Take The Bull By The Heart

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## What The Heart Wants

The day opens with Kai stretching his arms out, walking towards his desk that was stacked high with paperwork and forms that have been building up since he has been out on missions. Despite them needing to have been done by the captain, the mage knew that it wasn't gonna get done by him any time soon.

"Welp looks like I'm gonna be left here with all the rookies and kids again. According to the paperwork I've been reading most of our squad has missions out of the area, so they'll be gone for a while." Kai said before signing in relief for a possible break from the utter madness of the magic knight squad.

"Eagh!"

Dean was outside the headquarters, with him training while utilizing Mana Skin which he began shaping in the back area into wings, but the shape got undone halfway through and he fell down "I finally know how it should be done, I just need more practice to finalize it!" he said with a smile of excitement and he gripped his right fist tightly.

"Hm?" Kai looked over our the window and saw Dean in his progress. "Oh? How interesting, the kid's getting better. But he needs to master base mana skin and not skip right over into making wings out of it." Kai thought out loud. "But his form and formula aren't bad. Some more control and better output and he should be able to achieve both."

Within the main dining room, of the base, Juno is seen cleaning up after the mess caused by the black bulls chaotic antics. As she picks up the laundry left behind and scrub the stains of food and grease tossed to the floor, some blood even and some sort of mysterious substance she can’t identify, she even scoops up the piles of trash scattered all over. She stops for a moment to catch her breath and to wipe the sweat off her face. “Phew” she let out a strong sigh of relief. “This place is starting to look decent for once” She said to herself as she viewed her progress and went back to work.

Kai walked over to Juno with a curious gaze, carrying a book with paperwork in it. "Yo, Juno, need some help?" He asked nonchalantly and took a break from his work. "I was headed back to my office and saw the mess. I can take some time to help clean, no point in making ya do it all alone."

“Mphmhm” Juno chuckled a little. “Thank you, that’s very sweet of you.” She smiled with genuine gratitude. “But that paper work looks like it’s going to take awhile. If you don’t hurry you’ll be up all night working on it.” She informed concerned about his work load.

"Why don't you let your Vice Captain worry about that," Kai replied, setting his paperwork on the table and petting her head softly. "I'll help ya out a bit then I'll jump back on it. Don't worry Juno," he gave her a genuine smile, "I'll work on the living room while you do your thing here, okay?"

Juno blushed a little “hmhmhmh” she chuckled even more. “Sounds like a plan” she replied.

Kai walked away, heading into the living room and started to clean it. Touching up on the tables and sofas, all filled with crumbs and empty plates and glasses.

"Seriously, these kids are too much at times, and that includes the old drunk." Kai complained out loud.

Ravel walks by with a bowl of breakfast and a newspaper in hand as she’s reading through it while making her way to the table becoming too into it before she almost trips over him. “Ugh hey! Watch it! You almost made me fall. Ugh!” She complained. She then sat on the couch Kai was just cleaning on and went back to what she was doing.

"Haaaaah, seriously I thought all you little twerps were out of here on missions, what are you doing here Rav?" Kai asked

”What does it look like? I’m relaxing of course, only the older members left for missions or whatever” She waves off like she doesn’t care. “Now if you don’t mind, I’m trying to read here."

Kai sighs and let's a breath out, "Do you wanna say that again, brat?" The blonde vice Captain asked as he cracked his knuckles and looked down at her.

Above the ruckus was another member of the bulls, Jezebel, who had jet black hair with her outfit being rather revealing as she was resting her eyes then looked down in annoyance seeing what the commotion was about. "Mind keeping it down, I'm trying to get some sleep up here," Jezebel griped in a stern tone as her eyes sharpened.

"How about you come down here and put the plates you left here last night away. Making the job easier on me and Juno. Ya bunch of lazy kids." Kai replied as he kept cleaning around the living room. "It's hard calling you ladies if you don't act like it."

Ravel somewhat offended tossing the paper down. "Uh excuse me! I'm a princess, I'm the definition of lady like, and princesses don't clean, that's what servants are for."

"I'm the furthest thing from a servant, let alone a princess if you think you're going to degrade me to something as low to one," Jezebel sneered her tone showing much more annoyance.

With a sigh leaving his lips, Kai reached down and grabbed Ravel's ear and pulled her up by it. "I don't care if you were the queen of the world, this is my base and here we have rules. So clean your mess! And jezebel I swear to God if those plates are not out away I will teach you meaning of pain! Do I make myself clear?!"

"Uuuuuuuugh, yes dad," Jezebel groaned as she hopped down grabbing her plates as she grumbled under her breath while cleaning her mess.

Ravel gave in as well and as soon as Kai released her ear, she remain standing where she was while she looked around, deciding what looks decent looking to start with, none of which was catching her eye as it all seemed disgusting for her to touch.

"This place is as lively as ever." muttered Dean with a smile while swiping some sweat with a towel and then headed toward Kai "Good morning, Sir Kai." he said greeting him.

Kai looked over at Dean, his expression softening a bit. "Morning, Dean. Looks like you've been training hard. Good progress with the mana skin there," he commended, giving the young mage a nod. "But don't forget the basics. Cleaning up after yourself is part of the discipline." Kai then glanced around the room, assessing the remaining mess. "Hmm, I think we could use some help in the kitchen," he suggested. "There are dishes piled up in the sink, and it seems like Juno could use a hand there."

Outside of the base two figures could be seen looking over at the base, standing below a tree. Each of which wore a dark cloak, observing their surroundings and more importantly looking at the Black Bulls base. As Kai and the others busied themselves with cleaning the base, the two figures in the cloaks remained hidden in the shadows, their gazes fixed on the Black Bulls' headquarters. One figure would raise their hand and begin to pull focus to the air.

"A few of these should be enough to take out the runts in the base." A man's voice came from the shorter hooded figure then began to pull power from the environment, shaping rune arrays from natural mana and placing them all throughout the outer walls of the base.

Suddenly Kai's nose began to twitch, his eyes would slowly squint as he felt a tingle from his very being. Kai's instincts kicked in, sensing something amiss in the air. His senses sharpened as he tried to pinpoint the source of the strange sensation. He looked around, scanning the area for any signs of danger or disturbance.

"No…" he thought out loud in a panic before reaching out and grabbing the surrounding Black Bulls. "Azoth! Protect Juno!" Kai yelled out, summoning the spirit from his grimoire, the Phoenix flew through the base!

"**Maza Zone! Solar Nest!**" Kai cries out for his technique as he pulls the mana surrounding him, subjugating it to his will, tying his spell to it and forming a dome of pink-orange flames around himself and the children. The dome of fiery energy expanded rapidly, engulfing Kai, the Black Bulls, and the surrounding area. The Solar Nest spell created a powerful barrier of intense heat and magic power.

"**True Fire Magic: Pompeii**" the shorter figure called out and suddenly the runes painted all over the walls would set a blaze. Bursting with sudden powerful and potent natural magic, a large area of effect spell took over, causing the very walls to explode! The explosion stretched far high in the sky, the area around the base was blown back with intense, powerful force.

As the dome of fiery energy surrounded Kai and the Black Bulls, they were momentarily shielded from the explosion caused by the runes on the outer walls of the base.

The intense heat and flames from Kai's Solar Nest clashed with the destructive force unleashed by the enemy. The blast rocked the Black Bulls' headquarters, shattering windows, sending debris flying, and filling the air with smoke and chaos. The force of the explosion pushed against Kai's barrier, testing its strength and stability. Kai gritted his teeth, his eyes narrowing as he focused on maintaining the Solar Nest. The flames roared around him, fueled by his determination to protect his comrades. The intense heat radiated from the dome, warding off the scorching aftermath of the explosion. Kai focuses his energy, straining to maintain the Solar Nest spell amidst the onslaught. Sweat drips down his forehead as he pushes his magical abilities to their limits.

With the initial explosion subsiding, the battleground becomes a scene of chaos and destruction.

"You guys okay?!" Kai asked worried as his spell would wear off, he would then cancel out the dome and pushed the flames and debris away.

The two hooded figures outside the base observe the aftermath of their attack, realizing that their plan to eliminate the Black Bulls did not go as smoothly as anticipated. The shorter figure clenches their fist in frustration.

Ravel held her head as she got up to keep herself from feeling dizzy by this sudden occurrence. "What just happened? What's going on?" She wondered shocked and confused.

"All are fine." replied Dean who was serious and alerted.

"What in the hell just happened?!" Jezebel exclaimed with wide eyes as she looked around with vigilant eyes.

Kai placed his hands on their heads and smiled warmly, "I'm so happy you guys are okay." He said as he looked around. I know that feeling, that kind of magic power, it felt too familiar.

Off to the side the two cloaked figures stood still. "Knowing the demon he probably will track me here anyway." The figure then jumped off his small hill and dashed towards kai and the rest, surrounding his body with fire!

Like a raging meteor he made his way down and crashed before the youmg mages and vice Captain.

Shinzui, the other cloaked figure, remained unmoved, his eyes tracking the fiery descent of his companion. He stood on the hill, his cloak billowing slightly in the wind, his gaze steady and calculating every movement that happened within and around. Thanks to the mana released from earlier and the always energetic atmosphere of the Black Bulls Base nearby, the surrounding atmosphere contained wild enough mana for the man to divulge himself to be unsensed; at least by whoever was dwelling currently within the premises of the Squad building.

"Always the show-off," Shinzui murmured, a hint of amusement in his voice. His eyes, however, never left the spectacle unfolding before him. He watched as Leo crashed before the young mages and Vice Captain, whose impact sending a cloud of dust and debris into the air. "Let's see how they handle this," Shinzui said, his voice barely above a whisper. He crossed his arms over his chest, his fingers lightly tracing the intricate runes tattooed on his skin. His senses were heightened, and his body was ready to spring into action at a moment's notice. But for now, he would watch and wait.

Ravel noticed the sudden arrival of the cloaked figure and her eyes widened as she gazed upon the intruder whos cloak was removed upon his arrival at the base. "What? This cant be! Leonardo Fiamme? Whats one of the Heart Kingdoms Spirit Guardians doing here?" She wonder completely shook by this as her body trembled in fear.

"Ha! So you know about me? Good glad to see not all of-!" Leonardo was cut off shortly as a heavy fist coated in flames slammed into the air near his face! A rune array appeared before Leonardo and wrapped around the fist.

"Oh?" Leonardo cockily smiled looking at Kai who's fist had been captured. "Did you think an attack like that would work? Heh, pathetic."

"Leo..."

"Oh, so you remember my name aye?" The guardian cocked an eye brow with flee.

Meanwhile in another room in a different part of the base where parts of the building collpased into rubbled and fire burning around it. Kai's spirit Azoth was seen, its talons clutched onto the floor and its wings wrapped over each other shielding Juno inside to protect her from the falling debris and the ensuing flames. As soon as the danger has passed, Azoth unfolded its wings to release Juno. "Thank you for saving me Azoth." She gave her gratitude to the spirit, even bowing a bit. She then looked around to see the devastation that was caused from this. She held you hand over her mouth while she gasped. "Our home." She says with her voice full of sadness. Her eyes on the brink of tears.

She was then cut off from the sounds of conflict elsewhere in the base and gasped as she realized something as she turns to face Azoth. "Huh! Azoth if your here then that means Kai is on his own." She worried becoming concerned for his well being and ran in direction of the sounds of conflict.

As she entered the now destroyed room everyone else was in, she sees Kai going against the intruder. "Kai!" She cries out to him.

Kai's eyes widened, the sound of Juno's cries was able to shock him out of his rage. A single drop of sweat went down his cheek.

"Oh? That's not a look we're too familiar with." Leonardo said with a sickening snicker. Mesmerized by the look painted on Kai's face, Leonardo raised his hand up to Kai's face. "Now burn!" As he spoke a violent outburst of flames was released from the guardians open palm.

Just like earlier Kai's very being began to shake his nerves completely on end. It was like another force was warning him, urging him to move and avoid the oncoming attack. Just as the flames were to reach him, Kai's back whipped back, allowing him to bend backwards and dodge the flames.

"I need to move," Kai thought outloud, before kicking his foot back and rolled himself away back to his knights. "The rest of you in fighting condition?"

Dean then used his Gorillla Punch spell and got into a fighting stance "Ready, Sir Kai." replied Dean cold and serious while watching the attackers with anger.

Jezebel got into a fighting stance with sharp gold eyes as a dark aura surrounded her. "I'm ready," Jezebel replied with a serious expression.

## Wild Bulls

"Alright guys, let's get started," Kai began as he raised his hand and his grimoire flew before him, his eyes beginning to glow. Swiftly a line formed itself on the floor and circled around the Black Bulls. Then the mana around them began to gather in it.

"**Mana Zone: Sun Magic: Apollo's Fleece!**" Kai chanted, focusing his gaze on the bulls. Quickly the gathered Mana synced up with Kai's own. He started to create a coating of mana wrapped around their bodies and a coat made of pink flames surrounded them. Suddenly energy and mana began to rush through all of their bodies, waves of power they had never experienced began to run all over their bodies.
Leonardo smiled and placed his cheek on his face, his smile turning into a more sinister, evil smirk. The very sight before him greatly amused him to exemplary levels.

Ravel suddenly felt a rush of magic power throughout her body. "Wait what is this?" She wondered, waving her hand in front of her to see what it is thats feeling different. "I feel...stronger." Ravel was surprised, unaware of a spell like that even existed. "Did you do this, Kai?" She wondered as she turned to him but was interupted by Leonardo.

"It feels so...warm and encompassing..." muttered Dean taken aback as he was watching his body.

"Oh? Mana Zone? That crude form of magic and mana manipulation? You rely on that now? Do you not use the blessings the Kingdom of hearts gave you? You who was to be our greatest weapon to the world. The hybrid."

With that last sentence Kai clenched his teeth and tightened up his knuckles. That very last comment alone sparked the fire in his eyes. His words dripped with a mix of mockery and disdain, aimed directly at Kai and his utilization of Mana Zone. The comment struck a nerve, igniting a fire within his eyes. The mention of being the "hybrid" and the supposed greatest weapon of the Kingdom of Hearts cut deep, reminding Kai of his unique heritage and the weight of expectation placed upon him.

"Ho? Is that something he never shared? Isn't that rich?" Leonardo took a step closer. "Do it, take that cloak off. Is he still in there? Come on, let that voice out, let him in the driver seat." Leo continued to taunt the Vice Captian. He took another step closer, the tension between them growing palpable. Kai stood his ground, refusing to be swayed by the taunts and provocations.

"You've always been a pawn, Kai," Leonardo sneered. "A weapon created by the Kingdom of Hearts, meant to serve their whims. But deep down, you believe you're worth more than that don't you? You think you were born to what? Serve as a Vice Captain to a bunch of Runts and a drunk? How is that any different?"

"Grr!" Dean's aura flared up for a moment "You attack our home and keep insulting Sir Kai. I don't care who you are, I will *never*  forgive you! Gazelle Gallop!" shouted Dean as he activates his speed boosting spell and rushed at Leo.

Leonardo would raise his hand and a flame appeared in his palm. "**Fire Magic: Lion's Roar**" and with that Leo released a ball of flames which quickly took the shape of a Lion's head, growing to an immense size. It was over three times the size of Deans body and quickly approached him.

"*Dean,*" Kai's voice rang through Dean's head. "*Run full speed and slide under the attack, there's a gap between the spell and the floor as it explodes upon contact. Don't hold back and do this full speed.*"

Dean then ducked while running and once he barely avoided the spell, he used Leg Strength Boost and came close to Leo "Time to pay!" he roared while ready to punch Leo in the face.

"Oh? That's awfully fast, beast magic right?" Leonardo asked, leaving himself wide open. "Let's see if ya got anything in your bite little dog."

Ravel is next seen standing off to the side with her grimoire out and her palm out facing Leonardo as her grimoire glew and magic became focused in her palm. "I may not have strong magic power like my family does." She said with slight sorrow in her voice but then developed a look of determination in her eyes "but with this new power, I can fight with my friends! **Star Magic: Star Bright**" She called out and released a large ball of brilliant bright light that soared towards Leonardo. Enveloping him in nothing but white glowing light.

Leonardo closed his eyes as the light began to blind him. "Oh no, oh, whatever shall I do?" The guardian jokes as he could feel Dean's fist quickly approaching. "I wonder if there's any fangs under your bark, boy! Show me what that traitor has taught you."

"WITH PLEASUREEE!" roared Dean "GORILLA PUNCHHH!" he roared and began barraging Leonardo, with the barrage of fists creating a dust cloud "AGGHHHHH!" Dean gathered all his strength in his two fists and punched him in the face and gut, the impact creating a dust cloud that enveloped the area "Ha...ha..." Dean jumped back and tried to catch a breath "How...was...that?" he wondered while catching his breath.

"Oh, ouch, my face, oh no, not my spleen. Oh god, everything hurts." Leonardo playfully groaned as his voice rang through the dust cloud to the others around him. "Heh, tell me, was that really all you had in you, boy?" As the dust cleared dozens of magical runes appeared wrapped around his body. Despite the flurry of attacks that has landed, Leonardo was clean, seemingly untouched by the barrage he took on.

"Says the one that needs to be protected by runes." replied Dean cold and with seething anger.

"I wonder if the others have more to offer." Leonardo said as flames began to surround his body.

"*That bastard!*" thought Dean alerted as he jumped back to the others.

"**Dark Magic: Dark Claw!**" Jezebel shouted as she lunged herself.at Leonardo with a claw composed of dark energy aiming at him!

"Down girl," Leonardo said as the flames condensed to his hands. "**Fire Magic: Fire Wall** he called for his spell as the flames from his hand quickly formed a wall! Runes began to appear and wrap around the wall. "Guard me."

Ravel wasted no time as she released a rapid fire of star bolts that flew around Dean. "Ahhhhhhhh!" She cried out as she kept firing without stopping.

"Dammit, think a little fire will keep this from hitting you," Jezebel taunted as she continued to exert more force onto her attack!

Suddenly the flames that surrounded her body began to intensify, feeding both Natural Mana and a direct feed of Kai's own mana would merge and fuel Jezebel's attack. The coat was acting as a catalyst, adding more power to the attack. With the added force the claw like attack successfully ripped through the wall of flames!

"Oh my," Leonardo replied with a delighted smile as rines began to appear around his body. He tanked a direct blow from jezebel. "Sorry little miss but even something like that can't break my own protection.

"Whether breaking your protection or not, still gonna kick your ass," Jezebel retorted as she cracked her neck smirking as a dark aura appeared around her.

Ravel stood there clenching her fist while trembling in fear. "*I want to help them*, *but how*? *His defense spells are too strong*, *my magic isnt strong enough. Maybe my family was right, im worthless.*" She thought to herself but suddenly realized something. "*Spell? wait a minute! the spell that kai casted at the beginning of the fight, he gave us a boost in power*" She then looked over at Leo, focusing on his protection spell while hes distracted with Jezebel. *"That's it*!" She then flipped through her grimoire, scowering from page to page to find any kind of spell to do what she needs. "*I just need something, anything*." Her grimoire then stopped at a certain page. "*Yes*!" Her grimoire then began to glow as she channeling her newly acquired magic power. "Hey hot head!" She cried out to Leo, grabbing his attention away from Jezebel. "Face me! I'm gonna put you out." She says confidently.

"Oh? Another one of these brats wants to be beaten down aye?" Leonardo remarked cockily before rushing towards Ravel. "Alright little girl, show me what you've got! I need something to warm me up before I take out you Vice Captain!"

"Your not laying a finger on him or anyone else any more!" She released her magic as orbs of light suddenly appearing randomly around her. "**Star Magic**!" She cried out. Beams of light emanated from one orb of light to another until it looked like its taking a four dimensional figure. "**Constellation Sagittarius**!" She waved her hand towards Leo. "**Pierce**!" Each orb then releases a powerful light blast within the four dimensional figure before blasting it as a single concentrated beam of light towards Leo.

The concentrated beam of light surged forward, slicing through the air with incredible speed and power. It aimed directly at Leonardo, who smirked confidently as the attack approached. Ravel's attack would have been further enhanced by Kai's spell, which granted her a significant boost in magic power. With Kai's potent magic and natural mana merging with her own, the power behind her attack intensified even more.

"**Fire Magic: Blaze Wall**!" Leonardo called out, conjuring a massive wall of flames before him. The runes encircling his body intensified, fortifying his defense.

As Ravel's attack, empowered by Kai's spell, collided with Leonardo's flame wall, the impact was even more devastating than before. The concentrated beam of light tore through the flames with greater force, leaving behind a trail of destruction in its wake. Leonardo's expression shifted from surprise to shock as he witnessed the immense power of Ravel's attack. The beam struck him head-on, engulfing him in an explosion of blinding light and raw energy. The force of the impact sent shockwaves rippling through the battlefield, shaking the very ground beneath their feet. Through the combined efforts of all the mages working together, from Deans efforts to Jezebel rounding up at Ravel's strike finally breaking through.

When the light finally faded, Leonardo's figure emerged once more, battered and his clothes left with burnt and impact marks.

"You... insolent brats," Leonardo gritted his teeth, his voice seething with rage. "You think this changes anything? I'll show you the true extent of my power!" As he spoke his magic power began to rise and the very atmosphere around him grew intense.

Ravel was speechless. "Uh...u..hu." She had never experienced this level of power from her magic before, her body tingled with excitment. "*Oh my god*! *That was amazing*! *I never fired a spell that powerful before*!" She said in her head, her inner tone cheered in a girly high pitch screech.

"Alright kids, I'll be taking it from here." Kai announced as he walked past the younger bulls. "It's about time I step up and earn my keep. Can't let my juniors show me up like this, I am your Vice Captain afterall. You guys may be idiots at times, but no one is gonna hurt my kids." Kai confidently states as the flames from his students bodies began to die out and rushed to him.

## Days Long Gone

With determination in his eyes, Kai stepped forward, taking his place at the forefront of the battle. The flames that had surrounded his comrades began to wane, their power now flowing towards him. The mana and natural energy converged around Kai, intertwining with his own magic power.

"Enough with your taunts, Leonardo," Kai declared, his voice filled with resolve throwing off his cloak, a rush of mama began to flow through him. "I won't let you harm my family any further. It's time for you to face the true strength of the Black Bulls!" Kai raised his grimoire high, its pages fluttering as he called upon his magic. The mana around him surged, forming a swirling vortex of energy. With a commanding voice, he chanted, creating a fire on both of Kai's hands, feet and a single flame on his forehead.

In an instant, Kai's form transformed. His appearance became more imposing, his muscles visibly enhanced, and his eyes flickered with a fiery intensity. The flames that surrounded him took on the shape of a majestic, blazing armor, radiating an aura of dominance and might.

With a burst of incredible speed, Kai launched himself towards Leonardo, leaving trails of fire in his wake. Each step he took sent shockwaves through the ground, creating cracks in its wake. As Kai closed in on Leonardo, he gathered an immense amount of mana into his fists, infusing it with the intense flames of his Inferno Enforcer spell. The flames intensified, burning with an otherworldly ferocity.

Before Leonardo could even react his eyes shifted down, barely catching a glimpse of Kai's presence, seeing his fist for just half a second. The. Without warning, Kai's knuckles slammed, full force against Leonardo's face, upon contact the flames burst violently. Like heavy cannon fire the explosion from his fist alone sent immense gusts and waves of power everywhere.

"Not yet!" Kai continued as he twisted her waist and adjusted his stance. He unleashed a series of devastating punches, each strike accompanied by explosive bursts of fire. The force behind his blows shattered the air!

Leonardo tried to counter Kai's assault, conjuring powerful barriers and flames to defend himself. But Kai's strength and speed were unparalleled, his flames melting through the defenses with ease. The sheer intensity of his attacks overwhelmed Leonardo's resistance, leaving him vulnerable and unable to mount a significant defense.

With each strike, Kai's fists connected with Leonardo's body, sending him flying through the air. The impact was bone-shattering, leaving behind trails of flames and destruction in its wake.

"Get up, I know you're not done yet." Kai demanded as he looked over to where Leonardo landed.

"*My Runes were burnt off the moment he landed his first attack. His flames completely devour my own. I haven't been able to form a counter but his hyper offensive style is making that impossible.*" Leonardo thought to himself as he rose to his feet.

The relentless assault from Kai had taken its toll, leaving him battered and bruised. He knew that he had underestimated the true strength of the Black Bulls, particularly Kai's formidable power. Gritting his teeth, Leonardo forced himself to stand upright, his expression a mix of frustration and determination. Despite the overwhelming odds stacked against him, he refused to back down. His eyes locked onto Kai, his gaze filled with a fiery resolve.

"You may have caught me off guard, but don't think for a second that this is over," Leonardo growled, his voice laced with defiance. "I still have tricks up my sleeve that you haven't seen." As Leonardo spoke, he began to gather mana once again, his magic power surging within him. His burnt runes started to regenerate, glowing with a faint red light. The surrounding flames responded to his command, swirling around him in a vortex of intense heat.

"Mana Method! **True Fire Magic: Lion's claw!**"As Leonardo's mana surged, he channeled it into a powerful spell, invoking the Mana Method to enhance his fire magic. The flames around him grew more intense, taking the form of blazing lion claws that extended from his hands. The sheer heat and intensity emanating from the claws were enough to scorch the air itself. With a swift motion, Leonardo lunged forward, slashing through the air with his fiery lion claws. The claws tore through the battlefield, leaving trails of searing flames in their wake. His attacks were precise and relentless, aiming to overwhelm Kai and turn the tide of the battle in his favor.

Kai, with his heightened reflexes and heightened senses, anticipated Leonardo's attack. He swiftly evaded the first few slashes, his agility allowing him to weave through the onslaught. But Leonardo's attacks were relentless, each strike coming with the force of a raging inferno.

"I can't keep dodging his attacks," Kai thought outloud as he dodged another attack and ducked to evade another. "I'm not getting tired, but the longer I keep this up, the more likely that bastard is gonna wake up in me." .

With a momentary pause in Leonardo's onslaught, Kai seized the opportunity to gather his focus. He closed his eyes for a brief moment, taking a deep breath to steady his racing heartbeat.

"**Sun Magic: Sol**" As Kai chanted the incantation for his Sun Magic spell, a brilliant radiance filled the battlefield. Flames from his grimoire danced and intertwined with the surrounding fire, forming a concentrated sphere of intense heat and light. With a burst of power, Kai unleashed the miniature sun towards Leonardo. Its sheer brilliance and heat threatened to consume everything in its path.

"No!" Leonardo panicked as he continued to launch attacks back at Kai on a panic! One after another he released his Lion's claw spell trying to rip Kai's spell to shreds only to have them be consumed by the ball of fire.Leonardo's panic grew as he realized the futility of his efforts. His attacks were being devoured by Kai's spell, leaving him vulnerable and exposed. The remaining flames around him diminished, leaving him momentarily defenseless.

Just as Leonardo found himself in the perilous path of the Sol technique, a miniature sun with the destructive potential to incinerate everything in its vicinity, the shift that occurred was unexpected. The members of the Black Bulls and the Spirit Guardian, their senses attuned, became acutely aware of a new presence. A second figure, shrouded in a cloak, emerged on the scene. This individual stood tall, towering over the others, his stature matched only by the immense reservoir of magic power he held hidden from the others.

"Is this the reason our leader entrusted you with this mission?" Shinzui's voice echoed across the battlefield, laced with a tinge of disappointment and weariness. He had anticipated that the fiery spirit of his fellow Guardian would bring forth some unexpected advantage, some spark of brilliance in the face of adversity. However, the scene unfolding before him was far from what he had expected. Instead of a formidable warrior standing his ground, he saw a figure overwhelmed and on the verge of defeat. This was not the display of strength and resilience he had anticipated from a fellow Guardian. His eyes, usually filled with a lively curiosity, now bore a dull look of disillusionment as he watched the spectacle unfold.

“Formation: Thousandfold Serpent Retainers”

As if responding to a spoken command, the ground beneath Leonardo began to glow with an ethereal white light. Magic circles, intricate and complex, materialised from the luminescence, their patterns etched in the air with a precision that was almost surgical. From these circles, chains of pure white mana burst forth. They moved with a life of their own, slithering and coiling around Leonardo like a nest of serpents awakened from their slumber. In a swift, fluid motion, they ensnared him, their grip firm yet gentle. Then, as if performing a choreographed dance, the chains lifted Leonardo from his precarious position, whisking him away from the path of the oncoming spell. The entire sequence unfolded in a matter of moments, thanks to the strategic brilliance and quick thinking of the one who orchestrated it - Shinzui.
The situation had escalated to a point where Shinzui's direct confrontation with the Sun Magic was no longer a viable option. Despite his capabilities and past experiences, the timing and circumstances were not in his favour. As the wise Professor Oak once advised, there is a time and place for everything. In this particular moment, with the Sun Magic spell already unleashed and causing havoc and Shinzui still in his cloaked avatar, it was not the appropriate time for Shinzui to engage directly with the spell. The risks outweighed the potential benefits, and sense dictated a different course of action.

“Good morning, Incubus. Did you not hear what he said? You are coming with us."

"Oh, so they sent two of you here huh?" Kai asked as he took a step to the left and didn't break his gaze from Shinzui or Leonardo. "Sorry but I'm not going anywhere except to the store and get food for the kids before they come back from the missions." Kai announced as the flames from his body began to intensify and he launched himself at an intense speed, closing in on the two Spirit Guardians! Kai aiming a punch at Shinzui!

Unfazed by the escalating situation, Shinzui stood his ground as Kai's flames roared to life, growing in intensity. The fiery onslaught was imminent, yet Shinzui's demeanor remained as tranquil as a still lake. As Kai propelled himself forward, Shinzui responded with a cool, steady voice that belied the chaos unfolding before him. "Indeed, it's just the two of us," he stated, his words echoing with an unwavering resolve despite the looming threat.. "Children, you say? Well, I don't recall the dead having any need for sustenance, let alone from a store. You see, once my men have had their fill of amusement, all that's left are lifeless husks. They do have a tendency to prolong their games, despite my numerous admonitions. But alas, they never seem to heed my words."

As Kai launched himself towards Shinzui, the latter's gaze sharpened, his entire being zeroing in on the impending assault. His body responded with a lightning-quick maneuver, deftly evading the punch with the grace and fluidity of a river coursing around a stone. His movements were a seamless dance of evasion.

"Stand your ground and face the battle, you craven!"

Kai adjusted his footing, not breaking his sight on the two Spirit Guardians. "Azoth, come to me." Kai muttered as his grimoire flew to him and the flames located on his body began to intensify.

"I'm sorry lady Juno but I'm off to see him." Azoth said before returning to its body of fire and flew at incredibly faster speeds back to Kai. With Azoth returning to Kai, the flames surrounding him intensified further, their heat and brightness reaching new heights. The blazing armor that encased his form crackled with raw power, emanating an aura of overwhelming heat and energy.

"Craven, you say?" Kai's voice resonated with a mix of determination and defiance. "I've known you and Dante my entire life. I know the things you've done, not just to myself but others across the kingdom. You may have your tricks and your men, but I won't be deterred. The safety of my family is at stake, and I will protect them at any cost."

As the intensity of the flames reached its peak, Kai's body seemed to merge with the inferno itself, becoming one with the destructive force that surrounded him. The air warped and shimmered around him as his power surged to its zenith.

"**Spirit Assimilation**" both Kai and the Sun Spirit Azoth spoke in unison as the flames responded to his command, swirling and converging around his form with an otherworldly magnetism. As they condensed, the scorching heat intensified, threatening to consume everything in its path. A tempest of fire and determination raged within Kai's eyes as he prepared himself for the battle.

With a surge of energy that reverberated through his entire being, Kai's essence merged seamlessly with the blazing inferno. The boundaries between the flames and his physical form blurred, as if the two had become indistinguishable from one another. He had become a vessel for the all-consuming power of fire, an embodiment of its relentless fury. In this moment of symbiosis, Kai and Azoth, the Sun Spirit, stood as one, their powers intertwined in perfect harmony.

"So it's true…" Leonardo remarked as he looked up on Kai's transformation. "Not only did he gain the spirit but he's able to do something to the level of fusing with it?" The Spirit Guardian's eyes filled with hate only grew more intense. "*It's not fair,*" he thought to himself. "*This bastard was born strong, he trained by the strongest people of our country, he's a loving breathing prophecy, the result of not just human but devil relations, legendary magic of the sun named him it's champion as well!?*" The jealousy in Leonardo was only stroked all the more as he looked upon Kai. "It's not fair…" suddenly flames began to expel from his grimoire and body. "WHY DID IT HAVE TO BE YOU!? YOU SELFISH PRODIGY BASTARD!! WHY WERE YOU CHOSEN FOR THE PROPHECY!?" Leonardo's eyes burned with a mix of envy and resentment as he witnessed Kai's extraordinary transformation.

As Shinzui watched the spectacle unfold, he couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the sight of Kai's transformation. The sheer intensity of the flames, the way they danced around Kai's form, the raw power that radiated from him - it was a sight to behold.. "Leonardo," Shinzui began, his voice calm and steady amidst the chaos. "It's not about being chosen or being born with certain privileges. It's about what you do with the opportunities you're given. Kai didn't just receive these powers, he earned them. He trained, he fought, he persevered. He's not a prodigy because he was born strong or because he was chosen by a prophecy. He's a prodigy because he never gave up, no matter the odds." Turning his gaze back to Kai, Shinzui continued, "And that's something we can all learn from. Instead of resenting him for his strength, why not strive to reach that level yourself? Use your envy as motivation, Leonardo. Let it push you to become stronger, to surpass your own limits. That's the true spirit of a mage."

Shinzui's eyes narrowed as he focused on Kai's transformed state, his mind quickly analyzing the flow of mana and the structure of the magic that made up the Spirit Assimilation. Runes began to form in the air around him, glowing with a vibrant energy. Some of the runes flickered and sparked under the intense heat of Kai's flame aura, yet Shinzui was able to quickly complete the spell before the flames could consume it.The natural mana around him responded instantly, swirling around him in a dazzling display of light and power. The runes glowed brightly, their intricate designs etched in the air around him, mirroring the intensity of Kai's transformation. As the last rune fell into place, Shinzui's form began to change. His body seemed to shimmer and distort, as if he was becoming one with the mana around him. His eyes glowed with a fierce light, reflecting the raw power that coursed through his veins. He stood tall, his presence commanding and formidable, a testament to his mastery over mana. A smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth as he murmured, "Impressive, Kai. But two can play in this game."

In a moment of silent communication, Shinzui reached out to Leonardo, his intent resonating through the subtle manipulation of the fiery mage's mana. It was a request, a silent plea for a temporary loan of Leonardo's flame attribute. This was not a forceful takeover, but a gentle borrowing, due to his respect for his fellow mage. As the request was made, the air between them seemed to crackle with anticipation, the very atmosphere awaiting the merging of their powers.

Ravel gazed upon this new transformation of Kai's, completely speechless by it. "Uh...oh...uh! Thats...amazing. *He's turned spirit magic in his own. I've never seen this level of mastery before*." She thought to herself in amazment.

Juno stood there completely mesmerized from the beauty of the spell. "Oh wow. Is that really Kai? You'd never guess with that magic power." Juno placed her hand gently on her chest. "*Just please be safe Kai. That's all that matters*" She thought to herself, hoping he wouldnt get hurt from this battle.

Dean was watching the whole thing mesmerized "So this is Sir Kai being serious. So...beautiful and all that mana...He can defeat those two easily!" muttered Dean amazed while he began feeling hope.

"Oh wow...so this is Sir Kai when he's taking things up the next level," Jezebel commented in awe, "he looks...mesmerizing."

Leonardo moved by Shinzui's words his eyes reopened and looked directly at Kai, swallowing his pride the flames around him began to heat up.

"Alright," Leonardo replied, clenching his fists and cracked his neck. "Take however much mama you need Shin. I'm not enough alone to bring him in." He then turned back and looked at Shinzui and smiled. "Afterall, you're the Boss's right hand. So if my mama can help ya bring him in, then do what ya need." The Spirit Guardian said looking at the other guardian. "Take Kai down, Sir."

Kai's eyes widened as he witnessed Leonardo's change of heart and the intense flames surrounding him. He knew he had underestimated the determination and strength of the Spirit Guardians.

Shinzui, with his heightened sensitivity to the energies around him, was quick to detect the ripple of surprise that washed over Kai. A faint smile played on his lips, his gaze never wavering from Kai's. "Kai," he began, his voice laced with a cautionary undertone, "Underestimating your adversary can exact a heavy price." He then threw down the gauntlet, challenging Kai to showcase his protective instincts. "I'm eager to witness your strategy for safeguarding those you hold dear. After all, as a former spirit guardian whom we're striving so diligently to reclaim, I anticipate nothing less than exceptional from you."

With a fluid motion, Shinzui reached under his robe, his hand emerging with the hilt of his katana. The blade, once concealed, now gleamed in the light, its surface adorned with intricate runes and enveloped in the flames of Leo's mana. Sparks erupted from the fiery blade, illuminating the surrounding area with their fleeting brilliance. Turning his gaze towards Leo, Shinzui's voice cut through the tension, his words resolute and unwavering. "Leo," he commanded, his tone firm yet reassuring, "Stand up. Fight. Today is not the day you meet your end."

With a deliberate slowness, Shinzui began to remove his cloak, a simple yet significant act that marked the beginning of a new phase in the battle. As the cloak fell away, it revealed the man beneath - a figure of quiet strength and undeniable power. His dark hair, as black as the night sky, framed a pair of intense crimson eyes that burned with a fierce determination. The cloak, it turned out, was more than just a piece of clothing. It was a limiter, a device designed to restrain Shinzui's immense magical powers. The act of removing the cloak was not a necessity, but a choice. A choice made out of respect for his opponent, Kai. Kai had expressed his desire to remove his own limiters, to fight without any restraints. In response, Shinzui chose to do the same, to meet Kai on equal grounds. It was a gesture of honour. As the cloak fell to the ground, a palpable shift occurred in the atmosphere. The restrained power that Shinzui had kept in check was now unleashed, filling the air with a tangible energy. It was a clear message to Kai and to everyone present - the real battle was about to begin.

Gazing upon the figure Ravels eyes widened once again as she stumbled back and fell, not once taking her eyes off of him. "Th-thats Shinzui...Enchanting Shinzui! Another one of the Spirit Guardians" She became speechless at the reveal.

Juno was also surprised though not as much as Ravel. "*They sent two of their elites*, *risked the threat of war with the Clover Kingdom all to retrieve Kai*? *What are they planning*?" She thought in her head as a sweat drop leaked down her face from her nerves.

"I'll need to not hold back as much then, if we are gonna bring him in, we need to do so by any means necessary." Leonardo replied as rows of runes manifested all over his body. "I'll bring in the heat." As Leonardo spoke the heat from his own flames would flicker and grow greatly.

"Hm?" Kai examined Leonardo's flames and cocky attitude, giving him a smile. "So it's true, Heart wanted a champion of the sun so bad they tried to make one of their own after I left." Kai spoke as he looked over at both Shinzui and Leonardo. "That's why they would teach you that technique."

"True Fire Magic: Purifying Flames!" Leonardo yelled out as a pillar of hot red and yellow flames emerged from his hand and flew at Kai! The young Guardian's resolve was back, the passion in his eyes was absaloute.

"Oh?" Kai replied as he raised a hand and a wing made of his own brilliant flames emerged and acted as a shield bracing himself for the oncoming attack!

In a display of power, Shinzui mirrored his opponent's actions, his hands weaving intricate runes in the air above him. As his fingers traced the ethereal patterns of his runes, they shimmered into existence, glowing with a potent magical energy. From these runes, Shinzui launched a barrage of mana orbs, their movements as unpredictable as they were graceful. They swirled and darted through the air, their trajectories constantly shifting as they homed in on their targets. Some of these mana orbs found their mark, colliding with the protective wings of Kai's shield with a resounding impact. Yet others, displaying an uncanny sense of purpose, veered off their original course, their sights set on Kai and the rest of the Black Bulls. Each orb was a guided missile.

"No, you don't! Beast Magic: Tortoise Armor!" shouted Dean as he used his defensive spell while in front of the other bulls, with him making it bigger than usual "Sir Kai, don't worry about us, just finish them off!" shouted Dean while struggling.

"We got these guys handled," Jezebel reassured getting into her stance as a dark aura surrounds her body once more.

Juno wasted no time. While behind Dean's Tortoise Armor shield to protect her from the mana orbs, Juno pulled out her grimoire as it opened from center of the book and glowed. Juno slammed her hand onto the ground. Suddenly vines emerged from below Shinzui's feet and lash out at him to wrap themselves around his arms. "Now go! **Plant Binding Magic**! **Lashing of the Forest**!" she cried out, with more vines emerging from the ground beneath Shinzui's feet to lash out and wrap around him.

Caught off guard by the sudden emergence of the vines, Shinzui grunted in surprise. He felt the vines wrapping around his arms, their grip tightening with every passing second. "Clever move, Juno," he acknowledged.

Caught off guard? Not Shinzui. He was a master of the unexpected. As the vines began their coiling dance around him, Shinzui's body erupted into a blaze. A trap was sprung, and his entire form was set aflame, creating a fiery armour that encased him thanks to the magic borrowed from Leo earlier. Like a seasoned gardener tending to his plants, Shinzui unleashed a force of mana that tore through the encroaching vines. He ascended into the sky, a fiery figure against the backdrop of the battle. In the blink of an eye, Shinzui found himself in a deadly dance with the plant woman. His blade traced a lethal arc towards the Tortoise shell. With a voice as cold as steel, he declared, "Direct attacks don't work on me, lady, neither do surprise attacks." His words echoed across the battlefield. With this and more assurance; Shinzui was aware that there were no traps in his footings at present, and only one person could save them in this ordeal.

"*Fire Magic*? *Like that other one*?" Juno quickly glanced over at Leo then back to Shinzui. "*But that cant be right*, *I never heard the Guardians having two fire users*, *And those mana orbs he released earlier*, *Their not made with fire affinity*." She then waved her arm forward making a large flower bloom and emerge from behind her as it reaches over the shield. "**Plant Creation Magic**! **Flower Canon**!" The flower then released a large magic blast from the center of the flower at Shinzui as he charges towards the shield.

Shinzui's eyes narrowed as he saw the large flower bloom behind Juno, his instincts screaming at him to move. He was already in motion, his body moving with a speed and grace, but Shinzui could only smirk.Shinzui's smirk widened. "Didnt I tell you direct attacks do not work on me ?" he taunted, his body still ablaze with his fiery armour.With a surge of inner focus, he tapped into his reservoir of mana, raising his hand, he summoned forth a wing, not of feather and bone, but of pure, natural mana. This ethereal wing, glowing with an otherworldly light, was encircled with intricate runes. As the wing materialised around his hand, bracing himself, he stood ready to face the imminent assault.

"**Mana Zone!**" Kai yelled out with emotion behind his eyes. No longer was the Vice Captain's gaze in its called state it normally is. A dome appeared over himself and the three guardians. A massive jump in temperature suddenly occurred, burning away at the natural mana within the dome. This was Kai's own influence to the environment through his manipulation of the mana forming the dome. The mana within is being sewed and burnt with his magic.

Leonardo charged at Kai, cocking his fist back and swinging a strong right hook, only to be quickly blocked! Then as a counter Kai launched a kick only to have the guardian slip under the kick and quickly countering with a left jab into Kai's chest.

"Too slow!" Leonardo proudly declares before placing his hand Infront of Kai's face and release a burst of flames!

Shinzui watched the scene unfold before him with a calm, measured gaze. The sudden surge in temperature was a clear indication of Kai's Mana Zone, a technique that allowed him to manipulate the mana in his immediate surroundings. As Leonardo charged at Kai, Shinzui's eyes followed their movements, analyzing their techniques and strategies. He noted the way Leonardo slipped under Kai's kick, countering with a swift jab to the chest. It was a well-executed move, step above what he had displayed earlier.

Shinzui declared, "It seems I must resort to time-honored tactics." As he spoke, the ethereal wings that had been swirling around him began to fade, their luminescence dimming until they were no more. In their place, Shinzui's sword came to life, buzzing with an intensity of mana that reshaped it into the form of a grand sabre. And then, with a swift, decisive motion, Shinzui wielded this mana-infused blade to cleave through the oncoming magic blast, slicing it in two…

When Shinzui gazed at Kai, a surge of mana flooded his body. This mana did not originate from within him or from the fiery mana in the vicinity, but rather from a distant source, untainted by the noxious burning mana surrounding him. The tattoos adorning Shinzui's body seemed to come alive, as he became enveloped in a frigid mist that countered the warm atmosphere. With a stern tone, he questioned Kai, "How long do you intend to continue endangering those you call friends, Kai?"

"*I can't do this alone.*" Kai thought to himself as he continued to maneuver around and dodge Leonardo's constant rush of attacks. They continued facing each other, their eyes locked in a silent understanding despite how much Kai wished to help the children and Juno. "*If captain was here, hell of we had some of our more seasoned members here, I wouldn't be in this situation.*" Kai then kicked Leonardo away and turned back to Shinzui. Kai took a moment to catch his breath, his mind racing with thoughts and doubts. He knew that he couldn't do this alone, that the situation was overwhelming. He glanced over at Juno and the rest of the bulls, seeing their struggle against the elder spirit guardian.

"*Without the Captain here… I need to not hold back anymore.*" Kai slammed his hand to his fist as his aura began to increase. "Mana m-" suddenly Kai's eyes widened and his words were cut short.

"*Oh? Is someone actually getting real serious?*" a voice rang through Kai's head, it was malevolent, a rat-like even, it rang through the young mages soul. "*Now did you think I would let you do that? You don't give me full control of the body, you keep me prisoner, you think I would let you just have all that power?*"

"You mother fu-" Kai's words were again cut short.

"*Don't get cocky ya little shit, we both know you're in no position to talk back.*" the voice violently responded. "*You've removed your cloak for too long, ya know. Your soul, your magic, it's all weak. You need me, you need everything behind my locked door. You can't handle them both alone and watch over them. You can either take this power and give me full control, or let these little bastards, and "that" woman get hurt or let alone die just to keep me bound.*" The voice continued as Kai could feel large claws wrapping themselves around his throat, the weight pushing down on his shoulders.

Kai's heart pounded in his chest as the malevolent voice echoed through his mind, suffocating him with its cruel words and suffocating grip. He had been suppressing this entity within him and this sent shockwaves of fear and anger through his body.

Dean was watching the whole scene and gritted his teeth at how helpless things ended up becoming "Sir Kai, everyone, hang in there! I will go bring some help!" shouted Dean and then activated both Gazelle Gallop and Leg Strength Boost to run away from the battle.

"Oh no you don't!" Leonardo hollered, igniting his feet ablaze and taking off running toward Dean! "You little shitty! I'll burn you before you get the cha-"

"Where do you think you're going?!" Kai defiantly asked as he rushed to Leonardo, intercepting him. "Don't even think about touching that boy!" He ordered as a wall of flames sprouted up and blocked Leonardo's path.

"Tch! Shinzui! We either need to stop that kid or end this already before he comes back with help! We can't afford starting a war like this."

"Regardless of the outcome, we're in a bind," Shinzui expressed, his words carrying a deeper meaning. He was alluding to the potential release of an inner demon lurking within their target. He continued, his tone laced with a hint of grim amusement, "Imagine, a war... all that bloodshed, all for the sake of a single boy who can't muster his own power."

"My shining dragon, decimator of all, which can only be summoned through my ultimate monster! Appear before me! **Creation Magic**: **Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon**!"

Shinzui, with a swift and deliberate motion, directed his fingers towards the fleeing figure of Dean. In an instant, intricate magical runes materialised at his fingertips. This incantation gave birth to a colossal aura, taking the form of a white dragon, its fangs bared menacingly. The dragon-shaped aura sprang into action, pursuing Dean who was attempting to escape, much like a gazelle desperately trying to evade its predator. The aura's intention was clear - to ensnare and consume Dean, a fate ominously reminiscent of a Thanksgiving turkey about to meet its end.

"*Ah...*" Dean saw the incoming soaring dragon and his mind was going blank, a mix of reaction and acceptance of what was to come and his eyes were closing.

"*Dean? Dean? Big Brother Dean? Dean!*" the shadow images of four people appeared in his mind and were talking to him, only for the image of a dead woman covered in blood to flash in his mind and his eyes opened in shock.

"No, I can't die here!" he shouted as he used Tortoise Armor with which he was struggling to hold off the spell and in the meantime, he was flaring his mana around him "I swore to find my siblings and rescue them along with finding the bastards that killed my mother. Now, I have another family that needs to be protected." he said as the aura of mana began to change around his back "If I die now...If I don't go beyond my limits...WHO WILL SAVE THEM?!" he asked with a roar and at the same time, the morphing behind his back finished but the barrier gave in and a great explosion occured. Before everyone could realize what happened, Dean appeared from it with ruined clothes and being bruised, but the most shocking of all was that he was now flying with wings of mana on his back and an aura of a falcon surrounding him "**Beast Magic: Falcon Flight!**" he shouted "I did it...I broke my limits...!" he muttered bewildered and his eyes then got serious as he flew away "*Everyone, hang in there!*" he wished in desperation.

After sucessfully managing to escape the shining dragon, beleiving he was in the clear, Dean was now safe and in search for the nearest Magic Knight for back up. However, amidst the dust cloud caused by the attack of the dragons attack, before it could even settle, the shining dragon blasted through the dust cloud, continuing its pursuit of the young mage. Soaring through the air at incredible speeds as it easily caught up with Dean much to worry, with this newly acquired spell in his possession he has no form of control or knowledge of how to use it leaving him unable to do anything in response to save himself.

"Oh no! DEAN!" Juno cried out. She suddenly released a burst of magic power as her grimoire did the same. "*I HAVE TO SAVE HIM*!" She screamed in her mind. The sensation of the intensity and raw power of her magical presence would familiarized one of the guardians of a certain monster he would have encountered in the past. Juno slams her hands onto the ground, as far into the distance below the sky where the dragon is chasing dean, onto the surface of the ground, the plants of the Shifting Forest beings to change. The flowers, grass, bushes even the trees merge together as it rises high into to the sky between Dean and the Shining Dragon as it takes the form of a feminine figure with a human face not unlike Juno's. Her body is covered in lush flora and trees; clusters of flowers adorn her grassy hair similar to a headdress with a flowing "dress" made of plants and flora. "**Plant Binding Magic: Mother Goddess Of Cradling Love**!" The spell held her arms out as if using herself as a sheild to protect Sean using her body. As the dragon approached Juno's spell, it gently wrapped its arms around the dragon, cradling it a manner of a loving mother as it retracted down to surface level with the dragon in arms burrowing itself into the ground as the dragon struggles to fight against it, trying despreately to break free until its buried completely beneath the surface.

Having casted such a powerful spell, Juno was left drained of all her mana becoming completely exhaused. "Huff huff huff." Breathing heavily as it took her everything she had left to keep herself standing.

"Miss...Juno?" Dean was left speechless while airborne both because he was shaved and because Juno managed to unleash a spell strong enough to block that light dragon.

"Whoa...Juno...is that...wow," Jezebel was at a loss of words as her eyes widen seeing Juno's spell and was left in a state of shock and awe.

"Juno…" Kai murmured under his nose and softly smiled, looking equally proud as he was infatuated with the sight before him. "*You've always been amazing, but this... This is on a whole different level. You really are the boss's kid huh?*" he thought to himself with a mixture of surprise and vulnerability in his eyes. He nodded silently, unable to put his feelings into words.

Juno continued to breathed deeply as her arms and legs shook from the strain of standing. "Huff huff." She looked over to kai seeing the feelings in his eyes and the silent nod, Juno fully understood what he was thinking and she couldnt help but blush in appreciation and smiled in return and nodded back. "uh huuuu" However she was unable to keep herself standing any longer and collapsed from the strain of the spell.

"Juno!" Kai yelled outloud with worry in his voice, the flames surrounding, if only for the ever slightest of a moment weakened, almost died out all together before he felt a speeding force coming st him. "Shi-"

"Don't get so distracted!" Leonardo roared, slamming a kick into Kai's face, and an explosion of flames erupted and sent Kai flying into the floor below and away from Juno! "**True Fire Magic! Pompeii's Rise!**" as the runes above finally finished and formed a ring, a giant pillar of flames shot down and blasted Kai deeper into the ground! Creating a crater of searing flames and heat as the floor was melted or painted black with ash and flames.

"Take that, you prodigious bastard." Leonardo cockily remarked between his loud breaths.

"**Spirit Sun Magic!**" Kai yelled out from the very bottom of the chasm of an inferno. "You think these flames burn me?" Kai asked as he slowly began to float into the air. "I am the Sun's champion, this sky burns for me, your little camp fire won't bring me down!" Kai angrily commanded and floated above the hole. The flames inside the chasm and all over the battlefield began to be pulled up and off their surroundings, forming countless balls of flame. "You want to play with fire boy?" Kai asked as he reached the sky where Leo stood. "Fine, let's play."

"**Sol Del Cielo**" with a single snap of his fingers, each of the small orbs of flames rapidly grew, larger and larger. Each in was more four times Kai's size. There were over fifty of these, each of which gree more intense, the heat in the air was chocking and down right domineering, each taking the form of miniature suns.

With a single snap of his fingers, give if these suns rushed through the air and slammed into Leonardo! Each pulling him to them and slammed down, causing the guardian to fall to the floor and suffer in agonizing pain as the burning flames of these suns exploded! Fire pillars of heated flames, each dwarfing Leonardo's own, bringing the guarding to his back. The clothes he was erte either burnt off or melted into his skin. Countless runes were being hurt off his body as the mana that tried to protect him was burning away before these miniature suns even erupted.

As the battlefield erupted into chaos, Shinzui's senses were on high alert. He watched as Dean, Juno, Leo and Kai each engaged in their own battles, their magic clashing in a spectacular display of power. But it was Juno's magic that caught his attention. The raw power and intensity of her spell were familiar, reminiscent of a certain monster he had encountered in the past. Shinzui's eyes narrowed as he watched Juno collapse, her energy spent. He saw Kai's flames falter, the usually unshakeable man visibly shaken by Juno's condition. He saw the look that passed between them, a silent exchange that spoke volumes.

As Kai was engrossed in his confrontation with Leonardo, Shinzui spotted a window of opportunity. He sprang into action with such swiftness that his form seemed to blur against the backdrop of the chaotic battlefield. He darted towards Juno, who lay unconscious and vulnerable amidst the turmoil. In the span of a few heartbeats, he was at her side, his hand firmly gripping her arm in a vice-like hold. Juno was not just another member of the Black Bulls - she was Korag's daughter. This fact alone made her a valuable asset in the ongoing battle. Moreover, Shinzui had noticed the bond between Juno and Kai. The silent exchange between them, the concern in Kai's eyes when Juno collapsed - it was clear that Kai cared for Juno. By taking Juno hostage, Shinzui was not only securing a valuable bargaining chip, but he was also striking a psychological blow against Kai.

Shinzui leaned in closer to Juno, his voice a soft whisper barely audible amidst the cacophony of clashing magic and roars of combat. "I'm sorry, Juno," he murmured, his words carrying a weight of regret. His grip on her arm tightened slightly, a silent reassurance. "I need your help," he continued, his voice steady despite the chaos around them. "This fight... we can't win it without you." In Juno's mind, Shinzui began to craft a vivid image of Kai, locked in a desperate struggle. He painted a picture of Kai, his body battered and bruised, his magic flickering like a candle in the wind. His usually confident demeanour was replaced with a grimace of pain, his strength waning with each passing second. He described the fear in Kai's eyes, a fear not for his own life, but for the lives of his comrades. He was fighting a losing battle, his energy draining away with each attack he fended off. His body was on the brink of collapse, his spirit wavering under the relentless onslaught. Shinzui's words were like a brush, painting a heartbreaking scene of Kai's suffering. He made Juno see Kai's desperate struggle, his futile attempts to protect his comrades. He made her feel the urgency of the situation, the dire need for her intervention. "Consider Kai," he began, his voice a calm and measured whisper in her ear. "He's out there, engaged in a fierce battle. He's exerting every bit of his strength, risking his life for your cause. Yet, despite his valiant efforts, he's facing immense challenges. He's enduring great pain. And he's in dire need of your assistance and I require your trust." His eyes met hers, a cool determination in his gaze. "Understand that our actions, as severe as they may seem, serve a purpose far greater than what meets the eye." His tone was measured, his words chosen with precision. There was no desperation in his voice, only the calculated assurance of a seasoned strategist.

With Juno as his hostage, Shinzui turned his gaze towards Kai. His voice was calm and controlled as he addressed the other man. "Kai," he began, his tone carrying an air of undeniable authority. "You may best us once, twice, even thrice. But know this - the Heart will relentlessly pursue you, every second of every day." His grip on Juno tightened slightly, a silent reminder of the stakes at hand. "The more you resist, the more you try to escape, the more those you hold dear will find themselves in peril. Like this girl here," he added, his voice dropping to a chilling whisper. His words hung in the air, a stark warning of the consequences of Kai's actions. This was Shinzui in his element, a master of psychological warfare, holding all the cards and dictating the terms of the battle.

"J-" before Kai could even speak he silenced himself and slowly began to descend from the sky, the intensity of his flames began to subside and the miniature suns he has created began to shrink and dissipate. "Let her go Shinzui." Kai remarked as the flames around him had completely disappeared.

Filled with rage and anger, Kai's fists began to clench and his teeth subconsciously grinded as he saw the circumstances were against him. "*I can't hold off until back ups here, I can't.*" Kai thought to himself as he slowly began to walk to the spirit guardian. "*If I attack he may hurt her, she's in no condition to fight or defend herself. Damn it! Damn it!*" Kai's internal struggle could be seen the words of Shinzui's broke down the young Black Bulls will to fight. The words had done their job, it made Kai unsure, it was targeting his feelings and passion for Juno. "*If I fight, she'll get hurt by him or even by myself.*"

Kai stood before Shinzui and grabbed his own Grimoire, the sun Spirit retreating to the spell book, showing Shinzui that he had the means and want to surrender.

"Let her go, and I'll hand you my grimoire. I'll go with you peacefully, if you let her and the rest alone. But only if you do so." Kai declared as he looked at Shinzui. The black bulls eyes were filled with aggression yet complete honesty behind his words, with just a dash of fear and doubt behind it all.

Juno looked over at Kai, the words given to hear by Shinzui and the picture in mind that was formed by those words, forced the tears in her eyes to come out, unable to suppress them. "Kai...i know this is hard to accept huff huff but i understand why your doing this. Huff huff. We...have to... do what we can to protect them." She manages to say amdits her exhaustion and pain from being pinned down by shinzui. "I know as soon as dad gets here...he'll handle everything huff huff. Can you...promise me this? Whatever stands in your path, no matter what happens *huff huff*...never let anyone or anything change the luminescent sun you are, not even your other half. The thought of losing you, seeing you like that again...please promise me." The tears that filled her eyes began to flow down her face as she looked at him with a smile on her face.

Kai's heart wrenched as he looked into Juno's tear-filled eyes, her words echoing in his mind. Her request cut deep into his soul, reminding him of the pain and darkness he had once experienced. The memories of his past struggles threatened to consume him, but Juno's unwavering strength in her voice brought him back to the present.

"Juno," Kai spoke softly, his voice filled with sincerity. "I promise you, no matter what happens, I will never let the darkness overtake me again." A sense of determination radiated from Kai, his words carrying the weight of his unwavering spirit. He had made a promise to Juno, and he intended to keep it. No matter the obstacles or sacrifices he had to face, he would stay true to himself and protect those who mattered most.

During a tense interaction between Kai, Junoui, Shinzui remained steadfast and physically restrained Juno. He could sense the sincerity in their words and believed they were not attempting to deceive him. Shinzui then took Kai's grimoire and opened a small capsule, about the size of a tennis ball, which activated upon detecting the presence of the Sun grimoire. This caused the spirit within to be bound. After sealing the spirit, Shinzui released Juno and walked towards a tree, leaning against it. He revealed a tribal runic tattoo on his wrist and waited for it to activate, emitting a bright white light. The tattoo, glowed against his skin, casting eerie shadows on the ground.

Shinzui then turned his attention to the other members of the Black Bull. "How long will it take for that kid to fetch your captain?" he asked. Turning to Kai, Shinzui's gaze was unwavering. "I won't bind you," he stated, reminding him of their agreement. "We're departing now." His declaration hung in the air, a clear warning to all present. In a swift motion, Shinzui ascended into the sky, clutching Leo by the collar. His figure became a silhouette against the bright, midday sun. "If any of you fools decide to follow us," he called out, his voice echoing a stern warning, "that would be a grave mistake."

"They get it," Kai responded as he looked back at Shinzui, "don't go threatening my kids, cause I don't care if I'm bound and weakened. I'll still kill you if you think of even laying a hand on them." Kai looked with darked and angered eyes as he looked directly at Shinzui.

## Home

Shinzui, with Leonardo and the surrendered Kai in tow, led them towards the designated destination where a portal awaited their arrival. The journey was tense, filled with an uneasy silence as they made their way through the Forsaken realm. As they reached the portal, an arcane shimmering gateway, any real hope for trying to escape and run away had vanished from Kai's mind.

"So, this is it huh?" Kai asked as he followed behind Shinzui. They approached the portal, its ethereal energy swirling and pulsating before them. Kai looked at the portal, a mixture of apprehension and determination in his eyes. He understood the gravity of the situation and the importance of the choices he had made. Taking a deep breath, he steeled himself for what lay ahead.

"This may be the end of one chapter, but it is not the end of my story," Kai spoke with a resolute tone. "I will face whatever consequences await me, and I will find a way to make things right. I will get the hell out of heart, after I make you all realize that I am not yours to control."

As they got closer a figure stepped out of the portal, they were draped in a white cloak and bowed their heads. "Oh no Sir Shinzui, what happened to the Fire Guardian?" The individual asked as they expanded the portal. "We must get him treated him." They then paused, their eyes widening as they locked onto Kai and subconsciously took a step back.

"Sir, y-you both managed to capture the Incubus? He's actually ba real person afterall? I thought he was still just that of rumours." They felt shivers run down her back and felt a clawing sensation around her throat. She removed her hood, revealing a young blonde haired pointy eared elf maiden, Esmeralda looked over with both worry and disbelief painted on her face, confused over to be afraid of Kai or to be afraid of the spirit guardians condition.

As Kai declared his resolve, Shinzui merely glanced back at him, acknowledging his audacious words with a casual remark. "Bold words, lad, I look forward to the amusement our next encounter will bring."

He then reassured Esmeralda about the Fire Guardian's condition, emphasising his resilience. "The Fire Guardian will be fine. He's stronger than he appears," Shinzui stated, a hint of amusement in his eyes as he turned his gaze to Kai. "As for the Incubus, yes, he's real. And now, he's ours."

His gaze then hardened as he addressed Kai again. "Remember your words. While we can't control you, we are responsible for guiding you." With that, he signalled for Esmeralda to lead the way, ready to embark on the next phase of their journey.

However, the question of Leo's whereabouts lingered. To understand his current location, one would need to rewind to a few minutes ago during the trio's journey. Leo had proven to be too much for Shinzui to handle while also ensuring Kai's compliance. As a result, Shinzui had left Leo in a deserted cave somewhere in the forsaken realm, along with his cape. He hoped that Leo would somehow find his way back home.

"If you would follow me sir, the portal back to the Kingdom is awaiting you. I believe Lord Esposito and Lady Alanis are both waiting for you two. The other guardians are bud with their respective dynasties. But those two have been patiently waiting." Esmeralda reported and lead the way to the portal.

"Thank you, Esmeralda, Lets not keep them waiting " Shinzui responded as he stepped into the portal.

As they traveled through the portal the mages would be transported to a large elegant room, it alone could house the entirety of the Black Bulls base. From the paintings to the marble pillars and ivory walls, this room and building was decadent with riches. Yet fresh flowers and other flora could be seen all around the room as well. It was an embarrassment of riches in this room alone, leading one to only imagine what else could be found in here.

"This place may look nice," Kai announced as he followed steadily behind Shinzui, "but you can dress a cell all you want, doesn't mean it's not a cage. Certainly doesn't change the fact I'm back here yet all I feel is an obnoxious weight on my shoulders."

"Oh? And here I heard that the infamous incubus was a monster, not some dreaded overgrown child, complaining about their circumstances." A voice could be heard as a figure began to approach the three. It was a young boy of silver hair and deeply blue eyes.

"Young Master Alessandro? I didn't expect you to be here." Esmeralda struggled to say in her shock before politely bowing to the young man. "I thought you and the others were still fortifying the barrier for the Incubus."

"Hm? Oh no we got that done not too long ago. I mean," Alessandro paused and smirked, looking up at Kai in the eyes, then up and down, "from his current state we could have done half the work and it would still be more than enough to keep him locked up." The young mage then turned his attention to Shinzui and bowed.

"Sir Shinzui, Master Dante is in the other room if you wish to join him down the hall. I can take the prisoner to his cell if you wish." Despite how cockily he acted towards Kai the young man displayed his respect to the Spirit Guardian.

With a wry smile and a barely perceptible nod, Shinzui drew a flask, seemingly out of nowhere, to his lips and savoured a hearty sip. The tantalising aroma of a well-aged spirit wafted through the air as he scrutinised the young master with an inscrutable yet canny gaze. His demeanour was the epitome of relaxed nonchalance, however, beneath that surface, a constant, unwavering alertness prevailed. “My lad, a proposal worthy of praise," he retorted, his utterances slightly distorted by the invigorating warmth of the alcohol. "You deal with our companion here," his hand airily indicated towards Kai, "while I share a tête-à-tête with Dante, as is our tradition." His words oozed indifference, yet his eyes, astute and discerning, surveyed Alessandro and Kai in silence. Following a final affirmation and one more indulgent sip of his flask, Shinzui started to meander towards the corridor, with his seemingly leisurely saunter.

Garbed in his characteristic casual air and armed with his faithful flask, Shinzui sauntered towards the seclusion of Dante, the enchanting haven known as the Flower Chambers. Far from being a conventional room, this was an immense expanse vibrant with the teeming life of various flora. As he neared, the passageway unfolded into a breathtaking panorama; the Flower Chambers stood as a stunning tribute to the captivating allure of nature. More of a lively, sentient conservatory, it was a rich mosaic of dazzling hues and mesmerising aromas, its sheer scale challenging standard definitions of a "room." The flora, ranging from rare orchids to statuesque ferns, composed a verdant masterpiece that spanned beyond the line of sight. "Ah! The Supreme wanted to see me," Shinzui proclaimed, his voice resonating subtly across the lush Eden as he ventured within. His discerning eyes, albeit slightly blurred by the spirits, commenced a search across the expansive sea of green, seeking out Dante's figure concealed within this thriving spectacle of botany.

As Dante turned his head, the vibrant hues of his hair seemed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding flora, as if he were an extension of the Flower Chambers itself. His enchanting smile carried an air of wisdom and tranquility.

"Ah, Shinzui," Dante spoke with a gentle yet resonant voice, "you've returned. It's always a pleasure to see you amidst the beauty of these chambers. I trust that you have brought the Incubus back? That demon, Kai Elio has always been quite an issue. Kai's presence in our realm is a delicate matter," he said, walking to an elegant table with a teapot. "Care for a cup?"

Sporting a mischievous smirk and a gaze filled with wisdom, Shinzui dismissed Dante's proposition of tea, his tone laced with playful banter. "Tea, Dante? Surely, you jest. The only elixir that stirs my spirit is Sake," he declared, indulging in a hearty gulp from his flask, the scent of the fermented rice beverage blending seamlessly with the aromatic bouquet of the Flower Chambers. His orbs, keen and perceptive despite the intoxicating veil of alcohol, surveyed the verdant expanse, appreciating its splendor yet remaining vigilant. "The Incubus, Kai Elio, indeed posed a formidable challenge, but nothing beyond my capabilities," he elaborated, his voice echoing a touch of hubris. "The demon's existence may be a precarious affair, but it's now firmly within our grasp. Your chambers, however, continue to bewitch me. An ideal sanctuary, wouldn't you agree?"

Shinzui's utterances were casual, but his senses were finely tuned to the emotional state and the subtle vibrations of the room. He could sense the serenity of the place, yet beneath the calm surface, there was an undercurrent of something else, an unspoken query or an unexpressed worry. His empathic connection to his environment and its inhabitants was one of his unique traits, and he employed it now to delve deeper. "But let's set aside talk of demons and libations," he interjected, casually leaning against a towering fern, his gaze locked on Dante. "You didn't beckon me here merely to marvel at the flora, did you? What's truly weighing on your mind ?" His voice was light, but his eyes were intense, scrutinising Dante's countenance for any hint of concealed motives. The Flower Chambers were a realm of beauty, but in Shinzui's universe, beauty often masked peril, and he was perpetually prepared for whatever lurked beneath.

Dante's smile widened at Shinzui's jest, appreciating the guardian's affinity for Sake. "Ah, the exquisite taste of Sake, a true delight," he replied, pouring himself a cup of tea. "But, as always it seems you are able to detect that the matters run deeper than they seem." The Spirit Supreme paused before sitting himself down at the table. ""The Incubus is now in our care, but now it seems like there's more troubling matters at hand than that bastard. Tell me old friend, have you ever heard of an organization called the White Brigade?" Dante asked, taking a drink from his cup. Despite the atmosphere in the room, Dante's voice, the way he moved hair from his gaze, to the way he poured his tea was gracefully calm. "Now too long ago we had captured a mage who had set a farm and its crops a blaze. After apprehending him, we brought him to Giovanni, so he could fish out any information he could. During his interrogation, just as Giovanni was making headway, the man, named Eustis Winterfell, a spade native, had given us the name of his organization, "The White Brigade". A Terrorist Organization from what we have gathered. He mentioned they wished to tear down the monarchy seen in our kingdom and others like it. It would appear that the safety and stability of our realm are at stake, at least that's what they want us to believe." He then looked up from his tea and looked back into Shinzui's eyes with a fond smile.

"Quite frankly I don't enjoy the thought of us quaking in our boots or to afraid to make any moves." The suddenly the air of the room grew colder, Dante's breath being seen as a mist. The Spirit Supreme's magic beginning to affect the temperature of the air in the room. "Oh my, it looks like I can't hide my emotions too well still huh?" Dante asked rhetorically with a small chuckle beneath his breath. The Spirit Supreme's revelation about his emotions only reaffirmed the depth of the situation. "Anyway, I would like to place you and another in charge of gathering whatever intelligence you can over the White Brigade. I would like to get ahead of this and not seem weak. For the first time in such a long time, someone is actively trying to challenge us and quite frankly," Dante looked up at Shinzui as a gust of wind blew from him across the room, "I want to see this organization crumble with their dreams shattered." His smile remained fond and gentle despite the atmosphere in the room. "Oh my, not again." He chuckled as he poured another cup of tea.

Shinzui's grin broadened into a full-fledged smile as Dante acknowledged his penchant for sake. "Ah, the discerning palate of a sake aficionado, truly a joy," he retorted, taking another hearty swig from his flask. "And as you've astutely observed, I do possess a certain knack for sensing when there's more beneath the surface." He watched as Dante poured himself a cup of tea and gracefully settled at the table, his demeanour as tranquil and elegant as ever.

Upon hearing the mention of the White Brigade, a spark of recognition ignited in Shinzui's eyes, swiftly veiled by his habitual laid-back demeanour. "The White Brigade ?" he echoed, maintaining a steady tone. "I can't say the name strikes a chord, but they do sound like a challenging bunch." He listened attentively as Dante unfolded the tale of Eustis Winterfell, the detained mage who had set a farm and its crops ablaze, and his affiliation with the terrorist organisation. "Toppling monarchies, are they?" Shinzui pondered, his tone light but his gaze thoughtful. "Quite an ambitious endeavor indeed." He took a sip from his flask, his thoughts whirling like a tempest. He had caught whispers of the White Brigade in his travels, rumours of their activities and their objectives. But this was neither the time nor the place to disclose that information. Not yet.

The sudden plunge in temperature in the room didn't escape his notice. He watched as Dante's breath formed a mist in the chilly air, a clear indication of the Spirit Supreme's emotional unrest. "It seems you're more perturbed by this than you're letting on," he noted, his voice laced with a hint of concern. "But fear not, I'm up for the challenge. Gathering intelligence on this White Brigade should prove... intriguing." He paused, taking a moment to contemplate the gravity of the situation. "It's been a while since we've faced a worthy adversary," he mused, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. "I look forward to watching their grand schemes crumble to dust." Despite the tension in the room, Shinzui's demeanour remained relaxed, his warm smile mirroring Dante's. "And don't fret about the cold,. It's a refreshing change from the usual warmth of these chambers," he added, raising his flask in a playful toast before taking another sip of his sake.

"As always, Shinzui, your enigmatic nature keeps me on my toes," Dante chuckled, a glint of amusement dancing in his eyes as he regarded the Spirit Guardian. "As per usual I suspect you are holding onto more information than you let along. Your uncanny ability to hold secrets close to your chest is as alive as ever." He raised his cup of tea in a silent toast before taking a sip, relishing the moment of camaraderie between them. "But I've learned to trust you and your keeping of whispers." He said, pausing as he enjoyed his drink some more."*Should this trust by my own downfall, I would be happy it came about from you old friend.*" Dante thought to himself looking down into his own reflection in his cup of tea. "Anyhow, I would also like to ask, why you had decided to leave the little lion cub out in the Clover Kingdom. Leonardo is a spirit guardian of course, if he is made then torture and death is a certainty for him. As little as I like that boy, he still had his uses for us."

Shinzui's eyes danced with a playful glint as Dante's words reached him, his lips curving into a sly grin. "Ah, your talent for deciphering me remains as sharp as ever," he responded, his tone light yet his gaze intense. "But as you're well aware, some enigmas are best kept under wraps." He raised his flask in response to Dante's silent toast, the rich scent of sake permeating the air between them. "Your faith, my friend, is well placed," he assured him, his voice resonating with a note of sincerity. "And should it ever lead to your downfall, well... I'd be the first to raise a toast in your honour." He took a sip of his sake, the familiar sting of the alcohol a comforting sensation.

Upon the mention of Leonardo, a contemplative expression swept over Shinzui's face. "Ah, the young lion cub," he mused, his gaze distant yet piercing. "Do you genuinely believe I’d allow him to be ensnared so effortlessly? I've got my sights set on him, Dante. You have a tendency to overprotect your young ones. I trust him to navigate his way out there in one piece." He paused, a playful smirk pulling at the corners of his mouth. "And by 'one piece', I'm not suggesting he'll set sail in search of some legendary treasure," he added, "Though, who knows? Perhaps the lad could benefit from a bit of pirate adventure in his life." All the while, he held his flask of sake. Suddenly, the mischievous sparkle in Shinzui's eyes vanished, replaced by a look of intense seriousness. His demeanour transformed, the levity of the moment dissipating like mist. "Escort me to the captive," he commanded, his voice resonating with an uncharacteristic note of authority and determination. The shift in his tone and expression was palpable, a clear indication that the matter at hand was of utmost importance.

"Oh?" Dante stood up and quickly the various plants in the room began to wither away, the sensation of the room became all too real and heavy. "Since when have you ever been the one to give commands in these parts?" He asked as he left his cup of tea on the table. "Unfortunately old friend he won't be available until tomorrow. As both Giovanni and Guadalupe are taking shifts of healing him to keep him alive. It seems he was more injured than we originally believed." He then paused and looked around, observing the plants that were succumbing to the cold temperature in the room he had inflicted. "Shame, it seems I got a little excited back there." The Spirit Supreme said, slowly adjusting the temperature within, creating a more damp and humid environment. "They'll live. Much like my guardians, these plants are a symbol of the Heart Kingdom. I'm responsible for keeping them alive. They like my citizens, most importantly like my King and the royal family, must live." He then paused and turned his gaze back to Shinzui. "You call it overprotection, but I wish to make sure our forces have time to grow and increase our strength."

He then stepped forward towards Shinzui, "I will take you to his cell, but you will need to wait for tomorrow to work your magic on him." Dante explained, walking past Shinzui, closing his eyes and holding his forward, looking at the door. "Let us be off now"

Shinzui's gaze followed Dante's actions with a composed, analytical air, his eyes slightly narrowing in response to the Spirit Supreme's words. "Orders? I merely put forth an idea," Shinzui countered, his tone maintaining its casualness, yet his words carrying an undercurrent of firmness. "If your evaluation is accurate, and taking into account recent developments, the Heart Kingdom is teetering on the edge of turmoil. And let's not lose sight of that mission of yours," he added, a knowing twinkle in his eyes. He absorbed Dante's explanation, his facial expression an inscrutable mask. "So, our captive is in a more precarious state than we initially surmised. That's... regrettable," he pondered, taking a contemplative sip from his flask.

He observed as Dante manipulated the room's temperature, the plants gradually reclaiming their vitality. "A representation of the Heart Kingdom" he echoed, his gaze introspective. "An apt metaphor. But bear in mind, even the most robust trees need to endure a tempest or two to truly flourish." As Dante advanced towards him, Shinzui straightened up, matching the Spirit Supreme's gaze with an unwavering one of his own. "I'll bide my time until tomorrow," he consented, his voice resolute. "But when the moment arrives, I'll execute what needs to be accomplished."

With that, he trailed Dante towards the exit, his mind already strategizing for the task that lay ahead. Despite the gravity of the situation, he couldn't suppress a thrill of anticipation. After all, challenges were what added spice to life. And Shinzui was always game for a good challenge.

We then pan away from the duo of Shinzui and Dante, looking elsewhere in the kingdom. In the dimly lit chamber beneath the Royal Castle of the Heart Kingdom, Kai found himself bound by shackles on his ankles, wrists, finger joints, and neck. His arms were suspended by the chains, stuck on his knees, leaving him in an uncomfortable and restrictive position. The cold stone walls seemed to close in on him, and the flickering torchlight added to the feeling of uncertainty and dread. As the minutes turned into hours, Kai's mind raced with thoughts of how he ended up in this predicament. He recalled the fierce battle that had ensued during his capture, the overwhelming power of the Heart Kingdom's guardians, and the moment he was defeated and captured, the safety of Juno and the bulls, his family. Now, he was left to wonder what fate awaited him.

The silence of the chamber was interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. A pair of guards walked into the dungeon, approaching his cell which was surrounded by countless magical runes.

One of the guards, a stern-looking man with a scar across his cheek, peered at Kai through the bars of the cell. "So, you're the Incubus causing all the trouble for our kingdom," he said, his voice laced with disdain.

Kai remained silent, trying to keep his emotions in check, before looking up at the guard.

"Oh?" The guard questioned as he opened the cell doors and walked inside. "Don't forget your bound not just by your chains but the dozens of runes the apprentices place on you." the guard stopped speaking before cocking his fist back and punching Kai square in the face.

"..." Kai remained silent, looking up at the guard.

The guard's face contorted with anger as he clenched his fist tightly. Without another word, he threw another powerful punch, hitting Kai in the gut this time. He could feel the magic from the runes restricting his abilities, leaving him vulnerable to the guard's magically enhanced strikes.

"What's going on here?" A powerful and loud womanly voice rang through the dungeon, suddenly snapping the two guards to stand in attention. A woman concealed in the shadows observed the two guards.

"M'lady," one of the guards addressed her, "we were just dealing with this Incubus troublemaker."

"I can see that," the woman replied, her gaze fixed on Kai. "But that doesn't give you the right to unleash your anger on a prisoner." Her tone was firm and disapproving. "Now the both of you, leave."

The guards quickly obeyed the woman's command, their heads bowed in respect. They left the dungeon without uttering another word, leaving Kai alone with the mysterious woman.

"It's been quite some time since you've been here, since I've seen you."the woman said, staying behind the shadows and looked at the imprisoned Kai.

"...." Kai refused to respond, treating her no different from the guards that were assaulting him just a moment ago.

"Still trying to be tough?" She asked as the sound of her footsteps could be heard. They were both gentle yet commanding, as if she wanted her presence to be heard but not overbearing.

Kai's eyes followed the sound of her footsteps as she moved closer, but he maintained his silence. There was a wariness in his gaze, unsure of this woman's intentions and whether he could trust her.

"You've always been like that," she said as her blue heels could be seen as they reached some light. "Aye, Kitten?" With that said a small small appeared on her lips.

Suddenly Kai picked up his head and looked back at the figure, his eyes widened, as if he had heard something that shook him to his very core.

"Oh? Do you remember my voice now?" The woman giggled, stepping closer as her blue dress met the light of the candles. "Just as always, the little blonde kitten."

Kai in disbelief could only let a single word escape his lips, "Aria?..." He asked with fear and shock in his voice, the uncertainty was killing him.

As she stepped closer, her brilliant blonde hair cascading down her shoulders, and her emerald green eyes fixed on Kai with a mix of concern and determination. It was Aria Alanis the princess of the Heart Kingdom.

"Hey there kitten," she said softly, her voice carrying a hint of sadness. "I can't believe you got yourself into this mess, Kai."

## News

Back at the base of the Black Bulls, Juno mourning over Kai's abduction covering her face with her hands as she curdled up as tears seeped down her hand. With the other squad members wonded, exhausted and disappointed in their failure, unable to even support her in her time of grief. Ravel watched as she cried, unable to think of what to say or do. She decided to at least try and comfort her and stepped forward but stopped as she suddenly noticed a spatial gate open.

Emerging from the spatial gate was Korag Gildamesh the captain of the Black Bulls followed by Alana Merle close behind him with Dean being the last to walk through. As they took their first step out of the spatial gate, they bare witness to atrocity that had occurred to this forest. Flames burning all around them, burning the tree while they still stand and smoke fills the air. The plants reduced to ash and destruction on the land itself. Animals caught within the flames have long since died either by suffication of the smoke or becoming engolfted by the searing flames. While the flames have yet to spread to the entire forest, the amount it did get to, reduced this beautiful forest paradise to a absolute devastation.

The new scenery shocked Dean as the situation wasnt as bad when he last saw it. Alana stood beside Korag, while she still remained calm and collected, she stood there with slightly widened eyes and a sweat drop dripping down the side of her face. "This is awful. Who ever did this had a complete lack of concern for anything around them, just mindless violence." Alana mentioned.

Korag remained silent and proceeded to the direction of the base, clearing out the flames in his path. As he cleared out the last of the flames in his way, "Oh no." Alana blurted out upon first sight, revealing his the castle that stood as the base of the Black Bulls has been completely destroyed, reduced to rubble that is also burning from the flames. His squad members weakened and helpless on the floor. Korag once again remained silent while alana and dean ran towards their fallen comrades to ensure their safety and move them away from the burning building.

Juno lowered the hands from her face upon hearing Dean's return with her father and Alana as tears continued to flow down her face still. "You came back." She said with a tearful relief.

After checking on Jezebel, ensure that she isn't too injured and moving her to safety, Alana looked around. "I dont see Kai any where." She wondered as she was sure he stayed behind as well.

Ravel, who Dean was checking on brushed him away and tried to stand up but struggled due to her injuries and walked over to safety though slowly. "The attackers took him." She managed to inform.

Alana's eyes widened. "They defeated him?" She wondered in shock that Kai could have ever been defeated.

"He surrendered when they took miss Juno hostage." She looked down in defeat. "The attackers were from the Heart Kingdom." She turned towards Korag to tell him directly "They were Spirit Guardians. Leo the Fire Ball and The Enchanting Shinzui."

Korag continued to stand where he stood silently, his body wrapped and covered by his cape as he watched the base become engulfed by flames and burned down. Alana approached Korag with a communicator in hand. "I've notified headquarters, they will begin the search for them and Kai." Alana watched as Korag turned towards her without saying a word. Even without exchanging words, Alana knew exactly what he wanted. "Yes sir." She replied and pulled out her Grimoire as it opened and flipped over the pages before stopping at one and glowed brightly. "**Spatial Magic**: **Call of the Bull**" She called out. Just then spatial gates began to open all around them, each one had members of the Black Bull squad walking out of them.

From one of the spatial gates, a young girl with short light pink hair stepped out and took in the scene in front of her. Steam whiffed off her body as her magic started to fluctuate underneath her skin. Her home was destroyed, the place she felt like she could be herself was gone and she was devastated. Her distress turn to seething hot anger as she turned toward her squad captain with one thought in her mind as she spoke calmly, "Who are we hunting down."

Two more portals appeared from which Serena and Helen appeared and looked around concerned and confused, with Serena's eyes then seeing Dean being sad "Dean...How-." she tried to ask saddened, but Helen placed her hand on her left shoulder and shook her head also saddened.

"Damn them...DAMN THEM!" Dean began crying while angry, slamming his fist on the wall "Damn those bastards!" shouted Dean in anger and grief.

The young blue haired Alessandro Fabbri walked through the portal, cheerfully laughing before suddenly facing reality before him. Quickly he dashed out forward! Running over he heard the tears and heavy breaths of Juno and charged to her. Knowing how important she was to his master, Alessandro looked over.

"Lady Juno! Are you okay? What happened? Where's master Kai?" He looked around, back and forth, observing the ruins of the base and the destruction that has been spread through the whole forest. "So much destruction, everyone's hurt...he wouldn't leave you guys like this." His heart was banging against his chest and with a heavy weight to his shoulders Alessandro hugged Juno.

A young man with patchworks skin wearing a long white coat under his squad robe shuffled through the portal with notes in his hands which he was focused upon lost in his own thoughts "That's perfect i think i have it if only i...." His words trailed off as he saw the destruction of his Guild Hall. His heart began to visibly pump faster as Victor looked around his usual excitement of another day of discovery quickly gave way to a sinking feeling of despair as he looked frantically around the room. Noticing his singed notes on the table where he left them he screamed "My Notes!, My Notes!, I'll find who destroyed my research i'll kill them kill them, Kill them". Seeing Ravel and Juno on the ground Victor strode towards them at pace pulling out his grimoire, "Move they needs medical attention" He said moving past his fellow squad mates "**Surgery**" he said casting his spell as he summoned strands of magic to heal their injuries.

Jezebel's eyes widen from the aftermath before her. She glanced over to Juno immediately running over to her. "Juno...," Jezebel spoke in a sober tone as she tried her best to comfort her.

Yolanthe ran in on all fours then her ears perked up looking at the mess before her. "What in the hell happened here?!" Yolanthe exclaimed, "Jezebel, you okay?!"

"Y-yeah, I'm fine," Jezebel reassured.

One man with silver spiky hair named Hino Sontara stepped out of another portal and look around at the new environment too see where he was. "Wait whats going on? Where am i?" only to quickly realize he was at his home base. "Wait this is the base. How'd i get here?" He wondered to himself. Once he turned around it all came clear as he gazed upon the burning land of the forest and the destruction of the base. "No." He said, mortified with a gasp and ran towards the others. "Whats going on? What happened?

Another man that came out of a potal with long black hair in a dreadlocks styled in a half-ponytail named Lecter Minazuki seeing the destruction before him immediately upon arrival. He remained unchanged and watched as he pulled out a cigar and used the fire around him to lit it. He then leaned against a tree and remained there as he smoked.

One man with messy blonde hair lacking any form of a shirt and wearing a cape worn over him named Drayd Taka came running through the portal and looked around frantically. He clench his fist "No" Unlike the others, whos main concern was towards his allies and ran towards them. "Is everyone ok?" He said with concern.

Another member with silver hair, dressed in a high style fashion accessory with decorative horns on his head named Caine Kaltos who emerged from the protal. "Hey. What is this?" He wondered as he grinded his teeth at the site of the base. He then floated into the air. "Who dares tred upon my sacred headquarters? Home to I, the illustrious demon king?" He questioned with a fruious roar. "I swear by my all mighty power ill make them pay!"

Next to emerge was a little girl with long black hair with flame orange on the tips wearing a bamboo muzzle to cover her mouth named Aika. "Mmmm? mmmmm" She ran over to Jezebel to see if shes ok "mmmmm" She said with worried concern.

Next to come out of the portal was a girl with long redish golden hair wearing an eye patch. At first moment of seeing the result of the battlefield, her expression remained unchanged, showing no signs of horrific, saddened or even remorse and instead stared blankly at the event.

Another member to emerge from the portal is a young girl with long pink hair tied into long twin pigtails wearing a maids uniform named Kaitlin Kumo, the personal squad base maid. Carrying with her, bags of groceries in hand and many other supplies floating behind her within large bubbles big enough to carry them due to her magic. "AHHHH!" She screech upon first glance after entering the portal, dropping the bags of groceries causing her to lose focus resulting the bubbles to popping, leaving the bags to fall as well. "This is terrible, what could have happened? i have to fix this right now away! Go away fire, stop burning our home!" She cried out, frantically running towards the crumbled base, making a bubble grow in her hand in an attempt to put out the fire only to trip over a single debris in her way and falling to the ground causing the bubble to splash herself with her own bubble. "mmm oh dear." She said to herself as she got up to see how soaked she is.

Another member to emerge is a young girl with silver hair covering herself in a black coat with its hood worn over her head named Aisa Nostrade as she walks in, pulling along a wagon loaded with books behind her and witnesses the damage delt. "My library." She mumbles to herself and picks up one of her books from the wagon and holds it in her arms to comfort her, lowing her hood over her face as a tear is seen shedding from her eye.

The next pair to emerge are actually two little girls who look exactly the same without including seperate color schemes on their clothes each named Li and Ly Valley a set of twins. They dash through the portal with great exceitment. "Weeeeeee" They both yelled in joy, running around beside each other as if their playing tag and running from someone. Suddenly they witness they are in a new area and stop. "Oooo! Where are we now?" Lily wondered in amazment.

"oo oo i know" Lyla eagerly raised her hand and point over to the destroyed base. "We're home!" She says excitedly. "YAY! HOME!" They both cried out and over to the base and stopping just before the fire and scattered debris. "Heeeeey! Someone break our house!" Lyla pointed out.

"No fair thats cheating!" Lily said waving her fists in the air.

"Where will we play now?" Lyla wondered.

"Hmm" Lily thought. "Oooo i know!" She eagerly raised her hand. "I bet Kai will play with us! He can make anything fun with his lifty balls." She explained.

"Oooo yea lets go find him so we can play!" Lyla agreed and they both dashed to around the area to find Kai.

Finally the last of the bulls to enter from Alana's portals was a young girl with long pink hair also tied into pig tails wearing an outfit that would hardly be considered clothes at all. This young girl is the daughter of the squad captain Korag and yonger half sister of Juno named, Coco Gildamesh. She stepped through and sees the event lyed out before her eyes immediately widening her eyes in horror. "No..." She says to herself, clenching her fists as memories of time with this base flashes before her eyes and turns to see her sister and friends injured from the conflict "Who did this?" She asked in a serious tone, her eyes covered by the bangs of her hair. "WHOOOOOO DID THISSSSSSSSSS!?" She shouted loudly in anger, her scream shaking the area causing the twins running around to trip and fall.

Alana look around the summoned members of the Black Bulls much to her disappointment. "I tried to summon him but it seems it didnt work, they either must be blocking pin pointed spells that would target him..." She pauses before continuing. "...O-or they've already crossed the border" She said to Korag without turning to face him. "...In which case we've lost him...for good."

Korag remained silent once again, not even budging from Alana's hypothesis. Without any notice, Korag then began to walk forward. "Uhh Captain?" Alana wondered not knowing what hes thinking anymore. Korag slowly made his way to the burning building. "Wait Captain, where are you going?" Alana asked, grabbing the attention of the other members. Korag continued towards the base as he made it to the flames, without even stopping, Korag walked through the large flames that had consumed the building, vanishing from the members view.

Alana, wondering whats going through his mind shook it off as she looked over to members that have now just arrived. "Alright everyone listen up" She called out to them, explaining the entire thing that happen as far as she is of aware of with juno and ravel telling it in detail, down to the last letter.

The squad mates stands there, mortified, their mouths agap. "The Heart Kingdom took Kai?" Coco angrily repeated as a question.

"Oh man thats terrible. Those damn hearts. To think they would do something like this in our own kingdom at risk of war." Hino said. He then turned over to Juno, Jezebel and Ravel. "Well at least you guys are safe, that's good to hear." He said to them, putting Juno's arm over his shoulder so he could help her stand up.

"No Kai?" Lily questioned sadly

"Then who will use the lifty balls on us so we can play with?" Lyla wondered sadly.

"Thank you, Hino, what do we do now, Alana?" Juno questioned.

"For now we'll wait here for reinforcements from headquarters. They'll be taking you three to their medical ward and for questioning, we'll let the professionals investigate the area and await to hear from the Wizard King and the Captains meeting afterwards, we'll be given orders by then..."

"I see..." Juno responded about to continue when suddenly. "Uggh" She was hit in the side of the head by a rock thrown at her, causing her to bleed from the impact as it dripped down her face, this caught everyones attention and turning to see who threw it and discover it was Coco, who was furious.

"You don't get a say in this, Juno! You didn't try to stop them, you encouraged him to go! Its all your fault, Kai's taken cause of you told him to!" Coco shouted angerly at Juno as she picks up another rock and prepares to throw it at her before shes stopped by Drayd and Dean. Juno looks down in defeat, the blood dripping off her face as if they were tears.

"Stop this Coco, have you lost it?" Drayd questioned as he tried to hold her back.

"Grrr, let go of me!" She tried to get free. "You expect us to wait? You let those bastards attack us, take our vice captain and then expect us to sit idly by and wait while the enemy does who knows what with him?" She turned her anger towards Alana in response to the orders she gave to the squad.

"Its on orders from Headquarters." Alana informed "The Wizard King and the Captains will deal with..." She continues before she interupts.

"Screw those bastards, we dont need them. He's our Vice Captain, you recommend we stay here and do nothing? And you call youself a Black Bull." Coco snapped, insulting her lack of loyalty. She then looks over to Juno "Willing to stoop so low as to give up on Kai." She verbally attacks Juno more

"Thats enough, Coco!" Alana shouted, getting irritated from her outburts. "You shouldn't say such things to your own sister and the ones who fought hard against them." She continued

"Heh, the good it did them." Lector said from where he was leaning.

"Got something you want to add Lector?" Alana welcomed with an attitude, glaring over at him.

Lector glared back "Yeah, I do." He said. stood up from the tree and walked over the injured. "Coming back to see the base in such a state is a pathetic display. Don't care who you people were up against, you losers couldn't do anything against them regardless how hard you fought that all you could do is be worthless while they go to town with yer faces while one of you runs with their tail between their legs and thats a fact. Didn't think you guys would be such weaklings." He then stopped before Jezebel and squat down to see her in equal eye view. "Especially you, little miss gothic goodie two shoes. I thought you supposed to be better then that, your the superior fighter after all"

"Hey, Lector stop it, you dont have to be so mean to them!" Kaitlin interupted.

"I concur." Talia added, her voice sounding dull and robotic, agreeing with Lector.

"You too?" Kaitlin sadly questioned.

"You failed in your mission. And Kai was taken as a result. We are now without a leader, without a base, and without clues on what they wanted Kai for." Talia explained as if programmed, her face remains expressionless.

A sweat drop dripped down the side of Alana's face as the Black Bulls divide apart in her first minute of leadership.

"That's enough!" Alessandro yelled amongst the noise and looked directly at Coco. "You may beat me up for this, and I don't care. But Coco, you're being a brat! Your sister is hurting, we lost our home, we lost master Kai! Fighting won't fix anything! Talking down others won't fix anything. We need to regroup and figure out what to do. The kingdom has its policies and they have protocols, I'm not saying we don't do anything, but we should think before we act. We shouldn't just cause more of a mess than there already is."

"Ale is right. As much as I want to gut them for taking sir Kai, especially with such a despisable way, even I know that we will cause war and many commoners and peasants like us will be hurt and even die. Is that what you want?" asked a saddened Dean while looking at everyone.

"No...I don't but with what just happened are we just gonna sit here while they have master Kai?!" Jezebel exclaimed in frustration her face twisted in a scowl.

"teh" Lector scuffed as he stepped away. "You losers do what you want. It's every bull for themselves now." He said as he began walking away.

"Lector stop! Don't do anything out of line! ughh." Juno tried to stop him but was over come by the pain.

"Ah! Hey you ok?" Hino turned towards her in concern.

"Shut up. You dont get to tell me what to do." Lector snapped.

"Grrr." Hino growled and ran over to Lector grabbing him by the shoulder forcing him to turn around. "Now wait just a minute!" He said harshly but was surprised by Lector's response.

"Dont touch me!" Lector shouted. When turned around, Lector swung his fist infused with his blackened looking magic at Hino only for Hino to quickly draw his sword and block the attack with the wide flatten edge. Their clash of power send a shockwave around them, extinquishing a bit of the small fire around them. They continued their clash, each one trying to over power the other. The other Black Bulls became worried wondering what they could do to stop them When suddenly.

"Thats enough!" A familiar voice cried out from the buring base grabbing everyones attention. Even Lector and Hino lowered their attacks in order to turn to the direction of the voice. When Korag came out of the rising fire unscathed.

"Captain." Alana said with a sigh of relief, knowing he'll put an end to the chaos around her. She then looked closer and noticed he was now carrying a small rectangular wooden box under his arm.

Korag then sat down after leaving the fire and placed the down in front of him, opening it up revealing a set of exquisite bottles of booze. He scrounged around the bottles, pulling one out and chugging it down as the sounds of his gulps can be heard loud and clear. When finally stopped, Korag, having infused the bottle with reinforcement magic, slammed the bottle to the ground. The second it touched the ground Korag unleashed his monstrous magic power, appearing as a thick, potent, black and white aura around him, creating intense wind pressure that the black bulls could barely keep themselves standing as it showed his body as a black shadowy figure, the only thing that can be extinquished from the shadow was glowing red eyes revealing his unbridled furry. The only thing the bulls can do was endure the pressure emanating from his power. "I can take our base being reduced to rubbles. But i will not let those heart bastards walts in and do what they want to my squad with out taking REVENGE!" Just as he said that, Korag clenched his fist carrying the still reinforced bottle, shattering it to pieces. "If its war they want its war their gonna get!"

**Next Chapter**