Hi guys. We're back to you with a new chapter. Sorry it took a moment to give to you guys. Took a moment to look through it and edit but we got it here for ya.
"Twistedmind64" - Who knew, huh? Takuya could use some comfort. Hopefully what we got can help a little at least.
"adventuremaker16" - Sorry, I don't think it'll spoil anything so, yeah I think that that's going to be really unlikely.
"Digidestinedkid6" - Camping trip's not over yet. Just gotta wait and see what happens. Glad you enjoyed the Takumi stuff. As for how far they'll go. Well, considering they're still about twelve/thirteen... I think it's safe to figure out.
"The Keeper of Worlds" - Takuya really could use some support from the Spirits. And I agree, Zoe and his family probably play a pretty important part in his well being. Now if only he could reconcile with his family.
"DiaSphere" - Agunimon's really being aloof isn't he? Doesn't help Takky much. Takky probably could use something to vent out his aggession. If that'd help.
"I have a dictionary here" - Well, there's always going to be some kind of trauma. As for your questions. Maybe. We're drawing close to a conclusion. You'll find out. Good guess but no. And I mean I only drink water, no soft drink or coffee or stuff like that.
"AngeGirlmon" - Congrats on getting a profile there. Let's see. I can't really offer much spoilers but I can say we won't leave loose ends like that unattended. As for Takky and Kouji. We have our reasons. Hope that satisfies you. Enjoy the chapter.
"DD Leader Dark Heart of Water" - Glad you enjoyed the chapter. Hope you enjoy this one too. Kinda feel a little nervous about this one.
"BlueFlamedWolf" - Thanks for that friend. Glad you enjoyed it. Really hope this chapter keeps with your expectations.
Chapter 43: Daylight.
"I'm going after him! That's final!" Kouji snarled, having transformed into Strabimon to pursue the distraught half Digimon.
Kouichi held fast to his brother's arm, "Kouji... I know you want to protect him, but you need to let him sort out his thoughts on his own. He'll come back when he's ready."
Kouji snorted, "Oh, like the last time he bolted? He tried to tear his skin off remember?! I don't trust him enough to not do anything stupid..."
The others hesitantly agreed with Kouji on his point, where they had been siding with Kouichi. "He could really hurt himself..." Tommy said softly, remembering how they had to bandage Takuya's arms up.
"I'll keep my distance, I just want to keep an eye on him," Kouji reasoned, finally getting Kouichi to relent and let go of his arm.
Kouichi sighed, knowing that there was really no chance of arguing with his brother. He was going to go regardless. "Just be careful okay, we don't want either of you getting hurt out there."
"I'll be fine." The wolf reassured and took a deep breath before walking into the woods after his companion. Given his current form and his enhanced senses, Kouji found that he could pick up Takuya's trail, feeling his presence. And just like Takuya did before, Kouji had jumped up into the treetops and took off.
JP sighed, watching the wolf Digimon disappear into the thicket. "You really think they'll be okay?"
Kouji continued leaping from branch to branch, finding the trail growing warmer with each leap forward. "Come on Takuya… you better not do something stupid…" There was no knowing what Takuya would do in this state. Kouji had to find him fast.
He lost his focus, however, as the ground began to rumble, shaking the trees and making the wolf fight to maintain his balance. He dug his clawed feet into the branch he had landed on and held onto the trunk, waiting for the shaking to subside.
"What the hell is up with these earthquakes?" The wolf muttered to himself as the shaking continued, threatening to knock down one of the trees. These earthquakes just happened everywhere and sporadically at that. And it's clear that no one has any idea what was causing these earthquakes, the news could tell you that.
Was it something supernatural? Kouji scoffed at the idea. Like they really needed something else to worry about. It's enough that the military was probably still after Takuya or that there might be more Digimon attacks. They didn't need this.
He sighed to himself as the shaking slowly came to a stop. He hadn't heard any trees fall so that was a good sign.
Kouji poised himself to jump into another tree when he heard a cry. He felt his heart skip a beat in fear. He immediately dropped to the forest floor and ran in the direction of the cry, knowing it to be Takuya. 'please be okay...'
He could hear Takuya shouting, but he didn't hear anyone else. Kouji slowed his pace, peering around a tree. Takuya sat huddled against a tree, holding his D-Tector tightly. He stayed out of sight, listening to Takuya scream at the device.
The wolf breathed a sigh of relief, thankful that Takuya wasn't hurt. He heard Takuya begin to sob softly. He sat down against the tree, and let Takuya try and work out his problems.
Takuya sniffled, looking back down at his reflection in the D-Tector's screen. He just saw a wild animal and that just made him feel even more upset than before. He growled and dropped the device at his feet, barely finding any comfort in the clattering noise it made.
"I hate this stupid thing…" He muttered and pulled his legs up to his chest. He sighed tiredly, still feeling sore from his drop from the treetops.
To think that he was here to relax and have fun with his friends; this trip was supposed to give him a chance to unwind and forget all of his troubles back in the city. Why couldn't he just let go?
His friends have done so much within their power to help him but it seemed like no matter how hard they tried, any progress was minimal if non-existent.
Takuya looked at his hands, seeing the red that they were once stained long ago. What was it that made killing that rabbit so traumatic? Rationalizing it, even now people have killed animals for sustenance; just yesterday they had gone fishing.
Was it the desperation that made it so devastating or was it how he was expected to degrade himself and hunt the creature with his bare hands? Takuya took a deep breath, making sure he wouldn't gag as he tried to figure it out.
Kouji turned to check on Takuya, seeing him hunched over in deep thought. He smiled weakly, hoping that his friend was making some sort of progress. He leaned back to relax while he waited, when a curious scent caught his attention.
Metal… he could smell metal and not only that but it had a distinct scent to it… something not of this world.
"Smells like… what did Bokomon call it… Digizoid?"
Takuya sat up and turned, hearing Kouji's voice. He saw the wolf Digimon crouched behind a tree. The boy frowned and wiped his eyes, preparing to call out Kouji for spying on him but also picked up on the scent. Where did that come from?
Then a noise caught Takuya's attention. Clink. Clank. Clink. Clank. Metallic footsteps rang out through the trees. Kouji's ears twitch, trying to locate the source of the noise. Takuya tensed, also listening intently.
Silence met their ears. Kouji and Takuya locked their eyes, both agitated. What was that? Where did it go?
Kouji moved from his place on a low branch to Takuya's side. "Get up, we need to get out of here," Kouji whispered.
Takuya made to get up and follow the white wolf. "Berserk Sword!" a deep metallic voice rang out. A silver blur dropped down on the pair of Digimon, barely giving them enough time to leap back.
The impact knocked both half-Digimon off their feet. Kouji pushed himself up, coming face to face with the business end of a large sword.
Kouji growled, his gaze moving up the blade of the sword and to the large armored creature wielding it. Instantly he recognized the Digimon staring him down, eying him like a hunter would its prey.
Clad from head to toe in chrome Digizoid armor, was Knightmon, a breed Digimon Kouji recognized as former servants to the cruel Royal Knight Crusadermon. However, this one seemed different from the mindless drones he had experienced. This knight was carrying itself differently.
Instead of one, it carried three swords, one strapped to its back under the large shield and the other at its hip. The largest of the three swords was at his throat and carried effortlessly in the large Digimon's hand.
"Check." The Knightmon declared loudly for Kouji to hear, confusing the boy.
"Flame Toss!" Takuya had recovered from the previous attack and, seeing how Kouji was in danger, threw a large fireball in the armored Digimion's face, effectively blinding it.
Knightmon staggered to the side and tended to its eyes with its free arm and allowing the tip of its great-sword to rest on the dirt.
The wolf Digimon, recovering from his confusion, quickly got back to his feet and jumped to Takuya's side to get a safe distance from the large knight. "Thanks. You okay?"
"Yeah, he didn't hit me. So, another blast from the past?" Takuya asked, keeping his gaze on the knight as it recovered from his attack.
Kouji shook his head in response. "I don't think so. Those other Knightmon were just mindless minions. This one's different from the other ones. This one's smarter."
"By how much?" Takuya remarked. He yelped and ducked as one of the other swords impaled the tree behind him where his head had been moments ago.
"A lot," Kouji shot back, his voice shaking a bit.
Knightmon took his great-sword in his hand, "The game is over before it has even begun!" He lunged at the Digimon with incredible speed. Kouji and Takuya leapt to the sides.
"Flame Toss!" Takuya ignited his fists and threw small fireballs at the silver clad knight Digimon. Knightmon deflected them with ease, turning that momentum into a counter strike.
"Electric Slash!" An energy blade shot forth from the sword, cleaving a nearby tree clean in half. Takuya narrowly rolled out of the way of the devastating attack.
Kouji meanwhile took the opening to make his move. "Light Nail!" Kouji's claws glowed brightly as he slashed at the shield across Knightmon's back. The force from the strike hurt Kouji's arm, noting making a single scratch on it.
The Knightmon turned its attention to Kouji and swung its arm back, hitting the wolf with enough force to sent him crashing into one of the nearby trees. "It is futile attacking a knight's shield!"
Takuya gasped, seeing Kouji crash into the tree, cracking it and sending bark flying from the collision. "Kouji!" He moved to go to his friend's side but was surprised at the Knightmon's alarming speed as it approached him.
"Capture." Knightmon once again announced, raising its great-sword high over its head. "Berserk Sword!"
The fire Digimon quickly side stepped, avoiding the slash as it cut deep into the earth but the blast from the attack exploded, sending stone and dirt flying everywhere, and shooting Takuya into the air.
Knightmon turned to pull its second sword from the tree and jumped in the air after Takuya as he was trying to recover from the sudden attack. Before he could reach his target, something tugged hard at his foot, pulling him down and forcing him to miss his target.
Kouji had latched onto Knightmon's leg and pulled with all his force, saving his friend's life, at least for the moment. Next, he jabbed his claws between the joints in its armor, piercing into its ankle.
The large Digimon grunted in pain and kicked his leg hard, loosing the wolf Digimon from his leg as all three of them landed on the ground.
The wolf yelped, hitting the ground roughly. Takuya managed to land somewhat neatly a ways to his right and Knightmon crashed to the ground loudly between them.
"Advantage is mine!" Knightmon bellowed, swinging his sword in a large circle. Kouji caught the sharp edge of the blade in the shoulder, making him yelp with pain. Takuya, however, was barely nicked in the leg as he tried to leap out of the way.
He vaulted over Knightmon and pulled Kouji out of the sword's returning path. "Are you okay?"
"Peachy," the wolf grunted through clenched teeth.
"We need to find a weak spot…" Takuya stated nervously.
"Between the armor plates," Kouji grunted again. His hand tightened over the wound on his shoulder, blood caught and matting on his light fur.
Takuya turned back to the knight, who had regained his battle stance. "I'm going to end this. Right now."
He took a deep breath and took his D-Tector in his hand. Would Agunimon lend his power again like during the fight with ShadowSeraphimon? Granted he was at odds with the warrior but right now, he needed his strength.
"Agunimon… please help me. I need your strength." Takuya muttered to the small device, hoping to reach out to his Spirit.
The device didn't react.
Knightmon, wasting no time lunged at Flamon, sword poised to plunge its blade into its target yet the attack was slowed by the injury in its ankle. The attack was easily dodged as the sword was lodged into a tree within its trajectory.
Again the D-Tector did not respond.
"Oh you've got to be kidding me! You're really pulling this crap now?!" Takuya cursed and pocked the Digivice before turning to Knightmon who was still pulling its sword out from the tree.
He saw an opportunity though, and lunged at the armored knight, landing on its back and grabbing onto the second sword that was stored under its shield. "I'm going to borrow this!"
Knightmon flailed and tried to shake Takuya off, forgetting about the great-sword for the moment.
The nimble Fire Digimon jumped off of the knight's back, pulling the sword free and landing safely on the ground. He did stagger at the weight the sword carried though. "O-okay, heavier than I thought…"
The larger Digimon responded by drawing its third sword from its hip.
Takuya gulped and tested the weight of the sword in his hands. Heavy but he could carry it with both hands- Certainly easier than trying to wield that unwieldy great-sword.
"Electric Slash!"
The small Digimon quickly leapt away as the lightning struck the ground. He leapt for the treetops, the sword making it difficult at first but ultimately managing to get high enough away from Knightmon's reach.
"It is futile to resist!" Knightmon called out and prepared to unleash another attack but felt a great stinging pain in the back of its knee. It saw the wolf Digimon behind him, his claws embedded in the gap between his armor.
"Takuya now!" Kouji called out and ripped his claws free, further damaging the knight's leg.
Seeing his chance, Takuya dropped down at the kneeling knight, the stolen sword pointed downward and carrying him faster to his target. The blade pierced into the nap of the knight's neck and down into its chest.
Knightmon's movements stilled as a ring of data formed around his being.
Takuya jumped off the knight and pulled out his D-Tector, scanning the knight's data, winning the battle. The wolf smiled at him, "I told you we could do it."
"We?" Takuya retorted lightly, pulling Kouji to his feet, "I did most of the work."
"Still... " Kouji winced, gripping his wounded arm tightly, "Gah that hurts!"
Takuya hovered by his friend, "Are you going to be okay?"
"I'll live... Just stings... Alot." the elder boy said through gritted teeth, "How is it I always end up hurt because of you?"
Takuya shrugged in response and examined Kouji's wound closely though had trouble through the bloodstained fur. "I can't really tell how bad it is with all this fur in the way."
"Just help me get back to the cabin." Kouji grunted and got to his feet with some help. "Can't wait to share this with everyone." He muttered to himself, sarcasm just dripping from his voice.
"Zoe was not pleased when she found out about the bullet wound way back when I got shot." Takuya shared, recalling back to that encounter. Not one of his finer moments admittedly. "Better tell them now instead of trying to hide it."
"I don't know. We might want to hold up on that." Kouji responded and looked at his wounded shoulder. "At least it'll heal fast."
Takuya nodded, at least grateful for that aspect of being a Digimon. It at least offered some pros. "So… why're we holding off on telling the others?"
The younger twin sighed. "I need to think what happened through. Something didn't feel right about that fight." He groaned, putting more pressure on his cut to stay the bleeding. "That and we're here to have fun. We can talk about this thing with Knightmon after we get settled."
"If you say so…" Takuya nodded slowly, deciding to go along with it for now. "Think it'll need stitches?" he decided to ask, peering at Kouji's wound again.
Kouji grimaced, "God I hope not. I hate needles."
This revelation made Takuya stare, "You? Afraid of needles?"
"They hurt damn it," Kouji growled.
"Baby," Takuya teased lightly.
The wolf growled at him, "You're one to talk."
"It's not all my fault..." He fell silent, unable to find a retort.
Kouji looked at him, "Hey... I didn't mean anything by that..."
"I know... I just..." Takuya sighed softly, "I just don't know what to do anymore Kouji."
"Just, try to move on." Kouji offered him. "I mean, look at everything we just overcame. We beat that Digimon and sent him packing."
Takuya shook his head. "It's not the same."
"No but look at all the things we've done. We saved the Digital World and Earth. We beat a rampaging dragon despite how it beat us down before. That's not something anyone can do." Kouji countered, giving Takuya a serious look. "You don't give yourself enough credit but we've done a lot that should be impossible."
"I just… it was different back then." Takuya tried to explain.
"How?"
Takuya turned to meet his friend's gaze. "You have any idea how psychologically damaging this has all been?"
"You really think Duskmon wasn't damaging?" Kouji asked. "Or being stuck in that mental case, Sakkakumon's world?"
He sighed softly, "No but..." Takuya trailed off trying to find a way to voice everything that troubled him. "Kouji... I felt like... I... Gah! I don't know how to say this!"
Kouji smiled a bit, "Forget it okay? You've come a long way since just yesterday. You survived and kept going- you never gave up. You kept fighting Takuya. You don't have to say anything."
"Thanks... I guess..." Takuya murmured softly. It gave him something to think about. They continued the rest of the way back to the cabin in silence.
The cabin came into view and Takuya saw Kouichi and JP standing outside. "There they are!" JP called spotting the two Digimon along the tree line. They ran down to meet them and check for any injuries.
"Kouji! Your arm!" Kouichi chided, getting a good look at his brother's injury.
"I just got nicked, really," Kouji grunted as Kouichi prodded the area around the gash. "Earthquake caught me off guard."
Kouichi snorted, and half dragged Kouji inside leaving JP with Takuya. JP looked at the flame Digimon and smiled, "We're just glad you guys are okay- we thought the worst when that earthquake happened..."
"We're fine... Well... I guess..." Takuya mumbled.
Just as Takuya entered through the door he found himself on the ground with Zoe's arms wrapped around his neck. "I was so worried!" she cried out, her eyes moist with unshed tears. "Are you okay? Are you hurt?"
"Hey, easy Z. Dude's okay. Doesn't look like he has so much as a scratch on him." JP observed, giving her the thumbs up after making sure there weren't any wounds.
"That's a relief." Tommy smiled weakly, glad to see his friend back safe and sound.
Zoe relented and let the boy up. "Well, it's a relief to see you're not hurt." Not even a moment later did Kouji yelp as his brother tended to his wound.
"Well… at least it's only a flesh wound." JP stated sheepishly earning a snarl from the wolf Digimon. "Never mind."
"Jeez Kouji, would you hold still for five seconds?" Kouichi asked, trying to clean his brother's wound despite how difficult Kouji was making it by fidgeting. "This is hard enough with all the fur in the way."
The wolf just snorted in reply. "Well excuse me if it hurts."
The older twin sighed in response and managed to wash all the blood away. "Well, lucky you. No need for stitches. Just need to bandage you up and you're all good."
Kouji growled to himself but let his brother work. Takuya watched them for a moment, "I wasn't that bad, was I?"
"Worse," Kouichi called without looking up, a playful smile splashed across his face.
Takuya huffed to himself, scowling lightly. Zoe pulled Takuya's hand into hers smiling brightly, "He's just teasing Taku."
"I know... I think... You can't tell with him!" Takuya replied, throwing Kouichi another glare before turning to face Zoe. Just looking at the girl's face made Takuya feel good inside.
JP and Tommy stood by, smiling at Takuya's change in demeanor. "You seem happier," JP commented.
"I do?" Takuya questioned, not sure if they were messing with him or not.
"I think so..." Zoe said quietly, brushing his wild hair away from his face, "You seem more relaxed."
Tommy spoke up, "Do you feel any better Takuya?"
Takuya hesitated, "I uh... I guess so... " He flexed his hand, looking at it carefully. He didn't feel so out of touch with his Digimon form anymore. 'I guess actually doing something good with this form actually helped.' Now if only he could do the same with his human form. With that in mind, Takuya shifted back to being human and took Zoe's hand again. It wasn't perfect but it didn't feel bad or anything. "I do feel a little better actually..."
Zoe smiled at him, gladdened by Takuya's new behavior. Whatever happened must have really helped him clear his head. She felt absolutely ecstatic; enough so to pull him into another hug causing Takuya to turn a bright shade of red.
"So, what shall we do today, buddy boy?" JP asked, amused with the flustered look on Takuya's face as he tried recovering from the girl's hug.
"Nothing too strenuous. With Kouji's arm the way it is right now, he needs to take it easy until it's healed." Kouichi stated, giving his brother a look that showed he wasn't going to take no for an answer.
Kouji rolled his eyes. "Whatever, I've had enough of nature for today anyway."
"I was actually looking forward to hiking around the area and get a good look at everything." Zoe stated but sighed. "I suppose that can wait till tomorrow."
"You guys can go ahead and go out if you'd like." Kouji told them and got comfortable in his spot on the couch. "I wouldn't mind catching some more sleep after that little escapade."
Tommy and Zoe smiled at each other and turned to Takuya and JP.
"I guess we're going hiking, huh?" JP asked after seeing the look on their companions' faces.
Takuya smiled a bit, "Sure. Sounds good."
Kouichi nodded, "I'll stay here with Kouji. Go have some fun kay? Take your phones too, just in case."
"And don't wander off the trails!" Kouji added, mostly to Tommy and JP who seemed to have a knack for finding trouble in places they didn't belong.
The boys grinned sheepishly, "One time Kouji!"
"Raremon and the Pagumon I count as two," Kouji countered with a dark tone. He shifted back to his human form and closed his eyes, "Just try not to get lost."
Zoe grinned, "I'll keep them in line Kouji."
"Zoe's in charge, so blame her when they get lost," Kouichi summed up with a mischievous grin.
"Hey!" The blonde took a step at the elder twin, Takuya holding her back, "Watch it Kouichi!"
The boy just grinned and settled in beside his brother. "I'm teasing sheesh."
Tommy and JP took the opportunity to drag Zoe out the door before she decided to go after Kouichi. Takuya pulled the door shut behind them, "which way?"
"There's a pond just down the hill! My parents would take Yutaka and I there all the time to swim. It's a really nice walk there and back," Tommy chirped brightly
"Lead the way then Tommy," JP encouraged with a smile, following after the smaller boy.
Tommy smiled brightly, leading his friends down a path with a happy spring in his step. "This is going to be great! You guys are going to love it!"
Zoe smiled at the young boy's delighted attitude. "You're excited for this aren't you?"
"Yeah! I mean, it's been a really long time since I've been there so it's really fun to be able to come back here and enjoy it all." Tommy answered with a chipper tone in his voice. "I really liked coming to the pond every time we came here."
"Wow Tommy. That's just awesome. I really can't wait to see this pond." JP stated brightly, patting the boy on the back.
Takuya nodded with him. "You're really lucky to be able to come to a place like this. It really feels so much more peaceful here than back in the city."
Tommy grinned, and got to a small jog, coming to a clearing where the pond lied. "Here it is guys! This is it!"
"Whoa…" the trio spoke at once in awe of the sight. The pond was large and clear, perfect for swimming and he trees around the area offered a great source of shade. It looked like a perfect little getaway.'
Zoe's hand brushed against Takuya's as they approached the edge of the pond. He felt his face heat up as he watched her follow Tommy to the edge of the pond. He shook his head and went to follow her, wondering why he felt so flustered all of a sudden.
JP waved his hand in front of Takuya's face, "Hey, Takky- You alright buddy?"
"Huh? Oh um, I..." he stumbled over his words, blushing brightly.
"You alright," JP asked again, smiling at the brunette knowingly, "Why are you blushing?"
Takuya made a face at him, "Zoe..."
"What about her?"
The younger boy looked distressed, "I don't know- I just... she... I..."
JP ruffled Takuya's hair, "Don't let it get you Takuya- you seem to be fine around here when you're Flamon."
"That's the thing... It feels different... Like... It's harder... or something? I have no idea."
JP raised a brow at Takuya, confused by what he's saying. "It's harder? What makes it harder?"
"Well… I was just… it's hard for me… I mean… I've only really been able to… enjoy her company as a Digimon." Takuya tried at explaining, blushing brighter with embarrassment. He thought back to all of the times he was with Zoe and realized something. "I've only been a Digimon… with her…"
"You've only been a Digimon?" JP asked.
Takuya nodded, confirming. "I can't really think of a time where… I wasn't a Digimon. Even my first k… you know…"
JP held up his hand, showing Takuya that he didn't need to explain any further. "Okay dude, I get you. Honestly, I have no idea how to help you here…" He sighed and muttered to himself, "I mean, I struck out with her more times than I can count…"
Takuya had heard the last bit and felt the air grow awkward around them. Despite all the support JP's showed them in their relationship it looked like he still wasn't over it.
"Just talk to her dude." JP suggested with a shrug and walked to the water's edge where Tommy and Zoe were.
Takuya bit his lip and groaned weakly after giving JP's words some thought. Talking to Zoe would probably be the best idea. Better than just being flustered.
He sighed softly and followed them to the pond's edge. He sat down and kicked off his sneakers and dipped his feet in the water. Zoe smiled and followed his example and sat beside him.
"It's such a nice day," Zoe stated lightly. She smiled at Takuya, who turned away blushing lightly.
Tommy sat down on the other side of Takuya and JP beside him. "It's too bad we didn't bring anything to swim in." Tommy mused aloud.
"Yeah..." JP said with a sigh, "Ah well. It's still nice just sitting here, right?"
"Oh yes!" Zoe said brightly.
Takuya smiled at her, feeling his heart skip a beat. "Uh yeah." He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. Why was it suddenly so hard to talk to her?!
JP nudged Tommy noticing Takuya struggling. Tommy looked up at the elder boy quizzically. JP nodded towards Takuya and Zoe. He tilted his head in confusion before realizing what JP was trying to communicate without saying,
Tommy looked back over at Takuya who seamed to be having a difficult time. He and JP quickly stood up, "Um, we'll be right back..." Tommy stated, excusing himself and JP.
Zoe nodded and watched them walk along the trail and out of sigh. Takuya wasn't sure whether to thank them or hate them for leaving him and Zoe alone.
The blonde laid her hand over his, making Takuya blush again. She leaned forward to look at him, "Takuya? Are you all right? You've been awfully quiet."
"H-have I?"
"Taku." She gave him a look that basically told him to spill what's been bothering him.
Takuya groaned and held his face in his hands, aggravated with himself for his sudden shyness. "I just… I don't know… I just feel embarrassed all of the sudden… I can't even… talk to you without feeling… shy…"
Zoe looked at him, a puzzled look on her face. "You're embarrassed of being with me?"
"It's not like that!" Takuya jumped up, not liking the way it sounded. "I just… I feel so… stupid… I was fine before and… and I like being with you Zoe… I-I really do but now… right now… I just… feel embarrassed…"
She took his hand in hers once more and like before Takuya had turned scarlet. "I don't really understand why… I mean, just last night you were comfortable with me."
"I was Flamon…"
"Excuse me?" Zoe asked, taken back by what Takuya had said. Granted he was Flamon at the time but did that really make a difference? "Takuya… you're still you. It doesn't matter to me what form you have. I still love you."
"But I've never… I never really… I was always Flamon when we were together…" Takuya tried to explain. "I was Flamon when we were in the elevator… when we confessed to each other… when we kissed... I wasn't human for any of that…"
Zoe scooted closer to the boy and leaned in closer to him despite how he stiffened at the contact. "Well, you're human now. And here we are together in this beautiful place."
"I-I know that..." the boy murmured, "Zoe... I just..."
She smiled and leaned forward, "stop talking Takuya."
He stiffened as her lips met his, but instantly relaxed letting the blissful sensation take over. Takuya laid his hand on her cheek, kissing her back gently. They broke apart after a moment, gazing into each other's eyes.
"Wow..." Takuya whispered. His heart raced as he let his forehead rest against hers.
Zoe smiled warmly, "See?"
"Yeah…" Takuya nodded dreamily. In just an instant Takuya had practically forgotten why he was so worried. It was as it his worries just melted away. All he could think about was how nice this was.
Zoe almost giggled after seeing the dreamy look on Takuya's face. Amazing how one kiss could have an affect on someone. "Feeling better?"
"Like you have no idea…" Takuya answered with a content smile on his face. Maybe he was still riding the high of the moment but Takuya felt brave enough to lean back in and kiss her again.
Zoe was pleasantly surprised by the boy's bolder actions and kissed him back, taking both his hands in hers.
"I can't believe how nice this is…" Takuya muttered softly, mostly to himself after he gently pulled away and rested his forehead against hers again.
"Well, we have a good long while still before we have to go back. Let's just enjoy it." Zoe told him and looked out to the pond. "We definitely have to come back here for a swim sometime."
"Yeah..." Takuya replied softly, wrapping his arm around her and pulling her close. Zoe smiled warmly and leaned into his embrace.
They sat there for a while, not hearing JP and Tommy return. The pair grinned at their success. "Hey you lovebirds, Kouichi has lunch ready back at the cabin," JP called, making the lovebirds jump in surprise.
Takuya turned to scowl, but the idea of food made him change his tune. "Lunch?"
Zoe giggled, "Oh Takuya."
"Can you blame me? I'm starving," The brunette countered lightly, "I haven't eaten since yesterday." His stomach growled to back his statement up.
"Let's get back then!" Tommy said brightly, turning to head back up the trail.
"Yeah, and when we're done, we can come back and swim," Zoe suggested.
Takuya grinned, liking the idea; going swimming after lunch really appealed to the boy. "This is gonna be great!"
Kouichi was just finishing up setting the table with the group of friends entered the cabin. "Welcome back everyone; how was your trip to the pond?"
"Hey there Kouichi, lunch already ready?" Takuya asked, a bright smile on his face.
The elder twin looked up at the gogglehead with a pleased look on his face. He had no idea what had happened but Takuya seemed to be even brighter than before. Like the dark cloud has finally lifted. "Seems like you all are in a good mood. Lunch will be on the table so everyone sit down."
"How's Kouji doing?" Tommy asked as he took his seat.
"I'm doing fine. It was good to enjoy the peace and quiet." Kouji called out from his place on the couch. "I rarely ever get any peace to relax anymore."
Kouichi rolled his eyes and brought out plates of fried fish and vegetables. "We're at the cabin to have some fun you know."
"This is fun." Kouji replied.
Zoe knelt beside Kouji and inspected his wound which seemed to be healing quite well though he was human. "Ow! Don't poke it Zoe!"
"Don't be such a baby," the blonde retorted as she changed the bandages, "There, that should keep it from getting wet."
"Wet?" Kouji inquired curiously, "What's going to get wet?"
Tommy grinned, "We're going swimming at the pond later!"
The younger twin thought about the activity, not sure whether he wanted to swim with his arm injured the way it was. "I don't know guys..."
"It's not deep," Tommy offered, "It only goes up to my chest."
"I suppose that's okay..." Kouji said slowly.
Takuya sat at the table, grinning at his best friend "Aww come on Kouji. Please?"
"Alright! I'll go, sheesh."
