"Hey look, she's got a "candy cane"!"
Ai sighed, as she closed her book. It was a Braille version of The Thief. She liked comparing the character-thief, Gen, in the book to Dark. The way Dark did things seemed more like magic…was it? After all, he could fly. She turned her attention to the boy who had noted about her walking cane.
"Actually, it's a little too far from Christmas for that."
A few students who were nearby laughed at the boy. He hadn't expected a reply, that's for sure. Ai could tell by the silent fuming he now was emitting that he was contemplating another comment. She wondered where Takashi was.
A force suddenly pulled on the cane that she was holding. Instinctively, Ai hit a button on the top of the handle, and swished it quickly to her right. She heard a profound "Ow" after doing a now-common practice that ensured her not fading away in this world. All she had done, really, was cause the cane to fold up. This particular cane, as she had quickly noticed upon receiving it, flipped closed quite forcefully, and often hit her in the face. To counter this motion, she moved it to the right, where it would just miss her. This time, though, she hadn't moved it enough, and it hit the tip of her ear as it closed. She didn't mind. It had hit where she wanted it to.
"Hey, little Miss "I'm-blind-so-I-can-get-away-with-everything", you could get a detention for hitting another student!" The boy didn't seem to want to give up on her.
Ai sat back leisurely in her chair, once again opening her book. She used her fingertips to find the paragraph where she had left off, and continued to "feel" the story. "How can I get in trouble? I was only closing it."
…
Ai chewed her lunch slowly. She was sitting on the inside end of a lunch table, trying to be as far away from the middle of the cafeteria as she could be. Everyone chatted about everything, including the latest fashion, the newest exchange students…Dark.
She almost choked. Was Dark really that popular? Even after only two nights of stealing? There went her chances of being unique. She knew all about Dark from her grandmother, who also seemed to have been completely obsessed with him when he had returned during her time.
"Ai?"
Ai looked up. "Takashi?"
"Hey, Ai!" He sat on the chair in front of her. "Um…what's up?"
"Nothing, really." Ai said. She laughed a little. "It's thirty-two steps to get up the stairs, though."
"Really?" Takashi had to think for a minute, but then remembered that she hadn't known how many stairs there were on the way up to class. "Wow…I didn't think it was so many."
"Neither did I," Ai replied. "But, the good news is I'm getting pretty good at getting around. Pretty soon, I should be able to do it without your help."
Takashi paused for a minute. "You know…I never had anything against showing you around."
"Of course you did." She said. "It was in your voice when you answered the teacher yesterday. Perhaps you've changed your opinion, but you didn't start that way."
Takashi blinked. "So? What does that mean? That I changed my view to your favor from being against you? Why is it such a big deal?"
It was Ai's turn to take a second to think. "It's not…I just…" She gulped. "I'm sorry…I…I have a firey temper."
Takashi sighed. "It's not your fault. What you said was true. You probably just don't like being lied to. I bet you can tell if someone's lying better than anyone else."
She shrugged. "I'm not sure. People tell me since I can't see, I have a more acute sense of other things. But I don't know. I don't feel like I'm missing anything. I don't feel like I've got a better sense of anything. I mean…I've got nothing to compare it to. You can describe to me how something looks all you want, but I can't form any images like people accuse me of being able to do. But you know…" She sighed. "It doesn't make a difference. I can't tell what I'm lacking as opposed to everyone else, and they don't know what it's like to live completely without it. I'm sorry…I'm rambling."
He looked at her. In her blind eyes, he began to think that most of what she said was true. But he was also busy eating his sandwich, so he didn't have much of a chance to think of what could be wrong with it. "It's alright, Ai. I don't mind listening to you."
He purposely kept his eyes off of her. He had to make sure that Dark didn't come out. Yesterday, in the hallway with Ai, it had been a close call. If Ai could have seen, his secret would have been given away. He thought about Ai, and about Dark. He saw a connection between them, and it was more than just the fact Ai obviously had the power to transform him.
When Takashi suddenly remembered, he almost choked on his food. Hadn't Dark said that Ai was "his girl"? He looked at Ai, who was drinking a juice box. He had to ask her if she had met with Dark, but how could he do that without revealing that he, in fact, could turn into Dark?
"So…" Takashi went along, masking the question with small talk. "Did you hear about Dark? What do they call him…the Great Phantom Thief, or something?"
"His full title given to him throughout the years is, "The Infamous Great Phantom Thief Dark Mousy". He originally appeared in the late 1800's, early 1900's, and has since then appeared every forty years for approximately five years at a time. I'd say yes, I've heard of him."
Takashi stopped mid-way of taking a bite of his sandwich. That was already more than he knew about Dark. "How did you know all of that? Dark's only went stealing twice."
"Oh…my grandmother was a big fan of Dark." Ai said. "She used to tell me all she knew about him, she was obsessed. She'd always try and describe him to me, his alluring eyes, his voice, his "sexy" grin…of course, it never made a difference to me. Honestly, I think she loved him. I actually have her collection of magazines and newsreels all about him."
"Wow…so you've known about him before anyone else?"
"Yeah, I guess so. I mean…I'm not sure if anyone else's grandparents would fully support a thief."
"Haha…yeah…" Takashi laughed nervously. After all, his whole family fully supported Dark. But he was annoyed at the fact he couldn't get Ai to say what he wanted her to. "Watching him on TV the other night made me wonder why so many girls go crazy over him. He just seems like such a lady killer…"
"Ooh! Much like yourself, handsome."
The two students turned. Takashi was surrounded by at least five girls. The "leader" of the bunch was a tall brunette. "Ooh, Takashi! Are you telling this little blind girl how handsome you are? Or what she's missing because she can't see? Oh! Don't forget to tell her just how ugly she is, and that white-with-stripes is so out of fashion.
Ai got angry, and gripped the cane that she knew the girl was referring to. "Actually, he was just telling me that I wasn't missing out on anything. He explained with good detail that the girls that go to this high school are all rather…what word did he use…? Oh right, ugly."
The brunette shifted her weight sharply on one hip, put her hand on it, and slammed the other onto the lunch table. She then turned her head towards Takashi. "Are you going to let her talk to me that way, Takashi?"
"You talk like I actually care how she talks to you."
The rest of the group "oohed" at how the brunette was so coldly turned away. But she wasn't done.
"Yes, well, if he said the girls at school were ugly, then that includes you. Unless…" She laughed haughtily. "…you aren't a girl?"
Ai just responded. "I never said I was offended by the comment of "ugly". He's the one who stated it. Quite frankly, I'm strong enough to accept the fact."
"Hmph!" The brunette stomped her foot in rage. "Well, Takashi, you can forget about ever having a chance with me!"
"I never wanted a chance with you."
The brunette and her group walked away, and Takashi gave a sigh of relief.
"I'm sorry I lied about what you said…" Ai said. "I just hate people like that…I had to say something."
"It's alright," he answered, "I probably would have done the same thing."
"Who was that, anyway?"
"Oh…that was Alana. She's an American, but she came here when she was really young, so she never learned English. She used to be made fun of because she didn't look Japanese, but then she got her "posse" and well…that's pretty much it. That, and they all have this "huge crush" on me."
"I see. So basically, you're the attractive one in the bunch, and they all just "have to be with you" because they have to be with "the perfect guy"?"
Takashi sighed. "That's what they tell me. I can't stand any of them though."
"Haha! I don't blame you." Ai smiled. "I guess one of the good things about not being able to see is that it seems to make you "ugly". And with "ugly" people, usually when someone says they like them…it's not just on their looks or anything."
"You know Ai, that really makes sense."
"Does it?" Ai asked. "I'm only basing it off of gossip and what I've heard other people say."
"Even if that's true, what you said…" Takashi thought about it for another minute. "You're not ugly."
Ai, who had been eating her apple, almost choked. "I beg your pardon?"
"You said that you were strong enough to accept that you're ugly. And you're not."
Ai took another bite of her apple, and chewed it carefully. She was facing Takashi in such a way he had to remind himself that she couldn't be looking at him. "Well…thank you." She put the garbage from her lunch in a nice little bundle, and looked back at him. "I…I don't know what to say."
"Don't worry about it." Takashi smiled back at her. "Do you want me to throw your stuff away for you?"
"That'd be nice," Ai smiled. "Thank you."
…
"Alright, class, I know we haven't met yet. I'm Mr. Hikari. I'll be teaching you Algebra this year in school."
The students all began murmuring. The teacher looked no older than they were!
Takashi stared at him. Why on Earth did he look so familiar? It was like he'd seen him before, but he couldn't figure it out.
"Alright, since it's the beginning of the year, we'll start very easy. Don't get used to it; I'm going to make sure you guys are pushed to your limits. Please do the following problem…" He then wrote out 5x(6+2) on the board.
Takashi went on to do the problem, he decided he'd worry about the resemblance to the unknown person later.
"Yes, and you're name is?"
"I'm Ai Yuki."
"Yes, Ai, you have a question?"
"Yes." Ai said. "What is the problem?"
"I don't know. You asked me."
Ai sighed, and Takashi realized what was going on: Mr. Hikari didn't know Ai was blind!
"Sir…" Ai said slowly, making sure not to sound rude. "I meant the math problem. What is it?"
Mr. Hikari looked at her, then the look on his face changed to that of complete shock. "Oh! Pardon me, Ai! I was brought to the attention of your disability…I completely forgot, my mistake. The problem is…"
Takashi sighed, and went back to working out the problem. It definitely would be different, having a pretty blind girl in the class. He drowned the conversation out as he thought.
Takashi! What the hell is your mother doing, letting you go to this class?!
Takashi gasped out loud. Dark had spoken so loudly and so suddenly it had scared him. A few students turned to look at him, wondering why he had moved so suddenly.
Takashi panicked. He couldn't talk to Dark now!
Don't you know a Hikari when you see one? Man, do I have to teach you everything?
Takashi raised his hand.
"Yes, and you are…?"
"Takashi Niwa! Mr. Hikari, can I use the bathroom please?"
"…Niwa…" The teacher repeated under his breath. "Yes, you can use the bathroom. Take the pass."
Takashi went to the boy's bathroom. Luckily, no one was there. "Okay, what is it?"
"It's him! The Commander! Zaki Hikari! Your enemy!"
"My…enemy?" Suddenly, Takashi remembered the stealing Dark had done, and the guy who had almost caught him. "No way! It's the same guy! But if he's the commander, then why is he teaching me Algebra?!"
"Who knows? I remember the Hikari the one generation was actually a student. He'd already passed college and everything."
"What?! Are they all geniuses or something?"
"I'm not sure, but they're bad news, that's for sure." Dark sighed. "And be sure to watch out for Krad…"
"Krad? Who's Krad?" Takashi asked.
Dark shook his head. "You'll find out soon enough." Changing the subject, he then laughed. "You know, you can talk to me just by thinking…"
By thinking…? "Dark, what do you…?"
"Just like that." Dark said, grinning.
Takashi stopped for a minute, and then glared angrily at Dark. "You mean I didn't have to leave Algebra to talk to you?!"
"Haha! You hit that, dead on!"
Takashi sighed. "Something tells me that this is going to be a long, long life…"
…
Ai lay down on her bed, and sighed. Takashi…he's so nice to me. And today, I think we really got to know each other. I mean, he treats me like a person…and not some kind of doll that can't do anything on her own. I wonder…I wonder if maybe…
"I told you, she's too costly! Look at all the crap we had to put up in the house so she doesn't feel uncomfortable!"
"You knew this when we decided we'd foster her! It's no surprise!"
Ai gasped, and sat up by the speaker. Her foster parents had forgotten to turn off the system, and they were arguing about her!
"Yeah, well what happens next?! If we give her too much, she'll suck us dry of all our extra money! And she won't get cheaper; what about school? And food? And that cane she said she needs a new one of?!"
Actually, Ai had told them not to worry about that, but no one seemed to think she could fend for herself.
"We're keeping her! It's not her fault she was born this way! And she isn't any trouble! Look at what a nice, sweet, pretty girl she is! She'll--"
"Shut up! You've left the speaker on again! What if she heard?"
Click.
Ai sighed. Again? Didn't anyone do research? Ai could be independent…but no one let her. She didn't need the speaker system, she didn't need a new cane, and school didn't cost that much.
She rolled over in her bed. "I don't want to move again…what about Dark and Takashi?" She began to think about Dark. He had come to see her, and that was enough in itself to make her want to stay put. But, even though the first night he had only been looking for shelter, the second night he had come voluntarily. Dark, the infamous lady-killer, the thief of all the great artworks. Never captured, he agelessly soared through every lifetime, gathering new fans, and making even the best of wives remember their childhood when they worshipped the gorgeous thief. And also aroused the white-winged angel that seemed to be his enemy.
White wings…I wonder what the difference a color could possibly make? I wonder who the white-winged angel is?
Ai sat up again, and walked to her window. She unlatched it, and faced out, the cool wind blowing through her hair. What is this? Why do I want Dark to come back so badly? He could never love someone who couldn't see him…my grandma always said he loved the attention the fans gave him. How could I…I don't know what he looks like.
She reached into her pocket, and pulled out the feather. She'd been afraid to handle it, the oils on her hand soiled the fine fibers of the gift Dark had given her. To have a pair of wings covered with nothing but these feathers; it must be an amazing thing to have something so supernatural. To experience something as inhuman as flight itself, Ai sighed as she realized she longed for something paranormal to happen to her. Even something as insignificant as sight or someone to love would send her over-the-edge in feeling like she was the luckiest girl alive.
And then she thought about Dark. He obviously had a charm about him that made all the girls go crazy about him. She knew this was true, from feeling her own heart beat fast when he was around. Reliving each generation anew, and never aging, he was able to love as many as he wanted, and pretty much everyone he wanted.
He's so lucky…Ai thought. What I wouldn't give for just one of his positive attributes to be mine…just the ability to have any guy I wanted…it almost seems sinful to wish for.
Ai closed her eyes, and just let the breeze blow against her face. The touch of wind was gentle; after all there was nothing solid or physical about it. And yet, when it wanted to, it could cause so many problems, blowing things over and the like. It hurt when it went too quickly against your skin, and she wondered just how something so intangible could cause such harm.
And yet, humans had found ways to use it to their advantage. The fact that wind could turn so harsh was the very reason airplanes could stay in the air, and birds could travel from place to place, and Dark could fly.
Ai shook her head quickly. She had been trying hard to get Dark out of her thoughts. That boy could do everything she'd only dreamed of. In fact, she found herself growing jealous. Dark doesn't like me anyway…so why am I always thinking about him? Her angry thoughts faded though, as the feather she held once again seemed to cause the nerves of her fingers to sense its presence. Dark did come back for me…but…why me?
Why her?
Just then she heard the voice of two people, walking on the sidewalk that was in front of her house. While her window was on the opposite side of the house, the position of the buildings around hers echoed the sounds back to where, if she strained, she could just make out what they were saying. She didn't feel like straining now, but the one voice did sound like Takashi.
Takashi…he'd taken a liking to her, too.
Takashi was a nice boy, too. He'd tried making conversation with her, and had been very helpful the past two days of school. He seemed to be the center of attention; something obviously attracted all the girls in the school to be constantly around him, always marveling over his looks and how "hot" he was. Something was there that she couldn't see, would never see, and would never know.
Was it so important, this thing that she didn't know? This "sight" she didn't have? What more was there, really, that she just didn't have?
She sighed. Obviously, it was enough that she needed a cane, enough that teachers had to think about saying out loud the question they'd just written down. It was enough that she was considered "disabled".
Takashi treats me like a person, though. Ai thought. He's the first that doesn't act like I'm completely defenseless, and after my outburst, he still is talking to me…he didn't mind me making fun of all those girls. I couldn't help it, though…I just get all fired up.
Takashi had helped her, but hadn't extravagantly tried to emphasize the fact she couldn't do it herself. Takashi had said she was beautiful. Ai felt her cheeks grow warm, and gripped the windowsill with a nervous hold. His voice seemed to sing in her head, and although it was wordless, it was a beautiful sound. But that's all she had to go by. Besides his grip on her arm on the first day, she otherwise had no view on what he looked like. She'd learned from past, thankfully long-ago experiences, that people normally didn't like to be felt by a girl they didn't know; at least, they grew confused if she had asked to.
A bird flew by, giving a loud caw at almost the same moment that Ai had a revelation. Ai thought it over, since it had never happened before, and her facial expression softened with surprise, her eyebrows rising and parting. Two boys, in the same town, at more or less the same time, had become her friends. Two boys that she might get a chance to know better, to speak to and listen to.
Two boys; one of whom she might have a chance to fall in love with.
…
"You can't make me steal anything, and I'm not going to!" Takashi flailed his arms angrily. "I don't care if that's what you trained me all my life for, I'm not going to let myself get caught to rot and die in a jail cell!"
"Takashi, you should listen to your mother." Takashi's father had a handsome face, but you could see he was ready to make his son listen to him. His hair was a dark and curly version of Takashi's brown/red hair, but his eyes were red, unlike the brownie color of his son's.
"Yes, you should." Sakura nodded in agreement with her husband. Her straight, but black hair swung slightly in response to her head bobbing, her crystal blue eyes striking with such contrast it made you wonder how her DNA allowed it. "Because, Takashi, if you don't, I'll have to make you steal. At least Dark will listen to me."
Hell yeah! Dark exclaimed happily. I live to steal! You don't have to ask me twice!
Takashi pouted, a childishness entering his face that wasn't normally there. "Dark's not going to come out, if that's what you mean by "making me". And, you can't "make" me change into Dark. So that stupid "Crystal of Purity" is going to have to just remain in the museum…like it's supposed to."
"Nah-ah-ah!" Sakura shook her finger at Takashi, in an unusually peppy move. She pulled out an envelope. "Inside this envelope, I have the thing that'll make you change into Dark, in turn, making you steal!"
Takashi raised an eyebrow, not convinced.
Haha! I can't wait 'til you transform! You're going to be so embarrassed when you finally take over again, tonight!
"Shut up, Dark! What can possibly be in an envelope that will make me transform?"
"I'm glad you asked!" Sakura smiled. She reached inside, giggled at what looked like a small piece of paper, and then flashed it at Takashi. "It's your little lover-boo!"
"What?!" Takashi's face flushed red, embarrassed more so at his mother's remark than at the picture. "How'd you get a picture of--"
Too late. His DNA began to react, and he felt himself losing control of his own body, at the same time, his body was stretching and growing. Soon, Dark stood in his place, the over-size clothes Takashi had been wearing fitted him perfectly. "Yo!" He waved at Mr. and Mrs. Niwa.
Sakura hid the picture, then. She hadn't stalked Dark, yet, to know who he liked, but she had a good hunch that is was also Ai. "Thank you, Dark, for being such a willing participant…"
…
Dark had already made his way inside when one of the guards tripped off the alarm. He sighed; the police in Azumano never seemed good enough to catch him, and they didn't even seem good enough to get around their own traps. Running, not letting the ease of the steal get him off guard, he finally reached the "Crystal of Purity". It was part of a necklace, that had other, smaller crystals besides the large one. He knew only one was cursed, though. He turned around again. What was this feeling that something wasn't right?
…
"And there he goes again! He's actually wearing the "Crystal of Purity", as if to mock the police who have yet to catch him! But wait…what's that, seemingly chasing Dark in the sky? That's not one of the police force's new machines, is it?"
Ai's heart was racing, the newscaster's voice her only mean of knowing what was going on. What was following Dark, up in the air? It couldn't be…not the white-winged angel!
"Dark!" Ai shouted, suddenly fearing the Phantom-Thief's safety. If what her grandmother had taught her was true, and if that was in fact what was happening, Dark's steal might be short-lived.
…
Dark cursed under his breath, and beat his wings harder against the chill night air. A flash of white was all he needed to know he didn't have time to linger.
"So, Dark Mousy, we meet again! Why do you always run, it makes it seem like you have no feelings for me…"
"Shut up!" Dark grimaced. His eyes shut slightly, keeping the rushing wind off of them. "When will you understand I don't want to be like you!"
Dark! What's going on!
…
Dark?
Takashi…do you think you can handle me using some magic?
Magic? What do you mean, if I can handle it? What for?
Can you take pain for a little while?
I guess so…but…
I'll explain it later! Just let me handle it!
"Fine, Dark, if you won't remember me…I'll have to remind you…"
A blast of magic went right past Dark. There was no doubting who was behind him, now. Krad, the white-winged angel, Dark's opposite, was back with a vengeance.
Dark turned sharply, Krad flying into him. Dark punched Krad, hoping to be able to get through the fight without using magic. Even if Takashi was stupid and didn't know anything about his destiny yet, he didn't want to hurt him.
But that was just it, could he really take the time to fight when Takashi had no idea what was going on? Dark pulled a feather, and mumbled a spell. Though the words were short, the effect was powerful, and drained his human host a good deal. However, it had done what he had wanted it to; it had caused Krad to freeze up, and he began his fall to the ground. Takashi watched, wide-eyed, as the other angel fell limp on the ground, far from where everyone else was, is the forest where only Dark and Takashi could see from their height.
But that wasn't all; he changed into Zaki…otherwise known as "Mr. Hikari".
Wait…so he…changes into…if…Takashi was so confused about what had just happened. At least we know we are stronger than him…and we can get away…
Dark shook his head. "It won't always be this easy, getting away I mean. I'm not sure that you'll feel anything until you take over, but I can't always use that much magic." Dark turned to Takashi. "When we get home, you've got a lot that needs to be explained to you…"
Takashi sighed. "Oh well…at least this confusion will be over."
Dark looked to his right, and smirked. "But first…we need to pay a visit to someone…"
…
Ai couldn't believe what she heard. How could one hit from Dark take down the other angel? Her grandmother had always raved about the battles that she watched take place in the air. "Something else must have happened…I'm sure it won't be so easy for him next time."
She rolled on her bed, settling down. "What am I so worried about anyway? He's a thief…someone that everyone knows about. Obviously, he can fend for himself…he hasn't gotten caught in all these years…but still…it must be harder than it looks…"
"Nah, the police are just really bad right now. They haven't been conditioned yet."
Ai jumped out of her skin, so caught in her own thoughts that the other voice scared her. Being near the edge of her bed, she toppled over the side, but she felt her shoulders being grabbed. She was positioned back onto the bed, the grip letting go once it so she was steady again. "D-Dark?"
"Hey, Ai. Sorry I startled you."
Dark pulled over a chair, and sat next to Ai.
"Oh…it's alright…I was just…are you okay?"
"I should be asking you, you almost landed right on the floor."
"I'm fine…I just…I wasn't expecting you…I mean…he came…"
Dark raised an eyebrow. "How much do you know?"
"Um…a bit more than most, I think." Ai said, feeling like she might know something she wasn't supposed to. "I just know that he sort of looks like you, only he tries to kill you. He has white wings…and he's blonde."
Dark nodded. She knew a little, but not too much. "He's nothing like me, I swear."
Ai looked up, following Dark's voice. "I believe you."
Dark looked at Ai, but waited a while before continuing. "How are you doing here, how is school and everything?"
"Oh…it's going…good. Takashi, that boy…I think I'm his friend now."
"Aren't you sure?"
"No…some people only talk to me out of pity. I'm pretty sure he's genuinely my friend…but I've been fooled before."
"I don't visit you out of pity. I like talking with you."
Ai put some of her hair behind her ear, in a nervous gesture. "I…really like talking with you, Dark. And I swear, it's not just because you're famous."
Dark smiled. He reached out, and stroked her cheek. Ai shivered at his touch; it obviously affected her more than how it affected most people. Her milky eyes looked up at him, she was losing her self-confidence, and was afraid to speak. Dark chuckled to himself; he had come to enjoy seeing people act nervous around someone they liked, and how he could manage to stay suave in any situation. Of course, now he was just being conceited…
Dark! Quit fooling around! I want to know what's going on!
Dark sighed. Ai looked up, taking his sigh as that he was annoyed. "Did I do something, Dark?"
"What? Oh, no…I just remembered I have to do something…"
"Oh…so…I guess you should go then…"
"I guess so…" Dark stood up, and put his chair back to where he had found it. He walked over to Ai. I shouldn't have led her on like this…I don't want to hurt her…but even if she is blind…there's something about her…I can't help that I'm going to know her for a long time…He leaned over, and Ai seemed to sense he was close to her, and she blushed, shaking nervously. He was going to kiss her, but he didn't feel like he could do that to her, not now. Usually it didn't even occur to him to wait to the right moment, but he felt like if he screwed this up…he'd be messing up something even bigger.
And, he was about ready to transform.
He couldn't just back out of it, though, so instead, he hugged Ai. Which was a first for Dark. But a kiss would definitely trigger the transformation…unfortunately for him, a hug was enough this time, too.
Takashi found in a second that he was the one with his arms around her. He was about to yell in surprise, but Dark stopped him.
Keep quiet! She hasn't noticed that we transformed! Just leave without saying a word.
"Dark…?" Ai said in a weak voice. She couldn't get herself to sound stupid and ask if he was giving her a hug.
Takashi panicked. The look on Ai's face got him nervous. He wanted to speak, but not only could he not find the words, but he didn't have Dark's voice.
Dark! This is crazy! We're both reacting to the same girl! I'm about to—Just then, Dark blinked. Now, he was there in reality again. Transform? I know…we've got to get out of here before this gets worse.
Dark pulled out of the hug, as long as it had been while he and Takashi transformed back and forth, and went back to the window. "Sorry, Ai, I really have to get going."
Ai couldn't get herself to move, and just stared in awe into the wind coming from the open window. The question buzzed through her head like an alarm clock with a broken snooze button. "Did Dark just hug me?"
…
"Okay…so Krad is the person that looks like Dark but isn't. Magic hurts humans, which is why I'm in pain right now and Dark can't always use his magic, and Zaki is Krad's host." Takashi nodded as if it would help him keep all the information from rolling out of his head. "But mom…dad…what if I…what if Dark…?"
Sakura smiled. "Don't worry, Takashi. What do you think all of your training was for? And Dark's been doing this for a long time now, he knows what he's doing if you don't."
"Ever since Dark and Krad have been re-released from their seal, Krad has been especially aimed on killing Dark, and whoever is his host. His host because he wants the body for his own, and Dark because he's sealing all the cursed objects." His father, Hiro, added after his wife.
"Oh…" Takashi said. He took a deep breath. "But why doesn't Krad want Dark to steal the cursed objects? I mean, would they do any good for him if they're cursed?"
"Well…it's the fact that it's the Hikari artwork being stolen." Hiro said. "The Hikari's made the artwork, but it became cursed when they wanted to create life, and became greedy. However, they were still proud, because the artworks are very beautiful, and very valuable. The Niwa's, being proud thieves, took pride in stealing them, and sealing off the curses."
Sakura looked at her son and sighed. "Perhaps you should go to bed? You look tired, Takashi."
"I am…" Takashi said getting up. "Thanks for all the information, you guys. I think I get what's going on, now."
Takashi went to bed, and looked out the window. Dark intangibly faced the same window, but he himself felt like something was different this time around, and didn't tease Takashi. On the other side of town, Ai looked at the same sky as the other two. All three of them couldn't shake the feeling that something big was going to happen, and probably something bad. None of them would ever know, but they all looked at the same star, wishing the same wish: that everything would be all right in the end.
Author's Notes: Hey everyone! It's me, Zakura again. I just wanted to apologize from the very bottom of my heart for taking so long to update! I've made a vow never to allow updates to be months apart again! I really hope you're enjoying the story so far, and will continue to read it as I update it more and more! Some really exciting stuff will be happening next chapter, so I hope you don't miss it! Don't forget to review, I really want to know what you guys think! Please review; it makes me happier than almost anything. :D
Oh…sorry about all those exclamation points. (sweatdrops)