D. N. Angel Fan Fiction ❯ Dream Variations ❯ Chapter 5

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

It is almost final examination time. A few days before the exam, school is closed so Daichi and all of his classmates decided that they are going to take the time off. They want to go to the beach to have fun. Everyone is happy as they enjoy their break before the torture namely final exam comes to haunt them. Some are playing volleyball; some goes swimming, some do sunbathing and some set to get acquainted with new friends.

Daichi has been looking forward for this day to come. He decided to try to get close with Yuzuriha. Saehara and Shibazaki, Daichi's best friends has been supportif with Daichi. They occasionally will try to create an opportunity where Daichi and Yuzuriha could be left alone. It's going to be hard though considering that he would transform into Dark when his love feeling getting out of control.

`Is it my time to transform?' Dark teased when Daichi felt dizzy when his hand accidentally touches Yuzuriha's.

Daichi determined not to change into Dark. `This is nothing…' he said silently. `I have to hold on. If I change into Dark now, nothing would change between Yuzu-chan and I…'

“Niwa-kun? Are you alright?” Yuzuriha asked in concern when she saw his red face.

Daichi blushed. “I'm fine, Yuzuriha-san… Really…”

“Are you sure? Your face is so red. Do you have a fever?” Yuzuriha put a hand over Daichi's forehead. “Hmm…”

The sight of Yuzuriha in bathing suit, how close she is with him rite now and the feeling of her soft long hair that touch his shoulder are almost too much for Daichi and he start to freak.

“Niwa-kun?”

Daichi quickly stand up. “I'm fine.” He looks panic. “I have to go now! See you later!” He ran off and on the way tripped over something and fell. He quickly got up and ran off again.

Yuzuriha looks puzzled. “Strange guy…”

Yuzuriha's friends giggled.

“Niwa-kun is so cute huh?” Chiharu said.

“He certainly is…” Naoko agreed.

“I don't understand why you reject him, Yuzu-chan? Niwa-kun is smart, kind and caring… What more do you want from a guy?” Chiharu asked.

“Niwa-kun is a good guy but he simply is not my type. I like an older guy but not too old, a young man in fact. Someone mature, wise and cool…” Yuzuriha stated. “Like Kusanagi-sempai…”

“We understand that Kusanagi-sempai is all those things but he is not handsome unfortunately…” Naoko said.

“Don't judge people by his look. You'd be amazed if you guys actually took the time to talk with him…” Yuzuriha said.

“But he's like a nerd… He spent most of his time in library reading God know what and if not, he'd be in the park, talking to himself!” Chiharu said.

“He has a gift you know? He understands nature…” Yuzuriha said.

The girls went to buy a drink and then walk side by side.

“I don't understand you, Yuzu-chan. If I'm you, I'd have say `yes' to Niwa-kun…” Chiharu said again.

“Well, you're not me…” Yuzuriha said as she drank her coke.

“So have you told Kusanagi-sempai of your feeling?” Naoko asked.

“No, I haven't. The timing is not good enough…” Yuzuriha said sadly. She bumps into a guy. “Oops, sorry…”

“It's alright…” The guy who turns out to be Dark said. He smirked as he took of his sunglasses. (Just imagine yourself what he would wear!)

Yuzuriha and the others were enchanted by the handsome-ness that is Dark

Dark flashed a smile. “Yo, pretty girls…”

Chiharu and Naoko wailed, flattered having been called `pretty' by the mysterious guy.

Yuzuriha sighed. “I'm sorry I bump into you…”

“I don't mind…” Dark flashed out his trademark smile.

“You're new around here? I don't think I have seen you before…” Yuzuriha said.

“It has been a long time since the last time I'm here…” Dark admitted. “I've arrived in town a few weeks ago. Very busy with some stuff, now I'm quite free… The town has changed much…”

“Yeah, the town council has been doing lots of construction here and there…” Yuzuriha said.

“I see. Do you mind to accompany me a bit? Show me around and all…” Dark asked.

`Dark! No! You…stay away from Yuzuriha!!' Daichi practically screamed.

Dark smiled. “So what do you think?”

“We would be gladly to show you around…” Chiharu said when Yuzuriha didn't respond.

Naoko nodded in agreement.

“But there is not much to show around here…” Yuzuriha said.

“We can work around that…” Dark said in a sexy tone that drives Chiharu and Naoko's hormones high up.

`Daaaaarkkk!!' Daichi warned.

“Ok, I guess…” Yuzuriha said finally. She has to admit the guy is hot. “BTW, my name is Yuzuriha Nekoi. They are my best friends, Chiharu Yamazaki and Naoko Kimura.”

Chiharu and Naoko waved to Dark.

Dark can't tell them that he is Dark Mousy so he introduced himself as Kokuo.

“Kokuo as in from Kuroi Oosama?” Chiharu asked.

Dark look at Chiharu appreciatively. “That you right, lady…”

Chiharu felt like she almost faints.

Dark walked side by side with Yuzuriha with Chiharu and Naoko following them shortly behind.

“So Kokuo-san, where are you from?” Yuzuriha asked.

“I can't tell you that but I do come here for business matter…” Dark answered smoothly.

“Kokuo-san, does that mean you have a job already?” Naoko asked suddenly.

Dark nodded. “You can say that…”

“What kind of a job do you do?” Chiharu asked.

Dark smiled. “A job that I like so much…” he said meaningfully.

Yuzuriha noticed that the guy never give them straight answers but Chiharu and Naoko seem perfectly fine with that or rather unaware because they're busy drooling over him.

Saehara called out suddenly. “Yo, Yuzuriha, did you see Niwa?”

“No, I've not!” Yuzuriha answered.

“Your boyfriend?” Dark purposely asked.

“Who? Niwa-kun? No! He's just a classmate.” Yuzuriha said.

`Yuzuriha-san…' Daichi sounded so disappointed.

“I see…” Dark mumbled.

“Niwa-kun likes Yuzu-chan but she rejected him because she likes someone else…” Chiharu blurted out.

“Chiharu-chan!” Yuzuriha warned.

“Oh?” Dark is expressionless. “Really?”

“Yeah, she likes our senior, Kusanagi-sempai!” Chiharu said.

“Stop that, Chiharu!” Yuzuriha glares. She felt embarrased.

`No way….' Daichi pitifully wailed.

Chiharu envied Yuzuriha who gets all the attention in the male population. It's bad enough that Daichi likes the girl and now the handsome stranger seem to take interest in her as well. Chiharu can't stand it, that's why she revealed Yuzuriha's secret.

“So this Kusanagi-sempai is your boyfriend then?' Dark asked.

Yuzuriha blushed. “No, he's not. I…” She can't stand the embarrassment. “I'm sorry. I need to go to the restroom!” she said and run off.

Naoko glared at Chiharu and then follow Yuzuriha.

Dark looks amused. `You hear that, Daichi? She likes someone else. Want me to steal her heart from this Kusanagi-sempai?' he asked silently to his counterpart.

`Just leave her alone, Dark!' Daichi desperately begs.

“So Kokuo-san?” Chiharu called out.

Dark, being a gentleman as he is, turned to address the girl. “Hmm?”

“I'm sure you've lots of girlfriend ne?” Chiharu asked.

Dark smiled mysteriously. “Perhaps…”

“But you're never seriously involved with anyone?”

Dark didn't answer. “You've got that curiosity trait huh?” he said with a tint of amusement.

“Can't take my eyes off something that I interested in…” Chiharu said honestly.

Dark moved closer to the girl. “See something you like?” he asked.

Chiharu blushed.

`Dark, stop that!' Daichi yelled as he blushed in embarrassment.

Dark is about to touch Chiharu's hair when he sees something in the crowd behind Chiharu. He looks pre-occupied. He sees a young girl who looks almost like Rika Harada. “Rika?”

“Kokuo-san?”

Dark suddenly clutched his chest. “I'm sorry, but I've to go…” he run off without waiting for Chiharu's answer. He is about to turn back into Daichi so he have to go to a place where no one around.

Daichi felt relief that he is able to take control of his body once again. “But why did you suddenly change into me, Dark?” he asked.

`Did you see what I see, Daichi?' Dark asked.

“Oh, you mean Rika? Yes, I very much see her. Why?”

`Her name is Rika?'

“Yes, she is my cousin, Rika Hiwatari…”

`You mean she's the daughter of Satoshi and Risa?!'

“Yes, I thought you know. You do know her rite? You called out her name before…”

`That explains why she looksa lot like her…'

“Who?” Daichi asked.

“Ah, there you are! We've been looking for you!” Saehara showed up and grab Daichi away.

&&&

Daichi walked home. He still felt down after knowing that Yuzuriha likes someone else. When he is about to arrived at the front yard of his house, he hears Miyuki's yell.

“NOOO! You're lying!!” Miyuki shouted followed by a sob of cries.

“Eh?” Daichi looks concern. He quickly opened the front door. “What's going on?”

There in the living room, he saw Miyuki kneeled on the floor as she cries. Daisuke is also kneeled on the floor, soothing her. Riku is standing not far from the two, weeping silently.

“I just…” Miyuki said in between her cries. “I don't understand…how…how this could happen…”

Daisuke didn't say anything but there are tears in his eyes.

“What happened?” Daichi repeated, now completely freaking out.

Riku approached her son. “Daichi, your great-grandfather passes away 2 hours ago…”

Daichi's eyes widened. “No…”

“It's true. He got a heart attack…” Riku explained.

“No…” Daichi didn't want to believe it because Daiki look healthy before he left the house this morning. “How…?”

`Daiki is dead…?' Dark sounded sad. Daiki was, after all, used to be Dark's partner too.

Daichi took a few steps backward. He looks pale.

Riku hugged her son. “It's okay, son…” she said even as tears streaming down her cheeks.

&&&

Daiki's memorial service was held for 3 days. Lots of people attended the memorial service to express their condolences. The funeral is held the days after the memorial service at noon.

The members of Niwa family stand by the graveyard, looking so sad. Daichi and Miyuki stand next each other; they still can't believe that their great grandfather is dead already. Daisuke stares at the grave with a pained look. Riku who stand beside him goes to hug him. Kosuke is busy talking with some of Daiki's old friends.

Satoshi, Risa and Rika attended the funeral. Satoshi goes to Daisuke and speak to him. Riku and Risa exchange a comforting hug. Rika approach the Niwa siblings and hug each one of them in return after expressing her condolences.

Seiji also came to the graveyard but stand a bit far away from Daiki's grave to avoid changing into Krad because Daichi is there as well.

The priest started reading a passage in the bible and then offered a prayer for the deceased. Daisuke walk forward and put the first dirt on the coffin, followed by the rest of the family. The last, Kosuke spread the dirt as he whispers, “Say hi for me to Emiko…”

Daichi looks so pale. Miyuki, who noticed these, slipped her hand with his as a comfort gesture. Daichi forced a smile but failed.

After the ceremony, people starts to left the graveyard after once again express their condolences. The people had long gone now including Hiwatari family. Niwa family found it hard to leave the graveyard. Riku is worried for Kosuke and then decided to take him home because she can sense that he's tired. Daisuke followed them.

Daichi asked his sister to leave him alone and tell their parents that he will come home by himself. Miyuki nodded and started to leave to follow their parents to the car.

As the graveyard is void of people, Daichi closed his eyes and transform into Dark. Dark approach the fresh grave and bid goodbye to his ex-partner. “Farewell, Daiki. May you find peace in heaven…” he said with an obvious sorrow.

&&&

Niwa resident

A few days later, Kosuke came in to Daiki's room to take some stuff. He was alone in the house, the others are going for dinner together and Kosuke had refused to go with them as he seem have a project he need to investigate. Kosuke are still curious on how and why Dark's and Krad's were broken.

Kosuke looks puzzled when he came across an odd looking key. He seems to realize something. He goes to the attic and takes an old chest. He opened it and surprised to see a letter from Daiki and a very old and antique scroll.

Kosuke picked up the scroll and open it. The scroll is written in a strange language. Luckily, Kosuke, whose knowledge is wide courtesy of having gone around the world and studied when he was young, has a grasp of understanding some of the language.

Kosuke frowned as he saw the scroll. “…under the wings of darkness…to end all mortal coil…” His heart starts to pounding when he realized what the scroll is all about... “How did Father get a hold on this?” He picked up the letter Daiki had left and his eyes widened in horror when he read the letter. “OMG…”

Kosuke, who usually calm and collected, looks so panicked. He hurriedly goes out of the attic and brought with him the letter and the scroll. He goes to the second floor and pick up a cell phone to call Daisuke. He stopped dead in his track when he saw a suspicious looking guy standing on the end of the stairs. “Who are you?”

The guy looks up to Kosuke and flashes an evil smile. “Hello there…”

“Who are you? What are you doing here?” Kosuke asked. He could sense power radiating from the mysterious guy. He took a step backward. “What do you want from me?”

“Oh, not much…” The guy said. “I want you just to hand over the scroll and the letter…”

Kosuke knew immediately that the guy is up to no good. He turns to run and surprised when he saw the guy is now in front of him. “Wha…what are you?”

The guy flashed another evil smile.

Suddenly Kosuke yelled in panic as out of nowhere appear lots of black birds attacking him. Kosuke lost his balance and fell down the stairs and faints. Before he loses all consciousness, he saw the guy slowly walk down the stairs.

The guy picked up the scroll and the letter. “I will take these with me. You don't mind, do you?” He chuckles.

“Wha…why…?” Kosuke mumbles. “Are you….?”

The guy looks down on Kosuke and kneeled in front of him. “Oh, one more thing…” he said. He raised a finger and it grew longer and sharper. He pricked his finger on Kosuke's head. “You don't get to keep that knowledge…”

Kosuke doesn't feel pain as he passes out.

&&&

Kosuke awake to find himself rested on the bed in a hospital. His family is standing around him with a look of concern.

“Dad!” Daisuke is the first one to speak. “Are you alright?”

Kosuke blinked in confusion.

“I'm going to call the doctor!” Riku said.

“Grandpa, say something!” Miyuki pleaded.

Kosuke stared at Miyuki and force a smile.

“Do you remember what happen?” Daisuke asked.

“W…what happen?” Kosuke asked.

“You fell down the stairs, Grandpa…” Daichi said. “We came home and found you pass out on the floor…”

“You really scare us, Grandpa…” Miyuki said.

Kosuke look confused. “I fell? I don't really remember…”

The doctor came into the room with Riku and he quickly checked on Kosuke. “He's fine.” The doctor said as he smiles reassuringly to the family.

“Thanks God…” Riku said.

Daisuke looks at Kosuke. “You really scare us back there…Dad…” he said. “I've lost Grandpa, I can't lost you too…”

“I'm sorry, Dai-kun. I don't mean to worry you…” Kosuke said.

They chatted some more before the family had to leave as the visiting hours are over. Daisuke stayed behind to watch out for Kosuke. Riku take the kids and go home.

&&&

Another days passes by. Life goes on even when someone you loved had left the world. Daisuke continue his work, Riku continue with what she did on daily basis, Daichi and Miyuki goes to school and all, especially since final exam approaching them and Dark must continue go on heist to steal the arts and seals the harmful magic within.

Riku is worried for Miyuki because she looks so down. So she decided to have a little talk with her daughter. She goes to her room when Miyuki is studying for tomorrow test. “Hey, how are you holding up?”

Miyuki looks away from her books. She is sitting on her bed. “Hey, Mom! What do you mean?”

“You know, with the studying and all… Perhaps I could be of help…” Riku said as she approached the bed.

Miyuki put down her book and stand up. “With the studying…?”

“Or you can ask for help with Daichi-kun…”

“Nah! He's busy with his own test too… Beside I can deal with the test much better than…”

“Than what?”

Miyuki didn't answer.

“It's ok to talk about it you know…”

“About what?”

“About your great-grandfather… You've been avoiding the subject…”

“That because no one ever bring it up…”

“Well, I'm bringing it up now…”

“Mom, do you mind? I'm studying here…”

“See? You're avoiding…” Riku pointed. She sighs. “You and your father… Why are you two always bottling stuff inside your heart?”

“I don't bottle!” Miyuki looks annoyed. “Mom, you sound like Ame-chan!”

“What?”

“Always force us to reveal things that are not an easy subject for us…”

“I'm your mother, you know? We are supposed to talk about this sort of thing… I feel like I haven't talked with you, I mean really talk…”

“You mean a mother-daughter bonding? That is Aunt Risa's and Rika-chan's thing, you know?”

“So what do you think if we make it our thing too?”

“You're serious?”

“Yeah, do you want to?”

“I'm not sure what is there to talk about…”

“How about your great-grandfather? How do you feel?”

Miyuki shrugged. “Sad…”

“And then?” Riku encouraged her to talk some more.

Miyuki sighed. “I feel guilty because I wasn't there when he passes away…”

“Miyuki…”

“I haven't been exactly a good granddaughter to him recently. I'm too busy, too caught up with myself… I even refused to accompany him when he asked me before… So I was thinking…that I miss so much… I didn't have enough time to be with him. When he passed away, he was alone right? None of us are with him at the time…”

“We can't be there for each other all the time you know…”

“We should have been there, Mom. We could have prevented his death…”

“There is nothing we can do for him… Miyuki-chan, your great-grandfather is a good person who had lived his life to the fullest… Even as he had a heart problem, he continued to live as if it was nothing… He was happy that he lived with us, surrounded by people who care for him greatly… And he still is. I'm sure right now he's watching over us above in the cloud with your grandmother…”

“I can't help but feel guilty…”

“It's not your fault.”

Miyuki sighed. “I miss him…”

“I know. I am too…” Riku said as she hugged her daughter. It was then she noticed a script on the floor near the bed. She picks it up. “What is this?”

“Oh that… It is a drama scenario made by one of my classmate for the festival of the school's foundation.”

“Your class will present a drama?”

“Yeah…”

“What role you get?”

“Evil witch…”

Riku raised an eyebrow. “Sound…intriguing…”

“Rika-chan got the main role. She is supposedly to be a princess whom I envied…”

“I see… Is that why you come home late these several days? Practice with your friends?”

“Yeah…”

Riku opened the scripts' pages randomly. “Hmm…look like it's going to be a great drama… I'm looking forward to watch your performance…”

“Yeah, make me nervous… It's hard to concentrate with the test when I'm worry over the drama too…”

“I'm sure you will do great…”

“We will see…”

Silent.

“Are we done?” Miyuki asked.

“Huh?”

“With bonding stuff?”

“Oh…” Riku stand up to leave. “Yeah, I will leave you to study now…”

“Ok…”

“But we're going to have this kind of talk again… we haven't talk about your love life too…”

“Mom!”

Riku laughed. She kisses her daughter's cheek before leaving the room.