-)*(-

What is it about teachers that made them drone on and on and on? For once couldn't they get an educator that brought excitement to learning? It was a proven fact that strong emotion tied to an event aids in memory of it. So doing something entertaining yet constructive would be far more productive than a boring lecture on the subject. Was it any wonder why Takeshi focused more on the students around him rather than on his work? It wasn't really his fault that he failed most of the pop quizzes. Though thanks to the big tests that they themselves got to study for, he could look forward to passing this year's grade. Learning out of a text book from home was definitely a drag, but at least him and Daisuke managed to turn studying into a bit of a game. That was, they used to. Daisuke hadn't been spending as much time over at his house. Takeshi missed his best friend.

In fact, Daisuke hadn't visited him any within the last few months. Ever since the phantom thief Dark had shown back up after his forty year absence. Course, this was okay since he'd been busy catching the elusive thief on film, but now... He wanted his friend back. Tonight Takeshi would drag Daisuke back to his house to spend the night if he had to pull him by his ear the whole way. And Takeshi would also have a recorder on his person, this time hidden well enough that his friend wouldn't be able to sniff it out, because judging by the look on Daisuke's face, there was something major on his mind. The redhead had never appeared so serious in thought during class. Flighty, yes, serious and determined, no. He was even mumbling in debate over whatever it was, but unfortunately he was still quiet enough that Takeshi couldn't understand the gibberish from his desk directly in front.

Takeshi practically squirmed in his seat. He couldn't wait for the lunch bell so he could throw some questions Daisuke's way. As the teacher rattled on, pacing behind the length of his large desk with his nose in the book, sly brown eyes trailed down the row, looking for someone else to observe. They fell to the younger Harada twin. Risa wasn't acting like her normal self today, either. She seemed more spacey than even Daisuke on his worst days. And that was truly saying something. But there was a straightness to her shoulders and a shine in her soft brown eyes that spoke of confidence. The impression of the confidence was weird however, because there was almost a sense of defiance to it, maybe even daring. His darker brown eyes trailed further back to glance at Satoshi. He definitely wasn't acting like his normal self... What was going on? Was today opposite day? Why was the bluenette fidgeting and seeming so antsy?

Well, it wasn't opposite day; nobody else seemed unusual. Not even Riku, Risa's twin, who should be more aware of her sister than anybody. But with the differences between those two, it wasn't surprising that they mostly ignored one another at school.

"Class, using what I just read to you, I want everyone to make a list of the ten minerals and list them in order of softest to hardest. You don't have much time before the bell, so snap to it. Just place your papers on my desk when class is dismissed."

Takeshi grumbled as Daisuke kept muttering distractingly behind him. He just had to know what was going on! It was driving him crazy. The dark-haired boy gripped his pencil and forcefully numbered his paper one-to-ten before realizing that he didn't even remember one of the minerals the teacher had discussed. Takeshi ruffled both hands through his hair in a fit, barely resisting the urge to pull the black strands out. There was no helping it; he would have to cheat if he didn't want to look like a complete fool. At least with all the other failed quizzes he'd scrambled some of the answers down. But the boy who usually sat to his immediate right was absent. He himself was head of the last row on the left, so there was no one on that side, or in front. That meant Daisuke was the closest person to sneak a few peeks from. Takeshi hunched some.

A bad score was better than no score, so Takeshi made sure the teacher was focused on packing his materials before turning around for a glance. Takeshi's jaw about dropped. Daisuke was writing in the eighth mineral without hesitating or pausing to the next. He wasn't even really looking at his paper. Crimson eyes were distant and unfocused while he was still talking to himself and already filling in the last answer. Takeshi must have made a small noise of shock, because distant eyes floated to his and suddenly focused. Daisuke jumped, as if he'd forgotten Takeshi sat so close to him. He then searched around the classroom guiltily, as if he'd done something wrong.

"Since when can someone become a genius when they aren't even paying any attention?" Takeshi whispered a bit harshly, more than a little jealous of Daisuke's newfound ability. Daisuke put a hand behind his head and grimaced. He'd been so wrapped up in the conversation with Dark that he hadn't remembered to keep his average appearance up. Mind you, he was no genius, but he was good at listening for key points, even while his main focus was elsewhere. Too bad he hadn't remembered this wasn't a mission going on around him, but his facade.

Since when had he started thinking of his normal life as a lie? He didn't like that thought, and promptly got rid of it.

"Shh!" Daisuke shushed Takeshi pleadingly, then picked up and offered him his completed paper in an appeasing manner. Takeshi grumbled and snatched the paper, turning back around to quickly copy the answers in their order. Daisuke looked up at the ceiling and closed his eyes, sagging in his seat some – exasperated with himself. He was going to get found out if he wasn't more careful. A couple of little things would be all it would take for his best friend to start putting pieces of the whole together. Then he'd have to really be careful.

The school bell rang loudly a few minutes later, signaling the end of class and the start of lunch. Everyone stood, trotting with their papers to the teacher's desk. Daisuke stood along with them and extended a hand to Takeshi for his, but Takeshi jumped up with both their paperworks, gave a nod, then shuffled into the crowd to turn them in. His way of showing thanks. Daisuke smiled lightly as he sat back down to retrieve the bento under his seat. Intent on eating on the roof again with Satoshi, Daisuke was almost out the door before Takeshi caught up to him with his own bento.

"Where you going?" Takeshi asked brightly.

"Erm...to the roof. It's become a bit of a habit."

"We haven't hung out very much lately. Mind if I join you?"

"Of course not!" Daisuke automatically said, but then paused in thought, looking a bit hesitant. Takeshi's presence would mean absolutely no answers, nor any clues from Satoshi. The Hikari was tight-lipped about anything personal. He wouldn't utter so much as a peep about any problems with Takeshi around. Daisuke blinked and realized Takeshi was looking at him dishearteningly.

"If you don't want me to..." Takeshi trailed off, then said, "I feel like we've become distant. Are we still best friends?" His somber gaze dropped down to his shoes.

"You're being silly, Saehara," Daisuke reprimanded jokingly, trying to lighten the mood even though he was concerned. Takeshi had never acted this self-conscious and worried before. Takeshi blushed, frowning as he looked back up.

"Don't call me silly!" He put Daisuke in a headlock and scrubbed a few knuckles over bright red hair. Daisuke yelped and whined, pushing at him. "And call me Takeshi! You've been my best friend since kindergarten and can't use my first name?" Daisuke finally threw him off and rubbed his neck and sore head.

"S-sorry!" he stammered, though the throbbing in his top half made him question why he was the one apologizing.

"Excuse me," said Satoshi, coming to the door where the two stood blocking it. Takeshi and Daisuke both moved to the side and let him through. Daisuke made a move to follow.

"So you're sure I can come?" Takeshi asked as Daisuke rounded the corner of the doorway. Only his head became visible again as he looked back into the room.

"Huh? Sure," he replied a bit absentmindedly, before disappearing again. Takeshi didn't like the feeling of unconcern from Daisuke. It was like his friend didn't really care one way or another. So Takeshi's next words weren't spoken with any conviction, but as a way to get back at the redhead as they walked into the hall.

"I ask because I'd hate to interrupt anything. You two have been getting awfully close eating lunch together everyday, and then arriving late today. You know, anyone would think something was going on between you two."

"WHAT?" Daisuke stormed back to holler in Takeshi's face. The dark-haired boy fell over in surprise, then had to scramble into a run to avoid Daisuke coming after him. Takeshi laughed like mad the entire time as they ran through the school, dodging and scattering students.

It was a while before they made it to the roof.

-.-

"I'm sorry, Daisuke. I just want to be left alone today," Satoshi spoke from the usual spot where he sat. The normal bit of bread he'd brought for lunch was still wrapped beside him, untouched, as was his carton of juice. Daisuke paused for a second, observing the bluenette, his feelings a bit stung. Blue eyes glanced at the dark-haired boy coming up exuberantly behind him. Daisuke turned to face the other, just as Takeshi spoke up.

"How rude! This roof isn't yours to dictate. If we want to eat here, then we're perfectly able to."

"Saehara, he didn't mean it like that!"

"Call me by my first name!" Takeshi bopped Daisuke on the head.

Satoshi leaned back against a wall and closed his eyes tiredly. The pull at the corners of his mouth suggested he didn't have patience for any ruckus at the moment.

"Sorry, Hiwatari," Daisuke apologized for his friend before trying to usher Takeshi back to the stairwell. He really hoped Dark was right in that it wasn't the globe effecting Satoshi."Let's just go eat at one of the benches near the flower garden," he suggested to Takeshi, whom responded with a heavy frown and a defiant look. He pushed passed Daisuke and started walking for a far corner of the roof. The redhead followed after him and put a hand on his shoulder, but Takeshi shrugged it off and continued on.

"I decided to eat here, so that's what I'm going to do!" he said, giving a glare over at Satoshi as he sat down cross-legged. The bluenette was still leaning against the wall with his eyes closed, but there might have been a bit more of a downward tilt to his lips.

"You're so stubborn!" said Daisuke, sitting to join him.

"Yeah, so? It's not like we're a bother," Takeshi said indignantly.

"Let's just keep it down," Daisuke sighed, opening his bento and grabbing his chopsticks. He wished he could share some of his food with Satoshi. It had become such a habit to give him something to go along with just the bread he ate that Daisuke didn't feel he had a proper lunch unless he did so.

"Why do you care so much? You're, like, turning into a mother." Takeshi shook his head and looked minimally disgusted as he opened his own lunch.

"What? I am not!" Daisuke refuted adamantly. Takeshi separated a piece of salmon from a slice of the rest with his chopsticks and popped it into his mouth, giving Daisuke a smirk as the redhead pursed his lips and turned to check if his loudness had bothered Satoshi. It shouldn't have; they were a good distance away. Satoshi hadn't moved. He looked to be enjoying the warmth of the sun as the rays shined down. It was always so nice and peaceful on the roof. Well, normally. Daisuke cut his eyes at Takeshi as the other took a bite of rice.

"Is that your mom's fried shrimp?" Takeshi muttered past the food in his mouth as Daisuke picked up a large, breaded shrimp. Daisuke nodded as he bit into it. Takeshi gulped, his eyes fixated on the crispy crustacean. All the food in his bento was worth just one of those tasty morsels. His cooking was good, but no where on par with Emiko's. "Let me trade something for one!"

"No way!" Daisuke stuffed the rest of the one in his mouth. Fried foods were a rarity for him, and he loved his mom's fried shrimp.

"Come on! Please? I haven't had one of those in forever!" Takeshi whined, crowding close.

"Neither have I! And keep it down!"

Takeshi narrowed his eyes. "You'd give one to Hiwatari." Since Daisuke had reminded him about Satoshi with his sentiments, it was the first thing he thought of to say. It wasn't even a guess, more like something far-fetched just to be annoying. Strangely enough, Daisuke look flustered.

"Fine. Here." Daisuke plopped a heavy shrimp into Takeshi's bento. Takeshi immediately scooped it up. It was crispy on the outside, and so tender and juicy on the inside. All of it tasted like a piece of heaven.

"De-li-ci-ous!" Tears were practically running down his cheeks in appreciation. "Now pick what you want." Daisuke looked in the bento tilted toward him. The dishes to choose from were good-looking, as usual.

"This one." Daisuke reached in with his chopsticks to grab a small deep-fried ball of dough. "Muffin ball," he said, laughing as he ate it.

"You say that every time, but I tell you it's a hush puppy. Grab a couple more, one doesn't equal a whole shrimp."

"That's what I first thought of them when you gave me one in elementary, remember? My mom never makes them. They're not healthy enough to be part of any diet."

"That's a crime. Especially with how good she is at fixing seafood. But if it's one thing I know about your mom, she is very health conscious of food. She goes a little overboard, don't you think? It's not like she's raising any athletes."

"Eh...heh..." Daisuke gave a nervous laugh.

"So my dad was part of an investigation of this really weird occurrence that happened last night," Takeshi suddenly blurted. "The event wasn't even released to the public because the owner was afraid rumors would start about the bracelet being haunted, and that wouldn't help any with him trying to sell it." Daisuke was curious, but Takeshi's interest switched to putting a major dent in the amount of food he had. The redhead let him be for a little while as they both ate.

Time passed peacefully, until finally: "So what happened?"

"According to the owner, it all started when the bracelet had disappeared. But then, as he was searching for it, he heard loud clinking, as if something hard was being thrown repeatedly at a window. Afraid that someone was trying to bust in, the old man called the police. When they arrived to his residence, the man hurried them to his study room, where the sound had been coming from. They all found the bracelet stuck right slap in the middle of the glass of his window. The dangling charms of it were rattling against the glass as if angry, my dad said. Then something flashed out of the bracelet and it dropped to the floor."

"Oh no," Daisuke breathed, scared as he felt Dark perking up within. He didn't want to deal with a haunted piece of work.

"What?" Takeshi asked, giving him a suspicious glance. "Don't tell me that scared you." He grinned.

"No, not really," Daisuke lied, putting down his food for a bottle of water. His throat was suddenly dry.

"You were always the worst at lying, Daisuke." Takeshi tsked, as if this were a bad thing. "But that's why you're my best friend, because you're so honest that it's impossible for you to lie!"

Somehow, the words made a ping of guilt ring through his chest. But it wasn't as if Daisuke was lying about anything. No. He just kept a huge secret is all. One that would undoubtedly change his friend's outlook on him if only he knew.

"Speaking of honesty, I want to know what was weighing so much on you during class earlier."

Daisuke suddenly coughed, spewing a fountain of water. Takeshi snatched his little remaining food out the way with a yell of protest. This is just what Daisuke's conscious needed, a total lie on top of the guilt already bugging him.

"Man, chill! Must have been some thoughts to cause that reaction. So spill, and I don't mean more water."

"It was nothing!" Daisuke tried in vain to deter, still coughing.

"Sure it wasn't. And I'm related to Freddie Krueger."

Daisuke glared. "I still haven't completely forgiven you for that Halloween."

"Yes, you have," Takeshi stated boldly. "My older cousin and I both gave you our whole bags of candy in apology. Don't try to change the subject."

Daisuke hunched over in defeat. "It's personal," he finally said.

"Even between best friends? You know you can tell me anything."

"You've got a recorder going, haven't you?" Daisuke asked, already knowing the answer.

"Darn it! How do you always know?" Takeshi whined.

"Because I know you."

"If I turn if off, will you tell me?"

"Nope."

"It was about Risa, wasn't it?" Takeshi switched tact, thinking. She had been acting differently as well.

"No..." The answer was said slowly and somewhat sadly.

"What happened between you two?" he asked, concerned. Daisuke only shook his head as he looked away. Takeshi stayed quiet for a minute, figuring out what must have taken place. "Well, Daisuke, she does have a twin."

"SAEHARA!" Daisuke yelled.

"It's TAKESHI!"

"Ta-ke-shi!" Daisuke pronounced each syllable between gritted teeth.

"There you go!" Takeshi couldn't look happier.

The school bell suddenly rang, ending lunch and saving the dark-haired boy from being squished to the hard surface of the roof. Both boys gathered their stuff and headed back for the door. The boys were stopped by a brightness, like the sun being reflected off metal. It was almost blinding. Daisuke blinked and it was gone, all except for the huge splotch marring his vision. He glanced sideways at Takeshi, finding him glancing back the same way. Both had a look of question on their faces.

"Did you see that?" Daisuke asked.

"Yeah, and there's nothing that could have caused it," Takeshi responded, looking at where the light had come from. It had actually come from where Satoshi had been, or at least really near where he'd been. "Unless something Hiwatari has caused it, like say a laser cannon, or a huge mirror."

Daisuke looked back at the area, noticing past the major spot in his vision that Satoshi was still there. But now he wasn't leaning on the wall, he was laying on the ground. Daisuke raced over to him, barely noticing the bluenette's untouched lunch as he avoided stepping on it.

"Hiwatari!" Daisuke shook a shoulder urgently. Satoshi made no verbal response, but his sweaty brow furrowed heavily. Daisuke felt the worse kind of guilt spear through him, as if he'd caused this. What if Satoshi had been passed out all this time? Why hadn't he noticed? Why wasn't he a better friend? Shouldn't he have known something was wrong? He had to help, to do something.

Daisuke easily hauled Satoshi into his arms. Wisps of blue hair tickled his chin as Satoshi's head came gently against his chest. Red brows knotted worse together. Satoshi's form felt way too light. Or maybe that was just adrenaline making the task easier? Daisuke hoped that was all.

"Hey, what's wrong with him!" Takeshi asked. Could that light have been some alien's beam and its caused this? he couldn't help but wonder.

"I don't know." Daisuke turned with Satoshi. "Go warn the nurse that I'm coming with him."

"Okay." Takeshi barreled to the roof's door, leaving their lunch stuff scattered and discarded. Fast as lightning, he jammed a sneaker under the door to propped it open for the two as he took off running.

-.-

It was late evening by the time Satoshi woke up. He was surprised to find himself in his room, though he couldn't remember why he should be surprised about sleeping in his own bed. Something wasn't right. His brain was slowly telling him that. Maybe it was because he never slept until well after nightfall. It was quite dim, however, as not much evening light was making it in through his blinds, and there weren't any lights on aside from the one down the hall.

Sounds came from his living room. Someone was in there talking on a phone. Cringing, he recognized the baritones of his father. He sat up and tried to stand prematurely, not yet fully awake. Immediately he fell onto the floor as his knees buckled. He caught himself with his hands and stayed on all fours, unable to find the strength to pick himself back up. As he was getting his bearings, Satoshi noticed he still had on his school uniform. That's when it all came back to him. He grumbled, realizing he must have passed out at school again. In front of Daisuke and Takeshi, no less. The whole school probably knew of it before letting out for the day.

A phone snapped closed as footsteps came quickly to his door. His father's shadow soon stood over him. Satoshi looked up, way up, until he met Kei's unusually soft gaze. Kei kneeled, extending a hand as he did so. "Can you stand?" he asked. Satoshi grit his teeth before nodding and accepting the unwanted help. The bluenette swayed upon being led to his feet, but managed to catch and plant himself on the bed. It was like his muscles were drained from running a marathon, but they weren't sore, just unstable and weak. Had the threads of tissue been replaced with liquid? He pressed a hand to his bicep and frowned. His arm no longer felt rope-like, instead it was squishy and soft to the touch. Wasn't that just great?

"Don't you think it's about time you told me what's going on?" Kei said. There was no threat or anger in his voice, just a hint of impatience.

"If I knew what was causing this, I'd tell you." Which was a flat-out lie, but what did it matter with whom he was speaking to?

"Perhaps you should go back to the clinic."

"You haven't even told me where it's at." And he didn't really care. Why would he want to go back to be informed of how much he'd progressed in turning into a girl?

"It's West of the next town over."

"That's not very close. I'll just wait until my next appointment. It's in a week. I should be fine until then."

"Why risk your health?"

"Because..." Satoshi was at a loss, for once. His fuzzy brain still wasn't fully awake. Darn low blood pressure.

"Don't tell me it's because you're afraid of doctors. Listen, Satoshi, I'm aware that something is going on. It would be beneficial to you if you told me whatever it is."

"Let me guess, because you care, right?" His nerves felt frayed. All he wanted to do was check a mirror, to see if he was still himself.

"Yes. I may have made you think otherwise, at times, but–"

"Enough!" Satoshi locked eyes with him, feeling hate boil. "Just leave!" he hissed. Kei's expression crumpled for a second, and Satoshi eyes shot wide. There was something different about his father. Familiar. Caring. A sense of actual feeling. It all went away as Kei turned around.

"I'll be in touch," he promised, then left.

Satoshi blinked, feeling his heart beat frantically. What was going on with his father? He clinched his fist into a tight, shaking ball. There may have been a lot a feeling just then, but mutual trust would never be among them. Not ever again.

It wasn't until many gurgling growls of a hungry stomach later that he finally left his room. He wasn't so wobbly anymore. That was good, though he didn't have to walk far for the refrigerator. A note written on the pad magnet stuck there made him pause.

Satoshi,

Dark issued another warning letter late this afternoon. He's going after the Drifter's Totems. I'd really like to know how he found out the bracelet has become active when it wasn't mentioned in any news. You're officially on medical leave as of now, so you're not to be involved tonight, nor until we find out what's went wrong with your health. I'll be back some time after midnight to check back up with you.

"Damn it!" Satoshi smacked the fridge. His father was always, always trying to keep him away from his job. But there seemed to be differences from the man in even the way the note was written. Had Kei been placed under a spell? Could it have anything to do with what Risa may have done? Only extremely rare and powerful magic could influence what was around the magicked individual. The feel of Risa's supposed curse had been strong, but no where near strong enough for such. Satoshi shook his head and tore off the note, crumpling it up and throwing it away. He figured there was nothing much he could do about it in his current state anyway. Having lost his appetite, he made his way somewhat hesitantly to the bathroom.

He took a deep breath, then exhaled before peeking up into the simple mirror of the medicine cabinet above his sink. He was relieved to see no obvious changes to his appearance. Something was different though. It was hard to really pinpoint, but his skin seemed softer, and maybe his face looked a bit fuller along the lower jawline. He started to lean in to inspect more closely, then changed his mind. It would do no good, especially with the jumbled way he was feeling. Satoshi unbuttoned his shirt and shrugged it off, tossing it into the dirty clothes hamper. He then pulled his undershirt over his head.

Without meaning to he held his breath, then once again checked himself over. Also, once again, there weren't any obvious differences. But, his tiny nipples were a bright shade of pink, and prominent. Tender to the touch, too. Not wanting to think of what they'd, or he for that matter, would look like attached to mounds of breast, he quickly moved on to the next phase. His belt went to hang on the doorknob, and his pants and boxer-briefs to the hamper. Had his legs and thighs always been shaped like this?

Yes, he told himself. Everything else passed inspection as well.

With that done, he got into the tub for a shower. Soon it was warm and unbelievably relaxing. It was as if he were washing the stress of the day away as he messaged shampoo into his hair. With the water and the suds running down, everything was melting far into the background. Until he remembered the melting feeling he'd had last night as he'd slept. It'd happened right before he'd dozed off, and it had happened again right before he'd passed out on the roof at school.

What did it mean?

He'd have to do some research on transgendered people and find out if something similar ever happened to any of them. As the water rinsed his hair clean, he was unaware he'd just run his fingertips over the curse mark Risa had left.

-)*(-

A/N: Anyone remember the blind poll I had concerning this story? Well, I forgot to release the results last chapter, so here they are this chapter:

10 voters in all voted. (You guys rock!)

40% said they foresee Dai/Sato.

30% don't care about any pairings, they just see Risa getting her backside handed to her.

20% agree the situation is hilarious because the characters are IC. (Yay!)

And the last 10% don't know what any pairing(s) there may end up being, but they think Risa will learn a lesson she'll never forget.

I can't confirm anything either way, but this was interesting to find out. Thank you Sapphiet, librarycat9, Dawns Eternal Twilight, and FallenSeraphZeno. Your reviews keep me going, as do yours, intelligenceisstupid. Just wanted to specially point you out and say thanks again for becoming the beta-reader to this story. And to you, Lady Fai, thanks for your review and helpful suggestion. You're so very right with your idea. I really appreciate it. Things like that can help one a lot. :)