"Matt! Matt are you there?" yelled Tk. "Come on out Matt!"

"Matt where are you?" screamed Mimi. Matt had been missing for several days now. "Matt, please come out!" she looked at Tk. his little blue eyes were on the verge of tears. She could tell he was trying to hold them back.

"Matt please...I miss you." said Tk. a single tear streamed down his face. Mimi walked over to him. "Tk, don't cry. Matt's going to be okay. He can take care of himself. Besides, he has Gabumon with him!" she said cheerfully. The boy's face started to beam a little. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, giving a huge hug. "He'll be alright."

Tk hugged her back. "Are you sure Mimi?" he said sniffling.

"Positive." she smiled. She wiped away his tears, and kissed his forehead. "Thanks Mimi, you're the greatest!" he smiled. He quickly ran over to Patamon, and continued his search. "Now I know why Matt likes her so much." he said to his Digimon.

Tai smiled to himself. He loved it when Mimi smiled. 'She's amazing!' he thought. "Look Agumon." he said pointing at Mimi. "She got Tk to smile."

"Yeah. That's our Mimi for ya!" he replied chipper.

"Ya. Good old Mimi..." his voice began to trail off. He was staring at her now. He was mesmerized by her every movement. Whenever she talked, her eyes would light up. They would sparkle with energy and life.

She took off her hat, and let her hair fall gracefully on her shoulders. She passed her hand through it. Palmon looked up at her. The plant like Digimon gazed at her, with wide eyes. Palmon said something, which made Mimi laugh. She covered her mouth with her hand, and giggled lightly.

At this point, Tai was already melting. 'Her lips are so perfect. They remind me of raspberries.' while Tai was daydreaming about Mimi, a voice was trying to get his attention.

"Tai! Hello Earth to Tai!" screamed Agumon. "Snap out of it!" he realized that nothing he screamed would get through to him. He suddenly spotted a little stream. He ran over, and collected some water in a huge leaf. He then ran over to Tai, and doused him.

Tai, realizing that something had just soaked him, snapped back to reality. "What on Earth are you doing Agumon?"

"You spaced out! You weren't listening to a single thing I said!" argued the little dinosaur.

"You get people's attention other ways!" he yelled. He then got up and started to chase him childishly. "I'll get you Agumon!"

His little Digimon began to laugh. "Try and catch me first!" he taunted. By this time, the whole group looked at them. Tai was running around, drenched from head to toe, while Agumon was laughing up a storm. "Come on Tai. I thought you were a lot faster than that!" shouted Agumon.

"I'll get you!" screamed Tai. His hair was flying all over the place, because his goggles had fallen off in the chase.

Mimi started to laugh. "Let him go Tai. We need him to fight the Dark Masters." she picked up his fallen goggles and grasped at them tightly. He slowly stopped running, and turned to look at her. A beautiful smile was plastered on her face. He smiled back. For a moment, Tai could feel something between them. He slowly walked over to her.

"Thanks for getting them." he said, still smiling. His palm out stretched. She thought for a second, then she took the head set, and placed them on her own head. She pulled up her hair, and let it fall through the opening.

"How do they look?" she asked flirtatiously.

"Let's just say that they look a lot better on you." he mumbled. 'I must be in Heaven!' She giggled a little.

"Thanks. I guess you want them back. Here." she began to remove them. His hand snapped out, and grabbed her wrist.

"Don't!" he almost yelled. "I mean that you can't take off these stupid goggles like that. There's a little hook you have to undo, or else they'll get stuck in your hair. Trust me. You don't want them to get stuck in your hair!" he smiled warmly. His heart was racing a million miles an hour. Tai hadn't noticed it, but he and Mimi had gotten a little closer to each other.

"Then how am I supposed to take them off?" she asked cutely. Her hazel eyes sparkled. A smile crept upon her lips.

It took all the will power in Tai's body, to not reach out and kiss her. "Like this." his voice was raspy. Self consciously, he wrapped his arms around her shoulders, and began to fiddle with the clasp at the back. Tai, then realizing his arms were around her, flushed a deep shade of maroon. His cheeks were burning! Mimi was enjoying herself. She pulled her head to Tai's chest. She could feel his strong heartbeat. She shut her eyes, and began to find a rhythm to his heart.

'How is she expecting me to work, when she's this close?' thought Tai. He stopped working on the clasp, and rested his chin on her head. Mimi placed the tip of her fingers on his sturdy shoulder. He began to pass his fingers through her hair. Tai shut his eyes, and pulled her head closer. He slid his other hand down her back, and clutched her small waist. Mimi sighed, and wrapped her available arm around Tai's neck. She raised her head to see Tai's soulful brown eyes staring at her. For a brief moment, Mimi could have sworn she saw a bit of anxiety in his eyes. That was quickly replaced by a feeling of serene warmth.

For what seemed like forever, they gazed into each other's eyes. Tai had never seen her look so beautiful! Her hair was being blow by the raising wind, and strands of loose hair, kept brushing across her radiant face. Tai carefully replaced a strand of hair behind her ear. She shut her eyes, not wanting the moment to end. She moved in closer, and their cheeks met. Tai's heart was racing so fast, he thought it was going to explode! He took her face in his hands. She gazed lovingly at him. Slowly, their lips began to get closer. Mimi could feel Tai's warm breath, on her face. He passed his thumb over her bottom lip, and then kissed her gently. Her lips were incredibly soft, Tai remarked.

An unexpected gust of wind, shot out in every direction. It surrounded them, gently hitting their faces, sending their hair flying up everywhere. Mimi melted into Tai's kiss. His lips were pressed firmly on hers. She lightly brushed her hand across his face.

"TAI! Where are you?" screamed a familiar feminine voice. Tai and Mimi slowly broke off their kiss. Tai didn't want it to end, but Sora was looking for them. For some reason, Tai didn't want anyone to know about him and Mimi. He wanted it to be their little secret. He looked at Mimi. Like she was reading his mind, she simply nodded. He quickly brushed his lips against hers, and ran off.

Mimi took a few moments to regain herself. She had just done something she had wanted to do for the longest time. 'I actually kissed Tai!' she screamed to herself. 'After all this time, he feels the same way!' she walked back happily to Palmon. "I knew it!" shouted Agumon.

"Know what?" Tai asked dazed. He was on cloud nine.

"You're in love with Mimi, aren't you?"

"WHAT?" screeched Tai.

"I said, I think you're in love..." he reexplained.

"I heard you! Keep it down! You want the whole Digiworld to know?" he whispered.

"So I'm right? You are in love with Mimi."

Tai was about to protest, but he gave up. "How do you know?" he asked. "When you left to look for Matt, and didn't come back, I kind of got worried, and went off to look for you." Agumon said shyly. Tai stared at him, blankly. "So?" he said flatly.

"Well, I kind of also saw you guys kissing. I didn't want to disturb you, so I didn't say anything. I'm really sorry!"he squeezed his eyes shut, expecting Tai to yell at him.

Tai glanced at him, relieved. "Listen Agumon. You have to promise not to tell this to anyone! Got it?" the orange dinosaur nodded. "Okay, ever since we got to the Digiworld, I've sort of had this huge crush on Mimi..." Tai spent the next hour confessing his love for Mimi. "Her hair is so perfect, it smells like peaches..." he said dreamily. "Her eyes are beautiful. They always shine when she talks..." Agumon was blown away. He knew Tai liked Mimi, but he had no idea how much he really liked her. Agumon then remembered something that happened a long time ago.



*FLASHBACK*

'Boy, I'm thirsty!' thought Agumon. 'I'll only be gone for a minute. Tai'll be fine.' the small Digimon got up quietly, and rushed over to the closest source of water. On his way back to the camp, he saw Matt and Gabumon talking. "Common Gabumon. It's Mimi's turn to stand guard." the blond haired boy slowly got up. He sighed deeply.

"What's wrong Matt? Are you feeling alright" asked his concerned Digimon. "Nah. I'm fine Gabumon. It's just... well. It's kind of hard to explain."

"What is Matt?"

He leaned back on the nearest tree. "Gabumon, you have to swear on your life, you won't tell anybody this!" he started.

"You can trust me. My lips are sealed." he made the zipper motion on his lips.

"It's Mimi."

"What about Mimi? Is she sick?" he said stressing the she.

"No, she's not sick. I mean that it's about Mimi. Gabumon, I really like her. I mean that I really like her! She's the most incredible girl I know! She's so beautiful." he whispered.

"Ah. So you care about her?" he said. "I'm sure she feels the same."

"You really think so?" he asked hopefully.

"Why wouldn't she? You're a great person Matt! Any girl would be lucky to have you like her." the Digimon smiled triumphantly. "I'll wake her up. You go get some sleep."

"No! Don't wake her!" he said desperately. "I'll stay for her watch. Let her sleep." he glanced at her. "She looks so peaceful. You get some sleep. We'll need you, if the Dark Masters attack."

"Are you sure you don't want any help?" yawned the dog like Digimon. "I'm sure. Get some shut eye! Night Gabumon."

"Night Matt." with that Agumon left. He didn't understand what Matt had said, but he didn't tell it to anyone. He knew Matt didn't want anyone to know.

*END OF FLASHBACK*

Tai stopped talking, and looked at his Digimon. His emerald eyes had a depressed look in them. "What's wrong, buddy? I thought you'd be happy for me." his voice was filling with dismay. His once beaming attitude was gone.

"I am Tai. I really am." he said, lifting his spirits. "Best of luck with you both!" he playfully hit Tai's arm.

"Thank's buddy. I feel much better now that I've told someone!"

"Tai?" responded Agumon. "Why don't you tell Mimi this? I'm sure she'd rather hear this than me."

All the color drained from Tai's face. "Are you crazy? I can't tell her how I feel!" he exploded.

"Why not?" taunted Agumon.

"Because! What if she doesn't feel the same way? I'd be crushed!" he said with his last shred of enthusiasm. "I don't think I could handle the rejection. I love her way too much..." he stopped.

"Tai, listen. Me being a Digimon and all, I really don't know much about what you humans call love; but I can tell Mimi loves you!"

"You really think so?" asked Tai.

"Definitely!" he replied beaming.

"Thanks Agumon. You're the mon!" echoed Tai, as he raced off to find Mimi. 'I've got to tell her.' he decided. 'If I don't, I'll end up regretting it for the rest of my life.' he quickened his speed. There was a feeling of determination racing through his veins.

"Don't listen to him Matt, he's lying!" shouted Gabumon.

"I'm not lying. The lake of truth reflects what's in a person's heart, hence the name." replied a smug Cherrymon.

"Tai's your friend!" bellowed Gabumon in defense.

"I know he is." whispered the light-haired boy. He squeezed his azure eyes shut.

"Face it Matt, the one you call Tai is your leader, right? Everything he says, you do, ever where he goes, you go; and in your heart of hearts you resent it, because you know you're just as qualified."

"Stop lying to him! I swear that I'll turn you into firewood!" screamed Gabumon.

"I'm shocked you think I'm lying!" said Cherrymon sarcastically. "Remember Matt. Remember the time you and Tai were trapped on the separate islands?" "How could I forget?" answered Matt.

"You wanted to find the others, but Tai was thinking of himself; he was going off to search for Devimon. He wanted to be the hero. He wanted you to feel small, and insignificant."

The memory of the two boys appeared in the lake. Tai had grabbed his legs, and he fell down. "Nobody runs away when I'm talking!" screamed Tai. Matt fought back, by uppercutting him in the jaw. That slowed him down, for about three seconds. He tackled him again, and they started to tumble down the snow-covered peak.

Matt stared blankly at the water. The vision disappeared. "What about your little brother? Tk. He likes Tai more than you. He wishes Tai was his brother. Did you know that?"

"I don't believe you!" uttered Matt. "I don't believe you! Tk loves me!" he was crying. Streams of tears rolled off his face.

"Don't be angry at me!" said Cherrymon in defense. "If you want to be mad at someone, be mad at Tai." he pointed at the water. Another image appeared. He saw Tk and Tai talking. Tk's eyes were swelled with tears.

"Matt's real jealous of you Tai! Haven't you noticed that he doesn't like it when you and me do things together, and he hates it when I talk about you! Can I please be your little brother?" he finished by throwing his arms around Tai's legs. Matt could hear him crying.

"That really happened." Cherrymon said simply.

"No. Not Tk..." Matt fell to the ground. His knees hit the ground, causing a sharp pain to travel through his body.

"I know this must be hard for you, but you have to realize that Tai is no good. He only want's the things you have. Believe me." Cherrymon's voice sounded sincere, but inside, he was laughing his head off. "Even your little girlfriend." Matt's head shot up. "What do you mean?" his voice was hoarse. "What's going on between Tai and Mimi?"

"Only the worst thing a friend could do. He's stealing her away from you. He knows you like her, but he's still going after her."

"No. Not even Tai would sink that low." said Matt.

"Fine if you don't believe me, just look in the water." Matt obeyed, and tilted his head forward. An image appeared. It was Mimi. She was looking into the ocean. Her giant, pink hat was arms length away from her. She was wrapped in a giant blanket, which she had taken with her, from home. The moonlight was reflecting off her eyes, making them appear to glow. Her hair was blowing all over the place, because of the wind. It had been surprisingly windy that day.

She was clutching something in her hands, but Matt couldn't see what it was. "She looks so beautiful." he whispered. "What does this have to do with Tai? He isn't even near her!" he felt as if a mountain had been lifted off his back. There was no way Cherrymon could have been right about Tai and Mimi.

"Just wait." he replied.

"Matt. I don't see anything!" said Gabumon. "All I see is water!"

"It's best you don't see anything Gabumon," said Cherrymon. "This is already complicated enough."

Matt was still hypnotized by the water. "I still don't understan..." he stopped speaking, because just then, he saw Tai run into the picture. He was panting really hard, like he'd just run around the world. His hair was drooping down, covering his eyes. 'Where are his goggles?' thought Matt. 'They usually keep his hair from falling all over the place.' his thoughts were interrupted, because Tai began to move closer to her.

He brushed a bead of sweat away from his brow, and pulled his hair off his forehead. Mimi then realizing someone was watching her looked around.

"I might want to mention, that this is happening as we speak." said Cherrymon, his heart was pumping. 'Stupid Digidestined! He will do our dirty work for us! Humans let their emotions run their lives. Love. Trust. Friendship. All useless in the Digiworld.' he smiled devilishly. 'His love for that girl is great; but I can feel his hate rising for that boy. Hopefully the boy and girl, will push him over the edge.' A feeling of panic crept over Matt. Suddenly, the weights of a thousand mountains were placed on his shoulders. He felt nauseous. His head was throbbing.

He pressed his thumb and forefinger on his forehead, so the pain would lessen. It only got worse. 'They're only talking. They're only talking!' he repeated. He squeezed his eyes shut, but they sprang open in a few moments, because Tai had begun to talk.

"There you are! I was beginning to think I'd never find you." he smiled warmly. Mimi stood up, dropping her blanket, as she ran over to him.

"You forgot to take these." she said quietly, as she opened her hand, revealing his goggles.

"Who said I forgot to take them?" he replied cutely. Then he remembered why he was there. "Mimi I have to tell you something, and..." he stroked her cheek. "it's..." he leaned in, to brush away her hair. "very..." they touched noses. "important." he finally finished his sentence, and couldn't help but kiss her.

He pulled her face into his. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders, pulling her head closer. She hugged his muscular chest. His hair kept tickling her nose. Tai pulled away. "I'm sorry Mimi. We shouldn't be doing this. I mean, it's not that I don't want to, it just..." Mimi kissed him.

A playful smile on her face. 'This feels so right.' thought Tai, as he kissed back. He grabbed her head. Her silky hair passed through his fingers.

Matt watched on in horror. His face had twisted into a scowl of disgust. 'Good, his rage is growing.' said Cherrymon. 'Soon, I will be able to control him.'

Everything was a blur for Tai. The whole planet, seemed to be spinning around him and Mimi. He felt his a pull on his shirt. It was being ripped from his back. He lifted his arms, and broke off his kiss from Mimi, long enough for it to fall.

He stared at his shirt, laying on the ground. He turned back, and continued to kiss her, full of ecstasy. Mimi pressed her hand up to his warm, tanned chest. He grabbed it, and squeezed gently.

He slowly guided his hand up her back, and found the zipper to her dress. He passed his hand over it, and carefully began to unzip. Realizing what he was doing, he suddenly stopped. Mimi looked at him, with desire in her eyes. He opened his mouth to speak, but Mimi cut him off. She scanned his attractive features, and nodded calmly.

"This can't be happening..." said Matt. His look of disgust, had turned into a look of panic. 'Stop it Tai. Don't go any further.' his mind was racing.

"What can't be happening, Matt? What's going on?" ranted Gabumon. His human partner didn't answer, because he was staring at the water.

Tai lingered over her zip. He carefully unfastened her dress, as it hung loosely over her shoulders. His hands whisked by her shoulder blade, and gently crept under the sleeves. He lifted it off her skin, and let it fall, lifelessly to the ground. She was now wearing a black tank top, and matching shorts. He elevated her off the ground, and she wrapped her long legs around him. She lustfully pulled off his shorts, and tossed them over where his shirt was.

Gennai was sitting in his council room, talking to all the members. Suddenly, he clutched his heart, and fell on the nearest chair. "What's wrong Gennai?" asked a tall man.

"It has begun." he gasped. "The Digidestined, they are in grave danger!" "From who?" everyone seemed to yell.

"From each other." he chocked as he fell down, unconscious.

"God, no..." Matt felt hot tears form in his eyes. They streaked down his face, distorting his vision. He brushed them away angrily.

Tai laid her down, on the giant blanket she had been carrying. Without delay, he got on top of her. She kissed his neck blissfully. He softly began to remove her top.

"You see what friends do to you Matt. They hurt and cheat on you. You can only trust one person in this whole world. You." said Cherrymon knowledgeably.

"I see what you mean." sobbed Matt. "Why is he doing this?" he chocked. "Because. He wants to make you suffer, by taking the one thing you could have. He knew if you had her, you'd be happy. And he doesn't want you to be happy, ever!"

By this time, Tai and Mimi, were completely naked. Mimi bent her head back, so Tai could kiss her neck, and part of her chest. They linked hands, and Tai brought them gracefully above their heads. He looked deeply into her eyes.

She could sense he was scared. She had never seen Tai scared before. It overwhelmed her with fear as well. Tears began to swell in her eyes and one escaped, streaming down her cheek.

Tai, noticed she was crying. He lightly brushed the tear away, and whispered, "Just breath." she did as instructed. She inhaled deeply, as a pain shot through her body. It seemed to attack ever moving muscle in her body, leaving her completely paralyzed. She cried out in pain. As if on cue, Tai leaned in, and kissed her. The pain seemed to leave her body, as if he was giving her his strength. A wave of bliss passed through her as she slowly regained use of her limbs.

Tai began to kiss her hungrily. He felt her lips possessed all the air around them. He pushed away her hair, and began to kiss her in such a way, that her neck bent back. She rolled over, wincing in pain, but continued to attack his neck. Mimi coyly, traced the muscles in his back, as it heaved up and down.

Matt had stopped watching. He was crying uncontrollably. "I'm sorry you had to witness that Matt. I really am. It's just. You needed to see what you were defending. I can tell you though, if you defeat him, she could be yours." Cherrymon could barley control his happiness. He had never thought they would go that far. "I... I... I..." started Matt. The tears were falling out of his eyes faster than he could produce them.

"Don't try to speak. It'll be less painful." Matt didn't know if that was possible. In the few short hours he had known Cherrymon, his whole life crumbled apart, piece by piece. His heart had been put through a blender.

'It's time. His rage has reached it's peak!' thought Cherrymon. He suddenly threw a piece of oddly colored wood on him, and an invisible light circled him. Matt yelled out. The invisible beam caught him, squar in the heart. It squeezed, and pulled. Matt fell to the ground, corrupt.

His heart had been filled with iniquity, the very essence of evil. He slowly got up, and began to run. He was struggling to hold on to his humanity. But in the end, the evil won. As it always does with humans.

"I... I love you." Tai mumbled into her mouth. "I love you so much."

Mimi looked at his hovering face. His eyes had water droplets forming in the corners. He looked so scared, as if something would happen if she didn't reply. "I love you too. I always have." she whispered back. He smiled. His eyes twinkled. Never in his life was he more happy. There he was, making love to the woman he loved more than life itself, and he knew she loved him back.

'I love you. I love you so much.' those words slammed into his head. 'I love you too. I always have.' those words haunted him. They pounded in his head like a gong. He began to run. Run faster than he ever had in his being.

"Matt, wait up!" cried Gabumon. He was panting behind him.

'I love you too. I always have.' he fell to the ground, and sobbed loudly. "I hate you Tai Kamiya. I hate you so much!" he screamed. At that moment, he got up. His tears stopped. He let the evil engulf him. "That's it. I hate him." he said calmly. His crest glowed red. "I hate you. That's it!" he laughed maniacally. "THAT'S IT!"

"What's it Matt? Tell me! Is it about Tai?" he panted.

Matt winced at the sound of his name. It was like poison to him."Gabumon, do you trust me?" asked Matt. His usual clear blue eyes, were sone cold.

"Of course I do!" he shouted.

"Good." he said evilly.

"What are you going to do? Are you going to hurt Tai?" pressed Gabumon. "No. I don't want to hurt him. I want to destroy him. And I know just how to do it." said Matt coldly.

"Sora, are you sure you don't want me to come with you? It can be very dangerous at night."

"I'll be alright Biyomon. You get your rest." said Sora smiling.

"Okay. But if you get in trouble, scream." replied her Digimon, walking off toward the campsite.

Sora smiled. She then began to think. she thought about soccer, her mother and Tai. Sora had only told Mimi, about her feelings for him. She loved everything about Tai. His goggles. His huge hair and especially the way he made her feel like she was the most important girl in the world. Tai was the only boy, she thought about being with. 'We like the same things, we both play soccer, and I'm positive he likes me!' she thought to herself. She smiled again. 'Tai is so cute!' she started to drift off into dreamland, only to be jarred awake by a shining light, a few miles away. It was orange, wit a hint of green. 'Something's wrong.' she thought, as she began running in the direction of the beacon.

Tree branches kept smacking her face. She brushed them off, and continued to run. Sora saw the end to the forest, and the beginning of the beach. She could hear the rolling waves, hitting the shore. The smell of pine, and saltwater was overpowering. Her legs started to cramp, as she raced to get to the light. She gasped to collect air, but what she saw next made her lose all desire to breathe. Dread swept over her, like fog. There staring her straight in the face, was Tai's blue shirt, with the orange star on the right arm. She picked it up, slowly.

"What?" she whispered. She examined it closely. No blood stains. No tears, or gash marks. She exhaled. 'He's not hurt.' the feeling of dread left her, but was replaced with curiosity. 'Why would Tai take off his shirt?' she wondered. She scanned the area for him. She saw something glistening in the moonlight. She ran over to it. To her surprise, it was the belt to Mimi's pink dress. "What?" she said picking it up. 'What would Tai's shirt, and Mimi's belt be doing here?'

Looking up, she saw something she hadn't seen before. Sora had been so preoccupied with how Tai was, to realize what was staring her plain in the face. She strained her eyes to see what was moving. To her horror, it was Mimi and Tai. She looked on, not believing what was happening. She tried to turn away, but found it impossible. Her gaze was locked on them. Hours seemed to have passed, but for Sora, it was a lifetime. Her whole future with Tai, had been pulverized. Mimi, her best friend, was sleeping with the man she loved.

She couldn't take it anymore. If she continued to watch, she would have died. She used all her will power, and pulled her legs away. She tore through the trees. The branches that had been hurting her face, previously, were like sweet releases. Nothing, not even death, could hurt as much as she was hurting right now. Without realizing it, a white light passed over everyone. Six figures were sleeping peacefully, while two figures, were in their own personal hell...

BEEP, BEEP! Tai reached out and smashed his hand down on his alarm clock. Then the realization that he shouldn't have an alarm clock, struck him. His eyes darted open. He was in his apartment. His clothes strewed everywhere. 'It was all a dream!' he thought sadly.

He really hadn't told Mimi how he felt. He mentally slapped himself. 'Damn my imagination!' he wanted to cry. Something touched his arm.

"Morning!" said Mimi. Her head was resting lightly on his chest. "Hey!" he said in shock. Mimi then bolted up.

"Why are we not in the Digiworld?" she wrapped herself in his sheet.

"I don't know. We're back home. This is my place." he said.

"We have to see if the others are back too! What happens if we were the only ones to come back? What if..." she was interrupted by Tai kissing her.

"Sorry. Your lips were just so tempting." said Tai. Mimi smiled at him. She leaned in, and kissed him lustfully. He hugged her closely, pulling her on top of him. Mimi wanted to find out how the others were doing, but with Tai kissing her, it was nearly impossible to move. Her body felt like jelly. His kisses did that to her. She finally gave up the flimsy struggle, and gave into him. With just as much zest, they made love.

BEEP, BEEP! The alarm clock went off again. This time Tai picked it up, and threw it against the wall. He continued to kiss Mimi enthusiastically. "Tai, we really need to check, and see if the others got back okay." she uttered. Tai was kissing her neck.

"You're right. We really should go." he had to think about what he was saying. He really wanted to stay right where he was, with Mimi. But he knew as leader, he had to overlook what he wanted, and do what the team needed. Tai and Mimi quickly pulled on their clothes, and drove over to where everyone else lived. "Izzy! You're back!" exclaimed Mimi.

"Yes. It was very peculiar. One night I'm asleep in the Digiworld, the next, I'm at home in my bed. My parents were ecstatic to see me though." said Izzy. "Oh, I must also mention, I've phoned Joe, Sora, Matt, Tk and Kari. They all got in safely. Except, when I phoned your house, Mimi, your mom said you hadn't returned. Where were you?"

Mimi really didn't feel like telling Izzy about her and Tai, so she gave him a lame excuse about her taking a really long walk. Thankfully, Izzy bought it. "Izzy, we have to figure out why we were sent back here!" said Tai. "Can you contact Gennai?"

"Does a BJC-250 modem compute faster than an HP-500 Laserjet modem?" he smiled. Tai and Mimi looked at him, as if he was speaking German. Izzy noted his friends had no clue what he was talking about. "Yes." he quickly added.

Joe brushed a piece of his hair out of his eyes. He had been waiting in them park for over an hour now. "Where is everyone?" he said.

"Right here." said Sora smiling. Outside, she looked like the happy person everyone knew. Inside, she was fighting a war to stay alive.

"Don't forget us!" said Tk. He was holding Kari's hand. She bounced alongside him happily.

"Hi guys! Isn't it great to be back?" said Kari.

"Sure is!" said Matt. Like Sora, he put up a happy front.

"Glad to see you're all here!" cried Tai. Izzy and Mimi hopped out of his Jeep, and ran toward the group. He was holding Mimi's hand. "I bet you're all wondering why I called you all here?"

"Frankly, yes!" said Joe. A hint of impatience in his voice.

"Well, we received a document from Gennai, explaining why we're back home. It was written in a complicated Digicode, which Mimi and I translated." said Izzy.

"Just get to the point Izzy! We don't have all day!" exploded Matt. "WELL, it said we were in danger. A powerful evil was chasing us, and we needed to solve it by ourselves. The Digimon, have stayed in the Digiworld, to help defend against the Dark Masters attacks. That's why they aren't here. Gennai also said that the evil was too much for the Digiworld. It's so powerful that if it was to enter his world, it would be destroyed! Hence why we're back here." said Tai.

"That does make sense," said Kari, "but who are we in danger from?"

"Gennai didn't say."said Mimi. "All he told us, is when it's resolved, the Digiworld will return to normal. So, my guess is that when the problem is solved here, the Dark Masters will die."

"Now, all we have to do, is solve the problem." stated Tk. "The downside is, we don't know what the problem is."

"You got it Tk." said Izzy.

"Okay, let me get this straight. We solve the great evil here, and the Dark Masters die there." said Matt.

"Exactly!" said Tai smiling. Matt smiled back.

'What an idiot! He still thinks I'm his friend!' he began to laugh in his head, but couldn't help to smile.

'Why Mimi? Why did you go after the man I loved? You could have any guy you wanted! But you had to choose the one that I wanted. What a fool I've been! To think Tai could love me.' she began to cry.

"Sora, what's wrong?" asked a worried Tai.

"It's just so good to be home!" she lied. How could she tell him the truth? It would just destroy their friendship. And that's all she had left with him. Friendship. "It's getting really late. I suggest we all get some sleep, and meet again tomorrow. How does that sound?" asked Joe.

"Good idea. I'm getting rather sleepy myself." said Mimi yawning.

Tai smiled to himself. 'I didn't realize I wore her out that much!' he quickly grabbed her hand, and pulled her to his jeep.

Several minutes later, they were at Mimi's house. Her mother was waiting at the door, with tissue in her hand. "Mimi! Oh thank God you're alright!" her eyes were bloodshot from crying. "Koushiro phoned here, and said they all returned, but when you didn't come home, I feared the worst!" she sobbed into her daughters shoulder.

"It's okay Mrs. Tachikawa. I wouldn't let anything happen to your daughter." said Tai reassuringly.

She looked up to meet his face. "Thank you Tai. I feel much better knowing, you're watching out for Mimi."

Tai smiled at her, as his beeper went off. "Oh Mimi, I have to go. There's an emergency at the studio. I'll see you tonight, 8:00?"

Mimi remembered Tai worked at the leading art studio in Japan. "All right. Tonight then." she leaned in to kiss him, and he gladly accepted. He broke off the kiss and dashed over to his vehicle.

Mimi watched as he sped off. She turned to see her mothers smiling face. "So. When did you two get together?"

"Two days ago, in the Digiworld. It's perfect mom! He loves me, just as much as I love him!" Mimi said excitedly.

"I'm so happy for you dear! I always liked Tai! Such a nice young boy! So polite and courteous!"

"Is daddy here?" Mimi asked. "I haven't seen him in ages!"

"He's at work right now sweety. But he'll be home at 7:00. The hospital said they're going to need him for the next few weeks."

"That's great!" shouted Mimi.

"911- 576." said Matt dialing the phone. He was putting the first stage of his plan into action. "Hello, is Doctor Tachikawa there?" he asked politely.

"Yes he is. Would you like to talk to him?" asked the receptionist.

"Yes I would. It's kind of an emergency."

"I'll put you through." she said cheerfully.

Matt waited a few moments, then he heard a deep masculine voice. "Hello, Doctor Tachikawa here. How may I help you?"

"Well Doctor Tachikawa, my friends said you were the best person to talk to about this type of situation. I didn't know where else to go."

"Tell me son, what is it? Are you in any sort of trouble?"

"I might be." said Matt smiling. His plan would work out perfectly!



"Honey, are you home?" yelled Mimi's dad.

"Daddy! I'm back!" shouted Mimi, as she ran into his open arms.

"Oh Mimi, I'm so glad to see you again. Your mother and I were worried sick."

"Oh daddy, I missed you and mom so much!" said Mimi squeezing him even tighter.

"Mimi, angel, I need to breathe!" he laughed. Mimi let go laughing. "Is your mother cooking strawberry rice again?" he said inhaling.

"Yeah! And orange shrimp. Your favorite!" Mimi sat down at the kitchen table with her two parents. Her mother began to place the plates mounted with food in front of them.

"How was your day dear?" smiled Mimi's mom.

"You wouldn't believe what happened to me! A young boy, must have been about Mimi's age, phoned me, asking for some advice."

"On what dad?" asked Mimi curiously.

"Well, it seems he impregnated his girlfriend." Mimi chocked.

"Are you alright Mimi?" asked her mom.

"Fine. Just swallowed a piece of shrimp whole. Silly me!" she covered.

"Okay then. But can you believe it! How dumb can you get? Having sex when you're not even out of highschool. What is he trying to do? Get disowned?" he turned and looked out the window. "After the phone call, I researched teen pregnancies. Did you know that one out of every three teens that have sex, results in a child? Teen pregnancies have gone up 45% in the last four years!" he turned back to his family.

"How horrible! How could two people be so irresponsible? They have no clue how hard raising a child is!" exclaimed Mimi's mom.

"At least we know that we're safe! We have Mimi as a daughter! She's the most responsible young woman I have yet to meet!" smiled her dad.

Mimi smiled back weakly. "Thank you dad." she croaked.

"And with such a trusty boyfriend like Tai, how can we be worried?" added her mom. Mimi really wished she hadn't mentioned Tai's name right now.

His eyes opened wide. "So, when did you start dating Mr. Kamiya's son. You know, his dad is one of my best friends. I'm very proud of you. Tai is a very nice boy."

"I know he is." whispered Mimi. She felt sick.

"Speaking of Tai, shouldn't you be getting ready for your date?" voiced her mom.

"Yes I should!" blurted out Mimi. She wanted to get away from her parents, and the topic of pregnancy, as soon as possible. She ran into her room, and threw on a pair of black hip huggers, and a pale lavender tank top. Just as she was putting the finishing touches on her hair, the door bell rang. She smiled wide. 'Tai's here!' the mere thought of his name sent sparks up her spine. She ran over to the door, and threw it open. Standing there was Tai, holding a single red rose.

"It reminded me of you." he said shyly, handing her the rose.

"It's beautiful Tai!" she said kissing his cheek.

"Not half as beautiful as you." he whispered, kissing her lips.

"So Tai, when will you bring my daughter back?" chuckled Mr. Tachikawa. Tai instantly pulled away from Mimi, and turned scarlet. "Um, by 11:00, Sir." he gulped.

Mimi's dad kept laughing. “Don't be so bashful! You can kiss my daughter. I won't beat you!" he laughed louder. Tai just got redder. "Go on, have a good evening." he winked at Tai.

"Thank you Sir." said Tai. "And don't worry. We will." Tai took Mimi's hand, and lead her to his jeep.

"Such a nice boy. A little shy, but very nice." remarked Mr. Tachikawa proudly.

"That was so embarrassing!" shouted Tai.

Mimi giggled. "They really like you."

"I don't care if they like me, I care if you like me!" he said.

"Well sorry. I don't like you." she smiled.

"WHAT!" exclaimed Tai. Before he had a chance to speak again, Mimi interrupted.

"I love you."

Tai relaxed. "I love you too, Mimi. I always have." he pulled the automobile into a parking spot, outside the movie theater. It started to rain, so they ran into the theater, laughing.



FOUR MONTHS LATER

Mimi and Tai walked out of the movie theater, where they had their first date. They were talking about the movie. Mimi kept insisting it was very romantic and very tragic. Tai said he would have fallen asleep if Mimi hadn't been there. They climbed into his car, and sped off toward Mimi's apartment.

To their misfortune, it was raining. It had rained so much, they blocked off the only road to Mimi's house, because the street had flooded. They were cautioned to the other side of the street. A tall man, with a blinking sign, said to go another way. Tai pulled over to the man.

"The only way to get my date home, is through that road."

"Sorry, I can't tell the rain to stop raining for you and your girlfriend." mumbled the man sarcastically. He had an Irish accent and his bushy mustache took up half his face.

Tai narrowed his eyes. He was about to get in a huge yelling match. He felt Mimi's hand on his shoulder. "Don't Tai. It's not worth it." she said sadly. "Let's go to your place, and I'll call my dad. He'll do something."

"Okay. Let's go." he backed up, and drove off in the direction of his apartment. The small man smiled to himself. He pulled back his hood, and spiky blond hair shot up. He pulled off his fake mustache. He quickly took away the road block and threw it into the nearby dumpster, along with his jacket, and flashing sign. "Phase two completed. Now onto phase three." he said laughing

"What's so funny Matt?" asked Sora. She was carrying an umbrella and had a grocery bag in her right hand.

"Nothing. I just saw this really funny movie."

"Oh. Hey, get under my umbrella. You're going to catch pneumonia." she said concerned.

"Thanks Sora. You're the best." he said running under the umbrella.

"Thank you Matt." she said solemnly. How she wished it was Tai next to her.

"Thinking about Tai, aren't you?" he said angrily.

Sora smiled weakly, then gave up trying to fool everybody. "Yeah. I can't help it! Matt, I really love him. He's my reason to get up in the morning! Now, I can't have him because..." she started to cry.

"Don't cry over him Sora. He's not worth it. I just don't get why everyone loves him so much. It's not as if he's a rocket scientist! He's really reckless and..."

"Stop it!" she sobbed. "Sure he can be a little dumb, but he makes up for it by his compassion and bravery! He cares about everyone and everything!" she belted out.

"If he cares about everyone and everything, then why hasn't he noticed you? A tick could have picked up the signals you were sending him. He just ignored them, to make every ones life miserable!" he shouted in repulsion. "He took away the only thing I really ever loved." he pointed at himself. "Now, just to make sure we're never happy, he took away something we wanted more than life." he grabbed her hands. "Do you see what I mean?"

"I'm sorry Matt. No matter how much you bash him, it won't change the way I feel about him. I should be going now. Keep the umbrella." with that, she started running in the direction of her house.

"I don't need you, Sora. I just wanted you to see the way I see." said Matt. He shoved his hand in his pocket, feeling around for phase three. A small canteen emerged in his grasp. "I'm sorry Mimi. This is the only way I can be with you." he began walking to Tai's apartment complex. "The only way..."

"Yes daddy. The road is blocked. I can't get home, so I'm at Tai's place. Uh hun, yes, NO daddy!" she screamed. "Of course I'll tell him. I love you, bye." Mimi hung up the phone and turned to Tai. "He'll be here in an hour and a half. He says make the most of the time we have together. And I intend to do just that!" she smiled evilly. She pushed Tai down on the couch, and got on top of him. She began to kiss his neck.

"Um, Mimi, don't you think we should dry off first. I'm soaked!" tried Tai. He quickly shut himself up, and began to kiss her.

They were interrupted by a knock at the door. "Hey Tai! I know you're in there. Let me in. I'm freezing!" shouted Matt.

"Perfect timing as usual Ishida." muttered Tai as he reluctantly open the door.

"Wow! You really are soaked! Here, let me get you a towel!" said Tai dashing into his bathroom. He returned with a massive blue towel.

"Thank's Tai. I got caught in the rain. It's really coming down!" he passed the towel through his hair.

"Matt, let me make you some tea." said Mimi. He ran into the kitchen, and poured water into the kettle. "I hope you like rose tea. It's all that Tai has." joked Mimi.

"That'll be great." replied Matt. "Here, let me help you." he ran into the kitchen.

"Tai, do you want some tea?" asked Mimi.

"No thanks. I don't like tea. My mom gave it to me for a house warming gift." he made a face. "It tastes like chalk."

'Perfect. Tai won't get sick. It'll look more realistic.' when Mimi wasn't looking, he poured the contents of the canteen, into the kettle.

"Here you are Matt." said Mimi, handing him a china cup. "I'll join you."

After several minutes of nonsensical chit chat, Matt excused himself. "I really must get home. My dad is probably worried sick." he politely brought his cup over to the sink, and poured out the content. He went away smiling. 'She drank two cups. That should put on quite a show tomorrow. Just gotta plant the seed of suspicion now.' he walked over to the nearest payphone.

"Mr. Tachikawa. Don't trust your daughter with Tai. He's only after one thing."

"Who are you? How do you know this?" asked Mimi's bewildered dad. "Just get to his apartment now. The door is unlocked." Matt hung up the phone. "Done and done. Now all I do, is sit back, and watch Tai's life crumble in, around him."

"Tai, I'm feeling really dizzy. Can I lay down?" asked Mimi, holding her head.

"Sure. Allow me." he picked her up, baby style, and carried her off to his room. He gently lied her down on his queen size bed, and pulled a blanket over her. "Please don't leave." begged Mimi clutching his hand.

"Okay, I'll stay." he said climbing in near her. He pulled the cover over himself, and cuddled closely to her. He wrapped his arm around her back and she placed her head on his chest. She began stumbling into dreamland. Tai, feeling tired himself, began to sleep as well.

Mimi's dad was speeding off to Tai's place. 'She lied about the road being blocked. Probably thought I wouldn't be able to pick her up. What's going on? Mimi has never lied to me before. Before she started to date Tai Kamiya!' he thought. He quickly spied his desired location, and jumped up the stairs to his room. As the man had said, the door was unlocked. He wasn't quite sure what he was going to find. Either his daughter happily watching a movie with her date, or his daughter, well, you know.

He marched over to Tai's room, and opened the door. He saw Tai grasping Mimi, lying under a huge patched quilt. "What's the meaning of this?" he boomed. His thunderous voice startled the sleeping duo. Tai was so startled, he fell right off the bed.

"What is it daddy?" implored Mimi sleepily.

"Mimi, get your coat. We're leaving." he said enraged.

"Okay, whatever. I'll see you tomorrow. Okay Tai?" said Mimi as Tai got off the floor.

"Sure." he replied.

"No. No, you won't!" ordered Mimi's dad. "Mimi, I don't want you to see Tai any more."

"What are you talking about?" pressed Mimi. "You like Tai."

"That was before I knew you two were having sex!"

"What the hell are you talking about? We were sleeping!" exploded Mimi. "Sleeping today. Sleeping together tomorrow!" he replied quickly.

"I wouldn't do that Mr. Tachikawa..." started Tai.

"I don't care what you would or would not do, just stay the hell away from my daughter!"

"That's impossible Sir. I can't stay away from her." said Tai, fighting back. "I love your daughter, and asking me to stay away, is like asking the sun to not shine." "I'm sorry you feel that way Tai." he said simply. He grabbed Mimi's hand, and pulled her out the door.



THE NEXT DAY

Mimi didn't get to bed that night. She cried her eyes out. Her mom walked into her room. "Dear, please don't cry. It'll be okay. I trust Tai. I know he wouldn't pressure you into anything." she said reassuringly, stroking Mimi's hair.

"You don't understand mom. I love him. And we..." she began to cry even more.

"I know dear. I know all about you and Tai."

"How could you?" inquired Mimi, looking up at her mother.

"Really dear, what kind of fool do you think I am? The signs weren't that hard to read. The way you kissed each other, the way you acted together, it was fairly obvious. Now, I'm going to assume you returned home with the others, but you stayed at Tai's, right?"

Mimi nodded her head. "I'm sorry if I let you down mom."

"Dear, you could never let me down. Just be careful. I don't want your young heart broken."

"Tai wouldn't break my heart mom. I know him way better than that."

"Good. Now, go be with him."

"Thanks mom, you're the greatest." said Mimi, hugging her mother. She left the room, and Mimi, rushed over to her closet, and pulled out a pair of jeans, and a baggy sweater. 'Perfect. Nobody will recognize me in this out..." she cupped her hand over her mouth. She ran into her bathroom, and threw up in the toilet. "This is not good." she said.

Tai walked around the block another time. He got sick of looking at the same graffiti clad walls, so he decided to take a walk in the park. He looked on as he saw happy couples walking, and holding hands. It made him feel really bad. His girlfriend was basically under house arrest, and he couldn't so a thing to help her. He kicked a nearby rock. It flew in the air, and hit someone square in the head. "Oh, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to hit you sir." explained Tai panicking. " I... Joe?" he blurted out.

"Yes, and it's okay Tai. I didn't need that part of my brain." he said sarcastically, rubbing his sore spot. "Well, I found you at least. Izzy called an emergency meeting. Gennai contacted him again."

"Okay lets get going." he knew Mimi had to be allowed to go to their meeting. Her dad wouldn't stop her from saving the world!

Many minutes later, they were at their meeting area. Tai spied the area for Mimi. She wasn't there. "Where's Mimi?" asked Tai.

"She got really sick this morning." said Matt. "She phoned me and said she couldn't make it."

"Oh..." said Tai sadly. He was really looking forward to seeing Mimi that day. He hated being apart from her.

"Well, lets commence the meeting shall we?" Izzy went on and on. Everyone was paying full attention. All except Tai and Matt. Tai was worried about Mimi. He had this sinking feeling, that he wouldn't be seeing her for a while. He didn't like that feeling at all. He wanted to see her so bad. His head was spinning, for no apparent reason. To stop his world from spinning out of control, he grabbed his head, not realizing everyone had stopped and started to stare.

Matt could hardly control his glee. He knew Tai was sensing something was wrong, and he knew that he was going to win. Sora looked at Tai, worried. "Tai, are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm okay. Just a little tired. That's all. Haven't been getting much sleep lately." he said, forcing a smile.

Sora's heart sank. 'Haven't been getting much sleep... he's been with Mimi.' she thought sadly to herself. She wished beyond anything that she and Mimi could change positions. She would give anything to be Mimi. Just long enough to have Tai say I love you. To have him touch her cheek, and caress her neck. She wanted that so bad... that's all.

Suddenly, this loud pounding sound, appeared in Tai's head. 'Stay away from Matt!' it screamed. The sound echoed off Tai's ear drums, and pulsated in his forehead. The voice was like nails on a chalkboard. Screeching, and hollering. Tai fell to the ground in pain.

'What do you mean, stay away from Matt? What's wrong with him?'

'Stay away from him. He's not the Matt you knew. He's different. Evil... he wants to destroy you!'

'Destroy me? What does that mean?'

'You will soon know...' the voice then disappeared. Tai looked up, and found himself staring into Mimi's bright brown eyes.

"Hey... what are you doing here?" he asked groggily.

"I couldn't miss this meeting. I needed to see you again." she smiled, as she leaned in to kiss him. She completely forgot, that everyone was staring at them. "You're dating my brother?" screamed Kari, who was holding onto Tk's shirt sleeve.

"Oops... they're onto us." joked Tai.

Mimi straightened up. "Well, you caught us." she looked at Kari. The younger girl was smiling her head off.

"Mimi this is great!" she screamed, throwing her arms around the girl. "At least I know my brother has some sense in that useless head of his!"

"Thanks a bunch sis!" exclaimed Tai sarcastically.

"So," smiled Joe. "when are we to expect the wedding invitations?" Mimi and Tai laughed. Sora looked deathly pale. Matt had noticed this. He walked over to her, and pulled her over to a secluded area.

"I told you. He doesn't care about you. He was stringing you along." he said bitterly.

"It's not Tai." she said coldly. "It's Mimi. I was doing fine until she came into the picture." a tear streaked down her face. "He started acting different, right after he met her. It's all her fault!" her fists were clenched.

"Mimi's innocent!" shouted Matt angrily. "Tai took her away from me... he killed me Sora. He killed me the day he..." Matt didn't finish his sentence.

"I know." said Sora. "I know about them, and the Digiworld." she looked even sadder than before. "What'll we do?"

Matt took her shivering body, and held it tightly. "I know what to do. I'll get them apart, if it's the last thing I do."

"Honey!" said Mr. Tachikawa happily. "I have some great news! But first, is Mimi home? I wanted to apologize to her, for the way I acted. Tai is a nice young boy. He would never do anything like that to Mimi."

"She's not here." said Mrs. Tachikawa relieved. She liked Tai.

"Where is she?"

"With her friends. Matt phoned, saying there was a meeting. I didn't want her going because she was sick this morning, but she instis..."

"She was sick this morning!" he bellowed. His mind jumping to conclusions. Slapping herself for saying that, she tried to cover. "No dear, it's not what you think!"

"To think. I was about to consent to her relationship with him! He's just like every other young blooded man! Only after one thing!"

"Honey, you know Tai isn't like that! You've known him for years!" she said trying to reason. He picked up the phone, angrily, and punched in Tai's phone number.

"Hello, Kamiya residence." said Tai's dad.

"It's me." he said furious.

"What's wrong? You sound frustrated." asked Tai's dad concerned.

"You would be too, if you knew what was going on." he took a deep breath. "I want Tai to stay away from my daughter."

Tai and Mimi walked happily, hand in hand, to Tai's parents house. They were taking Kari home, even though she refused, several times. As they walked in the door, they were greeted by the outraged faces of Tai's parents.

"Hey, mom. Dad." smiled Tai weakly. He could sense the tension in the air. "What's up?"

"Kari could you please leave the room? We need to speak to Tai alone." "Sure mom." she said nervously. "Bye guys."

"I'll see you later Tai." said Mimi. She kissed his cheek.

"No Mimi. Stay. This concerns you too." said Tai's mom. Mimi looked a little puzzled, but she stayed put.

"What's going on mom?" asked Tai.

His dad, who had an irritated look on his face from the beginning, finally spoke. "I received a phone call from your dad Mimi." Tai and Mimi's when white. They knew that it couldn't be good.

"W...wh...what about?" stammered Mimi, trying to sound calm.

"It seems like you two," started Tai's mom. She was obviously trying to choose the best words. "It seems you two..."

"What's going on between you two?" finished Tai's dad.

"Since when did you care?" shouted Tai bitterly.

"Don't try and pull that with me!" shouted his dad. "Mimi's dad told me everything!"

"What did he tell you? He caught us sleeping! Wow, great proof there. You should be worried about Kari. She sleeps a lot too." replied Tai sarcastically.

"Tai!" shouted his mom. "That's no way to talk to your father!"

Mimi, who had been standing, absorbing the whole conversation, spoke up. "Stop it! Stop arguing!" she yelled. Tai and his dad looked at her. "You're talking as if I'm not even in the room!" tears coursed down her face. She looked at Tai. "I' m so sorry." she turned on her heels, and ran out the door.

"See what you did!" shouted Tai.

"Don't do it son. I swear, if you do, you're no longer welcome here."

Tai looked at his father, venomously. "Mimi wait!" he said running out the door. He spotted Mimi crying, a few feet away. She dashed over to her, and held her tight. "I'm sorry. I didn't realize you'd take it so personally."

"It's not that." she sobbed into his shirt. "Nothing is going right for us! My dad hates the idea of us together, so does your dad. Who knows about my mom, and your mom does..."

"I don't care what our parents think." Tai interrupted. "The only thing I care about is you, and how you feel about us."

"It's not fair. I love you so much..."

"I love you too. That's all that matters." he said pulling her face to his lips. Since Mimi, was a good head shorter than Tai, she was standing on her tip toes, trying to reach his lips. Tai noticed her small struggle, and gently pulled her up by her waist.

Mimi finally broke the kiss and turned away.

"What's wrong?" asked Tai, placing his on her shoulder.

"It's me." she said silently. "I'm doing this. Just look at what I did to you and your dad. You've never said anything like that to him."

"He was asking for it." said Tai crossly. "Mimi, you haven't done anything. Just stop blaming yourself." he said, comfortingly.

"Tai, you know I love you right." she asked sadly.

"Of course I do." he said looking worried.

"Could you please take me somewhere? I want to get away from here." she asked.

"Yeah, come on." said Tai, hugging her close.

Tai was driving. He didn't know where, but he was just driving. "Stop here."said Mimi. Tai pulled into a deserted park. He could tell why. The swing sets were broken, and the once bright paint, was chipped. The slide had a massive hole in the middle, and the sea saw was de-hinged.

"God, this place is depressing." said Tai, looking at his surroundings.

"I used to come here as a young girl." explained Mimi. "I loved it here. It made me feel happy, when everything else was making me feel bad."

"It doesn't seem so happy now." Tai remarked. He looked at his girlfriend. She was crying lightly. "Hey, what's wrong?" he said walking over to her. He placed his hand under her chin, and brought it up, so the were looking eye to eye.

"I think we shouldn't see each other any more Tai."

"What!" he exclaimed.

"Please, let me explain." she pleaded. "I don't want to, but I think we have to. Tai, I destroyed your relationship with your family. I turned my family against you, and... and... I don't want to be the one, you look back on in ten years, and say she ruined my life."

"Mimi..." he said tearing.

"No!" his voice ordered. "We are not breaking up."

"Tai, please, don't make this any harder than it already is."

"Mimi, in 10 years, I plan on looking back with you. Living a life without you, is worse than anything I can imagine."

"Tai...." she wept.

"Mimi, I love you so much. You're my everything." he said softly. "Please. If you leave me, I might as well be dead." a tear escaped his eye, and slid down his face. Mimi hugged him tightly.

"How are you so perfect?" she whispered.

"Because, I have you." he said kissing her. After their kiss, Tai hugged her tighter than ever. "Don't ever do that to me again. Okay?"

Mimi hugged him. "I'm so sorry." she cried.

Tai grasped her frail body protectively. "Don't cry." he stroked her soft hair, letting it pass in between his fingers. "Don't cry."

"I don't like it! Tai and Mimi have gotten too close for their age!" exploded Mimi's dad.

"I agree." replied Tai's dad. "We need to do something. They'll end up regretting it later on in life."

"Yes. You see it the way I do." smiled her dad triumphantly.

"Dear, maybe we should let them decide. After all, they are in love." tried Mimi's mom. She didn't like what was happening.

"Love! Is that what they're calling it now a days? If you call a few quick hops in the sack, love, then something is definitely wrong!" her dad erupted.

"Have any of you actually seen them together?" Mimi's mom asked angrily. "I've never seen Mimi so happy in her whole life. Tai makes her happy! Don't you see it?"

"The only thing I see, is my little girl's life, turning into a living hell, when she finds out she's pregnant."

"What about Tai? You think he's going to be any better, when he finds out he's a father!" shouted his mom.

"You people make me sick. You're planning our children's happiness, just because you don't want something to happen! You're not even thinking about them!" she calmed down slightly. "Have Tai and Mimi, ever given us reason to worry?" she watched all their facial expressions change drastically. "No. They haven't."

"Who knows what's going on in that boys mind! For all we know, they could be off somewhere, laughing in our faces, about how they pulled a fast one on their stupid, naive parents." her dad exclaimed.

"I have to agree with you." said Tai's mom. "He's changed. He's no longer the boy we all knew. I used to be so in touch with him, that I could practically read his mind. Now, it's like he's put up a barrier, and I can't get thorough." she wept quietly.

"I know a way we could find out." muttered Tai's mom, in between a stifled cry.

"How?" asked Mimi's dad.

"Tai gave me the key to his apartment, a while ago."

"Perfect!" his dad cheered.



"You're not serious! I can't believe you'd even think about spying on them!" she looked at their face, for any sign of remorse. She found none. "Now I know what the phrase, 'as low, as a person can possibly get' means. I want no part in this."

"Suit yourself honey. Come on. Let's get going." replied Mimi's dad. Watching them as they walked out of her house, Mrs. Tachikawa, felt hot. Her head began to spin. She couldn't keep her balance. She tried to sit down, but just passed out on the floor.

At this time, Mimi and Tai were driving to his apartment. Tai held Mimi's hand, with his right hand, and held the steering wheel with the other. He didn't want to let her go. Not now, not ever. He glanced over at her. She was smiling lovingly at him. He couldn't help but smile back. He loved her so much. After a while, he pulled into his parking spot. Mimi hopped out of the car, and hugged his waist.

Tai placed a protective arm, over her shoulders. They walked up to his place, not aware of the certain danger that laid in wait for them. Tai pushed the key into the lock, turned the knob, and they both walked in. Mimi wrapped her arms around Tai's neck, and kissed him. She slowly began to unbutton his shirt. Tai, who was happy to oblige, began to walk backward, guiding her to his bedroom.

As they were walking, Tai, playfully grabbed her waist, making sure she didn't bump into anything. He stuck his left hand out, to open his door. Mimi laughed, because he stumbled over his feet, while walking in. Tai smiled at her, and kissed her, to keep her from waking the rest of the apartment, with laughter.

Mimi reached out to turn on the overhead light. "Leave it off." said Tai, kissing her neck.

"No, turn it on." came a booming voice. Mimi and Tai directed their attention to where the voice was.

"Dad!" exclaimed Tai. "What are you doing here?"

"Keeping you, from ruining your life." he said matter-of-factly.

Mimi's dad glared at him, with a menacing look in his eyes. "I'm sorry to do this Tai, but you leave me with no other choice. He went over, and grabbed Mimi's arm. "If I catch you with my daughter, I'll phone the police."

"You can't so that!" Tai exploded.

"Just watch me." he retorted angrily. He pulled Mimi out the door. She cried out, because of his death grip on her.

"Ow! Stop dad!" she pleaded. He pulled her even harder. "Ow!"

"Stop it! You're hurting her!" he yelled, running over to Mimi. He spun her dad around, to grab her, but he was faster than Tai had expected, and he punched him in the jaw, sending him sprawling back, a few feet. Mimi quickly escaped.

"Tai!" Mimi cried, as she ran to his side. "Are you okay?" she said kissing his cheek.

Tai didn't answer. He looked at her dad, with hate in his eyes. He touched his bleeding lip, with his right hand, while holding Mimi. "Leave. Get out of my house now!"

"Gladly." he dad spat.

"Mimi, come now!"

Mimi looked into Tai's eyes. She hugged him locked. "No. I'm staying with Tai." she said defiantly.

"You will come with me now, or I'll disown you! You hear me!" he yelled viciously.

"I don't care!" she replied. "I love him! Why can't you just accept that?"

"Love. You say that now. What about in a year from now, when you only date, just for the sake of dating? What happens when you marry each other, just because you have a kid together? I won't let that happen to you! Not now, not ever!" he said sadly. "I don't want you to have that kind of life."

Mimi stared at him, in disbelief. Tai noticed this. "Go. Go with him." he choked. It was the hardest phrase Tai ever spoke. For he knew, that once she walked out the door, he would never see her again.

"Are you sure?" she asked him.

"Yeah. I don't want bad blood between you and your dad. I love you way to much to let that happen. Goodbye Mimi." he felt his heart rip into pieces. Broken beyond repair.

"Goodbye Tai." she said, placing a kiss on his cheek.


Tai didn't get any sleep that night. He just stayed awake, wishing he could be with Mimi. He began to walk around his apartment. This only saddened him more, because everything reminded him of her. Mainly because of all the photos of her he had.

Tai had a passion for taking photos, but he had never told anyone, except Mimi. As he passed the kitchen, he spotted his favorite picture of them. They were sitting on a white bench, Mimi sitting in his lap. She was wearing a long pink sun dress, with her hair framing her face like an angel. He was wearing blue shorts, and a sleeveless black top. His arms were around her, and she was leaning in, her head on his chest. A large oak tree was behind them.

He smiled as a tear drop, smeared his face, on the picture. In a fit of rage and grief, he threw the photo at the nearest wall. He heard the large smashing sound as the frame and glass smashed apart. He slumped down to the floor, and began to cry. 'How am I gonna go on without her?' he cried to himself.

The next morning, Tai walked over to Mimi's house, knowing her dad was at work. He knocked on the door, and waited for someone to open it. Thankfully, Mimi's mom opened it. Seeing Tai, she lowered her head. "I'm sorry. I did everything I could."

"I know you did." he said hugging her. "Is Mimi here? I need to see her."

She nodded solemnly, and pointed toward her room. "I'll leave you two alone. She needs to tell you something." she then left the house. Tai noticed, that most of the furniture had been moved or taken away, leaving the room feeling cold, and unhappy.

Tai began to walk to Mimi's room, but she stepped out. It was apparent that she didn't sleep either, and her eyes were red and puffy. "Tai..." she cried, running into his open arms. She cried loudly. "My... my... dad. He got a job offer, and he's taking it... we're moving to America..."

The news hit Tai, like a freight train. "When are you leaving?" he chocked.

"Today..." she whimpered.

"No..." said Tai bluntly. His hands were shaking, as he reached out to touch her. She pulled away, not wanting to look him in the eyes. "You can't leave me. You can't go!"

"I don't want to go." she echoed.

"Then stay with me!" he said hopefully.

"I can't do that." she laughed, but it came out more of a croak. "Even though, that's what I really want to do." she turned to look at him. "Tai, please. This is the hardest thing I've ever done."

"You can't leave." he repeated. "I need you."

Mimi forced a smile. "I need you too." she hugged, then kissed him. "You better get going." she whispered, as tears rolled down her cheek.

"I want to stay with you." he said.

"You need to go." she said walking him to the door. He turned and looked at her. The most bittersweet and reassuring smile on his face.

Tai began to walk around. He visited all the places that made him happy, trying to do what Mimi used to do. He knew that if he stopped walking, he would collapse into a heap on the floor. Sora came running over to him, with a happy-go-lucky grin.

"Hey Tai! What's up?"

"Nothing." he said testily.

"Hey, what's with the cold attitude? Did I do something wrong?"

"No Sora," he explained. "Mimi's moving. Her dad's taking her away from me."

"So. Matt got what he wanted." she said slowly.

"What'd you say?" said Tai shocked.

"I shouldn't be telling you this..."

"Tell me damn it!" screamed Tai, grabbing her shoulders, and shook her violently.

"Tai! Stop it! You're hurting me!" begged Sora.

"Do you have any idea how I'm feeling right now?" he barked. "I feel as if I could die Sora! My heart has officially shut down! Now! If you know something about this, tell me!"

Sora began to cry. 'He really does love her...' she thought sadly. "I do know what you're going through Tai. I really do. To love someone so much, and not being able to have them."

"Please tell me.." he pleaded. "Please." Sora could see the look of sadness in his eyes. He let her go.

"Matt didn't want you and Mimi together. So he tipped Mimi's dad off, about you two." Tai's eyes widened, in shock. He didn't want to believe it, but then a hatred passed through his body like poison. "Tai... what are you gonna do?" Tai didn't answer. He just turned around, and ran off in search of Matt.

************************************************************************

BACK IN THE DIGIWORLD

"No need to keep Matt now. He's done his part." said Cherrymon. "I'll just let Tai handle him now." he reached into one of his large branches, and pulled out an oddly colored piece of wood. He clutched it in his hand, and crushed it into a million splinters. "Memories be gone."

"Everyone! Gennai's awake!" cried a council member.

"Gennai!" they all yelled. "Gennai, you're finally awake!"

"How long was I out for?" he asked groggily.

"Sadly, you were unconscious for 79 years. Luckily, the Dark Masters haven't done anything."

"79 years. Lets see, that would have been, four human months... oh no!" he exploded.

"What's wrong?"

"The Digidestined! They're in grave danger!"

"What are you talking about? We've been trying to solve that mystery for almost 80 years! You told us they were in danger from each other. Why was that?" "Because! 79 years ago, Cherrymon put a curse on Matt, to turn him into their minion! That's why they haven't tried to conquer any more of the Digiworld. They've already won.." he said grasping hold of a council member's arm. "They've already won..."

"It's not possible! The Digidestined will save this world! They have to! No one can defeat the Digidestined!"

"Were you listening to me?" hollered Gennai. "The Digidestined are no more. The way they defeated all the evil Digimon, was because the worked together, and trusted one another. As we speak, Tai and Matt are about to destroy everything! As soon as Tai meets Matt, everything will be lost. Their friendship will be lost forever, and then the Dark Masters will achieve what no other Digimon has. They will break up the Digidestined. Fast someone email Izzy! We have to stop their meeting!" Gennai ordered.

************************************************************************

"Hey Matt, could we get ice cream?" asked Tk.

"Sure little bro! I'll even let you get two scoops!"

"You're the best Matt!" he cried. "Hey, you might even meet Kari there." he watched as the younger boys' face turned bright red. Matt laughed, but then stopped as something hit him. When he turned around, nothing was there. 'Weird.' he thought. ************************************************************************

"Perfect. He's back to is old self." gloated Cherrymon. "Now all I have to do, is sit back and enjoy watching the Digidestined tear themselves apart!"

************************************************************************

Tai came running into the park. He panted hard, trying to gather as much as oxygen as possible, before setting off again. He dashed off, but then caught a glimpse of some spiky blond hair that cold only belong to one person.

He turned around, and ran in the other direction. "Matt!" he called out. Matt turned around. "Hey Tai." he said smiling. Tai stopped running, and began to walk, figuring out what he was going to do or say. As he reached Matt, his decision lashed out.

Tai went berserk. He brought his fist back, and punched Matt, right in the nose. Matt stumbled back, about to fall, but Tai caught him, and kneed him in the stomach. He brought his face to his, and punched him again, this time in the eye. Matt spat up blood, but Tai continued to use his body as his punching bag. "Stop it Tai!" shouted Tk. Tai ignored him.

"Why!" he yelled at him. "Do you hate me so much, that you'd take away the only thing that mattered to me!" Tai yelled in between punching him.

"What are you talking about?" he managed to mumble through his bleeding lips.

"Don't even try to deny it! Sora told me everything!" he finally pushed him into a tree. Matt slumped down, and coughed up mouthfuls of blood. His left eye was swollen shut, and he could feel the bruise forming over the other eye. His lips were bleeding rapidly, and his nose was broken and bleeding. He held his stomach, because of the sharp stinging pain. His ribs were broken.

"Why'd you do that Tai? What did Matt do to you?" bellowed Tk, who was looking angrily at him. He ran over to his brother, and helped him up.

************************************************************************

"Memories come back." said Cherrymon, smashing the other piece of wood.

************************************************************************

Matt managed to lift his head, and look Tai in the eyes. The hitting sensation came back. Images of himself, Tai, and Mimi flooded back to him. A guilty burden was etched in his heart and brain. He felt horrible for what he had done. "I'm sorry." he said, just before passing out from pain.

"Prodigious! An email from Gennai!" said Izzy, as he clicked on the flashing icon. His eyes popped out of his head. "Oh man...." he groaned as he ran out the door. 'I got to find Tai.'



Tai felt much better, now that he had beaten Matt to a bloody pulp. He had to find Mimi. He had to make one last plead with her to stay. He approached her apartment, and looked up at her window. Smiling to himself, he walked in.

As he approached her apartment, he noticed the landlord standing there, posting a for rent sign on the door. "Oh, hey Tai. Sorry, you just missed her." he said, still nailing. Tai bolted to the exit, before he could finish. 'The airport.' he said to himself. He ran all the way there, not stopping for red lights, or swerving cars. He was nearly killed three times on the way there, but he didn't care. He sprinted up the escalator, and ran to the ticket lady.

"Where would a flight to America be?" he asked.

"Gate 58. To your left." she said smiling. Tai dashed off to gate, wiping away perspiration. Finally, all his efforts payed off. He saw Mimi looking at the ground. Her eyes still red. She was carrying two rather large looking suitcases.

"Mimi!" he screamed. His voice only to be drowned out by the sound of the announcer. "Mimi!" he screamed again. This time, she looked up. She spied to crowd, then saw Tai waving his hands frantically.

"Tai!" she exclaimed. She dropped her suitcases, and ran to him. He grabbed her and gave her the biggest hug ever.

"Please don't go. I don't want you to leave. I don't know what to do without you." he whispered in her ear.

"I have to." she said sadly. "I love you so much."

"I love you too." he said kissing her. He held her long after in his arms, knowing this would be the last hug they ever shared.

"Now calling passengers for flight 465. To America." called the announcer. "Mimi..." said Tai.

"Don't. Don't make this harder than it has to be." she said, handing him a small key. She then walked over to the terminal, and disappeared inside the door. Tai walked over to the glass, and watched her board the plane. She sat at the window, and mouthed the words I love you. Tai did the same.

He turned away, to not let her see him cry. He heard the boom of the engine ignite, and the piercing roar of the plane taking off. When he turned around, she was gone. Gone to him forever. He solemnly walked back to his place, not caring about what bumped into him. A big part of him had left with the plane. His heart and emotions. He then remembered the key Mimi gave him.

He whipped it out of his pocket, and studied it. It had her apartment number on it, so that's where Tai went. When he opened the door. He saw a white envelope on the floor. He picked it up and read it.

"Dear Tai, I don't want you to ever forget me. So I left you a present. They say a pictures worth a thousand words. So I guess my gift is worth 24000. Love Mimi." he dropped the white card, and walked over to a large, bulging package near an empty table. He opened it, and saw an expensive, camera inside. There was a roll of film on the side, which was to be developed.

An hour later, Tai got the photos back from developers. As he saw the photos, he began to remember all the fun times he had, had with her. There were photos of them on dates, some of her, some of him. "I love you Mimi, and I'll never forget you." he said kissing a photo of her, and placing it back in the pile.

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