Notes: I intended to have this as a separate story, but that didn't really fit my style. Also I tried to write this in third person, which I suck at. I tried though. I'm scrapping my story idea because it ends up being a bit too much. I could just end things like this. After a little bit of decision making, I'll probably recycle my ideas for later on. Besides, I want to write about other things beside Digimon. Maybe Megaman Battle Network... I don't know, I'll figure something out.

~T*A*K*E*R*U*S~R*E*T*U*R*N~

The bright morning didn't seem to do much to help a certain Kamiya. She was still worried about her best friend. Her ruby eyes couldn't wait to see that ocean blue shade of his.

"Are you going to spend the rest of the day in bed?" Gatomon worriedly looked at her partner. "Tomorrow is the first of August. Everyone is getting ready."

"We can't celebrate without Takeru. He was there when it all began. He was the only one to go through everything. From Devimon to Apocalymon and finally to MaloMyotismon." Hikari buried her face into her pillow.

Gatomon could only somewhat understand how her friend felt. The cat suddenly turned to face the door as someone knocked on it. "Gatomon, is my sister up yet?"

"She doesn't want to leave her room."

Taichi opened the door and looked at his sister sadly. "I'm sure he'll be back."

"It's been two months. I don't think he will."

Taichi frowned. "Hikari!" Hikari, stunned by the frustration, sat up. "Takeru will come back. You just have to believe in him."

Hikari wiped up her tear-strewn face. "Really?"

Taichi shrugged. "Definitely. By the way, our cousin is on the phone and wants to speak with you."

Hikari carefully climbed down her bed. "What does he want?" The redhead on the phone was not making Takeru's absence easier on her. She answered carefully. "Ixen?"

"Uh, no. Takeru." Ixen had forcefully handed his D-Pack to the boy. "Who is this?" The familiar brightness in the voice was enough to enlighten the girl.

"Don't you remember, Takeru?" Hikari was hesitant. "I'm your best friend."

"H-Hikari?" Takeru paused and Hikari could tell that he was trying to privately speak to Ixen. "What am I supposed to say? Take this back, Ixen!"

"You're doing fine. Besides, I thought you knew exactly how you felt. Hold on." Ixen press a button. "Speakerphone. I want to know exactly what's going on."

Hikari patiently waited. "I'm still here, Ixen."

"Yeah, I know. Charimon, let's back up a little. Not too far away though. I want to hear everything."

Takeru nervously laughed. "Hikari…" He sighed heavily. "I'm sorry; I still don't remember much." She heard a sigh and couldn't tell if it was Ixen or Takeru.

The comment hurt the girl a lot though. "Really?"

"I'm sorry."

"No, that's fine. As long as I know that you're okay."

"I do remember all of the adventures in the Digital World we had. The two of us were normally together. The only things I can't remember are the events that happened before I left. I can't wait to see you again though."

There was some background noise that Hikari heard. "Shibuya, Shibuya."

"We're getting off here, Takeru. Come on!"

"Takeru? You're in Tokyo?"

"Give it back!" Ixen forcefully snatched back his D-Pack. "Sorry about this, Hikari. You know way too much now. I'm going to take a little side trip with Takeru. I'll send you a message when we get back to Odaiba. Patamon, stop ramming into me. I have this all planned out!"

The line went dead and Hikari decided to get ready for the day. Taichi hung up the other phone he was using to listen in. "What is he up to?"

Agumon looked up at his partner. "Is everything okay, Taichi?"

Taichi looked down at him and smiled. "Takeru is back, but Ixen is up to his usual self. Never mind that for now. We've got work to do!" He knocked on Hikari's closed door again. "Agumon and I will be leaving. Will you be alright?"

"I'll be fine, Taichi. Takeru is back!" The uncontrollable excitement was apparent in her voice.

~T*A*K*E*R*U*S~R*E*T*U*R*N~

Takeru looked at the busy intersection. The mass of people continued moving despite his pause to take in the scenery. Patamon patiently sat on his hat and took in the familiar sights too.

The redhead beside him was reading a map. "You should be fine on your own, right? I've got to get back to the Tamers in Shinjuku."

Takeru nodded. "It'll be disappointing, but I guess the others will understand. It's been good training with you, Ixen."

Ixen stood up and winked at his friend. "I'll be back tomorrow probably. I'm not sure yet. I'll try to make time to hang out with you all. Until then, I guess."

Takeru waved at Ixen. The redhead went back into the train station to buy another ticket. Charimon was on his shoulder and holding onto his head. The digimon turned and waved back. "Tell the others I said hi, Patamon!"

Patamon eagerly nodded. "Bye, Charimon! Good luck, Ixen!"

Ixen turned back slightly and shrugged. His smirk was evident. He shook his head and continued on his way. Takeru placed a hand on Patamon and looked around. "Where should we go first, Patamon?"

"I'm a little hungry, Takeru." The digimon leaned in forward and caused the hat to tip over the blonde's eyes.

Takeru chuckled. "I'll buy you some French fries, okay? I'm not that hungry."

He went into the closest fast food restaurant and paid for his order. He quickly looked at his watch and asked for the next ferry to Odaiba. With the information in hand, he walked to the ferry station.

Patamon chewed slowly. "Takeru, are you okay?"

"Of course I'm fine. Why are you asking?" Takeru looked up.

"You're being awfully quiet."

"I know. I'm just thinking. It's nothing for you to worry about." The blonde boarded and stood outside to look at the water. "Should I be worried?"

Patamon flew in front of Takeru's face. "Things will be fine, Takeru! Where's your sense of Hope?"

Takeru smirked and pulled his digimon out from over the water. "You're right. Things will always be alright." Takeru saw the buildings in the horizon. "That sure was quick." He quickly placed a hand on his hat to prevent it from flying off. "Where do you think we should go? Home?"

"You decide, Takeru."

The blonde nodded. "Okay. I will." Where do I really want to be right now?

~T*A*K*E*R*U*S~R*E*T*U*R*N~

Hikari carefully placed the food on their picnic table. She covered her eyes as she watched her brother jump down from a tree. Taichi straightened his headband and took in a deep breath. "It's a perfect day for a picnic."

Hikari was not as calm. "Do you think Takeru will really come?"

Koushiro had his laptop out and was redirecting all of the Digidestined's computers to the area. "Don't worry. He's bound to come here. He is a Digidestined after all. Tentomon, can I have a drink?"

Tentomon handed him some tea. "Don't drink too much, Koushiro."

The boy had already swallowed all of the contents of his cup though and placed it beside him. "I can't help that I'm thirsty."

Daisuke came back with firewood. "Don't drink it all. I want some too!" Daisuke filled up his own cup with lemonade and took a sip. He didn't realize how tart it was. "Who brought this? It's so sour!"

Miyako rolled her eyes. "You did, Daisuke."

Jou nervously chuckled. "Calm down. We're here to have fun, not fight."

Yamato nodded as he finished tuning his guitar. "That's right. It's almost another year. It's best if we get along." He took out his harmonica and set it on the table.

Sora came down from a tree. "There's no sign of Takeru yet."

The digimon ran around and Gatomon caught Hikari's attention. "We're done with setting up the field and court!"

"Court?" Hikari looked around in confusion. "What court? I thought everybody was going to play soccer."

Ken nervously laughed. "Sorry. I had them set up a basketball court too. It was just in case Takeru wanted to play."

"Let's set up a game!" Iori hastily added. He didn't want Hikari to feel bad.

Hikari knew his intentions and shook her head. "I'll sit out with Gatomon. That way the teams will be even."

Taichi sadly looked at her but made sure to stay happy. "Keep track of the goals then. Agumon! Let's go! Who's on my team?"

~T*A*K*E*R*U*S~R*E*T*U*R*N~

"It's been a long time since we've visited, Pegasusmon." Takeru looked at the recovering forests. "Hey! It's Infinity Mountain!" He saw the large mountain reach up towards them. It no longer gave him those familiar nightmares.

"I guess the training paid off. You're not scared, Takeru?"

The blonde shook his head. "I can't be. I always have my Light, remember?" Something caught his eye though. "Was that an explosion?" A fireball flew up from an empty field. "Hurry! The others might be in trouble!"

Pegasusmon turned swiftly and carefully. Takeru held on tight as they flew in closer. As they neared the sight, they saw the others playing soccer. Agumon had tripped backwards as he prepared his shot, causing the stray fireball. Takeru smiled and laughed. He didn't think the others heard though.

Gatomon did and she notified Hikari immediately. The girl stood up from the ground and looked around for her missing best friend. "Takeru!" He had landed in the forest and she spotted him. "Takeru!"

The boy looked around when he heard his name being called. He let Hikari tackle into him and he laughed. "Hikari!"

"Welcome back. Everyone was worried about you." Hikari buried her face into his chest.

Gatomon smirked. "By 'everyone' she mainly means herself."

Takeru smiled. "I know."

Hikari backed away and stared at the grey shirt he was wearing. "Ixen's?"

Takeru just noticed. He made a face. "I forgot to ask him for my clothes."

Patamon smiled as he landed on Takeru's head. "Well, Takeru? You promised Ixen to tell her."

His face went red. "Patamon, you should go greet the others." The digimon didn't budge and made his cheeks burn even hotter. Gatomon didn't seem inclined to leave either. Takeru scratched the back of his head. "Uh, Hikari?"

Hikari smiled as he pulled him out of the forest. "Yeah?"

"You know, on the phone. Ixen wanted me to say something…" He was at a loss for words. "I couldn't because of Ixen was, you know, Ixen. And I think Taichi was listening in too. That made me even more uncomfortable and I lied. I really did remember what happened. Ixen sure was annoyed afterwards, but he didn't show it."

Hikari looked at him patiently and it quieted the boy. "Takeru, you don't have to explain. I have something to tell you too. What was it you wanted to say though?"

They paused and stared at each other. Patamon sighed. Gatomon crossed her arms. The two digimon glanced at each other. They shook their heads and went off to see the others. Their partners were hopeless.

Takeru didn't notice the weight removed from his head. He just awkwardly stood in the forest with Hikari. Hikari stared up into his blue eyes and was in the same state. Neither moved nor spoke.

Finally, the blonde couldn't stand it. "Maybe I shouldn't say it now," he mumbled. He looked away but smiled.

Hikari smiled back. "It's okay, Takeru. I just wanted to say that I love you." She blushed and Takeru blankly stared at her.

"As a friend? As a brother? Or..." He couldn't finish.

"It's not those first two choices. I just love you." Hikari was suddenly even more uncomfortable. She hadn't meant to speak; it just came out.

Takeru's smile grew. "Then I love you too." He leaned in close to kiss her cheek. He was too afraid to do anything else.

There was a flash nearby and he immediately backed away. Hikari noticed too and looked around. She spotted the familiar bushy hair of Taichi from behind a tree. "Taichi!"

The older boy looked out and held out his sister's camera. "Don't leave your things just lying around, Hikari. People could take it." He smirked.

Yamato came out from another tree and jumped onto his little brother. "Congratulations, Takeru! You're finally growing up." The two best friends laughed as they showed the pictures to their younger siblings.

Takeru's face was way past red. Hikari waved a hand in front of him and noticed that Takeru was too embarrassed to react. She turned to the two. "Thanks a lot! Why'd you do that?"

Taichi shrugged. "We made a deal with Ixen." He handed the camera to Yamato.

Takeru finally breathed. "Of course." He stared at the camera. "Hand it over!"

Yamato winked and ran back to their picnic site. "You can try, Takeru! Gabumon, cover me!"

Taichi snickered but Hikari looked at him. "You're in trouble too!"

"You'd never hurt your older brother, Hikari." He didn't take the chance to stay though. He immediately went after Yamato. "Wait up!"

The others had paused their game since Taichi and Yamato wanted to check something out alone. Daisuke kicked the ball up and practiced his control. "I wonder where everyone went." He looked at Patamon. "What are Hikari and Takeru doing? They're taking forever to arrive. They're not lost, are they?"

Iori sat patiently and swung his kendo stick carefully. "Takeru knows File Island better than anyone else. He wouldn't get lost."

"Yamato! Give me that camera!" They all turned to see an enraged Takeru chasing his laughing older brother.

"Koushiro, catch!" Yamato tossed the camera to the computer genius.

"What's this?" He looked at the photo that was displayed on the screen and smiled. "I see. Well, I'm not going to be targeted." He handed it to Jou and distanced himself away from the group.

Takeru was dismayed. "Jou! Don't look at it! Please! Hikari! I need help!"

Taichi snatched the camera from Jou and smirked. "It's a nice shot, don't you think?"

Jou shook his head. "You'd better give them the camera."

Ken was immediately interested. "What's the picture about?"

Hikari caught up with Takeru. The two looked at each other and sighed. "We've got to get it back somehow, Hikari."

"I think it's a nice picture though. I think I'll keep it."

Takeru's face went pink again. "I don't want the others to see it though."

Daisuke jumped up. "I want to see! Give it here!"

The pair tensed. Takeru went after the camera again. "No! Yamato! You're being a horrible older brother."

The digimon watched. Patamon shook his head. "The picture can't be that bad, Takeru!"

Gatomon noticed that Hikari wanted it too. "Patamon, we should just leave it alone. It's obviously not our problem."

"How loyal of you, Gatomon." Charimon landed behind her and scared them both.

Patamon fell of the table. "What are you doing here?"

"Just visiting. We only went back to Shinjuku to get a few things." The digimon was holding a few CD cases. He smirked as Daisuke was running with the camera. The goggle head passed it to Sora.

Ixen watched with the digimon. "I might have pushed this a little too far. I hope they don't ruin the picture. I've still got to see it."

Sora, feeling bad, handed the camera to Hikari. "You all need to grow up."

"Yeah, but it wasn't Taichi's and my idea," Yamato stated. He shrunk back from the stern look his girlfriend gave him though.

Ixen stood up and quickly snatched it. He looked at the picture and smirked. "Yes, yes. Blame the person who's never around, why don't you? I'm here now. Koushiro, your laptop, please."

Yamato and Takeru sat at the picnic table. The older blonde messed up Takeru's hair. "One more thing, Takeru. Welcome back."

Takeru scowled. "I guess."

Hikari sat at his other side. "It's great to have you back though."

Takeru smiled. "I guess it's worth a picture then."

Ixen looked up at them. "That's the spirit! Who wants a copy?" The redhead laughed. Takeru pulled his hat over his face as Hikari tried her best to cheer up her best friend. The digimon stared at the computer screen to see what the commotion was about. Taichi and Yamato, already over the game, pulled Ixen away. The others shook their heads as they watched the mayhem.

Hikari held onto Takeru's arm tightly. "It's okay, Takeru. As long as we have each other, we'll be okay." With that, Takeru was able to smile again.

"You're right, because there's no Hope without Light and no Light without Hope."

Final Notes: I'm trying to figure out what I want to write next. If I can't find something, I'll be putting myself on hiatus until I do get an idea. I'll still probably upload my other story "Digidestined's TV Adventure" though. Mainly it's just a way to give me a break and ponder my possibilities. Don't forget to review if you have anything to say. I don't mind much at all.