Last Week: Odaiba University had its rush week, in which fraternities and sororities welcomed new recruits. That included Davis, Kazu, and Kenta all pledging to Alpha Zeta…while going through a brutal initiation process. Kari and Rika, in the meantime, both tried to pledge Delta Gamma, but there's only one spot remaining and only one of them will make it. What they don't know is that our undercover Hypnos agents will also be monitoring them during this process. As for TK, he was surprised when he made a delivery to Catherine…who went on to tell him how she felt. While TK wanted to feel euphoric, he had someone else lingering on his mind: Kari.
Digimon: The College Years
Episode 24- Sky's The Limit
After what felt like an eternity of enduring this whole ordeal, Ken had finally decided to do something about his troubles with Yolei. Of course, to do that, he needed someone at his side and that someone…was Henry. Fortunately, Henry was just as eager to resolve this situation as Ken was, so he was more than happy to help out.
"So this'll all be over by the time we get back?" Henry asked.
"Yolei isn't the type to be stubborn," Ken answered. "She'll take the hint. Things between her and I may not get better, but at least you'll be off the hook."
"I still don't know why you want that, Henry," Terriermon chimed in from atop Henry's shoulder. "She's a pretty girl."
"She's MY girl!" Ken growled. "Who asked YOU to get involved, anyway?"
"He won't butt in anymore," Henry said assuredly. "I'm just bringing him along so I can keep an eye on him. And because, even though he might mess up sometimes, he's still my best friend."
Ken couldn't help but smile. "I know exactly what you mean."
"Thanks, Ken," Wormmon grinned from atop Ken's shoulder. "So you really think Yolei will take this well?"
"Yolei's never been the type of girl to pine over a guy for a long period of time," Ken pointed out. "Well…except for me, of course. She'll be ok."
Ken was feeling confident about this, but he noticed Henry was a little skeptical. Perhaps Henry got to know Yolei's more "charming" characteristics. Hopefully, none of those would be present today.
After calling Catherine, Ken found out Yolei was in the computer lab. So that was the destination. When they reached the computer lab, they found it empty with the exception of Yolei. She looked to be working on a paper.
Ken cleared his throat. "Uh…Yolei?"
"We…have something we need to talk to you about…" Henry began.
"I'm listening," Yolei said without taking her eyes off the computer screen.
Ken and Henry exchanged glances, trying to decide which of them should go first. Finally, Henry begrudgingly volunteered himself.
"Well…Yolei…these last few weeks have been…a lot of fun, I'll admit. But…"
"Hey! Check this out!" Yolei interrupted. "An e-mail from the Digital World!" Wasting no time, she double-clicked the e-mail to read it. "I need help. Please come quickly. I have no one else to turn to." Yolei scratched her head. "Hmm…it's unsigned and I don't recognize the e-mail address. All I have here are a set of coordinates."
Yolei took out her Digivice and looked like she was about to open a Digiport, but briefly paused. She shifted her gaze to Ken and Henry.
"What do you say, guys? You coming?"
Ken and Henry exchanged glances again and shrugged. They then turned to Yolei and nodded affirmatively.
"Alright! I haven't been to the Digital World in a long time! Digiport open!"
Yolei eagerly opened the Digiport with her Digivice and went through. Ken and Henry sighed and went in right behind her.
It looked like everything would have to wait while they attended to this distress call.
Kari was usually content with eating her breakfast in The Den, but today felt like an awkward day. And it wasn't merely because Davis was sitting in front of her wearing a gorilla suit. But she was also nervous about what this week would bring. She constantly found herself looking over her shoulder.
"What's wrong, Kari?" Davis asked.
"Well, Davis…"
"Ahem…"
"Oh, sorry. Well, Moe…I really want to make it into Delta Gamma. At least for you it's easier. You KNOW you're in. All you have to do is parade around in a gorilla suit."
"That's all, huh?" Davis said dryly.
"But for me…I'm still not in yet. And I don't even know what to expect right now. The Delta Gamma alumni could start looking at me any minute. They could even be watching me right now!"
Davis pointed forward. "Is that them?"
"AAH!"
Kari ducked under the table, which in hindsight may not have been the best move. If the alumni really were there, they wouldn't take too kindly to Kari's hasty action.
"Oh, never mind. Those are Delta Theta sweaters."
Kari came out from underneath the table. "DON'T scare me like that!"
"Wow, Kari. I haven't seen you this nervous since you did your paper at the last minute."
"Which I STILL haven't gotten back, by the way."
"Right. But…maybe you should relax."
"RELAX?! That's easy for you to say, Monkey Boy! You KNOW you're in. Not only could I still be out, but I could lose the spot to…Rika."
Davis calmly took a bite out of his sandwich. "You'll be just fine, Kari. They'll see you for the great girl that you are and you'll be a shoo-in."
"Thanks, Davis."
"If not, then I'll be a monkey's uncle."
Kari sweatdropped. Only Davis would find a way to fit such a cornball joke into this situation.
"Just how long do you have to stay in that suit?" Kari asked.
"Until the next part of my initiation ritual…whenever that is."
"Any idea what they're about to do to you?"
"FOR me!" Davis corrected. "Not TO me. And I don't know yet. I guess whenever they decide to call. In the meantime, I have to keep walking around campus like this."
Kari giggled. "Good luck, King Kong."
She was enjoying seeing Davis in this position. She only wished she could see what Alpha Zeta had in store for him next.
But Kari had her own issues to worry about.
Takato had just finished paying for his food…and Guilmon's food. Guilmon was wearing his usual white sweatshirt, indicating he was masquerading as the Odaiba Dragons' mascot. Takato couldn't believe his partner was STILL getting away with this disguise. No one seemed to notice he was a Digimon…which was definitely a good thing. If there was some good to be found in Guilmon's recent endeavor, it was that Takato could now freely go out with his partner. Although people would occasionally stare at the mascot that always seemed to remain in costume.
Takato had a modest submarine sandwich, while Guilmon carried a tray that was filled with food. Guilmon's meal was enough to feed a small infantry and Takato could only sweatdropped while he paid the price of this large amount of food.
"Is that enough for you or would you like a Scooby Snack with that?" Takato cracked.
"This should last until practice, Shaggy," Guilmon grinned.
Takato spotted an empty table. He was about to move over there, before…
"Psst…Goggle Head!"
Takato recognized that voice. He looked around until he saw someone sitting outside The Den. It was Rika and she was waving him and Guilmon over to sit with her. Takato simply shrugged and walked over there.
"Hey Rika. What's up?"
"I'm in a tight spot, Takato," Rika sighed. "I'm not exactly in the sorority yet."
"You didn't make it?" Takato frowned.
"Not exactly. There's one spot left…and it's down to me and…ugh…Kari."
"Oh…" Takato hummed. He saw the problem now. He realized that Kari wasn't exactly one of Rika's favorite people in the world. Although, he couldn't see why. She was a very nice girl.
"I can still get in, but they're having two alumni come in to watch me," Rika explained. "The problem is, I don't know who they are and they're going to go completely undercover. For all I know, they could be watching me right now, but I'll take the chance that they're not right now. Takato, I need your help."
"My help? What can I do?"
"Takato…you've known me for years. And you know that sometimes I can be…"
"Moody?" Takato cut in.
"Grouchy?" Guilmon added.
"Crabby?"
"Ill-tempered?"
"Cranky?"
"Sour?"
"Just plain nasty?"
"Ok, that's enough!" Rika snapped. Then she quieted herself. "So maybe I can be all those things sometimes. Look, I've never told you this, but you bring out the best in me."
Takato was taken aback. "*I* bring out the best in you? I don't know about that one. I seem to remember…you know…"
"That was two years ago, Takato! I can't believe you still remember that!"
"It wasn't my fault that date went bad, but you nearly took my head off! And you never DID apologize."
"Is that what you want?!" Rika snarled, with a vein nearly popping out of her forehead. Then she composed herself. "Ok, ok, I'm sorry. But you really do bring out the best in me. It's been that way since we started high school. That's why I need your help. I need you to hang out with me for the rest of the week and make sure I don't lose my temper."
Takato blinked. "That's a pretty tough task, Rika."
"What do you mean by…?!"
"See? You're about to lose your temper right now!"
Rika calmed herself again. "You're exactly right. I'm sorry. This is why I need you around. If it looks like I'm about to blow my top, I need you to give me some kind of signal. I can't mess up, Takato. I need to be nearly perfect to be in this sorority and I'm already at a disadvantage, being matched up against the Queen of Perkiness."
"Why do you want to be a part of Delta Gamma so badly?"
Rika hesitated. "I have my reasons. Just say you'll help me, Takato. You too, Guilmon."
Takato sighed. "Ok, I'll help."
"Me too," Guilmon added.
"Thank you. Now we'll start our week off by having lunch together. And Takato…don't get too close. I don't want any of the others to get any ideas."
Takato chuckled. "Rika, that's all ancient history. I'm sure nobody remembers that."
"Yeah right," Rika scoffed. "I'll bet you still talk about those days with Guilmon all the time."
"You give yourself way too much credit," Takato snickered.
"What days are we talking about, Takato?" Guilmon asked.
Takato whispered the answer into his ear and Guilmon gulped.
"Oh…THOSE days."
Ken couldn't believe he was in the Digital World today of all days. He was hoping to get all of this drama with Yolei behind him, but he found himself on a detour. Henry and Terriermon looked like they wanted to get all of this over with, as well. Yolei, looking energetic, obviously had no idea what was going on.
On another note, Ken had no idea what he was even doing in the Digital World in the first place. There was no indication of where that e-mail came from. All Yolei was given were a set of coordinates. None of them knew who sent the e-mail, but Ken and Yolei couldn't help but notice they were in familiar territory.
"Yolei…doesn't it feel like we've been here before?" Ken asked.
"Looks familiar," Yolei answered. "Don't you agree, Wormmon?"
"I've seen this place before," Wormmon replied.
"Somebody want to fill US in?" Terriermon asked.
"I've never been in this part of the Digital World before," Henry pointed out. "It looks a lot more different. It's lush and lively. Not like the rock and desert of Zhuqiaomon's region of the Digital World."
"I wish I could put my finger on where we are," Yolei grumbled to herself.
Terriermon sniffed. "Hey…what's that smell?"
Wormmon sniffed, too. "That smells…like soup."
"Soup?" Ken repeated. "Yolei? Are we where I think we are?"
It didn't take long for Ken to have his question answered. They soon reached a lone restaurant in the middle of their path. Ken started to get a good idea of where he was. And sure enough, a familiar face came out of the front door to greet them.
Henry held out his Digivice. "Tapirmon, rookie level. Animal vaccine type Digimon."
"I'm glad you're all here," Tapirmon said before Henry could reel off more info. "I take it you all received my e-mail?"
"You sent out that distress call?" Yolei asked. "What's going on?"
"Things have been just awful here lately," Tapirmon explained. "Digitamamon is on the verge of losing his mind. He's nearly lost it since the emergence of…competition."
Ken was taken by surprise. "Did you say 'competition'?"
"There's a new restaurant set up less than a quarter mile from here and we've been losing all of our business. We desperately need some business and that's why I've called you. You've always been our best customers."
"You called us here to buy a meal?" Yolei asked.
"That, too. But like I said, Digitamamon has just about lost it. He may do something rash if this whole situation doesn't ease soon. Maybe you can help calm him down."
"Uh…we'll give it our best shot," Yolei shrugged.
"Great! Come in. Allow me to escort you all to a table."
"Didn't even bother to introduce us," Terriermon muttered to himself.
Tapirmon led them all towards the restaurant. Ken hadn't realized how long it's been since he's eaten soup prepared by Digitamamon, but apparently it's been longer than he thought because some new competitor had moved in.
Knowing Digitamamon's temper, maybe this wasn't the best time to see him, but Ken would do his best to help calm him down.
Rika walked down campus with her books in her hands. She made sure to look over her should wherever she went, since she had no clue where the alumni would possibly be hiding. Takato and Guilmon both gave her strange looks, noticing how different she was acting. She was even SMILING.
"This is all going so well," Rika said cheerfully. "The day's almost over and I haven't even lost my temper."
"You're doing great, Rika," Takato smiled.
"I've never seen you like this," Guilmon added. "You've gone almost the entire day without getting mad or putting anybody down."
"This isn't as hard as I thought," Rika said with a tone of satisfaction. "I can maintain my temper. I wonder why it was so hard for me to be so nice?"
As if on cue, Rika got an answer. In the middle of her walk back to her dorm, Rika ran into Kazu and Kenta. And they were wearing ridiculous costumes. Kazu had on a giant Greek letter alpha and Kenta was wearing a giant Greek letter zeta. They looked like total tools.
This was like Kryptonite to Rika. This was just begging for a putdown or an insult. It took every ounce of willpower to keep from making a stinging remark. She knew that the alumni could very well be watching.
"Hey, Chumley," Kazu grinned. "Hey, Rika. I haven't seen you two get this close since…"
"Kazu…now's not the best time," Takato muttered.
"Ahem…we have OTHER names, you know."
"Oh, right. Curly, this isn't the best time."
Rika flinched upon hearing that moniker. There was so much material she could use. Yet she was on a virtual muzzle, keeping her silenced.
"Where are you three off to?" Kenta asked curiously.
"We're taking Rika back to her room," Takato answered. "She needs to get back quick since it's the only place she can…" He leaned over to Kenta's ear. "…act naturally."
"What do you mean?" Kenta whispered back.
"Rika has to act nice for the rest of the week. She's going out for a spot in a sorority and there could be alumni watching over her, so she can't be…you know…Rika."
"That explains why she hasn't made fun of us yet," Kazu snickered, having overheard them. "Hey Rika, what do you think of the costumes? Be honest."
Rika felt like going on a profane tirade. Kazu was purposely doing this to her. As soon as this was all over, she would kill him. But until then, she had to be nice, in case there were any alumni watching.
"They're SO you," Rika answered politely.
"Anything else you'd like to…?"
"Would you look at the time? I have to get going!"
Without even waiting for Takato or Guilmon, Rika started walking away quickly. She had to get out of there before her impulses got the better of her. But she did give herself credit. It took a lot of willpower and she handled it very well.
As long as nothing else happened, she would be just fine.
Ken knocked on the kitchen door. "Hello? Digitamamon?"
There was nobody in the kitchen. Tapirmon looked around but found no signs of Digitamamon. The only thing remaining was the fresh scent of soup.
"That smells good," Terriermon said hypnotically. He jumped off of Henry's shoulder. "I'm sure he won't mind if I take a taste."
Terriermon walked over to the steaming pot of soup. He leaned into the pot, keeping his balance with the tips of his ears, and was about to stick his tongue in. What he didn't see was Digitamamon storming in from the back entrance. And when the egg-shaped Digimon saw Terriermon leaning in, he grabbed a wooden spoon and clocked him in the back of his head.
"NO SLURPING!" Digitamamon snapped. "What do you think you're doing?!"
"Hey, what's the big idea?!" Terriermon asked angrily as he rubbed the back of his head.
"Nobody takes free samples! If you want soup, you'll have to pay for it like everybody else! And with the way that sandwich jerk keeps taking my business, you can have a free sample over my deleted body!"
"Sandwich jerk?" Yolei repeated.
Digitamamon finally noticed Ken, Wormmon, and Yolei. "My best customers! I'm so relieved to see you again! What can I get you? Some soup? Some chow mein? Some wantons? Some fried rice?"
Ken thought about that. "Nothing for us today, Digitamamon. But we brought a couple of new friends. I'm sure they're more than eager for some of your best stuff."
Digitamamon noticed Henry for the first time. "I am the owner of this fine eating establishment, Digitamamon. Allow me to bring you some soup. Tapirmon, bring him some of our best soup."
"You just said you don't give free samples," Terriermon growled.
"I'll put it on Yolei's tab," Digitamamon responded. He took the bowl that Tapirmon handed him and gave it to Henry. "Try it. You'll love it."
Henry grabbed two spoons and passed one to Terriermon. They both inhaled deeply, taking in the delicious aroma of the soup, before scooping up a spoonful and taking a taste.
"Hey, that's really good!" Henry said cheerfully.
"I've never tasted anything so good!" Terriermon added. "It sure beats food from The Den."
"I wish everyone else would realize that," Digitamamon grumbled. "They're all buying sandwiches from that new restaurant. My place hasn't seen more that two customers a day in months."
"Just who IS this guy anyway?" Yolei demanded.
As if on cue, someone came through the front door. At first, Ken thought it was a customer. But when they went out to check, they only saw a Digimon who looked eerily similar to Digitamamon. He had the same egg-shelled body, but the shell was a dark color. He also had a set of jaws with eyeballs all over them and a set of arms with wings on his back. And in his hand was a plastic bag.
Henry took out his Digivice. "Devitamamon, Mega level. Mutant Data type. His Black Claw attack can bring a chill down anyone's spine."
"What are YOU doing here?!" Digitamamon shouted. "Don't you have your own customers to worry about?! How dare you barge in here uninvited?!"
"You need to switch to decaf, Digitamamon," Devitamamon snickered. "I just came in here to see how business was going. But clearly, everyone's avoiding this place like the digi-plague."
"That's because you keep stealing my customers away!" Digitamamon pointed out. "You and your ruthless tactics have left me without a single patron! I ought to teach you a lesson right now!"
"That isn't necessary, Digitamamon," Tapirmon said hastily. "We have customers now. And they'd never think of leaving us."
"Is that so?" Devitamamon chimed in. "Maybe they just need an alternative."
Devitamamon reached into his plastic bag and pulled out…a submarine turkey sandwich with all the fixings. Looking at the sandwich, Ken had to admit that it looked appetizing. Devitamamon took a sharp knife out of the bag and cut the sandwich into several pieces. He passed one to Ken.
"Here you go, human," Devitamamon offered. "Try THIS and tell me it's not the best sandwich you've ever had."
Ken and Wormmon each took a piece of the sandwich and tasted it. As much as he hated to admit it, the sandwich really did tantalize his taste buds.
"Hey…this really IS good!"
"I love it!" Wormmon added.
Digitamamon's shell just about turned red. "Traitors!"
Devitamamon passed a piece of sandwich to Yolei, Henry, and Terriermon. "You three try it. You'll love it! Guaranteed."
Yolei and Henry took a bite and gave approving nods. Terriermon took a bite out of his sandwich…and kept eating. For him, the taste must have been addicting.
"That's the best sandwich I've had in years!" Terriermon grinned. "What's in it?"
"The usual fixings and some secret ingredients," Devitamamon answered.
"What are those secret ingredients?" Terriermon asked curiously.
"IF I TOLD YOU, THEY WOULDN'T BE SECRET, WOULD THEY?!" Devitamamon snapped, towering over Terriermon much like Digitamamon would if he were in the same position.
Terriermon flinched. "Momentai! It was just a question."
"Sorry. I get sensitive when people ask for my ingredients, just like Digitamamon would."
Speaking of Digitamamon, Ken saw that the soup-server looked like he was about to blow a gasket. This looked to be a very volatile situation that could explode at any moment.
"But if you want plenty more where that came from, why don't you humans come and see MY place?" Devitamamon suggested. "I guarantee you only the best."
Henry shrugged. "I guess it couldn't hurt."
"Let's check it out," Yolei added.
Devitamamon inched towards a huffing Digitamamon. "You're invited too. Why don't you come and see exactly WHY you've been getting smoked?"
"I'd be glad to," Digitamamon growled. "I want to see what's so special about this place."
With that, Devitamamon started leading them all out the door. As Ken walked out, he was starting to wonder how he ended up in the middle of this. He started this whole day off just wanting to talk to Yolei.
Davis looked down at the directions he was given. "This is the place, alright."
Davis, Kazu, and Kenta all found themselves in an airport hangar, full of private planes. The directions one of the Alpha Zeta brothers had given them led them here. Their initiation rituals weren't over by a long shot. In fact, they were all still wearing their costumes. But Davis was starting to wonder just why they were called here of all places.
"Greetings, pledges!"
Behind one of the small planes, came the two Alpha Zeta brothers that Davis had come to recognize by now.
"Today, you guys will be initiated in a whole different way. Are you guys all ready?"
Davis nodded eagerly. "We're ready! Right, guys?"
Davis turned around and saw that Kazu and Kenta briefly hesitated before nodding. Davis didn't know why they would pause like that. Whatever was in store couldn't possibly be that bad.
"Great to hear that!" the Alpha with the ponytail grinned. "Now go on and get on the plane."
Davis's eyes widened. "The plane? We're getting on the plane?"
"That's right. So hurry up! Your flight's about to leave."
"Flight?!" Kazu repeated.
The Alphas quickly started pushing Davis, Kazu, and Kenta onto the plane. Davis didn't have any idea when he got here, but it looked like he'd be going on a flight. He still didn't know fully what to expect. At first, Davis was starting to think it was a joke. But when the Alphas shut the door behind them, he knew it was no joke.
"Pilot, take us up!"
The engine started with a thunderous roar. Davis, Kazu, and Kenta all sweatdropped. It got even worse when Davis sensed the plane was moving.
"Uh…what exactly are we supposed to do?" Davis asked curiously.
The Alpha with the ponytail just grinned. "You'll see."
Before Davis could ask anymore questions, he felt the plane start taking to the sky.
The last few days had been rather quiet. His phone wasn't ringing off the hook like it usually was and that was starting to worry one Tai Kamiya. It had been days since he last heard from Catherine and she wasn't answering her phone. It was almost like she was avoiding him. But that couldn't possibly be the case.
As Tai walked towards his dorm, he saw Matt and TK talking by his door. Tai could only wonder what the two brothers were discussing. Suddenly, TK noticed Tai coming and he quickly scampered away. Matt also noticed Tai coming, so he ran into the room and shut the door.
"Hmm…weird."
Tai walked into his room and saw Matt sitting on his bed. As soon as Matt saw him come in, he put on a huge smile. That's when Tai started getting suspicious.
"Hey, Tai!" Matt grinned. "How's everything going? Everything ok?"
Tai gave his best friend a suspicious glance. "Everything's…fine."
"That's good! It really is! So…uh…um…have you…uh…talked to Catherine at all?"
Now Tai was really getting suspicious. Getting asked that question along with seeing TK suddenly run away gave Tai reason to believe something was going on. Something was up and he wanted to find out what it was.
"No. Matt…what's going on?"
"Huh? Why would you think something's going on?"
Tai eyed his best friend suspiciously. "Matt…is there something you're not telling me?"
Matt hesitated. "There's…nothing to tell you, Tai. Uh…so…how's everything going with Catherine?"
That set off alarms in Tai's head. "Ok, what's going on here?"
Matt hastily looked at his watch. "Look at the time. I really should start studying."
"Matt, cut it out! What's going on?"
Matt didn't say anything. Tai was really starting to get worried at this point.
"Tai…you aren't too attached to this girl or anything, are you? I mean…it's not like you REALLY like her…right?"
"That's funny, Matt. Of course I like her! She has everything I look for in a woman. I'd love to be with someone like her. And I have a good feeling about her. I think she feels the same way about me."
"Maybe it's not such a good idea to jump to those kinds of conclusions," Matt said casually. "I mean…you never know, right? She could…like someone else for all we know."
Tai was starting to realize what was going on. "Ok, I get it now. I saw you talking to your brother. I know what this is all about. He's jealous, isn't he? Poor guy. He knows Catherine likes me better than him."
"I…wouldn't be so sure about that. Tai…TK was telling me that Catherine called him over last night because she wanted to tell him how she felt about him. I think she's made her choice."
Tai didn't want to believe that. "How do you know that, Matt?"
"I believe what my brother tells me. And if he tells me something like that, then it's true. He wouldn't lie to me."
"If Catherine's REALLY pining over TK, then wouldn't he have started bragging to me, by now?"
"Actually, I asked him that, too," Matt pointed out. "But TK doesn't want her anymore. He said something about an attack of conscience or whatever. But Tai, the point is…she doesn't want you, she wants TK."
Tai shook his head. "I don't believe you. Catherine would have said something to me."
Matt slowly pointed towards the phone. "Tai…I think you have a message."
Tai looked over at the phone and saw the red light blinking. That indicated that someone had left a message. Now Tai was starting to get a sinking feeling in his stomach. He slowly walked up to the phone and pressed the button to relay the message.
"Tai? It's Catherine. I'm sorry I couldn't bring myself to tell you earlier, but I haven't been able to get a hold of you for days. I never wanted it to come to this, because I do believe you are a nice guy and you're just like I remember you from the first day we met all those years ago. Tai…I've come to a decision. I want to be with TK. I'm sorry. I hope you and I can still be friends…"
Tai didn't let it go any further. He hung up before he could hear the rest of the message. It was true. Catherine had chosen someone else. She had chosen TK.
For Tai, this was all starting to bring back bad memories. It especially hurt whenever he looked over at Matt. Tai had been placed on the shelf once again. He had been overlooked for someone else. Seven years ago, he was passed over for Matt. Today…he was passed over for Matt's brother. It was a sick, twisted irony.
But honestly, he didn't feel surprised. Catherine was a beautiful, young French lady. TK was a young freshman. And Tai felt like he had already reached his peak. He never felt older.
Tai couldn't take it. He started walking out.
"Tai! Where are you going?"
"Out. I'm suddenly feeling…old."
Matt slapped his forehead. "Tai, don't start with that again!"
Tai didn't hear him. He just kept walking forward until he was out the door. There was only one thing in the world that could make him feel young. He started walking towards the front entrance that led to the parking lot. But in his rush, he didn't even notice Sora and Mimi, carrying their Digimon, were walking right by him.
Sora stopped and waved. "Hey, Tai!"
Tai was catatonic. He didn't even return the greeting. In a zombie-like state, he just kept moving forward. Looking concerned, Sora followed him out.
"Tai? Wait!"
Tai just kept going towards the parking lot, hardly giving Sora any chance to catch up. He saw the one thing that would relieve him of his pain. It was his beloved motorcycle. It was the one thing in the world that still made him feel young. He was about to drive off, but Sora stood right in the path of the mighty hog.
"Tai, what's the matter? Is something wrong?"
"I just need to get away for a while. You coming?"
Sora nodded. "If you'll tell me what's wrong, then yes."
Biyomon frowned. "Sora…is that thing safe?"
"It is if I wear a helmet," Sora answered. "And I'm sure you can fly off to safety at a moment's notice. You'll be fine."
"I don't have all day," Tai grumbled. Hop on or I'm going without you."
Sora grabbed the extra motorcycle helmet on the back of Tai's motorcycle and put it on her head. Biyomon held onto Sora's shoulder like there was no tomorrow as they both made sure they were in good position. Once they were both on, Tai revved up the bike and started rolling off with a mighty roar of the engine.
As he rode off, he passed by Matt, who noticed Sora in the back.
"TAI! Where are you going?! And with my girl?!"
Tai didn't hear. He just kept riding away. Where? He had no idea.
Puppetmon began searching underneath every nook and cranny, but was coming up empty. He knew it had to be difficult to lose anything that big. He had never misplaced any toy of that size before, but indeed it was missing. And once Datamon found out, he wouldn't like it one bit.
He was about to give Datamon the bad news once he reached the main hangar, but the deranged android was busy with matters of his own. Datamon was talking turkey with a ghastly-looking, demonic Digimon. His thick legs and forearms were neon purple and the rest of his body was black. He had black wings on his back and huge ram horns on his head.
"Ah, Puppetmon, I'm glad you're here," Datamon said.
"Hey, who's this bozo?" Puppetmon demanded.
Datamon made the proper introduction. "This is our new associate. Meet Mephistomon."
"You must be Puppetmon," Mephistomon boomed in a frighteningly deep voice. "I am pleased to make your acquaintance."
"Who let you in here, anyway?" Puppetmon asked curiously.
"Mephistomon, here, is our new problem solver," Datamon explained. "Since I'm all out of Black Gears and ChaosGallantmon will only listen to our Digimon Empress, who right now just happens to be who-knows-where, I've taken it upon myself to hire a freelancer to seize the Child of Light."
"Just call me a bounty hunter," Mephistomon said evilly. "I will find this…Child of Light. But I warn you, Datamon, I hate the light! I'll have to charge you extra."
"You'll have your money as soon as you get the job done," Datamon huffed. "Now please wait in that storage room while I make the arrangements to my…ahem…little machine."
Mephistomon walked into the storage room while Datamon walked to his supercomputer and started punching several codes.
"With these recent improvements I've made to my machines, I don't even NEED our Digimon Empress to receive Digimon for me anymore. The only reason I'm even keeping her around anymore is because she seems to be the only one who can control ChaosGallantmon."
"Actually, that's what I need to talk to you about," Puppetmon said rather uneasily. "About ChaosGallantmon…"
"This isn't another complaint, is it?" Datamon groaned. "I've already told you, Puppetmon, you have nothing to worry about. The Digimon Empress is still under our control and since she controls ChaosGallantmon, technically WE control ChaosGallantmon."
"Then why won't he come when I call him?" Puppetmon pointed out.
"We need to call The Digimon Empress first."
"Well, can you hurry up and call her, 'cause we've got a tiny little problem."
Datamon stopped all his typing. "What do you mean 'tiny little problem'?"
"Uh…ChaosGallantmon is loose."
Silence.
"What do you mean ChaosGallantmon is loose?!" Datamon demanded.
"I mean he's loose. As in 'gone', 'missing', 'bye-bye', 'AWOL'. I don't even know which way he went."
"That's out fiercest ally running loose in the Digital World!" Datamon exclaimed. "We MUST get him back immediately!"
"But you said it yourself. We can't control him. He doesn't listen to us!"
Datamon pounded his supercomputer. "I'll put in a call to our Digimon Empress again. There's no way she can possibly keep ignoring us, lest the effect of the Dark Spore is wearing off and the probability of that is extremely unlikely."
Puppetmon looked back again. ChaosGallantmon suddenly breaking out of the Server base was a small setback, for sure.
But on the bright side, maybe the freelancer Mephistomon could do what the Black Gear- influenced Digimon could not. Perhaps he could get that Kari girl.
The plane was hundreds of feet in the air. Davis peeked out the window and saw clouds passing by below the flying vessel. Whatever the Alphas had in mind, Davis was already sweating bullets over it. Before Davis could close his eyes, he was tossed a backpack.
"This is your parachute," the Alpha with the ponytail said. "Once we're all clear, you three will go ahead and skydive out of the plane. Your backpacks have sensors that will automatically deploy your parachute once you are within safe distance. From there, you'll go ahead and land on the field directly below you. We'll come and get you once you land safely…at least we're ASSUMING you'll land safely."
"Uh…if I may ask…what does this have to do with our pledging?" Kenta asked.
The bulky Alpha with the buzzcut tied a banner to the back of the parachute. "This has everything to do with your pledging. As you parachute down to Earth, you'll have these 'We
"Are we all clear?" the ponytail asked the pilot.
"We are all clear," the pilot responded.
"Well pledges, you're all set to go," the ponytail grinned. "And remember: Alpha Zeta takes no responsibility for any pledges that become street pizza."
With that, the ponytail gently pushed Kazu out of the plane while the buzzcut nudged Kenta out right behind him. Both pledges, still in costume, tumbled out screaming. That only left Davis.
Davis gulped. "Uh…what if I said I get airsick?"
The Alphas exchanged mischievous glances.
"DON'T SWALLOW!"
With that, the two Alphas moved Davis over and pushed him out of the plane. With a loud scream, Davis started plunging down towards the ground and through the sky. The banner was waving through the sky as Davis was coming down and eventually catching up to Kazu and Kenta.
"Are ALL frats like this?!" Kazu yelled.
"They can't ALL be like this!" Kenta replied.
"I still say it's worth it!" Davis shouted as he continued sailing through the sky.
As they fell closer towards the ground, the parachutes automatically deployed. But Davis's parachute deployed a few seconds later. He was at a bad angle when the parachute opened up and started flying in another direction. Of course, Davis didn't notice anything wrong at first.
"Hey guys! This is kinda fun! I told you this would be worth it! What a rush! I…HEY!! HOW DO I TURN THIS THING?! AAAAAAAAHHHH!!"
Davis didn't know how to change his course. Instead, as he finally approached the ground, he landed right on top of a tall tree. Davis's screams were silenced by leaves that kept slapping him in the face. And he came to a halt…when his parachute got tangled in the tree's branches. Davis was left dangling about eight feet above the ground.
"Uh…Kazu? Kenta? Somebody want to get me down from here?"
Davis struggled, but couldn't get himself out of his latest predicament. After a couple of minutes of shaking and tussling, he gave up and sighed deeply.
"I still say this is worth it."
Just as Davis said that, he started to hear some snapping coming from up above. Moments later, the strings from his parachute snapped and Davis fell face-first to the ground.
It was a fitting way to end this whole ordeal.
Next Week: Kari and Rika try and stay on their best behavior, but things don't get easier when they happen to run into some other friends. Tai and Sora take a motorcycle ride to the outskirts of Odaiba where Tai tries to get his head together. Ken, Yolei, Henry, Terriermon, and Wormmon try to keep some peace between Digitamamon and Devitamamon, but are about to encounter some whole new problems. Kazu and Kenta are just about ready to call it quits as it relates to the frat, but Davis isn't giving up so easily. But is there ANOTHER initiation ritual waiting? And the freelance bounty hunter, Mephistomon, is on his way to the real world. Will he get what he's been hired to seek? Find out on the next Digimon: The College Years!
Any comments? Then mail me at AmericanCaptor@hotmail.com and don't forget to review below!