Ominous Flame

Chapter 3

Author Notes: Whoop whoop we have a new chapter. And things are starting to get dicey. Let's see what Shagumon does next as he stops being Cherubimon's little servant. I do not own Digimon.

3rd P.O.V

It didn't take long for Cherubimon to let his guard down and order his legendary warriors to further spread out to collect more fractal code. "We shall follow thy orders forthright my lord!" It was agreed that they would all go their separate ways.

Destroying anyone and anything that dared defy the dark celestial. But...without eyes constantly watching his every move Shagumon for once didn't follow orders. Sure he most certainly played the part well as he left the wicked celestial's castle.

Being the perfect puppet controlled by his strings. However the more distance that was made, the less the fire warrior used his powers before stopping altogether. Confident that he could make his way without confrontation-to find the answers he seeks.

Suddenly the words from that mysterious woman return to the forefront of his mind. Why she wished to give him advice and apologies for what happened to him he had no clue. But he decided to trust her. To go to this Dream Forest.

'...There, in the Forest of Dreams specifically there is not only trees that show other worlds and show what's found in your dreams, but there is also the Lake of Awakening. Looking into it reveals images or visions that help answer questions.'

There he will start to discover the truth of his origins, of why his first memories and role belonged to that of a mindless slave. Still, there was something else from her conversation with him that bugged him slightly, though he had no idea why. She had mentioned some truths being unable to be found alone.

"Did she mean that she was helping because she Knew I would be unable to find answers on my own...or did she mean someone else helping me?" The young boys from his dreams immediately came to mind.

The younger one specifically grabbing his attention. "Maybe if I find them they can tell me who I am?" A new theory to think about as he kept going. As he continued traveling he found himself finding many different civilizations of digimon interacting among themselves.

Land, sea or sky, Shagumon though never showed it, found himself in awe of the life that was found. "Ahhh lala, la la aaaalaaaaa." Peaceful forests that if you listened attentively enough could hear harmonious voices singing.

"Get some delish food made by yours truly! Fresh made, and filling to the core~" Endless happy chatter and entertainment in cities full of bustling buildings. "Come take a look at my latest wares folks! It's going fast~" To the point where it was difficult to ignore the overbearing voices.

Then Shagumon found breathtaking mountain structures made through time and mother nature. This...was something he would've never discovered had he'd not disobeyed orders. If he had continued being a thoughtless digimon of destruction, he would not have found himself amazed with the things he's seen.

Still no matter how curious he was in staying in each new place-he continued on. His desire for finding his identity was more important right now. There was nothing to stop him from coming back in the future when his past was solved. And with the way things were going it would not be long.

It was an easy going pattern as Shagumon marched on. His stamina and endurance was incredible that he would go for multiple days without rest. And because of his large stature and intimidating armor, he was left be.

Figuring he would be a more aggressive character-which though wasn't technically wrong, Shagumon had no actual interest in picking a fight. Still it was better that he was able to go as he wished without too much distraction.

He couldn't be sure exactly how long his journey went or where exactly he was going. It wasn't like that digimon in green armor had given him a map of any sort. Nor did he speak to anyone for directions. Yet despite not knowing where this forest was, something was telling him he was going the right way.

It had taken multiple sun and moons to get this far and this feeling within him was strong. That he was close. Instincts had never failed him in the past, why start now? "Ohh come on Tommy cheer up!"

Suddenly Shagumon found himself narrowing his eyes as voices peaked up. "Yeah short stack! Everything's fine." Carefully the warrior quietly moved forward into the brush. "B-but what about Koji and Kouchi? Weren't they supposed to meet us here?" They were children.

Ones that looked like the children to that of Shagumon's dreams. They weren't digimon but they also weren't familiar figures at all. A girl with deep blue eyes and blond hair dressed in purple. A boy in a blue and yellow one piece with somewhat spiky brown hair and coffee brown eyes.

And the final one...though resembled the younger of the two boys in his dreams slightly, it wasn't a match. Wearing a rather big yellow hat that swallowed his gray eyes and further emphasized his small physique. His body language spoke of fear, as if he were constantly on the defensive.

"They'll be fine! They just said they were going to scout the area anyways." That was a rather bold claim from the elder looking male. "All of us can digivolve now so it's not like anything will happen without them here." And an even bolder claim from the girl.

If only she knew. A small chuckle escaped the digimon as he stays hidden. The Tommy child had every right to be on guard. Better to be cautious then find yourself in an unexpected battle. All it takes is one wrong move to be obliterated. "Don't get too confident you two! There are many dangerous digimon here."

Suddenly there was a fourth figure, a rather petite white digimon. Though it clearly wasn't powerful, it was no threat to anyone. Let alone him. "We know Bokomon...hey. Where's Neemon?" It didn't take long for Shagumon to leave for the Lake of Awakening.

To him it was obvious that these children weren't going to help him with the answers he sought. No. He didn't recognize any of them. They were just three young children and a digimon that were innocent. None of them knowing or understanding the death and chaos that would soon engulf this world.

None of them have met Cherubimon's minions yet, and Shagumon would pity them the moment they did. Because there was no way any of them would last long. With a small sigh he swiftly left the brush, as silent as when he first entered.

Immediately he shifted, heading slightly east. A powerful breeze, as if alive was guiding him until he pauses with a small grin reaching his face. "This looks like the place." It looked exactly what he had seen when first told about this important Dream Forest.

Hidden within vast amounts of towering trees, a large, clear illuminated lake sat before him. The sun was still in the sky, castling light and shadows on him as he cautiously approached it. Here he was at long last.

At the destination he sought for so long with the potential leads he has for uncovering who he is. And more importantly, discover what exactly happened to him. For whatever reason however, he found himself hesitating.

There was a reluctance he never felt before paralyze his body to where he couldn't move any further. Waves of fear hit his mind, something that didn't really matter up until this moment. A barrage of concerns that had been kept at the farthest part of his thoughts came in full force.

After he looks into the lake, what will he learn?

Will he be satisfied?

What will happen to him after?

"Uh rggg!" These concerns started to fog his mind, enfolding him back into darkness. He found his body starting to go numb as he fell onto one knee. His head harshly shook from side to side, his hair whipping from the fierce jerks. As if hopping the movements would force this horrible feeling away. "Ahhh!"

But it only grew stronger, ready to destroy any sort of progress he had made within the last few weeks. His senses were starting to dull along with his eyes..."Takuya!" The light within the lake grew brighter, practically blinding him.

The woman's voice hit his ears desperately, though her ghostly appearance was nowhere to be seen. "It is time you remember who you are. And what happened. Do not fear the light. Let it guide you." There was nothing he could do or say as he was surrounded by warmth regardless of his opinion on it.

It was an early morning at the Kanbara household. There, a boy, with a yellow shirt, red jacket and brown capris smiled with a twinkle in his eye as he slowly approached a bed. 'Shinnnyaaa~ Time to-GETUP!' He suddenly pounced. 'WAHHH!'

His target in question was his younger brother whom despite arguing with constantly loved very much. 'Really Takuya!? Take this you jerk!' Now wide awake, the smaller boy grabs his pillow, attempting to smack his brother.

'That's no way to treat your older brother you brat! And to think I was trying to be nice and NOT douse you in water.' Their banter turned into a scuffle with Shinya pouncing the elder.

There was no malice or hatred to be found within either of them. 'You COULD wake me up like a normal person you big dummy!' It didn't take long for Takuya to pin him to the ground, much to Shinya's annoyance.

And more importantly Takuya's delight. 'Now where's the fun in that? Besides who wants to sleep on their birthday? I heard mom is already working on your special birthday dinner~'

That immediately made the younger brunette perk up, forgetting the fight entirely. 'Really?' As much as he would've loved for his pain in the neck sibling to get off him, the news brought a huge smile to his face.

'Really really~ We got chores to do, but after that I'd say it'd be a good chance to do a little snooping in the kitchen.' It was then Takuya FINALLY got off him. Leaping towards the door. 'See you in a bit squirt.' With a little wave, Takuya actually goes and does those prementioned assignments.

Cleaning his room, putting his laundry away, sweeping the hallway...all of it done accordingly in record time. Usually it would take hours because of how easily distracted he could be. However that wasn't going to happen.

Today was a special day. 'Come on Takuya! Let's go see what mom's up to!' Immediately the fourteen year old ruffles the birthday boy's hair. Knowing fully well the real reason he wants to go in. 'You just want to see if your birthday cake is done.'

Shinya pouts as he smacks the annoying hand away. 'That's not true! I also want to see if mom put out any presents for me yet! Speaking of which-what'd you get me? You promised it was going to be awesome this year!'

That he did. 'Not telling~' All he had to do was get the money from his mom and pick it up at the store.

It was going to be great!

BuT HE nEveR gOt tHAT fAr!

to be continued

Author Notes: And that is another lovely little chapter done! Bringing a nice blend of flashbacks and in depth thinking. We'll have to see what happens to our poor hero next time. Guys thank you so much for reading.

When i first started writing this I wasn't sure how well it would go or how it would be received...so it really makes my day knowing people are invested in this. And with that notion, if you want to support my story feel free to fav/follow/review. See you all in chapter 4. Tchao for now.