Mizuki protested the whole way it was not until Thalion said they were a group did his hears dip as he hung his head "I know that" Mizuki said bringing his knees up to his chest "Its just..." Mizuki paused thinking of the best way to say this "...Im not as...strong..as the rest of you" He said lightly. It was one thought that kept going through his mind. It was true though if you thought of it.

"Then adding my blank outs to the mix...buts me at a real disadvantage to anything I come across" He said sadly. Mizuki knew that anything could happen during the moments and he couldnt do anything to stop it. What if he was in the middle of a spell to protect himself or someone else and blanked? The spell would end and then what? The loss of some one rang through his head and thats all he thought of.

Mizuki sighed "I cant afford not to do this...if something happened and I failed..." He whimpered a little "I wouldnt be able to live with that Thalion" He said in a low voice. Mizuki had thought alot about this and it all came to one thing in his mind. It would be his fault.

He almost laughed as Mizuki said he wasn't as strong. "Not as- Mizuki you might be our strongest. If you put your mind to it you could take out any of us, heck probably the lot of us at the same time." He probably had a point where Mizuki was a magic user and all. There were plenty of spells that did large areas of damage.

Though he sighed finally before sitting next to the other and pulling him against him. "Thats why we're a team right, even if you have one of those moments.. Neimi's been working on ways to protect the group. It's not just all up to you. You wouldn't have failed, because nothing will happen even if you blanked out during the fight."

Mizuki sighed as he rested his head on Thalions shoulder. It was true though that there were others that could help in that kind of situation but there was still fear that lingered in his mind. "You cant promise that nothing will happen" He said lightly as he closed his eyes "There is that fear no matter what you say that something could happen" He said to him lightly.

"There are to many things that could happen and go wrong" Mizuki said with a little nod of his head "Not only that but..." Mizuki paused for a moment. He knew it was on everyones mind and no one dared to say anything but Mizuki was about to "...we cant loose anyone" He said before he moved his hand and placed it on Thalions chest "I cant loose you..." He said in a little broken whisper.

"I cant shake the feeling Thalion..." Mizuki said as his hand gripped the shirt there and he turned his head into the males neck "What if I blanked...and...the protecter died to save me?" He asked. This was where the thought of Thalion dying came to him for Mizuki knew that Thalion would be the first to try and save him. "...I...i dont know what I would do" He said.

Mizuki was an emotional person and always had been. Though most of the time what would take place was silence and keeping to himself. This time however was different. The thought of the male dying was something that really toyed with his heart and he couldnt stand the feeling. It felt like a cold shadow was creeping up on his person and no matter what he did he couldnt escape it. With everything thing and thought he had Mizuki couldnt contain it any longer as a little hiccup shook his chest then a little whimper. Mizuki had started crying.

"I know I can't promise but.. we'll all be doing our best." They had to be or they would surely fail. There would be no worry of losing one the whole group would be gone. Though this was when Mizuki continued saying what if he blanked out and he died trying to save him. Yep Mizuki knew him well enough that he would do anything to keep the other from dying.

When Mizuki went on about it and started crying Thalion tightened his grip a little on the other as his ears went back a little not really having any words to fix this. "I won't leave you... but I can't stand by and let you die either you know that.." There was no fix for this and he hated it. But what if Mizuki's fear was right? He had the same fear. He had dreams about such things happening.

Mizuki knew that he was going to get a response like that from Thalion he expected nothing different. Mizuki also knew that the male was right. He would do everything in his power to protect him but Mizuki would do the same for Thalion. Mizuki held onto Thalion for a long while after that. Even after his tears dried and he calmed down he didnt let go he couldnt find the will power to do so.

Thats how the night went the two of them beside each other. Even calling it an early night just to go to bed and hold each other. Mizuki was greatfull for it though. He really didnt want to be alone all he wanted was what was happening and that was Thalion holding him.

After that day the training began like it had before. Day in and Day out magic, spells, swords all of it happened. It was not until almost two weeks later that Mizuki could say he had mastered the tomb. "Well...it was hard and long but its done" Mizuki said with a smile as he sat down beside Thalion in the living area of the house. "About time you did" He heard from his side and growled "Yeah I would like to see you try and do what I just did you stupid lizard" He growled at Luna only to have her arms cross and her nose stick in the air "Look whos talking you albino" She said with a little smile "Oh yeah like I have never heard that before" He said with a sarcastic tone causing Luna to look at him "Yeah yeah your so hard done by" She said before sitting on the floor with her tail thrashing lightly behind her. "Now if your done lets actually talk about what needs to be talked about" She said.

Mizuki sighed. He knew this moment was coming and he didnt want it to happen. Right now the whole group sat together and everyone knew why but it was Luna who vocied it "We know the location, we have trained and fought and Mr. whitey over here finally mastered his spells...when are we heading for the end boss?" She said. Mizuki sighed there it was. The one thing he didnt want to do yet trained for, the end boss.

Now this was fun listening to those two go back and forth. Though it was a all too short lived relaxing period. The group was on edge, everyone knew what they needed to do but no one wanted to think of the possible outcome of the upcoming fight. Though soon enough Luna spoke up asking what they were all thinking.

"tomorrow we should probably head out." Felix said as Neimi agreed, not like a decent night of rest would hurt the group. "besides according to the map we have it's quite a ways from here." In the darklands, past the mystic forest and in a cave or something in what looked to be a marsh. "so rest up an we'll leave at first light"'

(yay phone post so bored)

(Omg you must be bored)

Mizuki sighed but he had to agree the travel time alone would take a good months time. "Alright so then its decided, We should head from here to the eastern town and stock up." This was when Luna spoke up "We already have everything we need" She said and Mizuki glared "We have the gold and we have enough for the trip there but not the trip home"

This was when the group grew silent and Mizuki knew why. With all the stories around about the final boss killing groups in a matter of minutes they all had doubts. "We are coming back" Mizuki said to them and Luna nodded raising a fist "Your damn rights we are!" She said with a smile and Mizuki nodded.

So it was settled at first light they would travel. From there little chatter and dinner was had then the night was called and everyone went to bed. Morning came early but the group seemed in good spirits. Once supplies was grabbed they were on the road. At this point Mizuki was glad for the cart and horses. It was a long way.

Time passed and the group continued on. The time was almost up and it was only a half a days travel left but the time was late. It took them some time to find a place within the marshes to stop for the night but sleep was a must. Having to leave the horses behind was also a set back. The cart got stuck first thing.

Mizuki sighed as he sat there infront of the fire. There was a chill in the silent air around them an Mizuki couldnt shake the feeling he had. He knew others could tell for everyone felt the same. The place was dark with random tourches lighting paths through the marsh. It rested at the base of a mountain. Random rock structures littered the area giving small caves until you got closer to the mountain then the caves grew larger.

Thats where they were headed. At the base of the mountain was a cave that supposed to lead through some caverns before it opened up to what seemed like a temple carved into the mountain. At least thats what the map showed it to be.

Mizuki sighed as he sat there thinking to himself. Mizuki had moved away from the group to sit off at the side a small fire of his own lit a sad yet concintrated face. Mizuki was going over all the spells he learned and all the ones he would need. Not only that but all the clues and hints that led to the end monster. By the sounds of everything it could be one of two things. Either a dragon which he hoped it wasnt or a gorgon...that one was even worse.

Most of the gorgon race could seal your fate with a single glance. With others spells and tricks are their game. Mizuki was not fond of the thought but from the stories around the creature killed and did not turn you into stone. Mizuki was at least greatfull for that one.

((yay i got to edit that sorry post before you posted xD god today was long lol and apparently I got roped into a girls day sometime in the future o.-; ))

The mention of a trip home seemed to silence the group. That made it rather clear that there were doubts on everyone's mind. Of course there was. The death toll that beast they were seeking to slay was dishearting. Even when small armies of players banded together to beat this beast they were reported to have been slain. What honest prayer did they have? Granted they seemed to be better formed as a team compared to most but still.

Though this was when it was spoke up that they were coming back. "Of course we are, I still owe Felix a damned beating." Felix started to say something but soon agreed. For being the pest that he was between the magic and the blade. Besides that thinking that they weren't going to come back would pretty much ensure their defeat before they even got there.

After the long travels and finally getting near their final destination the group seemed to grow silent again. At the least the weeks before the group had tried to stay in high spirits. A few times Thalion purposely annoying Luna just to get a rise out of her. Almost too easy seeing how much she still hated the male. The nights were more relaxed, there was hardly any fighting really. Probably for the better in the event that they were spending their final days together. Though whenever asked about it they were so positive that they would be drinking after the fight and laughing about the fuss everyone made.

The closer they got to the cave they sought the more they noticed what beast they might be facing. Neimi had already gone over any information she remembered of dragons in this area and the gorgons. Either were bad news and they both had strengths and weaknesses. Though Gorgons were the worse of the two and the longer they traveled the more she feared thats what they were walking into. Maybe even a nest of them with a lead female. That would mean they had to face the horde first.

Seeing as it was the night hours Thalion went about his rounds though staying closer to the camp then he would like to be when making such rounds. But going too far was risky. Thats the last thing they needed was to be picked off one by one. Though tonight alone he had already dealt with a few smaller gorgons and a young drake. That hardly narrowed the idea of what boss they were facing. At the least it wasn't cold here.

After a few hours he finally returned to camp with a heavy sigh before sitting near Mizuki who still seemed to be up. Probably busy going over everything in his mind. That or worrying about what could go wrong. Probably both. "Ready for the final fight?" He said half laughing at the thought. Though he didn't mean it as their final battle together just as the fight in general to maybe get some answers as to why players were getting stuck in the world. Maybe what happened to those who died even.

Mizuki was lost in thought when Thalion came up though he looked to the male as he spoke "Its not the final fight" He said to him "Just another monster" Mizuki wanted to stay positive. With everything that had been going on this was one thing he prayed the most to go well.

Words were far and few between as the two males sat there. After awhile Mizuki rested his head on Thalions shoulder. That was where he stayed until the morning and the group began to wake. Packing what was needed they headed for the caves.

It took little time for them to find the cave but when they did they all stood there weapons at the ready. "Well...no time like the preasent" Mizuki said looking at the groupd before smiling and turning to enter the caves.

Walking and walking they finaly came to the entrance of the hall and Mizuki stood in awe. A temple with large pillars stood there. Gold laid everywhere as well as jewels and statues eerywhere. It was a sight to hold with the tourches lighting the gold making glow and eary color. Mizuki looked to the group "Okay...we must all stay togther" He said with a nod before he turned and headed his way to the temple.

"Pff the final one before we can maybe get the fuck out of here though." Referring to the fact they were stuck in this world without knowing why or how to get out. Probably the only one out of this group looking to get out really, though that was only because he had enough near death experiences here to last him a life time. Plus things could go back to normal if they were in the real world, and knowing the other was alive or still in the city then maybe things could be normal.. or well more normal.

By the time morning came and the group found the cave they were looking for it seemed to be a fairly easy trip. Thats what worried him was the easy route getting here, granted there seemed to be signs of past struggles but nothing to really get too worried over.

Once they were inside and the torches lit the way and Mizuki said they should stick together. The temple seemed to be old just like the last but there was almost no noise at all. It was just dead silent, the air even held the aura of death in it. The word of the countless that died here was hardly rumors.

Though as they seemed to get closer to the center room of the temple a slight hissing and whispering could be heard. Whispers of death and that they will fall like the rest. "Creepy much... " Thalion muttered a little as Felix nodded in agreement. No wonder previous groups had fallen. The place was dark and hard to see unless you were certain races or had a mage with you for light spells. and the whispering was unnerving.

Though this was probably good hints that they were to not face a dragon.

So as they continued into the caves the more and more apparent it became that the monster to face was a gorgon. Mizuki didnt like this one bit yet he knew there was nothing he could do besides doing what he planned, beating the creature that lay in the room beyond these halls.

Soon they reached two large double doors and Mizuki sighed a little "Okay...we know what lays in wait" Mizuki said "and we all know the plan so lets stick to it shall we?" Mizuki said before opening the doors. Walking in with the group they traveled to the center of the room and stood back to back. "Alright everyone...remember the plans" He said as the hissing noise began to become more clear.

Mizuki looked around ready with a spell for the moment something took place. Mizuki kept his eyes peeled but nothing seemed to happen nothing until he heard a hiss as if it was from right beside him. Looking up Mizuki growled "SHES ABOVE US!" He said casting a barrier around them just as the snake sent rapid fire arrows towards them.

Slithering and sliding the female snake moved about them and fired one shot after the other. The group had no time to react and it was making Mizuki on edge but the moment he had the chance he cast his spells sending what he could towards the beast but he didnt have enough time to block the next attack and he cursed as the group had to split apart.

"Shit!" Mizuki hissed ad he ran out of the way dodging the snakes tail as it slammed into the ground where he had just been standing. Mizuki growled and turned "Dont let her get us to far apart!" Mizuki screamed to the group and watched as Luna removed her double blades and attacked the creature head on. Mizuki watched as the hair of snakes hissed at bit at her as the female dodged the attacks.

One swipe out with a blade and a slash of a powerful tail had Luna flying back with her back coming into contact with the wall strong enough leaving an indent before she fell to the ground. "LUNA!" Mizuki said casting a spell to block her of the next attack.

Yeah they all knew the plan but there was little to say that said plan could be followed. In a game sure there was timing and everything but this world didn't play like a game. No there were different rules and the creatures could react as they saw fit to the situation.

Upon entering the larger room the hissing became all the more louder as about the time they group noticed the beast was above them it was nearly too late. This move alone had forced them to scatter to avoid being hit. Though after the first sneak attack the gorgon fell from her ceiling perch and the snakes on her head thrashed and hissed about. She was very much larger then any of the others they had faced. Boss worthy indeed. Though there was something else about this room that should be noticed.

There was pools of water on the sides and in the very center. From the looks of them very deep water at that. After the beast forced Luna against the wall it seemed to take shelter in one such pool. Luna probably got at least one good hit in so that was a good sign. They were all alive for the time being.

Though the pool it descended into was not the one it rushed out of as it's bow was drawn already releasing another assault of arrows. They were lucky Neimi had worked on her barriers because Mizuki was busy with Luna as Neimi saved the other two. "I hate snakes." Felix cringed a little having a slight fear of them as a child.

This time after the arrow strike the beast took a moment to reload its bow and slamming its tail into Thalion and Felix forcing them into another wall. Not as much of a impact as the first slam she had done to Luna but still good enough to be noticed. "Damn it.." Thalion winced a little before blocking the next blow that would have done more damage if it has landed. The blade glowed this time seeing as he had ended up defending Felix in the process.

Maybe thats what they were doing wrong, protect that which needed to be protected. Though it was a little late now and it was all they could do to get close enough to get any strikes in before being forced back and then having to restart all over again. The beasts long tail made this all the more of a challenge and it was mainly up to Mizuki to damage the beast while the others made sure she didn't target Neimi or Mizuki with those arrows.

Though there was a slight pause in the fight as the beast took refuge under the dark waters again and not reappearing right away. There were large holes in the wall and at the ceiling so the gorgon could really have other ways of getting back into the room. Being a snake her movements were all but silent as well even when listening for them.

Mizuki did what he could with Luna and placed a spell around her until she healed. KMizuki dodged and fought as much as he could. It was all he could do not to get in harms way. Mizuki didnt know what he could do besides cast the spells he could though the moment the beast left Mizuki growled. This was not good she could show her face from any hole near by.

Growling Mizuki watched all of them with a stern look as he had a spell at the ready. It was silent and that alone was something that made Mizuki frown. "How long before that witch-" Though his words were cut off as the gorgon came fourth from a hole in the wall infront of him hissing and charging with a blade.

Mizuki moved and dogded the blade aimed for his throat as he heard his name yelled out. Mizuki knew it was a close call as he jumped back and kept dodging the blade before he could cast a spell off. Forming the ice under her he watched as she slipped and hissed. Though this allowed Mizuki time to get away.

Finding better ground Mizuki began a spell from the tomb. It was one that would give them an advantage if it worked though it took a while to cast. Watching as the beast fought its way forward through felix then Luna. It would seem its mind was set on Mizuki though he had the spell cast before the female could reach him.

On the ground before the beast the ground rumbeled before it fell away leaving a large ice trap below it formed. Large spikes littered the inside of it and it was to late for the beast to avoid it as the tail of the large creature fell in it and he watched as she screamed in pain as he tail was cut to shit.

Though as she fell Mizuki gasped as she managed to set off some arrows before she struggled to get her self out of the whole. Mizuki stared as the arrows flew through the air. Moving he went to run but stopped dead in his tracks with no movement whats so ever as his eyes dulled and he blanked out.

The silence once again with echoes of hissing to toy with the group as to her true location. Though it didn't take long before the beast seemed to pick her target, probably catching on to the ones the others were protecting. Though when she made herself known again she ended up failing in her attack as Mizuki caused her to slide due to ice on the ground.

This was good it gave Mizuki time to escape, barely. Though the slide didn't pause the gorgon for long as she was righting herself right as Mizuki seemed to get off another spell causing a trap to form under where her tail was. This would keep her busy for a while to free herself of the spikes.

This did not however keep herself continuing her strikes aimed towards Mizuki as she fired her next round of arrows. He should have been able to escape in time though this was when Thalion's fear came true. Mizuki turned to run but froze. Just like that they had a new problem on their hands.

Cutting it a bit close he was glad of that ice on the floor still though it lasted barely long enough to give him the boost he needed to cut down the arrows that would have surely hit Mizuki. This also meant that ice trap was no longer as well as it seemed to melt away as the gorgon fired a new onslaught of arrows and slammed her bloodied tail against the ground once she righted her body fully.

The last arrows had caused a wound on his arm so he knew blocking as quickly or cutting them down or least all of them was a lost cause. "Your not dying here damn it-" He was going to say something else but winced feeling a arrow finally get the better of his ability to block and dispose of them.

It had struck just below where his heart would be nicking it just enough to ensure his doom, but getting a lung was good enough maybe a more painful death really. such force behind it made any armor seem worthless. Though by now Felix and Luna had gotten close enough to make strikes on the beast and Neimi had gotten a barrier around Mizuki. Maybe a little too late but still her range was limited being a cleric.

She went to Thalion's side as he fell to one knee and seemed to have a hard time breathing. "Stop moving, your going to make it worse!" "Pay attention to the others." He growled at her knowing that she couldn't heal this, not where it was anyway. The gorgon retreated once more seeming to redirect its focus to Luna who had done the most damage to it this round.

Mizuki could see everything happen before him and he couldnt stop it. Screaming to himself in his mind Mizuki fought against everything to get back to reality but it took its time. By the time he blinked and moved it was to late as he turned and his worst fear came true. There he saw Thalion kneeling with his breathing heavy as he saw the male hunched over "Thal..thalion!" He said as he finaly came to.

Though the timing was to late as his biggest fear came to life. Coming back just in time he watched as Thalion looked to him with sad eyes. A brim of tears lined the bottom before they slipped over as he fell. Mizuki noticed the arrow sticking from the males chest and his heart sank "No....THALION!" He all but screamed but it fell on deaf ears.

Mizuki watched as the male fell forward and as he did smoke seemed to come from the males body before a flame came from no where covering the male from head to toe. Mizuki was in shock but the moment he was over it he was running forward towards the male but it was to late as he reached where Thalion was only to see the blade the male had left on the ground with a scorch mark. "No..." He said his eyes briming with tears as he fell to his knees.

The beasts warning came true and the greatest loss did happen. Thalion was gone and there was nothing Mizuki could of done...let alone it was his fault. He was the reason the male fell and died. Balling his fists Mizuki growled before he screamed his pain hunched over where he fell.

After that everything was a haze of blood as Mizuki lost it. Forming ice blades on his hands Mizuki charged. He didnt care what his fate was now as the only one he cared for was now gone. No all he knew was that if he was going to die so was the bitch that took Thalion from him. Slash after slash he carved the beast from head to tip of tail cutting and slashing until nothing was left of the creature but twitching muscle.

Mizuki stood there dripping in blood and breathing heavy it was not until Luna said his name before his spell ended and he blacked out falling where he stood. Thalion was gone and the beast was dead there was nothing else to stand for. It would be time for recovery.

After that day and battle life seemed to go on for what it was worth. Everyday was slow and dreadfull but a day.

Well there was the thought that if you died in this game that was it. Though maybe you were sent back to the real world. There was that thought as well. Though what Thalion wasn't expecting was to wake up in a familiar area. Everything was sore to be quite honest and it hurt to breath even. This was when his eyes shot open as he winced from the sudden movement and his ears picked up on voices near by.

"Well guess that answered if he's dead." Though the one speaking was already backing up. Seeing as there were a couple of people standing near he checked for a weapon just briefly. Seemed he still had one sword, the so called protector blade was no where to be seen. Hardly mattered as he moved and grabbed one of the two closest to him. "What happened?" He hissed demanding answers.

"W-we found you like this, you were just here I don't know anymore! Don't kill me!" He cringed before Thalion released him. Hardly seemed to be a experienced player. Let alone he seemed to be where he started this adventure at. It was still bloody cold as hell. Though why was he here? He had died and he didn't recall hearing about anyone just appearing again... "Mizuki.." He muttered a little remembering that pain filled face being the last image he saw. He had failed .. no if he was still here he didn't fail yet. If he could get back to the other or somehow get in touch with him.

Soon he learned or heard of the groups victory against the boss. Though this would lead to other problems for Thalion. Apparently word of his 'death' got around and look a likes of the party members were coming to light. This meant he had to reforge his name to keep from being called some murderous crazed killer. This was going to be a long trip... Of course no one believed him and no one seemed to know where Mizuki or any of the others fled to. After a town or so he stopped bothering with his own name. It seemed to fetch more trouble then he needed for now.

Time had past and with each day the man Mizuki used to be left. Instead of a care free male that he was he turned cold and dark never speaking unless it was needed. Though over the time people seemed to gather the stories of how the death of the gorgon took place. This soon began to get Mizuki fallowers. People fallowing him and doing as he asked for meer protection from lesser groups.

After awhile Mizuki created a safe guard for players of the world that wanted to live and play in peace with out the fear of being killed with every turn they took.

Mizuki now sat there at a large wooden desk as he thought about the fight that brought him here and the male that saved his life. Mizuki looked down at the sword that rested on the desk and he closed his eyes. It had been five years since he last saw the male well at least the true male. After the death of Thalion look aliked showed up all trying to get a name that was not theres just o make the game easier.

This all made Mizuki grow darker over the years only trusting little. The group that remained stayed together for what it was worth and added another along the way "How often do I have to catch you staring at that freaken sword?" He heard before looking up "As often as I want to Needren" Mizuki said to the male before him.

Needren was a wood elf from the southern forests. Mizuki and the group had run into the male first saving him from a group of players and in turn gaining a new friend. Five years later he was still there and Mizuki had accepted the males friendship in turn "You know it wont bring him back" Needren said with a frown walking over.

The male had short spikey white hair that was tipped with green. Swords rested on his back in an X and leather covered most of a tall lean body. "And you know no matter how many times you tell me this I will not listen" He said before standing and gbrabbing the sword from the desk. Attaching it to his waist Mizuki grabbed his cloak and staff. "Where are you going?" Needren asked with a tilt of his head and a cross of his arms "I am going for a walk if you dont mind" He said with a little hiss as he left the male in the room.

Mizuki needed to clear his mind. He had been Thinking about Thalion alot lately. There was nothing in this world that Mizuki wouldnt do to get the male back but then again there was nothing he could do and thinking on that thought for over five years made Mizuki grow cold. Now he was silent and rugged and did most things alone. Now he walked through the trees around his camp with a black cloak over his form as cloth clad feet silently fell on grassy ground.

Five long years went by and every lead he had gotten that should have lead him to Mizuki or at least one of the others seemed to be a lie or some wild chase. He was starting to lose hope he had to admit it. Like someone was leaving clues and telling people to say such things just to keep trailing him on. None the less he had managed a name for himself though not taking on his real name seeing as it seemed to draw unwanted attention and being in a group of two they hardly needed the extra trouble.

He had saved a weaker player some odd years back, a half elf, from another group. That was when he first encountered the look a likes. It was amusing to him as the one so proudly stated who he was as Thalion nearly doubled over laughing at the male claiming his name. Over the years he had found that certain groups hunted these look a likes, thus he tended to keep his head down when certain symbols showed up. No point in asking for trouble when he didn't need it.

The half elf was names Raden and was a ranger class with a natural talent for taming and befriending wild beasts. This talent served them both well a number of times as Raden didn't leave Thalion's side after being saved. Probably one of the few who believed his tale that he was who he claimed to be. Though he had seen Thalion fight first hand and it was easy to tell he was no new player who just wanted to claim a name. No he just wanted to find out where the heck the others had vanished to.

Sure he heard of the followers that were lead by Mizuki, that was almost no surprise really. But no one seemed to know how to get in touch with the said group or the leader. Either way the two traveled together doing whatever they needed to do to get by. Mostly taking up requests to kill other players that were causing issues near towns or that were taking out the lower ranked players. This in turn sort of seemed to earn him the title of protector. Not that he asked for a title or to even have any fame.

In more recent months that said fame had gotten word to those who reported to Mizuki and seemed to be in charge of removing any look alikes from the game. He had a number of encounters with these said hunters of the false. Each time he tried to avoid killing them. He saw no point or gain in killing them when they were doing the same thing him and Raden were doing. Well minus hunting the copies anyway. He cared less about the copies.

Though as the years did drag on he was starting to give up, what did it matter now? Odds were Mizuki wouldn't even remember him let alone care. It hurt to think such a thing but it was the truth. But he didn't have time for that at the moment as he found himself and Raden dealing with a group that out numbered them at least five to one. Though for the moment the group was out numbering ten to one as Raden always waited to strike. It was the better advantage that way. Also sometimes he managed to recruit some of the near wild life to assist.

It was a group of players that had been killing lower ranked players. This group was after the quick loot and probably wouldn't be much of a challenge. If they weren't short on funds at the moment he would have over looked this for now. He had another lead on maybe a way to get in touch with someone who might know where Mizuki was. Though odds were it was a dead end and he would swear he felt like he was being led on.

Hacking down the first one to charge laughing at the idea of one against ten he made his business very clear that he was serious about his claims of taking them out. His outfit differed slightly from before, to keep some trouble off he wore a hood to cover his hair and shadow his face. Though he also took to using a medium shield and a sword instead of duel blades like his normal style. He still carried a second blade in case a fight ever called for it. But the style switch and hidden identity kept some of the trouble at bay, the less he looked or acted like himself the better it seemed. He hated hiding but it was needed to get by for now.

Also over the years he had grown a bit more mature so to say, still a smart ass when it came down to it and cocky if he had to be honest but he thought things through a bit more when he was calm. Normally he was it was rare for his temper to get the better of him anymore. every once in a while though Raden would say he felt sorry for whoever Thalion faced.

Either way this fight didn't last long at all as a few arrows took out a couple of the others and some quick sword slashes and a well placed fire blast finished the group. Breathing out a heavy breath he finally put the sword away as he crossed his arms. "Tsk... the day I get a challenge again." He shook his head a little as Raden jumped down from the tree near by. "Want a challenge go fight the new bosses that were released over the years... " The younger male shuddered at the thought. Least he knew Thalion wasn't bold enough to go trying such a risky stunt. Not yet anyway.

Shaking his head a little he turned to start walking, they had a bit of a trip back to claim this said reward. "Come on before those freaks show up or something." He referred to the group that seemed to hunt doubles as such. No life, though they seemed to be doing so following a order from someone, no idea who and no one seemed to know. He just would rather avoid them and they seemed to always show up when he least wanted them.

During the time that he was all but alone Mizuki thought the hardest. He thought about anything and everything that his mind could. Right now the thought of a drow was in his head and Mizuki couldnt shake it. No...it was as if something was about to happen yet the only thing he wanted to happen he knew would never take place so why even think of such things? Shaking his head Mizuki continued to walk through the trees though he stopped the moment he heard some voices coming through the brush.

With a simple cast of a spell he vanished from sight but he was still there. With a quick silent movement he was up and in a tree and just in time to see two leave the brush and head his way though he couldnt help the tiny growl that left his lips as he saw the two males before him. It was the one that looked like Thalion that made the male all the more angry.

Mizuki didnt know how many times he had to take down a look alike of his lost lover. Or how many times he had seen something like this take place. It made him sick to the stomach to know that even dead there was no solace for an aching heart not with everyone trying to take the name his lover had worked so hard for.

Mizuki watched this for a little while and noticed the way the male looked. From head to toe it was scary identical but at the same time Mizuki knew that this male was not the real thing. He could remember the first time he came across a look alike and oh the feelings he had. He was happy and greatfull to the gods then it all left in a blink of an eye the moment he realized it was not his Thalion.

Mizuki watched the two for a moment then he heard the words from the males lips...a challange huh? Mizuki thought lightly before he jumped down on silent feet and walked behind the males for a little while until the Thalion look alike stopped and turned looking behind him. Little did he know he was all but staring into the face of Mizuki as the male stared back

It was shocking to him how much this male looked like the true Thalion. Even down to the eye color and the scar that crossed it but Mizuki had seen some good copies in his day. With that thought Mizuki decided it was about time to have a little fun before killing the two sould infront of him.

So with that thought he stood there for a moment still under the spell infront of the male. Raising his hood again he covered what was his face so only a pale chin and lips were the view. Then from one moment to the next he appeared infront of the male "Boo!" He said before he was gone again. He heard the copy curse and he smiled before removing a blade from his side. Silently he moved about. He wanted to make this moment end swiftly. So charging he took his spell off giving the male just enough time to block his attack. His first attack that was for many fallowed after that as Mizuki didnt let up his swings.

It was the feeling of being followed he couldn't shake. Raden asked a few times why he paused. Nothing he was told. Nothing his ass he knew someone or something was there but no proof made him uneasy. Of course Raden by now had figured out Thalion's instincts and that word nothing meant bad news.

Sure enough they seemed to have company as a figure appeared in front of Thalion already having a spell at the ready as he barely managed to block it at this range. "Damn it!" He growled before managing to get the shield he carried up just in time to cancel another spell from landing a hit.

"Raden back off!" Thalion had dealt with enough magic users to know they could kill. This shield was hardly normal. It had the nickname of spell breaker for a good reason. Though stronger spells could get through it so such tricks only lasted so long.

This mage seemed different though as he finally recovered some of the lost ground as the other avoided the strikes. Here he thought today would be boring, seemed he got that challenge he asked for. This exchange of neither side getting a edge annoyed Thalion as Raden backed off a little. "Thal others are coming!" The younger of the two warned as a hawk landed on the boy's shoulder.

"Tsk.. is that your game another damned bounty hunter?" Thalion hissed before forcing a short ranged fire blast to get the mage, well force the mage to back off. "Well bring it then! Your comrades will find your burnt corpse for your ignorance."

By this time the hood he had been keeping up had fallen. Everything was identical save him being slightly aged. Though there was only a hint of this given his race.

Bounty hunter? Was that what this look alike thought him to be? This right there made him smile to himself as he continued to do his spells one after the other as he fought the male before him "Bounty hunter...like you should talk drow" Mizuki said as he slashed again at the male before him "Taking the looks of someone you will never be or even meet sickens me" He said with a hiss as he slashed back again though this was when the males hood fell back and off and it caused Mizuki to pause for a moment.

The look, the sound, the fire....everything was toying with his head and Mizuki hated it! What was he supposed to do? If there was any look alike in this world this one would get an A+ for the effort. The voice the movement the fire...everything screamed Thalion but he was not convinced that it was the male in turn. He had seen many alike but none the one he actually wanted to see.

Mizuki growled as he dodged another attack though he didnt get away fast enough as the side of his hood was slashed with the blade from the male before him as well as the nick in his cheek. He could feel the sting as the blood began to well before dripping down his face. Mizuki was sick of this little game that decided to play out before him. He was tired of others taking the shape he wished to see more then anything in this world. He was tired of it all.

Stopping Mizuki ran a pale finger over a bloddied cheek before he growled a little. Moving his hand he did the one thing he almost never did. He removed the hood that cloaked his head in shadow. From there the long braid fell out and over a strong chest as he stood tall. Light lavender eyes glared from under pale skin as he looked to the Thalion look alike before him "You are not fit to look like him" Mizuki said getting ready to cast his next spell as he glared.

"Yeah yeah, fake. I've heard that barked for the past five fucking years!" He growled though as the other removed his hood Thalion stopped dead in his tracks. He was about to teach this damned mage a lesson. Till he saw a face he never expected to see. There was no way right? Hunting for Mizuki what were the odds he was standing there. Not possible, there was-

"Thal!" It was a good thing Raden said something. He had all but froze in his attack. He canceled the on coming ice spell with a fire strike as he stepped back a little. "tsk... call me a fake when your posing as him... " He almost found this funny. Though this was a damn strong look alike to admit it. He had seen a few, but this one...

"come on then, you claim to be Mizuki. Prove it." He taunted before readying his blade again before avoiding another attack and moving to strike as a spark seemed to be followed by fire wrapping around the blade. "The Mizuki I knew was far stronger then this." He would know being on the receiving end on those spells. Though this needed to end soon or retreat would be in order.

Wasting too much energy on spells and the fight before took energy as well. He never planned this to drag out. Odds were it was some hot shot trying to make a name for himself. "Also the Mizuki I knew wouldn't need a damned back up force." Raden reminding him that they were running out of time to get out of here. They were assuming the on coming force was with this mage.

Mizuki growled as he dodged an attack and continued on the way. Who was this foe to call him a look alike? The last time Mizuki checked he was himself not some poser want to be. This in itself made him question who the male before him actually was. Why would he be asking Mizuki to show who he was? Why would it matter to a look alike? Though this was when something in the back of his mind spoke up and said that it was the true Thalion. But no! That couldnt be true! The real Thalion died almost six years prior this fight so there was no way the real male could be standing right before him....right?

Mizuki shook his head "I will have to admit it" He said "You are impressive..." Mizuki said with a growl before he stopped all movements and stood there for a moment "Though why should the likes of myself have to show who I am when I am not the fake?" He asked with a tilt of his head "Besides that wasting a good spell on something like this would be foolish" He said with a little cold laugh as he glared at the male.

"Then again...something this is ammusing to me I must admit" He stated with a nod of his head "It has been awhile since I saw something like this. Your almost a spitting image of him" Mizuki said with a little sad smile "Right down to the scar on the cheek from that fight caused by sisters" No one but the real Thalion and Mizuki would know of the sisters. Well besides that of Neimi and the group. That tale was something that was kept within the group. Word of the raid had spread once it was over but no one cared on who was taken and what happened with them.

Mizuki didnt even think of that thought very much. No all he had on his mind now was how much the male before him was going to die. It made him sick all these young males trying to get a name that was not theirs. With that thought Mizuki began an actual spell. The spell would cause the male to freeze from the bottom up in an icey grave that was almost next to impossible to escape. It was a new spell that took years to master. Reacquiring alot of energy it was a move that he could only due once.

"Oh like I've not heard that before." He nearly laughed as the other insisted he wasn't a fake. He had wasted over five years trying to find Mizuki and there was no way that very person was standing here. The real Mizuki would know right... had it been too long? He hardly thought about the odds being for or against him at the moment.

"Yeah yeah keep talking... surprised anyone knows about that fight.." The sisters fight, surely word wasn't out about that. The drow seemed to keep to their own area. Though he did always toy at the thought of going back to see if he could take care of the last sister. Whatever hardly a time to worry about that or stories now.

Though when the other started a spell his ears went back. This was far stronger then the rest. "Thats not- Raden get out of here!" He barked his order to the ranger. Raden didn't have time enough to get clear of this as Thalion clenched his teeth that he was going to have to bite it on this one.

Raden would have died from the ice entombing spell but Thalion had a last trick up his sleeve. This wasn't going to end well. He used the shield to block the spell directly but only because he was sure he could cancel it. Not like he had been doing nothing all these years.

Though as soon as it started forming at his feet it was a lot stronger then he was counting. "Damn it to-" He hissed before using a powerful blaze spell and taking up nearly all of his energy to do so. After a moment the fire seemed to recede and melt. Though he hardly would be able to fight after this stunt.

Oddly it seemed the mage wasn't counting on this stunt. Both seemed to be panting and this meant the fight was over. Though that force Raden spoke of was nearly here. By now running was too late and there was no way he could in his current shape anyway. "Tsk... I hate mages.." Standing was about all he could manage at the moment. Like hell he was going to kneel.

Though being out of energy and out of option he did the only logical thing. "That all you got?" He breathed out taunting the mage, it seemed the other was in no condition to cast anything further. It was a good stale mate though he had to admit.

Mizuki stood there panting. The ice tomb was something that took up most of his energy and a spell that he could only cast once. Though as the male taunted him he wanted to cast another spell though it was this moment a face showed through the trees "Mizuki!" Needren said as he rushed over to him "You have wasted your damn energy again!" He said as he crossed his arms but Mizuki growled his response not looking away from the male before him.

This was when Needren looked behind him at what Mizuki was looking at and he glared "Another look alike huh" He said peering at the male "Want me to kill him?" He said as he removed a blade from his back and Mizuki shook his head as he stood up right "No...this one needs more then death" He said in a hiss "Knock him out...hes coming with us" He said turning "Also find the half elf...he could not of gone far" Mizuki said as more of his men joined them.

Mizuki was tired and the fact that this had taken place at all toyed with his heart. He was sick of everyone trying to be who they are not. "As you wish" Needren said. With a flash he was gone. From one moment to the next he was beside Mizuki then behind Thalion. Lashing out the hilt of his blade conected with the back of the males head. With no warning there was no way to dodge the blow and Mizuki heard the thump as he fell to the ground.

Mizuki couldnt help but to think there was something different about this male and he would get his answer later when the male awoke "Gather him and the halfling theres a moving troop in the distance" With that Mizuki turned and left through the trees. Mizuki knew that larger groups traveled these areas in search of him but with magic and spells they stayed hidden in plain sight.

It didnt take them long to get to camp. It was a refuge Mizuki had found years ago. A large clearing was in the middle of large rock faces. Homes and places were carved into the rock that circled a large grassy and water filled middle. It was luck that he happened to find suck a place when he did.

Everything that was needed was here. Travelers that needed saftey came here and brought what they had. This often meant little shops and food as well as live stock. That with water made this place a safe haven for most. Though there came a time when cells were needed so some were built. Carved into the cavern wall few were placed shadowed in darkness.

This was where Needren placed Thalion. Chaining the male to the stone wall he sneered. Placing the sutras on the cuffs he smiled "Like to see you melt those" He said to the passed out male before kicking him and walking away. Over the years alot of those that claimed to be Thalion were magic users and all of them fire. There was nothing Mizuki wanted more then to stop that so thats what he did.

Creating the sutras was the best he could of done. It protected the chain from the face of fire attacks. Anything fire based was useless at this point.

The day grew on from there and the night grew dark. Mizuki had rested and waited for word on when the male would awake. Mizuki had plans for this male. With that thought came a gaurd to his room "Seems hes awake" The male said and Mizuki nodded. Standing he took the sword and placed it at his hip like he always did. No cloak only robes he placed his braid over his shoulder and crossed his arms. Leaving his room with one thought...this was going to be interesting.

Great seemed this game was up as a newcomer came to the area. Though the way he spoke to Mizuki reminded him of that damned Dragonkin. Let alone this guy called the fake Mizuki? What they couldn't use real names now pff. Though Thalion wasn't a idiot he knew this was not good. Any other time he'd gladly do a two on one battle but to keep from dying he had wasted a ton of energy.

He did over hear the short discussion of if he was to be killed here. Though the impostor seemed to have other plans... that worried him. Though he didn't have time to react before a sharp blow took care of any thoughts to try and escape. Maybe Raden got away, that would be a silver lining.

Though the poor half elf had hardly a chance. Soon to be caught as well. Not like he was as seasoned of a fighter as Thalion. Also being ranged. Once found he had to give up. Though he thought he was dead. Probably still was they were going to toy with them first and then kill them for sure... This was similar to how Thalion had found Raden the first time. Though unless someone saved them there wasn't a chance of a repeat.

Raden was placed somewhere, hardly needing special caging as they seemed to have prepared for the other. Thalion wasn't sure what time it was or where he was. Though it took only a second before he noticed the chains. Still needing to recover energy he knew it would be weak fire but it might work.

After this failed test he smirked a bit at the thought in his head. They had kept fire users before... This was about the time he noticed some walking over. It seemed to be 'Mizuki'. He still wasn't convinced.

"Tsk... have to say its the first time someones gotten the better of me." Though this was when Raden dawned on him. "The boy, so help me you better not have killed him." A warning that meant little to someone bound.

What did this guy want, to toy with him? Hell what did it matter... his fire magic was different.At full strength he'd give these bindings a good test run. But currently he didn't have the energy to do so. Even chained here he was still defiant. Like hell he was going to make whatever they were planning easy. Though this hurt more with a Mizuki look a like...

Mizuki walked the way to where the imposter was. The thoughts on what he was going to do to the male rang out through his mind. There was so many things he could do but none of them would be good enough. No Mizuki was sick of all the games that others played with his mind and heart. So instead he would see if this was actually the real Thalion though he knew it wouldnt be.

Walking up to the male the first he heard was word of a Raden "You mean the halfling?" Mizuki said with a tilt of his head though only got a glare from the male before "That at least you need not worry about" He stated "Hes safe...for now" Mizuki said with a nod as he stopped right infront of Thalion.

Mizuki stood there for a moment "You know...I must say out of all the look alikes I have seen you have to be the best of them all" He said with a shake of his head "Though it bothers me just how much you resemble him" Mizuki said "The brash comments the fighting style all screams Thalion" Mizuki said shaking his head. "I have grown so tired of this game I seem to play over and over...a game I cant escape" Mizuki said though he shrugged "Its my punishment I guess for letting the real one die" Mizuki said.

This was when Mizuki removed the sword at his side and looked up "If you are the true Thalion a simple thing is all it takes to find out" He said to him as he removed the blade. It was the sword from the minataur battle those years before. Grabbing the blade he placed the hilt in Thalions hand and stood back though nothing happened. "Just as I thought..." He said in a sad defeated tone before hanging his head and ears in sadness.

Mizuki had hoped that when the blade was placed in the males hand it would glow like it had the first time Thalion had grabbed it...well the real Thalion. This was Mizukis way of testing over the years though for the longest time it was not needed. Not all look alikes could make him do this but this male struck a cord with Mizuki...one he couldnt explain nor understand.

"He better stay safe... he has nothing to do with this!" Thalion snapped knowing it was useless, not like he had a say in such matters. Not till he got free anyway. Oh he planned to do just that .. like hell after all this he was dying here to some game.

"Oh drop the damned act, you expect me to believe your the real Mizuki... please." He huffed a little before going on. "Spending five years and you want me to just believe suddenly I get some damned stroke of luck? Thats almost funny. Impressive following you have though." Did Mizuki think he needed to be punished for his death? It was his choice it was him or Mizuki.. he could have never lived with himself if-

Though a blade being forced into his hand made him shut up as his ears went back. "this- you... Where did you get this!?" This wasn't.. this couldn't be right? The blade was surely left at the ruins of that fight or the real Mizuki had it... this wasn't him right?

"Of course it won't work, it never was reliable in the first place." He never mastered the blade, it held a lot of hidden power but nothing he had mastered. Plus he didn't have any magic energy left, the sword fed off of that said energy... this was a sorry way of proving anything. Probably a fake sword anyway.

Dropping the blade he clenched his fists before looking away from the other. "Stop fucking with me! I've spent the last five years trying to find Mizuki. You expect me to believe that your him just by having a damned magic sword?" He paused but only for a moment as he seemed defeated for a second thinking on something. "I have a promise I still need to keep, one he thinks I broke.. I can't.. " That temper seemed to return again at this moment. "I won't die here, to hell with who you think I am or am not I know the truth of who I am!" A promise he made, he'd never leave Mizuki. Something he had only said in a room when they were together. No one else would know of this.

Mizuki watched the display before him and he was shocked when the sword was dropped after the male spoke. It was useless? Only the real Thalion besides himself have held that sword let alone knew of its power. This in itself made him question everything though it was not until the male spoke at the end that Mizuki even stopped what he was doing. A promise that was made...Mizuki could think of one.

"There was a promise made to me...all those years ago from the male I loved" He spoke lightly "A promise I would never be alone...that I would always have him at my side" He said "Then that bitch of a gorgon took away the one thing I cared for and I didnt even get to say good bye" Mizuki said as his fists clenched and he hung his head.

"The fight took forever and one stupid slip up..." He said with a growl before he looked back up to the male before him "One simple slip up and he was lost...disapearing right before my eyes in nothing but a flame" He spoke in heartache "Then many come to me claiming to be the one I lost and none were...all hope was lost" He said "Then one day you came" Mizuki said looking right at him "You came and made me question everything"

Mizuki sighed "I lost the man I loved and all hope I had of being happy those years ago in that cave. I lost my happieness, my hope and pride...all gone in a flash that took seconds and it was all my fault. All because I blanked" With that Mizuki picked up the sword and left a shocked male hanging from chains in a cell with nothing but a shocked expression on a dark face.

Listening to the other there was no way anyone else knew of that promise in detail. He was just told his own promise. This man.. this was Mizuki. As the other went on and described the final moments he didn't have doubts but he could not force any words.

Even as the other spoke his final words and left he found no room for words. All these years and the one he sought was right there. He had been right there. Yet there was no proof, the sole prof was if he could get that blade to do something. Anything even a glow effect.. anything would do.

His thoughts were scattered all over the place. Were the others here? Let alone was Raden ok, they'd probably kill him for swearing that Thalion was who he said he was. How was he going to get a second try at that blade doing something... Let alone why leave him here?

Why keep him alive if the other was so sure he was a fake. All these years and Mizuki had changed. His death had taken a toll on the other. He had failed... he didn't get back to him in time. What if Mizuki never found out he was who he claimed to be? The one person he had fought to get to... "Damn it all..." He said hanging his head hardly having energy to bother holding it up. Besides that he was more then defeated, to finally find the other and .. this.

Mizuki couldnt take it anymore. The flood of emotion that rang through his head made everything hurt. As he walked through the feild he passed Luna and the female looked to him "The look alike bothering you that much?" Thought she didnt get a response as Mizuki just passed her and headed for his chambers.

Luna shook her head. She had came out here to see if this was the real Thalion or not. Luna had knowen for years that the real Thalion had returned for she saw him many times. Each time though was a test of her will for the male. She needed to see just how much the male would fight for Mizuki since Mizuki had fought so hard for him.

Walking to the cells she stopped and stood there and looked at Thalion as the male hung. The smell of the male filled her nose and she smiled. "So...after all this time you finally found him huh" She said and watched as the bowed head was raised and Thalion stared at her "I never thought you would make it here...five years yet everything I through at you...you still managed to find him" Luna said crossing her arms a little.

Luna smiled as Thalion growled "I needed to see if you wanted what was important to you...struggling and fighting all this time to reach him and now here you are...but in chains" Luna said with a little sigh "Really I would of expected more from you drow" She said but stopped Thalions words with a raised hand "Either way...you found him and he found you...your death was the hardest thing he had to bare with...let alone the thought that it was his fault" She said.

Pushing herself off of the wall she stood there for a moment looking at Thalion "If you truely love him...you will convince him of who you are" She said moving to walk away "I will get him to try again....one last time weather you can convince him or not is up to you Thalion" Luna said as she began to walk away.

He was caught up in his thoughts until he heard a familiar voice. The one he was last expecting to hear. Was that... Looking up it was sure enough the dragonkin, Luna. Though as she spoke he found that calmed temper he had managed over the years all but die.

"After you what?! You bitch I-" Though he stopped as she seemed to explain her reasoning behind such actions. what was important, of course that answer was clear now. The thought of Mizuki being why he drew breath and fought each day never once faltered. Though it meant something listening to the dragonkin. She had never trusted his intentions towards Mizuki.

"tsk... hardly matters now what you expected." What was she expecting? For him to take less time when she dragged out his searching. For him to walk here and everything be ok? Yeah right. If he had won the fight in the forest things would have been worse.

It wasn't Mizuki's fault, he should have been stronger he should have been able to keep his promise to the other. Her next words meant a lot, more then she probably knew. As she said she would get him to try again. As she started to walk away he did something that was abnormal for him. "Luna..." He started before glancing away from her as she seemed to pause. "Thank you." She seemed to go back to walking away.

He meant it though. Even if she put him through hell, she had helped in a way. She was helping now. Even if he failed he wanted her to know he was thankful for that at least. He couldn't fail though, not now..

Luna paused the moment she heard Thalion speak. That was a shock and her eyes widened at the words that came from Thalion. The male just thanked her and that alone was something she never thought it would. Luna shook her head as she walked away and headed right for the place she needed to. After a moment she reached the doors before she knocked on the door and frowned as there was a groan from behind it telling her to go away.

Luna shook her head before she opened the door and walked into the room and the first thing she saw was a glaring Mizuki sitting on a bed with the sword before him "I told you I didnt want company" He said with a sigh closing his eyes "Its something you should know" She said as she walked in and closed the door.

"The male you have tired up in the cell" She began but Mizuki raised a hand and stopped her speech "I am tired of looking at every look alike that comes through here" He said with a sigh "Im so tired of it...my heart cant take it anymore" He said with a pained whisper and Luna stopped. Moving she sat down beside him "Mizuki you cant blame yourself for what happened...but the man you love is out there in that cave cell chained to a wall and here you are sitting in your room alone" She said with a shake of her head.

The group had found out what Thalion was to Mizuki after the male had died though they were not stupid. He lost count the times he was told stupid from everyone that they all knew what was between them the moment it had happened. It made Mizuki all the more sad as he thought he could of showed Thalion his love everyday until the day he died but he never had that chance.

"The man I loved died five years ago Luna and-" "And im telling you that he has returned. From some godly chance he is alive and here and your to blind from self blame as well as sadness that you cant see the real Thalion right before you eyes" She said with a growl "But the test the sword..." He began but was once again cut off "The sword the sword thats all I hear from you!" She said "The sword feeds off energy we found this out after years and with the way that male fought you think he has the energy to do anything with the bloody thing!" She screamed at him.

Luna got up and backed away at that moment "You said you trusted me with your life...that no matter what you would take my advice. Well here I am Mizuki trying to give you my advice and what are you doing but shunning it like it dosent matter!" She yelled at him again "You need to listen to me when I tell you thats the real Thalion hanging from those chains out there" Luna growled with her tail thrashing as she went to the doors "Weather you take the chance tomorrow and find out for yourself is a different story all I know is I tried and unless you want to kill the man you love twice I suggest you heed my warning" And with that she was gone.

He kept going over in his mind what he would say or what the hell he could say that would convince Mizuki that he wasn't some fake. What could he say. Thinking over what he had blurted out he couldn't think of much else. What had he told Mizuki that only he would know. Maybe there was something from their previous time together, that was possible. Though nothing stuck out really. Nothing that couldn't have been researched or looked up over the years anyway.

He finally sighed a little giving up on trying to think of a back up plan for now. He was beyond tired and he didn't have the energy to bother thinking on it. Maybe he should just pray that the damned sword didn't betray him the one time he needed it. Though it was the reason that he was here in combination with his magic.

If Mizuki was destroyed now what would he do if he actually killed him and found out later? He doubted he would come back a second time, that was probably a fluke he did it this time around. The only thing he could do now was hope that Luna got that second chance, that was probably a long shot on its own.

On top of that hope that he had enough energy if Mizuki seemed to trust that damned sword so much. He was probably going to have to focus any every he had to probably get the stupid blade to respond in the slightest. If he didn't trust Luna's word so damn much he might have thought about saving up enough energy to see about breaking these bindings.

Though he had to convince Mizuki, if they hadn't already killed Raden they would after they were finished with him. "Stupid boy.." He muttered a little to himself. Raden could have run but that damned loyalty in him never let him turn his back on Thalion once. Through training he'd probably be a damned good ranger in the long run. But he had to live through this. Getting tangled up in this mess was hardly his fault.

Somehow through the night he manged to get sleep, he wasn't sure how besides that he was too tired to bother caring anymore. Morning seemed to come all too early. He didn't feel all that rested and he knew that meant his energy had hardly recovered as much as he needed or would have liked. That was just his luck wasn't it? He could find a bit of humor in dying here though it was grim humor.

As morning came Mizuki was up and ready early. The words from Luna the night before had stuck in his head making sleep far off the entire night. Shaking his head at his own thoughts Mizuki left the room and headed for the one beside his. Knocking he entered through regretted it as he turned his head "You really need to learn how to sleep dressed" He said to Needren who was stretching on the bed with a groan "Nah why would I do that and miss our little run ins" He said before sitting up.

Mizuki sighed a little "How many times do I have to tell you it wont happen?" Mizuki asked with his head still turned. Needren smiled and stood grabbing his pants he put them on before walking over to Mizuki and turning his head "At least one more" He said and Mizuki growls bating his hand away causing him to smile before he turned and gathered everything else that was needed to get dressed.

After a moment Mizuki turned and started out the door With Needren behind him. "I really dont know why your bothering with this" Needren said as he crossed his arms "There is something different about this one" He said with a frown though growled as Needren spoke up again "Yeah yeah I have heard that before" He said and Mizuki sighed it was true though he knew something was off about this male.

Coming to the cell he looked at the hung over hunched forum of the male claiming to be Thalion. He was about to ssay something when the male raised his head. The moment their eyes connected Mizuki felt his heart Lurch but he needed to know if this was the male he sought after. "It seems to me you stroke an interest in one of my group members" He said to him with a tilt of his head "I dont know why im even doing this but you have another chance"

With that he opened the door and the two of them stepped in. Mizuki walked over to the silent male and removed the cuffs. It was a sutra after all. It was meant to stop the magic all together which meant it stopped the flow of energy to the source.

Taking a step back Mizuki looked at Thalion as he rubbed the chain rashed wrists. Taking the sword from his side Mizuki placed it on the ground infront of the hunched male and stepped back. Needren sneered "Dont you dare try anything" He said removing the double blades from his back as he watched Thalion before him.

Mizuki hoped to any god that would listen that by some great odds this was the real Thalion. Something in his mind told him that it was. That he was stupid for doubting him. There just had been so many look alikes that every time he turned around there was a new male at his door. It became to much and Mizuki all but shut the world away. To those who saw him he was cold and quite to those that knew him he was just Mizuki. "Well..." Mizuki said as he looked to Thalion.

Knowing how early Mizuki normally woke at he was starting to question if Luna had failed in talking Mizuki into another chance at proving he was who he said he was. Though after a while it seemed the dragonkin had kept her word as he heard walking. Not of any of the guards though too light.

He only looked up to see if he should be prepared for something or if it was just a different guard. "Oh is that so?" He questioned playing dumb and hardly caring about that fact that he was being a bit of a smart ass about it. Mizuki didn't need to know that Luna had kept him away for five years, testing him. That could be a secret. But he did owe her for convincing Mizuki to come back today instead of just giving someone the order to kill him.

What bothered him was the male that seemed protective of Mizuki, almost as much as Luna when she was around. Still rubbing his wrist a moment he glared a little at him. "If I was trying anything it'd be on your first trust me." Like he needed to ask for trouble but the lack of sleep and still low energy was getting to him a little.

He had enough energy to pull this one stunt off. Mizuki couldn't cast but so quickly and this male seemed ready to test blades. The male barely got the duel blades halfway drawn before Thalion already had the blade Mizuki had laid on the ground to Needren's neck. The middle of it glowing as he stood there.

"Threatening someone you do not know is not a smart move." That was a warning, he was sure the male here was a good fighter though he was expecting some push over or fake so his stance and energy in drawing his weapons was not there. Though there was also the fact Thalion for five years had been forced to fight to survive on his own or with Raden's help. There was no group for support or any easy means of making gold to get by.

Mizuki didnt have a chance to do anything because from one moment to the next Thalion was up with the blade to Needrens neck though this was not what made him stop and look. No it was the fact that the blade was glowing the red he remembered. So that meant...."Thalion!" Mizuki said said shocked at the blade, the moment and the fact that Thalion was right there before him.

Needren growled low in his throat as he glared at Thalion before him "Go for it drow" The wood elf hissed as he raised his head a little exposing his neck more to the male. "Enough!" He said walking over and reaching a pale hand out he placed it on Thalions shoulder and pulled back right into his arms.

Mizuki hugged the male before him to his chest as he hid his head in the males neck. For the longest moment he just stood there and hugged Thalion as Needren behind them cursed and crossed his arms. Pulling back Mizuki looked into ember orbs "I cant believe this...I ...IM SO SORRY!" He said grabbing onto him "I killed you once and was about to do it again" He said with a frown.

"Tsk if I had wanted to I would have.... damn are you normally this stupid?" Yep that was Thalion, though he had a good point if he had wanted Needren dead it would have been over with before either of them could have done a damned thing about it. "Though I might change my mind if I find out a certain half blood is dead and it was by your hands." Though he was pretty sure he wouldn't have to follow through with that threat, if they kept him alive then maybe Raden either got away and Mizuki was bluffing the other day or he was alive still.

Thalion would have probably said a few other smart remarks to see what rise he could get out of this one but Mizuki stopped them both before pulling him back into a hug. Probably a good thing that little display was about all he had strength for anyway. At the moment he had a bunch of bark and nothing to back it up with.

Once Mizuki seemed to let go for a moment and spoke Thalion shrugged a little. "Well believe it cause your damn hard to track down when you don't want to be found." Though when Mizuki grabbed onto him again and stared saying sorry and that he nearly killed him. "Please... out of anyone you know I'm not that easy to kill. If I thought you weren't going to give me a second chance or listen to me I wouldn't still have been in those bindings."

Where there was a will there was a way and all bindings and cells could be broken and escaped. "Besides.. YOU didn't kill me. If I recall it was a arrow through the chest. Though apparently that failed too." Ok that last part was a bad joke.

Mizuki frowned at that "Yes it was the arrow but at the same time if I didnt blank out you wouldnt of had to save me" He said with a frown looking to Thalion. It was true and Mizuki knew that but he shook his head "None of this matters right now..all that matters is your back" He said before rapping his arms around him once more.

After awhile Mizuki stood back and looked to him "Well I am glad this turned out and because of that.." Mizuki said looking to Needren "Go let the half breed out and take him to the mess hall so he can eat" Mizuki said before moving and helping Thalion he left the cell.

The trip was a long silent one as he took Thalion through different halls until they reached a large room. Opening the doors he walked inside and took Thalion over and sat him in a large chair infront of a fire place "You need some rest" He said as he began to go around the room and gathering different things.

Mizuki was to caught up in the fact that Thalion was alive to a point that he forgot the male was sitting in the chair there waiting for him. Mizuki was going through the room grabbing different things he didnt realize that it took him a long time before he stopped and looked to Thalion.

Mizuki smiled though at the sight he saw. Thalion was curled up in the chair sleeping away. It would seem that the male had a very long night. Moving he got the bed ready before he picked Thalion up. Gently he moved the male to the bed and covered him "I never thought this moment would happen" He said looking into the sleeping face before him. "I will be here when you wake...till then sleep well" He said bending down and kissing the males forehead before walking off and finding a seat infront of the fire.

"Haven't we been over this? If I did a better rescuing job in the first place." Then Mizuki wouldn't blank out, maybe this would have never happened like he wouldn't have failed in keeping his word to Mizuki about staying at his side. Though the other way right none of that mattered now. They were both alive and more or less fine though something still felt off to him, he couldn't put his finger on it just yet.

At least that was good news, poor Raden was probably more confused then ever now. Though Thalion did warn him that trouble followed him and that it was wiser to not tag around with him. That never once stopped the half blood though. Least he didn't get killed because of this mess.

It was hard to think that all of this happened in five years. Mizuki seemed to still be in a bit of shock so neither of them really said anything. If he had more energy he might have questioned things but he could wait for that. Heck he was in a bit of shock himself. He owed Luna, this sucked he never wanted to owe her.

After they got to a room and Mizuki made him sit down saying he needed rest he started to protest a little. "I'm fine really-" Though the other hardly was paying attention as he seemed distracted as he moved about. Least he thought he was fine maybe he was more tired then he noticed. Probably didn't help stressing all night about what if this didn't happen and that blade had failed to prove anything.

After a while he ended up falling asleep watching the other just go about whatever he as doing. He hardly meant to but he wasn't given a choice in the matter. He didn't even wake up when Mizuki moved him. No he was completely out of it. Probably a good thing. All these years he had to stay on edge and keep one eye open to get any rest and it had paid off finally. That or he lost it and this would be a cruel dream he woke up from.