Ominous Flame

Chapter 39

Author Notes: I'm LATE!? Excuse me!? Where did all those days go!? I...I have shamed this story lol. Not serious but oof, two or so days went by in a flash... it's crazy how easy it is for me to lose time. Busy bee be busy! So lets get this started. I do not own Digimon.

3rd P.O.V

"Thou darest challenge me, Traitor?" Takuya could hear Mercurymon smirk as he slowly approaches. "I'll do more than dare, I'll take you out." It was all false bravado, and both of them knew it.

Even if Takuya wasn't still in his recovery stage, the odds of winning a one on one with the warrior of steel weren't necessarily good. Out of all of Cherubimon's minions, this specific digimon was the most dangerous.

He was the ring leader, the one that called the shots. Rarely did he get his hands dirty. "Is that so? With what power? Thou seems to be worse for wear." And when he did, his enemies all ended up as fractal code.

But there was a reason he told Koichi to keep his focus on the other two. "That may be but, at the very least you won't be able to reflect my attacks back at me. Meanwhile I can send you back to the junkyard." And that was the fact that the green tin can was a more defensive based striker.

His 'dark reflection' attack only worked when he absorbed his opponents' attacks through his mirror and dished it right back. That was how he had defeated Seraphimon so easily. Had it been a physical confrontation, the celestial digimon would've won without breaking a sweat.

But because he used his light magic-'strike of the seven stars,' it was sent right back, killing him instantly. "Thou are a waste of my time." It would've been just as simple for Koichi to use an attack for Mercurymon to use against him.

And that was what Takuya was going to prevent at all costs. "Take this!" Still that didn't mean this was going to be easy...even with his enhanced sense of hearing, he was at a huge disadvantage. Like what he told Koichi before however, he wasn't going down without a fight.

Damage would be done. At speeds, no one-not even Takuya expected, he closed the distance quickly, slashing in all matters of directions against his target. "A foolish endeavor." The good news was, he actually made contact.

Sharp tings, and pings from metal striking against metal was easily heard. "Damn." The bad news was despite landing so many hits, Mercurymon was barely taking any damage. He didn't so much as have a mark on his form.

Making him smirk. "Why not strike with the flames of hell? Surely thou could do better." He was taunting the injured teen, and the brunette was well aware of it. He was not stupid, Ranamon tried the exact same ploy earlier into their journey,

It wouldn't work before, and it wouldn't work this time around. "Is that all you can do Mercurymon? Spew so much trash that you may as well belong in it?" Where the hell was everyone? "Ebony blast!" Koichi was purposely making a lot of noise and keeping his opponents on their toes.

Surely their friends had to have at least heard the commotion. "It won't be long now." The digidestin did not like the sound of that. "What are you talkin ab-" It was then he felt his body jerk. His heart lunging forward. "?!"

He's...felt this sensation before. "N-no." Far too many times, and it never got easier to endure. "Not now!" Mercurymon stood there, watching in anticipation as the human standing before him fell to his knees. Desperately gripping the ground while Cherubimon tried taking over his mind.

'There's no escaping me this time Shagumon!'

There was a way. But Takuya knew what that would mean. "Takuya!" But before Koichi could move to his aid or even the warrior of flame lift his hand that has the dagger, Mercurymon was right in front of him, kicking him so hard he goes flying. "Ahhh!"

His back slammed harshly against a tree, embedding deeply into the splintering wood. His body collapsed onto the ground. With a pained groan Takuya tries to get up, to lift his head, but he was paralyzed. In too much agony.

'That's it. Go to sleep. I'll take over from here.'

NO! This wasn't the time to black out, there was no telling what would happen if he did. His teeth nip at his tongue, drawing blood. He could taste the metallic tang as it dribbled out of his mouth. "Takuya! Hang-AHH!" If the bite didn't do the trick, then hearing his friend yell out most certainly did.

"Koichi!" Never has he cursed his lack of eyesight then he has now. His friend was in trouble, he NEEDED to do something. "Ebony blast!" But what? He was running out of time. "Dark reflection!" His breath caught. "No..." This couldn't be happening.

'Don't worry. It'll all be over soon.'

He couldn't see, but he didn't have to. He could easily hear the sound of his friend's gasps and choked attempts of breathing. Was able to quickly determine that Mercurymon, Arbormon and Ranamon were taking their sweet time in making his companion suffer.

Was he even still in his digimon form? Or was he pummeled so badly that he reverted back? There was no way to tell. And even if there was, Takuya unfortunately couldn't afford to worry about Koichi right now.

"Grk!" Because Cherubimon was trying to force his flames out. To create a tsunami of wicked fire to burn both him and everything around him alive. "I...w-won't let you!" His body convulsed once more. As if a jolt of electricity coursed through his veins.

'You belong to me Shagumon! You can try to defy me all you like but it won't matter.'

Last time the evil digimon had taken advantage of his fear and anxiety to summon his element. This time Takuya had the time to prepare, to mentally strengthen himself. "Draining rain!" He would endure. "Let's ties you up all nicely right? Blockade seed!" Help was coming.

He was sure of it! "Takuya..." But not fast enough. Things were looking bleak when both boys found themselves bound by Arbormon's ivy. The two of them struggling to breathe as it wraps tighter and tighter around their bodies.

Thorns penetrated their skin, drawing blood. "Thou still insists on fighting?" Cherubimon was laughing in his mind, thoroughly amused with his vain attempts. "Let's fix that shall we?" Footsteps were growing louder. Mercurymon was getting closer.

Not even taking a minute to get in front of him. "Takuya!" Pain exploded throughout his stomach as he received a swift, and hard metallic punch. Words couldn't come, he couldn't even muster a sound, let alone a scream. "Leave him alone!"

The tang of blood returned in full force as he lurched forward. It was too much. "Stop it!" Despite those desperate pleas, and echoing promises flashing in his mind, the warrior of fire couldn't hold on, falling unconscious. His necklace shattering into pieces beneath him.

'At last!'

Cherubimon didn't waste any time. The moment Takuya blacked out, black and purple flames released from his flesh, engulfing everything around him. The ivy that held Takuya's body became fuel that expanded the inferno.

For the first time in ages, there was light that went beyond that of their campfire, Koji's powers or the glowing moss they used. But there was no warmth, but a chill that burned, destroying everything. "Better back off Arbormon, unless you want to become a walking piece of firewood."

Koichi found his heart breaking as he was forced to watch. Bound by his own ivy chains, he twisted and jerked in an attempt to break free. Takuya was hurt, and his flames were literally spiraling out of control. He had to get to him!

But he was too weak. Though he was still in his beast form, Ranamon had cast her draining rain spell a time too many, on top of Mercurymon sending his blast right back at him and of course Arbormon throwing some punches and kicks his way...he was exhausted. Barely able to move.

The fact that he was still a digimon was a miracle in itself. "Hm? What's this?" Much to everyone's surprise however, the flames as swiftly as they appeared on the teen, were snuffed out. "What the-the fires gone out?"

A hum escapes the green armored digimon as he picks up Takuya's limp body, making the warrior of darkness struggle all the more. "Seems the boy has grown more resilient than expected." Even with all the beatings he took, the pyromancer was still fighting, whether he realized it or not.

Much to Cherubimon's frustration. "Now what Mercurymon?" The water nymph turns Koichi's way with a smile. More than ready to pay him and the others(when they arrive) back for the humiliation she had to endure before.

Yet the digiman of mirrors is quiet, as if listening to something before turning to face them. "Lord Cherubimon has given us new orders." Both of his allies turn his way, confused. "We are to return with the traitor. Immediately." There was no room for argument.

"Ya sure?" The orders came from the fallen celestial himself, through the ominous flames flowing from the unconscious human he was holding. "Indeed. Come. Very soon Shagumon will be reborn. Turning the tides of the battle." It was time for them to go.

However, before that...Arbormon brings his attention to his captive. "Roundhouse punt!" Knocking out the raven haired boy out cold. His last moments awake seeing Cherubimon's minions laugh while Takuya's being dragged away.

to be continued

Author Notes: Things turned for the worst didn't it? Honestly I remember writing this chapter feeling smaller...but then again it was in a document full of others chapters...so uh i'm happy lol. But that is it for now guys.

Next few chapters are going to be crazy, so fun times await. Thank you all for reading, if you like the story, please feel free to fav/follow/review as it would mean a crap ton to me. Tchao for now~