The Firelight Prophecies

Disclaimer: I don't own Digimon. That belongs to Toei Animation. If I owned it, Kouji would've been present and watching when Takuya faced ShadowSeraphimon. That could've been so great…

Warning: This fic contains yaoi/shounen-ai, which is the coupling of two males. If you do not like this kind of coupling or you hate the fact that this is a Takouji/Koukuya fic (the coupling between Takuya and Kouji and vice-versa) then you should probably hit that nifty "back" button and search for a fic that's best for you. Any flames shall be poked and prodded by use of a spork.

Synopsis: The Digital World calls upon the help of the Chosen children again, but this time, the battle is for much more than the fate of two worlds, as a life hangs in the balance. Will the darkness consume everything or will Kouji and Takuya have what it takes to survive? Will the shadows threaten to separate the two once and for all? Koukuya/Takouji fluff in later chapters… I really suck at writing summaries.

Setting: This story takes place one year after the series. In this chapter, the digidestined is in the Village of Flames, located in the Digital World.

Written by: Sailor Epyon


Kouji turned his gaze over to Takuya, drinking in the boy's appearance once more. Takuya looked so determined and serious as he continued to search around for clues that Kouji couldn't help but smile. Takuya's expressions were too adorable. He continued to stare at the boy walking next to him. Suddenly, Takuya broke his concentration of their surroundings and looked over at Kouji, managing to capture his eyes in his own. The dark-haired boy felt his cheeks burning deep crimson. He knew he had been caught again.


Chapter 4: Much Ado About a Prophecy

Takuya continued to stare into Kouji's eyes, as if searching for something. It had been over thirty seconds now, and Kouji was doing absolutely nothing to tear himself away from Takuya's intense gaze. How could he escape those chocolate eyes anyway? He had no intention of doing so. Kouji was using this precious time to stare back into those captivating brown eyes he loved so much.

'What will he say to me?' Kouji thought to himself. 'He caught me staring at him again. What will he do, I wonder?'

Takuya suddenly blinked, causing Kouji to blink as well. Takuya drew in a breath, preparing for speech. Kouji also took in a breath in sighing. He was like a rabbit captured in a trap. How would he get himself out of this little mess?

"I've really missed you," Takuya suddenly declared.

Kouji's eyes widened. Had he heard him right? Takuya had missed him?

"Uh, what did you say?" Kouji asked, slightly perplexed. Of all the things he'd expected from his best friend's mouth, this had certainly not been one of them.

Takuya nervously fumbled his fingers, as the two continued walking.

"Well, I haven't been around so much lately," Takuya answered in a small voice, "I've been so busy with everything, and I haven't really been able to hang out with anyone…especially you."

Kouji felt himself smile. 'Takuya misses me. He said he misses me. Maybe he misses me as much as I miss him.'

"I miss you too," Kouji said, with a grin that he wasn't about to hide. "I miss hanging out with you."

"Really?" Takuya asked, as his eyes grew wide.

"Of course." Kouji answered. "It's been a very boring summer without you."

"I'm sorry," Takuya apologized a bit sheepishly, "But haven't the others kept you well entertained?"

"They've tried and I love hanging out with all of them," Kouji replied, "But I really miss hanging out with my best friend, you know? You're the most amusing of all. I'm never bored when I hang out with you." Kouji drew in another breath and began to speak again. "As for your apology, don't worry about it. I know you have responsibilities. It isn't your fault."

A bright smile appeared on Takuya's face. "Thanks, Kouji, I feel the exact same way." The child of flames answered. "I like hanging out with you too."

Kouji's cheeks turned red once again. 'He likes hanging out with me,' His mind reeled.

"I should have more time on my hands once soccer season is finished." Takuya spoke. "The tournaments will be finished in a week or so. After that, things should be less hectic. No matter what happens at this point, I'm really proud of the team."

"You should be proud," Kouji complimented, "You've led your team to every victory this year. You're still undefeated, right?"

"We are," Takuya answered, "But you know, I don't care if we win or lose. It's just so much fun. I'm glad my team allowed me the chance of leading them."

"Hey, they've benefited from having you as their captain," Kouji commented, "I'm going to love saying this, but I told you so."

"Yeah, you did," Takuya answered with a smile, recalling the time when Kouji had given him the confidence he needed to be captain. "It's been a very fun year, but I can't wait to have a little more time on my hands. Like I said, I've really missed you guys a lot and being captain of the soccer team kind of takes a lot out of you."

"Well, you do way more than your share," Kouji spoke in a preachy manner, "I mean, they should practically go ahead and call you 'Coach Kanbara'. You do way more than Coach Aono ever did. Are you going to consider the position as captain for next year as well?"

"Maybe," mused Takuya, "But if I do take the position again, then things are going to have to change. This lack of time is a huge inconvenience, you know?"

"I know," Kouji answered. If anyone knew of what an inconvenience the lack of time was, then it was definitely Kouji. After all, he missed Takuya so much at times, that he could hardly contain it within himself.

The wind suddenly began to pick up. Kouji, who was right next to Takuya, suddenly took notice of a scent of fragrant flowers or sweet fruit. It was the scent Takuya's hair.

'What is that shampoo?' Kouji pondered, before Takuya snapped him out of his thoughts.

"So how are things with you?" Takuya asked. "Everything okay on your end?"

"Oh, I'm fine," Kouji replied. "Everything is definitely fine with me now. The past year was rough, as you know, but things finally seem to be looking up."

"I'm glad for you," Takuya answered, as a smile reached his brown orbs. "Really Kouji, no one deserves to be happy more than you."

'I could say the same about you,' Kouji thought to himself. 'All I want is for you to be happy and safe, Takuya.'

"Thanks," Kouji, then, answered, as his blush deepened. He then took notice of a yawning Takuya. The scene was adorable, but Kouji quickly shook the thought out of his mind. He once again noticed the bags under Takuya's eyes from earlier, not to mention Tomoki's previous comments about Takuya's weariness.

"Takuya, you seem really tired. Are you alright?" Kouji asked, concerned.

"Oh, I'm fine," Takuya answered. "I just haven't been sleeping very well lately. It's no big deal. It'll soon pass, most likely."

Kouji eyed Takuya suspiciously. 'Kouichi did tell me once that he felt as though Takuya was overworking himself.'

Kouji was about to retort, when Takuya suddenly stopped, dead in his tracks. Both boys had come upon a small cliff, overlooking a large ravine.

"What is it?" Kouji asked.

"I'm going to go down there," Takuya suddenly blurted, and, then, started to climb downward. Kouji blinked and followed him.

The cliff wasn't really that difficult of a climb, thankfully for Kouji. The poor boy kept wondering what could've possessed Takuya to suddenly climb down a cliff. Nevertheless, he followed him. When they reached the ground, Kouji let out a sigh of relief. He glanced over at Takuya and shot him a questioning look. Takuya began to walk over toward a platform, surrounded by flames, and Kouji followed him until they stood right across from it. The symbol of fire could barely be seen on the platform's floors through the barrier of flames. One had to squint their eyes to see it. Both boys could feel the heat radiating off the flames, although one certain individual seemed to bask in it.

"Takuya?" Kouji asked, curious as to what significance this place held to Takuya.

Takuya's eyes were closed, as if he was enjoying the intense heat that the flame barriers gave off. He opened his eyes and gave a wry smile.

"This is where it all started for me," Takuya spoke. "This is where I first gained the spirit of flames."

Kouji nodded, and gazed into the flames. "This place is special to you then, like the forest is to me."

"Yeah, I guess so," Takuya answered. "You weren't with us when I first got my spirits, but I had to save Tomoki, Neemon, and Bokomon from Cerberumon. We fought right over there." Takuya pointed over to the right of the platform. "When I got my spirits, it felt so incredible. I think it was when I felt most alive."

"I'd heard Tomoki talk about it once," Kouji answered. "I felt the same when I first got my spirits. So I guess you volunteered to go in this direction so you could pay some kind of tribute to this place?"

Takuya laughed a bit nervously. "You caught me," He snickered, "The last time we came here, I didn't get the chance to visit this place because we had to defend it against the Royal Jerks. They ended up sucking the data dry from this place."

"Yes, but we restored it, thank goodness." Kouji answered. "And speaking of the Royal Pains in the Asses…those two were so incredibly lame. How did they manage to beat us so many times?"

Takuya suddenly cracked up and burst out laughing, much to Kouji's delight. "Who knows?" He giggled, "Do you remember how they cackled? They bellowed like goats."

Kouji began to laugh as well. "I know. Dynasmon wasn't exactly sharp around the edges, was he?"

"What about Crusadermon?" Takuya sniggered before clearing his throat, "Oh Dynasmon, you've got milk on your chin. It's so beautiful."

Kouji continued laughing at Takuya's sarcastic attempts of impersonating Crusadermon, before joining with his own adaptation of Dynasmon. "Crusadermon, fret not; we need more data! By the way, what do I do with this sharp pointy thing again?"

"It's a sword, dearest Dynasmon, and I do not fret. Now please, allow me the chance to continue looking at this piece of lint, for it is beautiful," Takuya spoke in his greatest attempt of impersonating the former Royal Knight that had once been clad in pink.

Both boys were laughing at each other, goofing off, and having a blast. Perhaps it wouldn't have been funny to anyone else. It probably wouldn't have been funny to Kouji in the past, but it was hilarious now, especially after everything that both he and Takuya had gone through together.

Kouji was the first to halt his laughter, as he stared into the flames once more.

"Takuya?" He asked. "Do you think we'll regain our spirits? Do you think we'll be able to spirit evolve once more?"

"Sure," Takuya answered, "Don't you feel them?"

Kouji blinked in confusion, as he turned to look at Takuya. "Feel what?" He asked.

"Our spirits. Can't you sense them? We already have them. Our spirits have been with us since we reached the Digital World." Takuya replied.

"Takuya, are you sure?" Kouji asked, in slight disbelief.

Takuya sighed and nodded simultaneously. "Our spirits are with us, Kouji. Check your D-Tector if you don't believe me. Our spirits returned to us the moment we entered the Digital World. I became aware of them when I came out of that…err…trance. I've felt them the entire time. Haven't you?"

Kouji shook his head, not making any attempt to cover up the shocked expression on his face. He took his D-Tector out of his pocket and pressed the side button. Surely enough, his spirits showed up on the screen.

Kouji gasped. "You're right!" He exclaimed. He, then, gazed at Takuya, confusedly.

"Takuya," he spoke, "Why didn't you tell us that we had our spirits back?"

Takuya shrugged. "I thought everyone could sense them, I guess. I mean, I can feel them, so I just assumed that the rest of you could too."

Kouji sighed. "How is it that you can sense our spirits, but I can't?"

Takuya once again shrugged. "I'm not sure, Kouji," he answered in a small voice.

Kouji put his D-Tector away and smiled, slightly. "Well, at least we know that we can defend ourselves against whatever may be out there. I'm glad to have my spirits back."

Takuya nodded in agreement. "Since having our spirits back is news to you, then maybe we should alert the others as well. Besides," Takuya sighed, "Our hour is nearly up and we should start heading back to our rendezvous point. Looks like we didn't make any progress as far as the missing digimon are concerned."

Takuya glanced at the platform and its surrounding flames one last time before turning and heading back toward the cliff's steep walls. Kouji followed him closely behind. The two began to slowly climb back up to the top of the cliff. Takuya was the first to reach the top and turned to give Kouji a hand, and gestured to help him up. Kouji readily accepted, grabbing Takuya's hand, and was hoisted upward. Takuya and Kouji both fell to their knees, attempting to catch their breaths after safely reaching the top. Kouji gave a small chuckle.

"I forgot what a workout it was to hang out with you, Takuya." Kouji chuckled.

"So then, are you saying that you've lost your edge?" Takuya teased.

"Never," Kouji answered with a smirk, not allowing Takuya to get away with thinking that he'd worn him out. He straightened himself out and offered Takuya a hand in standing. Takuya happily accepted the hand and stood with his best friend.

"You might regret what you said earlier about hanging out with me," Takuya laughed as he began to walk forward.

"Never," Kouji spoke softly, in a low voice that no one could have possibly heard.

The two walked in silence as they headed back to the rendezvous point in the center of the Village of Flames.

'What's going on with Takuya?' Kouji silently asked himself. 'First, he falls into that trance-like state. Then, while he was in that trance, he seemed to know that the Digital World was calling, because he was headed to the train station. He even anticipated the text message we all received, come to think of it. Now, he can sense our spirits, when I know for a fact that I couldn't, nor the others, for that matter. Takuya was on edge earlier about a bad feeling he had about this world. Naturally, we're needed for some kind of reason that involves trouble, but something's not right. What's going on here?'

Kouji sighed and glanced at Takuya. 'I'm starting to have a bad feeling too, and I don't like it one single bit.' He thought to himself.

When the two reached the rendezvous point, it wasn't surprising that they were the last two to arrive.

"And here comes Kouji and Takky, fashionably late, of course." Junpei chirped with a slight smirk as the two came upon them.

"So, did you guys come up with anything?' Izumi asked.

"No," Takuya answered. "How about you?"

"Kouichi and I found nothing," Izumi sighed as Kouichi shook his head, confirming Izumi's report.

"We didn't find anything either." Tomoki said with a sigh as Junpei drew in a breath as well.

"We didn't find any signs of a struggle, battle, or anything of the sort," Junpei answered, embossing Tomoki.

"Perhaps the inhabitants of this village left willingly," Takuya suggested.

"I remember how strong-willed the digimon here were when we defended them against the Royal Knights last time," Kouji spoke, as if in deep thought. "I doubt they would've surrendered to anyone if there was a struggle. They would've fought to the bitter end."

"I agree," Takuya answered, "I think it's safe to assume that the digimon weren't involved in a battle, at least, not in this area. Maybe the digimon just left for some strange reason. Either way, we'll figure it out sooner or later."

"Well, I hope it's a lot sooner than later," Junpei declared. "This little mystery is bringing on anxiety that I really don't need at the moment."

"We did find something out though," Kouji stated, "Or rather, Takuya made a discovery. Apparently, our spirits have returned to us."

"What!" Everyone aside from Takuya and Kouji gasped.

"Yeah, Takuya said he sensed our spirits. Surely enough, my spirits were right there on the screen of my D-Tector, as if we'd never been separated." Kouji explained.

Everyone checked their D-Tectors to find that their spirits had indeed returned. The Chosen let out a cheer, enjoying the fact that their spirits, which were much like old friends, were back. After recovering from the shock and joy of the realization, all eyes fell upon Kouji and Takuya.

"What do you mean, Takuya sensed them?" Kouichi asked, a bit confused.

"Like Kouji said, I sensed them. I thought the rest of you could too, or I would've told you sooner." Takuya tried to explain. He then explained how he could sense them when he snapped out of the trance on the trailmon.

"How come you could sense our spirits, but we couldn't?" Junpei asked.

"I don't know," Takuya answered in a somewhat tired tone. "There's a lot that I don't seem to know about myself these days." Takuya let out a sigh.

"We probably could've saved ourselves lots of drama if we had checked our D-Tectors ourselves the moment we arrived, instead of just looking at them." Izumi chuckled. "But then again, we were all stressing over Takuya at the time, so maybe that's why we didn't use common sense."

"Sorry," Takuya answered, exasperated.

"I thought we'd have to go through the same process of regaining them again, like last time. Good to know some things aren't repeating themselves," Tomoki said.

"You're telling me," replied Junpei, "I guess once we're chosen, we're chosen for life, or something along those lines."

Takuya sighed. 'Why was I the only one to sense them? Why couldn't the others? What's going on?' He silently asked himself. Kouji noticed the troubled expression on Takuya's face.

"Hey-" Kouji said gently, but was cut off by the sound of fast-paced footsteps coming up from behind. The footsteps were small and unrecognizable, yet oddly familiar at the same time. They most certainly didn't belong to anyone within the group.

Kouji gripped his D-Tector, preparing for defense, as Takuya did the same. They both turned around to face the intruders, as the rest of the group prepared to do the exact same. Takuya's face suddenly turned to shock, as the intruders made themselves be known. The look of shock, then, turned to happiness, as Takuya ran up to their visitors.

"Bokomon? Neemon?" Takuya asked, as he was running up to the two, small digimon.

"Takuya! Takuya, it is you!" Bokomon shouted cheerfully, as anime tears streamed down his face.

Takuya dropped to his knees and pulled both digimon into a big hug.

"I've missed you guys so much!" Takuya exclaimed happily.

"We've missed you too," Bokomon answered, speaking for Neemon, as the poor long-eared digimon was having a difficult time breathing at the moment. "We weren't sure if we'd ever see you again, but we always kept hoping that we'd cross paths again."

"I'm glad to see you both again," Takuya declared with a grin.

Everyone else had their turn at happily hugging Bokomon and Neemon, with the exception of Kouji, who, instead, patted them on their heads.

"Bokomon, the kids have all grown so much," Neemon commented, causing Bokomon to roll his eyes, at such an obvious comment. It had been a while, though...

"Bokomon, where are the inhabitants of this village?" Kouji asked, after everyone had been reacquainted, transforming the happy scene into a more serious one.

"Do you know why we're here?" Takuya asked, equally concerned.

"All will be explained soon," Bokomon answered. "I have the answers to both questions. How about we sit down? This is going to take a while."

Everyone nodded, as they sat on the sidewalk, and grew quiet, anxious for their questions to be answered.

"I'll answer the least complicated question first." Bokomon answered. "The inhabitants evacuated this village, and the villages surrounding it yesterday. They are staying in various safe locations underground near the guardians' castles."

Bokomon drew in a breath and continued. "As for the second question, well, that's a bit more complex. Surely, you're all aware that you were called here because you were needed to help the Digital World again."

Everyone nodded, awaiting Bokomon's explanation. The little digimon cleared his throat and continued.

"The Digital World is in peril again, I'm afraid. A lot has changed since you were last here. We experienced a long period of peace and prosperity. The Digital World triumphed over your hard work, and it was wonderful. Nevertheless, Patamon, Lopmon, and Salamon eventually digivolved until they reached the levels of Seraphimon, Cherubimon, and Ophanimon again. They retook their rightful places as guardians of this world, making sure to uphold the peace that you fought so hard for. In fact, Neemon and I became Seraphimon's advisors alongside Sorcermon, who was reborn by the way, and lived in his castle with him. I must say, I'm very proud of Seraphimon and-"

"I'm really happy for you and all, Bokomon, but can you please get back to the point?" Takuya asked, cutting in, as Bokomon started to ramble.

"Yes, yes, fine," Bokomon groaned as he continued, "Anyway, all was well until a shadowed figure made his presence known, just a few days ago. He began attacking helpless digimon, and claimed that the shadows would rise again and destroy the Digital World once and for all. Ophanimon once again summoned you here and arranged for your spirits to be returned to you as soon as you re-entered this world. Sorcermon and Nefertimon, who was also reborn, sent us here to meet with you, actually." Bokomon explained.

"Okay, so where are the guardian digimon now?" Kouichi asked. "Do you want us to meet up with them or something?"

"Well, you see…about that," Bokomon stammered, as he began to hesitate. "The three guardians decided to take it upon themselves to challenge and dispose of the terrible new threat to this world, but…."

Takuya suddenly let out a gasp, and everyone turned to face him.

"They lost the battle, didn't they?" Takuya asked in a low voice, surprising everyone.

"How did you know?" Bokomon asked. "I'm impressed. Has your intuition improved that much?"

"I don't know about that," Takuya sighed, "but for the past few nights, I've been having these nightmares."

"What kinds of nightmares?" Asked Kouji, concerned.

"Yes, do tell," Bokomon answered.

"Well," Takuya started, "There was this cloaked figure, shrouded in shadows. I could never see his face or features at all. It was just a dream, but I could always feel the shadows draped around him. It felt like emptiness and despair, a terrible kind of darkness. It was impure and smothering, unlike Kouichi's own dark power. Anyway, hundreds of white feathers seemed to be falling around the shadowed figure. He gave this sinister laugh that I could never recognize, and then turned to look at me, although his face was still covered within the shadows. Then, I would always wake up. I could never actually see him though, and honestly, I never wanted to."

Everyone stared at Takuya in awe, but Kouji stared at the boy worriedly.

"Why didn't you ever tell anyone about this dream?" Kouji asked, with deep concern in his voice.

"I could never remember it so vividly." Takuya answered, "Until now, it was nothing more than blurs and uneasiness. My memories of those nightmares just hit me all of a sudden."

"Takuya," Bokomon commented, "I believe you've been experiencing premonitions again. The three guardian digimon were, in fact, defeated, and captured."

Everyone turned to look at Takuya with shock painted all over their faces, once again. Takuya simply closed his eyes, as if to gain some kind of clarity in his thoughts. He was obviously becoming stressed out.

"Premonitions?" Tomoki asked, awestruck.

"What do you mean by again?" Kouji asked, staring at Takuya with nothing but confusion and worry in his eyes.

"Since when did Takuya ever experience premonitions?" Junpei asked, extremely curious.

Bokomon glanced over at Takuya, wondering if he'd explain his past experiences himself, but the child of flames still had his eyes tightly shut. Bokomon drew in a sigh.

"Takuya experienced premonitions when you came to the Digital World the first time." Bokomon explained. "I don't mean to bring up unpleasant memories, but it happened after Duskmon had injured Kouji, and after the evil hybrids had captured Tomoki, Izumi, and Junpei. Takuya was missing in action for quite sometime."

Kouji glanced over at Kouichi, who didn't seem to be too upset at the mentioned 'incident' that took place in the past. Kouji's worried look lessened a bit. Kouichi was definitely starting to forgive himself a little more each day now. Bokomon drew in another breath to speak.

"Eventually, Neemon and I met up with Takuya, but he was a completely different person. He had a premonition about the storm that occurred shortly before his rescue attempt, and was able to use his predictions to his advantage. Takuya gained a strong connection to the Digital World that day. I'm not surprised that he was able to subconsciously sense that the Digital World was in danger, before you were sent here."

Everyone glanced at Takuya again. Kouji eyed the boy suspiciously.

'Takuya never once mentioned any of this,' Kouji thought to himself. 'He never mentioned anything about premonitions. In fact, he's never really explained anything about that day from the time Duskmon attacked and he disappeared, to the time that he came to rescue us.' Kouji began to think of the series of events that had occurred in the Digital World last time. Then, he remembered…

"When we were first trapped inside Sakkakumon, we lost track of Junpei. Takuya knew exactly where to find him though. He said he could feel where Junpei was." Kouji thought aloud, bringing everyone into thought.

"Hey that's right, I remember that!" Izumi exclaimed.

"Takuya could also sense our spirits when we couldn't," Kouichi implied. "And what about Takuya's strange entry into the Digital World?"

Takuya's eyes jolted open, obviously wanting some answers to that little mystery.

"What do you mean?" Bokomon asked.

Kouji, then, took the liberty of explaining the occurrences that had happened earlier in the day, from the time he met up with Takuya, to the strange trance he was in; to the way he seemed to anticipate the message from Ophanimon before it was even sent, to his awakening and lack of memory within that duration, to being able to sense the spirits, even when the others couldn't. Bokomon appeared to be in deep thought when Kouji finally stopped.

"So Bokomon," Takuya spoke, for the first time in a while, "Do you have any idea as to what's going on with me? Why am I blanking out? Why did I receive premonitions? Why was it that I could sense the spirits so strongly when the others could not?"

"I'm not exactly sure about that," Bokomon answered. "The premonitions are probably the result of your connection with the Digital World, as I've mentioned before. Maybe you have some kind of sixth sense."

"Geez, Takky," Junpei commented, "I guess you're some kind of a psychic. No wonder you're always winning at those soccer games."

"No way!" Takuya exclaimed, with slight anger in his voice. "If I had the ability to do that, then I'd just quit soccer. There'd be no challenge for me and that wouldn't be fun at all! It's not like I have premonitions all the time, or that I can read minds, or anything like that. I thought the premonition I had in the Dark Continent was a fluke last time…or maybe the Digital World's way of helping me. I swear, I'd never do anything like that!"

"Take it easy, Takky!" Junpei called, as he threw his arms up in defeat, "It was just a joke. You don't have to be so defensive!"

"I'm sorry," Takuya sighed after a long pause, regaining his composure. "I didn't mean to snap at you."

"Don't worry about it, Takky." Junpei answered, patting the shorter brunette on the back.

Kouji frowned. He couldn't blame Takuya for being at his wits' end and getting so defensive. The poor guy was burdened with so much today, and it seemed to only be getting worse and worse. He was extremely tired and overworked, from his responsibilities, not to mention the fact that he wasn't getting sleep due to the disturbing nightmares that he was just now starting to recall.

'How can I help him?' Kouji thought to himself. 'I promised him that I would help him, but how? Takuya shouldn't have to be burdened like this.'

"I'm surprised that you could sense the spirits, though." Bokomon commented, bringing Kouji out of his thoughts. "I could understand the fact that the others couldn't, but the fact that you could…"

"Why is it such a shock to you?" Tomoki asked.

"Because our enemy set up an invisible barrier." Bokomon simply replied. "With the barrier in place, it's not surprising that your own spirits were difficult to sense."

"Explain what you know about this barrier," Kouji practically ordered.

"Our enemy set up a barrier, not long after the battle against the celestial guardian digimon," Bokomon explained. "This barrier prevents digimon from digivolving to certain levels. I've already calculated that Kouji and Takuya can't spirit evolve to levels that are higher than Aldamon and Beowolfmon."

"So we don't have the ability to spirit-evolve to EmperorGreymon and MagnaGarurumon, then?" Takuya asked, baffled.

"Correct," Bokomon answered. "EmperorGreymon, MagnaGarurumon, and even Susanoomon is pretty much out of the picture, at least until the barrier is brought down."

"And where is the source of this barrier located?" Kouji asked.

"I don't know," Bokomon sighed. "Sorcermon became aware of it and has been trying to track the location. We can only assume that the barrier is in the same location as the enemy himself, and so far, we haven't been able to locate his hideout."

"That sucks," Junpei chided, dropping his arms, which had been behind his head until now.

"The barrier probably prevented you from sensing your own spirits as soon as they were returned, but the fact that Takuya could sense them shocks me. It probably has something to do with your slight sensory perception, Takuya." Bokomon commented.

Takuya nodded, still trying to take everything in. Kouji merely shot him a worried glance before Bokomon broke the ice again.

"As I was saying," Bokomon said rather bluntly, "That's the only explanation that I could provide for your premonitions and awareness of the spirits…you have a sixth sense and you have a rather strong connection to the Digital World. However, I cannot answer why you fell into that trance. Perhaps that, too, has something to do with sensing premonitions, but…"

"You're not so sure about that, are you?" Takuya asked, tentatively. The Chosen's leader let out a sigh. "Truth is, it just can't be explained, right? I was afraid of this. There has to be a plausible reason for why I just blanked out like that. It goes deeper than premonitions…I have a bad feeling about this." Takuya hung his head low when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to find a very determined Kouji peering down at him intensely.

"We'll find out what happened to you." He said rather gently, in contrast to his strong facial expression, "You've got me working by your side, and like I said before, I never go back on my promises."

Takuya smiled a little. "You're right, and you know how resilient we are when we work together."

Kouji smirked. "That's right," he chuckled.

"Getting back to the main topic, which we seemed to have swerved away from," Bokomon said as he cleared his throat, "That evil fiend has defeated and captured the three legendary guardians. Sorcermon and Nefertimon are working to gather information as we speak, but we honestly aren't very resourceful at the moment. The evil being wouldn't reveal his identity from what I understand. Sorcermon and Nefertimon were present before he challenged the guardians, but Seraphimon and Ophanimon quickly ordered them to retreat and escape. They, as well as Cherubimon, entrusted your spirits to the two of them for safe-keeping. Ophanimon ordered that your spirits be returned to you as soon as you returned to the Digital World, if they'd failed to stop the fiend themselves. She knew that if they couldn't stop him, then our hopes would once again have to be entrusted onto you. Sorcermon and Nefertimon released your spirits as soon as they received confirmation that the trailmon they'd sent to retrieve you had re-entered the Digital World, a few days after learning that Ophanimon and the others had not returned. They sent Neemon and myself to greet you and inform you of what we know. Ophanimon most likely sent that distress after she was captured, as a last ditch effort, as well as the other two guardians. We haven't heard from the three of them since."

"So you don't have any idea who this digimon is or what he wants?" Kouichi asked.

"The digimon is hiding his identity well. No one has seen his face. After the capture of the guardians, he began attacking innocent digimon. Most of the remaining digimon have evacuated underground. He has been rather static in his attacks in the past day or so…too quiet, if you'd ask me. He has a base somewhere, but we're unsure of the location. That's where the guardians must be held. This fiend is, however, rather strange for an evil villain."

"How so?" Kouji asked, curiosity written all over his features.

"He's bent on destruction, but he has yet to really do so. He could've collected the guardians' data, and yet, he merely captured them. He has yet to actually steal data, if you want to know the truth. He hasn't attempted to take data from this world at all. He's attacked some digimon, but unlike the other enemies before him, he's not much of a data-thief."

"Perhaps he's laying out a trap?" Kouji asked, suspicious.

"We've considered that, and truthfully, it's a possibility. However, we came to the conclusion that perhaps he was waiting for an opportunity, or for something to happen. We worked all night trying to discover exactly what it was, but then, Nefertimon found it." Bokomon answered.

"Found what, exactly?" Izumi asked.

"Neemon, please give me the book at once." Bokomon preached to the bunny-looking digimon. "Get it out so I can explain."

"Zzzz…" Neemon appeared to be sleeping, as a huge bubble appeared on his mouth.

"Neemon!" Bokomon shouted at the top of his lungs as he snapped his pants, causing him to awaken and shriek.

"Some things never change," Tomoki whispered to no one in particular.

"Book, book, where are you…here it is!" Neemon sung, pulling the book out of seemingly nowhere. Bokomon greedily took it from him, irritated at the fact that his old friend could sleep at a time like this.

"As I was saying, Nefertimon found this book lying on her desk, just out of the blue. She didn't put it there and we were all baffled about how it got there in the first place. Nevertheless," the small digimon clarified, "We opened the book to find this…"

Bokomon opened the book to the first page and waved it around for the Chosen to see.

"Of all the pages in the book, the first page is the only one that has writings on it. It was a very strange find." He replied. "Nefertimon, Sorcermon, and I have a theory. Remember when I said that our enemy seems to be waiting for something?"

Everyone nodded, anxious for the small digimon to continue.

"Well," Bokomon continued, "The text in this very book may prove our theory to be true. We have reason to believe that the new threat is waiting for an opportunity to make himself and his true intentions known…all in good and precise time. He has a plan, and it's a doozy. The text in this book is not very clear, but it answers a few questions."

"What does the book say?" Izumi asked, asking the question for everyone.

"The book contains a passage," Bokomon answered, "I think it's more than just a simple passage, though. It's a prophecy."

"A prophecy?" Takuya asked, curiosity etched all over his face.

"What would make you think that it was a prophecy?" Kouji inquired, suspicion hinting in his tone of voice.

"Because the first part of the passage has already come true," Bokomon explained in a dark voice. "I'll go ahead and read to you what the first passage says. I want you to pay especially close attention to the passage, Takuya."

Takuya simply nodded gravely, wondering why Bokomon would single him out.

"The lands shall fall into shadow once more. Shadows shall ravage the lands and those with wings shall be caged, who protect it." Bokomon read. He then turned to Takuya.

"I'm not one for figuring out things, but that passage described my nightmare, didn't it?" Takuya asked, nervously.

"That's right," Bokomon answered. "The passage is referring to the fall and capture of the three celestial guardians, and it also refers to the one who captured them, without great detail."

"What about the second part of the passage?" Kouichi asked. "You led us to believe that there was another one. Has it also come true?"

Bokomon frowned. "No, it hasn't," he answered. "That part of the prophecy has yet to occur."

"So then maybe this is just a coincidence?" Tomoki asked, hope tinged in his voice.

"No, it isn't just a coincidence," Takuya spoke up in a somewhat dark voice. "What I saw in that nightmare was real. What I felt in that dream was real…and what I'm feeling now is also real. I'm going to believe in this prophecy."

Kouji felt a chill run down his spine. An ominous feeling was nagging at him. Takuya's words…the premonitions…the prophecy... Something bad was about to happen and he didn't like it at all. Kouji now understood the apprehension that Takuya had been experiencing all day.

"Bokomon," Takuya spoke, breaking Kouji out of his thoughts, "Please read us the second part of the passage. Maybe it'll give us a clue as to what our enemy will do next."

"As you wish," Bokomon replied. He took in a breath and began with the second passage. "He who is a source of light shall be engulfed by shadows."

Everyone grew silent, trying to take in the words of the second passage.

"No…" Takuya's voice trailed, breaking the silence with his shaky voice.

Kouji whirled around to find Takuya looking at him with eyes full of shock and fear.


A/N: I finally updated with chapter 4. I'm on break right now, so I have the time to work on fics a bit more. Chapter 5 will be updated much sooner than the other chapters were. I'm so excited to work on it, because I'm finally getting somewhere. Bokomon had a huge role in this chapter, didn't he? -laughs- Who else would be better to explain things though? He always does it in the series, even with going off-topic and everything. I'm sorry if you don't like him, but I adore him, as well as Neemon, although they did get on my nerves in the beginning. To me, the series just wouldn't be the same without them. Neemon is the keeper of the book of prophecies, just as Bokomon is the keeper of that digimon reference book, hehe. Takuya seems a bit ooc, but if all this was happening to me, then I don't think I'd be myself at all…I'd be confused and unsure of things too. Also, the premonition thing isn't AU or anything. I just kinda picked up on the "Sockit Takuya" episode (unsure of the actual ep title) and amplified the situation a bit to suit my own purposes for this fic. I also apologize for the horrible wordings of the prophecies, and the horrible humor that I've attempted in this fic.

Does this chapter confuse you guys at all? Did it make any sense? Please don't panic, if you happen to be confused. Chances are, I probably didn't explain things well enough. I'm about to summarize the main points of this chapter to make things easier for you. Takuya's trance wasn't revealed in this chapter at all…so you didn't miss that; it's just not the right time to explain that yet. It will happen very soon though.

What you should've gotten from this chapter is as follows: Takuya was able to sense the spirits, when everyone else couldn't. This was because the enemy, who shall remain nameless right now, has set up a barrier, making it difficult for the digidestined to sense their own spirits; the barrier's main purpose was to keep certain digimon from spirit-evolving to a certain level. Remember the control towers that Ken used in 02? Well, the barrier is a bit similar to the properties of that, although there are differences… The guardians, as well as their advisors (Sorcermon and Nefertimon) were immune to this, thus keeping their forms, mainly because they were already high-levels when the barrier was set up. Takuya received premonitions in the form of nightmares, seeing an unrecognizable foe shrouded in shadow, making it impossible to know his true identity, with floating feathers, symbolic of the guardian digimons' defeat. The premonitions were the result of a sixth sense, which Takuya possesses, possibly due to the strong connection that he gained with the Digital World back in the series, as well as his ability to sense the spirits despite the barrier (or maybe Takuya was a kind of psychic in the series?). Ophanimon, Cherubimon, and Seraphimon were defeated and captured. Ophanimon had summoned everyone back to the Digital World, shortly after her capture, however, and left the spirits in the care of Sorcermon and Nefertimon, who are still working vigorously to find out what exactly is going on with this new threat… The spirits were returned to the children the moment they re-entered the Digital World, although they weren't aware of it at the time (with the exception of an oddly observant Taku). Takuya's premonition was embossed by the first passage of the prophecy.

I hope that cleared up any confusion that you might have. If not, then please email me…but understand this, any strange plot-holes that you came across are there for a reason and will be answered later. This has all been planned out, so please don't worry. This is merely the beginning of things to come in this fic of mine.

I apologize for the long author's note, once again, and I also apologize if anyone's offended by my using Japanese names with dub digimon names. Yes, I know this bothers many people, but most people seem to recognize them best in this way…I've read enough fics out there to notice that. I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday, regardless of what you celebrate, or a good weekend, if you celebrate nothing. –hands everyone plushies and pocky for having to read such a travesty of a chapter- More Takouji/Koukuya to come!

Kenzy-chan: I'm so sorry for making you wait. You know, I really like Izumi. I think she's a pretty cool character. Good to see that there are other Takouji fans out there who like her too.

Angel Spirit: I'm really glad that Kouichi wasn't too ooc or anything. You know how I worried about that, lol. I don't think I can write a short fic/chapter for the life of me. Oh well, it makes it fun to write, for me. I'm glad you liked the ever-so-worried Kouji. Then again, you love Kouji, no matter what mood he's in, ne? xD I'll certainly take my sweet time, but this will all eventually come together. Trust me, if I'm stuck and it's not something that'll be totally spoiled, I'll email you, no problem. –glomp-

Takuya: Thank you very much. I hope this chapter didn't scare you away though, lol. Ah, and pocky is a Japanese snack…like a cookie. They're shaped in the forms of sticks and come in many flavors, such as chocolate, strawberry, pumpkin, etc… They're very good, but costly for me, unfortunately, since I have to order them online. –grumbles- You should try some if you're a fan of sweets. If you want, I can email you a URL or something.

Dragi: -hugs back- I'm glad you liked it. I was hoping that it would be cute. I was kinda afraid that people might think that I was being mean to Izumi, but it seems to have worked out. There was a little Takoujiness in this chapter…but I promise there will be so much more to come. And yes…Takuya's condition will be made clear very, very soon…no worries.

Kyla Minamoto: I'm really glad you liked this. I'm quite fond of your fics, ya know. Anyway, Kouji, I can't tell you; it's a secret. XD But I promise, there will be tons more Takouji in the future. Lots and lots of yummy Takouji/Koukuya… Bwahahahahaha! I hope this chapter didn't scare you away though.

ShadowedDarkness: Thank you. I like the blushing thing too. It's so much fun to write, hehe. I'm glad you liked it, and congrats for getting an sn. Hehe, pocky is fun to steal. XD

Please read and review, everyone! I'd write this if I got no reviews at all, but your reviews are motivational.