Ominous Flame

Chapter 9

Author Notes: Well, it is that time again my friends. And it's time for a change of pace. Takuya has been more or less following the group, and currently only three people know about it. Let's see what trouble I can stir... I do not own Digimon~

3rd P.O.V

He couldn't believe what was happening. Or rather what he was doing. After taking great pains to stay away from the group for weeks, here he was going against every single one of his plans and instincts. All for the sake of his bleeding heart concerns over a certain snarky, stubborn fool.

"Kinda shady do be leaving everyone before dawn don't you think?" There Takuya was leaning against a tree, his expression neutral despite feeling slightly pleased that he managed to actually startle the warrior of the light.

Though the teen doesn't bother turning around to face him, Takuya could easily imagine that familiar scowl forming. Not like he had any other expressions naturally taking shape on his face in the time Takuya's known him. "I don't want to hear it from some weird stalker. Don't you have a little brat to be babysitting?"

It didn't take Koji long to recover from his surprise visitor. "No because I have another little brat here about to do something stupid." This was the first time since they met on the roof back in ShellNumemon's village that the two actually spoke to one another.

But not to either of their surprise their tones were just as hostile as before. Suspicion and irritation ever so present. This random stranger made it easy for Koji to feel defensive. There was just something about him he just didn't like.

"I don't recall caring what you have to say. You're not my mom-out of everyone I've met here you're the most dangerous. Hiding in the shadows, sneaking around...what are you after?" Takuya couldn't help huffing at that.

A small smile forming on his face, pissing the bandanna wearing boy all the more. He doesn't at all seem bothered at being called out. Doesn't deny the fact that he was indeed suspicious. You'd have to be innocent or young like Tommy to not feel that way.

"Something tells me that even if I bothered explaining myself you wouldn't believe me. But...I'm not the kinda guy to sit back and watch when something goes wrong or someone needs help. You should know that after keeping such watchful eyes on me."

But despite it, the ravenette couldn't neglect the fact that this boy with dark, mysterious eyes has been all but harmless. If anything he's been an extra pair of hands. Staying up late into the night keeping vigilant watch over their sleeping forms.

He even managed to keep Tommy-the most childish(well he is the youngest) entertained. So it just made Koji and his twin all the more confused as to why this person insisted on staying hidden and away.

"I'm done listening to you ramble. I got something important to do and I don't need you getting in my way." For a moment all that could be heard other than the slight breeze was a sigh, before a rustling.

Within only a few moments the two were walking side by side. "Stop following me." Instead of bothering to respond, Takuya simply rests his hands behind his head. Slowly, but surely driving the hot tempered companion next to him insane.

No matter what speed, the two were in sync, step by step. It was several minutes of silence between the pair. To think, Koji was actually getting annoyed with that even more than when they were arguing. Yet, he couldn't find it in himself to strike up a conversation.

In general, he wasn't much of a talker. With his father constantly moving because of his job, it was hard for Koji to really make friends or bother opening up. Why have friends and get attached when within a few months he'll have to leave?

And when he came to the Digital World, it was his newly discovered twin that did the talking. He was kind, honest and sincere. Koichi was the person everyone flocked to despite his elemental being one of darkness.

Koji wasn't really needed. "As someone speaking from experience...don't hide away how you feel or assume you can handle anything without help. Turning lone wolf now-especially when all of you are forming bonds could lead to disaster."

For once there was no snark or hidden undertone as Takuya quietly spoke. And was what made the ravenette turn to look at him. Even in the dark, he was able to stare into red, tired eyes. The amused smile was still there, but it was small.

Borderline grimace as he kept looking ahead. "Why do you care? Why do you keep following us?" Lone wolf fit him perfectly. Before coming here Koji was just fine being a loner. It was better, it was easier.

"Because every day I look back at the mistakes i've made. The things I've done and so many times I've wished that there was someone for me to reach out to. To hear my pleads for help. I'm not a hero...but that doesn't mean I can't offer a hand."

There was really nothing he could say to that. "Fine, just don't get in my way!" This was going to be a long day...for the both of them.

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"I told you I can walk without help!" For what felt like the ten dozenth time Takuya sighed, readjusting himself as Koji once more tried to release himself. "No you're not. You're exhausted from obtaining your beast spirit and you got your ass kicked into the ground. Take a chill pill."

Honestly it felt like he was dealing with a rebellious child. A child with a nasty scowl and even nastier temper. It was a good thing Takuya did force himself to come, otherwise his grumpy companion would've been far worse off. "I'm telling you I'm fine." The brunette could only snort.

His gaze lingering on the many bandages wrapped around his lithe body. His head specifically was the starting point of a long list of injuries the warrior of light received for his reckless decision. Again...could've been worse, but still pretty bad.

"A minor concussion, sprained left wrist and twisted ankle on top of multiple lacerations and bruises does not indicate you're fine. I will say i'm impressed with how easy it was for Grumblemon to mop the floor with you. You're pretty lucky to get by with the wounds you do have."

Koji's pride was taking a major hit today. Souring his mood even more. "Nobody asked you!" It was like talking to a feral animal. Which worked considering his beast spirit was an actual wolf.

A wild beast. "Look man, just shut up and let me support you. You're not weak for needing help. And...I've seen Grumblemon do worse. A lot worse. So take it easy alright?" There goes that soft, worried tone again.

"You make it sound like you know him." Just like before any sort of fight or rude comment he was going to make died. How does he do that? Koji doesn't even know his name, yet with ease he was able to take control of the situation.

Or at the very least know how to stop any sort of confrontation. Even though it seemed like he wasn't a legendary warrior, it was clear to Koji his companion was more knowledgeable than him on the situation.

"I've...been around for awhile. Not sure how long exactly, but I've seen him and his buddies attack villages like ShellNumemons. Trust me when I say that the fact that there were no casualties with you just taking some scrapes is one hell of an accomplishment."

Buddies? "There's more than just Grumblemon?!" How does he even know that? Koji couldn't stop himself from paling at the revelation, especially when the boy holding him up nods with a grimace.

As if reading his mind. "Yeah, none of them are very pleasant from what I know...wait. Ophanimon didn't tell you any of this?" His long ponytail harshly flies around him, mirroring his panicking confusion.

"Ophanimon? Who are you talking about?" It would only figure that he would pick up on Takuya's little slip. "She was the one who brought you to this world-she's the one who encouraged you all to become the legendary warriors."

At that he shrugs, making it seem like it was common knowledge. Even though it clearly was not. Now Koji changed his mind...Takuya as annoying as he could be needed to stick around-if for nothing else than to give him some much needed answers.

Still it seemed that would have to wait a little while longer. "Ah there you are Koji- and it seems I finally get to meet our mysterious protector." Both turn, surprised to find Koichi walking towards them, a kind smile on his face.

His expression shifting to that of horror as he takes in his siblings injuries. "Goodness what happened?!" He immediately rushed over, taking his brother from the stranger. Analyzing each and every single bandage.

Not at all noticing how much paler the teen turned as he took a step back. "Grumblemon showed up as he went looking for his beast spirit. He's gotta take it easy for awhile but he'll be fine." The heated glare and scowl told Takuya all he needed to know.

If the warrior of light could properly do so-he would kill him right then and there. "Thank you for bringing him back. Will you be joining us for lunch?" Though it didn't matter as Koichi was relieved. "I don't think so. I need to get going." Oh no, Koji was NOT letting him get away again!

Immediately swift, calloused hands gripped yellow fabric before the brunette could even THINK of fleeing. "I think we're all long due for a chat. Especially since you seem to know a lot more than we do on what's going on." Now it was Shagumon's turn to curse. "I'll have to decline?"

It wouldn't take much for him to break out of the prickly grumps grip, though he stayed in place. "I insist." Not wanting to irritate the wounds he took so long patching up. So with a sigh he walked, allowing himself to be guided to their camp.

to be continued

Author Notes: Well wasn't that fun? Lots of Takuya and Koji time this chapter. And though nothing really happened I really like how this turned out since we got a bit more on the backstory on the Digital World on top of showing a more serious side of just how badly you can get injured in this series.

I mean yeah...its a kids show so blood and serious injuries are off the table but welcome to the world of fanfiction~ I intend to change that hence the T rating lol. Welp that's it for now. Next time we'll be continuing from here so look forward to that.

Thank you all so much for reading this story so far. If you like it please feel free to fav/follow/review as it means an absolute crap ton to me. I'll see you all next time, tchao for now folks.