A/N: Hey guys, sorry for the delay on this chapter...my exams are coming
soon ^_^; ...Thank you ERICA! lol, An0nymous, Lissa, thephoenix,
OmniGaruGreymon, Blaze and others not mentioned for your reviews! Thanks,
PurpleQueen for the info on the correct use of "attacks" and "terms" in
Digimon...I'm NOT a HUGE fan....The only information source I'm using for
Digimon is my brother (Shinya "Cedric" LOL). Anyway, I fixed the incorrect
words and terms so it'll be more precise for "everyone's liking" ("Erica",
lol!) .... R&R!...Thanks again!
Disclaimer: I do not own Digimon, Digimon Characters or any other related subjects that are directly copyrighted towards Toei Animation.
To Golden_Sakura 3000 (Miss All-Around Perfect): Since we're not going to see each other in a while....I'll dedicate this chapter to you for your (belated- first half) birthday present...ENJOY! ^_^ Hugs & Kisses to my best bud!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Pure of Heart: Netherworld Journey {I}
To Sonja....Miss All-Around Perfect...You know you are, so you can't say I am...OR ELSE!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Di-Cang Prophecy -Chapter 3-[Part 2]
There was a definite brightening glare that strained Takuya's eyes. Above him was, what he thought to be, a bleary likeliness of a sky and a scattered pattern of starry glints that created the stinging feeling in his vision. With this feeling came another, one which left him believing that he was weightless. It was if he were being suspended in mid-air. And he had been, too; there was a sky but no ground below him, no sign of any steady landing at all. All that could be seen from below was a pitch-black opening, an opening that seemed to go farther down than it appeared. He thoroughly focused his sight to check himself...he was alright, he supposed. No scars or wounds were to be found, he was fully clothed and not particularly feeling grubby or soiled--as he usually would have felt after a battle. However, scars or no scars, there was still a distinct soreness in his shoulder.
That soreness was where he had been hit, right?
His mind began to scour through his slowly fading memory. All he had recollected from just a few hours ago were of vague images of a ghoul-like monster rapidly tumbling to the ground, the flickering flashes of flaming spears and the last image of Izumi--her face soaked with rampant tears. These strange new surroundings were not helpful either, there was just darkness.
Was he dead?
Where was he?
"Hello?" he was near whispering, almost fearing that he was indeed alone. Was he ever to see the light of day, again?
Just as he bowed his head in a helpless, defeated way, a howling jet of wind erupted right before him. From this startling new occurrence came a more focused source of light and a quartet of silhouetted figures, both presences surrounded him completely. His mind became refreshingly clear and evoked a transcendent sensation. It was as though a heavy weight of pain had been lifted from his mind's once dismal state. In place of the pain and confusion came a heavenly surge of comfort that had washed warmly over his body. The sheer power of the light caused him to tightly shut his eyes. Though, after a few moments after the light had dimmed Takuya found himself feeling nothing short of curious. As he lifted his eyelids to see the light, he instead found it hard to fathom the reason why he was no longer suspended in mid-air.
He appeared to be in an open glade. There was spruce trees on either side of the path he was now standing on, miles of neatly cut yellow-green grass stretched out behind the trees, and flowering bushes aligned perfectly with the trees as well. Near the farthest of trees towards the distance were slides, swings and monkey bars attached to a rather odd- shaped jungle gym. This strangely normal place couldn't have looked any more similar to be of his own world, Earth. And yet it felt as though, for certain, it wasn't.
The sky was of a normal blue, one sun--slightly scorching at the back of his neck-- and the familiar laughter of nearby playful children reached his ears. As he felt the presence of one of these children he lowered his gaze. His eyes rested to the boy-- standing tip-toed in getting his attention-- in front of him. Takuya's heart gave a sudden jolt.
"Tomoki!" Takuya gasped, his throat became suddenly dry.
"Takuya, where have you been?" the boy who was certainly Tomoki gleefully smiled a toothy smile at him.
"Tomoki, are you...is it really you?" said Takuya, clasping his hands to the little boy's shoulders.
"It's me, Takuya! What's wrong with you?" Tomoki chuckled lightly at him. "You're acting a little weird, is everything okay?"
"What about Lucemon...how did you escape...were you hurt?" Takuya frantically circled him, studying Tomoki's present condition.
"Er-- Taku--" Tomoki began.
"I just can't believe--but it can't be....are you really Tomoki?" Takuya interuppted him.
"Yes! Now, come on I want to show you something." said Tomoki, his hands propelled Takuya forwards.
Tomoki had led Takuya into another part of the park, where another field opening could be seen. Takuya's eyes grew wide, half interestedly and half feeling reluctant to believe anything was reality here. His other half of reluctance came from the fact that he knew all of this could be just a dream...it surely felt it was by now.
"A soccer field?" Takuya turned to look at Tomoki beaming up at him excitedly.
"That's right! One on one...you and me, how about it?" Tomoki grinned even more happily.
"But...Tomoki--" Takuya still hesitated, knowing full well that he needed more questions to be answered...and if Tomoki knew about his real self being at the capture of Lucemon...
"Come on Takuya, when was the last time you played this game?...Don't you miss it...being with the team...cheering fans at the sidelines...scoring the winning goal...having a normal game, in our normal world...for once?" Tomoki tone seemed almost luring as it was also sincere.
He had pointed out something that Takuya usually found himself longing for...it had been a long time since he had played a tournament game for his soccer club. Was he to play a game of soccer and forget about the task at hand--to wake up and resume in finding the others within this strange netherworld... to finally start their journey towards the Tengu Fortress... and to rescue the real Tomoki.
It would only be for a little while, he thought and felt slightly guilty at his selfish decision.
"One game, Tomoki...then I have to leave...to wake up." Takuya lightly smiled at the anxiously waiting, little boy.
"SCORE!" Tomoki cried excitedly as the soccer ball flew past the goal line on Takuya's end. "What's the score, Takuya?"
"Five to Two!" Takuya mockingly smiled with a smug-like grin. "I win again, buddy!"
"You always win." Tomoki bowed his head sadly. "Best out of three?"
Tomoki looked hopeful. Takuya simply shook his head. "I need to go..." he firmly stated, he avoided meeting with Tomoki's gaze.
They strode over the grassy soccer field. Takuya looking aimlessly into the distance, Tomoki staring at his shoes.
"One more game!" Tomoki looked pleadingly up at him, his eyes began to water.
Takuya looked down at him. He isn't real, he isn't real, he repeated to himself several times. So, why then had he felt it impossible to leave him here.
"I have to go..." Takuya softly repeated.
Takuya kept walking as he smiled wistfully at the sulking face of Tomoki.
"But...why?" Tomoki asked, still gloomy in the face at his decision of parting ways.
Takuya stopped and stood in front of Tomoki, he knelt to level with his small stature and tightly grasped both his shoulders. His deep brown eyes trying their best to show him sympathy.
"Why--Why do you have to leave me here...don't you miss being back home...just doing normal things on Earth?" Tomoki croaked from a muffled cry. "Don't you want to play soccer again...don't you want your life back. Stay...you won't have to worry about saving the world...saving the others. Takuya, you're here for me...you're just like--like my big brother...I want you to stay!"
Tomoki almost sounded demanding, his intensive frown only confirmed this much.
"Don't you see, if I don't wake up...the others will suffer...our world will suffer. If I don't find the others....if we don't save the Digital World...don't you realize the consequences? This is my life! No matter how many times I could try to change it from what it's become...it'll still be the same...I'd still be stuck with the same fate...and I'd still be here for you. I have to worry...I have to! For everyone's sake...for yours...and--and--" Takuya took in a quick panted breath.
"And...and...what!" Tomoki cried frustrated.
"And--I--I--...I have to save you!" he blurted out, louder than he thought it sounded in his head.
Tomoki stared blankly back at him. Takuya stood at his side once more, walking silently beside Tomoki.
"Let's just walk, Tomoki."
Tomoki nodded, following him in silence as well. As they departed from the soccer field seconds later, it had only been a few steps ahead that Tomoki decided to speak again.
"Takuya?"
"Hmm?" Takuya turned in attention.
"Do you know how to get back?" asked Tomoki timidly.
Takuya walked on, his stare seemed distant as it tore away from Tomoki's direction. Before Takuya could ever had had a chance to reply, Tomoki quickly answered his own question.
"Wake up, Takuya... If you want to save your friends...if you want to save me--the real me..." Tomoki side-stepped in front of him "...that's what you want, right?"
"It's all I want." Takuya gently answered.
"Then--I guess--I can't stop you from leaving." Tomoki said and grimly lowered his head.
"I'm out to save you, I have to leave." Takuya softly replied.
Tomoki lifted his head to stare up at him.
"Come here." Takuya motioned for Tomoki to come closer.
"Don't forget our game, Takuya." Tomoki suppressed a dry sob as they hugged.
"Don't worry I'll remember...Five to two...five to two..." replied Takuya, smiling almost painfully.
"Make sure you wake...you don't belong here...you have to return." Tomoki briefly said and parted from him.
Takuya stared after him, his face contorted in fear. Tomoki began to look translucent--he was fading.
"What's going on?" Takuya's mouth fell open, gaping openly at him.
"Don't worry, Takuya...this means you're getting better...you're almost awake." Tomoki beamed at him brightly.
"But--" Takuya began to feel stiff, the words he wanted to stay did not come quick enough. Tomoki was now completely translucent, his last words were whispered, 'It's only a dream, remember?...You'll save me soon enough...'
Trails of shimmer lingered where Tomoki soon disappeared. Takuya looked wildly around, the surroundings began to fade just as Tomoki had moments before. The pitch-black darkness returned, only now the sound of a soothing voice filled his ears. The feel of a outlying aura began to caress his forehead. He could hear his name being spoken, he smiled as he now knew who this warm, peaceful voice belonged to.
"Izumi..." he heard the soft undertone of his own voice.
~~~~~~~~~
If it wasn't for the pungent odour of an unfamiliar fragrance or the morning light that shone across his eyes, it would have been the smell of a distinct meal being prepared that had awoken him from sleep. He slowly straightened himself up from underneath what looked like the ruffled remains of a sage-leaf blanket. His head rested to the bed's headboard as he yawned and with the back of his clenched hands rubbed his tired eyes. He looked to his left and saw another bed, one which had been occupied by the soundly sleeping form of Izumi. A cool draft had suddenly entered the cavernous room, his back slightly shivered and he had now noticed that he was without a shirt. As he looked down in bewilderment he noticed other new things, a silver-chained amulet that hung from his neck and tightly bandaged areas where he started to recall were once open sores from before.
"It is wonderful that you are awake Takuya, sir!" a tiny squeak of a voice sounded from the doorway.
Takuya turned his eyes from Izumi towards the doorway. "Er...Where am I?"
At the front of the room stood, about two feet tall, a white glimmering sight of a bear. In the tiny paws of the bear lay his shirt and jacket, both intact and looking almost as radiant as the creature.
"You are within the Mahonmon Caverns, sir. Miss Orimoto has brought you here to rest from yesterday's terrible incident...We have sown your clothes. I hope they are to your liking. Do you feel better?"
Takuya nodded graciously taking his clothes and dressed himself briefly after he answered the bear. "Yes. I feel much better, thank you."
His stomach, however, would beg to differ. A grumbling sound from inside him made the tiny bear squeal in shock. "You must be famished! Hoshiko, bring in the breakfast for the humans!"
Takuya's mouth began to water as the wooden trays of food came with the scurrying bears by his bedside. Takuya bolted upright and alert as he was handed a plate of eggs, bacon and piled-high pancakes. Another bear, looking quite exasperated, brought in a tall glass of milk.
"Thanks--Thank--you--so--much!" Takuya began to wolf down the meal as he spoke in between his chewing.
"Most humble appreciations, sir." both of the creatures beamed up at him. "Anything else, Takuya, sir?"
Takuya shook his head, keeping his eyes towards his meal. The two creatures bowed politely and briefly left the room.
"Are you going to leave enough food for me?" said a voice from behind. It was Izumi and she began to giggle at the sight of him lunging towards the other tray for more food.
Takuya felt his face fuming red. "Oh, er--sorry I didn't know you were awake."
Izumi lifted herself up and out of bed as she combed her fingers through her disheveled hair. "Never mind that, how are you feeling?"
"Better." Takuya replied and finally directed his attention to her, leaving the food off to another side. "Izumi, how did you--when did you-- are you--erm...what I want to say is..."
"Don't worry about Takuya, I'm fine. You're welcome by the way. Your arm, is it still a little sore?" she waved off his stammer casually.
"I don't feel any soreness." he shrugged.
"That's wonderful!" she exclaimed in relief. Izumi strode towards him, her hands behind her back and now looking a bit saddened.
"What's wrong?" he noticed her change in mood immediately.
"Um..." Izumi finally reached his bedside to show him his damaged goggles and battered hat.
"Is that all?" Takuya stared, bemused at her nervousness. "It's okay Izumi, really. Forget about it."
"You sure?" she continued to look unconvinced. "Because--"
"Forget it. Now, eat up before I finish your breakfast for you." he smiled reassuringly at her.
Izumi pouted mockingly at his threat and sat across from him to eat her breakfast meal, too. She, just seconds later, found herself feeling worrisome again and peered from her food to Takuya.
"Do you remember anything that happened yesterday?" her voice shook considerably. "Well...I remember a lot of things...most of them are sort of vague though. I remember--uh--falling, pretty hard...then the pain in my shoulder...then you..." he put down his plate again and began scratching his head in thought. "That monster...it was huge...it wanted data, and real badly too."
"You speak of Hisamemon's minions. They are vicious data thieves who ambush prey, like yourselves, to steal your data...leaving you for death." at the opening of the doorway stood the appearance of a wise and rather aged bear-creature in which Izumi came to know as Galen.
"Galen!" Izumi turned her eyes to the front of the room.
"Good morning, children." Galen glided towards their bedside. "I expect you are waiting for many of the explanations I had promised yesterday?"
Izumi nodded as Takuya seemed rather confused of the bear's identity and as to how Izumi knew him. And as if the old-aged creature had read Takuya's very thought, he had turned to him and smiled. "And I do believe you are Takuya Kanbara, a pleasure. My name is Galen, the chief Mahonmon of this tribe."
The bear extended his outstretched paw to Takuya; they shook hands.
"Now you two, I presume, are lost?" asked Galen.
Both of them nodded dejectedly.
"This place you have stumbled upon is known, by many here, as Yomi- Naraka. We live within a netherworld that surrounds the Tengu Fortress. Living here is not as pleasant, as you have already experienced." Galen shot his gaze to Takuya's bandaged areas. "But far from here, we long to live as we once have...the paradise we once inhabited."
"We've been to a place that had felt that way...where we were first transported." Takuya interrupted.
"Yes, I thought as much. That wonderful place you had been in is the other, divided half of Yomi-Naraka. You see this netherworld is separated from light and dark, as a tribulation from Lucemon. He once had peaceful intentions with the creation of this world, but he gradually became power hungry--seeking data from the netherworld he had just perfected. Being as he was a peaceful and protective Digimon before, he created a barrier surrounding this netherworld to ward off all evil beings that would ever try to attack the creatures who dwelt within it. This was the only prevention from his plans to steal all the data he put forth to this land-- the only safeguard for our kind. Fortunately, his presently evil powers were repelled by this barrier--but barely fended off his stronghold of destruction. That is why half of his paradise is now empowered by evil and that is why...we were forced to seek refuge underground. These caverns are our home, now. We only emerge from underneath for simple rations of food-- what we can find, really." Galen finished with a weary sigh.
Izumi looked guiltily at the food on her plate, Takuya doing the same.
"Oh! Children, you mustn't worry...we understand that both of you must feel terribly exhausted from yesterday. Please continue your breakfast!" Galen quickly told them as he noticed their sudden timid reaction in eating.
"Oh, thank you--but--erm--" Izumi still didn't touch her meal. "I was meaning to ask you...er-- that thing, that monster that attacked us-- yesterday--"
"Kukuthmon's Data Ravens. They don't look like the likeliness of its bird oriented name but simply the way they relentlessly pillage for other creature's data is familiar to the bird's nature in stealing." Galen disgustedly explained. "Kukuthmon is a Digimon whose sole power and purpose is to unmercifully ransack lives and give all the data stolen to Lucemon. And so with Nagamon, as well. They are all under the rule of Hisamemon, she is the most imminent darkness that Lucemon has sent to plague upon our land."
Takuya and Izumi both exchanged discouraging glances to one another.
"You've been living this way for...?" Takuya implored lightly.
"It has been thus for over three generations ago...my fore fathers have died since but leave fair warning of the danger they hold." Galen said, his paws shuffling in a clasped grip. "They also left a prophecy...one that promises a saviour that will deliver our kind liberation--our freedom--our absolution. We wait until that day will come."
Takuya stared after Galen, feeling a painful pang of pity as he stared at the little bear's eyes misting over.
"Do you want me to show you this wondrous saviour we have been waiting for?" Galen's eyes lit up considerably to this offer.
"How?" Izumi raised her brow. "I thought you said you were still waiting for him?"
"Come! To the sacred temple you shall see what all our kind waits patiently for." Galen cried gloriously and hurried them out the room.
~~~~~~~~~
Past the other inhabitants of Mahonmon and their tiny cavern rooms, past the labyrinth of tunnels and dingy corridors of the caves beyond and past the eerie structures of enormous monsters (that held, to much of Izumi's displeasure, hundreds of bat eyes blinking incredulously at them), they finally reached what seemed to be a large chamber door. Engraved in the moss-covered, iron entrance was the detailed design of a fiery creature that resembled a brooding dragon. The dragon's eyes gleamed of ruby and its wings shimmering in a deep amethyst purple. In its left claw it held a smoldering flame that was lively decorated by scarlet-coloured gemstones. In its right claw it held a vaporous orb of a brilliant violet colour.
Galen past confidently after Takuya and Izumi; both still found themselves entranced by the dragon-embossed door. "We are entering sacred grounds, children. You must follow my lead. Follow my--every--word."
Galen crept closely up to the iron-chiseled dragon and bellowed; easily enough to understand: "Di-Cang!"
The chamber door shook inwardly and suddenly creaked open. They finally entered the vastly spacious chamber. Unlike the dull and dingy cavern tunnels they had been traveling through earlier, this particular chamber held far more allure. The walls glimmered with soft trails of water droplets seeping from above. The above ceiling glimmered as well, though the strange sight of the sky reflected from it's ancient carvings. The reflection was of a glorious dawn--its cool blues, faint purples and pale yellows filled their intrigued eyes.
Izumi took in an astonished gasp. Below them--and where they stood-- were smooth and water slick stepping stones that, one-by-one, made a path in front of them. They made their quick journey on each stepping stones cautiously, avoiding the water that flowed around each stone and throughout the chamber itself. The winding pathway to the very last slippery stone had ended to the centered spectacle of the chamber, a stone pagoda temple. On each side of the old and moss-laden temple were two stone figured creatures: the armored angel to the left sat upon its knees firmly clasping onto an actual samurai sword; the human also clad in armour held a fiery sword that acted as torch light for the chamber.
"What do these symbols mean?" Takuya curiously strode forward to the temple, he fingered the engravings on the temple walls.
"These rune languages tell a story of an old prophecy, the long awaited task at hand...our freedom." Galen stood at Takuya's side, his tone sounding hopeful. "It prophesizes of two warriors that would bring forth their powers to raise Di-Cangmon to life. He was the pure, appointed one who sought after peace in our lands long ago...before Lucemon had turned away from his good-natured self. Lucemon now imprisons his spirit in Naraka...the badlands of this netherworld."
"And Yomi...is the good of this netherworld." Izumi thoughtfully added.
"Why have you brought us here...and these secrets, you couldn't have possibly thought we could be trusted...we just met." Takuya, from the silence, queried in confusion.
Galen peered up at Takuya's eyes, his cloudy grey ones were impossible to identify with expression.
"What loneliness is more lonely than distrust? I have healed you...but done so much more than mend broken bones or seal open cuts. You see, there is more than meets the eye with the Agate Amulet." Galen pointed towards Takuya's front. "It bears our very essences as Mahonmon, of whom we heal, to bind with yours. We know your aura, hear emotions and feel your thoughts. It strengthens our bond. And with thus, I trust you with an absolute."
"And what of you, Miss Orimoto...I feel it is safe to carry such knowledge on to you for your simple support. Di-Cangmon would have wanted this to be. He would have wanted more support for peace--from anyone who would care enough to listen." said Galen, his gaze now directed to the worn away engraving of, what both Takuya and Izumi assumed to be, Di-Cangmon.
Izumi looked on, heavy-hearted, at the despaired expression Galen directed towards the pagoda temple.
"You'll have our support, Galen. But...it won't be enough...you'll have much more than that...you'll have us to help." Izumi called from behind, her voice grew more confident. " Why do you have to wait for freedom--and suffer in hiding, when we can help you gain freedom now?"
Galen turned to her, his somber face now glowing. Though, as he opened his mouth for a word of gratitude a sudden tremble of the ground below averted their attention. The temple itself shook as well. Takuya and Izumi exchanged worrisome looks. The water that had flown freely around their surroundings began to rapidly disappear into the ground. Behind them the pagoda structure subsided from its tremours but now shone brightly with a straining light. The two stone statues on either side of the temple followed in the same way.
"Takuya...what--" Izumi turned to face him.
"I--don't--know." Takuya was sprawled against the ground as he was thrown off balance by another tremour.
Then suddenly, in a movement too quick for the eye, Takuya and Izumi's D-Scanners flew from their pockets towards the brilliantly lit temple. The devices were swallowed into the light. Seconds later the tremours had faded and the light had finally ebbed out of sight--leaving everything looking strangely new. In place of the moss and obelisks of ancient ruins were newly built stone structures which completed the magnificent pagoda temple, and where the once murky swamp water flowed around the stepping stones and chamber walls was instead crystal-like water that held patches of lotus blossoms and lily pads afloat. Galen turned to face both Takuya and Izumi, he seemed speechless. His mouth opened but no words could be heard.
"Galen?" Izumi stared questionably at him. "W-What is all this?"
"It's true...Di-Cangmon has prophesized your coming." Galen ignored her, his eyes began studying them more thoroughly. "You are not here for your mere support."
"What are you trying to say?" said Takuya, standing upright again.
Galen paused once more, glowing even more with delight and awe.
"You are the Pure of Heart...the Digi-Destined... Your powers are unprecedented, your hearts of pure, your strength in battle surpasses many... You are the Legendary Warriors..." Galen smiled brightly.
"There are only the two of us, though." Izumi frowned in realization.
"We got separated from the rest." Takuya added.
"Yes...and so the prophecy says." Galen promptly replied. "The promised ones come to liberate our kind in... only.... one pair...no more, no less."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A/N: Whoa! LONG CHAPTER! Sorry I couldn't condense it any more..this is, after all, a very important chapter...though light with the adventure/romance....sorry about that too ^_^;! But I hope you liked it all the same. Come back for more! R&R please!
Disclaimer: I do not own Digimon, Digimon Characters or any other related subjects that are directly copyrighted towards Toei Animation.
To Golden_Sakura 3000 (Miss All-Around Perfect): Since we're not going to see each other in a while....I'll dedicate this chapter to you for your (belated- first half) birthday present...ENJOY! ^_^ Hugs & Kisses to my best bud!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Pure of Heart: Netherworld Journey {I}
To Sonja....Miss All-Around Perfect...You know you are, so you can't say I am...OR ELSE!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Di-Cang Prophecy -Chapter 3-[Part 2]
There was a definite brightening glare that strained Takuya's eyes. Above him was, what he thought to be, a bleary likeliness of a sky and a scattered pattern of starry glints that created the stinging feeling in his vision. With this feeling came another, one which left him believing that he was weightless. It was if he were being suspended in mid-air. And he had been, too; there was a sky but no ground below him, no sign of any steady landing at all. All that could be seen from below was a pitch-black opening, an opening that seemed to go farther down than it appeared. He thoroughly focused his sight to check himself...he was alright, he supposed. No scars or wounds were to be found, he was fully clothed and not particularly feeling grubby or soiled--as he usually would have felt after a battle. However, scars or no scars, there was still a distinct soreness in his shoulder.
That soreness was where he had been hit, right?
His mind began to scour through his slowly fading memory. All he had recollected from just a few hours ago were of vague images of a ghoul-like monster rapidly tumbling to the ground, the flickering flashes of flaming spears and the last image of Izumi--her face soaked with rampant tears. These strange new surroundings were not helpful either, there was just darkness.
Was he dead?
Where was he?
"Hello?" he was near whispering, almost fearing that he was indeed alone. Was he ever to see the light of day, again?
Just as he bowed his head in a helpless, defeated way, a howling jet of wind erupted right before him. From this startling new occurrence came a more focused source of light and a quartet of silhouetted figures, both presences surrounded him completely. His mind became refreshingly clear and evoked a transcendent sensation. It was as though a heavy weight of pain had been lifted from his mind's once dismal state. In place of the pain and confusion came a heavenly surge of comfort that had washed warmly over his body. The sheer power of the light caused him to tightly shut his eyes. Though, after a few moments after the light had dimmed Takuya found himself feeling nothing short of curious. As he lifted his eyelids to see the light, he instead found it hard to fathom the reason why he was no longer suspended in mid-air.
He appeared to be in an open glade. There was spruce trees on either side of the path he was now standing on, miles of neatly cut yellow-green grass stretched out behind the trees, and flowering bushes aligned perfectly with the trees as well. Near the farthest of trees towards the distance were slides, swings and monkey bars attached to a rather odd- shaped jungle gym. This strangely normal place couldn't have looked any more similar to be of his own world, Earth. And yet it felt as though, for certain, it wasn't.
The sky was of a normal blue, one sun--slightly scorching at the back of his neck-- and the familiar laughter of nearby playful children reached his ears. As he felt the presence of one of these children he lowered his gaze. His eyes rested to the boy-- standing tip-toed in getting his attention-- in front of him. Takuya's heart gave a sudden jolt.
"Tomoki!" Takuya gasped, his throat became suddenly dry.
"Takuya, where have you been?" the boy who was certainly Tomoki gleefully smiled a toothy smile at him.
"Tomoki, are you...is it really you?" said Takuya, clasping his hands to the little boy's shoulders.
"It's me, Takuya! What's wrong with you?" Tomoki chuckled lightly at him. "You're acting a little weird, is everything okay?"
"What about Lucemon...how did you escape...were you hurt?" Takuya frantically circled him, studying Tomoki's present condition.
"Er-- Taku--" Tomoki began.
"I just can't believe--but it can't be....are you really Tomoki?" Takuya interuppted him.
"Yes! Now, come on I want to show you something." said Tomoki, his hands propelled Takuya forwards.
Tomoki had led Takuya into another part of the park, where another field opening could be seen. Takuya's eyes grew wide, half interestedly and half feeling reluctant to believe anything was reality here. His other half of reluctance came from the fact that he knew all of this could be just a dream...it surely felt it was by now.
"A soccer field?" Takuya turned to look at Tomoki beaming up at him excitedly.
"That's right! One on one...you and me, how about it?" Tomoki grinned even more happily.
"But...Tomoki--" Takuya still hesitated, knowing full well that he needed more questions to be answered...and if Tomoki knew about his real self being at the capture of Lucemon...
"Come on Takuya, when was the last time you played this game?...Don't you miss it...being with the team...cheering fans at the sidelines...scoring the winning goal...having a normal game, in our normal world...for once?" Tomoki tone seemed almost luring as it was also sincere.
He had pointed out something that Takuya usually found himself longing for...it had been a long time since he had played a tournament game for his soccer club. Was he to play a game of soccer and forget about the task at hand--to wake up and resume in finding the others within this strange netherworld... to finally start their journey towards the Tengu Fortress... and to rescue the real Tomoki.
It would only be for a little while, he thought and felt slightly guilty at his selfish decision.
"One game, Tomoki...then I have to leave...to wake up." Takuya lightly smiled at the anxiously waiting, little boy.
"SCORE!" Tomoki cried excitedly as the soccer ball flew past the goal line on Takuya's end. "What's the score, Takuya?"
"Five to Two!" Takuya mockingly smiled with a smug-like grin. "I win again, buddy!"
"You always win." Tomoki bowed his head sadly. "Best out of three?"
Tomoki looked hopeful. Takuya simply shook his head. "I need to go..." he firmly stated, he avoided meeting with Tomoki's gaze.
They strode over the grassy soccer field. Takuya looking aimlessly into the distance, Tomoki staring at his shoes.
"One more game!" Tomoki looked pleadingly up at him, his eyes began to water.
Takuya looked down at him. He isn't real, he isn't real, he repeated to himself several times. So, why then had he felt it impossible to leave him here.
"I have to go..." Takuya softly repeated.
Takuya kept walking as he smiled wistfully at the sulking face of Tomoki.
"But...why?" Tomoki asked, still gloomy in the face at his decision of parting ways.
Takuya stopped and stood in front of Tomoki, he knelt to level with his small stature and tightly grasped both his shoulders. His deep brown eyes trying their best to show him sympathy.
"Why--Why do you have to leave me here...don't you miss being back home...just doing normal things on Earth?" Tomoki croaked from a muffled cry. "Don't you want to play soccer again...don't you want your life back. Stay...you won't have to worry about saving the world...saving the others. Takuya, you're here for me...you're just like--like my big brother...I want you to stay!"
Tomoki almost sounded demanding, his intensive frown only confirmed this much.
"Don't you see, if I don't wake up...the others will suffer...our world will suffer. If I don't find the others....if we don't save the Digital World...don't you realize the consequences? This is my life! No matter how many times I could try to change it from what it's become...it'll still be the same...I'd still be stuck with the same fate...and I'd still be here for you. I have to worry...I have to! For everyone's sake...for yours...and--and--" Takuya took in a quick panted breath.
"And...and...what!" Tomoki cried frustrated.
"And--I--I--...I have to save you!" he blurted out, louder than he thought it sounded in his head.
Tomoki stared blankly back at him. Takuya stood at his side once more, walking silently beside Tomoki.
"Let's just walk, Tomoki."
Tomoki nodded, following him in silence as well. As they departed from the soccer field seconds later, it had only been a few steps ahead that Tomoki decided to speak again.
"Takuya?"
"Hmm?" Takuya turned in attention.
"Do you know how to get back?" asked Tomoki timidly.
Takuya walked on, his stare seemed distant as it tore away from Tomoki's direction. Before Takuya could ever had had a chance to reply, Tomoki quickly answered his own question.
"Wake up, Takuya... If you want to save your friends...if you want to save me--the real me..." Tomoki side-stepped in front of him "...that's what you want, right?"
"It's all I want." Takuya gently answered.
"Then--I guess--I can't stop you from leaving." Tomoki said and grimly lowered his head.
"I'm out to save you, I have to leave." Takuya softly replied.
Tomoki lifted his head to stare up at him.
"Come here." Takuya motioned for Tomoki to come closer.
"Don't forget our game, Takuya." Tomoki suppressed a dry sob as they hugged.
"Don't worry I'll remember...Five to two...five to two..." replied Takuya, smiling almost painfully.
"Make sure you wake...you don't belong here...you have to return." Tomoki briefly said and parted from him.
Takuya stared after him, his face contorted in fear. Tomoki began to look translucent--he was fading.
"What's going on?" Takuya's mouth fell open, gaping openly at him.
"Don't worry, Takuya...this means you're getting better...you're almost awake." Tomoki beamed at him brightly.
"But--" Takuya began to feel stiff, the words he wanted to stay did not come quick enough. Tomoki was now completely translucent, his last words were whispered, 'It's only a dream, remember?...You'll save me soon enough...'
Trails of shimmer lingered where Tomoki soon disappeared. Takuya looked wildly around, the surroundings began to fade just as Tomoki had moments before. The pitch-black darkness returned, only now the sound of a soothing voice filled his ears. The feel of a outlying aura began to caress his forehead. He could hear his name being spoken, he smiled as he now knew who this warm, peaceful voice belonged to.
"Izumi..." he heard the soft undertone of his own voice.
~~~~~~~~~
If it wasn't for the pungent odour of an unfamiliar fragrance or the morning light that shone across his eyes, it would have been the smell of a distinct meal being prepared that had awoken him from sleep. He slowly straightened himself up from underneath what looked like the ruffled remains of a sage-leaf blanket. His head rested to the bed's headboard as he yawned and with the back of his clenched hands rubbed his tired eyes. He looked to his left and saw another bed, one which had been occupied by the soundly sleeping form of Izumi. A cool draft had suddenly entered the cavernous room, his back slightly shivered and he had now noticed that he was without a shirt. As he looked down in bewilderment he noticed other new things, a silver-chained amulet that hung from his neck and tightly bandaged areas where he started to recall were once open sores from before.
"It is wonderful that you are awake Takuya, sir!" a tiny squeak of a voice sounded from the doorway.
Takuya turned his eyes from Izumi towards the doorway. "Er...Where am I?"
At the front of the room stood, about two feet tall, a white glimmering sight of a bear. In the tiny paws of the bear lay his shirt and jacket, both intact and looking almost as radiant as the creature.
"You are within the Mahonmon Caverns, sir. Miss Orimoto has brought you here to rest from yesterday's terrible incident...We have sown your clothes. I hope they are to your liking. Do you feel better?"
Takuya nodded graciously taking his clothes and dressed himself briefly after he answered the bear. "Yes. I feel much better, thank you."
His stomach, however, would beg to differ. A grumbling sound from inside him made the tiny bear squeal in shock. "You must be famished! Hoshiko, bring in the breakfast for the humans!"
Takuya's mouth began to water as the wooden trays of food came with the scurrying bears by his bedside. Takuya bolted upright and alert as he was handed a plate of eggs, bacon and piled-high pancakes. Another bear, looking quite exasperated, brought in a tall glass of milk.
"Thanks--Thank--you--so--much!" Takuya began to wolf down the meal as he spoke in between his chewing.
"Most humble appreciations, sir." both of the creatures beamed up at him. "Anything else, Takuya, sir?"
Takuya shook his head, keeping his eyes towards his meal. The two creatures bowed politely and briefly left the room.
"Are you going to leave enough food for me?" said a voice from behind. It was Izumi and she began to giggle at the sight of him lunging towards the other tray for more food.
Takuya felt his face fuming red. "Oh, er--sorry I didn't know you were awake."
Izumi lifted herself up and out of bed as she combed her fingers through her disheveled hair. "Never mind that, how are you feeling?"
"Better." Takuya replied and finally directed his attention to her, leaving the food off to another side. "Izumi, how did you--when did you-- are you--erm...what I want to say is..."
"Don't worry about Takuya, I'm fine. You're welcome by the way. Your arm, is it still a little sore?" she waved off his stammer casually.
"I don't feel any soreness." he shrugged.
"That's wonderful!" she exclaimed in relief. Izumi strode towards him, her hands behind her back and now looking a bit saddened.
"What's wrong?" he noticed her change in mood immediately.
"Um..." Izumi finally reached his bedside to show him his damaged goggles and battered hat.
"Is that all?" Takuya stared, bemused at her nervousness. "It's okay Izumi, really. Forget about it."
"You sure?" she continued to look unconvinced. "Because--"
"Forget it. Now, eat up before I finish your breakfast for you." he smiled reassuringly at her.
Izumi pouted mockingly at his threat and sat across from him to eat her breakfast meal, too. She, just seconds later, found herself feeling worrisome again and peered from her food to Takuya.
"Do you remember anything that happened yesterday?" her voice shook considerably. "Well...I remember a lot of things...most of them are sort of vague though. I remember--uh--falling, pretty hard...then the pain in my shoulder...then you..." he put down his plate again and began scratching his head in thought. "That monster...it was huge...it wanted data, and real badly too."
"You speak of Hisamemon's minions. They are vicious data thieves who ambush prey, like yourselves, to steal your data...leaving you for death." at the opening of the doorway stood the appearance of a wise and rather aged bear-creature in which Izumi came to know as Galen.
"Galen!" Izumi turned her eyes to the front of the room.
"Good morning, children." Galen glided towards their bedside. "I expect you are waiting for many of the explanations I had promised yesterday?"
Izumi nodded as Takuya seemed rather confused of the bear's identity and as to how Izumi knew him. And as if the old-aged creature had read Takuya's very thought, he had turned to him and smiled. "And I do believe you are Takuya Kanbara, a pleasure. My name is Galen, the chief Mahonmon of this tribe."
The bear extended his outstretched paw to Takuya; they shook hands.
"Now you two, I presume, are lost?" asked Galen.
Both of them nodded dejectedly.
"This place you have stumbled upon is known, by many here, as Yomi- Naraka. We live within a netherworld that surrounds the Tengu Fortress. Living here is not as pleasant, as you have already experienced." Galen shot his gaze to Takuya's bandaged areas. "But far from here, we long to live as we once have...the paradise we once inhabited."
"We've been to a place that had felt that way...where we were first transported." Takuya interrupted.
"Yes, I thought as much. That wonderful place you had been in is the other, divided half of Yomi-Naraka. You see this netherworld is separated from light and dark, as a tribulation from Lucemon. He once had peaceful intentions with the creation of this world, but he gradually became power hungry--seeking data from the netherworld he had just perfected. Being as he was a peaceful and protective Digimon before, he created a barrier surrounding this netherworld to ward off all evil beings that would ever try to attack the creatures who dwelt within it. This was the only prevention from his plans to steal all the data he put forth to this land-- the only safeguard for our kind. Fortunately, his presently evil powers were repelled by this barrier--but barely fended off his stronghold of destruction. That is why half of his paradise is now empowered by evil and that is why...we were forced to seek refuge underground. These caverns are our home, now. We only emerge from underneath for simple rations of food-- what we can find, really." Galen finished with a weary sigh.
Izumi looked guiltily at the food on her plate, Takuya doing the same.
"Oh! Children, you mustn't worry...we understand that both of you must feel terribly exhausted from yesterday. Please continue your breakfast!" Galen quickly told them as he noticed their sudden timid reaction in eating.
"Oh, thank you--but--erm--" Izumi still didn't touch her meal. "I was meaning to ask you...er-- that thing, that monster that attacked us-- yesterday--"
"Kukuthmon's Data Ravens. They don't look like the likeliness of its bird oriented name but simply the way they relentlessly pillage for other creature's data is familiar to the bird's nature in stealing." Galen disgustedly explained. "Kukuthmon is a Digimon whose sole power and purpose is to unmercifully ransack lives and give all the data stolen to Lucemon. And so with Nagamon, as well. They are all under the rule of Hisamemon, she is the most imminent darkness that Lucemon has sent to plague upon our land."
Takuya and Izumi both exchanged discouraging glances to one another.
"You've been living this way for...?" Takuya implored lightly.
"It has been thus for over three generations ago...my fore fathers have died since but leave fair warning of the danger they hold." Galen said, his paws shuffling in a clasped grip. "They also left a prophecy...one that promises a saviour that will deliver our kind liberation--our freedom--our absolution. We wait until that day will come."
Takuya stared after Galen, feeling a painful pang of pity as he stared at the little bear's eyes misting over.
"Do you want me to show you this wondrous saviour we have been waiting for?" Galen's eyes lit up considerably to this offer.
"How?" Izumi raised her brow. "I thought you said you were still waiting for him?"
"Come! To the sacred temple you shall see what all our kind waits patiently for." Galen cried gloriously and hurried them out the room.
~~~~~~~~~
Past the other inhabitants of Mahonmon and their tiny cavern rooms, past the labyrinth of tunnels and dingy corridors of the caves beyond and past the eerie structures of enormous monsters (that held, to much of Izumi's displeasure, hundreds of bat eyes blinking incredulously at them), they finally reached what seemed to be a large chamber door. Engraved in the moss-covered, iron entrance was the detailed design of a fiery creature that resembled a brooding dragon. The dragon's eyes gleamed of ruby and its wings shimmering in a deep amethyst purple. In its left claw it held a smoldering flame that was lively decorated by scarlet-coloured gemstones. In its right claw it held a vaporous orb of a brilliant violet colour.
Galen past confidently after Takuya and Izumi; both still found themselves entranced by the dragon-embossed door. "We are entering sacred grounds, children. You must follow my lead. Follow my--every--word."
Galen crept closely up to the iron-chiseled dragon and bellowed; easily enough to understand: "Di-Cang!"
The chamber door shook inwardly and suddenly creaked open. They finally entered the vastly spacious chamber. Unlike the dull and dingy cavern tunnels they had been traveling through earlier, this particular chamber held far more allure. The walls glimmered with soft trails of water droplets seeping from above. The above ceiling glimmered as well, though the strange sight of the sky reflected from it's ancient carvings. The reflection was of a glorious dawn--its cool blues, faint purples and pale yellows filled their intrigued eyes.
Izumi took in an astonished gasp. Below them--and where they stood-- were smooth and water slick stepping stones that, one-by-one, made a path in front of them. They made their quick journey on each stepping stones cautiously, avoiding the water that flowed around each stone and throughout the chamber itself. The winding pathway to the very last slippery stone had ended to the centered spectacle of the chamber, a stone pagoda temple. On each side of the old and moss-laden temple were two stone figured creatures: the armored angel to the left sat upon its knees firmly clasping onto an actual samurai sword; the human also clad in armour held a fiery sword that acted as torch light for the chamber.
"What do these symbols mean?" Takuya curiously strode forward to the temple, he fingered the engravings on the temple walls.
"These rune languages tell a story of an old prophecy, the long awaited task at hand...our freedom." Galen stood at Takuya's side, his tone sounding hopeful. "It prophesizes of two warriors that would bring forth their powers to raise Di-Cangmon to life. He was the pure, appointed one who sought after peace in our lands long ago...before Lucemon had turned away from his good-natured self. Lucemon now imprisons his spirit in Naraka...the badlands of this netherworld."
"And Yomi...is the good of this netherworld." Izumi thoughtfully added.
"Why have you brought us here...and these secrets, you couldn't have possibly thought we could be trusted...we just met." Takuya, from the silence, queried in confusion.
Galen peered up at Takuya's eyes, his cloudy grey ones were impossible to identify with expression.
"What loneliness is more lonely than distrust? I have healed you...but done so much more than mend broken bones or seal open cuts. You see, there is more than meets the eye with the Agate Amulet." Galen pointed towards Takuya's front. "It bears our very essences as Mahonmon, of whom we heal, to bind with yours. We know your aura, hear emotions and feel your thoughts. It strengthens our bond. And with thus, I trust you with an absolute."
"And what of you, Miss Orimoto...I feel it is safe to carry such knowledge on to you for your simple support. Di-Cangmon would have wanted this to be. He would have wanted more support for peace--from anyone who would care enough to listen." said Galen, his gaze now directed to the worn away engraving of, what both Takuya and Izumi assumed to be, Di-Cangmon.
Izumi looked on, heavy-hearted, at the despaired expression Galen directed towards the pagoda temple.
"You'll have our support, Galen. But...it won't be enough...you'll have much more than that...you'll have us to help." Izumi called from behind, her voice grew more confident. " Why do you have to wait for freedom--and suffer in hiding, when we can help you gain freedom now?"
Galen turned to her, his somber face now glowing. Though, as he opened his mouth for a word of gratitude a sudden tremble of the ground below averted their attention. The temple itself shook as well. Takuya and Izumi exchanged worrisome looks. The water that had flown freely around their surroundings began to rapidly disappear into the ground. Behind them the pagoda structure subsided from its tremours but now shone brightly with a straining light. The two stone statues on either side of the temple followed in the same way.
"Takuya...what--" Izumi turned to face him.
"I--don't--know." Takuya was sprawled against the ground as he was thrown off balance by another tremour.
Then suddenly, in a movement too quick for the eye, Takuya and Izumi's D-Scanners flew from their pockets towards the brilliantly lit temple. The devices were swallowed into the light. Seconds later the tremours had faded and the light had finally ebbed out of sight--leaving everything looking strangely new. In place of the moss and obelisks of ancient ruins were newly built stone structures which completed the magnificent pagoda temple, and where the once murky swamp water flowed around the stepping stones and chamber walls was instead crystal-like water that held patches of lotus blossoms and lily pads afloat. Galen turned to face both Takuya and Izumi, he seemed speechless. His mouth opened but no words could be heard.
"Galen?" Izumi stared questionably at him. "W-What is all this?"
"It's true...Di-Cangmon has prophesized your coming." Galen ignored her, his eyes began studying them more thoroughly. "You are not here for your mere support."
"What are you trying to say?" said Takuya, standing upright again.
Galen paused once more, glowing even more with delight and awe.
"You are the Pure of Heart...the Digi-Destined... Your powers are unprecedented, your hearts of pure, your strength in battle surpasses many... You are the Legendary Warriors..." Galen smiled brightly.
"There are only the two of us, though." Izumi frowned in realization.
"We got separated from the rest." Takuya added.
"Yes...and so the prophecy says." Galen promptly replied. "The promised ones come to liberate our kind in... only.... one pair...no more, no less."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A/N: Whoa! LONG CHAPTER! Sorry I couldn't condense it any more..this is, after all, a very important chapter...though light with the adventure/romance....sorry about that too ^_^;! But I hope you liked it all the same. Come back for more! R&R please!