Wings & Mages

Chapter 7: His Real Identity

Recap:

While Daisuke and Dark are on their way to the museum, Krad sensed them and smirked. "He's coming."

The roads were pretty much crowded. Every citizen responded to the evacuation order. They are now heading towards the nearest evacuation centers. The Haradas are inside their car, stucked in the traffic. At the same time, Daisuke crossed their path while heading towards the opposite direction. Riku suddenly felt a thud in her chest as she turned to peak through her window.

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As Riku turned her head sidewards, she spotted Niwa. The boy look suspicious so she felt the need to leave their car urgently. "I've got something I have to do. I'll catch up later."

Without another word, Riku bolts out of the car and chases Daisuke recklessly in the middle of the crowd. Mr. Sabochi and Risa tried to stop her, but failed when she ran faster and cried louder.

Daisuke heard her and stopped in his track. He turned around to face Riku and waited for her explanation. Riku catches her breath and stuttered. "Niwa... I ju-just wanted to see you one more time."

"Ms. Riku..." Daisuke called in a soft voice while absorbing her words.

AT THE NIWA BASEMENT

"The time has come. Great Kings and Holy Spirits of this world, please allow me to draw supreme and divine power." Daiki started the ceremony.

"The light born of darkness must return to the darkness with light. Please help us hold back the endless power of the darkness that ignore the Laws of Heaven and Earth." Emiko continued.

BACK TO THE AZUMANO CITY

Daisuke brought Riku to the Fountain of Hearts. He's looking for the perfect time to expain the whole thing to Riku when she suddenly spoke up, "Niwa, where are you going earlier and where did you get those clothes?"

He finally found the perfect time and tells her in a way of invitation. "Christmas eve is tomorrow, right? Would you spend it with me, Ms. Riku?"

She nodded. "It's a promise."

Just when he smiled to her, another earthquake was felt. The earthquake is stronger than before and everything surrounding them started collapsing.

As they run, Riku lost her balance, causing Daisuke to help her and slow down. Due to it, the bridge out collapsed, leaving the two behind. Just then, the platform they stood at started to collapse as well and Riku slid, screaming for help.

"MS. RIKU!" Daisuke jumped off to save her from her death.

When he managed to reach her hand, he pulled her close and secured her in his arms. With a determined look on his face, he called out for wings.

"Give me wings! I NEED WINGS!"

His words echoed in his head as he felt inside daggers slowly piercing through his back flesh. He shut his eyes close, attempting to hold the pain back, but ended up bursting and screaming.

"Niwa! What's the matter? Niwa!" Daisuke reassured her, "I'll be fine. I'm going to protect you! I Promise! WAAAAAHHHHHH!"

"What is it?" Riku's grip on him loosened as she felt something beneath the suit, making its way out.

"NIWA?!" Riku's eyes widened as he grew a pair of red wings in front of her.

The pure pain in his face was replaced by determination as he thought of Hiwatari enduring pain every transformation. "Hiwatari has always tolerated this pain." He then closed his eyes as his hair slowly turned purple.

Riku noticed the change of the color of his wings. From bright red, it turned to black. With curiosity, she turned her head to him and saw Dark instead of Niwa.

"Dark-"

"I don't have time. Like it or not, you better hold on." He cut her with a smile on his face.

Without making ruckus like before, Riku complied. And after a few awkward seconds, she continued with a weaker voice, weak enough to be covered by the sound of air at the sky.

"Are you... "

"Hmm?"

"Are you Dark or are you Niwa?"

"It's a little bit of both. I am myself and he is himself." He glinted his eyes. "Until this day."

o.o