Me: I don't own Digimon, Pokémon, "When You Believe" (Whitney and Mariah version) from the Prince of Egypt, and "At The Beginning" by Richard Marx and Donna Lewis from Anastasia (I've decided to save my other song for another fic...since "When You Believe" seems more appropriate). Well it has been a fun and long journey, but everything must come to end at one point in time or another. And for this long epic…the time is now. Please enjoy this epilogue as my Digimon/Pokémon trilogy comes to a close.
Epilogue: The Ties of Friendship
"The Digital World has the power to grant wishes as well,"—Gennai, A Million Points of Light
"Are you guys ready, 'cause we're gonna do this even if you're not,"—Takato Matsuki
"Okay, I'm with you,"—Rika Nonaka, Out of the Blue
"Don't forget. We promised,"—Ash Ketchum, Friends to the End
"And then a hero comes along with the strength to carry on. And you cast your fears aside and you know you can survive. So when you feel like hope is gone. Look inside you and be strong. And you'll finally see the truth…that a hero lies in you,"—Mariah Carey, Hero
Real World (Tamers Dimension)
Two
months later…
Many nights we prayed with no proof anyone could hear
In our hearts a hopeful song we barely understood
Now we are not afraid, although we know there's much to fear
We were moving mountains long before we knew we could
It had been a total of two and a half months since the war with the Missingno Virus. The Tamers, having played a major part in the whole affair, were still considered famous heroes as they had been after the D-Reaper incident. Of course, the kids were by now used to all of the fame and glory they received so they thought nothing of the heroic gains. What they did feel was a pang of sorrow from the fact that even after all they had been through, they still needed to pay the price of farewell. But what could be done about that?
"Nothing."
There can be miracles when you believe
Though hope is frail,
It's hard to kill
Who knows what miracles you can achieve,
When you believe somehow you will
You will when you believe
Takato had gone back to his usual hobbies of drawing and playing the Digimon card game. Digital Fields continued to pop up on a regular basis so he did continue to train Guilmon, although he didn't have the heart to let his partner absorb any of the leftover data. Oh yes, he did keep in touch with his friends, including Ryo who lived across town. He and Rika still maintained a close relationship, often fighting side by side against the renegade Digimon in the Digital Fields.
Henry's life went back to normal, but it was still not completely peaceful. This was mainly due to Suzie and her new game: Prince and Princess Pretty Pants. Since it involved both Terriermon and Lopmon, it took every ounce of willpower to keep them, and Henry, from going completely nuts. Luckily, Jeri was always there to take his mind off of his sister and his wisecracking partner.
In this time of fear when prayer so often proves in vain
Hope seems like the summer birds too swiftly flown away
Yet now I'm standing here, my heart so full I can't explain
Seeking faith and speaking words I'd never thought I'd say
Jeri was as cheerful as ever now that Leomon was back in her life. She had actually given up playing with her sock puppet (gasp!), and had handed it over to her little brother Masahiku. Her parents did approve of her and Henry going out so long as they didn't…well do anything. Calumon did end up staying with Jeri every now and then, though he also visited Rika often.
Kenta and Kazu persisted in playing the Digimon card game like Takato. They definitely enjoyed the glory from being heroes again, but still thought there should have been another reward in addition to the fame. "We've saved four different worlds, stopped an evil data-killing virus, and we still have to go to school? This just isn't fair!" Often they thought about the Pokémon World.
There can be miracles when you believe (When you believe)
Though hope is frail,
It's hard to kill
Who knows what miracles you can achieve (You can achieve)
When you believe somehow you will
You will when you believe
Ryo occasionally visited the other Tamers, although he remained as mysterious as ever. He did his share of battling in the Digital Fields and he did go on to play the Digimon card game. He won most of the time whenever he battled the others, including Rika, and he actually appeared to be taking her relationship with Takato pretty well.
No one really knew how Ai and Mako were doing except from Impmon. He said that his Tamers were doing just fine and had learned a lot from their adventure in the Digital World. Sometimes, the twins visited Henry's house so they could play with Suzie.
They don't always happen when you ask
And it's easy to give in to your fear
But when you're blinded by your pain
Can't see your way safe through the rain
A small but still resilient voice
Says help is very near
Alice remained even more mysterious than Ryo though she did keep in touch with the other Tamers. She seemed more or less like her old slightly cheerful self, although they never could get her to change her dress colors of black and white. She'd submitted some drawings of Digimon to Takato so they could learn from each other.
As for Rika, she was doing better than before. Of course, she still missed Chloe and T.K. very much, but she was coping with their departure pretty well. She was more open around the other Tamers, but she never did completely change from her tough personality. She also continued to help Renamon in the Digital Fields and improve her own skills in the Digimon card game. Takato always kept his promise of staying by her side.
There can be miracles (miracles)
When you believe (When you believe)
Though hope is frail,
It's hard to kill
Who knows what miracles you can achieve (You can achieve)
When you believe
Somehow you will
Now you will
You will when you believe
You will when you believe
Yet the Tamers did not know that their sacrifices and battles had not gone unnoticed. Oikawa had promised that the separation would not be forever…and fate was already beginning to work on that promise as the time passed.
You will when you believe
Just believe, just believe
You will when you believe
(song fades into music and ends)
Takato Matsuki trudged along the sidewalk on his way to school as usual. His friends had gone on ahead of him and he was just taking his time. A strong gust of wind blew by, knocking his box of cards and other stuff out his hands.
He groaned and picked up the box. "That was a pretty strong gust," he muttered to himself. He was about to resume walking when a soft voice reached his ears.
"You dropped your papers. Better not leave them there Mr. Matsuki."
"Yeah, you're right," Takato said and retrieved his papers. "Thanks." He walked about two steps before thinking, Wait a second! Who am I talking to?
Turning around, he saw…nobody. Oooh…kay…was I talking to a ghost or something?
Another voice gave a slight laugh. "As I expected, you really do bear a strange resemblance to Taichi Kamiya and Daisuke Motomiya. I even see a bit of Ash Ketchum in you as well."
Tai? Davis? Ash? Takato blinked and faced forward again. A glistening butterfly fluttered in front of him with a giggling white Digi-gnome. Beside the Digi-gnome floated a tall lavender feline with piercing violet eyes. Power seemed to emanate from its body in waves.
Oh…kay…what is this? He stared for several interminable minutes before finally registering the butterfly as a familiar face…well…thing. "Mr. Oikawa?"
"Glad to see you still remember me after more than two months of absence," the butterfly muttered.
Takato felt like he was in a dream. Only it wasn't a dream; it was real. A smile slowly spread across his face. "What are you doing here Mr. Oikawa? And—" he pointed at the feline. "—what are you?"
The feline sighed and chose not to speak in telepathy. "Typical of you humans to say 'what', not 'who.'"
The Tamer's eyes dilated. It talks!
"This is Mewtwo, a psychic Pokémon from the some unknown parts of the Kanto Region in the trainer's world," Oikawa explained. "It's because of him that I've actually been able to travel this far without distorting any parts of my being locked dormant in the Digital World."
"How?"
"I'd rather not explain; it'd be much too complicated for you. Besides, I don't have much time to explain. Gennai gave me a set time limit so it'd do good not to waste it."
Takato nodded, still baffled at the thought of a talking Pokémon and one floating just a few feet away.
"Now then Takato, did you know the Digital World has the power to grant wishes?"
Takato nodded again. "Anyone who's watched the Season Finale of Digimon: Season 2 knows that. Gennai mentioned it when T.K. asked him about the fantasy world the new Digidestined were stuck in and—" He stopped talking at the sight of the strange look Mewtwo and the Digi-gnome were sending him. "Oh yeah, you probably didn't need to know that." Oikawa was there…hehe, forgot.
The butterfly sighed and continued, "Okay, since you obviously knew that, I don't need to explain about it. Anyway, because of all the sacrifices you went through in your battles against Missingno, the Digi-World decided to give your teams one wish. Note: It's a team effort."
"The Pokémon World and the Dimension of the Digidestined has been tampered with as you know," Mewtwo picked up from Oikawa's pause. "The virus may have been obliterated, but he left his stain behind. Both worlds are now permanently stuck in their past times and can only move forward."
The young Tamer blinked. "I don't get it."
"I assumed you wouldn't since the majority of the leaders aren't that well equipped in brain power and you're no exception." Takato blushed out of embarrassment. "Basically, when they returned to their worlds they did not return to their true selves and the worlds did not return to normal. They are still children and everything is still in the past. Missingno's influence was left traces behind."
"Say what!" Takato blurted out. "But…how…oh wait, Missingno…but…their kids and their lives…"
"It's a complicated process Takato, but they've grown to accept the changes from Missingno. But they couldn't bear to keep the memories of both adulthood and childhood all at once; they would go mad. So they all made a decision: the Digital World will remodify their memories so that they have no recollection of having children, marrying, and everything they accomplished as adults. Their memories now only contain everything that has led up to their encounter with the Pokémon trainers, the portal to that world opening again, and your fight with Missingno."
Takato scrunched up his brow in thought. "Okay…so they pretty much remember everything still except the fact that they grew up, got jobs, and had kids?"
Mewtwo nodded firmly. "Pretty much. The shift between ages is bad enough without the excess information." Which means some struggles will have to take place again…such as Chloe learning how to master her powers fully. But I don't think she'll mind. "They have not changed Takato. They are younger…truly younger…but they still have everything that you've shared with them in months you were together."
Takato didn't need to have that one explained any further. "All right. So what do you want us Tamers to do?"
"Think about it Takato," said Oikawa. "Your wishes have to be a team effort. They cannot be harnessed by one individual otherwise they'll be considered nothing but a selfish desire. The Digital World will not grant selfish desires." The wings of the butterfly trembled. "Think now. What do you Tamers want more than anything right now? Something that I promised would not last forever. Think now."
He stared at the ground. Personally, he wanted Rika to be happy; truly happy. In order for that to happen, the trainers and the Digidestined would have to be returned to them. And in order for that to work…Takato's eyes widened in realization. I get it.
Just then both Oikawa and Mewtwo became blurred and fuzzy. The Digi-gnome began to chirp frantically.
"Wh-what? What's going on you guys?"
Their images fizzled in and out. "I knew it wasn't going to last for very long," Mewtwo muttered. "I'm sorry Mr. Matsuki but we have to leave. Our time is up."
"Wait!" He locked his eyes onto the violet ones desperately. "What am I supposed to do?"
"Think Takato…you'll know what to do with the items given to you."
"Your heart will show you the way…" Mewtwo added gravely. "Tell the other Tamers…return to the world where it all began…from there…you'll know what to do…"
The Digi-gnome chirped and Takato could faintly hear it whisper, "I believe in you Takato."
As their images faded out of sight, the Tamer groaned in frustration and sunk to the ground. Well this was a fine start. Just how could they combine their efforts to create one wish worthy enough for the Digital World?
The others are counting on us. I
have to do something!
We were
strangers
Starting out on a journey
Never dreaming
What we'd
have to go through
Now here we are
And I'm suddenly standing
At
the beginning with you
Ms. Asagi looked up as Takato raced into the classroom, windblown and breathless. So did the rest of the class. "Late again Mr. Matsuki?"
"I'm sorry Ms. Asagi," he replied meekly. "I'll go stand in the hall." He wasn't really all that bothered about standing in the hallway today. There were more important things to think about.
As he set his stuff down and headed towards the door, Ms. Asagi stopped him. "Wait Takato. I got a message from someone saying that you'd be late for important reasons." She smiled. "You might not always get out of trouble like this."
Surprised, Takato was about to deny hearing about any message when a realization stopped him. Ms. Asagi motioned for him to take his seat so he went back to his desk, smiling. I owe you one Mr. Oikawa…and you too Mewtwo.
As he slid into his seat, Jeri and Kazu and Kenta signaled to him to tell them his reasons for being late after school.
Takato nodded at them and turned his attention back to Ms. Asagi. His thoughts, however, were on the Digital World's gift…and Rika. I hope this works.
"So what are you sayin' Chumly?" asked Kazu when Takato finished telling him, Jeri, Kenta, and Henry about what happened that morning. They were sitting in their usual spots near Guilmon's hut. "We gotta make some kind of wish?"
"Not just any wish. It has to be a team effort." Takato glanced at the group. "Think now. What's something that can somehow link to the others? Something that we all want?"
Jeri looked around at the group. "I don't understand. We have everything that we really want…what more could we ask for?"
Henry shook his head. "We don't have everything Jeri. There's only one thing that we're really missing: our friends."
Takato stood up. "I think I know what our wish is. Every one of us wants to do something but it can't be done unless our worlds are linked. We can't see our friends without linking our worlds. We can't visit their homes or dimensions without linking our worlds. And we can't be tied by friendship if we don't tie our worlds together. You guys get it?" I knew we wouldn't be separated forever…but it depends on us.
His friends nodded. "Okay, we're going to have to find the others," Takato continued. "This is supposed to be a team effort so we'll need Ai, Mako, Rika, Suzie, Ryo, and Alice too. Does anyone wanna find them?"
"I know where Ai and Mako live," said Jeri sweetly. "Impmon showed me their house one time."
"I can get Suzie," Henry offered.
"I'll find Alice," Kazu grinned broadly, which made Takato think just how friendly he and the Gothic girl actually were.
Kenta smiled. "Then I'll find Ryo and you can go get Rika Takato."
Takato nodded approvingly. "Fine. Let's get to it."
No one told me
I
was going to find you
Unexpected
What you did to my heart
When
I lost hope
You were there to remind me
This is the start
Guilmon looked openly at Takato, who was staring apprehensively at Rika's door. "C'mon Takato, you don't need to be nervous. Rika likes you."
Takato sighed. "It's not that Guilmon. I don't wanna get her hopes up now that we might have a way to getting our friends back. If this doesn't work, I don't want her to hate me for the rest of my life."
"I'm sure whatever you tell her will not hurt her Takato."
The Tamer and his Digimon looked up to see Renamon on the roof of Rika's house, her sharp eyes gazing at them.
"If you hesitate now, you won't receive another chance," she said.
Renamon's words seemed to heighten his chances. Guilmon gave his partner a nod. Takato nodded back and tentatively knocked on Rika's door.
Seiko answered his knocking. "Oh hi Takato. If you're looking for Rika, she's out in the yard. Come on in."
"Thanks."
Rika stood on the bridge overlooking her pond, her fingers resting on the wooden railing. The tree's leaves once again fell around its base and into the pond. She remembered saying nearly four months ago how much she hated the leaves because they had no worries in the world. She remembered saying that "love" was such a stupid sick emotion that did nothing to ease the pain in her life.
I never knew how much my life would change, that I would soon find love's true meaning. I guess there's nothing to hate about those leaves after all. She rolled her eyes. Except that their lives must be really boring.
She sighed and started walking towards the front of her porch, and opened the sliding door…only to run smack into…
"Takato?" Her violet eyes widened in surprise. "What are you doing here?"
"Hey Rika," he replied and then added, "We need to talk."
"Oookaay." She stepped into the room and slid the door shut. "What's up Gogglehead?"
Takato gazed at her sincerely. "All right, this may seem hard for you to believe but—"
Rika grinned. "You've actually acquired a brain."
That caught him off guard. "Well no—I mean, yes! I mean…never mind." He ignored the snickers coming from Rika. "Listen…I know how to get the Digidestined and the trainers back," he said. "But I need your help."
And life is a road
and I want to keep going
Love is a river I wanna keep flowing
Life
is a road
Now and forever
Wonderful journey
I'll be there
when the world stops turning
I'll be there when the storm is
through
In the end I wanna be standing
At the beginning with
you
Digital World
Takato, Rika, Henry, Ryo, Jeri, Kazu, Kenta, Suzie, Ai, Mako, and Alice stood in the middle of the Sovereign realm where the big craggy building used to be. Their Digimon partners, plus Calumon, stood nearby. Azulongmon and the other Digimon Sovereign hovered above and around the children. Gennai stood off to the side. "Well children, it's time to go. Make your wish."
"And we will do what we can to enforce the Digital World's promise to grant it," whispered the shimmering butterfly that was Oikawa.
The Tamers glanced at each other. How exactly does this work?
"Don't be nervous children," said Gennai gently. "It's not as hard as all that."
"Maybe it works the same way as when we wished for Rika and Renamon to live again," Ryo suggested.
The others shrugged. It was a worth a shot.
"We wish our worlds were linked together so we will never be separated again!"
Almost immediately, a beam of sunlight descended upon all of them. Calumon's red crystal began to glow and he closed his eyes. "Digital World…hear their voices…let this be your gift to them…let this be their reward…let the ties of friendship bind them together forever…"
A Modify Card, similar to their own except that it was glowing with a rainbow of colors like Calumon's Shining Digivolution, appeared in each person's hand. It had the symbol of Unity etched onto his front.
"Oooh pretty!" Calumon squealed when he opened his eyes. His crystal stopped glowing.
The Tamers stared at the cards, then at their Digimon. "Well, what are ya waitin' for?" asked Terriermon with a grin. "Swipe 'em."
"Yeah, they're really pretty," Guilmon commented. "Go on guys."
Takato gulped and glanced at his teammates. All of their faces said the same thing: You go first. "Here goes nothing."
DIGI-MODIFY!
"Digi-Modify! Ties of Friendship Activate!"
His Digivice shrieked and a jet of red light shot out of the golden circle. It soared straight up through the sky like a beacon of light.
"Wow, check it out! Our version of the Bat signal," Terriermon cracked.
"My turn," said Rika and she glanced at the others meaningfully. "Follow me."
DIGI-MODIFY!
"Digi-Modify! Ties of Friendship Activate!" cried Rika, Henry, Ryo, Jeri, Kazu, Kenta, Suzie, Ai, Mako, and Alice.
Jets of blue, green, silver, yellow, brown, lavender, pink, purple, and white light shot out of their Digivices and joined the single beam of red light in the sky. As one, each light combined with the others into swirling pools of shimmering illumination. The beams arced over the sky, sectioning off and scattering throughout the Digital World and beyond. The strange song that Chloe had played on her ocarina many months ago…the one Rika named "Teamwork is the Key" came forth from the beams...igniting memories.
We were strangers
On
a crazy adventure
Never dreaming
How our dreams would come
true
Now here we stand
Unafraid of the future
At the
beginning with you
The Tamers watched in awe as above them, Earth took the form of new glowing new sun. Next to Earth, two other worlds, one resembling Earth with the lights and technology, and the other with numerous islands and large areas of land; materialized into being.
The light from their D-Powers rose in arcs towards all three worlds. To everyone's amazement, the light formed links connecting each world. As soon as the last bridge was established, the light faded leaving the gateways. The beautiful song died out, giving way to silence.
Azulongmon floated down to the children and their Digimon partners. "Well young ones, you know what to do now don't you?"
They all glanced at each other and back at the gateways, and shrugged.
"Try them out."
Bombshell! The Tamers gawked at him. "You mean there's a chance none of this worked?" Kenta exclaimed.
"Yes there is that chance," said Zhugiomon calmly. "What's the matter human?"
Everybody took one swift step away from the gateway in front of them—except Takato and Guilmon. They stayed right where they were.
"Uh Takato?"
He glanced back at them. "Guys," he said determinedly. "I'm going in."
"Say what!"
"I'm going in," he repeated. "Y'know there could be a chance that our link worked. You never know unless you try."
"Chumly, that's crazy talk!" Kazu cried. Alice nodded, looking scared.
"I can't believe I'm saying this…but Kazu's right Gogglehead." Rika walked up to him. Takato eyed her. "You could end up brainwashed, hurt, or even dead. Is that what you want?"
He shook his head. "None of that is gonna happen to me or Guilmon; I know it. I've got a good feeling about this."
I guess we have no choice. "Then we're coming along with you."
Takato blinked. "I don't know Rika…if this doesn't work then I don't want you going down with me."
The redhead grabbed onto his blue shirt and shook it. "Hey Gogglehead, I made that choice when I told you that I loved you no matter what. If you go down then so do I. Got it?"
"We're friends," said Henry with a short nod. "We're not letting you go through with this crazy plan by yourself. Right guys?" He glanced at the other Tamers.
Everybody nodded, even though Kazu muttered, "Although we still think what you're suggesting is insane."
Takato gave them all a grateful smile as they took their own positions around the gateway. True, they were still apprehensive about actually going through but…if it worked…
"Let's go guys," Guilmon said finally. "The worst that could happen is that we could—"
"Die?" Terriermon suggested.
"Well…yeah."
"Go then," Oikawa urged gently. "They'll be there to greet you on the other side."
It wasn't long before there was a rush of brilliant light and the faint whistle of wind and energy. Rika tried to keep her eyes open but the intensity became too much for her. A silent mantra was drumming in her head.
I'll see them again…I'll see them again…please let me see them again…
And life is a road
and I want to keep going
Love is a river I wanna keep flowing
Life
is a road
Now and forever
Wonderful journey
I'll be there
when the world stops turning
I'll be there when the storm is
through
In the end I wanna be standing
At the beginning with
you
Pokémon World
Pallet Town
Takato slowly opened his eyes blearily. It had been an exhilarating journey but just in case he landed somewhere and died, he'd kept his eyes closed. It didn't last very long; only five minutes tops. But where am I anyway? Above him, he could see bright blue sky and soft white clouds. The link had caused him no pain so he was able to feel something like soft grass beneath him.
He sat up and gazed in quiet wonder at the world around him. His first reaction was that everything was so bright and colorful. The green grass, the houses, even the dirt road looked much more welcoming than back home.
His second reaction noted his teammates getting to their feet and taking in the scenery. Their expressions bordered between awed and confused.
Guilmon glanced at him. "Takato, where are we?"
"I don't know boy."
Ryo bit his lip as his eyes landed on a few strange birds flying overhead. They were definitely a lot larger than the ones back home. "So…do you think this gate worked properly? Or did we end up somewhere else entirely?"
"Well…"
"Pikachu! Pika pi!" Tamers!
Takato and the boy turned to see Pikachu bounding towards them at breakneck speed. He leaped into the air and landed in Jeri's arms.
"Pi-Pikachu!" Jeri's jaw dropped. The little yellow Pokémon grinned up at her and jumped down beside Guilmon and the other Tamer Digimon. They smiled at each other excitedly.
Takato's jaw dropped. "Then…that means…the link worked! It worked! Our wish came true!" A smile split across his face and he pumped his fist into the air. "Rika! Guilmon! We did it!" He ran over to the startled redhead and lifted her into the air, spinning her around. "We did it!"
Rika gulped…and then a small smile split on her face at her boyfriend's antics. He was just too cute.
Henry and Jeri exchanged smiles at the absolute adorableness of their friends. But they too felt the excitement and joy rising in their bodies.
"Wait…" Ryo glanced around the beautiful scenery. "Didn't Oikawa say that the others would be waiting for us? So…where are they?"
"Takato!"
All Tamers turned towards the source of the voice. Ash Ketchum was racing up to them, looking the same as ever with the Pokémon League cap on his head. "I don't…believe it!" He punched the goggled leader lightly on the arm. "We all thought you guys were going to appear through the portal where the Digidestined usually come through. Looks like that theory was off."
"It's great to see you again Ash," said Takato brightly. Strange that the trainer was not an adult…but since when was his life normal?
There was a rush of light and energy, followed by a brilliant burst of blue light. Mewtwo had appeared along with the two older teams in tow. What could be interpreted as a smile appeared on his face. "I knew you could do it Takato Matsuki."
"How did you know we were going to pull something off like this?" Guilmon asked innocently.
Jacob laughed and held up a hand. "Guilty. Because of my spiritual ability, I was able to pry the information out of my uncle before he departed for your realm. I merely told Jackie and the others when I found the spare time."
Takato was about to reply—and then promptly closed his mouth as Tai and Davis grabbed both of his hands affectionately. A foolish smile lifted the corners of his mouth.
"Nice to have you back Matsuki," said the leader of the Digidestined with a broad grin.
"We were wondering what kept you," added Davis. "Life was getting kinda dull."
"Nice to be back with you guys."
"I hope everything was going well with you Henry," said Izzy kindly. His dark eyes shone with obvious joy.
Henry felt Terriermon's soft laughter in his ear at that. "For the most part."
Kari, Sora, and Mimi proceeded to bombard Jeri and Suzie with tight hugs, tears of emotion in their eyes. Ken and Ryo hugged each other firmly, male pride be damned in favor of their happiness at seeing each other again. Kazu and Kenta were equally eager to meet and greet with their former allies; informing Matt and Brock about their standing fame in their dimension. Alice and the twins hung back a little being as they had never been truly acquainted to the older teams…but they soon got into the spirit of things with Jacob and Jacqueline's help.
I knew there was somebody
somewhere
Like me alone in the dark
Now I know my dream will
live on
I've been waiting so long
Nothing's gonna tear us apart
"Ri…Rika?"
Renamon's ears pricked up and she nodded at her Tamer. "They're here as well Rika."
The redhead closed her eyes, shoulders shaking. Those voices…I never thought I'd be able to hear them again. Only in her memories…Rika opened her eyes and met the smiling blue gazes of Chloe Device and Takeru Takaishi.
No time to get mushy. No time to get mushy. Oh crap…am I…I feel like I'm tearing up.
"It wasn't farewell," she finally said softly. She stood up straighter and tried to assert her strong will—and failed. Moisture was collecting at the corners of her violet eyes. "It wasn't…farewell."
"No," Chloe agreed, walking forward and enfolding the younger girl in her arms. No sooner had she done so, Rika reached up with her own arms and hugged her tightly. "It wasn't farewell."
T.K. came up next to her and also held onto Rika. His hands smoothed back her ponytail. "It was just…goodbye for a little while."
Rika nodded and smiled. Her heart lurched as she noticed that Chloe and T.K.'s eyes were also damp.
Nothing but death will separate us ever again…
Chloe pulled away from the girl and glanced at Takato. She smirked. "Say Takato…about what you did involving your confusion with Rika…"
The Tamer turned the same red as his partner Digimon. "Uuuuh…yes?"
T.K. and Chloe closed their eyes as if probing into his mind. They both smiled brightly and shook their heads. "Never mind. Congratulations."
Okay…telepathy…should be made illegal…
"Uh…what's going on here?"
All three teams looked to the side to see Gary Oak staring at them in bewilderment. Mewtwo smirked and teleported away, job fulfilled.
"Where did…you all come from?"
"We'll explain later Gary," Misty said hurriedly before the brunette could question any further…or call for his grandfather to come out of the lab. "Um…why don't you and Ash have a battle or something? Ash could use the practice." She winked at her sputtering boyfriend.
"Are you saying I'm gonna lose to a researcher?" Ash curled one hand into a fist. "Okay fine. Let's go Pikachu."
The yellow mouse nodded. Gary shook his head, still a little confused.
I still don't get what's with the new kids…but if Ashy boy doesn't wanna say anything then I won't pry until later.
"C'mon you guys!" Ash called, waving his hand at the Tamers. "Do you wanna see a Pokémon battle or not? This is what we do to have fun in this world."
"You bet!" Kazu, Kenta, and their Digimon partners raced after him and Gary.
(And life) Life is a
road and I want to keep going
Love is a river I wanna keep
flowing
Life is a road
Now and forever
Wonderful
journey
I'll be there when the world stops turning
I'll be
there when the storm is through
In the end I wanna be standing
At
the beginning with you
Rika watched the two goofy Tamers for a little while before walking over to Takato's side. She touched his shoulder. "Thank you."
Takato blinked. "For what?"
"For bringing us back together," Rika answered quietly. Her smile lit up her entire face; something that rarely happened. "I can't believe you wanted to do this for us."
He laughed. "Actually, I wasn't really doing it for us. I was just doing it because Mr. Oikawa told me to," he joked. "And there was nothing good on TV."
"Gogglehead!"
Takato darted off across the grass with Rika at his heels. Around and around the yard they ran, laughing and cheering. Takato was able to stay at least a few feet away from Rika, but she was keeping up a steady chase.
Jeri giggled as they ran by her. "Aren't they cute?"
Henry nodded, Terriermon absent from his shoulder. "They sure are. I wonder how long it took for them to confess?"
"Maybe longer than us," said Jeri quietly before hugging him. He smiled and hugged her back, planting a sweet kiss on her cheek. Behind them, Leomon smiled proudly and Terriermon resisted the urge to gag; grinning a mile a minute. Lopmon sighed.
Suzie, Ai, and Mako giggled at the sudden romantic atmosphere the moment was creating. Calumon squealed and Impmon rolled his eyes.
These humans and their hormones…can't understand 'em.
Tai, Chloe, T.K., and Kari also watched the chasing couple with amusement. It looked like something they would've done in the earlier months of their own relationships.
"When did this come about?" Tai wondered out loud. He'd never really noticed Takato showing any signs of love for the headstrong red-haired girl.
Kari shook her head, also bemused. "I never knew that Rika actually had strong feelings for anyone…least of all Takato."
T.K. and Chloe exchanged a secret smile. "I guess…some things just evolve over time." T.K. pulled Kari up against him and Chloe leaned up to claim Tai's mouth with her own.
And some things are harder to see…
"Oooh PDA! PDA!" Kazu yelled teasingly from the trainer battle site. "We have a supreme mush alert!"
"Kazu!" Alice and Guardromon looked extremely embarrassed. "You are so immature!"
The boy turned to smirk at the Gothic girl. "If you think so, then why do like hangin' out with me?"
Alice frowned and then smiled a genuine smile. She pulled him close and grabbed the sides of his face. Closer still, she gave him a small peck on the nose. She grinned mischievously as she pulled away. "Because you're cute when you act stupid." Laughing at the stunned expression on Kazu's face, she hurried off to the other side of the trainer battle between Gary and Ash.
Kazu just stood there absolutely dumbstruck for about five seconds before a smile split across his face. "Aw-RIGHT!" He pumped his fist into the air. "That's one point for me!"
Guardromon sweatdropped heavily before turning to Kenta for an explanation. The glasses-wearing boy shrugged.
"Don't look at me. I don't know a thing."
Takato and Rika continued their chase until Takato decided to run the opposite way of his girlfriend. Instead of running away from Rika, he ran right into her. POW!
"Ow! Whoooaaaa!" Rika flew backwards but she smirked impishly. Using her flailing hands, she pushed him back as well.
"Hey!" He landed flat on his behind while Rika scrambled to her feet, laughing. Okay, two can play this game. Takato stuck out his foot and tripped her.
Rika's mouth flew open in shock as she landed on her back again. This time, Takato captured her wrists and pinned her to the ground. He grinned. "I win."
"Hey no fair!" she said playfully. "You tripped me!"
"You were the one who pushed me," he retorted, his grin widening.
"Well you started the chase Gogglehead," she retaliated smoothly.
Takato laughed. "What? Ever heard the saying 'all's fair in love and war'? Besides, you're not complaining are you?"
"You want me to?"
"No way." Takato leaned down and kissed her to silence her. The seemingly innocent chaste kiss evolved into something much more passionate as the two explored each other thoroughly.
"Hey you two!" Chloe called out to them. She and T.K. were standing a few feet away, grinning impishly. So cute. "I'm sure you're very comfy where you are, but do you wanna see a Pokémon battle or not?"
The two Tamers blushed simultaneously. "Eh heh heh…sure." Takato pushed himself up and helped Rika to her feet. "Just give us a minute."
"Okay," said T.K., his blue eyes sparkling. "Don't take too long okay?" He and Chloe walked away.
Rika looked up at the beautiful blue sky. Clouds swept past lazily, occasionally being disrupted by bird Pokémon flight patterns. "So tell me Gogglehead," she said, lightly elbowing him on the shoulder. "What really motivated you to get us back together?"
Takato reached into his pocket and held out the shimmering card with the circular symbol on it; the symbol of Unity. "It was our teamwork," he whispered. "The Ties of Friendship."
Rika rolled her eyes. "That is so corny."
"Hey!" Takato protested but stopped when Rika placed a finger over his lips. She replaced her finger with her own lips and kissed him gently, sweetly.
"I love you Takato," she whispered when she pulled away. He shook his head, clearing himself the dazed feeling and slipped his hand into hers.
"I love you too Rika."
"Until the day I die?"
Takato shook his head and lifted their joined hands up so he could drop a light kiss to the back of her knuckles. "No. Much longer than that."
With that confirmation, the pair walked back to their friends and partners in the sunshine and light. As they gazed upon the people they loved, the friendships they treasured, and the creatures they had fought so hard to save, they could finally feel the comforting warmth of peace. Maybe the Digidestined, the Pokémon trainers, and the Digimon Tamers had lost many a battle and maybe the powers of darkness would continue to wreck havoc in the years to come, but one thing remained certain: they were together. And in the end, that was all that mattered.
Life is a road and I
wanna keep going
Love is a river I wanna keep going on…
(Starting
out on a journey)
Life is a road and I wanna going
Love is
river I wanna keep flowing
In the end I wanna be standing
At
the beginning…with you
(song fades out and
ends)
Over time we gathered together and learned as much as we could about our lives before the adventure came to pass. Little did I know that I would become the keeper of those records…piecing together bit by bit in order for it to become a new story of adventures…something all our own. We never could figure out truly what happened during the lives of our past adulthood…those memories we wished away. But this story is not meant to remember a time of monotone and daily life; it is meant for heroes and teamwork and saving the world. Children connected by fate, tied by destiny, and linked by a thread of friendship and love. That is what we remember. That…is our story.
By Takeru Takaishi
OWARI
Me: (sighs) Well…I finally pronounce The Saga of Destiny as finished (no more changes or anything). It took me forever to finish this chapter since I was so reluctant to part with this story that's been such an enormous part of my life. But… all things must come to an end and the only thing worse than a horrible ending is a story that has no ending at all. I do hope this was a good read for some people out there in the Digimon/Pokémon fandom and…well…that's all I can say. I'm going to miss writing about the Digidestined and the Pokémon trainers and the Digimon Tamers as well. Not to mention, I will miss my OCs Chloe, Jacob, and Jacqueline. But…the ride was fun and I never dreamed that I would pen anything after my first step in It's All In The Crests. (Four years of this…wow, where did the time go?)
I do wish to thank you readers for taking the time to put up with me and my very slow updating in Digimon/Pokémon. My start in the fan-fiction business started out as something just for personal stress reliever…but it would never have gotten so far without you as the audience. Thank you so much and this isn't goodbye to fanfiction for me (not by a long shot). This is just goodbye to my Digimon/Pokémon world and departure for new worlds and new things. Who knows? Maybe what I write in future will be able to be worthy in your eyes once more. (hehe)
This is Caro N, former Digimon/Pokémon writer, signing off! Thank you for reading!