Rock on, Goggle Boy! Chapter 2: The Warrior, a digimon fanfic

Notes:

Well, here's part 2. I trust that you have already read part 1. If you didn't, I suggest you do so, because you really won't understand anything.

All I'll tell you is that there is a little Takari, (Not much, only a couple sentences, but more than in Part 1) and a lot of Taiora.

There is quite a bit of Matt bashing in this part, but don't let it ruin the story.

The song is "Brave Heart," and it is the Japanese Digivolving theme.

I made up the song, "Strange Things." Don' t steal it! If you want to use it, then E-mail me and ask.

Part 2:

The Warrior

If given a second, anyone can give up and run
So just keep on walking

It had been 15 minutes. 15 minutes since they found Tk.

Five minutes since they brought their Digimon back from the Digital World. Four minutes since Tk woke up, barely breathing. 30 seconds since Tk managed to choke out the name of the Digimon that did this to him: "Ellemon…"

Patamon's eyes widened. "Ellemon? Did he say, Ellemon? Oh, no, this isn't good!" Said Patamon franticly.

"Yo, what's so bad about Ellemon?" Asked Tai.

Tentomon cleared his throat. "Ellemon is a legendary Ultimate Stage Digimon. She is so rare, that some people, like me, didn't believe she existed."

Gatomon nodded. "…Wasn't she in some weird legend or prophecy?"

"Yes! Bob, tell our contestant what she's won!"

Everyone turned in the direction of Izzy's computer. On the screen was a small, Digital picture of….

"Genai!" Exclaimed Izzy.

"Hello, everyone!" Said Genai. "It's been a long time!"

"Genai, was I really right about Ellemon?" Asked Gatomon.

Genai nodded. "Yes, here's a copy of the prophecy…"

Almost instantly, a new window opened on the screen. A picture of a stone slab with writing on it appeared. It said this message:

It the time of refrain from the warrior's battle,

A new evil shall arise.

Bringing with him the evil known as Ellemon,

He will scheme to rule both worlds.

First, Ellemon shall steal the heart of the Keeper of hope,

Pulling him away from his true love.

When he is fully attached to her,

She will attack him with fury,

Leaving him to die.

The last hope is the warrior of courage.

Bringing with him only a Digivice,

He will embark on a quest to save both worlds.

If he succeeds, the Earth shall be safe for that time.

If he fails, all hope is lost,

And all Worlds will perish.

Yolei was the first one to speak. "So…What does this thing have to do with Tk?"

Tai had been thinking for a long time, and repeating the prophecy in his head. Suddenly…

"I KNOW!" Tai shouted happily.

Sora turned and grinned. "That's my Tai! What is it?"

Tai stole a glance at Matt, who was glaring at him. "Well," said Tai, "I think that the prophecy is coming true!"

"Exactly!" Yelled Genai happily.

"I don't…understand…." Jou said slowly.

"Yea, Tai." Sneered Matt. "If you're so smart, why don't you explain it!"

Tai narrowed his eyes at him. "I was about to. Anyway, it all makes since. See, 'In the time of refrain from the warrior's battle,' it's been two years since our battle with Malomyotismon. We haven't had to fight anyone since.

"'A new evil shall arise. Bringing with him the evil known as Ellemon, he will scheme to rule both worlds,' whoever sent Ellemon wants to rule both worlds.

" 'First, Ellemon shall steal the heart of the Keeper of hope,' something tells me that Tk is the keeper of hope. I mean, he has the crest of hope, and Ellemon stole his heart. 'Pulling him away from his true love,' he was in love with Kari, so Ellemon took him away. 'When he is fully attached to her, she will attack him with fury, leaving him to die,' is that not exactly what she did?

The only part I don't understand is that bit about the Warrior of Courage. All I know is that he's supposed to fix everything."

Matt scowled. "Well, I knew that's what it meant. Tai just said it first."

Genai grinned. "Yes Tai, that's all correct. Are you sure you don't know who the Warrior of Courage is?"

Tai shrugged. "I'm sure…"

"Here's a clue:" Said Genai. "Tk would be the warrior of hope. Sora would be the warrior of love. Get it now?"

Tai gasped. "Me?"

Genai nodded. "You, Tai. The fate of all worlds are resting in your hands."

Tai was shocked. Everyone was staring at him.

Matt looked horrified. "TAI CAN'T BE THE WARRIOR!" He screeched.

Genai frowned. "…Why not?"

"Be-Be-Because Tai's stupid! He couldn't save a mouse from a cat! He'd get lost! Give up! Fail! Anything!

"Tk's my Brother! I'm everything Tai isn't! I should be the Warrior!"

"Yea, you're everything Tai isn't. Including a jerk!" Snapped Kari.

Genai frowned. "Matt, I am positive that Tai is the warrior. You must have some faith."

Tai felt like slugging Matt in the teeth. He didn't, however, because he wanted to look like a real warrior. "I accept my duty. I will do whatever I have to do to save Tk and every world out there." He said.

Genai smiled again. "That's the spirit, Tai! I'm sorry, but it is necessary that you leave ASAP."

Tai nodded. "…Can I pack things to take along, like, food, or something?"

Genai shook his head. "No. The only thing you can take with you is your Digivice."

"…Ok."

"You must leave within 30 minutes. This will give you time to put on clean clothes, have a snack, ect."

"Alright."

The Digidestined let Tai out of the group, and went along their business. Of course, they were just pretending to be fine.

Inside, they were screaming.

Tai went around, had a snack, put on clean clothes, polished his Digivice, and said his good-byes. Finally, the only people he had left to say goodbye to were Sora, Kari, and Matt.

As he approached Sora, he realized that she looked forlorn. Well, actually, expressionless.

"Um, hi…" He said.

Sora looked up at him. "…When are you leaving?"

"…Few minutes…"

"Oh…."

"Well…Goodbye…."

Suddenly, Sora glomped him (N/A: For those of you who don't know, "glomp" is an anime term for throwing your arms around someone in a giant bear hug, usually long enough to make them irritated). "Oh, Tai!" She cried.

"Sora…!" Muttered Tai. He was 100% delighted to have Sora glomp him, but he couldn't be sure that Matt wasn't watching…

Sora ignored his "protest," and whimpered. "Tai, please! You have got to defeat Ellemon and her master!"

"Sure…Sora…" God, she was beautiful!

"Tai, you're the last hope! If you fail…." Her voice trailed off.

"Hey, momantai!" Tai said with a grin.

Sora looked at him curiously. "…What does that mean?"

"It means 'relax.' Sora, you have to have faith!"

"…Ok, Tai….Heaven knows I have faith in you…" With an extra-tight squeeze, Sora released him.

Tai left Sora before he said something stupid (Ex: "Sora, I love you!") and went over to Matt, who was sulking.

When Matt saw Tai, he grunted.

"Uh, hi Matt." Said Tai, keeping his distance.

"What do you want?" Growled Matt.

"Nothing…" Tai said.

"Then beat it, Goggle-Brain." Matt muttered darkly, turning his head in another direction.

"Fine!" Tai snapped. "All I wanted was to say, 'goodbye!'" With that, he stomped off.

Finally, he came to Kari. She was staring at Tk, and muttering to herself. "Oh…Takeru...I…was mad at you…but not…I never…Oh, Takeru!"

He placed his hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry. I'll save him. I promise…"

She looked up at him, with tears in her eyes. "Tai...I love him!"

Tai smiled gently. "Kari…I know!"

"….You do?"

"Yes. It's been obvious since you guys were kids…"

"Tai…Please…"

"Ok, I will."

It was time it leave. Tai picked up his Digivice, and walked toward the computer. Genai was waiting for him.

"Ready?"

Tai swallowed hard. "Ready."

Genai nodded. "Tai, there is something you should know. You are not going to the Digital World."

"….Hua? I'm not? But…" Tai stammered.

Genai cleared his throat. "You are going to a world, parallel to the Digital World. The Dark Emperor…"

"Who…?" Asked Izzy.

"The Dark Emperor. He is the Master of Ellemon, and a fallen Digi-Spirit. He has stationed himself there, so it would not be easy to locate him.

"The Parallel World is actually called, 'Earth 99.'"

"Are there Digimon?" Asked Tai.

"Yes. As many as in the Digital World. However, there are many things different in The New Earth. Some are so small, you barely notice them. Some things are so huge, you'd have to be deaf, dum, and blind not to notice them."

Tai nodded. "Well, I'm ready."

"Alright." Genai said as the computer glowed a bright white.

Tai looked back at all of the faces of the Digidestined and their partners (n/a: You do the math to figure out how many that is. I refuse to waste my time by doing it. If you do, remember not to count Tai, Tk, and Mimi). "Good bye." He said with a smile. Then, he turned back to Genai.

"Let's go."

Tai had barely finished speaking the words, when the computer flashed, and he was gone.

There's something only you can do
So that this blue planet doesn't lose it's light

"On top of Spaghetti,

All covered in blood…

I shot my poor teacher…

With a .44 slug!"

Ellemon Turned around.

"I went to her funeral,

I went to her grave…

Some people threw flowers…

I lobbed a grenade!"

She grinned.

"I went to her coffin,

She wasn't quite dead…

I got my bazooka….

And shot off her head!"

Ellemon sang the Chorus:

"Shooooot off her heeeeeead!"

When she was done, she applauded. "Ooh, master, I love that song!"

The Dark Emperor smiled evilly. "Yea. I do, too. Ellemon, you know something?"

"What?" She asked.

"You're pretty easy to please."

She grinned again.

"Frankly, I think you like anything that has to do with killing, slaughtering, or maiming. Oh, and Black! You like black."

"Yes. As usual, you're right." She swung her legs over the side of the cliff right in front of their base. Ellemon had shifted back in to her human form, though instead of the outfit she wore to "meet" Tk, she had changed in to a dark purple kimono.

The Dark Emperor wrinkled his nose. "You know, I'm growing impatient. I'm-"

Ellemon interrupted him. "Master, it's alright! He's coming! I can feel it! I've got…vibes…"

"Ok…But need I remind you what will happen if you have failed?"

She shuddered. "No. I know." She closed her eyes, and began to meditate.

The Dark Emperor looked over the cliff, at the new Earth. "Soon…It will all be mine…" He whispered.

Ellemon's eyes shot open. She had felt something strange…

The Dark Emperor seemed to have senesced that she was bothered by something. "What is it?" He asked.

She looked up at him. "Master…I feel…something…"

"Like what?"

"Well…The Keeper of Hope…he has a brother…The Keeper of Friendship…"

"So?"

"Well…his heart…is not pure…"

"Of course! He's a human! What's your point?!"

"Well…I read his thoughts…He's…going to…"

"He's going to what?!"

"Try to defeat you, Master!"

"Hua?"

"It seems that he wants this girl to like him…So he's going to try to defeat you…"

The Dark Emperor grinned evilly. "Oh, that shouldn't be to too hard to take care of. If he's not the Warrior, It shouldn't be a problem."

Ellemon looked up at him, and mimicked his evil grin. "Ooh, can I kill this one, too?"

"Ellemon, let's not get greedy, hmmm? You already got to kill hope. Now you want friendship, too?"

"But Master! I didn't really kill him! I just sort of put him in a comma…"

"Yes, but he will die. At least when I kill the Warrior of Courage. Then, he won't defeat you, and your venom will live on."

"Please? Oh, you get the Warrior of Courage! No fair! HE'S probably worth nine or 10 people!"

"Ellemon, don't argue with me…" He warned.

Ellemon stopped. She knew it was pointless (maybe even dangerous) to argue with him.

He cleared his throat. "Oh, alright. You can have him."

"Thankies!!!" ^_______^

As he walked away, he grinned, and whispered. "C'mon, warrior, make my day…."

Seize the dreams you had!
Protect your beloved friends!
You can become stronger
Unknown power dwells in your heart, when its fire is lit
Any wish, it's true
Will surely be granted...show me your brave heart

"YAAAAAAAAAAAA…! UPMF…Ohhhhhh…." Escaped Tai's throat as he hit the ground.

He blinked his eyes a few times, then sat up.

"So…This is Earth 99…"

He stood up, brushed himself off, then started walking. He had no idea where he was going, or which way to go, but it sort of came as an instinct.

His plan was to walk until he met a Digimon, then he would ask if they knew where the Dark Emperor and/or Ellemon were hiding.

He hated how quiet it was, so he just started thinking out loud. "I wonder if I'll meet up with that Digimon Tao was talking about…What was its name? Tessiemon? Tackymon? Tassiemon? YEA! That was it! Tassiemon."

He hadn't traveled far when he heard a muffled voice from behind a patch of bushes:

"Oh…Oh no…Man…That won't work…Ok, let's try…OUCH! Looks like that doesn't work, either…"

Tai's curiosity got the best of him. He walked over to the bush, took a deep breath, and looked on the other side.

Seize the bright tomorrow!
Protect the ones you love!
You can become stronger
Break that weak self!
Destroy the walls blocking you!
The warm beat of your heart will be your weapon
Believe in your heart

Sora leaned against the wall and bit her lip. Taichi…She thought. Please…Come back alive…

Suddenly, she heard footsteps approaching her. She turned around.

It was Matt.

She sighed. She knew for a fact that he liked her, but she never liked him more than a friend.

But there he was. Walking toward her, with a happy grin on his face.

She looked at the floor, and groaned. Maybe if I ignore him, he'll go away…She thought.

She should have known better. He kept walking toward her, and then leaned against the wall with her.

"Hi." He said cheerfully.

"Hi." She said hallowly.

"So…" Matt said slowly. "Do you think Tai'll succeed? I don't. I mean, he's got super forces on him, and he's…"

"Tai will succeed!" She snapped angrily.

He shrugged. "Sora, I know he's a friend of yours, but you need to face the facts. There's like, a 1 in 1,000,000 chance he'll make it."

"…Then there's still a chance." She said simply.

He groaned. "Ok, whatever. I see that there's no point in talking to you."

She nodded.

He grinned again. "Sora, ever since I met you that one summer at camp, I've known that there was something special between us."

"What?" She said sarcastically. "A mile?"

He blinked his eyes. Then, he started laughing. "Oh, I get it. You're kidding."

Sora rolled her eyes.

"Anyway, Sora, you know how good I am at singing?"

She nodded. "I guess…"

"Well, to describe my feelings about you, I wrote a song."

"Matt!"

"Just, listen, my Sukura blossom."

"Sukura blossom? What? Matt, I…Oh, alright. If you took the time to write a song for me, I might as well listen…"

His eyes were shining with happiness. "Don't worry, Sora, you won't regret it. Ahem:

Strange things

I sometimes have a strange dream, Sora my dear,

I'm sitting on a cloud, holding you near

You're sitting in my lap, purring like a cat

And then you say, "I love you, Matt."

Strange things are afoot, far and near,

Strange things are afoot, isn't it clear?

But I have an idea, my angelic dove,

That this strange thing: is love.

Sora, please, you must believe me:

Love is something that can drive you crazy.

Since I met you, it's been tagging along,

While I eat, while I sleep, while I sing this song!

Strange things are afoot, far and near,

Strange things are afoot, isn't it clear?

But I have an idea, my angelic dove,

That this strange thing: is love.

Why must you must you play hard-to-get?

You and I both knew it, the day we both met.

I am rock-star, my dear,

I can give you anything, isn't this clear?

Money, diamonds, jewelry you name it!

All I want you to do is say it…

Tell me you love me, of course

And then, it will all be yours…

Strange things are afoot, far and near,

Strange things are afoot, isn't it clear?

But I have an idea, my angelic dove,

That this strange thing: is love.

Sora listened to the song carefully. Then, she sang back to him:

In your life, I know I play a big part,

They say I should follow my mind, instead of my heart!

But Matt, I'm so sorry, but I love another

I'll give you a clue: He's Kari's brother!

Matt, I'll admit, your handsome and cool,

You're even a living legend at the school!

Most people think you're cut out above the rest!

But in my heart, I know Tai's the best!

When Sora was done singing, neither spoke for a long time.

Finally, Matt broke the silence. "So, you like Tai, not me?"

She nodded.

"How can you possibly choose him over me?"

She shrugged.

"It just doesn't make sense."

"We can't always control the way we feel."

He turned. "…I understand."

She sighed with relief. "I'm glad you do. We can always be friends."

"Thanks, Sora. Since I plan on killing myself, I won't be needing any friends, but thanks for the offer."

"Matt! Don't be silly!"

"No, really. I'll just go home and hang myself. Then, you won't have Mr. Pain-in-the-butt getting in the way of you and your precious Taichi."

"Matt!" She could feel the tears spring up in her eyes.

"Well, have a good life, Sora." He said as walked away.

As he was walking, he had a strange idea.

If it worked…

Quietly, he walked over to the computer.

The gate to Earth 99 was still open.

He took a deep breath, and then held up his digivice.

There was a flash, and he was gone.

There's no map of how to live, that's why we're free
You can go anywhere.

Tai was a little surprised when he looked behind the bushes.

He had expected a something a bit more fierce, but the Digimon was far from fierce. In fact, it was pretty cute. It resembled a fox mostly, but it had pale blue fur and a mermaid tail. Its eyes were a pale shade of sea green, and a bright blue jewel hung right in the middle of its throat.

He could see the reason it was groaning was because its foot was tangled up with a vine in a pretty hanus (N/A: I LOVE THAT WORD!) knot.

This whole thing was making it pretty irritated, because as soon as it saw him, it growled, "Scram, or I'll put your head in a cast." Tai could tell from the voice it was a girl.

Tai approached her carefully. "I'm not gonna hurt you…" He coaxed.

She rolled her eyes. "Oh, how original." She said sarcastically. Then, she started tugging on the vine again.

"You're just making the knot worse." Tai pointed out. "Do you want me to help you?"

"Yea, right. Like I want help from human. Look, why don't you leave? I mean, I don't need your-" She tugged at the vine, looked at it, then turned to Tai. "You know, why don't you help me? You're here and all…" Her voice trailed off.

Tai laughed, sat down next to her, and started on that knot. In a few minutes, she was free.

She wiggled her leg, and then stretched her whole body. "Ahhhhhh…" She sighed. Then, she turned to Tai and then cleared her throat. "You'll have to excuse my rude behavior. It's just…I haven't had very good experience with humans, you know? That dark Digimon Emperor is one bad dude."

Tai smiled. "It's alright."

"Ok." She looked relieved. "Have I introduced myself?"

"No."

"Oh. Well, I'm Tassiemon."

"What? You're Tassiemon?!"

"Yup, that's my name." She said proudly. "I'm a rookie-level marine fox Digimon. I'm usually sweet and friendly, but on a bad day, I'll send you out with the tide!"

"You're Tassiemon…" Tai muttered.

"YES! FOR THE LAST TIME…!"

"No, it's just…I heard someone talking about you."

She grinned. "Oh, I'm flattered."

Tai shrugged. "Anyway, my name's Taichi Kamiya, but everyone calls me 'Tai'. Tassiemon, do you know where I can find the Dark Digimon Emperor and Ellemon are? I don't really have a lot of time…"

"Yea, I know." She sighed unhappily. "Tai, I wouldn't go after him. I mean, he'd squash you in to oblivion. And Ellemon…" She shuddered.

It was Tai's turn to sigh. "I really don't wanna do it. But one of my friends is counting on me. Tassiemon, I really have to find this guy."

"Ok then. Follow me." She said reluctantly.

The two walked off.

Run faster than the wind!
Aim farther than the skies!
You can meet a new you
Unknown courage sleeps in your heart, and when you realize
The downpour in your heart will surely stop...

show me your brave heart

Sora's tears were so hot, they were almost burning her face. As soon as she wiped them off, more came.

I hate Matt! She thought furiously. He's a sore loser! Just because I don't love him, he goes off to kill himself!

She didn't really know whether he was serious or not, but she was too mad to care.

"Hey, Sora…" Someone started.

Sora looked up.

It was Yolei. "Sora, do you know where Matt is?"

"At home, killing himself…" She muttered.

"What?"

"I said, 'I don't know.'"

"Oh. Well, if you see him, can you tell him I want to talk to him?"

"Sure."

Yolei walked away, muttering to herself. "Sometimes…feel like…care at all…He could at least…me."

Sora sighed. "Oh, Tai…Why didn't I tell you before you left that I…"

"WHAT THE…GUYS, COME HERE, QUICK!" Yolei screamed from the other room.

And come they did.

"Yolei…what's this…all…about?" Izzy had run from all of the way across the apartment, so he was speaking between gasps.

Yolei looked horrified. "L-l-look a-a-a-at the g-g-g-gate!" She stammered.

Cody looked. "Yea, the gate that Tai used is still open. So?"

"Look at the time it was last used!" She insisted.

"Four minutes ago. Yolei, what is wrong with you? You scared us all to death!" Snapped Davis.

"TAI LEFT ALMOST 10 MINUTES AGO! SOMEONE ELSE BESIDES TAI HAS USED THE GATE! SOMEONE ELSE IS IN EARTH 99, YOU IDIOTS!"

Everyone counted to see who was still there.

Matt was gone.

No one spoke.

"No." Sora said firmly. "Matt DID NOT go. He went home."

Izzy sat down in front of the computer. He typed furiously for a few minutes, and then turned to the rest of the group.

"Well, I used the tracer function. In a few seconds, we'll know exactly whose been here.

Everyone watched silently for about 5 seconds. Then, a name flashed across the computer screen:

Ishida Yomato

It's all my fault…thought Sora. Then, she felt her knees grow weak, and she passed out.

"Don't move a muscle, or you'll end up looking like Swiss cheese."

Tai had heard the voice, and stopped. Oh my God… He thought. That's either the Dark emperor or Ellemon…They've come to kill me…AND SORA DOESN'T KNOW I LOVE HER!

While Tai was lost in his thoughts, Tassiemon ventured to turn around. Then, she breathed a sigh of relief.

"Coyotemon, you've really gotta stop sneaking around like that."

A growl.

"Don't growl at me!" She hissed.

"I'm not growlin' at you, Tassie! Is that guy next to you your friend or not?" Said Coyotemon. His voice had a heavy Texas accent (Like Armadillomon).

"Hua? You mean Tai? Yea, he's ok." Tassiemon said.

Tai figured that Coyotemon wasn't going to hurt him if he knew he was Tassiemon's friend. Tai turned around to get a good look at him.

As he guessed (n/a: Any you probably did), Coyotemon looked like a pretty much like coyote. Except that Coyotemon's fur was dark purple, and he had red bands around his ankles and neck. Below his neck band, there were a row of triangles circling his neck. On his face, he wore a silver mask with holes for his nose, red ears, and his glowing blue eyes.

Coyotemon raised his fur up, but didn't growl.

"Oh, knock it off!" Snapped Tassiemon. "Tai's fine! He saved me from a trap! He's gonna go stop the Dark Digimon Emperor!"

Coyotemon let his fur go down. "Really? That would be heaven."

Tassiemon nodded.

Then, he grinned. "Hey, Tassie, I was sneaking around for a reason. I thought Tai worked for the Emperor, and you were his prisoner. I was gonna save you, ya know?" He walked over to her and nuzzled her affectionately.

Tai bit back a groan of frustration. Couldn't they tell he was in a hurry?!

He was saved. Just then, Tassiemon said, "Coyotemon, Tai and have really gotta get going."

Coyotemon shook his head. "I'm going with you, Tassie. Y'all need all the help Either way is fine with me."

"Then that settles it." Coyotemon said firmly. "Let's go."

As they walked, Tassiemon muttered something that sounded like, "Men…"

If given a second, anyone can give up and run
So just keep on walking

"Mmmmmm…?" Sora murmured as she woke up. She blinked her eyes, and then everything came in to focus.

Joe stared. "Wow. I've never seen you faint before, Sora."

Sora rubbed her head. "What happened?"

"Ya fainted." Said Yolei plainly.

"Tell me the truth." Sora said plainly. "Is Matt in Earth 99?"

Kari nodded.

Sora groaned, and laid back down. Apparently, someone had carried her to the couch.

"You must have faith, Sora." Reminded Biyomon.

Sora nodded, but deep in her heart, she knew that she would need a bit more than faith…

There's something only you can do
So that this blue planet doesn't lose it's light

"Why'd you stop, Tai?" Asked Tassiemon.

"I…thought I heard something." He answered. This was true. He could have sworn that he heard footsteps behind them. He was sure that they weren't Coyotemon's or Tassiemon's, either.

Tai started walking again. Then, he heard it again. He stopped. They stopped. He started. They started. He stopped. They Stopped. Someone was following him.

"What's going-"

He didn't have time to finish his sentence. Suddenly, someone leapt out in front of them, blocking his path. Someone wearing a green suit. With blue eyes. And spiky blonde hair…

"MATT!" Exclaimed Tai.

Tassiemon looked at Matt with a strange expression. "Tai, whose that?" She asked.

"The name's Matt, Fox-girl!" Snapped Matt.

"Matt, what are you doing here?" Tai asked.

Matt laughed hollowly. "That can be explained in two words, Taichi."

"…And…What are they?" Asked Tai.

"Guess." Matt said flatly.

"Hmmmmm…Mortal Combat?"

"No."

"Team work?"

"That's one word."

"Oh."

Coyotemon sneezed.

"Bless you." Said Tassiemon

"Stay out of this, Fox-Girl." Warned Matt.

She pointed to Coyotemon. "He sneezed."

"What did I just say?" Sneered Matt.

"But that's why I said, 'Bless you.'"

"Oh."

Tai was still thinking. "Famous heroes?" He guessed.

"No."

"I'm sorry?"

"That's ok. I didn't think you would get it."

"That was a guess."

"That was four words."

"…Never mind."

"No, that's not it."

"Shut up?"

"Don't tell me to shut up!"

"But…Oh…"

"Not only is that gibberish, but that's not the answer."

"This stinks…"

"Wrong."

"ARRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!"

"…That's one word."

"I GIVE UP!"

"Three words."

"NO, I GIVE UP!"

"Can you not count?! That's four words!"

"ARRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!"

"You already guessed that!"

"Um, Dude," Coyotemon interjected. "I think he wants to know the answer…"

"Oh. Well, in that case, the answer is…True Love…"

Tai was surprised. "…Hua?"

Matt started Pacing. "It's simple. Sora likes you."

"SHE DOES?!" Tai was amazed.

"BUT…She's my girl. Haven't we discussed this before?"

"…Yea." Tai said slowly.

"Don't you see the problem?"

"Not really…"

"What?"

"Yes. Sora likes me, but she's your girl."

"Why does she like you?"

Tai shrugged.

Matt answered himself. "Because you're the hero. The Warrior. The one who will save us all."

"Well…That might be one of the reasons…I'm sure she-"

Matt stopped pacing. "Would she love you if you didn't save us?"

"Yes."

"No." Matt said narrowing his eyes. "She wouldn't. Now, let's say I saved us all. Who Sora love?"

"…I'm confused…"

"ME. She would love me. Do you get what I'm saying?"

"Yes…"

"So, in other words, I'm taking over. We can do this the hard way, or the easy way."

"…You're crazy…"

` "So, the hard way, hua?"

"…This is so corny…"

BAM! Tai barely had time to finish his sentence when Matt tackled him. Tai threw him off.

"Matt, do you even care about Tk?" Tai snapped.

For a moment, Matt seemed stumped. Then, he snapped, "That's the stupidest question I've ever heard! I won't even dignify that with an answer!"

Tai rolled his eyes.

Then, Matt tackled him again, and socked him in the jaw. Tai could taste blood in his mouth. He kicked Matt in the stomach, causing Matt to grunt and clutch his middle.

"You'll pay for that one, Taichi…" Matt snarled.

"I don't want to hurt you, Matt! But I will if I have to!"

Matt charged again, but Tai moved out of the way and tripped Matt, who went flying.

Tai sighed. As often as Matt had been a pain-in-the-butt, he was still his friend.

When Matt got up, Tai could see that there was blood trickling about of the corner of his mouth. He stalked toward Tai, baring his teeth.

Suddenly, Tassiemon stood between them. She narrowed her eyes at Matt. "Look, Buddy…" She hissed. "I still don't know exactly who the Hell you are. But I know one thing. I'm not going to let you stop Tai. I've heard about the Prophesy, and I'm pretty sure that Tai is the Warrior of Courage. I'm willing to fight you myself…"

"Didn't I tell you to stay out of this, Fox-Girl?!" Snapped Matt.

"Quit calling her 'Fox-Girl'…"

Everyone turned. Coyotemon had been quiet this entire time, but it seemed that he wasn't going to stay that way.

Matt wrinkled up his nose. "What did you say…?"

Coyotemon narrowed his eyes. "I said, 'Quit Calling her, 'Fox-girl.'' She's got a name, you know. It's Tassiemon."

Matt smirked. "Are you willing to make me?"

Coyotemon's fur prickled up. "Probably."

Matt laughed hollowly. "Look, I'll deal with you two when I'm done with Tai. Now, shut up, and…" Suddenly, he passed out.

Tai was standing behind him, his hand still raised to where Matt's shoulder met his neck. He had a silly grin on his face. "I can't believe that worked…"

"What did you do?" Asked Tassiemon.

"'Sleeper hold.' Works every time…" Tai giggled.

Coyotemon studied Matt carefully. Then, he looked up at Tai. "Tai, we might want to get going…I'm not sure when he'll wake up, and when he does, he'll be madder than a librarian at a rock concert."

Tai nodded. "Let's go."

The three walked off quietly, leaving Matt behind.

When you've been bitten by Ellemon, time doesn't exist.

You can't hear what people on the outside are saying.

You're in your own little World.

Memories play back and fourth, in no particular order.

You dream about things.

You can hear things.

But that's pretty much it.

Will I live…Or be this way forever…? Thought Tk.

No one answered.

Not every day is sunny,

so sometimes,
Even though a cold rain is falling,

just open your umbrella

"We're here."

Tai looked up and studied the mountain carefully. At first, he tried to figure out how to climb up the mountain, but then he noticed a doorway, and a flight of stairs.

Tassiemon sighed. "Well, Tai, this is as far as Coyotemon and I go. You're on your own now."

Tai nodded sadly, and looked at the two Digimon. He sighed. "I guess so. Thanks for the help. Good-bye…"

"Good-bye, Tai." The Digimon said in unison. "Good luck…"

Tai blinked his eyes, and then started up the stairs. He was afraid that if he looked back, he would chicken-out.

The flight of stairs were narrow and winding, and Tai thought that they would never end.

Finally, he reached the top. He hadn't been walking long when he met up with a forlorn looking girl tied to a pillar.

She looked up at him with tears in her eyes. She let out a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness…I thought you were the Dark Emperor.

Tai looked at her. "Who are you?" He asked.

She sighed unhappily. "I've been a slave to the Dark Emperor for as long as I can remember. My name is Elle."

Elle? Where have I heard that name before? Tai thought.

"Will you please free me?" She begged.

Well, any enemy of the Dark Emperor was a friend of his. He bent down. Suddenly, he jerked himself back.

Elle looked at him curiously. "What's wrong?"

Tai laughed sarcastically. "Exactly what are you trying to pull here?"

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"I think you do…ELLEMON!"

Ellemon bared her teeth, which had already started turning into fangs. In less than five seconds, she had changed into her true form.

"Very good indeed…" She chuckled. "But tell me, Warrior, what do you plan on doing?" She bared her fangs again.

Crap. Tai hadn't thought of anything.

Ellemon pounced. Tai dogged just in time.

How am I supposed to beat her if I don't have any Digimon? Tai thought franticly. He dodged Ellemon again, and she crashed into the wall. She made a dent, and some debris fell off of the ceiling.

Tai looked up. The ceiling was covered with jagged stalagmites.

A plan began to form up in his mind…

He turned to Ellemon, who looked ready to pounce. "Yo, ugly! Is something wrong with you?" He called.

She narrowed her eyes at him. "What did you call me?"

"I called you ugly! That's what you are, you know! How could someone stand to be you human partner?!"

"Watch it, boy…"

"Do us all a favor and put a bag over your head! I think I'm about to pass out!"

"One more word out of you…"

"Oh, I'm so incredibly scared! By-the-by, what's wrong with your aim?! You couldn't hit the side of a barn!"

Her eyes turned red with fury. Tai placed his back against the wall.

"Well, what are you waiting for, Ellemon?! Come and get me!"

Ellemon charged. Tai waited. 3…2…1…Then, he ducked.

BAM!

With an ear-splitting Bam, Ellemon slammed in to the wall. She shook her head a few times, then blinked. "You're dead meat, boy! As soon as I-"

CRASH!

A stalagmite crashed to the floor, missing Ellemon by a hair.

CRASH! CRASH!

Two more. Ellemon dodged franticly.

CRASH! CRASH! CRASH!

This time, there was a direct hit in the back. She screamed in pain.

CRASH! CRASH!

She didn't have a chance. Two more, and she dissolved.

There's no map of how to live, that's why we're free
You can go anywhere.

The darkness faded. Tk sat up. He felt as strong as an ox.

He looked around. The first one he saw was Kari, who was kneeling by his side. He could tell that she was crying. She hadn't seen that he had woken up.

He smiled gently. He leaned over, and started stroking her face. "Why are you crying, Angel of Light?" He asked.

She looked up, and gawked. "TK! You're safe! I thought that you…I didn't think you would…I thought you might…"

He didn't let her finish her sentence. He leaned over further, and kissed her.

Tai braced himself. While the first stalagmite had fallen, he had run to the other end of the hallway. Now, he could only hope that the others didn't hit him.

CRASH! CRASH! CRASH! CRASH! CRASH!

Finally, it was over. Cautiously, he made started walking again. Eventually, he mad it to another door. He took a deep breath, and walked inside.

It was a large chamber. There was a table, a chair, some food, and a stone throne with someone sitting in it.

It was the Dark Emperor.

He looked down at Tai. "I've been expecting you, Tai."

The Dark Emperor's clothes looked exactly like Ken's old Digimon Emperor suit, but the colors were inverted. Also, he had a sword by his side.

Suddenly, a thought struck Tai. "How did you know my name?" He asked.

The Dark Emperor chuckled. "I've been watching you, Tai. You know me."

Tai frowned. "Your kidding, right? I have no I idea who you are!"

The Dark Emperor took of his glasses.

Tai gasped.

It was Tao.