Chapter 7

I don't own DN Angel. There, I said it.

Candra's POV

"Whoa, how'd she do that?" Daisuke asked, examining the splintered wood with awe. I was thinking the same thing. There was no way Gray could've splintered a doorframe like that, it just wasn't possible.

"I believe she is realizing herself." Satoshi said, "Gray is what Argentine has always wanted to become, Kokuyoku. She has two halves to her soul, and today, she will decide which one is dominant."

"Wait," I said, "She's Krad's Sacred Maiden, isn't she? Doesn't that mean the part of her soul that's more like Krad will be dominant?"

"Not necessarily," Satoshi replied, "At least, I don't think so. Krad has never found a Sacred Maiden before." There was a huge thunderclap, a blinding flash, and the lights went out.

"You have got to be kidding." I muttered, flicking the light switch, "I suppose something's really wrong, am I right?"

"Unfortunately, you are." Dark's faint voice was barely audible, but carried a distinctly worried tone.

"It must be something big, whatever it is…" Daisuke's eyes glimmered in the almost nonexistent light. I could hear rain lashing against the window, and I stretched out a hand and felt my way over to it, and pulled up the blinds, anything for a bit of light.

"So," I said, "What could be powerful enough to mess up Krad's magic?"

"Another angel," Satoshi said immediately, "But it can't be, seeing as all magical beings are in this house, providing Ryoushi hasn't left, or an artwork…"

"Gray's necklace?" I asked

"Maybe, but I doubt it." My eyes had adjusted to the semi-darkness by now, and I could make out silhouettes and eyes, and Satoshi's drawn, tense face. He seemed puzzled about something.

"Maybe I should go get some flashlights?" Daisuke asked, as another bolt of lightning ripped the sky apart.

"Would you know where they were?" I asked

"If you told me." Daisuke said seriously

"Yes, but I don't know." I replied dryly

"Oh." Thunder shook the house, and Wiz jumped off of the bed and ran underneath it.

"So bring on the rain…" I muttered, "What else could be doing this?"

"I… I don't know." Satoshi said, "It feels wrong…"

"Huh?"

"It doesn't feel right when I think about what could be doing this. I instantly think of another angel, or an artwork, but there's something else…"

"I think you mean Krad's stopping himself." I glanced over at Daisuke, to make sure it was him talking.

"What makes you say that?" I asked him

"I don't know, it was just a thought." Daisuke replied quickly.

"Right," I said, curling a strand of hair around my finger, "It makes sense though. I mean, he obviously isn't on very friendly terms with Pheo…" (I always called Gray's mom Pheo, she hated being called Mrs. Valo)

"Good point, but he still likes Gray," Satoshi said, "I bet he'd have eventually started trying to get us all back even if he hadn't been asked to."

We all stood there in silence, listening to the rain. Dark muttered something, and Wiz's red eyes glinted as he poked his head out from underneath the bed and ran over to me. "Kyuu! K- Kyuu-yuu!"

"What is it Wiz?" The little rabbit familiar repeated what he had just said, and this time, I understood it.

Ryoushi's not in the house!

"What?" I asked, "How do you know that?"

"Kyuuuu ky-yuu, kyuu!" I felt his presence leave!

"Dark, did you hear that?" There was no reply, and making my way over to where he was, I saw he'd lost consciousness. "Okay, never mind; Wiz, do you know where Ryoushi is?"

"Kyu. Kyuu, kyuu-yuu!" Yes. He's at the park!

"Thanks Wiz!" I said, heading towards the door.

"Candra, you aren't going out in this?" Daisuke asked, concerned

"Why yes, I am." I replied, taking out my earrings, and pulling off a few bangles. I didn't really feel like wearing metal outside, even though lightening normally struck much higher objects.

"There's no way." Dark whispered, seemingly still unconscious.

"I have to." I replied, "If someone finds Ryoushi first, it's over."

"Take Wiz."

"Okay. Thanks." I slipped out of the room, Wiz behind me. I realized he wouldn't be able to keep up with me, so I picked him up and carried him. "Hope this is okay." I whispered to him, scratching his ears.

"Kyuu!" Yup!

I walked down the hallway, jumping at the smallest of noises. It seemed as though the house was deserted, ancient and forgotten, even though I knew five other people were here. I came to the stairs, and ran down to the second floor. As I reached the bottom steps, something black shot past me, and I screamed. It had looked like a wolf!

"Kyuu! Kyuu! Ky-yuu-yuu!" Follow her! Hurry! She's tracking Ryoushi!

"Is she…?"

"Kyuu, kyu-kyuu." Gray's familiar. I ran after the wolf, following it downstairs, where it started attacking the front door.

"Is it safe to try to open the door?" I asked Wiz, who gave a quick "Kyu," as a yes.

"I can open that for you." I offered the wolf, which backed away from the door and growled, curling her tail against one of her hind legs, put her ears against her head, and dropped it, keeping it in a position where I was sure she could still see me.

"Ky-kyuu, kyuuie." She says thank you, my name is Fenga.

"No problem Fenga." I replied, "You're looking for Ryoushi as well?"

A growl and a quick yap. "Kyuu kyuu-uu kyuu." My mistress has asked me to do such.

"Can we follow you?"

"Ger-roo-ruf!" Fenga barked, and ran off.

"Kyuu! Kyuu, kyuu, kyuu!" She says yes! Now hurry, follow her! With Wiz in my arms, I ran off after the black wolf, into the downpour.

After about twenty minutes of running, Fenga got us to the park. I was soaked to the bone, shivering, scared, and out of breath, but I could hear a sort of soft cry that must have been Ryoushi. Fenga gave an answering bark, and trotted off into the storm. I lost sight of her after she had taken only a few steps, but just then, a lightning bolt lit the sky, and I saw her silhouette, which I quickly ran after. I walked behind the wolf for another five minutes before we came to a bench, under which sat a cowering Ryoushi.

"Hey Ryoushi," I said gently, "You gave us quite a scare running off. Let's get you home, okay?"

A whimper greeted my words, and I turned to Fenga, whose tongue was lolling out of her mouth, to help.

"I don't think he understands me." I told her, "Can you tell him what I said?"

The wolf nodded her head, and relayed what I had said to Ryoushi in a series of barks, growls whines, and movements of her ears and tail. Ryoushi stood up, and stepped out from under the bench. Fenga led us back to the house without incident, and we were soon all back in the third story guest room. Fenga was an unexpected surprise.

"What the-!" Daisuke yelled, jumping back, and Satoshi did the same.

"Don't worry, she's nice." I assured them, giving Fenga a pat on the head, "She's Gray's familiar. Oh, and she led us to Ryoushi." I pointed toward the dripping wet dog, standing slightly behind me.

"You said Gray's familiar?" Satoshi said, as Ryoushi shook himself dry.

"Y-Yeah." I said, just now realizing how cold I was

"You must be freezing, here!" Daisuke said; handing me a blanket he'd grabbed from the closet. I wrapped it around my shoulders thankfully.

"Thanks." I said, "Is Dark any better?" It was getting towards nightfall, when Krad had said he would have a portal open, and I thought maybe Dark would be a little better.

"He's awake, and his voice is getting stronger, but-"

"I'm fine." Dark said, and I could see his violet eyes once again held their handsome sparkle. "Gray must be helping Krad, 'cause the portals not open yet. Almost is though, so if you want to bring anything with you… better grab it." I had nothing I wanted to bring; besides, all of my stuff was at home.

"Gray's guitar. She's probably going to want it." It sat by the door, only a few inches under the splintered wood. I grabbed it and threw it over my shoulder, adjusting the shoulder pad so the strap didn't cut into my neck. "Should we go…?"

"I think it would be better if we waited." Dark replied, "If we interrupted this, well, let's just say we might as well hand ourselves over to your government. I'll tell you when we should go." So we stood there, waiting, and listening to the rain.

Gray's POV

I knocked on the door.

Enter. The voice was Krad's, but it sounded… different. I opened the door, and saw the angel sitting slumped over in my father's chair, a single white feather held between his fingers. He was chanting something under his breath, and something golden and swirling was being projected on the far wall. The portal.

"Krad?"

Yes?

"Are you… okay?"

No.

"Can I help you?"

No.

"Krad, please let me help you."

No. I won't put you in danger.

"How would I be in danger?"

This feels like something is draining your soul. You shouldn't have to know what that feels like. It… Krad gritted his teeth, his eyes were glazed over. It does drain a part of your soul. I don't want that to happen to you.

"I don't want it to happen to you either." I told him, "Let me help you."

I can tell you won't give up. Stand behind me and put your hands on my shoulders.

I realized suddenly that Krad was thinking these things; that he was communicating telepathically. I did as he said, placing my hands on his shoulders, and he was right. It felt like something was sucking my soul from my body. I wanted to scream, to pull away, to do anything, but I couldn't move. I was terrified.

It's fine Gray. Krad's voice rang out strong in my head. You're fine. Just relax, and let your magic flow through me.

I relaxed, and I tried to call on my magic, but it wouldn't come. I tried to say something about this, but I couldn't speak. I tried thinking. Krad, I can't use my magic.

You aren't well trained. Let's see if this works. It felt like something was shooting up my arms, and my hands began to glow white. The white began to darken, until it was the same gray that I had conjured around my fist yesterday. I felt weak, weaker than I had ever been in my life, weaker even than I had felt when I first got my wings, but it felt like I was doing something right. The gray light shot through Krad's body, and he gasped and sat up. You are powerful. Very powerful. The feather in his hands glowed white hot, and the portal swirled faster.

Good. I'm happy to help.

You will be weak for a few days after this. Krad warned. You still aren't used to using magic.

I don't care. I thought, even though I already felt exhausted. As long as it helps you.

You are brave. I can feel you weakening; I will try not to ask too much of you.

Thank you. I was already almost unable to stand; I was using Krad for support. My breath was shaky, and my vision blurred, but I felt alive. It was magic, it had to be.

Almost there... Krad thought. And just then, there was a knock on the door.

"Krad, is it time?" The voice was Dark's, which made me feel a tiny bit of hope. The portal must be almost open. Krad muttered a few more words, which I thought might have been German, and jerked his arm up. The feather stopped glowing instantly, and Krad slumped forward, unconscious.

I could barely keep myself standing, but I shakily called, "Yeah, come in."

Dark, Lumi, Daisuke, and Satoshi entered slowly, followed by Wiz, Ryoushi and Fenga. Lumi rushed over to me, with my guitar on her back. "Are you okay?"

"No, but Krad's worse." I whispered, "Thanks for bringing my guitar."

"Hey, we need to go." Dark said. Satoshi, Daisuke, Wiz and Ryoushi were already gone; I guessed they'd already left.

"Oh, yeah, alright." Lumi walked hesitantly towards the portal, then looked back at me and Krad.

"Don't worry, I'll help Krad through." Dark said, "Lumi, go. Gray, apparently Fenga isn't going through without you. Oh, and you can get a pretty decent cell phone reception over there, so you can call your parents…" He shook his head. "I'm rambling. Lumi, go ahead, Gray, you go after her." He walked over to Krad and helped him up, he was still just barely conscious.

I watched Lumi step through the portal, and disappear in a flash of light. "Come, Fenga. Oh, and Dark?"

"Yes?"

"You and Krad seem a bit more… mellow. Is that going to change?"

"Probably."

"That's something to look forward to, at least." I smiled, and walked shakily over to the golden portal. I stepped through it, Fenga at my side. My last view of my home was Krad throwing an arm around Dark's shoulder. Then, everything was a blinding white.

AN: Well, that was a bit shorter than usual, but this is where it gets interesting. Please review!