Once more revised! Yes I did most of the chapters for everyone's enjoyment! And once again, no reviews at the bottom, but I do recomend you reread the author notes in the next chapter, there is another notice.

Welcome to another chapter, I hope you have been enjoying this fic so far, but please review I like receiving feedback on my writing. To let everyone know we are up to the present with everyone, not much happened with Izumi and their group except more traveling. This is a few days after the last chapter for Kouji/Takuya time. This chapter will have more action in it, I promise.

Reasons why it took so long to be posted.

1.) I got the flu turned stomach flu turned to cold/losing my voice which is where I'm at right now, it sucks not being able to talk.

2.) Slight writers block

3.) Rereading The Banned and the Banished series by James Clemmens, which I recommend that all of you read when you get the time, it brings out inspiration. If you have read all the books, the end is a complete shocker it left me stunned.

4.) My stupid old computer wouldn't let me put this up on the net, it kept freezing, I swear I better get a new computer for Christmas before I destroy this one out of frustration.

Anyway that is it for my excuses; as usual your review answers will be at the bottom along with a special notice. Read and Review!

Warning: The characters are all OOC due to the altered events that normally didn't occur in the season.

Disclaimer: I don't own digimon.

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Chapter Three: Decisions Made, Feelings Revealed

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Takuya and Renamon after a few days walking made it to the temple, to see strange digimon walking around, some in prayer others practice fighting. Takuya himself was more intrigued with the temple himself then the digi monks. The building was tall, just a little taller than some of the buildings in his hometown. It was wide, but at the same time the trees hid it from view, which surprised him. If it wasn't for Renamon he probably would have passed by without a second thought.

As they moved closer his eyes looked up at the huge stone steps that led up to the main entrance. Surrounding the stairs were stone pillars with inscriptions written on them, but Takuya couldn't read the scrawling. His only guess was that it was ancient if anything else, on either side of the entrance there were statues of digimon he had never seen before. One was a dragon, another a phoenix and above the doorway was a two headed turtle. The walls spreading out from the entrance held pictures of a great and powerful tiger. If Takuya looked at the temple from on top of a hill he would see it was shaped like a tigers head with it's mouth opening the pillars representing the teeth. Which would further mystify his curiosity of the Digital World, though as they reached the top of the stairs he had to put his thoughts aside as he saw an elderly digimon, or was it a human, standing there. It was wearing a long white robe, but the face, it looked human, minus the eyes that were cat like slits with orbs of gold, and instead of normal human ears cat ones extended out.

After giving a nod of greeting to Renamon the monk turned to Takuya and walked forward. He took the boys hands into his clawed ones and stared deeply, almost soul searching into the red/brown depths and smiled sadly. "So this is the one you told me about Renamon. The one that is searching for something he has lost? He has a tough journey ahead of him, that he does, but I think for now it would be best if you both stay here." He let go of Takuya's hands and turned, lifting up the hood over his head putting his face in shadow. "Follow me I will lead you to your rooms, there you can freshen up, and meet me in the main temple so we can discuss your stay." He began walking his head bent downwards.

Shock reflected in Takuya's eyes as he followed the monk inside with Renamon trailing behind him. What did that monk mean, he had a tough journey ahead of him, and was that thing he was searching for truly something he lost. Though what could he have lost? He still thought he was the same person. The question seemed to pester him in the back of his mind so much that he didn't pay attention to the path they were taking and inwardly knew he would regret it later. Maybe Renamon would be able to help.

He was disappointed though when he found out Renamon was being brought to her own room further away from his. Giving a wave to the departed to he opened his door as it gave a small creak and stepped into his room. The temple can't be that easy to get lost in, I'm sure I'll be fine He thought while closing the door behind him, turning he studied the room he now stood in, and probably would become his new home for a little while.

It was small, but it was better than the hard unforgiving ground, the floor though was smooth compared to the roughness of the tunnel floor. He would probably be safe walking barefoot if he really wanted to. There was a single bed off to the left side along with a simple wooden dresser, and some rugs scattered along the floor. On the right side of the wall was another picture of the tiger again, Takuya made a mental note to ask about the image if he got the time too.

Still pondering the thought he moved over to the bed as his vision drifted to the things that were laying there, a few towels, along with a change of clothes. These clothes were different though, they seemed simpler, and blended together, long gray pants, with a gray sleeveless shirt except a lighter shade almost white. Next to it was a cloak similar to what the monk wore, if he looked carefully he could see light stripes decorating it, along with a hood that hung from the top. At the foot of the bed were small, cloth black shoes, with a hard sole, as Takuya gathered up the clothes he looked over to see a door that wasn't noticeable from where he was standing at the entrance. Moving over to it he opened it with a protesting creak to see inside what looked like a bathroom. Amazed, curious, and confused at the same time he wanted to look for someone to ask about it, but the thought vanished from his mind as he saw the tub. He hadn't had a hot bath for quite awhile and his sore muscles ached even more then usual. Hurriedly he put the clothes back on the bed and reaching for the towel strolled into the bathroom and closed the door.

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Sometime later the door opened with another creak of worn hitches, Takuya walked out with a towel around his waist as he carried his clothes in his hands. He stuck his tongue out at the outfit on the bed, but maybe a change was for the better, he could start anew. He walked carefully over to the dresser and pulled open the top drawer. He placed his sneakers, socks, pants, and both shirts inside, but froze at his hat. The hat seemed to be the last part of his old life something he should have no problem getting rid of, but at the same time he was attached to the thing as good memories were attached to it, even if the thing was dirty and battered. Sighing he placed it on top of his shirt, then added his gloves, he paused for a moment, digging he reached into the pocket of his pants and pulled out his red and black D-Scanner. One thing he wasn't ready to get rid of yet, as he moved slowly over to the bed. Removing the towel he pulled on his boxers, then the gray pants, happy that they had pockets and he placed his digivice into one. Next he slipped the top over his head, and noticed how it fit nicely almost as if he was meant to wear it, pushing the thought aside he adorned on the robe/cloak. The long robe went down his arms and a little over his hands and stretched down to brush his feet, but not so far as to drag on the floor. Bending down he saw a zipper on the inside of the cloak, and connecting it, zipped it all the way to his neck. After that he put on the cloth shoes testing them out a little, and already missing his sneakers.

Now that he was ready he walked towards the door and opened it with a small groan, but paused as it hit him he wasn't sure where to go. Let alone be able to find his room again, but his eyes caught on a piece of loose stone, picking it up he carved a mark below his door handle. While at the same time praying he wouldn't get in trouble for doing it.

Setting down the stone next to his door, he stood and leaned against the wall looking down both hallways his eyes narrowed, which way was it? Pushing off the wall he turned right, maybe he would get lucky and find a monk that could assist him in finding the temple room. He would be luckier if he found Renamon, but the fox appeared and disappeared by its own free will and he didn't know how to contact her.

Sighing he moved down the stone tunnel his fingers tracing along the wall, in a bored manner his mind somewhere else. He hated being lost, it was always frustrating, and a small voice in the back of his mind said that if Kouji was there he would be complaining again about how he, Takuya was a poor leader. That was when he paused and shoved the image of the blue haired boy out of his mind, he couldn't think about the lone wolf, not now, maybe not even in the near future. It caused pain, and something else, something hidden, but he didn't know what it could possibly be, as if knowing his distress the feeling rose up and consumed his mind for brief seconds. Shaking his head to clear it he brought his focus back to the present, and giving a groan of disappointment noticed that the hall separated into three different directions. He studied each for a moment thinking which way would work and finally decided to take the one on the far left, seeing it was smaller and darker, while he crossed his fingers and headed towards it.

Quite suddenly he ran into something hard and fell to the ground in shock, looking up he saw he had run into a door, but it was too dark for him to have seen it at first. He sat still adjusting his eyes to the dark before standing and brushing the dust off of his cloak from behind. He then reached for the iron ring and pulled expecting another dark gloomy tunnel ahead of him...

Instead what he found was a large, spacious, well-lit room in front of him, and inside were several of the same monks, doing some kind of fighting. It surprised him, of all the movies he had seen no monks had ever fought, just meditated, but this was the Digital World, maybe they had to protect themselves too. Closing the door behind him he watched in fascination at a particular pair that seemed to be in a stalemate. So caught up in the fluid motions he didn't notice one of the monks come up beside him and say something. He turned though as he felt a tap on his shoulder, looking up he was met with a pair of cat like yellow eyes, a small face and pointed white ears. The figure was wearing the same robe he had dorned on. "Interesting isn't it." Came the voice, it was soft yet there was an undercurrent that reflected a strong accent.

"Yeah." Takuya muttered his eyes shifting back to the pair.

"You must be new to our temple." Came the comment that caused the boy to turn back to stare up into those eyes again.

"You could say that, you see I'm kinda lost I was supposed to meet someone in the main room of the temple..." He started.

"Strange. Are you human?" The figure asked evading the brown haired boy's comment with a question of his own golden orbs narrowed studying the other.

The boy was taken aback by the question as his eyebrows raised. "Yes, I'm human." He muttered his own eyes narrowing with slight confusion.

"Very strange indeed, you have a digimon air around you." Not commenting further he cleared his throat. "If you follow me I will take you to your destination."

Takuya's mouth dropped open a little, something was weird about these monks, but he focused back on the task at hand. "Okay, but first what is your name?" He asked.

"I'm called Talon." Came the calm answer as the figure moved to the sidewall of the room and began heading to the door on the end, with Takuya trailing behind as the two avoided the other monks. "And you are called?"

"Takuya." He answered his eyes looking up at the far wall to see another picture of the majestic tiger. "It's weird everywhere I go I see this picture of a great tiger, who is he? Did he do some great task?"

"That is Baihumon our god, and this my young human is his temple." Talon said as they finally reached a door. "You should count your blessings, I was heading to the same place you were." He muttered and opened the door, Takuya's eyes widening at the sight of paw like hands pulling on the iron ring, what was it about this place?

They emerged into a wider, well-kept tunnel; the walls and floor were smoothed out almost if someone had done it by hand and spent years at it, making sure there wasn't a single rough spot. It was adorned here and there with paintings and the strange writing again. They reached the end, and opening another door Talon stepped inside followed close behind by Takuya who shut the door. Turning his mouth dropped open, the last room was big, but this one was ten times the previous size. Monks were everywhere some at a alter, others reading books, there were even some younger ones playing in a corner. Long streamers fell from the walls colored in blues, whites, grays, along with statues, off to the far left were columns of books, but it was the center they were heading to, and Takuya gave a sigh of relief when he saw Renamon standing there her blue eyes glinting with slight amusement. He couldn't help wondering why her eyes looked that way.

Turning the fox gave a nod of greeting to Takuya as he approached her. "I hope you didn't get too lost." Came the sly comment as the amusement grew in those blue eyes.

"Very funny." He muttered and was about to make another sly remark when the same monk from before came towards the trio.

"I'm glad you found your way Takuya, and I see you found Talon too, good, good." He clasped his hands together claws clicking, and met Takuya's eyes. "I am called Hodoer." The way he said it came out smooth and fluid with an undercurrent of wisdom. "Now we must discuss your stay here with us." They moved over to a nearby table and took their seats Renamon and Takuya facing across from Talon and Hodoer, while the monk sighed wearily. "I'm afraid to say this, but you will not find what you are searching for here, but if you wish you can stay, and find some peace for the inner turmoil that is inside of you."

Takuya leaned back in his wooden chair lost in thought for the time being, so he didn't notice Talon turn to Hodoer and whisper something. Another place where he wouldn't be able to find the thing he lost, if he really did lose something. On second thought it would be nice though to at least try to sort out some of his inner demons, in a place where he felt safe enough to do that. Looking up from the piece of wood he was staring at he saw Hodoer smiling with a strange glow in his eyes. "What is it?" He asked confused.

"Talon has told me you are interested in our ways. Would you be pleased to learn during your stay?" He asked.

Takuya nodded, the motions they were amazing, if he could learn them...

"I warn you though the training is very difficult and will require every ounce of your will heart, strength, and spirit, maybe even more since you are human. Are you still willing to learn?" Hodoer asked his voice very serious as he stared intently at the brown haired boy..

"Yes more then anything I wish to learn." He answered determined. Maybe this time, with this new chance he wouldn't screw up like before... Pushing the dark thought aside he knew he would do better, if anything to help him erase some of his inner demons.

"Then you will start now, first with learning our language." Takuya started at that piece of information. "Yes, we have our own way of speaking, we are just talking common tongue for your convenience, and if you stay here you must learn to speak it."

"Why is that so?" He asked curiosity overriding his manners.

Sighing Hodoer shook his head his cat orbs closing. "As you were told you are in the Temple of Baihumon our god it would be an insult to talk common to any of the other monks, it is our way of being more connected to the great tiger god. Do you understand?" He asked the boy reopening his eyes.

"I think so." Takuya murmured his eyes meeting the others.

"Then Talon will take you to choose some helpful books, and begin teaching you. Renamon and I have some more to discuss."

Nodding he stood with Talon and both pushed back their chairs, as the monk took the lead over to the bookshelves. Takuya looked back at the table to see both Hodoer and Renamon with their heads bowed, and with the position of their bodies it seemed to be an intense conversation.

"Coming Takuya?" Came Talon's voice, as the boy turned and carefully avoiding some smaller children jogged over to the other, as the monk began pulling out a few books. Satisfied he moved over to an empty table his cloak rustled as he sat down in a chair, with Takuya doing the same. The two sat in silence for a little while as voices were heard along with the flipping of pages from nearby tables. "Now this is going to take some time, I believe it will be best if we meet every morning and sunset for lessons and you can use the afternoons for other things. Also that I translate for you for the time being. Agreed?"

"Agreed."

"Good, we should start out with a greeting. Now listen carefully. Aaye."

Takuya listened to it carefully it sounded almost light, but with a small growl in it. "Aa.." He paused as Talon nodded to him. "Aaye." He said it though to him it sounded completely different, which received a laugh from Talon, causing Takuya to blush with embarrassment.

"This is what Hodoer was talking about, it will be difficult for you to learn, because the language is strange to you. Now try again, yet put a little more fierceness into it."

He nodded and took a deep breath. "Aa..Aaye."

"Aaye." Talon said slowly.

"Aaye." Takuya said and was surprised to find a small growl in his voice.

"Good. Now lets try something else."

"First though, what did that mean?"

"It means "Hail"."

That caused a sweat drop to appear on Takuya's head as he sighed.

"Now try this it means Good Day in your common tongue. Quel re"

The brown haired boy put his hands together as he listened to the words, how they sounded and concentrated on it to sound the same. "Que...Quel re?" He answered a little uncertain.

"Better, but try to make it sound lighter, and not so heavy on the first part."

Takuya tried again, and the two spent most of the day working on greetings and farewells, as Talon gave Takuya some books in the common language to help him understand the history of the temple, Baihumon, and the monks. It wasn't exactly the day he was looking forward to, but Talon said it was a start. Slightly worn out he headed back to his room, he was in for a long night...

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Kouji held on to his D-Scanner firmly as he ran through the woods, after talking to a Trailmon, when he was being thrown off, he discovered that there was another human that was kicked off earlier, and accompanying him was a yellow fox. He knew then he had stumbled onto Takuya's trail again, as he gave a small smile. Renamon was watching out for the baka, just like it said it would. After being told which direction the two went off in, the lone wolf had followed.

He just wished it wasn't taking so long, it was as if he needed to tell Takuya right away what he was feeling. He was afraid if he kept chasing then he would loose the emotion and never find it again, but for some strange reason he wanted to keep it. So he kept pushing himself, just a little longer then he could rest, though he would never fully rest until he found the baka again. After getting beat with several twigs, and scraped up by bushes he emerged into a clearing to see the sun had setted. He couldn't stop the yawn that escaped him as his eyelids drooped, he then stopped and shook himself, and he had to stay awake. He was so tired though, the Digital Terrain was tough to cross, and the area a few feet away looked so comforting. Stay awake Kouji He scolded mentally, but headed over to the spot anyway, and started to lie down. Maybe just a little shut eye, I'll just rest my eyes for a moment, then head out again, I can't loose the trail He thought, but his body wouldn't let him just rest, it demanded sleep and it got it as Kouji drifted off...

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Izumi looked at the ground carefully, Bokomon had warned her that they could easily trip over the roots, which he had demonstrated. The one thing they did not need at the moment, was a twisted ankle, so they all walked carefully looking down, and not really looking ahead. Tomoki and Junpei, were talking probably trying to lighten up the trip the best they could. Maybe because they were not paying enough attention ahead or it was something else, but Izumi paused when she found that the trees started to spread out. A voice inside of her mind was screaming that something was terribly wrong.

Noticing the blonde stop the others did too looking around carefully. They were met with absolute silence, when normally they would hear digimon talking, or strange bird noises, but nothing, the wind wasn't even blowing. Now she knew something was wrong, it wasn't only in her mind now, but heart as well. "Guys maybe we should..."

She never got to finish her sentence as about twelve feet in front of them dirt started to rise up as a short figure appeared as he smirked at the group. "Did you miss me?" He asked humor etched in his voice.

Not making an answer they all started to move back, maybe they could find some way to escape, without causing a fight. "Leave us alone Grotomon, we don't have anything you want!" Izumi shouted standing her ground.

"Oh you do. Me thinks you don't want to play, but me play with you!" He shouted out as he reached into his pocket and pulled out his hammer and raised it towards Izumi.

"Izumi look out!" Junpei shouted as he pulled out his D-Scanner as it began to glow. "Execute! Spirit Evolution!" He shouted, as he felt the transformation happen, as he was trapped in a egg of data as his body shifted to that of a blue armored insect with the symbol of Thunder on his left arm, and wings on his back. "Beatlemon!" He flew forward and knocked the hammer out of the way. "Izumi get the others out of here, I'll hold him off."

"But Junpei, you can't expect us to leave you behind." She protested.

"What matters to me is that your safe, now go, hurry!" He shouted as he turned his attention to Grotomon. Out of the corner of his eye he watched as the small group hurried away in the direction they were originally going, he knew he had to distract Grotomon. He had just wished that his worst fear hadn't happened so soon.

"Oh you want to play then." Came Grotomon's response as he hefted his hammer. "Then we will see who wins. Execute!" He shouted as a data egg surrounded him. "Slide Evolution! Gigismon!" He shouted pounding his fists into the ground.

"Let's do this! Thunder Fist!" Beatlemon shouted throwing the thunder into the ground in hoping to shock Gigismon, but as it hit the beast spirit there was no damage done.

"My turn." He said smirking and began to turn very quickly bringing up a whirlwind like tornado and slammed right into Beatlemon sending him flying back into several trees. The insect quickly stood and flexed his hands, he was in for a hard fight, he knew that for sure, but the longer he lasted the more time the others had to get away. He watched as Gigismon slowly approached looking for him. He had to be the distraction, it was the only way.

Even if it meant sacrificing himself in the process.

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Izumi ran as fast as she could, she was holding Tomoki's hand and helping him along, they had crossed the clearing in no time, Neemon and Bokomon were getting tired, but they had to push on. They had to get as far away as they could without stopping it was the only way. Deep inside she knew Junpei was sacrificing himself for them to keep going, and it was ripping her apart, they were losing another friend. Some might say it was for the greater good, that it was his destiny to do this so that they could go on with the quest. Well screw destiny, screw fate, she didn't like it anymore, it kept taking away her friends at the same time as destroying them as well.

She ran faster half dragging little Tomoki with her, but too caught up in her mind to notice, even when a branch hit her face causing some stinging pain. She ignored it though and kept going. Fate had caused so much damage, why was it constantly there, and why did she care anymore, her destiny had just led to pain and heartbreak and she couldn't stand it. She wanted to go home so badly, but the thought of reaching the Forest Terminal, maybe, if she could at least go there, Takuya, Kouji, and Junpei could be waiting... But was there any real hope that it could happen, fate would probably get in the way again, and they would never see each other.

Sighing she winced as she heard a small cry of pain coming from Tomoki, stopping she looked down to see him holding his ankle, as frustration and guilt screamed in her mind. They had to get away, but Tomoki was a different manner, bending down she meant to offer Tomoki to get on her back, which he did. Slowly she stood, but the weight was a little too heavy, so she was reduced to move at a quick steady pace. Her goal now was to reach the terminal, and that was all, deep down inside she had made an agreement within her inner demons, she would reach her destination, but she would stop believing, stop hoping, that everything would be fine when they reached their destination. Because it wouldn't be she knew that now, so she trudged on, as her eyes turned blank devoid of emotion.

Tomoki clutched onto Izumi desperately as he winced in pain from his ankle, he knew he was heavy so he did his best to help lighten his weight. He closed his eyes though, and tried to block out the distant sounds of fighting. It had finally come down to Junpei protecting them, to him taking on a losing battle. Why did it have to happen so soon, when everyone was starting to get their hope back.

Shaking his head he reopened his eyes to duck under a low branch, as he slowly turned to look at Bokomon and Neemon, they were the only two friends left that had hope. Something inside of him said that Izumi had given up already, that now she was lost to them forever. It couldn't be though, she looked so happy for the past month they had lived through since Takuya left. Then again maybe it was an act all along, but he couldn't believe that, that wasn't Izumi's personality to act that way, now it seemed up to him to keep their spirits up. He smiled then, in no time at all they will reach their destination and everyone would be reunited again. Right? He asked silently, but there was no answer.

That was when both of their D-Scanner's began glowing a bright yellow as Izumi paused mystified, carefully putting Tomoki down as she pulled her D-Scanner out. Tomoki did the same, and they were both stunned to see them start to pulse like a heartbeat, and keep glowing the bright color. Suddenly though they fell to the ground a sharp pain embedding in their hearts like a sharp dagger stabbing and tearing. Izumi blinked back the pain, but it intensified until she blacked out as the yellow light died into nothing...

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Kouji awoke with a start, and was filled with a sense of dread, but looking around he saw no danger, that was when his D-Scanner started glowing a bright yellow. That yellow was Junpei's color, he didn't have any more time to ponder about it though as he felt a sharp pain in his heart seeming to resemble a dagger's stab. Then it was gone as if it was never there to begin with like a phantom pain, what had just happened. Were the others in trouble? Did something terrible happen to Junpei to cause such a reaction out of his own D-Scanner? What about that pain...

He knew for sure now that he had to retrieve Takuya and get the hell back to the others a.s.a.p. But was he already too late?

Shoving the dark thought aside he picked some grass and weeds from his hair and clothes, but paused when he heard a beeping sound. Pulling out his D-Scanner a map rose up in a burst of light showing a red dot, he was close, but still a few days off. Yet as he studied the map the dot seemed to appear, yet vanish, which was strange, because it stayed in one spot. Where are you Takuya? Kouji thought as he stood and started moving at a quick pace, he would now start resting during the night, even if it took longer, he didn't want a repeat of what happened earlier, he couldn't afford too. Blinking though he realized that it was way past noon, but of what day? How long did he sleep for? His body demanded it, and now it was well rested, he didn't feel tired at all, which could mean that his digivice was reacting to something that had already happened, it didn't sound good, as he felt himself go into a jog as he followed the map.

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Pain that was what she felt as she opened her eyes, blinking several times to adjust, she realized she was on her back and staring at the ceiling of a cave. Carefully she sat up a hand to her head, to look around. By their location she guessed they were far from where they originally were. But how did they get here? The last thing she remembered was looking at her D-Scanner to see it glowing a bright yellow, pain, then blackness. What had happened?

"Good your awake." Came a voice, turning she saw Bokomon approach to stand by her side.

"How did I get here? Where are Tomoki and Neemon?" She asked her voice coming out hoarse.

"Tomoki and I helped you get here, you blacked out and we had to keep moving. We were lucky we found this cave, which turned out to be a tunnel, hopefully it will lead us to our destination. The others are looking for some food and water, though I doubt Neemon will be much help." Bokomon murmured as an afterthought.

"Oh, any word on Junpei?" She asked her voice hopeful.

"We haven't seen him, I'm sorry Izumi, but I don't think we should hope for the best. If he did survive he is more then likely injured or a hostage. It wouldn't be best if we go back to search for him, Grotomon could be waiting." The little digimon muttered sadly as he sat on the ground. "We can only hope he will make it to the Forest Terminal."

Izumi looked to the ground and found herself heartbroken at the news, another friend lost, why did fate have to be so cruel! Blinking back tears she took a deep breath to prevent the sob that wanted to come forth. Carefully she put her mask on before meeting Bokomon's eyes. "Lets not tell Tomoki this, I don't think he could handle it." She answered her voice barely a whisper.

Bokomon nodded his agreement, as he stood to see Tomoki and Neemon approach, the younger boy balancing some food, water, and a stick at the same time. Neemon though seemed to stare off into space, and ran right into the cave wall, causing his small amount of items to fall to the ground. "You idiot!" Bokomon shouted snapping Neemon's pants getting a small smile from Izumi, and Tomoki to giggle.

Izumi looked at the floor it was good to get some laughter in the group, it had been a long time since she had heard Tomoki laugh. Or any of them laugh, but it was depressing times, standing she looked down the tunnel, as her eyes adjusted. It was time to get going again, she had made that promise to herself after all. Tomoki joined her side green eyes searching her own, as she carefully took some of the things he was holding. The two gave a nod, and began walking forward, more Izumi walking, and Tomoki having a slight limp to his step.

After arguing Bokomon and Neemon looked around. "Hey, where did everyone go?" Neemon asked.

"You nickcompoop, you distracted me, and now Tomoki and Izumi have left us behind!" Bokomon snapped irritated.

"Really, when will they be coming back?"

"Sometimes I wonder how stupid you really can be!" Bokomon shouted and taking a hold of Neemon's pants began dragging him after the two.

"I wonder about things too, like why the sky is blue, why my pants are red." Neemon muttered as he was dragged along till the two vanished into the darkness. The small group not knowing where the tunnel led to...

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One Week Later

Takuya yawned as he headed down the tunnel that would lead outside of the temple, or at least to the back part of it. He needed a walk to wake up before he went to his lessons, even though Talon seemed proud he was such a fast learner. He needed to sort out his thoughts, what had been that pain and strange light that came out of his D-Scanner a week ago. It happened so sudden, and vanished just as quickly, after he had woken up in his room Renamon told him he had fainted after crying out in pain. The fox wanted to know what happened, but what could he say in response when even he didn't know the answer...

All he could remember was sensing that strange feeling of dread, mind numbing pain, then blackness, and the fox accepted the answer for the time being. It seemed that since the incident he had started having the nightmares again, though he didn't really remember them as well as the first one. Something he was glad for, waking up in a cold sweat not knowing where he was, or what happened; then having the memories come rushing back to him in full force feeling like something hitting him, was bad enough. It was terrible, he had thought countless times to talk to Hodoer about it, but he never had the chance too. He hated the feeling, it kept him on edge, and he was always a nervous wreck for long periods after it went away. When would it end?

He stopped at the exit to the temple as he removed his hood, to look at the sunlight streaming in and hesitated. Was he ready to go out, but he was told several times by Talon that the temple was hidden, and he would be shielded as well if he didn't wander too far from the boundaries. Taking a deep breath he stepped out, and blinking several times his eyes adjusted to the bright sunlight to look below to see some of the younger monks standing around joking and laughing. He could understand parts, but he wasn't that fluent in the language yet. Sighing he waved and called out a greeting to the group, a few of the members turned and called back. A smile came to Takuya's face as he walked down the steps, and paused he was tempted to ask how far the boundaries were, but was interrupted.

One of the younger ones walked forward, it was about the same height as Takuya and he was met with a pair of blue cat orbs. "Make naa lle autien?" He asked.

Takuya sighed and pointed to the forest as he tried to think of an answer, but came up with nothing. The phrase was said a little to quickly for him to catch on.

The figure then asked something else as his eyes narrowed. "Lle rangwa amin?"

"Amin hiraetha, Amin n" He apologised, bowing his head.

Though instead of an angry look the figure smiled and patted him on the back. "Namaarie" He said and the group began to move inside as another comment came. "Tira ten' rashwe!"

"Namaarie" Takuya answered turned around and froze in place, what did that monk mean by be careful. There was no danger nearby was there? Shaking his head he spotted a trail nearby and headed towards it, it seemed pretty worn, maybe others walked it. He promised himself he wouldn't wander too far, it wouldn't be nice to keep Talon waiting and that warning made itself present in his mind.

The trail stretched out for quite a distance as Takuya soon left the small field behind and entered the forest, to his surprise birds were chirping and he could hear a few digimon in the distance. He began walking deeper into the trees admiring the beauty, he was so caught up in it he didn't feel his digivice shake, and he only stopped when he heard a loud beeping. Shocked that he ignored it for this long, he pulled it out of his pocket and instantly a map appeared, there was his red dot, and a blue one that zeroed in on his location and was heading directly at him.

He silently cursed himself and began to look around for any sign of movement, but the trees and bushes were too thick. He should have noticed the area around him had gotten rougher, it was a sure sign he had passed out of the shield. He realized instantly it was too late to try to run back into the safety of the temple, Kouji would spot him, and looking down at the map confirmed his thought. Any minute now the lone wolf would be emerging onto the path, why now of all times did he have to be found, he wasn't ready to leave. He couldn't go back to them, he hadn't finished his search.

What happened next completely took Takuya off guard, he was so determined in searching the direction the dot was coming from to look down at the map to see it move. So he didn't notice Kouji appear on the side of the path, and slam him into a tree. Takuya struggled against the hold, but saw that he was pinned, the wolf seemed to be ready for him this time. Instead he slowly locked gazes with Kouji, and did a double take, he wasn't being glared at, instead there was an unknown emotion in the deep blue eyes. "Kouji." He muttered still stunned to say much else.

"Takuya." Came the greeting, as a tense silence passed between the two, while neither broke off from the intense gaze. It seemed like forever since Kouji had last seen the gogglehead, the other looked different, but Kouji couldn't place what it was. Maybe it was the outfit the brown haired boy was wearing, but he sensed something else, which was why he kept staring into those red/brown eyes. Why was he being silent, he had promised himself he would tell Takuya how he felt, but here he had him pinned and the words didn't seem to come. Taking a deep breath and finally lowering his eyes from the browned haired boy he began talking. "Takuya...there's something...I..."

"What you've come to take me back, well too bad, I'm not coming." Takuya interrupted coldly, and pulling his leg up pushed his knee into Kouji's stomach, causing the grip to loosen, and him to pull out of it. He then got into a defensive posture raising his hands he was ready this time too, there was no way he would allow himself be caught off guard again.

Kouji was completely taken aback at what happened, he stumbled and almost hit the ground. His wind had been knocked out of him, as he once more locked gazes with Takuya to see a heated glare. The baka probably thought he was going to tell him something else. He met the glare head on though and saw the defensive posture, he was going to have to pin him again, but this time he knew he couldn't hesitate like earlier. He ran forward to grab the cloak, but was shocked that Takuya took a hold of his hand, trying to pull it behind his back. This wasn't going to be easy, so Kouji used his other hand and punched Takuya's stomach, causing the tight grip to weaken as he pulled back. The blue haired boy knew he had to do this just right, so he waited.

Catching his breath from the punch, the brown haired boy charged forward ready to punch Kouji again hoping his offensive would be enough, but at the same time he was leaving himself open, and was caught off guard as Kouji pulled his earlier move off. Except this time it was faster, and he felt his arm pinned behind his back in a painful position, as he was roughly pushed up against a tree, before he could pull a counter punch. Takuya tried to meet the other boy's gaze, but turning caused another shot of pain to go through him so he stopped and stared at the bark of the tree he was up against. That was when he felt a warm body press close to him as a whisper reached his ears, finding he couldn't ignore it Takuya strained to hear what the blue haired boy was saying.

Kouji took a deep breath and with his free hand tugged a little on his bandana, before clearing his throat, but he was shocked that his voice came out a whisper as he leaned against the other. "Takuya...I...what I was going to say before the breath was knocked out of me, wasn't going to be me demanding you come back..." He hesitated taking another deep calming breath. I didn't think this was going to be so hard, but I have to do it, please don't let his response be rejection Shocked at his own thoughts, he found he couldn't continue.

"What was it then." Takuya asked just as quietly half of him dreading the answer, the other half curious about the answer. That was when he found himself being turned around with his back against the tree, to met Kouji's blue eyes with his own brown ones as those eyes filled his line of sight. Why was Kouji so close, he could almost feel the others breath on his face...

"Aishiteru Takuya." Kouji whispered and before the browned haired boy could answer, Kouji slammed his lips into his own...

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Here are the answers to your reviews.

Sorry for leaving a cliffy here, it just seemed right to end it right there. Well that wraps it up for this chapter, sorry I know it is long, what can I say I got into it, anyway I hoped you enjoyed it. No preview on what happens in the next chapter, you are just going to have to wait.

Special Notice Okay here was what I was talking about in the above author notes first reviewer to guess what language the monks speak will get a special appearance in later chapters! I will contact you if you are the first one with the details.

Read and Review!