Disclaimer: D.N. Angel is not owned by me.
)*(The True Hikari Curse: Genes of Magic)*(
By:Fireflower19
A/N: This story has been cleaned and groomed, but I can't seem to get out the noobish mistakes. If you can put up with the first half or so, the rest improves. And I may have taken most of the author's notes of thanks down, but I'm still thankful to all who put up with my first go-a-round. And I must ask that if a sentence appears broken, please let me know. For some reason I've had trouble at times with uploading just this story. I want you to enjoy my first fic. And if a beta-reader happens to see this and cares enough to want to help fix this monster, then PM me. I'd be more than happy to share DocX and let you have at it.
-)*(-
As the light from my morning window crosses over me, I briefly wonder if I will ever get another restful nights sleep again. Krad. Why must I suffer with him?
(Only allow myself to wallow in self pity every once in awhile by the way, and today just happens to be one of those days.)
I turn to get the dairy of a previous Hikari that I was looking through last night before Krad began his relentless bids for freedom. Though, so far I've found nothing that would explain what I'm going through.
"Why were you so insistent that I not look through here, Krad? Is it because someone of my family had found a way to contain you? Or at least control you better?"
No answer. The darn devil was probably sleeping after all the effort he put in, especially within the last four hours. My head is still throbbing sickly. I wonder if I can hold up in school today. I must go so as to keep an eye on Niwa.
I noticed he's been acting differently. Is it because Dark is being just as restless as Krad? Well, it's not as if I care. ...I keep telling myself that, but I can't help but feel a kinship with him. Darn it! He's my enemy, not a part of my family! Far from it! ...and me.
Suddenly, my alarm goes off and it feels as though my heart has stopped. The buzzing is so loud! It didn't use to scare me. Everything about me seems to be changing this past week. I've become very sensitive with my hearing, most lightings irritate my eyes, and I've had an increase in thinking speed, which is by far the worst. It's like my mind can calculate now before I even have a chance to fully process any details. It's like jumping the gun before realizing I've even jumped. It's very annoying and it keeps causing me to second guess myself.
Whatever is going on has to be listed in one of my family history books. I can remember something I'd found rather bothersome in one when I was five, though for the life of me I can't remember the title. It's the reason I believed myself to be a monster. That, and the fact I have an angelic demon in me. I frown as I look at the plain brown book.
Whatever started the Hikari magic in the first place is more than likely the cause of all this. It's something that's genetic. Probably a trait that for the most part lies dormant since this is the first trouble I've had. A hold back a shudder. I don't want to see any doctors for awhile. The last thing I need is to end up as a scientist's plaything.
Okay, pity party over. The blankets slide to the floor as I head to the bathroom. Time to start and get ready for school. As I start the shower and pause for the water to heat up I wonder what type of traps I haven't tried against Dark. Tranquilizers would be great if I knew he wouldn't try to fly after being hit with one. Not fully aware, I step into the shower and curse. My pants are still on. Maybe I should just stay home today.
Heading to School
All I seem able to do on the drive over is gaze at the light blue sky. Apparently I'm back to normal for the moment if my eyes aren't watering by now. Turning back, I reach for the mirror I've learned to bring with me. After all, I don't want Niwa to be able to tell anything is wrong, thereby letting Dark know something is up.
Everything is in order, from my glasses to my hair. I put the mirror quickly away. I don't want to see Krad if he decides to peek out. He is undoubtedly furious right now with me. I'm not scared, I just don't feel like jumping at the sight.
-.-
At School
Daisuke's POV
For once I'm not cutting it close. I can breathe easy on the walk into school this morning. Smiling, I think of Riku. Today, we're going to eat lunch outside on my favorite bench. The breeze is blowing and I soon stop to notice, breathing in deeply the sweet smell of honeysuckle with it. Oh, it's perfect! The weather, ..and Riku. I blush. She is so sweet! She's really helped me out a lot. The fact I change into Dark to steal sometimes has interfered badly with my grades. She has taken the time this past weekend to quiz me and keep my mind up on my school work.
'You know, she is a lot more than a tutor to you,' Dark says in my head. I blush again, worse this time.
'I know, but with you around I try not too think to hard,' I reply. I rush inside the building and head for my locker.
'I don't try to come out for every little feeling you know? Or is it that you are afraid? Afraid of where your young perverted mind will go if you think about her to much?' I feel him snickering. It's times like these I get really mad at Dark. I know he is just teasing, but this is just rude! 'Aw, don't pout. And stop blushing, Takeshi is looking at you funny.'
Darn you, Dark! Just stay quiet!
A little later on I've finished my class work and start daydreaming. Which is fine as long as there isn't a story being read in class. Never again do I want the embarrassment of being called a twit by the teacher. I wonder how Hiwatari is doing?
'That kid is always unstable.' I guess I asked by mistake cause I was surprised when Dark answered me.
'I thought you were asleep, Dark. Don't you always sleep when I'm at school?'
'Not always, I have to relearn somethings, too.' I feel him settle in the back of my mind. And on goes class, although the toast I had this morning is long gone from my poor stomach.
-.-
Satoshi's POV
Why did I come to school today? Sweat is trickling down my neck. I have to keep resisting the urge to get up and shower at the boy's locker room down in the gym. The teacher is definitely loud enough, I think with some sarcasm. But, I can't grasp what she is saying. Yet, somehow, my hand continues to write in my notebook like nothings wrong. Putting effort into looking at it however shows that it's merely squiggles. I sigh. Must at least try to keep appearances up.
The interior darkening soon catches my eye and I look out the window. It's growing dark rapidly. Blinking to better clear my vision, I check again. Indeed, it is getting dark outside. Glancing at my wrist watch shows the time is only 11:30am. "What the..," Turning- looking at Niwa to see if he's noticed- my stomach turns weakly with me. Oh great, nausea. I need to be at full strength if this is the sign of an artwork breaking loose. I barely notice that I've leaned a little.
-.-
Daisuke's POV
Nothing unusual about today, and for that I'm so very glad! No warning letters, no weird magics on the loose, and no thieving!
"Hey, Riku, let me borrow your homework please. I will take cleaning duty for you tomorrow," Takeshi asks. A smile crosses my face, because I know what's gonna happen next. Okay, not smiling now cause I just realized who he always gets to clean for him.
"No, Takeshi. You must do the work or you'll never learn," Riku stubbornly replies. Takeshi just grumbles. He will undoubtedly ask someone else before class is over.
A slight thump from behind makes me turn right. Nothing seems out of the ordinary, until I look further down the row to Hiwatari. A few girls gasp.
"Wwaaahh! Hiwatari, are you alright?" I rush over to him. He just appears to be asleep. This is very strange. I grab him by the shoulders while the others are beginning to watch. "Hiwatari!" I gasp and pull away. He's ghostly white and burning up! This is seriously not good...
'What do I do? Should I just let the teacher take him to the nurse?'
'Don't let him go,' Dark sounds serious. 'He's very sick, but the nurse won't be able to help him. We need to get him to Daiki.' I frown feeling a strange attitude in Dark, and ask, 'How am I suppose to do that?' 'That's easy. Figure it out!' I'm worried cause taking him to my house means he will be around my mom.
'Dark?'
-.-
Satoshi's POV
…...
"-cher, I'm taking Hiwatari to the nurse, okay?"
What's going on? I don't think my words reached my mouth; my throat feels too tight. I hear more words being said, then clothing begins to rustle next to me. I open my eyes to find my vision completely engulfed in red. "What?" I jump back up in my seat. There's a small gasp and Daisuke pulls away.
"Hiwatari, are you alright?" the redhead asks in a small voice. Seeing as I can't make out more than a few blurry desks with people in them, at the moment I'd have to say no. And, I think they're staring. Oh, the lights in here are too bright! I squeeze my eyes shut.
"Hiwatari!" That voice is definitely Niwa's. But it's way too high pitched. Could he possibly be worried? I turn disbelieving wide eyes to look at the red blotch. I can't make him out. I look at my hand to try to refocus my eyes. It works.
"I'm fine Niwa. I just have a little cold." Yeah, I lied. Lamely I might add. He looks at me with his crimson orbs, a frown evident on his face. "Yeah, alright. But, we're still going to the nurse. Come on, I already have permission." Fine, I get the hint Niwa. He obviously wants to say something. Anyway, I'll force him to let me go once we reach outside the classroom.
Calmly I gather my things, feeling more than bothering to look for them, and head out the door. I wonder, did I pass out on my desk? I don't remember closing my eyes, or hearing Niwa get so close.
Once we step outside he closes the door.
"Niwa, I'm not going to the nurse."
"I know. You can't go to the nurse really."
Wait, then what are you going to do? I place my bag down to lean on the wall. It's more easier than standing at the moment. Daisuke looks down, obviously reluctant to tell me his plan. This makes me like the predicament less and less.
"What are you planning Niwa?" I can't help the hard note that enters my voice. I'm a loner and always will be and I'm too irritated to soften it right now.
"W-we can go to my house and see what my grandpa can do for you," he says shyly. Guess he knows I'm going to refuse. Though a nagging voice tells me it would be great to be worried for... for once.
"No," I reply icily and turn to walk away. "I'm going home." I refuse to allow any sort of help. No one can help me in what really matters. Luckily, I can see clearly enough and manage to shuffle towards the double doors down at the end of the hall. I look over my shoulder, sensing more than hearing Niwa from behind. Cutting my eyes at him, I force myself to stand up a little bit straighter.
"You have no one to care for you, so I'm following you home," he says determinedly, answering my questioning gaze.
"You have no right to be following me. Besides, you will get in trouble if you don't return to class." What could be making him act like this? I don't look that bad do I? Stupid question.
Suddenly, his eyes go flat, then quickly turn amethyst.
"We either do this the easy way, or the hard way, Satoshi," Dark says.
"What are you doing out?" I reply evenly. "You can't believe I will listen to you."
"Hard way it is!" He smirks, making a step towards me. I run my hand along side the wall, bracing myself. No way was this guy going to even touch me!
Dark/Daisuke springs, reaching for my extended hand. I quickly pivot left in dismay. He's actually trying to grab me! What's he trying to pull by making a scene like this while at school? Turning towards the wall where Dark/Daisuke is, I quickly realize he is still in mid-lunge, reaching for nothing. I blink in dismay.
He's jumping so slowly that this can't be right. He slowly turns to look at me. It's like watching a screen shot stuck at quarter speed. Shock is in his purple eyes. Is this strange phenomenon hurting him somehow? Slowing down even further; coming out of the grab; I can see his every move plainly. I gape, unable to fully comprehend what's happening. Quicker now, he starts straighting up from the attempted grab. Pure shock rolls through me, then...
Suddenly, everything snaps back to normal. Blood that was slung too fast from my head catches up with me. The lighting is extremely bright I realize again, and my head goes back as I step unwillingly backwards. I immediately try to regain my footing. "Huh." The dizziness! I hunch over and cover my head with an arm.
"Satoshi?" Dark asks, "How did you do that?"
…... "I didn't," was the only answer I could think to give. My clouding mind wouldn't allow much.
"What did you just do, Dark?" He comes a little more towards me.
"I didn't do anything. You blurred right before I noticed you beside me, instead of in front like you were suppose to be!" He sounded offended, like he should have known what had happened. I, on the other hand, couldn't get my thoughts straight.
I keep backing up till my back accidentally touches the cool wall on the opposite side of the hall. It forces me out of my haze. Briskly, I drop my arm from in front of my face and make an all out dash for the exit doors at the end. Panting, I reach the end just as a weight comes down on top of my legs. Stumbling and feeling rather foolish, I grab for the bar to the door and hold on to keep from falling. Looking towards my feet I see red again.
"No you don't!" Dark says. Funny, he still looks like Daisuke, but acts nothing like him. The red hair tumbles towards my face as he pulls up and attempts to grab at my other hand this time.
"And, I said I'm not going with you! I refuse!" Stupid thief! My arm gets pinned behind me this round. Leaving me pressed against the cold metal door. "Ack!" I can't help the noise that slips as my face gets pulled from the door and jerked hard by a clenched hand.
"There's something wrong with you! You here me? Something I can sense that seems quite disturbing. Now, unless you want me to pull your hair out, I suggest you come quietly." I breathe deeply, knowing something is wrong. But, I … I don't want his help. But, a small part of my mind tells me I might better.
Ignoring it, I push the bars in and cause the doors to erupt open. He lets go as we tumble out. Falling, all I see is the hard concrete. I push out with my hand, stopping my fall and pitching myself forward somehow into a run. Feeling cold sweat on my neck, I look back and see a full fledged Dark coming after me. Drat!
I can't beat him in a flat out run, I know. His legs are much longer than mine. And, also he can maneuver a lot better than me, so obstacles wouldn't slow him down more than they would me, but I may be able to trick him. That is, if I can make it to the patch of woods before he catches up. This really isn't my day.
Green! The trees are right in front of me. But, darn it! My visions getting all blurry! My eyes are streaming even though it's so cloudy out. I rub an arm across my face, trying to calm down so I can use my only opportunity. But, I never could quite catch him now could I? So, will this even work? I shake my head. This had better work. I will not end up at the Niwas' mercy. Because of Krad they may end up killing me.
Breathing hard, I wipe my eyes and manage to avoid running into a particularly nasty looking tree and go a ways beyond before stopping to catch my breath. If I just change directions every so often I might be able to lose him. Simple, but if used right it's a very effective move.
Hearing movement from the South-East, I hunker down and move right, staying towards the bushes for cover and trying to be quiet, hoping to slip right past him. Quickly, I map out the fastest way to my apartment, when suddenly I feel a sneeze. To fast! My sinuses are burning from it! I feel the pressure building with no chance to stop it! I quickly try to muffle it on my shoulder, but that doesn't work so well. Freezing, I hear no movement coming from anywhere. Not good. He must have picked up on my location and be pondering. Should I move? Or should I just hope that he goes right past me? What a perfect time to have sneezed!
"Satoshi! You had better come out now, or your really going to get it!" Dark threatens. Yeah, he had heard me. Bending to my hands and knees I move on forward, ignoring him. "Not the right answer!" The next instant I'm being hit with what feels like a small hurricane and my world goes upside down.
"Oooff." While tumbling, my tangling limbs become even more tangled within a patch of thick thorns. "Told ya." He looms over me like a shadow. "You just wouldn't listen." I glare at his smugness.
I try to straighten, but the thorns hold me down. Grunting, I try to tear loose. I know I will end up with severe scratches. "Darn it!" I pull harder, desperate to get back on even ground, sort of speak. Movement again and his hand wraps around my arm. Looking up, I see he's frowning at me. I can't stand this! I tug harder, feeling the half inch thorns embed further into my limbs. Krad is starting to push at me now, trying to get his presents over mine. I hate the smothered feeling with a passion!
"Stop, Satoshi." I blink, not quite sure what to think of his reprimanding tone, then pull with all my might once more. I tear loose, spilling a few drops of blood and sprint for my house. If I can just get to the public that will force him to back away. Running the path down towards town, the sun comes out. I just hope the people don't try to stop me, I must look horrid by now. Still going straight, I manage to make it to the first building. I stop and look behind for Dark. All I see is Daisuke. Darn it! How could I forget about that little tactic? I stop to stare at him from afar. For some reason I feel like I can't go any further just yet. Perhaps I've reached my limits. Darn it!
-.-
Dark's POV
'He's just standing there now, Dark.'
'I can see this.' But, what I can't understand is why the sudden look of terror a few minutes ago. I would've never believed Satoshi could pull off the scared look of an innocent child. It just doesn't suit his nature.
Normally, the Hikari magic is strong within their clan members. Always providing them with talents no normal person could understand; an underlining current in their bodies, alive within their very life source; their souls. And because of this, no matter how weak the body may get towards the end of their short lifespans, they're always a force to consider.
I can always feel a strange vibe from a Hikari. And today, the vibe I'm getting from Satoshi is very unusual.
'Daisuke, this … sickness, or whatnot may be affecting his judgment. I suggest we act quickly to get this over with.'
'Alright. What's the plan?'
'From the looks of it, I may only need to grab him. He's not making any sort of move.'
'He maybe starting to pass out, Dark! Hurry to him! Better yet, let me take over.'
'No.' Walking forward into the sunshine, I glimpse a small jerk. Indecision is written all over his pale face.
Some birds fly overhead as a small breeze flows through. A nice day, with the only thing off being the bluenette in front of me... and the fact I'm now back in Daisuke's form. It feels very different controlling his body rather than having my regular one. Stepping softly next to the Hikari, I brace myself for anything, knowing he won't just give in. He can't be. Not after the anxious way in which he freed himself from those huge thorns.
Cautiously, I raise my hand and grab his shoulder. He blinks at me, trying to get his eyes focused back on me instead of that ever so far away place inside his own head. As he puts out his hands to grab the building for support, briefly the thought passes that he may have held a quick conversation with Krad. Can't be though. Krad would never think to give Satoshi a word. A demand that Satoshi would definitely ignore he would try, but not a word of comfort or advice.
It's more in his style that if he was concerned about the situation after awhile he probably would try to break free of the young boy instead. Unless, whatever magic is building within Satoshi is holding Krad back from emerging. Perhaps Satoshi is at his limit now is all.
-.-
Satoshi's POV
I can feel his hand on my shoulder, but can't focus well enough to tell whether it's Daisuke, or still Dark. Don't like it either way, but I will have to be ready to respond differently from one or the other depending.
Stepping somewhat backwards, I try to bat his hand away. Instead of his hand falling, his grip only tightens. That's when I feel a warmth spreading from his touch. Dark's magic!
"Don't Dar-" I can't quite finish my sentence. His touch is purposely sending magic to relax my body. Without that tension I can't stay awake. Wobbling, I feel my body give a shudder as my mind starts going blank. No! No! The next second, I'm falling right into his arms as my legs give out. At least soon I won't have to think anymore. He turns me around as I go completely limp and picks me up with both arms, holding me more gently than I thought the thief ever could.
I just close my tired eyes. And, as I try one last futile time to move away, he holds me tighter and closer. There is one last thought before I fall into absolute darkness. That thought is: I'm very uncomfortable about how this must look.
-.-
At the Niwa's
The house has been unusually quiet today. It's almost as if something is holding its breath, waiting for something expected to happen. Emiko and her father have always had a knack for sensing the out-of-normal events that nature can let happen at times and today seems to be one of those extraordinary days. A holder of some great event, if you will, that feels almost as big as the day Dark came back into this world.
What a day that was! Daisuke's fourteenth birthday... So surprised was Daisuke when Emiko told him he was the Legendary Phantom Thief. Perhaps it wouldn't have been so much of a shock to him if he would have been raised like his grandpa, Daiki; always knowing that one day Dark would come through him and he too would be a great phantom thief.
Then again, having been raised that way himself, Daiki knew the disadvantages of knowing at an early age. In the end it was decided that is was more giving to Daisuke to let him have his first thirteen years free to himself. After all, with the world as chaotic as it is now a days he would need all that free time to learn himself as best as he could. But, the everyday training would have to be given still. So he would have to be ready when the time finally came for him to be the thief. (Of course the real reason for the training was kept between Emiko and himself.) This way, when the artworks were resealed again and Dark gone, Daisuke would have a good idea of the person he wanted to grow into and be. Something Daiki had had trouble with after the thief was gone from him.
"Papa, would you like some hot tea?" Emiko came into the living room to ask, bringing her father out of his thoughts.
"That would be fine dear," the old man responded. Old as he may be he still has an aura of power to him. One look and you know he's to be respected. Though his gentle eyes and good humor are always quick to put most new comers at ease. "And, Emiko dear," he says with a serious tone, "make sure the couch in Daisuke's room is pulled into a bed. Seems Dark is bringing some company and he's feeling none too well."
"Oh? Who is it, Papa?" she asks as she slides the lily looking cup on the coffee table towards him.
"It's the Hikari boy," he replies while grabbing his cup hurriedly so as she will not spill it before he gets a chance to drink it. Sure enough, within the span of about three seconds she explodes into the expected tantrum.
"WHY IS HE BRINGING THAT CURSED BOY HERE? HE WILL HAVE TO TURN AROUND AND PUT HIM BACK RIGHT NOW!" she cries hysterically, waving the tray she'd brought while talking as if Hiwatari was merely a stray dog.
"Now calm down, Emiko. I believe there is a good reason for this. Tell me what you feel coming from the boy." Daiki says as evenly as he can while sipping on his tea.
"I don't care! HE will not set foot in this house!"
"Tell me, Emiko."
"I feel... what is this?" she asks in a hushed tone She plainly feels the warped magic coming closer.
"This is why Dark is bringing him. He must want advice on what can be done for the young Hikari."
"I think this is somewhat for Daisuke too," Kosuke speaks while coming from the study room down in their basement. He is always right in with the magical sensory. It's as if he too has Niwa blood. "I don't think Dark wants any harm for Satoshi either. He's learned through Daisuke that Satoshi has a good heart, even if he is a Hikari. There's something different about this one. He doesn't want to live in the mistakes of his ancestors."
"True, but in the end, the Hikari will be forced by his curse to make more accursed artworks, and like his ancestors before him, will break before he can stop them. He's only human," Daiki says with sadness. He is finishing the last bit of his tea when Emiko comes back from the kitchen and speaks. She'd started cooking; a sure sign she was trying to relieve stress.
"Are we done taking up for him now? Good! Now lets discuss where he's staying cause it WILL NOT BE IN MY HOUSE!" she shouts with such force that her foot stomps to the right of her. She would be cute with the spot of flour on her nose and the spatula in her hand sticking from a hip if she wouldn't have just scared the daylights out of the two grown men. They glance opposite of each other from across the room, each pleading silently for the other to coax her into agreeing.
-)*(-