Digimon Fan Fiction ❯ Digital Quickening ❯ Shinka - (Hikari's POV) ( Chapter 1 )

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

Author's Note: THIS SERIES HAS ABSOLUTELY NO RELATION TO MY OTHER STORIES. As usual: Really goofy dialogue, poor vocabulary, poor spelling, poor grammar, poor verb tense, and SOUND EFFECTS! There is a mismatch of Japanese and English names for the characters and Digimon. I rather it be Gatomon instead of Tailmon. The song is from the video game soundtrack Soul Edge (or Soul Blade) performed by KHAN. Reviews are welcomed. This is a work in progress that requires A LOT of work.

WARNING: I am a very humble fan of Highlander. In other words, I still think Highlander 2 (the RENEGADE VERSION of course!) was… um… COOL! (Dodges various thrown objects) Hee hee. That says it all of what kind of Highlander fan I am. The usual rules for the Quickening applies. In other words… THEY WILL LOSE THEIR HEADS!

Important Note: This story is a new expansion from a short Digimon fiction I wrote back in November 1999 that I never finished or released. I have now included Yagami, Hikari into the story. If there is anything in this story that resembles anyone else's work, I apologize. I will remove this fic if necessary. I am still trying to strive for originality, which is hard. Now there are over 10,000 fics in the Digimon Section on FF.net! Most I have not read. As usual, my work pales in comparison to the other great work done by much better authors.

This story takes place in Season 01; the DigiDestined have defeated Apocalymon. The Digital World is undergoing the Great Reset. They are about to leave the Digital World to their home in the real world. Hikari's POV.

Disclaimer: I do not own Digimon, Highlander, or Soul Edge.

Digital Quickening: Shinka

by Mimi, Myself, & Iz.

I'm standing here, after all is said and done,
Wondering what I've undone.
A new moon rises on the horizon,
Lighting the fields, smiling my way,
She knows I'll soon be gone...

Finding my way back home,
I'm given life in strange lands.
Finding my way back home.
Travelling souls...
Changing,
Changing hands...

We take so long, shedding all the shells and stones,
Coming down off our thrones.
If only we, from the moment we are born,
Could let it be, just let it free,
Free roses from her thorns...

Finding our way back home,
Can't be too hard, only if we knew.
Trying to make it home,
Got to be there, inside of you.

Finding our way back home,
We're given life in strange lands.
Trying to make it home.
Travelling souls...
Changing,
Changing hands...

If only you knew for sure…
How beautiful you could be,
How pure...
Like I do...

Finding our way... finding our way...
Finding our way... back home...
Travelling souls...

Excerpts from the song Our Way Home

Performed by KHAN
Lyrics by Suzi Kim

From the soundtrack SOUL EDGE
by Namco

Digital World
The Great Reset

An eight year old girl… Yagami, Hikari

A large pink hat carried by the wind…

We were all on the trolley car that was to take us back home. I looked at my travelling companions… There was my brother and courageous leader, Taichi. Next was my long time big sister and loving friend, Sora. Also there was my friend and genius, Koushiro, or Izzy to his friends. I have met new friends in my adventures. There was the reliable and sincere friend, Kido, Jyou. The pure-hearted friend, pink fashioned, and my other big sister, Tachikawa, Mimi. There was also the rebellious, a bit of a rival to my brother, but still a trustworthy friend, Ishida, Yamato. Finally, I also had the privilege to meet my newest friend… the cute and always full of hope, Takeru. 'I am still not too clear why they have different last names if they were brothers. Oh well… I'll ask them or someone else later.'

We were just ordinary children given a destiny to save two worlds from destruction. I was just a little girl compared to all of my friends. Yet the bond we shared would never be broken. As we were high in the air slowly ascending toward the sun, it felt like some old western as the heroes ride off to the sunset. That was what it might have looked like…

The DigiEclipse was still in effect so we made it in time. From the trolley windows, I could see our Digimon companions racing after us, still saying and waving goodbye. It was really painful to say goodbye, but we had no choice. If we stayed here in the Digital World, the Great Reset, as Gennai puts it, will envelop us and turn us into data. We will not exist as human beings but just random pieces of data that will never form together again. I was glad that I wouldn't be deleted as Izzy had first speculated. Koushiro once referred to the Reset as Reboot. Go figure.

Gennai told us that the Reset was unstoppable, we had to leave the Digital World. Only the beings that originated in this world could survive the Reset. It was still sad for us. I already miss Gatomon. I hope that one day we would return to the Digital World once it was restored. To again be with our Digimon companions: Gatomon, Agumon, Gabumon, Tentomon, Gomamon, Piyomon, Patamon, and Palmon as well as the others that have helped us.

Even from afar, I could still see Gennai with our other Digimon friends below too. I was amazed that I saw Ogremon, away from the group, waving his bone club in farewell. I guess he stuck around too to say goodbye. Especially to Tachikawa, Mimi, who saved the virus Digimon's life. Soon Ogremon will be reunited with his eternal rival Leomon once the Reset was completed.

At first I did not understand why Ogremon and Leomon had to fight each other. You know what? I still don't understand it now. 'It was a manner of honor. The balance of two opposing forces,' I heard. Jyou and Mimi mentioned to me that the rivalry between Leomon and Ogremon was sort of a necessary clash in the Digital World. It was not necessarily a fight of hatred. It was not necessarily a fight of good versus evil either. It was not because one was a virus and the other a vaccine. It was a just a battle raised between many opposing forces that exist in the universe. I heard Mimi say their battles were one of… faith. Not really Ogremon's or Leomon's faith, but for everyone else. I guess I am still too young to comprehend any of this. Maybe someday I would….

Leomon and Ogremon fought many other battles that stretched for many centuries in the Digital World. Once Leomon represented order while Ogremon represented chaos. However, Leomon did not always fight on what we considered as good. In another battle, Leomon represented absolute order, or oppression, and Ogremon represented freedom against that oppression. According to what I understood in second grade history, it would be considered Leomon representing something like totalitarianism and Ogremon representing independence. No matter what their battles represent, Leomon and Ogremon were equally matched. As always, their climatic clashes caused the deletion of both of them. Once the battle has ended, the two warriors are reborn in the Primary Village. Once in their champion forms, they continue to rage with a new battle. Eternal rivals… yet they both exist for the sake of the Digital World and each other.

Still, when there was a threat to the Digital World, those two must put aside their battles and join forces. Gennai once said that they would work with and protect each generation of Chosen Children. Together they would defend the balance of Digital World. However, for Ogremon, it did not happen. Since Leomon and Ogremon fought each other for so long, they forgot how and what it means to work together. That was why Ogremon felt no hesitation to follow Devimon. Ogremon was so wrapped up in his battle representing chaos that he was easily coerced to work for Devimon than Leomon. It was many digital years later of the Dark Masters tyranny that Mimi made Ogremon understand his purpose when the balance of the Digital World was ever threatened.

Now all Ogremon could do now was wait. Wait for the champion rival to be reborn. How long would he wait? Would the Reset have an effect on this as well? There were still unasked questions as to why Ogremon helped us during our fight with the Dark Masters. Maybe he had no choice after Leomon, in his mega stage, Saber Leomon, gave his life to save Mimi and Jyou. He helped never the less. Now the waiting begins. Sora was wondering if Ogremon would go through some ritual suicide or seppuku. Only then would both rivals be reborn at the same time. I shudder at the thought…

A large pink hat carried by the wind…

Mimi's large pink cowgirl hat had finally soft-landed on the grassy ground far below us. I saw Palmon run to where it landed. She picked it up and held it vertically in front of her. She stood there holding the hat close to her, while the other Digimon were still running after us. Her eyes were closed as if she was savoring the memories that somehow by touching Mimi's hat would give her. I was wondering why Palmon hid herself from Mimi. I thought she did not want to say goodbye to Mimi. I soon realized that it really hurts to say goodbye. It hurt me so when I had to say goodbye to Gatomon.

Losing her beloved pink hat did not faze Mimi, for she was still in content to have finally been able to say goodbye to Palmon. Mimi was next to me. We were both, like the others, watching our friends through the rear end windows together. I finally said to Mimi, "It looks like you might need a new hat, Mimi." My eyes were still fixed on our fading friends as I said this.

I felt her smile. Like me, unable to take her eyes off our Digimon friends. "Well, it is no biggie. I was thinking of starting a whole new Mi-"

SCREECH!!

We were startled by a loud screeching sound. It sounded like metal scrapping against metal.

"What was that?" Mimi asked.

I returned her confused look. 'Like I had an answer to anything about this place…' I just replied, "I don't know, Mimi."

SCREECH!!

Another loud screeching sound pierced my eardrums… the trolley started to jolt violently…

"OH NO, LOOK! THE GREAT RESET HAS AFFECTED ORBITAL CONFIGURATIONS OF THE DIGITAL UNIVERSE CELESTIAL OBJECTS!" yelled Koushiro.

"LAYMAN, IZZY!" I heard Jyou scream.

"THE GREAT RESET HAS EFFECTED THE ECLIPSE IN AN NOT SO PRODIGIOUS WAY!" Koushiro replied.

I glanced out the window to the direction where Koushiro was peering. Sure enough, there was no eclipse. In fact, the Digital Sun was not where it was before! The sun was now streaking across the sky rapidly! It was rising and setting, then night, then the sun risen… again and again… It was like seeing the days moving in fast forward!

"IZZY, I THOUGHT WE HAD TIME!" my brother asked, trying to be heard over the loud screeching sounds.

"I KNOW, BUT THE RESET WAS UNPREDICTABLE! IT HAS AFFECTED THE SUN AND MOON POSITION TO THE DIGITAL WORLD! EVERYTHING IS BEING THROWN OFF!"

"Oh shit…" I heard Sora muttered.

"We're doomed," Jyou said in a rather unusual calm tone, which was pretty awkward in our current situation.

SCREEEEEECH!!

The screeching sound was getting louder and louder. I covered my ears tightly and-

"…"

"Hey, the screeching stopped," my brother said.

BANG!!

There was a violent jolt that shook us to the trolley floor. Then a sudden whoosh within my gut… It was a sudden shift of almost no gravity. It was a sickening feeling… The same feeling I got when I was with Takeru… in our last attempt to escape… 'Oh no… falling… We are falling! No!'

"WE'RE FALLING!" screamed Jyou.

"AHHHHHHHHHH!!!"

Everyone was screaming as we all felt the trolley car plummet down to who knows where. 'This can't be happening!'

I heard someone scream, "TAKERU!" It was Yamato.

"ONIISAN!" Takeru cried.

Yamato managed to reach and grab him. Another jolt shook Takeru off his feet. Still Takeru never gave up and he made his way to Yamato. The two brothers held each other in each other's arms. As much as I had to admit, this boy, Takeru, sure was brave. From what my brother had told me, he had grown up a lot. I felt so obligated to have met him. He and his Digimon… no… it was actually he that saved my life. He was very brave and being the youngest. 'I wished I were brave like him.'

I could see Takeru was not afraid. He just wanted to be with his brother, as a family. I wanted to be in my brother's arms too. I looked at the far end of the trolley car. Taichi was slowly crawling towards me. It was difficult for him because the trolley car started to shake violently again. He never gave up. He struggled to get to me.

"HIKARI!" he yelled.

"ONIISAN!" I cried to him. I raised my arm to reach him. He was still too far…

CRASH!!

The trolley car's glass windows shattered! Glass shards flew every where. I could see my friends shield their faces. I felt a hand covering my face. I could feel the slight stinging sensation was the glass shards lightly struck my skin. Then the debris cleared as it were blown out the windows. I heard other lose objects being blown out of the trolley due to the change in the air pressure inside the trolley. The howling of the winds now filled the cabin. I could see the scene out the windows. Layers of clouds were swirling rapidly in all directions. It was if we were caught in a tornado... but that was impossible. 'Were we that high up?'

"HIKARI!" my brother screamed again.

I opened my eyes. I finally realized that it was Mimi that shielded my face. I looked at her and the others. They were unharmed by the glass. Now we were just hanging on to anything, the railings… seats, anything to keep us from being thrown out of the trolley. My attention focused on my brother. He was again making his way to me.

BANG!!

Another jolt of the trolley car knocked him back to the other end. He hit his head hard on the control deck. His body became limp. My brother must have been knocked unconscious!

"ONIISAN! NO!" I cried. I could see a nasty lump forming on his forehead. Amazingly his goggles protected him from more serious injuries. Some blood was now seeping down from the wound. Tears were streaming down my face. I wanted to get to him, but I was being held back. I then noticed arms clenched around me. It was Mimi! She was holding me for support to the passenger seat at the back of the trolley. I struggled to get out of her grip.

"MIMI! LET GO! I HAVE TO GET TO MY BROTHER!" I cried, trying to get out of her grasp. Another jolt rocked the car…

Mimi regained her grip around me. "NO, HIKARI! IT IS TOO DANGEROUS! YOU MIGHT GET BLOWN OUT! JUST HOLD ON TIGHT!"

"BUT-" I was about to protest when I heard Mimi whisper in my ear…

"Do not fear, Hikari. You brother will be all right. Sora is with him."

It was amazing I heard Mimi's whisper despite the screams, the howling winds, and the loud banging noises. I looked back at where my brother lay. Mimi was right. Sora managed to grab my brother and held him tightly for support on the passenger handrails. Despite the shaking trolley, Sora tended to my brother's wound using gauze from her first aid pack. I saw Taichi's eyes slowly open. He was all right! But still I felt I should be with him. I wanted to be with him before we…

"I don't want to die…"

"Shhh… Do not worry, Hikari. You are not going to die. Do not think that. Everything will be fine. I promise…"

I somehow felt comfort in her words. I heard a voice say, "This is all my fault…" I was not sure who said that. Was it I?

I felt myself moving a bit. 'Was Mimi releasing me?' No, her grip was tightly around me. I finally realized that Mimi was trying to get herself and I closer to Taichi and Sora. She held me to support both of us against the winds and shaking of the trolley. She was slowly inching herself and I with the railings that would lead to the front end. She understood my wishes to be with my brother. I learned too she has a little brother… back in the real world. I always felt Mimi to be like an older sister to me, as much as Sora has always been.

'Thank you, Mimi.'

"…AGUMON WAAPU-SHINKA…"

I could hear our Digimon digivolving. They were still with us! They were trying to save us from our plummet to the earth. The revving whistle sounds from our Digivices filled the trolley… 'Please, Angewomon… I need you.'

"…GABUMON WAAPU-SHINKA…"

"…PARUMON SHINKA…"

"…BAADORAMON CHOU-SHINKA…"

'Help us…'

"…TENTOMON SHINKA…"

"…IKKAKUMON CHOU-SHINKA…"

"…PATAMON SHINKA…"

'We need you…'

Time seemed to go still as I felt the familiar power building in my heart. It was from my crest I carried within me. The Crest of Light! I felt so alive at first. Then I started to feel it drawing strength from me. I started to feel weak… No… I felt at peace. I managed to hear the voice of Gatomon… before the darkness overcame me…

"…GATOMON…"

'Goodbye… Gatomon… my friends… Mother… Father… goodbye Taichi… my brother…'

"…CHOU-SHINKA…"

'…oniisan…'

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~~~

Unknown place
Unknown time…

"ONIISAN!"

I bolted upright. I tried to catch my breath. My head started to hurt. 'Oh… Was that a dream? Did that incident in the trolley car happen?' A sudden dread came over me. 'Was the Digital World all a dream? Was I sick again to have had such a wild nightmare?' I took another breath. I was alive sure enough… I am sure I am awake now… I felt a sense of relief… or was it sorrow. 'The Digital world…'

'Was it all a dream?'

I finally realized I was in a bed unlike my own. I had no idea how I got here. I looked around. The room I was in reminded me of Sora's home. It had traditional Japanese room designs. Shoji doors and everything! But this room was not anything I had been in at Sora's house before. It was more elaborately decorated. The room was larger than Sora's entire house. On top of that, the bed I was in was a more modern twin-sized bed. It had a plain pillow with white sheets and coverings. The dark blue comforter was designed with strange symbols in black that were a bit familiar. I manage to have a glimpse of the outside through a window at the far end of the room. It looked like it was dawn. Only the light from the window illuminated the room. I could see some hedges outside of the window. It looked like a clear da-

'Huh? Fishes?'

I couldn't believe it! I just saw a school of fish swimming outside the window! 'Was that a window or an aquarium? What kind of place is this?' I looked closely at my surroundings. 'Could it be?' The room looked… normal. 'No, wait!' There was a strange lightly speckled look to it. The same speckled look that was similar with everything related to the Digital World. 'Was that it? I was still in the Digital World?' I felt a bit relieved again. 'At least I was safe.' Then it dawned on me. 'What about home? My family? What about my friends? What about my brother?'

These questions were swimming in my head. I couldn't stand it! I laid back in exhaustion and frustration. I covered my face with my hands. I ignored the unfamiliar touch of my hands… All I could think about was that something was definitely wrong. 'We did not make it home!' I felt angry. I bolted out of bed and realized something. I felt naked as stood there. I used my hands to feel where my clothes should be… also my private area… nothing…

'I AM NAKED!' Without looking at myself of what I was not wearing, all I could think of was… 'Okay now where IS my clothes?'

I scanned the room for anything that resembled my clothes. I found nothing. I sighed in defeat. An unsettling feeling came over me. 'Okay, who undressed me? What kind of sicko undressed me and stole my clothes?' All I could think of was my brother. 'I wouldn't mind that much, but it better not be him! Ugh!' I finally calmed down a bit. 'It was probably Sora… or Mimi.'

My thoughts turned back to my brother and my friends. 'Were they all right? I hope so.' I have to find out where am I as well. I had to find my brother and my friends. Hopefully our Digimon too. But first things first… I need some clothes! I can't be wandering anywhere wrapped in a bed sheet!

I noticed that there was a large dresser-like structure at the opposite end of the room. It was a humble cherry-laminate wood structure. It was elaborately decorated with hints of flowers and sorts. A large full-sized mirror was to the left of it. I decided that my clothes or anything that I could cover myself would be in the dresser. As I started to walk toward the dresser, I realized something else that was strange. 'Eh? Why is the ceiling so low?' I came to the dresser. Things did not feel right. Everything looked small. I looked down at my feet. The sage colored rugged floor seemed to be far away from me… 'Huh? Why is my feet so… big?'

Something was definitely strange here. I looked at my feet again. It couldn't be just my feet. I looked at my hands. They were huge! I dread to peer at anything else different about me. For some strange curiosity, I decided to look at my left into the mirror. I looked at the reflection of my body and-

"ACK! WHAT HAPPENED TO ME?" I shrieked.

What I saw in the mirror was nothing I had ever expected or even dreamed of. I was taller! There were bumps on my body I have never had or… seen before! Well, not on me exactly! My shoulders were broader! My hips were… wider! I looked a little more toward my center… Hair… hair… 'Why is there hair down there?' I looked away in shock and disgust. Mustering some courage, I slowly I peered back at my reflection. I just concentrated on my face. My face was… older looking! Still it was me… The hair on my head was still short. 'Strange.'

It finally dawned on me… I was all grown up! I was an adult! I had boobs! 'How old am I? How did this happen?' As strange as it was, I looked a little familiar. Just a little. Like someone I knew. 'I look like… I kind of look like…'

"OH NO! I LOOK LIKE MOM!" I yelled.

I was surprised at the voice that escaped my throat. 'Ugh! Did I say that? Is that my voice?' I started to cough a bit. Even my voice sounded strange too…

TAP… TAP…

All of a sudden, a section of the wall next to me opened. No, it was actually a sliding door. I yelped in surprise as I made a dash to the bed. I grabbed the sheet and wrapped it around me. I stared in shock as the door opened wide. Two figures entered the room. Actually there were Digimon!

One looked like upright walking green frog with a strange brass horn curled around him. This frog Digimon had a strange dazed look in its red eyes, like it was high on something. He also had a tailor measuring tape hanging from around its neck. I looked down to the other Digimon was crawling next to the frog-like Digimon. It looked like a purple tadpole. It had a big pleasant smile on its round face. It looked safe enough. A small basket containing sewing threads, shears, and needles was placed on top of it like a saddle. I finally remembered exactly what type of Digimon they were. Possibly the virus type. 'A Gekomon and Otamamon.'

"Ah, you're awake, Miss Yagami," said the Gekomon in a slurred voice. Its voice sure sounded weird. It sounded like it was drunk. I guess its because the Gekomon do love to karaoke. I heard about their higher digivolved form, Shogun Gekomon, was a prime example of karaoke partying. Drinking and alcoholic beverages do mix in karaoke. Well, that was what I heard from my Mom. She can be quite the outgoing karaoke person herself.

"What? Gekomon? Otamamon?"

"We are at your service, Miss Yagami," they both said in unison as they bowed.

"What is going on here? Where am I?"

"You are an honored guest at Master Gennai's home, Miss Yagami," they both replied.

'Gennai! I should have known!' My brother mentioned that Gennai's house was under a lake! But that was not important right now. "My brother! My friends! Where are they? Are they all right?" I desperately asked them.

"Well, they are, Miss Yagami. Not to worry. All of you are safe and sound," they both replied.

I breathed in sigh of relief. At least I knew that my brother and my friends were fine. But I just had to see him. I had to make sure all of them were okay. I am sure not! As I breathed I noticed the way my chest moved. Actually the way my chest looked now as it moved! I wanted to demand an explanation from the Gekomon and Otamamon.

"Hey, you two! Could you explain what happened to me!"

"What do you mean, Mi-" the Gekomon started.

"I'M BIG!" I exclaimed. I was not aware that I was motioning to my new… chest… as an example.

"That you are, -Mis-" the Otamamon explained.

I face faulted from its response. On top of that, its voice sounded so innocent like a child, unlike the drunk-sounding slurring Gekomon. I tried again. "I MEAN, I WAS NOT LIKE THIS BEFORE!"

"Oh, that! Ummmm…" the Otamamon was trying to explain.

"Um, it would be best if Master Gennai told you about your… predicament himself, Miss Yagami," the Gekomon finished for him.

"Oh great!" I sighed in defeat. Then I asked, "Are the others like me?"

The Gekomon spoke up again. "It would be best if Master Gennai told you-"

I was getting irritated. "Okay! Okay! Where is Gennai?"

The Otamamon spoke. "He is in the main assembly building with some of the others. The rest are getting ready to join them. It is just you that is left."

"They thought it wise to let you rest," the Gekomon added.

"Enough with the rest! I want to see them!" I almost wanted to strangle that drunken frog.

"As you wish, Miss Yagami," they both said.

I sighed and calmed down. "Okay… Do I have any clothes? Or do I prance around naked?"

"Clothes? Of course, Miss Yagami," the Otamamon said.

"Right away, Miss Yagami." The Gekomon went out the door for a brief moment. In a flash it was back with a large stack of what I would consider clothing. "Here are your new clothes, Miss Yagami," the Gekomon said. It handed me one stack, while it put the rest in the dresser. I had a bad feeling I was going to be staying a bit longer in the Digital World. I looked at the stack the Gekomon gave me. From what I could briefly see from the stack, it did have underwear, a yellow shirt, and some pants.

"And your footwear are outside your bedroom door. There are three pairs of slippers, four pairs of matching dress boots, and four pairs of matching high heavy duty boots at your convenience," the Otamamon added with a smile.

"However, Master Gennai refers you take your shoes off when entering any of the other chambers," the Gekomon said.

'Like everyone else in Japan.' I was surprised by the two Digimon's generosity in providing me with clothing. Especially with Gennai too. I could only show my gratitude. "Um, thanks. Thank you very much," I said with respect as I bowed to both of them.

"You are welcome, Miss Yagami," they both said. "We are at your service." They both bowed to me.

'Miss Yagami… Miss Yagami…' It was unnecessary for them to address me like that. I mean I did not want to be treated any different to anyone. That was one reason. In respect, they were all just being helpful. Still they shouldn't be so formal. It felt strange to be addressed like that. I used to respect my elders before, but now roles were reversed in a way. Still, these Digimon shouldn't do this. Another good reason was because it was getting very, very irritating! "Excuse me, but you CAN call me Hikari."

They bowed lower. They were practically on the floor, even so for the Otamamon. "As you wish, Queen Yagami Hikari, Child of Light."

I don't believe it! "UGH! Forget it! Just don't say Queen or that other stuff!" I said trying not to yell.

"As you wish, Miss Yagami." They were still bowing.

'Ick!' I just gave up on that. I just wanted to get dressed and be with my brother and friends. I walked to the mirror and set my clothes on the dresser. I was about to put on my underwear… er… panties when I still noticed the Gekomon and the Otamamon were still there. They just stood there staring at me with this blank expression now. They stared at me like they were staring at a blank wall. I started to get very annoyed. "You guys mind?"

"I beg your pardon, Miss Yagami?" the Gekomon asked.

'Are they that clueless?' I tried once more and gave them a hint. "Um, I rather dress in private."

"Oh, as you wish, Miss Yagami," they bowed again and started for the exit.

I couldn't help it but it felt strange. I never had anyone see me naked or dress before. Well, only my Mom. Sometimes my stupid brother of mine would bug me with a peak. He did say it was an accident of course. 'From the way these Digimon were just staring at me, they did so without any shame or anything…' I finally had an idea of who undressed me. Still I just had to make sure… "Wait!"

The Gekomon and Otamamon returned to the room quickly. "Yes, Miss Yagami," they asked.

"Did either of you undress me?"

The Gekomon spoke. "No. When Master Gennai told us to take you to his home, you had no clothes on."

"Your previous clothing were all tattered, ripped, and in a shredded unsalvageable condition to be precise," the Otamamon added.

"Possibly from your… current predicament, Miss Yagami," the Gekomon said.

"All of the fellow Gekomon and Otamamon helped get you all safely in Master Gennai's home. Amazingly you had no injuries. So we just bathed you-"

"BATHED!?"

"Yes."

"…"

"Is there anything wrong?" the Otamamon asked.

"Did we do a good job, Miss Yagami?" asked the Gekomon.

"…"

"If you wish. We can arrange another bath. We do specialized in special medicinal bathing techniques. It was always quite popular with the younger Princess Tachikawa Mimi. And now Warrior Sora-" the Otamamon.

I finally snapped out of my reverie. 'Thank goodness, I was unconscious the whole time. I would have slapped all of them silly if they ever touch me!' Well, I guess I had no choice. They did help save all of us. All they did was do the right thing. I smiled. To tell the truth, they did do a good job. I smelled like roses… "No, no. Nothing is wrong. Thank you," I finally said.

"We designed all of your new wardrobe for all of you," the Otamamon said.

"We tailored and fashioned some of the garments matching your previous clothing," the Gekomon said.

"Also, we designed the other garments, the long coat for example, to match Gennai's specifications," the Otamamon added.

I looked at the pile of clothing on the dresser. I noticed a large folded white piece of clothing. I removed it from the pile and unfolded it. It was like a trench coat! It was actually ivory in color and had a gold decorative buttons in the front and at the cuffs. There was a mock belt in the back. The ivory fabric was very soft and light in weight. Still it looked very durable. Judging from the length of it, it would reach down just past… my knees. I could help but ask, "Why a coat?"

The Otamamon spoke. "Master Gennai said it was necessary."

"Only Gennai knows his reasons," the Gekomon added.

Gennai again. I was sure I was not going to get much information from these two. I guess I had talk with Gennai. A lot of questions need to be answered. "Okay…"

"I do hope you find them to your liking…" they both said.

I smiled to them. They did a good job in being hospitable, and all I ended up was being rude to them. Finally I replied, "Yes, I do. Thank you. Thank you very much."

I think I felt relieved that I was not actually undressed. Not like it mattered anymore. The Gekomon and Otamamon seemed not at all ashamed of being close and personal with a naked human being. They did not wear clothing either! Neither were they considered male or female. Their voices sure don't help. Also, they had no… private body that I could see. They have no visible means to do a Number 1. Well, Number 2, definitely! I still think of the mess Koromon makes… Compared to humans, Digimon were not an… ana… atom… an…atomic… no… Anne um… an at comically… er yeah… I think that was the word. 'Ana-comically correct.'

Well, from what I have learned from the Primary Village, Digimon do not procreate the same way as we humans do. Most Digimon we have encountered usually have neither masculine nor feminine traits. Of course not counting our Digimon! Palmon, Piyomon, and Gatomon sure seem like girls to me! I wondered if the Gekomon and Otamamon were the same ones that helped Mimi to be a princess? Probably they were the first to realize what clothing was. Unless, that Gennai character helped them understand. Whatever Gennai was… human, Digimon, or something else…

"You are so welcomed, Miss Yagami," they both said.

"Is there anything else?" the Gekomon asked.

I awoke from my thoughts… "No."

"Very well. We leave you now. Just call for us for any assistance. We will be outside, Miss Yagami." The Gekomon said as it and the Otamamon made their exit… The door slid closed and I was left alone to dress with the clothes the two Digimon tailored for me.

Okay the panties were simple. It looked like pink satin and was embroidered with flower designs. I think they were called high-cut briefs or something… or was called it thongs? After I put them on, I was amazed by its comfort. I liked it. It was the first time I wore such a thing! This thing was definitely not my usual girl underwear! I couldn't believe that I am wearing grown up stuff!

I turned back to the pile of clothing to put on the next garment. I thought it was an extra pair of panties. It had the same color, material, and designs, yet it was different looking. I still did not know what it was, so I picked it up. 'What IS this? I've seen these things before.' I looked a little closer at it and got the shock of my life!

"UGH! WHAT!? A BRA!?"

The door slid opened again and the two Digimon tailors came rushing in to face me. This time I was not surprised or ashamed as before. Needless to say I was still shocked at this alien thing I was holding in my hand.

"Is there something wrong, Miss Yagami?" the Gekomon asked.

"THIS IS A BRA! I DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT PUTTING THIS ON OR MUCH LESS IF THEY ARE REALLY NECESSARY!" I exploded.

"Oh, not to worry, Miss Yagami," the Otamamon tried to calm me down. I could have sworn it sweat dropped.

"We know full knowledge of human clothing," the Gekomon exclaimed. He too looked like it was sweat dropping. It was giving me this nervous look while it tried to calm me as well. Its expression was strange, especially its eyes. Its eyes appeared to be shut. Yet I could clearly see the large whites of its eyes. 'It shut its corneas?'

"We will help you put it on," the Otamamon added.

'Oh great…' I sighed in disgust. 'Could this be any worse?' I thought to myself.

"We also have these pad things," the Gekomon said.

"What pad things," I snapped. I did not feel like talking anymore at the moment. Still, the Otamamon handed me a small and soft object. I looked at it in question. 'It did look like a pad, but a pad for what?'

The Gekomon explained, "Well, it is something Princess Mimi and Warrior Sora felt you might need as they might need it too. It was Warrior Sora's recommendation."

'Warrior Sora? What was up with these titles the Gekomon and Otamamon are using? I thought the Numemons were worse! Queen Hikari! Ugh!' I thought in disgust. Still my curiosity of these pads was bugging me. So I asked, "Need? What do I need a pad for? What are these pad things?" Somehow I had this sinking feeling to what these pads were. I think my Mother has some that look like these stacked away…

"Yes, these pads… They are fluid absorbers. They go with… or someplace in the area around your panties and where your other… opening… is."

I wished I did not hear the rest of it…

~~~

10 minutes later…

"Wow! What an outfit!" I exclaimed as I peered at my reflection.

After many senseless minutes involving my bra and those stupid pads, I finally got dressed. It was amazing. I wore a long-sleeved light yellow wrap shirt made from silk. I also had a pair of pink low slung pants, wool blend I think, that flared at the legs. A simple leather-like black belt with an etched shield buckle was around the waist. Long maroon colored gloves adorned my hands and forearms. I also had a pair of long pink cushioned socks. The Gekomon and Otamamon gave me a little red hairpin to keep my new hairstyle in place. The Digimon tailors even fashioned me with a light pink ascot that was like the one I wore before!

The ivory trench coat I was reluctant to wear. I have never worn such a thing. Not like I had anything to do with fashion. I put it on any ways. It was really comfortable and it surely matched the rest of my clothing. For the first time I noticed something pinned on the inside of the coat. I took it out… it was my Digivice! 'Strange, I did not notice it before. I did not know I was missing it.' I was not sure if I still needed this device. 'Well, it is mine. Both Gatomon and I are connected with it… I hope she is all right. Well, I will be seeing her again shortly.' I clipped the Digivice to my belt buckle on my right and forgot about it.

I checked myself in the mirror again. The Gekomon and the Otamamon truly got my measurements right. It was not tight nor loose. It felt comfortable when I moved around in it. Even my panties and bra were comfortable! To top it all off, this was the first bra I have ever worn! The bra still boggled me. 'Are these bra things really necessary?' All in all, this outfit fitted perfectly! The Gekomon and Otamamon were really fine tailors and-

'Wait a minute! The only way they could get accurate measurements was to… That would mean they measured my…' I covered my face in disgust as I felt myself turning red.

~~~

5 minutes later…

I picked the pair of rubber slippers on put them on. The boots looked a little uncomfortable at the moment. The Gekomon and Otamamon led me to the direction to where the others were assembling. Gennai's home was sure beautiful. Nice adjoining structures. There were several vegetable and plant gardens, wells, and also rock gardens. Everything was nicely kept clean and tidy. It was unlike anything I have seen for a long time since I live in a modern Japanese city. A remnant of old Japan. I wondered why Gennai had a home looking like this. 'Did he come from our world? Or was it something else? Maybe he admires the cultures from our world. Something that did not remind him of technology.'

The force field kept the surrounding lake water from rushing in and flooding the place. His home was hidden to the rest of the Digital World. But he welcomes anyone to visit, unless you happened to be an evil Digimon. It was amazing as the sunlight surrounds this place as if it was never underwater. I could only imagine how deep we actually were from what my brother told me about Gennai's home. I saw a few fish swim by in the distance. The scenery was sure breath taking! I wished I had a camera with me.

I finally neared a large structure. It looked like an assembly house. The Gekomon and Otamamon left me to proceed inside. They had other things to take care of. I thanked them and bid them farewell. As they left, I turned back and walked closer to the large sliding doors of the structure. All of a sudden, I heard a faint… whistling sound. It was familiar. It sounded like the same revving whistling sounds I hear when our Digimon digivolve. I looked at my Digivice. It was not active. It was strange…

'Wait minute! That whistling sound sounded like it was coming from… my head?' That was what it felt like! It was happening inside my mind. It started to get irritating as it got louder! I clenched my head tightly. My head started to hurt! 'Stop it-'

"…"

That strange whistling in my head suddenly stopped… I blinked in surprise. 'Huh, it stopped! What was that?' I shook my head. I figured it was a little trauma from our adventures. It should be nothing to worry about. It was probably just stress.

I looked at the side of the closed sliding door entrance. There were several pairs of slippers, boots, and shoes placed neatly there. I counted seven pairs of footwear. 'They are in there all right.' I took my slippers off and neatly placed them among the other pairs. I opened the large sliding door and entered…

~~~

Assembly room…

"About time you woke up, sis. Usually I am the last one up," I heard a low yet familiar voice say.

I quickly scanned the room I had just entered. I stared in amazement. There were seven other people present in the room. There were five adult males and two adult females. Even though these people appeared so different to me, I knew who they were. They were my friends! 'Wow! Sora, Mimi, Koushiro, Jyou, Yamato, and… Takeru? Wow! He looks so… different! All of them are! But I know it is them! Whatever happened to me did so with them.'

I finally found the one who had spoke… I couldn't believe it was my brother! There was no mistaking him with that mess of hair he still has! And he still has his goggles too! He still looked the same at his current age. He was taller and muscular. I had to admit he looked very handsome. Taichi too had a wildly fashioned outfit. No doubt done by his run in with the Gekomon and Otamamon. He was dressed in an orange satin long sleeved dress shirt that was tucked in his pair of tan trousers with double pleats. A blue vest, matching the color of his old favorite shirt, with one ornate button was worn over it. A black leather-like belt with a gold buckle was around his waist. He also wore gray socks.

My brother was also wearing a trench coat that was the same kind as mine, however it was black. It wouldn't be my brother without his trademark goggles wrapped around his forehead. His goggles seemed to have a new head strap and wider bridge to accommodate his larger head. However, he had his goggles hang loosely from his neck. I guess wearing his goggles around his head would make his outfit look ridiculous.

"ONIISAN!" I cried as I rushed to him.

"Hi, sis." We both hugged each other. "I'm glad you're okay!"

"Me too," I almost felt like crying in his arms, but I knew I shouldn't be sad now that everything was okay.

"Hey, Hikari!" It was Mimi. She still had that voice of hers. Still, she looked really mature, but she was just as pretty as before. Her brown hair was longer and styled very differently with braids. Her outfit was totally different. Unlike the Mimi I knew. Her once usual dark pink dress was gone. It now resembled her trench coat that she wore. Her dark pink coat looked like an Australian duster with matching storm cape. It was very long and elegant looking. 'Well, if Mimi's wearing a coat, it must be fashionably safe.'

Under her duster she wore a tucked in a white poplin shirt. 'Ha! Bra too!' She also wore a pair of white pleated pants with cuffed hems that looked great on her nicely shaped legs. Her usual khaki purse was slung around her shoulder and waist. She had pink socks on her feet. Mimi had no gloves at the moment. I am not sure if she has something that resembled her trademark pink cowgirl hat with her clothes. "Looking good!" she said in her recognizable perky voice as she hugged me. I noticed that she too had blossomed in the places as I have. I was an inch shorter than she was. "I am glad you are okay."

"Same here, Mimi," I said as I returned her embrace. I couldn't help but ask, "Got a new pink hat?"

She giggled. "No, I was thinking of something different. I was hoping the Gekomon and Otanamon would make me a matching white hat and white duster later on."

I couldn't help but giggle too. 'Same old Mimi.' I thought for a moment. 'Come to think of it… Maybe she could answer some bra questions later with me.'

"Hey, Hikari." It was Sora. My, she looked so well matured. She and I were the same height. I noticed her usual blue cap was missing. Even though her reddish hair was longer now, she still had that tomboyish look to her. She was even more muscular too despite her sudden change in breast size. She wore a bra too, of course! 'Just those pads I need to talk to her about…' I thought. 'Well, maybe later.'

Sora wore a yellow sleeveless Henley shirt. She really looked great with that pair of sleek fitting cotton denim jeans with easy low rise and tapered pant legs. Instead of her usual red butt-back, she had a red wallet like thing hung around her chest like a gun holster. Sora's white coat was folded over a chair behind her. White socks adorned her feet.

Still I had to smile. 'I still can't used to her without that blue cap of hers!'

I quickly forgot about the blue cap when Sora embraced me and gave me a kiss on the cheek. "I'm glad you could join us," she said.

"Me too, Sora," I replied giving her hug. As we released ourselves, I noticed Jyou standing beside her. I couldn't recognize him the first time because he did not have any glasses on. He doesn't need them I guess or the Gekomon and Otamamon couldn't get the prescription right. He looked really handsome without it. There was no mistake that it was Jyou because of his towering height and dark blue hair. I walked up to give him a hug too. He was sure taller now. He was the tallest person in the room!

"Hey, Hikari," he said in a very deep voice. He was dressed in a lavender satin dress shirt. An ivory three-button vest was worn over it. He also had a pair of gray double box pleated pants with a black leather-like belt with a silver buckle. He had on a long dark blue double-breasted trench coat with shoulder epaulets. It also had belts for the waist and sleeves. He had black socks.

I had to ask. "Jyou, your glasses…"

"It's okay, Hikari. I have perfect vision now! It's strange, but I like it!" he smiled brightly.

I heard a slight chuckle, and noticed Koushiro standing close by. "Hi, Hikari," he said in a lower but recognizable voice. Amazingly, Koushiro was just as tall as my brother was! His dark reddish hair was shorter. His clothing had a different feel to it. It was not his usual colors of green and orange. He was wearing a long black double-breasted jacket with a stylish priest collar. I was not sure what kind of shirt he was wearing underneath it because he had his jacket buttoned up. He wore a pair of olive green double box pleated pants with a cuffed hem. He was not wearing any socks. His outfit was very different for him… I noticed something was definitely missing… 'Oh my… HIS LAPTOP WAS MISSING!'

"Um, Izzy? Where's your laptop?"

"It was destroyed in the trolley accident."

'The accident with the trolley DID happen,' I thought with an unsettling feeling.

"Luckily, my back up disk of my entire laptop came out okay," he replied calmly as he pulled out a CD-R disk from his jacket pocket. "I have made several copies of this hidden away too. Just in case."

It was still shocking. His laptop was his most beloved possession. Still he did say that he has a back up disk of his entire system. It was amazing that he seemed so calm about it. "You're okay about losing your laptop, Izzy?"

"I was sad at first, but I can live with it. I gave it a proper burial in the garden near here."

I sweat dropped. All I could say was, "Right…"

"Hello, Hikari! Nice to see ya!" I turned to the origin of the voice. I came face to face a blonde young man. He was wearing a charcoal colored long-sleeved fleece shirt. He also wore a fleece khaki colored cargo pants. For a coat, he wore an olive green double-breasted suede trench coat with shoulder epaulets and belts. He had white socks. I first thought it was Yamato standing before me, however I was wrong. This was Takeru! The little boy that saved my life! I could tell it was definitely Takeru because his eyes were shaped differently than Yamato's.

All I could do was just stare. After a few moments, I finally spoke. "Great seeing you too, Takeru." I smiled. Still I noticed something else about Takeru… 'Hmmm… he does not have that green… um… hat… er… helmet… of his. I guess he just gave it up. I like to see his hair.' As Takeru returned my smile, I felt like I was in a trance. 'Wow! Takeru is sure handsome and tall too. He and I are the same height!' I felt myself turning red… He was blushing too. Time seemed to move slowly until…

"Ahem…" I heard another voice behind me which snapped me out of my trance. I turned to face none other than Yamato. He was very mature looking than before. His long spiky blond hair was longer now. He still had those piercing blue eyes. He had a mild build compared to my brother. Yamato was wearing a sleeveless green turtle neck and a pair of denim jeans. Dark brown gloves adorned his hands. He had a black woven leather belt around his waist. White socks were on his feet. His coat was like Takeru's but it was black with a gray collar. He was not wearing it. His coat hung folded over his right arm.

"Hello, Yamato," I finally said nervously.

"Yeah… yeah…" he muttered.

I stared at him in disbelief. 'That's Mr. Cool for you.' This guy always scared me sometimes. He was always acting cool. Spends most of time alone. Giving other people this icy glare. Yamato was definitely different from his younger brother. It was unbelievable that he was the Child of Friendship. I felt it wise to leave the presence of Yamato for the time being. I gave Takeru a smile and hurried back to my brother's side. I finally asked him, "Oniisan? What happened to us? Why are we all… grown up?"

He did not answer. He too looked like he had questions to ask and only one person could answer them…

"I can explain," a voice said.

A familiar figure entered the room from an opposite door. It was a short old man wearing strange black clothing with red stripes. Unlike the rest of us, he had his usual pair of red sneakers on. 'That figures…'

I greeted him. "Hello, Gennai."

"Greetings, Child of Light. I am so glad you could join us," Gennai replied.

"I'm sorry I'm late," I tried to apologize.

He held up his hand and said, "No need for apologies. We have better matters to discuss." He walked toward the center of the room. All of us gathered around Gennai. He cleared his throat for moment, then he spoke… "Let us try with your question. To begin let us just say that… all of you… died in the trolley car."

I stood there like a statue. I must have turned pale as well judging from the looks of the others. Gennai's words sunk in as it haunted every fiber within me. The room feel silent… for a while.

"DIED!?" we all cried at once.

Gennai held his hands up in defense. "Well, no. In a sense, maybe. You all did not actually die." A sense of relief came over the room. "You might have been deleted." he replied as if he was making some sort of joke of it. I was not sure if I should be relieved or not anymore.

"So we're not actually dead?" my brother asked in total confusion as the rest of us.

Gennai hesitated for a moment, as if he was still determining what had just happened. "Yes and no. I am not sure myself," he said with a shrug.

Everyone was silent. I am not sure what to make of what Gennai was trying to say anymore. I really started to feel a sense of dread.

Then Mimi spoke, "Where are our Digimon friends?"

Gennai turned to face her, his eyes appeared closed as usual. "Your guardians died with you."

Another sense of dread enveloped the room. Like the others, we were not expecting an answer like that. The subject of death was unsettling; especially when it involved someone you love. I heard a quiet voice speak. I was not sure who it was. "They're dead?"

"Oh nooo…" Sora whispered.

"Well, actually they were fused with you. So they are not actually dead," replied Gennai.

I could have sworn I heard him chuckle. 'What is up with Gennai? He is not sure of anything! He treats it like it was nothing! Does he think this is all sort of a joke?'

"Fused?" queried Koushiro.

"Yes. That is what I DO know for sure. You see…" He took a deep breath and continued. "In other to save you from your deadly fall to the earth, they digivolved to their higher forms to safely bring the trolley with all of you in it on the ground. It was not necessary for all of them to do so, but it was their nature to do what ever possible to save you."

He took another breath and continued on. "Unfortunately during the Great Reset, something happened during the natural course of digital evolution. Their evolving data merged with your bodies. I think it was because of your Crests that you now posses within your bodies as well as the unpredictable phenomenon with the Great Reset." Gennai was silent now.

"So that is why we are all older? It was an accidental fusion with our Digimon?" Koushiro asked to break the silence.

"Yes, Child of Knowledge."

Mimi stepped up and spoke. "But, Palmon… and the others. They fused with us but… are they still what they were? Are we able to see or communicate with them?"

"No. At this moment in time, you cannot see them again. Well, not in a physical sense. Right now they cannot be the way you remembered them."

"Oh…" Mimi sighed.

Gennai turned away from her. "I am sorry, Child of Purity. I truly am sorry."

Mimi started to cry.

"Poor Patamon…" Takeru fought the tears from falling, but it was no use. We all felt like crying for the loss of our friends.

"Never fret, children. They now live within you," Gennai spoke with a brighter tone.

"They are all right?" Mimi sniffed back her tears as a pleasant smile washed over her face.

"In a way. Their data is stored within your bodies. Preserved. They are pretty much alive." This brought a sense of cheeriness around the room. I felt so happy that Gatomon would be all right. She was a part of me now.

"Is there a way to free them?" Takeru asked.

"Yes, but you must return to your world to do so. Only then would the Digimon data be freed and reassembled to their original form."

"And we would be turned back to ourselves as well?" my brother asked.

"Yes, definitely. Alive and well. So will your Digimon."

"That is a relief," Yamato said.

Everyone was in better mood, until Gennai cleared his throat and got everyone's attention again. I was afraid he had more to say. "However, I am afraid that you must leave before the Great Reset changes everything else. Time has now slowed down because of the imbalance your fusion of your DNA with the Digimon data has caused. The Reset will take longer, but it will continue. Therefore you must leave. Once you return to your world, your Digimon data will be release from your bodies. They would again live as they once were. So will you."

"How do we get home now?"

"There is a way… It is the only way. I am afraid you will not like it."

"PLEASE TELL US!" Yamato demanded. I could sense he was just as anxious to get home and also save our Digimon as everyone else was. It was taking a toll on everyone.

"I do not know if I should."

"DAMN IT, OLD MAN! TELL US!" Yamato was looming over the old man for an answer. My brother tried to pull him back a bit.

"Hey, Yamato. Calm down, dude!" my brother pleaded.

Yamato calmed a bit and sighed, "I just want to go home. I want to know that Gabumon would be okay too."

"I know. We all do. Just be patient for once."

"Okay." Yamato smiled at my brother. Such a great bond of friendship they share.

My brother turned to Gennai and asked, "So how is it, Gennai? What's the plan?"

"It is another prophecy-"

Gennai was caught off by Yamato. The word prophecy seemed to tick off Yamato. He always did have a short fuse and a colorful vocabulary… "Oh -CK! Enough with the prophecies, old man! LOOK AT WHERE IT GOT US!" he screamed. The noise in my head started up again. My head started to hurt…

"Please, Yamato. I think we all can just listen to-" started Koushiro. I could see him rubbing his temples a bit.

Yamato glared at Koushiro. "BACK OFF, KOUSHIRO! YOU WERE NO BETTER IN FIGURING OUT WHY WE ARE STUCK HERE! YOUR CALCULATIONS OF THE LAST PROPHECY TO GET HOME DID NOT HELP!"

"Sorry…" Koushiro said as he backed off. Koushiro held his head tighter in pain.

"JUST SHUT UP, YAMATO!" yelled Sora. I was startled by Sora's outburst.

I saw Mimi. She looked like her head was in pain. I felt the same way too with all of this yelling… and this irritating noise in my head!

"Hey, don't tell my brother to shut up!" I was surprised that Takeru said this. I have never seen him yell before, never in anger.

"THEN YOU SHUT UP!" Sora yelled.

Mimi was wincing a bit but managed to put a hand on Sora's shoulder. "Sora, please…"

Sora just shoved Mimi's hand away. "Mimi, just stay back."

This seemed to amuse Yamato. "HA, I KNEW IT! YOU AND MIMI ARE-"

WHACK!

Yamato could not finish whatever he was trying to say about Sora and Mimi. Sora punched him hard on the jaw! He staggered back and fell to the ground. A trail of blood was oozing from his mouth. I covered my eyes at the scene. This was so unlike Sora. She hit a lot of people before, but none of them were her friends!

"SORA! HEY!" I heard my brother scream. "YOU TWO, CALM DOWN!" I opened my eyes as my brother rushed to Yamato's side with Takeru.

Now Sora seemed amused of all of this. "OH YEAH, AND WHAT ABOUT YOU AND TAICHI?" she spat at Yamato's slumped form. This got Yamato mad as he tried to regain his composure. As he stood, he wiped the blood away from his mouth.

Takeru and Taichi helped Yamato to his feet. Takeru gave Sora an icy glare that sent chills down my spine. "THAT'S IT! NOBODY MESSES WITH MY FAMILY!" Takeru confronted Sora with his fists drawn. Sora was prepared to retaliate. "I'M GONNA KICK YOUR ASS!" Takeru said with venom. Taichi tried to get in between them.

I couldn't stand any of this… the yelling… the fighting… the noise in my head…

"YAMETE!"

My brother, Sora, Yamato, and Takeru stopped their actions. Thankfully they did stop. The noises in my head also stopped. Suddenly I felt everyone's eyes fall upon me. It then occurred to me that it was I that screamed at them to stop in a very non lady-like manner! All I could do was let my feelings spill…

"Look, all of you. I know we have been through a lot. We faced many challenges together. The hardships… We practically faced life and death together. We all want to go home to our families, to our homes. We also want to see our Digimon again. We also want to be ourselves again…" I trailed off as I was still trying to comprehend our predicament with our newly fused bodies.

I took a deep breath and continued. "We still have to work together to do so. I know I am practically new to this group, but I know we can accomplish anything when we are together. We cannot afford to be against one another. Not at a time like this! We have to be supportive of one another. We can only do so with trust… friendship… love… We should not fight anymore!" I knew I sounded so corny, but I had to say something. I became silent and just prepared myself for whatever reaction from the others. There was an uncomfortable silence that seem to go on forever...

"Hikari's right you know," I heard Jyou say. I was surprised Jyou spoke up. He has been strangely quiet the whole time. "We are all tired. We miss our families and our Digimon. We faced many challenges. We faced them as a group and many times by ourselves. But it is our bond we share that we succeed in our challenges! This is no different! We always prevailed when we work together! We cannot afford to just throw everything that we desperately fought so hard to build and live for!" He shakes his head a bit and smiled. "I know it all sounds corny coming from me, but I always believed so."

Sora shook her head. "Yeah… You are both right." She turned to Yamato and Takeru. "Yamato and Takeru… I am so sorry." Tears started to form in her eyes. "Please, forgive me…"

Takeru just hugged her. "I'm sorry too, Sora."

Yamato just stayed his cool way and mumbled, "Yeah… I'm sorry, Sora… Takeru… Gennai… Everyone… I am sorry I exploded like that. I was wrong."

Yamato and Sora shook hands. After a few seconds, they hugged each other. Everyone expressed his or her understanding. Gennai said nothing.

Sora looked at Yamato and said, "Here, let me take a look at your jaw."

Yamato held up his hand. "No no. It's okay. I think I feel better now."

"You sure? I think I heard a snap." She checked closer. Sure enough, there was no damage at all. "Hmmm… Well I'll be... I guess I don't know my own strength. I should work out more. Next time, I won't go so easy on you. I'm sure to break something then."

I could see Mimi roll her eyes. Yamato sweat dropped. Takeru laughed, getting glares from his brother. Yamato checked his jaw again. "Yeah. Amazingly the pain's gone now. No problem, Sora." He finished checking his jaw and just stayed quiet and cool.

"Whatever you say, Yamato," Sora said with a smile. She walked back to Mimi where she embraced her in forgiveness. Everything was beginning look peaceful again. I gave Jyou a smile and silently thanked him. I felt Taichi hand clenching my shoulder. I turned to face him. We did not have to exchange any words. I just hugged him.

After we released ourselves, I looked back at Gennai. He did not look at all amused the whole time. We forgot that we were guests in his house. The old man sighed. "Right… As I was about to say… For all of you to be saved… only one will be left to do it."

"What do you mean, Gennai?" asked my brother.

After a few moments, Gennai spoke in a way that sent chills in the room… A voice that sounded so lifeless… like Apocalymon…

"Transcending history of both worlds… a tale of souls and swords… eternally told…"

"In the end, there can be only one."

His unusual voice seemed to echo throughout the room… 'Gennai?' Strange thoughts came over me… I could not understand what it was… Things I never knew before became so clear… yet not so clear… I saw around me that my friends were feeling it too. I unconsciously gripped my Digivice tighter. I kept on thinking of Gatomon… and of home…

All of a sudden, there was flash. My Digivice started to shine brightly and vibrated with power. The familiar loud revving whistle sound of the Digivice filled the air. The gage lights erupted with light and power. I could actually see the ones and zeros coming out of it. I held my glowing Digivice closer to my face. I stared in amazement, as my Digivice seemed to change shape. The bright glowing mass became something that was long in shape, but I could not make it out what it was. I started to feel it becoming heavy. The glowing object was becoming too bright. In surprise and fear, I released the radiant shape-changing Digivice from my hand. I watched it fall to the floor…

CLANG!

As the glowing mass finally hit the floor, I heard a loud clanging noise as if I just dropped a long heavy piece of metal. The glowing stopped and I looked down. I was expecting to see my Digivice on the floor. Unfortunately, what I saw there shocked me.

"I am afraid, the Child of Light has found part of that answer herself," Gennai said sadly in his usual voice. I felt all eyes fall upon me.

I stared at the object at my feet. It was a sword! Without a second thought, I picked up the alien object. It looked heavy, but it was practically weightless in my grasp. It was a samurai sword, a katana! The sword was beautiful but ultimately deadly. The sharp mirrored polished blade looked like it had strength stronger steel and it was full tang. 'Full tang? When did I start knowing about swords?' Strangely I did know. The blade had a confused temper line, or midare-ba, with beautiful surface engravings from hilt to tip. The engravings were of flowers, vines, feathers, and what appeared to be an etching of my Crest of Light!

I examined the sword's guard and handle closely. It had a beautifully crafted golden steel tsuba or sword guard. 'How do I know these things?' The tsuba design looked like the wings of an angel. There was a golden tail-like coil around the tang that served it as a handle. The tail began at the hilt and coiled down to the end. It looked like a tail of a cat or some animal. At the end of the tail there was a large gold ring etched with the glyphs of the Digital World…

'Why is this sword so familiar in some way? Still… It reminds me of…'

Realization came to me as to why this sword was so familiar. A soft jingling sound caught me ears. To my shock, there was something attached to the gold ring that just appeared out of nowhere. It was a small silver whistle on a simple string! It was the same whistle I gave to…

"Gatomon?"

To be continued…