Ok, here is the next chapter to my Gokusen story! I hope you all enjoy reading it! ^^

Reminders: Italicized words means they're speaking in English (Unless I say otherwise in the story - Please pay attention)

Disclaimer: I own nothing except my own OC's...*sighs sadly*

Chapter 10: The light at the end of the Tunnel

It was hard for me to determine whether I was awake or not. Either way all I was able to see was darkness. I think my eyes were closed. That meant I was sleeping, right? How long was I sleeping for? Hours? Days? Months? Years? I didn't know for sure. I remember being told that I might not wake up because of my brain being messed up or something.

"I can't believe we let her go through with this."

Who was that? That voice...It sounded familiar. It was my mother.

"It couldn't be helped. She's an adult now. She knew the risks...All we can do is be here and support her whenever she wakes up."

So I am asleep. Now if only they would say how long I was asleep.

"Oh, Kyo I thought you would be at Shirokin. Didn't you say that you were helping with Yamaguchi's class with soccer?"

Kyo is there too? And what was all this talk about soccer?...Did I miss something?

"Yeah, I am. I just wanted to stop by and see my litter Star before I head over there."

There was a soft gentle hand that rested on my head.

"Wake up soon Star."

Chapped lips were carefully pressed against the skin on my forehead. Kyo left and I wanted to reach out for him to stay but no matter how much I tried I couldn't move. So instead I sat there listening to the random conversations my parents were having. I couldn't help but wonder what was going on at Shirokin. Did the others miss me? I bet Yankumi had something to do with the others playing soccer. I wanted to wake up so bad. Not just because it would make everyone happy, but because I would finally be able to see everyone's happy faces. I wanted to see everyone...But...There was one person who I wanted to see the most.

Shin...

Just thinking about him, even in my unconscious state, had my heart racing. I could hear my parents call out in worry when the monitor started beeping faster, only to return to normal in the next few seconds. I wanted to see us holding hands, his smirk, eyes, nose, hair, hands - everything really.

"You must be Sayuri, Hitomi's birth mother."

My Okaa-san is here too! Now I really wished I would wake up. Sadly I knew that I wouldn't. It wasn't time yet. With an inaudible sigh, I resumed to listen to the conversations of my parents, and a translator that my Okaa-san brought with her. Okaa-san had to leave not long later due to her still working lots of hours to put Uchi through school. You know...Thinking back. I think me leaving my mother and brother was a blessing in disguise. What would have happened if I did stay with her? She would have been working a lot more, probably twice as much just to put us through school. All of that working could have gotten her sick, and what would have happened to us if she died? When I left I'm sure she had a bit extra money with one less mouth to feed, and especially without all the doctor visits. I bet Okaa-san noticed that, and hated herself for thinking it, but I can't blame her. In the end it worked out...I found a nice family, and she doesn't have to worry about some huge bill coming to her due to the surgery. So maybe...All of that wasn't so bad after all.

"Baby, please wake up."

I would if I could. I missed being able to speak to you mom. I heard her gasp, and for a split second all sound stopped. Suddenly there was a sound of a cellphone's buttons being pressed. My mother than said something really strange.

Kyo! It's your mother! It's Hitomi! She's awake!"

...

I was?...Then why is it still dark? Did...Did the surgery not work? Will I still not be able to see!

"My baby! She spoke to me!"

I don't understand what's going on. My mother was soon in hysterics, her happy cries quickly turning into sobs. I was so confused. My dad then spoke, informing Kyo - who I'm assuming was on the phone - that I had simply spoke out in my unconscious state. I couldn't help but feel guilty that I gave my mother false hope like that. I wish I could speak again to tell them not to worry, but no matter what I tried I didn't hear any new reaction from my parents. I knew they were dying with worry. So was I. Hey brain! You better make enough of whatever hormone you're supposed to too wake me up! And do it fast! There are people waiting on us!

Of course I didn't get an answer but I wasn't really expecting one. Didn't my brain want to see the sun? Or the stars? And all the colors? Like blue or red? What about Shin? I know my brain wanted to see him. It had too because when I was awake all my brain would allow me to think about was Shin.

Wait...I don't think brains could see things. Well...It could interpret the image that's being sent to it. That's good enough for me.

For the next few hours all I heard was my father attempting to comfort my mother. Eventually they decided to leave about an hour before visiting was over, saying that it would be best if she gets some rest at home. Though I wanted them to stay, I knew that what my mother needed was some time away fro seeing me like this. I didn't blame her. I was alone now. The one thing that I feared the most. I hated being alone. To not have anyone there to talk to or guide me through the dark labyrinth that is my life.

I heard the door open, and I assumed it was a doctor, but the voice belonged to Kyo instead.

~*~*Italicized words are now representing Japanese~*~*

"Here she is. It's a shame we can't stay longer."

I wonder who he's talking too.

"Are you sure it's OK for me to be here Kyo?"

Wait...Was that...Kikuno? The nurse from school? Why is she with my brother? And furthermore, why is she calling him by his first name and no honorific? Exactly how much did I miss!

"Of course it is Kikuno. Look, I'm really serious about us-"

I can just see Kikuno blushing heavily. Her eyes are probably wide, and her heart beating wildly. She would probably break one of these stupid heart monitors from how fast it was beating.

"-and I want to introduce you to my family. I want you to be in my family. O-of course, o-only if y-you want t-too!"

I wanted to laugh at the sudden nervousness in his voice.

"K-kyo...I don't...This is too fast..."

"I can wait Kikuno. It could be months, or even years before you even consider being apart of my family. But I have never felt this way about anyone before, and I know you're the one. I know it's kind of strange that I'm saying all of this in my sister's hospital room-"

Oh you think! Great going brother! You know how to make me feel uncomfortable, conscious or not!

"-But I'm telling you the truth. Just promise me you'll think about it. Even if you don't want to marry me-"

I could hear Kikuno's breath hitch.

"At least give me the chance to date, and cherish you for as long as you can stand me. I am not a child Kikuno, I know when I am in love and when I am in lust. What I feel for you is undeniable, and irrevocable love."

I wish I could turn off my hearing right now. It's not that I was disgusted or embarrassed by what I was hearing, but I just felt that they deserved some privacy. Though, it was Kyo's fault for doing that stuff here. Even so, I was happy that Kyo found someone he cared about. Both Kyo and I waited for Kikuno to respond - just because I said they deserved some privacy doesn't mean I wasn't interested in the conversation.

"Kyo I...-"

I could almost see the slow smile come to Kikuno's face.

"Ok...There is just one last thing I must say."

"What is it?"

"I love you as well Kyo."

If I was awake I would have probably busted out in tears. Of course they would be happy tears. It was probably best that I didn't though. Was it possible that what Kyo and Kikuno had was what they call 'Love at first sight?'. I couldn't help but wonder if I would be like that when I first lay eyes on Shin. Was it possible to be in love by just seeing someone? I couldn't wait to find out.

"Let's finish the conversation in the car."

I heard Kyo say lovingly to Kikuno, who I knew was probably blushing like a fool. I was grateful that they wouldn't continue to talk about that stuff around me. I already felt as tough I was intruding.

"Looks like you might have an older sister soon, Star."

My brother whispered it to me, his hand now resting on the crown of my head as he gave me a brotherly kiss. I felt another hand grab mine, but it wasn't Kyo's. I had never felt this hand before, but due to the petiteness of the hand I knew it was Kikuno. She gave me a reassuring squeeze. I knew Kyo was smiling like an idiot when he saw that. Love shining in his eyes. He would grab her free hand with his own, and give her a simple sweet kiss. Kikuno gasped, but it was for a different reason.

"She squeezed my hand!"

If I could my eyes would be wide. I did?

"She did?"

"Y-yeah...At least...I think she did."

I could imagine Kyo looking at me closely.

"Star, if you've been awake this whole time I'm gonna kill you."

I knew he was joking, but I couldn't help the mental shudder. I knew better than to not take his threats seriously, and even though I knew he wouldn't kill me, I knew he would probably do something just as bad.

"It was probably just an involuntary muscle twitch."

I heard Kyo sigh in disappointment.

"You're probably right."

Thank you Kikuno! The door opened again and this time it was the doctor informing my brother and Kikuno that visiting hours were over. My bother ruffled my hair, and Kikuno squeezed my hand before they left, promising to come visit again tomorrow. Again, I was left alone. Just me and my beeping heart monitor. Slowly my mind began to dim the outside world, until I could no longer hear the beeping monitor and was - for all intense purposes - back to sleep.

Italicized words are back to representing English.

"It's been 5 days...And still no sign of her waking."

Were the first words I heard when I was able to hear again. Had I really been asleep for five days?

"It was really nice of Yamaguchi and the class to come by and visit, wasn't it dear?"

My whole class came to see me? And Yankumi too? Did I really worry them that much? I wonder if Shin was here.

"Yeah it was. That Yankumi is really something. I'm glad that Hitomi has such a caring young teacher."

I heard my dad chuckle.

"So am I dear."

That was all I heard before my grips on the hearing world faded away yet again.

When I awoke again I didn't hear anything. It was quiet so I assumed it was after hours. The only thing that was with me with my still beeping heart monitor...But wait...Was it beating faster?

Why was my heart beating faster?

Could it be...Was I awake? The would explain it. People's hearts slow down when they are sleeping, and I remember that the monitor was beeping a bit slower before. But if I was awake, then how come I couldn't see? Fear began to grip at my heart, making it increase in speed. What if the surgery didn't work? What if I was going to be blind forever! I wanted to move but my body wasn't listening to me. Everything felt so heavy, and my muscles felt nonexistent. I couldn't speak either. My throat was dry, and my saliva glands just didn't seem to want to work. All of this only made me panic more, and my heart rate increased.

Suddenly the doors slammed open and two nurses rushed in trying to find out what was wrong with me. Knowing they were there I tried to say something, anything would have done. Just to show them that I was awake.

"Is she just having a bad dream?" One of the nurses asked, after noting there was no physical signs of problems.

"Possibly. Her brain activity seems normal...But...I don't know something is a bit off." The second nurse said, peering closely at the monitor.

"What do you mean?"

I wish I could speak. I wish I could do something!

"Her brain activity isn't matching someone who is in a coma. It's of someone who is aware." The nurse said now looking at me.

"Could she have woken up?" The same nurse asked the other nurse with her.

"I don't know. She wasn't showing any signs before. There's probably something wrong with the machine. We should put a new one in here straight away, so that there aren't any more mishaps." The first nurse said as they both started heading for the door.

The was my last chance! Come on voice! Work!

"W...ai...t..." I managed to whisper. But it was so quiet that I wasn't sure if they could hear me.

"Did you say something?" The nurse asked.

"No I-Do you think it was Hitomi?" The nurse who earlier said something about brainwaves asked.

"No way...Could it be? Is she awake?"

"..Wa...it..." It was still only a quiet rasp, but from their reactions there was no doubt that they heard me.

"Oh my lord!" One nurse shrieked. "I-I'll go get a doctor!" Hurried footsteps left the room.

The second nurse shuffled up to me. "I can't believe you actually woke up." She whispered in disbelief.

It wasn't long later when the second nurse returned with the doctor who performed my surgery. I was actually pretty lucky, since he was on his way home right before I had woke up.

"You two, call her family and tell them she's awake." He told the nurse who fetched him, who quickly scurried off.

The doctor walked over, "Hitomi, can you hear me?"

I managed to give a short nod. I was starting to regain my motor skills, and feeling back in my body.

"That's good. That's really good. My name is Ryuzai Kanichi. I'm sure you recognized my voice by now." He said, scribbling on something, possibly a clipboard. He was right I did. He was the one who had been over my entire eye episode, from the very beginning. Even when I was a little girl I've been seeing him for check-ups. "Can you make a fist?" I focused all of my energy on closing my hand but I was able to manage was a small twitch.

"I didn't expect much, but it looks like you're getting some of your movement back. Much quicker than normal, considering you only just woke up."

"My...E...ey..es.."

"Try not to speak." Dr. Kanichi said. "And don't worry about your eyes." He placed a hand on my shoulder, "The surgery was a success. Everything will be fine now."

Hearing that the surgery worked was a huge relief. Suddenly my dream didn't feel like a dream anymore, but a possibility. In a few short hours, or days...I'm but able to see. The one thing that I've been wanting to do ever since I could remember. I'll finally be able to see. My friends, my family...Shin.

The heart monitor beeped a bit faster. I really should be thinking about Shin when connected to that thing.

"H-hitomi's awake!" That wasn't anyone but my mother. I wondered how did they get here so fast. I hope she didn't speed to get here.

Dr. Kanichi had to move out of the way or be pushed out of the way by my mother. "Baby can you here me? Hitomi, if you can hear me say something."

The doctor did tell me not to speak...But...This was kind of important. Much easier than before, I managed to turn my head so I was facing my mother, and gave a weak smile, "H-hey...M...om.."

That was all it took to have her falling into hysterics over my body.

"Hitomi..." My father whispered, tears undoubtedly falling down his face as well, as he held my hand.

I felt my other hand being grabbed and I instantly knew it was Kyo's hand. "Wh-when...Is...Th...e..W..edd...ing..?" I croaked weakly, earning a small gasp before an amused chuckle.

"So you were awake." From the sound of his voice I knew he too was crying.

I gave a barely there grin. "Sor..t...Of..."

Dr. Kanichi decided that he would return in the morning so that me and my family could be alone. Before he could leave, my mother showered him with 'Thank-you's for a good 3 minutes before returning to me. For the rest of the night we stayed there, relishing in the fact that we were back together.

"We have to be careful when we remove the bandages. It may be hard on her brain." Dr. Kanichi said.

I'm sure my parents understood that. They were doctors as well after all, though they worked at a different hospital than this particular one.

"Right, all of the images may be too much for her brain to process at once. I am assuming that is why the lights are off, and you're allowing only limited amounts of light from the window." My father then said, to which Kyo translated for the doctor.

"That's correct. Now, then unless there are any further questions or concerns we should remove the bandages." He said, Dr. Kanichi moving to my left side. The bed I was sitting on, was folded up enough so that I could sit up without doing it myself. Over the night I had managed to regain even more of my movement, being able to move my arm and hold small things - like pencils and paper. Though heavier things - like a glass of water - were still to heavy for my weak muscles to carry.

Dr. Kanichi slowly began to remove my bandages, and the loser they became the more my heart pounded against my ribcage.

This was it...

The moment I've been waiting on...

In a few moments I was going to be able to see...

But something wasn't right...

No...Something was missing...

"Alright...You can open your eyes now." Dr. Kanichi prompted.

Through my eye lids I could see a very faint light, and just that was enough to make me want to snatch my eyes open...But even so I didn't. I kept them closed.

"Hitomi what's wrong?" Kyo asked, voicing everyone's question.

"I.." I started. "Everyone isn't here yet. My Okaa-san...And Uchi-nii. I want them to be here too. They deserve to be here, and I deserve to have them be among the first people I see when I open my eyes. Until they get here...I'm keeping my eyes closed."

My mother was the first to speak, "Oh Hitomi. I can't believe how foolish we were." She then turned to Kyo and said, "Kyo, go and get them. Hitomi is right. We were so happy about this that we didn't even think to consider Ms. Uchiyama and her son."

Kyo was already halfway out the door before my mother even finished speaking, "Don't worry I'll be back before you know it."

Kyo couldn't help but speed down the road as he made a bee-line for Shirokin High School. He just hoped he didn't get caught, since it wouldn't look good if a police officer like himself got caught. He parked sloppily in front of the school, knowing he probably violated so many parking violations. Quickly he got out, barely remembering to lock his car and grab his keys, before sprinting to the main office. When he entered the main office most of the teachers were out, except for Iwamoto, Kikuno, the vice-principle, and Washio.

"Kyo, what are you doing here?" Kikuno asked quickly standing, and walking over to him.

"What is the meaning of this?" Sawatari Vice principle demanded also making his way over to Kyo. "Why is a police officer over here? Did one of those 3-D students do something again!"

"N-no...Not that..." Kyo wheezed out of breath from having run all the way to the office. "I need...To take Uchiyama out. H-hitomi just woke up."

"She's awake? That's a relief." Kikuno smiled, grabbing Kyo's hand.

"Well, are you going to get him for me?" Kyo asked a bit of annoyance in his voice. He didn't mean to come off as annoyed, but he was in a hurry to get back. He was just as anxious as everyone else to see just how successful the surgery was.

Sawatari quickly shook his head, "U-uh, right. Here, I'll escort you to the class myself." He said, leaving the office with Washio-sensei and Kyo trailing right behind him - though not before giving Kikuno a quick kiss.

Kyo was able to hear class 3-D long before they were even at the door. They really were a loud but of students. When they entered, it was to the class complaining about something Yankumi had previously said. She was currently attempting to calm the class down, but it wasn't working.

"Quiet!" Gorotori barked, the classroom falling silent. "Yamguchi-sensei! How many times must I tell you that you must control your students!"

Yankumi smiled sweetly, "R-right, well you see I was trying to get them to-"

"It's besides the point Yamaguchi-sensei!" The vice-principle cut her off, "How can we expect more students to apply if the teachers cannot control their class. It's pitiful!"

"Yeah Yankumi! Pitiful!" One student teased tossing a ball in the air.

"You should do better to control us!" Minami exclaimed laughing.

"How can we expect to get more students!" Another student then said trying to impersonate the vice-principal, who did not enjoy being mocked. He was about to speak but Kyo cut in,

"I apologize, but I don't have time for this." As if noticing Kyo for the first time everyone looked at him. However, he was only interested in Uchi, "Uchi, come on, I came for you."

"Yo man, what did you do?" Noda asked turning to Uchi, who looked confused.

"I didn't do anything." Uchi tried to say but was drowned out by the others.

"Yeah, why is the fuzz after you?" Minami demanded.

"Whatever he did I'm sure it is all just one big misunderstanding." Yankumi said to Kyo.

"Why are all of you assuming I did something wrong?" Uchi suddenly yelled making everyone look at him.

Kyo just sighed, "It's nothing bad." He then smiled, "It's actually a good thing. Hitomi has woken up."

There was a moment of silence...

Then all hell broke loose. Every student - minus Shin and Uchi - rushed to the front. "Is she really ok?", "Can she see now?" "We should all go to the hospital!" Were among some of the things being shouted out.

In the back both Shin and Uchi had matching looks of surprise. Shin was the first to snap out of it and nudge Uchi, "Well, get going. You're not going to keep her waiting are you."

Uchi stumbled forward, mind in a daze as he passed through his classmates who readily created a path for him.

"Right. Well sorry for disrupting your class." Kyo said quickly ushering the still dazed Uchi out of the room. They didn't even make it halfway to the car before the entire class ran out of the classroom more than willing to run the entire way to the hospital. Even Yankumi was running, ignoring the calls from Sawatari along with her students. The only one who wasn't running was Shin who managed to catch up with Kyo and Uchi before they drove off. It actually looked as though they were waiting for something.

Before Shin could ask Kyo said, "Get in. I was wondering when you was going to show up." He grinned, "I'm sure Star is dying to finally see you as well."

Kyo confused Shin for a brief moment but chose to let it go, settling in the back seat along with Uchi.

"Is she really awake?" Uchi asked his voice a small whisper, unlike his normal gruff and loud tone.

Kyo nodded, "Yeah, she is. We were about to take her bandages off a little bit before I got you, but she said that she wasn't going to open her eyes until you and your mother were there too. It's only the right thing to do. If she should see anybody first, it should be you two. That's how it should have been all those years ago."

Uchi just nodded, "Right."

Shin remained quiet. He wondered if things would change or remain the same. Now that I would be able to see I would need anyone to help me get around. He would miss the warm feeling of my arm wrapping around his own. Or when my slender, soft hand wouls slide perfectly into his much larger, rough one. Shin never cared nor minded that I was blind. In fact he thought it made me interesting. Much more so that all those other girls who had nothing but boys, and makeup on the mind. In fact, Shin wouldn't have cared if I remained blind for the rest of my life.

But now other questions were starting to be raised. Why would he be thinking about all of this? Why should it matter if he is or isn't bothered by my blindness? He glanced out the window shaking away the thoughts. He shouldn't be having thoughts like that. Especially about me.

Soon Kyo was parked in front of Sayuri's job. Uchi was the one to jump out, jogging inside and practically dragging his mother out, only barely explaining what was going on to her and her boss. Even so, she seemed to understand his meaning fairly quickly, and quickly found her seat in the front eyes wide, and alert with eagerness. With the two intended passengers - and one extra - Kyo wasted no time speeding back to hospital.

"Here we are." Kyo said as he quickly found a parking spot and led the Uchiyama's and Shin up to the floor I was waiting in. Once they got to the room Shin stopped.

"I'll wait out here." Was all he said, perching himself on the wall opposite the door.

Kyo and Uchi nodded before they and Sayuri entered the room.

Shin wasn't waiting for 10 minutes before shouts from the staff, and the stomping of many feet was heard coming down the hall. He didn't even bother looking up already know who those feet, and panting voices belonged too.

"W-what? Sawada-san? H-how did you get here before us?" Yankumi ask at the front of the group of panting boys. She didn't even seem to be winded from running that long way. He wasn't surprised considering

"I caught a ride with Kyo." Was his simple reply.

There were gasps of complaints from the others, saying it wasn't fair that he didn't have to run like the rest of them.

Inside of the hospital room everyone was surrounding my bed. My Okaa-san and Uchi was on the right side and my mother, father and Kyo were on my left.

"Alright, are you ready?" Dr. Kanichi asked walking around to my right side as well.

I nodded, Uchi grabbing my hand and Kyo holding the other. I couldn't help but smile. I had all of the people I loved the most here with me right now. 'Except for Shin...' It only took me a second to catch what I said. Not only did I use Shin's first name, but I...Did I really love him?

Feeling the doctor's hands on the bandages brought me from my thoughts. I felt the bandages become looser with every revolution. Finally they were gone. It felt like 10 tons of weight had just been lifted off of me. Dr. Kenichi told me that I could open my eyes any time I was ready. Now that I was faced with the chance to see...

I was scared. What if the surgery really didn't work? What if this was all some sort of cruel dream, and I really was still asleep. If I opened my eyes, would I wake up only to find that none of this was real? If I did then I don't know what I would do.

"Come on Hitomi." My Okaa-san encouraged softly, her worn hands delicately patting my thigh. "We're right here. It's all going to be alright."

I gave her a shaky smile. "Alright..." I took a deep breath. "Here I go..." In response both of my brothers tightened their grip on my hands. That's right. As long as my family was here it would all be OK. Slowly my eyelids fluttered open, each feeling as though they weighed twice my own body weight.

A blurry image of a white material greeted me. I wasn't sure whether to believe it or not. Everything was unfocused, and distorted. It was like there was two of everything. 'This thing...Are these the covers?...'I blinked trying to even out my focus, which it soon did. Though my vision was still heavily blurry I was able to now focus.

"Did...Did it work?" I heard my mother ask.

Everyone was holding their breath, but I didn't answer them. I was took shocked too. Instead I looked up at Uchi and Sayuri squinting my eyes to try and see through the fuzz. I let go of Uchi's hand and reach up placing a hand on his cheek softly. "You're...Uchi-nii...And Okaa-san..." I turned to look at Sayuri second. Was this really happening? Something wet rolled down my face, and it made the blurry picture of everything even more blurry but I didn't care. My Okka-san reached out to grab my hand as Uchi stepped back, and turning away to hide his own tears. Never, in his life had I looked him in the eye. Around the are of his eyes, yeah, but...Just then I had looked him squarely in his eyes.

I then turned my head to my other family, first coming to meet a very fuzzy image of someone holding my hand. Instantly a smile lit my face, "Kyo-nii." I also reached out to cup his face, and was surprised to find it wet just like mine. He nodded, "Y-yeah..."

I was hardly prepared when my mother rushed over to engulf me in a hug, with my father standing off behind my mother smiling like a fool. The next moment left everyone in the state of surprise. The 3-D boy who were outside suddenly rushed in having heard, through eavesdropping through the door, that I had removed my bandages. I was overwhelmed by the amount of people, and my head was starting to hear from trying to process all of these images along with sound, smell and every other sense. In the background I could hear the doctor yelling about how I shouldn't be introduced to so much stimuli so soon, and some other medical mumbo jumbo. Even so I couldn't care less.

Before that day I don't ever remember smiling so much.

Alright...You all know the drill. Please review! XD