Note To readers: Hey guys! I hope you all are keeping up. I wrote a pretty big chapter but it's kind of hard to break up so i'm just going to write it all out. College is right on my heels so I probably won't be able to post as often as I have been just depending on my schedule. I'll do my best though and keep you all updated on any breaks I have. Here's Chapter 104! Enjoy!
Chapter 104: Storms Of The Heart...
Back On Zaloz...
Within the Blacks castle, Yugi let out a loud sneeze as he found himself changing clothes again. He was beginning to make a habit out of this. Though his were soaked from falling into the Black Sea still being put through the wash. The castle itself was ebony with a gothic architecture. Though it was near as fancy as Elixer's Castle was. In fact, the silence coming from within was almost deafening. Like a whisper of Death echoing through the hallways compared to the livelihood of Juniper. {Are you alright Yugi?...} Atem asked the scarlet-eyed male as he broke through the silence. Yugi only frowned. "Something...just doesn't feel right..." he found himself repeating. "Juniper seems so prosperous...where here it almost seems as if there are no others living outside the castle...is the plague truly responsible for all this misery?" Yugi pondered out loud.
{So it would seem...} the Pharoah answered simply as the scarlet-eyed male made his way through the hallway only to be met by Abigail at the end of the staircase. "Wow! Daunte's old clothes seem to fit you quite nicely!" the princess of Zaloz complimented. "...Uh...you think so? Thanks, I think..." Yugi forced a smile. "I was actually quite surprised at how many rooms you have. With only the two of you, I can't imagine why you'd need all that space." the scarlet-eyed male murmured. "Yes, I suppose most would say that. However, most of our citizens that used to live outside in the city have ended up seeking refuge here. Afraid of dwelling outside of these walls amongst the miasma...so although you may not see them they are occupying several rooms and the ones that are ill have been quarantined in the lower quarters." Abigail explained.
"Oh, in that case, it's a good thing the castle is so spacious." "Yes, I treat many people here in this castle since almost no other physician will. One advantage of being versed in medicine and white magic although I can only use the later with a few people. Some would say i'm the white sheep of the family" Abigail giggled softly. "Really? How'd that happen?" Yugi questioned. "I mean I thought all the people in Agethrim were versed in Black Magic." the princess only shook her head. "I'm not sure really. There are some theories but nothing written in stone." Abigail answered. "I see...Abigail, do you mind if I ask you a question?" the scarlet-eyed male asked. "Sure as long as I can answer it." the princess murmured softly."Ok then,why is it that Juniper is prospering while Agethrim and it's people are the only ones suffering from the sickness?" Yugi questioned which only resulted in a frown from Abigail.
"...Well...most people are led to believe it's because of the Holy Barrier that surrounds and protects the entire Kingdom of Juniper from the deadly miasma...it's no real secret that those whom reside within Juniper's walls that practice White Magic look unfavorable towards those who practice Black Magic..." the princess explained. "They consider us a blight to Zaloz..." Abigail murmured. Yugi only narrowed his eyes as he felt his blood boil. "So they're discriminating against you just because you use Black Magic?! I don't understand that! You can't control the family you're born into!" the scarlet-eyed male cried out in outrage. The princess smiled softly in response. "Yes. You're absolutely right. But politics can often blind us to what is right...and what is wrong..." Abigail murmured."Both Daunte and Father seem to believe that the miasma is being caused by the Juniperian Kingdom...even if that IS the truth...we have no proof...nor evidence to back up such a claim...and if we were to openly declare Juniper our enemy...all those whom support them...would then become our enemy as well...they would waste no effort to wipe us all out..." Abigail told Yugi as her voice shook.
It was amazing that she was younger than he was. And yet she held much affection and pride for her people and kingdom. Despite the circumstances surrounding it all she thought about was their protection. "And that is because our Black Magic cannot withstand their White Magic...however there are those like my brother that believe if they succeed in finding The Black Power we as Agethrimians would stand a fighting chance...but that could also very well escalate a war...and many lives will be lost needlessly...even I am not certain of the path in which is best to take...that is why I am scared...as a Princess of Zaloz and a sister...the only thing we have after all is legends and myths to hold onto...of the flame of hope that still yet burns..." Abigail murmured softly. Daunte only scoffed as he came downstairs."Myths and legends indeed...you still fill your head with that garbage? The gods have abandoned us...hope isn't going to do us one lick of good!" the brown-haired male spat as he unscrewed the top from his flask.
"YOU'RE WRONG ABOUT THAT!" Yugi cried out unable to contain his emotion. "I understand that you may feel that way...there have even been times where I wanted to give up...because things were too hard...or too scary...or there just didn't seem like there was any chance for victory...but if you continue to believe...and hope there is a way...then eventually you'll find it! I know there is! You have to follow the path you believe to be right...not everyone may believe in it...but at least you do...you haven't given up saving Kenshin...that's why you're looking for The Black Power right? Then there's bound to be more ways than one of accomplishing that... lets us help you..." the scarlet-eyed male pleaded as he looked directly into Daunte's hazel ones. "Heh...arn't you ever the optimistic one...let me tell ya kid reality is MUCH crueler...I don't know where you're from...but things just arn't that simple...but you can believe what you like..." the brown haired male scoffed before he turned towards Abigail and tossed her a rolled up scroll.
"Looks like we're being summoned to ANOTHER summit...oh joy...i'm just giddy with butterflies...what a pain in the ass..." Daunte cursed under his breath as Abigail took the opportunity to read it. "Dear, House Of Black...the council of Emerald requires your presence to attend a Summit in regards to the trial of Advisor Blaire attendant to King Emerus of Emerald. The following stands accused of the genocide of Dawnshire Vampires. If found guilty the sentence will be punishable by death!?" Abigail read out loud as her face nearly turned white. Yugi's eyes widened in horror. "...Bla...Blaire...?" the scarlet-eyed male questioned recalling the older male that he had seen a while back in Dawnshire who asked them to take care of Amourette. "...We'll drop you off in Juniper before we leave...the portal gate nearby isn't in the barrier after all...so plan accordingly..." Daunte told Yugi as the scarlet-eyed male fell to his knees."How horrible..." Abigail uttered as her lips trembled.
"How could they...? Do they honestly plan to sacrifice him to appease the rest of the kingdoms disturbed by Dawnshire's incident...?" "...Probably..." Daunte answered rather bluntly. "Everyone is on edge right now and the fact that crime remains unsolved only adds fuel to the fire..." "...Take me with you..." Yugi finally spoke up drawing both Abigail and Daunte's attention. "But...we couldn't possibly...you're an outsider...so as much as I hate to say this..." "It doesn't concern you." the brown-haired male crossed his arms. "On the contrary...I was at Dawnshire when all those innocent people were killed! I saw Blaire there! And he didn't KILL anyone! As a witness, I think i'm more than qualified to attend this meeting!" the scarlet-eyed male cried. "...Well in that case...they might make an exception...i'm sure there will be those amongst the summit that will be interested in a neutral party's opinion...what do you think brother?" Abigail questioned Daunte.
"...Tch...you're a stubborn thing arn't you? Fine have it your way...but don't blame us if anything happens." Daunte conceded finally. Atem only turned his gaze towards Yugi. {Are you certain this is the choice you wish to make Yugi?} the pharaoh inquired. {We do not know who or what we will encounter should we attend this summit...surely there will be those with good intentions and those who do not...in the end we cannot meddle in the affairs of other worlds...no matter what the outcome may be...} Atem told Yugi whom only frowned. "I know that...clearly, The Sealed Worlds are far diffrent from ours...but even so...if my testimony can sway those who believe in good...and justice...I can't sit by idly...Bloom can't be the only one we depend on for light a lantern for those lost in the dark..." the scarlet-eyed male replied as his eyes burned with resolve. After a moment the Pharoah smiled.{Very well...as you wish Yugi...if this is truly your desire then I will help you to see it through...} "...Atem...thank you..." Yugi smiled before he along with Daunte and Abigail once again set out to sea to head to Emerald. Daunte opening the portal by shooting out a beam towards it.
Back In Juniper...
Kaiba continued to rest as Kenshin suggested, reluctantly of course. If there was one thing he loathed more than people who wasted his time it was being bored out of his mind. At least the medicine seemed to be working so that was a plus. Still, he couldn't stop thinking about Raeger's words to him the other day. {...Just what did he mean when he said don't forget who it is I am...? That doesn't even make any sense to me...i'm Seto Kaiba CEO of Kaiba Corp...what else is there to know? Still...what he said back there bothers me...it's as if Raeger knows something I don't...which only frustrates me all the more...then there's...the Wizards and Bakura...and anyways...how in the hell am I supposed to talk to this Witch Of The Abyss if I can't even make it through the damned Abyss Woods...?! Maybe I should just forget this whole pointless endeavor...but if I do...there's no guarantee what will happen next...this entire situation bites...} the CEO thought to himself before he paused noticing a Sapphire Swallow knocking out the window just beside him. Birds. One of nature's many annoying pests. He was about to scare it away by tapping on the glass back before he noticed something tied to its leg."A message?" Kaiba questioned before Kenshin approached him with a bowl of rice porridge.
"I brought you something to eat. Are you hungry at all?" Kenshin asked the CEO before Kaiba turned his attention towards the blunette. "Yeah, I could eat I guess...though i'm a little skeptical as to the contents of the bowl you're carrying..." the brown haired male mused. "It's rice porridge. I wanted to prepare something that would be easy on your stomach. But you can discern for yourself if it's to your liking." Kenshin told Kaiba with a smile before he paused hearing a tapping sound redirecting his gaze towards the window nearby. "Oh. Would you look at that it appears we have a little visitor." the blunette observed and opened the window before he held out his hand. With a chirp of gratitude, the Sapphire Swallow hopped down and into the palm of Kenshin's hand. The blunette smiled softly petting the bird on its head. How could such kindness exist in someone that was always treated so poorly? Even he didn't have that kind of strength. Kaiba remained silent as Kenshin removed the message from the Sapphire Swallow's leg and rolled it up to read it. A sigh only escaped from the blunette's lips.
"Not a letter extending tidings of joy I take it." Kaiba mused dryly. "No, I fear...as Prince of Juniper I am obligated to attend a trial in Emerald that is to decide the fate of one whom stands accused of murdering all of the Dawnshire Vampires...it's a summit that requires all representatives of their respective kingdoms to attend...they claim it's because they want a fair trial carried out...but I highly doubt that will come to pass...the truth is they just want this incident swept under the rug...so they have a scapegoat to send to the slaughter..." Kenshin replied retaining the smile on his face oozing a darkened aura that made even Kaiba's skin crawl. "So then what time will you be leaving?" the CEO questioned. "Well, I suppose i'll find out when I return with the news to my father. Since I am unable to leave Zaloz...I must be accompanied by him..." "I see...then you don't really have a choice in the matter..." "Unfortunately no." "Can nothing be done about the situation you've been placed under? I don't see why you must continue to live under that bastard's thumb..." Kaiba asked.
"I appreciate the sentiment. But the chain i'm bound by is not one that can easily be broken..." Kenshin replied softly. "...I'm sorry..." the CEO murmured softly. Knowing that someone else had to suffer the same fate as he was a hard reality to swallow. Even for him. After all, he had done to help Bloom and him. Wasn't there anything he COULD do? Kaiba thought to himself silently as his hair concealed the expression on his face. "You mentioned you wanted to see The Witch Of The Abyss, didn't you? Because you have questions you want answers to? While I can't escort you through the forest there is an ancient library in Draconia. One that contains nearly infinite amounts of knowledge many seek after and covet...scrolls, books, and time spheres that can take you back to the very beginning of time itself...that lies beyond the dragon labyrinth...I have a contact meeting me before the days end that I can request that they be your guide...I believe they'd probably do so for a small favor in return. But a word of warning he can be quite unpredictab-" Kenshin paused before he was thrown into a coughing fit.
"Kenshin!" Kaiba exclaimed and forced himself up from the bed and quickly took the bowl and placed it down. "I-I'm alright...my apologies..." the blunette apologized as the CEO helped Kenshin take a seat. "...Could you do me a favor and get the medicine sitting over there...it's a spray..." "...Yeah alright..." Kaiba murmured and picked up the medicine and handed it to the blunette whom opened his mouth and sprayed it wincing as he did so. "...Are you alright now...?" the CEO asked as concern continued to glisten in his eyes. "..Y-Yes...thank you..." Kenshin told Kaiba and he grabbed a washcloth and wiped the remnants of blood from the sides of his mouth trembling. Was he sick? Whatever it was it didn't appear to be any ordinary illness that was for certain. Either way he was in no condition to be going out anywhere."As if...you're shaking like a leaf...you're coughing up blood...it's obvious to me you're not well...so if you think you're going anywhere...i'd advise you to think again..." Kaiba narrowed his eyes. Kenshin paused as he just looked at the CEO almost stunned before suddenly the door opened. In the door, way stood a short male slightly taller than Yugi with short hair part black and golden hair that glittered like the sun wearing a black and golden cheongsam or a Chinese style traditional robe.
"Hiya! Hiya! Hiya! Kenshin-chii! Long time no sees!" the stranger beamed with a broad grin and held out a paper bag" I brought all the ingredients and morrrreeee! Oh! I didn't see you had a visitor! And who might YOU be!? Is he as grumpy as he looks?" the golden-haired male questioned causing Kaiba to form a rather aggressive anger mark. "Hyousuke...I wasn't expecting you to drop by so soon. I ask you politely to try and be civil to my guests. He's a patient i'm currently treating." Kenshin responded simply. "OH! Is he now? He seems just fine to me! On the other hand, you don't look well at all! By the way, did you hear about the BORING trial we're expected to pretend? I might actually die of boredom! Oh, the tragedy we of royalty must endure!" Hyousuke cried dramatically. "...Royalty huh...?" Kaiba deadpanned. He actually might have been even MORE annoying than Wheeler. If that were possible. Kenshin chuckled softly. "I know you might find this hard to believe but Hyousuke is actually the crowned prince of Draconia. Though it's mainly the council there that attends to its affairs...he's the one I spoke of earlier...Draconia is The World Of Dragons." Kenshin explained.
"...A world of Dragons...? And he's the prince...hmph...he's nothing like my majestic blue eyes..." The CEO scoffed in disapproval. "I SEE I SEE! He must be one of the outsiders everyone can't stop running their mouths about..." Hyousuke mused before he sniffed it. "Yepp! Yepp! Yeppity yep! He doesn't smell like he's from around here at all...infact...it might be dangerous for him to waunder around unsupervised in MY territory...so...what does Kenshin-chii want from little old me!? Hmm!?" Hyousuke questioned as he rocked back in fourth and the chair he sat down in. Kenshin took a moment to clear his throat before he spoke up. "My acquaintance here Kaiba seeks knowledge that cannot be obtained in the way he had intended...in the beginning he tried to visit the Witch Of The Abyss...but given his condition he cannot...it is my belief that the next best option would be the Draconian Ancient Library...I was hoping that you might be so kind as to serve as a guide for him...since you have the crest to open the entrance...as a favor to me." the blunette murmured.
"So THAT'S your angle...WELL since it's Kenshin-chii I guess I can take on that request. But that would mean that Mr. Grumpy would have to tag along with me to Emerald...so we can just go one trip...and since I have to report back to the dragon elder...that would be the best way...OH! I just got a FUN idea!" the dragon prince clapped his hands in excitement. "Kenshin-chii is too sick to go to Emerald right!? So we just have Kaiba-Chin take your place! The brilliant idea right!? Haha of course it is!" Hyousuke grinned mischievously. "...Putting aside your ridiculous nicknaming for the moment...what do you mean by taking his place?" the CEO questioned. "Simple simple! We'll brew up a potion that will transform you into him! Kenshin-chii can stay here and rest while WE go to Emerald..." the dragon prince mused with a grin.
Back On Earth In Supporo...
After losing Bakura in the ally way Aster returned back towards where the others had been only to discover the massive crowd earlier appeared to have been cast under some sort of sleep spell. The blonde paused as he looked around before he discovered Joey and Amourette nearby at one of the food booth and quickly hurried over to them. Unable to cease his worry and anxiety Aster grabbed a hold of Joey's shoulder and shook him. Afterward, the blonde groaned stirring from his slumber only to jump as he saw Aster's face right next to his. "Oh geez, Aster! Ya nearly gave meh a heart attack!" Joey cried. "S-Sorry...but when I saw everyone passed out and then I saw you guys were over here I couldn't help but worry!" Aster defended his decision. Joey took a minute to recall what happened."Oh yeah...dare was a huge ass crowd there earlier...and me and Amourette were sitting here talking before we saw petals and next thing we knew it was nighty night! By da way what WAS all dat commotion about? the blonde questioned.
"Well...from what I could tell Bloom was on the ice and fell through it. Only it wasn't an accident. Bakura cut the ice in a circle and made her fall through!" Aster exclaimed. "...WHAT!? Ya mean Bakura was here!?" Joey cried. "What about Bloom!? Is she ok!?" the blonde questioned. "I actually chased after Bakura so I didn't see what happened afterward...but i'm assuming she's fine since Cupid, Carlos and Selina were all nearby. So it's a safe bet they took her back to the hotel" Aster told Joey. "...Y...Yeah...yeah yer probably right..." Joey let out a relieved sigh. "Are ya headin back dare now?" the blonde questioned. "I will in a little while. First I want to make sure there's no one else lurking in the shadows or nasty surprises waiting for them...better safe than sorry. Until I do I don't think I can relax." Aster murmured. "...Hmm well ok...just be careful alright Aster? I already got one little buddy i'm worried about...I dun need another going missin got it?" Joey told the blonde who only smiled.
"Yeah. I gotcha i'll see you back at the hotel once i'm done." Aster promised with a nod and made his way towards the tower to get a better view from up there. Slowly the blonde's attention fell upon the blunette that was still asleep with tear stains on her face. Her words still echoing in Joey's head as he bit down on his lower lip. {"Sorry...you're suffering so much...and I just don't know how to help you...i'm sorry...for being so useless...Joey-kun...} "...No, you're not Amourette...you're not the useless one... " the blonde uttered although she couldn't hear him and carefully picked her up and held her close in his arms as he made his way back to the hotel. Once he returned he placed Amourette on the futon laid down in her room gently. Just as he was about to get up Joey paused as he noticed a letter with a seal on it and read the letter before his eyes widened and crunched it up as his fist tightened. Just how long had she known about this? And yet she was the one shedding tears for him. When she was the one that was hurting inside. First, she lost the love of her life and then she lost Xuri one of her friends and now she was going to lose Blaire her mentor and teacher? "DAMN IT! DAMN IT! DAMN IT!" Joey cried out loud as he pounded his fists against the floor tears flowing down his face one after the other.
Finishing up with her bath in the hot spring Roxy made her way through the hall and paused when she saw Joey before she heard the door ahead open and walked further into the living room only to see Selina and Carlos helping Bloom inside with Cupid following close behind them as she shivered her blue lips quivering. "BLOOM!" Roxy cried alarmed before she went right to her best friend's side. But the redhead only looked at her unable to utter a word at the moment. "Roxy, can you help me get her changed in her room?" Selina questioned. "Yeah of course!" Roxy spared not a second to help Selina both of them making their way to Bloom's quarters. "Some vacation this is turning out to be..." Carlos sighed before Joey approached him and Cupid. "So, how's Bloom doin? She alright?" Joey questioned the two. "Yeah, she'll be alright. Selina and Roxy are going to get her into some warm clothes. I'm gonna go turn on the kotatsu." Carlos told Joey. {Japanese heating blanket table} "Good idea dat'll warm her right up." the blonde agreed. It didn't take long for Bloom and the girls to return.
"Alright! It's all ready! Bring her under here." Carlos coaxed and helped Selina ease her down and get her tucked into the kotatsu blanket snuggly. "T-Thank you...g-guys..." Bloom finally managed to speak up and tried to focus on getting warm. She didn't think she had been that cold since they entered the omega dimension. "I'm going to tell Akiba and The Professor what happened. You guys keep an eye on her!" Carlos told them before he hurried off. "Phew...some vacation dis is turnin out ta be..." Joey groaned before Amourette hurried into the living room. "Oh, Amourette you're awake. I thought you'd be zonked out for at least a couple more hours." the blonde half teased. "Well...I saw Bloom-Chan with Selina and Roxy and they told me what happened. So i'm going to make some hot chocolate that she can sip on." the blunette murmured and worked on preparing the chocolate by slicing it adding milk to make it creamy and poured it into a mug once she was finished.
"Here. Sip on this. It will help a little. But don't drink it too terribly fast ok?" Amourette offered a smile. Bloom only nodded in response. Her body was still in shock from falling into the ice. Though it was steadily getting better with the warmth of the kotatsu and a change of clothing. Slowly she sipped at the warm beverage. It tasted so good too. Afterward, Akiba and The Professor made their way into the room. "Oh goodness! Bloom hunny are you alright!?" Akiba asked the redhead worriedly. The faerie only smiled wearily. Takuna got down to check her. "...It doesn't look like it's anything serious...luckilly...she'll be alright once we get her body temperature back up..." The Professor surmised. "Thank goodness..." Roxy sighed relieved before she looked at Bloom bitting her lower lip unable to keep from breaking down into tears the faerie wrapped her arms around the redhead. "Oh, Bloom...i'm SO sorry..." Roxy choked out as she sobbed bitterly in regret. "I should've NEVER lost my temper like that...especially not at you...I was upset about something completely diffrent and it just came out all at once like a ticking time bomb! I didn't mean all of those horrible things I said...really I didn't...I made a mistake...can you ever forgive me...?" the farie wept.
"...O-Of co-course I forgive you...R-Roxy...w-we all m-make mistakes...i-i'm going through a-a lot too...w-with Kaiba trying...t-to discover himself...and with e-everything else...s-so I completely...u-understand...and a-as for that...ot-other thing...the o-other night...I-I really n-needed to talk...an-and C-Cupid was there t-to listen...s-so I-I was thank t-thanking h-him...f-for being...t-there...fo-for me...t-that's all..." Bloom responded through her chattering teeth. "...Oh...wow...I really made a HUGE error in judgment...Cupid I want to apologize to you too...thank you for being there for her yesterday and today...I know you didn't have any bad intentions...and i'm sorry for ever having thought that... " Roxy apologized as she gently let go of Bloom. Cupid and Selina only stared at the faerie in surprise. Especially Selina. Just what made Roxy so sure Cupid didn't have anything to do with what happened? "Oh no...I just did what anyone else would have done!" the redhead exclaimed.
"Still i'm sorry...REALLY REALLY REALLY sorry!" Roxy repeated herself before Bloom only cracked a smile. "From now on Ro-Roxy...ju-just pr-promise me...that we-we'll be h-honest with e-each other f-from n-now on...o-ok?" the redhead told Roxy. "...Ok..." the faerie offered a smile in return before she gave Bloom another hug. Watching from nearby Raeger only smiled softly before he looked at the letter in his hand and sighed softly. The Guild master paused as the others came in from their baths. "Ah, there's nothing like being pampered! I think that was even better than a trip to the spa!" Stella beamed as she dried her hair before she noticed Bloom shivering. "Oh goodness! What happened!?" the blonde cried before nearly everyone sighed. Selina went ahead and took the liberty to explain the situation. "Well, that's how it is...do your best not to try to crowd Bloom..." the Professor told the rest of the party before Raphiel arrived with lunch. It was Sukiyaki a type of hot-pot that was rather popular during the chilly season. Afterward, he left the prepared ingredients and departed to tend to the other guests."Uh...did he forgets the part where he cooks it for us?" Stella asked only evoking a few chuckles as the faerie looked around confused.
"Uh no, you have to cook the food yourself. There's some pretty high-quality stuff here too..." Duke observed. "Yeah no, kiddin! It looks delicious!" Joey grinned broadly. Cupid only looked at the pot and the ingredients. He'd never seen a dish quite like it before. Earth was quite the fascinating place. Bloom couldn't help but giggle some causing the red head's cheeks to flush slightly. "Yeah...i'd be afraid to even attempt to cook it..." Roxy made a face. "Don't worry i'll prepare it." the Guild Master chuckled. Using the hot pot surface Raeger took the beef searing it first then he poured 1 cup of dashi or fish broth. Then he added in all of the vegetables which included a combination of cabbage, green onion, shitake mushrooms, carrots cut into the shapes of flowers and last but not least udon or Japanese noodles. The smell intoxicating to everyone whom was gathered around it."Oh, wow...everything looks so good...I don't know what I should eat first." Bloom admitted finally starting to feel back to normal. "...S-So how are we supposed to eat this anyways?" Cupid questioned with a sweatdrop."You just grab your chopsticks and dig right in! My dad, I have made it on occasion but he's the one who cooks." Roxy explained.
"ITADAKIMASU!" most of the party exclaimed Raeger trying his best to catch the noodles with the chopsticks without splattering broth everywhere. "This is nice. Sitting around together enjoying a meal. It's not every day we get to relax like this." Flora smiled. "Well, it definitely hits da spot!" Joey exclaimed before he looked over at Amourette whom was silently eat but a few bites barely even touching the food. "Hey uh, Amourette! Wanna see somethin neat!?" the blonde questioned before the blunette's attention was directed at him. "...Uh...sure?" Amourette murmured as Joey cracked open a raw egg and took his beef dipping it in the raw egg before he ate it much to her horror. "EH!? J-Joey-kun! W-What are you thinking!? You're going to get sick if you eat it like that!" the blunette cried. "Actually it's a common practice in Japan. So to us, it's no gross at all." the blonde grinned. "Here ya should try it!" Joey urged as she looked at him and then at the egg. Cautiously Amourette picked up a piece of beef and dipped in the egg before she tried it.
"Mmm! It's not bad. It's got a diffrent texture to it but with the beef, it's really tasty!" "Right!?" the blonde responded with a chuckle as the blunette began to eat a little more cracking a smile. Both Duke and Flora watching them. "I'm sorry but that's just gross dude!" Carlos chuckled. "Hey don't knock it before you try it." Duke retorted only resulting in Carlos sticking out his tongue. Flora couldn't help but giggle. "Carlos you look like you're trying to catch flies instead of dinner..." "Oh except if he was a frog. Then flies WOULD be his dinner." Layla teased causing nearly everyone to crack up laughing as Aster finally made it back and took a seat trying to shake all the snow off him. "Oh is that lunch? It looks great!" the blonde exclaimed and wasted no time digging in. After running around all over the place he was starving! "Aster slow down you're going to end up choking!" Flora warned but it was too late the blonde having to drink the tea in front of him to wash the food down."Phew! That was close..." Aster sighed in relief. "The food isn't going to disappear. You can take your time consuming it." Marik partly teased. "It might at the rate those two are eating." Akiba chuckled directing his attention to Joey and Carlos as he himself partook in the meat before Takuna bopped him on the head.
"Don't just eat the meat. Eat the vegetables too..." The Professor muttered scolded. "Fine Fine.." the golden-haired male pouted. "Yeah. It would be nice if you left some for the rest of us." Selina agreed. "Hehehe...what are you a carnivore or something?" Layla questioned as Akiba paused and laughed. "Oh very funny Layla!" Stella laughed nervously as Takuna and Akiba only exchanged nervous glances. "...Eat...The...Vegetables..." The Professor emphasized as his piercing gaze sent shivers up the golden-haired males spine and began to shove vegetable after vegetable into his mouth sweating as he did. Bloom giggled nervously before she noticed Cupid eyeing one of the flower carrots and picked it up with her chopsticks. "Say ah!" the redhead teased the other one as he found himself becoming flustered. "..A...Ah?" Cupid hesitantly opened his mouth before Bloom fed him the flower. "Teehee I always wanted to do that. But somehow I don't think Kaiba would ever let me." the faerie giggled."No, No I don't think he would. He has too much pride..." Roxy agreed before Raeger chuckled. "I would like to see that though." The Guild Master admitted with a smile. "Ha! Not in our lifetime!" Joey exclaimed before he got up and left to take some time to himself in the hot springs. Once he stripped down he eased himself in the warm relaxing waters."...Ahh...yeah dis is nice..." Joey sighed happily enjoying the wintery atmosphere around him before he paused seeing Cupid entering the water as well.
"Room for one more?" Cupid questioned. "Well, yer already in so I dun tink dat matters much." Joey chuckled softly. Though even he had to admit for a guy Cupid was ridiculously pretty. How did a guy get such silky hair and smooth skin anyways? His long red hair might even surpass Blooms. "Man it's been on crazeh day huh? I didn't expect Bloom ta get inta an accident like dat...luckilly da worst of it seems ta be behind her..." Joey muttered. "Well, Bloom-Chan IS pretty tough" "Yeah haha...probably, even more, dan most guys." the blonde retorted as Cupid only grinned. "You just might be right about that!" the redhead admitted before Joey stretched some. "Ya know I had da BIGGEST crush on her when we first met!" "She's adorable, isn't she? Especially when she gets flustered." Cupid chuckled. "Haha if Kaiba heard ya say that he'd probably drown you." the blonde laughed amused."Well, he DID threaten to put me in a body bag when we first bumped into each other in Dawnshire." the redhead snickered. "Really? Well, I wasn't dare. But it wouldn't surprise meh " Joey admitted. "I mean despite the pompous asshole dat he is Kaiba really does seem ta love Bloom. Hard ta believe but it's true. Slowly...she's bee changin em...heck i've seen it first hand...i'm actually...pretty...jealous..." the blonde murmured softly with a saddened smile on his lips. Cupid paused and looked towards Joey remaining silent as the blonde looked upwards at the snow falling from the sky.
"It must be nice ta know...who it is exactly ya care for da most..." Joey began. "I mean...romance was never meh forte or anythin...but recently i've been questioning who it is dat is da most important person ta me...lately it feels like meh heart's bein pulled and tugged at in all kinds of directions." the blonde murmured as he closed his eyes slowly. "When I close meh eyes...who do I wanna see dare? Yer da deity of romance arn't ya? Can't ya help meh out here? Can't ya tell me da answer?" Joey questioned as he looked at the redhead. "Uh! Just kiddin!" the blonde laughed it off. Though even Cupid could tell he was serious. "I guess dan anything i'm really damn confused...so much so dat it makes my head hurt...what are ya supposed ta do when yer head tells ya one thing and yer heart tells ya another? What's yer opinion Cupid?" Joey asked softly taking Cupid by surprise. "Well what is your head saying that your heart can't follow?" the redhead questioned in return. "...Well, it's like dis...I like Flo a lot. She's kind and always considerate of otha people...back when she lost her boyfriend and left her for some otha chick I got really mad...I wanted ta tell da other guy off..." the blonde began.
"but we've been travelin together for a while now...and although we obviously like one another...I have a hard time bein honest with er...even sharin my thoughts and feelins...even though she can tell something da matta...I dun feel comfortable openin up...too...but now...i'm discoverin a side ta me...dat scares da shit out of meh...not ta say Flo hasn't been through her own problems...everyone does...but if I can't open up and be honest...doesn't dat just mean dat I dun trust her?" Joey frowned as a moment of silence passed between them "Not necessarily..." the redhead began softly. "Not everyone can understand...the storms that rage in your heart...no matter who they are...you put on your bravest face...and smile through the pain...but there will ALWAYS be someone who sees past it...the one you allow to see at your weakest...when you need their strength the most..." Cupid murmured before a spell of vertigo overtook Joey feeling everything spinning. "...Ooo...I dun feel...so hot... " Joey groaned feeling light-headed as he went under the water."Uh oh! That's NOT good!" the redhead squeaked cried and quickly went under and pulled the blonde back up. Afterward, he took Joey back to his room and laid him on his futon. "Must've stayed in the water for a bit too long...guess i'll just let him sleep it off" Cupid surmised as he thought about what Joey said before the redhead was struck by a horrifying realization as all of the color drained from his face. A knot twisting in his gut feeling sick to his stomach. Bakura never needed to Cupid to lay a finger on Bloom. He had never intended for him to. Flora paused in the hallways as she saw Joey passed out on his futon before her gaze fell upon the redhead as Cupid shook violently. Slowly he got to his feet nearly losing his balance as he did. But the faerie couldn't help but worry and followed after him as Cupid left the room following him outside the back entrance.
"Ugh, i'm stuffed...I don't think I could eat another bite!" Roxy exclaimed back inside. "It was quite filling. Why don't we go out and walk around otherwise we might just fall asleep under his heated blanket like the others." Raeger suggested turning his gaze towards Bloom, Stella, Aster, Marik, Carlos and Layla already succumbing to the temptation of the Kotatsu. "Good idea." the faerie agreed before they left the room and went outside. "I know! Let's get our picture taken with the ice sculptures!" Roxy suggested and dragged Raeger along before he could object. Both of them posing in front of one that looked like a cute heart with wings. "SAY FAERIE!" she exclaimed pulling Raeger close to her as she took their picture the guild master's face flushed with embarrassment as he smiled in return. "I'm glad...you seem to be in a much better mood..." Raeger admitted softly. "Thanks to you...I was so relieved when Bloom forgave me...I don't know what I had done if she wouldn't have..." Roxy murmured. "You both are good friends...I merely believed she would understand..." The Guild Master murmured softly."...Raeger is everything ok...you don't seem...I dunno...how do you say it? Like yourself..." the faerie questioned. "...Nothing gets past you does it? I am truly that easy to read?" Roxy only giggled. "About as easy as I am I guess." she teased. The Guild Master only let out a sigh.
"There's a Summit being held in Emerald where ALL Kingdoms representatives are expected to attend...and unfortunately that also includes Guild Master's...it's very similar to the one you attended except a trial is going to commence...Blaire Emerus's advisor has been accused of slaughtering The Vampire's of Dawnshire...Amourette's mentor and guardian...and depending on how the council votes..." Raeger's voice trailed off. "Oh, how horrible! Poor Amourette...I bet she's really upset too...having her teacher and mentor accused of murdering her beloved...I can't even imagine...no wonder she was so quiet during dinner..." Roxy frowned as she clenched her fists at her side. "That would be thoughts yes..." The Guild Master frowned in return. "...So when are you leaving?" the faerie questioned softly. "This evening..." Raeger murmured. "I'm only sorry I can't prevent it..." "It's ok. It's your duty as Guild Master of Covenant so it can't really be helped...just promise me that you'll come back safe ok?" Roxy told him. The Guild Master only smiled warmly."Of course. Um...do you like...flowers by chance...?" Raeger asked as his face reddened slightly."Flowers? Yeah, why?" "...Well...b-because...Emerald has...lots of pretty flowers...I thought...you might like one as a souviner...maybe..." The Guild Master tugged at the collar of his shirt nervously. "Y-Yeah...Yeah, i'd like that...and when you come back...maybe we could...talk...about us..." Roxy answered as her own cheeks reddened as her eyes met Raeger's both of them steadily getting closer before he leaned in slightly pausing for a moment kissing her softly afterward. Both of their hearts pounding wildly in their chests as they held each other close.
Amourette gazed down at the city from up above standing on the Supporo tower. Letting the wind blow against her gently as she clutched the letter she received in her hands. There were so many emotions tearing at her heart like a storm that couldn't be quelled. One no one could see. A whisper of fear resonating in her soul threatening to overtake her like the sorrow she once endured several times before. The blunette closed her eyes tightly before she turned around only to see Flora out of breath. "O-Oh Amourette...I...I wasn't...expecting...t-to find you u-up here..." the faerie took a moment to gather herself as she held her chest winded. "F...Flora-Chan...w...what are you doing up here...?" Amourette questioned surprised. "A-Actually I was trying to find Cupid. He was with Joey just a little while ago and he ran off somewhere...I thought he might be up here...but I guess he isn't..." Flora murmured. The blunette only softly shook her head. "...N-No...I haven't seen him...at least...but you might find him if you look from up here." Amourette suggested forcing a smile. "...Well while it's just the two of us...can I talk to you for a little while? In the meantime we might be able to find him." the faerie questioned. "...Mmm...ok..." the blunette responded softly as the two looked out towards Odori Park. The lights steadily coming on as the sky darkened.
"So...did you get a chance to speak to Joey this morning? I figured that was probably the reason you didn't join us in the hot spring." Flora asked quietly. "...Well...um...Oui...I did...but...but...he asked me not to tell anyone anything...so I...I don't know what I should do...Joey-kun...should've been the one to tell Flora-Chan all of his feelings...and yet..." Amourette's eyes became clouded with tears as her small body trembled as the turbulence in her heart shook her to the core covers her mouth as tears fell endlessly down the blunette's face. "...I'm sorry...i'm sorry...Flora-Chan..." Amourette told the faerie through broken up sobs before Flora smiled and gently pulled her best friend into her arms rubbing her back. The blunette had told herself it wouldn't happen. But it had. No matter how hard she tried. Her true feeling somehow despite her effort found their way to the surface of her heart. "...I don't...I don't want to feel this way...I can't...I promised Flora-Chan...I promised...you're my best friend...i'm the absolute worst...to even...t-think of such a thing...how...how can I possibly have...these feelings...when...it hurts Flora-chan...?" Amourette broke down into tears.
"...Oh, Amourette...you're such a sweet thing...thinking about my feelings this whole time...and as your best friend...it makes me happier than you could ever imagine...but won't you also think about how much it saddens me to see your heart breaking?... Yes, I care for Joey...but I also care just as much about you...and I...I can't stand to see you blaming yourself for your feelings..." Flora confessed as her own tears trickled down her cheeks. "Right now...there is a darkness in Joey's heart...and I know you see it...you can reach him from beyond it...it's ok...he loves you...and you love him don't you?" the faerie questioned as her voice shook. "...Sorry...Flora-Chan...sorry..." Amourette apologized again weeping before she held Flora back both of them holding the other. "Don't be! Go! Go to him and tell him how you feel!" the faerie told Amourette as she helped her to her feet. The blunette bit her lip before she hurried down the stairs of the tower as tears flew down her face. Flora wiped the remnants of her tears as she smiled before her blood ran cold sensing a dark aura from nearby. She had this terrible feeling pulling at her as Flora began to descend the tower herself. Meanwhile, Cupid sat on the roof of the hotel as he attempted to try and comprehend the reality crashing around him. The redhead paused as he slowly turned around only to meet Bakura's gaze whom only chuckled darkly."Oh you are an amusing yet pitiful soul that i've ever had the pleasure of encountering...this all would have been much more pleasant had you simply placed your own selfish desires first...emotional imbeciles like you are oh so predictable...admit it...you fell in love with the little faerie didn't you...? Hahahaha...that is just simply pathetic..." Bakura mocked the redhead's head as Cupid only looked on mortified by the very thought of it.
"You played right into my hands you fool...so tell me...how does it feel to know that the very curse you sought so desperately to break...will wring the life from the woman you love? If only you'd just sealed her powers as I ordered...then I could've witnessed the look on your face as you held her lifeless corpse...but all I had to do...was tempt you with the thing you wanted the most...and you were powerless to resist..." Bakura laughed as a grin spread across his face. Cupid's eyes only widened in utter horror at the fact he could've killed Bloom without even knowing it. And now...and now because of him. Tears poured down the red head's face as he cried bitterly in silence."Oh but never fear...I shall spare you the pain of lingering on in this world where she shall exist no more...fair well old friend...you served me well..." the silver-haired male uttered as he summoned a sharpened scythe unto his hands and raised it above Cupid that made no move to resist the whisper of Death."NOOOOOOO!" a piercing scream broke through the defining silence following a burst of light that nearly blinded Bakura as he hissed in displeasure. Cupid with his tear stained eyes shut tight felt something warm hit his face before he slowly opened his eyes. Standing between the blade and Cupid was Flora grabbing a hold of it cutting into her hands it trickling down her arms as she fought against Bakura as he tried to bring it down with all her strength. The redhead only able to stare at the faerie in disbelief as the remnants of tears escaped down his cheeks.
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