Chapter Text
''Angemon died 6 years ago?'' Ken asked, still not quiet believing what TK was telling him, staring at the blonde boy surprised.
TK swallowed. Just thinking about that day was hard on him and his gaze always went back to Patamon who watched him worried that he might explode or start crying uncontrollably. Both weren't so far off, but- No, TK did this for his friends and for himself and- For Ken, too. It was about time they talked about this even though it was hard.
Immediately taking Patamon in his arms again he replied ''It was against our first enemy Devimon back when it was just the 6 older destined and me. Kari joined the group a bit later as you know.'' Ken nodded, waiting for the boy to continue. ''His strength got so big that we couldn't beat him anymore and by then Patamon hadn't managed to evolve to Champion level yet. All seemed lost, Agumon, Gabumon, all the other digimon beaten and Devimon was aiming to- Kill me, the youngest first.''
Ken took in a sharp breath, hearing the story while TKs voice was trembling more and more, talking. Ken knew that TK had been only 8 years old at his first adventure in the digi world. Way younger than Ken was when Wormmon died. He had still been a child in a completely foreign world and-
''Patamon jumped in front of me and Devimon caught him and then he finally evolved to Angemon. Yet, just evolving and his own strength wasn't enough- Which I did not understand back then, but I do now- So he took all the powers of the crests- The 7 we had back then together to defeat Devimon and sent him into the dark nothing he came from- With the price of dying himself and turning back into a digi egg right into my arms. We had to start all over again just like you guys, but in the midst of a fight- A war that we never started.'' TK continued the story, his hands still trembling, looking at his digimon partner who cuddled up against him, not feeling great about it either, but wanting TK to feel better.
The dark nothing he came from. Ken heard TK say, realising that that was the same place he took the data from Devimon as he made Kimeramon. The same place Angemon sent him to to be gone forever and Ken had just- as the Digimon Emeperor - without a second thought why such a terrible dark Digimon would be there - he just went there to take him for his own use.
His hands started shaking at the thought, realising what all of that meant, looking at the blonde boy of hope and his digimon. What he had emotionally done to him back then without knowing. Well, he did a lot of terrible things as the Digimon Emperor, but- He did realise now why TK went for him on a human level, not just on a fighting level. Why it had brought so much anger in him. More than in anyone else. Why- TK hated the darkness so much.
''I had no idea.'' Ken whispered, looking down in defeat at Minomon ''There are no words to say how sorry I am.''
Surprisingly it was Patamon who spoke up ''We know that now. That you had no idea what you were doing and were possesed by the darkness. Yet, back then-''
''Back then for me it was like a slap in the face. Like someone punching right into my heart, right where that Trauma sat, where it still sits and reminds me every day of how important life and friends are and fighting against the dark. Just like you realised, too over time after Wormmon sacrificed himself and turned back into a digi egg. The Ken I know today and I really like and care for as my friend.'' TK said, still with a shaky voice, but trying to reassure Ken that it was okay.
The boy of kindness did not know yet why Tk was telling him all of this now and felt terrible even though he felt like he deserved that slap in the face after all he did. He couldn't imagine, if he would've ever been able to forgive, if someone did this to him, but TK did forgive him, even fought along side him and helped him numerous times.
Ken was stil looking down as TK continued ''And I kind of regretted never talking to you about it after you came to your senses, because I could've maybe helped you, showed you that someone understood, but-''
''You had no reason to talk to me about it.'' Ken cut him off, looking at the blonde boy. ''I hurt you deeply, all of you. You never really had a reason to forgive me and I did not deserve you, sharing your trauma with me, just to not feel so alone after I pushed Wormmon and everyone else away from me. I deserved that punching back then and yes, I changed, but- I was a terrible person.''
TK looked shocked at the blue haried boy, but shook his head, realising the guilt that was washing over Ken. He knew that he started the subject, but not to make him feel bad about it. He still doesn't see it, sometimes but that isn't the Ken I see now for over 3 years.
Putting a hand on Kens shoulder TK shook his head and stated ''You did mistakes, yes and you did terrible things, but- You changed and you saved the world with us. You even wanted to sacrifice yourself to make the Digital World okay again, even though you wouldn't be able to come back. You understood what the darkness inside you after the loss of your brother did and fought against it every single day up to this day, just like I do, I just chose a different way of fighting, but we are pretty similar in this, you know.''
Surprised Ken looked at him and TK gave him a smile and said ''I have that darkness inside me, too. We all have light and darkness inside of us and having something like that happen to you changes you. I understood that even before you joined our team and I am glad that it changed you for the better in the end even though the sacrifice for it being someone dying will never be justified. Even though I know that Wormmon, just like Patamon did it to save us. To save me and the others from Devimon and to save you from-''
''My old self.'' Ken whispered, looking down at Wormmon who looked back at him.
The digimon said ''And I would do it over and over again even though I believe, just like TK that it won't ever happen again and even if it does, we'll find a way out of this.''
''And you won't have to do that alone. We're here, too and we understand you.'' Patamon added, looking at Ken who now looked at the orange digimon. ''And we're in this together. We'll always be and we will make sure that no one ever has to do this again, if we can't stop it. As a team with the others, because as much as it formed you guys and changed you, nobody should experience this.''
Ken swallowed, but nodded at the little digimon and then back at Wormmon who smiled at him and then at Patamon who smiled right back. Of course I will do anything to not have someone experience this. And I know Tk wouldn't either, neither would Patamon or Minomon, but- His hands were trembling, trying to find the right words.
''I agree, but why are you telling me all of this now?'' Ken asked. ''I am grateful that you are coming clear to me, but there's a reason for it in midst all of the chaos with Tai and everything happening, right?''
TK looked down for a minute, sighing but then nodded and looked back up at the blue haired boy, replying ''There is. Because even though what Patamon said- There is one more person who had to live through this. Kari and Izzy told you about Meiko and Meicoomon, right?''
A nod from the older boy was enough for TK to continue ''Meicoomon died in the human world which normally means that a digimon can't come back, not even as a digi egg, which would make Meiko loose her forever, but Tai, as his heart stopped beating and he was dead for a few minutes seeing Wizarmon in the after life, an old friend digimon from us that died in the human world too, saving Kari and Gatomon back then, told us that there is a way to bring her back.''
Kens eyes went wide at what TK was saying. There was a way to bring a digimon back after it, dying in the digi world? He had heard from Izzy years ago that that wasn't possible and that that was one of the reasons why it was so dangerous for the digimon to fight in the human world, but- There was a way now? Does it have something to do with Wormmons and Patamons sacrfice? No, TK wouldn't let Patamon do that again, right? I know that I couldn't see Wormmon die again-
''What kind of way?'' Ken asked almost a bit scared, looking at Minomon.
For the first time since he was there, TK had a smile on his face which did calm Ken a bit, as he replied ''Holy Angemon- Patamons Ultra Form has healing powers and through his sacrifice 6 years ago with the help of the crests also possibly the power to retract Meicoomons data. But as said for that- We need the power of the crests. All the crests. Yours and Wormmons, too Ken. ''Ken looked at the blonde boy, nodding a bit confused and waiting for him to continue which TK did ''We want to try retract that data and with the help of Holy Angemon and the arrow of Angewomon bring her back in the Digital World in form of a digi egg, just like Patamon and Wormmon. But we need you for that. Would you help us? That we can make sure that Meiko also will be reunited with her digimon?''
''Of course.'' Ken stated without batting an eye at the question, realising that he could actually help in something from the last war, helping someone be reunited with their digimon-
He didn't know Meiko yet, he only heard from her through Kari and Izzy, but he knew the pain that she felt. He could understand what she was going through right now just like TK did. They both understood her in a way the others couldn't thankfully. Yet, it was their chance to help her with that and-
''What do I have to do? Just be wherever you tell me in 3 days?'' Ken asked TK, even eager to help right now.
TK gave him a weak smile and stated ''Yes, but I might have to ask you for one more favor. You don't have to say yes, but I'd be really grateful, if you could help me with it. Well one and a half one honestly.''
''What kind of favors?'' Ken asked a bit confused, but determined to do it, seeing Minomon with the same look in his face.
''One of them is the games night in 2 days at my place- Yoley and Davis don't know yet. I will tell them in 2 days and I could need Kari and you for support. I don't know how they will react, but I would understand if they are disappointed. Yet, we especially need Davis, since Tai is to weak right now and beyond that- They are my best friends, too and I don't want them to be hurt and I would gladly appreciate you just being there as someone who understands.'' TK stated, looking down.
Ken looked surprised at the blonde boy, not having thought about the fact if Davis, Yoley or Cody knew, having thought they all did. But it wasn't just him TK didn't talk to anyone else about it. It was all of them. Well, except for Cody. He had been his jogress partner after all, but how-
''Matt told Cody 3 years ago as we didn't manage the jogress at first, but Davis and Yoley don't know and they should know before we can help Meiko. I should've told them even way earlier, just like you, but- It's hard talking about this.'' TK answered his unspoken question, looking down with a heavy heart.
An understanding smile formed on Kens face as he put a hand on his shoulder and stated ''It is and I am sure they will understand. You wouldn't have needed to tell me your story to make me help Meiko, but you still did, because you wanted me to understand and to see that I am not alone. You aren't either and I am grateful that even after all I put you through you want me to help. Not just with my crest but as a friend.''
TK shook his head, looking seriously at him and replying ''What you did is the past you and I will never hold it against you, Ken. We're in the same boat. The four of us. Us, Patamon and Wormmon. With great sacrifice does come great responsibility as well and we can change something for the good and help a friend. Which brings me to the second favor.''
Ken looked questioning at him and Tk added ''I want to go to Meiko tomorrow. We need her too to bring Meicoomon back and I know that this will be hard on her, because she is still griefing. We both had more time to grief than her and understand this better now, but this- It's been barely two weeks and she didn't have the chance to let Meicoomon grow back again from a digi egg. I want to go to her, talk to her and make sure that she's on board, that she gives Meicoomon and herself the chance to heal, too even though the process will be hard and I would like for you to come with me. If you feel comfortable enough to do so. I know you don't know her, but you know her story and her pain, just like me and it might help, if there are two people understanding her pain. I wouldn't take Patamon and Wormmon with us though, because seeing Digimon right now could be hard on her.''
The request of TK did surprise Ken, even though he understood where it was coming from. He wanted to help the friend of them, the other destined who didn't know the plan yet. Being TK he had planned it out and Ken had no doubt that he would go talk to her on his own, but he wanted Ken to come with him to help him make her understand. Show her that there were people who understood.
''Count me in.'' Ken said without thinking about it. ''I don't know Meiko yet, but I am excited to meet her and I hope we can help her. Be a friend for her right now when she needs one the most and get her to try bringing Meicoomon back.''
An immediate smile spread across TKs and Patamons face as he heard that. Ken really wants to help. I knew that I could get him on board and I do need him. This talk alone was hard, I am glad, if I don't have to do it a second time alone tomorrow. TK thought to himself with a big smile on his face.
''That is great. Thank you, Ken.'' TK said. ''And thank you for understanding.''
''Thank you for understanding.'' Ken responded in all honesty. ''And for telling me your story, no matter how 'late'. Maybe it was actually just the right time. It does help knowing that there is someone to talk to that understands.''
Nodding, Tk replied ''We got each other for that now. I am always here.''
Ken gave him a smile and then asked ''Well, do you maybe have another hour or two? I could get us something to drink from the kitchen and we-''
''I still got time, yes.'' Tk cut him off, smiling at him, realising that it wasn't just him who needed that right now, looking at Patamon who immediately nodded.
The blue haired boy stood up and then said ''Okay. I'll be right back.''
Wormmon and him left for the kitchen and TK leaned back on the couch, feeling his emotions all over the place after that talk, trying to calm down. I did not expect this to hit me so hard to talk about it, but-- He is someone who actually understands. There is no use in hiding or sweet talking it and we both want to help Meiko. It was necessary.
''How are you, TK?'' Patamon asked his partner concerned, also feeling the weight of the talk on his chest.
TK looked at him, giving him a sad, but genuine smile and replied ''Okay, I guess.''
Just as he wanted to say more his phone vibrated in his pocket and he took it out, immediately smiling as he saw who the message was from in the younger destined group chat:
Count me in, too. Yoley and I will beat all of you. (Kari)
You bet. The boys have no chance against us. (Yoley)
Even though he had no doubt that Kari would be there for him, it still made him feel warm inside, reading her, saying that she would be there for the games night. He was glad that he had Ken and Kari and also kind of Cody as the backup, already feeling bad for telling Yoley and Davis so late. But they would understand, right?
A small smile spread across Patamons face, seeing the immediate shift in TKs face as Kari wrote him, asking ''What is your girlfriend writing?''
TK went beat red, looking surprised at his digimon who giggled as TK nudged him saying ''She's not my girlfriend, yet!''
—
Hearing Patamon and TK laugh a little in the living room did make Ken feel a bit easier about the situation, too. It had been a hard talk, for both of them, but it also felt necessary and important and Ken was kind of glad TK agreed on staying for a little while longer. Ken still had a lot of questions. Questions he couldn't even put into words right now and he knew they'd be hard, but- He wanted to understand the blonde boy of hope better. The boy that went over and beyond for the people he loved.
''TK is even stronger than I thought he was.'' Wormmon stated as if he had read Kens mind.
Ken looked at the digimon surprised, but then smiled and replied ''True. I really look up to him. He went through a lot the past 6 years.''
Feeling the digimon jump on his shoulder and cuddle him a little, it said ''So are you, Ken. You both went through a lot and you both deserve to have someone to talk to this about. Help each other. You're best friends for a reason and he came here for more reasons than just helping Meiko.''
The boy wanted to say something to that as he felt his phone vibrate. Surprised he took it out of his pocket and immediately felt his cheeks heat up as he saw a message from Yoley:
I went with Hawkmon and Tentomon to the Digital World today for a plan from Izzy that I wasn't allowed to know yet and it felt weird, but good to be there again after what happened. But I also want to know what Izzy was talking about.
A small pained smile formed on Kens face as he realised he couldn't tell Yoley either until in two days which he hated. Him and the pretty, extroverted purple girl got closer over the past years and they talked a lot. Ken had learned to open up a little even though it was still hard on him while Yoley told him everything. She knew that it was hard for him to talk and she mostly made a little happy dance when he opened up to her, but both just enjoyed each others presence. Especially in the time they couldn't see their digimon. Ken really enjoyed the talks over the phone, sometimes even in person, them just walking somewhere or meeting up with friends or-
Shaking his head Ken quickly wrote back, knowing that she'd answer back in no time:
I understand that it's weird after that reboot and everything. If you had said something I could've come with you. Izzy and Kari told us about? But I can imagine that you're curious. Maybe Kari and TK can tell us more in two days at the games night.
Izzy told me that I should keep it to myself for now, but I couldn't anymore and you kind of don't count for me, because I tell you a lot. And I need someone to talk to.
Well, I am glad that you're so honest to me, Miyako and I am happy to hear from you every time.
Same here, Ichijouji. We have to see each other again.
We'll see each other in two days.
Realising that that message was kind of stupid and could come off the wrong way he quickly added:
I'd also like to see you, but I have TK over right now, because we had to talk about something and tomorrow I'm visiting someone.
Okay, that is less secretive than the first message. TK is over? Is everything all right? Tell him Hi from me and now I want to know what all of this is about.
We'll talk about it in 2 days I promise. I don't like keeping things like that from you either, but this is not just about me.
Not just about you? Do I have to worry?
There's nothing to worry about, I promise.
Okay, I trust you and am waiting impatiently for in two days when both of you hopefully explain this.
Ken bit his lip, looking at the messages. For once he felt more than terrible keeping something from someone. It was Yoley. He did not really talk to anyone in the group about Wormmons death, but she had been there the one or other time when feelings overwhelmed him. When he looked at Wormmon a little too long in the Digital World after a fight, no matter how small. She didn't say anything, but she tried to cheer up the mood, give him a good feeling. He knew it.
A small smile spread across his lips thinking about that as he heard Wormmon ask ''What is Yoley writing?''
Blushing really hard Ken looked surpirsed at the digimon who grinned at him and wanted to say something as he heard TK ask ''Yoley? She's keeping you in the kitchen so long?''
''W-What?'' Ken asked stuttering putting his phone in his pocket.
TK stood in the doorway with Patamon on his head, grinning at him and saying ''You took really long to get some water and we thought we should look if everything is okay. I wouldn't have come if I knew Yoley was keeping you away because you were talking with each other.''
Ken was bright red by now looking at the blonde in disbelief, saying ''We- we don't- We're just writing and-''
''Just like TK and Kari are just writing with each other and kissing each other without being together yet?'' Patamon asked giggling while getting off of TKs head.
Now it was the blondes turn to look in disbelief at his Digimon Partner who giggled even more, Wormmon joining in. Both digimon seemed to love making fun of the love life of their partners who were bright red by now.
Yet, Ken was not surprised hearing about TK and Kari, having thought his part about the two pretty much since three years ago, but deciding to let it fall, even as he became part of the group. On the one hand to not hurt Davis who had a huge crush on Kari back then and on the other hand, because he knew they would tell him, if he was supposed to know. Are they dating?
Looking away the blue haired boy mumbled ''Yoley and I didn't kiss.''
''That's because you didn't take the courage yet to ask her out instead of just talking to her and meeting up for hour long walks.'' His partner stated which made TK look a bit surprised at the other boy.
Ken and Yoley? I do not know if I am surprised or not, but I did not quiet see it coming. They would make an odd, but great pair though. I can see that it is still hard for Ken to express his feelings yet. Maybe they do need a little push. Not like push, push but- I can see that he likes her the way he looks. Just like I love Kari.
Trying to ease the mood about feelings a bit Tk shrugged and stated ''Kari and I did, but are not dating yet, because she wanted to take it slow, because of the whole Tai thing. Which I respect and I am worried about Tai, too but I do get that relationships and feelings are hard. Especially when they're new to one itself.’'
Ken looked away for a moment, but just opted on nodding, not really feeling like denying that he had feelings for the purple haired girl. he couldn't quiet put into any order, but- They were there. And he couldn't deny them anymore.
So he just whispered ''Thank you.'' his cheeks still beat red.
TK smiled, walking up to him and taking the two glasses as well as the water bottle from the kitchen counter saying ''Come on.''
At the hospital
Ken and I talked and it was hard, but- It was okay and very much needed I think. He asked me if I want to sleep over, since we're going over to Meikos together anyways.
Kari read the message from Tk, breathing out for the first time the past hours. TK and her had parted ways 4 hours ago, she was in the hospital since three and was waiting for TK to write her. To tell her anything, to know that he was okay. Well, as okay as he could be. She didn't need him to write her that it was a lot to know.
Sighing, wanting to just be there for him and talk to him about it, find out all about it, she decided to write back:
How are you? How is Ken? And do you want to stay over at his place? And are Patamon and Minomon okay?
I guess as good as you can be talking about the most traumatic experience of your life for hours, but I'll be honest- I don't know. As for sleeping over- I do really want to see Tai, but I think Ken and I both could need that, before the talk tomorrow. The two digimon took it surprisingly well, mostly being concerned about us and actually went for a nap like 10 minutes ago. We're not going to take them with us tomorrow for the sake of Meikos feelings.
Kari had no doubt that TK would come running to be there for Tai, too but that hadn't been her question. Her question had been what TK wanted in that moment. What would help him after going through this. But of course the boy she loved thought about everyone but himself.
Sighing she read the message again as she heard Matt ask besides her ''He wrote you, too?''
The brunette girl looked surprised at him first, but then nodded. Of course he wrote Matt, too. After the call of the two his older brother probably was at least as worried as her. She could see that he was torn between going there and being there for Tai, too. It was hard for both of them right now.
''TK wrote?'' Tai now asked curious and also a bit concerned with a raspy voice.
After the sleep Tai seemed to be more awake, but still mostly resting, sometimes engaging in the conversations they had, mostly listening to the things Izzy had found out. Yet, as he heard about TK finally showing a sign of being alive, he was interested and worried, just like all the other older destined, perking up at hearing the younger blonde brothers name.
''He did.'' Kari replied now with a heavy sigh. ''Ken and him are going to talk to Meiko tomorrow in the late morning.''
''I had no doubt that Ken would come with him.'' Mimi stated with a small smile.
Sora who was sitting on the other side of the bed, looking at Matt, seeing his look said ''I don't think anyone had a doubt about that, but I am worried about the two and their feelings right now.''
Kari nodded, swallowing and looking down on Gatomon on her lap who looked just as worried back at her. I just want to be there for him. More than anything, because I love him.
''I am worried, too.'' She whispered in all honesty.
Tai looked at his sister, seeing the worry and the love in her look, staring at her phone where she had just received a message from TK. He knew that they had something going on. There was no denying in that and he did feel like a terrible brother not being able to have properly talked to her about it yet. Plus, he could see that she wanted to see him and-
His look went on to Matt who was just as worried, also staring at his phone, holding it in one hand while his other hand was in a fist, close to the bed. Tai hated to see him like this, too and he did not want them to feel like this, because they felt responsible for him. If Tai could, he would be probably after them the first person to go after TK, trying to help him. Help him and Ken. Even though he had no idea how, but maybe Kari and Matt-
Taking a deep breath, he put a hand over Matts balled fist which made the blonde look up in surprise at him as Tai gave him an understanding smile, trying to push his own feelings aside. I can't even do anything in this and this is not about me right now, but about the boy that has been my sisters anchor since years and one of my best friends and the brother of the boy I love. But there is one thing before I can-
''Can I talk alone to Kari for a second?'' He asked into the room, but his gaze immediately wandered back to Matt, trying to calm him down a bit.
The older destined looked surprised at Tai, but saw the questioning look from him and the brotherly concern, slowly getting an idea what this could be about. Even Kari seemed to sense it, getting a bit nervous, but slowly nodding.
Sora was the first one who stood up after squeezing Karis hand and saying '' I will go get some coffee and tea for all of us.''
Kari looked at her, being met with an encouraging smile. I knew that this conversation was going to come eventually, but now? Especially with TK not even being close?
Not just to Tais surprise, Matt squeezed his hand, nodded and said ''I will come with you, Sora.''
Sora looked at him stunned, but then gave him a weak smile and nodded while Tai watched the display between the two. He knew that Matt wasn't just trying to figure him and Tai out, but it did hurt Tai a little bit and he knew he had no right to be hurt after all that Matt did for him the past days, mostly letting Sora fall short.
Matt looked at Tai one more time, giving him a smile. Tai already felt his heart beat faster at that simple show of affection from him. He did ask him and the others to leave after all. He should just calm down and think of his task ahead. Talk to his sister about the boy she loved and help her and him hopefully after he did so much for them.
''We're going to the park, getting some fresh air after getting the Digimon on the server.'' Mimi announced, taking Izzys and Jous arm who looked surprised at her, but nodded with a smile.
Tai gave them all a thankful smile and said ''Thanks guys.''
Sora already walked to the door, looking at Tai one more time before saying ''Let us know, if you guys need anything. We'll be close boy.'' And then left along side Matt the room.
Gatomon looked at the other Digimon who had alread walked up to Mimi and the boys and back to Kari who sighed, but gave her a smile and nodded. Then the cat like Digimon followed the others out of the door, too.