A Digimon Frontier Fanfic
By Sakura Martinez (a.k.aHaru Glory)
A/N:
Well, this certainly took me half a day to write, but I can say that I am quite pleased with the result. Anyway, there's a little hint as to the revelation of who the enemy really is in this chapter. Just a hint, though and tiny one at that.
Anyway, here's the next chapter to our story: The Rabbit on the Moon. Hope you all enjoy!
The Rabbit on the Moon
Entrance of the Beckoning Darkness
Soon after the harmonica-playing-man who introduced himself as "Shin" left, Izumi went and continued on with her walk. Unbeknownst to her, doing so saved Takuya the much anticipated trouble if either one of them crosses paths with Teppei inside the city walls. Who knows what more seals and the likes they would put on Takuya just to stop him from meeting with her again, even if such meetings were accidental.
Takuya, who did not look back as he made his way through the crowd, let his mind linger on what had just happened. And once again, Flayhm, his Spirit Guardian, was free to question him on this.
"Shin, huh? Can't get any more original, can ya?" the Spirit Guardian said. "Honestly, you could have chosen any other name."
"It's not like I did that on purpose." Takuya hissed. "It just came out of no where."
That was true. Despite the fact that he was at a state of shock at that time when Izumi asked him his name, he did try to think of a name to give as well as whether it would be right to tell her whom he really was. But there was something, something inside him that seemed to have taken control of him at that instant. Takuya, of course, explained all of this to his winged companion.
"Are ya sure about that?" Flayhm asked. "I thought it was the first thing that popped into that head of yours."
"It was, but at that time, that moment, I thought that by giving her that name, I would only cause her to remember me – Takuya, and cause her to feel sadness because of that." Takuya said.
"Ya know, you're beginning to freak me out a bit." Flayhm said. "Then if you knew that much then why'd ya give her that name instead of giving something different."
Takuya was beginning to get annoyed at the conversation. He did not know the answer to that himself, and that was the main reason why he started talking with his guardian about it in the first place.
When Takuya failed to response, Flayhm began to feel uneasy.
He had already witnessed a number of changes in his master – both physically and mentally, and now this. He could very well trace when it all began, when Takuya changed and became the Takuya that he was now – a mercenary no less.
"I know the seal they placed on him has a lot of different side effects, most of which are negative," the flying creature thought to himself. "I can't ignore the possibility that what he is referring to as the 'unknown force' that told him what to say is the seal those guys from the Organization placed on him."
Flayhm looked over at the Takuya who seemed to have returned to his previous cold self and who did not seem to notice what he was doing nor what he was thinking of.
"He doesn't notice it yet, but little by little the Organization is managing to take hold of him, they're trying to manipulate him." Flayhm went on with his thoughts. "I don't really know what those guys are up to or which side they're really on, but I can't help but wonder why they are trying all means to make sure that Takuya and Izumi don't meet again. That they would go as far as limit what he could say to her."
He didn't know the answer to the questions that he, as his guardian, knows Takuya has. He wanted to help him, of course. It is the duty of a Spirit Guardian to aid and protect his master. That is why Flayhm vowed to find the answer to this new mystery that had opened itself to him. It was time, he believed, to dig deeper into this so-called Organization.
Hours later, the door to their apartment closed shut as Izumi Orimoto went inside. The lights were turned off save for the one in the dining area, and the whole place was quiet except for the murmuring voices of whom Izumi believed where her companions.
"This is weird," Izumi said as she proceeded on taking off her wet shoes thinking that she should not make a mess on the floor. "it's usually very lively in hear at this time. I wonder what's up."
"Izumi, is that you?" Came Tomoki's voice soon before Tomoki came walking to greet her. "Finally, you're back."
"Sorry about that, Kaizen and I lost track of time." She apologized.
"Well, you better hurry and talk with Kouji." Tomoki told her as he began to walk leaving her enough time to go to her room and change clothes. "Something's come up."
Upon hearing those words, and with the curiosity of what it could be that could cause their entire entourage to be as quiet as it was now, Izumi hurriedly changed into a much drier and comfortable clothing before proceeding to where the others were.
When she got to the dining area, she noticed how all of them were all sitting quietly, all waiting for her to join in. She also noticed one other thing – Kouichi was not with them…
"I thought everyone was already here, where's Kouichi?" Izumi asked as she sat beside Tomoki.
"He's at his room." Kouji answered. "I'm glad you're back, Izumi. We have some important and disturbing matters to discuss."
"Does it have something to do with the King and his cohorts?" She guessed.
Kouji nodded. "Something like that."
At that, Junpei handed her a parchment, which obviously was just delivered some time ago. Whoever delivered the said parchment seemed not to care about the status of the thing when it is delivered for it was not just crumpled, but also slightly wet from the rain.
"That just arrived a few hours ago, Lady Izumi." Junpei began to explain. "We don't know who delivered it here or how they even knew where we are staying. But one thing is for sure, they already know our whereabouts."
As Izumi listened to the explanation, she began reading the parchment, and it says:
We already know where you are hiding, and no matter what you are planning, it will not work. We have far too much trump cards in our disposal as your small band has none. We can take everything you hold dear…and we already have taken down your friend and comrade, Takuya Kanbara despite the fact that he is the son of our Commander.
Izumi held down her anger after reading the first paragraph of the letter. She thought how lightly those people who are after them thought of what they did to Takuya. She could not forgive them for what they did to him – the torture he went through that led to his death, and how they made it look like he was really a traitor to the kingdom, when the truth was far from it.
Now, I believe it is time for us to give you our proposal. Disband your small, and feeble group of brigands and rebels and kneel down before the King of Frontiria, King Seraphim and hand over the Chosen Ones that are at your disposal.
If you agree to do so, then we shall release all the prisoners that we have and stop the attacks that our Knights are currently doing in the different cities, towns and villages of your beloved Kingdom.
Choose otherwise, and you will regret it for what remains in your life.
If you believe we are bluffing, then think again. Not a word written here is a bluff, and as proof, we have enclosed something in this letter that one of you may find quite familiar.
Izumi reread the letter twice before giving Kouji a questioning look, waiting for him to explain things in detail to her.
"What do they mean about that 'something'? What is it?" Izumi asked as she thought how important that 'something' must be if their enemies believe it would turn the tide to their favor.
"This." Kouji said as he took out an emblem from his coat's pocket and placed it on the table.
The emblem looked quite similar to the emblem that Takuya had once showed her except for some minor differences. Whilst Takuya's family emblem was made from pure gold, this one was made from silver. It held the image of a falcon in the middle with eyes made of ruby. Engraved at the bottom of the falcon were the words: "Liberty, Humanity, Justice, Equality".
Izumi looked at the back of the emblem hoping to find the name of whomever the emblem belongs to, but there was none. And so she asked, "This is a family emblem, correct?"
Kouji nodded.
"Then whose is it? I've never encountered this one before."
"It's the Kimura Family's emblem." Tomoki was the one who replied. "Well, according to Kouichi, it's the emblem that his grandfather has."
"Kouichi's?" Izumi exclaimed. "Then that means…"
Kouji nodded, his face etched with the graveness of the matter. "Yes, they must have decided to lure us out by capturing those who are near to us…and the leaders of our movement for that matter are no exception."
"But why would they go as far as doing this? Kouichi isn't even a Chosen One, isn't he?" Izumi asked. "Besides that, why are they focusing themselves so much on us when there are others who are just as eager to put an end to their plans than us?"
"We don't know what their thinking, Lady Izumi." Junpei said. "But if you ask me, I think they're going for what they believe is the easiest to catch. Why they chose Kouichi's family to attack, we can't quite figure out why."
Izumi stared at the emblem which was still resting on her palm. She could not help but feel sorry and worried for her friend and companion, Kouichi. At the same time, the anger and detest she feels for the King and his men have grown in proportion.
"What are we to do of this, then?" Izumi asked.
Kouji shook his head. "For starters, we should flee from this city while we can. In regard to the matter concerning General Kimura, however, we can't decide it on our own."
"Then we should contact, father." Izumi muttered loud enough for the others to hear. "Alright, let's get ready. We can't afford to lose time, can we?"
"I'll go inform Kouichi then." Tomoki said, as everyone stood up.
Takuya stared blankly at the trio who were obviously not pleased with him returning much later than they had hoped he would return. He, of course, did not give a damn as to what these three people thought of his actions nor the consequences that his actions might bring.
"What's so important anyway that you three have to wait for my return?" Takuya asked in a boring tone making sure to emphasize his disgusts in the people who have constantly told him 'saved his life'.
"Where have you been?" Chiaki asked. "You should have been back earlier, what took you so long?"
Takuya glared at her, not saying anything. Like always, Chiaki was not amused by his actions, and neither were the two who were with her. But seeing as the conversation won't be going anywhere and neither would he if he did not answer, he had no choice but to do so.
"I just walked around town trying to find something to do." Takuya replied. He was not about to tell the truth to these guys. "So, what is it? Surely you all have something more important to do than to wait for me to come back."
Katsuharu nodded. "It would be foolish to waste any more time in useless banter, so let me get straight to the point. We've located our target, and it seems the information we have is correct. They are in this town as we speak, but I am afraid that that won't be for long."
"Target?" Takuya asked. "You still haven't told me the full details of this mission apart from the fact that we're suppose to be some sort of protectors."
"It would be of no use hiding it now to you, Kanbara." Teppei said. "But, let us state this clearly to you as possible. Our targets cannot know of your true identity."
Takuya stared at his companions. "Not this kind of mission again. Why is hiding my identity so much important to every single mission that I get myself stuck into?"
It was Chiaki who explained the reason why: "It's because the whole of Frontiria believes you to be dead. For the King and your father to hear word that you still live would only jeopardize the plans that our leader has already made to oust the current King and his men who certainly have some twisted plan behind all of his actions."
"I mean nothing to the King and to my father. How would it jeopardize everything this leader of yours has planned?"
"That, we are not authorized to answer." Katsuharu replied. "Anyway, our target has also been located by the enemy and they would surely act soon. They have also been informed of these and so they might make haste to escape this city. We have to rendezvous with them before they hide again."
"So, who's the target? Care to tell me that now?"
"Impatient as ever I see. Well, I guess now's the time if we are also to move out now." Katsuharu said. "I'm sure you know quite well the leader of the entourage that we are to escort. He goes by the name Kouji Minamoto, the Vice Commander of the Eastern Corps Division."
"Kouji?" Takuya said with a tone of surprise in his voice, which was also apparent in his facial expression. "What's he doing here? Isn't he much more needed back in Frontiria than in this foreign Kingdom, what with all the things happening."
"Apparently they seek to have an audience with her, hoping for some help." Teppei said. "Also, he was tasked by the Eastern Corp's Commander also to make sure of the safety of our fellow Chosen Ones within their small group."
"I see." Takuya said trying to sound uninterested. "So, how do you suggest we meet up with his small band? Certainly you're not planning to just head over to where they, they won't be so quick to trust that we are here to help them since you did just say the enemy also know of their whereabouts."
"Takuya has a point, Katsuharu." Chiaki said. "They might not take our word."
"I've already devised a plan for that, there is no need to worry." Katsuharu said.
"That's Captain for you." Teppei said. "So, I guess it's time for us to pack up, then?"
Katsuharu nodded. "Remember not to tarry."
Everyone nodded at that, and proceeded with doing their packing.
Their belongings were all packed and Kouji had already gone to the innkeeper and paid their bills. It had already been an hour and a half since Izumi read the letter and learned that their enemy has taken the Southern Corps' Commander hostage in order to lure them to the King's side. But even as everyone was all rearing to go, Kouichi had yet to get out of his room.
"I feel sorry for him." Junpei said as Kouji and Izumi were trying to get Kouichi out of his room, whose door was locked. "I mean, he just came along to help out, right?"
"Yes, he did." Tomoki nodded. "If you look at it, it's all Izumi and my fault that you guys got caught up with this."
"Foolishness, Tomoki." Junpei said. "We're all in this together. We, as Knights, although we swore to abide by the King's demands are also vowed to help the people. We are doing our duty and that which we believe is right."
Tomoki smiled. "I guess you're not much of an idiot at all, Lord Junpei."
"An idiot?"
"Yes, that was my first, second, and third impressions of you."
"Kouichi, this is no time to be slumping about and feeling sorry for yourself!" Kouji called out as he banged on the door. "Now, open up and get out here. We need to hurry and get out of here!"
Silence.
"Kouichi, please." Izumi begged. "We will find a way to save your grandfather, I promise you. So please, come out now."
Silence still.
"He can't be asleep, can he?" Izumi asked.
"Even if he was asleep, he'd be wide awake with all the ruckus we have been making by now." Kouji said. "I do not believe he is selfish enough to purposely shut us off like this…unless…"
"Unless what?" Izumi asked.
It was only then that realization dawned at the Vice Commander. A possibility that he had not thought of suddenly popped into his mind which made him walk a few steps back and run full force towards the door. His motive: to bring the door down.
"What are you doing, Lord Kouji?" Izumi asked. "The innkeeper would not be pleased if you break that door down."
Kouji walked back again and ran towards the door. But, the second time, it did not work,
"He's been locked in there far too long, and we've allowed him just enough time to think about going after his Grandfather by himself." Kouji said before trying again.
"He would not do that." Izumi said. "He would have told us if he would."
"He would have. But there is also another possibility of what he would be trying to do." Kouji said, at that time, Junpei and Tomoki had also rushed towards the scene.
"What's going on?" Tomoki asked.
"Lord Kouji believes that Kouichi is no longer inside of his room." Izumi briefed them. "He think Kouichi might have gone to try and save his grandfather by himself."
"That, or he could have gone towards the enemy's side." Kouji said, voicing out his other conclusion.
"Now that is an impossible thing!" Junpei said. "Even with the shortest time I've known Lord Kimura, he would do no such thing. He values his loyalty to his comrades far too much to even think of that."
"He was acting strange when he returned carrying the letter with him." Kouji pointed out. "There must have been another message – a personal message, that was handed specifically to him."
There was silence. Both Junpei and Tomoki had also noticed how Kouichi acted when he returned. They saw his expression changed when he learned, after the four of them first read the letter, of his Grandfather's predicament. They have thought it absolutely normal, however, thinking back, they noticed there was more to his change in attitude and expression than what one would have first noticed.
After several attempts, the door to Kouichi's room finally flung open. It disappointed everyone when they found no trace of Kouichi and what greeted them was the unlit room that had been run clean.
There was not a trace of Kouichi's belongings. You could not have even guessed that someone lived in that room for even the shortest time.
"I can't believe it." Izumi muttered. "He's really gone."
"Did he really go over to their side? Is he really going to betray us?" Tomoki asked as he too entered the dark room.
"I don't know, Tomoki." Kouji said, sadness and disappointment were of note to his voice. "I don't know."
Junpei, who was trying to be a detective – looking for clues as to where Kouichi was headed, caught sight of a piece of paper lying at the table's oaken surface. Having the sense of curiosity welled up inside him, he began to read the contents of what he guessed was a letter.
His boorish expression change to that of surprise, and seeing how vital an information was in that piece of paper, he quickly went over to his comrades and showed it to them.
"I found this at the table." Junpei said before handing the letter over to his superior. "It has the same style of writing, as well as the same penmanship as that of the letter that was addressed to all of us."
Kouji took the letter and began to read it with the lights turned on. His expression changed grim when he had finished reading it.
Facing Izumi and the others he said. "We're moving out, we have no more time to waste if we are to catch up with him."
Tomoki nodded and Izumi asked: "Where is he headed? Does it say anything of that matter?"
Kouji handed her the letter to read for herself as he replied. "It tells more than just that."
Izumi looked at the letter. At first glance, it held only short sentences. But when Izumi read it, she understood at once…it was an invitation – an invitation to the other side.
When she read it, she crumpled the paper in her hand. Anger was well inside her as well as confusion. She did not understand what Kouichi would be thinking to even consider the offer.
She went outside the room, leaving the crumpled paper on the floor where Tomoki managed to catch a glimpse of what it said:
Consider the offer we talk about, Lord Kouichi for the sake of your Grandfather and your famiy
TK
To be Continued…
A/N:
Well, that certainly went long enough. How do you guys find the story so far?
I'm thankful for those who continue to read and review my fanfic, despite the irregular updates that I am giving it.
20 Chapters so far and I feel like the story is just in its blooming process. There's so much more awaiting our intrepid young heroes, you all can be sure of that.
Well, anyway. There's really not much left to say for now. No new updates on that Digimon game that I am making for now as well.
I bet there are already some of you who can guess who sent the letter to Kouichi, some guesses may be wrong while some may very well be right. As to which is which, you all have to find out in the next chapter (which I will probably put up sometime this week if I manage to finish it before school starts kicking in again, so keep your fingers crossed on that, lol).
With all that said, this is Sakura Martinez, saying "PEACE" and signing out. See you all in the next chapter and don't forget to review!