Previously on Doerai: Dawn of the Darkness...
"It wasn't supposed to be like this," Nick responded, on the verge of breakdown. "I feel so alone..."
Akemi smiled at this. "You're not alone, Nick."
With that, Akemi brought Nick close to her and hugged him as tightly as she could. It took a few seconds for Nick to respond and return the embrace.
"I love you, Akemi."
"I love you, too, Nick."
"It's gonna be so hard without them..." Nick stated.
"We can do this, Nick," Akemi responded. "We have to. We can't let their sacrifice be for nothing."
"I'm with you, then, Akemi. I won't let Doerai spread any more of his madness."
"That's the spirit, dad!!" Utau exclaimed, finally finding her own voice.
"I'll admit, I wasn't prepared for that..." Hitomi noted. "Doremi-chan looked better than the princess did... maybe Doremi-chan sacrificed herself so she could be with the princess in the afterlife..."
"I never expected the princess to give her life for the one she loved... Just don't you dare try that with my mistress..." Torikki growled.
This caught Nick's attention as he separated himself from Akemi. "Torikki-kun, just what do you think you're implying?"
"You know damn well what, boy."
"Don't play mind games with me, buddy!!"
That was about it for Torikki, who leapt up and sank his teeth deep into Nick's hand.
"OW!!!! LET GO OF ME, YOU LITTLE BASTARD!!!" Nick screamed, trying in vain to shake off the angry tanuki.
"Torikki-kun, that's quite enough!!!" Hitomi exclaimed, prying her tanuki off of Nick.
Akemi was over by her boyfriend in a flash, placing her hands on his wound.
"Soten kisshun!! I reject!!"
With that, the bite marks were gone, and Nick's hand was good as new.
Not saying anything more, Nick continued forward, Akemi not too far behind.
"Great... You really did it this time, Torikki-kun," Hitomi stated.
"I just worry about you, mistress."
"He'd NEVER try a stunt like that with me. He's already got someone. I still don't understand why you hate him so much, Torikki-kun..."
"I wish I could tell you that myself, mistress... something about him just rubs me the wrong way..."
Hitomi sighed heavily. "Oh, boy..."
(Footage: As the opening begins, we can see a crystal-colored bird flying across the screen.)
Habata itara modoranai to ittte
(You say if you could fly, you would never come back)
(Footage: Nick and Akemi can be seen walking towards the beach, staring towards the sun.)
Mezashita no wa aoi, aoi ano sora
(You aimed for that blue, blue sky)
(Footage: Akemi smiles brightly, leading Nick to do the same. During the instrumental, we pan into the sky as the Doerai: Dawn of the Darkness logo appears on the screen.)
"Kanashimi" wa mada oboerarezu "setsunasa" wa ima tsukami hajimeta
(You've yet to remember "sadness", just now began to grasp "pain")
(Footage: Yuki and Doremi can be seen strolling down the city streets, just happy to be with each other.)
Anata e to daku kono kanjou mo ima "kotoba" ni kawatte iku
(Even the feelings I held onto for you are just now turning into words)
(Footage: Something knocks Doremi to the ground, and Yuki spins around, only to gasp in shock at what she sees.)
Michi naru sekai no yume kara mezamete
(As you awaken from the dream of an unknown world)
(Footage: A tanuki hops off of a nearby building, crossing great distances with very little effort, as if it's looking for someone...)
Kono hane wo hiroge tobitatsu
(Spread your wings and take off)
(Footage: The tanuki sees something and its face lights up. It charges forward, hopping into the arms of a girl. We can't see her features, as her upper half is obscured by the camera.)
Habata itara modoranai to ittte
(You say if you could fly, you would never come back)
(Footage: Nick and Akemi hop away from an energy attack, both holding each other's hands. They stare at each other for a second and nod.)
Mezashita no wa aoi, aoi ano sora
(You aimed for that blue, blue sky)
(Footage: A quick flash of the mysterious girl, then cut back to Nick and Akemi, both glowing with a powerful aura. After about a second, they thrust their hands forward and perform the Double Ojamajo Sparkle Screw, the silver beam of light blinding the screen.)
Tsukinuketara mitsukaru to shitte
(If you break through, you know you'll find it)
(Footage: Yuki pulls Doremi close to her to avoid a barrage of dark energy beams, nodding to the pink witch. The two join hands and begin chanting.)
Furikiru hodo aoi, aoi ano sora
(So try until you break free to that blue, blue sky)
(Footage: A quick flash of another mysterious girl, this one holding a microphone, then cut back to Yuki and Doremi, who thrust their hands into the sky to perform the Double Ojamajo Rewritten Masquerade, the massive collection of energy once again blinding the camera.)
Aoi, aoi ano sora
(That blue, blue sky)
(Footage: Quick flashes of the rest of the Ojamajos in spirit form.)
Aoi, aoi ano sora
(That blue, blue sky)
(Footage: A very familiar pair of blood-red eyes opens, the light covering the screen. When the light clears, we cut to Nick and Akemi at the beach, only this time, they're joined by Yuki and Doremi. Both couples are smiling brightly as the summer sun shines down on them.)
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(Even in the brightest light, there is always a little bit of darkness.)
YukiShinoya444 and S.P.D. Gold Ranger present:
Doerai: Dawn of the Darkness
Story Created: November 9th, 2008
Summary: AU. In the end, there is only a new beginning. The story continues as Nick and his friends go through another set of experiences... And what of the others?
On Today's Episode: As the party continues through the Burned Lands, Akemi can easily see that Yuki and Doremi's ultimate sacrifice is still weighing heavily on Nick's mind. Can she find a way to snap her boyfriend out of his deep blue funk?
Authoress' Notes: This time, I will do the odds and Nick-kun will do the evens! Wai~
Disclaimer: ...Shouldn't it be obvious by now we don't own anything? (by S.P.D. Gold Ranger: EXACTLY, Yuki-chan.)
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Phase 9: Farewell to the End of a Dream (written by YukiShinoya444)
"You're hurt... Please don't get up."
"No, I'm just fine!!"
"It's sprained, isn't it?"
"No fair, you notice everything."
"That's only because we're together."
"Ah... True."
"...Hm?"
"You're a really kind person, even if you don't like to show it."
"Says you."
"It's true."
"Is it?"
"Of course..."
"Why?"
"I would know better than anyone.
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"Thanks for everything."
The remainder of the group walked in silence, no one willing to really say a word after what had happened to Yuki and Doremi.
Nick shut his eyes tightly, strain obvious on his features as the two girls' faces flashed through his mind.
Doremi-chan... Yuki-chan...
"Nick-kun, Nick-kun, Nick-kun..." Yuki's voice chanted in his head, adding to the pressure.
"I'm sorry."
No... Don't apologize... You've always had it so much harder than I ever had...
Nick's fingers twitched a bit, and Akemi casted a glance in his direction.
Nick...
Her boyfriend perked up at the sound of Hitomi flicking her bells. There was no ring, just a metal clang.
"Damn..." she cursed, causing Torikki to start staring at the young mistress with uneasy gazes.
"Milady... Mistress..."
"Not the time, not the time." Hitomi turned to Nick and forced a smile, her eyes a gleaming ruby red.
"Upset about the princess?"
Nick just nodded, his eyes blank.
Utau gulped, her own eyes glittering.
"D-Dad..."
"No worries, Utau-chan..." her future father's voice shook a bit on the line Yuki was known for saying. "E-Everything's alright."
"It doesn't look alright," Akemi muttered, her gentle voice just below a whisper so Nick wouldn't hear.
Torikki's ear twitched, but he turned his dull differently colored eyes on his master, something swirling in them as he watched her.
Hitomi noticed the avid expression.
"Really Torikki-kun, I'm just fine." She whispered, bending down to ruffle the top of the tanuki's head. "Please, don't worry."
"Whatever you say, mistress."
A low rumble came from Torikki's chest. "It's just that the princess..."
"Yes..." Hitomi replied absently, laying her head on her bended knees. "It can't be helped, Torikki-kun."
"Can it?"
The low growl was a sign of doubt.
The brunette just smiled.
"Of course."
The tanuki blinked in confusion. Hitomi weakly giggled, scooping up Torikki. He automatically buried his face in her chest like a puppy, comforted by the warmth and gentle heartbeat.
Hitomi smiled softly, stroking the top of his head.
Oh, Torikki-kun...
Torikki seemed to calm down a bit and tilted his head to the side.
"We... We should get going, right mistress?"
Hitomi merely nodded and turned her gaze to Nick, her eyes flickering to a surprisingly deep shade of blue, almost as sapphire blue as Akemi's were.
"You coming, kid?"
"Don't call me a 'kid'." Nick muttered half-heartedly, both staring down with his fists clenched as he bit his lip.
Akemi blinked childishly, placing her delicate hand on his arm.
"Nick..."
Nick gently brushed her hand away, shrugging.
"Hitomi-chan's right..."
The expression on his girlfriend's face didn't change. Instead, her frown deepened, her eyes sparkling as if tears were about to spill out.
"I'm sorry Akemi." The green witch whispered, his heart wrenching at the heartbreaking sight. "Please..."
His fingers barely brushed against her cheek and she quickly smiled reassuringly.
"If you ever have something bothering you... Please tell me."
Nick just blinked, still blank.
Akemi placed a hand on his shoulder, pressing her forehead against his chest.
"When you're hurt, it hurts me too. Please, Nick... Don't ever hesitate."
Nick's eyes widened and he nodded.
"Thank you... Akemi."
Utau smiled a bit at the sight.
Mom...
Hitomi blinked, her eyes flickering to a shade of light mahogany.
Those two...
She chewed her lip, her fingers clinging even tighter to Torikki's fur, earning a light yelp.
I may not have the luxury of someone to love me... Torikki-kun's all I have. I've seen too many people die to feel anything...
A sigh escaped her lips.
...What a big lie. What a joke. Damn...
Her lips tightened and pursued.
"...Come on, we really should hurry."
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"Aren't you angry?"
"Of course."
"...I'm sorry."
"It's not your fault..."
"It is."
"Stupid..."
"What?"
"It doesn't matter."
"Why?"
"You're not very smart, are you?"
"...You're leaving, right?"
"Yes."
"I'll miss you."
"Huh..."
"I really will."
"Thank you."
"I'm happy to know you."
"You really shouldn't say such things so easily."
"Can I help it?"
"No... I suppose you can't."
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"You're a nice person, Nick-kun. I'm sorry for all those terrible things I said."
Nick flinched a bit, holding his head.
Damn it Yuki-chan... How...? Why?
Akemi tapped his arm, frowning as they went. A question bubbled to her lips.
"You don't trust me, don't you?"
The crystal witch held her tongue, heart pounding.
I shouldn't say such things.
She glanced at Nick again, her fingers entwining.
What should I say? What should I say?
If Moriko-chan was here... She flinched a bit at the thought of her old best friend.
Her very best friend who held special feelings above friendship that she was unbelievably oblivious to...
What would she do?
Simple.
She'd punch Nick in the face and tell him to get over it.
That would be a very typical Moriko.
Akemi shook her head; the last thing she wanted was to cause him physical pain... Even if that answer would probably work if Moriko was there to begin with.
It would work for her... But I'm no Moriko-chan... Calm and sweet? I lost Moriko-chan... Not to mention just about everyone else... What can I do?
She glanced at Nick again, and sighed.
Nick...
Her fists clenched, her chest tightening up.
Why Yuki-chan? Why Doremi-chan? Yuki-chan's gone through so much already... and Doremi-chan would never do anything to anyone... They're so sweet and kind... They're perfect for each other... Neither of them deserve this...
Nick doesn't, either.
She let out her breath.
I don't know just what to think... What to do...? I'm no good... Darn it... I can't stand that about me.
Her older brother's face flashed in her mind, and a sigh escaped her lips.
"You're such a crybaby, Akemi-chan."
Her lips quivered, tears threatening to fall out as she shut her eyes as tightly as she could.
NO! I'm not like that anymore!!
"Mom?"
"Huh?"
Akemi quickly spun around, her flushed face meeting Utau's uncertain one.
"Utau-chan?"
"Is... Is something wrong?"
The crystal witch flinched and looked down, her own expression blank as she weakly shrugged.
"Is it about Yuki-chan and Doremi-chan?" Utau asked before biting her lip. "I'm sorry, Akemi-chan."
"Don't apologize."
Her future daughter perked up, and Akemi's voice shook a little.
"Someone special to me... taught me that pity isn't always a good thing, Utau-chan. I'm starting to think that she really knew what she was talking about."
"Oh..."
Utau let out a light breath.
"What am I supposed to say then?"
Akemi smiled a bit, shrugging again.
"That's exactly what I asked."
"Really?" Utau's eyes sparkled at the seemingly simple statement.
"How did she answer?"
A light giggle escaped Akemi's lips.
"Who knows, huh?"
Nick seemed to perk up, glancing at Akemi.
His girlfriend noticed, and returned the stare.
Nick...
Her boyfriend smiled weakly and continued on.
Akemi sighed.
"I wish that he would tell me what's on his mind..."
"The answer would be obvious," Utau stated thoughtfully. "He's thinking about Yuki-chan and Doremi-chan, right?"
Yes... That's how it is... But still...
The crystal witch went silent.
But, still... I...
Her mouth went
...I never noticed how close Nick and Yuki-chan were.
Pathetic.
Her heart pounded.
She didn't love him nearly as much as she loved Saiki-kun... But he was special to her... and she was special to him... In more ways than I just now realize...
Man, what is wrong with me?
Mind in a whirl, she quickly shook her head.
"Hi... Hitomi-chan!!"
"Yes?"
Akemi gasped for breath when she spun around to face the approaching young mistress, the tanuki still in her arms.
Hitomi noticed the crystal witch's expression, and frowned.
"What's wrong?"
"Upset about the kid?" Torikki growled. "What I wouldn't give..."
Akemi gulped, her heart picking up the pace.
"What do you... know about Yuki-chan?"
"Huh? The princess was your friend, wasn't she?"
"Yes, but..."
"Don't be so stressed, crystal-hair." The tanuki barked, obviously annoyed.
"The princess is exactly who she is, and don't poke your head into someone else's business. I feel sorry for your loss..."
"Please don't..." Akemi whispered, backing away. "Please don't, Torikki-kun."
No reply.
The crystal witch shook her head, blushing even more than ever.
Stupid, stupid, STUPID!!
She spun around to Nick's wavering figure in the distance.
..!!!
Her eyes widened, her pupils shrinking in the bright light.
No... Oh... Oh, no...
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Next time:
Phase 10: Leaving Sadness in the Starry Night
As the group continues its journey, problems arise and more tragedies occur. Hitomi notices but makes her choice. Nick notices, and struggles with one of the most difficult choices he may ever have to make...