Disclaimer: DNAngel and Tarot cards aren't mine.

Warnings: Shounen-ai, OOC, adventure, etc.

Chapter 3

The sun shone through the small tent. Dark's eyes shifted tiredly towards the rising shadow outside his tent. He heard a yawn and he tried to suppress the urge to do so himself. A muffled sound came out of his mouth and the shadow's movements outside halted before walking over to his tent. A poking contest ensued when Daisuke wanted to know if Dark was awake. Daisuke poked at the tent and the tent resumed its position.

Poke.

Normal position.

Poke.

Normal position.

Poke.

Dark held onto Daisuke's finger and he heard a surprised yelp. He grinned and said through the fabric of the tent.

"I'm awake, you know? You don't have to wake up the tent." Dark said jokingly. Even though he couldn't see Daisuke, an embarrassed blush definitely bloomed across Daisuke's cheeks. Though both of them were not morning people, they were cheerful. Who wouldn't be when they are still alive after facing an extremely hungry and angry lion? Dark quickly pulled on some pants (he sleeps in boxers) and unzipped the cramp tent. Cool morning breeze filtered through and brushed lightly against his nude chest. His nipples stiffened at the cold contact. Dark looked around and saw that Daisuke was to the side, blushing. He was looking at the floor and fidgeting slightly. If it weren't for the fact that Daisuke could blame him for stupid things, Dark would've teased him.

"G-good morning, Dark." Daisuke said meekly. Daisuke never really saw much of anyone else's skin beside himself. He didn't like to go swimming and he doesn't change in his school's locker rooms. Yesterday, he was too preoccupied to look too much at Dark. Daisuke noted that Dark had some muscles, not overly so. Before his mind could observe some more, Dark returned his greeting.

"Good morning. You woke up early today, huh? The sun is barely up." Dark spoke. Daisuke nodded and lit up a fire to make some breakfast. Dark ignored the silence and went back into his really small tent to get a shirt. It was too chilly in the morning in a forest to be wearing nothing but a pair of cargo pants and boxers.

Soon, smoke began to fill the sky from the fire Daisuke made. A sweet aroma filled the air and Dark floated to the pot that he didn't know Daisuke packed. Dark was about to poke his finger into the pot for a taste, but Daisuke stopped him.

"You idiot! You could've gotten burned! It's still hot, you know." Daisuke ranted concerned. He grabbed Dark's hand examined his fingers to make sure nothing was burnt. Dark stared at him. Daisuke was worried about him again. Daisuke had saved him from a large man-eating feline. And now, Daisuke had prevented him from burning himself. Daisuke was so cool! But Dark wouldn't admit it if someone asked. He'll just say that none of this would've happened if Daisuke hadn't brought him to this world anyways. Stubborn fool.

After that, Dark sat down besides Daisuke. Daisuke continued stirring their delicious-smelling meal. Nothing happened and nothing to talk about. Silence. But that was okay for both of them, as they were lost in thoughts. Daisuke was still pondering about going to the next town, while Dark was thinking about Daisuke and his weird perks. Soon, Daisuke stopped stirring and handed a bowl of warm broth to Dark.

"After this, let's go to the town. It'll probably take a few hours if we don't stop. Otherwise, it'll be a day's journey like I said before." Daisuke said. He picked up a bowl for himself and slowly drank, allowing the warmth to seep in. Dark nodded while doing the same. Neither really thought about what would happen in the forest, before exiting to the town. The lion was long forgotten.

"Stick close to me this time, Dark. We don't want you to get lost again. And I doubt you have a great sense of direction." Daisuke taunted. Dark just let the insult go, knowing he couldn't really deny the fact. They were walking on a nonexistent trail again, but Daisuke seemed to know where he was going. Dark didn't see Daisuke taking out a compass every once in a while to look at. He just thought that maybe Daisuke traveled here before, and knew what the dangers were going to.

That's why he was shocked when he accidentally fell into quick sand.

At first, he didn't really notice. Everything looked the same in the forest. But when no moment could be seen except sinking, Dark had looked down and saw that he was in quick sand! Reacting quickly, he had called for Daisuke.

"Daisuke! Help! Help me!" Dark pleaded. Or as pleading as one can get when they were twisting around, trying to jump, and searching for something to grab onto. Daisuke had somehow managed to avoid the quick sand, even though he didn't know it was there. When he noticed Dark had called for help, he had turned around, cursing fate for causing so much trouble to Dark and bringing it to himself.

Looking around faster than Dark (his knees are stuck under the sand and he can't move fast), Daisuke noticed some vines hanging on top of a branch. But the vines were quite thin and can easily be ripped. Ignoring the vines, Daisuke saw other useless things like twigs and leaves. Desperate for anything, Daisuke just swiftly grabbed onto Dark's flailing arms. But Daisuke couldn't defeat the quick sand. It was heavier than water when it's on your clothes. Plus, Dark is older than him. Therefore, he is also heavier.

Dark was about to thrash more, but his arms were grabbed by Daisuke. He was frantic, so he grasped it and tried to pull himself out. It had worked, to a certain degree. His thighs, knees, and ankles were free. Daisuke sure had a good grip! Using his remaining strength, Dark pulled. Of course, this had good news and bad news. First the good news: Dark was free! He wouldn't die yet! Yay! But before we celebrate, let's hear the bad news: Daisuke was in the quick sand!

"Oh shit! Daisuke!" Dark screeched. Daisuke would've winced but he was already waist-length into the sand. Normally, if someone walked into the sand, they wouldn't be that deep that fast. But Daisuke was already close to the quick sand when Dark was in it. Not to mention, Dark had use his power to pull himself out. And that resulted in Daisuke stuck and trapped.

Daisuke squealed as the cold, quick sand slipped under his shirt and touched his skin. He nearly screamed when he saw Dark running around, doing nothing. Dark's face was contorted in anxiousness, desperation, fear, and whatever else life-threatening situations give you.

Unbeknownst to the both of them, another being was watching their every move, from the moment they woke up to right now, when Daisuke is nearly dying and Dark running around like a headless chicken. They heard neither amused chuckle nor the strange gleam that came into the person's eyes. Golden eyes flashed and a blonde man entered the area.

Dark immediately saw a mysterious man that looked like an angel walk into the area near the quick sand. To appear like he did not just run around, Dark jumped in front of the man and pointed frantically at Daisuke who was becoming more and more suffocated in the sand.

"Help! You've got to help him! I can't do anything!" Dark shouted. Using his other hand, he grabbed the male's arm and tugged him. He didn't care that the man came to them just when Daisuke was about to die. Nor did he care about the wide grin on the guy's face. The blonde let himself be pulled and when they were a foot away from Daisuke (his chest is now half way in). He pulled his arm away from Dark and extended the other hand to the redhead. Daisuke, seeing someone that would finally help, seized his last chance at life and grabbed onto the anchor.

"Th-thank you." Daisuke muttered softly as he collapsed on the edge of the pile of sand. He threw an angry, accusative glare at Dark before an appreciative smile graced his pale features. He sent the blonde savior that same smile and held out a hand for a handshake. Daisuke spoke after gaining enough breath, "I'm Daisuke. Thank you for saving me. –glares at Dark again- What is your name?" The man hid a predatory grin and grasp Daisuke's hand with a bashful expression. For some reason, Dark felt an angry, jealous feeling overcome him. He knew what it meant and he didn't like it. He DOES NOT like Daisuke that way. It was a waste of time to pine for someone like Daisuke.

"My name is no concern of yours, young one. But you may call me Krad." This blonde, no, Krad said. He shook Daisuke's hand and they both smiled at their new acquaintance. Dark tried to hold back a glare that was directed at Krad, but it was useless. Luckily, Krad didn't seem to notice it, and if he did, he sure didn't show it. But Daisuke saw it. He glared at Dark, telling him silently that he had no reason to be angry with Krad other than the fact that he saved Daisuke. Which brought us to the fact that Daisuke thinks Dark wanted him dead. "Oh, and who may this be?" Krad asked after turning to the person that Daisuke was glaring at.

"My name is Dark. But you can't call me that, Krad." Dark said, grinding his teeth to show his displeasure. The word Krad was louder, expressing whom he was mad with. Krad had a hurt look on his face and he tried to hide it. But Daisuke saw it anyway.

"Stop that, Dark. Don't be so mean to the person that just saved my life." Unless you wanted me to die. Daisuke added the last part silently. He hid the pained feeling into his heart (he thinks it's useless to fight back since he suffered like that at home). With his attention occupied, he didn't see the laughing Krad behind him. Dark didn't either, since Krad was well experienced with hiding his true emotions.

'Nothing was better than ruining mortals' relationships.' Krad thought sinisterly. He made himself look like a harmless, friendly fellow and approached Daisuke before kneeling down.

"Don't be angry, Daisuke. He's just nervous after a situation like that." Krad said. Dark gave a growl while Daisuke smiled sheepishly. "And it's okay if he doesn't want me to call him his given name. I guess I'll just give him a nickname, then. Mr. Grouch would do fine, ne?" Like expected, Daisuke laughed. Dark snarled quietly. "You look like you need a bath, young one. Come with me to my cottage in the village. Mr. Grouch can come if he wishes."

Daisuke nodded while trying to stifle a snicker. It was unsuccessful and he laughed hardly before Dark punched him lightly, attempting to tell him to stay quiet. After a moment or so, Daisuke complied. He pushed himself up with a cringe at all the mud on his clothes before standing up unsteadily. Quickly, Dark helped Daisuke balance before Krad could do so. Krad laughed at Dark in his mind. Leading the way, Krad conversed with Daisuke while Dark sulked.

Daisuke sighed as he slowly lowered himself into the large pool of warmth. Dark laughed silently at Daisuke's antics before sliding down as well. Krad had brought them to a hot spring in his village before leaving. Krad had said that he would come to get them when he finished cleaning the guest rooms as well. Daisuke agreed, also telling Krad to bring extra clothes so they could wear after the hot spring time.

With the steam from the hot water, they couldn't see each other and for once Dark and Daisuke were glad. They were plagued by weird thoughts and feelings ever since they started the journey the day before. Now was a perfect time to gather thoughts without seeing the other. Closing his eyes and softly brushing a wet cloth against his skin, Dark lost himself to his thoughts of a special certain redhead.

Daisuke was a bit of an enigma. At times, Daisuke can act like a blushing girl with her crush. He had seemed pretty embarrass with seeing Dark's bare chest earlier in the morning. But at other times, Daisuke can be a vindictive person. Like when Dark couldn't save him. Daisuke showered Krad with small smiles and intelligent talks while showing Dark his angriest glare. Of course, Dark couldn't help but think that Daisuke was cute that way. And that brings us back to our problem. Dark was in love with Daisuke. He was IN LOVE with Daisuke. Dark was in love with DAISUKE!

That just won't work out, not with all the misunderstandings that Daisuke seemed to be getting.

Meanwhile, Daisuke was thinking about somewhat similar thoughts. Dark seemed nice at first. But then he had to go and not save Daisuke. Did Dark want Daisuke to die or something? Is he no different than those people who call themselves perfect in his world? Or was he simply angry at Daisuke for associating with Krad? Did Dark know Krad? Why else would he not like Daisuke to know Krad? But they didn't seem to know each other, if the introductions were real. They told each other their names, so they must be new acquaintances as well. But why is Dark so mean to Krad?

Absentmindedly, Daisuke thought that Krad's name was spelled exactly like Dark's backwards. Chuckling softly in his mind, Daisuke continued to wash off the mud that dried on his stomach. Eh, it was pointless to dwell on trivial things like love. It's not like Daisuke would see Dark again after they go home. But wait a minute, why hadn't his powers regenerated yet? Daisuke stopped all movement except bringing his hand to his eyes. He slowly turned it around and after a while of inspecting; he thrust it into the air in front of him. With a quietly spoken spell, Daisuke waited for a small flower to appear. It was a simple summoning spell that took few to zero amounts of magical energy. Nothing had appeared on his hand.

Horrified, Daisuke tried again. He muttered the spell softly into his hand and waited for something that wouldn't come. When a few minutes passed and nothing happened, Daisuke frowned and went back to washing, thinking not about Dark but about his lack of power.

'If I don't have the energy, how am I supposed to survive in a world like this? This world is filled with demons and creatures of the imagination. Damn it.' Daisuke thought. Nothing could be worse than this. Daisuke couldn't turn back, though. He would worry Takeshi by suddenly appearing on his doorstep not even a week after he had left. And he could not worry his only friend.

Time passed quickly because of the thoughts circling through their minds. Soon, Krad appeared with a duffel bag filled with clothes. He smiled and waved them over before bringing them to the changing room for men. Krad dug into his duffel bag and pulled out a fairly large red t-shirt that had small white wings sewed onto the back and a pair of baggy pants that had zippers to make it into shorts. The pants had chains and it appeared to be heavy. Krad handed those clothes to Daisuke. (And let's not think about boxers for now.)

For Dark, Krad had given him a tight black muscle shirt and a pair of jeans. Krad seemed to be trying to make them seem more attractive. Daisuke now looked cute, because Krad was bigger than him and therefore his clothes were a bit too large to fit small Daisuke. Dark looked like a casual male who knew that he was drop dead sexy and he doesn't give a damn. And that was a hot thing.

"Now that you're finished dressing, let's go home for some dinner, ne?"

Krad smirked into the dark when he saw Daisuke dozing off in the guest room. Daisuke was trouble, if the tossing and turning were anything to go by. Dark was occupied too. He sighed a lot and currently, he seemed to be napping, not sleeping. Soon, he would wake up. But not before Krad makes his move. Krad slipped out of the shadows of his house and moved into the town square.

Minutes passed and soon hours passed. But Krad was nowhere to be seen. The only thing visible was the bright light hanging over houses and flames soaring high up into the sky. Several houses were on fire and screams were heard. Shouts for help were loud, but no one paid attention to them. They don't want the person who wreaked havoc in their town to come after them. It was a dangerous time for them. Someone was a traitor in their little town and nobody knew who it was. All that was known was that it was a male; a male that looks like an angel but in all actuality is a devil.

The last flames burned out and the smell of death rose in the air. Neighbors, friends, and family all prayed for the deceased. And everything happened without Dark and Daisuke knowing. The silent spell Krad put onto his house was effective and they never suspected a thing.

Krad, the murderer, has new targets.

Reviewer Stuff:
Hikari: Thank you! I'm glad you think it was fast. I was waiting for inspiration to hit me with some food before I write anything. And thanks for the plushies! –nuzzle Dark and Daisuke plushies- Mm… Bishounens… Give some greetings to Daisuke while I try to restrain Dark. Daisuke isn't weak; he just doesn't like violence. He does have a backbone and I'm glad you noticed. –smiles-
minceo: Thanks. –scratches head nervously- You want a cookie?
IchikoKitsuneKoumori: Thanks! Did you like this chapter?

A/N: I understand why people like to take so long to update now. I'm so lazy right now and I have lots of school projects to complete. But no worries, I'm trying my best to write during breaks. So, be patient and the chapter will come soon. But I don't know what other adventures await our favorite duo.

Oh, and I just realized, I like making fun of Dark in this fic. I kept on having bad stuff happening to him in the forest, but then I know I'm being mean. So I just added the fact that Daisuke fell into the quick sand as well. And Krad seems pretty dark, ne? He'll change in due time.

Review, please.