Note To Readers: Hey guys! Sorry for the long wait. I'm still getting back into the swing with school and everything. I actually was having SO much fun writing this that I got a little carried away. I don't think you'll mind too much though ^^! Anyways thanks for waiting so patiently I love you guys! Here's Chapter 105! PLEASE ENJOY!
Chapter 105: Finding Love In Unrequited Love...
"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 deafening 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.
He was just seconds of being released from this accursed Hell he had made. Why? Why was she doing this? Flora's voice the only one to break through the silence echoing between them. "I WON'T LET YOU KILL HIM! I REFUSE TO WATCH AS YOU RETICULE HIS PURE FEELINGS FOR ANOTHER!" the faerie cried through her own tears. "No one should have to feel guilty about their emotions! They live inside every heart! Joy...anger...sorrow...jealousy...fear...anguish...love...pain... hope...and even doubt...it is all of these things that make up the human heart!" Flora wept as she pictured the very tears Amourette shed in front of her and Joey's pained face as he battled with his feelings. "It's not right...to tell someone that they can't love someone without being punished for it! Because that is the real you! So I beg of you Cupid do not condemn yourself for that..." the faerie pleaded.
"Even though your feelings cannot be returned...live...live and find the one who can share them! If you die...then how can you possibly hope to!? And when you do then you'll truly be able to smile from the bottom of your heart! Don't let Bakura take that chance away from you! We'll find a way to break your curse! I'll help you!" Flora cried. Cupid only looked at her in disbelief. "...Flora-Chan..." the redhead barely managed to utter as his bottom lip quivered before both of them paused as a miasma began to collect all around the area Bakura's aura darkening even further. The silver-haired male narrowed his eyes as venom dripped from each word he spoke. "How DARE you interfere in my affairs..." Bakura hissed turning his eyes from Cupid to Flora.
"Now...I shall only tell you but once...release my weapon wench...or you WILL regret it I promise you that..." he warned as he sent a violent volt of dark energy through the rod of his scythe. Flora screamed out in agony as she felt the volts strike her but stood her ground refusing to let go. "Flora-Chan! Do as he says! You don't need to do this for me! There's no point if you die too!" Cupid pleaded but Flora only shook her head. "N-NO! I- WON'T L-LET GO!" the faerie cried out through the pain. "Then you are nothing but a fool..." Bakura mocked as Cupid closed his eyes tightly clenching his fists at his side. {Then I am too I guess...} the redhead thought to himself before he suddenly raised his right arm high in the air summoning a hurricane of petals. "What the-!?" the silver-haired male spat as he suddenly found himself eclipsed by a storm of pink petals.
Down below Roxy paused as she felt a chill and shivered slightly rubbing her arms. "Are you cold?" Raeger asked the faerie softly concerned. "We have been outside for a while." the Guild Master admitted. "No...not exactly...I just felt this chill all of a sudden...like an icy breeze...only it feels dark..." Roxy told Raeger worried as she began to look around. "...Yes...i'm beginning to feel it as well..." The Guild Master admitted. "But where is it coming from?" Roxy questioned as she looked around for the source. "I'm not sure..." Raeger murmured before he also scanned the area. It was only when he turned his gaze upwards did his eyes catch a dark purple sphere up on top of the roof of the Hotel. "Up there!" The Guild Master exclaimed and pointed towards the hotel. "Got it! I'm going to take a closer look!" Roxy told Raeger. "Wait! I'll go with you!" "Look I can already tell this thing is BAD news. I need you to go and get the others. I have a feeling we're going to need some serious back up ok?!" Roxy pointed out."...Alright...just...be careful...and don't take any unnecessary risks you hear me?" Raeger questioned with seriousness in his voice. "I think I get it now hurry up and go!" "Uh right...i'll be back as soon as I can." The Guild Master assured Roxy and hurried towards the hotel's entrance.
"With that taken care of...Winx Celestix! Celestix!" Roxy cried out. In a bright flash of light, the faerie transformed and flew up to the roof to get a better look at what was occurring before her. Suddenly a smog repelled her from getting within distance of the orb. Quickly the faerie shielded her face as she nearly choked on the miasma permeating the area. " *Cough Cough* "UGH! What is THIS!?" Roxy questioned feeling that icy chill again. "How can I get close enough... *cough* without being detected...?" the faerie pondered out loud. "Time to use my Celestix Powers! Call Of The Wild!" Roxy cried out as she summoned the spirit of a chameleon. Reaching out the faerie took the soul into her and took upon the animal's ability to blend in concealing her presence as she forced herself forward taking on step at a time quietly. Once Roxy got close enough the faerie peered into the orb. But her field of vision was blinded by what appeared to be a cloud of pink. Even though she couldn't see clearly Roxy could definitely feel a dark aura within along with Flora's and Cupids. Unfortunately, it didn't look like she could do anything but wait for Raeger to come back with the others.
Back Within The Hotel...
Akiba's ears twitched slightly as he sat at the Kotatsu with Selina and Takuna sipping green tea pausing as he sensed something. "What is it?" The Professor questioned as he worked a single cigarette out of its pack. "...I can sense a powerful aura nearby...a dark one...and Flora-Chan and Cupid-Kun's scent is mixed within it..." Akiba responded uneasily at this latest development as Takuna used his lighter to light up his cigarette inhaling it before blowing out the smoke between his lips. "Is it HIM?" The Professor questioned. "...No...it's the stench...of Death..." Akiba furrowed his brow naseauted by the scent flooding his nose. "Death?" Selina questioned. "...The Grim Reaper...the collector of souls...the harbinger of destruction... whom has taken upon Young Ryou Bakura as his host...the ultimate enemy of The Light Of Hope...the Phoenix...it is he who seeks to destroy her and plunge all the worlds into everlasting darkness...it is for that very reason that we must protect Bloom whom carries on that flame and find The Gems Of Destiny and The Tablets Of The Gods...for if we fail...The Apocalypse will consume us all...and hope will die with it..." Takuna told Selina whom's eyes widened as she attempted to comprehend the words coming out of The Professor's mouth her gaze turning towards the slumbering redhead.
"...Wow...it feels like just yesterday me, Carlos and Bloom were all riding our bikes to school teasing each other about our crushes...and now the fate of not only Earth...or Magixs...but even The Sealed World's are in our hands...talk about pressure...how are we even supposed to live up to that? How am I? I'm still a faerie in training...I haven't even been able to tap into my full power yet...and honestly...i'm kind of scared to..." Selina admitted with a troubled scowl. "That's natural for anyone using magic Selina-Chan. But in time you'll discover your true power...it just takes time and patience." Akiba assured her with a smile. "...I suppose...i'm just feeling...out of place...Bloom has all of these friends now...and i'm starting to feel...Oh, I don't know like i'm in the way...that i'm just not as important...what am I even doing here if i'm letting everyone else do the fighting for me...?" the faerie questioned softly before a voice interrupted her train of thought.
"Oh PLEASE! If that was the case i'd have left a LONG time ago!" Duke scoffed as he entered the room and grabbed one of Takuna's cigarette which only got him a nasty glare in exchange as the dice master lit up the cigarette and took a long and hard hit off of it blowing the cigarette smoke out afterward. "The only reason I tagged along with Yugi and the gang was because of Roxy. So much for that. But it's not like I could exactly walk away either when I found out what was at stake ...when I know something is wrong I can't just close my eyes and pretend it's all cool. So powers or not i'm here for the long haul. At least you can use magic. So that's something right there. I can't even manage that. So try and stay positive. Remember life is a gamble anyways. Whether you live or die it's 50/50. So you might as well do what you can when you can with what you've already got. Things may not always work out the way you planned but most of the time taking a risk is worth it. MOST of the time..." Duke muttered.
"Heh, coming from you that's not half bad advice." Selina teased as she cracked a smile. "What do you mean coming from me!?" The Dice Master questioned. "Oh, nothing forget about it, it's not important anyway. So what's got you so creesed? Not a lot of people would be so bold as to steal a cigarette from The Professor of all people and live to tell about it..." the faerie mused. Duke only twisted his mouth in displeasure. "Well...at dinner, I couldn't help but notice how down Amourette seemed...so I was worried about her...when she went out I followed her hoping I could talk to her...you know find out what was bugging her. But when I found her on the Supporo Tower talking to Flora...and I heard her confess to Flora that she was in love with Joey...Joey of all people!...but I guess I should've seen this coming...they're almost always together...the mutt is obnoxiously defensive of her and she has that adorable giggle when he shows off that annoying goofy grin of his...it's so infuriating...even so...it's not like I made any moves or tried to tell her how I felt...I always felt like she was this innocent doll that was so fragile that if I touched her she'd break...so I really can't blame her for falling for that dope...so I guess i'm mad at myself...rather than him...though I will tell him that if he hurts Amourette or makes her cry even once i'll break his arm and steal her away." Duke muttered bitterly.
Selina only slipped out a giggle. "Sounds like a plan to me," she admitted. "Hehe..." Duke dryly chuckled. "Well, for what's worth you're not a complete asshole." the faerie pointed out. "Gee thanks I feel A LOT better..." the Dice Master deadpanned. "So, what was it you guys were talking about earlier. Something about Bakura?" Duke questioned. "...A dark aura suddenly appeared out of nowhere...and it's growing stronger by the moment...we think it might be Bakura..him..." Selina explained. "Seriously...?" The Dice Master narrowed his eyes. "But why is he here of all places?" Duke asked confused before Takuna eased himself out from under the Kotatsu rising to his feet. "Simple...He's come to tie up loose ends..." The Professor muttered drawing everyone's gaze towards him. "Are you going outside Taku-kun? If so i'll accompany you." the golden-haired male told him.
"No...you're the guardian of The Phoenix...it is your duty to stay by Bloom's side and protect her. We must place HER safety above all else...we CANNOT afford to lose another...is that understood?" Takuna told Akiba whom only gave into The Professor and sighed softly. "...Yes..." the golden-haired male murmured softly as both Takuna and Akiba turned their gaze towards Bloom whom was still fast asleep tucked under the kotatsu. Dreaming as if nothing else in all the worlds existed. The red-haired faerie found herself walking along a wall that was covered in glowing runes. Where it led she could only guess before suddenly the darkness just ahead of her was illuminated with seven diffrent colored lights nearly dispelling the shadows. {Are those...the gems Undine...was talking about?...} Bloom wondered before she gasped as all of their power blended to one sending the faerie into nearly an infinite sea of stars as far as the eye could see. The red head's eyes lit up in awe as all the stars suddenly shot up. Afterward, Bloom turned her gaze upwards as a large sword suddenly struck the ground. It being pitch black with some kind of writing and a symbol engraved in it. The faerie gasped being knocked back by the sheer force of it. {W-What is that!?} the redhead questioned and forced herself upwards moving towards the blade impaled into the starry scenery. But when she reached out to touch it, the sword suddenly went up in purple flames.
"AHHHHH!" Bloom screamed out of breath as she shot up finding her back in the living room and gathered her composure before she let out a sigh of relief. {That...dream...again...} the redhead huffed feeling her heart pounding in her chest. Joey wasn't the only one that was having strange dreams. Bloom also had been having this one for quite some time. In fact, it had started ever since Artemis Moon had mentioned that ominous warning about Kaiba. "...Seto..." Bloom whispered softly and she fingered her cherry blossom ring affectionately. Whenever she wore it almost felt as though their heart were still connected. No matter how far apart they were. But that didn't mean that she wasn't still fearful of what was to come. Cupid's words to her, however, did give her some comfort and peace knowing Kaiba was still thinking about her wherever he was. The faerie shivered feeling a chill nip at her.
"...Brrr...I must still be suffering the effects of falling into that icy pond..." Bloom surmised as she looked around at everyone else sleeping soundly except for Takuna, Selina, Akiba, and Duke. She figured everyone else was probably outside enjoying their stay. Except something just didn't feel right to her and from the look on everyone's face, she didn't seem to be the only one who thought so. "Professor where are you going?" Bloom questioned causing Takuna to pause. He barely was able to even open his mouth before the door flew open Raeger behind it. "R-Raeger!?" the faerie squeaked in surprise as The Guild Master took a moment to catch his breath his face red from running so fast in the cold. "B-BIG TROUBLE! B-BAKURA...FLORA...C-CUPID...D-DARK AURA!" Raeger studdered as all of his words ran together in a panic. "Raeger try to calm down. Now tell us what's going on?" Bloom questioned worriedly. "It's as we feared..." Akiba muttered. "...It looks like it...Selina come with me." Takuna instructed. "Right behind you," Selina replied simply before she followed The Professor outside. "I'm coming too!" Duke insisted dragging behind the two of them.
"W-Wait! where are you all going!? What's going on tell me UGH!" Bloom yelled out in frustration narrowing her eyes. What in the world was happening!? Once Raeger caught his breath he tried once more to speak. "R-Roxy and I were walking outside when we felt this horrid chill in the air! When we went to investigate it we found a large purple sphere that was on top of the hotel's roof! Roxy went to go investigate it but from what we could tell Bakura, Flora and Cupid were all inside of it! I went to get help but Roxy is still up there! We need everyone to come immediately!" Raeger cried out in urgency. "Of course we'll help! I'll get everyone up right now!" Bloom exclaimed and hurried over shaking everyone awake until they finally were roused from their heat-induced slumber. "EVERYONE GET UP! THERE'S BIG TROUBLE! ROXY AND FLORA NEED OUR HELP NOW!" the faerie cried out. Akiba could only watch swallowing hard. This was not good.
"Alright Alright, we're up geesh..." Loore let out a fierce yawn as the familiar stretched herself out. "...Mmm, what is it, Bloom? Breakfast time already?" Stella questioned as the blonde rubbed her eyes. "Yeah, really what's with all the noise?" Layla asked confused as to what Bloom seemed so hyper about. "Probably about that aura lingering about...now that i'm awake I can sense it..." Marik interrupted as he narrowed his eyes. "Me too..." Aster nodded. "What do you mean? I can't sense anything." Carlos muttered with a yawn before Joey finally came out of his room hearing all the yelling. "W-What's going on what are ya all yellin bout?" the blonde questioned grogilly before Bloom told them everything Raeger had just told her. It didn't take long at all for everyone to quickly dash past Akiba and out the door. "W-WAIT!" Akiba cried out after them but it was no use. All he could do was follow. {Please hurry up Taku-kun...} the golden-haired male pleaded silently as he attempted to keep up with the others.
"I hear you Akiba..." The Professor muttered as he stood up on the Supporo Tower with both Selina and Duke. Slowly Takuna began to glow a light blue as the wind picked up around him. "Selina! As soon as I give you the orders I need you to create a large barrier on the outside of the hotel!" The Professor instructed the faerie. "Why? What will that accomplish!?" Duke questioned in confusion but he received no reply as Selina only nodded in response. "I call you now all spirits bound by the hands of time...surrender yourselves to my will...and cease your actions now...I The Father Of Time command thee to answer to my call! CEASE THE FLOW OF TIME ON MY COMMAND FREEZE!" Takuna cried out as a pulse suddenly caused everything and everyone to stop moving. Even the snow itself paused in mid-air. All except for Selina that was protected against it. "I take that's MY cue..." the faerie smirked before she directed her hands extending them out towards the hotel. Focusing all of her power. Taking a deep breath as she did."I can do this..." Selina muttered before she unleashed a magic circle summoning a large green snake to wrap around the hotel forming a barrier to keep anyone from getting in or out. "How's that Professor?" the faerie questioned as she held it in place. Takuna only smiled in response. "Good job...that's my favorite student." The Professor murmured before he released the hold on time allowing everyone to steadily move once more.
Down below Amourette stood still near the tower slowly began to be able to move again a squeak escaping her mouth as she noticed the snow before her not moving an inch. "...Um...could this be...a Time Manipulation Spell...?" the blunette questioned out loud. "Amazing...only a REALLY powerful magician could pull that off!" Amourette exclaimed before she shook her head. She couldn't focus on that now. After she had left the tower she felt an ominous aura that seemed to be coming in the direction of the Hotspring Hotel where all the others were. Using all the strength the blunette could muster she ran as fast as she could only to come to a halt as a surprised squeak escaped Amourette. "W-What's t-that t-thing w-wrapped a-around t-the h-hotel!?" the blunette cried in a panic coming face to face with a giant green snake that ensnared the hotel's entrance and exit. It was only once she neared the building that she could finally locate the source of the darkened aura as a miasma nearly stole the blunette's breath.
"* Cough* *Cough* A...Mi-Miasma?" Amourette questioned as she directed her gaze upwards only to look upon a purple orb that seemed to be seeping out darkness itself. She closed her eyes and attempted to seek out the aura's contained in it. It was at times like this that she wished she was a faerie-like all of the other girls. But she wasn't. So she could only work with what she DID have. "I see them! Flora-Chan and Cupid-San are up there! With Bakura-san! Amourette gasped as a bead of sweat dripped down the side of her face as her eyes widened in horror. "I-I have to try and remain c-calm..." the blunette told herself as she tried to think of what to do. If she panicked then she wouldn't be able to help anyone. "I got it! I'll use my Elven Shrine Maiden Powers!" Amourette exclaimed as she narrowed her eyes in utter determination and began to chant the spell. "Oh, pure veil of white...bestower of life and light...I Princess Of Emerald...call upon the Element Of Light...to pierce the heart of thy enemy...to dispell the darkness of the night! HOLY STAR SHOWER!" the blunette called forth tiny droplets of light that appeared as tiny stars. Pouring down from the sky above as Amourette glowed with a softened white light as she placed her hand together as if she were praying.
Amourette huffed out of breath visible from the cold having used all the power she had and fell to her knees exhausted. Looking up towards the roof she could only pray that her best was enough. Not able to retain consciousness the blunette fell over into the snow. On the other side of the entrance, the others had begun to unfreeze from the pause in time. "Ugh...what da...wha just happened?" Joey questioned confused as he saw he was still with the other before the blonde caught sight of Amourette just beyond his reach lying in the snow in front of them. A gasp escaped Joey's lip in a panic as he ran to the front and banged on the door unable to get through it because of the barrier. "AMOURETTE! AMOURETTE! ANSWER ME! HEY!" the blonde screamed out before he grabbed the handle and violently attempted to yank it open. Aster could only look at him bitting his lower lip. The look in his eyes set all they needed to about his feelings. Putting aside his own feelings Aster placed his shoulder on Joey's causing the blonde to jump slightly badly shaken up.
"...Aster..." Joey murmured. "Move," Aster instructed before he summoned to his hand two dark blades. Without any hesitation, Aster used all the strength he had and slashed at the barrier standing in Joey's way over and over and over again unrelentingly. Stella narrowed her eyes and marched over to Joey. "Uh excuse! What do you mean Amourette!? I thought you were in love with Flora!? You care about her too don't you !?" Stella cried out displeased at the situation entirely. Joey only narrowed his eyes in anger. "OF COURSE I CARE BOUT HER!" the blonde spat in return. "She's meh friend! Just like Yugi and all da rest of you's guys! We're a team! Dare's no doubt about dat...I dun really know how ta put it inta words but...Amourette...she's very special ta me...despite dealin with so much pain...she wears a smile for everyone around her...as if her own feelins don't matter one little bit...and no matter what if she can she does little things too ta try and cheer people up...she makes ya feel all warm inside...just by being near ya...I can't help but smile when i'm around her...sometimes it seems like dare isn't a threat ta the world at all the way she talks...not ta mention she's pretty darn adorable when she gets all flustered and panicky...she's got dis inner strength dat makes ya wanna try just a little bit harder...at being just you...but it's not fair fer only her to be da one liftin everyone up...and da moment I saw those tears fill up those beautiful kind and lovin eyes of hers...I knew I wanted to be da one...dat would heal da wounds...in her heart...dat's why...it has ta be her" Joey confessed as his eyes shimmered with a deepened affection like nothing anyone had seen before. Except for Bloom when she'd look at Kaiba.
"Dats why...i'm sorry Stella..." Joey offered a saddened apologetic smile as he turned his attention back towards Aster who was still hacking away at the barrier. "...Well...I can't say that I approve...but..." Stella paused as she sniffed before Layla turned and looked at the blonde. "...Stella...are you...crying?" the darkly skinned faerie questioned. "N-No...I...I just have something in my eye...*sniff* " the princess of Solaria responded. "Oh, brother..." Loore rolled her eyes. "...No matter how hard Aster tries to damage the barrier it won't even leave so much as a dent in it!" Layla exclaimed at a loss for what more they could do. "Well, we have to do something! Who knows what's occurring on the roof as we speak!" Raeger cried out. "I KNOW that!" Bloom responded frustrated as well. "One minute the barrier wasn't here then the next minute it was...Stella! Layla! Let's transform and use our powers in a Celestix Convergence!" the redhead suggested. "Great idea Bloom!" Stella exclaimed in agreement "It couldn't hurt. What do you think Marik?" Layla questioned as the Tomb Keeper seemed to be in deep thought. "I'm not certain it will work...but an attempt should be made just in case i'm incorrect," Marik responded.
"LET'S DO IT! WINX CELESTIX! CELESTIX!" Stella, and Layla all cried out together transforming while Bloom chanted the incantation. "Guardian That Keeps Watch Over The Night...Open This Path Before Me To Pure Star Light...I Call Upon Stars Of The Moon And Sun...Come Forth With This Fire...IGNITE TOGETHER AS ONE!" the red-head called forth her power being wrapped in colored flames before transforming into her faerie form. "Don't forget bout meh guys!" Joey cried as he transformed his hair turning black with red highlights and fangs. Akiba only sweatdropped. "...Guess they're gonna have to learn the hard way..." Loore muttered under her breathe as the golden-haired male nodded in agreement. "Me first!" Stella exclaimed as she gathered her power summoning mini suns into her hand. "SOLAR GRANADE!" the blonde cried out as she threw one after the other at the barrier. "UNDINE'S ARROW!" Layla shouted out next and summoned an arrow made up of water and launched it forward. "PHOENIX FEATHERS!" Bloom finished as she became surrounded by a storm of flaming feathers sending them in the direction of the barrier along with Joey sending a molten fireball in unison. All four attacks collided striking together all at once. But it was still no use as everyone's transformation broke afterward. Joey, Bloom, Layla, and Stella all collapsed on the floor exhausted.
"Joey!" Aster cried and he hurried over to him along with Marik coming over to check on Layla and Akiba on Bloom. Even Raeger couldn't comprehend what was happening. "...Nothing...not even a scratch...how is that possible?" The Guild Master questioned in disbelief. "*Huff* We...*huff* didn't even *huff* do a teeny...bit...of...*huff* damage..." Stella groaned as she forced herself to look upwards. "I...don't...ugh...get it...what are...we...*huff* doing...wrong...?" Joey questioned. "W-What are we...*huff* missing here...?" Layla questioned. Bloom shook her head and she struggled to get to her feet. "N-No...i'm not gonna...give...up..." the redhead refused before Akiba hurried over to her and shook his head as her eyes met his. Marik walked forwards and tried to examine the forcefield for any signs or clues that might aid them. "How very ...unusual...this isn't your average barrier... if only I could see on the outside...perhaps the damage inflicted is not on the inside...out on the outside...even if that's the case there should be evidence of damage of some sort...yet...I see nothing of the sort..." the Tomb Keeper twisted his mouth before a familiar voice broke through the silence.
{"Well now that's hardly surprising!} Cellos mused as the ghoul manifested just outside of the barrier next to Amourette. "Cellos!" Joey's eyes widened in surprise. "Goodness you seem to have found yourself in quite the pickle there haven't you! How very sad yes very sad." Cellos scratched the back of his head. "Neva mind dat! Is Amourette alright!?" the blonde questioned still frantic with worry. "Amourette? Oh, you mean this young woman right here?" the ghoul mused as his eyes looked downwards. "Oh yes I see, she is certainly out cold now, isn't she? Oh but don't worry she seems to be well, i'm willing to bet she just overdid it a little when she was using her magic next to this pesky thing." Cellos assured Joey as his eyes turned back to the barrier. "Thank goodness..." Joey sighed relief as did Aster. At least they had one less thing to worry about. "Why, Yes. In fact, i'd be MORE concerned as to what's happening...up there..." the ghoul directed his staff towards up above.
Meanwhile Up On The Roof...
Bakura looked up above him as he watched these golden droplets of stars pour down upon them. Caught in between the petals and the droplets the silver-haired male found himself rendered motionless for a brief moment. Flora and Cupid also caught in the time manipulation spell. But once it began to wear off Cupid drew his dagger from its sheath and sliced through the rod connected to Death's scythe immediately. However, once time began to proceed forward so did the Volt's current inflicting it's wrath upon Cupid. The redhead hissed in pain as Flora finally dropped the blade that she had been clutching desperately in her hands for hours. "CUPID!" the faerie cried and hurried over to him just inches away from her. "Are you alright!? Are you hurt at all!?" Flora questioned as the redhead slowly struggled to sit up. "Heh...don't worry about me...are you ok?" Cupid asked as she offered a weary smile. "I'm a little beat up...but i'm alright..." the faerie assured him. But as she reached her bloodied hands out to him Flora let out a squeal as black ebony chains suddenly ensnared her and Cupid yanking them away from one another with a violent wrath.
"FLORA-CHAN!" Cupid cried out as he watched her being pulled in the opposite direction squeezing her evoking a pained cry from the faerie of flowers. "...ENOUGH OF YOUR TRICKERY WENCH! I'M GOING TO ENJOY RELIEVING YOU OF THAT PRETTY LITTLE HEAD OF YOURS..." Bakura spat angrily believing she was to blame for that storm of petals earlier. His patience had run far from thin at this point. He'd teach her a lesson for getting in his way and then he'd enjoy making Cupid suffer even further. Pulling him into a pit of despair of which there would be no return. Cupid narrowed his eyes as Flora screamed in pain trembling as the chains the bound her threatened to steal not only her magic but his as well feeling weaker and weaker with each passing moment. There was no choice now. For Flora, he had to tap into his hidden power even if it killed him. It didn't matter anymore. His life had no meaning if the one that saved it would die right alongside him because of his sin. Flora felt the same way.
No matter how bad the situation was. She refused to give into that bastard. Those that would condemn the lives of so many that wished to have but one purpose in this world. He whom would deny them another day of finding something or someone to live for! "It's true that most people start off as a tiny seed but with that kindness, it nurtures and grows into a beautiful flower or something far greater than what even Nature itself could create! And I will prove that!" the faerie cried as tears filled her eyes glowing a bright green as Cupid's body illuminated in a pink glow. It was as if Cupid's will and Flora were one at that moment and nothing could possibly stop their combined power. Roxy only watched in silence breath taken by what she was about to bare witness to. Cupid's angel wings manifest on his back as he began to chant the incantation. "Hear me lost souls wandering through the darkness...I call upon your power...to protect another...from falling in Death's cold icy grasp...unite your power with mine...so that you can deliver unto him the ultimate punishment of the Beyond...NATURE'S JUDGEMENT!" both Flora and Cupid cried out at the same time as Cupid formed an arrow with a large flower at the end made up of the elements of Water, Ice, Fire, Earth, Wood, Lightning, Darkness, and Light. Without hesitation, the redhead released all of the power directly towards Bakura him having nowhere to run as Amourette's spell held Bakura in place and empowering both Flora and Cupid.
"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS!?" Bakura demanded to know. But he received no answer as the silver-haired male made direct contact with the mighty blow. Such raw power. By the likes of which he had no experience before. The sheer force shattering the chains around both Cupid and Flora freeing them. "...DAMN YOU! THIS ISN'T OVER! REMEMBER THAT!" Bakura cursed them both barely able to retreat into another dimension using the remnants of his power. "...He's gone...they actually did it..." Roxy whispered in disbelief still hidden as she watched Cupid's wings vanished from sight. The redhead exhausted felt his knees give way threatening to collapse before Flora quickly caught him before he could hit the ground. Him covered in burns and bruises as his heart pounded in his chest breathing heavily. A soft giggle escaped from Flora lips as his tired blue eyes met her green ones. "...Look at you...you're a mess..." the faerie pointed out. Cupid only smirked weakly. "Hehe...look who's talking...you're even more beat up...that I am..." the redhead responded.
"You're probably right..." Flora admitted softly. "...But when...I saw what Bakura was about to do...I just couldn't sit there and watch...not when someone is suffering right in front of me..." the faerie began. "...Not all wounds and scars...are able to be seen...some are hidden so deeply...that only certain people can look beyond what is visible to the naked eye..." Flora murmured as her voice cracked. "It doesn't matter who or what you are...everyone is constantly battling with inner darkness..." she continued. "To use someone else's emotions to torture or make fun of them...is unforgiveable...no...I CAN'T forgive it...I have no desire whatsoever to watch someone I care about being torn to pieces because of how they FEEL...and that includes YOU too Cupid..." Flora murmured as tears fell down her face before she felt a soft fist bump her forehead.
"...Dummy..." Cupid murmured softly before he took the faerie's cut up hands into his as Flora's eyes widened in surprise. A soft pink glow manifested from within them. One after the other all of the cuts inflicted upon the faerie were turned into red rose petals. Flora watched in awe the pain slowly disappearing bit by bit. After her wounds were healed the redhead gathered up all of the petals and turned them into a fully manifested rose and placed it in between the faerie's hand holding them for just a moment longer. "...Thank you...it's beautiful Cupid..." the faerie murmured touched by the gesture. But Cupid only shook his head with his hair concealing the expression on his face."...No..." he barely uttered before Flora paused as Cupid's eyes met his with a truly grateful smile. "...Thank...you..." the redhead whispered before he fell forward onto her finally losing consciousness. "Oh my!" Flora squeaked as she found Cupid pressed up against her chest. But even as he slept there was finally a smile on his face. Creating a flower of her own she gingerly placed in the red head's hair. It was a medicinal herb that would help him recover faster. Suddenly Roxy's voice broke through the silence as the sphere around them finally began to disappear.
"FLORA! CUPID!" Roxy called out as she hurried towards the both of him out of breath. "A-Are you guys ok! I saw what happened! I'm sorry I couldn't help! I couldn't even get near the sphere with all the icky miasma lying around!" the faerie pointed out. "Yes, we're fine I think...just a little beat up...thanks to Cupid that is. His powers are amazing!" "No way! it was YOUR power combined that was!" Roxy argued. "You guys together make an awesome team! Uh anyways! I'm just SO glad you're both ok! We should get back down on the ground and let the others know we're alright. If I know Raeger and Bloom they're PROBABLY flipping out by now." the faerie reasoned. "...I don't think I can...that attack before that Bakura unleashed drained a good deal of my magic..." Flora frowned worriedly. "...Yeah...that might be a bit of a problem..." Roxy made a face as she tried to figure this predictiment out. "Ok how about this, i'll go down first and get everyone does that sound good?" the faerie asked. "Yes, that sounds wonderful. Thank you, Roxy." Flora smiled in appreciation. "Ok! Be back in a bit!" Roxy exclaimed before she flew downwards. On the tower still, Selina, Takuna, and Duke watched from across the roof of the hotel.
"HOLY SHIT THERE'S A GIANT SNAKE AROUND THE HOTEL! Uh! Someone want to explain to me what hell is going on now?" Duke questioned caught off guard by the beast. "No need, you wouldn't have understood even if we told you." Selina mused. "...Exactly..." The Professor muttered looking worse for wear at the moment. After all this, he was going to need a cigarette AND a soak in the hot spring. "Can I release the barrier now?" Selina asked as she turned her head towards Takuna. "Yeah go ahead...we've completed the task...there's no reason to keep it in place any longer..." The Professor responded simply. "Your wish is my command." the faerie mused and ceased casting once given the order. Duke's eyes widened as he watched as the giant snake slowly began to disappear. Was that thing created by a spell? Just what WAS Selina's power anyway? "Isn't there any way for me to also fight? Hell, even Joey can transform now..." "I could teach you." a female voice came as Noah emerged landing in front of them sending a wink his way. "But it's gonna cost you..." the mage warned caused the Dice Master to swallow hard.
Down below Roxy landed in front of the barrier just slightly away from Cellos whom was still standing in place. "ROXY!" Raeger exclaimed relieved as he hurried over to meet her on the other side of the barrier. "Raeger!... What are you guys doing in there...?" Roxy questioned confused. "...Well, that kinda the thing...we don't really know..." Bloom frowned perplexedly. "We've tried everything we can possibly think of! But nothing works..." the Guild Master sulked. "Yeah! And it's SERIOUSLY starting to get on my nerves!" Stella cried out aggravated as she kicked at the barrier. "I don't think that's going to help Stella..." Layla rolled her eyes. "Nope." Loore agreed as she twitched her ears. "Da harder we even try it only ends up givin us da same stinken result!" Joey snarled. "The girls can't even transform anymore..." Carlos added. "I'd be surprised if they could..." Akiba murmured under his breath. "Uh what was that?" Roxy questioned. "Oh nothing!" the guardian laughed it off.
"Well, it looks like you needn't worry about it anymore. See for yourselves. The barrier is slowly beginning to dissipate...a rather lucky break wouldn't you? Anyways, the reasons your actions were so limited is because this barrier is a special one designed to absorb magic. So the more magic you use the stronger it gets. By not only that but stealing your mana as well. Which would explain poor Miss Amourette's condition...yes..." Cellos pointed out before the barrier finally disappeared. Like lightning, Joey hurried over to Amourette and picked her up gently shaking her. "Amourette! Amourette can ya hear me!?" the blonde called out to her before the blunette groaned and slowly opened her eyes. Relieved Joey's face lit up and hugged Amourette causing a surprised squeak out of her. "EEP! J-Joey-kun!?" she questioned startled. "Aw man...ya had meh scared silly! Are ya doin alright...ya were collapsed in da snow a while ago..." the blonde questioned. "...Um...I think so..." Amourette began before she gasped recalling the spell she cast. "W-What about Flora-Chan and Cupid-San!?" A-Are they ok!? What happened to them!?" the blunette questioned in a panic.
"Yep! They're both a bit roughed up but other than that they're just fine! Uh but Flora can't use her magic at the moment and Cupid's kinda unconscious...so I came to get you guys to get help getting them back on the ground...but I guess something similar happened here too..." Roxy sighed softly. Almost everyone sighed relief. "Um...Roxy..." Raeger began. "Hmm yes ?" she questioned. "...Did you think about maybe using the elevator?" the Guild Master asked with a sweatdrop. It took a moment before Roxy turned nearly completely red in the face. "...Oopsie...I forgot about that..." the faerie admitted sheepishly. Ok! Everyone to the roof!" Stella exclaimed. "Hey, Stella! That's my line!: Bloom cried jokingly. "You snooze you lose!" Stella teased in return. "Oh, you two!" Layla laughed before the girls hurried to go get Flora and Cupid. "Shall we join them?" Raeger questioned. "Uh...yeah..." Roxy squeaked before they both followed them. The rest of the party returned to their hotel room to retire for the evening and man had it been a LONG evening! Joey himself hit the futon and hit it hard. But the moment he closed his eyes. He dreamed that same dream again.
Pained howls echoed through the forest as Joey found himself running through the burning forest. The emerald grass below him stained with crimson red blood. Turning his gaze upwards even the sky was painted with anger. Suddenly a storm of arrows rained down upon him. Striking him in several places the blonde screaming out in writhing pain it coursing through his veins. Joey collapsed his entire body dripping with blood. He forced his eyes open when death did not await him. All he could see was dark blue and a sunflower above him. "GWAHHH!" the blonde screamed as he woke up in a cold sweat feeling his body tremble. And the pain from his dream still yet haunted him as Joey's eyes widened in horror his white and blue shirt covered in blood mortified. The blonde eased himself off of his futon and made his way to the bathroom in the hall only to bumped into Amourette wearing her blue ribbon and white nightgown.
"Oaf!" Joey winced as the blunette squeaked in surprised before her eyes caught sight of the blonde. "O-Oh...Am-Amourette...what are...ya...doin...u-up?" Joey questioned nearly losing his footing. "Joey-kun you're trembling..." Amourette cried and quickly caught him before the blunette looked around to make sure the coast was clear and helped him into her room. Carefully she sat him down. "J-Just wait right there for a moment..." Amourette told him and went to get a basin for water and a washcloth blood now staining her gown from just brushing against him. "...S-Sorry bout this..." Joey apologized. "N-No i-it's fine r-really! But...how did you end up like this?" the blunette questioned worriedly. The blonde only made a face. "I...I had dat dream again...only dis time...it was more vivid...and when I woke up...and ya know wat...it really...hurts...bad..." Joey confessed. To Amourette that didn't sound like an ordinary dream to her. "...Um...if you don't mind...could you let me see...please?" the blunette asked him softly. "...S-Sure ting...but i'm tellin ya...it ain't gonna be...pretty..." the blonde warned as he removed his shirt caused Amourette to nearly turn white just at the sight of it. Every arrow that struck him in his dream had pierced his skin.
Using the remnants of her power the blunette mended the wounds inflicted upon him closing them before she placed the washcloth in the basin and wrung it out cleaning up the area around the injuries to prevent any infection that might take place. Joey winced in between. "S-Sorry!" Amourette squeaked. "Um...Does it hurt a lot...?" "J-Just a bit..." the blonde admitted. "But it's not nearly as bad as before...you're a pretty good nurse ya know dat?" Joey grinned. "Teehee...am I...?" Amourette giggled softly. "Yeah hehehe...since it's just da two of us...do ya mind if we talk for a bit?" the blonde questioned as he placed another shirt on. "Uh...on second thought why don't we move ta my room," Joey suggested. "Mmm." the blunette nodded softly before they returned to the room. "...So...what did you want to talk to me about?" Amourette questioned curiously. "...Well...it's about...dis letter I found...when I put you back in yer room after you fell asleep outside..." Joey began before the blunette frowned.
"...Oh, you saw that did you...?" "...Yeah, sorry...it wasn't like I was trying ta snoop through yer stuff or anything like dat." Joey apologized but Amourette only shook her head softly before she began to figit with her fingers. "The truth is...I wanted to say something...but I didn't know exactly how to go about it...for that, I apologize..." the blunette murmured. "Nah! I understand. I just wish ya could've said somethin so dat...I also coulda let ya lean on meh...instead of only focusin on meh own problems...honestly I shoulda noticed sooner..." Joey admitted. "N-No Joey-kun didn't do anything wrong!...actually...you really DID cheer me up earlier...it made me very happy..." Amourette confessed in return as her cheeks reddened with a hidden smile on her face. The blonde smiled too. "Well...if I could just a little bit...then I suppose i'm not a COMPLETE screw-up." Joey laughed. "I-I never thought such a thing!" the blunette exclaimed. "Heehee Just kiddin." the blonde teased with a grin. "Oh, Joey-kun." Amourette puffed up her cheeks before she watched the smile slipped off Joey's face.
"...I tink...i'm running away from da question I REALLY wanna ask..." Joey confessed. "...Are...Are ya really goin back ta Emerald...?" the blonde questioned as his voice shook. "...Well..." Amourette began as her gaze averted Joey's. "I can't exactly ignore a request from my father...alot...has happened...since I joined everyone...so he's probably worried about me...and also...there's Blaire-San...i'm worried...if I don't go...something terrible might happen to him...although to be honest...I don't want to leave at all..." Amourette choked out as tears flooded her eyes. "Not Joey-Kun...or anyone else...I...I don't want to go...because if I do...I might not be able to return...for a while..."
the blunette wept before Joey took Amourette and pulled her into his arms holding her close to him as he shook. "I can't tell ya what ta do...dats a choice ya gotta make yerself...follow yer heart...and you'll know wat ta do...sure it flat out bites, and we'll all miss ya like crazy when yer gone...but no matta what ya decide...i'll support ya all da way Amourette. Count on it!" the blonde told her. "...Joey-kun..." the blunette whispered. "Mhmm!" the blunette nodded as tears streamed down her cheeks and buried her head in the crook of Joey's neck as they clung to one another neither wanting to part. But Neither one of them could bare to utter the words lingering desperately on their lips. For it was too painful to speak out loud as soon they'd be forced to leave one another's side.
Raeger too was working on preparing for his own departure by using the kitchen to create a portal potion for him to use for transport to Emerald. Glass bottles were layed out side by side as the Guild Master measured out what appeared to be some sort of leafy green substance. "Now just a hint of Emerald's essence..." Raeger murmured before Roxy crept up silently behind. "BOO!" the faerie exclaimed causing The Guild Master to nearly jump three feet in air scattering the pine needles all over the floor. "...Oops..." Roxy murmured as she realized what he was doing. "Oh dear..." Raeger sighed as he tried to collect them. "Here let me help you!" Roxy offered as they both worked together to gather them. "Well, this is just a disaster waiting to happen." Loore mused as Stella came in. "I have to agree! A kitchen is made for cooking! Meaning Pizza and Cookies! Instead, i'm reminded of Potion Class nightmares!" the blonde cried. "Oh yeah...didn't you blow up the lab?" Layla questioned as she made her way to the fridge to grab a bottled water. "...What was it again? You were trying to create a new eyeshadow or something?" "No! Lipstick! I was TRYING to create a new shade of pink!" Stella puffed up her cheeks. "It would have been the official color of Solaria!" "I'd believe that." Roxy giggled as did Layla.
"Well! You know what they say! If at first, you don't succeed try! Try again!"Cellos chuckled. "...By the way, what are YOU still doing here?" Loore hissed annoyed sitting on the counter. "My, Mistress was rather concerned with the way Miss Bloom's party was progressing...and of course Mr. Bakura's presence was also of her interest..." Cellos answered simply as he poured some coffee into a cup blowing on it. "And also I thought you'd like to know that *sip* Mr. Ogron and the other Wizards Of The Black Circle have recently due to certain circumstances...been eliminated." the ghoul informed the party before nearly every mouth dropped to the floor. "WHAT!?" Roxy and Layla nearly screamed out in unison neither able to believe the words coming from Cellos's mouth causing the others to come to check out the commotion.
"W-What do you mean they've been ELIMINATED!?" Roxy questioned. "Well, I think the word speaks for itself don't you?" Cellos mused. "And i'm asking HOW is that possible?!" Layla fired back. "What's with all the commotion? We can hear you all the way from down the hall" Bloom inquired as the others followed behind her. "Is everything alright?" Flora questioned concerned about the noise. "Oh good! The gang's all here! This will make things MUCH easier!" Cellos clapped his hands together. "Well, we're waiting!" Stella tapped her foot impatiently. "Yes, of course." the ghoul took a moment to clear his throat. "It would seem up until now that The Wizards Of The Black Circle and Bakura have been working together. However The Wizards...began to outlive their usefulness to him and he sent them on a mission of sorts...to find The Black Power..." Cellos explained as he took a sip from his cup. Aster's, Raeger's, Akiba's, Takuna and Amourette's face all nearly pailed upon hearing those words. Cupid only remained silent as he propped himself up against the wall. It the same thing Froste had spoken about back in Covenant."Professor?" Selina questioned as the others looked towards him. Letting out a sigh he told them the tale of the legend as Cupid had heard once before.
"Correct! However needless to say The Wizards not only failed in their pursuit of it...but wound up biting off a little more than they could chew...a rather careless action that cost them their lives..." Cellos mused. " I find that difficult to believe...even if what you say is true...but who could have ended their existence with such ease. The Wizards Of The Black Circle were even a worthy opponent for the Pharoah back in the days of Ancient Egypt as depicted by my family...a blood mage is not taken down through normal means..." Marik demanded to know as he crossed his arms. "I agree." Raeger narrowed his eyes. "This is just nuts! If yer tellin da truth in spit it out already!" Joey shook his fist. "Yeah, no kidding!" Duke agreed for once. "Just tell us..." Carlos sighed before Aster finally spoke up drawing all attention to him. "...Actually...when I cornered Bakura earlier...he did mention about The Wizards being no more...so...I DO think he's telling us the truth...but even Bakura didn't say anything about how it happened..." the blonde confessed. "...Very well...the one who carried out their deaths...was none other than the leader of The A.O.J..." the ghoul finally answered as his amethyst eyes gleamed with a most serious expression.
"...That name again..." Bloom muttered as her own eyes narrowed. Just what was their role in all of this? Was it he whom had something to do with Kaiba as foretold by Artemis Moon. Or was it something more? Each answer only led to a thousand more questions. And then there was that dream she kept having. Bloom only groaned as she held her head. She finally found the Phoenix's ashes. But then what? What was the next step to take? Cupid suddenly cleared his throat. "Going back to the Black Power." the redhead began. "While I was back in Covenant I overheard Yuki talking about it and that out of all the things that could keep a thing like that in check would have to be a Gem Of Destiny...one of them at least...the thing is the place he mentioned...is Requiem Prison...said to be buried within the core of Zaloz itself...a hell hole that no one is said to be able to escape or enter..." Cupid muttered as he crossed his arms as did Bloom. "...So in order to even get close to the gem...we have to first find a way to get inside Requiem...and hopefully, when we're there we can also get out Yuri..." the faerie murmured before Cellos's eyes recalled his mistress's words"In The Depths Of Darkness...a single light will shine...and what was once lost...will be found once more...could she have meant this...?" Cellos mulled over silently to himself.
{...There IS a way to enter Requiem...however...it does not come without...how you say...certain risks...} Cellos's words echoed in Bloom's head as everyone else decided to call it a night. Bloom stared up at the ceiling as she laid in her futon before a soft knock came at the door. "Come in." the redhead called back before Flora eased the door open. "Hi, Bloom. Can I come in for a bit?" the faerie questioned. "Of course you can, like i'm gonna say no." Bloom offered a smile. "Thanks." Flora smiled in return and closed the door behind her before she sat down next to Bloom. Flora turned her head towards the opened window feeling the breeze waft through it. "Isn't the moon beautiful tonight?" "Yeah, it sure is..." Bloom smiled as she turned to look at it with her. "...So how are you feeling? Any better? I'm still getting used to these new powers of mine...even though Dragon's and Phoenix's both are creatures of fire...sometimes they feel so diffrent..." the redhead admitted softly. "Yes, i'm feeling much better thanks to you. You really have gotten a lot stronger Bloom. Even your healing ability is beyond what your Belivix powers were capable of." Flora complimented.
"Oh, I don't know about that all that..." Bloom murmured softly. "But anyways i'm just glad you're alright you had us worried sick you know! I'm...only sorry that I couldn't help you out when you were in trouble..." But Flora only smiled. "Please don't blame yourself, Bloom. This challenge...was something I...had to do..." the faerie told the redhead. "So just what DID happen up on the roof? We were stuck in some freaky barrier so we couldn't see anything at all!" Bloom informed Flora. So Flora told Bloom everything that she and the others missed. The redhead quietly listened nodding her head "And Cupid knew that as well...actually after he woke up...he said this..." Flora began.
"For the first time in my life since I was born...someone could finally see behind the mask I tried so desperately to hide behind...and I was happy...I can honestly say that, that was all I ever wanted...so I clung to that little bit of happiness...without releasing it...I was lost in a dream...where she and I were together...it was selfish yes...but I told myself I didn't care...and then...she opened up...poured her worries, anxiety and fear about Kaiba...slipping away into the shadows...forgetting her completely...hehe hehe...AND I was forced back into reality where her heart belonged to someone else...I could've easily used my powers to manipulate her heart and take advantage of her...but, I couldn't bring myself to do it...no matter how badly I may have wanted to...you can't force someone...to fall in love with you..." "Nope! Instead, like the idiot I am, I used my powers to show Bloom-Chan that her beloved was STILL keeping her in his thoughts and that the two of their hearts were yet connected despite their distance...and when that smile lit up on her face...I realized how much she loved him, even though it kinda stung.So, when we returned to Supporo I decided to be a LITTLE naughty and kept her to myself for most of the day. *sticks out tongue playfully* "I didn't even notice the feelings that had begun to develop in my heart...pretty sad for a deity of love huh? But I think what upset me the most...wasn't the fact that I was gonna lose the woman that I loved because of the curse placed upon me...but that MY selfish actions were going to make Bloom-Chan's fears of being separated from the one SHE loved a reality...someone like me...doesn't deserve her..."
"I had no idea...that he felt that way about me...If I did...I wouldn't have given him false hope...like kissing him on the cheek...or holding his hand...in fact I probably made things a 1000 times worse for him..." the redhead choked out as tears came to her eyes. "I-It's just so a-awful...how someone could...place a curse...on anyone like that...and this whole time...he was only thinking about M-MY happiness...throwing away...h-his only chance...to br-break his curse...all for me...it'...it's just too painful to think about...it's not fair...C-Cupid deserves someone...j-just like...anyone else...even those who think...that they're incapable of love..." Bloom choked as her mind went to Kaiba and tried to wipe her eyes. Flora only looked at Bloom. No matter who it was. Bloom always seemed to have a big heart for anyone in pain. "W-We HAVE to find t-those Gem O-Of Destiny...w-we just got to! So that no one...has to suffer...like this..." the faerie sniffed."Yes, you're absolutely right Bloom." Flora agreed with a nod.
"O-Oh and before I forget...Flora...thank you...for being there for him...Cupid I mean..." Bloom murmured softly. "...I can't return his feelings...but just like everyone else...he's STILL a precious friend..." the redhead told Flora. "I feel the same way Bloom. But I am worried about what is to come next...if Requiem IS our next destination...what exactly will we find there...?" the faerie questioned with a troubled frown. "Yeah...i'm worried about that too...but as long as we stick together everything will be alright. After all, WE'RE The Winx Club!" Bloom winked before Flora giggled softly. "By the way, there was something I wanted to ask you." "Hmm what it Bloom?" "Well...did something...happen? At dinner, things seemed kind of tense...especially between you, Joey, Duke and even Amourette. Uh putting aside Akiba and The Professor of course." the faerie questioned before Flora only let out a sigh.
"Well I wasn't planning on talking about it...but I suppose it's ok if it's you, Bloom. Actually, Joey's been rather troubled recently...he seems to be having these nightmares that keep him up at night and prevent him from getting any sleep...and then there's the strange behavior he sometimes exhibits...almost as if he's a completely diffrent person...but no matter how I tried he didn't wish to talk about it. So since Amourette and Joey are good friends I asked for her help to figure out what was bothering him." "And?" "...Amourette was reluctant at first...but she warmed up to the idea over time and finally confronted Joey about it...and as I had hoped he opened up to her...but when I asked Amourette about it...she told me that she felt if she said anything against his own wishes that she'd be betraying his trust...and that's when I realized...what Joey's feelings truly were..." Flora murmured as Bloom only looked at her best friend with a saddened gaze.
"...Oh, Flora...i'm sorry..." Bloom murmured softly."...I...I didn't realize...I wish I had just kept my big mouth shut..." the redhead apologized once more. "Don't be Bloom." the faerie of flower spoke up. "I told Amourette the same thing...I WANT both Joey and Amourette to be happy, i'd feel terrible if I was the reason they couldn't smile. Just like you and Kaiba, Roxy and Raeger. Marik and Layla, they also share something VERY special...I couldn't possibly come between that. Don't you see how much they love one another?" Flora questioned as she opened the door across from Amourette's room as Joey and Amourette sat aside by side his head on hers both fast asleep. "It's so beautiful and pure...I also can't be selfish...besides that...there's someone other than Joey who needs me moranother...that understands all of the emotions he's experiencing right now..." Flora murmured as she manifested the red rose Cupid gave to her looking at it lovingly. Bloom paused before a smile spread across her face. "...I understand..." Bloom murmured softly before she watched Flora ease her way back up to her feet.
"Well anyways. Thank you for listening to Bloom. Since it's our last day together let's make the remainder of our vacation one to remember shall we!?" Flora exclaimed with a broad smile on her face. "Yeah! You bet!" Bloom exclaimed. "Goodnight Bloom." "Night Flora!" the redhead called afterward as she watched her best friend make her way back outside. Sighing happily Bloom flopped back down on her futon and hugged her pillow to her chest before she turned her gaze back towards the full moon it's light shining in her direction. "So...finding love...in unrequited love huh?" the redhead giggled to herself. "Now that suits us! Doesn't it Seto?" Bloom mused.
{Now that suits us! Doesn't it Seto?} A gasp escaped Kenshin as he heard Bloom call out his name. as he rode in a carriage on a stoned pathed road across from Mallock his father. Or so it seemed. However, it was Kaiba disguised as Kenshin unknown to the male across from him. Mallock turned his stoned cold eyes towards his "son" before Kaiba quickly forced a fake smile Kenshin's specialty. There was no mistaking it. That was Bloom's voice just now. Reaching out to him from beyond time and space. If nothing else that alone placed his heart at ease as he readied himself to face what was next. The Emerald Summit.
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