Commozione! It's today!
Izumi almost tripped on the tangled bed sheets as she hurried off her bed to go look at the calendar to make sure it really was the day, as if she hadn't checked it between every step of her bed time routine last night.
But there it was: April 4, 2004.
Well, it wasn't exactly the day she had been waiting for—the official date was the 7th, but because it was difficult to meet during school days, they had decided to get together the first Sunday of April.
The walk to Kouji's house was a short one, and she had learned it easily—not surprising, considering she had visited him more than once after she moved. Even with everything she had learned and experienced in the Digital World, she had been scared when her parents told her they'd have to move again; then they explained they'd just move to Yokohama, and then she found out she'd be living close to Kouji and they would even attend the same middle school, and everything was fine again.
It took only a few seconds after she rang the bell for someone to open the door.
Good morning, Minamoto-san! Is Kouji ready?
Good morning, Izumi-chan. He'll be here in a minute, do you want to—
I'm ready!
Izumi looked at him for a moment; she had suggested a few days ago that maybe he should try changing his hair a little, maybe even part his hair like Kouichi's, to have a new style since they would become middle schoolers; Izumi herself had started wearing her hair in a half-ponytail. Kouji had complained at first, saying there was no need for him and Kouichi to look alike more than they already did, but at the end he had loosened his ponytail a little, and his hair was parted. Despite it not being such a big change, she was still not used to it.
Kouji glared at her, blushing under her gaze.
If it's so weird, I'll comb it back.
No, no! It's fine! I'm sure Kouichi will be happy.
Kouji turned away from her in an attempt to hide his flushed cheeks, and waved good-bye to his mother before walking to the station with Izumi.
He was walking a step in front of her—still hiding his embarrassment for sure—, so she took the chance to really look at him. Back when they first met, she was pretty sure she was about the same height, or maybe even slightly taller than Kouji, but now his eyes were a bit too high and she had to tilt her head back.
He turned around.
Is something wrong?
It was her turn to blush, but laughed to keep the attention off it.
No, nothing! It's just… It's been two years already, huh?
That's right. We were there for close to a year, right? And it turned out that it was barely a few minutes in this world.
I wonder if it was time travel, or if time is just that different between the two worlds. There's also the time Takuya came back
Izumi fixed her grip on her backpack straps, and Kouji looked at it.
By the way… What do you even have in there?
Izumi glanced away. She knew he knew what kind of stuff was in there, because he probably was carrying the same kind of things in the messenger bag hanging from his shoulder, and she felt like there was no need to mention it, just like there had been no need to say it last year, when all of them had shown up with bags and backpacks filled to the brim.
You know… stuff
We know there's no guarantee—
I know that.
They stayed in silence for a moment, both keeping their eyes away from each other.
Sorry. I know we're all aware, but
No, you're right.
Izumi shook her head. I know there's no guarantee that we'll ever go back, but for some reason, carrying things that would be useful there makes me feel more at ease. Everywhere I go, I carry a mini first aid kit, or a flashlight, or even a compass. I don't even know if a compass would work there, but…
Kouji nodded and hesitated only for a second before speaking again.
If it makes you feel better, I… I do have a first aid kid and some rope in my bag.
Izumi giggled and took a deep breath. Maybe she should try to talk about other things; there would be plenty of time to talk about their adventure once they met with the others.
Oh, that's right! Takuya just moved too, didn't he?
Yeah. I'm glad, actually. Sometimes I feel like he's not telling the truth when he says everything's fine, so I'll be more at ease now that Takuya is close to him.
Your brother is not helpless, you know.
I know, but—
If you worry that much about him, then you should tell him.
Kouichi struggled to regain his breath as Takuya observed him with concern.
I think you should work on getting up earlier. I don't like the idea of you running around the station.
Kouichi glared at him, still out of breath.
Shut up… you were also… running around the station… that day…
Ahaha yeah, I guess…
It still took him a couple of minutes to fully recover, and they finally went on to buy their tickets. The train car was almost empty except for the guy with an obvious hangover that was sleeping in a corner, allowing them to sit comfortably along with their luggage. Kouichi took a deep breath, and then looked at Takuya—or rather, his backpack.
So you brought stuff this time as well?
Yeah, but so did you, right?
Kouichi shrugged, but didn't fight the smile that appeared on his face.
Just a few things. Last time I was even less prepared than all of you, and I don't want to be caught by surprise again.
Yeah, I know how you feel. I was talking with Tomoki yesterday, and he mentioned it too.
I've been meaning to ask, will you be okay? Since you had to move and leave all of your soccer teammates behind.
Takuya shrugged.
I'll be fine. Of course, I miss them, but now I have an advantage over them if our schools play against each other.
He leaned back and crossed his arms behind his head, ignoring the fact that the advantage would work both ways. By the way, are any of your friends going to the same school? Are they in the soccer club?
Yeah, my friend is attending too. He's not really a sports person, though.
Your friend, huh? What's his name?
Minami Chikara. We've known each other since third grade; he looks like he's really quiet, but he's actually such a hot-headed guy—
Oh, like you, then?
Kouichi gave Takuya an incredulous look, while the boy in question had turned his body towards him, with a smug grin plastered on his face. Kouichi frowned and glanced away, feigning ignorance.
I don't know what you're talking about.
Is that so? Then, who was the one who wanted to take on the real Cherubimon on his own? And who was the one who tried to attack him in his light dungeon? Who was the one who got between us and Lucemon's attack and
almost died
?
Fine, I got it, I got it!
By now Takuya's grin had disappeared, but he was still facing Kouichi. For his part, Kouichi had turned his face away from Takuya.
Takuya sighed.
Sorry. It's not that I'm not grateful you saved us, but—
—But you were scared that I wasn't going to wake up.
Both of them stayed in silence for a couple of minutes, and eventually Kouichi relaxed and he sighed, turning around so his body was facing Takuya, although his eyes were directed downwards.
Kouji said that every time we talked. At first I thought I understood; I had seen him and all of you unconscious when we landed on the moon, but I quickly found out you were fine… I didn't truly understand until he collapsed when we were at the park that May.
I remember when you called that night; you sounded really scared.
I was terrified.
Takuya huffed.
That Kouji, scaring us like that, and never saying anything… But, when I think about it, we should have realized that something was wrong
way
before that.
Kouichi raised his head to meet Takuya's eyes.
Huh? What do you mean?
Hm? Oh, right. By the time you joined, the battles got more intense and it was only natural we were pretty beaten up, right? But, from the very beginning, Kouji was always in a bad shape after devolving, even with rather easy battles.
How come I never heard about that?
Takuya shrugged.
Well… We didn't realize how bad the situation was until you told us what happened, and we rarely had the chance to meet up during the first year, right? As time went by, it didn't feel right to bring it up. Kouji would have gotten mad.
Kouichi let out a weak chuckle.
You're right, he would have. But he wasn't really aware of the situation until that day either, so it's not like he was hiding it on purpose.
Even if he had known, he wouldn't have told us.
Yeah, I guess.
They were in silence again; it would still take a few more minutes to reach Shibuya Station. It didn't take Takuya long to decide on a topic that would likely not end up in another argument.
By the way, it's really nice that we'll be going to the same school, just like Izumi and Kouji. It's too bad that Tomoki and Junpei are too far away in age to do the same despite living so close.
Yeah. I'm really happy about it. Kouji is…
Hm? Is something wrong with Kouji?
Not
wrong
exactly, but when we call each other, he says he's fine, and yet… I still feel like something's bothering him and won't tell me what it is.
Then just ask him again today. I think he won't be able to lie if you ask him face to face.
Man, they're taking so long!
I'm sure they'll be here soon, Junpei-san.
Tomoki and Junpei were waiting in front of Hachiko's statue; it was early enough that the place wasn't crowded, but it surely wouldn't take long to be since it was the last weekend of spring break. As the only two who actually lived in Shibuya, they had arrived before the rest.
I know, but I haven't seen Izumi-chan in such a long time!
But we saw her before she moved two weeks ago…
Exactly!
Tomoki sighed and shook his head; it looked like he was never going to change. After noticing the silence went on for too long, Junpei looked at Tomoki, who was directing his eyes toward the station again.
Hey… did you bring those this year, too?
Tomoki gripped the strap of his backpack a bit tighter, and just nodded in response.
Did you bring
those
, as well?
Junpei was less sheepish about the issue, and proudly patted the duffel bag hanging from his shoulder, which made the chip bags and snack wrappers crunch loudly.
Hey, I wouldn't be myself if I didn't, would I?
Both of them laughed for a moment, but Tomoki turned serious again in an instant.
Junpei-san… do you think there's a chance we might be able to go back?
Junpei sighed after thinking for a few seconds.
Of course, there's no way to tell. Just because we gather here every year doesn't mean that we'll be able to go back
today
. For all we know, we could go back tomorrow, or during summer, or in ten years—
Or never.
Or never.
Tomoki! Junpei! We're here!
Izumi waved as she and Kouji walked towards them. As usual, Junpei immediately went to greet her first, while Kouji and Tomoki looked on halfway between amused and annoyed. Tomoki then realized something.
Shouldn't Takuya-nii and Kouichi-san be here already? They live closer than you do.
Apparently Kouichi slept in and was late to the station, or so Takuya's text said. They shouldn't take long.
Indeed, only a couple of minutes later, Takuya and Kouichi arrived; upon seeing everyone else already there, Kouichi attempted to run the rest of the way. Kouji barely managed to react when Takuya grabbed his arm.
What did I say earlier?
Kouichi sighed and rolled his eyes.
No running near the station.
Kouichi yanked his arm away, and Izumi, Junpei, and Tomoki couldn't help laughing a little. On the other hand, Kouji just sighed, oddly relieved that Takuya was looking after his brother.
So, are we all ready?
After everyone's affirmative, the group started walking towards the east. Just five minutes away from Shibuya Station stood Konno Hachimangu Shrine.
Tomoki had found the Konno Hachimangu shrine the day they went to the Digital World.
Kouichi was alive, they had all cried, and after making sure they wouldn't lose contact with each other, Tomoki had realized that it was late and his mother would be worried about him. But between the sun going down and stopping to cry a bit more when his brain randomly decided to remind him of some moment or another, Tomoki took a wrong turn and ended up lost. After finding the gate to the shrine and deciding to ask for directions there, he met Hinata-san.
Hinata-san was a miko who worked in the Konno Hachimangu shrine, and while accompanying Tomoki to make sure he got home safe, she asked him how he had gotten lost in the first place. When he told her about how his friend had fallen downstairs at Shibuya Station, was rushed to the hospital, and almost died, Hinata-san realized that the ambulance that had passed by the shrine earlier was likely the one taking Kouichi to the hospital.
You know? If your friend fought so hard to stay alive, maybe he was blessed by Hachiman. After all, he's the guardian of warriors.
That's what Hinata-san said before Tomoki's mother spotted them and thanked her for looking after Tomoki. Takuya had asked him to text when he got home once it was decided that he would be the one staying behind until Kouichi's mother arrived, so Tomoki also told him what Hinata-san had said.
And then, about a month later, he got the news of Kouji's visit to the hospital.
Kouichi had arranged for Kouji to meet his birth mother on Mother's Day at Kamezuka Park, when he suddenly collapsed and was rushed to the hospital. But he would be fine, and when he later visited Konno Hachimangu shrine on his own and told Hinata-san about it, she informed him that there was a Hachiman shrine next to Kamezuka Park as well.
That couldn't be a coincidence, right?
Tomoki, are we really going to do this every year?
He was the one leading the way, so he looked over his shoulder to look directly at Junpei.
Of course! We have to thank Hachiman for looking after us.
Tomoki looked slightly offended that someone was questioning the tradition he had suggested, and Junpei sighed.
I get he's supposed to be the guardian of warriors and all, but…
Come on, Junpei!
Izumi lightly elbowed him on the arm. We haven't been able to visit a shrine together for New Year so far, so let's at least do this.
And you can't deny that it's weird that every time one of us narrowly avoids death there's a Hachiman shrine nearby.
Calm down Takuya, it has only happened twice. And there are thousands of Hachiman shrines.
But it's still weird that it happened two times!
To me it looks like it's Kouichi and Kouji's luck. Whether it's good or bad luck it's a different story though.
Hm, maybe. Hey, Kouji, Kouichi, what do you two think?
Fate.
Coincidence.
The twins looked at each other for a moment after their coordinated but opposite answers. They quickly looked away from each other; Kouji shoved his hands into his pockets and Kouichi rubbed the back of his head. The six of them stopped at the bottom of the stairs that would take them to the shrine.
Woah, there's kind of a gap there.
After a moment of hesitation, Kouji walked past his friends and started climbing the stairs.
Does it matter, Takuya? Let's just go to the shrine.
After giving thanks for being able to meet once again and praying for the meetings to come, they went to see Hinata-san, who was tending to the sale of fortunes and charms, as usual.
Himi-kun, you've gotten taller again, haven't you?
Just a little.
'Just a little' was an understatement; Tomoki was just one or two centimeters shorter than Takuya, who had grown quite a bit himself in the last year.
Are you going to draw fortunes or buy charms?
Fortunes, please.
After drawing their numbers and receiving their fortunes, the six of them stood in a circle.
I wonder if we'll all get the same fortune again?
Last year we all got future blessing, right?
Yeah. Everything else was different, though.
Alright, let's open it at the same time. One, two—
Everyone unfolded their papers, and half blessing
could be read on all of them. Izumi decided to read the rest of the fortune aloud.
What you're wishing for will come true. People you didn't know you were waiting for will arrive. You will go back to the place you wish to see. A new—
The children felt a cold weight, one they hadn't felt in quite some time, take over their hearts, and it reflected on the atmosphere surrounding them in such a way that Hinata-san noticed.
Is everything alright? What did you get?
Tomoki turned around and laughed, trying to appear as unconcerned as possible.
Nothing, we all got half blessings, that's all!
Behind him, his friends were still staring at the last line written on their fortune.
A new enemy will appear.
They stayed at the park near the shrine for their picnic; after laying down several picnic blankets, they brought boxes of food and bottles of tea out of their backpacks and bags, which still looked half full. As they sat down and Junpei gave everyone a plate, Takuya turned towards Tomoki.
Tomoki, are you still friends with Katsuharu and Teppei?
Yes! The last time I saw them they said Teruo-san and Chiaki-san were doing well. Apparently they're also meeting today.
Izumi sneaked some vegetables onto Takuya's meat lover's plate, ignoring him when he protested.
Ah, that's good to hear! By the way, Takuya… Your hair got longer, didn't it? What are you gonna do about it?
Eh, I think I'm gonna keep it like this. I'll just tie it back for school.
Kouichi looked at Takuya, who was in front of him, and then at Izumi and Kouji, who were sitting to his left.
If Izumi starts keeping it in a ponytail, you two and Kouji could start a club.
True! Then, Kouichi, let your hair grow and join us too!
I don't know, hair that long seems troublesome. But…
He looked at his brother again, and smiled a little. If it made you happy, then I'd consider it.
Kouji blushed and could hear Izumi giggling beside him.
That's it, I'm combing it back.
No, Kouji, wait! I think it suits you! That's why I suggested it in the first place!
Izumi's pleas went unheard and Kouji let his hair down, used his hand to comb it back, and tied it again, although it ended up being higher than usual. Izumi sighed, but then brought a hand to her chin, thinking.
Speaking of clubs… Junpei, which club did you end up choosing last year?
The drama club! I wish there had been a magic club or something like that, but I like working on the lights and backgrounds, and being on stage is fun too!
Tomoki started going through his backpack as he remembered something.
You couldn't go last year, but… ah! Here it is!
Tomoki brought a tiny photo album out of his backpack. I went to the festival at Junpei-san's school. Look!
There were several pictures of Junpei, playing the part of the Mad Hatter.
Heh, being on stage really suits you.
Thanks, Takuya! This year we're gonna have a musical! By the way, have you guys thought about which club you'd like to join?
Takuya immediately raised his hand.
The soccer club!
Junpei rolled his eyes.
Well, that was obvious. What about you, Kouichi?
Go home club.
Oh, I see… Then, what about you, Izumi-chan?
I wonder… There's a cooking club, but I'm also interested in the English club… What about you, Kouji?
The English club, probably…
Silence permeated the group and it became awkward before anyone could decide on another topic to talk about. The weight of the words printed on the fortunes was suffocating, but the tension among them was too.
Junpei was the first to break.
Come on… I know we all want to go back, but are we really going to believe what the fortunes said?
Takuya crossed his arms and sighed.
Well, it's kinda hard to ignore that the six of us got the exact same one…
Last time Ophanimon gave us directions through our phones.
Kouji took his out of his bag to make a point. It makes more sense for the Digimon to interfere with our phones than with printed fortunes.
See? Kouji gets it!
And then, a familiar symbol flashed on the screen for a second.
Ophanimon?!
After everyone blurted out the name at once, Takuya, Izumi, Tomoki, and Junpei hurried to take their own cell phones out of their pockets. As Kouji looked at his phone, hoping to see the symbol again, he could feel a sudden, dull pain deep in his chest. It only took him a split second to confirm it was, luckily, not physical. Instead, it was the feeling that there was something inherently different about him that set him apart from others; that no matter how close they could become, there was still a gap somewhere between them.
He was no stranger to that feeling, but it wasn't him. He looked to his right where his brother seemed lost in thought, staring at the ground, and his hand hovering over his forehead, where Ophanimon's symbol had been reflected when Velgrmon was about to attack Kouji.
Kouji's eyes widened slightly at his realization. At first he thought it might be about the phone; his brother was still the only one without his own cell phone, but when Kouji had clumsily brought up the delicate issue once over the past year, Kouichi had made it clear that he was fine, and didn't want or expect that kind of gift from his brother, and declared that it was the first thing he would buy when he started a part time job in high school.
No, it wasn't about the phone—
The vibration from his phone and the surprised gasps from his friends distracted Kouji, and Ophanimon's symbol appeared again on the screen, although it looked glitchy. A static-ridden voice then gave them instructions.
E-ryo-e… Go… Shi-ya… Sta-n…
The message was repeated three more times, with the static affecting different parts each time. But the instructions were clear: Ophanimon wanted them to go to Shibuya Station again.
There was no hesitation; they had been hoping this would happen for the last two years. Everything was quickly gathered and put back inside bags and backpacks or disposed of, and they tried to keep their excitement under control by making their way to the station as orderly as possible.
Of course, this also helped them avoid a repeat of certain incidents at the station, but to Kouichi's relief, no one mentioned the issue this time.
Even with Ophanimon's message echoing in their minds, the children couldn't deny the apprehension in their hearts as the cramped elevator went down. The previous year they had tried to reach the underground Trailmon station and failed miserably—and Tomoki might or might not have tried more than once on his own—so they all visibly relaxed when the lights indicating the station's levels went past the designated markers and the elevator sped up ever so slightly.
With a thud, the elevator reached the final level, and they were welcomed by the sight of a deserted platform and a single Trailmon waiting for them.
Well, what are we waiting for?
Takuya's words prompted his friends to sprint toward the Trailmon, but Kouichi caught Kouji's arm before he took more than one step.
Kouichi?
He hesitated for a moment before speaking.
Are you sure?
Kouji relaxed his shoulders when he heard the doubt in his brother's voice. Though he was speaking quietly, the rest of the group stopped when they noticed what was happening.
You know what the doctor said. I don't want the same thing happening again.
Kouichi let go of his brother's arm, but held his gaze. Instead, Kouji held Kouichi's shoulders.
The damage was repaired, so I will be fine. It's been two years. Also, Ophanimon wouldn't have called us if it wasn't important.
That alone seemed to ease Kouichi's worries at least a little, and Kouji gave him a small smile.
And I will have you looking after me too, niisan.
As Worm increased the speed, Takuya found himself holding onto the edge of the seat, waiting for the turbulence they had experienced the first time right before their cell phones turned into digivices, but it never came. By the time he realized it, they were already on the other side of whatever portal they had crossed and Flame Terminal was visible in the horizon.
His phone was still a phone, too.
The issue was forgotten when Worm started slowing down, and they could see not only Bokomon and Neemon waiting for them on the platform, but also a group of familiar faces. They would be lying if they said they didn't start tearing up upon seeing their old friends welcoming them back into their beloved second home.
Worm finally stopped, and the children rushed to exit the car.
Bokomon! Neemon!
As much as they tried to hide it, Bokomon started crying as the children formed a circle to hug their Digimon friends. Among the group were a Floramon from Soft Breeze Village, Kouji's friend Gotsumon, the tiny Kokuwamon Junpei met at the Wind Factory, and a Bearmon that they hadn't seen before, but that Tomoki was sure he knew from somewhere .
Ahhh! It's really you! When the Three Angels told us we could see you again, I couldn't believe it!
Bokomon's sobbing continued for a little bit, but soon enough the sobs turned into sniffles, even as Bokomon clung to Kouichi's leg, exclaiming how Löwemon had told them he was alive, but that they were so glad they could actually see him again. Kouichi, although happy that Bokomon had been so concerned about him, couldn't do much to calm them down any sooner.
What finally did it was Neemon talking.
Are you finished?
Bokomon immediately dried their tears and pulled hard from Neemon's waistband.
Shut up, Bakamon! There are important matters at hand!
—Neemon.
Bokomon cleared their throat, and looked seriously at the six children.
Listen! In the last few days, large groups of Evilmon have appeared in several zones of the Digital World.
Those zones seemed to include the homes of the rest of their Digimon friends. They have not made any moves yet, and an Evilmon by itself is not very powerful, but there are thousands, if not tens of thousands of them. It looks like they are awaiting orders from someone, but we do not know yet who that is.
Bokomon took out the book and held it so the six children could see the page showing Evilmon. It did look too weak to be a serious threat, but they knew better than to underestimate a possible enemy, especially considering their numbers and the fact that they didn't know who was their leader.
The numbers have increased, but I wonder if this will be as hard as fighting against Lucemon.
Bokomon closed the book and placed it back inside their haramaki, then crossed their arms.
Without knowing the identity of the leader, it is hard to tell, Junpei-han. However, we were told by the Great Angels that they think the enemy came from a place that is not the Digital World, or the Human World.
Neither of those? Then from where else…
Kouichi left his question incomplete, his voice trailing off into silence as he brought a hand to his chin and closed his eyes. Everyone watched him curiously until he sighed and dropped his hands in resignation.
I once heard Cherubimon talk to himself about something that might be related, but I can't be sure until I ask him… If he even remembers.
Well, in any case, we should go talk to them, right? So, everyone, let's go see Ophanimon, Seraphimon, and Cherubimon.
The children nodded in agreement with Takuya, but then Neemon decided to talk again.
There's no Ophanimon, Seraphimon, or Cherubimon though.