A Digimon Frontier Fanfic

By Sakura Martinez

A/N:

I had just noticed it now when I looked up at my other fanfics that I had been writing here for almost five years now. I didn't know it was that long already!

Anyways, as nostalgic as it is, I could not help but have some regrets for not having that much time in writing now-a-days than I did when I first began as a newbie writer in FFN hoping to get as much reviews and hits as I wrote Hope of Darkness. I have, as I can see it, gone a long way as when I first began though I know I have far too much to learn yet before I really become a great a writer as my late Uncle.

Putting that aside, I hope you guys enjoy this chapter!

-- end Author's Notes

The Rabbit on the Moon

The Miracle and the Flickering Flame in the Darkness

Previously…

Raising his right hand towards the tiger-of-a-monster, Takuya began to focus his energy when suddenly…

"Something's wrong!" Kaizen suddenly said.

"I agree… Flayhm's energy seems to be leaving Takuya's body!" HIltz added. "What's going on here?"

"What?" Everyone said in unison.

When everyone looked over at Takuya, they could see Flayhm faintly. The tiger was now attacking while Takuya was being shielded by Flayhm. Takuya apparently could not see that he was unable to conjure a Fire attack on his hand.

When Takuya did notice, it was too late as Flayhm was suddenly flung out of the way. Seeing as Takuya has no means to defend himself, Kouji and Katsuharu decided to act.

Ordering Chiaki to create for them a barrier made of water that would protect them from the Ancient Flames, Katsuharu and Kouji made it just in time to rescue Takuya out of the monster's attack.

Takuya, who was still in a trance and quite oblivious to what was already happening, continued to stare at his hands as if searching for an answer in them.

"What are we going to do with this thing?" Kouji asked.

"I have a feeling that this thing and those monsters that came along with it, has been called forth from darkness." Katsuharu said. "And I think the only way to beat darkness is by using light. You do understand what I am saying, don't you… Bearer of Light, Kouji Minamoto?"

Kouji was taken aback by what Katsuharu had called him. He remained silent however as he also could hear the gasps from his other companions.

"Lord Kouji is… the Bearer of Light?" Izumi asked as she thought how things had surely took a surprising turn now.

"I didn't expect it to be you, you know that?" Katsuharu said as he and Kouji dodged an attack from the monster after making sure to have hidden Takuya safely. "If I hadn't noticed that mark you have on the back of your neck, I would never have guessed that there was another Chosen One among us."

Kouji turned to face Katsuharu and asked, "You know about that?"

It was the Leader of the Organization who answered his query. "We know about the markings of the Chosen Ones as these markings are Ancient Characters written on any part of a person's body and proof that that person is indeed a Chosen One. We can assume that you know nothing of what it meant then?"

Kouji nodded and as Junpei heard the explanation from the Leader he could not help but have sweat forming in his brow. He suddenly felt scared and unsure of himself but he did not voice out his concern.

"Then are you certain that I am who you say I am?" Kouji asked as the roar of the tiger echoed through the air.

"'me'a', That is what the symbol on your neck says and it means 'light' in our language." Katsuharu said as he unleashed a barrage of attacks of his own to push the enemy back, which he did manage only that the enemy seemed not to receive any fatal damages. "That is proof enough of who you are."

The beast roared once again as if calling for its minions.

"But… I… I don't know how to use it as you guys have." Kouji said.

"You don't need to think of using it, just feel it, grasp it and it will aide you." Tomoki shouted.

But Tomoki's voice was drowned out by the roar and the sudden attack by the monster, which was aimed directly at those who were behind the flaming wall – Izumi and the others.

"Izumi, Tomoki," Teppei said, "Barrier Up!"

At once the two understood what Teppei meant and they immediately called forth a shield of their element together with his in order to block the said attack. They managed to do so, and just in the nick of time.

Katsuharu and Kouji could not help but breathe a sigh of relief when they saw that they were all safe under the protective dome that their three companions have created.

"That was a close one." Teppei said as he too breathe a sigh of relief, then facing Katsuharu and Kouji added, "You two better figure out a way to beat this monster soon! Who knows how long our barrier can last!"

Katsuharu nodded at this as Izumi shouted, "Lord Kouji, you have to find a way to awaken the power within you… otherwise, who knows what will happen."

Kouji gripped his sword even tighter, he could not help but feel the pressure that was being placed on him – the responsibility that was being carried on his shoulder became even heavier as Katsuharu once again repeated that only he could truly finish the beast.

"No pressure, right?" Kouji said trying to lift his mood for even just a little bit.

Takuya, all the while that this was happening, was still lost. Flahym could not help but watch as his breath became hoarse calling for him to awaken as he crawled to him.

"Damn it!" Kouji thought to himself. "How the hell am I suppose to do this? What kind of tip is 'just relax' when we are faced with such a crisis?"

The monster continued to pound on the barrier hoping to create some dent into it or even destroy it completely.

"I'll make the enemy busy," Katsuharu said as he feared the barrier would soon break, "You, on the other hand, Lord Kouji, find a way to unlock your power."

Kouji nodded as Katsuharu dashed towards the enemy and fired some energy balls made from his element – which was Metal. He watched as how Katsuharu bid time not only for him but for the others to move back as well. He watched as how Katsuharu charged in without even thinking of his well-being, putting his duty first above all else. This man before him was certainly a man of honor.

Suddenly, Kouji felt slightly ashamed of himself.

"Honor?" He thought to himself, "What is honor really?"

He was panting as he faced his armed foe, his hands griping on the training sword that Knight Apprentices were allowed to carry and use during their practice sessions. His long hair was as soaked with sweat as his whole body was.

His training partner, and also his foe for this session, was just as tired as he was and as sweaty as he was as well.

The sun was not helping as well and neither was the wind – for their was hardly any and the sun was giving off intensive heat as making one think if the sun wanted all of them in the training hall to melt.

The people watching the session however, cared less of whether they were melted away by the heat or they end up shriveling away for this was the training session where the famous Kouji Minamoto was participating in.

He, Kouji Minamoto, has always been favored by everyone in the Knight Academy. He was well-known and well-loved by his colleagues and even those who were studying in the Scholastics Academy would constantly watch his matches – most of them are of the female kind as well. He didn't mind it at all nor did he gave much thought or care as to who was there to watch even if it were a battalion of what his comrades and fellow Knight Apprentices would rate as an A+ kind of woman. All he cared about and thought of was becoming the best, respectable and honorable knight worthy of whatever title might be bestowed on him – as long as he deserved it, and he knew he deserved only the best.

Facing the brown-haired sparring partner before him, he felt irritated as how it was taking so long to win this one battle. This wasn't supposed to be so. He was known as the Swift Wolf of the Knight's Academy – known for felling his enemies before they can even act… and yet, here before him is someone who can evenly match him.

"Damn it." He cursed under the blazing sun. "Just how long will it take to get this guy out. Damn the heat!"

The people in the training hall were beginning to talk among themselves wondering who Kouji the Swift Wolf's training partner was. This made Kouji even more frustrated as he thought, 'Damn this guy! These people are mine, my audience and his turning them into his favor! What the hell's happening?'

His foe however, did not care. This man was focused, Kouji could see that.

'But he's not as good as I am… not yet at least.' He thought.

Gripping his training sword tighter and poising himself for what he believes would be the final attack, Kouji felt his body and his mind at the ready. His enemy did the same and all the people watching them held onto their seats as they awaited the battle to reach its climax.

All it took was one swing. All it took was 1.5 seconds worth of time. All it took was a blink of an eye or less. It was all it took for the training session to end.

Everyone was on their feet, eyes wide open. The sound of disbelief reverberated through the hall.

Kouji was on his back, his sword a couple of meters away from him while his the sword of his foe was aimed at his head. That day was the day that Kouji Minamoto, the favored one, lost his first duel. A day that he would never, ever forget.

Punching the wall of the Hospital Wing, Kouji could care less about the electrifying pain it caused him. He had lost.

"Damn it!" He said as he let his anger blow out. "How could that have happened? How could I have lost?"

He had thought tat he was alone inside, which is why he was so surprised when someone spoke from behind.

"Cool down, Minamoto." Came his Knight Captain's voice, Captain Naramura.

"C-Captain." Kouji said taken aback, "W-what are you doing here?"

"I came to check up on you when I learned you were defeated by that rookie." Naramura said as he sat down by the chair. "I figured that you would be a bit pissed off by what happened, and I guess that was an understatement."

Silence was Kouji's answer.

"So, how does it feel to lose a match?" Came the question he did not expect to be asked to him.

He was angered by the question. "Isn't it obvious, Captain? It feels like crap! I can't accept that I was defeated by that newbie… I lost the respect of those people out there!"

"Respect?" the Captain asked. "Tell me, do you know for certain what respect is? Is it how they treat you – greeting you as you pass through the halls of the academy, giving you what you want, swooning over you? Is that what you think respect is?"

Silence.

"Respect is more than that, Kouji." The Captain went on. "Respect is when you do not trample on others when attaining something you dream of. Respect is when you accept a person as he or she is, when you do not judge him so easily. Respect is when you do not take advantage of a person's weakness. The list for what respect is all about is long, but those are just some of the qualities of what respect ought to be. So I would believe that what those people in the hallways give you is not true respect in a sense."

"What are you talking about, Captain?" Kouji asked. "If you are to just lecture me after my defeat then I would greatly appreciate it if you would leave."

"Now, now… I am still your Captain above all else." Naramura said. "Now, you're just being disrespectful."

Another round of silence.

"Do you know what that rookie said when you walked out of the Training Hall after the battle?" Naramura asked. "He was surprised but managed to tell me this: 'I am honored to have fought such a man, win or lose, it wouldn't have mattered for I know we both did our best and fought fairly'. Those were his exact words, it was funny and surprising coming from a rookie."

"Honor, huh?" Kouji said as he turned around.

"There is nothing to be down about, Kouji." Captain Naramura spoke with wisdom. "That rookie was right, you both did fought fairly. People would not talk about how you would lose if you lost with grace and with honor. In our profession, life and death is a coin toss away but even so, we face each mission, each assignment, each war with courage and dignity that a Knight should possess. It is as they say: all man dies but only some truly lives."

"Then what is Honor?" Kouji asked. "To you it is living with dignity and dying for a cause and for your duty, is it not, Captain?"

"You can say that, but sometimes, Honor can be simply lived." The Captain spoke, ready to tell a story. "Do you know about a place called, Eleru?"

"Eleru? It's a small village down south famous for its Apples, isn't it?" Kouji replied.

Naramura nodded. "I grew up in that place. My family wasn't rich, actually we have less than a normal family would so we take as much as we can. It may sound surprising coming from me, but back when I was a kid, I would sneak around other people's backyard and climb up their Apple trees just so I can steal some for my family, after all, eating Apples is better than not having anything to eat at all. There was a very rich family living in that laid-back village and that family owned the most number of well-grown Apple trees. People who were given some of its fruit would always say how delicious it was as compared to the other trees that grow in the village which paled in comparison. I always wanted to taste those trees' Apples however, as much as I was a thieving, young man back then, I never, not once stole any Apples from their field."

"Why?" Kouji asked. "You could have stolen some, right? You shouldn't have settled for anything less?"

Naramura laughed. "Yes, that was what a lot of people would have thought but you see, I did not steal anything from them because the son of that wealthy man was my friend… and I honored my friendship with him much more than my desire to eat and feed my family with the most delicious apples."

Silence once again was all Kouji could answer.

"You may find it confusing now, but someday, you will make for yourself a belief of what honor is about." The Captain spoke as he stood up and began walking towards the door. "All I can say to you now is this: The shortest and surest way to live with honor in the world is to be, in reality, what we would appear to be."

The monster's roar grew louder as Katsuharu was thrown back by it's powerful tail swipe.

Katsuharu, although knowing that his strength was reaching its limit, continued to stand up. His knees were already wobbling and blood was trickling down his forehead from the impact. But even as his body argued with his decision, he paid no heed. His mind was set. He would continue to stand up and by Kouji as much time as he needed just so he could awaken his dormant power as a Chosen One and dispel the darkness that had come their way.

Junpei watched in silence and in awe together with everyone else inside the magical barrier that Izumi, Tomoki and Teppei conjured. There was the man who would throw his life in order to save the many, and here he was, despite of his vow to become stronger and to be the one to do the protecting, still shivering in fright – useless.

It was as if the monster had lost interest in Katsuharu as it turned around and resumed pounding on the now-weakening barrier.

"This… is… not… good." Teppei said as the large paws of the monster hit the barrier sending the earth to shake."Chiaki, maybe you should forget about reserving your strength and help with the barrier."

"No." their Leader was the one who answered. "Chiaki's power is to be reserved for healing as they would surely be in need of it. I trust Katsuharu and Kouji… they would save us before this barrier is broken."

"But…" Izumi was about to protest when a violent hit was trusted into the barrier turning it into pieces.

"Too late!" Tomoki shouted as they were all thrown back by the surprisingly powerful force from the attack.

The powerful sound of shattering glass awakened Kouji from his reminiscing. He had been spacing and this was the cost of it. Both he and Katsuharu were too far off to reach in time as the monster was ready to end the lives of the others. No one was in the right condition to conjure another shield. Tomoki, Teppei and Izumi were all out of energy and Chiaki had been knocked out cold by the impact, the Leader certainly could not protect everyone from a monster as large and powerful as this.

It was already raining cats and dogs and thundered echoed through the sky. Junpei was the only one who was standing after the attack and after looking around, he was as surprised as Katsuharu and Kouji were but much more powerful was the feeling of fear. He shook underneath his armor as he could almost feel and smell the breath of the monstrous creature before him. He wanted to run. He wanted to escape and yet, his body would dare not move.

"Is this it?" He asked himself, teary eyed and shaking. "It can't be…"

"Junpei! Izumi! Tomoki!" Kouji shouted as he ran. But it seemed as though the more he ran towards them, the farther they were. "No!"

A powerful heartbeat.

What is it that you desire?

"Strength…?"

A loud thunder erupted in the sky as lightning flashed.

What is it that you wish to attain?

"Courage…?"

A prevailing roar sounded deafening those who will hear it.

What is it that you wish to grasp?

At that moment, Kouji understood and Junpei knew.

"I want to protect everyone!" They both shouted in unison.

What happened next was not something that Katsuharu or anyone could have possibly imagined to happen that night as it only added to the stack of surprising events that occurred that day. The symbol on the back of Kouji's neck shone in a brilliant white color and Junpei's right arm, which he had always wrapped a bandage around of, began to glow with a calming yet, powerful purple color.

"Wha-what's happening?" Junpei said as he squinted his eyes.

"What's going on?" Kouji asked at the same time.

The monster closed its eyes and backed away seemingly blinded by the lights that were suddenly shining out of the two youths.

"Can it be…?" The Leader gasped. "Kouji's latent power has awakened and… Junpei is also a…"

You who desire for courage, reach for it with your own hands and attain that which you wish for… protect those you care for.

It was as if someone was instructing him of what to do as Junpei placed his hands together, as if he was about to pray, and closed his eyes. As soon as he did so, electricity suddenly began flowing around his body and building up in his hands.

"Who could have guessed it?" Tomoki said as he was at awe at what was happening. "Junpei…"

Opening his eyes and allowing this unseen force to guide him, Junpei pointed his hands at the direction of the monster and when he did so, a set of brilliant, blue streaks of light – electricity, gushed forth enveloping the enemy and electrocuting it. Junpei knew that it wasn't enough and that he had only hindered its movements for just a short bit of time.

"Lord Kouji!" Junpei shouted.

Kouji nodded and he, like Junpei before him, allowed the Spirits to teach him what he needed to do. And as 'they' have instructed, he held his sword before him and closed his eyes. When he did so, light began flowing into the sword's blade. Those who were watching could feel that the light was no ordinary one – it was beautiful and calming but at the same time frightening and powerful.

You who desire for strength to protect the ones you care for, let your heart be your weapon and let the light shine forth to pierce the darkness!

Kouji shot open his eyes and without knowing that he possessed such a speed, dashed forwards only to see that within seconds he was facing the monster who was ten times his size. If he was feeling any kind of fear, his eyes did not show it.

The monster roared, whether it was in pain, agony or in annoyance, no one knew.

And with one swift motion with his shimmering sword, Kouji sent forth a wave of light directed at the tiger-like monster and as if it wasn't enough, followed it up by a thrust to where the monster's heart should be.

With one, final, and loud roar the monster collapsed. When the monster had stopped breathing, a dark shadow floated from its body, which has began to shrink. With a deafening shriek that made everyone block their ears, the dark shadow flew to the direction of an island.

"What was that?" Izumi asked. "That thing?"

"A 'Spirit of the Abyss'." The Leader replied, "And it seems like it was heading for Lone Island. Which means that the person whose controlling the beasts and monsters that attacked us today are in there."

The moment that the shadow disappeared, the rain began to stop and the stormy clouds began to break letting the sun shine its brilliance.

When Teppei and Katsuharu saw that there was no longer any threat, they both rushed to Chiaki's, who was still unconscious, side.

"That's good." Teppei said as he heaved a sigh of relief, "She didn't get injured as much as I feared."

Katsuharu nodded. "Anyway, we better get her someplace warm where she can rest properly." Then facing their Leader said, "My Lady, please excuse us, we need to get Chiaki some treatment."

The Leader nodded and let them go. But before they could even move one step forwards, Takuya shouted.

"F-Flayhm!" Takuya said in a loud and worried voice. After a while of being in a trance, he was finally awakened. "Flayhm, what's wrong with you?"

Everyone then turned into the direction where Takuya was, and there they saw that Flayhm had stopped moving and was slowly but surely fading. As they saw the spectacle before them and the look of anxiety in Takuya, they knew that what Hiltz and Kaizen felt wrong of him was true.

"I-Im… sorry… Takuya…" Flayhm said in a weak voice as he forced himself to speak. "I… don't know… what's wrong… with me…"

"Why?" Takuya asked not to Flayhm but to the Leader of the Organization, "Why can't I feel Flayhm's presence any more even though he's still here?"

After hearing Takuya's query, the older woman quickly went by his side and closed his eyes. Hiltz and Kaizen, who were summoned by Tomoki and Izumi quickly did the same.

"Impossible!" Hiltz said.

"What is it, Hiltz?" Tomoki asked.

"Someone's not just draining Flayhm and Takuya of their powers but taking Flayhm away from Takuya as well." Kaizen was the one who answered and when she did, everyone gasped.

"What did you say?" Takuya asked facing Kaizen's direction. "That's… N-no way! Flayhm!"

"Is there anyway to stop this?" Izumi asked. "Is there anyway to keep Takuya from losing his Guardian?"

The Leader shook her head and said with sadness in her voice. "Unless we know why this is happening and who is taking Flayhm away, there is nothing we can do…"

"NO!" Takuya shouted. "Flayhm! Flayhm!"

Flayhm smiled weakly, "I'm glad… you finally snapped out… of that trance…. I…was…worried."

"You don't have to worry anymore, Flayhm." Takuya said, his eyes was beginning to get teary. "See? I'm back… I'm back to normal, so please…"

"We can't just stand around like this!" Kouji said, agitated. "There must be something we can do."

Silence was the answer he got from everyone.

"Takuya…I'm sorry… I wasn't… able to… stop that… clone from hurting… you." Flayhm continued on, he was quickly fading now. "I know… I promised… never to let… anything bad… happen to you…"

"Don't blame yourself, Flayhm…" Takuya said. "It was me… I was weak and I let my anger get out of control. It wasn't your fault!"

Flayhm looked at him, "Do… you… mean… that…?"

Takuya nodded. "If that's what making you disappear then forget about it! It isn't your fault!"

The Spirit Guardian of Fire closed his eyes. "I… wish… I… could… stop… whatever… it… is… that's… severing… our… ties… but… I… can't…"

"Don't say that!" Takuya shouted. "No one can sever the ties that we have. No one!"

"This can't be happening to him…" Junpei muttered. "He's been through enough already…"

Flayhm had almost, completely vanished. He smiled at what Takuya said. "I… have… always… admired… your… conviction… even… when… you… were… still… a… kid."

Flayhm reached out his small hand and touched the bandage around Takuya's right eye as he touched his left eye with his other hand. "I'm… running… out… of… time, Takuya… This… isn't… much… but… I… hope… this… would… help… you… and… keep… some… of… my… power… with… you. I… am… glad… to… have… met… you, to… have… been… your… Guardian… and… your… partner. But… most… of… all, I'm… glad… to… have… called… you… my… friend."

And with that Flayhm vanished completely.

"FLAYHM!" Takuya shouted as loud as he could, as if by calling him louder he would return.

To be continued…

A/N:

Well, another 13 pages (22 pages if double spaced) worth of Chapter for you guys. Hope you enjoyed it. It felt really different writing this new chapter for who knows what reason, but I am glad that I pulled it through in the end.

Originally, this chapter was much longer, but seeing that if I did not change it a bit, it would ruin the flow of the story, so I decided to cut it as I did and just continue on with it on the next chapter.

I can't help but thank everyone who had been reading up to this point and reviewing this fanfic. Whenever I read a review, I could not help but feel that writing was worth it knowing that there are people who reads what I write and who appreciates it as much as I do. For that, a thousand thank you's would not be enough for you all.

I made Kouji's flashback seem a bit OC-ish, but I had to do that if I wanted to have a good over-all result for this chapter. The next chapter would probably be the last chapter for the Shore Arc as we move on to a new one – Lone Island Arc. The next chapter won't be as action-packed as this one but it would hopefully, allow everyone a glimpse of the characters even more.

The next chapter would be entitled: 'You'll Never Be Alone'. It's a good title for that chapter if I do say so myself… lol.

Anyways, seeing as how long this has already been, I will leave it up to here. So until next time, this is Sakura Martinez saying "PEACE" and signing out! See you all later and don't forget to review!

-- end of Author's Notes