063 – Dark
Even before the digital world, Takeru was afraid of the dark. It wasn't all out terror, wasn't a hysterical child crawling into mummy's bed. Just a tad of anxiety, a quickened heart rate, a sharp intake of breath.
He didn't tell anyone, even though many had their suspicions, and maybe that's why he never grew out of it. Never had anyone talk the fear out of him, never had anyone comfort him, or chase away the monsters stalking in the shadows.
So when he moved out of home, moved into his new one, he thought that maybe that was that. Maybe this anxiety wouldn't follow him. He was wrong.
He wakes with a start, all quaking body under the thin blankets. His heart pounding viciously in his chest. The alarm clock flashes 2:15 am.
Very early. Very dark.
A thousand memories are hitting him full-force, wall after claustrophobic wall circling him, forbidding escape.
The raucous voices of fighting parents fill his ears, Angemon's death flickering across the back of his eyelids. His breathing has quickened, sweat drips down his forehead.
Every ounce of him is aching, and maybe if he could stand up, if he could get out of bed and take the five and a half steps to the light switch, then it could all be over.
Only that would wake Daisuke up.
Daisuke.
Beside him, said boy lets out a particularly loud snort, rolls onto his side, and wraps a tanned arm around Takeru's pale body.
Ah.
Next up: 064 - Glimmer