Disclaimer: Since this fic contains 100% of the way Takouji, then obviously I don't own Digimon...:P

Author's Notes: Yippee! Big hugs to Dragi and Kimra Dattei, who were AWESOME readers and reviewers and gave me what I needed to continue on with this fic! Much appreciated you two, thanks bunches! *^-^* I am soooo sorry with how long it took me to get this chapter done...I had most of it written up much, much earlier at one point, and then somehow, it got deleted and I couldn't pull it back up. So I had to remember what it was that I had plotted for this chapter, and rewrite the whole thing-save for the ending of it, which I had typed up separately and saved on another document. BUT...it's actually LONGER then what the last one was, so...since I don't have much else to say in this, enjoy it! ^-~

Rating: PG13

Warning: clears throat Once again this authoress is not responsible for anyone who continues on who does not like the thought of Takuya and Kouji being happily together as a couple...if you don't like slash/yaoi then I suggest you scoot away now because then this isn't the fic (and if you've gotten this far already I'm assuming now that most of my readers are 100% A OK with that kind of stuff...:P)

Chapter Summary: Hmmm...none this time around...I'm just going to let you guys read on and find out for yourselves cause it's too good to give away and I feel like being evil tonight. evil laughter and lightning follow

Different Journeys

Author: Angel Spirit

Chapter 16: Uncontrollable

Takuya could not really describe exactly what had happened to him the moment Kouji Beast Spirit Evolved into KendoGarurumon...he felt strange...cold...almost like he'd lost something.

He wasn't sure when it was he'd fallen to his knees and clutches his chest in pain, he only knew it had happened when Tomoki had ran up to him, after seeing him fall and grabbed him by the shoulders...shaking him and making sure that he was alright. After blinking rapidly a few times, Takuya watched in silence as Kouji and Gigasmon battled it out.

"Takuya...answer me...please?!? JUNPEI!" Junpei, who was helping Izumi up glanced over in the direction he was being called at and frowned when he saw the way that Takuya was looking. He glanced over at Izumi, who looked weary, but was fighting him off to stand on her own without his help.

"You sure you alright Z?" He asked, using the nickname that he'd given her...he wasn't sure how he'd managed to think of that one, but somehow it just felt right to use it. And besides, Izumi did not seem to mind. She shrugged him off one last time and nodded, wrapping her arms around herself.

"Yeah...I'm...fine, I'll be fine...go check on Takuya, I'll be right there..." Izumi's voice trailed off and Junpei nodded as he headed over to where Tomoki was with Takuya, glad to see that at least the other brunette was conscious. He looked strange though...not like he was in pain or in shock, but...Junpei couldn't quite put his finger on what was wrong.

"Takuya?" Junpei finally managed to get the goggle-wearing brunette to look at him, and that was when Takuya shook his head and started to shiver slightly.

"Junpei...what's wrong with him?!?" Tomoki asked fearfully, and Junpei frowned and shook his head not knowing the best way to answer that. If he had to answer that, he'd tell Tomoki that Takuya was in shock for some reason...but he'd been fine before Kouji had Beast Spirit Evolved- which, as Junpei looked in the direction where the battle was taking place, he had to admit, that the Beast Spirit of Light looked pretty wicked-and he only hoped that he'd get his own soon...and not be last like he was with the Human Spirit's.

"Takuya...what's wrong with him Junpei?" Izumi murmured softly as she knelt next to them, looking worried.

"I don't know, I'm not sure...he was fine a minute ago till' Kouji did that Spirit Evolution thing..." Junpei's mind wanted to wander to where the battle was taking place...in all honesty he wanted to see how the Beast Spirit's could fight. But he also knew that he was the only one who still remained fairly calm in this situation at the moment.

"I think he's gone into shock or something, I don't know...Takuya...dude, answer us please? You're scaring Tomoki..." Junpei knew that Takuya had soft heart for the youngest Digi Destined, mainly because he had his own little brother at home. Takuya blinked at this, and sighed-almost painfully.

"I can't...feel him anymore...it's like he's...gone. It hurts..." Takuya whimpered softly, and the other three looked at each other in concern, realization dawning on them, and Izumi took a small breath, letting it out as she realized exactly what was going on.

"When Kouji Beast Spirit Evolved...something happened...so is that really Kouji still fighting or something else in his place? Oh I wish that Bokomon was here to explain this to us!" She cried out in frustration as she reached out a hand and gently squeezed Takuya's shoulder.

"It's alright Takuya...I'm sure it is...we'll figure this out..." She murmured, but Takuya shook his head, tears threatening to flow.

"I don't know how to explain this...he's...not here."

"Guys, I think it's time we moved out of the way...NOW!" The others glanced up at Junpei's cry of warning and their eyes grew wide with horror as they saw Kendogarurumon spinning wildly out of control. Not needing a second warning, Izumi dragged Tomoki clear out of the way as she ran up to where the huge stone statues were, they reminded her of those masks she had seen in Italy one day...a vendor had been selling them, and she had thought that they were nothing but creepy. Junpei had grabbed Takuya, carrying him as he ran as he doubted that Takuya could've been able to run on his own, and making it to where Izumi had decided to stay and watch the battle as Kendogarurumon spun back around right in the area they'd been standing in.

"Oh, I want to know what's going so wrong." Izumi whimpered as Tomoki watched fearfully. While he watched though, he sensed that something wasn't quite right-and in the process, figured out why Takuya couldn't feel Kouji anymore.

"He's lost control of it." The other's looked at him with blank stares, and Tomoki sighed, knowing he had to explain himself-he didn't know how he knew, he just knew. It was the only possible explanation as to why Takuya was acting like this, and why he felt like Kouji was no longer there...cause in a way Kouji was probably not there-not if the spirit had taken over.

"Kouji's lost control of his Beast Spirit...if he can't control it, who's to say that he can actually fight against Gigasmon? That would explain why Takuya can't feel him!" Junpei nodded at this, as did Izumi, both looking thoughtful.

"So all Kouji needs to do is gain control of his Beast Spirit...but it's not looking that easy." Suddenly, Junpei didn't really want his Beast Spirit...he didn't want to act like...well, like the way Kendogarurumon was acting now. Sure the Beast Spirit of Light looked awesome...but could he- or Tomoki, or Izumi, even Takuya-handle that incredible power? Junpei didn't know if Gigasmon was reading his mind or not, because the next second he was startled out of his thoughts with Gigasmon sneering down at them, taking advantage of Kouji's current situation.

"You shouldn't take what you can't control! Now wolf boy's gonna watch his friend's die first! Starting with him." Izumi gasped as Gigasmon pointed at Takuya, who looked back up at him wide eyed. He knew fully well that he wasn't able to do any damage to Gigasmon in his own human spirit form...even with the help from the others, he doubted that they'd be able to do hardly any damage, he was so powerful. But that didn't mean that they couldn't give Kouji some time to get control of his spirit...if that's what it was. Takuya found himself standing, pushing Junpei away as he clutched his red and black detector, his eyes burning with determination.

"Yeah...you'll have to fight me first!" He hissed out, clutching his detector tighter. Gigasmon narrowed his eyes, moving in closer...the other's shrank away, but Takuya stood standing as he got ready to spirit evolve...and then gasped as Gigasmon grabbed his arm tightly and brought him up closer to him so they were face to face...the pain in Takuya's wrist that he was holding so bad that it caused him to drop his detector.

"Me thinks you'll be a wonderful snack before I eat wolfie boy..." Takuya pulled at Gigasmon's hand with his other free hand, trying to release himself as he stared up into Gigasmon's eyes and then back down to the ground where his detector now lay. He was not going to give in like this! He was not! Gigasmon wouldn't have him...not if he helped it anyway.

"You know, if this is the way you want to take me, then fine...but you'll just be known for the coward that you are for not fighting me!" Takuya snapped, and Gigasmon laughed.

"You a foolish brat...I'll just save you all trouble of fighting me...you not win last time, you not win now!" He snarled, and while Takuya hated to admit that Gigasmon had a point...well...he had a point.

"Now, want nice, slow painful death...or quick one? Your choice!" Takuya gasped as Gigasmon raised his weapon, prepared to strike him down with all his might. And closed his eyes for the blow...

But it never came.

"YOU WON'T TOUCH HIM!" A voice growled menacingly as Takuya felt more then saw two things happen at once. Something slammed into the back of Gigasmon, and sent Takuya reeling off the edge of the structure, falling toward the ground. He would've hit it, had a great light not managed to catch him, stopping his fall quite suddenly and bringing him slowly and safely to the ground. He landed on both feet.

I'm here now...don't worry, he's mine...and I love you too Takuya Kanbara, too much to see anything more happen to you! Kouji's voice ripped through his mind as he saw Kendogarurumon fighting once more with Gigasmon, their powerful attacks being called out as they ripped out parts of the ground. Takuya's mind reeled...Kouji...he could feel him again. Did that mean that he had gained control of his Beast Spirit? When Takuya looked at KendoGarurumon again, it seemed that way. His eyes weren't glowing that bright white light that they had at first when Kouji had just Beast Spirit Evolved, and now all he saw were their dark blue depths. And relief surged through him.

The battle continued on, Kouji's greatest attack having been his Speed Star attack, the blades sending Gigasmon reeling...but not finishing him. Takuya knew that Kouji was getting tired...he could feel that Kouji was getting tired. While Gigasmon and Kouji had been fighting, he, Izumi, Junpei, and Tomoki had gone out of the sheltered area that Junpei had found to watch the battle...and Takuya was now just realizing how close to the cliff that it was getting too.

He watched with horror in his eyes as KendoGarurumon used his Solar Laser attack, sending a beam straight in between Gigasmon's eyes...temporarily blinding him...causing him to go flailing and fall over the edge. Kendogarurumon let out a roar of triumph...and then the edge cracked, having taken so much weight from the battle. There were two, split seconds where the Beast Spirit of light looked utterly confused- before he realized exactly what was happening to him. But it was far too late. Even too late for Takuya to help him, who'd also realized at the same time what was happening.

"KOUJI! NO!" They couldn't stop what was happening, Takuya fended their other teammates off as they tried to hold him back. All that mattered was that he got to his koi before he fell over that stupid ledge with Gigasmon...Gigasmon deserved it, not Kouji. Not his koi...tears welled up in his eyes as he heard Kouji's very tired voice inside him one more time.

Don't...I'll...be...fine. It murmured, but before Takuya could do anything more, he was slammed out of the way.

"If you don't do something, then I will!" He heard someone shout, their voice sounding very familiar, but Takuya at that right second couldn't quite place it.

He saw the flash of light-meaning that KendoGarurumon had De- Digivolved back into Kouji. All he wanted to do was hold Kouji in his arms then and there...to comfort his hurts, and he knew that Kouji was hurt...maybe even more now then had been before he battled Gigasmon in his beast spirit form. Takuya bit down on his lower lip and ceased his struggles as he saw Kouji trying to pull himself up and he cried out in relief. Kouji, feeling all the energy draining out from his body, gave Takuya a small smile.

"You know...that beast spirit...sure takes a lot out of a guy." He murmured, and Takuya heard himself cry out as Kouji gave a gasp of pain and his grip slipped...

Kouji couldn't believe it...he was falling...and falling fast...Gigasmon had already hit the water, sending a cold spray up to greet Kouji's battle weary figure and he shivered as it touched his skin, warm still from the fight. As soon as he had felt himself start to fall, he felt himself stop. And looked up, hoping beyond hope that it was Takuya who had caught him. At that point in time, that was all he wanted to see, was Takuya's dark brown eyes staring into his own...

But it wasn't meant to be, as his rescuer turned out to be none other then Gatsomon. Kouji frowned a bit-he was glad that he hadn't fallen in after Gigasmon. But he wanted...no...needed Takuya.

"You know...I thought I knew what it meant to be a hero. But you've shown me differently...you stood up to Gigasmon even in the condition you were in after everything that's happened. And I found out that I need your help-and you needed mine. Somehow, I think, that asking for help is what makes you a hero. I doubt that Grumblemon will haunt our village anymore now...how can I ever thank you?" Kouji smirked and slowly winked at the Digimon above him.

"Well...first off, there's one more thing you need to learn about being a hero. Rescue first, and then talk later." Kouji whispered, and the Gatsomon, upon realizing their predicament as Kouji closed his eyes and looked like he was ready to faint any minute, hurried to pull Kouji up back onto solid ground. Kouji wanted nothing more then to be away from the cliff as he felt his weakened body falling to the ground. But it never got there...instead, he felt strong, secure arms catching him and lowering him down gently. His head was being cushioned.

When Kouji opened his eyes a few minutes later, he found Takuya hugging him close, tears escaping his dark brown eyes and trailing down his face.

"God...oh gods Kouji...I thought...I thought I lost you. I thought that when you became KendoGarurumon...oh Kouji I couldn't even feel you!" Kouji felt a pang of guilt as his weary mind started to ever so slowly piece together what had happened. He didn't remember some of it...being controlled by the beast spirit had been a very weird experience. He hadn't really seen the battle...his mind had been aware of it, but his eyes had taken no part of it. Until the end, when he had found himself falling...

He shuddered in Takuya's embrace, and was surprised to find himself starting to cry a little as well. He suddenly didn't feel very good-not very good at all, finding it harder to breathe then ever before, and his eyes closed as he fell into the blissful darkness of his mind.

Takuya felt a hand on his shoulder, squeezing it gently and looked up to see Junpei looking tired and ready to leave.

"I know Kouji's hurt Takuya, and I think I understand how you're feeling now. But we can't stay here...at least not out in the open. We need to find shelter or something, and we need to look at Kouji's wounds. He's fallen unconscious, and there's not doubt that he's probably more exhausted then the rest of us are." Takuya wiped the tears away with the back of his hand and nodded.

"True, but look around us...there's no sort of shelter here once so ever!" Takuya knew he was right as he watched while the other's looked around in dismay. They'd forgotten that the Gatsomon was still with them, so when he spoke next he startled them all.

"Don't be so quick to judge this area...in fact, the next city...is right below us. And they've got a healing Digimon who can take care of Kouji-and any of the rest of you who are wounded."

"What about Bokomon and Neemon? What happened to them?" Izumi whispered, feeling more tired then she'd care to admit.

As though answering her question, they arrived suddenly at the edge of the mountain trail that led up to the clearing they were in.

"You ninny...I'm the one who got us out of that confounding cage! I'm just surprised that they forgot about us!" Bokomon whined, and Neemon sighed and shook his head as he poked Bokomon suddenly who eyed him in frustration.

"POKE ME ONE MORE TIME AND I'LL...!" But Neemon then pointed to where everyone else was sitting or standing, looking to tired then Bokomon cared them to be. They'd obviously all been through something...and when he saw the state Kouji was in, his worry grew even more.

"It's about time you guys got here...you're late!" Junpei shouted crossly, and Bokomon snorted as Neemon hurried in front of him to get to the others first.

"Yeah, well...blame it on Bokomon, who forgot how to picklock...and none of the other villagers would help no matter how many times he asked." Neemon replied, sounding just as cross and sending Bokomon a look of annoyance.

"I was asking to get help from someone to help me so many times because I was getting sick and tired of being cramped up in that small cage with a smelly Digimon such as yourself! Now keep quiet Neemon while I figure out what's been going on in our absence!" With that, Bokomon reached over and snapped Neemon's pants, causing the rabbit-like Digimon to give him a hard glare, as Bokomon headed to where Takuya was with Kouji.

"Dear me...something did happen...?" Takuya sighed and nodded as he brushed hair out of Kouji's face...his bandanna was falling off...and his ponytail was falling apart as well. Takuya took the bandanna and fixed it enough so it would stay on until it had to be taken off. Somehow, he doubted that Kouji would've wanted the others to see him with his bandanna off.

"Kouji found his Beast Spirit." Junpei muttered, and Bokomon cheered.

"And...? What next?" He asked, eager for more news.

"He fought Gigasmon...and sent him over the edge...he's gone-for now anyway. But Kouji got hurt badly in the battle..." Izumi murmured softly, and Bokomon regretted having cheered-but he was glad that Gigasmon would leave them alone for awhile-and hopefully give Kouji-and from what it looked like everyone else as well-a chance to recuperate.

"Gatsomon says that there is a village underneath us...do you know the way to the city Bokomon?" Izumi asked, and Bokomon shook his head.

"I am afraid not. However, it seems like our Gatsomon friend here does, and if he'd be more then happy to lead the way, I'd gladly follow." Gatsomon nodded, looking even more pleased that he could help the Digi Destined a little more then he had thought he originally could.

"Then that settles it. We head down to the city...starting now, because night's going to fall soon and I don't want to sleep out here." Takuya said, and the other's agreed. Junpei glanced over his shoulder as he saw Takuya standing, bringing Kouji up with him, and groaning a little. Takuya realized that his shoulder still hurt a great deal, and he must not have felt it while the adrenaline had been rushing through his body from all that was happening, but now that his adrenaline was slowly disappearing he felt it all the more. He knew that though it was healing nicely, he didn't think that he could carry Kouji...at least not all the way.

"Takuya...do you want some help?" Junpei offered, wondering if the other brunette would accept it or not. Takuya must've been tired enough, because he nodded a little at Junpei's question. Before Takuya could protest, Junpei had very gently scooped up Kouji's unconscious figure into his own arms, noting how light the dark haired teenager was.

"This is the easiest way to carry him...he's injured too badly for us to do it any other way." He explained lightly, and Takuya nodded, feeling the headache that he had felt earlier start pressing into his skull. They followed Gatsomon to where the stone figures lay, surprised when he pulled a tree branch to reveal a secret door...and a long, long flight of stairs that never seemed to end. Gatsomon led the way in, followed by Bokomon and Neemon, then Takuya, who grabbed one of the first torches he saw so they could actually see where they were going, as it was pitch black down as far as he could see, Junpei followed with Kouji in his arms (as much as Takuya had wanted Kouji to be in his own arms, he knew at the moment that his energy was taxing out, and while he would've been able to carry his koi for awhile, he knew he couldn't last the whole way into the city and was grateful for Junpei's help) and then Tomoki with nervous looking Izumi bringing up the rear.

The stairs seemed to last for an eternity. And Takuya was slowly starting to feel his eyes droop with exhaustion. Now he knew what Kouji felt like a day or so ago when he'd woken him up that one morning...and now all he wished was for a nice warm bed...and for Kouji to be lying right next to him in it, uninjured and not hurting. The others were also stumbling along, and just as Takuya (and also Junpei) was about to open his mouth and say something, Gatsomon grinned as he showed them the city a little ways below...and gasps rose all around from the Digi Destined, even Izumi's eyes opened wide at the site.

"Moto Bono...have you guys ever seen anything like this?" The other's shook their heads at her question for beneath them was a city that seemed to have a glow all around it, it's buildings were all white, and as they neared the city a little more they saw that there were carvings etched into all the buildings and the ground as well.

"How much...further...?" Takuya was interrupted by his yawning as the Gatsomon shook his head, smiling.

"Just a couple of more flights and then we will be there...can you make it?" He barely managed a nod, but Takuya somehow, with the others who were gazing in awe at the city before them, managed to make it the rest of the way down.

"Anybody home?" Junpei wisecracked, and the Gigasmon nodded.

"Yes, but we need permission to enter the city-if he'll let you enter." The other's raised an eyebrow at this, wondering what the Gatsomon meant when suddenly a Wizardmon appeared out of thin air.

"Who is it that wishes to enter the Imperial Underground City?" He hissed out, his voice low and menacing, causing the other's to take a step back-all but Gatsomon, who stood bravely before him not afraid.

"I have brought with me the Digi Destined who hold the Spirits of Flame, Wind, Thunder, Light, and Ice. You must let them cross through! They have just done battle with the legendary Evil Hybrid Gigasmon, and the one who managed to banish him from your lands has been seriously hurt!" For a few seconds, the Wizardmon was quiet, and the other's fidgeted, wondering if he'd let them enter. Takuya hoped he would...Kouji wasn't looking so good, and Takuya knew he needed help. But the Wizardmon was taking his sweet time deciding. Takuya balled up his hands in frustration, knowing they did not have the time for such games as this.

"PLEASE! Let us pass through! My friend is really injured...please...he needs help, and we were told you've got a healing Digimon within! I beg you..." This trembling statement from Takuya caused the Wizardmon to raise an eyebrow...a human, begging him...?" After a few restless minutes, the Wizardmon finally answered.

"Fine...but only the injured one shall pass." When Takuya heard this, his jaw nearly dropped, but he narrowed his eyes at Wizardmon and shook his head defiantly as he crossed his arms over his chest, wincing a little bit at the pain in his shoulder.

"No way. Kouji's not going anywhere without me!" The Wizardmon only shrugged.

"Okay, fine then...have it your way." With that, he turned around and disappeared...just vanished into thin air. Izumi groaned and dropped to her knees, feeling tired.

"Great...now what do we do?" She murmured, as Takuya sighed and shook his head. Junpei had lowered Kouji to the ground, his arms getting too tired to carry him any longer, and so Takuya headed over to where Kouji was lying, and knelt down next to him, placing a hand on the dark haired teen's forehead.

"We need to get inside that city. If only the Wizardmon wasn't there to guard it." Takuya said, feeling anger flow through him as he saw Kouji's eyes flutter open, and he groaned weakly.

"Kouji?!?" Kouji managed a small smile.

"How do you feel?" Takuya asked, trying to get him to respond...after a moment of considering his answer to Takuya's question, Kouji finally did. It was soft-the other's couldn't hear his reply, but Takuya could.

"Tired...really tired." He murmured, his breathing turning light and shallow as his eyes closed and he fell asleep once again.

"Hang on Kouji." Takuya whispered, brushing back fallen strands of hair as he stood up and nodded at the other's.

"Wizardmon said that only Kouji would be allowed to pass through-he's the only one of us injured badly enough. As much as I don't want to be separated from him, he needs the medical attention." Izumi nodded, but Junpei looked thoughtful.

"Takuya...how does that shoulder of yours feel?" Junpei asked, as Takuya looked at him quizzically until Junpei explained.

"It's probably still not fully healed...we could use that as an excuse, right?" Takuya frowned, thinking about it-until the frown was replaced by a slow smile.

"You know what Junpei-you might be right...now how do we get that Wizardmon to come back?" Takuya asked, and looked at Gatsomon, who sighed.

"Alright, fine, I'll try calling him again." So he repeated what he had said the first time-but no Wizardmon appeared. The rock Digimon shook his head and shrugged his small shoulders.

"Looks like it's not going to work a second time around."

"Why don't we just try and walk on in?" Tomoki asked, putting his hand on the golden gate-which suddenly burst open as he did so. The other's looked as shocked as Tomoki felt at what had just happened, but Takuya grinned.

"Way to go buddy! Come on...let's see if we can find any help." Junpei had one of Kouji's arms around his shoulders as Takuya had the other arm around his. Tomoki and Izumi followed Bokomon, Gatsomon, and Neemon who led the way into the city.

They didn't get very far however, when the gates slammed shut behind them...and turned from gold to iron...and an angry looking Wizardmon appeared before them, using his wand to freeze them in their tracks-they couldn't move.

"Please...we only want to get help for our friend!" Izumi hollered, surprised that she could still talk as they couldn't move. It was weird, being frozen...

Wizardmon regarded them with a strange look, before another voice interrupted the scene.

"Wizardmon, that is enough! I know that you take your duty to protect this city under great honor, but you mustn't let it make you too thick headed. It's obvious that these children are hurt, and are in need of Faramon's healing powers." Wizardmon looked terrified for a moment at the feminine voice that echoed throughout the city, before he turned around and fell to his knees, bowing toward where the voice had come from.

"Yes my lady-I am so sorry. Forgive me." A Digimon looking very much like an ordinary human woman, came floating out, giving Wizardmon a soft smile.

"All is well." Then she looked over at Takuya and the other's, still frozen from Wizardmon's spell. She clapped her hands twice.

"And I release you." The Digi Destined sighed with relief as they felt that they could move again, and they sighed in relief as they tested their arms and legs, making sure they could really move.

"Thanks." Izumi sighed, feelin incredibly glad that she could feel her own body again, and the other's nodded with her in agreement.

"Now...from what I hear and see, it sounds like you're all very tired- and one of you is definitely injured. You need to come and see my husband, Faramon. He'll take care of you." As they followed her, Takuya realized that they didn't even know her name, but felt to tired to ask. When they got to the domed castle in the center of what seemed so far, to be an empty city, it was Junpei who finally asked the question of her name as he scratched his head, looking like he was trying to remember something.

"You know, you never told us your name...?" The Digiwomon laughed lightly as she led the way into the castle-like structure before them.

"My name, Chosen One, is Naramon. That is what you can call me. Now come, my husband's healing quarters aren't that far from here."

Naramon was right-it didn't take too much longer to get there. By the time Junpei and Takuya had placed Kouji on one of the beds in the large room that Naramon had directed them too, they sighed wearily. Junpei sank to a soft cushion on the floor not to far away, where Izumi had immediately sat down, feeling as tired as the rest of them were. Tomoki looked as though he was ready to fall asleep any second...even if it meant sleeping while standing up. And Bokomon and Neemon weren't that far away. Even Gatsomon looked tired.

They waited until Faramon showed up, a kind and gentle smile on his face, mirroring that of his wife's.

"You all look so tired. Naramon, why don't you show everyone else to quarters that they can stay at while their friend heals here? They also look like they might want to bathe as well." Naramon nodded and squeezed her husbands shoulder before beckoning to the Digi Destined, who stood slowly and wearily started to follow her out-all but Takuya, who stayed by Kouji's side.

"Come child, you must rest." All Takuya did was shake his head at Faramon's request, feeling his headache growing worse with each movement. Izumi, who was about to step out, turned around and motioned Faramon over. He did so, and she whispered something into his ear, and he smiled softly.

"Thank you for telling me that. Now, go and follow Naramon." Izumi nodded and headed off to catch up with the other's, as Faramon turned around and gave Takuya a small smile.

"Now, let's see what we can do about that shoulder of yours, and the headache you have, hmmm?" Takuya groaned at this.

Izumi must've told... He thought, but gave a wry grin when he figured out why.

Of course...she told him why so I could still stay with Kouji-as much as I hate her for telling Faramon about my injuries...she also did me a favor. Takuya found himself nodding at Faramon, but looked meaningfully at Kouji.

"Yeah, okay-but only if you take care of him first." Faramon chuckled as he nodded, and moved into the direction of where Kouji lay. Takuya moved with him, reaching over and holding Kouji's hand. He wasn't too surprised, that when he gripped it, Kouji lightly squeezed his hand back.

~***~

Kouji felt like he could hardly move, he was so tired...all he knew was that he was sleeping-but for how long had he been doing so? And what about everyone else...? Most importantly, what about Takuya?!?

The thought of his koi, caused him to stir a bit. He felt a cool hand on his forehead, and some strange mumbling that he could not make out...but the words sounded comforting almost. Like sleep...peace...comfort. Kouji knew he was slipping back into either sleep or unconsciousness, but before he did, there was one thing he needed to know.

"T-Takuya...?" He managed to breathe out, and there was a low, comforting chuckle as he rasped out his question, his throat feeling suddenly dry and parched as he licked his lips. A cup or something was brought to his lips, and for a minute, Kouji refused...and then he heard the voice he wanted to hear.

"Relax...it's only water." Takuya. Takuya was there with him. Kouji allowed himself to drink, and reached up, somehow finding Takuya's wrist and grabbing hold of it...letting him know that he was done. Takuya pulled the cup away, and moved in closer so he could hear what it was that Kouji was saying.

"Stay...with...me..." He murmured, suddenly feeling more tired now. Though he realized that it was no longer as hard to breathe as it had been before, and he gave a little sigh of relief at that. But now, he wanted Takuya to be with him. He heard Takuya chuckle and felt him crawl into the bed, pulling him close, and Kouji enjoyed the warmth as he faded off into actual sleep...one that wasn't aided by medicine's or exhaustion. Just normal, restful sleep-one that he knew he needed badly.

"Of course I'll stay with you...sleep now Kouji, you're safe...and I love you." Kouji felt Takuya kiss his forehead gently, and Kouji felt himself smile a little bit.

"Love you...too." He whispered, before falling back asleep once more.

Takuya couldn't help it...Kouji looked too adorable. When he requested that he stay with him, Takuya couldn't help but oblige-and the healing Digimon, known as Faramon, had said that it was alright as long as he was mindful of the injuries that Kouji still held. Takuya yawned suddenly, realizing just how much time had passed since he himself had had any sleep.

After they'd managed to get Kouji to Faramon, Takuya had begged the healing Digimon to let him help. At one point, Izumi had pulled Faramon aside and gently explained the situation...and why Takuya was not willing to leave Kouji's side. Faramon seemed to understand, and at least allowed Takuya to stay with Kouji. Takuya knew that Kouji had been in pain...he could see it in his facial expressions. Until at one point, Faramon had offered a tea that would put Kouji into a healing sleep. And Takuya consented-only to not see his koi in pain anymore. But according to Faramon, it wasn't actual sleep-the kind that when you woke up from it if you'd had enough, allowed you to feel rested and whole again. And that was the kind of sleep that Kouji had fallen into now...when his fever broke, and he discovered he could breathe easier again-mainly because Faramon (with Takuya's help) had managed to bind Kouji's ribs tight enough so that they could heal properly. And wouldn't cause him anymore problems. With the rest of Kouji's scrapes and other wounds checked, cleansed, and bandaged, Faramon had also checked the others, before coming back to Takuya (who protested that he hadn't needed any kind of medical attention) and bandaging the gash on his forehead that he must've received sometime during his fight with Gigasmon and put a sling back on...he glanced down at it with disgust. The horrid thing was getting in the way again-but when Izumi had 'accidentally' tattled and told Faramon that Takuya had been getting over a separated shoulder a little less then a week, he'd put him back in a damned sling. And here he had been thinking that he was finally rid of it.

He knew he was only thinking that and had gotten upset with Izumi for telling Faramon because he was tired. The others knew it...they had finally managed to get cleaned up, and have a hot meal before Faramon's wife had sent them off to bed. Takuya hadn't even gotten to the bathing part...but he knew he could wait until Kouji woke up, feeling better. Besides, he wasn't that bad...he had had a bath just awhile ago at that inn...

Takuya shuddered as he tried to forget what had happened there-how Kouji's ribs had gotten broken probably because of that stupid, arrogant, evil Veggiemon, and slowly found his eyes closing-much to his dismay and against his will. He wanted to be awake when Kouji woke up again...and if he was asleep, there was no way that he could be awake...when the time came...before Takuya knew it, he had slowly drifted off to sleep, his figure cuddled up with Kouji's as gently as he could possibly be.

When Faramon came to check on the two boys with his wife Naramon, the two smiled at each other. Now Naramon was glad that she had intercepted Wizardmon's decision to not allow the chosen ones to come through...Wizardmon knew that when he was dealing with the wife of the healer Digimon of the city, that he had no choice but to allowed at least the injured through-he knew that much. In the end he resigned to let all of them pass, as Takuya hadn't wanted to leave his friends side. Naramon found it rather sweet of the goggle-wearing brunette actually. And when Faramon had told her that they were 'together, together' Naramon knew that their love was strong. Especially looking at the two of them now.

Smiling at her husband and giving Faramon a slight wink, she headed over to the bed and lifted the covers, pulling them up more and adjusting them around Takuya's and Kouji's sleeping figures as she tucked them in and made them more comfortable.

When she came back to the doorway, she saw Faramon shaking his head, and she smirked and crossed her arms over her chest.

"What do you think is so funny my husband?" Faramon grinned and shook his head again.

"Nothing my dear wife...just the way you take care of those two...almost as though they were your own." He whispered, and Naramon giggled.

"Speaking of our own, we've got a couple of little one's we must attend to now that the chosen one's are alright and sleeping peacefully." Faramon nodded as he led his wife out of the healing area and back to home, promising himself that he'd come and check on the chosen children later.