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The Digi-gate that connected the human world and the digital world was open again. It shown like a bright light in the sky and it blinding to the eye. It could be seen everywhere in the land.
"Look Gomamon, the gates open!" exclaimed Joe as he looked out of the kitchen window.
"I know, I can't believe it” answered the furry white Digimon.
"Oh my, look at how bright it is," said Gabumon. He and Matt were standing around the back of the restaurant peeling potatoes.
"What is it that Gabumon?" asked Matt as he put his hand over his eyes.
"It's the Digi-gate Matt," he explained. "The link between your world and digital world. And it looks like it's opening again!"
"No way…." Matt mouthed.
Up at Pixiemon's house
"I don't like this Gennai, I don't like it all."
"I understand your concerns Pixiemon," answered Gennai. "In fact, I share them."
"Myotismon grows in power every day," said the small but infinitely wise Digimon. "Now isn't the right time for the Digi-destined to return to the human world."
"I know that Pixiemon but there's nothing I can do. I don't control the Digi-gate."
Gennai gave a long sigh after this. He truly hadn't foreseen this happening.
"The Digi-destined are scattered right now. All in different parts of the Digi-world where they're unable to combat the darkness effectively. We needed for them to come back together where they're strongest.
Pixiemon had an unnerving thought whilst Gennai was talking. When he'd finished speaking he voiced his fear aloud.
"Myotismon will surely try to go the human world through the portal."
"Yes, unfortunately. He and the rest of the darkness from the digital world will seize any opportunity to extend their power. The only ones who can stop them are the Digi-destined and their Digimon. But until they all come back together as one it won't happen."
"How long do you think before they'll go through the portal?"
"I'm not sure, but it won't be long."
There was an uncomfortable silence between them as they continued to stare at the bright light.
Back at the restaurant
Gabumon gasped.
"Matt!" The blonde boy was beginning to levitate upwards. He felt as if he was being drawn upwards towards the portal.
"GABUMON! WHAT'S HAPPENING?" Matt was in shock at what was happening.
"IT'S THE DIGI-GATE MATT, IT'S DRAWING YOU IN. IT'S TAKING YOU BACK TO YOUR WORLD."
NO," shouted Matt. "I CAN'T GO BACK, NOT WITHOUT TK AND ALL THE OTHERS." Gabumon grabbed ahold of Matt's leg and tried to pull him back down onto the floor. Even though he used all his body mass to act try and act as an anchor, it was no good. The force was too strong and soon Gabumon was lifted off the floor as well.
"MATT!"
"GABUMON!" They could hear the yells of Joe and Gomamon not very far away. Eventually Matt managed to spot them both as he continued to drift upwards towards the portal. Joe was hanging onto the hinges of the kitchen door whilst Gomamon was holding onto to him. Before long though Gomamon suffered the same fate as Gabumon. The force was lifted off of the floor too.
Matt looked around and saw Digimon all over the area standing and watching as he levitated upwards. It seemed that the portal was only pulling humans upwards, not Digimon.
He eventually reached the light it was so bright he was blinded.
"TK!" he roared before being pulled through.
At the same time
"HELP ME! TOKOMON! MATT!"
TK was holding onto a tree for dear life to try and stop himself from being pulled into the air. No one was nowhere to be seen.
"ARGHHHHHHHHHHH!" TK began to wail in fear.
"SOMEBODY HELP ME!"
But his pleas went unanswered.
Eventually his nimble little fingers were unable to hang on anymore and he lost his grip. TK was quickly pulled into the air but after only a few seconds he was still again. TK had closed his eyes but when he stopped moving he opened them again. He was hanging. His backpack had got caught onto a thick branch. He breathed a sigh of relief.
After about 15 minutes the force stopped. TK had by then though had gone to sleep through exhaustion.
The Real World
Matt opened his eyes and looked around. And he couldn't believe what met them. He was lying on a plaid of grass and lying around were his friends. Sora and Biyomon, Mimi and Palmon, Joe and Gomamon, Izzy and Tentomon. But where was….
"TK!" he roared quickly getting up. He knew exactly where he was but didn't care. All he cared about was finding TK.
"TK, ARE YOU HERE!? TK PLEASE COME TO ME!"
"Urgh…. Matt? Matt is that you?" Everyone else was waking up.
"Hey, we're all here! What happened? Where are we? How are we all suddenly together like this?"
"TK!" Matt roared again.
"Hey Matt, calm down would ya," said Joe.
"I can't believe it," said Sora looking around. "We're back in the real world!"
"We must have all been pulled through the Digi-gate portal," remarked Izzy standing.
"Where's TK!? Have any of you guys seen him?" Matt was growing increasingly distraught.
"Wasn't he with you?" asked Sora.
"No," said Matt dropping his head. "I left him for a while and before I could get back to him this happened."
"Maybe he…." began Izzy before stopping himself.
"Maybe he what!?" demanded Matt.
"Well," began Izzy nervously. Matt was an intimidating individual when his emotions boiled over. "Maybe he was left behind in the digital world."
What little color was left in Matt's face was drained from it after hearing Izzy's words.
"No…." he mouthed. “No, he's been left there all alone!"
TK awoke and his eyes with a very strange and scary view. He was looking downwards and his feet were off the ground. 15 feet off of the ground in fact. He didn't yelp with fear as expected though, in fact the young boy remained strangely calm at his predicament.
"Oh boy, how do I get myself out of this one?" These were his thoughts. He eventually managed to reach a twig that he was stuck in a tree. How did he get stuck up here he wondered? Where was everybody? What had happened? Then it all came flooding back.
Matt, Tokomon, the bright light, the pulling force. It all hit him like a runaway train. Now he did begin to cry.
"(cry), Matt, (cry), Tokomon, (sob), they're all gone. (Sob) They've all left me." He was all alone with no one to look after him. Not even Tokomon. Would he ever see him or Matt or the rest of his friends again? He cried even harder just thinking about. He sobs though went unheard. Suddenly a rustle sounded behind him making him jump.
“TK! Someone help me find TK!” A small voice sounded panicked and with a bright smile and a laugh TK ran for Tokomon who as soon as he was back in TK’s arms was Patamon again.
“Oh Patamon I was so worried about you!” TK cried, but so was Patamon so he didn’t feel as bad about it.
“Oh TK it was horrible. I went to find Matt and found out Devimon was tricking him into working for this cook to help Joe out, but he kept making Mat and Joe break things so they had to stay. I was about to get that dirty basketball as Matt called him, but suddenly a gate opened and all of the others were lifted up into the air and were swallowed into a bright light.” Patamon sobbed. TK looked terrified for a second before taking a deep breath. He let go of the crying Digimon and stepped back. Patamon looked worried, but TK held up a hand like he had seen Matt do when he needed a minute to think. He started pacing and muttering to himself.
“Pata. I owe you an apology the size of the whole digital world. Can you ever forgive me for not believing you? I know it was my fault, but…” Patamon rushed over and latched on to the eight year old and nuzzled into his chest.
“No TK. It wasn’t your fault. You were worried, scared and…” The eight year old backed away again and shook his head.
“A Digidestined. I should be fighting with you, not against you. I’m you’re partner and you’re mine. I need to help you as much as you help me. I should have had faith in my brother. Sure; he has an attitude as Tai said, but he’d NEVER leave me like that. I knew it. I was wrong. I believed a stranger over my best friend and my brother. That’s not a Digidestined that’s a traitorous crybaby; but from now on I’m going to grow up. If we’re stuck here we need to stick together. That’s that.” TK said and Patamon smiled back at him before nodding. He had never felt prouder than he did at this second. He landed on TK’s head and laughed.
“Together.” They said at the same time.
The real world.
"What am I going to say to our mom and dad? How can I possibly tell them that TK is stuck in the digital world all on his own and I don't know any way to go back and get him?" This was an older brother’s nightmare. He had literally lost his kid brother in another world.
"Calm down Matt, you mustn't blame yourself," reassured Gabumon trying make his partner feel better. He understood how the boy was feeling though.
Patamon, being Matt’s brother’s Digimon, had turned into a sort of brother as well for the blue Digimon. Though Digimon didn’t have sibling unless born from the same egg; Patamon relied on Gabumon more than the other Digimon. He looked up to him in a way that made the blue Digimon feel good.
He was just as worried as Matt was.
"He's right Matt, it's not your fault," said Izzy from beside them. "No doubt they'll be upset but blaming yourself or other people isn't going to help." The Digi-destined and their Digimon were all sat on logs waiting for their parents to pick them up. They'd discovered that the Digi-gate had brought them straight back to the spot of their summer camp and according to the calendar hanging on the wall it was August 1st, the exact same date when they'd first went to the digital world. Time in the digital world mustn't relate over to the human world in the same patterns.
Using a nearby payphone, each member of the group had taken turns in calling their parents to be asked to be picked up. They'd barely had enough money to call everyone they needed to call so each person only had a small time on the phone. No time to explain anything.
Matt sighed upset.
“Do you have a brother, a sister?” Matt asked.
“I do. An older brother.” Joe said raising his hand.
“And if you were so much as lost in the mall for five minutes when you were eight years old with your brother supposed to be next to you how would he have acted?”
“That happened once. He actually called the cops.” Joe said smiling at the memory. “He was so scared someone had kidnapped me because he had watched Face on a milk carton the night before on Family channel. The officer was upset about the false alarm until he learned that and then bought me and him some ice cream while we waited for our parent. They were understanding and neither of us got in trouble.”
“Yeah well, that was five minutes in the mall. My eight year old little brother, my seven years younger than me brother; is stuck BY HIMSELF in a world literally CRAWLING with MONSTERS; so forgive me if I’m freaking out about this.” Matt said looking at the ground. Joe thought about it for a second and nodded. His brother had stuck to him like glue for a week after that incident.
When Jim picked Joe up he actually commented on the stuffed toy making the younger teen look at the ground.
“Hey Jim. Have I ever told you I’m sorry about when we were kids and I got lost.”
“Sorry? Joe that was years ago.” Jim said laughing.
“Yeah well, my friend just lost his little brother in the woods before we came back. It was near a cliff so he could have fallen off. His helmet was even down there.” Exaggerated but true. Jim nodded.
“It’s scary alright. It’s not all about the responsibility either. The fact that your parents entrust you with the care of another life, the life of someone who looks up to you; it’s the fact that you looked up to me. That you trusted me and I let you down. That’s what had me so upset.”
“No wonder Matt’s so chocked up.” Joe thought and silently wished he could do something. But like all the others, all he could do was wait; but he had faith in TK. The kid was small and could admittedly be whiny but he was tough when he had to be. He only prayed that was enough.
Hiroaki had been annoyed about the summer camp's sudden cancellation and being asked to drive all the wait to big his two boys up on the fly but had agreed anyway. He promised to come when he clocked off from work. Don’t get him wrong he was happy to see his sons sooner than expected.
While he knew teens and kids needed room to grow he still preferred his sons closer than three towns away. But leaving a teenager and a child alone in a parking lot; how irresponsible of those managers. He’d have a talk with the camp owner for this. Meanwhile Matt was still freaking out as he paced the parking lot.
"How am I going to explain things when my dad gets here? What can I possibly say when he asks where TK is?"
"Just be strong Matt," advised Sora placing her hand on his shoulder. "You need to stay strong, you and your parents; for TK. Later when we've all got ourselves settled at home we can all meet up again to try and think of way of getting back to the digital world. Matt we will save him. I promise. Over the few weeks we were in the Digiworld you all became family to me. We’ll get him back." Matt gave her a smile and nodded.
"I certainly hope we can find a way back," said Gomamon. "This might be home to you guys but us Digimon belong back in the digital world. We can't stay here for too long." Everyone murmured in agreement except Matt who had his head in hands? What was he going to do? He desperately wanted to cry but he wouldn't allow himself, not in front of everyone else. Could he be blamed though? He'd lost his little brother, the person he loved and cared about more than anyone or anything else. He'd left him all alone in the digital world. He'd promised he'd only be gone a couple of hours but had in fact been gone a few weeks. He'd stayed behind at the restaurant to help Joe but hadn't intended to stay long. He knew TK would have been waiting for him with Tokomon still at the amusement park. But now there was no way he could ever go back to him. And it hurt him so much.
Later….
It was dark now and Matt was the only person left waiting, everyone else had been picked up by their parents and been taken home (with their in-training Digimon). His father Hiroaki hadn't arrived yet and to be honest, despite feeling cold, Matt was dreading when he would. He'd been thinking about it for hours but still couldn't figure out a way how he was going to tell is father about TK and what had happened.
Gabumon had reverted back into Tsunomon and was loyally by Matt's side. He knew he'd have to keep quiet when Matt's father arrived though. He and the other Digimon couldn't let any other humans know the truth about them. It would be too much hassle.
As the stars began to come out and the moon began to shine the temperature began to drop even further. Matt shivered.
"I'm sure your dad won't be much longer Matt," said Tsunomon.
"I'm hoping for him to come any time soon Tsunomon," said Matt. "I'd rather he didn't come at all to be honest. Freezing out here would be a hell of a lot better than having to tell him about what's happened." Tsunomon sighed. He thought for a little while and then spoke again.
"Just tell him about everything Matt. EVERYTHING. About the digital-world, about Digimon, about the Digi-gate. I know it will blow his mind but he deserves to know the truth, him and your mom. They should know exactly what's happened with poor TK.
Matt didn't give his response, he just went into that quiet shell of his like he always did when brooding. Tsunomon was used to this though and understood.
Shortly afterwards, a pair of headlights could be seen approaching. Hiroaki was here. Matt watched as his car pulled up and he beeped his horn. Matt picked up Tsunomon and headed towards the car. He opened the door and climbed in.
"Hey son," said Hiroaki from the driver's seat. "Sorry I'm late, traffic this time of the evening is chaos. Been stuck in a jam for nearly an hour."
"It's alright Dad," answered Matt quietly. Hiroaki looked into the back seat and realized that TK hadn't gotten into the car. Where was he?
"Where's TK?" he asked. "I was going to take him home." Matt closed his eyes. He'd been dreading this moment so much but now it was finally here. Hiroaki spoke again though;
"Did your mom come pick him up?" he asked his oldest son. Matt looked up and without even thinking answered;
"Yes."
"Oh really?"
"Yeah, she came and got him earlier."
"Then how come she didn't pick you up?"
"….she offered but I said no. She said she was going to take TK straight to visit Grandma's but I said I'd rather just go home."
"Why didn't you want to go?"
"I just didn't. It's been a long day and I just want to go home. Besides, I'd already called you asking you to come pick me up and didn't have another quarter to call you back. When I went into bushes for a pee TK must have shook away and called Mom asking her to come get him."
Hiroaki just nodded at this. He had been planning to take both Matt and TK out for something to eat after picking them up, it was very rare he got to spend time with the both of them and wanted to make the most of it whilst he had them both. He was slightly hurt that TK had wanted to go home with his mom instead of going with him and Matt. That led him to ask think about something else. He eventually came out and said it;
"Matt son, listen. You really should try to spend more time with your mom you know. She barely gets to see you and I know she really misses spending time with you. That's why I guess she wanted you to go with her to your Grandma's."
"She can see me anytime she wants Dad. Just today I felt tired after everything that's happened. Now can we just go home?"
Deciding not to push it, Hiroaki just nodded and put his foot down.
As they drove Matt's head continued to spin. He felt awful and cowardly for lying to his father. But he just couldn't bring himself to tell him about TK. Better he think TK was safe with their mom. And as for her, hopefully she wouldn't find out about camp being cancelled.
"What's that thing you’re holding?" asked Hiroaki as he turned into the street their apartment block was on.
"Oh err…," began Matt nervously trying to think of something. "Err…. it's a gift given to all of us by the camp organizer. A way of saying sorry for camp being cancelled. It's corny I know but I didn't want to just leave it out there on the grass.
"Corny!?" breathed Tsunomon from Matt's lap. Matt quickly put his hand over Tsunomon's mouth but fortunately Hiroaki didn't seem to notice. As they pulled into the apartment parking lot Hiroaki spoke;
"When we get upstairs have something to eat, a shower and then go to bed son. You've had a long day and look exhausted.”
"So do you."
"I'm used to it." However, when they got into the apartment Matt headed straight to his room and locked the door. Hiroaki just smirked, his oldest son was at that age where kids start acting strangely.
In his bedroom, Matt put Tsunomon down and threw himself onto his bed, his head in hands.
"Matt are you okay?" asked the little Digimon quietly. Matt didn't reply. Underneath his hands were very watery eyes that he was trying to conceal. How was possibly going to fix this?
Matt and his father's Apartment
Matt had a few sleepless nights since returning to the digital world. He had still not told his father (or his mother) about what had happened with TK. His father thought his younger son was back with his mother and still thought TK and Matt were still off at summer camp. Matt and TK's mom and dad rarely ever spoke nowadays so it why was the two had not found the truth out yet.
But Matt didn't know how much longer he could avoid it for; he'd have to tell them the harsh truth eventually. He had been on the phone with Tai almost every night since returning. He and Koromon had returned to the normal world a few weeks before everyone else, it had happened during the final battle with Etehmon.
"Tai, what I am going to do? How can I possibly tell my parents about TK.? About how I left him, how I failed him. (Tai had been filled in about what had happened in his absence in the digital world).
"You're right Matt, you can't avoid it forever," explained Tai trying to calm his friend down. "One day when you're Mom thinks that summer camp has ended she's going to wonder why TK hasn't come home. She'll no doubt call you and your dad to ask and your dad will realize that TK isn't with her like you told him."
"I know it's just, it'll break their hearts to know what's happened to him Tai. But I understand. I'll tell my dad in the morning and then I'll tell my mom."
"That's the right thing to do pal," said Tai trying to encourage Matt.
"Okay, I'm going to take a shower and then go to bed. I'll call you tomorrow if I get the chance."
"Okay, goodnight.
"Night." With that Matt put the phone down and walked over to couch. Upon reaching it he just collapsed onto it, crashing down besides Tsunomon who watching TV.
"So you're going to tell your dad about everything?" asked the Digimon.
"Yeah Tsunomon, I've got no choice. I'm not sure if he'll understand but he has to know, him and my mom. I can't have them thinking TK's okay when he might not be."
"I'll support you Matt, don't worry," reassured Matt. The blonde gave his Digimon pat on the head. The both of them proceeded to watch TV. Matt though wasn't really concentrating on the sitcom that was being shown, his mind was on still TK and his parents.
His father usually worked nights like he was tonight so Matt had the apartment to himself. This allowed Tsunomon to bounce around freely. He couldn't decide how best to do this, until the morning or stay up late, wait for his dad to come home and explain in it too him then. He decided on the latter option, there was no way he was going to get any sleep tonight anyway.
The next morning
Hiroaki awoke the next morning to the smell of frying eggs and bacon. Matt must have been in the kitchen cooking breakfast. Throwing a sweater on him made his way out of his room.
"Morning son," he said as saw Matt standing at the kitchen counter.
"Morning dad," replied Matt quietly. He tipped an egg and some stripes of bacon onto a plate and passed it to his father.
"Thanks," said a grateful Hiroaki. He began to eat as he picked up his local newspaper which had been delivered and Matt had placed on the table. Hiroaki read the front page and then skipped straight to the back to read the sport. He couldn't bear to read pages 2, 3 or 4. This was because these were likely to be the pages where Nancy's articles would be.
"Err... Dad, we need to talk," said Matt nervously.
"Is this what you mentioned last night?"
"Yes."
"Well what is it?"
"It's…. it's about TK."
"Speaking of TK, there's something I want to tell you too Matt."
"What?"
"I want TK to come here soon to visit us and stay for a few days. It'll probably be next week when I have time off. I was going to call your mom to arrange it later."
Matt dropped his head. Oh God, how was he going to do this now? It had just been made a whole lot more daunting.
"Are you okay?" asked Hiroaki now. He noticed that Matt wasn't happy.
"Dad, the thing I need to talk to you about. It's about TK."
"What is it?"
"Dad… please forgive me."
"What is it Matt!? What about TK!?" Hiroaki was concerned now.
"Dad, TK won't be able to come here."
"Why not?"
"Because… because…"
"SAY IT MATT! What's wrong with TK?"
"HE'S NOT WITH MOM! HE'S STIL IN THE DIGITAL WORLD!" Matt burst out tears springing to his eyes as he finally admitted his worst nightmare was real.
Hiroaki was left flabbergasted. TK wasn't with Nancy? The digital world? What was that?
"Matt, tell me. Where is TK.? What's happened with him?"
"TK didn't go back to Mom's Dad. She didn't come pick him up at camp like I said. She doesn't even know camp was cancelled."
"Then…. where's TK?"
"TK's in the digital world dad. Let me explain everything to you. EVERYTHING. It will be very hard for you to understand but you have to believe me. Tsunomon, come here."
The in-training Digimon bounced out of Matt's bedroom and onto the kitchen counter. Hiroaki was speechless at what he'd just witnessed.
"Let me explain Dad."
Over the next hour, Matt told Hiroaki everything there was to tell. About the digital world, Digimon and the group's adventure. Hiroaki just listened intently. When it came to explaining about how he'd left TK and Tokomon at the amusement and never gone back to him Matt broke down, unable to continue.
"Okay son, you've said enough," said Hiroaki speaking for the first time in a while.
"Dad, Dad I'm so sorry," stammered Matt.
"It's okay son."
"You believe me, right?"
"Yes Matt, I believe you about everything." He stood up of his chair and walked around the counter. He wanted to give his eldest son a hug but he knew Matt was too macho for that. He instead put a firm hand on his shoulder.
"Look Matt, here's what I want you to do. Go to your room and go back to sleep. You need a long rest after everything you've been through. You too Tsunomon."
Both Matt and Tsunomon were both shocked that Hiroaki had addressed him directly. Matt quickly asked a question though.
"What are you going to do Dad?" Hiroaki sighed before answering.
"I'm going to call your mom Matt and explain everything to her. She needs to know all of this too, especially about what's happened with TK. She'll probably end up coming over to see you herself but I want you to have some rest before she does." Matt just nodded. If explaining to his dad had been hard, explain it to his mom would be even harder. She wasn't as laid back or understanding.
"Dad, I'm so sorry about what's happened. I'd give anything to be able to go back to digital world and help TK."
"I know you would son. I know you love your little brother more than anything. Now go to sleep and let me try to wrap my head around this. And don’t worry you, me, and your mother WILL get your brother and our son back.” Matt took a chance he had been wanting since he saw his brother again.
“Dad, you know I love you right?” Matt asked making his father look at him.
“Of course.”
“Since I got TK back at camp, going through the Digital World with him, losing him, knowing I CAN lose him, for good. I love you dad, but I’m his big brother. I know I can be overprotective and baby him sometime or get annoyed and say things I don’t mean, but
…can’t we work it out so I have more time with him than two weeks at summer camp?” Hiroki looked at his son and held back his tears.
“Your mom and I really failed you two boys in that. I swear, I will do everything to get TK back, and when we do, I’ll move us to Tokyo if I have to. You boys will be in each other’s lives. It’s a promise.” Mat smiled at his father and closed his eyes falling asleep a single tear escaping and falling into Tsunomon’s fur.
“Look after my son Tsunomon.” Hiroki said to the Digimon who nodded.
“And don’t worry. Patamon will take care of TK too.” He said and the human and Digimon both offered a silent prayer that that would be enough.
A long time later in the Digi world…..
Down on the beach on the sea shore stood a log cabin made of earth and wood. It was home to two great friends; one Digimon and one human; who'd known each other for a long time now. They'd lived together, laughed together, changed and grown together. Their names were Patamon and TK. They'd been together for 7 years.
That's right, SEVEN whole years.
Out on the water was a small boat with TK on it with a fishing a rod. In the period these two friends had been together they both changed in several ways. Patamon had Digivolved into Angemon and could now, thanks to TK; do it at will, though he stayed as Patamon unless needed. Takes up less space, he had told TK and he was right with a fourteen foot wing span.
TK had changed too. He'd changed a lot. He wasn't a crying little boy who needed his big brother or mommy to coddle him anymore. Now, he'd grown up (he was now 15). He used to be cute and little; but now that he was older he was handsome and lean. He was lot taller and had a sleek, athletic build. Surviving in the Digital world for seven years would do that too ya he guessed.
Although still in his mid-teens, TK was very attractive on the eye. He certainly had the looks to rival his big brother's in terms of who girls would like better. Though now, they’d be twins he guessed. And it was true, though TK had slightly longer hair that was fly away due to having to keep it cut with a sharp rock than actual scissors, still Pata always told him girls would go crazy for him in the real world.
TK hadn't seen a girl in years though. Or any other humans. He'd spend all his time in the digital world, with nobody but Digimon for company. But that was something that didn't bother him much anymore. He was used to it now. In fact, he was happy here in the digital world. Content with his life's situation in fact.
He had actually become famous. He and Angemon were known to helping anyone who asked. TK had found access to the world Web and studied up on medicine so any sick Digimon came to him for help and Angemon, who was hominid in evolution was his partner in that as well. TK loved helping as many as he could, and even turned into a peace keeper. Puppetmon had tried to make a fuss with the Digiworld but he was gone years ago.
Let it be known, they had all said,
Never threaten primary village when Patamon can turn into Angemon and TK has his temper up.
TK smirked at that thought.
In the years that had passed TK had changed mentally too. He used to be a bubbly, energetic, highly emotional boy. Now he was a calm, gentle, well-collected teen. His personality had many different traits to it. He was gentle, sweet-natured and well-collected usually. He was also witty and intelligent, a very likable person. "Well-schooled" would be the correct phrase to describe him. Growing up the digital world meant he had to be if he wanted to look after himself and survive.
There was another side to this young man though.
A darker side.
When the situation called for it he could display a violent, hair-trigger temper which would frighten the average person, and under the tutelage of Angemon and other Humanoid Digimon TK could fight with the best of them, and win every time. It wasn't often that this side of him reached the surface, but when it did it was a disturbing site.
Both Patamon and TK lived in a small hut by the sea for several years now. Tired of constantly moving around and sleeping around the campfire, the Duo of friends had unanimously agreed that they needed to find a place to live and stay there. As a young, growing boy, TK needed stability. A place he could call home now that he'd lost his real one.
Or at least that was what Angemon said one night during one of TK’s nightmares. They'd found this old hut abandoned on the beach. It was the perfect place for the two of them to settle down and even offer shelter to any traveling and tired Digimon who needed a night’s room.
It was large, out of the way and comfortable (once it had been cleaned out and furniture had been added (a gift from Gennai once he proved to Patamon it wasn’t his fault TK was stuck there alone. And it took a lot of convincing to the little Ginny pig Digimon).
Nearly a full- seven years they'd lived here now. Seven years TK had been here in the digital world with no other humans to interact with. It had truly flown by. Both friends had grown up, they weren't boisterous young 'uns anymore. They were older, wiser, more experienced. They'd been through so much. Patamon and TK, they were a family. An unorthodox family, but still a family.
Anyway, back on the boat there still hadn't been any bites on the rods. TK was dozing in the afternoon sun; it had been a slow but peaceful day. Patamon was back in the wooden hut they lived in watching him from afar a small smile on his face as the kept watch for danger. He laughed when he remembered how TK first learned how to fish, man was that a classic memory of their adventures.
The two of them had found this old boat washed up outside the cabin one day. TK had come up with the idea of using it to catch fish of their own not wanting to rely one Gennai too much or take away from the needier Digimon. Making up some fishing rods from tree wood and catching some small worms, they went out onto the water to try it out. That was where this story became memorable.
Barely 10 minutes into the activity had the boat capsized and TK fell into the water. Unable to swim, Patamon had to jump into the water to rescue him. TK turned out to be fine, just shaken and embarrassed. After making sure he was okay Patamon laughed for a good ten minutes after that.
Back in present time Patamon smiled as he reminisced. That was just one classic story the friends had experienced in their time together. TK had got himself into scrapes over the years, sometimes it was amusing and sometimes it was worrying. But here he was, now an older, handsome and friendly young man. The Digimon had done a great job of raising him up. TK had even said so on more than one occasion.
Still, Patamon’s one wish in life was to reunite TK with Matt. And someday, he would. He swore it. Not to TK, but to himself. And he would keep it.
A knock on the door sounded making the small Digimon jump. He closed his eyes and digivolved into Angemon, Unlike other Digimon he didn’t need to announce it; his bond with TK was so strong, or at least that’s what he told himself. The reality that he admitted only to himself was from that time four years ago. An incident that still haunted Angemon’s nightmares. Unwillingly his mind brought the memory to the front.
Four years ago Digi Time
A routine supply to a Byomon village had gone horribly wrong. Myotismon appeared and attacked. They both fought, fought hard and together, but it still wasn’t enough. Myotismon with the help of Devimon got a surprise attack on the angel Digimon sending him crashing into the mountain that stood over the village. When he came out of his daze both Myotismon… and TK… were gone.
It took six weeks; six long agonizing weeks; of searching and his worry was so high he never dedigivolved back to Patamon.
He finally found Myotismon’s castle.
By that time the once peaceful angel was a vengeful guardian that stormed the castle all sense of reason completely gone from his mind. He attacked any Digimon working for the evil that was Myotismon until he reached the topmost tower. There; he saw a sight that would be etched into his mind until the day he died. There; chained on the wall; was an eleven year old TK. Unconscious; covered in scars, lashes, wounds that he didn’t want to recognize.
“TK!!!” Angemon screamed rushing to him but was shoved back by a Nightmare Blood attack and turned to see a smug Myotismon.
“Let him go.” Angemon screamed.
“But he tastes so delicious.” Myotismon said walking over and moving TK’s head to reveal his neck just enough show off multiple puncture wounds from the Vampire Digimon’s fangs. “And his screams were so delightful. My favorite music I must admit.” The boy moaned in pain opening his once bright vibrant blue eyes that were now dulled in pain. He looked weakly at Angemon his hand twitching in its manacle to reach for his partner.
“Ang…e…Mon?” he called weakly a tear falling down his cheek before his eyes closed again. Myotismon laughed at the boy’s pain but quickly dodged the attack from Angemon’s staff before standing between his partner and the evil Digimon.
“I will delete you.” The winged avenger growled his long golden hair flowing around him in the wind like a halo.
“You will try.” Myotismon sneered before both attacked. Angemon used his staff while Myotismon used his claws and attacks making the whole castle shiver at their power. Myotismon laughed at the angel and shrugged.
“You want the boy? Why didn’t you say so?” He said; snapping his fingers; and the chains surrounding TK that were holding him up turned to dust; sending the boy falling to the ground. He didn’t moved, only a single moan escaped his lips as he landed on the black tiled floor.
“You want him? Take him.” Angemon started forward.
“If…you can get to him before this does.”
Myotismon said holding a dagger and threw it at the unconscious boy. Angemon took to the sky before his mind gave the command rushing to save his partner feeling time slow down as he watched the glint of moonlight reflect off of the dagger. Watching as it came so close to landing in TK’s chest.
He was right on top of the boy picking him up into his arms and rising into the air; his precious burden safely in his arms. He saw the dulled blue of TK’s eyes as the boy looked at his partner.
“You…came….knew it.” He said with a pained smile before passing out again hanging limply in his partner’s arms. His blood coating Angemon’s tunic. Angemon held the child to his chest letting tears shed before glaring at the evil that was Myotismon.
“For what you have done; I will show no mercy.” He said as he started to glow and seemed to explode into pure light sending the castle crashing down around the screaming vampire.
It took seven months for TK to completely heal and he wouldn’t have if not for Gennai. Angemon still remembered that time. Watching TK fighting just to breath, as pain racked his body.
Angemon was brought back to the present as the door opened to reveal Gennai smiling at him his hands behind his back. No threat meant Angemon could Dedigivolve back into Patamon. He didn’t have to; but it was his way of saying he didn’t think you were a threat.
“TK will be back in a few minutes. He’s fishing.” Was all the small Digimon said flying back into the kitchen to make dinner; they had enough fish to cook for the night without TK having any bites.
TK pulled his rod back onto the boat, he'd long since giving up waiting for a fish bite. Time to head back to the cabin, there was enough fish in the cupboards to last them for tonight anyway.
"It's been a slow day. Let's go back." He said to himself. TK's voiced had changed over the years too. Another natural change had come with age, his voice had broken and wasn't child-like anymore. That said, it was still sounded gentle and soft. With that he picked up the paddles and began his way back home.
The real world
Matt sat in his bedroom with Tsunomon. He was going to meet up with all the other Digi-destined later today to discuss about what they should do now. How would they go forward? How would they get back to the digital world was the more precise question.
"What time are we meeting the others in the park again Matt?" asked Tsunomon.
"12pm," answered the blonde. He looked at his watch, it was 11am now. He still had an hour but the park was a bit of a walk away. He needed to get going soon.
The week since they'd all returned back in the real world had been very chaotic one indeed. BOTH his parents where now up to speed with what had happened, but it hadn't been easy explaining to them. First off he'd told his dad who of course had to also inform his mom. The conversation with her had been…. unforgettable.
Back in the digital world
TK entered their home through the back door; which faced the shore; and took his shoes off still remembering Japanese curtesy.
"Is that you TK?" called Patamon from the kitchen.
"Yeah"
"Catch anything?" Patamon asked even though he knew the answer.
"No," answered TK. "Not a single fish. Frustrating as heck. We've got enough for tonight so I’ll just have to try again tomorrow." He said and sniffed the air before licking his lips. "You cooking something Pata?"
"Yeah, dinner," replied Patamon said happily. “I saw you napping and figured it was a slow day. Oh well what’s that human saying about the sea?”
“She is merciful in bounty, but stubborn to release her treasure. I guess this just means we have to be patient.” Replied TK. "Anyway I’m starving. Is it ready?"
"Nearly, but before we eat TK; we have a visitor. Go deal with him."
"A visitor?" asked TK curiously, but thought he knew. Patamon had become fiercely protective of him, and still held a little resentment to Gennai for not trying harder to get TK home. So he was the only one the little golden Digimon was short with.
"Who is it?"
"Gennai. He came a little while ago asking for you. Wants to talk to you about something important he said. I asked him what it was but he wouldn't say. I just told him you were out fishing so he said he'd wait out front until you got back. Go deal with him would you?"
"Okay," said TK, with a sigh. He hated to see Patamon upset. So he decided to make this quick. He walked out of the front door and quickly spotted his visitor. It was exactly who he was expecting.
"What do you want Gennai?" he demanded.
"Nice to see you again too young one," Gennai answered with a wry smile. “Come now my boy, why are you always so untrusting of me.”
“Because Patamon is. I personally have nothing against you; but I trust Patamon more than anyone.”
“That’s good my boy. I just came to make sure everything was okay. Any news on dangerous Digimon?”
“A few Digimon have been too afraid to go north lately. They won’t say why; but if it keeps up Pata and I will look into it. Unless you know anything.” Gennai just smiled and disappeared into a code stream.
“I take it back. I myself don’t trust him.” TK said pouting as he went back into kitchen for dinner. He didn’t comment on Patamon’s glaring at the door.
Back in the real world
Matt (with Tsunomon in his arms) entered the park through the front gate. He'd arranged to meet the other kids here in the park to discuss what their next move should be. He walked along the path way, passing playing children and joggers along the way. Thankfully, Tsunomon didn't seem to be attracting much attention.
"Where's everybody else?" he asked.
"QUIET!" ordered Matt. "You'll blow your cover."
"Sorry," the Digimon whispered. "But I don't see any of the others anywhere."
"We said we'd meet in the park's center, underneath the tall trees where we can talk in privacy, including you Digimon."
"Okay." He continued to walk along and it wasn't long before he could see the tall tree he'd talk about. And he could make out a small group of people standing underneath it.
"There they are," he told Tsunomon. Matt began to run and after a minute or so he reached the spot everyone else was standing.
"Hey Matt," said Tai smiling.
"Hey," Matt replied stopping next to him. "Hey everybody," he also said to everyone else. Along with Tai (who was holding Koromon) there Sora (with Yokomon), Mimi (with Tanemon) and Joe (with Bukamon).
"Where's Izzy and Tentomon?" Matt asked.
"There not here yet," explained Sora. "Izzy always runs a little late."
"Hopefully we don't have to wait too long, I'm getting sun-burnt out here," complained Mimi.
"Oh hush Mimi," said Tai. He then turned towards Matt.
"Matt, how have things been at home?" (Everyone else began to listen intently.)
Matt just sighed.
"I told my mom and dad guys, about everything….."
"EVERYTHING!? Asked Bukamon from Joe's arms.
"Yeah, everything."
"What did they say?" asked Sora, her tone full of empathy.
"They were…. upset…. as you can imagine."
"Oh Matt, I'm so sorry," said Joe now.
"Yeah Matt, me too," chipped in Koromon.
"Poor little TK," said Mimi sadly.
"We need to get back to the digital world guys. We have to go back and rescue him, I can't leave TK there!" Matt was trying desperately to hold himself together.
"We understand Matt," said Tai putting an arm on his friend’s shoulder. "I'd feel exactly the same if was my little sister Kari. And she’s my twin." Matt looked at his friend and sighed
“Tai. I pray you never have to know what this feels like.” He whispered so only Tai could hear him. Tai looked at his friend and nodded squeezing the arm around his shoulder in comfort.
"How are your mom and dad holding up Matt?" asked Sora. "I can't imagine how shocked and upset they were when you told them that about what happened.
Matt sighed and then answered her slowly;
"It's complicated. My mom hasn't really said anything. She’s always been…distant. You wanna know a secret?” Tai nodded. “She’s the reason TK was so clingy. If I had been more coddling to him for a few days he’d have been fine, but I didn’t want to seem uncool.”
He looked away ashamed but Tai nodded in understanding.
“My dad, he's been pretty calm about all of this; but I know that underneath he's upset. He's just trying to stay strong for me.”
“My dad wanted to come with me and Tsunomon to see you guys, no doubt to ask about TK and how we can bring him back but I talked him out of it. They're both still back at the apartment now and they made me promise I'd tell them everything we discuss when we both get back." Everybody just nodded.
They all felt very sorry for Matt… and his parents. Their little son was lost in a strange world and they couldn't do anything to help him. It must hurt them all so badly.
"HEY GUYS!" yelled a voice from the distance. It was Izzy and he was running towards them carrying something (presumably Motimon) in his arms. He reached them and immediately began to speak.
"Hi everyone, sorry me and Motimon are late."
"We've got something important to tell you all," piped up Motimon.
"What is it?" asked Tanemon.
"I'll tell you, but let me just catch my breath and let's get settled."
Everybody put their Digimon down and then sat on the ground, getting comfortable. Izzy took his rucksack off his back, pulled out his laptop and turned it on."
"What is Izzy?" asked Tai.
"Well, since the rest of us arrived back here in our world I've spent all week trying to find a way to figure out a way to make contact with the digital world and understand everything there is to know about the Digi-gate. That's the portal of light that pulled us in the digital-world in the first place and took us back here again last week."
"Well, what did you find out?" asked Joe.
"Well, that's what I wanted to talk to you all about," said Izzy eagerly.
He opened something up on his computer and began typing away furiously.
"What I managed to find was this Digi-data. I couldn't read it but I've spent the last few days translating it all using my Digi-vice. Here's what I got." He turned the laptop around and showed them a document with writing on it. It read;
"The Digi-gate is the most complex of things. The portal's openings and closings are a rare event, the frequency of which varies and has never been fully deciphered. However, Digi-scholars do believe is that the portal opens at times of unrest and disturbance, when darkness is spreading its evil influence over the peaceful digital-world. Some theories aremthat the portal opens in order to try and spread light to combat the darkness. As long as there is darkness, light will rise up to fight it. That is what many believe the portal truly is, a symbol light which help good forces combat evil."
Everyone read the document and when everyone had finished they all looked up towards Izzy.
"Did you all get that?" he asked.
"Sort of," said Joe.
"What's it trying to say," asked Mimi ditzy. "What's all this about light and darkness?"
"Okay, listen all of you," Izzy said calmly. "I'm going to explain my theory to all of you. And that's all it is, a theory."
"Go ahead Izzy," said Tai.
"Okay, I believe the reason the Digi-gate opened in the first place and took all of us to the digital world is because of the darkness beginning to spread throughout in the digital world. Things like the dark spirals, Devimon and Myotismon… they were all affecting the lives of innocent Digimon. The digital-world needed something to come and save it from evil. And that something was us, the Digi-destined."
Everyone digested what he'd told them. Matt was the first to speak.
"That actually makes a lot of sense now that I think about it," he said.
"Yeah," said Tai. "It does."
"Looks like you've cracked it kids. Well done."
Everyone jumped. None of them, the kids or the Digimon had said that. The voice had come from the computer. A figure popped up on Izzy's laptop screen. It was Gennai.
"Hello everyone, it's nice to see you all again."
"GENNAI!" they all yelled in unison.
Gennai just chuckled. Everyone proceeded to yell and ask questions all at once in excitement at seeing the Digi-guardian again.
"CALM DOWN GUYS," he shouted (they all instantly shut up). "One at a time."
"Gennai," said Matt quickly. "I'm so glad we're getting to speak to you again. There's so much I need to talk you about!"
"I know," the old man replied.
"My brother, TK. He's... he's…."
"Still here in the digital world? I know."
"You do?"
"Yes, I do. I and Pixiemon have been keeping an eye on him."
"IS HE OKAY!?"
"Yes, he's fine, for now at least. Myotismon was defeated for a while, but he’s back, though TK doesn’t know. Myotismon knows that all of you Digi-destined have left the digital world."
"What's TK doing? Is he with Patamon?" Matt was desperate to hear more.
"He’s fine.”
Though his voice sounded as if that wasn’t the complete truth.
"How are we supposed to get to him?" asked Mimi. "We can't get back to the digital world. Unless Gennai knows a way to open the Digi-gate for us."
"Do you Gennai?" asked Tai.
"No, I'm afraid not," he responded. "But somebody else does."
"WHO!?" they all demanded.
"Myotismon," he told them grimly.
They all took a sharp in-take of breath. Gennai explained things further.
"I and Pixiemon have reason to believe that Myotismon has found a way to open the portal and he intends to do so soon."
"What for?" asked Tsunomon.
"He's coming there, to the real world. And he's bringing his army with him."
They all gasped.
"Yes, he's decided that he's not satisfied with spreading his evil all over the digital world. He wants to conquer your human world as well. I'm here to warn you all."
"What do we do?" asked Sora.
"You all need to prepare to battle him and his forces of darkness. Otherwise your world and everything you hold dear will be lost."
"We'll fight that evil jerk!" declared Tai standing up. His voice as his usual loud determination.
"YEAH!" said everyone else in unison standing up too.
"What about my brother?" demanded Matt? He was still skulking.
"You will see him again soon enough Matt," explained Gennai patiently. "When the Digi-gate opens I'm confident that he'll come through the portal too. You will have your chance to be re-united with him then." Matt nodded.
"I must go now everybody," Gennai said. "Remember everything I've told you. Myotismon will arrive here soon, you must be ready when that day comes."
Myotismon Lair
"Is the portal ready to be opened yet?" demanded Myotismon of his servants. His patience with these vermin fools was quickly running out.
"Almost Master," one of them replied. "Just a few more hours."
"YOU SAID THAT A WHOLE DAY AGO!"
"Please Master! We're sorry!"
"SILENCE. MY PATIENCE WITH YOU IS DRAWING THIN! GRISLY WING!"
Myotismon attack struck his unfortunate servant directly causing him to immediately disintegrate into data. All the other servants cowered in fear of their master's wrath. Myotismon turned to them.
"WHAT ARE THE REST OF WAITING FOR!? GET BACK TO WORK AND GET THIS PORTAL OPEN! NOW!"
They all did as they were and began working away.
"Way to go boss," chirped Demi-Devimon.
"SPEAK ONLY WHEN YOU'RE SPOKEN TOO!" ordered Myotismon now. Demi-Devimon quickly began to cower too.
"How am I supposed to reach the human world to get those blasted Digi-destined when I'm surrounded by imbeciles!?"
Several hours later
"Master, Master, it's almost ready!"
"Excellent," said Myotismon. He then turned towards his bat Digimon minion.
"When the portal opens, you know what you have to do."
"Yes Master," said Demi-Devimon nervously. "Find those Digi-destined kids and stake them out."
"Yes. And you Phantamon?"
The Phantom Digimon drifted over to join them.
"Yes Master, we capture their loved ones."
"Yes," smiled Myotismon. "If we hold their families to ransom those Digi-destined children will have no choice but to hand over their crests to me.
And with the power of the crests I will be able to digivolve to my Mega Digimon form and then I'll be able to rule over both worlds. HAHAHAHA!"
"Master, the portal, its opening." Myotismon turned to the cave wall to see it opening up. He and all his servants were greeted by a blinding light.
"Finally," said Myotismon. "Those pitiful children cannot hide from me any longer. Oh and send Gatomon out to punish that Digimon helper before joining us." He walked forwards and together with Demi-Devimon, Phantamon and the rest of his Digimon servants, they all entered the light. The evil Digimon had finally found his way to human world.
The Real World
"Mom? Dad? Kari?" Tai had gotten home from the park meeting to find his apartment completely empty.
"There's nobody home," he said to Koromon in his arms.
"Good, does that mean you’ll fix me something to eat? I'm starving," the Digimon whined.
"Sure pal," replied Tai. He put Koromon down onto the sofa and made his way over to fridge. As he was pulling out various foods to put together to make a sandwich he heard a noise from behind. It was a bedroom door opening.
"Aah, who's that?" he gasped. He quickly saw it was only his little twin sister.
"Oh, it's only you Kari."
"Hi Tai," she smiled. She then turned to the sofa;
"Hi Koromon," she added (Kari knew all about Koromon).
"Hi Kari," the Digimon replied.
"Where are Mom and Dad Kari?" asked Tai.
"They've gone shopping," she told him. "I didn't feel like going. Where have you and Koromon been?"
"We just went to meet up with some friends from camp, that's all."
"Okay." She made her way over to the sofa, sat down beside Koromon and began watching TV with him. Tai went back to the fridge.
"It's such a shame what's happened to TK,"
he thought to himself.
"It's rare that I see Matt emotional but he is really devastated I can tell. His parents must be too. I wish I'd never been pulled back into the real world by Etehmon. Otherwise the group wouldn't have split up and TK would never have been left alone in the first place. I can't help but think that some of this is my fault."
He sighed and closed the fridge door, putting several jars onto the kitchen counter and taking some bread out of the cupboard.
"Do you want a sandwich Kari?" he asked. "I'm making some for me and Koromon."
"No thank you," she replied. She was stroking Koromon's head. She, he and Tai then though were all suddenly scared out of their skins.
"Tai, Kari, Koromon," said a voice.
"WHOA!?" gasped Tai jumping back.
"Who said that? Who's there?" He began frantically looking around.
"TAI!" yelled Koromon. "Throw me that sandwich so I can digivolve!"
Tai immediately did as he was told, picking the freshly made sandwich and launching it. Koromon jumped of the sofa, leapt upwards and met the sandwich in the air. He devoured in one bite. As soon he hit the ground….
"KOROMON DIGIVOLVED TOO… AGUMON!"
"Tai, I'm frightened," said Kari cowering on the couch.
"It's okay Kari, I'll protect you," reassured Agumon.
"Who is it; who's here, come out and show yourself!" demanded Tai.
"Tai…." said the voice again. “Tai, over here…." Tai looked over towards the computer, and saw the face of none other Gennai staring back at him.
"WHOA, GENNAI!" he gasped.
"That's right," the old man smiled. "Sorry if I scared you."
"What are you doing on my Dad's computer?" Tai asked.
"I need to talk to you," he answered.
"Talk to me?"
"Yes. You, Agumon and your sister Kari too."
"Kari…. what do you need to talk to her about?"
"About the digital world. You see Tai, Kari is also a Digi-destined. Just like you and everyone else."
"I am?" asked Kari curiously.
"Indeed you are Kari," smiled Gennai. "You're the eighth Digi-destined child." Tai and Agumon were dumbstruck. Kari was in awe.
"You both have to come to the digital world, immediately." Gennai's tone was extremely serious.
"We what!?" gasped Tai. "Come to the digital world, now? Both of us? How on Earth do we do that?"
"Use your digivice," explained Gennai. "Kari will have her own digivice now. Look under the sofa." Kari immediately did so and found a strange something.
"Hey what's this?" she asked holding whatever it was she'd found up to show everyone.
"A DIGIVICE….." said Tai dumbfounded. "What? How did….? When….?"
"It's not important how I put it there. The fact is that you need to realize that Kari is a Digi-destined now. And I need the both of you to come to digital world. Hold up your digivices. “Tai held up his own digivice and pointed it at the computer screen. Kari did the same. Both digivices quickly began to glow.
"OH MY GOD! IT'S HAPPENING!" shouted Tai as he began to feel the force of being pulled.
"TAI!" shouted Kari.
"IT'S OKAY GUYS!" shouted Agumon. "WE'RE GOING BACK!"
Tai, Kari and Agumon all felt themselves hit the floor hard after passing through the light coming from their father's computer.
"Ow," whined Tai (he bumped his head).
"Are you okay Tai?" asked Kari.
"Yeah, I'm fine Kari. Are you okay?"
"Yeah."
"Agumon? How about you?"
"TAI!" screeched Agumon who'd already sat up. "LOOK!"
"Wha…?" asked Tai sitting up himself whilst rubbing his sore head. "WHOA!"
"Where are we Tai?" asked Kari worriedly, she didn't recognize their new surroundings. They certainly weren't in the apartment anymore.
"I don't believe it," stuttered Tai. "We're back here in the digital world!"
"YES WE ARE!" beamed Agumon. The rookie was extremely pleased to be back in his own world.
"Wait? How did? Where is?" Tai could only continue to stutter in amazement. They were really back here.
"Tai, I'm frightened," said Kari. She had stood up and began to look around. This was the girl's first time in the digital world, she wasn't used to such strange surroundings.
"It's okay Kari," reassured Agumon. "You're safe with me and Tai."
"That's right sis," said Tai standing up himself. "You'll get used to this place in time." The boy began to look around his surroundings probably to try and see if he could work out exactly where about in the digital world they were.
"Where did Gennai go?" ask Agumon thoughtfully.
"I dunno," Tai replied. He then turned towards his sister who still looked over-awed.
"Kari, let me see your digivice." Kari handed her digivice to him and Tai began to inspect it. He looked it at closely and then held it up against his own. They looked identical.
"This looks like a genuine thing," he said. "Oh my gosh Kari, you really are a Digi-destined too."
"I am?" she asked.
"Yeah."
"Well, what does being a Digi-destined mean?"
"I'll answer that," said an unseen voice. It was the same voice from back in the apartment."
"Gennai!?" yelled Tai. "Are you there?"
"Indeed I am," replied the voice. It came from behind the trio. They turned around and saw the Digi-guardian staring back at them.
"Jeez Gennai, stop doing that," Tai complained. "It's creepy."
Gennai just ignored him, he instead proceeded to answer Kari's question.
"Kari, you are the eighth Digi-destined child," he explained to her as she listened intensely.
"There were always intended to be eight Digi-destined children as they are eight crests. Unfortunately, because you were too sick originally you've had to be introduced to the digital-world a little later than everyone else. But now you're here and you have your digivice."
Tai, Kari and Agumon hung on his everyone word. Tai was the one who decided to ask a question.
"If Kari's a Digi-destined then where's her Digimon? And how come she doesn't have a crest?"
"That is more complicated," said Gennai now. "I'm afraid Myotismon himself is in possession of both. He himself found Kari's crest which is the crest of Light and is keeping it for himself?
"The crest of Light?" asked Kari.
"Yes," said Gennai nodding.
"And what about her Digimon?" asked Agumon.
"That Digimon is also under Myotismon control but I'm confident that Kari will get to meet him or her soon. I'm working on that."
Kari and Agumon just nodded. Tai though was still confused.
"Look Gennai, how have we come here to digital world? I thought the Digi-gate had closed. How did you manage to open it again? Why don't we bring the others here too?"
"Good questions," said the Digi-guardian. "You're here because the Digi-gate is now open again. It was opened by Myotismon."
"Opened by Myotismon!?"
"Yes, Myotismon had found a way to open the portal which connect our worlds and has used it. He is now in the human world."
"He is?"
"Yes, he and some of his servants have entered your world. He will stop at nothing to destroy you Digi-destined kids once and for all. Even if it means going to your world."
"Oh no," said Kari.
"The Digi-gate is now open kids. The connection between the worlds is now active again."
"Well we've got to go back and inform the others!" said Tai. "We've got to let the others know about this. We've got to tell them that we can come back into the digital world."
"Not right now," Gennai told him shaking his head. "For now I have a job for just you Tai. You, Agumon and Kari here."
"What is it?" Tai asked.
"How would you like to be reunited with a friend?" Gennai asked. Tai immediately clicked onto what he was talking about."
"TK!?" he gasped. Gennai nodded. "TK, can you take us to TK!?" he asked.
"Yes," nodded Gennai again. "I’m going to take the three of you to see him."
"GREAT!" beamed Tai. "The others told me about him being left here in the digital world all alone. I bet he'll be so happy to see me and also when I take him back to our world." Gennai merely sighed.
"There is something you have to know about TK," he said gravely.
"What?" asked Agumon? "He's okay isn't he?"
"Yes, he's fine. Don't worry about that. It's something else."
"What?"
"You see kids, something you may not know about the digital world. Time passes differently here than it does in your world."
"Oh yeah, we spent weeks here but when I went back to the human world it was still only August 1st, the day we left for camp."
"Exactly, time passes more quickly here. You and the rest of the Digi-destined have all spent a week at home in your world. A lot longer has passed in this world whilst TK's been here alone."
"How long?" Tai asked slightly nervously.
Gennai sighed before answering.
"Seven years," he said.
"SEVEN YEARS!?" gasped both Tai and Agumon in absolute disbelief.
"Yes, seven years. TK has spent the equivalent of seven years here in the digital world."
"Oh my Gosh…." Said Tai. He was completely stunned.
"What does this all mean?" asked Kari who was confused.
"It means that…. that TK…. he's…. seven years older!?" said Tai.
"Yes," nodded Gennai.
"Oh man….. He and Matt would be twins now."
"I need you to come and see him," he said.
"Where is he?"
"He lives not too far from here."
"He LIVES here?"
"Of course, he's been here seven years remember? TK had to find himself a place to settle down. Now come on all three to come with me, I will take you to meet him. Prepare yourself."
…...
Later…..
TK was sitting on the porch of his beach-house in his wooden chair. There was a light breeze in the air but the sun was out and shining. Perfect weather for fishing but it seemed that one of their Digimon friends had brought them a bunch of berries so he didn’t need as much fish. They were having fried fish and berry nut bread. Patamon’s favorite. So he decided he'd have a doze in the shade while he waited for the bread to finish baking while Patamon took his turn making firewood. Though it was much easier for Patamon to do with Boom Bubble TK and he took turns to keep TK’s muscles active, luckily he had today off so he was napping on the porch. Little did he know that he had visitors approaching? Most unexpected visitors.
Meanwhile…..
"Over there is where TK lives," explained Gennai pointing out the hut to Tai, Kari and Agumon. "TK will likely be inside there."
"Oh brother…."
"Listen Tai my boy, you need to go over and see your friend. Talk to him and tell him that you've come to take him home." Gennai's tone was a very serious.
"Well; okay…." The boy stuttered. "This is going to be weird though, I mean, TK was really only eight the last time I saw him. But if he's seven years older now then that makes him my age!"
"Indeed," agreed Gennai. "He'll definitely be different from the little boy you know so well. But he's still TK. Go see him." And with that the Digi-guardian vanished into thin air. It was so scary how he could do that.
"Well, it looks like we have no choice guys," said Tai. "Let's go see TK."
TK was half-asleep; the cool breeze was so relaxing. He had his feet up and crossed on top of a small porch table. He didn't hear the sound of three people walking towards him.
"Who's that there on the porch?" asked Kari. She was pointing towards a figure who could be seen sitting a chair. Tai focused his eyes. It was a human, and he had blonde hair.
"It must be TK!" he said. He began to run towards the figure shouting excitedly.
"TK! TK! IT'S ME! TAI!" TK was awoken from his doze from the sounds of someone shouting. He opened his eyes to look around. And couldn't believe what they were showing him. Tai Kamiya was running along the beach towards him shouting and waving. Surely this was a dream or a mirage?
"TK!" roared Tai getting closer. TK's jaw dropped. Tai reached him and stopped in front of the porch steps. He was beaming ear to ear.
"TK, it's you!" he said.
"Tai? Is that really you?" asked TK in complete disbelief.
"Yeah TK, it's really me," beamed Tai. TK could only stare, his mind blown. After so long…..
"TK, you've grown so much!" he said. TK stood up from his chair and brought his whole frame into Tai's focus. The brown-headed boy looked the blond up and down. TK had changed so much.
He wasn't ANYTHING like the little boy Tai had previously knew. TK used to be sweet faced, very little and cute. Now he was MUCH taller (about the same height as Tai himself).
Tai inspected TK's face. Whereas his friend, being so young, had used to have chubby cheeks and big dimples that you'd expect from a little boy; he now looked very handsome and lean. He still looked very boyish though. Boyishly handsome. He looked like Matt's double they were so similar.
Tai now inspected TK's clothes. He used to wear a cute outfit with a green hat, green shirt, brown shorts and little green shoes. Now he looked FAR different.
TK was wearing a black shirt which showed off thin but strong-looking arms, blue jeans and expensive looking black combat boots. It was a hot outfit. Just then, Kari and Agumon caught up and reached them.
"Tai!" called Kari. She reached her big brother. She looked at the person standing above him them on the porch. This must be Tai's friend TK. She shyly hid behind her brother.
"TK, is that you?" asked Agumon as he saw the boy. TK still didn't speak. He was still in shock.
"Yeah it is," answered Tai for him. "You're definitely TK. You've grown so much pal!" TK finally found himself and wrapped his arms around Tai barely holding back his tears of happiness.
"Tai? Agumon? You guys are really here? This isn’t a dream? So long. We were alone and thought you forgot about us and.…we…I missed you so much.” TK managed to say through a rough and breaking voice.
"Yeah, it's us TK! We've found you!" Tai said hugging the boy his height, but wanting nothing more than to apologize to the little boy who must have been so scared. He hugged the blond tighter.
"How? How did you guys get here? How did you find me?"
"The Digi-gate has finally opened again. Gennai brought us here to see you."
TK swallowed.
"He did?"
"Yeah. Man oh man. I can't believe you've been here in the digital world for seven whole years!"
"Yeah, I have." That was all TK could say.
"Cool boots," Tai remarked too now with a smile; and just nodded with a slight smile of his own.
"Oh my Gosh Tai, I'm just in shock. I can't believe what I'm seeing."
"Me neither TK buddy."
"Look, all of you come inside. We'll have a talk and a catch up."
"Cool." TK then beckoned the three to join him as he opened the front door of the beach house and stepped inside. Tai, Kari and Agumon followed him inside.
Before anything could be said TK rushed to an old fashioned fire oven and pulled out a loaf of delicious smelling bread before he cut off the vents to kill the fire. TK then turned and smiled brightly.
“We finally have guests for dinner.” He laughed before looking shocked and rushed to the back door.
“PATA! TAI! HE’S HERE! PATA!” TK shouted in utter glee before turning back, as if to make sure he wasn’t delusional. Tai, for his part, just smiled at the teen who gave a shy smile back. An orange blur flew past TK and stared at Tai before hugging him, then moving to Agumon.
“Oh it’s you! We’ve missed you so much.” Patamon said before going back to rest on TK’s head; both smiling like loons. TK shook himself again still smiling.
“Please sit down. I’ll get some juice. We were lucky one of our friends; an Elecmon; who watches Primary village a ways off brought us some berries he picked as a thank you. I managed some juice and bread.” He said poring a glass of red liquid into five cups and handed them out before he sat down still staring at them. Tai had to wonder how many times TK had dreamed of doing this; and felt guilty.
He bet TK would rather do this with Matt, but he gave a huge smile.
“So buddy, what’s been going on?”
“Oh well, about six years ago I managed to hack a stream into the world web. I’ve been learning things, you know schooling, and medicine. I’ve become something of a doctor around these parts. I couldn’t do it without Pata though.” TK said happily.
“So…you help these…Digimon?” Kari asked looking at Agumon and Patamon before smiling. “That’s great! I bet they’re really grateful.” TK smiled at her nodding as he took a sip of his juice.
“Yeah, but it’s not about that. I’m stuck here, and I don’t like being useless so I did something about it. We fight when we have to, but it’s mostly helping who we can. Like the other day. A Gatomon showed up proclaiming to work for Myotismon and attacked, but Angemon, that’s what Patamon can digivolve into, saw she was hurting really bad. So we promised to let her stay here and never have to fight again. She’s asleep in my bed actually. Poor thing must have been used as a slave and was so tired. We’ve been fighting that guy for a long time. I thought we beat him, and Gennai conveniently forgot to tell us he’s back.” TK muttered and Patamon huffed. Kari looked at the room down the hall worried and TK smiled.
“Go check on her. I’m sure she’ll be glad to know that there are humans that will treat her kindly. Be careful though. Her mouth is as sharp as her teeth.” TK laughed. Kari nodded and left the room leaving Tai and Agumon with TK and Patamon.
“So…you…don’t look different. Am I the only one who’s changed?” TK asked in a small voice looking at his glass in worry.
“I guess.” Tai said scratching his head nervously when he saw TK’s finger twitch.
“Then I can’t go home.” He said laying his head on the table. Tai jumped at that.
“What?! Why not! Dude; Matt’s spent the last week tearing his hair out trying to find a way to get you home.” TK looked up with pain in his eyes.
“But…that was eight year old me. Would he want me when I can now pass as his twin brother? I’m supposed to be seven years younger than him and now I’m like…seven minutes younger instead.” Tai saw the blond trying to hide his tears, not wanting to show weakness and remembered the kid who cried when his brother was attacked by seadramon and took his hand.
“TK, seven years younger, seven minutes younger, seven years older. It doesn’t matter. You’re still his brother man. He’ll want you back no matter what.” TK looked at him with such pleading eyes Tai had to blush.
“Promise?” He asked in a voice that exclaimed how unsure he was, making Tai smile.
“Promise.”
“OH MY GOSH! KARI! YOU CAME FOR ME!” A voice shouted from the bedroom causing both teens to jump from their chairs and rush to the back of the house. When they entered Gatomon was hugging Kari and crying.
“You mean…this is the child you were waiting for and trying to keep Myotismon away from?” TK asked making the cat like Digimon nod.
“Well then. Let me introduce you. Gatomon, meet Kari; the eighth Digidestined. Kari, meet one of the most noble and loyal creatures to exist. A Digimon. Short for digital monster.
This particular one is Gatomon. You’re partner.” TK said happily and Kari smiled hugging the cat closer.
“She’s perfect!” Kari said. A voice cleared behind them and Gennai appeared in the doorway.
“A portal will open.” He said and TK stiffened. He wasn’t entirely sure if he was ready for this. Spending seven years with nothing but Digimon…could he go home. A hand took his and he turned to see Tai smiling at him.
“I’m scared.” He said looking at the floor.
“Well, let’s do this together. I’ll get you back to Matt. I promise.”
“What if…”
“He won’t, but will it make you feel better that if he does, I’ll let you room with me?” Tie looked at the brown haired boy and nodded, but they both knew that wasn’t what he wanted. Gennai led them outside and a portal opened up for them.
After seven years…
TK was finally going home.
Matt was sure his life was turned upside down. He was sitting inside his room with Tsunomon thinking about getting back to the digital world with both his parents inside the apartment. He was sure that hadn’t happened since the divorce. He could hear his mom talking about contacting the Japanese government or someone but his father was talking her out of that.
“If it weren’t for Tsunomon I would be on the phone right now.” He muttered to himself. He was fingering his harmonica and smiled sadly. TK had bugged him to teach him how to play, and he had planned to…but now… He shook his head he was not going to give up on his brother. He would find him, if it was the last thing he did. A knock on the front door had him popping his head out to find his dad letting Tai in.
“Hey man. What’s up?” He asked coming out with a now Gabumon behind him.
“We need to talk dude.” Tai said and had all three of them sit down.
“What’s going on?” Hiroki asked the teenager.
“Okay, so a gate opened up and Kari, Agumon, and I were shoved back into the digital world.” Matt stiffened and glared at Tai who took a deep breath.
“It’s bad isn’t it?” Matt asked and Tai nodded. Nancy took Hiroki’s hand tears already welling up in his eyes.
“Mat…seven years has passed in the digital world.”
“WHAT!!!!?” Matt shouted jumping to his feet. Tai for his part was proud he didn’t jump through the roof. Man Matt could be loud when he wanted to be.
“But…!” Nancy shouted as she started sobbing again.
“Where is he? Where is my son?” Hiroki asked and Tai took a deep breath.
“Listen okay…TK is scared right now.”
“Scared of what?” Matt asked ready to beat down whatever was scaring his brother.
“You actually.” Tai said making Matt choke on his own breath.
“Me?!” The blond asked horrified.
“Matt, think about it. Heck there was a movie on Si-Fi back in the sixties about this stuff. He was eight years old, and now he’s your age. Heck you two could pass as twins.” Tai said putting a hand on Matt’s shoulders. “He’s afraid, that now he’s not your little brother anymore, you won’t want him. He terrified actually.”
“That’s not true!” Matt said shaking his head violently.
“Not to you Matt, but you go rushing out there; what’s he going to think?” Matt took a deep breath and let it out several times.
“Okay, I’m calm.” He said with a nod. Tai nodded.
“Good. Now; he’s fourteen, like us. He’s grown up a lot. Apparently he’s been able to hack into the web and was learning a few things. Even goes around the treats Digimon.”
“My brother’s a Digi-doctor?” Matt asked with a proud smile and Tai knew everything would be okay between the two.
“Yeah, think you with longer fly away hair, and a slightly more sculpted face. And more muscle.”
“Hey.”
“Don’t shoot the messenger. It’s not his fault living in the digital world for seven years either.” Matt nodded at that and then both teens froze. They just realized that neither parent had said a word since the bombshell was dropped. They slowly turned to see the two grownups and gulped. Nancy was still crying hysterically while Hiroki was sitting there elbows on his knees and chin on his entwined fingers. He looked at Nancy and sighed.
“What are we going to do with him?” He asked her making Matt yell indignantly.
“What do you mean ‘do with him?!” Matt yelled and Hiroki sent his son a calming look. He knew how it sounded, but it had to be said.
“Nancy do you think you can handle a son who left a week ago eight years old and came back fourteen? I won’t let him be in an environment where he’s miserable because his mother, no matter how loving, treats him differently.” Nancy looked at her ex-husband and then shook her head.
“I can’t.” Matt looked ready to explode on the woman.
Hiroki nodded and looked at Matt.
“Matt. I understand that sounded…”
“It’s fine dad.” Matt said not look at his mother. Nancy left still crying. “Okay, Matt, there’s a spare bed in the storage room, I’m going to put it in your room till we clean it out. Go get our boy.” Hiroki said. Matt nodded and at Tai who also nodded and the two teens left the apartment running at full speed.
TK huddled on the park bench curled in on himself half hugging Patamon half hyperventilating. He had forgotten how loud the real world was. The cars horns, busses, people. Everyone and everything making noise. Kari had disappeared a few seconds ago leaving Gatomon to watch over him, but she looked just as confused as he did. Suddenly the noise was muted and his head snapped up to meet Kari’s eyes who was smiling down at him.
He gave her a weak smile and stopped trembling. He touched his ear and found a head phone. Kari motioned to a CD player and pressed play and suddenly TK could hear the ocean. He gasped and sighed in pure relief resting his head on his knees as Patamon sat on his shoulder.
“Thank you so much.” He said feeling his voice vibrate in his throat as the waves sounded in his ears. A hand patted him on the shoulder and knew she was saying you’re welcome.
“I forgot how loud everything was. On the beach, all I have to listen to is the ocean and Pata when we talk, but we’re so in tune with each other we don’t always have to. The loudest it gets is when we have to fight.” Another pat and a stroke of his hair. She understood. Not completely, but she understood enough to comfort him.
Kari watched as TK finally settled down and her heart went out to him.
To be alone for so long, it must be torture to be around so many people. He must have been happy to be back, but at the same time…
his world was changed seven years ago, making him have to adapt, so now that his world has changed again…it must be like being thrown around in a dryer. Never knowing where you’ll land.
“KARI!” Tai’s voice shouted and she looked to find her brother rushing towards her with a blond that looked an awful lot like TK. They stopped inches away as the blond studied the one on the bench. He soaked up every feature he could without disturbing him and had tears welling up in his eyes.
“TK?” He asked softly, but he didn’t even stir.
“Sorry; my fault. All this noise was freaking him out. I used mine and Tai’s allowances to buy him a headset and an oceans CD. It’s calming him down.” Matt looked at her gratefully and nodded.
“I’ll pay you back.” He promised but Tai snorted.
“Nah, it went to a better use than manga for me and boy bands for her.” Matt nodded and reached out gently shaking TK’s shoulder. TK looked up and gasped as he looked at his brother for the first time in seven years. Tears welled up in his eyes and he pounced up wrapping his arms around Matt holding onto him for dear life.
“Matt! I…missed you…hic…thought….you left me….shouldn’t have doubted….hic…didn’t listen to Pata….then you got taken…sorry….so sorry!” TK practically sobbed and Matt could only embrace him offering comfort.
“Hush, it’s okay. It’s over now. You’re home. Come on, stop crying.” He said so gently even if the words were a little strange they were soothing and comforting to the long lost blond. When TK finally pulled away his eyes were red and Matt could tell he didn’t cry that much these days, but then again he still had a few tears tickling down his own cheeks.
“I’m sorry I left you. I understand how you would think that. I never meant to be gone so long.” Matt said still holding TK.
“What…what’s gonna happen to me now?” TK asked in a small scared voice as he gripped Matt’s sleeve.
“We’re going to go home. Mom…can’t…”
“She doesn’t want me.” TK said sadly.
“NO! She just…needs to think about this. You’re going to stay with me and dad for a little while okay? I’m not going to leave you again. I promise.” Mat said drying away the last of his brother’s tears. The younger blond gave a small smile and nodded.
“Can…we go home now?” TK asked and Matt nodded turning to Tai.
“I know it was an accident; but I can’t thank you enough Tai. You really are one of my best friends. And trust me. The list was pretty much nonexistent until this summer.” Matt said and Tai nodded as the two shook hands and parted ways.
“Um…bye TK.” Kari shouted as she fallowed her own twin.
“Bye. Thanks again Kari.” He said waving and smiling. He gathered up his new cd player and started walking beside Matt, but after a few blocks he couldn’t stop running into people and the noise was hurting his ears again. Matt saw this and pulled him into an ally and put his head phones back on. He pointed at himself and took TK’s hand and nodded.
TK understood and nodded as well and let Patamon sit on his head and let Matt lead him through the crowd as he listened to the waves on the CD.
“How long.” He asked and Matt turned around to look at him and smiled before mouthing carefully, ‘with me, not long’ and was reworded with a smile. Matt led his brother back to his apartment and let themselves in. Nancy was gone by then and they heard grunting coming from Matts room.
TK slowly took off the headset and looked around, before following Matt to his room. There they saw their father fighting with a bed frame and shoving it against the wall trying to make more room in the small space.
“Try and cramp my sons will you?!” He said in triumph. “I still got it.” TK shot a quick glance to Matt who was smirking at his dad.
“Don’t worry TK. Dad’s just nuts, not crazy. You’ll learn there’s a difference.” Hiroki turned to see his two sons and for a second thought he was seeing double. He shook his head and smiled as he hugged TK. He noticed the boy stiffen, but held on tighter as his son finally melted into the hug and clung to him desperately.
“Dad.” TK whispered and Hiroki felt his eyes water up. Hiroki finally pulled away and looked at his son with a smile.
“Wow. I always knew you’d mirror Matt. Such handsome boys. Took after your grandfather luckily. Downright handsome my mom used to say. And now look at you two.” He said carting his fingers through TK’s hair and noticed the orange monster on his shoulder.
“Hi, I’m Patamon. I’m TK’s Partner.”
“Hi Patamon. I’m Hiroki Ishida. Matt and TK’s father, and I am eternally grateful to you for looking after my boy. And Tsunomon, though I didn’t say it earlier. You two have my thanks.” Hiroki said bowing to the two Digimon. They bowed back embarrassed.
“HIRO-SAN!!!” A voice shouted through the apartment and a haggard American woman with short black hair rushed into the room. “Hiro-san I got your massage and jumped on the first plane back. Is everything okay? Have the police been informed? What can I do? Matt; don’t worry I’ll call the national-guard and we’ll find TK I….” She stopped when she saw TK and the Digimon.
“Nowaki? What are you doing back from America? You were going for school.” Hiroki asked confused and looked at TK nervously.
“Um…I’m sorry.” She said. “Um…I graduated…early…I wanted it to be a surprise, but Usagi called me after you called him. He and Misaki are stuck in England for a signing and his editor wouldn’t let him leave…and said TK was missing. What…”
“Who is she?” TK asked and Matt sighed.
“Dad’s girlfriend. He wanted to introduce you. I didn’t like her at first, but she’s never once asked me to think of her as a mom. In fact she asked me right out, that unless years from now if I’m completely and one hundred percent okay with it then I may, but for now all she wants is to be my friend. She knows about you, but wanted to introduce herself and explain things. She’s…pretty cool actually.”
“She’s young.” TK Wondered as Hiroki lead the woman out of the room asking for Gabumon to fallow.
“It’s actually a funny story. Dad and I had a fight about me visiting mom a few years ago and he started crying in the park apparently and Nowaki, who was an American raised in a Japanese orphanage with no memory, hence the Japanese name, saw him and claimed love at first sight. She chased him down for three months before dad finally agreed to a date with her. She asked him to help her get a GED since she dropped out to get a job and help the kids at the orphanage.”
“She sounds…unique.” TK offered and Matt laughed sitting on his bed.
“She is. When they think I’m not looking she’s sickeningly lovey with him, but tones it down and makes sure I’m never left out of a conversation when I’m around. If I need grounding, which is rare,” He added quickly, “She used to never do anything, until dad gave her permission, but she never did. She talks to me about what I did, why I did it, and listens to my point of view before going over what I could have done differently and helps me find a way to fix a mistake. I like her.”
“Is that why you don’t visit mom anymore?”
TK asked and Matt looked down.
“Yeah. I’ve been conflicted. Mom…left and I was bitter, but Nowaki, she, she’s a good person and when the time is right will make a great mom.”
“You’re jealous? Mom’s always busy.” TK said understanding sitting on the floor with Patamon in his lap leaning his head against the bed.
“I’m not saying you need to…”
“I’d like to give her a chance. To be honest mom’s as much a stranger as Nowaki is. As well as dad. I remembered you and all the Digidestined, but everything else became blurry after a few years. I tried to remember, but…”
“It’s called isolated memory block.” A voice said from the door and Nowaki entered with Gabumon at her feet. “I’m sorry. I was returning Gabumon and wanted to know if I could help in anyway.” TK and Matt nodded. “It’s called that so an isolated person, say a castaway doesn’t go mad with grief. It’s the brain’s way of protecting itself. It allows one or two people, or a group even if that was the last people they saw to help themselves have a reason to fight, but everyone else fades with time. It’s nothing to be ashamed of.”
“What…”
“I’m a pediatrician. I just graduated from a school in LA. Hiro-San wanted to tell you about me, but I wanted to do it in person, and that’s a little hard from across the ocean.”
Nowaki said with a laugh and TK found himself laughing as well, and held out his hand like he would with a good Digimon. Nowaki smiled and took the hand gratefully.
“Pleasure TK. I’m sorry about what happened to you, but don’t think it is pity. If you’re anything like Matt I know you’d hate me for it.” TK just smiled, but it quickly turned into a blush when his stomach growled. Matt laughed as he stood up.
“Hungry?” But noticed the surprised look on his brother’s face.
“I just realized…I’m home! I’m in the human world. Oh please can we have pizza? Ooh ice-cream? Oreos? Anything?! Just; not fish, please?” TK suddenly begged holding his hands together practically draping off of his older brother. Since Matt was only about an inch or two taller it was an impressive feet. The older blond only laughed.
“Okay, we’ll have that stuff. What kind of pizza do you like?”
“Loaded!” TK cheered and made Nowaki laugh.
“A man after my own heart. I’ll go order and ask Hiro-San if we can spring for the junk food.” She said out loud, but leaned in and whispered. “But if not I’ll sneak you in some.” She was automatically TK’s favorite person in the whole world.
“You won him over with Pizza and Oreos. Wow.” Matt said and Nowaki laughed as she left the room.
“Didn’t you know? If the diplomats served that at their fancy meetings we’d have world peace within a few days.” Matt and TK laughed and it finally sunk in for TK and he was so happy. He was finally home.
Later That Night:
A crack of thunder woke Matt up later that night with a start. Well it wasn’t the thunder that woke him up, it was the sudden weight in his bed. TK was there covering his ears and at the loud noise.
“It sounds…like him; dark, it was so dark. Please…” He whispered. “I don’t wanna remember right now.” Matt nodded and tucked his brother into bed with him as Gabumon rested at his feet and Patamon landed on TK’s thigh curling up and going back to sleep.
“It is cool little bro. just close your eyes and remember your home. There’s no Digimon out there that can hurt you.” TK nodded and fell asleep soon after. Matt stayed awake thinking. TK was no longer eight, but they only had a few week of vacation time left, and he didn’t even know how to help him with crowds. He bit his lip and thought about this for another hour before falling asleep once more.
When Matt woke up the next morning noticed only he and Gabumon were still asleep. He sat up and pulled on a shirt over his night pants and walked into the living room, but no one was there; only the TV was on to news. He looked into the kitchen and saw TK at the stove humming to himself with a nervous look.
“Trying to get used to noise?” Matt asked startling the other blond who turned around before breathing and nodding with a blush. Matt nodded and walked into the kitchen sniffing the bacon, sausage, and piles of pancakes and French toast.
“Wow. Talk about a five star breakfast.” Matt said whistling. TK looked at him nervously.
“Too much? I know Pata can be a bottomless pit sometimes, and.” Matt shook his head.
“No it’s good. But keep it up and dad might keep you here to keep the food.” Matt laughed getting a snicker out of TK.
“Pata, breakfast.” He called into the living room and Patamon flew in and took a plate of already set food and started scarfing it down. “Hey Matt wanna call Gabumon?”
TK asked handing him two plates piled high with food.
“No need.” He said pointing to the blue and white Digimon who came running in. TK turned and smiled handing the hungry Digimon his own plate before finally fixing himself a plate laying out the last two aside for his dad and Nowaki. He went about washing the dishes.
“Hold up little bro’; you cooked, I’ll clean.” Matt said handing TK back his plate. TK for his part just nodded and sat down to eat by his brother.
“Goodness something smells good.” Nowaki said as she entered and pointed to the second plate.
“For me?” She asked and at the nod smiled brightly. “Thank you TK.” After the first bite she shook her head. “You must have stolen your father’s part of cooking. He can’t cook to save his life.” TK and Matt both laugh remembering some of his worst concoctions.
“Better than me at least. And I have no shame in saying it.” Matt said taking another bite of the delicious food.”
“Who cooked? Do I need to call 911? Please tell me Matt didn’t cook.” Hiroshi asked hiding behind the kitchen door waving a tie like a surrender flag.
“Actually Hiro-San, TK made a lovely meal and if you want any you’ll come now or I’ll steal it and half it with Gabumon and Patamon.” Nowaki said not able to hide her mirth at her boyfriend’s antics. Matt was grumbling in his food about not being THAT bad, but was ignored as Hiroki rushed in and took his plate to sit down and eat.
“I’m sorry you two, but after breakfast I have to get to work.” Hiroki said sadly but both boys shook their heads, Matt being used to the early and late hours and TK used to being alone.
“But tonight after I get back we’ll all go out to eat anywhere you want TK. It’s your night.”
“Actually, while you’re here I need to ask something. TK, you understand that, for you; you have spent seven years on, let’s say a deserted island for conversations sake.” TK nodded in confusion.
“I would like, with your permission to give you an exam. Hiro-San, Matt, or both can be there the entire time, and if it gets too uncomfortable I will back off and let you calm down. Is that okay?”
“An exam? As in medical?” TK asked confused. “Why?”
“To see if the Digital world has had any negative effects on your body.”
“And…I don’t have to be alone?”
“Not for a second.” Nowaki promised looking to Hiroki and Matt who nodded.
“Matt…would you…”
“Sure Teeks. No problem. Then we’ll contact the others and let them know you’re okay. We’ll go meet them.” TK nodded, but his blush of pure embarrassment had Hiroki worried.
“No…”
“Hiro-San; don’t worry. I wouldn’t offer if it was a dire emergency. This is just to make sure. I’ll call you later with full details with TK’s permission.”
“Why would you need my permission to tell my dad?”
“Patient/Dr. confidentiality. If you are my patient I can’t tell anyone anything without your permission.”
“I know first aid medicine…. I studied it off of the web….”
“You studied in the Digital world?” TK nodded.
“I found a way to hack the web, and started learning everything I could so that…if I made it home…I wouldn’t be left behind…” TK said blushing.
“How far have you gotten?”
“I forgot the schooling levels somehow, so I just went in order. I’m up to trig in math, biochemistry in science, but none of it was need in the Digital World so it was mostly just for myself. Something to connect me to home.”
“Wait, Trig? Bio-CChem? Teeks that’s collage level.”
“Well, I got bored.” TK said blushing and ducking his head not say anything. Matt looked him confused. Why was TK shutting down; had he said something? Nowaki leaned over and whispered into his ear.
“He thinks you’re weirded out. That he did something wrong.” Matt looked at her then at TK and cleared his throat.
“Well, at least tell me you tutor?” He asked with a laugh. TK looked at him shocked then smiled and nodded.
“So, you know most of what the exam will consist of?” TK nodded.
“We can do it after breakfast. It’s easy and painless.”
“Okay TK. First I need you to take your shirt off.” TK stiffened.
“Off? As in…let you see my back?” Matt stiffened in fear. Why was TK worried about that? How bad was he hurt? TK suddenly didn’t think this was a good idea. He started backing away from the woman he now only saw as a threat.
“TK, calm down. Breathe.” Nowaki said holding her hands up in surrender. “It’s okay. Nothing can hurt you here.”
“Then why do you want to see? It’s nothing bad. I’m fine.” TK said looking at the door. Matt walked up and cringed at the flinch his brother gave at the sudden touch.
“TK, can you trust me? Do you want Patamon?” At the Digimon’s name TK nodded still clutching his shirt. Patamon flew in and saw his partner shaking and starting to hyperventilate.
“TK?” said boy looked at the little Digimon and shook his head.
“I can’t. Don’t let them see. I don’t want to remember. Don’t make me.” Patamon looked at his partner sadly tears welling up in his eyes. He closed his eyes and turned into Angemon shocking Nowaki and Matt. The angel Digimon wrapped TK in his arms brushing his hair with his long glove covered fingers his wings tucked into his back to give him more room.
“TK. It’s okay. It’s over now. I’ll protect you this time.” Angemon promised making TK looked up at him his eyes still wide with fear, but he blinked and nodded before taking a deep breath.
“I’m okay.”
“No you’re not. It will be though.” Angemon said and finally TK took another deep breath and took off his shirt. Matt gasped looking at the scars littering his brother’s body.
“Teeks…what happened?”
“Um; Lots of stuff.” TK said in a shaky voice but Angemon sighed.
“Four years ago; I failed. TK was stolen from me and spent six weeks as a prisoner for Myotismon. By the time I got there…it was almost too late.” Shame and pain riddled Angemon’s words as he clutched TK closer as if that would take away the bad memories.
“Not true. Some of these is from fights; and accidents; and stuff…” TK started desperately but trailed off heat flooding his cheeks.
“Takeru.” Matt said losing his battle with his tear finally and cried. He should have been there. He should have been there to save his little brother. TK should never have been put through that.
“Okay; that’s everything I can do here. You’re hearing bothers me a bit. The way loud noises causes you physical pain is worrying; but I can’t determine that since I’m not an Otologist.” At their blank looks she smiled a little. “A doctor that specializes in hearing loss of different kinds.”
“Will I have to see one?”
“You may; if you’re unable to reacclimatize to society sounds. It could be because you just need to get used to there be no danger around noise; making is psychological; or it could be a physical thing we need to get checked out.” TK look worried; but Nowaki smiled gently and took his hand.
“You’re not alone TK. If we DO need an expert; we’ll all be there for you. I promise.” TK smiled back and nodded. With that; he and Matt started to walk out.
Nowaki put a hand on his shoulder nodding with determination in her eyes. They would help TK now. He and Angemon wouldn’t suffer this burden alone anymore.
“Well, let’s see what we have here.” She said and started her exam. “Well most of these scars are old, and well taken care of.”
“That’s Gennai. I spent a good seven months at his place. It’s…the real reason I’m so advanced. After I gained consciousness after a few weeks I wasn’t allowed to leave the bed. I got bored and started studying anything I could get my hands on.” TK said with a blush still in the angel’s arms.
Nowaki nodded professionally and continued her exam.
The exam was indeed painless after that and having Matt there made it less embarrassing, but not by much. When they were done Nowaki handed Mat a card making him cock a brow at her.
“I’m not letting him wear your hand-me-downs and you’ll pay it back with good grades this year.”
“I always make good grades.” Matt said indignantly.
He might not like school, but he never brushed it off either.
“I know, which is why I trust you.” Nowaki said walking out the door ignoring everything else. TK looked at the new female in his life then at his brother.
“Matt.” He said in a pleading tone. “If you hold any brotherly love for me, even an ounce. DON’T make me go shopping with Mimi.” He said in such a pathetic whine that Matt ended up holding his sides as he laughed. When he finally got himself under control he nodded.
“Don’t worry Teeks. I wouldn’t wish that on a Nuememon.” TK let out a sigh of relief before putting a pair of Matt’s jeans a blue sleeveless shirt and his combat boots.
They were half way down the block before TK stopped; covering his ears. Matt looked at him sadly before he dug out the headphones from his pack and placed them on is brother’s head and pressed play on the player.
TK gave him a relieved smile and let his brother lead him to the park. As they waited for the others TK laid on the grass slowly turning down the volume letting more and more of the outside world in before he finally took off the headphone entirely, but kept staring at the sky.
“It’ll get easier.” Matt said from his side.
“It already is as long as I’m not crowded.” TK assured his brother. “Matt. Are you sure you’re okay with this? I know I’m not…”
“You’re TK. That’s all that matters. Everything else can be forgotten.” TK smiled at him and nodded.
“Matt!” Tai yelled as he ran over with Kari. TK smiled at the girl and patted the grass beside him. She took it and suddenly they were in their own little world. Kari asking him everything she could about the Digital World. With Koromon, Tsunamon, Salamon, and Patamon playing in the grass. Tai looked at the two and huffed.
Matt looked at him curiously.
“I think my twin and your new twin are getting cozy.” Tai grumbled. Matt looked at the two and blinked.
“Huh.” He said not sure what to think. “I guess…at least we can keep an eye on them.” He said shrugging. “And at least you know TK is a good guy.” Tai nodded at that. Even if he was seven years older than the last time they saw each other Tai could still tell TK was a rare breed.
A good person with a kind soul.
“HEY!!!” Sora walking up with Yokomon.
Matt and Tai let her sit beside them noticing she was pouting.
“The others called and said they’d throw TK a party; but they were all busy. Joe’s Brother, Jim, had to make an emergency trip to Tokyo and took Joe with him for some brother bonding. Mimi’s mom said the word shopping and she’s with her now, and Izzy is spending time with his parents.
They just admitted he was adopted and feel guilty so he’s spending the day with them letting them know he’s their son no matter what.”
“So; what now?” Tai asked looking around at the playing Digimon.
“Well I gotta get TK some clothes. Wanna come?”
“Yeah sure; and don’t worry I’m not like Mimi.” Sora giggled making everyone laugh.
The mall was crowded, but Matt kept a hand on TK’s shoulder making it into a joke as he linked shoulders with Tai. Tai immediately caught on was joking about a human rope as he linked up with Sora who pulled Kari into the mix.
TK was embarrassed but thankful.
The first store they lead him too was Matt’s favorite. Though he was stuck in the Digiworld in a tank top with a high color and jeans he was a Hot Topic guy as much as an Ambicrombi and Fitch. It depended on his mood more than anything.
“How about this?” Tai asked showing a pair of cargo pants without a whole lot of pockets. It had the usual four in the front and back and had on the calf on its right leg.
TK liked it actually, and snorted when Kari paired it with a Jack Skeleton shirt that said ‘I’m tough as bones’. He took the shirt to please her as much as liking it. Matt got him some skinny jeans in blue jean, and black jean, and a black jeans jacket with a blue jeans jacket to go with them. After buying a few shirts to go with them they left for the next store.
Since TK’s last shopping trip where he picked his clothes instead of them showing up at his door thanks to Gennai was when he was eight; he let Matt lead him to Ambicrombi and Fitch. He got some good dressy pants for special occasion, but only had two in black and kaki. Then he got some regular jeans and tees and long sleeved shirts. He ended up buying to wear, just to please Kari again.
She wasn’t bad at making him try on clothes, but she was having fun mix up with the styles. So he had on his Jack Skeleton shirt with a pair of black jeans with a gold dragon rising up his left leg, and on his right pocket was a smaller version in a circle eating its tail. He had his combat boot on and sunglasses with Patamon sitting on his shoulder. As a game Matt put on the same outfit and stood next to his younger now twin and linked arm.
“SO; can you tell us apart?” TK asked with a laugh. Tai looked between them then at Sora before both burst out laughing.
“No.” Tai said between laughs. “If TK had shorter hair you’d be identical. This is creepy.” Both brothers laughed at that. TK took a strand of hair and examined it. It was almost to his shoulders.
“I do need a trim. It would be awesome to not have to do it with a jagged rock. What do you think Pata?” He asked his partner who looked at him by Tsunomon’s side.
“It would look good.” He said after looking around to make sure no one was listening. TK nodded and paid for the clothes and they headed to the barber in the mall. The hair dresser had a field day with him freaking him out.
By the time he was done he was shaking.
“Now dear, you had some dead ends, but it was nothing to be this upset over.” The hair dresser said confused. Matt walked up and took his brother by the shoulder.
“We were separated at birth and he just came to live with us after an abusive home life. He’s still getting used to things.” Matt explained. After that the hair dresser refused to take his money and insured them it was on the house.
It was just getting dark when they left the store and poor TK was shaking and clinging to Matt for dear life; the Friday night shoppers were showing up before heading out on dates and such, so it was WAY crowded. It was also a special so they had a million people to shop around. Matt quickly found a payphone.
“Hey dad? It’s Matt. Sorry we’re taking so long; but it’s a big back to school sale today and we’re practically fighting to get to the counter checkout.”
“Is TK all right? You said he doesn’t like crowds.”
“Understatement.” Matt muttered looking at the shivering boy sitting on the ground next to him.
“Listen dad were at Odaiba Mall. Can you come pick us up?”
“I’ll be right there. Anyone else with you?”
“Tai, Kari, and Sora. With their Digimon.”
“Tell them to call their parents and ask if they can go out. I’ll treat everyone.”
“Great; thanks dad. See ya soon.” Matt said and hung up turning to his brother who was just now calming down.
“You okay Teeks?” Matt asked kneeling before the younger twin. TK nodded taking a deep breath.
“I’m sorry.” He said but Matt shook his head.
“No it’s okay. TK…is there another reason this is freaking you out?” TK looked up and sighed.
“After Myotismon captured me…if he wasn’t…t…torturing me….he kept me in a room with no windows, no sound…it was… horrible. And he threw me once, I hit my head on a wall, and my hearing has been weird since. That’s why we lived on the beach. After that extremes sounds still hurt my ears something horrible.”
Matt’s heart broke at that making him pull his brother into a hug. He noticed Kari had heard and was crying on Tai’s shoulder who looked like he didn’t know if he wanted to cry or beat someone up. A group of teenager walked up laughing maliciously.
“Well look here boys. Two pretty things and their boyfriends; oh look a mental case.” The leader said smiling viciously. “Let’s take these honeys and have some fun huh?” Tai and Matt stood in front of the girls while Sora; going into mother hen mode, had TK by the arm.
TK on the other hand looked at Matt and nodded.
Matt was confused before he remembered TK had spent the last seven years fighting. He must have picked up a few tricks. He nodded but his eye begged TK to be careful. TK nodded and walked up.
“Oh the mental case is here boys.” The leader said. There were five of them but TK just looked at them calmly his darker side coming out.
“Leave. We don’t want trouble; so just leave.” He said in a voice as cold as ice making the people gathering to watch shiver.
“Whoa it looks like your twin over there got all of the brains Blondie.” The second in command said laughing but TK’s eyes never twitched. The leader backhanded TK; cutting his cheek with his ring. Matt growled and started to rush forward, but TK held his arm out stopping him.
He then put his hand to the cut on his cheek and pulled away looking at the blood, never saying a word. He just watched their moves. The first one attacked and TK dodged easily flipping backwards and landing on his feet with grace. His newly cut hair flying in his face. He didn’t turn to a fighting stance but the way he stood left no opening for the teens attacking.
“What was that?” One of the men said but the leader only glared at his missed target.
“Get him!” He yelled and they all attacked at once. Before they got too close TK kicked one guy in the gut before swinging around and kicking another in the chest. He looked to his side and did another back flip and twirled around to perform a round house kick to the guy on his right, and continued the kick without stopping to kick the guy on his left in the face and turned to a complete 180 to land a final kick in the leaders growing.
“Don’t threaten my friends.” He said with a cold glare. The gang took one last look at him before running off screaming. Matt looked at his brother in shocked awe his mouth hanging open and his eyes wide with shock.
“What…where…how?” He asked before shaking his head as Tai rushed over, grabbed TK around the middle and swung him around.
“Whoa dude. You have got to teach me how to do that! That was like; Jet Li awesome!” TK blushed but wouldn’t look them in the eyes. Kari rushed over wrapping her arms around his neck.
“That was so cool!” she said TK gave her a shy smile looking at Matt worriedly before his older brother smiled and patted him on the back.
“You know you’re going to have to teach us that right?” TK smiled bright ready to promise Matt the moon he was so happy.
He had been afraid Matt would think him weird or scare him. Kari and Sora were talking about what happened when suddenly Kari’s necklace that was holding her whistle broke rolling down an alley. She started to go after it but TK smiled at her.
“I’ll get it.” He promised rushing into the darkened alley. He looked around but couldn’t find the little silver whistle.
“It couldn’t have gotten too far.” TK said to himself unknowingly going further into the ally. Suddenly a sparkle caught his eye and he saw the whistle, but he gasped as he saw the hand that held it. The deathly pail hand that lead to the face of Myotismon. The dark Digimon smiled sadistically at TK and laughed at the boy’s fear.
“Well done on the street rats.” Myotismon said in mock pride clapping his hands the whistle TK had come to get dangling from his fingers.
“My…Otis…Mon” TK whispered backing away from the vampire he was so afraid of. He turned to run but bumped into the strong chest of Myotismon and fell to the ground.
“You have been a thorn in my side for far too long boy.” TK looked up at the sharp fangs that grew from Myotismon’s mouth shaking. “Though I must admit I miss you as my pet. No one screamed as delightfully as you. I think it’s time to remind you why you should have stayed out of my way.”
He said and TK screamed before shadows picked him up by the neck and he was placed in the strong arms of his nightmare.
“PATA! MATT! HELP!” He screamed struggling to get free. His body was whirled around just as sharp fangs sank into his skin. He gasped in pain before it increased as he felt his blood rush the wrong way into the Digimon’s system. He screamed as fire ran through his body before a strong hand grasped his neck cutting off his air. He gasped for air as the pain increased his vision darkening around the edges.
“H-hell-p…” He whispered before his world went dark.
Patamon was sitting on Matt’s head whispering to Tsunamon about the shops they saw when he heard TK scream. He and Matt jumped rushing into the alley. He prayed it wasn’t what he feared. Matt rushed into the alley before Tai and Sora could even catch up to him but he stopped in his tracks his breath in his throat with his heart.
There stood Myotismon holding TK around his abdomen his mouth latched onto TK’s neck like a leech. The boy’s eyes were open, but he was obviously loosing consciousness as he hung limp in the evil Digimon’s arms. Soon Myotismon withdrew his fangs harshly throwing his head back strands of blood following him from TK’s neck before he laughed at the sight of Matt’s horrified pail face.
“You’re one of the Digidestined? Judging by the similarity you’re related to this one. Dose it hurt to know you can’t protect him?” Myotismon taunted as he let the limp body in his arms drop to the ground; TK’s unseeing eyes looking right into Matt’s.
Patamon screamed Digivolving into Angemon and attacking but was pushed back by a dark wave his light shining through allowing him to move forward. Matt watched this; angry at Myotismon, fear for his brother, angry at himself for not being there.
All of this welled up inside of him until he screamed. His Digivise glowing allowing Tsunamon to multidigivolve to Weregarurumon and he attacked with Angemon working together fighting the beast that dared hurt one of their own. Coming out of his shock Matt rushed to TK’s side lifting him into his arms shaking him.
“
TK! TK! Wake up. Come one bro’.” Matt begged starting to panic ignoring the fight and when Graymon joined the fray. Tai was at his side in second with Sora as Kari and Salamon appeared next.
“Matt?” Came a breathless question as tired blue eyes opened to look at him.
“Teeks you’re okay. You’re going to be fine.”
“Tired.” TK whispered as Sora took out a cloth and put it to TK’s still bleeding neck.
“Stay with us buddy.” Tai said carting his fingers through the younger blond’s hair flashing back to the happy tears the blonde shed just at the sight of his friend. He had almost adopted TK then and there.
He was as much his brother as he was Matt’s. Angemon landed saying Myotismon ran off and knelt beside his weak partner.
“TK?” He asked almost afraid to speak. TK looked at him his eyes tired.
“Angemon…I’m still scared of him.” He said it as a tear rolled down his cheek and Matt knew it was in shame.
“It’s okay TK. It’s okay to be scared of something like that. You’re so strong and you’re going to be okay.” Matt said rocking his brother back and forth.
“Can’t; keep my eyes open.” TK whispered tiredly but Matt shook him.
“NO! You have to stay awake Teeks. I’ll get you to Nowaki. She’ll fix ya right up. Remember; she gave you an exam this morning and said you were good.”
“Matt. We need to get to a hospital.” Tai said looking around for a way to get to a doctor.
“I can carry him.” Angemon said as Weregarurumon ran up and turned into Garurumon saying for Matt to get on.
“Go, we’ll get your dad there.” Tai said running to where they had been waiting. Matt nodded as he handed his brother to Angemon and hopped onto his own partner and they were off with wind sweeping through his hair but his mind was on the barely conscious teen in the angel’s arms. They reached the hospital in record time Angemon and Weregarurumon dedigivolving and hopping/flying onto Matt’s shoulders.
“Someone help! I need help! My brother needs a Dr.” He shouted as he carried the teen into the hospital. Doctors rushed to his side asking questions feeling for a pules as TK was taken from his arm and rushing him away ordering blood as they examined the puncture wounds on TK’s neck.
It was ten minutes later that Hiroki, Nowaki, Tai, Sora, and Kari rushed in. Hiroki demanding to know what happened as Nowaki rushed to talk to a Dr. Matt took one look at his dad and rushed into his arms.
“Dad! He hurt Teeks.” He said sounding like a child crying about a bully picking on his baby brother and that’s how he felt, but this bully almost took his brother from him. Hiroki pulled his son close taking calming breaths.
“It’s okay son. We’ll get through this.
“Why weren’t we told Myotismon was here? We were AT Gennai’s! He should have told us! We thought he was just in the Digiworld!” Tai said hitting the wall angrily. Nowaki rushed in sighing in relief.
“TK’s okay. He needed a transfusion. I managed to convince the acting Dr. He has anemia. He should be able to go home soon. Hiro-San; I called a friend of mine; I’ll explain later; and he’s getting paperwork for TK. Birth Certificates and other documents he’ll need.” Everyone let out a sigh of relief. Hiroki handed Matt to her and pulled out a cell and dialed a number walking out.
“I’m going to delete him.” Matt swore still crying.
“Shh. You need to calm down first. If you rush into something you won’t focus and get hurt. Then where would TK be? Just calm down.” Nowaki said running her fingers through his hair as she held out an arm for Kari who was breaking down. The girl rushed into her arms as Tai hugged Sora.
“What do you mean you’re not coming? Your son is in the hospital!” Hiroki’s voice shouted form the hallway.
Silence before a growl reached their ears.
“Then send me the custody papers and sign your rights over for him. It’s one or the other.” Matt paled at what he was hearing shaking his head. He never thought his mom would do this. That she would abandon TK. Nowaki just held on tighter looking at the wall over Matt’s shoulder in anger as Tsunamon and Patamon watched in confused fear.
“Fine. I’ll sign them and put them in tomorrow. I hope you know what you’re giving up Nancy. And don’t expect to see either of the boys again after this.” Was a growled response before a phone sailed by the door and smashed into the wall beyond. Hiroki stalked into the room before stopping at the shocked look on the Digimon and Kamiah twins and the devastated look of his oldest son and murderous look on his girlfriend’s face. He rushed over and gathered the two in his arms.
“It’ll be okay. We’ll get through this together.”
“She…why…” Matt whispered desperately.
“I don’t know son. I just don’t know.”
“She doesn’t deserve you or TK.” Nowaki all but growled making Matt look at the young woman and smile.
“Maybe not. But you do.” Matt said taking a deep breath. “I need to talk to Patamon and the others. I don’t really know Myotismon.”
“He’s evil, pure and simple.” Patamon said not caring if he was seen or heard. “He hurt TK, and I couldn’t…” Gabumon, a normally quiet Digimon who really hadn’t said much of anything since arriving in the real world sighed putting a claw on his friend’s head.
“We must work together.” He said in a deep accented voice. “We are all partners, brothers. One cannot go off alone to fight or we will lose Patamon. Our powers united will win.” Patamon looked at the blue and white Digimon and sighed.
“I know. I wanna see TK though.” Matt nodded and Nowaki sighed.
“Come on. Just Matt and Patamon right now. He’s going to be very sleepy.” Both human and Digimon nodded before Matt turned to Gabumon.
“Listen buddy, I’m gonna go see TK, and I need you here to protect my dad and Nowaki. I trust Agumon and Salamon, but I’d feel better if you were here.” Gabumon nodded understanding as did Agumon and Salamon. Some things you just trusted your partner with.
TK was still tired when he woke up to a hand carting through his hair. He looked at his brother confused.
“Where am I?” He asked looking around thankful Patamon was on his stomach.
“The hospital. You had to have a transfusion. We told the Dr. that you have anemia and I scratched your neck while we were rough housing around the living room.” TK nodded then looked out the window next to his bed.
“He’s here. I thought he was dead Matt; why is he here?”
“Gennai mentioned he wanted to come here because he wanted to concur this world as well.” Matt said angrily. TK stayed silent for a few moments then looked back at Matt.
“I’m scared of him Matt. I’m really scared of him.” He whispered before he started to shake. Matt looked at the door before crawling into the bed with his brother wrapping his arms around him.
“It’s going to be okay Teeks. I’m here now, and so is Tai and Sora and Kari. Joe, Izzy, Mimi. We’re all here this time. We’ll defeat him together and delete that monster.” TK looked at his brother and nodded even as he held Patamon closer.
“Matt.”
“Yeah?”
“Mom’s not coming is she?” Matt stiffened before looking away angrily. “You know; she got real busy with work before I went to camp. She just…stopped being there ya know. I remember her even less than dad because she was just never around. I was always by myself. Then it was just me and Pata. I don’t want to be by myself anymore Matt.” He whispered and Matt held him tighter.
“You’re not Teeks. You’ve got me now. And dad and Nowaki. The other Digidestined too. You’re not alone TK and you never will be again. I promise you this. As you’re older brother.”
“Not much older anymore.” TK said tiredly making Matt chuckle.
“Maybe not, but I’m still older.” Both brothers chuckled when a knock sounded on the door. They turned to see Nowaki standing there.
“Nowaki. Can TK go home now?” The young doctor nodded.
“I had him put under my care as I’m in the field to deal with his age group.
“Okay, we’ll be right there. TK I’ll be right outside holler when you’re done. You’re still weak and low on blood so don’t try to walk on your own got it?” TK nodded as everyone filed out. He had forgotten how protective his family was on his dad’s side, but…he smiled softly as he got dressed. He kind of liked it.
Not much happened the next day.
Matt had called around and told the other Digidestined to stay low for a while until they could come up with a plan. The others had agreed to tell their parents of their Digimon and about their adventures. That would no doubt take the whole day so Matt had TK rest as he explained in further detail what the Digiworld was.
When his mom came by and wordlessly handed the papers to Hiroki she ran when she saw TK standing in the doorway of the bedroom looking lost. Patamon was on his shoulder and felt him shaking before the tears came.
Matt rushed over and made him sit on his bed as he rocked his twin back and forth. This was way too much for the younger blond to handle in less than two days; so Matt just steadily rocked TK back and forth and let him cry as hard and loud as he wanted.
He ended up crying himself to sleep.
“He hasn’t cried that much since you left him in the Digiworld.” Patamon whispered with tears in his own eyes. Matt just nodded as he tucked the tired blond into bed and walked out curling up on the couch. Nowaki sat at his side and waited until he moved to curl up next to her.
“I don’t know what to think. I’ve never been this angry or betrayed before in my life. And she didn’t even do this to me. TK’s been through enough. He doesn’t deserve this.”
Matt said sounding lost.
“I know Matt. I know.” Nowaki said and just held him as he lost the will to be strong and cried. She kissed the top of his head and just held him. She looked at the Digimon watching them worriedly and smiled at them letting them know it was going to be okay. Hiroki was talking on the phone before he hung up and walked over kneeling down in front of Matt.
“Matt; I’m going to go to work for the next three days. I know a lot is happening but I’m not leaving you two. If I work for the next three days I can take the rest of next month off. That’s four weeks, and I thought we’d take a trip down to the ocean or somewhere and have some real family time.
I can just call in and claim sick days instead if you’d rather.” Matt looked at his dad and whipped away his tears.
“A whole month? Just us?”
“Just you, me, TK, and Nowaki. I promise.”
“Only three days?” Matt asked just to make sure.
“Yeah, only three days.”
“What about Myotismon. Even if he wasn’t a threat to humanity he hurt TK. I won’t let that pass.”
“He’ll get his Matt. That’s another reason why I’m agreeing to work. I have access to research. You take care of TK and I’ll figure out how to take this guy down.” Matt nodded determinedly.
“I’m going to go contact the other parents; invite them over and we’ll take care on this front.” Nowaki said. “Matt; for now, go be with TK. He shouldn’t be alone right now.” Matt nodded and went back to his room and curled up next to his twin.
It was midnight when seven families entered the Ishida household. The Kamia’s arrived first living only down the street. Sora’s parents Mr. and Mrs. Takanouchi arrived next and were surprised to find their daughter comforting Matt while Kari sat next to TK offering support.
Izzy’s parents Mr. and Mrs. Izumi arrived politely introducing themselves. Then Mimi and her parents Mr. and Mrs.
Tachicawa Joe’s mom and dad Mr. and Mrs. Kido and his brother Jim showed up last because they were still in shock about the digital world. They all gathered around the living room while their Digimon introduced themselves.
“Hello, I am Byomon, and Sora is my partner.” The pink bird like Digimon said giving a shy bow.
“Hello I am Tentomon, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Tentomon said giving a kind of bow midair.
“Yo! I’m Gomamon.” Gomamon said laughing sitting in Joe’s lap.
“Okay, so the serious one gets the joker? Now that’s ironic.” Jim said ruffling his little brother’s hair.
“Jim.” Joe complained but it only made Jim laugh harder.
“Hi! I’m Palmon?” She said doing a twirl.
“Hey, I’m Agumon.” He said waving.
“I’m Gatomon. I’m new to this team, unfortunately I used to the work for Myotismon against my will; until TK rescued me and brought me to Kari.” She said still staying close to Kari.
“I am Gabumon. Pleased to meet you.”
“I am Patamon, and TK has been my partner for the past seven years even though to this world it had been one week. I really like the human world.” Patamon said but it was not lost on anyone that he refused to leave TK’s shoulder.
“Wait; so you’re the little boy that was left behind? I thought you were eight.” Jim said confused.
“In the digital world one day here is one year in the digital world. I was there with Patamon for seven years.” TK said before scratching his neck and wincing.
“TK don’t scratch; it’ll only irritate it.” Nowaki said peeling the now loose bandage back to look. It was red and getting hot to the touch.
“It’s starting to hurt.” TK confessed, “But it itches more.”
“Is that where…” Mr. Kamiya asked pointing at the puncture wounds. TK only nodded as Nowaki inspected the wound frowning.
“I’ll get some Ice that should calm the irritation down. Matt go into the medicine cabinet and get the antibiotics the doctor gave us to stop the infection.” Nowaki promised as she left the room Matt rushing into the bathroom, he came back with two white pills in his hand and a glass of water. TK swallowed both.
“Are you a doctor ma’am?” Jim asked. “I’m thinking of going to medical school next year.”
“It’s hard but fulfilling. I’ve been studying for the past four years.” Before walking out and coming back with an ice back covered in a thin wash cloth.
“Only four?” Mr. Kido asked impressed.
“Hiro-san tutored me and supported my decision to study in America where I took extreme courses to graduate early.” Nowaki said sitting back down while TK put the ice on his neck. The mothers in the room wanted to rush to him and make sure he was okay while the fathers in the room wanted to find the monster that hurt one of their own kids.
“Okay you all know why we’re here.” Nowaki started taking lead in the conversation in her boyfriend’s absence.
“While at Summer Camp our children were taken to another world and befriended their Digimon. We also know there are evil Digimon; and one has made it into our world. You all have an option of taking your children and running but for me; this is personal. This Myotismon attacked my youngest child. This is war for me.”
“If we did run I know my Tai would just run back here and help. I’ll support my children.” Mr. Kamiya said with a nod.
“We wouldn’t be able to run very far anyway with this monster having backup.” Mr. Izumi said with a sigh.
“It would be much safer for us to stay together. It worked for our kids how we can turn tale when they have been so brave.” Mr. Kido said.
“My first instinct is to get my daughter out, but she would never forgive me.” Mrs. Takanouchi said in understanding.
“So what do we do first?” Sora asked.
“Hiro-san is at his work at the university trying to find a link between our world and this Digital world. We’re hoping the Digital part of that is literally Data come to life, then we can see about sending this monster back through how he came here.”
“It’s called the Digi-gate.” Izzy said bringing up his computer by his parents. “"The Digi-gate is the most complex of things. The portal's openings and closings are a rare event, the frequency of which varies and has never been fully deciphered. However, Digi-scholars do believe is that the portal opens at times of unrest and disturbance, when darkness is spreading its evil influence over the peaceful digital-world. Some theories that the portal opens in order to try and spread light to combat the darkness. As long as there is darkness, light will rise up to fight it. That is what many believe the portal truly is, a symbol light which help good forces combat evil."
“So this Dig-gate opened and chose you seven to fight for the good of the Digiworld? Just made you superheroes there without warning or permission.” Jim asked annoyed.
“Well none of the heroes in the comic books got a warning.” Tai said with a shrug.
“This isn’t a Comic book kid.” Mr. Izumi said sighing.
“Hey, I’m fifteen. It’s the only reference I got besides my biology book and even my parents know I sleep in that class.” Tai said with another shrug.
“The digital world is as real as this one, only on a different continuum.” TK said putting down the ice. “The Digi-gate must act as a wormhole to connect the two worlds. The balance of light and dark must be the trigger. Pata said he’s been waiting for me since he was born when I first showed up. Our Digimon are connected to us. So the Digi-gat must have picked us because of our connection.” Everyone looked at him in thought.
“So there’s no way of recreating the gate and just shoving him through?” Mrs. Takanouchi asked.
“Unfortunately no.” Izzy said still typing away. “What we need is a battle plan.”
“How can your small Digimon fight that thing? Kari said it looked like Dracula on steroids.
“Pata, if you would.” TK asked with a smile. Patamon jumped off his head and Digivolved into Angemon making everyone gasp but Tai, Sora, Kari, Nowaki and Matt who had seen him before.
“Oh my.” Mrs. Izumi said putting her hand to her mouth. “He look like he jumped off the painting of a Michelangelo.”
“And that is a trick he learned when he needed to fight in a smaller area. His real size is roughly the size of this apartment building. I and Angemon have been protecting the digital world for years. We thought we’d stopped Myotismon at one point, but; it’s obvious we didn’t.”
“He hurt you didn’t he?” Mrs. Kido asked. TK pointedly looked at the floor not answering.
“TK.” Matt said making his brother look at him, and by the grim and apologetic look on the older teen’s face TK knew he wasn’t going to like this.
“TK, I know you don’t like talking about it; but…everyone here needs to know what we’re up against. Can you…tell us about…that time?” TK stiffened before shaking his head rapidly before hissing in pain at his neck.
“What does he mean TK?” Izzy asked looking at his friend making TK blushed.
“I don’t…I can’t…” TK started but Matt put a hand on his shoulder.
“I’m right here Teeks. So is Nowaki, so is Patamon, and Gabumon. Let use help you.” Matt urged looking at TK in the eyes. He was finally able to see a slight difference in their faces. TK’s eyes were so much darker than his own and still held the shine of hope even through all he’s been though.
TK nodded and stood up taking a deep breath and taking his shirt off letting his scars be seen all in the room. Gasps of horror irrupted making TK cringe but Matt had his hand and Nowaki had a hand on his back.
“What…what happened to you?” Sora asked as she and Mimi clung to each other.
“Myotismon. I was captured by him four years ago. I was eleven, and he…he did this to me for the fun of it.” TK said trembling flashing back to those weeks. Tears welling up in his eyes.
“He…he liked to…to practice his night terror on me sending shadow bats to cut my skin…and…he always made sure…to d…drink from me…when he…was board he’d hang me…on a wall in a room with no light, no sound, nothing. Just darkness and silence and…” TK started trembling breaking every heart in the room as he fell to his knees rocking back and forth caught in the memories. Matt and Nowaki, tried to break him out of it while Kari ran from the room.
“I don’t want to remember. Don’t make me remember. PATA! Pata help me! Please!” TK started screaming making Patamon turned into Angemon again. The angel grabbed his partner and held him tight. The mothers in the room were practically on the edge of their seats wanting to rush to the boy’s side and comfort him while the fathers in the room were itching to get their hands on that monster.
Kari rushed back into the room and put a pair of earphones on TK’s head and pressed play on the attached CD player. TK stilled in shock and looked around the room before breathing a sigh of relief and melted into Angemon’s arms.
“Thank you.” Kari smiled at her new friends patting his back like she did that day in the park when they first met.
“That poor baby.” Mrs. Tachicawa said covering her mouth and clutching Mrs. Izumi’s hand as Mrs. Kido who could only nod and grab the tissue a crying Mrs. Kamiya offered.
“He needs to be destroyed.” Jim said angrily. “Why not just blast him with an AK-47?”
“That would just tick him off. You need a Digimon to fight a Digimon.” TK said shaking his head as he calmed down enough to take the headphones off and put his shirt back on.
“Then what about a battle tactic. You said he had an army, but from the sound of it, this is a sadist with a fixation on power. They won’t be more than lackeys with low power. If we can get to him we have a chance of fighting him head on.” Mr. Kamiya said resting his head on his hands in thought.
“He’s slippery, and he’s good at wearing you out and running away.” Angemon said ashamed. “And he sacrificed his second in command just to get TK that one time.”
“That sounds like a coward to me.” Jim said annoyed. “So how do we beat this guy?”
“You know.” Tai said thinking. “If we can lure him into a fairly enclosed space our Digimon can team up and take him down together. Make it a seven on one thing.”
“So how do we find him?”
“Myotismon is looking for the eighth Digidestined; Kari. He doesn’t know I found her. He has her tag and crest.” TK looked at her sharply at this.
“That’s it. I once lost my Tag and crest in a fight.” TK said holding up his tag from around his neck the crest of HOPE tucked away safely inside. “I used my Digivice to track it down. I can do it for Kari. Where the Tag is; Myotismon will be.”
“Then we can use the ‘eighth child’ as bait.” Mr. Takanouchi said nodding.
“You are not using my daughter as bait!” Mrs. Kamiya said in horror.
“No not like that. He attacked TK. Now; he knows that TK won’t back down because he’s never done it before; but what if his father goes in and strikes a deal? A ‘you leave my son alone and I lead you to the eighth child’ kind of thing.” Mrs. Takanouchi said catching onto the plan her husband came up with.
“Then He’d lead Myotismon wherever we want.” Mr. Kido said excitedly.
“What if he hurts our dad?” TK asked quietly grabbing Matt’s hand who squeezed it just as tightly.
“He won’t.” Mr. Kamiya said shaking his head. “As stated before, he’s a Sadist. He’ll want to see TK’s betrayed face when he finds out his own father gives up his friend to the enemy. He’ll gloat first then take him out; but the trap will stop that.”
“He’s counting on the human fear and self-preservation instinct to kick in.” Mr. Izumi said nodding.
“So; where do we lead him?” Sora asked.
The teens had stayed mostly quiet through the conversation still amazed that their parents were doing all of this for them.
“What about back to the camp?” Matt asked suddenly. “It’s abandoned now that it’s closed and the area is wide enough keep Myotismon away from people.”
“That’s…a good idea.”
Nowaki said after thinking about the possibilities.
“But isn’t that a bit too obvious? Mr. Kido asked scratching his chin.
“I mean if we don’t want Myotismon to know it’s a trap it needs to be somewhere closer. Somewhere a ‘kidnapper’ can put a girl and her Digimon without them breaking out and where we can hide ourselves for the ambush.
“What about dad’s work?” TK asked. “He works at the Obadiah Collage in the Lit department. It’s on the outskirts so it’s not too crowded and has the huge auditorium for when the schools tour it as a field trip to use the telescope to show them the stars. I remember when I was eight dad taking me there just before camp.”
“Yeah, that was last week.” Matt said before flinching.
“Sorry.”
“No it’s okay, anyway; it’s perfect and not suspicious.”
“That’s a wonderful idea. I’ll call your father and ask when would be a good time.” Nowaki said getting up again. TK and Matt looked at each other having a silent conversation before nodding together.
“
” They said at the same time making Nowaki stumble and looked at the boys in shock and happiness as tears welled in her eyes.
“Mom?” She asked to make sure. Everyone in the room started whispering to each other trying to give them some privacy.
“Yep.” TK said happily.
“Mom.” Mat said seriously. As Nowaki walked into the kitchen all she could think with a huge smile on her face was,
“They called me mom.” And she giggled as she walked out of the room. Matt looked at TK with a smirk.
“Think we shocked her?”
“I think so.”
“Think she likes it? It’s not too soon is it?”
“Hiro-San! They called me mom!”
they heard an excited scream from the kitchen making them laugh.
“Nope. I’d definitely say she doesn’t mind.” Matt said snickering making a few of the adults laugh at their antics.
“It’s like you’ve been twins forever.” Mrs. Izumi said sitting next to Izzy.
“Well, it’s not that, we were always close when mom allowed us to meet.”
“But Matt was so distant and cold to you at camp.”
“That was my own fault.” Matt said looking down. “Nowaki is a better mom than…her…and I was conflicted. I thought if I chose Nowaki I would lose TK. I was actually being a brat to Nowaki before she left because I didn’t know what to do.”
“There is one thing that’s bothering me.” Tai said putting attention back on him. “Why didn’t Gennai tell us about Myotismon? Why not tell TK he was still alive, or tell us he was in the human world. He’s always helped before? Why stop now?”
“He…he couldn’t could he?” TK said to himself.
“What?” Matt asked.
“I told you I spent seven months at his place after Angemon rescued me from Myotismon, I saw something. Some prophecy. I didn’t understand it, but Angemon flew off the handle. He took me and left the next day.”
“What Prophecy?”
“Um…when the evil rises and darkness falls; Hope shall die for its Light. Two souls become one and the arrow of hope and fate shall defeat darkness’ might.”
“IT will NOT come to pass.” Patamon said in his high voice sounding strange with the amount of venom in it.
“I don’t understand.”
Mimi said looking at everyone who looked down in fear.
“TK is the Digidestined of hope. Hope is to die.”
“Guys, your forgetting one thing.” TK said putting Patamon in his lap and holding him tight. “There is no Digidestined of Light. And it could be metaphorical. I doubt it’s true.” TK said making everyone sigh in relief but Kari saw the haunted look in TK’s eyes. He knew this wasn’t wrong, he knew what it meant. She only prayed they never found the Digidestined of Light.
“Mina, Hiro-San said he could pull it off tomorrow…or tonight.” She said looking at the clock on the wall. It was almost two in the morning.
“I’m hungry.” Palmon said her green tummy rumbling.
“Me too.” The other Digimon said at the same time.
TK snorted at that and stood up.
“If you’ll give me a few minutes I’ll make us some food.” He promised and entered the kitchen. When he was gone most of the men growled.
“You kids better let us have a crack at that monster.” Mr. Kamiya said angrily.
“How could he do that do that sweet boy?” Mrs. Izumi asked sadly.
“He’s a strong boy.” Patamon said making everyone look at him. “He’s strong and never lost himself. Many Digimon have fallen to the Dark Sea and they didn’t go through what TK did.
“Dark Sea?” Sora asked shivering at the mere name.
“It’s a place where good Digimon go bad.” Agumon said sadly. “It was said that that the roaring of the waves attracts you to it and then the darkness takes you over before you even know you’re there.” The Digimon shuddered.
“So. The plan is ready?” Jim asked out of the blue. Everyone looked at him and nodded as one.
“Yes. Tomorrow at sunset we lure Myotismon to us. And finish this.” Tai said glaring at the floor.
Later that night Matt felt a weight on his bed and opened a sleepy eyes to see TK lying down beside him.
“What’s wrong? Bad dream?” TK only shook his head.
“Matt. I love you.” TK said quietly confusing the older blond.
“Okay? I love you to brother.”
“I also love dad, and I think I’m learning to love Nowaki. I love our friends to.”
“We love you too Teeks. Get some sleep.” Matt muttered.
“I hope everyone can be happy.” TK said softly making Matt snort.
“Of course we are. We have you.” The sleepy blond missed TK’s sad smile as he fell back to sleep. TK looked at a crying Patamon and smiled at him too.
“I hope…they can be happy…after I die.” Patamon sniffled at that and nodded.
“I’ll…look after them.” The little Digimon said curled up next to Gabumon crying himself to sleep.
“Human.” Myotismon said haughtily as Hiroki. “Is what you say true?”
“Yes. She’s in there. I left her tied up in the auditorium. Remember our deal.” Hiroki said playing his part wondering if he was crazy for going along with this. He looked into the bushes and saw the other parents looking at him with the same look.
Yep.
They were crazy.
Myotismon walked into the auditorium and sat Kari tied up and laughed.
“So you are the child of light?” He asked making Kari’s eyes widen and looked to her left where TK was hiding. He gave her a reassuring nod before he stepped out with Angemon bigger than ever, right behind him.
“Yep. But she’s not who you really want is she?” TK asked making Myotismon looked at the child of Hope.
“Where has your fear gone?” Myotismon asked mockingly.
“Oh it’s still there, but I have no reason to feel it right now because I’m not alone.”
“Ha! You think this little girl can save you?” Myotismon asked making TK smile at him.
“Nope. I think this ‘little girl’ and the rest of the Digidestined can help me finally delete you.” He said and an all-out battle started before anyone could answer. All the Digimon attacking together keeping Myotismon from fleeing, while Myotismon attacked as best he could.
Matt wasn’t even sure how he ended up being thrown from Weregarurumon’s side as he rolled and hit his head on the wall. Hiroki and Nowaki were at his side in seconds making sure he was okay. Myotismon appeared sneering at them.
“Well if this isn’t quaint. I heard so much about you from you’re precious child of Hope.” He mocked and wave his hand in the air.
“Matt save me! Mommy, daddy? Help!” TK’s younger voice sounded in the air making Hiroki growl.
“You hurt my son! I’ll kill you!” Myotismon laughed in his sick manner and aimed a hand at him.
“Not today.” He mocked and fired at an attack that Weregarurumon couldn’t save them from. Nowaki covered Matt while Hiroki tried to cover them both. He closed his eyes, but before he did he saw a pair of black and gold sneakers racing toward them. He didn’t even register who they belonged to.
“TK I’m sorry.” Hiroki said before he heard the others in the room scream at them to move and then the sound of flesh being sliced and a pained scream. But it wasn’t his own or the ones he covered. He looked up and gasped in horror as he saw TK; his youngest son; standing in front of them his arms stretched out to protect them.
“TK!” Angemon screamed in horror. The boy just stood there for a second before his arms dropped and his knees crumpled under his weight. Hiroki rushed over and grabbed his son before he could hit the ground cradling him in his arms.
“TK.” He whispered in horror as Nowaki and Matt gathered around him. TK’s face was etched in pure pain as he gulped breath around the wound in his chest. He opened one blue eye and looked at his mom, dad, and brother.
“I…” He swallowed before coughing and a drop of blood escaped his lips. “Told you…hope…die for…its light.” He gave a pained smile. “I…never said…it was the child…of light.” He heaved for breath before coughing and blood running down his chin.
“Don’t talk TK.” Nowaki said in panic as she took off her jacket and tried to put pressure on his chest but he only smiled and looked at Matt
. “I s-said it l-last night. I l-love you guys. You a-are my l-light. The r-reason I n-never fell for the D-Dark sea’s t-tricks.” At this point he was shivering as he willed his body to breathe. Matt sobbed as he knelt beside his brother and took his hand.
“Don’t do it TK. Don’t leave me. I never got to make it up to you for leaving you in the digital world. I never got to be your twin brother. Don’t leave me.” Matt sobbed. TK smiled at him though it was filled with pain and sadness as he shook.
“Matt.” He said held out his hand weakly as it shook with his effort. Matt taking it quickly.
He felt something other than skin and saw TK’s smile.
“A-arrow o-f Hope a-and f-ate. Friend-ship…huff…is…f-fate of hope and…w-wanting to…to be f-friends. Matt…beat…My…Otis…Mon.”
TK said before closing his eyes and disappearing into a bright light that disintegrated and exploded into stardust falling over the crying Digidestined like snow. Matt screamed as he cried and fell to the ground weeping.
“Aww. He died.” Myotismon said in mock sadness.
Matt cried before he opened his hand and saw it.
TK’s crest of Hope.
He stood to his feet he eyes filled with determination.
“Angemon!” He screamed and the crest glowed as Angemon Digivolved again.
“Angemon spirit Digivolve to…” The light falling around the Digidestined suddenly stopped falling and gathered around the new Digimon.
“MegaAngemon!” The light disappeared and before the crowd stood an angel with wings, battle armor and mask like Angemon, but his hair was as blond as TK’s and he had holes in his mask to see…TK’s eyes. When he spoke he sounded like both TK and Angemon.
“It is your time to fall evil and light to rise.” MegaAngemon said landing beside Weregarurumon. The crying Digimon looked up at the angel Digimon and nodded readying his ice gun. MegaAngemon created an arrow out of thin and air and loaded it into the canon and together they screamed:
“ARROW OF HOPE AND FATE!” It left the gun and struck Myotismon right in the heart. He screamed and disappeared into data. When everyone was sure he was gone they all gathered around the crying Ishida family.
“Matt.” Tai said as he and Sora gathered around their friend and the parents tried to comfort the grieving parents.
“He…he’s gone.” Hiroki cried as he fell to the floor sobbing for his son.
“NO!” MegaAngemon spoke his two voices powerful. “Fate and Hope do not decree the life of this boy as extinguished.” He said; and a light appeared and Angemon stood there with TK lying in his arms limply. The blond boy had his eyes closed but no wounds were on him. Angemon gently laid him down before his father and stepped back.
“Gennai!” He called out in a mighty voice and Izzy’s computer beeped. The boy quickly answered it gasping as Gennai appeared on the screen.
“Angemon. I see you fulfilled the prophecy.”
“Yes. Now uphold your end of it. Revive TK.”
“You know if I do this you will never be able to set foot in the digital world again?”
“TK spent most of his life in our world. I will be honored to spend the rest of mine in his.” Angemon said proudly making Gennai smile.
“Then it is done. You’re data needed to return to the digital world will revive TK.” He said and Angemon glowed turning back into Patamon and TK glowed before waking up. Everyone cheered as the revived family embraced their youngest member crying in joy.
“Dad, mom? Matt?” TK asked as he opened his eyes again. “What happened?” He looked into Matt’s crying eyes and sat up.
“You did it TK. You really did it.”
“You know the rest of you Digimon can come home now.” Gennai said and a bath of light appeared before them. The Digimon looked at it and their partners.
“Thank Gennai.” Agumon said.
“But Agumon and I are staying here. We need to look out for our partners.” Gabumon said and Gatomon nodded from Kari’s shoulder.
“Yeah.” She said happily.
“You guys going home then?” Izzy asked Tentomon.
“Yes.”
“Our home is there.” Gomamon said.
“We’ll miss you.” Sora said.
“Never forget us.” Mimi said. “We won’t.” The Digimon said and disappeared. And the world was saved.
One Year later:
TK felt his feet hitting the floor as his breath caught in his throat. He was there. Almost there to save his family as dark terrifying laughter filled his ears. But he knew he’d be too late. The attack was almost there and he saw his family disappear in a dark light.
“AHH!” TK screamed as he shot up in bed breathing heavily as cold sweat drizzled down his neck and cheeks.
Tears welled in his eyes as he rocked back and forth even as the light flicked on and arms embraced him. He started looking around to see Nowaki and Matt at his side his dad entering with a glass of water. He closed his eyes in relief as his family gathered around him and he clung to Matt like a lifeline.
“I’m sorry.” He said his voice cracking as he shivered. He felt a weight in his lap and he looked down to see a concerned Patamon and smiled.
“It’s okay TK. You’re okay.” Nowaki said reassuringly.
“It wasn’t me. I didn’t make it. He took you from me.” Hiroki winced at remembering what really did happen nine months ago and handed TK a glass of water. He took it gratefully as Patamon snuggled into his chest listening to his partner’s heartbeat.
“Sorry.” He said again his voice a little clearer.
“No problem little bro.” Matt said with a smirk and TK rolled his eyes.
“Matt. We’re the same age.” The ‘now’ went unsaid. After everything settled down after the battle everyone in the Ishida family all decided not to mention that TK was once seven years younger than Matt and they were officially twins.
Thanks to some forged papers anyway.
“You’re still younger.” Matt teased happy his brother had calmed down. Usually it was Matt having the nightmares and only TK knew, because until recently they had shared the same room. He was starting to regret saying they should have separate rooms so TK could decorate his how he wanted and not live with Matt’s admittedly messy side of the room.
Tsunamon even missed sleeping curled up with Patamon. Nowaki smiled at the boy and sighed as she stood up her kind black eyes filled with relief.
“Okay you two. Let’s get some more sleep. Tomorrow’s a big day.” Matt groaned.
“Don’t remind me. Why do teachers get such pleasure out of finals? It’s cruel and unusual punishment.” Everyone laughed as they all went back to bed TK burring under his blankets once again. Patamon laid on the pillow opposite his partner still worried. TK looked at the orange Digimon and frowned.
“Pata. Do you ever regret staying here? Not being able to be in the digital world?” Patamon was silent only for a few second before giggling.
“It’s only opposite to how we lived in the digital world, only this time we’re not lonely. Gabumon and I are having a lot of fun in the human world. I like it when Nowaki takes me with her to the hospital and gathers up the children where no grownups are around and lets them play with me. They’re really cute TK.” TK smiled and nodded as he rolled over more to get comfortable.
“When I grow up, and we move out, what’s say I become a doctor in this world as well. And I’ll be like mom, and work with kids. We’ll work at a hospital and when I make my rounds you can make the kids happy.”
“I like that.” Patamon said happily and together, their fears and worries washed away, fell into a peaceful sleep.
Morning came faster than anyone thought and TK was at the stove humming to himself, a trick he taught himself to help with loud noises. Matt was shouting; asking where his tie was to his uniform.
“Behind the bathroom door!” TK shouted back and received a quick thank you. Just as TK was turning the last of the ham and cheese omelets the doorbell rang and Tai and Kari and Sora walked in, school uniforms all straight and bags being put in a pile by the door.
“Morning.” TK said as they walked into the kitchen. Needing a bigger house with four people the Ishida family moved into Tai and Kari’s apartment complex and Sora’s family moved in a few months ago because their apartment had been flooded due to a broken pipe.
“Morning.”
Sora said as she and Tia sat on either side of Matt. No one seemed to question the strange three way relationship they had and though it worried their parents at first they came to except it. And Kari rushed over to kiss TK on the cheek. He smiled back and pecked her one the nose.
“Today is the day!” Tai shouted making TK wince. Even after nine months he hated loud noises, and prolonged exposure to it gave him a really bad migraine. Sora saw this and hit Tai’s foot who nodded and laughed quieter.
“Today is the last day of school and then summer vacation.” He ended up doing a mini dance in is chair before TK put a plate of omelets and toast in front of him and he sighed happily.
“TK, you moving into our apartment building saved our lives.” He said honestly and no one at the table doubted him. Tai and Kari’s mom was a good woman; and kind; but anything she tried to cook ended up either burnt or too disfigured to even look at. So she took no offense to her children eating almost every meal with the Ishida’s.
“Well don’t forget your lunch this time.” Matt said. “Cause I ain’t sharing mine. TK made Chicken Spaghetti and you can’t have half my share.” Tai looked at the ready to go Bento boxes longingly making TK and Kari snort while Sora went ahead and giggled at her second boyfriend.”
“Okay teens.” Nowaki said happily as she walked into the room. Today was the start of her two month vacation because she was promoted and one of the perks is an extended all-expense paid vacation before starting the new position.
“Come straight home after school today because Hiro-San and I have a present for all seven of you.” All sixteen year olds look up interestedly but Nowaki only smiled mischievously.
“Uh-uh. After school. Now; good luck on your finals.” As the five teen walked out of the door Tai couldn’t help the snort that came from his lips as he tugged playfully at TK’s golden locks.
He really did love this guy as his own brother.
“Why would this guy need luck? Everyone knows he only shows up to school to make google-y eyes at my sister.” Kari blushed but TK only smiled politely at Tai making him gulp nervously.
“And who; exactly; kissed my brother first? I honestly don’t remember it being Sora…Tai.” He said it his voce dripping with honey and his eyes still seemed to express ‘shut up. Now’ without even missing a beat. Matt, used to his brother’s overprotective streak around Kari and Tai’s natural stupidity that, while cute and enduring, clashed together all the time; laughed when he practically saw the blue haze of defeat around his and Sora’s boyfriend. Sora was having too much fun watching the exchange while TK blinked and blushed looking at Matt worriedly. He only smiled kindly.
TK still had a little problem understanding when their joking went too far so he didn’t do it much and when he did he always looked Matt to make sure he hadn’t hurt anyone’s feeling for real.
They walked down the hall to class and Sora saw all the attention they were getting; and she couldn’t really blame themselves. Matt and Tai were the stars of the polar opposites of the school with Matt’s guitar skills and starting his band and cool exterior. While Tai was the star of the sports world in school with his free and fun loving ways.
Then there was TK, the untouchable heart throb ice prince. He was friendly and kind to everyone. Smart and quick to smile, but he only ever really opened up and gave genuine smiles when his friends or Kari was around.
“Hi TK.” Takumi said walking to class in the opposite direction with her rich boyfriend GII. Takumi was the other class genius, but due to a bad childhood; she freaked out if anyone but GII touched her and to help make friends GII always joked with TK who happily played along.
GII had a playful rivalry with TK on Takumi’s behalf.
“Hi Takumi. Ready for Trig?” TK asked and Takumi smiled happily when TK and Tai each reached out and guided two students from bumping into her while Kari stood so they would have to get by her first. GII snorted.
“My Takumi is going to score top. You just wait.” TK smiled at him and nodded.
“We’ll see.” TK said politely and waved good bye to Matt and Tai and kissed Kari on the cheek before rushing off.
“He’s come a long way.” Sora said smiling happily.
Matt looked at her with worried frown.
“He has, but what if he’s trying too hard? What if he….”
“We’ll be there for him Matt. We’re only sophomores, well; juniors next year. He’s got two more years before we have to worry about collage.” Matt frowned more.
“That’s a problem all in its own though. TK’s smart. Way too smart to stay in High School. I swear he fixed the microwave before dad could toss it out.” Sora and Tai looked at him in shock.
“But…”
“TK’s always been smart.” Matt said before looking around and pulling his two lovers into an empty classroom since everyone had taken that class already.
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, even when TK was three…” He looked at them pointedly and they nodded. “He was super smart. He’d take the building blocks dad bought him he built an entire city. He even stole some of my toy cars and made it with a little highway leading into it. When he was eight he was already reading on our level…” Again that pointed look that meant only a year ago.”
“And seven years stuck in the digital world where his only contact with our world was the internet he learned off of…”
“Then why not graduate early. He’s fifteen right now that would get him a mention and a lot of schools would be practically begging him to join them.”
“Mom and dad have been talking about it when we go to bed, but I’ve heard a few snippets. Dad wants him to go through collage regularly but Nowaki is all for setting up a test.”
“Doesn’t TK get a say?” Tai asked worriedly.
“Of course, he sides with dad, but all of us see it’s so he doesn’t have to leave us any time soon…HER…betrayal hit him harder than he lets on and he still has nightmares about Myotismon.” Both Tai and Sora knew he was talking about their birth mother but couldn’t say anything. That was a touchy subject for Matt.
“That’s harsh. But I understand.” Tai said nodding, before they could say anything else the bell rang startling them.
“Better get to class.” Sora said with a forced smile.
The school gymnasium was empty after school save for a blond teen thrumming at his guitar while his twin sat a ways away headphones strapped on and tinkering with the sound system.
“Okay Matt. Play a score.” TK said and was thankful Matt’s loud playing was nothing more than a mute sound him, but he felt guilty. He loved Matt’s playing, always had, but if he listened to it too much his migraine would act up, so he let Matt listen and tell him what needed fixing.
“Sound’s good, but what’s this?” Matt asked kneeling beside his twin holding up a wire that TK was fiddling with.
“That’s for the back speakers. They were weak and would have done that annoying screeching sound the second you talked into the mike. This place is set up for a My Chemical Romance concert; well; luckily without all of the creepy outfits and smoke.”
Matt snorted and nodded.
All those bands and their gimmicks; his band was the best. All they did was wear black pants and whatever shirt they wanted. Sakuya was the attention hog with his short shirt, leather pants, and black trench coat. Still, he looked hot. How someone so stoic like Sakuya Ooichi could fall in love with such a kind and genuine soul like Aine was beyond most of the band.
Speaking of which.
“Matt, have you learned your solo for the second song?” Their lead singer for Lucifer asked walking up and sitting on the edge of stage watching TK pack up all of the wire so no one would trip.
“You better believe it.” Matt said rolling his eyes. Though more expressive Matt and Sakuya had the same core personality of
‘it’s my business stay out of it’, except for their lovers, and; oddly enough with Sakuya; TK.
“Hey Sakuya.” TK said finally taking off his headphones smiling politely at the older teen who nodded back with a hidden smile of his own. For some reason Sakuya had a soft spot for TK, but Matt thought that was because he was pretty much a package deal with himself.
He hardly ever let TK out of his sight unless he was with Kari or the other Digidestined. Though, they were scattered right now. Mimi in America, Izzy was with his parents had moved to Nagoya when his dad had to transfer, and Joe was in a private school. Matt and TK thanked the heavens for Skype and chatrooms, but they felt better knowing they had Tai, Sora, and Kari.
“TK, are you coming tonight?”
TK blushed in shame not answering the older teen; but he sighed. TK never came to the practices. It was just too much and once his ear even started bleeding from the pressure. Nowaki had shoved him into the doctor’s room the next morning; and he said TK suffered from a severe head trauma that, in the spot of the healed cracked skull should have made him deaf, but instead his natural healing only made him extremely sensitive to loud noises.
Even the sound of a morning alarm clock sounded like nails on a chalk board. TK was at such a high risk of going completely deaf all of his teachers were to tell him minutes before the bell rang so he could cover his ears.
Nowaki was discussing a few surgeries with a few of her old professors and had started researching the best possible ways to deal with this. Until then; TK had to be careful; but Matt was worried. Over the last few weeks close to a month TK would get a bad ringing in his ears that was steadily getting louder and lasted longer. At his brother’s determined face Matt knew he wasn’t going to like this.
“Yeah. I’ll be here.”
“No; you won’t. You know what the doctor said.” Matt said sternly making TK look at him shaking his head.
“This is your first concert, your debut! I’m not missing it.”
“You yourself said you have this place wired to fit a professional’s needs; we weren’t even that good or loud last time. Do you want to end up in the hospital again?” Matt demanded but he froze when he saw TK stiffen and tears well up in his eyes.
TK never cried anymore. Sometimes he even missed his crybaby little brother, because now; if TK cried, it was something big, something to worry about.
“I should have stayed in the Digital world. I wouldn’t have been such a bother then.” He whispered and literally jumped off of the stage and ran out of the auditorium before Matt could overcome his shock.
“He okay?” Sakuya asked looking after the blond twin of his bandmate in worry.
“He’s…stressed.” Was all Matt would say and started to pack up his guitar and things quickly making sure to grab his brother’s bags as well?
“Hey.” Sakuya said before the second blond could jump off of the stage making him look back.
“You tell TK that he doesn’t have to be here for a show to support you. He’s basically the reason we’re so good now, it’s because of him that our gear is perfect and we don’t have to worry about our sound. As far as I’m concerned. He’s a part of our band weather he comes or not.” Matt flashed a grateful smile and dashed off.
TK didn’t stop running until he was at his apartment, he made sure to stay in shape so he wasn’t even that winded as he shoved open his front door and went straight to Matts room. A panicked scowl on his face.
He screamed at his own weakness; and turned on Matt’s stereo turning it up so loud he knew even the Kamiya family would hear what was being sung.
The pain erupted in his ears making him cry out in shock as he fell to his knees covering his ears but he didn’t move to turn the offending sound off as he scrunched up his eyes blocking out the pain. Something collided with his chest and he slit open his eyes to see Patamon screaming at him but it only blended in with the loud roar that was the music and he saw Tsunamon trying to jump up and hit the off button on the stereo but he miscalculated the jump and only hit the volume turning it up even higher.
TK whimpered at the sound feeling his eardrums about to burst but he didn’t care. He was tired of this, tired of everything that went wrong in this world. It was so much easier in the Digital world. With only him and Patamon and the loneliness he felt there had followed him because what good was he.
He couldn’t even go to his brother’s debut concert.
Just as he was sure his ears were going to explode leaving him in perfect silence all sound shut off and quiet reined once again. Unable to think through the migraine that was pounding in his head TK only kept his eyes shut curled in on himself ignoring Patamon’s soothing whispers the occasional whimper escaped as he rocked back and forth.
Pain seemed to be exploding in his head like fireworks and the room swam with his every move making him extremely nauseous. Cool hands grabbed his face and he looked up to see Nowaki speaking to him in panicked screams; begging for him to tell her that he could hear her.
“I…I hear you…m-mom.” He whimpered as the sound of his own voice added a new jackhammer to his head.
“Why TK? You know you…”
“I hate It!” TK screamed not caring about his own pain. “I hate this. I want to be normal. I want to go to school and not already know what the teachers are talking about. To bite my lip when I, a fifteen year old, knows when they make a mistake. I want to hang out with my friends! Want to be able to joke and know I haven’t hurt their feeling because I don’t KNOW how to talk to someone other than Pata.” Oh his head was screaming at him to shut up and his stomach was threatening to rebel if he didn’t listen; but he didn’t.
“It’s not fair! It’s not fair I can’t listen to Matt play, or let Tai talk as loud as he wants. I want to be normal! Or back on my beach where everything is quiet and I can listen to sound of the waves.” He looked up at a crying Nowaki and screamed at her. “Make me normal! Make me back to TK! I want to be TK! Not this!”
He screamed but he had finally disobeyed his body too long and suddenly paled further and rushed to the bathroom and only managed to bend over the toilet before he was throwing up everything in his stomach as the room spun around him, and tears trickling down his eyes. Then soft comforting hands starting rubbing soothing circles on his back and whispered nothings were soothing the ringing in his ears.
It took four minutes of retching before TK’s world stopped spinning and he all but collapsed onto Nowaki’s lap as she carted her fingers through his hair. He allowed himself to sob when a cool rag settled on his brow and Patamon settle at his side so TK could roll over and hold him like he used to do when he was scared or hurt in the Digital world.
“I’m sorry mamma. I’m so sorry.” He whimpered clinging to her pants leg; tears rolling down his cheeks.
“Hush little Takeru. Everything is okay now. Mamma’s here. I’ve got you.” Nowaki whispered over and over as a deeper voice asked if he needed anything else.
“The door slammed open making TK wince in pain but another voice, one the blond didn’t recognize intercepted whoever was at the door and the world was quiet once again. A shock of blond entered TK’s blurry vision and kind and worried honey colored eyes looked into his own.
Confused the younger blond blinked but shied away from the light burying his head into Nowaki’s leg again.
“TK, let’s get you to bed. Kato can you carry him? I’ll get his medicine.” The stranger, now dubbed Kato, nodded and lifted the fifteen year old up with such ease it startled TK making him hold onto Patamon tighter. When he was deposited onto the soft bed Matt was already there and let him curl up next to him.
“I’m sorry.” TK whispered sadly. Fingers carted through his hair and Matt smiled down at him.
“I knew you were trying too hard to be like everyone else. But you know a secret?” At TK’s tired but curious look; Matt smiled. “I like MY TK better. The TK that doesn’t tell on me when I have a nightmare, the TK that shoves me out of the kitchen at spatula point. The TK that listens when I have a problem that I don’t want Tai or Sora to know about. I much prefer the TK that caters to Kari’s ever whim with a smile. TK, just because you’re a little different doesn’t mean you’re not perfect to us.”
More tears fell from TK’s eyes as he felt Patamon snuggle into his chest, but he managed a small nod. When Nowaki came in, TK felt the prick of the needle in his thigh before he felt his shirt move and yawned.
“Matt.”
“Yeah Teeks?”
“I’m gonna go to sleep now. Don’t let anyone stay here tonight. Don’t let anyone miss your debut. Promise.” Matt sighed but promised as he watched TK slowly fall asleep. Matt knew this wasn’t the end of their conversation, but he hopped TK knew just how much the loved him.
TK woke up slowly. He felt as if he had cotton shoved inside his head and his mouth felt like he had swallowed a porcupine. He groaned as he opened his eyes and sat up Patamon startling awake; but he knew not to say anything so he wouldn’t hurt TK’s probably still pounding head. TK gave him a small smile.
“I was stupid.” He said sadly.
“No, you were hurting. You should have told us how you felt.” TK nodded bashfully when the door to bedroom opened and Kari walked in with steaming cup of tea.
“I thought I said…”
“I know what you told Matt, but I’m your girlfriend and I don’t HAVE to listen to you.” She said cheerfully making TK snort.
He loved her for that.
“What time is it?” He asked drowsily taking a sip of his tea.
“You’ve been asleep for three hours. This one hit you bad. Can you hear me all right.”
“Yeah. Mom showed up just in time. Is Matt mad at me?”
“No, Sora is worried and Tai tried to disconnect Matt’s radio in case you did something like that again.” TK raised an eyebrow.
“You make it sound like I slit my wrist.”
Kari scowled at him; hitting his shoulder.
“It was the same effect on your hearing. You hurt yourself so bad you were sick for four minutes and slept for three hours and I can tell you’re still worn out. How do you think I felt when I heard you almost ruptured your own eardrum?” at TK’s ashamed face her own softened.
“I’m not mad at you TK. I’m only worried.”
“I just…wanted to be like everyone else. I wanted to support Matt’s band.” Kari huffed and laid her head on his shoulder as Gatomon walked in caring a cup of milk for Patamon who smiled thankfully but didn’t leave TK’s lap. The cat like Digimon only smiled and sat in the corner watching the two humans.
“TK, you do support your brother. He told me Sakuya thinks of you as a band member even if you don’t come to the concert. And as for being like everyone else; I don’t want you to be. I fell in love with a quite boy who was stuck in the Digital world alone for seven years. I fell in love with you for your kindness and strength.”
“I’m lucky to have you guys. You know that?” TK whispered as he stood up with shaky legs and stumbled to the living room Kari following worriedly.
“The others should be back soon. Matt wanted to call and cancel but Tai said you’d throw your first tantrum if he did.”
“He was right.” TK smirked at the thought before sighing. He felt so weak and out of it. Before he made it to the couch he spotted a pretty woman with black hair and almost black eyes, but the color wasn’t quite there yet and a proper demeanor that screamed elegance and demanded respect.
TK blinked as the woman looked up from her book and offered a small smile. A familiar feeling engulfed TK as a soft voice entered his mind and the sound of rushing water made him feel calm.
“Do you feel better Takeru?” She asked in a deep but still feminine voice. Again all TK could do was blink as he racked his brain. Only a few people called him by his full name but he hadn’t met them since he came back to the real world. So for him it’s been eight years or so and his mind just couldn’t make any connection to his fuzzy memories and the gorgeous woman sitting in front of him.
“Iwaki San, Aoe-San called and said he just arrived at the school, everyone is getting out now. Apparently Yamato-kun’s performance was big hit.” The young woman, who had grayish hair and big cat like cream colored eyes blinked at TK and smiled.
“Takeru-Kun. I’m so glad you’re awake. Aoe-San and I only just arrived about thirty minutes ago and Aoe went to pick everyone up. How are you?” The young girl walked over to hug TK but he panicked backing away and putting Kari behind him. This time, the feeling of nostalgia didn’t hit him, so he knew he had never met this woman before, and with Kari, Patamon, and Gatomon in the same room he wasn’t taking any chances.
“I’m sorry.” He said confused. “But…”
“Naoya, he doesn’t recognize us. It’s okay Takeru. You don’t have to trust us. My name is Kyousuke Iwaki, and this is Shirakowa Naoya. I’m married to Hiroki’s Brother Youji Katou, and Naoya grew up with Nowaki-San in the orphanage until she met Aoe Reji, so this is the first time you’re officially meeting them tonight.”
TK blinked at the name Youji Katou. He remembered having an uncle by that name. Snd the name Iwaki sounded familiar. He ran the names over his tongue a few times before images of waterfalls and being surrounded by a forest flashed through his mind and he remembered being picked up and swung around by a man with bright blond hair and honey amber eyes.
“You’re…Uncle Kato’s wife…you found me after I got lost one day at Grandma and Grandpa’s house in the country. You even took me to the little waterfall in the woods and let me play in the water before we went home.” Iwaki smiled gently at the teenager and nodded.
“That was four years ago…or for you I guess…eleven.” Iwaki said sadly at what had happened to her nephew. TK flinched at the reminder but nodded as he let Kari take him by the hand and lead him to the couch. He sat down before his wobbly knees gave out on him and he sighed in relief when the room stopped spinning. Naoya didn’t seem disturbed by TK’s un-trust and left the room only to return with another cup of tea since his first one lay forgotten in his room.
“It’s chamomile, honey, and vanilla. It’s supposed to help clam the nerves. Aoe-San’s big brother told me about it.” She said kindly as she sat down on the love seat beside Iwaki. “Nowaki Nee-san approved when I told her I bought some on our way over.”
“Mom does know her teas.” TK said with a soft smile.
“That’s because of our matron from the orphanage; Sister Hellen; always told us the best cure for anything is a good hot cup of tea and a warm bath.”
“Mom lives by that.” TK chuckled making Kari giggle at the fact that Nowaki told that to all the kids running around her house. She never once treated them differently than she did Matt and TK. They were all her kids in some form or other.
“She made me a cup of tea when Gatomon got sick and TK spent two days looking after her.”
“TK is the best Digi-doctor ever!” Patamon praised making the blond boy blush while Iwaki chuckled and nodded.
“So we’ve herd. Hiroki has been bragging to Kato about having both his boys together again. I don’t think I’ve seen him so happy in a really long time.”
“Nowaki Nee-San told me about all of you, and how proud she was to be thought of as your mother Takeru. She loves you and Yamato very much.” TK managed a smile through his ever growing fog and groaned.
“I hate this medicine.” He muttered and rubbing his eyes with the palm of his hands shaking his head. A hand came down on his head feeling for a temperature.
“You’re equilibrium is off too much from the direction of the medicine. I looked it up online. When you have to take it, it’s supposed to force you’re equilibrium back into alignment but that could take a few hours after you wake up.”
“Yay.” Was the weak replay and he slumped. “I wanted to make a special dinner tonight.” He whined a little. “Matt’s debut. I wanted to make him his favorite, Salzburg stake and French fries and mac and cheese.”
“Well, Kato wants to take us out for sushi anyway.”
“No.” TK said miserably. Kari giggled in sympathy and TK wondered if she was the only person on the planet that could do that.
“He hates fish. Ever since coming home fish is his least favorite food. Oh he’ll eat it; unless he’s sick.” Patamon said snuggling into is partner’s lap making the blond boy smile and scratch behind his winged ear.
“You know me best Pata. But besides I’ll only embarrass everyone walking like a drunk person.”
“You will not.” Naoya said happily. “We’ll go Italian. Olive Garden is always good. Do you like that?” Before any answer could be made the door opened and a group of people walked in Matt in the lead carrying his guitar laughing.
“We’re home.” Hiroki and Nowaki said at the same time.
“In here mom, dad.” TK said making the two woman smile at each other. Matt rushed in dropping his guitar behind the couch and Gabumon and Agumon following soon after as Matt made a beeline for TK.
“How you feeling Teeks?” TK only grinned.
“Like I just got out of the spine cycle in the washer. Only more dry.” Everyone laughed as two men walked up one was from the bathroom earlier and TK recognized him as his uncle and smiled
while the other man held a dominance that made the youngest blond blink in shock looking over at Naoya.
By process of elimination this was Aoe who was married to Naoya but…they were just so opposite he couldn’t see it. Until he saw the man instinctively look for his little lover and sigh at her safety and he smiled. This man was like a few of the Digimon he had met. Gruff and didn’t take crap but had a heart of gold for those close to him. Even if it was only for his little lover.
“Feeling better darling?” Nowaki asked feeling at TK’s head and he offered her an apologetic smile as Hiroki hovered near by waiting to help but TK only nodded.
“Yeah. I’m so sorry Mom, Matt.”
“It’s fine.” Matt assured and snorted as he handed TK a black piece of cloth. Blinking in curiosity TK opened it and laughed at the Aucifer logo of one white wing and one black wing but instead of surrounding a large ‘A’ they were surrounding a pair of headphones and a mike with the saying “Aucifer’s personal acoustics genius. Back off. He’s ours.” TK burst out in giggles at the sight of it and looked at Matt thankfully, but his older brother held up his hands in surrender.
“Wasn’t me. That was all Santa. We all think of you as a band member Teeks. He just wanted to prove it to ya.” Closing his eyes TK pounced from his seat Patamon holding onto his shoulder and hugged his brother whispering thank you Nii-san and all the adults were happy to witness this. When they broke away Hiroko smiled as he clapped his hands softly.
“Okay, who’s hungry?” Everyone said they were except for TK but he raised his hand anyway.
“Okay, we got Sushi?” TK and surprisingly Kato winced.
“No thanks.” Iwaki snorted at her husband but shook her head.
“Then Italian? Olive Garden.”
“I like Olive Garden.” Naoya said happily while the others only nodded.
“Then Olive Garden it is.” Tai said happily draping his arms around Matt and Sora.
The restaurant was ready for such a large group and many of the group suspected Iwaki or Aoe had been expecting this and called a head as a reservation. The night was fun with joking and good food; with, of course, the occasional food slipped under the table.
The next morning TK woke bright and early, as he did every morning and put on his running shoes and stretched while Patamon did his aerial stretches. First day of summer and he was going for his morning run before coming back and fixing a great big breakfast for everyone; and then he and Kari were going to the aquarium. As he Patamon got ready for their run he looked in on his family; all sleeping soundly.
As the wind flowed through his hair as he ran to the park and back smiled. Yes he was different now. He had seen too much, been through too much not to be; but now; after last night with Matt and Kari he finally learned.
It was okay to be different.
His destiny was different from others; but he had been given a gift as well. Where he had migraines and bad headaches, he was gifted with an unbeatable partner in Patamon, who flew next to him; racing him and lifting his spirits.
Where he was once alone, in an apartment with no one, then on a beach with no humans around, he now had a mother, a father, and a brother that was always in his corner. Always having his back.
Friends in Sora and Tai that were dearer than even the other Digidestined but he knew that their bond with everyone was unshakable. That even though they were separated a little, they would come running if anyone needed help.
And that was a gift not many could claim to have.
And his love for Kari, and her support was always a shock. Because he knew it was real; and would always be there. As he jogged up the stairs saying hi to all the people that was around his life but not a part of it he smiled.
Because then he reached the floor that held his family. And he knew when he opened the door he’d be greeted with warms smiles and loving hugs. And his smile got bigger. Yeah, his destiny was so worth it. It would always be worth it. Because he wasn’t alone.
Not anymore.