Chapter Nine: Kari's Partner
The following evening, the group gathered at Alex's house, sitting in the backyard while their Digimon roamed nearby. The stars were bright, casting a soft glow over the group as they talked and laughed. Kari had quickly blended into the team, her enthusiasm and curiosity keeping the boys on their toes.
As Guillaumon demonstrated a new attack move for her, Kari clapped, clearly impressed. "Okay, I see why you guys are so into this. These little guys are incredible."
"Not so little," Brady said, motioning to Guillaumon's bulky frame.
Alex chuckled. "Yeah, they've saved us more times than I can count."
Terriormon, perched on Brady's shoulder, yawned. "It's what we do. You humans need a lot of saving."
"Hey!" Brady protested, but the group laughed.
As the conversation continued, a strange, warm breeze swept through the yard. The Digimon immediately went on alert, their ears twitching and eyes scanning the area.
"What's wrong?" Kari asked, noticing Renamon tense.
"There's something coming," Renamon said quietly.
Before anyone could react, a faint glow appeared in the middle of the yard. It pulsed softly, growing brighter and brighter until a small device dropped from the light, landing at Kari's feet.
"A Digivice?" Alex said, his eyes widening.
Kari stared at the device in shock. It was similar to the ones Alex, Brady, and David carried, but it was a pale lavender color with silver accents. Slowly, she picked it up, feeling its warmth in her hand.
"What… does this mean?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Before anyone could answer, the glow returned, this time forming into a shape. The light faded, revealing a small, cat-like Digimon with soft cream-colored fur and a long tail tipped with a pink ribbon-like tuft.
"Gatomon!" Guillaumon said, wagging his tail.
The Digimon stepped forward, her golden eyes locking on Kari. "Are you my Tamer?" she asked, her voice gentle but strong.
Kari blinked, her heart racing. "I… I guess I am."
Gatomon nodded, a small smile forming on her face. "I'm glad. I've been waiting for you."
Alex stepped closer, his eyes narrowing in confusion. "Wait, why now? How did she get a Digivice and a Digimon out of nowhere?"
Brady shrugged. "Maybe it's because she joined us? Or maybe it's fate."
David smirked. "Looks like your girlfriend's officially part of the team."
Kari crouched down to Gatomon's level, still processing everything. "So… you're my partner? What do we do now?"
"We protect each other," Gatomon said simply. "And we fight together when the time comes."
Alex sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I guess there's no turning back now."
Kari looked up at him, determination in her eyes. "I told you I wanted to help, Alex. Looks like the universe agrees with me."
He smiled despite himself. "Guess it does."
Terriormon hopped down from Brady's shoulder, studying Gatomon. "Another Digimon, huh? Hope you can keep up."
Gatomon raised an eyebrow, her tail flicking. "I'm stronger than I look."
Renamon stepped forward, her gaze steady. "Welcome to the team, Gatomon. We'll see how you handle yourself in the field."
As the Digimon got acquainted, the Tamers exchanged glances. This new development was exciting, but it also raised questions. Why had Kari received a Digimon now? And what role would Gatomon play in their battles?
For now, though, Kari felt a sense of belonging she hadn't expected. She looked at Alex, who gave her a reassuring nod, and then at Gatomon, who stood confidently by her side.
Whatever challenges lay ahead, Kari was ready to face them—with her new partner and her friends by her side.