Nuances of Light
Chapter 1: Truths Revealed
Outside it was silent; only the winds ranting was to be heard, but inside laughter filled the air.
The younger and older generation of digidestineds sat divided in the Kamiya living room; they had all been gathered for a little reunion: in the form of a sleepover.
All the boys were competing in a soda chugging competition in the kitchen. So far, Tai and Matt were tied in first, with Davis following in third. The girls sat around a table chit chatting.
"Oh, Kari darling," Mimi chimed.
"Yeah," she replied.
"Could you do me a huge favor?"
"Sure, what's up?"
"Well, you see in New York they don't have chocolate covered rice balls, and I've been dying for one ever since I got back."
"Oh, no problem I think we have some in the kitchen—" Kari said in her usual cheery voice while getting up.
"WAIT!" Mimi jumper to her feet. After a quizzical look from Kari she continued calmly, "well, Sora was also thinking how fun it would be to look threw one of the latest fashion magazines."
"I was?" Sora questioned, then Mimi elbowed her in the stomach, "Oh yeah, I was…I really wanted to see whether stripes are in this season."
Kari looked from one to the other, suspiciously.
Yolie tried to solace her, "Ya' know, I'm dying to know if purple hair is in style, too."
"So, you see Kari it would be ever so sweet if you went to the store for us, it's only a block away."
Kari gave the three a double look and replied in a questionable manor, "ok." She turned around and walked off to the kitchen, while Mimi grinned devilishly.
"What was that about, Mimi?" Sora asked.
"Well, I'm trying to get her to spend some alone time with Tk."
Yolie looked her in the eye and said so matter-o-factly, "Well you just sent Kari to the store by herself, that was brilliant."
"Oh, shoot!" Mimi sprinted after Kari.
Kari entered the kitchen just as Davis let out an extremely loud burp. "Hey Tai, I'm going to the corner store, for a sec."
"Why?" Tai said while putting on his protective face.
"The girls want me to pick something up."
Just then Mimi came bustling into the kitchen followed by Sora and Yolie, "But Kari it's much too dangerous to go by yourself, right Tai?"
Davis jumped at his chance "I'll go with her—"
"Nooooooooo!" All three girls screamed.
Mimi stepped forward and put a hand on his shoulder, "You have to stay here and win your title as soda chugging champ."
"Well I am the best." Davis said smugly.
"It's only a block, I'll be fine." Kari said while twisting the handle and opening the door.
"Mimi's right Kari, it's dark out." Tai looked at his sister with true concern in his eyes.
"We wouldn't want anything to happen to you. Matt, Tai, and Davis have their titles in jeopardy, so they can't go. Izzy's keeping score on his computer, Cody's too young, and Sora and I wanted to ask Joe some medical questions. That only leaves Ken and Tk. But, Yolie didn't you say something about wanting to talk to Ken?" Mimi gave a wink.
"Um—"
"So Tk will go!" Mimi interrupted while shoving Tk out the door.
Sora did the same to Kari and shut the door on them, but not before Mimi shouted, "Have fun you two."
The girls giggled endlessly while heading back to the living room. The guys watched them leave, with looks of curiosity on their faces, except Davis who was seething in jealousy.
"Stupid, Tk! If only I didn't have a title to defend."
"I guess Yolie doesn't want to talk." Ken said a little sadness in his voice.
"Don't worry man," Matt put an arm around his shoulder, "You're not alone, Mimi and Sora forgot about Joe."
"Girls are a mystery." Joe added.
The rest of the boys nodded their heads in agreement.
"So, what'll you think will happen?" Yolie asked.
Sora pondered for a second before replying, "Not much, they're too shy."
"And too considerate of each other, they'll never want to ruin their friendship."
Well, then we need a Plan B, don't we?" Sora asked.
"I've already got one worked out."
"Ooooh, what is it Mimi?" Yolie asked her idle.
"Well…"
"They sure are acting weird." Kari spoke up.
"Yeah, but did you see the expression of Davis' face when my name was brought up."
"It was priceless." They both enjoyed a moment of laughter, than continued on in silence. Soon they had exited the apartment building, and walked into the night. A breeze filled the air, and Kari shivered. Tk noted her appearance in blue jeans and a thin pink T-shirt. While she looked cute, she must be freezing.
"Here," he took of his jacket and handed it to her.
Kari looked up into his twinkling blue eyes and nearly drowned, but managed to bring herself back. "Won't you be cold?"
"No, I'm fine; it's you that looks cold."
"Thanks, Tk"
"Don't worry about it."
Kari stole glances at Tk, convincing herself that it was only to make sure he wasn't cold. But, as she looked up at his tall figure, she got goose bumps. His white shirt bellowed in the wind, clinging to his body showing of the toned muscle and the great shape he was in. Since his days of young, he had filled out and gained muscle along with more than a foot of height. He had abandoned his hat, after all 7 of them had been ruined in the digimon world. So now, his hair was let free and shined with all its blond brilliance.
"Kari we're here."
"Huh?" Kari looked up and noticed they stood outside the store. Her face became flushed and she realized they must have stopped walking moments ago.
"Lost in thoughts?"
Kari's blushed even further scarlet, "A few special ones, you?"
"Yeah, you say that," He opened the door for her and watched as she walked threw. "If only you knew." He whispered to himself.
They found a magazine, bought it, and then walked over to the door. It's than that Lisa McNay walked threw the door. She had long brown hair and big auburn eyes. Her lips were full and shinned from a rose colored lip gloss. Her chin came to a flattering point that enhanced her skinny frame and wide curves. Overall she was absolutely gorgeous and made Kari fell inadequate.
"Tk! What a surprise to see you here?" Lisa shoved Kari out of the way and gave Tk a great hug.
"Hi, Lisa." He said awkwardly from lack of air.
She eventually let go and began talking, "It's so great that I saw you. There's this party tonight that all the sophomores are going to. I really need someone to go with, and we would make such a cute couple, you know the basketball star and the cheerleading captain. We'd be all the rage."
"Um, well…"
"Oh it's be so much fun, the best DJ in town will be there, and some kids are hooking us up with a keg. It's going to be the best party of the year; even people from other schools are coming…"
As Lisa continued chattering Kari watched Tk's expression. He was too nice to interrupt or turn her down. Ever since middle school when all the girls would follow him around, he had been nice and pleasant. He hadn't the heart to deny them, and usually let them down softly with an excuse of being busy. That's one of the reason she liked him so much.
"Tk, they'll be waiting for us."
Lisa stopped her ramble and noticed Kari standing three steps away. "Oh Kari, I didn't see you there. You can come to the party too but I don't think you'd like it, so I wouldn't bother with it if I were you."
"I'm sure you're probably right, plus I have plans, actually we," Kari pointed at herself and Tk, "have plans."
"Well that's nice and all but Tk wouldn't want to give up the chance to go to this party with me!"
"Unfortunately he doesn't have a choice, because if we don't go back soon, his brother will kick his ass." With this Kari grabbed Tk's hand and pulled him gently out the door. "Don't wait up!"
They looked back at Lisa's sad and angry expression.
"Thanks, Kari." He said in all honesty.
"No problem." She responded while looking up for a moment. Their eyes met and locked for a moment. Then Kari realized she was still holding Tk's hand and ripped it away while turning to hide her blushed face. "Um, we should get going." And Kari began walking extremely fast.
Tk stood there for a second, letting the moment sink in, before running to catch up with her.
They continued walking the rest of the way in an awkward silence. When at last they approached the apartment door, Kari handed Tk his jacket back. "Thanks again."
"Don't worry about it, you needed it far more than I did."
Kari gave a innocent smile then stuck the key in the lock and twisted the handle. "Hey, we're back." In a blur three bodies came hurtling at her. They wrapped their arms around her and ran into her room.
Tk looked in astonishment as all four girls disappeared. He walked into the kitchen and laid his jacket on the counter. "Girls sure are weird."
"Spill!"
Kari looked up at her three kidnappers. "What do you mean?"
"What happened?" Yolie said sternly.
"We went to the store and I got your stuff." Kari held the back in front of her. Mimi took it and threw it on the bed.
"And?"
"And nothing." Kari said annoyed and turned around and walked out of the room, not giving a second glance back. She was glad they couldn't see her blushing face.
When Kari had closed the door on them they started talking about her.
"Plan B?" Sora asked.
In unison Yolie and Mimi agreed, "Plan B."
"Guess what time it is?" Mimi sang as she, Sora, and Yolie came our of Kari's bedroom. "Truth or Dare, dummies." She continued when no one replied. They all looked around awkwardly. "But first we need to do some rearranging." Mimi dragged Yolie over to Ken, Sora over to Matt, Tk over to Kari, and sat herself next to Joe. The rest were left by themselves, seeing an obvious pattern.
"I wanna sit next to Kari!" Davis complained.
"Since I'm obviously the master at this game," Mimi gave a chuckle, "I decide who sits where. And while I'm at it I'll just ask the first few questions." The other digidestineds began to protest, but Mimi just kept talking, "Izzy, Cody, Davis, and Tai truth or dare?"
"Wait, what?" Tai looked appalled.
"Just unanimously agree on one"
The boys discussed it for a few seconds, and decided on dare.
"Okay, I dare all three of you to go scoop us some ice cream."
"I really don't believe that's fair." Cody spoke up.
Izzy looked over at Mimi, "I'd have to agree."
"I'm not leaving Kari alone with that guy," Davis pointed angrily at Tk.
"We're not doing it." Tai said matter-o-factly.
"But you said dare, you're not going to chicken out, are you?"
The disgruntled quartet reluctantly got up and exited to the kitchen.
"Ken truth or dare?"
"Um, truth."
"Do you like Yolie?"
Ken's cheeks flushed red, "Well I…I…yes"
"Yolie truth or dare?"
Yolie who still hadn't recovered from shock, just sat there.
Mimi got impatient, "Dare you say. Kiss Ken."
"Wait Mimi I didn't think this was part of the plan…ouch" Mimi threw a bobby pin at her head.
"Sorry, what'd ya say? Well it doesn't matter, I'm waiting."
Yolie turned towards Ken; slowly she leant forward and kissed him on the lips. The kiss ended with a few seconds and they both came out of it even redder than before.
Mimi didn't wait long for their special moment to end, "Matt since you and Sora are already going out I'm not wasting my time on you. So, Tk…"
Tk turned towards Mimi, praying to God she couldn't read his thoughts…
"You get a truth."
…unfortunately she could.
"What are your feelings for Kari?"
"Well…umm…" Tk avoided contact with both girls, and looked at his brother for help. Matt sat there with a stupid grin on his face unwilling to help. Tk reluctantly continued, "I really like her…more than as a best friend."
Kari looked at Tk, whose face was turned away. It seemed that for a moment her heart had skipped a beat.
"Kari!"
Kari jumped and looked at who had just called her name.
Mimi continued, "You just chose dare."
"Wha? That's not fair…"
Mimi ignored her, "I dare you to take Tk into your bedroom for 'seven minutes in heaven.'"
Kari sat there stunned. Tk still had his face turned away, but he was unmistakably stunned as well. Mimi seeing no reaction got up and pulled them up by there collars. From there she dragged them off to Kari's bedroom, but not before Tk got a wink and thumbs up from Matt, which Sora instantly slapped him for. Mimi pushed them in, "the timer starts now, oh and keep the lights off," and she locked the door from the inside and shut it.
Tk turned his back to Kari, not wanting to look her in the face after his feeling for her had been placed in the air.
Kari looked up at the blackened shadow of his back, she wanted to comfort him, wanted to tell him she felt the same way, but didn't know how to begin.
She reached up and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Hey, Tk can you turn around?" She took her hand off his shoulder and reached out for his hand in a much more loving manor than before. She led him towards the window and pushed it open. "C'mon let's go outside." They snuck out the window and landed on the porch.
"Kari I want you to know that I meant what I said, but since you don't feel the same way, I hope we can still be best friends."
Kari was unsure how to reply, she did have the same feelings for him. She loved every stray blond hair, every dimple on his face; she loved him and no one else, but how could she show it. Standing racing to her tip toes she reached for Tk's lips and began to give him a passionate kiss. After getting over the initial shock, Tk kissed her back and wrapped his long arms around her waist. The kiss ended too quickly than either wanted to admit.
"Kari that was…" Tk began softly, but Kari put her finger on his lips.
"That was me telling you that I feel the same way."
Tk slid past her fingers and leaned down to Kari's height, and kissed her just as, if not more, passionately as the first one. Unfortunately the damn wind had blown again, causing both to shiver and break apart.
Tk felt like he needed to comfort her, but without his jacket, he didn't know how. But Kari, on the other hand, knew exactly what to do. "Sit." She said softly and directed him to a spot against the house. She then proceeded in snuggling up in Tk's chest. Naturally Tk put his arm around her.
Together at last, they produced a heat that could keep away the coldest wind; a heat so warm that it quickly soothed them both to sleep.
The rest of the gang continued with the game. So far, the game had mostly involved the boys taking off their shirts, the girls telling secrets, and there once was something involving a spork and whipping cream.
In the kitchen, Davis had broken 3 bowels and spilled the entire contents of chocolate topping on the counter. This of course explained the long delay of ice cream. There was also Tai chasing Davis around with a spatula.
So, after almost half an hour the four boys came out of kitchen carrying bowels of melted ice cream.
Tai scanned the room, "Where's Kari?"
Mimi looked about, "Oh I almost forgot about them."
Ken glanced at his watch, "You know they've been in there for triple the time limit."
"WAIT! Where's Kari, who's she with, what time limit?" The digidestineds looked at the outraged Davis.
"Where's my sister!!!" Tai yelled and only Mimi seemed to have the courage to say anything.
"Well you see Tai, we thought it would be cute if we made Kari and Tk play '7 minutes in heaven' in your bedroom."
"YOU DID WHAT!?! THAT'S MY LITTLE SISTER WE'RE TALKING ABOUT" And before anyone else could reply Tai was banging down Kari's door. "KARI KAMIYA, OPEN THIS DOOR RIGHT NOW OR I'M COMING IN." There was no answer and Tai was about to thrash down the door, but then Sora stepped in his way.
"Tai, this needs a woman's touch," She talked calmly threw the door, "Kari, Tk, what are you guys doing in there? We're all a little suspicious so please come out." She finished in her sweetest voice.
Davis came up behind her and added his own comment, "TA, IF YOU DO ANYTHING TO HARM MY GIRL I'LL KCIK YOUR ASS!"
Tai continued yelling, "GET OFF MY LITTLE SISTER RIGHT NOW YOU MAGOT, I'M WARNING YOU! OPEN UP!"
Matt, deeply offended got up, and punched Tai in the face. Ken followed restraining Davis from any more yelling.
Matt pinned Tai on the ground with his knee. "Get a grip man, you're over reacting! First off Tk isn't a maggot and I know you trust him more than anyone else with Kari. Second, neither of them would do what you're thinking they're doing."
Sora still by the door and thinking straight asked, "Hey, Izzy do you think you could use some computer gadget or whatnot to pick this lock?"
"Well yes, there's this one piece of advanced equipment that will do the job. It's called a bobby pin."
"Oooh, I've got plenty of those," Mimi spoke up. And with that Izzy began picking the lock.
Matt let some pressure off his knee, "You cool man?"
Tai grabbed the hand reached out to him and got to his feet, "Yeah, thanks. I know Tk's just about the most respectful boy I know, but still why aren't they answering?"
"Well, we're about to find out. You almost done, Izzy?"
"Amost…almost…Prodigious!" The door swung open.
Tai was the first to go bustling into the room, followed quickly by Davis and the others. Sora did the most responsible thing and turned on the lights. With a quick glance, they all saw neither was to be found.
"Shit where are they?" Tai said worriedly.
"TS, better not have taken Kari away!"
Yolie slapped him upside the head, "that's not something 'Tk' would do, Davis!"
Mimi began chattering her teeth quite loudly, "Agh it's so cold in here."
Sora looked at her, "Mimi this is no time to be…hey wait it is cold in here."
Tai ran to the semi open window and propped it open the rest of the way. A second or two later he yelled, "Guys, something weird is going on."
"What is it Tai?" Joe asked while trying to peak out the window himself.
Tai didn't answer, instead he stuck his head back in and ran out the room. He ran threw the living room and out to the door leading to the porch. The others followed. It was then they saw the weird phenomenon Tai had mentioned. On the porch sat Tk and Kari cuddled in each other arms. This seemingly normal occurrence was masked by the intense pink and green light that surrounded them and spiraled together up towards the sky.
"Ahh, look their sleeping, how cute."
"Mimi, don't you see the light." Sora asked.
"Well, yes but what can that mean?"
"It…it…" Sora didn't know what it meant, neither did the others.
It was just then that Tk and Kari's huddled forms began to float upward following the light into the sky.
Matt and Tai grabbed on to their siblings legs as tried to pull them down, but soon they were being pulled up, too. The rest of the digidestineds grabbed on creating a chain, but it was not enough to stay grounded. Tk and Kari continued to be dragged upward at an increasing speed. Soon they were a hundred feet above the apartment. Two hundred feet. Three.
Faster and faster they went, and the harder it was to hang on. Matt and Tai's grips were loosening and try as they might they couldn't hold on. They slipped. Tk and Kari gained exponential speed and were out of their sight in a mere second. Meanwhile, the other ten digidestineds fell in a whirlwind of colors and sounds.
Until they hit ground, that is.
