Frontier 02: Rebirthing – Chapter 33: All That's Done's…
madjack89: Hey guys! The gang's back! And Yin's here to fill the vacant bodyguard position!
Yin: Hi there. How's it going?
Kouji: You just had to, didn't you…?
Yin: Quiet, you!
Kouji: *sigh*
Dai: Hi everybody! Thanks for the cookies I got! They're scrum-diddly-umptious!
Shino: And cue the hyperness.
Dai: Don't knock it till you try it!
Shino: *sigh*
madjack89: Anyway, now we can find out about Kira's date with Ki—
Takuya: I'll kill that son of a bitch!
madjack89: —same.
Kira: Calm down Taki, he didn't make any moves on me. He was actually quite the gentleman.
Takuya: That's just what he wants you to think! He's trying to lower your guard by making you trust him, and then WHAM! Date rape!
Zoe: Takuya does have a point. You should be careful around Kisame. I mean, he's in the Akatsuki.
Sasori: And everyone knows how badass we are.
Neji: Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't you a PUPPET master?
Sasori: …Poke.
Neji: Screw you.
Kira: Oh, don't worry, guys. I've always got my D-Tector on hand around him.
Takuya: That's exactly what he wants!
Kira: *sigh* Besides, we all know from experience that when an Akatsuki member has a crush, they're very sincere about it. Right guys?
Sasori and Pein: *blushing* Shut up!
madjack89: Alright, on to the reviews!
*break*
GoldenDragon326: Heck yeah! Seiko is the master of Kouji pwnage, after all! (Kouji: *glares*) Hee, Kouji is Ellie's little puppy! Woof woof! (Kouji: *glares more*) Yeah, Chief might retreat to the emo corner for a bit, but he'll be fine. He's Chief, after all! Okay, thanks for reviewing!
silver fire wolf: Awwwww! Hi Kokoro! Aren't you a little cutie? Kya! (Wow, am I fangirling, but I just love cute things!) Don't worry, big Kouichi will be fine, you'll see! Big Kouji just has to…give him a time out! Yeah…time out…anyway, thanks for reviewing, you two! *blushes at Kokoro calling me pretty*
Aldamonburst: Sora, how can you confuse Sasuke with Crispin Freeman? And why would Sasuke say that he is his hated brother's voice actor? Oh well, Sasuke's weird like that. (Sasuke: *glares*) I can't wait to see you rock out in KH, Kaito! And stop being a baby, Donald! Once a hamster peed on my bed, and you didn't see me complaining…okay, I complained a little, but that's not the point. Thanks for reviewing, Burst!
TobiGB: Thanks for coming up with that attack! I don't know how I would've capped off that fight without it! (Kouichi: Use it for good instead of evil? What're you, a pansy?) Kouichi, that's rude! (Kouichi: *shrugs*) Grr…oh, go away, Madara! (Kouji: Let me make this clear, Madara. If you touch one hair on Masumon's head, if you even LOOK at her, I will kick your ass so hard that you may never be able to even think about sitting again. Got it?) Wow, you got him angry. Anyway, thanks for reviewing, GB!
Dawn of Glory: I know, it's a horrible stereotype, but what're you gonna do? That's the way it is. Besides, I have plans for Nina in the future. Thanks for reviewing!
DigiBleach: (Takuya: Yeah, I guess… *embarrassed*) Aw, it's nothing to be embarrassed about. Now Dusky getting all emotional, THAT'S embarrassing! (Duskmon: Screw you!) Wow, a Dusky plushie! If I had one of those, I'd cuddle it every night before going to bed! (Just like my mini-Kakashi plushie!) Thanks for reviewing!
KeikoTakishita: Yeah, getting rid of evil Kouichi is kind of bittersweet but, truth be told, I really miss writing for nice Kouichi! Wow, I actually didn't think Ellie would be that popular. Once again, I've been proven wrong! (lol) I forget how I started talking to characters in the middle of the story, but now it's kind of become my style! And what a weird style it is! (lol) Thanks for reviewing!
13wolfsbane: Actually Yin, Raihimon is a real Digimon, but the producers of Frontier were dumb and only let pretty boy and Taki Fusion Evolve! (Yin: Hm, I see. Damn producers.) I know. Oh, by the way, I've actually seen the first episode of Wolf's Rain. I'll try to watch the rest sometime. (Yin: Cool.) Anyway, JP's voice actor is in everything, so it's no surprise he's in Wolf's Rain! (JP: That's because I'm awesome!) Yeah, sure. Thanks for the review, 13! (Yin: Can I kick Kouichi's ass yet?) No, Yin. (Yin: Damn…)
61wisampa: In case you haven't noticed, I tend to torture characters that I like! (lol) I understand entirely. Kouichi's annoying the heck out of me, too. Kouji will be fine, though. Okay, thanks for the review!
Shadowfox94: Hm, maybe evil Hotaru would be able to do the same. (Yin: Hell yeah he could!) Yin, shoo! (Yin: Fine.) Evil Kouichi would not fight Zoe. If she went after him, he'd run away. It would be kind of funny! (Kouichi: Hmph…) He'll still be able to Fusion Evolve, and I think I'll explain Dragramon's past a bit in the next chapter and cover it in-depth in a one-shot. I'll hold this hug for Kouichi. Thanks for reviewing!
Zanzibar1: I probably wouldn't be able to, either, but Kouji's hardcore enough to pull it off! (Kouji: *glares*) Thanks for reviewing!
fg1fg: I'm going to try to get all the Fusions in eventually, but it may not happen for awhile yet. And I can't wait to bring Tommy's in, either! It's a penguin! Ha ha! Alright, thanks for reviewing! And thanks for the congrats!
twilight'sfury hexer: (Duskmon: Screw being a hero, I just don't want to kill anyone.) He's not even at the anti-hero point yet. Oh well. Really, Shino will be fine, and we'll just have to see how Kouichi takes it. Aw, you shouldn't have gotten detention if you didn't even get the work! That's no fair! Well, you have my sympathy, at least! Thanks for reviewing!
garnettfox: Yay, I did good! I actually worked really hard on the parts with Drakemon, trying to get her just right. Oh, Darkgramon's a pimp! (lol) That's a really good plot you have there. I don't think I want to change it at all! Oh, would you mind if I eventually wrote a one-shot centered around Dragramon and Darkgramon? I'll work really hard on it, I promise! Okay, thank you for everything!
K.-Remi: Eh, Kouichi's annoying me right now, too. Don't fret, Taki shall have his moment in the next thrilling arc! That's an awesome name! LightSaber! That could be your name too, Kouji! (Kouji: No.) Okay, whatever. KPBS=Koujipwned by Seiko. It's basically any time Kouji is completely owned by his woman. (lol) What, you thought I was just gonna leave Dusky and Rena like that? I'm not that cruel! Thanks for reviewing, and careful with that belly lance!
*break*
madjack89: Okay, let's get this chapter under way!
Kouichi: You're not seriously getting rid of me, are you?
madjack89: Well, evil Kouichi, let's just say I've set a nice, cozy chair in that corner so you can comfortably wallow in your guilt!
Kouichi: Crap.
Everyone else: *thinking* Yes!
Yin: Finally!
Kouichi: You couldn't have kept that to yourself?
Yin: I can't keep this to myself, either! *kicks Kouichi's shin*
Kouichi: Ow!
madjack89: Isn't she great?
Kouji: *sigh*
—
What's going on?
Kouichi was aware that he'd fallen, but he had no idea where he'd fallen from. He'd been…flying somehow.
You shall be first.
Kouichi winced, gritting his teeth against the pain that suddenly pounded through his skull. Too many images…of monsters…
KOUJI!
"No!" Kouichi cried, eyes shooting open. The flashing images disappeared instantly, including the one's of his brother lying injured on the ground.
He quickly shook off these pictures, finally noticing his surroundings. He was in the middle of some kind of dark, foreboding forest.
"How did I get here?" he wondered, placing his hand on the ground in order to push himself to his feet. However, the thing he placed on the ground wasn't his hand.
"What the hell?" Kouichi exclaimed, jumping up in surprise. Shakily, he held the dark claw-like apparatus up to his face. He waved it around a bit and then, to make sure he was correct in his assumption, raised his other hand only to find another creepy, grotesque looking thing. "These are…my hands."
Get out of my head, Duskmon. Leave my memories alone!
Suddenly Kouichi was on the ground again, more images flashing through his mind as he writhed in agony. This time, though, the pictures slowly began to connect. All the monsters and scenery became more and more familiar until he knew exactly where he was. And what he was.
"No…" he muttered to himself, for now he realized why his brother had been hurt all those times. "I almost…killed him."
So what?
—
Lowemon quickly blocked Lobomon's Light Saber (Ironically, I was watching Star Wars the other day!) with his lance, smirking. "Wow," he said, looking excited. "I could tell that you were ready to fight, but I didn't know how ready you were to kill me! This should be interesting!"
Lobomon leaped back, not saying a word. His eyes and expression were both cold, betraying nothing. After a moment of staring his brother down, he finally muttered, "What are you waiting for? Come get me."
"With pleasure!" Lowemon retorted, leaping forward with his lance raised. "Take this, you bastard!"
Despite the obvious power behind Lowemon's attack, Lobomon blocked it with ease, not even flinching.
"What the hell?" Lowemon growled, pushing harder against Lobomon's weapon to no avail. "How could you block my attack so easily? You're not that strong."
"Maybe you're just underestimating me," Lobomon said as his Light Saber began to glow more intensely than it ever had before. "Or maybe, like you, I'm getting outside help."
Lowemon's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"
Suddenly, Lowemon heard Nina gasp in recognition. ~Ellie?~
Before he could ask what Nina was talking about, Lobomon shoved Lowemon back with his Light Saber, causing him to stumble backwards several steps. Crap, he thought. I'm an open target.
To his surprise, though, Lobomon let Lowemon regain his balance. He still held his Light Saber in front of him defensively, but he made no move to actually attack. He just stood there, once again waiting for Lowemon to make the first move.
Lowemon was slightly puzzled, but nonetheless took the bait. "Fine, I'll do the attacking, if you insist!" With that, Lowemon lunged.
"What the hell is Kouji doing? He's just blocking Chief's attacks," Beetlemon wondered aloud, watching the fight from a few feet away. "Maybe we SHOULD go help him, huh kid?"
"I think this is Kouji's fight," Kumamon replied, sounding a lot older than he was. "We shouldn't get in the way."
"But we definitely need to get Takuya out of there," Hotaru remarked, pointing out the fact that Takuya was still lying in the middle of the battlefield. Once again he tried to stand, and once again he fell back against Beetlemon. "Damn…"
"Easy does it, Taru," Beetlemon said, glancing at his friend sympathetically. "You've done enough."
Hotaru looked like he was about to reply, but Kumamon's sudden shout cut him off. "Kouji!"
Beetlemon and Hotaru looked up along with the others, watching as Lobomon shoved Lowemon away again, grabbed Takuya, and rushed toward the rest of them. "Take care of him," he said quickly, shoving Takuya's limp body into Zoe's arms. Then he raced back over to Lowemon just in time to block another flurry of assaults.
"Again with the defensive strategy?" Beetlemon muttered. "Geez, Kouji, show some backbone!"
"He just doesn't want to miss," Masumon suddenly stated softly. "He's waiting for the right time to strike."
The others stared at Masumon in confusion. "What do you mean by that?" Shino asked slowly.
"What happened to Kouji when he was unconscious?" Zoe added, setting Takuya down next to Kira. (She figured he'd be happiest there.)
Masumon took a deep breath, eyes clouding with an equal amount of guilt and sympathy. "In case you don't know by now, Nina, the one who did this to Kouichi, has a sister. Her name is Ellie, and she represents Light."
"What is up with these completely random names?" Beetlemon said to himself.
"As far as we know, they named themselves," Witchmon replied, finally speaking up. She was crouched down by Dragramon, whose painful twitching was beginning to kick up dust from the ground she lay on. Turning to Masumon, she added, "Masumon, do you think you can to anything for Dragra?"
"I can try," Masumon said, joining Witchmon by Dragramon's side. Then she placed her, once again, glowing hands on the dragon Digimon's stomach. Dragramon settled slightly at her touch until she dropped into a fairly peaceful sleep. "Looks like Nina used some sort of dark power to torture Dragramon with unbearable pain. I think I got rid of it. She'll be okay, Witchmon."
Witchmon fell on Masumon, hugging her tightly. "You are the most awesome Digimon ever, Masumon!"
"Yes, hugs all around," Shino muttered, anxious to hear the rest of Masumon's explanation. "Now that Dragramon's okay, could we maybe get back on topic?"
Masumon sighed, the same look as before crossing her face. Standing up, she continued her explanation, "Okay, as you can see, Nina can corrupt people with darkness. Ellie can do the same with light, only she wouldn't corrupt someone. I sort of sent Kouji to Ellie so that she and him would be able to help each other. Ellie has given Kouji some of her power and with this power, Kouji will be able to drive Nina out of Kouichi, thereby bringing him back. But…"
"So Kouichi's really coming back?" Kumamon suddenly stated hopefully.
"Hell yeah!" Beetlemon said enthusiastically. "I take back what I said about Ellie's name!"
"Guys, Masumon's not done!" Zoe snapped, glaring at the other two. They quickly shut up as Zoe said, "Go ahead, Masumon."
"Uh, okay," Masumon mumbled, surprised by Zoe's sudden anger. "Well, Kouji has the power to save Kouichi, but in order to do it, he has to…to…he…oh, I really wish this weren't the case, but he has to stab Kouichi through the heart with his Light Saber!"
"What?" Beetlemon and Kumamon exclaimed, shocked.
"Knowing Madjack, that's actually not all that surprising," Shino muttered, rolling his eyes.
"True," Hotaru agreed.
"Yeah, but still!" Beetlemon said, growing more shocked and outraged by the second. "Why should Kouji have to do that? There has to be another way!"
"Well, there is, but…" Masumon mumbled uncomfortably.
"Then why aren't we using another method?" Beetlemon asked, glaring angrily at Masumon. "How the hell could you expect Kouji to just…go up and stab his brother?"
Masumon shrunk under Beetlemon's gaze, looking upset. "I'm sorry…"
"JP, stop it," Zoe suddenly said, stepping protectively in front of Masumon. Glaring harshly at her friend, she continued, "Think about it for a second. Did you see what Masumon did to Dragramon? Chances are that's the only other method we have. Now, would you like to go back out there and subdue Kouichi enough for Masumon to do the same to him, probably losing a few lives in the process?"
Beetlemon backed down, pacified by Zoe's logic. "Yeah, but…is Kouji gonna be able to do this?"
No one answered for several moments. Then Zoe replied, "I think he will. He'll do anything to save Kouichi, even something like this."
The others relaxed slightly, hopeful thanks to Zoe's affirmation. But despite her apparent confidence, Zoe wasn't so sure that Kouji could go through with this herself.
There's no way he'll strike unless there's absolutely no chance of him missing, she thought, trying to come up with ways that she could help. He'll need something to hold Kouichi's attention…he'll need a distraction…
—
"Huh?" Kouichi got slowly to his feet, glancing around the trees to find the source of the voice he'd heard.
I'm right here, Kouichi, the voice said, sighing heavily.
Kouichi gasped, finally realizing that this voice was coming from inside his mind. But it wasn't his own. "Who are you?"
You know who I am, it replied as if the answer were obvious. In fact, you made me.
Kouichi had no clue what this meant, despite this voice's assertions. It sounded familiar, but still…
Think of it this way, the voice said, clearly growing impatient. Whose body are you snatching?
Suddenly, the sickening truth dawned on Kouichi. "You're Duskmon."
Bingo, Duskmon's voice replied condescendingly. Now that you've figured that out, time to get back to what I was saying earlier. So what if you kill your brother? What'd he ever do for you?
"He's my brother," Kouichi stated, though it sounded like a hastily-made excuse. "Shouldn't that be a good enough reason not to kill him?"
Kouichi could almost picture Duskmon shaking his head exasperatedly. We've got a lot to talk about.
—
"Fight me already!" Lowemon shouted, crossing swords with his brother yet again. This time he changed tactics a bit and pushed forward, shoving Lobomon against a tree. The impact barely seemed to faze him at all. Nothing seemed to be fazing him. And then, of course, Nina had muttered that name, Ellie. What was going on?
"What the hell's wrong with you?" Lowemon growled, glaring angrily at his opponent. "Stop blocking and start fighting!"
Lobomon regarded his twin coolly, then replied, "Why bother attacking when you make it so easy to block every move you make?"
"That does it!" Lowemon shouted, jumping back. Lobomon tensed as Lowemon crossed his arms in an oh-so-familiar way, gathering power for his next attack. Lobomon quickly held his left arm straight out, gathering his own energy in the weapon-like device attached to it. After a second of this, the attacks were unleashed.
"Shadow Meteor!"
"Howling Laser!"
Both attacks, light and dark, collided before reaching either of their intended targets, mingling with each other before completely blinking out of existence.
Neither Digimon said anything for a moment, shocked by what had just occurred. Then Lowemon said, "If you're waiting for me to say something like 'the attacks canceled each other out,' screw you. I'm not Thomas, and wolfy over there is DEFINITELY not Marcus."
Directly after saying this, Lowemon was forced to block an oncoming flurry of assaults from Lobomon's Light Saber. (We've finally come to the point where I can casually refer to Lobomon's weapon as a Light Saber. Ha ha!) Lowemon gritted his teeth, actually finding it difficult to parry his brother's blows. At the same time, though, he was elated.
"Finally, you're fighting like you mean it!" Lowemon shouted happily. "Now I'll actually get some satisfaction from killing you!"
Lobomon didn't respond, keeping up his vicious attacks. However, he could feel his body slowly weakening, and he noticed Lowemon beginning to tire as well. We can't keep this up forever, he thought despairingly. If I don't do it soon, I'll lose my only chance to save him.
Back with the rest of the group, Zoe was also noticing the twins' growing fatigue. We can't waste this opportunity to save Kouichi, she thought, determination flowing through her. To the others, she said, "We have to distract Kouichi."
"How would you suggest we do that?" Shino asked critically. Earning a dirty look from Zoe, he added, "He's been intent on getting this one-on-one fight. I doubt we could divert his attention from it."
"Maybe JP could buzz around his head like a fly," Witchmon suggested.
"A beetle and a fly are two completely different things!" Beetlemon exclaimed, insulted. "And I don't buzz!"
"Maybe we could just try yelling things at him," Hotaru said, cutting Beetlemon off. "If we get him mad or upset enough, it'll distract him from Kouji while he makes the…killing blow."
Zoe flinched at the phrase "killing blow," but nonetheless agreed with Hotaru's suggestion. Taking a deep breath, she shouted, "Hey Kouichi, want to know what we really think of you?"
"Oh, gonna get me back for earlier now, guys? Go ahead," Lowemon muttered, ignoring the fact that Zoe was the one who had spoken. He was still firmly concentrating on the fight.
"Well, you know what, Chief? You can be really annoying sometimes!" Beetlemon exclaimed, trying to put as much condescension into his voice as possible. "I mean, how many more times can we expect you to go evil?"
"And how can we trust someone who switches sides so easily?" Hotaru added, expression hard.
"And at first I thought you were gay!" Shino exclaimed.
"And your hair is weird!" Kumamon shouted.
"I agree with Tommy!" Witchmon stated
"And…uh…you're mercurial!" Masumon yelled, earning confused glances from the others. "Oh, mercurial means volatile and fickle, by the way!"
"Thanks for sharing," Lowemon muttered, still not paying much attention to the insults against him. "Anything else you'd like to add?"
The others grew silent, not knowing what else to try, considering they hadn't really meant all the things they'd said…for the most part. Zoe bit her lip in frustration, wondering why Kouichi always had to have such a one-track mind when it came to fighting…
Then she had it. The one thing she could say that would make Kouichi halt his attack long enough for Kouji to go through with the plan. She glanced at Shino guiltily, realizing too late that he'd been looking at her sympathetically. His sympathy quickly turned to confusion as he wondered why she'd be guilty. Zoe turned back to the fight. He'd know momentarily.
Gathering up her courage, Zoe stated clearly, "Kouichi, Shino kissed me."
—
Kouji's never done a thing for you, so why defend him? Duskmon's question reverberated in Kouichi's mind. Honestly, Duskmon made a valid point.
Still, being the person he was, Kouichi shook his head. "He's still my brother. More than that, he's my twin."
God, you're stubborn, Duskmon huffed, staying silent for several long moments.
Thinking that Duskmon was finished, Kouichi decided he'd better get on the move before someone stumbled upon him. Like Kouji. If that happened, there'd just be more fighting, which was the last thing he wanted.
For a while he just wandered listlessly through the forest, not caring where he was going. As he walked, he realized how little he actually clearly remembered about his life and how much he'd forgotten entirely.
I had no clue, he thought, amazed and scared that falling down the stairs and hitting his head could make him completely forget who he was. At least, he assumed that was the cause. Then again, he'd still known who he was when he'd first arrived in the Digital World, hadn't he? But then…
Kouichi squeezed his eyes shut, fighting back another splitting headache. Why did it hurt so much to try to remember? Why should knowing the truth be so painful?
As they say, ignorance is bliss.
—
Suddenly, everything stopped. Shino could feel everyone's eyes on him, judging him, looking down on him. Wanting to kill him.
He took several steps back, but he knew that wouldn't help. All those stares would just follow him. He kept his wide-eyed gaze fixed firmly on the ground so that he wouldn't have to meet anyone's eyes, especially not his…
Zoe glanced worriedly at Shino's horrified expression, but nonetheless returned her gaze to Lowemon, who was finally paying attention to her. She even caught a trace of pain in his eyes, which he quickly covered up with a sneer. "You're bluffing," he said, trying to sound confident. "He'd never have the guts to steal you from me."
"It's true," she responded, glancing quickly at Lobomon. To her dismay, his attention was fixed more on her story than on his brother. Kouji will take his chance if I can occupy Kouichi longer, she thought. "Remember how you saw me dragging Shino off? Well, what did you think we were doing together, all alone?"
"Discussing some stupid thing that I don't care about?" Lowemon asked mockingly.
"Not quite," Zoe replied, preparing to lie her butt off. "I'm not as oblivious as the rest of you seem to think I am. I can tell that all of you knew about Shino's little crush and tried to keep it from me. Well, the fact is that I've been playing all of you this whole time. I knew that Shino liked me. I've known all along."
Everyone was now giving Zoe skeptical looks, but she continued, "And you know what else, Kouichi? I've been getting really sick of looking after you. I mean, you're completely pathetic! Look what you've been reduced to. Killing Kouji for the sake of some vengeful little girl. I need comforting sometimes too, and you can't give it to me!
"But Shino can," Zoe said, glancing back at Shino. This was a mistake. Shino knew she was lying about all of this. She could tell from the look he gave her. He knew what was coming next. Tearing her eyes away from his pleading face, she went on, "He was there for me when I needed him, something you weren't. He was willing to comfort me, something you just couldn't do. And when he kissed me, I realized that I probably made the wrong choice all those months ago."
"Okay, you are definitely lying," Lowemon scoffed, though he didn't sound entirely sure. "I have you in the palm of my hand, and you know it."
"Don't be so sure of that," Zoe said, trying to sound sly. It failed miserably.
"Yeah, whatever," Lowemon muttered, turning around just as Lobomon was raising his Light Saber to deliver the final blow. Raising his own weapon, he said, "You know, it's not like I wasn't paying attention to what was going on behind me. Guess you were so busy closing your eyes and taking deep breaths that you didn't notice me glancing back at you."
Zoe's shoulders sagged as despair crashed over her. They'd been so close, but she hadn't been able to keep his attention on her. It was just too easy for Kouichi to tell that she was lying…but if she showed him proof, he might not be so disbelieving.
Turning around, she saw Shino beginning to relax slightly. He'd probably been worried about Kouichi's reaction to his loss of control. I can't do this to him. It'll crush him. But if I don't, Kouichi will…
Zoe marched over to Shino, gripping his arms firmly. "What are you doing?" he exclaimed, confused.
His eyes grew progressively wider as Zoe's face slowly moved toward his. Just before their lips met, she muttered, "I'm so sorry, Shino." Then she turned and shouted, "Hey Kouichi, take a look at this!"
Shino knew what was coming, but felt powerless to stop Zoe's lips from colliding into his.
—
"Why won't you leave me alone?" Kouichi asked, momentarily ignoring his headache.
Because you're confused, Duskmon replied. I'm just trying to help you out. We're partners, after all.
"Partners…" Kouichi considered this. When he hadn't remembered anything, he recalled a nagging voice telling him what to do at the very back of his mind. Duskmon hadn't been his partner then; he'd been controlling him.
But he also recalled that Duskmon had been warning him against contact with the Warrior of Light, his brother, from the beginning, and he'd ignored him. What reason could Duskmon have for this other than feeling some genuine concern for his welfare?
There you go, Duskmon muttered as Kouichi relaxed slightly. I told you to stay away from that brother of yours because I knew he'd hurt you. And wasn't I right? Haven't your memories of him caused you pain?
Kouichi nodded, knowing all-too-well that Duskmon was correct. Then something occurred to him. "Wait, if I couldn't remember that Kouji was my brother, how did you know?"
You're in my body, I'm in your mind, Duskmon replied simply. You seemed content not knowing the truth, so I didn't tell you.
This should have made Kouichi wary or at least angry at Duskmon, but it didn't. He was honestly beginning to wonder why wiping his brother from the face of the earth was such a bad idea, anyway. From what he could tell, Kouji was no saint. All the times Kouichi had seen him, he'd acted either broody or sullen. Or both. He was a far better candidate for the Spirits of Darkness, Kouichi mused. Someone had to have reversed their roles.
You're finally getting it, Duskmon said, sounding pleased. Now maybe we can get back to killing those stupid kids, especially that goggle-headed one. He just plain pisses me off.
Kouichi closed his eyes, embracing the now-familiar numbness as it slowly encased his mind. It was a relief to just let go, to not have to agonize over every increasingly difficult detail of his life, to just stop…
Velgemon, just who are you to me?
—
"Whoa!" Beetlemon exclaimed, jaw dropping. The rest of the gang had about the same reaction, shocked stares fixed on Zoe and Shino. But none of them were as shocked as Lowemon.
He'd turned at Zoe's shout, expecting more hastily-crafted lies. Instead he'd been shot through the heart…and you're to blame! You give love a bad name! "Madjack!" (Okay, I'm done.)
"What are you…?" Lowemon muttered, taking a shaky step toward them. Chuckling weakly, he said, "This is a joke, right? You're joking. There's no way you're in love with…"
But there was a way, because Zoe was right. He hadn't been there for her when she'd actually loved him, and now his heart had gone so cold that she didn't have the capacity to love him anymore. Unfortunately, he still did.
Eyes slowly narrowing to slits, he growled, "Shino, you bas—"
~KITTY, LOOK OUT!~
Lowemon didn't get to finish his sentence as a sudden choking sensation overtook him. Slowly, he understood what had happened, because he'd felt this sensation before. Looking down, he saw what he knew would be sticking out of his chest: Lobomon's Light Saber.
Though it caused him pain, he managed to turn his head around, catching a small glimpse of his brother's face. Lobomon's eyes glinted with a certain satisfaction, yet this soon turned to abject horror at what he'd just done.
Lowemon let his head fall, chuckling bitterly as his world grew dark. The last thing he saw was Zoe pushing away from Shino, eyes shining with regret and concern. So she HAD been lying. Shino, on the other hand, looked drained of emotion. Good. Served him right. Before he faded away entirely, he uttered one word.
"Backstabbers."
—
Oh no, Duskmon groaned as Kouichi clutched his head between what sufficed as his hands, suppressing a scream of agony. Stupid interfering bitch…
Kouichi didn't pay the least bit of attention to Duskmon as he sank to the ground, propping himself up against a tree. The few human memories he could recall were flashing through his head nonstop. Even the thoughts he'd had were…
Wow…I have a brother.
That's right. He'd been happy. He'd never had a sibling before, and the prospect of actually having a twin brother had been…exciting.
Suddenly, the headache ceased, as if the pain had been trying to tell him something. He understood now.
"I can't kill Kouji," he stated with conviction. "Whether I like him or not, he's my brother, and I refuse to do that to him. That's my decision, Duskmon."
Duskmon sighed in frustration. I can't believe that a softie like you has what it takes to wield MY spirits. Makes me feel like a pansy.
"Get used to it," Kouichi replied, liking Duskmon less and less. "Well, I guess the best thing to do now is to find Cherubimon and tell him my decision."
Seriously? Duskmon stated, seeming to perk up slightly. You're going to go tell Cherubimon that you don't want to kill Kouji?
"He'll understand," Kouichi said, heading out of the forest so Cherubimon could find him a bit more easily. "I'll make him understand."
Sure you will, Duskmon muttered, chuckling softly. Sure…
—
Kouichi's eyes shot open. Slowly, he pulled himself into a sitting position, gradually remembering the events of the past few hours. Everything he'd said and done burned itself into his memory, making him shudder inwardly at himself.
As his eyes began to cloud with pain, Kouichi pushed himself to his feet. He was a bit unsteady, but he quickly recovered his balance. Then, with a new jolt of pain, he realized something.
No one had helped him to his feet.
Kouichi looked to the edge of the clearing and, sure enough, his friends who were still conscious after his rampage were all standing there, staring at him, not making a single move toward him. No one crowded around him. Not like they had last time.
A lump began to form at the back of Kouichi's throat as he stood in the middle of the clearing, paralyzed. Now I've gone and done it, he thought harshly. I've shown them all what I really am, deep inside me. How can they handle that? They hate me now, they have to…
"Kouichi." Kouichi turned instinctively at the sound of his name. Almost instantly he found himself wrapped in a tight hug. The lump in his throat grew as Kouji laughed quietly, sounding happier than he had in awhile. "You're back. Thank god, you're back!"
That's when he felt it. The bond that connected him to his twin was back. He was whole again. That should have made him happy, but it didn't. It just made him feel even number.
Shaking his head, Kouichi raised his arms and slowly but forcefully pushed his brother away. "Kouichi," Kouji muttered, eyes alight with confusion.
Kouichi shook his head vigorously, backing up against the closest tree. He wouldn't let Kouji do this. "Not now…not after this. You can't forgive me now."
—
madjack89: Finally I got Chief back! Yay!
Kouichi: …
Takuya: Kouichi, listen, it's no big deal.
Kira: We're all okay.
Dai: It could've happened to anyone, right Taru?
Hotaru: *nods*
JP: You just have the worst luck in the history of mankind.
Kouichi: …
Sasori: Did all of you rehearse that?
Takuya, Kira, Dai, Hotaru, JP: …No…
Yin: They did. I watched them.
Kouji: Wow, I actually feel kind of…good. This is an odd sensation. I think this is called joy.
madjack89: Cut the sarcasm, Kouji!
Kouji: I can't hear you; I'm too busy being joyful.
Yin: Want me to hit him?
madjack89: No, I'll just ignore him. Okay, a couple notes about the chapter: the little story/memory of Kouichi's in between the main plot is kind of my version of what happened to Kouichi between episodes 30 and 32, before he went to Cherubimon. The title of this chapter will be connected to the title of the next chapter, so if it doesn't make sense now, it will soon. It's part of a quote from one of my favorite Within Temptation songs.
Pein: Uh oh, I just thought of something.
Sasori: What?
Pein: Madara's gonna be pissed when he reads this chapter.
madjack89: Oh, forget him! Besides, Yin can show him a thing or two!
Yin: Hell yeah! Want to help out, Hotaru?
Hotaru: *shrugs* I guess.
Kira: I'm coming too! I haven't gotten to have a good brawl in awhile!
madjack89: Well, now that that's taken care of, it is time to say adieu. See ya next chapter, and be sure to give Chief lots of love in those reviews!
Dai: And cookies!
JP: He doesn't really look like he's in the mood for cookies.
Dai: But I am!
JP: *sigh*
madjack89: Oh, before I forget, give Shino some lovin', too!
Yin: Yeah, love that Taylor-hater!
madjack89: YIN!