Author's Note: I have a Physiology test today... but instead I typed this. Who knows what kind of mark I would get... =,=a

Disclaimer: I do not own Digimon or any of the lyrics I used in this fic.

Chapter 6
Umareta Toki

It's alright, just wait and see
Your string of light is still bright to me
Who you are is not who you've been…
you're still an innocent

You're still an innocent

Innocent – Taylor Swift

A direct hit on the jaw sent Kuu flying two meters away and hit the ground painfully. Hikari fell to the road, coughing her breath. Her eyes looked up, to see the hope that had ran all the way to her place.

Takeru was panting heavily, his fist clenched tightly by his side and his eyes were blazing with anger. His Digivice was flaring by his belt, uncontrollably beeping and beaming with light, responding to Hikari's. They flared light in unison, pink and gold, melding in the wall of rain as if answering each other's call, as if responding to each other's emotion.

He had seen Aoi's battered body on the ground… and what made it worse was what they did to Hikari.

Forgiveness didn't even suit them anymore.

The blonde haired boy stood up straight facing the gangster that was now grabbing weapons around them, readying to beat the hell off this kid. Instead of stepping back, his fists were clenched firmer and his Digivice lit up like a torch.

"FIGHT ME!"

A second later, battlecries from the gangsters filled the alley as they all packed and storming the one single boy standing between them and the two girls he protected.

.oOo.

Aoi stirred as she wheezed out of pain. Her body was completely numb of any other sense other than pain. Hikari was beside her, dodging tangled limbs and chaos to reach her and wrapped her in a gentle embrace. She couldn't move, her wounds were too many that she couldn't even breathe properly. However, she could see those chocolate eyes as they turned gentle.

"You're alright now…" She said softly. "He's here."

Coughing, Aoi closed her eyes. Just like everything in her life… nothing will ever be alright.

"He… has… no… hope…"

He was against the whole gang… and he was no more than just a boy from their school…

"He has."

Her sure tone made Aoi opened her eyes again. There was something more in Hikari's eyes than mere trust.

"He is the Child of Hope."

.oOo.

Takeru's blows were hard and sure—hitting his attackers on the chin and solar plexus with the ability that even himself surprised he had. They brought along pipes and sticks, hitting blindly in the narrow alleyway as they hunt him down. A baseball bat hit his shoulder hard, making him staggered but with a firm step on the ground he regained his balance and counterattack with a punch on the face. Another hit got him, and another and another and another… and they all rained down on him—those punches and kicks and everything… And Kuu came in front of him with a steel pipe, shoving others away as he raised his pipe…

And swished it.

Loud dull thud was heard when his pipe smashed his face. Blood splattered the ground and Hikari gasped. Even so, no sound was heard from Takeru. He didn't even step back.

Kuu was about to shout his winning cry when a pair of striking blue eyes glared back at him. Though his cheek was torn by the hit and blood covered half of his face, the light in his eyes didn't fade away. Instead, it grew stronger.

His fists were still clenched tightly, if not tighter. Blood dripped from his mouth, his wounds, his nose… but his eyes remained blazing with the same power. His Digivice beeped even louder and its light illuminated everything. Even, it seemed as if he himself was glowing. Standing amongst the gangsters, his body seemed like covered in bright gold light. His presence was flaring and striking against the dull colors of everyone around him.

The gangsters staggered back instead of going forward. The more he was hit, the stronger he became and the brighter the light his Digivice emitted…

The darker the night, the brighter Hope flared. And now, his light was blazing violently. He wasn't in the mood for a gentle glow.

His fist was almost shining when he charged ahead—the look of horror on Kuu's face was almost priceless.

"You can do it, Takeru-kun."

Hikari's whisper only flared his light brighter.

.oOo.

She had never seen such bright and beautiful lights before. They were more than lights… they were wavering like emotions. It was such a strong display of emotions that she didn't know that such things existed. Moreover, she felt like the real lights themselves were not because of the devices, but more to the holders. Somehow… she felt like she could see them glowing… She felt like she could see both of her saviors glowed…

Maybe it was only her eyes, but somehow, her heart told her otherwise.

The rain was still falling when the last man dropped to the ground, accompanied by the loud clank of steel baseball bat. Takeru let his opponent's body dropped to the ground, panting heavily. Blood covered his uniform, half of his face was covered by fresh blood from Kuu's hit. His other side of face was bruised, and soon-to-be bruised would form in no time too, he knew. He looked up at the rain, closing his eyes as pain seeped through his body.

Maybe… his right hand's bone cracked…

"Can you stand?" Hikari's voice broke the stillness of the air. Though the droplets of rain continued to fall from the sky, somehow the wet air seemed stagnant after all of the actions. Aoi only stirred when Hikari extended her hand. What she said next was more than surprising.

"Why… did you come? … Just leave me alone…"

Takeru titled his head upon hearing it. Hikari was still by her position, still extending her hand. Aoi gritted her teeth. All pain hurt her so much… so much… and she didn't know anything anymore. It was all… too… sudden and too far away. Too real, she couldn't believe in reality.

She didn't even have the courage to taste happiness. It would hurt too much to fall back down again…

"Just leave me alone…" She coughed, closing her eyes as pain hit her chest in every breath she took. "… I… don't even know you…"

Hikari stayed by her place… then she finally put her hands to her sides again. Her chocolate eyes were… wounded. Her messages were not accepted… Her feelings…

Takeru sighed.

"It's confusing, sometimes… how human tried their hardest to stay where they are."

His deep voice was a contrast with the girl's voices. It was calm and gentle, so much different from his late explosion of emotions. They were also really light… He didn't even need to turn around to get his feelings drifted across.

"… Why must you continue to feel alone when there was someone there for you?" He continued, looking through his shoulder. "Why do you try so hard to feel alone… when clearly there is someone who cries for you? Angry for you?"

Silence hung above them. A drop of blood dripped to the wet ground and he continued.

"Does it not worth it… to have the courage to feel once again for someone who cries for you, whoever they are?"

Rain dripped from her body and she could feel how the spring rain didn't feel that cold anymore. Her body shook. It was hard… so hard… the fright still clung onto her, etched to her body like a tattoo that couldn't be erased. She had been through this too long… she had forgotten how…

"It is much more precious to have Hope, than to embrace temporary bliss."

Hikari's warm hand wrapped hers, and she gently tugged her up. Her chocolate eyes were welcoming, and Aoi could feel the warmth of that light in her eyes.

"Let's go, we'll go someplace warm together."

.oOo.

Their walk was slow, since both Takeru and Aoi were heavily wounded. Even grimacing itself hurt them. Hikari helped Aoi to walk in slow and weak steps. It was lucky that she got nothing more than a bruised left cheek. The rain was persistent; it didn't even quiet down a bit as they slowly walked away from the alley. Hikari turned to look at Takeru, her heart felt the pang of guilt as she saw the state he was in. She could even feel her hand tremble… She knew this would happen… yet…

"I left my bag and yours at school, sorry about that," Takeru suddenly spoke. His eyes were bright and gentle as they moved to meet hers. There was a tint of regularity there, as if being a far away picture of a normal day. Hikari smiled at him; her hand gently touched the small of his back.

"It's ok, don't think about it."

He let out a chuckle, which then he quieted down because of the pain it gave to his body. He turned to look at the crying sky then sighed.

"Where do we go now?"

Their steps stopped. Hikari titled her head.

"My home will be hell if we go back like this…" she said slowly, imagining what kind of ruckus would be unleashed if Taichi saw them like this. Takeru rubbed his neck and grimaced. He didn't even want to think about it.

Yamato would do just about the same thing.

"Mine too…"

Aoi dropped her eyes on the ground. She had… she had made them…

Takeru sighed audibly, turning to see Hikari. His eyes were bright as always, in contrast with the crimson blood on his face.

"Then… let's go to Sora-nee's place!"

.oOo.

The bell was ringing persistently. Sora put down her spatula, turned off the stove, and hollered back, "Wait up!"

She was alone now since her mother was out with her father on some out of town business. Her father wasn't in a good condition lately so her mother decided to come, that left her to feed herself. Maybe Yamato would drop and give her some breather. She slid the metal chain off the hook then opened the door.

She gasped.

Takeru was standing by the doorway with a body that looked as if he had received the full force of Devimon's attack. Blood was dripping from the wound on his cheek and body; there were signs of it in his uniforms that there were cuts in many areas of his body too. And there was also a girl that Hikari had in her hand whose state seemed worse.

Whatever had happened to them, she didn't want to talk about it when they were still in this state. The red haired woman quickly stepped aside and said, "Come in."

.oOo.

She had never known why she was suddenly sitting in some stranger's living room, covered with warm blanket. By her feet was a pail of warm water and beside her was a newly known schoolmate that she didn't even know three days before. But what made her scared the most was this… feeling trying to break through her defenses and body. She didn't even know what it was…

Hikari was walking here and there, transporting bandages, hot waters, and medical equipment. Takeru stayed by the sofa, taking off his coat and washed away dried blood from his hands. He seemed like he's in pain whenever he moves his right hand. The red-haired woman who opened the door walked back from the kitchen; there were hot chocolates in her hands.

"My, you rarely come here, Takeru, Hikari-chan, and once you two come, look at the state you two are in!" She put the chocolates on the table then put her hands on her hip. She had this mother-like temper as she eyed her two friends, demanding explanation. "You seemed as if you just gone into some gang fight!"

"Well, that's not entirely wrong either…" Takeru grinned. Sora's glare made him shut his mouth and replaced everything with an apologetic grin.

"I'm so sorry, Sora-neechan, but we don't know where else to go…" Hikari clasped her hands in fornt of her face. Sora sighed deeper. "I mean, you know what Oniichan—or Yamato-san—will say… We're so tired and…"

"It's okay, I don't really mind that," Sora sighed again. Her eyes softened. "I mean… I don't know what you three had been through so I'm not in a place to say anything. Anyone will be shocked if they see someone they know suddenly on their doorstep and look like you three."

She threw a towel at Takeru, who only stayed as it fell on his head.

"I'm going to call Taichi and Yamato," Takeru and Hikari's gasps were quickly heard in the background. The older woman discarded it though and still dialed her cell phone. "And Jyou too. You need a medic. Those wounds need some stitches."

Her statement was final. Hikari and Takeru threw a meaningful look at each other then sighed. Sora was Sora, no matter how many years had passed.

X

"It hurts, don't touch—owowowowowow~!"

"Oh, I'm so sorry…! But you moved, Takeru-kun!"

"I mean, that's reflex!"

Aoi wrapped her fingers around the warm mug and took it closer to her. She didn't feel like drinking it though… even though her body screamed for it. Her breathing was still hard and unsteady, her chest still hurt where Kuu hit her. Her eyes watched as Hikari tried to put some antiseptic on the wound by Takeru's face, watching how they seemed… close…

Kuu…

Her hands started to shake. Now… she was all… alone…

"It's warm and good for your body; you can drink it, really."

Before she knew it, the red-haired woman called Sora already beside her, putting a bowl of warm water in the table. Her brown eyes were gentle and warm; she seemed to have the vibe that made everyone around her felt… loved? Aoi looked away from her, not being able to resist that warmth. She didn't deserve to be here… she wasn't of their league and…

"How do you know those two?" Sora's voice broke her thoughts. She wet a towel in the warm water. Aoi looked away, staring at the chocolate in her hands.

"… They… came… for me…"

"I see…" The chuckle that came out of Sora's lips seemed to mean that she understood more than Aoi already after the last sentence. "Here, you have bruise on your hand, right?"

Aoi looked at her. She turned her hand, seeing how it tremble, but didn't know why. Sora took it into her hands, then gently folded the younger girl's wet sweater. Pain stung her and she gasped a little.

"Sorry," The older woman smiled. She then continued to treat a big black and blue bruise by the girl's lower arm. Silence dawn upon them, though Takeru and Hikari continued to make noises since the former kept on groaning in pain and the latter kept on apologizing.

Sora took a deep breath.

"They are blinding, don't you think so?"

Aoi quickly lifted her eyes to look at Sora. The red haired woman was smiling gently as she tended her wound.

"Blinding…?"

"Yes," She said as-a-matter-of-factly. Her eyes turned to look at Aoi with a reassuring look. "Their lights. They are blinding."

Aoi stayed silent. She understood that, no matter how vague the words she said seemed. Sora put down Aoi's hand gently then took some time as she washed the towel again.

"You may not understand why they came for you… It's understandable," Sora took a deep breath, sighing. "I mean, sometimes I don't understand them too, especially Hikari-chan. She's one extraordinary girl."

Aoi nodded slowly. She understood that one. Sora smiled at her, watching Aoi withdrew her hand and looked at her hot chocolate again. The older woman's brown eyes softened.

"Don't be discouraged by their lights… If they come for you, it only means that your light is calling them."

Aoi stared at her, confused. Sora laughed. She slid a strand of hair from Aoi's face behind the girl's ears gently. That was a simple gesture… but somehow it felt…

The warm hand touched her cheek gently, sending her feelings more than just warmth.

"Don't be scared… Everyone deserves love."

Her breath seemed to stop momentarily. It touched her. So much.

She felt like choking, like withdrawing herself, but the hand was still on her face… and soon, another came up and they drew her into a warm hug. She just didn't have the power to resist.

The woman's body felt so warm… and so painfully familiar. No, the feeling was familiar.

Love.

Aoi choked. Her body shook as she contained everything… but finally it broke through. Her weak defenses shattered.

Tears were streaming down her face. The pain in her chest was more than just because of Kuu's beating. It was a hole, a gaping hole in her heart. The hug tightened as her cry flooded out of her body. It was the tears for every beating she got, every insult she heard, every pain she received from her father, from Kuu, from the ignorance of her mother and this whole society. It was the tears for her longing, for the loneliness of that once little girl who scooped goldfish in summer festival. It was the tears for the pain of letting go hope, of finally surrendering, but deep inside she still longed for it. For love. For everything to go back.

The silent cry now had let itself out.

Hikari watched as everything happened; a smile formed itself on her lips. Takeru saw both, his eyes softening upon seeing Hikari's genuine smile. Slowly, his hand touched her arms. She closed her eyes when she felt that warm touch.

It's alright now.

Yes. The auburn haired girl put her hand on Takeru's shoulder. He let out a contented sigh. Yes, it's alright now.

They were right on bringing her here. They were right on bringing her to the Child of Love. It was what she needed the most after all.

The silent cry had now dissipated, along with every tear that dropped. Hikari knew she wouldn't hear it anymore.

.oOo.

"HIKARIIII!"

"TAKERU!"

"WHAT HAVE YOU TWO DONE?"

Okay, so they knew this would happen, yet they still cringed in dismay when it did. Taichi, being Taichi, went on his wild big bro rampage and Yamato, being Yamato, went on this melancholic big bro state while Jyou, while… yes, being Jyou, started to blabber things such as 'young delinquent', 'irresponsible brawl', and so on. He quickly tended both Takeru and Aoi though. Old reliable Jyou.

"You're supposed to protect my sister!"

"Don't you touch my brother, he's already injured!"

"But my sister…"

"Enough, you two!" Sora stood between Yamato and Taichi, hands on her hip. The two fell silent immediately, blue and brown eyes stared at Sora. She sighed exasperatedly. "I mean, both of them are injured, and there is another girl here who is in a much worse state than Takeru, and you two made it all worse by quarreling over some unimportant details! My, how could I EVER not wondering about that?"

Hikari chuckled. The trio never changed. Jyou sighed as he wrapped bandages on Takeru's hand. His knuckles were bleeding because of the contacts that were made as he punched dozens of those gangsters. It was wrapped tightly now. Takeru's right hand was broken too, now it was confirmed.

"What happened actually, that your bones could crack like this?" Jyou sighed exasperatedly, wrapping a stick to make sure the bones wouldn't move anymore. Takeru grinned sheepishly and answered lightly, "Well… I used it to stop a metal bar coming at me."

He shouldn't have said that. He so shouldn't have said that. Yamato went on unstable mode again. Jyou sighed and put down his bandages after he was finished. He slid his eyeglasses up again.

"You need to see a doctor… That wound needs some stitches… and I think you need to get some thorough check up, I think some of your innards must be injured," he said quietly. He turned to look at Yamato. "Make yourself useful and take his to a doctor, won't you?"

"Of course I will," He took his motorbike's key. "Let's go, Takeru."

Takeru grinned sheepishly then nodded. He turned to look at Hikari, who was in the sofa with her brother, and Aoi, who was crouching by the big couch, then said, "I'll be right back."

The two were off. Jyou now turned to look at Aoi, who was still breathing heavily. He put a hand on his hip.

"Taichi can take you to the doctor now, lady," He said gently. Aoi lifted her eyes to look at his. He smiled. "You may have inner injuries as well. You'd better go to the doctor."

"Yeah, I can take you there!" Taichi showed his new motorbike's key proudly. Aoi looked at both of them, seemed hesitated. She bit her bottom lips. What if… if she went now and her mother picked her up? What if… She wasn't in the capacity to…

"If you don't want to right now, it's okay," Hikari blurted it out. Jyou turned to look at her, shocked. "I mean, you can go to the doctor tomorrow or…"

"Hikari-chan… Her state might get worse and…"

"Nah, I think she needs to be here," Sora put a hand on Jyou's back. She smiled. "Tomorrow I'll take her to the doctor. Okay, Jyou?"

Jyou sighed audibly again. He groaned, taking his bag again.

"Well! You all never change after all!" He said loudly as he turned away. He waved, smiling. "I have at night test now and night shift in the university. Sorry that I cannot be here longer."

"Its okay… we thank you, Jyou-san," Hikari smiled. She knew just how much Jyou value his education. "Good luck on your test."

"Yeah," He smiled again. "You too… on various things."

.oOo.

The rain had stopped and cold wind drifted gently. The night sky was dark and cloudy; the moonlight could only streak in between the fingers of the clouds. Hikari watched the moving cloud as she leaned on the railing of Sora's balcony, Taichi's jacket draped across her shoulder. Takeru was sitting by the wooden chair near her, sipping his hot chocolate. His right hand had a tourniquet now and the wound on his face was already stitched close. He could go home, the doctor said, and he quickly opted to go back to Sora's apartment. He didn't know why… he just felt like he should.

Yamato, Taichi, and Sora were inside. Aoi had fallen asleep on the sofa. From where he was now, Takeru could see Yamato was holding Sora's hand as they talked with Taichi by the dining room and how Aoi crouched by the sofa, sleeping soundly. She seemed so peaceful… that brought smile to his lips.

"I did have a bad feeling about this but… it turns out alright after all."

Hikari's voice drifted gently in the wind. She was still looking at the moon. Takeru laughed. He lifted his chocolate.

"That's why I said don't lose hope. We can do it together."

Hikari turned to see him, to look at those optimistic pair of blue eyes. She finally smiled and nodded.

"Yes…"

Takeru gave a satisfactory smile and sipped his chocolate again. Suddenly, Hikari's hand was already by his knee. She was bending herself to level her head with his. Her eyes were filled with guilt and he could see remorse filled her face. Her hand rose up, almost touching the band aid by his face that concealed the stitch. It hasn't quite touched it yet but he could feel the heat of her hand… and the trembling of her fear.

"I'm sorry…" her voice was weak and uncertain, going on carefully as she continued. "I'm sorry that you must go through all of this just… just for me."

His smile was genuine and gentle. Just like always.

"Why… I thought everything I did for you worth it," he said lightly, smiling. "I believe in you."

His words seemed to have stirred something inside of her. She closed her eyes, her hand dropped to his shoulder. Her face showed that she was torn by everything inside of her heart. Her hand that was by his shoulder was trembling… he felt like he should take it inside of his.

"… I was so afraid of losing you back then…"

Her voice was weak… and he could feel that warmth rose up to his heart.

"I was so scared… I believe you would come, I do… When that man was strangling me… I believe you would come but… but then I was scared," she closed her eyes. She had pushed this aside all the while, and she was afraid her tears now would spill… "Was I wrong? What have I dragged you into? What have I done? I shouldn't have called you… I shouldn't have… since now you… You're wounded, you're injured… you… your hand… Your hand was broken and… and… what about your basketball team? What about your love for the sport? What about your desire? I… I… Your basketball…"

"Is just not as important as you."

Their eyes met. Hers now had tears slowly dripped to her cheek, filled with uncertainty and guilt, while his were bright, reassuring, gentle. His smile softened and his voice was just as soft when he said, again,

"Everything is just not as important as you."

Her breath drifted out in a gentle swift of wind.

It was a mutual understanding… if not more. His eyes were all she saw, and her eyes were the only thing that occupied his mind. He could see the gentle chocolate irises of hers, all her fear and thoughts and worry… and most of all her kindness and love and care… while she could feel his warmth, his proximity, his optimism… his devotion. His everything.

She gently pulled herself closer. It was slow, but certain. The storm of thoughts just disappeared.

Their lips touched. His were warm, with a tint of blood from his injury and hers were soft and flawless. It was perfect… like pieces of puzzles went in place all at the same time. Everything was just right… all that remained were each other, stopping at one moment in time. They didn't hear Taichi gasped or the sound of chairs creaking when Yamato and Sora held him in place. They didn't hear the wind that gently swept the balcony, or the swift turns of the bat wings that flew by. But they could hear each other's heartbeat. Loud, strong, certain… They could feel it in their lips.

They parted slowly just a moment later, at the same gentle beat. Her eyes dropped to look at his lips, seemingly wondering what just happened. Her face was still close; her lips could brush his at any time. Smile pulled the side of his lips and his eyes were bright when he whispered,

"Should I take this as more than just a thank you?"

Her eyes were in a haze, but the light inside them were an answer.

"Yes…" her breath brushed his lips. "Yes, you should."

The next was done in more certainty. They didn't need words to tell them what that meant.

.oOo.

"Taichi! No!" Both hissed when they literally jumped from their set to strangle Taichi, who literally jumped from his own seat.

"Hikariiii!"

"Ssssshhhh!" Sora pushed him down to the ground. "Quiet down! It's just the right moment, stupid!"

"Nooooooo…." He felt like crying his heart out. His eyes watched everything happened how his little sister… "Nooooooooo…! My Sister… my little sister… Hikaaarrrriiiiii…"

That little sister who, for him, would never be fitted to go with any man, who will always be that small girl with whistles, who… he didn't feel like wanting to admit had grown up.

Now he felt like wailing on the floor already. Since he knew, Hikari had a whole new guardian officially appointed for her…

"Hmmm, my brother did good."

Sora whacked Yamato's head when he said that satisfied remark.

To be Continued… still. :DDDD

Author's Note: (EDIT) I have edited some things, like the confusion between Takeru and Taichi's name. XD thanks to the reviewers :D Thank you very much! :) And my physiology test was... uh... yeah. :) *censored*