Yaoyorozu Estate

Aichi, Japan

Everyone looks back and forth between Hackmon and Gankoomon, looking utterly baffled. What does the young dragon mean by calling the middle-aged muscular uncle master!? Is he implying that this big man teaches Hackmon how to fight!? How does that make any sense?!

"Hackmon…I…I have been looking for you, my boy…" Gankoomon says. "Where have you been this whole time? Before coming here?"

"I…simply want to have some space…" Hackmon mutters as he takes a few steps back, hiding behind Izuku's legs.

"You've been gone for years now, Hackmon," Gankoomon says with a frown. "W-we've been worried about you…"

"Well, I'm fine," Hackmon mutters, looking away. "You can go now…"

"Hackmon…I'm sorry…" Gankoomon apologizes as Hackmon turns around to look at his former master with wide eyes, anger visible on his face.

"Oh, now you apologize!?!" Hackmon snaps, catching everyone nearby off guard. "After everything you've done!??! After everything you didn't do!?!"

"Hackmon-," Gankoomon was cut off by Hackmon's snarls.

"You keep me away from meeting my partner!" Hackmon exclaims, shocking everyone. What does he mean by that!? "You keep me from meeting my previous partner, saying that I wasn't ready!! Saying when the time comes!!! But, no!!! You keep me away from him, letting him fall himself to his death!!!"

"…what?" Ochako mutters in horror and confusion. What does Hackmon mean by all of his words? She notices that everyone seems to share their confusion with Izuku being the exception.

"To make it worse, when everyone was turned against me, you didn't even bother to help me!!! Not you, not Sistermons!!!" Hackmon exclaims, tears escaping his eyes. "All of the previous partners of Digidestined all cursed and blamed me for not being able to keep my partner alive!!! Do you have any idea how much those words hurt!?! When I need you, you leave me!!! But, when I'm gone, you guys start to care!?!"

"I…" Gankoomon feels shame slowly took over him, losing his energy to reply to any of his former protegees' words. He had no way to reply to that accusation as they were all true. Everyone could only stand in silence, watching their interactions while unconsciously holding their breath, even Lycaon dropped his guard out of shock.

"…I-I can't do this…" Hackmon whimpers before running away.

"Hackmon!" Izuku exclaims before he and Veemon give chase. Everyone didn't move an inch, unable to process everything properly.

"….damn it," Gankoomon curses to himself as the kids look at him, unsure how to react. Out of nowhere, three more figures land in the backyard, creating a huge cloud of dust. Lycaon snaps out of his shock before raising his guard before the dust clears and reveals the Sistermons, much to everyone's surprise. Neither of them expects nuns wearing a weird-looking headdress to suddenly land on a rich girl's backyard like some sort of superheroes.

"Gankoomon, didn't I tell you to wait!?!" Ciel exclaims in annoyance as she approaches the male humanoid Digimon. "We're in a completely another world, and we got humans eyeing us like we're a bunch of weirdos, yet you left us without giving a single care!?!"

"Ciel, I…don't think it's the right time…" Blanc says as she notices Gankoomon's expression.

"What!? What do you-!?!" Ciel turns to look at a group of humans with Digimons besides them, causing her to blink owlishly. "…huh, so that's where all the missing Digimons were…"

"Wait, missing!?" Tenya exclaims in shock before looking at Gomamon, who looks away sheepishly. All humans look at their respective partners, and they all share the same expression, causing the humans to deadpan at them.

"I have to be honest, I wasn't expecting this universe to adapt so quickly that they already have their group of Digidestined," Blanc mutters in surprise.

"Wait, maybe Hackmon is now part of this world's Digidestined!" Noir exclaims, which made humans give them a look. "Did I say something wrong?"


With Izuku

"Hackmon!!" Izuku shouts as he and Veemon end up getting lost in a tiny forest located in Yaomomo's backyard. "I swear to god, how in the world did Yaomomo even get herself a forest in her backyard!?!"

"Haku-aniki…" Veemon mutters sadly, twiddling his thumbs.

"…don't worry about it, Vee," Izuku says as he pats his head. "We're gonna find Hackmon."

"It's not that," Veemon shakes his head. "Haku-aniki…he's hurt…I want to help, but I don't know how…" Veemon looks at Izuku. "Izuku, can you tell me why Haku-aniki looks so hurt and sad?"

"…you should ask Hackmon about it. It's not something I could tell anyone," Izuku replies as Veemon merely nods. As they walk, they find a clearing, and they find Hackmon lying on the ground, sobbing while covering his face using his front paws. Both Izuku and Veemon didn't say a word before approaching the poor digital lifeform and comforting him. Izuku sits on his left before gently rubbing Hackmon's back while Veemon sits on Hackmon's right and hugs him.

"I-I'm sorry…" Hackmon mutters, still sobbing. "I…I can't face them…"

"It's okay…" Izuku says gently.

"I…I can't believe I have another outburst…" Hackmon mutters. "I thought I'm no longer angry at Gankoomon…but seeing his face…my mouth moves before I could think…"

"How are you feeling now?" Izuku asks.

"…I…don't know, it's so complicated…" Hackmon mutters, biting his lips in frustration. "On one hand, I feel terrible lashing out on Gankoomon, and on the other hand, I feel angry seeing his face! I… it isn't very easy to explain…" Hackmon rubs the tears away from his eyes.

"I get it…" Izuku says with a sad smile. "I experienced that kind of complicated emotions, especially regarding Bakugou…"

"…I want to forgive them, they're my family… we've gone through a lot…" Hackmon mutters. "But…deep inside, I am angry…I can't stop being angry…"

"Haku-aniki…" Veemon calls. "Can…can you tell me more about everything? I…I want to understand what makes Aniki hurt so bad…."

"… gosh, you're such a good kid," Hackmon mutters as he nuzzles Veemon's cheek, making him giggle a bit. "Sit down, Vee, it's a long story."


Back with Yaomomo and everyone

"Thank you for the tea, Miss Yaoyorozu."

Gankoomon and the Sistermons can be seen sitting in the living room while Lycaon offers tea for each of them. They all accept the drink politely as everyone looks at them curiously or skeptically.

"I…apologize for breaking into your yard, miss," Gankoomon says politely. "I…simply want to see Hackmon again after so long…"

"It's fine," Yaomomo waves it off. "But, please, use the front door next time. My butlers are not keen on intruders."

"I'll keep that in mind, your butler is quite formidable, reacting faster than most warriors I encounter," Gankoomon praises Lycaon.

"Flattery won't get you anywhere," Lycaon says with a frown, unsure if he's genuinely praising him or he's insulting him. Gankoomon could curb-stomp him anytime, and his instinct hasn't stopped screaming to get away from the man.

"So, you're Hackmon's master?" Ochako asks. "But…how? You seem human. How do you train Hackmon to fight when you both are different?"

"Haha, young lady, I may look human, but I'm not a human. Sistermons and I are Digimons that happen to share the appearance of humans." Gankoomon answers casually.

"EH!?!" Everyone exclaims in shock, unable to believe his words.

"…I should be surprised, but I didn't," Ochako mutters, remembering that Izuku once mentioned they could be as normal as humans, but she honestly didn't expect Izuku's words to be taken literally.

"Given how our partners' appearances were all different, it shouldn't be too far-fetched for some of them to have a human appearance," Miles mutters. "They remind me of the kids' show, Pokeyman."

Upon mentioning that, the eyes of all Digimon in the vicinity twitched in annoyance, which didn't go unnoticed by everyone.

"Please refrain from comparing us to those….abominations," Gankoomon says with a strained smile. "I have seen a lot of ugly-looking Digimons, but somehow, you humans could design so much worse."

"It's….insulting to compare us to them…" Ciel says with a scowl.

"I…apologize…" Tenya says with a sheepish look. "To be fair, we…didn't find them to be ugly since they're our childhood shows…."

"Tenya-kun, I like you as a partner, but it's hurtful to compare us to those ugly things," Gomamon comments, making Tenya apologize profusely.

"…I think Jellymon has the closest resemblance to one of the Pokeyman," Tooru comments, causing Jellymon to look insulted.

"Hey! That was rude!!" Jellymon exclaims.

"It's the truth," Tooru shrugs.

"…you're doing this because I ruin the kitchen, didn't you?" Jellymon mutters. "It was just a prank."

"You manage to waste the remaining of our family's food supplies. Thank the gods that our supplies almost run out, or else my family's budget will take a huge hit!" Tooru exclaims as they both start arguing.

"I-I'm sorry…" Miles apologizes to Tentomon, who's sulking after being compared to an ugly-looking monster.

"Anyways, I think we get a bit distracted," Takechi decided to change the topic. "Can you tell us more about your relationship with Hackmon?"

"…I suppose I could explain to clear possible misunderstanding…"


Flashback Begins

"Unlike most Digimons hatched from a Digi-Egg in the Digital World, or more specifically, the Village of Beginning, my birth is a unique circumstance. I was born through my master's avatar, Hinukamuy, combined with his DNA Code." (Hackmon)

Hackmon can be seen waking up and meeting face-to-face with Gankoomon, who seems a bit disinterested, leaning his head closer to Hackmon. As Gankoomon takes a closer look, Hackmon stares at the humanoid Digimon curiously before giving a lick on his nose. This caught Gankoomon off guard before he burst into laughter and lifted him happily.

"He isn't the first Hackmon that was born through such a method. Due to my unique physiology, the birth of Hackmon could happen at any time, even when you least expect it. Most Hackmons born from me have my adventurous spirit, so years after being born, they will travel across the world and see what it has to offer. But, he…he was different. Sure, he has my adventurous spirit, but he has something that differentiates him from other Hackmon, a dream."(Gankoomon)

Hackmon can be seen sitting in the library reading a book before noticing a particular book with the title 'Imperialdramon: The Origin'. When he reads, his eyes widen in awe as he flips through the page before he looks at the particular page. He immediately finds Sistermon Blanc and shows the two-page, well-drawn image of the Royal Knights uniting under Imperialdramon: Paladin Mode's sword.

"I always admired the Royal Knights through the history record of the one who united those knights, Imperialdramon: Paladin Mode. The story of his journeys, the path all knights went through, and how they reunited into a group of amazing knights…all I could think of is that I want to be like them…"(Hackmon)

"So, the little drake found out I was a member and asked me to let him join the Royal Knights. This made me slightly happy because that means I could spend more time with Hackmon, something I had never been able to do with other Hackmons as they become independent."(Gankoomon)

Hackmon can be seen running away from a group of Digimon as Gankoomon shouts at him to fight back while barely holding his laughter. Meanwhile, Sistermon Blanc could only sigh, facepalming, and shake her head in disbelief.

"I was determined to be a member of the Royal Knights, so I went through so much training that Gankoomon gave me, even sparring with the Sistermons, despite they're much stronger than me. The training does have a result as I can fight against even Ultimate-Level Digimons." (Hackmon)

"Of course, training isn't the only thing we did. We take our time to spend time together, growing much closer than with other Hackmons born from me. I made sure to teach the young drake every lesson I learn in my past, including during my time as a partner Digimon to the previous Digidestined." (Gankoomon)

Hackmon, Gankoomon, and Sistermons went on adventures together, walking through the dark forest while fighting against wild Digimons attempting to harm them, camping while watching the night sky together, looking around towns, making friends with a certain Guilmon, and so much more.

"One day, during our adventures, Gankoomon and I visit an altar where we all pray for our creator, Yggdrasil. Gankoomon was paying respect to the one that he served before; suddenly, things became weird around me." (Hackmon)

As Gankoomon paid respect to Yggdrasil, Hackmon was taken aback as multiple holographic screens started to surround them and the altar. Gankoomon stopped paying his respect before looking around in confusion. Then, a weird symbol appeared on each screen, and a light shone on Hackmon, confusing the young Digimon, but Gankoomon turned pale.

"Hackmon, my precious student, was chosen to be a partner of one of the Digidestined, along with a new crest his partner will receive. The Crest of Kindness. I…fear what he might face, so I increased the intensity of his training, hoping he could grow even stronger." (Gankoomon)

"Then, I was able to take a glimpse of my partner, Izuku Midoriya, from an alternate universe. I was excited to see him for the first time, especially when we share some similarities, an admiration towards a great role model. His kindness towards people is inspiring, and I want to meet him immediately." (Hackmon)

Hackmon look through a screen shaping like a portal showing Izuku's childhood, specifically during the moment he watched All Might saving multiple people. Hackmon jumped in excitement and looked at Gankoomon for approval, but to his surprise, his mentor shook his head.

"I didn't let him meet with his destined partner early, because I fear the future darkness he and his partner might face. I fear for his death, so I keep him from meeting his partner and keep training him, and continue to help him grow stronger." (Gankoomon)

"But the world isn't kind to my partner. I...could only watch from a distance as my partner was continuously beaten down by his world for simply not having something as measly as a quirk. People are taking advantage of Izuku's kindness, mocking him, and hurting him. I desperately begged my master to let me meet him, be on his side to reassure him, to help him, but he didn't budge. My master always has reasons for his every decision, and it was the day I started to grow doubting my master's decisions. Then, that day happened…." (Hackmon)

Hackmon could only helplessly watch as everyone kept hurting Izuku physically and emotionally while begging his master to let him go. Gankoomon, growing more fearful and overprotective towards the future, denied. Then, Hackmon looked back and widened his eyes, seeing his partner on the edge of the roof. Gankoomon notices this and decided to screw it, attempting to open the bridge to the human world. But, it was too late as they both watched the poor boy jump.

"The poor boy jumped. We were too late…Hackmon cried his heart out and was completely devastated, feeling like something inside him had broken, the invisible bond between him and that child…he lashed out at us for everything, which is well-deserved…I decided to give him space, but every time I want to try to talk to him…I was scared and frozen in fear…we grew distant…" (Gankoomon)

"But, it wasn't the end…that universe is in complete ruins, all because of his death…other chosen Digidestined from that universe started to emerge and all gained their respective partners and crests to fight the darkness. They were able to stop it, but not without loss." (Hackmon)

A group of Digimons can be seen returning to the Digital World with a devastated look. As Hackmon approached them, all of their expression turned to anger and start shouting at Hackmon for being a terrible partner, for not saving his human partner from dying, and for causing the entire mess.

"Digimons are all against him, shouting at him like he had committed grave sins. He had taken the brunt of all the blame when in reality, it was my fault. I wanted to comfort him, but I let my fear take over again. And…he ran away…" (Gankoomon)

"I didn't care about anything else…all I did was run, run, and run until my legs gave out…All I wished was to turn back time and go save my partner…nightmares after nightmares haunted me, my old partner appeared in my dream asking why I didn't save him and all…It happens for years…until one day, I feel the bond reattached…I move towards where my bond leads me to…and I found the portal to this world…and I finally found Izuku, this world's Izuku….my new partner…" (Hackmon)


Flashback Ends

"…and the rest is history…" Hackmon says as Veemon looks at his (unofficial big brother) with teary eyes before he bawls and pulls him into a hug. Hackmon is slightly surprised by this, but he returns the gesture before Izuku decides to join in.

"Sorry you had to retell everything again…" Izuku says to Hackmon.

"My buddy here deserves to know…" Hackmon mutters, feeling a bit lighter.

"…you know, I never said it, but I think Gankoomon didn't mean to leave you, he probably was afraid of talking to you. From his concerns shown earlier, he must be scared of ruining things again," Izuku suggests as Hackmon pauses.

"…it doesn't mean it hurts for him leaving me dealing with Digimons cursing the hell out of me," Hackmon replies.

"Yeah, that sucks," Izuku says. "So…what are you going to do?"

"I…don't know," Hackmon mutters. "I want to see them again, but I'm scared that I'll snap again, and run away…" Hackmon looks at Izuku. "What should I do, Izu?"

"… my opinion is that you should resolve this issue immediately," Izuku says. "Based on what you said, you two have been away from each other for years, one unable to apologize, one never been able to let out their anger. I say, let both sides do what they must. You say what you always want to tell him, and he apologizes properly."

"…I don't think that made us as close as before again," Hackmon mutters.

"Yes, but both of you can find closure." Izuku says as Hackmon went silent. Both Izuku and his Digimons sit silently, embracing each other while watching the beautiful blue sky.

"….Okay," Hackmon says, getting Izuku's attention. "I…I'm ready to see him again…"

"…" Izuku looks at Hackmon's trembling body before gently holding his back. "Then, do it. And you don't have to do it alone, you know. I'm here for you."

"And me too!" Veemon exclaims as Hackmon can't help but let out a chuckle.

"You guys are the best," Hackmon says.


With Yaomomo and Friends

The entire living room is silent, trying to process everything they have just heard. No one in the room had ever expected such a story from Hackmon's past, and shedding so many tears that could rival Inko's waterwork.

"O-oh, god…" Ochako chokes on her sobs, hugging Biyomon tightly as she didn't let go.

"D-damn it, I can't stop crying," Denki wails as he and Pulsemon tear up.

"Poor Hackmon," Tooru mutters, wiping the tears from her face.

"T-that's terrible…" Yaomomo cries, using the handkerchief she receives from Lycaon, and wipes her tears elegantly.

"Such hardship…" Iida grits his teeth, slamming his fist into the table as tears stream down his face. "How is he able to remain happy even until now?"

"H-happy?" Gankoomon looks slightly confused, and at the same time, glad at the fact that Hackmon can be happy.

"H-He was quite reserved at first when meeting us, even being shy when the girls gush at him," Eijirou explains as he wipes his manly tears. "But, slowly, he gets more comfortable around us and he occasionally smiles and laughs around us, especially with Izuku."

"…" Gankoomon becomes slightly concerned by what Eijirou said. Does that mean Hackmon didn't fully move on and accept an alternate version of his partner as his actual partner, fully burying his sadness for the sake of his happiness? But that doesn't make sense as Hackmon fully acknowledges his Digidestined partner's death.

Before any of them could say more, Izuku and his Digimon Partners had returned. Everyone becomes silent as they are concerned about the second interaction between Hackmon and Gankoomon. From what they learn, their current relationship is much more complicated and the interaction could lead to an even disastrous result.

"Gankoomon…" Hackmon calls.

"Hackmon…" Gankoomon mutters, standing up as they face each other.

"…I'm angry…" Hackmon begins. "I am angry and frustrated at you, frustrated at you for keeping me away from my partner for so long, angry for keeping me busy with more and more training…I'm angry that all of that leads to me being unable to meet my partner…I'm angry that you left me alone after everything…" Hackmon pants as Izuku gently holds him, calming him down.

"…" Gankoomon could only lower his head in shame.

"But…" Hackmon continues, getting Gankoomon's attention as he sees Hackmon's body trembling. "I…I can't forget everything we've been through together…I can't forget how you raised me, how you taught me the world, how we went through adventures together…I can't forget all the times we spent together…" Hackmon sobs, looking at Gankoomon with teary eyes. "I…I miss you so much…dad… I-it hurts seeing you leave me….letting them curse at me for everything….I…I miss you so much…"

"M-my boy!" Gankoomon pulls him into a hug, tears escaping his visor. Izuku made sure to give them some space. "I-I'm sorry…I'm sorry for not letting you meet your partner…I-I was scared…I was scared when one day you faced them…you'll lose your life…I'm scared…I'm scared I could ruin things again…I'm scared for you…Hackmon…I-I'm sorry for being such a coward…."

"…" They all watch as they interact, crying even more. Izuku comforts Veemon, who's once again bawling his eyes out seeing such a scene. Sistermons were smiling while also tearing up while watching the scene. Both of them continue to hug and sob for a long minute before letting go. Gankoomon places down Hackmon gently before looking at Izuku.

"…young Digidestined…thank you," Gankoomon says as Izuku nods.

"No problem, happy to help," Izuku says with a smile. Gankoomon nods before looking at Hackmon.

"Hackmon…I know you have a bond with him, but do you know…?" Gankoomon asks.

"I already knew from the beginning, Dad." Gankoomon was not only surprised by Hackmon's answer, but also by his insistence on calling him dad again. "Izu is the one who pointed it out…he even helped me recover...and we became a genuine partner…and he got his Digivice to prove it…"

As he said that, Izuku pulls out his Digivice and shows it to Gankoomon, who seems surprised as he notices that Izuku's digivice represents both Hackmon and Veemon. Digivice is a bond between humans and Digimons manifested into the physical plane, so it's a legitimate proof.

"I see…" Gankoomon says with a smile. "Then, I suppose your crest is much more fitting."

"Wait, what?!" Izuku exclaims before looking at his phone and flipping to see its back, not seeing anything. He looks visibly confused before deciding to tilt around, and he sees it, the Crest of Miracle, almost invisible to everyone's eyes due to his Digivice's color. "This…is not what I expected."

"You tell me you have that for a while and never noticed the crest!?" Gankoomon guffawed before bursting into laughter.

"To be fair, my Digivice changed form yesterday, and with everything that happened yesterday, I didn't notice a bit," Izuku mutters, his cheeks turning slightly pink.

"Even so, truly bonding with a Digimon who lost its partner is not something anyone could do, or even bonding with another Digimon partner." Gankoomon points out. "Although I think Crest of Friendships will be more fitting, especially with how you befriend your fellow Digidestined."

'I think I now know why I got Miracle.' Izuku thought with a sweatdrop, referring to his fate of getting Isekaid and the changes he made over his new life.

"Anyways, once again, thanks a lot for helping my son here," Gankoomon says as Hackmon perks up. "I truly owe you one."

"I simply help because he's my partner," Izuku says before pausing.

"Even after everything?" Gankoomon asks as Izuku nods.

"Yes," Izuku answers without hesitation. Gankoomon stood in silence, staring at Izuku.

"Then, how about you show it?" Gankoomon asks as Izuku and Hackmon blinks. "Show me how close you two truly are by facing me."

"…WHAT?!!" Everyone shouted in disbelief while the Sistermons facepalmed, sighing in exasperation. No matter what, Gankoomon will always lust for battle.

To Be Continued