Digimon Fan Fiction ❯ War Diaries: Adventures Zero-Three ❯ The Joys of Academia ( Chapter 11 )
[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]
By: Lord Archive 
It's the first day of the new school year, and things aren't quite normal.
Anime/Manga: Digimon Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Drama / Adventure / Action | Type: Divergence | Uploaded On: 12.20.2001 | Updated On: 11.03.2006 | Pages: 6 | Words: 4.6K | Visits: 1.2K | Status: Completed
It's the first day of the new school year, and things aren't quite normal.
Anime/Manga: Digimon Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Drama / Adventure / Action | Type: Divergence | Uploaded On: 12.20.2001 | Updated On: 11.03.2006 | Pages: 6 | Words: 4.6K | Visits: 1.2K | Status: Completed
War Diaries - Adventures Zero-Three
Entry 11: The Joys of Academia
By Lord Archive
Digimon belongs to Toei Animation Inc., Saban Entertainment, Fox Kids and others. They are used without consent. And since Toei doesn't want them anymore, I'm not giving them back.
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Iori sighed. "After the battle against all the dark digimon of Dagomon's Ocean, we sent the older Chosen's digimon back to the Digital World. Piyomon was in especially bad shape after the battle, having been in the Real World for so long and then fighting a prolonged battle like that. Now that it's been a week, they've all been returned to their adult forms by their partners.
"The battle hadn't been easy, though no one was seriously hurt. I had to kill again, and Sayuri, a member of my team, had her first kill. She seems to be taking it well. Better than Mimi at least, who was forced to kill in order to save Hikari. Mimi will be staying in town until after Hikari's wedding."
Iori stood up and walked over to the family shrine and brushed dust off his father's picture. "School starts tomorrow, Dad. However, fifth grade seems to be a bad school year for us Chosen. Whenever there's a major threat, it always seems to fall upon a group filled with fifth graders. I suspect it'll be the same this year."
Iori fidgeted. "Things seem to be getting more complicated. Most of the older Chosen have started to pair off and do adult things. For the past couple months Taichi has basically lived with Sora, but they had a big fight recently. Sora believes Taichi forgot her birthday, but Taichi insists he hadn't and the present wasn't ready. I don't know who to believe. I hope they work things out.
Iori looked away. "On Tuesday, Hikari and Takeru will be getting married, and she's already pregnant. Then there's Jyou being with Mimi, Miyako with Daisuke, and Koushiro wanting to be with some girl named Ayashi. Even Ken has done adult things, with Daisuke's sister no less.
"Dad, it makes me worried." Iori paced around the room. "Am I going to be like them in a few years? I already have two girls showing that they're attracted to me. Will I lose my virginity before even getting to junior high, like some of them have?
Iori shook his head. "I don't want to follow their mistakes. I want to wait until senior high school before even dating. Though that resolve is starting to waiver. Dad, I like both Yume and Sayuri. They're great girls... and every day I'm with them, the more I question if dating them now would be such a bad idea.
Iori closed his eyes. "Dad, I'm not saying I'm a mistake. I know that Mom never graduated high school because I was born. I just don't want to be a father at a young age."
Iori sighed. "It's getting late. I'd better get to bed. Goodnight, Dad."
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"Taichi, time to wake up."
"A few more minutes, Sora," Taichi groused.
Taichi suddenly found himself on the floor. "I'm up!" he called out, and looked around the room. Quickly realizing he was not at Sora's, but that his mother had knocked him off the couch. "Morning, Mom," Taichi said sheepishly.
Since Tailmon had taken over Taichi's bed, he didn't have any choice but use the couch. It was certainly easier than trying to convince Tailmon to move along with her egg.
Mrs. Yagami folded her arms. "If you want to run that errand before school, you better hurry."
Taichi jumped to his feet and dashed into the bathroom. A moment later Taichi came out dressed and was stopped from running out the door by his mother holding up two bags.
"This has your lunch, and this has your breakfast." Mrs. Yagami handed him the bags, and then wished a bit sadly, "Good luck."
"Thanks, Mom." With that Taichi was out of the door.
Hikari yawned at her bedroom door. "Taichi left for school already?"
"He has a special errand to run first," Mrs. Yagami replied.
"Oh, right." Hikari nodded. She then sighed. "I wish I could go to school too."
Mrs. Yagami shook her head. "You know you can't go now. Besides, we have a lot of preparations to do for tomorrow."
"I know...." Hikari turned away.
"Now what would you like for breakfast?" Mrs. Yagami asked.
Hikari paused. "Scrambled eggs with ketchup."
Mrs. Yagami blinked. "But you don't like ketchup."
Hikari smiled sheepishly. "It's how Takeru eats his eggs."
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Takeru sighed while eating his breakfast he had made for himself, scrambled eggs with ketchup.
Weddings were for the women, he had decided gloomily. His mother was running around trying to finish some last minute arrangements, but wouldn't let him help. It was his wedding after all, but between Mrs. Yagami and his mother-- no one else was allowed to help out.
Takeru picked at his food. At least he was going to school. Then he could try to forget about this and not have to watch his mother run around like a headless chicken.
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Sayuri sighed while Hitomi pranced around.
"Can you be any less cheerful?" Sayuri groused.
Hitomi pouted. "Are you still bothered by last week?"
Sayuri looked away.
"Isn't killin' part of the adventure?" Hitomi asked.
"It has nothing to do with that," Sayuri retorted.
Hitomi folded her arms. "Then why have you been 'Gloomy Gus' for tha past week?"
"That had to be done. If I hadn't done it, others would've," Sayuri said flatly.
"So, why didn't you let them do it if ya didn't want to?" Hitomi questioned.
"It's my job. Eventually I'll be in a situation that is kill or be killed, and it's best I deal with that issue now rather than wait for it to be forced on me," Sayuri explained angrily.
"I'm sorry," Psychemon said meekly, who was trailing them in a trench-coat Sayuri had reluctantly purchased.
"Will you stop apologizing? You can't kill if I restrict you from that, right?" Sayuri questioned.
"It would be difficult for me," Psychemon replied.
"And I didn't restrict you. I let you kill them, so it was my decision as well." Sayuri trudged forward. "Let's drop Hitomi off at pre-school so I can get to my school."
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"Hello, Mrs. Togashi." Iori bowed. "Is Yume ready for school?"
Mrs. Togashi nodded. "She'll be ready shortly. I can't thank you enough for helping her to school."
"It's no problem, really," Iori assured her. "It's not that far out of my way."
Mrs. Togashi looked like she wanted to say something, but instead started to wipe the small table that had their phone on it.
"Is there something you wanted to ask?" Iori questioned.
Mrs. Togashi fidgeted. "How safe is it being a Chosen?"
Iori sighed. "There is danger involved, however fate plays a role in this as well. The chances of her dying are rather low, but she can be hurt... both physically and mentally because of being a Chosen."
"Will she have to kill?" Mrs. Togashi asked.
Iori closed his eyes. "Probably. The longest any Chosen has gone without killing a digimon was a little over a year. Only new members have not recorded a kill yet."
"You mean I'll have to kill too?" Yume questioned in horror as she stared at Iori.
Iori nodded. "Sorry."
"I don't want to kill anyone! Why would I ever need to kill anyone?" Yume demanded.
"Remember how we met?" Iori asked. "I never wanted to kill then either."
Yume swallowed hard and looked down.
"Come on, we have to get to school," Iori commanded as his voice shook.
Mrs. Togashi didn't know how to take the conversation. This boy had said he had killed, told Yume she would have to kill, and was going to take her to school. She noticed Bakumon following them and asked, "Is it wise to have Bakumon with you?"
"Bakumon needs to be near her partner. Part of her life force is attached to Yume. If they're separated too long in the real world, she'll get weak," Iori explained. "Besides, if something happens, it'll be good to have all our digimon nearby."
"Where's yours?" Mrs. Togashi answered.
"Outside the door," Iori answered.
Mrs. Togashi followed them out and saw the meter tall armadillo in a trench-coat.
"Hi." Armadimon waved at her.
"Ah, hi," Mrs. Togashi greeted uncertainly. "Have a nice day at school." She sighed. She wished Yume was a normal child like her brother. He wasn't involved in any adventure beyond dealing with his new girlfriend.
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"Sora!"
The red head in questioned ignored the call as she changed her shoes at the front of the school.
"Sora, please let me talk to you," Taichi pleaded as he ran up to her.
"I have nothing to say to you." Sora huffed.
"Aw, please Sora, just listen, will you?" Taichi begged.
"If you tell me to 'put this behind us,' you're in for a world of hurt." Sora glared.
Taichi shook his head and got down on one knee. "I finally got your present. It took a while to have it engraved so it wasn't ready in time for your birthday." His hand fished around in his pocket and pulled out a ring box.
Sora just stared at Taichi in complete shock.
"Since this wasn't going to be ready on time, I had wanted to wait until tomorrow to give this to you... but...." Taichi opened the ring box revealing a small ring with a ruby set in it and the symbols for love and courage finely engraved all along the small silver band. "Takenouchi Sora," Taichi's voice cracked. "Will you marry me?"
Sora covered her mouth. "Taichi... I'm sorry...."
Taichi felt like someone had just stabbed him and twisted the blade.
"I... I... should've believed you...." Tears came out of Sora's eyes. "Yes, I'll marry you." She hugged him fiercely.
Taichi had been in the abyss, but was now on cloud nine. He reluctantly pulled out of the hug and got the ring to put it on her finger.
Sora and Taichi suddenly blushed when they heard a lot of clapping from those around them. They knew that the whole school would know of the engagement before the day was out.
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Koushiro yawned as he walked into school. He really had to do something about his irregular sleeping habits, but staying on top of information concerning the Digital World kept him up at odd hours.
"Good morning, Koushiro." Ayashi waved at him.
"Mornin', Ayashi. Ready for the school year?" Koushiro asked.
Ayashi shrugged. "Won't know until it starts."
Koushiro fidgeted. "Um, are you doing anything tomorrow?"
"Besides school, no," Ayashi replied.
Koushiro smiled sheepishly. "Well, um, I'm, ah, I've been invited to a wedding tomorrow." He nervously scratched the back of his head. "Actually, I'm needed to help set up the reception and won't make the actual wedding. And, well, I was wondering if you'd... um...."
Ayashi put her hand on her hip. "Izumi Koushiro, are you asking me to go with you to a wedding reception as a date?"
Koushiro nodded a couple times too many while blushing.
"When is it?" Ayashi asked.
"The wedding reception starts at four," Koushiro replied. "However it'd be best if you do come that we leave school at lunch because I'll need to explain my, um, special 'job' and it'd be easiest to do it then."
"So, I'd have to skip tomorrow afternoon's classes if I go...." Ayashi smiled brightly. "Sure. I'd love to go."
Koushiro felt faint. "Um, we can leave tomorrow at lunch from here."
"Of course," Ayashi agreed and played with Koushiro's hair as she began to walk away. "Better hurry up, or you'll be late. See you in class."
"Lucky," Daisuke said walking up to Koushiro.
"That coming from you?" Koushiro returned.
Daisuke shrugged. "She's rather beautiful. I'd be careful of any jocks that probably have their eye on her."
Koushiro smirked. "Oh, I don't worry about them. I have my ways of dealing with any that would cause problems."
"Hi, guys." Takeru rushed by.
"Hey, why are you here? Shouldn't you be getting ready for your wedding?" Daisuke asked.
"What can I do? Mom and Mrs. Yagami won't let me do anything," Takeru replied. "See you in class."
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"Hello, I'm your teacher, Yamazaki," said the monotonous teacher that towered twice the height of his fifth graders. "I'm sure you all enjoyed spring break and are eager to begin the new school year. Let's start by introducing ourselves and talk about what you did over the break. Since we have a new face to our school, why don't we start with you, Togashi."
Yume giggled nervously. "Hi. I'm Togashi Yume. Forgive me for not standing, but an accident a few years ago left me unable to use my legs. I moved here over the break after finding out there currently isn't a cure for my injury. Since coming here, I've become friends with Iori and Sayuri."
Tomoe leaned over to Sayuri. "So that's your rival for Iori? You may have a problem."
Sayuri blushed while hissing, "Will you shut up about that?"
"No," Tomoe returned.
"Since you seem so eager to talk, Wataru, it's your turn," Yamazaki said flatly.
Sayuri stood up. "Another fun spring break. Went to the beach, did some site seeing. Nothing that I'd really go into talking to you about."
"Lying without lying, novel concept," Tomoe commented then the teacher had her relate what she did over spring break.
A few students later it was Iori's turn to speak, "Not much I can talk about. Visited friends, attended a party, and will be part of a wedding tomorrow."
"Oh? Who's getting married?" Yamazaki asked.
Iori fidgeted. "Um, Takaishi Takeru and Yagami Hikari."
Yamazaki fell out of his chair. "They're only seventh graders?!" he cried out, but somehow still carried a monotone sound.
"They grew up quickly," Iori replied sheepishly.
That caused quite a commotion in the class.
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Students of the junior high were lined up and stood in the school's gymnasium as the principal addressed the entire student body. The elderly woman introduced herself as Mrs. Minami and welcomed everyone to the new school year and commented on a few policies, particularly ones that had changed from the previous year.
The principal then smiled with a serious face. "I hope you've all had an excellent vacation and are enjoying your first day of school. Now I rarely get to make an announcement like this, but I feel everyone should congratulate Takaishi Takeru. He'll be getting married to Yagami Hikari tomorrow."
Takeru fell to the ground from shock.
The principal's voice took an accusing tone as she continued, "The soon to be Takaishi Hikari won't be joining the school this year as she is currently about three months pregnant. When and _IF_ she does return to school, she will return as a second year student but will be sorely behind in her lessons. Hikari is currently under a one-year suspension but that may be changed to being permenantly expelled while the school board debates that issue.
"Takaishi Takeru should be commended for supporting his girlfriend, where as many other girls find themselves alone after becoming pregnant. Life will be difficult enough for the Takaishi family with expenses and time consuming tasks of raising a child. Anyone trying to make it more difficult for them will be dealt with appropriately.
"Thank you, and enjoy the rest of the day."
Takeru seemed to shrink as his his classmates turned on him.
Daisuke snickered. "Looks like the principal is going to make an example out of you."
"HOW COULD YOU DO SUCH A THING TO HIKARI?!" a girl screamed into Takeru's face.
"It takes two to tango, and Hikari did the rumba with him," Yukimi quipped. She was an old friend of Hikari's and already knew about this.
"Congratulations," another girl said, she then sighed dreamily. "I'd love to have a baby."
Daisuke looked over the average looking typical Japanese girl. "I can help with that," he leered.
The girl backed away. "Not without an engagement ring."
"Maybe I should've skipped school today," Takeru whined as he was continued to be bombarded with questions and comments about the announcement.
Noriko snickered only a meter away. This would work well for her little group since it meant one of their strongest rivals was effectively out of commission. As the students filed out of the gymnasiam to return to their classrooms, she snuck away in hopes of talking to Yuri and Hitochi. Soon the classes resumed for the day, and she was left to wander the halls. She stopped when she noticed an obese girl with dark brown hair shaking a boy like a rag doll.
"Now are you going to give me your money, worm, or do I have to rough you up a bit more," the large girl snarled angrily.
Noriko took note of this and just watched as the girl mugged a fellow classmate.
"What do you want?" the heavy set girl asked as she tossed the boy down the hall.
"Tell me, do you know of a man named Oikawa?" Noriko questioned.
The girl stared. "How do you know him... wait I remember you. You were taken before I was."
"Yes. I'm Noriko." She bowed ever so slightly. "How would you like to gain more power?"
"Well, I'm Keiko," the large girl replied. "I don't really care for more power. I just want to get more pastries."
"I can see that," Noriko remarked. "However with the power we get, we'll be able to cross into the Digital World, and possibly be able to use that to transport ourselves to other places in the world, like say Paris."
"Paris?" Keiko nearly moaned in ecstasy at the thought of French pastries and cakes. "Where do I sign up?"
Noriko smiled evilly. "You already have. I'll introduce you to a couple of your teammates, Yuri and Hitochi."
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"Do you know why I asked to see you two?" asked a stern looking elderly man as his gray eyebrows furled slightly looking more like a perturbed stereotypical CEO than the principal of Odaiba Senior High School.
"No, sir," replied Sora.
Taichi merely shook his head.
"It's about your performance this morning," the principal said firmly.
"About us getting engaged?" Sora questioned.
The principal nodded. "While I've had a few third year students get engaged before graduating, I've never had two first year students willingly get engaged." He opened a file on his desk. "Now I was going to ask if your parents knew about this, but considering what's going on with Yagami Hikari, or should I say Takaishi Hikari, I suspect they do and don't care."
"Oh, they care, sir," Sora replied as if to assure him. "It's just there wasn't much they could do about it. Hikari and Takeru hid their relationship and Yagami-okaasan found out only after it was too late."
"And what about you two?" the principal asked.
Taichi scratched the back of his neck nervously. "It's about the same sir. They're not really happy about it, but know we're not going to stop 'cause they want us to."
Sora kicked Taichi in the shin.
The principal shook his head. "I don't want any trouble from either of you. Starting a relationship at your age like this is very hard. The chances of you two being together ten years from now is slim."
"But we're not starting a relationship," Sora interrupted. "We've been dating for over four years now. We know we don't have a perfect relationship and have to work out our problems when they arise and not push them off until it's too late."
"Though she sometimes forgets that," Taichi quipped, earning him a glare from Sora.
The principal blinked several times. "If only my ex-wife...." He shook his head. "Well, maybe you can make it work." He closed his eyes for a moment. "However, I don't want either of you creating any distractions to my school. It's bad enough having a semi-professional rock band attending our school. Having an engaged couple makes things worse. This is a school, not some anime series or soap opera.
"I will be very displeased if students start following your example. I won't prevent you from wearing your engagement ring for now, Takenouchi, however both of you should keep ALL talk about your relationship to a minimum to other students. What you two do at home should stay at home. Do I make myself clear?" the principal told them sternly.
The couple nodded.
"There are numerous things I can do to punish you if you become disruptive to this school. The least of which is prevent Takenouchi from wearing jewelry. I can also have Yagami's worker's permit canceled at any time. And I consider those as the tame examples," the principal warned.
"Yes, sir," Sora swallowed.
Taichi fidgeted.
The principal then smiled. "Now I hope you enjoy learning at this school, but one more thing-- get a haircut, boy. You look like you've got a bird's nest on your head."
"What's wrong with my hair?" Taichi questioned Sora.
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Three figures sat in the locked janitors room, using the light from an open window as their only light source.
"Have a three?" Armadimon questioned.
Bakumon shook her head.
"Go fish," replied Psychemon. "Is this really what we're going to have to do while they attend school?"
"It works to pass the time, doesn't it?" Armadimon returned. He frowned at pulling yet another card he didn't already have.
"I guess," Psychemon sighed.
"I find this interesting," Bakumon said. "Have a nine?"
Armadimon sagged, handing over the card he just pulled.
"Of course you would," Psychemon groused. "You're winning."
"We can see about getting rules to other card games," Armadimon suggested.
"Have a two?" Bakumon asked.
Psychemon rolled her eyes. "It has to be better than this game." She handed over her two.
Bakumon clapped in excitement. "I win again."
"Isn't there other things you did before?" Psychemon asked.
"Well, we used to stay the computer lab when no one was there," Armadimon replied. "Though for the past year, we usually stayed at home since we had become strong enough to be apart from our partners that long. Before then we were in our second stage baby forms and always found something interesting."
"Can we play again?" Bakumon asked.
"It's almost time for school to end," Armadimon answered.
"Please?" Bakumon fluttered her eyebrows at Armadimon.
"I guess we can go one more game," Armadimon squeaked.
Psychemon sighed and looked away. "Deal me out of this one."
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Author's Notes:
Coming Soon:
War Diaries Entry 12 - Celebration
The wedding of Takeru and Hikari.
Ken will finally make a War Diaries appearance next entry, and I have my reasons for not including him in this part.
Thanks to all my pre-readers.
Entry 11: The Joys of Academia
By Lord Archive
Digimon belongs to Toei Animation Inc., Saban Entertainment, Fox Kids and others. They are used without consent. And since Toei doesn't want them anymore, I'm not giving them back.
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Iori sighed. "After the battle against all the dark digimon of Dagomon's Ocean, we sent the older Chosen's digimon back to the Digital World. Piyomon was in especially bad shape after the battle, having been in the Real World for so long and then fighting a prolonged battle like that. Now that it's been a week, they've all been returned to their adult forms by their partners.
"The battle hadn't been easy, though no one was seriously hurt. I had to kill again, and Sayuri, a member of my team, had her first kill. She seems to be taking it well. Better than Mimi at least, who was forced to kill in order to save Hikari. Mimi will be staying in town until after Hikari's wedding."
Iori stood up and walked over to the family shrine and brushed dust off his father's picture. "School starts tomorrow, Dad. However, fifth grade seems to be a bad school year for us Chosen. Whenever there's a major threat, it always seems to fall upon a group filled with fifth graders. I suspect it'll be the same this year."
Iori fidgeted. "Things seem to be getting more complicated. Most of the older Chosen have started to pair off and do adult things. For the past couple months Taichi has basically lived with Sora, but they had a big fight recently. Sora believes Taichi forgot her birthday, but Taichi insists he hadn't and the present wasn't ready. I don't know who to believe. I hope they work things out.
Iori looked away. "On Tuesday, Hikari and Takeru will be getting married, and she's already pregnant. Then there's Jyou being with Mimi, Miyako with Daisuke, and Koushiro wanting to be with some girl named Ayashi. Even Ken has done adult things, with Daisuke's sister no less.
"Dad, it makes me worried." Iori paced around the room. "Am I going to be like them in a few years? I already have two girls showing that they're attracted to me. Will I lose my virginity before even getting to junior high, like some of them have?
Iori shook his head. "I don't want to follow their mistakes. I want to wait until senior high school before even dating. Though that resolve is starting to waiver. Dad, I like both Yume and Sayuri. They're great girls... and every day I'm with them, the more I question if dating them now would be such a bad idea.
Iori closed his eyes. "Dad, I'm not saying I'm a mistake. I know that Mom never graduated high school because I was born. I just don't want to be a father at a young age."
Iori sighed. "It's getting late. I'd better get to bed. Goodnight, Dad."
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"Taichi, time to wake up."
"A few more minutes, Sora," Taichi groused.
Taichi suddenly found himself on the floor. "I'm up!" he called out, and looked around the room. Quickly realizing he was not at Sora's, but that his mother had knocked him off the couch. "Morning, Mom," Taichi said sheepishly.
Since Tailmon had taken over Taichi's bed, he didn't have any choice but use the couch. It was certainly easier than trying to convince Tailmon to move along with her egg.
Mrs. Yagami folded her arms. "If you want to run that errand before school, you better hurry."
Taichi jumped to his feet and dashed into the bathroom. A moment later Taichi came out dressed and was stopped from running out the door by his mother holding up two bags.
"This has your lunch, and this has your breakfast." Mrs. Yagami handed him the bags, and then wished a bit sadly, "Good luck."
"Thanks, Mom." With that Taichi was out of the door.
Hikari yawned at her bedroom door. "Taichi left for school already?"
"He has a special errand to run first," Mrs. Yagami replied.
"Oh, right." Hikari nodded. She then sighed. "I wish I could go to school too."
Mrs. Yagami shook her head. "You know you can't go now. Besides, we have a lot of preparations to do for tomorrow."
"I know...." Hikari turned away.
"Now what would you like for breakfast?" Mrs. Yagami asked.
Hikari paused. "Scrambled eggs with ketchup."
Mrs. Yagami blinked. "But you don't like ketchup."
Hikari smiled sheepishly. "It's how Takeru eats his eggs."
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Takeru sighed while eating his breakfast he had made for himself, scrambled eggs with ketchup.
Weddings were for the women, he had decided gloomily. His mother was running around trying to finish some last minute arrangements, but wouldn't let him help. It was his wedding after all, but between Mrs. Yagami and his mother-- no one else was allowed to help out.
Takeru picked at his food. At least he was going to school. Then he could try to forget about this and not have to watch his mother run around like a headless chicken.
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Sayuri sighed while Hitomi pranced around.
"Can you be any less cheerful?" Sayuri groused.
Hitomi pouted. "Are you still bothered by last week?"
Sayuri looked away.
"Isn't killin' part of the adventure?" Hitomi asked.
"It has nothing to do with that," Sayuri retorted.
Hitomi folded her arms. "Then why have you been 'Gloomy Gus' for tha past week?"
"That had to be done. If I hadn't done it, others would've," Sayuri said flatly.
"So, why didn't you let them do it if ya didn't want to?" Hitomi questioned.
"It's my job. Eventually I'll be in a situation that is kill or be killed, and it's best I deal with that issue now rather than wait for it to be forced on me," Sayuri explained angrily.
"I'm sorry," Psychemon said meekly, who was trailing them in a trench-coat Sayuri had reluctantly purchased.
"Will you stop apologizing? You can't kill if I restrict you from that, right?" Sayuri questioned.
"It would be difficult for me," Psychemon replied.
"And I didn't restrict you. I let you kill them, so it was my decision as well." Sayuri trudged forward. "Let's drop Hitomi off at pre-school so I can get to my school."
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"Hello, Mrs. Togashi." Iori bowed. "Is Yume ready for school?"
Mrs. Togashi nodded. "She'll be ready shortly. I can't thank you enough for helping her to school."
"It's no problem, really," Iori assured her. "It's not that far out of my way."
Mrs. Togashi looked like she wanted to say something, but instead started to wipe the small table that had their phone on it.
"Is there something you wanted to ask?" Iori questioned.
Mrs. Togashi fidgeted. "How safe is it being a Chosen?"
Iori sighed. "There is danger involved, however fate plays a role in this as well. The chances of her dying are rather low, but she can be hurt... both physically and mentally because of being a Chosen."
"Will she have to kill?" Mrs. Togashi asked.
Iori closed his eyes. "Probably. The longest any Chosen has gone without killing a digimon was a little over a year. Only new members have not recorded a kill yet."
"You mean I'll have to kill too?" Yume questioned in horror as she stared at Iori.
Iori nodded. "Sorry."
"I don't want to kill anyone! Why would I ever need to kill anyone?" Yume demanded.
"Remember how we met?" Iori asked. "I never wanted to kill then either."
Yume swallowed hard and looked down.
"Come on, we have to get to school," Iori commanded as his voice shook.
Mrs. Togashi didn't know how to take the conversation. This boy had said he had killed, told Yume she would have to kill, and was going to take her to school. She noticed Bakumon following them and asked, "Is it wise to have Bakumon with you?"
"Bakumon needs to be near her partner. Part of her life force is attached to Yume. If they're separated too long in the real world, she'll get weak," Iori explained. "Besides, if something happens, it'll be good to have all our digimon nearby."
"Where's yours?" Mrs. Togashi answered.
"Outside the door," Iori answered.
Mrs. Togashi followed them out and saw the meter tall armadillo in a trench-coat.
"Hi." Armadimon waved at her.
"Ah, hi," Mrs. Togashi greeted uncertainly. "Have a nice day at school." She sighed. She wished Yume was a normal child like her brother. He wasn't involved in any adventure beyond dealing with his new girlfriend.
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"Sora!"
The red head in questioned ignored the call as she changed her shoes at the front of the school.
"Sora, please let me talk to you," Taichi pleaded as he ran up to her.
"I have nothing to say to you." Sora huffed.
"Aw, please Sora, just listen, will you?" Taichi begged.
"If you tell me to 'put this behind us,' you're in for a world of hurt." Sora glared.
Taichi shook his head and got down on one knee. "I finally got your present. It took a while to have it engraved so it wasn't ready in time for your birthday." His hand fished around in his pocket and pulled out a ring box.
Sora just stared at Taichi in complete shock.
"Since this wasn't going to be ready on time, I had wanted to wait until tomorrow to give this to you... but...." Taichi opened the ring box revealing a small ring with a ruby set in it and the symbols for love and courage finely engraved all along the small silver band. "Takenouchi Sora," Taichi's voice cracked. "Will you marry me?"
Sora covered her mouth. "Taichi... I'm sorry...."
Taichi felt like someone had just stabbed him and twisted the blade.
"I... I... should've believed you...." Tears came out of Sora's eyes. "Yes, I'll marry you." She hugged him fiercely.
Taichi had been in the abyss, but was now on cloud nine. He reluctantly pulled out of the hug and got the ring to put it on her finger.
Sora and Taichi suddenly blushed when they heard a lot of clapping from those around them. They knew that the whole school would know of the engagement before the day was out.
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Koushiro yawned as he walked into school. He really had to do something about his irregular sleeping habits, but staying on top of information concerning the Digital World kept him up at odd hours.
"Good morning, Koushiro." Ayashi waved at him.
"Mornin', Ayashi. Ready for the school year?" Koushiro asked.
Ayashi shrugged. "Won't know until it starts."
Koushiro fidgeted. "Um, are you doing anything tomorrow?"
"Besides school, no," Ayashi replied.
Koushiro smiled sheepishly. "Well, um, I'm, ah, I've been invited to a wedding tomorrow." He nervously scratched the back of his head. "Actually, I'm needed to help set up the reception and won't make the actual wedding. And, well, I was wondering if you'd... um...."
Ayashi put her hand on her hip. "Izumi Koushiro, are you asking me to go with you to a wedding reception as a date?"
Koushiro nodded a couple times too many while blushing.
"When is it?" Ayashi asked.
"The wedding reception starts at four," Koushiro replied. "However it'd be best if you do come that we leave school at lunch because I'll need to explain my, um, special 'job' and it'd be easiest to do it then."
"So, I'd have to skip tomorrow afternoon's classes if I go...." Ayashi smiled brightly. "Sure. I'd love to go."
Koushiro felt faint. "Um, we can leave tomorrow at lunch from here."
"Of course," Ayashi agreed and played with Koushiro's hair as she began to walk away. "Better hurry up, or you'll be late. See you in class."
"Lucky," Daisuke said walking up to Koushiro.
"That coming from you?" Koushiro returned.
Daisuke shrugged. "She's rather beautiful. I'd be careful of any jocks that probably have their eye on her."
Koushiro smirked. "Oh, I don't worry about them. I have my ways of dealing with any that would cause problems."
"Hi, guys." Takeru rushed by.
"Hey, why are you here? Shouldn't you be getting ready for your wedding?" Daisuke asked.
"What can I do? Mom and Mrs. Yagami won't let me do anything," Takeru replied. "See you in class."
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"Hello, I'm your teacher, Yamazaki," said the monotonous teacher that towered twice the height of his fifth graders. "I'm sure you all enjoyed spring break and are eager to begin the new school year. Let's start by introducing ourselves and talk about what you did over the break. Since we have a new face to our school, why don't we start with you, Togashi."
Yume giggled nervously. "Hi. I'm Togashi Yume. Forgive me for not standing, but an accident a few years ago left me unable to use my legs. I moved here over the break after finding out there currently isn't a cure for my injury. Since coming here, I've become friends with Iori and Sayuri."
Tomoe leaned over to Sayuri. "So that's your rival for Iori? You may have a problem."
Sayuri blushed while hissing, "Will you shut up about that?"
"No," Tomoe returned.
"Since you seem so eager to talk, Wataru, it's your turn," Yamazaki said flatly.
Sayuri stood up. "Another fun spring break. Went to the beach, did some site seeing. Nothing that I'd really go into talking to you about."
"Lying without lying, novel concept," Tomoe commented then the teacher had her relate what she did over spring break.
A few students later it was Iori's turn to speak, "Not much I can talk about. Visited friends, attended a party, and will be part of a wedding tomorrow."
"Oh? Who's getting married?" Yamazaki asked.
Iori fidgeted. "Um, Takaishi Takeru and Yagami Hikari."
Yamazaki fell out of his chair. "They're only seventh graders?!" he cried out, but somehow still carried a monotone sound.
"They grew up quickly," Iori replied sheepishly.
That caused quite a commotion in the class.
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Students of the junior high were lined up and stood in the school's gymnasium as the principal addressed the entire student body. The elderly woman introduced herself as Mrs. Minami and welcomed everyone to the new school year and commented on a few policies, particularly ones that had changed from the previous year.
The principal then smiled with a serious face. "I hope you've all had an excellent vacation and are enjoying your first day of school. Now I rarely get to make an announcement like this, but I feel everyone should congratulate Takaishi Takeru. He'll be getting married to Yagami Hikari tomorrow."
Takeru fell to the ground from shock.
The principal's voice took an accusing tone as she continued, "The soon to be Takaishi Hikari won't be joining the school this year as she is currently about three months pregnant. When and _IF_ she does return to school, she will return as a second year student but will be sorely behind in her lessons. Hikari is currently under a one-year suspension but that may be changed to being permenantly expelled while the school board debates that issue.
"Takaishi Takeru should be commended for supporting his girlfriend, where as many other girls find themselves alone after becoming pregnant. Life will be difficult enough for the Takaishi family with expenses and time consuming tasks of raising a child. Anyone trying to make it more difficult for them will be dealt with appropriately.
"Thank you, and enjoy the rest of the day."
Takeru seemed to shrink as his his classmates turned on him.
Daisuke snickered. "Looks like the principal is going to make an example out of you."
"HOW COULD YOU DO SUCH A THING TO HIKARI?!" a girl screamed into Takeru's face.
"It takes two to tango, and Hikari did the rumba with him," Yukimi quipped. She was an old friend of Hikari's and already knew about this.
"Congratulations," another girl said, she then sighed dreamily. "I'd love to have a baby."
Daisuke looked over the average looking typical Japanese girl. "I can help with that," he leered.
The girl backed away. "Not without an engagement ring."
"Maybe I should've skipped school today," Takeru whined as he was continued to be bombarded with questions and comments about the announcement.
Noriko snickered only a meter away. This would work well for her little group since it meant one of their strongest rivals was effectively out of commission. As the students filed out of the gymnasiam to return to their classrooms, she snuck away in hopes of talking to Yuri and Hitochi. Soon the classes resumed for the day, and she was left to wander the halls. She stopped when she noticed an obese girl with dark brown hair shaking a boy like a rag doll.
"Now are you going to give me your money, worm, or do I have to rough you up a bit more," the large girl snarled angrily.
Noriko took note of this and just watched as the girl mugged a fellow classmate.
"What do you want?" the heavy set girl asked as she tossed the boy down the hall.
"Tell me, do you know of a man named Oikawa?" Noriko questioned.
The girl stared. "How do you know him... wait I remember you. You were taken before I was."
"Yes. I'm Noriko." She bowed ever so slightly. "How would you like to gain more power?"
"Well, I'm Keiko," the large girl replied. "I don't really care for more power. I just want to get more pastries."
"I can see that," Noriko remarked. "However with the power we get, we'll be able to cross into the Digital World, and possibly be able to use that to transport ourselves to other places in the world, like say Paris."
"Paris?" Keiko nearly moaned in ecstasy at the thought of French pastries and cakes. "Where do I sign up?"
Noriko smiled evilly. "You already have. I'll introduce you to a couple of your teammates, Yuri and Hitochi."
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"Do you know why I asked to see you two?" asked a stern looking elderly man as his gray eyebrows furled slightly looking more like a perturbed stereotypical CEO than the principal of Odaiba Senior High School.
"No, sir," replied Sora.
Taichi merely shook his head.
"It's about your performance this morning," the principal said firmly.
"About us getting engaged?" Sora questioned.
The principal nodded. "While I've had a few third year students get engaged before graduating, I've never had two first year students willingly get engaged." He opened a file on his desk. "Now I was going to ask if your parents knew about this, but considering what's going on with Yagami Hikari, or should I say Takaishi Hikari, I suspect they do and don't care."
"Oh, they care, sir," Sora replied as if to assure him. "It's just there wasn't much they could do about it. Hikari and Takeru hid their relationship and Yagami-okaasan found out only after it was too late."
"And what about you two?" the principal asked.
Taichi scratched the back of his neck nervously. "It's about the same sir. They're not really happy about it, but know we're not going to stop 'cause they want us to."
Sora kicked Taichi in the shin.
The principal shook his head. "I don't want any trouble from either of you. Starting a relationship at your age like this is very hard. The chances of you two being together ten years from now is slim."
"But we're not starting a relationship," Sora interrupted. "We've been dating for over four years now. We know we don't have a perfect relationship and have to work out our problems when they arise and not push them off until it's too late."
"Though she sometimes forgets that," Taichi quipped, earning him a glare from Sora.
The principal blinked several times. "If only my ex-wife...." He shook his head. "Well, maybe you can make it work." He closed his eyes for a moment. "However, I don't want either of you creating any distractions to my school. It's bad enough having a semi-professional rock band attending our school. Having an engaged couple makes things worse. This is a school, not some anime series or soap opera.
"I will be very displeased if students start following your example. I won't prevent you from wearing your engagement ring for now, Takenouchi, however both of you should keep ALL talk about your relationship to a minimum to other students. What you two do at home should stay at home. Do I make myself clear?" the principal told them sternly.
The couple nodded.
"There are numerous things I can do to punish you if you become disruptive to this school. The least of which is prevent Takenouchi from wearing jewelry. I can also have Yagami's worker's permit canceled at any time. And I consider those as the tame examples," the principal warned.
"Yes, sir," Sora swallowed.
Taichi fidgeted.
The principal then smiled. "Now I hope you enjoy learning at this school, but one more thing-- get a haircut, boy. You look like you've got a bird's nest on your head."
"What's wrong with my hair?" Taichi questioned Sora.
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Three figures sat in the locked janitors room, using the light from an open window as their only light source.
"Have a three?" Armadimon questioned.
Bakumon shook her head.
"Go fish," replied Psychemon. "Is this really what we're going to have to do while they attend school?"
"It works to pass the time, doesn't it?" Armadimon returned. He frowned at pulling yet another card he didn't already have.
"I guess," Psychemon sighed.
"I find this interesting," Bakumon said. "Have a nine?"
Armadimon sagged, handing over the card he just pulled.
"Of course you would," Psychemon groused. "You're winning."
"We can see about getting rules to other card games," Armadimon suggested.
"Have a two?" Bakumon asked.
Psychemon rolled her eyes. "It has to be better than this game." She handed over her two.
Bakumon clapped in excitement. "I win again."
"Isn't there other things you did before?" Psychemon asked.
"Well, we used to stay the computer lab when no one was there," Armadimon replied. "Though for the past year, we usually stayed at home since we had become strong enough to be apart from our partners that long. Before then we were in our second stage baby forms and always found something interesting."
"Can we play again?" Bakumon asked.
"It's almost time for school to end," Armadimon answered.
"Please?" Bakumon fluttered her eyebrows at Armadimon.
"I guess we can go one more game," Armadimon squeaked.
Psychemon sighed and looked away. "Deal me out of this one."
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Author's Notes:
Coming Soon:
War Diaries Entry 12 - Celebration
The wedding of Takeru and Hikari.
Ken will finally make a War Diaries appearance next entry, and I have my reasons for not including him in this part.
Thanks to all my pre-readers.