Once more revised, I know I bet you are sick of hearing this, no review answers at the bottom sorry!

Hey everyone, sorry it took so long to post this chapter, it is kinda hard not to get all the characters extremely OOC, but some things have happened that changed. Anyway, due to the fact that you all have probably been waiting to read this, the answers to your reviews will be at the bottom of the page. Well as promised this chapter will go back to the other group. The first part of this chapter is everyone reflecting over Takuya leaving. Now to let you know this happened before Kouji confronted Takuya at the Autumn Leaf Fair. Read and Review!

Warning: Due to change of the episode the characters will be mostly OOC

Disclaimer: I don't own digimon in anyway wish I did though.

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Chapter Two: Going off the Beaten Path

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A couple of days after Kouji went off to chase after their fallen leader, Izumi and the others had started the adventure again. They had said they would meet them at the Forest Terminal, but as Bokomon said they were still a ways from getting there. Izumi sighed even if they did finally arrive who was to say that Kouji would be back by then. She knew that when the task was taken on, that it would be a long time before either would come back.

It wasn't only that thought that plagued her mind, but the fact that she and Tomoki didn't have their spirits. Only Junpei, and he seemed a little too overconfident that he could take on Grotomon single handily. He had been just trying to cheer them up with his boastfulness, but she knew that if all of them couldn't take on Grotomon what chance did Junpei have?

He seemed to show it in his eyes, as they walked through the trees, probably the reason why they were going as swiftly and silently as they could. Everyone was quiet, but the worse had been Tomoki, the poor boy was dramatized by the events, and hadn't spoken a word since. Even at the campfire at night where he usually was the most talkative one there, yet now he barely ate anything and would look at the ground as they traveled. Izumi was worried and tried to comfort him, but she was no Takuya. It seemed that since he left everything fell apart, like they were incomplete, shattered.

She began to play with her vest as she hid her worried eyes from the others. Once Kouji had left she had surprisingly enough took charge. She had been strong for everyone in the group, while inside she was being torn apart. It hurt so much, it seemed that everything that had happened they would stick together, yet when Takuya was pocessed...

Izumi shook her head trying to clear her mind of that thought, and she didn't notice that Tomoki was watching her with worry. Carefully putting on her mask she looked up again, her face expressionless as she stared ahead. Now she knew what it had been like for Takuya to lead their group. The stress of trying to keep everyone happy and safe, to put them over himself in every situation. She scolded herself inside for being so hard on him; he probably was having enough problems without her adding on to it.

Maybe that was part of the reason why he left, he finally snapped, but that couldn't be, he seemed to handle the position just fine. Yet why at night would she wake up to find him staring intently at the fire with pain in his eyes? Or at times when he seemed extra cheerful, but there was a tightness in his features as if they were forced. Did he truly care about them all? Yes She answered firmly in her mind. Yet when he put us in front of himself ignoring his own pain, fear, darkness and taking ours did he loose something? Is that the true reason he left us? She blinked back the sudden pain and sadness in her eyes that had appeared, as her lower lip quivered. Take a hold of yourself Izumi; you have to be strong for the others. You can't cry or break down...no matter how much you want to

"Izumi are you alright?" Came Bokomon's voice. The small digimon was walking by her side and he was for once not nose deep in his book.

"I'm fine." She muttered though the smile she gave was forced, but Bokomon didn't seem to notice and pulled out his book. The flipping of pages let Izumi go back to her thoughts for the time being until he asked. "What do you suppose we do?"

Clenching her hands into fists she blinked back the tears that were threatening to fall. The fact that whatever choice she made she was holding all their lives in her hands. Now she knew how Takuya felt and lost all joy of wanting to lead, all of it was too much for her to handle. Though her choice in the matter wasn't important, her job was to help out the others now. She didn't envy Takuya at all, and wished more then ever he was back so she could apologize for giving him such a hard time. That she now understood parts of what he was going through. Taking a deep calming breath, but her eyes were still looking forward she answered. "I think for now we stop and rest for the night, so we won't be too worn out in case we are attacked." She said she knew the hidden meaning that they would need energy to run, if they were attacked.

"Sounds like a good idea." Bokomon answered putting away his book. The others began to disperse, Tomoki saying he was going to hunt for some food with Bokomon and Neemon, while Junpei went for firewood. Izumi was glad that they left her alone; she couldn't handle being asked questions that would lead to painful and unwanted answers. Moving over to the side she sat on the ground and closed her eyes as an unwanted tear rolled down her cheek. Please come back soon Takuya

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Tomoki sighed as Bokomon and Neemon offered to help him find food, he wanted some alone time, and it seemed now he wasn't getting any. He loved the attention sure, but not so much as to smother him of having any time to himself. It seemed that way ever since he lost his spirit, like he couldn't handle himself anymore. That seemed to frustrate him even more then it should.

He kicked a nearby rock as Bokomon and Neemon moved ahead, calling out something, but he didn't really hear. He was thankful for the moment and paused in his walking to stare at the ground. He knew that the others were worried about him, and probably had good reason, it was like his spirit, his heart had died and this was what they were left with.

A shell of his former self

That was true in many ways that part of him did die, and probably would never come back unless Takuya returned. But even then Tomoki wasn't sure if he would be alive again, after what he went through to bring Takuya back, his mentor disappears. When it happened Tomoki was torn apart and after crying for the first day felt empty the next. Empty, lost, the same word applied to it all. Izumi had tried to comfort him during that day, but it just wasn't the same.

Takuya had been like an older brother to him, a true one, not like the one back at home. The one that wouldn't hang out with him, or even give him the time of day unless he had to. Sighing sadly Tomoki kicked at a stray lump of dirt and watched the dust float in the air around him. Takuya had been there for him through thick and thin, even when Kouji said they should abandon him on the island that day, now it seemed so long ago.

The crazy trip that all the older kids called destiny that pulled them all together, but Tomoki knew inside it was more then that. To him it was like destiny dragged them all to Takuya, that their leader was a part of each of them. That with him they were complete, but without, well what they were now. All of them were empty, lost, confused, and unsure where to go. He had been there to guide the group on the quest, it was common that way, but he was gone, and all seemed hopeless.

While the others seemed busy with their own thoughts Tomoki studied them carefully, distracting himself from what was inside of him. He was too afraid to confront his inner darkness, without someone there to stand by his side. Take Izumi for instance, she had taken charge and got them all through the first day, but by doing that she named herself leader. He knew she wasn't built to handle the stress of it, and could see her worried eyes every time he walked past her. When he asked her what was wrong, she would tell him that she was fine. She seemed to say that to everyone that asked that particular question.

He could tell though that every thought she made, or said out loud would be a decision for them all to take in and move on. That the next day they could all be killed and she would blame herself above it all. The poor girl, Tomoki didn't understand it all, but he knew enough that when he saw tears in her eyes, she wanted to cry to break down. Yet she didn't and Tomoki was amazed by her strength, though he wished at times she would break down, because he was worried about her. He wished she would let out her tears, her anger, and her worry, because she was pulling herself away from them. It was the worst possible situation, because they needed to stick together and not fall apart. Everyday though she seemed more into her own thoughts, and putting up barriers to hide everything.

Junpei didn't help matters, because he wasn't his old cheerful self anymore. Tomoki didn't know the older kid well, but the way he acted now seemed to show a whole new personality. A shyer, quiet, and depressed mood, and he didn't like it at all, he missed the old Junpei that would do magic tricks at the fire to cheer him up. Or would talk about his love for Izumi, or do other crazy things, that went with his boastfulness.

The more he thought about it, the more he noticed how closed off they were all becoming. By now they would normally be having a wonderful time, chatting, or doing something else, but none seemed in the mood now. It was as if a part of them disappeared along with Takuya that now they didn't know how to start a conversation or even be comfortable in the same area for long periods of time. Their personalities had dried up, and all was left of each of them was a shell, a shell that continued with a purpose to finish their quest, but beyond that nothing.

He knew though what the missing element was, that made their group one it was Takuya. When he was around everything was right, everyone cheerful and free to show their true self's. It made sense now, and he was glad now that Kouji did go after Takuya, to hopefully bring him back. Or maybe if Takuya came back on his own, but Tomoki now understood what the letter had meant. What had happened changed their leader, and he couldn't be around them because he knew that he wouldn't be helpful in any way. He's lost something and now must find it before he returns. I hope Kouji finds him when the time is right, maybe then when they both come back, and things can start to make sense again. That we will find happiness, hope, and be a team again, instead of the group we are now. The group that is only together because we don't know this world.

"Tomoki! Tomoki there you are! We've found some food!" Came a shout as Tomoki's green eyes looked up to see Neemon and Bokomon approaching holding a bunch of meat apples.

"Great." He said a smile coming to his face, causing the two digimon to look at him for a moment. Then Tomoki's stomach growled. "Let's get back, I'm sure the others are waiting, besides I'm hungry."

Bokomon watched Tomoki's back as the boy and Neemon hurried ahead. He seemed to walk with a lighter step like he did before Takuya left. What surprised the digimon more was that a familiar spark seemed to be back in Tomoki's eyes. Did he bring his hope back was that it? He wasn't sure, but if at least one of the chosen had their spirits lifted, then there still was hope out there that they could make it through to the Forest Terminal. That one-day Takuya will come back and he will be normal again, Bokomon admitted he did miss the young hothead human.

Looking around he noticed the others had left him behind so he began to run as fast as he could back to the camp, promising himself to snap Neemon's pants as punishment for not learning to wait for him.

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Junpei had said something about going and getting firewood so he could escape from everyone. Even if it was for a short moment, but he needed to think, and he didn't do that well in front of others. Walking for a distance, he stopped and picked up a couple branches. He was worried for Izumi, the girl had taken on the leadership role, and it didn't suit her, she was already losing it, becoming more and more unlike herself. He wondered if anyone else noticed the change that had come over her. At the same time though he was frightened for everyone also himself, what if they did run into Grotomon, he could only hold off that digimon for moments, giving the others time to escape.

Then again what could he do, with Taky and Kouji gone, he had the only spirit, and if he lost his like Izumi and Tomoki's then the entire group would be defenseless against all attacks. He had listened to Kouji's arguments with Takuya at night, there were still four other spirits out there, and knowing that they were more than likely evil too, didn't keep his spirits too high.

Usually he would try to crack a joke or be daydreaming of Izumi, or thinking of food, but his mind was focused at the task at hand. He had become the only protector of the group and here they were marching into the face of danger at the forest terminal. Sighing he picked up another piece of wood, he may look selfish, and acted it, but he cared for the safety and happiness of the group, even if he was the butt of the joke most of the time. Just as long as everyone else could concentrate on the task at hand they wouldn't have to worry about how sad he felt inside...

Sad that Izumi wouldn't even notice him. Sad that during a battle he was useless since he couldn't even take down any enemies without help. Sad that his only role in the group was the entertainment. Sad that none of these people were his friends, that they were just pulled together because of some crazy thing called destiny.

Except for one person, Takuya, or as he preferred to call him Taky. Junpei paused in his firewood hunting to sit down on a trunk of a fallen tree. Putting his hand under his chin he began to think, and suddenly was brought up with the fact that Takuya would probably laugh and joke that he Junpei was thinking of something else besides the obvious. Yet the gogglehead wasn't here, and he was alone to his own thoughts.

Yes, whenever he seemed down or depressed Takuya seemed to notice and would offer a friendly hand. Even during battle he would step aside and let him take a few rounds, as hotheaded as Takuya constantly seemed. It was like he understood exactly what Junpei was feeling even though he seemed annoyed with him half the time. It was at night during the campfires that he tried to get Junpei involved in the conversations back and forth between the others by asking for information on where he lived, if he had siblings...

It seemed that Taky was the only true friend he had in this world, he seemed to want to learn more about Junpei, then just what was on the outside, true stories about his life. Compared to the others who didn't really want to know and just dealed with him being there and helping out in the quest that they were set on. Giving a sick smile Junpei laughed, but it wasn't a pleasant one.

Takuya seemed to do that with every person, even Kouji who tried to avoid Takuya except when they argued or were discussing more important matters like future battles. That was when it hit Junpei, like when he was hit with an attack and not being able to block it. What did he know about Takuya truly? Besides that he had a brother that he left behind at home, or that he jumped into battle without thinking, or him being brave, and hot tempered. Nothing He silently added in his mind with shock. Nothing about his history, his true life

He had flashbacks in his mind when they would start talking about themselves, but Takuya didn't say much about himself, as he seemed to press the others into talking or doing other things. When he confronted them about their problems, who confronted him? Nobody A voice said in his mind. Nobody talked to him, because they had their own demons to deal with. But what about his own? Taky always seemed to be a little too happy and cheerful, and full of bravery too often. Was that just his cover-up for what was inside? Was that also the same tactic that Kouji used as well, yet differently? Junpei thought as he closed his eyes, his fingers moving up to rub his temples, now he was thinking too hard.

Why didn't he notice it before, how tired Taky always seemed to be, how allot of his expressions seemed forced. As leader he had taken all of their problems onto his shoulders, and took the burden for them all. Had he finally started cracking when he left? Junpei wasn't sure, but he knew one thing, and that thing he knew well. Love

His own love for Izumi for example, but he had a feeling it would be a long time before anything happened between them if it ever did...

When Kouji offered to go after Takuya the others seemed hesitant about letting him go. Thinking that with the second strongest spirit gone it wouldn't be an easy trek for any of them. He could see that reflected in all their eyes, even Kouji, so that was when he spoke up. He told him to go, but for his own reasons, who else, but Kouji to go confront Takuya. After all he knew love better then anyone and could tell when someone had feelings for another person.

He had seen the way that Kouji would stare at Takuya with a soft touch on his features when with the others he would glare at them or remain expressionless. With Taky he would constantly pick a fight to get under his skin, but when Junpei watched them he saw behind that smirk and challenging eyes to see the care that was hidden. The same reaction was in Takuya as well, but the two didn't seem to notice, the feelings seemed hidden or both boys were ignoring it.

Smiling, a true smile this time as Junpei stood up slowly and brushed his pants off began to gather firewood again. Who better to send after their lost leader then someone who can get under his skin, who knows him, better than anyone else, someone that loves him. And that person is Kouji, and that is why I spoke up His smile grew bigger and noticing he had enough firewood headed back to the campsite where the others probably were by now. Yep, Kouji will bring our leader, our friend back

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The campfire that night surprised Izumi very much, instead of the quiet tense silence, the mood seemed to be lighter for everyone. Junpei did a couple of his magic tricks; Bokomon kept snapping Neemon's pants to pay attention. Even little Tomoki seemed to jump in as well, he did most of the talking, and even ate, probably more then he should, but then he hadn't had much food in the past few days...

They were all asleep now, minus her who had decided to take first watch, but the time for her to wake someone else up to take her place had long passed. Besides she couldn't sleep anyway, too many things were on her mind. She stood brushing the dust off her skirt as she moved quietly away from the snoring group to stand off to the side. Her bright green eyes looked over the area, scouting for any sign of trouble, but there wasn't any. It seemed Grotomon must have left them alone, but why bother looking for him, they were far from battle ready and would more then likely lose badly.

She ran a hand through her blonde hair combing it as the moons shined down on her from above, but it did little to comfort her. Her eyes searched the forest trying to spot a familiar figure, but there was nothing except darkness. Not wanting to depress herself any further by thinking more of Takuya she turned and walked back to the fire.

As she stood there with pain in her eyes she couldn't help, but think of Takuya, how now she shared the same look he had at night, yet now she was in his place. Her eyes looked over the flames to her sleeping friends. Tomorrow, or the next day, probably even the next week would never be the same again. Not until they were together again as a group, but first they would have to sit down and talk with Takuya before going anywhere. It would be a long and painful talk, but it had to be done. She knew that now more then anything, but until that time came she would lead and keep the group together until his return.

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Present Time

Kouji was sure now that it was dumb luck that he was still able to track Takuya. Then again the way the gogglehead had always talked about them being pulled together by fate, maybe it wasn't dumb luck at all. Maybe he was meant to track Takuya, never catch, and just track him until the time was right.

The question though was, when would be the right time, how long would he have to deal with the feelings inside of him. How long before he could tell Takuya that he...shaking his head Kouji stopped and kneeled on the ground to catch his breath. A light blush rose to his cheeks as he thought about Takuya's reaction to this little bit of news. Would he be Shocked? Nervous? Silent? Or maybe knowing that someone cared would break him out of the depression and darkness that held on tightly to him. After that was the fact if Takuya felt the same way towards him that would be the true reaction Kouji was hoping for.

He began walking again, knowing he still had some distance to go before he would meet Takuya again. Not only would he convince him to come back, but also he would tell him of his feelings even meaning he might get rejected. Giving a small smile he knew now that was the price to pay for caring about someone deeply. Even now he was still shocked he could feel like this, he thought the emotion died a long time ago, along with the other important things in his life. Now he knew that Takuya brought back that emotion, maybe he could return the favor, once they met up again...

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Takuya woke from his restless sleep to see he was on the ground and a campfire was burning nearby. For a moment he forgot where he was and what he was doing, as he became wide awake. He sat up and looked around wondering where the others were and if they were playing another prank on him again. He was about to call out, when a fox emerged out of thin air carrying food and the memories came rushing back to him all at once full force. As he reached for his hat he couldn't help wondering if it would be like this every morning from now on, and secretly wished it wouldn't be.

Renamon walked forward till she was by Takuya's side and after handing him some berries moved to the other side of the campfire. She remembered that having been spotted by the Trailmon, they had to take off. So she had carried the boy for a good distance and letting him sleep, but by looking into his eyes she could tell he didn't get much. Though she had to ask, maybe to get more of an understanding of this chosen. "Sleep well?" She muttered.

He looked taken aback by the fox's question, as he ate a few berries to think his answer through. Should he tell her? What reason did he have not to trust her, if the fox was going to betray him, she would have done so. It was proof enough that he still had his D-Scanner, so taking a deep breath he answered, though keeping some parts out. "No, it sounds silly, but I had a nightmare, a nightmare that seemed so real, I couldn't really sleep much afterwards." He muttered. He began to eat a few more of the berries stifling a yawn that wanted to rise up.

The two sat in silence after that, and both preferred it that way, as Takuya kept eating his berries even though he wasn't that hungry. It was just for energy so he could do some more traveling, though so far every place he went to, didn't hold what he was searching for. He wasn't even sure what he was looking for, yet he knew he hadn't found it. The journey was frustrating, and now nightmares haunted his sleep as well. What did they mean, what was that sword he was holding?

Too lost in thought he didn't see Renamon stand up and walk away. The fox didn't return during the day at all. Takuya thought maybe he was finally alone, and had started trying to look for some food, and water to drink so he could be ready to leave the next day, with or without his comrade digimon.

It was night as he had restarted the fire and was cooking some fish he had caught when Renamon came into view. She stayed silent and watched him for several minutes before making herself known, and scaring him half to death.

"Why did you have to do that!" Takuya shouted as he stood up glaring a little at the fox. "I thought you were a enemy digimon!"

Renamon then let out a little laugh, which baffled Takuya, even more, as a smirk came to her lips. "Thought I would have a little fun." Was her response as she moved away to pull the fish out of the fire before they burned.

"Well if you call me having a heart attack you having fun, then go ahead, just don't expect me to be cheerful about it." He commented as he was handed a fish, and took a bite out of it to avoid the bones. After awhile he calmed down and looked over to see the fox meditating, or it seemed like she was. "So, where did you go?" He asked curiosity taking over his anger.

"First I went for a walk to scout the area, something about it seemed familiar to me, so I kept going. After a few miles I remembered why I seemed to know the area." She answered as Takuya raised an eyebrow. "It was a digimon temple. After talking with the digi monks there, it was decided that you and I could stay for a little while. They suggested that maybe you would find your answers there..." Renamon looked like she was going to say more, but it appeared she wanted his decision on the matter.

Takuya looked down at the ground, before his eyes shifted up to the Digital Moons, which shined brightly as they always did. "Of all the places I've been I still haven't found what I'm searching for. What makes this place any different?" The only answered he received was silence, so he looked down at Renamon. The fox's eyes were open and she was staring at him intently. "Okay. Take me to this place, maybe it will help, even just a little."

"Then we will leave now, we are expected and we don't want to keep them waiting any longer than we already have."

As the fire was put out he looked at Renamon, it surprised him that she already knew his answer. But it seemed she wanted him to make the choice himself, maybe this was the sanctuary he had been looking for so long. Closing his eyes he took a deep breath, maybe he would find what he was searching for and go back. He had said in his note he would come back if he could, and hoped maybe Kouji listened to him and went back too.

Reopening his eyes he saw the area they stayed in looked the same as the fox had found it. "Lead the way." He responded and began following after Renamon and they left the spot behind. In his heart though Takuya knew Kouji would never stop following him, but maybe when they bumped into each other again, Takuya hoped he would have found what he had been searching for.

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Well here are the answers to your reviews that I said were at the end.

Well that's it for this chapter, I know not much action, just thoughts and things, but don't worry next chapter will be more exciting. There will be a battle and Kouji will find Takuya again, but to what extent will this confrontation lead to? Find out in the next chapter of Can I Forgive Myself! Read and Review!