Note to Disclaimers: I do not and never will own Digimon. This is not for profit so please don't sue me. I hope you like the fic. Oh and I don't own the song by wallflowers ok? Good!

~Samenia~

A Shadowed Fate (Chapter 2)

Morning. The crispness that lives in the air has gone dull and there are faint traces of dew-like mist. Rolling over in my bed, I shield my eyes from the rays of sunlight that peak through my window. 'Boy, I must've slept late again.' The clock reads 1:25. 'Shit! I missed school today. Oh well, at least it is Friday.' Silence covers the house as I enter my mother's room. "Mom? You here?" There's no answer so I head down to the kitchen where she usually leaves notes for me. 'My luck.' I pluck the yellow post-it note from the refrigerator and read it. 'Oh, so she went shopping...again.' I sigh inwardly and make my way back to my room. Completing the daily rituals of going out for the day is somewhat of a bothersome task. After I write the note for my leave, I head over to the convenient store. 'I could use some fruit and chips, as well more junk food.'

I'm picking up a bag of flamin-hots when someone taps my shoulder. I turn around briefly to see who it is. It's Mimi. "Hey Mimi. I didn't see you come in."

"I know." She giggles. "You said you wanted to talk earlier and since Izzy and I saw each other last night, well, I figured that it wouldn't hurt if I came to see you."

"Thanks. I have so much to tell you Mimi." I say. "You wouldn't get bothered if I told you it was about Matt and Tai, would you? I mean I know you liked Matt for a time. Why did you stop liking him?"

"No, I wouldn't mind. I guess I figured that Matt just had a big head and that he was nice but just not my type. Izzy also doesn't seem that way." Mimi replies cheerily. "But there's just something about Izzy that attracts me to him. Say, weren't you going out with Matt for a bit?"

"Yeah." I sigh regrettably. "That was a big mistake. Um, so where shall we go?"

"How about the new museum onto Lakeor street? I heard it's really nice." Mimi smiles.

I nod and we head off into the parking lot. "Is that your car?" My friend asks me as I pull out the keys to my 67 Mustang. "It's really nice, and midnight blue. That's interesting."

"Yup. He's mine all right." I grin proudly. "His name is Shadow. My mom helped me get him a while back."

"Gee! Are we taking a spin in that?" She asks excitedly.

"Yes. Hop in. I'm sure that maybe we'll see Yolei and Kari, they might want to come along." I shrug. "We're off."

At The Museum…

'This art exhibit is fascinating.' I think to myself as I observe the intricate pattern designs on the beautiful Roman table. Obviously there is a story behind the pattern for it seems as if the characters each play a role. To the side, Mimi is asking a worker about the picture she is looking at. In spite of myself, I walk away quickly so that Mimi will not see me go. I feel as though I need to regurgitate my hamburger from lunch. Sickness isn't one of my strong points since I usually am always healthy. 'Maybe I need some fresh air.' Seeing that Yolei and Kari are still inside, as is Mimi, I take a seat on the front steps and enjoy the cool breeze that goes by. I figure that I've been outside about five minutes or so when Mimi, Kari, and Yolei exit the museum.

"Hey! There you are Sora. We've been looking all over for you." Yolei says. "Can we go now? I feel like I could use a tornado deluxe!"

"You said it! I am so hungry!" Kari yips happily as we go to my car. "By the way, there's this party tonight at Jonathan's house. He invited all of us. Want to go Sora? Mimi, Yolei, and the gang said yes already. We're waiting on you."

Glancing at her momentarily, I start the engine then nod quickly. "Why not?"

"Well, what are we waiting for?" Yolei and Mimi say in unison. "Let's go get ready! It's time to P-A-R-T-Y!"

AT KARI'S...

"Should we really be here?" I ask unsure of myself.

"Of course." Kari replies. "I know Tai left to Matt's to get ready, even though he wasn't excited about going there."

"Tai? Are Izzy and Joe there as well?" Mimi questions while she regards her reflection in the mirror. "I can't wait to see what my Izzy is wearing!"

"Well, I bet Ken is going to be much cuter and sexier than usual." Yolei gushes dreamily. "I just LOVE when he gets dressed up!"

"Well, I'm not going to brag about my T.K., but he is always reserved as well as dresses nicely, every time I see him." Kari blushes. "He also very sweet and caring and I just adore him."

"Yeah, well while all of you are gushing about your hot want to be dates, or boyfriends, whatever, we all failed to ask Sora who she's going with." Mimi says. "So, Sora, who you going with?"

"I uh...nobody." I answer, hiding my disappointment. "I like to keep my options open."

"Since when?" Yolei asks. "I don't recall you opening up options because you're with Matt."

Mimi turns to her and laughs nervously. "Silly Yolei, haven't you heard? Sora and Matt...broke up last week."

Yolei's hand flies to her mouth. "I'm so sorry Sora. I had no idea. I really am sorry."

I shake my head and smile. "It's ok Yolei. Anyway, shall we finish getting ready? We don't want to keep your future boyfriends waiting!" We all share a laugh and finish getting prepared.

AT THE CLUB...

I suppose the party could be fun, but the ache in my heart bothers me too much to let me enjoy. In the crowd I spot Yolei and Ken dancing as well as T.K. and Kari. Davis seems to enjoy the fact that Sabora is dancing with him. The part that breaks my heart even more is Tai. Out to the corner I see him slow dancing with Lana. As if my misery can't be any worse, Lana looks me straight in the eye and grins. I know her look and shrug it off although it hurts. 'I want tog o home now.' I stand to leave when Mimi and Izzy come up to me. I feel her hand on my arm. "Sora, where you going?"

"Home. Mimi, as much as I'm enjoying you're company, this bites. I'm alone and I want it to stay that way." I take my arm back, allowing some sadness to show. "Things are better this way, as Tai always told me. Goodnight and thank you for inviting me."

The sound of Mimi's whispers drift to my ears. 'I don't want them to know.' Unfortunately the walk home is cold as well as long. Stars shine brightly above me, lighting the path to my apartment. Enough of the light shines on me, sharing its solitary comfort in my demise. 'Oh what a cruel world this is.' My hands begin to feel numb. I rub them together and blow on them. 'These gloves really suck.' Since the night is still early and quite young, I pass my living quarters and head to the park. Fresh snow has fallen, creating a beautiful blanket of white to accentuate the marvelous view. Splendor would be less of a word to define its loveliness. Each swing is covered in the white richness, much to my dismay. Observing the remnants of mornings to past, an all too familiar song blesses my ears. I slowly part my lips to whisper its haunting lyrics. "Say when you're alone, it's better 'cause nobody knows you, when no one's your friend; it's better 'cause nobody leaves you."

Small pains begin to form in my heart as I continue on. "So you turned your back, on a world that you could never have, cause your heart's been cracked, and everyone else's is goin' mad."

"Why do you sing that song? It sounds sad."

The voice startles me and I face the person, ridding myself of any imperfections. "Cody? What are you doing here? I thought you were at the party with Sala?"

Cody smiles. "I was, but she was tired. I took her home and then I stopped here. You looked familiar from the distance."

"So you asked why I sing that song?" I reply and search the stars for a better answer. "I sing that song because it's how I feel. Things seem as though they could get worse, but even now; somehow I can only ignore the fact that I am who I am."

"Sora, there's always a happier side to what happens in life." Cody encourages my dying spirit.

"Not when you're in love Cody. Not when you're in love." The sensation of a cold streak on my cheeks aware me that I just shed tears. "I suppose most people would think me pathetic to cry over my loss, but when you love someone as great as he is, it's just horrible. Devastation Cody, it hits the heart hard. I once believed in love so much that I forgot what it felt like to care for someone. I once believed that love was light as well as darkness, life itself, caring, nurturing, feeling the other person's pain. Looking back, I knew I felt that for this person, but now...loss is all I feel now. One day I hope that I'll be forgiven."

"Its Tai isn't it?" Cody kicks the snow lightly. "I know what you're saying. Back in the digital world the same thing happened to Ken and Yolei. She told me that she was in love with Ken, but back then, he was our enemy. I t was weird but I realized that you can't break love."

I hug Cody. "Thank you so much Cody. I appreciate you listening to me. Now, go home, it's awfully cold."

"All right." He says and waves me before disappearing behind a street corner.

"But I hear voices, and I see colors." I start the chorus, my soul receiving only pained memories. "Goodnight." I say to the stars. "Things can't get any worse.' On the way home I spot two figures sitting on a park bench. Curiosity overwhelms me and I walk over to investigate. My eyes bulge as I see Tai lean over and kiss Lana. 'No...NO!' I begin to tear away from the horrifying scene but slip on a puddle of melted snow. The squish sound from my landing brings the patter of footsteps. 'Oh no...Tai.' Straining to regain my balance, I scan the area for a holding post. I see nothing. 'Oh shit!' I close my eyes and sit there, wet from the puddles, embarrassment burning my cheeks. 'Please don't come, please don't come.' I chant in my head. The footsteps stop and I slowly peak through my eyelids. 'Tai, but where is Lana?'

"Sora! You ok? I heard a slipping sound." Tai lifts me up.

"Yeah I'm fine. Thanks." I dust myself off, never looking into his chocolate brown eyes. "Guess I'll see ya around. Night Tai."

"Wait a minute, weren't you at the party?" Tai's voice is firm. I nod. "Why did you leave so early? Don't you know that it is 20 degrees out here? I could've given you a ride."

"I would've preferred death." I mumble. "Thanks anyway Tai. Goodnight."

"So it's going to be like that then Sora?" He says. "You're just going to walk away like nothing ever happened? Like you did two years ago? Like you've been doing everyday? Jesus Sora, our friendship is falling apart! I don't want this to continue on Sora! You're my best friend! Can't we fix this?! Is it Lana or Matt or anyone else? Is it me? Pleas Sora, just tell me!"

I face him shamefully. I raise a hand in front of me, my head bent low. "Look Tai, there is nothing that you can do to fix this. A drastic change would have to be made and I don't want to risk you're happiness. If it will make you feel better, hear me out ok? I told you twice before and you didn't accept it. My soul is tearing to pieces but hey; I'm Sora Takenouchi, all star high school soccer player. I have no more words to say to you after this Tai. But know this. I love you Tai; I truly do love you. Now, since I know we both have busy schedules, let's go home and get some rest. My sincerest apologies. Goodnight Taichi."

He makes no effort to respond. Satisfied with my pathetic explanation, I turn and walk home, leaving behind a very confused Taichi Kamiya. As I round the street corner, I turn back to him and let the sad melody escape my lips to his ears. "." But I wish I felt nothing, then it might be easy for me, like it is for you." With those last sorrowful words I leave Tai, standing desolately in the middle of the downtrodden sidewalk.

THE NEXT DAY...

'Oh what a day this has been!' Raising my arms above my head, I stretch and wipe the sweat from my forehead. Across from me Anna smiles and stops the soccer ball. "Hey Sora, great practice today! Oh and are you coming to the sports banquet?"

"Of course! I wouldn't miss it for the world!" My eyes light up and I laugh. "Well, going to get ready for tonight! See ya!"

Ana nods and leaves me. After packing up my soccer ball and the equipment, I sling my bag over my shoulders and head for home. Instead of my normal walking, I jog briskly the whole way. Once I arrive home I see my mom moving about the kitchen. "Mom! I'm home!"

"That's great honey. So, for the sports banquet tonight, what are you going to wear? Oh and by the way, that Ishida boy called." My mom says.

"Matt Ishida?" I ask. My moms nods. "Did Tai call? You know, the Kamiya boy?"

"No. Sorry Hun. Just the cute little blond boy called." My mom continues to stir the soup. "Also Sora dear, I invited Mrs. Kamiya over after the sports banquet is over so be presentable."

I feel like an anvil has been dropped on my head. 'Mrs. Kamiya? Tai's mom? Oh no!' Darting up to my room, I rapidly pull out my clothes. Various articles of cloth litter the room. 'What to choose, what to choose?!' Finally I decide on, for the sports banquet, a fairly tight red shirt with black polka dots, and a nice skirt. I pull out a pair of flat Mary Jane's as well as a red handkerchief. 'I didn't know make-up could be so helpful.' Make up is something new to me. I put a bit of cherry lip-gloss on, a touch of blush, and finally some eye shadow. 'It's all about being presentable now.' My content getting the best of me, I slide into the kitchen. "Mom, how do I look?"

"You look beautiful Sora." She smiles proudly. "Oh look at the time! You're going to be late!"

"See you later mom!" I shout and dash towards the banquet. When I get there I see Ana waving to me from where she and Crona sit. "Hey!" I join them, taking my respective seat. "So, did your boyfriends come?"

"Well, I think they did. I mean, isn't this for the boys' soccer team as well? Oh and guess what? The new captain's of each team are to announce our trophies and they sit in those chairs over there!" Crona gushes.

"You're so lucky that you're our new captain Sora!" Ana says. "Now, that I think about it, you have to sit over there, when you're announced that is."

"Attention Ladies and Gentlemen, before we progress on this evening, I would like to announce our new team captains. When you have been named, please sit in the chairs over there." The man says and points to the chairs. "Now that that has been cleared up, I will go on to name our captains. As leader of the girl's soccer team, the new captain is Sora Takenouchi!"

My stomach does flip-flops as I accept my certificate and award. I take my seat at the chair, smiling at my friends. 'This is so awesome!'

"As for the boys' team, you guessed it! Tai Kamiya!" The man finishes.

Tai stands and accepts his valuables. His eyes are dull and tired as he makes his way to the seat next to mine. My eyes fall to my hands, not looking at Tai's. "Congratulations Tai." I say. "Looks like it all paid off for you."

"Yeah, same to you." He sounds bored and quite annoyed. "Sora, there's some things that we need to talk about after this banquet. See, since your mom invited my mom and I over, I thought I'd walk you home. Then, we can talk about our problems."

"I suppose so." I reply. "Till later then."

The evening passes by like an eternal waiting. As the night finishes up, Tai and I walk out the door, leaving the rest of the world behind us. 'Such misery.' I think. Cool air mist swirls about us. Although the darkness seems peaceful, a terrible war is raging inside me. My somewhat calm demeanor is shattered by Tai's melodic voice. 'How I wish it wasn't this way.'

"Sora, we're at your house. Right after dinner, if it's not too much to ask, I'd like to talk." He asks. I nod.

When dinner ends, I lead Tai to my room and close the door. "I hope you don't mind if I play some music." He doesn't seem very bothered by the idea. I carefully select my Wallflowers CD and place the compact disk in to play. I turn to Tai, settling down on my bed, awaiting his beginning to the conversation.

"So, what is it that you wanted to talk about Tai?" Lazily, I drape an arm over my knee, allowing my hair to fall by my face.

"Now that you mention it, maybe here is not the best time to talk about it." Tai finishes nervously. "Um, maybe I should be going. Bye Sora."

I watch as he leaves. 'Boy was that weird. Please...don't avoid me Tai.'

(Ok, that was rather short compared to the last chapter but I hope you like this one. That's it for now! For those of you who want to know when I'm going to post my Batman Beyond fic, I should post it soon! Luv ya peeps! Bye for now!) ~Samenia~