Cruising the Caribbean
By: Fiery-chan and Angel13
A/N: Hello everybody! Fiery is here and I'm going to bring you another fantastic chapter! Apologies to anyone who was upset over Missy's leave. And thanks to all who reviewed chapter 14. The reviews are so good, we love them! This is the most reviews I've ever gotten! We cleared fifty, now let's go for one hundred!
Fire: What's the chance of that?
Fiery: You're back!
Fire: I've been back. I've popped up in reviews, and pestered Lazy Writer a bit and that's it. There was no author's note for me to come into until now.
Fiery: Oh, ok then. I'll get right into it. Here's chapter 15!
Fire: Wait the disclaimer! Damn Elementals. They're always in a rush to do things.
Disclaimer: Fiery-chan does not own Digimon. Neither does Angel13. Even though they wish they did, they don't. The only characters they own are the ones they created. However, they do own that ocean in Kansas. The ocean bidding begins at $1000 for anyone who actually believes that there is an ocean in Kansas.
Fiery: Oh now you've ruined it! Oh well, that's the disclaimer, now it's time to begin!!!
Chapter 15: C'mon Ryo, shake those hips! (The Awesome Might of the Cole Cousins).
Rika, Henry, Ryo, and Kila continued walking through Charlotte Amalie, watching everyone and everything around them. There were kids having card games battles, couples holding hands, teen girls gushing at the posters in the window of the music store, adults shopping and having civilized conversations, and many other things as well.
"This place sure is busy at night." Ryo said.
"And it'll get busier when all the night clubs start opening." Kila replied. "I wish we were old enough to go clubbing."
"We're not dressed for the occasion." Rika said. "You need wild night clothes to go clubbing. We're in shorts and tank tops. Clubs have their own special dress code."
"And how would you know all this?" Henry asked suspiciously.
"Television." Rika replied plainly. "Let's go down to the beach. We can rent some jet skis again."
"Good idea Rika." Kila said. "Let's go!"
They all headed down to the beach and got two jet skis.
"We'll race. Me and Henry versus you two. Usual course." Kila said, hopping on.
"Alrighty then. I'm driving." Ryo replied, hopping on the other one. Rika got on behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist. Henry got on behind Kila and did the same.
"Racers get ready, get set go!" Kila cried as she and Ryo took off, heading out to sea.
"Should I try one of Evan's moves?" Ryo asked.
"You mean where he jumps on the buoy? No way!" Rika cried.
"Are you sure pumpkin? Evan taught me how to do it, I'm a pro, just like him." Ryo said reassuringly. Rika sighed.
"Fine, just don't wipe out."
"Easy as pie!" Ryo picked up speed and got enough distance. Henry looked back and realized what they were going to do.
"He's crazy!" He cried.
"Who is?" Kila asked.
"Ryo, he's going to use the move that Evan used to beat me and Missy in the first race." Kila laughed.
"Yeah right, we just won't let that happen." Kila said, picking up speed.
"Hold on tight Rika cause here we go!" Ryo yelled as he went flying for the buoy. He hit it with precision and got the necessary lift. They soared over Kila and Henry, landing smack on the water. They pulled into the dock first, cheering.
"I can't believe you guys actually pulled that off." Henry said, after he and Kila pulled in.
"Me too. I seriously expected us to wipe out." Rika replied.
"I knew I could do it." Ryo said with a grin. Rika punched him playfully.
"Well Mr. Conceited goody for you." Everyone laughed and they returned the jet skis.
"I'm going to go for a walk to get dried off, care to join me Rika?" Ryo asked.
"Sure." Rika replied, walking off with Ryo.
Kila grinned and Henry pulled a camera out of the pocket on his shorts.
"This is going to be good." Kila whispered. Henry nodded and they crept off to the shrubbery that lined the beach in the back.
*****
"Here we are, walking on the beach again. Are they in the bushes?" Ryo asked.
"Of course. But we'll pretend they aren't there." Rika replied. She stuck her feet into the water and let the waves crash upon them. "I love this place."
"Yeah. So where can we con our parents into sending us for winter break?" Ryo asked.
"Hmm, maybe Aspen? We could do some skiing. And then Cancun for spring break."
"Yeah, what still surprises me the most, is that they let us go by ourselves. No parental supervision."
"Yeah but I guess after you've lived in the digital world, become a digimon, entered and fought inside and evil red blob, defeated a giant pig that tore up the city, and rescued your friends you don't really need parental supervision anymore."
"You make a very good point Rika." Ryo said. They continued walking along the shore and came to some large boulders and rock formations.
"Wow, we've never been here before. We must have went out farther than expected." Rika said, admiring the details.
"Do you want to head back?" Ryo asked.
"That would be the wise thing to do." Rika replied. They turned around and started walking back to the ship.
"Have you ever been skiing?" Ryo asked. "I'm more fond of snowboarding but I've done both."
"Nah, I've always wanted to go snowboarding though." Rika replied.
"Then we'll have to go one day. There's this place by my aunt's house that has like an indoor mountain. You can go skiing, snowboarding and all other stuff. It has ice rinks, and half-pipes too. The entire thing is covered in real snow. They generate their own and keep the place very cold. It's awesome. I go there whenever I visit my aunt."
"I think I saw an advertisement on tv once. What's it called?" Rika asked.
"The Indoor Mountain." Ryo replied.
"Oh, that makes sense." Ryo laughed.
"It's corny I know. But hey, it's a small price to pay for one's happiness." Rika nodded.
"Maybe I'll let you take me. I'll have to think about it though."
"You do that." Ryo replied. "Are they still there?" Ryo asked. Rika concentrated for a while and moved her head around.
"I don't hear a thing. Either they're being very quiet or they've left. I think they left." Rika replied.
"They probably got bored." Ryo said with a laugh. "Funny how they find royalty to be boring."
"You're so full of it at times."
"And that's what makes me, me." Ryo replied. Rika laughed.
"Well, let's go in. It's getting cold out."
"Good idea." Ryo and Rika returned to the ship and headed to their room.
*****
Ryo opened the door and all the tamers were sitting around the tv, watching whatever was on.
"Hey guys, what are you watching?" Ryo asked.
"'Who's Line is it Anyway?' It's the best show in the world! Right now, they're doing 'props.' This one's my favorite." Kazu said without ever ungluing his eyes from the screen. "Take a seat."
Rika sat down in one of the chairs and Ryo sat on the floor, resting his head against Rika's chair.
"You know, this is the first time all of us have actually hung together in I don't know how long." Takato said.
"Yeah, we always split up." Jeri replied. "It's nice to be together." She said, smiling and latching onto Takato's arm.
Rika smiled at the couple and looked around at her friends. They were quite an interesting bunch. She had so many different nicknames for all of them and she laughed silently as they popped into her mind. The tv went to a commercial and Rika watched all of her friends who still had their eyes glued to the television.
"Catch Lucky! They're after me lucky charms. But I wonder, can you name me marshmallow shapes?" The tv said as it played the Lucky Charms commercial.
"Sure we can! Come on guys!" Jeri said. "Hearts, stars and horseshoes." Rika rolled her eyes and laughed.
"What harm could it do? Clovers and blue moons."
"Pots of gold and rainbows!" Kazu cried.
"And the red the balloon!" Everyone chimed in at the end. They all laughed and Ryo finished up by saying,
"That's me Lucky Charms. They're magically delicious!"
"It's really sad when we can sing along to cereal jingles." Henry said.
"You're right but we are still kids, we should know the jingles." Kazu replied.
"Actually we're teens now, no longer kids." Jeri said.
"But why should that stop us? I mean we still play with digimon cards, doesn't that make us kids?" Kazu asked.
"I guess so, but commercial jingles go a bit too far." Rika said. "I'm going to bed, good night guys." They all said goodnight and Rika headed into the other room.
Rika changed into her pajamas and crawled into bed. As she closed her eyes, Kazu's question kept playing in her mind.
"We still play with digimon cards, doesn't that make us kids?" Rika sighed and pulled the blankets up tight.
'Maybe it does. Maybe we are just kids who haven't grown up yet. I really don't know what to think anymore.' Rika pushed the thoughts to the back of her mind to think about later as she drifted to sleep.
*****
Rika awoke the next morning to find everyone gone. Again.
"Why isn't anyone ever here?" Rika asked as she walked into the bathroom to take a shower. She climbed in and scrubbed her body quickly, finishing in record time. She dug through the dresser and pulled out a pair of white shorts and a black tank top. She got dressed and pulled on a pair of sneakers.
After checking the other rooms, she headed down to the dining hall for breakfast. She sat at the counter and ordered a muffin and some juice. She ate quickly then headed to the deck.
"Hey Rika!" She heard a voice call. She turned and saw Henry, Kila, and Emily walking up to her. She grinned.
"Hey guys!" She hurried over to her friends and they all walked down to the beach.
"We're leaving the island tomorrow." Kila explained. "We'll be heading for St. John. With it's white sandy beaches and clear blue skies."
"Did you memorize the brochure or something?" Rika asked. "It sure sound like it."
"Well for your information, no I didn't. Just a little bit." Kila replied.
They all laughed and walked along the boardwalk, heading down to the beach.
"Wait, stop." Emily said. "Listen, do you hear that?" She asked. Everyone concentrated on where Emily was pointing.
"It's music." Kila replied. "Sounds like, Elvis!"
"Come on, let's go check it out!" Emily said. They all headed towards the beach but stopped dead in their tracks when they saw who was making the music.
Evan had his boom box and it was playing "Hound dog" by Elvis. He and Ryo were standing near it, pretending to strum guitars.
"C'mon Ryo! Shake those hips! Chicks dig it if you can shake your hips like Elvis!" Evan cried. Ryo swayed his hips just slightly and the others stood with their jaws dropped.
"Let's pretend we don't hear them." Henry said. "Better yet, let's pretend we don't know them."
"Hell no! Where's the fun in that?" Kila asked. Then at the top of her lungs she yelled out. "Yeah Ryo, shake those hips!"
The two boys noticed the others. Evan roared with laughter as Ryo turned about fifteen different shades of red.
"Shake those hips Ryo!" Emily joined in, swinging her hips like Elvis. "C'mon let's aggravate the censorship!"
(A/N: If you didn't get that last part, when Elvis had tv shows, they had to shoot from above his waist, because the censorship, and many adults, believed that it was obscene).
Evan turned off the boom box and they walked over to the others.
"Hey guys, what's happening?" He asked.
"Other than the fact that we were just scared out of our minds by the little show we just saw, nothing new." Henry said.
"Yeah, I was trying to teach Ryo how to dance like Elvis. Trying being the keyword."
"Well that was a Kodak moment. And the Kodak developers are gonna get a kick out of this one." Kila said, holding up her camera.
"Yeah! I want that blown up poster size and displayed all over school when we get back." Rika said.
"What? You're joking right?" Ryo asked.
"Of course not." Rika replied. Ryo was about to object when a familiar red head bounded over.
"Hey guys! I was hoping I'd find you here." She said.
"Hey Phe, what's up?" Emily asked.
"Well, I forgot to tell you guys last time, but my house has a skate park over on the western side. Half pipes, ramps, bowls, rails, we have everything. And enough gear to suit up fifty people. So, I was wondering if you guys wanted to come blade with me and some of my dad's friends. They just finished up at the X-Games so they flew in for some down time."
"And who exactly are your dad's friends?" Evan asked.
"Um, there's Tony, and Andy, and Bucky, and Bob, and Jen. Bob won't be there though. He's visiting relatives."
"Would Tony be Tony Hawk?" Evan asked.
"Yeah, he and my dad were college roommates. They were both skateboard freaks, and still are, so they instantly took to each other. Tony introduced my dad to some of the other pros and now they're all great friends. They come down here all the time to practice and stuff."
"Tony Hawk. The Tony Hawk. The Hawk. Cacaw!" Evan started jumping up and down, "Cacaw"ing constantly.
"Evan is a big Tony Hawk fan. Tony inspired him to go into skateboarding. Now he's always boarding. He even built a halfpipe in the park for all of us to play on." Emily explained.
"Do you skate too?" Phe asked.
"Yeah, I love it. Do any of you guys skate?" She asked turning towards the others. Kila and Ryo said yes. Henry and Rika had never come near a skateboard.
"Then we'll have to teach you." Ryo said.
"Then what are we waiting for?" Phe asked. "Let's go!"
They all headed to Phe's house and were supplied with protective gear and boards. Then they all went to the skate park where they saw all the pros that Phe had been telling them about.
"Wow, it's huge." Emily said.
"It's gigantic." Kila added.
"It's fantastic!" Evan cried. He ran to the bowl and jumped right in with his skateboard, doing some of his favorite tricks.
"You don't have enough air for a 900 cuz. Go for a 540!" Emily instructed.
The pros stopped skating and walked over to the edge of the bowl where the others were.
"Tail grind into a 5-o. Then just pick up speed by going back and forth." Emily said. "Two times and you'll be able to do a 900."
"I'm gonna do a McTwist." Evan said.
"Ok, you do that!" Emily called back. Evan executed a perfect McTwist, landing evenly.
"He's good." Jen O'Brian said.
"Really good." Tony Hawk replied.
"Exceptionally good." Bucky Lasek added.
"He's fantastic." Andy MacDonald said. The four pros never took their eyes off the young skater as he flew through the bowl.
"He could make in through the X-games prelims possibly." Tony said.
"See, I told you, these kids can do anything." Phe put in.
"You were right Phoenix, they are good." Andy said.
"Don't use that name!" Phe cried. Andy ruffled her hair.
"Whatever you say kid." Phe glared at him then laughed.
"Hey cuz, how about we hit the half pipe and show Phe some of our doubles routine?" Emily asked. Evan came out of the bowl and grinned.
"I'm down with that."
They all headed to the half pipe and climbed up. Evan and Emily positioned themselves on the edge.
"I'm ready to rock-and-roll!" Emily cried.
"Then let's tear it up baby!" Evan replied. Then in unison they said,
"Three, two, one, Double-E Cole blast off!" They dove into the pipe with a lot of speed.
"Double-E Cole?" Kila asked.
"Evan and Emily Cole, it's gotta be." Rika said.
"Ahh, gotcha." They all watched as the duo performed move after move, staying synchronized the entire time. They performed a synchronized 540. A very synchronized 540.
"It's like they're one being." Jen said. "Like they move as one."
"Evan and Emily always know what the other is going to do. They live together so they can almost read each others minds in a way." Henry explained.
"Very interesting." Jen said. "Maybe you guys should try that for a little while. It will help you stay in-sync." She said to Tony and Andy.
"We are in-sync!" Andy cried.
"Not all the time. But the two of them never lose a beat. You could learn something from them."
Emily came up and landed on the other side of the pipe. She held out the board and watched Evan intensely.
"A board transfer." Bucky said. "Let's see if they pull it off." Sure enough, they did. And very well too. They transferred again back to their original boards and Emily rejoined her brother. They finished their routine with an over-under. Emily did a 5-o underneath while Evan did a 900 over her. His landing was a bit shaky but he did it.
Everyone cheered as they left the bowl. Kila went off with Henry to one part of the park to teach him, Henry was a natural and they quickly rejoined the others on the half pipe. Rika and Ryo went off to another part of the park as well. Rika wasn't doing that great.
"Ahhh!" Rika cried as she fell again. The board went flying and would have chopped Ryo's head off if he didn't duck.
Rika got up and brushed herself off. Again.
"I'm never going to get this Ryo." Rika said.
"Sure you will. It just takes practice." Ryo replied. "It took me forever to learn. We'll make you a pro by the end of the afternoon."
"I don't think so. I don't think skating is my thing. Right now, I want to go back to the ship and soak in the hottub. And then go to the spa for a massage."
"Are you sure?" Ryo asked.
"Yes definitely. If we don't leave now, my body will become imprinted in Phe's cement because of the number of times that I've fallen."
"Ok, I'll take you back." They headed to the others and said their goodbyes. They then took off the gear and put it back where they got it. Phe walked them out.
"We'll have to take a ferry over to come see you before we leave." Rika said.
"Yeah, of course." Ryo added.
"Ok, so then I'll see you guys later. Bye." Phe said. They waved goodbye and walked down the road, Rika leaning on Ryo for support.
"I am in so much pain right now." Rika said.
"Do you want me to carry you?" Ryo asked.
"I'm not that desperate."
"Ok, your call." They walked back to the cruise ships somewhat in silence. Ryo constantly asked Rika if she was ok.
*****
They returned to the room and Rika changed into a bathing suit then headed down to the spa. She decided to skip the hottub and get a whirlpool bath at the spa where it was more private.
"Do you want me to come with you?" Ryo asked.
"If you want. It's no big deal." Rika replied.
Ryo decided to join her and they walked down to where the spa was located. It was empty. Only a few people where there. The receptionist explained that they would all be in later in the afternoon to wind down after a day in the town.
They climbed into one of the big hottubs and the spa attendant started the whirlpool. Rika smiled and sunk down so that only her head and neck were above the water. Ryo grinned and leaned against the edge of the tub, watching Rika enjoy the comfort.
"Are you enjoying yourself?" Ryo asked.
"Yeah, although a Shirley Temple would be nice." As if on cue, the attendant returned with Rika's drink in hand. "Um, thanks." Rika said, somewhat unsure.
"I ordered the deluxe package. Whatever you want, you can have." Ryo said. He ordered a virgin daiquiri and the attendant returned with it immediately. He nodded a thank you as he explained everything that came in the package. Rika was impressed.
"You didn't have to do that for me Ryo." Rika said.
"Sure I did. This is the best way to ease the pain and soreness." He replied. "Plus, I'm enjoying this." He took a sip from his drink and slid under the water as well. "In another fifteen minutes, they'll come take us out and then take us to the massage tables. I really should do this more often." He said, the last comment mostly directed to himself.
"Then we'll have to find a good spa back home after our trip. We'll go online. Better yet, I'll have my mom get us one. She's always able to get the best stuff. One of the perks of having a model for a mom." Rika said. Ryo laughed.
"Ok, we'll do that." They stayed in the tub for the rest of the time, and then they were whisked off to the massage tables. They laid down and two of the massage therapists came in.
"It's an aroma therapy treatment, just so you're aware Rika." Ryo explained.
"Ok." Rika closed her eyes as the masseuse rubbed her hands into Rika's back. Rika couldn't help but moan. It felt so good. Ryo laughed.
"It feels good doesn't it?" He asked.
"Yeah." Rika said.
After they finished the massage, They got facials and Rika was given a manicure and pedicure.
"Aren't you going to get a manicure Ryo?" Rika asked.
"Nah, this is enough for me." After Rika's fingers and toes were done, they had their faces rinsed off and were then taken to a different type of hottub.
"What does this do?" Rika asked.
"It's the final step. It relaxes all of your muscles, in case anything didn't work throughout the process." The attendant explained.
"Oh ok." They climbed in and settled into the water. They stayed in for five minutes, then came out and were dried off.
They were each given a smoothie to go and they drank them as they headed back to their room.
"That felt so good Ryo, thanks." Rika said.
"No problem." Ryo replied.
*****
They went back into the room and found Kazu and Jodie watching tv.
"Hey guys." Jodie said. "Where'd you come from?"
"The spa." Rika replied.
"A spa? Ooh! C'mon Kazu let's go!" The two hurried out of the room and down the hall.
"Get the deluxe package!" Rika called after them. Kazu waved his hand to show that he heard her and Rika stepped back inside, closing the door. "They're so cute together."
"Yeah." Ryo replied, while flipping through the channels.
"Who would have guessed Kazu was capable of getting a girlfriend. I hope Jodie can deal with his singing." Rika said. She then rolled a towel up and held it like a microphone, doing an imitation of Kazu. "Soaking in the bath! We're soaking in the bath! SOAKING IN THE BATH!" Rika roared with laughter as she tossed the towel onto the rack. (A/N: "Kazu and Kenta's Excellent Adventure.") Ryo laughed too.
"And who would have guessed that nothing would be on tv?" He threw the remote down in frustration and flopped down on his bed.
"So then what do we do now?" Rika asked.
"Hmm. Good question." Ryo got up and turned on the radio. He bowed and held out his hand. "Would you care to dance milady?" Rika laughed.
"You're so full of it." But she took Ryo's hand and he twirled her around the room.
"You weigh nothing. If I spin too hard, I'll end up flinging you across the room!" Ryo said with a laugh.
"Try hard not to." Rika said. "Or I'll be forced to imitate Kazu again."
"No, please don't!" Ryo cried. They both laughed and landed sprawled on Ryo's bed.
"That was fun." Rika said getting up. "But now I'm going to go take a nap." She got up and went through the door into her room.
Rika laid down in her bed and fell asleep.
*****
When Rika woke up, she found everyone getting ready for dinner.
"Hey sleepy head." Jeri said from the vanity where she was brushing her hair. "Did you have a nice day?" Rika nodded and walked over to Jeri. She picked up her hairbrush and fixed her hair; it was a mess from the day's activities.
"So what are you doing tonight?" Rika asked.
"Me, Takato, Jodie, and Kazu are going out to dinner. Kenta is going to hang out with Henry and Kila, and that leaves you and Ryo. Maybe you two can hang out with Evan and Emily."
"Can't. They've been at Phe's all day from what I've heard. The three of them have been cooking up some new skateboard moves." Rika explained.
"How have you heard anything? You've been asleep."
'Before I fell asleep that's what I heard. Duh Jeri." The two girls laughed and Jeri said goodbye as she joined the others for dinner.
After everyone left, Rika headed out to where Ryo was. She sat down on the bed next to him and put her chin in her hands.
"So who do we hang with tonight?" Rika asked. "Normally it's Kila and Henry but they've taken Kenta out, probably to give the others some alone time."
"Yeah." Ryo replied. He mentally went through all the kids they'd met in his head. "How about Fio and Becky?" He asked.
"Ok, let's go find them." Rika replied. The two left the room and locked up then headed down to Fio and Becky's room.
They knocked on the door and a woman answered it.
"Sorry kids, Fiona and Rebecca are out for the night." She explained after Rika and Ryo asked where they were. They two nodded and headed out to the deck.
"So now what?" Rika asked, sitting down in a lounge chair.
"Looks like it's just the two of us again." Ryo said. "Do you want to go to the beach?" He asked.
"Naw, let's head back and order room service, everything is paid for so we can order as much as we want." Rika replied.
"Ok, let's go!" The two got up and walked back to the room. Ryo dropped his hand to his side and Rika allowed him to interlace his fingers with hers.
They returned to the room and ordered tons of food, they could hardly finish it all.
"I think our eyes were bigger than our stomachs." Ryo said.
"I'll say." Rika replied. They sent the leftovers back and turned on the tv. There was nothing good on so they sat and watched cartoons.
"I can't believe we're watching cartoons." Ryo said with a laugh. "Not that I'm objecting or anything."
"It's either this or soap operas." Rika said.
"Let's watch this." Ryo replied quickly. The two laughed and watched as Tom tried to catch Jerry for the one-millionth time.
*****
Rika awoke the next morning and went out to the deck. She looked out and saw that they were in the middle of the water, with an island fast approaching.
"That must be St. John." She whispered.
"Yup. St. John, here we come!" A voice behind her said. Two arms wrapped around her waist and pulled her close. She instantly knew who it was.
"Morning Ryo." She said.
"Morning Pumpkin." Ryo replied. "St. John better look out because here come the tamers!" He cried. Rika laughed and looked out to sea. Dolphins leaped through the air and fish swam by. Birds flew overhead and the sun was rising slowly over the horizon.
"This place truly is paradise." Rika said. Ryo agreed and nuzzled his face into her hair.
"Only because you're here." He whispered. Rika sighed.
"Don't push it Akiyama." She said. Rika allowed herself to stay in Ryo's embrace. It made her feel warm and protected. Rika had to admit Ryo really was growing on her.
A/N: Ok that's it for this chapter. How was it?
Fire: Good but I didn't like the ending. Maybe you should tell everyone about your inspiration for this story.
Fiery: Right. The Elvis scene is to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the King's death. It was only suitable for the digimon king to dance like the king of rock-and-roll. The skateboard thing is in honor of X-Games VIII. (That's 8). I've waited all year for this and I haven't missed a minute since it started. I'm a huge extreme sports fan.
Fire: We learn something new about you everyday.
Fiery: Yes you do! Ok now, review please!
Luv'n'stuff!
Fiery-chan and Angel13.