Trapped in the Digiworld
Digiport open! Yolei held up her D3 to the TV as the screen solidified into a picture of the school computer lab. One by one, the Digidestined were sucked through the TV into the real world landing in a heap on the floor. Yolei was first through, followed by Davis, Cody, Joe, Mimi, Tai, TK, Kari, and Izzy. It had been a Digi-reunion with all the Digidestined. Matt and Sora were last. They held up their digivices, but didn't feel the strange sensation of being downloaded. They were still in the Digiworld, crouched by a TV set, instead of in a pile in the computer lab. Davis' face came into view on the screen.
Hey, you guys, coming home or what? he demanded impudently.
We can't get through for some reason, Davis, Matt answered
Izzy bumped Davis out of the way. Hmmm, it seems that the Digiport closed half-way through the download. We'll try reopening it.
TK shrugged. Here goes! he held up the D3. Digiport open! The D3 beeped once, but nothing happened. Each of the Digidestined tried, but no luck. Matt and Sora were trapped in the digital world.
Matt, the sun's going down, Gabumon said.
Gabumon's right, Sora, said Biyomon, We need to find shelter.
Matt stood up and looked around. They're right, Sora, we do need shelter. We've been in this area before. In the old days, when we looking for the tags and crests. Izzy and Tai nodded. They remembered the area. There are caves nearby, Matt continued, we can bunk down there for the night.
Sounds good, Gabumon drawled.
What about your parents? Kari asked anxiously.
I can say that Sora is sleeping over at my house, and Tai will say Matt's at his place. Mimi said, elbowing Izzy out of the way.
We'd better get moving, then. Goodnight everyone. Hopefully the Digiport will open again in the morning. Matt sounded slightly worried.
Izzy answered for everyone.
The TV clicked off, the screen went dark.
Well, let's get moving then, Sora said as she stood and brushed off her pants.
The caves are this way, Biyomon said, and took off into the gathering dusk.
I'm glad she remembers where they are, Sora said, Because frankly, I don't! They both laughed and set off at a trot after Biyomon, Gabumon bringing up the rear.
The cave that Biyomon led them to was a good size, with a sandy floor and trees sheltering the entrance. There was a fire pit dug at the back of the cave, lined with stones.
Me and Tai dug that, remember? Matt said, nodding at the fire pit.
We'll get some firewood, Gabumon piped up, walking out of the cave.
Wait for me, Biyomon flew after him.
Matt was digging in the sand around the fire pit, a frown of concentration on his face.
What are you doing? Sora asked, going over to stand by him.
If I remember correctly Matt found the edge of something and pulled on it. It came loose in a shower of sand, throwing Matt off balance and into the sand. Sora laughed and went to help him up. Matt stood up, proudly holding out his prize.
I knew Joe had left it here. Something about might needing it again. he said, shaking out the bundle. It turned out to be a blanket wrapped around a bundle of sticks and some matches.
Just what we need. Sora went to shake out the blanket while Matt tried to light a fire.
Damn! It just won't light! Matt exclaimed, sitting back on his heels.
Don't worry about it, Sora said, we can't get it going until Biyomon and Gabumon get back anyway.
What do you suggest we do in the mean time?
Sora bundled up the blanket into a ball and tied it with her hair band. Up for a game of soccer?
The two friends played fast and furious, kept warm by the motion. Matt hunkered down in one of the makeshift nets as Sora set up her shot. She started her kick, but slipped on the sandy floor. She toppled forward, knocking Matt over and landing on top of him.
Oh, sorry Matt, I her voice trailed off as she locked eyes with Matt. His eyes were full of fire, a fire she couldn't understand. Then, so quickly she couldn't react, Matt reached up and kissed her. Sora was shocked. She wanted to pull away. She knew that it was wrong, that he shouldn't be kissing her, but a part of her didn't feel that way. It was that part of her that kissed him back.
The kiss was long and deep, but finally Sora pulled away and sat up. She got up and sat down on the other side of the fire pit, with her back to Matt.
Soon, Gabumon and Biyomon were back. They dropped their bundle of firewood and left to find some more. Behind Sora, Matt started to build a fire. She didn't turn around, or even look up. She was so ashamed of what she had done. She had kissed Matt! She was with Tai, and Matt was his best friend. Tai, Matt, Tai, Matt. Sora started to cry silently.
By the fire, Matt was going through the same thing. She must think I'm a disgusting perv, he thought almost burning his hand on a match. He finally got the fire going. He fed it a few branches, wait a few seconds to see that they caught, then stood and went to where Sora was sitting with her head on her knees. Matt knelt beside her, putting one hand on her shoulder.
Listen, Sora, I'm really sorry for what happened. It's just - he began, but Sora cut him off.
I'm sorry, too. I shouldn't have kissed you back, but -
No, Sora, let me finish. Matt moved to face her. I love you. I've loved you for a long time. But you loved Tai, he looked away. I thought I didn't have a chance. Matt sighed and stood up. He walked back to the fireside. Sora turned.
Matt, I- he cut her off with a curt shake of his head.
Get some sleep. You use the blanket. Sora could tell by his tone that he wasn't in the mood to talk.
Wordlessly, Sora wrapped herself in the blanket and lay down facing the fire. Through the flames, she could see Matt lie down and curl into a ball to ward off the chill. Sora sighed and turned over. She closed her eyes, trying to get to sleep, but thoughts keep racing through her head. Matt said he loved her, but she loved Tai. Sora was pretty sure Tai loved her, too. What should she do? They both loved her, and she (she finally admitted to herself) loved both of them. They were best friends. How could she choose between them? No matter what she decided, it would hurt either one of them. What was she going to do?
It was much later, and the fire was dying down. Gabumon and Biyomon were outside guarding the cave, and Sora was still awake. She was shivering through her blanket. If I'm cold, she thought unhappily, then Matt must be freezing. As she lay still, Sora heard the faint strains of harmonica music coming from the other side of the fire. The music was shaky, as if the hand holding the harmonica was shivering. Poor Matt. He's been alone for so long, Sora thought to herself. It was then that she made the hardest decision she had ever made.
Quietly, so Matt wouldn't hear her, she got up and inched around the fire until she reached where Matt lay. He lay on the sandy floor shivering uncontrollably. Sora unwound the blanket from her body. She lay next to Matt and spread the blanket over the two of them. Sora snuggled up to Matt, to share her body warmth with him, and to let him know he wasn't alone anymore.
Matt half-opened his eyes. his voice made it a question. he said it again, his voice full of love, and what sounded like, to Sora, relief. Sora's only response was to snuggle closer. he said once more, as his arms encircles her, and they slept, knowing they were safe under the watchful eyes of their Digimon.
The next morning, dawn found them as they had fallen asleep, together at last. Gabumon prodded them awake.
Good morning, you two. Biyomon went to try and find breakfast he said, as Matt and Sora sat up groggily. They looked at each other, remembering what had happened the night before. Matt got up and gave Sora a hand up. Gabumon looked at the smoldering embers and said, I think I should go get more wood. He left the cave, leaving Sora and Matt alone. Sora turned to Matt.
We'll have to tell Tai, she said
I know
As soon as they get through, and not after. If we wait longer, if will hurt him even more.
I know. I hate to hurt Tai, but he has to know. He hugged Sora, but it'll be for the best, I promise. He bent down his head and gave her a kiss, a long kiss involving much tongue. Sora got into the kiss more than she had last night. Her fingers were twined in his hair, his hands gripped her back. The kiss went on until they were interrupted by Biyomon and Gabumon's return.
Biyomon exclaimed as she deposited five fish and some berries on one of the stones surrounding the fire pit.
Matt smiled, I'll build up the fire so we can cook these up. He went to work with the wood Gabumon had brought.
Sora was about to start cleaning the fish that Biyomon had brought when her D-terminal beeped. She pulled it out of her pocket and flicked it open. A message flashed on the screen You've got mail! The email was from Tai. It went like this:
Dear Sora,
We'll try to open the Digi-port this morning. Meet us where you left us in two hours. Hope you didn't have too rough of a night. Say hi to Matt for me. I love you.
Love, Tai
Sora smiled, but when she read the I love you she felt like crying.
What is it? Matt asked from beside the fire.
An email from Tai, Sora answered, Saying to meet them at the same TV in two hours.
Good. Just enough time for breakfast! Biyomon said.
It was just about 2 hours later, and Sora and Matt were just leaving the cave. Matt had kicked sand over the fire and had re-buried the blanket and matches, in case they ever needed that place again. The two kids hung back as their Digimon took the lead.
How are we going to tell him? Sora wondered.
We're just going to have to tell him that I love you, and that you want to be with me.
He'll be crushed!
There's no other way. You said so yourself.
Sora sighed. You're right, Matt, there's no other way. Matt put one arm around Sora's shoulder and gave it a squeeze.
Tai'll survive, he always does.
Matt and Sora crouched in front of the TV. The screen was blank, but a second later it flicked on, revealing Tai, Izzy, Mimi, and the other crowded around the computer.
Hey, how ya been? Tai grinned roguishly at the two of them. TK squeezed through to the screen.
Hey, Matt! he said, I'll try to open the Digiport. Everyone held their breath as TK held up his D3. Digiport open! The D3 beeped and -
It opened!. Matt and Sora stepped back as all 9 Digidestined came pouring through the television. Tai was first up. He came and gave Sora a hug. Sora froze for a moment, then hugged him back. They got pulled apart as Mimi came over to inspect Sora for bumps or bruises, and everyone else came with questions for the two. When things had settled down and assignments given for today's mission, Sora nodded to Matt, and the two of them cornered Tai and led him away.
When they were a safe distance away from the others, Sora stopped. She turned to Tai.
Tai, please listen. This isn't easy to say, but it has to be said. Sora gulped, and Matt smiled encouragingly at her. She went to stand by him. Tai, I love Matt. He loves me. So Sora didn't have to finish her sentence. Tai was completely shocked. He shook his head as if he didn't believe it. Then suddenly, he rounded on Matt.
YOU! You, you, how dare you! he flung himself at Matt, looking completely enraged and very murderous. You stole her! How dare you! I'll kill you! Matt made no move to protect himself as Tai knocked him to the ground and started pounding on him. There was a horrible cracking sound as Matt hit the ground. Sora tried to pull Tai off Matt, but with no luck.
Then, suddenly, Tai transferred the focus of his rage. He jumped off Matt and turned on Sora.
You bitch, you betrayed me. I thought I loved you, but you're just a traitorous BITCH!! He started advancing on Sora, swinging his fist. Sora backed away, but Tai lunged at her. She ducked out of the way just in time. Tai twirled, but Matt was there. Somehow, Matt had gotten up off the ground with one arm dangling uselessly. Matt lunged in front of Sora just in time. He took the full brunt of the attack. Tai knocked Matt backwards, into Sora. She sat down hard, cradling Matt's head in her lap. Just as Tai was preparing for another swing, Sora yelled
Listen, Tai! I LOVE HIM! Deal with it! Sora's words seemed to have struck a chord with Tai. He seemed to loose all his anger, and slumped to the ground. Sora went over and helped Matt up. He was bleeding in several places, and he was dazed. His left arm was also hanging at an odd angle. Sora dabbed at a cut with the sleeve of her shirt before Matt waved her away. They turned to face Tai, who was still sitting on the ground. He looked up at Sora.
love him? Tai sounded so forlorn that Sora felt a wave of pity for him. But Sora would never go back on her word.
Yes, I love him, Tai. As if to prove her point, she put an arm around Matt. Matt rested his good arm over her shoulder, slumping against her for support.
You love Matt. Tai's words were full of defeat. He got up suddenly and stomped away into the forest. Sora started to go after him, but Matt held her back.
He needs to be alone right now, was all the explanation Matt gave her. As soon as he said it, his head slumped forward and Sora staggered under the sudden weight. She turned back to where the others had gathered.
Let's get those cuts fixed up, and get Joe to have a look at that arm. Matt made no response.
Back with the others, Sora and Matt got a few odd looks as they walked out of the forest together, Matt still leaning on Sora. Sora realized what it must seem like. Her, Matt, and Tai walk into the forest together. Five minutes later, Sora and Matt come back out, Matt looking like he was in a fight. But fortunately, no one made any comment as Joe looked at Matt's arm.
Some of these cuts will need stitches, and that arm is definitely broken, was Joe's diagnosis. You'll need to go to the hospital. I'll take you.
I'm going, too Sora said, earning an odd look from everyone.
I'll go, too, TK put in, He is my brother after all.
We'll stay here so Tai can get through when he comes back, Izzy said
Good plan. Sora, hold him up when we go through. Landing in a heap on the floor doesn't help a broken bone much. Joe said. That ended the discussions. TK opened the Digiport for them, and again they got sucked through. Luckily, the Digiport didn't close mid-download.
Sora sat close to Matt during the ride to the hospital. Matt was starting to feel groggy from loss of blood, and the pain in his arm was overwhelming. Sora did her best to comfort him, and she didn't even notice the strange looks TK was giving her.
Later, when Matt was getting x-rays done on his arm, TK pulled her to one side.
Sora, did Tai beat up Matt? Sora just nodded. But Tai wouldn't do that without good reason, right? Sora nodded again. And a good reason that Tai would beat up Matt is that Matt just stole Tai's girl? Sora looked away. TK was a smart kid, she told herself, he was bound to figure it out. When she looked at TK again, she was surprised to see his face wreathed in smiles.
I'm so glad. Matt's been moping around for a while now. That was when it looked as if you and Tai were getting Then his face got serious. Matt's been alone for so long. I'm glad he found someone. Then TK walked away, leaving Sora standing there, with some more food for thought.
Matt stayed at the hospital overnight. He had lost a lot of blood, and kept passing out. Sora visited him that night, then the next morning. Kari and TK were at the hospital as well in the morning.
What time did Tai come back? Sora asked Kari.
Much later. Everyone else left before he got back. It was almost dark by the time we got home. Kari gave Sora a strange look, What happened yesterday? Tai seemed so drained and lifeless. He wouldn't talk to me at all.
He just got a bad shock, is all, Sora replied, but TK interrupted.
The doctor says that Matt can come home now. Could you give me a hand with him? He might need some help. When Kari had left, saying she had to go home, TK pulled Sora aside and said The nurse says that the first thing Matt asked when he woke up was if you were all right.
Sora beamed. Matt never did place himself first in anything. In the old days, all his decisions were based on what was right for you, or Tai, or anyone else.
The next day was a Monday, and both Tai and Matt showed up. There were plenty of rumors going around. How couldn't there be? Tai was looking lifeless and depressed, Matt had his arm in a sling and stitches in his forehead, and Sora was practically glued to Matt's side. Most of the rumors were pretty wild, but most of them were close to the truth. Tai had lost Sora to Matt, and Tai had beaten up Matt to try to get her back.
Matt made no secret of the fact that he adored Sora. Wherever they went, Matt had his good arm draped over shoulder. By the end of the day, everyone knew that Sora was Matt's now.
Tai was totally depressed. He spoke to no one and dragged himself from class to class. He hadn't realized that he had loved her until the last moment, when it had been too late.