Black Magic: In The Hands Of Destiny Bloom x Seto Kaiba

by SorikuGirl21

After losing Atem Kaiba seeks to find new meaning in his life. Seeking after his magical origins Kaiba receives a mysterious letter that may provide him the answers he's been searching for. At the same time, a new girl arrives in Domino City bringing a dangerous new enemy with her. A chance meeting brings two unlikely people to meet. Will it finally force Kiba to believe in fate?

122. Chapter 120: Two Father's One Wish

Note To Readers: HEY GUYS! I hope that you are doing well, I always get so excited during the end of month since I can see how many readers I have! I'm trying to write an update at the end of at least every month or two months. I don't want to leave you guys waiting five months for an update. I recently read a fanfiction and suddenly remembered what it was like to be a fan and no updates in forever! So thanks for reading my old readers and new! I hope you enjoy! ^^

Chapter 120: Two Father's One Wish...

As Xuri and Bright charged towards the gates to The Mages Sanctuary, they found that they were not alone as Azrael and Dorr were spotted ahead of them. A look of surprise glistened in both party's eyes. "Ser Azrael!?" the Prince questioned taken back by this turn of events. "Lord Bright, what an unexpected surprise! Tell me what are you doing here at this time of night?!" Azrael questioned the blonde however, before Bright could utter a word Dorr broke the silence between them.

"As per your request, I've gathered a select group abled body men and had our finest horses prepared to set out immediately at your command Ser!" Dorr interrupted as he awaited the other Knights trailing behind him. "Good, we'll need all the help we can get...we're headed towards The Mage's Sanctuary...hopefully there we can find our much needed answers..." Azrael mused. "Yeah...I hope so too..." Xuri muttered almost under his breath as Bright only frowned softly. "So what exactly IS the situation gentlemen?" the Prince finally mustered up the courage to inquire. Dorr paused as he turned to meet Azrael's gaze before The Guild Master nodded in approval.

"...To put it simply, after you and Azrael left to speak on behalf of The Knight's to the Master Spellbinder, a handful of our own left without permission when they learned that both their Guild Master and Prince's took actions that they found unacceptable to them personally...in fact several eye witnesses claim to have overheard these individuals discussing that they somehow were going to obtain evidence to prove that the Mages bare the responsibility for murdering so many of their fallen comrades...and the place they were planning to uncover this said evidence would be hidden within the walls of The Mage's Sanctuary..."

Dorr explained to both Bright and Xuri as the Prince felt his best friend's grip tighten around his waist. This news was far from placing the vampire at peace as fear threatened to crush him under its unbearable weight. "However." Azrael began. "In order to stop them we sent our own team to investigate...unfortunately...no one has yet to return to the Guild...in which case several possibilities could have occurred... I shutter to think of it..." The Guild Master confessed before Xuri learned over and whispered into Bright's ear.

(...If The Knight's Think That The Guards At The Gate Will Let Them Through, They're In For A Nasty Surprise...This Could Get Much Worse Depending On How They Approach This...It Might Be Better If You Speak On Their Behalf...If You Catch My Drift...The Less Bodies We Have To Count The Better...) Xuri suggested as he attempted to keep his voice down. However, as the party's presence was not one to go unnoticed as the guards guarding the entrance to The Mage's Sanctuary immediately directed their blade tipped staffs towards the possible threat.

"HALT! DON'T MOVE ONE MORE STEP INTRUDERS!"

the Guards warned both Azrael and Dorr as they paused with only a single foot placed upon the steps ascending the gate. The Guild Master only sharpened his gaze. "Please, allow us to pass through! We mean you nor the people of this Sanctuary no harm! We only seek answers to our companions mysterious disappearance..." Azrael attempted to reason however, his request fell on deaf ears answered with a scowl of mistrust before Xuri opened his mouth.

"Save it Azrael, anything you say is wasted on the likes of them...no matter what kind of reason you can come up with...it's not that surprising that they don't trust The Knights especially given the circumstances...hell they don't even trust me and I'm one of um." the vampire let out a heavy sigh. "We've Heard Quite Enough..." the Guards retorted. "We'll Only Say This Once More...Turn Back Now Or We'll Consider Your Presence A Threat And Will Be Forced To Act Accordingly..." the protects of The Mage's Sanctuary threatened before The Prince at last step forward.

"I COMMAND THAT YOU CEASE YOUR ASSULT AT ONCE!" Bright yelled out as loud as he possibly could turning all of the attention towards him in but a moment. Upon his sight, immediately the guardians got down on a single knees and bowed before the Prince Of Aura. "L-Lord Bright! Please Forgive Our Transgressions, We Were Not Aware That You Were Accompanying This Particular Party! Although I May Be Out Of Line For Saying This...But Are You Certain You Can Trust These Men Sir? They Are Knights Whom Bare A great Loathing Towards Us Aurian Mages..." the Guardians questioned with worry clearly within their eyes.

"I know well of these hostilities of which you refer to...however...I can assure you that those in my party do not intend to bring harm to anyone whom dwells and takes refuge in this beautiful city..." Bright assured the guards and continued to carry on a conversation with them while the others waited as patiently as they possibly could which was no easy task to accomplish on their part. Dorr only crossed his arms as he let out a heavy sigh. "I hope this doesn't take too much time...the longer we spend jumping through hoops the further we get from actually locating our missing men...and those responsible..." the Knight grumbled.

"Be patient..." Azrael began. "You forget...we still have eyes lingering on us...we must proceed with caution and prevent anything that would cause alarm or provoke an attack..." the Guild Master attempted to calm Dorr's anxious heart. "Let's just leave this to Bright...I think that's our best bet for now." Xuri added before Bright returned to them. "See? What'd I tell ya? So, what's the status your highness? I'm dyin here." the vampire lightly teased but the prince only frowned with a troubled look in his eyes.

"I'm afraid that this particular predicament is just as much a mystery as it is to The Knight's Guild...in fact, the Guardian Battle Mages didn't catch sight of any Knights attempting to breach or pass by the barrier in order to enter The Mage's Sanctuary...though despite that...one of The Guardians expressed a rather deep concern when he learned of the unfolding situation...therefore he agreed to place the Mage's Sanctuary on immediate alert as a precaution...also they have agreed to let us into the city but in doing so we need to wear these cloaks to disguise ourselves..." Bright explained as he gave everyone a silk cloak each with a different color.

"The question is...where to go from there...the city is so massive...it will be very difficult to find our way through the city not to mention any information..." Azrael pointed out as he placed upon himself a dark blue cloak while Dorr also adorned an emerald green one. But Xuri only smirked. "Oh, I got a few ideas, let's focus getting in the city first though, I'll fill you in on the way." the vampire mused and placed on a blood red cloak followed by Bright's white one. Each made sure to pull up their hoods afterwards as the Guardian's gradually dispelled the barrier to allow them through.

Upon entry, the party found themselves in awe as they crossed a bridge that was built over a large ocean of pure mana. Even pieces of the light fragments that originated from it ascended into the air. No one knew how much a place came to be, only that several individuals committed their lives to uncovering this mysterious yet amazing phenomenon. Even so, there didn't appear as if there was anyway to cross it and reach the Mages City far on the other side.

"Huh...I don't see any boats or any means of transportation...so...how do we cross it to get into the Mage's Sanctuary..." Dorr questioned. "That's a good question...perhaps magic is required if one wishes to cross over..." Azrael mused as he bent over and gently placed his hand in the ocean of mana. His eyes were filled with awe as he watched small droplets rise up from it afterwards. "You're getting warmer." Xuri teased the Knight's Guild Master before Bright only looked at the vampire in bewilderment. Suddenly someone caught his eye. A large paper lantern among many higher up above them descending to their level.

"...Is that a...paper lantern...?" Bright barely was able to question taken by surprise. "Yep! All aboard!" Xuri exclaimed and grabbed the Prince's hand pulling him inside. Dorr and Azrael only exchanged eye contact before they shrugged and joined the two inside. Absorbing the mana from the source, the large paper lantern carried the party up unto the sky, guiding them into the city of mages. Looking downward, the Mage's Sanctuary appeared to a large city in the design of a more Japanese oriented architecture that heavily resembled Tokyo, Japan.

"Breathtaking..." Bright murmured softly as he gazed down towards the city. It was almost hard to believe that such a place like this existed so long ago and freighting at the thought something so amazing could be turned into nothing but ashes of the past. "Isn't it? I always wanted to take you here one day." Xuri grinned as he stood next to him. "To think...that none whom dwell within this city know of the danger lerking right under them...a frightening a sobering thought...all the more reason I have to find the one whom brings death to both Mages and Knights a like...a common enemy shall create a common bond as well...I have to believe in that future..."

Azrael muttered as he gently grasped the sun pendant that he wore around his neck. To Bright, it mirrored all too well the times he had seen Yugi clutch at his millennium puzzle. Eventually, the party's large floating lantern attached itself to a cable and began to lower them down into the city flooded with people below. One at a time, the party slowly exited the lantern and joined the crowd being certain to conceal themselves with the mage's cloaks they had been provided.

"So, where to now Xuri? Any ideas?" Bright questioned as he turned towards his best friend. "There's a secret passage that leads to the underground of the city." Xuri began. "Once we enter we'll be able to get some assistance in locating the missing squires and possible Knights...although I say that...it's gonna be tough not ta get separated in this large crowd..." the vampire admitted. "That's putting it mildly." Dorr scoffed in response. "I assume that you have a plan?" Azrael mused. "Don't I always?" Xuri teased before he placed several small gems colored into each person's hand. The party only looked at their respective gem skeptically.

"That stone in your hand is known as a pulse gem so, when another is nearby, it'll begin to light up. It can also be used to pin point your exact location. This way even if we get separated we can find our way back to each other easily. No sweat." the crimson eyed male explained. "Well that's one less thing to worry about then." Bright confessed as he let out a softened sigh. "I see, it won't look suspicious since this is a city infused with magic, I must say I'm impressed." Azrael beamed in fascination. "...I still don't know about this..." Dorr scowled with disapproval.

"Well what can I say? Lead on Xuri!" Bright exclaimed with only caused Xuri to grin. "You got it!" the vampire echoed back and began to travel in the North direction of The Mage's Sanctuary. Quickly the rest of the party followed after the two. "How much farther do we have to go?" Azrael huffed as he attempted to catch up. "I was beginning to wonder the same thing myself." Dorr admitted through his winded breath. "Not too much further...see that Dragon Statue up ahead? That's one of the areas that conceals that hidden passage I was talkin about earlier." the vampire pointed out before he suddenly ceased movement causing the others to do so as well.

"Then why the hell are we stopping!?"Dorr nearly yelled at the top of his lungs. "Well whatever the reason...it's a good opportunity to catch out breath..." Bright murmured almost ready to collapse from exhaustion. There was almost no catching up with a vampire's speed. "On that I agree." Azrael followed after as Xuri carefully pulled something out of his crimson red cloak. The object resembled a chess piece that appeared to be a dragon however it wasn't a normal chess piece by any means. Something was encased within it.

"Everyone stand back." Xuri warned as he approached the dragon statue and inserted the piece into the statues mouth as per the instructions he had received from an mysterious yet unknown party. The others only watched before they nearly leapt startled as the dragon statue's mouth lit up a darkened blue flame. In doing so it melted the crystal chess piece leaving only a scroll behind in its wake. Carefully, Xuri blew the remnants of the flames and eyed the scroll. Afterwards, the vampire turned his eyes towards the globe situated in the dragon statue's left claw.

"Annnnd now that, that's over with I need someone to help me read these directions while I do my best not to screw them up. Any takers?" Xuri questioned before Bright stepped forward and took the small scroll. "Uh ok...um first...rotate the globe 180 degrees..." the Prince instructed his best friend whom followed his lead. Once the globe was turned to the correct angle, the land marking on the globe began to separate from its surface and instead floated just right above it. Each of the pieces of land had their own color. No doubt the next part of the trial placed in front of them.

"Incredible..." Azrael murmured. "That's one way to put it..." Dorr deadpanned. "What's next Bright?" Xuri questioned before the Prince searched the writing on the scroll. "Wait! Wait! Hold On!" Azrael suddenly cried out. "The pieces of land...they're beginning to flicker! It's...It's some sort of pattern!" the guild master observed. "Woah! Good catch!" Xuri complimented.

"Ah! Here it is!" Bright finally chimed in. "We have to press the globe pieces in the order they appear in by color and then the number of times each one flickers...so how many times they need to be pressed...it's Blue, Gold, Green and Purple...and the order is...Blue 2x, Gold 5x, Green 1x and last but not least Purple is pressed 2x then 2x once more..." the prince attempted to lead Xuri. However even the vampire struggles to properly do so.

"So...this is first...second...shit! No...third piece...I press this one...DAMN IT! I mean so this is pressed four times...the color is blue...NO I meant purple! DAMN IT DAMN IT DAMN IT! Ok start over! Uh...what were the numbers of each color again?" Xuri inquires before everyone sweat drops. After about five more attempts they finally managed to solve the puzzle thanks to Dorr's suggestion to write down and cross off each step as they went. Once they solved it, the globe opened and revealed a hidden mechanism that required one to turn it. Xuri grabbed it from one end and Bright from the other before they slowly turned the mechanism. As a result, razor sharp teeth began to emerge with the dragon statue's mouth.

But, that wasn't the only thing that manifested from it as a result as both Dorr and Azrael took it upon themselves to get a closer look. "...What...What is this...?" the guild master questioned as he peered inside the dragon statue. "It looks like some kind of symbol...but none that I am familiar with Ser..."

Dorr twisted his mouth. With the dragon's mouth was a mold that bore the sign of a three headed dog with a skull clutched in the middle ones fangs. There was no doubt, it was the Sigil that belonged to The Creed Of Hades. The Black Market Guild, Famously known for its dealings in the underworld. Without another word exchanged, Xuri pressed his thumb up against one of the fangs and pricked his finger upon it. Afterwards he allowed his blood to fall upon the mold. Causing an alchemic reaction, the blood is turned into a black coin with a blue flamed outline.

"...So that's why you've been so secretive about your contact..." Bright began. "...Desperate times..." the prince sighed softly. "I can't say I approve either...however I also admire your dedication and your commitment to this cause...so...I shall see this through to the end wherever that may lead...lives are at stake...we cannot turn a blind eye to those that will fight a long side us as our allies..." Azrael confessed before Dorr only turned towards the guild master in shock.

"Gee, Good to know I have your FULL support." Xuri remarked sarcastically before suddenly the coin that the vampire held in his hand began to illuminate a bright blue and unleashed a beam of light that almost seemed to be leading them somewhere. "Well then, come on! We better follow it before it disappears! I don't know about any of this, but I DO know one thing, I trust you Xuri!" Bright exclaimed as they took off after the stream of blue light leading to the West. Although it was in the distance, the small group could see a figure awaiting them, veiled in a dark blue cloak. With hair as white as snow, blue eyes piercing through the darkness of the night. As the sky darkened a heavy rain began to fall without any warning it thickened by an ominous aura.

"OVER THERE!" Xuri yelled out through the down pour as he attempted to keep from getting any of the falling rain on him, however that proved to be almost impossible as he hissed getting shocked from each stray droplet. Bright only frowned as worry cloaked his face. "Xuri! Are you alright!?" the prince cried out and attempted to use his own cloak to shield his best friend from the rain. Fighting through the pain, the vampire forced himself to nod.
"Y-Yeah...trust me...i've been through worse...show him...this coin...only then he'll opened the secret passage to the guild...do that for me would ya?" Xuri instructed and gave the Prince the black and blue coin.

Almost immediately, Bright held up the coin to show the figure hidden within the rain. Afterwards, the figure nodded and lifted up their arm raising several black ebony bricks from the ground to float upwards and gather together to form a large door attached to the area they stood upon. Wrapped around it was a statue of Cerberus the guardian to the underworld which sealed the doorway shut. In the middle of the door appeared to be a slot in which one of several coins could be placed. First the figure placed in their coin before they looked in Bright's direction. However, Azrael could clearly see the prince's hesitation to leave his best friend's side yet still vulnerable to the damaged caused from the rain.

"Stay by his side, I'll handle this." the guild Master flashed a warm yet gentle smile and carefully took the coin, afterwards, he walked over to the sealed door whilst Dorr kept his eyes on him and this stranger just in case. There was no telling if this individual could be trusted or not. Afterwards, the figure followed behind Azrael as the guild master placed his coin in the slot allowing the figure to follow his lead. Once the coins were placed in, the eyes of the Cerberus statue lit a bright light blue and the paws along with a tail sealing the door were pulled away from it.

"I'm afraid we don't have much time..." came a familiar voice broke through the roar of thunder. "We need to proceed with the utmost haste..." the figure continued before they pried open the secret passage and led the party down into the darkness, without warning the door closed once the last of them passed through. "What was that!?" Bright cried alarmed shaken by the atmosphere as he stood next to Xuri whom had yet to recover from the burns inflicted upon his albino skin.

"An exercise of precaution...for after those whom are permitted to enter these halls the entrance seals itself off to prevent others from following the guild members inside...in fact...this particular guild you might be intrigued to learn never meets or stays at the same location twice...after all...they're a guild whom operates in the Underworld for a reason...so it's not odd to find such behavior amongst those whom carry their crest..." the figure continued before they removed their hood whilst they continued to walk.

"My apologies for being so secretive...whilst I am not an officially member of The Creed Of Hades I am acting on its behalf whilst they investigate what we are unable to from the shadows...I am The Keeper of The Draconian Ancient Library on Draconia...you may refer to me as Cellos..." the mysterious male revealed himself. While Cellos seemed a bit distracted however, Bright was caught nearly completely off guard as was Azrael as he appeared to want to say something. He wasn't the only one either.

Yet again there was a piece in Bright's memory that had been altered. For within them it had been Yuki and several other members that assisted him and the Knights in their quest to find the one responsible. These inconsistency's were beginning to worry him. Xuri noticed the concerned glimmer within his best friend's eyes a lightly tapped his shoulder in an effort to comfort the Prince's anxiety. Bright forced a smile but he could not shake the worry looming over him. Cellos too couldn't seem to help but keep glancing over behind his shoulder as the others continued to conceal their faces.

"ACHEM! Pardon me if I'm mistaken, but unless dragon's have eyes in the back of their heads shouldn't you be paying more attention to what's ahead? We're already wandering around partly in the shadows..." Dorr interrupted clearing his throat. "Well, Well someone's a bit nervous aren't they? Relax, I wouldn't have requested their help if we couldn't trust um, so why don't we just remove the hoods, not like anyone can see us underground right?" Xuri finally spoke up.

"Good point, it is very hard to see with no lights on...but maybe we can make our own form of light. Like a candle or a torch located somewhere in these halls..." Bright suggested as he removed his hood with a little bit of hair soaked rain. Following the prince's example the others removed the hoods of their cloaks as well. "Phew! There! that's more like it!" Xuri exclaimed. "Yes, but even with the hoods removed, I still can't see shit...""

Dorr complained as he turned towards the guild master whom slowly pulled back his dark blue cloak. A gasp nearly escaped Cellos as he immediately caught his gaze. "Azrael!?" the keeper questioned caught off guard. "By the gods of the Beyond and the Neitherworld it IS you! I-I had heard of the rumors but I didn't actually believe them to be true, I should have known that you'd attempt to investigate the mysterious disappearances yourself." Cellos mused.

"Yes, I attempted to contact you many times but I received no answer, I was beginning to worry that something had happened to you as well! I cannot tell you how relieved I am that you're alright my dearest friend..." Azrael confessed to the keeper as he gently grasped his hand in his. "Speaking of which, I must ask, did you learn anything after our last encounter?" the guild master questioned before Cellos ceased him almost mid sentence.

"Not here...follow me...and I shall explain when we are at a safe enough distance..." Cellos urged and motioned for the party to follow them. One after another using his powers, the blue eyed male ignited several black skulls lined up to illuminate the darkness. But that wasn't all as red shards were scattered about their feet. All too similar to what Bright and the group had once found in the castle that belonged to Xuri's father Nicedemous. Finally, Cellos ceased their movement once they reached a wall upon there appeared no way forward.

"This wall contains the entrance to the Guild...once you pass through it, there are several paths that will lead into a much deeper path...and...that brings us to the next subject at hand..." the keeper continued and placed his hand upon the wall. Once he did so the path way opened and the party followed him inside. Once again the entrance closed behind them.

Awaiting them within the walls was a rather rough looking interior with a gothic feel to the architecture. The colors of black and blue painted each and every corner not to mention the furniture. There were several areas piled high with papers and books. Separated from them were torture chambers underneath in which those contained it could provide a source of valuable information from the enemy. The mess hall was just before that and a large library opposite to that. But perhaps the most alluring room was the one situated in the very back which contained a treasure room. There was even a space for honing weapons and practicing magic skills. The most important feature however were the numerous amounts of door that appeared to lead to several different kind of paths. Unfortunately, there was no time to give the Knights a grand tour of the guild.

"Now Now, there's no need to look so stiff! Come Come! Take a seat, i've prepared this private seating arrangement just for you!" Cellos urged. "Oh and do feel free to remove those dusty old cloaks, can't be too comfortable I'd imagine...well for a Knight anyway." he continued before he directed the party to sit around a small artificial bon fire surrounded by cushioned seats. Its blue light flickering and lighting up the darkness that surrounded them. Even incense wafted through the air to ease the anxiety thick within the air.

With a snap of Cellos's finger, on the glass table wrapped around the bonfire, several snacks and drinks manifested before them. One plat contained a variety of bon bon chocolates while another was plated with bear shaped odango of almost every color drizzled with a sweet sauce. And last but not least were a set of finger sandwiches made with care and a chocolate a strawberry mousse dessert cups made with love. While the party stared at the banquet with a mixture of awe and disbelief, the the keeper poured each individual a cup of coffee with a small bowl of sugar at add if they so desired.

"Please, feel free to enjoy this small banquet to your heart's content! Whilst you do so we can go over some much needed information, I'm afraid it'll take some time so I figured why not make it a pleasant one!" Cellos beamed as he took out a small box filled with blood crystal fragments. Xuri couldn't help but eye it as he attempted to steal a spoonful of strawberry mousse. Bright cracked a smile as his cheeks reddened. Xuri only shot him a playful wink in return.

Azrael chuckled at the two young men however Dorr only let out a heavy sigh. He had to wonder if he was the only responsible one there. Even so, he couldn't help eyeing the chocolates without drooling himself. You'd think he'd have more self control. It was then Cellos's voice broke through the playful banter. "Do any of you recognize this perhaps?" the silver haired male questioned as he revealed the blood crystal fragments contained within the box.

"...Yeah..." Xuri began before he paused and held out his hand. Focusing on the opened wound on his finger yet still, the vampire used a power cloaked in red aura to solidify the blood and crystalize. A single piece dropping and hitting the glass table followed by an echo of silence. "They're crystals created by blood magic...no doubt about it..." the crimson eyed male continued. "...Then...as Elohir and I feared...the one whom is behind the disappearances and the deaths...is a blood mage...I thought so..." Azrael shuddered in disbelief. Cellos nodded softly while Bright gently placed his hand over Xuri's.

"...But there's something I don't understand..." Dorr began. "Why is it that The Knights and Mages are being targeted specifically?!" the commander interrupted. "You'd think if they were trying to go unnoticed that they'd have picked individuals that would easily be over powered...not to mention the fact that they are leaving evidence like these shards everywhere! Each and every scene! It doesn't make ANY sense!" Dorr spat in frustration as he slammed his hand down on the glass table shaking the crystal red shards.

"That is a good question..." Azrael agreed with a softened nod. "Just what is it that they could possible be after? It's like Dorr mentioned...why not just go after targets easier to apprehend or kidnap...and what is it they have go gain from doing so? It's all so unclear..." the guild master murmured. "Hrmm...well i believe I can shed some light on that, that is if you don't mind Xuri, I'm certain that you are just as knowledgeable if not more than I." Cellos offered to explain.

"Nah go for it." Xuri coaxed the keeper and let out an inward sigh of relief. His blood line was definitely not helping him right now. "Xuri..." Bright murmured softly. "Hmmm...let's see now...what would be the best way to explain this..." Cellos contemplated before he began to answer as best as he could.

"Well, i'm certain most of you are aware of this...but those whom use blood magic rely not on mana but draw power from their own life force...while its true that there are those that only lightly dabble in such a dark art...there are normally one of two reasons that mages turn towards its usage." the keeper began as he picked up a few cubes of sugar and dropped them into his coffee.

"The most common reason I find or often come across is that the mages in question wish to use much more powerful magic than their current level of mana will produce...normally they are beginner mages looking for short cuts to achieve their goals...as for the secondary reason...is that as i'm sure you're aware, Mages are quite venerable when faced with a threat with little mana or dangerously lacking in it!" Cellos continued.

"However, with blood magic, it doesn't rely on mana...therefore if needed you could create weapons and various items to defend yourselves such as swords, spears anything you can imagine...ah of course if you use too much...well lets just say you won't have to worry about the enemy at that point." the keeper sweat dropped before his gaze turned rather serious. "Now, here is where we step into forbidden territory...a reason of a much more disturbing nature if you will...a blood mage can drain the life and experience of their chosen victim...therefore prolonging their own life force and knowledge...though this is used mainly be the vampiriac race...not all practice this however...no offense Xuri...otherwise it is a very difficult power to evoke..."

"Last but not least...we come to the subject at hand...and how it relates to the current situation...those individuals whom extract life force in order to infuse it in combination with another...a rather sticky predicament if I ever saw one...so...what is the information we have gathered so far If I might ask? I want to see where we stand in comparison to our sources of information.

"I believe I am the best one to answer that question." Azrael began as he cleared his throat. The others couldn't even begin to utter a word after what they had just heard. "It was verified by The Master Spellbinder and I that each body we exanimated had no incisions or bruises which indicated a struggle, neither any cuts or lacerations...no attentions to the body except the blood crystals found implanted in their bodies...however after close examination, its a fact that each mage that was found was not only drained of their blood but every drop of their mana as well...what we can figure out is how this was accomplished with almost no witnesses...even the guards at the Mage's Sanctuary gates saw nothing..."

Azrael informed Cellos perplexed and worried. "I can confirm that." Bright spoke up afterwards with great difficulty. He could almost hear his voice crack in between as his body trembled. Perhaps it was just a memory, but to Bright this was all too real. Still, he had to act and respond normally, if what Muna had said to him was indeed true, it could mean that he was being watched.

"Despite the time an effort it must've taken given the amount of disappearances and time frames leading up to them...strangely enough...there hasn't been a single witness to account for the various kidnapping of both Knights and Mage's alike...in other words...they've been able to bypass the two heavily guarded gateways...our defenses completely..." Cellos twisted his mouth. "Well there's got to be something! A single piece that would somehow fit into this puzzle!" Xuri almost yelled out in frustration before a sudden gasp escaped Azrael.

"A piece...of the puzzle...yes I...bare with me for a moment!" the guild master exclaimed before he took out from his armor a large stack of duel monsters cards and picked one to lay out on the table. "Ok, so we'll pretend Kuriboh is Group A, The Squires who went missing...and then we'll pretend Group B The Knights who went after the Squires is Gaia The Fierce Knight..." Azrael began.

"As I understand it, Group A went to The Mage's Sanctuary In order to collect proof of the mage's involvement behind the murder and disappearances of both their fellow squires and Knights...we'll use the trap card spell binding circle to represent that...afterwards...Group B at some point attempts to infiltrate and investigate The Mage's Sanctuary, as a result, Group B attempts to retrieve them...we'll use Card Of Safe Return for that one..." the Guild Master continued.

"However, we know for a fact that neither of the groups returned or were seen, thus once again no witnesses...which leaves us with our X factor...which will be represented with this card face down..." Azrael murmurs. "Now with that concluded...does anyone have any guesses as to what the X factor is based on the given knowledge we've been presented with?" the guild master inquired.

"...Wait...I think I know..." Xuri spoke up as he looked at each card with an intense gaze glistening within his crimson orbs. "...Although, Group B the key card in play here had a mission to bring back Group A here...instead of RETURNING to Aura either after failing to find them...they continued onward which can only mean ONE thing..." the vampire muttered as he narrowed his eyes. "...They didn't return because they DID find them!" Bright gasped. Azrael only nodded firmly.

"Precisely...those were my thoughts exactly..." the guild master muttered. "Damn it...now things just got even more complicated..." Dorr hissed in frustration. "...Yes but now comes the more difficult question we must answer..." Bright added. "If Group B found Group A somehow without being seen by The Guardians Of The Mage's Sanctuary...how exactly was that possible?" the prince questioned before Xuri crossed his arms.

"Well, for one...I can only think of one reason...and that's that someone helped them pass through a route that would allow them not to be seen...that's only a possibility though. So don't take it too seriously." the vampire quickly mused. "No, I believe that to be the case as well...however...the location which they entered is one question that escapes and Guild and I...I mentioned before these blood crystals I revealed to you earlier...the truth is before you arrived here, the members of the guild collected any evidence that they could find that appeared even slightly suspicious...as you can see here...I had them stored for safe keeping...the only problem was that they were scattered all over The Mage's City...inside and out of the barrier...we didn't collect ALL of them mind you..." Cellos explained.

"Everywhere...? But if that's the case...then it'll almost be impossible to figure out which path the enemy and the knights took...I mean...The Mage's Sanctuary is huge..." Bright murmured as a bead of sweat trickled down his face. "No necessarily..." Xuri interrupted. "If we revert the blood crystals to their original state that match the blood crystals that were left in the victim's bodies...we can figure out which path they took...because they'll catch the blood crystal of the victims and also be the same type of blood...not only that but the amount of mana infused within it if any. I am part blood mage or did you forget already?" the vampire teased.

"S-So that mean that instead of running around all over the place we can work that much more efficiently! I gotta say I'm actually impressed." Dorr confessed with a slight grin. "True, although it will still take a bit of time...there are a good amount of blood crystals to examine and analyze...there's also the risk factor we need to account for...and that's our enemy's movements proceeding ahead of us...yes...we have quite a night ahead of us gentlemen."

Cellos brought them back down to reality. And indeed it was, all of them worked tirelessly as they counted on Xuri's ability to break down the blood crystals whilst the others took their time analyzing and comparing the various samples. They worked far into night until each and every crumb of food was finished off before finally there was at last a break through.

"I FOUND IT! I FOUND A MATCH!" Dorr cried out as he allowed Xuri to closely examine blood placed on slider with another next to it. "Are you serious Dorr!?" Bright questioned before Xuri nodded. "It's a match alright well done Dorr!" Xuri grinned and slapped Dorr hard on his back nearly knocking the wind out of him. "Thank goodness...and now the hard part begins..." Azrael mused before he was caught off guard as Dorr passed out unable to remain conscious any longer. Quickly the guild master caught him. "Yeah, fighting off the sand man." Xuri teased which only caused a soft laugh out of Bright. "I'd say so." the Prince smiled.

"Good work today." "You too, just try not to snore too loud ok?" the vampire teased and caused the blonde's face to redden. "Not funny Xuri!" Bright huffed as Xuri only laughed all the more. A soft yawned escaped the prince and went to get some well deserved shut eye before he caught both Azrael and Cellos in his eyes. (Cellos and Azrael...where are they going I wonder...?) Bright couldn't seem to hold back his curiosity as he quietly followed them to the library towards the back of The Creed Of Hades Guild cloaked within the shadows. Neither one said a word as the two men looked at the other before they abruptly threw themselves into a tightened warm embrace.

"...Azrael...I can't begin to tell you how relieved I am of your safety...when I heard of the Knight's dissapearances...you haven't any idea what even began to run through my mind..." Cellos confessed to the guild master. "As am I...I feared what all this madness would bring...I wish we could wake from this seemingly never ending nightmare...why must we always fight...? The Knight and The Mage's at constant war with each other...this time...I couldn't stand on the sidelines...I HAD to act...if you are cross with me than I more than understand...however I would prefer you to be honest rather than receive no response to the letters I wrote..." Azrael murmured. Cellos only shook his head.

"I'm afraid the risk was far too great, I had to investigate the source of what was causing these atrocities...that being the case... I was attempting to keep my distance from you as far away as possible...I'm not certain how your people would feel about you keeping the company to a mage such as I...even if I am not Aurian but Draconian...they NEED your trust...and as a Guild Master you are expected to lead them and protect them...remember that." but Azrael only objected.

"I will save BOTH The Knight's and The Mage's Cellos...I REFUSE to choose one or the other...no life is more valuable than the other...all life is precious...I don't care what the others will think of me...I WILL NOT forsake that which is precious to me...no matter what that may be...I will not let them go...and I certainly will not let you go either..."

Azrael proclaimed before he gently caressed the sides of Cellos's face and met his lips with his in a warm and tender kiss. The Keep only tightened his hold on the Guild Master. After a moment they parted having accidently tangled up their Moon and Sun pendants wrapped around their neck. They couldn't help but crack a smile as they attempted to free themselves, a soft chuckle followed afterwards.

"By the way, How's Yugi? Did he arrive here alright?" Azrael asked as he broke the silence between them with a great deal of worry and concern in his voice. "Oh yes! I nearly forgot, Not to worry! He's this way, Yuki prepared a special room for him to stay whilst we're away attending to our other duties. I'll show you."

Cellos coaxed and led Azrael to another door. Using the same coin as before he opened a pocket dimension and helped the Guild Master enter it. Although Bright himself couldn't enter he could still see through the key hole. Inside of the key hole the prince's eyes widened as saw a small crib within it. The walls around them covered in protection wards. Silently, Bright watched as Cellos bent down and lifted a tiny infant wrapped in a soft blue blanket gently out of the crib. His hair was blonde with black and purple highlight. His big scarlet eyed looking up at the Keeper as he cooed softly.

(Awww...he's SO cute...I wanna hold him! To think that Yugi looked like that when he was tiny...but wait...why are Cellos and The Guild Master of The Aurian Knights with him...? Come to think of it...Yugi only talks about his grandpa...and to be honest...Azrael looks strikingly like Yugi…only much taller...and with different colored eyes and hair is it possible he's Yugi's...)

Bright couldn't finish that sentence as he watched Cellos smile sweetly at baby Yugi and carefully handed him softly over to Azrael. The Guild Master gently cradled the little one and sat down on the first chair beside the crib. Cellos took a seat next to him the the second one. "No one shall be able to touch a hair on his head in this pocket dimension Yuki created for Yugi's protection...I also added protection wards that will keep anyone from even getting close to do so..." the Keeper ensured Azrael as he lovingly patted the baby's head. The warmth of Cellos's hand slowly lulling baby Yugi asleep. Azrael only smiled.

"Look at him...sleeping like that...as if he doesn't have a care in the world..." the Guild Master murmured. "With so much fear and uncertainty...we can't be too careful...especially not with Yugi...I haven't a doubt that the enemy we are facing will not hesitate to do whatever it takes to achieve what they desire...nor shall we allow them to take what we treasure MOST..." Azrael muttered.

"Which is why I placed a protection spell upon him as well...not only will it change his appearance...but it will infuse within him the power of both the Moon and the Sun...however...the power of the Moon will be hidden...and only the light will illuminate from his heart...and draw other forms of light to it..." Cellos told The Guild Master before the smile faded from his face.

"Whatever this evil...we MUST defeat this foe...and create a place for our child to grow up in a new and peaceful world...one without war and death...not only that...but find someone special that will keep him safe...to guide and protect him in times of trouble should there be any...that is most dearest and fondest my wish..." The Guild Master began.

"And... when the time comes...I shall pass these cards to you...in order to help realize it...for our hearts...shall be in them...so no matter how far apart we are...they are always with you..." he wished as Cellos placed his hand gently on his. Slowly, Azrael bent down and kissed Yugi's forehead. The little one twitched his nose softly as he snuggled down in his warm blanket. Gently, the Guild Master gave Yugi back to Cellos and stood up. "Morning will come early...and we must prepare for what's to come..." Azrael murmured before he quietly left the room. Cellos only watched until the Guild Master was gone and held the tiny infant close to him.

"...I Promise To Always Protect You...And This Time...I Will Keep It...No Matter What The Cost..." Cellos swore to Yugi with a pained expression on his face. Bright couldn't help but feel a sharpened pain his heart when he saw the look in the Keeper's eyes. What had happened that caused Cellos so much grief? However Bright's thoughts were interrupted as he felt a slight tap on his shoulder startling him and turned around only to meet his best friend's gaze.

"Hey, not to rush or anything buy ya might wanna get some sleep, otherwise you'll be in for quite the rude awakening bud." Xuri half teased before the Prince let out a inward sigh of relief. "Heh you got a point, normally i'd be the one scolding you, scary." Bright chuckled as Xuri laughed in return. "No kidding." the Vampire returned. "Alright then, Good night Xuri." the Prince murmured. "Night." Xuri murmured.

Bright however, in the prepared rooms for them was only plagued by nightmares. One after the other causing him to wake up in a cold sweat breathing heavily. Even his body wouldn't stop trembling. They all felt so real. Slowly the Prince eased himself out of bed like a frightened child and searched for the room Xuri was sleeping in. Quietly, Bright lifted up the covers and laid next to the sleeping vampire whom was fast asleep. The warmth mixed with Xuri's scent was comforting to the blonde.

Even so he couldn't stop the tears from falling down his face. Knowing that none of this was real. It was just part of his memories. Events that had already happened long ago. Yet still he couldn't suppress the feelings of his broken heart. His cries reaching Xuri's ears unintentional. Or maybe that's exactly what he wanted. "hrmmm..." the Vampire groaned before he opened his eyes through blurried vision. Only to see the blonde he loved so much sobbing as he wrapped himself beside him in his sheets.

"...Bright...? Bright! What's wrong?!" Xuri asked in a hushed whisper as he gently pulled the trembling blonde into his arms. But the Prince gave no answer as he just broke down into loud yet muffled. The vampire only looked at his best friend with a worried gaze and held him close as he laid down with him. Allowing Bright to rest his head on his chest. Gently Xuri stroked his head as he allowed the Prince to cry all of the tears that he had been trying so hard until he cried himself to sleep.

There was nothing that broke Xuri's heart more than seeing his favorite blonde's tears and held him close. "I won't ever let anything happen to you...I promise...because I love you Bright..." the vampire whispered to him as planted a kiss upon his forehead. "Even if that means...I can't be with you..." Xuri continued as tears fall down his cheeks and onto the prince's face. With that vow the next morning Bright awoke to an empty bed. Fear rose up in the Prince as he quickly threw off the covers and searched nearly every inch of the guild.

"XURI!? XURI!? XURI!?" Bright nearly screamed as he ran through the halls before he ran into Azrael. "OAF!" they both cried getting knocked down to the floor by the other. "Ugh...Lord Bright? Was that you that I heard screaming just now? What is it? All you alright? I was worried and came to find the source of the cries." the Guild Master explained before help helped Bright to his feet.

"It's Xuri! He wasn't in his room and I looked everywhere! I fear he's taken off on his own again!" Bright cried out. "Ah, I see, In that case, I believe he took a walk outside, there's a passage near the front that leads to an area that is out doors but yet concealed from prying eyes, Cellos too went out there earlier." Azrael attempted to ease the Prince's fears. "That's just like him...leaving without a word and causing me to be worried out if my mind..."

Bright let out a heavy sigh of both relief and frustration. So following Azrael's direction the Prince hurried to meet up with Xuri passing right by Cellos coming to meet The Guild Master. "Well, someone sure seems off in the a hurry." the Keeper chuckled as did Azrael. "The Young Prince Is Very Fond Of The Vampire, I'd Heard The Rumors But I Didn't Believe It." the Guild Master smiled to himself. "But surely you didn't call me over just to taunt an taste the poor boy." Azrael mused before Cellos's expressed hardened.

"No, i'm afraid not...there has been a...development...one that everyone needs to hear...however...I'm not even certain myself ...if I can manage to speak the words out loud..." the Keeper murmured as The Guild Master's hardened expression followed. "Then, let us walk and you can inform me what it is you've discovered...perhaps we can find a way to do so together." Azrael suggested before he motioned for Cellos to follow him whilst Bright located Xuri. And as The Guild Master had told him the vampire was outside enjoying the crisp morning breeze for the storm had passed.

"Hey, took ya long enough, I was wondering when you'd find me." Xuri exclaimed as he turned around to face him. Bright had to take a minute to catch his breath. "Hey nothing! You scared the shit out of my Xuri! If you're going to go somewhere at least leave a note or say something first, I looked all over The Guild trying to find you." the Prince huffed winded. "Guess that makes up for you sneakin into my bed in the middle of the night." the vampire teased before the blonde let out a gasp as his face turned three shades of red. He couldn't even look Xuri in the eye as he turned his head away from his best friend.

"...Bright...is there something you want to tell me?" Xuri questioned as he narrowed his eyes skeptically. But, Bright couldn't possibly tell him. That he was trapped in a world of memories all apart of a test he had to take in order to answer a riddle in which he could succeed or fail. That the Xuri he knew, was gone, even though he was standing right in front of him. And the regret of the feelings he had held onto all this time out of fear...would no longer ever be returned.

No, his chance was gone. Burnt out like a candle's flame...with a single breath. Still, forgetting Xuri was impossible. His warmth. His scent. His smile. Even Bright's broken heart and words he so desperately wanted to say. So, he said nothin remaining silent. Slowly, the vampire made his way over the prince until he was right in front of him. "...Bright I..." Xuri began before he let out a pained gasp. The pain in his chest was acting up again. Immediately Bright turned his attention back towards his best friend. "Xuri!" the prince cried out worriedly. "I-I'm alright...it's...not that bad...just...give me a minute...i'm sure...it'll pass..." the vampire muttered as he faught through the pain.

"Here...lean against me..."Bright murmured as he helped Xuri to lean on him as he gently rubbed his back. Xuri pitifully rested his head in the crook of the prince's neck and close his eyes with a pained look on his face. "...I'm Sorry..." Xuri barely was able to mutter. "It's alright, believe me i'm used to it." Bright answered kindly. But the vampire's face only reflected a deepened sadness. A kind of hurt that wasn't caused by physical pain.

"No...I-I'm Sorry..." Xuri almost whispered as his crimson eyes met Bright's blue ones. For a moment there was only a silence before the blonde lifted up the vampire's hand and placed it upon his already tear stained cheek. Gathering all the warmth that remained in his heart, Bright forced a smile and looked at his best friend as whispered back with love in his voice."...I Know..." he murmured before he helped walk Xuri back inside the guild.

It was hard to fight back his tears. Xuri knew. He knew that he was the reason behind the prince's pain. Even if he didn't know why. That was enough. And the one thing Bright never wanted to do was make Xuri feel guilty. He was already suffering in more ways than one. If his love for Bright was deep the love he had for his father was as well. For reasons unknown, their mother had left them and sadly she had never returned.

All Xuri had was his father, along with those on his research team. He didn't want to lose the only family he had to the hatred the Aurian's appeared to have for him. But, in the end to Bright it seemed futile, everything that he had faught for, all that he believed. Nothing he did seemed to make a difference. Not when the system had been rigged against them from the beginning. Maybe, that's why living these memories were so painful. Because even being the Prince of Aura, he had no real power...to change the future.

As all of these thoughts filled his head, Bright and Xuri joined the others in their final meeting before departure. Cellos cleared his throat before he began. "...Let's see is everyone here...good...it looks like we can now begin! As per The Guild's and I's agreement, they did some digging after we discovered a match on the outside and inside The Mage's Sanctuary...come to find out...the trail stopped mid way...but then picked up again strangely enough...in a most unexpected place...would any of you happen to be familiar with the...Tomb Of The Unknown Mage...by any chance...?" Cellos questioned with a rather serious gaze. The name alone caused the blood to freeze in their veins.

"The Tomb Of The Unknown Mage...it was said that this particular Mage was the one whom the origins of Blood Magic first came to be...little is known about him...however...all those whom encountered him...all say the same thing..." Cellos began before Xuri picked up where he left off.

"His Eyes Struck Terror Into My Soul...Upon A Single Gaze...A Desolate Heart...Void Of Any Remorse...The Shadows Adorned In The Mage's Mantle...Soaked With The Blood...Of All Those Whom Cross His Path...He Is Death's Scythe...A Prophet Of Darkness...Whom Only Pain Hath Brought...I Can Say No More...For His Name Escapes Me..." Xuri muttered. "I saw that passage from my father's books he had lying about. The book went on to say that he possessed a power beyond that of darkness itself...A Black Magic which caused all others to pale in comparison...even those marked as forbidden...no one yet knows what exactly caused him to be rendered to a mere figure of legend..."

"However...if the tales are to believed...when he departed the world of the living and entered the world of the dead...a curse was unleashed from his undying wrath...one after him would soon follow his path...thus hid body was ordered to be sealed away...never again to see the light of day..." Xuri finished as the others just looked at him in silence. "...While this is all very interesting...how exactly does this relate to what you found...exactly?" Dorr couldn't help but ask with a skeptically raised brow.

"Yes, well, there some things we need to discuss before we move on, I assure you all or at least most of your questions will be answered...first...the reason as to why no one saw the groups was because most of their movement took place underground thus why the shard appeared, dissapeared then reappeared again." Cellos explained. "Now, here comes the interesting part...the route the Squires and Knights took were through the catacombs to the tomb we just spoke of are usually heavily protected." he continued.

"Due to the possibility of the souls resting there from being desecrated or the belongings buried with them being stolen...or worse...that being said, we're talking of a vast variety of dangerous traps...even wards to discourage the use of necromancy or anything else...ill intentions or not...could be capable of...to put it more simply, you'd only be out of harms way if you knew how to disable the mechanisms and dispel the wards placed within...but...what if some way or another...you entered in an specific area that allowed you to by pass all of that?" Cellos questioned as everyone's eyes widened.

"BUT HOW!?" Dorr nearly screamed. "You can't just come in at one place and appear in another! Even teleportation would set off the wards placed there!" the Knight Commandant argued. Xuri only pursed his lips. "...Tell me Cellos...were there blood crystal fragments in that place as well?" the vampire questioned as he crossed his arms. Cellos only smiled quite impressed by Xuri's deductive reasoning.

"As a matter of fact there was...quite a few at the entry point on the outside of the Mage's City's barrier...and more than a handful were found on the inside..." Cellos answered simply. "Do you recall, when I mentioned that it seemed as if the blood crystal shards were appearing and then disappearing before reappearing again? Well, it turns out that while they were traveling under ground it wasn't the tunneled passage way that The Creed Of Hades Guild uses...we were mistaken...what they actually were utilizing was a magic in which the user uses their blood to create portals..." the Keeper continued.

"So then...why would they leave the blood crystal fragments for us to find...? It doesn't make any sense...especially if they want to remain hidden...you would think that by leaving us this trial it would make it a much easier to track down and apprehend the one responsible for the dissapearances..." Bright questioned as he attempted to make sense of it. Cellos only folded his hands.

"Do you recall the earlier question that was raised about why the enemy would target both Knights and Mages rather than others less skilled and powerful? There is another type of blood magic that is used as a twisted form to create objects of great power...and the better source material that is used the more power the object of creation is undoubtedly infused with...in truth...this foe's true aim was never the squires or the Knights whom are considered your underlings...they were after you...the leaders of the Aurian Knight's Guild...and the Master Spell Binder along with his second in command...after all...by having so many Knight and Mage's suddenly disappearing...they certainly got what they wanted...your attention..." the Keeper muttered before Bright slammed his hands on the glass table in front of him.

"IT WAS ALL A SET UP! DAMN IT!" Bright yelled out as he slammed his fist down on the table again, again and again until Xuri caught it about to come in contact with the glass once more. "Yes, we were the ones caught in their trap..." Azrael muttered. Dorr only bit his lip until it bled. "Even if it was...that doesn't change ANYTHING! Weither our comrades have value to the enemy or not we STILL have to save each and every one of them that we possibly are able!" the Commandant exclaimed.

"I agree completely, so then how are we to approach this situation Cellos? If I were to take an educated guess I'd say that their plan is to have us set off the catacombs trap in order to weaken us so that when we are caught in theirs we will be left much more vunerable..." Azrael surmised. "Yes, we may not have the same powers a mage has however, we do possess our own abilities we can use, we didn't become Knights just to sit on the side lines. Not back then, and certainly not now! If we have too we'll BUST right through!" Dorr agrees. Cellos only twisted his mouth softly. "What say you Bright? Do you have anything to add?" the Keep questioned.

"...Well...i'd prefer to put together a more solid plan first...but as of now that's not realistic...we can't account for everything that will be thrown at us...we'll just have to do the best what what we have to work with." Bright murmured softly. "True, but I think there might be a way to create a blind spot, one that will help us evade the enemy...at least for awhile..." Xuri spoke up. Cellos only raised his brow in curiosity. "I'd love to know what you have in mind." the Keeper mused.

"The enemy we're dealing with is expecting The Knight's right? So, if we disguise ourselves as mages both on the inside and out, it'll cause not only some confusion but might draw our bad guy out...that is if we're lucky. All we'd need is some brewed potion that can temporarily turn Stamina to Mana...course that means the Knight can't use any Stamina... It'll give us the element of surprise well at least for part way through the catacombs." Xuri suggested.

"A risky move...however...it just might work..." Azrael admits. "I agree, we'll fight fire with fire." Bright nodded. "...I think this is a bad idea...but whatever...it can't get much worse." Dorr sighed in defeat. Cellos only smiled in approval. "Very well, I shall see to it that those are prepared for your use before our departure, we have a long journey ahead so I suggest you take the time to prepare anything else you will or may require beforehand. Once I myself have concluded my own business I shall come to retrieve you." the Keeper mused with a smile before he wandered off. Cellos wasn't the only one either.

"...Prepared huh?" Bright questioned to himself with a softened sigh as he return to his room and sat on the edge of the bed. Even the darkness of the quiet room brought him to ease or comfort. Unconsciously, the Prince grasped at the sheets on the bed unable to notice the red staining them slightly. It was then a soft knock at the door caused Bright to raise his head. Standing in the door way was Xuri holding something under his arm.

"Hey, mind if I come in?" the Vampire questioned. "Sure." Bright answered half heartedly before Xuri came and took a seat next to him. "Man you really did a number on that left knuckle of yours, I didn't expect you of all people to lose your cool, normally that's my department." Xuri teased before the Prince paused only now noticing the right red blood smeared across at least three of his knuckles.

"The expression on your face says you didn't notice, you idiot, what did you think was gonna happen when you hit your hand against the glass covered with all those sharp fragments of blood crystals...ya gotta be more careful..." the vampire muttered as he gently took Bright's left hand and pulled it towards him to get a closer look at it. "...Says the one whom i'm always patching up..." the Prince fired back but Xuri only smiled. "Do as I say, not as I do." the Vampire partly chuckled amused.

"Yeah alright." Bright rolled his eyes before he paused as Xuri placed his injured knuckle up to his mouth. Sucking up the blood to stop the bleeding. The Prince felt his face reddened as his heart pounded in his chest. After a bit the vampire removed it and took a bandage out of the first aid fit. Gently, Xuri began to wrap Bright's left knuckle. "...Thank you..." the Vampire suddenly uttered catching the Prince off guard. "What for? You're the one helping me, I think this should be the other way around." Bright half smiled.

"For the obvious, going out of your way to help me dummy, especially when you didn't have to, it's because of you that I have been a chance to prove that my dad's not behind all of this, with The Knight's Guild Master as a witness for that matter...I owe it all to you Bright...I...just wanted a chance to thank you...no matter what happen from this point on...I'm grateful to you...so thank you..." Xuri murmured sincerely as the words came from the bottom from his heart.

(...Please...Don't Thank Me...Don't Look At Me With Those Eyes...") Bright couldn't help but think to himself. (...I Couldn't Protect Your Father...I Couldn't Protect You...I Failed...To Keep My Promise...So Don't Thank Me Xuri...I Don't...Deserve Any Of It...In The End...I Could Save Anyone Precious To Me Or You...) the Prince cried on the inside before Xuri's voice continued.

"That's why...I want you to go back to the castle and leave me behind..."the Vampire murmured. And all of his anger towards Xuri and himself boiled as Xuri spoke those same words to him.

"YOU EXPECT ME TO JUST WALK AWAY AND LEAVE YOU BEHIND!? THERE'S NO WAY IN HELL THAT I'M GOING TO EVEN THINK TO CONSIDER THAT YOU ASSHOLE!" Bright screamed at the top of his lungs. "AND I'M TELLING YOU THAT YOU'VE ALREADY FULLFILLED YOUR PROMISE TO ME! YOU DON'T NEED TO GO ANY FURTHER! THIS BASTARD IS AFTER KNIGHTS! AND YOU THINK I'M GOING TO LET YOU WALTZ IN THERE ON A FUCKING SILVER PLATTER!? IT'S TOO DANGEROUS BRIGHT! LEAVE WHILE YOU STILL HAVE THE CHANCE! YOU'LL ONLY GET IN THE WAY!" Xuri argued back as fear glistened in his crimson eyes.

"OH AND YOU THINK I WANT TO SEE YOU GET HURT!? IT'S NOT YOUR FEELINGS THAT ARE THE ONLY ONES THAT MATTER XURI! MINE DO TOO! JUST WHY DO YOU THINK I CAME OUT ALL THIS WAY FOR YOU!? WHY I PLACED MY LIFE ON THE LINE! STAYED BY YOUR SIDE EVEN WHEN OTHER SCREAMED AT ME NOT TO!? ARE YOU THAT CLUELESS YOU SELFISH BASTARD!?"Bright cried out as tears began to rim in his eyes and got ready to leave only to be pulled back by Xuri. His trembling hand tightened around the blonde's wrist.

"...You Always Try To Leave Me Behind You Asshole..." Bright found his words echoing back at him. "...Why can't I walk beside you for ONCE in my life...why do you always have to push me away...?" Bright choked through his tears. "Because...I want... to protect you...even if that means...removing myself from your life...you idiot...I won't lose you...not now...not ever...because...I'm a selfish bastard..."

Xuri murmured before he gently released his grip on Bright and left the room without another word. It was then it hit him. Not only was he unable to forgive himself for Xuri's death...he was unable to forgive Xuri for dying in his place. His heart was frozen in a place that he couldn't seem to move past. With every last ounce of strength, the Prince raised himself up and off the bed and went to meet up Cellos and others in front of entry point to the entrance leading to the catacombs. Cellos took a moment to clear his throat.

"As requested, I have prepared the vials we spoke of, make sure that you consume them as soon as you are given one and don't forget to wear your disguises as agreed earlier. This should allow you to pass under the enemy's detection or at least until you are further inside...as to not draw too much attention we shall be going in pairs...Azrael shall accompany Bright and I personally shall accompany Mr. Xuri." Cellos began.

"As for Dorr one of the members of The Guild shall meet you upon your arrival...now here are your vials and cloaks, use them well, they're infused with protective properties...just in case, you never know when you'll be faced with the unknown!" the Keep told the party as a matter of factly. "Care to add a few words Azrael?" Cellos mused before the Guild Master spoke.

"This is it men...this right here shall be the deciding factor...weither we succeed or fail...we have far too much at stake to turn and walk away...there are lives hanging in the balance...the lives both both the Knights and the Mages...we MUST NOT let either race fall!" Azrael proclaimed. "Stay true to your heart...no matter the darkness that may lay ahead...remember to place your trust in those that have been sent to guide you...and above all else...do not allow your emotions to cloud your judgement...no matter what happens...we are ALL united in spirit...one does not go without the other...not then let us proceed...and do what we know we must!" the Guild Master murmured.

Afterwards everyone began to split up with their chosen pair. Bright nor Xuri said anything to the other. Instead it was the others in the party whom broke the silence. "YOU BETTER COME BACK IN ONE PIECE DORR THAT GOES DOUBLE FOR YOU CELLOS!" Azrael shouted at them. "Oh Perish The Thought!" Cellos called back in a teasing manner. "SAME TO YOU AZRAEL!" Dorr yelled afterwards. "And Azrael, i'll expect to see you on the other side." the Keeper murmured almost in a whisper.

"I'll see you there." the Guild Master replied simply with a nod allowing his eyes to do the speaking for him. In that moment as he dissapeared with Xuri behind the door. Bright found himself so envious that the Prince began to walk around almost in a daze. That is until the Azrael ceased his movement by placing his arm in front of him to prevent Bright from going any further.

"Wait! don't move...yet!" Azrael exclaimed before the Prince let out a gasp as he saw what was in front of him. Vast amounts of blood crystal covered the surrounding area along with their chosen path way. Growing in every twist and turn. Even the ceiling above them. The smaller shards of blood crystal crunched under their feet with each step forward.

"...Ghastly..." Bright found himself barely able to utter. "Look at all of this...how many lives were taken to produce something this massive...?" Bright muttered as his stomach twisted into a knot. "I imagine no small number..." Azrael murmured. "Blood Magic is the darkest magic known to mages for a reason...the more lives you take...the less value they seem to hold...Cellos told me that once...no doubt...we shall see a great deal more before this ends..." the Guild Master told the Prince.

"...Which Is Why It's Probably Not In Your Best Interest To Walk Around Half In A Daze." The Guild Master teased Bright. "...It Seems To Me As If Your...Smile Is Clouded Young Prince...Your Heart Burdened With Something...I'm Not Certain As To What Exactly...However...It May Help To Lighten It, If You Get It Off Your Chest... Tell Me, Young One...What's On Your Mind?" Azrael asked the Prince gently.

This man although only a handful of years ahead of him, seemed to posess a wisdom beyond his time. And yet, his gaze was gentle and kind. Loving. Almost as if he was attempting to see through his eyes right into his soul. Even so, Bright was hesitant to speak. Still, he WANTED desperately to try. If his memories were guiding him towards Azrael...maybe there was a reason. At least that's what the Prince wanted to believe.

"...I-It's...about Xuri...he and I...well...we soft of had a fight before we left..." Bright finally confessed although just barely able to get them out of his mouth. "A Fight You Say? What Was It That You Fought About? That Is, If You Don't Mind Me Asking." Azrael quickly added afterwards as the two continued to move through the darkened corridor ahead of them with very little light to guide the way. Bright only frowned gratefully for the concealment.

"...Xuri... he...he wanted me to go back home...to my castle in Aura..." the Prince muttered sadly as The Guild Master listened to him silently. "Did Xuri Say Why He Wished This Of You?" Azrael inquired with a deep concern in his voice. "I'm Certain He Had His Reasons For Doing So...You Are His Best Friend." the Guild Master continued. Bright felt himself unable to speak before he looked back towards Azrael.

"Last night, Xuri came to me...more worried than I had ever seen him before...he told me that the citizens of Aura were accusing his father of being the on responsible for the missing Knights and Mages...because his father is a part Vampire and part Blood Mage...in order to find out the truth...he needed me as The Prince Of Aura to help him into The Mage's Sanctuary..." The Prince began.

"So, of course I helped him! Although the idiot thought I'd actually refuse to...and then when we FINALLY find the information we're looking for and even a lead to locate the enemy...that hard headed bastard has the nerve to tell me to leave him behind to fight this battle without me!" Bright muttered. "You've done ENOUGH he says! It's TOO Dangerous! Leave! You'll Only Get In The WAY! he cries to me! AND WHAT ABOUT MY FEELINGS!? DO THEY COUNT!? APPARENTLY NOT! XURI! YOU DAMN IDIOT PRICK!"Bright blurts out before he pauses and holds his tongue. He hadn't meant for all of that to slip out. A silence passed between them.

"...It's Not That Your Feeling Don't Matter To Him...It's That HIS Own Feelings Matter Too Much To Him...And You As Well..." Azrael finally spoke up. "When You Care About Someone So Deeply...Your Words And Actions Often Reflect That...Reason Has No Place In Your Mind...Your Only Thoughts Are The Result Of A Possible Loss...Their Life...Holds Such Value To You...Your Own Pales In Comparison...And Yours Bright...Reflects An Irreplaceable Treasure To Xuri...Even If He Doesn't Say it... The Guild Master murmured.

"...I Won't Tell You What To Do...That Is Only For You Alone To Decide...However...There Are Two Choices You Can Make...On How To Respond To Xuri's Feelings...You Can Either Hate His Actions And Blame Him For His Choices Thus Rejecting Him...Or Accept That What He Does Because He Loves You...And Return That Love With Your Own...Even If Those Actions, Sometimes Cause You To Hurt...Love Is Only As Strong...As The Trust Between The Hearts That Carry It..."

Azrael told the Prince softly. Knowing all too well the same pain. Bright only took his hands and placed them on his heart. Silently, he reflected on those words. However, there was no more time for talk as Bright caught a waterfall of blood in his eye approaching a bridge. He wasn't the only who saw it either as both young men ceased their footstep where few stray pieces of broken charred stone lay.

"...Are...Are you seeing... what I'm seeing...?" Bright asked almost hesitant to hear the answer. Azrael only swallowed hard, tasting hot ash as he opened his mouth to speak. "I'm afraid so...look down below..." the Guild Master directed his attention towards the river of boiling blood under them. There was something there that unnerved the both of them. Large blood crystals, traveling on the ocean of red. Why were they there? Where did they come from? Bright nor Azrael had a feeling they wouldn't like the answer.

"Come, let's see where they lead." Azrael motioned for Bright to follow him. The Prince only nodded with hesitation in each step as he followed after The Guild Master. And the further they went, the more the blood crystal appeared to grow in size. Bright's eyes widened in horror and shock as they stumbled upon them. "...More Blood Crystal...wait...these look...different somehow...almost like..." the Prince's voice trailed off as he dug out the cherry blossom that Xuri had encased in blood crystal for him.

"Sarcophagi..." Azrael finished Bright's thought. "However...they are empty...even though they look as if something should be contained within them...I wonder why...?" the Guild Master questioned more to himself than anyone. "Not only that...but look...it looks like a dead end at the end of this bridge..." Bright pointed out as they came to a wall. Just before it were statue's of blood dragons spitting boiling blood out of their mouths. The two began to search for anything that looked like some kind of switch or hidden passage way. However it was more difficult than they thought it would be. It was then, Bright heard a voice call out to him.

{Use The Pulse Gem...} the voice called before the Prince paused and placed the crystal back into his pocket before he removed the pulse gem that he was given earlier. Using the gem, Bright walked around the area almost in a trance as it pulled him in the direction of the blood waterfall. Azrael ceased his search as he caught sight of The Prince moving further away from him.

"Bright! Come Back! It's too dangerous to get any closer!" The Guild Master cried out as he watched Bright inch closer and closer towards the waterfall made up of the boiling blood. Just one single touch and his flesh would be melted off his body. Azrael's panicked voice didn't appear to reach him as The Prince raised his hand glowing a golden glow. As if reacting to it, the falls dried up and opened a hidden passage way. "...A hidden passage...?" The Guild master barely uttered in disbelief. Afterwards he turned his gaze back towards Bright whom only shook his head.

"...Huh...what happened to me...one minute I was over there...then the next..." Bright murmured as he blinked a few times. It was only then he remembered as he saw the pulse gem in the palm of his hand. (That's right...I heard a voice call out to me...it seemed so...familiar...although...) "So, this must be the source of where those Blood Crystal sarcophagi were coming from..." Azrael's voice interrupted his thoughts bringing him back to reality. Slowly he followed The Guild Master inside. Bright's mouth nearly dropped in awe as they peered into the mysterious place they had stumbled upon.

Looking up, the walls of the temple had blood crystal sarcophagi embedded upon each space far too many to even begin to count. It could take you perhaps a lifetime to do so as the walls around them stretch high above the ceiling that appeared to go on forever. On the far left, there were skeletons encased within them adorned with dark red robes. Azrael's face paled as he grasped as his sun pendant feeling a cold chill in the air. Unexpectedly, a voice broke through the darkness. Immediately, drawing the Guild master and Bright's gaze towards it.

"The Darkened Aura I Sensed Before We Entered This Place Appears To Only Be Growing Stronger...I'd Say It's Safe To Say We're Very Close To The Tomb Of The Unknown Mage...Stay Close To Me...This Isn't Over Yet..." the voice broke the silence before a portal opened up and from it emerged both Xuri and Cellos surprisingly from its depths.

"CELLOS!?" Azrael cried out before both Cellos and Xuri slightly startled and took a moment to look twice before they moved towards their companions. "Oh My, this is unexpected now isn't it? When Xuri used his powers to create a portal when we ran across a dead end I never thought we might cross paths with anyone other than perhaps one of the undead...but here we are." the Keeper laughed amusedly. "Wait the undead?..." Azrael questioned Cellos.

"Oh? You didn't run into any spirits on the way here? We had our hand quite occupied. Luckily no one was badly hurt, although we DID run into a few snags. However...looking around...I can see the spirits must've originated from here...see those skeletons wearing those particular robes? Those undouble were worn by the ones that followed him...The Unknown Mage..."

Cellos continued. Azrael's face only paled. It was then something else happened to catch his attention. Without another word the Guild Master followed behind him afraid what it was the Keeper might find. Before Azrael passed by Bright, he placed his hand on his shoulder warmly. Afterwards, the Prince turned his attention towards Xuri as the vampire approached a statue in the middle of the room. It was a hooded figure that wore a red robe with wings made out of blood crystal.

In its hands, it held a red bell made up of both obsidian and blood crystal. In between it was a throne of blood crystal and sitting upon it was a statue that appeared to almost represent darkness itself. Xuri got as close as possible to examine the statue. "...Could this be..." were the first words out from the vampire's mouth as he reached out his hand towards the strange writing written upon the head of the throne. Slowly yet carefully, Bright inched over towards Xuri before he was stopped mid step as suddenly a loud chime echoed through the entire room. It caught everyone off guard shaken by the sudden sound.

"...Did that bell...just ring...?" Bright couldn't help but question out loud. But how was that even possible? It too was just a statue. Perhaps it was something else producing the sound...hidden from sight...if so...then there could it be? Bright took another look around the room before the Prince paused as he noticed there was something off about one of the blood crystal sarcophagi. He wasn't the only one either as Cellos tapped on another nearby. The Keeper twisted his mouth perplexed with curiosity.

"Hmm...that's peculiar...I don't recall seeing signs of damage to the blood crystals we encountered earlier...either that or my eyes are failing me...something most strange appeared to be occurring...the question of course...is what...?" Cellos pondered before another loud chime echoed in their ears yet again. This time his eyes widened along with the rest of the party as they saw the blood crystal in front of him began to crack even further. (It wasn't my imagination...the crystal IS beginning to break...I have a very BAD feeling...) Cellos thought silently.

"...Just what IS this place? It almost appears to be a temple...or perhaps a shrine...but...why then would a temple hold blood crystal sarcophagi within its walls? Is this a part of a mausoleum...?" Azrael questioned the Keeper as he continued to look around remaining by Cellos's side but he received no answer. Only a rather spooked expression upon the Keeper's face. "Cellos?" Azrael attempted again.

"Forget it." Xuri began. "What we SHOULD be more concerned about is that broken blood crystal...and that bell that started to ring when I got ready to read the inscription on that throne...something tells me that was NO coincidence..." the vampire muttered before Bright narrowed his eyes and began to reach towards the statue. Gradually, he began to wipe away the dust that had collected covering up the inscription.

"...Uh what do you think you're doing exactly...?" Xuri questioned with a raised brow. "Well...you mentioned earlier that right before you were able to examine the inscription that the bell began to ring...SO maybe there is something here that will give us some insight into what's causing these bizarre circumstances...ugh man this is on good..." Bright muttered as he attempted to rub the writing even harder. The vampire could help but smile as a chuckle slipped out of his mouth. So much for the silent treatment getting across to that stubborn hard head.

"That is if a certain blonde doesn't rub it off first." Xuri teased softly. Bright only scowled in disapproval. "OH! WHAT DO YOU KNOW!?" the Prince cried out before he paused as some of the dust got in his nose and sneezed. Luckily that blew the remainder of the dust off. "I know that I can read now." the vampire stuck his tongue out playfully. "Yeah you're welcome by the way!" Bright fired back before the two paused and began to start laughing. Azrael only smiled.

"They remind me how we were the beginning..." the Guild Master murmured. "More or less." Cellos chuckled softly. "...After all...there's one more promise I have to keep...to her..." the Keep murmured as his eyes fell on Bright. "...I know..." Azrael replied softly as he watched Cellos's back while he approached the throne himself. However, the Keeper paused once he read the inscription carved into the blood crystal throne.

"...This...This Isn't Writing...Rather...It's A Concealment Script..." Cellos began. "The Symbols And Runes Concealing A Message Hidden Within...Meaning There's Something Here That Someone Doesn't Want Us To See..." the Keeper continued. Azrael's eyes only widened. "A hidden message? What could it be...? And who left it behind?" the Guild Master questioned before Cellos opened his cloak and removed from it a piece of parchment.

"What's that for Cellos?" Bright questioned his attention once again falling upon the Keeper. "If I had ta guess, he's gonna copy the writing for safe keeping, never know when it might come in handy...plus we just might find some way to translate it." Xuri answer before everyone gasped a third chime thundered throughout the chamber.

"Oh no!" Cellos cried out as he immediately turned his head towards the blood crystal sarcophagi nearest to them. One after another the blood crystal began to crack further shattering its shard in each and every direction showering the party in the cross fire. "W-What do we do!?" Bright cried out as he unsheathed his blade from its sheathe whilst Cellos summoned his staff into his hand.

"Get Ready To Fight..." were the only words from Cellos's mouth as Azrael revealed hidden blades in his arms and boots much like Kaiba's however these were made from Orichalcum and Sun Stone. From the Guild Master's hilt he removed a rainbow dagger and flipped the blade into his mouth catching it at the end flawlessly. Just from the sight alone, you could tell he was no stranger to battle. There was no more time for discussion as skeletons rose up from their imprisonment in the blood crystal meeting the party's gaze with their crimson eyes a glow.

As the skeletons rose their arms as the red cloaks fell off of them. Yet they made no move to attack. The party raised their gaze upwards to the second set of skeletons freed from the blood crystal sarcophagi. Only these ones were dyed a crimson red. One after another they began to fall forwards, dropping on them from above. A glow emitted from each of them and they began to form hour glasses from their disassembled bones. A chilling aura filled the air. Black flames suddenly erupted from the statue catching everyone off guard.

"DAMN IT! A TRAP!?" Xuri questioned as Bright struggled to see through the flames as he coughed. Immediately Cellos's gaze sharped. "EVERYONE!" COVER YOUR MOUTH! ITS POISON!" the Keeper warned as the black flames began to melt the blood crystal causing it seep an ominous red vapor. Azrael pulled out his Knight's mask he used when he was confronted with poison vapor. But rather than putting it on himself he placed it on the Prince. He could already feel the poison taking effect.

"AZRAEL!" Bright cried out through the mask and turned to try and locate the others through the red smoke "B-BRIGHT! *cough* W-Where *cough* are you?" Xuri called for him as he used his powers to turn the red smoke around him to crystal form before it could reach him. "XURI!? I-IS THAT YOU!?"" the Prince answered before suddenly more of the red skeletons reached out and grabbed Bright and bound him tightly with their grip. Even their bones digging into his skin. Cellos barely caught sight of him. "BRIGHT! HOLD STILL!" the Keeper cried out and opened his mouth to emit a light carrying the moon's glow to crystalize the skeletons into moon crystal.

"Try As You Like...You're Attempts Are In Vain...Blue Eyes White Dragon...Keeper Of The Draconian Library...You Will Fail...And I Shall Succeed..."A chilling voice from the darkness as the black flames manifested into the symbol of an hour glass. Each and everyone in the room suddenly found themselves unable to move as they were covered in a blood red light. Blood crystal began to encase them one after the other. "Ugh! T-The crystal...it's encasing me...I-I can't move...my body..." Azrael gritted his teeth. "At this rate...we're going to end up...like those skeletons...if we don't do something...and quickly..." Cellos followed as he tried to gather his power desperately while Azrael attempted to do the same.

"LIKE HELL! LIKE HELL I'M GONNA LET THEM DO THAT TO ME!" Xuri spat angrily as the blood crystal crept up his legs and bit into his left free arm with his sharp fangs drawing blood. Afterwards he took it into his mouth and began to infuse his aura into the blood contain within his mouth. He had to time this just right and focus on the source of the blood magic. The center of the circle. However it was difficult to keep his composure as he saw a shadowed figure manifest from spilled blood on the floor. It was the A.O.J. The Leader Of The Angels Of Justice.

"Now... You Can't Escape...But Just In Case..." the A.O.J leader muttered as he slowly grasped Bright by his chin forcing him to face him. And he was right. Even without the blood crystal, his body wasn't responding to him being manipulated by his aura. (Damn it...I can't move...how could...I have let this happen...?) Bright cried internally only to be stabbed by a blood crystal dagger laced with poison. The Prince's eyes filled with tears as he coughed up blood being hit just above his heart. He could feel his vision start to go in and out. Bright with the last of of his strengthe struggled to look towards his best friend. Whispering his name.

"...Xuri..." whom only looked on in disbelief. The Vampire's body tensed up as frustration and anger rose up in him. No longer holding back, Xuri unleashed from his mouth thousands of blood crystal needles to strike at the magic seals center. However when he did that. The magic seal ignited into even more flames. Immediately upon breaking free of the blood crystal, the Vampire ran right through the pitch black flames only to find that both The leader of The A.O.J and Bright had vanished.

"They're gone..." Azrael murmured softly as the heated wind blew again him. "...It appears so...we were wrong...their true target was Bright...damn it...how could I be so careless as to have not realized this oversight...?" Cellos cursed without gritted teeth. Xuri just silently stood still before his body began to tremble uncontrollably. He reached his hand towards where Bright had been. Just beyond his reach. Where he had always been. Slowly the vampire lowered his hand and pulled it towards him. Just looking at it as tears began to surface from his eyes. Tears of blood.

{...I Can't...Even...Feel Him Anymore...} Xuri thought silently to himself unable to stand weighed down by his grief, Xuri fell to the ground on his knees and wrapped his arms around himself. The desolation crushing his heart. "XURI!" Azrael cried out and immediately ran to his side as Cellos followed behind him. The vampire only answered as he broke down into tears feeling his heart break piece by piece."...It's Always Me..." Xuri choked out. "No Matter How Hard I Try...I Always Bring Him Nothing But Pain...Even Though I... Love Him So Much...It's...IT'S ALL MY FAULT!" the Vampire screamed out in agony. Gently Azrael wrapped his arm around Xuri and held him close. "We'll Find Him...Xuri...I Promise...We Will..." Cellos swore.

Meanwhile Back In The Present...

(TAKUNA! TAKUNA CAN YOU HEAR ME!?) Muna's voice called The Professor frantically before he opened his mouth to answer her. "Ah, I can, Is there something wrong? Your voice seems more frantic sense you last contacted me." Takuna questioned which caused Akiba to look at The Professor even more concerned than before.

(I'm Afraid So...I Cannot Sense Bright's Aura Or Feel His Pulse, This Is Of Great Concern...It's Almost As If The Link Between His Body In The Present And His Spirit In The Past Has Been Severed! To Make Matters Worse, The Leader Of The A.O.J's Presence Has Appeared As Well!) Muna cried out worriedly. "...As we thought...it WAS a trap..." Takuna narrowed his eyes and let out a heavy sigh. Either way this was going to be trouble. "Alright, I'll relay this news to Oritel and the others." The Professor muttered and took a moment to get into contact. As expected, the news was not received well.

Meanwhile In Ragnarok...

"...So it was a trap then..." Oritel repeated the same thing as Takuna had already. "Tch...I think that's pretty obvious..." Marik hissed in response. "The question is what can we do about it? I mean if the A.O.J is manipulating time itself...then won't he see any move we try to make? It seems like it pretty useless to me to stop him." Layla admitted in frustration. Roxy paused as she took a minute to think about this.

"Well, if Bright has a connection between here and the past...wouldn't that mean that A.O.J leader does too? What if we could somehow find that connection and break it!? Like the Wizards contained their power in the Black Circle, you said that the enemy's symbol is an hour glass right? So maybe its hidden somewhere in that HUGE city we found before!" Roxy continued before the party paused for a moment. "...So if we destroy it...then that alone should be strong enough to break the link anchoring The A.O.J's spirit there...it's a good plan theory...however finding it will be harder than it sounds..." Oritel admitted.

"Even so, I think it's worth a try!" Layla exclaimed. Marik only twisted his mouth. "More or less...although as Oritel said before...locating this said mark will prove extremly difficult if its location IS in that city...and even if we manage to locate it...our help may come too late with the enemy being two steps ahead of us..." the tomb keeper warned. "No, not if we have someone on the inside who is two steps ahead of them! We can beat them at their own game!" Roxy proclaimed with a fire in those violet eyes of hers. "I'll go into the Time Scape and join Muna to try and find Bright while you guys work on finding a destroying that mark!" she continued.

"ABSOLUTLEY NOT!" Oritel nearly yelled out. "It's FAR too dangerous! What if The A.O.J or The Requiem Knights run into you! You could end up hurt or worse!" the king of Sparks cried before Roxy grasped as the moon pendant around her neck that Nebula gave her. "When the seal to Andromeda was open...Bloom and I were given these Moon Pendants...both of us were called here for a reason...and although I still doesn't understand exactly why that is...but...right now there is SOMETHING inside...SCREAMING...telling me to FIGHT! And I HAVE to believe in this voice echoing in my heart...so PLEASE trust me...it's the ONLY way we CAN do this!" Roxy pleaded.

"HOW!? You are the most inexperienced faerie here, you don't even have anyone to back you up! Of course, I mean Lady Muna no offense, But I can't trust just anyone with your safety Roxy! And besides that, just what am I supposed to tell Raeger where you've gone when he comes to?! What then!? Oritel questions. The faerie of animals only frowned in response before the King of Sparks paused as he heard a voice call out to him.

{You MUST Let Roxy Go...Father...And Allow Her To Embrace The True Power Of The Light That Shines Within...You Mustn't Stop Roxy...I Know You Are Afraid...But You Do Not Need To Be...I Am With Her...As I Am With You And Bloom...And Many Others...Believe In Roxy...and In Me...} "...Daphne...?" Oritel questioned however her voice faded as quickly as it came. The King of Sparks only tightened his fists at his side before he let out a heavy sigh.

"...Fine...I get it...then go...but be careful...for Raeger's sake than anyone's..." Oritel finally gave in. "I Will." Roxy answered before he walked over to Raeger whom was still laying on the ground unconscious. Gently the faerie reached out and took his hand.

(I'm Sorry Raeger...For Breaking My Promise To You...I Know You Told Me That You Didn't Want Me To Go Anywhere Without You...But I HAVE To...Please Forgive Me...But, I Swear That I Will Come Back To You...Everyone Has Been Fighting So Hard...In Any Way They Could...But Now It's My Turn...To Show You And Everyone Else I'M Capable Of Protecting Those I Care About...Especially You...)

Roxy told Raeger silently before he placed his hand back down and took the pocket rune watch clutched within his left hand. Afterwards, the Faerie took a deep breath. "WINX CELESTIX!" Roxy cried out before she transformed. Once she finished doing so the faerie of animals created a portal between the dimensions. Without any further hesitation, Roxy plunged into the vortex causing it to close behind her as the others watched.

As the faerie found herself traveling through the dimensional portal she could hear Bright's cries of agony echoing within her head. It only lasted a short while however before Roxy found herself within the blood crystal catacombs just in front of the blood waterfall. "...Is this...it?" the faerie questioned as she slowly crept inside only for her violet eyes to widen as she saw three familiar faces.

(...T-That looks like Yugi...Cellos only...what happened to his eyes and hair...they're different...Xuri's here too alive! B...But how is that possible...wait...I'm Bright's past...so...during this time Xuri must STILL be alive...how am I going to blend in without giving myself away...?) the faerie of animals thought to herself. However before she could even get close to them a loud chime echoed through Roxy's ears as the room began to change. All of the blood on the floor pooling around the faerie's feet.

"AH! W-WHAT'S GOING ON!? SOMEONE! ANYONE! CAN YOU HEAR ME!?" Roxy called out, however her voice was muted as the faerie of animals was pulled under the crimson portal only to find herself having manifested into a large koi fish pond that laid in front of a mysterious looking house. A woman with long dark purple hair and eyes awaited her, holding a pipe between her long slender fingers. "It's About Time You Arrived...I've Been Waiting A Long Time To Meet You Roxy...The Faerie Of Animals...Though I Was Expecting To See Kaiba First...But His Day Will Come Later...Now Rise..." The Woman coaxed her before Roxy eased herself out of the koi pond with some help from the fish.

"Uh, you must have me confused with someone else, I came here to save Bright, not meet someone, but uh thanks anyway! Now if you'll excuse me-" Roxy attempted to leave as the mysterious woman approached her and placed a finger over the faerie's lips.

"Yes...I Know Very Well The Reason Why You're Here...After All...Twas I That Called You Here...And Here You Are...You Need Not Worry About The Prince, He May Appear To Be But A Timid Mouse...However His Spirit Is That Of A Fierce Dragon...Bright Is Strong...And I Assure You He WILL Endure...As Both His Mother And His Father Have Before Him...There Is Much That You And Those You Follow Do Not Know...For It Is My Role To Pass On Knowledge...Secrets Of The Past, Present And The Future...You Do Not Have To Enter If That Is Your Wish...But, I Do Strongly Encourage You Do So..." the Mysterious woman mused as she motioned towards the door of her quaint little house.

"...Before I decide...can you at least tell me your name?" Roxy asked the woman as she began to follow her. "...Ah Yes...I Never Did Introduce Myself...Did I Now? I Go By Several Names Actually...But You Can Call Me...Michiko...The Witch Of The Abyss..."