irontears



You need to tell me. Matt orders.

I will, but first, we need to take card of Tai.

Matt reaches for him, and Tai lets out a strangled cry.

Chill Man. Let us help you get dry, and then we'll take you back to the real world. Matt says softly.

Tai was in a daze, and allowed us to lead him to a cave. Once he dried, Tai fell into an exhaustive sleep.

Now tell me what he meant? Matt orders me.

I look around the cave. I look at Tai. I look anywhere but those cold piercing, demanding eyes.


Tell me now!

okay. I'll tell you what happened, but you have to promise to never tell anyone.

I promise.

I don't remember exactly where we were, but it was somewhere in the digital world. I was on watch............

~flashback~

No please! Tai was obviously in the grips of a nightmare.

I hesitated, but the boy's continued imagined torment was too much for me to do nothing.

Hey Tai, wake up. Its okay.

The brown haired boy shook and trembled.

He grins at me sheepishly.

Its okay. Do you want to tell me about it?

I don't know.

Hey, no pressure, but you want to burden an awful lot by yourself. I chastise him.

Will you promise me that you'll never tell anyone?

I promise.

I keep having this dream.

what was it about Tai?'

I killed my sister. And I was being punished for it.

Tai, Kari is sleeping right over there. It was just a dream.

I know, but I keep feeling the belt on my back.

It was just a dream Tai.

I know, I only wish I would stop having it.

Do you want to go on watch with me?

nah, I think I can get back to sleep now.

Are you sure?

sure am. Thanks. Tai murmurs.

No problem.

I woke up the next morning, and Tai wasn't by the campfire. My heart in my throat and turned my gaze toward the river. Tai was there. I heaved a sigh of relief. I guess that Tai's dream got to me too. I laughed, feeling rather silly at my strange reaction to a dream not even my own. I walked down into the stream to join him.

Hey Tai!

Good morning! Are you ready for breakfast? Tai asks me cheerfully.
I couldn't answer at first. Tai had taken his shirt off, and I was staring at the healed marks on his back. Belt marks.

Hey you sleeping there?

No way Tai, I was just wondering how you think you are going catch any fish without a net. I stammer nervously. I close my eyes, hoping that it wasn't true.

~end flashback~

Why didn't he tell us? Why didn't you say something?

He asked me not to tell anyone Matt. I say sadly. I shouldn't have kept this a secret, but it was almost to horrible to comprehend.

Poor Tai. He always thinks he has too be so strong. says Matt softly.

Tai wakes up, and focuses his brown eyes on Matt's intense gaze.



Its gonna be okay Tai. When we get back home, we'll help you understand that it wasn't your fault.



Kari is going to be okay. And so are you. I promise.