Ominous Flame

Chapter 17

Author Notes: Whooo boy isn't this something. We've nearly hit twenty chapters, kinda crazy. So with all this chaos and action. I think we're due for a somewhat chill chapter. So let's get this going, I do not own Digimon.

3rd P.O.V

In the end Takuya wasn't one to stand down for long. "The hell are you doing up?" Especially when it came to bothering Koji. "Figured I was well enough to earn my keep and not be a lazy ass. Besides should always be two people up to take watch."

So despite still looking like a mummy, the fire elemental took a seat on the ground. Right next to his favorite bandana wearing grump. "There's a difference between being a lazy ass and being injured. And you say I'm bad...the way you're going you're going to end up in an early grave." Koji had expected him to snort.

Or have some sort of sassy comeback, however Takuya simply rested his head in his palm. Watching the flames with a small hum, it was unnerving. Even more so when he finally replied a few minutes after.

"Wouldn't surprise me, but we can't afford to rest anymore than we already have." It was like the calm before the storm, and neither male liked it. Still, for once Koji felt optimistic. More confident in both his skills and the skills of his friends.

Something he never thought he'd ever say. "We can if it means having you up and able to watch our backs. Grumblemon hasn't shown his ugly face since Koichi mopped the floor with him. So I doubt he's going to pull anything anytime soon." Another small hum escapes the brunette as he grabs a log next to him.

Throwing the chunk of wood into the fire he retorts. "Fraid you're wrong there. Grumblemon isn't one to take a beating lying down. If he hasn't shown up yet, then it means he's either cooking up a nasty plan or he's getting backup. Either way, it's not going to be looking too good for us waiting around."

Despite seeing it with his own eyes, it was hard to recall that Takuya was technically a bad guy, forced or not. "Has he done something like this before?" Twisting his mouth, gloved hands lifted to rest behind his head. His eyes narrowed in thought.

"Back then I saw first hand him and the others destroy the surrounding civilizations around Cherubimon. Forests and lively cities were reduced to ashes and digicode. And I helped make that happen." Without even realizing his fingers went to the necklace.

Rubbing the beads, hoping to sooth his nerves. "You don't have to answer...but what happened when you got here? We saw you get hit by the truck, and Cherubimon make you that Shagumon guy and that was it."

What happened indeed. "To be honest...I don't know. For the longest time, my mind was in a fog. I wasn't aware of anything around me for the longest time. But slowly...I found myself getting my senses back. Being aware of what was going on, what I was doing." All this time and he still couldn't understand it.

Let alone form it properly in words. Still he tried his best to explain. Especially when Koji gave him such a confused expression. He didn't voice it, but he didn't have to with the furrowed brows and pursed lips being thrown his way.

"I guess the best way to put it was, my mind or soul or whatever-what made me, me was asleep, and Cherubimon made my body into an lifeless puppet, obeying every order without issue or protest." His face scrunched up with distaste.

Ashamed of what he allowed to happen. Memories of being human or not...once he was aware of his sentience he didn't like destroying the innocent digimon and their homes. But he had taken the coward route. Choosing his own survival and needs over others.

Leaving loads of digicode in his wake. "Though I was thinking and feeling. My memories of being a human boy named Takuya were gone, but I kept having dreams involving me and Shinya. Of my family and friends in my life. And I wanted to know more." Koji's eyes went upward.

Unsurprised to find his twin silently hiding away, listening. "I never interacted with the other legendary warriors, afraid that if they realized I regained my humanity Cherubimon would turn me back into a mindless slave. But I was always watching, learning how they worked."

It was a struggle. Being bombarded with missions to obliterate everything, keeping his composure around his fellow elementals while also trying to figure out his memories...it was a miracle he didn't crack or get caught.

"In the end it took Ophanimon interfering to bring me back-and now I have a lot to make up for." Still he survived, though now was dealing with the consequences of his fate and decisions. His smile was full of bitterness at the fact.

There was a lot to do...and so little time. "The only good thing about all that was the fact that I've been able to more or less tell how our favorite gremlin reacts and can help you guys prepare. You going to sit down Koichi? I don't bite." A snort escapes the twins in perfect sync.

But that doesn't alleviate the guilt coursing through the dark wielder. "That was a poor joke Takuya." Still he takes a seat on his brother's other side eyeing a specific spot still wrapped in bandages.

"You and Koji snorted-i'll take that as a win. Especially since you still think you need to feel guilty for the beatdown I got." Amber met dark blue. Steady and calm even as the teen jerked away.

Koichi didn't waste any time opening his mouth. "I've...been wanting to apologize to you ever since you woke up. I never wanted to hurt you-" A gloved hand lifts up, stopping him from continuing.

"You don't have to apologize for what happened. I never got mad or blamed you for my injuries. Out of everyone here, I can understand being unable to control yourself or your powers." There was an easy going grin on his face.

It...was painful watching him act like things were ok. That he had no issues accepting him getting nearly mauled to death. "I need to though! It shouldn't-I could've..." Kouichi didn't dare finish that statement.

Wrapping his arms around himself he looks away. Even though he was able to shift into his beast form without a problem now-it still scared him. He lost himself that first time around, there was nothing saying that it couldn't occur again.

He didn't have a choice before, as Grumblemon had brought forth more golem digimon shortly after Takuya fell unconscious. "Look, I get it." The sad part was that he did, he truly did. "Takuya?" That was HIS biggest fear for the longest time. And it still was as even now as he grips the beads around his neck.

"Listen to me Koichi...there may come times when you're forced to reflect back on the things you've done. But delving too deep into thoughts of 'what if' or 'I could've' won't help. If anything it'll eat away at you..." Amber eyes shut painfully as his hold tightens.

Unable to see the looks of concern he was getting. "However unlike me...you can control your powers. You can be better-are better. So don't fall into your own inner darkness. And when it feels like it's too much, let your brother or one of the others bring you back to reality. They'll back you."

It was too late for someone like him. If anyone was the true monster, it was him. "What about you? You're saying its ok for me to forgive myself but not you?" Koji narrowed his eyes, silently agreeing.

"The beast spirit was never a malicious entity. It wasn't a creation meant for destruction, but a wild animal. It can and Was controlled. You're last fight with Grumblemon was proof of that." The retort was on the tip of their tongues. Able to stay in perfect harmony as they both spoke up.

At this point the pyromancer had heard them do the twin sync thing enough to where he was used to it, but he still found himself with wide eyes at what exactly the two were saying to him. "You were never a malicious entity either. You did nothing wrong." He didn't agree, at least...not entirely.

As much as he appreciated their sincerity, there was no compromising on the things he had done. There was no redemption for his actions. "Thanks guys." Unlike Koichi, there was blood...or in this case digicode on Takuya's hands.

It wasn't something he could simply ignore or forget. Still...he knew in the end, there would be no agreements between them on the subject. And what would have to happen in the future...Takuya would hold off on that particular subject for now.

But no matter what...he would not change his mind.

When the time comes...he would follow through on an important decision that could save the Digital World.

He could only hope that they would understand when the time comes what that decision would entail.

to be continued

Author Notes: Sooo...not exactly happy, chill time but hey-no one got hurt or died! That's good right? Right!? Look you guys should know by now that I love living for the dark and miserable-unlike Koichi lol.

And hey the boys are getting along-having...important discussions. But that is all we have going for now guys. Thank you all so much for reading~ if you like this story so far please feel free to fav/follow/review as it would mean a crap ton to me. Tchao for now.