A.N. And hello again loyal fans and readers! Welcome to the third chapter of this fic! As always, thank you to everyone who has reviewed. I'm sorry if the last chapter wasn't as long as you would have hoped, and that maybe we didn't get to see too much of Takeru's inner thoughts, but, that chapter focused more upon the tension of our protagonist's relationships based on that tragic event. However, in this chapter we'll learn more about what happened between Takeru…and a character who hasn't been mentioned since the first chapter. You should know who I'm talkin' 'bout..Anyway, onto the fic!
1/08/07- Edited for consistency and errors.
Synopsis: During the last chapter, we saw Takeru as he was recovering from the previous night. After taking note of all of his messages, he went to visit his brother, Yamato, and his sister-in-law, Sora. Of course, things weren't perfect between the "Ishida" brothers, as Yamato said something insensitive to Takeru, and he left the apartment. Fortunately, Sora went to patch things up between the two, but things were only became more complicated as Takeru locked himself out even further.
Even though Sora wasn't able to make Takeru feel better, Daisuke and Ken fortunately were able to. Not only that, but the two are now joining Takeru on his trip to New Orleans for his publishing contest? What will happen while the three are there? One could only imagine the possibilities!
And now to present the third chapter..allons-y!
"Derailed"
By
Malcolm Yuy
Chapter 03: Memories and Hallucinations
Takeru sighed tiredly as he finally collapsed onto his mattress, smiling at finally getting a chance to rest. After going through security checks and baggage claims, he finally found a shuttle to take him to the Alexa Hotel, a very nice hotel that resided in the French Quarter, only about eleven minutes away from where the winner of his contest attended school. The Alexa had nice, furnished, though small rooms, with air conditioning funneling through the air vents in the ceiling, creating a very pleasing sensation for the young man as he began shutting his eyes for some shut-eye.
Takeru then slowly opened his eyes as he looked towards the window of his room.
You know what? Maybe I shouldn't go to sleep just yet, he thought, as he slowly changed from a curling position to a sitting position on his bed. He then yawned as he stretched his limbs.
Maybe I should go see what this city has to offer, Takeru thought to himself as he slowly got up to walk towards the window. He then walked to the windowsill, and looked outside to get a nice view of Bourbon Street, although it was still daylight. He saw a few people here and there as they walked back and forth along the long walkway. He also noticed how dirty the city was. But, it was an urban area, and what else would he expect? He smiled as he looked down upon them.
Time to get out of this room, Takeru thought, a small smile forming upon his lips as he left the room. A few minutes later, after accessing the elevator, the young blonde made his way onto Royale Street.
Or maybe I should check out Royale Street first. Takeru placed his hands in his pockets as he began walking down the sidewalk, taking a glimpse of the local shops as he was passing by. A few of the shops that he looked at caught his eye. Takeru then turned his eyes to glance at the townspeople who were walking by him. He spotted the various genetics that the local population had. Tall stature, short stature. Broad shoulders, narrow shoulders. Blonde, brunette, redhead, darkhead. Brown eyes, green eyes, dark eyes. Young adolescent, young adult, middle-aged. White, black, Asian, Hispanic, and just foreign in general were some of the individuals that Takeru passed as he made his way on down the sidewalk. New Orleans wasn't just a different kind of city- it was a diverse one, a melting pot. Takeru smiled as he made his way towards the end of the street.
Louis Armstrong Park. Louis Armstrong Park was a park located at one end of Royale and Bourbon Street. The park had nice, huge grounds, surrounded by a long, narrow, black fence. And in the entryway, the name Armstrong was printed in bold, golden letters upon the archway above. Takeru smiled as he made his way inside. Maybe being here won't be so bad after all. Takeru saw a bench in the area, and made his way to it. He sighed when he sat down.
Well, walking down Royale Street was fascinating, but I think it's time to take a little break. Takeru closed his eyes as he breathed in the city air around him, before exhaling it as he opened his blue orbs. He took the time to look at the ongoing scenes that were being formed around him. Couples walking by, pigeons scrambling to get food here and there, Takeru could only smile to himself as he watched the acts play themselves out.
This has been a peaceful day so far, Takeru thought, as he sighed to himself. As he continued to look at the passerby, he noticed a couple smiling at one another as they were buying ice cream from a nearby vendor. Regarding them made Takeru think about his one and only. And along with that name, came memories of years past the young man had tried desperately to forget..
A fifteen year old Takeru frowned upon the sky as he stood outside the local high school with umbrella in hand, still wearing the school uniform, as well as his signature bucket hat. Rain poured down slowly, and at least Takeru had to thank Kami (God) for that. He turned to look at the school doors.
Come on Takeru, just a few more minutes… Takeru thought to himself as he turned back to look upon the grey sky. He then frowned as he felt a cool breeze make its way through him.
Damn weather…Why did I decide to do this again? Takeru asked himself, as he suddenly took interest in his feet. He then looked up as he heard the door open. And there, standing there, in all her beauty, was his girlfriend of three years, Yagami Hikari.
Oh yeah, that's why… Takeru was still mesmerized by the brunette's beauty, even after all the time he has dated her. She smiled as she made her way up to him.
"What are you doing outside? Shouldn't you be at home?" she asked, as she gazed into her lover's blue eyes. Takeru could only blush as he gazed down at her. He then scoffed as he continued watching her.
"Yes, yes I should. But, aren't you at least going to thank me for risking life and limb just so I could see you?" Takeru asked, glaring at the girl. Hikari looked up as she pretended to contemplate the issue. She then smirked as she glanced into his eyes.
"How about 'no'?" Hikari asked playfully. Takeru faked a pout.
"How about 'yes'?.." After a moment of silence, Takeru's girlfriend spoke again.
"No," she simply stated. Takeru scoffed.
"Fine, then I'll just leave you here to be drenched. Nice knowing you," Takeru said, as he turned around. He was then about to begin walking, but he heard the brunette's voice as she caught up to him.
"Kibou, wait! I was just kidding!" Hikari puffed as she latched onto her boyfriend's frame from his back and Takeru was shocked for a moment, as he felt the girl encase her arms around his waist. He stopped walking as a faint blush came upon his cheeks. He turned back to look at her, and smiled as he looked down upon her.
"I know. But honestly Aura, you can be so cruel sometimes," Takeru said.
"I know. But I make up for it, don't I?" Hikari asked, smiling up at him. The blonde could only return her smile.
"Sure do." They both then leaned towards each other, and caught the other's lips in a brief but passionate kiss. They then parted as they joined hands, and began walking together in the rain.
"You know, the rain isn't so bad, now that I think about it," Hikari said, as the two were both shielded under the umbrella. Takeru could only smirk as he formulated a response to the girl's comment.
"Then do you want me to push you back into it? I'd be more than happy to oblige," Takeru suggested as a laugh came from his lips. Hikari could only retaliate by socking Takeru in his arm.
"You're mean," Hikari simply said as she glared at him. Takeru only returned her glare.
"Only 'cause you were mean first," Takeru said.
"Uh uh," Hikari said, smiling.
"Uh huh," Takeru responded.
"Uh uh."
"Uh huh."
"Uh uh."
"Uh huh."
"Uh uh."
"Uh huh- can't we just stop this? We're acting like little kids," Takeru said. Hikari giggled.
"Fine." The two then stopped talking as the rain suddenly stopped, and the clouds began to part, allowing the sun's rays to shine through. Takeru retracted his umbrella as he shook the water droplets off. Hikari turned to face him while he was doing this.
"You know what I meant to say earlier?" Hikari asked. Takeru continued to shake his umbrella as he took his eyes off of it so he could pay attention to what his love had to say.
"What?" Takeru was then mentally paralyzed as he was caught by Hikari's gaze.
"I was going to say 'You know, the rain isn't so bad when I'm with you'…" Hikari averted her gaze as she looked down at her feet. Takeru blushed as he continued to looking at the girl that he was proud to call "girlfriend".
"R-really?" Even though the two had been dating for quite a time, Takeru was still spellbound whenever Hikari would say something sweet to him. Her eyes turned to look up at him.
"Really…" Hikari then leaned forward to catch Takeru's lips in another kiss. Takeru could only smile as he closed his eyes and returned it. After a few minutes, the two parted. Takeru smiled as they started walking again, feeling her hand linked to his. He then turned to look at her.
"Hey Hikari, do you want to go out? My treat," Takeru said, waving around some yen that he had picked from his pocket. Hikari looked bewildered as she looked at her boyfriend.
"Really?"
"Really…" and the two smiled together, happy that they were together…
Damn, even here…even here I can't seem to forget her. Hikari… Takeru thought to himself, grimacing as he came back to reality. He sighed as he looked back up at the sky.
I wonder Ken and Daisuke are doing…
"Damn, am I finally glad that we're off that plane," Daisuke said as he Ken made their way from the terminal. They were currently making their way towards Baggage Claim, and Ken could only sigh in agreement as he looked at his companion.
"You said it. I didn't know whether that kid beside was ever going to shut up or not," Ken replied, deciding to suddenly message his temples. Daisuke just chuckled.
"I know. Kami, he was so loud! I thought he was going to cause all of the windows in the plane to explode with as much crying as he did," Daisuke said.
"I'm just happy his dad finally knocked some sense into him. Kids need discipline these days. I hope my kid isn't like that," Ken said.
"Hopefully, they won't be. I'm lucky. I have the best kid in the world…well, at least for right now anyway. The wife and I are still waiting to see how that will pan out," Daisuke said. This caused Ken to chuckle as they finally made their way into Baggage Claim, and walked over towards the conveyor belt.
"I wonder how Take is doing. Think I should call him?" Ken asked.
"I'll hit you if you don't!" Daisuke exclaimed, as he smirked at the blue-haired young man. Ken just smirked in return as he took out his cell phone.
"I hope you won't hold me up to that," Ken said as he took out a card that had the blonde's current number on it. He then registered Takeru's number under "Contacts", before pressing his name for auto dial.
"You know I just might," Daisuke said, as he turned his attention from his friend and onto the luggage that was making its way around the conveyor belt. "Found mine." Daisuke smiled as he grabbed his travel bag.
"Good for you." Ken then listened as the phone began ringing. He sighed irritably after it rang two times. "Come on Takeru, pick up," Ken said to himself. After the third ring, he was beginning to get impatient. And finally, the fourth ring came. Ken frowned as the phone's answering machine came on.
"You have reached the voicemail for 'Takaishi, Takeru'. Please leave a message after the beep." Ken sighed when he heard Takeru pronounce his own name monotonously. The beep then followed. "Takeru, this is Ken. Dai and I called to just inform you that we have arrived in New Orleans. We'll be staying at the Ramada Plaza Hotel on Bourbon, so that's where we'll be if you need to reach us. Sayonara," Ken said, as he hung up his phone, and then placed it back into his pocket. Daisuke looked concerned as he handed Ken his luggage.
"Didn't answer?" Ken just shook his head. "Well then, we'll hopefully be able to talk to him later. Right now let's just try to get to the hotel," Daisuke said. Ken nodded.
"Okay." The two then made their way towards the outside. As they stepped outside of the airport, Ken looked up into the blue sky.
I just hope we'll be able to talk to him..if we find him…
Takeru sighed as he walking on the streets, hands in his pockets. He heard his stomach grumble as he continued making his way on the concrete path. He winced at the sounds his stomach was making.
Man, I'm so hungry right now. Takeru smiled as he realized that he had stumbled upon a nearby café. He looked up at the display sign.
"Café Beignet. Hmm, sounds interesting enough," Takeru said to himself as he walked into the petite restaurant. A server at the cashier smiled as the blonde made his way toward the display case, which revealed certain delicacies of both New Orleans and of its French origins. It was times like these that Takeru thanked Kami for being part-French.
"Why, hello monsieur, and welcome to Café Beignet. What would you like to have?" the server asked. Takeru looked to his right at the display case, eyeing the creamy deserts that the café had to offer. After contemplating what would be best for his stomach, Takeru turned to look back at the server.
"Um, I would like to have a beignet, and an Orangina, if you have it, please," Takeru said, taking his wallet out of his pocket and holding it in his hands. The server smiled as he took a beignet, a French doughnut out of the display case, along with an Orangina, a French orange-lemon drink from the fridge.
"That'll be five ninety-five sir," the server said, after entering the items into the machine. Takeru pulled out six dollars, and handed it to the man. He smiled as he took it and returned the change. "Five cents is your change. Enjoy," the server said. Takeru nodded.
"I will." Takeru then smiled as he walked off to a nearby table, which had a window. Takeru sat down and looked at what he purchased.
So much for saying you're hungry. You just wanted something sweet, Takeru thought to himself, a smirk forming upon his face. The blonde then proceeded to eat the beignet, and licked his lips to get the remaining sugar off. The beignet, unlike the American doughnut, was a rectangular, fried pastry made from flour and covered in sugar. The Orangina, on the other hand, was in a pear-shaped bottle, and the color of the beverage even vaguely resembled that of a pear. Takeru smiled as he took a bite of the beignet.
Damn, this thing is sweet. I feel like I'm going to get a heart attack from eating this thing, Takeru thought as he examined the little pastry. Oh well, it's good, and I paid for it, so I might as well eat it. Takeru took a few more bites of the beignet before placing it on top of the white bag that had come along with it. He then wiped his mouth off with a napkin, before opening his Orangina and taking a swig of it.
Mmm, that tastes good. Takeru smiled as he felt the nice, cold taste of the Orangina touch his lips. He then placed the drink back down as he then turned his attention towards the window he was sitting at. As he was looking outside, he couldn't help but notice a couple talking to each other nearby, and they seemed to be in a dispute. Takeru frowned as he watched this.
I wonder what happened between those two. I hope that despite whatever happened they'll be able to solve their differences. People just don't know how lucky it is these days to have someone to love, The blonde mused to himself as the expression in his azure orbs became melancholy. It was times like these that the young man wished he had someone to love, someone to care for. But there would only be one person he would care for. And unfortunately, for his family and friends, it was someone they considered to be what the French would like, or not like in his case, to call "mort", or in other words…dead.
Takeru couldn't believe that he was actually standing here, looking at a empty plot of land, dressed in a black suit, his shaggy blonde locks combed over just for the occasion. He looked down sullenly at the unearthed lot, as a grim smile came upon his face. He then looked back up at the Yagami family as they were standing near the gravestone, across from him. Standing next to him were Sora and Yamato, followed by his parents. All of the other Chosen Children were here as well, along with their parents. Even the digimon had come to pay their respects to the "deceased" Destined of Light.
Takeru couldn't help but frown as he looked away from the scene, his blue orbs looking up toward the bleak sky in depression. He knew why he was here, but, unlike the Yagami family, he still believed..he still believed that Hikari was still alive, out there in the world. However, he could only wish that the others held the same hope that he had, for during the past three years, they had lost hope, and therefore, thought it was time to put her memory to rest.
The Destined of Hope sighed sullenly as he looked at the priest, reciting the funeral hymn. He felt Sora and Yamato's hands give an affectionate squeeze upon his shoulders, and gave the two a small smile as he looked upon them. They gave a small smile back as he turned to look down at Patamon and Tailmon, who were both looked very sullen at the situation. Takeru then looked at Hikari's family again, a sad expression upon his face. He saw Mrs. Yagami crying on Mr. Yagami's shoulders, as Mr. Yagami tried to comfort his wife the best he could. And off to the left of them, with Agumon by his side, was Hikari's onii-chan, and the leader of the Chosen Children.
Yagami Taichi. During the past three years, Taichi's features had matured with age. Now twenty-four, the young man's once spiky brown hair was now cut, and mostly tamed, with most of it combed over except for his bangs, which were spiked, swaying towards the right side from Takeru's view. Taichi's once clean-cut face now held that of a stubble, and his eyes..the eyes that he had inherited from his father's, were dull of life, empty, and full of pain. It broke Takeru just standing there, examining his peer's features. This man was like a second brother to him, and now…he seemed only a shell of what he once was.
After the priest ended his piece of the procession, others began giving Hikari's gravestone words of remorse, words of love and care. As much as Takeru wanted to listen to it, those words fell upon deaf ears as he looked around to once again examine the dreadful scenery around him. The sky was grey, filled with dark clouds, and the surrounding leaves held dead brown leaves, as Autumn signified the slow "death" of the world Takeru lived in. From out of nowhere, a breeze made its way through the dark trees, raking the leaves, as they traveled through the air, swirling around in spirals until they circled around Hikari's grave. And as Takeru read the epitaph written on her grave, he just couldn't take it anymore.
This is just wrong. So very wrong, he thought, as he shook his head. But as he continued examining the people around him, a thought came to him.
But, just like these people, these people I call my family and friends..should I follow them, and believe what they want to believe? Takeru was shaken out of his thoughts as his father touched his shoulder.
"Hey musuko (son), the ceremony's over," Hiroaki replied. Takeru nodded as he gazed into his father's face.
"I know Otosan (father)," Takeru monotonously replied. A sad expression came upon Hiroaki's face as he looked at his youngest son.
"Well, your okasan (mother) and I are going to give our grievances to the Yagami's. Do you think you'll be okay here?" Hiroaki asked. Takeru nodded.
"Yeah Otosan, I think I'll be okay." Hiroaki gave his son a grim smile.
"Okay." He then stepped back as his ex-wife embraced their son.
"Are you okay? Will you be all right?" she asked, as wrinkles of concern appeared on her face. Takeru nodded.
"Yes Okasan, I'll be okay. I just need some time. Alone," Takeru said. Natsuko nodded as she wiped the tears from her eyes.
"All right. Well Takeru, if you need any help, just know that both your otosan and I will be there to support you," Natsuko said. Takeru nodded, as he hugged his mother.
"Thanks Okasan, I'll remember that…" Natsuko then left her youngest son's embrace, and gave her son one last grim smile. "Well, we'll be going now. Make sure to call us soon," Natsuko said. Takeru nodded.
"I will." And with that said, his mother and father left, leaving him with just Yamato and Sora, along with their digimon, Gabumon and Biyomon. He then turned to look at them. "Are you guys okay?" he asked. The two nodded as Yamato help dried Sora's tears, as she had cried into his shoulder during the whole thing. After all, Hikari was like a little sister to her, and to Yamato as well. It was times like these that Takeru would like to think the "what ifs", however…
To Takeru, Hikari was still alive.
"Well, we're also going to go see the Yagamis. We already talked with Tai earlier about it," Yamato said. Takeru nodded.
"And how did he take this?.."
"Like you'd expect. I could only imagine how he must feel," Sora answered, sniffling as she wiped away the last of her tears. "Come on Yama, let's go comfort the Yagamis. They look like they need all the love and support they can get right now," Sora said, as she tugged on Yamato's dark jacket. Yamato nodded. They both then turned to look at the younger blonde.
"Will you be okay, Ototo-chan (younger brother)?" Yamato asked, examining his brethren's features. From Takeru's perspective, he probably didn't look too great, as Yamato quirked an eyebrow at him. A grim smile came upon the young man's face.
"Please don't look at me like that Onii-chan. I'll be okay you two. Now, will you please go? I would like to spend some time alone, if you please," Takeru said, his voice dropping to a cold tone as he reached the end of his sentence. The two were shocked as they regarded him. Their looks melted soon enough as they nodded.
"Okay, if, if that's what you wish. Let's go Sora," Yamato said, as he began to move away from his younger brother. Sora was still glued to her spot, as she looked at Takeru. His eyes looked empty as she gazed into them, and her eyes couldn't leave his stare until Yamato tugged at her arm.
"Come on Sora." Yamato said, as he looked at the two. Sora sighed tiredly as she finally tore her gaze away from Takeru, and towards the dead grass that was lying below their feet.
"Alright Yama." She then gave one last look of concern to Takeru, and Takeru returned her gaze with a sad smile, before the two finally left him, along with their digimon, all to himself. Takeru placed his hands in his black overcoat pockets as he looked towards the grave. He sighed depressingly as he gazed at it. He felt his eyes water as he began reading the epitaph:
"-Light of our lives,
A wonderful daughter, beloved sister, cherished lover,
We hope you continue to shine into the next life.-"
Yagami Hikari:
D.O.B.: April Fifteenth, Nineteen Ninety-One.
D.O.D.: September Twenty-Seventh, Two-Thousand and Twelve.
"You know Takeru, she probably would have wanted this," a voice said, snapping Takeru out of his reverie. The blonde turned to look at the taller stature of his "deceased" lover's older brother. Takeru frowned upon looking at the older man.
"And how would you know that, Taichi? You know as well as I do that-"
"You don't know a damn thing about anything, Takeru…You don't know a fucking thing." Taichi then turned his head as he read the words on his sister's grave. Takeru could only gaze into Taichi's eyes as he was examining the grave. His eyes seemed filled with despair, and something else Takeru couldn't possibly make out. Takeru shook his head as he looked away from the brunette. Lightening flashed above them as thunder followed, as Takeru regarded his "other brother."
"You know Taichi, I can't believe how you can go on saying that, when you know damn well how I felt about her. And until I hear confirmation of her body being found dead in an alley somewhere, I will keep on believing that she's still alive. I promise you that," Takeru replied, as he glared at the male Yagami. Taichi scoffed as he turned his gaze onto the young blonde.
"Well, to each his own then." Taichi then turned his back on Takeru as he began walking away from the young man. He then abruptly stopped, and turned his head to look back at Takeru from the side of his face, his mouth covered by the collar of his black formal jacket. Takeru could only look at his peer in shock as he began talking to him again.
"But, according to me..Hikari is as dead as this cemetery." Takeru's eyes widened at the statement. "I'll be seeing you, Takeru." And with his final words, rain began pouring down upon the two as they regarded each other one last time, before Taichi left Takeru, having him look at the elder's back. A frown came upon Takeru's face as thunder boomed again above him. He looked up briefly at the sky, before turning his eyes back towards her grave.
I promise Hikari, that until you are presumed dead, I will consider you as being alive. I promise…
Takeru shook his head as he came out of that memory. It was that memory that caused the others to move on, and him to look back into the past. But he frowned as he again regarded his current situation. He told himself that he would try to move on, to forget about memories past. But still, he couldn't help but think of her. After all, almost every thought that the young man had included her in it, somewhere within his conscious. He sighed to himself as he took another sip of his Orangina.
It's about time I move on. After all, it's been seven years, and everyone else has moved on. But, why can't I? A grim smile came upon Takeru's face as he finished drinking his beverage.
Because I still love her. That's why, Takeru answered. He then ate the last of his beignet, and wiped his mouth clean with a napkin. He then got up, and smiled towards the cashier as he began leaving the store.
"Have a good day," Takeru said, as he flashed a smile towards the cashier. The cashier smiled in return.
"Thanks. You too," the cashier said. Takeru nodded as he threw his garbage into the nearby trash can. He then patted his hands, and was about to make his way out the door when his right side bumped into the left side of another.
"Oh, sorry. Excuse me," Takeru said, as he walked past the person he bumped into, without giving them another look. A voice spoke as Takeru left the store.
"It's all right." Takeru turned as he looked back at the source of the voice, as the source made his way toward the cashier, and began making his order. Takeru's eyes widened as he regarded the person.
It can't be..it just can't be…
But it was..
..It was none other than Yagami Taichi…
"You know, this place is nice," Daisuke commented, after locking up his room. Ken nodded as the two began making their way towards the elevator.
"Yeah, it is. I just wish we could reach Takeru already. It's a good thing that I took a city map from the display in the lobby," Ken said, as he had flashed the pamphlet to Daisuke's face. Daisuke's eyes narrowed as he examined the brochure.
"So, what do you think we should do? You have the map, and some other brochures, as I can see," Daisuke said, noticing other brochures in Ken's grasp, hidden under the map. Ken grinned as they got inside the elevator.
"Well, we could follow this pamphlet and hit all the major hotspots," Ken suggested. Daisuke nodded in agreement. He then put his hand on his stomach as he heard it growl.
"Well, could we go get something to eat first? I'm famished," Daisuke said. Ken smiled.
"Sure thing. Just let me consult the-" the rest of Ken's sentence was cutoff as his the tone of his cell phone became dominating. Ken took the phone from his pocket and pressed the "TALK" button.
"I see you finally called," Ken said, as he turned to look at his friend. "It's Takeru," Ken whispered, before turning his attention back on the conversation at hand. "So, what's up?..Yeah, we're at the hotel. Uh, you want us to meet you where?" Ken asked, not hearing the blonde clearly on the other line. "Pat O'Brien's? On St. Peters Street? Okay, we'll be there. See you in a few, bye." Ken closed his phone as he put it back in his pocket.
"So? How is he?" Daisuke asked.
"Well, as you just saw, we didn't talk much, but, from what I could gather, Take sounded…what's the word, urgent? He sounded like he had something to tell us," Ken said.
"Then what are waiting for?!.." Daisuke asked.
"The elevator to open?.." Ken questioned.
"Oh, right.." the elevator then opened as the two walked out into the lobby. "Well then, let's go!"
"This is some swanky place you picked Takaishi," Daisuke said as the three young men made their way into the bar, and situated themselves at a table. Takeru smirked at his dark-haired comrade.
"So you've noticed," Takeru said. Daisuke nodded as he took a look around. Pat O'Brien's was a very dark place, with dim lighting and with even darker tables. A waiter came up to them as they noticed their surroundings.
"Good evening you guys, and welcome to Pat O'Brien's," the waiter said, as he handed out three menus to the guys. The guys smiled as they received the menus. "My name is John, and I'll be your server this evening. Would you guys like to start off with a drink?" John asked. Ken nodded.
"Yes, yes I would John. I'd like to have a Heineken please," Ken said. John nodded.
"Okay." He wrote the beverage name down on a notepad as he turned to face Daisuke. "And what will you be having?"
"Um, I'll just have a Budweiser, thanks," Daisuke said.
"Alrighty." John then turned to face Takeru. "And what would you like sir?" John asked. Takeru looked at the beverage menu for a moment before answering.
"I think I'll just have a water thank you," Takeru said.
"Alright. Well, I'll be in back in a few minutes with your drinks gentlemen." And with that, John left the three men by themselves. They took a look their menus. As Ken was glancing at his, he directed his eyes so they could gaze into Takeru's. Takeru noticed this as he turned to look up from his menu.
"So Takeru, why did you sound so urgent when you called me? What was so pressing that you had to get us here, huh?" Ken asked, as he regarded the blonde. Takeru's eyes blinked for a moment.
"Oh, that? It, it was nothing," Takeru stuttered, as he suddenly turned his attention back onto his menu. Ken and Daisuke both quirked their eyebrows as they gave each other a quizzical look, before moving their heads to regard their friend.
"You sure bud? 'Cause I think I just heard you stutter," Daisuke said, smirking. As Daisuke finished his sentence, John made his way back onto the scene, placing the corresponding beverages onto the table.
"There you are fellas. One Heineken, one Budweiser, and one glass of 'high-quality h-two-o' as quoted from Adam Sandler," John said, smiling. "Are you three ready to order?" he asked.
"Yep. Uh, I'll have the Red Beans and Rice," Daisuke said.
"Okay. And you sir?" John asked, turning to see Ken as he wrote Daisuke's order down.
"I'll have the Jambalaya," Ken replied. John smirked.
"Good choice, good choice. And what about you?" John asked, turning to Takeru lastly. Takeru sighed as he began to speak.
"Uh, I'll have the Gumbo of the Day. Or, should I say 'Night'?" Takeru asked.
"'Night' sounds good to me." John then took their menus. "Thanks for ordering gentlemen, and I'll be back with your orders in a few. Enjoy your drinks 'till then," John said. The three smiled.
"Oh don't worry John, we will," Daisuke grinned. John then nodded as he left, and Daisuke's grin disappeared as he turned to look back at his blonde companion. "So Take, what's wrong?" Daisuke asked. Takeru glared at his tan friend.
"Nothing's wrong Dai, I swear," Takeru said.
"Then why do you seem so…offended?" Daisuke asked, raising an eyebrow at the man. Takeru sighed as he closed his eyes.
"For the last time Dai, it's nothing. Nothing at all," Takeru said.
"Nothing my ass," Ken commented. Takeru sighed tiredly.
"You two won't stop nagging me until I tell you, won't you?" Takeru asked. The two nodded. "Fine. I'll tell you," he said. The other two men smiled as the young blonde as he sighed tiredly. "I think..I may have seen…someone…" Takeru said slowly. This made Ken and Daisuke quirk an eyebrow as they pondered Takeru's statement. Then, Ken decided that he would speak.
"Who?.." Ken asked. Takeru frowned as he closed his eyes.
"..Yagami Taichi," he slowly replied. Daisuke and Ken looked at each other in astonishment before looking back to their friend. Takeru smirked sullenly as he examined the two. "I know, I don't understand it myself," Takeru said.
Because what would Taichi be doing here in New Orleans?...
"Are you sure you saw Tai here? This is Taichi we're talking about, right?" Daisuke asked, still not believing what his fellow peer had said. Takeru shook his head.
"I know, I don't understand it either. He really didn't say anything to me. I wonder if he recognized me at all," Takeru said. The three continued pondering the situation for a few moments, before Ken suddenly had an epiphany.
"Hey Takeru, I'm just speculating, but what if- what if you only thought you saw Taichi?" Ken asked. Takeru's eyes became frustrated as they stared back at dark, violet-blue eyes.
"What are you saying, Ken? Are you speculating that maybe I imagined him?.." Takeru asked in return. Ken just returned Takeru's gaze as he crossed his arms.
"Maybe. Maybe you were just seeing a hallucination. After all Takeru, you do think about your involvement with the Yagami family often, do you not?" Ken asked. Takeru's gaze softened as a frown came upon his face.
"Well, maybe I do," Takeru answered.
"And that's why we're here with you, to help you get over that. I really don't want to say this Take, but I feel I have to get this off my chest," Ken said quickly. He then sighed as he bawled up his left hand, placing it near his chest. "You need to get over Hikari, Takeru. Don't think I can't see what it's doing to you, 'cause I can. I know you loved her, and hell, we all did. She was like family to all of us, right Daisuke?" Ken asked.
"Right," Daisuke said in concurrence. Ken then continued where he left off.
"But something's gotta give Take. It's been seven years. Don't you think it's about time to move on?" Ken asked. Takeru felt paralyzed. He could find no way to plausibly argue against Ken's statement. He understood where Ken was coming from. He was only looking out for him. And wasn't it about time that Takeru stopped living in the past? Takeru silently nodded to himself as he contemplated the issue within his mind.
Maybe it is about time I move on..after all, it has been seven years. Wouldn't Hikari want me to be happy?.. Takeru asked himself. He then sighed as he decided to answer Ken's question.
"Maybe you're right Ken. Maybe..it just may be about time that I move on with my life. After all, I have you two to help me, right?" Takeru asked, smirking at his question. Ken and Daisuke smiled as they nodded in agreement.
"And not only do you have us Take, but you also have your other friends and family. You can't ever forget that," Ken said. Takeru nodded. After all, Ken was right. Takeru did have friends and family. They were always there. It was about time he noticed that.
"So, let's usher in this new phase in our buddy's life, eh? To Takeru, to hope that you have a happy and prosperous life from here on in," Daisuke chimed, raising his glass of Budweiser in the air. Takeru and Ken smiled as they raised their glasses to meet Daisuke's.
"Here here!"
The night rolled on as Takeru, Ken and Daisuke made their way down Bourbon Street, the road bustling with crowds of people. Unlike Royal Street, Bourbon Street was the opposite of its counterpart. Where it was classy and suave on Royal, Takeru couldn't say the same for Bourbon. The streets were littered with various strip joints and daiquiri bars. And of course, to celebrate the spirit of New Orleans, the three had stopped and sampled the daiquiris of the city. As the night dredged along, the three had become varyingly inebriated, Ken and Daisuke being more so than Takeru. Takeru smiled as he looked at his two friends.
I'm glad I..brought these two…here to New Orleans, Takeru thought, trying to stay composed, even though the alcohol had clearly taken its toll on the young man. Takeru chuckled as he looked at his companions. He could probably say the same about them. Currently, Daisuke and Ken had their arms around each other, as they were now vaguely recounting their earlier days. And Daisuke had just included Takeru in remembering the more fond memories of their life.
"Hey Take, remember…remember that time I…pulled that prank on Miyako? Remember that?" Daisuke asked drunkenly. Takeru smirked as he looked to his dark-haired companion.
"Sure do…I remember you…coating the floor of the convenience store with liquid soap so…when her and family stepped inside, they would play 'slippity-slide, slippity-slide,'" Takeru said.
"Oh yeah. Wasn't that awesome?.." Daisuke asked, as the two continued walking, the neon lights glowing on them. Ken laughed as they stopped for a moment.
"No…I remember…remember her bitching to me about that afterward…that was really lame Dai," Ken muffled.
"Yeah, for you maybe…but it was awesome…for me…" Daisuke muttered. The three were about to continue walking when they glanced up at a neon sign overhead. In big, read letters, it said "Rick's Cabaret." Ken and Daisuke drunkenly smiled as they examined it.
"Hey Dai, you thinkin'..what I'm thinkin'?" Ken asked. Daisuke smirked at his best friend.
"You know it," he said. He then turned his head to look at Takeru. "Hey Take, what do you think?.." Daisuke asked. Seeing that sign was making Takeru more sober by the minute. He didn't really know how to respond.
"I uh, I don't know…you guys," he responded, stuttering over his own words. He really didn't feel like going inside. Daisuke decided that it was his turn to convince the young blonde.
"Oh, come on man…stop being such a pussy," Daisuke said. "Aren't you going to have fun..for once in your life?.." Daisuke asked. Takeru shook his head.
"I thought we…were having fun right now," Takeru replied. Daisuke shook his head.
"Nah man, we…we aren't havin' fun…We're just…we're just..enjoying the surroundings," the brunette said in a stupor.
"Yeah man, why can't you..just enjoy…life for once, huh?" Ken asked. Takeru sighed as he gave in to his peers.
"Fine, fine…but we're not gonna drink…anymore tonight, got it?" Takeru asked. The two nodded at him as a smile came upon their faces.
"Yep," Daisuke said.
"Clear as day…or night," Ken said. Takeru smiled.
"Okay. Let's go then," he said. Daisuke hoorayed as the three made their way inside…
Inside, Rick's Cabaret was dark, with red lights illuminating the dance tables. Men sat at these tables, cheering like animals and flashing money in the air. Also to help light the dark and dreary place was a faint, baby blue light that echoed throughout the walls. Takeru started to feel even more uncomfortable as he saw the pole dancers strutting on the tables, moving left and right to the beat of the music, in which the current choice was Techno. Takeru felt his mouth open as he stared at the place in shock.
"So Take, are you gonna stand..there, or are you going to…grab a seat?" Daisuke asked, as he slapped the blonde on his back. Takeru came out of his shock as he shook his head. He then turned to look at his companions.
"And what about Aiko and Miyako?.." Takeru asked. Ken smirked as he regarded him.
"What about them, man?..Consider this…the bachelor party you never had…" Ken said. Luckily, Takeru wasn't that sober enough to pick up the meaning of Ken's statement. He sighed tiredly as he examined the two.
"Okay, okay…no where do you wanna sit?" he asked. The other two looked around for a moment before Ken pointed over towards an empty table.
"Over there," Ken said. The other nodded as they made their way over to the table and sat down. Right as the three got themselves situated, a waitress, a beautiful young woman clad in a skimpy outfit, made her way over to the table. She smiled as she checked out the three young men.
"Why hello, guys," she said. The guys smiled in return as they examined her. Nice, long bleached blonde hair, and black mascara surrounded her eyes as they stared at her. Daisuke was the first to speak.
"Why hello beautiful. What you doin'?" Daisuke asked. The young woman grinned.
"Nothing much. How can I help you three?" she asked, batting her eyelashes. Ken and Daisuke smirked as they continued examining.
"Well, we want…you to help…our buddy here," Ken said, jabbing his thumb over towards Takeru. Takeru blushed as he felt the woman gaze over in his direction. He diverted his eyes so he didn't have to look at her. Unfortunately, it only caused him more attention as the woman bent over, and slid her left hand under his chin, tilting his face so he had to look at her. Takeru gulped as he gazed into her eyes.
"Why, hello there handsome. What's your name?" The female blonde asked. Takeru's mouth flew open, then shut, then opened again as he struggled to speak.
"Um, my name is…well, you can call me…T.K," Takeru spat out, not wanting to pronounce his full name to the girl. The woman smiled.
"Well T.K, why don't I show you and your buddies a good time?" she asked. Takeru stuttered as he was trying to find a way to reply. Ken and Daisuke decided not to leave their fellow companion hanging, so they decided to respond for him.
"Sorry to break this to you…"
"Angel," the girl said.
"Well, sorry to break this to you Angel, but me and my friend here are taken," Ken said, him and Daisuke lifting their hands to reveal golden bands on their ring fingers. Ken then smirked as he continued to speak. "But T.K. here is single, so feel free to help him in anyway you can." Ken smiled as he flashed some dollar bills. "Angel" smiled as she took the currency, slipping it into her short, baby blue skirt. She then turned to look back at the male blonde.
"So handsome, what would you like for me to do for you?" Angel asked. Daisuke turned to whisper in Ken's ear.
"You mean 'what would you like for me to do to you,'" Daisuke snickered, with Ken following suit as they both looked at their companion. Takeru's face continued to stay flushed as he glanced at her.
"Well, uh, that is, uh…" No coherent words could form in the blonde's mouth as he continued to look at her. Angel smirked as an idea came to her mind.
"Oh, I have an idea…how about I let you see 'The View'?" she asked. Takeru continued to stutter as Daisuke jabbed him in the side.
"Say 'yes'!" Daisuke exclaimed. Takeru quickly nodded his head in accordance to his friend's statement. Angel grinned.
"That's what I thought you'd say," she said. Her hands then went behind her back, where she loosened the straps on her bra. A moment later, she hands, as her bra dropped to the floor, revealing her breasts to Takeru and his friends. Takeru and the others couldn't help but look in shock, until Angel situated herself in Takeru's lap, wrapping her arms around his neck. Ken and Daisuke couldn't help but laugh at the predicament.
"So, you like?.." Angel asked, whispering in Takeru's ear seductively. Takeru could only manage a nod as he felt a certain member of his anatomy stiffen at their contact. Angel smirked as she noticed this, and adjusted herself a little so that she rubbed against him. Takeru managed a groan as he tried looking away from her. "Hmm, interesting." Angel grinned at him. "Why don't I-"
"Hey Angel!" a voice shouted from the other side of strip joint. Angel turned her head to look at them.
"What?! Can't you see I'm busy?!" Angel yelled in response. Takeru and the other two young men turned their attention to the voice, which was a young man, around their age or older on the other side of the bar. How old he really was, they couldn't tell because of the lack of lighting within the club. Angel sighed in annoyance as she closed her eyes for a moment. "Can you excuse me for a moment guys? I have to talk to someone. But don't worry, I will be back," she grinned. Ken and Daisuke nodded in rapid succession, and Takeru just dumbly nodded as he couldn't find a thing to say.
"Good. Well boys, I'll see you in a few minutes. While I'm gone, do you boys want any drinks?" Angel asked. The boys nodded. Angel smiled. "Then what will you be having?" she asked.
"Just three waters, please," Takeru managed to get out. Angel smiled as she looked at Takeru.
"Alrighty then. See you in a few minutes, handsome," Angel said. And with that, Angel left Takeru's lap, with the three young men staring at her retreating back as it faded into the socialscape of the cabaret. Takeru shook his head as he turned to look at his two friends.
"Guys, I want to leave, now…" Takeru said, bullets of sweat lining his face, as drops slowly trickled their way down his cheeks. Daisuke and Ken just smirked at the blonde as Daisuke jabbed his elbow into Takeru's side, again.
"Fine, be a party pooper. But can we have..ten more minutes? Please?" Daisuke asked, clasping his hands together in the "please, pretty please" gesture. Takeru just sighed.
"Fine, but only ten minutes. Got it?.." Takeru asked. Daisuke and Ken happily nodded. "Good." Takeru tiredly sighed as he switched his gaze onto the other dancers in the club. As his eyes traveled through the haze, his blue orbs rested on a young woman strutting herself on the pole. Colors became disoriented as he tried to focus on her. He shook his head as he looked away for a moment.
Man, I need some water, Takeru thought. He then opened his eyes as he focused upon the young woman again. As he took closer notice of her, his eyes widened when she opened her own eyes. Takeru's mouth hung open as he looked at the young woman, and for the second time today, he spouted the same sentence.
It can't be..it just can't be…
"Hikari?..."
And the plot thickens…did Takeru really see Taichi in New Orleans, and if so, what is he doing there? And what about Hikari? Was she a hallucination as well? All this and more will be answered in the next chapter of Derailed!!
As always, thanks for taking the time to read, and as always, please read and review. I love hearing your input, whether it be good or constructive.
Well, until the next chapter, later!!- Malcolm Yuy