Author's Note:
Alright, so on to Chapter 1. Sorry its on the shorter side, I'm a bit busier this week than I thought I would be.
One thing I'm playing with is Kari's personality. She's always depicted as so perfect and sweet, but I wanted to make her a bit more complex. She's just hitting puberty and entering those fabulous teenage years, so she's going to be a bit more "feisty" in this series. She's going to have flaws like most people, as she's growing up, asserting some independence and trying to figure herself out-but she is still the child of light, so I think her true character will always ultimately shine through, so if you like her sweet personality don't be too scared off by my depiction of her.
I haven't decided if there will be any romance. I was really off-put about the whole Sora/Matt pairing, as that seemed completely randomly thrown in. Not sure if I'll incorporate that or any Tai/Sora in this—any thoughts or feedback on that is welcome. If there is any romance it won't be the main focus. Some mentions of Matt/Sora and TK/Kari can be expected.
Also, there will be violence and some strong language—I mean, they're in high school. I'm trying to insert it naturally so it will just flow with the characters and not sound stupid or distracting.
Finally, if you're fans of the younger Digidestined they are unfortunately going to be taking side roles here. My main focus is on Kari, Joe, Mimi (who lives in Japan in this special universe of mine and does not have pink/starry hair, she looks like a more mature version of her younger self), Matt, Izzy, Tai, Sora and of course TK.
Also, in this Universe of mine there aren't Digidestined all over the world. I thought that was dumb. The only ones here are the original crew and the younger ones.
Obvious Disclaimer: I don't own Digimon.
Rated T for violence, language and some dark themes.
Chapter 1 – Stalker
Kari shoved her head deeper under her pillow with a frustrated growl. She was trying in vain to block out the thrashing and yelling in the room next door. It had been two weeks since the nightmares had started, and there had yet to be a break. Every single night without fail Kari found herself startled awake from a deep sleep. She had been sympathetic to her brother, as she could tell he was having a rough time with the dreams. He looked exhausted every day, but he put a smile on his face each time and reassured her he was fine—he wouldn't talk about what he saw each night, claiming he had no memory of any of it (which Kari immediately called bullshit on).
As the third week of sleepless nights was rolling around Kari found that her patience was starting to wear thin. Not only were his nightmares disruptive to her own sleep, but being jolted awake each night to blood curdling screams was alarming and scary.
Gatomon was sitting at the foot of her bed, her ears twitching in annoyance. She too was quickly losing her sympathy for Tai's situation.
"Kari, are you going to wake him up?"
Kari peered out from under the pillow.
"No way. Isn't that why we asked Koromon to come stay with us here for awhile? He is supposed to be the one taking care of this!"
Gatomon snorted.
"Well he is not doing a good job right now. Didn't your brother go to see a human for this condition?" Kari shrugged, rolling over to face her partner.
"He did go to the doctor. The doctor says that they are called night terrors, but that they are more common in kids. He said there isn't much to be done except ride them out and that Tai should outgrow them."
Gatomon frowned just as the screams died down, Koromon's loud voice echoing through the wall. Kari sighed and shoved her head back under her pillow.
The next morning Tai found himself shoveling toast into his mouth as he threw his school uniform on. Kari had decided not to bother to wake Tai up for school, and he predictably slept through his alarm.
He shot her a look as she carefully sipped juice at the table.
"Jeeze Kari you could have woken me!" She shrugged without responding. As Tai threw a few lunch items from the fridge into his bag, a grin tugged at his lips.
"Hey Sis, remember my big game is tonight after school. There are going to be college recruiters so I'm going to need my support crew there looking sharp to give me some support!" He struck a little pose as Koromon bounced around him in excitement.
"Tai Tai Tai I want to come! Can I? Can I?" Tai crossed his arms, apparently considering it.
"Well, I don't know Koromon...haha just kidding. Of course you can come-but you have to go to school with me in my gym bag." Koromon's expression shifted from pure joy immediately to a look of disgust.
"Tai no! Your gym bag smells bad!" Their light banter was interrupted by Kari.
"Hey Tai? Actually, I have plans after school today. But everyone else will be there, and I already know you'll be awesome as usual. You'll be great!" Kari shifted in her chair a bit, appearing a bit uncomfortable. Tai crossed his arms, leaning back against the counter.
"Plans? But Kari this is the most important soccer game. If I play well I could potentially get a scholarship! You have to be there, you're my biggest fan! What are you doing that is so important anyway?"
Kari huffed and stood up sharply.
"I have a special date with TK if you must know. Look, I know your game is important, but I have seen you play soccer for years. It won't be a big deal if I'm not there. I'm not really missing anything Tai." A look of hurt flashed on Tai's face.
"It is a big deal! Mom and Dad aren't going. I need someone from my family there to cheer me on! Can't you guys go on your date afterward? Also, since when are you and TK dating? Aren't you a little young for that?" That did it. Kari's face flushed a bit.
"That is none of your business Tai. I can date who and whenever I want! You're not my father! And you're a big boy, you don't need a cheerleading squad. The school already provides one you know. Hope your game goes well. Goodbye." She replied in a terse voice. With that she turned around abruptly, scooped up her backpack and marched out the front door with Gatomon, slamming it behind her.
"What is wrong with your sister Tai? That was mean!" Koromon said indignantly. Tai sighed, throwing his bag over his shoulder.
"I don't know. I think she's mad that I keep waking her up at night. I feel bad about that. I think she's just grumpy. Don't worry, I know she'll be at my game. She's being a brat right now, but she knows how important this is to me." Koromon eyed him skeptically.
"Okay Tai. I guess you're probably right." Suddenly Tai paled and grabbed Koromon, gently shoving him into his gym bag despite the little pink blob's protests.
"Enough talk buddy we have to go NOW!"
As Tai tried to elegantly navigate his way through hordes of people to get to school, he couldn't seem to shake the feeling that he was being watched. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end, and he couldn't help but glance over his shoulder every few minutes. Still, all he saw were normal people chatting, drinking coffee or listening to their music as they all maneuvered together.
As Tai waited at a light, his eyes drifted around, before being draw to a curious figure across the street. Standing near the front of the crowd waiting to cross the street, and sticking out like a sore thumb to boot, was a tall figure wearing a baggy black cloak with the hood drawn up. Tai squinted, trying to make out their face, but all he saw were shadows obscuring it. The figure reminded Tai of the grim reaper and gave him chills. Nobody else gave the person a second glance from what he could tell, which he thought was strange. A car passed in front of him, and he was surprised to find the figure no longer there once his eyes refocused to it. Scratching his head, Tai wrote it off as him desperately needing a full night's sleep.
The light changed, and Tai continued on.
"Whew Koromon, we're going to make it!" Tai breathed a sigh in relief as the school came into view. He was nearly to the doors when two voices stopped him.
"Hey Tai wait up!" Turning, he saw Sora and Matt jogging toward him. He started to wave back when he noticed something. Behind Sora and Matt, just standing there facing him, was that same cloaked figure. Tai took a deep breath, trying to rationalize what he was seeing, fighting a strong sense of foreboding. He prodded his gym bag, Koromon stuffing his face out a little bit.
"What is it Tai?"
"Um, Koromon, do you sense anything weird nearby? And do you see that person that looks weird over there behind Matt and Sora?" Koromon twisted around, and immediately let out a low growl at spotting the figure. Tai took a step backward with uncertainty at Koromon's reaction.
"Koromon?" Sora and Matt were suddenly in front of them, hand in hand. Sora tucked a strand of her auburn hair behind her ear as Matt said a cool "Hey."
"Good morning Tai. Looks like we're all late today. Whoops!" She let out a giggle, then noticed his silence. He was looking over her shoulder, a look of dismay on his face. Tai was not shocked this time to see that the figure had vanished.
"Uh, hey guys. I have to get to class." Tai quickly retreated into the school, feeling their questioning stares on his back. After finally getting to his first class and settling in, he let himself think about the figure. Was there really a figure? Was he going crazy? Who was it? What did they want? Why didn't anyone else seem to see it? He shook his head. He needed to talk to Koromon. Koromon had definitely seen it too, so he was for sure not losing his mind.
The day seemed to just drag. Tai was feeling antsy by the time lunch rolled around. He quickly made his way outside, and setup lunch a ways away under his favorite tree for some privacy. He opened his gym bag, which Koromon abandoned immediately.
"Ugh Tai that was so horrible I am NOT going back in there! Tai I'm hungry. Tai do you have any food?" Koromon babbled. Tai couldn't help but grin at his little friend.
"Sure Koromon. Here's a few sandwiches I made you this morning. Say Koromon, what do you think of that person we saw this morning?" Koromon, who was in the process of wolfing down the offered sandwiches like he hadn't eaten in months, took a deliberate pause and looked at Tai thoughtfully.
"Well Tai, to be honest, I don't think that was a person. I felt something really dark and bad, and I think I smelled a Digimon. We should tell the others, because I think something bad is going to happen." Tai's furrowed his brow. So Koromon had the same feelings about the whole thing that he did.
Suddenly, Tai felt a chill sweep through him. A knot formed in the pit of his stomach. He felt a presence behind him, and Koromon, who was in his lap at the moment, had tensed up.
"Courage…"
Tai jumped to his feet and whirled around. Confronting him….was nothing but trees. Tai inhaled a steady breath and took a few steps forward.
"Hey! Who is there? Hello?" he waited a moment. Nothing.
"Tai, there you are!" Approaching them were once again, Matt and Sora. Except Mimi was with them this time, her long hair pulled up into a sloppy bun. She winked and gave a small wave.
"Tai, we were looking for you for lunch! Oh, hey Koromon. So that's why you're hiding over here!" Tai exchanged looks with Koromon. Should they tell them? Sora tilted her head.
"Are you okay Tai? You've been acting weird today. What was up with you this morning?" Tai laughed awkwardly, lightly scratching his head.
"Eh, sorry about that. Just nervous about tonight. You know, big game and all. Speaking of, you guys are coming to cheer me on right?" Mimi grinned.
"I'll be there of course!" Sora and Matt smiled apologetically.
"Sorry Tai, but Matt has a concert tonight. Is that okay? Sorry, we forgot to tell you!" Tai swallowed his disappointment, remembering his conversation with his sister earlier that day.
"Oh sure guys. It's really no big deal. Soccer is soccer right?"
They're laughing at you…
Tai stiffened as the strange whispering filled his head. His friends were laughing away; apparently nobody else had heard it. He felt confused. Were they laughing at him? Had he thought that?
They'll suffer…
Okay, that was definitely not his own thoughts. Trying not to panic, Tai closed his eyes, trying to reason. The voice was the same one from his nightmares. Should he say something? Would they believe him? Maybe he was going insane.
"Courage…"
A wave of dizziness washed over him. Opening his eyes in panic, he tried to tell Sora, but she wasn't looking at him and his voice was apparently no longer working. His world seemed to tilt on its axis to the side. Tai struggled to find his footing, but his body felt unstable and weak.
The next thing he knew, Tai found himself on the ground with a throbbing headache and his friends huddled around him, staring worriedly.
"Look he's coming around you guys!" Mimi piped up. Tai cringed at the high pitch in her voice.
"Argh. What? Guys?" He managed to mumble. Matt helped haul him to his feet.
"Woah, steady Tai. You don't look so good. We should take you to the nurse." Tai shook his head.
"No, I feel a lot better now. I just haven't been sleeping well. Maybe I should skip next period and take a nap, don't you think?" Tai wiggled his eyebrows and laughed. Nobody laughed with him. Matt ran a hand through his hair.
"You know Tai, your exhaustion aside, you really have been acting weird. This is awkward to ask but…um, are you really okay with Sora and I dating? You just seem depressed is all." Matt trailed off. Sora nodded.
"That's right. Like when you ran off this morning. We're not trying to rub it in your face you know that right?"
Tai rubbed his temples. The day was not turning out well. He couldn't decide if he felt more horrified by their assertions or humiliated. He wanted to tell them about the weird things that had been happening, but now he just wanted to hide under a rock. For her part, Mimi looked incredibly uncomfortable with the turn in conversation.
"No, of course not. Honestly, I have had a lot on my mind lately, but I promise it has nothing to do with you guys. I really am happy for you two. I'm sorry if I haven't been showing it. Like I said, I'm just really nervous about tonight. I have to get going though, I really would like to get a small nap in before lunch ends!" Tai chose his words carefully. He decided he could call a meeting with everyone and tell them all together and solicit some ideas. The others nodded, wishing him luck for his game.
The rest of the day, while slow, came and went uneventfully. Tai was physically feeling a lot better. In fact, he felt quite energetic and was pumped for his game.
"Tai I just know you're gonna win! I'm so excited! Can we go get pizza after please please?" Koromon rattled off as Tai pulled on his team jersey. They had waited until the rest of the team had gotten ready and left before going into the locker room. Tai smirked.
"Maybe." A knock distracted them. Davis appeared at the door.
"Hey Tai. I'm here to pick up Koromon. We're going to be the loudest fans in the stands!" He pumped his fist in excitement.
"Eh, okay. Thanks Davis for looking after him. See you after the game!" Davis scooped up Koromon and left with a whoop and he made his way back toward the stands.
Heading onto the field, Tai quickly zeroed in on his "fan club." It consisted of Davis and Mimi. Tai reassured himself that they were just early, and everyone else would arrive quickly. It was fine that Matt and Sora couldn't make it. Surely his other friends would, they knew this was really important. Plus, this would be a great game, it was with their biggest rival.
He reoriented himself, trying to get focused as his team huddled and gave a cheer. It was game on!
It was halfway through the game when Tai took another break on the sidelines. He was pumped—his team was winning, and playing very well together. All their plays were just flowing perfectly and seamlessly. The other team was tough, but seemed to be struggling today, which was fine with him.
"Whooooo Tai! Yeahhh!" Tai grinned at the cheering. He had been disappointed to see that nobody else had decided to attend his game, but he had to admit that Mimi and Davis were loud enough to make up for it.
"Tai, you're back in—get going!" His coach yelled over at him. Taking one last swig of water, Tai tossed the water bottle aside.
"On it Coach!"
The game finally ended—it ended up being a landslide much to Tai's delight. Tai laughed and cheered with his team. It felt pretty good to win like that, and he decided he would go out for pizza. His teammate Kousuke high-fived him.
"Man that was awesome! That last goal you shot was killer Tai!" he chattered on.
Digidestined.
'Damn it all!' Tai thought irritably. Now what? He felt that same presence. It felt heavy and threatening, making his heart speed up. His breathing increased—he felt like he just couldn't breathe well and needed more air.
Over Kousuke's shoulder he thought he spied a black cloak…
"TAI!" blinking rapidly, Tai jumped back when he noticed Kousuke right up in his face.
"Dude what is WRONG with you? Have you even heard a word I said?" Tai shook his head sheepishly.
"Sorry man, I guess I'm just a bit out of it. I'm going to get going I think. I'll see you later." Kousuke nodded with a big smile on his face.
"You do look like shit Tai. Go get some sleep. But make sure you're at practice tomorrow—Coach is going to give us the scoop on the recruiters!"
"Cool." With that Tai joined Mimi and Davis, who were both talking a million miles a minute about how fantastic the game was and how great they all played (especially Tai of course, Koromon joined in).
They cheered when Tai announced pizza plans for celebrating their victory. As they set off Tai couldn't help but keep a keen eye on his surroundings. Nothing looked out of place or suspicious.
He made a mental note to call Izzy after he said goodbye to Mimi and Davis. He had a feeling that Izzy would be able to make sense of everything.