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, slight (very, very slight) use of coarse language, horrible and bleak descriptions, strange characterisations, one too many new characters to contend with.

000 Darkened Heart 000

000 8 000

Akane looked up at the sky, pushing her hair back as she did so. It had been a really long time since she had decided to go outside, but then again, when was the last time she wanted out just for some thinking time?

There had never been a time like that. Since the fall of the light and darkness together, the world had fallen into complete chaos and now people had to fear for their lives. Even the ones who lived normal, day-to-day lives seemed to be feeling the aftereffects and the battles that the condemned ones fought to protect the land.

She wondered if there really was an end to it.

Maybe, maybe not. It was chance that couldn't be taken because it was very life-threatening and dangerous.

"Hm… it really is a nice day…" she murmured to herself, making her way around as she did so. If anything did happen, she was pretty sure they would be able to handle it. It was in the blood, after all.

"So, tell me, HOW long am I supposed to stay in bed?" demanded Dark, "It's so boring here! I need out now!" He was acting like a little kid as well, Daisuke had decided, sitting next to his cousin as Elena firmly shook her head at him.

"You know you haven't fully recovered," she stated simply, "And until you get the clear, you shouldn't leave your bed. That's what Celes-san said."

"I want to speak to her! I can't believe you expect me to lie here all day?"

(Only because you're always so full of energy,) thought Daisuke.

(So true.)

(So you're still here?)

(Where else would I be? Besides the fact that I am you, you can't do anything about it.)

(So now I'm having conversations with myself…)

(Yeah.)

(Does that make me officially insane then?)

(I don't think so. If anything, I am just a part of your spell.)

(Spell?)

No answer was given this time and the redhead sighed. Then he noticed that a hand was waving in front of him and he turned his head slightly with a raised eyebrow. "What is it, Dark?" he asked, only to get bowled over when his cousin jumped on him for no reason at all. With a yelp he fell to the floor and winced at the numbing pain.

"Dark… get off."

"Hey, it's not my fault that I couldn't get your attention." The violet-haired boy replied lightly, getting off, "It was either that or pain."

"Actually, you ended up doing both," Daisuke tried to scowl, but Dark only smirked and petted him on the head. "You'll kill me in the end if you're not careful."

"Hey, I'm not that careless, you know!"

"Yes you are! Remember that time when you pushed me down those stairs! Everyone nearly had a heart attack with that!"

"I was just joking around and trying to see if you were actually learning what I was trying to teach you," Dark crossed his arms and sat back, sizing Daisuke up, "Anyway, you were zoning out so I was wondering what was going on."

"Hn, must be me getting really, really bored," the redhead joked lightly, "And what would you have done if I'd died?" he imitated Dark's voice, "'It wasn't my fault! He TOLD me to push him down the stairs and kill him! Right Daisuke? Right?'"

"Hey!"

Daisuke smiled at this, noting that whenever that Dark was indignant, he looked utterly hilarious, being the more carefree sort of guy, as well as a pervert and a weird guy in so many ways…

He shook his head at that and noticed that his cousin was looking at him strangely again. It was rather unsettling. "What?"

"You know, you've been really out of it lately," commented the violet-haired boy, stressing on the word 'lately'. "Are you sure that you're alright? If anything, you're going to explode if you don't tell people what you think."

The redhead seemed confused by this, "Are you saying that I think that something's wrong now? Why would anything be wrong?"

"Well, let's see," Dark began to count off what he was thinking that Daisuke was thinking with his hands, "You might be sick, you might be worried as to what's gonna happen, you don't want anyone else to be hurt, you're wondering what they hell is inside you, you want out of here, and you're zoning out expeditions may just be you becoming a zombie."

"… Huh?"

"Whatever, you get the picture," heaving himself out of bed and hitting With lightly – who was getting beyond restless – he stood up. "Screw staying in bed. I want to see what this place has to offer." He stumbled slightly while he tried to get his legs back to working order and Daisuke trailed behind him, looking worried.

"Are you really sure you want to go out in this condition?" he asked.

"Out of this room. Pft," Dark snorted, "If anything, I want to blow this joint out altogether. I mean, you don't want to live the rest of your life like this, right?"

The redhead didn't choose to answer it, because the answer was obvious: of course he wanted to get out, but if he did… all that waited him was death and hatred. He didn't want to face that fate, but still…

"Hey," started his cousin, suddenly serious, "You know, your mother and father, well, everyone, they never wanted you to be sad or depressed. Even when they found out your… unique abilities, they kept on trying, hoping that you wouldn't have to face this. But don't worry, I'm gonna make sure you don't have to live life like this, 'kay?"

"Dark," Daisuke gave him a wane smile, "you're crazy." He definitely appreciated the thought, but he wasn't stupid. No one could change what was done, and that was that, they all had to get over it and continue their lives the best they could, really. He stopped going over such thoughts when he noticed that Dark was peering into one of the rooms. "Something the matter?"

"Sh. I think a meeting's going on at the moment," hissed the other boy, the door only opened a crack so that the voices within the room would reach them. Crouching, he waved the redhead to join him, who hesitated, then complied.

"I was never told there was another meeting…" he began, but Dark indicated silence again as the talking began again.

"I'm telling you, this is beyond our power now, and Akane refuses to accept this as it is. I know that her intentions, as well as the others are right, but they could kill us all."

"Are you swearing mutiny against them now!"

"No. I'm trying to make it clear so that we can tell both herself and Satoshi that this is ridiculous. We can't risk anymore deaths. I mean, just a few months back we lost"

"We're not saying that what you're wrong, but if we don't even try to fight back, everyone, and I mean EVERYONE will die. Not just a couple of people during failed missions. Besides, that was ten months back, you can't put that against them."

"But they don't even seem to care that these people are dying!"

"Enough," another voice cut in before bickering started. "But the fact remains that this is indeed a grave situation. But what are we to do about it?"

(Celes-san…?) Daisuke wondered, (Why is she…)

"We have to stop this charade!" yelled an unidentifiable voice. Then there was the distinctive sound of someone slamming their fist against something solid, "This battle is getting us nowhere and all we're all suffering!"

"And there'll be more suffering if we don't fight back!" barked another voice.

"Please, let us be more calm about this."

"No way! If we keep on doing this, I'm going to leave this hell hole!"

"And what? Go out and get caught and die? You wish."

"Do you want a piece of me!"

"I'd like to see you try it!"

As the argument invariably moved off into a brawl of sorts, Dark turned to the shocked redhead and raised a confused brow. "Are meetings always like this?"

"I don't know…" In reality, this was the first meeting that Daisuke actually had a chance to listen into, and he wasn't getting much out of it. "Maybe if we wait for them to calm down, we'll get something more interesting."

Dark sat down properly, with Daisuke following suit. "I'm with you."

"This is the last time I'm going to give you a chance to live!"

"Bring it on!"

000

Krad watched as the clouds moved slightly under the usual daytime ritual. Not that it was morning anymore – being midday – but he wasn't in the mood to actually do much and the job he would have to do was no walk in the park. So it was best to keep relaxed and extremely detached until the set time when he would have to return to the incredibly dreary and dank place. It was obvious that someone had tried to make it more homely, but in reality it was just another prison; no one was allowed out and death was the only thing waiting for them in the outside world. He hated the ignorance of the human race and their love for bloodshed, it was both insane and pointless, and they still did it. What were they to gain from it? What was it that they wanted to gain?

In the end there was nothing. That was the prize they would receive.

The blonde knew this, and he hated seeing almost everyone following the same little trail that would lead to their downfall. It was ridiculous and pathetic, and he hated the fact that he was even associated with them.

He was positive the last battle had finished it off.

But maybe he was wrong. Maybe there was someone else behind it that was pulling the strings.

He frowned, it really was annoying to think in such a way, but if it was starting again…

"Krad, what are you doing up there?" called someone from the floor below his room. "Homework?"

"Yes," he replied without too much thought. Not like someone would ask him if he was planning to kill someone, or do something supernatural; it wasn't their way. But then again, they were one of those people that were with the people who wanted to kill them.

"Krad?" Satoshi's voice echoed through his door, "What are you doing?"

"Nothing." Not really, he was thinking, and it wasn't that enjoyable kind of thinking either. It was horrid, and he had promised never to come face to face with Dark Mousy again, not after all that had happened. And who was that other person… Dark's sister. She'd disappeared during the confusion and was never spoken of again.

"I need to talk to you."

"Sure." What was there to talk about? He hated his life and the way the world ran at the moment, but nothing was going to change it. He'd been so sure that it was over, but he was so wrong. Not to mention seeing Dark wasn't too good on his nerves either. That violet haired jerk had always gotten on his nerves…

Satoshi entered the room, looking apprehensive, if it was possible when someone always had a blank look on their face. Maybe it was in the eyes.

"What are you thinking, Krad?"

"Besides the fact that life sucks?"

000

The streets were busy, as usual, and Akane frowned, trying to remember the way to wherever she was going to. But seeing as it had been a long time she'd been out – what was it? Six months? That was not including the times when they were fighting either… - and it was all too confusing. But she knew she blended in perfectly, but was wondering if help would really come in the way she wanted it to.

There was no assurance that it was going to work, but it wasn't like they much of a choice left. The reality of life really was a bit too cruel for it's own good. But what were they to do?

The redhead stopped when she noticed that there was someone right behind her. Stopping in front of one of the more gothic-like shops, she turned slowly to face whoever it was. Short black hair pulled back into a low ponytail, loose fitting shirt decorated with silver and a knee-length skirt was all that was needed, along with the light brown eyes and Akane smiled slightly.

"Shia."

"Akane," the woman bowed. She was only about her mid-twenties and she opened the shop door slightly, listening to the tinkle of the classic bell-upon-entering. She then turned to face the younger girl. "May I speak to you for a moment. It has been a while since you stepped into my shop. Come on, nothing to be afraid of," despite her serious tone of voice and facial structure, and the fact that she seemed to stand straight all the time, she really seemed to emit a kind and caring aura. Akane stepped into the shop and was instantly bathed in purple light. The shop seemed to be full of the colour and the only time when there was a different colour, was when there were certain selling items. Otherwise, the whole building was overwhelmed in the lush violet.

"I need to find connections that won't betray us this time," began the redhead, not bothering to waste any time as the older woman moved around making tea (or something), "It was so close the last time, and I think our time is slipping away. We can't wait any longer."

Shia was silent, as if thinking deeply, before she replied, "We are in dark times, Akane, and we have to trust nobody. There is little more I can say about it. And how is Celes?"

"She won't talk."

"I see," pouring some tea in light amethyst teacups, she pushed one over to Akane, "Well, you must know that you are gifted and in danger, like only a few others. I have been with you since your youngest ages, and I intend to help you as much as I can. And what do you know about this Niwa Daisuke?"

"He was what we expected," she replied softly, "But he doesn't know how much danger he's in. Death is obvious, but there is so much more, so much he's been sheltered from. We kept it quiet, knowing that it would be too much after the death of his family, but we can't hold it much longer without risking dangers. More than we want."

"I know," agreed Shia, "And it is that that will lead to our downfall. No, the downfall of every living thing here. The evil that has plagued the land is really getting stronger."

"But we're still not strong enough."

"Akane, Akane," reaching over the violet covered table, she petted the younger girl's hand, "Remember that there is more than one future for all of us. As the child who possesses Time, do I really have to tell you that?"

"I don't like to think about what I have. It's… it's like a curse. Knowing and not knowing, seeing and being unable to tell. It hurts."

"It does, I know it does. But you have to face it eventually. Does this mean you haven't told them yet?"

"…" Akane turned away.

"Akane, you must tell them. Only then will black and white be clear. If you keep running away from your past, then you won't be able to continue forward."

"And I promised to never face them again…"

"Oh…" Shia sighed and then stood up. Akane followed her gaze and the older woman smirked. "Well, I can't change your mind, so how about a practice bout?

"Let's see if you've gotten any better the last time we had one-on-one combat."

000

It was a promise they had made, when the evil was completely destroyed. They made it clear that seeing the other was only necessary if danger would befall the land. They separated and never faced each other.

The pain they felt after the loss of one was enough for them to leave each other, and to try and put them out of their minds. They didn't want to, but it was the only way. It was the one thing they were asked by one, since he was the one who suffered the most in the end.

He lost his family, he lost his home, he lost the last link to his life. He had no reason to know them, and that was what convinced him to leave in the first place. The other three were hurt, but they couldn't change it. So they made a promise and that was that. It could have never worked out anyway, they were being searched.

But what if the evil was to return? Would they meet up again, or not?

The blonde wished it wasn't so, the violet just couldn't think straight.

The last two… were never found. Their existence gone from sight.

Were they still alive? Did they still live? No one knew.

But the time is now.

000

By the time the bickering and overly-enhanced battling had fizzled down to mutinous muttering and the actual subject to discussion, Dark was nearly asleep and Daisuke really wanted to join him and doze off as well. But since they were back on the topic, he gently shook his cousin awake and they listened in yet again.

"Now that you two have calmed down, may we begin?"

"But Akane isn't here…"

"This is a special meeting. We need to discuss what this 'evil' actually is."

"I'd say it was just something that will destroy the land in the very end."

"No, I don't think so. It has to be worse. Violation, perhaps?"

"Either way, we'll have to face it one day. I'd rather not think about it."

"But if we defeat it, we may be able to live normal lives again!"

"At risk of death!"

"Please, we must think this over carefully."

Silence.

"How much do we know of the elemental balance at the moment? Is there a conclusion to the power in them?"

"Still none. Those who do possess it are still undecided."

"Akane trusts us! If everyone knew, it could mean chaos!"

"But the power is dangerous if not noticed and taken care of."

"We trust her and she trusts us!"

"This is evil is too strong! We shouldn't be doing this!"

"What is this evil, Celes?"

"It is an evil… an evil that should have been sealed away long ago…"

Daisuke craned his head, heart beating faster than usual as he tried to regulate his breathing. Why was he so worried? Was there some sort of connection to all of this?

Dark was grim faced.

000

By the time Krad and Satoshi arrived to base, Milea; who was muttering under her breath in the process, greeted them. Catching sight of them, she began to talk without pausing for breath. The blue-haired boy raised an eyebrow before commanding her to slow down.

"Well," she began, "Akane-san's nowhere to be found, and you got a call from some weirdo who keeps talking about how you know each other."

Satoshi raised an eyebrow, "Well, if that's the case…"

"…" Krad remained silent as they made their way to the control room and Milea hit a few buttons as Satoshi put on some earphones connected to a small microphone. He indicated for the blonde to follow his example and there was a sound of electricity crackling and then finally someone spoke up.

"Hello? Anyone there?"

"Hiwatari Satoshi speaking. Who is this?" the blue-haired boy was not one to be overly polite with strangers calling for him, but he held enough courtesy to not start screaming at people. There was silence for a moment and then a reply.

"Hiwatari-san, bonjour!"

"… Oh god no…"

Krad looked confused, "It's…"

"Don't you remember me guys?"

"You know, I'd rather not remember," muttered Satoshi.

"You were an annoyance beyond the normal standards of chaos," added Krad.

"Hey, that's mean."

"No it isn't."

Milea blinked. "Huh?"

"So, spit out what you want to talk about."

"Oh right. Well, it's about the monster attacks we're currently receiving… do you know anything about it?"

Both boys exchanged glances. So that was it.

000

Look, I did end up updating in the end! Okay, I've been doing random stuff at the moment, but it's a job I'm willing to take, so here I am. Just two more chapters and I reach number ten! I don't know why I'm so excited, but I am. Hope this chapter wasn't too boring for you.

Reviewer Replies:

Lord Scribbles: Whoa! Review overload! (gets swirly eyes from trying to make sense of what just happened) Sorry about that, but it really was surprising when you reviewed all the chapters. o.O Thank you so much! I'm doing my best, but this is definitely a more relaxed sort of chapter, if you get my drift. All Dark and Daisuke are doing is eavedropping and most people are doing their own thing now. Whoo-hoo! Dark has a sister! Who is she? What's her reason of existing? Well, you'll just have to read on and see! Thanks a lot!

marthawolfer: It's like an underground world, now that I think about it. I mean, I don't even know how many people actually live here. Guess I have to work on that, don't I? But it's like really dim and rocky, it's little wonder to Dark wanting to get out now… thanks for the review!

Mystical Tennyo: Hiya to you to. I'm obsessed with making lots of characters, although I tend to make more girls than guys, now that I think about it. It does get confusing though, I have to admit.

Staryday: Really? Was it that good? I didn't really think so, but I enjoyed it the most. Strange how this story began because I was in an angst overdrive… so very weird. (shakes head) Well, I guess I didn't want Krad's character to be… I dunno, so sadistic or something? I mean, I think he still is a bit but not as much. Or something. How confusing. o.O They were going to yell at each other? Did I actually imply that? Well, that's a really good idea though, I just have to use it! Probably in the next chapter though, since they're all busy one way or another. Thanks for the review, I'm doing my best!

Shadow Guardian of the Gate: Are you serious? You actually like this story? o.O Who would have thought. Sorry for the slow update, but I hope you like this chapter! I'll try and get another one up soon, okay?

Anyway, I love all of you who review, or at least try to read all the stuff I write! It encourages me to try harder! Harder, I say! Anyway, thanks again and cupcakes for everyone! (Yeah, I'm a bit hyper this morning…) Oh, and now I have to use 0 for the page breaks. What is with the editing thing these days? When I get to chapter ten, it's going to get very confusing...