(I wrote some stuff at the bottom, so don't forget to delete it, k?!)
Tai flew through the air, his speed increasing with every passing second. He could feel his wings and tail flapping uselessly in the wind.
"Now. Fly," the voice called out. Tai snapped out of the trance and just reacted to the situation. He spread his wings, and felt them catch the wind. He slowly noticed his angle changing, and soon he was fully horizontal gliding through the air. He could feel the wind in his face, and his hair being ravaged by it. He felt, free, finally nothing seemed to matter, there was no stress. Just him and the air around him.
"Whoa yeah!" he yelled. His voice echoed off every cliff face in the area, finally making it's way back to the rest of the group, who were watching on from the top of the cliff. He wasn't quite sure why he had jumped, but somehow he knew that Bahamut had played a role in it. He decided to try and communicate with him again. He concentrated deeply, and called out in his mind, "Thanks, I needed this." He swerved his path a little, and decided to head back to the cliff. He heard the voice in his mind again, and now he was certain it was Bahamut,
"Just thought you could use some sort of benefit from the experience. Sorry to do it like that, but I didn't think you would if I just told you. I must go now, talking to you is hard, and I'm weak, let me rest, I'll call you when we next need to speak." The voice faded until it was gone.
"Thank you," Tai replied, he was not sure if he had been heard, but he had to give it a shot. He brought his focus back to the situation at hand, and noticed that he was now dangerously close to the cliff face. He realised that it was time to stop merely gliding, and to take control. He curved his wings so that they would catch the wind, and force him upward. Then moved himself so that he was parallel to the cliff face, and now used his speed to gain height. He felt himself decelerating, but did not deter from his path, as he was nearing the top. He just had enough speed, and stopped right in front of the group, who had assembled, and were starting blankly in his face. He used the updraft to stay in the air, and simply hovered in front of them.
"Hey guys!" he said energetically.
"Um Tai, you're, um, you're not standing on the ground," Davis said profoundly (A\N a little author's sarcasm here).
"Nope," he replied, a huge grin playing across his face.
"Oh, just checking you knew." Davis was happy for Tai, so he played along.
"Um, Tai, can I just ask what the hell you were thinking?" Matt asked, it came out a little more angry than he had intended.
"Well, I'm flying," Tai replied cheekily, even though he knew full well that is not the answer Matt wanted. He could just see Matt fuming, so he decided to continue, "Sorry, but I had to say that. I don't know what I was thinking, I was out of it, but I can explain."
"Well, um, don't you think you should be on the ground for that?" Kari asked blankly. She was not sure how to feel, but she could see her brother finally happy, so she was not going to ruin it for him by crying, or being mad.
"Okay, if it'll make it easier," Tai replied. He flapped his wings slightly and elegantly fell to the ground. He moved over to Sora, and took her hand, but she was still very pale. He now felt guilty for what he had done.
"Hey, I'm sorry about that guys, but it's not a feeling you come down quickly from, but I'll explain. When I woke up, I felt a sensation come over me, and I could here a voice telling me to jump. Then I lost it, like, it's pretty much a blank, I can just remember being pulled over the edge. Then I just reacted, and I was flying."
"What do you mean, a voice?" Matt asked, not as violently as his previous question.
"I don't know, like a voice. Look, I'm gonna level with you guys, it was Bahamut. I didn't want to break it like this, but I've spoken to him. I told Sora last night, and I was going to tell you later today, but I just had to tell her first, some things happened, and I needed to sort them out with her. But when I was out of it on Ramuh's island. Bahamut spoke to me, and cleared a lot of things up for me, basically, he snapped me out of it. I don't know how, but he did."
"I suppose that makes sense, you are sharing a body now, so the two consciousnesses should be able to communicate," Izzy said.
"But what on earth did he say to convince you to jump over the edge of a cliff?" Joe asked.
"He didn't say anything, so much as do it himself, he put me in a trance. He said when I was falling, that he wanted me to enjoy these wings, but he knew I would never do it unless he made me."
"I don't think I like that, I mean, what's to stop him from making you do anything?" Matt replied, concern obvious in his eyes.
"Look, I don't care, I trust him, even with my life. He saved me back there, and told me everything I needed to know. He's good now, and I'm happy that he made me jump, that was the first time I've felt free in a long time," Tai could feel his anger building. He had to stop. He simply closed his eyes, and took a deep breath in. Slowly, the fury faded.
"Okay, alright, I'm sorry Tai. If you trust him then of course I trust him," Matt apologised.
"It's okay, a good test of my anger management skills," Tai replied, that cheeky grin reappearing.
"Well then, if that's settled, how about we get something to eat?" Mimi suggested.
"Sure, that'd be great, I'm starving," Davis replied.
"But you're always starving," Catherine said bluntly.
"Hey, how would you know, I've only known you for almost two weeks…"
"And I already know that you're always hungry," Catherine continued.
"Look at them, arguing like a married couple already," T.K. whispered to Kari.
"Yeah, amazing isn't it?" she said with a giggle.
"What was that?!" Davis and Catherine replied loudly in unison.
"Nothing," Kari and T.K. replied calmly back. Every one laughed at this, and it felt as though a large amount of the tension that had been on the group of late was lifted. They began wandering towards the spot where all but Tai and Sora had slept. Tai did not follow the rest, and Veemon was edging Davis to go. He shook his head at his partner,
"Do you mind if I catch up with you, I wanna talk to him," Davis said.
"Nah, that's okay, I'll make sure to save you some."
"No you won't, I bet you'll eat it yourself, I'll have to make sure I'm there."
"Hey, I'll be with Veemon," Catherine replied.
"Sure, I'll hurry, I can't be away too long, I'll miss ya too much." Catherine didn't know what to say in response, but she smiled,
"I'll be waiting," she then took on a whisper, "And I'll make sure he doesn't eat your share," she added. By this time Tai was at his jacket, Agumon by his side. Tai was letting his tail stream out behind himself, it moved from side to side. Davis neared him, and stopped behind his left shoulder. Tai's tail moved to the left and brushed up against Davis's leg, startling the brunette boy, as he didn't know he was being followed. He turned briskly, but calmed when he saw the familiar face looking up at him.
"Hey Davis, what's up?" Tai asked.
"Nothing, I just wanted to talk," Davis replied.
"Oh, sure, go ahead."
"Well, I just wanted to ask you what it was like, flying I mean. I've always wondered."
"It's--it's different. To be honest, it's the most free feeling you can imagine. Nothing holding you back, just flowing effortlessly in the sky. At first, I was scared out of my mind, but when I realised that I could do it, it was great. Like nothing mattered, just to be free."
"It must've been quite a change for you, finally getting to enjoy the change, instead of resenting it."
"I'm gonna be honest with you - because I think I you'll need to hear this too - you share the courage crest with me, I think that's why we're so similar, but there's something you have to know about it, something I'm sure you've already experienced."
"What do you mean? I know we're the same and all, but what about our crest?" The younger boy had a perplexed look on his face as he voiced his question.
Tai continued speaking in a level tone, so as not to scare Davis, "When I spoke to Bahamut, he had a lot to teach me. He told me some things, that are pretty scary. The scariest thing though, was that I had succumbed to them. And that's why I'm telling you this, because I don't want it to happen to you. When our crest is activated the first few times, it takes anger, some sort of aggression to get us into acting. I'm sure you've felt it, haven't you?"
"Yeah, I suppose, but what of it?"
"Just be careful. You can't let the anger grow out of control, it'll take over you. It happened to Bahamut, and it almost happened to me. It was happening to me. When I was overcome on that platform, I was being taken over by the evil created by my anger for what was happening to me. I don't want it to happen to you, you have to promise you won't let your anger get the better of you. No matter what, you have to stay true to your crest."
"I--I will."
"Good, I know you can do it, and I want you to help me do it. We'll help each other."
"Sure." Davis smiled. Tai picked up his jacket, and Davis extended his hand. He pulled Tai up, and they began walking toward the group. "Hey Tai, what else did Bahamut say?" Davis asked.
"Many things, mainly that he wasn't evil anymore, and he didn't want it to happen to me, as I don't want it to happen to you. He thanked me for accepting what I've become, and then he left, and I woke up. It's strange, the fact that I hated what was happening, only made it happen."
"Fate, as always, has a sense of irony," Davis replied solemnly, almost wisely.
"Huh?" both Tai and Agumon said in unison.
"I dunno, I got it off some movie," Davis said smiling, "It just sounded appropriate."
"Well, how about we get back to the group, we've both got girls waiting."
"Well, we are pretty desirable, courage holders and all." Tai chuckled.
"Come on, I'll race ya," he challenged.
"Your on, but no flying, that's cheating."
"Ah, ok." Tai and Davis upped the speed significantly , and the three of them ran off after the group. As they neared the rest, they split up, Tai and Agumon going to Sora, and Davis joining Catherine and Veemon. Davis ran just ahead of Catherine, the turned around and began back-pedalling,
"Hey, what's up?" he said playfully.
"Nothing, just waiting on someone," she replied.
"Oh really, wonder if he'll show."
"What makes you think it's a 'he'?"
"I don't know, I assumed a girl as pretty as you'd be taken."
"Hey, you makin' moves on my girl?" Veemon said, wanting to join in on the joke, Catherine immediately picked up on his idea,
"Guess you were right. But watch out, my boyfriend's very possessive," she added smiling. Davis and Veemon were now both grinning hysterically, almost about to burst out in laughter, but Davis kept the joke going.
"I don't know, maybe I should fight you for her?"
"Any time, any place…" Veemon replied, but couldn't go on, it was too much, he burst into giggles, then full out laugher. Now there was no hope for the other two, and they joined him.
"I'm really gonna take you on buddy," Davis said between his laughs.
"Yeah, I can see it now, you and I rolling on the ground locking fists!" Veemon replied.
"So you wouldn't fight?" Catherine asked.
"No, no way. Besides, he'd cream me," Davis replied.
"Yeah, I couldn't do it, we're too good friends. But I don't know, I am only a rookie," Veemon replied.
"That can change though," Davis said grinning.
"Can it, then?" Veemon relied sarcastically.
"Are you guys ever serious?" Catherine asked.
"Um, I don't think so, not yet any way," Veemon replied.
"You ready," Davis said, now gripping his D-3. "Digi-armour energise!" Davis announced. the light engulfed Veemon and soon he was evolving.
"Veemon armour digivolve to Raidramon, the storm of friendship."
Davis stopped and mounted Raidramon as if he'd done it a thousand times. "Care for a ride milady, my trusty steed shall carry us to yonder feastery."
"Oh my sir knight, indeed it is quiet an elegant steed. I'd be honoured to ride such a creature." Davis extended his hand, she took it and he pulled her up onto Raidramon's back. "Although, I don't think that feastery is a word."
"She's got ya there," Raidramon added.
"Well, that's how they spoke in those days, all proper."
"I suppose, I'll let you have that one."
"Yeah, I'm hungry, how about we got ahead and start looking for some food?" Raidramon suggested.
"Good idea." Raidramon headed out in front of the group, then slowed down a little. "Hey Tai, we're gonna go ahead for some food," Davis shouted. Raidramon didn't wait for a reply, mostly because he knew it would be okay, and secondly he was really hungry. He accelerated and they slowly but surely got out of sight of the others.
"No, why didn't we think of that?" Mimi asked rhetorically.
"Um, I don't think it's quite that easy for us," Matt replied.
"I don't know, maybe it wasn't that easy for him. His bond with Veemon is strong, and it's growing with Catherine. Since part of his crest is friendship, and armour evolution isn't as strong as champion, maybe he doesn't need as we do."
"I suppose, but I still wish we could do that," Mimi replied.
"Yeah, but I guess walking will have to do," Matt concluded.
"Hey, do you think maybe Davis could run trips with him, it'd be like a private taxi service…" Mimi was beginning to go off into her on dream world now, and Matt mealy took her hand, and let her continue. Not far off they could see the plateau begun a steep decline. Raidramon had long since reached it, and obviously taken a dive down into it, so they decided to do the same. As they approached the upcoming decent, they moved into a line along the edge. It turned out that below there was a waterfall, with a large pool at it's base. There was a large amount of rocks to sit on, and there was ample shade provided by the many large trees. There was only one problem, it was a steep climb down, and it was a rather long way. At the base they could see Davis, Catherine, and Veemon resting lazily on the rocks. Tai was the first to say anything.
"Well, this doesn't look that hard, I'm sure you guys can climb it," he said confidently.
"Uh Tai, what do you mean you guys?" T.K. asked.
"Yeah, what are you planning?" Kari added.
"Well, I figure since I have 'em, I may as well use 'em. Come on Sora, I'll give you a lift down," Tai said taking her hand.
"Uh uh. No way Tai, you know I don't like heights that much," Sora replied, backing away.
"Don't you trust me?" Tai asked, feeling a little isolated.
"No, of course I do, it's just that you just got them, and you've never carried any one while you're doing it. Come to think of it, you've only done it once."
"Okay, I'm still gonna fly down there. But I'll coach you down it, so you won't fall, I promise."
"Thanks, sorry I can't…"
"Don't worry, I understand, I was pretty afraid too, and heck, I probably wouldn't have done it if he hadn't made me. But I know I can do it now, and when you're ready, we'll go together."
"Thanks," she said grinning.
"Well, I guess there's no changing your mind, so we'll see you at the bottom," Matt said.
"Okay, I'll see you there. Come on buddy, I'll give you a lift," he said to Agumon, bending down and opening his arms.
"I suppose I have fallen from higher places," Agumon replied smiling.
"Hey, we wouldn't want my hand to slip." Tai gripped Agumon in his arms, then stood upright. He walked a little backward, then took a deep breath in, "You ready?"
"As ready as I'm gonna be,"
"Okay." Every one watched them vigorously. Tai began running, and approached the edge quickly, he saw it coming, and quickly braced himself. As the end was only a footstep away he dived over the edge, and began descending. He freefell for a little, just to shake up Agumon, then spread his wings majestically, and began to pull up, ultimately gliding effortlessly.
"What was that freefall all about?" Agumon said nervously.
"Just had to your blood pumping, didn't you think I could do it?" Tai replied light-heartedly.
"No, of course I did," Agumon responded in the same fashion. "Sure does make a nice change though, you doing the flying and me riding on your back."
"Hey, those were times when we really needed to. But you have to admit, flying does give you a rush."
"Yeah, even Veemon knows that." Agumon said, smiling.
"Hey, he's smarter than he looks."
"I suppose."
"I should take us down now, the others are waiting."
"Yeah, we can go again later."
"Oh we can, can we?"
"Yeah, of course… fly-boy."
"Hey, don't call me that."
"Okay, how about airbus?"
"At this rate I might loose my cargo if it's not careful."
"Okay, okay." Tai dipped his left side down, making a sharp turn, and travelled back the way they had come. He also began his descent to the rock formation where Davis, Catherine and Veemon were resting. This was his first landing, and he was not sure how to approach it. "Hey buddy, got any tips?" Tai asked desperately.
"Um, I don't know, be careful."
"I'm gonna need more than that, and hurry."
"Um, well, you should probably…" he was too late. Tai had reached the floor, and began running forward, as sky diver would. He had to slow down abruptly, or else he would have run straight into the pool of water.
"Graceful," Davis muttered.
"Yeah, nice one," Veemon added.
"Hey, you wanna try?" Tai replied.
"Okay, I suppose I couldn't have done any better."
Tai turned his attention to the top of the cliff where he could see the rest of the group was starting their climb down. "Hey buddy, you hang out down here, I'm gonna go help Sora down."
"Okay, I'll be waiting."
"I sure am glad we had Raidramon to get down here, don't think I would have been able to climb that."
"You would have been fine, I would have been right there."
"Thanks Davis, I know you would've." Tai walked over to the base of the cliff face, he soon found there was little to no updraft.
"Sora, I can't hover here like I was before, I can't get any updraft. I'll climb up and help you."
"Don't worry Tai, I'll be fine." Tai chose to ignore her. He knew she could have made it easily, she had only said she was afraid of heights to get out of flying down, but he still felt that he should be there, in case anything did go wrong. He began the climb up, and found that the rocks formed ample holds, so the climb was easy. He met her a little above halfway, going up was definitely easier than going down.
"Tai, I told you that you didn't have to come."
"Did you, I must have not heard you."
"Arg, you know you're impossible." She said, sounding infuriated.
"Yeah… but that's why you love me," Tai said with a grin on his face. No more was said on the way down, they focused on not making any wrong moves, and sure enough they were soon on the ground. They all moved over to where the rest of the group were seated.
"So is there any food here?" Tai asked.
"Yeah, there's some fruit trees just in the area of forest," Davis replied.
"Well, why didn't you get any?" Agumon asked eagerly.
"Well, we had to make sure you guys got down okay."
"Well how about we go and get some of this fruit?" Mimi suggested.
"Okay, alright, it's just through there," Davis said pointing into the nearby foliage. They walked to the area Davis had pointed out, and sure enough there was a variety of fruit bushed on offer. A few banana trees, a few apple trees, and many berry bushes, of various kinds. The guys handled climbing the trees, their Digimon waiting below to catch the payload. The girls handled getting the berries, and carrying the feast back to the rock out crop. Soon they had acquired a large amount of food, so they decided to go back and eat, and whoever wanted more, could handle getting it later.
They grouped around near the water's edge, and separated into two smaller groups, mainly because there wasn't enough room for one large circle. T.K., Kari, Davis, and Catherine, along with their respective Digimon walked a little away from the others, and took with them their share of the fruits they had collected. Veemon was, as always, the first to dig in, with Davis in a close second. Surprisingly they both took their fair share, and let the others take theirs. They were all hungry, so it didn't take them long to polish off the food, talking was also minimal while they ate. After finishing his last apple, Davis moved in closer to Catherine, and took her hand.
"You okay, you're not too scared are you?" he asked in a concerned tone.
"Well, to tell you the truth, I'm not. I was up on the island, and I was when Tai jumped off the cliff, but when I saw Raidramon again, I just felt safe for some reason. Maybe it was seeing your friendship with him, knowing that nothing could break it. It just made me feel safe."
"Well, I'm glad. I really want you to enjoy the digital world as much as I do." Silence returned to the area, as all the others currently had a mouthful of food.
"And I want you to know, I won't let anything happen to you. I'll stay by your side, and I wont let anything touch you." T.K. and Kari now felt somewhat out of place. They felt that this was a private moment, and that they should leave. They began moving, but Davis held out his hand to stop them.
"No, you should stay, I want you all to know, that Catherine is my responsibility here, I said that from the beginning, but you need to know that I'm going to do what ever it takes to keep her safe." He turned back to Catherine, "I promise you, I'll protect you. Veemon and I will make sure nothing happens to you. Won't we?" he said now looking towards his blue partner, who was seated beside him.
"Of course, you know I would."
"Yeah, I do. but how about we lighten the mood?"
"Good idea, but to what?" T.K. asked.
"Well, seeing as it's such a nice warm day, and we're right by this pond, I'm gonna go for a swim," Davis announced. he stood up, and took of his trademarked flame jacket. He then removed his shirt, revealing his well tanned, and well defined chest. Catherine couldn't help but admire (A\N Glomp, hehe) his bronzed body. "I suppose you're all gonna wait for me to test the water… Well, better not disappoint, come on Veemon." Davis walked over to the edge of the rock they were seated on, and dived. Luckily the water was deep in that area, and he didn't hit anything unexpectedly. The water felt refreshing on his skin, and was a nice way to wash off the sweat from the previous days. Veemon was reluctantly close behind, but once he too was in the water he realised it was actually fun, so he didn't mind. Davis decided to stay under the water, just to scare T.K. and Kari, and to a lesser extent Catherine.
"Uh, Davis?" T.K. called out.
"Yeah, you okay, didn't hit your head or anything?" Kari added.
They moved over to the water's edge, "Like he really needs to do that again," T.K. said jokingly. Davis could barely make out what was being said, but had heard the joke.
"Oh really?" he said coming up from under the water. His hair had now lost it's buoyancy, and was lying flat upon his head. But more surprising to Catherine was the fact that the goggles were still on top of his head, and not in use. "Well why don't you come over hear and say that?" he continued. He swam over to the edge, and climbed out. T.K. took a step back, knowing exactly what Davis planed.
"Hey come on, I need a dry shirt while we're here, let me get it off," T.K. protested.
"Yeah, take it off," Kari said playfully. T.K. was off guard to the comment, it was unusually forward of Kari, but he liked that she was coming out of he shell a little.
"Wouldn't wanna disappoint a lady," T.K. said pulling off his shirt. He moved toward Davis, but let him go first. Davis walked over to the edge, and pre-empted T.K.'s plan, and quickly moved to the left and grabbed hold of T.K.'s now out stretched hand, then dived in, pulling the both of them in. They fell less than elegantly into the water, and came up soon after impact, T.K. had head locked Davis.
"Hey, it's not my fault. That was obvious!" Davis protested.
"Well, too bad," T.K. said bluntly.
"Hey Veemon, a little help."
"Man, must I always get you out of your messes?" Veemon said in a joking disgusted tone (A\N Beats me….)
"Hey, you're my Digimon, it's what you do," Davis replied.
"Um, I think that's just a bit unfair…" T.K. said nervously, knowing that he was not gonna be much of a match against a Digimon (A\N Me again (Imagine that!) sorry to any fans, hehe).
"Well, I gotta do what I gotta do," Veemon replied. "Vee-head butt!" he yelled staring his rush toward T.K. T.K. jumped backward letting Davis out of his grip, but Veemon continued toward him. Just before he hit him, he stopped.
"Had ya going didn't I?" he said laughing.
"I'll show you," T.K. said. He practically pounced on the blue creature, plunging him into the depth of the water.
"Hey, I gotta help him now…" Davis said paddling over to where T.K. had sunk his partner. Veemon had struggled loose enough so that when Davis came in he grabbed one arm, and Davis grabbed the other. They surfaced for a breath, then heard a whistle from the shore.
"Hey guys, break it up," Kari yelled. They swam over to the edge,
"It's just a bit of fun," Davis protested.
"Yeah, no harm done," T.K. added.
"I know, just don't get too carried away, remember, there is some serious stuff happening too."
"Okay, we'll play nice," Veemon replied.
"Hey Cat, why don't you come on in?" Davis invited from his now floating position in the water.
"No, I can't."
"Come on, it's nice and warm."
"But I don't have anything wear afterwards, and my hair won't dry."
"Okay, you don't have to. I'll come and sit with you, just give me a few more minutes."
"Sure, have fun."
"So Kari, what about you?" T.K. asked.
"Nuh uh, it's too cold, and I can't leave Catherine here on her own." Unknown to them Tai had since gotten into the water, and was coming up beside the two boys, who were now leaning on the rocks looking at their girlfriends too afraid to get in with them. He snuck up behind them in the water, careful not to get himself noticed, and placed each hand on their respective shoulders.
"How about it, will I do boys?" Tai asked. He gave them the fright he was looking for - two girlie screams - but Davis recovered quickly,
"Oh yeah Tai, you know I need you, I just love a big strong man," Davis said picking up a joking tone, T.K. caught onto the joke too.
"Yeah Tai, we'll go together. Kari, I have to leave you for your brother here," he said.
"Fine, I warn you though, he stinks, and showers once every three days" Kari replied walking off to where they had been seated, Catherine following close behind.
"Watch out!" Agumon shouted as he bombed into the water right next to Veemon.
"You had to do that didn't you?" Veemon said, having received a mouthful of water.
"Of course, dramatic effect," Agumon replied smiling, his large teeth now showing.
Back with the older Digidestined, it was a contrasted scene, very relaxed. Sora was talking to Joe and Izzy while Tai was off playing around in the water. They were mainly wondering what to do next, but not coming up with any feasible answers. Both Joe and Izzy had expressed their concern for Tai, and Sora thanked them, but she was now trying to lighten the mood (A\N you can tell the author doesn't want to write for certain characters when…). Meanwhile Mimi and Matt were taking the time for a little romantic interlude. Lately they had not had much time for themselves, and were heavily missing each other on the romantic plane. They were sitting close to each other, and holding hands. Mimi rested her head on Matt's shoulder, and they spoke softly to each other.
"You can go swim with the others if you want," Mimi said.
"I know, but I don't, I want to be with you," Matt replied, he then kissed her on the head. She smiled, and picked up her head, looking deep into the blue spheres the shimmered back.
"Okay, how about we go for a walk?" Matt suggested.
"That'd be nice," she replied.
"Gabumon, would you mind staying here?" Matt asked as considerately as he could, he really didn't want to sound mean.
"No problem, I know why you want to get away, you need some time for yourselves. I'll keep Palmon here company," he replied, in his usual wisdom filled tone. Out of all the Digimon, he always sounded the wisest, even though he as really the same age as them all, it was just his voice.
"Yeah, it's no problem," Palmon added.
"Thanks guys," Mimi replied. The two stood up, hands remaining locked as one. They wandered over to where Sora sat,
"Hey, we're gonna go for a short walk, okay?" Matt said looking down at the girl beneath him.
"Sure, we won't go anywhere, you guys take as long as you want," she replied. Matt and Mimi nodded, then headed off into the forest ahead of them. They walked slowly beneath the trees, just enjoying the time they had to be alone with each other. Mimi had many things on her mind and decided to voice her concerns for Tai,
"Do you think he'll be okay?" she asked softly. Matt knew exactly what she was talking about. It was the same question that plagued every one of them, even though Tai wasn't showing it.
"Yeah, he seems like he'll be fine," Matt said reassuringly, even though he really didn't know, it was getting more and more difficult to read Tai's behaviour.
"Matt, what do you really think. We're not with the others now, this is me, and I know that's not what you want to say," Mimi said insightfully.
"You know me too well," he said, pausing for a moment to think. "You know, I really don't know what to think. He seems so normal now, it all seems normal. I know the wings, horns and tail are anything far from normal, but I was getting used to it, you know, just beginning to stop noticing. But then he goes and throws himself off of a cliff, and it's weird again. But then there's his feelings. He was so upset and afraid before, and now he's not. he seems so happy, but I can tell he's scared out of his mind. To be honest with you, so am I, and I know you are too, that's why I shouldn't be telling you this."
"You don't have to be my pillar of strength, you know that right. You have just as much of a right to be afraid as we all do, so if you are, don't be afraid to say so. You know I'm here for you too, it's not a one way street."
"I know that, but it's what I'm supposed to do, you know, like proving myself or something."
"You don't have to prove anything, you never did, but you have." She gazed down at the amethyst ring on her finger, "This ring means you'll always be there for me, I know you will. So don't think that voicing your feelings is going to make me loose faith in you, It just means that you're human." Matt seised his walking, and a few steps later Mimi did the same, she turned to face him, and looked up slightly into his eyes.
"I know. And you know I love you, and that I always will, but I felt as if I should be the group's leader, while he's not able to be. You know what happens when he's not around, we fall to shambles. I don't know what he does, but he does it well."
"Well, I think you've been doing fine, the both of you." Mimi said, grasping his hand and hugging it for reassurance.
"I don't know, but I think it'd be best if he led the group for now, help him build up some confidence."
"Yeah, show him that we still believe in him." Mimi looked over at Matt at her side and noticed that he had his head bowed, like he was deep in thought. He was quiet for a long time, much like he was when they first met - keeping things to himself, inside. He obviously had a lot of thoughts in his head and was trying to make some sort of sense of them. He knew that she worried about him, but he tried not to give her any more reasons for concern. She had to be the positive one here, like she always was.
"How long have we been gone?" Matt asked, breaking the silence that had formed between them. He was kind of disappointed, he had meant this to be some time to get a bit more romantic with Mimi, as he knew she needed it, but he had ended up a mixture of feelings, and was not happy with himself.
"Um, about twenty minutes or so, I'm not too sure, I didn't look at the time when we left."
"Okay, we can keep going for a bit then?"
"Yeah, if you want to, or we could just sit down here?"
"It's up to you."
"Fine, we'll sit here." The walked over to the nearest tree trunk and sat down beneath it. It was a large tree, but it didn't matter, the forest was thick so there was ample shade anyway. There were plenty of leaves on the ground, but they were dry, and so they didn't leave marks in the clothing of the two humans, or else, Mimi wouldn't have opted to sit. They remained hand in hand and Matt was the first to speak.
"You know something Mimi?" Matt said out of the blue. He felt like now was the time to let some thing out, to tell her stuff straight.
"What is it?"
"You're one amazing person, and I love you for it, I really do."
"I know you do, but what's this all about, all of a sudden?"
"It's not about anything, I just don't think I say it enough. I know I don't act as close to you as I could around the others, and I don't want you to think that it's because I don't want to, it's just sometimes, I think… I think that business is business, and if we get too involved we'll lose focus. I know that sounds really cold, but it's just the way I am." He spoke the truth.
"No, it's not cold Matt." Mimi tried to restore some confidence into her boyfriend. "You're thinking for the good of the group. Just remember, that we don't have to go all out, and I don't expect you to. I didn't think you've really been that distant. Things have happened, and have still to happen, but I know that there are two things I can depend upon. One of those things is you, and your love for me, the other is Palmon, and that she'll protect me. So when you two are around, or even just you, I know that I'm safe." She smiled then, to strengthen her point. A warm, caring smile, that was full of love - love for him.
"See, that's why you're so amazing, you just know these things."
"Hey, don't cut yourself short there, you're not too shabby."
"I suppose, but I'm glad that you're happy, it's all that matters to me, is that you're happy, and that you're safe." Mimi moved closer to him, he released her hand from it's warm residence, and out his arm right around her, then he kissed her softly on the head. They sat quietly now, just enjoying the peace of solidarity. After a few minutes, Mimi was becoming a little disconcerted, it was very quiet around them, almost silent. This was unusual, as now that they were actually on File island, it should be teeming with life.
"Matt, don't you think it's a little quiet around here?" she said in a concerned tone.
"Yeah, I was just thinking that myself. It's so quiet, do you maybe wanna take a look around then?"
"We should, even if we have just sat down, I think this is more important. The two teenagers stood up, and could now here the sounds of branches moving.
"Mimi, I have a bad feeling about this, I want you to stay here, I'll go check on things, and I won't go far or be long, just wait, please."
"Okay, just hurry." Matt nodded. He walked through a nearby bush as silently as he could, but then decided that he was never going to be able to see anything through the brush. He moved over to the nearest tree, and scaled it upward to the closest large branch that would hold his weight. He looked over and was able to see over the smaller plants. What he saw was not what he had expected, or what he had hoped for. In the distance, he could see a dark figure, on horse back. But it was no ordinary horse, it had six legs, and this meant he knew for sure it was the rider Davis and the others had encountered. What was more concerning to Matt was the rider, and the fact that he was looking right at him. Matt had frozen, but now conjured his inner strength, and bolted. He didn't bother climbing down, he just leapt. As he did he could hear the rider too was moving, fast.
Matt landed in a braced position, cushioning the impact of the fall. He pushed off much like a sprinter would, and ran as fast as he could back to where he had just been. Upon reaching Mimi he merely grabbed her hand, not even stopping, just dragging her with him.
"Matt, what is it? You're scaring me."
"Sorry, I don't mean to, but this is bad, just run."
"You remember Odin, that Davis and Catherine told us about? Well he's here, and he's heading straight for us." Mimi didn't reply, she didn't want to waste the breath. They continued at full sprint, but the sound of their pursuer was increasing, and they knew he couldn't be that far off. the broke out of the forest and ran right down to where the others were now gathered.
"Guys, we've got problems," Matt panted between gasping breaths as they reached the group.
"What do you mean?" Gabumon and Tai asked almost in unison.
"Odin, he's here, and he's angry."
"What do you mean… where?" Tai asked.
"Right here." The voiced boomed out. Everyone jumped to their feet and turned to face the being that had spoken the foreboding words. There behind them was the spectre of Odin. He was tall as they come, and looked angry. He dismounted his horse, and readied his sword from it's sheath.
One sentence came from the shadowy figure in front of them, and it filled them all with fear.
"Now to finish what I started so long ago."
That's all for part 14, hehe, what will happen next, well, even I was surprised. You'll find out soon enough tho, soon enough. Sorry that this took so long, but chap 15 was proving difficult to find the time to write, as I had some disciplinary problems at skool during the week, that's all sorted tho, so part 15 should be up soon, but not too soon, as exams are in a week, and I have some drawing to catch up on too. But with the exams, comes a whole bunch of extra time ^-^, so it should all balance out nicely, I hope. Well, hope you enjoyed, thanks again to PP for the great job proofing this, BAI!.
