Chapter Three: Predetermination
Kouichi opened his eyes to see that, once again, he was surrounded by darkness. But he wasn't alone. Before him, he could see a flock of white birds flying towards a light in the distance. Kouichi narrowed his eyes for a better look. No, not birds—Digimon!
"Poyomon!" he cried delightfully and sprinted forward to catch up to them. Why they were here in this dark realm in the first place, he had no idea, but he wasn't going to lose sight of them if he could help it. "Hey, wait!"
The flock of little Poyomon disappeared through the portal and into the realm of light. Kouichi held his breath but didn't stop his pace. Squeezing his eyes shut, he braced himself as he approached the portal and jumped through to follow them. Moments later, he landed on a surface as smooth as polished stone. His eyes fluttered open, slowly adjusting to the bright light shining from above as he sat up straight. As soon as he could see clearly again, he glanced around to take in his new surroundings.
He was in a courtyard of a palace surrounded by tall crystalline walls, encircling the place like the arms of a protective mother. Beyond them, he could see the canopies of trees peering from over the walls, their long branches intertwining one another, reaching for the sky. Light filtered through their canopied tops, illuminating the forest floors below like a series of heavenly sunbeam. All that was missing was a choir of angels.
"Seraphimon's castle…" Kouichi realized and turned around to face the building itself. He gasped, arching back his neck in wonder.
The structure was gargantuan, perhaps the second biggest out of all three castles. When he was last here, he didn't have much time to appreciate its beauty and dreamy architecture. No, he and his friends had been too preoccupied rushing through the maze-liked halls of the palace itself to find the Fractal Code and prevent the Royal Knights from stealing it. In comparison, Ophanimon's home is a classic example of what a European fairy-tale castle should look like, while Seraphimon's palace is more like a small city, something straight out of a Hollywood fantasy film. Everything about it, from its turrets, spires, and towers, its walls, rooftops, balconies, and window frames—were made from crystals. The smooth surfaces reflect, absorbed, and refracted all colors of the light spectrum like a giant prism. It reminded him of the Emerald City in the Wizard of Oz.
Having his fill of the castle, Kouichi turned his attention to the courtyard and noted that it had some improvements since his last visit. Despite the overboard uses of crystals, there were still patches of green shrubs, rose bushes, and trees planted artistically here and there. Near the center of the crystal mosaic-tiled center, erected three new fountains, each with tall statues of one of the three Celestial Angels. Like silent guardian angels, they stood facing one another with Kouichi in the middle of their circle. From Ophanimon's statue, stream of water poured from the tip of her raised javelin; from Seraphimon's statue, they poured from his outstretched hands; and from Cherubimon's, they poured from the tips of his ears, which caused Kouichi to stifle a giggle.
Hearing his laughter, the Poyomon reappeared, emerging curiously from their hiding places in the trees. Noticing them, Kouichi gently dusted himself, straightening the crinkles in his pajamas as he got up.
"Hello, there, little ones," Kouichi said. He reached out his hands as a sign of peace. "My name is Kouichi."
The Poyomon exchanged glances. With mild hesitation, they inched closer to inspect the strange and sudden appearance of the human child. When they realized he was of no danger to them, they came closer but then stopped just a few inches shy from him.
"It's okay, I won't hurt any of you. I'm a friend," Kouichi cooed, lowering his hands encouragingly. Finally, the bravest one fluttered close enough to sit in his cupped hands. Kouichi laughed and smiled, bringing it closer to his face. "You're so cute!"
The Poyomon smiled and gasped in surprised as he gently bounced it up and down as one would when playing with an infant. Delighted, the Poyomon in his hands chirped and began to blow bubbles in his face.
Kouichi giggled as the bubbles danced and swirled around him like a kaleidoscope of butterflies. Seeing this, the other Poyomon joined in, fluttering and dancing around him, hoping for a little bit of fun.
"Easy there! Stop it, that tickles!" Kouichi said as one came close enough to cuddle itself against his cheek. In response, he tickled its tummy and it jiggled like a plate of gelatin.
As Kouichi continued to play with the Poyomon in the empty courtyard, he didn't notice the fog coming in until his little friends shivered and floated away.
"Hey, where are you going?" he asked, but they already disappeared back into the trees.
The giant double doors to the palace opened to reveal a tall Digimon, cladded in black armor.
Alerted, Kouichi turned on his heels, but then smiled and sighed in relief when he saw who it really was. "Lowëmon! You startled me!" he said and ran up the stairs to give his friend a hug.
"Kouichi…" Lowëmon returned the gesture half-heartedly. This seemed odd to Kouichi. Lowëmon was usually more friendly and affectionate to the boy. The Legendary Warrior got down on one knee and grabbed the boy's shoulders with an almost sense of urgency.
"Lowëmon? What's wrong?" Kouichi asked.
"Kouichi, listen to me, I don't have much time," Lowëmon replied, sounding very worried.
"What do you mean?"
"You're dreaming again, Kouichi," Lowëmon explained. "But you could wake up at any moment and disappear back to your mortal body in the human world, so I must warn you about—"
Kouichi raised his eyebrows, his inside felt heavy with dread. "A warning?"
Lowëmon nodded. "Yes, Lady Ophanimon has had a vision about you!"
"Me?" Kouichi blinked. He glanced up at the windows of the castle, expecting to see Ophanimon, tall and cladded in her dark teal colored armor with her long flowing hair streaming from beneath her intricated crafted helmet, standing there watching him. But it was empty. It was just him and Lowëmon in the garden.
Lowëmon's grip on the boy's shoulders tightened. "Yes. The vision isn't very clear, but she knows there is a threat to you and it's going to happen tonight in your world. After consulting with Seraphimon and Cherubimon, they are curtained that you are in danger."
Kouichi stiffened in his gentle grip. "Danger? From what?"
"We do not know, but Kouichi listen to me: whatever you do tonight, do not follow the light."
Kouichi frowned, completely confused. "The light? What are you talking about? Do you mean Kouji? No, he would never hurt me! This must be a mistake!"
Lowëmon shook his head. "No, Lobomon and I don't believe Ophanimon had meant Kouji, but there is something else you must know in connection to her vision. At the same time, Lord Cherubimon discovered a small remnant of Duskmon's essence. It's very faint so we couldn't detect it as it floated in limbo between our two worlds until recently. Before we had the chance to find and capture it, it escaped into your world!"
Kouichi's face paled like a ghost. "Duskmon? But that's impossible!" he insisted. Matching the lion warrior's eyes, he pounded his fists onto his chest armor. "You're not Duskmon anymore! Your Spirits were purified when I faced my fear!"
"Kouichi, you know better than anyone that there is always a bit of darkness in us all," Lowëmon sighed and shook his head sadly, his grip on the boy loosened. "When we are not careful, that seed of darkness can grow into something terrible: hatred, jealousy, rage, or even worse."
"Worse? H-how could it get any worse?" Kouichi asked, unable to keep his voice from trembling.
"Humans are complexed creatures, Kouichi. This, I learned as much when bonded to you. If we are not careful, the darkness will consume us until there is nothing left. Whatever humanity we have left could be lost to the void…forever."
Kouichi was left speechless. How was he to even comprehend this? He lowered his head and hugged himself as if suddenly affected by the cold fog. Seeing the boy's distress, Lowëmon held Kouichi close in a protective embrace, running his hand through his dark hair.
"Lowëmon, will Duskmon find me again?" Kouichi's voice was barely a whisper. "I don't want to be like that again. I don't want him to control me…to make me hurt Kouji or the others."
"Kouichi, we're not going to let him get to you," Lowëmon said soothingly, doing his best calm the teenager. "I am not going to let Duskmon hurt you. I'll find a way to stop him somehow. I promised."
The boy shook his head, burying his face deeper in the Warrior's embrace. "Lowëmon…I…" Kouichi couldn't stop the quiver in his voice.
Lowëmon wanted to do more to calm him, to tell him that everything was fine. But he knew he couldn't lie to the boy anymore than to himself. He couldn't stop Kouichi from feeling afraid, but he could promise to do something about the situation.
"I promise, Kouichi. Lobomon, the other Warriors and I…we'll figure something out! We'll stop him! But until then, just promised me that you'll heed my warning. Stay away from the light tonight in your world."
The warning was still as incomprehensible and strange to him as before. But Kouichi smiled and nodded in response all the same.
"Okay, I'll try."
Haido City Hotel, one of the most luxurious places to stay while visiting Tokyo. Not only do overseas guests and tourists with deep pockets could afford to stay in such a fancy place, but many of the country's wealthiest businessmen and women like to book one of its many large ballrooms as the venues for their conferences and private parties.
The top oncologists and medical researchers of Tokyolite Health Cancer Research company were no different. Headed by Dr. Tsujimura Kazuyoshi and his two business partners, Dr. Saeki Kenta and Dr. Tsukishima Seiji, this firm was determined to hold their press conference and host their celebratory party in grand style.
Invitations had been sent out to the top doctors and scientists in the field across the country and even from across the globe. Not just them, but other wealthy businessmen and well-respected figures in various fields were not to be overlook. With such a long list of noteworthy guests, everything must be perfect.
"Careful with that! I don't want our guests to notice any imperfection for tonight's event!" cried Ishiyama Shun. "Honestly, it's an ice-sculpture! Don't display it out now when it's the dead of summer! Take it downstairs into the kitchen! I'm sure the head chef has already been notified of its arrival. He can tell you where the freezer is."
The men nodded and carefully placed the cooler onto a cart and pushed it towards the staff's elevator.
"Ishiyama-san? It seems we are ten vases short for the flowers." Ishiyama mentally groaned as he turned on the two waitresses. "We do have a few spares in the storage room, sir, but it won't match the ones already out on display."
"No, absolutely not!" Ishiyama snapped. He glanced through his paper with controlled frustration. "I've said it has to be perfect! What will our guests think when they see a few mismatched vases? Go ask Kaoru-san! She should know where we can get enough for tonight. Switch them out with the ones you already set up and be quick about it!"
The waitresses bowed and took off, their uniformed heels padding softly on the carpet floor. Ishiyama sighed again with great frustration. He pinched the bridge of his nose, massaging it with his fingers to ease the pain. Honestly, when he signed up to work as a personal assistant to one of the country's leading oncologists and researcher, party planning wasn't exactly what he had in mind.
"Feeling a bit stressed out, I see," said a bemused voice behind him. Ishiyama snapped his eyes open and turned to see his boss and his two colleagues.
"Tsujimura-sensei!" Ishiyama gasped and immediately bowed to him. "I'm sorry! I wasn't expecting you!"
Dr. Tsujimura Kazuyoshi, a slightly portly man in his late fifties laughed heartily, the sound loud enough as it echoed throughout the venue. "It's alright, Ishiyama-kun. We're just here to check up on the preparations for tonight's event. Nothing to get worked up over." He turned to his companions, who are much younger by comparison. "Isn't that right Kenta-kun?"
The young doctor, with slick black hair and brown eyes, appearing in his late thirties, adjusted his glasses as he glanced around the great dining hall. "If you say so, Tsujimura-sensei."
"I hope you're not having any delays, Ishiyama-san," said the third doctor, the youngest and most handsome of them all. His hair was more ruffled and unkept, but the soft tuft was contrasted by his unblemished skin and almost violet eyes. Despite his youth, he stood a few inches taller than both of his companions.
"No, not at all, Tsukishima-sensei! Just a few minor hiccups, but other than that, we're almost done and will be ready by tonight," Ishiyama insisted nervously.
Tsukishima-sensei huffed and glanced around the ballroom disparagingly. "And the rooms? Have you reserved the suites upstairs for our uses?"
"Yes, as you've all requested, I reserved the three deluxe suites for your private uses," Ishiyama stammered. Quickly, he riffled through his paper on his red clipboard, making certain he already has the work done.
Dr. Tsujimura seemed pleased. "Good. With all the commuting recently, it would be convenient and a breather for us to stay here for tonight." Turning to Dr. Saeki Kenta, he asked, "Are we missing anything for tonight on our part? We are announcing our new treatment before the press and everything!"
"Don't worry, Tsujimura-sensei, Seiji-kun and I have doubled checked everything for the presentation tonight." He glanced at his young colleague, who gave him a curt nod. "All you have to worry about is looking your best and making an impression on the guests."
Dr. Tsujimura beamed with great delight. "Excellent! Just think, with the success of this project, we'll be making medical history!"
"The scientific community are already buzzing about it!" said Dr. Saeki.
"They are most certainly making a big deal about it," said Dr. Tsujimura, shrugging. "Honestly, we're only doing our jobs to help mankind slowly eradicate our greatest foe: cancer itself."
Dr. Tsujimura laughed and patted the young doctor on the back. "Don't be so modest, Seiji-kun! This is your dream project! Your baby! Your brainchild!"
Seiji quickly straightened and composed himself, but gave his mentor and friend an appreciated smile, nonetheless.
"In fact, we've sacrificed a great deal for it to work! All those years of blood and sweat—"
"Not to mention the financial backing from Minamoto-san," Ishiyama added.
"Yes! Of course! Without everyone's support, sacrifice, and hard work, none of this would be possible! And you, Seiji, my boy, would soon be highly sought after in the field!"
Dr. Saeki smirked. "That's not the only reason you'll be popular."
Dr. Tsukishima raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
Dr. Saeki rolled his eyes. "Please, you're the youngest out of all three of us and still single! With such a promising future, I can't imagine you staying a bachelor for long!" said Dr. Saeki.
"Why don't I introduce you to someone, my boy?" Dr. Tsujimura offered, grinning. "I know a few young women who might be keen to meet you. In fact, I believe one of my former students, Dr. Watsuki, you remember her? She has a few friends and perhaps I could ask—"
The young doctor's eyes widen and his face flushed pink like a flamingo in heat. "That's very kind of you, Tsujimura-sensei, but I can't settle down just yet. I've got too much work to do," Dr. Tsukishima insisted, holding up both hands to placate the embarrassing situation.
"My dear boy, you're still not hung up on what happened a few months ago, are you?"
Dr. Tsukishima frowned, tensing a little. "What makes you say that?"
Dr. Tsujimura gave him a look of pity. "My dear boy, I know losing someone you love is hard, but you've always been like a son to me, and I don't want to see you so wrapped up in your work and all alone. It would do you some good to find new love and settle down with a family."
Dr. Tsukishima shook his head and meant decline him further when Ishiyama's mobile rang, interrupting him.
"Hello, Ishiyama Shun." He paused, listening to the other person on the line before turning to his boss and handed him the phone. "Dr. Tsujimura, it's Minamoto-san."
"Ah, of course," Dr. Tsujimura nodded, taking the phone. Turning to glance at his young friend, he said, "Why don't we discuss this again later." Turning his attention back to the phone, he said, "Hello, Kousei? Yes, of course, everyone will be here tonight! Oh? Why of course! How wonderful! I would be delighted to meet your family."
"C'mon, Seiji-kun. Let's go. We have a few things to take care of ourselves before tonight," Dr. Saeki said, adjusting his glasses.
Dr. Tsukishima smirked as he made his way towards the elevator. "Of course, but in the meantime, I'm starved. Why don't we head down to the kitchen to see what the chefs have cooked up for tonight?"
"Planning to get a bite to eat?" his friend laughed. "You've read my mind."
As they made their way downstairs, a figure unnoticed by everyone turned to glance over his shoulder at Dr. Tsujimura, his eyes full of venom. Watching the portly man talking jovially to his financial investor on the phone, he couldn't help but feel a deepening hatred for this man. Discreetly, he tightened his resolve, determined to do the unthinkable tonight.
Smile and laugh, filth! he thought. Take comfort and joy in your short-lived success. For tonight, I'll make certain that you fully understand the depths of my hatred for you.
"You're kidding!"
The deafening shrills of Takuya's tone of disbelief echoed through the phoneline. Kouji winced from the sudden and painful sound in his ear, quickly moving his phone away from his head in response.
Typical of Takuya to be as loud and obnoxious over the phone as he is in person, he thought.
"You know I hardly ever joke, Takuya," Kouji scowled. "I wished I were this time."
There was a sound, followed by a long drone of moaning. No doubt Takuya just palmed himself on the forehead or something.
"But the new Star Wars movie is playing tonight in Japan! We reserved our tickets online and everything!"
Kouji mentally sighed. Had their father not intervened, they would have gone to the multiplex theater tonight with their friends. After that, they were going to have dinner at Izumi's family's Italian restaurant where they would be joined by Tomoki's brother, Yutaka, who was kind enough to volunteer to be their chaperone for the Izu trip. They were also going to meet Izumi's cousin, Rosalina, who had flown in from Milan late last night. Izumi's parents didn't like the idea of their daughter going on a trip with a bunch of boys. Thankfully, Rosalina's arrival was enough to placate their anxiety.
"You'd think Izumi's cousin would be suffering from jet lags after such a long flight!" said Takuya over the phone. "Instead, she's been chatting Izumi up all night and today about girls' stuff. I've been getting text messages from Izumi all morning! Apparently, she's getting a little annoyed with her cousin pestering her with questions about us."
"Just what we need, another chatter-box," Kouji said sarcastically. "As if I don't get enough unwanted attentions from several classmates as it is!"
"Hey, how is it that you're still getting Valentine's Day gifts from your schoolmates with that attitude while I get zilch?!"
Kouji raised a dubious eyebrow, staring at the phone's screen. "Didn't you get some from your mom and your female cousins?"
"Those don't count!" Takuya objected. "Besides, I wouldn't mind some attention from this Rosalina. You've seen Izumi's text messages, right? This new girl is kinda cute."
Kouji smirked and rolled his eyes. He had to admit, Izumi's cousin is attractive enough. But then again, the girl was from Milan, a city known for its fashion. From what he has heard from Izumi's text messages, her cousin, Rosalina Rossi, is somewhat boy-crazy and loves idols and fashion to pieces. Of course, a foreign-looking girl with expensive fashion taste would undoubtedly attract attentions from anyone by merely strolling the streets of Shibuya.
It's great seeing her again after two years. I just wished she'd cut back on going all ga-ga goo-goo eyes through my idol magazines! Izumi's text messages read that morning. Honestly, you'd think that's all she cares about! Still, can't complain about having at least one more girl on this trip. At least with her going, my parents aren't stressing about me going so much. BTW Kouji+Kouichi: Better keep yourselves a few yards away from Rosalina during our trip! Otherwise, I can't guarantee you'll survive her attention. LOL
The message was then peppered with several giggling emojis, which made Kouji rolled his eyes. Still, he preferred to tolerate this Rosalina' unwanted attention than be in a roomful of snooty, rich people rubbing elbows with his dad.
"I really wished Kouichi and I could go," said Kouji. He put on his sleek black coat and bent down to pick up a dark navy-blue tie lying on his bed.
"So not cool that your old man pulled this stunt at the last minute! But it's not like he can actually force you to go to this party, Kouji. Can't you just tell him no?"
"I tried, but Dad's adamant about our attendance tonight. He even offered to talk to our mom and let us attend the same school if we go through with it."
There was a pause on the other end. "Ah, I see," Takuya said finally. Kouji noticed his friend's tone softening in understanding, dropping the usual jovial edge. "You guys live apart as it already is, huh? I guess I would probably do the same thing if I were in your place."
The door to their room opened and Kouji turned to see his brother coming in. Fresh from the shower, the older twin was already wearing his semi-evening wears, saved for the jacket and tie which rested neatly in a shopping bag on his bed. Kouichi said nothing but gave Kouji a small nod before flopping onto his own bed and grabbed his book to read while his hair dries.
"I better go and get ready, Takuya. Party's starting in an hour," said Kouji.
"Hey, cheer up, buddy! It's just one evening!" said Takuya, reverting back to his chirpy mood. "And who knows? Maybe it won't be as bad as you think. If you're really going to such a s wanky hotel for a party, then you and Kouichi might even run into a movie star or something."
Kouji scoffed and rolled his eyes again. "Yeah, and why not the Emperor of Japan himself?" he said sarcastically, but then smirked when he heard Takuya laughing on the other end.
"Okay, jokes aside, we'll text you tonight to update you. Don't forget that we're all meeting up at the train station early tomorrow for Izu!"
"Right, see ya," said Kouji, hanging up the phone.
"Takuya seemed to be taking news of our absence better than I thought," said Kouichi without looking up from his book.
Kouji turned to face his twin. Unlike him, Kouichi still hasn't adjusted his cuffs or put on his tie and jacket. "Shouldn't you be getting ready for the party?" he asked.
Kouichi didn't reply, his mind seemed to be far away, his eyes dazed as if he wasn't even bothering to read the pages in front of him.
"Nii-san? Did you hear me?" Kouji repeated.
Silently, Kouichi nodded and shut his book to get up and grab his tie. Removing it from its protective plastic coverings, Kouichi turned to face the mirror and tried to tie it into a knot only to fail miserably. Kouji studied his brother, taking note how of his silent frustration over something so trivial was growing.
Nii-san seemed distracted by something, he thought.
He wondered if it had anything to do with the dream. Earlier that morning, Kouji had woken up to the sound of his brother tossing and turning in his bed. Kouichi's face seemed worried while he slept, his lips quivering as he mumbled something incoherent. Groggily, Kouji crawled out from under his own cover to wake him up, hoping to shake him out of whatever bad dream he was having. After a few seconds, Kouichi blinked tiredly at his brother and it took him a moment to realized he was at their father's house.
"Nii-san, are you okay?" Kouji asked, concerned.
For a moment, Kouichi starred at him, unsure if he was still dreaming. Kouji's long and untied hair drooped over his shoulder, its end brushing Kouichi's right hand gently.
"Umm…yeah…sorry, Kouji…did I wake you up?" Kouichi mumbled, looking both tired and regretful.
Kouji ignored his question. "Did you have a nightmare?"
"Mmm…no…not really…just a bit…disturbing…" Kouichi gave him a half-hearted smile.
Kouji didn't seemed convince, but he didn't have the energy to push it when it was barely dawn outside. Quietly, he nodded and crawled back into his own bed to get a few more hours of sleep.
Later that day, their stepmother took them clothes shopping while their father was busy with his own preparation for tonight's event. During the entire outing, Kouichi had been absent-minded, barely saying more than a few sentences when spoken to. He didn't object when Satomi had him and Kouji trying on several suits at one boutique. When she had taken them to lunch, he didn't even notice Kouji mixing up their orders by accident. By the time they got home, Tomoko had call to check up on them and Kouji had to do most of the talking. Kouichi had always been quiet and reserved, but Kouji had the feeling it was more so today, and he couldn't shake the feeling it had something to do with last night.
As he pondered on this idea, Kouji finished adjusting his cufflinks and looked up to see Kouichi frowning intently on his work, failing for the third or fourth time. Seeing his frustration, Kouji couldn't take it anymore than Kouichi could and strolled over to help.
"Here, Nii-san. Let me," he offered.
Kouichi blinked at him but nodded, allowing Kouji to tackle the tie for him.
"I'm sorry, I'm not very good at this," Kouichi said softly.
Until now, Kouichi never had a chance to wear such a nice attire as this before. With his mother's salary at her previous dead-end job, even the most affordable semi-formal suit and tie were out of their price ranges. Growing up, he had to depend on his mother's friends for hand-me-downs most of the time. Not that he minded, but even with Tomoko's salary increase from her new job, he was still careful of spending money. While visiting one of the boutiques that morning, Kouichi's eyes bulged at the prices for their cheapest junior suits and suggested that perhaps he could get away with wearing one of Kouji's semi-formals from last year. But Satomi wouldn't hear of it. She pointed out the twins' recent growth spurt and insisted on buying them both new suits for tonight's event.
"I can never get these knots right," Kouichi said absently.
Kouji shrugged. "They always make the Windsor knot look easy in tutorial videos," Kouji said, attempting to give his brother a teasing smile. "It took me a while to learn how to do it myself."
"Mmm…yeah…" Kouichi mumbled as if he wasn't paying attention.
Kouji glanced up to see his brother now starring absentmindedly out the window. There was a glint of worry in his brother's eyes. Kouji frowned. What could his brother be thinking about?
Kouichi turned to face his brother again, looking a bit uncomfortable suddenly. "Um, Kouji? That's a little too tight."
"Sorry, Nii-san," Kouji replied quickly, fiddling with the tie again. "There. All done."
"Thanks," mumbled Kouichi. "I can manage to rest by myself before we go…"
Kouji watched with concern as Kouichi silently flopped onto his bed, trying to hide behind his book. Kouji sighed in disbelief. He couldn't take it anymore. He had to find out what's bothering his twin so much.
"Kouichi, what's the matter?"
Kouichi looked up. "Huh?"
"You've been mostly quiet all day, more than usual." He didn't bother to hide the accusation in his voice.
Kouichi shook his head and attempted to give his brother a smile. "No. Nothing's wrong…really…"
"Nii-san, you have that faraway look in your eyes again. What's wrong?" Kouji asked, his expression transitioning to that of concern.
"Nothing, really! I just—"
"C'mon, Kouichi," Kouji interrupted, but not unkindly. Swiftly, he sat down next to his brother. "Something's on your mind. I can tell." He placed a comforting hand on Kouichi's shoulder to show that he doesn't have to bottle up all his thoughts and emotions. "Please tell me, or else I'll worry even more."
Kouichi studied him a bit but then nodded hesitantly. "Alright…"
Kouji shifted just a little closer, waiting for his brother to start. Kouichi took one last glance out the window to collect his thoughts. As he watched, the last light of the setting sun disappeared, making way for twilight…and dusk.
Kouichi turned to face his brother and tilted his head. "Kouji, have you…have you ever thought of the Digital World lately? Even subconsciously that you dreamed about it?"
Kouji blinked. He wasn't expecting his brother to start with this. "I guess from time to time, but I don't know about subconsciously."
"You…don't dream about Lobomon visiting you?"
"I did when we first came back to our world, especially before confronting Dad about Mom being alive and your existence," Kouji admitted. "I guessed Lobomon thought I needed some strength for the confrontation. But lately, I haven't seen or thought of him and the Digital World. At least, none that I can remember."
"I see…" Kouichi trailed off.
"Nii-san…did you had a dream of going back into the Digital World?" Kouji asked, his eyes widen in genuine curiosity.
Kouichi nodded. "A few times, actually. Lately, I even ran into Lowëmon in these dreams." Quietly, he pulled up his legs and wrapped his arms around them as if to protect himself. "It was great seeing him again at first. He took me to Ophanimon's castle and showed me how it really looked like without all the broken pockets of land. We talked and it felt wonderful to be with him again, even without the Spirit Evolution. But last night, something changed…Lowëmon seemed scared…for me…"
Kouji stiffened. "What?" he asked, fighting the urge to not grab his brother's shoulders in anticipation.
Kouichi shifted a little further away from him. "I was playing with a bunch of Poyomon at Seraphimon's castle when Lowëmon found me," he continued. "Only this time, he was anxious and tensed. When I asked him what was wrong, he told me that Ophanimon had a vision about me getting hurt."
Kouichi lowered his head in defeat. Quietly, he waited for his brother's outburst.
True enough, the mere mention of him getting hurt made Kouji bristled defensively. "Hurt?" he asked incredulously. He shifted closer to his brother as if he could prevent whatever bad things from coming Kouichi's way. "What do you mean? Who would want to hurt you?"
Kouichi mumbled something and Kouji had to strained himself to hear it.
"Sorry?"
"Duskmon," Kouichi repeated, a little louder this time.
Kouji's heart sank and his skin prickled. Despite it being summer, just hearing that name again sent a wave of shiver up his spin. It was like a lingering presence, icing up the room as a phantom would from long ago.
"Duskmon? But he's gone!" Kouji insisted. "Ophanimon must be mistaken—"
"I thought so, too. But he's not gone, not completely. There's still a small fragment of him—of his influence—floating in limbo between the Digital World and our world…" Kouichi lifted his head, his eyes on the brink of tears. "From what Lowëmon told me, Cherubimon discovered this small fragment of him, and before he and the other Angels could do anything about it, he escaped into our world!"
Kouji continued to stare at his brother, seeming to be at a loss for words.
He loved his brother, but neither of them could forget how unpleasant their many encounters had been before the truth was revealed. Kouichi, having lost his grandmother and could do nothing but watch as his mother worked herself to death to support him, became susceptible for the darkness. Watching his twin living his comfortable life from a distance, Kouichi's heart soon harbored jealousy and a deepening hatred, making him an easy target for Cherubimon to take advantage of. With his memory wiped and his purity and kindness locked away, Kouichi became Duskmon and was dead set on killing Kouji at any cost. Until Kouji took the tainted Spirits of Darkness away from him, the older twin had been vulnerable and trapped in the grips of tainted darkness.
Kouichi lowered his head. "I don't want Duskmon to find me. I don't want to be him again…I'm afraid, Kouji…" he said hoarsely, his voice was now barely a whisper. "He may try to hurt me again…or worse…he'll make me hurt you and the others in some way—"
"Not gonna happen, Nii-san," said Kouji firmly. Kouichi glanced up to see his brother back to his strong and confident self. "I'm not going to let it happen!"
Kouichi shook his head sadly. "You don't understand, Kouji. There's more. Lowëmon told me that whatever happens tonight, I shouldn't follow the light."
Kouji was completely taken aback. "What?" he blanched. Kouichi's shoulders hunched, looking even more sheepish as ever. "Don't follow the light? Does Lowëmon seriously think that I would hurt you?!" he demanded.
"No, he doesn't think Ophanimon meant you specifically when he warned me. Honestly, I'm not sure what he had meant."
Tension deflated, Kouji leaned back and ran his hand through his ponytail. "Well, I can't make heads or tail of it, either. Honestly, can't the Digimon be more specific?"
Kouichi said nothing but sighed, keeping his eyes to the floor.
"Nii-san, you don't think your dream was only just that, do you? A dream?" Kouji offered.
Kouichi blanched at him. "What? You think I'm just making all this up?"
"No, that's not it. It's just that premonition in dreams seemed a little out there—"
"We've been to another dimension, Kouji!" Kouichi reminded him, sounding slightly miffed. "After all the supernatural things that happened to us last year, how can you not believe in premonitions?"
"Aside from Lobomon's visits, I haven't had any dreams of that sort since," Kouji repeated. "Our lives have been pretty normal for months."
"But what about me? Why do I keep having dreams of going to the Digital World? Of seeing Lowëmon again?"
Kouji paused to think for a moment then turned to his brother. "You did ask me if I had thought of the Digital World lately to the point that I would dream of it subconsciously. Maybe because you've never been there physically yourself, your desire manifested itself into these dreams."
Kouichi opened his mouth wanting to protest but stopped. He had wonder if that had been the case. Was Kouji right? Were these dreams nothing more than just his subconscious desire to visit the Digital World again? Half of him wanted to deny it but the other half accepted the logical reason.
"I…I don't know, Kouji," he said, turning away. "If you're right, then there's nothing to worry about from last night's dream. But then that also meant that Lowëmon never really visited me…all those visions of seeing Ophanimon's castle…Seraphimon's castle…the Poyomon…they were never real."
Seeing Kouichi's crestfallen face, Kouji felt guilt-ridden for trying to reason this conversation with logic. Quickly, he tried to shake the guilt off. Yes, he felt bad for shattering his brother's innocent dreams, but it was better than seeing him so worried and worked up over what could be nothing. Wasn't it?
"Cheer up, Nii-san," Kouji said. Standing up, he pulled Kouichi to his feet. "Our adventure in the Digital World may be over, but that doesn't mean it's the end for you. You have a whole new life now with me and Mom and Dad and Satomi."
Kouichi nodded and to Kouji's relief, gave him a soft smile. "Yeah, you're right…and Takuya and the others, too," he added.
"That's right, and look, I may not be big on this whole premonition thing, but I'm sure that whatever life may throw at you, I'll be there by your side. We'll face it together, okay?"
Kouichi laughed lightly. "Thanks, Koji," he said and meant it. In the short time he had gotten to know his twin, he knew Kouji's words weren't just platitudes; he meant what he said and always does his best to keep it. He gave Kouji one of his sweet and appreciative smiles, causing the younger twin to take notice of the moment between them and blushed. Kouichi tilted his head at this and blinked. "What? What's wrong?"
Before the cheesiness of the moment sets in, Kouji shrugged, putting on his cool persona. "Nothing! Let's just say that I have ten years of absences to make it up to you."
Suddenly, there was a gentle knock on their door and their stepmother poked her head in. She was wearing her semi-formal violet dress. It was sleeveless, the neckline dipped low enough for her to wear a simple and attractive black pearl necklace. Satomi smiled, her face softly painted with light red lipsticks and pink rouge. To the boys' surprised, she was wearing contacts, her face looking very strange but beautiful without being hidden by a pair of glasses. In one arm swung her coat and in one hand, she held a pair of black pearl earrings to match her necklace.
"Hello, boys. Are you two almost ready?" she asked.
"Yeah, Mom," Kouji nodded. He went over to help her put on her jacket.
"Thank you, Kouji. Well, it's almost time for the party. Your father and I will be downstairs waiting. Kouji, be sure to take Hiroki inside before we leave in fifteen minutes," Satomi said, placing her earrings on.
Both brothers nodded and watched her head downstairs. Quickly, they turned to face the mirror to make a final assessment of their appearances.
"Ready, Kouji?" Kouichi asked, smiling.
Kouji sighed and shrugged. "As ready as I'll ever be, Nii-san. C'mon. I can hear Hiroki barking outside."
Kouichi nodded and followed his brother downstairs, not realizing he was being watched by a pair of red eyes.
Author's note: I'm sorry. The incident was supposed to happen in this chapter, but it got too long so I'll have to cut it short here. Next, chapter. I promise. Also, sorry for the slow update. Work has been incredibly stressful for me lately. By the time I get home late from work, I'm too exhausted to write or do much of anything.
If you've read my Bloody Nightmares fanfic before, you'll probably remember Rosalina, an OC that I created as Izumi's cousin. She'll probably make a cameo or two, but at most, she may not serve much of a purpose for the story other than my reason for having fun writing her.