Disclaimer: I do not own any of the official Digimon characters.

Last time, the Tamers had just reached Nagano and gotten their hotel rooms. Juri and the boys decided to spend some time in the pool while Ruki and Renamon worked out in the gym. Afterwards, all of them went to the hotel restaurant and had an all-you-can-eat buffet. Now let's find out what they're going to do next.

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Chapter 3: SKIS, SNOWBOARDS, AND MOTORCYCLES

Takato awoke to the sound of the shower in the bathroom running. He looked over to see that Guilmon was still asleep next to him. Cyberdramon was still snoozing in his chair. Glancing over at the other bed, Takato saw that Ryo and Terriermon were still asleep.

"That must mean that Lee is in the shower," thought Takato. He stretched and got out of bed. "I wonder what we'll be doing today?" He pondered this for a while. Takato heard the water go off in the bathroom and guessed that Lee was done with his shower. He waited a minute or two before going to the bathroom. He found Lee in front of the mirror in his boxers drying his hair with the hairdryer.

"Morning, Takato," said Lee, "Did you sleep well last night?"

"Morning, Lee," replied Takato, "Yeah, I slept okay."

"Good," said Lee, "because we're going on the slopes today."

"We're skiing today?" asked Takato.

"Actually, I was going to try snowboarding," said Lee.

"Good idea. I think I'll try it, too," said Takato.

"Are you sure?" asked Lee, "It's much harder than skiing a when you fall, it REALLY hurts. Trust me. The very first time I tried it, I couldn't sit down for a week afterwards."

"It can't be that bad, can it?" asked Takato.

"Oh yes it can," said Lee, "Have you even skied before?"

"Only a little," answered Takato, "Maybe you're right. I'll ski this time and snowboard the next." At that moment, Ryo stumbled into the bathroom.

"What have you guys been talking about?" he asked, "I want in."

"We were just talking about going skiing today," said Takato.

"Sounds fine to me," said Ryo and let out a big yawn, "I'll snowboard." The three boys quickly changed out of their sleepwear and into their street clothes before waking the others. Takato pounded on the door of Room 2120 until someone answered it. Kenta appeared at the door in cream-colored pajamas.

"This better be important," said Kenta, "It's 6:45 in the morning."

"We're going skiing!" said Takato cheerfully. Kenta suddenly snapped to full attention.

"Skiing?" he asked.

"Skiing," repeated Takato.

"Sure, I'll come," said Kenta, "I'll wake Kazu up and then we can all go eat before we ski."

"Okay. See you in a while," said Takato. In a few minutes, the seven Tamers and their Digimon met up in the hotel restaurant. They quickly ate breakfast and went back to their rooms to get their skiing gear while Lee went over to the concierge to pick up a schedule of bus departure times.

"Did you get my stuff?" asked Lee when they came back down.

"Yeah, we got it," said Takato.

"So when do we leave?" asked Ruki.

"Well, according to this bus schedule, the next bus to the slopes arrives in approximately six minutes," answered Lee.

"Let's go wait," said Juri. The Tamers all stood by the lobby doors and waited. In about six minutes, the bus came by.

"You kids going skiing?" asked the bus driver.

"Is that a rhetorical question?" asked Ruki. The Tamers got on the bus and sat down. Lee had brought along Terriermon, and Takato had brought along Guilmon. Everyone guessed that Renamon would probably be riding on the roof of the bus while Cyberdramon flew. Takato looked around at the other Tamers and himself. He hardly ever got the chance to wear his winter clothes, nor did the others. Takato was wearing a blue ski jacket, navy-blue snow pants, a yellow and blue striped scarf, his goggles, and a pair of blue ski gloves. Ruki wore a black ski jacket, black ski gloves, and a red scarf along with her jeans. Aside from his usual wear, Lee was dressed in a green ski jacket and grey gloves. He also wore an orange scarf around his neck. Kazu had a grey pullover sweater, gloves, and his visor. Ryo's skiwear included a maroon fleece pullover, black ski gloves, and a black toque. Juri wore a light-colored jacket along with a hat and mittens. As for Kenta, everyone got quite a laugh. Kenta was wearing a grey one-piece snowsuit that he hand since three years ago and it still fit him. It even came with attached gloves.

"Come on, you guys! It's all I have," said Kenta.

"So how long's the trip to the hill?" asked Kazu.

"First of all, it's not a hill. We're going to the mountains," said Lee, "Secondly, we'll get there in about an hour."

"One hour? That's a long ways away!" said Takato, "Don't you think so, Juri?" Takato looked over at Juri and was surprised to find that she had fallen asleep, resting her head on Takato's chest. He smiled and placed a hand on Juri's head and gently stroked her hair.

"Isn't that something?" said Lee, "Look at them, Takato and Juri. So peaceful-minded and relaxed."

"Look, Lee. I know we're going out and all, but I do NOT go for that cute stuff," said Ruki.

"I never said our relationship had to be cute," said Lee.

"No, but you were implying that it should," said Ruki.

"It can't hurt to have a bit of cuteness here and there, can it?" said Lee.

"Yes it can," replied Ruki, "I'm a tough girl. Cute things just ruin my rep."

"Then maybe I'll just find someone else who'd appreciate a little cuteness on occasion," said Lee.

"Do that and I'll punch you so hard you won't ever be able to have kids," threatened Ruki.

"Okay," said Lee, quickly. The last thing he ever wanted was to get hit by Ruki. Though he hadn't actually experienced it first hand, Lee had seen Ruki beat the living daylights out of other people and he knew that Ruki had one of the hardest punches in the world.

The ride lasted for about an hour. During the ride, Takato and Lee had also fallen asleep. Takato had his head resting on Juri's. Finally, the slope came into view and the tamers got off the bus.

"Bunny hill, here I come!" said Kenta.

"Let's go get our lift passes & gear," said Ryo. The seven Tamers walked over to the pass counter and each purchased a one-day lift pass. Then they went into the lodge with their Digimon. It was a fairly big lodge. It even had private rooms for anyone who had a ski club membership and Lee's family just happened to have a ski club membership. There were two large tables, some nice chairs, a big window with curtains and blinds, a bathroom, a radio, a TV, a couch, and a mini-bar.

"This is kinda nice," said Kazu as he plopped down on the couch.

"Lee, this must've cost you a fortune," said Ruki.

"Only about three hundred yen," said Lee.

"Cool! Bathroom's even got towels and colognes," said Ryo after exploring the bathroom.

"Can we just get to the rental shop?" asked Ruki, impatiently.

"Let's not keep Ruki waiting," said Lee. The Tamers left their Digimon in the room and headed over to the rental shop. Takato had trouble getting his boot on.

"I can't get it on!" said Takato.

"Here Takato," said Lee and gave Takato a slightly larger pair of ski boots, "Try these on." Takato took the boots and put them on.

"Hey! They fit!" Takato said as he snapped on the bindings, "Thanks, Lee."

"Don't mention it," said Lee, who was already wearing his snowboarding boots. The Tamers all regrouped before going to collect their skis and snowboards. The attendants each one of them for their weight and came back with the right skis and boards. In a few minutes, all seven kids stood outside the rental shop entrance with their gear.

"Wow! I haven't skied in such a long time," said Takato as he snapped on his skis, "I'll go practice on the bunny hill for a bit."

"I think that's a good idea," said Lee, "Let's all start on the bunny hill." The Tamers walked (or cross-country skied) over to the bunny hill. They were surprised by how many people were lining up for the towrope.

"Must be kids taking lessons," said Lee. The Tamers waited patiently in line for their turn to go up. When his turn came up, Takato stood there stupefied.

"Point your skis forward, tuck your poles under your arm & grab the rope," said Lee. Takato did as told by Lee and pretty soon, he was being pulled up the slope by the rope. The others followed. Lee stopped about halfway up the bunny hill, since this was his first time snowboarding. He sat down on the snow and strapped his left foot to his board. Ruki did the same.

"Ready, Ruki?" asked Lee as he got up.

"Is that a rhetorical question?" answered Ruki and took off. She maneuvered her snowboard like a professional. Lee was absolutely stunned by just how good she was.

"That is one tough woman," said Lee as he continued to stare in awe at Ruki.

"Hello! Earth to Lee!" said Ryo. He was standing next to Lee with his feet already strapped to his board. "What're waiting for? Get going!" And with that, he gave Lee a push and sent him down the slope.

Meanwhile, Takato was putting his hands through the loops of his ski poles. "This is going to be so great!" he thought out loud. He pulled his goggles over his eyes and pushed himself down the hill.

"Takato!" shouted a voice. Takato looked over to see Juri skiing not to far from him.

"Hey Juri!" he called back.

"Takato!" screamed Juri, "Look out!" Takato looked forwards just in time to see the snow bank rush right up to him. He hit the snow bank with full force.

"Takato!" shouted Juri & skied right up to the bank. All she could see where two skis and a pole sticking out of the snow. "Takato, can you hear me?" Takato groaned as he sat up from under a pile of snow. He spat out a couple of leaves and a bit of snow and breathed heavily for a bit.

"I'm fine Juri," he said.

"Don't ever do that to me again!" said Juri.

"Juri," said Takato, "I..."

"BAD!" said Juri through her puppet. Takato couldn't believe it. Juri had actually brought that thing with her to the slope?

"And for being bad, I'm going to have to punish you!" said Juri.

"Punish...me?" asked Takato as he slowly backed away, "Juri, can't we talk about this peacefully?" Juri grabbed Takato's ski jacket and pulled him close. She lifted his goggles from his face and placed her lips on his.

"THIS is what Juri calls punishment?" wondered Takato, "This is more like a reward!" After he and Juri pulled apart Takato asked her, "Juri, you said you were going to punish me. Why'd you kiss me?"

"That was a joke, you silly goose!" said Juri, laughing. Takato's face turned beet-red. He suddenly realized that he was still stuck in the snow bank. With some help from Juri, he pulled himself free. Juri brushed the snow off Takato, but the boy blushed when she began to brush snow off his butt. And Juri noticed it, too.

"Juri," started Takato, "I..."

"Hey, Gogglehead!" called Ruki as she slid to a stop in front of Takato and Juri, "Are you gonna ski or are you gonna just sit around?" Kazu and Ryo suddenly came in.

"What a wipeout!" said Kazu, laughing, "And on the bunny hill, too! Did your mommy forget to pack your padding? HA HA HA HA HA!"

Takato, feeling sad and dejected, turned and headed straight for the lodge. "Takato! Wait!" shouted Juri and took off after Takato.

"Was it something I said?" asked Kazu, dumbfounded.

"That would be a likely explanation," said Lee.

"Nice going, Kazu," said Ruki, "You completely hurt Takato's feelings."

"What did I do? All I did was say how sucky his skiing was!" protested Kazu.

"Yes, you did," said Lee, "But you also said a couple of mean things to him, too."

"Name one," demanded Kazu. Ruki pulled out a tape recorder and pressed the PLAY button.

"What a wipeout! And on the bunny hill, too! Did your mommy forget to pack your padding? HA HA HA HA HA!" came Kazu's voice.

"Gee. I don't know what to say," said Kazu.

"For starters, you could go in there and apologize to him," said Lee.

"But I..." started Kazu. The other Tamers looked at him sternly.

"Do it before I sock you in the face," said Ruki, balling up her fist.

"I'm going," said Kazu and took off towards the lodge.

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Juri found Takato sitting by himself in the couch in their private room hunched over, crying. Terriermon was sitting on the table, Cyberdramon was sitting cross-legged on the floor, Renamon was sitting by the window, and Guilmon was taking a nap in a nearby corner.

"Did you see the way Kazu made fun of me?" asked Takato.

"That was a mean thing to do, wasn't it?" asked Juri.

"Downright rotten," said Takato. Juri sat down next Takato and tried to comfort him. At that moment, Kazu slunk in through the door.

"Hey, Takato," he said, "Look, I'm really sorry for making fun of you. Can you forgive me?" Takato looked at his friend and saw the sincerity in his eyes.

"Sure, Kazu," said Takato.

"I'm really, really, REALLY sorry," said Kazu.

"Okay, you've made your point," said Takato, laughing a little as he did so, "Did you get that Kenta?" Kenta, who had been hiding behind the curtains, came out from his hiding place and pressed the STOP button on his tape recorder.

"Every single word," he said, "Now everyone will know that Kazu's not all that high and mighty." Everyone laughed, but then Kazu decided that he deserved it.

The Tamers spent the rest of the day skiing and snowboarding. Takato improved his skiing and by noon, he was taking the chair lift up the slope. By three o'clock in the afternoon, Takato was already on the blue square trails.

"I have never seen anyone improve so much in one day," said Lee, astounded.

"He's skied before," said Kenta, "He just needed some refreshing, that's all." They watched at Takato came down the slope again.

"You're pretty good," said a deep voice, "Maybe you can try snowboarding next time." Everyone turned to see who had spoken.

"I don't believe it!" said Takato, "Yamaki!"

Yamaki stood there wearing black pants, skis, ski boots, a maroon ski jacket with black shoulders, and his Hypnos sunglasses. Riley was there with him.

"Yamaki! What're you doing here?" asked Lee.

"Riley and I decided to go on a ski trip for Christmas vacation," answered Yamaki.

"It's great to see you again," said Takato. Then he turned to the other Tamers. "Come on you guys. Let's go return our stuff and get back to the hotel."

The seven Tamers returned their gear to the rental shop and retrieved their shoes. Then they headed over to the lodge to pick up their Digimon. After fifteen minutes of waiting for he bus and the one-hour bus ride back, the Tamers finally reached their hotel back in Nagano.

"That was fun," said Takato, "Next time, I'll try snowboarding."

"I think you'll like it," said Lee, "But my butt's gonna be sore for a couple of days."

"How many times did you fall?" asked Kazu.

"Twelve," replied Lee, "All in the morning."

"Let's go back to our rooms," said Takato, "I'm pooped." As the Tamers and their Digimon crossed the hotel parking lot, they noticed a familiar vehicle in one of the parking spots.

"Is that?" started Kazu.

"Can it be?" asked Ryo.

"I hope not," said Takato.

"It has to be," said Lee, "No one else has a motorbike like that." The Tamers quickly ran into the hotel and talked to the clerk at the front desk.

"Excuse me. Did a tall man in black biker clothes and an odd-looking helmet come in through here?" asked Lee.

"As a matter of fact, a fellow like him went right into the hotel shopping center," said the clerk. The Tamers said thanks and hurried off towards the hotel's underground shopping center. They looked around until finally they saw who they were looking for.

"Oh no, not him again," said Ruki.

"I thought we deleted him!" said Terriermon.

"Well obviously, he's come back!" said Lee as they watched the dark figure slowly walk towards them.

"Beelzemon," said Takato.

"Why are you here?" demanded Ruki.

"Why else would I be here?" replied Beelzemon.

"You're here to destroy us, aren't you?" said Ryo.

"Actually, I'm here to enjoy the slopes and give Behemoth a tune-up," said Beelzemon, "Enjoy the holidays while you can." And with that, he continued on his way.

"That was freaky," said Kazu.

"What does he want?" Takato thought out loud, "Why is he here? Does he have some other motive or is he really here for fun?"

TO BE CONTINUED...

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Sorry it took me so long to get this chapter up. I've been really busy with school & stuff.

Anyway, please send me your reviews and I'll try to post the next chapter ASAP.