My alarm clock rang, but I didn't feel like getting up. I wanted to rest more; I needed to rest more. Five more minutes won't make a difference. Someone rigorously shook me, but I ignored it.
"Tai, wake up. Wake up, already. I said 'Wake up,' big brother."
In an instant, sunlight blinded me. I shielded myself from the sudden burst of light. Once I got my bearings straight, I woke up to a familiar face standing before me.
"Kari, can you please return my blanket," I asked.
"How can you be asleep at a time like this? Don't you remember what today is," Kari asked.
"It's only the end of the school year; cut me some slack."
"Only the end of the school year? Tai, it's your graduation ceremony. You're supposed to be elated. Why aren't you?"
"The ceremony doesn't start until early afternoon. Plus, there's all those speeches before we physically receive our diplomas. I can be a little late."
"No, you cannot. Come on, mom has breakfast ready. She's dressed up and ready to go. Don't keep her waiting."
As soon as Kari walked away and closed the door, I got up and stretched. I opened the curtains and gazed outside. It was another warm and glorious day. The cherry blossom petals danced about in the wind, magnifying today's significance. After putting on my uniform and eating breakfast with my family, Kari and I got into our mom's car and we drove to school.
Episode 35
Not surprisingly, our path was filled with cars of other graduates trying to find parking for this special day. Upon finding a parking spot, we headed towards the school entrance. Intricate decorations and signs were set throughout the school premises to honor the graduating class this year. The air was buzzing with excitement, as students, teachers, and parents conversed joyfully in anticipation for today. I scanned around for any familiar faces and spotted my usual group stationed in front of the school doors.
"There they are. Tai, Kari, over here," Mimi said, waving at us.
"Looks like everyone's here," I said, walking towards them.
"I was expecting you to be tardy," Matt said.
"You're notorious for your terrible timing during important moments like this," Sora said.
"Believe me, he was about to skip graduation altogether if it weren't for me," Kari replied.
"I figured it wouldn't matter that much if I were a little late," I answered.
"Typical Tai, doing things at his own pace," Matt said.
"Still, today feels so surreal. Three years flew by without our knowledge of it," Sora replied.
"That just means we'll pick up where you guys left off," Kari replied.
"Senior year is going to be so much fun," Mimi cheered.
"I can only imagine what it's going to be like having you and Izzy as our seniors," TK said.
"That reminds me, congratulations for making it to our school," Sora said to TK and Kari.
"Thank you," Kari replied.
"You guys are going to love it here. I'll personally make sure every day is fun for both of you," Mimi said to them.
"And that's why I'm glad I won't be here anymore," Matt said.
"I think what's most surprising is Tai actually going to college," Sora said.
"Did you think I wasn't going to," I asked.
"You didn't seem like the college type," Matt added.
"Well, I need a degree to pursue my goals. I'm astounded that you two are taking time off before going to school. What's up with that," I asked.
"There are multiple conferences and training programs throughout the spring and summer regarding flower arrangements and standard business practices. Because these dates conflict with my school schedule, my school of choice allowed me to take these programs as school credit instead of taking any classes. That's how I'll spend my time during the first six months after graduation," Sora explained.
"I wasn't kidding when I said I wanted to see how far our band will go. My bandmates were just as serious as I about taking our music to the next level. I'm planning on spending the next few months traveling, doing gigs, and finding an agent. We've already booked for a couple of places around the country anyway, so we will be busy in these upcoming weeks," Matt stated.
"It's so cool that you guys have set goals for your future. You're making me seriously think about mine as well," Mimi said.
"Well, you have another year to figure it out, so take all the time you need," Izzy replied.
Soon, the school bell rang.
"I guess it's time," I said.
"We'll see you guys at the auditorium," Kari said.
"Don't keep us waiting," TK said, leaving with Kari.
The students headed to the school building to prepare for the graduation ceremony while everyone else went to the auditorium to take their seats. Once homeroom was finished and everyone was accounted for, we lined up in an orderly fashion and headed towards the auditorium. Seeing the auditorium decorated in such a formal fashion made the graduation ceremony more special. After taking our seats and listening to several speeches from the students and staff, it was finally time for our diplomas. Once all of the diplomas were handed to us, we concluded the ceremony with our school anthem. Towards the middle of our anthem, the curtain rose on stage, revealing a rock band that was playing the instrumental to the anthem. Matt stood up to sing a cover version of the anthem only to go onstage and transition to one of his original songs, which made the crowd go wild.
After the band's performance, the ceremony finally concluded. Many students left the auditorium in high spirits. Others cried, cherishing the three years they had in school. Most went to their favorite professors in order to provide them gifts as thanks for their time with them. The remainder gathered with their friends and colleagues for some final high school photos before the big farewell. The soccer team came up to me to thank me for my time as their leader, gave me a new soccer ball and cleats as gifts, and asked me to sign various objects if I became a professional player in the future. Once we said our farewells, several other students came up to me.
"There he is! Hey, Tai, I'm glad we can finally meet," Michael said, walking over to me with Mina, Yolei, and Derek.
"Congratulations on your graduation," Mina said, providing me with a bouquet.
"Thank you. You didn't have to go through all the trouble," I replied.
"We informed her about it, but she insisted, so we all pitched in to buy it for you, Matt, and Sora," Yolei explained.
"After all, we all want to thank you for your leadership these past few months," Derek replied.
"That's right; I forgot that you were in our exchange program. I guess that means you'll be going back home soon," I asked.
"Unfortunately so. Man, these past few months flew by so fast. I wished it lasted longer," Michael said.
"Just when I thought I've fully integrated myself in Japan's cultures and customs, reality sets in, and I must depart from this beautiful land," Mina replied, saddened.
"But, we can always stay in touch with each other through our chats. Also, whenever you have some vacation time, you can visit us, if you'd like. We'd welcome you with open arms," Yolei stated.
"The same offer goes to you guys as well. Anytime you want to go out for a wild adventure, stop by my place," Derek said.
"You should definitely come and taste my mom's cooking. Her work is divine," Mina said.
"New York City is nothing to sneeze at. We are a major entertainment city, after all," Michael replied.
"I heard Davis is coming to this school next year. You must be happy most of your team is with you again," I said to Yolei.
"Yes, but it's bittersweet. It was calm this past year without them, so having everyone return brings those relaxing days to an end," Yolei replied.
"Still, I bet you're relieved that your group successfully made it to this school, right," Michael asked.
"I'd be lying if I said 'no,'" Yolei replied.
"There they are. Tai, we've been looking for you. Oh, looks like they got to you first. Hello, everyone," Mimi said, walking up to us with Sora, Matt, Izzy, TK, and Kari.
"Sora and Matt, congratulations on your graduation," Derek said.
"May your blessings for your future be full and bright," Mina replied.
"I guess that makes you our senior again, Yolei," Kari said.
"I hope you can put up with us these next two years," TK told Yolei.
"By the way, I heard you were heading back to your home countries soon," Izzy said to Michael, Mina, and Derek.
"You're leaving so soon? We're going to miss you," Mimi said.
"Don't worry, Mimi; I'm certain you're going to the US for college. When that happens, I'll confess my love for you again," Michael stated.
"Someone's a little optimistic," Matt said.
"There you guys are. I'm so sorry I'm late. The train delays were bad today," Joe said, running up to us.
"Joe, you made it," Kari said.
"I thought you had class today," Izzy replied
"I did, but seeing your graduation was more important. But, it looks like I was too late," Joe answered.
"Thank you for making time to visit us," Sora said.
"But, you know what you're not late for," TK said, grinning.
"A super duper, awesome, mega party," Mimi exclaimed.
"Yes, another party," Michael shouted.
"Why am I not surprised," Matt sighed.
"This is a special moment; I think it's well-deserved," Sora replied.
Taking as many people as she could, my mom drove some of us back home while everyone else headed for the shopping district to buy various items for the upcoming party. As the ones at home were setting up the space for another grand gathering, the doorbell rang, which prompted Kari to open it.
"Hey, we got the message, and we're here to party," Davis said, carrying bags of goods with him.
"Thank you for having us again," Cody said, walking in.
"I'm going to miss spending time here," Catherine said.
"Right, you three are returning back home, too," Sora said.
"Japan has been a lot of fun," Rosa said.
"If there's one thing I'll miss, it's seeing Kari's lovely face every day," Willis said.
"Get real; she doesn't have eyes on you, and she never will," Davis said.
"Pull it back, you two," Matt said.
"Looks like everyone's here," Mimi said, entering the house with bags.
"It's lovely to meet everyone again," Mina said.
"Yay, more food for the party," Rosa said.
"We also brought a ton of party games, too. We have to make this memorable somehow," Derek said.
"This is getting more extravagant by the minute," Cody said.
"With everything we're commemorating this party for, it's understandable that we're going all out," Sora said.
"Let's toast to this amazing day," Michael said.
"Will you be doing another speech, Tai," Catherine asked.
"Only if everyone wants me to," I replied.
"Come on, we all know it has to be you," Davis said.
"Hurry up already so we can party," Mimi said.
"Okay, give me a minute," I said. "Today marks a special day for all of us. Some of us have graduated middle school and are taking that next step to high school. Others have graduated high school and are moving onto bigger things in the future. There are others who will be leaving us and bringing with them the wonderful memories they made here. But, no matter what happens, no matter how far we are, we will always be connected to each other. We are the DigiDestined, and we make the impossible possible. Cheers!"
"Cheers," everyone shouted.
The rest of the day was filled with nothing but smiles and laughter as everyone had the time of their lives enjoying themselves with great food and warm friends. When the party was over and everyone left, I returned to my quiet room. I soaked in the importance of today and how grateful I was about my journey thus far. Truly, I will never forget this day. As I laid on my bed and scrolled through the images people took on our chat, slumber took over my body as I inevitably rested.
"Tai, wake up. Wake up, already. I said 'Wake up,' big brother."
In an instant, sunlight blinded me. I shielded myself from the sudden burst of light. Once I got my bearings straight, I woke up to a familiar face standing before me.
"Kari, can you please return my blanket," I asked.
"How can you be asleep at a time like this? Don't you remember what today is," Kari asked.
"What's so special about today?"
"Tai, it's your graduation ceremony. You're supposed to be elated. Why aren't you?"
"What are you talking about? The ceremony was yesterday."
"It's obviously today. Are you still asleep?"
"Look, I can prove that we had the ceremony because my diploma is right..."
I was about to point at my desk when I realized it wasn't there. I thought I left it there prior to the party. It was still there when I slept last night. I searched through the drawers and the back of my desk, but I was unable to find anything.
"Very funny, Kari. Did you hide my diploma," I asked.
"Why would I do something like that," Kari questioned. "Besides, your diploma is at school for you to pick up. Now, come on. Mom has breakfast ready. She's dressed up and ready to go. Don't keep her waiting."
When Kari left my room and closed the door, I looked at my phone. Sure enough, today was the graduation ceremony. I opened the curtains and gazed outside. It was another warm and glorious day. Perhaps I dreamt everything that happened last night. If so, it was a very realistic dream. I decided not to think about it and continued with my day.
When Kari and I arrived at my school, I noticed the decorations and signs for the ceremony were eerily similar to my dream last night. I even found Mimi and the others standing in the exact same spot in front of the school building and walked over to them.
"Hey, Tai, how's it going," Mimi asked.
"You seemed distressed. Is everything alright," Sora questioned.
"Tai's been acting weird this morning, claiming that he already graduated yesterday," Kari explained.
"But the ceremony is today," TK stated.
"Perhaps he was so excited about today that he dreamt about it," Izzy explained.
"That'd be a first," Matt replied.
"It was pretty realistic. I even dreamt of your performance during the school anthem," I replied.
"How did you know about that," Matt questioned.
"You're going to perform during the ceremony," Mimi asked, excited.
"Is that even allowed," TK questioned.
"It's supposed to be a surprise, but I guess the cat's out of the bag. Seriously though, we never mentioned this to anyone. How did you know exactly when we would do it," Matt asked.
"I told you, it was in my dream," I replied.
"To be fair, we were expecting something unique to happen, so your pop-up performance is on par with that," Sora replied.
"This is so exciting. I'm going to tell everyone," Mimi said.
"That's what I was afraid of. If other people know about this, there's a chance the teachers would know about it and cancel it, and I don't want to risk that," Matt replied.
"It might be too late for that. I'm already hearing murmurs about it as we speak," Izzy replied.
"Well, let's see what happens during the ceremony," I replied.
The bell rang, prompting the students to prepare for the grand event. Throughout the ceremony, the presenters spoke the exact same lines as I remembered word for word. Even Matt started singing at the precise moment of our school anthem. After the graduation was over, I met up with the soccer team, who gave me the same branded soccer ball and cleats that I got in my dreams and asked me to sign the same objects. After talking to Michael, Mina, Yolei, and Derek, Joe arrived late and gave the same excuse why he wasn't on time. Again, Mimi insisted we hold a party at my place to celebrate all these wonderful moments, which everyone obliged.
At home, Davis, Cody, Catherine, Willis, and Rosa remained the first arriving group and provided gifts to everyone. Once the rest of the team gathered their goods together, I noticed they were the exact same snacks and party games that I dreamt, down to where they would plan on setting those dishes and games. Even though she usually makes something different every day, my mom cooked the same meal for us as she did in my dreams. While I tried to remain excited after my big speech, a part of me couldn't get rid of this disturbing feeling.
Once the party was done and everyone went their separate ways, I returned to my room to recall today's events. There were too many similarities between today and my dream. I tried to think of a way to mark today's activities. I set up a small table in the middle of my room and placed the new soccer ball, cleats, and diploma on the table. That way, Kari would notice the graduation items on the table upon entering my room. I taped the legs of the table to the ground to prevent her from easily removing the evidence. Once I had everything set up, I relaxed on my bed and slept.
"Tai, wake up. Wake up, already. I said 'Wake up,' big brother."
In an instant, sunlight blinded me. I shielded myself from the sudden burst of light. Once I got my bearings straight, I woke up to a familiar face standing before me.
"Kari, can you please return my blanket," I asked.
"How can you be asleep at a time like this? Don't you remember what today is," Kari asked.
"Please don't tell me it's the graduation ceremony."
"Don't complain about it to me. I wasn't the one who decided the date; your school did."
"Seriously? The ceremony already happened. Didn't you see the diploma on the table when you walked in?"
"Table? Diploma? What are you talking about?"
"The table that's right..."
Getting up from my bed, I noticed that the table was gone, along with the items on top of it.
"Kari, where's the table," I asked.
"What table," Kari questioned.
"The table from the storage closet. It had my new cleats, the soccer ball, and the diploma. Where did they all go?"
"I didn't see a table when I came in. I don't know about new, but your cleats are at the doorstep with the rest of the shoes. Your soccer ball is probably inside your closet, and your diploma is still at school."
"But that's impossible. They were here last night."
"You're acting strange, Tai. Maybe some breakfast that mom made will wake you up. Now, hurry up and get ready. Mom's already dressed and waiting for us."
As soon as Kari left my room, I looked through my phone. Sure enough, today was the graduation ceremony. I scratched my head. Something didn't feel right, but I couldn't put my finger on it. I cautiously entered the car and surveyed the area as my mom was driving to school. There were numerous things that caught my eye that were similar to yesterday... or was it today, but not really today? By the time we arrived at school, I found Mimi and the gang standing at the same spot, as though they were anchored to that location.
"Hey, Tai, how's it going," Mimi asked.
"Aren't you guys concerned that we've been doing this ceremony three times now," I asked.
"Three times? Graduation only happens once a year. Are you talking about the rehearsals," Izzy asked.
"Don't let him get to you. Tai's been acting weird since this morning," Kari said.
"If I dreamed I was going through the same graduation three times, I'd freak out, too," Matt said.
"Perhaps it's his unconscious way of saying how eager he's anticipating today," Sora said.
"It's hard to be excited when you know what's expected to happen," I mumbled.
"What was that, Tai," TK asked.
"Nothing, just thinking to myself. Anyway, good luck on your performance, Matt," I said.
"What performance," Matt asked.
"Right, it's supposed to be a secret, my bad," I said.
"Wait, you're going to perform at the graduation ceremony," Mimi asked Matt.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Matt continued.
"Are you sure the teachers would allow you to do that," Izzy questioned.
"I said, I don't know what you're talking about," Matt repeated.
"Your quick dismissal of Tai's comment says otherwise," Sora replied.
"I said nothing is going to happen, okay," Matt said, storming off.
"He's in a bad mood," TK said.
"Do you know anything about this performance, TK," Kari asked.
"If it's supposed to be a secret, how would I know? Now that you mention it, I did hear him practicing something last night. It sounded like a marching band song," TK replied.
"That must be the school anthem," Sora said.
"So, Matt really is going to perform. That liar. I need to tell everyone," Mimi said.
"I think we should keep it as a surprise for Matt's sake," I said.
"Plus, I think some of the students are anticipating something unusual to occur today," Izzy said.
"I just hope he doesn't get into trouble," Sora said.
The bell rang, prompting the students to prepare for the grand event. The ceremony was so repetitive, I almost drowned it out and dozed off. Matt's sudden performance jolted some energy in me, but I was going with the flow rather than enjoying the moment. After the ceremony was over, I met up with the soccer team to receive the same gifts before talking to the next group of friends.
"There he is! Hey, Tai, I'm glad we can finally meet," Michael said, walking over to me with Mina, Yolei, and Derek.
"Congratulations on your graduation," Mina said, providing me with a bouquet.
"Thank you. We're going to miss all of you when you're gone," I replied.
"You're more than happy to visit us whenever you're able to," Derek said.
"It's sad that we must depart from this beautiful land," Mina replied.
"I wish this moment would last forever," Michael said.
"Tai, your face went cold. Is everything alright," Yolei asked.
"I'm okay, Yolei. I'm just a bit tired," I answered.
"There they are. Tai, we've been looking for you," Mimi said, walking up to us with Sora, Matt, Izzy, TK, and Kari.
"Hello, Sora and Matt. Congratulations on your graduation," Derek said.
"Yes, may your futures be full and bright," Mina replied.
"Ready to be our senior again," TK asked Yolei.
"Well, it would make school lively again," Yolei replied.
"I wish Joe was here to celebrate with us," Mimi said.
"Don't worry, he'll be here any minute now," I replied.
"Isn't he in class at Kyoto? There's no way...," Matt started.
"There you guys are. I'm so sorry I'm late. The train delays were bad today," Joe said, running up to us.
"Joe, you made it," Kari said.
"I thought you had class today," Izzy replied
"Your graduation was important, and I wanted to see it, but I guess I'm too late," Joe answered.
"But, you know what you're not late for," TK said, grinning.
"A party at my place," I questioned, sarcastically.
"Yes, another party," Michael shouted.
"I'm surprised you're so reluctant about it," Izzy said to me.
"It's not like we have it anywhere else. Kari and I will head back home with some people to set up the house. The rest of you can grab party supplies. Don't forget to contact Davis and the others about it," I said.
Before entering the house, I noticed that there was a letter at the mailbox. Although it wasn't addressed to anyone, I didn't recall seeing it there the previous days. I decided to take it, hoping it would provide clues why the days kept repeating themselves. Before helping out at the house, I went to my room to open the letter. Once I confirmed my suspicions, I texted the main group and asked them to stay after the party for a quick meeting. At the living room, Davis and his group arrived first. We ate the same snacks and played the same games in the order I remembered. Once the party was done, everyone left except the core group.
"So, Tai, what did you want to talk about," Sora asked.
"If it's about your weird dreams, I don't think we can help much," Matt replied.
"I'm not sure, which is why I need your insight," I replied.
"What do you mean," TK questioned.
"I found this in my mailbox. It's a letter from Adachi," I said, showing them the letter.
"That's the name of the bad guy we defeated in the TV World," Mimi said.
"How was he able to send an unmarked envelope to you," Izzy asked.
"I'm not sure, but read what it says," I told them.
"Let's see. My game is over, so I'll abide by the rules of society," Sora read.
"He's in jail, so he better abide by society's rules," Matt remarked.
"I can't stop thinking about the Midnight Channel. Someone told me about it when I first came to Inaba, but I don't remember. A similar story was reported from Namatame, which surprised me," Sora continued.
"Namatame? Who's that," TK asked.
"I think he was one of the suspects regarding the disappearance of various people in Inaba. I read about it in one of their police reports," Izzy explained.
"Because Namatame and I gained our powers in a similar way, I can't help but think something is connecting all of this. I don't know if this means anything to you, but perhaps you may be able to solve this feeling I can't shake," Sora said.
"So, the Midnight Channel is still a thing," Joe asked.
"But, we beat everybody: Adachi, the giant eyeball, even the fog controlling Meiko. Who else is there left," Mimi questioned.
"You think this might be related to your recent uncertainties," Sora asked me.
"That's what I'm trying to figure out. A part of me believes so, but I'm not sure how," I replied.
"Actually, I've been having my doubts about this lately," Kari opened up.
"What do you mean," Matt asked.
"Think about it. We've been to the Digital World and back multiple times throughout our journeys together and never batted an eye about it. To everyone else, it might seem pretty abnormal. When the Midnight Channel showed up, we jumped in and out of the TV World like it was normal. Doesn't the fact that we're treating it like the Digital World seem strange to anyone," Kari asked.
"Now that you mention it, I guess the Midnight Channel itself was a strange phenomenon. Mimi, you were the one who told us about it. How did you first hear it," Izzy asked.
"I think I heard it as a rumor from some girls I know in class. They started talking about it, and I thought it might be interesting to share," Mimi said.
"Those rumors about the Shadows damaging local property happened around that time, too," Sora continued.
"Right, that was when Tai first called out Agumon to defeat those things," Matt added.
"We're able to summon our Digimon after facing our other selves, but Tai was able to bring out Agumon without going through all that. Why were you an exception," TK asked.
"The Midnight Channel, the TV World, the ability to summon our Digimon inside the fog - I think they're all connected in some grand way," Kari replied.
"Is it possible that someone was spreading those rumors on purpose to grab our attention to investigate it," Sora asked.
"But who would do such a thing, and what would they gain by getting us involved in all of this," Matt questioned.
"Probably the true mastermind behind all of this," Izzy answered.
"What do you mean by that," Joe asked.
"When we fought Astamon, Beastmon, Matadormon, and MarineDevimon, they claimed they were serving a higher being. I thought they were talking about Ameno Sagiri, but after confronting Marie from Yu's group, I can't help but believe there might be something ordering those figures around as well," Izzy continued.
"So you think the one responsible for creating the Midnight Channel and the one related to the Ameno creature and Marie were all conducted by the same figure," Sora asked.
"How would we even find someone as powerful as that? We might as well be fighting a god at that point," TK said.
"I wonder if Yu and his group know something about this. They have the same powers as us, and we did help them capture Adachi," Matt replied.
"Let's visit Yu and his friends tomorrow about this newfound information," Joe suggested.
"Tomorrow," I mumbled to myself.
"Is everything alright, Tai," Kari asked.
"It's fine. I'm just bothered by this whole thing," I replied.
"I wished we exchanged phone numbers with them. I keep forgetting every time we meet," Mimi said.
"We've never really had a good time to do so to begin with," TK said.
"Let's get some rest before we head to Inaba tomorrow," Sora replied.
"The faster we solve this mess, the better," Matt replied.
"If we're going to finish this mystery, we'll figure it out together," Izzy said.
"Yeah, because that's what friends do: they help each other out," Mimi replied.
"Hopefully, we can settle everything about this topic once and for all," Joe said.
"Alright, time for another road trip with the gang," TK said.
"Be careful, everyone. I have a really bad feeling about all of this," Kari replied.
Once everyone went home, I returned to my room. Noticing the calendar on my wall, I decided to tear several pages off as proof that today occurred. In addition, I didn't want to fall asleep out of fear that everything I've discussed with the team would be lost and forgotten. I texted everyone the plan for tomorrow, which everyone responded to. I made coffee to help me stay awake throughout the whole night. Soon, the clock struck midnight, and my mind went black.
*To be concluded*