A Digimon Frontier Fanfic
By Sakura Martinez

Author's Notes:

Heya, guys!
Hope this update didn't surprise anyone *THAT* much, lol. Anyways, we're almost at the end of the story. Only a couple more chapters remaining so, I do hope you would stick with this until the end.

Thank you for the support you have been giving this fanfic. I really appreciate it.

Having said that, I won't prolong this any further. Hope you enjoy reading!

End of Author's Notes

The Rabbit on the Moon

The Nightmare Reflected in the Mirror

The choice between two things.

The forked road that every person brought into the world must eventually face.

A cross road.

Whichever path they choose, they lose something.

Whichever path they choose, they are unable to find happiness.

But...

Are there really only two paths to a forked road?

To say that Kouji Minamoto was angry would have been the biggest understatement of the year. He was not just angry, he was infuriated. No, scratch that, Kouji Minamoto hated the young man that was standing before him.

He held his sword firmly in his hands, his eyes were filled with the determination to punish Takuya for betraying them. More than anything, he cannot let that action pass.

"So, you intend to fight me." Takuya said as he took a step forward, his swords were still sheathed.

The others, save for Kouji and Shinya, took a step back. None of them wanted to fight against him. No matter what, they still see him as a friend and, in Izumi's case, the most important person in her life.

As he walked from the shadowy part of the hall and into the lighted area, everyone could not help but gasp at how much he had changed over a short period of time. He seemed paler than they remembered seeing him. His eyes were still expressionless but his gaze was even colder than before, verging on menacing.

How he stood before them was different as well. He was more arrogant, that was for certain, more sure of himself and of whatever power the Dark One may have given him.

The black armor that he wore, with crimson linings, made him look even more "corrupted" and evil than they all hoped he was. A blood-red cape hung on his back and twin swords were hanging by the leather belt on each of his side. His hands were hidden behind black, leather gloves supported by the same-colored gauntlet with Chaos' insignia.

In a way, Shinya could not help but note how the armor he once wore fitted Takuya so perfectly. It was though the armor wasn't made for him but for Takuya. It was a scary thought.

"Takuya looks scary..." Tomoki managed to whisper, his voice was shaking. "It's like he really is lost to us."

"Don't say that..." Izumi said in the same hushed and wavering tone.

"What could you possibly hope to accomplish in fighting against me?" Takuya went on. "Do you really think that someone like you would have the power to defeat me, a General in Chaos' Army?"

Kouji gripped his sword even tighter. "I would never have thought that I would hear you say something like that, Takuya."

Without another word, Kouji dashed forward and attacked Takuya who quickly unsheathed both of his swords and blocked the attack. It was so fast that only Shinya and Kouji appeared to have caught a glimpse on what had happened.

"He's grown fast..." Shinya said of Takuya. "But...that Kouji guy has improved as well."

"Shouldn't we help Kouji out?" Junpei asked, he was stuttering as he directed his question towards Kouichi.

Kouichi shook his head. He honestly did not know what to do.

Takuya was his best friend. They have been together ever since they begun training to become Knights back at the Knight Academy. He was torn. He knew that he doesn't have the guts to face up against Takuya and fight against him. After all, despite what had happened, Takuya was still his friend.

But...at the same time, his brother was fighting against him. Even during those times that they had fought together, Kouichi had never seen his twin brother fight the way he does now. Never had Kouji actually raised a sword against someone out of revenge, save now.

Shinya noted how none were willing to raise their arms against Takuya and he saw how Kouji had begun to stagger. Takuya was definitely stronger than how he was before thanks to the influence of Chaos' powers.

Shinya knew that Takuya was merely toying with the young Knight and that soon, Kouji would fall. He knew he needed to do something, even if that something was not what Kouji would want from him.

Takuya managed to push Kouji back however, before Shinya could act. It was then that Takuya decided to show-off just what it is that he gained from allying himself with Chaos.

Stretching forth his right hand towards Kouji's direction, Takuya began to charge up dark energy. Shinya knew he had to act now. He could guess what would come out of those hands aimed at Kouji and he knew that if they had any chance in beating Chaos, all the Chosen Ones must be complete - or at least, all of their powers.

Just in the nick of time, Shinya managed to come in between his brother and the Knight. Thanks to that, and for whatever power Shinya has, he managed to deflect the attack - an attack that he had guessed right.

Dark flames threatened to consume his hand but, for some reason, they did not hurt as much as he would have thought. Actually, he could feel no pain in his hands and when he looked to find the reason why, he saw white-colored flames eating the dark ones.

Shinya looked around him and noticed that it was only the flames in his hands and arms that were being put off by the white fire. As for the black flames around him, they were consuming everything in their path until it has turned into ash. Shinya felt lucky to have been able to stop it from reaching the others and he felt even luckier at whatever protection he may have gained against those flames.

"T-those are different from what Takuya could do before." He heard Kouji say.

He looked over at Kouji's direction and saw that the young Knight was pushing himself up from where Shinya had pushed him.

"Those are the Dark Flames." Izumi found herself explaining. Shinya nodded. "Kaien told us about them... the manifestation of the Chosen One of the Flame's corrupted power..."

"Kaien? Who's Kaien?" Kouichi asked.

"A Chosen One like ourselves but from the distant past." Katsuharu replied. "I wish we could tell you more about him but...now really isn't the time."

"Amazing isn't it?" Takuya spoke in a hollowed, and slightly maniacal, tone. "The flames that cannot be extinguished. Such power. It's such a shame that you chose to abandon the Dark One, brother. This power could have been yours."

"If you have told me that a long while ago, I may have agreed with you that it is such a shame. However..." Shinya replied as he drew his sword out and faced his brother, ready for battle. "I have to say that I am not that much amused."

"What?" Takuya said. "Not amused? Perhaps I should demonstrate this power further."

Shinya glanced back at where the others were standing and on the direction that Kouji was preparing to fight once more. He knew that, as they are now, Takuya's power could easily destroy them. He cannot allow that to happen. He can't allow them to stay and watch the battle as well, that would be dangerous.

It was then that the silver doors suddenly swung open as if inviting them all in. Whatever mechanism was on the door had suddenly vanished and they were free to enter it now.

Shinya knew what has to be done next.

Looking back at them he said, "We don't have much time. If we plan on putting a stop to the Emperor and Chaos then we can't all waste our time here."

"What are you saying, Shinya?" Katsuharu asked.

"Go on ahead." Shinya replied. "I'll deal with Takuya, you all just go after Seraphim and Chaos now before it's too late."

"I think not!" Kouji disagreed. "It may be one of your ploys to ambush us."

"That's right." Agreed Junpei. It was obvious that they still did not trust the older Kanbara and they had no problems voicing that out. "Besides, you may just be plotting to kill Takuya while we are away."

"Isn't that what your friend, Kouji, intended to do?" Shinya retorted, his brows were furrowed and there was a hint of annoyance in his facial features.

Everyone's attention was at Kouji now but they immediately turned back their attention to the battle at hand when Takuya started attacking Shinya again with a mixture of sword moves - slashes and trusts - as well as of magic.

Shinya managed to deflect and parry the attacks while making sure that none of the Dark Flames manage to hit the others. It was a daunting task but he managed to do it nonetheless. However, there were some flames that almost got to the others. Almost.

"This place is dangerous for us." Teppei managed to say as he realized what Shinya was trying to do by sending them away. "We can't stand up to Takuya's flames and even if we fight against him, most of us will just fight him half-heartedly. I think it is best if we just make our way forward and make sure to put a stop to Seraphim and Chaos' plans... or at least, delay it for as much as we can while Shinya catches up with us."

"You actually believe him?" Tomoki asked, it was quite surprising.

Teppei nodded and faced Katsuharu. "Whatever happened to Shinya to make him want to help us is beyond me but... this is our chance to move forward and not get in his way. I say we take it."

Katsuharu nodded and so too did Kouichi. Before long, they all agreed to move forward while the battle between the two brothers raged on.

With their decision made final, the group of Chosen Ones immediately turned around and run towards the newly opened path, never looking back at what was happening in the battle. That is, save for one. Izumi Orimoto.

"S-Shinya." She managed to call out as Shinya swiped his sword vertically and Takuya jumped back.

Shinya was surprised to hear and see Izumi still there when the others have surely made their way to their next destination.

"Izumi, what are you still doing here? Didn't I tell you to go forward?" Shinya asked as he locked swords with Takuya once again.

"But-!" Izumi wanted to argue. How can he possibly think that she can leave him and Takuya alone like that? How can he think that she fully trusted him to save the life and soul of her most precious person?

It seems that Izumi's presence, however, caused trouble for Shinya as Takuya suddenly managed to successfully hit him with one of his sword attacks, causing his left cheek to bleed and reveal a wound. Shinya was lucky to have dodged it as he did, otherwise, the attack could have hit him in the eye and blinded him.

"Damn it." Growled Shinya. He was losing consentration with Izumi around.

"What's wrong, brother?" Takuya taunted. "Is that woman causing trouble for you?"

"That woman?" Izumi could not help but let those words echo in her head. "Did he just call me that?" She wondered.

It seems that even Shinya caught those words as he smirked. "'That woman', you say? Have Chiaki not only poisoned your mind and your soul but your heart as well? Don't tell me you have forgotten the very same woman who you would so readily give your life for?"

"I only have one woman in my life I am willing to die for, and that woman is Chiaki." Recited Takuya, as if it was a line that he had practiced to say for so long.

Shinya eyed Izumi, wondering what her reaction to those words were. He couldn't say for certain, however, as her hair covered her face. But how Izumi reacted to it, was not something he could have expected and guessed.

"I can't believe you would say that, Takuya..." Izumi's voice was strained and shaking. Shinya could not help but think if she was forcing herself not to cry. How very wrong that deduction was, for just when Shinya was about to tell Izumi not to cry, did Izumi suddenly took out her bow and mounted an arrow on it, and attacked Takuya.

It was such a quick and fluid action from Izumi that caught Takuya, and even Shinya, in surprise. Takuya was so surprised, in fact, that he failed to dodge the attack that managed to wound his right shoulder and cause him to drop the sword on his right hand.

"Gah!" Shouted Takuya as the arrow struck him. "What the hell!"

Takuya turned to face Izumi and he saw the anger in her eyes which were forcing itself not to cry. Shinya could not help but commend the determination Izumi had just shown but he knew that this Takuya would not let that pass.

"That was unexpected..." Shinya managed to say, a small smile on his face as he walked towards Izumi, ready to protect her should Takuya decide to incinerate her. "I would never have thought you'd do that, Izumi. But, I'd suggest you stay out of this fight."

Izumi did not say anything. It was either she had nothing to say or because she, herself, was as surprised of her actions as Shinya was.

"How dare you do that you b..." Takuya was about to say but before he could finish his sentence, Shinya attacked him with his new-found power, the power of the white flames.

Takuya, however, managed to let lose his own attack at the same time and, as the black and white flames collided, a small explosion occurred. It was a small explosion but enough to blow anyone away. This was the reason why, when the smoke cleared, Takuya was standing with his sword sticking on the ground, using it as an archor with Shinya doing the same and with his left arm around Izumi's waist.

"You okay?" Shinya managed to ask as soon as he could.

Izumi nodded then asked her own question, "How did you do that?", implying on the white flames that Shinya suddenly could control.

Shinya shrugged as he let go of Izumi, "I suppose we have Kaien to thank for it."

"Kaien? What do you mean?" Izumi asked. But, whatever Shinya's explanation was, it didn't come for he was immediately drawn back into the battle.

Izumi gripped her bow tightly. She could feel her legs still shaking. Takuya did not hesitate to attack her, if it wasn't for Shinya's intervention, she knew he would have succeeded. Despite how hard it was to accept, Izumi knew she would have to fight him. Shinya may be strong but that only placed him in equal footing with his brother.

Izumi reloaded another arrow unto her bow and aimed it at Takuya, she closed her eyes for fear that the tears would spill before she let lose the arrow.

Takuya seemed to have been expecting the attack for he jumped out of the way and faced Izumi once more.

"I-Izumi! What the heck-!" Shinya was about to say.

"You really are getting on my nerves." Takuya said as he began to walk towards Izumi, sword in hand.

Shinya knew he would have to move to her defense but, it appeared as though Takuya knew it too for he used her to distract Shinya. And, in that moment when Shinya's thoughts were focused on going between Izumi and Takuya, Takuya attacked him.

This surprised Shinya especially when he found himself pinned to the wall with one of Takuya's swords on the upper-left of his chest. If he had not stepped forward at that point when Takuya attacked him, Takuya would have fatally wounded him.

Shinya coughed, spewing blood on the ground.

"Stay there for a while, will you." Takuya said as he let go of the sword and continued walking towards Izumi, picking up the other sword he had dropped before in the process. "Now, where were we?"

Izumi took a stepped back. She was truly scared of the Takuya before her. But, she suddenly stopped in her retreat.

"Tell me, Izumi, why do you insist on helping my brother fight against me?" Takuya asked, he had stopped his advances as well.

Izumi was silent for a moment before she finally spoke and gave the answer to the question that even Shinya was curious in hearing.

"Because just as you have promised to protect and save me whenever I am in trouble, back when we were still children, I also have made a promise to you, as solemnly as it was." Izumi replied. "I promised to protect and save you as well Takuya, even if it means having to fight against you now..."

"A promise? I don't remember having made any promises with you." Takuya said, he seemed agitated.

"I don't know what Chiaki did to you to make you forget and turn into the person you are now, Takuya," Izumi continued on to say, as she reloaded her weapon, "But, I will prove to her that what we have is stronger than what she could have done and what powers she used to accomplish it."

The buzzing at the back of his head was becoming louder. He wondered if the words that were coming out of this woman's mouth was the cause of it. Whatever the cause or reason may be, he was annoyed of it. He wanted the buzzing sound and the nagging feeling to stop.

"What promise could she be talking about?" Takuya found himself wondering. "Why would I make a promise to the enemy?"

"But you did make a promise, don't you remember?" A voice suddenly spoke in his mind. It sounded like a child's voice. A familiar child's voice. "Whenever you're sad, or whenever you have a problem, just look at the moon and remember you have good-old-me, and I'll go to you and help you out."

"That voice..." Takuya found himself in a daze which confused Izumi and Shinya.

"What's going on with him?" Shinya asked in between gasps for air as he tried to take the blade out of him.

Izumi was as confused as Shinya was but she saw this as a chance to attack, and so she did, letting lose a volley of arrows that snapped Takuya from his reverie and caused the said young man to jump further back.

But, not all of Izumi's attacks missed as one arrow found its way into Takuya's thigh, injuring the young man enough for him to stumble down on one knee.

Seeing as Takuya was having a bit of trouble standing up after that, Izumi quickly made her way to Shinya. Once by his side, Izumi quickly helped Shinya take the sword that was pinning him off and, using what remaining powers she had, helped close the wound. It was, after all, the least she could do.

As she was healing Shinya, however, Takuya had already managed to take out the arrow that had penetrated his thigh. He was angry, annoyed and confused to say the least so much so that he did not care what happens any more.

He stretched forth his hands once again, and the energy began building in his palms. More and more. He wanted more power to flow unto them. He wanted, more than anything, to destroy these two who were causing him trouble.

When Izumi and Shinya both realized what was going on, it was already too late. Takuya had already fired off his attack and Dark Flames made their way to their target followed by a powerful explosion that caused half of the hall to become unstable and to cave in.

Takuya laughed as he forced himself up, using his sword for support.

"Finally!" He said. He placed his good hand around his left eye and was surprised when it touched something wet - a fluid. He traced it as it led to his eyes.

Takuya Kanbara was crying.

"Wha-what is the meaning of this?" He asked more to himself than anyone else. "Why am I...crying?"

Just then, his head began to throb but the pain it felt was nothing like the pain that he could suddenly feel in his heart, which sent him stumbling back down.

Once again, he heard that annoying buzzing sound.

"Is this what you truly want?" Came a voice, it was not like the voice that spoke to him before. It was a different voice, a bit older and it was a voice he had not heard before. "To hurt those who truly love you? Is your will and your power that weak to easily succumb and be a prisoner of darkness?"

"W-who are you?" Takuya managed to ask in his mind.

"You should be asking yourself that." The voice replied. "You're lost. Torn between the person you are now and the person you once have been by Chaos' power."

Takuya slowly opened his eyes. He felt annoyed.

"Just who does this voice think he is..." He wondered, gritting his teeth as he stood up once more. "How dare he asks like he knows me."

It may be because of his anger or annoyance mixed with the confusion that caused him to suddenly run rampant. Summoning more Dark Flames to consume the entire place.

Takuya did not seem as though he was going to stop any time soon when suddenly, a wave of white flames shot down towards him, dousing the dark flames that dared to destroy all in its wake.

Takuya quickly looked over to where the white flames suddenly came from expecting to find Shinya still standing. However, the person who greeted him was not someone he had expected. Nor was it someone he knows.

There, standing on the other side of the hall where Takuya last saw Izumi and Shinya, was a young man with long, crimson-colored hair. His whole body was overflowing with silvery light that was as bright as the flames that had shot out before.

It was Kaien.

"Who the hell are you?" Asked Takuya. His voice was starting to hold some emotion on them.

Kaien merely stared at him for a moment before scanning the room. There was a sad look in his eyes. After taking a quick glance around the room, Kaien stretched his arms forward and, snapped his fingers.

The snap was louder than anyone could have possibly thought possible and it seemed to shake the hall. From his fingers, emerged the same white flames that Shinya was able to summon before and, like how it aided Shinya before, helped Kaien extinguish the Dark Flames that was consuming the entire room.

When the flames died down, Takuya was able to see Shinya holding an unconscious Izumi.

"So, they have survived after all. Tsk." Was all that came out of Takuya's mouth.

Kaien looked at the two Chosen Ones and back at Takuya. His eyes were filled with anger mixed with disappointment.

"I had wanted for so long to meet you Takuya but, this is not the 'you' I had wanted to meet." Kaien said.

"Kaien?" Shinya asked in disbelief. "Wha-what are you doing here? I thought you can't leave the island or Milanai's side?"

Kaien looked at Shinya, a small smile was planted on his face. It was a smile, but a sad one at that, and he replied, "I came to fulfill a promise. You needed help, right?"

"But what about Milanai? Your duty?" Shinya asked.

"I have already spoken to you about that." Kaien replied as he faced Takuya once more and stretched his left arm upward. Flames erupted as they did before but these flames now took the shape of a sword. "My duty as a Guardian of the World Tree is almost finish."

Before Shinya knew it, Kaien had already stepped forward and so did Takuya, albeit he was staggering quite a bit and another round of battle has begun.

Despite Takuya's wounds, he still proved to be a very capable warrior but Kaien was undaunted. Both of them were fixated on the battle that Shinya could not help but be in awe as he watched it unfold before his eyes.

The sound of metal against metal and fizzing powers that collide with one another made it even more surreal. Add that to the light emanating from Kaien's body and one could easily be caught in a daze watching the said spectacle.

As he watched Kaien fight, Shinya could not help but think how right his deductions were that Kaien was the reason behind the white flames bestowed upon him. The reason why Takuya's powers did not affect him as it should. Shinya made a mental note to thank the Guardian of the World Tree for that after this is all over.

Meanwhile, Takuya was truly pushing himself to the limit for even with Chaos' power, he was still being pushed back by his new foe.

"Why?" He found himself asking loud enough for Kaien to hear. "Why is it that you are stronger than me? I should be stronger. I have Lord Chaos with me."

"Chaos doesn't fight along side you, he uses you." Kaien retorts all too knowingly. "You were stronger, Takuya, when you were with your friends. Do not let Chaos continue to control your heart, mind and body. Is your will really not strong enough to regain that which you have lost? Is your faith that shallow?"

"I don't know what you're talking about!" Cried Takuya as he parried and counter attacked causing Kaien to jump back.

Takuya then stared at Kaien with eyes that seemed not as empty as they were before. Emotions such as anger and confusion was already evident in them. Kaien nodded, he had accomplished that much. If such emotions have returned, surely he can bring Takuya back to his senses still.

"Remember, Takuya!" Kaien coaxed. "Remember what you were doing before and what you were meant to be doing. This is not your path. Turn back and fight over his control. There is hope still."

After speaking those words, Kaien unleashed another set of flames. However, Shinya noted how, despite having the same appearance, these flames were different. He didn't know how he can tell but, he can. And he was right.

Takuya was unable to block the flames but, as it consumed him, it did not burn him at all. Still, Takuya screamed in agony and pain. Whatever those flames had was enough to put Takuya to the ground gasping for air.

He placed a hand over his chest which felt like it would burst.

"What...was...that? Those images..." Takuya found himself wondering as the bedazzling flame died down around him.

Takuya was sprawled at the floor after being hit by Kaien's attack which sent more than just flames but visions as well. Visions of a past that he could not remember. Vision of things that had happened. Visions of that woman and those other intruders whom he had been tasked to kill. But, these visions were not as how he remembered them. They were visions of him smiling along with them, laughing and fighting along side them as well.

"You saw it, did you not?" Kaien spoke as he allowed Takuya some breathing time. "Those are your memories. Your REAL memories and not something fabricated by the woman, Chiaki and the Dark One."

"N-no." Gasped Takuya. "You lie. These are just images of lies...to make me turn on my Master... to make me betray Chaos!"

Kaien furrowed his brows. "Do you truly believe that? Takuya, search within the inner recesses of your heart and see that what I speak of is the truth."

"No." Takuya said, his voice was firmer now as he pushed himself back up however barely he did managed to do that.

Shinya was truly and utterly speechles. Not only that but, in a battle that he believed he should be fighting, he was simply just sitting it out whilst looking after Izumi. This certainly was not how he had thought things would go.

What's more, Kaien was there. Fighting.

He was amazed that Kaien was still so good with the sword and with fighting all together. He had thought that, having done nothing but guard Milanai, that Kaien would have become rusty with his swordsmanship. How dead wrong he was!

He was so absorbed in watching Takuya and Kaien exchange blows that he did not notice one thing. Izumi had regained consciousness. This could have been a good thing, if it were not for the events that would soon transpire...

Izumi groaned as she awoke.

She felt pain all over and for a while, she forgot what she was doing, where she was and what was going on around her. So much so that she almost went back to sleep, until she heard the clashing sounds of sword against sword, and the sound of that all-too-familiar voice.

She forced her vision to adjust, for it was still blurry when she came too. After a while, she saw what Shinya, who was supporting her head while she lay, was gawking at.

Kaien was fighting against Takuya. It took a while for her mind to register that it was indeed Kaien. For a while, she thought she was dreaming that she had to pinch herself. Of course, having a sore body meant that the pinch was ten times more effective and she knew at once that this indeed happening. All of it was real.

Suddenly, she heard Kaien spoke.

"If you really insist on fighting for the sake of Chaos and his plans then, I am afraid you leave me no choice." Kaien said as he poised himself once more for an attack.

Takuya did not answer back but, he too poised himself for an attack as well.

The two met in a speed that would never be matched by anyone but, during that one-hit strike, Kaien emerged victorious, managing to shatter Takuya's breastplate into tiny shards. It was his forte, after all.

Izumi saw Takuya stagger and fall back while Kaien turned around to deal what would be a finishing blow.

"N-no way...is he...planning to kill Takuya?" Shinya gasped. This was not how he thought it would end.

Izumi frantically turned her attention back to Kaien and Takuya. This was not something she wanted as well. Suddenly, her mind was filled with only one thing - protecting Takuya. It was this thought that took control of her body and before anyone could react, she had, at the same moment that Kaien struck down his sword towards Takuya to deal the finishing blow, got in between Takuya and Kaien, protecting Takuya from the said blow.

It happened so fast that Shinya could not react and before he, or anyone in that room could understand what had happened, Izumi had slumped down on the ground, a large wound on her chest and bleeding badly.

To be continued...

Post Author's Notes:

*Whew* I did not expect to finish this so soon and upload this just as soon as I finished it. lol
I bet a lot of you weren't expecting it as well, nor were you expecting that it would be THIS long. Well, isn't this a pleasant surprise.

Anyways, I hope I didn't make a mess in writing the battle scenes and I do hope you like this chapter, however grim the end of it may be. If this chapter left you a bit confused, don't worry, the next chapter will provide some insights and answers to the remaining questions and explain some things as well.

Having said that, I really wish more people would give me some feedback. A review certainly would be nice.

Well, this is as long as I plan on writing for today. I will try to upload another chapter as soon as I can as I want to finish this fanfic and start on a new one. This is Sakura Martinez saying "PEACE" and signing out! Ja ne!

End of Post Author's Notes