A/N: Thanx again for the reviews...Sorry for the delay...I'm quite busy
this summer...Though, I will remain quite faithful to this story, keep
reading please ^_^! TAKUMI ROX! R&R! Please!
Disclaimer: I do not own Digimon, Digimon Characters or any other related subjects that are directly copyrighted towards Toei Animation.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Seek with your soul...See with your heart..."
The Pure of Heart: Netherworld Journey {I}
This Chapter is Dedicated to my Chibi Onii-san "Lil' O"....You're such a Shinya!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Encounter with Deception, Kukuthmon's Ruse -Chapter 4- [Part 2]
"Takuya!" she yelled out. "Takuya!"
It had been several minutes later--after consistently calling out his name in frantic search-- that Izumi had finally felt far from his presence as possible. She let out a heavy sigh as she sat down to an old tree stump nearby. Her eyes fell downcast to the glimmering brook that streamed out to a larger crystalline pond of water. She knew this place, immediately, to be the valley they were previously admiring from the Mahonmon's loft-like pantry. The familiar lush trees seemed to look as though they were ever- growing towards the sky, the same towering flourish of blossoms rivaling in size to the trees alongside them, and in the back was the similar distant, almost drowned out sound of a waterfall--these surroundings were not indifferent to her. Disdain and many confusions had, once again, dawned upon her mind. These familiar pains lingered for a moment and then heightened to her usual fear.
"Takuya..." she breathed, her hand nervously covered her mouth.
What had happened during their portal traveling? What if Takuya hadn't made it through? Was he in danger? And what relentless force had, yet again, separated him--this time physically rather than from his unconsciousness--from her?
~~~~~~~~~~~
"Izumi!" Takuya cried out as he hastily paced back and forth through a brush of trees and shrubs. "Izumi! Where are you? Can you hear me?"
It was no use, not even a single reply to his shouts could be heard. Takuya let out a furious groan, the very livid thought of Izumi being lost or within any imminent danger was strong enough to stir an unpleasant desire to kick something.
"Izumi," Takuya whispered. "please be okay."
"...Takuya..." a ringing echo had suddenly surfaced within his mind. "Takuya..."
Takuya whirled around, thinking the voice came from behind. His eyes darted towards each dark corner of his surroundings.
"Who's there?" Takuya yelled out, sounding almost indignant.
Takuya's mind, still absorbed to many of the thoughts of Izumi's whereabouts, finally came to realization of the voice's identity.
"Galen?" Takuya thought aloud.
"Yes." answered Galen, in his usual tranquil tone. "Are you well?"
"Yes...No." Takuya replied truthfully, vigorously rubbing his forehead with the back of his hand. "It's Izumi, I can't find her. I think we got separated when you brought us out of your Caverns. Do you know where she is? Is she okay? Is she in danger? Is she--"
"I must be perfectly honest with you Takuya, I haven't the slightest amount of knowledge of Izumi's well-being. Whatever dark force that led you two apart must have known what I was doing to get you out earlier." Galen explained, his voice sounding strangely more calm and peaceful. "But do not lose hope of her, Takuya."
"I haven't--I never--I won't. Not as long as I can help it. Not when I know she'll find her way from whatever mess she's in." Takuya inwardly barred his teeth, the fists on either side of him tightened.
Takuya felt a pleasant tingling sensation inside his mind. It flowed within and spread throughout. It was if someone else's soothing thoughts had been flooding with his own. Someone else's feelings? This must have been the power of the Agate Amulet that Galen had spoken of. The bond that connected both him and Galen with their most deepest musings. It was telepathy.
"Truly, you are one of the great Legendary Warriors." Galen proudly praised. "You will find her in time, young one."
Takuya nodded silently. Though there was something along with the thoughts of Galen mingling within his own and the solid confidence in Izumi's independent strength that had stirred another unpleasant emotion.
Fear.
Takuya couldn't help but think of all the possible ways Izumi could come in close contact with danger. He didn't let it show as he had put on a strong face to hide this weakness.
"Galen?" said Takuya, reluctantly pushing aside his worries for Izumi. "Is everyone safe there? Did everyone make it alright inside the Chamber."
"Ah, yes." Galen answered, Takuya felt Galen's thoughts relax in relief. "Everyone has safely made it inside. But we fear that Kukuthmon is still lying in wait within our caverns...waiting until we finally come out."
"Stay put." Takuya replied firmly. "I know Izumi's out here, and when I find her the first thing we're going to do is help you out."
Takuya felt a slight twinge of happiness flowing across his mind...
Galen trusted his word.
~~~~~~~~
"HELP!" a startling number of voices echoed eerily into Izumi's ears. "HELP! PLEASE HELP!"
The voice, so strong and oddly clear--as if it were nearby-- caused Izumi to jump. She stood at her guard as quickly as she could. The shrill yelps and shouts could be heard throughout the valley. Izumi, instinctively, ran to a high-rise stone boulder. As she heard the screams becoming louder she hurried herself up atop the boulder to see above the below scenery. Her gaze fell to the Mahonmon Caverns, there was a sudden blaze of light that had erupted at the peaks of the outer caves. It was fire. Another more familiar shout had caused her to painfully tremble, her insides had frozen over.
"IZUMI!" It was Takuya, sounding strangely more fearful than usual. "HELP!"
His shouts became more hoarse and pleading.
"TAKUYA!" Izumi cried out, she came clumsily down the boulder as she headed in the direction of the Mahonmon Caverns.
Izumi began to run faster and faster. Her heart began thumping louder than ever. The pleading shouts seared and began stinging in her ears. She knew the pleas for help from the voices sounded strangely close by--too close, in truth--but the fact that someone had been in trouble, troubled her. And Takuya...Takuya I'm coming, she thought resolutely. She finally reached the Caverns--opening the secret entrance from the stone wall--and slowly descended inside the darkness of the caves, still following the cries for help. Just then, a sudden chill had past her by. She shivered unpleasantly, the hairs on the back of her neck abruptly felt as though they were standing on end. She stood frozen for a moment, wondering what that sudden force was. She leapt from the darkness to the area which produced the most strongest source of light--the only area which was clearly lit, anyway.
"W-Who's t-there?" Izumi shuddered as another icy chill past by. "Takuya? Is that you?"
A shadowed figure strode closer to the light where Izumi shakily stood. From the instant sight of the person Izumi felt her breathing relax and her heart lift.
"Takuya!" Izumi took no notice to his odd, blank expression as she tightly wound her arms around him in a dangerously tight, air-gasping embrace. "You're okay. Oh, thank goodness you're okay!"
Izumi stood there still grasping onto him, she frowned slightly as she tilted her head to his face. Takuya said nothing, and reacted in neither friendly relief or in his usual warm, ever permanent energy. Izumi's arms had parted from him, her expression rather hurt by this.
"T-Takuya?" said Izumi. "What's wrong? Are you alright?"
She stood but mere spaces away from him, her face still wore the same sudden hurtful frown. Why hadn't he been so concerned about her well-being as she was for his own?
"I'm fine." Takuya replied, Izumi flinched to hear him answer her so coldly. "I was found by Kukuthmon, but I escaped."
Izumi's eyes were wide and she persisted in questioning him. "Oh! Where is she now--are you sure you're okay?"
"I don't know--and I've already told you, I'm fine!" Takuya glowered at her.
"Oh." Izumi shyly replied.
He's never acted this irritable towards me before...what's wrong with him, Izumi thought painfully.
"We need to save Galen and the other Mahonmon, now come on." he turned his back to her as he began to follow the path into a stone-laden tunnel.
Izumi knew this pathway led to Di-Cangmon's Chamber.
The silence had tortured Izumi so. She, many times, during their walk together felt she would press more on the subject of Kukuthmon but the flash of Takuya's glaring eyes had made her fearful. Realizing this, she walked a good distance behind him. They had finally reached the Chamber door, Takuya's hands began smoothing over the engraved dragon and its jewels. Izumi stood tip-toed and looking over his shoulder.
"How do you open this?" Takuya snapped as he turned to face her.
"You don't remember?" Izumi asked, eyeing him incredulously.
"Come here and help me!" Takuya impatiently called to her.
Izumi reluctantly stood at his side. She winced at the sight of his glaring gaze, once more.
"Well?" Takuya's frown only deepened with her hesitation.
"Takuya!" said Izumi, finally coming to her senses and felt defiant against him. "I don't know what your problem is, but...b-but you can't just put all this anger, you have, on me! What's wrong with you!"
Izumi's arms were crossed to her chest. Her face was fuming with rage, it was certain it had turned red, as well. And as if her words had suddenly and painfully reached his ears, Takuya jerked his head upright and rigid. His hands clasping the sides of his head as if he were in pain.
"Takuya?" said Izumi, nervously jumping to his side.
"No. Go to the Chamber door and open it. I will be back--I--I'll be back soon...I have to--just go and do as I say!" Takuya finished his sentence in an odd stammer, leaving her alone at the Chamber's entrance.
Izumi stared after him, her brows furrowed in confusion. She then turned to the Chamber door. Her eyes shifted suspiciously to where Takuya had hastily vanished and then to the doorway. As she came closely to the Chamber door she opened her mouth as if she were to mutter the password. But she hesitated. Instead she pressed her ear to the door, as though to hear the cries of help from before.
Nothing.
She strained her ears even more so and yet nothing was to be heard. As soft clutter of murmurs or footsteps but no pleas or shouts were evident at all. She pulled away feeling more confused by this by the second. Just then, a warm more welcoming feel of gusty wind had surrounded her. The Di- Cangmon Chamber door began gleaming. The dragon that stood, once stationary, began to move in a ghostly and mist-like way from its engraved counterpart. Its ruby eyes bored and stared directly into Izumi's. Izumi felt her feet become immobile and rooted to the spot.
"W-What's going on?" Izumi stuttered. "D-Di-Cangmon...is that you?
The ghostly dragon shook its head. "No." Its voice hissing like a snake.
"T-Then who are y-you?" Izumi gulped hard and continued to speak.
"I...am...Di-Cangmon's Dragon..." said the translucent, pearly-white spirit in a hissing, ominous voice. "My...name...is...Ryujinmon...I am the spirit of Di-Cangmon's Dragon...the spirit of my original form..."
"W-What--er--did you want with me." Izumi asked with a timid voice.
"I am here to guide your mind, Legendary One." said the Dragon. "Though, I am only here for but a few more moments...to give vital advice."
"I'm listening." Izumi replied in earnest patience.
"However, I shall speak as the prophecy has instructed...to give you a clue to see into the deception...to capture it...to distinguish it...to attain the truth from it...." the hissing paused, and then continued...
..."Seek with your soul...See with your heart..."...
Izumi knew that this piece of advice was far too mysterious to be any good to her, but she insisted in straining her train of thought to decipher it.
"W-What...what does this mean!" she finally asked in frustration.
"You may ask of the other Legendary Warrior...the one of possesses the ancient fire spirit, he may know more than you had been led into believing. Much more." the dragon's eyes gleamed its ruby jewels brightly at her. "Ask and you will receive the answer. Concentrate with you soul...and your heart will show you all that resides in that person's very being. Then, and only then will you ever find the bond that connects you both...one which will show you the truth which you seek."
"But--" Izumi began still more confused, though the Dragon already had begun evaporating into the engravings behind him.
"Seek with your soul...See with your heart..." the Dragon's final words were uttered as its misty body absorbed back into the Chamber door's engravings. "Your strength will grow into the power that has been prophesized...then I will appear once more..."
Izumi stood in front of the Chamber door, her eyes engrossed with the dragon's engraved figure. The advice he had given her still ringing in her ears. She needed Takuya here to help her find out what the dragon advised them to do...find the deception and the present danger lurking around the caverns. She followed the darkened path that Takuya had suddenly fled to before. Minutes later, she found him speaking to some kind of sphere-like smoke. And inside the billowing clouds of smoke was a shadowed face that Izumi could not recognize because, at the moment, it had been shrouded in darkness. She hung back a while to eavesdrop on the conversation.
"Do you know where the other child is?" snarled a man's voice from inside the sphere.
"No. But, the one I lured back here is now unlocking the Chamber of Di-Cangmon." Takuya spoke confidently. "I know that the devices Mistress Hisamemon saw in the Naraka Orb are inside that Chamber."
"So it seems...and once you enter make sure that Galen and the other Mahonmon are ransacked from their data. Hisamemon will be needing her strength." the man cackled as he spoke.
Izumi gasped; she couldn't help it. Who was this person that had seemed to be much like to the appearance of Takuya? And what had he been doing talking in conspiracy with a stranger?
"Nagamon, Do you know who these children are?" Takuya asked curiously. "Humans have never been seen in these parts of Naraka ever before."
"I have seen them enter through the Yomi land of this netherworld...they seem to have been transported here from the outer Digital World. Keep a close eye out to these strangers and do not underestimate their power. I have seen them defeat one of your strongest Data Ravens, Kukuthmon. It seems they possess the power to transform into Digimon themselves....and they are nevertheless still a threat if they are in league with Galen." the being lowered his voice so only a few words could be heard by Izumi.
"I will not fail, Nagamon." Takuya bowed to the being inside.
"For your sake I hope you will not...Mistress Hisamemon grows impatient with you..." the man voice snarled back at him.
Izumi shifted closer inside the cavern room that they were in to hear their hissing murmurs and whispers. This had been a mistake. Izumi had stumbled upon a few loose rocks nearby, causing a distinct noise that echoed throughout the room. Takuya whirled around, the orb of smoke disappeared along with the mysterious being inside it. He advanced on her and shot his hands to her arms.
"What--are--you--doing--here?" Takuya asked furiously.
"I--I--" Izumi struggled within his grip.
"Answer me!" Takuya shouted even louder.
"Stop it!" Izumi finally pulled away from his hands, her face soaked in tears.
"What did you hear?" he coldly shouted to her.
"Enough." Izumi simply replied. "Who was--"
"It doesn't matter--did you open the Chamber?" he quickly interjected.
"No." Izumi cried.
"What?" he spat angrily.
Izumi slowly came closer to him, her whole body feeling quite numb with fear. The Dragon's words kept ringing into her memory..."Seek with your soul... see with your heart..." Takuya merely stood his ground, his face still glaring revoltingly at her.
"H-How could you talk to me like this...I've never heard you speak so cruelly towards me...Y-You can't be Takuya." said Izumi, warily. "Y-You can't..."
"How are you so sure of yourself." Takuya sneered. "What if I have been holding back my true thoughts and actions all this time?"
"That can't be...I know the real Takuya...and--and--" Izumi stammered. "And you can't be him."
..."Seek with you soul.. see with your heart..."...it kept nagging at the back her mind.
"T-The real Takuya...H-He cares for me!" Izumi forcefully yelled out.
"Do I now?" Takuya simpered, he grinned at her amusingly.
"Please say you aren't the real Takuya--look at me and say it!" Izumi shouted, her hands clasped to his shoulders. "Please say it isn't true!"
"But it is." Takuya grinned once more.
..."Seek with your soul...See with your heart..."...It frustrated Izumi to the point of a down pour of more tears. But somewhere within all the confusion and lost it finally clicked. It finally made sense; she felt it sink in from all her anguish. As she concentrated her stare into his eyes she saw nothing. Not his warm, deep brown eyes, not the flash or glint of determination, and not the pleasant feel of his usual smile. She saw through it all and yelped at the sight of what the true image of the person- -rather creature--looked like. It was grotesque. Its face, masked in scales and striking blue skin. Its eyes, were two small slits, bulging and blood red. Its mouth, smiling and showed two sets of razor sharp, pincer like fangs for teeth. To its forehead, a few spiked horns and atop its head were two eels writhing like snakes on either side. Izumi was rendered speechless for several minutes before Takuya began speaking again.
"What is it, Izumi." Takuya's voice had transformed into a woman's hissing whispers. "Don't you still think I care for you?"
"NOOO!" Izumi pulled away from the creatures reach. "Stay away!"
Izumi ran as fast as her feet could nervously take her. Behind her she could hear the evil cackle of the monster. "Fool child, you cannot run from Kukuthmon...your human body is weakened before my presence!"
She had been running for hours--it felt like it, at least. She ran to farthest end of the Mahonmon Caverns entrance. As she glanced to her back, she saw nothing but the disheartening, cold darkness. Fortunately, there was no sign of Kukuthmon. She quickly made up her mind to escape from this place. But what about the Mahonmon, she debated with herself for a few minutes. She paced within a lit area fighting within her own mind to stay or to go. From the silence there came a move too quick to avoid or to yelp for help, Izumi was thrown out of the light and into the dark. She struggled to let out a yell but the stranger's hand had covered Izumi's mouth to muffle her cries. At that precise moment, the enormous monster that was Kukuthmon emerged into the light. Kukuthmon's glaring red eyes surveyed the surroundings and once she had stayed long enough and heard nothing she grew impatient and moved on. Izumi was then gently brought back to her feet and into the light. She winced at the sight. It was Takuya. It was as if she was waiting for him to transform into Kukuthmon.
"Izumi, it's me." Takuya quickly said as he noticed her apprehension. "I promise."
"I--I--" she stammered and concentrated her eyes once more to look into his.
For a time that lingered on for so long, Izumi's eyes seemed to become all aglow. Her breathing paced back into a slow and more relaxed feel. Takuya stared back at her a little mystified from her silence.
"Izumi, did she hurt you? Galen told me he heard screaming by the Chamber door. Are you okay? Izumi--?" said Takuya, his eyes worriedly scanned over her as he shook her lightly by the shoulders. "What's wrong? What did she do to you--"
"I just--It's really you, isn't it?" she finally spoke, her voice somewhat quavering. "Your aura...I see it...I really do."
Takuya remained silent. He had no idea what she had been talking about. But to see her safe gave him some relief in all his bewilderment. By the next second however, he felt far from bewildered as an escalating sense of embarrassment began to creep a blush up his neck--her face was drawing nearer to his. "Izumi...?"
"I used Ryujinmon's advice and he was right... I did see the truth in the deception. I knew I was right...I can see your aura, Takuya. ...And the other Takuya didn't--he said he didn't--but I knew you did... "she began to whisper. "... I know you care for me..."
Takuya felt his body stiffen, his heart hammer dangerously against his ribcage and sweat carelessly beading down the sides of his face. This wasn't an unfamiliar feeling he felt around her but it was twice as strong now that she began swooping her face towards him. The simple nearness of her almost frightened him, the space between them had rapidly diminished and Takuya felt a very tight knot in that back of his throat. The closeness was so slight that he could feel her golden locks brushing softly over his cheeks...
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A/N: OMG!! SOOO SORRY!! I DIDN'T MEAN FOR IT TO BE SOOO LONG!!!!!! I PROMISE NEVER TO WRITE SOOO MUCH NEXT TIME!!!!! ^_^; ...hope you'll still be here to R&R! Remember, Takumi RULES!!!!!
P.S. I made a few adjustments... ^.^
Disclaimer: I do not own Digimon, Digimon Characters or any other related subjects that are directly copyrighted towards Toei Animation.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Seek with your soul...See with your heart..."
The Pure of Heart: Netherworld Journey {I}
This Chapter is Dedicated to my Chibi Onii-san "Lil' O"....You're such a Shinya!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Encounter with Deception, Kukuthmon's Ruse -Chapter 4- [Part 2]
"Takuya!" she yelled out. "Takuya!"
It had been several minutes later--after consistently calling out his name in frantic search-- that Izumi had finally felt far from his presence as possible. She let out a heavy sigh as she sat down to an old tree stump nearby. Her eyes fell downcast to the glimmering brook that streamed out to a larger crystalline pond of water. She knew this place, immediately, to be the valley they were previously admiring from the Mahonmon's loft-like pantry. The familiar lush trees seemed to look as though they were ever- growing towards the sky, the same towering flourish of blossoms rivaling in size to the trees alongside them, and in the back was the similar distant, almost drowned out sound of a waterfall--these surroundings were not indifferent to her. Disdain and many confusions had, once again, dawned upon her mind. These familiar pains lingered for a moment and then heightened to her usual fear.
"Takuya..." she breathed, her hand nervously covered her mouth.
What had happened during their portal traveling? What if Takuya hadn't made it through? Was he in danger? And what relentless force had, yet again, separated him--this time physically rather than from his unconsciousness--from her?
~~~~~~~~~~~
"Izumi!" Takuya cried out as he hastily paced back and forth through a brush of trees and shrubs. "Izumi! Where are you? Can you hear me?"
It was no use, not even a single reply to his shouts could be heard. Takuya let out a furious groan, the very livid thought of Izumi being lost or within any imminent danger was strong enough to stir an unpleasant desire to kick something.
"Izumi," Takuya whispered. "please be okay."
"...Takuya..." a ringing echo had suddenly surfaced within his mind. "Takuya..."
Takuya whirled around, thinking the voice came from behind. His eyes darted towards each dark corner of his surroundings.
"Who's there?" Takuya yelled out, sounding almost indignant.
Takuya's mind, still absorbed to many of the thoughts of Izumi's whereabouts, finally came to realization of the voice's identity.
"Galen?" Takuya thought aloud.
"Yes." answered Galen, in his usual tranquil tone. "Are you well?"
"Yes...No." Takuya replied truthfully, vigorously rubbing his forehead with the back of his hand. "It's Izumi, I can't find her. I think we got separated when you brought us out of your Caverns. Do you know where she is? Is she okay? Is she in danger? Is she--"
"I must be perfectly honest with you Takuya, I haven't the slightest amount of knowledge of Izumi's well-being. Whatever dark force that led you two apart must have known what I was doing to get you out earlier." Galen explained, his voice sounding strangely more calm and peaceful. "But do not lose hope of her, Takuya."
"I haven't--I never--I won't. Not as long as I can help it. Not when I know she'll find her way from whatever mess she's in." Takuya inwardly barred his teeth, the fists on either side of him tightened.
Takuya felt a pleasant tingling sensation inside his mind. It flowed within and spread throughout. It was if someone else's soothing thoughts had been flooding with his own. Someone else's feelings? This must have been the power of the Agate Amulet that Galen had spoken of. The bond that connected both him and Galen with their most deepest musings. It was telepathy.
"Truly, you are one of the great Legendary Warriors." Galen proudly praised. "You will find her in time, young one."
Takuya nodded silently. Though there was something along with the thoughts of Galen mingling within his own and the solid confidence in Izumi's independent strength that had stirred another unpleasant emotion.
Fear.
Takuya couldn't help but think of all the possible ways Izumi could come in close contact with danger. He didn't let it show as he had put on a strong face to hide this weakness.
"Galen?" said Takuya, reluctantly pushing aside his worries for Izumi. "Is everyone safe there? Did everyone make it alright inside the Chamber."
"Ah, yes." Galen answered, Takuya felt Galen's thoughts relax in relief. "Everyone has safely made it inside. But we fear that Kukuthmon is still lying in wait within our caverns...waiting until we finally come out."
"Stay put." Takuya replied firmly. "I know Izumi's out here, and when I find her the first thing we're going to do is help you out."
Takuya felt a slight twinge of happiness flowing across his mind...
Galen trusted his word.
~~~~~~~~
"HELP!" a startling number of voices echoed eerily into Izumi's ears. "HELP! PLEASE HELP!"
The voice, so strong and oddly clear--as if it were nearby-- caused Izumi to jump. She stood at her guard as quickly as she could. The shrill yelps and shouts could be heard throughout the valley. Izumi, instinctively, ran to a high-rise stone boulder. As she heard the screams becoming louder she hurried herself up atop the boulder to see above the below scenery. Her gaze fell to the Mahonmon Caverns, there was a sudden blaze of light that had erupted at the peaks of the outer caves. It was fire. Another more familiar shout had caused her to painfully tremble, her insides had frozen over.
"IZUMI!" It was Takuya, sounding strangely more fearful than usual. "HELP!"
His shouts became more hoarse and pleading.
"TAKUYA!" Izumi cried out, she came clumsily down the boulder as she headed in the direction of the Mahonmon Caverns.
Izumi began to run faster and faster. Her heart began thumping louder than ever. The pleading shouts seared and began stinging in her ears. She knew the pleas for help from the voices sounded strangely close by--too close, in truth--but the fact that someone had been in trouble, troubled her. And Takuya...Takuya I'm coming, she thought resolutely. She finally reached the Caverns--opening the secret entrance from the stone wall--and slowly descended inside the darkness of the caves, still following the cries for help. Just then, a sudden chill had past her by. She shivered unpleasantly, the hairs on the back of her neck abruptly felt as though they were standing on end. She stood frozen for a moment, wondering what that sudden force was. She leapt from the darkness to the area which produced the most strongest source of light--the only area which was clearly lit, anyway.
"W-Who's t-there?" Izumi shuddered as another icy chill past by. "Takuya? Is that you?"
A shadowed figure strode closer to the light where Izumi shakily stood. From the instant sight of the person Izumi felt her breathing relax and her heart lift.
"Takuya!" Izumi took no notice to his odd, blank expression as she tightly wound her arms around him in a dangerously tight, air-gasping embrace. "You're okay. Oh, thank goodness you're okay!"
Izumi stood there still grasping onto him, she frowned slightly as she tilted her head to his face. Takuya said nothing, and reacted in neither friendly relief or in his usual warm, ever permanent energy. Izumi's arms had parted from him, her expression rather hurt by this.
"T-Takuya?" said Izumi. "What's wrong? Are you alright?"
She stood but mere spaces away from him, her face still wore the same sudden hurtful frown. Why hadn't he been so concerned about her well-being as she was for his own?
"I'm fine." Takuya replied, Izumi flinched to hear him answer her so coldly. "I was found by Kukuthmon, but I escaped."
Izumi's eyes were wide and she persisted in questioning him. "Oh! Where is she now--are you sure you're okay?"
"I don't know--and I've already told you, I'm fine!" Takuya glowered at her.
"Oh." Izumi shyly replied.
He's never acted this irritable towards me before...what's wrong with him, Izumi thought painfully.
"We need to save Galen and the other Mahonmon, now come on." he turned his back to her as he began to follow the path into a stone-laden tunnel.
Izumi knew this pathway led to Di-Cangmon's Chamber.
The silence had tortured Izumi so. She, many times, during their walk together felt she would press more on the subject of Kukuthmon but the flash of Takuya's glaring eyes had made her fearful. Realizing this, she walked a good distance behind him. They had finally reached the Chamber door, Takuya's hands began smoothing over the engraved dragon and its jewels. Izumi stood tip-toed and looking over his shoulder.
"How do you open this?" Takuya snapped as he turned to face her.
"You don't remember?" Izumi asked, eyeing him incredulously.
"Come here and help me!" Takuya impatiently called to her.
Izumi reluctantly stood at his side. She winced at the sight of his glaring gaze, once more.
"Well?" Takuya's frown only deepened with her hesitation.
"Takuya!" said Izumi, finally coming to her senses and felt defiant against him. "I don't know what your problem is, but...b-but you can't just put all this anger, you have, on me! What's wrong with you!"
Izumi's arms were crossed to her chest. Her face was fuming with rage, it was certain it had turned red, as well. And as if her words had suddenly and painfully reached his ears, Takuya jerked his head upright and rigid. His hands clasping the sides of his head as if he were in pain.
"Takuya?" said Izumi, nervously jumping to his side.
"No. Go to the Chamber door and open it. I will be back--I--I'll be back soon...I have to--just go and do as I say!" Takuya finished his sentence in an odd stammer, leaving her alone at the Chamber's entrance.
Izumi stared after him, her brows furrowed in confusion. She then turned to the Chamber door. Her eyes shifted suspiciously to where Takuya had hastily vanished and then to the doorway. As she came closely to the Chamber door she opened her mouth as if she were to mutter the password. But she hesitated. Instead she pressed her ear to the door, as though to hear the cries of help from before.
Nothing.
She strained her ears even more so and yet nothing was to be heard. As soft clutter of murmurs or footsteps but no pleas or shouts were evident at all. She pulled away feeling more confused by this by the second. Just then, a warm more welcoming feel of gusty wind had surrounded her. The Di- Cangmon Chamber door began gleaming. The dragon that stood, once stationary, began to move in a ghostly and mist-like way from its engraved counterpart. Its ruby eyes bored and stared directly into Izumi's. Izumi felt her feet become immobile and rooted to the spot.
"W-What's going on?" Izumi stuttered. "D-Di-Cangmon...is that you?
The ghostly dragon shook its head. "No." Its voice hissing like a snake.
"T-Then who are y-you?" Izumi gulped hard and continued to speak.
"I...am...Di-Cangmon's Dragon..." said the translucent, pearly-white spirit in a hissing, ominous voice. "My...name...is...Ryujinmon...I am the spirit of Di-Cangmon's Dragon...the spirit of my original form..."
"W-What--er--did you want with me." Izumi asked with a timid voice.
"I am here to guide your mind, Legendary One." said the Dragon. "Though, I am only here for but a few more moments...to give vital advice."
"I'm listening." Izumi replied in earnest patience.
"However, I shall speak as the prophecy has instructed...to give you a clue to see into the deception...to capture it...to distinguish it...to attain the truth from it...." the hissing paused, and then continued...
..."Seek with your soul...See with your heart..."...
Izumi knew that this piece of advice was far too mysterious to be any good to her, but she insisted in straining her train of thought to decipher it.
"W-What...what does this mean!" she finally asked in frustration.
"You may ask of the other Legendary Warrior...the one of possesses the ancient fire spirit, he may know more than you had been led into believing. Much more." the dragon's eyes gleamed its ruby jewels brightly at her. "Ask and you will receive the answer. Concentrate with you soul...and your heart will show you all that resides in that person's very being. Then, and only then will you ever find the bond that connects you both...one which will show you the truth which you seek."
"But--" Izumi began still more confused, though the Dragon already had begun evaporating into the engravings behind him.
"Seek with your soul...See with your heart..." the Dragon's final words were uttered as its misty body absorbed back into the Chamber door's engravings. "Your strength will grow into the power that has been prophesized...then I will appear once more..."
Izumi stood in front of the Chamber door, her eyes engrossed with the dragon's engraved figure. The advice he had given her still ringing in her ears. She needed Takuya here to help her find out what the dragon advised them to do...find the deception and the present danger lurking around the caverns. She followed the darkened path that Takuya had suddenly fled to before. Minutes later, she found him speaking to some kind of sphere-like smoke. And inside the billowing clouds of smoke was a shadowed face that Izumi could not recognize because, at the moment, it had been shrouded in darkness. She hung back a while to eavesdrop on the conversation.
"Do you know where the other child is?" snarled a man's voice from inside the sphere.
"No. But, the one I lured back here is now unlocking the Chamber of Di-Cangmon." Takuya spoke confidently. "I know that the devices Mistress Hisamemon saw in the Naraka Orb are inside that Chamber."
"So it seems...and once you enter make sure that Galen and the other Mahonmon are ransacked from their data. Hisamemon will be needing her strength." the man cackled as he spoke.
Izumi gasped; she couldn't help it. Who was this person that had seemed to be much like to the appearance of Takuya? And what had he been doing talking in conspiracy with a stranger?
"Nagamon, Do you know who these children are?" Takuya asked curiously. "Humans have never been seen in these parts of Naraka ever before."
"I have seen them enter through the Yomi land of this netherworld...they seem to have been transported here from the outer Digital World. Keep a close eye out to these strangers and do not underestimate their power. I have seen them defeat one of your strongest Data Ravens, Kukuthmon. It seems they possess the power to transform into Digimon themselves....and they are nevertheless still a threat if they are in league with Galen." the being lowered his voice so only a few words could be heard by Izumi.
"I will not fail, Nagamon." Takuya bowed to the being inside.
"For your sake I hope you will not...Mistress Hisamemon grows impatient with you..." the man voice snarled back at him.
Izumi shifted closer inside the cavern room that they were in to hear their hissing murmurs and whispers. This had been a mistake. Izumi had stumbled upon a few loose rocks nearby, causing a distinct noise that echoed throughout the room. Takuya whirled around, the orb of smoke disappeared along with the mysterious being inside it. He advanced on her and shot his hands to her arms.
"What--are--you--doing--here?" Takuya asked furiously.
"I--I--" Izumi struggled within his grip.
"Answer me!" Takuya shouted even louder.
"Stop it!" Izumi finally pulled away from his hands, her face soaked in tears.
"What did you hear?" he coldly shouted to her.
"Enough." Izumi simply replied. "Who was--"
"It doesn't matter--did you open the Chamber?" he quickly interjected.
"No." Izumi cried.
"What?" he spat angrily.
Izumi slowly came closer to him, her whole body feeling quite numb with fear. The Dragon's words kept ringing into her memory..."Seek with your soul... see with your heart..." Takuya merely stood his ground, his face still glaring revoltingly at her.
"H-How could you talk to me like this...I've never heard you speak so cruelly towards me...Y-You can't be Takuya." said Izumi, warily. "Y-You can't..."
"How are you so sure of yourself." Takuya sneered. "What if I have been holding back my true thoughts and actions all this time?"
"That can't be...I know the real Takuya...and--and--" Izumi stammered. "And you can't be him."
..."Seek with you soul.. see with your heart..."...it kept nagging at the back her mind.
"T-The real Takuya...H-He cares for me!" Izumi forcefully yelled out.
"Do I now?" Takuya simpered, he grinned at her amusingly.
"Please say you aren't the real Takuya--look at me and say it!" Izumi shouted, her hands clasped to his shoulders. "Please say it isn't true!"
"But it is." Takuya grinned once more.
..."Seek with your soul...See with your heart..."...It frustrated Izumi to the point of a down pour of more tears. But somewhere within all the confusion and lost it finally clicked. It finally made sense; she felt it sink in from all her anguish. As she concentrated her stare into his eyes she saw nothing. Not his warm, deep brown eyes, not the flash or glint of determination, and not the pleasant feel of his usual smile. She saw through it all and yelped at the sight of what the true image of the person- -rather creature--looked like. It was grotesque. Its face, masked in scales and striking blue skin. Its eyes, were two small slits, bulging and blood red. Its mouth, smiling and showed two sets of razor sharp, pincer like fangs for teeth. To its forehead, a few spiked horns and atop its head were two eels writhing like snakes on either side. Izumi was rendered speechless for several minutes before Takuya began speaking again.
"What is it, Izumi." Takuya's voice had transformed into a woman's hissing whispers. "Don't you still think I care for you?"
"NOOO!" Izumi pulled away from the creatures reach. "Stay away!"
Izumi ran as fast as her feet could nervously take her. Behind her she could hear the evil cackle of the monster. "Fool child, you cannot run from Kukuthmon...your human body is weakened before my presence!"
She had been running for hours--it felt like it, at least. She ran to farthest end of the Mahonmon Caverns entrance. As she glanced to her back, she saw nothing but the disheartening, cold darkness. Fortunately, there was no sign of Kukuthmon. She quickly made up her mind to escape from this place. But what about the Mahonmon, she debated with herself for a few minutes. She paced within a lit area fighting within her own mind to stay or to go. From the silence there came a move too quick to avoid or to yelp for help, Izumi was thrown out of the light and into the dark. She struggled to let out a yell but the stranger's hand had covered Izumi's mouth to muffle her cries. At that precise moment, the enormous monster that was Kukuthmon emerged into the light. Kukuthmon's glaring red eyes surveyed the surroundings and once she had stayed long enough and heard nothing she grew impatient and moved on. Izumi was then gently brought back to her feet and into the light. She winced at the sight. It was Takuya. It was as if she was waiting for him to transform into Kukuthmon.
"Izumi, it's me." Takuya quickly said as he noticed her apprehension. "I promise."
"I--I--" she stammered and concentrated her eyes once more to look into his.
For a time that lingered on for so long, Izumi's eyes seemed to become all aglow. Her breathing paced back into a slow and more relaxed feel. Takuya stared back at her a little mystified from her silence.
"Izumi, did she hurt you? Galen told me he heard screaming by the Chamber door. Are you okay? Izumi--?" said Takuya, his eyes worriedly scanned over her as he shook her lightly by the shoulders. "What's wrong? What did she do to you--"
"I just--It's really you, isn't it?" she finally spoke, her voice somewhat quavering. "Your aura...I see it...I really do."
Takuya remained silent. He had no idea what she had been talking about. But to see her safe gave him some relief in all his bewilderment. By the next second however, he felt far from bewildered as an escalating sense of embarrassment began to creep a blush up his neck--her face was drawing nearer to his. "Izumi...?"
"I used Ryujinmon's advice and he was right... I did see the truth in the deception. I knew I was right...I can see your aura, Takuya. ...And the other Takuya didn't--he said he didn't--but I knew you did... "she began to whisper. "... I know you care for me..."
Takuya felt his body stiffen, his heart hammer dangerously against his ribcage and sweat carelessly beading down the sides of his face. This wasn't an unfamiliar feeling he felt around her but it was twice as strong now that she began swooping her face towards him. The simple nearness of her almost frightened him, the space between them had rapidly diminished and Takuya felt a very tight knot in that back of his throat. The closeness was so slight that he could feel her golden locks brushing softly over his cheeks...
~~~~~~~~~~~~
A/N: OMG!! SOOO SORRY!! I DIDN'T MEAN FOR IT TO BE SOOO LONG!!!!!! I PROMISE NEVER TO WRITE SOOO MUCH NEXT TIME!!!!! ^_^; ...hope you'll still be here to R&R! Remember, Takumi RULES!!!!!
P.S. I made a few adjustments... ^.^