Hi there everybody! We ready for another chapter? I know we are. Now, I know a lot of you are asking for a shot of happiness for a while and just looking over the chapter real quick, it'll provide you with just what you guys needed so, there's that to enjoy.
"TsukiyoTenshi" - Well, yeah, you can definitely say that I suppose, there're a lot of factors to consider when going through Takuya's thinking process. He's not really repressing much of his memories I'd say... it's more like shock I'd say. The boy was in a really bad position for a really long time so it's hard to say what it's like. I hope it helps but you'll see soon enough what'll happen with him and everything.
"JapanRules555" - Bald? Uh, no...? He's not bald or anything like that. And Ogremon and ShadowSeraphimon were both defeated and deleted so they won't be coming back. As for your other questions, you'll just have to wait and see."
"WaterBendingQueen88" - The boy's in shock my friend. He's just a little edgy around people I think, like, at the moment whenever he saw a human he reverts to thinking about the scientists and the horrible things they've done to him.
"DD Leader Dark Heart of Water" - Yeah, Takuya's got it really bad and I suppose you can look at Shinoba like that. Haven't really seen it like that before. Anyway, glad you enjoyed the part with Takky and Kouji. There's gonna be more fluff for you guys to enjoy so there's that too.
"AngeGirlmon" - Whoo! Thank goodness for all that! As for his talking, well, it takes time to recover physical damage like that so we just gotta be patient. (And sorry friend, every Wednesday like clockwork.)
"The Keeper of Worlds" - Zoe's gonna have more fun with him as you will soon see. Glad you enjoyed the chapter and regarding Lobomon... um... don't really remember what we have but I do know we'll see him so keep an eye out.
"Firetrail" - Okay, well, I hope this gives you the shot of happy but you gotta understand that Takky has been through a literal hell. People have been doing horrible things to him that are just completely emotionally and physically scarring. And this has been going on for months (not sure if we conveyed time well through the chapters). Anyway, things will be looking up for him soon enough so just be patient with it.
"Flaming KitKat" - ^^; Sorry to get you with the feels there... we got an angst writer at her best and boy she knows how to do it good. Thanks for the compliment friend, to be honest it's the thing I really do want to do in the future but anyway, enjoy the chapter.
"Akrisakara" - Slow... eh, kinda? We do manage to lighten things up but hey, they're not entirely out of the woods yet. Enjoy the chapter.
"BlueFlamedWolf" - Yeah, if Kouji did that I'm pretty sure she'd skin him alive... -shudders- Anyway, glad you enjoyed the chapter. And thanks, I'm sure we can it it too with the way Secrets has be doing. Here's hoping!
"DiaSphere" - Yeah, Takky is making progress. ^^ Now we just gotta get that Human part of him back. Shouldn't be long now.
"Slinking Fox" - Yeah, Takuya's getting better but he still needs some time. As for Shinoba, we'll just wait and see. (Jeez that guy's popular, even if the reasons vary) Cerberumon should make an appearance soon so there's that though we don't have anything for the others when it regards Digimon forms. Sorry.
"FlamingWind" - Well, glad Light's at least happy about the ratings change. And I'm really sorry about what's happening with Dark, that is a really really rough deal. I really do hope things get better for you guys. I'll have my fingers crossed for you guys.
"Digidestinedkid6" - Glad you enjoyed the Takumi fluff and let me tell you there's going to be more where that came from as you will soon see.
"Guest" - Um... pretty broken I suppose. We get pretty bad with him. Like, seriously, it's crazy.
"wentvoltage123" - Yeah... we know. People tell us all the time. ^^;
"Digi-fanCapp" - Poor guy's been through hell. At least he's home now... well, home with friends. And Shinoba... we'll see.
"Moons shadow" - Well, give the boy some time. His throat's raw as all hell so it's going to be difficult for him to speak like he used to. As for the mix thing well... I'm not sure I understand that. Sorry, it's a little confusing.
"Blue tears" - We really know how to do the feels man and it's just practice. We do a lot of writing together so it makes it easier with time.
"Insanity" - ^^; We're going to be doing a little fluff but there's still going to be some pains for the guys. And sorry, not sure if Dark Flamon is going to be making another appearance. Who knows? Um... hope you enjoy the chapter.
And with that said guys, let's get to what you're here for, huh?
Chapter 36: How Far We've Come.
Tomoko finally deemed the boy free from his bandages at the end of the week. Takuya was overjoyed to have the itchy bandages removed. His neck was still healing but it looked and felt significantly better.
Takuya had even begun trying to speak again. His voice however, was not ready and he could only succeed in making scratchy semi audible coughs. Kouji would cringe every time the poor boy attempted to make words.
"Takuya- Please. You need to let your voice heal too," the wolf Digimon pleaded.
The fire Digimon nodded his head slowly and gave a silent sigh, feeling a little disappointed that his voice hadn't come to him yet. Takuya yawned, not sure what to do with himself. All this time he was kept within the safety of the Kimura residence with not much to do but rest.
Tomoko came back into the living room and smiled weakly. "You sure he's ready for the bath?"
"He kind of needs it." Kouji replied and took a breath, steeling himself. This was going to be difficult. "Now we just need to coax him into it."
The mother sighed and nodded. "Alright then. Well, I'll go get it ready."
Kouji nodded to his mother as she left the room to prepare the bath. "Okay Takuya," Kouji started, turning back to face the boy. "It's time we get you cleaned up."
Takuya tilted his head to the side in a questioning manner.
"Bath." Kouji stated bluntly. Takuya paled visibly. "Oh come on, you need to wash all the filth off of you and it'll make you feel much better." Takuya shook his head wildly in protest.
The wolf Digimon sighed softly. "Takuya," Kouji said with a strained tone. He had an ace in the hole, but he'd rather not use it against the boy if he could avoid it. Takuya on the other hand wanted no part of a bath in the slightest.
"Don't you-" Kouji paused, feeling bad for doing this, "Don't you want to wash that lab away completely?"
Takuya winced a little, taking a moment to let Kouji's words to sink in. Just thinking of the lab sent shivers down his spine. He just wanted to curl up and forget about it.
Kouji grimaced, feeling terrible for upsetting Takuya this way. "Takuya, please, this is going to help… we just want to make everything better."
The small fire Digimon just whimpered weakly, still lingering on his thoughts about the lab. Absentmindedly, his fingers crawled up to his neck where the collar used to be. It may have been gone but it still had a lingering effect on him.
"Look, this is going to make you feel better, I promise." The younger twin persisted.
Takuya looked away from Kouji, and nodded once. He gave in and got to his feet. Kouji smiled weakly, and stood up as well. He took Takuya by the hand, and led him down the hall to the bathroom where his mother had prepared a hot bath.
Tomoko smiled seeing the pair of Digimon enter the room. "It's nice and hot Takuya. Take as long as you need."
The boy nodded slowly, keeping his gaze down. Kouji bit his lip, feeling guilty for the words he said. Tomoko left the room, leaving the boys alone. Kouji turned away, allowing Takuya to get in the bath while maintaining his privacy.
Takuya stepped towards the tub and heaved a faint breath before disrobing and dipping into the bath. It was uncomfortable at first but he eventually got over his feelings and allowed the water to wash over him, taking the dirt and grime that stuck to him. Within minutes, the water was murky and gray.
Satisfied with what he was hearing Kouji stepped out of the room only going so far as to stay by the door incase something were to happen.
"Everything okay?" Tomoko asked, appearing from up the stairs. She gave her son a concerned look, noticing the guilt in his eyes. "You two seemed a little… upset. Did something happen?"
Kouji shrugged, "You could say that..."
Ms. Kimura sat beside he son and wrapped an arm around his shoulders, "What happened?"
"I..." Kouji hesitated, "I didn't mean to upset him...I said something to him..."
His mother hugged him gently, "Go on."
"I brought up the lab..." the wolf replied guiltily, "I said it to make him get the bath... Takuya was being stubborn... and I..." He felt terrible for what he said, tears pricking at the corners of his eyes.
"Oh sweetheart..." Tomoko soothed as he began to break down slowly.
Kouji whimpered softly, "I didn't mean to upset Takuya..."
"I know you didn't sweetheart." His mother responded sweetly while stroking the fur on the top of his head in an attempt to cheer him up. "I'm sure he knows that you never meant to upset him."
Kouji shook his head weakly. "But I still hurt him…"
Tomoko shushed the boy gently. "That doesn't mean you can't fix things. I'm sure if you just talk to him and apologize everything would be okay."
The wolf Digimon didn't look entirely sure about the idea. Granted he felt guilty but he had no idea on how to go about talking to Takuya, especially with how quiet the boy had become.
"Just talk it through to him." Tomoko continued to reassure, rubbing her son's back to ease away any of the guilt he felt. "Everything will be okay."
Kouji nodded slowly. "Alright Mom. When he's finished, I'll talk to him."
They heard the distinct sound of water splashing as Takuya exited the tub and drained the foul water away. The boy toweled off feeling much better than before. Kouji had been right about washing away the remains of his horrible ordeal.
His healing wounds stung a bit, but his body felt clean again. Takuya stared at his reflection in the mirror, at the sad, hollowed eyed creature that stared back. He hadn't seen himself in over six months and the feeling was haunting at best.
Kouji knocked on the door lightly. "Hey, you okay in there?" he asked, "I have some fresh clothes for you."
Takuya pried the door open ever so slightly and poked his head through, his thick mane still dripping wet. He looked down to the small pile of clothes and accepted them eagerly.
The clothes seemed to fit fine, despite the odd point regarding where the tail would go. Aside from that, Takuya was comfortable just being clean with his new clothes. Now Takuya only had to worry about the matter of his tail.
The wolf Digimon sniffed, faintly picking up the smell of smoke. "Everything okay in there Takuya?" Kouji asked, knocking on the door again.
The fire Digimon stepped out into the hallway, swishing his tail around through the tail hole he had made in his pants.
Kouji inspected the bathroom, then the boy looking for the thing Takuya obviously set on fire. He then spied the hold burned in the back of the boy's pants for his tail. "Nice."
Takuya smiled to himself, proud of his handiwork. Kouji just rolled his eyes and led the way back down the stairs.
Tomoko greeted them with two glasses of milk and a fresh batch of cookies. "I figured you two might need a snack before I go to work."
"Thanks mom," Kouji said gratefully, taking the tray of cookies from her carefully.
She smiled brightly. "Kouichi will be home soon, and I think he said some of your friends will be along later as well."
Kouji nodded as his mother gathered her purse and car keys. "Alright- Thanks again, mom." Takuya nodded to the woman as well, smiling shyly.
Once Tomoko had left through the front door, Takuya turned his attention to the plate of warm cookies in Kouji's hands. The scent was enough to make the Digimon boy want to devour them all.
Kouji saw the look on his friend's face and set the plate down on the coffee table. "Remember not to eat them so fast."
The wolf's warning had not registered to Takuya, having already shoved half a cookie in his mouth, savoring the taste.
"Jeez…" Kouji muttered to himself and took a cookie for himself. He looked back his friend who was simply chewing away happily. "So, how're you feeling?"
Takuya swallowed what was in his mouth and nodded his head with his smile. The gesture itself made it seem like he was happy and content.
Kouji smiled back. He looked down at the cookie in his hands, feeling the guilt rising in his chest again. "Um... Takuya?"
The flame Digimon paused devouring another cookie and looked at his friend quizzically.
"I'm... Ya know, sorry. About earlier... what I said? I didn't mean to upset you..." Kouji trailed off, not taking his eyes off his cookie.
Takuya smiled softly. He placed a hand on Kouji's shoulder to get him to look up. When he did, Takuya smiled more, trying to convey that despite Kouji's choice of words, he felt much better now. The wolf stared at him as he made wild, frustrated gestures.
"I... have no idea what you're trying to say Takuya..." Kouji admitted sheepishly.
The boy made a face and threw a pillow at Kouji's head.
The wolf Digimon yelped suddenly threw the pillow away to the edge of the couch. He shot an annoyed look at Takuya who only grinned back at him. "What the heck was that for?"
Takuya smirked and bit down on another cookie, feeling himself accomplished with throwing the pillow.
Another pillow flew into the air only this time it hit Takuya in the face.
The fire Digimon stared down the other, Kouji smirking the same way he had before. The challenge had been sent and within moments pillows were tossed around everywhere.
"Hey Kouji I'm home, how's Takuya…" Kouichi opened the front door and stared awkwardly watching the two Digimon wrestle on the floor. "What the heck?"
"He started it!" Kouji proclaimed as he tried to pin Takuya on the floor.
Kouichi nodded nervously. "Uh-huh... I'll let you two sort this one out yourselves..." he edged out of the room and slipped into his bedroom to hopefully finish some homework.
Takuya took Kouichi's words as a sign to continue their tussle and pushed Kouji off of him. He then tried to sit on top of the wolf Digimon hoping his weight would be enough to hold him down.
Kouji growled playfully and rolled Takuya off his back. "Not happening!" He pounced on the smaller boy and proceeded to tickle him. Takuya yelped, and tried to escape, squirming wildly.
Normally, Kouichi would have the sense to break things up between the boys, but he hadn't seen Takuya so happy in so long. The boy was having fun for the first time in months and Kouichi felt like that alone was a major step of progress for Takuya.
The two Digimon continued to wrestle on the floor, though Kouji had kept in mind to try and avoid knocking anything over. This was a little tricky as they continued bumping against the wall and couch.
Kouji was surprised with how strong Takuya had gotten in such short time. He could hardly believe this was the same Takuya they had found back at the laboratory.
Back upstairs, Kouichi was trying to get started on homework but the rumble had been distracting him.
He prayed that they were careful enough not to break anything but the sounds he heard were not helping.
Having given up on getting any work done, the older twin came back down to the living room and watched the two Digimon brawl. "Wow Kouji, I really thought you had a chance here."
"Shut up, Kouichi." The younger twin growled, struggling with Takuya.
The doorbell rang and the three froze. "Will you two behave while I go see who's here?" Takuya and Kouji nodded, shooting each other playful death glares saying this fight was far from over.
Kouichi pulled the door open to find Zoe standing on the doorstep looking winded and still in her school uniform. "Hi," she panted.
"Did you run from the train or something?" Kouichi asked lightly.
She swatted at him tiredly. "No, I had to run to it from school," Zoe admitted. Kouichi lead her into the kitchen and got her some water.
"Dare I ask why?" Kouichi inquired, sitting down beside her.
The blonde shrugged, "The sooner I got here the better?"
Kouichi smiled, then remembered the interrupted wrestling match in the living room. "You guys can continue!" he called, followed up be a startled yelp.
"What...?" Zoe asked slowly.
"They're playing," Kouichi explained with a grin.
The blond peaked into the living room and saw that Takuya had pounced down on the wolf Digimon, an eager smile on his face as he wrestled to pin his opponent down. "What in the world?"
"Yeah, I came in finding them wrestling. They look like they've been at it for a little while." Kouichi answered, watching the two tumble and roll around on the ground in their play fight.
Zoe smiled, her spirit lifted by the sight. She never thought she'd see Takuya happy like this. After all this time Takuya was finally smiling and having fun.
"It's really good to see him like this, huh?" The older twin asked, noticing the look on the girl's face.
She nodded happily. "I was so scared we'd never see him like this again."
"We really are making some good progress with this." The older twin stated to which Zoe responded with a delighted nod. "Now we just need to help him to talk again."
"Yeah. It'd be great if he could talk again." The blond responded and smiled when Takuya had pinned Kouji again, his tail swishing back and forth.
Kouji grunted, unable to move. "I yield okay? Get off of me!"
Takuya obliged and got off of the wolf's chest. They both panted heavily, but looked happy. Kouji smiled as Takuya offered him a hand to pull him up.
"You've gotten a lot better Takuya," Kouji commented brightly. Takuya grinned, feeling good himself. He had overcome so much. He felt free and strong again.
Zoe grinned. "He kicked your butt Kouji."
The wolf snorted, "I let him win- I didn't want to hurt the idiot." Takuya growled playfully, threatening to start the wrestling match all over again.
"Alright cool it," Kouichi intervened, "You've had you fun, now you need to rest."
Takuya nodded and plopped himself on the couch, a victorious smile gracing his face. It took him a moment to catch his breath but he felt good. The wrestling was a good workout, giving him a chance to be active and let out some energy.
Zoe sat beside him on the couch, smiling brilliantly at him. Just seeing Takuya like this lifted her spirits.
The fire Digimon didn't shy away from her like before, his victory and elation having given Takuya a good confidence boost. Still he wished he could talk but he supposed that could wait.
"So how're you feeling Takuya?" the girl ventured to ask. He nodded to her, a smile on his face telling her that he was felt well. "That's good to know."
"You can understand what his nods mean?" Kouji asked, recalling how he had trouble understanding Takuya's gestures.
Zoe looked at Kouji, "What? Don't you?"
Kouji shook his head, "He's... difficult to read."
The blonde smiled and laughed lightly. "Oh you boys." She carefully rubbed Takuya behind the ears, earning a loud purr from the boy. Takuya practically went limp with bliss, leaning against the girl comfortably.
Kouji and Kouichi watched curiously, as Takuya hadn't been so physically close to anyone beside Kouji these past few weeks since his rescue. Seeing him curled up against Zoe was a welcome sight.
"Zoe..." Kouichi pointed the action out to the girl, who hadn't noticed it in particular. She gasped softly, continuing to rub the boy's ears gently.
Takuya continued to purr against Zoe's gentle touch. He leaned in closer, if possible, and wrapped an arm around her.
"Oh Taku…" Zoe felt like she could burst into tears on the spot, overcome with joy with how affectionate Takuya was behaving. It felt like he was really coming back to them; like he was really returning back to the person he used to be.
"This is amazing…" the older twin muttered softly to his brother, watching the two.
The wolf smiled and nodded. "Yeah, it really is. He's really breaking out of his shell. After all this time, he's finally coming back to us."
"Wait until Tommy and JP hear about this." Kouichi continued to whisper, smiling at the couple sitting comfortably on the couch and enjoying the peace.
Kouji yawned sleepily, "It can wait until later, I need a nap and Takuya needs to just have some peace."
The elder twin nodded, "You can go sleep in my room. I'll keep an eye on them."
"I'll be back in a bit then," Kouji said with a tired smile. He made his way into his brother's room to rest for a while.
Takuya meanwhile, remained at Zoe's side, purring up a storm in her arms.
Zoe couldn't help but savor every moment she spent with the boy. She could barely remember the last time they were together like this. Thinking back on it, it was probably since Christmas.
Kouichi couldn't help but smile, welcoming the new change in Takuya's behavior. It looked like all that was left was to help Takuya to talk again. But that could wait.
Takuya continued to purr, feeling at complete peace. He felt clean, safe, and content. He no longer lingered on his thoughts of the lab. After months of pain and solitude, Takuya finally felt happy.
The elder twin, deciding to give the couple some privacy, stepped into the kitchen in search of something to do to occupy his time.
Zoe sighed contently as she and the boy sat in bliss. It was this moment that invigorated the girl's low spirits. After all this time Takuya was finally coming out of his shell. She hoped soon that Takuya would be able to talk again and things would return to normal.
The day passed on comfortably with everyone in high spirits over how well Takuya was feeling. Things continued that way with the boy's condition growing better with each passing day though he still had trouble talking.
Takuya was trying his best to find his voice but it proved to be more difficult than he thought. Tomoko and his friends were careful to make sure he didn't push himself trying.
Eventually the weekend came, which meant that everyone was coming over. He was excited for it. One wouldn't believe he was the same scared, timid person when they first found him.
"Kou?" Takuya rasped with a soft smile.
Kouji looked up at the Digimon. "What Takuya?"
The boy smiled more, stretching from his place on the Kimura's sofa. He yawned and shook his mane lightly, "Morning."
"Yeah, good morning," Kouji responded, "Bet you missed being able to talk."
Takuya nodded vigorously. "Yeah," he replied followed by a rough cough.
"Take it easy Takuya, don't rush it," Kouichi warned as he walked past the pair on his way to the kitchen.
Takuya knew his friend was giving him sound advice but at the same time he wished he could swiftly regain his voice. He longed to be able to speak again.
"Come on Takuya, let's go get some breakfast." Kouji suggested and followed his brother into the kitchen.
All throughout breakfast the Digimon boy did his best to ask and speak only using few small words. Even at their encouragement to not strain himself Takuya was ever the more eager to speak again.
"He sure is making progress, don't you think?" the older twin asked his brother.
The younger brother sighed and nodded. "Yeah but Takuya's still pushing it a little too hard. Even with our warnings."
"Well, what'd you expect?" Kouichi inquired and shrugged his shoulders.
"Nothing less," Kouji snorted. He smiled lightly and punched Takuya lightly in the shoulder. Takuya just grinned, swatting at the elder twin lightly.
Kouichi pulled Kouji aside once Takuya had some breakfast to preoccupy himself with. "What do we do about his family?"
"What?"
"His family? Takuya's family- his father tried to make peace and we-"
Kouji growled, "No. I do not want them to hurt him again."
"But..."
Kouji stared his brother down with a dark gaze, one that froze Kouichi in his spot. "I said no. We're not going to let them hurt him again. Not ever again."
The older twin was rendered speechless. The look in his brother's eyes had a feral red glow to them, which only seemed to add to the intensity of his harsh words. It was like he was ready to attack anyone who would go against him. "Kouji… you're scaring me…"
Kouji didn't seem like he'd relent at first but he did, much to his brother's relief. "Sorry."
"Okay, look. Maybe we should discuss this with the others but I'm just worried about him, just like you are." Kouichi tried explaining himself, part of him hoping that it wouldn't cause his brother to become hostile again. "At the very least if he asks, we should tell him."
The half wolf thought on his brother's inquiry and instantly wanted to disagree but found it hard to argue. He didn't believe he could ask his mother to lie for them. Tomoko would answer truthfully. Annoyed, he nodded. "Fine, but only if he asks. Not a word before then."
"Deal." Kouichi sighed agreeing to his brother's conditions. Kouji returned to the kitchen to eat his breakfast with the flame Digimon. He didn't say a word to Takuya's questioning glance.
Kouichi rejoined them a moment later. He watched the pair of Digimon carefully. Takuya seemed unfazed by the tension between the twins' differing view.
Takuya finished and cleared his plate. Kouichi sighed, feeling guilty. He wanted to tell Takuya about his family, that they wanted to make amends and leave it up to him to decide. Not Kouji, though the boy had a valid point. Takuya's strength was returning steadily but the boy was still very vulnerable.
