"From Lightning in the sky

As it pass'd me flying by—

From the thunder and storm,

And the cloud that took the form

(When the rest of Heaven was blue)

Of a demon in my view."

Suu hurried as fast as she could her aloe colored curls flying past her in a frantic motion. Anyone who saw her would immediately feel the stress and anxiety she exuded as she rushed past. A few attempted to ask what was wrong but she ignored them and headed straight on. She rounded the corner and raced into Suu prize where Ikuto had sensed her distress and ran to greet her at the door, "What's wrong?" he asked as Suu flung open the door panting.

"Amu …*huff*-chan…*huff* is…*huff, pant huff* gone!" She gasped, leaning against the door trying to catch her breath.

Ikuto searched frantically behind Suu looking for Amu's scent, it was gone, he retraced her steps a few yards back and couldn't smell Amu anymore he scampered back to Suu frantically who had just straightened up and was wringing her hands in deep set worry.

"What happened Suu-san?" Ikuto demanded panic raising his voice into something that sounded like a shrill mew.

Suu shook her head, "We were in the store. Amu-chan went to get an attachment for the blender," She began to sniffle, "I heard Amu-chan scream for help, but when I got there she was gone!" Suu began to sob, "What do we doooo Ikuto-kun….to help..*sob* her!"

Ikuto trembled. He knew, without Suu even knowing what was going on, exactly who it was. It was the sorcerer who trapped him in his cat body, for some reason he knew how dear Amu was to him and took her, why, Ikuto still didn't know.

"We have to go to the Fujisaki mansion." Ikuto hissed breaking Suu's sobbing fit from a moment, "They're the only one's who can help us."

Suu dried her eyes, "The Fujisaki?" She gasped, "What does that rich family have to do with this?"

Ikuto turned tail, "Family friends." Ikuto purred discontently as he pointed his paw out the door, "Come on we have to hurry, who knows what that bastard is doing to Amu."

Suu stood up and nodded, "I have a faster way of getting there." Suu reported and ran out the shop door making a conscious note to lock it and picked up Ikuto who swung around haplessly in her arms as she ran around to the apartment and opened the Garage. Much to Ikuto's surprise there was a white street bike sitting quite nicely. Ikuto looked up at Suu curiously, she didn't notice Ikuto's questioning look and threw him in the small side car and hopped on, "Hold on, Ikuto-kun. I tend to go really fast, on this!" The engine roared which spooked Ikuto who clawed unto seat of the side car. Suu then shot out of the garage at such a speed the front tire lifted off the ground for what seemed like forever to Ikuto as he dug his paws deeper into the cushion of the seat and she speed off into a ferocious roar from the engine.

Ikuto ducked under the window of the side car as the wind ripped over his head and to his delicate hearing hurt his ear drums terribly but he dared not lift his claws out of the cushion for fear he would fly out. He could hear the high pitched screeching of the tires turning the corners as Suu zoomed by. And much to Ikuto's relief the bike finally stopped. Ikuto flicked his ears which made them pop and his hearing went back to normal he shook his head and hopped out of the side car and ran through the gates leaving Suu behind on the bike, all he knew was that he had to save Amu and Notori Fujisaki was the only one who could possibly help him.

He scampered all the way to the huge double doors to much of his relief had just been opened by Nadeshiko who saw him scamper up and she ran in after him noting his distress, "Ikuto-kun what's wrong?" She asked chasing after him.

"Amu's been kidnapped, where's Notori?" Ikuto said skirting in front of her. Nadeshiko pointed toward the hall where his guest room was, "he's in his study, come on I'll take you to him."

Ikuto followed Nadeshiko further down the hall then he had yet been to a red oak door that had a gold plate on the eye of the door, Ikuto didn't bother to read it and followed Nadeshiko as she slammed the door open which surprised everyone on the other side.

In the study was Notori sitting behind a large oak desk which was the same color as the door with his hands folded over his elbows which were rested on the desk as if he had been deep in though before the intrusion, on his side was Yuu Hotori who was leaned over large paper that was unfolded before them.

"Your majesty?" Notori said in a light voice not at all offended by the rude intrusion, "What brings you here?"

Ikuto hopped on the desk and swished his tail in agitation sweeping some of the papers around, "Amu has been kidnapped by the sorcerer who cursed me!"

Notori's face lit up with Alarm, "Amu-chan has?"

Yuu quickly raced out of the room, "I'll get that"

"Yes," Ikuto said diligently, "I've come to recruit your help, Notori-san. You're the only one I know who can."

"You've come to the right person," Notori said standing up and pressed the intercom, "Nagihiko, bring your friends, we have an emergency, it's about Amu-chan hurry!"

Ikuto sighed in relief, "Thank you."

Yuu had just ran back in and handed something to Notori, "Don't thank me yet, Your Highness."

Notori showed Ikuto what he had, "I've been saving this for such an emergency." It was a purple round stone with the familiar Tsukiyomi family crest on it, "It will take you to where Amu is being held."

Ikuto held the stone between his two paws just as Nagi, Tadase, and Kukai raced in.

"They will go with you, Nagihiko knows about that stone's magic well as well as Tadase-kun." Yuu stated matter of factly.

"And of course I'll be the muscle!" Kukai said jokingly flexing his arms to show off. Ikuto rolled his eyes and pressed upon the stone, "Take us to Amu!" He said softly to the stone. It began to glow an eerie purple aura and the four boys disappeared in a flash of violet light.

Their landing wasn't as quiet as Ikuto had hoped. It resounded through out the castle but much to their relief nothing seemed to stir. Ikuto sniffed the air, it reeked of magic and also it seemed very familiar. He set his nose to the ground and began sniffing around like a blood hound. The other three followed him, watching his movement carefully.

Kukai, who had not come from a family of magic people, thought the motion of Ikuto was rather funny since he was supposed to be this all powerful prince and yet here he is sniffing around like a normal animal, I guess animal instincts are just as strong as human ones He mused to himself.

Jus then Ikuto perked up his ears which as if he detected something, "What is it Ikuto-sama?" Nagihiko asked in a whisper. Ikuto shifted his head around and sat very calmly on the ground as he observed his surroundings, "I know this place." Ikuto said simply and then stood up and continued to walk. The three looked at each other puzzled and continued to follow behind him. They came to a large breezeway at the end of the breeze way was a bright and immaculate garden. The vegetation was fresh and lively. It wasn't something they expected from the castle of the bad guy. But it was beautiful, there were thousands of varieties of plants and trees. Flowers that no longer existed and even an occasional oddly colored flower, Nagihiko stopped to marvel at a silver rose that was not only a gentle gray in color but also as metallic as chrome, yet soft to the touch.

"What is this place?" Tadase voiced aloud watching a butterfly the size of pigeon flutter by.

"It's not of earth." Ikuto stated softly, "This realm, I remember it from the stories my father told us at night, a place of great magick where all that existed still exists and all that will exist is already here." He bounded across the field, "There's a legend of a creature that once lived here, that was born of the very essence of this place, it was a beautiful creature that some called it the "Jewel of Avalon" it has other names, my people called it the "Living Amulet""

"Sounds cool but," He glanced at the castle they had just come out of, "dose that mean we are in Avalon?"

Tadase and Nagihiko looked surprised as Ikuto affirmed what Kukai asked by nodding his head slowly, "What he is doing here I don't know."

They headed back into the castle and began searching the corridors of all the grand wings and halls hoping to find Amu in one of them. It was the south wing's left hall that Ikuto's ears picked up a soft whimper. He bounded across the marble, or perhaps pearl, floors and started clawing on a door where they could hear a distinct sobbing noise that sounded like Amu.

"Amu!" Ikuto yelled, "Amu is that you?"

"Ikuto?" came the voice from inside. Kukai tried to open the door but it wouldn't budge, he then tried to ram his weight against it, "Watch out Amu, we're breaking this door down!"

All three heaved against the door at once and the door fell down with an impressive crash. All saw Amu huddled in the corner protecting her face from recoil of the falling door.

"Amu!" Ikuto said as he leapt toward her, she lowered her arm to revel swollen puffy red eyes that gave away the fact she had been crying for a while. She embraced him and picked him up burying her face in his fur, "I'm so glad to see you!"

Tadase gave a brief flash of disappointment in his features then he smiled kindly, "It's good to see you are safe Hinamori-san."

Ikuto's ears suddenly perked up and he turned his head toward the door and hissed. Everyone averted their attention to the door and saw none other that Kazoumi standing in the door way chuckling bitterly, "Gozen thought you would come to the rescue." He sneered, "However we are not letting you have the Living Amulet back!"

Ikuto shot a glance at Amu, who didn't really look shocked or astonished, he figured it was because she didn't know what that was then he realized he was the only one in the room who was surprised.

"We're not letting you have Amu-chan!" Nagihiko shouted as he took a graceful flying leap into the air and landed a kick into Kazoumi's head. Kazoumi didn't even flinch, he grabbed Nagi's foot which made him gasp and threw him mercilessly into the wall Tadase then threw, like an idiot I might add, the stone that would bring them home at Kazoumi while uttering a strange language. Kazoumi caught it in his fist a chuckled while also speaking in the tongue and threw something else at the group which coiled around them and pulled them all together in a bind, "Insufferable brats!"

Ikuto was the only one who didn't get caught in the ropes and he flung himself at Kazoumi's face and began clawing at it and made Kazoumi fall back. Kazoumi threw him but Ikuto manages to flip himself over and landed on his feet as any proud cat would do and scampered around his feet making Kazoumi stumbled around trying to catch the feline. Ikuto then ran in between his legs when he was twisted around and he dove for Ikuto only succeeding in throwing himself out of balance. The stone that Tadase stupidly tried to curse then flew up in the air and Ikuto managed to catch it in his mouth he then slipped it into Amu's hand before Kazoumi noticed it was gone.

"Damn cat!" He said rising to his feet, "If only you died when I drowned you the first time!" he screamed and ran at Ikuto. Just then something flew over him from out of nowhere and wrapped itself around Ikuto's neck and suddenly Ikuto was human again fully dressed in a black jacket white tee and dark blue jeans and black sneakers. Ikuto smirked and threw and a punch straight into the face of Kazoumi hard enough to knock him out.

"Well kiddies, that's how you do it." Ikuto said recoiling his fist and walking casually to untie them because now Kazoumi was out cold.

Once released Amu tossed the stone to Ikuto who smiled and pulled her into a big hug relieved that she was okay and also a bit concerned, why had Kazoumi called Amu, "The Living Amulet"? and why was he the only one surprised at it?

"Another one?" Kukai gasped breaking Ikuto from his thoughts Ikuto quickly pushed Amu behind himself and looked up at the door where Utau was standing leaning against the rail looking quite impressed.

"Utau?" Ikuto gasped, surprised at seeing his sister. She smiled and glided to him and Amu who had been standing next to him.

"Hello, Ikuto," Utau said remorsefully, "I'm really, sorry, I can't atone for the things I have done, even if it is against my will. I never wanted you to get hurt."

Ikuto looked on at Utau helplessly unsure on how to respond. Utau pointed at his collar, "Frankly, brother, I'm surprised you didn't notice from the start."

Ikuto touched the necklace and realized the power was quite familiar, like from that time he was saved from the well. How did he not notice it? How did he not realize she was so familiar?

Ikuto looked at Amu who looked just as alarmed and confused as he felt. He sighed and gave his sister a forgiving glance and offered his hand, "Come with us Utau."

Utau smiled and shook her head, "I can't, I have to stay until this ends…." She looked at Amu then at Ikuto sorrowfully, "Until the prophecy is fulfilled I can't go with you."

Ikuto looked at her confused then both turned toward the entrance, "He's coming!" She said in a hurry, "Quickly! Take your friends and leave now!"

Ikuto nodded as he gather Amu up in his arms to which she refrained from protesting due to the urgency of the situation and he pulled the stone to his lips, "Take me to Notori!" and the stone glowed and flashed like before leaving Avalon behind and the den of the Fujisaki mansion appeared around them.

While Ikuto had been gone Suu had been invited into the mansion to which she was updated on the situation. The moment Ikuto and Amu appeared in the room Suu flung herself to her favorite employee/ friend and sobbed in relief.

"Suu-san!" Amu exclaimed in wonder, "How'd you get here."

"On bike," Ikuto shuddered and Amu flashed Suu the same questioning look Ikuto had earlier. Suu was so delighted she answered in her upmost cheerful voice, "Oh my ex-boyfriend left it with me."

Everyone sweat dropped and laughed relief echoing throughout everyone's voice, that is, everyone except Amu who was still in deep turmoil as she thought about her Imprisonment…

Hitachi threw her kicking and screaming into the room she was when the guys came to save her, a small ruddy room with no furniture only a small futon and no windows.

"I hope you don't mind the temporary accommodations." He spat while he nursed the scratch she gave him earlier, "You'll only be human for a very small while longer…."

Amu ran to the door and beat on it mercilessly, "Let me out! Ikuto will come and save me and he'll let you have it! Don't underestimate him!"

Hitachi laughed bitterly and manically, "Oh, believe me I shall no longer underestimate that flea bitten mongrel and I have no doubt he'll come for you, I'm hoping for it."

"W-what do you mean." Amu said backing off a little. Hitachi's disembodied voice becoming more menacing as he laughed at her cruelly.

"You see the reason my hold on his family power is weakening is because I never captured him." Amu backed off to the corner the voice seemed to engulf her, "However you are far more useful, you were born as something called the Living Amulet, you have great potential yes, but only I can fully realize that potential, if I have you than I don't need the Tsukiyomi power."

"And if I refuse?" Amu almost whimpered.

He laughed, a brief amused chuckle, "Then I'll just kill him."

"What! No!" Amu said finding courage and strength to stand and beat on the door again. He laugh loudly, so loudly that the walls of the hallow room began to shake, "Then surrender yours. For in the end, it's your life or his."

That's last sentence was what made Amu worry, "In the end it's your life or his."

Amu knew she had to break the curse, if it meant sacrificing herself to save Ikuto, she would do so in a heart beat, but there was still hope, the prophecy which spoke of Ikuto's curse must have some sort of clue in it and she was determined to find out what it was!

Hello! Geeze it's been a while I know but I got distracted and all that ^^ but here's the new chappy! I hope you all liked it. Also at the beginning of the chapter was a segment from Edgar Allen Poe's poem "Alone" I absolutely love his work! So it's a bit of a tribute to one of my literary heroes! I thought the description matched Hitachi in a way so wilst I was reading a book of his famous poems I found this and decided I must use it!

Another note, what did you guys think of the way this chappy was written, I'm getting ready to reformate the entire story to this so (a) the story is longer (b) it has more detail and is cleaner in the text. So feed back paleeze! And I thank you all who read and reviewed the last chappy! Ciao!

Disclaimer: I do not own Shugo Chara nor do I claim any rights to the poem in the beginning, as I said, it's one of Edgar Allen Poe's wonderful works!

Review Count: 280 O.O *speechless*