Here's chapter 7! Thanks for waiting!
-------------------
Seena58: YAY! Finally got Krad back in!
Krad: ... can I kill her now?
Satoshi: ... not until the story finishes. Then you can.
Seena58: ... you don't want to be in the story?
-------------------
Chapter 7: Time to Think
-------------------
"Dai-chan, is something the matter?" Emiko asked over the dinner table. Daisuke looked up slightly and forced a small smile at his mother.
"Oh, uh, no. Nothing's the matter," he replied quickly, "I'm just a bit bothered about what happened last night."
"I see," she nodded in understanding, "well, I'm sure we'll find the answer soon."
"Heh..." Daisuke prodded his food glumly, unable to force himself to eat it. Although he knew he was hungry, he didn't FEEL it, and a leaden lump had formed itself inside of him, so, even if he had forced himself to eat, his stomach probably would have rejected it.
Emiko exchanged looks with her husband and father, communicating to each other silently, as the dining room was eerily silent, and it hung over them like a large blanket of doom. Nodding, she turned back to Daisuke, smiling.
"If you don't feel like eating," she started, "you can go upstairs and try to go to sleep. If you don't feel well, then just call, okay, Daisuke?"
"Okay..." getting up, he left with With, who seemed disappointed on not finishing its own dinner. As Daisuke went up the stairs and closed the door to his bedroom, he noticed something strange.
"She called me Daisuke..." he started softly, "Not Dai-chan..."
It wasn't that it sounded weird to Daisuke, but when Emiko called him 'Daisuke'... it meant that something was wrong.
---
Back in the dining room, the three adults and Towa were discussing the current situation that Daisuke was trapped in.
"But... this has never happened before, has it, father?" Emiko asked Daiki, who nodded grimly.
"As far as I know about Dark's history, this has never happened before. Ever," he said gruffly, "and for Daisuke to get involved in this, what does this actually mean?"
"We all remember the effects of the Second Hand of Time, no?" put in Towa, "Time was running out for the art piece, so it took the power of Daisuke's picture to last a little longer."
"But Daisuke hasn't painted any pictures recently," Emiko pointed out, a hint of worry in her voice, "and what will happen if he gets dragged into something...?"
"Let us not be hasty," Kosuke said, having not spoken since the beginning of the actual conversation, "we have to face the facts first. There are quite a few options that we can choose, but we do not know the result of it."
"But then, what do we do?" Emiko asked.
"Collect all the solid information that we can get," he started, "and then talk to Daisuke about it. We cannot just let him wander around in the dark, or he will get dragged into something that he will not be able to get out of."
"Good idea, Kosuke-kun!" agreed Daiki, "We'll start our research tomorrow!"
With the conversation coming to an end, the group dispersed, leaving it to Emiko and Towa with the remnants of dinner. As they cleaned up, Emiko still couldn't help but feel worried.
'Why now...?' she wondered, 'And why is it always Daisuke?'
---
Still feeling restless, Daisuke? Dark asked, his reflection in a mirror propped up at the head of Daisuke's bed. Even when he was asking the question, he had a firm smirk on his face, and Daisuke had the sudden urge to hit it.
"Of course I'm restless," he replied, holding back a snap at his alter- ego, "how can you still be smiling after what's happened lately? Aren't you the LEAST bit worried?"
Nah, replied Dark, didn't I tell you? It's more exhilarating when the mystery lingers around ya.
"Yeah, it was yesterday afternoon," Daisuke said tonelessly, "when I was opening the front door, and then the trapdoor activated, and then there were the flying razors, and then..."
You're quite talkative today, grumbled Dark, what, did something give you more sugar or something?
"..." Daisuke pulled the covers over his head and turned away, "I'm going to bed now."
... the Phantom Thief frowned, Daisuke...
Why am I so agitated? the boy asked himself, I know I get mad at Dark, but... this is just horrible... I can't even think straight...
"Well, then, Niwa-kun, I guess I should be going."
... is it because of Takada-san? he closed his eyes, brow furrowed in annoyance, there is definitely something odd about her... but... I don't know what it is...
As sleep closed in on him, Dark could hear the other boy muttering to himself.
"Why... is it always... me...?"
Dai... he started but decided against it. Settling back, he closed his eyes, He needs his sleep.
Looking out the window, Dark could see the moon faintly, shimmering past the blanket of gray. The stars shone through it, but not as strongly, and the Thief gave a small sigh, turning back to the boy whose body he had to share.
I don't know... he muttered softly to no one in particular, but... I have a feeling that we're running out of time...
Sleep descended on them both, and if they had any strange dreams during this time, than they were forgotten almost instantly.
---
Satoshi stood at the balcony of his apartment home, where he was, as always, alone, to stare at the massive blanket of gray. Krad, his other side, was muttering to him under his breath, something about taking care of everything, but Satoshi was too locked into his own thoughts to pay any attention to him. Leaning over the balcony, he stared out blankly at the not-so-busy street below him.
:So... a girl was behind it...: he thought, :not very good, groveling and pleading, but she won't catch me off guard twice... hm... I wonder why she would aim for that in the first place...:
::Satoshi-sama,:: said the cold voice of Krad, managing to break through to Satoshi's mind to actually speak to him, ::If you do not think that you can deal with it yourself, maybe I should do it in your place.::
The blue-haired boy ignored the voice, concentrating on the conversation he and Daisuke had had that day, :That power... it was definitely... magic... but a type that I have never encountered before. So then, hm... could that force be a form of ancient magic that has been forgotten for many years?:
::It is.::
:What?: Krad's answer surprised Satoshi so much, that he forgot to tell Krad to leave him alone, :What do you mean by that?:
::Oh, so you will listen to me now Satoshi-sama?::
Curious, although he didn't show it, Satoshi nodded silently. Krad appeared next to the boy to join him on the balcony. Most of the time, the ice demon might have tried to take advantage of his other side, but in their current situation, Krad was actually serious. This also surprised Satoshi quite a bit, since the only times his other side had been really serious was when he had been close to killing Dark and Daisuke. 'Getting rid of their existence,' he had always said, and Satoshi hated him even more for that. As much as he wanted to capture Dark, he had never wanted to hurt Daisuke, and when Krad was in control...
Jerking his attention away from the past and Daisuke, Satoshi listened as Krad spoke. It wasn't his normal voice either; it was... more worried, low, anxious.
::Back before the conflict between myself and Dark,:: there was a slight flash of anger in Krad's eyes, but they were gone almost instantly, ::you might have guessed that there was... peace,:: he seemed to have a hard time saying the word, but he plowed on, ::and there were many talented people with the ability to manipulate and use magic. Most were based on attack, healing, and defense, I am sure you know,:: he considered Satoshi thoughtfully, ::but... only once in that time, I heard that there was an ancient magic, a special magic, that had been sealed away so that no one but the right family member could actually use...::
:And what was that?: there was no change on Satoshi's face.
::The magic... of Time.::
---
"Dai-chan-! We're going out!" called Emiko, as the door slammed the next morning. Blinking owlishly, Daisuke sat up in a tangle of blanket sheets, and stared out the window, his view obscured until his eyes focused properly. Rubbing his eyes a bit, he got out of bed, and changed out of his pajamas and into the usual plain shirt and pants.
"Ahh..." he yawned, "at least it's the weekends..."
But what did Emiko mean by 'we'? Dark asked from the mirror and Daisuke looked down in surprise.
"Eh?"
You were still half-asleep then, the Thief shook his head, Emiko said, he imitated her voice, "Dai-chan-! We're going out!" Now, what do you think she actually meant by that?
"Well, first off," started Daisuke, as he started towards the door, "you didn't have to imitate my mother like that, and secondly, 'we' would probably mean the whole family," he stopped, "but... why would they go out...?"
You asking me?
"Never mind."
Knowing better than to pick an argument with his alter ego (the last time he had done that, he had a headache for a week), Daisuke dropped the subject and went into the kitchen. As expected, it was empty, and, sighing slightly, he started to prepare his own breakfast. It wasn't that he was a bad cook or anything, but the current situation he had found himself trapped in was bugging him to insanity. It was, in fact, worse than actually arguing a losing fight with Dark in his mind or when Dark had taken control of him during St Whites Day. Shaking his head, he pushed it all away. It was the past, he reminded himself forcefully, and he and Dark had a sort of peace between them; that was all that mattered.
At least I don't have to eat, Dark pointed out, obviously trying to create conversation.
Yeah, well, if I don't eat, and I faint from starvation, then you can't do anything about it, Daisuke retorted, and you should be glad I didn't catch another cold.
Yes, -master-, he replied in a falsely high voice, I wouldn't -dream- of taking over your body when you've fainted.
Please, sighed Daisuke, knowing that the conversation wasn't getting them anywhere, let's not do anything rash.
Okay, okay, Dark agreed, let's go out for a walk once you're done.
Good idea, the red-head sat on a chair, it's better than just sitting at home for a whole day.
How about we call Riku? suggested Dark innocently, and Daisuke choked on his breakfast.
But... but... he spluttered, I couldn't just...
FINE. SORRY, Dark had sarcasm mixed with his usual tone of voice, I didn't think you would still be touchy about THAT.
He then fell silent, leaving Daisuke to his own thoughts and his breakfast. The silence was unbearable, so he finished his breakfast off, brushed his teeth, and ran out the front door, with With flying close behind.
The cool air whipped his face as he passed down a road, and he couldn't help but look up at the trees, as the leaves were now turning into a golden- brown colour and were falling onto the pavement. Passing a group of small children who were playing with a pile of fallen leaves, Daisuke couldn't help but talk to Dark.
Do you think... he started.
...
... that this Scarlet person is really a thief of any sort?
Hate to admit it, grumbled Dark, but she has the agility and stealth of a good thief. Other than that, she seems a bit... careless, in my opinion.
How would you know that? Daisuke swerved as another group of small kids ran, screaming, past him, We only saw her for a few minutes on the rooftop.
Guess you weren't paying enough attention then, Dai-chan, Dark said teasingly, if you'd been watching her jump off, you might've caught sight of her stacking it rather painfully. Not the most graceful of people, I can say that much. And I always thought women were supposed to be graceful, thief or not.
Mum also said that, remembered the smaller boy as he went down a few more blocks, to me, about you... ah, well.
He stopped as he reached a large gate, where, behind it, was a huge mansion. Looking at the old building, which looked like it was at the point of collapsing, he couldn't help but notice that there was something... familiar about it.
I've seen this building before... he thought, struggling with the faint memory, but when...?
"Niwa-kun?"
"WAH!" jumping in surprise, he spun around to face the person who had called his name, "R-Riku-san? Harada-san? W-why are you..."
Risa smiled at the nervous boy as he tried to speak, "Riku and I are on our way to the shops."
"O-oh really?" he stammered.
So much for the confident male approach, Dark said.
Shut up! snapped Daisuke, trying to collect himself. Riku smiled nervously, with the same air of embarrassment around her. Risa's eyes shot from one nervous person to the other, a small smile forming on her lips. Playfully, she pushed Riku closer to Daisuke.
"Why don't I go ahead and you talk to Niwa-kun for a bit?" she suggested.
"WHA-?!" both Daisuke and Riku stared at her in disbelief, and her smile widened. Giving Riku another faint push, she began to run off in the other direction.
"You'll know where to find me!" she laughed, before vanishing from sight. There was an awkward silence between the two, and Dark, as they stared after Risa. After a few minutes, Daisuke shook his head and gave Riku a nervous smile.
"So... um... Riku-san..." he started.
You're stammering, Dark pointed out, why can't you just talk normally for once?
Shut up! snapped Daisuke, turning pink, "Do you... uh... want to walk?"
... lame.
"I know," Riku gave him a slight smile, having recovered herself, "let's go to the park. Is that okay...?"
She turned away from him, trying hard to hide her embarrassment and Daisuke blinked.
"Riku-san..." he said, "um..."
"I know! It was a stupid idea!" Riku looked about ready to bolt, but Daisuke merely placed a hand on her shoulder and she turned to face him properly.
"Shall we go?" he asked. Riku blushed, but returned the smile he was giving her, and Daisuke could almost see the transformation meter hitting an all time high as they started off.
Calm down! he commanded himself, I can't go transforming now! Not in front of Riku-san!
Yeah, yeah, whatever, Dark said lazily, your heart's pounding too loud. I wonder if it can explode...?
DON'T SAY THAT!!
---
Satoshi was out and about as usual, passing down roads aimlessly and trying to ignore the stares of strangers, mainly female. As much as he hated the attention, even if he didn't show it, what he couldn't bear to stand was staying in a deserted apartment with only the company of his homicidal other half there to utter words and phrases about killing a certain person.
The leaves under his feet crunched loudly as he walked over them, and the sounds of cars zooming up and down the roads were about as fun as being in that place. But the positive side, he reminded himself, was that he didn't have to listen to Krad, as the noise kept him distracted effectively.
"Wow, isn't he hot?"
"I'll say. How old do you think he is?"
"Who cares!"
Shaking his head slightly in frustration, Satoshi found himself entering the park and it didn't take him to long to notice the distinctive figure of Daisuke. The older Harada twin was accompanying him, he noted, and then decided on his next move. Before he got very far, though, there was a slight tingling feeling that passed down his whole spine and he turned around, as if hoping to catch sight of someone. The path behind him was empty. Frowning, he continued.
A girl swung on the branches of a tree close by, watching as Satoshi walked off. Landing on the paved footpath, her eyes showed little emotion as she crossed her arms.
'Already...' she thought, 'Hiwartari-kun, hm? Makes me think a bit...'
"Hey, you there?" came a fuzzy voice close to her ear.
"As always," she replied, "what's wrong?"
"It's tomorrow, isn't it?"
"Yeah."
"Okay, I'll work it out, then."
"Sure, whatever."
"Keep an eye out."
"You don't need to tell me that," a small, thin smile played on the girl's lips as she began to walk, "I've always got my eyes open."
"So you say."
"I say," she sniffed, "or I'm not Takada Akane."
###
"I can't believe that Scarlet wanted to leave without alerting me!" raged Celes in a less than dignified way, "what happens if something happens?!"
"You think you know where they are?" demanded the annoying voice of Chester, which was coming from a glass sphere, "WHERE?!"
"I've contacted the others," replied his mothers voice, "they'll find a way to break any barriers that we may encounter..."
"Damn," Celes frowned, "if they find us now... Scarlet, your plan won't work. And time is starting to run out..."
She buried her face in her arms in dejection.
"We have to hurry."
------------------
Okay, things are really starting now. Not to mention Riku has something to say! What is it? Continue to chapter 8!
-------------------
Seena58: YAY! Finally got Krad back in!
Krad: ... can I kill her now?
Satoshi: ... not until the story finishes. Then you can.
Seena58: ... you don't want to be in the story?
-------------------
Chapter 7: Time to Think
-------------------
"Dai-chan, is something the matter?" Emiko asked over the dinner table. Daisuke looked up slightly and forced a small smile at his mother.
"Oh, uh, no. Nothing's the matter," he replied quickly, "I'm just a bit bothered about what happened last night."
"I see," she nodded in understanding, "well, I'm sure we'll find the answer soon."
"Heh..." Daisuke prodded his food glumly, unable to force himself to eat it. Although he knew he was hungry, he didn't FEEL it, and a leaden lump had formed itself inside of him, so, even if he had forced himself to eat, his stomach probably would have rejected it.
Emiko exchanged looks with her husband and father, communicating to each other silently, as the dining room was eerily silent, and it hung over them like a large blanket of doom. Nodding, she turned back to Daisuke, smiling.
"If you don't feel like eating," she started, "you can go upstairs and try to go to sleep. If you don't feel well, then just call, okay, Daisuke?"
"Okay..." getting up, he left with With, who seemed disappointed on not finishing its own dinner. As Daisuke went up the stairs and closed the door to his bedroom, he noticed something strange.
"She called me Daisuke..." he started softly, "Not Dai-chan..."
It wasn't that it sounded weird to Daisuke, but when Emiko called him 'Daisuke'... it meant that something was wrong.
---
Back in the dining room, the three adults and Towa were discussing the current situation that Daisuke was trapped in.
"But... this has never happened before, has it, father?" Emiko asked Daiki, who nodded grimly.
"As far as I know about Dark's history, this has never happened before. Ever," he said gruffly, "and for Daisuke to get involved in this, what does this actually mean?"
"We all remember the effects of the Second Hand of Time, no?" put in Towa, "Time was running out for the art piece, so it took the power of Daisuke's picture to last a little longer."
"But Daisuke hasn't painted any pictures recently," Emiko pointed out, a hint of worry in her voice, "and what will happen if he gets dragged into something...?"
"Let us not be hasty," Kosuke said, having not spoken since the beginning of the actual conversation, "we have to face the facts first. There are quite a few options that we can choose, but we do not know the result of it."
"But then, what do we do?" Emiko asked.
"Collect all the solid information that we can get," he started, "and then talk to Daisuke about it. We cannot just let him wander around in the dark, or he will get dragged into something that he will not be able to get out of."
"Good idea, Kosuke-kun!" agreed Daiki, "We'll start our research tomorrow!"
With the conversation coming to an end, the group dispersed, leaving it to Emiko and Towa with the remnants of dinner. As they cleaned up, Emiko still couldn't help but feel worried.
'Why now...?' she wondered, 'And why is it always Daisuke?'
---
Still feeling restless, Daisuke? Dark asked, his reflection in a mirror propped up at the head of Daisuke's bed. Even when he was asking the question, he had a firm smirk on his face, and Daisuke had the sudden urge to hit it.
"Of course I'm restless," he replied, holding back a snap at his alter- ego, "how can you still be smiling after what's happened lately? Aren't you the LEAST bit worried?"
Nah, replied Dark, didn't I tell you? It's more exhilarating when the mystery lingers around ya.
"Yeah, it was yesterday afternoon," Daisuke said tonelessly, "when I was opening the front door, and then the trapdoor activated, and then there were the flying razors, and then..."
You're quite talkative today, grumbled Dark, what, did something give you more sugar or something?
"..." Daisuke pulled the covers over his head and turned away, "I'm going to bed now."
... the Phantom Thief frowned, Daisuke...
Why am I so agitated? the boy asked himself, I know I get mad at Dark, but... this is just horrible... I can't even think straight...
"Well, then, Niwa-kun, I guess I should be going."
... is it because of Takada-san? he closed his eyes, brow furrowed in annoyance, there is definitely something odd about her... but... I don't know what it is...
As sleep closed in on him, Dark could hear the other boy muttering to himself.
"Why... is it always... me...?"
Dai... he started but decided against it. Settling back, he closed his eyes, He needs his sleep.
Looking out the window, Dark could see the moon faintly, shimmering past the blanket of gray. The stars shone through it, but not as strongly, and the Thief gave a small sigh, turning back to the boy whose body he had to share.
I don't know... he muttered softly to no one in particular, but... I have a feeling that we're running out of time...
Sleep descended on them both, and if they had any strange dreams during this time, than they were forgotten almost instantly.
---
Satoshi stood at the balcony of his apartment home, where he was, as always, alone, to stare at the massive blanket of gray. Krad, his other side, was muttering to him under his breath, something about taking care of everything, but Satoshi was too locked into his own thoughts to pay any attention to him. Leaning over the balcony, he stared out blankly at the not-so-busy street below him.
:So... a girl was behind it...: he thought, :not very good, groveling and pleading, but she won't catch me off guard twice... hm... I wonder why she would aim for that in the first place...:
::Satoshi-sama,:: said the cold voice of Krad, managing to break through to Satoshi's mind to actually speak to him, ::If you do not think that you can deal with it yourself, maybe I should do it in your place.::
The blue-haired boy ignored the voice, concentrating on the conversation he and Daisuke had had that day, :That power... it was definitely... magic... but a type that I have never encountered before. So then, hm... could that force be a form of ancient magic that has been forgotten for many years?:
::It is.::
:What?: Krad's answer surprised Satoshi so much, that he forgot to tell Krad to leave him alone, :What do you mean by that?:
::Oh, so you will listen to me now Satoshi-sama?::
Curious, although he didn't show it, Satoshi nodded silently. Krad appeared next to the boy to join him on the balcony. Most of the time, the ice demon might have tried to take advantage of his other side, but in their current situation, Krad was actually serious. This also surprised Satoshi quite a bit, since the only times his other side had been really serious was when he had been close to killing Dark and Daisuke. 'Getting rid of their existence,' he had always said, and Satoshi hated him even more for that. As much as he wanted to capture Dark, he had never wanted to hurt Daisuke, and when Krad was in control...
Jerking his attention away from the past and Daisuke, Satoshi listened as Krad spoke. It wasn't his normal voice either; it was... more worried, low, anxious.
::Back before the conflict between myself and Dark,:: there was a slight flash of anger in Krad's eyes, but they were gone almost instantly, ::you might have guessed that there was... peace,:: he seemed to have a hard time saying the word, but he plowed on, ::and there were many talented people with the ability to manipulate and use magic. Most were based on attack, healing, and defense, I am sure you know,:: he considered Satoshi thoughtfully, ::but... only once in that time, I heard that there was an ancient magic, a special magic, that had been sealed away so that no one but the right family member could actually use...::
:And what was that?: there was no change on Satoshi's face.
::The magic... of Time.::
---
"Dai-chan-! We're going out!" called Emiko, as the door slammed the next morning. Blinking owlishly, Daisuke sat up in a tangle of blanket sheets, and stared out the window, his view obscured until his eyes focused properly. Rubbing his eyes a bit, he got out of bed, and changed out of his pajamas and into the usual plain shirt and pants.
"Ahh..." he yawned, "at least it's the weekends..."
But what did Emiko mean by 'we'? Dark asked from the mirror and Daisuke looked down in surprise.
"Eh?"
You were still half-asleep then, the Thief shook his head, Emiko said, he imitated her voice, "Dai-chan-! We're going out!" Now, what do you think she actually meant by that?
"Well, first off," started Daisuke, as he started towards the door, "you didn't have to imitate my mother like that, and secondly, 'we' would probably mean the whole family," he stopped, "but... why would they go out...?"
You asking me?
"Never mind."
Knowing better than to pick an argument with his alter ego (the last time he had done that, he had a headache for a week), Daisuke dropped the subject and went into the kitchen. As expected, it was empty, and, sighing slightly, he started to prepare his own breakfast. It wasn't that he was a bad cook or anything, but the current situation he had found himself trapped in was bugging him to insanity. It was, in fact, worse than actually arguing a losing fight with Dark in his mind or when Dark had taken control of him during St Whites Day. Shaking his head, he pushed it all away. It was the past, he reminded himself forcefully, and he and Dark had a sort of peace between them; that was all that mattered.
At least I don't have to eat, Dark pointed out, obviously trying to create conversation.
Yeah, well, if I don't eat, and I faint from starvation, then you can't do anything about it, Daisuke retorted, and you should be glad I didn't catch another cold.
Yes, -master-, he replied in a falsely high voice, I wouldn't -dream- of taking over your body when you've fainted.
Please, sighed Daisuke, knowing that the conversation wasn't getting them anywhere, let's not do anything rash.
Okay, okay, Dark agreed, let's go out for a walk once you're done.
Good idea, the red-head sat on a chair, it's better than just sitting at home for a whole day.
How about we call Riku? suggested Dark innocently, and Daisuke choked on his breakfast.
But... but... he spluttered, I couldn't just...
FINE. SORRY, Dark had sarcasm mixed with his usual tone of voice, I didn't think you would still be touchy about THAT.
He then fell silent, leaving Daisuke to his own thoughts and his breakfast. The silence was unbearable, so he finished his breakfast off, brushed his teeth, and ran out the front door, with With flying close behind.
The cool air whipped his face as he passed down a road, and he couldn't help but look up at the trees, as the leaves were now turning into a golden- brown colour and were falling onto the pavement. Passing a group of small children who were playing with a pile of fallen leaves, Daisuke couldn't help but talk to Dark.
Do you think... he started.
...
... that this Scarlet person is really a thief of any sort?
Hate to admit it, grumbled Dark, but she has the agility and stealth of a good thief. Other than that, she seems a bit... careless, in my opinion.
How would you know that? Daisuke swerved as another group of small kids ran, screaming, past him, We only saw her for a few minutes on the rooftop.
Guess you weren't paying enough attention then, Dai-chan, Dark said teasingly, if you'd been watching her jump off, you might've caught sight of her stacking it rather painfully. Not the most graceful of people, I can say that much. And I always thought women were supposed to be graceful, thief or not.
Mum also said that, remembered the smaller boy as he went down a few more blocks, to me, about you... ah, well.
He stopped as he reached a large gate, where, behind it, was a huge mansion. Looking at the old building, which looked like it was at the point of collapsing, he couldn't help but notice that there was something... familiar about it.
I've seen this building before... he thought, struggling with the faint memory, but when...?
"Niwa-kun?"
"WAH!" jumping in surprise, he spun around to face the person who had called his name, "R-Riku-san? Harada-san? W-why are you..."
Risa smiled at the nervous boy as he tried to speak, "Riku and I are on our way to the shops."
"O-oh really?" he stammered.
So much for the confident male approach, Dark said.
Shut up! snapped Daisuke, trying to collect himself. Riku smiled nervously, with the same air of embarrassment around her. Risa's eyes shot from one nervous person to the other, a small smile forming on her lips. Playfully, she pushed Riku closer to Daisuke.
"Why don't I go ahead and you talk to Niwa-kun for a bit?" she suggested.
"WHA-?!" both Daisuke and Riku stared at her in disbelief, and her smile widened. Giving Riku another faint push, she began to run off in the other direction.
"You'll know where to find me!" she laughed, before vanishing from sight. There was an awkward silence between the two, and Dark, as they stared after Risa. After a few minutes, Daisuke shook his head and gave Riku a nervous smile.
"So... um... Riku-san..." he started.
You're stammering, Dark pointed out, why can't you just talk normally for once?
Shut up! snapped Daisuke, turning pink, "Do you... uh... want to walk?"
... lame.
"I know," Riku gave him a slight smile, having recovered herself, "let's go to the park. Is that okay...?"
She turned away from him, trying hard to hide her embarrassment and Daisuke blinked.
"Riku-san..." he said, "um..."
"I know! It was a stupid idea!" Riku looked about ready to bolt, but Daisuke merely placed a hand on her shoulder and she turned to face him properly.
"Shall we go?" he asked. Riku blushed, but returned the smile he was giving her, and Daisuke could almost see the transformation meter hitting an all time high as they started off.
Calm down! he commanded himself, I can't go transforming now! Not in front of Riku-san!
Yeah, yeah, whatever, Dark said lazily, your heart's pounding too loud. I wonder if it can explode...?
DON'T SAY THAT!!
---
Satoshi was out and about as usual, passing down roads aimlessly and trying to ignore the stares of strangers, mainly female. As much as he hated the attention, even if he didn't show it, what he couldn't bear to stand was staying in a deserted apartment with only the company of his homicidal other half there to utter words and phrases about killing a certain person.
The leaves under his feet crunched loudly as he walked over them, and the sounds of cars zooming up and down the roads were about as fun as being in that place. But the positive side, he reminded himself, was that he didn't have to listen to Krad, as the noise kept him distracted effectively.
"Wow, isn't he hot?"
"I'll say. How old do you think he is?"
"Who cares!"
Shaking his head slightly in frustration, Satoshi found himself entering the park and it didn't take him to long to notice the distinctive figure of Daisuke. The older Harada twin was accompanying him, he noted, and then decided on his next move. Before he got very far, though, there was a slight tingling feeling that passed down his whole spine and he turned around, as if hoping to catch sight of someone. The path behind him was empty. Frowning, he continued.
A girl swung on the branches of a tree close by, watching as Satoshi walked off. Landing on the paved footpath, her eyes showed little emotion as she crossed her arms.
'Already...' she thought, 'Hiwartari-kun, hm? Makes me think a bit...'
"Hey, you there?" came a fuzzy voice close to her ear.
"As always," she replied, "what's wrong?"
"It's tomorrow, isn't it?"
"Yeah."
"Okay, I'll work it out, then."
"Sure, whatever."
"Keep an eye out."
"You don't need to tell me that," a small, thin smile played on the girl's lips as she began to walk, "I've always got my eyes open."
"So you say."
"I say," she sniffed, "or I'm not Takada Akane."
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"I can't believe that Scarlet wanted to leave without alerting me!" raged Celes in a less than dignified way, "what happens if something happens?!"
"You think you know where they are?" demanded the annoying voice of Chester, which was coming from a glass sphere, "WHERE?!"
"I've contacted the others," replied his mothers voice, "they'll find a way to break any barriers that we may encounter..."
"Damn," Celes frowned, "if they find us now... Scarlet, your plan won't work. And time is starting to run out..."
She buried her face in her arms in dejection.
"We have to hurry."
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Okay, things are really starting now. Not to mention Riku has something to say! What is it? Continue to chapter 8!