Butterfly Spirit: The Child of Knowledge

by Mimi Myself and Iz

A lonely child reflects his relationship with his parents... his friends... and one extraordinary girl.

2. Metamorphosis

Author's Note: This story falls between "Legend of the DigiDestined" and "The Continent of Server

Author's Note:

This story falls between "Legend of the DigiDestined" and "The Continent of Server." There are also references to "Birdramon Gets Firepower." OKAY… As usual: Really goofy dialogue, poor vocabulary, poor spelling, poor grammar, poor verb tense, and all that. I will be using a mismatch of Japanese and English character and Digimon names and related words. Gennai's name will be pronounced in general Japanese pronunciation (NOT jennai as pronounced in the English version). There is a reason for that. Reviews are welcomed.

Important Note:

LIKE THE FIRST CHAPTER, THIS PART HAS BEEN UPDATED WITH DESKTOP SIMULATIONS. They should work with all reader's desktops with the Text Size settings to Normal or Medium. Don't worry if it does not come out right. The characters will translate whenever it is necessary. As usual, my work pales in comparison to the other great work done by much better authors.

Warning:

If you have followed my other series, this WILL NOT end up as a romance between Mimi and Koushiro. They will share a much different yet just as beautiful bond later on.

DIALOGUE GALORE!

THERE IS ALSO A LOT OF YELLING BETWEEN OUR DYNAMIC DOU IN THIS STORY! So, cover your ears! Also, there will be a lot of potty mouthing from the older DigiDestined! But since it's me, it all has been edited in a certain way. So, it will all depend on your imagination!Sorry, I was in a bad mood when I wrote this.

This story takes place in Season 01, after the defeat of Devimon. A continuation from Koushiro's POV.

Disclaimer:

I do not own Digimon, Star Wars, or the work of Soshi.

Butterfly Spirit: Metamorphosis

by Mimi, Myself, & Iz.

I dreamt I was a butterfly.
I couldn't tell if I was dreaming.
But when I woke, I was I and not a butterfly.
Was I dreaming that I was the butterfly,
or was the butterfly dreaming that it was me?

Quotation from Soshi

Digital World
Fractal Valley, File Island RESTART
A twelve year old boy… Izumi, Koushiro

We have finally defeated Devimon. Well, it was more of Takeru and his evolved Digimon Angemon that saved us all. With the threat of Devimon gone, File Island is reforming itself with Infinity Mountain being the focal plate. I simply called it the File Island Restart, or perhaps Reboot. The Black Gear menace has ceased. I am certain that we have fulfilled our destiny of preserving the light here in the Digital World. Now the only thing preoccupying our minds was how to get home.

We now have settled in this place known as Fractal Valley. It had a good landscape, shelter, and an abundance of food and water for us to survive here in the Digital World. We found this secluded spot away from any Digimon villages just so we would not disturb them. We all decided to stock pile as much food, water, and supplies for the day while we are here. I still can't calculate how long we will be staying here. At least we were not running for lives anymore. We have proven ourselves and fought against the evil threat that wanted us dead. Now we have time to just relax and figure out a way to get home.

Sometimes I wished I knew how Devimon manipulated raw data to form the completed mansion, nicely prepared meals, clothing, and running hot water. It would make surviving in the Digital World much easier. All those things weren't exactly illusions as Devimon stated. They were tangible elements. We did shelter ourselves, eat the food, bath ourselves, and go to sleep with robes and bed sheets. It was that instant that Devimon dispersed everything into fragmented data. At least we digested some of the food before that happened. We were still clean of course, except that soap and deodorant data was dispersed from our epidermis. Well, it would have been great to actually conjure up food and such, as I would do with any computer data. All we could do now was collect food the most challenging way.

Most of the food collected today was of a wide variety. They include various nuts, herbs, vegetables, fruits, and soon fish. Since we accepted our usual turn of chores, Mimi and I with our Digimon partners gathered the fruit. Sora and Piyomon helped collect water from the streams using whatever canteens and bottles we have collected during our separate journeys. Jyou and Gomamon were providing fish. It was supposed to Takeru's turn to help with the fruit gathering too, but we all decided that Takeru should take the day off. Everyone felt that we were indebted to him and his Digimon partner. He did not want to be treated any different of course, but we insisted that he should tend in taking care of his Digi-Egg. Sora immediately volunteered to do Takeru's share of fruit gathering.

To aid us with fruit gathering, Palmon has woven these large efficient wicker-like baskets the other day. Because of her dexterous vine-like fingers, she was very quick in making them too. The baskets were very efficient and worked well. This just left Taichi and Yamato free to discuss certain things. Like the others before, I have already spoken to Taichi about my opinions and the experiences when we were separated. Now Taichi was relaying it all to Yamato. Their Digimon partners Agumon and Gabumon were practicing a game of cat and mouse in order to improve their fighting techniques. Since Tentomon and I have done our share in food gathering, I figured it was our turn to rest. I decided to join Taichi and Yamato later in their discussion. Tentomon and I placed the baskets down by the eight pairs of filled water bottles and canteens under this giant Banyan-like tree. Palmon said this tree is known as an epson-stylus tree. 'Whatever…'

"I think we should take a break until the others are done," I said to Tentomon as I plopped myself down on a comfortable spot among the many large thick aerial roots of the epson-stylus tree.

Tentomon shook his head. "You know what, Izzy? Why don't you take a break for a while? You deserve it. You did enough as it is."

"You sure?" I asked

"Yes." He then added, "I am sure you know there is an outlet right here. You can work on your computer on… whatever…"

Surprised, I checked near the tree roots. Sure enough there was an outlet just to the left of me. This outlet was different though. It appeared to have only one socket that was covered with protective matching metal like door. 'Curious, the electrical outlet for this entire area was on a cypress-like lotus tree where Taichi and Yamato were now. My Outlet Finder program should have picked up this one as well… Hmmm, no matter. This is the first one-socket outlet I've seen… plus it has a cover on it.' I already checked the power levels of my Pineapple. They were fully charged anyway. I did not need to recharge to work. I then turned to Tentomon and said, "Oh, okay, Tentomon."

I was sure Tentomon was about to join me until he said, "I'm going to check on Mimi and Palmon." He paused for a second and added, "To help."

'Mimi and Palmon?'

I then asked Tentomon, "Oh. Maybe I should go along too, Tentomon?"

"No. You stay here, Izzy."

"Huh? But…" I tried to say to him…

Without letting me finish, Tentomon flew off in the direction where Mimi and Palmon were still working, leaving me alone under this… epson-stylus tree with two wicker baskets full of fruit among the water bottles and canteens. I was a bit crestfallen when he left so abruptly. It was if he did not want to be in my presence for too long. I felt that he was still disappointed with me after the whole temple ruins fiasco. I sensed he kept hinting that he still was.

'I know he hates me. I wished he would just say it to me…'

I shook away my foolishness. 'Tentomon is just upset with me. I am sure I would make it to him. I don't want to lose his friendship above all.' I decided to recharge the power cell of my Pineapple laptop later after I join Taichi and Yamato's discussion. Luckily I told Taichi about these outlets scattered around the Digital World. I would have lost power along time ago. Not that it would be a problem. Otherwise Taichi would have ignorantly try to power my laptop by whacking it a couple of times. Taichi was never good in taking care of computers. Come to think of it, his family's computer room was getting messier and messier every time I visit. I can't imagine anyone getting any work done in that mess.

I looked off to where Takeru was sitting. Takeru was still taking care of his Digi-Egg by keeping it warm and still. A look of calmness and also happiness showed brightly on his face. Sometimes, during the day, I see him pray to the egg. He was no longer sad of the loss of Patamon or as his evolved stage, Angemon. He knew that by his caring of this Digi-Egg, he would surely see them again. Takeru had a lot of hope. He was very gentle and he knew everything about taking care of it. All of his knowledge he shared with the Primary Village keeper, Elecmon. It was amazing! Fate! Takeru was the first to go to the Primary Village and witness the strange process of the Digimon lifecycle. Now we might just witness the first rebirth or reincarnation.

Like the rest of us, fate has brought us to our destination when we were separated. No doubt, it was Devimon's biggest error. He thought by separating us would make us weak, but instead it gave us a chance to discover our strengths. Still, the others… Jyou and Sora? I am not yet clear on what really happened with them. I was hoping to ask Sora. I am not sure what Taichi and Yamato found together. From what I see now is that they seem to work out their differences better. Still they argue, but they do not hate each other as before. It's like they are even closer friends now… very close…

For Mimi and I, fate would have been us working together using our computer skills. Maybe that. Still I know for sure was that it was destiny we both shared our adventure. We were in fact two children that were raised by adoptive parents. Still, I have not told her my story of my life. I actually felt stupid not to. 'Maybe after dinner, I would ask her…'

3 minutes later…

…tap…tap…tap…tap…

OMNI computerized voice…"Program Diagnostic: Ninety-nine point nine percent efficiency."

I finished reviewing another of my computer programs using the OMNI System Commander. As I was about to have my Pineapple do a system shutdown, I saw Sora and Piyomon emerged from the brush of the vast forest where most of the food could be gathered. To my astonishment, she came from the exact area of the forest where Mimi, Palmon, and Tentomon now were. I was sure she was on the opposite side when she started. Sora and Piyomon each were carrying a wicker basket each filled with berries. Sora was walking toward me with a huge smile on her face. She and Piyomon set their baskets next to mine. Sora then took a seat to the left of me, while Piyomon sat next to Sora's left. They both were catching their breath from their work.

"Hi, Izzy," Sora finally said.

"Hello, Sora," I replied.

"I just got the scoop from Mimi!" Sora said rather excitedly.

"Huh, you were talking with Mimi?" I asked.

"Uh huh. After I finished, I decided to have a chat with Mimi." She looked at me and asked, "By the way, why was Tentomon with them too?"

"He wanted to help," I said rather dully. I wanted to change the subject. "What was the scoop?" I asked

She gave a cheerful smile and said, "Oh, about her account of the time when you two with Palmon and Tentomon were in those Temple of the Digivice and Maze of sorts."

"Oh," I replied.

"It was very different from what you told Taichi and me."

"What do you mean?" I queried.

"She never did mention about you yelling at her and Tentomon… or the other things you told Taichi, Yamato, and myself. She kind of denies any of it. Mimi just said it was only her getting pissed."

'Why would she deny it?'

Finally I said, "Look, what I told you was true. I did yell at her and the others, and I am truly sorry!"

Sora thought about it for a moment and replied, "Hmmm, she was humble about it. I guess she did not want to make you look bad with Taichi and Yamato even though you told them first. You both were under a lot of stress. I shouldn't blame anyone if tempers got off." She turned to me and smiled. "And she was very grateful that you saved her and Tentomon's life."

"Well…" I felt myself getting red.

"It is true then?" Sora suddenly asked.

"What is?" I asked in confusion.

"About Mimi."

I was not sure where this was going. 'What about Mimi? Hmmm…'

I finally figured it out. Did Mimi finally tell Sora that she was adopted? She lost a family. A brother she never knew. Did she finally have the courage to gradually share her story with her other friends? No. That couldn't be it. Right now Sora was acting much too cheerful for that. Unless she means…

"I just can't believe Mimi helped you!" Sora beamed.

My face faulted. 'I guess that was it.' All I could say was, "Neither could I."

"I mean she did mention to me about her interest computers, but not…"

"Be able to even outdo me?" I finished for her.

"Well, yes."

"Her skills are admirable. Mimi looks at problems from different perspectives, which was why I missed a few things. I thought using deductive reasoning would save me some time, since I was pressed for time. I was wrong. I should never leave certain stones unturned just because they look the same."

Sora gaze turned back to the area where Mimi and the Digimon were. "Mimi said she is a bit rusty with the ON ME computer program. It is something she does not do often… unlike you"

"It's OMNI and yeah… She learns fast when it matters though," I added.

She faced me again and smirked, "At least she isn't annoyingly curious like you."

I sweat-dropped. "Gee… Thanks a lot, Sora. That makes me feel so much better." I felt myself turning red… from embarrassment. Not that I was embarrassed about having to admit that I needed help back there. I would never be ashamed if anyone, even a person like Mimi, to help me. I am not exactly a pig-headed about being considered a computer genius. It's just that… every time I think of Mimi I… blush. I wanted to change the subject quickly, before Sora notices.

I glanced around and saw Jyou and Gomamon by the lake. Jyou and Gomamon had volunteered to catch fish for dinner. It would have been easier if Gomamon used his Marching Fishes. I still don't know how Gomamon does that… attack. I mean the fish just appears and seem to generate around him. Like Gomamon was able to manipulate water molecular data to produce these fish. Plus, they look so… artificial, unlike the edible fish around here.

I noticed that Gomamon appeared to be telling Jyou one of his amusing anecdotes. Of course, I knew Jyou would never find any amusement since he was stuck in the Digital World. I was about to turn back to Sora when Jyou turned his head slowly around. His eyes met with mine. I couldn't make out his expression. Even through that thick glasses of his, his eyes just bore into my soul making me shiver. For what seemed like minutes, Jyou turned back to his fishing. Gomamon was oblivious to our little exchange. 'I guess I should ask Sora on how their adventures went. I never got a clear story on it. I keep wondering about Jyou.'

"So, how did it go with Jyou?" I asked Sora, trying to change the subject.

Sora blinked a few times before answering. "What? Jyou? I thought you knew about us escaping the Bakemon? He discovered a way to weaken the Lord Bakemon by using a Shinto chant and-"

"Well, I know, but… Jyou. What do you think of him?" I knew I was rude, but I just wanted to know how Sora felt about Jyou. Maybe I could find out why he keeps giving me the cold shoulder.

Sora took a breath and spoke, "I don't know… Jyou is a bit strange. I guess from him being the eldest in our group." She shook her head as she glanced to the area where Jyou was fishing with Gomamon. "I still don't know much else," she said with a shrug.

I decided to add to the subject of discussion. "Well, from what Taichi told me, Jyou actually came to camp to be part of the volunteer group. A first-aid assistant if you will. He was not actually planning on being part with the regular campers. I doubt our current situation has made it any better."

Sora nodded. "I know. When we shared our little adventure with the Bakemon, I knew his complex of being the eldest of our group. And since Taichi is so pig-headed to take charge, it made matters worse for him. That's why Gomamon suggested we give Jyou the chance to be leader that night."

"Well, I hope I would easily communicate to Jyou. I don't know. He is usually quite cold to me," I speculated.

Sora took another glance towards at Jyou with Gomamon. "I've noticed that too."

"I mean he is polite and all. But on certain occasions, he gives me this very displeased look on his face. He doesn't say anything. He just gives me that look then turns away to do whatever he was doing. I mean, he did it just a few minutes ago!"

"Yeah, I talked to him about it."

"You did?" I asked amazed.

"Yeah. And do you know what he said to me?"

"No, what?"

"He said to me, and I quote, 'It's none of your -ddamn business, Sora!"

I was stunned. "What? He said that?"

An angry look formed on Sora's face. "Well, I was a bit pissed when he said that. Here I thought he changed for the better. I mean we are all friends here. But he still has some things he keeps bottled up. I guess we all have such things we must keep to ourselves." She then shot a menacing glare towards Jyou. I have seen it a lot of times. Many could feel it from afar if Sora gave them one of her death glares! Well, Jyou did not seem to notice… or did not care at all.

I just sighed. "I agree with that. It still puzzles me though." I pondered on it more. "You know what? Jyou gives me that pis… peeved look every time I am with Mimi. Well, sometimes. It's like he's… I don't know…"

"Jealous?" Sora suddenly said.

"WHAT?" I cried in disbelief.

She gave me a sly look and said, "I think he's jealous of you. Mimi seems to hang around you a lot lately... Come on, admit it!"

"Admit what?" I felt myself turning even redder.

"Mimi likes you… and you like Mimi."

"Yeah, so? I like her. So does everyone else here." Sora is giving me this peculiar look. "What are you getting at, Sora?"

"I can't believe you have no clue in things other than computer stuff." She looked off to the side with a goofy grin plastered on her face.

"Which is what?"

"Well, maybe… like Jyou sees it… you and Mimi are acting more than just friends."

It finally dawned on me what Sora was implying. I bolted up, "Come on! Mimi and I are just friends! We're both only twelve! We may have advanced a few grades than anyone else. We may have an interest in computers… Maybe that's why she is with me most of the time… Still, that does not make a difference. It's not like she's favoring me over everyone else."

Sora then whispered to me, "Then why are you blushing?"

I stared at her in shock. 'I can't believe her! Where is she getting these delusions about Mimi and I? What proof is there? I can't help it if I… I…'

Finally I said rather too loudly, "I AM NOT BLUSHING!" I finally sighed in defeat. I looked around me. Strangely, no one else even realized my outburst. Thankfully it included Jyou as well. I calmed myself and sat down. Finally I added, "And it is not true! Mimi and I are good friends! Nothing more!"

"Okay…okay… Just speculating," Sora said holding her arms in mock surrender.

"Sure you were," I said sarcastically. "You better not tell Jyou about your… speculations."

Sora gave me a pout. "Well, nuff about Jyou! I am still amused about you and Mimi!" she said with a grin.

'Here we go again,'

I sighed. "What can I say? She's… she's Mimi," I finally said.

Sora's face became serious. "Yeah. I still don't get it with her though. I mean she used to complain about everything… getting tired… the weather… It kinda looks… like she is faking it. I then figured she was doing it to get attention, but that's not it."

I nodded. "So you noticed that too."

"Yeah. But why, though? I mean, she is among friends."

"Remember back with the tour coach?" I asked.

"Who?"

I looked at her inquisitively. 'I don't understand. How could she forget about Mimi's ex-friends.' I then added, "Remember her other so-called friends on the tour coach?"

"What's a 'tour coach?'"

'What?'

Then it hit me. 'Oh! I forgot. Sora was still a Layman. But this was just some everyday transportation vehicle! Well, I don't blame her. Even I don't know why some big shot made such an euphemistic term for an over costly BUS.' I just made myself clearer. "I mean bus, sorry." I said, sounding as if I corrected myself. "You know, back at Odaiba Summer Camp?" I added.

"Oh that! Yeah. What didn't you say so? Mimi was saying the same thing… tour coach?"

I almost sighed in irritation, but I was careful not to let Sora notice.

Finally Sora said, "Oh, I see what you mean about Mimi."

"Exactly."

Sora rested her hand over her mouth and chin as if in deep thought. "Still, that was what made you doubt her computer knowledge in the first place. I would have doubted her too."

"I know. I guess that's because of us being separated from each other, it was her utmost responsibility to do whatever it took to survive. I guess, right then and there, she just forgot about all that 'popularity only' stuff and focused on her needed talents. I think she is beginning to through away some of those masks, but not all. I think this is really the true Mimi we are seeing. I don't think Mimi knows that she is doing so."

Sora nodded in agreement and muttered, "Yeah."

"I was too late to realize it, and we all got into one big misunderstanding," I added.

"Yeah, I just wish the others could see it, especially Yamato! I don't think he ever liked her. Much less talked to her."

I nodded as I added, "Taichi was shocked when I told them about the whole temple ruins incident."

"Well, Taichi is finally telling Yamato about it now," Sora said pointed far off into the clearing where Taichi and Yamato were standing under the lotus tree.

"I know."

"I would love to see Yamato's reaction," Sora said with a mischievous grin.

"Yeah. Won't he be surprised?" I said with a hint of sarcasm. We both looked toward the area where Taichi and Yamato were in deep discussion. As if right on cue…

"SHE WHAT?" We heard Yamato scream.

We both turned to each other smiled. We were right! At least Yamato won't think less of Mimi anymore. However, our smile would soon faded as Yamato continued…

"NO WAY! YOU GOTTA BE… -KING KIDDING ME!"

Both of our face faulted… Yamato always did have a colorful vocabulary. We saw Yamato shoot a glance at our direction and then at where Mimi was working with Palmon and Tentomon. His face was that of total disbelief as if he was just shown his own brain before his eyes.

"Hey, calm down, dude. Don't let your brother hear you use that kind of language," Taichi pleaded with Yamato.

I agreed with Taichi. I am sure Yamato would not want to have people use profanity around his little brother. I saw Sora look to where Takeru was. He was too obsessed with taking care of his Digi-Egg to notice any of his brother's vulgarity.

Sora shook her head. "At least our cold-hearted-jealous-of-Koushiro-with-Mimi, Jyou, took it better, Izzy."

I wished she quit that. "Yeah," I muttered.

"Well, concerning Mimi… She is still a great friend. I am glad to have known her," Sora said, trying to lighten the mood.

"Me too," I nodded. Just to get even with Sora, I brought up a little piece of history. "You know what, Sora? I'm glad you didn't beat her up that day we all met her. What made you stop?"

"Huh?" she asked in confusion when the topic in hand took a change of direction.

I continued, "You was about to give her a pounding until you finally faced her eye to eye." It was true. Sora was going to pound Mimi because of what her ex-friends said about Jyou and I. Also she hated the way they talked about Yamato and Takeru. Of course she would care less of the insults that were directed at her.

After a few moments, Sora finally spoke up. "Let's just say… I couldn't hurt someone that is so… buea… um… no." She looked like she was struggle with an answer. "I mean I knew it was wrong to pick a fight with Mimi and I was glad that I stopped myself. I knew it wasn't her fault for her ex friends to say those things about you, Jyou, Yamato and Takeru…"

"Okay…" I said. I was not sure about her answer.

"Um, let's just forget about that day back at camp, okay?"

"Yeah, your right." My chance to get even with Sora came up with nothing.

"We are just lucky to have a friend like Mimi," Sora said with a sigh. She placed her arms behind her head then leaned back against the thick aerial root behind her to relax.

Just then, I heard Piyomon voice… "Oh Sora… I love it when you always talk nice about Mimi…"

I was not sure what Piyomon meant by that. It was probably nothing. I looked over at Sora, and saw Piyomon nuzzling her beak on Sora's left pant leg. I smiled, 'That Piyomon sure likes Sora. I hope Tentomon and I could be that close now. Well, not that close! At least meet in between. I hate to have Tentomon still a bit mad at me and trying to avoid me at times.'

I saw Sora flinching. Her eyes shot open and she got up. There was a strange mix of emotion plastered on her face… I could not make out what.

Stunned by her expression, I asked, "Sora, is something wrong?"

In a lifeless tone, Sora replied, "I just need to be alone…"

Piyomon stood up and asked in her perky attitude, "Okay. Where are we going, So-"

Without even looking at Piyomon, Sora said rather softly, "Piyomon, you stay here. I want to be alone for awhile."

"But, Sora..."

Sora face then turned angry, very angry. A look I have seen before when Sora wanted to kill someone. I just sat there shocked as Sora just exploded right in front of Piyomon. "DAMN IT, PIYO! I JUST SAID I WANT TO BE ALONE!" With that Sora stormed off in a different direction. I continued to watch her tracks… as her disappeared behind the brush…

'I wonder what's troubling her…'

"

WHAT WAS THAT ALL ABOUT, IZZY?" Taichi's voice boomed.

Needless to say he surprised me. "GAHHHH! What?" I stammered. I nearly pooped in my pants!

"What did you say to Sora?" Taichi demanded.

"Nothing!" I said nervously.

"Then where did she go off like that?" asked Yamato.

"I think she had to… er…. Um… use the bushes? Badly…" I guessed. It was just a guess, but I had to think of something!

"Oh! Okay." With that, Yamato and Taichi walked back and returned to their discussion under the lotus tree. Amazingly, they bought my excuse. I was just as clueless about the whole thing as they were.

I looked at Piyomon. She was very sad… "Piyomon?" I said, trying to get her attention.

swishhh…

shhhk…

…wack.

I then heard the faint sound of a rock being hurled through the brush. Then I heard another rock hitting a hard surface like a tree. It was coming from where Sora had walked off too. 'Is Sora throwing rocks at something?' I then heard Sora voice. I could not make out what she was saying. All I heard was her grunting as another sound of a rock smashes against a tree. Harder this time. 'She must be throwing her rocks with all her might. Is she in trouble?'

I heard her scream something. She was still too far for the others to hear. Only I could hear her. Now it sounded like she was hitting a tree hard with a blunt object. By the way it sounded, she must have been using a wooden object… no…. a bigger rock… no… 'OH JEEZ! IT SOUNDED LIKE SHE WAS USING HER FISTS!'

I could not believe it. Piyomon just sat there silent. I then heard Sora say something. I could only make out part of what she was saying. This was because each first syllable was accompanied and drowned out by the sounds of her fists slamming into the poor tree…

WHACK!

"-OSAN!"

WHACK!

"…YOU…"

WHACK!

"-KING…"

WHACK!

"-ITCH!"

It shouldn't take a computer genius like myself to figure out actually what she was saying. 'Okay… She sounds REALLY angry! I definitely have to check on her!' I wondered whom Sora was… referring too. 'Could it have been Piyomon? Or was it Mimi? No it can't be either of them. I know for sure that Mimi and Piyomon are her best friends.'

Still, I wasn't too sure about Sora's feelings of Piyomon. In the past, Sora did not get along well with Piyomon. Sora sometimes looked uncomfortable being with Piyomon even when Piyomon was being very affectionate. Sora almost forgot about her when saving the Pyokomon villagers from Meramon! Of course she apologized to Piyomon for doing so. I thought Sora would appreciate Piyomon now since Piyomon digivolved into Birdramon. Well, it did not turn out that way.

Sora still thought she got paired with her Digimon by mistake. Sora even tempted Mimi to actually trade Piyomon for Palmon. Mimi politely refused. Thank goodness their Digimon were not close by them at the time. It would have been painful for Piyomon to think that Sora hated her. Well, Sora did not actually hate Piyomon. It just did seem that Palmon, a bit of a tomboyish plant with an attitude, would be more suited to be with Sora. As with Piyomon, being oh so pink and dainty should have been rightfully paired with Mimi. Not to mention…. 'No pun intended and absolutely no insult to Mimi….' Piyomon was quite a bit of an airhead.

'Well, their champion levels proved otherwise.'

Now this… 'What does Sora mean? Who was she referring to?' This was very curious indeed! I was about to stand up until I felt Piyomon's feathered semi-wing-like arms kept me seated.

"No. Don't Koushiro. Don't disturb her." She looked away. "She's been like this before. She will calm down eventually. She will be all right."

"What do you mean, 'all right?'" I tried to look into the sky-blue eyes of Piyomon, but she kept turning away. "Piyomon, do you know what is troubling Sora?"

"I'm sorry. I don't know." Finally she turned to me. Her blue piercing eyes turned angry. "Even if I did know, I would never betray Sora by telling anyone else about anything personal to Sora without her consent! Even if they are her friends!"

Her outburst shocked me, but I was not surprised realizing how protective Piyomon was of Sora. "I understand, Piyomon." I then added, "I am just concerned for a friend. As with all of Sora's friends, if there is a problem, we just have to help."

Finally she calmed down a bit; her head hung in shame. "Your right. I'm sorry." She then said, "Well, she never talks to me about why she gets these angry fits."

"I hope you are right that she is okay," I said trying to sooth her feelings.

"I do too." She turned away. I faintly heard her whisper something to herself… "I wish… I knew why… Sora hates being like… whatever this thing called 'mother'…"

Now, I was puzzled beyond belief. 'What? Mother? Sora's Mother?'

I wondered what Piyomon meant by that. I know for a fact that Mrs.… no… Ms. Takenouchi was a very caring and kind woman. She owns and operates a humble flower shop with she and Sora's living area located on the store's second and third floors. It must be a challenge being a single parent. Still, neither Taichi, Kari, nor myself know about Sora's Father. I wanted to ask Ms. Takenouchi herself, but I felt it would be something too personal for me to know. I do know that Ms. Takenouchi cares a lot for Sora.

That was what Ms. Aino, the shop assistant, had told me. Ms. Aino and Ms. Takenouchi are very close friends I have noticed. They spend a lot of time together after work, while Sora stays at home to do her schoolwork. Sometimes I feel Sora slowly drifting away from her Mother. Sora avoids her Mother when I visit Sora, especially when Ms. Aino was around a lot-

"

HEY, IZZY DUDE!" Taichi's voice boomed again.

I was startled by Taichi's voice. I looked up and saw Taichi and Yamato towering over me, both with a questioning looks on their faces. No doubt they also heard Sora's… er… obscenities.

"What the hell happened with Sora, Izzy?" asked Taichi, cutting the decibel levels to one sixteenth of his recent outburst.

I did not know how to answer that. Using the potty excuse wouldn't work this time. I was about to give them the same questionable look when out of the brush came Sora! She emerged from the same brush were she disappeared earlier. To my amazement Sora had a pleasant smile plastered on her face. She was busy dusting off her hands. I noticed her fists were a bit bruised with bits of tree bark dust. Still, her hands were fine. There were no scars, cuts, or any blood. She was in fact taking Kempo Karate lessons for three years now. Her knuckles were like iron! After she cleaned her hands, she placed her red gloves back on. I just can't help but wonder how the unfortunate tree looked like now.

"Sora… Are you all right?" Taichi asked.

"I'm fine Taichi," Sora said with a smile.

"We heard you…" Yamato was about to say, but Sora cut him off.

"I was just practicing my… Chinese… Karate. Yeah." Somehow I don't believe her.

"Are you sure?" Taichi asked, very concerned.

"I'M FINE! JUST DROP IT OKAY!" Sora beamed happily as she said the later while maintaining a toothy grin. A very life threatening grin if that were possible.

Nobody said anything else. Satisfied, Sora grabbed one of the water bottles and took a few gulps.

…ding dong…

A strange familiar chime sound interrupted the silence…

"Hmm?" Sora mumbled with a mouth still full of water. She looked around for the source of the sound.

"What the hell was that?" asked Yamato.

Ding!

Recognizing the sound, I said, "It came from my laptop! Hold on." I picked up my Pineapple laptop. It was still closed. There was a little flashing green light on the left side that indicated that something was active on my desktop. I opened my laptop. Instantly, the female voice of my computer notified me…

"YOU'VE GOT MAIL."

Taichi stared in amazement at my Pineapple. "You got an email, Izzy? I thought you said the Internet connections did not work in the Digital World. Even your cell phone does not work here."

"I know that!" This is all strange. I was so confused. It did not make any sense. I cannot access anything beyond the Digital World. All my Internet browsers and email do not function here. It was as bad as using those pay phones in this strange world!

"So who sent it?" asked Sora.

I wanted to know too! I quickly clicked on the mailbox icon of my desktop. It opened up and sure enough there was the email file. I looked at the sender and I was shocked…

Desktop Izzy – Mailbox

You've got mail

from: gennai

No virus.

No attached files

I stared at the screen in disbelief. 'I don't believe it! It was this Gennai character again! What the hell? How did… WAIT! Something is different though… it was dot server now not dot file!'

"Izzy, do you know who sent it?" I heard Taichi's voice ask me.

Snapping out of my reverie, I finally made eye contact with Taichi. "Someone with the address gennai."

"Is it important, Izzy? This never happened before," queried Sora.

All I could say was, "I know… This shouldn't happen!"

"Well, what's it say, Izzy?" demanded Yamato.

I was too afraid to find out, but my curiosity got the better of me. I clicked on the open icon, and the email opened…

"Message reads…"

Desktop Izzy – Mailbox

SCAN...

Complete.

Pineapple_Knowledge

& Purity_Palm Reader
Choose wisely_a tree w_un_verse
us_port_Reply as one_Direct_nect

'Huh? Another incoherent message! Curious! This time, the REPLY button is… functioning?'

"Well?" asked Yamato.

I didn't answer… I was still shocked from this message which I thought I would never receive any more of them. Not here in the Digital World!

"Let's see it, Izzy," said Yamato. I absentmindedly let Yamato and the others have a look at the email.

"What? Pineapple… um U.S… B? Tree? Palm reading…"

Yamato muttered as he tried to decipher what was on screen. Finally he said, "What the –ck does that mean?"

This brought a groan from Taichi. "Hey, dude. Do you always use that kind of language? I thought you was supposed to set a better example for Takeru."

"Relax, dude man. He's waaay over-" However, Yamato was cut off by no other than…

"Hey, what ya guys doing?" piped Takeru.

"Great going, Yamato…"

I was still too absorbed to hear the others… This was strange. There was no way I could receive email here. There was one possibility. The only way I can receive email was by a laser link direct access. Only another equipped NAVI could do that. Someone who possibly knew my email address. The only person I know that has a NAVI here was… "MIMI!"

"What, dude?" asked Taichi…

"Mimi…" I replied.

Just then, Mimi burst from the brush. She was followed by Palmon struggling to carry both Mimi's filled basket as well as her own basket topped with fruits. Tentomon followed with his basket full of fruits. I could see that Mimi had her PalmNAVe in her hands!

'Well well. You speak of the devil…'

'I should have known! It was she all along! Before I left for summer camp! Right before I hacked into the Department of Health! She sent me those emails with the gennai address! Then, she tried to play innocent with me when I asked her about it! She said she received strange emails too! It was all a ruse! What was her game? Wait a minute! With all the excitement we've been through, I did not give her my email address yet. Did she hack it from me? That picture file of hers! Could it be a devious virus program of hers that unknowingly hacked into my system files?'

As Mimi came closer, I was prepared to get answers from her. I could see this very irritated look on her face. Once she was a meter away, from me, I stood up and turned my laptop screen to face her. I said…

"DID YOU SEND THIS?"
"DID YOU SEND THIS?"

I noticed she was saying something at the same time, so I stopped and asked…

"WHAT?"
"WHAT?"

She gave me a confused look. I could have sworn she said "What" too. She did not say anything else, so I asked her again…

"DID YOU SEND THIS?"
"DID YOU SEND THIS?"

I noticed again that she was saying something when I spoke. I could not make it out because I was busy asking her my question. Again I asked…

"WHAT?"
"WHAT?"

I paused… 'Did she say something?' I decided to wait… wait… 'Well?'

Finally she just rolled her eyes. "For crying out loud… WILL YOU STOP MOCKING ME, KOUSHIRO!" I heard her scream.

'What's up with her? Mocking her?'

It finally dawned on me. In our previous exchange, we WERE talking at the same time! To be more precise, WE WERE ASKING EACH OTHER THE SAME QUESTIONS!

"Um, Izzy… Mimi?" I heard Taichi voice… I was too busy in a discussion with Mimi and I did not want to be interrupted! Not to mention I was very irritated! I turned to him and snapped…

"WHAT?"
"WHAT?"

I am not sure if I should be surprised or not. Mimi also turned and spat the exact same thing the moment I did. This of course, shook up Taichi.

"Hey, calm down you two! What's this about?" he said with his hands up.

Without hesitation, Mimi and I pointed at each other in accusation and snapped…

"SHE'S BEEN HARASSING ME WITH EMAILS!"
"HE'S BEEN HARASSING ME WITH EMAILS!"

…at the same time…

"Okay…. One at a time, please?" said Taichi.

I was about to cut in first, but I knew it was still impolite. But, I was still so peeved at Mimi! 'All this time it was her!' No, I tried to calm down. I decided to let Mimi go first for whatever she had to say. I was still giving Mimi a slight hostile glare as I motioned with my hand for her to go first.

Mimi snorted at my efforts of being a gentleman as she turned to Taichi. With as much calmness she could muster, she spoke to Taichi. "Well, Taichi, for starters. Before I was dragged here on this crazy upside down world, I received numerous strange emails from this person." As she said the word person, Mimi was giving me an accusing look…

"Why are you looking at me like that for, Mimi? It's all your doing…" I said with venom.

"You are the one to talk!" Mimi bellowed.

"Hey, hey… Come on…" said Sora, trying to get in between Mimi and I. "Izzy, let's just hear her out okay?"

I just nodded and let the court drama play out.

Satisfied, Sora urged Mimi to continue. "Mimi? As you were saying?"

Mimi took a breath and made sure I was quiet. She continued, "All rightly… As I was saying… I received numerous strange email from this person with the email address with gennai on it."

"Okay… So, Mimi… what kind of emails were you receiving? Threatening emails?" Taichi asked.

"No. Just incoherent messages! Really goofy ones!" she said.

"Like what?" asked Yamato.

"Well, for one… 'Follow the Pineapple!'" Mimi… quoted?

I looked at her, confused. 'What? It was supposed to be 'Follow the Palm Reader!''

"Uh, Mimi? Did you just say, 'follow the pineapple?'" asked Taichi, that occasional look of total bewilderment plastered on his face.

"Yes," Mimi replied.

"What kind of-" Yamato was about to say.

"Sounds funny!" Takeru cut in.

"So what's so wrong with that? Bad form of poetry?" Sora speculated.

Mimi just continued, "The real strange part was that I could not save them!"

"Um… Yeah, so?" asked Taichi.

"Plus, when I try to respond or trace them, they are… gone!" Mimi added.

"Gone?" Sora said.

"Gone! Like I never received them at all! SOL or any other mailboxes do not function like that! No one can send an email over the SOL and then completely erase all existence of it!"

"Well I have… You know… to UNSEND mail, right?" Taichi asked.

"Well, that part is true, Taichi… but not after the receiver has viewed them!"

"Huh?"

Mimi added, "Okay, I have the email opened for viewing. Then about a minute or two after I had read the contents, it closes itself and is gone! No trace. The REPLY function was unavailable too!"

'Curious! That's what happened to my mailbox too! It was impossible to respond to the email. Then after it has been read it just deletes itself! So Mimi also had emails from this… WAIT A MINUTE! WHAT AM I SO SURPRISED THAT THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO HER? SHE IS THE ONE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE WHOLE THING!' I thought.

Taichi pondered about Mimi's statements for a moment and said, "I don't have much experience in anything like what you described. All I do is simple WRITE, SEND, OPEN, SAVE, and REPLY. Nothing really advanced. I thought that's what all email functions could only do. Still, what you describe does sound suspicious."

"Was it a computer virus?" Sora asked Mimi.

Mimi shook her head. "Thankfully, no. My Virus Shield would have warned me if it was a virus no matter where it came from."

I listened to Mimi argue her point of the whole thing to the others. I found it amusing. It was usually just I with Taichi and Sora that we tiredly engage in some simple kindergarten computer basics. Now they were talking on a similar basis of basic fundamentals of email functions with Mimi now. Of course, like myself, Mimi knew more about computers than both of them did…

Still I couldn't help but think, 'It doesn't change the fact of her involvement of this gennai fiasco. I KNOW she was behind it!' I listened as the conversation continues…

Sora said, "Might have been. It may have effected your virus protector or is something the protector could not detect yet."

Mimi sighed. "Well, it is too late for me to worry about that," Mimi said as she turned away for a moment. Then Mimi faced the rest of the group again and asked, "By the way, did any of you receive any strange email back home? Especially from Gennai?"

"Nope," Sora said.

"Not me," said Yamato.

"My Mother says I'm too young to have any email," said Takeru.

"I sure didn't," said Taichi. "Well, if I did, I wouldn't know. Right now our family computer room is still a mess!"

'That's true…'

I thought. The Yagami version of a family computer room resembled a playground of a disreputable under funded daycare center!

"I'm not sure about Jyou…" Sora said. Unfortunately, Jyou was unavailable for interrogation by Mimi. Jyou as well as Gomamon were still fishing, unaware of the inquisition happening here.

Now Mimi glanced at me… a real accusing look. I thought she was about to ask me the same question… Not that I cared… Well, she didn't. She turned away from my gaze and addressed the others again. "It happened twice before I came to this world. Well, I did not think of it as much… until I received this!" She held up her PalmNAVe to Taichi's face. The others gathered around to see what was on it… "See? This is from that same person! This Gennai character! The address is a little different this time, but it is the same guy! I know it is!"

Taichi looked at Mimi's PalmNAVe to read its contents. "Hey, yeah! It's the same guy!" As Taichi finished looking at the PalmNAVe screen, he turned to Yamato and said, "Here, check this out, dude!" He gave the NAVI to Yamato for him to look at it.

Yamato took it. Before he looked at the screen, he asked Mimi, "So you received an email just now too? Like Izzy?"

Mimi looked at them confused and shrugged. "Whatever…"

Yamato looked at the screen contents and replied, "Hmmm… You are right about that same guy. Weird… More goofy words… It's almost like someone was typing with his fists!"

"I wanna see!" cried Takeru. Yamato kneeled down for Takeru to look at it. I was skeptical that Takeru was knowledgeable enough to know how to navigate on a PalmNAVe. I also was quite skeptical if he can even decipher the message either, despite it being apparently written with an IQ lower than Takeru's! "Wow! That's a neat toy, Mimi," Takeru said.

I groaned silently to myself, 'Just as I thought.'

Yamato laughed and gave Mimi's NAVI to Sora.

"Okay, how about you, Izzy? You seem to have been contacted by this Gennai person. What were your messages like?" Taichi asked me.

I did not answer Taichi. I was waiting for Sora to finish her turn with the NAVI. I wanted to see for myself what was on Mimi's PalmNAVe… "Well, what do you know… It is the same message that was on Izzy's laptop alright," speculated Sora. "It's a bit switched in the beginning though."

Instead of giving me a chance to see Mimi's NAVI, Mimi took her NAVI back from Sora. The expression on her face seemed bright now… "HA! Well, then!" Mimi pointed to me and said, "If Koushiro, has it on his computer… IT PROVES THAT HE WAS THE ONE THAT COMPOSED IT AND SENT IT TO ME!"

I blinked… 'What? How dare she accuse me of sending her email when she was the one behind it!' I walked over to the group and confronted Mimi. "I did not send you anything! You did, Mimi! You sent me an email!"

"What are you talking about, Koushiro?" Mimi demanded.

"You were the one that sent me…" I groaned in frustration. This was going nowhere. "Let me see that, Mimi," I said, motioning to her PalmNAVe.

She was about to protest, but spat, "Sure… Knock yourself out, Gennai!" She held out her NAVI.

I ignored her comment, and took her PalmNAVe. I looked at the screen…

Desktop Mimi – Mailbox

Ver 6.0Mailbox

From Gennai server

Viewer

Palm Reader_Purity

& Knowledge_Pineapple
Choose wisely_a tree w_un_verse
us_port_Reply as one_Direct_nect

'It appears to be a mailbox opened… REPLY is visible… It looks normal… Nah! She must be faking it!'

The message looks the same as mine, but some of the words were switched…

"What is it, Gennai? Checking for mistakes?" I heard Mimi say in a really cocky tone. "I must admit, your grammar and vocabulary usage is appalling!" she said as she snatched back her PalmNAVe from my hands.

I groaned… "Mimi, I did not email you anything!" To satisfy her, I picked up my laptop again to run a few diagnostics. I clicked on my Mail Sent icon and opened up the history. As I have always known… NOTHING! "See? Here!" I practically shoved my laptop to her face to let her have a good look. "NO-OUT-GOING-MAIL!" I said as I slowly pronounced each syllable just so I would not be misunderstood. "I am not even this Gennai character either!" I added.

"W-well, I did not send anything either!" She punched a few buttons on her PalmNAVe. After a few seconds, a reassuring smirk appeared on her face. She shoved her NAVI in my face. "Look at mine! My mailbox has not had any outgoing mail!"

I didn't even care to look at it. With all the pent up frustration building up in me, I said very coldly, "You could program it to fake that."

Okay, this really set her off. She started to tremble as the rage burned inside of her. She stomped right up to my face and bellowed, "H-HOW DARE YOU! I WOULD NEVER DO SUCH A THING!"

I didn't even look at her. My head was turned slightly away from her and my eyes were closed. "It shouldn't be hard… for someone like you…" I answered her back.

"O-OH YEAH? YOU MENTIONED IT BECAUSE YOU ARE THE ONE THAT COULD DO IT! I BET YOU MUST HAVE MESSED WITH YOUR MAILBOX TO COVER YOUR TRACKS FOR SENDING ME THIS!" Mimi yelled.

I was getting very tired of her playing innocent! I finally opened my eyes and faced her. I equally matched her menacing glare… despite the fact she was taller! One might have felt and seen the polarized charges crackling between our glares…

"MIMI, FOR THE LAST TIME, I DID NOT EMAIL YOU ANYTHING! I DON'T EVEN KNOW YOUR -DDAMN EMAIL ADDRESS!" I yelled back.

"THEN HOW DID YOU SEND THIS?" she retorted as she motioned to her NAVI.

"I DID NOT SEND YOU ANYTHING, MIMI! YOU SENT ME!"

"Yeah, right… You must have gotten my email address somehow!" she replied as she seemed to be thinking about something.

'I can't believe she still thinks I am the one that sent her the email. Clearly it was she!'

I just sighed and replied a little calmer, "I already said I don't have or know your email address, Mimi."

Mimi seemed to be in deep thought for a moment then… "AHA! YOU HAD MY NAVI FOR AWHILE IN THAT TEMPLE RUINS, YOU KNOW!"

'I don't believe it!'

Ignoring her remark, I decided to add a few allegations of my own! "OH YEAH? WELL, WHAT ABOUT THAT PICTURE FILE! I BET IT WAS VIRUS PROGRAM TO BREACH MY COMPUTER TO EXTRACT INFORMATION FROM MINE TO YOURS WITHOUT THE COMPUTER ON!"

This caught her off guard. "W-WHAT THE F- What the… What… WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?"

I continued with my accusation, even though it did not make any sense to begin with. "YOUR FAMILY PHOTO FILE! I BET IT HAD A HIDDEN FILE TO COMPROMISE MY HARD DRIVE TO SECRETLY TRANSMIT ANYTHING PERSONAL TO ME! YOU GOT MY EMAIL ADDRESS FROM THAT!"

"Family photo?" I heard Sora ask, but apparently we both ignored her…

After a few moments, Mimi finally replied, "You are accusing me of… of all that is precious to me… you… you… I DO NOT KNOW HOW TO DO SUCH THINGS!"

I tried to come up with some evidence of her crime… 'AHA!' Finally I confronted her again. "WELL, YOU HAVE A SIPHON FILTER PROGRAM ON YOUR NAVI! I SAW IT! PLUS, AN ICEBREAKER, THE REBUS ICEBERG EDITION! YOU HAVE A LASER USB CONNECTOR-"

"WELL, YOU HAVE ALL OF THAT STUFF TOO!" Mimi screamed.

Now this caught me off guard. She was right… "S-So?" I blurted.

"KNOCK IT OFF, YOU TWO!"

It was Sora. She had her gloves off now. Mimi and I turned back to each other and decided to back away.

Taichi spoke. "I think you guys should just settle down and discuss this in a civilized manner."

"Yes, enough of this yelling! It's getting us nowhere. You're making everyone upset," Yamato said.

Sora walked up to us and calmly placed each of her hands on our shoulders. She spoke in a much softer tone now. "So just for now, Mimi… Izzy… Whatever it is with this email stuff, you two should calm down. For a start, please, apologize to each other. We are friends, and we shouldn't be fighting."

"Once we settle down, we can all sort out this so-called email problem," Taichi said.

I released myself from Sora's hand as a turned away. "What's there to discuss?" I said. "Like I suspected all along, it's Mimi-"

"Izzy, come on!" Sora said.

I continued, "Mimi is obviously the guilty one. I still say she's the one who's responsible; therefore, she should be the one to be questioned..."

"Ha! Bullsh-" Mimi was about to finish but was caught off…

"MIMI!" cried everyone else, except Takeru, who had no clue.

Mimi straightened herself up. "Well, I stated my case! I assure you, Koushiro, I did not send you any email! I have absolutely nothing to do with it! I do have the suspicion that you were behind it!" she spat.

"Give me a break, Mimi…" I sighed.

"Jeez! You guys are impossible!" cried Yamato.

Taichi then spoke, "Come on, Mimi… We shouldn't just pass judgement until we-"

"If you expect me to even begin by apologizing to him, FORGET IT!" Mimi said, as she folded her arms and turned away.

"Apologize?" I scoffed. "I am not going to say anything, since all of it is her…" I said with a nod of my head in Mimi direction, "doing." I then added, "Come to think of it, I think Mimi is part of an alien plot-"

I heard Mimi gasped. She turned and faced me again. Now Mimi was steaming! "ARE YOU CALLING ME AN ALIEN?"

I just replied with a smirk, "I think the description would apply-"

Mimi cut me off and screamed, "W-WELL, SAME GOES TO YOU! YOU… YOU… CONNIVING CIGARETTE SMOKING… MACKEREL… ALIEN… JAR JAR JERK!"

It took me awhile to decipher what she just called me. Maybe I shouldn't…

"FINE!" I countered.

"FINE!" Mimi replied back.

We both turned away from each other with our arms folded and eyes closed. It might have seemed like minutes until a voice broke the silence…

"Ummm… Excuse me, but could I interrupt this discussion?"

Everyone turned towards the source of the voice… It was none other than…

"Jyou?" Sora said.

Jyou just smiled and said, "I was thinking… Could it be possible that Mimi and Koushiro are both telling the truth?"

'What is he talking about?'

I thought.

"What are you saying, Jyou?" asked Taichi.

"You don't think…" Yamato was about to say… until Mimi cut in…

"JYOU! WHAT ARE SAYING? ARE YOU SAYING KOUSHIRO AND I ARE EMAILING EACH OTHER? YOU THINK THIS IS SOME SORT OF SICK GAME?" Mimi yelled.

Jyou held up his hands in defense, "No. That is not what I am applying."

Mimi calmed down, a hint of shame in her voice. "Oh… I am sorry, Jyou."

"No need to apologize, Mimi." He pushed up the bridge of his drooping eyeglasses with his index finger and continued... "What I am trying to say is that Mimi AND Koushiro received email from this one person… this Gennai person. Maybe, just maybe, that there is a third party involved in this."

"Oh…" Mimi said.

"If I remember correctly, Mimi… You said that you received email from this person prior to our adventures here. Correct?" Jyou asked.

Mimi nodded. "The email address is a bit different, but… yes. Two messages, Jyou."

"Okay, and Koushiro…" Jyou turned to me and asked, "Have you received any messages from this Gennai prior to us being in the Digital World?"

I nodded, "Yes, Jyou."

"I take it, as with Mimi, that you also received at least two from Gennai with a different address?" Jyou asked.

"Affirmative," I replied.

"Okay. I will not go into what these prior messages were, but I do know that you two were too quick to blame the other. Sure the obvious is that only another NAVI in this world can send emails to the other, like your Pineapple and Mimi's…er… oversized PDA. However, you two are also missing the obvious," Jyou said.

"Go on," I said.

"Go on," Mimi said.

Jyou continued, "The both of you have not known each other before our adventures here. If I remembered correctly, you two live in opposite ends of the Odaiba district. You two do not go to the same school either. Correct?"

Mimi nodded. "Correct. I-I first met Koushiro on the tour coach." Mimi then added, "I reside in the northern most part of Odaiba. I attend Odaiba Konan Private Academy for Girls."

"Well, so do I." Realizing what I just said, I quickly corrected myself. "I-I mean I reside in the central part of Odaiba. I attend Odaiba Junior High with Sora and Taichi. I am in a special advance class. I only met Mimi on the tour coach as well."

"You guys mean bus, right?" asked Taichi. Suddenly he let out a slight yelp. Sora just nudged him in the ribs to keep quiet. Unfortunately Sora can be a bit excessive without her knowing it. "Owww…" Taichi winced as he clutched his side.

"Hush," hissed Sora.

Jyou just continued, "Also, you two have never given or known each other's email address? Even after your adventures in the temple ruins?"

"Correct."

"Affirmative."

Jyou nodded. "I see… Unless one of you hacked into SOL, which I seriously doubt…"

I almost coughed… I tried not too. I might incriminate myself. Of course I did NOT hack into SOL! It was not that I would or want to hack into SOL. I could, but I am not like that. Well… only if it was necessary. I noticed Mimi was trying to look aloof as well. I had to smile. 'She felt the same way as I do too.'

Jyou continued, "Therefore, I believe in the both of you. Besides the fact that we are stuck here in the Digital World, the thing that connects you two is this Gennai person. It is safe to rule out it all being just coincidence. I theorize that this Gennai is from this world… aaaand…"

"Whomever or whatever Gennai is sent us these emails from this world to our own and now?" Mimi continued for him.

Jyou smiled at Mimi. "Precisely! Who knows? Maybe there are more than just Digimon here. As what you two have discovered about us, we are called the DigiDestined. Perhaps it IS destiny that we have been brought here. Maybe someone or something here knows that too and has been trying to communicate to you two for awhile. Even before we were brought to this world."

"That makes sense," Mimi said.

"Why send only us?" I asked Jyou.

"I don't know. Maybe because you two like each… I mean… like computers?" Jyou speculated.

"But everyone does," Mimi said.

Jyou cleared his throat before answering. "But not as wild as you two… seeing that you two do… work together well? You see, all of us are known to be DigiDestined. Destiny… I am sure someone foreseen our arrival here. Now this person appears to be this Gennai person or whatever it may be. This Gennai knows that both of you have an interest in computers far greater than then the rest us. Plus everything about this place seems to dwell on things like computers and such. Therefore, why not try to communicate to you two first by the natural means of this world to our own world?"

Both Mimi and I nodded in understanding…

"If you go that route, I suggest you both work together on this. Agreed?" Jyou said to both of us.

"You know what? I agree with Jyou!" Mimi said with a cheerful smile on her face.

"Me too!" I said.

"Thank you so much, Jyou." She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek… 'Why do I feel a little envious of Jyou… Nah!'

Jyou blushed and said, "My pleasure, Mimi."

I just walked over to Jyou and extended my hand. "Yes. Thank you, Jyou. Prodigious deductive reasoning." Jyou took my hand and we both shook together. 'Of course I wouldn't give him a kiss on the cheek!'

"No problem," Jyou said as he gave me a pleasant grin. Then he pushed up his eyeglasses again with his middle finger. He then casually turned and walked to where Gomamon was sitting with the wicker baskets full of fish. 'Hmmm… Amazing! Jyou and I have finally establish meaningful communication with each other after all this time and…'

Something did not seem right…

'WAIT A MINUTE! Did Jyou just give me the finger?'

I watched him walk over to Gomamon to check over the fish… 'Nah! He was just pushing up his constantly drooping eyeglasses as usual.'

"Um, Koushiro?" I heard Mimi's voice say.

I turned to face her and replied, "Yes, Mimi?"

She held her head down. "I am sorry that I thought you were responsible for the emails. Please forgive me, Koushiro."

I couldn't help but feel the same way. I acted so foolishly. "I am sorry too, Mimi," I said. Then I remembered... in guilt I looked down and added, "I-I was out of line about bringing the photo-" I then looked around to make the other's weren't listening in. "your family photo into this. I apologize. I'm sorry."

I felt Mimi hug me... "All is forgiven" she whispered to my ear. I returned her hug. I felt better... We both were now.

We released each other. I hope the others weren't watching most of our exchange... especially Jyou!

Mimi made a smile, "After all this time… And Jyou figured it out. I feel like a fool, Koushiro."

I had to agree with her on that… "So do I, Mimi." I then realized something and added, "Um, Mimi… you can still call me-"

Mimi looked down again and said, "Oh, I am sorry, Koushiro. I just did not believe you would still think of me as your-"

I placed my hands on her shoulders. She looked up at me and I have her a reassuring smile. "It's okay Mimi. Not even our little argument back there could ever effect our friendship, Mimi."

"Friends?" she asked, placing a hand over my hand.

I released my hands from her shoulder and said. "Friends as always, Mimi." Mimi extended her as I took her hand in mines. We both shook our hands.

With all the cheerfulness on her face she said, "Well! Let us not waist any time on this, okay Izzy? I want to get to the bottom of this!"

I was glad she called me Izzy again. "My thoughts exactly, Mimi!"

She returned my smile and grabbed my hand. Now hand in hand, we both headed toward the lotus tree. As we walked, I could see the others already settled around the lotus tree. I could also see Gabumon and Agumon there. Apparently they were finished with their game.

Mimi turned her head to look at me and asked, "Should we trust Gennai? I mean should we do this?"

"I do now." I said.

"Why do you feel that way?"

"Well, I don't know why. I just believe it may be a chance for us to find a way home!" I said.

"You think so?" Mimi asked.

"I could be wrong… but what choice do we have. This maybe our only clue."

Mimi thought for a moment and said, "I hope it is not something that would put us in danger again."

"I am sure we can handle it," I replied with confidence.

"Then I guess I do agree with you to go forward with this," she said.

"That is what I am going to tell Taichi and the others. Hopefully they would agree also."

13 minutes later…

"So what have you two found out?" asked Taichi.

"From what we could decipher from our messages… we have to find some sort of special a tree 'wisely.' The rest looks too garbled. So I guess we just find the tree first." Mimi replied.

This seemed to satisfy Taichi. "Okay… And then what, you guys?"

I continued for Mimi, "We have to reply as one. Our email messages are still on our system, despite the fact we cannot save them or compose a letter to respond. So I figured the next step is for Mimi and I to simply press the REPLY function on both our NAVIs at the same time. We both would send a blank response to the email. We have to do this near… that special tree."

"We just have to start looking for this special tree now," Mimi said.

Yamato groaned, "Oh great! Are we going to be walking around the forests again?"

I quickly said, "No, Mimi and I decided to start with trees that contain electrical sockets."

"So which tree, you guys?" asked Taichi. "The one over there?" Taichi asked, pointing to the cypress-like lotus tree.

"No! I'd say, that one!" I said, pointing to the Banyan-like tree where all of our food and water were placed, the epson-stylus tree. Plus it was the one that contained the strange outlet Tentomon and I spotted earlier.

"Why?" Taichi asked.

Mimi looked at me confused and asked, "Why, Izzy? There is no outlet on the epson-stylus tree. I checked with our program."

"I know. I have too. But, this tree does have one! Plus it is a bit unique from the other outlets we have spotted," I said.

"It has an outlet?" she asked.

"Yes, Mimi."

Taichi was still confused. "But why not start with the locust tree and…"

"That's LOTUS tree!" corrected Palmon. She sounded a bit offended.

"OKAY! The lucas tree!" Taichi said slowly.

Palmon just sighed in defeat. Everyone else including myself just sweat dropped. However, Taichi failed to notice this and he continued…

"Why not start with that?" Taichi was about to question us further until noticed that Mimi walked off. I figured she wanted to examine the outlet on the epson-stylus tree closely. "Uh Mimi?" Taichi said, trying to get her attention.

Instead of answering Taichi, Mimi examined the outlet on the tree roots further. "Strange… How could our Outlet Finder program fail to find this... if it is an electrical socket..." I heard her murmur. She flipped open the cover to reveal a…

"WHOA! A USB PORT!" she yelled.

"WHAT?" I cried.

"A UNIVERSAL SERIAL BUS PORT RIGHT HERE IN THE TREE!" she cried in delight.

I ran to Mimi's side to examine the outlet. It couldn't be… but it was! "Mimi's right! This is not an electrical outlet! IT'S A USB PORT!"

"A what?" asked Taichi.

Mimi ignored Taichi and asked me, "Did you notice this?"

"Well, I thought it was just an electrical outlet! I did not need it at the time and I did not open the cover," I stated.

"Could this mean…" Mimi trailed off as she and I started to piece things together…

"Choose wisely a tree… with… a Universal Serial Bus Port!"

We both shared a look of astonishment. Realization sunk in. After all of our bickering before hand… Jyou was right! And definitely there was someone or something here that tried to contact us all along!

"Um, excuse me, Izzy… Mimi…"

We both turned to Taichi but we did not feel like answering him. We just waited for him to continue.

Taichi finally asked us, "You've both decided on this tree then?"

"YES!" we both cried with excitement.

Taichi continued, "Because… I think we should move our food supply away."

"Excuse me?" Mimi questioned.

"The food, guys! We placed the food and water under this tree! I suggest we move them away before you start anything!" Taichi said.

I nodded in agreement and replied, "I agree. Who knows, I am still sure this is an evil alien trick to-"

Mimi interrupted me and yelled, "WOULD YOU STOP IT WITH THE ALIENS, IZZY!"

I sweat dropped and just chuckled, "Sorry, Mimi. I was just joking."

"Rrrrr… Very funny," Mimi pouted.

"Guys, come on…" Sora tried to say.

"I'm sorry, Mimi."

Mimi just shook her head and smiled. "Oh, all right, Izzy."

Finally Taichi continued, "Okay… Now let's move the food away as far as possible. I don't want you two starting a forest fire and frying the food and everything!"

Everyone groaned, "Taichi…"

3 minutes…

"Hmmm… I think we need to be connected to the USB port as well," I speculated.

"Directly?" Mimi asked.

I nodded to her. "Yes, I figured what the last part of our message means. 'Direct connection.'"

Mimi looked at the tree and her PalmNAVe disapprovingly. "But both of us use the new laser I/O port. Even my folding keyboard uses it. I do not have a standard USB cable with me."

I was disappointed also. "Neither do I but… Wait! I have a USB dock station!" I quickly hurried and opened my laptop carrying case. I found what I was looking for and pulled out an old Belkin brand 4 port Hub USB dock station with laser capability! "Prodigious! I almost left this thing at home. It was useless on the trip anyway. I forgot that I still had it! Thank goodness I did!"

"Let us see," Mimi said.

I held it up to her. "Here. This hub has a laser adapter as well! 2.0 too. I can plug it directly into the USB on the tree! It can receive multiple laser link tasks at the same time. We both can use our NAVIs together and respond!"

"Excellent!" Mimi said with a huge smile.

I quickly plugged the Hub into the USB port socket on the tree and quickly made my way back to Mimi's side. My Pineapple was ready for action. "Okay, I'm set." I turned to Mimi with her PalmNAVe. "Are you set, Mimi?"

She turned to me with a smirk and said, "Of course I'm ready… Gennai."

I almost lost it. "Ugh! MIMI! I THOUGHT WE SETTLED THIS?" I cried.

All I saw was Mimi smiling at me. "I was just joking, Izzy! Sorry!" She smiled and shrugged at the same time.

My face faulted…

"Awww Mimi…" Palmon sighed.

I felt Mimi's hand on mine. I looked up to her eyes as Mimi spoke. "Izzy, I AM sorry. I will not ever doubt you again."

I returned her smile. "Okay… Mimi… I won't doubt you either. And I won't bring up aliens ever again!"

"AGREED!" she beamed.

"Deal?" I asked.

"Deal," Mimi said as we shook our hands in agreement.

Finally I heard Tentomon say behind us, "Thank goodness, Palmon. I thought we were going to go through another round of NOISE!"

Palmon replied, "Yeah. You know what, Tentomon?"

"What?" Tentomon asked.

Palmon gave a small laugh and said, "Next time they start getting into their stupid arguments, you give Mimi a shock treatment with your Puchi Thunder, and I would paralyze Izzy with my Stinky Stench! We can keep them sedated until we know for certain they are socially fit to reenter society as we know it."

"AGREED!" said Tentomon.

Mimi and I looked at each other and then at our Digimon behind us. Palmon had a pleasant grin on her face as if the conversation between the two Digimon never happened. For Tentomon, despite his insect-like mandibles, I couldn't help but feel that he too was grinning. However, I feared it was grin that would send chills down my spine! A sense of uneasiness washed over Mimi and I…

1 minute…

"Okay people! Brace yourselves…" I yelled to the others who were a good distance from the epson-stylus tree plus Mimi and I.

"On the count of three?" Mimi asked me.

I nodded. It was now or never! With our NAVIs ready, we proceeded. "Here we go… one… two… THREE!"

…tap…beep…REPLY

Nothing seemed to happen… until…

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

"Whoa!" I said as I watched my desktop flicker red. 'Oh no! Did we do something wrong?' Maybe we weren't supposed to do this! I dread that in our optimistic curiosity we had just got suckered into unleashing a major computer virus on our desktops! 'Oh fu-'

"YIKES! MY DESKTOP IS TURNING RED!" Mimi cried. I could see her punch her keys in desperation trying to log off… to no avail. Both she and I contemplated on covering the laser link on our NAVIs, but that would not work. The laser modulation was set to go through anything, even human flesh. My only solution was to forcefully pull the USB adapter out of the tree socket!

I heard Sora from a distance say, "Is something wrong, guys… OH SH-"

Sora was cut-off by Takeru… "HEY, THE TREE'S GONE!" he yelled.

"Wha-"

I looked up from my scrambled desktop to see where the tree… was. Sure enough, the epson-stylus tree was gone! In its place was this circular disk-like object on the ground. It seemed to be rooted into place by metal ring support. The disk looked like a giant convex lens about a quarter of a meter in diameter.

"What is that thing?" Mimi asked, forgetting the desktop fiasco happening on both our NAVIs.

Before any of us could provide an explanation, a pink beam shot out of the lens a few meters from the ground up. A soft humming sound being emitted by the object could be heard. Within the beam I could see a shape forming, a silhouette of some sort. Within seconds the silhouette started to take shape. It appeared humanoid…

'A hologram?'

"Greetings, DigiDestined…"

Everyone nearly jumped as a strange elderly voice was heard from the silhouette. It addressed us! The features began to become clear… It appeared to be an image of an old man. A very… cartoon-like old man. 'Was it an image of a Digimon we have never encountered before?' He was short with a long gray mustache under his large nose. He had a fare to bone white complexion. He was bald except for one long pony tailed mass of gray hair on the top his head. He was dressed in some sort of black ceremonial robe with red and gold trimming. He adorned on his feet a pair of red… sneakers? His large eyes were closed as if he was asleep…

'Was this who I think it is?'

I was about to turn to Mimi when the image spoke again…

"A few of you may know me…

My name is Genm-(static)…

Call me (static) Gen (static) Gennai…"

To be continued…