Hey guys. We're back with another chapter. This one's a little bit of a doosey. Now, I know some you guys are getting a little annoyed with Takuya and his behavior but well, we have our reasons for it. He's like our favorite punching bag and just love piling on shit for him to deal with and he's still like twelve or thirteen. Now, with that said, I think you guys will definitely enjoy this chapter. I know I did. So without further adieu...
Chapter 17: The Hardest Part.
They all knew Kouji was right, that they needed time to get over what happened at the all. What he didn't realize was how long it would take for things to go back to the way they were.
For the past few days Takuya hadn't shown any signs of improvement; his spirit was absolutely broken. His Dark Evolution scared him. It almost cost his friends their lives. He was afraid it could happen again. If he were to evolve again… who knows what would happen. Takuya couldn't evolve again. He wouldn't.
All he seemed to do was stay curled up in his bed. His parents were starting to worry for him; believing it was the trauma from these last few days, the fire at school and the destruction at the mall, that was causing his behavior.
The others would visit him when they could to try and help their friend but he was spacey, lost in his self destructive thoughts.
The twins decided enough was enough. The boy had virtually shut down. They needed to lift him up out of his funk.
"How do we help him?" Zoe asked them over the phone. She wanted desperately to help them help Takuya.
Kouichi and Kouji sighed, having a phone on speaker. "I dunno Zoe. Takuya's in a very dark place right now. I would know." Kouichi explained.
Kouji snorted, "Then what do we do for him?"
"I'm thinking!" Kouichi snapped.
"Guys please." Zoe begged. "We need to help Takuya not argue."
The twins sighed collectively and nodded. "Sorry." Kouichi muttered and ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. "Well… it's difficult to say how we can help him."
"There has to be something…" Zoe bit her lip trying to wrap her mind around an idea to help Takuya.
"Well… first thing's first… we need to get him out of his room. He's been cooped up for days. I'm not sure if he's even done anything to take care of himself." Kouji brought up. "According to his mom he's barely even had anything to eat for the last few days… He'll waste away at this rate."
Zoe shuddered at the thought of her friend deteriorating in his room. "We need to get him to listen to us."
"We can try another intervention." Kouichi suggested halfheartedly, not really believing it could help much considering their many attempts to talk through to him.
Kouji huffed, not particularly fond of the plan. "Zoe. You talk to him. We've tried everything. I can't think of anything to say to him anymore."
She grimace to herself. "Alright. I'll go see him later today. I'll talk to you two later- try not to kill each other okay?"
She hung up the phone before they could begin to argue again. Zoe sighed to herself and left her bedroom. She picked up a coat and left the house en route to the train station. The blonde bit her lip as she boarded the train.
"Taku..."
He was hurting so badly. Zoe wanted to help him feel better and she couldn't figure out a way to do so. He was lost in his own mind.
She wanted so badly to be able to help him. Zoe wanted the good old Takuya back. She had to find a way to get him back.
The blond left the train station and arrived at the Kanbara residence shortly after. She took a breath to gather herself and rang the doorbell.
"Oh, hello Zoe." Mrs. Kanbara answered and opened the front door for the girl. "It's good to see you again dear. You're here to see Takuya… right?" the mother asked, her voice laced with worry and grief at the mention of her eldest.
Zoe nodded. "If that's okay with you Mrs. Kanbara. I just want to help him out of this."
"Of course." Yuriko lead Zoe up to Takuya's room. She signed tiredly and knocked before opening the door for them. "Takuya, your friend Zoe's here to see you."
Takuya lay motionlessly on his bed, a far off look on his face. He didn't reply or give any hint at all that he heard his mother's call.
Zoe glanced at the boy's mother. Her eyes held such pain and worry as she gazed at the brunette. Mrs. Kanbara sighed sadly and left Zoe and Takuya alone.
That was enough for Zoe. She went to the boy's side and shook his shoulder gently. "Takuya. Get up." No response. She shook him a bit harder. "Takuya! This has gone on long enough! I know you're hurting but you're hurting the people you love and who love you! They're scared Taku!"
He looked up at her. His eyes were red and held fear.
"Please Taku..." Zoe begged, pulling his hands into hers. She made him locked eyes with him. "Please..."
"Zoe…" Takuya couldn't find his voice to talk to her. He felt ashamed for the pain he was causing everyone. His friends and his family deserved better than this. They deserved better than what he was giving.
"Please Taku… we want to help you. We want to make things alright again." The blond girl was practically begging. She saw the shame in his eyes and wanted so badly to bring him out of this self-loathing. "Please, talk to us."
Takuya felt his heart ache; the shakiness and desperation in her voice nearly driving him over the deep end of his guilt. He didn't want any of this. He didn't want to be causing any of this pain. "I… I didn't want to…"
Zoe tried to sooth her friend, gently rubbing the backs of his hands. It had worked for him before. It didn't look like it was doing much to sooth the boy but she didn't stop trying.
"I know Taku... It's not your fault." She insisted, pulling him into a hug. She felt his body tense and tremble at her action. "It's not your fault. I know you're scared- afraid- Whatever. We need you Taku... We want to help you..."
He pulled away and looked up into her eyes. Takuya was still distraught. Maybe gentle wasn't enough of a push.
"Come on Takuya. Get up, get a shower, and get dressed. You need some fresh air and a fresh start."
Takuya nodded slowly, deciding to do as she said. Maybe it could do him some good. At the very least it'd make Zoe happy. He could do that for her.
Zoe went downstairs to give Takuya the privacy he needed to get ready. She tried giving Mrs. Kanbara a reassuring smile and told the mother of their plans. That earned a great sigh of relief from the older woman. Yuriko was absolutely relieved to hear that Takuya was finally up and moving. It was a start at least.
Takuya came downstairs all dressed and ready. His silence was unsettling but his mother tried to reassure herself that at least he was moving.
"You ready to go Takuya?" Zoe asked. She bit her lip when all he did was nod in response.
She took his hand and lead him outside, believing he might not follow her on his own accord. Zoe decided that it'd be best if they stayed local. The park seemed like a bad idea however given their run in with Shinoba.
Instead, she pulled him along, just wandering around. The boy remained silent walking beside her. His gaze remained trained on the ground. It worried her. "Takuya?" He remained silent not looking up.
Zoe bit lip, disheartened by his silence. She reached out to him, placing her hand on his shoulder and getting him to look at her. "Takuya? Come on. Talk to me please.'' She begged to the silent boy.
Takuya tried again to find his voice but he couldn't; the guilt and pain he felt was holding him back. Instead he just picked up his pace to catch up to the blond.
The two were silent for a while, neither able to find their voice; Takuya from his own destructive thoughts and Zoe from being unable to figure away to help her friend. The girl sighed sadly and looked up to the sky as if hoping the answers she needed would drop right down to her.
Mother nature had other plans as the stormy grey skies began to sprinkle snow. A cold wind picked up, chilling the two to the bone. Zoe looked around for a place they could duck inside. Neither one of them had a jacket meant for this kind of weather. She pulled Takuya into a small multi-level shopping building.
Takuya visibly cringed reminding him of the chaos at the mall. Zoe took his hand in hers, "Taku..."
The brunette flinched but he didn't pull his hand out of hers. He let her guide him inside the building in search for a warm place to sit.
Zoe stopped in her tracks and turned to face her friend. "Takuya… please, you haven't said a word all day. I want to help you but I need you to talk to me." She squeezed his hands to try and reassure him of her devotion to helping him.
He looked down at their hands. Zoe really wanted to help him, he knew that much. He just wished he could help himself with everything that happened to him but the dark evolution continued to haunt him. He couldn't forget the relentless rage that had filled him up; the boundless bloodlust that could have cost his friends their lives.
Takuya remained as silent as before. Zoe sighed and looked at a directory of the stores in the building. "Look Takuya, Let's go upstairs and get some hot chocolate or something. Please?"
He made no indication that he cared. Zoe sighed and dragged him towards the elevator. She pressed the button and waited, hoping Takuya would perk up with some food in him.
Takuya let out a faint sigh and leaned against the wall as Zoe got the elevator started. He felt terrible for what he was doing to her but he just couldn't find a way to make things right. The elevator started to move but something happened. The elevator creaked and groaned before coming to a complete stop, the lights flickering on and off before shutting off completely.
"What the…" Zoe tried pressing the emergency button but there was no response. "What's going on?" She asked, feeling fright take root in her at the thought of being trapped in the elevator.
Takuya pulled himself back to reality and tried to figure out what was wrong. He looked up at the camera that was in the corner and waved his hand over it to see if it worked and if it could grab someone's attention. Several minutes passed and there was no response. They were stuck and alone.
"Hello? Can anyone hear us?! We're stuck!" Zoe pounded on the door, frightened.
He took her hand, "Zoe..."
"Takuya..." She whispered, eyes wide. She was scared but at the same time relieved to have found Takuya again. She smiled weakly. "Is the camera working?"
He shook his head, "No. I don't think so."
Her smiled faded, "What do we do?"
"Wait?" Takuya offered.
Zoe sighed knowing Takuya was right. There really wasn't much they could do. They were trapped until the power was turned back on. "Well, I hope they fix it soon."
"Yeah, me too." Takuya replied and sat down against the wall getting comfortable. "You think maybe we should call someone?"
"That's not a bad idea." Zoe pulled out her cell but moaned after taking a look at the screen. "…I can't get a signal."
"Damn. What the hell is going on here?" The boy muttered and huffed. He wasn't expecting to see his breath however.
"Hey… Takuya, is it getting cold in here?" Zoe asked while hugging herself to keep herself as warm as possible. It was getting colder by the minute, the metal walls becoming icy. "…I think I'm starting to go numb."
He looked around, noticing the temperature drop significantly. The walls seemed to be frozen. Takuya moved beside Zoe. "Here." He took her hands into his, holding her closely.
Their combined body heat was enough for a while. They shivered, huddled up against each other.
"I hope someone comes soon..." Zoe whispered to Takuya, her teeth chattering.
Takuya nodded, "me too."
They sat there in the cold. It grew colder with each passing minute and with the cold their despair grew. It became apparent that no one would be coming for them.
"T-Takuya… it's… it's so cold…" Zoe whispered softly and huddled as close to the boy as possible for warmth.
The boy bit his lip. He could try and make it warm for them. He won't have to evolve. He just needed to conjure a flame. Takuya sighed and looked down to his free hand. He could do this for her. He owed Zoe that much.
"Takuya… what are you…" Zoe watched Takuya create a small flame in the palm of his hand. The heat wasn't significant but it was a welcome change to the cold.
She smiled a bit, huddling closer to him, enjoying the warmth. "Thank you Taku."
Takuya blushed a bit, "Y-yeah of course."
The two sat in silence in the unnatural cold. Takuya couldn't bring himself to accept no one would come for them; but time marched on, and it got colder by the minute.
"Taku?" Zoe was shivering. He could see their breath despite the flames. The heat wasn't enough. The cold smothered the flame's warmth. They were both going to freeze to death at this rate.
Takuya tried to muster up a stronger flame but the sheer cold hindered his attempts. If he couldn't then they wouldn't even last another hour. "I won't let us freeze…" There was only one option left for them.
"Takuya… what are we going to do?" Zoe asked, noticing the flame in Takuya's hand dwindling down to a pitiful match light despite how he exerted himself to keep the flame going.
He wasn't strong enough in this form. If he didn't act now… Takuya clenched his fists and tried to push back his fear. He could hear Flamon's wild snarls and growls faintly in his mind but he had to push that aside. He had to evolve if he was going to save her.
Just the sight of Zoe shivering in the cold pushed him to forward with his decision. He could do this for her, to keep her safe and warm.
Zoe looked at him, "Takuya?"
He closed his eyes, inhaling slowly. Takuya let the flame die in his hands, sending them into darkness. Takuya summoned as much energy as he could muster, evolving into Flamon. He looked himself over, in full control and completely normal.
His body, naturally warmer than a normal human was a welcome change. Zoe clung to him, as he held her close. "It'll be okay Zoe."
Takuya allowed his body to give off a comfortable warmth and began to melt away the icy cold that surrounded them.
Zoe sighed in relief, regaining feeling back in limbs. She relaxed and snuggled in closer to him. "Thank you so much Takuya."
"N-no problem." The flame Digimon couldn't help but thank the dark for hiding the blush on his face from their closeness. He allowed himself to relax and leaned his head back against the warmed metal wall. "Don't mention it Zoe. I'm glad I could at least do this."
She looked up at him with a smile on her face. The girl might not be able to see in the dark but she knew he'd be able to see the grateful smile on her face. "I'm so glad to have you back Taku."
He smiled, feeling content for the first time in days. With Zoe around, he felt invincible. "I'm sorry I left." He murmured to her softly, resting his chin on her shoulder.
Zoe toyed with his mane lightly, rousing a soft purr in his chest. Takuya didn't seem to realize it or notice as his body relaxed. She smiled more. "I'm glad you're feeling better."
"Me too. Though... I wish we weren't trapped in this elevator..." Takuya replied with a slight nervous edge in his voice.
"Seconded. I hope someone comes soon..."
Takuya nodded slowly and found himself holding her even closer if possible. "Yeah… me too." His ears twitched, trying to pick up any sounds from outside. He could make out the faint sounds of panicked voices and the howling of the wind. "It's a little hard to hear anything…"
"What do you think is causing this?" Zoe asked, nervous at the tone in his voice.
Takuya didn't know to be honest but he could try and say something to reassure her. "Maybe the storm? I'm sure as soon as the people have it under control we'll be out of here in no time."
Zoe nodded, wanting Takuya to be right. She wanted so badly to get out of the confining elevator room. The blonde sighed and started toying with the fur on his tail.
"What are you doing?" Takuya asked, tilting his head to the side. He clearly caught he unaware given the deer-in-the-headlights expression.
She looked up, blushing slightly, "It's so soft... I can't help it."
He smiled and laughed lightly, blushing a bit himself. "I don't mind, 'was just curious that's all."
"ah." Zoe continued to play with the fur on his tail, amusing Takuya with her fondness for soft things. He looked up at the ceiling, noting an escape hatch. If it came to it, he could climb out and get help- but that would mean leaving Zoe alone.
"Takuya? What's wrong?" She caught on to his silence.
"Well… it's nothing. I'm just trying to figure out what to do next." Takuya answered, still not sure as to what to do next. On one hand if he were to get help he'd be able to get Zoe out of there but on the other hand if he took too long she would freeze before he could find help or return.
"Taku…" she didn't have to see to know he was debating with himself on something important.
"It's fine. Don't worry about it." He said to reassure her. Takuya would give it some time. Heat up the room nice and toasty before he would consider going up through the hatch.
In a moment a small flame, no larger than a tennis ball, was formed in Takuya's hand, lighting up the room as it floated around on Takuya's whim. It would dance around for them; looping around and leaving spiral trails of bright orange light with each movement.
Zoe watched the ball of flame dance in awe. "It's so pretty…"
Takuya smiled. "Thanks."
"Taku." He tone was timidly soft. She was on to him.
"Zoe... I need to go for help... I don't think anyone is coming for us..." Takuya confessed.
She bit her lip, eyes frightened. "Don't leave me.."
"Zoe…" Takuya felt conflicted about leaving her alone. The way she was calling for him to stay made it all the harder for him. "I… I need to get us out of here."
"Please… I don't want to be alone…" Zoe begged, holding tightly to him and tears threatening to spill down her face. "Please…"
Takuya held Zoe close to him trying to comfort the girl and to help her calm down. "It's going to be okay Zoe. Trust me. I'll get us out of this."
"Takuya… please don't go." She pleaded.
The flame Digimon bit his lip and just held her close and rubbed her back soothingly.
She whimpered softly, clinging to him tightly. Takuya looked at her, trying to maintain his position and go get help. He couldn't. He caved, "Okay Zoe. I won't leave you. Promise."
Zoe relaxed, though she still shivered in his arms. "Thank you."
Takuya stroked her hair gently, holding her close. He never wanted to let her go. He cared so much for her and would do anything to protect her.
"Zoe... I..." He paused. He wanted to tell her. The words were right there. He just had to say them.
Zoe looked up at him. The light from the dancing flame had long since faded but she could still very faintly make out the shape of his face. She heard the hesitation in his voice and held her breath waiting to see if he was going to continue.
"I…" His fangs dug into his lip feeling frustrated with how difficult he was making this. She sighed and leaned back into their embrace, feeling a little disappointed with his hesitation.
Takuya took a breath and tried to steel himself again. He could do this. He could tell her. He held her shoulders and turned her gently so they would face each other. "Zoe… there's something I want to tell you…" he started, trying his hardest not to stutter and back down.
"Y-yes?"
No backing out now he told himself and took another breath. "I… I want to tell you…I wanted to tell you for the longest time… I…" Just a little more. He could do this. "I… I love you Zoe…"
"Taku..." She blushed, smiling softly. "I knew that already Takuya."
The boy looked at her, shocked. "W-wha?"
"I've known for a long time Takuya. You just needed to feel safe enough to tell me. And with everything... I understand why," she explained quietly. "I love you too Takuya."
He was stunned. It wasn't like he was super secretive about his feelings for the girl. "I uh..." he blushed, embarrassed. "Sorry."
"What for?" she asked, tilting her head to the side.
"Um… for… well… I-I dunno." Takuya muttered feeling completely embarrassed with himself. He was dumbfounded with this revelation. She knew about his feelings the whole time and she felt the same way about him. He just couldn't believe it.
Zoe giggled at his expression. "Oh Taku…"
The boy blushed furiously and looked away not wanting her to see the flustered look on his face though Zoe wouldn't have any of that. She reached for his ear and began to rub it gently earning a purr in response.
She grinned at the results and continued to rub his ears until he was lax in his spot. "It's so cute when you do that."
"Zoe…" Takuya tried to whine but it felt too good for him to resist. He leaned himself closer, letting her toy with his mane as well.
The blonde grinned, laughing lightly. "You're like a giant kitten."
" 'm not" Takuya muttered softly, not resisting her affection. His purrs grew louder as Zoe ran her fingers through his thick mane. He rested his head against her shoulder, nuzzling her neck.
"Taku..." She smiled more. Things were looking up.
Then, something above them creaked and moaned. Takuya tensed up, sensing danger. The creaking grew louder, and the elevator trembled suddenly. Zoe yelped in fright, clinging to the boy. Takuya recognized the noise. The elevator wasn't going to be around much longer.
"We need to go. Now."
Takuya stood up and climbed up the wall to undo the hatch on the ceiling. Once it was open, Takuya hoisted the blonde onto his back. "Hold on tight to me Zoe."
She wrapped herself around him tightly as he pulled them through the hatch. The elevator groaned and creaked again with their movement. It wouldn't be long before the cables gave out.
Suddenly, the cable snapped and they began to plummet. Zoe held on tight to Takuya and screamed as they fell.
Takuya reached for one of the cables that were still hanging and clung to it desperately. He held tight as they slid down the cable, his hands burning from the friction of his grip. He didn't let go despite the pain and they finally came to a stop, dangling in midair.
"Zoe… you okay?"
Zoe moaned in response, having lost her voice from fright. He took that as a yes. He looked down the elevator shaft, not particularly fond of the idea of descending in the dark- not that going up was an any better. Takuya looked around, spying a ledge He could grab a hold of. Getting to it with Zoe latched to his body would prove challenging though.
"Hang on tight Zoe. I think the next floor isn't too far."
She whimpered softly, eyes squeezed shut. Takuya felt her grip tighten and he began to climb up the cable.
"We're going to be okay Zoe. I'm not going to let anything happen to you." Takuya told her gently as he shimmied up the cable. He tried to pay no mind to the burns on his raw hands as he climbed. He'd make it up to the ledge.
It took only a few minutes to reach the ledge. Next was the tricky part; prying the doors open so they could get out. Takuya ventured a foot to the ledge to see if he can gain any stable ground.
"Okay, easy does it now." Once getting a good hold on the ledge he began to pull himself closer to it while making sure to keep a good hold of the cable. "Almost there Zoe. Just a little longer, okay?" She just nodded her head in response and held her grip tight around him.
The boy forced his talons into the cracks, working to pry the door open. He grunted and groaned feeling it give slightly. Zoe trembled as freezing cold air blasted through the crack. Takuya snorted, heating his body up and in turn the metal doors. The doors creaked and moaned and slowly opened enough for Takuya and Zoe to slip through.
The land was frozen solid. The walls, floor and ceiling were iced over- almost like they were made of ice. Takuya could see his breath and felt a chill run down his spine. Something was very wrong.
Zoe had let go, standing beside him. She shivered again. "What...?"
"I don't like this." Takuya muttered and raised the heat, slowly melting the ice around them and keeping them warm. He scanned the entirety of the floor for any signs of what could be causing this. Without a doubt this was a Digimon's doing.
"What could have done this?" Zoe asked, sticking close to Takuya as they started inspecting the floor. "Taku…?"
He started to growl suddenly, hair and fur standing on end as he felt a sinister presence. It was sadistic and hungry, something that made his body go rigid. "Zoe… we need to get out of here… there's something really bad in here."
"You couldn't be any closer to the truth little hybrid."
And cliffhanger time. Sorry you guys but this was the easiest break for a normal length chapter. Don't worry though, you won't be waiting for long. Hope you all enjoyed the chapter. Be sure to review and tune in next time. Later everybody.
