Chapter Text
Austin sat out on the deck with a mug of hot tea in their hands. Watching the cold, grey sky tease the idea of snow.
Felix poked his head out of the door. “Knock knock? You’ve got someone here to see you. And I’m gonna head out to work now.”
Austin nodded. “Okay. See you tonight.”
As Felix went back inside, Penmon waddled out, followed by Xiulan. “Hey. Long time no see.”
Penmon immediately jumped into Austin’s lap.
Austin smiled at her. “She’s gotten more friendly since last time. That was almost a year ago now, right?”
Xiulan nodded. “Something like that, yeah. How’s Sam been?”
Austin sipped their tea. “She doesn’t go by Sam anymore. She’s fully transitioned to Sarah now. Although, she’d appreciate it being kept low key to help her stay out of the spotlight. She doesn’t really like the attention.”
“Oh nice! Congrats to her! And can do!” Xiulan clapped gently. “And Mike? He never answers his phone anymore.”
“I don’t blame him. Mike has been busy! He had to open a third dojo location last month. Reppamon, Apemon and Gorillamon have been helping him through it. And he’s already thinking of opening another one down in Portland.” Austin laughed.
That time Penmon clapped.
“The Untamed group are helping new partners? Huh. That’s amazing…” Xiulan tilted her head.
“Yeah. And Reppamon has started staying with us a lot. I guess she’s getting older… We don’t have the space for the twins, tho. Thankfully Sarah lets them live with her. She has a bit more space than us.”
They both went quiet for a moment.
“I know you didn’t visit just to catch up. But I appreciate it regardless.” Austin stared back out at the downtown skyline.
“I kinda did. I also brought something to drop off. But I wanted to see how you’ve been. It’s been two and half years since Diablomon’s death. Anything new with Bearmon?”
Austin shook their head. They pulled the D-arc from their pocket. “The Chosen marks are gone.”
“What do you think that means?” Xiulan asked. “I’ve never heard of anyone being unchosen…”
Austin shrugged. “No idea. But I think I have to accept Bearmon won’t be back anytime soon…”
Xiulan thought about it for a minute. “Hmm… And how are you doing with all this?”
Austin sighed heavily and downed the last of their tea. “I guess I’m okay. I can go most days without crying now. But I still miss her every single day… It’s very similar to when I lost my mom. But I’m doing better this time.” They chuckled at themself. “I guess I know what to expect this time around…”
Penmon snuggled closely in Austin’s lap.
“It’s rough. I’m sure. I think about that day a lot too. Watching Maya break down was…” She paused for a moment. “None of us knew she had become so resentful and carried all of that with her… She doesn’t talk to us anymore, but last time we did, she told me that she’s been seeing a therapist. I guess she’s had a rough life in general. Being idolized that way…”
“And Adam?” Austin thinned their lips. “Did you know he came here a week after Diablomon was defeated to interrogate me?”
“Yeah… None of us are exactly proud of his path…” Xiulan dropped her head into her hands. “I’m so sorry.”
After another quiet moment, Xiulan pulled her bag up. “Anyways. I was going through some things the other day and found this. I felt like you should have it…” She handed Austin Bearmon’s old, black hat.
“Oh wow… Yeah, you never did return it!” Austin felt the fabric between their fingers. “I… I think I wanna be alone now.”
“Yeah. Of course. We’ll keep in touch.” Xiulan stood and walked into the apartment, Penmon close behind.
“Here, I can walk you to the front door.” Austin sat Bearmon’s hat on the counter and the D-arc on top of it.
Austin followed Xiulan and Penmon to the front door, waving gently as they stepped out. Austin turned and walked back up the steps, returning to the apartment. Austin stepped back in and froze. They saw a small blue bear with several grey belts around her paws and rose pink eyes standing in the middle of the room, putting the black hat on her head.
“Austin! Sorry I took so long!” She waved.
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