Crystal Hearts

We can grow only once in our lives. As our love crystallizes and grows, so, too, do our hearts…they are a manifestation of our love. In time, they are given over to the one who inspired them…who wished them happiness. You at least…I wish you happiness…

Chapter 12: Betrayal

Satoshi scanned the screen thoroughly; his curse was still asleep inside of him. He looked through everything again only to come to a horrible conclusion, his ancestors had never written down a counter spell or anything for the curse. The curse apparently had only been used a couple times usually on opposing foes and once in awhile, to condemn artwork that were simply too strong. The nameless curse wasn't exactly well known even to its own creator who had wished to damn his wife for having affairs, he had uttered the spell without knowing, which then his wife died soon after.

How did a piece of art like Aku get a hold of such a spell? Satoshi inwardly frowned and kept his mind from screaming, he didn't really want to wake the sleeping blonde. The computer was useless, he gave a sigh of frustration and headed into the library where the thief was. Only it wasn't the thief sitting there, it was Daisuke, "Daisuke? I thought Dark was researching."

Daisuke smiled at his friend, the blue haired boy felt himself blush, "He was, this is the first time I've seen him reading. But he got tired and I agreed to take over for a bit. He's really working hard…" The blue haired boy felt somewhat guilty for giving up without a second thought, "Did you find anything?"

He shook his head, "Only some of the background information, nothing important. I'll go back in a bit, would you like something to eat?"

"Sure, thanks." The redhead smiled again then resumed reading.

The blue haired boy headed downstairs into the kitchen to fix the two of them a sandwich, then he decided to check on the hunter. Krad hadn't moved since he passed out in Dark's arms. Sighing, he brought the sandwiches back up the stairs, dropped it off in the library and resumed researching from his computer.

After a couple hours of scanning information, he felt the sightless entity stir, ((Satoshi-sama?))

(Yes Krad?)

((What are you doing?))

(Homework.) He lied.

((You are a horrible liar Satoshi-sama, if you were doing homework, why is Dark here?))

Satoshi frowned, the blonde was too observant, (I don't know why he's here.)

((Then shall we go ask?)) Satoshi sighed and let the blonde have his way and headed into the library, there, Dark was sitting there, head buried in books. ((What's he doing?))

(Reading.)

Krad blinked, ((He reads?))

He was amused, (Why don't you go and ask him yourself? He's right in front of you.)

Then he transformed into his curse, who walked quietly up to the thief and tapped him on the back. Dark whirled around with surprise, "Krad!"

The hunter nodded and asked curiously, "What are you reading? You don't normally read…"

/He didn't tell him…/

#Of course not! If you were blind, cursed and disappearing, I wouldn't tell you either, it'd simply get you worried, upset and all helpless!#

/Yes…I guess you're right./

"Dark?" Krad stood there blinking, momentarily forgotten.

"I just got bored and remembered this place, thought there'd be something interesting here?"

Why is everyone lying to me? He forced a little smile, "So, did you find what you were looking for?"

"Sorta…" It had a bit of information on the curse, but nothing useful, there were tons of books in the library and he didn't really know where to start. Half the books he'd read so far ended up useless.

Krad nodded, he felt edgy, firstly, everyone was telling him lies, second, he didn't have the slightest clue where the shelves were or whether there were books on the ground or not. Some of the books had magic omitting from it but not enough to tell him where he stood. The blonde didn't feel up to tripping at the moment. Then an arm shot out and pulled him back, he ended up sitting on the thief's laps, "Dark?"

"Actually, I did find something interesting…"

"Hm? What is it?"

Dark began to read a passage of the book he had begun reading, Project Black Wings. "The project Black Wings was a success. Created from two souls, both light and dark merging into the statue. The statue looks heavenly, completely balanced out, the spirits merged inside, Dark and Krad, their beauty cannot be compared to. The Niwa will try to steal this piece for sure but it shall be difficult for them." The thief smirked at the last part.

Krad just leaned against him, "So you were reading about the artworks of the Hikari?"

"I guess you could say that."

"Is it because of me? Am I the reason you're reading? It's the curse right?"

The thief blinked and sighed, "You're right, you caught me again…"

"Why are you doing all this for me? Going through all this trouble, even taking up reading…"

Dark smiled, "Mou…Krad…how many times do I have to say this? I'm doing this because you're Krad, you're the love of my life. Why wouldn't I do all this for you?"

The blonde stared at him then cupped his face, I wish I could see you…then he closed in and for once, gave the thief a kiss. Dark didn't mind it at all, it was enjoyable, he wished it could've lasted longer but then Krad pulled away, head leaning against his chest listening to his heart beat. "I think I forgot what it's like to have a heart."

Dark chuckled, "No way, it's impossible to forget, anyways, it's just some organ you have, nothing important."

#Nothing important?#

/Not to me./

"You're so warm…" Dark just sat there content, Krad wasn't warm, actually, he was somewhat cool. He rested his head on the crook of the blonde's neck and inhaled the hunter's scent. A pure Krad-like scent, both refreshing and intoxicating at the same time, the blonde gave a little moan, "Mmm…Dark…"

"Hm?"

"How do you think this will end?"

Violet eyes opened up slightly, "I don't know Krad…I don't know."

The thief took hisleave in the afternoon just as the sun was setting. Satoshi had seen him to the door and waved his goodbye then finally, deciding to take a break from research, he entered the kitchen where the amazing sight of nothing greeted him. No mother there to greet him and present him with snacks, no father to look up from newspaper and grin at him. All of a sudden, his life felt very empty. Even more empty now that he knew his curse was going to leave him too.

((You'll still have the Niwa.)) Whispered his curse, his voice soft and gentle, trying to soothe the misery and loneliness out of him.

(But he'll never-)

((He will, he'll be with you in your time of need. He'll be the one to fill all these empty holes in you Satoshi-sama.))

Satoshi was startled, (You sound like you're giving up.)

((Of course not! I'll know when to give up, just not now.))

(But when you do give up…you're going to be leaving me too, aren't you? Then soon after Daisuke is going to leave me too and in the end-)

((He won't abandon you.)) The blonde insisted, ((The only person to abandon you is yourself, you're the one who's giving up right now, not me!)) Then he spoke in a gentler voice, ((Don't you see Satoshi-sama? When I leave, the Niwa will be there for you, he'll always be by your side. He will…replace me…))

Blue eyes widened, (No one can replace you! Daisuke will always be Daisuke and you'll always be you! How can Daisuke replace you? He doesn't share my body or know everything there is about me!)

((Satoshi-sama…)) A soft gloved hand cupped his face, Satoshi shivered knowing that under the white gloves laid scars, scars of hopelessness. Scars of death. ((I wish I could see you right now, my Satoshi-sama. I think my leaving would be for the best.))

(Krad?)

((You'll be able to move on with your life, you might've been able to realize it by now. But this isn't the life for you, living in secrecy, having the life goal of catching a thief that cannot be caught. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm feeling quite worn out, good night Satoshi-sama.))

Before the boy could get another world out, the blonde had disappeared back into his mind, move on with my life huh? My lifespan doesn't seem to stretch very far…

That night, Satoshi rose out of his bed and walked out of the house. The blonde was awaken by the sudden movement, ((Satoshi-sama?))

There was no answer.

Krad stood there blinking, he tried to reach out to his host again. ((Satoshi-sama?)) Against he received silence as an answer, the boy wasn't doing this consciously. That's when he noticed it, that aura, getting closer and closer. Aku…what does he want with Satoshi-sama? Just then, his tamer stopped and he was shoved out into the world. He growled in a low voice, "What do you want?"

"I'm here to prove something to you."

"What-" Suddenly he was suspended into midair by a piece of rope which was wrapped around his arms, ((Satoshi-sama!.?))

A voice whispered into his ear, "He's asleep at the moment, this was meant for you and you alone Krad."

"What do you want?"

"Like I said, I just wanted to prove to you a point, the point that the thief is disloyal."

"What are you talking about?" There was a snap and the thief's presence appeared, but he just stood there just as zoned out as Satoshi was, "What did you do to him?"

"He's merely in his own dream world so I can show you the truth. Don't worry, I can assure you that this is no dream, at least not one you can wake from." He chuckled. Krad bit his lip, "You're hanging from the top story of the museum, the one by the cliff and then I will drop the girl, then you to see which the thief would choose."

"Girl?"

"Yes, I do believe she's called Harada…Rika?"

Krad tensed at the name, "She's dead!"

"Who says I can't bring back the dead?" With a snap, the cries of a girl rang in the hunter's ears.

"Dark-san! Dark-san! Tasukete!"

As though he read the blonde's mind, he smirked, "He doesn't know you can fly, as far as he sees you, you're strapped up wings and all."

"You can be lying for all I know."

Aku laughed, "Very well, I may have fibbed just a little, the girl is dead and will remain dead, but since Dark is dreaming he sees me holding both you and Rika, about to drop either one of you when in reality, Rika is nothing but a rock. Lo and behold."

He let the blonde's rope slide a bit, Krad heard the thief yell, "Krad!"

"Shall we put him to the test? It's you or the girl."

The demon let the rock drop, Krad could hear the fake cries of the 'girl', he felt his own rope loosen slowly. Then the thief rushed passed him to save Rika who's cries were still loud and desperate, "Dark-san! Save me!"

He stood there, on top of an empty building. It was the museum he realized. Then he saw him, Aku, "You again!"

"Hello Dark, I hope you've had the courtesy of remember my name?"

"You wish Hakuchi."

"Is that so? Would you look at who I have here?" Dark narrowed his eyes, "Don't you recognize her?" It was Rika hanging by the arms by a piece of rope.

"Rika!"

"At least you remember her name. I'm here to experiment, do you see what I have in my hands?" Violet eyes narrowed, a minute later it widened, a cruel smirk spread across his face, "I see you remember this."

"How'd you get it?"

"I have my ways." He swung it, "It looks better hanging by rope like a necklace doesn't it? Instead of always being locked away in that stuffy safe of yours."

He gritted his teeth, "What do you want?"

Akusmiled innocently but no one was fooled, "Like I said, I just wanted to test this little theory of mine, if I were to drop this," he let the rope slid a little, the thief took a step forward in alarm as he watched it dangle helplessly, "and her, which one would you save? You can't save both, and to ensure that, I'll drop this first then the girl. How does that sound? Did you make up your mind on which one to save?"

"Bu-"

Golden red eyes narrowed evilly, "Which one will you save, Dark Mousy? Your lover's crystal heart or the girl's life?"

"She's dead!"

"Or is she now? How can you be so sure of what's within my power and what's not? After all you might just end up a murderer…" He let the rope which hung Rika slide, the girl shrieked.

"Dark-san! Dark-san! Tasukete!"

His hands tightened into fists, "We have an audience you know."

Dark whirled around, there was Krad standing there dazed and half unconscious, "Krad!"

"As you can see, he can't see so he doesn't know what you're doing, so will you save the girl or his heart? It's your choice. Well here it goes."

The demon dropped the crystal heart, Dark stared in horror as the golden jewel descended getting closer to the water with each passing second, "No!"

His wings flapped and he raced after the falling gem, there was another snap, then he heard, "Dark-san! Save me!"

She's dead, nothing can bring her back! But Krad…he's still here, as long as I can save him then I can live with myself! He stretched his hand as he got closer to the falling stone. Krad!

Aku smiled knowingly at the blonde, "I can see who he picked without a second thought. I'm sorry to say it wasn't you." He cut the bonds loose, "Go, go save him, but you really shouldn't place him so close, after all, he picked the girl over you." The demon smirked, "I see I've proved my point, I'll be taking my leave." Leathery gray wings snapped open and lifted him up, "You better catch him soon before he hits the water, only god knows what will break." He laughed, "All this for a little stone."

After he disappeared, Krad dove after the now unconscious thief and caught him; his breath came out soft and calm. He was asleep. So he really was dreaming. Krad shook his head sadly and flew to the Hiwatari household, the only building he really knew how to get to and where it was located.

It was difficult to get to the house and inside without the help of his host and with his arms full. He was covered in scratches after the rough trip, he headed into the living room, he was actually grateful to his host for forcing him to get used to the house. The hunter set the thief down onto the couch and brushed his bangs out of his face. Dark…

"Krad…" Golden eyes widened, was the thief awake? An arm tugged at his ripped sleeve, "Don't leave…please…"

His eyes softened, there was a tingle around his collarbone, it had worsened ever since he used his wings, but he ignored it. "Dark?"

The thief was still asleep, not letting go to the ripped sleeve, "So sorry…Krad…couldn't catch it…"

"Catch what?"

He received no answer, just a little whimper. Guilt welled up inside the blonde, he sat down and slept kneeling by the thief against the couch, listening to Dark sniveling every now and then. Krad got up, by that time, the thief's grip had loosened. The hunter headed upstairs and grabbed a blanket to cover the thief. He returned to his kneeling position and soon fell asleep. His eyes fluttered shut, Dark…I was never really the first in your heart was I?

In the morning, amethyst eyes opened groggily, where the hell am I? He looked around, he was on a couch, having no recollection of what had happened annoyed him. All he remembered was that dream where he saw that Aku had Krad's crystal heart. It's not possible…is it? Someone stirred beside him, the thief yelped and looked down near the edge of the blanket, Krad? He looks kind of beaten...what happened?

Krad sat up, a voice inside his head told him that his host was awake, he couldn't tell whether the thief was awake or not yet. (Krad? What happened?)

((I don't know.)) He lied.

(Why's Dark here?)

((He's awake?))

Satoshi nodded, (He's staring right at you too.)

The blonde quickly stood up and backed away quickly. Dark wondered what had happened, I can't tell him about Aku… "Krad? What happened? Why am I here?"

"I'm not sure." He lied again, he really was becoming a great liar, but then again…he couldn't tell the thief about how he unconscious picked the girl over him could he?

He couldn't answer his own question so instead, the blonde shifted back to his host who just stood there looking as dumbfound as the thief. Dark blinked, "Did I do something wrong?"

Satoshi shrugged, he didn't know anymore than the thief did. Krad was hiding something from them.

Nya

Here's the next chapter! Incase you're confuzzled, Aku was maniputating both Dark and Krad at the same time, you know, him being the villain and all...and tasukete means help me/save me. :) Enjoy! Should I use musses to liven this stuff up? It's just a thought but still...

WolfBane2- Wow, thankies! XD I love that quote :D It's so...so...whatcha ma calls it uhhhh something like touching only a prettier word...erm..let's just say I'm at a lost for words XD I like them both, especially when they're together :P

icestar2007- The enemy of my enemy is my friend? o.O -thinking- wow...it's so sophisticated that my brain can't handle it XD or maybe it's from lack of sleep but still...do you need a tissue? -hands them out-

Hakudoshi-chan- Over one bump and onto another :P Satoshi's getting frustrated and Dark and Krad are back to doubting XP Aren't I evil? What will happen? What will happen:P I think I'm liking Aku more than I'm supposed to XP

cHaOtIc c00L- Huh? Krad kill himself? Again:P Satoshi may be a genius but he's still just a kid at heart, easily stressed out, just like everyone else :) I feel kind of sorry for Aku :P Everyone's after his neck :)

General Kitty Girl- Milk and cookies good, definately, not getting to take over the world and have all the world's midgets and elves work for you like Santa does is not so good :S You know what? If Aku or Krad maybe even Satoshi tried...they could rule the world... o.O

Mysterious Kaitou- I'm going through just as bad a hell as you are :) Holes in my back and all -shudder- Yes...Dark not loving Krad would be the clown/mime apocolypse o.O my spelling guesses are just as bad as yours XP evil mimes!

Chrnoskitty- Awww...it's okay...just because Krad's all...tormented by me doesn't mean that he's going-...errr...yea...anyways...here's a tissue, if I finished that sentence I'd probably end up slapping myself for spoiling it XP

dimonyo-anghel- Fluff! XD It's proof that...that...some religious godly figure likes us :) I've heard a teacher say bestest, it was humorous, it's like saying funner, it's not a word but we still use it XD Yes, the host and lover are teaming up to save a single very important person :D

Kotay3- Thankies:D Yes! Satoshi has to use that huge brain of his which helped him pass university and highschool and catch Dark to save his curse :) It's somewhat ironic, saving the one he used to hate and all :P

golden-flame3- It's prettiful :) Me and my insanely insane words XD I love angst :P You might've noticed, actually now that I think about it...poor Dark, knowing how Krad's feeling but he can't really help -sniffle- :S

ilovekyo- Everyone loves Krad X3 aka: extremely cool homicidal blond XP I really hate school, with all the projects coming up and all not to mention all the sports happening right now :S I finally found time to update though! XD

Seena58- Yes...everyone knows me XD also known as the evil authoress who kills off the characters all the time :P Life always sucks for them when I'm around! -very proud- There will always be bumps on the road for them :P It can't be helped.

Menoumaru- Wow...your friend is very ambitious :) I have no such dreams, too much recognization, if something goes wrong, everyone turns to you first...too freaky...and I don't even live in USA :P I don't even get to go on at school :P Don't cry -pat pat-

Umi-chii- I wish you the best of luck in destroying all sources of education :D School's boring, projects are stressing, time-wasting and boring. I wish I could update more often :( All the ideas are stuffed inside my head -sniffle- it's going to implode XS

Gabriel of Dreams-Yume-Chan- Poor Kraddy-kins XD Curses, doubts and everything possible all because of me...I'm surprised no one's tried to sue me or anything...not that I'm trying to get the idea into people's heads or anything...nope... :P Don't sue me please XP

Iarrod- Woots XD Half of me is rejoicing while the other half is silently jumping with pride XP Really glad you find this story interesting even though you aren't really into that stuff nya Thankies:D

Daishi- Whoa...it does doesn't it? Sorta...wasn't Sasuke bitten by that snake dude? I was thinking of something fancier...you know...like that blood circle thingy Satoshi drew in the last episode? But now that you mention it...whoa, just whoa XD