Digimon Fan Fiction ❯ The Shuffle ❯ Love Changes ( Chapter 20 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Lord Archive 
Love can change many things, including the plans the Chosen have made.
Anime/Manga: Digimon Fan Fiction | Genre(s): / Hentai / Sci-fi / Romance / Adventure | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 08.17.2012 | Updated On: 08.17.2012 | Pages: 5 | Words: 4.6K | Visits: 670 | Status: Completed
Love can change many things, including the plans the Chosen have made.
Anime/Manga: Digimon Fan Fiction | Genre(s): / Hentai / Sci-fi / Romance / Adventure | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 08.17.2012 | Updated On: 08.17.2012 | Pages: 5 | Words: 4.6K | Visits: 670 | Status: Completed
The Shuffle
Chapter Twenty - Love Changes
By: Lord Archive
Digimon belongs to Toei Animation and Akiyoshi Hongo. They are used without permission or the intent of profit. All rights reserved.
--
Takeru's Journal:
December has arrived and winter break looms before us. Difficult decisions still have to be made.
--
"So, is it true that one of the Chosen girls really is pregnant and you might be the father?" asked the television host.
Yamato chuckled nervously. "She'll be upset. But, yeah, that 'baby bump' the tabloid reported really is because she's pregnant. The baby is probably mine, but we're not sure yet."
"What will you do if the baby is yours?" the host pressed.
"I'd love to marry her, but things aren't so simple between her and my best friend. It's a love triangle someone has to lose out on, and it looks like it'll be me. She loved him first and mistakes made had caused her to look towards me. Now that those issues have been dealt with, I'm the one at the curb," Yamato explained.
"It's her loss," the host tried to cheer.
"If it was anyone else but my best friend, I would've fought for her. He would do anything for her, even die for her. He will take good care of her and her baby, even if I'm the father," Yamato added.
The television went blank and the remote control bounced off of it.
"At least he didn't mention our names," Taichi muttered.
Sora folded her arms. "Still no point for me to go to school tomorrow. I'd be expelled for 'inappropriate behavior.'"
"Lucky you," Taichi groused. "I'm not looking forward to the exams."
"I'm hoping to learn more about this baby from my next exam," Sora returned.
Taichi rubbed her stomach. "It'd be nice to know if I'm really the father."
--
It was times like this that Iori was amazed at how easy it was for him to sit calmly. If he had still been Daisuke, he would've been fidgeting, bouncing, and/or talking. Yet here he was watching the late-autumn sun set with Sayuri resting her head on his shoulder, and enjoying how relaxed he felt.
"I should probably get back home," Sayuri whispered reluctantly.
"It is getting late," Iori agreed, though he didn't want to.
Slowly the couple stood up and walked hesitantly toward her home, with his arm holding her close.
"Will we still be doing this once you switch back?" Sayuri questioned.
Iori pouted. "Doubt it. Hate to say it, but he was always partial to Yume, so Iori won't be doing this. As for me, let's face it, my body is ADD. I wouldn't be able to sit still. And then there's my feelings for Hikari. Seeing things from Iori's side I've seen all the ways I made sure to keep her away. I know the mistakes I've made now. And once we switch back, I'll remember dating her. I don't know if I'll be able to set aside my feelings for her. It'll be very confusing."
Sayuri shared his frown. "Does being in someone else's shoes really change you that much? You say it like you're neither Daisuke nor Iori, but someone else."
Iori shrugged. "In a way that's true. I'm not the Daisuke my friends knew, but I'm not Iori either."
"So, the boy I've come to love these past couple months... won't exist anymore if you succeed in your mission?" Sayuri painfully questioned.
Iori gazed at her and nodded slowly.
Sayuri closed her eyes for a moment and then gave him a determined look. She grabbed him by the head and kissed him solidly on the lips.
Iori staggered back after she let go. "Sayuri?"
"If you succeed, I'm going to lose you. I had to at least kiss you just once," Sayuri told him with tears in her eyes. "Good-bye." She then blindly ran down the street.
Iori stared after her for a moment, then he gave chase. He managed to catch up to her just as she was about to run into the street. He whirled her around and kissed her deeply.
"Iori... don't make this harder..." Sayuri sobbed.
The boy hugged her tightly. "Give me time to think about this. To talk the others. I... I might be willing to put up with three more years of school to be with you."
Sayuri blinked away a few tears. "Really?"
Iori nodded slowly and soon found himself in the third kiss of his life.
--
"Are you really going to go through with this?" Yume questioned.
Takeru sighed. "This isn't who I was supposed to be. I certainly can live like this, but is it right to force the others to live differently? To have our parents raise children who are not fully their own?"
Yume pouted. "But as Iori, you never called me by my name. You would've never asked me out. I'm afraid if you change back, we'll go back to the way we were."
Takeru walked over to her and leaned down to kiss her. "It won't be the way we were. Given time, I would've picked you. This situation made me realize my feelings, as Takeru had similar feelings for Hikari."
"But it won't be the way things are now!" Yume pressed. "You're different from Iori. If you had switched back and recognized your feelings, would you, as Iori, have asked me out? Would you have kissed me?"
"Maybe I would've waited longer," Takeru admitted.
"I wouldn't have liked that!" Yume protested. "I love you. My feelings will stay even if you change back. I just want to be as close to you as I am now, or even closer."
"I promise I'll talk to the others." Takeru sighed. "But I'm not going to let my selfishness get in the way of the others."
--
"I don't want to change back," Daisuke announced to his new family as they sat down for diner.
"Won't my brother hate that?" Jun questioned.
"I doubt he'd object to it as much now. He does have a girlfriend," Daisuke replied.
"He's got a girlfriend?" Mrs. Motomiya questioned.
"Yeah, Wataru Sayuri. She in the same class as he is and knows all about the digimon. She had a bit of a crush on Iori before the change, but apparently really likes the looser version he is now," Daisuke explained.
Mrs. Motomiya looked thoughtful. "He should bring her by sometime. I'd like to meet her."
"Surprised he still isn't chasing your girlfriend's skirt," Mr. Motomiya commented.
"Frankly, so am I." Daisuke shrugged. "Then again, Sayuri and Hikari have a few things in common. Sure Hikari keeps her hair shorter and is more athletic, both of them think about others first, and themselves third or forth."
"Is it right to force my brother to remain Iori just to keep Hikari?" Jun questioned seriously.
"I won't lie in saying that she's a large part of why I want to stay this way." Daisuke held up his hands defensively. "However, I've been in this body for over four months now. I've gotten use to being the new 'me.' Going back to being Takeru would be very jarring and would cause as many issues as it would fix."
Mr. Motomiya waved his chopsticks at the boy. "I have to admit that I've gotten use to the new 'you' as well. Your grades have never been better."
"I don't think this is something we can all decide on our own. We need to talk to the others first," Mrs. Motomiya suggested.
--
"There's going to be a meeting of families on Saturday," Mrs. Hida announced.
"Thanks, Mom," Iori replied, not looking up from the papers he was going over.
Mrs. Hida frowned. "That isn't homework, is it?"
"It's an alternate plan I'm working on for freeing Xuanwumon. I think the current plan is too risky for too little reward," Iori answered. "Going in with all the heavy hitters may work to beat down the problem, but it may not solve it."
"Wouldn't trying to resolve the issues of a war take longer?" Mrs. Hida questioned.
"It would, but do we have the right to decide who wins? While we'd want to side with the light, there have been holy vaccine digimon that have committed horrible acts in the name of order. It may be the case here as well. We just don't know," Iori explained. "I don't think we should rush into something just because of an inconvenient problem. I don't want to risk the lives of others just because I'm stuck in a body three years younger than I'm supposed to be," Iori explained.
"You know... you may not be my Iori, you may be a bit rougher, yet you still make me proud. If the decision comes to not free Xuanwumon because of the risks, I won't be upset. With you, I've gained another son," Mrs. Hida told him.
Iori smiled at her. "Thanks, Mom."
--
Sora found her way to school despite Yamato's interview. She went straight into her school and made her way to the teachers' offices and marched up to her homeroom teacher.
The scruffy, black haired man lazily looked up at the girl. "So, is what Ishida said on television about you true?"
Sora folded her arms. "I only got as far as him confirming the tabloid's account that I'm pregnant."
"I see." He nodded. "And you're actually going to keep the baby?"
"Yes," Sora stated firmly.
"You know my hands are tied in this situation. The rules are quite clear. If it hadn't been so publicly announced, I could at least 'ignore' it until the end of the semester. With this I'll have to invoke indefinite suspension," he slowly explained.
"I understand. That had been our plan." Sora clenched her fist. "Seeing as I'm already being punished, I'll be adding another count of inappropriate behavior."
He smirked at her. "You're no longer my student."
Sora bowed slightly. Varied words dying on her lips as she turned away and walked off to deck a certain music star.
--
"I take it Sora found you on her way home," Taichi commented.
Yamato looked away from the mirror, his right eye puffy and almost swollen shut. "Yeah. Did she really get expelled?"
"Indefinite suspension that can only end with an abortion or miscarriage. Birth changes it to full expulsion," Taichi corrected. "It's in the code of conduct and is standard procedure for all schools. We'll be looking to see if we can find a school willing to over look the expulsion for being a mother part, but it'll be months of one of us being out of school."
"I didn't know that. You're not going to slug me too, are you?" Yamato wondered.
Taichi folded his arms. "I'd get in trouble if I did."
"At least she'll be better able to take care of herself and the baby this way," Yamato tried to push the good side.
Taichi marched up to the boy. "Let me make something clear, even if you were the sperm donor, you won't be the father. You'll never be anything more than 'Uncle Yamato.' Even when we switch back, Taichi will be the father."
"Are you still planning to change back?" Yamato questioned.
"Of course we do," Taichi shot back. "Why the heck would we be planning a mission to free Xuanwumon if not to fix Piemon's curse?"
Yamato frowned. "The family meeting Saturday will be concerning delaying or even canceling that mission altogether."
"What? Why would we do that?" Taichi demanded.
"Daisuke and Takeru aren't looking forward to being cured, and have said they want to remain as they are," Yamato explained.
"Doesn't it feel wrong to them to be in another person's body? To see and think things in ways that seem wrong to them?" Taichi questioned harshly.
Yamato raised an eyebrow. "They haven't said anything about that."
"How can they not? Doesn't your brother feel weird about not being able to focus? And isn't Iori frustrated with having memory issues now?" Taichi pressed.
"They've gotten use to that. In fact they've started to do better than the originals. In fact, Daisuke's grades have never been better," Yamato pointed out.
"What about Daisuke being three years younger?" Taichi questioned seriously, almost desperately.
"Not entirely sure, since I haven't talked to him in a while. Considering he picked up a girlfriend, he might not be so willing to change either," Yamato answered with a shrug.
Taichi clenched his fists. "So freeing Xuanwumon would only be for me and my fiancee?"
Yamato nodded. "That's the way it looks. And with Sora being pregnant, you probably won't be able to switch back until after she gives birth."
"Meaning less reason to rush into the mission in full gunboat diplomacy," Taichi remarked bitterly as he punched the wall.
"Sorry," Yamato apologized helplessly.
--
The restaurant banquet room had been privy to many private business meetings, several celebrity parties, and even a few family meetings and countless wedding receptions. Hosting a party that included digimon was a first for them.
"Well, we should get down to business," Mr. Hida announced. "I'm sure there is a lot that you'd like to discuss. Who would like to start off with any news?"
"My due date is May seventh!" Sora chirped.
A few people looked at her in confusion.
Gabumon scratched his head. "Doesn't that mean Taichi's the father?"
Yamato clenched his fists and looked away.
"Ah, sorry," Gabumon apologized.
"Still can't be a hundred percent, but yeah, looks like I really am the father," Taichi affirmed.
"Finally I know something for certain, and the baby is confirmed be a girl," Sora added with happy relief.
"Any baby names yet?" Hikari asked.
"Leaning towards Ai, as if nothing else, she'll know love of her big family," Taichi commented.
Several of those present nodded in agreement.
"We should start to look at possible wedding preparations, especially with that mission coming soon," Mrs. Yagami noted.
Iori coughed slightly. "About that mission... I'm not sure the current plan is the best tactic to take."
Jun frowned. "Don't tell me you've decided to stay in that body."
Iori pouted. "Not exactly. It still feels... strange at times. Part of me still wants to scream at seeing Hikari dating someone else, even if he's 'me,' yet I also feel happy for her. Hanging out with Sayuri is great, yet I'm content with just being with her. I know as Daisuke I wouldn't be able to just sit there. I'd want to move around... I'd want to touch her. That's assuming my obsession with Hikari does come roaring back and I forget about her. Being switched like this... I'm not Daisuke or Iori, I'm someone in between. I'm not sure which would be better. I want more time to think about this."
"You're not kidding!" V-mon quipped. "He wouldn't be thinking about this shit. He'd just do it."
"To be honest, I like the way I am right now. Not having to second guess my feelings as I did before and be able to honestly express myself has been a wonderful experience," Daisuke added. "If we did switch back, I know once you get the memories of dating Hikari, there's no way you won't get your obsession back. I certainly would fight to keep her."
Takeru sighed. "In my time in this body, I've grown use to this life as well, including the good and the bad parts of it."
"Though I could do without microwave surprise diners," Armadimon joked.
Ms. Takaishi laughed nervously, glancing at the other affected parents of the current switch. None of them seemed ready to make a comment one way or the other.
Sora pouted. "Are you saying the only ones of us who want to be switched back right now are Taichi and me?"
Daisuke nodded. "Yeah. And considering your pregnancy, you might not be able to switch back soon."
"Which is why I've worked out an alternate plan." Iori pulled out some papers and started to pass them around. "Our group does well for going in with overwhelming force, but in this situation that may not be the best solution. We know nothing for the reasoning of the war. It may not be so clear cut as evil verses good or chaos against order. It could be a more of a battle over ideas. We may find that the side of light is the one in the wrong trying to force strict controls over every digimon and the dark side standing up for the rights of the individual. Chances are we will find fault in both sides."
Hikari looked at the boy thoughtfully. "If the side of light was truly in the right, Xuanwumon would've sided with them and the war would've ended long ago. Instead he sealed both sides away as threats to the rest of the Digital World."
"Exactly my thoughts," Iori agreed.
"I'm still all for kicking their heads in and make them see how stupid war is," V-mon voted. "I'd just rather know if I'm punching the right guys in the jaw."
Taichi nodded at the paper he had been handed. "So in June, when the Western school system breaks for more than two months of summer vacation, we send a couple of small teams, based on stealth, mobility and ability to gather intelligence instead of power."
"I've already talked to members of a few teams about whether they'd be willing to volunteer for that mission. They were rather receptive of the idea," Iori added. "Not sure we can get the ideal teams I'd want to send, but it is my hope."
"And once our summer vacation hits in August, we'll come in full force to put an end to the hostility with targeted strikes that will hopefully undermine their ability to fight with minimal deaths," Jyou surmised.
"And waiting until August, we'll be able to include Hikari and Tailmon along with Sora and Piyomon into the group. Having access to Hououmon and the other version of Omegamon may be invaluable," Iori explained.
"You're asking me to stay a girl for over a year?" Sora shot at him. "Do you have any idea what her hormones do to me? And this pregnancy bullshit is a constant pain."
"Considering I really wanted to kiss a guy while I was Mimi, yes, yes I do," Iori returned. "Even if we keep with the original plan, you're still looking at May before you can switch back."
"I don't particularly like the idea of staying this way for a year as your eyes keeps undressing almost every woman I see, but he's right," Taichi muttered. "We shouldn't be rushing this now. Getting an immediate cure is not as important anymore, especially as Xuanwumon would have no clue what switching us would do while you're pregnant. We're already going to have to wait on that count."
"And rushing diner often ruins the meal," Grandpa Hida intoned. "By not having adequate information on the problem, going in guns blazing may end up destroying the prize you seek by killing this Xuanwumon."
"That would be some trick to do that!" Agumon jokingly scuffed.
Sora looked at how everyone was looking at her. "I see I'm out voted already... fine we'll wait and use this new plan."
--
With the family meeting over, Daisuke and Hikari broke away from the others and headed toward a movie theater that was a few blocks away from the restaurant.
"Hold on a second," Iori called out to them after they rounded the corner of the street.
The couple turned around and Daisuke smirked. "Does this have something to do with the fact your proposal included three different infiltration groups?"
Iori frowned. "Yes. I'm sure the others also figured it out as well, they just didn't say anything in front of our parents."
Hikari nodded. "That your dream team of infiltrators includes sending Daisuke and me as well in June to join with the side of light and see where they stand from the inside."
"Yes," Iori admitted. "The two of you have the best ability to be welcomed by them, and I know you'll look after each other."
Daisuke grabbed her hand. "Always and for the rest of my life."
Hikari nodded in agreement.
Iori pouted. "I know that all to well."
"When should we surprise our parents with me and Daisuke skipping two months of school?" Hikari wondered.
Iori gave them one of Daisuke's patented smirks he'd have before offering up some sort of excuse or lie. "May want to make the act of searching for other options so they'll better understand."
"I understand all to well, already." Mrs. Yagami came from around the corner. "There will be no stopping my daughter going out to help her siblings."
Hikari giggled sheepishly. "How long were you there?"
"I was right behind Iori the entire time," Mrs. Yagami replied. "I wanted to know where you were going?"
Daisuke let out a laugh. "Just to the movies."
"Oh, right," Mrs. Yagami now remembered her daughter had mentioned that. "I will be holding you to that promise, Daisuke. Bring her back safe and sound."
"Of course," Daisuke chirped.
--
Iori walked into his classroom and set his book bag onto his desk. "Well, I've got some news for you two."
"Oh?" Yume chirped.
Sayuri looked away.
"The December trip has been pushed back to August next year," Iori informed.
Sayuri spun around. "August?"
Iori nodded. "Between Sora's situation and some reluctance on the part of others, we've altered the plans to take extra time to learn everything before going. A few will go ahead to scout things out so when the main group goes we're not stepping into something we shouldn't."
Sayuri pouted. "Do you even really need the trip in the first place?"
"For Sora and Taichi, it's still needed for them. As for the rest, we're still debating. There are certainly some things I like the way they are and I might not go for the change," Iori explained.
Yume began to giggle at how the boy was able to say all that without giving away that he was talking about jumping into another dimension in the middle of a war fought by digimon. She then stared as Sayuri leapt from her seat and engulfed the boy into a hug and kissed him deeply.
There were a few gasps as well as a few cheers and jeers from their classmates.
"Wataru, Hida. That is not appropriate classroom behavior," their homeroom teacher intoned with a monotone voice.
The young couple had jumped away from each other, looked at the teacher nervously and told him at the same time, "Sorry."
"We'll see what your parents have to say before I give you any punishment," he intoned with a neutral voice.
"I can never tell if he's happy or upset," Sayuri grumbled under her breathe as she sat down.
"I think he's more amused than anything," Yume teased.
"Doubt my mother will be," Sayuri bemoaned. She hoped she wasn't going to be grounded until August over that kiss. That would ruin the whole point of it.
--
Chapter Twenty - Love Changes
By: Lord Archive
Digimon belongs to Toei Animation and Akiyoshi Hongo. They are used without permission or the intent of profit. All rights reserved.
--
Takeru's Journal:
December has arrived and winter break looms before us. Difficult decisions still have to be made.
--
"So, is it true that one of the Chosen girls really is pregnant and you might be the father?" asked the television host.
Yamato chuckled nervously. "She'll be upset. But, yeah, that 'baby bump' the tabloid reported really is because she's pregnant. The baby is probably mine, but we're not sure yet."
"What will you do if the baby is yours?" the host pressed.
"I'd love to marry her, but things aren't so simple between her and my best friend. It's a love triangle someone has to lose out on, and it looks like it'll be me. She loved him first and mistakes made had caused her to look towards me. Now that those issues have been dealt with, I'm the one at the curb," Yamato explained.
"It's her loss," the host tried to cheer.
"If it was anyone else but my best friend, I would've fought for her. He would do anything for her, even die for her. He will take good care of her and her baby, even if I'm the father," Yamato added.
The television went blank and the remote control bounced off of it.
"At least he didn't mention our names," Taichi muttered.
Sora folded her arms. "Still no point for me to go to school tomorrow. I'd be expelled for 'inappropriate behavior.'"
"Lucky you," Taichi groused. "I'm not looking forward to the exams."
"I'm hoping to learn more about this baby from my next exam," Sora returned.
Taichi rubbed her stomach. "It'd be nice to know if I'm really the father."
--
It was times like this that Iori was amazed at how easy it was for him to sit calmly. If he had still been Daisuke, he would've been fidgeting, bouncing, and/or talking. Yet here he was watching the late-autumn sun set with Sayuri resting her head on his shoulder, and enjoying how relaxed he felt.
"I should probably get back home," Sayuri whispered reluctantly.
"It is getting late," Iori agreed, though he didn't want to.
Slowly the couple stood up and walked hesitantly toward her home, with his arm holding her close.
"Will we still be doing this once you switch back?" Sayuri questioned.
Iori pouted. "Doubt it. Hate to say it, but he was always partial to Yume, so Iori won't be doing this. As for me, let's face it, my body is ADD. I wouldn't be able to sit still. And then there's my feelings for Hikari. Seeing things from Iori's side I've seen all the ways I made sure to keep her away. I know the mistakes I've made now. And once we switch back, I'll remember dating her. I don't know if I'll be able to set aside my feelings for her. It'll be very confusing."
Sayuri shared his frown. "Does being in someone else's shoes really change you that much? You say it like you're neither Daisuke nor Iori, but someone else."
Iori shrugged. "In a way that's true. I'm not the Daisuke my friends knew, but I'm not Iori either."
"So, the boy I've come to love these past couple months... won't exist anymore if you succeed in your mission?" Sayuri painfully questioned.
Iori gazed at her and nodded slowly.
Sayuri closed her eyes for a moment and then gave him a determined look. She grabbed him by the head and kissed him solidly on the lips.
Iori staggered back after she let go. "Sayuri?"
"If you succeed, I'm going to lose you. I had to at least kiss you just once," Sayuri told him with tears in her eyes. "Good-bye." She then blindly ran down the street.
Iori stared after her for a moment, then he gave chase. He managed to catch up to her just as she was about to run into the street. He whirled her around and kissed her deeply.
"Iori... don't make this harder..." Sayuri sobbed.
The boy hugged her tightly. "Give me time to think about this. To talk the others. I... I might be willing to put up with three more years of school to be with you."
Sayuri blinked away a few tears. "Really?"
Iori nodded slowly and soon found himself in the third kiss of his life.
--
"Are you really going to go through with this?" Yume questioned.
Takeru sighed. "This isn't who I was supposed to be. I certainly can live like this, but is it right to force the others to live differently? To have our parents raise children who are not fully their own?"
Yume pouted. "But as Iori, you never called me by my name. You would've never asked me out. I'm afraid if you change back, we'll go back to the way we were."
Takeru walked over to her and leaned down to kiss her. "It won't be the way we were. Given time, I would've picked you. This situation made me realize my feelings, as Takeru had similar feelings for Hikari."
"But it won't be the way things are now!" Yume pressed. "You're different from Iori. If you had switched back and recognized your feelings, would you, as Iori, have asked me out? Would you have kissed me?"
"Maybe I would've waited longer," Takeru admitted.
"I wouldn't have liked that!" Yume protested. "I love you. My feelings will stay even if you change back. I just want to be as close to you as I am now, or even closer."
"I promise I'll talk to the others." Takeru sighed. "But I'm not going to let my selfishness get in the way of the others."
--
"I don't want to change back," Daisuke announced to his new family as they sat down for diner.
"Won't my brother hate that?" Jun questioned.
"I doubt he'd object to it as much now. He does have a girlfriend," Daisuke replied.
"He's got a girlfriend?" Mrs. Motomiya questioned.
"Yeah, Wataru Sayuri. She in the same class as he is and knows all about the digimon. She had a bit of a crush on Iori before the change, but apparently really likes the looser version he is now," Daisuke explained.
Mrs. Motomiya looked thoughtful. "He should bring her by sometime. I'd like to meet her."
"Surprised he still isn't chasing your girlfriend's skirt," Mr. Motomiya commented.
"Frankly, so am I." Daisuke shrugged. "Then again, Sayuri and Hikari have a few things in common. Sure Hikari keeps her hair shorter and is more athletic, both of them think about others first, and themselves third or forth."
"Is it right to force my brother to remain Iori just to keep Hikari?" Jun questioned seriously.
"I won't lie in saying that she's a large part of why I want to stay this way." Daisuke held up his hands defensively. "However, I've been in this body for over four months now. I've gotten use to being the new 'me.' Going back to being Takeru would be very jarring and would cause as many issues as it would fix."
Mr. Motomiya waved his chopsticks at the boy. "I have to admit that I've gotten use to the new 'you' as well. Your grades have never been better."
"I don't think this is something we can all decide on our own. We need to talk to the others first," Mrs. Motomiya suggested.
--
"There's going to be a meeting of families on Saturday," Mrs. Hida announced.
"Thanks, Mom," Iori replied, not looking up from the papers he was going over.
Mrs. Hida frowned. "That isn't homework, is it?"
"It's an alternate plan I'm working on for freeing Xuanwumon. I think the current plan is too risky for too little reward," Iori answered. "Going in with all the heavy hitters may work to beat down the problem, but it may not solve it."
"Wouldn't trying to resolve the issues of a war take longer?" Mrs. Hida questioned.
"It would, but do we have the right to decide who wins? While we'd want to side with the light, there have been holy vaccine digimon that have committed horrible acts in the name of order. It may be the case here as well. We just don't know," Iori explained. "I don't think we should rush into something just because of an inconvenient problem. I don't want to risk the lives of others just because I'm stuck in a body three years younger than I'm supposed to be," Iori explained.
"You know... you may not be my Iori, you may be a bit rougher, yet you still make me proud. If the decision comes to not free Xuanwumon because of the risks, I won't be upset. With you, I've gained another son," Mrs. Hida told him.
Iori smiled at her. "Thanks, Mom."
--
Sora found her way to school despite Yamato's interview. She went straight into her school and made her way to the teachers' offices and marched up to her homeroom teacher.
The scruffy, black haired man lazily looked up at the girl. "So, is what Ishida said on television about you true?"
Sora folded her arms. "I only got as far as him confirming the tabloid's account that I'm pregnant."
"I see." He nodded. "And you're actually going to keep the baby?"
"Yes," Sora stated firmly.
"You know my hands are tied in this situation. The rules are quite clear. If it hadn't been so publicly announced, I could at least 'ignore' it until the end of the semester. With this I'll have to invoke indefinite suspension," he slowly explained.
"I understand. That had been our plan." Sora clenched her fist. "Seeing as I'm already being punished, I'll be adding another count of inappropriate behavior."
He smirked at her. "You're no longer my student."
Sora bowed slightly. Varied words dying on her lips as she turned away and walked off to deck a certain music star.
--
"I take it Sora found you on her way home," Taichi commented.
Yamato looked away from the mirror, his right eye puffy and almost swollen shut. "Yeah. Did she really get expelled?"
"Indefinite suspension that can only end with an abortion or miscarriage. Birth changes it to full expulsion," Taichi corrected. "It's in the code of conduct and is standard procedure for all schools. We'll be looking to see if we can find a school willing to over look the expulsion for being a mother part, but it'll be months of one of us being out of school."
"I didn't know that. You're not going to slug me too, are you?" Yamato wondered.
Taichi folded his arms. "I'd get in trouble if I did."
"At least she'll be better able to take care of herself and the baby this way," Yamato tried to push the good side.
Taichi marched up to the boy. "Let me make something clear, even if you were the sperm donor, you won't be the father. You'll never be anything more than 'Uncle Yamato.' Even when we switch back, Taichi will be the father."
"Are you still planning to change back?" Yamato questioned.
"Of course we do," Taichi shot back. "Why the heck would we be planning a mission to free Xuanwumon if not to fix Piemon's curse?"
Yamato frowned. "The family meeting Saturday will be concerning delaying or even canceling that mission altogether."
"What? Why would we do that?" Taichi demanded.
"Daisuke and Takeru aren't looking forward to being cured, and have said they want to remain as they are," Yamato explained.
"Doesn't it feel wrong to them to be in another person's body? To see and think things in ways that seem wrong to them?" Taichi questioned harshly.
Yamato raised an eyebrow. "They haven't said anything about that."
"How can they not? Doesn't your brother feel weird about not being able to focus? And isn't Iori frustrated with having memory issues now?" Taichi pressed.
"They've gotten use to that. In fact they've started to do better than the originals. In fact, Daisuke's grades have never been better," Yamato pointed out.
"What about Daisuke being three years younger?" Taichi questioned seriously, almost desperately.
"Not entirely sure, since I haven't talked to him in a while. Considering he picked up a girlfriend, he might not be so willing to change either," Yamato answered with a shrug.
Taichi clenched his fists. "So freeing Xuanwumon would only be for me and my fiancee?"
Yamato nodded. "That's the way it looks. And with Sora being pregnant, you probably won't be able to switch back until after she gives birth."
"Meaning less reason to rush into the mission in full gunboat diplomacy," Taichi remarked bitterly as he punched the wall.
"Sorry," Yamato apologized helplessly.
--
The restaurant banquet room had been privy to many private business meetings, several celebrity parties, and even a few family meetings and countless wedding receptions. Hosting a party that included digimon was a first for them.
"Well, we should get down to business," Mr. Hida announced. "I'm sure there is a lot that you'd like to discuss. Who would like to start off with any news?"
"My due date is May seventh!" Sora chirped.
A few people looked at her in confusion.
Gabumon scratched his head. "Doesn't that mean Taichi's the father?"
Yamato clenched his fists and looked away.
"Ah, sorry," Gabumon apologized.
"Still can't be a hundred percent, but yeah, looks like I really am the father," Taichi affirmed.
"Finally I know something for certain, and the baby is confirmed be a girl," Sora added with happy relief.
"Any baby names yet?" Hikari asked.
"Leaning towards Ai, as if nothing else, she'll know love of her big family," Taichi commented.
Several of those present nodded in agreement.
"We should start to look at possible wedding preparations, especially with that mission coming soon," Mrs. Yagami noted.
Iori coughed slightly. "About that mission... I'm not sure the current plan is the best tactic to take."
Jun frowned. "Don't tell me you've decided to stay in that body."
Iori pouted. "Not exactly. It still feels... strange at times. Part of me still wants to scream at seeing Hikari dating someone else, even if he's 'me,' yet I also feel happy for her. Hanging out with Sayuri is great, yet I'm content with just being with her. I know as Daisuke I wouldn't be able to just sit there. I'd want to move around... I'd want to touch her. That's assuming my obsession with Hikari does come roaring back and I forget about her. Being switched like this... I'm not Daisuke or Iori, I'm someone in between. I'm not sure which would be better. I want more time to think about this."
"You're not kidding!" V-mon quipped. "He wouldn't be thinking about this shit. He'd just do it."
"To be honest, I like the way I am right now. Not having to second guess my feelings as I did before and be able to honestly express myself has been a wonderful experience," Daisuke added. "If we did switch back, I know once you get the memories of dating Hikari, there's no way you won't get your obsession back. I certainly would fight to keep her."
Takeru sighed. "In my time in this body, I've grown use to this life as well, including the good and the bad parts of it."
"Though I could do without microwave surprise diners," Armadimon joked.
Ms. Takaishi laughed nervously, glancing at the other affected parents of the current switch. None of them seemed ready to make a comment one way or the other.
Sora pouted. "Are you saying the only ones of us who want to be switched back right now are Taichi and me?"
Daisuke nodded. "Yeah. And considering your pregnancy, you might not be able to switch back soon."
"Which is why I've worked out an alternate plan." Iori pulled out some papers and started to pass them around. "Our group does well for going in with overwhelming force, but in this situation that may not be the best solution. We know nothing for the reasoning of the war. It may not be so clear cut as evil verses good or chaos against order. It could be a more of a battle over ideas. We may find that the side of light is the one in the wrong trying to force strict controls over every digimon and the dark side standing up for the rights of the individual. Chances are we will find fault in both sides."
Hikari looked at the boy thoughtfully. "If the side of light was truly in the right, Xuanwumon would've sided with them and the war would've ended long ago. Instead he sealed both sides away as threats to the rest of the Digital World."
"Exactly my thoughts," Iori agreed.
"I'm still all for kicking their heads in and make them see how stupid war is," V-mon voted. "I'd just rather know if I'm punching the right guys in the jaw."
Taichi nodded at the paper he had been handed. "So in June, when the Western school system breaks for more than two months of summer vacation, we send a couple of small teams, based on stealth, mobility and ability to gather intelligence instead of power."
"I've already talked to members of a few teams about whether they'd be willing to volunteer for that mission. They were rather receptive of the idea," Iori added. "Not sure we can get the ideal teams I'd want to send, but it is my hope."
"And once our summer vacation hits in August, we'll come in full force to put an end to the hostility with targeted strikes that will hopefully undermine their ability to fight with minimal deaths," Jyou surmised.
"And waiting until August, we'll be able to include Hikari and Tailmon along with Sora and Piyomon into the group. Having access to Hououmon and the other version of Omegamon may be invaluable," Iori explained.
"You're asking me to stay a girl for over a year?" Sora shot at him. "Do you have any idea what her hormones do to me? And this pregnancy bullshit is a constant pain."
"Considering I really wanted to kiss a guy while I was Mimi, yes, yes I do," Iori returned. "Even if we keep with the original plan, you're still looking at May before you can switch back."
"I don't particularly like the idea of staying this way for a year as your eyes keeps undressing almost every woman I see, but he's right," Taichi muttered. "We shouldn't be rushing this now. Getting an immediate cure is not as important anymore, especially as Xuanwumon would have no clue what switching us would do while you're pregnant. We're already going to have to wait on that count."
"And rushing diner often ruins the meal," Grandpa Hida intoned. "By not having adequate information on the problem, going in guns blazing may end up destroying the prize you seek by killing this Xuanwumon."
"That would be some trick to do that!" Agumon jokingly scuffed.
Sora looked at how everyone was looking at her. "I see I'm out voted already... fine we'll wait and use this new plan."
--
With the family meeting over, Daisuke and Hikari broke away from the others and headed toward a movie theater that was a few blocks away from the restaurant.
"Hold on a second," Iori called out to them after they rounded the corner of the street.
The couple turned around and Daisuke smirked. "Does this have something to do with the fact your proposal included three different infiltration groups?"
Iori frowned. "Yes. I'm sure the others also figured it out as well, they just didn't say anything in front of our parents."
Hikari nodded. "That your dream team of infiltrators includes sending Daisuke and me as well in June to join with the side of light and see where they stand from the inside."
"Yes," Iori admitted. "The two of you have the best ability to be welcomed by them, and I know you'll look after each other."
Daisuke grabbed her hand. "Always and for the rest of my life."
Hikari nodded in agreement.
Iori pouted. "I know that all to well."
"When should we surprise our parents with me and Daisuke skipping two months of school?" Hikari wondered.
Iori gave them one of Daisuke's patented smirks he'd have before offering up some sort of excuse or lie. "May want to make the act of searching for other options so they'll better understand."
"I understand all to well, already." Mrs. Yagami came from around the corner. "There will be no stopping my daughter going out to help her siblings."
Hikari giggled sheepishly. "How long were you there?"
"I was right behind Iori the entire time," Mrs. Yagami replied. "I wanted to know where you were going?"
Daisuke let out a laugh. "Just to the movies."
"Oh, right," Mrs. Yagami now remembered her daughter had mentioned that. "I will be holding you to that promise, Daisuke. Bring her back safe and sound."
"Of course," Daisuke chirped.
--
Iori walked into his classroom and set his book bag onto his desk. "Well, I've got some news for you two."
"Oh?" Yume chirped.
Sayuri looked away.
"The December trip has been pushed back to August next year," Iori informed.
Sayuri spun around. "August?"
Iori nodded. "Between Sora's situation and some reluctance on the part of others, we've altered the plans to take extra time to learn everything before going. A few will go ahead to scout things out so when the main group goes we're not stepping into something we shouldn't."
Sayuri pouted. "Do you even really need the trip in the first place?"
"For Sora and Taichi, it's still needed for them. As for the rest, we're still debating. There are certainly some things I like the way they are and I might not go for the change," Iori explained.
Yume began to giggle at how the boy was able to say all that without giving away that he was talking about jumping into another dimension in the middle of a war fought by digimon. She then stared as Sayuri leapt from her seat and engulfed the boy into a hug and kissed him deeply.
There were a few gasps as well as a few cheers and jeers from their classmates.
"Wataru, Hida. That is not appropriate classroom behavior," their homeroom teacher intoned with a monotone voice.
The young couple had jumped away from each other, looked at the teacher nervously and told him at the same time, "Sorry."
"We'll see what your parents have to say before I give you any punishment," he intoned with a neutral voice.
"I can never tell if he's happy or upset," Sayuri grumbled under her breathe as she sat down.
"I think he's more amused than anything," Yume teased.
"Doubt my mother will be," Sayuri bemoaned. She hoped she wasn't going to be grounded until August over that kiss. That would ruin the whole point of it.
--