Disclaimer: If DN Angel was mine, I'd have no reason to write a fanfic about it now would I?
A/N: Okay, so the last chapter didn't feel quite up to par for me. Especially after going back and reading one of my other fics. Oh well, I'll try to make this one better. The last one was mostly set up and stuff. Sorry it took so long to update! It took me a while to get a start on this chapter, because after seeing Samurai Champloo on cartoon network, I downloaded the last 20 episodes from limewire. Then I watched Gravitation (funny show. And Shuichi is so cute! Most adorable anime character ever created!)
…so I was sort of distracted from writing.
Chapter 2: A date and a theft30 minutes later, with only 15 minutes left before the date, Daisuke could be found frantically darting this way and that around his room and through the house. Dark had left him alone, and opted that sleep was more important than bugging or teasing his host, which Daisuke was glad of. His mind was all over the place, and he was nervous, not really in a mood to be embarrassed by Dark as well.
Daisuke stopped for a moment to study his image in the mirror. He had chosen a black collared shirt with a white, short-sleeve vest over it, and a pair of black pants, and a small dragon pendant necklace to top it off. 'I guess Dark is rubbing off on me more than I thought…' he mused, noting the rather excessive use of black. He ran his fingers through his hair one more time, then left to go pick up Riku.
In a few minutes Daisuke arrived at the Harada household. He stood in front of the door for a few seconds, gathering his nerve, then rang the doorbell. From inside he heard some muffled voices, a lot of stomping, and a rather awkward-sounding thud, before Riku opened the door, looking a bit flustered, but happy nonetheless. "Hiya Daisuke! Hold on just a second, let me grab my purse and we can go!" She ducked back inside for a moment, and reappeared with her purse. She grabbed his hand and led him off to the movies, where they had planned to go earlier.
Riku chatted happily almost the entire way to the movies. Daisuke was vaguely reminded of his walk with Satoshi that morning, except this time he was the one being silent, and he realized that Riku's constant meaningless babble was actually starting to get slightly annoying. He wondered if he annoyed Satoshi when he talked like that. He'd have to ask him about it later…
"Right Daisuke? …Daisuke?"
Daisuke's head flew up, and his attention snapped back to Riku. "Eh?" he said stupidly.
Riku pouted and crossed her arms. "Were you even listening to me at all?" she asked accusingly.
Daisuke laughed and scratched the back of his head embarrassedly. "Sorry, I guess I sorta spaced out…"
"Yeah, no kidding…" Riku muttered, eyeing Daisuke skeptically from the corner of her eye. Then, as if someone had flipped a switch in her mind, she smiled widely and tugged on Daisuke's hand. "Look! The theater!" she said excitedly, like a kid who had just eaten chocolate for the first time.
Daisuke smiled as well. They had chosen to see 'Madagascar', a movie he had wanted to see for a while. He bought popcorn and drinks for them both, and they made their way into the dark theater.
An hour and twenty minutes, and much laughter later (Daisuke nearly spewed root beer over the seats in front of him when he started laughing while drinking), the movie was over, and they left, all earlier annoyances forgotten.
They walked silently through the streets, watching as the sky started to grow darker, and the first stars began to show themselves. Dark blues of early night mixed seamlessly with the reds and oranges of the sunset. Daisuke stared at it thoughtfully, thinking of how he'd like to paint that picture… "Daisuke!"
The said ruby-eyed boy jumped. He had completely forgotten for a moment that Riku was with him. "Let's go into that café!" Riku said as she pointed to a small coffee shop across the street. Daisuke nodded, and followed Riku into the building.
You have serious focus issues, you know that?
Daisuke glared inwardly at his alter-ego. 'What's your point? Didn't you agree to leave me alone for this date?'
The thief chuckled. Testy, aren't we? Hmmm…I said no such thing. You just assumed so because I was quite while you got ready. Besides, that was a funny movie, it would've been a shame to miss it…
The younger boy sighed. Why had he snapped at Dark like that? He was right though. His mind had been jumping everywhere all night. Perhaps that's why Dark had woken up…He shook his head, and his thoughts cleared as he inhaled the sweet scent of sugar-laden coffee as they walked into the small café. They found some plush chairs in the corner, and sat across from each other. Though after a couple of minutes, Riku reconsidered their seating arrangement, and moved to sit in Daisuke's chair, and rested her head against Daisuke's shoulder. (It was a large chair.)
The boy blushed, and wrapped his arms lightly around Riku. They ordered a couple cups of coffee, then mostly spent the time at the café talking. When Daisuke looked down at his watch, his jaw dropped. It was 9:20. They had been in the café for an hour?! "Eh…Riku, I think we should go. I…don't want your parents to worry…" he stuttered awkwardly, as he started to get up.
Riku looked up questioningly. "Why so suddenly?" she asked.
"Because I just now looked at my watch. And I…er…promised mom I'd be back by 9:30." He smiled sheepishly, hoping he was being convincing. He idly thought he was glad he was talking to Riku, and not Satoshi. The detective would've seen through that a mile away. Luckily Riku was a little more dense.
"Oh…all right." She agreed, grabbing her purse and following Daisuke out the door.
Daisuke tried to ignore the disappointed tone in her voice as they walked back to her house. Once they were there, they stood on the porch for a few moments, each person looking awkwardly at the other. Then, in a move neither of them really expected, Riku stood on her tiptoes, and kissed Daisuke. His eyes widened in shock, but before he could do or say anything, Riku had disappeared into her house. He stood there blinking stupidly, until Dark pulled him from his thoughts.
Alright Dai-chan, you've had your date, now we have to steal that Chaos Gem. And this time…you're gonna have to steal it.
'What? Geez Dark, you getting lazy or something?' he asked sarcastically. He left the Haradas' doorstep and began heading toward his own home.
Not at all. But when dealing with something as unstable as the chaos gem, it's better not to have anyone with any sort of magical powers near it.
'Whoa, wait a minute. What do you mean…unstable? What are you not telling me about this thing?' Daisuke was beginning to panic for the second time that night.
Calm down, Dai-chan. It's nothing to worry about. We're just going to go in, steal the gem, and put it in the vault with the rest of the stuff. Like a normal night, right? He spoke in a soothing voice, like that of a mother assuring her child on the first day of a new school.
Daisuke nodded and took a deep breath to calm himself. 'Yeah…a normal night…'
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Thirty minutes later could find Daisuke lurking around the museum, dressed in the black leather-ish outfit his mother had set out for him before she left. It was strange to him…to be walking up to the museum sneakily on a quiet night, instead of flying in to noisy crowds, smiling and waving like a movie star walking down the red carpet. He crept up to the side of the large building, and removed a small metal panel hidden behind a bush. He stuck his tongue out in concentration as he cut a few wires to disarm the alarm system. "There" he muttered as he closed the metal door, and made his way to the nearest tree. He jumped up the branches until he had reached the level of the museum's roof, and jumped onto it.
He carefully lifted one of the glass panes on the roof, and dropped into the museum. It was lighter than he had expected; there were soft-glow lamps placed evenly around the large round room. He looked around as his eyes adjusted, then he stopped as he saw something he wasn't expecting. There was a silhouette of a person standing near the back wall, facing away from him. His eyes widened as he recognized the lithe figure…of Satoshi Hiwatari.
As if sensing his thoughts, the young detective turned around, his blue eyes catching the light to create an eerie sort of expression. "…Niwa?" His voice was…surprised? That was a tone rarely heard in the usually stolid teen.
"Wh-what are you doing here?" Daisuke stuttered. This was bound to throw a kink in his and Dark's plans…
The blue-haired boy smirked and stepped forward out of the shadows. "I could ask the same thing of you." He stated calmly, the earlier surprise having disappeared from his voice. "You know the museum's closed right? And no warning was received from Dark that there would be any thefts tonight."
"Er…yeah, well…" 'Dark, help me out here' he pleaded with his alter ego.
What do you want from me? If anyone could get creepy boy over there to let us go, it would be you.
'Eh?' Daisuke's expression turned to confusion. 'But he doesn't know we're here to steal anything, right? So how-'
Trust me Dai, I'm sure he's figured out by now what we're up to, we just caught him off-guard by you appearing instead of me…
"Are you done speaking with Dark yet?" Daisuke jumped at the external voice. "Because if so, would you like to explain to me why you're here?"
The red head glanced around nervously. "Well…I asked you first!" he finished, desperately trying not to be found out.
Satoshi chuckled. "So you did. Alright. I am here to inspect one of the new arrivals to the artifacts exhibit. It was placed in this museum recently, and little is known about its power. I thought I might try a little research on it." He paused, and started slowly walking towards Daisuke, who was steadily becoming more nervous. "This artifact…is called the 'Chaos Gem.' I'm sure you've heard of it?" He asked, pulling a small white piece of paper from his pocket. He handed the crumpled paper to Daisuke, whose eyes widened with shock.
Damn, how did he get that?! Dark exclaimed. It was the note that Daisuke's mom had sent him, telling him to steal the gem.
"Wh…I…erm…" Daisuke tried and failed miserably to say something, anything, coherent.
Satoshi's expression changed, and he smiled gently down at the smaller boy, placing his hand on his head. He bent down so that he was eye level with Daisuke. "I'm sorry, but I can't let you steal this one. Like your mother said, it's too dangerous." Their faces were only inches away, and the only word Daisuke could think of to describe the other boy's expression…was 'intense.' He felt his cheeks heat up, and then something he hadn't expected…he transformed.
Satoshi jumped back in surprise, nearly tripping over himself, and Dark stood there for a moment blinking stupidly. "What the hell…?" he asked to no one in particular, then his brain finally registered what had just happened. He smirked and looked over to Satoshi. "Well, you should be happy" he muttered, and before the boy could even blink, he dashed off down a large hallway to the left, knowing it led to the artifact exhibit.
Satoshi stood for a few seconds longer. 'Happy about what?' he wondered.
Who Cares?! They're getting away! An angry Krad yelled inside his head. Satoshi snapped back to reality, and sprinted after Dark.
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"Pleeeaaassee?" Risa begged her sister, tugging on her arm.
"Risa, he didn't send out a note, so why do you want to look for him tonight?" Riku asked, slightly annoyed that her twin's obsession with Dark had ruined her mood for the night.
"Exactly! So since he's not stealing anything, he might be out and about right? Please? I don't want to walk by myself…"
Riku sighed. "You're hopeless." She ran her hand through her hair in defeat. "Fine, I'll go with you." Though she doubted they would be seeing Dark.
"Thanks Riku!" Risa exclaimed as she grabbed her older sister's hand and dragged her out the front door.
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Dark ran swiftly through the museum halls until he came to the section he was looking for. In the middle of a large, chamber-like room, stood a glass case. Inside of it, on a red pillow, was the Chaos Gem. It was about the size of a large marble, and was pure black with red swirls and designs painted around it. There seemed to be a soft glow coming from it, but he guessed it was just because of the lighting and reflection from the glass. He slowly walked over to the case and lifted it up. Alright, kid. This is where you take over. he forced himself to the back of Daisuke's mind, causing them to transform back again.
Daisuke hesitantly reached out and picked up the gem. It was warm to the touch, and seemed rather inviting with an artistic sort of charm. He stared at it for a few seconds, until he heard…wings? He turned around swiftly, to see Krad racing toward him. He didn't have time to react, barely to blink, before the blonde beauty barreled into him, knocking the wind out of him. The impact pushed him backwards, and they busted through the window on the far wall. Daisuke winced as he felt the glass cutting him in various places.
Krad?! Satoshi yelled at the demon in surprise and anger. Krad just smirked in response. He had managed to take over Satoshi's body in the boy's confusion upon seeing Daisuke.
Both forms crashed out of the 4th floor window. Krad grabbed Daisuke's wrist as he started to fall; the wrist of the hand in which he held the gem. He started to pry the boy's hand open, (and was having a rather tough time of it, as Daisuke bluntly refused to hand over the precious stone) when he heard something between a shout and a scream below them. With a growl at being interrupted, Krad looked down, and recognized the Harada twins from his host's class.
Daisuke looked down as well, and his eyes grew wide at seeing the two girls. 'What are they doing here?! Don't tell me they knew about the note too!' There was a moment of tense silence and surprise between the four people. Then Daisuke broke the silence. "Risa! Riku! Get out of here!" he shouted. Then he decided that hadn't been such a good idea.
"Daisuke?!" Riku shouted. Great, if he hadn't said anything, they probably wouldn't have known it was him.
Krad took advantage of the distraction, and used the chance to finally pry open Daisuke's hand and grab the gem.
"No!" Daisuke yelled, and tried to grab the jewel back as Krad let his wrist go. But as both the boys' hands closed over the object, it began to glow brightly, almost to the point of needing sunglasses, and the soft warmth began to swell to an excruciating heat. Daisuke yelped and tried to let go, but was instead blown back by a huge force, knocking him down to the ground. He heard the distinct 'thump' of Krad landing twenty feet away.
Risa shrieked and jumped behind her sister, while Riku stood there open-mouthed. What else was a bystander supposed to do in such a situation?
Daisuke suddenly shouted as a searing pain shot through his body. It felt is if his very soul was being ripped out.
"Daisuke!" Riku yelled and ran over to him, but she stopped three feet short. He doubled over, as crimson-red wings sprouted from his back, and a dark energy swirled around him. Riku yelped in surprise and fell backwards. When Daisuke opened his eyes, he saw the image of Dark being pulled from his body. Centered between the places Daisuke and Krad had landed, was the Chaos Gem. It was still shining brightly, and it seemed to be creating a sort of vortex around itself.
Daisuke's eyes widened as he realized what was happening…for it had happened once before. "Daarrrrk!!" he yelled, reaching out to the thief. White energy began to swirl with the black, as Krad was drawn towards the vortex as well. Dark tried futilely to grab Daisuke's outstretched hand, but his fingers slipped through the boys as if they weren't solid…
"NO!" Krad shouted. He refused to be defeated by a marble. He beat his wings against the swirling vortex of doom, but to no avail. And both of the spiritual beings of light and dark were pulled into the seemingly harmless gem.
Daisuke's head spun, and his vision blurred. His hand still outstretched, he fell backward onto the grass of the museum's garden. Riku's jaw dropped as she stared disbelievingly at Daisuke. Risa's nervous gaze flickered from the three people and the once again softly glowing gem in the middle. Satoshi groaned, and sat up rubbing his head. "What the hell was that?" he muttered to no one in particular. He looked up, and jumped when he saw Riku and Risa staring at him. Then he saw Daisuke lying unconscious near them. He tried to stand up, and nearly fell over again. His body felt weak, and he was shaking all over.
"Hi…Hiwatari-kun?" Risa whispered. The girls were in too much of a shock to think properly.
Satoshi didn't answer as he walked over, and half sat, half dropped down on the side of Daisuke that Riku wasn't.
"Hiwatari-kun?" Risa tried again as she walked over to the others. "Um….what just happened? Why were you and Daisuke in the museum? …And…was that Dark?"
Satoshi sighed. "Yes, it was. And you are not to tell anyone about what you just saw. I'm too tired to explain everything right now." He pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket, and dunked it in the nearby fountain. Then he walked back over, and wrung it out onto Daisuke's face.
The boy's mouth twitched, and he groaned softly. He slowly opened his eyes, and the first thing in his vision was blue. "Sa…Satoshi?" he whispered. "Where's Dark?" he asked, not realizing the twins were right there. Though he didn't really care, all he knew was that he felt an emptiness inside him that he didn't like. Satoshi sighed, now assured that the boy was okay, then he shook his head, and placed his hand on Daisuke's forehead in a sort of comforting gesture. "You're hand's shaking…" the boy muttered, before closing his eyes again.
Satoshi smiled softly, then looked up at Risa and Riku. "I hate to ask this of you, but could you two help me get Daisuke to my apartment?"
The girls exchanged glances. "Um…shouldn't you take him home?" Riku asked.
Satoshi shook his head again. "No one's there. Besides, I need to talk to him." He walked over to pick up the Chaos gem, as the girls helped Daisuke up, each supporting him on one side.
It took them a little while to reach the apartment, seeing as the girls were carrying a nearly unconscious Daisuke, and the leader of the group was barely strong enough at the moment to walk. Satoshi had never been so happy to see his own home. Once they were inside, Satoshi began rummaging through his cabinets for some bandages. Daisuke was still bleeding from the glass cuts he had received when Krad forced him through the window.
The twins waited patiently while Satoshi tended to the boy's wounds, Daisuke putting forth just enough effort to stay sitting. Satoshi was starting to get annoyed with the Haradas there. They were ruining any chance he had of being close to Daisuke. Though he knew he shouldn't be thinking like that. Perhaps it was better they were there…He sighed when he was through, and laid Daisuke down against a couple of pillows. Then he turned an annoyed gaze to the girls, though they both seemed a bit too dense to notice. "Something you want?" he muttered coldly.
"Yes." Riku said in a determined voice. "Explain."
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End chapter 2! Yay. Another reason this chapter took forever…was because I couldn't get the museum scene to work out. I played it through about 5 times in my head, and every time it was different. Even when I actually typed it, it didn't come out how I planned. But the end result was the same…so no matter. Except the fact that Risa and Riku weren't supposed to be there, but they somehow managed to force their way in. Oh well. Hope you liked it.
Oh! And thanks a bunch for the reviews! The info really helped. I've decided I'm not going to do review replies on each chapter like I used to. I sort of lost track of who I'd replied to and such, so yeah. And now that my computer is finally back online…(I had to reformat it like, 3 times. It had a virus and then the linksys thing got complicated…)
Oh yeah, and just a side note…the title of this story actually has a double meaning. (In the fact that it comes into play two ways within the story.) Don't know why I'm telling you this…just thought you'd like to know. (It comes into play a little bit later though.)