I'm terribly sorry for the ridiculously long absences of updates. I didn't have computer access because I was on family vacation. Plus, I got sick while being on the vacation. I'm still sick,

but I thought I should update as soon as I can before everybody forgets and gives up on my story.

Destiny and Fate Ch 17

The mechanical vehicles in the freeway did not travel great distance and soon, the sky began to redden, signifying that the night is approaching. The sun was sinking down and the moon began shining faintly. Significant time was consumed, but the fake couple didn't arrive at their destination yet. Hours and minutes passed, but Takeru did not show any frustration or discomfort in his face. Though the traffic was horrendous, he couldn't frown because his hand was firmly held by the ice princess he adored. He almost wished that the traffic would continue forever. He wanted to hold her hand forever. However, he abandoned such thoughts as he was getting closer to the freeway exit. Slowly, the car moved towards the exit and the gradually picked up speed. Soon, Takeru found himself in the airport parking lot.

"Hikari?"

He called her name, but she did not wake up.

"Hikari, we're here."

He shook her gently as he spoke. Then, the sleeping beauty lazily rose up.

"Had a nice nap?"

Takeru spoke with a dashing smile.

"…I guess…"

"That's good."

"…Where are we?"

"Airport parking lot. That's why I woke you up."

"Oh…"

She looked around the dark parking lot and spoke.

"…Let's get going."

"I would, but I can't get out of the car if you don't let go of my hand."

"…!"

She noticed that she still was holding his hand and gasped. She immediately took her hand off and jumped out of the car. Hikari pressed her hand down on her chest, trying to calm the racing heart down. Takeru exited the car and chuckled after seeing her reaction.

"You're so cute, Hikari."

"…Shut up…"

She responded weakly, still embarrassed. Takeru gave a majestic smile and spoke.

"Come on, we're already late. Let's hurry."

"…Okay."

With that the two headed to the interior of the airport and looked for a brown haired man and an orange haired woman. The gold haired driver looked at various screens and checked the arrival time of Taichi's plane. They were late by 15 minutes. Still, Takeru said nothing and continued to search for the rich brother of a rich girl. The two roamed around the entire airport, but couldn't find the man Hikari wanted to see.

"Are we late…?"

"Well…we were late to begin with."

Takeru responded to her question gently. Then, her mood took a dive. However, even with depressed mind, she persisted on her search for Taichi. Hikari began walking with a quicker pace and eventually arrived at the luggage claim. Still, she detected nobody that looked like Taichi or Sora. The brunette girl grew impatient as each seconds passed by. After looking at her for few moments, Takeru put his hand on her delicate shoulder and spoke.

"Looks like they already left."

"…"

"Don't worry. You'll see him soon."

"…Yeah…"

"Let's go home."

"…"

She nodded in silence. Though she found no purpose in going home, with Taichi nowhere in sight, she had no reason to stay in the airport. The two, then, headed back to the parking lot. Hikari found herself at loss since her objective of the day was unaccomplished. Upon noticing her disheartened mind, Takeru gave a suggestion.

"Why don't you try calling him? He has a cell phone too, right?"

"…"

"If you do, then, you can meet him."

"…But…"

"If you're nervous, I'll call him."

He spoke with a caring voice which gave Hikari confidence.

"No…I'll do it."

She took her phone out and opened it. She stayed frozen for a short while, but regained her courage soon after. She pressed the number 1 and the call button after. Hikari grew increasingly nervous after each ringing. She looked like a girl who was waiting for answer to her love confession. After a dreadfully suspenseful moment, they heard an automated voice.

"The number you've dialed is either unavailable or out of service range. Please try again."

The rich girl sighed in disappointment and ended the call. Then, her pale companion gave a reassuring sentence.

"He'll call you back soon. Don't be sad."

"…Yeah…"

After seeing that her expression was growing sadder and sadder, Takeru gave a convincing statement.

"Cheer up, Hikari. You don't want to look sad when you meet him, right?"

"…Yeah…You're right."

"Aren't I always?"

He spoke jokingly, brightening the atmosphere. Hikari, then, scoffed at his claim.

"Keep dreaming, Ishida."

"I'll fulfill that dream one day, then."

"That will be never."

"Wait and see. I'll prove you wrong."

"Yeah, whatever. Drive me home. I'm tired."

"Yes, my lady."

He started the engine and drove the car out of the parking lot, then, towards home. This time, he did not take the freeway and used only the local road. The two returned home after many minutes and Takeru stretched his body before leaving the car.

"Whew, that was lot of driving today."

"Get used to it."

"Why? Do I have to drive you to airport everyday or something?"

He teased her, but Hikari didn't respond.

"No counter argument?"

"I don't have energy or obligation to argue with you today."

"Then, I guess I'll let you go today. You better prepare for tomorrow."

"My gun's already loaded for tomorrow."

"Harsh. You're gonna shoot me?"

"I don't see why not."

Takeru chuckled and began walking out of the garage.

"I'm scared of tomorrow."

"Better be."

Their aggressive and yet friendly conversation ended as they walked out of the garage and got on the elevator. The blinking light soon indicated the number 8 and the two exited the elevator. Upon exiting, they encountered strange scenery. The man Hikari had been looking for all day was in front of the door. However, he was not in a fine shape. His clothes were ripped, skin was bruised, and body was exuding thick crimson fluid. Hikari dashed for the door he was resting his back against and asked questions with a panicked voice.

"Taichi, what happened? Are you okay?"

"…Hikari…I'm so glad you're safe…"

A faint, weak reply came from him.

"Safe? What do you mean?"

"…He…did this to me…I thought…you would be in danger too…"

"He…? You mean?"

"Yeah…Him…"

"…"

Then, Taichi lost consciousness because of the exhaustion and relief upon seeing Hikari unharmed. After realizing the identity of the culprit for the assault, Hikari tightly clenched her fist in sheer fury. She was ready to murder whoever that hurt Taichi. However, that was prevented thanks to Takeru.

"Let's take him to the hospital, Hikari."

"…Yeah…"

She still was tremendously angry, but managed to keep calm since Taichi's well-being was her top priority.

"Go call the ambulance, Ishida."

"Okay."

He entered the house, made a call to the local hospital, and came back out to comfort the unconscious man and his devastated sister.

"They'll be here in few minutes."

"...Okay…"

Takeru examined the wounds and injuries on Taichi's body for a brief moment. Then, he stepped closer and spoke.

"Let me treat him a little before the ambulance gets here."

"What? You're not a doctor. You might hurt him more!"

"I'm not gonna do much. I'm just gonna stop the bleeding."

"But…but what if…"

"If he loses more blood, he'll die. Are you happy with that?"

Takeru cut her off. Hikari, in defeat, nodded and urged him to help Taichi. After receiving her agreement, he proceeded to cease the bleeding. Thankfully, the rush of blood stopped and soon, the paramedics appeared at the scene and carried Taichi to the hospital.

"Ishida?"

"Yeah?"

"…Can you drive me to the hospital…?"

"Of course. Let's go."

He answered with a smile and soon, the two were pursuing the vehicle with siren. Eventually, both Takeru and Hikari were forced to wait patiently outside the operating room while Taichi is getting treated. During the entire time, the hazel haired girl was terribly concerned and confused about all matters. Nothing made sense. Nobody had a single reason to assault Taichi and yet, he was attacked. Her ponder for the answer to the mystery ended as the doctor came out of the room. Hikari questioned him immediately.

"How is he?"

"Physically, there are no grave damages. The wounds have been patched up and he should heal within a few months."

"Thank you."

She let out a sigh of relief. However, she sighed too early, for the doctor had a bad news to tell.

"Though there is one problem…"

"What is it?"

"The amount of blood loss damaged his brain cells, particularly memory. As of now, he can't remember almost everything."

This shocking news was immense enough to make Hikari fall down on her knees. Following the collapse was a burst of tears. Then, Takeru helped her up and asked a question in her stead.

"Is the damage permanent?"

"It's possible. But only time will tell."

"I see."

He took a glimpse of the sad girl and asked the doctor one more question.

"Can we see him?"

"Certainly. But be sure to keep it short."

"Thank you for everything."

"Just doing my job."

With that, the doctor walked away and left Takeru alone with Hikari. Tears were still falling from her eyes and Takeru wiped them for her. After stopping her tears momentarily, he spoke.

"Go see him."

"…"

"I'll wait outside. Go."

She simply nodded and entered the room where Taichi was resting. He was covered with bandages, but seemed better than before. Upon seeing her, the injured man spoke.

"Hello."

"…Hi…"

"May I ask who you are?"

"…"

Immediately, her emotions received a fatal strike.

"I'm sorry. I can't remember much."

"I'm…Hikari…"

"I'm Taichi Yagami, at least that's what I was told."

"Do you…remember anything?"

She asked with a frail voice.

"Hmm…I can't say that I do…"

"I see…"

"By the way, are you an acquaintance of mine?"

"…Yes, I am…"

"Are you my friend?"

"…In some sense…"

Then, Taichi smiled brightly and spoke.

"I hope we can become good friends."

"We were…and we are…"

She replied weakly and once more received Taichi's innocent smile. Their time didn't last much since the nurse advised Hikari to leave the patient. She nodded and spoke before leaving.

"…Bye…and take care of yourself…"

"Thanks. I'll see you later."

After waving her hand, she exited the room and rejoined Takeru. He threw a question as she came out of the room.

"So, how is he?"

"He's okay…It's just…"

"He doesn't remember you, huh?"

"…"

She nodded instead of speaking because she knew her voice would break. The feeling of being forgotten by the one she loves was overwhelmingly unbearable. She barely managed to restrain her tears from bursting.

"He'll eventually remember you. Don't worry."

"…"

"Let's go home and rest now."

He urged and began heading out of the hospital. Hikari silently followed behind him. Though he didn't look back, he could tell that Hikari stopped from time to time, gazing back at Taichi's room. In the end, the two made their way out and soon found themselves driving home. The atmosphere was heavy and thick with negative emotions. Hikari was absolutely in no mood to talk and Takeru kept himself quiet, trying to give her some peace after a chaotic day. Once they returned home, Hikari immediately went to her room and slammed the door shut in unspeakable rage. Takeru sighed heavily and slowly walked his way to his room to sleep. However, he couldn't enter his room because Hikari barged out of her room, loading her pistol.

"Uh…Hikari, what's with the gun?"

"None of your business."

She replied with deadly voice.

"I know you're upset, but you can't kill people for it."

"I'm only gonna kill one person."

She continued walk for the door, but Takeru stopped her by grabbing her wrist that held the gun.

"Let go!"

She struggled violently. She punched and kicked him. However, Takeru endured everything. Seeing how he was unbothered by her hits, she quickly shifted the gun from her hand to another and aimed at Takeru.

"Let go of my hand now unless you want to die."

"Hikari, there is no need to kill or be despaired. If you're worried about Taichi, he'll get better. I know it."

That was the end of Hikari's anger capacity. She cocked her gun and shouted angrily on top of her lungs.

"No need for despair? Then, when can I despair, huh? Tell me, Ishida!"

"You should never despair. That's what I think."

He responded calmly, but Hikari's anger grew further.

"Shut up! I don't care what you think!"

"…"

"No time to be despaired? If you were me, can you not despair?"

"…"

His expression showed a slight change. The normal, friendly aura was gone and the seriousness was starting to dominate. However, Hikari couldn't detect such change in her state of absolute fury. Then, a thought passed by in the enraged girl's mind. Her expression became petrified and she began speaking with destructive tone.

"I see what you're thinking…"

"…What…?"

"You're just happy that your love rival is gone! Aren't you?"

"…"

His facial expression completely changed. The friendly smile on his face was now vanished. Takeru was frowning with bitterness and irritation. Now, Hikari could feel the difference in him. She had seen serious Takeru before, but now was vastly different. Having never seen him angry, Hikari didn't know that Takeru was showing anger. She was troubled upon seeing his angry face, but tried to remain unbothered. However, as each second passed, she grew nervous. His face was showing more and more anger and Hikari could hear bones cracking from his fist clenching.

"What's with that look? Shocked that I figured out your mind? You're the worst! I hate how we're breathing the same air!"

Finally, after enduring so much provocation, Takeru showed movement. His fist remained clenched hard, but he wasn't planning on using them. Surprisingly, he let her arm go and walked towards the door. Curious of his behavior, she yelled at him to receive an answer.

"Where the hell are you going, Ishida? Answer me!"

Without turning back, he replied with a tranquil voice.

"You don't like sharing air with me, right? I'm leaving."

"Leaving? What are you talking about?"

"Getting out of your home. I'm leaving."

"What?"

She exclaimed with a shocked voice.

"Though it was short, I really enjoyed my time with you. Good luck with your revenge."

He resumed walking and his hand met the cold steel knob. Looking at this scene, Hikari couldn't help but to shake uncontrollably. Anger was not the cause. She was afraid of being alone in life. He who brought light in her hollow life, hope to her world of despair, and love from the dead oblivion, was now departing from her world. The door opened, followed with a creaking sound.

"…Don't go…Wait…"

Her soft whisper couldn't reach Takeru. Her fear intensified. It was now seconds before Takeru could slam the door shut.

"…Ishida…? Please…wait…"

The hand that held the door open was lifted and the metal plate was closing slowly. Just before the door could be shut, Hikari ran out and hugged the man who she claimed as the worst of the worst.

"Takeru, don't go!"

He faced her after hearing her desperate plea. Tears rained down from her eyes. She spoke with a completely broken voice.

"Please…don't go…I don't want to lose you too…"

"…"

"I'm sorry...I'm sorry for all the horrible things I said…so please…stay with me…"

Takeru tried to remove the hands that stopped him. However, she strengthened her grip and pleaded.

"I won't take revenge on my dad either…Please…Takeru…no…don't go…"

The pale hands ceased undoing Hikari's tight grip. Takeru drew the crying girl even closer and embraced her tightly.

"I'm sorry, Takeru. I'm so sorry…"

She sobbed uncontrollably, slowly drenching Takeru's shirt with her hot tears.

"Don't apologize anymore."

He let few moments pass by and spoke once more to the crying princess.

"Taichi will recover. You'll be the first one he'll remember."

"…"

She couldn't speak further. Her energy was drained from the tiresome day and vocal cord did not have time to speak due to endless sobbing. With no freedom to talk, she spoke to herself in her mind.

'If I met you…before Taichi… I probably would've fallen in love with you, Takeru…'

She spent several minutes crying before finally calming down. Throughout the entire time, she remained still in Takeru's large arms. When her sobbing ceased completely, Takeru loosened his arms and let the frail girl go.

"Let's go to bed, Hikari. It's late."

"…Yeah…"

They entered the door and closed it behind them, preventing the entrance of cold air. Right next to each other, the two walked together until they reached their rooms. However, before Takeru could go into his room, Hikari walked up to him and spoke.

"…Make sure you change into warmer clothes…"

Then, he realized that his shirt was covered with blood stains and tears.

"Yeah, I will. Thanks for reminding me."

"…Sure…good night."

"Good night, Hikari."

With that, the two returned to their room and ended their long, tiresome day. In the bed, Takeru pondered about why Hikari's dad hurt Taichi. Was there a logical reason or was he a ruthless murderer like Hikari claimed? Regardless of anything, he judged the situation to be quite perilous and decided to watch out for danger and protect Hikari from threats.

Once again, sorry for the extremely late update. I hope this chapter didn't disappoint you after a long wait. Please understand that I wrote the chapter while I am sick.

You guys might wonder why and what happened, but I'd like to keep that a mystery and let the story reveal it eventually. I hope to update soon and hope to write better chapters to

satisfy all the readers.