Black Magic: In The Hands Of Destiny Bloom x Seto Kaiba

by SorikuGirl21

After losing Atem Kaiba seeks to find new meaning in his life. Seeking after his magical origins Kaiba receives a mysterious letter that may provide him the answers he's been searching for. At the same time, a new girl arrives in Domino City bringing a dangerous new enemy with her. A chance meeting brings two unlikely people to meet. Will it finally force Kiba to believe in fate?

121. The Greatest Enemy Of All Mortal Men

Note From Author: Hey guys! Didn't think I'd leave you without an update for months again did you? Sorry, I'm going to try my best to update more frequently. I see we have some new followers too so Hello to all of you newbies and hello to my old but goodies! Hopefully, I didn't leave you hanging too long. Here's a hint, I LOVE positive comments. Even small ones excite and inspire me. Thank you for the love and support! Here's Chapter 119!

Chapter 119: The Greatest Enemy Of Mortal Man...

Joey groaned as he pried open his eyes feeling his fatigue fully hit him. For a moment the world around the blonde was blurry but as he waited Joey's vision began to clear finding Amourette hovering above him. His hazelnut eyes filled with her sweet face, sapphire hair, and goldenrod eyes. Just barely, Joey attempted to move his lips in his effort to speak.

"A-Amourette...? Is it really you...?" the blonde questioned before the blunette nodded with a relieved smile. "Joey-Kun!" Amourette cried out happily before the blonde smiled wearily as he forced himself up and hugged her close to him. As if he would never let go. "It's you's...you're really safe...I'm not dreamin...right...?" Joey was almost scared to ask before Amourette trembled as she placed her arms around the blonde in return. Scared of that herself. "It's not a dream...this is...this is real..." the blunette murmured softly although she could hardly believe it herself before she paused as tears escaped down Joey's fatigued face.

"I...I was scared...so scared...that I had lost ya forever...that I had screwed up and let down the person I...I...like...no...dat I love the most...I wanted so badly to tell ya before...but...I just couldn't find the courage to...I kept lying to myself...saying I was fine with the way things were...and that in turn...caused you a lot of pain...but...when that bastard...threatened ta take you away from me...I realized...you're the one person I don't ever want to lose...I'm sorry Amourette...I'm sorry that it took me this long...forgive meh..."

Joey choked out but Amouette only shook her head as she continued to melt into his warmth. "No matter how long it took or didn't take...to me...you were worth the wait Joey-Kun...and I'd continue waiting...as long as it took...for my heart to reach yours...I love you...Joey-kun..." the blunette confessed yet again before the blonde held Amourette all the more closer to him as a smile worked its way onto his tear-stained face. "...I love you too...Amourette..." Joey replied with a softness and tenderness in his voice.

"Good for you Amourette...and you too Joey..." Flora murmured with a smile as she watched the two in front of a large door. They were no longer within the boundary of The DarkLands but the entrance to The Ancient Draconian Library, where they were taken after receiving the silver flame awaiting the others yet still being the first to arrive at their intended destination. Slowly Cupid walked over to Flora's side.

"You alright Flora-Chan?" the red head's voice broke the brief silence before the faerie of flowers turned towards Cupid and smiled with a nod. "I care about both Joey and Amourette, so I'm happy that they're finally able, to be honest with their feelings...it also...helps to give me the courage to be honest with my own...even though i'm scared to..." Flora began. "...if i've learned anything over the year...it's that lives can be changed in an instant...you never really know where fate will take you...and...i'm ok with that...because I know deep down...as long as i'm with you...I can take whatever comes...bad or good you know?"

Flora murmured softly. Cupid only paused as he looked at Flora taken back by her words. It took him a moment before he was able to find the words he lacked in that moment. "...You're Incredible...Flora-Chan..." the red head replied. It was Flora's turn to be left almost without words. Although he would never utter it outloud. The future was the one thing that scared Cupid the most. And standing back at this door again, was more than a little daunting.

It was as if it were mocking his failure. Whispering that no matter how hard he tried, he'd never be free of the chain of Death. And losing Flora would kill him. Without her, he'd have no more reason to hold on. Where did such strength come from? The ability to look beyond without looking behind. The same thoughts weren't far from The Professor and Akiba's mind either. Neither could take their eyes off Amourette and Joey.

"...So...what do we do now Taku-Kun...?" Akiba began in a softened yet quiet tone of voice as The Professor's eyes shifted over towards the warewolf. "After this...Amourette-Chan isn't likely to return back to her castle in Emerald...nor would Joey-kun allow her to do so without an explination...not only is their newly established relationship an obsticle...but Joey-kun's blood awakening as well...even with your powers...we cannot undo what has already been done...and then...there's Asche..." the warewolf murmured before Takuna only let out a heavy sigh as he helped himself to a much needed cigarette.

"...I honestly don't know..." The Professor confessed with a frusterated hit on his cigarette. "Out of all of us Joey was the one chosen by the test...a test that unlocked the seal on his hidden powers...cowincidence...or fate...I wonder...Asche's appearance i'll admit did throw me somewat off guard...even Amourette had a role to play this time...i'm begining to think as if this was always the intended outcome...not only did The Phoenix appear to Joey...but The Great Mage as well...the Moon cannot be...without the Sun...The Sun Cannot Be Without The Moon...maybe in such simple words lies the answer..." Takuna mused as Akiba only frowned softly.

"Yes...but...neither of them are aware...of Emerald's dark history...and that truth could change them...their...feelings...forever...and Joey-Kun...i'm...just worried...how far is everyone going to be pushed by these tests...before they break...And...will they still be the same people they were before...or will such trials transform them...? We're the first ones here...so no one else has passed yet...waiting like this...my heart only grows more anxious..." Akiba confessed as Takuna gently placed his hand ontop of his.

"Although they may not look it...those kids are stronger than you'd think." the Professor pointed out. "They won't break so easily...that being said...you can't take these trials lightly either...that being the case...all we can do is wait...and believe in them...don't forget...a handful of them were trained by my Mom...and she's no pushover...and neither are her girls..." Takuna mused as he exhailed blowing the smoke out from between his lips with a lingering smile. His thoughts followed the ones beyond reach that had been taken to another place entirely. The small party surrounded by a sea of stars and planets that appeared to lead to nowhere but nothingness. Raeger, Roxy, Layla, Marik, Oritel, and Bright.

"Woah..." Were the only words out of Layla's mouth as her and the rest of the party found themselves floating among a glalaxy that appeared to go on endlessly. "...If there was a ever a time like I felt I had once again been transported to the shadow realm...this would be it..." Marik's voice soon followed. "I know...it's like the pictures I used to look at back in my astronomy text book back on Earth...it's amazing..." Roxy murmured in awe. "...Is that what Andromeda really looks like?" Bright questioned Oritel whom only shook his head.

"No, it's about the same size however, Andromeda's color's mainly consist of blue and gold...infact this doesn't look like any universe that i've ever known to exist...not even Magicks." Oritel answered the prince simply before Roxy made a face as the planets seemed to be drawing them in. "Uh! Is it just me or does everything seem to be getting bigger all of a sudden!?" the faerie of animals cried out with panic in her voice as she held onto Raeger whom returned her hold.

"No, it isn't just you Roxy...it's almost as if we are being pulled towards the one planet!" the Guild Master exclaimed as he witnessed several bright lights form a ring around the planet which appeared to contain the ruins of some kind of city. "...A City?" Layla questioned almost at a loss for words. "That is what it appears to be...it almost resembles Magicks in a way...I wonder...could our mind's be responsible for creating such a thing...?"
Oritel wondered outloud but Raeger only tugged at his collar.

"But if that were the case it would be drawing on all of our memory yes? But I can assure that i've never seen the world of which you speak, so I highly doubt that's the case." Raeger concluded before Bright pulled on Oritel's sleave. "Uh, guys, I think the gravitational pull is starting to draw us even closer in...I can see the ground almost touching our feet..." Bright attempted to pull them back into the present before they realize the truth of his words and land in the middle of a large city however it is void of any signs of life. Marik only twisted his mouth.

"...Hmm well this is certainally bizzare...it would appear that this place is nothing but an empty shell..." Marik muttered through his observation. "Well, it is hard to really see it as anything else..." Layla confessed as the tomb keeper felt his frusteration only rise. "HOW THE HELL DID WE WIND UP HERE ANYWAYS!? I THOUGHT AFTER GOING THROUGH THE PORTAL POTION THAT WE WERE SUPPOSED TO END UP IN DRAGON'S CAVERN AND YET WE END UP UP SOMEWHERE IN THE VAST UNIVERSE INSTEAD OF THE DRACONIAN LIBRARY!"

Marik yelled at the top of his lungs in order to get that out of his system having to catch his breath afterwards. "...Well we emerged from the water filled cavern...and then we entered some kind of portal...we just assumed that it would lead us to where our destination was...but...perhaps we were taken somewhere else on Draconia." Bright attempted to reason the best he was able before Roxy groaned. "Not again!" the faerie of animals cried out. "This is exactly what happened to me and Bloom the LAST time we used the potion. That's it! I am offically done with portal potions! I mean it too!" Roxy fumed as Raeger let out a heavy sigh of defeat.

"Which means we'll have to locate the correct path that leads of the archive...that's going to be a bit of a challenge with a city this large...like finding a needle in a haystack..." Oritel's sigh joined The Guild Master. "Well! I'm not giving up!" Layla exclaimed as she began to look around herself quickly followed by Marik. "Aw man! Come on Layla! Don't run off all by yourself!" Roxy cried out as the darkly skinned faerie nearly escaped from her sight.

However, as she attempted to catch up something else happened to catch her eye. Tri colored butterflies that appeared to be calling out to Roxy. Unable to resist their allure, the faerie began to follow the trail of moon dust left behind them and by the time the others caught up with Layla and Marik, Roxy was nowhere to be found much to Raeger's horror. "...Uh...guys...we have a problem...guys...EVERYONE!" the Guild Master nearly screamed at the top of his lungs until his face turned slightly red. Afterwards everyone paused caught off guard by Raeger's raised voice. It was then Bright picked up on the root of the problem.

"...Um...where's Roxy...?" the prince questioned before The Guild Master nearly exploded with frusteration. "THAT'S WHAT I WAS TRYING TO TELL YOU!"Raeger cried out as he took a moment to catch his breath before they caught a trace of glowing dust. Remants scattered through the air making a pathway that lay ahead of their direction. "Then we might as well follow her before she gets into any trouble...or before trouble finds her...come on we have no time to waste." Oritel urged the party and followed the trial left behind by the butterflies.

While the others were following the trail left behind, Roxy found herself led to a large clock tower as she watched as the butterflies dissapeared from within the large clock's face vanishing from sight. She was high in air with the cool wind blowing against her. However this clock tower isn't like Roxy has ever seen before. The clock tower was painted gold whilst its face was filled with a starry night with stars. The numbers were roman numerals and just as the clock were painted golden with a cresent moon located right at the top of the clock's face.

Roxy paused as she suddenly heard a storm of steps coming up from right behind her only to find that she had been found by the rest of her party. Unfortunatly, there to greet her was also a nasty blow to the head by Raeger. "OW! W-What did you do that for!?" the faerie of animals cried out before she noticed that Raeger's emerald eyes were filled with anger yet worry. But, The Guild Master didn't say anything before he pulled Roxy into his arms and tightly held her much to her surprise.

"Don't ever scare me like that again...what am I supposed to do if you leave me behind...I can't help you...if you do...do you understand...?" Raeger murmured as his body trembled. Roxy only frowned as her eyes glistened appologetically. "...I...I'm sorry..." the faerie of animals began. "I-I didn't mean to worry you really...I just...I saw these butterflies and they seemed to be calling out to me...to follow them...I promise...I won't do again...so...do you think you can forgive me...?" Roxy asked The Guild Master softly whom only let out a softened sigh.

"Of course, you really think I wouldn't?" Raeger questioned with a soft chuckle. "Just...don't go anywhere without me from now on...okay? If you do...it makes me feel as if you don't need me..." The Guild Master confessed. "Alright, but in exchange you'd better not go anywhere without me either! Promise!?" the faerie cried out causing Raeger to only smile. "I promise." the Guild Master smiled before Roxy hugged him back.

Bright's heart couldn't help but ache as he watched the two of them, reminded of the one thing that always seemed to be missing and turned away. As if reacting to the shift in the Prince's lingering emotions, something with Bright's pocket illuminated as did the clock as if a chain reaction was occuring between them.

"Hey! Guys look at that!" Layla pointed out as she noticed the change in the clock tower its glow nearly blinding her and the others. "And that's not all there is, it appears that the same light seems to be originating from whatever Bright holds within his clothing..." Marik adds before Bright looks at the clock while removing his cherry blossom flower encased in blood crystal. Both objects pulsing. "The cherry blossom within is glowing white...and appears to be effecting the clock tower..." Oritel surmises before Bright slowly approaches the clock. Reaching out his hand towards it, it phases through without any effort causing Bright's teal eyes to widen in surprise.

"...It's...a portal..." the Prince barely managed to utter as his bottom lip trembled. "A Portal?" Raeger questioned before Roxy's eyes widened in realization. "Wait, now that you mention it...the butterflies DID fly through it before I could catch up to them and they were the ones that led me here in the first place!" the faerie of animals exclaimed before Oritel walked past the others and placed his hand where Bright had his.

"Yes, that would certainally appear to be the case...still...i'd advise everyone to use their utmost caution...once we pass through...we don't know what could be waiting for us on the other side..." Oritel instructed causing Raeger to nod in agreement. "Yes, I second that...infact...I suggest we hold hands to keep from being seperated." The Guild master mused as Marik only made a face as everyone linked their hands together the least of assumsed with this turn of events. As the party entered the clock, it transported them into a dark blue tunnel filled with shooting stars that turned into tri colored butterflies. Below them was water causing it to ripple with each step taken.

"It's beautiful..." Layla complimented as she proceeded through holding onto Marik's left hand with her right. "Yeah...it's like being in a dream..." Roxy beamed filled with awe. "Don't let down your guard..." Marik almost snapped. "Just because something is beautiful doesn't mean it isn't dangerous...snakes with bright colors are often venomous..." the Tomb keeper warned. "...Anyways...this must be the entrance to the heart of whatever this place is...well if my assumption is correct..." Oritel followed before they entered into a large room at the end of the long starfilled tunnel.

The room had golden arches and in the middle of it there were several statues made into the shape of many constellations each standing tall as if they had something to hide. But, the moment they stepped forward on the darkened blue floor made up of tiles, the statues began to come to life. Quickly Oritel held out his hand in front of the others. "EVERYONE! STAY BEHIND ME!" the king of Sparks cried out immediantly. "Those statues look like they're ready to strike down whomever tries to pass this treshhold...which means that they won't hesitate to take us all out!" Oritel cried out.

"That's our cue Roxy!" Layla exclaimed before she turned towards the faerie of animals whom only nodded with a smile. "Right behind you Layla!" Roxy exclaimed. "WINX CELESTIX!" both of the faerie's cried out before they transformed. However something appeared to trigger the moment they did so causing a gasp out of Raeger as a clock glyph manifested in the middle of the floor. "Is that-!?" the guild master began before both Layla and Roxy in turned also glowed. Without warning, the clock glyph began to reverse their transformation. "TIME MAGIC!?" Bright questioned as he and the others watched both of the faerie's return to their originals forms. Much to their confusion.

"W-Wait! What just happened!? We transformed didn't we Layla!?" Roxy cried out as she looked at the darkly skinned faerie. "I was sure we did! Something must've canceled it out but what!?" Layla questioned just as shocked as she was. "It was time magic..." Marik muttered as he narrowed his eyes. "It's a rare magic that takes a great deal of power...only few can use it...and it would appear that this area has been imbued with such...making it quite the obsticle to get past...no doubt a safe guard to prevent tresspasser from going any further..." the tomb keeper explained. "...So...what can we do?" Bright questioned as he placed his hand on his sword.

"...You all stay back...Raeger and I will handle this...you still have it don't you?" Oritel questioned before the Guild Master nodded and removed what looked like a pocket watch with runes engraved on the outside from his pocket and clutched it tightly in his hand. "Be careful..." Roxy murmured worriedly as she watched both Oritel and Raeger took their first step onto the tile causing one the statues to react. Immediantly, the eyes upon the statue of Leo lit up and along with it the clock glyph appeared once again.

Without so much as a warning, the statue's moved was sped up tremedously and raised its mighty claw ready to lash out upon both Oritel whilst another statue of Scorpio came from the other side with its deadly stinger. Quickly both men leaped out of the way just in the nick of time. "That was too close! We're going to have to do something about that speed of theirs! Otherwise we don't stand a chance!" Oritel exclaimed before a statue of Taurus came charging towards him just barely able to dodge it.

"I can slow them down by using their own magic against them, but in order to do so i'm going to need time to chant the spell, that being said...i'm going to need you to prevent me from getting hit! Do you think you can manage that?" Raeger questioned. Oritel only smirked as he removed his blade. "Just who do you think I am?" the king of sparks mused as another statue of Aquarius got ready to bash their heads in with its basin of water. Quickly Oritel blocked the attack with his sword while Raeger began to engrave a rune into the watch whilst he recited the incantation.

"Those Born From Time...May Erase...Return To Thou's Resting Place...From Earth To Fire And Moon To Sun...Unravel Time...REMOVE YOURSELVES! COME UNDONE!" Raeger cried out as he projected the run from his watch. The rune engraved itself on each of the statues causing time to take its toll on all of them until they were reduced to nothing but broken rubble. And as a result, a door sealed with sapphire gemstone manifested before them that had been hidden from their sight. "Ok, i'm just gonna say it, that was awesome!" Layla exclaimed barely able to contain herself. "Yes, it was rather impressive." Marik admitted.

"Try BEYOND that!" Roxy exclaimed as she hurried over excitedly towards Raeger. "Raeger totally rocked those statues!" the faerie grinned however her excitement soon turned to worry as she caught sight of Oritel carefully holding The Guild Master's trembling body upright. "Like Marik said earlier...time magic is a powerful arte...and it takes quite a toll on the user...it's going to take a bit of time for Raeger to recover..." the lord of Sparks murmured softly.

"...Then...you go on ahead Mr. Oritel...i'll take care of Raeger." Roxy insisted before the Faerie placed Raeger's arm over her shoulder. He was out cold and his face and hair were almost a ghostly white. Oritel didn't argue with her either as he went to go examine to newly manifested door. Without a word Bright decided to give Roxy a hand with Raeger and helped her proceed towards the others. The faerie of animals only offered a smile in return as did he. But, as they did so a voice soon called out to them.

(Guardians Of The Phoenix...You Have Proved Yourselves Worthy...Before You Is A Door To The Place You Seek...However...It Will Not Open Its Path To Just Anyone..Bright...Prince...Of Aura...No...Prince Of The Light...It Tis You And You Alone That By Your Hand Shall Serve As The Key...)

the voice spoke in a softened tone. Everyone paused in stunned silence as did Bright as well. "...Me...?" the Prince questioned before he and Roxy walked closer to the door with Raeger so that it was just within his reach. Bright felt his chest tightened as he swallowed hard and placed his hand upon the sapphire sealed doorway. Upon touching it, the sapphire suddenly shattered with a single movement and the entirety of the party found themselves pulled inside blinded by a bright blue light. It was only as the light faded that the small group found themselves in a new place entirely standing on what appeared to be a tri colored cresent moon island with rainbow stars shooting across the sky all around them.

Surrounding them was a large body of water that appeared to be filled with bubbles containing memories sparkling within. Leading away from the cresent moon were prints tri colored the prints led to an enormous hour glass that was floating in the sky. It was filled with light blue lunar sand and gave off a light purple aura. Neither one of them could take their eyes away from it as they watched a butterfly surrounded by blue light land across from them only to take the human form. Once she did so she raised several small islands to use as stairs so that the party to join her on the mainland across the crystal waters.

"...It would seem that she is the one whom summoned us here..." Oritel mused. "Yeah...and she wants us to follow her..." Bright agreed but Marik only scowled. "The place we seek indeed...I don't see a library anywhere..."the tomb keeper muttered in annoyance. "Yeah you're right about that..." Layla murmured softly. "Well we won't learn anything if we just stay here, come on!" Roxy urged the others already going on ahead before the others quickly followed after her. Though it was a bit tricky not to fall into the ocean of tri colored bubbles. But it didn't take long before the other caught up as the mysterious woman looked at them with a seriousness in her eyes.

"Good...it would seem that everyone is present and accounted for..." the mysterious woman mused. Marik only twisted his mouth. "I'm tired of this! You said that we'd find what we were looking for and so far it would seem that isn't the case! You've been leading us all around this place and for what!? I WANT answers now!" the tomb keeper spat. However despite his anger the mysterious woman remained calm. "...Before we can get to that...there is something I must ask...only then will we speak of the matter further..." the Mysterious woman began gaining everyone's attention. "For what purpouse have you come to Ragnarok? Or Draconia's EarthLands...Where The Past, Present And Future All Exist In This Place You Now Enter...?" the Mysterious woman questioned. The tomb keep opened his mouth to answer only to pause as Bright approached and knelt before her.

"I am Bright Aura The Prince Of Aura...New Guardian To The Lady Phoenix Bloom...I Have Come Here...Because There Is Something Precious That I Lost...And The Only Way To Find It Again...Is To Enter The Draconian Library...A Gem Of Destiny Lies Within It...Might I Ask For Your Name As Well?" Bright questioned before the mysterious woman found herself taken back. "Of course, I am Muna Mistress Of The Lunar Cycle...From Your Words I Understand Your Reasoning...However As It Stands Now...Even If You Were To Find The Library, You Would Not Be Able To Enter Its Inner Sanctum..." Muna began.

"In Order Enter The Halls Of The Sacred Archive You Must Aquire A Flame...The Flame Of Eternity...Which Is Currently Under My Protection...To Do So...You Will Have To Undergo A Trial That Only One In Your Party May Participate..." Muna continued.

"Ones Future Can Be Restricted By Chains That Bind The Past...Made Prisoners Of Days Gone By And Night's To Come...Before And After...We Chase Endlessly...For Answers...Finding Shadows That Haunt Us...As We Dream Of A Better Tomorrow...Hands Cannot Rewind...Nor Can They Turn Forwards...In The End...The Result Is The Same...As Death Calls Our Name...To Be Born Is To Die...It Is A Fate...None Can Hope To Defy..."

Muna speaks outloud before she returns her gaze towards the small group. "What Tis The Enemy Of All Mortal Men? Think carefully...and then answer only to I..."she instructed. As expected Muna was only met with looks of puzzlement and confusion before they watched as she removed one of her earrings and tossed it into the ocean of bubbles. "RagnaRok will choose whom will heed its call..." Muna mused before but two tri colored bubbles emerged from its dephs. One bearing a picture of a cherry blossom and the other blood crystal. Bright felt himself tremble as he heard within his own head the screams and cries of his people.

Nearly everyone turned towards the large hourglass as a rainbow flame emerged from it and entered Bright without any warning whatsoever. Immediantly afterwards, the Prince was placed within it with no escape. A horrified gasp escaped Roxy. "W-Wait! What just just happened!? Why was Bright placed in the hour glass! We've gotta get him out!" the faerie cried in protest. "...I don't think that's possible...Bright...was the one the trial chose..." Oritel attempted to reason. "Wait...so the test involves Bright sitting there in the hour glass...am I the only one thinking we're missing something here...?" Layla questioned. "Why don't we ask her?" Marik suggested with irritation in his voice before Muna opened her mouth to speak.

"Bright must endure a time in his past and from it find the answer to my question...thus his mind is no longer in the present...he himself has been sent to days long before...and he must do so before the sands of time claim him..." Muna explained as she turned her gaze towards Bright whom had already begun to enter the past finding himself back in his castle on Aura.

{Within The Dream...}

Everything was replicated to the soft bed with a regal design to the beautiful blue covers and curtains along with even his silk pajama's to match. A softened groan escaped the blonde as the sun blinded him through its small crack causing Bright to rouse from his slumber. "Mmn..." the prince murmured and pried open his teal eyes before he slowly sat up. "...That's bizzare...when did I fall asleep...?" Bright questioned. It took him a minute as he looked around the room. For some reason, everything looked so familar. Suddenly, the prince's eyes widened as he noticed he was back in his room on Aura.

"W-What!? H-How!? W-Why!? How Did I get Here!? I-I could just have sworn I was in Draconia...W...Wait...a minute..." Bright paused as he couldn't help but notice something was missing. Quickly, the prince removed himself from his bed and made his way over towards the dresser across from him. However as he fumbled through his drawers he found his diary. "There it is! I left it on my nightstand before...but...it's missing the lock...wait it can't be...can it..." Bright found his head spinning with confusion before he pried open the diary and carefully eyed the date.

"Let's see...What Was The Last Entry..."

(December 18)

...I'll Try To Write This As Best As I Can As I Am Writing This Entry In The Dark With Little Candle Light...There's Been A Terrible Thunderstorm All Day And It Frighteningly Knocked Out The Power...I Suppose It Could Be Used To Describe The Feelings In My Heart Causing Me Such Termoil...I Know As A Member Of The Aurian Royal Family That I Must Stand Strong And Shine Brightly In Times Of Great Darkness...However It Seems Almost Impossible When Our Kingdom Finds Itself In Such Despair...

A Terrible Crime Has Been Ravaging Our Lands...As Several Knights Along With Mages Have Been Mysteriously Vanishing One After Another...No One Has Been Able To Track Down The One Responsible Either... I'm Ashamed To Admit That Those With Ties To The Aurian Council Seem To Be Too Cowardly To Even Attempt To Continue With The Investigation...For Fear Of Also Being Made Victims...All I Know Is I HAVE To Do Something...Tensions Are Rising Between The Knights And Mages...And With Each Passing Day...It's Growing Worse...I Fear If We Don't Bring The Culprit To Justice...War Will Envitably Break Out...I Cannot Allow That To Happen!

My Sister Ruby, Suggested That I Go And Speak To The Master Spellbinder, The Guild Master Of The Mage's Guild or The Head Of The Knights, The Guild Master Of The Knight's Guild. I'm Not Certain What That Will Accomplish...But I Can't Just Sit Around Doing Nothing...Tomorrow I Will See If I Can Request An Audience With The Master Spellbinder...

"...According to the date...this entry was written the night before...wait...this place...this date...i-is it possible that i'm somehow in...the past...?" Bright questioned as he felt his chest tighten. "...I-I think I need some fresh air..." the Prince studdered before he made his way to the window closest to his bed and opened it to left a soft breeze waft in. "...If the entry I wrote was yesterday...then...today is..." however, Bright wasn't able to finish his thoughts as he saw something that shouldn't have been possible. Knights from Requiem. However during this period of time they hadn't even been formed yet. Whatever was going on, he didn't like what he was feeling.

(Back In The Present...)

"UGH!" Muna cried out in pain as she held her head stumbling backwards whilst as the moondust held within the hour glass turned a crimson red. "Lady Muna!" Oritel cried out and quickly caught her as the others only looked on in horror and confusion. "LOOK! Up There! The Hour glass! The sand's turned red!" Layla exclaimed before Marik narrowed his eyes. "Yes...I feel the presence of something much darker lerking nearby...although it can't be seen with mere sight...however...I know I am not mistaken...its similar to the presence I sensed when I recieved the tomb keeper's initiation..." the tomb keeper muttered before Muna attempted to regain herself.

"Mr. Oritel is Miss Muna alright!?" Roxy questioned him as she remained by Raeger's side him having yet to awaken before the guardian of Ragnarok managed to answer with a great fatigue in her blue eyes. "...I'm afraid Marik is correct..." Muna murmured winded. "W-Within Bright's memories...is a past as he himself remembers it...nothing is altered...from what has already come to pass...at least...that is how it normall takes place...but someone...has interfered with the test...using a form of forbidden time magic...and...has somehow...entered Bright's memories..." Muna attempted to speak.

"However, if this remains...unchanged...Bright could be placed...in a great deal of danger..." the guardian of Ragnarok concluded only causing panic amongst the party in return. Oritel only cursed under his breath. "...There's one one person capable of such magic...the A.O.J..." the lord of Sparks muttered with anger. "So how can WE help him!? Isn't there anything that can be done? I mean we can't just sit around here when we know that Bright's in trouble!" Layla exclaimed.

"What about going in after him!?" Roxy echoed right after. "We're Faeries who have Celestix so we SHOULD be able to do something...right?" she questioned as Roxy looked around the room. Marik only crossed his arms. "I believe that IS the only way we can prevent him from meeting with an unfortunate end..." Marik agreed. Muna only frowned as she carefully steadied herself on her feet.

"...Yes...under normal circumstances...it tis not allowed for one to interfere in the trial undergone...however...I believe I will make an exception for this particular case...I shall take full responsibility for not having seen this intrusion..." Muna began. "...But first, I must reach out to Takuna The Father Of Time...that is the only way to enter Bright's TimeStream." the guardian of Ragnarok murmured softly before Oritel stopped her. "No, you take this time to rest...I shall contact Takuna Lady Muna." the lord of Sparks interupted.

Accepting his proposal, Muna gently sat down whilst Oritel used his powers to reach out to Takuna waiting at the door way to the archive yet still with the others. It didn't take long before he heard someone calling out to him. Akiba turned his head as he watched The Professor's expression change and opened his mouth to speak before Oritel's voice finally reached Takuna. Gently, The Professor held his finger up towards Akiba.

(...Takuna...Takuna...Can You Hear Me...?)

The Professor heard before he answered. "Yes, Yes I can hear you Oritel...so settle down and speak slowly...Uhuh...Uhuh...shit...you're kidding me...so...it appears we were followed all along...well this is just great...though...never mind...so what's the plan here...I see...Ah...I can do what you request of me...don't worry, you'll know if it worked. Just keep an eye on the others." Takuna instructed Oritel before he ceased his communication with him. Afterwards Akiba only looked towards The Professor with a deep concern.

"Is everything alright Taku-Kun?" the warewolf questioned as Takuna let out a heavy sigh. "Nope, i'm afraid not...The AOJ followed us after all...and they're targeting Bright for some unknown reason...so in order to stop them i've got to lend the others a hand...keeping the link open however is going to be difficult...I leave these kids to you Akiba...i'm counting on you..." The Professor murmured before Akiba nodded softly.

"...Be careful...Taku-Kun..." the warewolf murmured softly before Takuna closed his eyes and his body illuminated a light green as he spreaded his arms out infront of him. As a chain reaction within another realm entirely, Muna also glowed identically before she transformed into a tri colored butterfly and entered Bright through the hour glass causing his body to illuminate in return.

(Back In Bright's Memories...)

Slowly Bright made his way back to his bed and sat upon it before he took in a deep breath in attempt to calm himself. "...I don't like what i'm sensing...but whatever it is...I cannot allow myself to be distracted...if I do then this whom endevour will be for nothing...no...I have to pull myself together and continue with this trial..." the Prince attempted to reason and got himself changed in his usual clothes and protective armor. Slowly, Bright made his way down the stairs as he usually did the smell of a morning breakfast there to greet him as per usual as was his sister Ruby.

"Good Morning Brother!" Ruby beamed happily as she held a book in her hand. It never failed either, it always seemed as if she was ready something or another. "And a good morning to you as well sister." Bright returned her smile although he could see a worried glimmer in those green eyes of her. "...Is something the matter...?" the Prince questioned as he recieved no reply. "...Well...I...I was wondering if you'll be eating breakfast with me today, that's all. You've missed quite a few meals in the past few days...you know because of so many meetings with the council..." Ruby cleverly dodged the subject. Bright only offered her an appologetic smile.

"Sorry, i'm afraid I have to decline this time as well, but I promise that i'll make it up to you." the Prince appologized. "So...does that mean you decided to go see one of the two guildmasters after all?" the Princess questioned almost hesitant to do so. Bright only nodded. "Yeah, i'm afraid so..." "I thought so...just...do me a favor and be careful...I don't know what i'd do without you...or The Kingdom for that matter..." Ruby confessed. "I will, I promise. Just do me a favor and don't mention this to anyone...the last thing I need is for the Aurian Council to imprison me and the castle." Bright pleaded before Ruby smiled at him wearily.

"You're secret is safe with me. Good luck on your Journey..." the Princess murmured to him before Bright smiled and nodded. Without any further hesitation, the Prince took his white steed and rode towards The Mage's Guild. Once he arrived he took his horse and placed it in the nearby stabled before Bright entered The Mage's guild and proceeded up the seemingly endless stairway. However, as the Prince grasped the handle of the door in order to pry it open, Bright noticed that he wasn't the first one there. Peering in further the blonde's eyes widened as he caught sight of another indivisual that nearly mirrored Yugi Moto in indentity. It took everything the Prince had in order to not gasp. Quietly he listened into the convorsation as The Master SpellBinder shook his head.

"I Regret To Inform You Azrael, That Even More Of My Students Have Vanished Without A Trace...This Is Becoming Most Troublesome Indeed...It's The Third Time This Month Alone That The Students Have Been Taken From Their Beds In The Middle Of The Night...Leaving Behind Not One Piece Of Evidence...At This Rate...It Won't Be Long Before The Same Tragedy Befalls The Teachers And Staff..." Elohir The Guid Master Of The Aurian Mages confided within the other indivisual. "...So...How Are You And YOUR Men Faring...For I Fear We May Need To Be Calling Upon The Knights Soon..."The MasterSpellbinder confessed.

"...Unfortunatly...we've had no better luck in finding the one responsible for these atrocities than you have Elohir...In fact even our Knights dissapearances hold no truths about their wareabouts...we too have been ensnared in someone's sick and twisted game...for we just uncovered several bodies in which their blood was completly drained along with their life force...many of my companions have been among those fallen..." Azrael replied in return. The Master Spellbinder only reflected worry upon his face.

"In that case...we may be dealing with something far more sinister than I feared...expecially if the indivisual responsible is dabbling in the forbidden artes...perhaps if we were able to examine the bodies then we could learn more...now if we could only recover our missing mages...though to be perfectly honest it feels as if it is a lost cause...however...I am The Master SpellBinder and as such I have a responsibility for the well being and safety of all whom dwell within the Guild, therefore I cannot turn a blinde eye to the lives being lost..." Elorhir muttered wearily. Azrael only twisted his mouth.

"Somehow i doubt that the other Knights under my command will willingly accept the bodies of their fellow companions being desecrated by the hands of a mage...however...we DO need answers...and...you are the only one I trust...that being so...I shall have a few of my men transport the bodies over where you can examine them along those whom you place your faith in...but I urge you to make great haste...i'm sure you can sense that there is much unrest and this course of action could spark baseless rumors...expecially for the damn politicians such as the Aurian Council...and that is attention that WE do not need right now." Azrael relayed before The Master Spellbinder nodded in agreement.

"That is most certainally understood...for I wish no eyes to fall upon my guild anymore than yours...although our friendship is a mutual one, there is no denying that there is indeed tension between the two...therefore I can only surmise that whomever is causing both to suffer must be brought in before the people of Aura are pushed too far...should there fear be allowed to grow...oh...i fear the worst Azrael...The Council as you mention will certainally use this to seize control of Aura from The Royal Family..." Elohir shook his head.

"Yes...that is a fact i'm VERY much aware of...our fate could very well rest in YOUR hands...The Mages And The Knights...please...do not let me regret my choice..." Azrael told him. "As I...for both of us shall pay too high a price...let us pray to The Great Mage...that there is no more victims meeting Death's scythe after we disern the cause of this..." The Master Spellbinder continued before Azrael broke the silence. "Then I shall pray to The Phoenix for strengthe..." were the Guild Master of The Aurian Knights before Bright finally entered the room causing the two Guild master's to pause. Upon catching sight of the blonde, The Master Spellbinder's eyes gleamed with a mixture of emotions.

"Ah, Prince Bright, What an unexpected surprise. I certainally wasn't expecting a visit from you of all people. I mean no disrespect of course, I had assumed that your movements might have been restricted to the castle...considering the recent events..." Elohir mused as he attempted with his poor back to bow at least as best as his body would allow. "Please, there's no need for formalities." Bright assured The Master Spellbinder. "It is I whom should appologise...it was rude to come unanounced...for that I am deeply sorry and to your guest of course." the Prince appologised.

"Actually, I was just about to take my leave anyways so please do not depart our of concern for I." Azrael mused. "...Oh dear..." Elohir paused as the two of them ceased their convorsation. "Since the two of you are here...I might as well make the...formal introductions...This young man is Azrael Raya...he is the Guild Master Of The Aurian Knights...One Of My Most Trusted Friends...And This young lad here i'm sure needs to introduction...Prince Bright Of The Aurian Royal Family." The Master Spellbinder introduced. Azrael only offered a smile and held out his hand towards Bright.

"It's an honor and pleasure to meet The Prince Of Aura Whom I Serve And Protect The People Under Him..." The Guild Master greeted before Bright took his hand in exchange. "Likewise, thank you so much for your dedication to serve and protect My Kingdom and I...although I am surprised...I never would have guessed that a Mage and A Knight could befriend one another." Bright confessed. "Well, at times such as this...we musn't be too choosey about our allies..." Azrael retorted. "...About that...there is something I wish to speak to you about Master Elohir...and actually you as well Ser Azrael about the dissapearance of the Mages and Knights..." the Prince finally spoke up which drew both of their gaze.

"...Are the rumors that i've heard indeed true...?" Bright questioned before Azrael only let out a heavy sigh. "I'm afraid so your magesty...I appologise for not coming to you with this news sooner...however...I could not believe it myself..." the Guild Master appologised before Elohir spoke up afterwards.

"Yes...several Acolyte Mages have been dissapearing into the night without a trace...and apparently the Knights have had their own Squires and young recruits seemingly vanish a well...but as of today the knights under Azrael's command managed to recover the bodies of several recruits...however the cause of their death is shrouded in mysterious circumstances...it's quite troubling as you can imagine...Azrael and I were just in the middle of attempting to decide what actions to take next...but I believe we reached our conclusion..." The Master Spellbinder muttered before he looked to Azrael whom only nodded.

"Very well then, I will send for a few of my most trusted Knights now to send two of the uncovered bodies over to The Guild...that way not only will Elohir be able to examine them but our Prince as well which should reassure our people." The guild master murmured before he sent out a sparrow the messenger bird of Aura with a letter adressed to The Knight's Guild. Afterwards it seemed they had no choice but to wait. Each one paced back and forth with an anxious aura hanging over them. After a few hours passed, Bright made his way over to the telescope across the room and peered into it. The flag of The Aurian Knights waving as they crossed the bridge.

"I see them! I see the Knights! They're finally arrived!" Bright cried out suddenly before Azrael checked the telescope As well. "Yes, you're right, Elohir please have them open the gate for my men right away! I will go and meet them!" the guild master exclaimed before Azrael ran past both the prince and the Master Spellbinder and throught the opened door. Afterwards, Elohir turned towards Bright. "I hate to ask of you to preform such a task beneathe you, however would you mind terribly if I asked of you to help me prepare the tables and instruments for the autopsy my prince...?" The Master SpellBinder requested all be it hesitantly. But the blonde only narrowed his eyes.

"Certainally...this is my responsibility as well...both The Knights and The Mages are my people...I had intended to lend by assistance from the very begining..." Bright replied before Elohir thanked him and the two prepared the way as Azrael and the knight's under his command brought in two bodies each one a previous knight of aura. Just looking upon them Bright felt himself shake as his eyes fixated on the cloth that concealed them. Slowly, the prince forced himself to move closer as the other knights were dismissed from the room.

The Master Spell binder reached out to remove the cloth however he ceased his removement as he reminded himself that these were among Azrael's fallen. The last thing he wished to do was to appear disrespecful to the dead, expecially in the Guild Master's presence. "...I believe you should be the one to first one to remove the coverings..." Elohir began as he turned towards Azrael at the head on the table. "If I were to do so...I fear that i'd disgrace their memory if a mage had any hand in this..." but Azrael only placed his hand on The Master Spellbinder's shoulder.

"I thank you for your concern my friend...but I believe that you should proceed...my men would be honored not disgraced if you were to be able to end all of this by their sacrifice...besides...I must place aside my own personal feelings on this matter...so that in doing so...we may find the truth surrounding their deaths...for what is the they as Knights would want as well..." Azrael murmured softly. "...Well, if you feel so strongly about it...I shan't argue the matter further...with that said...let us gentlemen proceed..."

Elohir concented before he respectfully lifted up the cloth which covered two male Knight's yet still in their uniforms. Upon doing so, Bright's bottom lip trembled as sadness gripped at him it reflected in his eyes. All he could see was Xuri lifeless body on the table and turned away unable to bare to look at either of the Knights as he held his hand over his mouth trembling. "...I...I'm sorry..." the Prince could barely manage to utter through his shaken voice appologising to Xuri for allowing such a thing to happen to him. Even his tears could not be surpressed crushed under the weight of his grief. Azrael paused as his gaze fell upon Bright and made his way over towards him gently placing his hand on his shoulder.

"It's alright your highness...you don't have to force yourself...I can only imagine how it must be to see one of your own people like this...why don't you go out in the hall and wait outside?...Elohir and I can handle it from here..." Azrael told him before Bright turned towards the Guild Master. "...A...Alright...please...forgive me Ser Azrael..." Bright barely was able to answer and left the room before he found a cushioned bench to sit upon. He didn't know how he was going to get through this. It was then a voice called out to him.

"Well, whatya know...guess the rumors were true after all, gotta say i'm surprised, I didn't think i'd find you here all places your magesty." a familar voice echoed from nearby. Bright almost froze as the Prince raised his head and turned towards the source only to find Xuri standing across from him. For a moment Bright sat in stunned silence as he gazed upon the phantom from his past. The blonde opened his mouth to speak as the tears that filled his teal colored eyes shed down his cheeks. The vampire's own crimson orbs widened in a mixture of shock, worry and confusion.

"...Xuri...is that...really you...?" Bright couldn't help but ask as the vampire approached him and playfully flicked him in the nose causing the blonde to wince. "Ow!" "Hehe...that real enough for ya?" Xuri teased the Prince. "So, whatya doing out here crying all by yourself? I didn't peg you for being so emotional...well at least not to this extent...though I will say that what's going on between both The Knights and Mages isn't pretty...so in a way I can see why you'd be upset bein the Prince Of Aura and All, Knights or Mages they're still your people." the crimson eyed male muttered as he searched in his shirt pocket for something.

"Ah Ha! Here we go!" Xuri exclaimed before he pulled out a dark purple hankwardshiff and extended it out towards Bright. "Here use this, can't let your subjects see you like that now can we?" the crimson eyed male , rather than accepting it, The Prince threw himself forward and clung to Xuri tightly refusing to let him go nearly knocking the crimson eyed male over in the process which caught Xuri off guard causing him to drop the hankardshiff.

"W-WOAH!" Xuri cried out. "...Man what has gotten into you...?" the crimson eyed male questioned as he attempted to gently remove Bright's tightened grip only to find that it was nearly impossible as the Prince burried his head in the crook of his best friend's neck. "...Xuri...I...I missed you so much..." the blonde choked out through his tears. "...You have no idea...how lonely I was...but now...now you're back..." Bright smiled as he wept tears of joy as he felt his best friend's warmth...his scent...even his heart beating against his. After a moment Xuri finally placed his arms around him.

"...I know, I had to leave you for a good while didn't I...? Sorry about that...a lot has been going on...and the last thing I wanted was for you to get caught up in this big mess...I was worried that whoever was behind the dissapearances that they would target you next...that's why I was shocked to find that you had come to The Mages Guild of your own volition...I was pretty sure those Aurian council bastards would try and but you and Ruby under house arrest...so i'm relieved that you seem to be alright..." Xuri murmured with a gentle smile.

"Me too, I can't help but worry when you pull that dissapearing act on me...because...I never know...when or...if i'm going to see you again...and that's harder for me to bare...than anything else Xuri..." Bright told him. "Yeah well if you squeeze me any harder then I might suffocate and then we'd be in a real mess now wouldn't we?" the crimson eyed male teased before the Prince finally released him from his hold as his face was just as red as his eyes.

"I told you before, don't joke about stuff like that!" Bright admonished Xuri whom only playfully stuck his tongue out at him. "Aw come on, you know its all in good fun, plus you're so fun to taunt and tease...but in any case while you've been held up here did you happen to learn anything by chance? Any clues or leads as to who's been responsible for the dissapearances?" his best friend questioned as he took a seat once more as did Bright picking up Xuri's hankardshiff. Although the vampire had a habit of joking around, it only took The Prince one glance to see the worry that Xuri was trying to hide in his eyes.

Now it was making sense, this day, situation and even the convorsations exchanged. There was no more mistaking it. Bright had indeed been trasported somehow to the past, his past. That's why Xuri was here infront of him. It wasn't that he'd been brought back to life, in this time...Xuri hadn't been taken from him yet. But even if it was just a fabrication created by his memories, all Bright wanted was to be with him as long as he could. To talk to him, to hear his voice again, to hold him, walk alongside him, to show him how much he loved Xuri with all of his heart. If only there was a way to stay with him here forever and ever. His thoughts however were interupted by Xuri's hand waving infront of his face causing Bright to return to the fabricated reality.

"Uh hello! Bright! If you haven't noticed i'm talking to you here." Xuri called out to him before the Prince shook his head slightly. "O-Oh sorry Xuri, I suppose I also have a lot on my mind, but to answer your question no, i'm afraid not...in fact right now both The Guild Master of The Aurian Knights and The Guild Master of The Aurian Mages are doing all they can to search for answers of their own...originally I was in there as well but I had to leave...I suppose reality staring me in the face...was too much for me to bare...although i'm rather ashamed to admit it..." Bright confessed.

"There was one thing however that they both did mention and that's that each of the Knight's was drained of all of their blood and their life force...i'm not certain how that's possible though...what about you? Do you have any idea how someone could be capable of such a strange cause of death?" the Prince questioned. But Xuri's face only darkened. "Actually..." he began before the Master Spellbinder emerged from his chambers causing both Bright and Xuri to turn their attention towards Elohir.

"Ah, your magesty I am relieved you are still here...and that you have Xuri with you as well...I fear we may need both of your eyes...would you mind stepping in...there's something i'd like both of you to confirm...can't be too careful with these old eyes...Azrael too requests your presence." The Master Spellbinder requests before Bright rose up from the cushioned bench as did Xuri following right behind another word both of them entered the room only to find Azrael was still examing the two corpses. "So, what appears to be the problem gentlemen?" Bright questioned before Xuri made his way over to the bodies.

"See for yourselves..." Azrael murmured hesitantly as Bright joined Xuri at his side only for his eyes to widen in confusion and disbelief. "Wait a second...I just realized...there aren't any wounds on this body..." the Prince began taken back. "What about on the inside?" Bright questioned but Elohir only shook his head. "All of the bones are still intact...not one set of teeth were found to be damaged either..." The Master SpellBinder spoke up. "Nor were there any signs of bruising or trama inflicted upon the body...it's very strange..." Azrael added as he narrowed his eyes perplexed. Afterwards, Bright decided to investigate the swords of the Knights and armor. First the Prince unsheathed the blade of the Knight he was closest to.

"Looking at it from each angle...this blade has recently been sharpened with a wetstone...that alone is extremly unusual for a Knight that was suspected to have been recently engaged in a battle...and...the second Knight's weapon appears to be no different either...not to mention...there's no blood on the armor, shields or swords...as strange as it may seem...the evidence seem to point that neither of the victims were engaged in combat with their killer..." Bright pointed out causing Azrael to only frown.

"Then...it is as I feared...discerning the cause of death is beyond reach of The Knight's Guild as Elohir said...however there is something else that disturbs me a great deal...just how was it that the blood from these men were drained if there is no visible wound inflicted to their body?...What on Aura could make such a thing possible...?" Azrael questioned. "...I'm afraid that is where my knowledge on the subject ends old friend...that's why I called upon The Prince and his friend...perhaps they can shed some light on the situation more than you and I are able to..." The Master Spellbinder mused as he turned towards Bright and Xuri.

"Well, there's no arguing that this perdictiment is highly unusual..." Bright began. "But, my sister Ruby reads a lot of books and among them I remember reading from a medical book that when someone expirences a great amount of blood loss they expirence a condition known as hypovolemic shock, it is a condition that takes place where the body fluids are completly drained out. This results in organ failure which is the main cause of death..." he began

"However...in order to cause someone to bleed out without multiple injuries to the body...you would cut the femoral vein which is located in the upper thigh and the pelvic region...the only other option would be the saphenous vein which is the vein located inside the surface of the leg traveling from the ankle to the groin...but notice that neither of the main arteries have been cut into much less severed...therefore the blood would have to have been exacted in another manner...relatively speaking..." Bright explained to both Elohir and Azrael as Xuri's albino skin turned even paler than it already was covering his mouth with his hand. "...Xuri...?" the Prince questioned before a loud knock interupted them.

(Master SpellBinder! One Of The Professor's requests an immediant audience with you! It's A Matter Of Utmost Importance!")

A voice called throught the door before Azrael turned towards Elohir. "Go, it sounds urgent whatever it is..." the Guild Master instructed. The Master Spellbinder only nodded in return. "Very well, until you wish to leave, you have my permission to remain in my quarters whilst I am away...do try to stay out of trouble now..." Elohir murmured before he left through the door. "No promises." Xuri called out after him in attempts to conceal his true emotions.

"...If you'll excuse me...I must report what has happened here today to my own people, and...if you learn of anything more, please don't hesitate to contact me or stop by The Knight's Guild. Good day to the both of you..." Azrael bowed respectfully before it was just Bright and Xuri within the Master SpellBinder's quarters now. "Well, guess it's just us now, whatya say we get out of here and go find a bar, after that I could use a good drink." Xuri suggested.

"Why am I not surprised? Fine, let's go." Bright let out a defeated sigh before they left The Mage's guild and found themselves at a small with the crimson eyed male already having ordered two bloody marys as opposed to his one frothed beer. It didn't take long for the guys within to greet Xuri either with their usual headlocks and hugs so tight they could break your spine. The blonde only laughed as he enjoyed the show before he caught sight of a tri colored butterfly in the corner of his eye. Whilst Xuri and the others were busy, Bright left through the door and followed the butterfly not far from it. Upon landing on a single flower lily, the butterfly transformed into Muna before his very eyes.

"...Lady Muna...?" Bright questioned as his teal eyes widened almost to the point of no return. "...Why Lady Muna...whatever are you doing here?" the Prince questioned. The guardian began to open her mouth before her attention was drawn to the red surrounding his eyes. It caught her off guard. "...Your eyes...you've been crying..." Muna murmured almost hesitantly. But Bright attempted to change the subject. "First answer my question, why are you here?" the Prince almost snapped. The guardian only frowned.

"...My Appologies...however...there has...been a troubling development..." Muna began. "Something has caused a time wound to be influenced on your own personal time stream...one whom bears the sigil of a red hourglass is using its power to travel to your past...in otherwords...The Angels Of Justice And The Requiem Knights have intruded into a time line that should only belong to you. Thus i've personally traveled here to warn you that you could be placed in great danger! And not only that but if the situation remains unchanged...time itself could potentially be altered along with your very existance!" the guardian warned before Bright himself became very quiet.

"...However...for failing to bar the intruder's attempts...I swear to you that I shall do EVERYTHING in my power to shield you from harm...even at the cost of losing my celestial ability to have dominion over time itself..." Muna swore before she took her finger and placed it up to Bright's reddened eyes. "From Time Begun...From Time Be Undone..." the guardian uttered and reversed time around it taking away the evidence of his previous sorrow.

"I appologise...but that is all the aid i'm allowed to give to you...in this trial...you must find the answer to my question...by living through your memories...sadly...even I am unable to guide you in the right direction..." Muna confessed but Bright only clenched his fists at his side in frusteration and anger. Unable to hold himself back he screamed at the guardian at the top of his lungs.

"MY ANSWER!? HOW IS LIVING THROUGH ALL OF THESE MEMORIES AGAIN SUPPOSED TO TELL ME ANYTHING!? HOW IS SEEING THE ONE PERSON I LOVE MOST...AND KNOWING THAT THEY'RE GONE IN REALITY FAIR!? IT'S NOTHING BUT A CRUEL PUNISHMENT! EXPECIALLY WHEN I KNOW HOW EVERYTHING WILL END! DO YOU ENJOY TORTURING ME LIKE THIS!? I-It's...It's just...not...fair..."Bright sobbed as he fell to his knees unable to stop his tears. Muna only watched him silenly.

"...I understand your frusteration...and your anger...but you must be careful to not lose yourself in the memory...rather...try and remember...why it is that you are here in the first place..." the guardian murmured as she transfigured back into a butterfly. Bright could only watch her departure through his tear filled eyes as the wind blew against him and the flowers that he was surrounded by. The Prince attempted to wipe his tears before he returned to the bar. Luckilly it seemed he didn't miss much.

"HEY! I was wonderin where you'd taken off to! Glad I didn't have to go chasin ya down. Their star prince goes missing...man The whole kingdom would be in a panic." Xuri laughed it off as Bright took his seat next him as the crimson eyed male picked up one of his bloody marys and took a good swig. "Ah! Now THAT hits the spot!" the vampire grinned before Bright picked his beer and drank a swig of his own. "See? Not so bad having a drink now and then is it?" Xuri teased and gave Bright a rather violent pat on his back nearly knocking the wind out of him. Man when it came to a vampire's strengthe, even if Xuri was only a halfblood.

"Sure...whatever you say Xuri..." Bright coughed only to find a pained expression on his best friend's face. "...You know...maybe you should ease up a bit of the alcahol...you don't look so hot..." the Prince suggested but Xuri continued to fight through his discomfort. "Who me? Nah i'm perfectly fi-" the vampire couldn't even finish his sentence as the glass fell out of his hand and shattered on the floor causing Xuri to nearly follow him.

"XURI!" Bright screamed and quickly caught him before he could follow his glass. Seeing the vampire's reddened face, The Prince took his hand and placed it gently on his forehead. Bright's eyes widened alarmed at the temprature. "No! No you are most certainally not! You have a fever! Why didn't you tell me you weren't feeling well!?" the blonde cried out with a mixture of anger and worry reflected upon his face. "...Are you kidding?..you've already got enough on your plate...as it is...no way am I gonna slowly you down like that...besides...it'll pass...like I already told you before...you don't have ta get worked up over me of all people..." Xuri attempted to brush it off. But Bright only got quiet.

"Don't say that...like I told YOU before...you don't have to take on everything by yourself...just to protect me...I don't care what anyone says...I will do whatever...is within my power...to keep you safe..." the blonde confessed as he gently placed his left hand over Xuri's heart. "...Anything..." Bright choked out as his hair covered his eyes. "So please...stop being a smart ass and trying to hide your pain for once...it makes it easier on me...because when I see you fighting all alone...all it does is hurt my heart..." Bright pleaded as Xuri paused only looking at him. Afterwards a softened smile crossed his lips.

"...Heh...I don't know how...but...somehow...you can always see...right through...me...alright...I give up...you win..." Xuri surrendered to his best friend and lost conciousness before he collapsed into the Prince's arms, his head resting on the crook his Bright's neck. The red on his face only grew worse as beads of sweat fell down his cheeks. It was all the vampire could do as he breathed laborly through the pain while his body trembled. With no options left to him. Bright called out for someone to summon a carriage and wasted no time in taking Xuri back to the castle. Luckilly no one else appeared to be present other than the castle's staff.

Bright looked around before the Prince took Xuri upstairs to his bedroom. Once he reached the bed, Bright gently placed the vampire on the silk blue sheets as he looked down upon his best friend worriedly. Despite Xuri being partly vampire and blood mage he was surprizingly strong and his abilities were beyond most people's comprehension. However, with great strengthe also came great weakness. Bright would never forget that day when he met Xuri bedridden with illness. For it was also that day Xuri entrusted him with a secret of his own.

From birth, Xuri was born with a poor heart which resulted in poor health. Yet somehow that didn't stop him from continuing to live life to the fullest. Of course, he never dared to let anyone but Bright see him in this condition. However, that also came with the risk of his body being overwhelmed. It was only after the death of Xuri's father that his condition seemed to cease all together. As these thoughts crossed his mind, the Prince went to fetch a basin of water its purification effect nutrilized by herbs and spices.

Carefully, Bright dipped a washcloth within it and wrung it out before he folded it up and placed the damp wash cloth gently upon Xuri's forehead. The vampire thrashed around on the bed in agony with one of his hands clutching at the silk blanket. With a pained expression, the Prince took Xuri's other one feeling his feverish fingers in between his cold ones. Briefly Bright look up towards the clock in the room to check the time. "Just hold on a little longer Xuri...the Apocrathy will be here soon..." the prince murmured softly in an effort to comfort him. He could feel the grip of his best friend's hand tightning around his own. It didn't take the vampire long before he began to shiver as well. Just watching this again was almost too much for the blonde to bare and carefully slid himself onto the bed and gently pulled Xuri into his arms.

"I'm right here Xuri...I'm right here..."Bright almost whispered to him. Hearing his voice the vampire began to calm down melting into the blonde's warmth. It was then the sound of footsteps echoed just outside of the door before Avalon entered with a rather amused expression on his face. "I do hope i'm not interupting anything...you know I can always come back later." the Apocrathy of Aura teased. "Ha Ha, very funny Avalon..." Bright deadpanned before he carefully released himself from Xuri and allowed Avalon to take a look at him.

"...Hold still for me...let's see now...yes he's got quite a bit of fever as i'm sure you're already aware...mmm pain level is high indeed...fatigue is also up there...well luckilly it doesn't seem to be anything too serious...I believe this is nothing more than overexertion...possibly stress...that's not too surprising considering the circumstances...i'll fix something for the pain, just make sure he takes it, you know how stubborn Xuri can be. The good news is that as long as he gets some rest for the next few days and takes the medication as perscribed oh and also eating proper meals...he should recover." Avalon assured Bright.

"Well, that's certainally a relief...it puts my mind at ease anyway...though knowing Xuri, I might have to tie him to the bed." the Prince half joked. "...Although...what exactly did you mean when you mentioned certain circumstances affecting Xuri...?" Bright couldn't help but to ask. "...You mean...you haven't heard...?" Avalon returned the question.

"Surely you've noticed the rumors...about both Knights and Mages dissapearing without so much as a trace of their murderer...although no hard evidence has been found...there are many whom are pointing their fingers towards Xuri's father...Nicedemous...I can't even begin to imagine how that must make Xuri feel...either way...it wouldn't hurt to keep an eye out for him..." Avalon advised Bright whom only looked at the silver haired male in disbelief. "I had no idea..." the Prince murmured softly.

"By the way, I don't know if you've noticed this your highness, but there have been several groups of suspicious looking indivisuals that have begun to appear on Aura...apparently they call themselves the Requiem Knights...however...as to why they're here in the first place...that's a mystery yet still...even so...I intend to find out...we don't need anything else causing anymore unrest in the kingdom." Avalon hissed inbetween his teeth.

"So, how much do I owe you for the visit Ser Avalon?" Bright asked the silver haired male in attempt to change the subject at hand. But Avalon only smiled mischivevously. "Oh, I have ANOTHER form of payment in mind...after you take care of Xuri...why don't you meet me at the tavern...you can return the favor with a few drinks..." Avalon mused as he leaned in close to the blonde. But Bright only made a face. However, the apocrathy only winked at him and left leaving no room for him to reject.

"Oh that Avalon..." Bright sighed heavily. Weither it was past or present he never he was continuing to play along something couldn't help but nag at the blonde's mind. This particular event seemed...altered somehow from the way it originally was. In fact, Bright was sure of it! Back then, Avalon had never asked to meet with him at the bar. Perhaps this was what Lady Muna was trying to warn him about. The blonde attempted to shake it as he concentrated on giving Xuri his medication.

But, the more he thought about it. He wasn't certain if it was wise to ignore Avalon's invitation. The problem was, he didn't want to leave his best friend alone like this. His fears however, were almost dispelled as his nose caught the scent of roses followed by the sound of a softened knock. "Come in!" the Prince called before Raphiel entered with a tray of short bread cookies and a few cups of Rose Tea.

"Pardon the intrusion Lord Bright, but I thought you and your guest might like some refreshments. I prepared some short bread cookies and some freshly brewed rose tea."

Raphiel offered before Bright only returned a smile. "Yes that sounds like a good idea, actually why don't you join us, i'm afraid Xuri fell asleep after I gave him his medicine, Avalon was just here a moment ago." the Prince murmured as Raphiel took the tea kettle and poured a warm pink liquid into several beautiful white porceline cups with roses to recorate them. The steam wafted up into the air as he did so. Carefully, Bright took one of the cups and blew it gently. Afterwards he took a sizeable sip.

Its taste however as delicious as it was. Made Bright feel almost nostalgic and yet sad. It was at that moment he realized why. It wasn't only his mind that had been taken back in time...but also...his heart...that's why reliving all of these moments no matter how small caused him so much pain. Raphiel only paused as the blonde looked towards Bright with a mixture of worry and concern.

"...Bright...are you alright...? You look like...you've been crying..." his hazel eyes almost seemed as if they were trying to peer hard into the Prince's soul. Raphiel's kindness hadn't changed either. Although so many other things had. At least there was some comfort he could find within his own memories. Quickly, Bright attempted to put his thoughts into some semblence of words.

"Y-Yes, my appologies If I caused you to worry...I suppose that i've just been feeling a bit overwhelmed lately with everything that's happening...i'm afraid it might be getting the better of me..." Bright appologized to him. "Actually, it was Avalon that was worried...he said after he looked at Mr. Xuri that you might need some cheering up...so I thought some delicious cookies and a nice cup of hot tea would help to make you feel better." Raphiel smiled.

"But you know, even though you're my master and I serve under you...I also want you to know that I also think of you as a dear friend...both you and Lady Ruby...so if you ever need anything...or just want to talk about something...then i'll ALWAYS be here for you Bright." Raphiel murmured as he placed his hand on Bright's free one while they took a seat on the couch nearby. Bright only smiled in return.

"...Thank you Raphiel...I appreciate that...I also consider you a friend...not just a servant...to be honest...I am worried about Xuri...i'm afraid that he's pushing himself too hard...after all...one can only do so much by themselves..." The Prince let out a heavy sigh. "...Yes...I can tell Lady Ruby is also quite troubled by his behavior..." the blonde listened.

"Well, Avalon did say that he'd recover with plenty of rest...but I know better than anyone how that usually goes...Xuri's not the kind to stay all day in bed...speaking of which...I need a favor...I have to go out for a bit...do you think you could try and keep an eye on him just until I get back?" Bright asked Raphiel softly as he placed down the cup he was holding. The blonde only smiled in return. "Oh I think I can manage that." Raphiel assured Bright with a softened chuckle.

"By the way, tonight we're having stuffed quail with red wine sauce with a side of seasoned asparagus. Lady Ruby should be joining us tonight." the blonde added. "I look forward to it, now to go see what Avalon wants..." Bright murmured and once again took off on his steed to join Avalon at the tavern. But when he arrived the place was earily empty, the only thing there was a young woman in a Requiem uniform bound and tied behind the bar with Avalon laying out a variety of tools much to the Prince's horror. Just what exactly was he planning to do to her?

"Avalon! Just what on Aura is going on here!? A young lady? You didn't tell me anything about this!" Bright snapped angrily. "What are you so worked up over? I haven't done a thing to her...yet..." Avalon mused. "I just figured that we could get some helpful information from her...with a little persuaion...would you have come had I...told you my plan from the get go?" the silver haired male questioned. "OF COURSE NOT!" Bright yelled upset before he went over to the young woman and removed the gag from her mouth.

"My sincerest appologies for the rough treatment my apocrathy has put you through Miss, I assure you we mean you no harm, we only wish to speak to you." Bright assured her. "And you're...?" the young woman finally broke her silence. "Prince Bright of Aura." the blonde offered. The Requiem Knight only looked at Bright skeptically. "Cera...A Knight Of Requiem...In Training To Be Exact...But Seeing As I've Been Captured...I've Probably Just Become A Liability..." she deadpanned before both of them nearly jumped out of their skin as Avalon pulled out a switch blade and held it to her throat.

"Perhaps that IS so but I have a question I want answered..." Avalon nearly hissed as Bright's face turned a ghostly white in fear that the silver haired male might do something drastic. "Why are YOU here?! Are you the ones that have been killing The Knights and The Mages?! I suggest you answer quickly before I decide to relieve you of your tongue...and I WILL know if you're lying to me..." Avalon warned in a threatning tone as he inched the blade closer to her nearly drawing blood. But the Requiem Knight only looked at him in panic and utter confusion.

"H-Huh!? W-What are you talking about!? W-We were disbatched in Draconia i-in order to search an ar-arrest someone named Blaire from Em-Emerald's High Kingdom! O-One of the perpatrators in The Dawnshire Massacure!" Cera nearly blurted on as she studdered out of shere fear. "B-But even though t-that's the mission we were given...t-the other members are talking as if we...we have a diffrent purpouse all together! Now PLEASE LET ME GO!" the Requiem Knight cried out as she shook like a leaf. Bright's eyes nearly widened to the point of no return as he heard Cera speak of future events feeling his heart pounding in his chest. What was worse was now Avalon had her full attention.

"...Miss...are you insinuating that...you're actually from the future...? Nothing of what you've claimed has had of yet to come to pass...as of right now...Dawnshire is still being created...and Blaire is a cook here at the Aurian Castle...which means...you seem to know events that are taking place ahead of their time...if that's the case...i'm EXTREMLY curious about how you came to aquire such knowledge..." Avalon's eyes widened before a gasp slipped out of Cera. She had completly forgotten that they were in the past.

"Oops..." the Requiem Knight squeaked before yet again a tri colored butterfly manifested infront of them. (Hold Your Breath Bright...) Muna's voice echoed in his ear. Heeding the advice, Bright took a deep breath and held it before both Avalon and Cera were sprinkled with a sparkling silver and blue dust. Afterwards the mysterious substance drew both the silver haired male and the Requiem Knight into a deep slumber. Once they were taken care of Muna took upon her mortal form her gaze focused on Cera in a great annoyance.

"You Have Caused Quite Enough Trouble Young Lady...I Think It's HighTime You And That Big Mouth Of Your Make An Exit..." Muna muttered and with a tap of her finger she teleported Cera out from the dephs of Bright's memory. The Prince only groaned in frusteration afterwards. "UGH! THIS A DISASTER! How Am I possibly going to be able to explain this!?" Bright cried as he felt an impulse to tear his hair out.

"Please, do not worry...I will erase any knowledge in which he gained of the future...however...what I overheard troubles my a great deal..." Muna confessed worriedly before Bright only nodded in agreement. "This is going to make it even harder to focus on the test at hand...but...uh...how exactly am I supposed to explain Miss Cera's dissapearance...?" the Prince questioned before a bottle half filled with sleeping dust manifested within his left hand.

However, before he could recieve an answer the guardian vanished from his sight once more. It took him a moment before he finally realised what it was that he needed to do and laid himself out on the floor with the bottle laying on the ground just beside him. Making certain that he was turned away from Avalon, Bright prended to be rindered unconcious just before Avalon awoke.

"Mmm...what in The Phoenix...?" Avalon questioned as he slowly sat up just now able to regain his blurred vision. He also felt a bit light headed as well. Once his eyes adjusted, the silver haired male let out a gasp as he saw that not only Cera was no where to be seen but there was a half used bottle of sleeping powder and Bright unconcious beside it. Struggling, Avalon reached out to the Prince as panic arose within him out of his mind with worry.

"BRIGHT! BRIGHT! ARE YOU ALRIGHT!? WAKE UP!" Avalon cried out as he grasped a hold of The Prince's shoulder and shook him. "PLEASE WAKE UP!"the silver haired male begged before finally Bright let out of a softened groan and opened his eyes. The blonde could feel a twinge of guilt as he looked up into Avalon's eyes. One glance could see he was filled with immense worry. He hadn't meant to upset him so much. It was times like this, that you could tell just how vunerable Avalon's heart really was.

"...Avalon?" Bright began. "W-What happened to me...one minute we were talking...to that woman...the next..." the Prince's voice trailed off as he held his head before he paused feeling Avalon's arms wrapped around him unexpectedly. "Oh thank The Phoenix! You're alright! I was so worried that bitch had hurt you! I-I tried to call out to you...but...you weren't responsive...if anything had happened to you because I brought you into this...I...I'd never forgive myself..." Avalon barely was able to utter before Bright gently hugged him.

"...I-I'm sorry..." Bright murmured softly. "But...I really am alright...although...it appears that SHE got away..." Bright pointed out with a softened sigh as Avalon soon followed. "Yes...that IS unfortunate, it would seem I underestimated her...she must've used this sleep powder to knock us both out...I can't believe I fell for such a thing...what an embaressment...in any case we have no more reason to remain here...let's return to the castle...I want to check on our patient and you as well. I want to ensure that she didn't leave any lasting effects...that being said, I have a carriage waiting just outside." Avalon coaxed before Bright followed him and got into the carriage. Afterwards, they headed for home.

Bright felt himelf breathe a sigh of relief. It would seem that Muna's memory wipe was a sucess. But even so, the Prince couldn't help but feel anxiety sneak into his heart. If The Requiem Knights were sent to Draconia and entered Ragnarok through the same method as they did...then did that mean that this was all planned from the begining? And that when he PERSONALLY was sent back in time, they waited so they could link themselves to his time stream? If that truly WAS the case, just what were the Requiem Knights after? Bright couldn't seem to shake such thoughts from his mind. Even when they returned to the castle, the Prince still seemed to be trapped within his own mind.

"See? I told you they'd return!" Ruby beamed happily as Raphiel and her greeted both Avalon and Bright at the door. "Oh did you now?" Avalon teased the Princess. "As promised, dinner is ready when you are. I hope you're hungry." Raphiel offered a sweet smile. "After an exsausting day dealing with the council I know I am!" Ruby exclaimed and wasted no time taking a seat at the table. "I'll be there in a moment, I'm going to wash my face first." Bright exclaimed and hurried upstairs to his room.

But as he feared, Xuri was gone and his window let in a warm breeze through it. He didn't know why he thought it would go any diffrent. As promised, the Prince took a basin of warmed water and washed his face. Afterwards, Bright joined the others for dinner. Both Ruby and Bright's father The King Of Aura was often away on buisness and their mother was deceased. So they had few family meals that didn't include those whom lived in the castle along with them.

But, even so. It was hard for Bright to fill the void of lonliness within his heart. It only grew heavier in the darkness of his room when he laid himself down for the night. But, try as he might, the Prince just couldn't seem to sleep. It was then a loud noise shook him as he witnessed a rock collide with his freshly closed window. As if right on cue. Bright rubbed at his eyes as he swore he could barely hear a voice calling out to him. "...Xuri...?" the Prince questioned with a yawn before he opened the closed window and peered out it below, only to find the vampire clinging to the window's edge.

"A little help here...?" Xuri asked before Bright let out a frusterated sigh and grabbed his best friend pulling him up and through the blonde was anything but happy. "So let me get this straight...you collapse...i take you home to rest...then you leave AGAIN without a single word...i'm getting real tired of this shit Xuri...what am I supposed to do with you? Do you have any idea how that makes me feel!?" the Prince cried out as he unleashed all of his pinned up emotion at once. Xuri only frowned and let out a sigh of his own.

"...Yeah well...I WAS gonna come back this time...shoulda known I was gonna get my head bitten off...look i'm sorry! My bad! really! But I had my reasons...I mean what the hell do you expect me to do when my old man and my home are being attacked by a horde of pissed off Knights and Mages!? HUH!? Apparently another BRILLIANT move by the damn council...no doubt those slimey bastards are behind this..." Xuri snarled but Bright only looked dumbfounded.

"Wait! They did what!? WHEN! WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN XURI!?" Bright demanded to know as he felt his anger start to rise beyond rationale. "I don't know...about a few hours ago I guess...a bunch of Mages and Knights attempted to storm our castle and set it on fire!" Xuri cried out. "WHY!? Why would my people do such a horrible thing! I don't understand their reasoning!" the Prince questioned as he attempted to make sense of the situation and began to pace back and forth. The vampire only bit down hard on his lower lip with his fangs.

"...There was another set of dissapearance Bright...not just Knight but a group of young squires...The Knight's Guild is in an uproar...I woke up and saw a fire from your window...I freaked out and attempted to hunt down the missing knights...any kind of trail or some indication of where they were taken...I...I went to The Mages Sanctuary and was stopped by the guards that were protecting the city...tried to force my way through...but...they wouldn't let me past the gate...said...it was too dangerous...to trust one...of my kind..." Xuri uttered with a pained gaze.

"So...I came back to the only person...I...could trust...Bright I NEED your help...if I don't do something...they're going to slaughter my father, everyone that aids in his research...and burn down our home...clearing the Bloode name...is the only thing that will save us...all of us...I have to prove my father and I...aren't the monsters that they think we are!"

Xuri exclaimed as he appeared to be on the verge of tears with a desperation in his voice. None of the likes Bright had ever seen. Without any words, the Prince turned around and opened his closet. Just when Xuri thought all hope was lost, Bright began to place on his armor. "I won't let that happen...I promise..." he swore to his best friend whom paused as Xuri lifted his head up to meet the Prince's eyes. And just like that, Bright took off on one of his horses with Xuri riding in back of him holding onto his waist tightly as they charged into the night.