all were enjoying their Christmas Eve, spending time with their families and partners.

On the other hand, Daisuke was lying on his bed. Jun worriedly opened his door. Daisuke brought his head up slightly, seeing Jun, he brought it back down.

Daisuke: "What do you want?"

Jun: "Just thought I'd check up on you. You seemed… out of it today."

Daisuke: "I'm fine."

Jun: "Daisuke…"

Daisuke: "I said I'm fine!"

Jun: "Just call me if you need anything."

Jun walked back and was about to close the door, but she stopped.

Jun: "Even if we have our differences, I don't want to see you suffering alone. So, if you need anything, just call me."

Jun started to close the door.

Daisuke: "How…"

Jun stopped closing the door and glanced back at Daisuke.

Daisuke: "How… did you deal with it?"

Jun: "With what?"

Daisuke: "Love…"

Jun: "Oh… it's that Hikari, isn't it?"

Daisuke: "Mhm."

Jun: "Well, for me… I just moved on. I don't really have advice for you. When I followed you guys to that camp… well when going back home, Yamato just… it felt like he was better with that other girl."

Daisuke: "Sora?"

Jun: "Yeah, her. I just felt that he looked happy with that girl, so I just kind of… gave up on him. After all, to him all I ever will be is just a fan."

Daisuke: "But what if it could have been more?"

Jun: "For me, I guess my advice would be to find out what you mean to that person. What are you to her?"

Daisuke looked thoughtful and sat up with a small smile.

Daisuke: "Thanks… O-Onee-san."

Jun: "Happy to help, but don't call me that, it feels weird."

Daisuke: "Alright. Thanks, Jun."

Jun: "No problem, just remember I'm here for you if you ever need it."

Jun walked away, closing the door behind her. Veemon popped up from behind Daisuke's bed and sat down next to him.

Veemon: "Daisuke…"

Daisuke: "I'm fine, Veemon."

Veemon: "Are you sure?"

Daisuke: "I'm better now… I'll be fine. I'll get better."

Daisuke heard voices outside his room.

"What?!"

"He… needs space… time… going through things… let him be…"

"But…"

"Trust me… he'll be better tomorrow… give him space…"

Daisuke had a small smile as he lay back on his bed.

Takeru walked out of his room, with Patamon in his arms. He saw his mom seated at the table, with food on it.

Ms Takaishi: "Welcome back, Takeru."

Takeru: "Hi, mom."

Patamon flew out of Takeru's arms and landed on the table.

Ms Takaishi: "Sorry if it tastes bad, it's been a while since I last cooked."

Takeru: "Thanks, mom. I'm sure it will taste great."

Takeru went over to the kitchen to wash his hands, with Patamon. When he sat back down, his mom started talking.

Ms Takaishi: "Takeru, I know I said I will let you kids handle this, but… is there something happening in the Digital World right now?"

Takeru: "Not really. There isn't something major happening like a big battle right now. Although we are trying to investigate something."

Ms Takaishi: "I see. Well, I thought I would tell you something. Earlier today, this man came up to me asking about the Digital World. I've been communicating with him online for a while and he has mostly been asking about the Digital World. I have been able to hide whatever I know for now."

Takeru quickly stood up, his hands on the table.

Takeru: "What did he want to know, mom?"

Ms Takaishi: "Well, he was talking about the blackout a few years ago, and also the weird 'holes' in the sky."

Takeru: "What was his name? Do you know it?"

Ms Takaishi: "I think it was… Yukio Oikawa?"

Takeru: "I'll get Koushiro to find out about him. Do not contact him, mom."

Ms Takaishi: "Why? Do you know something about him?"

Takeru walked over to his mom and hugged her.

Takeru: "I don't know, but if he is related to the Digital World, it can't be good. I don't… I don't want you to be in danger, mom."

Takeru's mom hugged him back.

Ms Takaishi: "Alright, but if it gets too dangerous, I don't want you pursuing this man either."

Takeru: "Alright, it's a promise."

Takeru walked back to his seat. He enjoyed dinner with his mom, keeping note to tell Koushiro about the man.

"I'll tell Koushiro after Christmas. I don't want him to start working on this during Christmas."

That's the end of this chapter. :D