Chapter 3!

Back at the Niwa house, the family was gathered in Dai's room. Daisuke was sitting on his bed with a worried expression.

"Something's wrong with dark, Dai? When did this happen?"

"I don't know. It was really sudden."

"Daisuke, change into Dark for us. We'll let him explain this."

Daisuke nodded, and taking out his picture of Risa, he changed into Dark. He seemed fine at first, but then he laid back on the bed and shuddered, hugging his shoulders.

"Dark, dear? What is happening to you?"

"I-I have no idea! All of a sudden, I feel sick, and before…"

"Before?"

"While we were at the school. I felt as though someone was pulling my spirit right out of Daisuke!"

"Pulling your spirit out?"

Emiko and her dad exchanged looks.

"That sounds like a medium."

"It does."

/What? What's that/

\Good question. \

"Mind explaining what a medium is?"

"A medium is a gifted person who can summon spirits and they sort of use their bodies, sometimes."

"But, where did I come in contact with a medium?"

"You said this happened at school, right? Did you come in contact with anyone?"

"Skin contact? … Ah! We almost did! It was that new girl! She was going to shake Daisuke's hand, until-"

/Hiwatari/

"Hiwatari stopped her from shaking Daisuke's hand, and so he must have known that she was a medium! Ha! I didn't know someone that young had such a talent!"

"Of course. Mediums are always young."

"Huh?"

"Most mediums don't live very long, Dark."

/What? Why not/

"Allowing so many outside spirits enter her body, her own spirit loses the struggle for control and eventually breaks."

"No…"

/Hey wait. If she's a medium and can't touch people with extra spirits in them, how come she was so cuddly with Hiwatari/

"Daisuke is right. Krad would have been affected like I was. Is there any other thing a medium can do."

"Hm…"

"Think of Krad's situation. He has to fight with Hiwatari to come out."

"Well, there is a possibility that her ability could be used to contain Krad."

There was silence for a while, then Emiko smiled.

"Well, I'm glad you're both safe! I should get started on dinner! If that's all…"

"Actually, there is one more thing. Right before she left with Hiwatari… she called Daisuke… Darksuke."

"Darksuke… Dark, Daisuke…"

"I think she already knows about Dai and me. That's the only explanation."

At Hiwatari's house:

Hiwatari was sitting in a corner on the floor of his room, grasping his chest in pain. He was covered in a cold sweat and his breath came in short gasps.

/No… no, Krad! Don't come out here/

\Master Satoshi, you really shouldn't be afraid of me. I'm a part of you, and it's not wise to fear yourself. \

/You… you are NOT a part of me! Leave me alone/

\I don't think so. \

Suddenly, the door slammed open and a faint light broke through the darkness.

"Satoshi!"

She ran over to him, but he pushed her away at first.

"No! You can't! He's too strong for you to handle now!"

"But I've contained him before!"

"NO! You can't do- ugh!"

Hiwatari nearly doubled over in himself, but Aya steadied him. He went limp in her grasp. She sat him back against the wall and placed one hand over his eyes, another over his heart.

"Be at peace, be still, Krad. Sleep… be at peace."

A bright light shone around them and Krad exclaimed.

\M-master Satoshi! What's happening! Master Satosh- \

The light faded and after a moment, Hiwatari opened his eyes. Aya was in front of him. And for the first in several years, he felt at ease. He was about to say something, until a number of men rushed in.

"Master Hiwatari! Are you hurt? We will remove this intruder immediately!"

"Hey! Let me go!"

"We must protect the young master!"

"-Stop it!"

"Sir?"

"Leave us alone, now!"

After a moment, the men left and Hiwatari looked up to Aya. He tried to smile and held out her hand. She took it and hugged him tightly.