Across town, Laura felt a wave of uneasiness hit her. "Matt." she whispered.
"What s wrong Laura?"
"Nothing Jun, but you and I better get home. It is already after nine thirty. I don't know about your family, but mine worries if I am not home by ten."
"Oh wow. I didn't even realize that it was so late. I doubt I sleep tonight though. I never knew that Matt thought those things about me like that."
'I bet that Matt doesn't either.' "I m glad to have made your day."
"You've made my year Laura."
"Call me Lucky, Jun. That's what my friends call me."
Jun flashed her a smile. "Alright. Night Lucky."
"Night Jun."
"Oh, if you see Matt tell him that I love him."
Laura nodded, then rolled her eyes. 'The girl won t give up. But a little competition never bothered me before. So what is this feeling that I can t shake? It is physically making me sick to my stomach. I can t wait to get home so I can go to bed.'
Still, the feeling wouldn't leave Laura. 'Something is telling me not to go home. Maybe my stalker is there waiting for me.' Unconsciously, Laura roamed the streets. 'Where am I going? Walking is a great way to clear one s mind. But on the coldest night of the year? Not smart. Besides, Genni is going to be worried if I am not home soon. It is 10:12. 12 minutes passed curfew.' However, Laura continued walking in the opposite direction of home. 'Why can t I turn around? This feeling keeps telling me to walk this way. Why am I listening? Is it the powers of the Digital World directing me to the evil digimon? Maybe.' After another ten minutes of walking, Laura finally recognized where she was. 'I'm on the road to Matt s house. Why am I here? Come to think of it this feeling didn't start till I thought about Matt. What is going on here? I seriously must be crazy. Nothing is wrong with Matt or any of my friends. Stress. That s it. It is finally getting to me. I've gone off the deep end. That the bad feeling -- stress from work, and both my lives. That is it. Nothing else.' Laura s thoughts quickly changed when she looked up the street. All she saw a figure lying in the snow. "MATT!" she screamed. 'How do you know.' she thought as she ran toward the unmoving body. 'I just do.' Laura gasped when she reached the body. It was covered in snow and blood. She took a deep breath and then rolled over the body. It was Matt. "Oh my God. Please be okay." Tears rolled down Lucky s face. 'No time for tears now. Matt needs my help' she thought as she wiped away her tears. Acting quickly, Laura searched for a pulse. "Thank God, he s still alive. I wasn't too late." Lucky grabbed her bag and pulled out her cell phone. At the same time, she slipped off her coat. After placing it around Matt, she dialed 911. "Hold on Matt, help will be here soon. I love you. Fight. I can t lose you." The tears were unstoppable this time.
************************************************************************
Lucky sat with her head in her hands. The trip to the hospital was an eventful one to say the least. When the paramedics arrived, Matt s condition was no better than when she had found him. The paramedics moved quickly. In a flash, they had Matt in the back of the ambulance. Lucky wanted to ride with them as well, but by then the police had arrived. Of course they wanted to question her and right then. Laura told them kindly that they could met her at the hospital.
The trip to the hospital didn't get any better. Half way to the hospital, Matt stopped breathing. Laura had never been so scared in her life when she heard those words. Not even we she first met Lady Myotismon or the second time for that matter. Her tears were relentless then. At one point Lucky found herself begging the Elders to heal Matt. She knew that they never would, since Matt wasn't a digimon and their medicines and cures could not help, but she tried anyway. If she thought that it would save Matt, she would do it without a moments hesitation. She would even give her life for him.
Thankfully by the time the paramedics reached the emergency room, Matt was breathing on his own again. Laura didn't have a chance to relax though, the police was right behind them. The officer questioning her was named Chad Sato.
"Name?"
"Laura Li."
"Age?"
"Fifteen"
"Address?"
"197 Sunset Lane"
"Where did you find the victim?"
"On Eleventh street and his name is Matt Ishida. "
"How do you know that?"
"He is my boyfriend."
"Were you present when Matt was attacked?"
"No."
"How did you find him then? You live in the opposite direction."
"I was having dinner with a friend of mine name Jun. While we were eating, a funny feeling overcame me. This feeling told me not to go home. I wandered the streets, following my guts until I came across Matt. I know that sounds stupid, but it is the truth. Honestly."
Officer Sato just gave her a look. Laura couldn't tell if he believed her or not.
"What condition was Matt in when you found him?"
"He was unconscious and he had bruise all over his face. Some were bleeding. I really didn't look though because I threw my coat over him and then called 911."
"Smart girl covering him up like that. Now did you notice anything around you that was out of place?"
"Nothing that I can recall. No one was around, but for something to be out of place, I couldn't say. All I was thinking about was getting help and fast."
"Okay then. I need to contact Matt s parents and inform them. Do you have their number?"
"Yeah, Matt s dad, Mr. David Ishida, number is 657 - 9804. His mom, Miss Nancy Takaishi is 530 - 8743."
"I take it his parents are divorced then?"
"Yeah, Matt lives with his dad and his little brother with his mom. Both of the parents still get along, for the kids sakes. You may have a problem reaching Matt s dad though. He sometimes works late at the TV Station. Matt told me that sometimes his dad doesn't come home till really late. I d give you his work number, but I don t know it."
"Okay, thank you. Anyone I should call for you?"
"No, I'll call my uncle. Thank you."
After the officer left, Laura's calmness finally broke. She sobbed despite everyone watching her. She hated to let people see her cry, but right now it didn't matter. Nothing matter except Matt. Jenson's didn't matter to her right now. She would give it all up if it would ensure that Matt would be fine. 'What happened to him? I don t understand it. He was fine at the café. I was the one acting strange, again. Wait, it couldn't be? No it couldn't be. But it would explain everything. Matt's a strong person, so how was he so easily beaten unless it was someone with superior strength, like a digimon or my best friend. He told me that there would be consequences if I did not listen to him. Did he hurt Matt because I didn't shut down Jenson s? He wouldn't have. Yes he would.' Laura cried even harder. 'It s my fault. All my fault.'
Suddenly, a hand squeezed her shoulder. Lucky turned and swore she was looking at Matt. "TK, God you scared me."
"Sorry. How are you holding up?"
Lucky had to smile a bit. TK was extremely caring. 'He would ask how I was feeling, even though I can tell he is in pain too.' "Shouldn't I be asking you that one?"
"Matt s a fighter, I know he'll be ok. You on the other hand, I m not to sure of."
"Are you implying that I m not a fighter?"
"Nope. I know you are. But you re hiding something again, something deadly. And it is tearing you up."
'I should have known better than to hid anything from TK.' "I'm not hiding anything." Laura whispered, barely auditable.
"Don t lie Lucky. You of all people should know what lying can do to a person."
She did, all to well. First lying took her family, then her friends, and now maybe even Matt. Luckily, she didn't have to answer TK's question. Miss Takaishi and Mr. Ishida walked up then.
"How s Matt?" asked TK. Concern could be heard in his voice.
"He s very lucky to be alive. The doctors said that if he was brought in any later, he wouldn't have survived. Thank you Laura." said Mr. Ishida.
Lucky just nodded. She could not speak or look Matt's parents in the eyes. 'You shouldn't thank me, I probably put your son in here.'
"Is Matt awake yet?"
"Not yet TK. The doctor said that Matt suffered a concussion, so his body is trying to recover by sleeping. When he gets enough energy, he'll wake up."
"Will he be okay Miss Takaishi?"
Nancy moved to sit next to Laura. She took her hand. "Other then some bruise and cut across his neck, he'll be fine. Thanks to you of course. I have to ask though, how did you find my son? Don t you live in the opposite direction?"
"I was having dinner with Jun, to keep her away from Matt, and while we were eating, a strange feeling overcame me. I was so scared. It felt like I was in danger or someone I knew was. All I knew for certain though, I could not go home. So instead, I roamed the streets. I know, not smart, but the feeling was so strong, I had to listen. Anyway, eventually I ended up on one of the roads that Matt takes home. It was there that I found him."
"You must have been so scared."
Laura couldn't speak. She just shook her head yes.
"Matt always did say you two had a bond of some sort. I guess this just proved his belief." Mr. Ishida said.
Before anyone could respond, a nurse rushed into the room. "Mr. Ishida, Miss Takaishi? Your son is awake and asking to see both you."
"Excuse us." Nancy said as she and David ran from the room.
TK stared at his parents and then turned to Lucky, who wouldn't look him in the eye. "You never did answer my question."
"I know." 'But I can t tell you anything TK. If I do, you'll end up like Matt. I can t let that happen to you or anyone else. You don't deserve that.'
Sensing that he wasn't going to get an answer, TK sighed. 'What are you so scared of Lucky? I thought you were past the phase of hiding things from all of us.' "Does Genni know you re here?"
"Genni! I totally forgot to call him!"
"There s a pay phone around the corner."
Laura was already heading there. TK got up and followed her. It would be a while before he got to see his brother. Besides, Matt would want him to keep an eye on Lucky. Something wasn't quite right about her.
Laura tapped her foot impatiently. Her phone kept ringing. Finally Genni picked up the phone.
"Hey Genni."
"I already know Laura. I felt it. You need to learn to contain your emotions better."
"Huh? Never mind. Explain it to me later. Is it okay if I stay here the rest of the night?"
"Sure, and I'll call Chelsea and tell her that you wouldn't be in till late."
"Thanks Genni."
"Anytime and Laura, be careful. This attack on Matt was directed at you. This digimon is ruthless. There is no telling what he will do to you."
"I know."
"You should tell everyone the truth."
"I can t."
"I should have known. Matt s attack wasn't accidental. The digimon hurt him to shut you up right?"
"Yeah," Laura took a quick glance at TK. He wasn't pay attention to her. "I can t put the others in danger Genni. I can t say anything."
Genni sighed. "Lucky, they are your friends. They can help, but I can see your reasoning for wanting to protect them. But do you really think that digimon won t go against his word and attack the others even if you listen?"
"I hadn't thought of that. Maybe. I just don't know. I really don't know anything anymore. Look Uncle, I have to go. I'll see you tomorrow. Night."
"Good Night. And Laura, keep the faith."
Lucky smiled lightly as she hung up the phone. Gently, she massaged her temples. She had a monster of a headache and it wasn't going to get any better.
"You sure you re okay?"
"Yeah TK. It s been a long night, that s all."
"Tell me about it. I doubt my parents come out of Matt s room tonight, so why don t we get some sleep? Tomorrow, we'll call everyone and tell them about Matt."
"Before or after school?"
"After. I have a feeling you and me are going to sleep in late tomorrow."
"Maybe we should call at least Tai and Kari. They could tell everyone else and get yours and Matt s homework."
"Smart idea. I'll go tell my mom to wake me up so I can do it."
By the time TK got back to the waiting room, Laura was already asleep.
************************************************************************
Tai s eyes snapped open at the sound of his phone ringing. 'Who would be calling at this hour? Can't they wait to a decent hour? A quick glance at his alarm told him that he had overslept. Plus, he would have to get the phone since no one seemed to be answering it.'
"Hello? Tai speaking."
"Tai, it s TK."
"TK? Wanted me to get Kari for you?"
"No, listen Tai. I have something important to tell you."
"What is wrong TK?"
"It is Matt. He's in the hospital."
"What? Why?"
"He was attacked last night walking home."
Tai couldn't believe it. "Is he okay?"
"Yeah, he'll be fine. He has a concussion, some bruises, and a cut across his neck. No broken bones though."
"Any idea who did this?'
"None, but I have a feeing Laura knows. She was the one who found him."
"Lucky? She doesn't live any where near Matt I thought."
"I know. She told me she had a feeling and it lead her to Matt."
"A feeling? Okay, I believe that one. It could have been her powers. Now why do you say that she knows something?"
"Just from the way she s been acting lately. I don t know. Call it my own feeling."
"Lucky wouldn't keep anything from us that could hurt us, TK."
"She kept her heritage a secret."
"She had too, we would have been killed if she told her secret. She could have been killed, almost was."
"I know Tai. Laura is on our side and wouldn't do anything to hurt us. I just feel so helpless right now. I guess blaming Laura is just me letting my frustration out. I shouldn't be doing that though. We re a team after all."
"But you are right to an extent TK. Laura does know something. She is there now?"
"Yeah. Why?"
"Keep her there till the team gets there. We'll question her together."
"Is that a good idea Tai?"
"We have to do this TK, before anyone else gets hurt."
"Okay, I ll keep her here. Tell the others for me at school?"
"Yeah, and TK."
"What Tai?"
" Don t push Lucky for answers any more. We don t want her to clam up even more."
"Good point. It is hard though. She is in so much pain and yet she won't let us help her. She's even worse now than she was with Lady Myotismon."
"I know. It pains me to watch her too. She's had so much frustration and hardship in her life already, and now something else has come up. She needs us. And we have to convince her of that.
************************************************************************
Kari ran to her school in a full out sprint. She had to reach school before the day began. That way, she would be able to meet Davis, Ken, Yolei, and Cody before homeroom. She had sent everyone an urgent email, telling them to meet her outside before school started.
"Hey Kari. Over here." shouted Cody, waving his arms so Kari could see him by the swings.
Kari's pace didn't slow down till she reached the group.
"Man Kari. Did you run all the way here?" asked Davis.
"Yeah… had…too…Needed… to… see… all…of… you… right… away. "
"We can tell. But shouldn't we wait for TK?" asked Yolei.
Kari shook her head. "It s about him."
"Did something happen to TK?"
"No Ken. Something happened to Matt. That s why TK isn't here. He's up at the hospital now."
"What? Matt s hurt? How? By whom?" questioned Cody.
"Matt was attacked last night as he walked home from the café. He has a concussion, some bruises, and a graze across his neck. Other than that, he s okay."
"Thank God for minor miracles." Yolei stated.
Ken nodded. "Does the police know who jumped him?"
"No, but the police hadn't gotten Matt's statement yet. But from Lucky's statement, no one was around when she got there."
"Laura found Matt? How? She lives totally in a different direction." Davis exclaimed.
"I know. Apparently while she was having dinner with Jun, she got a funny feeling of some sort. Instead of going home, she roamed the streets, leading her to Matt."
"Wow. I guess they really are connected."
"Guess so Ken. But TK and my brother are convinced that Laura knows something and isn't telling us. Tai wants all of us to meet him at the hospital after school to confront Lucky."
"They don t think that is why Matt was attacked? Because she is holding some type of information?" Davis asked.
"It s a possibility I guess. I mean she has been acting strange lately."
"That s true, but Lucky wouldn't hold information from us, especially if it could harm us in any way." Cody said, defending Laura.
"I thought so too, but now, I am not too sure."
"We re a team. Lucky hasn't gone evil on us or anything. She wouldn't." Davis countered.
"Are you sure? I mean think about it Davis, secret phone calls, a girl named Chelsea whom none of us have heard of, and she's able to get information on Jenson's. It seems a little weird to me." Yolei said.
"Could Chelsea be the one who planted the virus?" asked Ken.
"Maybe, but that means Lucky would have to be involved. And she would never hurt Matt like that. But I guess it does seem a little convenient that she found Matt."
"Kari, this is Laura we are talking about. She wouldn't do this to us!" exclaimed Davis.
"I wish I was as confident as you were Davis. I just have a bad feeling about all of this though.
***********************************************************************
'If there was one good thing about being stuck in a hospital, it gave a person a lot to think. What am I going to do about Laura. It is definitely clear that she is hiding something from me and the others. Plus it is putting Lucky is danger. I'm not mad at her, okay maybe a little. I am just really worried about her safety. I know that this digimon is powerful, but so is Laura. Or at least that is what Genni keeps telling all of us. Is she strong enough for this though? Probably not. She has to let us help. But how am I going to tell her all of this? She'll never listen or probably tell me the truth anyway.'
Matt turned his head at the sound of his door being opened. TK walked in. "Thank god you re not mom and dad. I love them both dearly, but they are so over protective now."
TK laughed. "Well, it could be worse."
"Do tell."
"Jun could be here."
"If she was, I would swear that I had died and going to…"
"Matt!"
"Okay, Okay. I'll quit. So what s up?"
"I learned something new."
"Oh yeah? What is that?"
"Never ever try to sleep in those chairs out there. It is torture on one's back."
Matt laughed. "You should have went home."
"I had to make sure you were alright. Besides, I have to watch someone."
"Laura?"
"Yeah. I m really worried about her Matt. I think she is hiding something from us. And that something may have caused you to get hurt."
"I don t know TK. Laura's not the type to hide something from us that could hurt us. If she s not talking, she has a good reason."
"Are you willing to stake your life on that?"
"Haven t I already?"
"I'm being serious Matt."
"So was I. Is Lucky still here? I really want to talk to her."
"I think so. Hold on let me go check."
'Maybe with TK in the room, talking to Laura will be a little easier.'
"Hey Matt. You wanted to see me?" asked Lucky quietly. She remained in the doorway.
"Yeah, come in Laura. We have to talk."
Lucky moved silently into the room. TK stood behind her.
"I'm sorry."
"For what Lucky?"
"That you re hurt."
"Oh. Look I have something very important to ask you. Promise me you'll tell me the truth."
"I promise." 'Oh boy. This could be interesting.'
"What are you hiding from the team."
"Nothing Matt, I swear."
Matt looked at her in disgust. "That s not what your friend told me."
Neither TK nor Matt missed the look of horror and dismay on Laura s face.
"What did your attacker say Matt?" TK said, alarmed.
"He told me to tell Laura that she should have obeyed. Care to explain?"
Both turned to Laura. " I … I …"
"Answer him Laura. You owe that much to Matt. After all, you re the reason why he is here! "
"TK! Calm down."
"He s right though." Laura stated painfully.
"What?!"
"I knew it Matt. She is hiding something from us. Something deadly and it almost cost you your life. Some girlfriend."
"TK. I m warning you…"
"Stop it Matt. He is right. I am a horrible girlfriend. I don't deserve you or to be a member of the DigiDestined."
"You are hiding something. Damn it Laura. I thought I knew you."
Tears ran down Laura s face. "You did."
"No, obviously I don t. Don t you trust us?"
"Yes! Why else would I tell you about my heritage?"
"Because you had no other choice."
"I could have killed all of you, you know TK. I chose to trust you."
"And then stab us in the back later. Some friend."
"I haven t stab any of you in the back."
"That is not quite true Laura. You did, by keeping secrets from all of us again. Look what happened to me. Why have you been lying to us, to me?"
"I can t tell you. I'm sorry, you have to believe me when I say that it wasn't supposed to be this way. Trust me, please."
"Trust you? I don t think I can ever trust you again Laura. It s over."
The words stuck Lucky sharply. "I guess it is." Then she fled from the room.
Both Matt and TK stared at the door. Neither had missed her tears. Matt wondered if he had done the right thing.
"What s wrong Laura?"
"Nothing Jun, but you and I better get home. It is already after nine thirty. I don't know about your family, but mine worries if I am not home by ten."
"Oh wow. I didn't even realize that it was so late. I doubt I sleep tonight though. I never knew that Matt thought those things about me like that."
'I bet that Matt doesn't either.' "I m glad to have made your day."
"You've made my year Laura."
"Call me Lucky, Jun. That's what my friends call me."
Jun flashed her a smile. "Alright. Night Lucky."
"Night Jun."
"Oh, if you see Matt tell him that I love him."
Laura nodded, then rolled her eyes. 'The girl won t give up. But a little competition never bothered me before. So what is this feeling that I can t shake? It is physically making me sick to my stomach. I can t wait to get home so I can go to bed.'
Still, the feeling wouldn't leave Laura. 'Something is telling me not to go home. Maybe my stalker is there waiting for me.' Unconsciously, Laura roamed the streets. 'Where am I going? Walking is a great way to clear one s mind. But on the coldest night of the year? Not smart. Besides, Genni is going to be worried if I am not home soon. It is 10:12. 12 minutes passed curfew.' However, Laura continued walking in the opposite direction of home. 'Why can t I turn around? This feeling keeps telling me to walk this way. Why am I listening? Is it the powers of the Digital World directing me to the evil digimon? Maybe.' After another ten minutes of walking, Laura finally recognized where she was. 'I'm on the road to Matt s house. Why am I here? Come to think of it this feeling didn't start till I thought about Matt. What is going on here? I seriously must be crazy. Nothing is wrong with Matt or any of my friends. Stress. That s it. It is finally getting to me. I've gone off the deep end. That the bad feeling -- stress from work, and both my lives. That is it. Nothing else.' Laura s thoughts quickly changed when she looked up the street. All she saw a figure lying in the snow. "MATT!" she screamed. 'How do you know.' she thought as she ran toward the unmoving body. 'I just do.' Laura gasped when she reached the body. It was covered in snow and blood. She took a deep breath and then rolled over the body. It was Matt. "Oh my God. Please be okay." Tears rolled down Lucky s face. 'No time for tears now. Matt needs my help' she thought as she wiped away her tears. Acting quickly, Laura searched for a pulse. "Thank God, he s still alive. I wasn't too late." Lucky grabbed her bag and pulled out her cell phone. At the same time, she slipped off her coat. After placing it around Matt, she dialed 911. "Hold on Matt, help will be here soon. I love you. Fight. I can t lose you." The tears were unstoppable this time.
************************************************************************
Lucky sat with her head in her hands. The trip to the hospital was an eventful one to say the least. When the paramedics arrived, Matt s condition was no better than when she had found him. The paramedics moved quickly. In a flash, they had Matt in the back of the ambulance. Lucky wanted to ride with them as well, but by then the police had arrived. Of course they wanted to question her and right then. Laura told them kindly that they could met her at the hospital.
The trip to the hospital didn't get any better. Half way to the hospital, Matt stopped breathing. Laura had never been so scared in her life when she heard those words. Not even we she first met Lady Myotismon or the second time for that matter. Her tears were relentless then. At one point Lucky found herself begging the Elders to heal Matt. She knew that they never would, since Matt wasn't a digimon and their medicines and cures could not help, but she tried anyway. If she thought that it would save Matt, she would do it without a moments hesitation. She would even give her life for him.
Thankfully by the time the paramedics reached the emergency room, Matt was breathing on his own again. Laura didn't have a chance to relax though, the police was right behind them. The officer questioning her was named Chad Sato.
"Name?"
"Laura Li."
"Age?"
"Fifteen"
"Address?"
"197 Sunset Lane"
"Where did you find the victim?"
"On Eleventh street and his name is Matt Ishida. "
"How do you know that?"
"He is my boyfriend."
"Were you present when Matt was attacked?"
"No."
"How did you find him then? You live in the opposite direction."
"I was having dinner with a friend of mine name Jun. While we were eating, a funny feeling overcame me. This feeling told me not to go home. I wandered the streets, following my guts until I came across Matt. I know that sounds stupid, but it is the truth. Honestly."
Officer Sato just gave her a look. Laura couldn't tell if he believed her or not.
"What condition was Matt in when you found him?"
"He was unconscious and he had bruise all over his face. Some were bleeding. I really didn't look though because I threw my coat over him and then called 911."
"Smart girl covering him up like that. Now did you notice anything around you that was out of place?"
"Nothing that I can recall. No one was around, but for something to be out of place, I couldn't say. All I was thinking about was getting help and fast."
"Okay then. I need to contact Matt s parents and inform them. Do you have their number?"
"Yeah, Matt s dad, Mr. David Ishida, number is 657 - 9804. His mom, Miss Nancy Takaishi is 530 - 8743."
"I take it his parents are divorced then?"
"Yeah, Matt lives with his dad and his little brother with his mom. Both of the parents still get along, for the kids sakes. You may have a problem reaching Matt s dad though. He sometimes works late at the TV Station. Matt told me that sometimes his dad doesn't come home till really late. I d give you his work number, but I don t know it."
"Okay, thank you. Anyone I should call for you?"
"No, I'll call my uncle. Thank you."
After the officer left, Laura's calmness finally broke. She sobbed despite everyone watching her. She hated to let people see her cry, but right now it didn't matter. Nothing matter except Matt. Jenson's didn't matter to her right now. She would give it all up if it would ensure that Matt would be fine. 'What happened to him? I don t understand it. He was fine at the café. I was the one acting strange, again. Wait, it couldn't be? No it couldn't be. But it would explain everything. Matt's a strong person, so how was he so easily beaten unless it was someone with superior strength, like a digimon or my best friend. He told me that there would be consequences if I did not listen to him. Did he hurt Matt because I didn't shut down Jenson s? He wouldn't have. Yes he would.' Laura cried even harder. 'It s my fault. All my fault.'
Suddenly, a hand squeezed her shoulder. Lucky turned and swore she was looking at Matt. "TK, God you scared me."
"Sorry. How are you holding up?"
Lucky had to smile a bit. TK was extremely caring. 'He would ask how I was feeling, even though I can tell he is in pain too.' "Shouldn't I be asking you that one?"
"Matt s a fighter, I know he'll be ok. You on the other hand, I m not to sure of."
"Are you implying that I m not a fighter?"
"Nope. I know you are. But you re hiding something again, something deadly. And it is tearing you up."
'I should have known better than to hid anything from TK.' "I'm not hiding anything." Laura whispered, barely auditable.
"Don t lie Lucky. You of all people should know what lying can do to a person."
She did, all to well. First lying took her family, then her friends, and now maybe even Matt. Luckily, she didn't have to answer TK's question. Miss Takaishi and Mr. Ishida walked up then.
"How s Matt?" asked TK. Concern could be heard in his voice.
"He s very lucky to be alive. The doctors said that if he was brought in any later, he wouldn't have survived. Thank you Laura." said Mr. Ishida.
Lucky just nodded. She could not speak or look Matt's parents in the eyes. 'You shouldn't thank me, I probably put your son in here.'
"Is Matt awake yet?"
"Not yet TK. The doctor said that Matt suffered a concussion, so his body is trying to recover by sleeping. When he gets enough energy, he'll wake up."
"Will he be okay Miss Takaishi?"
Nancy moved to sit next to Laura. She took her hand. "Other then some bruise and cut across his neck, he'll be fine. Thanks to you of course. I have to ask though, how did you find my son? Don t you live in the opposite direction?"
"I was having dinner with Jun, to keep her away from Matt, and while we were eating, a strange feeling overcame me. I was so scared. It felt like I was in danger or someone I knew was. All I knew for certain though, I could not go home. So instead, I roamed the streets. I know, not smart, but the feeling was so strong, I had to listen. Anyway, eventually I ended up on one of the roads that Matt takes home. It was there that I found him."
"You must have been so scared."
Laura couldn't speak. She just shook her head yes.
"Matt always did say you two had a bond of some sort. I guess this just proved his belief." Mr. Ishida said.
Before anyone could respond, a nurse rushed into the room. "Mr. Ishida, Miss Takaishi? Your son is awake and asking to see both you."
"Excuse us." Nancy said as she and David ran from the room.
TK stared at his parents and then turned to Lucky, who wouldn't look him in the eye. "You never did answer my question."
"I know." 'But I can t tell you anything TK. If I do, you'll end up like Matt. I can t let that happen to you or anyone else. You don't deserve that.'
Sensing that he wasn't going to get an answer, TK sighed. 'What are you so scared of Lucky? I thought you were past the phase of hiding things from all of us.' "Does Genni know you re here?"
"Genni! I totally forgot to call him!"
"There s a pay phone around the corner."
Laura was already heading there. TK got up and followed her. It would be a while before he got to see his brother. Besides, Matt would want him to keep an eye on Lucky. Something wasn't quite right about her.
Laura tapped her foot impatiently. Her phone kept ringing. Finally Genni picked up the phone.
"Hey Genni."
"I already know Laura. I felt it. You need to learn to contain your emotions better."
"Huh? Never mind. Explain it to me later. Is it okay if I stay here the rest of the night?"
"Sure, and I'll call Chelsea and tell her that you wouldn't be in till late."
"Thanks Genni."
"Anytime and Laura, be careful. This attack on Matt was directed at you. This digimon is ruthless. There is no telling what he will do to you."
"I know."
"You should tell everyone the truth."
"I can t."
"I should have known. Matt s attack wasn't accidental. The digimon hurt him to shut you up right?"
"Yeah," Laura took a quick glance at TK. He wasn't pay attention to her. "I can t put the others in danger Genni. I can t say anything."
Genni sighed. "Lucky, they are your friends. They can help, but I can see your reasoning for wanting to protect them. But do you really think that digimon won t go against his word and attack the others even if you listen?"
"I hadn't thought of that. Maybe. I just don't know. I really don't know anything anymore. Look Uncle, I have to go. I'll see you tomorrow. Night."
"Good Night. And Laura, keep the faith."
Lucky smiled lightly as she hung up the phone. Gently, she massaged her temples. She had a monster of a headache and it wasn't going to get any better.
"You sure you re okay?"
"Yeah TK. It s been a long night, that s all."
"Tell me about it. I doubt my parents come out of Matt s room tonight, so why don t we get some sleep? Tomorrow, we'll call everyone and tell them about Matt."
"Before or after school?"
"After. I have a feeling you and me are going to sleep in late tomorrow."
"Maybe we should call at least Tai and Kari. They could tell everyone else and get yours and Matt s homework."
"Smart idea. I'll go tell my mom to wake me up so I can do it."
By the time TK got back to the waiting room, Laura was already asleep.
************************************************************************
Tai s eyes snapped open at the sound of his phone ringing. 'Who would be calling at this hour? Can't they wait to a decent hour? A quick glance at his alarm told him that he had overslept. Plus, he would have to get the phone since no one seemed to be answering it.'
"Hello? Tai speaking."
"Tai, it s TK."
"TK? Wanted me to get Kari for you?"
"No, listen Tai. I have something important to tell you."
"What is wrong TK?"
"It is Matt. He's in the hospital."
"What? Why?"
"He was attacked last night walking home."
Tai couldn't believe it. "Is he okay?"
"Yeah, he'll be fine. He has a concussion, some bruises, and a cut across his neck. No broken bones though."
"Any idea who did this?'
"None, but I have a feeing Laura knows. She was the one who found him."
"Lucky? She doesn't live any where near Matt I thought."
"I know. She told me she had a feeling and it lead her to Matt."
"A feeling? Okay, I believe that one. It could have been her powers. Now why do you say that she knows something?"
"Just from the way she s been acting lately. I don t know. Call it my own feeling."
"Lucky wouldn't keep anything from us that could hurt us, TK."
"She kept her heritage a secret."
"She had too, we would have been killed if she told her secret. She could have been killed, almost was."
"I know Tai. Laura is on our side and wouldn't do anything to hurt us. I just feel so helpless right now. I guess blaming Laura is just me letting my frustration out. I shouldn't be doing that though. We re a team after all."
"But you are right to an extent TK. Laura does know something. She is there now?"
"Yeah. Why?"
"Keep her there till the team gets there. We'll question her together."
"Is that a good idea Tai?"
"We have to do this TK, before anyone else gets hurt."
"Okay, I ll keep her here. Tell the others for me at school?"
"Yeah, and TK."
"What Tai?"
" Don t push Lucky for answers any more. We don t want her to clam up even more."
"Good point. It is hard though. She is in so much pain and yet she won't let us help her. She's even worse now than she was with Lady Myotismon."
"I know. It pains me to watch her too. She's had so much frustration and hardship in her life already, and now something else has come up. She needs us. And we have to convince her of that.
************************************************************************
Kari ran to her school in a full out sprint. She had to reach school before the day began. That way, she would be able to meet Davis, Ken, Yolei, and Cody before homeroom. She had sent everyone an urgent email, telling them to meet her outside before school started.
"Hey Kari. Over here." shouted Cody, waving his arms so Kari could see him by the swings.
Kari's pace didn't slow down till she reached the group.
"Man Kari. Did you run all the way here?" asked Davis.
"Yeah… had…too…Needed… to… see… all…of… you… right… away. "
"We can tell. But shouldn't we wait for TK?" asked Yolei.
Kari shook her head. "It s about him."
"Did something happen to TK?"
"No Ken. Something happened to Matt. That s why TK isn't here. He's up at the hospital now."
"What? Matt s hurt? How? By whom?" questioned Cody.
"Matt was attacked last night as he walked home from the café. He has a concussion, some bruises, and a graze across his neck. Other than that, he s okay."
"Thank God for minor miracles." Yolei stated.
Ken nodded. "Does the police know who jumped him?"
"No, but the police hadn't gotten Matt's statement yet. But from Lucky's statement, no one was around when she got there."
"Laura found Matt? How? She lives totally in a different direction." Davis exclaimed.
"I know. Apparently while she was having dinner with Jun, she got a funny feeling of some sort. Instead of going home, she roamed the streets, leading her to Matt."
"Wow. I guess they really are connected."
"Guess so Ken. But TK and my brother are convinced that Laura knows something and isn't telling us. Tai wants all of us to meet him at the hospital after school to confront Lucky."
"They don t think that is why Matt was attacked? Because she is holding some type of information?" Davis asked.
"It s a possibility I guess. I mean she has been acting strange lately."
"That s true, but Lucky wouldn't hold information from us, especially if it could harm us in any way." Cody said, defending Laura.
"I thought so too, but now, I am not too sure."
"We re a team. Lucky hasn't gone evil on us or anything. She wouldn't." Davis countered.
"Are you sure? I mean think about it Davis, secret phone calls, a girl named Chelsea whom none of us have heard of, and she's able to get information on Jenson's. It seems a little weird to me." Yolei said.
"Could Chelsea be the one who planted the virus?" asked Ken.
"Maybe, but that means Lucky would have to be involved. And she would never hurt Matt like that. But I guess it does seem a little convenient that she found Matt."
"Kari, this is Laura we are talking about. She wouldn't do this to us!" exclaimed Davis.
"I wish I was as confident as you were Davis. I just have a bad feeling about all of this though.
***********************************************************************
'If there was one good thing about being stuck in a hospital, it gave a person a lot to think. What am I going to do about Laura. It is definitely clear that she is hiding something from me and the others. Plus it is putting Lucky is danger. I'm not mad at her, okay maybe a little. I am just really worried about her safety. I know that this digimon is powerful, but so is Laura. Or at least that is what Genni keeps telling all of us. Is she strong enough for this though? Probably not. She has to let us help. But how am I going to tell her all of this? She'll never listen or probably tell me the truth anyway.'
Matt turned his head at the sound of his door being opened. TK walked in. "Thank god you re not mom and dad. I love them both dearly, but they are so over protective now."
TK laughed. "Well, it could be worse."
"Do tell."
"Jun could be here."
"If she was, I would swear that I had died and going to…"
"Matt!"
"Okay, Okay. I'll quit. So what s up?"
"I learned something new."
"Oh yeah? What is that?"
"Never ever try to sleep in those chairs out there. It is torture on one's back."
Matt laughed. "You should have went home."
"I had to make sure you were alright. Besides, I have to watch someone."
"Laura?"
"Yeah. I m really worried about her Matt. I think she is hiding something from us. And that something may have caused you to get hurt."
"I don t know TK. Laura's not the type to hide something from us that could hurt us. If she s not talking, she has a good reason."
"Are you willing to stake your life on that?"
"Haven t I already?"
"I'm being serious Matt."
"So was I. Is Lucky still here? I really want to talk to her."
"I think so. Hold on let me go check."
'Maybe with TK in the room, talking to Laura will be a little easier.'
"Hey Matt. You wanted to see me?" asked Lucky quietly. She remained in the doorway.
"Yeah, come in Laura. We have to talk."
Lucky moved silently into the room. TK stood behind her.
"I'm sorry."
"For what Lucky?"
"That you re hurt."
"Oh. Look I have something very important to ask you. Promise me you'll tell me the truth."
"I promise." 'Oh boy. This could be interesting.'
"What are you hiding from the team."
"Nothing Matt, I swear."
Matt looked at her in disgust. "That s not what your friend told me."
Neither TK nor Matt missed the look of horror and dismay on Laura s face.
"What did your attacker say Matt?" TK said, alarmed.
"He told me to tell Laura that she should have obeyed. Care to explain?"
Both turned to Laura. " I … I …"
"Answer him Laura. You owe that much to Matt. After all, you re the reason why he is here! "
"TK! Calm down."
"He s right though." Laura stated painfully.
"What?!"
"I knew it Matt. She is hiding something from us. Something deadly and it almost cost you your life. Some girlfriend."
"TK. I m warning you…"
"Stop it Matt. He is right. I am a horrible girlfriend. I don't deserve you or to be a member of the DigiDestined."
"You are hiding something. Damn it Laura. I thought I knew you."
Tears ran down Laura s face. "You did."
"No, obviously I don t. Don t you trust us?"
"Yes! Why else would I tell you about my heritage?"
"Because you had no other choice."
"I could have killed all of you, you know TK. I chose to trust you."
"And then stab us in the back later. Some friend."
"I haven t stab any of you in the back."
"That is not quite true Laura. You did, by keeping secrets from all of us again. Look what happened to me. Why have you been lying to us, to me?"
"I can t tell you. I'm sorry, you have to believe me when I say that it wasn't supposed to be this way. Trust me, please."
"Trust you? I don t think I can ever trust you again Laura. It s over."
The words stuck Lucky sharply. "I guess it is." Then she fled from the room.
Both Matt and TK stared at the door. Neither had missed her tears. Matt wondered if he had done the right thing.