Author's notes: The 14th chapter is here; enjoy the story! Pointers:
Disclaimer: I don't own Digimon …lalala
Summary: Takeru thinks hard and finally, he decides to get into action himself…
For Reviewers:
Fiorella Takaishi – Guess it's the new pairing, Takeru x Catherine, eh? Haha.
Tomboy 601 – I won't really count that as a date, Haha.
Raena – Yeah…Sorry the story's so longwinded… In any case, what makes you think that the culprit could be Catherine?
CRAZY WITH HAPPINESS – Thank you!
CHAPTER 14:
Affirmation
The blonde stretched himself in frustration. He folded his arms as he continued observing the photos.
Guess I hadn't been wasting too much time around…At least there are some ideas in my mind now…
He yawned as he sat back, looking at the lamp. He stretched out to reach for a pen and pieces of papers. Soon, he started scribbling…
Culprit X.
She works alone.
She has been making use of the surroundings and people.
She seemed to have everything planned out.
She MIGHT be someone close to us.
I can't figure out anything else…
He stopped, and thought hard. But no matter how hard he tries to get the ideas and thoughts linked together, it is still hopeless. Feeling stressed, the blonde stood up and out to get some coffee for the night.
Somehow…The culprit doesn't seem to be doing much now…
As he stirred, he thought again, what the possible explanations could be. However, as he stirred, he does not realize that he had forgotten to add sugar into the coffee. Then, he picked the cup up and started drinking.
This is…Where's the sugar?
He gulped tough and hard."I forgot to add sugar into it…No wonder it tastes so…" Then he paused and stare at the 2 sugar cubes on the dining table.
Masumi…Kazumi…
"Working along side eh…" The blonde mumbled to himself. Then he shoved the coffee to 1 side and searched the photos. He took out the one with Masumi in it.
Guess I might not have a choice at all…
He was already awake, even without the coffee. Then, he got on his feet and walked briskly towards his room. After a while, he came out, holding papers and a pen in his hand.
"Let's see…" Slowly, he started scribbling.
Here goes…
Masumi and Kazumi…
They could be part of the plan, working alongside with the culprit.
They have some grudge towards Hikari right from the start.
The best explanation so far is the photo.
Accomplices?
The blonde bit his lips as he looked, he was frowning away.
But…what is going on, it seems like Masumi and Kazumi isn't helping out at all now…
He yawned and put the things aside.
Guess I should…do…some…investigation…
Slowly in the quiet starry night, Takeru fell asleep…
-- -- --
The next day (16th July, Monday)…
As the blonde adjusted his tie, he yawned again. "Haven't been sleeping well last night…" Then, he adjusted his coat and picked up his bag. He bent and saw the photos on the table.
Investigation…
He stared for a moment as he picked up his bag. Then, he looked away in irritation and put the photos into a box. Looking into the mirror again, Takeru gave a final adjustment and then headed out for school.
As he walked along the streets, he pondered.
Guess this time I would be on my own then.
The traffic light turned green and the blonde crossed. Walking along the road, he thought again.
First I would have to investigate Masumi and Kazumi, then, from there, I would have to get a new plan…
Takeru then arrived at the school and walked into the compound. Meanwhile, Daisuke was up in the classroom staring down at the vast number of students pouring into the school, getting ready for classes. He was daydreaming, with his eyes looking dull and lifeless.
What is this… So dull and lifeless…
Then, a brunette came into vision. It was within the area of Daisuke. He saw her and immediately shook awake. He gulped and stared hard.
Hikari…
He was acting weird, scratching here and there, and his legs going wobbly. His heart felt anxious and his mind blank.
What is happening to me…I better wake up, wake up Daisuke!
He walked back to his seat and continued daydreaming, then, Takeru entered the classroom. He scanned the room. The 2 girls were out of sight and that, Takeru frowned.
Where…are they?
-- -- --
During lunch break…
Takeru sat alone this time, munching his bread in thought as he stared out into the window. Then, 1 of the basketball boys called out.
"Oi, Takeru…Takeru?"
The blonde continued munching and staring until Murai threw a paper plane at him.
"Huh?" He turned to the boys.
"We called you a few times already, are you okay?" Murai asked.
"Huh, yeah, I'm fine."
"Oh, anyway, Hirota Sensei asked you to meet him in the Chemistry Lab, didn't he? You should go now."
"Oh, you're right. Thanks." Then, he stood up and made his way to the lab.
Should I really do that…I mean…After all, it will be bad if I misjudged them…
As he walked, he reached the labs area. Sauntering through the numerous labs, he paused. He looked up at the label; it read Physics Lab. Then, he heard some voices, very familiar ones.
Those voices…Masumi…and Kazumi?
He hid behind the door as he leaned closer.
"That's perfect…We'll go there tomorrow." Masumi said as she sat on the table.
"Hmm…You sure you wanna do this?" Kazumi reassured.
"Yes, why not, after all Eiko is already down." The statement sounded vile.
"And yeah…Hikari is too." Kazumi added.
"Well then, we'll meet at Aquacity tomorrow at 6." Masumi said. (A/N: 3 weeks had already passed, it's now in August)
"Sure." Kazumi finished and then, the 2 girls walked towards the door. The blonde hid by the other door as fast as he could. Then, he stuck out his head to make sure that the girls had left. He sighed.
"Down…What do they mean?"
Something isn't right…
-- -- --
I need some time alone…
Takeru decided to head for the school roof to relax. Then, as he walked there, he realized someone else was already there. Daisuke was sitting at the corner with a rose in his hand. It was a fake one.
What is he doing there?
The blonde approached quietly as he watched the hot-head pulling off the petals and mumbling under his breath.
"Yes…" He pulled out one and continued. "No…" Again, he pulled. The blonde gave a short taps on Daisuke's shoulder, giving him a slight shock. Daisuke dropped the rose and turned back.
"Takeru?"
The blonde smirked and sat down beside him. Daisuke got irritated and yelled. "Hey, what's so funny?! Wipe…Wipe that smile off your face!"
"Nothing…" Takeru smiled.
"Grrr…" Daisuke groaned and stomped away. Takeru sighed as he thought about investigating the 2 girls…
-- -- --
Should I really follow…It's just wrong…
The blonde sat down, thinking and thinking, yet he still could not come up with the perfect answer. He folded his arms and frowned in irritation.
Curses…
Then, he felt the presence of someone. He turned and saw a lass standing by the door. "Catherine…"
The lass smiled and waved at him as she approached. She then pulled out 1 of the chairs by the corner and sat down. "You like to hang out here, don't you?"
Takeru looked lifeless like usual and answered, "Kind of…"
"It feels good here." The lass commented as the wind blew against her face and hair, feeling so refreshing. "Just like the old times…"
"Old times?" Takeru shot.
"You have been like this since young, always alone when you're unhappy." Catherine stretched. "Guess some things just don't change, eh?"
"…No idea." Takeru answered.
After a short while of silence, Catherine started. "My grandfather really liked the present I gave him. He sent me a letter yesterday."
"Is that so…It was a fishing hat right? The present you gave to him."
"Yup, he liked it alone, after all he likes fishing…"
"Guess so."
"Is that hat still with you? It was your birthday present."
"Yeah, but I don't really wear it that much…"
"I see…" The lass nodded as she stuck out her lower lips. Then, there was silence again, but this time the 2 spent the rest of the day staring at the sky. Just like the old times…
-- -- --
Should I hit it?
The hot-head pondered as he walked along the school corridors. He sighed and sighed and sighed. Still, he couldn't arrive at an answer. Then, 2 pairs of hands came out from behind and ambushed Daisuke. 1 of them was blindfolding him while the other snatched his phone away.
"Boss, what are you doing?" Akidou asked as he stared at the message.
"Yeah, boss what's up?" Sugino let go of Daisuke after some struggling. Daisuke ran towards Akidou and snatched the phone back.
"Hey, you 2 wanna die?!" Daisuke threatened.
"Sorry boss, I think I just hit the –Send- button." Akidou said in distress as he frowned at the hot-head.
You…what…?
Daisuke clenched his fist and stared at the 2 guys. "What…did you just said?"
"Erm…Message…sent?" They gulped. Daisuke sighed, and all of a sudden, he charged towards the boys and started pounding them on their heads.
"Sorry, Boss!"
"Yeah, Sorry!"
"Shut your crap up!" Daisuke continued violently as the 2 boys struggled to break free. Then, the phone vibrated and Daisuke let go. The 2 boys coughed and coughed while Daisuke frowned in distress.
Oh no…
Then, he looked:
"Yeah, sure, no problem -Hikari-"
"Sure…?" He mumbled.
"Boss?" The 2 boys sounded terrified as Daisuke smiled slowly.
"Sure! Sure! Let's go!" He ran back without the 2 boys. Akidou and Sugino watched as they opened their mouths wide…
-- -- --
Tuesday, 14th August…
They've been shopping for half an hour and yet I can't get anything out of them…
Takeru watched as he sat down by the bench at the entrance of the restaurant. Masumi and Kazumi were inside a shop looking at skirts. They seemed to be enjoying themselves so much that they never noticed anyone following them.
"What are they going to do next…" Takeru mumbled as he drank his cup of tea. Then, trying to hide properly, he realized that the girls were exiting the shop. "There, it's time…"
The 2 girls chatted as they walked along rows and rows of shops. Then, they entered a lingerie shop, and that Takeru groaned. "Oh no…"
Now I have to get a better position for inspection, I can't be sitting somewhere near here. I would arouse suspicion if I do so.
Then, he found a spot by the stairs. He sat down on the bench while continuing to observe the 2 girls...
-- -- --
"So, where to next?" Hikari asked as she looked around.
"Erm, hey, let's go have dinner by the food court over there." Daisuke pointed.
"Sure."
Then, as they walked, the brunette noticed someone sitting by the entrance behaving suspiciously. She leaned closer to have a look while Daisuke followed.
That looks familiar…Don't tell me…Takeru?
Daisuke gulped as he watched; he realized that Masumi and Kazumi were sitting near Takeru, around 2 tables away. "Hey…Takeru is tailing the 2 girls?" He whispered.
"Then we should remain quiet, and watched the 3 of them." The 2 took a seat near the 3 others and watched.
-- -- --
Still, they are not saying anything yet…
Takeru groaned as he continued sitting, trying hard to hear what the 2 girls were saying. He wore his fishing hat this time so that it would be harder to recognize. Then the 2 girls chatted about something important. "What's your plan? Now that 2 girls are down, we might really achieve it." Kazumi asked.
Masumi smiled and answered. "Hmmm…" She grinned. "That I would have to think…"
"Is that so…" Kazumi swallowed her sushi.
"Yeah, it needs planning." Masumi said with slight vileness. The blonde was hearing hard.
Planning…Now she's getting to it…
"Well, then let's discuss here." Kazumi suggested as she swallowed another sushi.
"Sure, after all - - -"Just as the high point was starting, everything was interrupted and Takeru couldn't hear clearly.
"Hey you shrimp, get lost." The blonde looked up only to realize a group of delinquents staring murderously at him.
"I'm sorry…" He tried to walk but was pulled back.
"Hey, come back here, you don't sound sincere at all…" He sneered.
"Hey, I'm sorry okay?" The blonde pulled his hand out.
"Watch the way you talk, you shrimp! Kneel down and beg me for forgiveness!" The other guys joined in.
"Hey look, I'm already giving up the seat so just leave me alone!" Takeru fought back.
"Hey, Kazumi let's get out before things get bad." The 2 girls left in a hurry while Kazumi thought, as the person sounded familiar.
"Hikari, Takeru's in trouble!" Daisuke whispered desperately.
"Okay, you're in serious trouble shrimp!" Takeru was pushed back and just as they were about to throw their punches and kicks, Daisuke ran in to stop the fight.
"Hey, stop it!" The hot-head stood in front of the blonde as he yelled.
"Who are you, get lost!" 1 of the delinquents yelled back.
"Mind the way…" Then, the hot-head hit him hard in the face and sneered. "You talk to ME!"
The blonde then took the chance to fight back and there, the fight took off. Hikari watched helplessly as the crowd soon gathered around. Takeru and Daisuke were fighting them off easily, like taking candy from a baby. Everything stopped when the guard arrived.
"What's going on?!" A rugged man came into the scene. He took a close look at the boys until he saw Takeru. Takeru stared wide as he recognized that face.
"You…" The 2 of them said at exactly the same timing.
"You!" They pointed as the other boys watched in amusement…
-- -- --
"So…" The rugged man glanced at the group of boys. Takeru and Daisuke sat on 1 side while the other group of 5 delinquents sat on the other side. He clam his hand and looked at the boys with uncertainty.
"So…"
"What are you doing here, aren't you working at Palette Town?" Takeru shot out.
"That is an irrelevant question." The man pointed out. Then he breathed hard and yelled so loud that it shocked Hikari who was waiting outside. "Fighting right there, in front of so many people, no shame eh?!"
"So?" The bunch of delinquents said synchronically.
"What kind of attitude is that?! Now, what was all that commotion for?!" The man demanded for an answer.
Takeru couldn't believe what he was really hearing.
Doesn't all this sound a little bit…too familiar?
"And you! Stop giving me that look, that's an insult!" He looked irritated as he stared at the blonde.
"Wait, wait, what did I do?" Takeru asked.
"You were found, standing right in the middle. And now you say that you aren't involved?" The officer fought back.
"Huh? Hey, first I did not stare at you and secondly, I didn't start the fight." Takeru fought back.
"I've seen people like you all these years, giving lame excuses." He then lit up his cigarette. Takeru sighed in distress.
"Hey dude, can we go now?" 1 of the delinquents asked.
"Not until I get a valid reason." The officer puffed.
He is repeating everything…and no, that's not good…
-- -- --
"You know, it's been a long time since I've seen someone like you 2." The man smirked.
"Huh?" Takeru was puzzled.
Oh no…it's the same old thing…
"Youngsters nowadays, only know how to fight and do all sorts of bad things."
Seriously, stop repeating…
"There's been very few who are willing to contribute to this society. It's hard actually, life I mean." The officer smiled at Takeru as he tucked his hands into his pockets.
"Is that right…" Takeru mumbled.
"You must be someone who treasures friendship a lot, eh?" The officer questioned as he patted the blonde by the shoulders.
Daisuke and Hikari frowned as Takeru looked irritated. "Look,"
I have to stop all these.
"We've got to go, thank you, good bye!" He pulled the other 2 and ran as fast as he could. The rugged man scratched his head as he walked back into the interrogation room.
-- -- --
"What's all the rush…" Hikari panted as she got on her feet.
"Nothing…" Takeru and Daisuke panted too. "Well…Let's go…"
"Hey, what were you doing back there?" The hot-head asked. Takeru looked away.
"Nothing." He tried to avoid eye contact.
"You are hiding something from us." Hikari said with concern.
"No, nothing, let's go home." The blonde persuaded. Then, he walked away first wanting to get out of the situation.
"Takeru! Aren't friends supposed to confide in one another?" Hikari shouted but Takeru ignore and continued walking.
"Leave him…He will know what to do." Daisuke said.
"He's…always like that…" Hikari sighed.
"…Maybe." Daisuke replied.
"Well then, let's go." Hikari walked on until the hot-head called out to her. "Huh?"
"I have a reason for asking you out."
"…" Hikari looked blurred. "What is it?"
"Well, nothing special. I…err…just want to let you know that it's my birthday tomorrow." Daisuke looked awkward.
"It…is?" Hikari was astonished by the news. "Oh, then…"
"Okay, let's go." Daisuke said as Hikari smiled…
TO BE CONTINUED
A/N: Phew, done. For the part at the station, you take find the same lines in chapter 9. I just had this idea to reuse the old part, so yeah, and I did it. So, oh well, enjoy the chapter.