Epilogue

I'm watching them. They're standing around, faces so solemn. I know it's bad and this must be hard for them. They look at me, but can't see me. Of course they can't. After all, I died. To them, I'm merely an empty body that is lying peacefully in the casket before them. I died. Just when I had it all. Gone in the blink of an eye.

They can't see me, but I'm watching. I'll always be watching. Ken is sitting like a zombie. Indigo eyes red-rimmed, face taut- he looks like shit. He looks beautiful. Jun is beside him sniffling now and then. In her lap sits Chibimon. It's funny how he always stays in his little form in the human world. And I'm glad he didn't die with me. Wormmon and Ken will need him now more than ever. A thought comes back to me then. What will happen when he dies? Digimon are reborn after all. But does that mean I'll never see him again? No one knows. Secretly, I've said my good-bye to him but I'm desperately hoping I'll see him again years down the road. Shit- I've got eternity after all. The dragon turns and looks at his partner, Wormmon who is seated on Ken's lap. They share a sad look between them and glance back up at Ken and Jun. The humans offer sad smiles that give little to no consolation. But at least they're trying. The others are here too.

Yamato stands beside Sora. Ignoring his wife completely, his sapphire eyes keep wandering to the huddled form of Taichi. He radiates guilt. I think he knew about his brother, but didn't want to admit it to himself. That's okay though. I don't hold it against him. Tai is quietly crying and holding one of the other few pieces of Digidestined memorabilia- the goggles. When all is said and done, he places them on the casket, kisses his hand and touches them one last time before breaking down into more quiet sobs. Jyou eyes his friend worriedly. I know he's got med supplies readily available in case anyone faints or something. As they all walked out to the plot I heard him whisper how he wished he'd had the time to get to know me better. When he said that I wrapped my arms around him and told him thank you, but I know he didn't hear. Still, he looks comforted now. Koushiro stands beside Jyou. His dark eyes keep wandering over to Jun and the twins who stand behind her. The children look at him curiously. There's this proud smirk on his face that I wish I could just fucking rip right off. But I can't. I'm dead. I can't do anything. Well… I shouldn't say that. I did set a few things in motion.

Hikari and Iori stand together, arms around one another for comfort. Perhaps I was wrong about them. They seem to genuinely love each other. Which is more than I can say for the other married couples present. Good for them. And they don't know it yet, but 'Kari's pregnant. Close to her Jogress partner, Miyako stands like a blade of ice. Seriously, the fucking air gets colder around her. The amount of distress she radiates is uncomfortable, even for me. Glancing at her soon to be ex-husband from time to time she resets her jaw and seems to swear to herself that she's not going to cry. Beside the wicked bitch of Japan stands Takeru. I can't believe he actually had the balls to show up. Little cocksmoker. I still can't believe he set me up. It's all good though, I'll have my revenge. There are police cars pulling up already. What's even better is I think he knows why too. Yeah that's right motherfucker! You're getting busted for Wallace's murder! That's the good thing about Japan- no Miranda rights. Just slap on those cuffs and drag 'em away. Book 'em Dan-O.

Just past where the blond is being hauled off for questioning, I can see Mimi. Strong, beautiful, proud Mimi. And I think that if I had ever liked girls and she had liked guys that I would have married her. Carrying a black rose, she walks up to the others and gives it to Ken before leaning down to kiss his cheek. He looks so grateful for her support. Miyako is still fuming over him loving me more than her. And I know Mimi revealed her own heart to the maroon haired wench- with disastrous results. Still, and not just because I love Mimi dearly, I hope Miya gets a fucking grip. She could be so happy with Mimi, she really could.

Glancing back at Koushiro I growl even though no one can hear me. Because how indecent is it to flirt with someone else's wife at a friend's funeral? Oh, I'll tell you! It's completely fucking disgusting. Especially that little tongue in cheek gesture Sora's making. Ew. Man, they're just fucking nasty. Yamato and Taichi had a long discussion this morning about making arrangements for after The Bitch (as they like to call her) gets served with divorce papers. Yama doesn't even care if she bleeds him dry. He just hates her so completely and can't even remember if it was a marriage of convenience in the first place. Ha! Good show, Yama. Tai will keep you safe, he'll love you forever. Their eyes meet and the blond nods, moving away from his wife to guide Tai back to the car they came in. Sayonara, BITCH!

Ken stares at them in wonder and gives a soft smile. He knows, of course he does. Not to mention that I know he found the letter I wrote him. He found it this morning when he was putting his coat on. I purposely put it in his formal jacket knowing that was the one he would wear to my funeral. Groovy, ne? He looks at the black rose Mimi gave him, then to Jun, then to Koushiro. Shaking his head, he leans towards my sister and whispers something in her ear. I think he's asking why my parents didn't show up. She replies that they adopted me and thought I was a disgrace- my only redeeming value that I was friends with Ken. He looks put out by that comment but she only waves a hand at him. It doesn't matter anymore anyway, she tells him. And she's right. It doesn't matter. But, what does matter is that he better get off his ass soon. Yeah, I know he needs time to mourn- but he's got to get the fuck out of there. He seems to sense me thinking that and nods. Kissing Jun on the cheek he whispers something to her at length that even I can't hear- but she looks shocked as all hell! Then he kisses her again and gathers Chibi and Wormmon. Giving Koushiro a deadly glare he departs as well. This is good, I know he's got things to take care of.

Miyako watches Ken leave with a mix of curiosity and regret. Running after him she hesitates for only a moment noticing how irritated he is with her. Stumbling through an apology she says she'll talk to her lawyer and they'll make arrangements regarding the children. Holy god damn. Could it be? Is she really about to reform? It took my death for this to happen? Shit! Why couldn't I have died sooner? Wait, no, that's not right… But Ken gives her a curt nod and says he'll be in touch. Getting in his sleek little car he drives away glancing back now and then to where the others are still lingering. Chibi waves from the back window and I can see his tears. Aw, don't cry little guy. You'll see me soon enough- even if it that means a few years or decades.

Mimi walks up to Miyako and places a tentative hand on her shoulder. When the other woman whirls around I see my beautiful pink haired friend wince. She's expecting a slap or scathing words. Instead, Miya surprises everyone and throws her arms around Mimi before kissing her full on the mouth. Did the sky just turn emerald green? Because I could swear I just saw a pig and a cow fly by- Miyako is a new woman! Wow. There's something you don't see every day. The new couple kisses for a while as the remaining Destined gape at them. They all look so funny. Especially Jun. Then, of course, even she surprises me. Looking back at my casket she stands and gathers her things. Before leaving she leans down and kisses the polished wood whispering a vow of love and a final good-bye to me. Then she looks at the father of her children as she saunters around my coffin. Oh damn- I know what's coming next. Motioning for the twins to follow her she knows she's got everyone's attention, even Miya and Mimi have broken away from Makeout City for this one. Pursing her lips she looks right into Koushiro's eyes. The eyes her children inherited. Then she decks him- I mean she just fucking belts him one. Hard enough that he's on his ass in the dirt. Yeah! Rock on, Jun! Those dark eyes are looking up at her in disbelief. She tells him he better not come near their children- ever, under any circumstance. He's nothing but a disgusting pig and he doesn't deserve precious angels like the twins in his life. Oh, and he can shove his money up his ass. Then she walks away the twins on either side of her holding their mother's hands and looking back in wonder. And this is why I love Jun so much. She's fucking hysterical that way.

Of course, the others are all over the redhead like white on rice as soon as my sister is gone. Well, except for Mimi and Miyako. They're following Jun and laughing hysterically. I see them catch up to her and watch Jun collect herself. She scolds Miyako for a moment and watches the other woman look crestfallen. But then she reaches out, touches her face and tells her all is forgiven. Looking at Mimi she makes her promise too keep Miya on the right track. Mimi nods and they hug before all three woman get into separate cars and drive away. Meanwhile, back at the plot…

Jyou is outraged at Koushiro. I mean he's reading him the fucking riot act. Right on, man! Then he turns on Sora and rips her a new one. It takes both Hikari and Iori to calm him down. Finally, declaring himself disgusted he tells them how ashamed they should be, nods to the happily married couple and takes off. Can't say I blame him. I heard his pager go off earlier anyway- he's got lives to save. The Keeper of Light turns back to the remaining two with a look of pure disappointment on her face. She can't even say anything. 'Kari only shakes her head and walks away. Iori follows, but only after telling the last two Destined to consider therapy. Catching up to his wife, he kisses her and I can now see that they honestly love each other. Aw, that's so sweet.

Koushiro and Sora are just sort of hanging around at my casket now and that's kinda morbid if you ask me. They look at one another and agree that they've made a general fucking mess out of everything. They part ways after Koushiro promises to fix things. Too bad he won't ever get the chance. Heh heh, Ken and I have seen to that. But, all in good time. Soon enough he'll realize he's falling down, and he's going to hit hard and be splattered all over the walls. Excellent. Not that I'm violent like that or anything…

Sighing, I decide I'm ready to depart as well. For where? Who fucking knows? I don't know what happens now, but I know Ken will be safe until it's time for him to come to me. And I'll be waiting for him, always. Moving out of the cemetery I head off down the road thinking about how strange all of this is. It literally took my death to set Miyako straight. That makes me sad, but also gives me hope in a way. She and Ken might be able to work things out, if he decides to stick around Japan. Lord knows he's got enough money to go wherever he wants- he needs a vacation too. But he loves his children, so I'm sure he'll be around for them. Everything turned out so strangely, but it seems I wasn't so despised after all. Highly weird on so many different levels and everything happened so fast too. But that's life- a flash in the pan. It's over before you know it.

***

Ken-

Right now you're sleeping soundly after we've just had the most amazing sex I've ever experienced. Honestly, there is no human being in existence that I have loved more than I love you. You are everything to me- my light, my purity, my love, my faith, my knowledge, my hope, my miracle, my courage, my friend. That's why this is so hard for me to say. Ken, you've got to promise me you'll move on. I don't like the idea any more than you do, trust me. But you've already spent seven years mourning me. Don't waste any more time. Go out there and live your life. However, I should add a little warning label onto that: be careful!

Everyone keeps wondering how I knew what was still going on back home. Well, remember the American Destined, Wallace? You met him when we were all in high school… Anyway, I sent him here and set him up with a job for my old boss so long as he told no one of my whereabouts or how to contact me and kept me informed. This worked out pretty well, since he really did have no fucking clue where I was or how to get in touch with me anyway. But, it seems he also betrayed me- he sided with Takeru and they planned to tag-team it and take me in. But, on a side note, my old boss was overthrown and someone new took his place. Koushiro. Yeah, I know. Crazy, isn't it? Turns out, he's a really vindictive son of a bitch who likes to sleep around and hurt people for fun. Who knew? This upsets me greatly. Especially since he's the father of Jun's children. I don't know if I'll get around to telling you that before I die, but now you know. So yeah, did I mention he likes to hurt people? Watch out for him, Ken. He's got a personal grudge against you like nothing I've ever seen before. The man is hellbent on destroying your life. So, as a head's up I've alerted the authorities. He's done some sketchy shit in his time and will most likely get busted for it. The other yakuza lords don't like him and well, when have you ever known rival bosses to support one another? Yeah, so, don't worry too much about him, but he does have a lot of employees. You might want to leave the country for a bit. I hate telling you that, but better safe than dead. I don't want you joining me until you're ready, Ken.

But, speaking of sketchy things… I killed Wallace, not Takeru. I used Takaishi's knife that had his prints and stabbed him in the heart. No, I'm not proud. But I did what had to be done. I'm sure you know that. If not, Chibimon can explain it to you. He understands- sometimes more than most people do. If you're angry with me, I understand. Just know that I did it because it had to be done. I did a lot of things because they had to be done. Like writing this fucking letter which is making me bawl my eyes out.

Ken, I love you so much. And I don't ever want to say good-bye to you. But I know I have to. And I plan on explaining this to you. I also know that you'll find this letter on the day of my funeral because you don't wear this coat for anything but funerals. That's so like you. I'm going to miss you, you know. I missed you every day for seven years. No, it was more than that- because Miyako took you away long before then. Every day I was away from you another little piece of me died. The only thing I can hope for is that you'll forgive me for leaving. Please? Eternity sure would suck without you, so I hope you won't be angry with me over that one forever.

Lastly, I've contacted my lawyer in America. Did you know I wrote out a Last Will & Testament? Well, hey- guess what, I did. I'm an American citizen too. I passed their little test thingy. But that's beside the point. I emailed him and informed him that I would most likely be dead within the next 24 hours. He should be sitting on a plane as I write this. There are some things that will go to you, but the majority of it is for Jun. Just let her know. Also, I cleared all my US bank accounts at the ATM down the street from your apartment. There should be another envelope in the other pocket. You'll find a very hefty sum on money. I know you've got more than enough to go wherever you want to, but I think this will help provide you with a little extra vacation time. By now I'm sure you've looked at it and are thinking that it's actually enough to buy a small village in Europe. You're probably right. But take it. All of it. It's yours. Jun has plenty, and also no reason to take off for a while. I wasn't kidding about Koushiro. He's going to send people after you if he hasn't already. Take the money and run. Well, not run. I mean, you can be a better man than I am. You can tell people you're leaving at least.

Well, this is it, Ken. My last good-bye to you. I cannot imagine having anyone replace you in my life- or in my death. There is noting else I can say at this point that will make you feel any better. Just know that I'll be waiting for you and I will never stop loving you. I never have stopped and I never will. I love you with all my heart, Ken. See you in about sixty years…

Daisuke

***

He's standing at the counter waiting for the customs officer. The flight was long and his muscles are feeling cramped. But that's to be expected. Removing his sunglasses, he wipes the protein deposits out of his eyes and stretches his neck. Running a hand through his freshly cut hair he smiles a little bit. A reflection on a nearby pane of glass catches his attention. Daisuke would laugh his ass off if he could see him now- hair short, spiky and auburn, eyes covered in cinnamon colored contact lenses. But if someone looks close enough, they'll notice his eyes aren't really brown. That's okay though. That's why he has the sunglasses.

Slipping the glasses back in place, Ken sighs. Thinking about Daisuke now hurts. The pain of his death is still fresh and Ken thinks that it will probably remain so throughout the duration of his life. Daisuke was the only person Ken ever loved. He had cared for his ex-wife but he had never loved her. No one can ever compare to his Daisuke. The perfect, radiant man that finally came home to him only to be taken away again before he could blink. Ken still remembers Daisuke's voice choking…

"I love you. Don't ever forget that…"

The sound of the words echoes in Ken's head. He sighs again thinking back to Dai's funeral. How shocked Jun was when he told her he was leaving and why. But he thought she deserved to know. After finding Daisuke's letter that morning, Ken had come to a rapid decision. The letter now sits in his pocket. It still smells like Daisuke and Ken wonders if Dai did something childish- like rub the paper all over his body or something. Only Daisuke would do something like that. Shaking his head, he remembers telling Jun that her children were beautiful and Dai was proud of her before leaving. He heard rumors after that, that she had smacked Koushiro and told him to stuff it. Smiling now, he wonders why she didn't just say that in the first place.

The customs agent has arrived at long last and Ken is being processed. America had always appealed to him. And certainly, Daisuke left him enough money to go wherever he wanted to. Travelling incognito had been Chibimon's idea. He took the digimon to heart since he'd had experience in this before. Pulled out of his reverie, Ken realizes the officer is speaking to him.

"Your name, sir?" The man's face is tired but still stern.

"Oh, sorry," his English is smooth. "Motomiya Daisuke." He smiles at the choice, then thinks. "Forgive me, sir," he apologizes. "It's been a while since I was last overseas and I've been home for so long… It's the other way around- Daisuke Motomiya." Ken had created an all new passport for him and the two digimon to travel with after he'd packed a small bag and hit the road. He left behind notes for Miyako and Jun figuring they would tell the others- well, whomever else they decided should know anyway.

Ken keeps thinking about Daisuke. He's decided to go everywhere he knew Daisuke always wanted to visit. He'll buy cameras and mail the pictures back home. The thought of home hurts a little. Home. That's where Daisuke is… waiting patiently for him. Not in the ground, not in the air… but somewhere. He's there, waiting for Ken.

"Just try and live your life. If something happens, then it happens…"

The memory of the gunshot still rings in Ken's head. On certain nights he wakes up thinking he's just heard it again, thinking someone's following him. But no, there's nothing there. He has bodyguards anyway. Two of them. And a guardian angel somewhere out there. Daisuke will protect him. Ken is just glad he can remember the sound of Daisuke's voice.

"Anything to declare?" The customs officer is almost done.

"Just promise me…"

"No," he shakes his head. "Nothing." He's cleared and walks through. Grabbing his bag where the digimon are hiding he heads for the door, out into the world.

*************

Okay, so that wasn't as long as I thought it would be. But that's it! Flash is now officially done!!! I've got a side story in mind, but it's not a sequel. Anything else involving Ken or Daisuke for this story will never happen- their parts are done. Anyhoo… hope you all enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it!!!