Disclaimer: I don't own Digimon.

A/N: I've finally got another chapter out. Not a whole lot going on in this one. I'm basically just setting things up for what's to come in a couple chapters. Because of that it's a bit of a short one again, but I'll make up for that in future chapters. Another update for Trinity will come next. Enjoy!

Following the Footsteps of Destiny

Chapter 291: Hidden Feelings

Takara 'Kara' Kamiya

Odaiba, Japan, Earth

Takara sat at one of the lunchroom tables with four of her female friends, and staring down at her tray of practically untouched food, she allowed her thoughts to wander back to earlier in the morning.

She couldn't deny the fact that it made her feel guilty to know how much her male friends were worrying about her, but no matter how hard she tried to put on a brave face, she was unable to completely mask the conflicting emotions that were swirling around like a hurricane deep inside her chest.

Although on the surface it didn't look as if there were any major issues with her team of Digidestined, that didn't mean those issues didn't still exist, and that also didn't mean she was free from having any issues of her own.

No matter how close they seemed, she knew there was still a rift that existed between Mickey and Matty, but even if she tried to address the sense of distance emanating from both twins, she was certain there was nothing she could say or do that would help solve the situation before it ended up becoming dangerous.

How could she when she couldn't even solve her own issues first?

The barely perceptible rift she had recently created between herself and Dai was just one example of the many issues currently plaguing her thoughts, and unable to fix even her own mistakes, there was just no way she could trust herself to help fix the mistakes of others. She simply wasn't responsible enough for that, at least not in her current state, and that was a problem.

A major problem.

At the end of the day, she was useless to help even herself, and because of that she had recently lost all faith in her ability as a Digidestined. While everyone else was growing stronger, she felt like she was still stuck somewhere at the beginning of their journey, and though she couldn't explain it, there was a part of her that was convinced her inability to grow stronger would prove disastrous not only for herself but also for those she cared deeply for.

I'm sorry, Fluttermon. You deserve to know, and yet I haven't even been able to tell you, the one person, digimon or human, who knows me better than anyone else. The one sent to protect me, who in turn I'm supposed to care for and help grow stronger. I've failed you just as much as I've failed the others lately. You deserve a better partner than me...

Due to her lack of confidence over the last few weeks, she had done everything she could to make herself somewhat useful, and that was why she had spent so much time thinking hard about what was really going on in the Digital World, and that was also why she was trying her best to come up with a logical theory about what they were truly up against.

If she could do that much, then maybe it would give them an edge and they could avoid at least some of the danger that awaited them in the Digital World. At least, that's what she was hoping. After all, the more they knew, the less chance there would be that Mickey and Matty would have to suffer so much, since they were the only two left, other than herself, who still needed to find their Spirit Chips.

And maybe if I can help them even just a little bit, that will give me the confidence to say something to Dai...

Of course, there was still the issue with her own Spirit Chip, but she didn't want to think about that right now.

I don't know if I can handle that just yet. I'm already battling enough demons as it is...

"Takara Kamiya, are you even listening to me?" Megumi demanded, raising her golden eyebrows.

Takara gave a start, and looking up at the pretty blonde who sat across the table from her, she felt her cheeks turn bright pink. Although she had known Megumi for quite a long time, it was only fairly recently that they had become close friends, and a lot of that was due to the fact that the other girl had not only recognized her feelings for Dai and confronted her about it, the blonde had also treated her with warmth and respect, which other girls in the same situation might not have done. Megumi, who had also shown an interest in the goggle-headed leader earlier, had not only backed down and conceded defeat without a fight, she had done so with an air of grace and dignity that matched the beauty of her delicate appearance. With Megumi's obvious blessing, indicating there were no hard feelings between them, the two had quickly become close friends, and ever since then the blonde had been making subtle hints about her getting together with Dai.

I wish...

The other three girls at the table were also staring at her, and realizing she hadn't heard a single word any of them had said, she blushed again and mumbled, "I'm sorry, were you saying something?"

Megumi rolled her eyes, and giving her a knowing smile, the golden-haired girl said, "You were thinking about Dai, weren't you."

Takara felt the blush on her cheeks grow even darker, and quickly shaking her head, she said quickly, "No! Not...exactly. I mean, I wasn't thinking just about him."

"Is something wrong, Kara?" Airi asked, her deep brown eyes filling with concern.

The brunette was sitting across the table from her next to Megumi, but unlike the blonde female, Airi was one of her teammates on the girls' soccer team.

On her left sat another member of the soccer team named Fumika, who had grey eyes and impressive dark-green hair, and while Airi was newer to the team, Fumika had been with her since they first tried out together years ago, and both of them had made the cut.

At the end of the table sat Kiko, whose red hair, green eyes, glasses, and pale skin made her look dainty and fragile, and like Megumi, the petite girl did not play on the girl's soccer team. Takara had met Kiko when she was about seven and the other girl's family had moved in down the street from her, and having gone over with her mother to introduce herself, the two of them had become fast friends.

Although she did have quite a few more female friends, the four girls sitting at the table with her were the ones who had been so insistent about spending time with her at lunch, and currently all of them were staring at her with worry in their eyes.

Exchanging a look with Fumika, Kiko said slowly, "Does this have something to do with Dai?"

Takara was startled by the sudden change in subject, and putting her face in her hands, she let out a sigh and moaned, "It really is that obvious, isn't it."

"I did warn you," Megumi replied, letting out a soft laugh.

"And no, she didn't tell us," Airi interrupted, her tone brisk and to the point. "We were able to figure that much out ourselves. Kind of hard not to with the way you look at him."

"What's up?" Fumika asked, reaching out to place a hand on her shoulder. "You know you can tell us. We're always here to listen."

"No offense, Kara, but you really haven't been acting like yourself lately and we want to help if we can," Airi insisted.

Takara slowly pulled her hands away from her face, and staring miserably at the table, she said, "It's not just about Dai."

"Are you worrying about your dad again?" Kiko asked, looking suddenly alarmed. "Is he okay? I know his job sometimes scares you..."

"He's fine. That's not it."

"What about the rest of your family?" Fumika gasped. "There's nothing wrong with them, is there?"

"No, they're perfectly fine. That's not it either."

At least not all of it...

Although it was a lie, Takara wasn't quite ready to bring everything out in the open just yet, but despite the fact that she hadn't actually said much, she was surprised by how much they seemed to already know what was going on inside her head. She hadn't realized they were able to read her that easily, and realizing just how close they were coming to the truth, she knew she was going to have to be careful about what she said. There was only so much she could take at the moment, and because of that she needed a bit more time to get her thoughts together before she could reveal her true feelings to her female friends.

How can I tell them now when I can't even work up the courage to tell my whole family or the friends who have been with me since the beginning?

"It has to be one of those things," Airi said, refusing to believe her words. "Dai, your family, or your friends. Those are the only things that could get you this worked up."

"It's your friends then?" Kiko asked, looking surprised. "Something to do with Ryoko? Sam? Maybe the twins?"

"Cool it, girls. Give her some space," Megumi scolded, her blue eyes and blond curls sparkling under the lights. "Can't you see she's upset?"

"But we want to help!" Fumika protested.

"Of course we do, but we don't want to scare her off either," the blonde said dryly, looking amused. "These things take a little time."

Airi crossed her arms over her chest, and shaking her head, the brunette said, "Well, you seem to know what's best. Go on then."

Takara could feel the others all watching her again, and attempting to catch her eye, Megumi said gently, "I can tell you have a lot on your mind right now, but why don't we start with the most obvious issue. How are things going with Dai lately? I've seen the way he's looked at you in class lately."

Huh?

Takara quickly leaned forward in her seat, and staring at the blonde female in surprise, she said, "Dai's been looking at me?"

"Oh, definitely," Kiko spoke up, nodding her head for emphasis. "I've noticed it, too. We all have."

"Really. What...what kind of looks?"

"He looks worried," Megumi said bluntly, tugging thoughtfully on a stray golden curl. "We thought maybe something might have happened between you guys."

"Just one of the reasons why we wanted to get together with you for lunch today," Airi joked. "Come on, give us the scoop."

"Did you tell him how you feel about him?" Fumika gasped, her eyes growing wide in anticipation.

Takara quickly shook her head, and wishing it didn't feel like her whole face was on fire, she said quietly, "No, I haven't."

"Why not?" Megumi asked gently, reaching across the table to give her hand a sympathetic squeeze.

"It's not...that simple."

"But, Kara...it's kind of obvious he feels the same way," Fumika insisted. "And you can't tell me Ryoko and the others haven't pretty much told you the same thing. I know they have. For boys, they're pretty smart about stuff like that."

Takara had no choice but to nod in agreement, and putting her face in her hands again, she mumbled, "I won't deny they seem to agree with you guys, even if not all of them have been quite as vocal about it, but..."

"So what's holding you back?" Kiko asked, frowning in confusion.

Takara hesitated for a moment, and shrugging her shoulders, she said, "Sometimes when we're together it definitely feels like we're on the same page, and other times...I don't know, it doesn't seem like he notices me at all. Or maybe...maybe it's like he can't really decide if he feels something for me or not."

"Or maybe he just can't decide whether he should tell you or not," Airi said wisely, giving her a knowing look. "Did you ever think about that?"

Takara was shocked to find that she hadn't, and feeling a sudden small spark of hope inside her chest, she said, "Really?"

"Think about it, Kara," Megumi interrupted, lowering her voice as she leaned across the table in confidence. "You and Dai have been friends for a very long time, which makes things a bit more complicated. I know part of the reason you haven't said anything to him is because you're worried about how it will affect your friendship, but did you ever stop to think he might feel the same? Maybe he hasn't said anything to you because he's worried that it'll change things between you guys, and he's afraid you'll grow distant from him or reject him."

"He might think you'll say no, which has the potential to ruin your friendship," Fumika added. "And even if you did say yes, that could also affect the friendship as well, good or bad. With so many unknown factors involved, that could be why he hasn't said anything just as you haven't said anything to him."

"You have a lot to lose, just like he does," Kiko said softly, pausing for a moment to adjust her glasses. "And it could be a simple matter of both of you allowing your fears to get in the way of your true feelings."

"So in other words, he's afraid that if he does say something, he might lose you for good," Megumi finished, her words solemn.

Takara nodded, and leaning back in her chair, she stared at her hands for a moment, uncertain of what to do. It was true she was allowing her fears to hold her back, but could that possibly be true for Dai, as well?

She had never thought of it like that before, mostly because Dai always seemed so brave, but even the goggle-headed leader had to have his limits.

Normally he never hesitates to speak his mind about anything, but when it comes to me...am I different somehow? Are the stakes somehow higher with me and that's why he can't bring himself to say anything?

If that were true, then that would mean he must feel something extra special for her. Why else would he hesitate? If Dai sincerely believed he was risking a lot to reveal his true feelings to her, it would change everything between them, and realizing that she suddenly felt warm inside. If she was the only thing that could test Dai's bravery then that had to mean something, right?

"Listen, Kara," Megumi suddenly said, interrupting her thoughts. "I know it's hard, but you can't wait for Dai to speak up first. If you do, it might be too late."

"He is a guy, after all," Airi commented, smiling slightly. "Sometimes they're pretty clueless when it comes to romance. If you want to get things moving you're going to have to get the ball rolling yourself."

"Granted, Dai and your other guy friends are a little more observant than other boys, but you don't want to take any chances," Fumika added.

"You'll regret it if you don't," Kiko warned, giving her a serious look.

Airi was quick to nod in agreement, and exchanging a look with Megumi, the brunette said, "'You can't let an awesome guy like Dai slip away from you that easily."

Takara knew they were right, and not quite sure how to respond to that, she whispered, "Thanks, guys."

"Promise us you'll try?" Fumika asked, watching her closely.

Takara took a deep breath, and nodding quietly, she said, "I'll try."

"Good," Megumi said boldly, glancing up at the clock. "Looks like our lunch break is almost over. Come on, Kara, I'll go with you to your locker. We'll see the rest of you guys in class."

"Don't be late or Mrs. Hanari will let you have it," Airi joked, grinning at them before getting up from her seat.

The brunette quickly left with Kiko and Fumika, and getting up from her seat, Takara slowly followed Megumi out of the lunch room.

They reached her locker in silence, and as Takara moved to open her lock, Megumi put a hand on her shoulder and said quietly, "I had a feeling you weren't ready to say a lot in front of a big crowd quite yet, but do you think you could talk to just me?"

Takara let out a soft sigh, and hesitating for only a brief moment, she finally looked at her female friend and said, "Has there ever been a time in your life when you've felt so helpless you just don't know what to do with yourself?"

Megumi was quiet for a moment, and leaning back against the locker that stood next to hers, the blonde said, "I think...we've all probably felt that way at some point in our lives, and no doubt we'll experience it even more as we get older."

It was true. Even now Kara had to look only as far as her own friends and her parents' generation to realize they had all felt that way at some point, so why was she struggling so hard with her own feelings?

When even someone as introverted as Ryoko or his father could manage to get their feelings out into the open, then what did that say about her?

It's not so easy to put things in perspective when you haven't had to struggle your whole life.

"Is that was the problem is?" Megumi asked quietly, studying her closely. "Is that how you're feeling right now?"

Takara nodded slowly, and pulling what she needed out of her locker, she said, "Partly. The truth is, I'm just not really sure how I'm feeling, and that's part of the problem."

Megumi looked like she was thinking carefully over her words, and watching the other girl, Takara felt a spark of affection inside her heart. It was obvious Megumi truly wanted to help her, and as much as she loved her male friends, it was nice to get a different perspective on things.

Perhaps talking to someone who wasn't so involved in her current situation, or anything regarding the Digital World, might give her the insight she was hoping for. Just something that would set her down the path of enlightenment.

"You know, Kara, it's so obvious you care a lot about everyone around you, and I sometimes don't wonder if maybe that's part of your problem," Megumi said, smiling slightly.

Takara frowned, and not quite sure what to make of the blonde's words, she said, "What do you mean?"

"Maybe part of the issue is that sometimes you care too much."

"Huh?"

"About other people," Megumi explained, once again looking amused. "You care so much that sometimes you're not always sure how to express it. Because of that, you don't say anything at all, and then all of those feelings sort of stay jumbled up inside you."

Takara glanced down at her boots, and reflecting on the blonde's assessment of her feelings, she hesitated a moment before saying, "Does that mean there's something wrong with me?"

Megumi laughed, and pulling her into a warm hug, the blonde said, "No, there's nothing wrong with you, but if you let those feelings stay jumbled up inside of you then nothing's ever going to change. If you want results you're going to have to let your feelings out, no matter who's involved."

Takara sighed, and letting her head rest on Megumi's shoulder, she said, "Easier said than done. It's not that I don't want to say anything, I just don't know how to say it."

"Well, you better figure out how before it starts to eat away at you," Megumi warned. "If you let your tangled emotions fester too long that's when you start to grow bitter and resentful, and you don't want that to happen, do you?"

Takara quickly shook her head, and hugging the other girl close, she whispered, "Of course not."

"Then you know what you have to do, and judging by the look of you, sooner would probably be better rather than later."

"Why would you say that?"

"It's obvious you haven't been sleeping well, and you don't look so good. I'm worried those feelings of anger, uncertainty, fear, hurt, bitterness, resentment, and even love are already starting to mess with your mind, and if that's true then that's not a good thing."

Takara slowly opened her eyes, and unwilling to pull away just yet, she said, "How so?"

"Because when you allow those feelings to overwhelm you, that's when your friends become your enemies and you feel like everyone you care about is against you. That's when you start to tell yourself they exist somewhere far away from you, and no matter what you do, you can't seem to reach them."

Because you've fallen so far, there's no way to climb back out again without some help. It's just another way of saying you've allowed the darkness in your heart to swallow all the light inside you...

Takara shivered, and sensing Megumi's attention had shifted to something over her shoulder, she turned just in time to see Dai, Ryoko, Sam, Mickey, and Matty hurrying past them in the hallway.

The boys must have just come from the computer room, and though she could tell they had instantly spotted her, none of them attempted to engage her in conversation.

Instead, the boys moved past her without comment, their eyes filled with obvious worry, and though she was sure they were anxious to talk to her, it was obvious they felt perhaps she would be better off in Megumi's care for the moment, since perhaps the blonde female could get through to her in a way they had been unable to thus far.

Dai's expression had been particularly painful to witness, and feeling a deep sense of love for the goggle-headed leader that almost overwhelmed her, she took a deep breath and said, "I'll try not to let that happen, no matter how hard it is."

"That's good to hear," Megumi replied, her sharp eyes still watching the group of boys as they disappeared around the corner. "I sense there's still more, though. More you're not telling me."

Takara sighed, and refusing to stare at the group of boys herself, she said, "I just...don't want anyone to get hurt."

Because if they do, I'm not sure I'll be able to help them...

Megumi watched her for a moment, and shaking her head, the blonde said confidently, "Somehow I don't think you would let that happen. You're a pretty tough girl, and you're smart on top of it. I don't think anyone can pull something like that on you."

I'm not so sure about that. I don't think I'm particularly smart or wise. Just a love struck fool who can't even tell the guy she loves just how much she cares about him...

Megumi was quick to pick up on her silence, and giving her a friendly shove, the blonde said, "I told you before, or did you not get the hint? I do think Dai honestly likes you. Just go for it. Maybe things might not turn out exactly how you wanted, but you would regret it even more if you didn't try at all. That much I am sure of."

While that was true, Takara still wasn't fully convinced, and turning quickly to close her locker, she said, "I'll think about it."

"You'd better," Megumi scolded, tugging lightly on her arm. "Come on, let's get to class. Mrs. Hanari has been acting awful suspicious of you and your friends lately, and I wouldn't want to be the one responsible for getting you into trouble."

Takara was surprised the other girl had noticed, and realizing Megumi was right, the two of them hurried off down the hall together towards their classroom.

The whole way she couldn't stop thinking about the look on Dai's face, and feeling a stab of pain in her heart from the fear in his eyes, she promised herself she would have to do something to make sure he never had to look at her that way again.