DISCLAIMERS: I don't own DNAngel, or anything else. Understood? I'm sure you do... and, no, I don't own my brain either. It owns me.
WARNINGS: Uh... evil to such well-loved characters.
--- Darkened Heart ---
--- 5 ---
"Put this on," Satoshi threw some articles of clothing unceremoniously towards Daisuke before digging through the wardrobe for more clothes. The redhead caught them while he continued to scan the room he was in; it seemed to be more of a warehouse of sorts and was about as interesting as his own room, with a few additional lights.
"I'll be changing in that room," at the sound of the blue-haired boy's voice, Daisuke jerked out of his thoughts. "Don't take too long, though."
"Okay..."
Once Satoshi had closed the door to another room that was close by, the redhead took a look at the clothes that had been given to him: Shirt and pants, both a pitch-black colour. Knowing that camouflage and secrecy was an important part of survival to those who lived under the shade of death, he pulled them on without complaint, all the while questioning what was going on.
(Someone is being hurt?) he thought. (Why does this nag me more than it should? It's like someone that I know is being attacked or something...)
(You're probably right about that,) the voice inside his head agreed. (There are still people you care out there, and monsters are very unpredictable beings...)
(Do you know something about them?!) Daisuke demanded.
(Only as much as you do.)
The redhead was about to continue the conversation, but was cut short when Kain entered looking rather annoyed, if not angry.
"—never listens to what I say... always making me do all the stupid stuff..." he muttered under his breath, "why can't you do it yourself for once, damnit..."
"Ah... is something wrong?"
The boy jumped in surprise, giving Daisuke a glare before turning back to a calmer state of nerves, "I didn't know you were here."
"Sorry..."
"Nah, you don't have to be sorry," Kain sighed and flopped back into a large pile of unused clothes, "Who took you to this room, anyway? I thought you were supposed to be in your own room... back there... oh, wait." He frowned, recognition floating into his eyes, "Are you helping Hiwatari and Akane with that monster attack then?"
"Yeah," Daisuke nodded, "Aren't you coming then?" Kain shook his head and lay back as he gave the ceiling above him a long stare.
"I have stay here for the whole 'preparation' deal," he said in frustration, "I usually don't get this job, but clearly they think that they can handle it without any of my assistance. Maybe if they get beaten up badly they won't think like that again--"
"And you really think that we're going to respect you more just because of that?" Satoshi smirked as he opened the door, fully clothed in black and the light reflected off his glasses. "You have to remember who holds the strongest bonds in this little area."
"..."
"Or would you like Takada to know what you think?"
Kain suddenly looked flustered and worried, "Ah, no, that's okay. ... you mean Akane's going out this time?"
"Yes," the blue-haired boy seemed fairly amused with the other's reaction – while Daisuke stood on the sidelines, perplexed; "So if you want to see what's 'best for her', then keep to your own task and make sure that no one passes that barrier unless it's absolutely necessary."
The shorter boy gave a shaky nod, "Understood." He left hurriedly without a backwards glance, Satoshi watching after him with a neutral expression.
"Hiwatari-kun..." Daisuke started hesitantly, and withered slightly at the sharp glance he received, "Shouldn't we be going to meet Akane-san by now...?"
"Of course."
Leading the way, the two swerved through the winding tunnels until Daisuke found himself completely lost and only had Satoshi to rely on. All the while, though, to lighten the mood, the redhead found himself asking more questions than he intended.
"Hiwatari-kun, how long have you been going here and helping everyone?"
"About a year. When we started the entire organisation, as you may call it."
"'We'?" he blinked.
"Takada, Kain and myself. Pure coincidence that we met, anyway."
"You knew them for that long?"
"I knew Takada for about a year before that, and Kain by Takada. Those two seemed to know each other fairly well before that."
"Oh... does he like Akane-san, then?"
"If he does, then he hasn't told her yet," Satoshi smirked at this, clearly finding the situation fairly amusing and Daisuke fell into contemplation, which was short-lived.
"Ah, you guys took your time!"
A trapdoor was open as the blue-haired boy led the redhead out and a cold breeze greeted them almost instantly. After days of confinement inside a rather airless area, Daisuke couldn't help but gaze out at the sky, which was pitch black with a small number of stars scattering across it. After his escape, the scene seemed almost serene and he sighed.
"Did we take too long?" asked Satoshi.
"No, of course not," replied Akane's voice. "And it looks like you found Niwa-kun some clothes that actually fit him. I'm impressed."
"So you say."
Daisuke turned around to face the girl, and noticed that she was also wearing black pants, long gloves and a short-sleeved shirt, the buttons giving a dull gleam in the little light that was presented. Her hair had been pulled back into the usual plait and she flicked some stray bangs out of the way as she smiled at him calmly.
"Are you ready for this, Niwa-kun?" she asked calmly. She tugged at her glove for a moment and touched something strapped to her back.
"I... I guess..." he mumbled, noting the long belt that was slung across her shoulder and apparently held a thick sheath-like bulk. She nodded at him and then faced Satoshi for a moment as they conversed in low tones. While this was happening, Daisuke returned his attention back to the sky and calculated by the lack of moon showing in the sky that he had been in the base for most likely over a week.
(It felt like forever... since I was last out here,) he thought, almost wistfully. (I just can't get this feeling to leave me alone...)
Although he looked fine from the outside, inside his stomach was writhing uncomfortably and the back of his mind was screaming for him to hurry. The foreboding was unbearable for the redhead and he almost felt like yelling, but was cut short when he felt someone tug his sleeve. Returning to reality, he noticed that both Akane and Satoshi seemed fairly grim.
"Just then," started the blue-haired boy in an almost hostile voice, "did you just have a reaction?"
"Huh?"
"Not now," Akane said softly, and Satoshi let go of the smaller boy's sleeve. She turned to face Daisuke – who had no idea what had just happened – and gave him a brief explanation of what was about to happen: "We're splitting up to reach section T12, so you're with Hiwatari-kun. I have to go another way, just in case someone stumbled into the area, and I'll be with the hit squad, so you just keep with Hiwatari-kun all the time and try not to do anything too rash, okay Niwa-kun?"
"Uh... sure..." he frowned slightly.
"It'll be okay, I think," she frowned, once again tapping the bulky item on her back for reassurance, "But if this is what I think it is, I want you to make sure to keep control over yourself and what's inside you, okay?"
"Akane-san?"
"See you there!" avoiding making any eye contact with the concerned redhead, Akane ran off, instantly swallowed by the cover of darkness. Daisuke frowned at her tone of voice and wanted to call out to her – to stop her so that he could question her – but Satoshi shook his head firmly before leading the way across the darkened street.
"Don't mind her," he explained briefly, "Takada has a strange way with dealing with situations that aren't going in the right direction."
"But... she was really scared..." Daisuke said softly, jogging to keep up with the taller boy's stride in the process, "Whatever this is, it's scaring her... like she doesn't want anyone to know what... what this thing she's going to fight is."
"You felt that?" the blue-haired boy spun around to face him and nearly had the smaller boy run into him in the process. The redhead nodded.
"It's not like I'm telepathic or anything," he added hurriedly, "I could just... feel her emotions."
"And I thought I was the one cracking up," muttered Satoshi in slight amusement, if not slight concern. Daisuke blinked and gave him a queer look.
"Did you say something?" he asked curiously.
"No." the taller boy took a quick glance around him, scanning the entire area they were in, before dragging the redhead off. "We have to go this way. Shortest way around."
Daisuke nodded and followed – using the training he had received at an advantage as such.
---
"Keep your eye on the target..." hissed Zeike, "And don't waver too much otherwise you'll hit the wrong target..."
"I know that already," snapped a boy in a peevish manner as he held his hand out straight and aimed it at the large bulk, "I'm the one actually doing this, so stop annoying me already or I'll shoot something at you instead!"
"Ah... if little Clef getting excited, then?" asked Farea innocently, as he aimed his own power at the bulk as well, "Don't get your hopes up too high; I'll be the one to take this out for sure."
"Would you just shut up already?!"
"Well, you know--"
"Teammates fighting among themselves now, hm?" asked Akane as she jumped down onto the flat roof they were on and joined them calmly. "You know that we really can't be wasting time doing that. Oh, and Clef," she pointed at the bright spark of energy that was floating in front of him, "I think you can let that go now before it blows up on you."
"Oh! Ah..." the boy grinned sheepishly at the appearance of Akane and nodded, "Right..."
He let the stream of energy go - followed by a large beam of dark purple that was released by Farea – and both spells hit the bulk with a small explosion which followed after it. Zeike hit both boys at the same time before telling them off.
"Are you guys that stupid to build that much energy when someone's attack?!" he hissed, "The next time you do that I'll take care of you personally..."
"That's enough, Zeike," cut in Akane, as she judged the distance between themselves and the monster. All four were sitting at the top of an apartment building – which was seemingly deserted – and were peering over the edge, each getting ready for their own chance of attack. "But have you contacted Elena yet? Is the barrier up?"
"All clear," was the reply, "We dealt with that first, and she promised that everything is set up and completed. We're still waiting for word from base, though, but it looks like the only other life-form besides us is that one attacked."
"Well, they should be there soon," muttered Akane distractedly. She then turned to the other three of the 'hit squad' and sent out orders; "I want you to keep moving from building to building, keep out of sight and make sure that you don't send too much energy at the same time. I'm going off for a lone attack, but as soon as you see Hiwatari-kun, stop, okay? Keep an eye out for any broken lines as such and take care."
"Leave it to us!" replied Farea cheerfully, winking cheerfully through his mop of hair; "We haven't let you down yet, and we don't plan to now."
"Then get moving," snapped Zeike as he pushed the other boy. Akane grinned slightly as the three started to argue in low voices before moving off as quietly as possible – if it was – and then turned back to the bulk, which was looking right up at her.
"So," she whispered, "you think that this will stop us?"
Knowing that she would never get a reply to such a question – especially from a monster – Akane moved out of sight and did her best to keep her mind on what had to be done.
(Have to get close enough,) she told herself, (I have to make sure that they still have time... I have to stall it...)
Landing neatly onto a lower roof close by, she watched with faint amusement as the monster was his with another two small beams and roared in pain. Holding up one hand, she called up some energy and hit the beast from behind and then pulled back into the shadows, which blanketed over her.
"Gone...?" she whispered, as she felt something inside her tug at the back of her mind persistently, "No... not just yet, but..." she half closed her eyes for a moment before shaking her head. "They'll have to hurry or it might be too late... but I doubt it."
---
"Keep low," hissed Satoshi in front of Daisuke as they ran across the empty and deserted streets, making their way to the area indicated. The redhead nodded in acknowledgement – although he knew the other boy wouldn't be able to see him anyway – and tried to keep his mind in check: clearly the closer they got to the set area, the more agitated the power in Daisuke was.
"Um... what are these monsters like?" he asked in a low voice as he did his best to keep up with Satoshi at the same time. "I mean... what do they look like and what are their attack patterns as such?"
"Do you really want to know what their attack patterns are like?" the blue-haired boy gave a lifeless chuckle that was void of any sort of clear emotion. "These creatures have no heart or soul, are devoid of the life around them, and killing is their first nature. Do you know how many people have been hurt because of these things?"
"But... that's why you're trying to stop them..." Daisuke pointed out, "So people can stop being hurt by them. But they come... they come from another place, don't they?"
"Clearly. Another dimension as well."
"..."
"We're here. Keep low, though," Satoshi instantly flattened himself against a wall close by that was blanketed in the shadows and the redhead followed suit. There was a moment's silence while both boys took in the scene that wasn't far from them.
A large, shapeless creature was crouching in the middle of the street, obviously occupied with other plans and was clearly attacking whatever was there. Daisuke could almost see the evil aura that seeped out of it and shuddered uncomfortably, although the night was actually quite warm. Memories on his first encounter with a monster and his mother's concern flooded back to the redhead and he clapped a hand over his mouth, suddenly feeling unwell.
"The power's the same..." he whispered in a husky voice. "Just like the first time I saw one of them... and then my mother, she..."
"Ssh," the blue-haired boy turned his head slightly to face Daisuke and, despite the lack of light, he looked like he was trying to look reassuring. "If everything goes to plan, then it won't be long before this's over--"
He was cut short as a number of beams hit the monster with incredible force and the redhead almost jumped in surprise. Satoshi merely stated slowly; "That would be the hit squad. Come on, we haven't anymore time to dawdle."
Daisuke tried his best to calm his nerves, but was shaking so much that even a nod was unidentifiable. The taller boy – seeing this – shook his head.
"Just stay here and don't do anything too rash without thinking about it first," he commanded, pulling something from under the folds of his clothes, "And don't worry about us: we're professionals at this type of game."
('Game'?) the redhead thought weakly as Satoshi took off without waiting for an answer. (Do they really treat this sort of situation this lightly? But... something in the back of my mind is telling me that this isn't right... someone really needs their help and... the monsters are getting stronger every time they come here...)
He watched as the other boy wove in and out of the dark shadows that filled the entire area, while keeping on the monster's blind side. There was a flash of light that was almost blinding and Daisuke heard an inhuman roar and instantly tried to get his vision back. When he did, he nearly had a heart attack at what he saw:
Both Akane and Satoshi were standing side-by-side; the blue-haired boy holding a knife that glittered with an unknown force of power, while Akane wielded a long blade that reflected the light present like a glacier. But that wasn't what shocked Daisuke the most: he recognised the figure that was lying on the concrete pavement in a limp heap. Who else had such rich violet hair...
(DARK!) he screamed mentally, as he tried to run towards his cousin. But try as he may, his body wouldn't let him move at all, (I have to help him!)
(Don't be so rash!) the flame warned him, (If you get in the way, that creature there will kill all of you, can't you see?!)
(But he's hurt!) retorted the distressed redhead. (I can't leave him there!)
(Watch and wait! He'll be fine, as long as you keep positive!) came the sharp reply, (Now keep still or you won't see what's going to happen next!)
Daisuke struggled with his internal emotions for a moment longer before giving in with a soft sob of grief. He sank down to his knees as he was forced to watch the battle unravel itself before him, all the while worried about his cousin's condition, as he could almost feel the older boy's soul wavering between life and death.
Akane held the sword crossways, treading across the concrete lightly, waving the blade slowly yet deliberately. Satoshi took the other direction, the knife calling upon a gleam of icy blue power, which almost seemed blinding beyond reason.
The two were split up and the monster tried to pounce on the blue-haired boy, oblivious to the sharp flick of Akane's blade behind it. The sharp steel cut the dark flesh and blood gushed out, making the watching redhead quite sick and he turned away, covering his mouth.
(Dark...) he thought.
---
"This monster has no real reflexes whatsoever," muttered Satoshi as he watched the blood spilling onto the pavement, "And has low defense. But it's offence..."
He jumped out of the way just as the creature spun around and hit the area he'd been standing just a moment before and created a small crater of sorts.
"... is beyond normal strength."
"Who doesn't know that?" asked Akane as she took in every word he said while still keeping her defenses up as much as possible. "And we need to get the others to get him out of here!" She didn't need to point at Dark to make her statement clear.
The blue-haired boy didn't answer and had to dodge another attack from the monster, which led to another crater to be formed close by the first one. Knowing that short-ranged weapons didn't work well on such creatures, he summoned energy and shot it at the monster, knocking it off its feet for a moment.
"Hey! Be a bit more careful!" yelped Akane as she was forced to dodge the crashing bulk and slashed downwards at the same time. "What are you trying to do, kill me?!"
Once again Satoshi made no attempt to reply her question and merely snapped; "You know weapons, even these, won't effect it. We have to combine our own strengths together here and now. We haven't any other choice."
"..." the girl looked at the floor, her sword touching the concrete lightly.
"It's the only way," he repeated, showing a large wound that neither one had noticed until then, "It might be slow and clumsy-looking, but if I hadn't moved out of the way in time..."
"... Zeike!" called Akane, tilting her head up and calling into the darkness around them, "It's an all out one, this time! You know the drill!"
"Roger!" replied the boy from somewhere in the background. She tucked her sword away for a moment and gave Satoshi a half-lidded stare. The monster was currently struggling to get up again, crimson blood completely staining the area, growling in anger.
"They just keep getting stronger... the line is breaking away," she said softly, power slowly surrounding her completely. "Hiwatari-kun... do we really have a chance with this?"
"We won't know until it happens," replied the boy as he called his own power. Akane nodded at his reply and then turned to face the monster that was nearly completely up. Somewhere in her line of vision she could locate where the Hit Squad was and knew that it wouldn't be long before either Clef or Farea cracked first and sent the attack before the time.
"... They're ready," Satoshi said suddenly, and she sighed.
(A vessel of power... a puppet to another...) she thought bitterly. "I'm ready for this."
The area – which had been magically blocked by Elena and her team – was suddenly filled with the chanting of two voices, both intertwining with each other, and the five separate wisps of power suddenly gathered together, engulfing the darkness and sealing it away for the time being.
---
"The power that stands between the line of dimension, life and death. The calling of another voice and another time; the power that does not belong in this space of time..."
Daisuke looked up unconsciously, the voices snapping him out of his own self pity. Something about the words brought him back to life, and he watched in amazement as the glowing around both Satoshi and Akane grew brighter and stronger with each second that passed.
"From deep within the soul, for another place to know, to be the power that calls..." the words trailed off into another language as the light became blinding and nothing could be seen. There was more chanting and then a large explosion that sent the redhead off his feet and crashed into a wall close by. Dazed, Daisuke could only look up as the sound and chaos subsided.
"Farea, you moron! You did it again!" yelled a voice some distance away. There was the distinctive sound of someone being hit and then a long chain of cursing filled the entire area.
"Akane! Satoshi!" a voice called and the shadows of two people approached the other two, who were standing where they were, staring at the spot where the monster had been with no emotion on either face. "What happened... how's he get here?!"
"Raine, could you and Ryu get him back to the base," replied Akane softly, "Celes will know what to do with his injuries."
"Okay."
The two moved off to carry the limp form away from the middle of the street and were soon out of sight. Silence filled the area as the redhead tried to get his body to move, since it was still not listening to him at all. After a while, Akane spoke.
"... Where's Niwa-kun?"
Daisuke gave a half-groan from his position and was instantly joined by Satoshi, who looked fairly concerned. Heaving the smaller boy up, he turned to face Akane, who looked fairly distracted as she gave the area a sharp glance.
"Will you be staying here for a little longer, then?" he asked coolly, and she nodded. He then turned his head slightly to face Daisuke. "Let's go, then."
The redhead fidgeted slightly for a moment, as he tried to get his mouth to work properly. "... Is... is he... is Dark... okay? He was..."
"I'm sure he'll be fine," replied Satoshi, "I think the magical reaction must have affected something in your body, so you should just get some rest. We'll make sure that your cousin lives. That's what you want, right?"
"Yeah..." (Dark... please be okay...)
---
"The magical barrier was broken completely this time..." Akane muttered to one of the craters she was currently peering into. "If we don't do something soon, then the evil will seep and cover the entire planet before we gat a chance to retaliate or even prepare."
"And what do you propose to do?" a portal opened behind her and a sturdy looking boy stepped out of it, flicking stray strands of energy away from him.
"There has to be a way to help Niwa-kun. He's the only one who can truly stop this evil from spreading across the land," she replied without looking up. "Have you seen how powerful the monsters have become now? Any longer and we'll be done for."
"You're always been like that, Akane," the male shook his head as he bent down next to her. "Is the power of Time truly showing you all of this?"
"You should know already," Akane got up abruptly, "And I don't want to see you shirking your duties either, Cless. Don't take too long. We need the information soon."
"Ah, I'm here to tell you something about the Niwa boy," Cless pulled out a thick wad of paper that was held in a deep red envelope. "Hopefully this information may help you on finding a way to access his power."
"We're not forcing him to do anything he doesn't want to do," she snapped, eyes flashing dangerously, "And looking into another's past is a violation beyond human rights. Cless, don't do that again, and don't bother the rest of us until you do something right."
She turned and walked off, joined by Elena and they disappeared, leaving the boy on his own, looking slightly peeved.
"Can't I do anything right anymore?" he asked to no one in particular, before walking off as well. Elena inclined her head slightly as the words reached her ears and she gave the younger girl a quizzical look before speaking out her thoughts.
"At least no one was killed this time," she stated.
"Hm..."
"And now all we have to do is find a way to control the power within us, no?"
"... It's not that simple, Elena," Akane said softly.
"Hm?"
"Nothing is ever that simple."
----
No, seriously, Dark is gonna kill me for doing what I did for him. Seriously, he would never allow himself to be knocked out that easily, right? Sorry for everyone who loves Dark, but I can assure you now that he ISN'T dead, I mean, you know what I mean. And Krad will be around sooner or later. Hopefully the next chapter, but... let's just see then.
I stink with the whole fighting part, as you can see. Not the most interesting... but I couldn't do any better. Daisuke should be playing a more active role the next time but, once again, I shouldn't be making any promises. Ah well, let's see those reviews...
-- Reviewer Replies:
-Staryday: Wahahahahahahha! Oh wait, you're gonna kill me as well, right? Please don't hurt me! (cringes and hides from sight) I guess I should've let Dark do something more interesting than lie on the floor, but I guess it's too late now. And they're together again, so there! Trust me with this though: Dark isn't weak in this story. Nah, you already knew that, right? He's just had a hard time... probabaly explain in next chapter. Pity him. Thanks for the review, though! Plush toy!
-Luthien: Uh... yeah, guess this means you like it... (scratches top of head) well, here's the next chapter. Hope it's okay.