Alexis stayed back at the hotel while her friends went on the field trip but she didn't feel comfortable lousing around in her room all day when she still had a friend in the hospital who could still use her support. After the school bus pulled off, she called a taxi to take her back to the hospital so she could go check on Mindy. But when she got there ready to enter her friend's hospital room, a group of men wearing priest garbs were already there conducting some kind of investigation.
"Miss Hamaguchi, we are sorry to keep bothering you when you are still recovering from your wounds. But for our records, we want you to repeat one more time what you told us. Please, tell us your story again." Mindy laid in her bed shaking uncontrollably as the memories of the night before festered in her mind. The haunting image of those piercing evil golden eyes were etched into her brain.
"I was attacked by a monster… He was my friend, at least I thought he was. You should have seen what I saw. His eyes were glowing inhumanly. I don't know how I didn't notice before, but his normal brown eyes looked almost gold but that could have been a trick of the light. And I could have just been seeing things, but I could have sworn he had long fangs… then he attacked, biting me deeply in my neck. I lost consciousness shortly after that. It's like he was a vampire. But that can't be true right? Vampires aren't real!" She said with a shaky voice.
The priest questioning her continued to jot down notes. "Thank you Miss Hamaguchi. Now, one last question here and we will be done. What is the name of your friend?" Mindy's eyes glossed over as the memory repeatedly played in her head causing her to shake more. "His name is Jaden… Jaden Yuki." The priest finished scribbling and closed his notebook. He then held up a rosary over her head. "Thank you very much for your cooperation. Now please, have a good rest." The rosary began to shine in a brilliant light and shortly after, Mindy passed out. They had successfully erased her memories of the incident of the night prior.
Alexis hid around the corner to avoid the detection as the mysterious group of men exited Mindy's room. "I think this is all the confirmation we need." Said the main priest to one of his comrades. "Golden eyes… There's no doubt that he has returned. Let us return to headquarters to report this back to the council." And with that, they left. Alexis was stunned. She didn't know who those people were but they were obviously trying to find out information about Jaden which couldn't mean anything good. She was still mad at him, but that didn't mean she wanted him to be in any kind of danger. She quickly left the hospital to return back to the hotel in hopes that her friends had already returned back from the field trip.
Jaden and his friends had made it back to the hotel and were all relaxing in the hotel lobby, sitting in one of the luxurious private lounges so they could talk in private. Bastion on the way back had informed Jaden of what the Supreme King had done in his absence. "I almost killed Mindy? Aw man… I can't believe I did that!" Said Jaden as he started mentally beating himself up. Syrus sat next to him trying to give him some closure. "Don't blame yourself! We all know it was Haou who actually did it." "BUT I LET HIM!" Yelled Jaden who's eyes flashed red. "I was weak Sy. I let the darkness consume me and look what happened. I hurt you and I nearly killed Mindy. I'm dangerous!"
Syrus grabbed his hand and firmly squeezed it. "But you came back. Jaden, you have just as much control over the Supreme King as he does you. I don't know how much truth there is to what I'm about to say, but if you want to learn how to control your powers then you and Haou need to learn how to cooperate. The few moments before you took back control, I saw Haou have some semblance of humanity. And you know why I think that is? It's because of you. You bring the good out of him just as much as he brings the worse out of you. If you two can learn to act as one being then maybe you can control the darkness inside of you." Said Syrus firmly.
Jaden flashed a weak smile at his loyal friend. "That makes sense. But still, it doesn't make up for what I've done." Not too longer after their conversation, Alexis burst into their lounge out of breath like she had been rushing. "Jaden! You're in danger!" She said out of breath. Jaden stood up, facing her. "Alexis. I owe you an apology-" "Forget that for now! I have urgent news! When I went to check up on Mindy, these suspicious priest guys were interrogating her and asking questions about you." She said between belated breaths.
"It sounds like the Vatican. I admit, I was sloppy. I left a trail of my carnage behind. If the champion hadn't intervened I would have cleaned up my trail, but I forgot. I apologize Jaden." Said Haou within Jaden's mind. "Haou says that it was the Vatican. I had an incident earlier today where I met another member. It won't be long before my secret is exposed to the world and I probably won't be able to play human for much longer." Said Jaden who forced on a fake smile, but all of his friends could see the worry and hurt behind it.
"We're here for you, Jay! We'll vouch for you and if they try something we will do everything we can to defend you!" Exclaimed Syrus happily. Seeing his friends in high hopes started to make Jaden feel the same way. "I don't want to say that I like you slacker, but if someone were to take you away I'd be pretty bummed that I lost my best rival. So, I guess I'll support you too. Not for you but for me!" Said Chazz. Jaden's eyes began to well up with tears as he felt the love coming from his friends.
He then turned his gaze to Alexis who he knew still had mixed feelings about him. After what he'd done, he wouldn't blame her if she didn't want to support him anymore. "Alexis? What about you?" He asked the Obelisk beauty nervously.
Alexis wearily looked at him but slowly approached and put her face right in front of his making him blush. "You are Jaden, aren't you?" She asked the young vampire. Jaden gulped; their close proximity made him extremely nervous. "Y-yeah. It's me." She kept staring at him debating on if he was telling the truth or not but once she noticed his brown eyes she smiled gently at him. Without warning, she cupped his face in the palm in her hands and pulled him into a sudden kiss making his face turn bright red.
Their friends watched in shock with Chazz basically foaming at the mouth as he watched his beloved Alexis kiss his rival. She kissed him for a moment and pulled back, her face just as red as his. She smiled at him with tears welling in her eyes. "Welcome back, Jaden. Now please don't disappear on us again, okay? Or I'll be made at you all over again."
Jaden sat in shock still processing what just happened but snapped back to reality and put on his best smile that they all loved to see. "Never again." They all sat in silence until Chazz burst from his seat and grabbed Jaden by his collar and shook him around violently. "How dare you kiss my beloved Alexis you Slifer Slacker trash!" The mood was brought back up as they laughed and Syrus and Bastion were trying to pull Chazz off of Jaden who looked like he was about to have a nosebleed from his rather sudden first kiss. Alexis had her back turned to them as she still blushed not believing she actually mustered up the courage to do something so bold like that.
Aster walked into the hotel ready to turn in for the night when he saw the commotion. He didn't know why, but he felt the urge to join them. He shook his head trying to dismiss the thought as he figured that desire only existed because of his unwilling blood bond affecting his mindset. Jaden saw him however and stood up and waved his hand at him to gain his attention. "Aster! Hey Aster! Come over here and hangout with us!"
He stood there for a moment but smiled softly, he didn't want to admit it but it would be a nice change in pace from his constant duties and to just behave like a teenager for a change. He walked over and sat with them in their lounge looking slightly uncomfortable. He never really hung out with people his age besides Maynard and siblings. And they only ever got together for rigorous training exercises. He never actually hung out with a group of peers just for fun before.
He sat listening as the group around him continued to talk and reminisce, and even though he didn't have much to contribute to the conversation he was happy enough to just listen. "Since all the serious stuff is out of the way, why don't we all have some fun and go out to eat or something? It's our last night here before we head back to the academy so why not?" Said Jaden with a wide smile. His friends sweat dropped at the suggestion.
"But Jaden, you can't eat human food right? So why do you want to go do something like that?" Inquired Bastion. Jaden's expression softened but he still had on a smile. "I don't need to eat to enjoy it. As long as you guys are happy, I am too. So, can I get a yes or no? And you're invited too Aster if you're willing to join us! Like it or not, but I consider us friends now!" Aster clenched up. What the hell was he talking about friends? They fought as allies only one time!
"I'm okay with going out to eat. I'm feeling barbeque, anyone else?" Said Syrus as they all cheered in unison. They all stood up one by one exiting their private lounge, but before Jaden could leave Aster grabbed his wrist leaving the two of them alone.
"Why are you doing this? You know we aren't friends right?" Said Aster seriously. Jaden put a finger up to his chin in thought. "That's only your opinion. But you've protected my friend's on more than one occasion so you're alright in my books. And I know about the bond. Haou told me a little while ago. I'm sorry about that. But since we're sort of at a truce I thought we should at least try to get along better as comrades."
Aster hated seeing that goofy smile on Jaden's face when he spoke. It was almost like a slap to the face because it made him feel like Jaden didn't really care or understand the situation they were in. But then he remembered how much of an idiot Jaden actually was and it was only in his nature to behave like this. He can't blame him for that. Compared to the Supreme King, Jaden's bubbly personality was also a nice change in pace. "Alright, fine. I'll go with you guys to your stupid barbeque. But don't think I'll enjoy it." Jaden's smile only widened as he pulled Aster along with him to rejoin their friends.
Watching through a nearby window was a dove. Through the dove's eyes, Sartorius was spying on his ever so changing Champion of Light. "Aster, you worry me… You seem to be getting too close to the king. But perhaps, I could use this to my advantage. If you can continue to put his guard down then I can swoop in for the final detrimental blow!" Said Sartorius as he sat at his tarot reading table and let out a menacing laugh that echoed in the empty room around him.
A little over an hour later, the gang found themselves at a Japanese style barbeque where they could grill their own meats. They sat around the table laughing and talking amongst each other as friends do. "Sorry for the wait! Here are your orders!" Said the server who came in with trays of raw beef and pork and even a special order of duck breast. They happily started digging in while Jaden looked on in envy, only being able to recall the taste of the food from his memories. "What I wouldn't do to be able to just taste some grilled pork right about now." Said Jaden with his mouth watering. He took a sip of tomato juice which was the only thing he ordered and did a spit take as he saw Aster take a bite of some teriyaki seared chicken.
He grabbed the other vampire's arm and pulled him in close to whisper in his ear. "How the hell are you eating?! Does it not taste bad to you?! When I try to eat that stuff it all tastes rotten!" Aster rolled his eyes. "Of course I can eat it. Human food might not supply me with sufficient nutrients but it still tastes the same. The reason you can't eat it is because you're a noble. Your taste buds work differently than mine."
Jaden let out a defeated groan as he let his head slam onto the table. "That is so not fair…" His friends looked at him and all gave an awkward laugh. "It was your idea for us to go out and have dinner Jaden. You only reap what you sow." Said Bastion as he shoveled the delicious meat into his mouth which only made Jaden more jealous. "Well, you don't have to rub it in Bastion!"
As his friends continued to eat, Jaden couldn't help but feel more distant from them more than ever. He promised himself that he would be strong but the obvious divide between their lifestyles is something he couldn't ignore. He was a creature of the night, and something so simple as going out to dinner was something he couldn't enjoy to the fullest anymore and anyone who knew him could tell you just how much he really loved eating.
Aster gave him a side eye and nudged him. "Stop looking so gloomy. You're going to kill the mood if you continue to look like a sad puppy." Said Aster underneath his breath. It was his weak attempt at perking up the other vampire's mood. He was actually having more fun being out with them then he thought he would and Jaden's gloomy vibes were really ruining it for him. "Yeah, I'm sorry. Hey Aster? I want you and me to take a walk before we turn in for the night. Sound cool?" Asked Jaden to the young pro duelist.
"I can't really say no to that can I?" Said Aster slightly annoyed. Jaden chuckled. "No, I suppose not. But I'm not commanding you to come with me. I'm just asking as a friend." After some time, they finished their meals and were ready to go back to the hotel to go to bed so that they could wake up early in the morning to catch the ferry back to Duel Academy. "You guys go on ahead of us. I have to go show Aster something but we won't take long, okay?" Syrus looked at his best friend worried but Jaden only smiled back at him, reassuring him. "Don't look at me like that Sy. I got this!"
He waved at his friends as they piled into the taxi which took off driving back to the hotel, leaving him and Aster all alone together. "So, what exactly were you wanting to show me?" Asked Aster with his hands in his pockets. Jaden walked over to a nearby flower stand a purchased a bouquet of roses. "I'll show you. Follow me."
They walked around for a bit and made their way back to the familiar farmers market and made their way to the back alleys where the tragic siblings home used to stand. Nothing was left except for the burnt remains of the shack that was nothing but burnt wood and ash. Jaden walked over to the remnants of the hut and placed the bouquet in front of it and knelt down on his knees and prayed.
"What are you doing exactly?" Asked Aster skeptically. Jaden sat there still praying with his eyes closed. "I'm praying that their souls made a safe departure to the afterlife where they can reunite with their family." Jaden stood up and faced the younger boy, his eyes narrowed with sharp focus. "I know you think I'm just some monster but you're wrong. Me and the king are nothing alike. These kids? Whether you thought that what you were doing was right, you went about it all wrong!" Aster took a step back as he could feel the demonic aura around Jaden start to thicken, emphasizing how serious Jaden really felt about the matter.
"Their deaths drove me over the edge. That's how much they impacted me. But you? You were so focused on your mission that you forgot that they were just kids trying to survive. You have a real empathy problem. And if you can't learn to fix that then you're going to be alone. Is that really what you want? I saw how much fun you were having tonight even if you tried to hide it. But I saw it. No. I FELT it. We are connected now, after all." Said Jaden.
Aster looked at the ground with his fists clenched. "I don't need a lecture from you. I do what I do because I have too. It's my life's mission to exterminate all vampires of the world!" Jaden looked at him with a sorrow filled expression. "But why? What motivated you to walk this lonely path?" Aster punched the wall next to him shocking Jaden by his sudden action, his knuckles dripping with blood from the impact.
"That's none of your damn business!" Jaden smiled slightly, his eyes shining with sadness. "Yeah you're right. I guess we're not quite there yet. But I hope that one day, you'll feel comfortable to talk about it with me. I know better than anyone that the darkness in your heart can swallow you up if you're not careful. I just don't want you ending up like me." Aster's knees began to buckle as he slumped down to the floor, his eyes beginning to swell with tears.
"Why do you care so much? You're just a stupid vampire… You're supposed to be my enemy. So why? Why do your words bring me comfort?! I don't get it?!" He pulled his balled-up fists to his eyes as he tried to stop himself from crying but they just wouldn't stop flowing. Jaden walked up to him and knelt down to his level and pulled him into a hug. "Because I can tell you're a good guy who's just broken. Maybe I care because I also feel responsible for you, but that's not the only reason. I mean it when I say I want us to be friends. I think that right now we are the only people that can truly understand each other. So why focus on hate when we can lift each other up instead?" Jaden then stood up and began to leave. "Think about what I said. I'm here for you, friend." Jaden looked at the hut one more time and bowed his head in respect before he left.
Aster sat on the ground, completely numb to the world. He had no right to receive this sort of kindness from anyone. Especially not from some stupid noble vampire who possibly couldn't understand all the hardship's he had gone through in his life. But he admitted that for the first time in a long time, a weight was lifted off of his shoulders. For the past six years, he trained for a near impossible goal by himself with no support at all. But right now, he had people that said he could depend on them. And it felt really good to hear that.
He stood up and walked up to the pile of ashes and mimicked what Jaden did. He knelt down and started to pray. This was something he had never done for the other vampires he had killed in the past. But as he prayed, he felt a warmth around him. Almost like the souls of the children were hugging him and telling him that everything was going to be okay. And as soon as the sensation appeared it vanished, like their souls had finally departed from this world. A single stray tear fell down his cheek. But it wasn't because he was sad, it was because he felt relief. He had no proof, but he could tell that they were finally at peace.
As he prayed he felt a gentle hand fall onto his shoulder and when he looked up he saw a beautiful figure silhouetted by the large moon behind her. She wore an elegant white dress made of flowing silk draping her delicate frame with her long silver hair flowing behind her in the wind. Her gorgeous blue eyes looked almost reflective in the moons light. "Arista?" He reached out a hand to try and grab her but as soon as he blinked, the image of her faded away like she was never there to begin with. He rubbed his eyes, thinking maybe he had just been hallucinating. But he could have sworn he saw an older version of his younger sister who he hadn't seen in years. "Were my eyes playing tricks on me.. or was that actually her? No, that's not possible. She isn't here anymore." His bangs covered his eyes as he became consumed in his grief once again.
Jaden was back at the hotel where he made it back up to his and Syrus's room where he saw his best friend already passed out soundly asleep on his giant king-sized mattress. He smiled as he walked over to his best friend and gently brushed the hair out of his eyes so he could get a better look at his peaceful expression. They had gone through so much together through the last couple of weeks and Syrus was loyal to him no matter what. He didn't know what he did to deserve a best friend like him, but he was going to make sure that nothing else went wrong.
He had been trying to ignore this mysterious destiny that was laid before him so he could continue to live his simple peaceful life, but every battle he's been in and the countless times his friends have been caught in the crossfire made him realize he could no longer ignore his role in the world anymore. No matter what happened to him, he swore right then and there he was going to fight for a world where his loved ones would be safe. No matter the cost.
He walked to the balcony and leaned over the edge with his elbows resting on the railing as he took in the night sky around him. "Hey, Haou?" His other half still residing in his body responded in his mind. "What is it Jaden? Can't sleep?" Jaden's eyes fell into a narrow stare as he continued to scan the night sky. "Why did you give me back control of my body?" A long silence befell between the two before Haou responded. "As greedy as I might be and want to have full control, my dream will not be accomplished without the both of us. Your friends… I can't deal with them. Humans are too strange to me. I'm only good when it comes to strategy and battle. But you? You're good with the people. I've never been known to be a motivational leader, but those friends of yours follow you loyally. So I will leave them to you until the time I am needed once more."
Jaden sighed, "My life would be so much easier without you and me constantly at each other's throats. I don't want to pretend that my purpose doesn't have a greater meaning. This Society of Light? If I don't stop them, they're going to keep trying to attack me and my friends could get hurt." "Not just your friends. The entire world. The Light of Destruction won't stop until the entire world is bathed with its light even if it means burning everything down."
Jaden gritted his teeth and let a low growl slip out of his throat. "I don't understand you! You say things like that as if you care about saving the world but then talk about how you want to make everyone your slave! You're no better than the Light of Destruction!" Haou again waited a little before he spoke back. "You're right. I'm only the lesser of two evils that are present right now. But we are the only ones capable of stopping the light. Once we fix the balance, we ourselves can tip it once more and we will be the evil that the world has to worry about. This is how it's been for a millennia. It's how balance is maintained within the universe. We are both the hero and the villain. This is why I try to convince you to let go of the little humanity you have left to prepare you for the war that will inevitably wage between us and the humans. And you need to make a choice. You are a king Jaden, and it's about time you started acting like one."
Jaden knew that there was no point in continuing this pointless conversation with his evil half otherwise they would keep talking circles around one another. "Well, until that happens, we need to be working together rather than against each other. So, until the day where I become the world's biggest enemy, I will do whatever I can to save it. And I need your help." He could hear Haou laugh in his mind. "I couldn't have said it better myself. Goodnight, Jaden." He then left the balcony and went to crawl into his own bed where he snuggled underneath the covers, and even though his mind was plagued with more nightmares, he forced himself to fall asleep.
The morning sunlight leaked into the room as Jaden pulled the covers over his head. Yesterday, Maynard had broken his holy lock which was the one thing that was protecting him from the sun's harmful rays so it was like he was back to square one. "Syrus, buddy, please close the curtains. I feel like I'm on fire in here." "Oh! You're right I forgot! You don't have your holy lock anymore." Syrus quickly leapt out his bed and closed the curtains. Jaden groggily arose from underneath his covers, he really hated the morning.
"Good morning Jaden! How'd you sleep?" Asked Syrus to the very tired vampire. But Syrus then let out a gasp when he saw the change in Jaden's eyes once again. "J-Jaden? Are you okay?" Jaden looked at his friend confused. "Yeah? Why wouldn't I be?" "I think you should look in the mirror. Your eyes look different, like really different." Jaden stood up and walked to the bathroom so that he could look at his reflection in the mirror. He let out a gasp as he touched his face. His eyes were no longer brown but a deep red color. And if was different from when they glowed whenever he was hungry. They weren't just glowing red, but the colors of his eyes had actually turned a deep shade of red and his pupils looked slit like a reptiles. "What the hell is this?!" He yelled as he kept touching at his face.