Hmm... chapter 7 was the longest one, and I'm well aware it's more mystery than anything else. Oh well.
Now, about Akane. She's a new student and a new character, so I'm doing my best so she doesn't turn into a Mary Sue (don't make me start. I haven't read many to THOSE types, but that ain't happening.) and, well, I intentionally leave out description on her. It'll be shown later, 'kay?
-------------------
Riku: Do I really have to do this?
Daisuke: Does she?
Seena58: YES.
Daisuke/Riku: ...
-------------------
Chapter 8: If it Wasn't Bad Already...
-------------------
"This looks like a nice place," relieved, Daisuke sat down on the park bench and Riku sat next to him, fiddling with her hands in an obvious nervous manner. Another awkward silence followed after them, and Daisuke took a look at the sky, trying to get his mouth to speak, but when he did open his mouth, no words came.
COME ON! bellowed Dark to the flustered boy, SAY SOMETHING! THIS IS A GREAT CHANCE FOR US TO DO IT!!
'Do'... Daisuke felt his face burn, I'M NOT GOING TO 'DO' ANYTHING TO RIKU-SAN! DARK, DON'T SAY THAT!!!!!
And why not? asked Dark, suspicion in his voice, you know you wanna, so why not now?
Because, because... stammered Daisuke, trying to find a good reason, it wouldn't be right! Besides, we're supposed to be talking! That's all!
So you say, chuckled his other half, if you took Risa's words literally, than maybe that's all you should be doing, huh, Dai-chan? I don't think your mother would be too happy if you pass this one chance, you know.
Mum doesn't HAVE to know that we're here! retorted the red-head, And what did you mean about Harada-san's words?
You are thick, aren't you? Dark was getting impatient, She wants you and Riku to go on A DATE. Must I put that in words for you, Daisuke?
A... A WHAT?! Daisuke fell off the bench, YOU'VE GOTTA BE KIDDING! THERE IS NO WAY SHE COULD HAVE, I MEAN--
"Niwa-kun!" Riku called, "Why did you... are you okay, Niwa-kun!?"
Heaving himself back up on the couch, Daisuke managed a weak laugh and smile at her, "I... I'm just fine, Riku-san. I mean, um... I didn't mean to, uh..."
"..." Riku, noticing that she had been staring at Daisuke, turned away quickly, "I'm... it's okay. As long as you're okay now, Niwa-kun. I mean..."
You guys are really clueless, you know, muttered Dark, ;maybe I could just take over and clear it up a bit. What do you say, Daisuke? Do you mind?
He flinched slightly at Daisuke's reply, DON'T YOU EVEN THINK ABOUT DOING THAT, DARK! IF YOU DO, THEN I'LL NEVER FORGIVE YOU!
... touchy today, are we? he muttered, times like these, I wish I'd left you in the Second Hand of Time. Then again... ah, never mind me. Do what you want, Daisuke, I won't get in your way this one time, so just go for it.
Stop saying that! Daisuke felt his face grow hotter, if it were possible, as it was already quite hot.
"Niwa-kun..."
"R-Riku-san?" he turned to her, "Is something the matter?"
She was staring at the ground below her, voice even, "Niwa-kun... I... need to tell you something..."
...
...
---
If there was one thing Satoshi was good at, it was stalking people, since he did it all the time with Daisuke, and freaked out the smaller boy more than once. Keeping a good distance from the two on the bench, the blue- haired boy leaned against the trunk of a tree, not really paying too much attention to the conversation the two were actually having. His mind was more focused on last night's conversation that he had with Krad.
:Magic of Time?: he had asked, frowning. Krad nodded slightly, face unreadable as he stood there.
::Yes... a magic so powerful, so dangerous, that it was natural that it would be sealed away. Not much is really known on the effects of the magic the people are given, but it doesn't look like anyone has actually used the magic for a long time...::
:Saying that,: Satoshi turned his attention to the sky, :before the whole fight between the two of you. Did you have any connection with the family that knew this?:
::Of course, I got all the inside information,:: his other side just stared out blankly, ::but none of it made any sense, no matter how many times I went over them. They seemed to talk in riddles all the time, whenever I saw them. A good friend to the two families as well, as I recall.::
:... and you know anything about the magic? Anything certain?:
::Only that; it controlled the very core of time, in this world, and every other world. If the flame was to fade, then all time would stop and the worlds would be plunged in darkness forever.::
:'Flame'? What's this 'flame'?:
::I asked them once,:: Krad shook his head slightly, ::but she wouldn't say anymore than that.::
:Oh? Who is 'she'?:
::A young girl, training priestess, if I remember correctly, named Celes.::
At that point, Krad dragged off and returned to his normal self, which Satoshi hated, and he had been pushed away into the darkest corner of his mind until Satoshi did otherwise. Leaning, eyes closed, he listened to the shrieks of small children playing, and the odd stammer Daisuke made once in a while. It wasn't the best form of entertainment, but Satoshi couldn't really care less. Just being outside, away from the dreariness of the apartment was enough for him at this point.
Unknowingly behind him, a small red wisp appeared, and faded in an instant.
---
"Niwa-kun... you see..." Riku started, head bent low so Daisuke could only see the mass of short, light brown hair, which now covered her face.
"Riku-san?" he frowned in concern, "Is something the matter?"
"Well, you see..." she started, somewhat reluctantly, "um... this morning, I got a letter..."
"Huh?"
"It was directed to me, from... my uncle overseas," she swallowed, "and, well... they just... I mean..."
She's taking her time, ain't she? grumbled Dark, the suspense is really starting to kill me.
We can't rush her, Daisuke said, because, this doesn't sound right. What's going on...?
"... they... my uncle and his family, want me... to, well..." Riku shook her head a bit, "they want me, and Risa to..."
"..."
"... they want us to come over, the whole family, to their place," she remained in her seat, "for a year."
"!!" Daisuke was speechless, and his mind was so quiet that it was almost like Dark had just disappeared off the face of the earth without another trace.
"You see," there a small sob in Riku's voice, "they... lost a son recently, and they're awfully upset. We're going over for the funeral, but then... they really want us there for company, and my parents agreed, so..."
Daisuke had a hard time swallowing; it was like his throat had closed up on him. Recovering his voice, he spoke, but he still seemed to be croaking in disbelief, and Dark was still keeping silent, too shocked by the sudden turn of events to tell the other off for sounding like a complete moron.
"You're... going for a year?" he repeated weakly, "but..."
"I know..." whispered Riku, "I mean, I don't mind a short trip, but for a whole year... not to be able to see you..."
"Riku-san..." Daisuke bent down and brushed her hair out of the way for a better look at her face. Obviously, there were tears in her eyes and he tried to be a bit more encouraging, "I know a year sounds long, but... it'll be over sooner than you think."
She sniffed and sat up, "I... I guess you're right," she forced a small laugh, "and then I can tell you everything that happened there, okay?"
"Okay," he gave her a warm smile, "So... when are you leaving?"
"... we haven't decided yet," she sighed a bit, getting up, "but I promise I'll tell you as soon as we know."
"Okay," he stood up with her, "take care."
"I will!" she waved as she ran off, "Thanks for talking to me, Niwa-kun!"
He stood there in silence as soon as she was out of sight. His heart felt heavy, or maybe it exploded, like Dark had suggested, but it wasn't a good feeling and he slumped on the bench in dejection.
Dark? he asked.
Major bummer, huh? for the first time in a while, Dark actually sounded sympathetic, Wonder why it decided to happen now?
I wonder how Harada-san took it...
When I see her, we'll know. Let's not stay here, Daisuke, I think someone's watching us.
Okay... standing up again and stuffing his hands into his pockets, Daisuke walked off aimlessly.
---
If someone had taken a glance at Daisuke as he walked down the street, then their first impression was that he had just had all his hopes crushed in one blow, which was true to a certain extent.
Daisuke shook his head, trying hard to remind himself that a year wasn't that bad, and he could probably contact her one way or another, but it help with his mood too much and he slipped back into the depths of depression.
A voice in front of him made him stop and look up.
"Niwa-kun, is something the matter?"
"Takada-san..." jerking out of his reverie, Daisuke managed a smile, which almost looked real, "I didn't think I'd see you here. And no, nothing's wrong, really."
Akane raised an eyebrow. Turning away from the building she had been staring up at, and gave Daisuke a long look, making him slightly nervous, "Niwa-kun, you shouldn't lie to yourself like that. Something is troubling you, so if you're too scared to tell me..."
"Um, no..." he managed to spit out, "it's just that a friend of mine is going overseas for a while. She just told me..."
Wait, who's this? asked Dark, as he hadn't been given a proper introduction to her, and Daisuke mentally kicked himself for forgetting. She was a new student, and most of the time he wouldn't bother woo much about them, but Akane had talked to him a bit and there was something about her; something... mysterious, like there was a purpose to her being there.
Takada Akane-san, he said quickly, new student.
Does this mean--
No, what I mean is there's something strange about her... I can't put my finger on it, you see...
I see well enough, grumbled Dark, not in the mood to tease Daisuke, but there's nothing to confirm yet.
I know.
"Harada Riku, correct?" asked Akane, and Daisuke gave her a puzzled look.
"Um..."
"I've talked to them," she smiled slightly, "Riku-chan's the older twin and Risa-chan's the younger one."
"Yeah, but..." he stuttered, "how'd you know I was..."
"Saehara-kun told me," her smile widened, "and Riku-chan isn't denying it, but then," she became thoughtful, oblivious to the now red Daisuke, "when you mean that she's going overseas for a while, how long do you mean?"
Daisuke was surprised how her speech patterns to change in the same conversation; it was like she was talking to a really old friend. True, she was still quite formal, but her stiff tone of voice had vanished. Recovering slightly, he answered in a slight mumble.
"She said a year."
"... I see," Akane's gaze returned to the building she'd been staring at; how long, he didn't know, "this museum... it was recently robbed, wasn't it?"
"Yeah," slightly glad of the changed topic, Daisuke went over to join her.
"By the Phantom Thief Dark, huh?"
Her speaking had definitely changed, and Daisuke became slightly wary, wondering what he should do if she tried to... to... he really had to wrench his mind out of that zone.
"No, don't worry about it," Akane turned away, as if she could read his mind, "I'm really not into guys that much, you know."
"Um..." he was definitely tottering over the edge now, "really?"
"No offense or anything," she said coolly, "but I knew this particular guy who was... a jerk, really. I don't hold anything against other guys, but I don't think I'm ready for it. It's okay if we become friends though, right?"
"Sure," blinked Daisuke, "so then... what's your opinion on Dark?"
"Him?" Akane fell silent, thinking, "well... most of the girls seem really love-struck for him, but still... he's a thief, right? Stealing isn't a good way to get a reputation, but since he's been around for decades," she gave a half-shrug, "I don't know too much about him, really, except what I'm told. A cool one in any situation, and fast, but other than that..."
"So... you don't really have a comment," Daisuke was surprised slightly that she didn't seem effected by the thoughts of the other girls in his class.
"Yeah, well," she began to walk off, "I should be going."
"Bye."
"Take care, Niwa-kun," she called back, "oh, and..."
What she said before disappearing in the weekend crowd left Daisuke (and Dark) baffled and lost for words.
"Scarlet gives her regards."
###
"Come on, work dammit!" Celes growled, trying to get her magic to work properly, "No, no, NO!"
She hit the floor angrily, as the wisps of her magic faded away without another trace. Pushing sweat out of the way, she fiddled with a broach attached to the shirt she was wearing.
"Scarlet, can you hear me?" she called into it. There was silence, until something replied.
'What's up?'
"Bad news," she whispered, "twice the trouble. TWICE."
'Well, then, tell me, I'm all ears.'
"First, Chester is honing in on us, and secondly," she whispered, "and secondly..."
'...'
"The Flames' magic is already weakening," she managed to rasp out, "we've got to hurry..."
'Do your best to keep the Flame alight,' ordered Scarlet, although her voice was shaking, 'I'm not ready to send them there! We need more time!'
"But... we're already losing it..."
'I know, I know, but...' her voice tinged with hopelessness, 'it's our only chance. We can't rush it.'
"Okay, Scarlet..." Celes choked out.
'Thanks. I'll... do my best on this side as well.'
As the connection faded, Celes knew, somehow, chaos was soon to strike, and she sighed, "Please... please take care..."
------------------
Yeah! Sweet liddle Riku-Daisuke conversation! They're so sweet, though. And her leaving... pity him. No real reason behind it, but it'll be clearer later, as always.
What's with the 'Flame'? Will they ever find out what happening?
Akane knows Scarlet? The mystery continues...
Please wait for chapter 9. Keep those review coming, I appreciate it!
Now, about Akane. She's a new student and a new character, so I'm doing my best so she doesn't turn into a Mary Sue (don't make me start. I haven't read many to THOSE types, but that ain't happening.) and, well, I intentionally leave out description on her. It'll be shown later, 'kay?
-------------------
Riku: Do I really have to do this?
Daisuke: Does she?
Seena58: YES.
Daisuke/Riku: ...
-------------------
Chapter 8: If it Wasn't Bad Already...
-------------------
"This looks like a nice place," relieved, Daisuke sat down on the park bench and Riku sat next to him, fiddling with her hands in an obvious nervous manner. Another awkward silence followed after them, and Daisuke took a look at the sky, trying to get his mouth to speak, but when he did open his mouth, no words came.
COME ON! bellowed Dark to the flustered boy, SAY SOMETHING! THIS IS A GREAT CHANCE FOR US TO DO IT!!
'Do'... Daisuke felt his face burn, I'M NOT GOING TO 'DO' ANYTHING TO RIKU-SAN! DARK, DON'T SAY THAT!!!!!
And why not? asked Dark, suspicion in his voice, you know you wanna, so why not now?
Because, because... stammered Daisuke, trying to find a good reason, it wouldn't be right! Besides, we're supposed to be talking! That's all!
So you say, chuckled his other half, if you took Risa's words literally, than maybe that's all you should be doing, huh, Dai-chan? I don't think your mother would be too happy if you pass this one chance, you know.
Mum doesn't HAVE to know that we're here! retorted the red-head, And what did you mean about Harada-san's words?
You are thick, aren't you? Dark was getting impatient, She wants you and Riku to go on A DATE. Must I put that in words for you, Daisuke?
A... A WHAT?! Daisuke fell off the bench, YOU'VE GOTTA BE KIDDING! THERE IS NO WAY SHE COULD HAVE, I MEAN--
"Niwa-kun!" Riku called, "Why did you... are you okay, Niwa-kun!?"
Heaving himself back up on the couch, Daisuke managed a weak laugh and smile at her, "I... I'm just fine, Riku-san. I mean, um... I didn't mean to, uh..."
"..." Riku, noticing that she had been staring at Daisuke, turned away quickly, "I'm... it's okay. As long as you're okay now, Niwa-kun. I mean..."
You guys are really clueless, you know, muttered Dark, ;maybe I could just take over and clear it up a bit. What do you say, Daisuke? Do you mind?
He flinched slightly at Daisuke's reply, DON'T YOU EVEN THINK ABOUT DOING THAT, DARK! IF YOU DO, THEN I'LL NEVER FORGIVE YOU!
... touchy today, are we? he muttered, times like these, I wish I'd left you in the Second Hand of Time. Then again... ah, never mind me. Do what you want, Daisuke, I won't get in your way this one time, so just go for it.
Stop saying that! Daisuke felt his face grow hotter, if it were possible, as it was already quite hot.
"Niwa-kun..."
"R-Riku-san?" he turned to her, "Is something the matter?"
She was staring at the ground below her, voice even, "Niwa-kun... I... need to tell you something..."
...
...
---
If there was one thing Satoshi was good at, it was stalking people, since he did it all the time with Daisuke, and freaked out the smaller boy more than once. Keeping a good distance from the two on the bench, the blue- haired boy leaned against the trunk of a tree, not really paying too much attention to the conversation the two were actually having. His mind was more focused on last night's conversation that he had with Krad.
:Magic of Time?: he had asked, frowning. Krad nodded slightly, face unreadable as he stood there.
::Yes... a magic so powerful, so dangerous, that it was natural that it would be sealed away. Not much is really known on the effects of the magic the people are given, but it doesn't look like anyone has actually used the magic for a long time...::
:Saying that,: Satoshi turned his attention to the sky, :before the whole fight between the two of you. Did you have any connection with the family that knew this?:
::Of course, I got all the inside information,:: his other side just stared out blankly, ::but none of it made any sense, no matter how many times I went over them. They seemed to talk in riddles all the time, whenever I saw them. A good friend to the two families as well, as I recall.::
:... and you know anything about the magic? Anything certain?:
::Only that; it controlled the very core of time, in this world, and every other world. If the flame was to fade, then all time would stop and the worlds would be plunged in darkness forever.::
:'Flame'? What's this 'flame'?:
::I asked them once,:: Krad shook his head slightly, ::but she wouldn't say anymore than that.::
:Oh? Who is 'she'?:
::A young girl, training priestess, if I remember correctly, named Celes.::
At that point, Krad dragged off and returned to his normal self, which Satoshi hated, and he had been pushed away into the darkest corner of his mind until Satoshi did otherwise. Leaning, eyes closed, he listened to the shrieks of small children playing, and the odd stammer Daisuke made once in a while. It wasn't the best form of entertainment, but Satoshi couldn't really care less. Just being outside, away from the dreariness of the apartment was enough for him at this point.
Unknowingly behind him, a small red wisp appeared, and faded in an instant.
---
"Niwa-kun... you see..." Riku started, head bent low so Daisuke could only see the mass of short, light brown hair, which now covered her face.
"Riku-san?" he frowned in concern, "Is something the matter?"
"Well, you see..." she started, somewhat reluctantly, "um... this morning, I got a letter..."
"Huh?"
"It was directed to me, from... my uncle overseas," she swallowed, "and, well... they just... I mean..."
She's taking her time, ain't she? grumbled Dark, the suspense is really starting to kill me.
We can't rush her, Daisuke said, because, this doesn't sound right. What's going on...?
"... they... my uncle and his family, want me... to, well..." Riku shook her head a bit, "they want me, and Risa to..."
"..."
"... they want us to come over, the whole family, to their place," she remained in her seat, "for a year."
"!!" Daisuke was speechless, and his mind was so quiet that it was almost like Dark had just disappeared off the face of the earth without another trace.
"You see," there a small sob in Riku's voice, "they... lost a son recently, and they're awfully upset. We're going over for the funeral, but then... they really want us there for company, and my parents agreed, so..."
Daisuke had a hard time swallowing; it was like his throat had closed up on him. Recovering his voice, he spoke, but he still seemed to be croaking in disbelief, and Dark was still keeping silent, too shocked by the sudden turn of events to tell the other off for sounding like a complete moron.
"You're... going for a year?" he repeated weakly, "but..."
"I know..." whispered Riku, "I mean, I don't mind a short trip, but for a whole year... not to be able to see you..."
"Riku-san..." Daisuke bent down and brushed her hair out of the way for a better look at her face. Obviously, there were tears in her eyes and he tried to be a bit more encouraging, "I know a year sounds long, but... it'll be over sooner than you think."
She sniffed and sat up, "I... I guess you're right," she forced a small laugh, "and then I can tell you everything that happened there, okay?"
"Okay," he gave her a warm smile, "So... when are you leaving?"
"... we haven't decided yet," she sighed a bit, getting up, "but I promise I'll tell you as soon as we know."
"Okay," he stood up with her, "take care."
"I will!" she waved as she ran off, "Thanks for talking to me, Niwa-kun!"
He stood there in silence as soon as she was out of sight. His heart felt heavy, or maybe it exploded, like Dark had suggested, but it wasn't a good feeling and he slumped on the bench in dejection.
Dark? he asked.
Major bummer, huh? for the first time in a while, Dark actually sounded sympathetic, Wonder why it decided to happen now?
I wonder how Harada-san took it...
When I see her, we'll know. Let's not stay here, Daisuke, I think someone's watching us.
Okay... standing up again and stuffing his hands into his pockets, Daisuke walked off aimlessly.
---
If someone had taken a glance at Daisuke as he walked down the street, then their first impression was that he had just had all his hopes crushed in one blow, which was true to a certain extent.
Daisuke shook his head, trying hard to remind himself that a year wasn't that bad, and he could probably contact her one way or another, but it help with his mood too much and he slipped back into the depths of depression.
A voice in front of him made him stop and look up.
"Niwa-kun, is something the matter?"
"Takada-san..." jerking out of his reverie, Daisuke managed a smile, which almost looked real, "I didn't think I'd see you here. And no, nothing's wrong, really."
Akane raised an eyebrow. Turning away from the building she had been staring up at, and gave Daisuke a long look, making him slightly nervous, "Niwa-kun, you shouldn't lie to yourself like that. Something is troubling you, so if you're too scared to tell me..."
"Um, no..." he managed to spit out, "it's just that a friend of mine is going overseas for a while. She just told me..."
Wait, who's this? asked Dark, as he hadn't been given a proper introduction to her, and Daisuke mentally kicked himself for forgetting. She was a new student, and most of the time he wouldn't bother woo much about them, but Akane had talked to him a bit and there was something about her; something... mysterious, like there was a purpose to her being there.
Takada Akane-san, he said quickly, new student.
Does this mean--
No, what I mean is there's something strange about her... I can't put my finger on it, you see...
I see well enough, grumbled Dark, not in the mood to tease Daisuke, but there's nothing to confirm yet.
I know.
"Harada Riku, correct?" asked Akane, and Daisuke gave her a puzzled look.
"Um..."
"I've talked to them," she smiled slightly, "Riku-chan's the older twin and Risa-chan's the younger one."
"Yeah, but..." he stuttered, "how'd you know I was..."
"Saehara-kun told me," her smile widened, "and Riku-chan isn't denying it, but then," she became thoughtful, oblivious to the now red Daisuke, "when you mean that she's going overseas for a while, how long do you mean?"
Daisuke was surprised how her speech patterns to change in the same conversation; it was like she was talking to a really old friend. True, she was still quite formal, but her stiff tone of voice had vanished. Recovering slightly, he answered in a slight mumble.
"She said a year."
"... I see," Akane's gaze returned to the building she'd been staring at; how long, he didn't know, "this museum... it was recently robbed, wasn't it?"
"Yeah," slightly glad of the changed topic, Daisuke went over to join her.
"By the Phantom Thief Dark, huh?"
Her speaking had definitely changed, and Daisuke became slightly wary, wondering what he should do if she tried to... to... he really had to wrench his mind out of that zone.
"No, don't worry about it," Akane turned away, as if she could read his mind, "I'm really not into guys that much, you know."
"Um..." he was definitely tottering over the edge now, "really?"
"No offense or anything," she said coolly, "but I knew this particular guy who was... a jerk, really. I don't hold anything against other guys, but I don't think I'm ready for it. It's okay if we become friends though, right?"
"Sure," blinked Daisuke, "so then... what's your opinion on Dark?"
"Him?" Akane fell silent, thinking, "well... most of the girls seem really love-struck for him, but still... he's a thief, right? Stealing isn't a good way to get a reputation, but since he's been around for decades," she gave a half-shrug, "I don't know too much about him, really, except what I'm told. A cool one in any situation, and fast, but other than that..."
"So... you don't really have a comment," Daisuke was surprised slightly that she didn't seem effected by the thoughts of the other girls in his class.
"Yeah, well," she began to walk off, "I should be going."
"Bye."
"Take care, Niwa-kun," she called back, "oh, and..."
What she said before disappearing in the weekend crowd left Daisuke (and Dark) baffled and lost for words.
"Scarlet gives her regards."
###
"Come on, work dammit!" Celes growled, trying to get her magic to work properly, "No, no, NO!"
She hit the floor angrily, as the wisps of her magic faded away without another trace. Pushing sweat out of the way, she fiddled with a broach attached to the shirt she was wearing.
"Scarlet, can you hear me?" she called into it. There was silence, until something replied.
'What's up?'
"Bad news," she whispered, "twice the trouble. TWICE."
'Well, then, tell me, I'm all ears.'
"First, Chester is honing in on us, and secondly," she whispered, "and secondly..."
'...'
"The Flames' magic is already weakening," she managed to rasp out, "we've got to hurry..."
'Do your best to keep the Flame alight,' ordered Scarlet, although her voice was shaking, 'I'm not ready to send them there! We need more time!'
"But... we're already losing it..."
'I know, I know, but...' her voice tinged with hopelessness, 'it's our only chance. We can't rush it.'
"Okay, Scarlet..." Celes choked out.
'Thanks. I'll... do my best on this side as well.'
As the connection faded, Celes knew, somehow, chaos was soon to strike, and she sighed, "Please... please take care..."
------------------
Yeah! Sweet liddle Riku-Daisuke conversation! They're so sweet, though. And her leaving... pity him. No real reason behind it, but it'll be clearer later, as always.
What's with the 'Flame'? Will they ever find out what happening?
Akane knows Scarlet? The mystery continues...
Please wait for chapter 9. Keep those review coming, I appreciate it!