Hey guys, happy holidays. I hope you all are enjoying yourselves. I'm not going to waste much of your time but on behalf of myself and my co-writer, I would like to thank you guys for participating in our little Q&A. Means a lot to hear from you guys. Just so you know, we left the Q&A stuff at the end of the chapter so make sure you check that out when you're finished reading. So with that said, enjoy the chapter.
Chapter 15: In My Place.
The next few days were tiring for Takuya; the battle with Goblimon had worn him down to the brink of exhaustion. The poor boy lazed around the following few days as his body tried to recover from the aches and pain.
There were no signs of said green Digimon through these next few days which Takuya was grateful for. Sure he was nervous for the next attack but he was grateful for the peace at least. He could enjoy the peace for however long it'd last.
Takuya moaned in his sleep when he heard his D-Tector vibrate. The boy moaned and checked the device seeing it was Zoe again. He sighed and answered drowsily. "Zoe? What's up?"
"Hey Takuya sorry if I woke you. I just wanted to know if you wanted to do anything today? The twins and I were hoping to meet up with you, maybe do something fun."
He looked at his watch, deciding he'd gotten enough sleep, "Uh, Sure. I'd like that. What did you guys have in mind?"
"Well, Kouichi and I wanted to go into Shibuya to that new mall- but Kouji was flat out against it." She explained, sounding a bit disappointed that Kouji vetoed her plan.
Takuya tried not to laugh too hard, mostly because his chest was still sore. "I'm with Kouji on this one. But not because I hate to go shopping, I still want to take it easy."
"It's not going to be that bad Takuya. You don't have to worry about that." Zoe told him hoping to get him to change his mind. "If you want you don't have to carry anything."
"You really want to go to that new mall don't you?" Takuya asked knowing that his friend would not yield in her opinion.
Zoe giggled a little. "Well yeah. There's supposed to be a lot of good stores there. And even a couple good places for lunch too. Tell me that doesn't sound good."
Takuya smiled, at least enthralled by the prospect of a good lunch. "Well... lunch does sound good."
She grinned, "I could have told you that there would be a serial killer convention at the mall with good places for lunch and you'd still say yes."
"Hey!"
The blonde just laughed, "Kouichi and I will meet you and Kouji in about an hour, is that cool?"
"That's fine- Wait you're not gonna make me call Kouji are you?"
"Bye Taku!" She hung up. Damn that girl. Convincing Kouji to tag along would be extremely difficult, especially since he didn't want to go very much in the first place.
Takuya sighed again and managed to call up Kouji. "Hey Kouji." He called with a nervous chuckle.
"You caved didn't you?" Kouji asked, annoyance clear in his voice.
The boy blinked, not expecting his friend to figure that out so quickly. "How did you… all I said was hey."
"Takuya, I know you. And I know that Zoe knows how to wrap you around her thumb." The grouchy twin answered simply.
"You know just about everything don't you?" The gogglehead muttered.
"Duh?"
Takuya sighed. "Look, the mall can't be that bad right? We don't have to go shopping crazy like your brother or Zoe. And I don't have to carry any bags so I'm in the clear."
"And how's that make it any better for me?"
"Please Kouji? I need a day to just relax and enjoy the company of my friends. I finally feel good enough to do that. Please?" The boy begged.
The younger twin sighed, "Damn Takuya. You're like a little needy child sometimes."
Takuya snorted indignantly, "Cut me some slack. You'd be desperate too if you got knocked around by Goblimon."
"Alright. Fine. I'll meet you at the train station then." Kouji sighed, caving.
The gogglehead pumped his fist in victory. "Sweet! Thanks Kouji! You won't regret it."
"Yeah, yeah. Later Takuya." Kouji hung up.
Takuya shrugged off the grumpiness emanating from his friend and got out of bed. He quickly got dressed and ready, noting how the spots where he was bruised and shot had completely healed. It was like he was good as new.
After leaving a note in the kitchen for his mother, Takuya headed out to the station. While it would have been good to go through the rooftops like he had grown accustomed to he decided to play it safe and just idly walk down the street.
Takuya made his way to the station and found his friend waiting for him there. "Hey Kouji!"
"Hey. You made it. How're you feeling?" Kouji asked after his friend made it to his side.
"Tons better. I feel like a brand new man." Takuya answered happily.
The younger twin smirked, punching him in his priorly uninjured arm, "Good, no guilt then."
"Ah Kouji! That hurt!" Takuya whined, holding the sore spot gingerly.
"You'll get over it." Kouji replied coolly, "I already got the tickets, Let's hurry up and get on before the train leaves."
Takuya nodded and the boys ascended the stairs together. They board the express train, that only made one other stop before stoping in Shibuya. Stepping off the train sent them into a small wave of nostalgia, recalling how they'd first encountered each other on that fateful train trip to the station and eventually the Digital World.
"Still gives you that eerie feeling, doesn't it." Kouji remarked quietly.
"Yeah, no kidding. Hard to believe it's been so long." Takuya replied to his friend, recalling the event in his mind. He remembered barely making the train and even barely making to the elevator by the skin of his teeth.
"You know I thought you were a jerk back then." He said with a smirk, a kind of payback for being punched in the arm.
"I thought you were an idiot." Kouji countered swiftly, a smirk on his face as well.
The gogglehead rolled his eyes. "Well, all this nostalgia needs is an aching throb in my head and we're set."
"You do seem to hit your head a lot." The younger twin mused.
"I'm going to ignore that."
Kouji grinned slyly, "The truth hurts Takuya."
"Let's just go already so Zoe and Kouichi can shop till we drop." Takuya huffed, giving up a lost battle.
"Don't remind me," Kouji replied, grimacing, "Just so long as we steer clear of clothing- Between Zoe and Kouichi, I don't know who's more insufferable."
Takuya grinned, "You?"
Kouji glared, "Pushing it Kanbara."
"Wow, Kouichi really is the fun twin." Takuya muttered as they continued on their trip to meet up with them. It wasn't long until they arrived to their destination and saw their friends waiting for them.
"Hey there you two! Took you long enough!" Kouichi called out to them with an eager grin on his face.
His brother rolled his eyes at him. "What's the hurry? I'm in no hurry to be forced to carry all your crap while you go on a crazy shopping spree."
"You're just loads of fun." Kouichi stated with a hint of sarcasm in his voice, seeming amused with his twin's sour mood.
"That's what I said." Zoe replied, a smile on her face.
Kouji just sighed. "Why do I put up with this?"
"Because you love us brother!" Kouichi chirped happily. Takuya and Zoe laughed as Kouji glowered at his brother.
They entered the mall, not paying any attention to Kouji's sour mood. He eventually lightened up when Zoe tried to force Takuya to put on a shirt with a unicorn splashed across the front covered in glitter. After about maybe a hour of shopping and daring each other to wear ridiculous outfits, they decided to take a break and find a place for lunch.
"So what sounds good? There's all kinds of places to choose from here." Zoe asked, looking at the food court's map.
"I dunno about you guys but I could go for a hot dog." Takuya responded, grinning at the idea.
"Of all the things we could eat here you want hot dogs of all things?" Kouji asked.
The boy huffed and glared at his friend. "Well excuse me. What's wrong with a good old hot dog?" he huffed and looked back at the map for what else they could have. "Well, what do you guys plan to eat then?"
"Come on. No need to argue." Kouichi stepped between the two. "Let's just pick and enjoy it."
Zoe smiled. "We don't all have to have the same thing. That's the beauty of a food court."
"Right. Come on Takuya, let's go find something to eat. A hotdog actually sounds good," Kouichi said, leading the brunette away, leaving Kouji and Zoe together to find food.
Kouichi and Takuya got their food, and found a place to sit while they waited for Kouji and Zoe to return.
"How're your injuries? Better I hope."
"Well, I feel better. All of my wounds have healed up pretty well." Takuya answered and rolled his shoulders. "I still feel a little sore in a few places but I'm fine."
"That's good to hear." Kouichi replied. He looked to Takuya and smiled while he was taking a bite. "So, I heard Zoe came over to check up on you after what happened at your school. You tell her how you feel?"
The gogglehead almost spit out his food at the mention and tried to catch his breath. "Jeez! Couldn't you wait till I was finished chewing before you ask something like that?"
"So you did?" Kouichi asked again curiously. He frowned when Takuya shook his head. "Takuya, seriously?"
Takuya lowered his gaze, "I couldn't do it okay? I want her to be safe... I don't want her to get tangled up in my chaotic life."
"She already is Takuya, you really should tell her. Or you'll miss your chance. She really likes you." Kouichi urged, feeling sorry for his friends.
"I know I just... I..." He stopped. Zoe and Kouji had returned with their lunches. They sat down, Kouji next to Kouichi and Zoe next to Takuya. The brunette blushed brightly, adverting his gaze.
"So what'd you guys end up getting?" Kouichi asked, giving Takuya recovery time.
"I got a sandwich and a little cup of soup." Zoe replied gesturing to her piping hot meal.
Kouji shrugged and prepared to eat. "Noodles for me."
"Is this mall great or what?" the blond asked cheerfully and taking a good look around at the mall before going back to her meal. "I don't remember having this much fun in a long time."
"Well, I would hope so with the way we were running around this place." Kouji replied.
"Admit it Kouji. You're having fun." Takuya nudged his friend, getting into the spirit of the fun.
Kouji however, was not in the same light hearted spirit. "Knock it off Takuya."
"Come on Kouji, it's fine!"Takuya pressed, nudging the boy more. "I thought you learned how to have fun!"
The younger twin glared at Takuya. "I know how to have fun- This is not fun." He turned his attention to his lunch and began to eat.
Kouichi rolled his eyes, "Anyway."
"So, what do you guys want to do after this?" Takuya asked with a mouth full after shoving the rest of his hotdog down his throat.
"Well, we could…" Zoe started.
"No more shopping." Kouji stated knowing she was going to go there. "I've had enough for one day."
The blonde just rolled her eyes. "Okay, okay. Jeez, we'll do something else. Spoil sport." She added that last part silently in a whisper to Takuya who snickered with her.
"Heard that." Kouji muttered but just let it drop.
"So what do you guys wanna do then if shopping is out?" Zoe asked, trying to keep the conversation moving.
Kouichi leaned back in his seat, "What about a movie?"
"That's a good idea. It'll be a nice change from walking around all day." Takuya added. In truth he was tired, and a movie meant at least an hour of recharge time.
Kouji seemed to perk up, "What's out to go see?"
"There's that new paranormal movie that's been out for a little while." Kouichi suggested.
"No way in hell." Zoe immediately replied. "We're not watching that."
"That actually sounds pretty good." Kouji told them, giving them two votes to watch the movie. He was actually looking forward to seeing that movie, having planned to see it some time in the future. "I heard it was absolutely terrifying. Scared the crap out of everyone." He finished with an evil grin on his face.
"No way. Can't we watch something else?" Zoe asked, really set on not watching the flick, especially with the way Kouji described it.
Takuya felt torn, he wanted to see the scary film with Kouichi and Kouji, but at the same time, he didn't want to abandon Zoe. "I'll go see something else with you if you like Zoe."
"Aww, Takuya. I know you wanted to see it- And I wanted us all to spend today together today..."
He smiled softly, "It's okay Zoe. Really. Let them go see the scary movie. I'll go see whatever you want."
Zoe looked up at him, blushing softly, "Takuya..."
"I'm sure we can find a movie we can watch when we get there." Takuya replied, a kind smile on his face. "So it's nothing to worry about."
"I guess…" Zoe mumbled, feeling a little bad for putting them in the situation.
Kouichi saw the look on her face. "You sure you don't want to change your mind about the horror flick?" he asked, giving the girl a chance to change her mind.
Zoe bit her lip, not sure on her position. She couldn't stand these kinds of movies but everyone seemed to really want to watch it.
"Look, we don't have to worry about it until we get there so no pressure, kay?" Takuya told his friend and squeezed her shoulder gently hoping the gesture would be enough to lift her spirits.
She smiled a bit, "Alright. Let's go then guys!"
Kouichi lead the way brightly, half dragging Kouji along, Zoe and Takuya walked side by side behind them.
"So how do we hook them up" Kouichi whispered to his brother, smiling deviously.
Kouji raised an eyebrow, "What now?"
"Takuya and Zoe! How do we get them together?"
"You're trying to hook them up now?" Kouji asked his twin. He should have known his brother would have come up with something like this.
"Well of course. Takuya's not going to work up the nerve and Zoe's waiting on him. At this rate they'll never end up together." The elder twin replied knowingly and looked back at the two seeing them engage in friendly chatter.
Kouji just sighed. "You have a point there. So what do we do?"
"Well, we're going to the movies right? There's plenty of opportunity there." Kouichi answered, grinning at the possible ideas. "The best I can think of is the horror movie sequence. Things get a little scary and Zoe clings to Takuya like her life depends on it."
"And you're sure that'll work?" Kouji asked skeptically.
"Of course. She'll cling to him, they'll get close, and boom. Magic happens."
"You know how psychopathic you sound?" Kouji asked, raising an eyebrow.
The elder boy laughed, "Yeah yeah, So, We need to convince Zoe to go to the movie!"
Kouji shook his head. "You're a lunatic."
"So you tell me."
Takuya tilted his head, "what do you supposed they're scheming up there."
"Beats me. Something maniacal I bet." Zoe answered though still as clueless as her companion. "I don't like it."
"Me either." Takuya squinted at them when Kouichi turned to take a look at them. He noticed the sinister smile on the elder twin's face and shivered. "I don't like the way they're looking at us."
Zoe nodded, seeing the evil smile on the boy's face as well. "We should probably keep an eye out for anything they might pull."
Takuya nodded and they arrived at the ticket booth. "Well, here we are. Let's see. There's a screening for the horror movie in about half an hour. Find anything you wanted to watch?"
The blonde looked at the movie list, no finding much that interested her. "Well, Not really... Do you really want to see that horror movie still? I'll go."
"I don't want to force you Z." Takuya replied firmly, "That stuff freaks you out."
She made a face, poking him in the chest. "You've freaked me out plenty Takuya. I think I'll be okay with a fictional movie."
"If you say so." Takuya shrugged, not really wanting to get on her case about it.
Zoe nodded feeling confident that she could survive the horror movie. At least she wasn't going in there alone. She had three friends with her. With that in mind she turned to the twins. "You know, there's nothing else good playing. We'll watch the horror flick with you guys."
Kouichi sprung up happily. "Really? Perfect! Let's buy those tickets then!" He grinned gleefully; his plan was slowly beginning to go into motion.
"Oh brother." Kouji muttered at how energetic his elder twin was. He half expected this plan to come crashing down.
The four purchased their tickets. Takuya and Zoe went to the concession stand while the twins grabbed seats for everyone.
"Ya know, you might like the movie Zoe." Takuya said, trying to make small talk.
She looked up a him, "Maybe... I still don't like scary movies though."
Takuya smiled, "You went up against Duskmon, Cherubimon and Lucemon without any fear."
"That was different!"
"Oh really? How's that?" Takuya asked, grinning widely at her.
"Well… um…" Zoe took a moment to think of differences. She growled after seeing the smug face on her friend's face when she couldn't think of an immediate answer. "Horror movies just scare me okay? Especially the paranormal kind. At least with the Digimon there was something I could do about them."
Takuya sighed and held the blonde by her shoulders in a comforting gesture. "Try not to worry about it. Kou, Kouichi and I are going to be right there with you. And if you want, you can sit in the middle."
She smiled at the offer and nodded slightly. "Thanks Taku."
"It'll be fun." The boy added, the grin forming back on his face as they made their way to the theater room. They found the twins up near the top row and joined them; Zoe took up Takuya on his offer and sat in the middle between Kouichi and Takuya.
The lights dimmed as the movie's previews began to roll, promoting a few films due out in the coming weeks and months. The movie began and the fairly empty theater fell silent. Kouichi leaned away from Zoe into the empty seat next to him, making it so she was more likely to latch onto Takuya than himself.
Kouji restrained himself from throwing popcorn at his ridiculous brother from three seats away. Kouichi noticed his brother glaring at him, and grinned back. Trying to play innocent as his master "get Zoe and Takuya together" plan went into action.
Takuya was oblivious to the twins' action, engrossed in the movie as it progressed. He was eager to see some activity, noticing the subtle hints of something paranormal; small objects moving around, faint noises, and blurred shadows that only appear for a split second. It was slowly building up to something. They always do.
Zoe on the other hand, looked nervous. She was waiting for something to jump out and scare her. She tensed whenever the background music built up to something but lead to nothing.
The blonde would flinch whenever she'd see an eerie shadow appear out of nowhere. Suddenly, a loud slam of a door resonated and she yelped with the woman on the film and latched onto Takuya's sleeve from fright.
Takuya looked at her, concerned, "Zoe?" he whispered. She didn't respond, clutching tighter to his shirt. He gently took her hand away, holding it firmly. She seemed to relax at his touch, so he didn't let go.
Zoe tried to calm down and pay attention to what was on the screen, her grip tightened when she saw the eerie shadow of the creature lurking close behind the frightened woman. It was only for a split second but it was enough to send chills down her spine.
The boy gently rubbed the back of her hands with his thumbs, something she did for him to help him calm down, and smiled a little after she finally seemed to ease up a little especially when it seemed that the movie was reaching a calming point.
There was then a sudden shriek that came from nowhere and Zoe buried her face in Takuya's shoulder as the shriek was accompanied by loud and abrupt crashing of pots and pans, the shattering of china, cabinets and drawers torn from their hinges, and all accompanied by an inhuman roar.
She whimpered softly, terrified by the film. Takuya took pity on her and escorted Zoe from the theater into the lobby. He sat her down at a small table and got her some water. He took a seat beside her.
"Are you okay Zoe? You're still shaking."
Zoe nodded slowly, sipping the water occasionally. "Y-yeah, that was just really really scary."
"Well here, we don't have to watch the rest of it. We can just wait until the movie's done." He told her and took her hand in his again to try and comfort her.
"But don't you want to finish watching it?" Zoe asked, feeling upset that she might be ruining their fun with her episode. "I mean… you really did want to see it."
Takuya shook his head and smiled a little. "It's fine. I don't mind staying. Besides, I can see it again some other time."
"But…"
"Zoe, it's alright. Really. Please don't worry about it." The boy insisted.
She started to argue back, but fell silent. Zoe sighed and leaned against Takuya's shoulder. "Thank you," she whispered.
Takuya fought back a blush. He wrapped an arm around the blonde girl, holding her close. He couldn't help but smile at her fondly. He wished things could be simpler- safer. He loved Zoe with all his heart but he just couldn't bring himself to tell her couldn't bare to see her get hurt.
The two stayed like that, neither of them wanting to pull away from their embrace. They were content sitting there together and just forgetting about all their worries; no Goblimon, no bullies, nothing that would give them grief or ruin their moment.
The movie finally let out and as the twins were exiting the theater they saw the two sitting together. Kouichi couldn't help but grin at the sight of them. That embrace had to mean something.
Kouji rolled his eyes after seeing his brother's grin. He expected the hyperactive twin to start gloating any minute now.
Takuya heard the twins behind them. He kinda wished they hadn't seen his display of affection towards Zoe just now, mostly because they would never let it go now.
"Hey guys." Takuya said, finally pulling away. The twins clearly hadn't expected him to speak to them directly with his back to them.
They came around in front and joined Takuya and Zoe. Kouichi was grinning from ear to ear.
"How was the rest of the movie?" Zoe asked.
"Kouichi was squealing like a little girl." Kouji replied, a smirk was on his face when he said it and made Takuya snicker.
"I did no such thing!" the older twin whined, earning a sympathetic pat on the back from the blonde who was really in no position to tease the boy. Takuya on the other hand just snickered and laughed with the younger twin.
"In all honesty, I think it was best for you two to step out of the theater. It got really intense near the end." Kouji added to Takuya silently.
While Kouji was taking the time to talk to Takuya, Kouichi decided to try and get some information from Zoe. "So, you two were awfully close to each other back there."
"Kouichi." The girl muttered with a warning tone. She didn't want him prying.
"Just an observation!" Kouichi exclaimed, holding his hands up in defense, "It was cute that's all!"
She blushed brightly when he said they looked cute. "O-oh Um..."
He just grinned, "It's okay Z."
Zoe tilted her head, confused by the older twin's antics, but shrugged it off.
"You guys up for ice cream?" Kouji asked, something Takuya had obviously suggested as he put on his best begging face.
"That sounds good!" Zoe exclaimed, loving the idea of ice cream. It was definitely a good pick-me-up from what happened with the movie. "Come on, my treat."
"Seriously?" Takuya asked not expecting her to offer her treat.
The blonde nodded. "Yeah, seriously. Let me treat you to some. To make up for missing the end of that movie."
"You don't have to do that Zoe." Takuya started.
"Really, don't worry about it Takuya. It'll be my treat. Besides, it's just ice cream." Zoe insisted and made the way to the nearby ice cream store.
Kouji moved beside Takuya, whispering "Make sure you pay okay? Be a gentleman."
"I try! She's...stubborn." He whispered back. "By the way, would you two stop?"
"It was Kouichi's idea. Not mine. I'm not involved."
Takuya raised an eyebrow, "Uh huh. You're not stopping him though."
"Not Involved. On either side." Kouji clarified, "Besides. I know better than to piss you off, or aid Kouichi's schemes. Both have deadly consequences."
"So, Kouichi's plotting something?" Takuya asked and discretely turned to look back at said scheming twin.
"Duh? It was his idea to scoot over during the movie and we saw how that turned out. Who knows what he has planned next." Kouji replied and shrugged.
The gogglehead just sighed and followed them to the small ice cream shop. "Could you tell your brother he's walking on thin ice?"
"I think he'd be smart enough to realize that." Kouji replied.
Takuya just looked at his friend with an incredulous look on his face.
"Nevermind."
Okay guys. Here're your questions.
Will the other kids been able to turn into Digimon? And if not, why?
-Takuya is a special, kinda, case for reasons that we will later address. So as of now, no.
Will Takuya be able to evolve passed Flamon?
-Well, we reason that it takes a lot of energy to maintain Flamon's form in the human world. Anything higher would probably be too much for him. He might also be missing something so, yeah.
Does Takuya's dad know something about Takuya's condition?
-Nope, but good try.
What's with Takuya bottling his emotions?
-With the way we write Takuya, he's the kind of guy who doesn't want to push his problems upon his friends. He's their leader and as the leader he takes it upon himself to try and handle his own issues without anyone's help. But in doing so he ends up bottling everything up.
Who was the voice that spoke to Takuya when he was sick from DemiDevimon's poison?
-This is a voice of power, reason, and wisdom. It's someone who Takuya is familiar with but can't recognize.
Will Takuya do anything with his relationship with Zoe?
-Not right away. Let's leave that up to Kouichi.
Will Ayumi find out about Takuya's secret?
-Nope.
What's taking so long with your updates?
-We have a planned schedule of doing a chapter every Wednesday but we might bump it up to two times a week once we're done writing it. We're almost there too.
Is there any significance to Takuya's dream from the beginning of the story?
-Dreams are just that, they can mean anything. With ShadowSeraphimon, we know it can't mean something good, but as Kouji pointed out, we don't know the ultimate outcome of the battle. It truly could mean anything right now.
See you all next time. Happy Holidays!
