Back at T.K’s apartment, a new group of visitors had arrived. Davis, Cody, Yolei and Ken were sat in the living room across from T.K and Kari. Matt had gone off to classes; however T.K and Kari had decided to take the day off from theirs. Davis examined the light on T.K’s digivice, shining with only seven ticks remaining.
“Whoa, that’s the light Izzy was talking about huh?” He asked.
“Yeah.” T.K sighed.
“No way, not fair.” Veemon moaned, planting himself on his backside. Hawkmon, Armadillomon and Wormon all hung their heads as well, as the whole crew was there to visit. “Patamon, Gatomon, you guys are some of my best friends. I don’t wanna lose you.”
“Perhaps we’re getting a little ahead of ourselves here.” Hawkmon interjected. “You mentioned Tai was going to speak with Izzy correct? Has their investigation bore any fruit?” Kari gave Gatomon another quick squeeze before answering.
“Tai’s over there right now with Izzy trying to figure this out for us. He said he’d come over after.”
“Well if their on it, than it should be no problem!” Yolei proclaimed. Ken shook his head and placed a hand on her shoulder.
“Don’t be so sure. After all, Tentomon and the others faded in the same fashion.”
“Stop being such a downer!” Davis cut in, in his usual overbearing tone. “Come on, if we put our heads together we can figure this out. We gotta save Gatomon and Patamon, they’re our friends too!”
“I’m not suggesting in the least we give up, only that we be prepared for all outcomes.” Ken corrected, picking up Wormmon. “I for one am not interested in the same fate befalling Wormmon or any of you for that matter. I’ll reach out to Izzy and offer up my assistance with his investigation in any way I can.” Cody rubbed his chin and spoke up.
“Maybe we should try getting in contact with Hackmon or maybe even Homeostasis. They might be willing to tell us something we don’t know.”
“Awesome idea Cody!” Davis praised.
“Homeostasis and Gennai are back on the same page and their focus lately seems to be on keeping Dark Gennai at bay, that creeps still out there after all.” T.K cut in. “Besides, they keep insisting they preserve balance, they aren’t interested in taking sides, or so they say.”
“Still, I think we should ask.” Yolei said agreeing with Cody’s suggestion. “What have we got to lose by trying?”
“Exactly what I was thinking.” Davis joined in. Ken nodded to Davis before returning his attention to everyone else. “Alright, here’s how we’re gonna do this. Ken, you and Yolei work on tracking down Homeostasis. Cody, you and I will head to the digi-world and do the same!”
“Davis, we can’t just leave the real world unprotected.” Yolei argued.
“Uh, oh right! I forgot, guess T.K and Kari are out of commission when it comes to digivolving right?” Davis nervously laughed.
“Sorry.” Kari moaned, turning away.
“No, don’t apologize Kari. I’ll stay here and defend the real world!” Davis proudly touted.
“I’ll assist Izzy with his investigation then.” Ken chimed in. “Cody, you and Yolei should look into the digital world. See what you can do about tracking down Hackmon or Gennai. Just be careful. We never know whose side they’re on anymore.”
“Agreed.” Cody approved with a quick nod.
“But Ken, I was hoping to work with you.” Yolei complained, gently tugging on his arm.
“Don’t worry, I won’t take long. Besides, you’re not going to be in the digiworld very long right? Text me when you get out and we’ll discuss our findings. Over dinner of course.” He winked. Yolei’s eyes went big and wide.
“Isn’t he the best!?” She squealed with delight.
“Yeah yeah, alright snow white, stop swooning and let’s get outta here before the prince has to kiss you awake.” Davis insisted, pushing her out the door.
“That’s sleeping beauty!”
“Ok so I don’t know princesses, least I know how ta fight!” They argued on their way out the door. Cody took a moment to look back on them as everyone was leaving. T.K noticed as he sat down on the couch next to Kari and spoke up.
“Everything ok?”
“You’re not gonna face this alone. We’ll work on this no matter what.” T.K picked up Patamon and smiled.
“Yeah, I’m glad you’re all here.” Cody nodded and started toward the door.
“We’ll search high and low, and we won’t give up till we have an answer to this protocol.” Cody smiled, picking up Armadillomon.
“I’ll even look underground.”
“Right!”
With the afternoon sun high in the sky and a gentle breeze rolling across the water, Sora and Mimi were set at a bustling sidewalk cafe enjoying a late afternoon lunch. Mimi was scrolling through Sora’s phone while she sipped on an ice coffee.
“Sora these are beautiful! You really made this in just under a month!?” Mimi exclaimed with joy.
“Well I’ve only made a few of the samples, but yeah, I designed them all myself.” She smiled.
“Oh I love them! I can’t wait to try one on! They’re gonna be hottest fashion and they’re made by my best friend! I love it!” She joyfully exclaimed nearly bounding out of her chair.
“I’m glad you like them but what do you think Matsuki will say?”
“Don’t you worry, I’ll make sure we arrange a personal meeting as soon as she’s back. She’s still stateside for another week.” Mimi explained passing back Sora’s phone.
“Great! I can’t wait. I like the flower shop and all but, I’m definitely enjoying the fashion scene even more.” Sora giggled, scrolling through some of the pictures again.
“Glad to hear it! With your skills and my marketing ability, we’ll be a force to reckon with! Although I will admit, sometimes I don’t know what to do with my online business, but it’s nice to have something to bury myself in lately.” Mimi said swirling her coffee.
“I know the feeling. Sometimes I feel like I barely have time for myself.”
“Or for Matt.” Mimi slit her eyes with a big smile.
“Stop!” Sora giggled.
“Come on! Spill already! You two have been secretly dating forever now. Have you gone all the way, at least kissed, come on! Share with me Sora! I need my vicarious smoochies!” Mimi prodded away.
“Haha, well not all the way yet no. Kissed plenty of times and he’s stayed over a few nights with me now but nothing crazy.”
“You two are so perfect! Matt and Tai have gotten so handsome; I always wondered which of the boys you’d go for.”
“How about you and Izzy?” Sora leaned in, after a quick sip of her coffee.
“Humph!” Mimi huffed, folding her arms. “That boy could be summed up in one sentence, a whole lot of nothing!”
“Oh no, are you two fighting?” She asked.
“No, that’s just it! We don’t even talk.” She moaned before huffing and continuing to explain. “I try to come by, I even clear up all his tea bottles and ask him about how things are going, but he’s so focused on his work he barely notices I’m there.”
“Well he is a company president.”
“No excuse for ignoring your girlfriend! I know he has a lot on his plate, I just wish he would open up and share with me about it, you know? I haven’t had someone to do that with since.” Mimi paused for a moment and clasped her cup with both hands.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make you remember her.” Sora reached for Mimi’s hand.
“I’m ok. Really. It’s been hard, and I miss Palmon a lot. We were working great together, even on our non-Digi-destined duties.” Mimi sniffled, trying to compose herself.
“She really did have good taste.”
“You know, I’ve been keeping a little secret.” Mimi confessed.
“Go on. You know I’m here for you.” Sora assured her.
“There’s a job we’re breaking ground on in the states. Our company is scouting this great location in Texas, and we’d be partnering with a company that could help us distribute to all of America, Canada and even the U.K.”
“Oh, and you’re going?” Sora wondered.
“I don’t know. I’d rather stay. I mean after all I love you guys so much, it’d be hard to leave all over again. But if things aren’t working out with Izzy and no more Palmon, I’m having trouble with coming up with a reason not to go.” She explained.
“I see.”
“Oh Sora, what should I do?” Mimi moaned.
“Look Mimi, we all love you and we’ll support you no matter what decision you make. But I also know you, and I know you wouldn’t be satisfied unless you knew you tried everything to make things work here first. Try talking to Izzy, I’ll speak with him too. You’re a beautiful woman Mimi and you deserve to at least be acknowledged by him. After all, you’re not just dating, you’re friends too.” Sora said with a great big smile.
“Sora! You know just what to say!” Mimi leapt from her chair and wrapped up Sora for a nice big hug. “You’re the best!”
“Happy to help, Mimi.”
“Let’s celebrate!” Mimi exclaimed releasing her friend. “Hey waiter! Two Mimosa’s please!”
“Mimi, it’s 3 in the afternoon.” Sora bashfully smiled.
“You’re right! Make them doubles! Hahahahaha!”
Joe was getting changed in the locker room at his work. Hanging the coat up, he caught a glance on the inside of the door and paused to look at one of the pictures. Gomamon and one of Joe’s elderly patients after pulling through a tough heart surgery. Gomamon didn’t always come to his work, but when he did he had a knack for cheering everyone up. On the top shelf of his locker was the stone digivice, and Joe slipped it into his pocket as he grabbed his jacket. Leaving the men’s change room, he was stopped outside by one of the female doctors. She had tied up brown hair and rounded glasses that she adjusted as he came out.
“Dr. Kido, just a moment of your time?”
“If we keep it brief Dr. Mikogawa, I’m going to visit some friends.” Joe answered.
“Certainly. I just wanted to run Mr. Hamato’s chart by you. There’s certainly signs of some problems here, but nothing-“
“He’s a bit of hypochondriac. He does have congestive heart failure, but thinks every sneeze is a heart attack.” Joe smiled. “He’s really just a sweet old guy, but such a worry wort.”
“I see.” She smiled.
“Keep him on a 24 hour monitor, BP, oxygen, the usual. Any irregularities right now should be reasonably manageable. He’s been doing ok on his current medication, we shouldn’t need to modify anything but feel free to call me if you feel the need to.”
“Glad to hear. So are we visiting “her” tonight?” Dr. Mikogawa asked.
“And by her, I assume you mean Melody?” He swiftly replied with a grin, adjusting his collar.
“You’re quite the charmer I hear.” Dr. Mikogawa chuckled.
“It was one date, but a good one. She’s a former digi-destined like me but extremely shy about that. She’s in Ontario for two weeks, getting a few things resolved with family before coming back here.” Joe explained.
“Well, do keep me posted on that then Dr. Kido. I’m always glad to hear you doing well.” She smiled “So is this a digi-destined duty tonight?”
“Nah, this is different. My friends are going through a tough time and they could use some help.”
“Old reliable to the rescue.” She chuckled.
“When am I not?” He smiled passing by her. “Good night!”
“Night!”
T.K opened the door to find Tai, dressed up in his classic blue, button up shirt and shorts, even wearing the goggles on his head that he always used to wear. He was carrying a white plastic bag filled with food and even a few treats.
“Huh, the leader shows up again.” T.K greeted with a big smile.
“Yeah, how are you doing?”
“I’m alright, all things considered.” T.K shrugged.
“T.K.” Tai sighed, before pulling him in for a hug. “It’s alright. I’m here, it’ll be ok.”
“I just. I gotta stay strong. I can’t.” T.K stammered, leaning into Tai’s shoulder.
“I gotcha. You can relax now.” Tai assured him, patting his back as he pulled him away. “Go grab Patamon, I wanna see my sister.”
“She’s. Not doing well.” T.K confessed. Tai gasped and brushed passed him, delving into T.K’s room; Kari was curled over crying with Gatomon in her lap.
“Kari!” Glancing up with the tears still streaking down her face.
“Tai!” Tai dropped the bag and kneeled down, pulling Kari’s head into his shoulder with one hand, and clasping Gatomon’s in the other.
“Tai, I’m so scared.” Gatomon whimpered.
“I’m here, I got you both.” He hushed, stroking Gatomon’s head and gently scratching Kari’s.
“Oh Tai, could you do it?” Kari cried.
“Izzy told me more about how it works but. I’m sorry, there’s nothing we can do. Unless you still have some potential locked away.” He explained quietly.
“Kari, if you’re a juggler in disguise, now’s the time.” Gatomon spoke up.
“Heh, that’s the spirit Gatomon.” Tai smiled, nuzzling her head. “No matter what happens. I hope you know how proud I am of both of you. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to Kari, Gatomon. We love you, you’re part of our family forever.”
“Thank you Tai.” She stammered. Tai returned his attention to his sister and pressed his head against hers while stroking the back of her head.
“How much longer?” He asked softly.
“I don’t even want to look.” Kari refuted.
“It’s ok, close your eyes, hand it to me. I’ll watch over it.” Kari reached into her pocket and produced the digivice, keeping her eyes closed the whole time. Tai could see only three ticks remained. Gasping he stashed Kari’s D3 in his pocket. “Ok, I got it. The good news is, there’s enough time for me to make you a nice dinner, Gatomon. You hungry?”
“Um, maybe a little.”
“I picked up some Yakitori, Tempura, sushi rolls and chocolate ice cream.” Tai smiled.
“My favorites.” Gatomon smiled right back.
“I know.” Tai smiled. Pulling in Kari’s head, he kissed her forehead and swung around to pick up the bag. “I’ll take care of dinner. You two just stay close. Hey T.K!” He called out.
“Yeah?”
“You and Patamon keep Kari company. I’ll whip up some dinner for us.”
“Thanks Tai.” T.K smiled, heading into the bedroom as Tai exited.
Going to work preparing dinner, he let T.K and Kari alone to grieve. He dreaded the idea of Gatomon and Patamon disappearing, and knew the heartache that was coming. He could feel it, the same feeling of shock that took hold of him when he realized Agumon was gone. The last words, ringing through his head as his mind flashed back to that day.
“Tai?” Agumon asked. “What will you do, tomorrow?”
“That’s a good question. I guess no one knows, what tomorrow may bring. Anything can happen, tomorrow we can-” Tai snapped back to reality and dropped the tongs he was working with to cook. He tried his best to choke back the tears, but a couple still crept out. Luckily he was saved by a knock at the door. Opening it stood Matt and Sora.
“Oh, hi guys.”
“Hey.” Matt nodded, but Sora peered a little closer.
“Tai, are you crying?”
“No, I’m fine.” Tai brushed off.
“No, don’t tell me it happened already.” Matt started to speak up.
“Hey! Sh!” Tai hushed. “No, not yet. I just got a little soy sauce in my eye. I’m making dinner.”
“You’re cooking?” Matt threw up his brow.
“Hey, I’m pretty good at it!” Tai retorted.
“There’s being pretty good, and then there’s me. Just let head chef Sora step in here.” Sora winked and threw up a peace sign. “After all, I don’t cook with soy sauce in my eye.”
“Too funny.” Tai groaned.
“Come on, you can help me out, sous chef Tai.” Sora insisted, pulling on Tai’s arm as they went inside. “Matt, help us set the table.
“Sure.” He smiled following behind. T.K peered through the crack in his bedroom, and even took a quick whiff.
“Starting to sound like old times out there.” He whispered back to Kari.
“Smells like it too.” Patamon threw in from the top of T.K’s head. “I don’t know about you, but I could sure eat.”
“Yeah, it’d be nice to have a meal together with everyone.” T.K agreed. Kari remained motionless on the bed with Gatomon half asleep in her lap. T.K strolled over and took a spot on the bed right next to her and put his arm around her.
“Mmm.” Kari moaned in a light protest, but soon found herself leaning against T.K’s cheek.
“You’re not alone you know. We’re in this one together.” T.K spoke softly.
“Everyone’s been saying that.”
“It’s cause they’ve all been through it. But it’s different with us, isn’t it?” T.K said, finally snaring her direct attention. “Not only are we going through what they did. I can’t help but feel like our bond with our digimon was just, deeper.”
“It’s like they’re not just our partners.” Kari said.
“But our hearts as well.” T.K finished.
“This is terrible. Like watching a part of yourself die, and there’s nothing we can do.” Kari moaned, clasping Gatomon a little tighter.
“What makes you say that?”
“You heard Izzy and Tai. There’s nothing that can stop the timer.” Kari reminded him.
“So we can’t stop the timer.” T.K nuzzled his head next to hers again. “Doesn’t mean I’m about to give up. Losing Patamon will hurt, I know. But I also know exactly what I’m doing tomorrow, the next day, and the next.” Kari gasped, while Gatomon looked up to him. “We find a way, to bring them back.” Kari waited a moment before speaking.
“You really think we can?”
“Positive.” He assured her. Kari brushed his cheek with hers and met him eye to eye.
“Positive?”
“That’s right.” He smiled. “Remember when Piedmon chased us up the rope, and you wouldn’t let go of me, and we ended up falling to what should have been our deaths?”
“Yeah.”
“I learned something that day that I can’t ever forget, and it’s something on my mind a lot now.” T.K said with a small nod. “You don’t ever give up hope.”
“T.K.” Patamon cried, crawling up closer to him and Gatomon.
“I know it was that hope that brought Magnaangemon to save us; I know I’ll never give up trying to get Patamon back. I know that beautiful light inside you will shine the way. And I know we’ll be together again, and this time, it’ll be forever.” T.K stated firm.
“Beautiful light inside me?” Kari whispered, pressing her nose to his.
“A light, that I’ve always loved.” T.K whispered. The two slowly leaned together and shared a tender kiss. Gatomon saw the two and turned to Patamon who was right there in her lap. Pulling him in and Patamon holding her tight they joined in and kissed one another.
Without warning T.K and Kari’s D3’s began to screech, as a brilliant light blew from Tai’s and T.K’s pocket. T.K ignored it but Tai took the digivice out just in time for a wave of sheer light to wash over the room. It caught everyone by surprise as Matt, Sora and Tai covered their eyes.
“What in the!” Tai cried out. As the light subsided, Tai looked to the pink D3 in awe. The ring of light was still there, but every tick had been restored, and the pale yellow hue it used to radiate, was now replaced by a brilliant white sheen. “What the!?”
“The digivice!” Sora cried out.
“It’s been reset! The countdown stopped!” Matt joined in.
After their kiss, T.K smiled at Kari but the two were caught off guard by Patamon tugging at T.K’s pocket.
“T.K! The digivice! What happened with it!?”
“Huh?” T.K wondered, pulling it out of his pocket. His shown the same bright white light and all the ticks on the countdown restored. “Wha! Whoa!”
“Well it was some kiss.” Kari playfully giggled, nuzzling his cheek with her nose. T.K smiled, pulling her in for a tight hug to which Kari eagerly embraced. Tai barged in with Sora and Matt behind him.
“Kari, your digivice!” He showed her. With a big smile, she released herself from T.K and pat Gatomon’s head. “Guess you’re not going anywhere Gatomon.”
“Haha! Yeah!” She cheered leaping from Kari’s lap with Patamon.
“Tai?” Kari asked.
“Huh?”
“Let’s eat. I’d love to try the dinner you made us.” Kari said, tipping her head with a smile. Tai’s face all but melted with joy.
“Well, what are you waiting for? Let’s chow down!” He cheered.
Kari giggled watching Gatomon snack away at the sushi, while she dipped some of her Tempura in soy sauce for a bite. It was quite the spread, as between Sora and Tai, they had made some impressive sushi rolls, tempura, fried shrimp, Yakitori, rice balls and even some seared salmon. It was all sided with a little wine that T.K broke out to celebrate, along with a few sodas. T.K, Matt and Tai on the other hand decided to up the ante for dinner, and broke out a trio of hot sauces, each with an escalating amount of flame designs on the bottle.
“Scared Tai!?” Matt taunted.
“I’m the king of spice, you’re all going down!” Tai fired right back.
“Oh please, you two have no chance; they’re my sauces after all.” T.K brushed off.
“Big talker.” Matt brushed off.
“I guess that means you don’t mind going first!” Tai jokingly shoved T.K toward the hottest one.
“Come on, do it right.” Matt corrected, dropping a few drops onto some fried shrimp, he passed one to each of them including Sora.
“No way, this is all you boys.” Sora rejected.
“Mine!” Patamon leapt in, swallowing it in one gulp. T.K, Tai and Matt did the same and while Patamon had all but smoke coming out of his ears, the three of them did their best to hide the tears it was provoking.
“Easy peasy.” Matt said, after swallowing his bite. T.K and Tai did the same before replying.
“No sweat.”
“Tasted kinda boring though.”
“Round 2!” Tai declared, pouring the second hottest one on. Kari couldn’t help but giggle helplessly at them as they carried on with their competition.
“You three are such a handful.” She smiled.
“That last one was pretty hot but not too bad tasting.” Tai noted.
“Yeah, where’d you get it?” Matt wondered.
“There’s a market not too far down the road. They import sauces and spices from all over the world. I haven’t been brave enough to try the Carolina reaper one though.” T.K explained.
“I think we know what’s next on the menu.” Tai smiled. Gatomon spoke up with a laugh.
“If he eats it, he’ll turn into Meramon.” She said, animating flames with her paws. Patamon laughed away before throwing in his thoughts on it.
“I thought I did eating the first one!”
“Guess you just don’t have a pallet for spicy foods.” Matt breezed, swishing his wine before taking a drink.
“Dare ya to put that hot sauce in your wine.” Tai suggested with a smirk.
“Gross!” T.K laughed aloud.
“Yeah, that sounds like a good way to ruin great wine.” Sora agreed. As Sora finished her own glass, another knock came at the front door and Matt and Tai both got up.
“I got it.” Matt lightly insisted.
“I was actually gonna go to the bathroom.” Tai nervously laughed. Tai passed behind T.K while Matt went for the door. Once inside the bathroom Tai closed the door and turned on the light.
*So Hungry!*
“Ah!” Tai shuddered as the tingles shot down his spine. It was the same voice. He knew it without a doubt now. “Agumon?” He looked around. “Is that you?” But no reply came. The bathroom was calm and still, even looking out the window the evening seemed just as calm and quiet as things had been. That was until he heard Mimi’s voice in the other room.
“Oh Kari, T.K!” Mimi leapt in, grabbing Kari and holding her tight. “I’m so glad we weren’t too late. If you need a shoulder to cry on right now, your big sister Mimi’s got you covered.” She rambled on, squeezing Kari tight. Izzy and Joe followed in behind her and greeted everyone as they came in.
“Mimi, I can’t breathe!” Kari cried out before she finally let go. Izzy joined in the conversation and spoke up.
“How much longer do you have left?”
“Well that’s just it.” T.K replied, taking out his digivice.
“Wha!” Izzy exclaimed. “The light, it’s reset! And it’s even brighter than before!”
“Ok, this is officially a miracle.” Joe declared, adjusting his glasses.
“You too Kari?” Mimi asked, clasping her hands together. Kari nodded and showcased her digivice. The same white ring, with every tick restored. “Wow! Pretty, if it wasn’t so horrible it was there in the first place.”
“Fascinating. The digivices must have detected some latent potential within the two of you.” Izzy surmised. Joe turned to him, scratching the back of his head.
“Latent potential?”
“Right, it’s the primary foundation of the potential protocol. I had a chance to reaffirm that theory after reading Menoa’s notes on the subject. Criminal or not, she had astounding depths of information on digimon.” Izzy explained. Tai finally emerged from the bathroom, his head hanging a bit low.
“Tai! Great to see you! Did you see the lights!?” Mimi exclaimed.
“Yeah, I had a front row seat. Go figure, the one day I shoulda brought sunglasses instead of goggles.” Tai chuckled nervously, passing by each of them as he headed for the door.
“Where you going, Tai?” Joe asked, patting his shoulder.
“Oh, uh. Just grabbing some air. I won’t be far, don’t start the party without me.” Tai smiled waving it off as he exited the room. Kari hummed and placed Gatomon down beside T.K and slipped her way passed everyone as well, heading outside to join her brother. Tai was leaning on the railing of T.K’s apartment complex. Even with the sun going down on the horizon, he seemed to be sweating quite a bit.
“Tai?” She called.
“Oh, hey Kari. Shouldn’t you be inside with everyone?” Tai snapped back, trying to resume his usual confident self. Kari smiled, shaking her head before joining him by leaning on the same rail watching the sunset.
“Something’s bugging you, isn’t it?”
“What makes you think that?”
“Because you stink at hiding stuff like that from me.” She turned and smiled to him, tugging at his shirt.
“Oh who asked ya?” Kari just giggled and placed her hand on his forearm.
“So, what’s wrong?” She asked. Tai just hummed and set his chin down on the rail. He took his time before answering.
“Can you keep a secret?”
“I’m your little sister, it’s part of the job. I’m pretty sure mom would still have grounded right now if I wasn’t good at keeping them.”
“Right.” Tai smiled. “It’s Agumon.”
“Oh?” Kari’s eyes widened, listening much more closely now.
“I heard him. At least, I’m pretty sure I did. Twice now.”
“You mean like Sora?”
“Yeah.” Tai nodded. “When I was in the bathroom there, as soon as I hit the light he said he was hungry.” Giggling for a moment, she covered her mouth with her hand.
“Hehe, well that does sound like him.”
“But it was how he sounded.” Tai stammered.
“How did he sound?” Kari moved in a little closer.
“Like he was in absolute agony.” Kari gasped and clasped his arm a little tighter. “I know, it sounds so dumb. But it was like he said it right there beside me, there was so much pain in his voice. It felt like, it was my fault.”
“Tai, you know that’s not true.”
“I know that I know it, but I just don’t feel it. I wonder if this is how the other digi-destined feel right now. The ones we’re losing all around the world.”
“You know.” Kari began to speak. “I think while we have our lights reset. T.K and I are gonna go to the digital world. Find out what we can about what happened to everyone’s digimon.”
“Huh, but isn’t that dangerous? That ring might not be ticking down, but it could still be risky to have to digivolve.” Tai countered.
“I know, we’re not going to look for danger. Besides, Yolei and Cody already started in to that today, and four brains are better than two. Also, I don’t think I’ve lost my connection to the light in that world. I’m sure if I went, I’d know where to go.”
“Wow.” Tai smiled.
“Wow what?”
“You sound just as confident as I usually do. You’re definitely my little sister.” Tai chuckled, ruffling her head. “Hey, I gotta ask. What do you think that potential was?”
“You kissed Kari!?” Mimi blurted out loud enough to be heard from outside. Kari turned red as a tomato before turning around, whistling nonchalantly over the rail.
“You’re so busted.” Tai laughed. “Mom’s gonna whip T.K with a flip-flop till he’s black and blue.”
“Hey, you told me to keep your secret.” Kari countered, raising her brow.
“Yeah, fine. One and one, fairs fair.” Tai chuckled pulling Kari in for a big hug, but then took on a wicked little grin and started tickling her. “So my little sister’s in love huh? When you planning the wedding? Where you registered? Don’t think I’ll babysit the kids for free you know!?” Kari carried on laughing away, struggling to break free from her brother.
Back inside T.K was locked into a headlock by his brother while everyone in the room began cheering and chatting.
“That is prodigious! Love, what a perfect marker for potential.” Izzy proclaimed.
“Oh it’s so romantic I could die! I always knew you two would make a perfect couple.” Mimi swooned.
“Here I thought you said T.K the Flirtmon was outta commission?” Matt said laying into his brother with noogies.
“Ow! What can I say, you can’t keep a good mon down!” T.K laughed, to which everyone else joined in. Sora started to pour everyone a glass of wine while Gatomon and Patamon took to the table.
“You shoulda seen it!” Patamon exclaimed.
“It was so sweet! Even Patamon and I couldn’t resist.” Gatomon cooed, clasping her head against her paws.
“Oh did you two!?” Mimi giggled with excitement.
“Plant a big ol smooch?” Patamon happily cut in. Gatomon scooped him up and gave him another one right in front of everybody. Mimi all but fainted into Izzy’s arms with hearts in her eyes as everyone offered up awes.
“Maybe we should take it easy on the wine, Mimi.” Sora smiled.
“Don’t you dare, hey! Someone get Tai and Kari back in here, I wanna propose a toast!”
“Don’t worry, we’re back.” Tai announced coming back through the door. “I didn’t miss anything did I?”
“Only T.K telling us about how he and Kari found that “Potential” of theirs.” Matt threw in.
“Oh I’m well aware.” Tai grinned, setting his sights on T.K. Leaping in he joined Matt in giving T.K a fair number of noogies. “So hitting on my sister are ya? Well if you’re gonna be my little brother someday too, I better start breaking ya in. Right Matt?”
“Got his arms?” Matt wickedly grinned.
“On three!” Tai offered a devilish one of his own. T.K’s face went flush as Matt scooped up his legs and Tai took hold of his arms.
“Hey come on guys, what are you up to!?” Tai and Matt brought T.K out to the living room and started swinging him back and forth. “Wha!! Whoa easy! I just ate!”
“Hey look, T.K’s a swing!” Patamon flew in and landed on T.K’s belly and was quickly joined in by Gatomon taking a spot beside him. Izzy, Joe and Sora shook their heads while Mimi and Kari laughed away at the two brothers teasing him. They both started counting down.
“Three, two, one!” and together they let T.K fly onto the couch with Patamon and Gatomon being ejected off his belly as he landed. Mimi started tapping on her glass with a fork and took everyone’s attention. Sora handed Tai, T.K and Matt glasses of wine as Mimi cleared her throat.
“I wanna propose a toast. To all of us. I know sometimes life can pull us apart, and things have been awful rough on all of us. But it’s beautiful moments like this I think we’ll always savor. Congratulations to T.K and Kari, I hope that nasty light goes away for good. And here’s hoping we’ll all continue to make a big effort to stay together. After all, we’re more than digi-destined, we’re better than friends. We’re all family.”
“Cheers!” Everyone joined in, taking good long swigs of wine. T.K and Kari even hooked arms and took a drink while Gatomon and Patamon shared a soda.
“That was a beautiful toast Mimi.” Sora complimented.
“Couldn’t agree more.” Joe joined in. “I know I’m not as free as I’d like to be, but I can’t resist coming to see you all.”
“Alright, well.” T.K turned on the T.V and cranked up the sound system. “What do you say we get this party started?” Matt opened up the cupboard overtop of the fridge and pulled out a few bottles.
“Way ahead of ya little bro!”
“Alright!” Tai cheered. “Let’s party!”
After a couple of hours the party was well underway. Sora and Kari were chit-chatting away while Gatomon, Patamon Joe and Izzy were set at the table having their own four way discussion. Tai and T.K were sharing a stiff drink on the couch in the living room while Mimi started searching up songs on T.K’s karaoke machine. Matt finished pouring his drink when Mimi went completely star eyed.
“Matt! Matt come on! We gotta do this one!”
“Huh?” Matt wondered, as Mimi pulled him to the machine. Matt flinched and cringed a little but couldn’t believe the track was there on T.K’s list. “I turn around” by The Teenaged Wolves.
“Wait, Mimi it’s been forever, I don’t-“
“Oh psh tosh, I’ll back you up. It’ll be so much fun! Hey guys, who wants to hear Matt reprise an old song of his!?” Mimi shouted to the room.
“Ho yeah! Hey, I actually like this one!” Tai chipped in.
“It is a classic.” T.K agreed.
“Come on Matt, I’d love to hear it.” Sora agreed.
“You actually have a nice singing voice, Matt.” Kari complimented. Matt tried his best to hide his embarrassment but before he could protest further, Mimi started the track up and handed Matt a microphone.
“Don’t mind sharing the stage with me, do you?” Mimi cooed, doing her best to look cute.
“Oh boy. Here we go.” As the intro rounded out. Matt started the first line.
♪Matt: You've got a boy,
Mimi: you've got a girl,
Matt: Sitting underneath a tree.
Mimi: They sit there everyday.
Matt: And even though, you may think, this is the way that things should be,
Mimi: It may not always be that way.
Both: You can't take nothing for granted,
You gotta live life today.
I turn around, I can see what's behind me,
I turn back around and I can see what’s ahead.
And if you don't believe I'll be here all along,
Just turn around.
Just turn around. ♪
Everyone in the room started cheering the two on, as Sora and Tai started dancing together along with Kari and T.K and Gatomon and Patamon. Joe doing his best not to look awkward while enjoying the music while Izzy tapped his thigh to the song.
♪Mimi: You wanna get, you gotta give
Matt: There is no other way to be
Mimi: So give it a try
Matt: If what I say is really so you got to let somebody see
Mimi: You can’t just keep it inside
Both: You can't take nothing for granted,
You gotta live life today.
I turn around, I can see what's behind me,
I turn back around and I can see what’s ahead.
And if you don't believe I'll be here all along,
Just turn around.
Just turn around. ♪
While the interlude played on Matt played the song on air guitar, Sora ejected herself from Tai and clasped Matt by his waist.
“Hey, your number one groupie is here!” She cheered as Matt carried on playing. Sora even kissed his neck to distract him, but he stayed fixed on the song. Mimi tossed her mic and scooped up Izzy for a dance. Blushing he placed his hands on her waist and joined in on the fun on the floor, while Kari and T.K got even closer together.
♪Matt: You can't take nothing for granted,
You gotta live life today.
I turn around, I can see what's behind me,
I turn back around and I can see what’s ahead.
And if you don't believe I'll be here all along,
Just turn around.
Just turn around.
I turn around, I can see what's behind me,
I turn back around and I can see what’s ahead.
And if you don't believe I'll be here all along,
Just turn around.
Just turn around. ♪
As the song ended Sora stole a big fat kiss from Matt and Mimi did the same to Izzy. Kari and T.K snuck in a quick one as well, along with Patamon and Gatomon.
“Matt, that was awesome! You still got your pipes!” Tai somewhat drunkenly complimented.
“Thanks!”
“That was awesome! You two sounded fantastic!” Joe threw in. Kari giggled, leaning into T.K’s chest.
“Maybe the two of you should start a band.”
“Been there, tried that. The music industry is so hard to break in to.” Matt shrugged.
“Either way, I have to say your joint performance was prodigious! Even if it remains a hobby, I’d love to hear you play again.” Izzy complimented.
“Sure. Fair to say music is a passion of mine, not something I’m willing to give up anytime soon.”
“Huh?” Izzy pondered for a moment. Mimi clasped his cheek and tried to get his attention.
“Izzy, what’s wrong?”
“Just, a slight epiphany.” Izzy replied.
“Oh really?” Mimi threw up here brow.
“Matt never exercised his full music potential. He’s clearly quite good, he never stopped. He played for Gabumon, so digital world wise, they must have been aware of his capability, so why didn’t his timer stop? Hmm, this brings up a ton of new possibilities that would be worth looking into.” Izzy hummed to himself.
“Ugh, here we go again! Mr. Tunnel-vision is back.” Mimi fumed. Stomping her way out the door.
“Mimi!” Sora called back. Giving a quick humph, Sora flicked Izzy’s ear and pulled him back to reality.
“Hey!”
“Don’t tell me you’re going to start ignoring her to think on whatever’s cooking in your mind now. Go talk to her.” Sora lectured.
“But.”
“No buts! Mimi’s been really sensitive to that lately. You need to go smooth things over with her. She is still a priority to you too, isn’t she?”
“Of course!” Izzy exclaimed. “It’s just that, well. Oh I’ll just write it down here quick.” Izzy insisted, taking out his phone to make a quick note while he went for the door.
“Jeez, what’s all that about?” Tai asked, taking another sip from his drink.
“And you wonder why you’re the only single guy here.” T.K quipped with a toothy grin. Tai flattened out his eyes and groaned.
Outside Mimi was set on the rail, a few tears creeping out while Izzy came up behind her.
“Mimi, what’s wrong?”
“Oh go away.” She moaned.
“I’m really sorry if I said something that upset you.” Izzy tried to apologize, walking over to her side.
“It’s not what you said. It’s what you’re not saying.”
“What do you mean?” He asked, placing a hand on her shoulder.
“You’ve been just, so buried in your work. I know you’re the company president, and I know you have a lot on your plate but. Well. Even when I come in to visit you, all I end up doing is clearing up your empty bottles while you sit there just thinking to yourself.” Mimi finally confessed. “It’s like; you don’t even want me there.”
“Mimi, you got it all wrong.”
“You won’t even tell me if you love me or not.” She started to stammer. “I don’t even know what we are to each other anymore.” Izzy hung his head, he could sense the truth in what she was saying and took a good long sigh.
“There, was a reason I’ve been a little distant lately. A reason why I was trying to make it seem like I was busy when you pop in on me. You have a knack for catching me completely off guard.” Izzy started to explain.
“Oh great, so I’m a big inconvenience, is that it?” She shot back, finally looking at him eye to eye.
“More like welcome surprise. In fact, I was hoping to save this one but. I can see this is really starting to affect you and you’re too important to me to lose.” Izzy said, taking out his phone he opened up the photo app and pulled Mimi closer to him. “Take a look at this.” Mimi looked at the photos and it appeared to be a large spacious office with full windows, pink leather chairs, tastefully designed furniture and a large display board.
“What’s this, your new office? Though I have to admit I like the color.”
“Actually.” Izzy scratched his head. “It would be your office.”
“What?” She wondered, a hint of anger in her voice as well.
“Don’t be angry. See, I’ve been talking with a few of your close colleagues about how you guys could use some more office space to work with. Our buildings still quite new, and we had plenty of extra rooms to spare. I started the renovation about five months ago. I knew my tastes weren’t quite the same as yours, so I had a lot of input from Matsuki, your fashion expert on how it should look.” Izzy smiled as he swept through the photos.
“So you’re offering me a job?” Mimi tipped her head in confusion.
“Yes and no. Our companies can remain autonomous, and we could work out a rental agreement. You’d have your own signs, hours, but full access to our resources as well. Best of all, since we’d be working in the same building, we could see each other anytime we like. I wouldn’t have to run across town on my lunch break to visit you, and you wouldn’t have to do the same after work to come see me.”
“Izzy, is this for real? You did all this for me!?” Mimi exclaimed, clasping his shoulders.
“Of course. You kept coming in when I was working on this very project, so I kinda had to make it seem like I was just busy with my normal work. Hahaha, you sure do have some timing!” He laughed. “So what do you think?” Mimi leapt into his arms and squeezed him tight.
“That you’re a big dork. But you’re my perfect dork.”
“Hehe, thanks Mimi.”
“No, thank you!” Pulling away she clasped his cheeks and gave him a good long kiss with a more than audible muah. “I can’t wait to move in, I’ve already got tons of ideas for redecorating your office.” Izzy stared dumbfounded from the kiss for a moment before returning to his usual composure.
“Wait, my office!?”
“It definitely needs a woman’s touch. Maybe some nice flowers from Sora’s mom’s shop! Some new couches for your common room, oh! We should totally setup a little desk in your office I could come in and work. Nothing crazy, maybe a little computer and some supplies.”
“Oh boy.” Izzy chuckled. “Come on, let’s head back inside. I’m sure the others miss us by now.”
“Sure.” Mimi cooed, clasping his arm. “Lead the way, handsome.”
“Gladly.”
