Chapter 162: The Story Between Each Other Before the Final War (Part II)

"No matter where or at any time, the starry sky is always beautiful"

Late at night, Ah Hai, who had not yet fallen asleep, stared at the starry sky and sighed.

At this moment, the night sky on the Hundred Fox's Nest is full of bright stars, and the beautiful sphere that represents the human world like a moon ring is exuding a large faint but uniform clear light all over the world.

The stars in the sky and the brilliant turquoise orbs seem to have a special magic that can relax and calm the most impetuous minds. The digital world is a really incredible place.

I wonder if the human world can still see such a beautiful starry sky?

"If only Jen and Sakura could see such a beautiful starry sky"

Thinking of his wife and daughter, Ah Hai inadvertently blurted out a self-talk, which was heard by Kaye who came by chance.

"Dad, are you missing Mom and Sakura?"

Hearing Kaye's voice, Hai turned his head.

"yes, I've been separated from you for ten years, I wonder how Jane and Sakura are doing now?"

"Mom and Sakura are doing well now, but everyone really misses you. When we found out that you were still alive, everyone was really happy, especially Mom, who cried with joy. ”

Thinking back to her mother, who cried with joy knowing that her father was not dead, Kaye was a little sad.

"Really? I'm really an irresponsible husband and father. ”

Ah Hai smiled bitterly, in the past ten years since he left his family, Jane must be even more sad.

"No, it's not! We don't blame Dad at all! It's true! ”

Seeing Ah Hai's guilty expression, Kaye hurriedly explained in a panic.

"Dad's failure to return to his family for ten years was also caused by an accident, and it was not Dad's fault."

"Haha, when I return to the human world, I should fulfill my responsibilities as the head of the family."

Because he was ashamed of his family, Ah Hai secretly vowed that he should be a good husband and a good father. At the same time, he was pleased that his son had grown up and praised Kaye.

"It's been really hard for you in the past ten years. Kaye, thank you for always protecting your family, you're a man now. ”

"I don't have the ability to protect my family, and I've always been a multi-way beast protecting my mother and Sakura"

In normal times, Kaye must have been happy to be praised by his father for being a man. However, after witnessing the tortured uncle and hearing about the future of everyone's death, Kaye was really uneasy. Everyone's experience has been really more cruel than imagined, and every time there is a crisis, it is a multi-way beast protecting itself. Even in the so-called inevitable future, the multi-way beast promised itself that it would never let everyone die.

Kaye doesn't have Yabei's keen intuition; Without Ryder's gifts and talents; Without Mina's sagacity; He is just an ordinary person without any merits, and in every battle, he only relies on the multi-way beast to defeat the enemy with everyone to overcome difficulties, and that's it.

"I've never been good at anything, and I've never had the talent to boast about to others, and I'm sure I'll continue to do that for the time being."

Dad who expects to be a man will be disappointed, right?

"If I were alone, I wouldn't be able to protect the people around me. So, I'm not much of a man."

"Kaye, the so-called manhood is not just a man who can represent everything by virtue of his 'strength'."

Noticing Kaye's concern, Hai spoke in a gentle voice.

"Perseverance, responsibility, sincerity and frankness, as well as gentleness and thoughtfulness, these are all necessary for a man. Kaye, you fit the bar for manhood. ”

"Besides, being able to bring together friends with different talents around you is a valuable ability of yours, Kaye."

"My powers?"

"yes."

Ah Hai said with a smile.

Dad's smile was another warmth compared to Mom's smile, which warmed Kaye's heart.

However, Kaye will still be uneasy about tomorrow's battle.

"Dad, do you think miracles exist? How do I do miracles? ”

Not wanting his dad to worry about him, Kaye still withheld everything about the future.

"Are you worried about tomorrow's battle?"

Ah Hai, who understood Kaye's feelings, asked with concern.

"Well, I'm still a little uneasy"

"Courage is a magic that makes dreams come true."

"Huh?"

"I probably wouldn't be able to help you without a Digimon partner. But all I could do was encourage Kaye, who is a man, to have the courage to overcome the odds. ”

Ah Hai smiled and encouraged Kaye, who was less confident.

"Whenever you face a difficult situation and overcome the enemy. Didn't Kaye, who fought side by side with everyone, also have courage? ”

"So, in order to achieve a 'miracle', if you don't want to leave regrets, just muster up the courage to face the unknown future!"

(Courage)

Kaye pondered Ahai's words repeatedly. Then, he smiled.

"Thank you, Dad!"

Thanks to Hai's encouragement, Kaye's uneasiness was swept away like magic.

- Courage is a magic that makes dreams come true. ——

This sentence later became a treasure that has always given Kaye courage.

※※※※※

"Whew, it's really the most enjoyable thing to soak in the hot springs at night in the quiet night."

In the open-air hot spring near the shrine, Masahiro sits in the hot spring with his back to a huge rock with a relaxed expression on his face.

While looking at the starry night sky, in the hot spring that overflowed his shoulder, Masaho began to talk to himself.

"At this time, everyone is almost who. Tomorrow is the most important battle, and those guys seem to be on their own."

"Although I have sorted out my ideas of what to do next, I can't afford to lose to them when I see that everyone is still moving forward despite the difficult situation."

He remembered his stupid sister.

"Especially Yabei, that idiot is working harder than expected"

"Brother?"

A familiar voice came, and Jeongho looked in the direction of the sound, only to see Yabei wrapped in a bath towel and walking towards the hot spring.

"What, why are you here?"

Seeing that his brother was enjoying the hot spring, Yabei had a disgusted expression on his face.

"Hey, aren't you here to soak in the hot springs too?"

Notice that her sister dislikes her expression, and Zhenghao said slightly unpleasantly.

"Of course, the most enjoyable thing is to soak in the hot springs at night in a quiet night."

It's really my sister, and I even want to enjoy it! Jeongho complained inwardly.

"Okay, I'm going to soak in the hot springs. Hurry up, brother, I'm embarrassed to go in the hot springs with the opposite sex. ”

"I refuse, don't forget that open-air baths are gender-neutral occasions."

For the 'brazen' request, Jungho directly refused. How could I give up my only enjoyment for this stupid sister!

"Well, then I'm going to come in unkindly!"

The request failed, and Yabei had no choice but to walk into the hot spring with a cheeky skin and quickly soak his body in the hot spring.

"You're so brazen."

Seeing that the other party had no embarrassed expression, Zhenghao complained about Kia North.

"It's really long-winded, obviously you yourself said that open-air baths don't discriminate between genders."

Yabei Horse face.

"And didn't we bathe together when we were kids? I know every part of my brother's body very well! Including the bottom! ”

What a nasty word! You haven't seen anything, have you!

"Don't compare a child's body to an 'adult'. I've never seen the 'part' under the man, but I still pretend to know. ”

As a result, Zhenghao also began to be outdone.

"Or do you want to go from being a 'girl' to a '' right away?"

"You pervert! So you've always had a lot of thoughts about your sister!? We're brother and sister!! ”

Yabei Huo Ran stood up, raised a mist, and pointed at Zhenghao with his finger in a panic.

"Stupid, don't be cranky! I wouldn't be interested in my own sister who is 'stunted'! ”

What the hell is that idiot thinking?! A boring joke can be taken seriously! Zhenghao thought with a headache, and did not forget to continue to fight Yabei.

"What's more, I've been in relationships with many girls. I only like girls with mature temperament, no matter the body and boobs, you don't meet the standard at all. ”

"Oh, I've said that poor milk is a rare resource! How can an elder brother hit his sister like this! ”

Yabei, who was exposed by Zhenghao, was also annoyed.

"Scumbag who plays with women! Every time, you deliberately provoke a girl, and then you get slapped and finally dumped! ”

"You're not qualified to talk about me, it's just that after being thrown off by the 'scum senior' who has been dating for a month, she has become an ugly girl who has been giving up on herself."

"I'm not an ugly girl!!"

Because of inconsequential and boring topics, it took a long time for the bickering between brothers and sisters to end. But brother and sister are brother and sister after all, and after the quarrel, the two quickly reconciled.

"Whew, soak it like this, I feel that all the fatigue from the previous quarrel has been released~"

Leaning against the boulder with his brother, Yabei raised his head and closed his eyes with an expression of enjoyment.

"I'm the one who is even more tired from arguing with you."

Contrary to Yabei, who has a happy expression, Zhenghao has a tired face.

"If my brother feels tired, the opportunity is rare, I'll brush your back for you~~"

"You're kidding, right?"

Zhenghao looked at Yabei with a questioning face, his attitude changed too quickly!

"Isn't this kind of thing ordinary?"

"Are you confused?"

It's not like the usual Yabei at all.

"Cut, it's rare to want to have a relationship with my brother, but I'm so cold"

Yabei don't overdo it, he doesn't want to continue to pay attention to Zhenghao.

"It's you who are so baffled."

Jeongho sighed, completely unable to understand what Yabei was thinking.

"Today may be the last chance."

Thinking of tomorrow's battle, Yabei, who is facing Zhenghao squarely, decides to express his thoughts in his heart.

"Actually, whether it's my dad or my brother, they are all important family members. Especially my brother, I 'like' the most. ”

"Hey, you"

Suddenly said that he liked it by his sister, Zhenghao was a little stunned.

"Tomorrow's battle, maybe everyone will die"

Taking a deep breath, Yabei took one of Zhenghao's hands with both hands and said with a serious expression.

"My brother has always valued his important people, so I don't want my brother to have an accident because of the battle."

"At that time, if the death crisis really couldn't be avoided. In any case, I hope my brother will be able to escape as soon as possible."

"Stupid, don't underestimate me, I'm not a coward."

Being cared for by his sister's 'clumsiness', Zhenghao smiled helplessly and touched his sister's head with his other hand.

"My brother's responsibility includes protecting my sister. I am determined to fight with you, and it would be dishonoring to flee just because I am afraid of death. ”

"You are my most important sister, I will never leave you alone."

"Brother stupid, stupid! If you die, you'll have nothing! You're such a fool! ”

"We are brothers and sisters to each other, and of course the 'stupid' side is very similar."

Jeongho smirked.

Having a cute 'stupid' sister isn't a bad thing, is it?

※※※※※

- The night is getting darker.

Unlike the others, Mina doesn't feel any sleepiness. Standing outside the cabin, she was staring at the brilliant orb of the human world in the night sky. The evening breeze occasionally blew past Mina, and although it was cold, it was not so bad that it made me shiver.

She was thinking about vampire beasts. Maybe tomorrow's battle will be the day when you say goodbye to your partner, but your mood is unexpectedly calm.

However, the important things around you must be kept away from you little by little. Even if tomorrow's battle is most likely a path of no return, Mina will not regret it at all.

After all, life is made up of too many regrets, and even so, you still have to choose your own path. Such regret will not change everything that happened in the past. With the awareness of bearing the consequences, there is no need to regret your choice.

In the past, the vampire monsters have always faced the future with this idea.

As for the Night Lord's past dreams, Mina still remembers them vividly.

"As human beings, we should let our bodies get enough rest before the decisive battle. On the battlefield, any negligence can be fatally flawed. ”

The vampire beast that appeared said to Mina in a somewhat reproachful tone. Although he is stern, it is not difficult to see that he is expressing his concern for his partner.

"Sorry, just a little insomnia."

Mina hid her melancholy expression and shook her head with a smile.

"Have you decided on the right tactics?"

Mina, of course, knew that Ryder had often discussed appropriate tactics with Vampire Warcraft during these three days, but it was a bit unexpected that Vampire Warcraft would voluntarily accept Ryder's proposal. Of course, Ryder is indeed a genius who surpasses himself. Even if it is a vampire monster, it has a high opinion of him.

"Of the four humans chosen, Ryder. Arnoor's comprehensive ability is the highest. In each battle, his mindset and reflexes are top-notch, and he can find the best way to solve the immediate disadvantage in a short period of time through observation. ”

The vampire beast replied indifferently, his words more than a recognition of Ryder.

"For me, his talent has a high 'utilization' value."

"Yes. Ryder, that's the only thing that's the real merit. ”

For Ryder, who has a flirtatious personality but a dark belly and always likes to talk sweetly to women, only the above can be his real strength.

"The best cooperative tactics you've done, I'm sure you'll win."

Mina really trusts their abilities, but that doesn't mean they should be taken lightly.

"But any accident is inevitable."

"At least even if you die, as long as you can leave a trace and not be forgotten, it can be regarded as proof of 'living'."

Mina, of course, understands that no matter who she is, whether it's a human or a Digimon partner, she will only end up parting. No matter how much we have a heart-to-heart relationship, this alone cannot be changed.

Even so, of course, I don't regret it. Even if she loses it, she believes that those precious memories will be remembered forever.

"Vampire Beast, do you have someone important that you have lost but have never forgotten?"

Looking at her partner, Mina asked.

"Hmph, it's just a very long memory. But that man is indeed my dear friend, and without his support and assistance, I would not have achieved my ambitions. ”

Thinking back to the familiar black werewolf figure, the vampire beast couldn't help but smile bitterly.

"That guy was very 'stupid'. Because of his consciousness, at the cost of his own sacrifice, he allowed his compatriots to evacuate the battlefield safely. But in the end, the people he protected became my 'food' to evolve the Ultimate Body against the armies of the hypocrites. ”

The Night Lord laughed to himself.

"His sacrifice brought no value, and the last 'hope' he left behind was destroyed by my own hands. What a 'stupid' friend."

"You know the outcome, but in the end you choose to respect your best friend's beliefs and wishes. Even if you lose your best friend, you have never forgotten him, and you will carry him and your compatriots with this faith. ”

Mina smiled gently.

"Garuru the Black Orc is indeed your most important friend."

"You know what?"

The expression of the vampire monster was very surprised, except for the sagemon, no one would know about the past between his best friend and himself.

"I just saw in my dreams about your past and with Garuru the Black Orc"

Inadvertently peeking at her partner's past, Mina's expression became slightly embarrassed.

"Is it a 'contract' connection?"

If D-ark represents a contract between a human and a partner Digimon; Then, the two who have a contractual relationship may have a close relationship with each other in the deep spiritual part.

Due to the connection of contracts, there is a chance that partners will sometimes see each other's past in the form of dreams.

Even if Mina learns about her past, the vampire beast doesn't care. At the same time, he acknowledges his past and the longing for his best friend.

"Actually, you didn't lose everything in that battle"

Mina lowered her face a little sadly, and whispered:

"Memories between best friends, hidden wishes, you never forget."

"My words may be ridiculous, but I believe that the 'soul' is immortal. You've never forgotten Garuru, the Black Orc, so I'm sure your most important friend has always been with you in some other way, and you haven't lost him. ”

Sure enough, it was a good human partner, and the eyes of the vampire monster softened a lot.

"Indeed, Garuru the Black Orc is not dead."

Gladly accepted Mina's words.

"Mina. Albardia, it is a great honour for me to have you as my partner. ”

"My partner is you, and I'm overjoyed to be lucky."

She smiled gently.

The time of farewell is approaching, and the future is already determined, but we will not stop moving forward.

"Hehe, I don't want to disturb the 'intimate' communication between the partners, but does the 'generous' Lord of the Night mind letting the 'eldest lady' spend the last wonderful time with me?"

A flirtatious voice was heard, the hatch opened, and Ryder walked over with a grin.

"Hmph, cherish your last chance, Ryder. Arnoor. ”

Understanding the other party's purpose, the vampire beast just coldly reminded him and left alone.

"Tonight, it should be the last time we'll be together."

Ryder chuckled lightly.

Maybe this was the last chance he could laugh out loud easily, right? Mina thought to herself.

"I will accompany you and cherish the last moments."

"Haha, then I'm really flattered."

The 'eldest lady' volunteered to spend her last time with her, which should be regarded as the best reward. Ryder thought optimistically, but regrets weren't for nothing.

Although he is not very sentimental, for his childhood sweetheart's 'eldest lady', Ryder still cares a little about how Mina sees him.

"Ten days later, it's the birthday of the 'eldest lady'. In order to make up for the regret of not being able to spend your birthday, I have specially prepared the best birthday gift for you in advance. ”

As he spoke, Ryder took out a small gift box from his jacket pocket, took her hand and placed it in his palm, and smiled expectantly.

"Alright, let's open it and take a look."

Under Ryder's expectant gaze, Mina slowly opened the gift box.

"Ring pendant?"

I saw that inside the gift box was a pendant with a black rope piercing the ring. The silver ring is so delicate that if you look closely, you can see that the surface of the ring is engraved with words that belong only to the digital world.

"Is it a ring that belongs to the digital world? It's a really beautiful gift, thank you, Ryder. ”

Mina smiled.

"When I see you happy, I'm satisfied."

Seeing that the other party seemed to like his gift very much, Ryder was secretly happy.

"This is a 'talisman' that will bring good luck. As long as you wear the ring pendant on your body all the time, you can avoid calamity. ”

"Hehe, if you were the usual person, you would be talking sweet words under the stars, and wish I could wear the ring on your finger, right?"

It's really a little different from the usual Ryder, his eyes have a certain lonely emotion, which is not an illusion. Mina, who looked into Ryder's eyes, just continued to keep the smile on her face.

"Because, the 'eldest lady' who understands the meaning of this will definitely refuse me to do this. After all, it makes more sense to give you a ring in the form of a pendant. ”

Not wanting to be seen through his heart, Ryder tilted his head slightly and explained in a relaxed tone.

"Yes, my refusal will also make you more 'hurt'."

In line with Ryder's expression, Mina wore the ring pendant around her neck, and it must be very appropriate to use Ryder's 'heart' as a talisman.

"Haha, I'm used to it even if I'm rejected, 'injury' is all a lie."

The two who knew each other just kept smiling and looked at each other, and they didn't know what to say, and there was an embarrassing silence outside the cabin for a while.

"Ah, by the way, since it's your birthday soon, it's not bad to say your birthday wish in advance."

Ryder's mind is nimble and he quickly finds an opportunity to break the awkward silence.

"Mina must have something else very important to wish for, right?"

"Anything else?"

Yes, I must have other very important wishes, right? But can that wish I really witness it with my own eyes? Thinking of the other wish, Mina's expression became slightly distressed.

"It must be a huge wish, right?"

Seeing that the other party's expression was slightly distressed, Ryder was a little curious about her other wishes.

"Even if that wish comes true, I think it will be in the distant future."

At this, a wry smile appeared on Mina's lips.

"I hope to build a world where humans and Digimon can coexist in the future."

"Perhaps, there must have been a lot of difficulties in the process of realizing it. But I believe that one day in the future, humans and Digimon will be able to coexist peacefully. The future is a great possibility."

It's really a very big wish, listening to Mina's other wish, Ryder sighed to himself; But he wasn't surprised.

"That's a great wish, Mina."

"It's a pity that I can't see the future of coexistence with my own eyes."

Mina said slightly sentimentally. Then, she looked at Ryder again and asked him rhetorically.

"Ryder, what's your other wish?"

Knowing Ryder's intentions, he deliberately asked, he was really despicable.

"Oh, oh~~ It's really nerve-wracking to ask this on purpose even though you know the result."

Shrugging his shoulders, Ryder made a look of helplessness.

"I'd better ask a different way."

"Mina, what do you think of my true heart for you? Do you instinctively 'loathe' my true heart? ”

Putting away his smile, his expression was very serious.

"My instinct isn't 'disgusted' with you, Ryder."

After a moment of silence, Mina whispered.

"Moreover, my 'liking' for you has never diminished, and you are also my important person. But "

Ryder didn't speak, just waited for the girl to continue.

"There is a fundamental difference between 'like' and 'love', and Ryder must know exactly what kind of heart he wants. For me, 'love' has no meaning, and even if 'liking' is just emotional satisfaction, I don't want to be 'blind' and 'vulnerable' because of these two emotions. ”

"But my 'liking' for you is all genuine. So, I'm very sorry."

"Haha, compared to the previous refusals, the real answer of 'Miss' is really 'double the damage'"

Ryder laughed awkwardly. Rather, he was smiling to hide the pain in his heart. It's strange, when did I become so vulnerable? Just feeling bad because of the obvious answer.

"But when you think about it, we're all young. The future will change at any time, and it's still too early to define emotions. ”

True, both sides are too young to fully define the direction of the future.

"However, it is enough that the 'eldest lady' has never diminished her affection for me. Whether it's 'like' or 'love', my heart for Mina will never change. Even if one day Mina grows up and has another love."

I don't know if this is a self-defeating statement, but there are still regrets.

"Ryder"

He must be regretting, right? In this case, I must do something for him. So, Mina reached out and gently stroked Ryder's cheek, and then decisively imprinted her lips on Ryder's lips. Warm and a little salty

At that moment, time froze, as if everything in the world ceased to exist. Ryder only felt a faintness in his head, and the impact was too sudden.

I don't know how long it took for Mina to let go of him; Ryder, who was forcibly kissed by the 'eldest lady', just looked at her a little stunned.

"That way, you won't be left with regrets, and you'll be truly satisfied, right?"

Thinking that she was satisfying Ryder and no longer regretting it, Mina said.

"This kiss is yours alone, and your true 'heart' needs to be reciprocated. So tomorrow's battle, please don't leave any regrets, I will fight side by side with you and everyone. ”

With that, Mina left Ryder and returned to the cabin.

"A sudden first kiss? What a shocking surprise."

Ryder, who had just come back to his senses, smiled helplessly.

The regret in my heart completely dissipated, and the first kiss of my beloved is the best reward! Such a 'final' life is completely a great 'satisfaction'!