Fordina: Okay… This is the next chap… And before I forget… There is
something that I have to tell you readers... There are people reading this
right?
Soccer Chicka: Of course there are! It's written by me!
Fordina: *Ahem*
Soccer Chicka: Oh yeah… Her too…
Fordina: As I was saying… I've been neglecting to inform you people about something. I'm sure you've noticed that some words are spelt differently in some places. EX.) Yolie… I spell it like that…
Soccer Chicka: I spell it like this… Yolei.
Fordina: And there are so many more that I really don't feel like telling you about.
Tai: Lazy ass….
Fordina: What you call me?!
Tai: Um… Carry on… *Walks away*
Fordina: *Mumbles* Better have been…
Ken: Um… This probably isn't going anywhere… So um…
Soccer Chicka: I DON'T OWN DIGIMON!!!!!
Ken: What about Card Captors?
Soccer Chicka: Oh yeah… Don't own that either! ^_^
Fordina: *Shakes head* Oh yeah… In this chap there is a well… Not a lot but a somewhat over use of the word Coke.
Tai: Oh?
Fordina: Not that kind! Coke… You know the Soda?!
Tai: Oh.
Fordina: *Sigh* So yeah… We don't own Coke either…
Soccer Chicka: Or Marshmallows!
Tai: Mmm………
Ken: Oh dear…
Fordina: Um… But you know who we do own… I own Traci. Soccer Chicka can have Jen. We have shared custody on James. And Karen's up for grabs.
Soccer Chicka: No really, Karen is ours.
Fordina: So come on down folks! Read and Review! ^o^
Desperate Days
By: Fordina and Soccer Chicka
Chapter 7
The next day Li stretched as he and Eriol headed out to an information meeting for the IQ contest.
"So Sakura and the others are going to meet us there?" Li asked tiredly.
"Yes, that's what she said. I believe she would've invited us to breakfast but *ahem* someone was sleeping!" Eriol answered shooting a look at Li.
Li shrugged nonchalantly. "Hey, a genius needs his rest."
Eriol laughed to himself. "You? A genius? I believe I'm the one that's the genius!"
Li started. "Excuse me?" He asked indignantly pushing his face aggressively towards Eriol's.
Eriol faltered. "Um…Li? Did you even bother to brush your teeth this morning?"
Li growled. "Can it Eriol…No wait! Can it Mr. Reincarnation!" He laughed at his own joke.
Eriol waved a hand in front of his face. "I think you're the one who should can it…"
Li growled again. He was silent for a bit. "So Sakura's gonna be there?" Eriol nodded. Li contemplated this for a bit. Grudgingly he asked Eriol another question. "Do you have a breath mint?"
"What was that?" Eriol asked, enjoying Li's discomfort.
Li snarled. "Do you…have a breath mint?"
Eriol shrugged. "Maybe."
Li's temper flared. "Tell me Mr. Reincarnation! Or I'll reincarnate your ass!"
Eriol stared at him. He fumbled around in his pocket. "Here…" He stuffed a pack of mints in Li's hand. By this time they reached the school where they had the meeting. Sakura waved her hand at them. As they walked up to the group Li mumbled. "You're lucky we're in public…" Eriol shook his head. Li popped a breath mint in his mouth as he greeted Sakura.
"Well, now that everyone's here, we should get some seats!" Madison called. They walked into the school and followed the signs to a smallish round meeting room. A couple of teachers were standing in front of the desk discussing something deeply. Other teens were milling around the room talking and laughing, waiting for the meeting to start. Sakura looked around at her friends, which looked at the other teens apprehensively. Most of the others were older then the CCS group. Then a loud group entered the room just as the CCS group sat down. Chelsea turned around and looked at the loud group. The loudest people consisted of a tall older boy with somewhat large hair, and a shorter brown haired girl. Behind them came a gentle looking, shorthaired girl who was talking to a bright blonde haired boy with a white hat. A spiky brown haired guy with goggles came next, who with a glance at Rita; seemed to be very smitten with him. A red haired guy and a longhaired bluenette boy were in a serious conversation. A very intellectual one at that. A shorthaired girl was by their side. Another blonde, this one older, was yacking away on a cell while his girlfriend looked around glumly. A tall guy, a lavender haired girl and a short brown haired kid were all laughing at a joke. The all took seats behind the CCS group. Chelsea prodded Rita, who seemed to be in a trance.
"Hey…Hey Rita! Did you see that guy with the goggles?" Chelsea knew it was a stupid question, but she wanted to make sure she knew exactly who Rita was infatuated with.
Rita nodded distantly. She froze suddenly, ducked and blushed. "He saw me looking at him…" She whispered embarrassed.
Chelsea craned her neck to see him. "Don't be so obvious!" Rita hissed. She pulled Chelsea down. Zachary, who was beside Chelsea looked over as his arm was jostled.
"What's up?" Zachary asked looking in the direction of the group. "Hey! That girl in the pink is kinda cute!"
Chelsea swiped him across the head. "Shush you!"
Zachary rubbed his head. "What?" He asked confusedly. "I was just stating the obvious!"
Chelsea huffed and slunk into her chair. Zachary sighed and looked at her. "Do you need a hug?" He asked.
Chelsea crinkled her nose. "You know very well what I need Zachary."
Zachary sighed again. "Com'n Chelsea! Not here in public!"
Chelsea gave Zachary a dirty look. (Fordina: No! Not that kinda dirty! Soccer Chicka: Get your mind out of the gutter!) "Zachary."
Zachary shrugged. "An apology is my last guess!" Chelsea nodded. "All right…I'm sorry."
Chelsea smiled. "Better, but you still owe me!"
One of the teachers at the front of the room started to call for quiet. Unfortunately she never got any. After a few false starts, she finally quieted down the group…well most of them. The tall brown haired guy and the brown haired girl with longer hair were still talking loudly. It sounded as if the boy was telling a joke. "So the Numemon said, 'Not under my slimy body'!" (Soccer Chicka: For reference look at my story! Fordina: Enough!) The hall went quiet at that line. The girl was confused.
"What's a Numemon?" She asked.
Then they realized everyone was looking at them. "Sorry!" The boy cried as the group burst out in laughter.
"As I was trying to say…" The teacher glared at the group.
"Geez, tough crowd…" They heard the boy mumble.
"The contest will be held in one and a half weeks. You all are free to study in your groups. I would ask that you don't help other groups, but I know that won't happen." She smirked. "At this meeting, we will explain what the contest will contain, the rules and the procedures. This will be aired on TV so we must teach *ahem* Proper TV etiquette." The teacher then went on into details.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After the meeting Tai pulled Jen aside and told her that he needed to talk to her.
"What about?" Jen asked.
"Well… You know that… Um… Monster thing?" Tai asked.
"The blinking thing?" Tai nodded. "Alright…"
Tai and Jen started to walk off when Traci called to them. "Hey Jen! Where're ya going?" Traci asked.
"Tai needs to explain the blink--" Tai clamped his hand over her mouth.
"I just need to discuss something with her… Heh…" Tai laughed nervously.
"Okay… Can I come?" Traci asked.
"Um… No…" Tai said.
"Why not?" Traci asked annoyed.
"Because," Tai said.
"Because why? … Oh… I see…" Traci winked. Then whispered to Jen, "You go girl!" And walked away.
"I don't wanna know what she was thinkin'…" Tai said.
Jen laughed, "Hmm… I think I might…"
Tai looked at her. "Um…"
"Tai!" Kari yelled. "Are you coming or what?!"
Looking at his sister Tai thought for a second. "Well… I could tell them now and get it over with… And then I wouldn't have to be the one to explain the Digimon to Jen… Izzy could do it…" Tai thought, then added. "I am SO smart sometimes I surprise myself!" "Yeah! We're coming!" Tai said grabbing Jen. "C'mon, let's go…"
"But I thought that you had to…" Jen started.
"Forget what I said! Now we're going with the others!" Tai told her.
"But! Traci…!"
"Forget Traci! I don't want to explain this! So I'm gonna make Izzy do it!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The teacher huffed annoyed. "Will everyone just settle down?"
Tai laughed loudly. "I thought you said the meeting was over!"
The teacher glared at him. "For you it is, we only want the smart ones to stay behind." Tai glared back.
"Too bad I'm too smart for this contest then…" Tai stated proudly, he continued on to sing. "I am so smart…S-M-R-T I am so smart S-M-R-T!" The teacher shook her head. He continued loudly. "I AM SO S-M-R-T!" He stopped, and slowly resaid the song in his head. He shrugged and continued. "I am so smart…"
"Well I guess we should get going then…" Matt said.
"…S-M-…A-….R-T!"
"Yes, Tai…We all know…." Matt snickered.
"Mmmm…Snickers…." Tai moaned.
"Hehehe…He watches Simpsons!" Jen cried.
Traci laughed. "No! They based Homer on him!" The rest of the group looked at them strangely. Traci shrugged. "Inside joke?"
The teacher threw her arms up in frustration. "Only the contestants stay!" She yelled.
The group looked at her. "Oh well, there goes my fun….see ya guys later…dinner's at what…4:30?" Tai asked.
Matt rolled his eyes. "6, Tai. We eat at 6."
Tai caught on. "All right, Matt….All right." Matt scowled.
The others filtered out of the room and only the contestants remained. James came bursting in late.
"Well, look who it is? It's Mr. Tardy everyone!" Jen cried.
James flushed in anger as all heads turned to look at him. A small rumble shook the halls. But after a second it was gone. He calmly sat down and glared coolly at Jen. "You really like to do that me don't you?" James seethed. She shrugged innocently. Traci punched them both on the arms.
"Can it!"
The teacher sighed and started to take attendance. " Syaoran Li and Eriol Hi-ira-giza-wa?" The teacher stuttered.
Eriol smirked at the bad pronunciation of his name. "Oh we're here, and it's 'Reincarnation' not Hiiragizawa!" Li stated grinning wildly.
The teacher looked weary. Eriol and Li burst out laughing. "Yes, Yes….fine Mr. Reincarnation, and Mr. Li, would you kindly contain yourselves?"
Li shrugged. "Maybe later."
Eriol sighed. "I'll contain myself but it won't be done kindly…"
The teacher shook her head. "Fine I really don't care….Ummm…Koushiro Izumi and Ken Ichijouji?"
"Here, um, it's Izzy, not Koushiro." Izzy stated.
The teacher glared. "I'm not interested in your nicknames. IF it's on your sheet that's who you are. AND I don't care Mr. Li, if you have any objections!" She yelled as Li had opened his mouth to argue. Li closed it glumly. "That's better, now… Traci Kazaki and James Crusher?"
"Here! We're both here." Traci piped up pulling up James' face to look at the teacher. James wrenched out of her grip and jammed his baseball hat onto his head.
The teacher sighed. "I was happy for a moment…no objections but there will be…Mr. Crusher? Can you kindly remove your headwear please? It's rude."
James glared at her from underneath the bill of his baseball cap. He grabbed it and stuffed into his bag. A few other girls giggled at his hastiness.
"Well, next are Karen Minobe, and Jennifer Harper?" The teacher looked around the room. To Jen's dismay Karen jumped up and waved at everyone.
"HI! Oh! It's so nice to meet you all! I'm Karen and this is Jen!"
Jen mumbled a 'hi' and peered around the room. The teacher shook her head.
"That's nice Ms. Minobe…but can you kindly sit down?" The teacher asked.
Karen beamed. "Ok!" Everyone else just shook their heads.
The teacher continued on with the role call, calling teens from as close as the U.S.A all the way to Australia. "Now that we're finished and you are cleared on the rules, I'm going to request that you all attend a practice at 2:30pm a week from today. You will be introduced to the host and the camera crew. I hope you all enjoy yourselves. That's all. See you a week from today…"
The teens filtered out of the room. The CCS group were waiting for their people and the Digidestined were waiting for theirs. Jen saw Tai and glared. He backed up slowly with a nervous grin on his face. "You know…I'm just gonna go to the bathroom…" Tai said slowly as he turned around to make a run for it.
"No you don't Tai Kamiya!" She rushed and grabbed his shoulders. "You have some explaining to do…"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sakura ran up to Li who tried to back away as she hugged him. "Hey Li!" She cried.
"Sakura…" Li started then sighed and kissed her cheek. "Hey," He whispered holding her.
"AWW!!!" A voice cried across the room. "Isn't that cute Jen?!" Karen asked.
Looking to where Karen had pointed Jen nodded. "Yeah… But we shouldn't pry in other peoples business," Jen said.
"Never stopped you before…" James muttered.
"What was that?!" Jen asked angrily. James just grinned.
"But we wouldn't be interfering! I know him! He's my COUSIN!" Karen yelled. "Hey Li! Li! You who! Over here!" She called.
"Oh no…" Li mumbled slowly letting go of Sakura and turned around to find Karen waving him over. "Hi Karen…" Li greeted sluggishly.
"Oh Li! Don't be so shy!" Karen said. "Li! This is Jen! Jen, Li!" Karen introduced.
"Hiya Li! So how do you know Karen?" Jen asked.
"We're cousins…" Li mumbled. "Distant cousins…"
"Oh cool," Jen said. "Traci! Come over here!" Jen called.
"What?! I'm discussing something with James!" Traci yelled as she walked over to Jen.
"I want you to meet someone, Traci this is Li, Karen's uh… Distant cousin…" Jen stuttered.
"Oh…" Traci said, then thought. "Maybe Li isn't like Karen… I can only hope…" "Nice to meet you," She said holding out her hand. Li shook it.
"Nice to meet you too," Li answered.
"James!" Traci yelled. "Get your lousy butt over here for a second! Stop being so antisocial!"
"What?" James asked irritable as he made his way to stand next to Traci. As soon as James came close Li almost jumped backwards in surprise.
"The magic coming from this guy is immense! I'll have to keep my eye on this one…" Li thought.
"This is Li, a cousin of Karen's," Traci said snapping Li out of his thoughts.
"Yeah I know" James said.
"You do?" Traci asked.
"Yeah… Kathy introduced us on an earlier date," James told her. Li nodded in confirmation.
"Oh…" Traci said.
"So you're in this game thing too?" Jen asked changing the subject. Li nodded again. "That's cool… Who's your partner?"
"Eriol…" Li said.
"Li!" Sakura cried running up to him. "Hey we're getting ready to leave! You coming?" Sakura asked.
"I'll be there in a little bit," He told her.
She nodded. "Oh, okay. Can I stay with you then?" She asked, puppy dog eyes in place.
Li's face softened. "You didn't even need to ask." He said putting an arm around her waist.
"Ahem," Jen coughed.
"Oh sorry, this is Sakura, my girlfriend, Sakura this is, well you know Karen, her friends Jen, Traci and James," Li introduced.
"Nice to meet you," Sakura said politely.
"So are you in the contest too?" Traci asked.
Sakura shook her head. "Nope, my entire class came here for a project from Japan, but for the most part we're here to cheer on our two competitors in the tournament!"
"You're from Japan?!" Jen cried. "Do you know those guys?" She asked pointing to a group of kids one of which had really big hair.
Sakura and Li looked to where she was pointing and they both shook their heads. "Nope, never seen them before," Sakura said. Li nodded his head in agreement.
Jen looked over to the group of Digidestined and saw them leaving. "Oh no you don't…" She said as she ran over to them. Once she caught up with them, she grabbed Tai's shoulders, which forced him to stop and almost fall backwards… On top of Jen.
"What's Jen doing?" Traci asked to no one imparticular. The others just shrugged.
"Well Li… We should get going… Mr. Terada will be wondering where we are…" She said tugging on his arm.
"But Sakura… Whoa!" Li said as Sakura dragged him away.
"Um… Bye!" Traci waved.
"Sakura! What did you do that for?!" Li hissed.
"Didn't you feel the magic from that guy?" Sakura asked quietly.
Li nodded. "Yeah, I did. I'm going to keep an eye on him for the time being…" Li thought for a second. "I didn't feel anything from him the first time we met…"
"You've met him before?" Sakura asked.
"Yeah, the day I introduced you to Karen… We came across him before we met up with you guys…"
"Oh…" Sakura said.
"But don't worry… I won't let this guy out of my sight for too long…"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Damn it Tai! You have to tell me all about that monster!" Jen cried shoving Tai for the umpteenth time.
Tai grinned sheepishly and shrugged. "Com'n, what monsters! You know there aren't any monsters that live under beds!" He laughed nervously at her furious stare.
"Haha…very funny…for your information the monster wasn't under my bed it was over my head! Oh God did I just rhyme?!" Jen shook her head.
"Hehehe! She's a poet and she didn't know it!" Traci laughed as she poked Jen.
Jen glared. "Don't poke me!"
Tai laughed and poked Jen from the other side. "Poke."
Jen flushed but then turned on Tai. "DON'T POKE ME!" Tai pouted.
"No pokies?" Tai asked, making a funny face. Jen laughed.
"You guys are distracting me! Ok Tai, tell me now!"
"Tell you what?" Traci asked suspiciously. "What are you hiding now Tai?"
Tai stared. "Nothing…" He shrugged. "Jen just believes in monsters that attack the park and in the night…but hey, even she can't be perfect!"
Traci looked at Jen questionably. "Attack at the park?"
Jen wasn't listening. "I'm not PERFECT?" She yelled. Tai shuttered.
"Well, you did call our Digivices, Digimice…" Tai shrugged.
Traci cocked her head to the side. "Digivice…Digimice? New video game?"
Izzy, who wasn't listening until now, shuddered. "Digimice? Tai, what are you telling them?!"
Tai bit his lip. "Iz…" Tai glared. "Mind your own business!"
Izzy bristled. "When it comes to the Digimon it is my business!" Jen and Traci mouths dropped open. Izzy laughed nervously. "Carry on…" And he walked to talk with Joe who was walking ahead of them.
"Damn you Izzy…Leave me with all the explaining…" He raised his fist in anger and yelled. "WHEN IT WAS HALF YOUR FAULT!" Izzy shrunk down as low as possible.
Jen and Traci were now, to put it lightly. Totally bewildered. "Well…" Jen stated dumbstruck. "Don't we all know what Digimon are…." She was mumbling by now.
"Tai…?" Traci asked quietly. "WOULD YOU MIND EXPLAINING YOURSELF!?" She yelled.
Tai rubbed his face with his hands nervously. "Well…you see…" Tai went on to explain the Digimon, the Digital World and all the stuff that went on there. Traci was listening intently, fascinated by this new world. Jen was daydreaming about Tai.
"…in the Digital World we had to cross oceans…" Tai was explaining.
"Mmm…Oceans…Tai…and me on a beach…sigh….What a beautiful picture. Oh what was that Tai? Need sun screen? I'll help…" Jen sighed dreamily. She didn't realize that this was all out loud.
"…And these Numemon came out of a vending machine…" Tai said.
"Mm…Coke…Tai and Coke…sharing a Coke with Tai…Damn he's fine…mmm…Tanness…" Jen mumbled. Looking at Tai. "And no tan lines…"
"…Sometimes we had to build a camp fire and sit around it to keep warm…" Tai stated to the fascinated Traci.
"Mmm…Campfire…marshmallows…no more left! Guess I'll just have to share…get the remnants of his mouth…mmm….wanna share?" Her eyes glazed over. "Mmm…marshmallow Tai…"
Tai stopped and looked at Jen who was hovering about an inch from his face. He started to sweat. "Jen you know…now's not the time…"
Jen shook her head. "What?"
Traci stifled her laughter…of course she had heard every word…both Tai's and Jen's!
Tai slowly and reluctantly pushed her back. Damn he wanted to…but in public…making out wasn't the place… "Were you listening to anything I just said?" He asked wiping his forehead.
"mmm…Marshmallow Tai… Wait…what was that? Oh no….no…I wasn't listening…did I say that out loud?"
Traci burst out laughing. "EVERY SINGLE WORD!" She held her sides.
Tai's temper got him. "YOU WEREN'T LISTENING EITHER?!" Tai yelled. "GEEZ YOU WOMEN!"
Traci looked stunned. "I was too listening! I heard all you had to say! The Oceans…the vending machine…the campfire…sound familiar Jen?" She raised her eyebrows at her quickly flushing friend
"Marshmallows too?" Jen asked quietly. Traci nodded. Jen grinned sheepishly at Tai. "You never heard that did you?"
"He might not of…but I did…" Matt piped up from behind the group. Jen's face fell open with surprise. "You have an interesting imagination…no wonder Tai's having such a hard time breathing! You know, I could really go for a girl like you…" An offended 'ahem' was heard from Sora. "…IF I didn't have Sora…" Matt gave Jen a half smile and went on to talk to Sora.
Jen stood dumbstruck. "Did he say what I think I heard him say?" She thought.
Tai grinned at Jen. "Well, I've only have one question for you." Jen blushed.
"Tai I'm sorry! I didn't-" Tai cut her off.
"What kind of marshmallows?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Fordina: Well that's it…. For now!
Tai: You guess never answered my question.
Ken: And what was that?
Tai: What kind of Marshmallows?
Soccer Chicka: *Dreamily* Any kind you want… Mmm… Marshmallow Tai… *Drools*
Fordina: Here… *Hands Soccer Chicka a napkin* Use this…
Tai: Mmm… Marshmallow…
Ken: *Shakes head* I think I should end this… The other don't seem capable.
Fordina: *Amen* I'm still sane!
Ken: You always have been Ford-chan.
Fordina: *Smiles* ^o^ Love you too Ken-chan! But we should end it here… So since you've already read it! Now Review it! Come on! It's that little button right below this text! You see it? Good. Now click it and send a review! ^o^
Soccer Chicka: Of course there are! It's written by me!
Fordina: *Ahem*
Soccer Chicka: Oh yeah… Her too…
Fordina: As I was saying… I've been neglecting to inform you people about something. I'm sure you've noticed that some words are spelt differently in some places. EX.) Yolie… I spell it like that…
Soccer Chicka: I spell it like this… Yolei.
Fordina: And there are so many more that I really don't feel like telling you about.
Tai: Lazy ass….
Fordina: What you call me?!
Tai: Um… Carry on… *Walks away*
Fordina: *Mumbles* Better have been…
Ken: Um… This probably isn't going anywhere… So um…
Soccer Chicka: I DON'T OWN DIGIMON!!!!!
Ken: What about Card Captors?
Soccer Chicka: Oh yeah… Don't own that either! ^_^
Fordina: *Shakes head* Oh yeah… In this chap there is a well… Not a lot but a somewhat over use of the word Coke.
Tai: Oh?
Fordina: Not that kind! Coke… You know the Soda?!
Tai: Oh.
Fordina: *Sigh* So yeah… We don't own Coke either…
Soccer Chicka: Or Marshmallows!
Tai: Mmm………
Ken: Oh dear…
Fordina: Um… But you know who we do own… I own Traci. Soccer Chicka can have Jen. We have shared custody on James. And Karen's up for grabs.
Soccer Chicka: No really, Karen is ours.
Fordina: So come on down folks! Read and Review! ^o^
Desperate Days
By: Fordina and Soccer Chicka
Chapter 7
The next day Li stretched as he and Eriol headed out to an information meeting for the IQ contest.
"So Sakura and the others are going to meet us there?" Li asked tiredly.
"Yes, that's what she said. I believe she would've invited us to breakfast but *ahem* someone was sleeping!" Eriol answered shooting a look at Li.
Li shrugged nonchalantly. "Hey, a genius needs his rest."
Eriol laughed to himself. "You? A genius? I believe I'm the one that's the genius!"
Li started. "Excuse me?" He asked indignantly pushing his face aggressively towards Eriol's.
Eriol faltered. "Um…Li? Did you even bother to brush your teeth this morning?"
Li growled. "Can it Eriol…No wait! Can it Mr. Reincarnation!" He laughed at his own joke.
Eriol waved a hand in front of his face. "I think you're the one who should can it…"
Li growled again. He was silent for a bit. "So Sakura's gonna be there?" Eriol nodded. Li contemplated this for a bit. Grudgingly he asked Eriol another question. "Do you have a breath mint?"
"What was that?" Eriol asked, enjoying Li's discomfort.
Li snarled. "Do you…have a breath mint?"
Eriol shrugged. "Maybe."
Li's temper flared. "Tell me Mr. Reincarnation! Or I'll reincarnate your ass!"
Eriol stared at him. He fumbled around in his pocket. "Here…" He stuffed a pack of mints in Li's hand. By this time they reached the school where they had the meeting. Sakura waved her hand at them. As they walked up to the group Li mumbled. "You're lucky we're in public…" Eriol shook his head. Li popped a breath mint in his mouth as he greeted Sakura.
"Well, now that everyone's here, we should get some seats!" Madison called. They walked into the school and followed the signs to a smallish round meeting room. A couple of teachers were standing in front of the desk discussing something deeply. Other teens were milling around the room talking and laughing, waiting for the meeting to start. Sakura looked around at her friends, which looked at the other teens apprehensively. Most of the others were older then the CCS group. Then a loud group entered the room just as the CCS group sat down. Chelsea turned around and looked at the loud group. The loudest people consisted of a tall older boy with somewhat large hair, and a shorter brown haired girl. Behind them came a gentle looking, shorthaired girl who was talking to a bright blonde haired boy with a white hat. A spiky brown haired guy with goggles came next, who with a glance at Rita; seemed to be very smitten with him. A red haired guy and a longhaired bluenette boy were in a serious conversation. A very intellectual one at that. A shorthaired girl was by their side. Another blonde, this one older, was yacking away on a cell while his girlfriend looked around glumly. A tall guy, a lavender haired girl and a short brown haired kid were all laughing at a joke. The all took seats behind the CCS group. Chelsea prodded Rita, who seemed to be in a trance.
"Hey…Hey Rita! Did you see that guy with the goggles?" Chelsea knew it was a stupid question, but she wanted to make sure she knew exactly who Rita was infatuated with.
Rita nodded distantly. She froze suddenly, ducked and blushed. "He saw me looking at him…" She whispered embarrassed.
Chelsea craned her neck to see him. "Don't be so obvious!" Rita hissed. She pulled Chelsea down. Zachary, who was beside Chelsea looked over as his arm was jostled.
"What's up?" Zachary asked looking in the direction of the group. "Hey! That girl in the pink is kinda cute!"
Chelsea swiped him across the head. "Shush you!"
Zachary rubbed his head. "What?" He asked confusedly. "I was just stating the obvious!"
Chelsea huffed and slunk into her chair. Zachary sighed and looked at her. "Do you need a hug?" He asked.
Chelsea crinkled her nose. "You know very well what I need Zachary."
Zachary sighed again. "Com'n Chelsea! Not here in public!"
Chelsea gave Zachary a dirty look. (Fordina: No! Not that kinda dirty! Soccer Chicka: Get your mind out of the gutter!) "Zachary."
Zachary shrugged. "An apology is my last guess!" Chelsea nodded. "All right…I'm sorry."
Chelsea smiled. "Better, but you still owe me!"
One of the teachers at the front of the room started to call for quiet. Unfortunately she never got any. After a few false starts, she finally quieted down the group…well most of them. The tall brown haired guy and the brown haired girl with longer hair were still talking loudly. It sounded as if the boy was telling a joke. "So the Numemon said, 'Not under my slimy body'!" (Soccer Chicka: For reference look at my story! Fordina: Enough!) The hall went quiet at that line. The girl was confused.
"What's a Numemon?" She asked.
Then they realized everyone was looking at them. "Sorry!" The boy cried as the group burst out in laughter.
"As I was trying to say…" The teacher glared at the group.
"Geez, tough crowd…" They heard the boy mumble.
"The contest will be held in one and a half weeks. You all are free to study in your groups. I would ask that you don't help other groups, but I know that won't happen." She smirked. "At this meeting, we will explain what the contest will contain, the rules and the procedures. This will be aired on TV so we must teach *ahem* Proper TV etiquette." The teacher then went on into details.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After the meeting Tai pulled Jen aside and told her that he needed to talk to her.
"What about?" Jen asked.
"Well… You know that… Um… Monster thing?" Tai asked.
"The blinking thing?" Tai nodded. "Alright…"
Tai and Jen started to walk off when Traci called to them. "Hey Jen! Where're ya going?" Traci asked.
"Tai needs to explain the blink--" Tai clamped his hand over her mouth.
"I just need to discuss something with her… Heh…" Tai laughed nervously.
"Okay… Can I come?" Traci asked.
"Um… No…" Tai said.
"Why not?" Traci asked annoyed.
"Because," Tai said.
"Because why? … Oh… I see…" Traci winked. Then whispered to Jen, "You go girl!" And walked away.
"I don't wanna know what she was thinkin'…" Tai said.
Jen laughed, "Hmm… I think I might…"
Tai looked at her. "Um…"
"Tai!" Kari yelled. "Are you coming or what?!"
Looking at his sister Tai thought for a second. "Well… I could tell them now and get it over with… And then I wouldn't have to be the one to explain the Digimon to Jen… Izzy could do it…" Tai thought, then added. "I am SO smart sometimes I surprise myself!" "Yeah! We're coming!" Tai said grabbing Jen. "C'mon, let's go…"
"But I thought that you had to…" Jen started.
"Forget what I said! Now we're going with the others!" Tai told her.
"But! Traci…!"
"Forget Traci! I don't want to explain this! So I'm gonna make Izzy do it!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The teacher huffed annoyed. "Will everyone just settle down?"
Tai laughed loudly. "I thought you said the meeting was over!"
The teacher glared at him. "For you it is, we only want the smart ones to stay behind." Tai glared back.
"Too bad I'm too smart for this contest then…" Tai stated proudly, he continued on to sing. "I am so smart…S-M-R-T I am so smart S-M-R-T!" The teacher shook her head. He continued loudly. "I AM SO S-M-R-T!" He stopped, and slowly resaid the song in his head. He shrugged and continued. "I am so smart…"
"Well I guess we should get going then…" Matt said.
"…S-M-…A-….R-T!"
"Yes, Tai…We all know…." Matt snickered.
"Mmmm…Snickers…." Tai moaned.
"Hehehe…He watches Simpsons!" Jen cried.
Traci laughed. "No! They based Homer on him!" The rest of the group looked at them strangely. Traci shrugged. "Inside joke?"
The teacher threw her arms up in frustration. "Only the contestants stay!" She yelled.
The group looked at her. "Oh well, there goes my fun….see ya guys later…dinner's at what…4:30?" Tai asked.
Matt rolled his eyes. "6, Tai. We eat at 6."
Tai caught on. "All right, Matt….All right." Matt scowled.
The others filtered out of the room and only the contestants remained. James came bursting in late.
"Well, look who it is? It's Mr. Tardy everyone!" Jen cried.
James flushed in anger as all heads turned to look at him. A small rumble shook the halls. But after a second it was gone. He calmly sat down and glared coolly at Jen. "You really like to do that me don't you?" James seethed. She shrugged innocently. Traci punched them both on the arms.
"Can it!"
The teacher sighed and started to take attendance. " Syaoran Li and Eriol Hi-ira-giza-wa?" The teacher stuttered.
Eriol smirked at the bad pronunciation of his name. "Oh we're here, and it's 'Reincarnation' not Hiiragizawa!" Li stated grinning wildly.
The teacher looked weary. Eriol and Li burst out laughing. "Yes, Yes….fine Mr. Reincarnation, and Mr. Li, would you kindly contain yourselves?"
Li shrugged. "Maybe later."
Eriol sighed. "I'll contain myself but it won't be done kindly…"
The teacher shook her head. "Fine I really don't care….Ummm…Koushiro Izumi and Ken Ichijouji?"
"Here, um, it's Izzy, not Koushiro." Izzy stated.
The teacher glared. "I'm not interested in your nicknames. IF it's on your sheet that's who you are. AND I don't care Mr. Li, if you have any objections!" She yelled as Li had opened his mouth to argue. Li closed it glumly. "That's better, now… Traci Kazaki and James Crusher?"
"Here! We're both here." Traci piped up pulling up James' face to look at the teacher. James wrenched out of her grip and jammed his baseball hat onto his head.
The teacher sighed. "I was happy for a moment…no objections but there will be…Mr. Crusher? Can you kindly remove your headwear please? It's rude."
James glared at her from underneath the bill of his baseball cap. He grabbed it and stuffed into his bag. A few other girls giggled at his hastiness.
"Well, next are Karen Minobe, and Jennifer Harper?" The teacher looked around the room. To Jen's dismay Karen jumped up and waved at everyone.
"HI! Oh! It's so nice to meet you all! I'm Karen and this is Jen!"
Jen mumbled a 'hi' and peered around the room. The teacher shook her head.
"That's nice Ms. Minobe…but can you kindly sit down?" The teacher asked.
Karen beamed. "Ok!" Everyone else just shook their heads.
The teacher continued on with the role call, calling teens from as close as the U.S.A all the way to Australia. "Now that we're finished and you are cleared on the rules, I'm going to request that you all attend a practice at 2:30pm a week from today. You will be introduced to the host and the camera crew. I hope you all enjoy yourselves. That's all. See you a week from today…"
The teens filtered out of the room. The CCS group were waiting for their people and the Digidestined were waiting for theirs. Jen saw Tai and glared. He backed up slowly with a nervous grin on his face. "You know…I'm just gonna go to the bathroom…" Tai said slowly as he turned around to make a run for it.
"No you don't Tai Kamiya!" She rushed and grabbed his shoulders. "You have some explaining to do…"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sakura ran up to Li who tried to back away as she hugged him. "Hey Li!" She cried.
"Sakura…" Li started then sighed and kissed her cheek. "Hey," He whispered holding her.
"AWW!!!" A voice cried across the room. "Isn't that cute Jen?!" Karen asked.
Looking to where Karen had pointed Jen nodded. "Yeah… But we shouldn't pry in other peoples business," Jen said.
"Never stopped you before…" James muttered.
"What was that?!" Jen asked angrily. James just grinned.
"But we wouldn't be interfering! I know him! He's my COUSIN!" Karen yelled. "Hey Li! Li! You who! Over here!" She called.
"Oh no…" Li mumbled slowly letting go of Sakura and turned around to find Karen waving him over. "Hi Karen…" Li greeted sluggishly.
"Oh Li! Don't be so shy!" Karen said. "Li! This is Jen! Jen, Li!" Karen introduced.
"Hiya Li! So how do you know Karen?" Jen asked.
"We're cousins…" Li mumbled. "Distant cousins…"
"Oh cool," Jen said. "Traci! Come over here!" Jen called.
"What?! I'm discussing something with James!" Traci yelled as she walked over to Jen.
"I want you to meet someone, Traci this is Li, Karen's uh… Distant cousin…" Jen stuttered.
"Oh…" Traci said, then thought. "Maybe Li isn't like Karen… I can only hope…" "Nice to meet you," She said holding out her hand. Li shook it.
"Nice to meet you too," Li answered.
"James!" Traci yelled. "Get your lousy butt over here for a second! Stop being so antisocial!"
"What?" James asked irritable as he made his way to stand next to Traci. As soon as James came close Li almost jumped backwards in surprise.
"The magic coming from this guy is immense! I'll have to keep my eye on this one…" Li thought.
"This is Li, a cousin of Karen's," Traci said snapping Li out of his thoughts.
"Yeah I know" James said.
"You do?" Traci asked.
"Yeah… Kathy introduced us on an earlier date," James told her. Li nodded in confirmation.
"Oh…" Traci said.
"So you're in this game thing too?" Jen asked changing the subject. Li nodded again. "That's cool… Who's your partner?"
"Eriol…" Li said.
"Li!" Sakura cried running up to him. "Hey we're getting ready to leave! You coming?" Sakura asked.
"I'll be there in a little bit," He told her.
She nodded. "Oh, okay. Can I stay with you then?" She asked, puppy dog eyes in place.
Li's face softened. "You didn't even need to ask." He said putting an arm around her waist.
"Ahem," Jen coughed.
"Oh sorry, this is Sakura, my girlfriend, Sakura this is, well you know Karen, her friends Jen, Traci and James," Li introduced.
"Nice to meet you," Sakura said politely.
"So are you in the contest too?" Traci asked.
Sakura shook her head. "Nope, my entire class came here for a project from Japan, but for the most part we're here to cheer on our two competitors in the tournament!"
"You're from Japan?!" Jen cried. "Do you know those guys?" She asked pointing to a group of kids one of which had really big hair.
Sakura and Li looked to where she was pointing and they both shook their heads. "Nope, never seen them before," Sakura said. Li nodded his head in agreement.
Jen looked over to the group of Digidestined and saw them leaving. "Oh no you don't…" She said as she ran over to them. Once she caught up with them, she grabbed Tai's shoulders, which forced him to stop and almost fall backwards… On top of Jen.
"What's Jen doing?" Traci asked to no one imparticular. The others just shrugged.
"Well Li… We should get going… Mr. Terada will be wondering where we are…" She said tugging on his arm.
"But Sakura… Whoa!" Li said as Sakura dragged him away.
"Um… Bye!" Traci waved.
"Sakura! What did you do that for?!" Li hissed.
"Didn't you feel the magic from that guy?" Sakura asked quietly.
Li nodded. "Yeah, I did. I'm going to keep an eye on him for the time being…" Li thought for a second. "I didn't feel anything from him the first time we met…"
"You've met him before?" Sakura asked.
"Yeah, the day I introduced you to Karen… We came across him before we met up with you guys…"
"Oh…" Sakura said.
"But don't worry… I won't let this guy out of my sight for too long…"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Damn it Tai! You have to tell me all about that monster!" Jen cried shoving Tai for the umpteenth time.
Tai grinned sheepishly and shrugged. "Com'n, what monsters! You know there aren't any monsters that live under beds!" He laughed nervously at her furious stare.
"Haha…very funny…for your information the monster wasn't under my bed it was over my head! Oh God did I just rhyme?!" Jen shook her head.
"Hehehe! She's a poet and she didn't know it!" Traci laughed as she poked Jen.
Jen glared. "Don't poke me!"
Tai laughed and poked Jen from the other side. "Poke."
Jen flushed but then turned on Tai. "DON'T POKE ME!" Tai pouted.
"No pokies?" Tai asked, making a funny face. Jen laughed.
"You guys are distracting me! Ok Tai, tell me now!"
"Tell you what?" Traci asked suspiciously. "What are you hiding now Tai?"
Tai stared. "Nothing…" He shrugged. "Jen just believes in monsters that attack the park and in the night…but hey, even she can't be perfect!"
Traci looked at Jen questionably. "Attack at the park?"
Jen wasn't listening. "I'm not PERFECT?" She yelled. Tai shuttered.
"Well, you did call our Digivices, Digimice…" Tai shrugged.
Traci cocked her head to the side. "Digivice…Digimice? New video game?"
Izzy, who wasn't listening until now, shuddered. "Digimice? Tai, what are you telling them?!"
Tai bit his lip. "Iz…" Tai glared. "Mind your own business!"
Izzy bristled. "When it comes to the Digimon it is my business!" Jen and Traci mouths dropped open. Izzy laughed nervously. "Carry on…" And he walked to talk with Joe who was walking ahead of them.
"Damn you Izzy…Leave me with all the explaining…" He raised his fist in anger and yelled. "WHEN IT WAS HALF YOUR FAULT!" Izzy shrunk down as low as possible.
Jen and Traci were now, to put it lightly. Totally bewildered. "Well…" Jen stated dumbstruck. "Don't we all know what Digimon are…." She was mumbling by now.
"Tai…?" Traci asked quietly. "WOULD YOU MIND EXPLAINING YOURSELF!?" She yelled.
Tai rubbed his face with his hands nervously. "Well…you see…" Tai went on to explain the Digimon, the Digital World and all the stuff that went on there. Traci was listening intently, fascinated by this new world. Jen was daydreaming about Tai.
"…in the Digital World we had to cross oceans…" Tai was explaining.
"Mmm…Oceans…Tai…and me on a beach…sigh….What a beautiful picture. Oh what was that Tai? Need sun screen? I'll help…" Jen sighed dreamily. She didn't realize that this was all out loud.
"…And these Numemon came out of a vending machine…" Tai said.
"Mm…Coke…Tai and Coke…sharing a Coke with Tai…Damn he's fine…mmm…Tanness…" Jen mumbled. Looking at Tai. "And no tan lines…"
"…Sometimes we had to build a camp fire and sit around it to keep warm…" Tai stated to the fascinated Traci.
"Mmm…Campfire…marshmallows…no more left! Guess I'll just have to share…get the remnants of his mouth…mmm….wanna share?" Her eyes glazed over. "Mmm…marshmallow Tai…"
Tai stopped and looked at Jen who was hovering about an inch from his face. He started to sweat. "Jen you know…now's not the time…"
Jen shook her head. "What?"
Traci stifled her laughter…of course she had heard every word…both Tai's and Jen's!
Tai slowly and reluctantly pushed her back. Damn he wanted to…but in public…making out wasn't the place… "Were you listening to anything I just said?" He asked wiping his forehead.
"mmm…Marshmallow Tai… Wait…what was that? Oh no….no…I wasn't listening…did I say that out loud?"
Traci burst out laughing. "EVERY SINGLE WORD!" She held her sides.
Tai's temper got him. "YOU WEREN'T LISTENING EITHER?!" Tai yelled. "GEEZ YOU WOMEN!"
Traci looked stunned. "I was too listening! I heard all you had to say! The Oceans…the vending machine…the campfire…sound familiar Jen?" She raised her eyebrows at her quickly flushing friend
"Marshmallows too?" Jen asked quietly. Traci nodded. Jen grinned sheepishly at Tai. "You never heard that did you?"
"He might not of…but I did…" Matt piped up from behind the group. Jen's face fell open with surprise. "You have an interesting imagination…no wonder Tai's having such a hard time breathing! You know, I could really go for a girl like you…" An offended 'ahem' was heard from Sora. "…IF I didn't have Sora…" Matt gave Jen a half smile and went on to talk to Sora.
Jen stood dumbstruck. "Did he say what I think I heard him say?" She thought.
Tai grinned at Jen. "Well, I've only have one question for you." Jen blushed.
"Tai I'm sorry! I didn't-" Tai cut her off.
"What kind of marshmallows?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Fordina: Well that's it…. For now!
Tai: You guess never answered my question.
Ken: And what was that?
Tai: What kind of Marshmallows?
Soccer Chicka: *Dreamily* Any kind you want… Mmm… Marshmallow Tai… *Drools*
Fordina: Here… *Hands Soccer Chicka a napkin* Use this…
Tai: Mmm… Marshmallow…
Ken: *Shakes head* I think I should end this… The other don't seem capable.
Fordina: *Amen* I'm still sane!
Ken: You always have been Ford-chan.
Fordina: *Smiles* ^o^ Love you too Ken-chan! But we should end it here… So since you've already read it! Now Review it! Come on! It's that little button right below this text! You see it? Good. Now click it and send a review! ^o^