Here's the next chapter. It's full of good old Sakura and Ken fluff! Enjoy!
'Ken?' I spoke softly coming up behind him. He jumped startled. As he turned I realised I'd interrupted his thoughts. I noticed his gaze flickered to the other's who were standing behind me. There was a look of fear that I couldn't understand.
'Hey, sorry, I, was kind of distracted.' He admitted embarrassed as he held out his arms for the de-digivolving Wormmon. I frowned and reached forward wanting to make him see no one blamed him. He stepped back flinching away. 'Sorry.' He muttered turning and running of. I felt my shoulders slump as he left. The other's had been right, he was taking this hard. I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned my head to see Kari smiling at me.
'It'll be all right. He's just got to deal with what he's done. That's going to take time no matter what you do.' She noted sadly. I nodded and turned to face the others.
'Well, let's go knock down some control spires.' I said faking a cheerful tone. There expressions showed that no one was fooled but they didn't comment just nodding and raising their Digivices. Cody climbed on Raidramon while I sat behind Yolei.
'Don't worry Sakura, Ken will work it out and coming running right to you.' Yolei said cheerfully. I smiled and nodded.
'Of course, I just wish he would let me help him.' I admitted. I wasn't loud but it was clear that they all heard.
'Actually, I think I have an idea.' TK said looking at Davis. Davis blinked in surprise as he looked at TK.
'What? I have a feeling this is going to involve me.' He noted sounding reasonably concerned. TK smiled.
'Well, you're the closest to Ken out of all of us, right?' TK confirmed. Davis just nodded clearly confused, like the rest of us. 'Well, then, I want this to surprise Sakura too.' TK said his eyes flickering to me.
'TK, she can see the future. You can't surprise her.' Davis countered instantly. As much as I loved the fact he had so much faith in me that wasn't really true. There were a lot of things I missed.
'Not this, she doesn't see everything and most of it is based on her feelings. Trust me, your going to love this.' TK said with a grin. The rest of us exchanged looks.
'I hope you know what your doing TK.' Kari noted shaking her head. He just laughed as he and Pegasusmon took of into the air. He waved telling us to catch up so we shrugged it off and took off. Guess this was one of those times we would just have to wait and see.
'TK, what are you doing?' I hissed furiously as he dragged me onto the train showing the tickets he'd brought us.
'Going to Tamachi. My cousin lives there and Mum wants me to drop of his present so I thought I'd bring you with me and drop you off at Ken's.' TK noted unrepentant. I sighed and shook my head as he grabbed a pair of seats for us.
'Is this what you were planning with Davis?' I asked groaning. Honestly, what were they thinking? If I wanted to see Ken, okay rephrase, if I was going to see Ken I would go alone. I had the money for my own tickets now thanks to Mira. Both Cody and me received a generous allowance to spend. Cause we were both the save money till you need it types.
'Hm, maybe.' TK noted with a grin. I gave him a look that told him I wasn't fooled but he just ignored it. I sighed again giving in to this crazy idea of theirs.
'Does this have anything to do with Kari, Sora and Yolei dragging me shopping and then insisting I wear the outfit they picked out today?' I demanded giving a self-conscious look at my clothes. I was wearing a tunic top that was a deep but bright red over black skinny jeans and red flats—I had refused to wear heals—it wasn't my usual style at all, far to dressy and showy for my liking. If you wore something like this on the streets you were liable to get it ruined or attract unwanted attention. The Digital World was only slightly better as well. TK chuckled nodding.
'You look nice, Ken won't know what hit him.' He assured me. I blushed and looked down not believing him. I felt silly so I was sure I looked worse. TK gave me a look shaking his head. 'I'm serious, Ken will be lost for words.' He promised with a knowing smile.
'I, I…' Ken's eyes were wide as he looked at me. His jaw had actually fallen open and he looked like a dying man seeing water. I sent a silent thank you to the girls as I saw Wormmon sneak up and bite Ken's leg. 'Ouch!' Ken shouted looking at his partner. Wormmon merely gestured to me and Ken's gaze came back. He blushed and looked at his feet. 'Hey.' He muttered looking rather uncomfortable. I frowned and looked down.
'Hey.' He didn't like it. He hadn't complemented me at all. He was probably only startled by…I felt him pull me into a fierce kiss. I tensed slightly before relaxing into his grasp and kissing him back. My nerve endings were on fire as his hand ran through my hair. His other hand was round my waist holding me close against him. If it wasn't for him I was sure I would of fallen. He let go of my mouth pulling back so we could both breathe. I was panting as I slumped against his chest a content smile on my lips, which tingled from his touch.
'God your beautiful.' He whispered tilting my head up. I blushed and my eyes searched the room for anywhere but his grey eyes, sparkling from excitement, joy and love. 'Sakura, I'm serious. You look stunning.' He promised placing another chaise kiss on my lips. I felt shy but eager grin appear on my face as I looked at him. 'Ken…I love you.' I said softly reaching to touch his cheek. To my surprise he looked down seeming sad. 'Ken?' I asked concerned.
'How? After everything I've done how can you love me? You deserve so much more than, than me.' He noted closing his eyes and taking a shaky breath.
'Ken, it doesn't matter what I deserve, what I want is you. You and you alone, you're the only one.' I told him with a blush. I adverted my eyes but I looked at Wormmon and Lalamon who were pretending to ignore but clearly chanting go get together in their heads. Ken looked at me in shock before smiling slightly.
'Thank you, my angel, my joy, my life, and my love.' He replied before holding me even tighter. I grinned as touched his cheek and kissed him again. This, this was something I could get used too.
'Davis talked to you?' I asked surprised as Ken and I stood waiting to be seated. He nodded glancing at me again even as he kept an eye out for a member of staff. His hand was holding mine in a gentle grasp meant to reassure each other of the other's presence.
'Yeah, he told me to stop making you worry.' Ken admitted sheepishly. I huffed and sent mental glares Davis way. He would so be hearing about this.
'So that's what their plan was.' I noted grimly. Ken gave me a surprised look.
'Plan?' He asked confused. I sighed and nodded.
'Yeah, TK asked Davis about you guys being close, which you could be very easily. I guess that TK had planned to have Davis talk to you while he dragged me here dressed up.' I reasoned chuckling slightly.
'Ah, so TK called the girls in?' He confirmed laughing as well. I nodded leaning closer.
'Yep, they dragged me shopping and had Cody make sure I didn't leave without changing.' I agreed. He released my hand and placed his on my shoulder pulling me a bit closer.
'Hm, I'll have to thank them sometime.' He noted looking me over with a smirk. I blushed so he had to laugh making the blush worse.
'Mr Ichijouji, your table is ready sir.' I looked up startled as I saw a waiter had come over and was doing the traditional welcome bow. Ken smiled and bowed back.
'Thank you, I'm sure we'll have a fine time this evening.' Ken replied straightening. As the waiter lead us to our seats in the posh restaurant I raised my eyebrow slightly in a questioning gesture. He gave me a nod and looked meaningfully at the people who were staring at us. Later, that was what the gesture translated as. Ken, ever the gentleman, held out my chair for me. I gave him a smile as I moved to sit down but I hit my leg making me gasp in shock. While I was able to walk now and out of the cast my leg was still healing so whenever I banged it, it hurt like hell.
'Sakura?' Ken asked startled.
'Miss, are you alright?' The waiter demanded looking almost panicked. I smiled a bit falsely at them; that had really hurt.
'Yes, I just hit my leg.' I assured them. The waiter seemed a bit confused as he looked to Ken.
'She was in an accident a while back, she injured her leg but it's healed now. It's still sensitive mind.' Ken explained with a polite smile. His eyes were still worried as they flickered back to me. The waiter nodded relieved.
'Okay, well I'll be back shortly with your menu's sir. Please look over the drink options and don't hesitate to ask for anything.' The waiter said before bowing and leaving. Ken sighed seeming a bit relieved as he sat across from me. The table was a small two person but it had walls around it making it seem enclosed and personal.
'Even after being missing months I'm still rather famous. I'm still deciding how to handle it.' He admitted leaning on the table with a tired look. I reached forward and put a comforting hand on the back of his head.
'It'll be fine, but what do you want?' I asked him softly. He looked up so he could meet my eyes.
'I want to be good enough to challenge Davis in sports, I want to be smart enough to get the grades I need to make my parent's proud, I want to be strong enough to do my part for the team and I want to be good enough to make sure you and everyone I care about are safe.' He spoke swiftly, as if he was afraid if he paused he wouldn't be able to continue, but honestly, and I could tell the words came from his heart. I was touched that he felt he could share this with me. I was glad that he held us all so highly. I was afraid that we would end up hurting him, but mostly, I was relieved that I would never have to choose between him and my friends again.
'Oh Ken I…' He raised a finger giving me a look as he took a breath.
'And most of all I want to prove myself worthy of your love.' He finished with a grin. I smiled and reached for his hand. He caught mine and pulled it gently so he could kiss it lightly. His eyes burned with a fire I rarely saw in him behind his cool façade. I giggled and looked away biting my lip. He let go of my hand and had a smug smirk on his face. It would have reminded me of the Emperor if not for the kindness behind his eyes.
'Your menu's, Sir, Miss.' we both turned at the same time to see the waiter placing two black files on the table. Ken nodded and picked his up.
'I'll have a coke if you don't mind? Sakura?' He asked looking at me. I frowned. I wasn't used to dinning out at fast food places let alone fancy restaurants. Ken caught my look and winced. 'She'll have a coke too.' He said for me. The waiter nodded seeming a bit startled but left without mentioning it.
'Don't even think about apologising.' I warned as he started to open his mouth. He gave me look but nodded.
'Can I apologise for not thinking ahead and warning you?' He asked repentant. I sighed and shook my head.
'Nope.' I popped the P as I spoke smiling innocently. He narrowed his eyes shaking his head.
'You are a dangerous woman Sakura, a very, very dangerous woman.' Ken noted as he held back a smile. I chuckled pushing some hair behind my ear. I'd almost forgotten what this was like. Just being with Ken without any swords over our heads. 'Sakura?' Ken stood up swiftly looking panicked. I looked at him confused as to his action. Then I fainted.
Darkness. Nothing, there was nothing but the darkness. I was curled up in a ball in the centre of the darkness. I could feel my warmth, the only source here. I could here my heartbeat, the hammering echoing deafeningly off nothing. I could taste my blood as I bit my lip to stop myself trembling. I could smell my fear; there was nothing to conceal it. I could see my pale skin, shinning like a light against the darkness. 'Sakura Tenshi, Guardian of the Crest of Possibility, Beloved of the Guardian of Kindness, you of all people know that destiny cannot be changed. Do you know who I am?' The voice was powerful, regal, but soft and gentle. I raised my head to look in the darkness.
'Yes.' I said softly no uncurling myself.
'This cannot be what you wish…why do you remain?' The voice demanded. It sounded sad. I smiled and closed my eyes, not that it did much.
'I will not change my actions, this, this is a small price to pay.' I whispered raising my head and looking up. In the real, or even digital world, I would be looking at the sky, studying the clouds or stars. Here there wasn't much change to looking straight a head, or behind, or below.
'Would he agree?' The voice asked its tone harsher than before. I let out a forced chuckle shaking my head.
'Probably not, but this time it's my decision.' I reasoned speaking honestly. There was no point in lying anymore. Here there was no one to lie to really. This was the place my actions sent me, actions that I would never change. Despite the fact this place was the one of the worst kinds of torture knowing torture that I would have to endure if I hadn't done those actions was far worse. 'Sakura.' The voice said sorrowfully and I was sure I felt something brush against me in a hug.
'Sakura.' I groaned and opened my eyes to see Ken hovering over me. A paramedic was pricking a needle into my finger and taking some blood. Ken sighed in relief slumping slightly. 'Sakura, you had us worried.' Ken said softly. Us? I looked over his shoulder to see Cody standing with tears threatening. Behind him was the rest of the new team plus Matt, Tai and Sora. They must have followed Ken and me on our date. I winced knowing this was probably going to make them even more protective than normal.
'I'm fine, I just looked a bit far ahead.' I told them hoping they would catch my meaning. They tensed as they looked at each other.
'Sakura, you've never gone that long.' Tai noted carefully. I could tell he was really worried about this.
'Should we call Izzy and Joe?' Davis asked frowning as he looked to Tai for guidance. He might be the leader but that didn't mean he didn't know when he was out of his league, sometimes. Tai shared a look with Matt.
'Matt, call Izzy and Joe but tell them to meet us at the hospital. Also, have them fetch Mrs Hida and Ken's parents while they're at it.' Tai decided after a moment. Matt nodded.
'Right, I have Joe warn his Dad that Sakura's coming. He'll know what to do.' Matt agreed going.
'I'm guessing you're the oldest?' The Paramedic noted looking at Tai. Tai nodded. I wasn't sure whether he was or not but it was easier just to agree.
'Yes sir, I am. Is she going to be okay?' Tai asked concerned. The Paramedic gave a reassuring smile.
'Yes, she's probably a bit weak but some people do faint. I'm guessing from what you said that this isn't the first time.' The Paramedic confirmed. Again Tai nodded.
'Yes, but it's never been this bad before. Normally they just last a few seconds.' Tai explained frowning more.
'Sometimes people who faint a lot get worse as they get older. I'm sure it's nothing to worry about all that much. We'll let the doctor make the final call though.' The Paramedic noted as a stretcher was rolled in. I wanted to protest but I knew I had no chance of winning such an argument. I let them load me on the stretcher noting that Ken never moved far away. When we went to the ambulance there was no question that Tai and Ken would be the ones to travel with me. Cody clearly wanted to but he knew that it was Ken and Tai who were more likely to be needed. I focused on memorising my vision before I forgot. It was clearly important so I needed to be sure I could recall it and tell Tai and Davis. I had had many visions that terrified me, but none so much as this one. I just wished I had a clearer picture of what was coming. What actions I would take, and what could make me choose that fate? I felt Ken grasp my hand I knew, I just knew that he'd sensed my fear and was trying to comfort me. I gave him a grateful smile as I turned my head to face him. No matter what destiny was telling us I would never be afraid as long as we faced it together. Never.
What is behind Sakura's vision? What will happen to the Digital World. The answer's on the next The Possibility of Kindness!