A Digimon Frontier Fanfic
By Sakura Martinez
Author's Notes:
Well, if you all have been checking in on my website (the blog I had been mentioning for a while now), you would have known that there wasn't any RotM or CoT chapter updates last week even before Friday came. Also, if you have read the whole post, you would have known the reason why thus saving me the time to explain myself here. Anyways, I advise you all to check back there from time to time to know what's up and happening and of course, if there are any chapter releases you should be expecting from me.
Anyways, enough about that. Here is the chapter that I owe you guys after not being able to update last week. Enjoy!
End of Author's Notes
The Rabbit on the Moon
Gentle Sunlight
He stood face to face with his enemy. Sweat dripping down his brow. His hand was already sweaty, it was as if any second now the sword on his hand would slip because of the sweat. His breathing was steady but it had become a chore to breathe for he was tired. His legs were just about ready to give in but his will continued to fight. He could not allow himself to fall. Not in this place.
"No, not yet." He muttered to himself as he watched those crimson colored eyes look at him with such malice as the dark smoke continued to whirl around it's owner. "I can't be beaten just yet!"
He looked around in the dark-covered place that he had found himself in. In all honesty, he could not remember what had happened prior to this fight. He could barely recall how he was placed in such a predicament nor where he was at. He took in all that his eyes could see, but the darkness was too thick that he could not see anything save those eyes and himself.
"Why don't you strike?" His foe called out, the voice echoing as if they were in a tunnel. "This is what you came to do, is it not?"
The question caught him off guard but when he came to, he knew better than to answer to the taunts of his enemy. But it seems that his enemy could read his mind very well as he continued to taunt him.
It took all of his might to be steadfast and not to fall into his enemy's taunts. He knew better than that. He knew that he should persevere.
But then, another voice called out to him. This time, the voice had much more force to it. It was commanding in nature and the tone of the voice made him scared... no, wary. It was calling his name, telling him to strike, to let go of his thoughts and follow what he was commanded to do.
He tried to fight the voice off. He didn't know why, but for some reason, he felt like he could trust the voice but at the same time not trust it. It was so confusing for him that his head pounded in confusion.
If there was one thing that he knows of, it was that striking down his enemy and killing him off, as what the voice wanted, was not the right path.
"What's wrong?" the enemy called out.
With every passing moment, he could not help but feel that the one before him was not an enemy however, the voice in his head was telling him that it was an enemy. There was so much conflict in his mind.
As if the predicament was not too much already, the darkness seemed to ebb slightly, allowing him to catch a glimpse of the owner of those eyes. What had been crimson before now showed the same color of eyes that he has – or at least, he used to have. It was not crimson, but rather, auburn.
He was facing an exact replica of himself. No, it wasn't a replica. He knew better than to label him a replica, for he now knows the truth. That person before him was not a clone but was his older brother, Shinya.
"I'm giving you a chance to strike, brother? Why do you hesitate?" Shinya asked, his eyes was as cold as the tone of his voice.
Takuya could not help but step back. The will that was so strong before was now faltering. He could feel himself shaking as he replied, "I... I can't..."
"This was what you have been tasked to do, is it not? To correct the mistakes of the past?" Shinya continued to push Takuya to do what he wants – to kill him. "With my death, you would be one step closer to reaching your goal – your destiny. You would be one step closing to dealing with our father."
He felt helpless. He was so uncertain of what he should do. He could hear voice, countless of them asking him what he would do. Would he strike down his 'foe' or will he back down? The choice would seem easy to some, but for him it proved to be otherwise.
"I can't do it!" Takuya shouted. He felt like a little child being cornered. "Even so... even if you do say so... I still cannot do it. You're my brother, though I hate to admit it, that is the truth that I cannot escape. I will not allow myself to become a beast that is just willing to kill in the name of destiny! There has to be another way out of this!"
There was a slight pause. A silence that passed as Shinya showed emotion in the form of a sad smile on his face. But it soon vanished which made Takuya wonder if that was only an illusion made by the shadows that were playing in his mind.
When the silence died away, Shinya said, "You are too kind, brother. Kind and foolish!"
And with that, Shinya charged in. His sword ready to strike Takuya down without any hesitation. It all happened so fast that Takuya knew he would not have any time to react. He had been to lax, he had dropped his guard and now he was to pay the price.
There was a sound, a sound that he could not make out but it was so loud that he just blanked. Then, it was as if he was being pulled away from his body. There was no other way to describe it.
Then, just like that, he could feel a hot liquid flowing to his hands and being splatted on his face. He could smell the scent of blood. Questions rushed to his head just before he caught sight of that which was before him.
His sword glinting with the little light the place had to offer was covered with blood. His eyes followed it's trail and he became wide-eyed when he saw what it had struck. Eyes filled with tears and a shock look on her face, Izumi stood in the middle – between Shinya and Takuya thus ending up being skewered cleanly and squarely in the heart by Takuya's sowrd.
Blood continued to flow and continued to squirt out of the wound that he had caused. He was shaking as everything sank in. Blood had found itself on his mouth, he felt sick as he tasted the blood of his most precious person. He felt sicker still of what he had just done.
And with that he did what he could only think of doing at the moment. He screamed.
"NOOOooo!" Shouted Takuya as he bolted wide awake, covered with sweat and shaking all over.
It was already dark as night had covered Harim. The battle with Shinya had been over for days and yet, even as Takuya and Izumi had both heard of their explanation and had accepted their company for the time being, also accepting to help them hide the Queen, there was still hesitation in Takuya as well as doubt.
But if there was one emotion that was strong within Takuya at that very moment, it was fear. With that emotion in tow, Takuya got up and quickly made his way to where Izumi was sleeping. The fear of losing his most precious person was so much alive in him that he knew not what else to do.
"Izumi!" Takuya could not stop himself from almost shouting, waking Izumi up.
Izumi was surprised when Takuya suddenly lounged at her, his arms wrapping around her as tightly as they could. She could feel him shaking and was that just sobbing that she could hear from him?
"Takuya?" Izumi asked, worried as she tried to see in the dark. "Takuya, what's wrong."
"I'm sorry." Takuya kept on whispering as he continually shook.
At once Izumi understood what this was all about.
"He's having those nightmares again." She thought as she hugged him back.
Ever since the battle with his brother, Takuya had been frequently visited by nightmares, most of which he confides with her. She could not help but think that it was most likely one of the nightmares of her dying that showed itself in Takuya's subconsciousness.
Izumi could not help but wonder if all these nightmares had something to do with what they have told him that they saw during the battle with Shinya and what Shinya had said to him.
Flashback...
Shinya was still lying unconscious after having been dealt with by Takuya and Katsuharu's 'Ancient Seal' which managed to separate him from his darkness – the darkness that Luca and the Dragon God of Darkness was feeding him. Currently, the group had followed Anizer, Chief of Harim back to the inn where Anizer had rented two new rooms for them to use, as such, they were in Shinya and Katsuharu's room.
"Now, we can talk." Anizer said as he made sure that no one could hear what they were about to discuss.
Takuya was still out of it, his mind was on something else and so it was Izumi who voiced out their first concern.
"I know I should mind my manners especially in front of the Queen but..." Izumi began. "What the hell are you and HIM doing here? Did you come to make sure both Takuya and myself fall in your father's grasps?"
The Queen, Ophania bowed her head in apology for what her husband has wrought, but Katsuharu remained indifferent.
"You can rest assured that we won't try anything like that.." Katsuharu replied, waving his hand as he spoke. "Besides, I was only teasing in taunting you and Takuya, I had no intention from the very beginning to actually fight you both. To tell the truth, I was just as surprised as you both were to find you here."
"Anyways, what the Prince is saying is that it was merely a coincidence that they found you both here, Izumi." Chief Anizer said seeing as Katsuharu was taking his sweet time in explaining.
"Right." Katsuharu nodded. "Shinya figured that this would be the best place to hide my mother from my father, the Emperor."
"Hide her?" Izumi asked, confused. "Why? Did her majesty do something to anger the Emperor?"
Queen Ophania shook her head in reply and said, "No. I am not sure of the details but Seraphim – or should I say Luca, apparently needs me for some scheme of his. And whatever that scheme may be, it would not be good. My son, Katsuharu, had been working for his father but at the same time trying to device a plan to make sure that I am liberated from that tower that he had kept me in."
"I needed to earn my father's, or should I say Luca's, trust first before I could go about rescuing my mother. That was why I had to do what I did with the Organization." Katsuharu explained as he allowed himself to look over the open window to the direction of where Shore was. "It was all part of my plan to save my mother. It was a small price to pay in order to ensure that the world doesn't fall on Luca's hands... that Luca would not get what he wants."
It was with those words that Takuya was snapped from his reverie. Quickly he stood from where he sat and immediately caught Katsuharu by the collar of his shirt.
"A small price!?" Takuya said, his voice rising in anger and frustration. "Do you honestly believe that what Izumi and the others had to go through by having an amount of their powers extracted was just that? Do you have any idea on how painful that process is!?"
Everyone was surprised by Takuya's sudden outburst, although Katsuharu had figured that it was coming sooner or later.
"Look, I'm sorry, Takuya, but that's just how it is." Katsuharu said whilst trying to free himself. "As compared to having Luca reign over not only our lands but the world, some sacrifices have to be made. Even Lord Orimoto and Lord Kimura understood that."
"What did you just say?" Izumi asked upon hearing her father's name.
"I believe we bear bad news." Queen Ophania intervened, making everyone look over at her direction. A sad look was planted on her face and at once Izumi and Takuya knew that it was indeed bad. "Lord Kouta and Ishige allowed themselves to meet with your father, Takuya. Or so I've been told by Shinya and Katsuharu."
With those words, the attention was back to Katsuharu.
"Spill it." Takuya said as he shook Katsuharu. "I don't care if you're the prince or not nor do I care if I have to punch you around in front of your mother."
"You don't need to use threats, Takuya. I have no intention of hiding this, but are you and Lady Izumi really sure you want to hear this?" Katsuharu replied.
Takuya looked at Izumi who nodded and said, "Yes. I want to know what news it is."
Katsuharu nodded and Takuya allowed himself to release his grip on the young prince. At that, Katsuharu told them everything that Shinya had told him, after all, it was Shinya who trully knew what happened thanks to his connection with his father and with the evil spirits that have found themselves in the world.
The news came as a shock to both Takuya and Izumi. Mixed feelings arouse from within them after learning of Hiroaki's ultimate transformation and the death of Lord Kouta Kimura.
"What about my father?" Izumi asked. "Do you know?"
Katsuharu shook his head. "I'm sorry, but he most likely died along with the General. What with the power of that explosion... it's impossible for anyone to survive."
"No...." gasped Izumi as she sunk to the floor in disbelief.
Takuya had to look away for he did not want to see Izumi so hurt and be unable to do anything about it. He knew he couldn't put the blame on anyone but his father as well as his brother for everything that has been happening and somehow, because of his relation with them, he could not help but blame himself for it as well.
"I know this may be hard, Izumi." Chief Anizer spoke after a while. "But we have to put aside our grieving for now and focus on something more important."
"More...important...?" Takuya could not believe what he had just heard. What could be more important right now than for a daughter to grieve the lost of her father? The only family that Izumi had left?
Once again, anger started welling up inside the young Kanbara. It would appear, however, that the Chief noticed it.
"I am sorry, Takuya, but such is the case." Anizer said. "You do understand, do you not, Izumi?"
Izumi nodded but said nothing of it. Anizer then looked from Shinya then to Takuya several times before he spoke again.
"Takuya, do you honestly cannot remember how you managed to strike down your brother?" Anizer asked.
Takuya was surprised to learn that this was what Anizer was saying was more important that Izumi's grief. Despite of his surprise and his annoyance, he still gave a reply saying that he indeed could not remember anything.
"I just blanked out and when I came to he was already out." Takuya replied. "Why is that so important? I did what I was asked to do right?"
"But you seemed to have been surprised by it." Katsuharu said as he remembered the look on Takuya's face after the battle. "It's like you didn't expect it to happen."
Takuya was surprised. As strange as it may sound, He had forgotten about that feeling. It was also then that he was reminded of what Izumi had said when he asked. Of course, she had not answered him back then as chief Anizer made them go to the inn and talk there.
"Tell me Takuya, did you experience anything out of the ordinary while you were as you have said, 'out' of it?" Queen Ophania asked.
Takuya could not understand what the question meant, but he decided to tell her what it was that was happening within him at that moment. He told him about the voice.
"Voice?" Katsuharu asked, there was a hint of worry in the way he asked the question that made Izumi wonder why. "What voice?"
"The voice of my master. The person who taught me how to fight better." Takuya replied, and at once Izumi knew whom he was referring to. "It felt like he was there with me in the battle. He was giving me all of these instructions, reminding me."
"What kind of voice was it?" Shinya suddenly asked, surprising everyone.
"Why do you want to know?" Takuya answered him coldly.
"Because I feel like I know where Katsuharu is going with this." Shinya replied in just the same tone. He was still lying in his bed, his eyes closed as if he was contemplating on something.
"Tell him, Takuya." Izumi said, her voice was weak and shaking.
"It was... commanding in a way." Takuya replied trying to remember what the voice was like. "It sounded very much like how he did when he was teaching us. But at the same time, much more powerful."
"Did you felt some sort of tingle?" Shinya asked.
"I don't know what you're asking, but before I felt like I fainted, I felt as though I was strong and that I could take on anybody." Takuya replied. "Why are you all asking me these questions? Is there something wrong that you need to tell me."
"Takuya..." Izumi was the one who speak up seeing that no one else wanted to tell him. "During that battle, on that final stretch when the sorcery on your sword that Katsuharu had added was about to disappear. We... saw something."
"Saw something?" Takuya asked. "What? What is it?"
"Just before 'you' managed to attack Shinya and activate the seal you were suddenly covered by the same darkness as he was." it was Katsuharu who spoke, retelling the event from his perspective. "Of course, I wasn't too sure of this at first, but after I heard from Izumi that she saw the same thing, I knew I wasn't seeing things."
"What are you talking about?" Takuya asked.
"It is just as Katsuharu says, Takuya." Izumi said. "What's more, the look on your eyes at that time, from where I could see it, was similar to that time when those monsters attacked Shore. It was as if you were in a trance."
"You mean to say that this has happened before, Izumi?" Anizer asked, alarmed.
Izumi nodded seeing as Takuya could vaguely remember the incident – it was either that or he chose not to remember it.
"Yes, it was soon after Shinya attacked us on our way to Shore." Izumi replied. "Katsuharu was there as well. Don't you remember?"
Katsuharu nodded. "Yeah, now that you mention it..."
"I don't understand what you're all saying." Takuya spoke up.
"Takuya, that darkness that we are speaking of is in a form of a dark cloud. It is sort of like an announcement that Luca is around. And if what the prince and Izumi are saying is true then, the voice you heard may not be your master's voice but rather the voice of Luca alluring you." Chief Anizer explained.
"No, that's not true." Takuya said, his voice rising. "I know what my master's voice is like. Besides which, there is no way that Luca can control me like what your insinuating."
"Don't be so naive, little brother." Shinya said, laughing. "The Dark Emperor, Luca has his ways. Although you may think that you did not made a pact with him nor the Dragon God of Darkness, how are you so sure that this so-called 'Master' of yours is not the Dark Emperor in disguise?"
Takuya whirled around to face his older brother who was still in bed, eyes closed. He then replied, "Do you want to know his name, brother? Perhaps it would stimulate your memory a bit and let you relive something."
"Well, this is certainly interesting." Shinya replied, allowing his eyes to shot open and look at his brother's angry face. "Let's see what you got."
"Valthoria." Takuya stated nonchalantly. "That's the name of the person who taught me how to use what latent powers I have – powers that you will never have and that I have been born with."
Shinya's eyes widen for a moment as he recalled the name. Takuya was about to enjoy the look on his older brother's face when suddenly, that look of surprise vanished and instead, Shinya began to laugh, his hand on his forehead.
The reaction was not something that Takuya had expected, and it would appear that it wasn't what the others expected as well. With how Takuya had said it, they expected Shinya to be in fear or in disbelief. But...
"Ah, Valthoria... yes, I remember that old man's name. Of course, I learned of his name and of who he really was much too late." Shinya said as his laughter died down. "Still, how could I not remember? He is after all the one who placed a curse on father and myself.
"Then why are you laughing?" Takuya asked frustrated.
"I just find it amusing that you managed to catch a glimpse of him and possibly learn of the secrets he have stored when he no longer exists to begin with." Shinya replied, there was a serious look in his face – something that Takuya and Izumi had never seen before. "Valthoria, Leader of the Dragon Gods. He vanished from this world a long time ago just about the same time as the Dragon God of Darkness, Teivel. You can guess what happened."
"That can't be." Izumi said. "We saw him. He cared for us when we were caught by the storm and he was the one who told us what had happened before on that island."
Shinya sat up then looked at Izumi. He still held the seriousness that he had before. "Then that person whom you have met is a fake."
"How can you be sure?" Takuya asked. "Besides, he knew us both perfectly and he knew everything. It was impossible not to trust him once we got to know him."
"And that is where the danger lies." Shinya cut in.
Takuya was about to argue further when Anizer stopped them. "Enough of this. We know not for certain whether Luca did in fact try to get hold of you, Takuya. But it would be wise to be wary."
"The old man's right." Shinya said as he lay down to rest. "Like I've said, Luca has his ways and so does Teivel. They would do anything to get what they want. Lucky for us they have yet to realize that the Queen is here."
Katsuharu nodded. "As long as they fail to realize that we have mother, then we have the upper hand."
"I still don't buy what you both are saying." Takuya said as he walked pass everyone and towards the door. "I don't buy this whole act that you're trying to be a good person, brother."
"Takuya..." sighed Izumi.
And with that he left the room.
End of Flashback
"It's alright, Takuya." Izumi found herself saying to him like a lullaby. "It was just a dream. Everything's alright."
"No... it isn't." Takuya found his voice to say. He then looked at Izumi and faced her. "I can't take it any more. These nightmares are tearing me apart. I can't keep having them over and over again. I can't keep on seeing you killed by my own hands. I can't."
"That's not going to happen, Takuya. It was just a dream. You know that, right?" Izumi said, her voice trying to soothe Takuya who was in turmoil.
"It doesn't feel like that. It feels real, as if they are premonitions of what is to come." Takuya said, bowing his head as if he was ashamed. "What if they are. What if what I am seeing now in my dreams are things that are to happen in the future?"
"You're worried about what Shinya said, aren't you?" Izumi asked though she knew the answer to this already.
"Are you not?" Takuya asked back. "What if what he says is true... that the person we met was not the real Valthoria, what are we supposed to do then? We've come so far because of everything that we've learned from him... what's more, I would be lying if I say that I am not worried."
Izumi sighed, she could not help but think that she would not be getting any proper sleep tonight. She did not mind however, as much as she hated to admit it, she too was having nightmares of her father. She kept telling herself that he was still alive despite what Katsuharu had said, always trying to see the positive side of things.
But she knew that that would have to wait. She have an immediate problem on her hands, particularly, the young man who has burrowed his head on her shoulders for comfort.
"I'm sorry..." Takuya apologized yet again. "I know you have it harder than I do, Izumi.... that you have your own problems right now as well, what with your father and all of that. I know I'm being selfish... but..."
Izumi placed a finger over his lips to shush him as she shook her head.
"It's alright, Takuya." Says she. "You don't have to apologize. You were the one who told me not to apologize excessively, remember?"
"But I..."
"Look, just forget about everything that's troubling you at the moment and rest." Izumi finally said with finality. "No matter what happens you will always be Takuya and no amount of dark or evil powers or intention is ever going to change that. What Shinya said is only just speculation, it's true that we are not sure just who it was that we actually met on that island and until we do, we should leave it at that. I know you Takuya, you won't be turning into an evil person any time soon. If you're really worried about it, then talk with Shinya. I doubt he'll be trying anything funny after what just happened."
"Talk with... Shinya?" Takuya asked, taken aback by Izumi's suggestion.
"I know it doesn't sound inviting, Takuya, I can't even believe that I'm the one telling you this, but you know that he is the only one who can possibly answer your questions." Izumi said. "I have a feeling that he knows a lot more than he is letting us know."
It was just about dawn and yet he was already wide awake. He loved the crisp cold air that the dawn is only capable of bringing. For him, the dawn was always so welcoming and so relaxing. The view of Harim's peak was also something not short of awe-inspiring. The wonderful scene before him enable him to clear his mind – something that Katsuharu had, since learning of his secret, constantly told him to do.
A growl from his Spirit Guardian enabled him to snap out of his thoughts. Ever since Flayhme's transformation, it was only up to him to understand what he has to say.
"Yes, it has been a while since we've last been here and since we've been in good terms with the people of this village, hasn't it?" Shinya agreed with what Flayhme said.
Another growl from the Spirit Guardian came as a reply. Whatever it was that Flayhme said to his master was enough to make Shinya laugh. It was the first time in a long time that he was able to laugh that way, and perhaps he is able to do so only around his Spirit Guardian.
However, the laughter soon vanished when Flayhme suddenly let out an angry growl. At once, Shinya knew that he was no longer alone. Allowing his reflex to take action, Shinya threw a fire attack at the direction where he heard the noise from.
The moment that the attack was thrown back at him, Shinya immediately knew who it was.
"What the hell was that for!?" An obvious thing for Takuya to say as he emerged from the thicket.
"Well, well, I didn't think I'd find you here, little brother." Shinya said a grin on his face as he dissipated the flame attack that was thrown back at him.
"Stop calling me that!" Takuya said, his voice rising. He couldn't help but be annoyed whenever he comes face to face with Shinya, who was still wearing his face.
"Why? You ARE my little brother after all, it's only right to call you that." Shinya said as he turned around to face the scene beyond the mountains.
"I'm not!" Takuya retorted. "Besides, I didn't come here to fight with you – verbally or physically."
"Oh? Well, that's even more of a surprise." Shinya said, his back still turned. After a minute of silence he turned around and asked, "So, why is it that you came here? Did you came here to look at the view as well? If I remember it right, you and Izumi love this place and its view, do you not?"
"I didn't come here for the view... at least not right now." Takuya replied, his eyes trailing, following the view of the mountain side.
"Why did you came here then?" Shinya asked, his voice reverted back to being serious.
Takuya made sure not to look at his older brother as he answered, "I.... I came here looking for you. There's something that I want to ask you..."
"Well, that certainly is unexpected." Shinya said, he did not bother to hide the amusement in his face as he turned to face Takuya and walk towards him, only stopping midway and sitting down by a large rock overlooking the peak. "I doubt you came here to talk about the old days... So, what is it you want to ask me?"
Shinya could note the hesitation in Takuya as well as the turmoil. He could only guess but he had a feeling he knew what he was going to ask him.
A minute has passed and it would appear like Takuya was about to change his mind, thinking that this perhaps was a stupid idea.
Sighing in frustration, it was Shinya who spoke up about the matter.
"If you're worried about what I told you yesterday, then you have all the right in the world to be." Shinya said, for a moment, Takuya felt like he was looking at himself through a mirror. "I don't know if it was really Valthoria whom you and Izumi both saw, it could be his spirit or it could be one of Luca's ploys to turn you to his side. Like I've said, it's best to be wary."
"How can you be sure that Valthoria was gone long before we met him?" Takuya finally found his voice to query.
"I've been a part of Teivel for a long time to know a thing or two about the Dragon God of Darkness." Shinya said, there was a hint of sadness in his voice. "I've learned of things that would seem impossible or even probable to some."
"I... I still don't understand. Why did you throw away everything, brother?" Takuya finally opened up. "Why didn't you just turned back when Valthoria warned you and father?"
Shinya smiled sadly as he recalled that moment all too well. "When you experience what I have experienced growing up. Being known throughout as one of the most powerful and promising Knights of the Kingdom, it would be impossible not to yearn for more."
"You disregarded everything just for power?" Takuya could not believe it. Since he was a child he had looked up to his brother, he could remember that very well now. "And what's more you allowed an evil such as Luca and this Teivel to control you... even when I know that, I still find it hard to believe that you are indeed my brother."
"And what makes you believe that you are any different from me, little brother?" Shinya asked. "You too yearn for power just like I do, you cannot lie about that."
"But I wouldn't go so low as you did. If I were a Chosen One and if I had been in that position as you had been in, I would have stayed true to my responsibility as a Chosen One." Takuya answered.
"It's easy to say that now but when you're actually in that predicament, you will find that that is not always the case." Shinya replied, remaining cool on the matter. "It's hard not to see you making the same choice as I did."
"I won't." Takuya said, although for a second, Shinya thought there was uncertainty in the way he told him that.
"I just hope that I am wrong about you, little brother." Shinya said as he looked at Takuya squarely in the eyes. "It may be hard to believe but I do regret how things have come to."
"I don't believe you, you enjoy this. You enjoy everything that has been happening. I can see that." Takuya said not wanting to accept that such regrets exist within the person he once thought was his brother.
Shinya shrugged, what Takuya was saying to him was something that he had expected to hear from him.
"I thought you came here to ask me a question and not to argue with me." Shinya said.
"I did." Replied Takuya.
"I have thought you more courageous than this." Shinya said, "Spill your question out already."
Takuya closed his eyes, he knew it would have to come eventually and wanting not to waste any more time he did just that – he asked his question.
"Is there a way for me to know if I am indeed wanted by the Dark Emperor and the Dragon God of Darkness?" Takuya asked.
"Do you really want to know?" Shinya asked as he stood up and walked closer to Takuya. "Once you learn of it, what would follow would be hardship whether the answer is a positive or a negative one."
Takuya nodded, remaining indignant.
"If you're sure about it, then it would be best to go to the place where the prophecy had been carved out." Shinya replied, almost in a riddle.
"The place where the prophecy had been carved out?" Takuya repeated not sure what to get from that.
"Mirror Valley." Shinya said, then added. "I'm sure you've heard of that place, little brother. It is not too far from here after all."
"You mean the Valley of the Mist?" Takuya asked, obviously knowing of the place that Shinya was talking about.
Shinya nodded. "It's a dangerous place, especially for you. Are you sure you want to go there?"
"I need to... if I want the nightmares to stop." Takuya replied.
"I guess this would add as another side trip for you and Izumi, am I right?" Shinya said as he was already face to face with his brother. "I heard from the Chieftain that you were looking for mother... I didn't even know that she was still alive."
Takuya had to take a step back upon hearing those words from Shinya.
"Don't worry, I won't do anything to hinder what you want to do." Shinya said. "I'm sure it would be easier on our mother to believe that I am already dead than to learn everything that I had been doing."
Takuya nodded.
"Is that all?" Shinya asked.
Takuya simply turned around, and just before he returned back to the path that he had been on previously to return back to the inn where Izumi was waiting for him, he said, "Just one other thing, brother. I won't lose my humanity but, try anything funny with Izumi – try to hurt her or betray us, then I will care less if I turn into a beast to make you pay."
Shinya laughed. "The way you said that, I'm beginning to stand even firmer on my grounds that you are already being manipulated by Teivel, little brother." Then he added, just before Takuya vanished through the thicket, "And one more thing, Takuya, we are more alike than you thought. We are bound not only by blood but also because of that event on the ship towards shore."
Takuya turned around, "What do you mean?"
But Shinya was no longer there, he had, as it appears, teleported himself back to the village leaving Takuya alone to ponder what he had just learned and to walk back by himself.
Yes, now was the time to have her revenge. Everything was set. Her brother was now fully recovered...
"All that is left is for us to find Takuya and Izumi and make them pay, brother." Chiaki said as she and her brother boarded a ship given to them by the Emperor. "But of course, we shouldn't forget those bastards that gave us a hard time last time, am I right?"
A growl was all her brother could answer her, but for Chiaki Minami, Chosen One of the Water, that was enough of an affirmation from him.
Yes, now was the time for revenge... And this time, she will make sure that she gets what she wants no matter what.
To be continued...
Post Author's Notes:
Well, that's about all that I have to offer for this week's chapter. I hope you guys appreciate the length and I do apologize for not having been able to update last week. Things have just been pretty hectic for me.
Anyways, stay tuned next week for another chapter update. Of course, be sure to check at the blog whether I would really be pushing through the update or not, plus some other things including updates on the game. I usually post there first before I update a chapter, so it would save you the trouble of checking on the fanfic every time (unless you've added me to your author's alert or the fanfic to the story alert list).
Well, that's all for now. Until next week, this is Sakura Martinez saying "PEACE" and signing out! Ja ne!
End of Post Author's Notes