Note to Disclaimers: I do not and never ever will own Digimon so please please don't sue me

Note to Disclaimers: I do not and never ever will own Digimon so please please don't sue me! Thank you. I hope you enjoy the fic! ~Samenia~

A Shadowed Fate (Chap. 4)

I wake to the sound of monitors beeping. The sensation of tubes going through my arms signifies that I am in the hospital. I reach out towards the chairs in the waiting room. "T...Tai?"

"It's Matt." The voice says. "I brought you some flowers."

I accept them with a mere smile. "Thank you."

"Sora," Matt takes a seat by my hospital bed. "There is something I've been meaning to ask you."

"What?" I question. I look out the window, the thought of Tai drifting into my mind.

"I just can't let you go Sora." He says. "This is not easy for me. I'm sorry if I making it hell for you."

"Matt, I don't want to hear this. Look, you're not making it hell for me, but please," I caress his face with my fingers. "Let me go Matt. I can't love you the way I love him."

"Tai? I suppose I saw it coming. He's more in love with you than I'll ever be. I think that maybe I was confused. I do love you Sora, don't get me wrong, but I think I was blind." He leans back, eyeing me dejectedly. "I hope you get better."

I smile gratefully as he kisses my cheek lightly. "Have a good day Matt. I love you too."

Ashe leaves, he turns to face me, a smile breaks on his face. "Thanks. Love you too Sora."

After he has left I rest my head on my pillow, a sudden headache occurring. 'Oh...my head hurts.' The room is silent, shadows of death dancing over the walls. 'You want to take me don't you?' I think to the shadows. 'Maybe I should go with you.' Thoughts of Tai invade my mind. 'Tai, you're so special to me.' Tears burn at my eyes, but I can't let them fall. Clasping the necklace that he gave me after our battle in the digital world four years ago, I let the cold release in myself. "Tai, please come back..."

KNOCK KNOCK!

My head jerks upward, alarm on my face at the person outside. I wave him in, replacing my frown with a weak smile. "Hi Tai."

"Hi Sora." His eyes don't meet mine. Instead they lay on the floor, avoiding any contact with me. "How are you feeling? Are you tired?"

"Very." I respond. His eyes are still glued to the floor. I can't stand it anymore. "Tai...please look at me."

Finally, after what seems like ages, he lifts his head to see me. I reach out and pull him close. He shudders, obviously uncertain of my actions. I want to smile but instead I let the tears spill over. We sit there, Tai eventually starting to cry, sorrowful for what we do not understand. I hug him to me, feeling as though he'll disappear if I release him. 'Don't cry Tai.' I think as his sobs become louder, combining with mine. Finally I let him distance us, gazing into his beautiful chocolate brown eyes. "Tai...please, don't cry."

"I can't help it Sora!" He stands. He paces the room back and forth. "Sora, what are we doing? I've got to be kidding myself. Where's is Matt?"

"He was here earlier." I say. "Why?"

"Why isn't he here with you? Shouldn't he be?" Tai questions. "I mean, he's your number one guy isn't he? I don't think he's scoring any points here."

"I asked him to leave." I reply while looking out the window. "I didn't want him here."

"So, then who brought the flowers? Matt?" Tai begins. I'm about to answer when he cuts me off. "No never mind. I KNOW he brought the flowers. Well, Sora, I hope you get better. I have to go somewhere. I'll be back here later today."

"But Tai! Wait!" I cry out.

"I have to go." He says firmly.

I watch in sadness as he walks out, the door to my room making a metallic clang as it hits the close post. 'Why are you walking away from me?' Depressed, I slump back in the bed, the softness not reaching me. My heart aches with a pain worse than my current condition. Outside, a crack of lightning causes me to flinch. Coldness envelops me as I continue to sit, zombie like in all my resemblance. Images of Tai haunt me, each a harsh reminder of my mistake. 'But I'm trying to correct it! I am!' My mind cries out. Wringing my hands in the white sheets, I attempt to calm myself. A sudden opening of the door startles me to reality. "Sora Takenouchi?" The doctor says.

"Yes?" I look up at the man in the white suit. "Is there something wrong?"

"No, actually we have some good news." The doctor answers. "You will be able to leave here today, only if someone comes to escort you home that is. Your parents have been notified of your condition. I'm sure you would like to call them after your release."

I nod. "Anything else sir?"

"No. Just make sure your checked out correctly. Get better Ms. Takenouchi."

I smile as the doctor exits the room. 'Finally. I guess it wasn't that serious.' I think to call my mom when I get home but decide that I'll wait. 'Now, who can I get to check me out?' As if on reflex, my mind thinks Tai. Remembering that he's upset with me, I choose to call someone else. First I phone Joe, but he's in an exam so I forget that idea. Izzy and Mimi are busy shopping so I discard that idea. I think to call Kari, T.K., Davis, Yolei, or Ken, but realize that they are all in school, being freshman and such. The last person I can muster up is Matt. 'I don't want to call him.' Sighing in defeat, I dial Matt's cell phone. 'Great!' No one answers but Matt's friendly voicemail. Begrudgingly I press the numbers to Tai's pager. When the message center picks up, I leave a message and sit back to wait.

Twenty minutes later the door to my room opens and Tai stands, waiting patiently with a nurse. "You needed to be picked up?"

"Yes." I say. "You wouldn't mind would you? That means you'd have to check me out and all."

"Anything to get you back in school." Tai responds. "Everyone is worried, not to mention curious as to what happen."

As I pull on my sweater, I give him a questioning look. "You haven't told anyone have you?"

He shakes his head. I grin inwardly at that thought. 'He truly is a good friend.' My grin turns to a frown. 'And that stupid part is that I broke his heart and now…now I'm in love with him.' I thank him as we head out the door, hoping that it will brighten his mood. It doesn't. His expression remains, void of any emotion that he is feeling. I touch his arm, wanting him to look at me. He does. His eyes are far away, each brown orb a solace for the other's pain. I open my mouth to speak but clamp it shut when an annoyed glint flows through him. "Never mind Tai. It wasn't important."

"Ok." His voice lacks feeling. "I hope you don't mind that I brought Lana with me. We're supposed to be going out to lunch."

"Oh I see…Well, don't bother yourself." I shrug his hand off my arm. "Just check me out and I'll take the bus. Save yourself the trouble."

His shoulders sag instantly, his mien changing to apologetic. "I'm sorry. You don't have to take the bus."

"I WANT to take the bus." I emphasize the what so that he will allow me to go. "Just check me out."

"Are you-"

"Yes." I say quietly. "I'm quite sure."

"Oh Sora, I'm so sorry." He wraps his arms around me in a hug. "I never meant to be mean."

I caress his cheek gently; the silkiness of his skin is like water under my fingers. "Tai...I don't think you mean, I..." I choke on my words, knowing that saying them is certain death. "I think you a very nice person, my best friend."

He pulls back, his eyes piercing mine. "Sora I..." He leans forward.

Instinctively I lean in too, forgetting where we are. "Tai, we can't...Lana will..."

No more words are spoken as our lips meet in a short, sweet lock of passion. Tai's arms wrap tighter around me, the feeling of security enveloping me. I allow my arms to snake around his neck, crossing them securely. The kiss begins to become more serious when I feel someone pull Tai off of me. The next thing I know is a hand meeting my cheek in a loud smack. I look up in surprise only to meet the face of an angry Lana. Her eyes glare murderously at me, burning with an unknown emotion. "WHAT the HELL is going on?!" She yells.

"Lana, it wasn't her. Let me-" Tai begins but Lana cuts him off.

She rushes over to me, grabbing my shirt collar with her hands. She slaps me twice before glaring at me again. "You bitch! You know that I'm dating Tai and you have to keep trying to steal him! Stop trying to take him away from me!"

"Lana!" Tai shouts, attempting to pull her off of me without hurting her. "Lana! Let her go!"

Three more sharp smacks reward my face. My cheeks sting with pain but she continues slapping me. "Why can't you ever let me win?! You always got everything I wanted! Can't you be satisfied?!" My eyes widen in hurt as she punches my stomach.

"LANA THAT'S ENOUGH!" Tai grabs her, kicking and screaming, from my form that is sprawled on the ground. "WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU DOING?"

"Don't you see Tai?" She shrieks. "She's trying to ruin our relationship! She's a cold-hearted bitch!"

"She's right Tai." I reply softly. "Everything she said is true."

Tai turns to me, shock etched on his face. "What? No…Sora. I've known you for years. You've never been like that. It can't be true!"

"Oh it is Taichi Kamiya!" Lana shouts at him.

"She's right. I never let you see my real side. I became your friend so that you would like me and possibly love me. I was jealous when Lana had all the guys. I thought making you jealous by being with Matt would help. I guess I was wrong because Lana has you, the greatest guy in our whole school." I spit in bitterness. "But don't worry, that is all over Tai. I'll never bother you again. She's just as kind as you are. You both belong together." I begin to march off but suddenly whirl around. "One more thing Lana…take care of him for me."

With those last words I walk off, my heart completely broken. 'I can't believe I actually lied to my best friend…for the sake of his happiness.' I wipe my eyes as the bus doors close behind me. 'You've really outdone yourself Sora girl.' Taking my seat in the back of the bus, I cover my face from the onlookers. From my view I can see Lana hugging Tai. What puzzles me is the fact that Tai is staring at the bus as it takes me away. Suddenly a soft tap on my shoulder startles me. I look over and gasp. "Kari! What are you doing here?"

She sniffles slightly. "Oh it's nothing really. Takeru uh…likes someone else. I guess I'm not good enough."

"Kari… it's all right." I hug her, the feeling of solace going through both of us. "I know exactly how you feel."

AT TAI'S HOUSE…

"I can't believe you thought she was telling the truth!" I yell at my brother who is lying on the couch.

"Can you keep the volume down? Lana is in the next room." Tai says lazily flipping through the TV channels. "I don't think what you're saying should be announced to the whole world."

"FUCK LANA! TAI, YOU'RE AN IDIOT!" I shout louder than before.

"I heard MY name." Lana enters, a scowl on her face.

"Yeah and? I don't give a damn! I'm talking to TAI right now so bug off." I glare at her. "I don't recall asking for you to come in here."

"Kari…"

"Shut up!" I slap him across the face. "You are the biggest idiot I know. YOU'VE RUINED EVERYTHING! SHE LOVES YOU TAI!"

"No she doesn't." He looks away from me. "She told me so herself."

"It's true Kari. She admitted it in front of both of us." Lana clings to Tai's arm, which encircles her waist in odd comfort. "No need to be so hostile to your brother. He's telling the truth and she was too. Besides, Sora is totally wrong for Tai."

Already feeling as though both of them need to be woken up, I stalk over to Lana, my fists balled tightly. "Look Lana," I begin, my voice a dangerous tone. "I don't care what you heard, but I know Sora and she was lying. You think she doesn't love my brother? Ha, then you're so wrong. She's loved him since they first met."

"Yeah well, things change." Lana shoots back.

'That's it.' I think and raise my fist. "Sorry about this." I slam my tightened fist into her face, knocking her unconscious to the floor. As I look at her body on the carpet, I shake my head. "You know what, I'm not sorry for that. You really deserved that."

"KARI!" I turn to face Tai. His expression is one of anger and confusion. "What the HELL was THAT about?"

I shrug. "What? She deserved it. Don't play stupid Taichi Kamiya!"

"Does this have to do with T.K.?" He asks, his voice taunting. "Cause if it does then you have no right to-"

Eventually my anger gets the best of me and I give him a good one, just like Lana. I feel like laughing when Tai hits the floor but the situation calls for seriousness. "YOU deserved that too. I don't care about T.K. right now. What I care about is seeing you and Sora happy, but hey, I guess she can always find someone else, just like you did." I ready myself to leave but look at him once more before I actually do. "All I'm going to tell you is this Tai. If you don't go get her, then you don't deserve her. I thought you were a good guy Tai, but I guess even I can be wrong, even about my brother."

SORA'S POV

'Well, I wonder if this train is going to take any longer.' With a small sigh I let my arms dig themselves into my coat pockets. The chilly air nips at my nose, my eyes wrinkle a little as people pass me. Today's events have been a mess that even I cannot fix. 'Was I right in letting you go Tai? Was I stupid for giving up so easily? Do you think me pitiful?' Just as I finish that thought I see the train pull up. I stand, a sort of weight to my steps as I walk over to the 370. 'Good bye everyone.' Carefully, with sadness that I don't show, I take my seat, ready to leave Odaiba forever. 'I'm finally going to America. I hope Mimi will be happy. I hope I will be happy.'

"Sora."

"Tai." I stand and look at the ground. "I have to tell you that I will miss you."

"What are you talking about? We're best friends. I'll see you next summer." Tai says.

"No Tai." I say. "I'm leaving…forever. I'm sorry but I have to study overseas and well, Lana and you will be so happy."

"Look, I apologize for that incident. I don't know what got into her. Anyway," Tai continues. "I'll see you next summer than. Don't talk nonsense. You are talking nonsense…right?"

"No." I shake my head as I board the steps. "Goodbye Tai."

As the train takes off I hear someone shouting my name. I peer out the window to see Tai running along side the train. "Tai?" I open the window and stick my head out. "Tai! What are you doing?"

He runs faster as the train begins to pick up speed. "DON'T LEAVE! I HAVE TO TELL YOU SOMETHING!"

"I'M SORRY!" I yell back, not wanting to hear him anymore. 'It's painful to leave as it is.' I look in his eyes once more before crystalline droplets fall from mine. "I LOVE YOU TAI! GOOD BYE!"

"SORA WAIT!" Tai's shouts do not reach me ears as I slam the window shut.

"Goodbye Taichi Kamiya."

KARI'S POV

A small frown of sadness spreads over my face as I watch Tai desperately try to catch Sora again. 'It's too late.' I think as I see her slam the window. Patiently, I wait by the exit as I attempt to be sympathetic when Tai returns. I'm staring off into space when Tai comes in. His face is solemn and his eyes are watery. 'Oh no…I was too harsh. I'm sorry Tai.' I hug him softly. "It'll be ok Tai."

"No…it won't. You were so right Kari. I'm in love with Sora." His eyes become distant. "But now…she's gone. I'll never see her again."

I pat his back. "Don't' worry Tai. We will, we will."

(Ok, sorry that took so long. I hope to have the next chapter for Shall I shiver out soon. Well I hope you liked it ok? PLEASE R&R! I haven't received any reviews and I'm beginning o wonder…0o0) ~Samenia~