Summery: There's one more day till Takao chooses his soon to be husband/wife. But whom would he choose? What really happened to Takao in the past? And danger looms nearby, setting the stage for another war. What can Takao do?

Disclaimers: I don't own Beyblade the Anime or any of its characters. I'm only a fan, doing this to muse on my fanatic skills.

A Moment in Time
By: Blind Dark Fate
Chapter Six: "The Ignorant Innocent"

The sounds of the horses approaching caught Boris's attention. He looked back and saw his palace soldiers coming close to him. They were at the fields, on the other side of the mountains where their kingdom rests. The young Lieutenant looked up at them as they saluted. He nodded at their regard. "Status report."

"Sir," One sat up straight. "They are hiding pretty good. There is no sign of them in the forest areas, sir."

"There are rumors from near by towns saying that they have seen some armies walked by, and temporarily used their towns as base. But the order of the towns is complicated to tell which direction they went to, Sir"

The silver haired lieutenant furrowed his brows and frowned deeply. "I know they are here. I can feel it in the air. If we don't find their exact location on time, then I'm afraid our kingdom will be in war once again, and our young prince is in danger."

One soldier bowed his head a little. "Sir… will they be after our Prince's powers?"

Boris frowned deeply, and didn't reply. He turned around, and stared at the mountains. "You are dismissed soldiers." The two saluted and turned away from their leader. The two horses trotted away towards the other band of soldiers gathered around in the area. Boris closed his lavender eyes. 'This is not good. We need to find them before the ceremonies start. I can't let my home burn down to the ground again. This time… I don't think that many of us will survive…'

"Lieutenant Kuznetson!"

There were sounds of birds chirping, singing their morning song. The rays of the sun was peeking through the thin curtains, hitting the figure under the bundle of blankets of the giant and soft bed. The person stirred, and popped his head out from under. It was a boy with messy midnight blue hair. Lazily the boy opened his stormy eyes and looked around. He couldn't recognize his surroundings of the furnishing of the room. The boy looked out the window and watched as a soft breeze played with the white curtain. 'Huh? The sun?'

Takao blinked his eyes wide, and he jumped off the bed and ran to the window. He drew back the curtain, and he shielded his eyes from the unfamiliar brightness of he sun. He was on the second floor of a building, where there was a tree close to his window. He sees the birds singing and hopping about on the branches. He looked down below to see some grass, and a few feet away is a lake with clear, clean water. He glanced passed the tree and saw a wall surrounding the building he was residing. And above that wall were faint traces of rooftops of other buildings or houses. 'Where am I?'

He looked up at the sky and saw it was a sky blue color, with no cloud in sight. 'Am I dreaming, or what I was experiencing in the past was a dream?' The blue haired boy paled. "Kai…" He whispered, with a lone tear trailing down his cheek.

The door of the room suddenly opened, and Takao turned around to see a pink haired girl enter the room. She looked older than he was, and was dressed in a rather odd dress, not like common villagers. The girl looked up at the boy with her golden eyes, and was a bit shocked to see the boy up. "Oh! You're awake!"

The girl walked up to him, and Takao noticed that she was indeed taller than he is. She placed down the folded clothes in her arms on the bed, and neared the boy. She placed a hand on Takao's forehead. "Well, your fever is gone. That's good." The girl smiled brightly at him.

"Um… where…?"

"In my manor." The girl said quickly. She giggled, and let out her hand. "My name is Mao Kon. I found you in the forest on my way here. You looked pretty beaten up and you caught a fever. So I took you in and took care of you. You sure scared me when you didn't wake up for over two weeks now. You had like, an on and off fever. I was so afraid you might have been in a coma." The pink haired girl said.

Takao blinked his stormy eyes. 'Beaten up? Then I wasn't dreaming…but how come the sun…?' The boy looked up at Mao. "Um… Kon-san…"

The girl smiled at him. "Ah, your accent. So you're from the west. Mao is fine."

The bluenette blushed. "Mao-san… Can I ask you… is the war over?" he asked in a small shy tone.

Her golden eyes saddened. "No…"

Takao looked up with questioning eyes. "But then why…"

"Why is the sun out, and the trees are baring leaves and there is sign of live and nature?" She finished. Mao smiled faintly. "I'm not really sure… somehow, it's like a miracle. One day I was traveling in the dark dirty paths of the dead forest. Everywhere, no life and the remains of bones of the animals were everywhere. The skies were in an eternal darkness of black and blood red clouds. Then a light flooded the area, and I lost consciousness. When I woke up again, there was sun, light shining upon me, something I haven't seen for nearly three years! Everything around me was green, and little animals were visible running around. It was like the world was reborn again, and life came back."

Mao walked over to the window, and stared up at the sky. "Strangely, the surrounding areas are still in darkness. It seems like only this area was lighted up and blessed again with the sun. I guess it could be the Gods who answered our prayers, but I'm not really sure. Why would they suddenly answer them, when for three years we've been praying for their help." The girl clenched her hand in a tight fist. Takao would have to agree with Mao on her theory. He frowned inwardly.

The pink haired girl turned towards Takao and smiled at him again. The air suddenly became lighter. "Hopefully that this sun will stay, and the skies will be forever clear here." She took the boy's hands. "Now, what did you say was your name?"

Takao blinked his eyes and blushed. He forgot to introduce himself. "Um… Tyson…" He said meekly.

She giggled. "Aw, you don't have to be shy around me, Tyson-kun." The pink haired girl picked up the clothes she brought in the room. "Here, I think these will fit you. Sorry if they seem a bit girly, it's the only smallest clothing I can find." Takao pouted for his shortness genes. "You should change. Come down and we shall eat lunch. My other visitors are out in the town doing some errands, even though I told them not too." She sighed and shook her head. "I'll be down at the kitchens." She walked out the door and winked at the boy before closing the door.

Takao smiled faintly, and looked at the clothes in his arms. He made his way back to the window, and let the calm and lively scenery over take his mind. 'I will make the sun come out everywhere. I will find my home, my family and friends. Most of all… I will find my way back to you, Kai…' He closed his eyes and took in the fresh air into his lungs. There was no musky smell or the metallic taste to it. It was pure and relaxing. Takao let out a teary smile, and he collapsed to the ground, shaking with unstoppable tears. He couldn't tell if he was crying for joy or sorrow. But he continued to cry.

Panting, the young prince of Ecliptia stood up straight, and wiped away the fallen drops of perspiration on his forehead. He sheathed his sword, and looked at the fatigue soldiers he sparred with laying on the ground breathing hoarsely. He smiled at them. "Sorry…" He apologized meekly, bowing his head.

"No, it's okay Kinomiya-kimi." One said as he sat up.

"We hope that you win this tournament again, this year." Another said.

"We know you're very strong."

"You can show them the true powers of an Ecliptian!"

Takao smiled with a faint blush on their praise to him. He neared one of the soldiers, and gave out a hand to help him up. The soldier bashfully accepted it, and stood up with the young prince's help. They felt a bit ashamed to have been beaten by a mere boy who is half their age. Plus, his size wasn't so intimidating, but it was an advantage for the prince because of his agility. The soldiers all took pride on their prince. They knew he was a chosen from their gods, because he is the descendant of storm.

"Maybe Kinomiya-kimi should rest for the tournament?" One suggested.

The blue haired prince smiled brightly at them. "Maybe, but I'm too excited to laze around. But I will stop with this training, and let you all to rest." The soldiers somehow chuckled at their prince, knowing him all to well to not just sit around when there was something exciting going around in the kingdom. But then they frowned slightly aware of the incoming danger the prince was left in the dark of. "If there are any injuries, please tell me. I can help heal you…"

"No, it's okay Kinomiya-kimi, but we are grateful of your worry."

"Please, save your energy for you matches."

"Are you sure? The healer is kind of in the city right now…" Takao frowned a bit, with worry.

The soldiers all smiled. "We are." They waved him off.

"You still have those preparations for tomorrow as well."

"And you're chibi could be out and about." They all chuckled.

Takao sighed and then smiled at them. "Well then, I will take my leave." He bowed to them. "I hope to see you at the stadium later." He turned and left.

They watched as their prince left and was out of sight. "I only wish that what ever danger that is stirring wouldn't take away that smile of Kinomiya-kimi."

"We can't loose him again or this kingdom." The soldiers all agreed to the latter's reply. They looked up at the sky, praying to their gods in heaven with determination in their eyes.

"Tou-san?"

Stormy blue eyes blinked open, and is starring up at a small little boy with double colored eyes. Takao smiled at his son. "Tyka-chan, what is it?" The blue haired prince asked.

The boy sat back and watched his father sit up from his laying position on the grass. The two were in the fields, at the edge of the hill, close to the waterfall. Takao stretched out, and smiled up at the sun. The boy blinked as he stared. His father turned to him, and patted his head in a playful manner. "Tou-san… I had tewable dweam last night." He said, trying hard to pronounce his R's and scrunching his nose at the words.

Takao tilted his head, and stared at his son with great worry. "Oh? What was it about?" He asked gently, picking up the boy and placing him on his lap. Tyka looked up at his father, furrowing brows. His eyes glistening in an emotion Takao rarely sees in them.

So the clothes were a bit girly, but they were close enough to looking like boys clothes. It was a bit loose, and somewhat comfortable. Takao was grateful that the colors were not at all too girly. No offence to his hostess, but Mao-san is too happy and girly, but that's just first impressions.

Just a little scared and shy, the boy walked out the room, and slowly crept to the stairs. He looked around the area and found the house quiet furnished and fancy. He guessed Mao-san is like a noble or something, but it couldn't be only her home. She did look to be around the same age as Kai. 'Gee… almost everyone I meet, they seem to be all older than I am… and tall.' He pouted mentally.

The place was rather large, but it was unlike a castle. It was roomy, and comfortable, with nice springtime colors as decorations. Takao wondered if she had any servants that kept this place in order and clean. Then he remembers that she said she had guests that did errands, even if she said not to. The boy blinked, and felt a headache coming for thinking too much.

The doors downstairs opened, and Takao could hear the cheerful voice of his hostess below. "Aw! You came back!" He heard her giggle. "Come in, let me take those stuff for you!"

"No, it's okay Mao-chan! I can do it myself!" A female voice said, slightly softer, but a tone lower than Mao's cheery one.

"Aw, Em-chan, but you're tired!"

"Nyah! Mao-chan, get off of me!"

"Aw, you're no fun!"

Someone cleared their throat. "Ne? Oh! Hee! Hee! Gao-kun, you can put those in the kitchen."

"I'll start lunch." It was a male sleepy kind of voice.

"Ah! No need to, I already prepare some food."

"Then I will set the table and put these groceries away."

"Aw, you don't have to do that all the time Gao-kun!"

"I'm sorry, Mao-sama."

"Aw, come on, Gao-kun. You don't need to call me that."

"Just leave him alone, Mao-imouto-chan." Takao blinked his eyes, somehow recognizing that deep male voice.

"Ne, otouto-san." Mao's voice became quieter.

"Nani?"

"My lil' kawaii guest has woken up. Just to let you know." She chirped.

Takao blinked his eyes, and tilted his head wondering what she meant. Suddenly he heard the pounding of steps as someone came running up the stairs. Takao was in shock to see the one person he thought he might never see again. "Kai…?"

The boy was suddenly pulled into a tight embrace, and he suddenly became dazed. The younger boy started to tremble in the warmth, and tears began to fall again. He let his arms encircle the older one, and he clutched on to him tightly. "I'm sorry… Kai!" He cried into his chest.

"Why? I'm the one who should apologize, Tyson…" Takao was thrown off guard as the older teen picked the smaller boy in his arms, bridal style, and led him back to the room where he just came. Kai carefully placed the boy down on the bed, and he crouch down in front of the sitting boy. "You're alright." He whispered, whipping the tears away from the boy's cheeks. He took Takao's hands, and brought then to his lips, as he kissed them tenderly. "I was so afraid you wouldn't wake up."

"How are you doing?" the boy asked, averting Kai's worry away from him. 'He worries too much for me…'

The dual haired teen frowned, and closed his eyes. "Listen, Tyson… I'm sorry on what I said that day. It's just… you're too important to me. I didn't want that sweet and innocent Tyson to go away because of the ugliness of war and death. The destruction and bloodshed can change many people from the inside, and it will be forever scarred in their memories. I didn't want that for you, and I want to protect you from all that. You're too perfect and pure. I didn't want that to ruin that chaste soul, because having a person not scared by war will be so rare."

Takao opened his mouth to speak, but Kai placed a finger on his lips. "But then I realized, you are not a child. You are something more than that. You've grown up so much of over the past few months, and I've witnessed that all from you. You may be young, but you have matured like an adult. You seem to understand more than I could have thought. In my eyes, you are like this angel that doesn't deserve the love of someone like me. I'm a person that is hiding from everything, and who takes joy in fighting to strive for more strength and power. But that's only to protect those who are close to me, and later those whom I care. You've taught me so much, Tyson. I only wish to stay beside you and protect you. I want to protect that happiness you have. You're smile is like a light, the sun, and to keep that darkness away, I'll fight for you."

The blue haired boy closed his stormy eyes, and leaned forward. Their foreheads touched, and they stayed like that for a moment. "Thank you, Kai…No one was ever that honest with me… They always leave me out of the dark, and I hate that. So all I do is hope, pray, and smile, because all I want in this world is for everyone to be happy. Sure I may be young and still a kid, but I want to understand so many things."

Takao opened his eyes, and lifted his head to peck a kiss on Kai's nose. "I won't change, I promise. I'll stay as the same Tyson you know, and smile for you whenever you need it. If you get to fight for me, let me also fight for you. And you are not unworthy, Kai. You deserve to feel loved, and I will give that to you." The boy encircled his arms around the older teen's head, and brought it close to his heart. "I only wish… that I can go home…"

"Your home?"

The boy nodded. "Um-hm. In Ecliptia…"

"Good luck, otouto-chan!"

Takao smiled up at his sister-in-law, nephew and son. Hiromi was carrying the tiny boy in one arm, and holding Kyoujyu's hand in the other. Tyka smiled cheekily at his father, even giving him support. Kyoujyu gave his Oji-san thumbs up. "Don't worry about me, worry of my opponents who would most likely end up in the hospital for a bout a week or so." He said with his chin held up high.

Suddenly a fan whacked him on his head. "Hey! That hurt!" the blue haired prince cried, with his hands on his aching spot on his head. Tyka and Kyoujyu giggled.

"Humph! Don't be so cocky, Kao-chan!" The queen rolled her eyes.

"Gomen-nasai, Onee-san!"

"Yeah, yeah, be careful out there, or else there wouldn't be a wedding tomorrow." Hiromi scolded.

"Wah! That's tomorrow?" Takao looked a bit scared.

The brunette smiled and nodded. "Yup, so don't play too hard out there. We'll be cheering you on out there. See you." The queen took her son's hand and started to walk out the room.

"Bye, Tou-san!" Tyka waved

"Beat them all to death, Oji-san!" Kyoujyu grinned widely.

"Kyoujyu-chan!"

Takao chuckled as the door closed. He looked up at the crystal like clock on the wall. The tournament doesn't start for another ten minutes. First is the presentation of the warriors, then the drawing of the matches. From then on, they will all fight to the finals, and find out who is the Mochidzuki Champion. Usually people from Ecliptia, and neighboring countries would participate in this tournament. But seeing as other representatives from farther countries drove the young prince into anticipation to fight each one of them. He only hopes that he could at least make it to the finals, but he also wants to win, because it was his kingdom he is fighting for.

There was a flash of light, and it took form into Takao's Guardian in its weak form. Takao smiled at Dragoon, and began to scratch the tiny dragon under its chin. The little blue scaly animal began to purr in bliss at the affection. "We will win this one again, huh Dragoon?" His response was a loud purring sound. The prince chuckled.

Suddenly, the prince recalled his morning with his son, and his 'terrible' dream. Tyka was very young indeed, but that look that Takao saw in his eyes showed that he somehow had an understanding in this world. The boy showed fear and worry. Not the little fear of like spiders or the dark, but grave fear of coming danger. Takao frowned.

Tyka told him of his dream. It was a little hard to understand, considering he was only two and that his vocabulary isn't that well, though he tries after picking up some of them from Kyoujyu's studies. He told his father that he was at the beach, and he saw Takao stand there, with the full moon in the night sky. The waters were unnaturally calm, no wave ever reaching the prince's feet, even if there were winds blowing around his father. A beam of light shot out from him, and went up to the sky, and a portal opened from the full moon, with a giant figure coming out into the world.

Though the boy didn't say it exactly like that, this is what Takao interpreted with the few words the boy has said. The prince of Ecliptia was guessing that the scenery was during the Mochidzuki Festival. Every year, like tradition, the people of the kingdom, and the other guests from other countries, would gather at the white powdery sands of the beach. Then a member from the royal family is chosen to summon the Light. The Light is like a direct link to the Gods, and all the people around would send their prayers to it. Then the Light would bless their world, and bring beauty upon the lands. Thus, the Lunar Blossoms would all bloom, glowing in its new radiance. The people all believe this to be the Gods' blessings to their world. The Lunar Blossoms only flower once a year, and they die out after a week. So it's a rear kind of flower.

What Takao also understands is that the Light is a very powerful entity that appears only once as well. The royal family of Ecliptia are said to be descendants of the Ancients that use to roam around the world. They were strong people that had the power to summon the spirits of the Gods. After their first Holy War, the Ancients' city fell, and their race ceased to exist. It was said that only one survived, and built the kingdom of Ecliptia. No one knows exactly where the Ancients' lost city is, but they all believe it to be at the End of the World. So the people of Ecliptia are tended to be able to summon spirits into the world, which would soon become Guardians to most chosen people of the world. Also in the Mochidzuki Festival, other Summoners call upon protective spirits into the world, children of the Gods, so that they will become Guardians to those children who come of age.

With Tyka's dream, more disturbing news followed. When Takao's summons the Light, something wrong happens, and a dark light wraps around the incoming Light. All chaos follows, as the Light is distraught and threatened. Then people are in panic, and everything is out of control. Black thunder, and raging waters come. Harsh winds and the earth shaking further stir the fears. Then the dark clouds blanket the skies, and rain of fire falls upon the world.

Takao closes his eyes. Tyka is still too young to understand it all, but he still tells his father, as if it was just like all his other nightmares. What the boy doesn't know is that Takao somehow believes that his dream could be a forecast of what might happen tomorrow, before midnight, the summoning of the Light. The prince fears the coming of another war. "No, I can't let that happen… after all we fought for. This world was supposed to be for Tyka…Two years of peace isn't long enough."

"Welcome everyone to the annual Mochidzuki Tournament!"

The people around the stadium all screamed out in excitement. The place was packed, and some people were sitting on the walls encasing the stadium, up at the top. There were banners, and streamers falling form the air, with confetti and flower petals. The Hiwatari brothers watched the people, as if this event was significantly grand. "They are all ignorant to the threat that lurks around their kingdom walls." Rei frowned and looked at the oldest brother. Yuriy had his eyes closed, leaning on the wall with his arms crossed over his chest. "The time is drawing near…"

"You don't think the King knows, does he?" The younger brother asks, his eyes glazing.

Kai grunted. "Of course he does. That is why he isn't sitting at the royal box area." He also was at the same pose as his older brother, and beside him. They were standing at one of the entrances to the field of the stadium. Rei was starring out watching the people in the stands, the sunrays only shining upon his waist down. The two older brothers were in the shadows, behind Rei. Yuriy was closer to the exit, and Kai was further in.

The raven-haired prince gasped. "Grandfather is here." Then he heard his Onii-san growl. Both Rei and Yuriy turned their heads towards Kai, only to see him walk away into the darkness of the stadium. "How did they allow him to come into the kingdom?"

Yuriy frowned. "I guess it's only proper to invite the head of a Kingdom whose child or relative is being wedded to the Prince here in Ecliptia. Plus, it's the Mochidzuki Festival, a big thing here in the Batuken continent."

"Well… I guess those are the other rulers of the other Kingdoms of Batuken…" Rei gazed back at the royal box area of the stadium.

"This is going to be an exciting event, with many representatives from all over Batuken, royal warriors waiting to see who will come out on top! This is the first year when we receive contestants from the farther corners of the continent. And we have many special guest, right here beside our Kinomiya-Oukou-sama." Hiromi smiled at the people, and took glances at the royals whom arrived this morning. Not all of the kings and queens from the other kingdoms have arrives, but six of Batuken's kingdoms had came. There was cheering coming from the two children sitting beside her. The Queen of Ecliptia smiled, and she took out her fan, hiding her face.

She watched as one by one the sixteen contestants participating all walked in to the center. The cheering of the crowd became louder as Takao walked in last, behind Max. Hiromi wasn't surprised that the prince was the crowd favorite, considering this was his home. He watched as his brother –in-law smiled at them, waving shyly in modesty. 'Gee… he is too modest when it comes to praising, but very cocky in his own abilities.' She sighed mentally. She giggled as she heard her son and nephew trying to call out to the young blue haired prince.

"Ah, what a lovely boy he is. That is not the prince of Ecliptia?" Hiromi turned her head and smiled at the recognizable Queen of Geranda, the sister-in-law of Yukiko.

"Oh yes, he is." The brunette replied. She looked at the queen, with soft honey hair tied up in a bun with little white jewels in her hair. She had icy blue eyes, and looked more mature than Hiromi did. If she could remember from the last meeting, the Queen of Geranda was younger than her, but looked much older than she is.

"I can tell. He looks much like your King." She replied in a soft tone. Hiromi must admit, she was a bit prettier than she was, and it kind of made her jealous. The brunette remembered that this woman beside her use to court Hitoshi when they were younger. The honey haired queen turned to face her. "You don't happen to know who your prince might choose, do you?"

Hiromi blushed, and shook her head in apology. "No, Takao-kimi can be so unpredictable at times."

The blonde sighed. "Ah… it's alright. Yuusha-sama has already found another suitor for our dear Yukiko-san." She said, her voice saddened a bit. "I've heard many stories of her stay here. She has already predicted that she won't walk down the aisle with your lovely prince." Hiromi suddenly frowned sadly as well.

"I'm sorry…"

The honey blonde queen laughed a bit. "Ah now, it's okay. Yukiko is very understanding. I don't think she would want to leave home, because of the orphanage she runs there."

"Yes, Yukiko-san is very kind." Hiromi looked past her, and was surprised. "Ano, where is your King, my Lady?"

"I would have asked the same with you, Kinomiya-sama." She replied.

Hiromi frowned, and she leaned back into her chair. "Must be really terrible, what must be going on…"

"I've heard. But our kingdoms are in an alliance, so must not worry, no?" The queen of Geranda was also staring at the field below, smiling softly. Hiromi nodded in a silent reply, fanning herself.

The sixteen fighters already drew their matches, and Hiromi found out from her son that Takao was battling against a soldier from Freedonia, a neighboring country. The brunette could faintly see the disappointment in her brother-in-law, as he easily defeated the man. The matches went by quickly, through the Queen's eyes. They were on to their second round, and this time Takao was going to fight against the eldest son of Ceres. The Queen stood up and bowed before she left her spot. Kyoujyu and Tyka were trailing behind her, wanting to go to Takao.

"Sergei… what are you doing here?"

A tall blond young man, with a buff build, turned around to see Hiwatari Yuriy standing behind him, with glaring icy eyes. The eldest prince of Ceres had his arms crossed, and a deep frown upon his lips. "Why, participating in this tournament, my prince. Congratulations in defeating me, I am glad you made it to the second round."

Yuriy frowned more, and walked up to the taller man. "That's not really why you came here. It's because of Voltaire, isn't it? Tell me what you are planning." He growled.

The blonde bowed to him. "My prince…" he said in a low tone. "If we may, let's talk somewhere… more private." Yuriy raised a brow, and nodded. The two walked into the red head's resting room. They stood in the center, silence wrapped around the two. Yuriy crossed his arms, growing impatient. "You are well aware of the plans during the Mochidzuki Festival."

"Yes… why are you telling me this?" The prince was skeptical of the man he has known.

"You asked that I tell you." Sergei replied.

Yuriy narrowed his eyes. "Yes, but why tell me this, and not stay silent? Are you not with my grandfather?"

Sergei bowed his head. "In all do respect, my prince, I do no wish to follow your grandfather. He was king before, but he can't be the king again. You're father was truly a real one. The whole kingdom has gone crazy once he took control, and you know that. When you three left, everything went down hill. The king has cut back on funds and resources. The city is starting to starve, and there is a deflation in our economy. Then, the strangest thing has happen about a few days back…"

"What?" The two turned their heads to see the two younger Hiwataris appear in Yuriy's door. Rei walked in, and Kai followed, closing the door, and leaning on the wall in his infamous pose.

Sergei briefly bowed to the two. "These new soldiers." He said in reply. "The king has released all soldiers in the army, and even the guards of the castle. Surprisingly, only Ian, me, and a few others were left behind. These soldiers, as I've seen them, are not human… They somehow took over the palace, and we are afraid of what your grandfather is doing, mingling with these things…"

Rei frowned. "He's going to use them…" The younger Hiwatari sat down on the couch. "Then they are here?"

The blonde shrugged. "I am not really sure. The few soldiers and I came traveling with your grandfather, we didn't see those dark soldiers following."

"Dark Soldiers?" They glanced at Kai. "That means Voltaire has made some kind of pact with the spirit of the Dark Lord…"

"That is not good." Replied Rei.

Yuriy snorted. "He's really doing it. He is going to somehow capture the Light. With both the Dark Lord and the Light's power, he will be unstoppable."

"What's even worst is that your grandfather has been having these secret meeting with the King of Quagmire." Sergei said to them.

Yuriy grunted. "Two stubborn old men wanting to rule the world, together? I doubt it. Somehow one is going to betray the other, but who first? Neither king is trustworthy."

"What can we do?" Rei asked in a soft tone.

There was a knock, and the door to the room suddenly opened. It was the recognizable blonde, the servant of the prince of Ecliptia. "Oh wow, you are all here." The young teen said in surprise. "Well, just telling you that the second round is about to start and we are to report back to the field." He said with a wide smile. He looked at Rei and blushed brightly. Then the door closed. Yuriy chuckled lowly, and began to walk out the door.

"We'll just have to wait and see what happens." The older prince said, without looking back at them.

To Be Continued…

((Yay! Another chapter, finally! I'm so sorry for the wait. Anyways, Takao has a sense that trouble is coming, but he doesn't know the full details. What will happen to poor little Takao? Will there be a war? Will the Mochidzuki Festival be ruined? Who will Takao choose? Why hasn't Takao recognize Kai? Wha! So many question for the next chapter. Guess you'll just have to wait and see!

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Note:
The Holy Wars- It's a war consisting of great tremendous of magic and powers. It's usually against the inhabitants living on the world against the Darkness of the world that appears after a few years. It takes over one human, and that person is able to summon the Dark Soldiers.
Dark Soldiers- Creatures from the depths of hell. Powerful soldiers, only can be defeated using Guadians.

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Characters of the present:
Spencer/Sergei- (24) he is a lieutenant in Ceres, and a friend to the Hiwatari brothers.
Ayumi- (21) She is the young Queen of Geranda, sister-in-law of Yukiko.
Yuusha- (25) He is the King of Geranda and the brother of Yukiko.
Hiwatari Voltaire- (?) He is the present King of Ceres (obviously one of the antagonists of the story. Don't really want to make an age for this old man.)

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Characters of the Past:
Takao (Tyson)- He is 13 now! He just doesn't know that his birthday passed. Oh, and Takao has short hair, just to let you know, and seems to be a bit more paler than now, because during the war, there was no sun!
Kai- He is now 17
Mariah/Kon Mao- (18) She is the cousin of Kai. So then she is related to the Hiwataris. (Seeing as Rei has Hiwatari as his last name here, I let Mao take Rei's last name in the series. Yay! I finally got her in the story. I really like her!)
Emily- (18) She lives with Mao in her manor. They will me kind of like lovers in this fic. (I kind of like that pairing….)
Gary/Gao- (23) He is a servant of Mao's and a very loyal one.

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1st round matches:
Max vs.?
Rei vs.?
Yukiko vs.?
Kai vs.?
? vs.?
Brooklyn vs. Julia
Yuriy vs. Sergei
Takao vs.?

Kind of lazy making up names for the?. Some will be surprises! I'll let you guess who would end up fighting in the final round of this tournament. It's obvious what my choices are. Hee. Hee.

Thanks for all your reviews! Please give your review for this chapter too!))