AN: Been busy, but now I think I can update more often
Disclaimer: Same thing.
Start
Twelve hours down, thirty six to go.
Ryuu sat in the classroom, seemingly bored. Kami sat beside him, equally bored. Satoshi and Daisuke were both brooding. It wasn't until there was a knock on the door that everyone perked up. It was Ryuu's butler.
"I'm sorry to interrupt class, but Akina-sama's father just…" The butler didn't even skip a beat. "He just had a heart attack and died on the spot…"
Ryuu froze. His father was dead? To die now was not a good time. Would he even be invited to attend the funeral? Ryuu kept his composure nevertheless, even with the entire class looking at him.
"But this is about the funeral…" The butler began. "His wife doesn't approve of you and you get the idea…"
Ryuu didn't seem affected. Daisuke put a hand on his friend's shoulder and Kami looked at him, worried.
"Why should I care?" Ryuu replied coolly. "I can pay my respects after."
"They don't want you to ever go near…" The butler seemed very apologetic.
Ryuu sat up, shocked.
They can't do this….
That's just plain cruel, even in their standards. You don't deserve this crap.
But they're doing it to me… How in the world?
They will pay, the bastards.
Daisuke stood up. "Hey, but that guy is still Akina-kun's father, whether or not they like it!"
"True, but it isn't illegal, Niwa-kun." Satoshi replied.
"Akina-kun, if you don't feel well, you're welcome to be absent for the rest of the day." The teacher began.
"No, I'm fine." Ryuu shook his head. Deep inside, he was beginning to feel the familiar cycle of self-blame again.
"Also, his will states that your mother is in charge of you…" The butler said.
Damn, he really hates you.
"She's in the house right now."
Just then, the dismissal bell rang. Dark appeared in his astral form. "What the hell, Dai? I still can't remember."
"You idiot! There are bigger things at stake!" The astral form of Krad whacked Dark.
"Like what?" Dark snapped.
"Like the double insult just dealt to Ryuu!"
"What double insult?" Dark answered.
Daisuke and Satoshi kept silent while they walked to the gate. Ryuu seemed oddly cold, and Kami seemed to be the only one he was willing to entertain. When they arrived at the gate, Daisuke was greeted with a familiar face. It was Ryuu's mother.
"Are you here to hurt Ryuu further?" Daisuke sneered.
Satoshi seemed confused. "This is Akina-kun's mother?'
"There he is." She sighed. "Listen, I'm sorry for what I said to him the other night and for everything I've done to him. The woman my late husband married also hates me, as she banned me too."
"Mother." Ryuu was very curt, and Kami greeted Mrs. Akina in the same way. "Kami will be coming with us."
Mrs. Akina smiled, before asking to speak to Ryuu in private. Kami watched as the mother and son spoke. Ryuu's eyes seem to widen then he shook his head violently. She grabbed his hand firmly, and he eventually consented. They went back to Kami and went home, bringing Kami with them.
"Hey Krad." Dark greeted.
"What?" Krad replied testily.
"Did you seriously mean that vow? I remember something about Maria having to do something with this." Dark said. He only remembered a vague bit.
"Don't bring her into this. This is between you and me." Krad spat as Satoshi got in his car and left.
"Krad, wait!" Dark was frustrated yet again by Krad's cold heart.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
It was all over the news the next day. Ryuu and his mother had gone to the funeral, despite the wishes of the new "wife" of Mr. Akina. Why? Ryuu's mother was still technically Mrs. Akina because she had never been divorced from her husband. Mr. Akina's new "wife" was just a fling with whom he had children.
"Dark, you better remember quick, because this marks the second day." Krad warned.
"But Krad, I…" Dark was helpless.
Krad flew off. Dark flew off too, but to find Raidon. He found Raidon and Maria on the beach, talking to each other. He was about to interrupt, but decided against it.
Dark, I'm sure Maria would understand, Daisuke reasoned.
I wouldn't want Raidon to waltz in if I'm talking to Krad, Dark replied.
But who's Maria? Daisuke wondered.
I'll be damned if it isn't Kami, Dark answered.
Kami? But why her?
Just trust me on this. You need sleep. I think better when you're asleep. Dark headed towards Daisuke's house.
But Dark, you said Maria had something to do with it. She might know something…
Maybe, but I'll have you ask Kami tomorrow.
If she isn't Maria?
Then I'll shave my head and become bald.
Dark, this is no time for jokes, you're running out of time.
I know, Daisuke. But maybe Krad was never meant to be mine…
No, don't think like that Dark, don't.
