Phantom took a sigh. He walked aboard his ship again, having nothing to do beyond training again, and trying to do anything to dodge it by all means, again.

"Sir, I may suggest you take training a bit more seriously." Gaston spoke in his usual tone. He would easily follow Phantom around, stating the blunt and obvious truth to him, despite his constant ignorance over the matter.

"Oh don't be silly, Gaston!" Phantom whirled his hand, "I've already trained my way up before, and I am fairly comfortable where I am!" he lied. Truth was, he would never be "happy" where he was until he was back where he was before being cursed. Who had ever heard of such a weak master thief?

"Sir, I can tell you are lying and I insist that you train once more." Gaston sighed.

"Now nooow, I'll train later!" Phantom remarked. "It's not like anything could come my way and I would be helpless! I've good skills to back me up now!"

Gaston sighed and stepped down from trying. "Very well sir… I will let it slide for today, however, do expect some rather challenging training tomorrow."

Phantom giggled as Gaston walked off. SUCCESS! He wouldn't have to train at all today! So he would just have to sit back, relax and enjoy the view of the moon and everything else. Not a bad day in his opinion!

He walked into his room and laid on his bed. "Ahh! What good luck I am having today!" He stretched out. "…Although, Gaston probably is right. Ahh, I'll just train later." He decided.

He sat alone on his bed, thinking about all the training he had done up until that point. He thought of walking around Edelstein as one of the Black Wing memebers… he thought of fighting those whom were unfortunate enough to be controlled by Lotus… and then he thought about that moment.

That moment was something terrifying. What could have happened… What would have happened… It could have easily been avoided, yes, but at the same time, he wondered if it had been any good that way.

Up until that moment, Phantom had been living a wonderful lie as usual. Not a lie that he was still a powerful master thief, but a darker lie. The lie where he claimed he was a "hero" and held the job of doing what was best for the world. No, he wasn't like that. His whole reason for becoming a hero had been for her. His reason for fighting with the black mage was for her. The very reason he stepped out from the shadows and into a spot that had him known to all...something that ruined his prized reputation… it had all been for her.

He found it funny how much he threw aside for one person. Before Aria, he always felt it was foolish to trust another person. To trust someone was to lay your hand out in front of them and ask them to chop it off. He wasn't that stupid… But then… what was he to do when the other had no intention of hurting him?

Aria was the first to give him this feeling. Around her, he felt safe enough to not only let her see his face, but see a rather human side to the legendary "Phantom". Then… she was taken. Just like that. He had no control over the situation. It simply happened. For once in his life, he knew what it was like to be powerless. To be helpless and lost. It wasn't hurt that hurt him. She would have never wanted him hurt. Someone crawled up from behind and hurt her instead. He recalled wondering why he was in pain when someone else was hurt. After all, they didn't touch him and he had Skyia now, right? He got what he wanted, and as a thief, his job was done.

But he didn't accept it. He couldn't. He recalled trying to find a way to join in the fight against the Black Mage. He couldn't walk up to just anyone and apply to join. No one would believe him. He had too much of a reputation. The very thing he worked so hard to build worked against him this instant, and that was all he had! He wanted to help, but not a soul would give him a chance…

It all changed while he looked for information one day. As a thief, he knew the value of information, but he never expected to hear a treasure as golden as what he did find.

"Over in Minar, there is a mage that can connect with dragons!" One man cried.

"Dragons? What the hell is a man going to do with those vicious monsters?" the man replied.

"I don't know, but apparently he was able to connect with them in a way to borrow their powers! A human with dragon powers!"

"Well I'd have to see that to believe it!" The second man laughed out.

Phantom thought for a moment. If dragons were considered monsters by man, but another man gave them a chance to prove themselves, resulting in a peaceful bond between the two, could he… would he be able to listen to Phantom?

Phantom gave it a shot. He was never a big talker when it came to serious discussion, and luckily, he didn't have to be. The mage was wise enough to pick up on his reasoning and desires with a simple image. He welcomed him in to the team personally, and then managed to get the others to accept him all the same.

It made Phantom feel very… odd. A few months ago, he didn't trust a soul. Now, he stood in a group of others that were trying to defend their world from a terror.

But he wasn't like them… he was different. Everything that led him there still clawed at him. Anger, sadness, guilt, rage… It was like a demon clawing at him from the inside, comforting his doubts and concerns.

When he woke up, he felt free from it. All the emotions from before had dimmed into a smoldering glow that was easily ignored.

But like any glow, it could go out or flicker into an uncontrollable flame.

The closer he got to Lotus and Orchid, the more he felt the flame rise. The shadow of that demon began to show itself and comforted him once again, telling him that it was okay to kill them. He was a hero, so it was his job to bring the villains to justice.

He tried to ignore it. He wanted to ignore it this time. But when he stood alone with Lotus's body in that tube, he felt it take over. He could finally have his revenge with ease. The body was almost dead anyway, right? He approached the body, focusing only on the intent of hurting the forces that took her away from him… when he felt his own body betray him? It suddenly moved on its own will and headed towards Ereve.

No… it wasn't Phantom's will… it was HIS will. Lotus had managed to slip through and control Phantom while his mind was weak, and Phantom could only watch in terror as he patched together Lotus's plan. As much as he tried, once again he felt powerless. Useless. Why, oh why did he ever give in to that demon inside?

Just as he tried to shut himself out, he felt a familiar presence appear around him. He peak his eyes open, realizing that he once again had control of his own body. He looked up and saw a familiar smile… one that made him realize how badly he had messed up.

"What am I to do with you?" She sighed, "You're so bent on revenge for me, but Phantom, that was 300 years ago…" she told him sternly. "Do you plan on staying upset over that forever?"

Phantom didn't understand. Aria didn't want to be avenged after being wrongly killed?

Aria smiled, "I knew as empress, my life was in constant danger…" she comforted. "…My life's value is nothing compared to this world, Phantom… That's why I don't mind." She smiled, "So please… try not to get too worked up on revenge any more. You're a stronger person than this!" She spoke in her usual voice.

Phantom looked at the top of his room. He felt awful. Not that he would ever admit to it, but that demon was still there. There was still a side of him that wanted revenge against all of them, not simply peace. But! Thanks to Aria's words, he found a power that at least kept it under control. That was all he needed.

"Oh Phantom, I think it's time for you to stop worrying of childish things and grow up!" He told himself. "You can't be worrying over little things like this! You still have so much to do! Like making sure that one dragon boy doesn't get too soft!...Ahh.. What was his name again?" Phantom thought to himself. He had only heard his name once, so it was a bit rusty at the moment. "….Carvan, I think? I seem to recall a v being in there somewhere…" he shrugged it off. "Doesn't matter, I'll learn! But then Aran lacks their memories…" he sighed, "And Mercedes is constantly worrying over everything on Victoria with Athena. Geez, how does that woman not have any wrinkles?" He thought. "Well, despite this, everyone seems to be moving forward… it's almost like we're a happy group again!" Phantom was quiet for a moment then laid back down, "But I'm not too sure if Mercedes even likes me that much. What if she tells Aran and Carvan the horrible things I did in the past! Then they won't trust me!" Phantom jumped back up. "No! no! I have to find Mercedes and make sure she keeps her mouth shut! Carvan needs to have a GOOD idol and Aran needs to keep a GOOD impression of me this time!" He ran out of his room and rushed up to the captain's room. "I need to go to Victoria! Immediately!"

Within a few minutes, Phantom found himself on Victoria, looking around in the Ellinia forest. "Alright, I know her town was somewhere around here…" He started up. "Ohhh… This would be much easier for me to find if they didn't keep their town hidden!" He walked around and bit more, trying to find any sort of hidden life around. "Auugh… I hate forest! Too many nicks and nacks. Although hiding stash wouldn't be a bad idea…." He noted.

He would be looking around a bit longer before starting to feel… a bit ill? He couldn't place his hand on what it was. Something in his stomach was turning and twisting. His heart rate was jumping up. He was just about to assume allergies for himself when he saw it. It was horrid and made his stomach tear in two.

A whole area. Destroyed. Not just slightly either. It was totaled. There were holes in the trees; the house looked like most of it had burnt down to the ground, and the dirt itself looked ashen. Phantom jumped down and walked carefully. Something in the area… it felt… familiar. Too familiar. He didn't like it, but he couldn't find enough sense to pull away. "Hello?" He asked out loud, almost wondering if someone were around. Not even a small breath was heard.

Phantom had almost made it up to the house, when an out of place color caught his eye. He glanced at it and felt his eyes slam open. A body was laying out in the open. He ran over to it and looked at it carefully. It was a relatively young girl with blonde hair. Phantom picked up her arm to check or a pulse, but got his answer right away.

Her body was stiff and firm like a stick, but cold like rock. He slowly placed her hand down in disgust. What could have come after a girl like this? She didn't seem threatening. She didn't even look like she knew how to fight! And yet something heartless enough attacked her so easily. He didn't know what to do. Should he bury her? Leave her here? He didn't feel right to just leave her lying on the ground. He carefully sat the girl up against a tree and looked at her face carefully. The face of death was no stranger to him. He took one of his cards up and changed it into a rose. Laying it in the girl's hands, he spoke quietly. "I'm sorry I can't give you a proper method of rest." He started, "But maybe this could help put you at some ease." Phantom stood up and looked around. He didn't see any more bodies, and he wasn't going to go in house to find out.

He walked up to one of the trees with a gaping hole in it. "I'm assuming this is from the attack…" Phantom spoke while rubbing his hand against it carefully, trying to tell if the hole was fresh or not. Instead, he was given a shock that even a master thief would not expect.

This… this was his magic.

"This…"Phantom told himself. "…What could the black mage have wanted here?" he looked at the girl. "What could she possibly have to offer?" he shook his head. Something felt off. Why would the Black Mage attack a helpless girl?

He stepped back and took note that the holes, while not entirely fresh, were not exactly old. There was still a slight chance that he could find that one around here… or at least someone that could give him an answer or two. And he was going to find them.

He settled his mask on his face and quickly fled the scene with his thief like speed, wandering through the forest, hoping to find someone around and about.

The next two days were fairly unsuccessful. He had heard from the town that there was a loud noise that erupted about a week before his arrival. This struck Phantom as odd because the girl didn't look like she was a week dead… maybe a day or two at most. Then a vile thought struck him… that girl didn't die during the attack. She died afterwards. Slowly. He almost wondered if she was the target at all at this point.

On his third day, he was about to jump back to his ship and call it a day when news hit his ear. A frightening mage was roaming about the forest and causing grief among the Lupins. The fairies seemed worried, as many of them were peaceful on their own, but when riled up, they made a force that even their own town couldn't be safe from.

Taking a chance, Phantom ran up the trees, hoping to find someone. As he got closer and closer, he felt a dark presence in the area. It was no different than his. Phantom almost wondered if he would be able to take him if they ended up fighting. "Aria…" He said to himself, "…I might need your help a bit here…I hope I don't get carried away…" he said quietly, hoping that Aria would find a way to intervene and save the day. But that was foolish thinking.

He approached, hearing the noises of Lupin's screams and roars. He quietly jumped up to the highest point to avoid the mess, only aiming for a look.

That's when he saw it. A mage in solid black, use dark forces again the Luipn's and leaving their bodies to rot on the ground.

Phantom jumped down quickly to the ground, aiming a fury of cards towards the Lupin's sending them off for the moment. When he landed he faced the back of this dark mage. "Well…" he started, "Aren't you the little trouble maker?" he remarked.

The mage stood still and quiet, not even showing an interest in looking at Phantom.

Phantom continued, "I have one question for you… There is a small house area… or was… with a girl living there." He slowly walked towards the figure. "I found it in shambles, and I personally think I have right to believe that it may have been dark magic that caused the event." He stood directly behind the mage, "Now I ask, would you happen to know anything about this?"

There was a moment of silence. It was very tense for Phantom himself. He wasn't sure if he could handle it for too long before snapping. He wanted an answer and he wanted it now.

The mage didn't answer though. He just started to break out into a small chuckle, which turned into a full out laughter.

Phantom took a stance, ready for anything to happen, particularly an attack.

The mage turned around carelessly, "Oh Phantom, since when did you get to be sooo mature?" he laughed.

Phantom's eyes snapped open. Wide open. He took a step back out of sheer surprise, which he himself could not recall the last time that had happened. "Th-This… Y-You-!" Phantom was at a loss for words. He knew the face. He recognized it. The fact that he knew Phantom himself, there was no mistake! "L-Luminous?"

Luminous shrugged a bit and chuckled a bit more, "Surprise?"

Phantom tried to regain his composure and think of the situation on his hands. He ran into Luminous, an old comrade of his, but something was far from right. "Lu-Luminous… Wha-What is with the new threads?" He asked calmly, trying to pinch towards an explanation. He wasn't sure how successful he would be though. Luminous did know about him on a personal level.

"Hmmm?" Luminous looked at his robes, "These? Ah, they changed themselves." He remarked rather rudely.

"Changed by themselves? I didn't know mage clothes could do that." Phantom remarked. Surely he would have heard such thing if it was possible but…

"Well, I don't care." Luminous remarked. "Now, you interrupted my training, so I suggest you leave before I really start to get mad."

Phantom watched Luminous start to walk off. He didn't have any answers and just more questions. What kind of madness was this?

Phantom jumped in front of Luminous. "Now wait just one minute, Luminous." Phantom spoke sternly. "I was watching you from the trees and I saw you using dark skills. Since when did that happen?"

Luminous's face grew angered. "That's none of your concern. Now I will ask nicely one more time. Move."

Phantom returned a dark look, "Not until I get some answers. Tell me. When did you, the mage of light, start using darkness?"

Luminous took his staff and threw a lash of dark energy towards Phantom. Phantom quickly jumped up to a nearby tree branch and dodged the attack. Did… did Luminous just really attack him? He took a card and held it out, ready to attack, "LUMINOUS?" He yelled, "What was that for?"

Luminous looked at Phantom with a sadistic stare. "Heh heh… what, you thought I was joking when I said move? I guess I'll just have to teach you a manner or two ." Luminous stated before lashing more dark energy at Phantom.

Phantom dodged again and threw his prepared car toward Luminous. The mage stepped back and used a quick spell to have dark energy fall on top of Phantom.

Phantom fell down to the ground and looked up at Luminous. "Luminous…" Phantom spoke quietly, "Luminous… please… just answer me… why? Why are you…" he raised his voice, "Why are you reminding me of HIM so much? Didn't we fight together to DEFEAT him?"

Luminous walked up and raised Phantom's head up with his thumb. "Ahhh, yeah, I guess that's true… But you should really know, once I'm strong with this power, I won't need your help or anyone else's." He said before rising up and kicking Phantom in the face back on the ground. "This said!" He chuckled out, "All the rest of you are nothing more than training dummies for me!" He lashed out dark energy towards Phantom and sent him flying back.

Phantom slammed up against a tree. He looked down at the wound across his chest that Luminous gave him. He looked up at Luminous and realized two things: first, this was not the Luminous he fought with in the past. The Luminous of the past didn't get along with Phantom that well, but it was nothing like this. Second, he had to get serious. Luminous was coming at him with the full intention of killing him! He twirled his cane and created a bow and arrow set up. "Luminous!" Phantom yelled, "How dare you place me that low!" He said before shooting out arrows in Luminous's direction. Phantom had overlooked his teleportation skill, which he was quick to make use of.

"Too bad!" He said from behind him, "That was actually a decent shot. Glad to see you're trying now..." he said before slamming Phantom's head back into the ground. He turned Phantom over and stood directly on his torso with his foot, applying as much pressure as possible. "Oh… and about that question from before… Yes, I was the one that destroyed that place. I decided it was a waste of time to stick around now that I have this power." He stated with a slight laugh.

Phantom couldn't think. He couldn't process what was going on. He was in pain from Luminous, but he had too many questions. He tried to think about what to do, like he needed to do something. But all he did was stare. He couldn't find a way to do anything else.

"Well, it was nice seeing you again…" Luminous remarked, "But if this is as strong as you get, then you're wasting my time." Luminous held the sharp end to his staff directly over Phantom.

Phantom regained a bit of sense when he acknowledged the staff aiming towards him. He spun his body from underneath Luminous's foot and quickly jumped up. He gasped for air and tried to let his once crushed rib cage to relax, but he couldn't calm down enough.

Someone he had trusted in the past was currently trying not just to hurt him, but to kill him! He didn't understand at all. Why was Luminous acting this way? When did he start using darkness skills? How did it get this bad? Too many questions, not enough answers, and Phantom was in no shape to pursue information.

He gave Luminous a quick look in the eyes as he teleported back to his ship. Those eyes… they scared him. He was scared of his former ally.

On his ship, Phantom couldn't even make it to the door before collapsing. He didn't even feel like trying to fight. "Luminous…" he thought to himself as he felt his consciousness fade out, "What happened to you? Why are you acting this way?"

He felt himself slip away into a state of slumber, hoping that he could find a way to help Luminous deal with his own inner demons like Aria did for him.