Notes: I started this in January. It tells the shounen ai version of the origin of the Niwa and Hikari feud and the Dark and Krad thing as well. It is twenty six pages long in Word. It is the second fic-that-ate-my-life (the other one is not yet finished and Digimon-based). It is now 2:38 AM. I have been up since 6:00 AM. I am going to bed. (unenthusiastically) Boojah.

If anyone would like to write the missing lemon scene from this, be my guest. I don't do lemons, 'kay?

Okay:
Dark = // //
Daisuke = / /
Satoshi = ( )
Krad = (( ))

Daisuke: I have every right to kill you.
Crysi: No, *Satoshi* has every right to kill me.
Satoshi: Omae o korosu.
Crysi: O.O ::hides::

------------------------------------

Daisuke Niwa was dreaming. In his mind's eye, he stood before a mirror filled with shifting images. Daisuke seemed to be surrounded by a column of light and beyond that, darkness spread for an eternity, wrapping the light in a black fist. Daisuke shuddered.

The images in the mirror seemed out of focus at first, as if viewed through a screen, then became clearer, sharper as Daisuke watched. In the strange reflection, Daisuke saw people-first his family, then other, strange faces that seemed eerily familiar. As he watched, the images swam and merged into a pool of vivid colors, then cleared into one image. He gasped.

In the mirror was a boy of around seventeen years. He was a bit taller than Daisuke, and he held himself with poise and grace. And he wasn't Dark.

The boy's face was an older reflection of Daisuke's, eyes the exact same color, his hair the exact same shade and style. But his clothes were those that would have been worn hundreds of years in the past and in his hand he held a long, beautiful sword.

The boy seemed to shake himself and realize that Daisuke was there for the first time. For a few seconds, he stared back at Daisuke. The boy shook his head. "You're Daisuke Niwa," he said.

Daisuke nodded slowly.

"So am I."

"What?" Daisuke yelped. He backed away from the mirror as best he could. "How can you be me?"

"We share a soul. I *am* who you *were*, a long time ago."

Daisuke calmed down a bit, but still frowned warily. "So…why are you here *now*?"

"You need to know how everything began-the Hikari family, our relationship with Dark, the curse of the Hikari. Dark won't tell you."

"I was there at the beginning?"

The other Daisuke glanced away and a tear ran down his face. "You-I was a good part of the cause of it all." He sighed. "I guess we have to start with the basics…At that time, the Hikari were the Guardians. Both the Hikari and the Niwa families were adept at using magic, but the Niwas job was to heal, to make things grow, and to help life. The Hikari Guarded the Niwas from their enemies, who were actually rather numerous-the Niwas were *very* unpopular in the demon world because they tended to interfere in things that were not really their business…" He shook his head at the blank look on Future-Daisuke's face. "Look, I'll *show* you how it happened."

The mirror shimmered and Past-Daisuke disappeared. As Future-Daisuke watched, he felt every fiber of his being sinking into the scene, as if he was sucked into a memory as it happened. The scene moved to show a wide, fast-moving river bounded by trees and thick brush on either side that cut through a forest and swaths of farmland. Past-Daisuke sat on a rock next to the river, looking out over the water and listening to the birds' songs and the murmur of the water. The wind whistled softly and the sun shone.

Then a dark portal oozed into being near the place Daisuke sat. It pulsed with blacks, purples, and reds, and hummed with dark energy. For a few moments, the portal stood still as the shifting colors wrapped around each other and twisted into wyrd patterns of light against darkness. Daisuke took no notice of the portal, instead laying back on the rock and stretching out to enjoy the sun. That was when something in the portal *moved*.

A dark figure shot out of the portal. Two huge black Hounds followed close on its heels. The shape dashed down the river back, with the Hounds in hot pursuit. He slipped through the brush and almost had managed to elude then when he tripped on the rough ground. In that moment, the Hounds pounced, ripping at him with black teeth. The figure crawled away and tumbled into the river and was swept away in the current. Before he could try to swim, he crashed into a large rock and slumped.

Daisuke started and reached out to fish the boy from the water. He dragged the boy up the face of the rock as carefully as possible and looked him over. He was about Daisuke's age, with longish violet hair and was drop-dead gorgeous. He also had a nasty bump on his head and various wounds caused by (Daisuke guessed) some sort of animal. Daisuke couldn't help but run a hand through the boy's long, wet hair and wonder if it would be as silky as the thought when it was dry.

"Ow…" The boy shifted and groaned as he awoke. He opened eyes that matched the color of his hair and blinked once "Um…hello."

Daisuke smiled. "Hello. I'm Daisuke Niwa. Who are you?"

"My name is Dark…"The world spun wildly. Daisuke was shoved aside and his head smashed into the rock. As he lay there, he saw two Hounds crouching over Dark. The beasts growled and lunged. Daisuke stood.

"Ameratsu, Bright Lady, help me," murmured Daisuke. He made a sharp gesture and the Hounds screamed. He made another and they disappeared.

Dark sat up. "You're an adept."

Daisuke shrugged and blushed. "I'm just okay with magic."

"Ah." Dark's eyelids flickered and he slumped

"Dark? Dark!"

***

The picture in the mirror blurred and fixed on a street in a small town. Plain, small houses clustered together in the midst of huge fields that stretched to a forested, wild country on all sides.

A blue-haired boy walked down the street. Satoshi Hikari strolled through the town, desperately trying to ignore the group of girls who were stalking him.

"Can you *believe* it? He came to town less than a week after the last time!"

The others nodded. "You're sooooo right, Sakura!"

"And aren't we so *lucky* to have such a mature, intelligent boy who's *also* an adept living near us?"

The others nodded again. "Yeah Mei-oneesama!"

A girl with long, dark hair stepped forward. "What's *wrong* with you? You say that *same* *thing* every time you *see* him. He's not *that* great, and besides, Daisuke-kun is just as good an adept as Hikari-san."

The others glared at her. "Shut *up* Risa-chan! He might hear you and not come *back*!"

Satoshi rolled his eyes and moved away from the girls. His thoughts turned to the situation plaguing the town. The demons had been more active than anyone could remember, and it was his job to take care of the town. His fists clenched. Demons were a disease the universe had, one that he was born to purge. They corrupted every thing they touched, made it tarnished, tainted in a subtle way. They destroyed families, his and others, they smashed homes and towns. He was the last one in his family, and Daisuke-kun the last in *his* because of the demon bastards. Sometimes Satoshi wanted to kill them all. He sighed, letting go of this anger for the moment to turn to unhappiness. He had promised himself that this would be the day…He would tell Daisuke-kun…and get rejected. A tiny voice in his head pointed out that he didn't know for *sure* that Daisuke -kun would turn him down, but he ignored it in favor of the skeptical voice that told him he'd be promptly dumped. In a nice, Daisuke-kun-ish way of course.

***

Daisuke watched as the beautiful boy slept in his room. He frowned slightly and reached with his power, wincing when he found what he'd really expected to find. Slowly, Daisuke placed his hands on Dark's chest and pushed with his power, making a seal around and inside Dark, then switching to healing balm. He jerked back when he felt Dark's reaction to the power and sighed.

"I've sealed you," he murmured to the sleeping boy. "So I have nothing to fear. But I know this isn't an accident. You're not stupid. You did this on purpose. But why me?" He placed a hand on Dark's forehead and winced at the heat radiating off Dark's skin. "And why didn't I just call Satoshi-kun to send you back to the demon world?"

Daisuke turned to gaze at the crystal he had fished from Dark's clothes. "And what possessed you to steal from Lord Krad?"

He turned back to Dark and sat staring at his face for a long time.

***

Dark shifted slightly and groaned. His body was one large bruise and his head felt like it had been pounded with a hammer. His throat was raw. He opened his eyes a crack and immediately shut them again. "The hell…"

"Oh, you're awake." A cool, damp cloth was pressed to his forehead. "I'm sorry about how you must feel. You were pretty badly hurt, and I think you're getting sick from your time in the river."

Dark shook his head, but kept his eyes closed. "I don't get sick. Your name is Daisuke Niwa?"

"Yes. And you are getting sick whether you think so or not." There was a clink near Dark's hard "I brought you some tea."

"That's nice, but I'm really fine. I don't' get…ah…ah…ah…ACHOO!!" The cloth fell off Dark's forehead and Daisuke picked it up. "I'm siiiiiiiiiiiiick…"

"Yes. You're sick enough that I don't think you should try to go anywhere, so I made up this room for you until you're better. Dark opened one eye a crack. "Thanks." Then his eye closed again. "You made tea?"

Daisuke sighed. "Yes. I made tea."

***

The two Hounds that had chased Dark cowered in front of a blond, blue-eyed demon.

"And the other boy just *happened* to be an adept? An adept who just *happened* to be capable of beating not one but *two* Hounds, the elite hunters of the demon world?"

The Hounds nodded.

"It cant' be a coincidence. Dark is a cocky bastard, but he's not stupid." Krad scowled at the Hounds, who flinched. "I didn't expect him to steal the Ice Crystal after all this time." The shook his head in frank admiration. "Being my lover for a century must have been such a hardship, even for the ultimate job…" He paused and glared at the empty air. "I don't *like* being used in such a way. I don't believe I'm going to let him get away with it."

He rose and strode towards the doors. "I don't think I should just kill him-but I suppose I can decide on that *after* punishing that adept for standing in my way."

***

Satoshi approached the Niwa home with dragging steps. He stared at the house for a long moment before knocking.

Daisuke answered the door. "Oh…Satoshi-kun! Come in! How are you?"

"Fine." Satoshi stepped into the house. "Ummm…has anything new happened with you lately?"

"Since you last saw me? It was only two days ago, Satoshi-kun." Daisuke walked over and shut the door to Dark's room. "I went down by the river, studied the artifacts, you know."

"Ah. Niwa-kun…" Satoshi stepped close to Daisuke. "I wanted to ask you, well, tell you something important…"

Daisuke blinked. "What, Hikari-kun?"

"I…"

"Something clattered to the floor in the next room and Daisuke winced as Satoshi turned toward the sound. "Do you have a guest?"

"It's nobody you know." Daisuke grabbed Satoshi's arm as the boy started for the room. "He's…he's sick, and you shouldn't risk getting sick too. And you wanted to tell me something…"

"…Yes." Satoshi flushed. "Daisuke I…don't know how to…"

There was a knock at the door. Daisuke blinked and answered it, to see Risa Harada on the other side. She grabbed Daisuke's sleeve.

"We need your help right now? There are Hounds attacking the town!"

Daisuke nodded. "I'm…"

"I'm on my way."

Risa stared at Satoshi, who looked back at her calmly. "It's my job to kill the ba…demons who plague us. Daisuke needs to be safe here. I'll take care of it."

Risa frowned, but shrugged and said, "We have to hurry." She ran back towards the town.

Daisuke stopped Satoshi as he left. "You were going to tell me something…"

"…It's…I'll tell you later, okay?" Satoshi tried to pull away, but Daisuke grabbed his arm.

"Are you sure? You said it was important."

Satoshi sighed. "It can wait however long it takes me to get rid of the Hounds. I'll be right back."

With that, Satoshi left. Daisuke hurried into the next room and winced. He glanced at Dark, who appeared to be sleeping.

"How do you knock over a *table* in you sleep…"

Daisuke shook his head and righted the table then unwound the covers that were at the foot of the bed and pulled them up over Dark. Dark mumbled something in his sleep and turned on to his side. As he did, some of this hair tumbled into his face and he wrinkled his nose and frowned slightly. Daisuke laughed and brushed the hair away from Dark's face gently. Some part of his mind noted that he'd been right about how silky it was…

Daisuke pulled away from Dark and shook his head. He sighed and rose, then slipped out of the room quietly. Considering, curious amethyst eyes followed him as he left.

***

Krad was frowning. The Hounds and demons were cowering again, because when Krad was frowning, it meant that *some*one was going to die. Luckily, he wasn't frowning at them.

"And you are absolutely sure," Said Krad to the messenger across from him.

"Yes, Lord," said the unfortunate messenger. "They say now that the Ice Crystal is stolen, you need a host to go into the other world."

There was a clamor at the doors. "My Lord, we have a prisoner; a human adept that fought when we attacked the town!"

A boy was dragged in and dropped. He pushed himself up feebly, then collapsed.

Krad strolled over to the boy and knelt down next to him. He tipped the boy's face toward him. "Hello, little adept. Pray that you aren't the one who I'm looking for, sweet."

"His name is Hikari Satoshi," said some of the demons.

Krad gathered Satoshi in his arms and stood. He carried the boy out of the hall and down dimly lit, winding corridors to a richly decorated room with a large bed as the centerpiece. Krad lay Satoshi on the bed and settled down next to him, ready to wait until the boy awoke.

***

Riku was running through town to ward the Niwa home when her sister stopped her.

"Where are you going?" asked Risa.

"I have to go tell Daisuke that Hikari-san was captured. He has to rescue him!"

Risa shook her head. " Niwa-kun's safe where he is. Hikari-san can take care of himself. We have to meet with everyone *right* *now*. Then someone can go."

Riku frowned but followed her sister to the meeting.

***

People returned to the village slowly, searching their houses and setting to the work of repairing the broken well and damaged buildings. As the sun set, the sky was banded with a clear, piercing, cold blue, a deep, rich, amethyst, a sharp, sweet amber-red, and a blinding, blazing gold before shifting to black velvet littered with sparkling stars.

Dark sighed and stared out the window, then glanced at Daisuke, who had just returned from town

"What happened to that friend of yours?" asked Dark.

Daisuke sighed. "They don't know. They think Hounds might have taken him, but he might just be hunting some of the demons down-he does that after a lot of attacks."

Dark nodded. "So…Hikari-kun doesn't like demons at all, does he? I mean, I know his job is to kill demons, but I heard some people mention he's really…zealous."

"They killed his family. They killed my family. Actually, I think he was more hurt by the death of my family," whispered Daisuke.

Dark walked over and gave Daisuke a slight hug. "I'm sorry…"

"No…I just…about a year ago, my entire family was destroyed by the demons in an attack. The Hikaris are the Guardians of the Niwas…he felt responsible for living while members of my family died." Daisuke stared at the ground. "He saved me, but…He always blamed himself for the loss of my parents, my grandparents…I miss them, but he blames himself for their loss." Daisuke began to cry.

Dark drew Daisuke into a tight hug. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry…"

"It's not your fault," murmured Daisuke. "You had nothing to do with it."

"I can still be sorry," replied Dark.

Daisuke leaned against Dark and sighed. "Thank you. Satoshi-kun held me when I cried afterward…but he always focused on avenging them, 'righting the wrong.' But…I just wanted him to cry with me, just once, you know?"

"I know. Losing people is hard," said Dark. "I wish you didn't have that loss."

Daisuke gave a painful laugh. "I'm sorry too."

***

Satoshi groaned and opened his eyes. Someone shifted next to him and he jerked away. The person caught his wrist.

Gold eyes glowed in a face framed by gold hair. "You're Satoshi Hikari, they youngest, and at this time, the *only* adept of the great Hikari family. You were captured two days ago when a village was attacked by my minions."

Satoshi whipped around to stare at the speaker. "You're the demon Lord Krad." His eyes narrowed. "You kill humans for *fun*." Magic sparkled around Satoshi's hands weakly, but Krad grasped his wrists and the power disappeared.

"Now, now. I haven't hurt you yet. I'd just like to know a few things. For example, did you encounter anyone by the river three days ago? Did you fight my Hounds there?" Krad smiled brightly. "I almost hope you didn't. You're quite lovely."

Satoshi stared at Krad. "What are you talking about?"

Krad gave Satoshi a piercing look. "The thief, Dark Mousy, stole something from me. A human adept found him and even now is shielding him from me."

"I wouldn't help *any* of your kind," snarled Satoshi. "You all deserve to burn for what you've done to humans and to our world."

Krad nodded thoughtfully. "Well, *you* obviously didn't save Dark. So tell me, who is the adept that *did*?"

"I won't tell you." Satoshi edged away from Krad, but Krad grasped his wrists tight and Satoshi couldn't move.

"Tell me," ordered Krad. "Tell me or I won't be happy with you. I could always just have someone pick up that boy you Guard. He has powers, doesn't he?" Krad smiled dreamily. "It's good for him that the Niwas have never had dangerous magic. Otherwise I'd think it could be him…But he could always be used to bargain with…"

"Don't you DARE touch Daisuke-kun!" yelled Satoshi. "I will *kill* you if you even try to hurt him…"

Krad raised his eyebrows. "So this Niwa boy is valuable to you?"

Satoshi gritted his teeth. "I'm Guarding him. Of course he's valuable to me."

"No, you love him." Krad smirked. "Now. Who. Saved. Dark."

"I don't know. Really."

"Good." Krad let go of Satoshi's wrists and cupped the boy's face in his hands. "Now, let's feed you and make you comfortable."

"Do you do this for every prisoner?" Satoshi spat.

"Krad pressed his lips to Satoshi's. "Only the special ones, Satoshi-sama."

Satoshi struggled weakly as Krad dragged him out of the room, into the rest of the keep.

***

Daisuke smiled across the table at Dark. He tried not to laugh at the "dinner" Dark had somehow managed to make that seemed to be a strange combination of gray mud and brown mud. He poked at it gingerly and asked, "What, exactly, is this?"

"It's…" Dark frowned down at it. "It's food."

Daisuke twitched. "I *hope* so."

Dark glared at Daisuke. "I'd like to see you do better."

"Really? You wouldn't mind?" Daisuke got up and headed toward the kitchen.

Dark sighed. "It isn't *that*…" He glanced at the plates again. "Okay, it *is* that bad."

Daisuke laughed. "I'll make up something else." He paused thoughtfully. "You know, I don't think I've ever asked you where you're from."

"Oh, around," replied Dark. "I travel mostly, don't stay in one place too long."

"Mmm." Daisuke shook his head.

"What?"

"It's nothing," said Daisuke. "Well, I guess you should be all better soon and you can go back to traveling." Daisuke went out of the room to get ingredients for an edible dinner. He jumped when Dark came up behind him and wrapped Daisuke in an embrace.

"So," said Dark, "maybe you could show me the right way to do things?"

"Not…only…I'm not…" stuttered Daisuke.

Dark laughed "I meant with cooking. Regular cooking."

Daisuke blushed crimson as Dark continued to snicker.

***

Krad clenched his fists as he listened to the messenger's report.

"My Lord, I'm afraid that the only place Dark Mousy could be is with the other adept, Daisuke Niwa. We've searched the area, and there isn't anyone else for miles and miles." The messenger cringed at the look on Krad's face. "We don't have any concrete reports as of yet, but preliminary reports claim that Dark Mousy is trying to seduce the adept."

Krad shook his head and murmured to himself, "Dark's staying where he's protected, which means he's forgotten how important the Ice Crystal is, or…" He paused and turned to the messenger. "And I'm supposed to feel…what at his attempts at seduction?" The messenger sputtered a nervous answer but Krad waved him off. He mused silently, 'You're moving rather fast, Dark…does he remind you of someone?'

Krad smiled a near-genuine smile as he walked to the room that had been fixed up as a guestroom. He poked his head in the door and said, "How are we doing today?"

"Let me go home." Satoshi lay on the bed and stared at the ceiling. Armbands had been placed on him to prevent his attacking anyone, and he had tried unsuccessfully to pry them off. He had also been confined to the room after he'd physically attacked one of the demons that had raided the village.

Krad sat down on the bed and stroked Satoshi's cheek. Satoshi jerked away. "Don't touch me."

"I'm not that bad, am I?" purred Krad. "I haven't done anything to you, other than kept you here. And you haven't been a very cooperative pet *or* informant *or* guest."

Satoshi lashed at Krad with a fist. "I'm *not* your *pet*!"

Krad grabbed Satoshi and hauled him into a hug. "Of course you aren't." Krad whispered in Satoshi's ear, "You know, I like you. You're quite insane, like people seem to think I am. Very few would attack me at all; you attack me and you're powerless. And we have so much in common…"

"We have *nothing* in common!"

Krad petted Satoshi's hair idly as he responded, "Of course we do. We both feel cut off from others; feel that they can't possibly understand our pain. We both have no family, no one older to ask questions of, to look to for guidance and help. We both have people we trusted who have betrayed us. With one another, in fact."

Satoshi stiffened and ripped himself away from Krad. "What are you talking about?"

Krad shrugged. "Didn't you know? Your Daisuke is Dark's lover."

"You're lying," replied Satoshi in a low, even voice. "Daisuke would never, ever fall in love with a demon. You killed his family. You're *evil*. Daisuke wouldn't do that."

"It's true." Krad gave Satoshi an innocent look. "I can send you home so you can see for yourself, if you want."

Satoshi shook his head. "You're just trying to trick me."

"Suit yourself. The offer to go home is open, of course." Krad got up and strolled out of the room, leaving Satoshi alone with his thoughts.

***

Dark pushed himself out of bed and crawled across the floor to where Daisuke lay. He ran his hand through the boy's silky hair and leaned over so he was nose to nose with Daisuke.

"Wake up Dai-chaaaan…It's morning!"

Daisuke's eyes flickered and the boy murmured something unintelligible. His eyes opened slightly and Daisuke started. "Da…"

Dark smirked and pressed his mouth to Daisuke's. He pulled back and smirked again. "Good morning, Dai-chan."

Daisuke blinked rapidly and blushed. "Ummm…I…you…I…"

"Thanks to you, I'm all better, Dai-chan. I know you've been watching me for this whole time as well. I know you're interested…"

Daisuke blushed. "I…yes, but…" Daisuke paused and pulled himself together. "But I don't like it that you're lying to me."

"Lying?" Dark frowned and scooted away from Daisuke. "How have I been lying?"

"You're acting like you're a normal human, when I know you're not." Daisuke looked away from Dark, out the window. "I'm not blind or stupid. I'm an adept. I can sense what you are, and even if I couldn't, everyone *knows* the description of the Famous Thief Dark Mousy. The famous *demon* who's been Krad's lover for the last century. The demon who entranced a village and then let it be sacked by its rival, the demon responsible for a feud between two families that lasted for centuries just by stealing one artifact…" Daisuke turned back to Dark. "And the demon whose former lover is hunting him because he stole the Ice Crystal, one of the most ancient artifacts in either world. And one of the most powerful."

Dark couldn't meet Daisuke's eyes. "You don't miss much, do you?" He paused for a second, then said. "You're right. I'm not a nice person, and I've certainly qualified as an evil one. But I won't hurt you. And I'm going to try to keep Krad away from you as best I can."

"I know you won't hurt me," replied Daisuke. "I made sure of that." He made a face. "And I tried to heal you, but it just ended up giving you that cold…"

"You used magic on me?" Dark stared at Daisuke in shock. "But…I should know…"

"You wouldn't. Not with mine." Daisuke sighed. "Look. Tell me what you're up to, and tell me the *truth* and I'll see if I can help you."

Dark wrapped his arms around himself. "You want a true story? Once upon a time, a sweet, innocent person took a wounded man into his home. He helped the wounded man recover. Even after he found that the man was not a good man, he trusted him and let him stay." Dark took a deep breath. "But the wounded man was not a grateful man or a caring man. He romanced the sweet, good man, then broke the good man's heart and stole the good man's innocence. Then he left the good man to die at the hands of his own enemies." Dark paused and bit his lip. "I was the wounded man."

"Am I the good one?" Daisuke asked.

"You're his twin," replied Dark "The good man died a long time ago. I didn't even care enough to remember his name."

Daisuke let that sink in a little. "What does this mean to me?"

"The only thing I've regretted in life is breaking him. I don't want to break you."

"It isn't breaking if I'm willing," replied Daisuke.

"But I didn't tell you the truth, so you're unwilling," countered Dark.

Daisuke pouted. "Do you love me or not?"

"Love?" Dark laughed quietly. "I certainly don't love you, Dai-chan. But I like you, and I want you. Do you love me?"

"I like you and I want you. I don't know if I love you. I haven't known you long enough," said Daisuke.

"Well," murmured Dark.

"Well," agreed Daisuke.

***

Satoshi stared at the ceiling and cursed every thing that had kept him from Daisuke. He muttered aloud, "But Daisuke-kun *wouldn't*. He's not…of course he's not interested in any sort of demon. He's not. Because he wouldn't be. So I'm sure he's not."

"You *could* go back and make sure you're right." Krad's voice came from the vicinity of the door. Satoshi tried to ignore it, but Krad went on, "You're only torturing yourself. You could easily go back and find out the truth. I'll send you myself."

Satoshi sat up and scowled at Krad. "What do you get from sending me back?"

Krad smiled brightly and replied, "I think you misunderstood me the other day. I didn't mean that Daisuke was *willing*."

"What?" Satoshi leaped off the bed and strode over to Krad. "That demon is forcing himself on *my* Daisuke-kun?"

"Not really *forcing*," said Krad. "But it's really quite unfair for a thousand-year-old demon to seduce an innocent young boy, isn't it? Dark's done this before, you know. Seduced an innocent and left him to rot. You should really go back and protect *your* Daisuke."

"That still doesn't explain why you would let me go."

"You can't defeat Dark on your own." Krad waved away Satoshi's arguments. "You can't. But I can help you do it. I can help you save your Daisuke. And I'll do it because I like you."

Satoshi sniffed. "I'll never ask for your help."

"Possibly not. Probably so."

"What does *that*…" Satoshi's question was lost as he was caught in a swirl of magic, and he found himself outside his own house. The restraints on his power were gone.

"I *have* to go see Daisuke-kun."

***

"So," murmured Dark, "what do you want?"

Daisuke shuddered as Dark pushed him to lay back on the floor and kissed him. "Cliché as it sounds, I want you."

Dark smirked and kissed Daisuke deeply. "That can be arranged."

***

Satoshi raced through town until he reached Daisuke's home. He paused at the door, ready to knock, then quietly pushed the door open and crept into the house. He soon realized he needn't have worried when he heard the moans coming from the next room. Satoshi slipped over to the door and opened it a crack. He turned away, sickened by the sight of Daisuke with that…that…*demon*. He seethed with anger and pain as Krad's voice sounded in the air.

((So do you believe me now? Do you want my help now?))

"I don't *need* your help to get rid of that bastard," Satoshi replied. "Go away and leave me alone."

((Whatever you like…))

Satoshi closed his eyes and shook his head to clear it, then slammed open the door to the next room. Daisuke and Dark both jumped and stared at him for a few seconds then pulled apart quickly. Daisuke pulled some trousers back on and rose to face Satoshi.

"Satoshi-kun…I…um…"

"Daisuke-kun." Satoshi stalked over and pulled Daisuke into a tight hug. "I was worried about you."

"Satoshi-kun?" Daisuke gave him a confused look.

Satoshi regarded Dark coldly. Power began to spark in the air around Satoshi. "I'd heard that *he* was in the area, and I know his reputation for destroying innocents like you."

Daisuke shook his head quickly and put himself between Dark and Satoshi. "That's not it, Satoshi-kun! Dark didn't take advantage of me!"

"I did, really," muttered Dark. "But you didn't mind…"

Daisuke turned to Dark. "You *didn't*! I knew what I was doing!" He turned back to Satoshi. "He's okay, really."

"All demons deserve to die. Him even more because he's toyed with you." Satoshi gathered his power around him and began to move past Daisuke. Dark smirked and rolled his eyes.

"You have no chance," said Dark. "I won't kill you just because you're annoying and stupid."

"I'll kill *you* for playing with Daisuke-kun," growled Satoshi.

"Daisuke-kun doesn't seem to feel the same way you do," replied Dark.

Daisuke wrapped his arms around Satoshi's neck and looked into his eyes. "Dark did not hurt me. He will not hurt me. It's *okay* Satoshi-kun. If you aren't happy with my doing anything with Dark, then I won't until you're okay with it."

"Hey! I'm not waiting *forever*!" Dark yelped. "He'll never say it's okay."

Daisuke ignored Dark and focused on Satoshi. "Satoshi-kun…"

"No. Absolutely not." Satoshi began to detach Daisuke gently, but Daisuke tightened his grip and sighed against Satoshi's chest.

"Why? I've never liked someone before. I like him," whispered Daisuke.

"He seduced you," replied Satoshi.

Daisuke shook his head. "I liked him from the moment I saw him."

Satoshi stopped short. "Then I have to kill him."

Daisuke flinched and jerked away. "Why? Do you want to make me unhappy?"

"NO!" shouted Satoshi. He fell silent as Dark and Daisuke stared at him, then continued quietly. "I just want to keep you from ever being unhappy."

"Oh. I get it," said Dark. He gave a harsh laugh. "Well, this sucks."

"What?" Daisuke looked from Dark to Satoshi. Both looked unhappy and angry. "What is it?"

It was Dark who answered. "He loves you, Dai-chan. So I guess he's my rival for your affections."

"You love me?" Daisuke cupped Satoshi's face in his hands and stared into the boy's deep blue eyes. "You can't love me."

"He does," said Dark. "So he has to kill me, because I'm his rival, but he can't because it would make you unhappy."

"Oh," murmured Satoshi, "I'm going to kill you. You ruined my Daisuke-kun."

Daisuke pulled away from Satoshi. "Satoshi-kun." He turned to Dark. "Dark. You both *promise* me you won't fight over this." He turned to Satoshi. "I…I'm sorry Satoshi-kun, but…"

"I won't promise that I won't fight," snapped Satoshi. He glared at Dark. "I'll promise not to *kill* if you want…"

"And I'll promise the same," said Dark. Dark met Satoshi's eyes and gave a challenge; Satoshi accepted.

"Fine," murmured Daisuke. He gazed at Satoshi for a long moment, then began again. "I'm sorry, but I just…I never…maybe if…but…"

"I expected to be rejected anyway." Satoshi headed out, then paused. "You'll be able to find me."

Daisuke nodded slowly. So did Dark.

***

A crescent moon hung in a starry sky dotted with wispy silver clouds and watched solemnly over a deep forest. A path wound its way through the forest like a tan snake slithering on the grass. The air was still.

In a small grove off the road a little ways, Satoshi Hikari waited. He knew that it was useless to listen or sense for Dark-the thief's reputation was well known but he tried anyway. So, when the soft laughter came from behind him, he jumped. Satoshi turned around and glared at Dark.

"How *dare* you," he whispered. "How *dare * you take Daisuke-kun ad corrupt him like you did?"

Dark rolled his eyes. "Daisuke-kun was a willing participant in all of it, and I didn't seduce him, not on purpose. It's not like he *belongs* to you, anyway."

Satoshi's hands clenched into fists. "You're just *using* him, like you use everyone. I won't let you hurt him."

"I *won't* hurt him." Dark's tone was serious. "I'm not in love with him. I barely know him. I'm having sex with him because I want to. But. I've known people like him before. I've stolen many things, but the only thing I regret was stealing the innocence and happiness of one of those. I won't ever do that again."

"He loves you," Satoshi said. "You'll hurt him by leaving."

"You don't know that he loves me," replied Dark, "and I can stay with him his entire lifespan. It's not that long, considering I've lived over one thousand years."

"He loves you," said Satoshi. "But *I* saw him first. *I* love him. And *you*…"

"…have him. I might love him someday, I don't know. But I'll stay and see." Dark sighed. "Loves a bitch of a thing." Dark shifted and stretched, then pierced Satoshi with a look. "You can't beat me."

Satoshi stared blankly at Dark. "What?"

"You can't beat me, "Dark repeated. "You don't have enough power or experience. I'd kill you without trying."

"You're bluffing." Satoshi's tone was strong, but his body tensed. "You're not that powerful."

Dark smiled. "You know so much don't you? You *should* know then, why Krad is trying to hunt me down and kill me. You probably *don't* know that he'd like to kill Daisuke as well."

"*If* Krad had *any* interest in Daisuke-kun, it's because you're interested in Daisuke-kun," replied Satoshi.

"It's because he helped me when I was unconscious and being attacked by the Hounds. You weren't *there* Guardian. You didn't see it." Dark paused. "I'm gonna have to blast you, aren't I?"

A rippling shield of power formed around Satoshi. "We came here to *fight*. You agreed."

Dark sighed. "Yeah, yeah." He let loose a bolt of pure energy, sparkling black. It shattered Satoshi's shield. Satoshi was slammed back and he crashed into a tree. Satoshi pushed himself up, groaning. Dark darted over and grasped Satoshi's throat. He hauled the boy up and held him against the tree, choking him.

"Hikari-san, I could kill you. But it would crush Daisuke." Dark released Satoshi and Satoshi fell to the ground, gasping. "Look, you're no competition. You can try to win Daisuke over - I'd even share him if he's okay with it. But don't try to fight me. You'll lose."

Dark strode way and left Satoshi crumpled, his back against the tree.

***

Daisuke stood on his porch and he waited. He frowned when Dark appeared down the road. He glared at Dark when he arrived at the porch. "You promised…"

"He's not dead. We talked, he was angry, I gently showed him I *could* kill him with a thought if he threatened me." Dark shrugged and walked past Daisuke, towards the door. "I don't want to hurt you, Daisuke. I won't hurt him. But he's completely dedicated to you. He's obsessed. And he doesn't want to share."

Daisuke stared down the road. "Is he okay?"

"He's fine." Dark walked up behind Daisuke and wrapped his arms around the boy. He whispered in his ear, "I said I'd share you if you were okay with it."

"Share?"

"Only if you wanted to." Dark kissed Daisuke's temple gently. Daisuke sighed and pulled away.

"I have to go talk to Satoshi-kun."

Dark smiled. "I wouldn't expect less of you."

***

It took Daisuke a while to find Satoshi. The boy was still where Dark had left him. Daisuke sat down next to Satoshi and was silent for a long, nervous moment. Finally, he said, "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine."

Daisuke peered at Satoshi's face, illuminated in the bright shafts of moonlight through the trees. He moved closer and said slowly. "I really like you, Satoshi-kun. But…Dark-san is something I've never seen before."

Satoshi jerked away and stood up. "He's EVIL! All of his kind are! I…I'm supposed to *protect* you, to keep this from happening!"

"Dark-san isn't trustworthy. I know he's been a horrible person. But people can learn from mistakes. He's not a *good* person, but he's not *evil*. He could have killed you and he didn't."

"Because it would hurt *your* feelings and gods forbid he should hurt your feelings," muttered Satoshi. He took a deep breath. "Look, I don't like him. That, I'll admit, is a personal thing. But I really *do* think it's dangerous for you to be around him, and it *is* my *duty* to protect you from things like him."

"He won't hurt me." for a second, a guilty look flashed across Daisuke's face, but it was gone so quickly Satoshi couldn't be sure he'd seen it. "I know he won't hurt me."

"*Other* people might. He's being hunted by Krad's Hounds, you know." Satoshi knelt down by Daisuke and took his hand. "I don't want you caught in between the two of them."

Daisuke gave Satoshi an even look. "I know you think I'm being an idiot. I know you're jealous but…"

"THIS ISN'T ABOUT ME BEING JEALOUS!" Satoshi grabbed Daisuke by the shoulders. "He's a DEMON! He's being HUNTED by other powerful demons that don't care who they kill! He doesn't even CARE about you! I've been with you-protected you your WHOLE DAMN LIFE! I KNOW what's a danger to you and what isn't and he *screams* danger!" Satoshi released Daisuke and closed his eyes. He was trembling. "I'm so frightened something will happen to you. Yes, I'm jealous. He's a lying, cheating, murdering *bastard* and he doesn't deserve you." Satoshi opened tear-filled eyes and gazed at Daisuke. He lifted a hand to stroke Daisuke's face. "He stole my most precious thing before I had it. I hate him as much as I love you."

Daisuke leaned into Satoshi's caress. "Satoshi-kun…I'm so *sorry*."

Satoshi gave a half-laugh, half-sob. "I want you to be happy. That's all that should matter, right? Because I love you."

Daisuke scooted close to Satoshi and wrapped his arms around Satoshi's neck. "Satoshi-kun, if you want…Dark-san said he wouldn't mind…if you really want me…"

Satoshi stared at Daisuke uncomprehendingly. "But you don't *love* me."

"You're my *friend*. I want you to be happy," murmured Daisuke.

Satoshi gently detached Daisuke. His voice, when he spoke, was tight and cold. "Dark-san is more than a 'friend' to you. I don't want your pity; I want your love. But thank you for your offer to whore yourself just to keep everyone happy. I'm sure it's his wonderful influence at work."

Daisuke looked away from Satoshi. "That's not fair, Satoshi-kun."

"Mm." Satoshi pulled Daisuke into a hug. "I watched you. I protected you. I loved you. He has you. *That's* not fair." Satoshi sighed. "Do you really love him?"

"I think I might, " whispered Daisuke into Satoshi's shirt. "I'm *sorry*."

"Don't be sorry. It's not your fault. *I'm* the one who should be sorry," said Satoshi.

Daisuke lifted his had and blinked at the other boy. "What for?"

"This." Satoshi brought his hand up to rest on Daisuke's face. "Go to sleep, Daisuke-kun." Daisuke tried to fight as Satoshi's magic flowed into him and made his body relax, but soon his eyelids drooped and his body went limp, his breathing even.

Satoshi pressed a kiss to Daisuke's lips and picked him up. "I'm sorry Daisuke, but I *won't* let him ruin you."

***

Satoshi settled Daisuke in the guestroom of the Hikari mansion and walked outside. He took a deep breath and called softly, "Krad?"

((Yes? I'm listening.))

I want to kill Dark. But," Satoshi clenched his fists, "I can't do it alone. He's too powerful."

((What do I get in return?))

Satoshi glowered at the smirk he knew was on Krad's face. "You're getting Dark. You're getting what he stole from you. *That's* what you get."

((*I* can wait for Dark for centuries if I must. It's terribly *boring* being practically immortal, but it *does* give you time to plan elaborate revenge. *You* however, have a limited lifespan. So. What can you offer me?))

"Without your crystal, I bet you need me for a vessel," replied Satoshi.

((True. But, as I said, I can wait.))

Satoshi bit his lip and then asked, "What do you *want*?"

((I'd take that darling love of yours that you've locked away in your mansion.))

"If you even *think*…"

((I'd also take you.))

Satoshi froze. "You…"

((Would take you as payment. It's a good trade, isn't it? You for Daisuke's safety?))

"There is NO way in HELL…"

((How do you think Daisuke will like you when he wakes? Can you imagine the look in his eyes at the thought that you betrayed him? *Take* your revenge; it's already cost you your love.))

Satoshi shook his head. "No. Nonononononononono. I didn't. I won't…I couldn't…"

((It's all gone, Satoshi-sama. All that's left is to take your revenge. Then your sacrifice won't be in vain.))

Satoshi's shoulders slumped. "It's a deal then."

((I thought you'd come around.))

"When do you…"

"Now is a good time."

Satoshi stared at his new surroundings. He recognized Krad's oversized bed and Krad himself, leaning over Satoshi; moving closer for a kiss. Satoshi tried to block it out of his mind, or imagine it was Daisuke. He tried not to think about the ice cold-hot hands moving over his skin or the ice cold-hot blue eyes that laughed at him as Krad murmured praises in his ear. Satoshi cried as Krad drove into his body, with sorrow and humiliation and pain. Krad finally withdrew, and he licked the tears off Satoshi's face and kissed Satoshi gently.

"Satoshi-sama, are you ready to take your revenge?" Krad kissed Satoshi's forehead. "It's time."

Satoshi let Krad dress him. He leaned limply against Krad for a while until the demon spoke again. "Just think-Dark did that to *your* Daisuke. He stripped Daisuke's clothes off and took him on the floor and he doesn't *deserve* Daisuke, does he? He doesn't *love* Daisuke; he's using him. And he *stole* Daisuke from you."

Satoshi pulled away from Krad. His eyes blazed. "What do we need to do?" He blinked as he was transported back to his own world.

((Wait. This has to be done correctly.))

Satoshi shuddered. Krad's magic, an icy cold so frigid it burned, melted into Satoshi. Krad's mind joined Satoshi's mind in his head.

((There. That' wasn't so bad, was it Satoshi-sama?))

(You're in my *head*?)

((We share your body now. Let's go.))

Satoshi seethed inside but tried to keep it from Krad. He stalked through the woods to the Niwa mansion and stormed inside. Dark stared at him, then tensed and asked in a low voice, "Where is Daisuke?"

"He's safe," replied Satoshi.

Dark eyed him warily. "There's something wrong with you…"

((I'm sorry Satoshi-sama, but I'm afraid I have to take over now.))

(Take over? What are you…?)

There was a flash and Krad stood in Satoshi's place. Dark turned pale and backed away slowly.

"Satoshi, you stupid *bastard*," Dark said. "He'll kill me, *then* he'll kill Daisuke and own *you*!"

Krad advanced on Dark slowly, smirking. ((I'm sorry to disappoint you, but he *is* correct, Satoshi-sama.))

(WHAT? How can you…You *bastard*!)

((I *like* you, Satoshi-sama. I don't like that many people. And you know we have much in common. We both want people who aren't interested, we both *hate* to share…))

(I'm *nothing* like you!)

((Now, now Satoshi-sama. Don't lie. Now shush and let me take care of *this*.))

Krad sent a blast of power at Dark. Dark dodged and darted into Daisuke's room and out the window. Krad dashed after Dark. He trailed him through deep brush. Trees and bushed were cracked and trampled. Blasts of pure power created holes in the ground, in the forest. The moon sank sorrowfully towards the horizon as Krad watched and tracked and gained. Finally, Krad cornered Dark at the rocky base of a cliff. He smirked at the wild look in Dark's eyes. Krad gathered power and prepared to strike.

A searing bolt of energy threw Krad back into the trees. Both Krad and Dark stared at the third figure in shock.

Daisuke stepped into the light. He glared at Krad and bright, angry-red power sparked around his hands. "What did you do to Satoshi-kun?"

(Daisuke!)

Krad bowed mockingly. "He's right here." Krad tapped his chest. "I have him here inside of me, Daisuke. You can't kill me without killing him."

"Satoshi-kun?" Daisuke hesitated for a second. It was a second too long.

There was a flash and Dark collapsed against the rocks. Blood poured from his chest and stained the stone beneath him. Daisuke rushed over and threw a shield around the two of them.

(No…I…I'm so sorry…Daisuke…)

((Oh, this isn't even the best part. Watch *this*.))

Krad smiled cheerfully and walked over to the shield. Daisuke cradled Dark in his lap and sobbed miserably as blood stained his clothes black. "You know," said Krad, "the funniest thing is, without my crystal, Dark and I are on the same level?"

Daisuke and Dark stared up at Krad, who went on, "So he could have fought and won. I suppose he ran out of habit. Now, I wonder how to break this shield…"

(NO! I won't let you…)

Satoshi pulled in all his reserves of strength and shoved Krad to the back of his mind, of his body. There was a bright flash and Satoshi collapsed to the ground, panting.

((SATOSHI-SAMA! Let me out! I haven't killed them yet!))

(Go to hell.)

((Just remember I'm part of you now.))

Satoshi shook hi head and looked at Daisuke, who was sobbing as Dark bled to death.

"Daisuke-kun," he rasped.

Daisuke looked at him with eyes full of pain.

Satoshi continued, "You could take him in like I took Krad in. It would save his life, but not his body…"

"I don't know how," whispered Daisuke.

Dark coughed and wheezed out, "I do. Open yourself up, Daisuke."

Daisuke nodded and closed his eyes. Satoshi watched as Dark's soul moved from Dark's own dying body to Daisuke's healthy one. Part of him seethed with anger and jealousy and part of him wept with sorrow, shame, and guilt. When it was done, Daisuke opened his eyes and looked at Satoshi. Satoshi began go cry and sobs wracked his body.

"I'm…so…sorry…Dai…su…ke…kun…"

"There has to be a way to fix it," murmured Daisuke. "We can't *stay* like this." Daisuke crawled over and hugged Satoshi tightly.

***

Future-Daisuke was thrown out of the mirror almost violently. He stared at his past-reflection and opened his mouth to ask a question but stopped at the look on his double's face.

Past-Daisuke spoke. "The crystal is in the Niwa mansion somewhere still…they moved it around a lot. We decided to try to learn what we could, to have families and to pass Krad and Dark-san down until we came back to fix it. But you *can't* fix a problem you don't know about, and nobody *told* you."

Daisuke nodded. "I'll fix it. I'll make up for my…our mistakes."

Past-Daisuke smiled and the dream faded to the waking world of Daisuke's sunlit room.

/Dark?/

//Hm?//

/How did the whole thing with the Niwas and the Hikaris begin?/

//I'd rather not talk about it…//

/…okay./

//Why do you ask?//

/Just…nothing./