Disclaimer: Since this fic contains the sweetness of Takouji, then I obviously don't own Digimon...(pouts)

Author's Notes: Um... glances around nervously Did anybody besides myself catch the MAJOR mistake that I have made in this fic and just decided to be really nice and not mention it to me...? sweatdrops and falls over I can't believe what I did... whimpers I REALLY screwed up...BUT...since this fic IS an AU, than that means that I can go to any length that I need to fix it...right? right So if anyone NOTICED, I screwed up with Izumi...big time. In one of the past few chapters I had Grumblemon take away her spirit...and...than I had her digivolve in the past couple of chapters watches as Angel smacks her head against the table the computer is sitting on . So I guess I need to explain this little bit, huh? (I'm actually REALLY surprised that no one has caught that... sweatdrops again ) Anyway, this is the low down for how I'm planning to explain my really bad mistake and dig myself out of the whole that I somehow dug for myself...

In the series when the Digidestined got their spirits taken away by Grumblemon-or any of the other villains who were constantly after them, they ended up not being able to Digivolve because their spirit was lost to them. In MY version, (and now I'm quite glad that I made the mistake I did because this seems so much better grins ) when the DD's get their spirit taken away, they can still Digivolve...they just won't have as much energy or power as they did when their spirit was whole. If they use up all the energy they have left, only than will they not be able to Digivolve anymore, and must get their spirit back. Makes any sense...? If it doesn't, don't worry, it'll be more explained in the next chapter. But for now, enjoy this one...

Rating: PG13

Warning: Usual warning complies...if you don't like the pairings listed below, than shoo...this isn't the fic for you. You've been warned...

Pairings: Takuya/Kouji

Time Setting: AU-rewrite of season 04 with the kawaiiness of Takouji (as stated above)

Chapter Summary/Recap: So we're all feeling bad for Kouji right about now because Takuya's merged with Burning Greymon-and Kouji's fearing the worst for his koi as Kazamon took Kouji away from the fight, because she, Beetlemon, and Kumamon thought that he was in danger-which, he was. But now Beetlemon and Kumamon are on the run from Burning Greymon, both exhausted from the battle...and now separated from Kazamon and Kouji, as well as Bokomon and Neemon. But now we find out Takuya's...and Kouji's...fate...are they fated to be together? Or will Ogremon's prediction come true in front of Kouji's eyes? And just what exactly was Ogremon's prediction to Kouji? Whatever it was, Kouji's determined to not let it happen...not if he can help it. As the old saying goes: true love conquers all.

Different Journey's Author: Angel Spirit

Chapter 19: Fate

Things were not good...things weren't good at all.

Izumi hugged her knees close to her as she kept an eye on the still shivering Kouji, feeling angry at herself for not being able to help him. He was obviously in pain, and quite possibly freezing to death...his skin so cold and pale...

She was really worried sick about him, and she was also worried about the others. She hadn't heard or seen anything from Junpei or Tomoki...and had also not seen any sign of Bokomon or Neemon as well. She truly felt alone-even though she had Kouji with her...but well, she had to admit that at the moment, Kouji wasn't the greatest company in the world.

He groaned in his sleep as he turned over, and she once again saw the pained expression on his face, and she sighed one more.

Izumi had decided to power down from Kazamon-only because she wanted to save her energy. But her mind was set in the right place-the moment that she saw Burning Greymon or Grumblemon, she'd Spirit Evolve again. She had to protect Kouji at all cost...if she didn't she knew how furious Takuya would be with her.

And that left her to worry about yet another someone else.

Takuya...

She prayed to god that he was all right within Burning Greymon's spirit. She balled her hand into a fist as she heard Kouji whimper out in his unconscious sleep once more, and put her other hand on his chest, stilling him as he'd started to toss and turn a little bit.

He moaned once more, calling out Takuya's name, and her heart went out to him as she brought her hand from his chest to his loose dark bluish black hair as she pushed away some sweaty strands that had fallen into his closed eyes.

"Hang on Kouji...please...everything will be okay, just hang on..." She murmured, as she hugged her knees closer to her and continued to search the darkness one more...either for a sight of the enemy, or their friends...she only hoped that it would be the later of the two...


Junpei and Tomoki had started off shortly after dark had fallen, thinking that it would be the best way to travel. Sure enough, they hadn't run into anything that resembled Grumblemon or Burning Greymon...but the two boys were on the constant alert, glancing around them every so often as they made their way through the forest that lined the outskirts of Fair City.

"This is so not fair...I really didn't expect us to have to battle something as huge and demonic as Burning Greymon so soon after our last fight." Tomoki nodded at Junpei's words, still feeling a bit tired from their first encounter with Burning Greymon. He didn't want to admit it, but he was scared at the thought of running into that thing again.

And what scared him even more was that Takuya was in that Beast Spirit somewhere-hopefully fighting to control it.

As he thought of this, Tomoki's dark brown eyes opened wide with excitement. If Takuya could find some way to control Burning Greymon...then they wouldn't have to worry about fighting him...

Suddenly filled with new energy, he picked up his pace and managed to reach Junpei as he tugged on the older teen's arm.

"What?" He asked, feeling a bit irritated with everything that was happening to them now.

"I just got an idea Junpei! Takuya is inside Burning Greymon...right?" Junpei wrinkled his nose and scrunched his eyes as he thought about it for a few minutes, before he slowly nodded his head.

"Right, so what?"

"So, remember when Kouji was first Kendogarurumon and how out of control he was?" As Tomoki pressed the issue, a small light started to dawn inside Junpei's brain. He couldn't believe it-the kid standing next to him might've actually figured out the whole ordeal that was going on with Kouji-and he knew now that it involved Burning Greymon-and Takuya.

"Yeah, I remember. Kouji wasn't him self, he was completely controlled by his beast spirit until he fought it. And remember how devastated Takuya was when Kouji first Beast Spirit evolved?" Tomoki nodded, realization setting in his bright blue eyes as he now understood what Junpei had once did.

And it made both of them realize even more, that they had to get to Izumi/Kazamon. She might not have figured it all out yet.

"So what you're saying Junpei, is that Takuya might be going through the same thing? He's being controlled by Burning Greymon?" Junpei nodded, feeling excited.

"Yes! And the reason why Kouji fell during our battle with Burning Greymon, is because to him, Takuya did vanish completely-but he's still there...it's like...like he's trapped with no way out or something like that. We've just got to make Takuya realize that he can control Burning Greymon-that he has to control Burning Greymon...for Kouji's sake!" The grin that came from Tomoki was contagious as Junpei also held one, and they high fived each other.

"Oh yeah! Now that we've figured it out, all we've got to do is figure out where Izumi is, and let her in on this! I'm sure if we work together, we can bring our Takky back!" He knew it was corny calling Takuya by the nickname that Tomoki had taken to calling him, but it filled him with a sense of renewed hope-and a little bit more energy.

Together, he and Tomoki continued to make their way through the winding road of trees and other wildlife...determined to find their missing friends...and get Takuya back-now that they knew how.


Kouji...

It was the only thought on his brain, the only word that could be processed. And yet, he couldn't remember who it was...or what it was...why was this name, this word so important to him?

Kouji...

Dark midnight bluish black hair falling around a pair of slim shoulders...hiding dark blue gray eyes...

Kouji...

Arms that one wouldn't think of as strong as they were; wrapping themselves around his waist, holding him close. So close he could feel the other's warmth, the other's breath upon his face.

Kouji...

The light that descended into the fiery darkness that threatened to consume him, the passion that didn't want to leave.

It kept him where he was, not letting his mind sway any further into the fiery mist surrounding him...that threatened to engulf him.

KOUJI

That genuine, loving smile...reserved only for him...no one else really saw it...the loving look in those dark blue gray eyes when they kissed...

Swimming naked in the water, enjoying each other's passion and never ending love...

KOUJI!

And suddenly he remembered...but he fought to keep a hold of it...and would continue to fight...until he saw him again.


"You twit...if you hadn't been so afraid, we wouldn't be lost right now!"

"Oh, so now you're blaming it on me aren't you?"

"Yes actually, I am."

"Well..."

"That wasn't necessary Neemon!" Bokomon stood fuming before Neemon, having been thoroughly annoyed by his companion. Neemon had just gathered up the courage to actually snap his pants...something that Bokomon normally did to Neemon himself.

So, irritated with his friend's action, he reached over...

And snapped his own pants, receiving a glare from the rabbit-like Digimon as he did so. All Bokomon did, was cross his arms over the other as he smirked at the other in triumph. However, the smirk was vanished by another scowl as Neemon danced behind him and reached over...and snapped his pants again.

"Damn you Neemon! You won't get away with that a second time!" The younger Digimon suddenly held a look of fear in his eyes. Bokomon only swore like that when he got really angry-he had gone too far this time. With a small shriek, he bounded off deeper in the forest...Bokomon chasing after him, his book held high in his hands as he threatened Neemon that when he caught him he'd knock him unconscious, tie him to a tree, and leave him there for Burning Greymon to devour...

True, it was mean...but Bokomon really didn't like his pants being snapped...especially twice in one day...

However, Neemon was saved, when he bumped into Junpei-literally...and both fell to the ground. As Junpei stood and brushed himself off, Neemon hid himself behind the oldest Digi Destined and cowered behind him.

"Neemon! Are we glad to see you! Where's Bokomon?" Tomoki asked, not seeing the fear within Neemon's eyes as he pointed a shaky finger to where Bokomon was still dashing toward him, muttering curses. Junpei's eyes widened as he reached over and covered Tomoki's ears, shocked himself at Bokomon's display.

"Neemon, what did you do to piss him off?" He asked, as he turned to face a shuddering Neemon, who suddenly blushed in embarrassment.

"I...I...Isnappedhispants." The Digimon stammered out as Junpei raised an eyebrow.

"Okay, I really couldn't hear you that time, come again Neemon? Slower?" A small grin started to appear on Junpei's face as he suddenly figured out what it was the Digimon had said. He knew that if he didn't stop Bokomon, that Neemon would be in big trouble.

"I...I snapped his...his pants." Neemon visibly gulped as Bokomon came nearer, but before he could reach his companion, Junpei reached over and picked him up, and was surprised at the welcoming he received as Bokomon kicked at him to be let go.

"Let me go, let me go! I'm so sick of him!" He thrashed around, until Junpei sighed and just continued to restrain the smaller Digimon until he calmed down enough to calm to his senses. When he finally did and realized his predicament, he blushed ten times a deeper shade of red then Neemon had done when he had admitted to Junpei what he had done to make Bokomon so angry, and Junpei finally felt like he could put the smaller Digimon down.

But he still stood in between the two Digimon. He figured Bokomon could be helpful to figure out where Izumi had gone off to...that, and he also knew that Takuya wouldn't have liked it if he'd allowed Bokomon to throttle Neemon. Which, judging by the look that had been in Bokomon's eyes, would've been something that he would've done.

As Bokomon took a few calming breaths-before sending one last glare at Neemon (who promptly squealed in terror and hid behind a startled Tomoki) he turned his attention back to Junpei.

"Thank you for that. Now...where were we?" Junpei held back a laugh.

"Well, you two bumped into us...and we were-and still are-looking for Kazamon. I'm glad that she took off with Kouji to a safer spot, but I just wish that she would've been able to tell us where it was she was going with him!" He sighed, feeling frustrated at the moment as he and Tomoki had felt like they'd been walking around in circles all evening long. He hoped that Bokomon-or even Neemon-could figure out where they were.

That was, Bokomon could stop fighting with Neemon long enough for him to do what it was that Junpei and Tomoki needed him to do...


It was at one point later on the next day when Kouji finally started to come around-much to Izumi's relief. So far, there hadn't been a sight of Grumblemon or Burning Greymon. And while she hated to admit it, she really didn't want to battle either one of the two evil Digimon by herself.

Not like Burning Greymon was really evil, just the fact that Takuya had yet to be able to control him...but still...his actions were evil-even if it wasn't Takuya's fault.

When she heard the soft moan coming from Kouji, she was immediately alert and headed over to where he had been lying since they'd gotten to their hiding spot. Admittedly it wasn't much of a hiding spot-as she hadn't really been able to find anything that would really shelter them in case any of the two Digimon she had on her mind at the moment decided to confront them.

"Kouji?" As she crawled up to him, she found his dark blue gray eyes slowly blinking open, the dark blue orbs trying to refocus themselves as he became more alert and awake...even though he still looked miserable-and he felt just as bad.

"Where are we?" He managed to choke out, as he tried to sit up...and with Izumi's help he managed to do so.

When she sighed, he immediately knew that her answer wouldn't be what he wanted to hear.

"I...I don't really know where we are...we're still in the forest on the outskirts of Fair City-or, what used to be Fair City anyway before...before Burning Greymon got to it. I had to get you out of the battle area because Burning Greymon seemed so intent on getting to you, and you...well, you weren't doing to good." Kouji nodded, understanding what Izumi was trying to tell him.

He'd really fallen hard when Takuya had just vanished like that. And to him, Takuya was still missing...it was like an emptiness inside of him that was growing stronger every minute and he doubted that until he saw Takuya again, that the emptiness and pain would go away.

Now he knew what Takuya must've really felt when he himself had taken the Beast Spirit and had become Kendogarurumon.

"...Kouji?" He hadn't even realized that Izumi had been talking to him, so he started when she put a gentle hand on his shoulder and lightly squeezed it to get his attention.

"Sorry..." He whispered in apology and she only shook her head, a kind smile on her face.

"That's okay. I know it must be hard for you with what's going on at the moment...how're you feeling?" It took Kouji a few minutes to think of the right answer to Izumi's question. In all honesty, he felt like shit...he was still cold, his head ached...and most of all there was that strange emptiness inside him-like a deep, dark void that was threatening to swallow him whole.

So he shook his head at the question as he brought a hand to his head, finally managing to sit up on his own despite the protest in his aching muscles.

"I feel...terrible." Izumi was actually surprised that Kouji was telling her the truth. She was sure that he would've lied and told her that he was feeling fine, that he wanted to go and find the others and regroup. But instead he'd told her exactly what she had wanted to hear...for she knew that even if Kouji had told her the truth, that he'd still be lying.

"Where are the others?" He asked, and Izumi bit her lower lip as she shook her head.

"I don't know. I haven't seen them since I took off with you-I hope they find us..."

Kouji nodded at this as he slowly laid back down and closed his eyes for a minute or so, trying to ignore the aching pain that he felt throbbing against his skull. It felt like someone was whacking a hammer against it one too many times...

"So we don't know what happened to Takuya then?" Izumi sighed, and Kouji knew that that was a 'no.'

"I'm sorry Kouji. Junpei and Tomoki will probably be able to tell us when they find us-or we find them, whichever comes first."

As soon as she had said this, a strange static noise started to fill the air around them, and Kouji had to cover his ears...it really wasn't what he needed to hear at the moment...it only made his headache get much more worse then it already had been, and he gritted his teeth at the pain. Wishing that the horrible noise would just stop.

Izumi's eyes opened wide at the sudden harsh noise, and she too covered her ears...but it was still strong and loud enough so that she could hear it even by holding her hands over her ears to try and drown out the sound. But when she heard Junpei's voice suddenly through the area she and Kouji were in, she figured out a few seconds later what was really causing the static that filled through the air.

It was her Detector.

She made a grab for it from her vest pocket where she kept it, and sure enough, Junpei's voice was coming through it somehow. Though she couldn't really make sense of what it was he was trying to tell her, she knew it was him.

"Junpei! Can you hear me?" She only hoped she could...maybe the D-Tectors could help Tomoki and Junpei locate her and Kouji...that way she wouldn't have to worry about moving Kouji to go look for their missing friends...

"Junpei! Can you hear me?" When Izumi's voice rang out through the D-Tector despite the static behind it, Junpei grinned and shared a high five with Tomoki. Bokomon's plan had worked.

"Yes! Can you hear me?" He asked, after having been trying to get through to Izumi's or Kouji's detectors for quite awhile now. For the first several tries, he had gotten nothing but the static...and it had been horrible...way worse then what Izumi and Kouji had heard when they'd first realized that someone was trying to contact Izumi on her lavender and white detector.

"Kind...of...so...static..." Junpei nodded-so she was having the same problem that they were.

"Bokomon said that there was a tracking device on the detectors! Tomoki and I are heading in your direction now, so don't move!"

He wasn't sure if Izumi heard everything that he had just told her, but he hoped that she'd at least gotten the key points to it-mainly the don't move part. He didn't want to have to walk any further then they already were, and if Izumi moved, it would take the detectors awhile to recalibrate where it was she had moved to.

"Okay...won't move...awake..."

Tomoki eyed Junpei at what Izumi had just said, as they tried to figure it out.

"Do you think it has something to do with Kouji?" Tomoki asked, biting his lower lip as Junpei shrugged and decided to ask Izumi about Kouji-at least if his name got through in the static, then Izumi would maybe know that at least they were wondering how he was doing. Hopefully better then what he had been doing the last time they saw him.

"How's Kouji?" He asked, as Izumi's voice became a bit clearer through the static, and Junpei had the feeling that they were getting much more closer to their destination than they had been when he'd first started talking to her. When he glanced over to Tomoki's detector, which held the small map on the screen, he sighed with relief as he realized he was correct.

"Kouji's...well...slightly better..." Their blonde friend started to say, but Junpei cracked a smile when they heard Kouji correct her a few seconds later.

"Liar...feel...like shit!" Even Tomoki had to chuckle at this, as Junpei's smile widened and he found himself laughing along with the youth beside him.

"Make it sound...worse...than it is." Izumi muttered, her voice becoming clearer yet.

"We're getting closer to you guys I think we'll meet up with you in the next half hour or so...Junpei out!" The static was starting to drive him crazy, and he thought he heard Izumi sigh with relief-obviously the noise was bothering her as well.

"Okay."

Junpei and Tomoki continued walking for what seemed like forever. Until Junpei saw a flash of lavender through the trees and he grinned.

"I think they're just up ahead Tomoki! Bokomon, you're a genius-without your help, we wouldn't have been able to find them!" Bokomon grinned and gave the two a mock bow.

"Thank you, thank you very much. See Neemon the book is helpful after all."

Of course, this coming from Bokomon to Neemon only made the two of them start arguing again, and both boys in front of the two Digimon sweat dropped as seconds later they had to separate the quarrelling Digimon once more.

"What is with you two today?" Junpei asked, feeling irritated by their constant arguing.

"Well, considering the fact that I haven't gotten a decent night's sleep in the past forty eight hours or so, I've got every right to be cranky and-" Bokomon was cut off however, when they heard a battle cry a short distance away.

"Shit!" Junpei cried out, cursing their luck. The flash of purple that he had seen, must've been Izumi Spirit Evolving into Kazamon.

Gathering any strength that Junpei knew he had left, he started running to where he had last seen the flash, with Tomoki right behind him, trying his best to keep up. When they got to the area, they saw Kazamon trying to ward off Burning Greymon...and Kouji looking like he could barely stand as he glared down at his detector, but looked up when he heard Junpei, Tomoki, Bokomon, and Neemon come through the small hidden area.

"I can't spirit evolve...I don't think I have enough energy, and I think Kazamon's in trouble now." He told them, and indeed she was. When Junpei and Tomoki looked to where the battle was starting, they saw Kazamon being knocked against a tree and she fell to the ground.

"Let's do it Tomoki!" Nodding at him, Tomoki took out his green and white Detector.

"Spirit Evolution...Kumamon!"

"Spirit Evolution...Beetlemon!" As soon as the two of them had finished transforming, they attacked together, momentarily making Burning Greymon forget about Kazamon, who Kouji had gone over to help her up.

"You okay?" She only nodded at his question of concern, as she warily stood with his help and glanced up at Burning Greymon who was now battling Beetlemon, as Kumamon stood back waiting for his own chance to attack.

"He packs a punch that's for sure...Kouji, if I were you I'd get to somewhere safer then this...you can't evolve, and if he sees you-" Her warning came too late though, as Beetlemon was knocked flat on his back and skidded a few feet, ramming into a tree...he was out like a light.

Kazamon gasped as she saw this, but her eyes widened in horror when she saw Burning Greymon advance toward her once more...but he wasn't looking at her, he was looking directly at Kouji.

"Go! Get out of here!" She cried, pushing him in the opposite direction.

For a moment Kouji stumbled and lost his balance, and as he glanced over his shoulder to see Burning Greymon advance toward him.

"Takuya?" He knew that somewhere deep down inside, Takuya was there. He just had to reach through to him. If he did it quick enough, he knew that he could save Takuya before it was too late.

For a split second Burning Greymon stopped-almost as it he were hesitating. And in that brief second, Kouji heard the other's screaming at him to get out of the way-to get to safety. But he held his ground-he wasn't going to run. If Takuya cared for him, and loved him as much as he said that he did, he wouldn't let this Beast Spirit of his hurt him.

"I know you won't hurt me Takuya. I know you love me...just like I know that you're in there somewhere!" His eyes narrowed in a look of defiance, and he watched as Burning Greymon hesitated yet once more.

It's working. Kouji thought, as he stood wearily on his feet, begging his strength to stay with him. But he felt himself sway suddenly as the painful thought of Takuya not being there coursed through him...and Burning Greymon saw this...and any hesitation that the Beat Spirit had, left as it's clawed hand swooped down towards him.

For a moment Kouji closed his eyes, thinking that this was surely it. No matter how quickly the other's got to him, the attack would've gone through and he'd be sliced to bits.

"Takuya, please..." Kouji whispered, as he waited for the pain of death to come.

Pain came...but not as he would've expected it. Instead of being sliced to bits as he had thought that Burning Greymon was going to do, he was now clutched tightly within his fist.

And in seconds he realized that as the hold on his body grew even tighter, that it was getting harder and harder to breathe. His dark blue gray eyes opened wide as Kouji realized what it was that Burning Greymon was doing-he was going to squeeze him to death.

Panic started to swell within him, taking over his mind as he struggled to get out of Burning Greymon's grasp.

The other's stopped attacking...they knew that they couldn't risk an attack-they might hurt Kouji.

As Kouji's eyes met those of Burning Greymon's, he knew that the only way to get out of this situation, was to somehow reach Takuya...Takuya was in there somewhere-he knew it. Even though it was painful enough for him at the moment because he couldn't feel his koi...he knew he had to at least try. He wasn't about to give up on his love yet.

"Takuya, I love you. Please...don't...do...this!" He gasped out, trying to control his breathing, as he struggled to get breath into his lungs-trying to calm himself enough, so that he didn't panic any further.

Burning Greymon let out a screaming roar that shook the whole forest around them, and even Kazamon found herself thrown backwards into the air a bit.

Kouji...whatever you're trying to do, do it fast... She thought, as she watched on with the other's, waiting to help Kouji whenever he deemed it necessary. And held her breath as Kouji struggled once more as Burning Greymon's grip on him tightened even more...


Kouji! It's Kouji! I'm hurting Kouji...NO!

No matter how hard he fought it, he couldn't control it...tears started to make their way down his cheeks as he realized the pain that he was causing his koi. How could Kouji love him after all of this?!? He was slowly killing him, and he couldn't stop it! He could only watch!

"I know you love me...I know you won't do this Takuya, please...I know you're...you're in there...somewhere...please..."

He tried to close his eyes, tried to keep himself from seeing Kouji as hurting as he was, not wanting to hear his pleas anymore. There was nothing he could do...he'd tried everything.

All he wanted to do was to have Kouji in his arms once more, to feel his koi again.

"Kouji...I love you..." He thought he heard himself say it, but he wasn't too sure of himself anymore. It was as though a part of him was slowly dissolving into nothingness.

"Takuya...remember what we've been through together so far! You didn't give up...on me when I...turned into Kendogarurumon!...I understand what...I put you through...PLEASE...Takuya...I don't...want to die...and...I don't...want...to loose you...please..."

It was as though he was watching a movie or something. Like what was really going outside wasn't really happening. But deep down, Takuya knew. And he knew he had to stop it.

"No...please don't...god, please don't...I love him...I love him, I love him, I love him...no...Kouji no! Hang on...I...I...I love you, just hang on please...I...I can't figure out how to control it...how'd you do it...god I'm so scared. Kouji tell me what to do!"

As he screamed out in frustration, he saw Kouji's eyes slowly start to close as he started to loose consciousness...his breath leaving him as he slowly ceased his struggles.

"NO! KOUJI! I WON'T LET YOU KILL HIM! I LOVE HIM!"

"KOUJI!" Something inside Burning Greymon seemed to snap as he threw his head back and screamed out the name of the raven haired teen who he held trapped in his powerful fist-but this scream wasn't like the scream from before. This scream was a pain-filled scream...a scream of sorrow and anger mixed together. Something the other Digi Destined had never heard before.

And they knew then and there, that Takuya was fighting his Beast Spirit for control.

For he let go of Kouji...and Beetlemon caught him just before his limp, exhausted body hit the ground. As he gently lowered the dark haired teen to the grass beneath him, Kazamon flew up and landed next to him as Kumamon stood close by, watching with wide eyes at the battle taking place inside Burning Greymon's mind as Takuya fought for control.

"Is he...?" As Beetlemon searched for a pulse, Kazamon bit her lower lip, hugging herself as she waited for Beetlemon's answer.

When he shook his head at her, she sighed in relief.

"He's okay...but...his breathing's shallow...we need to get him out of here Kazamon." Kazamon nodded, but turned her head to watch the mind-battle taking place before them...and then slowly changed the nodding of her head to a slow shake.

"No...I don't think we need to get him out of here. I think it's going to be okay-I have faith in Takuya. I know he'll pull through-his love for Kouji is too strong."

Though Beetlemon hesitated at this, he nodded. He agreed with her-well, a part of him agreed with her...the other part of him told him to run away as fast and as far as he possibly cold.

"He's going to be okay, right?" The other two Digimon looked at Kumamon, who watched with worried eyes, and Kazamon shook her head.

"I'm not sure...for Kouji's sake, I hope he is okay." Even Bokomon and Neemon couldn't say anything-Neemon hiding behind Bokomon, scared at the scene that was taking place before them.

Many minutes later, Burning Greymon let loose one final shriek of pain...before he fell to his knees, breathing hard. His crimson red eyes blinked several times...until slowly those crimson red orbs turned into bright blue...the color of Agunimon's eyes.

"Takuya?" Kazamon didn't want to believe it. But she wanted to...how badly she wanted the creature staring at her now to be Takuya, having fully controlled his Beast Spirit.

The answer she got was a simple one...

A half a second later, Burning Greymon disappeared in a brilliant flash of light...and in it's place was Takuya, sitting on his knees staring straight forward, his arms held loose at his sides.

He looked confused...unsure of himself.

Kumamon was the first one to sigh in relief as he dashed up to his friend, knowing now that everything was okay as he turned back into Tomoki before he reached the dazed and shocked brunette. He placed his hands onto Takuya's shoulders, and shook him very gently-trying to bring him back to reality.

"Takuya?" The response he got was one he really didn't like.

Blank brown eyes turned to stare at him, and for a moment all was quiet as Kazamon and Beetlemon vanished, leaving a worried and confused looking Izumi and Junpei.

"Takuya?" Again, his name was whispered by Tomoki-who was feeling a bit panicked now...Takuya was Takuya...and yet...he also sensed that something was wrong.

"I...I almost...I...I killed him...I could've...I..." With a sparing glance at Kouji, Takuya's eyes suddenly glazed over. Izumi and Junpei saw what was going to happen as Tomoki gave a startled cry when Takuya's body slumped forward so that it leaned completely against Tomoki, who struggled to keep Takuya's limp form from hitting the ground completely.

Junpei left Izumi with Kouji, to help Tomoki with Takuya.

"H-he's okay, right Junpei? Right?" Tomoki asked, his voice wavering. Junpei only shook his head though as he managed to make it so that he could carry Takuya over to where Izumi and Kouji were.

"I don't know squirt, I...I don't know." He whispered, and Izumi glanced over at where Bokomon and Neemon were slowly making their way toward the Digi Destined from their hiding spot, concern and admiration shining in Bokomon's eyes as he glanced from Takuya to Kouji.

"Bokomon...do you know what's wrong?"

He looked a bit startled at Izumi's soft question, but he sighed.

"I'm not sure. I have the feeling that Takuya's passed out from the shock of all that's happened. Apparently it's not easy getting control of your beast spirit, from what we have seen with Kouji and now Takuya. It seems to drain you...all we can do is let Takuya rest. As for Kouji...we've just got to look after him the best way we can until we can find a healer." Izumi sighed, glancing down at the two unconscious lovers.

She was starting to understand what Takuya had meant earlier when he said that Kouji was always the one who went to the healers lately, whenever they found one. But at least this time, he'd have some company.

She only hoped that they'd get to a healer soon...and prayed that both of her friends would be okay until they did...

TBC

Ending Note: More fluffy Takouji moments coming in the next chapter, I promise! I know there might be some grammar errors in here, I think I caught them all but I'm not sure...if anyone sees anything majorly wrong (but I doubt there is!), will you let me know in a review and I'll try to fix it when I can? Thankies!