Part 4:

The next day, Daisuke woke up for school and ran all the way. When they were nearly there, Dark gave Dai a warning.

\Daisuke. Remember what Emiko said, we can't touch that girl.\

/Yeah… I know…/

\Hm? What's with the gloomy face?\

/It just seems sad, is all. Nevermind. Lets get to class./

When Daisuke first entered the classroom, he was surprised to see that everyone was gathered around Hiwatari's desk, and most of the boys had flowers. On his way over there, he glanced at Aya's desk, but it was empty. He stood next to Hiwatari.

"Morning. What's the commotion about?"

"It's a tragedy, Daisuke!" Saehara yelled.

"It is? Oh. What kind?"

"The new girl isn't here!"

"Eh?"

\THAT'S a tragedy?\

"Well, why isn't she here?"

Daisuke looked at Hiwatari, who was looking down blankly onto his desk.

"She wasn't feeling well this morning, so she stayed at home."

The explanation was simple, but the look on Hiwatari's face implied that there was more to it than that. Saehara stepped up and held out the bouquet of flowers he was holding.

"As soon as our class learned she had fallen ill, we brought flowers for her!"

"Oh, I see. You even have some, miss Harada?"

"Yes. It's sad that she will only be here for a week, and she can't be here through it all."

"Hiwatari, I want you to bring the lovely lady these flowers which I bought her!"

"Yea, sure."

"Oh, yeah. Um, where is she staying, Hiwatari? I could bring some flowers to her after school."

"She's home."

"HUH!"

All the boys looked wide-eyed at him, but Daisuke was not phased.

"She's living with YOU!"

"Man, you're lucky!"

"She's only an old acquaintance of mine, and I offered to let her stay."

Then, Hiwatari gave Daisuke an odd glance, and Dark was contacted by someone.

-\Hello, Dark Mousy\-

\Krad? What do you want?\

-\It's not what I want, I'm afraid. I have a message for you from Master Satoshi. It's for you and your other half there.\-

\Why doesn't he just say it, himself, then?\

-\It is simply because it is something that does not involve the rest of these nosy brats.\-

\Heh. You must be rather upset, being used as a measly messanger!\

-\Shut up. I am only doing this so maybe you could take this stupid girl off my hands!\-

\Huh?\

Class started, and all the Niwa boys could think about was what Hiwatari wanted to talk to him about, but, the moment the school bell rang, Daisuke rose from his seat. His eyes followed Hiwatari to the door and as soon as he left, Daisuke followed him. There was silence and at least ten feet between the boys as they walked into town. They made a few stops, including a jewelry booth, and then they left there. Hiwatari had his hands full with the bouquets he was given to give to his dear friend, and that's what made Daisuke run up to finally walk by his side.

"Hiwatari, those look kind of heavy, do you want some help?"

"No."

Hiwatari stopped and then spotted a trash can. Before Daisuke knew, Hiwatari dumped all of the flowers in and put the lid back on the can.

"Ah! What are you doing? Those were for-"

"She doesn't need these."

"Huh?"
"Flowers are beautiful, but eventually, they fade away. They can only handle so much; I don't want to remember her that way."

"Oh, I see. Um, Hiwatari? You said you wanted to talk to us, right?"

"Yes. I assume you already know about her abilities."

"Yes, we do. And thanks- for yesterday."
"Sure. I just couldn't let her do it."

"Because, why?"

"I don't want Dark to have that on his conscience."

"Huh?"

"He wouldn't want to be the one who kills her. As a child, my… father figure found her living on the street and took her in. Her power was very useful in keeping Krad in check, until now. She can't handle either of our other halves for over fifteen minutes."

"That's awful!"

\And… are we right to assume that her illness is not anything normal?\

"I'm not at liberty to say."

Hiwatari turned around and began walking away, then. Daisuke ran after him and then handed him a box.

"Give this to her, okay? We've got to go; bye."

Hiwatari watched as Daisuke ran off, and looked down to the necklace in his hand. The walk home was long and quiet. As soon as he entered his home, one of his "servants" came up to him.

"Sir, would you like a cup of tea."

"Yes, two please."

"Sir?"

"…How is she? Has she been around the house any?"
"No, sir. She hasn't moved and inch."

Hiwatari set his school supplies away and made his way up the stairs. He knocked, and upon receiving no reply, he entered. It was true. Aya was still asleep on the bed where he had seen her the night before. He sat on the edge and leaned over her. He moved her hair out of her eyes and she stirred. Slowly, her eyes opened and she looked up at him and smiled.

"Hi. Did I sleep in?"

"Just a little. I have a question for you."

"Yes?"

"How would you like to come to work with me today?"

"Hm? Okay, sure. I'd like that!"