Hello, everyone! Thanks for reading. I have decided to publish the first chapter of this fic for Odaiba Day '14, Digimon's 15th anniversary. I hope you enjoy it. I'd love some feedback, your thoughts, feelings, whether you enjoyed it or not, what improvements you suggest, etc. Enjoy!

I do not own Digimon

A Second Chance

Chapter 1 – A Brief Wander

He knew he had to get it over with. His mother would bug him about it again at any time now. The thought made him restless. The longer he held it off, the worse it became. He needed to get out of the house.

"Mom, I'm going out again." Takeru jogged to the door to their apartment, sliding his messenger bag over his shoulder. He slipped on his shoes, fighting briefly with the heels.

"Again?" His mother's exasperated voice called to him, her head eventually poked out of her study. "It's getting closer to the start of school, Takeru."

He rolled his eyes. His fingers tapped impatiently on the door handle. "I know! I can go out once in a while too, you know."

"At least tell me you're going to visit your father and brother while you're out. They are the reason we moved back to Odaiba. Not to hang out with your friends."

Takeru flinched. Right. Of course, she'd mention that. He didn't want to say one way or the other, but luckily she provided an out for him. Takeru grinned sardonically. "What friends? I only knew, like, two people. They probably moved away by now."

His mother gave him a brief apologetic look, marred with exhaustion. "I'm tired of having this discussion over and over, Takeru. You know why we moved. I'm sure you'll make lots of friends."

Takeru opened the door. "Sure, mom. I'll be the most popular new guy to ever be new. I'll have loads of people begging for my attention."

"Not with that attitude, sweetheart."

"Bye, mom."

"Oh, honey! Before you go, remember to stay away from the borders. That includes the harbour and beaches!"

"I will, mom. You know me."

"That's exactly why I'm mentioning it."

Takeru laughed and waved good-bye. He slipped out the door. He managed halfway down the hall by the time his mother opened it again.

"Also, please finish unpacking when you get back! I've been asking for three days!"

"Alright! Alright!" Takeru blushed and hunched his shoulders as he stepped onto the elevator. "See you later!"

He was starting to get to know his way around the immediate area. The walks he took every day were paying off. Odaiba was small, so luckily he could already find his way about easily.

He could run across the street, jump over the vehicle bars to the footpath down to the beach, though he was certain his mother would be watching for just that and scold him later. Even if he didn't go down close to the water, it was recommended for everyone's safety to stay 50 metres from the water's edge, which meant the entire area nearly up to the main road was off-limits. Subsequently, the footpaths and even the observation decks fell into disrepair over the years. Daiba Park was still open and had its small barrier, but the small stretch of land between it and the main island was not, and usually an enter-at-your-own-risk endeavour.

Takeru made his way past the school. He avoided the downtown area by following along the beach. He stopped after a while at Kaihin Koen, relaxed for a while and took in the serenity of the area. It was quickly becoming one of his favourite places to visit on short notice. When he was here it was easy to forget the entire world was under siege.

He stared at the waters and Rainbow Bridge for a good half-hour before finally he picked himself up and moved on. He took the long way to Promenade Park, made his way around Shiokaze Park and the worn-down statues overlooking the bay, walking along the rope with warning signs which let civilians know where the safety line was. Backtracking a little to make his way a little into the city and to the foot pass, it was apparent to him just how empty the area was.

Normally, around summer Odaiba was bustling with tourists from all over. Global travel was more difficult in recent years, but not impossible. Even so, tourism took a heavy hit as people opted to stick to their own countries or towns, for the most part. Odaiba was being built up as an incredible entertainment district in the '90s, and while the attacks didn't outright stop it, the development was stunted at the turn of the century to make way for an increased military presence.

On his way over to Palette Town, Takeru stared intently at the military encampment in the empty lot between destinations. It was a small camp, tents lined the outer brim and a number inside, from what he could see. This camp was assigned to protect the entire area of Daiba, from the shipyards in the east and south to half of Ariake to the west; the other half and beyond being taken up guardianship by another encampment situated between parking lots in Shironome. Military camps were stationed in hundreds of places all over Tokyo but were more frequent around large bodies of water.

The barriers usually stopped by the waters, unable to work effectively on a non-solid surface and none of them reached particularly far. Barriers were digital fields that acted as a firewall, keeping digimon out. They weren't perfect, however. The emergence of rookie and champion level digimon occasionally broke out and were sometimes quickly contained before any damage or injury could occur. The larger the barrier, the weaker it became. Many attempts had been made to expand the barriers, with little success. In the end, it was decided to layer the barriers for maximum protection.

Each city would have its barrier, with smaller ones dedicated to wards and districts, even wealthy business centres or public attractions.

The largest in Japan surrounded the whole of Tokyo. Digimon as weak as the In-Training level could break through with varying degrees of success. It barely covered Odaiba, stretching nearly to Ota, Soka and Ichikawa, nearly covering Setagaya and Nerima.

It was rare for a digimon to attack the top of the barriers. They were arched in a dome with the barrier processors at the epicentre, making them the strongest nearest to them. Odaiba's was at the Miraikan National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation.

Takeru slowly moved on, carefully watching the camp as he did. He couldn't remember a time when he was particularly interested in the military and their activities. Not unless there was something near him. After his father and brother joined, he couldn't help but think of them more. It was the reason he'd been so antsy to leave.

Craning to see more of the encampment, Takeru stepped a little closer, painfully aware if he got too close he could be reprimanded by the personnel inside. He wasn't sure what he expected to see. Perhaps how the system worked, what the military personnel did when not directly in combat. Something that could give him a reason to why both his father and Yamato felt the need to join.

A flicker in the periphery of his eye caught his attention and he looked out beyond the camp to the sea beyond. Were there digimon out there now, trying to get in? He looked around, squinting in hopes that would make it easier to see. A shadow fell over him, passing by in an instant. His heart sped up, spotting the creature who made the shadow overhead. A large bird-type digimon, red flames made up its plumage, razor-sharp teeth jutting out of its beakless jaws.

Takeru's heart was now in his throat as he watched the hell bird send a shower of fire down, bombarding the barrier. Below, the military camp came alive with activity. Retaliation fire flew effortlessly past the barrier. Birdramon – as he was sure the creature was called – dodged with mild effort on its part; barely twitching a muscle as it glided this way and that.

The military was now on full alert, sirens blaring. Yells of orders and directions fought for dominance over the other noises. Takeru clapped his hands over his ears, watching the birdramon intently as he backed off from the scene.

Birdramon was soon joined by another bird digimon, a black crow-like creature with a gold helmet over its face, some sort of metal appendages on the elbow of the wings and three legs. It circled Birdramon, the bullets from the military guns disintegrating from the creature's aura.

Larger weapons fired at the two digimon, but by this time, Takeru was already sprinting toward Palette Town, keeping his eyes fixated on Daikanransha the entire time.

His legs felt like straw, that they'd give way at the next step he took. He could hear loud banging behind him and only briefly looked back at the near cost of his balance to see the two bird digimon body slamming the barrier. Claws raked at the nearly invisible firewall, sending crackling sparks into the air. Even from this distance, Takeru could smell the undeniable scent of something burning.

His plan to hide in the shopping complex was quickly forgotten the second the sound of something cracking and a high-pitched screeching of claws against the dome filled Takeru's ears. He made a quick turn down the path along the parking lot, over to Tokyo Teleport, taking the steps three at a time until his foot slipped at the last remaining steps. Takeru's teeth clenched, a growl escaping his lips as his knees scraped the concrete steps. Managing to catch himself before his face met the same fate, he caught a brief glimpse at how badly he was shaking before he willed himself to get up. He didn't stop or even slow down until he felt the cool shadow of the skyscraper fall over him.

Without bothering to care about other people around him, Takeru finally allowed his body to give and he slumped to the ground. His lungs burned, but he kept gasping for air, sitting like a floppy doll until his body calmed down enough for him to stand.

Peeking over the rail back at the shopping complex, Birdramon and the crow digimon had broken in. They were now fighting directly with the military group. A blast shot from a tank, hitting Birdramon in the chest. It fell to the ground. The military personnel threw something – likely a net – on the flame bird. The crow retreated shortly after.

"That was intense," Takeru whispered.

It was the first time he'd been that close to a battle. Such attacks were normally reported on a newscast documenting digimon activity, and if the attacks were severe enough would appear on the evening news. Being so close to the conflict, Takeru hoped he didn't get caught on camera. His father would see for sure.

He watched as more personnel surrounded the bird, who was struggling to get out of the net and escape. Many dive-bombed out of the way as the bird opened its mouth, breathing a thick flame that scorched the ground. Moments later, Takeru could feel a hot wind pass over his face. A shrill cry filled his ears as the bird was shot with a taser, struggling and looking around frantically for its long retreated partner. Takeru remembered from classes that the weapons were custom built to deal with a digimon's digital form. The bird gave a mournful cry as its body started to lose form, pulsing between a tangible and pixel form. The cry stopped Takeru's breath, and he suddenly felt cold.

Now that the threat was taken care of, the soldiers were scanning the perimeter, securing the area in case there were more incursions. They were getting closer to Takeru's hiding place and would question him. It was time to move on.

Stepping off the pedestrian path, he wandered around until his legs stopped feeling like numb jelly. He trudged on lead feet in the direction of Searea Gobangai complexes where his father and brother lived. There was nothing left to do except to get this over with. This time he'd cut through downtown. He was unsure about his dad, but unless Yamato was with his band, he was likely at home. Then again, perhaps dad had been called out due to the battle he just witnessed? If he wasn't, would he scold Takeru for being out during that attack without seeking shelter?

He passed one such shelter that was in the downtown area. Countless shelters were built in the few years following the first digimon attacks. Many were connected in some way to the underground rail systems. Each had their tiny barrier, small enough to keep out any digimon they've come across yet. Civilians were told to head to the nearest shelter if there were digimon breaches within the barriers. Thankfully it wasn't too frequent, but they were there nonetheless in case something happened.

He heard a friendly jingle from the loudspeakers near the shelters and noticed a few dozen people leave the underground staircase to the shelter. The tune was an all-clear that the threat was neutralized. Those within the shelter had relieved smiles on their faces, talking about how quickly the military must have dispatched the digimon threat. Takeru walked faster. For some reason, his stomach felt tight hearing those words.

Arriving at the door, Takeru hesitated a moment before knocking. It felt weird standing there, as though he didn't belong or was at the wrong door – he wasn't, he double-checked.

Taking a deep breath, he shook his head. He was being stupid. It was his brother and father. He shouldn't be hesitant. This was family, he shouldn't act like he was meeting strangers. Though with how often he'd seen them since the divorce, they might as well have been. Exhaling, he finally knocked at the door and waited.

A minute later the door opened and a broad-shouldered man answered. His expression changed from mild annoyance to surprise as he looked down at Takeru.

Takeru cleared his throat, opening his mouth, taking time to inhale before speaking. "Uh... hi, dad. Nice to see you. Is Yamato home, too?"

Hiroaki nodded, opening the door wider. "Yeah... Come in, Takeru."

He complied, following his father stiffly into the apartment. Taking a seat at the kitchen table, Takeru looked around the apartment, scratching the back of his head.

It had a different feel than his place. More disorganized, slightly cluttered and messy. Perhaps it lacked that feminine touch he was used to living with his mother, or the feeling of family. It was sort of what he imagined a place lived in by college roommates would feel like rather than family. Yamato's door was closed. He figured he was in there, doing something or another. Hiroaki walked over, giving a sharp rap on the door.

"Yamato, get out here. We have a visitor."

"Who is it?" Takeru heard Yamato's voice, muffled through the door.

"Well, why don't you get up off your butt and look?" Hiroaki snapped.

A brief silence fell over them before Yamato finally opened the door, running his fingers through his hair. "I swear, if it's Jun again I'm going right back – Takeru! Wow. Hey, Squirt, I wasn't expecting to see you until school started up again. How have you and mom been?"

"Mom's busy as usual. I've been good. Just getting used to the area," Takeru said. Yamato joined him at the table. Their father took a beer and two bottles of milk tea. He set one down for Yamato, holding the other one out for Takeru. He hesitated a moment, then grasped the bottle and uttered a low thank you.

"Odaiba isn't big. You'll get the hang of it pretty quick," Yamato said. "There isn't too much to this place. Not compared to downtown Tokyo."

Takeru forced an awkward laugh. "Yeah, I guess if I were really bored I could take a trip off the island."

"If you go across the water, be aware of your checkpoints," Hiroaki said. He opened the can quickly, a few droplets of beer sprayed halfway across the table, and Takeru could smell the pungent odour. "Be aware of the weak points and stay clear of those areas."

Yamato laughed. "I'm sure he'd be fine, dad. He's a smart kid, and he's fifteen now. He can take care of himself."

"Well, there was an attack just a few minutes ago," Hiroaki said. He patted his pockets, then pulled out a small radio. "Heard about it here. Was gonna suit up and join the lads, but it looks like it all got resolved quick enough You weren't out there with those damn birds flying around, were you?"

"Uh, n-no. I was walking around, but they caught the digimon before I even made it to the shelter. I was... n-near Daiba. So I only realized because I saw an announcement when walking by a screen." It technically wasn't a lie that he'd been walking around Daiba.

"I see. Smart choice." Hiroaki took a swig of his beer without much deeper thought to Takeru's words.

Takeru smiled, his shoulders relaxing. "Thanks. So, how is your new military job, then? Mom and I were surprised when we heard you quit your job at Fuji TV."

"Well, there's not much need for many personnel at the station. I figured I'd find something more productive. But it's great. I sometimes do more of the same due to my experience. There are different jobs to do, depending, and battle training is intense." Hiroaki looked around, predominantly to the phone. "Though it has been a little busy as of late."

Takeru wondered if he was referring to the recent attack. So close, the fight could likely have been heard around the whole island. Perhaps he was phoned to join? Or had there been other things he was referring to? He took out his cell, giving his mom a text to let her know she was okay and was visiting.

"Yeah, I had a taste of that training. Kind of brutal. I think the military youth program is a lot softer," Yamato said, leaning back and glancing at the fridge. "Hey, would you like a snack? We have mochi in the fridge."

Takeru looked up from his phone. "Yeah, sure. So, how come you took an adult course if you're still seventeen?"

"Well, there isn't much of a point getting myself stuck in a youth program when I'm going to be eighteen in only a few months. Dad pulled some strings, they made an exception for me. What about you? You're fifteen now. You can join the youth program and get the full experience." Yamato got up and started to rummage the fridge.

"I... don't know. Maybe. It's kind of scary, isn't it? Fighting digimon in combat?" Takeru didn't fail to notice the look his dad was giving him. He tensed again, eyes darting back to his bottle and picked at the plastic label.

"It can be frightening," Hiroaki said. "But you get used to it after a while of going at it." Takeru nodded. Yamato placed a plate of multi-coloured mochi down in front of Takeru. He thanked him and took a sip of his drink, reaching out for a purple coloured ball.

"By the way, have you met any friends since moving here?" Yamato asked.

Takeru shook his head. "No. I hope I'll meet a few people when school starts up. Maybe I'll join the basketball team."

"Hikari Yagami still lives in Searea Gobangai. You remember her, right?" Takeru's eyes widened. "She used to ask about you all the time after you left."

"Yeah? It's been... nearly eleven years. I doubt she still remembers me."

Yamato moved his head from side to side, spiky hair nearly touching his shoulders as he did."Well, it's better than having no one around at all."

"True," Takeru said softly. "Maybe it would work out. If he and Hikari could reconnect then he could have an easier time adjusting to a new school. He wondered how much she changed.

Takeru talked with Yamato and their dad for a few hours – catching up, reminiscing, and chatted about the state of things in general. t was hard for Yamato's band to get quick traction with the ban on large gatherings. Most of their appearances were in small bars or a small open theatre, and only when it was heavily monitored. They had to adjust, with most of their exposure being word of mouth, their music being found through the internet.

Hiroaki explained the basics of what he did in the military. He was too old by now to do a lot of the physical work for hours on end. A lot of it was paperwork, organization, information-gathering and the like. During battles, he operated some of the larger ground weapons. Sometimes he had to quell dissent in the population. There had been recent talks about changing the SDF to a more active role.

"But wouldn't that go against the agreement we made?" Takeru asked. "We're not supposed to have anything but a defence force."

"It's a lot different now that we're fighting against aliens," Hiroaki explained. He'd long since finished his first beer and nearly finished his second, with a third waiting on the side. "Some people think it's time that we should build up our military might again and take an active role instead of just defending ourselves. It's complicated, and we don't know if it's the right decision for us. Others think as long as we can drive them out and keep them from coming back, that should be enough. No need for anything else."

"Some look too far ahead, thinking about the tensions after the digimon are eradicated and we have a fully built up military might," Yamato added. "Life goes on and we might eventually start bickering with each other again."

Takeru nodded, silent in his contemplation. It all seemed like complicated stuff that would go over his head. None of it seemed like there was an easy answer.

It was nearly sunset by the time he left. He stepped out of the elevator with his hands in his pockets, feeling lighter than when he came to the building. He was glad that he listened to his mother. Next time it would feel more natural to go back. Perhaps he'd go back to Kaien Koen before heading home.

"Takeru!" A feminine voice called out from behind him. Shocked, and mildly curious, Takeru turned around. A pretty girl with behaved, light brown hair ran down the steps of a nearby building and stopped in front of him. A camera case around her neck swayed with her movements. "It is you! I hardly recognized you!"

"Uh," he said stupidly. "Hi. Don't mean to be rude, but how do you know my name?" The girl's smile faded into a pout.

"You don't remember?" She did look vaguely familiar, Takeru had to admit. He couldn't place a name, however. "Maybe you'll remember this? Just one second..."

The girl dug around in her pockets before taking out a whistle. Takeru's eyes widened. She put the whistle up to her lips and blew softly.

"Hikari?" Her smile returned. "Wow, hi! It's great to see you. You look..." Amazing. "Different."

She giggled. "So do you, but I think I'd recognize that blond mop of yours anywhere." She ruffled his unkempt hair. Takeru laughed and grabbed her hands.

"Miss Yagami, so bold. What happened to the shy girl I knew?"

Hikari laced fingers with him and squeezed, causing his grip to loosen. She slipped out of his grasp. "Maybe she grew up a bit?"

It was true. She had a different air about her. She held herself more confidently and spoke clearly with conviction, not to mention how playful she was being. When they were little she rarely spoke without her whistle, and her older brother was usually always somewhere close by. He and Taichi were both able to understand what she was saying by how she blew the whistle. By the time Takeru moved away, Hikari had become comfortable enough to speak to him without the whistle, but she was so soft-spoken it was often hard to hear her.

"Pretty impressive change." Takeru smiled. "So, how have you been?"

"Oh, I'm fine. Nothing in my life has been all that entertaining. Other than Taichi moving out. But that's a given."

"Wow, already? My brother is still living with dad. Did he graduate early? Or just not attend senior high school?"

"He attended. But things have been a little... troubled at home in the last few years." Hikari's eyes danced around, avoiding eye contact with Takeru. What was on her face couldn't be considered a smile so much as an attempt at friendly teeth barring. He gently touched her shoulder.

"Do you want to talk about it?" She eventually looked up at him and gave a small, forced smile. It was more natural than the one she had moments ago, at least. He took a step down the concrete stairs, holding his hand out to her. "Come on, we'll go to Kaihin Koen."

"That's near a beach." She looked around, a little worried.

"I know. But it's kind of serene, don't you think? I have only been living here for a few days, but I like going there. Besides, isn't it one of the areas that are protected by the coast guards?"

Hikari was silent for a moment, her eyes cast down in thought. "I guess it would be fine to go there. I'd like to spend more time with you."

Takeru smiled, turning around to face the beach. "Hikari Yagami the rebel."

She giggled. "Maybe Takeru Takaishi is just a bad influence?"

Takeru laughed, stopping at the bottom of the steps and turned around to face her. "Perhaps. But at least you accept that."

Crossing the street, they walked through the brief strip of foliage to stroll along the beach, shoes and socks tucked in their hands. Neither of them talked, just enjoying the sight and smell of the ocean. Choosing a spot, they settled down, wrapping their arms around their legs. Hikari stared out at the water, deep in thought.

At that moment Hikari looked very different to Takeru. The expression on her face was complicated, and the rigid way her body rested betrayed the stresses hiding within. Her eyes darted this way and that, brow creasing and smoothing as she internally fought with herself over something. He looked away to give her some privacy to think, staring at the greenish-blue of the water before them.

"My brother... renounced the military." She said after a prolonged silence. Takeru looked over at her, his mouth slightly agape at the news. The country was practically unanimous on the military's severe increase in activity over the last decade and encroachment into their lives as long as it meant there would be protection from digimon. He studied her expression, biting the inside of his lips at the worried look on her face.

"There are plenty of people who don't agree with how the military runs things. Your family isn't heavily involved in the war, are they?"

Hikari shook her head. "My father kind of backs them with donations when he can, but that's about it. That's not the problem. He joined... an anti-military rebellion group."

"What!" Takeru winced at the volume that reaction came with. He tucked his head into his shoulders, giving Hikari an apologetic look. She'd jumped at his loud exclamation. Was it his imagination or had she flinched away? "Aren't those guys who actively meddle in the military's affairs?"

"Yes. They don't just meddle, though. Some groups are actively pro-digimon. People say some of them are so demented they want humanity to lose and for digimon to take over." She hugged herself, resting her chin on her knees. "His reputation isn't good, Takeru. There are people all over, even in school who talk bad about him. Sometimes they even bully me for having him as a brother, saying I'll join him."

Takeru frowned. "That's terrible. They shouldn't harass you just because of a decision your brother made." He wondered if he'd like this new school if the situation was that bad.

Hikari gave him a reassuring smile. "It's all right. Some people stick up for me, like Daisuke Motomiya and his group. They're part of the military's Junior Division, so he has a lot of influence."

His expression softened back into a smile. He never heard of this kid, but he didn't seem like a bad guy from Hikari's description. He also must have been impressive if he made the Junior Division. "That's good."

"Thanks for listening to me," Hikari said, her voice soft. "Sorry for acting like that before. Truth is, I kinda wanted to see you before school started and others got to you first. I'm not normally like that."

Takeru frowned, wondering what she meant. Then it hit him with the brief flashes of memory to their meeting.

Oh. Takeru waved his hands about, hastily fumbling with his words. "No! No, it's okay! Seriously! I wasn't going to think anything of it, honest! I wouldn't care what other people said about you, either."

Hikari laughed, her smile genuine as she rubbed at her cheek. "Thanks."

Not knowing what else to say he laid back into the sand, hands cushioning his head. They sat like this for a while, occasionally talking about various subjects, mostly to do with nostalgia or what their schools were like. Neither of them realized the time until the sun was nearly set. They parted ways with the promise they'd see each other more often.

Takeru walked along the beach, a smile plastered on his face like it would never go away. A swell of positive emotions filled his chest, making him feel light and energetic. Quickly putting on his shoes and brushing sand off himself, he ran home, the feeling still staying as he stepped through the door.

"I'm home." He announced, taking his shoes off at the door. He stopped in the kitchen to grab a snack before heading off to his room. The state of his bedroom reminded him he had to unpack still. Other than a few clothes, his bed and a few school-related essentials, pretty well everything else was still in boxes, stacked haphazardly on the floor and the edge of his bed. Taking a bite of his snack, he went to work.