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sigmaprime25 — Dragonball GT Desperation pt 1
Published: 2007-06-14 05:17:40 +0000 UTC; Views: 453; Favourites: 0; Downloads: 6
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Dragonball GT: DesperationCamino stood at the doorway to her classroom and watched her walk to her desk. She looked at the white, stuffed teddy bear sitting on her desk and frowned. She picked up the letter and read over it.
Camino crossed his fingers and after a moment, she lowered the paper and folded it into a square. She sighed and looked around the room. He pulled back so that he wouldn’t be visible to her.
He leaned against the wall and she suddenly came out of the door. He gasped and recoiled in surprise. “Pan?!”
She smiled. “I have to say that I’m flattered, Camino. This was very sweet of you, but...as I’ve told you before I’m not interested in you. You’re a sweet guy and we’re good friends. Let’s just keep it that way, okay?”
She handed him the stuffed bear and the letter. She gave him a quick peck on the cheek before disappearing inside the classroom again. Camino stood in the halls of the main building of Satan University, holding his gift and love letter that had been thrust back at him. He felt like such a fool.
Surely, any other guy would have given up on Pan by now, but Camino just couldn’t keep her out of his mind. And he was determined to keep trying until she accepted him.
He went to his car and threw the gifts inside. He looked at the bear for a moment before closing the car door. Trunks was leaning against the rear door of Camino’s car.
“Rejected again?”
Camino scowled and walked away from Trunks.
“Hey!” Trunks ran after him. “I was just asking.”
“Can we talk about something else?”
“Like what?”
Camino turned on him. “I don’t know! Anything but that!”
“All right,” Trunks said, as he and Camino began to walk down the halls again. “I’m meeting my sister at an ice-cream parlor. Do you want to come? Her friends will be there. Who knows, you might even find one your type.”
“I doubt it.”
“Why’s that?”
“Pan’s the only girl for me.”
Trunks sighed. “Come on, Camino. She says she doesn’t like you. You should move on to the other fish in the sea. I hate to see you hurting, but Pan’s mind isn’t going to change anytime soon. Trust me.”
“You’re wrong.”
“You can’t force someone to love you.”
“I’m not going to force her,” he said. “She’s going to love me sooner or later. I can guarantee it!”
He walked down the hall, leaving Trunks standing there alone. Okara came up to him and he put his arm around her shoulders.
“What was all that about?” she asked.
“Camino, has finally lost it.”
After class, Camino found himself walking down the city streets alone. Why did Pan keep rejecting him? She had said herself that he was a nice guy, but apparently that wasn’t enough for her. Today was the fifth time that he had been rejected by her.
Part of him wanted to forget about her and scope out more girls, but the other half of him ached for her and the need was overpowering. He wondered what it would be like when he finally got her to be his girlfriend. What would Gohan say?
Camino wasn’t sure what Gohan would say. He knew Videl wanted them to get together because they’d make such a good couple.
It definitely sounded interesting, but he’d worry about that obstacle when and if he was faced with it.
“Young man.”
He turned and saw a young woman standing on the sidewalk. She was dressed in a fortune-teller’s attire. “Come here, young man. I see that you seek advice.”
Camino hesitated. “Oh, what the hell.” He walked up to her. “Sure, I guess I could talk to you.”
“Very well,” she said. “Come inside.”
She walked inside the small building they were in front of. She walked though the waiting room and led Camino through a purple, jeweled curtain. Inside of this smaller room was a low table with a crystal ball on it.
“Sit.” She took her place behind the crystal ball. Camino sat on the floor across from her.
“Tell me your name.”
“Camino,” he said.
“Ah yes, Camino.”
She ran her hands over the crystal ball. She gazed into it for a moment. Camino didn’t see anything in it, but what looked like a white fog.
“You seek the love of another who will not return your feelings,” the fortuneteller said. “You cannot decide if you should give up or continue to seek her love.”
“Yes, that’s right!” Camino said. “How did you...?” He shook his head. “Tell me, what should I do?”
“Look deep inside yourself for the answer.”
His face fell. “Jeez,” he complained. “Anyone could have told me that.”
“Do not be so quick to judge,” she said. “I will give you something to help.” She got up and went to some shelves against the far wall. She picked up a small bottle with red liquid inside. “Here, this will help you in your mental struggle.”
“What is it?” he asked, suspiciously.
“A potion to help you decide.” She sat down across from him again and pushed the bottle towards him.
“Hey, I’m not into taking drugs...”
“There are not narcotics in here,” she said, heatedly. “Take this, it will help.”
“Hmm.” He picked up the bottle and looked closely at the red liquid. “All right.” He stood. “Thanks.”
“Where do you think you’re going?” the fortuneteller asked.
“Huh?”
“You have to pay for that!” she said, holding out her hand for money.
>>>
Camino was lying on his bed, staring up at the ceiling. He folded his arms behind his head and sighed. He hadn’t eaten much of his dinner because he was still feeling a little depressed about Pan. He told his mom that he wasn’t feeling well and went up to his room.
He looked over to his desk and his eyes fell on the bottle he’d gotten from the fortuneteller. Even though he had paid for it, he was feeling uncertain about actually drinking it. How could some concoction a fortuneteller came up with help him decide what to do in his love life?
There was a knock on his bedroom door. “Camino?” The door opened slowly and Snow came in. “Hi honey, how are you feeling?”
“I’m all right,” he said. “I’m just tired.”
She came to his beside and placed her hand on his forehead. “You don’t feel hot.” She bent down and kissed his forehead. “Goodnight, dear.”
“G’night, Mom.”
She went to the doorway and turned off the light before shutting the door. He lay there for a second and then threw his legs over the side of the bed. He went to his desk and took the bottle in his hands.
He removed the rubber cap and raised the bottle to his nose. The liquid didn’t have a scent. He lowered it to his lips and let it hover there. The fortuneteller had told him to drink the entire bottle of potion at once. He took a deep breath, tipped the bottle up and poured the liquid into his mouth.
The liquid was fiery as it entered his mouth. He swallowed and it burned down his throat. He clutched his hand to his chest and tried to gulp down a few breaths of air.
When the burning sensation ceased he found his way to the edge of his bed and sat down. He didn’t feel any different besides the fact that his throat felt a little raw.
He fell back on the bed. Well, I just wasted my money. I should have known.
It was then that he felt as if his chest were tightening. I can’t breath. He grabbed his throat and sat up on the bed. I’m so dizzy. He fell to his knees on the floor. Everything is getting fuzzy. He began to slide to the floor. I’m going to pass out. His eyes fluttered shut.
Camino was on all fours on his bedroom floor and there was a man standing before him. The man was tall, with long black hair and eyes the color of vibrant emeralds. He was wearing dark clothes.
“Who are you?” Camino asked.
“I am a part of you. You may call me Dark Camino or Dark for short. I’m going to get Pan to fall in love with you. Of this I am sure.”
“A part of me?”
He nodded. “Think of me as an alter ego. It’s kind of a side effect of your Shadow Replication technique. When a replication is created it has a mind of its own, to an extent. It is still a part of you. I am the part of you that desires Pan so badly that you can’t think of anyone else. I overpower the rest of you and that is why I flourish.”
Camino’s body felt heavy and he slumped on the floor, lying prone.
“Sleep now, Camino. It is now time for me to test myself...”
He went to Camino and lifted him off of the ground by his shirt collar. The man’s eyes began to glow and dematerialized and seem to meld into Camino’s body.
Camino screamed as the immense pain came over him. He covered his face with his hands and fell to his knees. The world around him became darkness and he felt himself hit the floor before he slipped into unconsciousness.
A hand shot up and felt along the edge of the bed. The hand gripped the sheets that were nearly torn from the bed as he used them to stand.
Dark picked himself up off of the floor. He dusted off his clothes and looked around. Luckily, the commotion hadn’t drawn anyone into the room. He strained his ears, but the house was silent.
He found a small mirror handing on the wall. He went over to it and gazed at his reflection. He smiled.
How handsome I am, he thought.
Truthfully, Dark didn’t look much different than Camino, but there was something about him. Perhaps it was the pull in those green eyes of his. Or the way his spiky ebony hair framed his face that made him seem different.
He ran his fingers through his hair. He looked down at Camino’s clothes and made a face. If he was in control of Camino’s body tonight he wanted to wear something else.
He went to the closet and searched for an outfit of his liking. He found a pair of black pants, a black t shirt, and a blazer of the same color. At the bottom of the closet to the back, he saw a pair of black boots and snatched them.
After changing into these clothes, he opened the window. Cool air blew in and moved his hair around his shoulders. He raised his hands and balled them into fists.
“My body yearns for Pan,” he said. “I must see her tonight and feel the warmth of her flesh and the caress of her lips upon mine.” He smiled. “Camino, may have not been able to win Pan over, but I sure as hell will.”
His vision blurred for a moment and he laid his hands on the windowsill to support himself. His eyes flickered between green and brown, before the green colored finally took over.
“Damn it! Camino’s body is trying to reject me.” He smiled and pushed away from the window. “He can have his body back after I see Pan.”
Dark jumped out of the window and landed softly on the ground below. He glanced back at the house and saw all the lights were off. He remembered seeing the clock and noting that it was fifteen minutes past nine.
He looked up at the night sky and found Pan’s familiar ki. It wasn’t in the direction of her home, but downtown.
“What are you doing out this late, love?” He smiled. “Don’t worry, I’m coming for you.”
>>>
“Pan, come on,” Bra urged. “Let’s go home now.”
“In a minute,” Pan said, peering into the jewelry in a shop window. “Isn’t that pretty?”
Bra sighed, but went over to Pan. “Sure, but tell me something, was it really necessary to stay at the mall until it closed?”
“Yes,” she said. “Why limit myself? I wanted to look around for as long as I could.”
“You did more than just look,” Bra teased.
She looked down at the bags in her hands and smiled. “Guess so.”
Bra took her arm. “Come on, we’re leaving even if I have to drag you away from this window.”
Pan let Bra pull her down the sidewalk. “Did you see the size of that emerald in the silver necklace? It was beautiful.”
Bra released her arm and kept walking, in the hopes that Pan would follow. When she realized that her plan wasn’t going as she hoped she turned to see Pan back at the window again.
“Pan!”
“Just one more look,” she replied.
Bra groaned and continued down the street. “I’m leaving...”
“My house isn’t too far from here,” Pan said, quietly.
A cool wind passed over Pan, blowing her clothes, hair and shopping bags about. She dropped her shopping bags and closed her eyes. When the wind calmed, she pushed a lock of black hair out of her eyes and turned.
She was left looking into eyes that were like the emeralds in the jewelry store window. Pan stared into those eyes in awe, almost afraid to look away from their intensity and beauty.
Dark smiled. “Hello.”
She blinked. “Uh...hi.”
He took her hands into his and raised them. Her eyes widened, but she didn’t protest. He released her left hand and raised her right to his lips, never taking his eyes off of her. He laid a chaste kiss against the back of it.
“Who...who are you?” she stammered.
“My love, you may call me Dark,” he said.
“Dark,” she repeated.
He glanced at the store window. “If it is jewels you desire, then jewels you will have.”
“What...”
In an instant he was gone and she stood on the sidewalk alone. She turned and peered into the window. She gasped and pressed her hands to the glass.
Dark was inside, but moving so fast his form was a blur moving about the small shop. Bra ran over to Pan and looked as well.
“What’s going on?” she asked.
“There’s a man in there...”
“Stealing jewels?” She frowned. “We have to stop him.”
“Wait,” Pan said, putting out her arm in front of Bra. “Listen, none of the alarms are going off. There’s something different about this man. He’s seems somewhat familiar, but I don’t recognize him.”
Dark appeared on the sidewalk next to Pan again and she whirled around to face him. He held out his hands to her and they were filled with jewelry and gold and silver trinkets.
Pan looked up at him, but didn’t touch the jewelry. He waited for her to respond, but Bra did first.
“Thief!” she cried, lunging at him.
He easily dodged her. “Bra, what are you trying to do?”
She paused. “You know my name?”
He nodded. “Of course.”
“But how?”
He smiled, slowly. She frowned and came at him again. He stepped aside and she stumbled into the glass door of the jewelry store. Alarms started to blare and she stepped back in surprise.
Dark quickly made his way over to Pan and cupped her face in his hands. “Until we meet again.” He tilted her head and bent down, laying a soft kiss on her lips.
He pulled away from her and levitated into the sky. He looked down at her and gave her one last seductive smile before disappearing into the night.
“Wait,” Pan said, softly taking a few steps. She looked up into the sky and sirens wailed in the distance. “Don’t go...”
>>>
Dark awkwardly came through Camino’s window and stumbled to the floor, falling to his knees. He raised his hands to his face.
“Something’s wrong,” he said. “I can’t control this...he’s trying to thrust me from his body. His will is strong, I will leave him for a while.”
He crawled over to Camino’s bed and propped himself against it. He closed his eyes and his body slowly quieted. His hair returned to its normal state and behind closed eyelids his eyes become brown. He smiled and said, softly. “Don’t get used to this, Camino. I’ll be back before you know it.”
Camino woke to a terrible aching in his head. He sat up slowly, finding that movement increased the pain.
He looked around. Was he still on the bedroom floor where he had passed out last night? He frowned. Hadn't he passed out on the other side of the bed?
He got to his feet, using the bed for support. Just when he was about to sit, he stopped and frowned again. He looked down at his clothes and his eyes widened.
"I wasn't wearing this, was I?" he asked, aloud. He brought his hand to his temple. "Oh my head. I can't think straight."
Something strange was going on, but he couldn't put his finger on it. Then he remembered the strange dream he'd had after passing out. Something about a man dressed in black. The potion! That must have been what made him pass out and hallucinate.
That stupid fortuneteller and she said it didn't have narcotics in it, he thought.
Cold wind blew in through his open window. He didn't remember leaving it open. He got up and went to the window. It was still dark outside. The sun hadn't risen yet. He slammed it shut, but noticed there was soil on the sill. He took a few steps back.
"What's going on?" He looked around the room. "Did someone break in? Nothing seems out of place."
His head was throbbing so much and he was so tired that he opted to figure this out later. All he wanted to do was fall into bed and sleep.
He took off his shoes, crawled into bed, settled his head against the pillow and pulled up the sheets. He snuggled into the warmth of his bed and immediately began to fall asleep.
Camino woke to the sound of his name being called. He sat up and recognized the voice to be his mother's.
His bedroom door opened. "Camino?"
"Good morning," he said, groggily.
Snow went to his beside and looked down at him. "Are you feeling better?"
"Yeah." He'd gotten about four hours of sleep and felt a little better.
She looked at him, skeptically. "Come here." She examined his face closely. She put her hand on his forehead. "Well, you do look better. Are you sure you're feeling all right?"
"Yeah," he insisted. "I'm fine."
She nodded. "All right. Get ready for class and I'll get your breakfast. You must be hungry."
He grinned. "Yeah, I'm starving! Say, did you hear any strange noises last night?"
She frowned, slightly. "What do you mean?"
"Any noises that you wouldn't expect to hear."
She laughed. "I couldn't hear anything over your father's snoring. Why do you ask?"
He sighed. "Oh, it's nothing. I was just wondering." He looked at her unconvinced face and added, "I thought I heard something. Is dad here?"
She shook her head. "He left early this morning to get some fire wood."
"Oh."
She left the room and closed the door softly. He threw the covers back and noticed the clothes again. He knew the clothes were his, but he was sure he wasn't wearing them last night.
He stood began to undress. He noticed something sticking out from under his bed. He knelt and pulled out handfuls of jewelry and his eyes widened.
Where did these come from? He pondered. I've never seen any of this jewelry before.
He put the jewelry on his desk and stepped back, but kept his eyes on it as if he were afraid if he looked away it would disappear.
I don't know where those came from, but I'm going to have to find out and return them because they're certainly not mine.
He glanced at the clock on the wall and knew he was running short on time. He scooped up the jewelry and dropped it into his backpack. Maybe he could find out where they came from by the end of the day and return them to their rightful owner.
::::::::::
Camino walked into his first period class and saw a group of his classmates huddled around a desk. His curiosity got the best of him and he went to join them.
He was shocked to see that the crowd was gathered around Pan. She was holding a newspaper in her hands and it was open to the front page. The headline read, Jewelry store robbed by a mysterious thief.
Camino gasped.
It was then that Pan noticed him. "Did you hear about this, Camino? They weren't able to catch the guy. The security cameras couldn't give the police a decent picture."
"But we were there," Bra added. "We saw him."
"What did he look like?" one girl asked.
All eyes were on Pan as they waited for her to respond. A small smile crept across her face. "I don't really remember much. I just remember his eyes. They were the most beautiful eyes I've ever seen."
"Is that true, Bra?" another girl asked.
"Well I wasn't exactly checking him out," she replied. "I was concerned about him breaking into the jewelry store." She glanced at Pan. "And she is in too much of a daze to remember anything useful." She sighed and turned to Pan. "Hello? Is anyone in there?" She waved her hand in front of Pan's face.
"Huh?"
"This guy's a thief, remember?"
"A handsome thief..."
A few of the girls giggled and moved closer to Pan trying to get more of a description out of her. Camino stepped away from the crowd and left the room. He leaned against a wall in the hallway.
Did this mysterious jewelry thief have anything to do with what I found under my bed? he wondered. But how would that be possible? Hmm, maybe they were planted in my room. There was dirt on the sill; maybe it was from when he came through my window. But why me? My house isn't near the city. Why would he choose to plant the jewelry there? Maybe he knows me. Or maybe he needed to find a house far away where no one would think to look. He frowned. And maybe he'll be back tonight for the stolen goods. If that's his plan he's going to be in for a big surprise when he arrives. Not only will the jewelry be returned to the store, I'll be waiting for him...
"Hey Camino!"
He turned and saw Scatter making his way down the hall to him.
"What's up?" Camino asked.
"Everyone is talking about that thief," he said. "Pan’s been telling everyone that he was handsome and now all the girls are swooning and hoping this guy will strike again. Bra’s trying to be modest about it, but I think she thinks he's good looking, too."
"Yeah," he said.
He laughed. "I can't believe Pan is so obsessed with this guy. I mean, he's a criminal and everyone knows it."
The bell sounded, signifying that class was beginning.
Camino frowned, slightly. "Well, I wouldn't worry too much. I'm sure the police will catch him and it'll all blow over before you know it."
"I don't know," Scatter said. "There's something strange about this guy. Wait why do you think it will blow over?"
Camino smiled. "Let's just say I have a feeling." He pushed away from the wall. "Later."
He opened the door to his classroom. I wonder what Pan will think of me after I apprehend her beloved thief all by myself. She won't think so highly of him then.
After school, Camino had placed the stolen jewelry he'd found under his bed in a paper bag and left it out in front of the shop where it had come from. He hid somewhere nearby to make sure no one else took it with the intention of stealing it. A young woman noticed the bag and opened it. A look of surprise came over her face and she ran inside to get the shop owner. The shop owner came outside and retrieved the jewels and was clearly thrilled.
Now word was getting around that the mysterious thief had returned the jewels. The shop owner and the young woman who had first found the bag were making statements on television and for the newspapers.
Now Camino was at home. He sat at his desk and tapped his fingers on its surface. He glanced at the window and sighed. He had been waiting hours after sunset and still no mysterious thief.
Maybe he's not coming, he thought. I wonder why. Maybe he heard about the jewels being returned and would rather lie low for now. Does that mean he'll eventually come back?
He went to the window and gazed out at the midnight blue sky. He didn't sense any strange or unfamiliar ki.
If I were to go to sleep and someone strange approached, I would wake up. He frowned. Hmm, if that was true then why didn't I wake up last night? He glanced over at the empty bottle on his desk. It was the bottle the potion had been in. I'm willing to bet anything that's the reason I didn't wake up. But it's gone now, so it's safe to sleep.
He stepped back from the window and thought maybe he should wait a little longer. He turned to go back to his desk and suddenly his body felt heavy and he stumbled. He put his hands on the bed to steady himself.
What's the matter with me? he wondered. I couldn't be this tired.
He lifted his head slowly and was left looking into a mirror. He pushed away from the bed cautiously, making sure he was stable enough to stand. A sharp pain shot through his chest and he clutched a hand to it and squeezed his eyes shut.
He groaned as the pain seemed to spread outward from the center of his chest, threatening to envelop his entire body. He fell forward onto the bed and lay there for a moment, feeling almost paralyzed by the pain.
He rolled onto his back. The pain was expanding, like something was trying to escape from deep within him. He fought against it, tried to suppress it. He increased his ki in an effort to overpower it, but when he was just about to ascend to kaioken level his body seemed to shut down on him.
He froze and opened his mouth to cry out, but no sound escaped. Then it abruptly hit him again, twice as hard and his face contorted in pain.
He felt himself fading away. Slipping into void where there were no people or anything for that matter. It was a place of peace where he could sleep soundly. He was both afraid and anxious to fall into this slumber, but either way there was nothing he could do to stop it.
Dark opened his eyes and when they focused he was left staring up at the ceiling. He sat up slowly and found that he felt no pain at all.
He smirked. Camino is a fool! If he wouldn't fight me, he wouldn't have to suffer. I was able to overcome him, though he was pretty determined to keep me at bay. He might have had me if he'd gone Kaioken. Dark paused for a moment and then shook his head. No, I still would have taken over.
He stood and walked over to the closet to change out of the clothes Camino had planned to sleep in.
I need Pan, he thought. My body, our body longs for her. I know he can feel it; perhaps that's why he gave in to me. I'll satisfy our need and pay her a visit tonight.
After changing clothes Dark descended the stairs and entered the dimly lit kitchen. He was surprised to see Snow sitting at the table. She glanced up and him and he spun out of the doorway.
She frowned, set down her teacup and stood. "Camino?"
He pressed himself against the wall near the doorjamb. What am I supposed to do? Once she takes a look at my face she'll know I'm not Camino.
He heard her footsteps approaching and turned his head away from the doorway. Snow walked into the room and repeated his name. When he didn't turn to face her, she reached up and grabbed his shoulders, turning him around.
Dark gave her a grin. "Hey mom!"
She studied his face for a moment. "Don't 'hey mom' me! What's the matter with you? Why are you slinking around the house?" She looked down at his clothes. "Just where do you think you're going?"
"Out," he said, firmly as he shoved her arms away from his shoulders.
She looked at him, incredulously. "Out where?"
"Just out," he said, pushing past her and walking into the kitchen again.
She stood there for a moment before she followed. "Camino! Wait a minute." She paused and waited for him to stop, but he never did. "Camino! Get back here! You're not leaving this house. You can't treat your mother this way."
Dark stopped and glanced over his shoulder. "I'll be back later."
Snow stopped advancing towards him and frowned. She had never seen such a look in her son's eyes before. "Camino?"
He opened the door and stepped outside. He spared her one last glance before levitating into the air and disappearing into the night. Snow ran to the door and looked up into the sky.
She shook her head. "That boy. Why does he have to get like this sometimes?" She shut the door and went back to her cup of tea.
Dark's feet touched down near a river in the woods. He crouched down and looked at his face in the water. He smiled. Dark's features were gone, leaving Camino’s shorter hair and brown eyes.
Dark laughed. I can't believe I pulled that off! I was able to let a little of Camino show through, enough so that his facial features were normal, but I was still in control.
He watched his reflection as his hair grew longer and his eyes turned green.
"Much better," he said aloud.
He stood and tilted back his head so that his face was to the sky. A breeze came by and blew his hair around his face. He ran his fingers through it, pushing it back.
I can sense Pan, he thought. Again, she's not at her house. She sure gets out a lot. I'll find you tonight and this time we won't be interrupted by the police or by Bra. I will have you to myself and if not tonight then soon.
Dark stood in front of a large house and frowned. She's inside, but what is this place? It doesn't look familiar to me.
He started up the walkway to the house and spotted two male teenagers standing outside on the porch. They were talking to each other, but when they saw Dark they stopped and eyed him suspiciously.
Dark ignored then and headed for the open front door. One of the teens stepped in front of him. "Where do you think you're going?"
A look of amusement came over Dark's face. "Inside."
"What business do you have in there?" he asked.
"My business in there is of no concern to you."
The teen growled. "Don't mess with me."
Dark smiled. "Funny, that sounded like a threat." His eyes become serious and his smiled faded. "Was it?"
The other teen stood beside the first one. "We're not afraid of you."
Dark nodded. "And that shows how foolish you really are." He shifted his feet slightly. He could see that the teenage boys were becoming tense. "Let's make this quick."
Dark lunged forward and punched the first teen in the stomach. His eyes widened and he slipped to his knees onto the porch. Dark kicked the second one in the face and he toppled over backwards. The first teen had fallen prone on the floor and Dark stepped over him.
"Well that was easy enough."
He stepped into the front room and surprisingly found it to be empty. He scanned the room and detected Pan’s ki upstairs. He started towards the stairs and sensed someone else up there with her.
"Pan? Are you even listening to me?"
She blinked. "Huh?" She looked over at the teenage boy next to her and smiled. His name was Rylan and he was a boy from her math class.
"I didn't invite you over so you could zone out, you know." He leaned against the wall and crossed his arms.
"Sorry," she said. "I've just been a little preoccupied lately."
"Yeah," he said. "With all that stuff about the mysterious thief? You should forget about that." He pushed away from the wall. "You're never going to see him again. You should focus on something real. Like me, I'm here and I'm not going anywhere."
"I know what you're saying sounds logical," she said. "But I have the feeling that I'm going to see him again. And besides Rylan, we're just friends right?"
"Well," he said, smiling. "I was kind of hoping that would change tonight."
Pan frowned at him. "That's a nice offer, but I'm not interested."
He started towards her with his hands outstretched. She moved away from him, but soon realized that he was backing her up against a wall. "Just one kiss, Pan. That's all I'm asking right now."
"Stop it, Rylan!" she cried.
He leaned his body over hers and moved in for a kiss. Pan punched him in the face and he grabbed her wrists. "What's the matter? I'm not good enough for you?"
She fought against him. "No you're not, you pig!"
He frowned and tightened his grip on her and she cried out. She turned her head and looked at the door. She couldn't reach it from where she was. She wouldn't be able to escape him.
Suddenly, the door was thrust open and Rylan looked up in surprise. Dark entered the room. "What's going on here?!"
"Who are you?" Rylan asked, loosening his grip on Bra.
She slipped out of his grasp and ran over to Dark. "Dark! It's you!"
"Dark?" Rylan asked. "Get out of my house!"
Dark stepped past Pan, towards Rylan. "You're worthless. What kind of man forces himself on a woman?" He grabbed the collar of his shirt and twisted it, lifting Rylan off the ground a little.
Rylan’s eyes widened. "I...can't...breathe."
Dark smirked. "You'll never breathe again when I'm through with you." He tossed him onto the floor near an open door the led to the balcony.
Rylan tried to scramble to his feet, but Dark grabbed him again. He dragged him out to the balcony and shoved him up against the railing.
Rylan screamed as he felt himself leaning over the side of the railing. "Please, please, don't let go! I don't want to die. I'm sorry, I'm sorry!"
"Don't tell me," Dark said. "Tell her you're sorry."
"Pan, I'm sorry."
Dark let him slip over the railing a little more and he cried out. "Please don't!"
"Tell her like you mean it," Dark said, sternly.
"Oh Kami! Pan I'm so sorry! I really am! I'm sorry, please forgive me!" Rylan yelled.
Dark pulled him up a little. "That's better. And I don't ever want you to lay a hand on her again. In fact, stay away from her. Got that?"
He nodded.
"Got that?!"
"Yes! Yes!"
Pan stood in the doorway to the balcony. "Dark, that's enough."
Dark looked at her and then pulled Rylan up and dropped him onto the cold tile of the balcony. Rylan huddled in the corner out of his offender's reach.
"Don't even think of going to the police," Dark said. "That will only make your fate worse."
Rylan looked up at him and nodded. His entire body was trembling.
Dark met Pan’s eyes. "Did he hurt you?"
She shook her head. "I'm all right...now."
Dark smirked and took her hand in his. "Come, let's get out of here." He pulled her out onto the balcony and held her close to his body. He stood atop the railing and paused before jumping off.
Rylan gasped and slowly stood and moved to look at the ground below. He spotted Dark walking off with Pan. Dark stopped and looked up at him. Rylan fell back onto his butt and scrambled away from the railing. Rylan would never forget Dark's green eyes.
Dark took to the air once again, still carrying his beloved Pan. She held onto him and looked at his face, carefully. "Dark?"
He spoke without looking at her. "Yes, love?"
"Thank you."
"It was my pleasure," he said.
"Tell me," she said. "Would you really have killed Rylan?"
He chuckled. "No. If he would have harmed you I might have considered it. But don't you think murder in addition to theft would look bad on my record?"
"You know, you shouldn't joke about that. You're a wanted man!"
"Am I? How exciting." He smiled and finally looked at her.
Her breath caught in her throat when he turned those emerald eyes to her. "You returned the jewels. Why?"
"You didn't want them," Dark said. "So I had no use for them."
"You stole them for me?"
"Sure," he said, landing on the ground below. "And if the alarms hadn't have gone off, I would have gotten away with it. We have Bra to thank for that."
Pan looked around and noticed they were in a park. She let go of him and stepped away. "Why would you steal for me?"
"Everything is for you, love," he said. "I exist for you and you alone."
She looked at him. "Who are you? I feel as if I should know you, but..."
He placed his finger over her lips. "I am Dark and that's all you need to know. I will protect you for as long as I am able to." He slid his finger to her cheek and cupped her face in his hand. "And I love you."
Her eyes widened a touch as he leaned in to kiss her. She met him halfway and kissed him softly. He pulled her closer to his body and deepened the kiss. She slid her arms around his neck.
Their lips parted and she stared up at him. "Dark?"
"Hmm?"
"Stay with me." She hugged him tightly and he smiled and stroked her hair.
"I would like to stay with you forever, love," he said. "But it's late and your parents will worry." His smile widened suddenly. "Kidnapping definitely wouldn't look good on my record."
"I want to see you again." She pulled away enough to look at his face.
"Then meet me here tomorrow night," he said. He looked up and noticed that they were standing in front of a fountain. "Here, by this fountain at nine o'clock."
She glanced back at it and nodded. "I will."
"Until then, love," Dark said.
She pulled away from him and he grabbed her face, kissing her once more. "Your house isn't too far from here. We wouldn't want anyone to see you with me, especially your parents." He smiled. "Walk home and I'll be with you the entire way."
She nodded and walked away from him. He ascended into the air and watched her go. She turned back and looked into the sky, but she didn't see him. She could feel his presence somewhere close, but she couldn't see him.
She smiled and started in the direction of her home. "Until tomorrow night, Dark."
Dark stood in front of the door that led into the kitchen. He had seen Pan home safely. She was greeted at the front door by Gohan who had demanded to know where she had been. She told him to leave her alone and slammed the front door.
Dark chuckled to himself. He could remember the look on Gohan’s face. He appeared to be so concerned about his daughter and she yelled at him. Dark laughed harder. The look on his face was priceless! If only he knew that Pan had been out with Camino.
He opened the door and peered inside. This time the kitchen was empty. He closed the door softly and headed towards the stairs. Halfway there he stopped and brought his hand to his head.
What's this that has hit me all of a sudden? A headache? He drew in a sharp breath and brought his other hand to his head. No, it must be Camino. Is he trying to come out again?
He gripped the back of a chair. No, Camino is at my mercy. He won't awaken from his slumber until I allow it! He let go of the chair and took a few steps towards the stairs.
He stopped and gritted his teeth. This pain...I can't take it. This isn't happening because of Camino’s will. It's his body. It's trying to reject me like a virus.
He fell against a wall. No, I won't succumb to this. I won't be thrust out again. This is my body as well. I have to stay. I have to fight this...for Pan.
He slid down the wall into a sitting position, still cradling his head. Stars invaded his vision and frowned. This can't be happening. I will not leave! I will not leave!
Dark screamed, wordlessly as he felt himself slipping away. His cry echoed through the house.
Snow was startled awake by the sound. She tossed back the covers and ran for her bedroom door. She thrust it open and hurried down the stairs. She entered the kitchen and clapped her hand to her mouth.
She took a step towards her son's still form. "Camino?" She stood over him. "Camino!" She knelt beside him and placed her hands on his face. He was burning up.
He opened his eyes slowly. "Mom?"
"Oh honey, are you okay?"
He tried to sit up and she helped him. He leaned against the wall. His body felt like it was on fire and he was panting relentlessly.
"What happened?" he finally managed to ask.
"I should never have let you gone out," Snow said. "You were acting so strangely and now this." She stood. "Stay here. I'll be right back." She darted out of the room.
"Gone out?" Camino asked aloud. "But I didn't..." Pan’s face flashed in his mind and he closed his eyes as the ache returned to his head. He covered his face with his hands. What's...what's going on? Why did I just see Pan?
Snow returned to the room and noticed her son's state. She knelt by him again and slowly moved his hands away from his face. Camino opened his eyes as she touched a cold towel to his forehead. He relaxed a little as she continued mopping his face with the towel.
"Let's get you into bed," she said.
He looked up at her and nodded slowly. He tried to stand, but she stopped him. "Take it easy, honey." She helped him stand and he leaned heavily against her.
They stood in front of the stairs and she looked over at him. "Would you rather lay on the couch?"
He shook his head. "No, I can make it upstairs."
She managed to get Camino upstairs and into bed. As soon as she had helped him into bed, he fell asleep. She pulled the sheets around his body and touched his face. She laid the cool towel on his forehead and kissed his cheek.
She backed away from him and reached out for the door. She stood in the doorway with a worried look on her face. "What's happening to my son?" She turned and left the room.
Pan opened the door to Camino’s room slowly. She looked down the empty hall and then went inside the room. She closed the door softly and looked at Camino’s form in the bed.
She went over to his bed and looked down at him. He looked so peaceful as he slept. She touched his face, it was warm from sleep, but it seemed as though his fever had broken. It was funny; she didn't remember Camino ever getting sick before.
She looked at his face and her eyes widened for a moment. She'd never really taken the time to realize how handsome Camino was. He was usually smiling, but his face was expressionless now and he looked mature and notably handsome.
Camino stirred in his sleep and she sat on the edge of his bed. He opened his eyes and looked at her. After a moment, he frowned slightly at her presence.
"Pan? What are you doing here?"
She held up a bunch of papers. "I brought your schoolwork." She smiled at him.
He blinked. If anyone were going to bring him his schoolwork, he would have expected it to be Ion. But then again, he wasn't exactly disappointed to see her.
"Thanks," he said, sitting up and propping himself against the headboard.
"How are you feeling?" she asked.
"Better."
Camino had slept most of the day away. When he had finally woken up it was the afternoon. He was feeling better, but he still couldn't understand what Snow had meant when she said that she never should have let him go out. He couldn't recall going anywhere.
She stood and placed the papers on his desk. "I told Scatter I would come and give you the papers. He said you didn't miss much." She sat on the edge of the bed again. "We haven't really talked in a while. I wanted to know if it was because I turned you down."
Camino shook his head. "No, of course not. No hard feelings."
"That's good," she said. "It's not because of you, really! I just don't want a serious relationship to ruin our friendship."
"I understand," he said, darting his eyes downwards.
"Can I tell you something?" she asked.
"Sure anything."
"Promise not to tell anyone else, especially Scatter?"
He nodded. "I guess so."
"Tonight I'm meeting someone at the park," Pan said. "He's someone very special."
"Who?"
"It's the thief from before. The one who calls himself Dark."
Camino’s eyes widened. "Dark? But why?"
"Last night, he saved me," she said. "And..." She paused and laughed. "Is it silly to like him? He is a thief after all."
Camino shook his head. "I don't know. Do what makes you happy."
She smiled. "Thanks Camino. I really needed someone to talk to about it. Last night I went to a friend's house. He was a boy I knew from school. He seemed really nice, but when he got me alone he tried to take advantage of me."
Camino’s eyes widened.
"That's when Dark came in." She closed her eyes and smiled. "I guess he isn't such a bad guy after all." She opened her eyes. "Well I think I should be going now. I'm glad you're feeling better." She touched his hand.
Camino gasped. Images flashed through his mind. He saw a boy hanging over some kind of railing and as he looked down he realized it was his own hands that were gripping the boy's shirt collar.
"Camino?" He heard Pan call his name, but her voice seemed so distant.
He held Pan’s face in his hands and pressed his lips to hers in a soft kiss and she didn't struggle against him or turn away. She kissed him back and put her arms around him.
"Camino?" Pan shook his shoulders gently. "Are you all right?"
He looked up into her concerned face. "I...I'm all right. It's just..." He touched his temple. "My head..."
"Oh," she said, with a sigh of relief. "You have a headache. You really scared me back there for a moment." She took a step back. "I hope you get better soon. See you later."
"Bye," he said, watching her leave the room.
When the door closed Camino tossed the covers back. What were those images I was seeing? Memories? But of what? I don't remember anything like that. I can even recall where I was.
He looked down at his clothes and his eyes widened. They were the same black clothes he had been wearing when he had woken up and found the jewelry under his bed.
"But then that would mean... that I'm Dark!" he said, aloud.
He leaned back against the headboard and sighed. His eyelids felt heavy and he couldn't fight the sleep what was trying to overcome him...
"That's right, Camino. You are the one called Dark. You and I are two halves of a whole."
Camino looked up. "Dark? Is that you?"
Dark stepped out of the shadows. "Yes, it is. I'm glad you've finally figured this out." He chuckled. "It sure took you long enough."
Camino frowned. "I want you out of my body! How were you created in the first place?"
There silence for a moment and then they both said, in unison, "The potion."
"Correct," Dark said. "When the fortuneteller gave the potion to you, she said that it would help you decide to either keep pursuing Pan or move on. That's where I come in. It's you who are responsible for me. I was created because the part of you that wants Pan overpowers the part of you that wants to move on. Not only that but you’re Shadow Replication technique also has a hand in this."
"So you change my appearance, go out stealing jewelry and beating up people. Then you retreat back into my normal form and leave my body ravaged. Then when I'm better you go out and do it all over again?" Camino shook his head. "I won't allow this anymore." He prepared himself to power up, but stopped when he realized Dark was laughing at him.
"This is like a dream or a vision, Camino," Dark said. "And besides, you can't kill me anyway. You wouldn't have to suffer through the pain and all if you would just accept me."
"What?"
"When I'm ready to resurface you all ways fight against me and this is what causes you such fatigue and pain. If you keep this up, you will perish." Dark took a few steps closer to Camino.
"I'll die?"
He nodded. "Just let me come out freely and you can live and be well. In the end, we are both striving for the same thing, right?"
"Pan?"
"Yes, we both long for Pan. If we work together we can live and end up with our beloved Pan. Doesn't that sound appealing?"
Camino sighed. "I suppose so, but I want to know what's going on when you resurface. I don't want to wake up from blackouts not knowing what you did."
"Fine. When you wake up from this dream, I will flood your mind with all the memories of what I did while you lay dormant inside of my body. And when I transform, I'll allow you to be awake and able to communicate with me...and vice versa."
"Deal," Camino said.
Dark reached out for Camino’s hand. "You'll join me then?"
"Yes," Camino said, shaking Dark's hand.
"Wonderful. You won't regret this." He released Camino’s hand. "I promised Pan I would meet her at the park tonight. So that's where we'll go."
"What time?"
"Nine o'clock."
"I'm not sure if Mom will let me out of the house."
Dark smiled. "Leave that to me..." He began to fade out and Camino took a step forward.
A bright light flashed over the empty space around them and Camino heard his name being called...
He opened his eyes and saw Snow standing over him. He was still at home in his bed with the covers tossed back. "Hi Mom."
She smiled and touched his face. "You look so much better. How do you feel?"
"I feel fine," he said. "Except for one thing..."
She blinked. "What's that?"
"I'm starving," he said, with a grin.
She smiled. "Of course. I'll make you something to eat. You rest." She left the room.
Camino got out of bed and picked up the empty bottle from the potion that was still on his desktop.
"Tonight at nine," Dark said. "Don't forget or I'll have to force my way out."
Camino jumped as the voice echoed through his head. "All right, Dark, I won't."
Camino walked down the city streets and glanced at his watch. It was ten minutes until nine o'clock. Luckily, he had finished the homework that Pan had brought him and was able to get out of the house.
Hurry up! Dark's voice echoed in his head. I don't want to be late.
Camino jumped at the sound of the voice and then sighed. He still wasn't quite used to the idea of having another person in his head that could talk to him. If he hadn't known any better, he would have sought psychiatric help.
Would you relax? Camino thought. We're not going to be late.
For your sake, we'd better not be late! And why won't you let me out yet?
Someone might see you and recognize you as the jewelry store thief. I don't think I need to explain what will happen after that. Camino waited for a reply and was relived when none came.
Camino sensed a familiar ki and turned in its direction. He spotted Scatter in the sky. He looked like he was getting ready to land on the sidewalk.
Oh no, what's he doing here?
He's probably checking up on cousin, Dark teased. Get rid of him. I don't want any interference tonight.
How am I supposed to get him to leave?
You better figure out something... unless you want me to take care of him.
Camino let out an exasperated sigh and continued walking. Eventually Scatter noticed him and his feet touched down on the concrete in front of Camino.
"Oh hey Scatter!" Camino said. "What are you doing here?"
"Pan said she was going over to a friend's house," he replied.
"And..."
Scatter frowned. "I bet she went out here to meet that Dark guy."
Camino grinned and rubbed the back of his head nervously. "That's impossible. No one's heard from that Dark person in a while."
"I don't know..."
"Besides, Pan’s smart enough not to get involved with a criminal, don't you think?"
"I guess so, but the other night when she came home I asked her where she'd been and she yelled at me. She said it was none of my business."
Camino could hear Dark's laughter in his head and hesitated. "Oh you know how girls are. She probably just got the feeling that you were being too nosy."
Scatter looked at him for a moment and Camino met his eyes, hoping that he would buy what he said.
Scatter smiled and then finally laughed. "I bet you're right. Now I feel really stupid." He shook his head and then looked down at Camino’s clothes. "What are you doing out here?"
Camino glanced down at himself. Dark had instructed that he wear a pair of dark blue jeans with a jacket to match, a white shirt and a pair of black boots. He looked up at Scatter again. "Well...I was on my way to the store. Yeah, my mom forgot to get something and I said I would get it for her."
"Oh. I take it you're feeling better."
Camino blinked. He'd almost forgotten that he had been sick earlier. All he could think about now was getting to Pan without exposing his secret.
"Do you want me to come with you?"
"No!"
Scatter raised his eyebrows.
"I mean... no thanks," Camino said in a softer tone. "You should just go home." He smiled. "You're probably tired for worrying all day."
Scatter smiled back. "You don't have to rub it in." He levitated off of the ground. "Fine. I'll see you later."
"Later."
He waited until Scatter was out of sight and then let out a breath he hadn't even known he was holding. "Oh man, that was close."
Yes, you're very smooth, Dark said, sarcastically.
Camino frowned and started walking again. His mind was racing and after a while he spoke. Hey Dark, can I just tell Scatter the truth about you? I mean, he's a good friend and maybe he could help in some way.
No way! Absolutely not! You will tell no one about me. Got that?
But...
Not buts! Look, we're at the park now so let me take over.
Camino looked up and sure enough he was standing at the entrance to the park. All right, you can take over, but promise me you won't do anything that will get us in trouble.
I promise. I'll just take her for a moonlit walk around the park. No risks involved there, right?
With you I can't be too sure...
Dark stood on the dirt path in the park and spotted Pan standing by the fountain. He walked toward her and she looked up. She lifted her arm and looked at her wristwatch.
"You're late," she said, placing her hands on her hips.
Dark chuckled and touched her cheek. "You fail to look stern with that grin on your face."
This startled her because she hadn't been aware that she was smiling. Her smile widened and she shook her head. "I can't be mad at you." She closed distance between them and threw her arms around his waist.
He smiled and touched her hair. "I ran into some difficulties on the way here."
She raised her head to look into his eyes. "Did someone see you?"
He touched a finger to her lips. "Don't worry, everything's all right." He bent toward her and placed a gentle kiss on her mouth. "Do you feel like taking a walk?"
"Sure!" She pulled away from him and grabbed his hand. "This way." She pulled him along the path and he hurried so that he wouldn't be dragged.
"Slow down, love," he said, laughter evident in his voice. "We have all night."
"Right."
She came to a stop and he put his arm around her. He led her down the path in the cool air of the night. The stars were twinkling over head and there was a full moon to guide them.
"This feels so right," she said after a while.
"What does?"
"You and me together," she said, inching closer to him. "I've never felt so...so happy before."
Dark smiled. "Neither have I."
"But if people knew that I was seeing you, this would all come to an end. What should we do?" She looked up at him with an earnest look in her eyes.
"Don't worry about that. We're together right now and we will end up together forever. I know that your future is with me and I'll find some way to make that a reality." He stopped and took her hands in his. "When two people experience feelings like this nothing can tear them apart. And if perhaps they do become separated, they'll always be brought together again."
"Oh Dark!" Pan threw herself in his arms again and he held her tightly. "I love you so much." She laughed. "You know, you remind me of someone."
"I do?"
"A boy from school, a childhood friend. His name is Camino and he's always so optimistic. He can make you smile even if the world is falling apart around you."
Dark jerked away from her, his eyes suddenly wild with some emotion that she couldn't put her finger on. She reached out for him and he stepped back.
"Dark?" she asked. "What's the matter?"
"Camino?" he asked. "You're in love with someone else?"
"What?" Her eyes widened. "No! He's just a friend. I love you, Dark." She chuckled. "I didn't know you were the jealous type."
He scoffed. "Jealous? I am not jealous. I just don't want anyone else trying to take you away from me."
She reached out for him again and this time he let her touch him. She put her arm around his waist and he slid his arm over her shoulders. They began to walk down the path again.
Dark! Camino’s voice came to life in Dark's mind. What was all that about? I thought you were winning Pan over for us, not just for yourself. I mean eventually we're going to have to tell her the truth.
Right, Dark said. I was just trying to keep her from making the connection from you to me because I'm sure you're aware that we share similarities. The next time she starts to think how you and I are similar, she'll remember the way I reacted and wave off the notion.
Camino didn't say anything else and Dark relaxed a little.
"Look Dark!" Pan cried suddenly. "A pond."
She wiggled out from under his arm and ran over to the pond. She went down to the bank and peered at the dark water. Dark followed her at a much more casual pace.
"Yes. What about the pond?"
She smiled and pointed. "There are ducks sleeping in the water. Aren't they cute?"
He gave a crooked smile and thought about how Camino would probably be much more interested in the ducks than he was. His only thoughts were of Pan, ducks were trivial.
Dark turned and found a bench to sit on. He watched Pan at the water's edge while she admired the nature around them. When she was finished, she went over to the bench.
"Don't you like nature?" she asked.
He shrugged. "I found something more interesting." He pulled her into his lap.
She let out a startled cry and then relaxed against his muscular body. He folded his arms around her and Pan snuggled against his warmth as the wind began to blow.
"How old are you, Dark?" she asked.
He blinked. He hadn't expected her to ask him that. Technically, he was the same age as Camino, but he probably appeared to be much older. "I'm twenty-three."
She smiled up at him. "That would have been my guess."
"You're very perceptive."
She turned her body so that she was facing him. "Thanks."
He pulled her closer and kissed her. She kissed him back and put her arms around his shoulders. He kissed her deeply, as if she were his life force and he was drinking energy from her mouth in order to survive.
He pulled her body even closer, forcing her to sit in his lap with her knees resting on the bench on either side of him. He slid his hands under her shirt and moved then across her back. She shuddered against him.
His fingers found her bra. He had begun to unhook it when she tore her mouth away from his. He looked at her, inches away from her face.
"What are you doing?" she asked, sounding outraged.
She moved off of him and struggled to fix one of the clasps he'd undone. "Please Dark, I don't want to do this now." She shook her head. "We can't do this yet."
"You're right," he said, standing. "I wasn't thinking. I'm sorry." He rested his hands on her shoulders. "We'll do this when you're ready."
"Good," she said, meeting his eyes for a moment and then turning away to hide a blush.
Dark moved his hands off of her shoulders and sighed. He didn't think she would be reluctant about giving herself to him. He loved her so powerfully that he'd just assumed that she felt the same way.
"I know this nice little place where we can sit and look up at the stars," Pan said, finally. "It's not too far away from here."
He looked at her and nodded. "That sounds nice."
Pan had taken him to a field of grass, where they lay down and looked up at the night sky. They lay there for hours and talked a little, but mostly relaxed in each other's arms.
Dark watched her while she slept and smiled. She was so beautiful and she looked so peaceful.
Dark? Why don't you let me take her home? That way if Scatter or anyone else is waiting for her they won't think she was out seeing you.
Fine, Dark said. I should rest anyway.
Dark retreated back into Camino. Camino felt himself come out of the darkness and return to the surface. He sighed, happy to be in control again.
Hey Dark? When he didn't hear anything, he called his name again.
Shut up, idiot! Didn't I say I was tired?
Camino blinked. Oh sorry.
So Dark needed to sleep, too. Camino looked down at Pan. Did this mean that he could do whatever he wanted while Dark was asleep and not have to worry about him knowing? It was worth a try...
He lifted Pan in his arms and she didn't even stir. He smiled at that and headed in the direction of her house.
He carried her until he got to her house. Then he shook her gently in his arms. She twisted in her sleep and finally opened her eyes. When they focused, she was surprised at who she saw.
"Camino?" She looked around. "I'm home?"
He nodded. "I was on my way back from the store and I saw you lying in the park. What were you doing out there?"
"Wasn't there someone with me?" she asked.
"No, you were alone. Why?" He set her down on the ground.
"Remember I told you that I was meeting Dark at the park tonight?"
"Oh yeah," he said, pretending to forget. "Did you see him?"
She nodded. "Yeah and I must have fallen asleep beside him. He probably left when he heard you coming."
"Oh sorry about that."
"Don't worry," she said. "I'll see him again. Thanks for taking me home." She turned toward the walkway and then turned back. "Camino?"
"Hmm?"
"What if you think you really like someone, but they do something to make you feel unsure?"
Camino knew exactly what she was talking about, but he fought to keep his face from showing anger as he remembered Dark trying to take off her bra.
"Maybe you should wait a while and decide if you really want to be with Dark."
Her eyes widened. "But how did you know I was talking about Dark?"
Camino froze for a moment and then laughed. "Well, who else?"
She smiled. "I guess you're right. It was pretty obvious. Thanks for the advice. I'll think about it."
"Sometimes when you think you like someone, you're actually seeing someone else within them. Someone close to you, someone that you can relate to." He met her eyes. "But maybe you never considered them as more than just a friend."
Pan watched him walk away and whispered, "It's like he knows about Dark. It's like..." She laughed at herself. "That's crazy. He doesn't know anything about Dark. He's probably still a little mad at me for turning him down. It's not that he's a bad guy, but I see something more interesting in Dark. A wilder side." She turned and walked to the front door. "But is that what I want?"
