faithhopelove

They four figures trudge quietly through the forest, each deeply in their own thoughts about Taichi's condition. Its been days, and Tai still cannot remember anything. With a savage yell of frustration and anger, the brown haired boy punches the nearest tree, and then collapses holding his bleeding and bruised hand.

Oh Tai. The golden haired youth puts his arms around the shaking Tai.

His brown eyes plead into Mattt's. Why can't I remember? It's empty. I have nothing!

Matt rocks Tai gently, unsure of what to do. He has been telling Tai everything that he knew about him. The only thing he hadn't mentioned is what had happened to him.

Not true Taichan. You have me. You have Agumon and Garurumon too.

Matt looks over at the digimon. Why don't you guys go set up camp up ahead?

Sure Matt. garurumon growls pleasently, and continues walking on, the yellow lizard by his side.

Do you think Tai's going to be okay? Agumon asks.

I'm not sure its really Tai. Garurumon states quietly.



When you get reconfigured, you still maintain your memories. But Tai didn't. It's really quite puzzling. Garurumon says.

What does Matt think? Agumon asks.

I haven't told him. The digimon sighs heavily. He's been empty for so long. Ever since it happened. I only want him to be happy.

The yellow dinousaur considered this carefully. But if its not Tai, then who is with us? And how was I able to digivolve?

I don't know. The garurumon admitted sadly. Lets just keep an eye on him, and I'll try to talk to Matt about it.

Tai whimpered quietly in his sleep. They were all fading away. The blonde haired one. A younger version of him next to a brown haired girl about the same age. Somebody in a pink hat. The red headed boy. Some dorky kid, but a really nice kid holding onto a sobbing girl with a blue bowl on her head. He couldn't leave them. He needed to.... He awakes with the jerk. The dinosaur, the wolf, and the boy, Matt were gone. Tai strains listening for his companions, and hears the low murmer of voices. The only word he could distinguish was his name, Tai. Funny. It still meant absolutely nothing to him. Were they talking about him? Almost as silently as garurumon he crept closer to hear the conversation.

It's Tai guys. I know it is. Matt's voice spoke firmly, yet quietly.

The garurumon stared at him with sad, knowing eyes. Are you sure Matt, or do you just really want it too be? Don't let your hope cloud your mind!

Matt glared at his companion, but deep in his heart he knew that Garurumon might be right. An evil digimon trying to fool us? He laughes bitterly. Tai was, I mean is our closest friend. He just needs some time.

Maybe we shouldn't jump to conclusions yet. He did help me digivolve. Agumon spoke up.

Let's just keep an eye on him. Matt declared, looking at the digimon with the same saddened expression that they had become accustomed to during their travels.

With tears slipping down his cheeks, Tai quietly pretended to sleep as the others quietly came back into camp.

So you wish to know the truth? The whisphering voice echoed next to him. Tai bolts upright.

Who are you?

I only wish to help you. I know the truth.

Tai's brown eyes peer intently into the darkness, but he can see nothing.

Matt has already told me. I just can't remember. Tai says, looking over at the golden head sleeping quietly.

Maybe he just isn't telling you the truth. The shadowed digimon states.

Tai heart began beating wildly. Your lying.

It smiles at Tai. When you are ready for the real truth, call for me, Doppelmon.

Tai laid back down and stared up at the black sky. Who am I?
Tai was deep in thought as the group continued to travel through the forest.

We need to talk Matt. Tai sits down on a log, and crosses his arms over his chest. Tai had been eeriliy quiet throughout the morning hours.

Matt winces at the tone of Tai's voice. Good idea Tai. I think we all need a break. He looks over at the digimon. Can you guys get some grub?

Tai, are you okay?

When are you going to tell me the real truth Matt?

Matt sits down next to him.

What do you mean Tai?

Cold brown eyes stare into his blue ones. I want to know what happened to me. Matt, I need to know everything.

Matt swallows. Sure Tai. He begins looking at the ground, to afraid to look Tai into the eyes. We were all battling some really evil digimon called the darkmasters. One of them, He stops, hating to tell Tai this, but then continues, the words cutting into his soul. Tricked me into thinking that we were rivals. I tried to destroy you and the others. Filled with shame I left the group. And then you tried to.... Matt's voice fills with tears. You tried to take on the last dark master, Piedmon on by yourself. I joined in the battle, but it was too late.

Teary blue eyes beseeched Tai's. I've been looking for you ever since.

Whoever said the truth hurts wasn't kidding. Tai stalks off.

Tai, where are you going? Matt cries out fearfully. He reaches out his hand.

I need to think. Alone. Tai says coldly, and stalks off into the forest.

Tai continues to walk deeper into the forest. Maybe I should ask for that creature that appeared last night. What was his name?

He cries out.

Yes boy? Why did you call on me?

Tai stands shrouded by the darkness. Well, you said you could help me remember who I am.

I never said that. the shadow grins. I only said that I knew the truth about you.

Tai clenched his hands into fists. Tell me then!

You aren't Taichi Kamiya. I can tell you that.

Tai yells. What do you mean?

The digimon smiles at his anger. You aren't a real person either. You are souless, incabable of feeling anything.

You lie! Tai says, his face turning dead white.

You are no more than a copy, just a shadow of the real bearer of courage.

Tai fell to his knees. NO! IT CAN'T BE TRUE!

A red eyed figure shrouded in mist glowers over Tai. Say good bye!

Another voice echoes through the clearing. Hang on Tai! The boy hanging onto the gaurumon murmers quietly, almost to himself. Not again. I can't lose him again.

Matt, get out of here! Don't risk your life for me. I'm not the real Tai! He cries desperately.

Prepare to die Digidestined! The new digimon yells, stepping besides Doppelmon.

The blonde hurtles off the garurumon, knocking Tai out of harms way.

Stupid boy. The mist shrouding the digimon makes it to see more than its glowing red eyes.

Matt and Tai watch in horror as Garurumon is pulled into the fog, and gabumon comes tumbling out.

Matt runs up, and snatches the dazed digimon.

Sorry Matt. I tried.

The fatal blow hurtles through the air toward Matt and Gabumon. Matt closes his eyes, and waits for it. A figure comes hurling through the air, and his body deflects the blow.



Matt cradles Tai in his arms. Tai, wake up!



Hang on Tai. You'll be okay. Don't leave me again.

I'm just a copy. Somewhere the real Tai is out there. And he loves you as much as you love him

he disapears. Matt fell to the ground sobbing. Not again. Through his tears he sees something orange lying in the dust. It was a tag and crest.

Matt sobs, squeezing the crest in his hand.

The mist shrouded digimon grins. Time to join him!

The attack catches him by surprise. Tempest wing. The huge bird hovers in the sky.

So you brought some allies. I'll be back!

Two figures appear on the horizon. One of the figures takes off on a dead run.

Matt! Its you!

Teary eyes look up in disbelief.