Chapter 79: Mutual Benefit
Vanessa and Mike looked at each other worriedly. "Do you really think he'll be able to figure out what's wrong with our Bloom?" Vanessa asked her husband. "I sure hope so hunny...I can't stand being unable to do a single thing..." Mike muttered as he hugged her gently. Yugi frowned as he sat on the couch across from them Atem sitting beside him. The Pharoah frowned as his eyes drifted over towards Yugi. Just one glance he could tell that the scarlet-eyed male was agonizing just as much over the situation. Gently Atem moved his hand and rested it on top of Yugi's warmly softly stroking it with his thumb.
Yugi paused as he slowly looked up at the Pharoah. "Are you alright Yugi...? You've been awfully quiet since Kenshin went in to check on Bloom..." Atem asked his other half softly. "...I...I'm just hoping that we did the right thing...bringing Kenshin to look at her...or if maybe there's something that we're missing...will she be ok...I just don't know...I mean what if the Wizards of Bakura is behind this...?" Yugi frowned. "So am I...but if there is something more we will find it. Have faith Yugi. We will help Bloom return to her old self. That I promise you. But you must remain strong for her." the Pharoah told him.
A smile gently appeared on Yugi's face. "Thanks, Atem. I needed that." "I will always be here when you need me. Never forget that." Atem smiled in return as Yugi's face slightly flushed. His heart always seemed to beat a little fast when the Pharoah would smile like that. "It looks like i'm not the only worried though...Carlos has been over there staring at his phone for a while...maybe I should go see if he's alright..." Yugi murmured before he eased himself off the couch and walked over to Carlos.
Carlos groaned as he stared at his smartphone. As ecstatic as he was finally seeing Bloom again after all these years these visions kept swirling around in his head. No matter how hard he tried he just couldn't seem to shake them. Back and forth he moved his index finger to the call button under Selina's name. "Uh, Carlos...?" Yugi spoke up. "GAH! FORGET IT! I'M CALLING HER!" Carlos finally cried out and pressed the call button. But it went to voice mail after three rings.
"DAMN IT! ALL!" Carlos cried and threw his hands up in the air. "THAT'S JUST FUCKING GREAT!" the Mexican cried and stormed outside. He desperately needed some fresh air. "Figures...I try to reach HER and I get nothing NADA! SQUAT!" Carlos snarled before he paused. In the distance, he could hear a motorcycle. And it was coming RIGHT AT HIM! "HOLY SHIT!" Carlos quickly moved out of the way at his heart pounded rapidly in his chest. One wrong move and he could've been road kill!
"CARLOS ARE YOU OK!?" Yugi questioned as he hurried over to him from inside the house. "BARELY! He nearly ran me over!" Carlos cried before Yugi helped him up. "You shouldn't have been standing in the road in the first place..." a familiar voice echoed before Kaiba pulled off his helmet. "Kaiba!?" Yugi exclaimed in surprise. Carlos's eyes widened. "WOAH WOAH! WHAT!? SETO?! AS IN SETO FRICKEN KAIBA OF KAIBA CORP IN DOMINO CITY!?" the Mexican cried out in utter shock.
"Um...well..." Yugi began before Raeger groaned as he got off the back of the motorcycle. "Ra-Raeger!?" Yugi's eyes widened. "Ugh...I think I prefer carriages..." the Guild Master groaned still dizzy from the ride over. Slowly Kaiba walked over to Yugi. "How is she?" the CEO asked the scarlet-eyed male as he walked inside with Raeger and Carlos following behind just barely. "Kenshin's in there with her now. The doctor Daunte recommended. But she has yet to come back out." Yugi told Kaiba. "...I owe you my thanks for taking on the task of finding him. Now i'll take over from here..." Kaiba told Yugi before he stormed into the house.
Vanessa and Mike jumped in surprise. Kaiba didn't even spare a word to them opening the door to Bloom's room before they could say anything about it. "M-My apologies for intruding like this." Raeger followed up. "Seto...Kaiba...hehehe...I must be going mad..." Carlos murmured in the background. "Uh, Kaiba...I don't think you should be..." Yugi only sighed before Kaiba closed the door behind him. "And...he's not listening..." the scarlet-eyed male let out a heavy sigh. "Yugi WHO was that just now?! And why did he just go into MY daughter's room!?" Mike cried out. "Uh...right...well he's Seto Kaiba...Bloom's...er...Fiance..." Yugi squeaked. "...WHAT!?"Carlos screamed before Mike and Venessa could even open their mouths.
"It would seem we have a visitor!" Cellos exclaimed as Kaiba opened the door. Bloom's eyes widened. "K-KAIBA!?" the redhead cried before the CEO rushed past the others. He wasted no words on them as he threw his arms around Bloom and pulled her into a warm embrace. The faerie found herself in shock as Kaiba gently pulled away looking into her blue eyes with his. "Why? Why didn't you tell me you were feeling worse...!?" he asked with a shaken voice as he held Bloom close. Slowly tears fell down her face unable to hold back the emotional storm raging inside her.
"B-Because...I know that you can't stand people...who can't help themselves...or who need help...I...I was worried that you'd start...to think that...something was wrong with me..." Bloom sobbed choking on her tears. Kaiba sighed and flicked her head gently. "Ow..." Bloom winced in response. "Honestly...would I bother chasing you from realm to realm...in between worlds if I really thought that?" Kaiba asked the redhead as he gently cupped her head in his hands. "...In case you don't know this by now...Bloom, you are SPECIAL to me...and no matter what anyone else thinks or says otherwise...NOTHING is going to change my feelings for you..."Kaiba told her.
"I didn't even know you'd gone to Earth...I had to hear it from that damn Bright. As soon as I heard I nearly barabqued myself trying to get through the gateway. All because I didn't have some stupid key...I felt like a complete IDIOT! And to make things worse I was in the middle of a duel with WHEELER OF ALL PEOPLE! If you're still not convinced then listen up and listen well...I had that mutt on the run and I nearly sent him running with his tail between his legs...but INSTEAD, I chose to THROW the duel just so I could be with YOU! And trust me when I say this that I Seto Kaiba CEO of Kaiba Corp would NEVER think of losing to a 3rd rate duelist...unless something or someone mattered to be more than a duel..." Kaiba told Bloom as the tips of his ears flushed even redder at the tips.
"And despite what people say I DO happen to have a heart...as hard as that may be to believe..." Kaiba muttered as his cheeks reddened slightly. "That aside...you should NEVER be afraid to come to me if you need...true if people do it all the time that it's annoying. But that doesn't apply to you...i'm sort of new at this...relationship thing...but if I can do anything at all...then...I want to...do you understand...?" he confessed as he burned with embarrassment with his chestnut hair covering his face.
Slowly a smile worked its way onto Bloom's face as she wiped away at her teary eyes. "Mhm..." she nodded and hugged him back holding him close to her. "I've just been so down lately...because I felt so weak and useless...but you told me exactly what I needed to hear..." the faerie sniffed smiling through her tears. "...So...then...you feel better now...I take it...?" Kaiba asked her. "Yes...very much so..." the redhead told the CEO. "...Well then...i'm glad..." Kaiba murmured as he smiled sweetly back at her. It was worth embarrassing the hell out of himself if only to see the smile on her face. Kenshin silently watched the two of them. It made him wonder how Daunte was doing. The scene reminding him of his own special someone.
"So who is this?" Kaiba asked Bloom as he looked over at the bluenette. "Oh. This is Kenshin. He's the doctor Yugi brought from Zaloz." the redhead introduced them. "A pleasure." Kenshin smiled. "So. Did you learn what was the cause of your illness?" Kaiba asked the faerie. Bloom nodded softly. "Apparently the Dragon Fire isn't compatible with my new transformation Celestix because the Dragon Fire is of the Magical Dimension and Celestix isn't." the redhead told the CEO. "And just how exactly are we supposed to remedy the situation at hand?" Kaiba asked.
"Well Cellos told us that I have to find the Phoenix Ashes and absorb them...and unfortunately the only one who knows the hiding place is called The Lady Of The Flame a Priestess of the Phoenix and she's being held in the BriarBlood Prison...but in order to get to her we're going to need some help..." Bloom's voice trailed off. "Requiem Prison...no one ever escaped or returns from that place once they enter the barrier..." Kenshin murmured. "W-Wait! You mean the BriarBlood Prison is!? "Oh didn't I mention that?" Cellos mused. "NO!" Bloom cried horrified. "Well isn't that just great..." Kaiba muttered bitterly before the door opened with Yugi and Raeger attempting to listen in.
"Why do I just have the feeling that this is only the beginning...?" Yugi groaned. "Because i'm afraid it is...Xuri also is in Requiem...he was taken there when Dumon transformed into Bright and framed him for poisoning Dawnshire's fountain!" Bloom narrowed her eyes. "A task which shall by no means be easy!" Cellos exclaimed. "Yes, I think that goes without saying..." Kaiba rolled his eyes. "However Cellos told us that there are two people from BriarBlood that can help us find what we're looking for." And I want to know just who these individuals are!" the CEO exclaimed impatiently. "You've yet to give us so much as a hint..." Kaiba muttered as he looked at the ghoul.
"Oh! But if I told you everything you wouldn't have the pleasure of figuring it out for yourselves! Now would you!? Besides just because SOME of you don't know doesn't mean that is the case for ALL of you!" Cellos pointed out as a matter of factly as he raised a single finger. Raeger let out a heavy sigh. "Cellos speaks of Derrith and Weldon BriarBlood," Raeger spoke up as he narrowed his eyes. "They are Lord and Lady of BriarBlood...however, there is turbulence right now as their parents and their planet are now under the A.O.J's influence...as such they are forced to act according to HIS will." he began.
"At the council in Covenant, they were quite on edge...in fact, they were greatly suspicious towards all of you wondering if you came as a plot against our worlds. Roxy tried to speak on your behalf. But Derrith still wasn't convinced...due to their current predicament the siblings tend to turn a blind eye to everyone else attempting to concentrate on their own battle at hand...no doubt if you ask for their help they'll seek yours in return..." Raeger told Bloom and Kaiba. He figured it was best to leave out what happened with Flora and the others since no actual blood was spilled luckilly.
"Yes well, that pretty much sums up the situation!" Cellos exclaimed. Kaiba only narrowed his eyes. "I don't like this one bit..." Yugi frowned. "Yeah but from where i'm standing...it doesn't look like isn't much choice..." the scarlet-eyed male sighed. "We'll have strike a deal with them...somehow..." Kaiba scoffed. "Lucky for you i'm a businessman...there isn't any business deal that I can't close." the CEO smirked.
"I believe it goes without saying...it'd be wise to tread lightly." Cellos warned the party. "The A.O.J's leader has eyes and ears hidden within the shadows...beware those that bare his mark...the Will Chain...for it is a tattoo and those whom have it may not go against his will without how you say SEVERE consequences...needless to say should he discover his subordinates trying to do anything to undermine his authority such as assisting YOU his enemies...the situation could turn rather STICKY yes very STICKY indeed...that is why my mistress has given me STRICT orders to do what I am able to ensure you Miss Bloom succeed at all cost! It'd be an awful shame if something were to happen to you!" the ghoul exclaimed.
"Then i'll have to do whatever I can to make sure Lady Undine's faith is well placed. I have to meet with Lady Derrith and Weldon and speak to them both to find a way to get into Req...Req...Requiem..." Bloom held her head as a wave of heat overtook the faerie. "What is it? are you not feeling well again?" Kaiba asked before he took his hand and felt her forehead. "...She has a fever..." the CEO frowned and turned towards Kenshin. "Here let me see her." the bluenette murmured. Gently Kenshin took Bloom from Kaiba's arms and laid her down on the bed covering her up as the faerie shivered.
Bloom reached up and barely grasped Kaiba's sleave. Now that he was right there beside her she didn't want him to leave again. The CEO bent down and placed a kiss on the red head's feverish forehead. "Don't worry...I have no intention of leaving your side until you feel better..." Kaiba whispered to her and took her hand prying it off his sleeve gently holding it. Kenshin placed a cool compress on Bloom's forehead and gave her a gel to take which would help ease the stress on her body. After a while, the faerie steadily drifted off to sleep.
"There...she should be alright if she rests...I think this whole ordeal has really caused her a lot of fear and anxiety...not that I can really blame her... Kenshin murmured. "...I owe you my thanks for seeing to her care all of this time while I was away." Kaiba told the bluenette. Kenshin only smiled in return. "I also have someone precious to me that I keep close to my heart. So I understand your desire to protect her," he told the CEO. Slowly Kaiba bit down on his lip. "Still...the fact that Bloom felt she had to suffer alone...that bothers me...that's precisely why I have to get stronger...I need to discover WHO I truly am...and this power hidden deep inside of me...right now all I have are gadgets that I made for my company...i'm not satisfied in the least..." Kaiba muttered.
"That's why I became a physician, studied white magic and practiced potions...because I wanted something I could pour my entire being into...and support Daunte when he needed it..." Kenshin told Kaiba. "Raeger you mentioned before the previous Guild Master of Covenant could help me in my quest to find The Legacy Of The Gods...just what were you going to say afterward...?" "Oh yes...well...it's actually speaking to the previous Guild Master that could prove to be the most challenging..." Raeger began.
"He is a spirit that dwells within the top of the tower of Covenant's Guild...and he only appears at night...when the rest of the restless ghosts emerge from days past...it can prove to be very dangerous...at least if you go without me...he's not the most welcoming host..." the Guild Master explained to Kaiba. "In other words, this is something that one can just do overnight...I suppose I should've seen that coming...anything having to do with these so-called deities are a pain the ass..." Kaiba spat angrily. Yugi frowned softly. Just looking into the CEO's eyes he could see the desperation and frustration clouding Kaiba's pupils.
"Kaiba I know how you feel but you can't just expect to get stronger instantly. Even for me, it took time before I could even use the new powers that Atem bestowed upon me. Well, he technically already had them...I just kind of shared them...sort of...by bonding our spirits together. But believe me, Kaiba it wasn't easy by any means." Yugi told Kaiba before the CEO narrowed his eyes. "TO HELL WITH THAT YUGI! If that is so then why did Wheeler gain power so quickly!? I only want my own power so I can protect Bloom! I REFUSE TO SIT BACK AND LET EVERYONE ELSE DO ALL OF THE FIGHTING!" Kaiba spat as his blood boiled in his veins.
"...Kaiba..." Yugi murmured softly. {Kaiba has found himself backed into a corner... Bloom and the girls were given a new power...and since you and I are connected I was able to share my powers with you...Joey also was granted the ability to fight...Kaiba holds a great power within him...but yet he can not freely use or control it...it's only natural that Kaiba is frustrated with the situation at hand...} Atem told the scarlet-eyed male. Cellos sweatdropped. "Uh well, you see...Joey Wheeler was how you say a rather SPECIAL case!" the ghoul spoke up. "You see my mistress was interested in him a great deal and thought she'd seize the opportunity to make him hers. Oh but not in THAT way of course." Cellos chuckled.
"However...perhaps I could also sway the odds in YOUR favor Mr. Kaiba...that is if you're interested...not unlike my mistress I too may forge certain contracts of my own!" the ghoul purred. "...Is that so? I must say that does indeed peak my interest...but i'm no fool either...just what's the price for this tempting offer of yours...?" Kaiba questioned as he narrowed his eyes crossing his arms. "Ahh, I see nothing gets past YOU Mr. Kaiba! Indeed there are but a few conditions should you accept..." Cellos began.
"In exchange for power. It will form a sort of how you say? A link between us. Whatever happens to one the other would know about it instantly! Secondly, I may call upon your aid to help me with MY OWN endeavors! Such as asking a favor from you now and again which you would be obligated to comply with. And last but not least we would have the ability to...recharge each other if you will. For instance, if one of us were injured we would be able to restore the others energy merely by touch. Or use the others power if needed." the ghoul mused.
It would be like...an agreement of Mutual Benefit! Yes! Well, a contract more or less. So those are the terms Mr. Kaiba. I do advise you to choose wisely. This is a lifetime deal. There are no take backs!" the ghoul told the CEO before Kaiba looked over at Bloom. There was no telling what they were going to face if they went to BriarBlood to seek out Derrith and Weldon. But could he really face the challenge ahead without Cellos's contract? The way Raeger spoke it was going to take time to find those tablets. Time that he didn't have.
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