Takari Week

official blog for Takari Week | run by animegenork (Gen) | icon/avatar by yui0506 | banner by m0deratto | please DM if I missed your post!

[takariweek]

Hello, everyone! Thank you very much for your patience, and for the enthusiastic response to the survey! After compiling the results, I am happy to announce that Takari Week 2024 will be taking place from August 11th to August 17th!

The most sought-after theme for the prompts was "Over the Years," so the prompts will be as follows:

August 11th: First Summer

August 12th: Second Year

August 13th: Third Meeting

August 14th: Fourth Contact

August 15th: Fifth Adventure

August 16th: Sixth Ending

August 17th: Seventh Beginning

In case it wasn't clear, I took the prompt inspirations from the seven main pieces of Digimon Adventure media in which Takeru and Hikari appear. As always, feel free to interpret the prompts as you see fit!

Please let me know if you have any questions at all, and thank you once again for all the support you have shown in regards to the return of this event!

@digievents

[atsoraasayoma]

Takari Week

Day Three: Third Meeting

Title: Parallel Wavelengths

Synopsis: Takeru has never been able to connect with Hikari Yagami. Despite all appearances he only knew her on a surface level, but she meant the world to him. When he returns to Odaiba years later Takeru will get that chance, but, if he's not careful she may just go missing, and he might lose the one chance to connect with her or worse, lose her to the mysterious Dark Ocean Forever.

***

She constantly appeared in the periphery of his vision. In his fondest memories he could locate her. She illuminated his nightmares. She soothed him in his sorrows. Were Takeru to look in a mirror he would have the sensation of her walking by him as if they were on a similar wavelength in a different world.

The girl he secretly pined for never faded into memories. She engraved herself in them, like searing her brilliant illuminating light into his mind exploding his world into color and making life so much warmer.

From the first moment he saw her one might have called it a ‘Digidestined’ meeting. He knew something was different about her; Something wonderful. Then teaming up with her against a bloodthirsty vampiric lord and monstrosity he felt something stir in his heart; her presence resting within him.

When she held his hand he felt brave. When she looked worried he could hold out the other hand and keep the denizens of darkness at bay. Her smile made all the agonies of childhood worth it. Her tears calmed Takeru’s own insecurities so he could give her the comfort she needed. Even when he had to leave, he kept her memory alive. Takeru, was, for better or for worse, enchanted by his friend. And, when he left, it was one of the hardest days of his life. Even staying in communication with her she filled his mind with after images, Takeru imagining her reacting to him and his corny jokes even if she wasn’t physically close.

Now, in the good times and bad, Takeru was not just enchanted by her. No, she haunted him. Like a specter of worry, Takeru felt restless at night wondering about her. He would often think about her fearful of what dark forces would try to take her life being considered a threat to all viral dark digimon. Or, with her health if somehow she would end up hospitalized again, like he had heard about before. Yet, for all the danger, he remembered when the two of them were of one mindset they were unstoppable.

That glint in her eye; The determination and kindness emanating from her spurring Takeru into action. Were it not for their brothers intervening the two of them could have taken over the whole Digital World. Such thoughts brought him peace and he would sink into the later hours in the evening.

***

It had been one of the most joyous moments in his life seeing her again in class after the few years since they separated. Her face lit up, a welcoming smile, as if to say, welcome back. But to Takeru, enduring all that had happened to him up until that moment it felt like she was saying ‘welcome home’.

And so when they reunited again, it was the strangest thing. Before, Takeru had been nervous about being around others, but knowing Hikari would be there, meeting other kids and walking with them to school seemed fun. There was nothing nerve wracking about it. Although, he could say that his separation anxiety had been tougher than fighting Devimon all over again.

***

It took a little bit to readjust to life. He made some new friends, one of them who considered him a rival, and a mysterious cosplayer calling himself the Digimon Emperor. Him and Hikari guided them a bit, but stayed close watching from a distance as they developed into their own, getting their own feel for all things ‘Digimon’ lending a guiding hand whenever they felt it necessary.

Even just a few years later whether in the Digital World like they were now or in school Takeru’s desire to protect Hikari never waned, but, he did have to dial it back a bit at least at school. He still had his arm ready go to shield her in the Digital World at all times never venturing far without her. Things were dangerous, but at least they weren’t in the Digital World anymore being chased by a psychotic clown with throwing knives, err swords.

Yet, Takeru was still there, Hikari in the corner of his eye at practically all times. Whether it was her dropping a pencil, Takeru was the first to pick it up with a ‘here you go Hikarichan’ and a smile, or standing by her side at all times due to the unwanted and uncomfortable advances of their friend Daisuke and about six or so soccer players that would use Taichi as an excuse to talk to her. It would tick him off, but he knew he could not be so overprotective of her he smothered her with his righteous...affections?

He had to shake his head sometimes trying to get his head straight. He wanted to take a step back so he would not smother Hikari, but if she was so used to him being there he thought maybe she would think things would have turned sour in their friendship...or relationship?

Now things were really getting muddled. He felt like a walking contradiction. He wanted to be close with her to protect her, but at the same time he wanted to just stare into her eyes, tell her he would always be there for her and cherish her...and…

...Ok, things went from bad to just weird. While Takeru had been pondering all of this he had found himself leaning against a wall next to the girls’ bathroom staring down at the ground lost in thought. Hikari emerged from it, a bit embarrassed, other girls noticing him giving Takeru strange looks.

Takeru put his cap over his head. Hikari did not grill him for it, but she did not let him off either. He had not seen her upset at him for a little while now, but she was a bit peeved he had gone that far waiting literally by the entryway.

Even after this event, and, the fact the other Digidestined found out about it (the gossip had spread through the entire school), they threw it in his face a couple of times in jest, and, Takeru even though he didn’t want to do it had to lay low for a little while as far as giving Hikari space. The last thing he wanted was for anyone to say anything bad about her because of him. It was strange, not having her in the corner of his eye those times, but, eventually the school got swept in other interesting news and Takeru asserted his place again naturally, Hikari seeming a bit brighter with him next to her.

Yet still, despite his wavering emotions, Takeru never took his eyes off of her and if he did, he would scramble and fight off a whole Nightmare Soldier Ensemble just to watch over her...Except, on THAT day she just vanished according to Gattomon, frantic, her fur dripping sweat, her eyes razor sharp but worried about whatever had taken her.

***

Takeru should have seen the warning signs.

Her face was pale. She seemed on edge, jittery, even as he was saying hello. But she seemed in her own little world that day, her mind plagued by...something. She never told him to stay away even after the incident.

In class ever watchful of her, Takeru noticed her freak out, then practically faint into the arms of another classmate. He himself desired to go with her, but, their teacher had told him she was fine enough to make it on her own. Nothing seemed seriously wrong with her they claimed.

When Takeru finally tracked her down on a bench outside the school she told him cryptically what was going on explaining how she was at a ‘beach’, but not the one on the outskirts of the city limits. She was beating up on herself like Takeru had seen in the past. She kept trickling out the emotions in her heart, Hikari staring down at the ground as if powerless to the forces that had tormented her. He had never heard her mention about how much she needed her brother right now, as if she was the only one he could rely on.

In a way, Takeru felt a bit irritated. He knew how brave and how strong she was. And yet, without her brother’s presence he realized how powerless she felt. But, what about him? He was with her all those times back in the Digital World too. It wasn’t Taichi that helped him get through Piedmon or was there for her when they fell down into the Digital Underbelly of Machinedramon’s metal city into the sewers.

Takeru clenched his teeth, his heart pounding heavily within his chest. He never knew when it came to her he could feel such emotion. It built up as she spoke, Takeru gripping his fist, shutting his eyes tight.

Before he knew it, he had berated her quite severely telling her about how upset he was she always called out for Taichi to save her and protect her when she had her other friends (and him too, but he wouldn’t say it) to be there for her and help her through her trying times. There was no way he was going to let herself be taken or give up because he knew her and cared for her well being as much as any of the others could, maybe even more than that except her brother. But still he wanted her to know just much it pained him. She stared at him eyes wide, not hurt, but in shock.

Takeru hated the taste in his mouth from his words, not that he couldn’t stop staring at her face, taken aback at not only himself, but the strain he might have just put on their friendship.

He clammed up, legs cramping up as he backed away a little bit. Hikari had never looked at him like that before. This was something new, and, it frightened him. He was still scared for her, but in his condition, with just how awkward things were right now there was no way he could do his best for her. He fled telling her he had to go. It didn’t matter where he went. He just for once, had to be away from her, or his heart might stop.

He hurried away calming himself down. Eventually he reached the computer lab room where he felt at ease. Usually Patamon would cheer him up and he could bury himself in his chubby cheeks or use Takeru’s hat as a nest, but this was not the time. Nor did he want to be comforted.

Soon the other Digidestined arrived excited about another opportunity to stick it to the Digimon Kaiser, but to Takeru this seemed like theatrics in comparison to the problem Hikari was going through. In fact, the other Digidestined did not know where she went.

Takeru was about to say something when he saw Gattomon, disheveled gasping for air barely able to get out the words ‘Hikari’s disappeared.’

***

It took a moment that lasted forever. In slow motion Daisuke grilled him about not being with her like he always seemed to be, but Takeru though scolding himself could only think about her. Like a blur he remembered everything about Hikari that day. Everyone was so set on going to the Digital World to save her, but he just knew she was somewhere else. It had to be the beach, although it did seem strange. He ignored all of them shouting he’s going to the beach to find her, none of them fast enough or going along with his idea except Patamon and Tailmon.

***

In cold sweat Takeru ran, ever fearful of what Denizens had kidnapped Hikari. He felt partially responsible leaving her alone like that when she was at her weakest. Was Hikari a threat to them? Did they steal her there to take her life? Or were they trying to use her power? His thoughts troubled him greatly as he ran, Patamon taking to the skies, and Tailmon climbing and clawing through the trees trying to find a viewpoint of her. If anything happened to her, Takeru would never forgive himself. He vowed internally to make sure she was safe.

***

He did not know how long he had been running or care how far he had to go. But he kept hearing her voice, the coldness in her tone, the concern in her eyes like the light within her was going out. If she was going to disappear in despair, then he would just have to bring her back out. He imagined her in front of him, running by all of their memories, his heart and voice shouting out ‘Hikarichan!” into the air, passerbys giving him strange looks.

Despite the running, Takeru running out of breath, he could not stop. The pounding of his feet against the ground matched his breathing, Takeru’s heart beating like crazy. A welling of salt air sprayed into the air as he caught it’s familiar scent, and for a moment taste. It rejuvenated his spirit, the sobering flavor making Takeru’s heavy legs feel just a bit lighter as he lifted them.

He cried out for her, their partners echoing his sentiment as well. Takeru's throat stung feeling hoarse, Takeru having given it his all. He took a few steps forward, a bit dizzy from all the running he had to do, Takeru at his limit. He wanted to collapse, but still dared to take a step forward. It might not have been the ‘beach’ Hikari had been talking about but he would search every grain of sand for her if it came to it.

Suddenly, a slight breeze brushed his way; A thin trace of sweat going cold. He looked forward, not quite sure if what he was seeing was a feverish dream, a hallucination, or actually the girl he sought after. An apparition of Hikari manifested in a pinkish light, Takeru staring in amazement.

“Takeru,” he thought he heard a voice say, her lips moving and trembling but no sound coming out. “...Help me!”

Her unspoken words flooded over him Takeru unsure if it had overlapped with the waves from the nearby water. She was so close to him, and so far, her arms reaching out to him. He had never liked heights so much, but with Angemon there or Pegasmon now he wasn't worried because he would always catch him. But, he did not know how long this apparition of Hikari would be there.

The light, burning brilliantly, started to fade, Hikari’s image starting to fade with it. He looked straight at her needing to come to an immediate decision.

All of those years without her screamed into the forefront of his mind, Takeru reliving all of the conflicts they had to go through just to survive up till this point. His hands shook, his teeth chattered, his body quaked, and his spirit quivered.

He knew that if he let this one opportunity pass he would lose her forever. And how could he let that happen? After all they had been through, to think the last time he had spoken to her might be the last time he would ever see her again! He berated himself for agonizing this long about it.

He had his own brotherly problems when he was younger, and he even used Hikari’s brother for his own security. In a way, what he said to her was hypocritical of him, something Takeru vowed to never be. He never wanted to put any child through what he went through or those that were closest to him. He swallowed heavily, a pain throbbing in his throat, Takeru upset with himself.

Hikari had always been with him, but maybe he had remembered her in a way that was incorrect with how she really was. Maybe he didn’t like her, but rather the idea of what she could be to him. He winced, scolding himself inwardly that he couldn’t see her struggling the same way that he had struggled all those years ago.

In truth, it meant they weren’t as close as he thought they were, but anyone else would suspect otherwise looking in. He hated how he had seen Hikari before, someone to fill in the gaps in his heart and never leaving him. She meant so much more to him that! Even if it was true, that wasn’t the reason he wanted to be with her!

Yes, he was used to it because that’s what always happened. His Dad left taking his brother. Patamon left after giving his life for him but eventually coming back. Emotionally his mother had left leaving Takeru alone with his imagination and writing endeavors.

Then, that day, as their adventures with Digimon ended and Takeru moved out of town with his Mom, he had to leave her.

...But, that was THEN. And this is NOW.

He held onto the Hikari he knew dearly in his memories and let it go, her image transforming into the Hikari from today, her eyes sunken, her mouth frowning, a feeling of heaviness just emanating from her. Takeru grabbed his hand over his chest clenching it. He winced again, a sharp pain throbbing his chest.

Why do I always do this? he groaned.

The ugliness he had tried to mask within him resurfaced. Yes, this is what he always did. He blocked out the bad by being positive, but refused to look in and see the truth. He couldn’t count how many times he would ignore or interject or hum some song he made up while the world around him changed drastically.

But, that was ok, wasn’t it? Takeru did not want to hurt anyone which meant no one could hurt him. Let bygones be bygones. Of course, before he knew it, he had grown distant from those that cared about him. His smile faded and he had to replace it with another one. One that made everyone think he was all right, even if he wasn’t.

He could fight back the frustration and just mask himself with a smile. No one had to know what he was going through. No one needed to get involved. And if someone else had a problem Takeru could just give some pie in the sky advise and think everything would turn out fine for them.

…

He swallowed.

It didn’t.

Condescending eyes met his over the years, Takeru being socially there, but emotionally distant. His peers either loved him or hated him, but they never tried to get to know him. Moving with his mom from place to place he became an outlier. He kept in touch with Mimi, and even though she went through the same coming in hot and leaving fast, she maintained her friendships and just had this brightness about her that made her the center of attention.

Takeru genuinely tried to do the same after consulting with her once, but, it was awkward. The world demanded of him more than even he demanded of himself. He placed his heart out and then as soon as it felt uncomfortable quickly brought it back in. It felt better for others to believe in their own perspectives towards him rather than try to make an earnest effort to get to know others.

But then, he came back. Back to where he felt free. And open. And could talk at ease and be comfortable. Back with his childhood friend Hikari Yagami. And he could open himself a little more. Just a crack, to let in the light, and then the door swung open as Daisuke, Miyako, and Iori became his friends as well.

He had to admit, he owed Hikari a lot, but, he couldn’t sugar coat what happened earlier. His words didn’t help Hikari at all. Why couldn’t he have just said something positive and hopeful then? Because, when it came to Hikari, all of his emotions just fell out all over the place. He couldn’t treat her like the way others approached him. And, with how things were between them, he couldn’t let it just stay that way either.

He shivered slightly determined facing forward. Whether Hikari was downcast and depressed or gently vibrant and cheerful that didn’t matter right now. What mattered most was saving her. He stopped hesitating dashing forward towards the fading apparition of Hikari.

The pale hue of her skin, the off brown hair reminding Takeru of tree branches kissed by the first touches of frost in the Fall, and then her firm coffee mixed with cream light brown eyes radiating kindness and peace to everyone except herself- everything about her! He would not let a single part of her out of his sight.

He kept his eyes on her, ignoring the warning signs of sweat, his whole body trembling as he approached near the edge of a cliff, the sound of waves echoing into his ear from beneath him. With a mighty cry Takeru shouted out ‘Hikarichan!’ as he leapt into the arms of the image in front of him. It radiated warmth, but she was not there...and yet, she was there. He knew this was a contradiction, Takeru concentrating thinking about her and not what would happen to him.

He felt the sensation of his body lifted up and then dropped quickly, Takeru not daring to open his eyes until he was certain he had reached the same location as Hikari.

He opened his eyes looking around at a grayish ocean, strange shifty figures watching her. He caught sight of her, Hikari staring over his way with a joyous expression on her face.

Tailmon and Patamon came tumbling down after him, both of them winded from the journey. Patamon fluttered int the air supporting him, a dangerous Airdramon shifting and flying around above them tormenting Hikari. He knew what he had to do.

And then, his best buddy by his side, Takeru nodded his head as they both came to an agreement.

A moment of clarity brightened the dull gray darkness around Takeru. Watching Hikari, recalling what they had been through together, and being honest with his emotions, he felt that they had always walked side by side together, and yet he never could reach her.

Whether in his memories, an apparition, or the very girl herself somehow they had always been on parallel wavelengths as if calling for each other but never able to reach each other, Whether if she was in this world, the Digital World, or their World. He wondered if he had never confronted her about her dependency on Taichi if they would never actually have connected or had a conversation. Worse, maybe Takeru may never have been able to rescue her from the Dark Ocean they had found themselves in.

He hoped one day they could connect on an even deeper personal level and really get to know each other. There were so many things things he knew about her, but so many other things that he wanted to know, regardless of how he felt about them- good qualities, negative qualities, or qualities he saw in himself. He would learn to accept her for who she is, and not the person he imagined her to be. He vowed in his heart to make sure Hikari Yagami would never face the darkness again alone.

His eyes lit up realizing right now was the time to be the friend and protector he always wanted to be for her. She always had seen Takeru for who he was, and now that he truly could see her and show himself to her he knew from now on he could always see the true Hikari as well. Whether concealing himself in the darkness, or speaking openly in the light nothing would ever take that truth away. Nothing would ever take Hikari away. Nothing would take his conviction away or diminish his hope ever again.

With righteous indignation, he clutched his Digivice.

“You ready Patamon?” he encouraged practically digivolving himself into Takeru: Hikari Protective Mode. “Digimental Up!”

[traditional-with-a-twist]

Midnight Meeting

Takari Week 2024 - Day 5: Fifth Adventure

@takariweek

Kari finds T.K. outside the house, staring at the old forest. When she expresses concern, he tells her that he heard his brother calling and that he needs to answer. She’s confused.

T.K. tries to say goodbye to her but she has this strange feeling that she has to go with him. Before she can tell Tai, T.K. bolts. 

Kari and Tai chase after him, leaving Yolei and Ken behind. Kari feels very unsettled about the whole situation and how distressed T.K. is. She and Tai can barely keep up with him. 

T.K. disappears into the trees, and Kari gets separated from Tai, too. She keeps going through the forest, completely lost, feeling increasingly desperate. She just knows she has to find T.K. or something will happen.  

Finally she stumbles into a clearing and comes face to face with a giant white wolf. Its hackles are up and it’s growling. It locks eyes with Kari and she stops moving. She’s never seen a wolf before. A second later, she feels like that’s not true because the wolf has blue eyes and she knows she’s seen them before.

This time feels very different, though. She’s frozen, not knowing what to do. The wolf doesn’t attack her but it keeps growling. Suddenly, its growls increase in pitch and she hears footsteps behind her.

“Matt!” It’s T.K.’s voice. Slowly, she looks away from the wolf and at T.K. He doesn’t seem afraid, just concerned and a little confused. He puts his hands out, calling the wolf “Matt” again and apologizing for taking so long to answer him.

The wolf only snarls, eyes darting between the two of them. T.K. smiles at her and tells the wolf her name, explaining that she helped him. 

Kari stares. She didn’t expect this at all when T.K. said he was looking for his brother, but she just knows that T.K. is telling the truth. Somehow she knows that what she does next is important. Very slowly, she moves towards T.K. The wolf is still tense, fur raised, watching them.

When Kari lays her hand on T.K.’s arm, the wolf lowers its hackles and shakes its head. It looks confused and distressed. 

Kari smiles at it, following her instincts. She doesn’t really know why she’s doing this but it feels right. The wolf shakes its head again. T.K. asks what's wrong. He pulls away from Kari to approach it. 

The wolf backs away from him, but T.K. follows it. He reaches out to it and the wolf freezes. Kari blinks and for a moment she sees not T.K. but another white wolf, a little smaller, standing there. Then she blinks again, and it’s T.K. holding the wolf’s head in his hands. The wolf leans forward to sniff him and its tail begins to wag.

T.K. smiles, wrapping his arms around the wolf’s neck. Kari lets out a relieved breath. The anxious feeling is subsiding. Then, with a crash, Tai arrives.

[traditional-with-a-twist]

Morning Revelation

Takari Week 2024 - Day 4: Fourth Contact

@takariweek

Kari and T.K. are out in the market. Kari is tired because she didn’t sleep well the night before. She keeps drifting back to the strange dream she had about people running through the old forest near her home. They didn’t seem to be running from anything, just running together for the sheer joy of it. And the one in the lead, he’d looked back and his eyes were a familiar piercing blue. 

Kari can’t help but feel like the dream meant something, but she’s not sure what it could be. T.K. just lets her think, taking in the sights and sounds of the market with his usual wide-eyed wonder. 

Then, they’re stopped by a girl with red hair, offering to sell them a flower. Kari is startled back into awareness and realizes that, though she rarely passes through this part of the market, it’s very familiar to her. She’s been here recently. Her eyes drift over the familiar buildings and come to a stop on an empty pedestal. 

She knows that pedestal. She remembers that night so clearly, seeing the statue sitting forlornly in the snow. She’d been caught by how sad the wolf’s eyes looked. But the pedestal is empty now. Kari sweeps her eyes over the street, looking for some sign that she’s mistaken but it’s the same street, the same shop. Only the statue is missing. The statue with sad eyes.

T.K. leans over to look at her, concerned by her sudden distress. She looks up into his face and realizes where she’s seen the eyes of the man in her dream. T.K.’s eyes are the same brilliant blue, with a touch of sadness in them. Just like the statue of the wolf. 

Kari drops her basket. 

[atsoraasayoma]

Takari Week

Second Day: Second Meeting

Title: Who Gets To Walk You Home?

Summary: Takeru has to come to terms with the fact a new Digidestined, Daisuke Motomiya, whom has been jealous of Takeru for his past relationship with Hikari, will now be the one with Taichi's favor and the one who gets to walk her home from school. Nevertheless, Takeru is determined to still take care of her and will come to a resolution understanding just where their relationship stands.

*****

Takeru had to admit the first time he got jealous of Daisuke he had grown such a feel for toying with him. It seems even Hikari had some playful fun messing with him, no ill harm of course. Daisuke was just the kind of guy who overreacted so much everyone around him couldn't help but stop, smile and have a good laugh. He was so good about it too afterwards he even had a good chuckle himself.

Yet, that day, the very first day of school, Takeru for once felt jealous of Daisuke. He never knew it, but, after the battle with monochrome had twisted Hikari's ankle and he had alerted Taichi, the bravery of Daisuke awakened his own Digital Egg and Flamedramon unleashed a blazing fire rocket stopping the monochrome in it's place and bringing it to his senses.

He immediately ran to tell Taichi about, noticing Hikari wince as she tried to move it. The next few moments burrowed in his mind much like his hat sinking over his face when it was all over. Her words rang through clearer now, the smoldering of fire still hanging loosely in the air.

***

As the smoldering flames shattered the dark ring around her, the Monochromon shook it's head and ran on it's way. Hikari waved as it ran, groaning slightly as she stood there, Tailmon already rubbing her ankle.

"Is this any better Hikari?" she asked, her watery sky blue eyes concerned for her partner.

Hikari smiled gracefully. "That really helps Gattomon. But don't worry, I'll be ok."

Takeru, still panting for breath, would not take that at face value. Hikari always downplayed herself even when she was injured, fro what he knew from his memories. If she said she was 'ok' she was definitely NOT 'ok.' If she said nothing was wrong then there was something 'wrong', especially when she had such a disarming sad smile on her face. It was much like Takeru's smile hiding his own emotion. But, strangely enough, smiling with her that day in class, telling her jokes- it all felt so real.

He started walking forward about ready to call her name when out of the corner of his eye Daisuke rushed forward grinning from ear to ear. "Did you see me Hikarichan?!" he shouted delighted with himself. "There I was! Your great hero Daisuke summoned forth the power of Flamedramon, and -Bam!" he said punching his fist, Flamedramon burst into action and beat the bad guy! Now I'm here to rescue you! He said holding out his hand, Hikari looking a bit distanced from him.

"That was nice of you, Daisuke," she said, "And I am grateful but you don't need to romanticize it when it just happened," she smiled wryly giggling a bit afterwards.

"Ah! I made you laugh!" he said clenching his fists excitedly. "Don't worry Hikari!" he said grabbing her by the shoulders shaking her much to Takeru's displeasure. "I'll save you next time to!" he said enthusiastically, Takeru noticing Hikari wincing again.

He gripped his fist and rushed over. "Hey!" he said catching his attention, but finding it hard to be mad at him. Ok, maybe just a little bit. He acted like a happy go lucky puppy who didn't understand what it would be like to be scolded after just being who he was.

He went over to them forcing a smile on his face. "Taichi!" he called out, Taichi hurrying over.

"That was really something you guys! Taichi said amazed. "Armor Digivolving huh? And I thought I've seen everything!"

He began to extol Daisuke's virtues handing him his goggles thereafter, Takeru a bit taken aback, but at the same time happy for him. Then again, Takeru knew this meant he had Taichi's blessing -whatever that meant. And, with how he had seen Daisuke simping after Hikari he did not like it at all.

It did not help even Hikari called 'them' cute. Thankfully she did not call Daisuke that. Takeru might have resigned himself to live in the Digital World if she did. Patamon kept giving him odd glances here and there, but his best buddy did not understand what he was feeling.

What was it? Jealousy? Anger? Both? He pondered about it, noticing Hikari was nursing her ankle a little more leaning on the left foot supporting herself.

"That doesn't look good," he mumbled to himself, Hikari noticing him stare at her ankle concerned.

They met eyes for a moment, Takeru managing an awkward hand lifted in the air as if saying not to worry about anything, Hikari nodding her head smiling.

She knew that he knew it hurt more than she was letting on. But, with Taichi and Daisuke both all energetic her condition was kind of just set to the side. And, Takeru, for once would not let something like this just slide.

"Taichi," he said walking over, Hikari just turning to the side so she wouldn't be noticed, "We've got to get her ankle looked at."

"Hmm?" he said curiously. "She said she's ok," Taichi said. "I don't think that-"

"-Come on, you know her better than that," he said concerned. "I know it's a really big deal about what happened today, but please, can you take her home or at least the nurses office to look at it?"

"You make a good point," he said folding his arms thinking about it. He glanced at Daisuke still excited talking to Hikari who at this point started to look worn out.

"Tell you what? When we get back why don't you take her to the nurses office?"

"Me?" Takeru said incredulously gesturing to himself. He thought for sure he would have recommended Daisuke after he gave him his 'blessing' and all that but-

"-You're incredible Takeru, you know that?" he said placing his hand on his shoulder. "You always did keep a close eye on Hikari. I'm looking forward you to keeping it up!" he snickered.

Takeru smiled back not quite sure knowing what he meant.

"By the way," he said, "Did you know Daisuke lives nearby? We live in the same direction."

"Hmm," Takeru mulled it to himself. "So? What are you trying to say Taichi?"

"Oh, I'm not saying anything," he said resting his heads lifting it into the air. "I'm just thinking out loud. I'm just a concerned brother worried about his sister. I can leave her to you at least for today, right?" he glanced his way, a touch serious.

"I won't let her down Taichisan," he said a bit seriously himself, much like his younger self promising to protect Hikari from that gigantic metal dinosaur Machinedramon all those years ago.

"Good," he said smacking him in the back.

"But, what are you going to do?" he asked.

"Well, after what's happened today we got to let the others know. This is like 'Breaking News for Digidestined,' he grinned. "We're all going to meet up at the school playground in a couple of hours. Can you watch her until then for me?"

"That's all well and good," Takeru said glancing at Daisuke wearing Hikari out, "But what about Daisuke?"

"Don't worry about him," he replied. "I'll think of something…"

***

..When they had all returned crashing back through the computer in the computer lab they came out in a jumbled mess, Hikari having crashed into the girl Takeru had walked to school with this morning along with that same younger boy. Unfortunately poor Koushiro somehow had gotten caught up in the mix and was nearly crushed by everyone on the bottom, his hand stretched out like the last ditch effort to survive from someone about ready to pass on.

As they got up, Hikari's leg twitched, Takeru the only one having seen it.

As the newer kids who turned out also happened to be newer Digidestined built up excitement after Daisuke regaled them with a quick summary of what happened, everyone soon realized they had to leave. Takeru, keeping a close on Hikari tried to get the excited Miyako to leave gesturing her towards the exit as they were going to make their way home.

Koushiro stayed behind in the computer lab checking up on something. Just outside the lab Hikari looked a bit tired resting her poor ankle against the other leaning into the wall.

Takeru swallowed motioning towards her and placed his hand on her shoulder.

"Hikari," he said, Hikari out of it, trying to maintain her balance.

She glanced over at the side towards him, her eyes a bit dazed. She closed her eyes nearly out of it collapsing against him, Takeru catching her back.

"Don't worry Hikarichan," he said softly, Hikari mumbling a bit. "I've still got you."

The thrashing footsteps of Daisuke jumped closer to them, Daisuke concerned. "Hikarichan!" he shouted. "Why didn't you say it hurt that bad!" he said. "This ain't good. We got to get you some band aids or a- a- soda-pop or –

-"Daisuke!" Taichi called out, Takeru relieved.

From behind him Taichi wrapped his arm around his neck almost like he had snagged a collar. "She'll be fine," he said. "Let's just let her have something breathing room."

"B-but Hikari," he said, his nostrils fuming breathing heavily.

"Don't worry she'll be fine," he said managing to turn him around and walking away with him. "By the way have I ever told you about the time I won second prize in a soccer competition?"

"Man, I've heard that story like a hundred times already!" he replied, "But it psyches me up every time! Let's hear it again!"

"You got it," he said Taichi raising his hand up giving a thumbs up as he escorted Daisuke away from them, Takeru sighing in relief.

He glanced at Hikari whose eyes were already closed, and, possibly even asleep.

"Taichi to the rescue," he quipped as they headed to the nurses office.

***

Unfortunately, the nurse had already left for the day, but still there were beds available and not a soul in sight. He escorted her slowly up to the one of the beds, Hikari groaning in a half comatose state.

"Their we are Hikarichan," he said. "Time for bed," he added, Hikari climbing in slowly kicking off her shoes on the way.

She rested her head against the pillow, Takeru still catching a hint of smoke from the strands of her hair. The poor girl was sprawled out, but wasn't resting peacefully. Not with that ankle anyway.

With her left foot out, Takeru swallowed nervously. He looked around realizing right now Hikari could only count on him to help. There was no nurse. There were no adults. There was no Jou. That last one made him smile a bit realizing how much he had relied on the diligent Digidestined's guidance.

He swallowed as he reached forward and removed her light pink sock stained with grass and a hint of gray to them. It wasn't like he was doing anything untoward but he could not help but feel a sense of guilt that he let this go on too long. The younger him would have grabbed Hikari's hand and ran with her to primary village for healing in the Digital World. But, now a bit older, and here in their world, the nuances were a lot different.

He glanced at her lower leg admiring the pale complexion and just, well- it was Hikari- the girl he cared more for than anyone else except maybe his Mom. Even though it had been years he swore to himself he would not let anything bad happen to her. But, after what happened, he felt he had let her down, his chest starting to beat furiously within himself angrily he didn't protect her.

He kept looking at her foot and finally noticed the ankle swollen a light green and yellow. It didn't look too bad, but he knew he better do something if he wanted it to stay that way!

He glanced around looking for anything to help. An ice pack, bandages, or- yes! He threw open a glass cabinet and found some wrapping bandages and also a bottle of antiseptic.

"If only there was a cold compress somewhere," he said to himself. "Then I could-"

His eyes locked into a half open drawer staring in and finding one. He guessed someone else needed one but either changed their mind or forgot to lock up. He then located a small fridge in the back filled it with ice cubes and brought it back.

With everything there he needed to act fast. "Come on," he said to himself. "You can do this. What was it that Jou taught you before about first aid? You know this."

He concentrated thinking back to the days of summer camp and when he had nearly accident cut off one of Jou's fingers. Thankfully he had missed, but, after that Jou was a lot more strict with him. He taught him about wood carving, building a birds nest, and how to dress bandages. In fact, he remembered so vividly how Jou even let Takeru try to dress his wounds and he ended up wrapping him up almost like a mummy!

He grinned, remembering afterward Jou scolding him and then teaching him about addressing different injuries. He never needed to use those skills in the Digital World, but without a doubt they could be really useful right here and now.

He braced himself and set to work following Jou's strict guidance and remembering whenever he made a mistake the narrowing eyes of Jou lecturing about the proper etiquette of being a good Samaritan- err doctor- err something. It was pretty easy to get him rattled so he didn't quite remember all the words, but just the actions.

Not thinking about it too long he set to work disinfecting around her ankle, wrapping the backside firmly, but not too tight and applying the cold compress on the joint.

All the while Hikari grimaced, until the ice finally worked it's magic and she breathed out easily, her brow relaxing and finding the rest she sorely needed.

Takeru remained steadfast his hand holding the cold compress against her ankle, his fingers and palm starting to feel the cold. He switched hands every now and then making sure not to wake her, his 'I must protect Hikarichan' focus keeping him locked in.

***

For the next several hours Takeru remained there watching Hikari and glancing outside a small window noticing the tint of the lowering sun dyeing the sky in a melancholy glow.

It went through just right, the beams shining in, as if, by it's gentle healing touch awaking Hikari. She half yawned rubbing her eyes and opened them, Takeru breathless by how much he truly admired everything about her -even the cute way she woke up after a nap.

"T-Taichi?" she said half awake, "Are you there? Is Mom home?" she asked, Takeru realizing maybe she had gotten the wrong idea and thought that Taichi had taken her home.

He kept his hand applied to her compress even though it was not as cold anymore.

"Welcome back Hikarichan," he answered, smiling gently so as not to startle her.

Her eyes widened, looked at him and then looked down at herself, her body immediately clamming up, her face a pleasant red to Takeru.

"What's wrong?" he asked, for the first time actually enjoying her condition, "There's no need to feel embarrassed."

Hikari glanced at him, her cheeks rosy and covered herself with a blanket. "That's not fair Takeru," she sulked. "I hope I wasn't drooling or anything."

"Nope, you were drool free," he grinned. "Don't you remember back then when I watched over you when you had that fever after we fell into that dark hole all those years ago in the Digital World? Think of it like that ok?"

Hikari uncovered herself, the covers under eyes, but still covering her cheeks and embarrassment. "Ok."

***

Takeru spent the next quarter of an hour explaining what had happened, Hikari nodding her head, at last throwing her head back on the pillow.

"All that happened, didn't it?" she wondered aloud. "I guess it wasn't a dream."

"Neither is your foot," Takeru said. "You said you had twisted it so Taichi told me to take you over here.

"Oh," she said moving her foot, her face downcast a little bit.

"What is it Hikarichan?"

"It's not as bad as it looks," she said moving her toes and shaking her foot a little. "More than anything it was Daisuke just sapping me of all my strength," she sighed. "I thought I had gotten used to it, but when he saved me, between that and the shock and the pain it just kind of overwhelmed me," she confessed lowering her head a little.

She seemed to not say anything, Takeru daring to inch closer bending down and looking at up her face.

"Hikarichan, what's wrong?"

She glanced at him and then back down again. "Takeru, this was another obligation wasn't it? I know that you had other things you could have been doing. You probably just held onto the promise of protecting me when we were kids right? Just like he had asked you-"

-Ok, that melancholy lull coming from her had really stirred him up!

"Hikarichan!" Takeru exclaimed frustrated holding onto both of her shoulders and staring down at her. "I'm here because I WANT to be here. I WANT to be with you. And no one, not the Digital World, not Taichi, not even Homeostasis is forcing me! This is MY choice," he said firmly, Hikari staring back up at him, her eyes sparkling brown with flecks of amber.

Takeru, just realizing how close they were in proximity immediately backed up sitting back down at the edge of the bed.

"S-sorry," he apologized. "I didn't mean to snap at you like that."

Hikari glanced down at her foot, smiled tenderly at him and just beamed 'light.'

"I'm not mad," she said. "Just the opposite actually. I'm glad you don't see me as an obligation. In fact, I wonder, am I really here or am I still asleep?"

Takeru smiled, at peace like he always had been with her. "Well then, if you are, would you say the 'Takeru' here is 'dreamy?'

"Only in your dreams!" she laughed, Takeru laughing with her.

Oh, if only he was asleep.

***

As they talked and caught back up about everything, a veil seemed to have been lifted. Yes, Takeru was new to this school. He didn't really know the environment that well, but he did know the older Digidestined were still a closely knit group and, Hikari, more than all of them combined felt closer to him even more.

He felt like he could walk over to her, give her a hug, and tell her he would always be there, but, that would be way too forward. I mean, do friends even do that sort of thing? He wisely decided to let it rest. Maybe one day, but for now he could only bask in her glow enjoying their time together.

The time came for the Digidestined meeting, Takeru moving Hikari's shoes so she could get up and slide into them.

"How's your ankle? He asked.

"A lot better," she replied. "Only because a certain blond haired 'prince' happened to notice."

Takeru smirked. "If I'm a blonde haired prince then does that makes you a sleeping princess? Like Sleeping Beauty?"

Both of them grinned at each other one upping each other when the nurses door opened Taichi stepping in.

"Heh, more like Sleeping Princess Beautifull of it!" he grinned, Takeru a bit embarrassed he had caught their conversation.

"Taichi!" Hikari exclaimed.

"Hey Hikari," he said. "Feeling better? Everyone's heading over to the playground to get up to speed on what happened today."

"Please don't mention my ankle," she said. "I don't want to get in the way of-"

"-Don't worry sis,"Taichi said reaching into his pocket and texting. "And if it hurts you can always just lean on Takeru here like you always used to."

Hikari's face burned up pink as Takeru glance down nervously at her. She seemed to want to say something but quietly stared at Taichi fuming.

It was time to let off that steam.

"Don't worry Hikarichan," Takeru said placing his hand on her shoulder and smiling pleasantly. "I'm here for you if you need me."

Hikari nodded her head, a nod and murmur of approval echoing from her lips. "Yeah." she smiled relaxing, her standing in a graceful position as if just by his touch she had been fully healed. "Let's just pick it up where we left off like before," she added as if securing just what their relationship was in their eyes.

And they started walking as if they had not skipped a beat all those years ago in their Digital Adventures.

It felt bittersweet as they walked in stride. Right now, this honor, this desire of his heart to walk step by step with her was Takeru's. Yet, he remembered Taichi's words before. On the way back from school, if not Taichi, Daisuke would be the one to walk with her back. Hikari might be uncomfortable, but maybe she would get used to it. Maybe she would even start to enjoy it? But he remembered so clearly all they had gone through. Just because she walked home with another boy would not really change their relationship would it? And just exactly what was their relationship if not a boy and a girl fond of each other from back when they were younger kids who had a unique bond few others could understand?

Regardless, Takeru felt determined. Things would work out somehow. Daisuke might be walking her back from school the rest of the year, but today, THAT was Takeru's honor. THAT was his privilege. THAT was his desire. He might feel a bit anxious at times moving forward because of him, or maybe any other adolescent boys who stepped too close towards her, but as long as Hikari wanted him to be with her, he would shield her with one arm and go 'Digital' should the situation call for it.

Realizing such feelings Takeru felt peace wash over him as he glanced at Hikari, lovely as ever. He loved her idea. He smiled back as they pleasantly walked, Hikari no longer off balanced or in pain or feeling even the slightest distance from him. Because Takeru knew now, more than ever, she could lean on him whenever she wanted to… And he would always welcome her… one day, maybe, with open arms and a warm embrace.

[traditional-with-a-twist]

Winter Evening

Takari Week 2024 - Day 3: Third Meeting

@takariweek

Kari is making dinner as quickly as she can, eager to wrap herself in blankets and sit by the kotatsu on a chilly winter night. She feels a little lonely without Tai and Ken and Yolei but looks forward to them returning within a couple of days. As she’s moving around the house, she’s startled when she sees someone’s silhouette through the door. Worried for whoever is out in the cold so late in the evening, she opens the door to find a young man she’s never seen before, with strangely pale hair. He’s wearing the scarf that she wrapped around the statue. 

She’s momentarily dismayed to see that he’s taken it but she’s quickly distracted by how lost and confused he seems. He doesn’t seem to remember how he got the scarf and even with it, he’s shivering from the cold. Kari takes pity on him and ushers him into the relative warmth of the house. Her brother will surely understand, she decides. Everything seems new and unfamiliar to the man, but he’s sweet and grateful to her. Kari decides that he must be a foreigner and does everything she can to make him comfortable. He’s mysterious, but she’s sure that everything will clear up after he gets some rest and warm food. And she can’t deny that looking at him makes her heart flutter, in a way she has never felt before. Strange as she is, she doesn’t want him to leave.

[seventeenlovesthree]

@takariweek Day 7 - Seventh Beginning

I'm super late to the party, but I really do like the idea of these two in particular being stuck in a time loop and somewhat aware of the fact that their fate - as Light and Hope in a group of Eight - always repeats itself. Over and over again. But at least they will always find each other.

[takariweek]

That's a Wrap!

Another Takari Week in the books! Thank you to everyone who participated (and is still participating!) this year. I'm always so happy to see what range of content and participants we get, and this year was no different!

Thank you, again, everyone, for your patience these past two years! As a reminder, if you're running late on some prompts, feel free to continue posting your content and using the tag! I will continue tracking Takari Week tags for stragglers, and I always check my notifications for anyone tagging this blog!

See you all next year (hopefully)!

[genork-the-fandork]

Here is a masterlist of the works I contributed to the 2024 version of Takari Week, hosted by myself over on @takariweek . Thank you to everyone who participated and stayed patient with me these past two years! Here's hoping for another great one next year!!

"Falter" (Day 1: First Summer)

"Cavalry" (Day 2: Second Year)

"Ours" (Day 3: Third Meeting)

"Vacation" (Day 4: Fourth Contact)

"Resolve" (Day 5: Fifth Adventure)

"Anchor" (Day 6: Sixth Ending)

"Coffee" (Day 7: Seventh Beginning)

[genork-the-fandork]

Coffee

Word Count: 640 Prompt: Seventh Beginning A/N: The final drabble. I never had them kiss, did I? Ah, well. I prefer the unspoken bonds when it comes to Digimon. And these two have one of my favorite bonds. Thank you, everyone, for reading my silly little drabbles. It's been a great event! @takariweek

"Digimon drinking coffee is… alarming," Hikari pointed out as she watched Patamon and Tailmon slurp down their drinks. She didn't often consume coffee herself, and she had a feeling most of Takeru's orders were for Patamon. It didn't seem to negatively affect the Digimon in the slightest, but she still worried. A part of her was always worried about them.

"As long as we don't give V-mon any, everything should be fine." Takeru's cheek was smooshed from where it rested on his hand. He looked content, and it made Hikari feel the same to see him that way. It had been quiet since their brothers had parted from their Digimon, and they'd made a semblance of a promise to enjoy every day with Patamon and Tailmon that they could. As always, Takeru had taken one of their many promises seriously.

Hikari rested back against the leather of the booth seat, her neck falling against the curve of it. Casting her eyes to the side, looking at her friend, she smiled. "Something's about to happen, huh?" She had been feeling it in her bones the last few days. Somehow, even before they knew for sure something was happening, that they would be called to save Japan or the world, they two had always sensed it. Maybe it had to do with how crucial Hope and Light had always been to the workings of the Digital World, or maybe they had always had a little bit of Homeostasis within them. Regardless, it had always seemed… rather psychic of them. It was something they couldn't tell their brothers, but at least they could share it with each other.

A thoughtful look passed over Takeru's face, and he met her gaze out of the corner of his eye. "I think so, yeah. Probably specific to the newbies." Not that they were "newbies" anymore. But Takeru had always thought of them as such, or at least referred to them that way. Sometimes it was like they two were their parents, even though Miyako and Ken were older than them and Daisuke was their age. Always looking after them, wise beyond their years. Maybe they'd both been born with some piece of the Digital World inside them.

"Let's hope it won't cause too much trouble," Hikari mused, turning back to look at Tailmon polishing off her drink.

"We always say that. It never works."

They laughed, and their Digimon looked up, their heads tilted in confusion at the sound. Takeru reached across the table to pet Patamon's head, and Hikari touched her own hand to Tailmon's claws. "We'll be okay. Whatever time we have left with them, we'll spend it wisely."

"We always have. Something to be said for the last two usually standing." Takeru grinned, and Hikari's face automatically mirrored the expression. Two halves of a whole, as they always seemed to be. There was something to be said for that. Although they were not usually ones to say it outright.

"Leave some fun for the others, hm? Wouldn't want Daisuke complaining that he didn't get to have his chance in the spotlight." Hikari bumped her shoulder into Takeru's, and the blond returned it.

"I suppose I can. Besides, when it all comes down to it, Daisuke will probably be the one to save us all." True to the parental role he'd taken on ever since meeting their friends, he smiled proudly. "He's come a long way."

"We all have. And it's just the start." Hikari held out her hand, and Takeru took it. Their fingers didn't even need a mental command to intertwine. Their lives may have just been starting, in some sense of the word, but theirs was a bond forged from years of trust. One that would never go away, no matter how much the Digital World tried to hammer it away.

[genork-the-fandork]

Anchor

Word Count: 591 Prompt: Sixth Ending A/N: I would have written this yesterday had I not been dreadfully tired. I wrote very Kizuna things for Taichi Week, so today was essentially just a continuation of grief for that. Takeru and Hikari need a raise. (Idk what they're paid in right now.) This is a very chaotic Author's Note. @takariweek

"I just don't get it," Takeru said to Hikari. They were waiting on a bench for similar yet entirely dissimilar reasons. Taichi and Yamato had gone to say their goodbyes. It was time for them. But why was it time for them?

"What's not to get? They ran out of time," Hikari said, a wobble in her voice indicating that she'd cried over this recently. It was still fresh in her mind, if he was hearing it right.

Takeru shook his head, clutching tightly to Patamon, as he always seemed to be doing. It was a wonder Patamon had never complained, all these years of being squeezed half to death. Instead, Patamon just patted his arm, nuzzling him. It brought comfort to an otherwise dreary moment. "If… if Sora, Taichi, and Yamato are all experiencing this… that means we all should be. Including us. But why not us?" He met his friend's gaze. "What's so special about us that we're spared?"

"Who knows?" Hikari only held his gaze for a few moments before glancing away. She bit her lip, and he knew she was pondering the same thing he was. They had been part of the original eight Chosen. So why was their time extended?

Finally, she spoke. "Maybe it's because of them. Daisuke. Miyako. Iori. Ken. They need us. If we… if we lost Patamon and Tailmon… they wouldn't be able to do much, don't you think?"

"That makes sense." And it did. But something felt wrong about it. "It's not fair to our brothers."

"No," she agreed, and a weight came upon his shoulder. Her head. Instinctively, he laid her head against hers, closing his eyes. His grip on Patamon loosened. A strange relaxation came over him, as it always did whenever he and Hikari sat like this. He'd never tell his brother, and he'd certainly never tell Taichi, but with all the turmoil in the world, she was his anchor. She always had been. He knew if he ever told her, she would argue that he was her anchor, after their encounter with the Dark Ocean and all. Yet he had never seen it that way.

"They wouldn't want us to grieve," he said softly, his hand searching for hers. She took his hand, and their fingers intertwined, as natural as it had ever been. "They'd want us to keep going in their stead."

"Dummies," she said in response. "They should know that we don't do things quite the same way as they do."

"Someday they'll learn." Here Takeru opened his eyes, gazing off into the direction Yamato had gone. He could sense it. Gabumon was gone. "Maybe now they'll be more open to it."

Without looking at her, he knew Hikari had also opened her eyes, sensed that Agumon was gone. Their brothers were somehow out there, alone, while they sat on this bench together. They weren't alone in the slightest. Would it hurt more to go comfort them, with their partners still by their side? Or would it be a comfort, to know their younger siblings were not yet experiencing this pain they felt so acutely?

"Poor Taichi. Poor Yamato." Hikari lifted her head from his shoulder, keeping her hand in his. "Let's stay here until they come back."

"Always." Takeru smiled sadly, and Hikari returned it.

At least if they ever had to face this, they would do it together. Takeru knew for a fact that he would still have Hikari's hand in his if he were to ever face the pain of losing Patamon.

[wormsical]

Seventh beginning

[wormsical]

Sixth ending

[wormsical]

Fifth adventure

[genork-the-fandork]

Resolve

Word Count: 623 Prompt: Fifth Adventure A/N: Local Tri apologist here. (Listen, high school me REALLY loved new Digimon content coming out while she was aware of it.) Anyyyyyyway. There was (1) aspect of Tri that I always took umbrage with, and it was that Homeostasis kinda went "actually, we don't need you." Like what? So Takari is my vessel for standing up to that! LOOK AT THEM GO! @takariweek

"This is weird, right?"

Hikari looked up and over at Takeru, who was sitting on the floor a little ways away. She had been petting Tailmon's hair for… she'd lost track. A while. How long had they been sitting here in silence? A few minutes? Hours? Days? Months? No. It had only been about twenty minutes. Calm down, Hikari.

Her voice was a bit hoarse as she said, "Very."

"I mean. They picked us, right? We're the Chosen, and now they—they don't want us anymore? What kind of sick joke is that?" Takeru had been bent over Patamon, clutching his Digimon partner tightly like a stuffed animal. The poor creature looked so forlorn to see Takeru in such a state. But now, the blond sat up, locking his gaze with Hikari's, blue eyes desperate and widened. "Are they going to do this to all the Chosen? Wallace? The kids in New York? Russia? Mexico? What's fair about that?"

"It's not fair." Hikari's words came out bitter enough that even Tailmon looked surprised. "They can't change our lives forever and then try to reverse it. It's too late. We've been in this for years."

"What can we do? They already don't want us involved."

"We got involved the moment we met Meiko. Whether they like it or not, we're as much a part of this as she is." Hikari glanced out the window. "And we can't just leave one of our own behind."

"Of course we can't." A sly grin appeared on his face. "Daisuke would have our heads if we did."

"Do you think they're okay?" Hikari whispered. "I… I don't like that we don't know where they are."

"I wish we could've been there to help them. We should've been. If we'd been there, maybe we could have used Jogress evolution…" Takeru shook his head. "We're going to help Meiko, and we're going to find them. That's all we can hope for right now."

Hikari couldn't help it—she raised an eyebrow. "Really leaning into that, are you?"

"Hey, it's worked before. Surely it will work this time." Takeru made to stand up, holding out a hand for her. "Shall we?"

"Let's. Maybe by now the 'adults' have stopped going in circles." Hikari took his hand and stood with him, and they smiled at each other. Even more than their brothers, they had always been able to strengthen the other's resolve with minimal effort. Such was the way of being Hikari and Takeru.

"We always need to save them, don't we?"

"I think we always will." 

Hikari let Takeru pull her out of her apartment and toward where the others had surely gathered by now. Their hands remained joined, clasped tightly. She was his anchor, and he was hers. Even as the world, their lives, crumbled around them, they still had each other. As it always had been. As it always would be, Homeostasis be damned.

[wormsical]

Fourth contact

[genork-the-fandork]

Vacation

Word Count: 537 Prompt: Fourth Contact A/N: I keep straying from the original purpose of the prompt (I named them, so why--). But anyway, I thought it was cute if they were being a little goofy silly, and might as well have SOME romance or something involved~ (It also went a little off the rails from where I started, but that's okay.) @takariweek

"Should we have brought the others?" Hikari glanced at Takeru over her shoulder, right at the moment he snapped a photo. She stuck her tongue out, and he snapped another, grinning.

Lowering the camera, he shrugged. "Maybe. But I think we would be getting far less done if we'd brought four more with us."

"I suppose that's true. Miyako would have loved to see Mimi again, though." She stretched her arms over her head, and Takeru watched the way the sunset lit her up. Something in him said it was irrational to think that light seemed to follow her wherever she went, but a majority of him knew it was true. It was her Crest, but it was her entire being. Perhaps a part of him had always admired that about her.

"Should we see if they have any ramen around here? Daisuke would appreciate the research," Takeru joked, handing Hikari her camera back.

"It wouldn't be as good. Pizza?"

"Of course."

It occurred to Takeru as they walked that it was awfully romantic to be in New York alone with his best friend. Of course, such a notion was applicable to any of his friends, but it was special with Hikari. It always had been. He'd been somewhat in denial of it all these years, but as he got older, he started to wonder if perhaps it was odd to expect more to develop. Was it a natural sort of progression, or was it something that took a lot more effort? He wasn't sure. And he didn't dare bring it up with Yamato.

For a moment, he looked down at their hands, swaying by their sides, separately. His gaze flicked up to her face, turned toward the buildings around them, not noticing him. Glancing back down again, he dared to reach toward hers, the backs of their hands nearly brushing—

She turned away, and her hand disappeared. His fingers curled into a fist as he smiled at the sign she was pointing to, holding up her camera to snap a photo. Maybe another time.

Or so he thought. "Look, Takeru, that restaurant says it has the best pizza in New York!" Hikari took his hand, intertwining their fingers—accidentally? purposefully?—as she essentially dragged him to the pizza place in question. A brilliant smile spread across his face at the sheer joy on her face. Radiating Light, as she always was.

"We should ask Mimi if that's true. She's the expert."

A mischievous smile, one that looked so much like the one she'd had years ago, when they first met, came upon her face. "Maybe we'll just have to try every pizza place in the city. Even if we have to come back."

Come back. To New York. Takeru liked that idea. Even if it involved bringing their other friends along, it was a promise of another vacation together. Maybe even several more to come as the years went by.

"Sounds like fun," was all he said, but it held the vow that he would always come back to New York City with Hikari, if only to continue the adventure that they were starting right now. Pizza would always be a little extra special to him now.