Disclaimer: This is getting old. I don't own anything except my thoughts.

Warnings: Shounen-ai, drama, angst, horror, adventure, one-sided RikuxDaisuke, etc.

Chapter 5

Ding dong

When the bell had suddenly rung, Riku knew that something was wrong. The whole entire village was friendly and nobody used doorbells (except for him). They just knock on the window or something. The other warning she had received was a strange feeling in her gut. It was shouting 'Something is wrong! Run! Run! Escape!'However, being the logical person that she is, Riku didn't think anything remotely dangerous was going to happen. When the bell continued to ring (which meant nobody was getting it), she got up from the couch of the living room and went to open the door.

She didn't expect the person that was standing in her doorway, the person that her parents told her to stay away from, and the same person that killed people for pleasure.

With a horrified expression, Riku had stammered. Riku had asked what the blonde, the murderer, had wanted. He just said he was a messenger boy. That already was terrifying. The killer, a messenger boy? Riku thought that Krad would kill anyone who would suggest that!

Her fear was wiped away when Krad had waved a letter, though. He said it was addressed to her. From Niwa, Daisuke! The boy was a cute redhead that just had to live with him. But that didn't matter. Harada, Riku, the tomboy of the town, has received a letter (maybe even a love letter) by Niwa, Daisuke, the adorable traveler.

Riku blushed and snatched the letter. The behavior had asked for Krad to kill her, but he spared her. She was going to die later anyways, if his plan goes accordingly. With a detached look, he simply walked off. Glancing to make sure he was gone, Riku ripped open the letter furiously. She unfolded it and began to read.

Dear Riku,

I can call you Riku, right? I mean you like me and I like you back. So it is okay, isn't it? If you want, you can call me Daisuke. And… I like you too. Not just normal like. I… I think I might have a crush on you. You're happy about that right? I mean you like me that way too. Can you come over later today to tell me your response? Maybe at 6?

Love,

Niwa, Daisuke

Riku blushed again. Her face was beet red and she reread the letter. Even though it wasn't anything special or romantic, it told her that Daisuke reciprocated her feelings. After a while, she slumped to her knees deliriously. She tried to raise a hand to her face, but she was left immobile for some reason. Everything was growing hazier and hazier. What was happening? Riku can't feel her body anymore. Everything is so numb. Giving in to desire, Riku fell into a sleep, never to awaken again.

The love letter from 'Daisuke' slipped out of her hands and fell onto the floor.

In hours, someone would scream.

In hours, someone will be arrested for a crime they didn't commit.

And someone else will stand by idly, not being able to learn the truth.

"… We found the weapon…"

"…It was a poison…"

"Innocent Riku…"

"Why did he kill her?"

Whispers were heard throughout the village. They all knew who had killed one of the Harada twins. But they didn't have proof; they didn't want to die.

Dark walked through the streets, wondering who on Earth is called Riku. Who was she? Why did she die? But the one that stuck out the most was: was she connected to the other murders? Far off in the distance, Dark heard the annoying sound of a police car. Thank God. Maybe the policemen already found the murderer? That means that he and Daisuke were now safe.

"… Poor redhead…"

"… Accused like that…"

"Cute one, too…"

"… Why arrest him when we all knew who did it…"

These comments were more hushed. Dark wondered why. He rethought about their statements and came up with almost nothing. Almost. They had said redhead. Nobody in the village was a redhead except for Daisuke… Did that mean Daisuke was the killer? That couldn't be true, because Daisuke was asleep at the time (during the night fire).

Deciding to ask Daisuke himself, Dark quickly turned around. He blocked out the others' voices, trying not to let opinions blind his judgment. Jumping over crates, running past crowds, all these happened and yet Dark couldn't take his mind off of Daisuke. What should Dark do if Daisuke was the murderer? Should he let love guide him, or should he just follow logic and avoid him? Soon, he had reached Krad's house. The sight of it made him stop in his steps.

There were police cars in front of it.

Policemen were coming out.

In their group, a redhead was walking with his head bowed.

A shout of a name tried to get out of Dark's mouth, but it got stuck in his throat when Daisuke had suddenly looked up. Straight at Dark. Into Dark's eyes. Telling, no, pleading him to believe Daisuke. Daisuke didn't kill anyone. I didn't kill anyone! I was framed! Please believe me! Daisuke's eyes said. Dark never really realized before, but Daisuke's eyes were always expressive. But only to those who cared to look.

Right now, Dark is searching for something he himself doesn't even know what it was. He had found it, but he still couldn't tell what it was. Dark felt compelled to help Daisuke. But… His hesitation… Dark knew why he was pausing. He had figured out that Daisuke's eyes were expressive, but not whether or not he had committed murder.

Daisuke understood. He gave a barely-visible nod and bowed down again. Soon, Dark could hear the whispers around again. He didn't notice that his brain had even blocked the noises, but he does know that he has a mission to do. Ignoring wary glances from the villagers – "Is he a killer, too?" "His hair and eyes are a strange color. Must be a demon." "Murderer!" -, Dark indiscreetly slammed the door of Krad's house after he had entered. As he was about to take a step towards the kitchen where he would probably get a cup of something to organize his thoughts, a card that looked suspiciously like Daisuke's Tarot cards flew up to his face.

Wait…

Flew?

And it was true. The card had actually flown up to Dark's face. Besides the fact that it was rude, the card had done it without any assistance. There was no hand on the card, nor was there any breeze in the room. As it simply floated in midair, Dark took a closer look to it. The card read The Crescent Crowned Goddess. The picture was rather strange. It showed a woman in a blue dress holding a lit torch in front of a cave entrance. And like the name of the card said, the woman was crowned. A cauldron lay on the side. Whatever it was used for, Dark never figured out. Out of nowhere, a female commanding voice made itself known.

"Hello, young one. Where is my master?" The lips of the woman on the card were moving. A soft, beautiful voice that belonged to the goddess. Dark was shocked to no end. But that didn't stop him from responding. He didn't want to appear impolite to a goddess.

"Um… Y-you mean Daisuke? He's just been arrested. I-I mean…" Dark didn't know how to tell her this. It was already strange talking to a card. But to talk to a card about his crush? He was about to continue, but the sound of keys right outside the door interrupted him. The card swerved to the side when it heard the noise. It dropped itself to the floor and once again, it appeared lifeless. Dark was not deceived.

"I wonder why there's so many people outside right now." A familiar voice commented. Krad's blonde head stuck through the small gap he made when he had opened the door. When he had seen Dark, his face blossomed into a happy grin. Dark, however, didn't seem as glad to see Krad like the other had. Krad ignored that and entered the house. He locked the door behind him and walked over to Dark's side. When Dark's face was still… dark, for lack of a better word.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Krad asked. Dark shook his head, though they both knew that it wasn't towards Krad's question. Dark had just shaken off a weird thought. It was about Krad. (Maybe he's evil. Maybe that's why the card decided to act all… unanimated.) Blinking himself back to reality, he just stared at Krad with a silent question.

"I said: Penny for your thoughts. Would you like to confide in me, since it seems like Daisuke is home right now." Dark didn't really listen when Krad said home. Dark knew that Daisuke wouldn't call anywhere that he sleeps home. And he also didn't care to tell Krad his thoughts, as he still doesn't trust him.

"It's… Nothing. Nothing you should bother with." Dark said with a slight downcast look. He didn't see Krad's disapproving frown. Nor did he notice Krad's livid eyes that spoke guiltlessly. Just then, before Krad could pester Dark for more, a knock resounded from the door. Confusedly (and not admitting that he wanted some space put in between him and the other occupant in the house), Dark opened the door. Immediately, a badge came into his face. Having things shoved into your face twice in less than ten minutes is more than annoying.

"What!" Dark growled out. Two policemen were standing in front of him, obviously trying to find information on Daisuke, the so-called 'murderer'. Their twin expressions were of indifference. They had a reserve that spoke business. They would likely not accept no for an answer and would stay until Dark had given some thought.

"We'd like some info on Niwa, Daisuke." Bingo. "We have evidence that he was the alleged suspect of the death of Harada, Riku. Resources tell us that Niwa-san had told Harada-san to meet him here. Is that correct?" The voice was cold and unforgiving. But it wasn't accusing. Dark didn't know what to do. He didn't even know what they're talking about. His confusion must've shown on his face because the quiet policeman's reserve broke and his expression turned sad. He shook his head and Dark felt like he was being pitied.

"No, I didn't know. Sorry." Dark bit out. Pity was for the weak. And Dark was not one of the weak. Krad inwardly smirked. 'So much spirit. It'll be fun to play with him.' The policemen just shook his head again. Suddenly, it occurred to Dark that maybe the person was mute and that he didn't pity Dark at all. He just told the other policemen to hurry up. Dark growled. "What do you want?" Stop making a fool out of me!

"Information." It's our job. Deal with it.

"I just told you. I don't know." Well, too bad. I'm not telling you anything.

"We suspect your companion is a murderer. It's for your safety." Just help us with our career.

"How many times do I have to tell you? I-" Dark was cut off and their… more subtle conversation ended. Krad had interrupted before Dark could explode.

"We know nothing of what Niwa does. We just met him recently and we don't pay attention when he leaves the house." Krad said monotonously. By his tone of voice, it seemed like Krad doesn't care for Daisuke at all and that enraged Dark. How dare that blonde to just act so touchy-feely with the redhead and then say that Daisuke is a murderer (more like implying it). Then he says he doesn't care! Is he really that touchy-feely or is he just a disgusting slime ball?

"Thank you for cooperating." Here, the policeman shot a glare at Dark before continuing, "I'm sorry to have bothered you, sir. If you find out about anything – anything at all – please give us a call." With that said, both uniformed men left the entrance of Krad's house. Dark immediately spun towards Krad with murder intent in his eyes. Inwardly, Krad smirked. Dark didn't know what true murder meant. Heh.

"What did you do that for!" Dark screeched. "You're making them suspect Daisuke even more! And I'm sure you know Daisuke." Dark ranted. This man – no, monster (he doesn't deserve a title like man) – is being such a bastard. Before he could go on shouting at Krad, the television overlapped his voice.

"We have more news on the suspect murderer of Harada, Riku. The police have found traces of the poison, aconite, on the love letter that Niwa, Daisuke sent to the local village girl. Aconite is a type of poison that can be absorbed through skin and is rarely used. The police has no leads where Niwa found this poison." The news reporter stated. Dark was horrified by what she said. Even though he didn't exactly understand what aconite was, he understood that people are accusing Daisuke of poisoning Riku.

"The police are now trying to find traces of the poison used on Niwa's hands and clothes. Further notice of the suspect will be told immediately." Dark had this stunned look now. Krad recognized it. He smirked outright at Dark. Krad didn't care if Dark saw or not this time. And he was sure Dark didn't really see him. Krad knew this trance well.

It was a mind-numbing shock. One that actually follows its name. When someone learns something really surprising, they're quiet for a while, right? But you'll still be okay. You could still see and understand what's happening. But if someone else were to say, add magic to the energy surrounding the first person, the magic will prolong the effect the shock has caused. This is what's happening to Dark.

With Krad's demonic energies and Daisuke's dormant power, it'll be a while till Dark is okay again. The time will be used wisely for Krad. He could use it to plan his next steps. His next steps will bring Dark to him and in the meantime perhaps make Daisuke disappear (into jail) – if not, Krad might as well try killing him.

Watching Dark slowly walk to his own room with a clouded expression, Krad walked back to the couch in the living room. His long golden ponytail swayed behind him when his bored eyes swept across his living room. They went over other couches, tables, cabinets, photographs, and etcetera. Nothing inspired him and nothing help motivate his brain to come up with a plan.

Suddenly, something outside the window captured his eye.

Not out the window, Krad's mistake.

The window, itself. It was cracked.

Like how a mirror could be cracked.

Mirrors have your reflection, showing who you are.

Making sure you have no identity crisis.

What if Krad drove Daisuke to insanity? Daisuke could have an identity crisis and through the stress, Daisuke might commit suicide. Dark would be left alone and Krad can finally win. How can Krad cause an identity crisis for Daisuke, though? Daisuke is now under arrest and probably locked away and Krad doesn't know how to reach him. Actually, he does know how. But it'll be risky. As for the way to drive Daisuke crazy, Krad already has it planned out.

Daisuke stared up at the ceiling on the dirty, squeaky cot he was supposed to sleep on. Night had approached and Daisuke has yet to sleep. What was happening to him? What did he do? But most of all: why was he accused? Absentmindedly, his eyes traced the small tiny crevices in the ceiling above him. Outside, stars twinkled and crickets chirruped, never knowing the devil would soon appear.

"Lights out in five minutes!" A guard shouted somewhere off in the distance. Daisuke sighed and rolled over to his side, facing the bars. A soft calming melody drifted into his ears. Daisuke knew that the melody wasn't actually there; that his mind made it sound like it was real to occupy the deafening silence. With the peaceful effect, Daisuke closed his eyes slowly and sang quietly to himself.

"Illuminated by the cold sun,
I had some tame freedom.
On the miraculous night reflected in the mirror,
My soul began to remove its mask.

On the other side of the crumbling wall,
Despair and hope wear the same face.
If your heart is not satisfied,
Head towards the ending prologue that flies away…"

The delicate noise flowed through the windows and animals outside twitched its ears, hoping to hear more. But when another noise disrupted the tranquility, the animals scampered off. Krad stood beside the wall, waiting for Daisuke to fall asleep. The song continued, and the oblivious Daisuke sang to Krad.

"In this world where the wind blows like a knife
What is it that I should protect?
In this journey where I know one pain after another
I draw closer to my true self

The fake light that is disappearing
The true light that is being born
In these hands...

Pierce through the white-dyed night
Go on creating a new era
With a heart that's been released
Fly through the endlessly continuing white night"

It was sad, yet somehow nice. Though Krad doesn't really like Daisuke, he admires Daisuke's emotions. It's easy for Daisuke to show how he feels, but it's difficult for Krad. All the same, Daisuke will suffer from Krad. When silence once again ruled the area (and Daisuke was asleep), Krad began muttering biting remarks to Daisuke's still form.

"Murderer! You killed me!" A high-pitched tone for Riku's voice.

"I never liked you. This stupid act just proves to me that I was right." A deeper tenor for Dark's.

And last but not least, Krad added, "H-how could you! I trusted you! Why did you kill her?"

Inside, Daisuke shivered. Once Krad left, vacant eyes snapped open. Daisuke's face contorted to an expression indescribable.

"He will pay…"

Reviewer Stuff:
minceo: Heh. Yeah, most of it is correct. The Krad killing Daisuke part is the only one I'm not so sure with. And yay! You like the cookie. Would you like another one?
Hikari: Thanks for the cookies! They were delicious. But I wish I had the real Daisuke! And tell Dark that he shouldn't try to murder you. Because that'll make Daisuke sad and mad at him. Plus, Daisuke might try to jump in front of you to save you. Which makes Dark kill Daisuke. And that's sad. You really think that this is awesome? I wish I'm patient enough to write really long chapters and nerve-wracking stories. Then, maybe more reviews will be there! Hm… I should've wished that on my birthday… Wow, I'm rambling! And yeah, Krad scares everyone, doesn't he? But what kind of shivers do they have? Heh.

A/N: The love letter was not romantic. At all. I'm not really a sappy romantic person, so please excuse the lame attempt. And this suddenly occurred to me… Tarot sounds kind of like CCS. I don't mean the plot. I think it's way different. I just think the cards idea wasn't exactly original.

If anyone recognized the song, it was the English lyrics for Byakuya, or True Light. It's the DNAngel opening theme for the anime.