Digimon Fan Fiction ❯ Digimon Season 02 Story Arch ❯ A Time to Heal - part 3 ( Chapter 5 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

Disclaimer: I don't own Digimon. I made up the character Lori Tanaka and her mother Anna as well
as Chiodo Matsuka. :)

AUTHOR'S NOTE: This story happens after "A Time To Fall". Part 1 of my digi-trilogy. If you
haven't read it yet, please do. Then this story will make more sense!

Also...I apologise for the long time in waiting for this concluding chapter. I thank
everyone who sent me emails and the nice compliments. I have been really busy with settling
with my job and doing lots of long hours. I hope you enjoy this chapter and I dedicate this to
all the readers that liked this story line and all the Veemon and Flamedramon fans out there!

After you have read "A Time to Fall" (part 1) and "A Time to Heal" (part 2) I have a treat for
you all! A little short fic called "The Truth Comes Out!" The story happens after Veemon is
healed and is back with Davis. :) I have it done so no waiting!


"A Time To Heal" part 2 of the time trilogy
A Digimon Fanfic by: Flamedramon_girl


Chapter 3 - Conclusion


Davis sat glumly in the cafeteria at school, the hustle and bustle of all the other
hungry students not even distracting him from his thoughts. He hardly even noticed when his
other friends sat with him at the table.

"Hey Davis..." TK said as he sipped his drink. Yolei smiled at him from where she was
sitting and Cody waved from the far end. Kari looked at him knowingly. "Are you ok?" She asked.
She knew as well as the others that Davis was missing his Digimon. Even though they called
often at Lori's to talk to Flamedramon and chat, Davis missed his partner's presence more so
than the rest of them.

"Hey TK", the boy sighed, nibbling on his sandwich. This caused everyone to raise
their eyebrows. No TP or TS? TK thought to himself. The poor guy must be really messed up.
"I'm fine Kari, I guess..." Davis answered her question finally. "I just miss Veemon that's
all...its no fair that I don't get to go in the Digiworld with you guys and kick some butt.."

"Speaking of that, it's been pretty quiet." Yolei said suddenly. "We knocked down the
spires in the surrounding sector, but other than some mild skirmishes..the Emperor hasn't made
any major moves....I think we really made him mad in...the battle."

Everyone knew which battle she was talking about. The major fight that had demolished
a few blocks of the shopping district downtown and the one that had injured their friend.

"I think he could be planning something...." Cody said quietly...the voice of
reason. The others bowed their heads in thought, not liking the sound of that one bit. "Well
I hope that whatever happens, it stays in the Digital World and not here.." Kari said with
a firm tone. "That brat for an Emporer has gone too far!" The others agreed wordlessly as they
continued to eat their lunches.

**********

The Digimon Emporer paced in his dark castle in the Digital world. He was absolutely
FURIOUS about what happened a couple of weeks ago. When his minions had returned, he had
tortured all of them in a fury and had locked them up. He had no use for failure. He had
wanted the Digidestined brought to their knees...not half the downtown district to be
destroyed. He wasn't concerned about anything other than the fact that none of the Destined
were hurt or the Digimon destroyed. Sadly they were still around to destroy his spires and
plague him. He had been laying low for a while, stewing and trying to think of a plan...but
strangely he hadn't been able to think of one yet....there was something inside him that was
nagging him..and he spent a lot of time keeping to himself and trying to bury it.

Hidden in the shadow's, Wormmon watched his Master. He alone knew what was going on.
Ken...the goodness that was buried deep inside of the Emporer..was telling him that what he did
and what he was doing was wrong...but the Emperor was doing everything he could to shut it away
and stop the strange feelings in his heart. The Digimon hoped that this madness would end soon
and that Ken would find himself. He wanted nothing more than to console his Digi-partner...but
the Emporer would probably kick him away with yelled insults. So he stayed where he was,
watching the tortured young man with large sad blue eyes.

**********

Lori was humming happily as she arrived home from school. It was a couple of days
after that horrible night when Flamedramon had that violent nightmare. Since he had opened
himself to her and expressed his grief...the Digimon seemed to be much better. He was sleeping
more soundly and he seemed more relaxed. Even so...he still had a look of sadness in his eyes,
even when he was content or happy. He was healed much better..and only had slight twinges
in his arm and leg. He was right, Digimon did heal fast.

"Flamedramon! I'm hooome!" She called cheerfully as she plunked her book bag onto the
floor and took her shoes off in the porch. Soft footfalls and light clicks of talon on hardwood
floor told her that Flamedramon was coming to greet her.

"Hi Lori...how was your day at school?" The Digimon asked with a small smile.

"It was okay....math was horrible as usual but other than that things are great! I only
have to read a chapter in my history book for homework." She said as she tugged on her slippers
and came into the livingroom. "That's not bad...we are doing Egyptian history..it's pretty
cool!"

Flamedramon was content to listen to Lori's happy chatting as they continued on into the
kitchen to get a light snack. "Your Mother called before you got home." Flamedramon said, eating
a piece of apple from the plate of fruit between them at the table. "She said that she was
coming home early."

Lori brightened happily. "All right! That's great! She has the next couple of days off
too..." She said with a grin. Her Mother was a doctor at the local hospital and had lots of,
sometimes, irregular hours. No sooner than she had said that, the van pulled up in the
driveway and her Mother came in the door. "Hello Lori!" She called as she took her shoes off
and came in. "It's going to be so nice to be able to relax for a couple of days."

Lori got up and gave her Mother a hug. "It's going to be great to be able to spend some
time together!" She agreed. "How about I take care of supper then, while you put your feet up!"

"You don't have to do that!" Anna said shaking her head, but her insistant daughter and
her Digimon friend wouldn't listen and ushered her into the livingroom to sit down. "No
worries!" Lori chimed happily. "We got it covered!"

Less than half an hour later, supper was ready. Hamburgers and fries. Lori poured
the pop while Flamedramon helped with setting the table. "Supper's ready Mom!" Lori called.
Everyone settled to eat and there was a content silence for the first while. Anna sat back
taking a drink and waiting til Lori and Flamedramon were finished.

"I talked to an old friend today." She said carefully. "This should have meaning to you
Flamedramon. His name is Chiodo Matsuka." She paused as she saw Flamedramon and Lori look at
her blankly. "He is also the Chief of the police apartment...that the police officers who died
belonged to."

If Flamedramon was human, him paling as white as a sheet would have been very
obvious. He stared and clenched his fists under the table. Lori wondered what her Mother was
getting at..and almost regretted in telling her about Flamedramon's nightmares and his remorse.
"What did you talk about Mom?" She asked quietly, knowing the answer.

"Well. We talked about what happened...and about Flamedramon. I felt I could trust him.
He...wants to talk to him." She looked at the now panicked looking Digimon.

"WHAT?" Lori burst out, bolting to her feet. "What did you do that for?" She was more
shocked than angry. "They could come for him or something!" Flamedramon stood and ran from the
table and disappeared into Lori's room.

Anna looked worried than shook her head. "No..it's not as bad as you think." She said
softly to Lori, trying to calm her down. "At first he didn't believe me..but as I told him
more about what happened he understood. He did react like he wanted to take a course of
action, but I convinced him not to when I told him what you told me. I told him how anguished
and tortured Flamedramon's heart was....he calmed and than told me that he wanted to visit
and talk to him, rather than us bring a Digimon to the station." She paused and took a deep
breath. "And since tomorrow was Saturday, I figured that your Digidestined friends could come
too when he comes. I can even drive them if they wish."

Lori sat down again, still looking worried but not as panicked. "So this cop friend is
coming tomorrow?" She asked, than saw her Mother nod. "I hope this works out for the best..but
you...you should have told us before you talked to him." She sighed. "I better go calm
Flamedramon...he's probably making himself sick with worry."

Anna nodded. "I'm sorry about all this. But Flamedramon needs to heal his heart as
well as his body. I figured that a good talk will help."

Lori nodded with a small smile. "It is a good idea...but a shocking one so soon. Let's
just hope that everything works out. I'll call Davis and the others after." She got up and left
to attempt to calm a very freaked out Digimon.

**********

"She...did...WHAT???" Exclaimed the voice on the phone loudly.

Lori held out the phone from her ear with a wince until the voice on the other end
finished it's ranting. After the voice quieted, Lori put the receiver back to her ear.

"Davis...it's all right! No one is going to come to lock Flamedramon away okay? Calm
down!" She hoped that she was right. "Look, a nice talk would do him some good...he's been
better since his nightmares seemed to have stopped, but he is still depressed...He thinks
he's a murdurer! Perhaps with you and the other's help, we can convince him and the Chief
otherwise. We all saw that it was Tyrannomon that actually smacked the fireballs to the cars!"

There was a silence on the other end of the phone...than a sigh. "Yeah..I guess you're
right. Are you sure this guy is coming alone?"

"Yes. Mom made sure that he would. She said that she will even pick you guys up too."

"All right..." Davis agreed. "I wanna be there for him. I'll call around and I am
sure the others would want in too. We can get picked up outside our school okay? Even if
they aren't able to come..I'll be there." Lori nodded and arrange a time before saying
goodnight. She headed for bed with worries and prayers for the next day. She had managed
to calm Flamedramon for him to be able to sleep but it was a restless sleep. At least he
wasn't having nightmares. Lori turned out her light and crawled into bed.

**********

As promised Anna picked up the five Digidestined and their Digimon at their school.
The ride back to the house was a quiet and tense one. The wait at the house wasn't long
either...for a car pulled up into the drive. Thankfully it wasn't a cop car.

"Hello Mr. Matsuka." Lori greeted quietly, letting him in. The man wasn't the
sterotypical Chief. Not like from a tv show where they were usually short with mustaches and
loud. He was tall and well built but not overly muscular. He had dark hair and glasses with a
calm quiet sense about him. He nodded with a small smile as he put on some guest slippers.
"Hello Lori. Your Mother told me about you." He looked up as Anna came into the porch. "Chiodo.
Good to see you." She greeted kindly. "Come in, we got other guests as well."

The other Digidestined kids were sitting in the livingroom on the long couch along
the wall. They looked solemn as well as the small creatures sitting in their laps. Mr. Matsuka
stared for a moment as he came in. "So....those are..Digimon you called them?"

TK nodded. "Yes sir..." He looked nervous but not as nervous as Davis. The poor boy
looked like he was going to pass out.

There was another short silence, than Matsuka sat in a chair across from them. "This
visit is a very serious one...but you don't have to worry. I didn't come here to arrest
anyone or take anyone away." He said, getting to the point. The relief was obvious on the
faces of the Digidestined. "I just want to get everything in the open so that we can get to
an understanding. Now, can you tell me everything that happened?" This statement started a
chorus of responses from all five Digidestined plus their Digimon at once at various volumes
and many gestures. Matsuka raised his hands in a calming gesture. "One at a time please!
I have all afternoon there is no need to rush." He still marvelled at the creatures who seemed
so unreal yet they were moving and speaking. The one who had the fire attacks didn't seem
present however, but he figured that would come about soon.

Slowly, taking turns..the story about the battle came out bit by bit, starting from
when they were in the mall at the food court...to hearing the explosions and trying to stay
out of the panicked crowds...then the story kept going to when the Digimon Digiolved and
started to fight. Davis pitched in his point of view, explaining that he had been looking
for Veemon whom he had lost..and than found him by smacking into Lori by accident. They told
the story right up to the point when the evil Digimon disappeared. Than they told Matsuka what
happened when they found Flamedramon.

After all words were said, there was a contemplative silence as Matsuka thought on all
the information, than he nodded. "Thank you...now I just need to know the answers to a few more
questions..like what is Digimon and why are these fellows so small when they were big before?"
The explanations for that took about 30 more minutes as the questions and answers flew back and
forth. Than when Matsuka was finished he sat back with a sigh, looking to Anna and Lori. "And
now we come to the other matter I came here for. Where is this Flamedramon you spoke of?"

Lori stood. "He's in my room. He...he is afraid and that's why he isn't out here with
the others. I'll go get him." She left the room. The other Digidestined looked at each other
worriedly. It was strange to hear that Flamedramon was scared. He was always so couragous and
selfless. Minutes later, Lori came back with a very nervous looking Flamedramon. He had put
on his red armored shirt, but not his arm or leg gauntlets. He had wanted to put on something,
and figured that his shirt would be harmless looking enough. Wearing his full armor would have
been too intimidating.

Matsuka looked the tall Digimon over with an almost stern expression. He recognised him
but noticed that without the armor on, he didn't seem as dangerous as before. The creature
looked very submissive at the moment, and not making any eye contact. "Flamedramon". The Chief
greeted quietly.

Flamedramon looked up and almost wasn't able to speak. Than Lori took one of his
hands and guided him to sit with her on the floor. He did so, glad of the contact, squeezing
her hand back thankfully. "Hello." He said finally with a nod, looking up with his expressive
eyes.

All preconceptions or anger that was aimed towards this creature dissolved as Matsuka
heard that voice, and saw that body language. This was the mannerisms of someone that was
wracked with guilt and filled with sorrow. Still, the experienced Chief still kept a serious
expression as he studied the Digimon for a few moments. In the silence, Davis slipped off of
the couch to sit on the floor on Flamedramon's other side.

"There is no need to be afraid." The Chief said quietly. "I came here to get the full
story about what happened. These kids all ready explained a lot and were a great help but I
need for you to help me too. I want to hear this from your point of view."

Flamedramon nodded and started to tell the story softly, starting from when he got
reunited with Davis in the mall, than Digivolved to fight with him. He told of when he rescued
Lori from the collapsing mall, and took her to stay with Cody and Davis..than he grew more
hesitant as he got to the part when he engaged Tyrannomon in battle.

"I....couldn't just let him destroy everything...I..couldn't sit back and watch him
terrorise people.." Flamedramon said haltingly. "I saw him about to attack your squad....a-and
I had to stop him, so I attacked. I...had no idea that..." He shook his head unable to speak
for a moment, his expression full of anguish. "I..I-I'm sorry!" He burst out. The room was so
quiet that you could hear a pin drop. Everyone was watching in quiet sympathy and sadness.
"Please..." Flamedramon whispered. "I'll understand if...y-you think I am a murderous monster.
I won't blame you or resent you if you never forgive me...I just wanted to say I'm so..sorry. I
just wish I could say the same thing to those poor people that were lost."

Matsuka was silent for a long moment and looked at Flamedramon so long, that the softly
weeping Digimon was almost flinching. "Perhaps you can." He said finally, causing the fire
dragon Digimon to look up in shock.

"What?" Came the softly whispered gasp.

Matsuka got up off the chair and knelt infront of Flamedramon so that he was at eye
level. "There is a memorial service tommorow for the officers that died. I want you to come and
your friends are welcome." He said softly, his eyes softening a little. "Now that I know the
complete story, I have come to the conclusion that you did not kill my men."

Flamedramon stared. "But...my attack..." He stammered slightly.

"You did not attack those officers Flamedramon." Matsuka stated quietly. "You were
attacking Tyrannomon to protect us. Once those fireballs were hit by Tyrannomon and deflected
to those vehicles..it was no longer your attack...but his. He was the attacker. Not you. So
there is nothing to forgive."

Matsuka didn't need to hear anymore. The look on Flamedramon's face was enough. He
nodded and stood. "I thank you once again." He said to the group. "I hope to see you tomorrow."
He left the room to speak with Anna alone for a few minutes.

The other kids and Digimon got off the couch and surrounded Flamedramon, exchanging
hugs and comfort. Flamedramon felt like a huge weight had been lifted off of him and felt
light-headed with relief...and joy. He cried happy tears, as he joined in the others in
unspoken love and friendship.

Davis broke the silence with some more good news. "Flamedramon! Izzy called me today
before I came..and he said that he fixed the D3! That means you can turn back to normal!"
That caused some more reasons to celebrate, and the kids enjoyed the rest of the afternoon
at Lori's and even stayed for supper and most of the evening before getting a ride home.

**********

The next day, the Digidestined where once again picked up with their Digimon at the
school gates. The Digimon, except for Flamedramon and Gatomon, where in their rookie stages.
The day was a bright and sunny Sunday, with not a cloud in the sky. The mood in the van was
mostly quiet and reverent, as well as peaceful. Flamedramon like the day before, was wearing
his red armored shirt, but nothing else. He still had a bandage around his arm and leg, and
around his waist, but they were only light gauze, and not very wide. It was highly amusing at
first, trying to find a comfortable way for Flamedramon to sit in the van without his tail
getting in the way but they had managed.

They arrived at the Police station where the service was going to be held, and piled
out of the car. The group was just about to go into the building when a voice stopped them in
their tracks at the door.

"Hey Kari wait up!"

Kari turned, holding Gatomon in her arms than broke into a huge smile. "Tai! It's about
time you guys decided to show up!" Lori watched as a group of highschoolers came up in surprise.
The two groups started talking and greeting one another. Flamedramon hopped slightly out of the
van while everyone talked, staying quiet. Lori took the Digimon's hand and sidled up to Davis,
nudging him. "Davis...who are these guys?"

Davis looked over and ran a hand through his short spiky brown hair. It was weird not
wearing his goggles, but his Mother had made him keep them off for the service. "Oh, these are
the original Digidestined!" He said grinning. "I told you about them on the phone remember?"

Lori smiled. "Yes, I remember now...seems like a while ago and it was only a couple of
weeks."

One of the highschoolers greeted Lori. He had spiky hair like Davis, though his hair was
longer. "I'm Tai. Kari's older brother, nice to meet you! I was the leader of the group." He
grinned as a tall blonde guy wacked him on the shoulder.

"Dream on goggle boy!" The blonde stated with a smirk.

"That's Matt..the local trouble maker.." Tai continued, earning himself another smack.
"Than we have Jou, who actually found time away from his studies to come..." He laughed at the
face the tall dark haired young man wearing glasses made at him. "And this is Izzy, resident
computer genius..." A grinning red-head flushed. "Naw..not really", the bashful teen said. Tai
bumped him a little on the shoulder. "Izzy...so modest." He chuckled than turned back to Lori.
"This is Sora", he motioned to a pretty girl with shoulder length strawberry blonde hair. She
smiled and waved a little. Tai looked around, satisfied that he had introduced everyone. "There
is one other, her name is Mimi..but she moved to New York. She still visits so next time she
does you'll have to meet her."

Lori smiled at everyone. "Nice to meet you all finally, I've heard lots of stories."

The group headed into the station finally, meeting Matsuka in the front foyer. They
hushed as he led them down a long hall. He stopped at a pair of large double doors. "The service
will start shortly. Everyone who is here today have all ready been briefed on what to expect
with you being here, so you don't have to worry." He said, making the Digimon more relaxed,
especially Flamedramon. "Follow me." He opened the doors and went in.

The group filed in quietly, Flamedramon and Lori coming in last. They found themselves
in a gymnasium of sorts that had chairs set in rows. Officers in uniform were standing and
watching them come in. At the front of the room, was a table with candles lit. Pictures of
the officers who died where on the table and sweet smelling flowers were placed around the table
and the room. Matsuka led them up the front of the room, and motioned them to a group of seats
off to the side. Flamedramon gripped Lori's hand as he could feel every eye in the room on him.

After the teens were seated, the younger ones with their Digimon in their laps, Matsuka
went and stood at the small podium placed off to the side at the front. He greeted everyone and
they all sat. The service was a nice one and very peaceful. A priest was present to lead the
gathered in some prayers, and many came up to the podium to talk about their deceased friends.
There was happy memories..laughter and tears. It was an hour of rememberance..and hour of joy
and an hour of sorrow and loss. But it was also an hour of celebration.

After the closing prayer and a moment of silence, Matsuka once again went up to the
podium to speak. "I thank everyone for coming." He began softly. "And I would also like to
thank our special guests." He motioned to the teens sitting off to the side. "They are a group
of brave young men and women that were defending the city and risking their lives to save
others. I am sure that our friends who have passed on, is also proud of them like we all are."

Matsuka smiled as another officer came up carrying a tray. "I would like to call these
five young men and women to come forward with their partners. Yolei Inoue and her partner
Hawkmon. Cody Hida and his partner Armadillomon. Takeru Takaishi and his partner Patamon.
Kari Kamiya and her partner Gatomon. Last but not least we have Davis Motimiya and his
partner Flamedramon."

As their names were called, they stood and walked over to Matsuka, not knowing what to
expect. Flamedramon glanced at Lori and stood to stand with the other Digimon and partners.

"Because of their heroism..I would like to award them recognition of their bravery."
Matsuka went to each Digidestined in turn and pinned a small badge onto their shirts. "This
award is usually given to a member of the police who has done great service for the people or
who has performed acts of selfless courage. We think that it is appropriate, that we award them
to you." The faces of the Digidestined glowed with happiness and gratitude as they looked at
their shiny badges.

"And of course, we can't forget their Digimon partners." Matsuka went to each Digimon
and hung a small ribbon around each of their necks. A small version of the badge on each one.
After everyone had been awarded, all the officers in the room stood and clapped.

The Destined went back to their seats with big smiles..the older Digidestined rising
to congratulate them and hug them. The officers were dismissed and free to mingle or leave as
they wished. There was going to be a reception in another room, and some of them headed there.
The Digidestined group headed to the door as well, but Flamedramon paused at the table with the
pretty flowers and the pictures. From the doorway, Lori watched as Flamedramon touched each
picture in reflection.

"I'm sorry it had to happen". He whispered softly. As he looked at the smiling
pictures, he was suddenly filled with a sense of calm and peace...the likes of which he had
never felt. It was almost like the souls of the officers who died..was telling him it was all
right except without words. He smiled slowly and bowed his head. "I...understand what real
courage means again. What my crest represents. It means what you did. Wanting to protect what
you love so much, that you would give your life. To do what is right, no matter what, and to
follow your heart." Flamedramon nodded at the pictures.

"Thank you."

**********

Later that day, the Digidestined went back to Lori's. The only ones that weren't able to
stay were Jou, Matt and Sora. Jou said that he had schoolwork, Matt had band practice, and Sora
said that she was meeting her mother. Matsuka, who had drove some of them to the house, was
happy to drive the three high schoolers to where they needed to go. They all grouped outfront
and waved with loud thank you's as the car drove up the street.

"WOW!" Davis crowed, looking at his badge. "Look how SHINY it is!"

"So much for modesty", Tai joked as they all crowded into the porch and took off their
shoes. They gathered in the livingroom, the only older Digidestined left was Tai and Izzy. The
red-head dug in his pocket and handed Davis his D3, good as new. "Here ya go Davis. It should
be working fine now!"

Davis grinned as he took the Digivice. "Great!" He said happily. "What was wrong with
it anyway?"

Izzy shrugged. "It wasn't as bad as I thought...it took me a while to figure it out
and once I did, It was SO obvious...you see.." He started going into a speech that had lots of
technical speak and the group including the Digimon, stared at him blankly before they showed
their appreciation by groaning loudly in unison.

"Oy! Turn it off!" Davis made a face teasingly and covering his ears. Izzy rolled his
eyes with an exaggerated sigh. "You guys just don't appreciate the delicate intricacies of
microtechnology."

Lori chuckled at the friendly bantering and was surprised when Flamedramon took her
hand and pulled her down the hall into her room, closing the door. "Flamedramon? What is it?"
She asked, concerned. "Is something wrong?"

Flamedramon shook his head. "No.." He shuffled from one foot to the other almost
shyly. "I just wanted...to thank you for all that you've done...and..for being there for me."
He said softly.

Lori hugged him quickly. "Don't worry about it." She said with a grin. "That's what
friends are for right?"

Flamedramon smiled with almost a wistful look and touched her cheek where there still
was a mark from where his talon had grazed her. "Yeah...friends." He sighed. He gazed at
her, wanting to say more when he heard Davis shout from the livingroom. "HEY FLAMEY! Where are
ya?"

"Let's go back, you get to go home remember?" Lori smiled and helped Flamedramon change
into the rest of his armor, as well as his helmet. Then she led him back to the livingroom.
Davis held up his D3 and Flamedramon closed his eyes and was enveloped in a bright glow.
Everyone shielded their eyes. After the glow faded, they opened them to see Demiveemon looking
up at them, his body fully healed and the bandages around him on the floor. Lori was delighted.
She had never seen Veemon's In Training stage before.

"WOOHOO! Back to normal!" Davis said, hugging his Digimon tight happily. Demiveemon
giggled cutely, glad to be back with his partner.

Anna poked her head out from the kitchen. "Hey, who's up for pizza?"

A chorus of enthusiastic cheers was her answer and she laughed, heading back into the
kitchen to phone for a delivery. It was time to celebrate!


THE END! (finally! *falls over*)

Author's Note - Now go read "The Truth Comes Out!" Hope you enjoy it! :D