Hey there guys. We're back. I hope you guys are enjoying the new year. I know I am. Well, anyway, we got some really intense stuff for you. What better way to start off the new year than with a brand new, action packed chapter. So, without further delay, enjoy.

Chapter 16: Demons.

They arrived at the ice cream shop. The twins going ahead of Zoe and Takuya, mostly so Kouji could help position Takuya to pay for whatever he and Zoe wanted. They ordered their frozen treats and moved on.

Zoe placed her order while Takuya purposely took his time, trying to convince her to go sit with the twins. She relented finally and Takuya ordered his ice cream. He joined them with his and Zoe's ice cream.

"Here's yours Z. Strawberry with sprinkles."

"I really wish you would have let me pay for your cone." Zoe whined but decided to let it go after a taking a spoonful of her ice cream. "Ooh. This is so good! I love this place!"

"This had been a whole lot of fun." Takuya admitted with a grin on his face. "I really needed this. After that day at school, I'm so glad to finally be able to catch my breath."

Kouichi grinned with the boy. "Glad to be of service my friend. You deserve a day off."

"Thanks guys." Takuya leaned back in his chair, enjoying his ice cream and the company of three of his closest friends. He felt completely relaxed for once, allow his stress, feats and worries just melt away.

It wasn't to last. He sat up suddenly, feeling on edge. Something wasn't right. He could sense it in the air around them. The others looked at him curiously, seeing him become tense and alert.

"Takuya?" Kouji asked slowly.

"Something's… not right…" Takuya stood up from his seat and looked around trying to find what was causing this sense of dread. "There's something here…"

"Goblin Strike!"

Mass hysteria soon spread throughout the mall, the fire alarms blaring out loudly and everyone in it screaming insanely. Takuya sprung up and in an instant recognized what was happening. "It's back…"

"What? You mean the Goblimon? What the hell is it doing here?" Kouji asked and tried to peer over the mob rushing towards the exits to find the rogue Digimon.

Kouichi turned, "There!" He pointed to a small explosion at a computer shop across the street. Goblimon's silhouette became visible through the smoking shop.

Kouji dashed for the door, "Come on! We need to get out!"

"Takuya!?" Zoe called for her friend. The brunette had vanished from sight.

"Zoe! Come on!" Kouichi dragged her outside and down the block with Kouji to a safer location. The three looked back at the scene, scanning for Takuya.

A red-orange and green blur crashed through the storefront. Takuya had slipped away, transformed into Flamon and was now engaged in battle with Goblimon. He rose, pulling away from the goblin Digimon snarling wildly.

"Finally found you, you little runt!" Goblimon swung its heavy club, intending to bludgeon the fire Digimon's head in, but Takuya was easily able to dodge its attack and punch it square in the face.

It wasn't like before. Takuya's wounds had completely healed, his arm fully recovered to top form. He could fight to his best, move as fast as he could; he could out maneuver the oaf without hurting himself in the process. He was capable of beating it now. He could do it.

Goblimon reeled back but jumped back at him, swinging its club wildly in a vain attempt to strike the nimble Digimon.

Takuya crouched down and lunged at Goblimon, dodging the swing of its club and delivered a blazing uppercut into the goblin's jaw, sending it crashing backwards into a nearby gazebo. "It's not going to be like last time buddy!

The green Digimon's upper lip curled into a wicked smile. "That's what you think runt." The burly Digimon turned, wailing his club into a brick wall. To Takuya's surprise and horror, the brick wall dissolved into data. Goblimon absorbed the data through his hand.

This was bad. Digimon could really damage and now use the human world to their advantage. Takuya took a involuntary step back.

"Let's see how you like this runt!" Goblimon summoned a much larger fireball in his hand, "Goblin Strike!"

Even if he was the Warrior of Fire, in this state Takuya would only get hurt. So instead of facing the attack head on he dodged to the side, landing safely on his feet.

Goblimon had seen where Takuya was going to jump and lunged at the boy, bringing its club down at him. His attack missed but the force split the asphalt and sent his opponent flying into the air from the force.

The boy managed to recover in the air and twisted himself around so he could drop kick the goblin, his foot ablaze. The kick connected with Goblimon's forearm but due to its increase in strength the attack did little damage and stopped Takuya in his tracks.

The Digimon swung his free arm around, punching Takuya hard. The boy skidded across the pavement into a wall. Takuya staggered to his feet. He couldn't fight like this. Goblimon was too strong now. He was horribly outmatched with the green monster's power boost.

Goblimon advanced, confident. "I'm gonna skin you alive ya little runt! You're dead!"

Takuya looked around frantically for a way out; something- anything that could give him a leg up. He spotted a lamp post. He dashed for it, climbing it swiftly before looking for anything he could use to battle the beastly Digimon.

Goblimon growled and started to swing its club into the post, shaking it violently hoping to knock Takuya down to the ground within its reach. He continued to bash and bend the pole, cutting Takuya's time short.

Takuya leapt from the lamp post to another high post. He still at least had his speed to his advantage. The brute may have grown stronger but it didn't gain much in its speed at all. He could continue to avoid its attacks until he could figure out a strategy.

First things first, Takuya needed to get that club out of its hands.

Unfortunately, there wasn't anything he could see to his advantage. Random debris didn't seem suitable as weapons. They would simply break against the goblin's club.

Then it dawned on him. Speed. He could run circles around Goblimon without breaking a sweat. He had to wear the goblin down to have any chance of defeating him.

"Hey ugly! My grandmother can swing harder than that!" he taunted from his perch.

Goblimon roared angrily, bashing the lamp post Takuya perched on nearly in half. "I'll make you eat those words you little runt!"

"Gotta catch me first!" Takuya quipped, leaping from the broken post to Goblimon's shoulders, then a good distance away. Goblimon turned in hot pursuit of Takuya as he leapt from perch to perch, be it flag poles, lamp posts, or ledges.

The two continued in their chase; Takuya agilely dodging and outrunning his pursuer as well as taunting it. He'd get it riled up, make it angry, clumsy. "What's the matter buddy? This runt giving you a little trouble? That is so lame!"

Goblimon growled and hurled more fire at the small Digimon. Takuya dodged its attack with ease and it only made the goblin angrier. "Get back here you little brat!"

Takuya just stuck his tongue at it. He was right. Goblimon was beginning to look exhausted chasing after him and Takuya still wasn't breaking a sweat.

"Stop running around you little runt!" Goblimon heaved and glared up at the fire Digimon who was perched on a lamp post, mocking him with silly faces.

"Ya need to lose some weight then buddy! You look winded!" Takuya called from his perch. So far his plan was working flawlessly.

Goblimon's however, was not. He was tired. He was furious. He snarled in a rage, bashing the pavement before him. He turned it to data, absorbing it. More power, he needed more power!

Takuya looked nervous now. Goblimon had fallen silent aside from trashing things and absorbing their data. His anxiety grew as Goblimon's body began to glow brightly and swirl with data. He was evolving.

"Oh that is so not good…" Takuya muttered fearfully as Goblimon grew larger through his evolution.

Goblimon grew larger; horns producing from its skull and shoulders, its teeth growing out of its mouth and curved to sharp points, and a great white main replacing the orange strip of hair. It looked like it had the face of an oni. And finally, its short wooden club was replaced with a larger one of bone; the heavy end covered in short spikes.

"This is really bad…" Takuya gulped at the sight of the massive Digimon.

The great Digimon, Ogremon, sneered at the boy and reared its fist back, dark energy gathering in its fist before sending the energy at him. "Pommel Whack!" Takuya yelped and jumped from the post as it was completely destroyed when the attack collided with it.

Takuya landed shakily. Ogremon rushed at the boy, slamming into him roughly. He whacked the boy into a wall, and was on top of him before he could even sit up.

Orgemon lunged at Takuya, grabbing at him roughly. His stubby claws tore at Takuya's skin, drawing blood. He lifted Takuya up by his neck with one hand and slammed him into the ground. The little flame Digimon just couldn't get away. He just wasn't strong enough.

"You're mine now rodent!" Orgemon growled confidently.

"L-let me… go! L-let… me… go!" Takuya choked, breathing flames in Ogremon's face in hopes that it would make the enemy let him go but its grip just grew tighter around his neck.

Ogremon just laughed at Takuya's feeble attempt to break free and raised his club, prepared to bash the boy's face in. "See you in hell runt!" He was interrupted, debris thrown sharply in his eye. Ogremon cried out in pain and dropped Takuya on the ground and used his free hand to mend his eye.

Takuya gasped and heaved, trying to catch his breath. Someone had thrown something at it. Someone was helping him. Takuya looked around, fearfully, hoping no one was getting involved.

His hopes were dashed when he saw his friends, Kouji being the one who had thrown the debris at Ogremon's eye. "What the hell are you doing here?! Run!"

Kouji made a motion to shut up and darted away. Takuya realized why moments too late. Ogremon grabbed him again, raging mad."Who's here runt! Who's helping you!?"

"I don't need any help! Don't have any either!" Takuya gasped weakly.

Ogremon slammed him against a wall. "Aww, poor little freak doesn't have any friends to help him. Let me put you outta your misery." Takuya moaned weakly, squirming as Ogremon raised his bone club.

"Let him go!"

Takuya's eyes widened when he heard Zoe's voice call out. She was standing in plain view, calling for Ogremon to let him go. "D-don't! G-get away from here! Run!" Takuya choked out.

Ogremon looked between the two and had a malicious glint in his eyes. "What's this? Runt's got a girly friend?"

The boy felt dread take root in his being when Zoe had the Digimon's full attention. "L-leave her alone… S-she's got nothing to do with this…" He begged, wrapping his arms around Ogremon's wrist to keep him from going after her.

"She's got everything to do this now-" He flung Takuya off his arm into a wall. Takuya collapsed, unable to get to his feet.

Ogremon lumbered towards Zoe. She stood, frozen to her spot in fear. "Ain't you a pretty little thing," he sneered. He grabbed her around the waist, lifting her into the air. He grinned evilly.

"Zoe!" Takuya called out, pulling himself up slowly. He was bleeding in several places and gripping his side in pain, "l-let her go!"

"What're you gonna do about it runt?" Ogremon asked tauntingly and lifted his club close to Zoe's neck, having one of the small spikes come dangerously close to piercing her skin.

"T-Takuya…" Zoe whimpered.

Takuya growled… the mere sight of the girl he loved being threatened by this monster lit his blood on fire with untold fury. He snarled, fangs bared, hair bristling, and eyes growing wild with his emotions. "L-let her… go." The boy ordered darkly, small flames building around him as he fought to control himself.

"Ah ah ah. Another move and girly here gets it." Ogremon threatened, pressing the spike closer into her neck making the blonde yelp in a mixture of fear and pain.

He backed down, letting the flames die. He was trapped. He couldn't attack, he couldn't save Zoe. Takuya shuddered with anger. He sank to the ground in frustration. "Let her go- Whatever you want, I'll do it. Just let her go..." he begged.

Ogremon threw his head back laughing. "How sad! Poor little runt has to beg for my mercy on his girly!"

Zoe squirmed, scared for her life and Takuya's. There seemed to be no way out.

"How 'bout you go back to that human form of yours?" Ogremon commanded, enjoying the sight of Takuya's begging. "Do it or your girly friend will get hurt."

Takuya bit his lip. He knew that if he would to go against his enemy Zoe would get hurt but… he doubted Ogremon would keep to his word and let her go. The ogre would kill them both. He would have to figure a way out. Catch Ogremon by surprise.

He would have to take a chance. Takuya tensed up but reverted back to his human form. He prayed that Ogremon didn't know the full extent of his abilities.

Ogremon prowled closer, laughing at Takuya as he carried the blond over to him. "Looks like you screwed your friend over girly." He laughed again, making guilt and terror spike in Zoe's being.

The tall Digimon backhanded the brunette, knocking him roughly to the ground. Zoe cried out as Ogremon dropped her to the ground. He grabbed a hold of Takuya, choking him.

"It'll be all over soon runt." the green monster sneered. Takuya gasped for air, clawing at Ogremon's massive hand.

Zoe had picked up a board from a broken window pane and threw it at Ogremon. "Let him go you jerk!"

The evil Digimon growled dangerously and turned to the blonde. His glare had frozen her in pure fear. Zoe just stood rooted to the ground as Ogremon stood over her. "You couldn't leave well enough alone could you girly?" he raised his club over his head, preparing to swing it down on her. "You should've run away when you had the chance!"

"Let… let her go…" Takuya croaked, his hands wrapped around Ogremon's arm like before but his grip was weak.

The ogre turned his attention to the boy and snorted. "What the hell are you gonna do about it runt?"

"This!" Takuya pointed his hand at Ogremon's face, close enough to release the strongest flame he could muster. Ogremon had dropped the boy and held his face, screaming in pure agony as the flames had burned every part of his face.

The digimon thrashed about wildly, howling in pain. The flames scorched his face and blinded the rampaging monster. Takuya barely scrambled away before Ogremon nearly stepped on him as it stumbled about.

Kouji and Kouichi reappeared finally. Kouichi had a crowbar and had forced it beneath the lid of a manhole cover. Combined, the twins forced the cover off and the sound attract Ogremon's attention and sent him stumbling that way. They darted away as the bumbling oaf of a Digimon stepped into the open hole, trapping his foot.

"Now's your chance Takuya!" Kouichi called as Kouji pulled Zoe farther down the street out of harm's way.

Takuya nodded and tried getting to his feet. He ached all over and was beginning to feel winded. His exertion was starting to catch up to him. Takuya would need a way to end this fast or else he wouldn't stand a chance.

Ogremon was trapped in his spot but was still swinging its club wildly in its blind fury. Takuya tried shooting his flames at the evil Digimon but their weak heat did little to it, only leaving small burns on its green hide. The brunette cursed to himself. He needed something to help him regain his strength somehow.

"Hurry up and beat that thing!" Kouji called out to his friend.

"Don't you think I'm trying? I used up a lot of my power on that thing already! I'm giving it all I got!" Takuya barked back, irritated at the lack of success.

The boy turned back to Ogremon, who was starting to come free. Takuya was furious now- with himself and with this beast. Yes, the DemiDevimon made him ill but Ogremon was making life a living hell. The school caught fire, destroyed numerous stores and worst of all, he threatened Zoe's life!

His rage intensified as he struggled to evolve and defeat the giant green brute. He roared in anger and energy flooded into his body. A dark aura hung around him like a fog, but Takuya paid it no mind. Takuya forced himself to evolve into Flamon again and fight on.

The other three watched in horror. Takuya had lost it, -his mind warped with anger and fear. It was affecting him. Flamon took on a dark appearance- his hair turning charcoal black and skin became grayer. His bright green eyes turned piercing yellow, lusting for blood. Takuya let loose a horrid snarl like a vicious beast and lunged.

Ogremon heard the snarl and swung wildly in Takuya's direction. He didn't know what was going on, only being able to make out very blurry shapes and shadows but he felt the dark aura take root. Whatever happened did not bode well for him.

The bone club had swung down towards the dark Digimon but it had connected with his black armored glove. The sudden and powerful force of the collision shook both of them to the core but Flamon paid no mind to it. He didn't register the hit. The club, however, cracked.

The dark warrior pushed the club aside and struck Ogremon in the face, smashing its elongated fangs and tearing Ogremon free from the manhole and sent it crashing into the ground.

Flamon growled viciously and pounced down on the injured ogre, his entire body ablaze with a great black flame.

The furiously barrage of attacks last only a moment as Ogremon burst into bit of data- restoring the absorbed walls. Flamon snarled wildly in triumph. Kouji and Kouichi approached the darkened warrior slowly.

"Takuya?" Kouji questioned.

He looked up, eyes still wild. The twins froze. This was not going to end well.

"T-Takuya… we're your friends… remember?" Kouichi asked slowly, scared for his life when Flamon just continued to snarl at them.

Flamon took a step towards them but stopped suddenly, his legs giving out under him and dropping to the floor.

"Takuya!" Zoe tried going to his side but was held back by the twins who were still cautious about whether or not Flamon'd attack them. "Let me go! He needs our help!"

The twins just held her back as Takuya continued to simply glare and snarl up at them, his body still ablaze with faint black flames. The flames began to flicker and die down, as if it were a sign of his weakening state.

"Zoe, Look at how he's looking at us! He's not right in his head!" Kouji said roughly, Not letting the girl go.

Kouichi frowned, having a familiar sensation wash over him. "Something's corrupted his form... Like Duskmon..."

Kouji and Zoe stopped, staring at the elder twin. "Are you sure Kouichi?" Zoe asked, terrified. Kouichi nodded slowly. Takuya snarled weakly. He couldn't push himself upright anymore. He looked to be on the verge of passing out.

"Absolutely… I know that feeling anywhere… and this is it." Kouichi answered, watching Takuya carefully.

It was a heartbreaking sight. At this point Takuya couldn't even lift his head off the floor. He was growling weakly from exhaustion as the black flames died leaving only faint plumes of smoke lifting up from his body.

Zoe felt tears prickle her eyes, her heart tearing at the seams. She wanted so badly to go to him; to help him. "Taku…"

In a flash of black light, Takuya had reverted back to his human form; all of his strength zapped away. He looked up at them for a brief moment, fear and shame clouding his gaze, before losing consciousness.

"Takuya? Takuya, please… tell us you're okay…" Zoe's voice called out to him, worry laced with her words.

Kouji's voice was next to reach him. "Zoe, come on, give him some space. He needs to breath."

Finally Takuya could see. He could see his friends gathered around him and he could make out his surroundings. He was in a well lit room. It was Kouichi's room. "W-what…" Takuya moaned when he tried to sit up; his body still sore and his head aching like mad.

"Takuya, try to relax… you went through a lot back there." Kouji told him and laid him back down on the bed.

He lowered his gaze. Takuya head his head, in pain and shame. "What happened to me..." he asked himself.

Kouichi sat beside him. "Just take it easy Takuya. Something... I sensed evil around you when you took Ogremon down... Do remember that?" Takuya nodded slowly. "I see..." Kouichi fell silent, musing to himself while Kouji and Zoe tended to Takuya's injuries.

"Taku..." Zoe whispered, taking his hand into hers.

Takuya flinched, pulling his hands free from her grasp. He didn't deserve their kindness; not after what happened to him, not after he failed to protect them, especially not after the evil took root in him. He failed and it nearly cost them their lives.

"Taku…" Zoe could feel the self loathing and disgust Takuya had in himself. She felt so guilty for getting herself caught and making things so much worse for them. Maybe if she hadn't frozen up, if Ogremon hand't caught her, then Takuya wouldn't have lost himself to his anger.

"It wasn't your fault Takuya." Kouji tried to reassure his friend and then noticed the look on Zoe's face. "It wasn't anyone's fault what happened."

"How could you say that…?" Takuya muttered. "If I hadn't… If I just found a way…" He bowed his head, fully ashamed of himself. He had no control. He was a fool to believe that he had any at all. He sighed. "I... I'm no better than Ogremon... I'm just a monster..."

"Hey. That's not true Takuya." Kouichi shot back heatedly. "It's not your fault and you damn well know it." Kouji and Zoe stared, shocked by Kouichi's sudden snap. "If you're a monster then I don't deserve to live for the things I've done."

The room fell silent, tension hanging in the air.

Takuya couldn't reply. He too was startled by Kouichi's heated reply. Of course the elder twin was right. If anything, Kouichi understood what Takuya was going through more than anyone else.

All because of Duskmon. "You saved us regardless of what happened. It's more than I can say with what happened to me. You didn't hurt anyone. Not me, Kouji, or Zoe. You were able to protect us." Kouichi continued, feeling bitter with himself at the mention of his ordeal. He took a breath before continuing. "And you came back to us. You're you again."

The brunette couldn't find his voice to respond. He felt so guilty. Kouichi was right, but it didn't change his feelings of the events. "I... I can't... I don't... I... I" Takuya stuttered softly. He felt like he was about to break down crying.

Zoe tried in vain to comfort him. Every time she reached out, he'd pull away in shame. She looked to the twins for help, hoping maybe they could do better.

Kouji looked conflicted about what to do. It really seemed like Kouichi was the only one who had any idea of what Takuya was going through, of how to help him through his grief.

Kouichi noticed the looks on their faces and decided to take things into his hands. He'd do his best to help his friend. "You remember what happened when you set me free from the evil Spirits? How I was when I was able to be me again? What I'm saying is that I know how you feel Takuya. I hated myself for what happened… for what I did. I didn't think I deserved the kindness you showed me…"

Takuya didn't respond. Everything Kouichi said… it was the exact same way he felt right now. He felt that same guilt.

"But you guys changed that for me. Duskmon still… he's not something I can forget… but I don't feel guilty for what happened anymore. I was able to make things right." Kouichi added.

Kouichi's words began to sink in, but Takuya didn't let on. He still felt damaged- dangerous. He knew his friends would always trust and accept him no matter what. The bigger problem was trusting himself. Something took over him. He completely lost control.

"T-thank you Kouichi..." Takuya mumbled. He turned away, lying facing the wall. He wasn't really sure where he was, but he really didn't care right now. Takuya just wanted to be left alone.

Kouichi sighed, saying all that he could say to his friend. "Come on, I'm sure Takuya would like some space. To sort things out for himself."

"B-but…" Zoe resisted, not liking the idea of leaving Takuya alone for a moment.

"Zoe…" The elder twin whispered. He looked to the goggle boy and could tell he wasn't paying attention anymore. "I've told him all I could. He needs to be able to sort these things on his own. With everything that happens, he just needs time to register all of it and come to terms with it."

"I don't know…" The blonde responded. She didn't like the way Takuya was isolating himself.

"Look, we'll still be here. We can still give him the support he needs." Kouji interrupted her though he too didn't seem comfortable with all of this.

"Just trust me on this one, Okay Zoe?" Kouichi pleaded. She relented and he lead them from the room. The trio moved into the Kimura's living room, taking time to collect themselves for Takuya's sake.

Kouji spoke after a long silence lingered between them. "He seemed disoriented- distracted too."

"He's upset, can you blame him?" Zoe replied, still worrying about leaving the boy alone.

"We know, Z. You just need to give him time. Time heals all wounds."

Zoe huffed, "Yeah, but the scars remain. This is REALLY hurting him!"

"I know Zoe. He's going through a lot right now. We know that. But worrying isn't going to help." Kouichi replied, trying to get her to calm down. "It's best if we try and catch a breather ourselves… you specifically."

Zoe folded her arms over her chest. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"Don't try to deny it Zoe. You're really shaken up too." Kouji answered for his brother. "That Ogremon had you in its hands…"

The blonde felt a cold shiver run down her spine at the memory and wrapped her arms around herself. She was absolutely terrified with what happened. Ogremon could have killed her. She came so close to death… and nearly cost Takuya his life.

"It was traumatic… for everyone…" Kouji sighed, feeling tense himself. "We need some time to try and calm down… and come to terms with everything ourselves."