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*~*~*

It was Saturday before Kari got her photographs printed out and laminated. Her desk that night was cluttered as she sorted through copies, setting aside ones she was going to put in her photo album. The rest were neatly tucked into labeled envelopes to be handed out at her convenience.

“You should send some of them to magazines.”

Shooting a glance at Tai's grin, she humored him, “Well, if you know of any, let me know.”

He shrugged. “I'm just saying, I think it's a bit of a shame for my little sister's skill to go to waste as a hobby.”

“I don't see the need, since I'm not pursuing photography as a profession.” She playfully smacked the back of his hand once it was in view.

Tai went for the envelopes instead to scan through the names. There were a few he didn't recognize, most likely her classmates he never saw, but one surprised him. “Oh, you're giving Wizardmon one?”

“Yeah, he asked me to get him a copy.”

“Which one?”

Kari held out the picture for him to see. “It's this.”

He clicked his tongue when he eyed it. “Damn, now I really wish I saw them off last Sunday.”

“Your hair wouldn't have fit at that angle,” she joked, setting it back down. “Oh, I'm in need of a picture frame, but I don't know what kind I want.”

Tai briefly nodded at the group photo on her desk. “Shame they don't have those kinds of frames anymore.”

The girl's smile became nostalgic when she glanced at it with a sigh. “It truly is...”

Shifting his weight, the young man threw his arms behind his head. “Anyway, I'm taking care of Mom's errands for her, so I'll be going into town again in the morning.”

“That's fine, I'm just going to pick up Gatomon.”

“It's going to get stormy by the evening, so unless you had plans tomorrow...?”

Kari shook her head. “Far as I know, I don't. Oh, if it's no trouble, think there's a chance you can bring back some ice cream, since we're out?”

Balancing out her cat-like expression with a flat look, Tai just sighed as he made his way for the door. “Alright, then. I'll be back in time for Izzy's arrival.”

“Are you two having a study session?”

He looked back at her, his brows creased in concern. “Actually, he wants to talk to us. Said he and Gennai found something we should know about.”

Kari frowned and stood up. “Should we have them over as well?”

Looking away in thought, Tai scratched his cheek. “Maybe they already know of it if they saw Gennai this week.”

Fingernails skimming the back of her chair, the young brunette's eyes drifted down to the photograph. “I'm not going to mention it, then,” she said dejectedly. “If Gatomon wants to tell me, she can.”

*~*~*

Gatomon landed a counterpunch that knocked Wizardmon off his feet, and she let out a snicker through her pants. “All right, eight outta ten! I'm on a roll!” She cracked her knuckles and hopped about energetically.

The mage blew a lock of hair out of his eyes, dusting off his backside. “I think that's enough sparring for tonight,” he sighed, massaging his shoulders.

“You're just saying that 'cause I'm kicking your butt good.”

“I've fallen on it enough times to get bruises on my bruising. I need some tea...” Sitting down, he picked up the kettle where it was warming by the fire.

Gatomon rolled her eyes. “Come oooon, Wizardmon, one more for the night! Go for the big one-one!”

“I'll make a punching bag for you, then.”

She groaned to herself, still shuffling in place. “What's the point when it doesn't spar back?”

He glanced up from his pouring. “I'm thinking someone needs to take a breather for a few days.”

“Training just feels good, okay?” she snapped, a fang flashing. “It keeps my energy up.”

“It also causes your food to pass through you directly after eating.”

“I'm not having problems.”

Peering over his cup, he rebuked, “Never said you were.”

Sniffing, she threw punches and kicks at the air with the occasional swing of the tail. “I just need to pass the time away, is all.”

Wizardmon's gaze softened the longer he watched her. “If you want to talk about it, Gatomon, I'm willing to listen.”

She paused for a few moments to contemplate on it before resuming her training. “There's no point to it,” she muttered. “Nothing's going to change.”

“It's better than keeping it bottled up inside.”

“Does this look like I'm bottling it up?”

Breaking the stare, the mage hummed in his tea. “There's only so much pleasure in venting your anger on something.”

Whiskers bristling when she wrinkled her nose, Gatomon imagined punching an opponent in the face, but it didn't make her feel any better. She didn't want to verbally admit Wizardmon was on to something, but she still hissed to the side, “I'll take the damn punching bag, then.”

He let out a small sigh, mouth in a thin line. “Believe me, Gatomon, this is just as bothersome to me as it is to you.”

Slowing down, she wiped at her brows and leered over at him. “Then why aren't you doing something about it? Don't you usually come up with a solution by now?”

Rotating the drink in his hands, Wizardmon locked eyes with her. “If it's internal, I can't look further into it on my own.”

“That's because you can't read yourself,” she huffed. “If you were a book, you'd be under lock and key.”

He ended up laughing at the analogy. “That's not a bad depiction!”

She didn't think it was funny, refraining from taking a swing at him when she passed by. “Why can't you think about yourself more, Wizardmon?”

“I have more important matters to worry about.”

“I'm not saying you should always put yourself first, but you shouldn't be so neglectful of your own needs.” Gatomon swept away loose rocks on the other side of the fire. “I can take care of myself. I don't want you worrying over me.”

“I understand, Gatomon.” He then beamed at her. “So, how do you feel now?”

Once a spot was smoothed out, her gaze became glossy. “I'm... just a little exhausted. We should probably turn in for the night.” With a small groan, she eased herself to a reclining position, resting her cheek on a paw.

Finishing up his tea, Wizardmon went about to secure a few items. “Talking's much easier on the body, now, isn't it?” he noted with the smallest hint of a sing-song tone.

She leered at him, the tip of her tail thumping the ground. “I suppose being a smart-ass makes you feel better about yourself.”

“I've become immune at this point.”

She scoffed. “I've stopped giving a damn for the same reason.”

Patting his hands, he shot her a lop-sided smile. “And thus why you need to learn to keep your guard up.”

“What for? I'm a'ways at my guard.”

Without breaking eye-contact, he stepped closer to crouch down, taking care not to let his shadow fall over her as his voice lowered. “Close your eyes, and when you open them in the morning, you'll be in a better mood.”

“Sleepin' y'problems away makes things worse,” she mumbled, struggling to keep her eyes opening, but failing. She at least wasn't looking away from him.

“You're just taking a rest. Give yourself a week off and relax. We'll continue this conversation then.”

“Hate it when y'put me to sleep.” He was pleased, albeit a little surprised she recognized his hypnosis. Even as she ducked her head into her paws, the concentration still didn't break since she kept him in her sight. “Y'such a cheater, Wiz.”

His smile was as soft as his words. “You didn't have to go along with it.”

“Can't help it... 's warm, 'n' I like talkin' 'fore bed.”

She must do it often with Kari, then, since it had been rare for the two to talk themselves to sleep back at Myotismon's castle. There was a twinge of sadness at the thought before he gave his quiet response. “Well, I'll keep that in mind for the next time. I just wanted to help you rest up for tonight. I won't do it again since you requested it.”

Her irises faintly gleamed. “Thanks... 'preciate it.” Then she was out, her ears slowly drooping.

Wizardmon didn't want to move from his spot, but he knew she could still subconsciously feel his eyes on her. Raking his fingers across his scalp, he turned his back to her. “It's for the best we get time to ourselves about this,” he sighed.

After tending to the fire, he laid himself down and stargazed. No matter how many times he looked up at the night sky, he could hardly believe the Digital World's reset changed everything. If luck was on his side, things might start looking familiar next season, but he didn't want to kid himself. He should definitely get himself a new star chart starting tomorrow.

“Hey, doesn't that look like a row of Numemon to you?”

“Are you sure you're not mixing up constellations?”

“I don't even know what those are. I just look up and see pictures. Like that up there kind of looks like DemiDevimon with a bat on his forehead. See it?”

“...no, looks more like a dragon to me.”

“You're a killjoy, Wizardmon, you know that?”

He chuckled under his breath, readjusting his headrest and glancing over at the feline. Odd as it was, he could believe six years had passed in his absence, but at the same time, it didn't feel like it. Her transition was noticeable without being too subtle or jarring, it most certainly didn't happen overnight.

Deep down, however, he wished he could have seen it for himself. Her last few visits were only brief glimpses of change on the outside, they were not enough to delve into her on a personal level, to get to know her true self. He knew she wasn't going to be the same after meeting Kari, but the difference it made on her was incredible.

As proud of her as he was, Wizardmon couldn't help feeling a little left out, and he was disappointed in himself for it. The week he had spent with her was satisfactory, so he told himself, and he definitely needed the time for himself to get used to everything again. Pining for her company to make up for lost time would only hold him back from his original objective of letting Gatomon live her life.

Fate didn't bring me back just to be with her, he reminded himself, lifting his eyes back up. Not when I clearly shouldn't be here...

He was about to fall asleep when he winced from feeling—no, hearing something in the back of his head.

Of course not. She didn't wish you back in the first place.

Distressed, Wizardmon ended up reading himself to sleep to get her off his mind.

*~*~*

Breakfast had finished up by the time Kari arrived, her floral-pattern jumper flowing at her knees and the tag and crest glimmering in the sunlight. She scanned the dishes in intrigue, thumbing the bag strap on her shoulder. “Had a late breakfast, or am I just that early?”

“I got a little carried away,” Wizardmon chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. “We're getting ready to clean up here.”

She ran a hand through her hair. “Woooow, I can't believe you carry all of this with you.”

The Digimon gave each other knowing, humored looks. “How was your week, Kari?” Gatomon asked, picking up her share.

The girl hooked her arms behind her back with a shrug. “Eh, same-old.”

“As long as you stayed out of trouble.”

Kari's look grew mischievous. “Why? You guys didn't, did you?”

The feline's tail lightly flicked. “It was nothing big.”

“Yeah, right.” Smiling, the DigiDestined nodded, “Is Wizardmon coming?”

He waved a hand in dismissal. “You two go on ahead. I'll be fine by myself.”

“You sure, Wizardmon?” Kari insisted, stepping forward. “I can lend a hand.”

“Thank you, but if you two have plans, I can pack up on my own.”

Gatomon raised a brow, balancing the silverware to rest her free paw on her hip. “You're not going to do anything funny, are you?” she questioned.

Wizardmon mirrored her pose, but with a cheeky smile. “Of course not, I don't have the skills for improv humor.”

“He's going to do something,” she grumbled aside to Kari.

Giggling, the DigiDestined reached in her bag and pulled out a small envelope. “Here's the copy you wanted, Wizardmon.” She watched as he opened it for a look. “I must say, it came out nicely.”

He nodded in agreement, a gleam in his eyes as he tucked it away in his vest. “It did indeed.”

“Alright, well, if there's nothing else to do...” After a quick sweep around the campsite, she turned to her Digimon. “Gatomon, you ready to go?”

The cat looked up at her friend, her shoulders slumping in apology. “Sorry you can't come with us, Wizardmon.”

He shook his head in assurance and took the stack from her. “There's no hard feelings. Your time together is more important.”

“Well, I don't think just visiting is a problem,” Kari commented. “I'd like to get to know Wizardmon more, so if we plan ahead, we could set aside time where it can be the three of us, and maybe the rest if they want.”

“Like on movie nights?”

Her partner clasped her hands together. “Not a bad idea, Gatomon. The more, the merrier!”

Gatomon reviewed it in her head for a moment. “It's this week, right?”

“Yeah, this Thursday.”

Wizardmon's face lit up in interest. “Keep me updated on this night of yours, then.”

“Great! It's my turn to pick, and I'm so excited!” She squirmed happily on the balls of her feet like she was ready to jump in the air.

Gatomon scratched at her cheek, and just gave her friend a lop-sided smile. “I can't wait,” she said, although under her breath, she was cursing it.

Amused by the girl, the mage turned his attention to the small cat, his gaze softening. “I'll see you later, Gatomon.”

She swiftly eyed the plates still in hand and around campsite. “Are you sure you don't want help?” she offered, already knowing his answer.

“I don't want to hold you two up from your day.”

Averting her gaze and chewing on her lip for a moment, she slowly inhaled. “'Kay, then... See you, Wizardmon.”

With a wave, the two headed in the direction Kari came from. Feeling a little dejected, Gatomon reached out to grab her partner's hand, a gesture that got the girl to blink.

“Is something wrong, Gatomon?” she inquired.

The Digimon just shook her head and hesitantly peeked over her shoulder, though Wizardmon was now out of sight. “It's nothing...”

Kari squeezed her paw and gently swung their arms. “Say, Gatomon, we haven't had a girls' day out for a while, haven't we?”

“Not since Sora entered her senior year.”

“Well, even if she's not available, I think Mimi and Yolei would appreciate some time together as well.”

“Good point.” A sudden thought brought her to voice a concern. “Am I going to have to dress up that day?”

Kari hemmed, glancing up at the sky. “I don't think so, but I have a hat for you.”

“But even if I don't dress up, you know Palmon and Hawkmon will be.” Gatomon didn't know why she was even pointing it out. It wasn't as if she was embarrassed to be out in public, whether she or anyone were disguised or not. “Can we at least find places that do allow non-humans into their facility without resorting to disguises?”

They paused in front of the television set, and her partner let out a slow exhale. “I know there are still people who don't like Digimon, and we try to include you guys. Sometimes, though, we just have to make do with what we can.” Kneeling down, the brunette smiled as she gently stroked her head. “I can promise you you can go au naturel, but I'll still bring something along just in case.”

Though she wasn't pleased with the answer, the small Champion chose to let it go as she leaned into her touch. “Well... if it comes to it, I don't mind waiting outside. I don't know what you guys make your clothes out of, but it makes me itchy.”

Kari smiled, and they went on through to land in the computer room, startling Miko. “Ah, wait, come back!” she laughed, hurrying after her.

Gatomon let out a sigh, and followed to watch her partner crouch almost on all fours to coax the cat out. Yuuko was out in the balcony doing laundry, but she poked her head inside. “Hey, girls, you came home quick.”

For some reason, the Digimon felt a little miffed from the wording while also glad that the woman at least greeted her home. She wasn't sure if there was a catch to it or if Yuuko was just in a good mood.

Kari didn't seem to notice when she stood up with Miko in her arms. “Hey, Mom, I invited Wizardmon over for movie night, if that's alright with you.”

“Sure, that's not a problem. The more, the merrier.”

The quick response still rang bells in Gatomon's head. “Agumon visited, didn't he,” she mused to the side, more for Kari to hear.

“Yeaaah, but at least he did good this last time.” She couldn't help snickering to herself, sitting down on the couch to lay the cat on her lap.

“Don't get me wrong, you two, I have nothing against him,” Yuuko stated, though she was a little tense. “I just wish you would tell me these things in advance so I'm not constantly scrambling.”

“Mom had wanted to try a new recipe, but didn't have enough ingredients,” Kari whispered.

“Ugh, where does everything go in him?” Gatomon scoffed, raising her paws in bafflement.

“I'm not sure if you have room to talk,” the girl smirked, her gaze drifting to her belly.

The Champion shot her a dirty look. “That wasn't all for me, and you know it!”

Tongue in cheek, Yuuko hummed a little tune to herself while listening in on her daughter and Digimon's bickering, brief as it was even after Tai came home.

*~*~*

The rest of Sunday was quiet and sleepy, with errands and chores all done and nothing good on TV except for Yuuko's soap operas that Tai ended up sneaking in a watch between his studying. Kari had promised not to eat her ice cream until after dinner, so to ignore her craving pangs, she talked on her cell with a classmate while Gatomon lazed about, hating being drowsy during rainy days and hating the humidity on top of that. She couldn't help going into a daze thinking about what everyone else was doing on a slow day, and if it, too, was raining somewhere in the Digital World.

Although it poured off and on all day, ominous clouds were peeking over the horizon when Izzy arrived at the apartment that afternoon, his laptop tucked safely in his bag. Right off the bat, Yuuko was happy to offer him some tea which he couldn't decline before they crowded into Tai's room. Gatomon, a little grumpy she had been woken from her nap, was curious as to why it was the boy came over, but it slowly sank in as he booted his laptop up.

“Alright, I think we all know why we're having this little meeting,” he said, glancing between them.

“Should we have invited Wizardmon over as well?” Tai asked after a nod.

“Ehhh... well...”

The feline gave a small (unintentional) huff, raising her paw. “I'll relay it to him if you all want.”

Izzy hesitantly shrugged as he sat down. “I mean, you guys were over there. You know about his corruption, right?”

The Kamiya siblings both did a double-take. “Corrupted!” they gasped in unison.

The teen explained it to them while Gatomon stewed, still not used to the news about her friend. Watching her partner's reaction to it only further rubbed it in, but she held her tongue.

“So anyway, it's taken us a little bit longer to do this since I had to visit Gennai in person in order to transfer over the information,” Izzy concluded, pulling up the communicator. “Otherwise, I felt my e-mail could've gotten fried over it.”

Tai sat back. “Whoa, is it that serious?”

After a few keys were punched in, Gennai flickered on the screen, looking a little tired, but stern. “So, is everyone up-to-date about this?” he confirmed, mostly to Izzy.

“I just finished telling them.”

“Oh, good.” He then frowned as he scanned them. “I'm not seeing Wizardmon, though.”

“Did you want us to get him?” Kari suggested, about to get up from her spot.

The man just shook his head. “That's fine. Honestly, with what's been going on and with our findings, I'm not too sure if he should hear of this. Yet.”

Still pouting, Gatomon spoke up, “I think Wizardmon deserves to know what's going on with him. Both he and I know something's been up since he's come back.”

Gennai nodded, rubbing his chin. “And he did take the results of the examination pretty well...”

“Well, it's a little late for that, now,” Tai interjected, gesturing to the sky. “We'll have to pass it on.”

“Fair enough.” Clearing his throat, the agent leaned forward in his seat (or where he stood). “We've come to... some kind of conclusion about Wizardmon's corruption. But his data's so encrypted that I'm not even sure what to think.”

“'Encrypted'?” Kari repeated.

“It means I can't read it. For all I know, it's actually not encrypted, but the programming's too advanced for me to decipher.”

Izzy exhaled in disappointment, scratching his head and reaching for his tea. “You can't crack it either, huh?”

“Not unless I know the language.”

Frowning over at her brother and Digimon, the girl questioned, “So is Wizardmon a Digimon, then?”

Gennai sucked in a breath, his shoulders hunched. “Yes and no, which is one reason why it's been difficult to keep track of him. Now I've found there are others like him in the Digital World, but he's different, almost like he's not one of them. I'll pull it up so you can see.”

A chart opened up on a separate window, which nearly made Izzy spit out his drink when he lurched forward in his seat, jaw dropping. The others furrowed their brows at it, knowing it meant something judging from his reaction alone.

“I can't believe you can't read this if you were able to get to it!” he gasped, setting aside his glass before scrolling through the data. “Is this really coding?”

“I checked multiple sources. It's legit.”

“I've never seen this before! But...” He fell silent for a long moment to search through it some more. “It's like there's two different programmings going on. This one's still the same kind of code as the other, right?”

“Should be. I wasn't wrong about him being corrupted, but it's clearly not readable. My broken keyboard is more legible than this. Not that I can read that one, either,” Gennai grumbled to the side, shaking his head.

No one bothered to make a remark until Tai decided to break the ice. “Can you determine if it's a virus or malware?”

“It's neither.” The man crossed his arms as he leaned back. “But if you were to ask me, I'd say it's as though he's been completely re-modified from his original programming, like he was reformatted.”

Izzy then pointed to the scrambled half of the chart, his eyes bright. “Hey, that binary code was something else just a second ago!”

Neither of the siblings had noticed, but they looked at it regardless. “What're you talking about, Izzy?” Kari said, tilting her head. “I don't see anything different.”

He covered his mouth in thought. “Something's not right. I think his coding's being overwritten.”

They all stared at the screen for the longest time, but nothing happened.

Slowly standing back up, Tai rolled his shoulders and rested his chin on his knuckles. “Uh... what are we looking for, again?”

Izzy frowned, shifting to steeple his fingers. “Odd. If we could just get further into his data...”

“Even if we can,” Gennai sighed, “we'd have to literally be the program itself to know what we're doing to his binary, or we'd risk further damage.”

Kari loosely gripped at her arms in worry. “What do we do? We'll have to tell him, right?”

“We definitely should, unless he knows something, Gatomon?”

Her ears perked once he said her name, but she was just as lost as the Kamiya siblings, thus why she hadn't voiced her thoughts. “...I wouldn't know,” she muttered, briefly pawing at her nose. “Wizardmon doesn't really tell me things willingly unless it's going to directly affect me, or I... er, force it out of him...”

With a sigh, Gennai mirrored Izzy's pose from seconds ago. “Far as we know, he's in no danger. But since we know who he is, we can't treat him like a pariah. I imagine he'd like to cross through the Digi-Port every now and then, and as he can do it without being identified, we're going to give him 'official'—” he used air-quotes for emphasis, “—clearance to do so. However, he's limited only to the Kamiya network, or else we're going to think he's a threat. We're still going to look into this, so while we don't require you to check back with me all the time, if there's any odd behavior, I'll need to know.”

Everyone nodded in understanding. Glancing up at Kari, Gatomon volunteered, “I know him better than anyone, so I'll be the conduit.”

The auburn-haired teen suddenly had a thought. “Wait a second. If this right here is part of Wizardmon, how was he able to get through the firewall if I couldn't even shoot Gennai an e-mail about it?”

“Can we just say it was 'magic'?”

Everyone briefly gave Tai a look, though there was a hush in the room for a moment. “There's got to be an explanation,” Izzy mused, stroking his chin. “Perhaps he can camouflage it...”

Gennai shot it down with the shake of his head. “I don't believe there's a Digimon in existence that can do something like that to their own coding.”

“What if he has a worm, or a Trojan? What if this binary code's actually malicious?”

“I'll continue to look into that possibility. By the way, Gatomon.”

The addressed Digimon blinked and stepped forward. “Yes?”

Suspicion then fell across the man's face, although it was so subtle, Gatomon wasn't sure if the others caught it. “Ever since you told me you went to the World of Dreams, I've gone ahead to search for the entrance to close it up.”

“Oh, so you did go there?” Izzy uttered in surprise. “Those e-mails weren't for Kari?”

The feline looked between them with a frown. “Alright. So what're you going to do about it, Gennai?”

“That's the thing, actually. I can't find the dimension gap.”

With exception of Gatomon, everyone stared. “Do you want me to tell you where it is?”

He frowned. “That'd probably help some, except when I did a worldwide scan for any anomalies, there was nothing.”

She could hardly believe what he said, although she couldn't ignore the chill running along her spine. “But... I did go to the World of Dreams.”

“How?” Gennai nearly took up the entire screen. “How did you manage to get into a closed-off dimension?”

There was a light rap at the door and Yuuko poked her head in. “Sorry to interrupt, but Izzy will need to get going before the storm hits.”

A quick glance outside caused the boy to jolt. “Oh, shoot, I almost forgot,” he hissed, then regained his composure. “I'll contact you tomorrow, Gennai. We'll discuss our findings some more.”

Gennai didn't look too pleased to be interrupted, but he gave a nod. Once the connection was dropped, the young man downed his drink and packed up. Gatomon expelled the breath she was unintentionally holding, letting his words sink in.

“But I did,” she lamented to herself, backing up when Kari guided her. Whether the girl heard her or not, the rub to her shoulder did little for her.

“Thanks for coming over on such short notice,” Tai expressed with a smile.

“I just couldn't keep you all in the dark about this,” Izzy replied back, swinging the bag over his shoulder. “It's very fascinating, but this could potentially affect everyone involved were something to go awry.”

“Yeah, Dad's going to kill us if his computer gets fried.”

“Oh, Tai,” the girl sighed, eyes to the ceiling.

The joke flew over their friend's head as they led him out for the front door. “I think a fried computer will be the least of our problems. So anyway, keep this between us for now. If anyone asks, including Wizardmon, just say we're looking into it, and to not worry about it. But just because we didn't find anything malicious doesn't mean it doesn't exist. As for this dimension gap Gennai brought up...” He frowned down at Gatomon, who averted her gaze. “I wonder if it, too, closes itself off for certain periods of time. But to be open at the exact moment Gatomon went to visit...”

“You've read the e-mails, Izzy,” Kari said. “I don't think Wizardmon would deceive Gatomon like that.”

“Wizardmon sent them?” The boy furrowed his brows as he slipped on his shoes. “I believe you, but that can't be...”

“We'll talk about this later. You need to vamoose, Iz.”

He gave a curt nod. “Right, right. Take care, guys.” He hurried out the door, pulling his jacket over his ears.

Tai looked over at both his sister and Gatomon. “Don't let it get to you,” he said, giving a grin of encouragement. “We're on top of things, so everything's going to be fine.”

Kari smiled down at her Digimon as well, who couldn't bring herself to return it.

*~*~*

As they settled themselves in bed, Gatomon laid there listening between the rain pattering on the glass and her partner's breathing. Meaningless as it was, she couldn't help quietly reflecting back on Gennai's words. She had nothing against the man, he was clearly the best ally they could ever ask for, but the way he rubbed her wrong kept her from having the same respect as the others. He was unique in that she could believe and distrust him at the same time, although why would he ever lie to them? Hold back information, sure, but he wasn't in the slightest someone who would mislead them.

“I know I don't know what your life was like before I met you, Gatomon,” the girl quietly started, interrupting her thoughts, “but how was it like to spend a week with Wizardmon?”

At least the topic was a little more positive, even if there were a few things she didn't want to bring up. “It was nice. It was like being on a reconnaissance mission without the mastermind behind it.”

“So pretty much the same?”

The cat shrugged. “I suppose. It was just us being ourselves, for once.”

Kari's tone lowered, “You couldn't be friends before?”

“Not as openly as now.” She rolled onto her back to stare at the ceiling. “Myotismon hated the concept of friendship, so if it had ever gotten out Wizardmon and I were close friends, we probably would've been beaten or executed a long time ago.”

Not that it hadn't been noticed by anyone else, but what could they have done with her being one of the highest-ranked henchmen? For all she knew, they could've viewed it as Wizardmon getting protection since he wasn't well-liked in the castle.

Her partner shifted to rest on her side. “I'm sorry for asking, but... was it hard?”

A laugh bubbled in her throat, but she swallowed it down. “Not really. When you grow up in that kind of environment, you just kind of get used to it.”

She could hear Kari fiddling with the tag and crest. “Was it hard on you to... well... stop being bad?”

Gatomon turned to meet her umber gaze. “Would you believe me if I said 'yes'?”

The girl hesitantly shrugged.

She chose to not dance around the subject looking back up. “It was like I had to choose between two worlds after I got that slightest feeling of doubt upon meeting you. When Wizardmon talked to me, and helped me remember my past, it was hard to make a decision. I was so intent on following Myotismon's orders, but I was also scared of the outcome. It hurt my heart to have my world change on me.”

Gatomon could look back on it now and say it was the best turning point of her life, but that little piece of conflict that had raged inside her wasn't something she could shake off. She came close to giving her life for Myotismon multiple times, but that moment was the last battle. Had she been more stubborn enough to close herself up upon meeting Kari, and fought against Wizardmon hard enough to chase him off, she would be by her master's side as he ruled both worlds, if not dead. She trembled in thought now, but what would she be like if she had?

“Do you have any regrets?”

Kari must've seen her troubled look, or it was par for the course. “Not really.” She paused to think on a small nagging she suddenly got in the back of her mind. “Except... sometimes I wish I was a little nicer to Wizardmon. I never felt I was a good friend to him. He never once thought of himself the whole time we were friends, and more often than not I treated him worse than dirt. And when he sacrificed himself, I remember hating myself for a moment because I didn't feel I had deserved it... but also because it could've been prevented...”

Letting out a sigh, Gatomon stretched her arms above her head. “But that's all in the past. I changed for the better, and I'm glad for that. Now my world's brighter than ever.” She smiled at her to show she was feeling a little better.

The brunette scratched her ear and leaned over to kiss the top of her head just when a crack of thunder sounded. Gatomon accidentally smacked her partner in the face when she jerked in place and scurried under the covers. Upon realizing what just happened, she poked her head back out.

“Oh crap, I'm sorry!” she gasped, shaking off her fright.

Rubbing her nose, Kari laughed. “It's fine. That sure came out of nowhere.”

The feline smiled wryly. “Right...”

Once she was certain she didn't get a nosebleed, they snuggled together for the night.

*~*~*

What did it mean to live? Living meant taking the first breath, the first step, the first look at the world.

What did it mean to live? Living meant individuality, agency, experiences, and survival.

What did it mean to live? Living meant being alive, as evident by the faintest of heartbeats.

There was no right or wrong answer, there were many different worlds with different interpretations. It was exciting to see a new world beyond the wildest of imaginations, to walk its grounds and mingle amongst the unique inhabitants, to hear the native language. There was knowledge that didn't exist in other worlds, experiences that couldn't come to pass due to limitations of a universe's rules.

As it turned out, strangers from foreign worlds weren't welcomed into their societies. But assimilation hurt. Assimilation meant forgetting oneself to become like them to be fully accepted. That's why there was no choice but to travel.

How much time had passed? It was hard to gauge time with each dimension hop. Had it been months? Years? What if it had just been only hours, or even minutes?

It hadn't been long before there was lack of ambition. Traveling was exhausting to the body and mind, threatening relapse. But with assimilation nipping at the heels, resting wasn't an option.

Happening upon this “World of Dreams” was a blessing in disguise. It was oddly peaceful for being a chaotic-looking world, but no mortal was supposed to lay their eyes on it, let alone live in it. Staying here risked madness or erasure.

Yet there was an obligation to leave behind a wish or a thanks, and for the first in a long time, there was nothing to be said or desired. What could someone who had seen many things and been to many places ever ask for? There was endless knowledge out there to take in, endless pleasures to engage in.

“If... this world is as it says... I have one request.”

Everything had gone wrong. Time had been lost to the ages, never to be renewed. Faces and names of the past were all but forgotten. Words and promises that had meant something were worthless. There was nothing to be had, or gained.

Futile as it was, a gloved hand weakly reached for it all, still damned to keep them in its dying grasp.

“If my life has no purpose... then I may as well die.”

BEEP-BEEP BEEEEEEP!

The alarm startled Gatomon from her sleep before Kari even stirred to turn it off. Pushing herself up on her knees, the girl groaned stretching her arms above her head. “Hm... y'okay, Gatomon?” she asked blearily.

Blinking the sleep out of her eyes, the feline watched the girl climb out with a yawn and close the curtains. “...yeah... slept okay.” Hearing the muffled meowing of Miko, she flexed her paws before reaching over the railing to pick up her gloves. “Just had a weird dream...”

“Oh yeah?” A notebook was pulled from its spot on the shelf. “Need me to write it down?”

The Digimon stared at it as she tried to think back on it, her ears lowering. “I... I can't remember...”

Kari set it down before she pulled off her pajamas and shook her bangs out of her eyes. “So how'd you know it was weird, then?” she probed with a gentle smile.

“I just do...” Gatomon rubbed her temple. “It was a weird feeling.”

Right after she straightened out her shirt, the brunette stepped up to her partner to check her temperature, ignoring the look she was being given. “You feel fine, so it's not that...” Lips pursed in thought, she returned to her dressing, smoothing out her skirt doing so. “It didn't have anything to do with our talk last night?”

“I don't think so...” There was a flash of the World of Dreams, but it brought her to frown. Wanting to get it out of her head, she made a request, “Can I come to school with you today?”

Kari swirled around to pluck up the hairbrush and hairpin. “I thought you'd never ask, Gatomon! Considering the others keep asking about you, it's about time for a change of pace.”

Gatomon went ahead to groom herself as well by peeking around Kari. “Just don't stuff me in your backpack. I'd much rather hang around outside the school.”

“That's fine, I have after-school cleaning duty today, anyway.” Stepping away to give her Digimon full view of the mirror, she tied on the scarf and tugged on the back of her stockings. “Well, gotta go wake up Tai.”

“He's already up,” the feline said, her ear flicking.

Kari's brows rose and she opened up her door to see the back of her brother's head where he sat at the table. “Oh, morning, Tai.”

Still munching on toast, he turned to her and raised a hand with a muffled grunt. Yuuko smiled over by the stove, and greeted cheerfully, “Good morning, you two! Did you sleep well?”

“Yeah, it wasn't a bad storm.” She disappeared into the bathroom before Gatomon walked out and hopped on the back of the couch.

“You two would sleep through anything together, wouldn't you,” Tai noted in jest. “Was quite a show last night, shame you missed it.”

The feline shrugged indifferently. “I just can't wait for the rainy season to end.”

He let out a snort, holding up the bowl of rice. “Same. You should see the fields.”

Once she sat at her seat, Kari peered at her brother's face as she filled her plate. “You look tired, Tai. When'd you finish your studying?”

“Uh...” He looked at the clock for a moment. “Five... four hours ago, I think.”

“Do you have to go early for your soccer club? You could've postponed it.”

“I'm the captain, it's my responsibility. Besides, I'm feeling a little pumped up for some reason. Must've been that weird dream I had...”

With an acknowledging glance over at Gatomon, she grinned. “Ooh, what'd you get?”

He narrowed his eyes. “Wipe that smirk off your face, Kari. I dreamt I out-ran a Kuwagamon on my bicycle, that's all.”

“Is that even possible?”

“Beats me, I'm not going to bother one just to try it out.” After excusing himself from breakfast, Tai got up to head out. He rolled his eyes when Miko yowled at the door for the umpteenth time that morning. “Sheesh, cat,” he grumbled as he shrugged on his backpack and grabbed a bag of equipment. “What're you so impatient about?”

“Must be important,” Kari giggled.

“It better be.” Once his shoes were on, he opened the door, nearly stumbling over his feet when she bounded outside. Shaking his head, he proclaimed, “I'm heading out!” and waved.

“Your lunch, Tai!” Yuuko called out, poking her head around the corner when she gathered the discarded dishes. He swerved back inside to snatch it up as the woman smiled. “Have a good day.”

He nodded as he left. Gatomon's tail swayed, barely tilting her head when Kari began downing her breakfast. “What's the hurry?” she questioned curiously.

“I'm not in a hurry,” she said in between bites, gesturing for the empty seat. “Come have some, Gatomon.”

“She's right, Kari, slow down a bit,” her mother said with a wink. “Do you have something or someone on your mind?”

“No, it's not that.”

“You're not running late, I can tell you that much.”

“It's not that, either.”

“Tai's eating habits must have rubbed off,” Gatomon teased, claw at her chin.

“No!”

Yuuko just laughed at the small pout. “Well, you are a growing girl. Still, do take your time, sweetheart. The world's not going anywhere.”

Kari nodded, letting out a quiet sigh. “I know, Mom. But one part of my world's going someplace, and I can't catch up...”

Their mother-daughter conversation lasted another fifteen minutes before she left the apartment and raced Gatomon down the stairs. Tempting as it was to jump in them, they skipped around and over puddles whenever there weren't many pedestrians, nearly defeating the purpose of her wearing rain boots. She knew to act her age, but Kari had to get her burst of energy out somehow, and Gatomon did appreciate their playful bout together.

Once they reached heavier traffic, the feline had proposed to ride on her shoulders just to try it out, careful not to snag her claws into her clothes or hair. It garnered some glances from people, even more-so as the two were a little chatty with each other, yet neither of them cared. The most stares they got was from when a young child, also carried in a similar fashion by their father, exclaimed loudly about wanting the same “doll” to haul around, and apparently hit a decibel that made Gatomon wince.

At the halfway point, a familiar voice called from the crowd, “Hey, Kari!”

She turned to her left and smiled. “Oh, T.K.! Good morning!”

While balancing Patamon on his head, the blonde jogged over. “I see those ears belong to Gatomon,” was his first amused statement.

Still a little perturbed from the encounter, Gatomon made a dry remark, “Do you know of any other cats with ears this big?”

He laughed. “Well, now I know Kari would look good with cat ears.”

“It was just a random thought I had,” the Rookie piped up, grinning down at them. “I saw something the other day on TV about a girl becoming a cat, and she looked like you.”

Kari reached up to pat him on the head, a gesture that got him blushing. “Well, that's a kind thought, Patamon.”

“You know, come to think of it,” her partner mused, “could you imagine humans evolving like we do? If girls can become cats on TV, then it could work out.”

She just shook her head. “Sorry, Gatomon, I'd much rather not turn into anything. But hey, Halloween's coming up. I could dress up as a cat this year.”

T.K. nodded in agreement. “We can go to Shibuya that night if we're not swamped with homework.”

As the throng thinned the closer they approached their school, they heard running feet heading in their direction, accompanied by a “Heeeeey!” Skidding to a halt behind them, Davis grinned through his panting. “Man, my new alarm clock did wonders! Never thought I'd meet you guys by the gates.”

A flustered DemiVeemon poked his head out of the backpack with a frown. “Davis, can I eat now? I didn't get to finish my breakfast.”

“I never said you couldn't bring it along!”

“Glad you could make it on time,” Kari giggled. “May I suggest setting the alarm five minutes earlier than it is now?”

“Oh, good idea, Kari!”

“I'll say make it ten minutes,” T.K. then suggested, a brow quirking.

“Even better! Oh, by the way, want to go to the park after school?” Davis queried from out of the blue. “I brought my plastic oval saucer. Or as I call it, 'POS'.”

“Why?”

“It's shorter to say that way.”

“No, why do you want to go to the park?” T.K. corrected himself.

With a shrug, Davis fussed with his frizzy hair. “I just want to have some fun.”

Kari raised a hand vertical to her eyes. “Sorry, Davis, I have cleaning duty today.”

“I'm going to be heading to Dad's place.”

The boy slumped, but then threw his hands behind him with a sigh. “So much for today being a good day. Alright, I'll ask again tomorrow.”

The warning bell rang just as they were entering the grounds, and Gatomon and Patamon parted ways while DemiVeemon remained with his partner. Just as they were going to climb up a tree, the feline's ears flicked from the breeze, and she turned to the direction of the Fuji TV studios. Although she remembered the scene she had caused at the building, she couldn't help but think how odd it was her thoughts were suddenly drawn to it.

“Something wrong, Gatomon?” the Rookie asked when he looked behind him.

“Oh, uh...” She forced herself to tear her eyes away from the observatory. “I got a question.”

“What is it?”

“Did Ishida or Matt talk to T.K. about anything that happened the weekend before last?”

Patamon's eyes drifted to the cloudy sky. “Um... happened where?”

“At the TV station.”

His winged ears then fluttered as he lit up in remembrance. “T.K. kind of laughed at the thought of a cat causing a ruckus in the building.” He then tilted his head in curiosity. “Why, were you that cat?”

She rubbed the back of her head, unsure if she should feel embarrassed by it or not. “Yeah...”

“Kari confirmed you were sneaking out,” he said, not sounding the least bit surprised as he nodded. “So that's where you went?”

“Just the one time,” she retorted, then relaxed. “But... yeah. I want to apologize to Ishida for the disturbance I caused.”

Patamon beamed, his big blue eyes twinkling. “No need. T.K.'s dad knew about it, and he was okay with it. He just wants you to tell him next time you go visit.”

As more students flooded the grounds, they vanished into the trees, making their way to the back of the school. They sat together once they reached their destination, occasionally peering in on their partners' class from the shade or catching a snooze in a spot of sunlight whenever they weren't chatting. Gatomon didn't mind Patamon's company since she was fond of the Rookie, although his childish nature would be too much for her whenever they were around the others. His selflessness and big heart, however, always shone through, and whenever it was just the two of them, she liked their conversations and his innocent outlook he would bring into them. It was rare for her to see it in person, but sometimes she'd get a twinge of insecurity in his word delivery, and he wasn't as innocent as he came off on the surface.

Today, however, she was bothered by the silence and the lazing about in the tree, and she couldn't put a claw on why. She thought maybe it was the rain lingering in the air, in which case she planned an escape route at sign of the first drop. Then looking to a humming Patamon, she wondered if he was a little out of it, or he had bored her if she turned out to not be in the mood to talk to him. Or maybe because it was Monday, and it was just a guarantee the start of the week would be dull. She did have a long day yesterday, after all.

Flashes of the World of Dreams in her mental eye made Gatomon squirm as she tried to shake it from her mind. Ugh, how could I let Gennai's meeting get to me like that? she moaned to herself, paw at her head. I don't want to think about it right now...

“Sorry if you get asked this a lot, Gatomon,” Patamon innocently piped up, pulling her from her thoughts, “but I'm just wondering if you're happy that Wizardmon's back.”

She went ahead to give the short response, not willing to delve more into her concerns about it. “Yeah, I am.”

He smiled. “I figured. You look better, now.”

Gatomon felt her cheeks heat up a little. Did she really look that bad? “Thanks, Patamon. It still feels like this'll all go away the next time I wake up, though...” She then shrugged and reclined back against the trunk. “But I suppose that's what happens when something unexpected happens.”

“Tell me about it,” Patamon sighed, his folded ears twitching. “Ever since T.K. started talking about attending high school, I've been getting that feeling myself. I've talked to Gabumon about it, and he told me it's normal, and it'll get better. But he didn't go through what we did.”

So even the little Angel of Hope was getting anxious about his partner's next step in life. “I've always had it, though,” she said. “I don't even know if its a habit, a result of living under Myotismon, or what.”

“Well, things have always gotten better, right?”

“Right.”

He sat back as well, even if he looked more squashed than usual. “So let things come naturally. Things work themselves out as long as you don't stop believing in yourself, and as long as the sun still shines.”

His words of optimism never failed to cheer Gatomon up. “And this is why I like you, Patamon. I'm so jealous.”

He blushed in humility. “Shucks, Gatomon, I try.”

She smiled, then lifted her eyes up to gaze past the canopy of leaves, wondering if she could be lulled to sleep.

“So, what're you going to do, now?”

They were still talking; that was fine by her, though his question was a little vague. “Hm?”

Patamon sat forward as though to lean in her line-of-sight. “Are you and Wizardmon going to travel together more? Are you still staying with Kari every other week?”

“Nothing's going to be any different.” Teasingly, she gave a devilish smirk. “You're not jealous of me, are you?”

He shook his head in mirth. “Of course not! I'm just checking to make sure everything's going fine. It's what friends do.”

Gatomon knew nothing was “fine” with her completely, but she didn't want to burden him with concerns she herself couldn't understand. “Speaking of, it should be almost lunchtime. Think we should check up on DemiVeemon and Poromon to make sure they're fine before heading to the rooftop?”

He didn't even have to think about it. “I'm sure they're doing great.”

They laughed until a purple saucer flew by, and Davis could be heard screaming, “Stop that POS!” Someone who must've had their head poking out of the window began howling, although the two Digimon wasn't sure what to make of the moment.

The feline gave him an aside glance. “No, really, Patamon.”

“I agree.”

Keeping to the trees, they leapt toward the boy's direction.

*~*~*

Although Gatomon was happy to be with the group again, she didn't join in on the conversations during lunchtime and instead soaked it all in. And while she and Patamon continued to talk off and on until school let out, she still didn't know why she wasn't satisfied. Kari didn't stay after for very long, but that was enough for her to tire out and not be in the mood to talk as she followed her home (since she walked with a classmate most of the way). No one was home at the apartment, but Miko at the very least didn't mind sleeping near her when she watched some television to get her mind off the day.

“You feeling alright, Gatomon?” Yuuko checked in once she was home from running her errands, a little wet from the rain that was now trickling down.

The feline realized she had zoned out, she had no idea what time it was until she checked the clock. Damn rain clouds. “Oh... I'm okay,” she mumbled, glancing over at the stretched-out cat.

“Ohhh, Miko, you're getting the furniture dirty,” the woman groaned, frowning down at her and getting an annoyed stare in return. “Is Kari still doing her homework?”

“I'm already finished,” the addressed girl announced, stepping out of her room. “Hey, looks like you two are getting along.”

Gatomon just shrugged in neutrality. “I hardly noticed.” When Kari sat down beside her, she leaned up against her ribs and before long was out like a light until she was shaken awake for dinner.

Tai had by then trudged in through the door, looking worse for the wear and his hair a mess from the rain. “Ugh, I hate Mondays,” he grumbled to himself.

His sister handed him a hand towel. “Any luck with the job-hunting?”

He sighed as he scrubbed at his head. “Nothing. The market's tougher than I thought.”

“It's not looking too good, is it?”

“Things are getting a little messy, but it shouldn't get worse than that, hopefully.” Tai then took her by the shoulders to look her square in the eye. “Learn from my mistakes, Kari, and attend a high school that'll allow you to get a part-time job. I don't want you to get this frustrated when you reach adulthood.”

She smiled, and gave his hands a good shake. “If I can find a school nearby that allows it, I'll consider it. You'll find work soon, Tai. Keep at it.”

Judging from his sly smirk, he looked like he had an idea, but his heart wasn't in it. “Maybe I should apply someplace in the Digital World. At least with their currency being the dollar, I could live like a king in no time.”

Kari covered her face to hold back a laugh. “You don't even know if it's valid on this side, anyway.”

“Just because they don't take the yen—”

“At least you can convert it into dollars and back on this end,” she pressed. Yuuko glanced over with a nod, even though she only fully understood half of the conversation.

Tai leaned back in his chair, slightly huffing. “Sheesh... you Digimon sure have it easy, Gatomon.”

She rolled her eyes. “Whatever you say, Tai. At least things have been quiet, so I haven't had to do much.”

“Call me crazy, but I don't like that it's been 'quiet' over there.”

“I do agree, Tai, but I think we should enjoy it while it lasts.” Kari sat down beside him, smiling at the both of them. “We'll need all that time to think about ourselves for right now.”

“It wouldn't be the first, nor the last time we'd have to balance out both worlds,” he reminded her, getting his elbows off the table when Yuuko set down the pot. “Honestly, I'd probably be a little less stressed if I had all of my first priorities laid out at my feet.”

“You can't always make the best decisions tackling them at once, Tai,” his mother calmly stated. “Take things slow, and start with the first and most important step wherever you choose to go.”

His face slowly loosened up when he smiled, looking as if some weight was lifted off of his shoulders, even if only temporarily. “Thanks, Mom.”

Sitting on the sidelines, Gatomon listened to the Kamiyas talk about whatever came to their minds over dinner, feeling the atmosphere liven up even after Susumu came home at the tail end. Since it had been a while since everyone was last together, they remained at the table while he ate to finish up their discussions, and start up new ones with him. Even if she didn't contribute much, it was a moment that relaxed her, her worries of the day relieved as she held Kari's arms closer and sank deeper into her lap.

It unfortunately was wearing off when the two were in the bath, having gone first on Tai's request. The Champion knelt on the stool to rest her arms on the edge, slowly skimming doodles on the water while losing herself in thought. She could swear a hum was resonating from her ring and bouncing off the tiles each time her tail swayed.

She then chose to break the silence, hoping she could put her mind at ease. “Hey, Kari?”

“Hm?” The girl lifted her head to look over.

“Am I happy?”

She tilted her head in concern. “Why're you asking me that?”

“I just want to know.” Gatomon straightened up, nearly pushing herself off her seat as she repeated, “Am I happy?”

Kari scanned her, brows steadily lowering. “I shouldn't have to tell you.”

“I know, but am I?” she urged, her paws furling. “Do I look it?”

“Right now, you look and sound anxious.” The brunette scooted across, propping her elbow up. “Is something bothering you?”

Gatomon's ears and whiskers drooped, wishing the steam was making her groggy. “Kind of...”

“Is it because of what Gennai said last night?”

She tensed up for a moment, then nodded, her ears pinning back.

“Why does that make you unhappy?”

“I'm not unhappy,” she muttered, scowling.

“I know you're not, but you're not happy right now.” Kari leaned in, her gaze softening. “Are you sick of hearing about it?”

She wasn't far off, but Gatomon knew there was something else bothering her. If she could put words to it, she'd tell her. “Sort of,” was her reluctant whisper.

The girl shook her hands dry before she cupped her chin. “I'm happy for you, Gatomon, really. But please don't let it get to you. I don't like seeing you upset and worrying yourself sick, not again.”

She let her pet her, but it couldn't calm her thoughts, not when it hit her it was going to be a long week.

Description
*~*~*

It was Saturday before Kari got her photographs printed out and laminated. Her desk that night was cluttered as she sorted through copies, setting aside ones she was going to put in her photo album. The rest were neatly tucked into labeled envelopes to be handed out at her convenience.

“You should send some of them to magazines.”

Shooting a glance at Tai's grin, she humored him, “Well, if you know of any, let me know.”

He shrugged. “I'm just saying, I think it's a bit of a shame for my little sister's skill to go to waste as a hobby.”

“I don't see the need, since I'm not pursuing photography as a profession.” She playfully smacked the back of his hand once it was in view.

Tai went for the envelopes instead to scan through the names. There were a few he didn't recognize, most likely her classmates he never saw, but one surprised him. “Oh, you're giving Wizardmon one?”

“Yeah, he asked me to get him a copy.”

“Which one?”

Kari held out the picture for him to see. “It's this.”

He clicked his tongue when he eyed it. “Damn, now I really wish I saw them off last Sunday.”

“Your hair wouldn't have fit at that angle,” she joked, setting it back down. “Oh, I'm in need of a picture frame, but I don't know what kind I want.”

Tai briefly nodded at the group photo on her desk. “Shame they don't have those kinds of frames anymore.”

The girl's smile became nostalgic when she glanced at it with a sigh. “It truly is...”

Shifting his weight, the young man threw his arms behind his head. “Anyway, I'm taking care of Mom's errands for her, so I'll be going into town again in the morning.”

“That's fine, I'm just going to pick up Gatomon.”

“It's going to get stormy by the evening, so unless you had plans tomorrow...?”

Kari shook her head. “Far as I know, I don't. Oh, if it's no trouble, think there's a chance you can bring back some ice cream, since we're out?”

Balancing out her cat-like expression with a flat look, Tai just sighed as he made his way for the door. “Alright, then. I'll be back in time for Izzy's arrival.”

“Are you two having a study session?”

He looked back at her, his brows creased in concern. “Actually, he wants to talk to us. Said he and Gennai found something we should know about.”

Kari frowned and stood up. “Should we have them over as well?”

Looking away in thought, Tai scratched his cheek. “Maybe they already know of it if they saw Gennai this week.”

Fingernails skimming the back of her chair, the young brunette's eyes drifted down to the photograph. “I'm not going to mention it, then,” she said dejectedly. “If Gatomon wants to tell me, she can.”

*~*~*

Gatomon landed a counterpunch that knocked Wizardmon off his feet, and she let out a snicker through her pants. “All right, eight outta ten! I'm on a roll!” She cracked her knuckles and hopped about energetically.

The mage blew a lock of hair out of his eyes, dusting off his backside. “I think that's enough sparring for tonight,” he sighed, massaging his shoulders.

“You're just saying that 'cause I'm kicking your butt good.”

“I've fallen on it enough times to get bruises on my bruising. I need some tea...” Sitting down, he picked up the kettle where it was warming by the fire.

Gatomon rolled her eyes. “Come oooon, Wizardmon, one more for the night! Go for the big one-one!”

“I'll make a punching bag for you, then.”

She groaned to herself, still shuffling in place. “What's the point when it doesn't spar back?”

He glanced up from his pouring. “I'm thinking someone needs to take a breather for a few days.”

“Training just feels good, okay?” she snapped, a fang flashing. “It keeps my energy up.”

“It also causes your food to pass through you directly after eating.”

“I'm not having problems.”

Peering over his cup, he rebuked, “Never said you were.”

Sniffing, she threw punches and kicks at the air with the occasional swing of the tail. “I just need to pass the time away, is all.”

Wizardmon's gaze softened the longer he watched her. “If you want to talk about it, Gatomon, I'm willing to listen.”

She paused for a few moments to contemplate on it before resuming her training. “There's no point to it,” she muttered. “Nothing's going to change.”

“It's better than keeping it bottled up inside.”

“Does this look like I'm bottling it up?”

Breaking the stare, the mage hummed in his tea. “There's only so much pleasure in venting your anger on something.”

Whiskers bristling when she wrinkled her nose, Gatomon imagined punching an opponent in the face, but it didn't make her feel any better. She didn't want to verbally admit Wizardmon was on to something, but she still hissed to the side, “I'll take the damn punching bag, then.”

He let out a small sigh, mouth in a thin line. “Believe me, Gatomon, this is just as bothersome to me as it is to you.”

Slowing down, she wiped at her brows and leered over at him. “Then why aren't you doing something about it? Don't you usually come up with a solution by now?”

Rotating the drink in his hands, Wizardmon locked eyes with her. “If it's internal, I can't look further into it on my own.”

“That's because you can't read yourself,” she huffed. “If you were a book, you'd be under lock and key.”

He ended up laughing at the analogy. “That's not a bad depiction!”

She didn't think it was funny, refraining from taking a swing at him when she passed by. “Why can't you think about yourself more, Wizardmon?”

“I have more important matters to worry about.”

“I'm not saying you should always put yourself first, but you shouldn't be so neglectful of your own needs.” Gatomon swept away loose rocks on the other side of the fire. “I can take care of myself. I don't want you worrying over me.”

“I understand, Gatomon.” He then beamed at her. “So, how do you feel now?”

Once a spot was smoothed out, her gaze became glossy. “I'm... just a little exhausted. We should probably turn in for the night.” With a small groan, she eased herself to a reclining position, resting her cheek on a paw.

Finishing up his tea, Wizardmon went about to secure a few items. “Talking's much easier on the body, now, isn't it?” he noted with the smallest hint of a sing-song tone.

She leered at him, the tip of her tail thumping the ground. “I suppose being a smart-ass makes you feel better about yourself.”

“I've become immune at this point.”

She scoffed. “I've stopped giving a damn for the same reason.”

Patting his hands, he shot her a lop-sided smile. “And thus why you need to learn to keep your guard up.”

“What for? I'm a'ways at my guard.”

Without breaking eye-contact, he stepped closer to crouch down, taking care not to let his shadow fall over her as his voice lowered. “Close your eyes, and when you open them in the morning, you'll be in a better mood.”

“Sleepin' y'problems away makes things worse,” she mumbled, struggling to keep her eyes opening, but failing. She at least wasn't looking away from him.

“You're just taking a rest. Give yourself a week off and relax. We'll continue this conversation then.”

“Hate it when y'put me to sleep.” He was pleased, albeit a little surprised she recognized his hypnosis. Even as she ducked her head into her paws, the concentration still didn't break since she kept him in her sight. “Y'such a cheater, Wiz.”

His smile was as soft as his words. “You didn't have to go along with it.”

“Can't help it... 's warm, 'n' I like talkin' 'fore bed.”

She must do it often with Kari, then, since it had been rare for the two to talk themselves to sleep back at Myotismon's castle. There was a twinge of sadness at the thought before he gave his quiet response. “Well, I'll keep that in mind for the next time. I just wanted to help you rest up for tonight. I won't do it again since you requested it.”

Her irises faintly gleamed. “Thanks... 'preciate it.” Then she was out, her ears slowly drooping.

Wizardmon didn't want to move from his spot, but he knew she could still subconsciously feel his eyes on her. Raking his fingers across his scalp, he turned his back to her. “It's for the best we get time to ourselves about this,” he sighed.

After tending to the fire, he laid himself down and stargazed. No matter how many times he looked up at the night sky, he could hardly believe the Digital World's reset changed everything. If luck was on his side, things might start looking familiar next season, but he didn't want to kid himself. He should definitely get himself a new star chart starting tomorrow.

“Hey, doesn't that look like a row of Numemon to you?”

“Are you sure you're not mixing up constellations?”

“I don't even know what those are. I just look up and see pictures. Like that up there kind of looks like DemiDevimon with a bat on his forehead. See it?”

“...no, looks more like a dragon to me.”

“You're a killjoy, Wizardmon, you know that?”

He chuckled under his breath, readjusting his headrest and glancing over at the feline. Odd as it was, he could believe six years had passed in his absence, but at the same time, it didn't feel like it. Her transition was noticeable without being too subtle or jarring, it most certainly didn't happen overnight.

Deep down, however, he wished he could have seen it for himself. Her last few visits were only brief glimpses of change on the outside, they were not enough to delve into her on a personal level, to get to know her true self. He knew she wasn't going to be the same after meeting Kari, but the difference it made on her was incredible.

As proud of her as he was, Wizardmon couldn't help feeling a little left out, and he was disappointed in himself for it. The week he had spent with her was satisfactory, so he told himself, and he definitely needed the time for himself to get used to everything again. Pining for her company to make up for lost time would only hold him back from his original objective of letting Gatomon live her life.

Fate didn't bring me back just to be with her, he reminded himself, lifting his eyes back up. Not when I clearly shouldn't be here...

He was about to fall asleep when he winced from feeling—no, hearing something in the back of his head.

Of course not. She didn't wish you back in the first place.

Distressed, Wizardmon ended up reading himself to sleep to get her off his mind.

*~*~*

Breakfast had finished up by the time Kari arrived, her floral-pattern jumper flowing at her knees and the tag and crest glimmering in the sunlight. She scanned the dishes in intrigue, thumbing the bag strap on her shoulder. “Had a late breakfast, or am I just that early?”

“I got a little carried away,” Wizardmon chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. “We're getting ready to clean up here.”

She ran a hand through her hair. “Woooow, I can't believe you carry all of this with you.”

The Digimon gave each other knowing, humored looks. “How was your week, Kari?” Gatomon asked, picking up her share.

The girl hooked her arms behind her back with a shrug. “Eh, same-old.”

“As long as you stayed out of trouble.”

Kari's look grew mischievous. “Why? You guys didn't, did you?”

The feline's tail lightly flicked. “It was nothing big.”

“Yeah, right.” Smiling, the DigiDestined nodded, “Is Wizardmon coming?”

He waved a hand in dismissal. “You two go on ahead. I'll be fine by myself.”

“You sure, Wizardmon?” Kari insisted, stepping forward. “I can lend a hand.”

“Thank you, but if you two have plans, I can pack up on my own.”

Gatomon raised a brow, balancing the silverware to rest her free paw on her hip. “You're not going to do anything funny, are you?” she questioned.

Wizardmon mirrored her pose, but with a cheeky smile. “Of course not, I don't have the skills for improv humor.”

“He's going to do something,” she grumbled aside to Kari.

Giggling, the DigiDestined reached in her bag and pulled out a small envelope. “Here's the copy you wanted, Wizardmon.” She watched as he opened it for a look. “I must say, it came out nicely.”

He nodded in agreement, a gleam in his eyes as he tucked it away in his vest. “It did indeed.”

“Alright, well, if there's nothing else to do...” After a quick sweep around the campsite, she turned to her Digimon. “Gatomon, you ready to go?”

The cat looked up at her friend, her shoulders slumping in apology. “Sorry you can't come with us, Wizardmon.”

He shook his head in assurance and took the stack from her. “There's no hard feelings. Your time together is more important.”

“Well, I don't think just visiting is a problem,” Kari commented. “I'd like to get to know Wizardmon more, so if we plan ahead, we could set aside time where it can be the three of us, and maybe the rest if they want.”

“Like on movie nights?”

Her partner clasped her hands together. “Not a bad idea, Gatomon. The more, the merrier!”

Gatomon reviewed it in her head for a moment. “It's this week, right?”

“Yeah, this Thursday.”

Wizardmon's face lit up in interest. “Keep me updated on this night of yours, then.”

“Great! It's my turn to pick, and I'm so excited!” She squirmed happily on the balls of her feet like she was ready to jump in the air.

Gatomon scratched at her cheek, and just gave her friend a lop-sided smile. “I can't wait,” she said, although under her breath, she was cursing it.

Amused by the girl, the mage turned his attention to the small cat, his gaze softening. “I'll see you later, Gatomon.”

She swiftly eyed the plates still in hand and around campsite. “Are you sure you don't want help?” she offered, already knowing his answer.

“I don't want to hold you two up from your day.”

Averting her gaze and chewing on her lip for a moment, she slowly inhaled. “'Kay, then... See you, Wizardmon.”

With a wave, the two headed in the direction Kari came from. Feeling a little dejected, Gatomon reached out to grab her partner's hand, a gesture that got the girl to blink.

“Is something wrong, Gatomon?” she inquired.

The Digimon just shook her head and hesitantly peeked over her shoulder, though Wizardmon was now out of sight. “It's nothing...”

Kari squeezed her paw and gently swung their arms. “Say, Gatomon, we haven't had a girls' day out for a while, haven't we?”

“Not since Sora entered her senior year.”

“Well, even if she's not available, I think Mimi and Yolei would appreciate some time together as well.”

“Good point.” A sudden thought brought her to voice a concern. “Am I going to have to dress up that day?”

Kari hemmed, glancing up at the sky. “I don't think so, but I have a hat for you.”

“But even if I don't dress up, you know Palmon and Hawkmon will be.” Gatomon didn't know why she was even pointing it out. It wasn't as if she was embarrassed to be out in public, whether she or anyone were disguised or not. “Can we at least find places that do allow non-humans into their facility without resorting to disguises?”

They paused in front of the television set, and her partner let out a slow exhale. “I know there are still people who don't like Digimon, and we try to include you guys. Sometimes, though, we just have to make do with what we can.” Kneeling down, the brunette smiled as she gently stroked her head. “I can promise you you can go au naturel, but I'll still bring something along just in case.”

Though she wasn't pleased with the answer, the small Champion chose to let it go as she leaned into her touch. “Well... if it comes to it, I don't mind waiting outside. I don't know what you guys make your clothes out of, but it makes me itchy.”

Kari smiled, and they went on through to land in the computer room, startling Miko. “Ah, wait, come back!” she laughed, hurrying after her.

Gatomon let out a sigh, and followed to watch her partner crouch almost on all fours to coax the cat out. Yuuko was out in the balcony doing laundry, but she poked her head inside. “Hey, girls, you came home quick.”

For some reason, the Digimon felt a little miffed from the wording while also glad that the woman at least greeted her home. She wasn't sure if there was a catch to it or if Yuuko was just in a good mood.

Kari didn't seem to notice when she stood up with Miko in her arms. “Hey, Mom, I invited Wizardmon over for movie night, if that's alright with you.”

“Sure, that's not a problem. The more, the merrier.”

The quick response still rang bells in Gatomon's head. “Agumon visited, didn't he,” she mused to the side, more for Kari to hear.

“Yeaaah, but at least he did good this last time.” She couldn't help snickering to herself, sitting down on the couch to lay the cat on her lap.

“Don't get me wrong, you two, I have nothing against him,” Yuuko stated, though she was a little tense. “I just wish you would tell me these things in advance so I'm not constantly scrambling.”

“Mom had wanted to try a new recipe, but didn't have enough ingredients,” Kari whispered.

“Ugh, where does everything go in him?” Gatomon scoffed, raising her paws in bafflement.

“I'm not sure if you have room to talk,” the girl smirked, her gaze drifting to her belly.

The Champion shot her a dirty look. “That wasn't all for me, and you know it!”

Tongue in cheek, Yuuko hummed a little tune to herself while listening in on her daughter and Digimon's bickering, brief as it was even after Tai came home.

*~*~*

The rest of Sunday was quiet and sleepy, with errands and chores all done and nothing good on TV except for Yuuko's soap operas that Tai ended up sneaking in a watch between his studying. Kari had promised not to eat her ice cream until after dinner, so to ignore her craving pangs, she talked on her cell with a classmate while Gatomon lazed about, hating being drowsy during rainy days and hating the humidity on top of that. She couldn't help going into a daze thinking about what everyone else was doing on a slow day, and if it, too, was raining somewhere in the Digital World.

Although it poured off and on all day, ominous clouds were peeking over the horizon when Izzy arrived at the apartment that afternoon, his laptop tucked safely in his bag. Right off the bat, Yuuko was happy to offer him some tea which he couldn't decline before they crowded into Tai's room. Gatomon, a little grumpy she had been woken from her nap, was curious as to why it was the boy came over, but it slowly sank in as he booted his laptop up.

“Alright, I think we all know why we're having this little meeting,” he said, glancing between them.

“Should we have invited Wizardmon over as well?” Tai asked after a nod.

“Ehhh... well...”

The feline gave a small (unintentional) huff, raising her paw. “I'll relay it to him if you all want.”

Izzy hesitantly shrugged as he sat down. “I mean, you guys were over there. You know about his corruption, right?”

The Kamiya siblings both did a double-take. “Corrupted!” they gasped in unison.

The teen explained it to them while Gatomon stewed, still not used to the news about her friend. Watching her partner's reaction to it only further rubbed it in, but she held her tongue.

“So anyway, it's taken us a little bit longer to do this since I had to visit Gennai in person in order to transfer over the information,” Izzy concluded, pulling up the communicator. “Otherwise, I felt my e-mail could've gotten fried over it.”

Tai sat back. “Whoa, is it that serious?”

After a few keys were punched in, Gennai flickered on the screen, looking a little tired, but stern. “So, is everyone up-to-date about this?” he confirmed, mostly to Izzy.

“I just finished telling them.”

“Oh, good.” He then frowned as he scanned them. “I'm not seeing Wizardmon, though.”

“Did you want us to get him?” Kari suggested, about to get up from her spot.

The man just shook his head. “That's fine. Honestly, with what's been going on and with our findings, I'm not too sure if he should hear of this. Yet.”

Still pouting, Gatomon spoke up, “I think Wizardmon deserves to know what's going on with him. Both he and I know something's been up since he's come back.”

Gennai nodded, rubbing his chin. “And he did take the results of the examination pretty well...”

“Well, it's a little late for that, now,” Tai interjected, gesturing to the sky. “We'll have to pass it on.”

“Fair enough.” Clearing his throat, the agent leaned forward in his seat (or where he stood). “We've come to... some kind of conclusion about Wizardmon's corruption. But his data's so encrypted that I'm not even sure what to think.”

“'Encrypted'?” Kari repeated.

“It means I can't read it. For all I know, it's actually not encrypted, but the programming's too advanced for me to decipher.”

Izzy exhaled in disappointment, scratching his head and reaching for his tea. “You can't crack it either, huh?”

“Not unless I know the language.”

Frowning over at her brother and Digimon, the girl questioned, “So is Wizardmon a Digimon, then?”

Gennai sucked in a breath, his shoulders hunched. “Yes and no, which is one reason why it's been difficult to keep track of him. Now I've found there are others like him in the Digital World, but he's different, almost like he's not one of them. I'll pull it up so you can see.”

A chart opened up on a separate window, which nearly made Izzy spit out his drink when he lurched forward in his seat, jaw dropping. The others furrowed their brows at it, knowing it meant something judging from his reaction alone.

“I can't believe you can't read this if you were able to get to it!” he gasped, setting aside his glass before scrolling through the data. “Is this really coding?”

“I checked multiple sources. It's legit.”

“I've never seen this before! But...” He fell silent for a long moment to search through it some more. “It's like there's two different programmings going on. This one's still the same kind of code as the other, right?”

“Should be. I wasn't wrong about him being corrupted, but it's clearly not readable. My broken keyboard is more legible than this. Not that I can read that one, either,” Gennai grumbled to the side, shaking his head.

No one bothered to make a remark until Tai decided to break the ice. “Can you determine if it's a virus or malware?”

“It's neither.” The man crossed his arms as he leaned back. “But if you were to ask me, I'd say it's as though he's been completely re-modified from his original programming, like he was reformatted.”

Izzy then pointed to the scrambled half of the chart, his eyes bright. “Hey, that binary code was something else just a second ago!”

Neither of the siblings had noticed, but they looked at it regardless. “What're you talking about, Izzy?” Kari said, tilting her head. “I don't see anything different.”

He covered his mouth in thought. “Something's not right. I think his coding's being overwritten.”

They all stared at the screen for the longest time, but nothing happened.

Slowly standing back up, Tai rolled his shoulders and rested his chin on his knuckles. “Uh... what are we looking for, again?”

Izzy frowned, shifting to steeple his fingers. “Odd. If we could just get further into his data...”

“Even if we can,” Gennai sighed, “we'd have to literally be the program itself to know what we're doing to his binary, or we'd risk further damage.”

Kari loosely gripped at her arms in worry. “What do we do? We'll have to tell him, right?”

“We definitely should, unless he knows something, Gatomon?”

Her ears perked once he said her name, but she was just as lost as the Kamiya siblings, thus why she hadn't voiced her thoughts. “...I wouldn't know,” she muttered, briefly pawing at her nose. “Wizardmon doesn't really tell me things willingly unless it's going to directly affect me, or I... er, force it out of him...”

With a sigh, Gennai mirrored Izzy's pose from seconds ago. “Far as we know, he's in no danger. But since we know who he is, we can't treat him like a pariah. I imagine he'd like to cross through the Digi-Port every now and then, and as he can do it without being identified, we're going to give him 'official'—” he used air-quotes for emphasis, “—clearance to do so. However, he's limited only to the Kamiya network, or else we're going to think he's a threat. We're still going to look into this, so while we don't require you to check back with me all the time, if there's any odd behavior, I'll need to know.”

Everyone nodded in understanding. Glancing up at Kari, Gatomon volunteered, “I know him better than anyone, so I'll be the conduit.”

The auburn-haired teen suddenly had a thought. “Wait a second. If this right here is part of Wizardmon, how was he able to get through the firewall if I couldn't even shoot Gennai an e-mail about it?”

“Can we just say it was 'magic'?”

Everyone briefly gave Tai a look, though there was a hush in the room for a moment. “There's got to be an explanation,” Izzy mused, stroking his chin. “Perhaps he can camouflage it...”

Gennai shot it down with the shake of his head. “I don't believe there's a Digimon in existence that can do something like that to their own coding.”

“What if he has a worm, or a Trojan? What if this binary code's actually malicious?”

“I'll continue to look into that possibility. By the way, Gatomon.”

The addressed Digimon blinked and stepped forward. “Yes?”

Suspicion then fell across the man's face, although it was so subtle, Gatomon wasn't sure if the others caught it. “Ever since you told me you went to the World of Dreams, I've gone ahead to search for the entrance to close it up.”

“Oh, so you did go there?” Izzy uttered in surprise. “Those e-mails weren't for Kari?”

The feline looked between them with a frown. “Alright. So what're you going to do about it, Gennai?”

“That's the thing, actually. I can't find the dimension gap.”

With exception of Gatomon, everyone stared. “Do you want me to tell you where it is?”

He frowned. “That'd probably help some, except when I did a worldwide scan for any anomalies, there was nothing.”

She could hardly believe what he said, although she couldn't ignore the chill running along her spine. “But... I did go to the World of Dreams.”

“How?” Gennai nearly took up the entire screen. “How did you manage to get into a closed-off dimension?”

There was a light rap at the door and Yuuko poked her head in. “Sorry to interrupt, but Izzy will need to get going before the storm hits.”

A quick glance outside caused the boy to jolt. “Oh, shoot, I almost forgot,” he hissed, then regained his composure. “I'll contact you tomorrow, Gennai. We'll discuss our findings some more.”

Gennai didn't look too pleased to be interrupted, but he gave a nod. Once the connection was dropped, the young man downed his drink and packed up. Gatomon expelled the breath she was unintentionally holding, letting his words sink in.

“But I did,” she lamented to herself, backing up when Kari guided her. Whether the girl heard her or not, the rub to her shoulder did little for her.

“Thanks for coming over on such short notice,” Tai expressed with a smile.

“I just couldn't keep you all in the dark about this,” Izzy replied back, swinging the bag over his shoulder. “It's very fascinating, but this could potentially affect everyone involved were something to go awry.”

“Yeah, Dad's going to kill us if his computer gets fried.”

“Oh, Tai,” the girl sighed, eyes to the ceiling.

The joke flew over their friend's head as they led him out for the front door. “I think a fried computer will be the least of our problems. So anyway, keep this between us for now. If anyone asks, including Wizardmon, just say we're looking into it, and to not worry about it. But just because we didn't find anything malicious doesn't mean it doesn't exist. As for this dimension gap Gennai brought up...” He frowned down at Gatomon, who averted her gaze. “I wonder if it, too, closes itself off for certain periods of time. But to be open at the exact moment Gatomon went to visit...”

“You've read the e-mails, Izzy,” Kari said. “I don't think Wizardmon would deceive Gatomon like that.”

“Wizardmon sent them?” The boy furrowed his brows as he slipped on his shoes. “I believe you, but that can't be...”

“We'll talk about this later. You need to vamoose, Iz.”

He gave a curt nod. “Right, right. Take care, guys.” He hurried out the door, pulling his jacket over his ears.

Tai looked over at both his sister and Gatomon. “Don't let it get to you,” he said, giving a grin of encouragement. “We're on top of things, so everything's going to be fine.”

Kari smiled down at her Digimon as well, who couldn't bring herself to return it.

*~*~*

As they settled themselves in bed, Gatomon laid there listening between the rain pattering on the glass and her partner's breathing. Meaningless as it was, she couldn't help quietly reflecting back on Gennai's words. She had nothing against the man, he was clearly the best ally they could ever ask for, but the way he rubbed her wrong kept her from having the same respect as the others. He was unique in that she could believe and distrust him at the same time, although why would he ever lie to them? Hold back information, sure, but he wasn't in the slightest someone who would mislead them.

“I know I don't know what your life was like before I met you, Gatomon,” the girl quietly started, interrupting her thoughts, “but how was it like to spend a week with Wizardmon?”

At least the topic was a little more positive, even if there were a few things she didn't want to bring up. “It was nice. It was like being on a reconnaissance mission without the mastermind behind it.”

“So pretty much the same?”

The cat shrugged. “I suppose. It was just us being ourselves, for once.”

Kari's tone lowered, “You couldn't be friends before?”

“Not as openly as now.” She rolled onto her back to stare at the ceiling. “Myotismon hated the concept of friendship, so if it had ever gotten out Wizardmon and I were close friends, we probably would've been beaten or executed a long time ago.”

Not that it hadn't been noticed by anyone else, but what could they have done with her being one of the highest-ranked henchmen? For all she knew, they could've viewed it as Wizardmon getting protection since he wasn't well-liked in the castle.

Her partner shifted to rest on her side. “I'm sorry for asking, but... was it hard?”

A laugh bubbled in her throat, but she swallowed it down. “Not really. When you grow up in that kind of environment, you just kind of get used to it.”

She could hear Kari fiddling with the tag and crest. “Was it hard on you to... well... stop being bad?”

Gatomon turned to meet her umber gaze. “Would you believe me if I said 'yes'?”

The girl hesitantly shrugged.

She chose to not dance around the subject looking back up. “It was like I had to choose between two worlds after I got that slightest feeling of doubt upon meeting you. When Wizardmon talked to me, and helped me remember my past, it was hard to make a decision. I was so intent on following Myotismon's orders, but I was also scared of the outcome. It hurt my heart to have my world change on me.”

Gatomon could look back on it now and say it was the best turning point of her life, but that little piece of conflict that had raged inside her wasn't something she could shake off. She came close to giving her life for Myotismon multiple times, but that moment was the last battle. Had she been more stubborn enough to close herself up upon meeting Kari, and fought against Wizardmon hard enough to chase him off, she would be by her master's side as he ruled both worlds, if not dead. She trembled in thought now, but what would she be like if she had?

“Do you have any regrets?”

Kari must've seen her troubled look, or it was par for the course. “Not really.” She paused to think on a small nagging she suddenly got in the back of her mind. “Except... sometimes I wish I was a little nicer to Wizardmon. I never felt I was a good friend to him. He never once thought of himself the whole time we were friends, and more often than not I treated him worse than dirt. And when he sacrificed himself, I remember hating myself for a moment because I didn't feel I had deserved it... but also because it could've been prevented...”

Letting out a sigh, Gatomon stretched her arms above her head. “But that's all in the past. I changed for the better, and I'm glad for that. Now my world's brighter than ever.” She smiled at her to show she was feeling a little better.

The brunette scratched her ear and leaned over to kiss the top of her head just when a crack of thunder sounded. Gatomon accidentally smacked her partner in the face when she jerked in place and scurried under the covers. Upon realizing what just happened, she poked her head back out.

“Oh crap, I'm sorry!” she gasped, shaking off her fright.

Rubbing her nose, Kari laughed. “It's fine. That sure came out of nowhere.”

The feline smiled wryly. “Right...”

Once she was certain she didn't get a nosebleed, they snuggled together for the night.

*~*~*

What did it mean to live? Living meant taking the first breath, the first step, the first look at the world.

What did it mean to live? Living meant individuality, agency, experiences, and survival.

What did it mean to live? Living meant being alive, as evident by the faintest of heartbeats.

There was no right or wrong answer, there were many different worlds with different interpretations. It was exciting to see a new world beyond the wildest of imaginations, to walk its grounds and mingle amongst the unique inhabitants, to hear the native language. There was knowledge that didn't exist in other worlds, experiences that couldn't come to pass due to limitations of a universe's rules.

As it turned out, strangers from foreign worlds weren't welcomed into their societies. But assimilation hurt. Assimilation meant forgetting oneself to become like them to be fully accepted. That's why there was no choice but to travel.

How much time had passed? It was hard to gauge time with each dimension hop. Had it been months? Years? What if it had just been only hours, or even minutes?

It hadn't been long before there was lack of ambition. Traveling was exhausting to the body and mind, threatening relapse. But with assimilation nipping at the heels, resting wasn't an option.

Happening upon this “World of Dreams” was a blessing in disguise. It was oddly peaceful for being a chaotic-looking world, but no mortal was supposed to lay their eyes on it, let alone live in it. Staying here risked madness or erasure.

Yet there was an obligation to leave behind a wish or a thanks, and for the first in a long time, there was nothing to be said or desired. What could someone who had seen many things and been to many places ever ask for? There was endless knowledge out there to take in, endless pleasures to engage in.

“If... this world is as it says... I have one request.”

Everything had gone wrong. Time had been lost to the ages, never to be renewed. Faces and names of the past were all but forgotten. Words and promises that had meant something were worthless. There was nothing to be had, or gained.

Futile as it was, a gloved hand weakly reached for it all, still damned to keep them in its dying grasp.

“If my life has no purpose... then I may as well die.”

BEEP-BEEP BEEEEEEP!

The alarm startled Gatomon from her sleep before Kari even stirred to turn it off. Pushing herself up on her knees, the girl groaned stretching her arms above her head. “Hm... y'okay, Gatomon?” she asked blearily.

Blinking the sleep out of her eyes, the feline watched the girl climb out with a yawn and close the curtains. “...yeah... slept okay.” Hearing the muffled meowing of Miko, she flexed her paws before reaching over the railing to pick up her gloves. “Just had a weird dream...”

“Oh yeah?” A notebook was pulled from its spot on the shelf. “Need me to write it down?”

The Digimon stared at it as she tried to think back on it, her ears lowering. “I... I can't remember...”

Kari set it down before she pulled off her pajamas and shook her bangs out of her eyes. “So how'd you know it was weird, then?” she probed with a gentle smile.

“I just do...” Gatomon rubbed her temple. “It was a weird feeling.”

Right after she straightened out her shirt, the brunette stepped up to her partner to check her temperature, ignoring the look she was being given. “You feel fine, so it's not that...” Lips pursed in thought, she returned to her dressing, smoothing out her skirt doing so. “It didn't have anything to do with our talk last night?”

“I don't think so...” There was a flash of the World of Dreams, but it brought her to frown. Wanting to get it out of her head, she made a request, “Can I come to school with you today?”

Kari swirled around to pluck up the hairbrush and hairpin. “I thought you'd never ask, Gatomon! Considering the others keep asking about you, it's about time for a change of pace.”

Gatomon went ahead to groom herself as well by peeking around Kari. “Just don't stuff me in your backpack. I'd much rather hang around outside the school.”

“That's fine, I have after-school cleaning duty today, anyway.” Stepping away to give her Digimon full view of the mirror, she tied on the scarf and tugged on the back of her stockings. “Well, gotta go wake up Tai.”

“He's already up,” the feline said, her ear flicking.

Kari's brows rose and she opened up her door to see the back of her brother's head where he sat at the table. “Oh, morning, Tai.”

Still munching on toast, he turned to her and raised a hand with a muffled grunt. Yuuko smiled over by the stove, and greeted cheerfully, “Good morning, you two! Did you sleep well?”

“Yeah, it wasn't a bad storm.” She disappeared into the bathroom before Gatomon walked out and hopped on the back of the couch.

“You two would sleep through anything together, wouldn't you,” Tai noted in jest. “Was quite a show last night, shame you missed it.”

The feline shrugged indifferently. “I just can't wait for the rainy season to end.”

He let out a snort, holding up the bowl of rice. “Same. You should see the fields.”

Once she sat at her seat, Kari peered at her brother's face as she filled her plate. “You look tired, Tai. When'd you finish your studying?”

“Uh...” He looked at the clock for a moment. “Five... four hours ago, I think.”

“Do you have to go early for your soccer club? You could've postponed it.”

“I'm the captain, it's my responsibility. Besides, I'm feeling a little pumped up for some reason. Must've been that weird dream I had...”

With an acknowledging glance over at Gatomon, she grinned. “Ooh, what'd you get?”

He narrowed his eyes. “Wipe that smirk off your face, Kari. I dreamt I out-ran a Kuwagamon on my bicycle, that's all.”

“Is that even possible?”

“Beats me, I'm not going to bother one just to try it out.” After excusing himself from breakfast, Tai got up to head out. He rolled his eyes when Miko yowled at the door for the umpteenth time that morning. “Sheesh, cat,” he grumbled as he shrugged on his backpack and grabbed a bag of equipment. “What're you so impatient about?”

“Must be important,” Kari giggled.

“It better be.” Once his shoes were on, he opened the door, nearly stumbling over his feet when she bounded outside. Shaking his head, he proclaimed, “I'm heading out!” and waved.

“Your lunch, Tai!” Yuuko called out, poking her head around the corner when she gathered the discarded dishes. He swerved back inside to snatch it up as the woman smiled. “Have a good day.”

He nodded as he left. Gatomon's tail swayed, barely tilting her head when Kari began downing her breakfast. “What's the hurry?” she questioned curiously.

“I'm not in a hurry,” she said in between bites, gesturing for the empty seat. “Come have some, Gatomon.”

“She's right, Kari, slow down a bit,” her mother said with a wink. “Do you have something or someone on your mind?”

“No, it's not that.”

“You're not running late, I can tell you that much.”

“It's not that, either.”

“Tai's eating habits must have rubbed off,” Gatomon teased, claw at her chin.

“No!”

Yuuko just laughed at the small pout. “Well, you are a growing girl. Still, do take your time, sweetheart. The world's not going anywhere.”

Kari nodded, letting out a quiet sigh. “I know, Mom. But one part of my world's going someplace, and I can't catch up...”

Their mother-daughter conversation lasted another fifteen minutes before she left the apartment and raced Gatomon down the stairs. Tempting as it was to jump in them, they skipped around and over puddles whenever there weren't many pedestrians, nearly defeating the purpose of her wearing rain boots. She knew to act her age, but Kari had to get her burst of energy out somehow, and Gatomon did appreciate their playful bout together.

Once they reached heavier traffic, the feline had proposed to ride on her shoulders just to try it out, careful not to snag her claws into her clothes or hair. It garnered some glances from people, even more-so as the two were a little chatty with each other, yet neither of them cared. The most stares they got was from when a young child, also carried in a similar fashion by their father, exclaimed loudly about wanting the same “doll” to haul around, and apparently hit a decibel that made Gatomon wince.

At the halfway point, a familiar voice called from the crowd, “Hey, Kari!”

She turned to her left and smiled. “Oh, T.K.! Good morning!”

While balancing Patamon on his head, the blonde jogged over. “I see those ears belong to Gatomon,” was his first amused statement.

Still a little perturbed from the encounter, Gatomon made a dry remark, “Do you know of any other cats with ears this big?”

He laughed. “Well, now I know Kari would look good with cat ears.”

“It was just a random thought I had,” the Rookie piped up, grinning down at them. “I saw something the other day on TV about a girl becoming a cat, and she looked like you.”

Kari reached up to pat him on the head, a gesture that got him blushing. “Well, that's a kind thought, Patamon.”

“You know, come to think of it,” her partner mused, “could you imagine humans evolving like we do? If girls can become cats on TV, then it could work out.”

She just shook her head. “Sorry, Gatomon, I'd much rather not turn into anything. But hey, Halloween's coming up. I could dress up as a cat this year.”

T.K. nodded in agreement. “We can go to Shibuya that night if we're not swamped with homework.”

As the throng thinned the closer they approached their school, they heard running feet heading in their direction, accompanied by a “Heeeeey!” Skidding to a halt behind them, Davis grinned through his panting. “Man, my new alarm clock did wonders! Never thought I'd meet you guys by the gates.”

A flustered DemiVeemon poked his head out of the backpack with a frown. “Davis, can I eat now? I didn't get to finish my breakfast.”

“I never said you couldn't bring it along!”

“Glad you could make it on time,” Kari giggled. “May I suggest setting the alarm five minutes earlier than it is now?”

“Oh, good idea, Kari!”

“I'll say make it ten minutes,” T.K. then suggested, a brow quirking.

“Even better! Oh, by the way, want to go to the park after school?” Davis queried from out of the blue. “I brought my plastic oval saucer. Or as I call it, 'POS'.”

“Why?”

“It's shorter to say that way.”

“No, why do you want to go to the park?” T.K. corrected himself.

With a shrug, Davis fussed with his frizzy hair. “I just want to have some fun.”

Kari raised a hand vertical to her eyes. “Sorry, Davis, I have cleaning duty today.”

“I'm going to be heading to Dad's place.”

The boy slumped, but then threw his hands behind him with a sigh. “So much for today being a good day. Alright, I'll ask again tomorrow.”

The warning bell rang just as they were entering the grounds, and Gatomon and Patamon parted ways while DemiVeemon remained with his partner. Just as they were going to climb up a tree, the feline's ears flicked from the breeze, and she turned to the direction of the Fuji TV studios. Although she remembered the scene she had caused at the building, she couldn't help but think how odd it was her thoughts were suddenly drawn to it.

“Something wrong, Gatomon?” the Rookie asked when he looked behind him.

“Oh, uh...” She forced herself to tear her eyes away from the observatory. “I got a question.”

“What is it?”

“Did Ishida or Matt talk to T.K. about anything that happened the weekend before last?”

Patamon's eyes drifted to the cloudy sky. “Um... happened where?”

“At the TV station.”

His winged ears then fluttered as he lit up in remembrance. “T.K. kind of laughed at the thought of a cat causing a ruckus in the building.” He then tilted his head in curiosity. “Why, were you that cat?”

She rubbed the back of her head, unsure if she should feel embarrassed by it or not. “Yeah...”

“Kari confirmed you were sneaking out,” he said, not sounding the least bit surprised as he nodded. “So that's where you went?”

“Just the one time,” she retorted, then relaxed. “But... yeah. I want to apologize to Ishida for the disturbance I caused.”

Patamon beamed, his big blue eyes twinkling. “No need. T.K.'s dad knew about it, and he was okay with it. He just wants you to tell him next time you go visit.”

As more students flooded the grounds, they vanished into the trees, making their way to the back of the school. They sat together once they reached their destination, occasionally peering in on their partners' class from the shade or catching a snooze in a spot of sunlight whenever they weren't chatting. Gatomon didn't mind Patamon's company since she was fond of the Rookie, although his childish nature would be too much for her whenever they were around the others. His selflessness and big heart, however, always shone through, and whenever it was just the two of them, she liked their conversations and his innocent outlook he would bring into them. It was rare for her to see it in person, but sometimes she'd get a twinge of insecurity in his word delivery, and he wasn't as innocent as he came off on the surface.

Today, however, she was bothered by the silence and the lazing about in the tree, and she couldn't put a claw on why. She thought maybe it was the rain lingering in the air, in which case she planned an escape route at sign of the first drop. Then looking to a humming Patamon, she wondered if he was a little out of it, or he had bored her if she turned out to not be in the mood to talk to him. Or maybe because it was Monday, and it was just a guarantee the start of the week would be dull. She did have a long day yesterday, after all.

Flashes of the World of Dreams in her mental eye made Gatomon squirm as she tried to shake it from her mind. Ugh, how could I let Gennai's meeting get to me like that? she moaned to herself, paw at her head. I don't want to think about it right now...

“Sorry if you get asked this a lot, Gatomon,” Patamon innocently piped up, pulling her from her thoughts, “but I'm just wondering if you're happy that Wizardmon's back.”

She went ahead to give the short response, not willing to delve more into her concerns about it. “Yeah, I am.”

He smiled. “I figured. You look better, now.”

Gatomon felt her cheeks heat up a little. Did she really look that bad? “Thanks, Patamon. It still feels like this'll all go away the next time I wake up, though...” She then shrugged and reclined back against the trunk. “But I suppose that's what happens when something unexpected happens.”

“Tell me about it,” Patamon sighed, his folded ears twitching. “Ever since T.K. started talking about attending high school, I've been getting that feeling myself. I've talked to Gabumon about it, and he told me it's normal, and it'll get better. But he didn't go through what we did.”

So even the little Angel of Hope was getting anxious about his partner's next step in life. “I've always had it, though,” she said. “I don't even know if its a habit, a result of living under Myotismon, or what.”

“Well, things have always gotten better, right?”

“Right.”

He sat back as well, even if he looked more squashed than usual. “So let things come naturally. Things work themselves out as long as you don't stop believing in yourself, and as long as the sun still shines.”

His words of optimism never failed to cheer Gatomon up. “And this is why I like you, Patamon. I'm so jealous.”

He blushed in humility. “Shucks, Gatomon, I try.”

She smiled, then lifted her eyes up to gaze past the canopy of leaves, wondering if she could be lulled to sleep.

“So, what're you going to do, now?”

They were still talking; that was fine by her, though his question was a little vague. “Hm?”

Patamon sat forward as though to lean in her line-of-sight. “Are you and Wizardmon going to travel together more? Are you still staying with Kari every other week?”

“Nothing's going to be any different.” Teasingly, she gave a devilish smirk. “You're not jealous of me, are you?”

He shook his head in mirth. “Of course not! I'm just checking to make sure everything's going fine. It's what friends do.”

Gatomon knew nothing was “fine” with her completely, but she didn't want to burden him with concerns she herself couldn't understand. “Speaking of, it should be almost lunchtime. Think we should check up on DemiVeemon and Poromon to make sure they're fine before heading to the rooftop?”

He didn't even have to think about it. “I'm sure they're doing great.”

They laughed until a purple saucer flew by, and Davis could be heard screaming, “Stop that POS!” Someone who must've had their head poking out of the window began howling, although the two Digimon wasn't sure what to make of the moment.

The feline gave him an aside glance. “No, really, Patamon.”

“I agree.”

Keeping to the trees, they leapt toward the boy's direction.

*~*~*

Although Gatomon was happy to be with the group again, she didn't join in on the conversations during lunchtime and instead soaked it all in. And while she and Patamon continued to talk off and on until school let out, she still didn't know why she wasn't satisfied. Kari didn't stay after for very long, but that was enough for her to tire out and not be in the mood to talk as she followed her home (since she walked with a classmate most of the way). No one was home at the apartment, but Miko at the very least didn't mind sleeping near her when she watched some television to get her mind off the day.

“You feeling alright, Gatomon?” Yuuko checked in once she was home from running her errands, a little wet from the rain that was now trickling down.

The feline realized she had zoned out, she had no idea what time it was until she checked the clock. Damn rain clouds. “Oh... I'm okay,” she mumbled, glancing over at the stretched-out cat.

“Ohhh, Miko, you're getting the furniture dirty,” the woman groaned, frowning down at her and getting an annoyed stare in return. “Is Kari still doing her homework?”

“I'm already finished,” the addressed girl announced, stepping out of her room. “Hey, looks like you two are getting along.”

Gatomon just shrugged in neutrality. “I hardly noticed.” When Kari sat down beside her, she leaned up against her ribs and before long was out like a light until she was shaken awake for dinner.

Tai had by then trudged in through the door, looking worse for the wear and his hair a mess from the rain. “Ugh, I hate Mondays,” he grumbled to himself.

His sister handed him a hand towel. “Any luck with the job-hunting?”

He sighed as he scrubbed at his head. “Nothing. The market's tougher than I thought.”

“It's not looking too good, is it?”

“Things are getting a little messy, but it shouldn't get worse than that, hopefully.” Tai then took her by the shoulders to look her square in the eye. “Learn from my mistakes, Kari, and attend a high school that'll allow you to get a part-time job. I don't want you to get this frustrated when you reach adulthood.”

She smiled, and gave his hands a good shake. “If I can find a school nearby that allows it, I'll consider it. You'll find work soon, Tai. Keep at it.”

Judging from his sly smirk, he looked like he had an idea, but his heart wasn't in it. “Maybe I should apply someplace in the Digital World. At least with their currency being the dollar, I could live like a king in no time.”

Kari covered her face to hold back a laugh. “You don't even know if it's valid on this side, anyway.”

“Just because they don't take the yen—”

“At least you can convert it into dollars and back on this end,” she pressed. Yuuko glanced over with a nod, even though she only fully understood half of the conversation.

Tai leaned back in his chair, slightly huffing. “Sheesh... you Digimon sure have it easy, Gatomon.”

She rolled her eyes. “Whatever you say, Tai. At least things have been quiet, so I haven't had to do much.”

“Call me crazy, but I don't like that it's been 'quiet' over there.”

“I do agree, Tai, but I think we should enjoy it while it lasts.” Kari sat down beside him, smiling at the both of them. “We'll need all that time to think about ourselves for right now.”

“It wouldn't be the first, nor the last time we'd have to balance out both worlds,” he reminded her, getting his elbows off the table when Yuuko set down the pot. “Honestly, I'd probably be a little less stressed if I had all of my first priorities laid out at my feet.”

“You can't always make the best decisions tackling them at once, Tai,” his mother calmly stated. “Take things slow, and start with the first and most important step wherever you choose to go.”

His face slowly loosened up when he smiled, looking as if some weight was lifted off of his shoulders, even if only temporarily. “Thanks, Mom.”

Sitting on the sidelines, Gatomon listened to the Kamiyas talk about whatever came to their minds over dinner, feeling the atmosphere liven up even after Susumu came home at the tail end. Since it had been a while since everyone was last together, they remained at the table while he ate to finish up their discussions, and start up new ones with him. Even if she didn't contribute much, it was a moment that relaxed her, her worries of the day relieved as she held Kari's arms closer and sank deeper into her lap.

It unfortunately was wearing off when the two were in the bath, having gone first on Tai's request. The Champion knelt on the stool to rest her arms on the edge, slowly skimming doodles on the water while losing herself in thought. She could swear a hum was resonating from her ring and bouncing off the tiles each time her tail swayed.

She then chose to break the silence, hoping she could put her mind at ease. “Hey, Kari?”

“Hm?” The girl lifted her head to look over.

“Am I happy?”

She tilted her head in concern. “Why're you asking me that?”

“I just want to know.” Gatomon straightened up, nearly pushing herself off her seat as she repeated, “Am I happy?”

Kari scanned her, brows steadily lowering. “I shouldn't have to tell you.”

“I know, but am I?” she urged, her paws furling. “Do I look it?”

“Right now, you look and sound anxious.” The brunette scooted across, propping her elbow up. “Is something bothering you?”

Gatomon's ears and whiskers drooped, wishing the steam was making her groggy. “Kind of...”

“Is it because of what Gennai said last night?”

She tensed up for a moment, then nodded, her ears pinning back.

“Why does that make you unhappy?”

“I'm not unhappy,” she muttered, scowling.

“I know you're not, but you're not happy right now.” Kari leaned in, her gaze softening. “Are you sick of hearing about it?”

She wasn't far off, but Gatomon knew there was something else bothering her. If she could put words to it, she'd tell her. “Sort of,” was her reluctant whisper.

The girl shook her hands dry before she cupped her chin. “I'm happy for you, Gatomon, really. But please don't let it get to you. I don't like seeing you upset and worrying yourself sick, not again.”

She let her pet her, but it couldn't calm her thoughts, not when it hit her it was going to be a long week.