I'm sorry its been so long since my last update. My life's been crazy lately. Hope you forgive me. Enjoy this next chapter.

Doumeki let loose the arrow with a frustrated snort. Everyone had noticed the archer's sudden change in attitude. His manor had suddenly turned tense and he was short with patience, even with Himaware. She had asked him gently where Watanuki had been for the last few weeks and he had practically snarled at her. "He's doing something for Yuko," was all he said. Himaware sighed and dismissed this strange behavior as a lover's spat. She had known about Doumeki's secret feelings for Watanuki for a while now and she had even begun to notice strange signs from Watanuki that he may feel the same.

Finally, on the day of the full moon his tension reached its peak, he was beyond impatient and he refused to speak with anyone. He preferred to hurry to each class and get it over with as quickly as possible. If any brave soul tried asking him why he was like this he either snapped at them or simply ignored their existence.

Finally, the bell rang for the end of school and the archer all but sprinted from the school. As he was leaving the grounds the beautiful brown haired girl stopped him.

"Doumeki, are you alright? Are you going to Yuko's to help Watanuki? He's been gone for such a long time, I'm starting to get worried," she asked, her voice filled with worry.

'Tell me about it,' he thought painfully. Without his secret crush he had no one to argue with, no one to bother. He walked alone, Himaware was never available, she was always doing something.

"Yes," was all he said and ran around her, disappearing down the street.

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"So then tonight's the night, right master," Grail said excitedly eyeing Watanuki, who was sitting board in the container. Her eyes gleamed in anticipation.

Watanuki yawned and slumped back against the glass with a sigh. He'd had nothing to do for the last two weeks. It was strange though, he never got hungry or thirsty. He wondered if it had something to do with the strange glass bubble he was currently trapped in. He sighed again and sat his head back and closed his eyes.

Von Rain's eyes glittered evilly, "I can't wait."

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"Did you bring your bow like I asked," Yuko said, totally serious. Doumeki nodded and placed the bow between them. The time witch seemed to hesitate, "Are you ready?" Doumeki nodded, his eyes filled with strong determination. Yuko sighed, "Maro, Moro," both girls instantly appeared, nodded, then disappeared. They returned within moments, both with solemn faces and both silently carrying the mirror that Doumeki had retrieved a month ago. The two set it down in front of Yuko, directly in the center of the room. They disappeared and came back Maro carrying four black candles, Moro carrying a beautifully ornate jar. They both left again and a few moments later, a panel was lifted from the ceiling of the room so the moon shone through. As soon as the shining full orb hit the mirror the candles flickered to life in a purple flame. The lights blinked out and Doumeki, as stoic as ever, remained silent as he watched the events unfold. Yuko gently, almost reverently lifted the jar and poured the contents on the mirror. It rippled and the reflection of the moon was distorted.

"In order to return, you must bring me the blood drinker's dagger, or you will not be able to come back to the mortal world," The witch said. Doumeki nodded and stood, clutching his bow tightly in his left hand. She beckoned him forward. He stepped closer to the mirror. Suddenly he felt two pairs of hands push him onto the mirror. Instead of stepping onto the glass like he expected, his foot stepped straight through it. He showed none of the surprise he felt as he was met with the rushing feeling that surrounded him.

Dark.

It was very dark. He was floating, surrounded by peace and total silence. Suddenly he was met with the same rush of air and he gasped. His eyes flew open and he was on land. Frowning he gazed around him. He had suddenly appeared in front of a large lake. The water was totally black and the moon glistened, undisturbed on the glass water. He spun and saw that the lake was surrounded by a thick forest with great, ancient trees that toward far above him. He stared at his surroundings in well concealed awe, until his purpose for coming to the spirit came crashing back to him.

He still had to save his other half.

Watanuki.

He turned his gaze further upward and saw with a chilling sense of fear, a huge gothic castle, that was reminiscent of one out of a horror movie. If he stared at it long enough he could just imagine faces and blank eyes watching him from the windows. With a comforting grip on his bow, he began through the forest; heading towards the prison that held his Watanuki.

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Von Rain chuckled darkly and took another draught of the wine, "He is here," he said, his voice barely holding in his excitement.

Grail smiled, "I'll go let him in then." She disappeared into the shadows, leaving the Count to his own thoughts.

Silence filled the room and the only light was from the rising full moon. He studied the wine as he swirled it in the silver goblet. Getting impatient he downed the red liquid and placed the cup on the table. With refined grace he rose and walked slowly to a nightstand with an ornate box standing lonely on it. The box was deep red with a detailed full moon painted on the lid. He opened it reverently and gently lifted its contents out of the soft black velvet. He gripped the silver in his hands and walked out of the room with an excited smile.

"It begins."

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The huge door swung open of its own accord and Doumeki stepped cautiously through it. The rising of the full moon was the only light present as he walked through the halls, brandishing his bow before him, ready at any moment to fire at anything that stood in his way.

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"Do you think he will reach him in time," Grail asked, rejoining The Count.

Von Rain nodded, "His connection to the boy is strong. He will certainly speed up the process."

"This is going to be so much fun," Grail hissed hungrily.

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He walked slowly down the halls, tensely holding his bow, ready for an attack he was sure would come. He came to a crossway, the two halls extending in both directions. He got a strong pull from the hall on the right, following the strong feeling he went down the corridor. This was more than just a feeling, it was like an instinct, a need to find his other half. The hall extended far, almost to a point where he couldn't see the end. As he continued down the dark corridor the strange pull grew stronger and he knew he was getting closer to Watanuki. Excitement and fear coursed through him.

What if he was too late? What if….?

Gods he was going to be sick if he kept thinking along that line. Finally he reached a door where the feeling was strongest. He paused, took a deep breath and opened the door slowly. The moon was glaringly obvious, considering the room had no roof. He ignored the no ceiling and looked ahead instead.

He froze.

There were two large containers, directly in the middle of the room. In the one on his left was a skinny, tall, pale boy with glasses laying on the bottom of the container. His entire focus was on how still his other half was, as he ran to the glass.

When he finally reached it, he pounded on the glass, "Watanuki! Watanuki," He screamed at the glass.

Watanuki sat up and glanced at him, then again. His eyes widened and he spun to face Doumeki. The Archer could not hear what it was Watanuki seemed to be screaming at him. The pale boy was shaking his head furiously to the point of tears.

"I'm going to get you out of there," Doumeki whispered.

"Good luck with that," A voice said behind him. Before he could react or even turn around his entire world went black.

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His eyes flew opened and he looked around.

"Dark…. It's very dark," he mumbled to himself.

"Astute observation Shizuka," A familiar voice said.

Doumeki spun and his eyes widened, it was like looking in a mirror, "Grandfather?"

The young man nodded, "Hello Shizuka, how are you?" Haruka asked kindly.

Doumeki frowned, "Why am I here," he asked bluntly.

Haruka sighed, "You were always so straight forward, even as a child," he shook his head slightly, "You didn't reach Watanuki in time," Doumeki stiffened and felt his heart freeze in his chest, "However, there is still a chance that you can save him. You must use this," He held out his hand and Doumeki extended his. He accepted what his grandfather held and gazed at it. It was a small golden ring that shone in the dark with magic. A sun was stamped into the gold metal all around the ring. He looked up at his grandfather questioningly, "Attach this to one of your arrows, be sure that it hits Von Rain," Haruka explained.

"Von Rain?" Doumeki mumbled.

Suddenly everything was growing fuzzy, "Don't forget the blood drinker's dagger," Haruka called as he began to disappear. "Save him, your other half," was the last thing Doumeki heard before he opened his eyes.

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Doumeki blinked at the moon's nearly blinding light. He stared up at it through the glass.

Glass?

He shot up and gazed around him. He was in the other container. He frowned deeply and turned to face Watanuki, who was staring at him intensely, his brow furrowed. His hands were pressed to the glass and his nose only inches from it.

Angry and frustrated at his own stupidity, Doumeki clenched his hands hard. In his right hand he felt something hard bite into his skin that weren't his nails. Curiously he opened it and blinked in surprise. The ring he had received from his grandfather lay innocently on his palm. His grandfather's instructions rang in his head. He looked back up at Watanuki and his heart sank.

The pale boy was obviously close to tears and trying in vain to hold them at bay. Doumeki's eyes softened and he scooted closer to the thin glass that held them apart. Watanuki gently placed his hand up on the glass and it was mirrored by Doumeki with his own hand.

"Are you alright?" Doumeki mouthed.

Watanuki nodded.

"I'm going to get you out of here," Doumeki said.

Watanuki cocked his head to the side, seeming like a confused puppy. "I'm going to get you out of here," Doumeki mouthed slowly.

Watanuki's face blanked but then he smiled. Tears spilled over and the paler boy made no move to wipe them away. Watanuki's smile widened and he shook his head and more tears spilled. This time Doumeki cocked his head in confusion. Watanuki shook his head again.

"You can't," He mouthed.

Doumeki felt a rush of anger and he punched the glass between them, "I will," He shouted. Watanuki drew back a little in surprise but recovered quickly. He smiled, it was kind and sad, understanding. More tears. He held up his hand and pressed it to the glass where Doumeki's fist was slammed into it. There was something unfamiliar in Watanuki's eyes. Something strange but warm. Could it be?

Could it be what he had waited for since he met Watanuki?

Love?

Movement to his left interrupted his thoughts, and both of them turned.

"Welcome Shizuka Doumeki," The man said. He had a frightening air about him. It made the hair on the back of the archer's neck stand on end. "My name is Count Von Rain," He bowed, "It is a pleasure to finally meet you Shizuka Doumeki. I would stay and chat but…" His hands gestured to the two glasses, "It is time."

Doumeki saw Watanuki pale visibly and felt a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. "Time for what?" He asked on impulse.

The Count ignored him and turned towards the archer's other half. He dug into his pocket and pulled out a silver necklace with a silver moon shaped pendent. The two stiffened and froze as the grey skinned man held up the silver moon to the opening in The ceiling, allowing the shining light of the full orb to cover him and the pendant. The totally full moon seemed to move straight over the two and Von rain raised the pendent, he touched it to the glass on Watanuki's side.

Slowly, as if someone was cutting into the glass with a knife, a moon appeared on the glass, identical to the pendant. Sighing happily, Von Rain placed the necklace around his neck; as soon as the silver touched his chest it glowed an ominous blue. The moon on the glass glowed blue as well, mirroring the smaller version.

Suddenly Watanuki's eyes widened in horror and his hands flew to his chest and throat. Doumeki totally forgot about the grey skinned man and turned to his secret love. Watanuki paled further and pressed his forehead against the glass separating them. His mouth opened in an unheard scream.

Doumeki's heart stuttered in fear and he pounded on the glass, punching it with both hands until his hands bled. To his horror tears of blood poured from Watanuki's eyes. He turned to the monster on the outside of the glass, "What are you doing," he demanded, totally forgetting that he probably couldn't hear him.

To his surprise, however, Von Rain answered, his eyes never leaving Watanuki, "I'm using the power of the full moon to drain his energy. The pendant in capturing it, so then I can utilize it whenever I please. Using the power of the full moon, Kimihiro Watanuki will die and his power will be mine."

Doumeki growled in frustration and anger. Forgetting to keep a strong front, he turned wild and angry eyes to Watanuki. The pale boy was breathing hard, face pressed to the glass, staring desperately at Doumeki.

"Please," It was a choked plea from the dying boy and with a start he realized that he could hear him.

"Watanuki! Watanuki," Doumeki cried, desperately pressing himself to the glass, praying with his entire heart and Soul. They were only inches apart, so close and yet so far. It was only glass, but it was as strong as steel.

The paler boy on the other side pressed himself to the glass as well as if hoping he could go through it and drown himself in those strong arms. Watanuki glanced up into Doumeki's blue eyes, gods how he loved those eyes, how he could drown in them. Maybe it was the lack of air that had him thinking this way, maybe it was the loss of hope but whatever it was he simply wanted to hold Doumeki. Hold him tightly and say it would be ok. He was strong, he could move on without him. He would be able to find another. With that small comfort he smiled. It was weak and took all his effort but it was so genuine.

Doumeki's heart sank, that smile was one of lost hope, acceptance. He shook his head fiercely, "No… No! Dammit!" he snarled and punched the glass again. Hard and with so much force he almost felt his hand break.

Tears fell in a waterfall down Watanuki's cheeks. He shook his head slowly. "I'm sorry," he whispered. It was so exhausted and full of pain, Doumeki felt tears of his own prick his eyes.

"Don't… Don't do this! You're going to be fine," he commanded weakly.

Watanuki found it was suddenly hard to focus on anything, he fought the darkness and focused on Doumeki. He smiled one last time. His body relaxed and he sighed. He slumped against the glass, his eyes blank and his chest unmoving.

Doumeki sat back in shock. He refused to believe what he was seeing. "N..No, No," He screamed. He pounded the glass again and felt hot, furious tears cascade down his cheeks. He felt so much anger, more than he ever had before. Suddenly he felt weight in his hand, the same one as the ring. He looked down and his eyes widened. A bow, glowing red bow was materializing in his hand. He glanced at Von Rain, who was to absorbed in the necklace to notice. Slowly he raised the bow and drew it back. An arrow of pure energy formed with one swift movement he pulled back and fired. It Sot off and hit the glass, at first it didn't go through but soon a spider web of cracks appeared and the glass shattered. Doumeki jumped over the glass and caught Watanuki as he fell through the hole. Doumeki Shivered slightly. Watanuki was cold, he had no pulse and he wasn't breathing. To save himself from despair he focused on escaping. He aimed for the moon shaped crack and fired an arrow. It, too shattered and fell away in shards; he jumped through the gap in the glass. Clutching Watanuki tightly but gently to his chest he landed only a few feet from a shocked Von Rain.

"How-," But Doumeki ignored him. He gently laid Watanuki on the floor and held up the ring and fastened it to his arrow. Von Rain froze, "W-Where did you get that?" Von Rain regained himself, suddenly the moon above them turned red and the Count's eyes flew open. "No! No How? I-I can't move," Doumeki neither asked why nor stopped to think he simply shot the arrow.

As soon as the ring made contact with the Count, he screamed in fear and pain. A warm yellow light exploded from the ring. The light as strong as the sun itself blinded Doumeki and he shielded his eyes. There was one last echoing scream and it all drew itself into the golden ring.

When Doumeki opened his eyes Von Rain was gone and the ring clattered to the floor. The silver moon necklace hovered in the air for a moment, still glowing blue. The light flickered off and I too, fell to the floor. Without hesitation, Doumeki sprinted to the necklace and ring and scooped them both up, he shoved them into his pocket and ran back over to Watanuki. He gathered him onto his back and sprinted out of the door and down the halls.

He felt the weight of the necklaces and ring in his pocket. The weight of his secret crush on his back had him surging forward. He ran blindly going on instinct until he finally saw the doorway far down a hall. He paused to catch his breath and sprinted down the hall.

Suddenly he was blown back by a gust of cold air. He fell back and twisted on his side, making sure not to fall on Watanuki. He looked up, his hand still gripping the bow. His eyes narrowed when he saw the woman that had taken Watanuki from him in the first place.

"How dare you think you can simply run away after sealing away my master!" She screeched.

She snarled at him and bared her fangs. He raised his bow and fired. She dodged it easily and waved her hand. A slice of purple energy shot itself at the two. Doumeki rolled away, dragging Watanuki with him. She fired at him again and he moved away firing as he dove. She dodged and lunged at him. He felt the ring roll out of his pocket and onto the floor.

The Vampire drew closer to him and the ring but froze when she saw it. "How did you get that," she hissed. He ignored her and lunged for it. She hissed and sprang to attack him. He picked up the ring and brandished forward like a shield.

It glowed with a bright, warm yellow light. Grail froze and turned to run but she, like he master was drawn into the ring. Doumeki was forced to close his eyes as the light grew in strength and he frowned at the piercing shriek the vampire gave as she was sucked into the ring.

Like before the light burst off and it was only him and Watanuki in the dark corridor. He collapsed, gasping and for a moment, he listened to the silence. Suddenly something fell with a muffled sound on the carpeted floor.

Doumeki pocketed the ring again and crawled over to the object. With a small amount of wonder and a large amount of caution he picked up the dagger that had been left behind by the blood drinker.

It's hilt was made of shining silver and it's blade was made of a strange, cold metal the color of blood. AS if sensing there was no more danger, the bow he held in his hand burst and disappeared. He sighed and took that as a sign to continue on. He picked up Watanuki and gently replaced him onto his back. He clutched the dagger in his hand and sprinted out of the door.

The moon disappeared from behind the trees as he ran into the forest towards the lake. He ran at full speed and skidded to a stop when he finally reached the lake. He stood for a moment panting. He looked around; nothing disturbed the silence, nothing moved. He looked at the dagger then around again.

"What do I do?" He asked desperately. He collapsed spinning on his knees to clutch Watanuki to his chest. Watanuki still remained cold and still, Now that there was nothing to distract him from the reality, it came crashing down on him, nearly crushing him. He sobbed, so out of character it frightened him, "Dammit! Dammit Watanuki, you idiot," he sobbed into the black locks.

"You done," A high pitched voice cut through his misery. He looked up and saw the black puff ball staring at him.

"Mokona? How- What-," The puff ball ignored him and jumped onto Watanuki's chest.

"We have to hurry or it will be too late," It said and jumped over to the lake. Doumeki gathered up his other half and followed Mokona to the lake. "Hurry, put the dagger into the water," he commanded. Doumeki did as he was told and nearly jumped back in surprise. As soon as the dagger's red blade hit the water, the blood color spread out, quickly staining the clear water bloody red.

Doumeki pulled away with disgust, "Well get in," the little puff ball said. Doumeki glanced at him and hesitated. "Hurry," Mokona insisted. Sighing, he clutched Watanuki closer to him, held his breath and jumped in.

He was met with the dark, swimming feeling he had before. He felt the air rush past his face, and he blinked. The moon was just disappearing behind the horizon, and the sun was just beginning to chase it across the sky. The pink and red silhouetted the shop, giving it an angelic look. He was finally back in the human world.

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"Did you get the necklace," Yuko asked after they had laid Watanuki on the floor. Doumeki nodded and took it out of his pocket and handed it to the witch. She shook her head, "You must place it on him," Doumeki covered his confusion behind a frown and he gently placed the necklace over Watanuki's head. He lifted him up and finished placing the necklace around him. He ran his thumb over the paler ones forehead and bent down and gently kissed the suddenly warm skin. He pulled away, quickly and looked at Yuko, who was smiling gently. She looked back down at the still unmoving boy.

Suddenly Watanuki took a gasping ragged breath and his eyes flew open. Doumeki's eyes widened and he smiled, out of pure joy and relief.

"D-Doumeki," Watanuki whispered, sounding exhausted and totally drained.

Doumeki ran a hand through the paler boy's hair, "You are going to be ok."

Watanuki smiled tiredly and yawned, "M'kay," his eyes drifted shut and for the first time in a month he was able to sleep peacefully.

Doumeki sighed happily and ran his fingers through Watanuki's hair again. "There is a price to Watanuki's restored life," Yuko said, cutting through Doumeki's happiness.

Doumeki looked suspiciously at her, "The price is that if the necklace was to be removed from Watanuki's neck, he would die within a day's time. Right now he is too weak to protect himself," She left the rest of the thought unsaid.

Doumeki nodded, "I need to be stronger…. Can you grant my wish?"

Yuko nodded, "The price of power is your grandfather's ring," she held out her hand and Doumeki gave it to her. She closed her eyes and the ring glowed softly. Doumeki felt a surge of warmth and power. He sighed, "Thank you."

"Don't worry, everything will be alright," Yuko said kindly, strangely out of character. She smiled lightly and stood leaving the Archer to watch over his other half.

I love this chapter and I hope you do too. It's not over yet not even close so I hope you'll stay with me. Next chapter starts the DouWata! Slash!