A/N:  Thanks to those few of you who reviewed, as long as someone likes it I'll keep it up.  And a plea to you the reader…REVIEW!!!!  Authors who are reading this know how important the feedback is and especially now encouraging it is.  Non-authors, if you want more quicker leave a review it motivates me to work on this if I know people actually want to see more of it.

Disclaimer:  I don't own them.

Two weeks, it had been two weeks since the Bearer of Hope had been captured and the digidestined split up. Meaning there had been a full two weeks for the Dark Master to attack and lay waste to the 'Saviors' of this world.  Two weeks that Puppetmon failed to act on.  And two weeks that Piedmon had been annoyed to no end.  The Dark Lord sat on his throne rolling a bit of wine over his tongue as he listened to the reports of his spies.

As the sniveling Vilemon droned on his anger grew until it finally it became to much and he held his hand up for silence "So you are telling me that the digidestined are still wandering the forest and all Puppetmon is doing is playing with the boy?" he said carefully.  The messenger trembled and nodded slowly "the only fights the destined have been in are with wild digimon, obviously they haven't received a scratch".

Piedmon stood, getting a small measure of pleasure as the Vilemon's legs gave way from fear, making his way to his telescope.  The great mechanism glittered in the sunlight as he peered through first focusing on the main group of digidestined.  They were currently trekking through the forest in their misguided attempts to catch up with the Bearer of Friendship.  The one called Tai well in the lead blazing the trail, the ever so faithful Agumon at his side.  The others were a few feet back looking weary in the afternoon sun, the constant travel seeming to catch up with them.  He did not toil on them for long and turned his attention a few miles ahead to where the one called Yamato was walking along, his blue eyes focused dead ahead seemingly hell bent on getting to his goal.

He momentarily turned his attention to Puppetmon's mansion, his own eyes confirming what the spy had said.  Puppetmon was in the front yard of the mansion, playing what looked like catch with the youngest of the digidestined.  Piedmon focused in more getting a read on the boys face, seeing it filled with complete terror and completely focused on the red ball coming his way.  Seconds later he knew why.  Just after he tossed the ball back to the Dark Master it exploded in mid air, reigning sparks upon the pair.  Puppetmon danced around happily while Takeru huddled in a ball, the hot debris reigning down on him causing his skin to blister where it hit.  Yet he didn't cry, instead pulling himself up and prepared for the next ball.

"He has what he wants," Machinedramon said as he clamored into the large chamber, his spies telling him the same thing "now he's done and left us out to dry". 

Piedmon pulled away from his looking glass to look at his remaining partner "I concur, we have given him ample time to vanquish the digidestined and he has turned it into a game".

"Then we move forward" the machine asked, a hint of hope in his metal voice.

"I move forward," Piedmon corrected returning to his looking glass and turning his attention back to Matt.  Machinedramon took note to this "And how is that one of any use to you?" he asked slightly annoyed at being left out.  Piedmon smiled a sly smile "More than you know" he said seeing that he had his comrades attention "I've been watching the children since they arrived and know everything from their dreams to their darkest fears.  And for Yamato here both of those lie in his baby brother, the kink in the digidestines armor is their hearts, their weak hearts".

Machinedramon chuckled "Hearts, what a waste".  Piedmon agreed motioning for him to follow as he headed for the door "I will go pay Yamato a little visit…if he wants his brother alive he will take care of the digidestined for us". 

For Yamato Ishida it had been the longest two weeks of his entire life, sure he'd gone that long without his brother before, but this was the first time TK thought he hated him.  He still couldn't believe that such awful words had passed his lips and at the moment would have given anything in the world to take them back.  A few feet ahead Gabumon kept his nose to the ground, following the scent the deranged digimon had left.

The foliage was beginning to thin as they left the canopy of the forest and entered a small clearing in the forest.  The instant Matt's eyes adjusted to the afternoon light he felt his heart stop and his blood run cold…they were right back where they started.  He was standing in the very clearing this had all began two weeks ago; the ashes from the campfire were even there.

"No" he whispered his heart pounding in his head "Gabumon please tell me I'm hallucinating, please tell me this is a horrible dream and I'm going to wake up any second…TK will be safe at my side.  Please tell me we didn't' just walk in a circle".  His partner looked at him with watery eyes and once again shook his head "This is no dream my young friend, we have been lead in a circle".

Matt fell to his knees his whole body trembling with untold grief, grief that was manifesting itself in the crystal tears that were rolling down his face.  Gabumon had tears of his own but he did not shed them, he wouldn't do that to his partner, not now.  Instead he put a furry arm around his friend and let him cry.

Miles back Tai was trudging on, his mind and will set on one thing, catching up with Matt.  Then he would let the blond have it for running off at a time when they should have stuck together.  He saw a bend in the trail ahead and broken braches littering the path, they were still on the right path.

The solace of his thoughts was shattered by a gentle yet insistent tug on his hand.  Tai rolled his eyes and prepared to yell at whoever was trying to get his attention, stopping with his mouth wide open as he saw Kari looking up at him with tired eyes.  "We really need to stop," she said bringing her brother to a dead stop by the exhausted tone of her voice.

He was flooded with regret as he scooped her up and turned to the others, who were looking worse for wear.  Their faces were red, with Mimi and Joe carrying their tuckered guardians, and sweat was pouring down their faces.  "Guys…" he began as they fell to the ground gasping for breath.  It was Joe who finally spoke "Tai we can't keep this up" he said wiping his brow "if we are attacked the digimon are too tired to fight back".

The leader didn't back down, resisting the urge to raise his voice "But we need to catch up to Matt, talk some sense into him before he does something stupid".

"We can't catch him if were dead" Izzy shot surprising himself and the others with his tone.  The Bearer of Knowledge flashed an apologetic smile and gathered himself "What I mean is if we get attacked in this state we're dead and that won't do Matt or TK any good".

Patamon let out a small noise from Kari's arms, his innocent eyes vacant in the absence of his Hope.  This was making the destined worried for he seemed to get worse with every passing day and they feared if their youngest member wasn't found soon they would lose the legendary warrior.

"Besides" Sora added "who knows how far ahead he is, for all we know he's been walking non stop since he ran off".  Tai fumed his will wanting to rebel but his heart won out and he lowered his head "Okay we'll slow down".

A collective sigh of relief washed over the group even as Tai stood "But can you guys at least make it to a decent campsite, that way we can rest for the rest of the day and night.  In the morning we'll start searching by air".  Tiredly and reluctantly the others agreed forcing their aching bodies and bones to move.

Kari however lingered on the ground holding Gatomon and Patamon for a few moments more, pleasantly surprised when Tai scooped her up and set her on his shoulders, something he hadn't done in years.  "Move out" he called.

Gabumon watched his slumbering partner as the sun dipped below the horizon, making the fire he had built dance in the fading light.  His charge had fallen asleep from the tears and exhaustion that had been building in him for two weeks now, these precious hours the most Matt had gotten in weeks.  That and that alone was the only reason the guardian of Friendship didn't wake him.

Yet even though Matt was sleeping it wasn't a peaceful sleep.  It seemed to be one plagued with nightmares, images of his past bombarding his fragile mind, as if to taunt him of his brothers capture.  Takeru's name was constantly passing through his lips, often followed by vows that he would never leave and always protect him.  Gabumon was amazed at the bond the two seemed to share; a bond he felt had only shown its true nature here in the digital world.

Matt rolled closer to the fire to fight the chill of the night as the sounds of someone approaching perked the wolf's ears.  Gabumon let out a low growl, hoping it would scare off the invaders and leave his partner be.  The growl did not scare them off, instead bringing about excited chatter and the crashing of bushes. 

The noise woke Matt with a start, his hands instantly going to his digivice as a light began to envelope his partner.  "Matt" a familiar voice called putting a stop to the evolution and for a brief moment filling Matt's heart with joy.  That joy faded as reality hit him again and his friends emerged from the bushes.

"I can't believe we caught up with you" Tai said easing the sleeping Kari from his shoulders to his arms.  Unseen tears welled in Matt's eyes as he watched the simple act of another brother, wishing like never before that he could do that with TK again.  Before Matt could answer Mimi let out a gasp "This is the same clearing".

Eyes widened and hearts fell "No" Izzy said pulling out his laptop and pulling up the map, desperate to prove her wrong.  "It is" Matt said hoarsely  "we've walked for two weeks and are no closer to saving him".

Silence reigned over the camp, no one knowing what to say, having no words of comfort.  Sora made up a small bed of leaves for Kari as Tai lay her into it, silently thanking the heavens she was here with him.  "Izzy try to contact Genni again, the rest of you make camp.  We leave at dawn by air".

Matt wasn't the only one reduced to tears as the digidestined once again found themselves right where they had started.  TK sat on his bed in Puppetmon's mansion letting tears roll down his cheeks.  Bruises, burns, and cuts of every shape and size covered his aching body, every one an aftermath of one of Puppetmon's games.  It had been the knowledge that his friends were coming for him that had kept him going and kept his spirits up.  Both of those were now shattered they were no closer to him.

Childlike laughter came from the door as Puppetmon leapt in his eyes shining with obvious pride "My forest my rules" he said simply watching the elder have a complete break down.  "I told you they would never find you…you are mine until I decide its time to go".

TK merely answered by throwing a block at his woodenhead, taking a small amount of satisfaction from the thudding noise it made as it hit.  The Dark Master merely looked annoyed "Now that was mature" he snorted a gleam making it way into his dangerous eyes "but it does give me an idea…ohhhhh we're going to have so much fun tomorrow".

With that he skipped out of the room singing to himself all the way down the hall.

The Bearer of Hope listened to him go his eyes fixed on Tai and Kari now, Kari sitting happily atop her brother's shoulders.  He wanted that so badly…and what he wanted he was going to get.  Wiping away the last of the tears he pulled the comforter off of his bed, exposing the linen sheets beneath.  Pulling those from the bed he began to shred long pieces and tie them together, after all this had worked in the movies. 

Takeru worked most of the night on his rope hiding it under his bed and replacing the comforter as he crawled in, he was going to make a run for it tomorrow night.

Night watch, Matt hadn't minded the last watch in the past because he would spend it at TK's side lulling him to sleep with the unchained melody of his harmonica.  It had also made him available should dark demons invade his brother's dreams…Matt had always been there to drive them out.  Was he scared now?  he thought sadly poking the fire with his stick, watching the sparks dance. 

Around him the others slept obviously exhausted from their trek, the lightening sky looming to send them out again. 

Slowly the stillness of the moment was shattered as a mocking laugh echoed through the warm morning air.  Matt's head shot up, his icy blue eyes red from tears yet narrowed in anger.  "Show yourself," he demanded hating the mocking nature of the laugh.  Around him the others awoke instantly, shortly followed by the flashes of evolution.

"Come out you coward" Tai called taking Kari's shoulder, in case it was Puppetmon looking for another playmate.

Piedmon appeared instantly clapping his hands "That I must admit was a stellar performance" he said clicking a stopwatch in his hands "and I thought you wouldn't evolve for a few more seconds…alas" his cold eyes settling on the Bearer of Friendship.

Garurumon growled and stepped forward placing himself between his master and the Dark Master.  Piedmon shook his head "Now we'll have none of that, I come not for a fight but with an offer".

Matt was quickest on the take, answering with a dangerous venom in his voice "I want nothing that comes from vermin like you, now leave us while you are still in once piece".  Ikkakumon stepped forward, aiming his horn as if to emphasize the point.  The dark lord laughed at his courage, well aware he could kill them both with one blow should he want too.  "As I see it you are in no position to make threats" he said darkly "that is if you ever want to see that pipsqueak you call a brother again".

For the second time that day Matt's blood ran cold "TK" he whispered quickly finding his courage again "What have you done with him?  Where is he?" he fired off silencing himself as Izzy took a hold of his shoulder to hold him back, they couldn't afford to lose another of their own.  Piedmon raised his gloved hand "I do not have your brother, Puppetmon does…but I am willing to help you get him back".

Patamon let out a low growl; he didn't want to know what was coming next.  Matt was another story "I'm listening" he said ignoring the silent please of his friends, his mind slowly comprehending the evil things Piedmon would have him do, perhaps lay waste to a village or kill a rival for him.  The jester seemed pleased "I want you to eliminate the threat of the other digidestined, in exchange I will give you your precious brother and a way home".

"What?!" Tai shouted his very being screaming in outrage, Sora's steady yet shaking hand holding him back "Let him handle this" she whispered.  Matt's icy eyes turned dark and his voice dangerous "You want me to betray my own friends?" he asked "a betrayal which will lead to the death and destruction of so many innocent lives…no!" he finished with a shout.

The destined let out signs of relief as well as feeling twinges of pride; he truly did deserve his crest.

Piedmon laughed a truly evil laugh "I thought you might say that" he said and without warning his hand shot out the fiery 'Clown Trick' attack shooting out of it.  The ring of fire struck Garurumon full force, sending him into a tree with a painful crunch.

The others rushed forward in an attempt to protect their charges, however they were too late.  Piedmon moved so quickly that no one saw him at Matt's side before it was too late.  The Clown Prince grabbed a hold of Matt, pulling him away from the protection of his friends.  "Matt!" Joe shouted running forward only to stop dead as one of Piedmon's deadly blades sat inches from the young doctors throat.  "You will stay where you are, I'm only going to borrow him for a few minutes…" With that they popped out of site leaving the stunned group who could only wait and pray.

They were in another part of the forest when they reappeared, Gabumon's worried eyes the last things he'd seen before being whisked away.  Piedmon put the sword away but did not release his arm, using it to guide him through the bushes.  "Where are you taking me?" Matt asked forcefully as he futily tried to pull away.

"Giving you something to think about" Piedmon said coldly pushing one last bush away to reveal a light blue mansion…Puppetmon's mansion to be exact…with Puppetmon himself in the front yard.  Yet none of that mattered right now because Puppetmon wasn't the only one there, TK stood next to him bandaged, bruised, with a look a sheer terror on his face.  Seconds later Matt found out why.

"Its electric hop scotch" Puppetmon boasted, tossing a twig onto the board watching with glee as it caught fire "so you don't want to hop on the wrong square" he cried bouncing up and down, handing the young blonde his marker.

Matt couldn't take it anymore, his strained emotions finally getting the better of him.  "TK" he screamed desperately breaking into a full run, only to have the iron grip of the clown clamp down on his shoulder.  TK's eyes looked the instant his brother's voice reached his ears, hope filling his eyes for the first time in two weeks.  "Matt" he cried back running for his brother, he himself falling to the same fate as Puppetmon grabbed his little hand "Oh no you don't" he scolded.

TK however fought, hard.  He kicked, hit, bit, and screamed his brother's name over and over as desperate tears made their way down his cheeks.  A rare, dark look, passed over Puppetmon's features as he summoned a Veggimon to his side, handing of his struggling prisoner "Take him to his room" he ordered.

Veggimon wrapped his arms are the Bearer of Hope dragging him into the mansion "Matt! No Matt!" he screamed finally making eye contact as they reached the threshold "I didn't mean it, please, I didn't mean it…"

Matt fell to his knees "I know" he yelled back his voice cracking with tears "I know" he repeated dissolving into uncharacteristic sobs.  "My work here is done" Piedmon said disappearing as fast as he had appeared.

Puppetmon stared at the spot where his comrade had stood his blood boiling with anger.  This was supposed to be his time, his game and Piedmon was clearly doing his own thing…he was going to teach the oversized clown for crossing him.

The remaining digidestined were anxious as they waited for Piedmon to return with their friend, even through the deranged clown had only said he would be bringing him back.  Gabumon seemed worse for wear as feelings of guilt and rage washed over his body he had failed his partner…again.

"There" Mimi suddenly called as the air above her began to waver soon revealing Piedmon holding the Bearer of Friendship none too gently by the arm.  "You have three days," he said tossing the blonde into his friends and disappearing without another word.

As gently as he could Izzy pushed Matt off of him holding his tongue as hundreds of questions burst into his head, each one begging for an answer.  Tai wasn't so conservative as he beat Gabumon to his side "So, what did he show you?"

Matt stood on shaky legs, scratching his partners head to comfort him "TK" he said his voice barely above a whisper "we need to get him out of there…he won't survive much longer".  Tai waited a few moments for the shock to wear off before taking charge "Tentomon, Byomon digivolve, we'll start our search by air because its obvious he has rule over the ground". 

Joe opened his mouth to protest, shutting his mouth when he got a good look at the anguish written across Matt's face.  The reason they hadn't flown in the past was it would be too easy to be spotted by one of the Dark Masters.  However, this wasn't a time for reason.

They obeyed instantly, kneeling down to allow the children to board "Everyone take out your digivices this is going to be like finding a needle in a haystack".  With that they were in the air, the sun now fully risen, giving them a spectacular view of the massive forest below "Three days to find a needle in a haystack" Sora echoed.

To Be Continued…

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