Ominous Flame

Chapter 42

Author Notes: So...it's been awhile. Hi. Holiday hell...is temporarily over. Meaning its upload time! Admittedly we've reached a section that for the longest time i've been unsure if I wanted to upload it, simply because I wasn't sure if it was right.

But...after reading it, I've come around and of course no matter how hard I try, I couldn't make it any shorter without being unsatisfied. So here we go. I do not own Digimon.

3rd P.O.V

Koichi was starting to think he owed Takuya a big apology next time he sees him. "Are you ok Koichi? Does it hurt?" Because he's starting to understand very much why he was constantly feeling on edge or uncomfortable before his kidnapping.

"I'm alright Zoe. Let's keep going." The stares, the constant feeling of being treated like glass, hell just the constant 'are you ok?'s and 'do you want to rest?'s all day and night throughout their journey was slowly(but surely) starting to grate on his nerves...and he's the patient twin.

So for all of his companions-his brother being the biggest mother hen to annoy him really spoke volumes. Though the stress of the situation in general was probably the real cause of his hostility. "If you're sure." He most definitely was.

He took some hits to obtain some bruises and a twisted ankle that was already pretty much healed(Bokomon's words, not his.) It wasn't a fracture or broken bone and NOTHING compared to what Takuya had. So frankly they all needed to calm down and prepare themselves.

A new battle would be taking place very soon. There was no doubt in his mind about that. As he walked on his hand brushed against his pocket, the dagger buried, giving him some sense of comfort. It was currently all they had of Takuya, he couldn't leave it behind even if he wanted to.

Though it was a miracle to find in the wreckage, a miracle Koichi had made sure to thank Tommy for because he was the one who found it. Who went through the endless amount of ash and charred wood to find it gleam in the glowing moss's light.

'Here Koichi! You should hold onto this.'

'Wh-what? I-I don't think so Tommy. Give it to Koji.'

'No way! This was Takuyas. So you need to hold onto it!'

'Why?'

'Because you're feeling really guilty about losing. About him getting taken away.'

'I...'

'I think out of all of us, Takuya would want you to hold onto it for him.'

'I don't think that's true Tommy.'

'Even if it's not, we won't know until we see him. So take it!'

In the end he did take the dagger back. And as much as he hated to admit it, he was grateful that the younger boy was kind enough to consider giving it to him to hold on to. Tommy wasn't wrong at all in his logic.

And...despite its owner was far away, he could still feel connected to him when he held it in his hands. He could somehow still feel warmth from the hilt to the tip, as if Takuya set it aflame himself.

So when the time for all of them to rest for awhile came up, Koichi made sure to volunteer at the same time interval as the warrior of ice. "Tommy...thank you." There was a knowing glint in his eye as he turned around to face the older teen.

As if he knew this was going to happen, though there was no sense of smug or arrogance to be found. "No problem! I'm just glad I was able to find it..." It was then Koichi notices his friend's expression dim. A sad expression taking hold.

"What's wrong?" The fire was already lit, full of firewood to keep it going through the duration of their resting period. And the others were already asleep. Waiting for their cue to take over. There was no one to listen.

No one to judge. "I-I miss Takuya. He...for the longest time it felt like he was the only one to really believed and cared about me. But now he's gone-and I haven't done a thing to help him." Koichi nibbles his lips for a moment.

Unsure how to respond. Because, though Koichi and to a lesser extent Zoe tried looking out for Tommy in those beginning weeks (and still does mind you), he could lie and say things were perfect. But...the reality was, no one except Takuya had any sort of experience handling children, let alone younger siblings.

So, it doesn't surprise Koichi that Tommy felt that way. And even now after getting to know the eight year old, he still had no confidence trying to bring about a smile, or reassure him that everything was alright-especially when Tommy is well aware that it's not.

"I think the majority of us feel that way Tommy. Even before he officially joined us he's always been doing what he could to ensure our safety. And now...we all feel his absence." It was still a major adjustment no one wants to get used to. Things were bleak right now.

But...they couldn't wallow in depression or give up. Koichi promised he would look after the others. That he would protect them. "Still, that's all the more reason to bring him home. Just like you said, Shinya's waiting for him, and so are we." He intended to keep it.

And in any case they'd never have gotten this far if they followed that pessimistic mindset. They've struggled, learned and adapted to whatever troubles come their way. They would do so again. "Right but...what do we do about Cherubimon? We still don't know if he's connected to Takuya."

But of course nothing was ever so easy. Other than Koji and his twin, no one knew about Takuya's request-well actually maybe JP but neither of the yin/yang twins were sure. And though his memories were a bit fuzzy and unreliable, there was one thing he heard for sure during the battle before he fell unconscious.

'Indeed. Come. Very soon Shagumon will be reborn. Turning the tides of the battle.'

There was no way of knowing for sure if Cherubimon and Takuya were affected by one another. "I...I don't know Tommy." This would be a wonderful time for Ophanimon to show up and give them some words of wisdom or give them some sort of sign to guide their next set of decisions.

However their d-tectors have been silent since going to Seraphimon's castle. She could not be relied on to save the day. Especially how much more dangerous things are. Or rather how much more was at stake with every decision they make was.

Going in without a plan or two would be too risky. Assumptions would be the death of them if they're wrong. "You know...my brother Yutaka used to say 'Every problem has a solution, you just have to find it from within." Yutaka? "You have an older brother?"

That was certainly unexpected, as was the wisdom that came from it. "Y-yeah. He and I don't get along very well. But once in a blue moon he would help me with homework and use that quote whenever I was stuck on a problem." Tommy clutches the top of his hat.

Feeling a bit insecure as he slightly curls in on himself. "Did it help?" Honestly it was no wonder the ice elemental got attached to Takuya. Two boys with siblings an entire world away, could understand each other and cling to habits that the rest of the group couldn't fathom.

"Sometimes. A lot of my homework had the solution right there in front of me that I just didn't see. It was stupid-I know but I was thinking maybe I could say something to help. Sorry..." Every problem has a solution...you just have to find it from within.

Koichi mulled the words, letting them repeat in his head as he rests his hands under his chin. His eyes linger on the fire in front of them. "I think...you may be on to something Tommy." He thinks back to every action, every word and memory.

What he's been told, what he knows. "R-really? How?" If Cherubimon turns Takuya back into Shagumon, they would need to be ready for battle. Still, no one truly wants that to happen. There had to be another way. A way to save the world and Takuya. He'd just have to think a little harder, go a little deeper.

'Everything that's happened so far...it's been for a reason.'

'Don't lose yourself.'

'Like you he is a legendary warrior chosen to help save our world but his time is running out. Evil despite his efforts still try to cling to his soul. Just like the world-he must be saved.'

'It's warding off his dark powers. Allowing me to digivolve without him screwing with my head or inflicting intense pain.'

'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.'

'Should my necklace break...and I change back I need you guys to take me out. Take my spirit and life if need be.'

The first thought that came to his mind was the necklace. For the longest time it had been the key to protecting Takuya. But...that broke during the last fight. So unless Shamanmon had another one in his possession to use, that idea was out.

But perhaps...they didn't necessarily need a new necklace. "I wonder-" Even though he had already explained it to him, Koichi always wondered why would his fire elemental friend would go to the trouble of relying on him and Koji should he fall once more under Cherubimon's influence.

Why just them? "What's up Koichi?" And not the whole group? The pyromancer at the time had said that should the going get tough, they would be the only ones not only able to fight him-but also have the best chance of winning.

When it was first brought up, the raven haired brothers were more appalled and upset at the idea to think about it. Believing their friend to be losing confidence in his own inner strength and just ready to think the worst case scenario.

A worst case scenario that was seeming more and more possible every minute of the day mind you-but still...now that he's reflecting on those words and overall Takuya, a new explanation comes into play.

'It's warding off his dark powers. Allowing me to digivolve without him screwing with my head or inflicting intense pain.'

'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.'

'Should my necklace break...and I change back I need you guys to take me out. Take my spirit and life if need be.'

Light and darkness aren't necessarily good and evil. They're powerful opposite elements that when put to the extremes or used a certain way can be malicious or prosperous. Just like water and fire-or any natural element.

Koichi's powers were originally something Takuya feared. Simply because he had been forced to endure dark powers from Cherubimon. And was eventually freed from the light magic cast by Ophanimon. Again, as it stands currently, there's no guarantee on her aid.

And Seraphimon who was also a celestial digimon with light magic(probably even stronger than his female counterparts') was turned into an egg. "Light and darkness..." Koichi closes his eyes with a sigh.

He couldn't believe it. "He knew." In the end, the brunette with an easy going smile and determined, never ending flame within his soul had banked on the idea that their powers would be able to set him free.

With Koichi sucking the darkness out or repelling it possibly. And Koji embedding light into him. "Hello? Koichi!" The question-frankly the only one right now that took priority... "Yes?" Is would their combined powers be enough?

Before they could even THINK of fighting the wicked celestial, they would have to get past Takuya and the other legendary warriors. "What are you thinking about? Did you come up for a plan to fight Cherubimon?" He shakes his head, his expression grim.

"No...do you think you could wake up Koji for me? I need to talk to him about something." No matter what he needs a second opinion. And who better than his polar opposite?

to be continued

Author Notes: Time to bring in the twins. Honestly I used to hate Koji with his attitude problem, but I will say he's grown on me. I will still pick Koichi over him every time, but uh-it's time to get the ball rolling of the newest drama and the furthest off the canon I've dared to dive into.

We'll see how well this goes, but for now that is it. Everyone thank you all so much for reading my story. If you like the series so far please feel free to fav/follow/review as it would mean a crap ton to me. I'll see you next time, tchao for now!