A/N: Well, I was just about to go to bed, but this came up and I thought I might as well write it down. I might continue this. And yes, I changed my penname. Deal with it. I'm a little stuck on Obsidian Mirror, I'm also working on a few other things, and Japanese is still a pain in the ass, so expect some late updates. Thank you! Please review, by the way, constructive criticism is my favourite thing in the world.

~HA

-.-.-.-.-.-

Herakles ran a hand through his hair as he read over the chart, walking down the hall until he reached the patient's room.

According to the chart, he was schizophrenic, and something else about a multiple personality. This wasn't rare with schizophrenia, yet Herakles usually disliked these patients. The way they tended to rock back and forth in their straightjackets and mumble incoherently. Frankly, it disturbed him.

But he was surprised to find as he walked into Honda, Kiku's room, to find a dark-haired young man, who seemed perfectly lucid. He wasn't even wearing a straightjacket. Yet Herakles couldn't help but note the way his eyes seemed to be unable to focus on one thing for long, and the irregular beat of his constantly tapping foot, as if he was waiting anxiously for something, or someone.

Herakles sat down, a couple feet in front of him.

"Hello, Mr. Honda, I am-"

"Doctor Karpusi." Kiku stated, interrupting the Greek man. Even his voice was level, calm, even.

"..Yes," Herakles affirmed, glancing at his chart again. "According to my chart, you're in for-"

"Schizophrenia. Multiple personalities."

"Right."

"I am not crazy," Kiku said, and for the first time, Herakles saw a tremor in his shoulders. "I do not think I am crazy.." He trailed off, pausing, before picking back up. "Strange. Odd. Unique, maybe. But not crazy."

Herakles shrugged. "You seem lucid at this point. But I'm here to see if my chart is correct."

"'S not." Kiku said bluntly, the words slurring together slightly, as if he hadn't had enough sleep.

"Again, that's what I'm here to figure out."

It was Kiku's turn to shrug. "I know. I am not crazy, however."

"You've stated that."

"I have."

Herakles pinched the bridge of his nose. "Kiku, we're not going anywhere if you don't cooperate with me."

"Doctor Herakles, I can assure you I am being completely cooperative. If I was not, I would not be talking."

Herakles laughed slightly.

Kiku smiled pleasantly. "I think this would be easier if we started with small talk. How is the weather?"

"Cloudy."

"Ah, I see. How many days have I been in here?"

"Four."

"Thought so. What room am I in?"

"Three-forty-two."

He repeated the words under his breath, although it sounded like a different language.

"What was that?"

"Nothing."

Herakles placed his pen at his lip, watching Kiku intently.

"When you leave, could you ask them to give me a glass of water? I am parched."

"Very well," Herakles said, writing down several notes. "I'll tell them now. I will come and talk with you tomorrow."

With that, he stood and left the room. As he walked down the hall, he was completely lost in thought. He didn't understand. Kiku Honda seemed perfectly sane. Pleasant, even. He'd stated he was not crazy, yet not in the same way most did. Not with shuddering breaths and screams. Very calmly.

Herakles had to know more.

-.-.-.-.-.-

The next day, Herakles was shocked to find Kiku in a straightjacket this time. He asked what happened. Kiku gave a shaky breath. He seemed distant, like a different person, yet not a different personality.

"Tried to off myself," he said bluntly, then gave a remorseful smile. "You guys frown on that."

"Why?"

"Because I do not like living anymore, Herakles. I want to die. I want to be freed from him."

This gave Herakles the first hint. "Him?"

"Him. He is.. there, but not there. Always lurking," Kiku said this rather calmly, face grim. "The feeling of hate is mutual."

"A second personality?" Herakles ventured.

"No. Another side, you could say. A darkness. We all have one, don't we? I suppose mine just comes out more."

Kiku smiled again, although it was a bit more twisted, his eyes focusing on the opposite wall, before darting back to Herakles. "I'll talk to you tomorrow."

Herakles assumed this was a dismissal. Respecting Kiku's wishes, he left.

Once he was in his office, he stared down at the chart.

"A darkness, hm? Just what are you hiding, Mr. Honda?.."