Undercover
By theladyknight
Disclaimer: Digimon—not mine!
A/N: 12.19.08 Another chapter done! I realize now, 3 years older than I was when I originally started this work, that events in here may be completely illogical or implausible. That's the beauty of fiction, though, ladies and gentleman. I'm leaving about 98 percent of what's written, changing very few minor details and nothing that will affect any plot development or future events that have already transpired over the next 9 chapters!
Ages: Joe (25), Matt (24), Sora (23), Tai (23), Izzy (22), Kari (20), T.K. (20) and others will be listed when they're introduced in the later chapters!
Chapter 5: Meetings
Sora stood in shock as her mind registered what the young blond had said. Matt's my brother. "You've got to be kidding me!"
T.K. looked a bit offended. "Matt's not a bad guy."
Sora quickly held up her hands. "I'm sorry it came out like that, T.K. Matt and I haven't exactly gotten off on the right foot. I was just a bit surprised. He's really not a bad guy. You two just seem so different."
The blond smiled. "Don't worry about it. I don't blame you for being a bit shocked. Our parents divorced quite a long time ago, and I haven't seen Matt since his high school graduation."
"Wow that had to suck." Sora paused. "I guess I don't really know either of you that well, but you seem so friendly and carefree while your brother is the opposite."
Kari looked between the two and knew the subject of T.K.'s brother was a sore topic. In the short time she'd known the younger blond, the girl had only heard his brother brought up twice.
"Matt's had some bad things happen in his life, starting with the divorce. But it's not really my place to say. You'll have to ask my brother if you want to know."
The redhead pondered the words. "I have a feeling I'll be asking him sometime soon. Thanks for telling me, T.K."
"No problem."
Deciding a new subject was greatly needed, Kari cleared her throat. "So what are you doing here, Sora?"
"Oh, well…I'm here for the Miss America Pageant."
Kari began laughing, and T.K. gave her a very odd look. "Why's that so funny, Kar?"
The girl covered her mouth with a small hand. "Sora is the last person I'd expect to see at a beauty contest. She's never been one for dresses and makeup. She'd rather be hanging out with the guys then shopping with the girls."
"Hey, Kari, I forgot to tell you that in addition to Matt being here, Tai is too." It was Sora's turn to change the subject.
The younger girl gasped. "Really? That's kind of funny now that I think about it. I mean, isn't it a bit of a coincidence we're all here at the exact same time? Maybe some unknown force brought us here, and there's a reason we ran into each other."
T.K. grinned at the thought. I don't know where she comes up with some of this. "Sora, if it's no trouble, could you possibly take me to my brother? I'd really like to see him."
"I was expecting one of you to ask. Of course, let's go."
Kari grinned and took T.K.'s hand. "This is so awesome! You'll finally get to meet Tai. Though I'll warn you in advance, he can be a bit overprotective at times."
Sora listened to the exchange between the two and smiled. Awe, that's so cute. "T.K., don't worry about Tai. If he gives you a hard time, just let me know."
"Is it safe to assume the two of you are dating?"
Sora stopped walking, and the blond walked straight into her. "Tai's too close of a friend to even think about dating. I love the guy to death, but he's like the brother I never had and Kari's like my sister."
"So do you have a boyfriend?"
"Are you hitting on me?" Sora asked incredulously. His face turned bright red, and Sora winked for the younger girl to join.
Kari nodded and facing her boyfriend, planted her hands on her hips. "Am I not good enough for you, Takaishi?"
"No…Kari…what I meant…ahh!" his face was still crimson, and he refused to meet either woman's eyes.
They both cracked up. "We're only teasing you."
The boy let out a sigh of relief, and the sweat that had begun to form on his forehead slowly vanished. "To answer you question, no, I'm happily single."
"Happily?"
"T.K., stop talking. You'll only dig yourself into another hole," Kari warned. The boy immediately quieted.
They heard talking in the distance, and Sora laughed when the girl next to her gasped. "What is it with all the familiar faces?"
"Be glad you never had him for a teacher," Sora answered dryly. Mr. Fujiyama was talking to Matt, Davis, and Tai. I hope they didn't get the birds and the bees talk.
"Oh, Sora, you're back." Her former teacher stated. "And you brought visitors!"
"Huh?" the group all turned around to face Sora and the two new arrivals. "T.K.?" "Kari?"
Tai and Matt looked at each other and then back at their siblings. "How do you…what are…wait!"
"Hey, Tai," Kari let go of T.K.'s hand and walked over to her brother.
"Matt," the two brothers faced each other, "it's been a long time." Sora curiously watched them.
"Yeah, T.K…what are you doing here?"
"I'm here for work. What about you, Matt?"
"Same reason." The older blond ran a hand through his hair. "Teeks, wow, I don't know what to say."
The boy grinned. "It's good to see you too, Matt."
"Is it just me, or has Matt become a completely different person?" Joe asked as he and Izzy rejoined the group. Sora knew she wasn't the only one who could tell the difference.
Indeed, it appeared Matt's personality had done a 180. The man was suddenly…alive. Sora noticed how his eyes seemed to glow at the sight of his brother and how his stoical self disappeared, replaced by a man who finally would show some emotion.
"Um, not to be rude or anything," Izzy raised a hand, "but could we possibly get some introductions out of the way? I'm Izzy Izumi."
"Joe Kido."
"I'm Kari Kamiya, Tai's younger sister, and that's T.K. Takaishi, Matt's younger brother and my…boyfriend."
"YOUR WHAT?" Tai's voice echoed over and over in the empty chamber before dissolving.
T.K.'s face blanched as the older boy approached him. "Leave him alone, Kamiya."
"Stay out of this, Ishida. I don't want little blondie dating my sister!"
Matt stepped between them and smirked. "I don't see anything wrong with them going out. I'm sure your sister is much more civilized than you."
Tai snapped and raised a fist in the blonde's direction. However he was stopped before he could even come close to hitting Matt. Everyone gasped at the sight before them.
"Taichi Kamiya, grow up! There's nothing wrong with the two of them dating. T.K. is a really nice guy, and you should not take your frustrations with Matt out on him! Don't judge him because of that!" Sora towered over the brunette who lay on his back, staring up at her. Everyone stared at her, shocked at the words out of her mouth. Matt's blue orbs caught her inferno ones. I can't believe she just did that.
"As much as I hate to interrupt," Mr. Fujiyama cut in, "I believe you came here to meet with me. I'll talk with Mr. Ishida and Ms. Takenouchi in my office and call the rest of you up soon. Please follow me."
Matt and Sora both followed, and not bothering to turn around, the girl called out, "Tai, be nice to T.K. If you're not, I'll be sure to hear about it."
The brunette who had slowly been moving towards the younger blond groaned. Tai took a seat on one of the couches and glared at the boy…
"You do know I can fight my own battles, as can my brother."
Sora glanced at the blond next to her. "I don't doubt that at all. But at the same time, Kari's like my little sister. I think she made a good choice with T.K., and Tai shouldn't let his thickhead get in the way."
They were trailing a bit behind Mr. Fujiyama. "At least we agree on something. Well, two things really: there's nothing wrong with T.K. and Kari dating, and Tai's a stubborn ass."
The blond was very surprised when Sora let out a light laugh. "He isn't always, but he can be a stubborn ass. This is a prime example."
"I guess we're in agreement then," the blond murmured mysteriously as they reached the office and followed the man in.
"I'm going to get right down to business, you two, because we are running short on time."
Sora raised an eyebrow after sitting down in a chair and watching Mr. Fujiyama lock the door. "But isn't the pageant in two weeks?"
The man gave a nervous laugh. "That is correct, but the opening meeting will be taking place two hours from now. Am I correct to assume you are our Miss New York?"
"Unfortunately. Though Matt does have the whole pretty boy look going for him, I don't think he'd pass as a girl."
The blond rolled his eyes and faced the former teacher. "I assume Gennai's here and waiting for her."
"That would be correct, Mr. Ishida. Gennai has brought quite a few helpers due to the lack of time, and when I informed him of the situation and," he paused, glancing at Sora, "circumstance, well…he said he's up for a challenge."
The girl coughed and folded her arms. "I am in the room. You don't have to refer to me like I'm an inanimate object."
Sora grinned in satisfaction as the pageant director offered an apology but immediately frowned as Matt mouthed, "But it's so much more fun this way."
"Bite me blondie," she grumbled when Mr. Fujiyama turned his back to grab a file folder.
"Just mark the spot."
The man returned before Sora could respond. He thinks so cute and clever. "Contestants began arriving last night and the official kick-off of the pageant begins in two hours. Sora, you are going to meet with the man we were referring to, Gennai. He will be training you for each individual stage of the competition. He is very accomplished in the field of beauty competitions. He's going to teach you everything you need to know and then some."
"In addition," Matt took over, showing his role of leader, "Gennai will prep you on the information for your alias. You will need to keep up that role all the time around contestants. And when you are around these other women, try to befriend some. Learn about them but don't worry about all the details because that's Tai's job."
"Gennai will also be the one responsible for your makeover." The director added.
Sora's mouth fell. "I have to get a makeover? Since when was this part of the job description? No way in hell!"
"Damn it, Takenouchi," Matt snapped, eyes trailing her body, "it's not like he has much to change anyway! Genani's just going to make you appear as if you really are a beauty queen instead of the girl next door. He's not going to do anything drastic! Stop being so stubborn."
Their eyes looked and met in a staring contest, one that was sure to go on for quite awhile. "I called your associates and they're on their way. Matt, after I address you all, I'd like you to take Sora up to Gennai's suite."
"Of course," his eyes looked away, and the door opened.
"Nice digs, Mr. F!" Tai laughed.
The man cleared his throat. "Because the contestants are all arriving very shortly, you will need to stay out of sight. They've been informed extra security will be put into play, but we do not want them to panic. Please feel free to stay in the room adjoined to my office. I have to greet the contestants, but I'll be up to fill you in afterward. Matt, you and Sora should probably get going."
"I'm not going," the girl answered defiantly.
"Look, Takenouchi, we don't have all day. You have to be down there."
Sora glared at Matt. "I don't know how to act!"
"Gennai'll prep you."
"Who is this guy? And again, though I knew it was coming, what's he going to do to me? You told him I was a challenge!"
"Sora, please." Mr. Fujiyama interrupted.
"No."
"Okay," Matt paused, "we can either do this the hard way or the easy way. Take your pick."
Sora didn't move, and the next thing she knew, she was upside down. "Ishida, what the hell are you doing?"
"I'm doing this the hard way. I'll be back soon." The blond had picked the girl up and thrown her over his shoulder. He held onto her feet so she wouldn't kick him, but her hands beat against his neck.
Matt walked out the door with Sora still struggling, and Mr. Fujiyama faced the group of laughing adults. "I take it they don't get along that well…"
"Ishida, put me down!"
He winced. I'm going to have a lot of bruises tomorrow. "This is the only way to get you there."
She fumed and kept beating him. Her eyes flashed around, and she saw no one to save her. Finally, as Matt began ascending the flight of stairs, Sora got an idea. "RAPE!"
The blonde's eyes widened before he let out a chuckle. "There's no one around to hear you, Takenouchi."
"I don't care! RAPE!"
He rolled his eyes and stopped walking. "If I put you down, will you stop screaming?"
"I thought you said no one could hear me?" she answered slyly.
"They can't," Matt grinned, managing to infuriate her even more, "but you're giving me a killer headache. If I put you down, do you promise you won't run?"
She sighed. "Yes, daddy. I won't run away. Even though a big scary blond man is standing by me."
He lowered her to the ground but caught her hand in his. "I'm not taking the chance."
"Matt," she said, hoping she could butter him up, "I'm not going to leave. This is part of my job, and I guess I knew I was going to have to do that."
"Had you said that ten minutes ago, I wouldn't have had to carry you out of the office."
"You are so arrogant and full of yourself!"
"You are so stubborn!"
Matt pulled on her hand and led her up the set up steps. Neither of them said a word as they climbed the last set of stairs. The corridor ended, and the two approached the lone door. Matt knocked once before opening it and leading Sora in.
"Welcome! Welcome! Mr. Ishida, I assume? And is this…why Ms. Takenouchi, they told me to expect a challenge!" he gave a hearty laugh. "From the look of things, I'd say it's not going to be that hard."
Sora blushed, causing Matt to laugh. "I've already told her that, but she did not believe me or react that way." Sora's face turned a brighter shade of red. "I'm going to warn you in advance, she has a very stubborn attitude."
The man smiled. "I'll take that into account. Where are my manners? Please call me Gennai."
"I'm Sora Takenouchi."
"Actually for the next two weeks you are Sora Lynn Rodgers. You're going to have to start going by it, like it or not. In less than two hours you will be Sora Lynn Rodgers."
"She'll be ready." Gennai announced. "Biyo, Gabu, would you come here please?"
Gennai motioned for two of his workers, and Matt faced the girl. "Please be on your best behavior."
"When am I not?" she answered innocently.
"Anytime I'm around." He responded.
She smirked. "Well, you're a special case." He drives me crazy, but I can't stop provoking him. What's wrong with me?
Damn, I love that wit of hers. How does she do this to me? Two individuals walked over to them. One was a man with blue hair and wolf-like features while the other was a woman with pink hair and a birdlike appearance. "Please take Sora Lynn over there and get started."
Sora went to follow but then realized her hand was still interlocked with Matt's. They both pulled apart and did their best to conceal their slight blushes.
Matt and Gennai watched them exit before the older man offered Matt a clothes bag. "You requested this."
"Yes, thank you for doing this, and good luck."
"Thank you as well, Mr. Ishida. Come back in an hour and a half. She'll be ready…"
"So why exactly are you dressed like a penguin?"
Matt rolled his eyes at T.K. "It's part of my job. You didn't think I made it into the FBI by sitting behind a desk, crunching numbers all day, right? Even though I'm head of the operation, I'm still very much involved." He paused. "T.K., I want you and Kari to consider what I offered."
"We will, Matt, and we'll let you know very soon. It's a big offer."
"Very much so. But you do know you're sworn to secrecy. Tai, Sora, and the others can't know."
"Of course, we both understand completely. And if they ask what we were talking about just now, we'll say it was our relationship."
Matt smiled. "You two would be great for this. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have places to go."
"Going to go play Prince Charming and sweep Sora off her feet again?" T.K. asked innocently.
The older blond had a good laugh. "Two things, Teeks; Takenouchi doesn't think of me as prince material or charming."
I think your wrong, Matt. "But she doesn't think you're a bad guy," he grinned at his brother, "and she's single."
He's trying to set us up. "And how would you know that?"
"I asked her."
Matt snickered. "One woman's not enough?"
"MATT!" T.K. exclaimed exasperatedly. "I was referring to you! Ask her out!"
"…"
"Come on, Matt. You've got a gorgeous, independent, intelligent woman right in front of you. Go for it! You can't deny she's not hot."
Chuckling again, Matt ruffled his brother's hair and headed for the door, "Of course she's gorgeous. I'll see you later dork."
"You never answered my question!" T.K. called out as Matt shut the door. "And I call him my brother…"
Matt adjusted his tux and placed the top hat on his head, concealing all his blond hair. I can't believe I have to wear this ridiculous hat! I guess it's part of the act. He walked briskly to Gennai's corridor, knocked when he reached the room, and went inside.
The room was alive, and Agent Ishida couldn't believe Gennai had so many assistants. They were all dressed in long white robes that had names on the back. Biyo? Gabu? Agu? Tento? Where the hell did these people get their names?
Matt saw a lone figure sitting in a chair. She was wearing a yellow sundress and white strappy sandals. The dress showed off her tanned, athletic body, and Matt couldn't keep himself from looking her over. If he hadn't known who it was, the hair was a dead giveaway. Red waves cascaded down her back.
Sora turned around when she heard a whistle. "Not bad at all, Takenouchi."
"It's Sora Lynn Rodgers to you, Ishida." She smirked and looked at his outfit. And that's not bad at all either.
Matt fumbled for something in his pocket, and as she stood up, he walked behind her pretending to look over her outfit. "Glad to see you're playing the part."
"Ishida, what are you doing?" she gasped as his arms encircled her figure and moved up to her neck. The man hooked something around it and let his hands linger against her smooth skin before standing back to admire her.
"This necklace will serve as a microphone. We all have one and can stay in communication. You should also be able to hear us through it. Izzy somehow figured it out."
"It's so beautiful." Sora gazed at the red heart.
"I always thought I had good taste in picking things out. I chose a different one for everyone." Matt replied, showing an odd shaped circle with two spikes jutting out from it.
"Matt, glad to see you. Fantastic!" Gennai came back. "She has learned everything she needs to know for today, but we have quite a lot of work to do."
"I expected no less." The blond answered. Sora gazed around the room.
"Gennai, you said I'd have an escort. Do you know where…"
Matt took her hand and kissed it lightly. "You don't want to be late, Miss New York." He gestured to her sash and grinned as a faint blush found her cheeks. It's not easy to get her to blush, but it only adds to her appearance.
"You've got to be kidding me."
The agent shook his head. "Did you not think I would be involved in this mission?"
She sighed and headed towards the door. "Remember everything we went over." Gennai called as Matt followed her out the door.
"What are you doing now, Ishida?" she asked for the third time that day after he linked his arm through hers.
"Didn't Gennai explain the proper way to walk with your escort? And since I was assigned to Miss New York…"
Sora rolled her eyes. "I can't wait till this mission is over. Then I won't have to put up with you."
"You know you'll miss me," Matt answered haughtily. "Okay, I'll be in Mr. Fujiyama's office with the others listening in. The room has already been bugged. If you need anything, just touch your necklace and speak. The response you hear will be loud enough for only you to hear."
"As they approached the main doors, Matt stood up straighter and looked more dignified. Sora raised an eyebrow. "I'm just playing up to the escort's part." He mumbled through the side of his mouth. "I excelled in drama, speech, and acting in school. This probably won't be the last time you see me act, and I'll probably appear in places where you least expect me."
They walked into the large room, and the girl couldn't believe all the people inside. "Where do I sit?"
"Relax, act natural, and follow my lead." Agent Ishida soothed, as if knowing her nerves were taking over.
"Miss New York, welcome!" Mr. Fujiyama greeted, like he had never seen her before. "You're seated at table seven."
"Thank you, M…sir." Sora smiled, and Matt directed her away. "God, that was close."
"You'll be fine. Remember, if you need anything at all, let me know." They arrived at the table, and the man let Sora off. "Here you are, Miss New York."
"Thank you, sir." Matt nodded and headed off.
"We were starting to wonder if you'd show up." Miss Texas said.
The girl next to her giggled. "Ignore her, she gets a bit impatient. I'm Miss Mississippi, Mimi Tachikawa."
"It's nice to meet you, I'm Miss New York, Sora Lynn Rodgers." So far, so good.
"I'm Yolei Inoue, Miss Massachusetts."
"My name's Catherine. I'm Miss Georgia."
"Hello, I'm Miss Minnesota. Call me Gwen."
"And I'm Jun Motomiya, Miss Texas."
I wonder if she's related to that Davis dude. Sora didn't get a chance to ask as Mr. Fujiyama came up to the stage.
"Good morning, ladies! It's time to kickoff the Miss America Pageant!"
Cheers echoed around Sora, and she clapped as well. Here we go…
A/N: Please review! My friend's been talking nonstop about this Miss Petite Preteen pageant she was in along time ago, and after it completely annoyed me, I decided I was in a beauty pageant kind of mood! Lol! And about the states each girl represents: I randomly picked them out…I swear! Lol! Sadly, my state was not listed nor did I choose it as one of the top 10 states for later! Lol! Oh well, hope you liked it and please review!