YAY! Chappie four is up now! Hope you'll stay around to read it all!
Oh, yeah, before I forget, I wanna thank all those who've read this, and especially to all those who have put up reviews! Much appreciated! {smile} And, last but not least, my good friend, Anna (AAAClub for you) who has (as much as she doesn't know too much about the series) was kind to keep an eye for me! YEAH!!!
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Daisuke: Why does this always happen to me?
Seena58: 'cause you're the MAIN CHARACTER! THING'S HAVE TO HAPPEN!
Daisuke: ... (sweats)
-----------------
Chapter 4: Another One
-----------------
"How could it not be here?!" Dark yelled, searching the area thoroughly, "it was there the whole time WE were there!"
... someone must have taken it while we were occupied, Daisuke suggested, I mean, you were talking to Hiwartari-kun for quite a while, so maybe someone-
"That's impossible," snorted Dark, "I would've known if someone was coming from behind."
Should we follow after them?
The thief shrugged, "Looks like there isn't much else we can do, so what the hell."
With this, he took after Satoshi, who had been given a good amount of distance between them and, using his knowledge as a thief, took a couple of shortcuts until he caught sight of the blue-haired boy.
Let's see now, he thought, Hiwartari is over there, so what he's chasing should be over...
Looking ahead, he caught sight of another figure running, hair flying everywhere as they progressed forwards.
I wonder who that is? he thought.
Whoever it is, they're fast, muttered Daisuke, I think that's the person who sent out the other notice. Remember? 'I will be taking the Sphere of Time before you, Phantom Thief Dark.' But when... and how...
Who cares, Dark said coolly to the red-head, we'll catch up to him in no time. Now, where is With...
---
"These artefacts, the artefacts of Time... they're connected to this other notice somehow?" Kosuke asked, looking up from the sheet of paper, "But why?"
"That's what we don't know," Emiko shook her head in frustration, "but this one was created by the hands of Hikari, and, as far as these books and scrolls show, there isn't too much too see in it anymore."
"The only other two artefacts related to the Hikari's," Daiki started, "is the Second Hand of Time and the Linchpin of Time. After that, well..."
"Our research concludes that during the Cultural Revolution, there were a group of artefacts made by a different family," explained Towa, her face serious, "but... we don't know much else after that, except that their artworks seemed to hold the key to one thing..."
"'Time'," Kosuke nodded in agreement, "there were a certain group of people who were talented in that area of magic, I believe. But still, this sphere was made by the Hikari's. Is there some sort of connection that we can make?"
"At this point, no," sighed Emiko, as she got up, "we may have to resort to more desperate resources if we can't find out anymore information here."
"I see..." he frowned, 'Daisuke...'
---
Satoshi put on an extra burst of speed, hoping to capture the person who had taken the artefact that Dark had been planning to take. Cursing himself mentally for occupying himself with a prattling Phantom Thief instead of keeping a closer eye on what he was supposed to be guarding, he managed to keep on the other thief's trail.
The other person leaped up on the stairs, obviously trying to find an escape route, only to be tackled from behind by Satoshi. Pinning the person, he gasped for breath, pushing his glasses up.
"You..." he started, "why are you..."
He was surprised to hear a female's voice answer. It wasn't too high pitched but held a slight note of desperation all the same.
"Please... don't hurt me. I was... I had to do it," there a sob in her tone, "if I didn't, they would have... they would have... oh PLEASE..."
Confused, Satoshi dropped his guard and the girl made her move with a speed that seemed almost too inhuman. Dropping a small ball, it exploded, letting off thick smog. Coughing, Satoshi tried to find his way out and failing miserably. Although he couldn't see her, he could hear her voice clearly as it faded off.
"You shouldn't be so soft, High Commander."
As the smog finally cleared, Satoshi sat up in time as a group of guards appeared.
"High Commander! The Sphere, it's--"
"Gone," Satoshi finished simply. Taking out his notebook, which he carried around with him all the time, he flipped it open and started to write, only pausing once to take a look at the broken window right in front of him, :... this should be interesting.:
---
The girl landed on top of a roof, the moon glittering behind her. She had a rather lanky type of build and her red hair brushed over her eyes. She was wearing a rather short skirt and a tunic top, both black, and knee-high black boots. He eyes were orange with a tinge of red and she took out the glass sphere for a better look.
"Is this it?" he breathed softly to no one in particular. Closing her eyes, she concentrated.
"..." she opened them again, a look of disappointment stamped on her usually calm features, "no... it's the wrong one. Definitely made by the hands of the Hikari..."
"If you're so disappointed," Dark's voice was right behind her, "why don't you just hand it over to me instead?"
Turning around, she sized up the phantom thief, "Hm... I didn't even know you were there."
"That's nice," Dark said, keeping a wary eye on her, "so, will you be doing this the hard way, or the easy way?"
Tossing the sphere in the air, she caught it deftly, a small smirk on her face, "What do you plan to do with it?"
"Well, that's-" Dark tried to remain calm, but couldn't think of a good excuse, Daisuke...
I don't know! You're a phantom thief, so it's your specialty to steal things! Daisuke yelled in desperation. Coolly, Dark repeated what had been said and the girl's smirk widened.
"I see," she turned away, "so that's your reason..."
Before anymore could be said, she tossed it over to him, "I have no use for this. Go ahead."
Catching it, Dark frowned, "Wait, why did you give in so easily?"
"Because, I too, am a Thief, taking what I need," she said coolly, "but that, it has the power of Hikari, I have no use for it."
"What's your... name?" asked Dark, as he saw her preparing to leave.
"... just call me," she started softly, "Scarlet."
And with that, she disappeared.
---
When Dark had returned home with all the details, Emiko had freaked and the rest of the family didn't seem too pleased, and Daisuke was relieved when he'd finally made it to his bedroom. Lying on his bed, he watched at the moonlight made patterns on the floor.
Hey, Dark? he asked.
... what is it this time?
This Scarlet... what do you think she meant, about the sphere? I'm confused.
Well, I'm no different from you this time, his other half admitted grudgingly, none of what she said actually makes any sense, so I gave up on thinking about it ages ago.
Hm...
Just lemme go to sleep.
'Kay, night Dark.
Silence fell in the room and, remembering, Daisuke got up out of bed. Flicking on a lamp, he got out and sat on a chair. Pulling the card out of his drawer, he stared at it for a long time.
"Sc... ar... let..." he repeated slowly, "it's strange... I... that name seems familiar somehow..."
Unable to stifle a yawn, he put the card away, switched the light off and went back to his bed and closed his eyes.
"Who... is she...?" he mumbled, before the curtains of sleep covered him.
---
"You are Niwa Daisuke, no?" the voice was unfamiliar, something like a machine that had been programmed to speak in a monotonous tone to whoever was there. Daisuke opened his eyes slowly, and in a slightly confused way.
"Huh?"
Daisuke took a good look at his surroundings, perplexed. It wasn't his bedroom, he knew that right away, nor was it any other room in the whole Niwa house.
He seemed to be in a sort of Cathedral-like room, circular in shape and completely shrouded in darkness, with only the moonlight filtering through the dusty windows as a guide for his search. A rustling-like sound made him turn around, but relaxed when he saw it was Dark.
"Dark?" he asked, who stared at him.
"You here too, Daisuke?" he demanded. Daisuke frowned, trying to make sense of the situation they were in.
"This HAS to be a dream, right?" he said, looking around the circular room, "There's no other explanation for this. You agree, right, Dark?"
"If it is a dream," snorted Dark, "then we're dreaming the same thing. Spooky."
"... but... doesn't this place remind you of Klein Cathedral?" Daisuke pointed out, bending down in an attempt to take a thorough look at the floor, "but there isn't any inscription on the floor, so it's some other place...?"
"It's a dream, but not a dream," said the unfamiliar voice, and they both looked up. Although they couldn't see anything, it was obvious that the voice was coming from up there, echoing faintly and bouncing off the walls all around them.
"What do you mean?" asked Daisuke, desperately searching the pitch black ceiling, with no luck of actually finding the source of the voice.
"This is 'her' world," continued the voice, as if no one was speaking to it, "and 'her' world is truly different from yours."
"What the hell are you trying to get at?!" demanded Dark impatiently, not bothering to look up at the ceiling, "Give us a damn good reason or we won't listen!"
"She's all alone... forever waiting," the voice suddenly switched itself to a softer, more human-like tone, "and only now, has it started. You two will have to find out the truth behind her motives yourself."
"What..." started Daisuke, but the voice cut in.
"As a member of the Niwa family, it was... IS her sworn duty to watch over your... actions. That as well as the actions of the last Hikari member," it explained.
"... you mean Hiwartari-kun?" he asked.
"Yes, that boy," there was a pause, "she watches over you now. It's almost time."
"What's almost time?!" demanded Dark. He was about to throw more insults, but was stopped short, as a small girl appeared floating in front of them. She had long crimson hair tied up in two high pigtails and her eyes, which were half-closed in concentration, were a bright shade of sea green. She was wearing an extremely long tunic so that they couldn't even see her legs and her voice held a note of warning... and sadness.
"The power is weakening," she said softly, "you two may be her only hope..."
Before anymore could be said, the world seemed to shatter around Daisuke and Dark, and everything faded away.
---
The sharp ringing sound of Daisuke's alarm clock woke him up. Mumbling slightly, he shut it off and got out of bed. Pulling his school uniform on, he looked out the window. It was a rather cloudy morning and Daisuke frowned slightly, a slight feeling of uneasiness mixed with confusion growing within him.
Hey, Dark? he prodded Dark mercilessly, until he woke up.
What?! I need my sleep, muttered the phantom thief mutinously.
Did you have a... uh... a strange dream last night? he asked, trying to calm his nerves. Dark was silent for about three minutes before answering.
I think I did, Daisuke could almost imagine his other half frowning in annoyance, but... I can't remember anything clearly. You were in it, weren't you?
I think I was, he rubbed his eyes and picked up his bag, but... but...
As he opened his bedroom door and went down the stairs, he finished his thought.
... I can't remember any of it...
###
"What?! You failed?!" Chester demanded, and Scarlet shot him a frosty look.
"Ah, shut up, you moron," she muttered, "you're disturbing the peace in here."
"..."
"Go away," turning away in, she left the room without another word or even a backward glance.
"Scarlet... are you sure we're doing the right thing?" Celes asked as Scarlet entered the circular room. The other girl gave her a small reassuring smile.
"Of course this is the right thing," she nodded, "and eveything'll be fine, trust me on this."
"I will, but..." frowned Celes, "Chester is really getting on my nerves. When did we last see them? I can't believe how annoying he is!"
"I know," sighed Scarlet, going to the center of the room, "and we both need to get out of this dump. I've talked to the others, and they like it quite well and agree with it."
"What are we doing?" the other blinked, confused.
"I have a plan," Scarlet winked mischievously, "and it goes something like this..."
------------------
More mystery! More confusion! What more can I say? Let's continue on, shall we?
Satoshi dropping his guard? Well, I couldn't think of anything else. Oh yeah, must-put-faults-in. no-one-is-perfect!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you.
Oh, yeah, before I forget, I wanna thank all those who've read this, and especially to all those who have put up reviews! Much appreciated! {smile} And, last but not least, my good friend, Anna (AAAClub for you) who has (as much as she doesn't know too much about the series) was kind to keep an eye for me! YEAH!!!
-----------------
Daisuke: Why does this always happen to me?
Seena58: 'cause you're the MAIN CHARACTER! THING'S HAVE TO HAPPEN!
Daisuke: ... (sweats)
-----------------
Chapter 4: Another One
-----------------
"How could it not be here?!" Dark yelled, searching the area thoroughly, "it was there the whole time WE were there!"
... someone must have taken it while we were occupied, Daisuke suggested, I mean, you were talking to Hiwartari-kun for quite a while, so maybe someone-
"That's impossible," snorted Dark, "I would've known if someone was coming from behind."
Should we follow after them?
The thief shrugged, "Looks like there isn't much else we can do, so what the hell."
With this, he took after Satoshi, who had been given a good amount of distance between them and, using his knowledge as a thief, took a couple of shortcuts until he caught sight of the blue-haired boy.
Let's see now, he thought, Hiwartari is over there, so what he's chasing should be over...
Looking ahead, he caught sight of another figure running, hair flying everywhere as they progressed forwards.
I wonder who that is? he thought.
Whoever it is, they're fast, muttered Daisuke, I think that's the person who sent out the other notice. Remember? 'I will be taking the Sphere of Time before you, Phantom Thief Dark.' But when... and how...
Who cares, Dark said coolly to the red-head, we'll catch up to him in no time. Now, where is With...
---
"These artefacts, the artefacts of Time... they're connected to this other notice somehow?" Kosuke asked, looking up from the sheet of paper, "But why?"
"That's what we don't know," Emiko shook her head in frustration, "but this one was created by the hands of Hikari, and, as far as these books and scrolls show, there isn't too much too see in it anymore."
"The only other two artefacts related to the Hikari's," Daiki started, "is the Second Hand of Time and the Linchpin of Time. After that, well..."
"Our research concludes that during the Cultural Revolution, there were a group of artefacts made by a different family," explained Towa, her face serious, "but... we don't know much else after that, except that their artworks seemed to hold the key to one thing..."
"'Time'," Kosuke nodded in agreement, "there were a certain group of people who were talented in that area of magic, I believe. But still, this sphere was made by the Hikari's. Is there some sort of connection that we can make?"
"At this point, no," sighed Emiko, as she got up, "we may have to resort to more desperate resources if we can't find out anymore information here."
"I see..." he frowned, 'Daisuke...'
---
Satoshi put on an extra burst of speed, hoping to capture the person who had taken the artefact that Dark had been planning to take. Cursing himself mentally for occupying himself with a prattling Phantom Thief instead of keeping a closer eye on what he was supposed to be guarding, he managed to keep on the other thief's trail.
The other person leaped up on the stairs, obviously trying to find an escape route, only to be tackled from behind by Satoshi. Pinning the person, he gasped for breath, pushing his glasses up.
"You..." he started, "why are you..."
He was surprised to hear a female's voice answer. It wasn't too high pitched but held a slight note of desperation all the same.
"Please... don't hurt me. I was... I had to do it," there a sob in her tone, "if I didn't, they would have... they would have... oh PLEASE..."
Confused, Satoshi dropped his guard and the girl made her move with a speed that seemed almost too inhuman. Dropping a small ball, it exploded, letting off thick smog. Coughing, Satoshi tried to find his way out and failing miserably. Although he couldn't see her, he could hear her voice clearly as it faded off.
"You shouldn't be so soft, High Commander."
As the smog finally cleared, Satoshi sat up in time as a group of guards appeared.
"High Commander! The Sphere, it's--"
"Gone," Satoshi finished simply. Taking out his notebook, which he carried around with him all the time, he flipped it open and started to write, only pausing once to take a look at the broken window right in front of him, :... this should be interesting.:
---
The girl landed on top of a roof, the moon glittering behind her. She had a rather lanky type of build and her red hair brushed over her eyes. She was wearing a rather short skirt and a tunic top, both black, and knee-high black boots. He eyes were orange with a tinge of red and she took out the glass sphere for a better look.
"Is this it?" he breathed softly to no one in particular. Closing her eyes, she concentrated.
"..." she opened them again, a look of disappointment stamped on her usually calm features, "no... it's the wrong one. Definitely made by the hands of the Hikari..."
"If you're so disappointed," Dark's voice was right behind her, "why don't you just hand it over to me instead?"
Turning around, she sized up the phantom thief, "Hm... I didn't even know you were there."
"That's nice," Dark said, keeping a wary eye on her, "so, will you be doing this the hard way, or the easy way?"
Tossing the sphere in the air, she caught it deftly, a small smirk on her face, "What do you plan to do with it?"
"Well, that's-" Dark tried to remain calm, but couldn't think of a good excuse, Daisuke...
I don't know! You're a phantom thief, so it's your specialty to steal things! Daisuke yelled in desperation. Coolly, Dark repeated what had been said and the girl's smirk widened.
"I see," she turned away, "so that's your reason..."
Before anymore could be said, she tossed it over to him, "I have no use for this. Go ahead."
Catching it, Dark frowned, "Wait, why did you give in so easily?"
"Because, I too, am a Thief, taking what I need," she said coolly, "but that, it has the power of Hikari, I have no use for it."
"What's your... name?" asked Dark, as he saw her preparing to leave.
"... just call me," she started softly, "Scarlet."
And with that, she disappeared.
---
When Dark had returned home with all the details, Emiko had freaked and the rest of the family didn't seem too pleased, and Daisuke was relieved when he'd finally made it to his bedroom. Lying on his bed, he watched at the moonlight made patterns on the floor.
Hey, Dark? he asked.
... what is it this time?
This Scarlet... what do you think she meant, about the sphere? I'm confused.
Well, I'm no different from you this time, his other half admitted grudgingly, none of what she said actually makes any sense, so I gave up on thinking about it ages ago.
Hm...
Just lemme go to sleep.
'Kay, night Dark.
Silence fell in the room and, remembering, Daisuke got up out of bed. Flicking on a lamp, he got out and sat on a chair. Pulling the card out of his drawer, he stared at it for a long time.
"Sc... ar... let..." he repeated slowly, "it's strange... I... that name seems familiar somehow..."
Unable to stifle a yawn, he put the card away, switched the light off and went back to his bed and closed his eyes.
"Who... is she...?" he mumbled, before the curtains of sleep covered him.
---
"You are Niwa Daisuke, no?" the voice was unfamiliar, something like a machine that had been programmed to speak in a monotonous tone to whoever was there. Daisuke opened his eyes slowly, and in a slightly confused way.
"Huh?"
Daisuke took a good look at his surroundings, perplexed. It wasn't his bedroom, he knew that right away, nor was it any other room in the whole Niwa house.
He seemed to be in a sort of Cathedral-like room, circular in shape and completely shrouded in darkness, with only the moonlight filtering through the dusty windows as a guide for his search. A rustling-like sound made him turn around, but relaxed when he saw it was Dark.
"Dark?" he asked, who stared at him.
"You here too, Daisuke?" he demanded. Daisuke frowned, trying to make sense of the situation they were in.
"This HAS to be a dream, right?" he said, looking around the circular room, "There's no other explanation for this. You agree, right, Dark?"
"If it is a dream," snorted Dark, "then we're dreaming the same thing. Spooky."
"... but... doesn't this place remind you of Klein Cathedral?" Daisuke pointed out, bending down in an attempt to take a thorough look at the floor, "but there isn't any inscription on the floor, so it's some other place...?"
"It's a dream, but not a dream," said the unfamiliar voice, and they both looked up. Although they couldn't see anything, it was obvious that the voice was coming from up there, echoing faintly and bouncing off the walls all around them.
"What do you mean?" asked Daisuke, desperately searching the pitch black ceiling, with no luck of actually finding the source of the voice.
"This is 'her' world," continued the voice, as if no one was speaking to it, "and 'her' world is truly different from yours."
"What the hell are you trying to get at?!" demanded Dark impatiently, not bothering to look up at the ceiling, "Give us a damn good reason or we won't listen!"
"She's all alone... forever waiting," the voice suddenly switched itself to a softer, more human-like tone, "and only now, has it started. You two will have to find out the truth behind her motives yourself."
"What..." started Daisuke, but the voice cut in.
"As a member of the Niwa family, it was... IS her sworn duty to watch over your... actions. That as well as the actions of the last Hikari member," it explained.
"... you mean Hiwartari-kun?" he asked.
"Yes, that boy," there was a pause, "she watches over you now. It's almost time."
"What's almost time?!" demanded Dark. He was about to throw more insults, but was stopped short, as a small girl appeared floating in front of them. She had long crimson hair tied up in two high pigtails and her eyes, which were half-closed in concentration, were a bright shade of sea green. She was wearing an extremely long tunic so that they couldn't even see her legs and her voice held a note of warning... and sadness.
"The power is weakening," she said softly, "you two may be her only hope..."
Before anymore could be said, the world seemed to shatter around Daisuke and Dark, and everything faded away.
---
The sharp ringing sound of Daisuke's alarm clock woke him up. Mumbling slightly, he shut it off and got out of bed. Pulling his school uniform on, he looked out the window. It was a rather cloudy morning and Daisuke frowned slightly, a slight feeling of uneasiness mixed with confusion growing within him.
Hey, Dark? he prodded Dark mercilessly, until he woke up.
What?! I need my sleep, muttered the phantom thief mutinously.
Did you have a... uh... a strange dream last night? he asked, trying to calm his nerves. Dark was silent for about three minutes before answering.
I think I did, Daisuke could almost imagine his other half frowning in annoyance, but... I can't remember anything clearly. You were in it, weren't you?
I think I was, he rubbed his eyes and picked up his bag, but... but...
As he opened his bedroom door and went down the stairs, he finished his thought.
... I can't remember any of it...
###
"What?! You failed?!" Chester demanded, and Scarlet shot him a frosty look.
"Ah, shut up, you moron," she muttered, "you're disturbing the peace in here."
"..."
"Go away," turning away in, she left the room without another word or even a backward glance.
"Scarlet... are you sure we're doing the right thing?" Celes asked as Scarlet entered the circular room. The other girl gave her a small reassuring smile.
"Of course this is the right thing," she nodded, "and eveything'll be fine, trust me on this."
"I will, but..." frowned Celes, "Chester is really getting on my nerves. When did we last see them? I can't believe how annoying he is!"
"I know," sighed Scarlet, going to the center of the room, "and we both need to get out of this dump. I've talked to the others, and they like it quite well and agree with it."
"What are we doing?" the other blinked, confused.
"I have a plan," Scarlet winked mischievously, "and it goes something like this..."
------------------
More mystery! More confusion! What more can I say? Let's continue on, shall we?
Satoshi dropping his guard? Well, I couldn't think of anything else. Oh yeah, must-put-faults-in. no-one-is-perfect!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you.