Disclaimer: I do not own D N Angel
Chapter 10-The Aftermath
My eyes open slowly. I was back in my room. The morning light filled the room. I guess someone brought me back home.
I began to sit up in bed. I had to stop. There were sharp pains all over my body. I lay back down. Krad sure had done a number on me. He wanted me to suffer for whatever reason.
My grandparents entered the room. My grandmother brought me breakfast. Once she sent the tray on the end table. She brushed my bangs back and kissed my forehead.
"How are you feeling, sweetie" she asked
"Not really that good" I told her "just the slightest movement and my body in pain"
"Poor baby" she said softly
"Would it hurt too much for you sit up? Because some breakfast might do you some good." Inquired grandpa
"It might" I said "Still; once I sit up I would be fine"
I began to once again to sit up in bed. I started to wince and groan. My grandpa came over and helped me. While my grandma propped up my pillows. Then, she hand me a bowl of oatmeal. I began to eat. They both stayed in the room, just is case I needed any help.
"Um, grandpa"
"Yes, Erin"
"Krad, is the other spirit that Dark was talking about that night, right"
"Yes, he is"
"He seems really different from Dark. I mean his present has the same aura as Dark. It is just a little darker"
"I will admit he is similar in many ways. However, the differences are in personality and motives"
"Is one of motives to get rid of our family?" I asked
"What makes you say that?" asked grandma
"The way he was talking. It was as if he hated the Niwa family. By attacking me, he would get some type of revenge"
Grandpa sat on the bed next to me. He looked into my eyes. I could see he had some guilt behind his eyes. As if he was blaming himself for what had happened.
"I am sorry, Erin" he said, "This is entirely my fault. I was partly responsible for Krad was seal away. Now, he wants revenge and took it out on you"
"Daisuke" said grandma
"Grandpa, it is not your fault" I told him "You had no choice. I remember you told Dwayne and me that if had not sealed both Dark and Krad. The whole city and everyone would be in real trouble. Besides, it not likes Krad attack to get revenge of you. He did it because he figure out I was a member of the Niwa family."
"Erin" he said softly
"What is going on here?" asked Dwayne peeking in the room "What are you doing here, Erin?"
"She was attacked," said grandpa
"What? By who," Dwayne said as rushed over
"His name is Krad. He is the other half of the Black Wings"
Dwayne stunned look on his face. He could not believe what he was hearing. Then, he approached me.
"H…H…How are you feeling?" he asked
"You don't have to worry me. I am fine," I told him leaning forward
There was a sudden pain from my side. I began moaned and was shaking. Grandma guide my head back to the pillow. "Honey, you should not strain yourself," she told me
"Hey, grandma, grandpa, would you let me and Dwayne talk alone from a minute"
"Sure, just let us know if you need anything," she said. Then, both of them left the room. Dwayne stood next to the bed. His eyes were swelling up tears.
"Dwayne, there is …"
"Don't, don't protect me. I absolutely have the right to worry. You are in bed, barley moving. If only I and Dark stay with you a longer last night," Dwayne snapped
"Dwayne, this is not your or Dark's fault" I said, "There is no way that you or him would have predicted what this would happened to me. Besides if, Dark hung around me too long. Questions would be asked"
"I know." He said sat on the bed "I cannot help feeling guilty and anger. I mean Dark and I was there with you. Not to mention, Dark is pretty worried about you too"
"I understand. Still, it is not you. I said something in the spur of the moment. Krad use that to figure that I was apart of the Niwa family. So in truth, I am the one who really at fault"
"Erin" he said softly
"Let us just forget about this. Are you ready for your date tonight?"
"Oh, well, I was thinking that I would cancel. Therefore, I can keep you company"
"You better not"
"I think Noel would understand"
"Dwayne, come here," I said with a slight gesture
He crawled over to me. His head rested on the pillow. The rest of his body lay next to me.
"There is a reason for you to cancel. Nevertheless, there are more reasons for you not to. For one, this is your chance to get a break. You have so much going on in life, right now. You need time to be you. Do something for yourself. Another thing, you need to get a little closer to your sacred maiden. You are moving at a slow and steady pace. Eventually, you will steal her heart"
"Fine, I will go. Just promise me, you will get some rest"
"Like I have a choice"
TP
Dwayne walked down the street. It was five minutes before the movies started. He was collected his thoughts.
He was wearing a white bottom down shirt and kaki pants. He also wore a brown leather coat.
"Relax, it going to fine. If you feel that you are about to lose control, go ahead and use the exercises I gave you." Said the voice inside of his head
"Thanks" Dwayne responded, "I have to say. You seem to rather quiet today"
"Well, I have something on my mind"
"You mean Erin". Dark did not respond. Dwayne decide to give him something to easy his worry. "Later, if you want to talk to her. I could let use you my body"
"Thanks, I would greatly appreciate that"
He could see Noel standing in front of the movie theater. She was wearing a light pink skirt. Her top was a white three-fourth sleeves turtleneck sweater, with a pair of white slip on shoes.
Once she saw Dwayne. She walked over to him. "Hi" she said
"Hi" he said
"How is Erin?"
"She is fine" he reassured Noel, "she is actually awake"
"Oh, that good" she respond, "Look, Dwayne, if you prefer to take a rain check. I completely understand"
"Actually, Erin was very insist that I come here"
"Really"
"Yeah, she really was" he said while rolling his eyes "I have to admit she was right. With everything that I been through lately. I guess, I do deserve to have sometime to be myself"
"What do you mean?"
"It is one of those secrets? Where you cannot tell anyone about what is going on. Because if the truth would to get out. There would be trouble for you, your friends, or your family" Dwayne began to explain, "You probably think I am crazy, right"
"Actually, I do understand" she replied, "I kinda have one those secrets as well"
"Really, what is it?"
"If you are not going to tell me yours, I am not going to tell you mine"
"Fair enough" he said, "let's hurry before the movie starts"
"Sure" she said as took his arm. They entered the there theater.
TP
With sat on my lap. While read novel the Rei let me borrow. His head sprang up, as if he heard something.
"What is it, little guy" I asked
The door opened. Dwayne and Noel entered the room. "Noel, what are doing here?"
"I told Dwayne that I to see how you are feeling" she replied
"I am do better than this morning "
"Well, that is good" she said. Then, see looked down in my lap. She gave a little squeal. "Who is this little cutie?"
"Oh, that is With. Our family pet" said Dwayne
"Oh, I always want a pet rabbit. Can I pet him?"
"Of course" said Dwayne
Noel gently pet your pet rabbit on the head. Then, he went up her arm, until he got on to her shoulder. He rubbed his head to her cheek. This made her giggle.
"I really like you too" she said, "I have to say. It is kind of strange that your family like me so much"
"How can we not? You are adorable"
Noel just smiled shyly. As if, she really appreciated that comment. It made her feel more welcome.
Dwayne cleared his throat. "I am going to get a drink. You two want anything"
"Sure, I would like some juice, please" Noel said
"Nothing for me, but if you could tell grandma that I would like some soup for dinner" I told him
"You got it" he went out of the room. This left Noel and me alone together.
"How was your date?" I asked
"Great, Dwayne was cute and charming"
"I keep telling him that. Still, he does not believe me"
"Can I ask you something, Erin?"
"Sure"
"Why were you insist that Dwayne go on this date? I mean he told me that you see that he needs a break for whatever is going on. Still, there is something else is there. You seem to be very keen on him being happy"
"It has to do with the death of our parents. What had happened had really affected on Dwayne. The three months afterward, he had nightmares, waking up crying in the midnight, and there were days where was refusing to eat."
"It was then I decided. I would do everything I can to cheering him. My grandparents did do their part as well. However, Dwayne would look to me more. I kept up that habit for a while. I don't know how to stop."
"It not a bad thing" said Noel, "Honestly, I wish I could have caring sister like you. Dwayne is very lucky to have you"
"Thanks. Who knows, maybe I could be like a sister. If you continue to date Dwayne"
It was a little later when Dwayne came back in. We all continue to talk for a while. It was about an hour later that Noel left.
The rest the evening went by fast. My grandmother brought me my soup. After I had finish, I went to sleep. The more rest I got, the soon I would recover.
I fell into a dream. However, it was not the same dream. It was more like a nightmare.
I was in the dress. I was walking down a long corridor. Then, a figure appeared.
It was Krad. I was terrified. Because, even though, I was far from him, I could see the fire in his golden eyes. His arm was extending toward me.
I ran to get away. All the while, I was calling for someone to help. Then, my body began to glow again.
"Erin, wake up. Erin" I hear a voice calling out. Then, my body jerked and I woke up. I learned on my side, breathing heavily.
"Are you alright, Erin?" asked Dark putting a hand on my shoulder. He was sitting on the bed next to me.
"Yeah, it was just a dream" I said rolling onto my back
"It seems more than dream. It was like you were having a nightmare"
"Because it was "I said timidly
"Were you asked out by a nerd or something" Dark chuckled. He tried to lighten the mood.
"I would have prefer that over what I did have"
"What happen in the dream?"
"Krad was attacking me again"
His hand became a fist. It was shaking. I could see he was pissed off. Still, he was trying to stay clam.
"Can I ask what happen last night?"
I told him. After I was finished, he stood up. "Erin, I am sorry that this happened to you. There is no need to worry. I will make sure Krad pay for what he done. There was no reason for him to do that to you. None of this is your fault"
He began to walk away. I flew out of bed to stop him. My legs were too weak to support me. I was going to collapse to the ground. However, Dark caught me before I hit the floor.
"Erin, what are doing? You are too weak to be out of bed," he said
"Please, don't go after Krad. I know he hurt me and I am in this condition. However, it is still Lawrence in there. I do not want him to get hurt. So please Dark, don't go"
He sighed. Then, he smiled at me. He carried me back my bed. Once he set me down. He took my hand into both of his.
"I understand where you are coming from, Erin. I will respect your wishes. Still, there is something I must let you know. Lawrence might have control now. However, over time Krad will become stronger. It will difficult for Lawrence to remain or regain control."
"Krad also has it out me. So it not just you or your family. I cannot grantees that I will never encounter Krad. And get into a fight."
"There is very good chance that Krad might come after you again" he said. I was sacred. The thought of him come for me, was terrifying. I bit my lip and began to cry.
Dark cupped my face. "There is no reason to worry. I will not let Krad do anything to you, again. I will protect you from him" Then, he kisses me on the forehead.
I had the reaction as always do when Dark and I have a moment together. However, there was also a sense of relief. As if, I know that he would protect me.
A moment later, I said, "I think I need to get to sleep. I still need my rest"
"Right, good night, Erin" Dark said
TP
Dark closed the door behind him. He stood there for a moment. He was thinking about what he and Erin talked about during the pass couple of minutes. There was one thing that stood out the most to him. Before she woke up, she was calling out to him. Saying his name in the midst of her pleads. He was wondering why she would do that.