Thank you all for the positive feedback on the first chapter. I also want to apologize for all the mistakes. When I was finishing up I was being rushed off the computer, so I was not able to catch all the mistakes.
Oh and I just want to add that I'm only strict on the pairing of Takari. The others I will mix and match. For example, I lean more towards Taiora, but I think she is cute with Matt too. I write for both pairings. Mimi, well I just about pair her with everyone except TK. I will write One-Shots as side jobs so if anyone as any ideas I would be honored to bring them to life.
Okay, I will stop blabbering and get on with the next chapter.
"Hey, Kari?" My head snapped up and whipped to TK. His cerulean eyes watched me carefully. I could see them looking over my face to tell my expression. Hopefully, I still had control and I looked stoic, but knowing my luck I most likely looked terrified. I hummed in response, not trusting my words to form right. He continued to stare for several seconds before continuing. "Are you alright?"
My mind went blank. If anyone knew me better than Tai it was TK. I knew this question was just to see if I would lie about it. I wanted to lie and tell him that there was nothing to worry about, but I don't know if it would be to calm him or me.
Ever since the bell rang to start class, my nightmare replayed over and over again. I could still see the vivid image of everyone dear to me look so beaten. Then, a voice would remind me, with a disgusting wicked chuckle, that TK was already dead.
My hope was gone.
Then again, I knew that if I lied, TK would know instantly and would bug me constantly. That would lead me to break down and seek comfort in his arms. I know he would let me. TK was caring like that. But if something ever happened to him, because they were trying to pull at my weaknesses, I would never forgive myself. I had to keep my distance from everyone I loved dearly. It was the only way to keep them safe.
Sighing heavily, I ran my hand down my face.
"I didn't sleep much last night. I'm so exhausted my head is starting to pound." I didn't lie. By the look TK gave me, he knew I didn't . He also knew I was keeping something from him as well, though. Sometimes I cursed the fact that we were so close. It made things so difficult sometimes.
"Was it the Dark Ocean again?" I knew he was referring to my old nightmares. He had a look of rejection on his face as he asked. When I had these old nightmares, I would call TK instantly. No matter at what hour, he answered after three rings. I believe that's how I got over them so fast. I knew with Tai only a room away, and TK only a call away: I was safe.
I smiled softly before placing my hands on one of his. He gazed up to me with sad blue eyes.
"You know I would've called you last night if that was the case." Also not another lie. "I was just restless last night. I couldn't get comfortable enough to fall asleep." Maybe this one was sort of a lie, but I couldn't tell him why. He would worry too much and somehow talk Tai into him staying the night, so they could check on me through the night.
His eyes searched my face again. I knew he wasn't satisfied. He could tell that I was still holding something back. I prayed on the digital universe that he would let it fall. Thankfully, he did, but not after a heavy look of skepticism.
"You know, you don't have to be having a nightmare to call me. When you can't sleep you can call me to." He said after a moment. I smiled brightly at him. Sometimes he was too sweet. I don't know what I would do without him.
"You have to get your sleep too, TK." He smiled back at me. I swear the room got just a tad bit brighter. I could feel the warmth that I had in my dream by the woman's voice wrap around me when he squeezed my hand.
"You're worth sleepless nights." He stated. I could feel my cheeks start to burn. My hands felt like they were shaking in his. "Besides, I wake up anyway because of Patamon's snoring." He chuckled. I laughed as well knowing the big issue.
Let's just say, Gatomon found more uses with her pillow that night. It was a hassle washing the slobber off it the next day.
"I might just take you on that, but beware I tried to warn you." TK laughed.
Soon, class was nearing its last five minutes. Our teacher was using this time to talk about a homework assignment and upcoming projects. I didn't really pay attention after that. My mind kept drifting off to a blank thought. My eyes traveled across the room. I almost laughed when I saw Davis quietly snoring to my right.
Finally, the bell rang. I stood and reached for my things. Davis had jumped awake and ran to the door with full energy. Honestly, I have no idea how he does that. TK was trying to hurry as fast as he could to match Davis' speed. In a matter of seconds, both were out the homeroom door.
I took my time leaving. This was my free period, so I usually went outside and took pictures of birds or flowers on the school ground. Since, It was nearing testing week though, I decided to use my time at the library and study. A group of girl, who also had free period, were talking behind me.
From small details, I knew they were talking about Davis, Ken, and TK. As much of a doofus Davis was, he had many admiring girls wanting his attention. TK was popular for his charm and his good looks. Ken never lost his popularity from before. In the lower class, I knew girls who spoke highly of Cody as well.
"Kari! Wait up!" I turned around and let the group of girls pass me. Running from down the hall, Yolie caught up to me fairly quick. She gave me a bright smile as she greeted me. "Good, I thought you didn't hear me." I laughed.
"Good Morning, Yolie. How was computer class?" I asked as we continued to walk.
"Great! Izzy came in and helped some of the transfers. It was nice having someone in there that was good with computers as I am. Are we still having the picnic later?" I nodded. "Great! I will stop by my store later and pick up some food."
"Tai said our mom was making sandwiches." I told her. Our conversation trailed from there. We talked mostly about how excited we were to go to the DigiWorld after so long. Since school started up again about two months ago, we all found it hard to make time to go there. Our Digimon often went without us to regain needed energy.
We all decided to go there after school today, because it was rare moment when all of us were free. Even Joe didn't have any testing. It would be nice seeing Ol' Reliable again after a couple weeks. Even Mimi was back. Our group would be reunited once again under more relaxing times.
Pure bliss.
Yolie and I parted ways when I reached the library. She was heading to her chemistry class to work on an experiment for the upcoming fair. Hopefully, this one wouldn't blow up.
The library was pretty much empty. The librarian sat behind her desk reading a romance novel like she usually does. Other than me, two girls were there talking quietly to one another. Finally, there were three boys sitting at the tables with battle cards. Every once in a while the librarian would shush them.
As I got closer to the desk, Miss Shoka- the librarian- looked up from her book. She smiled sweetly at me. Her pale green eyes sparkled with joy upon my arrival. I had a nice bond with Miss Shoka after she started her job last year. She was young and very pretty, but was quiet to most. She pretty much stayed to herself unless provoked to venture.
I noticed how nervous she was last year when she had started, so I broke the ice with her asking what made her come here as a librarian. She had answered that she had a love for children and books so it just seemed reasonable.
"Good Morning, Kari. How are you today?" I nodded my approval as I lifted up my check in card. She scanned it as I answered.
"Pretty good. I just need to get some studying in today. How's your book coming along?" This question brought a light bending smile to her face.
"Oh fantastic. This author is so detailed on her outlook of love. It makes my heart ache." I giggles at her answer. I walked to one of the vacant tables and set down my bag. It was then I ventured to the back of the library and grabbed a book to help my research.
"Child of light…"
I jumped at the sound of the voice. Swiftly I turned around and glanced around the library. Everyone was still in their original places. A feeling of panic entered my body as I recognized the voice from my dream.
"No need to be afraid… I have not come to harm you or your loved ones… I only seek help…"
Her voice was gentle and laced with distraught. My heart clenched with grief and my eyes started to sting with tears. I felt sadness rake through my being. I hadn't noticed I was backing up, until my back hit the wall. In agony I slid down trying to cover my ears.
So much pain was going through me. However, it was distant. It was as if it wasn't really there. Almost like it wasn't even my own.
"My land has been taken over by a witch… She calls herself Gehenna… My people fought hard, but couldn't last against her dark powers… Only the one who bears unlimited light can stop her… Please sweet Child of Light… Help us…"
After that the pain had become unbearable. My entire body had succumbed to the pain. I screamed at the top of my lungs, begging for it to stop. Tears ran down my faces. My hands had ventured away from my ears and into my hair, pulling mercilessly.
I could hear faint callings from voices around. I couldn't quite make them out or tell who it was coming from. Then without warning I was lifted off the ground. My eyes snapped open. Blurry figures were over me.
I tried to calm myself. An inner voice spoke nothing but soothing words, but it couldn't overtake the agony. I could feel a dagger slicing at my body and finally piercing my skin. The heat of fire was all around me. Burning me severely with every touch. Then it felt as if a rope had found itself around my neck, making it impossible to breathe.
I couldn't take anymore. Soon, I lost control and everything went black.
The sound of beeping had my conscience focusing to wake up. It grabbed a hold of the steady sound and helped me open my eyes. I groaned in pain. My throat was sore. My head was pounding. As I lifted my arm to wipe my eyes, I felt something restricting me.
I looked beside me and saw an IV pole attached to my forearm with a clear tube. On my finger was a censor to record my pulse. I looked to my other side and saw the heart-rate machine which had the sound hat brought me too.
Panic coursed through me, but I found no energy to move. My body felt heavy. My eyes were like bricks. Only relief was when I closed them.
"Oh, Kari!" I heard a small voice. Weight shift the mattress under me. I looked over and saw the familiar blue eyes of my partner. In her deep pools swam relief and worry. Her tail twitched behind her. Something that she would only do when she was scared.
"Gatomon? Where am I?"
"The emergency section of the school infirmary." She answered. Her paw landed gently on my forehead. She caressed it sweetly. "I was so worried when I saw you being carried out of the library." She said. "You were screaming from so much pain." Tears sprung in her eyes. I instantly grabbed her, ignoring the ache in my body.
I pulled her close to me, feeling my own tears come up. Her tail wrapped itself around my waist. Her small body shook in my embrace.
"Kari!" The panicked voice of my brother shouted. The door flew open as he ran in. Following close behind was TK and Matt. Tai Instantly grabbed me in a tight hug. His body was shaking too. I looked behind him and saw the unbearable concern in both blondes. "I was so worried after they said you were in here. What happened?"
I was speechless at this question. How could I tell him what happened when I had no clue myself?
"I have no idea. It just hit me. I tried to be strong, but it was too much. I'm sorry Tai. "I wept into his hold. His hand rubbed my back soothingly.
"Shh. You have nothing to be sorry about. I'm your brother. I'm the one who is sorry. I should be able to protect you better."
My throat had constricted tightly to where I couldn't mutter a single word. I was thankful when I heard Matt speak the words I wanted to.
"It's not your fault either Tai." He spoke gently, putting a hand on Tai's shoulder. "The nurse said it was all internally. You can't fight her demons." His gaze than locked on mine. "Only she can. Kari, only you have the power to overcome this, and you know it."
His words were strict, but I could hear the raw emotion of worry. It took a keen sense of just knowing who Matt was. He was like another big brother to me and he never failed to prove himself just as reliable as Tai.
"You won't be alone, though." TK's voice came from the other side of me. It was soft and shook slightly in fear. He sat on the bed, close to Gatomon. "You'll never have to fight it alone. We are all right by your side. No matter what." Even though his voice was shaking, his words were sturdy.
And with that, I cried even harder. I can't lose them. They're the only reason I am strong enough to face the days. I don't care how powerful this witch claim to be. She would not hurt my friends.
I just wished I believed in myself more.
And there's chapter two. I apologize for starting out slow, but I am trying to build it up. So far I am proud.
Side note: Gehenna is Late Latin for "A place or state of misery, or hell" I thought the name would be fitting for this character as you will see in future chapters.
