"Alright, hold still… if this works Ivan won't be able to track you anymore."

Right now mathias had my hand in his own and he was pricking my finger with his fangs. I had no idea what he was doing but it was supposedly going to help us. "Mathias, you sure this is a good idea?" I had my doubts, not only was it a terrible idea to mix blood together it was disgusting as well.

He sighs, "My blood won't harm you so it's fine. If it was a humans or other creatures blood then be worried." He moves his finger up to his mouth pricking it with his fang as well. "Your blood with be contaminated and it'll be harder for him to track you. Just relax." He said as he licks his fangs clean of the blood.

I sigh in defeat, he had his mind set on this and it will help so I guess there isn't an issue. I watch as he presses his finger to mine, our blood mixing together. Was this small wound really going to contaminate all my blood? It was highly doubtful. I'm sure if I spoke about my doubts he would tell me to be quiet. He must know what he is doing right?

"He did it with me, if you're curious." I glance back wondering who had spoke and saw it was Peter.

"He did?" I ask pulling my hand away from Mathias once he had finished.

Peter nods sitting down next to us. "When Ivan found out about me, he did the same thing he did to you to me." He sighs, looking up at the sky. "He still didn't trust Mathias at the time and wanted to make sure he really got rid of me. Because once a person dies you can't track them anymore."

He smiles holding his index finger up and looks at me. "Instead he mixed our blood together to break the connection. Once the blood is contaminated it isn't pure anymore so the spell doesn't work. Because now you have another creature's blood inside you. Even the tiniest bit matters."

I glance down at my finger, the wound closing fairly quickly. "I didn't know that." I muttered to myself.

Peter nods then laughs a bit, "I'm sure because he was so worried he had completely forgotten. That's why he yelled at you."

Mathias glared at the younger vampire warning him as if to say he better be quiet. I just laughed, I saw his eyes weren't red so he wasn't really mad. Peter must have known as well cause all he did was smile back at him. I glance around examining everything around us. It was dawn, we had made it back from the forest a few minutes ago. Mathias wanted to get rid of this tracking spell as soon as possible, so that's why he brought me over here. I'm scared, I'll admit that. Ivan's sister managed to find me so I'm wondering why ivan himself hasn't come yet. If he did it would be all my fault, I should have listened to Mathias. I haven't been the most responsible since I've been in the forest that's for sure. I glance at Mathias who was now talking to Peter. I wish I knew what Ivan was up to. Maybe it would be easier to find him or even beat him. I wrap my arms around myself as I look down at the pile of snow at my feet. If he really is as strong as Mathias says can we even beat him? Will I ever get my brother back? It feels like my chest was tightening and I couldn't breathe. Who even knows if my brother is still alive!? I hear voices calling out but they sound distant. I just couldn't get out of my head. All the bad thoughts I've ever had hitting my all at once.

"Lukas…." I listen trying to figure out who is speaking.

"Lukas!" I gasp when someone grabs me and yanks me forward. I make eye contact with who did it and saw it was Mathias.

"Dammit, I can hear your heart pounding." He pulls me in closer but being gentle about it now. He holds me against him, running his fingers through my hair. "What happened?" He asked, his voice filled with concern.

Peter steps in, "He's worrying about Ivan, how strong he is. He is also worried about his brother." He said as he gets up, "I'm going to let you two have your alone time." Once he said that he began to walk off.

I clung to Mathias, trying to even out my breathing. Usually I'm so composed and I don't panic so easily. What is wrong with me!? "Listen, beating Ivan…. I'm going to be honest. Is nearly impossible. There is a very small chance of us succeeding." Mathias spoke softly, his words weren't helping at all though.

"Stop…" I beg, trying to push him away now.

He held me tighter, "But, I'm going to do all I can to make sure we get your brother. So both of you can live your lives." I noticed he spoke as if he wouldn't be part of it. That concerned me.

"What about you?" I ask quietly, I stopped pushing him away and held on to him.

"...I'll make sure you and your brother live through this…" he repeated, not even bothering to look at me. I see him looking straight ahead at nothing.

"Mathias, what about you though?" I ask sitting up and looking straight at him. "Don't dodge the question."

He sighs looking away, "Most likely I'll end up dead, I mean… it won't stop me from trying to stay alive but it's highly unlikely." I feel him pull me closer towards him. "I couldn't defeat him before, I can't now. But I can buy some time for Tino and Berwlad to get you and Emil out of there and hide you."

"Mathias…" I cling to him, hiding my face against his armor. "That… that wont happen. You have to survive, I won't accept you dying. I won't let it happen!"

He lifts my head up, using two fingers under my chin. "There isn't any other options that I'm aware of."

"There has to be!" I shout, growing upset. "He- he has to have a weakness!"

"Lukas, unless you can go back in time before he became so powerful and defeat him, I don't see any other way this can work out the way you want it to." I froze, then smiled slightly.

"That's it!" I climb off his lap and went through my bag that was up against a rock. "There has to be something…" I mumbled under my breath as I grab my book and flip through the pages.

Mathias stood up and walked over, standing behind me. "What are you planning here?" He asks looking down at the book as well.

"A time spell, something like that… I've heard about them before but never used one. The consequences are too great if used wrong." I explain as I make it to the last page of the book, and just as I thought here it was.

In the magic book Arthur had given me, there was an ancient time spell. Sadly it only manifests you there but no one can see or touch you. Basically you're a ghost. I need something that will physically bring me to the past, so I can warn people about Ivan. I'm sure if they found out about him they'd be more prepared.

"Then you're not using it." He stated grabbing the book from me. "It's too dangerous."

I glare at him, reaching for the book. "This could be our only hope!" I shout trying to grab the book from him.

"Dammit Lukas, what if it doesn't work and you make things worse!?" He holds the book up higher so I couldn't reach. "I can't save you in the past, so you'll have no one protecting you!"

"I'll find you and explain the situation, maybe you from the past will help me!" I try pulling his arm down to grab the book again.

"Lukas… you have any idea how crazy that sounds!?" He pushes me away rather roughly, almost making me fall.

"I'm not letting you do this, and that's final!"

I caught myself and regained my balance, once I was back on both my feet I glared at him. "Let me try just once! That's all I need. I think I can fix all of this."

"Then what!?" He shouted tossing the book aside, it went pretty far. "What happens if you do fix everything!? I won't be a vampire, we will never meet!" He walks over grabbing my arms and holding tight. "I don't want that…"

I look up at him and saw the expression on his face. He looked worried, and upset. "Mathias…"

"Dammit… If you do fix everything my pain will be gone, yes. But… so will I. I won't remember you- or even know you! You'll be stuck with painful memories of the past…" he yanks me forward and pulls me in to a hug. "I don't want that."

I glance at the book on the ground then I wrap my arms around Mathias, hugging him back. "I'm sorry… it just seems like a good idea. I-I didn't think about that." I spoke softly.

Mathias held on to me tighter, as if I'd disappear any moment. "I don't care if I didn't remember you… I can't lose you."

I rest my head on his chest, and sigh. "Alright, I won't do the spell…"

It was later during the day, around the afternoon. I had gotten my book back but Mathias was keeping a close eye on me. For a good reason, he knows me too well. I'm still going to do the spell. I've been tweaking it a bit until it worked out the way I wanted it to. I will be able to go back in time, talk to people and touch them. So itll be like I was there in the first place. After twenty four hours the spell will return me to the present time at the exact same spot I left. I just need time to complete the spell but Mathias won't leave me alone. I need a distraction.

I make my way over to Alfred, maybe he can distract Mathias for me. He can get pretty annoying sometimes. Once I make my way over I see him with Arthur. I hope they're doing okay after what we saw in the prison not that long ago.

"Arthur, Alfred… I came to see if you're doing okay." I spoke sitting down beside them.

Arthur smiles a little, "Yeah, we are doing as good as we can be." He sighs looking down. "I just wish that it didn't have to be this way."

Alfred wraps his arm around Arthur and kisses him. "He wouldn't want us to be miserable for too long Arthur."

Arthur nods in agreement and looks back up at me. "Is there anything else you want? I can see that look in your eye you're up to something."

I smile sheepishly, "I need a distraction so I can do a spell without Mathias knowing." I look around in case he was listening in. "I'm hoping you guys can help me out with that."

Alfred grins, and gets up. "No problem dude!"

Arthur frowns, "Wait a moment alfred… Lukas, what spell are you trying to do?" He asks grabbing my book.

I sigh, "The time spell at the end of it, I tweaked it a bit so that I can actually go back in time and return in twenty four hours." I grab the book flipping to the page I was looking at and showed him.

Arthur frowns even more, "Lukas, this is very dangerous…I hope you know that."

"I know but, listen! If I can fix the past then none of this bad stuff will ever happen. Think about it!" I take the book back from him and smile.

Arthur still didn't look convinced. "Lukas… I've done basically every spell in that book already. Time spells are dangerous. Even with good intentions."

"Arthur, if this works…. Francis could be saved. Think of all the other people around the forest that could be saved as well!" I tell him, not understanding why he didn't see the good in this.

"I… I just… I don't want things to end up worse or you getting hurt." He spoke softly.

"Arthur, I've got this. Trust me…" I smile comfortingly.

"Lukas…." He sighs looking away, "Fine, go ahead Alfred. Go cause a distraction." He said in defeat.

Alfred grins and runs ahead going to do his new job. While I stay back with Arthur discussing the spell with him some more. I show him what I've done with the spell and how I tweaked it a bit to work in my favor. He seemed impressed considering my lack of knowledge with magic. He told me it seemed like it would work. From what he saw there were no flaws in the spell. It just took a lot of magic to cast it.

"I'll help you cast it so you don't use up all your magic and you're too weak to move around." He said as he gets up. "Come on, let's go somewhere private so we aren't disturbed."

I nod and follow him, we make our way to a small clearing in the forest, away from the village. Not too far to be dangerous, just enough for some quiet and concentration. He sets the book down on a rock and sighs.

"Alright lukas, last chance to back out now. After this, there is no turning back." He tells me, making sure I understood how serious this was.

I nod and tell him to continue with the spell. He walks over to me and grabs my hands. He explains to me, we must say the spell at the same time, his words will be a bit different making sure only I go into the past and he stays. I nod in agreement.

"Right then, let's do this I guess." He sighs and begins the spell.

I quickly join him, "Hear these words, hear the rhyme, heed the hope within my mind…." I notice, some green smoke appearing around us. Clouds begin to form above us. "Send me back to where I'll find…" I jump hearing thunder crash and lightning flash. I glance around, I saw Arthur's eyes were closed. I also see an angry Mathias running towards us! "what I wish in place and time!"

That was it. I hear a loud crash of thunder and it all goes white. A few seconds later is dark. I groan, opening my eyes. I was on the ground in the middle of the forest. This must be the place I did the spell, but I don't see Arthur or Mathias around. I look around some more but still see no one. I slowly get up, but my legs are shaking. I feel dizzy, I see my vision blurring as I try taking a few steps. As I'm still looking around I spot a shadowy figure, in between the trees. Before I could call out, my body gives up and I fall to the ground. I shut my eyes and soon passed out, the spell taking more out of me than I thought. It must have cause I thought I heard voices.

"It's been four hours, you sure he's going to be okay?"

"Mathias, it seems something took a lot of energy out of him. He'll be fine, he just needs some rest."

"I don't know what it is but… never mind." I hear a sigh, and my eyes flutter open.

I groan rubbing my eyes and tried to sit up, but was immediately pushed back down. "Don't get up, you fainted from lack of energy."

I open my eyes and looked around, I saw Tino, Berwald and… Mathias! I quickly sit up anyways which made me dizzy again. I ignored it though, "Listen, I'm sorry I know I shouldn't have done the spell but I just wanted to help-"

Hold on a second… his clothes look brand new, and his axe wasn't as old looking as well. "... a spell?" I saw the confused look on his face then he grins!? "So you can use magic huh? That's pretty amazing, usually the royal family can only use it. You must be pretty special."

"Mathias I've told you, lots of people can use magic, the royals are just more powerful." I glance over seeing Tino talk. To my shock Berwald nods and says yep as if he was agreeing. I was just shocked he spoke!

"Look at him, he must still be out of it. He looks freaked out." I see Mathias bring his hand to my head, and run his fingers through my hair. "You're okay, we saved ya'."

I quickly try to clear my head and remembered, this was the past. The spell worked! I grab Mathias's hand and look right at him. "Listen, you really have to listen to me. You're all in danger!" I spoke quickly.

"What?" He asks trying to pull his hand back. "He must have hit his head pretty hard…" He mumbled.

"I'm serious, you have to believe me! A guy named Ivan is going to destroy the kingdom and peoples lives!" I know I sounded crazy and despite but I really didn't think of how I was going to make them believe me.

Mathias laughed, finally getting his hand free. "Listen, don't worry… no one can beat me in a fight." He said confidently.

I frown, "He does! I… I'm from a different time okay? I know what happens, I know who you are- who you become!" I shout, grabbing him again.

Mathias just smiles at me, "I'm telling you, nothing is going to happen. Geez you really must have hit your head. From another time, what does that even mean?" He chuckles, but lets me hold on to him.

Tino looks over at Mathias, "Maybe we should listen, it may not be true but something could seriously be wrong with his head."

"Nothing is wrong with my head, I'm telling the truth!" I shout once more, growing frustrated.

"Prove it!" Mathias challenged.

I froze, I still knew almost nothing about him before he turned into a vampire. "I…" I tried thinking of anything I could say that'll prove I'm telling the truth. "The princess! Y-you're in love with her right!?"

Tino chuckles, "Everyone kind of already knows that…"

I frown, course they did! "What about Peter? Your kid… you have him right?"

Tino frowns, "Peter…? How do you know about our son?" He looked kind of upset now. Almost angry.

"I told you I'm from another time! You have to believe me!" I was growing even more frustrated, I was an idiot to think I could get them to believe me without any proof.

Mathias shrugged, "Maybe he is some creep, I mean…. Time spells are hard to do right?"

Tino nods, "Yeah, only the royal family has enough magic to pull it off."

"I-I am-... I'm telling you, I'm from another time. Where I'm from it's a dark place, I know you three. Ivan takes over and ruins your lives!" I look at Mathias silently pleading for him to believe me. I mean he is my soulmate he must still have that connection with me right?

I see Mathias frown, then looked like he was thinking then shrugged. "Let's bring him to the princess. She can tell if he is lying or not."

Berwald nods in agreement, "That could work." His voice is so deep, almost scary.

Tino nods as well, "If it is true… we may have a serious problem."

Mathias shrugs, "I can beat him." Without warning he picks me up and begins to carry me. "Come on, you're riding with me on my horse. You're in front though cause you're tiny."

I glare at him, "I am not that small!"

He shrugs, "yeah kind of are…" he places me on the horse then climes up as well. I blush feeling his arms around me.

I know I can't tell him about us, but I can still enjoy his company. I lean back against him, resting my head on his chest. He wasn't wearing his armor so it felt nice.

"Still light headed?" He asks looking down at me.

"Uh… yeah, sorry." I mumbled but stayed put. I could feel a heartbeat, now that I think about it…. He doesn't have one in the future.

"Well, you can rest on me for now. It'll be a few hours until we get back anyways." He said as he makes the horse go a little faster.

I nod, and looked around as we rode down the dirt path. The forest seemed a bit, lighter. It wasn't as dark and gloomy like in the future.

"Careful though, it's still a bit dangerous around here. The creatures in this forest have been attacking more recently." He tells me.

"Because of Ivan…" I mumble to myself.

"So tell me about yourself, and the future I guess." He said laughing a bit.

I glare at him, then sigh. "I'm twenty years old, I have a little brother… the future, it isn't very good." I look down, how much can I really tell him?

"You said you knew us, how far in the future are we talking? Cause I hope I'm not an old man." He jokes around.

"No you're very young looking." I tell him.

"Oh, so you're not that far into the future. How did we meet?" He asks looking down at me again.

I sigh, "I um… we met on a red moon."

"Red moon? The moon doesn't turn red." He chuckles, "Now you have to be lying, come on."

"I'm not lying, haven't you heard of soulmates and the red moon?" Oh wait, I remember Ivan doing that as punishment for Mathias. It wouldn't have happened yet!

"Soulmates huh? I don't believe that stuff. Though the princess is the only one for me…" I looked up and saw the loving look on his face. It hurt. "So if soulmates exist in the future, who Is yours?"

I quickly look away, "Um, I rather not say…"

I feel him shrug, "Alright, if you say so."

An hour later, I can start to see the castle! I sit up and smile, it looks so much better than in the future.

"Beautiful isn't it?" He asks me.

I jump a bit and look back at him, "Yes…"

He laughs, "surprised you're so amazed by it. If you know us in the future you should know this is where we spend most of our time."

"Well, certain things happened…" I go to explain but he cuts me off.

"Yeah, let me guess this Ivan guy?" He chuckles, "Don't worry about him, I'll beat him."

Tino rides up beside us, "Me and Berwald are going ahead so we can see Peter. You don't need help with him right?"

Mathias laughs, "I doubt he is dangerous so yeah I'm good."

Tino sighs, "Alright, just be careful." Was the last thing he said before he rode off with Berwald right behind him.

Me and Mathias ride up to the front of the castle and he climbs off the horse. Before I could try, he picks me up again and takes me off. I sigh kind of annoyed, he almost acts just the same as his future self when it comes to me doing stuff for myself. He begins to lead me inside the castle. I look around and was amazed at it once more. It was bright and full of people!

"Princess!" I jump hearing Mathias suddenly yell. I look over and almost immediately regretted it. I see Mathias kissing the princess. I look away and frown.

I see the two walking over to me now, the princess smiling brightly. "Hello, you must be who Mathias just informed me about."

I nod and began looking her over, she really was beautiful. Mathias grins, wrapping his arm around her. "She can tell us if you're lying or not. She'll look in to your memories or something."

She giggles and moves Mathias away gently, "Yes, just let me…" she reaches over and gently taps my head.

It all goes white for a moment, then I watch as all my memories flash before my eyes. I gasp stepping back and looked up at her, panting. My head was hurting now. She looked just as shocked and out of it. She puts her hand down slowly and stares at me. I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing.

Finally she spoke, "Mathias, double the guards. Then immediately come back to me." She ordered softly.

Mathias frowns then runs off to do what he was told. The princess continued to stare at me. I began to grow uncomfortable. I look down fidgeting with my hands. "So you saw it all?" I asks quietly.

I hear her sigh, "The future looks very… Grim." She walks over to me and places a hand on my shoulder. "I am glad you've kept him happy though. Now if we can change the future that will be even better!" She smiles softly.

I nod in agreement, "But he doesn't believe me…"

"And I won't tell him, too much at least. Because that could effect his future badly." She sighs then smiles again. "So you're going to be my baby sister's kid…. And your brother.." she frowns, "I'm hoping we can save him."

"Yes, that's the main reason I came here… i also want to help everyone else." She nods, and begins leading me around the castle.

"I'll be setting up a protection spell around the castle now, I doubt Ivan will be able to get through." She swipes her hand to the left and a pink mist spreads across the large area.

"Don't underestimate Ivan, I haven't met him but from what Mathias had told me…. He is very strong." I warn her.

"I understand, though you must realize sometimes with time spells…. Fate is written in stone. You two are soulmates, it is fate you two meet. Since you are not born for a long time something has to happen so that Mathias can be with you." She sighs, "You may change the future but, it could end up worse or remain the same. The rare possibility it could become better."

"Could it..?" I asked worried, "I mean, this can't be written in stone right?"

"I'm not sure, we will see when the time comes. Right now please relax there is nothing you can do right now." She tells me as she leads me to a room in a large hallway. "You shall be staying in a guest room, I hope you like it."

I open the door and couldn't help but smile, "So you saw what room I was in when I went to the castle in the future." It was the same exact room I had hidden in when I was upset.

She giggles, "Yes, I'll have Mathias come check on you soon. I can tell he is very interested in you." She smiles tilting her head, "Though the spell has not been cast, soulmates are a real thing. The spell just helps you find them. Whether in the past, future or present, you two have a connection."

"Princess...but what about you two?" I ask, I feel wrong wanting Mathias for myself especially when I have no right in this time.

"I love him, yes but… fate is fate." She sighs. "I've learnt to accept it, fairly easily."

I was about to ask her why when, mathias came barging in panting almost like a dog. "I.. I did what you asked, then I looked all over the castle for you!"

I've never seen him out if breath before, he looks exhausted! "Mathias… you should sit down." I tell him as I move aside so the bed was free.

He shook his head, "No, knight never rest… obviously the princess thinks something is wrong in the castle so I need to be alert." He pants leaning against the door frame.

The princess frowns, "Mathias, listen to him. You look about ready to collapse!" She raised her voice slightly, she was probably just worried.

He sighs then sits on the bed beside me. He glances at me and smiles a bit, "Heh, so… I'm guessing some part of your story is true. She must believe you if she is allowing you to stay in here."

I nod and smile back, "Yeah, don't worry we are trying to change the future."

He laughs, "Alright, I'll make sure to keep everyone safe. That includes you." He moves his hand up and ruffles my hair.

I swat his hand away, "Careful of my clip."

He tilts his head then stares at the clip in my hair. "Ah, sorry…" he smiles sheepishly.

"Anyways, from what your memories say this wont happen until tonight so we may as well rest up! Mathias stay here with him and keep him safe." She ordered, and began to walk away.

Mathias frowns standing up, "But- what about you!?" He shouted, obviously upset.

"Mathias, there are other knights in the castle other than you." She reminds him. But he did not look happy about it.

"I'm the strongest!" He continues to shout. "Besides I'm also your lov-"

"Mathias, enough. You'll stay with him. It's for the best." She finally walked off, shutting the door behind her.

I look up and saw how angry Mathias was. His hands were shaking, strangely to me his eyes weren't turning red. Then again he is human right now. I sigh standing up and placed my hand on his arm.

"Mathias… you need to calm down." I spoke softly. I'm used to dealing with an angry Mathias so I knew what to do. "Being angry won't solve anything."

He sighs looking down, "You're right… I just- I want to make sure she is safe! If anything were to happen to her…." He stopped speaking but I could tell what he meant.

"You need to stay focused, ivan will be here soon… I don't want you getting hurt." I hear Mathias laugh and turned to face me.

"You really are underestimating me, I'm telling you I've got it under control." He grins picking up his axe. "I've got this baby!"

"I'm serious, you're too cocky! There are always going to be people stronger than you. You're not the strongest thing in this forest!" I shout but he just huffs like a little kid!

He puts his axe back and grabs my hand, "I promise, I'll be fine. So will you. I just have this feeling you know?" He smiles letting my hand go and steps back. "Both of us will be okay." He said once more to make me feel better.

It didn't, I still had a bad feeling about l this. I just hope I made the right choice coming here.