[AUTHORS NOTE: Thank You for reading My Day and Night Guardian. This is an exceptionally long chapter as I wish to move the plot on more quickly. From this chapter onwards, the plot will hopefully be picking up and the story should develop at a faster pace. Thank You for your support and Please review and give criticism! I am aware of the confusion surrounding XM2 and other various things about this story - I assure you, things will become clear soon. (The Story may also turn much darker, so be prepared.) Feel free to criticise/question anything else you feel uncomfortable about in this story. Please continue to support this story!]

Dark Prophecy

"As her father I have every right," Ikuto shouted, grabbing onto Tadase's arm, "let go. I'll pretend you never did what you just did."

"I have no intention of letting you forget," Tadase said, hitting Ikuto again. The punch was so forceful this time that Ikuto's body fell back to hit the oak tree that was close by. "You," Tadase now shouted back, "You're the one who has no right to talk about her future. You're just her father, nothing more. In the end, you will have to give her away to a man."

"Shut up…" Ikuto said with difficulty. There was that same slowly growing pain in his head again and Ikuto could do nothing about it but desperately clench his own head.

Ignoring Ikuto who looked as though he was in pain, Tadase continued, "As her father, you can't ever love her more than a father. You're love will soon be incompetent compared to another man's love for her. Please don't get in her way anymore. I can love Amu more than anyone in this world."

Ikuto moved one of his hands to clench his chest now as a strong burn suffocated his heart. "Shut up-" Ikuto said weakly again, unable to deal any longer with the mass pain in his chest and head. It was happening again, right now, at a time that he least wanted it to happen but he cannot control it. He cannot suppress it either as his body seemed to change by its own accord, from the wrath of anger that wrapped him. His eyes went blurry and then there was that same darkness he recognised as he lost all consciousness. His eyes grew void and the pain stopped. "What did you just say?" he asked Tadase, his voice more steady than before.

"I can love Amu more than anyone in this world," Tadase repeated, turning to walk away from Ikuto. "So, you have no right to disapprove of our relationship."

Ikuto remained very still until Tadase was way out of his sight before he stood up, leaning against the tree. He took a few deep breaths, knowing he had just about managed to stop himself from spilling that insolent brat's blood. Ikuto smiled, but that twisted smile turned into a hysteric laugh. He didn't stop laughing, more like he couldn't stop. Everything now was messed up and he could do nothing but laugh. He only stopped when he saw Nikaidou approach him.

Nikaidou stared at Ikuto, "are you alone?"

"What do you want?" Ikuto asked, "I'm already in a bad mood."

"I want to finish our conversation on XM2," Nikaidou began, "I've told you my reason to wanting it. I am your father's friend and I've been looking for him."

Ikuto stared hard at Nikaidou, "since when did you become my father's friend? Aren't you working for that man? Did I not tell you already, I no longer have XM2?"

Nikaidou gasped, "What-"

Ikuto grabbed Nikaidou's neck then thrust him against the tree, suffocating him. "Don't you dare go after XM2," Ikuto hissed. "You sure are unlucky to catch me in a bad mood."

Nikaidou looked at the Ikuto and a strange fear spread within him. This wasn't day Ikuto, this was night Ikuto. Nikaidou grabbed onto Ikuto's hand, trying hard to breathe in air. After a few seconds, Ikuto loosened his grip on Nikaidou when it seemed like Nikaidou wasn't going to last any longer. Nikaidou dropped to his knees, gasping for air. "When did they switch?" Nikaidou whispered in shock to himself. He had not expected that day Ikuto would turn into night Ikuto so suddenly. What triggered him to change?

"Leave me alone," Ikuto demanded, "You won't get anything out of me."

Nikaidou glared at Ikuto, "I will not give up in finding that man so I will obtain XM2. From your actions just then, I can deduce that you do have XM2. Where is it?"

"I won't be answering you that," Ikuto said, taking a step away from Nikaidou, "I have no intention of giving anyone XM2 either. Too bad there's only one copy of it in this entire world. Don't you think?"

Nikaidou slowly stood up, holding his neck that now had red finger marks over it. "Its not like you are particularly close to him. Why are you protecting him from us? This makes no sense at all. You know, I'd leave you alone if-"

"No matter what my feelings are towards that man, he is still my father," Ikuto whispered, "so I won't give you XM2. I've got other business to attend to here. I'll be leaving now."

Nikaidou held his breath, not knowing what more there was to say to Ikuto. He had done his part trying to convince him and clearly it didn't work. Nikaidou nodded, "don't blame me for whatever is to happen to you then. XM2 is the only clue that will lead us to finding your father and no matter what, I will find him. I will use any methods from now on. Prepare yourself, Ikuto Tsukiyomi, the son of a hunted man."

Ikuto left, not saying another word more to Nikaidou. It was tiring, this endless struggle between him and the person who asked Nikaidou to obtain XM2. He still didn't understand himself though, why was he protecting his father? "Will I really see death if I continue to hold onto XM2 and that man?" Ikuto whispered, "I feel like everything will end soon."

…Passing the many excited students in the corridor, Amu casually made her way towards Nobuko Saeki's room. She saw a lot of different expressions, happy ones, sad ones, mad ones, it seemed the fortune telling wasn't all positive. When she was near Nobuko's room though, she was slightly shocked as she saw Nadeshiko and her parents trying to comfort a Yaya that was crying. Amu ran over to Yaya who was being cuddled by her parents.

"What's happened?" Amu asked.

"Yaya got a really bad telling," Nadeshiko explained, "it seems like that Nobuko Saeki predicted something awful and Yaya just wouldn't stop crying after coming out her room."

"What was the telling about-"

"Please don't ask," Yaya sobbed, holding onto her mother's hand. "It isn't really that bad, I was probably overreacting."

"Don't make us worry so much," Yaya's mother said, "dear, I think we should go home."

Yaya nodded, giving a quick glance at both Amu and Nadeshiko before leaving with her mother.

"I'm going home too," Nadeshiko said, "I don't know what Nobuko Saeki told Yaya but it must be something terrible for her to cry like that. The last time I saw Yaya cry was when her pet rabbit died. It's been ages."

"It wouldn't be really bad would it?" Amu asked.

"Who knows," Nadeshiko replied, "Nobuko Saeki is famous for being accurate in her predictions. I've seen her already as well but Amu… just don't take things too much to heart."

Amu stared at Nadeshiko who said good bye and left with her parents. She was alone now in the corridor and she stared at the door to where Nobuko Saeki was behind. The sight and thought of how upset Yaya was seemed to stir up discomfort within Amu and she somewhat became slightly angry. Even a fortune teller should consider other people's feelings. Amu entered the classroom, which she didn't recognise as it was now dimly lit and covered with rich velvet violet curtains that gave it quite a mysterious aura. Sitting at a desk in the middle of the room was Nobuko Saeki, the famous fortune teller, who smiled at Amu as she took a seat opposite her.

"You finally came," Nobuko whispered.

"Were you expecting me?" Amu asked, wondering whether this woman really was the real deal. "Did you predict that I was going to come?"

"Do you doubt my abilities to read?" Nobuko asked back.

Amu didn't answer so Nobuko continued, "Just by looking at your face, I've already read some of your past. It's a mix of sad and happiness is it not?" She grabbed hold of Amu's face and pulled her closer, "your entire family died in an accident three years ago and then you were taken in by a very young man, who became a replacement for your father. Recently it seems an older woman has also entered your life and become part of what you call a family. Am I right?"

Amu pulled away from Nobuko, "you could have asked anyone in the school and they would know. I'm sorry to be truthful to you but I don't really believe in these things. I also think you go too far with your silly predictions-"

Nobuko hit the desk with her bare hands, making a loud thud noise which startled Amu. She gave Amu a stare that made her feel uncomfortable, as she said "everything I read and say is accurate. I only speak the truth of what I see." Nobuko rubbed the palm of her hand that was slightly pink, "if you hold a grudge against me for saying something that upset your friend then forget it. You also have your own problems, so before you worry about others, worry about yourself first."

"Excuse me," Amu said standing up, "I only promised to come in here because someone insisted. I'm finished now so I'll be leaving." Amu made her way towards the door.

"Two different people living as one or do you say, one person living as two different people," Nobuko slowly said, "it's an absurd illness one could have don't you agree? Now I clearly understand, the dilemma of a split personality that the most important person to you has."

Amu turned around to stare at Nobuko, who had a small smile on her face now as she stared back. Nobuko motioned at the seat, "sit down Amu Hinamori."

Amu slowly walked back to the seat and sat down, her gaze never leaving Nobuko.

"You are currently having some problems in dealing with someone close and important to you that seem to be living as two different people," Nobuko continued, "though I have no idea who this important person in your heart is, I can tell you are bothered by this. Now, is this something I can ask about you from someone else? Do you still doubt my ability?"

"No one else knows," Amu admitted. "I guess I can listen to you, but I'm not going to trust your words."

Nobuko nodded, "Well I don't care if you trust my words or not. My job is just to say what I read," Nobuko tapped her fingers on the table, "So, enough of me prying into your thoughts. I have no intention of reading everything for you. Regarding your future, what do you want to ask?"

"Please let me think..." Amu whispered, not certain what it was, she most wanted to know.

Nobuko took hold of Amu's hands and began to look at it, "Is it about you and you're boyfriend? I do believe you are dating someone. Want me to tell you whether you two are a good match, girls always ask about their love life."

"No, wait," Amu said but Nobuko covered her mouth and simply nodded after looking at her hands. "I see, guess his doubt wasn't for nothing then." Nobuko let go of Amu's hand still covering her mouth. "Listen to me carefully and don't interrupt whilst I'm telling you this. I've seen the condition with the boy you are currently dating and it seems I don't see much chemistry in your relationship for passion. You and him as a match, well it's not a very solid or good match. Rather the love within the relationship is-"

Amu moved Nobuko's hand away from her mouth, "I have no interest in that. I only want to know one thing and that isn't about me."

Nobuko stared at Amu, confused and taken back slightly by her reaction. "As I've been saying, you and your boyfriend..."

"Will you please listen to me?" Amu said loudly over Nobuko, "I don't care about my love life I've told you. But if you really can tell me anything then please tell me what will happen to that person? I really want to know."

Nobuko stared at Amu, surprised for the first time in her life that this girl was different to ordinary girls. Where other girl's mind and heart would be filled with their boyfriends or the boy they love, Amu didn't have any. Even when Nobuko tried to read about her thoughts on a boyfriend, there wasn't a figure of a boyfriend or lover within Amu's heart or mind. Instead, she read a very absurd strong desire within Amu, that wasn't directed towards the boy she was currently dating but to the one man that lives as two people. Nobuko spoke again, trying to test her theory, "I cannot read any more about that person. You're feelings for your boyfriend is too weak for me to read anything more-"

"Not him, not Tadase," Amu said, "I never asked you to read about Tadase. What I most want to know is-"

"Then," Nobuko slowly said, "the one who lives as two people, the one with a split personality, who occupies both your mind and heart. I can see it and I can feel it. Those strong feelings coming from you that you have for that person. Is that what you want me to read, you and that man's future?"

"No," Amu slowly said, "I only want to know his future."

"If I don't know who that person is or if I'm not directly looking at them, I can't read anything," Nobuko explained, "I can only read you, regarding him."

"Then, please tell me as much as you can," Amu asked, knowing if this woman before her really can predict one's future then she wanted to know what Ikuto's future would be like. Night Ikuto was always being targeted and he often got into danger, so Amu wanted to know how to protect him. That was probably the strong feeling Nobuko was talking about that was inside her. To repay Ikuto for taking her in for these three years, she wanted to protect him. She had no one else but him, her last ever family.

Nobuko gently pulled Amu's face close to hers again, and this time she stared into her eyes. It did feel as though Nobuko was reading her, through her eyes, whilst holding her hand.

Then Nobuko quickly pulled away from Amu in a small fright; her reaction so big, she fell off her seat. Amu quickly got up, going over towards Nobuko to help her up who refused it, pushing Amu away from her. "I'm sorry for my abnormal behaviour," Nobuko slowly said, getting back onto her chair. "Please do sit."

Amu didn't move but stared at Nobuko with concern, "Are you alright?"

"Its very haunting, the roots in which you are already so tightly tied with the fate of the fallen, it covers you with vines dripped in a sinners blood," Nobuko said almost chant-like. "He is as well... the aura of death will only continue to grow. Stay away from that man. That is the wisest advice I am giving you."

"What are you saying?" Amu questioned, "what sinners blood, what death? What did you read?"

Nobuko sighed, "If you value your own life then don't be with that man anymore. Unless there is an unforeseen change within the future, what I've seen is basically death. As long as you and he remain together, death will surround. Besides, his death is unavoidable and it is to happen very soon."

"What did you just say?" Amu shouted, grabbing onto Nobuko's clothes, "What did you just say? He... he's going to die. I thought you said you can't read his future if it isn't him. Why are you lying?"

"Calm down," Nobuko said grabbing hold of Amu's clenched fists. "I did say I can't read his future from you but, as you are at the moment, you are too emotionally connected to that man and that strong desire and devotion in you towards him has tied your future with his, therefore what I see in you would allow me to make a vague prediction of him. Also, the aura of death is absurdly strong when I try to read him through you, so I can only guess his death is soon."

"I won't believe a thing you say anymore," Amu shouted again, letting go of Nobuko, tears in her eyes. She will not believe it, this is all a lie and gibberish. Ikuto would not die, he can't die, and not until he's experienced everything he needs to in life. "I'm leaving."

"If you are leaving this room with the thought that I've lied then I beg you to reconsider," Nobuko shouted after Amu, "leave that dead man. I can see that if you choose to leave him, you will live as a human."

Amu slammed the door closed behind her as she left the room, unable to hold back her tears now. She wiped them with her hands but they kept falling out her eyes. Why did she ever decide to ask Nobuko? Why did she think she could try and trust that woman's prophecy? "He won't die, he can't, he can't," Amu repeated over and over. "What was the point in me trying to save him, if he's to die before my eyes," Amu shouted, "Ikuto…" There was a sharp pain in her chest now as she began to run down the corridor, through the few students that were standing around for a chat. "Where are you, Ikuto?" Amu said, running blindly in any direction she saw. She began to panic now, becoming anxious and only wanting to see Ikuto. She felt like she was going crazy, the madness filling her. "Please, show yourself, come out," Amu whispered as she ran towards the stairs.

She was about to run down the stairs when a pair of arms wrapped around her from behind, lifting her off the ground. A hand was then clasped over her eyes, "come with me," the familiar voice whispered into Amu's ears, calming her down. She walked in the direction where she was directed, into a room, her tears won't stop falling as she recognised him. "You're alive, you're here," Amu whispered to herself. She turned and embraced him as she heard the door close shut behind her. "Ikuto," she said, "you're here."

Ikuto stayed very still. He didn't push Amu away from him but didn't react to her either. "You sound upset," he slowly said, "what's on your mind."

"Nothing much," Amu lied, "I've just been to see Nobuko Saeki and it seems everything is fine. I'm only worried about Yaya, she was crying when I saw her."

"Is that all?" Ikuto asked, "Is that all you're worried about? That girl named Yaya."

Amu slowly let go of Ikuto, "she was really upset so yes I am worried."

"Are you not concerned with the guy named Tadase?"

Amu blinked, confused with what Ikuto was talking about, "That reminds me, I thought you were with him. Where is-"

"What kind of a relationship do you have with that guy?" Ikuto continued to ask. "I've heard rumours about you two being together."

"Well, we're…" Amu slowly began, not knowing how or what she should say. She knew she would be found out very soon but she wasn't prepared for this yet. She gently clenched onto Ikuto's shirt, hoping that he wouldn't mind too much that she ended up dating Tadase. It should be fine, Amu thought, Ikuto is her father so he will support her and Tadase was a really nice guy. "I'm dating him."

"Is that the truth? Do you honestly like him?"

"Yes," Amu simply replied. "Tadase is really nice to me. I know I was wrong that I didn't tell you but will you support me?"

Ikuto laughed, "really, how messed up can this get? You must have been amused."

Amu's hand began to tremble uncontrollably. Something wasn't right, something was wrong, she can sense it. "D-do you not like me being with Tadase?" Amu asked weakly.

"That brat said to me that he can love you more than anyone else in this world and that pisses me off," Ikuto said, "do you believe he really can love you more than anyone…. more than me."

"What are you saying?" Amu asked, taking a step away from Ikuto, "Why are you saying something so strange? I do think Tadase-"

"Don't say his name so casually," Ikuto shouted. He turned, glaring at Amu then grabbed onto her, "you frustrate me." With force, he pulled her towards him, locking her in his arms. A frightened Amu tried to push him away but it was too late. It was too late that she finally realised that this was night Ikuto and there was a strong fear within her as their lips came together, interlocking their breaths.