The path arced up above the forest, and as they got higher the wind came up, catching Tai's wings so they fluttered slightly.  His tail moved from side to side as they walked, but neither of the movements bothered Tai, he didn't really notice them.  As they went up the path Tai noticed that it was slowly fading away behind them.  He tried to look discretely, but it was not easy and the old man easily noticed.

"Don't worry, I'll open that path up again for your friends," he said, still looking ahead.  Tai was disappointed, it seemed that this was not going to be as easy as he thought, and he was wondering if this was a good idea.  They continued walking down the path until they came to an outcrop of more branches.  They met together and formed a large platform.  At the four corners were two branches the spiraled together upward, until eventually stopping where a crystal rested.  The crystal was similar to that of the path, only much larger.  It glowed a soft yellow and lit the area well.  The old man led Tai onto the platform and they walked into the centre.  They stood idly, neither saying a word.

*******Back with Agumon*******

Agumon ran down the branches and through the woods.  He quickly made it back to where Sora and the others were.  They had all just woken up, and were very confused.

"Guys, we gotta get moving, Tai needs us," Agumon shouted as he approached them.

"Uh, Agumon, I think I speak for everyone when I say, HUH?" Joe said sourly.

"Okay, so Joe could have put it a little more diplomatically, but what is going on?" Izzy asked.

"I'm not sure, but I'll explain on the way, we need to get moving," Agumon replied desperately.

"Alright, if Tai needs us, then lets go," Davis said springing to his feet, Veemon did the same.

"Wait, where are we, where is Tai?" Matt asked as he clambered to his feet.

"I don't know and I don't care, but if Tai's in trouble then we've gotta help him," Davis said emphatically.

"Yeah, lead the way Agumon," Veemon added.

"Back this way, come on," Agumon turned around and the trio returned down the path into the forest.

"Well, I suppose we'd better go after them," Matt said.  The group got up and ran after them.  They soon caught up, because the three were not going very fast so that the others would be able to catch up.  When they had Catherine returned to Davis's side.  He took her hand and squeezed gently, "Don't let go," he said to her

"I won't," she replied.

"Agumon, how about you explain?" Izzy suggested.

"I'll try.  Tai woke up first, I assume he went over to Sora first, but he couldn't wake her so he came over to me.  He said that he couldn't, he didn't know where we were.  We checked his D-terminal, and it turns out we're not far from File Island.  We decided to have a look around to see if we could find you guys, so that we knew where an attack could come from.  We left you a message Sora," Agumon began explaining.  He was talking relatively fast, and was getting out of breath.

"Yeah, I know, I was about to read it when you arrived," Sora replied.

"It basically just says what I have already explained," Agumon explained.  The others began to slow down and Agumon eventually noticed that they had stopped.  He turned face them , "What are you stopping for?" he asked.

"Uh, where exactly do we go now?" Davis asked.

"Oh, we go up into the trees," Agumon replied.  He noticed that they had reached the dense forest where the only way they could go was up.

"Oh great, now we have to climb trees, I was never good at climbing trees," Joe whined.

"No, we don't climb them, just follow me," Agumon said as he continued running.  They all took a deep breath and followed.

"He seems really worried," Matt said quietly.

"Wouldn't you be?  Think about it, he had to leave Tai, and especially at a time like this," Gabumon replied.

"I suppose, I would feel the same way if it was you."

"Hey, so what happened, you still haven't told us where Tai is," Davis said eagerly.

"Sorry, I was getting to that.  We walked all the way up these branches until we couldn't get any higher.  We looked around and saw that the entire island seemed quiet.  Just as we were about to go back, this weird old man appeared.  He said that he needed to talk to Tai.  I didn't want him to go, but he said he had to.  Then he wanted me to get you guys incase there was trouble.  I tried to tell him that I  should stay, but he wouldn't listen.  Then he made this weird path appear, and they left.  I just ran back to you guys."

"What kind of weird path?" Izzy asked.

"I don't know, you'll see when we get there."

*******Back to Tai*******

Tai and the old man had still not said a word to each other, and this was getting to Tai, he had to break the silence.

"So how about you tell me who you are?" Tai said coldly.

"Ah Taichi, brash as always I see," the old man snickered.  Tai froze, he was now very afraid, not only did he know that his friends were with him, he knew Tai's name.

"How, how did you know that?" Tai yelled.

"Ah, I know a lot more about you than you think.  But I feel we should wait till your friends get here, I hate repeating myself."

"I don't care, you wanted me, now you've got me.  So tell me why this is happening to me!"

"I will, but you have to calm down, you're endangering yourself, and your friends.  Let's just see how they are getting on."  He walked over to one of the crystals at the back of the platform, and waved his hand over it.  an image appeared above it, and gradually cleared until Tai could see the rest of the digidestined on the arched branch.

"How… how did you do that?" Tai said in amazement.

"I created this island, why shouldn't I be able to?" he asked rhetorically.  Tai did not know what too say, this was beginning to get a bit much for him, and he knew that if he said something, he might get an answer.  And if he got an answer, he might not like what it meant, and he would only get angry, and he knew what that would bring.  "I see they are ready to ascend the bridge, I must say your partner is quite devoted to you," he commented as he walked over to the far side of the platform.

"Of course he is, we both are," Tai replied.  The old man did not say anything, but waved his hand over the open space, and the bridge began to form out from the platform.

*******Back with Agumon (A\N Last time, I promise)*******

The group had reached the apex of the arc, and had finally stopped.

"I don't get it, it was here, right here," Agumon said desperately.

"Don't worry Agumon, I'm sure it'll be back," Veemon said, he had to try and console his friend, especially after what he had said earlier in the van.  When Agumon had admitted to Veemon being the oldest, and asking him, Veemon felt a sense of pride, and he wanted to pay back his friend.

"But what exactly was here?" Davis asked.

"The bridge, it was right here, they walked on it, I saw them leave," Agumon blurted, now feeling a mixture of disparity, and anxiety.  He had turned to face his friends.

"You mean that bridge?" T.K. said pointing to what was now forming behind them.  He held Kari close to him, not letting go of her, not even after they had emerged through the gate.  She was too worried to speak, and did not know what to say.  Everyone else seemed to have said it for her.  Agumon darted around,

"That's it!" he said walking over to it.  He crossed onto it and started up the path, but the others were a little more apprehensive.

"Are you sure that thing is safe?" Izzy asked.

"No, but I don't care, if Tai went up here, then so am I," Agumon said.  He ran off up the bridge.

"Do you think we should?" Matt asked.

"Do we have a choice?" Davis replied.  He, Catherine, and Veemon ran after Agumon.  The others followed suit and ran after them.  They climbed the strange path slowly until finally nearing the branch platform.  Form the rear Matt could see Davis and the others slow down until they stopped.  The group soon caught up and stopped next to them.  They looked on in apprehension as they observed their leader standing idly next to the strange old man.  He was facing the opposite direction, and as a result he had not seen them.  The sight of him made Sora's heart ache.  He had risked his life to help them, even if it meant his own , and she had to be with him.  She did not wait for the upcoming consultation, but immediately ran ahead.  Seeing this Agumon followed behind her.  "Tai!" Sora yelled.  The deformed boy swung around, ready for the worst, but his face warmed when he saw her.  He walked over to where the path met the branches and awaited her arrival.  She dived into his arms and he closed them around her, making their two beings one.  She rested her head on his shoulder, and he put his hand on her head.

"It's okay Sora, I'm here now, and I'm fine," he consoled her, trying to help her fight the tears he knew were forming in her eyes.  She could not form words, no matter how bad it was getting for him, he put his life in danger to save theirs, never thinking of the consequences for himself.  She wanted to make him stop, the thought of loosing him was too much for her, but most of all, she wanted to thank him, but did not know how.

The group had not moved, waiting until they thought the time was right to interrupt them, but the longer they waited the more opportunity the strange man had to act.  This was beginning to play on Davis's mind, he had all the opportunity he needed, and yet he had not attacked.  He couldn't figure it out, but was not going to stand and wait for it to happen.  He squeezed Catherine's hand and looked her in the eye.  She knew what he had in mind and nodded.  Veemon was on Davis' wavelength as usual, so the trio ran down the path and formed a line in between Tai and Sora, as well as the old man.  Tai relinquished his hold on Sora, and took her hand, then looked forward at the barrier Davis had formed.  The rest of the group ran and arrived, but did not join Davis' barrier.  Rather they waited to see what he would do.

"Alright, I think it's about time you tell us what's going on," Davis shouted confidently.

"Ah, you must be Daisuke, the digimental holder," he responded.  Davis stood just as shocked as Tai had been, not only did he know his name, but he knew his full name.  Davis did not move from his barrier, but did not reply.  Tai moved over toward Davis and put his other hand on Davis's shoulder,

"Davis, thanks, but it's okay, I don't think he is going to hurt us," Tai said quietly.  The brash male swiveled around, switching the hand that held Catherine's in the process.

"Are you sure?" Davis asked.

"Yes, I'm sure, besides, who's gonna mess with us now?" Tai replied.

"I'm not so sure you should be saying that," the man said arrogantly.

"He does do that an awful lot though," Tai commented.

"If you have all the answers, why don't you give them to us old man?" Matt said resentfully.  The entire situation made him angry, this person knew what was happening to Tai, separated him from his friends, then tried to wreck whatever sense of security Tai could build.

"If you would sit, then we may begin," he replied, not in an angry tone, or an arrogant tone, but one of indifference.  The group moved over to the centre of the platform, but did not sit down.

"I should probably close this off too," he announced.  he walked over to the crystal path, waved his hand over it in the now cliché fashion,  and the path slowly began to disappear.  The group watched as their only route of escape faded away into nothing.  Now they had no choice but to make sure they would not need one.

"Please, sit.  Don't worry, I have no intention of holding you here, it is merely a precaution should anyone find this island," he explained.

"Why did you say this is your island, and why did you say that you created it?" Tai asked, angry at the fact that someone would try and claim the digital world for their own.

"Please, allow me to start from the beginning, if you have questions at the end, I will be most happy to answer them," he said.

"I suppose that's reasonable, just don't try anything," Matt snapped.

"I suppose it's safe to say that I know who all of you are, including these creatures that you call digimon, so you have the right to know who I am.  My name is Ramuh, and I am the creator of this island.  It is not a part of your digital world, or digital realm if I may call it that.  I came here looking for the courage keeper, the one you call Taichi, because he is endangering the life of a friend of mine, and at the same time endangering his own life."

"What are you talking about?  I haven't done anything!" Tai yelled.

"Please, remain calm.  I know this is not going to be easy for you, but you must.  For you see, it is your anger that endangers your life," Ramuh explained in a now friendly and understanding tone.

"Tai, I'm here, just hold on," Sora said strongly.  She pushed back all her fear and willingness to leave, so that he would stay and they could find out what was happening (A\N Haha, I could leave now, but I think I've strung you along for long enough now…).

"Okay," he replied.

"Yeah, I'll do the yelling for you," Davis offered.

"That's okay Davis," Tai said, he even managed a chuckle.

"Please, continue," Izzy said, inquisitive as ever.

"Alright.  As I said before, I created this island, with the help of another of my friends.  It is not a part of the digital realm, and it is not going to be here for long, so we must talk now.  this is why I had to make Taichi stay, I had to be sure you would all come here.  I had to intercept your journey into this realm to get you here.  I am sorry if this caused any complications, but I needed to meet you somewhere I knew would be safe."

"Okay, enough about the island, how about you tell us who you really are?" T.K. said bitterly.  He was convinced this was the creature of evil at work, and he did not want to here an earful of what he believed to be lies any longer.

"Alright, I am sorry, I can go on, can't I?" he laughed to himself, but no one else could find the humor, so he continued.  "As I told you, my name is Ramuh, but I am not from this realm, nor am I from your realm.  I don't know what to call the world I am from, as to me it is the real world, like your world is to you, but I suppose you would be able to call it the Realm of Legends.  I am a being that is know as a specter.  We do not, and cannot exist in your realm, or any physical realm as physical entities," Ramuh explained, but was interrupted by Davis.

"What just one minute.  Now I know that Izzy and possibly Joe could understand that, but can we have it again in English?" Davis announced.

"I'll give it a try, correct me if I go wrong," he said looking at Ramuh.  "A specter is a being that could be compared to a ghost, not physical, but rather ethereal.  This means that you could not touch him if you tried.  So what he is saying is that when he in on a physical plane, or in a world like ours or the digital world, then he cannot take a physical form," Izzy explained

"Exactly.  As long as I am here, you cannot harm me, but more importantly, I cannot harm you… directly anyway, but I shall get to that.  If I may continue.  My world is not a physical one, but it too is ethereal.  This means that there we can interact with all that is within it."

"Okay, I think I get that, but why are you here?" Davis asked.

"I am getting to that, please, you must let me do this correctly, or it will make no sense."

"I know how this feels," Izzy said under his breath, unfortunately for him Davis happened to hear him.

"Hey, we can't all be as smart as you, ya know," he replied.

"I know, but how about we let him finish?" Izzy suggested.

"Yeah, I don't really want to be here when we find out if this island is going to disappear like he says it will," Mimi said nervously.  She had been quietly trying to deal with what was happening, and as much as she wanted to complain about it all, she had decided not to because she knew it would only make it worse for everyone else.

"Okay, I see your point," Davis replied.

"Allow me to continue.  You see, all from my world cannot interact here, but if we were to create something that both the physical and ethereal could interact with here, then the problem is solved."

"Are… Are you talking about that thing that hit my neck?" Tai asked nervously.

"Yes, but please let me get to that, I do not want you to get the wrong story."

"Okay, I suppose I can wait."

"Well, I won't stall.  What has infected you is something quite unique, and yes it is from my realm.  It is a long story, one that goes far back into the history of my realm.  A long time ago, there were humans like yourselves living there.  They created structures, cites, communities, but they were not satisfied.  They craved power, domination, and soon factions formed among them.  They began to separate, and in the distance, paranoia grew.  They became obsessed with the thought that the other factions were planning against them.  Quarrels broke out between them, and soon the fighting escalated.  Many were killed and two clearly stronger sides emerged.  Others either crumbled in their path, or joined them in alliance.  They fought for many years, with no victor emerging.  But eventually one day, one of the sides awoke to the damage they had done.  They had destroyed all that they held dear, and there was not much of our world left.  They initiated the peace talks, and a truce was called.  They began to rebuild, and life started to return to normal.  Four years passed and there peace reigned.  But this was changed.  Although there was an alliance, the two sides were separated from each other.  Whilst the one side rebuilt the world  with hard work, the other sought a different solution, a magical solution.  This is what heralded the creation of my kind.  They found they were able to conjure spirits, and soon, they could manipulate the spirits.  As their power grew, so did that of the spirits they could conjure.  A plan was forged to summon an ultimate spirit, one with the power to rebuild their society, but they needed the help of the other faction.  This was an outrage to them and soon they severed all links with each other.  An anger and arrogance formed.  They felt that they could summon the creature without the help of the other side, and went ahead."  Ramuh had to stop for a breather, the talking was proving tiresome for him.

"What does this have to do with me?" Tai asked.

"I am sorry, I know that this is a long story, but it is necessary.  I believe it may explain that dream of yours too," he replied.  Tai went quiet at the mention of the dream.  It also made his conscious to the presence of his new appendages.  Sora moved closer to him, sensing his discomfort.

"If I may continue?" Ramuh asked.

"Please, this is a fascinating story," Izzy replied eagerly.

"It all sounds so surreal," Joe added.

"Then, I shall go on.  The summoning took place, and it seemed to be a success.  There before them was a creature of immense power, and one that looked strong enough to do the job.  The creature was known as a specter, like me, and was called Anima.  But unbeknownst to them was the true agenda of the creature.  The summoning had been flawed, and the result was horrific.  The creature they had summoned was one of evil.  Because the motive of the summoning was rooted in anger, arrogance, and hostility, the spirits they called on held these same emotions.  They carried with them the pain they lived with, and the resentment for the living that had grown in their deaths.   The creature held these same feelings, as it was compiled of these spirits.  But worse still, they could not control it.  It was too powerful, and rampaged, wanting only to destroy it's creators.  Many died, and what was left were ruins.  During the failure many new groups had been formed, each with the intention of creating a solution to the problem, convinced the cause of the creatures evil was all the other groups.  Only more failures were created, and soon almost all of the second faction were abolished.  But for some reason the creatures disappeared.  Those that remained decided that they would use this time to find a way to defeat the creatures.  They sought the help of the other faction, and taught them of the summoning power.  A plan was forged to create a creature of good, knowing that it would be the only thing powerful enough to defeat the evil spawn that ravaged the world.  Weary to hold the summoning, they decided to wait to see if the creatures would return.  It was not long before they did so, and this time they were stronger.  The summoning was held, but it was too late too save the majority of the cities.  But a holy specter was created, and it protected the people.  The one called Alexander.  His power was greater than many of the evil specters, but it was not enough to hold all of them off.  More were needed.  He sacrificed much of his power to create more good specters, like myself.  We banded against the evil that plagued the world, but our need to protect the humans gave us weakness, and soon we found that our lack of mobility was our flaw.  Alas, we could not protect our makers and all humanity was revoked from the world by the evil specters.  The dream the courage holder had was the one of the final battle, the end."

"Then that's it, I knew it, I am turning evil," Tai said hopelessly.

"No, I won't believe it!" Sora yelled, "You'd better be have another explanation."

"I do not, what I say is the truth.  But I made no mention of the courage keepers ailment.  Allow me to finish, and then you may make your assumptions of good and evil."

"Fine, then finish your story," Davis barked.  He resented that the fact that he could make Tai think he was evil.

"Very well.  We had nothing left, no reason to fight, out creators were gone.  But the world was not, our existence was now our motive to fight.  We battled for eons against the evil ones, but our powers were equal.  We did, however, notice a difference in one of the evil ones.  He seemed to have many qualities rooted in good.  Alexander knew that if he could bring him to our side, victory would be within reach.  This was the specter know as Bahamut.  His power was fuelled by anger, but a light of courage shone deep within his heart.  Upon reasoning with him, he agreed to join our cause.  He buried his anger and we continued our battle.  But recent events have hindered our side greatly, and this is how your ailment is linked to our dimension."  He stopped for another breather.  Hearing the mention of his crest sent a shiver down Tai's spine.  He felt anxiety all over himself.  He lifted his hand the crest the hung around his neck, and gripped it tightly.

"Please, tell me what I am becoming," Tai said quietly.

"Alright, I'll explain.  The evil ones knew that with the sides now uneven, they had limited time left.  They set a trap, one directed at Bahamut.  They managed to lure him away from the main battle, where they could constrain him.  One of the evil specters, the alchemist Hades, used his power to reduce Bahamut back to his spiritual form, and trap him in a serum.  Once done he needed to dispose of it, but did not know where it would be safe.  They soon learned about the alternate dimensions, and decided that it would be the best place for him.  But then they learned about you, the digidestined.  They found that you, Tai, shared a common bond with Bahamut, the bond of courage.  Hades set about opening a portal, then infecting you with the serum."

"So, you're telling me I have a specter trapped inside of me?" Tai said uncertainly.

"Yes, but there is a problem.  He is emerging.  The serum was designed in such a way that the only thing which could free him from it was Bahamut's dark power.  Anger.  Put simply, every time you get angry, it reacts to the serum deep inside you, and Bahamut begins to emerge.  You, Tai, are becoming Bahamut."  Tai stopped, his breathing stopped, his thinking stopped, and his heart skipped a beat.  He felt light headed, then sick.  He sat down.  He put his hands on his head, blank faced.  The group surrounded him, and Sora bent down to look him in the face.  It was blank, and pale.

"Tai… Tai?  It'll be okay," she reassured softly.  He did not reply.  He could not reply, his voice was gone.  He simply sat there, staring at nothing.  Davis released his grip on Catherine's hand, and he, Veemon, and Agumon rushed over and joined Sora.

"Tai, I'm here for you Tai," Agumon said.  He still did not respond.  Sora sat down next to him, she put her arm around him.

"Tai, are you there?" she asked softly, still obtaining no reply.  Agumon moved in front of Tai so that he was looking him right in the eyes, Tai didn't move, looking blankly into nothing,

"Snap out of it Tai!"  Agumon yelled, grabbing his shoulders and shaking him violently, removing Sora's arm in the process.  Veemon grabbed Agumon and pulled him away,

"Stop it, you'll only hurt him," he reprimanded.  Davis was still standing, clenching his fists in anger.  Ramuh said nothing at the events going on before them.  The rest of the group did the same.  Kari was beginning to edge closer to Tai, but T.K. held her back, another person there would only make it worse.  The others did not know what to say, and did not want to crowd him.  Davis' anger grew,

"Well, aren't you going to tell us how to fix it?" he yelled.

"I've told you all I know, there is nothing more for me to say," Ramuh replied.

"That's it, I've had enough of you!"  Davis yelled, then lunged at Ramuh, only to find himself falling straight through the ancient specter, and only just managing to put his hands in front of himself when he met the floor.  He hit the wooden floor with a large thud, but picked himself up and turned to face Ramuh.

"Is that how you intend to help your friend, by eliminating the only one who knows about his ailment?" Ramuh asked smugly.

"What about it old man?  You've already said all there is to say," Davis replied resentfully.

"Davis, enough" Matt said, not really angry at him for doing what he had done.  Matt was actually right behind him, but he knew that this needed a logical approach.

"Start talking old man, how do we fix this?" Matt interrogated.

"I told you, I do not know.  I came here to see it for my own eyes.  But what I can tell you is that he is in no danger, as long as he remains calm.  There must be way to reverse the process, as long as the transformation is incomplete.  But I may have to bring back some of my allies, this is not really my vocation."

"Well then, as soon as he's okay, I suggest you do so.  Until then, just stay there," Matt replied, almost ordering him.  Tai remained motionless on the floor, Sora sitting next to him, her arm now around his shoulder again.  All they could do now was wait for Tai to come to terms with things himself, or remain lost in himself.

MWAHAHAHAH, evil cliffhangers are fun – well for me.  To be honest I dunno what is gonna happen next, lets just see where my imagination takes me…  hope you all like it, I know I did.  And a huge thanks to Zempress – she kicks total ass, coz she proofed this, as kiran was unavailable.  You'll probably notice a heavy FF influence here, well there is, I am obsessed with FFX right now.  Also don't tell me "This is a rip off!!!" I'll be very straight in telling you I haven't explained that yet, it'll get explained in later chapters, just WAIT!!.  A reminder to check out my web site, I need hits – some one has to read my beautiful rants, and don't forget to say hello on FF.net messenger (If it ever decides to work) and the message boards, just remember to say something like #$%#.net, or the mods'll have you in for advertising!  Bai till next chap.

~Mon