A/N: This is just a short introspective piece about Takato and his relationship with Guilmon. I've never really written anything other than poetry so I hope I wrote this well. It takes place sometime after episode 19, but before episode 23. Depending upon the reviews I receive, I might write pieces like this for Jenrya, Ruki and maybe Juri. I hope you enjoy the (short) fic!

Disclaimer: Digimon is owned by Toei Animation and by Bandai. The poetry belongs to me.

Differences

By: Frozen Phoenix

~Matsuda Takato~

I've always dreamed of being a Digimon Tamer. I've watched the television show and played the card game often enough. I even created my very own Digimon Guilmon. When I realized that the strange Blue Card that created my digi-vice had brought Guilmon to life, I was so happy.

I'll never forget the first time I saw Guilmon sitting in the abandoned construction site. I couldn't believe that the Digimon I had created had actually come to life. But after seeing his less-than-positive reaction to rats, I was sure I was on my way to becoming Takato flambé. But deep down, I think I knew Guilmon would never hurt me and I was right. From that day on, we became partners.

But a partner isn't really the right word. As days went by and more Wild Ones began coming to our world, we became even closer. And when the tiger Deva Mihiramon fought and hurt Guilmon in his Adult stage as Growmon, I actually felt his pain. I think it's partly because I created him, but also because Guilmon and I had a unique bond. I never really thought of him as simply a bunch of data that came to life, but as my best friend.

Things were never really easy. It was one thing to try and hide a pet from your parents somewhere in your room, but imagine having to hide a big red dinosaur from just about everyone in the world. And when Guilmon was loose and I couldn't find him, I was so sure that I would end up losing him forever.

I'm lucky I didn't. There was a few times I thought I did; when he was loose and running around my school, or the time when he just began to fade I away. Yet he always came back to me. He would return with his innocent face and ask if I had bread or peanut butter and sometimes completely miss it when I repeated to him that I was Takato, not Takatomon. But he was just being Guilmon, and I wouldn't have him any other way.

Everything is changing.

Nothing is what it used to be anymore.

All that matters are the battles,

All so different from before.

But, looking back, I see things in a different light.

The problems we have faced,

The battles we did fight.

But I've never forgotten who you are,

A friend both strong and true.

My life is happier with you in it,

And I'm grateful that I found you.