Digimon Fan Fiction ❯ The Shadow ❯ Chapter five ( Chapter 5 )

Disclaimer: I do not own Digimon. None of the characters from the series belong to me. So don't
sue me.

Author's note: This chapter is a bit longer than my usual ones. And I sort of jumped from scene
to scene, so try to stay with me. But I think the chapter turned out pretty good, even though it's
a bit mushy. Oh. . . the song that I used here is from BSB's " Back To Your Heart". I just
thought that the song fitted what Tai and Sora's going through. Anyway, Enjoy the chapter!

The shadow

Chapter 5

Tai pulled his jacket tighter, as the wind blew against him. He looked up at the sky, it was really
getting dark, how long had I been wandering around? He wondered.

He sighed, he haven't really joined the others for practice, after reaching the soccer field he had
left and decided to walk around instead. And his mind had been filled with Sora since. No matter
how hard he tried, he just couldn't forget the hurt look that had been on his face. He hasn't
meant to be so mean to her, but he was confused and he didn't know what to do.

Tai sighed again, when had his life became so complicated? He kicked a rock on the floor, it
tumbled a few feet in front of him. He continued to kick the ruble in front of him, not really caring
where he was going. He was still deep in thought when suddenly a scream pierced the air.

Tai's eyes widened as he immediately recognized the voice.

"Sora." He breathed.

Without another thought he ran towards the origin of the sound.

"Sora, where are you?" Tai cried out, his heart was beating erratically against his chest. The
scream had scared him, but it was the silence that followed that is killing him.

"Please be alright!" Tai prayed.

"Sora!" He called out again. But still no answer, there was a rustling noise near by. Tai rounded
the corner and the site that greeted him almost made his heart stop.

There was Sora, and her body seemed to be limp as she leaned into the frame of the cloaked
figure, who had their had around her mouth, choking her.

"Sora!" The word tore out of his lips, as he ran towards them.

The cloak figure turned around and stared at him, suddenly the figure released Sora and ran off in
the opposite direction.

Everything seemed to be happening in slow motion to Tai, as Sora's eyes fluttered closed, and her
body fell backwards, he caught her before she touched the ground.

Tai sat on the floor beside the bed, hovering over Sora's sleeping body. Please be alright! He
prayed. He had carried Sora home right after the incident. Sora's mom haven't gotten home yet,
but Tai hasn't stopped to notice that as he charged into Sora's room.

I'm so sorry! Tai mentally kicked himself. I shouldn't have said any of those things to you. Just
be okay, please!

Suddenly a moan escaped Sora's lips, breaking through Tai's thoughts.

"Sora!" Tai scrambled from the floor over to her.

"Tai?"Sora's eyes squinted up at him.

Tai nodded, feeling the tears in his eyes.

Sora slowly lifted herself to a sitting position. Suddenly all of the nights events came back to her,
she couldn't stop herself as shudder after shudder wracked her body.

Tai gathered her into his arms, holding her against him, until she stopped. "Tomorrow," Tai
looked at Sora's eyes. "We're calling the police and letting them deal with this...this psycho."

Sora shook her head. "You can't Tai, we don't have any proof, they won't believe us."

Tai raked his fingers through his hair in frustration. "You almost got killed tonight, Sora!"

At the mention of that, Sora began to shake uncontrollably again. Tai immediately went over to
her and hugged her to him. "I'm sorry." He whispered. "This is all my fault!"

Sora pulled away and looked at Tai, but he wouldn't meet her eyes. "Tai! This isn't your fault!
Don't think that."

"But it is, Sora." Tai looked up and his eyes held so much anger and frustration that it stunned her
for a second. "If I didn't say those awful things to you, we would probably still be having fun and
eating pizza right now, but instead you almost got choked to death."

"Tai," Sora looked at him softly. "You saved me."

"But I caused your life to be in danger in the first place!"

"Tai..."Sora put her hand on his, but he pulled away as if it burned him. Sora frowned. "Tai,
what's wrong?"

"Nothing!" He turned away.

"Tai!" Soar nearly screamed in frustration. "I know something isn't right! Ever since we woke up,
you've acted weird! Why are you so distant all of a sec? Did I do something wrong? Do you
suddenly hate me now?" Sora could feel the tears coming.

Tai sighed. "Can I ask you a question, Sora?"

Sora blinked several times and nodded quickly.

"Do you like me?" He whispered.

Sora was so shocked by the question that she stuttered. "Of...of course. You are one of my best
friends."

Tai suddenly turned and stared at her. "Sora! I mean girlfriend, boyfriend wise."

Sora's face suddenly paled. "Tai..."

Tai's eyes softened. "I wasn't really asleep on the field. I heard everything that you said." He
whispered.

Sora didn't know what to say. Her mind is so fuddled. How could he have heard? He wasn't
suppose to have heard! Her brain screamed at her.

"Sora..."

"Tai, you don't have to say anything." Sora could feel her heart breaking piece by piece. " You
want to tell me that you don't feel the same way, right?" Sora turned away.

"Sora..."Now it was Tai's turn to be speechless.

The silence that followed was unbearable for both of them.

"Tai, you should go home." Sora whispered. "It's getting late."

Tai grimaced at Sora's tone. "I meant to keep my promise, Sora!"

Sora still wouldn't look at him.

"I wouldn't let anything hurt you . . .ever!" Tai whispered as he left the room.

When Sora heard the door click behind him, she buried her face in her pillows, letting her tears
now flow freely. "You just did." Sora sobbed into the pillows. "More than you would ever
know."

"Oh men!" Izzy scratched his head in thought. "So, you're saying that the note Sora got was for
real."

"Apparently so!" Tai balled his hands into fists. "That's why I came here to ask you to help us
find the person who's doing it."

Izzy nodded in understanding. "Of course I would help Tai, Sora is one of my closest friends after
all."

Tai relaxed a little. "I should let the others know, if they want to help or not."

"I'm sure they will." Izzy answered confidently.

Tai nodded, he knew they would. But he just have to confirm that anyway.

"Alright." Izzy turned on his computer. "I'll call Joe, Matt, Cody, and Yolei."

"And I'll tell the rest." Tai was about to leave when Izzy said.

"Don't worry Tai, we'll find out who it is."

Tai nodded.

"Oh, and about you're soccer game tomorrow, good luck! The whole gang will be cheering in the
stands."

Tai smiled for the first time all day. "Thanks." He turned around and left.

They've won! Tai could hardly believe it. The whole team had worked so hard for this. He could
hear his teammates hooting and hollering. They were running over to him and all of them was so
happy, so ecstatic. Tai looked out at the stands for the one person he wanted to celebrate with.
The crowd was cheering, and there were Kari and T.K. Further along were Izzy, Matt, Joe and
everyone else. But not her. She wasn't here! Tai's exuberant feeling began to fade. He worked so
hard for this, and he'd won, but it was only partly because he loved soccer. It was really because
he had done it for Sora, he had wanted to impress her and for her to be proud of him. For her to
share this special moment with him and she wasn't here. He suddenly remembered Sora's wish.
"I wish...I wish that Tai would be able to win his soccer game next week, and that he would be
happy."

"Sora. . ."Tai whispered.

Sora leaned her head against the post, she watch silently as Tai walked away with everyone else.
She didn't know why, but she got the feeling that she had to come, and she did.

"Way to go Tai!" Soar whispered. Ever since that night, they haven't talked to each other. Or
maybe it was just that she had been avoiding him. I missed you Tai! But you hurt me so much.
And I...I am still in love with you! Sora blinked away the tears.

She smiled slightly "I hope you're happy Tai! You deserve to win this game." She said sincerely.

The door slammed close as Tai trudged into the apartment.

"Tai? Is that you?" Kari's voice called from the living room.

Tai ignored her as he proceeded to slam the door behind him as he walked into his bedroom. Kari
cringed at the noise. Tai had been acting weird for the past week now. His normally cheery self
is now quiet and depressing. Kari sighed as she got up and walked over to his room. She had a
feeling that this had something to do with a certain girl.

Kari twist the doorknob and peeked inside. Tai was lying on the bed staring up at the ceiling.

"You can't go on like this, you know."

Tai ignored her.

"You have to talk to her sometime! Tell her how you feel, she deserves to know."

Tai turned his head and just stared at her.

"I know you're in love with Sora, Tai."

Something flashed through his eyes but he still remained silent.

"If you don't, you wouldn't be acting the way you are right now." Kari rolled her eyes
heavenward. "You weren't happy that you guys won the soccer game. You hardly go out
anymore, you wouldn't even answer when I'm talking to you!"

Tai finally averted his eyes. "I'm sorry Kari. I'm just confused."

Kari shook her head. "I feel sorry for you! She's your soul mate, you need her."

When Tai still didn't say anything. Kari's temper boiled. "Fine! I was just worried about you!
Since you don't need m to help either, I'll leave."

Kari slammed the door behind her.

Tai stared at the closed door, stunned. He's never known Kari to have a temper before. Was he
that hard to deal with? Was Kari right? Is Sora his soul mate? Is he in love with her?

Tai turned and looked at the picture that's on his desk. Sora's beautiful face smiled back at him.
Tai put his fingers on the picture, tracing the outline of her, as if he could touch her.

"Sora..."

Kari lift up her head when she felt someone tap on her shoulder.

"You're right." Tai stared back at her.

Kari let the tension slip out of her as she smiled up at him. "I know I were."

"Will you help me...will you help me get her back?" Tai blushed.

Kari's smile spread wider. "That's what sisters are for!"

Sora wrapped the towel around herself as she stepped out of the tub. The washroom mirror had
fogged over from the steam. Sora stretched out her arm, she watched slowly as her hand drew
across it, clearing it.

Sora stared at the face that stared back at her, she could see a young girl with a pale face, auburn
hair, and big crimson eyes. She was pretty, nothing that would stop the world, or turn heads a
block away. Just pretty.

Suddenly the phone rang. Sora put on her robe as she exited the bathroom and picked up the
phone in her bedroom.

"Hello?" Sora answered. "Oh...hi Kari..."

"Sora, something happened!" Came Kari's anxious voice. "Meet me at the Cyclone in half an
hour."

"Alright, but what's ..." Kari hanged up before Sora could finish asking the question.

Sora could feel her heart thudding in her chest. Tai! Please not let him be hurt! Sora changed as
quickly as she could and ran out of the building.

Sora sat down in the booth beside Kari. Almost breathless, she had ran all the way here.

"What's wrong!" Sora asked. "Is it something to do with Tai? Is he hurt? Please answer me!"
Sora grabbed Kari's hands.

Kari blinked at her several times, confused. "Sora, relax." Kari laughed. "It is something to do
with Tai, but he's not hurt or anything."

Sora let go of her hand and breathed a sigh of relief. "Then what's so urgent?"

Kari smiled at her. "Find out for yourself." Kari pointed towards the stage.

Sora turned around and she was totally speechless. There were Tai and Matt's band on stage.

"What's he doing?" Sora asked.

Kari just smiled at her.

Suddenly Tai turned around and looked her straight in the eyes. The music started in the
background, Tai took the microphone from Matt and raised it to his lips, never breaking eye
contact with her.

The soft music flow through the air.

It's not that I can't live without you

It's just that I don't even want to try

Every night I dream about you

Ever since the day we said goodbye

If I wasn't such a fool

Right now I'd be holding you

There's nothin' that I wouldn't do

Baby if I only knew

Sora was totally stunned, was he singing to her?

The words to say

The road to take

To find a way back to your heart

What can I do

To get to you

And find a way back to your heart

Sora could feel the tears coming to her eyes.

I don't know how it got so crazy

But I'll do anything to set things right

'Cause your love is so amazing

Baby you're the best thing in my life

Let me prove my love is real

And made you feel the way I feel

I promise I would give the world

If only you would tell me girl

Why are you doing this to me? Sora couldn't help it as tears finally spilled over. Why are you
torturing me like this?

The words to say

The road to take

To find a way back to your heart

What can I do

To get to you

And find a way back to your heart

Give me one more chance, to give my love to you

'Cause no one on this earth loves you like I do, tell me...

Sora got up and ran out of the Cyclone. Tears trailing behind her.

"Sora, wait!" Tai dropped the microphone, ignoring the stares, he ran after her through the crowd
and out the door.

"Sora!" Tai called after her retreating form. "Sora!" Tai ran after her, he grabbed her hand and
turned her around.

Sora started thumping on his chest. "How could you?" She sobbed. "How could you do this to
me?" You know I'm in love with you! Did you have to torture me like this!"

"Sora!" Tai could only imagine the hurt she'd been through. "I'm sorry, so sorry!"

Sora's hands stopped, still balled into fists on his chest. Her sobs seem to tear Tai apart.

"I'm so sorry." He didn't know what else to say. He wanted to hold her, but he was afraid she
would reject him.

"Sora..." Tai put his hands under her chin, and lifted it up to face him. The tears fell from her eyes
and down her cheeks. Without realizing what he was doing, he bent his head and kissed the tears
away. Sora seem to freeze in his arms. Tai lifted his face to hers, he couldn't help himself as he
bent his head and touched her lips with his gently. This time Sora returned the pressure. " I love
you." Tai whispered.

Sora broke away from him. Tai put his arms around her, making her look at him. "I was so
stupid! The person I care most about was right in front of me and I didn't even know it. Instead I
pushed you away."

Sora looked away.

"I know you wouldn't believe me just like that. But I'm serious Sora. If you ask me to do
anything, I would do it."

"Anything?" Sora looked at him.

Tai nodded.

"Fine..." Sora looked around. "Hit your head against the lamppost until I tell you to stop!"

Tai's eyes widened.

Sora crossed her arms, and turned away.

Tai walked over to the lam post and slammed against it, hard. "Ouch!" Tai cried out.

Sora turned around wide eyed. She ran over to Tai. "Why did you do that for?!" She screamed.
As she saw the bruise that was forming there.

"You told me to." Tai answered.

"But I didn't mean it, you idiot!" Sora glared at him.

Tai smiled "Does this mean you believe me?"

When Sora didn't answer. Tai suddenly screamed out. "I'm in love with this girl!" He pointed to
Sora and yelled out to anyone that would pay him any attention. "I loved her since the day we
were born and I'll love her till the day I die."

Sora ran over to him, covering his mouth. "I believe you!" She laughed.

"You do?"

Sora nodded. "I believe you!"

Tai let out a hoot of laughter as he gathered Sora into his arms and spun her around. Sora
couldn't help but laugh with him.

Sora rested her head on his chest, hugging him. "I love you." She whispered. Tai hugged her back
just as tightly. "And I you."

Sora suddenly looked up at him confused. "Where did you get the idea to sing to me?"

Tai smiled. "Last time at the movies you said..."

"You remembered!" Sora said in amazement.

"Of course! I had to win your heart back remember?"

Sora looked up at him with all the love that was in her. "My heart was always yours."

Tai bent his head and kissed her, never wanting to let her go.