A Seraphic Tale Chapter 8

[kudzumac]

 Kudzu: Welcome back, today we get a proper introduction to this fic's version of Lucemon, also known as Lucero. Joining us today is Ayaka, who's become a permanent sporker of this fic, Sheena Barnes, Tina Starling and their partners Rhinemon and Astamon.

Ayaka: Who's Rhinemon? *watches as the kids and their digimon enter, and is surprised to see how Rhinemon looks like a blue-haired cyborg angel radio announcer lady* Huh, not bad looking, I think.

Kudzu: Rhinemon is an original digimon of mine, that I'm using in Digivengers as the final form of Sheena's partner, Vukumon.

Ayaka: I see. *Looks to Sheena* Um... you have pink hair... is it dyed or something?

Sheena: It's... kind of naturally pink due to nanite shenanigans, I think.

Rhinemon: Pink or not, you're cute either way, partner!

Sheena: *Blushes* Rh-Rhinemon!

Astamon: *Sets himself down on the couch with Tina* So, let's get started, shall we?

Tina: Indeed, Astamon's been waiting to see his brother Lucemon in action.

Ayaka: Wait, brother!?

Astamon: Short version is, I used to be Belphemon of the Seven Great Demon Lords thanks to the Patron Saint of Misers. Lucemon, is my baby brudder in my world.

Ayaka: Oh... sorry you have a sucky family too.

Astamon: Wasn't completely bad, Beelzemon did his best to treat us right when the old goatmon treated us like shit.

Kudzu: Talk later, ya'll, it's time for the spork. Snipping the opening author's note because it talks about Otakon stuff, so... Roll Episode!

EPISODE 8: The Boy Whose Name Means Light

Astamon: The light ain't always good, though.

Ayaka: I know, I feel like I'm lost in the dark whenever my sister would use her Suefluence to manipulate things...

Astamon: Well then, welcome to the dark side, Ayaka, have a cookie. *offers an oatmeal cookie to the new Sporker.*

Ayaka: Thanks.

Night fell. The sky was as black and dark as the inside of a very deep cave that lead to the bottom of the ocean.

Sheena: That's an analogy...

Rhinemon: *reads ahead a bit* Looks like we're in for some padding, kiddos.

But that didn't stop Yun from persuading her mom into driving her to the hospital where the boy was taken. They checked in at the front desk, sat on some chairs in the waiting room, and waited. Thankfully there weren't a whole lot of people in the waiting room, especially no screaming kids or crying babies, which was good for Yun because she hated those things.

Ayaka: Yes. Now convenient there aren't any crying children or babies in a hospital.

Tina: Why doesn't your sister like other children or crying babies?

Ayaka: Autism gave her super hearing, I guess. Then again, the world is so empty of life right now, that I guess it has to bend over backwards for Yun.

She kept Lopmon and Terriermon locked in her arms, though they didn't seem to mind. Throughout the entire time she sat in the waiting room, not once did she cease to think about the boy. The boy with his blonde hair, pale blue eyes, flimsy white gown, gold bracelets and anklets, and his purple tattoos. She knew for a fact that she had never seen him before. Especially not in school, that's for sure. She kept thinking a lot of things about him. Who is he? Why is he here? Why did he ask for Yun's name? What happened to him? Where did he come from? Is he going to be alright?

Why did he look so...familiar?

Ayaka: Because according to what I've had to read to catch up, you saw him in a dream, idiot. 

Kudzu: also, the "gown" is actually a toga or robe, I'm pretty sure.

Astamon: So... why don't they mention Babyface's wings?

Ayaka: Babyface?

Astamon: I'm a nicknamer. Lucemon's most used form is his rookie level child mode. So, I call him Babyface.

Kudzu: Moving back on subject- for some reason, the wings got torn off under unknown circumstances, most likely so that Lucemon doesn't cause a commotion due to being an angel.

Astamon: What tore off Lucemon's feathers? Did Zamielmon sneak into this world and pluck them?

Kudzu: Nah, I honestly don't know what happened to Lucemon's wings yet. But, there's still a lot of chapters to go through, so we might find out.

This is what's bothering Yun the most. Even though she had never seen the boy before, he still looked very oddly and strongly familiar to her, as if she had seen him before. But where? That was the question. She looked up at the clock on the wall and it read 8:36 PM. It was past 8:00, the time when she normally takes a bath. She always goes to bed by 9:00 PM, but there were exceptions whenever she was out running errands with her parents at around those times. But she would never stay up past 9:00 intentionally even if someone offered her a million bucks in cash and let her do whatever she wanted with it. But Yun didn't focus on her tardiness or her desires. All her mind focused on was the boy. Lopmon looked up at her, and so did Hisako.

Ayako: While my sister's schedule is important to her, sometimes life's going to make you go against it. Also, funny she's sooooo worried about Lucemon that she's not even having a meltdown about her tardiness.

Kudzu: That's the imprint for you.

"Yun? What's wrong? You look very dejected," Lopmon told her with a spec of worry in her sweet voice.

"The boy...is he going to be alright? I couldn't do much to help him..." Yun muttered. Hisako put a hand in her hair and gently stroke it.

Sheena: *Checks the notes* You know, now that I think about it, Yun's head gets touched a lot, by her friends and her parents. Does... the writer have a thing for headpats?

Kudzu: I don't think so, but I do recall she has a thing for tickling.

Ayaka: *Eats another cookie* People die, sis, you can't save everyone.

Kudzu: Since Lucemon is the love interest? Yeah, it's going to be obvious he lives because heaven forbid Yun suffers too much outside of her usual bullying.

"I'm sure he'll be fine, and on the contrary you did great. You stopped to help him when nobody else would, and you got me to call for an ambulance right away. You stayed by his side. Small things like than can really save a person's life," Hisako told her reassuringly with a smile.

Ayaka: There was no one else to help him because no one else was around. So it had to be Yun.

Tina: Indeed, then again, he supposedly passed out from blood loss, so there's a high chance he could have died outside of author fiat.

"But I couldn't do anything to heal his wounds! I wanted to help him more!" Yun exclaimed.

Sheena: Heal his wounds? That does not sound like something an eleven year old kid would say- sounds more like an adult healer from a JRPG.

"Yes, that is true. But we had no idea something like this was going to happen, so how would you know what to do?" Hisako explained. Yun felt a bit crestfallen.

Rhinemon: The mom has a point here, Yun isn't a trained professional, so even if she had the supplies, she probably wouldn't know how to use them properly.

"Yes. You're right," Yun muttered.

"If I was in that situation, I'd be kinda scared but I'd do whatever I could to help them because just leaving people somewhere to die is wrong!" Terriermon said.

Astamon: *adjusts his mask and frowns* Hate to say it shrimp, but as wrong as it is to leave someone to die, depending on who it is and the circumstances, it can be unavoidable.

"I agree. You did just fine with what you did do, Yun. I'm sure he'll be fine," Lopmon said with a smile.

Ayaka: all she did was hold him until he passed out. She basically did nothing to help. She didn't try to staunch the bleeding to try and keep him from losing more. All she did was got mom to call an ambulance.

"I guess. But who knows?" Yun replied.

About a few minutes later, a man dressed in a white lab coat approached Yun and Hisako with a straight look on his face.

"You're the Wakamiyas, right? The people who saw the blonde boy?" The doctor asked.

"Yes. We are. What's happened to him? Is he going to be alright?" Yun replied back, but couldn't help but ask out of pure worry. Right when she finished, the doctor flashed a pretty confident smile.

"I have good news for the both of you. Thanks to your efforts we managed to save him. If you hadn't called us, the boy would surely have died!" The doctor explained. Yun, Hisako, Lopmon, and Terriermon all gasped with joy and pure relief.

Sheena: Funny how this doctor didn't notice what looked like two stuffed animals gasp.

Astamon: According to what we've seen so far, people in this world are idiots- no offense Ayaka.

Aayaka: none taken.

"Yay! He's safe! Thank goodness!" Yun exclaimed.

"See, Yun? He's safe because you helped him!" Hisako told her.

"Tell me...are you related to this boy in any way?" The doctor asked.

"No. This is the first time we've ever seen him," Hisako replied.

"We checked every nook and cranny of him, but we didn't find any trace of identification on him. No wallet, no school ID, nothing. He's unconscious right now. But something about him is bothering me. You can come and visit if you want," The doctor explained.

Ayaka: Okay, maybe he isn't an idiot, maybe he's so minor he's resistant to the Suefluence.

Kudzu: Yeah, and the lack of ID would mean an investigation might happen in a more normal world, and when no records anywhere turn up, that could cause a lot of trouble and lead to the masquerade being busted open.

"Yes. Thank you, doctor," Hisako said as she and Yun followed the doctor into the recovery room.

The room wasn't much. Just a room full of white walls, a bed, and a few doctor stuff on a counter as far as Yun knew, though she already knew this because she watches a lot of medical shows when nobody's looking.

Kudzu: Not all medical shows are well researched. I should know, my dad's actually a former nurse turned college professor.

Ayaka: What does your dad teach? Also, Yun is okay with medical shows? I wonder why she only watches them when no one  is looking though?

Kudzu: Cardiovascular Tech in a community college. As for your other questions, maybe your sister watches some of the medical shows to try and build up her gore tolerance.

Ayaka: I see. We'll probably find out later.

There he was, sleeping and laying comfortably in the hospital bed, with his torn up white gown removed and replaced with a clean white and blue hospital gown. Yun could very slightly see the bandages wrapped around his shoulder upon looking at his collar bone. But what stuck out were his tattoos. All purple tattoos, one on his face, ones all over his left arm, and one on his left hand. She also saw that the bracelets and possibly the anklets haven't been taken off. But even so, the boy looked very peaceful and content in dreamland. Yun couldn't help but smile at his handsome, beautiful sleeping face, even though some parts of his face had band aids on them. Very slowly and gently, she put her hand on his, the one with the purple tattoo on it.

Kudzu: Yeah, the bracelets and anklets would have been removed in a medical situation, in case they were hiding broken wrists and ankles when examining him for other injuries. Also, stitches were probably needed depending on how deep the shoulder injury was when he was losing blood.

Sheena: Stuff your dad told you?

Kudzu: Nope, just common sense, I think.

"I'm glad you're alright," Yun whispered very gently and softly so she wouldn't wake him up. Fortunately he didn't. She released his small, tender hand and pulled hers back when the doctor came in.

"If you don't mind, we plan on keeping him overnight for observation," The doctor said.

"Yes. That's fine," Hisako told him.

"Let's wait until tomorrow morning. If he wakes up, I'll ask him some questions and see what I can find. Then we'll decide what to do with him," The doctor said and left the room, leaving Hisako and Yun and the sleeping boy in there. But something inside Yun seemed to be stirring. Something she never felt before.

"Mom...I...I know this sounds crazy, but...I...I want to stay here. Overnight," Yun muttered lucid enough for her mom to hear. Hisako, Lopmon, and Terriermon gasped.

Ayaka: What.

Sheena: This is the imprint talking, right?

Kudzu: Most likely- it's probably really strong on Yun because she's a sue.

"Overnight? Are you serious, Yun?" Hisako yelped.

"Don't you usually prefer sleeping in your own bed in your own pajamas peacefully?" Lopmon asked.

"Yeah! And what about your bath?" Terriermon asked.

Tina: I'm pretty sure that individual hospital rooms have a shower installed so that patients and guests staying overnight can get cleaned up. 

Kudzu: At least they do in some American hospitals. Not sure about Japanese ones though.

"Well, yes, but...this boy here...I'm the only person he's made contact with since we found him, and...I don't think he'll be all that comfortable surrounded by people he's not familiar with. I know this sounds really weird, but...I don't think I want to leave his side. He did ask for my name and he didn't flail or struggle when I held him. Perhaps maybe he'll be more comfortable with having questions asked if I was around. If you won't allow it, that's fine, but...I wonder how he'd feel...if I wasn't there?" Yun explained.

Ayaka: *horrified* If this is the imprint talking, this is pretty damn scary. If it's my sister being manipulative, then I don't know how to feel.

Kudzu: Probably both, Ayaka.

Hisako was surprised. Terriermon and Lopmon were surprised. Yun had never done something like this before. Yun always prefered taking a bath by 8:00 PM and going to bed by 9:00 PM and not really caring about what happened during that time. Not that Yun's selfish, which she normally isn't.

Ayaka: She's a kid. Kids can and will be selfish.

Tina: Not Yun, apparently, because she's a Purity Sue and must always be good and kind. *gags* Makes me sick.

Astamon: Yeah, I'm a lawbreaker back home for the side of good, and this is just screamin' that Yun's too good for the world.

She's just too used to her routine. But now she's actually sacrificing it for the sake of someone else. Hisako couldn't help but admit she had a good point. Plus, Hisako felt proud. Proud of her daughter for putting others before herself, which she normally does but not like this. Then again, there was never a dire circumstance in which she could do something like this. Hisako smiled and kneeled next to Yun.

Ayaka: Yes. Sweet Little Yun is sooooo perfect. How wonderful it is that she's sacrificing her usual routine for the sake of another without having a meltdown.

Tina: *glares* This feels so fake to me as well, Ayaka, and I despise it just as much as you.

Sheena: Yeah, this feels like something The Bitch would pull.

Ayaka: The Bitch?

Tina: I may have bullied Sheena, but she and I do agree on one thing- Nita North is a terrible person.

Sheena: Damn Straight.

"Alright. We'll stay. I'll call Teruki and let him know. He might get worried. Do you mind if I tell him the whole story?" Hisako told her.

Yun became happy. She could stay with the boy and get acquainted with him so he'll be a bit more comfortable in sharing information. "Sure. I don't mind. Go ahead."

Kudzu: Funny how Hisako asks her daughter's permission to share a story with her husband, even though it might be an emergency situation that he needs to know about.

Ayaka: Yeah. Sounds about right.

"Thank you, Yun. You're really something special," Hisako said as she pulled her phone out and began punching in the numbers. Terriermon and Lopmon hopped onto the bed.

Rhinemon: Yes. She's... special alright. Also, why hasn't anyone noticed the fact that Yun's Digimon are moving on their own? Aren't they supposed to be pretending to be dolls or something?

Sheena: That's a good point. Not to mention that our adventure takes place in the Digital World and we haven't had to deal with Digimon in the Human World yet.

"Wow, Yun! I always knew you were a kind and selfless person, but I never thought you would display such audacity! Very commendable! I laud you for your unrelenting kindness!" Lopmon exclaimed happily.

"Me neither. But I guess it's because I'm worried about him," Yun told her.

"You're awesome, Yun! You're willing to do anything to help someone. But I wouldn't like it if I didn't sleep somewhere quiet and peaceful and comfortable!" Terriermon exclaimed.

Astamon: *groans and makes a jerk-off motion with his hands*

Tina: Where did you learn to make that, Astamon?

Astamon: I'm a digimon. We have access to the internet, Sweetheart.

"Terriermon! Don't say that!" Lopmon scolded.

"Awww, come on!" Terriermon whined a bit.

Yun chuckled at their squabbling, but she couldn't help but feel a little mystified by the boy's presence. Still, even among Hisako's calling Teruki and the squabble going on between her floppy eared friends, he still kept that serene and peaceful face when sleeping. Yun began to wonder what kind of a person he is. Later, she and her floppy eared friends fell asleep by his bed.

Tina: There's nothing cute about squabbling.

Ayaka: Yeah... it's disturbing she thinks arguments between her partners are cute... *looks to Astamon* Also, what's Lucemon normally like?

Astamon: Well, before The Demon Lords were defeated in our world by Queen Mastemon, he was an arrogant, self absorbed, big-headed brat who thought he could rule the world and had the power to back it up. After being defeated and reborn though? Eh, he's still cocky sometimes but he's toned it down.

Ayaka: I see... *looks to Kudzu* Any idea what my world's Lucemon is going to be like?

Kudzu: We'll find out this chapter.

Finally, night passed and morning came. The morning sky turned a mixture of light and dark blue, as if the day was waging a war with night trying to bring down it's castle in order to rule it's part of the kingdom. A silly interpretation, yes. But it was getting brighter and brighter.

Sheena: Don't be cute, Narrator.

Faint, golden sunbeams permeated the glass window and bestowed themselves upon the sleeping children and Digimon. Yun was the first to wake up, as she always is. She rubbed her green eyes with her hands. Once she got herself up, she couldn't help but question the brevity of the night. Yes, the night felt very short to her. But the boy still looked as innocuous and serene and tender as ever, still having that peaceful face. Yun smiled a bit.

Rhinemon: Ok... this is starting to get uncomfortable.

Sheena: How uncomfortable? Nervous laughter or...

Rhinemon: The fact that my apparent Ex ClavisAngemon made art of me after my battle with Arnim Zola led to my near perma-deletion levels of uncomfortable.

Ayaka: Uh... that's kind of creepy.

Rhinemon: You have no idea...

"Good morning," Yun whispered very quietly.

"Good morning..." whispered Lopmon wearily as she got up. Yun was surprised that she just woke up.

"Lopmon..."

"Is he up yet?"

"No. Maybe he will be soon."

"Morning..." Terriermon murmured, his face looking quite weary. Yun and Lopmon chuckled a bit.

"You're not used to sleeping on the foot of a hospital bed, are you, Terriermon?" Yun said.

"Fuuuu...I'm huuungryyyy..." Terriermon murmured again. Yun gently scooped Terriermon up and cradled him into her arms.

"Don't worry. We'll get breakfast soon. I promise," Yun whispered.

"How's he doin'?" Terriermon croaked again.

"He's not awake yet. But maybe-" Yun told him, but was suddenly interrupted by Lopmon.

"Yun! Look!"

Kudzu: Here it comes, y'all!

Yun turned to look at the boy and...she couldn't believe what she was seeing. The boy's pale blue eyes finally re-opened! Yun, Lopmon, and Terriermon gasped happily upon seeing this. The boy himself looked a bit surprised seeing Yun and those fluffy bunnies next to him. He then looked around the room, not leaving his position. His pale blue eyes, light and blue as the sky, fixated themselves on just about everything in the room. The walls, the ceiling, his bed, Yun, Terriermon, Lopmon, his hands, etc. Then he finally focused his gaze on Yun. He didn't look very surprised upon seeing her face. But Yun is another story entirely. Although she's happy and jubilant with the fact that the boy is alive and well, now that he's looking at her she couldn't help but feel scared inside. She didn't know what to say to him, what do to, how he would react if she were to say or do something, or if he would even remember the fact that he asked for her name when she found him in her arms, injured and possibly near death.

Ayaka: Is... Is Yun actually panicking?

Kudzu: For comedic purposes, I guess. Then again, I'd be scared too if Lucemon was looking right at me.

Astamon: *sips some coffee with chili flakes and cinnamon mixed into it.* She gets over it quickly though, right?

Kudzu: Well, yeah.

'Oh no! He's looking right at me! Whaddo I do? Calm down, Yun. Calm yourself. It's okay. It's alright. Just say good morning to him. That's a nice way to start a conversation! Now, say good morning!' Yun told herself in the confines of her brain. Once she got a hold of herself, she exhaled a sigh and smiled a bit at the boy.

"Umm...good morning," Yun said gently so she wouldn't scare him. Thankfully it didn't. He didn't really move much at all. All he did was gaze at Yun with a somewhat faraway look in his sky blue eyes.

Sheena: The imprint is affecting his brain! He's turned into a love-zombie!

Ayaka: *chuckles*

"Good...morning," The boy said in a somewhat low feminine voice. He doesn't sound pained anymore, and Yun could tell that he hadn't quite hit puberty just yet. Yun didn't know what to say after that. Though oddly enough, the boy did.

"Where...am I?"

Astamon: *sips coffee again* Hell.

"You're in the hospital. The doctors patched up the wound on your shoulder, so you'll be fine. I don't recommend messing with it though."

The next thing he said left Yun flabbergasted.

"Yun..."

"Eh?"

He smiled. "That's thy name...isn't it? Wakamiya Yun," His voice sounded higher and a trifle more pleased. Yun smiled herself.

Astamon: *Eyes widen in silence as he sets his coffee down on the table*

Rhinemon: Asta? You ok, honey?

Astamon: Thy? Why... what's with Thy?

Kudzu: Because Lucemon needs to sound fancy, I guess. *Checks the other set of Author's Notes* Oh. The author wanted him to sound "Biblish."

Astamon: *Silence*

Rhinemon: Astamon?

Astamon: *Laughs* Oh sweet Yggdrasil... I am going to tell Babyface about this, he's going to be sooo pissed about it!

Rhinemon: *Sighs* Asta, honey, try not to be too hard on your brother, his alternate is a victim too.

Astamon: I make no promises.





 

"You remember! Thank goodness! Well, actually, my real name is Julia, but my friends and family like to call me Yun," Yun explained with a smile, trying to be as kind and bright as possible so she wouldn't make him uncomfortable. Thankfully, he didn't look all that uncomfortable like she expected. In fact, he actually looked quite pleased with the way he's smiling right now.

"That name...it means "another world," doesn't it?" The boy asked.

Kudzu: Wrong! I double checked it's Chinese for Cloud!

Ayaka: And Julia means youthful or Jove's Child. Neither first name means Another World.

Astamon: What about last name?

Kudzu: Immature Princess is a possible translation. *smirks* But no sign of it meaning another world.

"What?" Yun yelped. "Y-Yes! It does! How did you know that? Oh! I'm sorry, I..." Yun exclaimed loudly with surprise at first, but thought her sudden surprised reaction scared him, so she became crestfallen. The boy, however, did not seem phased by this.

Sheena: He's a zombie, nothing phases him now.

"Thou must not worry. I am fine," The boy replied kindly.

Ayaka: for a very skewed definition of "fine" of course.

But it wasn't his reaction that confused her and Terriermon and Lopmon greatly. What confused her was the way he talked. No child she knew ever talked in such a funny, adult, and EXTREMELY old-fashioned manner. She found it a topic of discussion.

"I...I don't mean to be rude or anything, but...why do you talk like that, referring to yourself as "ware(1)" and using words like "nari(1)" and those things?" Yun asked, confused. The boy looked at his hand and ruminated.

Kudzu: GAH! I just thought I heard Yuki scream again!

Ayaka: Got to prove to the audience we're in Japan somehow, I guess.

"I...I don't...know," The boy replied.

"Oh! Ummm...speaking of names, what's yours?" Yun asked. She knew that if she asked this question it'd probably make him feel a little uncomfortable, but what's a better time than now? And besides, she didn't know what to call him, and she didn't want to just call him boy or nameless or those things.

The boy looked down at his hands and pondered and ruminated, his pale sky blue eyes gazing upon his small, tender hands. He became very quiet and pensive. He didn't move from his spot. Yun cocked her head a bit.

"Ummm...you don't have to tell me right now if you don't want to. It's fine. Just take your time," Yun told him reassuringly.

"No. I...I wish to reveal my name to thee," The boy replied. He held his right hand up, about a foot and a half away from his face, as if looking at his body would make him remember.

After a while, something came to him.

"I am...Lu-Luce..."

"Your name's Luce? Isn't that a girl's name?"

"Not my whole name. There's something after it."

Astamon: You have to be kiddin me.

Rhinemon: Nope, looks like the narrative is going there.

Whether he meant his last name or a final syllable in his name she didn't know, but it was likely that it was probably the latter. A few more minutes passed. The boy's mind remained blank. Upon realizing this, he suddenly started to tremble lightly. His eyes became bigger, his breathing a bit more labored, and his hand shook. Yun found this very troubling.

"What's wrong? Are you okay?" Yun asked with worry. There was no way she could ignore this.

"I...I...I...!" The boy tried to croak out his sentence, but he couldn't. His trembling increased, his hand shaking increased, he stopped breathing heavily, but something else stuck out like a sore thumb, and Yun could see it clear as day.

Tears. Big, round tears squirming out of his pale blue eyes.

Astamon: *glares* The narrative. Made my baby brother cry. 

Ayaka: Eyup.

Kudzu: Yeah, the actual Lucemon, the Demon Lord of Pride is not going to be happy when he finds out about this.

The boy put his fists in front of his eyes and fell apart.

"I CAN'T REMEMBER!" He screamed sadly and angrily at the same time. Yun was shocked.

Ayaka: So shocked that she didn't cover her ears! She hates loud noises, and yet here she is, not showing this!

Kudzu: Either the author forgot that detail, or it's the imprint at work here.

"Wha? Why are you-" Yun tried to calm him down, but it seemed the boy wasn't done. He tried to keep himself from wailing loudly so he wouldn't attact unwanted attention.

"I cannot believe this! I'm alive and here in this place, yet I can't even remember my own name! How utterly pathetic of me!" The boy cried out. Yun, not understanding why he would cry over not remembering his own name, pulled his fists from his face and stared into his tear stained face with a tender look in her green eyes.

"Calm down. It's okay. There's no need to cry about it. It happens to a lot of people. You probably have amnesia and lost some of your memories. It's alright," Yun explained gently and kindly. The boy, touched by Yun's dulcet voice and kindly words, finally stopped and decided to wipe the tears off of his face.

"Yes. It appears I overexaggerated. I'm sorry," The boy said.

Ayaka: That... that's just creepy. My sister instantly caused a demon lord to stop crying.

"It's okay! Oh! I have an idea! Would you mind if I gave you a temporary name?" Yun exclaimed with a smile. This left the boy confused and speechless for a second.

"Thou? Bestow a name upon me?" The boy asked in his old-fashioned talk again. Yun seemed to understand what he said.

"Yep! I don't want to have to call you boy or nameless or all those things. It'd sound kinda bad. Someone has to call you something. Is that okay?" Yun explained. The boy, feeling a bit warmed and peaceful by her presence, smiled at last.

"You have a point. Alright. Bestow upon me a suitable name, if you please," The boy told her.

Sheena: Call him Bob, that's a good name.

Kudzu: I don't think HYDRA would want to be associated with this fic.

Everyone else: *Confused*

Kudzu: There's a Hydra Agent named Bob. He's friends with Deadpool.

Tina: Speaking of, is Deadpool going to show up in our fic?

Kudzu: Eh, maybe in a chapter focusing on Kite. Haven't decided yet.

"Alright! Hmmm...let's see..." Yun crossed her arms and began pondering and ruminating, becoming almost as pensive as the boy was just seconds ago. "Since part of your name is Luce, and it's an Italian name, let's see if there are any boys' names that come to mind. Lucio? No. Luzio? No, that has a Z, not a C. Luciano? Nah. Too Godly...Oh! I know!"

Yun pointed her index finger at the boy.

"Lucero!"

Tina: *flatly* My, how creative of you, Yun. No wonder you'll win that competition in your school. 

Kudzu: Don't remember if she wins, but that contest is still a subplot in the story.

Terriermon, Lopmon, and the boy all cocked their heads to one side in confusion.

"Lucero?" All three of them said in unison?

"Yep! Luce is the Italian word for light, and another Italian name that means light is Chiaro, though that's a very old name. Since you kinda talk old-fashioned, I thought I'd combine those names together. Luce plus Chiaro minus the Chia equals Lucero. Plus it sounds more noble and prince-like. Know that I mean?" Yun explained. Lucero smiled brightly, like a newly blossoming sunflower in a barren land.

Astamon: I think the prince thing is why she chose it. Also, the fact an eleven year old knows Italian is odd since she's Japanese.

Kudzu: Writer must have been watching the English Dub of Frontier as well, where Zoe is part Italian, I think.

"How very interesting! A very suitable temporary name for me. Yes! Lucero it is! I thank thee, Yun, for giving me a name I can love," The boy, finally known as Lucero, exclaimed happily.

Ayaka: You only love it because of the imprint between you and my sister.

Succumbing to pure compulsion, Terriermon leaped out of Yun's arms and in front of Lucero, surprising him and everyone else.

"Hi! I'm Terriermon!" Terriermon exclaimed, raising his paw up and high, making his presence known to the confused Lucero. But after a few seconds, Lucero couldn't help but smile at the bunny. In fact, he tenderly extended his hand out and lifted up Terriermon's right ear. He laughed a bit.

"Long, floppy ears," Lucero muttered cutely as he began playing with Terriermon's ear with his slender fingers. Terriermon's cheeks turned rosy red upon realizing he's being played with by this strange boy. But he smiled too.

Astamon:... Lucemon cares only for power, not cute things.

Ayaka: Apparently his personality was overwritten by the imprint too.

Kudzu: Yeah, pretty sure that's a thing.

"Heeheehee...glad ya like 'em!" Terriermon murmured sweetly.

Seeing that Lucero is not frightened by Terriermon's presence, Lopmon got the mettle to show herself to him as well.

"Good morning, Lucero. I am Lopmon. It's nice to meet you, and I apologize for these odd circumctances that you've been put in," Lopmon told him very politely. Strangely enough, she felt her left ear get lifted up.

"More long, floppy ears," Lucero muttered again. He's being gentle with the two of them so they did not mind, and neither did Yun.

'Even though he talks Shakespeare, he's still a little kid inside. Come to think of it, he's pretty cute like that,' Yun thought as she watched Lucero happily play with her floppy eared friends. They seemed to be putting him at ease, and this reassured Yun greatly. Right when she thought that, Hisako suddenly came in. Right away she noticed Lucero awake.

Ayaka: My mother didn't stay in the room with my sister? Also, I can't remember clearly, but does Japan allow overnight guests in hospital rooms?

Kudzu: *Googles* Can't find anything about it, sorry.

"Oh! What a surprise. You're awake. Umm...good morning," Hisako said, feeling a little awed by Lucero's presence.

Ayaka: He's the love interest and a digimon. Of course mom would be awed by his presence.

"Hi Mom!" Yun said. Hisako finally smiled.

"I see you two are getting alone great, aren't you?" Hisako said.

"I sure didn't expect this, but yes we are. Mom, this is Lucero!" Yun explained.

"So, Lucero's your name, huh?" Hisako said.

"Well, not really. He says he can't remember his name other than it begins with Luce, so I gave him my own temporary name. He likes it!" Yun explained again.

"Is that so?" Hisako said.

Kudzu: *as Hisako* Why do I get the feeling that my life is going to get stranger from here on out? Oh well, at least my family and Ayaka will have to deal with this as well!

Ayaka: Yeah, that... sounds like how mom's been so far.

"A thousand salutations to you," Lucero said to her. Even Hisako was taken aback by Lucero's strange speech. A second after that, the doctor came into the room.

"Oh? This is a nice surprise. Sorry, I kinda overheard some of that by accident," The doctor said.

Astamon: *As the doctor* Nothing about the talking stuffed animals though, just to give you privacy.

Tina: That was a pretty good impression.

Ayaka: Yeah, is it normal for Digimon to imitate voices that easily?

Astamon: Eh, I used to sing in a bistro on weekends when I wasn't helpin' with the cookin' there. Digitamamon also gave me voice lessons in his spare time as well. And let me tell you, my old Voice Coach, Pipismon was pretty damn strict when it came to doing impressions when I leaned that on the side.

"It's okay. Lucero, this man here is the nice doctor who took care of you and took care of your injury. Don't worry. He won't bite," Yun told him.

So, the doctor decided to gently interrogate Lucero by asking him some basic questions. What was his name? Where did he come from? Does he remember his family? Where does he live? Unfortunately, Lucero couldn't remember anything. No memory of his true name, his birthplace, his family, friends, nationality, absolutely nothing. The doctor dismissed it as amnesia, like Yun speculated.

Tina: Glad we didn't have to see this- how far into the chapter are we, anyway?

Kudzu: About halfway through.

"I don't see any signs of any head injuries so I speculate that his amnesia might be a symptom of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or caused by some kind of mental or psychological trauma. I wish I had a better idea of what might be wrong with him, but I don't. But based on how he is right now, he seems well enough to leave. But seeing as though he has no memory of his family or where he's from, we have no idea where to put him," The doctor explained.

Kudzu: Actually, from my research, hospitals tend to keep patients in for more than a quick patch-job and overnight observation, just in case things are much more serious than they appear. Lucemon should be getting a full on check-up, as well as being kept for a few days more at least for Observation in case he remembers something. Not to mention probably being assigned a therapist to help with the amnesia.

Yun clutched onto Terriermon and Lopmon, feeling a little crestfallen. She had forgotten about that. She knows that kids who are orphans or have been taken away from their homes have often been put into orphanages or foster care. Sometimes they take good care of them and sometimes they don't, and Yun especially did not want the latter to happen to sweet, innocent little Lucero.

Astamon: Demon. Lord. He certainly ain't sweet and innocent, ya moron!

Ayaka: *sighs* It's the imprint doing this. She only knows the amnesiac Lucero, for being a Digimon fan, she probably didn't even know about Lucemon. Somehow. But I do, and he may be sweet at first, but he becomes a monster as he evolves due to his pride.

She wouldn't want him to be put into the care of strangers, strangers he potentially would show an aversion toward for that matter. But then again, she knew she wouldn't be able to put him in her own house. She managed to do that with Terriermon and Lopmon, but that's because they're Digimon. Digimon normally don't have biological families and are merely packets of data, though Yun never thought to view them as such.

Rhinemon: Asta and I may be Data, but we do have feelings. You may claim not to think of us as nothing but packet of datas, but so far, you just treat your partners as cute babies to take care of, something you claim to hate because of their crying.

It also didn't help that her sister has a very strong aversion and animosity toward anything Yun did or anyone who decided to live with them (then again, Ayaka didn't like anything Yun said or did at all for that matter). Yun could never be able to have Lucero live with her and the family, especially in this economy.

Ayaka: Yes. Throw me a suckerpunch just because I'm supposed to be the bad guy. Also, why would an eleven-year-old care about the economy? Then again, knowing the story so far, Lucero is totally going to live with my family and the Ayaka Puppet, isn't he?

Kudzu: Most likely, I didn't read ahead this time.

Could she?

Right when that thought went through her head, her father and sister came into the room. Teruki dressed nicely today, in his white work shirt, long brown pants and black shoes. Ayaka had her hair up in a ponytail and wore nothing but a bright pink tank top, very short pale blue shorts, a short-sleeved white sweater, and black shoes with moderately high heels. She didn't look to happy.

Tina: *watches as Ayaka takes on the form she's described in the fic* Uh... are you alright, Ayaka?

Ayaka: *looks at her outfit* Yeah, I'm fine, I can't believe I didn't notice I didn't get a description until now. *tugs on her ponytail* I feel pretty good right now, to be honest, though I guess I take on the form my puppet copy takes on in the story for some reason.

Tina: *twirls her own black ponytail* Honestly, you should be proud of your sense of style, because I have a feeling you're going to be slut-shamed for what you wear.

Ayaka: Knowing my luck? most likely.

"So this is the boy you told me about, Hisako. Now look how handsome he is!" Teruki exclaimed with a smile. Lucero blushed a bit upon hearing those words.

Splashmon: *enters the room and puts on his Teruki voice* I wish I had a son as handsome as Lucero! Then I could crossdress with pride as I have an heir to the secret life I have!

Ayaka: What.

Kudzu: Splashmon decided your dad was a crossdresser in secret and decided to run with the joke.

Ayaka: Oh... Wait, what DO my parents do for a living!?

Kudzu: It's a mystery.

Splashmon: *sits down on the couch between Tina and Sheena* Indeed it is!~

"You drove all the way out here for this? JUST to visit some Amurican brat we don't even know?" Ayaka exclaimed in a maligned voice, which angered Yun.

Ayaka: Wow, that puppet seemed to have a vocal glitch, but she does have a point. We don't know Lucero, so why are we visiting him?

Splashmon: Well, Darling, we have to have Lucemon become part of the household somehow...

Rhinemon: Honestly Splash? Why are you even here?

Splashmon: I sensed that I was needed and came like the Gentleman I am. *flips hair like the fabulous son of a bitch he is, before noticing Ayaka's clothes.* Oh, Darling, you look fabulous!

Ayaka: Thanks, Splashmon.

"Hey! Don't call him a brat! And he's not an American! He doesn't know what he is really," Yun retaliated proudly.

Astamon: That ain't something to say with pride, Yun.

Splashmon: Clearly, little Yunie is trying to stand up to her sister.... or rather the puppet that replaced her. Then again, no one's noticed the replacement yet, sooo....

Hisako told him everything, including what the doctor said about what to do with him since he doesn't remember his family. Teruki rubbed his chin with his hand.

"Hmmm...I see what you mean," Teruki said. Ayaka sat on a chair and played with her little cell phone.

Ayaka: *pulls a cellphone out of her pocket* Huh, I actually have reception here! Oh hey, the puppet's saying that my family consists of a bunch of morons and also mentioning something about a void we go to when we're not in focus on the narrative. Creepy how I never noticed that before.

Splashmon: My, my, Inky II is certainly clever to report in using your shared cellphone. Probably has you marked as a friend to keep people from snooping as well.

Ayaka: Yeah.

Tina: Hm, at least the puppet Ayaka is displaying a little bit of action, even if it's in the background. Better than everyone else doing nothing but talking.

"I thought maybe I'd tell you everything so we can discuss what we can do," Hisako told him.

"Alright. That's fine. How about we talk about this in private," Teruki said and lead his wife out of the recovery room. Yun, Lucero, Lopmon, Terriermon, and Ayaka were left alone in the room. Terriermon looked up at Yun as he lay in her arms.

"Yuuuun...I'm hungryyyy..." Terriermon muttered.

"Not to worry. We'll have breakfast soon, I promise. I'm getting a little hungry too. But as they say, good things come to those who wait," Yun told him reassuringly with a smile. Right when she said that, something was thrown at her and fell into Terriermon's paws. Terriermon saw that it's a Rice Krispies bar.

Ayaka: We have our own version of it called Okoshi. It's milder and less sticky than what Americans are used to. Then again, the writer probably didn't know that.

"There's your breakfast," The voice came from Ayaka, who is nonchalantly playing games on her cell phone.

"Yay! Thanks!" Terriermon exclaimed.

"Isn't it yours?" Yun asked.

"Floppy ears number one can have it. I just forgot I had it and didn't feel like eating it," Ayaka explained in a sharp tone. But sharp as it was, Yun smiled.

"Thanks, Oneechan," Yun whispered, but Ayaka just kept focusing on her game.

"You're not gonna have something?" Ayaka asked.

Ayaka: See, I can be nice, or well the puppet is being nice for me!

Kudzu: Let's just hope the puppet doesn't cause any suspicion to happen for Yun. The last thing we need is her finding out that she's being sporked.

Ayaka: What happens in that scenario?

Kudzu: We stop the spork and send someone in to fight her, which may derail the narrative and have a certain something I think happens later to happen early.

Ayaka: And that would be?

Kudzu: Basically... I think Yun gets super powers.

Sheena and Tina: Oh God No.

Kudzu: Let's just hope I'm wrong about that.

"Nah. I'll wait til I get home. I'll grab a banana and some yogurt," Yun replied as she watched Terriermon happily munch on his Rice Krispies bar. Lopmon and Lucero were too busy playing with each other. Yun didn't mind, and Terriermon didn't mind either. He's just happy with being with his human partner and with finally having breakfast after so many growls coming from his tiny stomach. After about 15 minutes, Hisako and Teruki came into the room with smiles on their faces.

"Girls? We've been talking, and...I know this may sound strange, but starting today, this boy here, Lucero, will be living with us," Teruki said.

Ayaka dropped her phone. Lucero dropped Lopmon, though she's still on the bed so she's okay. Yun's hands dropped to her sides. Their jaws all fell to the floor.

"WHAAAAT?" All three kids yelled in perfect unison, though with different moods. Ayaka with absolute dismay, Yun with absolute joy, and Lucero with absolute confusion. Lucero was the first to speak.

Ayaka: *sighs* Saw this coming.

Splash: Oh don't worry darling, with my puppet in the background, we can use a spitefic to add some color to your world that it desperately needs!

Ayaka: Thanks.

"By what reason doth make thee decide to take me into thy home?" Lucero exclaimed, with confusion in his pale blue eyes.

Right when he spoke, everyone was rendered silent and they got strange looks on their faces.

"Whuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuut?" Hisako, Teruki, and Ayaka muttered.

"He-He wants to know why you're taking him in," Yun explained.

Ayaka: Of course my little sister is playing translator. Because she's perfect. *gags*

"YOU CANNOT BE SERIOUS!" Ayaka screamed angrily, making Yun and Lucero cover both of their ears.

Ayaka: Didn't stop you from covering your ears when Lucero yelled earlier, Yun.

Tina: Your sister is probably an actress herself.

Ayaka: Oh, I'm starting to have my suspicions on that....

"Now now. Please, calm down and let us explain. See, Yun and Hisako are the ones who saved this young boy's life, and as you can see he and Yun have bonded quite nicely. I think this'll be a nice opportunity for him to repay Yun for her noble attempt," Teruki explained.

Astamon: Translation?

Splashmon: *As Teruki* In other words, because Yun is our Golden Child, she gets to have her boyfriend live with us!

Astamon: I thought that was what he said.

"How so?" Yun asked. Teruki winked sweetly.

"That's a secret!" Teruki said. Yun felt a little cheated, but she's extremely happy that the unexpected happened. She leaped onto Lucero.

"Yaaaaay! Isn't that great, Lucero? You get to live with us!" Yun exclaimed as she hugged him.

"I live with thee?" Lucero asked.

"Well, at least until you've gotten your memory back, my boy. Plus...hehehehehe...to tell the truth, I've always wanted a son! Don't get me wrong, I love my two girls with all my heart!" Teruki replied.

Splashmon: *As Teruki* But I love Yun more than Ayaka.

Ayaka: *sighs and holds her head in her hands*

"But where will Lucero sleep? And what about clothes?"

"We still have the guest room nobody uses, and we'll take care of all that," Teruki explained. Yun was just so happy she couldn't help but squeal like a fangirl. Lucero felt happy too. Terriermon and Lopmon were happy.

But only one person among the family is NOT happy.

"THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS! You let this little brat here keep those filthy animals and now you're letting her keep some Amurican brat we don't even know?" Ayaka screamed angrily as she stomped in front of her parents. Her breath actually went up Teruki's nostrils. Yun, Lucero, Lopmon, and Terriermon all covered their ears.

"It's not for forever, Ayaka. It'll only be until he gets his memory back. It'll probably take a while, but-" Teruki tried to explain, but Ayaka is just too red in the face and choleric to be reasoned with.

"THIS IS EXACTLY WHY I HATE THE BOTH OF YOU! YOU'RE ALWAYS TAKING HER SIDE AND NOT MINE! What did I do to deserve this?" Ayaka exclaimed.

Ayaka: Puppet's got a point. My parents do take Yun's side so far. Not to mention we don't know Lucero at all. For all we know, he could be an important diplomat's kid that got kidnapped, and that people are looking for him. Even if he wasn't a digimon in reality, this is dangerous, and the wrong people could come by the house, look for Lucero and either kill us for harboring him, or capture us and keep us prisoner along with him! This should be a police matter!

"Hey! That's enough! We're not-" Hisako tried to calm her down, but Ayaka is just not having it. Somehow, Lucero got the mettle to speak.

"Why art thou mad?"

Ayaka immediately turned around and pointed to him angrily.

"YOU! You're not part of this family, you anorexic Shakespeare talkin' Amurican brat! Stay out of our life!" Ayaka screamed.

"He didn't do anything!" Yun exclaimed.

"AND YOU! Quit talkin' like you're the center of attention around here! You always think you can get everything you want just because you're Mom and Dad's favorite! You'll always be nothing but a self-centered, spoiled little brat! Quit acting like you're so great, you BLEEP!"

"Ayaka! We don't favor her over you! You know that!" Hisako exclaimed.

"YES YOU DO! Don't deny it! You know what? Just forget it! You never want to hear my opinions on anything anyhow! I'm driving myself home! I'm taking your car, Dad!" Ayaka screamed and stomped out of the living room.

Kudzu: Looks like the author forgot this was in a hospital instead of a house. Also, the Puppet is clearly resistant to the Suefleunce because of Ayaka's status as a Scary Sue.

Ayaka: Not to mention that while my sister plays innocent, the reality of the situation is that Yun is favored over me. I'm glad the puppet left before things escalated further, but seeing myself say those things, and watching as no one actually comes to my side... it hurts quite a bit.

Sheena: Ayaka... you're not a part of that world anymore, you can be one of us, if you want.

Ayaka: I know, but I'm not sure if I'll be fully accepted yet... not to mention I don't know if I'll even exist still after the story is done.

Kudzu: Maybe you will, since you have a chance to develop into a different character here.

Ayaka: Yeah... you're right.

And that was that. Everyone was rendered silent. Lucero got out of the bed.

"Perhaps...this is not a good idea. My being here will only make Ayaka's anger grow stronger. I will find my own way. I thank thee for saving my life," Lucero said as he stood up and proceeded to walk out of the room. But Hisako stopped him.

"Why? Why doth thou stop me? Won't I be a burden?" Lucero asked. Hisako kneeled before him.

"Lucero...I don't want you living on the streets. I don't think you'll be able to survive in this world all alone. And besides, I saw you and Yun getting along great. I think having you around will be beneficial for both Yun and Ayaka," Hisako explained. But Lucero still wasn't losing his concern for the family.

Ayaka: I don't see how this will be beneficial to me, but it will be for Yun.

"But...thou saw her anger. I'm not of thy family. I cannot-" Lucero tried to explain, but Hisako put a finger over his mouth.

"Yes, she has been angry. But she's been like that for a long time. There's a good reason why she's like that, and it's NOT because of you or Yun or anything. Unfortunately, we're not able to help her with what she's going through and it makes me sad. But...I want to prove to her that not everyone in the world is against her. I think you might be able to help her realize that. Also...Yun likes you a lot. I think you might be a very good influence on Yun."

Ayaka: *growls* Bull. Shit.

Rhinemon: Ayaka?

Ayaka: What a load of bullshit! You claim you know what's wrong with me? Why I'm lashing out? Are you sure it has nothing to do with Yun? Because it sure as hell looks like it! And you want to prove that not everyone is against me? How about what just happened!? You let Yun have her new boyfriend stay at the house, while you don't even think to consider how I feel, and expect me to live with it! You know what, I'm starting to be happy that Splash got me out of there! At least I don't have to deal with idiots like you two as my family anymore!

Splashmon: Don't worry, Darling, you'll get your vengeance soon enough!~

"In what way?"

"You'll see, sweetheart."

Soon, they checked out and drove back home. Hisako took Teruki (since his car got taken by Ayaka), Yun, Lopmon, Terriermon, and Lucero back home. Terriermon hopped around merrily, happy to be home. They all made themselves a decent breakfast (which Terriermon and Lucero were especially happy about, Lucero because he never had breakfast before and was happy to have a full stomach)

Sheena: Did that really need to be in Parantheses?

Kudzu: Probably not, but the author thinks the audience are moronic.

and settled back into their house. A few hours passed, and everyone's been working on having Lucero settle in. Teruki laid out a futon he saved in the guest room's closet, Hisako removed some extraneous items from there, and Yun, Lopmon, and Terriermon kept Lucero occupied. Before they arrived home, they stopped at a small store and got some decent clothes for Lucero. Right now he's wearing an orange T-shirt and blue jean shorts. Yun could see the tattoos on his left arm and leg, but she chose not to talk about them.

"So they're Digimon?" Lucero asked.

"Yep! They're my little cuties!" Yun exclaimed as she hugged her little floppy eared friends.

"And thou ist from the Digital World?"

"Yep, we are!" Terriermon and Lopmon exclaimed in unison.

Astamon: Shame they haven't talked about the Digital World and don't really remember it.

Splashmon: It seems that Lucero isn't the only one with memory issues.

"Why doth thou come here?"

"We don't know," Lopmon said. "But we like it here nonetheless. I think you'll like it here in this house too."

Lucero smiled a bit.

Right as they were about to further engage in conversation, the phone rang.

Ring ring ring ring

Kudzu: Bananaphone!~

Everyone else: *Stares in confusion*

Kudzu: *Sighs* Old meme.

The sound was so sudden that it made Lucero jump with surprise.

"Wha-What was that?" Lucero exclaimed.

Astamon: He doesn't know what a phone is. Seriously? It seems his intelligence really took a hit.

Splashmon: Imprints, they're a hell of a drug.

Both digimon: *highfive*

Rhinemon: Careful Splash, he's MY boyfriend after all.

Splash: Oh, don't mind me, I never meddle in the affairs of the heart!~

"Sorry! It's the phone. I'll get it!" Yun told him and ran for the phone.

"Hello?"

"Yun-chan! It's me, Otoya!"

"Oh, hi Otoya-chan! What's up?"

"The Digimon Brigade meeting, that's what! I'm at the park right now!"

"Oh! The Digimon Brigade meeting? That's right! Awwww! Sorry, I ended up forgetting, even though I set it up. So much went on last night!"

"Well, it's okay. Not to worry. You still have time. I'm the only one here right now."

"Are the others there yet?"

"Not yet. They'll probably be here soon though."

"Thanks for reminding me. I really am stupid, aren't I?"

Ayaka: Yes, you are. Idiot.

"Of course not! Everybody forgets stuff! It happens to all of us."

"Alright. I'll be there in a bit! I promise! Bye!"

Yun hung up the phone and ran in front of Terriermon, Lopmon, and Lucero, all of whom are looking at her with confused faces.

"Why art thou in such a hurry, Yun?" Lucero asked.

"Lucero! Wanna go somewhere with me?" Yun said.

"Uhh...sure," Lucero said. That's when Lopmon's ears rose into the air.

"Oh! Our Digimon Brigade meeting is today, isn't it? We should get going!" Lopmon exclaimed.

Sheena: Guess she's going to show off her new boyfriend.

Tina: Speaking of, how are things between you and Percy?

Sheena: *Blushes* Um... w-well... er... I mean...

Tina: *giggles* Trouble in paradise?

Sheena: N-No! Still processing things about our mutual crush, we haven't decided if we're dating yet.

Tina: That's fair, Scott and I are in the same boat.

Yun told her parents that she and Lucero are going to the park for a bit. They held no objection toward Yun's request and let her go, much to Yun's shock and joy.

Ayaka: Why are you shocked? You haven't had trouble with getting their permission so far.

She took Lucero by the hand and led him outside of the house. Terriermon and Lopmon followed from behind. As they walked, Lucero gazed at the scenery around him, absorbing everything with his large pale blue eyes. The trees, the houses, the birds flying and singing in the sky like the songstresses they are, the small squirrels running around and climbing trees, kids playing, cars and bikes and motorcycles going by, everything.

Ayaka: And yet none of the kids notice the digimon walking behind Yun and Lucemon.

Kudzu: I'm surprised the writer even acknowledged there were other people in the world.

Everything looked so new to him, but he slowly grew to like the things he saw. After a while, they finally arrived at the park. Otoya and her Digimon, Labramon, were sitting on a bench.

"Otoya-chan! Labramon!" Yun exclaimed as she approached them.

"So, you've arrived!" Labramon said in a somewhat nerdy boy voice.

Astamon: Nothin' wrong with nerds. I mean, Plutomon's a nerd.

Splash: And I'm the fabulous Gentleman who just happens to have extensive knowledge of High Level Programming. Intelligence is never a bad thing, after all.

"Glad you're here!" Otoya said. Then she noticed Lucero.

"Yun-chan? Who's this?" Otoya asked, confused.

"Oh! I'll introduce you two! This is my new friend, Lucero. He's the reason why so much went on last night. Mom and I found him near death in front of Wawa last night and we stayed by his side in the hospital. He's living with us now. And don't worry, he found out about the Digimon but he's cool with it! Lucero, this is my friend Jounouchi Otoya-chan," Yun explained kindly.

"Nice...to meet thee," Lucero said.

"Hm? What's with the Shakespeare talk?" Otoya asked.

"No one knows. Not even him," Yun replied.

Kudzu: The author wanted him to speak like that, and decided this was to make him not like other boys. Besides the whole "Actually a Digimon" thing.

"Do you have a Digimon?" Labramon asked.

"I...I do not," Lucero replied.

"EH? Why is he referring to himself with "ware" instead of "boku(1)" or "ore(1)"?" Otoya asked.

Kudzu: I think I just heard Yuki scream again.

"No one knows," Yun replied again.

Soon, everyone else arrived. Minako, Kosuke, Melody, Rena, Riku, and even little Aria arrived! Right when she laid eyes on Yun, Aria dashed toward her with the sweetest and happiest of smiles on her face.

"Yuuuuuun-chaaaan!" Aria exclaimed as she leaped onto Yun and squeezed her.

"Aria-chan! You came!" Yun cried out as she hugged her friend.

"Yun? Who are they?" Melody asked, pointing to both Aria and Lucero.

Astamon: Uh... Melody? You've met Aria. Did you forget?

Kudzu: I think the writer had so many characters that she forgot who was supposed to speak here.

"Oh! Everyone, this is Yukino Aria-chan! I met her earlier this week, and she has a Digimon too! She's a part of the Digimon Brigade now!" Yun explained.

"H-Hi..." Aria muttered a little shyly.

"Hiya! I'm MarineAngemon!" Aria's partner, MarineAngemon, said.

"And this boy here is Lucero. He's my new friend! Yeah, he knows about the Digimon, but he's cool with it! Don't worry!" Yun explained again.

Ayaka: *As Yun* He's also my boyfriend thanks to an imprint!

Sheena: Yeah, she's totally showing off right now.

Tina: Agreed.

Splashmon: Oh yes!~

"H-Hi..." Lucero muttered shyly, much more so than Aria.

"Yun-chaaaaan! Wan!" Little Salamon hopped in front of Yun and happily rubbed against her feet.

Ayaka: Oh god, Salamon is the annoying one, right?

Astamon: Eyup. And not because I'm a Demon Digimon and Salamon's a holy beast. But because of the Wan thing.

Ayaka: Ah.

"Salamon!"

"I've missed you, wan!" Salamon exclaimed in a cute voice. Yun smiled, but oddly enough, it was Lucero whom she managed to charm with her sweet appearance and cute voice. Lucero kneeled before her and very gently picked her up and cradled her in his arms with a dorky smile all over his face. Salamon saw this, but she felt no fear. She could sense that Lucero has no intention of harming her. In reaction to his, she rubbed her head against him.

Astamon: Yeesh, my baby brother really got lobotomized into being a Sue Groupie, huh?

Kudzu: Yup.

Rhinemon: *Hugs Astamon* Don't worry honey, when the fic's over, I'm sure we can restore him to normal. Or at least this version of him.

Astamon: Maybe... but do we really want to subject this world to my baby brother's sin of Pride and his evolved forms? Cause, I do not want to sink to the level of the Patron Saint of Misers.

Kudzu: We'll figure that out as we get farther into the story. This thing is 112 chapters long after all.

"Hello! Wan!" Salamon said.

"Puppy..." Lucero muttered as he caressed Salamon without a care in the world.

"God, he reminds me of you when we were little," Kosuke said.

Splash: Yes. Infantilize the Demon Lord. See what that gets you in the end.

"I know, right?" Yun said.

But the meeting had to get started. Yun managed to get Lucero and Aria acquainted with everyone first. Thankfully they got some good reception and a warm welcome, though they both felt a little shy. Yun decided to have Lucero play with the Digimon so he can get better acquainted with them. He became quite popular with them. Once he began playing with them, Yun started the meeting.

"Now! Let's begin, shall we? So...how've you all been?" Yun said.

"Fine," Kosuke said.

Kudzu: And no one says anything else before she gets straight to business. So much for things starting off pleasantly.

"Anyway, now onto business! Does anyone else happen to find it strange that whenever we fight bad Digimon they ALWAYS have some kind of black hexagon symbol on them?" Yun explained.

Astamon: Not to mention that so far, all the bad digimon they've fought have been deemed unappealin' in some form. I'd probably be lumped in with the rest of them despite bein' a pretty good lookin' digimon thanks to my demonic nature.

Rhinemon: Oh Honey, the author is just a lookist individual who thinks beauty equals goodness. *kisses her boyfriend's cheek* Besides, I do love myself a badboy!~

Astamon: *chuckles* Love ya too, Angel.

"Yeah, I was thinking the same thing," Melody said.

"Do ya think maybe someone's behind all this?" Riku asked.

"Well, I certainly don't believe this is all one giant coincidence, so I speculate that someone IS putting those dark symbols on the Digimon and making them run havoc," Minako explained as she started punching keys into her laptop.

"What do those things look like again? I forgot," Otoya said. Minako turned her laptop around to show everyone the hexagon.

It's deep black. Black as the raven's wing, and looking very ominous too. In the middle of it is a black skull with white tilted half circles for eyes. It doesn't have a mouth. At the corners of the inside parts of the hexagon are black crescents whose tips are pointing to the other corners. In between those crescents are diamonds.

Tina: Now that sounds pretty complex for a simple logo.

Astamon: Do we find out what's behind the Hexes?

Kudzu: I think we do later on, but that's about it.

"Ugh! It looks like those things you see in that one horror movie!" Rena exclaimed.

Kudzu: Which Horror Movie? You've name-dropped other things from IRL so far, so why is this an exception?

"Yes. I haven't battled many Digimon lately, but from what I can gather, any Digimon who has this symbol implanted on their bodies has glowing red eyes and displays psychotic and destructive behavior, and that they can be destroyed with basic Digimon attacks, though it takes a few times for it to totally disappear," Minako explained.

"Wow! You're on fire today, Mina-chan! I'm impressed. That's EXACTLY what I wanted to say!" Yun exclaimed, praising Minako's explanation and research.

Tina: *Frowning* Of course you wanted to say that, Yun. Also, quit stealing the spotlight from the people you claim are your friends.

"So in short, someone's making the Digimon go wild and we ought to find out who it is and teach him or her a lesson or two!" Yun edicted.

"Yay! An evil enemy we can fight! Yahoo!" Riku cheered and got up from the gazebo seat.

"Riku! Calm down! Don't get too fired up just yet," Rena told him.

"Awww! Now you're throwing water on my bliss!" Riku groaned sadly.

Splash: Water on my bliss? That doesn't sound like a child would sound...

"By the way...raise your hand if your Digimon has digivolved in the past week or so!" Yun explained and raised her hand.

Rena, Riku, and Melody raised their hands. Everyone else didn't. Kosuke looked rather perturbed by this.

"Well, if yours haven't yet, that's okay! It'll happen soon! Well, that concludes today's meeting!" Yun clasped her hands together as she made her fiat. Minako looked confused.

"What? That's it?" Minako asked.

"We still have a ton of time left," Otoya said.

"I kinda wanted to talk about the hexagons only this weekend. But we can still hang out or play with the Digimon if you want!" Yun said.

Sheena: Yes, because Yun was the defacto leader, she gets to call the shots. *Unimpressed* I was selected by Captain America because I made contact with the digimon when they reached out to us, and tried to figure out a way to find the other Avengers while they were scattered across the Digital World. I took initiative while you are just the most popular member of the brigade. Yun, you have no leadership skills to show, and are just a spotlight stealing sue.

Tina: While I at first thought a leader just needed charisma initially, working with Sheena and Astamon taught me that there's more to leadership than that. Being a leader is hard, and I honestly don't think you have what it takes, Yunie dear.

"She has a point," Riku said.

"Okay! We'll stay for a bit longer!" Otoya said.

So, Yun got to hang out with her friends and the Digimon. Kosuke sat in the gazebo by himself. The Digimon are quite lively and energetic today, especially Salamon, Terriermon, Coronamon, and Patamon. Salamon kept exploring and looking at everything with a sparking curiosity in her lavendar violet eyes, big and bright.

Tina: Lavender and Violet are both shades of Purple. Eyes can't be two different shades of the same color without heterochromia being involved somehow.

Minako often had a hard time keeping up with the spritely and lively little pup, but she enjoyed being with her little friend nonetheless. Lopmon taught Lucero how to make little flower wreaths, put some on their heads,

Astamon: Because of course my brother, a Demon Lord, did nothing wrong and deserves a flower crown. *Shakes his head in annoyance*

and laughed cutely and heartily. Yun smiled at this. Otoya played frisbee with Labramon, who's very much enjoying it. Riku and Coronamon are basically running all over the place. Rena and Lunamon danced together. All of a sudden, Yun found herself with Patamon.

Sheena: And here we see Yun steal a moment that should have gone to Kosuke, since well, it's his partner.

"You okay, Yun?" Patamon asked in a sweet little boy voice.

"I'm fine," Yun replied. She couldn't help but notice how big and bright Patamon's chocolate brown eyes are. The little orange winged animal hopped onto Yun's shoulder with a curious look on his face.

Kudzu: Patamon's eyes are blue. Not brown. The author is getting details wrong again for the sake of making digimon special.

"You've been friends with Kosuke since childhood, right?" Patamon asked.

"Yep! But lately we haven't interacted much. Not that it's his fault, just...y'know what I mean. How did you know?" Yun replied.

"Kosuke told me. And it's alright. You don't look like a mean person so I get what you mean.

"Do you like Kosuke?"

"Of course I do! I love having him as my partner. He's calm and collected and always does what he can to help people and get by in life. I do kinda wish I could do more for him. I wish I could digivolve..."

Yun stroke Patamon's wing gently with a sympathetic smile.

Astamon: Any other digimon creeped out by this?

Rhinemon and Splashmon: Yes.

Astamon: Good, it ain't just me.

"Don't worry. I'm sure you'll digivolve soon. Your time will come."

Ayaka: Yun read ahead, so of course she knows this.

"Yeah. You're probably right. Kosuke's alone, so wanna come see him with me? Maybe we can talk together."

"Sure!"

Patamon and Yun walked to the gazebo where Kosuke continued to sit by himself. They saw that he's writing in a little blue notebook, the size of his hand, and writing with a pen with black ink.

Kudzu: Because he's so skilled at writing that he doesn't need a pencil. *rolls eyes* I am so glad that eraseable pens are a thing.

"Hi Kosuke!" Patamon exclaimed.

"Hi Patamon. Hi Yun," Kosuke replied quietly.

"How've you been?" Patamon asked.

"Fine," Kosuke replied again.

"What'cha writin'?" Yun asked. Patamon came closer to Kosuke so he could see what he's writing.

"A haiku. Wanna see?"

"Sure!"

Kosuke showed Yun and Patamon his finished haiku.

Heaven

Take me to heaven,
O kind angel with white wings,
So I can be free!

Astamon: The foreshadowing here is poorly done.

Kudzu: Also, I think I can hear Yuki shouting again. Third time this entry this happened.

Patamon and Yun were stunned.

"Wow! That's beautiful!" Patamon said.

"Yeah! You're great at writing poems!" Yun exclaimed.

Tina: That's debateable.

"Thank you," Kosuke said.

"But Kosuke said it's a haiku," Patamon said, confused.

"Yes, but a haiku is a type of poem," Yun explained.

"Oh! I get it now. Thanks!" Patamon said.

Digimon: *All frown*

Kudzu: Yeah, I'm getting sick of the digimon being treated like morons too.

Yun decided to leave Patamon and Kosuke alone since they suddenly started palavering amongst themselves, Patamon happily and Kosuke rather apathetically, but she found it better than nothing. Then Yun found Labramon sitting in front of her. He looked quite striking with his cream colored fur, his magenta ears and tail, his gold claws, and his casual dog like posture.

"Hello," Labramon said politely.

"Hi," Yun replied.

"You're Otoya's friend, right?"

"Yes."

"Come sit with me."

"Sure."

"Otoya...talks about you a lot."

Splash: *As Labramon* She shills you daily, to be honest. I'm not sure how to feel about that.

Astamon: *chuckles*

"Really? I didn't know that."

"Is that so? I suppose you don't hear compliments from people your age very often, now do you?"

Ayaka: *reads back a bit in the previous chapters* Oh, she gets shilled a lot so far.

"Not very, but it's alright. You're quite the polite little dog, aren't you?"

Sheena: Almost all the digimon have been polite in some form. It's kind of boring to be honest.

"We Labramon are always faithful to our partners, no matter who it is, and I don't mean that in a master and slave like way either."

Astamon: Why did you have to clarify that?

"I can see why. Are you happy to be Otoya's partner?"

"Yes, I am. She's a nice girl. Friendly, clever, and optimistic."

"Good. She really is nice. She's certainly helped me in the past year I've known her. You're lucky to be with Otoya. You would absolutely hate having people like Nenji or Seiko as your partner."

Ayaka: Here it comes... more demonizing... though, Nenji kind of deserves it since he should have been expelled by now.

"Are they bad people?"

"Yes, they are. They're constantly picking on me!"

"I certainly don't see why. I don't see any reason for them to pick on someone as nice as you. Of course, humans are weak creatures. They succumb easily to emotions that run wild as they see fit. But not all. I don't believe all humans are truly bad. I never have."

Splashmon: Well. That was creepy to read. Labramon sees humans as weak, and yet claims loyalty to his partner? As for humanity being weak, while I admit that some are, some, like my partner Musette, tend to be strong because of their emotions. However, a lack of emotion can be as big a weakness as being too emotional. Musette had her emotions sealed away by her treatment in a cult before I came along to help her as her Digimon Partner. I want to see her fully healed because she's been through so much undeserved torment- a feeling I share with why I decided to help Ayaka. I may be a gentleman bastard, but I do despise those who are tormented by others just to make them miserable.

Ayaka: Even my sister?

Splashmon: Your sister is a different story. Yun, while bullied, is also a manipulator who pretends not to know why others hate her, such as your anger towards her confusing her. She twists the narrative to suit her needs, and probably- whether she realizes it or not- demonizes her enemies to make herself look like a saint. I know we're only eight chapters into this, but it makes me sick.

Sheena: Wow. And here I thought you were just a troll, Splashmon.

Splash: Oh, I am a troll, as you put it, but I do have some standards.

"That's good to know. Labramon...take care of Otoya-chan, will you?"

"I will do anything in my power to help her to thank her for bringing me up, even if I have to put my life at stake."

"Yun-chan! Labramon! Come hang with us!" Otoya exclaimed and called the two of them over.

Everyone played and played until it was time for everyone to go. Everyone got to know their Digimon better thanks to this meeting. Yun's dad picked her and Lucero up. They went to a clothes store to find some clothes for Lucero. They thought it was going to be hard, but it turned out to be a lot easier than they expected. Lucero certainly isn't one whose forte is fashion, but he immediately knew that he would NOT want to dress like a gangster and have chains sticking out from his pants.

Astamon: *glares* Oh, don't get me started on Gangster Fashion. Cause while you're thinking of Gangsta-rap fashion, I, personally, dress as Classic Gangster- you know, the mobsters of the 20s and 30s? Also, chains are also used in other fashions as well, not just what you were thinking of.

Tina: I'm surprised you know a bit about fashion, Astamon.

Astamon: Well, when ya look this good, Sweetheart, you either got or you haven't got style in mind.

Also surprisingly good enough, boys' clothes were on sale today. Teruki got some good deals and they left the store with their hands full of bags. They got shirts, shorts, pants, and some pajamas for Lucero. He sort of felt a bit awkward, having these kind people do all these things for him, but he accepted them anyway since he's growing to like being with them.

Sheena: Because of the imprint.

Soon, Lucero's room is finally ready and he settled in without difficulty. There isn't much except for a futon and a closet. But Lucero found that he liked it this way. When night fell, everyone fell asleep. Lucero in his new room, Yun, Terriermon, and Lopmon together in their own room. The weekend had ended, and for Yun, this was one of the quickest and most eventful weekends she ever had. She and her floppy eared friends felt tired with it all, but they had fun.

At around 6:29 AM in the morning, Lucero woke up first. Normally it's Yun who gets up earlier than the rest of the family (if one were to exclude Ayaka who only does it to get ready for school).

Ayaka: *frowns* Yes. Go on and exclude me. I fucking dare you.

Ayaka had already left for the bus stop down the sidewalk, so Lucero was left all alone. He wore nothing but a sleeveless white T-shirt and a pair of soft black shorts. His gold bracelets and anklets were still on him, and so were his tattoos. He has tattoos practically all over the left side of his body.

Ayaka: Also, my school is most likely on the other side of town, so me leaving early is a good thing. Oh, and we also know what Lucemon looks like. We're not goldfish.

He found it rather strange that the house is so quiet and halcyon, but he found this a good opportunity to do some exploring. He looked around the house, taking in every single aspect of the house. The dining room with it's table and chairs and place mats, the living room and it's TV and couches and dark blue rug, the kitchen and it's counters, cupboards, refrigerator, and everything in them, and the basement and it's TV, couches, odds and ends, and what caught the innocuous and innocent boy's curiosity the most, the white table literally FULL of art supplies. A plastic box full of old crayons, three boxes of used colored pencils, the voluminous amount of drawings stacked up on the table, the unused paper on a chair that's yet to be used, etc. Lucero looked at the drawing that's currently sitting in front of him.

Sheena: Because of course Yun is an excellent artist, right?

It's a colored pencil drawing of Terriermon, Lopmon, and their de-digivolved forms. It didn't look finished just yet, but Kokomon and Gummymon were colored in their respective colors: light pink and pale green. Lucero couldn't help but take note of how detailed and cute they looked in that drawing. He wanted to look at the other drawings carefully stacked up on the other side of the round white table, but considering how scrupulously they were stacked, he didn't want to mess up the pile, so he ambled back upstairs. He wasn't scared of the basement at all. To him, it looked like the kind of place he'd like to hang out whenever he pleased. Yun is probably using it for just that purpose. There are two other rooms in the basement, the computer room and the storage room where the sub pump is, but Lucero didn't go in those rooms at all.

Astamon: Is there a point to this?

Kudzu: To show the house, I guess.

Back in the kitchen he went. Once he quietly closed the door behind him, he noticed something thin and black coming from the cupboard that's on top of the counter that separates the dining room and the kitchen. He very quietly tip toed in front of it and gently opened the door. The thin black thing is actually a strap of leather attached to an old, worn down video camera. Small, but it was big enough to be carried like a stuffed animal with both hands. Lucero put the strap back into the cupboard, but one of his thick gold bracelets knocked something over. He picked it up. It's a small, palm-sized, greyish cassette tape. Much to his surprise, there's something written on it. It read 'Early Intervention, Session 31, 1/8/03' written in black ink.

Ayaka: *Seems to be trying to remember something* I've got a bad feeling about this...

Next to the big pile of other cassette tapes is an even bigger black VHS tape. He gently took the big tape and, remembering that there's a DVD/VCR player in the living room, took both of them and went there. He pulled the bottom part of the big tape, gently slid the cassette tape inside, turned on the TV, turned the volume down with the remote so he wouldn't disturb the others who are sleeping, adjusted the settings, and very gently slid the tape into the VCR slot. How he managed to know all of this and do this, nobody knows. Not even the boy himself. Lucero sat in the middle of the living room, about six feet from the TV so he wouldn't stare deep into it and so his eyes won't hurt, and watched the footage play.

Tina: How thrilling this is.

It looked shaky at first, but then it turned into a moving picture featuring a young girl in a room full of toys and a young lady with a ponytail. Lucero could see the white numbers at the corner of the screen. They're the same as the date on the tape. 1/8/03. January 8th, 2003. Soon, sounds began to be heard from the TV.

"Okay...go!" Much to his surprise, that voice came from Teruki. The little girl and the lady sat at a little round table with three fruits on it. An apple, a banana, and an orange. The lady held a picture of an apple in front of the girl's face.

"Yun-chan? Show me the apple, please," The lady said in a kindly voice. Lucero was shocked. This little 2 and a half year old girl in the video is Yun? At first he couldn't believe it, but after getting a closer look at her brown hair and green eyes, he became convinced that it was her. Little Yun stared at the table and the things on it for about a minute. Then she picked out the apple and showed it to the lady.

"Right! Good job, Yun-chan!" The lady rejoiced with a smile, which made Yun happy.

"Whee!" Yun exclaimed cutely and happily.

Lucero became absolutely entranced by the video. The more he saw footage of Yun playing in the little room with the lady and doing simple tasks, the more and more he noticed that something about this small version of Yun was just vastly different from the Yun who saved him from death two nights ago. The answer became lucid once he heard Yun's quiet singing. Not the Yun from the video.

"Oh, the million points of light.
Oh, the many lights in the sky.
Oh, how they light the night sky.
Oh, they are called stars.

They shine and illuminate each other,
As if they're affirming each other's-"

Ayaka: *Sighs* Right, that stupid song.

Yun, draped in her pink pajamas, stopped singing when she saw Lucero sitting in the living room absorbed into the TV.

"Lu-Lu-Lu-Lucero! Wha-What are you...?" Yun tried to ask why he was up so early when she noticed the video playing. Now, the video showed a toddler Yun playing a puzzle game with her mom. Even Yun became curious.

"Is that...me? From when I was little?" Yun asked. As if she wasn't shocked enough, she began to hear the sound of sniveling. And it came straight from Lucero.

Lucero's watching the screen...with tears pouring from his eyes!

"It's different..." Lucero muttered, lucid enough for even Yun to hear it.

"What's different?" Yun asked.

"Thy smile...in here, thou is happy! Happy to be surrounded by kind people who love thee and care about thee! The purest smile I've ever seen! But now...thy smile is different! Thy smile now is more hardened than free!" Lucero exclaimed with a dejected look on his face. Yun was becoming even more confused.

"Ummm...exactly what do you-" Yun was about to ask him what he meant, but Lucero averted his gaze from the TV and now locked eyes onto Yun. He stood up and approached Yun with his hands in the air.

"I shall recover thy smile and see to it's return!" Lucero edicted as he approached Yun with a tearless look on his face and proceeded to...

Astamon: Ugh... this is painful to watch.

Sheena: Eyup.

Pinch her cheeks.

"Whuh? Whuh?" Yun was confused, but Lucero stretched her cheeks out and apparently was not giving up. He ended up doing it so hard that Yun fell to her knees.

"Whut are yuh doin' Lushewo? Git offa meh!" Yun tried to push the ambitious little boy off of her, but he wasn't going to be giving up. But then he stopped and got a good look at Yun's face as he stretched her tender cheeks out. He finally let them go and sat on his knees in front of Yun. But after that...he suddenly let out a laugh.

"Thou hast a funny face!" Lucero exclaimed through his laughter, but Yun was all the more confused.

"Ummm...I don't mean to be rude or anything, but...what do you mean when you say my smile is more hardened now than free?" Yun asked with a confused look.

Ayaka: Don't play dumb.

"In the screen, playing with the lady and thy parents, thou is happy. Happy, innocent, carefree, and without a care in the world! Free of all restraints and sadness and tears! That is the smile I yearn to see on everyone's faces, including thee!" Lucero explained, moving his arms and hands around like he's acting out a Shakespeare play to match his old-fashioned dialogue.

Astamon: ... Yeah, ham it up, Romeo. We all know what you really are.

"If you put it that way...considering the date on the video I was around 2 and a half then, and I don't think I really knew about hardship or sadness way back then," Yun told him.

"Hardship, yes. I can see it now. As time passed, thy smile became hardened by the wickedness of others. They refused to accept thy presence and smile, and made life hard for thee. Thou wishes to be as happy as thou were back then, no? But thou cannot because of the wicked ones!" Lucero explained again.

Ayaka: Yes, Bullying is bad, we get it. So, shut up Lucemon.

Yun was absolutely flabbergasted. It was true that she had experienced hardship in her life a lot lately. Not just because of the volatile and knave Nemoto Nenji and the catty and gossipy Shimizu Seiko, but because of other things going on in her life. Yun often felt as though anything she learned and did meant absolutely nothing to other people. She had been taught by others how to say simple things to people, like thank you or sorry or please give me and to do things like share and play with others. But when the occasions came, their responses were NOT what Yun ever expected at all.

Ayaka: Of course they're not what you expected, Yun. People aren't all uniformly minded beings- they all have different reactions to things. Idiot, you need to understand that better.

She was taught that being good brought good things to her, but when she put them to use, the people who responded either yelled at her or pushed her away. It was like that even with her own family and she often felt cheated.

Ayaka: Stop it. You've been loved and sided with for as long as I can remember, Yun. Our family loves you, and if you felt cheated? Then how the hell do you think I felt?

But even so, she is happy to have Lopmon and Terriermon in her life because they didn't treat her that way at all. Lucero too, even though they only knew each other for about two measly nights. But even so, how could this boy have known that so easily? Did he read her mind with his wild imagination and speculation? Or perhaps he isn't who he really claims to be? It's around here that she saw Terriermon and Lopmon walk into the living room.

Kudzu: Probably the imprint at work giving them a mindmeld. This is worse than I initially thought!

"Oh! Here you two are! I had wondered where you had gone!" Lopmon exclaimed. But it seemed Yun didn't hear her.

"Good morning, Yun and Lucero!" Terriermon exclaimed with a smile, but it seemed they didn't hear him either.

Ayaka: Yeah, sucks to be ignored, doesn't it?

"Oh! Speaking of purity, that song thou hast sang just now? What is the name of it?" Lucero asked. He sung the first two stanzas of the song in front of her.

"You heard me?" Yun asked.

"Yes! I heard thee!" Lucero said.

"Oh! That song? It's the song from Yun's dream!" Terriermon said.

"Dream? What dream?" Lucero asked.

Astamon: This is gonna suck soon, isn't it?

Kudzu: Eyup.

"Yun's been having the same dream lately. Where she's in this beautiful place and she sees some people singing a song," Terriermon explained.

"It is true," Lopmon backed him up. Lucero's pale blue eyes widened.

"That dream...I hast had it too!" Lucero edicted with a smile.

"What? You have?" All three of them (Yun, Lopmon, and Terriermon) exclaimed in perfect unison.

Kudzu: We can figure out who's speaking, ya know.

Rhinemon: Honestly, how many times do we have to say that we're not goldfish?

"The song...I know it well," Lucero said. After that, he sang the song.

"Oh, the million points of light.
Oh, the many lights in the sky.
Oh, how they light the night sky.
Oh, they are called stars.

They shine and illuminate each other,
As if they're affirming each other's existence.
But one star shines purely and brilliantly.
That star is you."

Rhinemon: As a digimon modeled after a singer from the 40s, your song sucks.

He only sang the first half of the song, but because Yun remembered the lyrics so well his rememberance of the song is pretty accurate, and she held no objection toward his claim. But there was one thing Yun knew for sure: Lucero doesn't exactly have the best singing voice. Especially when singing in a low pitch. His voice, while still young, sounds a bit harsh sounding. Whether it was because of puberty or a possible symptom of vocal chord paralysis she did not know. Even so, Lopmon and Terriermon clapped for him.

Astamon: Lucemon is based on Lucifer, who I believe is also known as the Angel of Music.

Kudzu: Nah, it's Gabriel that's apparently the Angel of Music. Still, I think this is a case of no one being allowed to outshine Yun.

Ayaka: Of course it is.

"Yes! Those are the exact lyrics!" Lopmon exclaimed with a smile.

"But your voice...isn't all that good," Terriermon said. Upon hearing this, Lopmon smacked Terriermon in the head with her paw.

"Hey! What was that for?" Terriermon yelled with pain.

"How dare you say something like that in front of Lucero? You hurt his feelings! People don't like hearing that they're not good at something! It makes them feel sad and worthless!" Lopmon scolded in a stringent tone, which made Terriermon feel a little small.

Sheena: I think Lopmon is crushing on Lucemon as well.

Rhinemon: Well, she is basically Yun in digimon form, so it makes sense she feels the same things Yun does.

"Okay! I'm sorry! I won't say it again!" Terriermon wailed. Yun and Lucero couldn't help but laugh.

Tina: Yes. Laugh at Terriermon's misery. That's soooo heroic of you. *glaring as she says this*

"You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

"Yes. I am. Art thou enjoying thyself?"

"I am!...Lucero, remembering lost memories can take a long time. Are you sure you're going to be okay with this?"

"Yun...I shall wait for them to come at my own pace. Also...we have only known each other for two nights, and thou art an eccentric girl, but...I feel that I will like thee real well!"

Kudzu: That's the imprint talking there.

And thus began the addition of a brand new member of the Wakamiya family...but they had no idea what was about to come.

Splashmon: Indeed you don't. *sees that it's the end of the chapter* Well, it looks like it's time for us to leave. Ayaka, Darling, do share your thoughts with Kudzu since you've become a permanent sporker instead of one that's rotated in and out.

Ayaka: Thanks. *sighs as everyone else leaves* So... Lucemon. Just... I don't know where to begin here.

Kudzu: I do. Lucemon is under the effects of an imprint, one that apparently lets him read Yun's mind. Which is creepy as fuck. Also, I noticed you weren't even mentioned in the video Lucemon found, any reason why?

Ayaka: I guess I just wasn't important enough for it. Anyway, what's the next chapter called?

Kudzu: Let me check. *Looks at what's next in the queue* Looks like a chapter focusing on Minako and Salamon, and it's called Dog Eat Dog.

Ayaka: I just know my sister's going to be involved as well. It's her world after all... 

Kudzu: Yeah. It really is. But, it's our job to rip it apart when necessary, so we'll be ready when the time comes.

Ayaka: *Smiles* Thanks.

Kudzu: Anyway, cutting most of the Author's End note since it just mentions stuff about Otacon that year, but I will be leaving in the footnote since it adds trivia to the story.

Footnotes:

1. Lucero talks in a very biblish dialect similar to how Lopmon talks in the Japanese version of Digimon Tamers. Lucero refers to himself as "ware", which is a very old form of "I", instead of using "boku", the normal masculine self-reference term, "ore" the very boastful masculine self-reference term, or even "watashi" the neutral gender self-reference term. He also ends some of his sentences with "nari" or "yue", which are also biblish talk. The other characters think he talks like characters in Shakespeare's works, like MacBeth or Hamlet, since they haven't been exposed to biblish dialect in their generation.

Ayaka: *looks around in confusion* I hear screaming again. Is Yuki even in the complex?

Kudzu: Nah, Yuki has their own Sporking complex. Then again, it could just be some other person with a lot of knowledge about Japan screaming. I don't really know. But yeah, here's the reason why Lucemon speaks the way he does in this fic, as well as the author showing how smart she is.

Anyway, next time Minako gets her day in the limelight so... seeya next time.

Comments

[pan2000]

EPISODE 8: The Boy Whose Name Means Light

Astamon: The light ain't always good, though.

Ayaka: I know, I feel like I'm lost in the dark whenever my sister would use her Suefluence to manipulate things...

Especially since this comes from the name of the most infamous demon ever.