Digimon Fan Fiction ❯ Koushirou's Search! ❯ Mimi's Discovery! ( Chapter 10 )

Hi again everyone. Like the last chapter, I don't anticipate this one having many changes or notes for it. I'll probably change a bit of dialogue to be clearer or something, but, like I said, I couldn't see my having to change much as far as characters and such. Anyway, for this chapter, Mimi makes a discovery, like the title of this chapter insinuates, so, enjoy.

 

Now, as always, I do not own anything dealing with the Digimon series or franchise. Bandai and Toei have that honor, and as a reminder, here are the ages of the characters once again:

 

Jou: 16-17 (Year 10-11; First/second year of High School)

Taichi/Sora/Yamato: 15-16 (Year 09-10; Last year of Junior High School/First year of high school)

Koushirou/Mimi: 14-15 (Year 08-09; Second/Last year of Junior High School)

Miyako: 13-14 (Year 07-08; First/second year of Junior High School)

Takeru/Hikari/Daisuke/Ken: 12 (Year 06; Final year of Elementary/First year of Junior High School)

Iori: 10-11 (Year 04-05)

 

Chapter 10: Mimi's Discovery!

 

The walk lasted a long while, and Mimi continued her hidden pursuit of the boy who was definitely headed in the direction of the grand department store. She constantly glanced down at her watch. She saw that it was now nearly 13:00 (1:00), almost time for Sora's party. Koushirou only had one more block to go, but, he stopped abruptly at a big, plain looking building compared to the modern ones around it. Koushirou stared up at it. To Mimi, it almost looked as if he were debating with himself. In the front of the building, there was an area filled with young children playing.

 

The girl took a big gulp of her drink. `Why did he stop here? He's almost to the mall.' She tried to get a little closer, but not by much.

 

“I found it!”

 

`What did he find?' She looked up at the sign on the building. `Nerima Adoption Agency and Orphanage, Hikarigaoka branch. Why would he want to go in there?'

 

“Wow, all of the answers I have been searching for are right here in this building,” Mimi overheard Koushirou say. She was surprised that he was speaking his mind out in the open for all to hear. Mimi noticed the boy got a few looks from those passing by him, wondering why he was talking to himself aloud. “I can finally get those answers that have been on my mind for years, but what about Mimi-san? I really should continue on since I'm so close.” The boy shook his head. “No, I really need to know this! I'm going to go in. Mimi-san will have to wait. If I can't find her after this, I can always send her a message through her mobile.” His mind set, he made his way up the walkway and entered the building with the tinted glass doors. `I'm sorry, Mimi-san, but this is more important than your shopping.'

 

`He went in? I wonder why? Maybe he does volunteer work.' Her curiosity taking over, she decided to follow him in, but made sure to keep her distance.

 

“I wonder where I'm supposed to go,” Koushirou muttered aloud.

 

The boy seemed to be in the lobby of the building, if one could call it that. There were lots of potted plants around as well as religious objects around on pedestals and religion-themed paintings on the walls, like angels, but there were children inside as well, who looked to be playing or socializing. To Koushirou, this definitely had more of an orphanage feel to it than that of an adoption agency, but just figured that it had become more of one over the years. He didn't recall reading anything about the place being an orphanage. A little ways behind, after tossing her plastic bottle into a trash bin after entering, Mimi was still snooping, highly interested in finding out what business Koushirou had with this place.

 

One of the children was sitting near one of the potted plants in the carpeted area, but once the child saw Koushirou walk by her, she rushed up to him to greet him. Something about the redhead drew her to him. The child had long brown hair, tied up into two neat pigtails, big clear bright brown eyes, and a warm smile. She looked to be no more than three or four years old.

 

“Hello.”

 

“Um, hello.”

 

“Are you going to be my new brother?” she asked innocently.

 

Koushirou was taken aback over the forwardness of the question. All he could manage to get out was, “Um…excuse me?”

 

“Are you going to be my new big brother?”

 

“Your new brother?”

 

She nodded anxiously. “Can you be my new brother? You seem like you're really nice.” The girl lowered her head, and her warm smile slightly faded. “I don't have my real big brother anymore,” she explained while a frown made its way to her face. “The orphan people here told me that he is never going to come back and neither is my mommy and my daddy and that I am going to get a new mommy and daddy and maybe even a new big brother, but to never forget my real mommy, daddy, and big brother.”

 

Mimi noticed that Koushirou was starting to look uncomfortable. “I'm sorry, I can not be your brother, I'm afraid…” The girl looked as if she were about to cry. Slightly panicked, Koushirou added on quickly, while getting down on her level, “…b-but I can be your friend.” He put on a smile. “My name is Izumi Koushirou.”

 

The girl smiled again, and then out of no where, hugged Koushirou. He didn't really know how to react to the girl's sudden show of affection. He really wasn't the affectionate type. He just hugged the girl back awkwardly.

 

`He's warm, just like oniichan,' the girl thought contently, not really wanting to let go.

 

Mimi, who had been hiding behind one of the potted plants, ducked her head out to get more of a better view. She couldn't help but smile. The sight of Koushirou with the young child was touching, and his expression when the girl jumped into his arms was just plain entertaining. She couldn't wait to get back home to share this information with Miyako and Sora. She was almost tempted to take out her phone and get a picture of it.

 

After the embrace, Koushirou looked to visibly relax, and stood back up. “My name is Shimizu Kimiko and I am four years old. Are you going to take me home with you? It would be nice to have a big brother and a mommy and a daddy again.”

 

“I-I would,” Koushirou began sympathetically, “but I can't.”

 

“Oh.”

 

Once again, Kimiko looked like she was about to cry, which caused him to, once again, panic. “No, wait! Please don't get sad. I, um, promise that I will visit you every Sunday from now on until you finally manage to find a home. I can act as your big brother until you get a real one again.”

 

“I would like that. I would have a big brother again. I loved my big brother. He used to play with me and spend time with me whenever mommy and daddy was away or whenever mommy and daddy were busy with their cooking work for the people of the whole town! One day, when my friend, Mitsuo-chan, and I were being walked home by his mommy, Yoko-bachan, and got to my house, our entire home was gone. The place where mommy and daddy worked to cook for people and our home that was over it.” She sniffled. “Keichi-oniichan was there too.”

****

`That poor girl. Her family must've run a restaurant or something like that and a fire must've broken out somehow.'

****

Before Koushirou could comment on the sad tale Kimiko had just told, another small child ran up to the girl. He looked to be about six or seven years in age. “Kimiko-chan, we were thinking about playing either hide-and-seek or *darumasan ga koronda. We could use another player.”

 

“Oh, I like both games! I'd love to play, Motoki-chan!' The girl turned her attention towards Koushirou. “Do you want to play too, oniichan?”

 

“No thank you. You should go on and play with your friend.”

 

“Okay, oniichan! Bye bye!” With that, the girl ran off with the dark-haired boy.

****

`That was really sweet and kind of Koushirou to promise that girl that he'd come back here every week. I'm sure that really made her day. Being all alone like that, a friend would be the most helpful to have.'

****

“Who was that guy?” Motoki asked as the two headed outside to the play area.

 

“He's my new big brother!”

 

“Are you leaving?”

 

“No, he's only going to be my pretend big brother until I can get a real one again.”

 

“That's really nice. I hope I can get a new family someday too.”

 

While the two were running by, Kimiko noticed Mimi standing behind the potted plant. “I wonder what that girl is doing there.”

 

“Who knows,” shrugged Motoki, “but let's hurry. Everyone else is waiting.”

 

“Okay!”

****

Koushirou finally made his way to the front desk of the large area. There were three people sitting there: two women and one man. The oldest-looking one of the group looked to be the least busy, so Koushirou went to her.

 

“Good afternoon,” the woman greeted cheerfully. “I am Karen Mitsuishi. How may I help you?”

 

“H-hello there, Mitsuishi-san.”

 

She gave the boy a look. “You look a bit young to be adopting or fostering a child.”

****

`I'll say…'

****

“No, no, it's nothing like that,” the boy assured her. “I just need a bit of information,” he replied slowly.

 

“Information? What kind of information?”

****

`I was wondering about that myself…'

****

“Well, I---”

 

“Oh no!” Mrs. Mitsuishi interrupted. “I hope you're not here for what I think you're here for.”

 

“Huh?”

 

“There do seem to be more young people coming here more so now-a-days in hopes that their families never find out about it, afraid of bringing shame to their families and not truly wanting to take the other drastic route.”

 

“They do?”

 

She nodded. “I should have this paperwork ready since some of you children just don't know how to control yourselves now-a-days. Seems it was the same back home, too,” she tsked while shaking her head, pulling out some papers. “Well, I suppose you should be commended for trying to be responsible about this, and in a way, I wish more people did come here as opposed to going with the more severe option. It's not often we see stuff like that.

 

“Ahh, here it is. This is the paper work that you will need for your situation, and it should explain everything that you need to know.” She handed the paper to Koushirou. “Now, where is the girl?” While waiting for him to respond, a certain girl peaking from behind a tall potted plant caught her eye. She smiled knowingly. `That girl's been back there for a while now. She looks to be about his age, so I can't help but wonder if that's the girl. She almost looks as if she's waiting to be invited up here.'

 

“Girl?”

 

“Yes, the girl whose baby you fathered that you now have to put up for adoption because, due to certain circumstances, you are unable to care for it.”

****

Mimi's eyes went wide. `WHAT!?!'

****

“What!?!” Koushirou's face had gone completely red.

 

“That wasn't the response I was expecting. Where are the child and the girl? If your families didn't notice the child, then the mother must be a really stout girl who didn't look as if she were pregnant or either she was the very small type who only looked to gain a small amount of weight. How old is the child and how long ago did the mother have it? That information is vital for us to have so that we can help you, unless she has yet to have the child and you all are trying to make arrangements early.”

****

`Koushirou is a father? Is that why he's here? Is he here to get information on putting a child up for adoption?'

 

She got out of her shocked mode temporarily to logically think the situation over, or try to at least.

 

`I never knew Koushirou had it in him to actually do something like that. He's more experienced than I thought when it comes to girls. Does he have a secret lover? No, he can't have one! It wouldn't be right for him to have one! But what do I care if he does have a secret girlfriend? It's no business of mine…AHH, never mind!

 

`He got someone pregnant! Mr. I put computers and problems first before everything else got someone pregnant!!' She shuddered. `Why does that somehow sound wrong and disturbing to me…'

****

It took the boy a short while, but he finally managed to come back to reality, his face still glowing red.

 

“No, I am not a father! I do not have any children! I don't even have a girlfriend!” he said in defense. `That's common?!'

****

After hearing Koushirou say that he wasn't a father and that he didn't have a girlfriend, she breathed out in relief. She seemed to be more, pleased, though, that Koushirou wasn't dating.

 

`Koushirou getting someone pregnant would've been very disturbing, but-but I probably would've felt the same way if it had been like, Taichi-san or Jou-senpai too, and even more so if it were someone like Takeru-kun or Daisuke-kun or Ichijouji-kun.'

****

“Oh, my mistake,” the woman apologized embarrassedly. She put the papers away. “I'm very sorry for making that assumption.”

 

“That's okay.” He was still a bit flabbergasted over the accusation. He literally couldn't imagine himself in the situation for neither the action nor the surprise result.

 

“Now, what type of information do you need?”

 

“I need information about an adoption.”

****

`Why? I wonder if one of his parents are adopted and just hates talking about it. Maybe that's why he came all the way here. Maybe either Mr. Izumi or Mrs. Izumi was adopted from here. It wouldn't be surprising if most of Koushirou's family lived someplace in this area.'

****

“I'm sorry, but I can't give out such confidential information unless those involved with the adoption itself is present.”

 

“I am more involved than you know,” he muttered under his breath.

 

“I have worked at this particular orphanage for 20 years and this is the first time since I've been here that someone your age has come in here requesting confidential information.”

 

“I'm sorry.”

 

“Cheer up. You seem to be a very nice guy,” the woman smiled to him. `I'm sure that I could help explain the procedure of how one is adopted.'

 

“I didn't mean to cause any trouble.”

 

“I can tell that. Anyway, I may be able to tell you something based on my knowledge. I do remember some adoption cases better than others.”

 

“I guess that can work. I'm curious about the Izumis. Do you know anything about them?”

 

`I wasn't expecting him to actually give a name. I wonder if I should actually tell him anything about them.' She turned her attention back to Koushirou. “The name, Izumi, is familiar, but the name is a rather common one around here.”

 

“So you don't remember any cases involving any Izumis?”

 

“Well, now that you mention it, I do remember this one case dealing with a couple who had wanted to adopt a child badly and luckily for them, they managed to find one. I mainly remember their case because I dealt with it personally and as I mentioned earlier, some cases are more memorable than others, and their particular case was very memorable, especially with the child they eventually adopted. Those two were Izumis.”

 

“Very interesting.” Koushirou sounded intrigued to Mimi.

 

`I remember them fairly well. I always did wonder what happened to them and how they got along with that child they adopted. I can't remember the child's name, but I might know it if I hear it. Their names were…man what were they…oh yeah! Izumi Masami and his wife, Yoshie. That case was also memorable since I was acquainted with the adopted child's real parents…'

 

“Why were the Izumis so anxious to adopt a child?”

 

“It was a pretty sad story, but I feel that it is not my place to say. You are technically not connected to this case, after all. I know I'm saying more than what I should right now.” She looked at the boy suspiciously once again. “Who are you and why are you so concerned about the Izumis?”

 

“Izumi Koushirou.”

 

“Koushirou?!” She thought for a moment, coming to a realization. `That was the name of the child they adopted! I remember that now!'

 

“Yes, Koushirou is my given name.”

 

“Are you the son of Izumi Masami and Izumi Yoshie?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“If it's okay, would you mind verifying that please? Do you have any identification?”

 

“No, I don't mind at all.” He went through is wallet, and took out his school identification card and handed it to the lady.

 

“So, you really are who you say you are, even though I could take more measures to verify this, but you seem to be legit.”

****

`I wonder what's going on.'

****

“So, you are curious about that adoption,” she muttered while handing back Koushirou's identification. “What have they told you?”

 

Koushirou lowered his head. “Nothing. They do not know that I know.”

 

“Oh.”

 

“I want to find my real parents. I feel that it is time I meet them face to face…”

****

`Real parents!?! Koushirou's adopted?!?'

 

Author's Note

 

Note 1: Darumasen ga koronda is similar to the game Red Light Green Light. The person who is it sings the song with his back to everyone and when done, turns to catch the person who didn't freeze.

 

Fic Chapter Changes

 

I gave Kimiko a full name. Originally, I just had her introduce herself as “Kimiko”. I was also almost tempted to change her name to Kiyoko (which would mean pure child), but changed my mind since I use the name for a main character in this fic's sequel.

 

When Kimiko is telling her story, I changed one main thing, and that was the person who had brought her home to the burned down home. I originally had that it was her “Aunty Yoko”, but in Japan, they usually place orphaned children with blood relatives, hence Koushirou's situation, even though his “adoptive father” is a distant relative of his. If there was an “Aunty Yoko” around, I doubt the girl would even be in such a place when there's a relative right there to place her with.

 

I changed the name of Kimiko's brother to Keiichi. I also added in the character of Mitsuo and changed “Aunty Yoko” to a neighbor. I know that Yoko-bachan can translate to Aunt Yoko, but in this regard, she's just using it because she's an older woman.

 

I implied that the family ran a restaurant. Maybe a place that may specialize in preparing yakisoba or some other dish that may require a grill to prepare the food.

 

I originally only mentioned hide-and-seek. I decided to add in darumasan ga koronda too. When I did write this story, I was curious of there being a game equivalent to Red Light Green Light, but didn't know of any, which is why I stuck with only hide-and-seek.

 

Originally, Karen's name was Kiyoko Mitsuishi, but I decided to make her a foreigner, hence the name change. I only did that because of how outspoken she was.