Hey guys, sorry for the late update. Had a few issues with the wifi so we couldn't post it up yesterday. But here we are. A new chapter for you guys and everything. And I'd like to say, we are loving the support you guys are showing us, the last chapter having a total of 20 reviews (FC and I are still in shock in how much attention it got). We hope you continue to show your support. Now for the usual segment for replies.
"TsukiyoTenshi" - Yeah, Takuya's still missing but we're not going to touch upon that just yet but we'll see very soon what his situation's like, believe me. And regarding the Spirits, you got to remember, ShadoSeraphimon only had a few of the Spirits (That and yeah, it would be difficult to come up with an additional four rookie Digimon for the remaining kids.). Still Kouji should be enough for right now.
"shinshinjane" - Hope you enjoy this next chapter too.
"RodimusPrime12" - Well, you don't have to wait any longer friend. We got another chapter that I think you're going to love.
"SerenaTheHedgehog" - As of right now, what we have planned and written, I'm afraid it's just going to be Kouji but don't worry, everyone's going to have their bits. We're going to make sure this doesn't end up the Takuya and Kouji show.
"DarkFlame" - Yeah, betcha didn't expect this to happen to Kouji. It's nice knowing that we can still surprise you guys. And as for your question on who we like to torture more, Takuya, hands down.
"Digi-fanCapp" - Whoo! Kouji to save the day! Just gotta hope that he can control it to save the poor guy.
"wentvoltage123" - Man, you should see how over protective that guy can be. Let me tell ya, he's like an angry momma bear as you will see.
"The Keeper of Worlds" - Strabimon does make a nice addition to the story doesn't he? Glad you're getting more interested in the story. Hope we keep you entertained for the whole rest of the story.
"ryuuka" - Well, we got quite a bit planned for Kouji and as for the Digimon, just look up Strabimon on the net and you'll get a better image of what he's becoming. As for Takuya's father, you'll see what role he plays in all this very soon. We didn't forget about him. Hope you enjoy the chapter.
"Reixe" - Well, you're going to have to wait just a little bit longer about what happened to Takuya, but don't worry, we got something very special planned for him. In the meantime, just enjoy the bits with everyone else. God knows they don't get enough screen time as the our favorite punching bag.
"dracomancer6491" - I'd think anyone would freak out in the guy's situation. As for what Digimon he's turning into, it should be pretty apparent soon. Enjoy the chapter.
"Kameo1" - Yeah, Kouji's gonna go through hell with this but yeah, hopefully he'll get through it. Also glad you're enjoying Kouji's character. Kinda diving into unfamiliar territory with him, at least on my end but I love where we're going with him.
"BlueFlamedWolf" - You might want to think about getting some help with that... there's going to be hell to pay, especially when we see what happens to Takuya.
"SayShihoinXKohAyamerei" - Yup. This is going to be fun.
"Grave10der" - Wow, great to see you join the club and enjoying the story. Well, we are turning Kouji into a Digimon but as for the others, probably not. Sorry if you want more in this regard but what we got should be enough for now to still be pretty damn enjoyable.
"Digidestinedkid6" - We do like making Takuya suffer. We also enjoy making other people suffer. Pain is the best way to keep the drama going.
"adventuremaker16" - True but originally it was Takuya and Kouji who first formed Susanoomon. Their strong emotions activated the power of the spirits and ignited the ability to evolve into the Legendary Warrior.
"Akrisakara" - If we let the wolf run wild... yeah, I don't think that'd be pretty. Yikes.
"DD Leader Dark Heart of Water" - Thanks for all the support friend. FC loves Kouichi the way we wrote him. Absolutely adores him as well. Glad we can give you the feels like that. We'll be getting plenty of Strabimon so you can enjoy that. And don't worry. We can get little bits with Yutaka and Shinya but you'll have to be patient.
"Tensaromon" - Well, we'll be getting more with Kouji and as for Takuya, just be patient and we'll see what's happened to him. And again, sorry for the late update. We'll make it up to you guys.
Alrighty then, now that we got that done, how about we start this chapter?
Chapter 29: Patience Gets Us Nowhere Fast.
"Poor Kouji. I never thought something like this would happen again." Zoe muttered weakly to the others and sat down on the couch. She took a deep breath trying to calm herself but it did her little good.
Kouichi nodded and collapsed in the seat next to her. ShadowSeraphimon, Takuya disappearing after the battle, and now Kouji's condition. It was all too much to handle in just one day.
"What do we do now?" Tommy asked, taking a seat in one of the empty chairs. He looked over to JP who sat at the dining table where his tools and the D-Tector were.
"I dunno little buddy." JP replied and looked down to the device in front of him. He had tinkered with it all he could, he couldn't figure out what else he could possibly do that would give them some kind of aid.
There was a long uncomfortable silence that filled the house, no one speaking. The only sounds were that of the city outside and JP tapping his finger on the table in thought.
"Do you think Takuya's okay wherever he is?" Tommy asked shakily.
No one wanted to think about what trouble Takuya could possibly be in at that very moment. Nor did they want to worry their youngest friend. "Takky's tough," JP said finally, "I'm sure he's fine."
Kouichi nodded after a moment, "Yeah. Takuya's strong willed. He can handle himself."
"He's too thickheaded to admit defeat anyway," Zoe added with a soft smile. Tommy laughed a little, knowing how stubborn that brunette could be at times. He always pulled through even the grimmest situations.
"We'll find him," Kouichi said, "but he'll be okay until we do."
Tommy nodded, happy with the answer they gave him. It would keep him content for the time being.
So long as they thought Takuya was okay, that was all he needed to keep from breaking down.
"Well, we should probably call our folks and tell them where we are." JP stated and started gathering his supplies. "It's kinda getting late and with what happened today, I think they'd freak if they don't hear from us soon."
Tommy and Zoe nodded with their friend. Their parents were probably worried sick after hearing the news.
"Go ahead. It's probably best if you guys stay over again, I don't think it'd be a good idea to take the train back home." Kouichi offered.
They all nodded and went to separate corners of the house to make the call to their parents without disturbing one another. Kouichi took the opportunity to sneak upstairs and check in on his brother.
He pushed the door open slightly, seeing Kouji's sleeping form on the bed. The younger twin shifted in his sleep and Kouichi took it as a sign to retreat before he accidentally woke the boy. Kouji did not like to have his sleep disturbed, and only a select few could get away with doing so.
Kouichi returned downstairs to find his friends and his mother in the kitchen making pancakes of all things.
"They're not pancakes they're crepes, Kouichi." Zoe corrected after he asked why they were making pancakes- well, making crepes.
"You can do just about anything with them!" Tomoko said brightly, as she cut some fresh fruit for the thin pastries, "Isn't that neat?"
He nodded numbly and sat beside JP, who had returned to fussing with Takuya's D-Tector. "Any luck?"
JP shook his head and leaned back in his seat. "Nothing. This thing is just freaking stubborn. I'm barely getting anything out of it." He looked back down at the circuitry and flashing lights of the device. Right when he thought he was finally getting the hang of it.
"I'm sure you can figure it out somehow." Tommy encouraged, trying to keep JP from forfeiting on trying to figure out the D-Tector.
JP gave their youngest a small smile, appreciating the encouragement. "Thanks little buddy."
The others watched quietly as JP got back to work on the device, listening to the clanking and tinkering noises made by his tools. For the next few minutes that was all they would do, watch and listen.
Zoe and Ms. Kimura set down the crepes and fresh fruit before the boys. "Maybe we should let it alone. I mean... it's done nothing at all this entire time right?" Zoe suggested, wary of the continued efforts to active the device.
"I think you're right Z. It's just not cooperating in the slightest," JP sighed defeatedly. He closed up the device and put it aside.
"Don't give up kids... You'll find Takuya." Tomoko tried to encourage them and lift their dour spirits but it didn't help much. The situation was looking too bleak.
The children picked at the food, not eating much. Tomoko couldn't blame them. She wished that Takuya was okay wherever the poor boy was. "How's Kouji doing?"
Kouichi looked up at his mother, having filled her in on the latest turn of events. "He's... struggling with it. I think he'll be okay once he's had a good night's sleep but who knows..."
"Should we go check upon him?" Zoe asked, noting that it had been a while since the boy went upstairs to rest. They haven't a peep from the boy since. "We could at least bring some food up to him."
Tomoko nodded. "She does have a good idea. I don't think Kouji's had anything to eat for a while."
"Are you sure that's a good idea? Kouji's awfully grouchy when you wake him up." Kouichi brought up and looked up the stairs. "Then again, he has to eat something."
Tomoko smiled and made a plate for the sleeping boy upstairs before sending Kouichi upstairs to take it to his brother.
The older twin cautiously opened the door to his brother's room and tip toed to Kouji's bedside, putting the crepe at his bedside table. He froze when Kouji grumbled and shifted in his bed. "Kouji?"
The younger boy moaned softly, lifting his head slowly. "mmm, Kouichi?"
"Yeah, How're you feeling?" he asked, going to pull the covers from Kouji's head.
The boy growled softly, "like hell- gods, no wonder Takuya freaked out..." he groaned again and burrowed deeper into his blankets and pillows, trying to ignore the pains in his body.
Kouichi sighed softly, "It'll be okay- maybe you'll be a cool wolf Digimon or something."
"maybe..." Kouji replied, still sounding grumpy, "I do not want a tail though. Not at all."
That made Kouichi laugh. "Alright so a tailless wolf. Make sure you eat, okay?"
Kouji mumbled and nodded. Kouichi retreated, smiling to himself. His brother really was out of it.
Kouichi made his way downstairs with a small smile on his face. "He should be fine soon enough. Just needs to rest a little."
"That's good to hear." Zoe stated and relaxed in her seat. "So, wha-"
There was a loud noise, a great big yelp and a thud that startled the group. The noise was coming from upstairs. Kouji's room no doubt.
They hurried up upstairs, worried for the younger twin's well being. "Kouji?! You okay?! What happened?"
Kouichi opened the door and the group just froze, completely startled by what was in the boy's place sprawled on the floor.
It was humanoid with a wolfish head, covered in pale blue fur with a white underbelly. He was wearing black gloves with long sharp talons, a pair of white pants, a ragged blue scarf, and black braces on his arms, knees, and clawed feet.
"Kouji?" Tomoko called out cautiously, trying not to scare the boy.
The wolf looked at them, eyes wide "M-mom..." he whimpered. He stood slowly, trembling on the spot. He looked panicked and wild-eyed.
Tomoko pushed past Kouichi and embraced the wolf Digimon tightly, "Shh, it's okay Kouji." She stroked her son's head gently, trying to calm the boy down.
Kouji closed his eyes, going limp in his mother's arms. She ease him to his knees, never letting go. The others backed off, giving Kouji and Tomoko space while she calmed him down.
"I can't believe this... First Takuya... Now Kouji..." JP murmured.
"Why is this happening to them?" Tommy asked and looked up to the older kids. "Do you think the rest of us will turn into Digimon too?"
JP shook his head, feeling a little scared at the possibility the youngest brought up. "I don't know Tommy. I really don't understand any of this."
Kouichi watched Kouji closely, gauging to see if he would have the same reaction as Takuya had. It was a miracle having Tomoko around to ease and comfort the boy. If anything she'd be able to help keep her son from giving into the fear and grief.
The newly transformed Digimon looked down at his clawed hands, trying to get used to this new sensation. They hardly resembled those of a human's anymore.
Kouji's breathing sounded ragged and uneven. He felt overwhelmed by everything around. Every breath he took made his body tremble. A new scent, a new sight- it scared him how unfocused and disoriented he felt. Something in his mind screamed at him to run and hide, which he assumed to be his instincts.
He inhaled sharply, trying to force himself to relax and gain control of his senses. He balled his hand -or paw into a fist, clenching it tightly. Tomoko's kind and soothing words helped take the edge off his sensory overload, reminding him where he was and that he wasn't alone. He knew he was safe here, despite what his mind was telling him.
"Mom..." he murmured after a long silence, finally overcoming his own mind's game.
Tomoko pulled back for a moment to take a good look at Kouji, see if she could make out how he was feeling. He seemed to have calmed down a little which eased her mind a little. "Kouji, sweetheart, you're going to be okay. I promise."
Kouji just nodded his head slowly. "I…I'll be okay…"
"Of course you will, you have all of us here to help you." His mother assured him and stroked the fur on his head gently.
The younger twin had calmed at the gentle touch, enjoying the small gesture. He figured this must have been what Takuya felt like when Zoe would run her fingers through his mane.
He shivered involuntarily. "H-how... what do I do...?" he asked quietly, feeling lost. He wished Takuya was there to help him and offer him some advice.
Kouji felt a bit like a fish out of water. He had no idea what to do or what he was capable of. He wasn't even sure how to change back. Could he even?
His fears must have been obvious on his face. "Just stay calm Kouji," Zoe instructed as she drew closer to him. "I know you're afraid right now. You just have to stay calm."
The other three nodded. "You'll be fine brother," Kouichi encouraged, smiling a bit.
"How did Takuya handle all this..." Kouji said with a sigh, slumping against his mother. He couldn't even comprehend all the emotions and feelings running through his head. He just wanted to curl up in his bed and hope it was all a dream.
They all shrugged, not knowing what to say.
"Kouji, just try to take a deep breath, relax. Take your time, just take deep breaths." Tomoko offered, trying to help her son handle the situation.
Kouji complied, not knowing what else to do to help him calm down. He took slow steady breaths but did not feel the relief he wanted. Everything that was happening to him was just too much to take in at once.
Tomoko bit her lip and massaged the boy's shoulders, trying to ease away any of Kouji's tension.
"Is there anything we can do?" Tommy asked the others, his tone quiet enough for only him and the others to hear as Tomoko massaged the tension out of her son's back.
JP folded his arms across his chest and took a moment to think. "Well, what did we do to help Takuya?"
"We were just there for him, letting him know that we didn't think of him differently." Kouichi responded looking over to his mother and brother. "We just have to be there for Kouji like we were for Takuya." The others nodded in agreement. They could help Kouji overcome this.
Tomoko continued rubbing her son's back, gladdened to see that she was relieving some of the stress he had. She felt like these gentle gestures would be enough to help.
Kouji finally passed out from shock and exhaustion. He woke up in his bed several hours later, completely human. His mother, brother, and friends were absent from his room. The boy vaguely wondered if it was all just a stress induced dream.
The younger twin rose shakily, going to the bathroom. His hands looked normal, lacking claws. No fur on his neck. Human teeth, not canine ones in his mouth.
He breathed a sigh of relief, maybe it really was just a dream. He slipped his hand into his pockets, leaning against the wall. He felt a foreign object where his phone had been before he laid down on the bed.
The object was small, metallic, and the shape felt oddly familiar. Kouji gasped and nearly dropped the device once he pulled it out to inspect it.
"It can't be…" Kouji looked down at the device, looking in pure shock. His D-Tector. It was his D-Tector. The bandanna wearing boy knelt down and grabbed the navy blue and black device. "How is this possible?"
He couldn't understand it. The Digivice was here in his hands but he still found it hard to believe. Kouji pressed one of the buttons and watched as the screen lit up revealing the image of two statuettes scrolling back and forth. "My Spirits… Lobomon, KendoGarurumon…"
Kouji didn't get a chance to continue with his thought when he heard a sudden noise come to him loud and clear. He heard the sounds of voices coming from downstairs; his mother and brother. It was like with what happened when Takuya discovered his advanced hearing.
It wasn't a dream. He had become half Digimon just like Takuya. The idea terrified him, more so now that Takuya was missing. He began to fear the worst had happened to the brunette.
The revelation wasn't welcomed as he pressed his palms over his ears tightly, trying to drown out the noises. He dropped his D-Tector, clutching his head tightly. He slid to the floor, holding his head in pain.
The boy never felt more afraid in his life. He felt alone and isolated. He let out a frightened yelp, his newfound Digimon instincts taking over.
"Don't evolve, don't evolve, don't evolve…" Kouji repeated to himself hoping the mantra would keep him from losing control and allow him to stay in his human form. "Don't evolve…"
There was a knock on the door, startling the boy. "Kouji, bro, you okay in there? We thought we heard something."
"J-just a minute…" the younger twin responded and turned on the sink, trying to calm himself down by splashing some water in his face. After rinsing his face off he took a deep breath and opened the door.
"Kouji? What happened? You look…" Kouichi didn't finish, not wanting to upset his brother. After what happened the previous day, the older twin felt it a good idea to avoid upsetting Kouji as best as possible.
"Like crap?" Kouji supplied weakly.
Kouichi shrugged, "You said it not me. How're you feeling?"
The boy moaned in response. He held his head again, feeling dizzy. He couldn't really regulate the volume of the world sound around him.
The older twin went over to his brother's side and helped him keep steady. "Whoa there…"
"Everything's too loud…" Kouji muttered weakly, covering his ears in an attempt to mute the world. It offered little comfort but it was welcomed over the blaring noise. "Just… just give me a moment…"
Kouichi wasn't sure how to help his brother. He suppose Kouji was trying to adjust too his enhanced senses like Takuya had. "Just try to relax… remember how Takuya got over it. He accepted it."
"I know… just… please, I just need some quiet…" His brother replied, his hands still covering his ears.
The boy nodded thinking better than replying verbally. Kouichi sat down beside Kouji and rubbed his brother's back gently, trying to ease his tense body.
Kouji flinched at every sound, finding it impossible to find a happy listening volume. Takuya didn't seem to have this big of an issue with his own superhuman hearing.
They sat together on the bathroom floor for a long while as Kouji tried desperately to turn the world's volume down.
Kouji sighed weakly and thought back to when Takuya was adjusting. He had been quick to adjust after he had fully evolved and reverted back. It seemed as soon as he gained control and was able to evolve at will, Takuya was able to overcome those issues.
There had to be a way to overcome the enhanced hearing. Takuya had been able to overcome it. Kouji just needed to figure a way out.
Trying to calm down seemed to be a good idea for the moment. Kouji had always been good at keeping calm during a situation. It was the best idea he could think of for the moment.
Kouji seemed to be getting a hold on controlling his supersonic hearing when the doorbell rang. He could hear his mother downstairs, answering the door. He heard her shouting harsh words at whoever had the misfortune of being at the door.
Kouichi looked at his brother quizzically, also hearing the argument beneath them. The twins crept to the stairs, going far enough down to see who was arguing with their mother.
"-You have some nerve showing up here after what you did to that poor boy!" Tomoko screeched at a tall man.
The boys gasped, "Mr. Kanbara...?"
Mr. Kanbara was taken back by Tomoko's fiery rage. He wasn't expecting the sweet tempered mother to snap at him so fiercely. "Mrs. Kimura, listen, I just came by to see my son."
"Your son? After the way you treated him?" Tomoko asked, giving the man an angry glare. "Do you have any idea what Takuya has been through because of you?!"
"Just hear me out." Hiroaki tried to explain himself but the mother's rant had made if difficult. She was making him feel unnerved and guilty for his actions.
Tomoko stopped and looked as if she were deciding on whether or not she should consider hearing Hiroaki out or shoving him out the door. Deciding to give the man one chance she nodded. "What is it?" she asked, her tone even but threatening.
"I... I came to apologize... I realized I've made a horrible mistake... I want to set things right."
She stared at the man incredulously, "You have some gall coming here. You really hurt that poor boy."
He lowered his gaze, "I know... I know what I've done- I just... I need to see him."
"Well you can't!" Kouji growled, "Takuya's gone!"
"He's gone…?" Hiroaki asked in disbelief, but stepped back after seeing the heated glare from the boy. What unnerved him even more were how Kouji's eyes were rimmed red and feral.
"That's right… he disappeared, after what happened in the city." Kouji responded, trying to contain his fury. "He was saving everyone from that monster…"
"I… I saw… he saved me from that thing…" the man admitted. The incident was still fresh in his mind. How Takuya pulled him out from the elevator and fought to protect him from the mirror Digimon. "I would have been killed if he didn't save me…"
Tomoko picked up on Hiroaki's tone. It sounded like he was still trying to come to terms with what had just happened. It hadn't been long since the incident. People were still panicked and terrified with what had happened.
Kouji on the other hand didn't fully buy the man's claims. He growled softly as Kouichi held him back. "You hurt him! You treated him like garbage! You have no idea how much you hurt Takuya!"
Hiroaki lowered his gaze, ashamed. "I regret do that to my son-"
"You only regret because you owe him your worthless life!" Kouji snarled.
"Kouji!" Tomoko said sharply, "That's enough!"
The new half Digimon shook with rage, looking like he would break free from his brother's grasp and rip the man's throat out.
Mr. Kanbara didn't know how to respond to the fiery teen's harsh words. He hated to admit it but Kouji's words were true to an extent. Had things been different; had Takuya not saved him, he probably wouldn't he be looking for him.
"He doesn't deserve to be here Mom! Takuya didn't deserve any of the treatment he gave him!" Kouji argued but stopped when his mother gave him a piercing stare.
They continued to stare at each other for a moment before the boy finally relented. Tomoko sighed and turned her attention to Hiroaki.
"I'm sorry... I have no excuses for what I've done. I just want to make things right." Hiroaki spoke up, doing his best to meet their sharp gaze.
Kouji huffed angrily. Tomoko stared the man down fiercely, "I have to agree with my son. Presently, you are not welcome here and I will call the police if you return."
Hiroaki bowed his head, "I... I understand. If you see Takuya though, can you please tell him I'd like to make amends? Just let him know he can come home?"
"We can do that," Kouichi said softly, his tone dark and menacing, "But I doubt he'll go back."
Mr. Kanbara nodded, before leaving the house. Kouji let out a low feral growl, "good riddance."
"Do you think he means any of it mom?" Kouichi asked, not completely sure of the man's words or intentions.
The mother sighed weakly. "I'm not sure Kouichi. I just don't know. After everything that's happened, it's hard to trust anything that man says."
"I wouldn't believe a word he said." Kouji huffed angrily.
The older twin gave his brother a concerned look. "Are you going to be okay bro? You've been a little aggressive…"
To that the half Digimon snorted and sat down on the couch. "That man just makes me angry. He actually had the nerve to come here after everything that's happened."
"Kouji, sweetheart, you have to try and calm down." Tomoko asked of him, speaking after softening her tone. "I understand you're upset but he's gone now."
"He'll be back," Kouji grumbled, crossing his arms.
Kouichi half rolled his eyes, "So if he does, become that wolf Digimon and tear him apart!"
"It was hard not to," the younger brother admitted, "I REALLY wanted to rip his throat out."
Tomoko sat down and gestured for the boys to sit with her. "Now I know we don't care for that man or anything he's done to Takuya, but we do have to respect the fact he is Takuya's father- Like it or not. Whether Takuya lets him back into his life is his choice, not ours. First we have to find the poor dear and bring him back safely," she encouraged, trying to make them forget Mr. Kanbara.
The twins nodded in agreement. Takuya was their top priority. They had to find him and find him fast before anything else could happen to the poor boy. "So… how're we supposed to find him?"
Kouji sighed weakly and pulled the D-Tector out from his pocket. "I don't know… I know I can find a way to rescue with my Digimon form but… but what good is that if we don't even know where he is…"
"Kouji? Is that your… how'd you get your D-Tector back?" The older twin asked after getting a good look at the blue and black device in his hand.
"I found it in my pocket. I think my phone transformed when I changed into that Digimon form." Kouji answered and made the screen light up, revealing the Spirits. "But… somehow my Spirits came back. See?"
Kouichi looked at him quizzically, "You have your spirits? Both of them?"
He nodded, and showed his brother the device with the image of Lobomon and KendoGarurumon on the screen.
"If I recall, Takuya didn't have Agunimon or BurningGreymon... How... why do you have yours?" Kouichi mused aloud to himself.
Kouji just shrugged, "I don't know, but they can help me rescue Takuya- If I can figure out how to control this other one first..."
"Well, what if we help you practice? Like how we trained to help Takuya overcome the thing with Dracmon." Kouichi offered to his brother. "We still have the field set up for the target practice. You could use it to get used to your new form."
The younger twin pondered the idea for a moment and nodded. "It could work. The area's completely blocked off so we could make it work."
Kouichi smiled. "And I'm sure the others would be willing to help as well. We can make something work."
Tomoko sat there quietly, not sure of what to make of what they were speaking of. She was still new to this Digimon concept and speaking of the Warrior Spirits just confused her. As much as she would like to help, there was little more she could do other than offer her support.
"It's settled then, let's call the others and make a plan," Kouji exclaimed.
Kouichi grinned, "That's the spirit "
