Chapter 1
Created By: Jason Wong
"Taichi Kamiya!! I demand you tell me what's going on!" shouted Sora.
It had been nearly a year since the adventures in the digital world. In fact it was July 27. The kids had matured allot more and allot faster than normal kids. Tai and Sora were already dating, as were Joe and Mimi. Even TK and Kari were going out (Although it was much less noticeable). Lately Tai seemed distracted from their relationship. He kept getting calls on his cell phone and often left shortly after. Sora was getting suspicious and enraged.
"Sora, I would... but..." said Tai, but Sora cut him off.
"It's another girl, isn't it. You're seeing another girl behind my back." Said Sora as she backed Tai up against a tree.
Tai cringed as the rough bark pushed up into his back. "That is not it!" he said firmly.
"Then what?" asked Sora again. "You can tell me."
"I can't Sora, I was sworn to secrecy." said Tai gritting his teeth. Sora was stronger than he thought possible. She had lifted him about two inches off the ground by the seat of his pants. Mind you, he wasn't the heaviest guy around, but he wasn't the lightest either.
"Well, you'd better not be lying. And it had better be a good reason or you'll regret this." said Sora.
Tai had no doubt that she was right. Sora was the last girl he wanted to anger. She could easily mop the floors with his head if she wanted to. Tai's cell phone went off as Sora let him go.
"Hello?" asked Tai eyeing Sora who was glaring at him. "What? Are you sure? Now?... Excuse me? I'll be over as soon as possible.
Sora opened her mouth to speak, but Tai spoke first. "Sorry Sora. Something has come up. I have to go now." With those parting words he took off in a sprint.
Sora was none too happy with this turn of events. She was determined to find out what was going on. Tai was fast, being on the soccer team, but so was Sora. She trailed him up and down different streets. He obviously was trying to loose anyone following him. Sora kept a discreet distance so he wouldn't notice her. Eventually he darted into a massive building. Sora became immediately concerned as it was Memorial Hospital, a place for people with incurable diseases and comas went. She dashed in only to see Tai carefully shutting a security door behind him. She looked at the hanging sign above the door. It read:
Restricted Access Only
Level 3 or Higher Clearance Required
Now Sora was truly terrified for Tai's safety. She knew the security levels at this hospital. She even had a brochure. Level 3 meant long term coma, genetic diseases, and unknown non-contagious viruses. Tai wasn't in coma, she doubted he had any genetic diseases which only left....
Sora left the hospital and walked home not wanting to think what this all meant. Her mind wandered back to some of Tai's phone conversations she'd overheard recently....
---
"It's that serious? Do you think it's genetic? What? Really? I didn't think.... Of course I know that. No I haven't told anyone. Just like you guys asked. But I still think.... No, of course not. But shouldn't they at least be able to say goodbye? They are close friends... Oh, it works? Deadly!? Well if you feel that way.... But can't I at least tell... No? Fine, if that's what's best... Ok, bye."
---
And then a week later....
---
"No of course not. I won't break my oath. What!? That's great news? What!? Are you serious? That much? Do you have my consent? Well, I guess so. At least it's safe. What about the others? Just me? Oh? Can I...? No? Well they are. Fine, if that's the best option. Ok. I'll be by soon, See ya."
---
Sora had wondered what he'd meant. She probably shouldn't have been listening, but she had been curious. now she knew. She'd have to confront Tai soon. Before... the thought was to horrible to think.
"Sora, telephone." called her mom the next morning.
Sora had been contemplating how to ask Tai the forbidden question. "Who is it?" she asked. It was only ten-thirty in the morning. Who could be phoning her at this time?
"It's Taichi dear, he says it's urgent." replied her mom.
Sora virtually launched herself at the phone. She'd be able to ask her question. "Hello?" she asked breathlessly.
"Hi Sora," said Tai solemnly. "Meet me in the park, the usual place, half an hour. Bring a lunch. I have an important announcement to make."
Before Sora could reply, Tai hung up. "Mother, I've got to go out for a while." she said as she packed her things.
"Ok dear, have fun and try to stay out of trouble." said her mom as she left.
Sora knew that she wouldn't have fun. She took the long way over to the park and arrived right at eleven. She noted everyone was there except Matt, Tai, and Tk. But the Ishidas and Takaishis were trying to make up for lost time and were probably camping. no doubt Tai would inform them as well. Tai arrived shortly after Sora. He was slightly pale though the colour was slowly returning. He looked weak, worse than yesterday. He was breathing heavily and sat down heavily before speaking.
"I called you all here today because there was nothing good on TV." he said.
Izzy rolled his eyes remembering a similar line used the year before. No one but Sora seemed to notice how bad off Tai was. But then it might be her imagination, her fears mixed with her knowledge.
"Ok, seriously" said Tai grimly. "I have a very important announcement to make." He paused to make sure everyone was listening before he continued. "You may have noticed me behaving strangely over the past few weeks. Be assured it was all for a good reason. I was recently informed about a condition one of our group has been diagnosed with."
Now Tai had everyone's complete undivided attention. It must be serious thought Sora, he's giving out all the details without saying it's him. I don't see how he thinks it will soften the blow.
"They've fallen ill with an unknown disease. Doctors believe it originated from the Digital World. It is virtually untreatable, it's been decided that you should be told who that individual is just in case they pass away."
Again he paused to let the words sink in. Sora was near tears, everyone else looked distraut.
"Who is it?" asked Izzy.
"I won't tell you here in such a public place. No, follow me and we'll goto a far more private place. I know how distressing this news is. I believe that grieving should be done in a private place with friends.
Everyone silently agreed and followed him as he led the group out of the park. Joe looked a bit sickly, Izzy was somewhat interested while by the same note, looked downcast. Kari was impassive, Mimi was downtrodden, supporting Joe. Sora cast her eyes on Tai, almost as if her gaze could cleanse his body of the disease. They arrived at Memorial Hospital where Tai passed out ID cards and led everyone into a small room in the east wing.
"Ok" said Tai. "Before we proceed any further, I'll tell you the identity of our fallen comrade."
Everyone braced for the name that would reveal the identity of their friend.
"Our beloved friend has an unknown amount of time to live. I sadly announce that their name is...."
Cliffhanger! What will happen next, who's the person, will Sora blurt an awnser? Is Tai really the victim? Find out as the story continues in Chapter 2 of "The Sickness".