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


"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.


Chapter 5: Protecting Precious Light

The minutes silently passed as though they were centuries, no one uttering a word since Takuya's outburst. Everyone had stood their ground as they silently collected their thoughts, whilst Takuya, on the other hand, paced back and forth, wearing the grimmest of expressions. Kouji anxiously watched the keeper of flames, not liking the uncharacteristic expression on his face at all.

"Takuya, will you please stop doing that?" Junpei asked, after several minutes passed by.

Takuya, however, persisted in his nervous antics, hopelessly trapped in his chaotic thoughts.

'The darkness wants to engulf the light.' Takuya thought to himself. 'Hell will have to freeze over before I let that happen. Those dreams…those premonitions… I have felt the kind of darkness that our enemy has to offer, and it's not to be taken lightly. He defeated the guardians like they were nothing. What can I do?'

Takuya continued to pace back and forth until he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to find Kouji, staring intently at the brunette. Takuya ceased his pacing and sighed heavily.

"What's on your mind?" Kouji asked.

"Everything." Takuya answered in a low voice.

"Talk to me," Kouji replied, hoping to gain some clarity with Takuya's sudden behavior.

Takuya merely sighed again, causing Kouji to frown. "Takuya?" He asked.

"The shadows wish to engulf the light." Takuya muttered. "That's what the prophecy predicts. That's what is expected to happen next."

"So, what do we do?" Tomoki asked, speaking for the first time since the last passage had been read.

Takuya turned to meet their eyes with that gleam of determination that he was famous for.

"We have to prevent the second passage from happening." Takuya spoke with such force in his voice.

"How are we going to do that?" Asked Kouichi, with obvious concern in his tone. "How can we prevent this from happening, if we don't exactly know what to look for?"

"We'll find a way." Takuya answered. "The second passage will not come to pass."

"You're right, Takuya." Izumi spoke up. "We will definitely find a way. In the meantime, what's our next move?"

"Yeah, exactly what she said!" Junpei cut in. "Where do we go from here?"

"Finding our enemy will prove to be difficult." Kouichi chimed in. "Takuya, where do you think we should start looking?"

Takuya grew silent, as frustration etched his face. He closed his eyes, as if to mentally clear away the angry fog that had surfaced in his chaotic mind.

"Takuya?" Kouji asked, concerned for his best friend and crush.

Takuya opened his eyes and let out a frustrated sigh. "I don't think it's necessary for us to look for our enemy." He spoke in a low, almost dangerous voice.

"Why not?" Izumi asked.

Kouichi let out a gasp as realization hit him. "I know what you're getting at, Takuya!" He exclaimed. "Our enemy will eventually come to us…to seek out the source of light."

"Exactly." Takuya nodded. "We have to be prepared for anything and everything."

Kouji, who had grown silent over the course of a few minutes, stared intensely at the brunette in front of him.

"Takuya…" Kouji started before his voice was suddenly cut off by the sound of simultaneous beeping noises.

Everyone checked their D-Tectors, trying to find the source of the continuous beeping. The answer came in the form of several dots, heading straight for their destination.

"What's going on?" Junpei asked, as nervousness painted his face.

Takuya gritted his teeth, as Bokomon began to speak.

"Apparently, our enemy has decided to come out of hiding." The knowledgeable digimon answered nervously. He then glanced at Tomoki's D-Tector and sighed. "I estimate that you'll be attacked in about thirty minutes or so."

"Damn it!" Takuya angrily cursed. "I was hoping we'd have more time than this." He took in a deep breath and sighed, trying to regain his composure.

"Takuya?" Izumi called to him, concerned.

"Bokomon," Takuya's voice came at a calm, but angry tone, "My premonition depicted that our enemy defeated the guardian digimon alone. Judging by the numbers of dots on our D-Tectors, I'd say that he's sending lackeys. Why?"

"I wouldn't know." Bokomon sighed. "If I knew how our enemy's mind worked, then we wouldn't be in this mess."

"Maybe he's toying with us?" Izumi suggested.

Bokomon shrugged. If another evil being were toying with the Chosen, it certainly wouldn't have been the first time.

"It makes no difference." Takuya answered. "We still have a fight on our hands. Besides, I will not let the shadows take Kouji away from us."

Kouji's eyes widened at that declaration. He slightly blushed, but pushed it aside. His pride needed to be defended, after all.

"I'm not going anywhere." Kouji spoke with determination. "I, myself, won't let that happen." Kouji gripped his D-Tector and smirked. "Now, let's form a plan and prepare to meet with our newest admirers."

Takuya thought for a bit before answering with a plan of his own.

"I'm going to go head our enemy off." The child of fire declared. "If we're dealing with lackeys, then we should put on a good show for their boss. I'll see what the fuss is all about. Kouji, you're going to stay behind, okay?"

"No, it's not okay!" Kouji snapped. "I'm coming with you! Besides, we both agreed that we're a team. That means that we're working together, no matter what."

"Sorry Kouji, but I am not going to risk you." Takuya answered, trying desperately hard to keep his temper in check.

"Hey, you don't get to make that decision. I'm coming with you!" Kouji exclaimed, as he stubbornly folded his arms on his chest.

"You're not coming with me, and that's that!" Takuya practically shouted as he waved his arms frantically.

"Don't order me around, Kanbara!" Kouji shouted, furiously. "I can take care of myself! I don't have to listen to you. Besides, you're relapsing back into your old, reckless ways."

"Will you just swallow your damn pride for a minute, and listen to me!" Takuya countered. "I'm not being reckless! I'm being smart. I know what we're up against. I've seen it…I've felt it. This prophecy isn't something to be taken lightly! You of all people should know that."

"Reckless baka!" Kouji fumed. "I don't need your protection. Get over your damn self."

"Damn you, Minamoto!" Takuya shouted as hurt flashed in his eyes. "You're the one who's full of it!"

Kouji grabbed Takuya by his shirt, but the brunette shoved him away. Kouichi and Junpei jumped in-between the two bickering boys, trying hard to calm them down before they did something that they'd regret.

Kouji struggled to get his temper under control.

'Damn that Takuya!' Kouji thought to himself. 'Why is he acting like this, all of a sudden? He's being so stubborn. We haven't argued like this since that time with Duskmon…'

Takuya scoffed and gripped his D-Tector, as he walked over to where Izumi was standing.

"Takuya, I don't think that you should fight alone." Izumi spoke up. "Let me come with you, okay?"

Kouji felt himself twitch again, but ignored it this time. Now was definitely not the time for childish jealousy.

Takuya nodded, as he tried to regain some control of his own. "I was about to suggest that a few of you should come with me, and a few should stay with Kouji."

"To hell with th-…" Kouji started, but Kouichi silenced him with a gentle elbow to the ribs.

"Takuya, do you mind if I accompany you as well?" Kouichi asked, feeling the need to protect his twin brother in some way or another.

Takuya nodded, as his glare melted into determination. Kouichi smiled slightly, before meeting his younger twin's glare. The older twin sweat-dropped at this, and pulled his stubborn younger brother aside.

"Kouichi, I can't believe you're going along with this." Kouji chided.

"Sorry, little brother, but Takuya's plan isn't reckless like you say." Kouichi answered. "I think his plan is more suitable. You'll be safe this way. You're being the reckless one by rushing in, when you know that you're the target."

"Don't give me that!" Kouji interjected. "You can't possibly…"

"Kouji, please listen to me." Kouichi cut his brother off to explain. "There is more at stake here than just your pride. There's the safety of every living being in both worlds, not to mention your life. I was under the impression that if the light is shrouded in shadows, then all hope for the Digital World would be lost. Takuya knows what he's talking about, because he's seen it. The shadows are plaguing him for some reason, and he senses a darkness that not even I can sense. Don't forget about the situation involving the guardian digimon. If you truly wish to protect the well-being of both worlds, then you'll stay behind just this once."

Kouji angrily kicked a rock into the sand. Kouichi let out a sigh of relief. Appealing to Kouji's selflessness was the key to winning him over with this plan. He knew his little brother would get over his pride, if it came to protecting the two worlds that he loved so much.

"Besides," Kouichi smirked and winked, "I promise to take good care of your dearly beloved. I shall guard him with my very life. By the way, I know you enjoy seeing Takuya get all hot and bothered for your own entertainment purposes, but you shouldn't be so rough on him when he's putting your best interests at heart."

Kouji let out a frustrated sigh and glared at his brother once more. Kouichi patted the bandana-clad boy on the head and turned toward Takuya.

"Kouji is going to behave and stay behind." Kouichi smiled.

Takuya glanced at the ever-so-pissed-off Kouji and nodded. Izumi clapped her hands and smiled.

"Takuya, Kouichi; shall we go ahead then?" The child of wind asked.

"Yes, we shall." Takuya answered, then turned to Junpei and Tomoki, who were staying behind with Kouji. "Be prepared for anything. If something should happen…"

"We'll be fine." Junpei gave a thumbs-up. "Just stay safe and get out of there, if there's trouble."

Takuya nodded and turned to Kouji. "Kouji, I just don't want to see you hurt." He said softly, before turning his back.

"I know," Kouji answered in a frustrated tone, as he tried to cover up the blush that had once again crept across his face.

"Spirit Evolution!"

"Aldamon!"

"Kazemon!"

"Lowemon!"

"Beowolfmon!"

"Beetlemon!"

"Kumamon!"

"It feels great to be a digimon again," Beetlemon stated.

Everyone nodded and turned to their fearless leader.

"Okay, Kazemon, Lowemon, and I are going to go up ahead. You guys stay behind, and stay on guard at all times. We really don't know what they're planning." Aldamon instructed.

Everyone nodded with the exception of Beowolfmon, who just rolled his eyes.

"Stay safe, you guys." Beetlemon relied.

"If anything happens, please come back immediately." Kumamon added.

"We will." Lowemon nodded.

"We won't rush into battle." Aldamon informed them. "We'll take defense only if we have to. Let's see if we can get answers first. If things get too hairy, we'll return within the blink of an eye."

"See that you do." Beowolfmon said a bit forcefully, still feeling scorned from the obvious wound to his pride, not to mention the fact that he was failing to keep a certain promise.

Kazemon and Aldamon began to flap their wings, and grabbed the 'grounded' Lowemon's hands, as the three began to fly toward the approaching enemies.

"Take care." Beowolfmon mumbled softly, as Aldamon disappeared from his view.

Kazemon, Aldamon, and Lowemon flew quickly to make their way toward the approaching enemies.

"Kouji's pissed off at me." Aldamon sighed.

"Don't worry about him." Lowemon smirked. "Kouji will be fine. I think your decision was the best one."

"I think so too." Kazemon chimed in. "We have to prevent that second passage from coming true."

Aldamon nodded. "And in order to do that," the legendary warrior of fire added, "We have to make sure that Kouji's out of sight. We have to protect the light, at all costs."

Kazemon gave Aldamon a quick glance before, both, she and Lowemon nodded.

Aldamon glanced at his D-Tector and smirked. "According to the D-Tector, we should be meeting up with our enemies right about…."

A hoard of SkullKnightmon came into view, as they quickly marched across the earth.

"…Now." Aldamon finished before winking at his friends. "Time to get busy."

Kazemon nodded as Lowemon smirked under his facemask.

Aldamon and Kazemon flew directly ahead with Lowemon flying between them, linked with each of their hands, as to not fall while they flew. They stopped and hovered directly above the SkullKnightmon, who stared up at them with the deadest of eyes. They slowly made their way to the ground, unlinking their hands, as they finally reached the bottom.

"Well, well, what have we here?" Aldamon asked in a teasing fashion.

The SkullKnightmon stood their ground, remaining quiet as they did so. Their dead, blank eyes turned from Kazemon, to Lowemon, before resting solely on Aldamon.

"Not much for words, ne?" Lowemon asked.

"Why were you swarming toward us?" Kazemon asked, getting straight to the point. "Could it be that you're searching for something…or someone?"

Again, no answer came from the SkullKnightmon.

"Maybe you're searching for a certain source of light." Aldamon baited them. "Sorry, to disappoint, but we're your only guests for the day."

The SkullKnightmons' eyes narrowed as they continued to stare at Aldamon.

"Who are you working for?" Lowemon asked. "Who sent you after us; after the light? We want answers!"

There was no reply, causing Kazemon to groan.

"Answer us!" She shouted. "Tell us who you're working for. Who is your master? Give us answers, or else!"

The SkullKnightmon began to lunge toward the three Chosen warriors with their swords. Aldamon bit his lip and sighed.

"I suppose asking you to cooperate is out of the question." Aldamon chided. "Well, that's okay. I'd much rather fight you anyway. Besides," he added, "You're full of crap if you think that you'll ever take my best friend away from me."

The SkullKnightmon suddenly lunged forward, aiming their swords at Aldamon. Aldamon sprung back, attempting an evasive maneuver as Kazemon and Lowemon sprang to the legendary warrior of flames, covering his sides.

"We've got you covered!" Kazemon called, as she evaded attacks.

"They really have it in for you." Lowemon added, blocking an attack with his shield.

"Heh, I guess I pissed them off." Aldamon answered. "I seem to be doing a lot of that lately."

"You always were the charming one." Kazemon mumbled before taking to the skies.

"Hurricane Wave!" She called, as her attack hit two SkullKnightmon head on.

"Shadow Meteor!" Lowemon called, hitting three more SkullKnightmon.

"Atomic Inferno!" Aldamon shouted, summoning his own attack, knocking out five SkullKnightmon.

The SkullKnightmon, however, got back to on their feet in mere seconds, and proceeded toward them.

"They're being persistent." Kazemon noted, as she continued evading attacks.

"They're not going to give up because they're after Kouji, and we're standing in their way." Lowemon muttered as he did the same.

"If this is a battle of stubbornness, then I've already won." Aldamon stated. "You hear that, SkullKnightmon? You'll never capture the light!"

The SkullKnightmon narrowed their eyes as they stared fiercely at Aldamon once more.

"The source of light that our master requires shall be retrieved." One of the SkullKnightmon declared in a low voice, as he lunged toward Aldamon.

Once again, all of the SkullKnightmon began their assault on Aldamon. Lowemon and Kazemon prepared to cover their leader again, as Aldamon summoned another attack.

"Hurricane Wave!"

"Shadow Meteor!"

"Atomic Inferno!"

The SkullKnightmon once again fell, only to get back to their feet, before setting their sights on Aldamon once more. The legendary warrior of flames gritted his teeth.

"Bastards!" Aldamon cursed. "I won't let you come near Kouji!"

The SkullKnightmon lunged at Aldamon once more. He prepared to summon another fiery attack, when he felt a dark presence. The presence held a familiarity about it, similar to the shadowy presence he felt in his nightmares. Aldamon froze in place, as the SkullKnightmon attacked him again.

"Aldamon!" Lowemon shouted as Aldamon was hit with several intense attacks. Aldamon was quickly thrown to the ground.

Lowemon and Kazemon tried to race to Aldamon's aid, but were suddenly surrounded by SkullKnightmon themselves.

"Hurricane Wave!"

"Shadow Meteor!"

A few SkullKnightmon were thrown to the ground, but others came.

"Will this ever end!" Kazemon asked in exasperation.

Across from them, Aldamon's body was sprawled out on the ground.

"Ugh…that one really hurt." Aldamon murmured, as he got to his feet and shook the pain off. One of the SkullKnightmon grabbed him from behind. He elbowed the undead digimon in the stomach and kicked away from him.

"Atomic Inferno!"

The SkullKnightmon fell to the ground again. Unfortunately, however, the SkullKnightmon was back up on his feet in mere seconds. Aldamon sighed in frustration, before that familiar, dark presence could be felt once more.

"This feeling…" Aldamon whispered. "…The shadows…He's coming…"

Meanwhile…

Beowolfmon, Kumamon, and Beetlemon walked around the Village of Flames, with Bokomon and Neemon in tow. Beowolfmon scoffed.

"I don't understand him." Beowolfmon sighed. "It's okay for Izumi and Kouichi to go with him for backup support, but not me? I'm a fusion evolution type just as Aldamon is! I'm more powerful than Kazemon and Lowemon, even with their beast spirits. Takuya and I are on equal terms of power. So why can't he see that it's a mistake to not have me with him?"

Bokomon sighed. "Takuya must've realized that no matter how powerful you may be, there's still the chance that you can be taken." He explained. "The prophecy depicts that the source of light would be engulfed by shadows. It doesn't depict how strong that source is, meaning that strength and power are not a priority. Takuya has sensed the shadows, and he's had a prophetic vision. He knows what our enemy is capable of, and he's not taking chances. That's why you were left behind."

Beowolfmon kicked a pebble. "I don't like this at all." He scowled.

"You don't have to like it," Beetlemon stated, "Frankly, I don't like it either, but I trust Takky. He's pretty dependable these days."

"He has changed." Bokomon commented. "Maybe even more than before…He never ceases to surprise me. He seems to have the makings of a brilliant tactician."

"Heh, only on the soccer field." Beetlemon smirked.

"Takuya onii-san has always been dependable to me." Kumamon chimed in. "And he is smart. You guys just never noticed it before."

"Yeah right." Beowolfmon sighed, but a small smile graced his features as he did so.

'It seems I'm not the only person who's noticed the changes in him.' Beowolfmon thought. 'Still though, I promised to help him…and yet, here I am, while he's out there in battle, protecting me. I can't stand just sitting here…besides, why is he so hell-bent on protecting me?'

"What's taking them so long?" Beetlemon sighed.

"I wonder how they're doing." Kumamon thought aloud. "I mean, if things get to be too much, they said they'd come back, so…"

"They're fine." Beowolfmon declared, without a second's thought.

"That's right." Kumamon said with a hint of hopefulness in his voice. "You can probably sense that Kouichi's alright, because you're his twin."

"No, it's not that." Beowolfmon answered, as he shook his head. "It's just that they have to be alright. Damn it, I am not staying behind again. I don't care about some damn prophecy."

"I'm sure they're all fine." Beetlemon answered, trying to ease tensions. "Aldamon, Kazemon, and Lowemon can definitely take care of themselves. Besides, they're only dealing with lackeys, right?"

Beowolfmon and Kumamon nodded, and all was seemingly quiet. A few minutes passed, and there still was no word from Aldamon and the others.

"Bokomon, it's dinner time." Neemon rambled suddenly.

"What are you talking about, you twit?" Bokomon asked. "It's not time for dinner! That's hours from now!"

"But Bokomon," Neemon pleaded, "It's getting dark. It must be time for dinner!"

"What?" Bokomon asked, before everyone turned to look up at the sky. Surely enough, the sky was beginning to darken, as though it were the late evening hours.

"W-What the hell!" Beetlemon stammered.

"See? I told you so." Neemon answered proudly, as Bokomon hit him in the head.

"Is it that late already?" Beetlemon asked.

"I don't think so." Beowolfmon answered. "It hasn't been that long."

"Why is it getting so dark all of a sudden?" Kumamon asked, nervously.

Bokomon narrowed his eyes. "I have a bad feeling about this…" He trailed.

Beowolfmon stared up at the sky once more. The sky was blackening more by each passing second. He stared at the horizon directly ahead of him. It was getting darker in that direction… Beowolfmon bit his lip. Lowemon, Aldamon, and Kazemon had headed in that direction!

"Something's wrong." Beowolfmon stated, in the calmest voice he could muster.

"I agree," Bokomon nodded. "This darkness is unnatural. I don't like it."

It suddenly got so dark that Beowolfmon could barely see Beetlemon, who was standing in front of him.

"Geez, it's so dark." Beetlemon complained. "I can't see a thing." He looked back at Beowolfmon, barely making him out in the darkness. "Hey, Bearer of Light," he called, "Can't you do something about this?"

"And what do you expect me to do, exactly?" Beowolfmon asked, slightly annoyed.

Beetlemon shrugged and sighed, causing Beowolfmon to sigh as well. It wasn't as if he was trying to be a jerk, but he was starting to get worried. Something was wrong, and he knew it.

Kumamon walked back toward the center of the Village of Flames. In the center, were some unlit torches that decorated the town. Kumamon pulled the torch from the ground and cut the pole, making it shorter and easier to hold. He then walked over to one of the furnaces that were stationed throughout the town and opened the window to the dancing flames that wildly raged inside. He carefully lit the torch, by sliding it through a through the small window on the furnace, before silently shutting it. He walked back over to where the others were standing.

"Maybe this will help," Kumamon beamed, breaking everyone out of their silence.

"Way to go, kid!" Junpei cheered.

"You're becoming quite resourceful." Bokomon commented as Beowolfmon nodded, in agreement.

Kumamon smiled. "It comes from hanging out with Takuya." He laughed. He, then, handed the torch over to Beetlemon, who graciously accepted it.

"This should shed some light on things." The legendary warrior of thunder stated.

Beowolfmon took out his D-Tector and pushed one of the side buttons.

"Can anyone hear me?" Beowolfmon asked into the D-Tector. "Guys, if you're there, please answer." The only reply was the sound of static.

"Damn!" Beowolfmon cursed. "Something doesn't feel right! They should've been back by now."

"You don't suppose there was an ambush…?" Beetlemon asked, as his voice trailed.

Beowolfmon grimaced. "There had better not be!" He declared. "They were supposed to gather information and retreat."

Kumamon stiffened as his thoughts plundered to Beetlemon's earlier comment. 'This should shed some light on things.' Beetlemon's words burned throughout the warrior of ice's mind. When he tried to clear it, another memory surfaced. 'He who is a source of light shall be engulfed by shadows.'

Kumamon's eyes fell upon the torch in Beetlemon's hands, watching as the flame continued to dance wildly, giving off light, so that they could find their way. Kumamon's eyes widened.

Suddenly, a loud 'bang' echoed throughout the area, startling everyone.

"What the hell was that!" Beetlemon asked.

"That sounded like an explosion!" Beowolfmon exclaimed.

"Oh no…" Came a panicked voice, belonging to Kumamon.

Beowolfmon and Beetlemon looked down at their young companion, wondering why he sounded so frantic.

"What is it?" Beowolfmon asked.

Kumamon looked up at him with frightened eyes.

"Th-The source of light!" He stammered. "Fire is a source of light!"

Beowolfmon let out a shocked gasp at Kumamon's claim.

"Do you think the target is actually Takuya?" Beetlemon asked, nervously.

Beowolfmon let out a curse and took off running toward the direction of the impending darkness, where the exploding bang had taken place, knowing that he would find everyone there.

'Damn, we may have been wrong.' Beowolfmon thought to himself. 'The shadows…could they really be after Takuya, instead? Damn it, why didn't he just listen to me? I should be there right now, watching his back! Stubborn baka… Please let Kumamon's assumption be wrong. Please let the shadows be after me instead.'

Beetlemon took to the air, with Bokomon and Neemon on each of his shoulders. Kumamon was running directly behind Beowolfmon.

After a silent journey that took nearly an hour, at most, they came upon a large crater, dipping deep into the earth.

"Damn, was this the result of that explosion?" Beetlemon asked, in awe.

Beowolfmon searched around for clues. "The battle took place right here." He said to himself. "Where are they? What happened?"

Kumamon, Bokomon, and Neemon walked a little further off, when they noticed a piece of torn, green cloth in the distance. Kumamon's face would've paled, had it not already been as white as snow. 'Kouichi?' He thought to himself. 'Is this from Kouichi's shirt?' He suddenly caught a glimpse of something else a little further away.

"Guys, come here! Hurry!" Kumamon's voice rang out from a distance.

Beetlemon and Beowolfmon hurried over to where Kumamon was, only to find him kneeling beside the tattered forms of Kouichi and Izumi.

"Brother!" Beowolfmon panicked as he ran to Kouichi's unconscious form, de-digivolving back into his human form.

"Izumi!" Beetlemon called frantically falling to her side, as he and Kumamon followed Kouji's suit in de-digivolving.

Both had been knocked unconscious, and had their data knocked out of them. They were covered in dust and small scrapes. Bokomon checked them both over for injuries.

"They both appear to be okay." Bokomon stated as he let out a sigh of relief.

Kouichi groaned as his data disappeared back into his body. "Kouji?" He asked.

"I'm here, onii-chan." Kouji answered as he smiled in relief.

Kouichi allowed himself to grin slightly as he stirred. "So that's how it feels to have your data knocked out of you." He joked.

Kouji rolled his eyes. "Now that you know how we felt all those times, you'll find that you weren't missing anything great." The child of light muttered.

"Ugh, I'm so sore. I didn't miss that feeling at all." Izumi's voice groaned, as her data returned to her body as well.

"Izumi, welcome back." Junpei smiled.

Izumi grinned as well, as Junpei helped her to her feet.

"Takuya! Takuya!" Tomoki called in the distance, frantic as he refused to give up on the boy he looked up to more than anyone in the world.

"Takuya!" Izumi and Kouichi both exchanged frantic glances, as their memories of the past hour came flooding back.

"What happened to Takuya?" Kouji asked, frantically, as his relief transformed into worry once more. "Where is he?"

"They have him now." Kouichi answered darkly. "We failed. By the time we realized who they were truly after, it was too late."

Izumi glared at the ground, saying nothing.

"No!" Kouji shouted. "The shadows can't take him…they can't have him!"

"Calm down, everyone." Bokomon reasoned. "Kouichi, what happened here?"

"Tell us everything." Kouji demanded.

(Flashback)

"This feeling…" Aldamon whispered. "…The shadows… He's coming…"

"Aldamon, watch your back!" Lowemon called, unable to get to him in time.

"Aldamon turned to find more SkullKnightmon after him.

"Atomic Inferno!" He called as his attack hit them dead on.

Just as before, the SkullKnightmon regenerated themselves and got back up, prepared for battle.

"We must obtain the source of light." One of the SkullKnightmon murmured.

"I don't think so!" Aldamon answered angrily, as he summoned another fiery attack.

The SkullKnightmon continued advancing toward the angered Chosen of fire.

'They keep going after Aldamon.' Lowemon thought to himself as he attempted to fight off his own flock of SkullKnightmon. 'Why? Is it because Aldamon is the strongest one standing between Kouji and themselves?'

'I've got to get to Aldamon.' Kazemon thought to herself as she continued fighting off the group of SkullKnightmon that surrounded her. 'I won't let him get hurt!'

"Atomic Inferno!" Aldamon charged as he fought off the SkullKnightmon. The legendary warrior of fire then froze in place, as the dark feeling got stronger.

"Lowemon," Aldamon called, "Do you feel that?"

"Huh?" Lowemon asked, as he continued to fight his way toward their leader.

"It's…!" Aldamon started, but didn't get the chance to finish. Suddenly, the skies began to change color, as the horizon grew darker and darker.

"What's going on!" Kazemon panicked as the SkullKnightmon suddenly stopped their relentless attack and stood still. "Why is the sky getting so dark?"

"I have a bad feeling about this." Lowemon answered as he glanced over at their leader for confirmation. Aldamon, however, remained frozen to the ground, as a tensed expression graced his features.

"Shadow Meteor!"

"Hurricane Wave!"

Kazemon and Lowemon's attackers fell to the ground, before getting back up again. This time, however, they turned toward the direction of Aldamon. Every single SkullKnightmon surrounded Aldamon in a huge circle.

"What's going on!" Kazemon asked frantically.

'They keep attacking Aldamon.' Lowemon thought to himself. 'All attacks are centered at him. They attacked Kazemon and me, as well, but it was as though they were merely trying to separate us from Aldamon, and because the two of us kept getting in their way. Why?'

Aldamon was glowing as an aura of flames surrounded him. The flames shined brightly, emitting a warm, reddish-orange light around his body, standing out in the darkness of the environment, giving off light.

Realization came pouring down on Lowemon, like hail during a thunderstorm.

"Aldamon!" Lowemon shouted frantically. "We're coming! Just hold on!"

"Lowemon?" Kazemon asked, confused.

"Come on." Lowemon ordered. "We have to get Takuya out of here…now!"

Kazemon nodded and the two rushed toward their leader and friend.

Aldamon stood his ground, as the dark feeling became stronger and stronger.

Suddenly, the SkullKnightmon stopped their pursuit, and looked up at the dark sky. Out of sheer curiosity, Aldamon followed their gaze until he was looking straight up at a cloud that seemed to be darker than the rest of the sky. The feeling of dreadful darkness was being emitted from the 'cloud', revealing to be something shrouded in dark shadows.

"The shadows…our enemy…he's here!" Aldamon's frantic voice came, when suddenly; a ball of dark energy came crashing down from the 'cloud'. Lowemon and Kazemon braced for impact as the attack descended slowly down to the ground, intending to destroy everything in sight, including the SkullKnightmon.

"Takuya!" Kazemon's voice cried out before then energy hit the ground.

Lowemon could barely make out two figures in the dust as it happened. One was a tall figure, shrouded in shadows; the other was Aldamon, who fell unconsciously into the figure's arms, before de-digivolving back into the small brunette. Lowemon suddenly felt a horrible jolt of pain pierce through his body, as he and Kazemon were enveloped in an endless mass of black energy and dust, causing an explosion that could be heard from miles around.

(/Flashback)

"That's what happened." Kouichi's low voice answered. "We failed."

"Everything happened so fast; there was no possible way that we could've retreated. We didn't have time to escape. We didn't even have time to use our beast spirits. We couldn't save him." Izumi answered sorrowfully. "What are we going to do, now?"

"We're going to find Takuya." Kouji replied dangerously. "We're going to get him back at all costs. Nobody's going to take him away from me."


A/N: It was Takuya all along? Or was it…? Who is the enemy and what will he do next? This chapter sort of added more questions (and confusion), but fear not, for a lot will be revealed in the next chapter. Sorry for the lack of Takoujiness in the chapter…it was there, but you know how these kinds of chapter are. There will be more to come, I can assure you, especially angst. Hehe, I made Takuya and Kouji bicker a bit. I think that's exactly the way that Kouji would react, and if Takuya were put in such a situation, then I'm sure that he would do the same. They've changed so much, but they both still have their pride…but that's why they're both so loved, ne? What the heck is SkullKnightmon anyway? Well, I guess SkullKnightmon is something that I made up (although it wouldn't surprise me if there was such a digimon), since SkullSatamon are a bit too strong for Aldamon, Kazemon, and Lowemon to take on (if my memory serves me correctly, EmeperorGreymon and MagnaGarurumon had a difficult time against them). They're basically undead and attack with swords. I'm sorry I wasn't clever enough to make up little attack names and all that. But this fic's focus is not on the SkullKnightmon, so oh well…

I was conflicted about a certain aspect of this chapter for a while, because I know a lot of people were hoping for something else to happen, but I decided not to change my original plotline, because I've had this entire thing planned from start to finish since last summer. I promise though, with eighteen chapters (a rough estimate) in the works, there will be plenty of angst on both characters' behalves to go around. Also, I dislike this chapter greatly. It went through many facelifts before I even remotely accepted it. Even still… --

Also, as I mentioned before, this contained the English digimon and attacks, with Japanese names (Zoe's a nice name and all, but I don't think I could ever refer to Izumi as that). I know this bugs some people, but I've read enough fics to know that most of you seem to recognize them best this way. I might change the digimon names and attacks to the Japanese version after this is completed though. I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

I'm so sorry that I haven't updated in a million years. At first, I lost the motivation to write. I'll never have writer's block with this, as it's planned out from beginning to end. I just didn't have the will to type it, but I think all of you understand that right now, since many of you are going through it at the moment. Then, I got so busy with work and classes. This has actually been finished for weeks, but I was either too busy doing other things, or some evil force at hand wasn't allowing me to update because the screen would always freeze… The next chapter is nearly finished though, and I'm all fired up again. Spring Break is coming up too, and I'll probably have up to chapter 7 completed by the end of it. Anyway, I guess I'm saying that I'm back. This will be updated much more regularly, I can assure you. Thanks so much for reading this. I hope you guys won't kill me, but I'm well prepared if you do. I have an endless supply of Phoenix Downs and Bottled Fairies. Bwahahahaha…

Angel Spirit: Hehe, I'll bet you weren't expecting this either…or maybe you were. –shrugs and grins evilly- The Kouji angst will come very, very shortly…and there will be lots of it…in fact, lots of Takouji angst too. Yay. Hope this chapter wasn't too much of a disappointment, but you know me, and there is so much more to come. Hehe, I wanted to make Kouji and Takuya goof off like the good friends that they are. I hope I can do a little more of that… -glomps- Don't kill me. XP

KellyQ: It's okay. I understand. I'm glad you like Takuya in this and that he's not too ooc for your liking…and yes, lots more Takoujiness in the near future.

Takuya: Thank you. More questions will be answered in the next chapter.

Dragi: I'm glad you liked it. I hope this chapter didn't scare you away, lol. I'm glad you like Takuya in this. Tell Sasuke hello for me, and that I'm going to hurt him if he doesn't ditch Orochimaru and go back to Naruto-chan, lol. (j/k) There will be lots more Takoujiness soon…

Kenzy-Chan: I miss your fics, but I completely understand. Mallets are really good for knocking writer's block down. –hands you one- I hope that you get back to writing soon. And I'm glad you liked that chapter so much.

ShadowedDarkness: I'm sorry I confused you with the whole premonition thing. I probably should've explained it better. I can be such a twit, lol. And hehe, cliffs are evil, ne? I feel like such an evil person.

Diamond Sapphire: I'm glad you liked the last chapter and I hope that this chapter didn't disappoint you too badly. As for the prophecy and Kouji and everything, keep reading. xD I promise to update much sooner this time.

Sharp23: Thank you! Hehe, silly Kouji and his inability to confess…hmm…keep reading. xD

Kat: Thank you very much. I'm sorry that there weren't kisses or anything in this chapter. You can spork me if you want to. xD

StarGirl11: Pocky is great. I wish I had some right now. It sucks to have to order it, lol. I'm glad you like the premonitions and stuff.

-glomps all of you- Thanks for being so patient with me. I hope this chapter didn't confuse or disappoint you too badly. Please remember to review, if you have the time.