A/N: Oh man, it's been quite some time! I'm sorry but my laptop broke AGAIN and it took some time to fix it and meanwhile, I suffered under a heartbreak and yeah, I managed to update just now. I'm really sorry!

I already got the next chapter written so it should be up very soon. As always, thanks for your support and reviews, they mean the world to me, really.
Guest: Thanks for always reviewing and encouraging me to update!

Sophia: Danke, ich bin froh dass du meine Story magst und hoffe, dass du auch weiterhin mit ihr zufrieden sein wirst:)

Amelia: Thanks for your reviews! It was a nice guess, and the connection between Will and Sara will be revealed in the next chapter!

Maryamdxz: Merci beaucoup!

Enjoy and don't forget to review!

CHAPTER 25

"I think I'm doing it wrong." Sara sighed for what felt like the hundredth time this day. LeBlanche has been trying to teach her how to use Breakspell for the past three hours now but whenever she tried to summon it, nothing happened.

No spark, no weird tingly sensation, no adrenaline rush.

Nothing.

It was beyond frustrating and even though Sara was quite patient, it was starting to annoy her that there was not even the smallest sign that indicated that what she was doing was right.

"I don't think that what you're doing is wrong." LeBlanche commented, nodding to himself as he carefully took in Sara's tense posture.

She was sitting cross-legged on the couch and tried to focus with her eyes closed, a frown gracing her features. He could understand that she must feel frustrated because nothing had happened and the past hours seemed like a waste to her, but there was nothing that they could do about it.

Until now, Sara had learned how to use Boltflare, Everfight, a rather weak Armorbrand that Lok had briefly taught her and Everheal. Her body still had to adapt to the changes and the magic that she was now using, so it was no real surprise that it shut down and needed to re-charge in order for her to gather the energy needed to summon a new spell.

"What's this spell good for anyways?" Sara curiously inquired, now fully opening her eyes to reveal a pair of blue orbs that were filled with exhaustion.

Focusing on summoning a spell for three hours straight could drain quite some energy, even without actually using the spell itself.

LeBlanche folded his hands behind his back and gave her a small smile from where he was standing.

"Breakspell is a spell that breaks illusions, seals and enchantments." LeBlanche curtly informed her, tilting his head lightly to the side. "I have to admit that I thought that you'd master this spell just as fast as the others, if not even faster. I heard that you managed to unveil the barriers at your last mission, so I figured that this spell would only add to your talent of recognizing illusions and seals."

Sara nodded out of understanding, now equally as confused as LeBlanche was. If she really was skilled at breaking illusions even though she was only a beginner, this spell should be rather easy for her to master.

Maybe it was pure coincidence and a lucky strike that she managed to find the barrier on their last mission.

"Guess it was beginners luck." Sara breathed, feeling lightly disappointed with herself. Of course she couldn't expect to instantly master every spell their was and to be a prodigy, but how hard was it to master a spell like this?

She was at her full strength, has had enough sleep and was focused as well. It was quite unnerving that a spell as useful as this one was hard for her to master.

LeBlanche furrowed his brows, a look of disapproval entering his eyes. "To be frank, I don't think that it was beginner luck." He admitted. "Every seeker is specialized in some field and similar to Zhalia, I think that you will be skilled in the field of illusions."

Sara narrowed her eyes lightly, her eyes falling onto her lap. If LeBlanche's words were true and she really was more skilled at illusions, she was lucky that Zhalia was the one teaching her.

"I will never be as good as them though." Sara mumbled, her eyes falling onto her lap. She knew that in order to reach the teams level, she would have to train for years and if she were to stay with the team, she would always be the one that was a couple of steps behind and had to catch up, what was easier said than done.

"You wouldn't be in this team if they didn't see great potential in you, child." LeBlanche firmly reminded her. Sara's eyes snapped to his and a silent message passed between the two, causing the brunette female to give the butler a small, grateful smile that was accompanied by a curt nod.

There was no time for moping around. She was in this team for a reason and with the Blood Spiral being active, they would have to be in their best conditions.

All of sudden, a yell cut through the silence that formerly engulfed the two and Sara instantly stiffened, recognizing the voice in an instant. LeBlanche's concerned eyes met hers and instantly, Sara jumped up and rushed towards the guest room where Den was located at, followed by LeBlanche.

Together, the two of them reached the room in an instant and without hesitating, Sara threw the door open.

Her blue eyes widened at what she saw.

Den's body was tangled in the white sheets, writhed while he was clutching his right forearm as if his life depended on it. His eyes were open wide to reveal a pair of dark brown eyes while his mouth was lightly agape, pained huffs and muffled yells escaping his lips.

It was a sight that would haunt her for the next days.

Sara felt her heart clench out of panic as she was rooted to the spot, LeBlanche rushing past her to get to Den's side.

"Oh no." He breathed as he came to a halt next to the brunette male, his concerned eyes taking the boy in pain in with obvious concern.

"LeBlanche." Den croaked as he recognized him, a groan out of pain leaving his dry throat right after. His helpless eyes took in the blurry image of the elderly seeker that was standing next to him while he silently begged LeBlanche to help him, to do something to ease the blinding pain, but no word escaped his lips.

It felt as if his entire body was on fire, but he was freezing and unable to move as if he was paralyzed. Every muscle of his body ached and the blood in his vein was burning him from the inside, the adrenaline pumping loudly in his ears.

It was unbearable.

Another pained groan escaped him and that was enough for Sara to snap out of her trance. She looked at LeBlanche, not knowing what to do but unfortunately, he looked just as lost as she was feeling.

Sara took a couple of steps forward until she was standing on the opposite side of the bed, looking at her teammate with concerned eyes. She wanted to help so bad and yet, there was nothing that she could think of that would work.

"Isn't there a spell to numb the pain or something?" Sara asked, her heart skipping a beat as Den let out another yell. His breathing was labored and his pale face was covered in sweat, his entire body shaking hardly.

LeBlanche remained silent for some moments and Sara instantly noticed that he was thinking about something or rather, considering something.

So there was a way to stop this after all.
"LeBlanche." Sara now wearily called, panic slowly taking over with every second that ticked by. If they wouldn't hurry, Den may pass out because of the pain again or worse, and that was something that they had to prevent at all cost.

LeBlanche then looked at Sara and opened his mouth to say something but all of sudden, the sound of the windows shattering broke through the thick silence that engulfed them.

Sara and LeBlanche's heads whirled around to look at the now broken windows of the room just in time to see five masked figures enter, clad in blood-red clothing that seemed eerily familiar to Sara.

They jumped through the now open windows and landed mere steps opposite from he and LeBlanche, who by now moved to stand in front of her.

"Kiel." LeBlanche muttered, openly frowning at the intruder. Sara eyed LeBlanche's back, trying to figure out who these masked people were but as soon as her eyes fell onto one of their exposed chest and a familiar mark caught her eyes, she felt her blood run cold and her eyes widen.

Spirals.

"Surprise." One of them spoke, his gruff voice causing goosebumps to cover Sara's pale skin. Her heart was hammering loudly against her rib-cage and she took a step back, eyes fixed on the one who spoke.

She never heard of someone named Kiel from Sophie who told her most things about the Blood Spiral but whoever it was seemed to be strong enough to cause LeBlanche to worry.

His expression didn't give it away, but the way he straightened his back and his jaw was clenched instantly alarmed Sara.

Kiel eyes then fell onto her, and a smirk tugged at his lips that caused Sara to gulp down the lump that had formed itself in her now dry throat.

He seemed intimidating and his mere gaze was enough to make the blood in her veins freeze, but it was when his gaze fell on Den and his eyes lightened up with something that Sara couldn't identify that she felt fear. Not for herself, but for him.

Without realizing what she was doing, Sara moved closer to the bed so that she blocked Den from his view.

Kiel's brow shot upwards, his smirk only broadening as his eyes locked with hers but Sara was determined not to back down, despite of the fear she was currently feeling.

She stubbornly held his gaze and for a moment, there was silence.

"Interesting." Kiel suddenly mumbled as he averted his eyes from the brunette female before he fixed them on LeBlanche. "I was here to pay the Casterwill girl a visit, but I guess that you will do as well."

With that, it all started in a heartbeat.

Kiel darted towards LeBlanche who swiftly avoided his kick, jumping out of the way just in time before Kiel's foot would have collided with his ribs, what would have certainly bruised a rip of LeBlanche.

Two of the Spirals were running straight towards Sara who took two steps forward, extending her hand and inwardly praying that it would work.

"Boltflare!" She called and watched how the spell hit a Spiral right into the stomach. He had obviously not expected her to shoot a spell at them, and Sara guessed that they probably didn't think that she would learn how to use spells this fast.

The Spiral she had hit with the spell crashed into the nightstand with grunt and for a moment, Sara felt the urge to smirk out of satisfaction.

Unfortunately, the other one didn't seem to be fazed by it for more than the split of a second for he reached her a moment later, his fist glowing in a black hue.

"Blood-cutter!"

Sara's eyes widened and she swiftly lifted her hands to summon Armorbrand, the barrier shielding her from the fist that came flying towards her. It collided with the shield of magic but since she still had some troubles with this spell, it was a weak barrier. Thus, she managed to block the fist and the spell but the force that the Spiral used was enough to make her stumble backwards with a pained huff.

Her back collided against the wall and she supported herself on the bed-frame that Den was still laying on, his body still writhed and only barely conscious.

Sara was just about to call another Boltflare when another Spiral appeared from behind her former attacker, his eyes glowing in a dark-red shade.

Her breathing hitched as she realized that she wouldn't manage to avoid that one and thus, she ducked out of instinct and kicked him right in the stomach.

Unfortunately, he managed to grace her cheek with the spell before he stumbled backwards from her kick, causing her to hold her cheek with a hiss.

"Sara!" Came LeBlanche's concerned yell, causing her head to snap to the right, where he was trying his best to avoid Kiel's attacks. This Kiel seemed to be quite strong, Sara noted, but LeBlanche was doing fairly well nonetheless.

Out of the corner of her eye she noticed that someone was charging towards Den who was holding his head by now, the pain having grown unbearable to the point that even the slightest sound was enough to add an infinite amount of pain.

Sara's eyes narrowed and she instantly jumped on the far end of the bed so that she was facing Den with her back, her cheek still bleeding and her arms extended.

"Oh no you don't!" She called, eyes burning with fury. These guys were downright evil and not only were they at fault for Den and Zhalia's pain, but now they were also trying to kill them for no real reason.

"Armorbrand!" Sara cried, feeling how the energy left her body from the tip of her fingers and created the familiar barrier. The two Spirals were hammering against the barrier and tried to use spells to weaken it while Sara was trying her very best to maintain it. Her entire body ached and her muscles hurt to the point where she was literally forcing her powers to leave her body in order to keep the barrier in place, but it proved to be harder than she thought.

The brunette felt her legs give in under the pressure and fell onto her knees, the soft material of the mattress cushioning her fall. The barrier was still in place but she knew that only one more spell was needed in order to break it.

By now, her heart was beating as fast as possible and her hands were shaking, droplets of blood running down her wrist due to the burning sensation of forcing the barrier. It caused her skin to lightly break and even though it hurt like nothing she had ever felt before, she was not going to give up that easily.

The two Spirals have seemingly noticed her struggle as well and stopped their attacks for a moment before they exchanged a knowing look that caused Sara to inwardly groan.

That meant no good.

Indeed, the next moment they were taking a step back and lifted their hands high into the air, a shining amber light appearing on the palm of their hands that seemed similar to flames.

With a smirk, her two masked attackers charged right towards her with their hand extended. Sara forced more energy into the barrier but as soon as their spells hit it, she felt it disappear. The spells hit her full force and caused her to fly right off of the bed and against the wall, the air getting knocked out of her lungs upon the impact.

Her eyes widened as she fell down onto the ground next to the bed and right into the splinters of the shattered window glass with a thud, her entire world spinning. Her hands were burning and felt like they were on fire whereas her head was pounding what caused her vision to blurry.

For the next moments, she felt herself unable to move due to the pain and heard a muted shout which she assumed was LeBlanche.

A whimper escaped her lips as she felt the metallic taste of blood enter her mouth and a pair of boots entered her vision.

She panicked.

"Everfight." She whispered under her breath and fortunately, felt the energy fill her body and ease the pain.

She chanted the spell a series of times before she felt the pain dull and her body numbing, what was better than the pain she figured. She could tell that she was still bleeding but at least she was able to move.

Ever so slowly, she rolled onto her stomach, wincing as she felt the splinters of glass scrape her skin and draw blood. She pulled her knees towards her stomach so that she was now kneeling on the ground, holding her pounding head as a wave of dizziness overcame her.

She opened her eyes after some moments to take in her surroundings and to her surprise, saw that Santiago had now joined them as well and was fighting three spirals at once, while one was already unconscious on the ground at the entrance of the room and LeBlanche was still fighting Kiel.

"LeBlanche!" Sara called in panic as she watched how Kiel kicked LeBlanche into the stomach what caused the elderly seeker to stumble backwards.

The gray-haired man looked at Sara with narrowed eyes as he held his stomach and avoided another spell that Kiel sent towards him.

"Sara, I need you to use the spell that I told you of on Den!" LeBlanche called, sending a Boltflare flying straight at Kiel who had dodged it with ease. It seemed like it all was a game to him and he was not even using all of his power against LeBlanche, what only worried Sara even further.

Sara felt a pang of confusion hit her as she took in LeBlanche's words. The spell didn't work when she tried to summon it during the past three hours, so why would it now?

Deciding that LeBlanche's words were to be trusted, Sara gave him a reluctant nod and forced herself to fully stand up. She leaned against the wall with her side and found Den still laying on the bed, the Spiral mark now burning more intense than before. Sara would have never believed to see a person in such pain and especially Den, who always hid his according to Sophie and Lok.

Deciding not to waste any more time, Sara hobbled to the bed and climbed onto it so that she was kneeling next to Den, who was still oblivious to her presence.

She lifted one hand and only then noticed the way it was covered in blood and shaking violently, just as Den's body did.

Everfight must have numbed the pain, but she was certain that once the effect of the spell faded she would have to undergo a couple of healing sessions to ensure that her hand wasn't broken.

She lifted her hand so that it was hovering over Den's that was holding the Spiral Mark on his forearm, trying to control the shaking of her petite hand.

She bit her tongue and laid her hand gently over his. As soon as her skin brushed against Den's she felt him jerk under her touch and inhale sharply, a pained grunt escaping his lips as his wide eyes darted to hers.

His pupils were dilated and the dark bags under his eyes were more prominent than they have been before, his entire face as pale as a sheet.

Sara felt her heart clench painfully as she realized just what pain he was in.

"Please." She whispered, slow enough so that he could read her lips. She tightened her hold on his hand and squeezed it gently, hoping that he would recognize her. "Let me help you."

For a moment she thought that he may not have understood her. In the state he was in it would be understandable and yet, she inwardly prayed that he would at least recognize her so that he would known that she would not harm him.

A moment later, she felt him relax under his touch and even though his chest was still falling and rising heavily, his eyes widened the lightest of bit, a look of recognition filling his eyes.

"Sara?" He spoke in a pained whisper and Sara nodded, relief flooding her senses as she gave him a small smile in return.

"Yes, it's me." She returned, her hand tightening around his. "I need you to trust me, if only this once Den." The brunette whispered, loud enough for his ears to hear.

Den gave her a nod that was followed by a pained groan and that was all Sara needed. She gently pried his hand off of his forearm so that his mark was revealed and at what she saw, she had to refrain from gasping.

The Spiral Mark was burning in a blinding red hue that illuminated his veins under his deadly pale skin. It emitted a heat that caused even Sara to wince and for a moment, she wished that she would be the one to have the mark so that she could take his and Zhalia's pain away.

The brunette female gave Den a soft glance out of the corner of her eyes before she covered his mark with her palm, wincing at the burning sensation that overcame her senses.

She forced her eyes to close and tried to concentrate on the task at hand, which was to summon the spell that LeBlanche had tried to teach her.

He had told her that he himself hasn't been able to master it just yet, what only caused her to worry even more but she knew that she had no choice, she just had to make it.

The pain was growing more and more intense and if that was only a tiny shred of what Den was currently feeling, she wondered how he managed to stay conscious.

It was beyond painful, even to her.

"Come on, come on." Sara chanted in a breathy whisper, her skin burning as she felt Den grab her wrist tightly with his other hand. She knew that they didn't have much more time left and thus, she pushed all energy she has had left into her palm and gritted her teeth. Her focus was on the Mark that burned beneath the flesh of her palm and as she visualized it, she felt it pound under her palm.

That was all she needed.

"Breakspell!" She called and with that, felt a sudden flood of energy rush through her veins. It entered her palm and with that, she felt a sudden sort pressure. It was as if she was pushing against something that refused to give in and pushed back just as hard but after some more tiring and exhausting moments, it happened.

It felt as if it simply disappeared into thin air, the pressure disappearing in an instant and with it, her energy. Her eyes shot open wide and she inhaled deeply, her shaking hand still tightly around Den's forearm. Her blue eyes turned to look at said male and to her surprise, she found him staring right back at him, his exhausted eyes not breaking the eye-contact.

Den was still breathing heavily but all the pain has vanished the moment the seal was broken, if only temporarily. He was still exhausted but due to the pain disappearing, felt more awake than before.

Sara offered him a weak smile before she closed her eyes again, much to his confusion. His tired eyes took in the way she was still clutching his forearm tightly and before he was able to realize what she planned on doing, it was too late for him to act.

"Everheal!" Sara called, the green hue engulfing his body and covering it like a warm and soft blanket. His eyes widened as he felt his energy return ever so slowly and his hand instantly shot out to stop her, sensing that she was at the brink of passing out.

"Stop." He croaked, his throat still dry as he pushed himself up onto his elbow, his hand tightening on her forearm.

The green hue faded and as soon as it did, Sara held her head with a groan. She barely had any energy left to stay conscious but she knew that Den was the better fighter out of the two and with her remaining energy, he would be able to help LeBlanche. That was LeBlanche's plan in the first place. He wanted her to break the Spiral Mark so that he could help them since things were looking bad and she, being a beginner only, couldn't do much.

Of course Den was still quite weak and yet, even in this condition, he was stronger than Sara was while she was in good health.

"Go, they need you." Sara mumbled, her blue eyes displaying the exhaustion she was feeling as her eyes locked with his. LeBlanche was only barely standing and while Santiago managed to knock two Spirals out, the remaining two were giving him a hard time as well.

Den felt beyond bad as he took in her exhausted state and even though he was in no matter condition than she was, he knew that she was right and that LeBlanche needed his help. He was surprised to see that the Spirals have managed to break the barrier but even more surprised upon seeing Kiel.

Den's eyes narrowed as he then looked back at Sara, a wave of guilt overcoming him. He would have to apologize and thank her later, that was for sure but for now, his help was required.

He reached out to place his hand on Sara's head, causing her to stiffen under his touch and turn to look at him with wide eyes. Den narrowed his eyes, noticing the way she flinched and his eyes softened as he realized that her reaction must have been because of the Spirals that have attacked and hurt her.

Did she actually think that he would hurt her?

"You helped me, now let me help you." He gently whispered and just as she realized what he was about to do, she heard him utter the familiar spell.

"Darksleep."

Sara felt her muscles relax and darkness crawl up her vision the instant his words have reached her ears until it blinded it whole, causing her to lose consciousness and feel the warmth that entered her system cover her.

Den caught Sara in an instant and gently lowered her onto the bed, a sigh escaping his lips. She was covered in blood and as pale as Cherit because she tried to defend and heal him, even after everything he had called and done to her.

The guilt he felt was starting to slowly eat him alive as he took in the way her long, brown hair was lightly tousled and her stomach was covered in scratches, just like her temple and busted lip were bleeding. Her hands were lightly burned as well and all in one, she was injured was because of these damn Spirals.

Now frowning, Den moved so that he stood next to the bed and with one last glance at Sara, he turned to look at the scene in front of him with narrowed eyes. Kiel was just about to fire a spell at LeBlanche who was on the ground and held his bleeding side as a cough escaped his throat, his eyes almost shut as he gazed up at Kiel, who was openly grinning.

Den, feeling the adrenaline pump through his veins, cracked his knuckles and growled lowly, fury flaring in his eyes.

"Nimblefire." He called as he rushed towards Kiel who had obviously not noticed that Den was now awake, thank to Sara, due to him being busy with LeBlanche.

"Dragonfist!" Den called and the moment the spell has passed his lips did his fist collide with Kiel's back, causing the tall man to fly against the wall face-first, a pained groan escaping him.

Den, however, gave him no time to recover and instantly charged towards him again, his blood boiling. He was the one who tormented Sophie, hurt LeBlanche and Sara and dared to attack them once more.

He would pay for that.
"Boltflare!" Den called and the amber spell hit Kiel who was kneeling on the ground right on the back, causing him to stumble lightly forwards.

Den took some steps forwards until he was standing right in front of Kiel and kicked him in the stomach as hard as he could, causing the male to double over.

"Irongrip." Den muttered as he grabbed Kiel by the hem of his shirt and pushed him against the wall, his free fist burning in an amber hue as he felt his blood burning upon seeing bruised cheek.

"Dragonfist!"

With that, Den's fist collided with Kiel's jaw and a cracking sound reached his ears, indicating that he must have broken his jaw. Den was still quite exhausted and was shaking lightly, but he would not let Kiel go that easily.

He tried to hurt his family, and that was something he would never allow.

Kiel held his jaw as Den let go of him and the tall, bald man dropped onto the ground, only barely conscious.

Den, still not satisfied, was about to land one last hit on him but before he was able to do so, two Spirals appeared next to Kiel. Den's eyes instantly narrowed as he saw them but before he was able to do anything, they disappeared and with them Kiel.

Den growled lowly and turned around just to see that the remaining Spirals have disappeared as well, much to his dismay and relief. He would have liked to teach them a lesson that would cause them to remember not to mess with them anymore and yet, he was glad that they were out of danger.

Den's brown eyes fell onto Santiago who was wrapping his arm around LeBlanche's torso, his injury already healed thanks to Everfight, and helped him stand upright.

"Thanks boy." LeBlanche breathed, relieved to see that Den was well and unharmed. Den merely gave him a nod in return, glad to see that LeBlanche and Santiago were alright before he took in the devastated room.

If the Spirals managed to break the barrier of Sophie's mansion, they were not safe anymore especially if Kiel or the Blood Spiral was after Sophie again.

A sudden wave of dizziness overcame him now that the adrenaline disappeared and for a moment, Den felt like throwing up.

"Ugh." He muttered, holding his head tightly as he sat down onto the bed next to Sara's unconscious form, his head pounding heavily. He was far from healed and knew that Breakspell only managed to make the Spiral Mark disappear temporarily, but was grateful that he was free of the pain for some time.

"I will inform Dante of what happened, he will know what to do." LeBlanche suddenly declared, his voice as gentle as always. Den gave him a nod, mutely agreeing with him especially since it seemed like Lok and Sophie weren't here and instead, probably with Dante.

"You should rest, I will wake you two as soon as we figured something out." The elderly butler advised, causing Den to look at him with uncertain brown eyes.

The idea of resting was tempting but he knew that LeBlanche may need his help in case they decided to attack again or something else may happen.

At the look that LeBlanche shot him, however, Den knew that arguing and objecting would be of very little use and this, the brown haired male sighed and allowed his back to hit the mattress right next to Sara.

"Alright." He breathed, lifting his forearm to cover his eyes with it. "Wake me as soon as there are any news."

There were a few moments of silence until LeBlanche spoke again. "I will." He promised and with that, Den felt himself relax lightly.

Fortunately it was rather easy for him to fall asleep now that he was sure that his family was safe and out of harms way and with that, he allowed the tempting darkness to take over and lull him into a dreamless sleep.