Digimon Frontier Fanfic

By Sakura Martinez

Author's Notes:

Gosh, it's been such a long time since I updated this fanfic. So sorry about that. Anyways, hope this chapter makes up for it someway. Also, don't forget to review!

Disclaimer:

I do not own Digimon. This story, however, is something that I do own, including the OCs that you will find here.

Chronicles of Time: Another Future

Chapter Twenty-Four

Puzzle Pieces

.::.

And, as we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

.::.

The two of them were panting, like they had just been a part of a triathlon. Beads of sweat coated their forehead, their necks, arms, and backs as they tried to stabilize their ragged breathing. Every part of their bodies were sore, and their heads felt like it was going to crack—not to mention that there was a lingering fatigue hovering above them.

There was also a feeling—one that was akin to having a sour aftertaste—stuck in their mouths.

And, of course, the question: What have we been doing?

"Hehe," Katsuya couldn't help but giving out a weak laugh. He didn't hear anything apart from the groans that were coming from his two companions. "I'm afraid...to ask but...are you two feeling alright now? No...No inexplicable urge to call each other names and fight?"

Katsuya's voice surprised Takuya and Izumi. Seeing him, lying there looking as though he was in pain, surprised them even more. It was like they weren't expecting to see him. Or they had forgotten that he was with them.

"K-Katsuya? What are you—? Where are we?" Takuya was the first to speak, and the first to push himself from the ground he had slumped on. Then seeing Izumi who was still struggling to get up, he immediately rushed to her side. "Izumi! A-Are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine but...what's going on?" Izumi replied, taking the hand Takuya was offering her. She stumbled at first but Takuya kept her steady, holding her close as if she was going to disappear if he let her go.

"Ahah, you have no idea how happy I am to see you two like that. Not confused but...together." Katsuya's eyes were still a bit dazed, and looking at anything made his head spin, but he still looked at them. A sense of accomplishment welled within him.

Seeing how weak Katsuya was, and that he was not a figment of both of their imagination, the two of them rushed to his side. Their questions momentarily forgotten. Katsuya was more important, after all.

"Katsuya, what's going on?" Takuya asked, repeating Izumi's earlier question.

"Just...doing my job." Katsuya replied. Then, as his eyelids began to droop and he was starting to feel sleepy, he added, "It's...time to wake up now...the old man...He'll explain...everything."

Before either of them could ask anymore, the dull-colored world around them began to disappear. Like someone was using a giant eraser to erase its existence, slowly but effectively. It all happened so fast that neither Takuya nor Izumi were even given a chance to react before they suddenly felt themselves being grabbed by an invisible force and yanked upward.

Duskmon watched in awe as the silver threads suddenly began to change color, shinning brighter and brighter and looking more and more tangible with each passing second. He didn't have any idea what Katsuya was doing, but whatever it was...it was sure as Hell's Field effective.

"He's doing it," the old man seemed thoroughly impressed, and proud. "Katsuya is fixing his parents' bond...and their memories."

Duskmon could only nod. What could he possibly say that wouldn't end up belittling what Katsuya had done, and the moment before them?

So, all he could do was nod. He couldn't smile nor feel relief until Katsuya, Takuya, and Izumi were up and about.

The old man watched as Duskmon begrudgingly carried the unconscious Takuya, Izumi, and Katsuya to their rooms. He knew that the Tainted Spirit of Darkness didn't mind helping his friends out but minded the work he was being asked to do. With no other able bodied person around, however, Duskmon had no choice but to comply. After all, he can't possibly expect the old man to carry them himself.

The old man could tell that they were successful. That Katsuya had done his part. But he wasn't sure at what cost. Was Katsuya able to explain everything to Takuya and Izumi? Or had he done something that may have endangered his existence? The only way to find out was when they had awoken.

"Done," Duskmon said with a sigh as he tried to fix the kink on his shoulders. "Now what?"

"We wait. Like we always do." was the old man's reply—one that he knew Duskmon didn't want to hear. The Tainted Spirit of Darkness may be patient at times, but he has been waiting for a long time and wanted, more than anything, to act.

Duskmon 'tsked' at the old man's answer, though he didn't say anything about it. Having nothing else to do, he left the old man and went up to his own room.

The old man knew that he was probably going to try to bring Kouichi back. He also knew that Duskmon would unlikely succeed in such an endeavor. Kouichi's salvation did not depend on him. As much as the two of them had bonded, and as close as they were now, Duskmon's bond with him wouldn't be enough. They would need Kouji for that.

And I will have to send them to the Valkyries' domain for that.

Takuya's brow was once again furrowed as he stared at the view the balcony was giving him. Night had fallen—at least, he thought that it was nightfall, he can't really be sure about the passage of time in that place—and had been several hours since he had woken up.

Apart from taking a bite to eat, Takuya hadn't left the room the old man had lent him and he hadn't seen anyone apart from the old man either.

The old man had told him that Izumi was safe and was still sleeping in her own room. When Takuya asked if he could stay by her side, the old man had said that it was probably not a good idea. He also let him know that Katsuya and Duskmon—still in Kouichi's body—was with them as well.

"So...it wasn't a dream?" Takuya had asked the old man, remembering that he saw Katsuya before he passed out.

"No, that part was, in a way, a dream." The old man replied. "You were at the crossroads of consciousness. Katsuya had led you there in order to bring your memories back."

"I don't understand—" Takuya began but was cut off by the old man.

"Now is not the time to search for answers or explanations, Takuya Kanbara. Now is the time to rest." And the old man said nothing more after that.

It was strange. Takuya felt as though hours had only passed since they were attacked. But, at the same time, it also felt like it was a long, long, long time ago. What had he been doing? What did the old man and Katsuya's words meant?

"You're not going to find your answers that way," Duskmon voice surprised him and Takuya whirled around to the shadowed part of his room and saw his crimson-colored eyes there.

"What are you doing here? And why are you still using Kouichi's body?" The tone of Takuya's voice was one that demanded answers.

"Relax, I just came here to tell you that Izumi's awake. The old man doesn't know it yet, though. She asked me to come get you." At that Duskmon shook his head, an annoyed look crossed his face. "This is the last time I'm going to act as a messenger for both of you. Got that?"

Takuya wasn't able to give a reply as Duskmon merged with the shadows and vanished.

How can he do that using Kouichi's body? Takuya couldn't help but wonder. That shouldn't be possible.

His thoughts about what Duskmon can and can't do, however, didn't last long as his mind immediately went to Izumi. She was looking for him and had made Duskmon her messenger. How she was able to do that, Takuya didn't know as well but he sure as heck couldn't keep the smile from playing on his face.

I guess I should add that to one of the things that makes her so awesome. He grinned before he set out to Izumi's room.

Izumi couldn't believe how forward she was with Duskmon. How she could even think about asking him for a favor. Of course, it was nothing compared to how Duskmon agreed to do an errand for her so unexpectedly. She had thought he was going to shout at her, grumble at how he wasn't a messenger. That would have been easier to swallow rather than him being so...tame.

He's going to kill me if he finds out I think of him as 'tame'. She thought to herself, a small smile playing on her lips. After all, Duskmon prides himself as anything but.

A knock on her door broke her thoughts and, on reflex, she called out, "Come in."

She knew who it was. And it wasn't like they haven't seen each other in a long time but for Izumi, it actually felt that way. Like it had been days, months—maybe even years—since she last laid her eyes on her boyfriend.

Her breath hitched and she couldn't stop the tears that were welling on her eyes. She didn't know where it came from—the feeling of longing—but it was strong. Almost like what she had felt when she watched Takuya disappear, being taken by the curse that was placed on him a long, long time ago.

She knew Takuya was probably going to laugh at her, or think her silly but she didn't care. She rushed towards him and enveloped him in a hug.

"I-Izumi—" that was all Takuya managed to say before he found Izumi's lips on his.

The desire that mingled with Izumi's kiss was so intense and it caught Takuya by surprise. He stumbled backwards, his back hitting the door he had so gently pushed close mere moments before with an audible 'thump'.

It was like Izumi couldn't get enough of him—which, although wasn't something entirely new—was still something Izumi rarely does, or shows. Most of the time, she wasn't the one who pounces on him.

The surprise was only momentary before Takuya returned the kiss with just as much passion—if not more. His hands trailed upwards, eliciting a shudder from Izumi whose grip on him tightened. He wanted so much more as his kisses trailed the side of her neck and she let out a moan. And he knew she wanted the same thing.

But...

This isn't the time. The thought came unbidden and even though he didn't want to stop, Takuya knew he had to.

And he did.

"What's wrong?" Takuya could almost hear the disappointment from Izumi's voice as she asked. He couldn't help the cocky grin that snaked his mouth as Izumi kept herself from asking him why he had stopped.

"Don't tell me this was the reason you asked Duskmon to come and fetch me. He'd be pretty annoyed if that was the case." Takuya hid the fact that he shared the same sentiment as hers. "I know I'm irresistible but I didn't know you were willing to use the Tainted Spirit of Darkness just to call me into your room to make out."

Izumi flushed at his words and playfully slapped his chest. She was reminded of the real reason she wanted to see Takuya.

"N-No, of course not!" she huffed, crossing her arms, pouting.

"So, what is?" Takuya urged her to continue, casually walking to where her bed was and lying on it uninvited.

Izumi frowned but said nothing. Ever since they became intimate with each other, Takuya would always lie down on her bed, whenever he could. No amount of telling him off could keep him from doing so. When she had asked why he kept on sprawling himself on her bed, the young Bearer of the Spirit of Fire merely told his girlfriend that it was because her bed was so soft and comfortable and it was luring him.

She had rolled her eyes at his response.

Izumi sighed, but followed Takuya's example as she sat beside him. Seeing how down and troubled she looked worried Takuya that he asked her what was wrong, the playfulness he had second before dissipating.

"I feel...strange," she began.

"Strange? Strange how?"

Looking at him seriously, Izumi asked, "When was the last time you remember seeing me? Like, before now?"

"What?" Takuya laughed in-between that one word, like he wasn't expecting Izumi to ask him that. "What's with the question?"

"Just give me an answer, Takuya." was Izumi's stern reply. Then she repeated her question, paraphrasing it. "When was the last time you remembered we were together?"

"Um, well, Duskmon got us ready to jump into the portal that would take us here..."

"And?" Izumi urged him.

"We...went through the portal. But, Duskmon must've made a mistake because, instead of ending up at the Dead Sea of Dreams, we got spit out at the park...near Shibuya Station." Takuya went on, creases appeared on his forehead as he remembered the events that had happened prior to their arrival at the old man's palace. He didn't need Izumi to keep urging him after that, as the memory tumbled out of his brain and his mouth. "The same happened to Kouji and the others, but they were sent to another place. We...got together after that to figure out what has happened. And then...and then..."

That was when he remembered. The people that were chasing them. Them running and hiding, thinking of a way to retaliate. Kouji and the others falling. And then one of their assailants turning his attention at Izumi while Takuya found himself pressed down by another.

He remembered the look of horror and realization crossing both his and Izumi's faces when they understood what was going to happen next. When they realized that they would probably die at the hands of their enemies, powerless as they were. And then, Takuya remembered Izumi falling. He watched, helplessly, as a sword was thrust to her heart.

That memory was like a powerful blow to his midriff—one that knocked the breath out of him. And he panted at it.

"I...I..."

"Takuya, what is it? What else do you remember?" Even though she asked, Takuya couldn't help but notice the knowing look in her eyes. The expectation that he knew what it was she was waiting for to hear.

"You! I remember the guy, he...he killed you!" Horror filled him with such a realization, and he didn't know what to think after that. All he knew was that Izumi and the others had died. "A-And then he...he killed me. I died, Izumi. We all did!"

Izumi nodded. A grim look on her face.

"I remember that, too. Although, I wasn't really sure what happened to you after I..." She then shook her head. "But, the thing is—and I know this will sound strange—I feel as though that wasn't the end of it. I know I saw you again after that...but, at the same time...I didn't. I don't know how to explain what it is I'm feeling right now."

"Like, after all that, we haven' seen each other in a long, long time?" Takuya guessed. It was also that strange feeling he was feeling. And, something more. "That's not all, I also feel like I've met you before I actually met you...or I met you again but didn't know it was you. Haha, I'm talking crazy here."

"No, I don't think you're going crazy." Izumi said, placing a hand on Takuya's arm. "I...actually feel the same thing. And—"

The words were caught for a moment as a memory suddenly burst inside of her mind. Izumi frowned for a moment before raising an inquisitive eyebrow and saying, "Lunatic? Crazy Brat? Really, Takuya?"

"W-What?" Takuya didn't know where those words came from but he felt as though he had said it. To her. And recently at that. And then, it was his turn to have a memory suddenly resurfaced so fast that he would have been knocked off of his feet if he weren't already sitting. "Immature Jerk?"

Izumi felt guilty and blushed, even though she didn't have to. Wanting to free herself from the confusion, Izumi said, "Maybe it's time we ask Duskmon or Katsuya for an explanation as to why we're remembering things that don't make sense..."

"Or the old man." Added Takuya, lost in thought as well.

"The old man?"

Takuya then explained to Izumi about the old man from the Dead Sea of Dreams—the same person who had helped him—no, them—before. He told her how the whole palace was his abode. As soon as his explanation about the old man was done, he added, "I don't think he would meet with us right now, though. And, I think he has instructed Duskmon not to tell us anything either."

"Why do you say that?" Izumi asked. Surely the man who had helped them before, and who was helping them again, wouldn't mind explaining a thing or two, never mind Duskmon.

"He wants us to rest." Was Takuya's short reply, "He said we were going to need it and won't have much time for it...later."

"But, don't you think we've rested enough?" Izumi wasn't going to let it go. She wanted answers. No, she needed them.

"I don't know," Takuya answered. He glanced at Izumi, "I'm still feeling a bit tired and the old man was pretty adamant about not telling anything until we have fully recuperated. Don't tell me you're not feeling as tired as I am."

"A bit, maybe but—"

Takuya chuckled. "Wow, look at you. Usually I'm the impatient one."

Izumi glared at him. "Now isn't the time for jokes, Takuya."

"I know, I know." Takuya replied before pulling Izumi gently towards him and letting both of them fall back on her bed. "Like the old man had said: Now's the time to rest."

Izumi had a lot of objections on her mind but it was like someone was working some kind of magic on her as she soon found herself slowly falling asleep. Her eyelids too heavy to keep her eyes open. Her mind a bit befuddled to think properly. And, before they both knew it, Takuya and Izumi had drifted off.