Disclaimer: I wonder…if I don't put a disclaimer…will I get sued?
Evil Japanese lawyers: *nod nod*
Me: bugger…oh well, I don't own Digimon, and I don't own Sony, but I LOVE both of 'em!!! ^^
Ooooks… i KNOW it's been AGES since i've updated, but I have been FLAT OUT this week and im not kidding. Extra orchestra rehearsals and drama performances has limited my already low amount of sleep and i haven't had any time to do this, or anything else! So much damn overdue homework…*growl* GOMEN GOMEN GOMEN!!! please forgive me!!! *bows repeatedly* i hope this partially makes up for the long amount of time it took to be put up!
Warnings: oks, some of you might of noticed ive notched up the rating to PG-13. well, i did this due to language in this chapter, and i just wanna be safe. The -f- bomb is dropped in this chapter, and probably will be in the next chapter. And a few other nasties…^^;
Tai: *reads chapter* O.o;;;
Matt: *reads chapter* ooh taichi, didn't know you could say that…
Tai: neither did i…
Me: I apologise in advance if I offend anyone.
A HUGE THANX GOES TO: Cleo, Rocke and Roll, Shadow-Of-Hearts and Kari Elizabeth for reviewing and for the really nice reviews too ^^ thanx!! Also to Akira5867, thank you SO MUCH for the beautiful review. ^^ thanx!!! =)
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"Room 105, ward 17."
"Thank you."
A massive weight lifts off my shoulders. My heart feels lighter than it has been in a week. Good news… finally some good news!
"It's so good he's out of intensive care," Sora sighs, smiling, as she pushes the button for the elevator. I silently agree. It's also so good to see Tai…well…relieved? Happy? I don't know how to phrase it. He looks…almost…alive again. It's not that he's looked like death warmed up all week, but it's been like he's been missing something, and it was obviously Matt, and the fact he couldn't see him.
Guilt guilt guilt guilt…all my fault again…calm down Kari…guilt…I step into the elevator, and push the button for Matt's level.
"It's a pity Joe couldn't come," Sora says, looking towards the ceiling. Tai continues to fiddle with Matt's discman, which Matt had lent to him, and Tai decided to bring. He runs his finger over the black headband, more precisely over the 'Sony' silver plating. A small noise plays, and the doors open to our level. Well, that didn't take long… We step out into the ward. I shrink back as the stark white walls glare menacingly at me. This place is so full of bad memories. I move closer to Tai, who almost subconsciously holds my hand. A small memory begins to play itself in my mind. The buzzing of a machine doesn't help it either, and it gets louder…louder…
We're losing her…More adrenaline…
C'mon…breathe…
Kari!
"Kari!"
I blink, falling back down to earth. I shake the remnants of the memory away.
"Sorry," I mumble, feeling embarrassed. I look around, and my eyes land on the door we're standing before.
Yamato Ishida's room.
I watch Tai's resolved hand reach out and turn the doorknob. He opens the door, and a strong smell of flowers washes onto us. The whole room is full of flowers, teddy bears, cards and other various 'get well' presents and wishes. And among all this, on a single white bed, lay Yamato Ishida. His dull blue eyes flicker over to us.
"Matt!" Tai exclaims, jogging over to his bed.
"Tai!" Matt cries, his eyes instantly coming alive. Tai reaches Matt's bed, and Matt jumps up and throws his arms around Tai, shivering visibly. Sora and I walk over to them.
"Tai…I'm so sorry Tai…" Matt mumbles, tightly gripping the back of Taichi's shirt. "I'm so sorry…Taichi I'm so sorry…" Matt buries his face into Tai's shoulder.
"Shhh…it's ok, don't worry," Taichi soothes, gently rubbing his back. I hear a sniffle coming from my right, and I turn to find Sora silently crying. Tai turns around too, and smiles.
"Sora wants to say hi Matt," Tai says, loosening Matt's death grip off his shirt. Matt turns his red-rimmed eyes to the crying Sora. Sora jumps forward and embraces Matt in a deep hug, crying into his limp blonde hair.
"Oh Matt…" she sobs, unable to hold back her tears. Matt wraps his bony arms around her.
"Takenouchi…" he mumbles, tears slipping onto her jumper. The atmosphere couldn't have been warmer. It's almost 'tear-worthy' to see them like this. And it is. I feel warm, salty tears slip down my cheek, stinging my weary eyes. Just seeing Tai and Sora so happy and seeing Matt alive after all those nightmares…it's too hard to describe. And now T.K's getting better…it's all finally working out.
It's all finally working out!Sora pulls away from Matt, and plants a light kiss on his cheek.
"It's so good to see you again," she whispers hoarsely, choking on more tears. Matt drops his gaze.
"I'm so sorry…" he mumbles, sitting on his knees. "I'm so sorry…"
"Don't worry," Tai says, honesty and concern woven into his words. "Just forget it, ok? Blaming yourself won't help you recover." Matt doesn't respond.
"Well, I brought you something," Tai says, offering him the discman and the minidiscs. Matt stares at them, before taking them out of Taichi's hands.
"Th-thank you," he mumbles, his dull gaze meeting Tai's. Tai smiles.
"Don't mention it," Tai dismisses, pulling up the only two chairs. "I had to give it back someday anyway." Matt pushes his un-gelled hair out of his face. It's so weird to see him without gel. It frames his face so perfectly it looks like he's come straight off a hairdressing commercial.
But it's so good to see him again.
"Well, don't we feel good."
Hmm? What do you want now?
"Well, I have a question. Why do you always fall sick at the most inappropriate times?"
I can't help it!
"Well, look now."
I look down to my legs. They're trembling, unable to stand any longer. But before I fall to the ground, Tai catches me and carries me over to the chair. He sits down, and I sit in his lap. Sora occupies the other chair.
"I'm sorry Tai," I murmur, leaning against his chest wearily.
"It's ok," Tai replies, shifting around into a more comfortable position, "You're sick, so you have an excuse. Just rest, if you want. We'll go to see T.K soon."
"Thanks Tai," I mutter, before I fall asleep.
I walk along the dusty corridors of the deserted castle. The ancient paintings in the walls are covered with cobwebs, and a thick layer of dust. I run my finger along the wall. Carvings in Digicode appear at my touch.
"Good evening lady," a voice comes, startling me. I turn around, and find the cloaked swordsman.
"Wh-what do you want?" I ask, fear coursing through me. The cloaked figure stares deep into my eyes.
"Why, I am but a messenger," he mockingly answers, smiling deviously. "I do not want anything from you. I represent my master, who is the one you seek. His name you know, so I will not answer. As for mine, I am Dakedo." He bows low.
"But, Dakedo, who is your 'master'?" I ask, truly confused. A cold draft passes through the hallway, whisking back Dakedo's hood and exposing his face. I gasp. Jet-black hair streaked silver hangs down to just above his shoulders; dark, cold eyes glistened in the dim torchlight; his skin shines with an unearthly glow, and is paler than I thought possible. He smiles menacingly.
"It is time, lady," he whispers, walking towards me. "To meet my master…" I cannot move. "Your master…" Fear overruns me as he reaches out a hand to touch my cheek. But he pulls away his hand the instant it touches my skin. Pain contorts his face.
"You are protected," he whispers, the venom in his voice sending chills through me. "You are held in the arms of one you love." I tremble, wrapping my arms around myself in a desperate attempt to keep warm. Dakedo smiles, before pulling off his cloak and wrapping it around my shoulders.
"You must be cold," he whispers in my ear. Ice wraps around my body.
Falling into the cold…
"C'mon Kari, time to go."
I blink once, twice, and close my eyes again. Lights too bright…
But hey, better than darkness…
I open my eyes again. I sit upright and face Matt. I rub the weariness out of my eyes before wrapping my arms around him in a compassionate hug.
"Get well soon Matt," I say, kissing him lightly on the cheek as I pull away.
"Thanks Kari," Matt responds, "you too."
"See ya Ishida," Tai grins, doing his 'secret little handshake' with Matt.
"See ya 'round Kamiya," Matt replies, "and, please don't tell my dad, or mum for that matter, that I'm in here. Please…"
"Don't worry," Tai interrupts, looking at him seriously, "I'll cover for you. It's cool." Sora hugs Matt before we all leave. I watch the tortured child crawl under the covers as I close the door.
"He's ok Tai!" Sora cries almost immediately, throwing her arms around Tai blissfully. "He's gonna be ok!" Tai wraps his arms around her in equal happiness. I push the button for the elevator as I watch the two almost dance. I haven't seen them so happy since Tai won his soccer match three weeks ago. Won? More like whipped the other team into a senseless pulp. They were no match for Tai. The elevator doors open and we walk in. I smile as I remember the whole lot of the Digidestined watching that epic match. Matt was there too. Healthy, bright, cool Matt. Absolute chick-magnet in his baggy jeans and his tight-fitting, blue button-up shirt. I laugh, remembering how Jun was literally drooling and couldn't take her eyes off him. Matt purposely avoided her the whole day. I still have trouble figuring out how he did…
A small noise pulls me back into reality and we exit the elevator onto T.K's floor. I ignore the surfacing nightmares and let myself be drawn into Tai and Sora's joy. They were both content. They were both…free. Free from the prison they were held in. I knock lightly on T.K's door, and slowly push it open. Mrs. Takashi was reading a card attached to a small bunch of flowers, chuckling quietly.
"Awww…this one's cute," she laughs quietly, looking to T.K. He smiles.
He…he smiles?!"T.K!" I cry, running to his side. His head slowly turns to me.
"Hi Kari," he greets, wheezing on every breath. I throw my arms around him, hugging him closely.
"Oh T.K…" I whisper, nuzzling closer into his neck, basking in his presence.
"Hello you three," Mrs. Takashi greets, her voice lighter than I've heard it since T.K's admission here. A guilty squirm wriggles in the pit of my stomach, namely Matt.
"Hello," we chorus together. I untangle my arms from around T.K and sit upright.
"How are you?" I ask, taking his hand.
He smiles. "I'm awake, for once." I smile, tears welling in my already stinging eyes. His troubled breathing eats away at my happiness, but I try and ignore it. He's awake, and that's good. Real good.
"How are…you?" he asks, coughing weakly. I smile reassuringly.
"I'm fine," I answer, skirting around the truth. I hear the door open, and turn to find myself facing…Mr. Ishida. The guilty feeling dances around, making my stomach restless. He looks tired and stressed to the point of exhaustion. Looks more stressed and twitchy actually.
"Hello Mr. Ishida," Sora greets politely. He lifts his head at the sound of her voice. His eyes seem to narrow.
"Do you know how Matt is?" he asks, running his hand through his hair. I bite my bottom lip.
"He's fine," Tai answers. "Oh yeh, and he said he'll give you a call soon. He's just been busy." It amazes me how Tai can tap dance around this situation without lying too much. Mr. Ishida slightly raises an eyebrow.
"Do you know where he is?" he asks.
"Yeh, he's at my place," Tai answers, his first real lie. A vein throbs in Mr. Ishida's temple, causing my eyes to widen in fear.
He doesn't know…does he?"Don't lie to me," he hisses venomously, standing in front of Tai, inches away from his face, glaring. "You knew all along Matt was in hospital!" I gasp. He did know! I hear Mrs. Takashi gasp.
"W-what?" she stammers, confused.
"That's right honey," he spits, glancing at her, before turning back to Tai, "our perfect little boy was in intensive care for three days due to a drug overdose." His voice rises at the end of the sentence, that vein throbbing dangerously. "And these three knew all along!" he snarls, fiercely staring into Tai's hardened brown eyes.
"Oh my…" Mrs. Takashi breathes, covering her mouth with her hands, silent tears making their path down her face. "No…not Matt…not my Yamato…"
"Matt's…here?" T.K asks, struggling to finish the sentence. I nod slowly, tears now spilling.
"How dare you not tell us!" Mr. Ishida yells, straight into Tai's face, grabbing the front of his shirt. "How dare you not tell me that Matt's embezzled himself with drugs and nearly killed himself! Who the hell gave you the authority?"
"Matt did!" Tai yells in response, anger flaring, pulling his shirt out of Mr. Ishida's grip. "I did! I used my common sense! Why should I tell you Matt's in hospital because of overdosing when I knew you'd turn into the bastard you are now and make things worse! And you wonder why Matt's never home! You wonder why he's always off at rave parties! Look in a fucking mirror you hypocritical asshole before you come and dump the blame on us!"
I sit here, shocked, unable to move. I have never before in my life seen Tai so angry, so passionate. Never. On the other hand, I have never seen anyone so angry as Mr. Ishida. I knew that he had a habit of flying off the handle at the smallest things, but this…Tai's last speech had set him off. All the stress, lack of sleep, and arguments had pushed the already tested man too far.
"How dare you!" he screams, raising his right hand to slap Tai. But Tai dodges out of the way, avoiding contact.
"Stop it! Stop it now!" Mrs. Takashi cries, tears streaming down her cheeks. Sora grabs Tai and drags him away from Mr. Ishida's rage. Taichi doesn't resist, but simply glares maliciously at Mr. Ishida. Struggled breathing reaches my ears and I turn to find T.K gasping for breath.
"Oh no! T.K!" I exclaim, panic flaring up quickly. Mrs. Takashi repeatedly pushes the button to summon a nurse while I try to calm him down.
"C'mon T.K, calm down," I soothe, my voice quavering. T.K grasps my hand. A nurse hurries in the door and grabs an oxygen mask. I quickly let go of his hand as the nurse stands near me and move near Tai and Sora. Mr. Ishida turns to us, rage still evident in his demeanour.
"I hope your fucking happy," he spits, pure venom in every syllable. Tai jolts forward but Sora holds him back. I quaver in fear.
"He's not worth it," she whispers fiercely in his ear. Tai growls, but turns away and out the door. I continue to stand here, frozen in fear and shock. The erratic beeping of a machine echoes in my head.
Oh no…T.K c'mon…please… We're losing her…She's not responding…
C'mon…breathe…
"Kari, c'mon," Sora urges, steering me out the door. I follow unwillingly. I turn back to T.K before I close the door.
"I'm so sorry…"
I love you…~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ok, i know ive made mr. Ishida out to be an asshole (matt: *slap* language!) in this chapter, and i will explain in case you think this is totally OOC. Mr. Ishida is sleep-deprived, stressed and touchy. Imagine yourself in his position, and if you didn't have the best relationship with your son coz your never home coz your always out working and he's going through teenage years blah blah, and you've just found out he's gone and done drugs, and its just pushed you WAY too far. He's been through a lot, and he's not coping. I see him as a funny liddle man whos got good intentions, but is temperamental. I apologise if ive offended anyone in any way by putting him like this.
The same goes for Tai. If ive offended anyone by making him lose his temper, and swear, I am truly sorry. Tai cares deeply for matt, as he does all of his close friends and family, and the contempt mr. Ishida has shown for matt made him lose his temper. I would do what he did if any of my friends were in that position, and I would actually beat the living shit out of their father if they had the same opinions. I am truly sorry if i have offended anyone. Most things will be sorted out in the next chapter, so thank you for reading. Next chapter up sometime next week, because im busy this weekend.
Thanx.