I returned to the familiar blue room where the same two people waited for me.
"Welcome to the Velvet Room," Igor said.
"Congratulations on completing your first major ordeal," Margaret said. "We were certain that you would successfully pull off something incredible during your time of need."
"I have some very good news about your upcoming future," Igor said, revealing some cards on the table. "It seems that your journey will be without conflict for some time. However, even during these times of peace, constant vigilance is needed."
"As you may have noticed, the bonds that you have made with your friends have allowed you to cultivate them into newfound power," Margaret continued. "However, your immediate friends aren't the only people whom you can share those bonds with."
"Consider reaching out to others whom you feel a strong connection towards," Igor explained. "You might be able to find a different kind of insight and power. I look forward to seeing what new bonds you create outside of your own web. Well then, until we meet again."
Episode 9
Several weeks have passed since the incident involving Astamon. Many who were hospitalized because of Astamon made partial to full recovery and are living their normal lives once more. The two soccer players and the goalie managed to recover swiftly, and the four of us were reinstated into the soccer club. Our school nurse chose to retire from her position and return to her small clinic. A new nurse replaced her a few days after her resignation. Our former coach was still recovering, so our swimming coach took over as our temporary coach. The team felt bad for him pulling double duty for two different teams, but we believed that it was much better than searching for someone outside of our school.
It was finally starting to feel like summer as the warm rays of light shown throughout the streets of Tokyo. I wore my summer uniform as I headed towards the school building. I could not fathom wearing our winter uniform during this heat. As I arrived to school, I saw everyone was wearing their summer uniform as well, so I did not feel out of place.
Finally, I arrived to my classroom. I completely forgot that our school did not install any air conditioners in the classrooms. I leaned back on my chair, grieving as the sweat in my back stuck onto my shirt.
"Why are you acting like that," Sora asked, heading over to my desk.
"It's so hot," I replied.
"Stop over-exaggerating," Matt said. "Don't you enjoy summer? You get to go out and play as much soccer as you want."
"Yeah, but that was when I didn't have a care in the world," I answered. "Now, it's different."
"You're complaining like an old man," Sora said. "You're still a high school student, so try and act like one."
"By the way, I heard that the soccer coach will be returning to school soon, since he's been recovering well," Matt said.
"Yeah, I heard that from the other players, too," I said. "That's good news for us, since I felt bad that the swim coach was substituting as our soccer coach."
"I'm glad that he's recovering, but it only reminds me of what he and everyone else had to go through on that terrible day," Sora said.
"Yeah, I heard that the police are still searching for the prior soccer coach, but no one's going to believe that he was a Digimon disguised as a coach," Matt said.
"It might turn into a cold case," Sora added.
"I've got some juicy information regarding that," Mimi said, heading over to us.
"Izzy, Mimi, what are you two doing here," Matt asked.
"We wanted to check how everyone was doing today," Izzy explained.
"By the way, how do you like my summer look," Mimi said. "Don't I look extra cute today?"
"Oh, you did your hair a little bit," Sora said. "It looks really nice."
"Seriously," Matt said. "I didn't notice."
"You know, for a pretty boy, you know nothing about girls," Mimi said.
"Is that how you see me," Matt asked.
"Moving along, Mimi, what were you saying about the police report," I inquired.
"Oh yeah, I heard that the Tokyo Police Department brought over a private detective to try and help solve that case," Mimi explained. "A couple of my friends were taking about it a few days ago. They've read about in the forums, and they even got a picture of him. He's such a cutie, too. Some of the girls nicknamed him 'The Detective Prince' because of his charming looks. And, I agree completely."
"I looked it over form my end, and the story is true," Izzy claimed. "But, no matter what angle they try, I highly doubt that they would figure out that some mysterious phenomenon is happening throughout Tokyo."
"Right," Matt said. "With the Midnight Channel, the TV World, and the Digimon reappearing in our world, there's no way a private detective can solve this mystery, no matter how hard he tries."
"Sadly, I have to agree," Sora added. "We're the only ones who experienced all of this."
"Which means we are the only ones who can solve this case," I said.
"There's still so much that we don't know, but I think we know more than most," Izzy said. "I feel like it's up to us to figure this out and stop whatever is harming our world."
A deep silence brewed as we were lost in thought about our situation.
"Hey, let's take this a step at a time, okay," Sora said. "Let's look forward to something more positive for now. Have you guys heard about the school camping trip?"
"We're going to Mount Mitake, right," Matt said. "Why do we have to go so far away?"
"Come on, it's going to be a lot of fun," Mimi said.
"Does anyone know what's there to do in Mount Mitake," I asked.
"I heard there's a Shinto Shrine there," Izzy said.
"Which probably means we have to do some community service and help pick up trash," Matt said.
"You say that like it's a bad thing," Sora said. "I think it's good that we're helping our city in our own way. Don't you want our environment to be cleaner?"
"We'll be staying overnight at the mountains, right," I asked. "Are we supposed to bring our own meals or something?"
"I heard there's a designated cooking spot for us to make our meals," Izzy said.
"I guess that means we'll have to cook for ourselves," Matt said. "I doubt there's a microwave somewhere in the mountains."
"In that case, I'll cook for everyone," Mimi said.
"No," Matt said.
"Why did you deny it so quickly," Mimi asked. "I can cook."
"I'm sorry, Mimi, but you…," Matt started.
"I know, why don't we at least bring a bento for our meals when we get there in the afternoon," Sora suggested. "I'm sure there are some non-perishables we can also bring with us to help fill our stomachs."
"Yeah, but that will only cover that afternoon," I said. "We'd also have to worry about that night's dinner as well as breakfast and lunch for the day after."
"You know, we can just bring a cookbook with us," Izzy said. "That way, we'll each take a turn cooking for the five of us. It could be a joint effort, too."
"When you say it like that, I guess that's fine," Matt said. "As long as the recipes are easy, I'm sure that even Mimi won't be able to screw up if she follows directions."
"You didn't have to say it like that," Mimi said.
"Then, it's settled," I said. "So, what we should make? Do you guys have any preferences?"
"Isn't the go to thing to make in a camping trip curry," Matt questioned. "It should last us a long time, so we can have it for the next day, too."
"Hey, why don't we all go to the supermarket to pick up some ingredients before we head home today," Sora asked.
"I'm in," Mimi said. "I want to order groceries, too."
"You better not buy any mystery ingredients to add into the curry, okay," Matt told her. "We're going to get exactly what we need, and that's it."
The bell rang, signaling that morning classes were about to begin.
"We should probably head back to our classroom," Izzy said.
"Okay, take care, everyone," Mimi said to us.
"See you two later," Sora said.
Mimi and Izzy left the classroom, leaving the Sora, Matt, and I inside the classroom.
"Izzy, you don't think that I'm a bad cook, do you," Mimi asked.
"Well, I think you are adventurous," Izzy replied.
"I know, right? It's always fun to try new and interesting things. Just following the cookbook is boring. Everything needs an extra spice, you know what I mean."
"I do, but…"
"See, you get it. Why won't Matt and Tai get it? They're so mean."
"I think, just this once, maybe following the recipe isn't so bad."
Finally, the two of them entered the classroom and sat on their seats as the remaining students also reorganized themselves in their seats. Soon, the homeroom teacher came in, and the classroom quieted down.
"Alright, everyone, take your seats," the homeroom teacher said. "Before we begin our morning attendance, I'd like to introduce two new students to our homeroom. They are international students who are a part of our exchange program and will be staying with us until the end of the school year. Please welcome them with open arms and make them feel comfortable in our class."
"International exchange students," Mimi whispered. "Have you heard about this, Izzy?"
"This is my first time knowing about it, too," Izzy replied.
"Alright, everyone, settle down; you're going to make them uncomfortable," the homeroom teacher replied. "Okay, you two can come in now."
A tall Caucasian male with wavy blond hair and a beautiful Indian female with long dark-brown hair walked into the classroom. As soon as they entered the room, Mimi's eyes immediately widen, and she stood up from her seat.
"Michael," Mimi shouted.
"Hello, Mimi," Michael replied, waving his hand.
"Oh my gosh, it's so nice to see you," Mimi replied, running over to him. "I can't believe you're here; I thought you were still in America."
"I was, but our school had a foreign exchange program, and one of them was for Japan," Michael replied. "I remember you said you were going back to Japan for school, so I thought it would be a good opportunity to visit you. I'm so lucky I get to not only be in the same school, but also the same class as you. This is too good to be true."
"Wait, weren't you the one that we met during the Hong Kong incident a few years back," Izzy said to the girl. "If I remember correctly, you're name is Mina."
"Yes, it is very nice to see you again, Kōshirō-san," Mina said.
"I'm glad that you two already have some friends, but we still have school attendance to go through," the homeroom teacher said. "Mr. Michael and Ms. Mina, please take your seats at your designated locations so we can continue with our morning duties."
Michael and Mina nodded and sat on their seats. All the eyes of the girls and boys were focused on Michael and Mina respectively. Michael gave everyone a wave, which made all the girls swoon. Mina bowed and smiled, which made all the boys blush. Mimi grinned from ear to ear knowing that she had another friend in her class. Izzy could only imagine what would happen come break time.
Once the bell rang, which signaled the end of morning classes, all of the girls and boys from Mimi and Izzy's homeroom flocked to Michael and Mina's desk respectively. However, they were not the only ones who wanted to introduce themselves to them. The students in their class informed their friends from other classrooms about the new students. Their comments and conversations spread like wildfire, and it was only a matter of time before all the second year students crowd in front of the classroom doors.
"Hey, Mimi, do you want to eat lunch with Tai and the others today," Izzy asked. "I want to continue to plan our grocery shopping with them so we can fully flesh out and execute our plan later after school."
"Sure, I'm down for that," Mimi said. "Oh, I know! Let's bring Michael and Mina with us, too. I bet neither of them knows about the upcoming school camping trip. Let's all go together."
"I don't know. I think both of them are a bit busy right now."
"Don't worry about it. Just leave it to me!"
Mimi walked over to Michael as he was talking to the other girls.
"Michael, want to come and eat lunch with me today," Mimi asked.
"Of course, I'd be up for that," Michael said, quickly standing up.
"Awesome," Mimi replied. "Mina, let's all have lunch together, okay?"
"If you don't mind, I'd love to take part in the luncheon," Mina answered.
"There's no need to be so polite," Mimi told her. "You should loosen up a bit. Alright, let's get going. Follow me! Come on, Izzy. Let's go."
"Now, I feel like I'm standing out for some reason," Izzy grumbled.
Meanwhile, I was staring up at the ceiling as I rocked my chair back and forth.
"You're not going to eat," Sora asked, sitting with me and Matt around my desk.
"I'm debating whether or not I should get something to drink now or later," I replied.
"Don't you have water in your bag," Matt asked.
"Yeah, but that's for soccer practice," I said. "I don't want to waste it all now."
"You could just refill it once you get out in the field. Don't be so lazy," Sora said.
"Hey, guys," Mimi said, entering the classroom.
"Oh, Mimi, welcome back," Sora replied. "Oh, I don't think I've seen them before."
"That's because they just transferred to our school," Izzy replied.
"Hello, my name is Michael," Michael said to Sora. "I knew Mimi from our time spent in New York. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Michael kissed Sora's hand. Sora blushed.
"It's like we don't even exist," I replied.
"Something about him ticks me off," Matt replied.
"Now, boys, get along, will you," Mimi said.
"You're friends are quite lively," Mina said to Izzy.
"If you consider this lively, I don't know how you'll react when you see our full group," Izzy replied.
"You look familiar," I said.
"You probably saw her when you picked us up back in Hong Kong," Izzy explained.
"Has it really been that long," I asked. "I can't believe I still remember that."
"You two picked an odd time to transfer to our school," Matt stated.
"That's because schools in the United States start in the fall and end in the summer," Mimi explained.
"I'm assuming it's the same in India," Sora said.
"Yes, it is," Mina replied.
"It's quite a coincidence that you two came here at the same time," I said. "I didn't even know we had an exchange program."
"Since Michael knows Mimi, and Mina knows Izzy, I'm assuming both of you are DigiDestined," Matt replied.
"That's right," Michael replied.
"Yes, I am," Mina replied.
"Oh, that reminds me," Mimi said. "I brought both of them here because I want them to be a part of our group during our school camping trip."
"Isn't the maximum number of people four per group," Matt asked. "There's clearly way more people than four in this group."
"I'm pretty sure it's four per tent," Sora said. "The size of our group can be whatever we want. And, of course, guys and girls sleep separately."
"Really," Michael asked.
"This is Japan, Michael. There are different customs and courtesies that you have to follow here," Mimi explained.
"I'm very excited about this camping trip. I've never camped before, so I wanted to ask what you guys normally do during this camping trip," Mina asked.
"We usually cook our meals and pick up the trash around the campsite," Sora explained.
"This year, we're going to be visiting a shrine, so I expect there to be some activities regarding that," Matt added.
"That sounds very spiritual and healthy. I'm looking forward to this trip even more," Mina replied.
"That reminds me," Mimi said. "Since Michael and Mina are going to be joining us, I was wondering if we can bring them with us during our grocery shopping later this afternoon."
"I don't see why not," I answered. "Mina, do you know how to cook?"
"Yes, I cook for my family quite often," Mina replied.
"Finally, someone with proper cooking skills," Matt said.
"I feel like that was a shot towards me," Mimi said.
"Fret not, I would be delighted to eat any meal you make," Michael said.
"See, Michael likes my cooking," Mimi said.
"Okay, everyone, let's calm ourselves, now," Sora said.
"Even if we were to separate ourselves between boys and girls, it would be an uneven divide of four and three," Izzy stated. "I understand that the maximum is four per tent, so I was wondering if we should add one more person in our group to balance things out."
"Do you have anyone in mind," I asked Izzy.
"What about Yolei," Sora asked.
"It's possible that she hasn't made any plans with anyone yet," Izzy said. "I can ask her if she would be interested."
"Let's go ask her right now," Mimi said. "I bet she's free to talk."
"Wouldn't she be eating lunch though," I questioned. "Besides, we don't really know where she normally goes during her spare time."
"Don't worry; leave everything to me," Mimi said. "Come on, Izzy; let's go find her."
"I guess I don't have much of a choice," Izzy replied.
"I'll come as well," Michael said. "There's still a lot I don't know about this school, so this is a great chance for me to explore the campus."
"You might as well turn this into a small tour while you guys look for Yolei," Matt said.
"Yes, I would like that. Learning about what the Japanese school system is like and its culture truly excites me," Mina replied.
"Great, then let's get going," Mimi said.
"You guys should probably head over to her classroom first," I said. "Even if she's not there, you can ask her classmates where she usually goes during lunch."
"My thoughts exactly," Izzy replied. "If we don't return, we'll see you after school outside of the building so we can go grocery shopping together."
"Sounds good," Sora replied.
"This is going to be the best camping trip ever," Mimi said.
"I'm looking forward to it," Michael said.
"Same here," Mina replied.
The four of them left the classroom as the excitement of the two new exchange students from our classmates died down.
"Well, they seem like nice people," Sora said.
"Except for that Michael person," Matt added.
"Hey, we're all in this together, so let's welcome them like we normally would as fellow DigiDestined," I said.
"You're right, they did say they were DigiDestined," Sora commented. "Do you think they might know about the Midnight Channel?"
"They just got here, right," Matt stated. "I don't know if the Midnight Channel even airs in countries outside of Japan. If it did, that would be scary in its own right. Imagine if, every hour, somewhere around the world, that channel appears. That's more disturbing than scary."
"Let's not bring it up to them for now," I said. "I'm sure they'll know about it eventually, since it's such a hot topic in this school. When they question us about it, then we'll let them in on what we know."
"I agree," Sora said. "They're good people, and I'm sure they'll be able to defend themselves when they have access to their Digimon, but I don't want them to get caught in the crossfire if they don't have to."
"Guess we'll just talk about the school camping trip," Matt said. "Besides, I'm sure they'll have a lot of things to ask us, so we'll just say as much as we can."
"Right," I replied.
When the bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, Sora, Matt, and I went over to the school entrance. To our surprise, not only were Mimi, Izzy, Michael, and Mina waiting for us, but they also brought Yolei with them, who greeted us when we arrived. The eight of us headed to a large supermarket where we looked through the produce isle to find things we can cook for the camping trip.
"Thanks again for the invite," Yolei said.
"Don't mention it," I replied. "Besides, you're one of us, so, of course, we'd ask if you'd be interested in hanging out with us."
"We just didn't know if you already have any prior engagements," Sora said.
"No, I didn't have anything like that," Yolei said.
"Are you getting along with everyone okay," Mimi asked. "You're making friends and everything? Is someone bullying you?"
"No, no, I'm getting along with everyone very well; they're all nice people," Yolei said. "In fact, we just got a new foreign exchange student all the way from Australia, and everyone is treating him nicely."
"You got an exchange student as well," Izzy asked.
"I wonder if that person is also a DigiDestined," Matt asked.
"Well, we did drop Joe and Cody off at Australia, but that'd be too much of a coincidence," I said.
"So, what are you guys planning on cooking," Yolei asked.
"Do you, by chance, know how to cook, Yolei," Izzy asked.
"I'm not that comfortable with it. Sorry," Yolei replied.
"You've got nothing to be ashamed about," Sora said.
"That's right; you can leave everything to me," Mimi said.
"How about we leave it to the actual cooking expert," Matt said.
"What do you normally cook back in India, Mina," Izzy asked.
"I believe it is very similar to the standard diet of Japan," Mina explained. "Rice is our main grain staple. Then, we'd usually have something on the side, like curry."
"Perfect," I said. "We were just thinking about making that."
"What type of curry dish did you have in mind," Matt asked.
"I was hoping to make Chicken Masala," Mina explained. "It's basically a creamy curry chicken dish."
"That sounds delicious," Sora said.
"What if we split up so we could gather the ingredients faster," I asked. "Izzy, Yolei, can you help Mina out with picking whatever spices she needs for the masala? Sora and I will grab some chicken."
"Do you prefer if we use chicken breast or thighs," Sora asked.
"Chicken breast is the preferred meat of choice," Mina said.
"Great, we'll go ahead and buy some," Sora said.
"Then, I'll go and by us some snacks," Mimi said.
"As much as I want to be comfortable with you buying something as simple as that, I'm going to watch over you, just in case you go overboard or buy strange things," Matt said.
"But, isn't choosing something blindly out of a bag exciting," Mimi asked.
"Not for my stomach," Matt replied. "Come on, let's not bother everyone and head over to the snack isle."
"Hey, wait for me," Mimi said, running towards him.
"What will you do, Michael," I asked.
"I'd like to help buy some chicken with you guys," Michael replied. "I'm interested in grocery shopping, so I'd like to learn as much as I can about how it works. Is that alright?"
"Sure, we don't mind," I replied.
"Mind you, we're not pros ourselves, but I guess there are some differences between a US market and a Japanese one," Sora continued.
"Thank you very much," Michael replied.
"Let's gather back at the spice section once we have everything we need," Izzy said.
"Sounds like a plan," Matt shouted from a distance.
We separated to our designated locations once we had our list of things to obtain. Sora and I stared at the various cuts of meat while Michael was lost in thought.
"What's the matter, Michael," Sora asked. "If there's anything that you don't understand, let us know so we can try to explain."
"Well, there's something that's been bugging me," Michael explained. "Mimi is a really sweet girl, so I know that she's probably made all sorts of friends here in Japan before I ever knew her. I've met a few of her friends back in the Digital World, and I was surprised by the number of guys that she was acquainted with back then."
"Were we there then that happened," Sora asked me.
"I think he's talking about Davis and the others," I replied.
"Yes, it was Davis and a couple of others," Michael said. "So, it got me thinking. Is Mimi possibly into younger guys?"
"What kind of odd question is that," I asked.
"So, you know what her preferences are," Michael asked me.
"Calm down, Michael; that's not what he meant," Sora replied. "Are you interested in Mimi?"
"Of course, I am," Michael said. "I've had a crush on her ever since she arrived to Japan and I became a DigiDestined. However, every time I try to make an advance of her, she brushes me off and treats me like a best friend. I want to move beyond the friend zone and become her romantic interest, and it's been difficult."
"You're really serious about getting Mimi to notice you," I said.
"Well, what about you? Are you romantically interested in someone," Michael asked me.
"Me," I asked, surprised.
"Yeah, I'm curious about that as well," Sora pressed on.
"Why are you getting on my case," I questioned. "Normally, I don't talk about that kind of stuff because I don't think about it that much. Sports usually occupies my mind."
"I guess people here are more privy about this topic," Michel pondered.
"Not necessarily," Sora replied. "I have a number of female friends who always talk about guys in their classroom, wanting to be their girlfriend, etc. I guess it depends on who you are and the things you are interested in."
"Mimi isn't already taken, is she," Michael asked.
"I wouldn't say taken, but she doesn't have a boyfriend yet," I replied.
"Then, I still have a chance," Michael replied. "Even so, I can't let my guard down. For some reason, I feel that the one who went to the spice rack and the one currently with Mimi are my biggest rivals. The spice boy is of no threat to me, but I might need to be cautious of the snack boy."
"They have names, you know," I said. "They're Izzy and Matt respectively. At least, be courteous about getting their names right. Wait, you didn't mention me at all. Why is that?"
"Oh, I know that the two of you are incompatible with each other romantically," Michael answered. "She sees and respects you as her senior, and you don't seem to be interested in her; therefore, you are away from my radar and safe to be considered an acquaintance."
"Is that why you chose to follow me, because my relationship with Mimi is neutral," I asked.
"Of course," Michael replied. "You were the safest choice for me to talk about this. Also, there's something about you that draws me into you. Like, I know that I can rely on you whenever things are weighing on me. Did you know you have that kind of aura around you?"
"Well, he is the leader of our group and makes most of the decisions for us," Sora replied.
"Ah, so that's why Mimi's feelings towards you are more of respect than of love," Michael said. "It all makes sense now. Congratulations, you have graduated from acquaintance to friend."
"I feel like you're mocking me here, but I'll take it as a compliment," I said. "Anyway, let just get the chicken and get it over with. Sora, are you able to find what we are looking for?"
"Yes, but it doesn't look like today's a good day to buy chicken," Sora said. "The prices for poultry meat are a little high. The current sale for today is pork products, so we'd be able to get more if we buy pork instead. I wonder if we are able to substitute the chicken with the pork for the masala."
"Mina's probably getting spices that mesh well with chicken," I replied. "If we go ahead and buy pork, she may have to return to the spice rack and grab different items. Maybe we can try getting the cheapest chicken meat out of the bunch."
"Well, the cheapest one are the wings and the feet, but they don't have much meat on them," Sora replied. "Plus, didn't Mina say that it was going to be a creamy type of curry? Wouldn't you rather have like chicken breasts so the curry can soak into it?"
"This is more complicated than I thought," I said.
"You guys just want to buy chicken breast for a cheaper price, right," Michael said. "Can't you ask for a discount?"
"I don't know; I never tried," Sora said.
"Okay, let's see," Michael said. "Yes, the person at the counter today is a woman. Alright, as thanks for hearing me out, I can go ask the lady over there for a discount."
Michael walked over to the counter where the butcher lady was still working on cutting some meat in the back counter.
"Excuse me, ma'am," Michael said.
"Yes, how may I help… you…," the butcher lady said, losing her breath when she saw him.
"Wow, you're so beautiful. I can see why the only things here are quality cuts of meat."
"Oh, please, you have such a way with words. How may I help you today?"
"I'm looking at your chicken breast, and I noticed that it's a bit more expensive than your pork products. Can you tell me why?"
"Well, today we had a large haul of pork delivered today compared to the other meats, so they are on sale for today."
"That means you had your normal haul for the rest of the meats. Please, miss, can you be a dear and provide the same type of sales price for the chicken breast for me?"
"Oh, I don't know…"
"Please, ma'am, I really love chicken. If you provide me with the same type of discount for the chicken as the pork, I promise to buy as many pounds as I can for it. Can you do that for me?"
"Well… I…"
"Please, miss, I really want the chicken that was cut by those delicate hands and your radiating personality. A beauty like you should be able to provide me with that, can't you?"
"I mean, I guess I can give the discount to you, since you're such a sweet talker."
"Thank you! Then, I'd like to buy a few pounds of your chicken breast, please."
"Sure, sweetie, I'll be right back."
Michael walked up to us with a smile on his face and thumbs up.
"I can't believe that actually worked," I said.
"You're really good at bartering," Sora said. "I'm usually too shy to do that, but you talked to her so easily."
"It's all about knowing who you are taking to," Michael said. "I hope I was helpful to you guys."
"Are you kidding," I said. "With a price like that, I bet we can get a lot of chicken out of that."
"Here you go, young man," the butcher lady said.
"Thank you," Michael replied, returning with two bags filled with chicken breasts.
"That's… a lot of food," Sora said, looking at the contents of the bags.
"Well, we are feeding eight people, so that should be plenty, right," Michael stated.
"Yeah, and if we can't eat it all, I bet we can save some for tomorrow," I said. "Besides, we don't have to bring everything with us. We can share some to the rest of our family and only bring what we need for the camping trip. It's a win-win situation either way."
"I never thought about it like that," Sora said. "Good call, Tai."
"It's what my mom usually says when Kari and I see her bring back bags filled with food when Agumon and Gatomon were still with us," I replied. "Either way, good job, Michael. I'm sure Mina and the others will be pleased with the haul we have."
"Great," Michael said. "Now, I'm so excited that we're going to be camping together as a team."
The three of us returned to the spice rack where we planned to meet. Izzy, Yolei, and Mina were done on their end and were waiting for us. As we waited for Mimi and Matt, we noticed them coming back with multiple bags of snacks. After debating which bags to take and which to return to the shelves, we headed to the register and paid for our goods.
The eight of us returned home to prepare for the coming trip. When I returned home, I noticed that Kari was leaning back on the dining chair, exhausted. I set the bags of food on the kitchen counter and walked towards her.
"You look like you could use someone to talk to," I said to her.
"Oh, hey, Tai, I didn't see you there," Kari replied.
"I bet you didn't. So, what happened today? You know you can talk to me about anything."
"It's nothing. I'm just reminded that boys can be so stressful."
"Is it Davis? Did he do something to annoy you again?"
"No, it's not just him. Our class had two new exchange students."
"You guys got them, too?"
"What, did you?"
"No, but Izzy and Mimi's class did. And, get this, both of them are DigiDestined."
"That's the same with our class as well. One of them was someone that we met in the United States, and the other one is from France."
"Is it one of Mimi's friends?"
"No, we actually met him briefly after an incident in Colorado."
"Colorado? Why does that sound familiar? Are you talking about that Willis kid?"
"Tai, you know who he is?"
"No, but Izzy does. I only know that name because Izzy mentioned him once back when the missile was aimed at Japan."
"I didn't know Izzy knew Willis from back then. That's pretty interesting."
"So, who's the French kid? Is he causing you any problems?"
"Actually, she's a girl, and her name is Catherine."
"Catherine? That's the name of the girl TK and I rescued in France."
"TK mentioned that as well. For someone who's not good with homework, you seem to know a lot about people."
"I can't tell if that was a compliment or an insult. Anyway, is she still beautiful?"
"Is that really the first thing that came to your mind? This is why all boys are hopeless."
"Hey, I can't help it. She was cute when we met her back then, so I bet she's gorgeous now that she's a little older."
"Well, she is beautiful; I'll give you that. I think Cody mentioned that he had a transfer student as well. It was some girl from Mexico. Do you know anyone from there?"
"I don't think so. I only remember picking up Matt and Ken at Mexico, but I didn't see anyone with them."
"You remember a lot more than I do. How are you good with things related to Digimon, but not school?"
"Hey, cut me some slack."
"By the way, what's in the bags? They look really heavy."
"Oh, those? They're for the school camping trip this weekend."
"You guys are going on a camping trip? That's nice. Our school hasn't had one yet. Where are you guys going?"
"Just a few hours to a mountain shrine. Nothing too fancy."
"That's nice. Are you and the others planning on cooking while you are up there? Which one of you is going to cook? Don't tell me it's going to be you."
"Hey, if I try hard enough, I bet I can whip up something nice and simple. But, no, one of the exchange students in Mimi's class offered to cook for us, since she cooks for her family all the time. I believe she is from India."
"India? That's where Izzy and I met Mina, one of the DigiDestined."
"Right, I remember that we dropped you and Izzy down in Hong Kong. You must have met her there. Then, have you met Michael, Mimi's friend from America?"
"We met him and Mimi back at the restaurant in the Digital World."
"You mean the one run by Digitamamon? That brings back memories. So, it was with Davis and the others?"
"That's right."
"I wonder why Yolei didn't say anything about that when we saw her."
"She probably already talked to him when you weren't with the two of them. You don't have to monitor everyone's life, even if you are our leader."
"Hey, you know I didn't mean it like that."
"Tai, Kari, I'm back," my mom said, from the door.
"Welcome back, mom," Kari replied.
"What's with all this chicken," my mom asked.
"Oh, I bought it for my camping trip this weekend," I said.
"That's a lot of food," my mom replied. "I know you're a growing boy, but are you sure you can eat it all by yourself?"
"No, I'm sharing it with Matt, Sora, and the others," I explained. "We actually bought too much, so you can have some, if you want."
"Well, if you say so," my mom replied. "Let's see what I can make with this."
Kari and I assisted our mom with other additional kitchen duties as the day drew to its conclusion.
*To be continued*