Hello everybody,

Welcome to my newest story. Actually, that is a lie; this story has been semi written on my computer for at least 6 months. I wrote it while listening to the song Hypocrite by Idioteque (I recommend you check it out). I've decided to post it now in hopes that I'll actually finish it.

If you've read my other stories you know that I love Takari, so yes this is a Takari. However, I'm going to try to delve more into Tk's psyche in this story along with exploring classic metaphors of light and darkness. I hope you enjoy and give me good feedback and inspiration to continue writing.

-Xanpluto

Chapter 1. The Past

"Have you decided?"

"No." He said in a grave voice. He'd been thinking it over for months and still had not come to a decision. He didn't know what was right or wrong anymore. What was darkness and light anyways? Who was to say one was better than the other?

"It's nearing the time."

"I know." He lowered his golden head to stare at the ground, "I still need more time."

"Very well, but eventually you have got to pick a side."

The boys raised his head and saw that his visitor was gone. She'd vanished in an instant. He returned in from the balcony of his apartment complex and settled down by the couch with a few books. While he flipped through the pages regularly nothing was sticking in his confused brain. He was overwhelmed by his decision.

Perhaps if he had someone to talk to it would be better. Hashing out ideas with others always seemed to bring enlightenment. However, this was his sole choice and no one could ever know about it. Not now at least.

He wondered what his friends would think if they even knew. Would they be appalled? He couldn't blame them. At first he'd been appalled; only after constant pestering was he even able to listen to what they girl had to say. It took more time for him to consider her offer.

Then again, would his friends even care? Over the years they'd naturally disbanded and led their own independent lives. Yes, they were close as children, but everyone grows up eventually.

Tk finally set down his book knowing he was getting no where. He walked to the kitchen looking for some dinner to eat; he found only some moldy bread. He lived alone in a small apartment and had been too busy lately to go shopping. He was so busy, in fact, that he'd never even found time to unpack all his moving boxes. Hence, even if there had been food, he had no equipment to cook it with. Sighing he through on a jacket and shoes and ventured out of the house.

It was only a ten minute walk to the store but he managed to make it longer with his general aloofness. Therefore, when he was heading back it had already turned dark and the city lights created deep shadows on the street.

"Tk Takaishi!" A voice exclaimed loudly and Tk turned slowly in dread. "Wow, I almost didn't recognize you." A young man said while approaching him.

"Cody." He answered back halfheartedly. Cody eyed him evenly.

"Are you alright?"

"Perfect." Tk said as he called upon one of his old, classic smiles. "How are you? I heard you've started going to University."

"Yes, I'm a junior there." Cody's excitement at seeing his old friend had turned to suspicion. Was his sense of time deluded? "Shall we get some coffee and catch up? I'd love to hear about your life."

Tk nodded his head in agreement and they entered a nearby cafe. As they sat down Cody began to realize many other aspects about Tk that had changed over the many years since they'd last seen each other.

"I thought you were still in France?" Cody eyed Tk expectantly while sipping his latte.

"I came back to do research for my graduate thesis." Tk said simply and Cody encouraged him to explain. "In short, I'm analyzing the influence of European writers on Japanese literature during the early 1800s."

"That sounds interesting." Cody said though he truly didn't understand the scope of Tk's work. "How long have you been here?"

"Three months."

"Three months!" Cody said loudly, "And you haven't told anyone that you're back?"

"I didn't see the need for it." Tk shrugged, "Everyone has their own lives now. Plus, I've almost finished my research; I'll be going back to France soon."

"That ridiculous." Cody said strongly. He eyed Tk with concern; he had changed so much in the nearly 5 years since they'd last seen each other. Since when had he stopped caring about his old friends? "I'm sure everyone would love to see you. We could have had a digidestined reunion or something."

Tk's eyes were downcast as he spoke his next line, "Cody, we were digidestined a long time ago. Everyone has moved on."

"No, they haven't." Cody responded strongly. "I'm sure everyone would be glad to get back together. If anything, Tk, you're the one that's moved on."

Tk shrugged again and then finished his coffee. "I've got to get back and finish some research." He stood up to go, "It was nice catching up with you."

"Wait Tk!" Cody said as he turned to leave. "If I were able to get everyone together for a reunion would you come?"

Tk gave a pitiful smile, "That's impossible."

"Answer the question." Cody said strongly.

"If you, against all likelihood, managed to get all the old digidestineds together for a reunion I would be so shocked that I would have attend just to see it with my own eyes." Tk said with a half smile.

"Is that a promise?" Cody demanded.

Tk shrugged again, "Sure."

"The Tk Takaishi I used to know would never break a promise." Cody said at Tk's retreating back. Tk have a small wave of acknowledgment without turning around. "Good." Cody said to himself and then began to plan the digidestined reunion.

Matt was surprised when he got a phone call from the youngest of his childhood friends. His surprise increased when he heard what Cody had to say.

"WHAT? You're telling me my brother is in Japan!" Matt practically shouted.

"You didn't know?" Cody asked in surprise.

"No, he never mentioned anything." Matt's anger was starting to rise. "That little brat. How could he not tell me?"

"Matt," Cody said timidly, "I hope I'm not being too intrusive but when was the last time you actually saw Tk?"

"Probably the Christmas before last." Matt said guiltily. "Why?"

"He seems different."

Matt was immediately concerned, "How so?"

Cody stumbled to pinpoint Tk's new persona, but felt satisfied by the explanation he gave. "It almost seemed like he has lost all his optimism. He didn't even seem very happy."

"He wasn't like that last time I saw him." Matt said alarmed. "He was perfectly normal."

"Something must have changed; something big."

Though Cody couldn't see it, Matt's expression turned to sad as Cody's words were like a dagger through his heart. Matt had a guess about what had make Tk change. It was something that Matt hadn't told many people about because of his own guilt.

Cody continued, "I want to make this reunion real so it'll restore some of Tk's faith in his old friends."

"Thanks Cody," Matt said sincerely, "I'm glad you still care so much about my little brother. I'll be there for sure."

"Great." Cody was smiling, "That's two out of twelve."

"Don't worry about the older kids. Just leave it to me, I'll get them to come."

"That would be a great help." Cody was unsure of how to ask his next question but decided on just saying it straight, "By older kids does that include Kari?"

Matt didn't reply for a few seconds, "Yeah, I'll deal with both Kamiyas."

"Okay. I'll talk to you soon. Bye Matt."

"Bye Cody, and thanks for calling me first." Cody had no reply so simply ended the call and set down his phone with a smile.

I usually don't like writing for Cody (b/c I find him boring) but this actually turned out quite well. Do you agree? Any guesses about what will happen next?

Please Review.