Okinawa Days

Chapter 1

It was that time of the year again when the sun shone at its brightest. Schools were closed for the summer holidays and the students were planning or had already planned out their vacations. Then there were some who were stuck in summer classes due to bad grades. However, a group of 4 people were already on their way to their holiday spot.

It all began a few weeks before the vacation, when a certain 17 year old brown-haired tamer received a call from his cousin. The telephone conversation went like this -
"Hey, Takato," said a happy voice from the other end. "How are you?"

"Kai, is that you?" asked Takato.

"Who else would it be? Anyway, I called you to ask if you can come to Okinawa for summer," said Kai.

"Okinawa, huh? Well, I guess it should be ok..."

"What's wrong? You don't sound too enthusiastic..."

"Nothing really. Just that I get seasick. Besides, this summer already seems quite lonely."

"Why? What happened?"

Takato contemplated on whether he should tell his cousin about his current situation. He decided against it.

"Nothing...I'll come. I have nothing much to do anyway."

"Great! Ah, do bring your friends along as well. It'll be more fun that way," suggested Kai.

"I'll try. But you know, I really don't think that I-" Takato started but was cut off by the other boy.

"Oh and I also spoke to aunty and uncle. They said that they were cool with you coming along with your friends."

"Wait, wait, wait. You spoke to my parents? When?"

"Oh, I spoke to them last night. Looking forward to seeing you here, cousin. See ya!"

"Kai, wai-!"

But the brunette had already disconnected the call. Takato sighed. Things hadn't been going well for him at all these last few days. He lost his favourite jacket while coming back from school, then he and Jeri had a petty fight because of which they were nearing the break-up stage and the previous day he had messed up while making the bread at the bakery causing some of the customers and his parents to yell at him. And now he ended having to go to Okinawa despite the fact that he was seasick. He would have loved to back out but knowing his parents, his tickets would have possibly been booked. Well, there was only one thing left to do. He pulled out his mobile phone and sent out a message to the other tamers asking them if they would be able to come with him to Okinawa.

Hardly had he sent the message when a reply came. It was Kazu.

"Okinawa, sounds great! Only Kenta and I can't come. We have summer classes...T_T

But you guys enjoy and make sure to bring back some souvenirs for us! "

Takato had nearly forgotten that the two had flunked in two to three subjects and hence landed in summer classes. Oh well, hopefully they other would have positive responses. Heart of hearts, he hoped Jeri did too. However, that thought was soon squished like a bug when his phone vibrated next.

'Thanks for the invite but I can't come. I'm heading to my grandmother's place with my family.'

Takato's heart sank even lower. He already had a feeling that Rika wouldn't come since she still preferred to be by herself. That just left Henry Wong and Ryo Akiyama. He assumed that the latter would be busy as he was still considered as the legendary tamer. So, that left him with the former.

He didn't receive any messages until late in the evening while he lay on his bed. The first message was from the half-Chinese, half-Japanese martial artist. 'I don't have anything planned in particular, so I'll come.' Takato was relieved. At least he wasn't alone. His phone vibrated again and this time there were two messages. The first was from his fiery-haired friend. 'It's either coming to Okinawa with you guys or going with my mom to Paris for photo shoots so I'll come with you guys.'

The second message was from the legendary tamer 'I was actually planning on spending my summer vacation with you guys in Shinjuku so, Okinawa is cool.'

Takato felt his mood lift up a bit. He had his close friends coming with him. Maybe the summer vacation wouldn't be bad after all.

A few days later, Takato Rika and Henry found themselves checking in at the airport. The three tamers had bonded over the years to the point where they were best friends. They continued to talk about their digimon who had been sent into the digital world after the D-Reaper incident. Life had been peaceful but they all missed the adventure somewhere in their hearts, especially Rika. She had entered the Digimon tournament for the last time a year after the incident after which she retired.

Henry, on the other hand, took a great interest in the computers and the digital world. He joined Hypnos as a part-time researcher while continuing his high school in the same place as the Shinjuku Tamers.

The three tamers chit-chatted for a while on the plane, with Takato nearly setting Rika off once or twice. They laughed and played the Digimon card game till they were exhausted. Once they had landed, they were greeted by a tanned tamer with cerulean eyes. Ryo's flight had landed half an hour before theirs and so he waited at their terminal.

Takato looked around for any sign of his cousin but couldn't find him anywhere. He wondered if his Okinawan cousin was lost like before until he saw the said boy with a girl. Kai had grown considerably taller from when Takato last saw him. He was well-built that showed in red jacket which he left open. He still wore the white shell pendant around his neck.

"Hey, Kai. Long time no see," greeted Takato.

"Hey, Takato, Henry, Rika. Nice to see you again," greeted Kai. He turned to Ryo and his eyes nearly popped out of his head. " Hey, is he...Is he the legendary tamer, Ryo Akiyama?"

"Yes, he is," asked Takato.

"Wow! It's so nice to meet you. I'm Takato's cousin, Kai."

"Nice to meet you and you can call me Ryo," greeted the cerulean-eyed boy. Rika hmphed in annoyance. Kai then turned to introduce the girl beside him.

"Guys, I'm sure you three remember her but I'll introduce her anyway. She's Minami Uehara," said Kai.

"Hey, everyone. It's nice to see you again," she said with a smile. The three tamers recognized her instantly. Minami 's hair had grown much longer and she had tied it up in a ponytail. She was a yellow-coloured top with blue pants and wore a pair of sandals. Together the group of 6 headed to Kai's place. It was the beginning of the fun yet drama-filled vacation.

A/N: So, you guys can expect a whole of drama to come henceforth. Rika will be the central focus of interest and I will be having many pairings with her.