#5 - greeting card that I drew at someone's request so they could send it to their elderly family member lol.. It's like.. cats baking

[icewindandboringhorror]

Pictures and things

[oneinathousandwords-blog]

The Sacred Blood-Lines ~ A Yu-Gi-Oh! Reader’s Request Fanfiction ~ Chapter 7

An inbetween-ish feeling sorta chapter. Nothing major really happens, but actually, some things kind of are. This is where I depart from canon and impose more of my own wonderful feelings and thoughts onto the characters . . . and so here we are. We’re on the roller-coaster, and it’s beginning the descent into the climax! Here we go again with my canon/American/Japanese switch-up of honorifics and names.

“Nii-sama, your orders have been carried out to the letter.“ Mokuba smiled up at his brother in the pre-dawn lights of the KaibaCorp rooftop hangar. Kaiba’s Blue-Eyes White Dragon jet was being fueled for the journey ahead. It was flashy, but they would be taking a different mode of transportation out of Denmark when they had to leave. It would, hopefully, be a brief distraction for their enemies.

“Well done.“ Kaiba slipped his pendant from his chest, giving it to Mokuba. He didn’t want to leave it behind, but he would have too. It contained a computer chip that acted as a password for all of his systems. Mokuba would be taking control of the company in his absence. He would need his key.

Mokuba took it reverently, looking up at his brother with a touch of sadness. “You should take mine.“ He said impetuously, slinging it from around his neck. “It’s not like I could wear two anyway.“

Kaiba hesitated for a moment, surprised by his brother’s tender generosity. “Alright.“ He took the slender string in his hands, pulling it over his head. It settled against his chest, cold and currently unfamiliar.

A fresh breeze ran over the roof, sending their coats flapping into the wind. Shivering, Mokuba drew into him for a moment, and Kaiba easily laid a hand on his shoulder.

The bang of the door closing alerted Kaiba to someone’s ascent to the roof. He turned, expecting it to be Yugi or Mahad. However, it was Ishizu’s dark hair and deep blue eyes that greeted him. The very tip of the sun was spreading over the horizon as she came to them.

“Seto. I trust you slept well.“ She bowed, her delicate voice gently accented with the country of her birth.

“Well enough.“ This was a lie. His dreams had been full of ancient pyramids and bloody sand. Horrors from a life he hadn’t even lived were stalking him through the regions of time, imprinted into his genetic code.

Her wise eyes, filled with a knowledge beyond her years, peered deep into Kaiba’s soul, passing over his pale face and tired eyes. She knew he was lying, and he knew she knew. “Nightmares pass with the sun’s rising, though they may return with its fall. But all things pass with time, even the burdens of others that you insist on bearing.“

Seto Kaiba stiffened. “You act like I chose what happened to me last night.“

Heart pounding, eyes wide, gasping for breath, clutching the sheets for his very life - he was dying - no, another had been dying. The sights and sounds of a war long over still scraped across his brain. He hadn’t gotten back to sleep after that.

Ishizu shook her head. “You will understand, once the darkness passes. Then it will all become clear. Until then, I will say no more.“ She spread her hands away from her body, letting the faint warmth of the sun run over her dark skin. “It is so very cold here, even in the middle of the day. But dawn is no different then my home.“

Mokuba smiled, pulling out from the shelter of his brother. “No matter where we are in the world, the sun will always come up in the morning!“

Kaiba just grit his teeth, already annoyed. He hated Ishizu’s know-it-all attitude and how she wasn’t afraid to hold it above everyone else, but wouldn’t explain anything in real words when asked about it directly. “What are you talking about? If you have something to say, than say it!“

“If I do, you’ll simply dismiss my words - as usual.“ Her voice was just as chilling as his own. Kaiba got the feeling that she wasn’t entirely fond of him sometimes, either. “But I will tell you what I meant, nevertheless. You must explore who you were many thousands of years ago, and understand the heart of his pain and distress if you want to be free of the pain that he passed on to you. It is not your burden to have, but it is still buried within your heart. You must find it, and leave it behind. You will never be free until you do.“

“I am free.“ Kaiba insisted, his voice a growl.

“And I am telling you that you are not!“ Raised voice, flashing eyes - the two got along as well as oil and water when it came to their ancient lives. “You are not free, and you never have been, so you have never understood what that means!“ Ishizu’s fist clenched defiantly at her side, and she turned to face Kaiba head-on.

Mokuba looked between the two adults, his first instinct to cringe away like a child. But something sterner and older rose up inside him, and he said what he had to in a defiant tone. “Nii-sama, she’s right.“

“What?“ Kaiba turned to him, his eyes full of pain from the blow in his only soft spot.

Mokuba looked away, but he didn’t stop talking. “I don’t know if what she said about always being imprisoned is right, but . . . for a really long time now, things haven’t been right with you. I don’t know what’s wrong. But please, I want you to stop - “ he hesitated, searching for the words he needed. “I need you to stop being sick!“

Kaiba closed his eyes, trying to ward off their words, trying to go back to what he had been before his night of ancient dreams. But he couldn’t, and he wouldn’t. Who he was needed to go forward. Backwards would destroy him. Backwards would mean pain. Backwards meant nothing but darkness.

“I’m not changing anything. But if these dreams continue - “ A promise, a lie, a vow, an oath, a deception, all words that fell from his lips. Did he mean them? “ - I’ll consider your suggestion.“

Ishizu stared at him for a moment, then nodded, her eyes sliding closed. “Well done. You have passed.“

“It was a test?“ Mokuba asked.

“A test of worthiness. No matter who he is, or was, this still isn’t something that can be given away lightly.“ Ishizu slipped a flat wrap of cloth from her sleeve, handing it to Kaiba. “In order to unlock the full powers of these cards, it will not be enough to discover your own powers. You will have to restore both yours and their memories of the past. They are like you, in a way. They once lived upon the earth with your past self, the Priest Seto. However, as monster spirits, these memories have faded.“ She hesitated. “Well, for some of them, anyway. You will understand once you are able to call their spirits here. But these cards will aid you upon your quest. They will be able to bring the power of your White Dragon to this world much easier than you can by yourself. Honor them, and they will serve you well.“

Kaiba snorted, accepting the cards, but not unwrapping them. “I don’t care about their memories or helping the spirits of the dead. If these a valuable cards, I’ll use them as I see fit. They’re my servants.“ But her words sparked his curiosity, and he pulled the white cloth away from them.

He saw the backs of the cards first. They were stiff, like they had just come out of a pack. They probably had never been used before. He turned the stack over, to see their fronts.

Pain. Searing pain. Thousands of years of torture so subtle that he had never even known it existed.

Blue eyes, white hair. A gentle smile, open arms. A name, Otome, Maiden, but that wasn’t the word that crept to his lips.

“Kisara.“

I intended this to only be one chapter, but I guess this rooftop thing is going to go one for one more. Tbh, I have no idea how long this series will even last. At least 30 chapters, and probably much more. You haven’t even met all the OCs yet, and their stories will take time to tell.

The inclusion of the ‘With Eyes of Blue’ cards wasn’t really thought out. :D I just did it - because I must have my Kaiba-kun building beautiful bromance with my lovely card-crushes Protector and Sage. I just . . . and Kisara . . . I . . . .yesssss . . . *blush* . . . I love them all. All of them. And Kaiba. I just can’t help it.

I mean, look at these boys.

I’m sorry. I’m such a fangirl, lol. OK, don’t forget to reblog so all of your followers can read this too (you know, if you liked this. If you didn’t, that’s cool too.) Keep in mind that it is reader request, so you can ask for anything non-ship-related.

Anything.

And I mean anything.

Right, this is long enough, so have a great and blessed and happy day, and links to previous chapters below!

Chapter 1 can be found here.

Chapter 5 can be found here.

Chapter 6 can be found here.

Also, please let me know what you think of my writing. Is there something I can improve on (I know I suck at ending chapters and stuff)? Constructive criticism appreciated!

[nezothecat]

Chapter 16

A week had gone by in the blink of an eye, and Naell had spent most of his time either in the library, or accompanying Lily and the young owl to play. All his preparations were done by his attendants as his little sister would not leave his sight.

The morning was mellow as they stood at the gates of the Beryldot household. They were now patiently waiting for the two Owls, as they went ahead to prepare their nest inside the carriage.

Naell's thoughts by then were filled with fond memories, all from the months he had spent with his family.

"Brother, don't go..." insisted Lily who was crying and grabbing his arm. It really was an emotional parting, as it was time for him to study in the capital.

"You know I have to, dear sister."

"Then, let me come with you."

Naell then kneeled down to comfort his sniffling sister. He then calmly said,

"Dear sister, if you go with me, who will take care of our parents, and even our household?"

*sniff*

Naell then added on, now slightly grinning as he knew he was winning their battle.

"Can you do that?"

"Hmmmph! Sometimes you are being unfair Brother."

"Hahaha"

Wiping the tears from her cheeks, Lily called out to him once more, holding up a hand as she lifted her pinky.

"Send me many letters brother..."

"It's a promise." Naell replied, holding his end of the bargain with a pinky swear.

Seeing the warm and loving interaction of Naell and the pouting Lily, was a cute sight to behold. Fharom, Lilia, and Sebastian, could only hide their feelings of gloom beneath their cozy smiles.

"Naell, take care of yourself out there."

"Thank you, Mom."

"Son, you can always write to us if you are in need of money. It would bring shame to our family if you somehow went hungry. We are nobles afterall."

"Do not worry, Father. Besides, I have your recommendation letter with me."

"HAHAHA ! With Andrea and my signature alone, you won't even be needing Fha--- Baron's signa---" But before Drew could even finish, an annoyed Fharom immediately cut him off.

"Why are you even here, Drew?"

"To see Naell off, why?"

Fharom could only sigh. Seeing the lovey-dovey couple who were both busy, but still went to see Naell off, was heartwarming. Yet, because he was quite a tsundere, he wouldn't show it off.

"Still--- Sensei, Father, Uncle and Auntie, thank you for the signatures." Naell as he stood up, bowed down to them. He was really glad to have those signatures as it would help him skip some procedures in the Adventurer's guild.

Naell's plan was to work and independently earn some money, as he did not want to burden his family. Nonetheless, his father would still send his monthly allowance.

"Nell, just give them that letter okay? If that old fart is there or anyone messes with you, I'll go to the capital myself!"

"..."

Naell could only wryly smile at Andrea's words. He remembered how Andrew and his group in the novel became celebrities, all after having brought the signatures of his two well-known parents to the Adventurer's Guild.

"Yeah! Me and my wife will---"

*cough*

"---HAHAHA ! I mean take care, Naell."

"Hahaha yeahhh, take care, Nell."

Fharom smiled with approval. He was glad with how Sebastian could silence the lovey-dovey couple.

Sebastian then turned towards his student as he said warmly,

"Naell, as your teacher, I'm very proud of you. Please accept my gift to help you in your travels."

Sebastian with a [ poof ] gave Naell a weapon: a staff carved out of dark elven wood. It had a simple yet elegant design with the intricate markings of elven language. Naell held the weapon in his hand in awe as he spoke.

''This... Thank you, Sensei."

There are three primary weapons that mages use; a Wand for amplifying one's mana, a Cane for controlling elemental magic, (which is useful for mages like Sebastian, who has inferior wind magic) and a Staff to lessen the burden of magic from one's body. Of course, there are mages who do use unconventional weapons or none at all.

"And here's ours!" Pridefully handed the blaring Drew.

Almost in an instant Naell felt a hint of relief, as he held onto the unusually bright ornament.

What Drew and Andrea gave was a bracelet of white-gold rings, chained together forming what was better known as 7 days.

"Thank you, Uncle, Auntie."

"Nell, I hope that'll help you, as it can lessen the burden on your body when using high-level magic."

"Ahhh, that's why... I'll treasure it well, Auntie."

Andrea and Drew were pleased upon seeing that Naell liked their gift. Yet their glee was cut short by Fharom's interruption, as he then held out his gift.

"And this is ours, Son."

As Naell opened the small box, he was greeted by the slight glow of a ring.

"Father, Mother, and dear sister... Thank you so much."

Naell was quite happy with all he had received, especially the spatial ring his family had given him.

He recalled what he knew of the Spatial accessories. Based on the novel, they were advanced storage systems that could give a separate space inside the user's chosen accessory.

Naell once more eyed the items he now possessed. He could not help but feel that all of their gifts were chosen out of care. After that, the young master became more determined to live his slacker life with them--- his family, comfortable as well.

As they heard the gallops of horses, they saw the carriage slowly closing approaching them.

While it was not that extravagant, it easily gave the impression of a noble's carriage. Not to mention, both doors of the umber-colored wooden carriage were etched with the snow crystal sigil of the Beryldot household.

As the door opened, two owls emerged from the carriage, immediately flying towards the group. Soon, a young man was hurriedly walking behind them.

"HOOT! Hey, don't cry, Lily! I'll be with your brother, so he is well protected." Said the young owl while puffing his fluffy feathered chest.

After the initial meet up, Athena and his son were welcomed warmly by the Beryldot's household.

At first, Naell was really displeased by the young owl's attitude. Yet little by little, it went from unpleasant, to him feeling he had a feisty cat that with all the attitude, still had to be loved.

Not to mention, Naell understood how powerful and helpful the owls were, as after having a portion of his magic sealed, the heavy burden he once felt was gone.

"Thank you, Owly." Lily hugged the little owl that all of a sudden, went silent. When Fharom introduced the two owls to his family, Lily went ahead and called the young owl as Owly. Little by little, the young miss and the young owl became the best of friends.

"..."

In truth, Owly wasn't pleased with the name, but since he was not strong enough to name himself, he thought it wasn't a bad idea to be named by someone else.

Fharom approached the fluttering Athena as he politely asked,

"Will you be staying in the capital, Lady Athena?"

"Hoot, I probably will not, as I'll be travelling east afterwards."

"Then I hope the carriage is to your liking."

"Hoot, it is. Thank you for your hospitality and for accepting my request, Baron."

Fharom, Athena, and Sebastian were in deep thought as they were gazing at one another. They could not help but recall the conversation they had.

"We believe that the demons are trying to resurface to the world, Hoot."

"That's impossible... but if that's the case then we should unite and elimin---"

"Baron, at the moment, we cannot trust everyone. Rest assured, as one of the 12, I'll make sure to prevent this catastrophe, Hoot."

"May Aurora guide you, Lady Athena."

"May Magi lead your way, Baron."

A small built man with kempt black hair, stood straight and bowed to them. Sebastian then approached the man and spoke,

"Serve them well, Mr. Lebrut."

"I will do my best, Sire."

Butler Lebrut was assigned to accompany Naell and Owly to the capital, and like Sebastian, he wore a standard butler attire matching his brown seemingly hardworking eyes.

"I'll be in your care, Mr. Leb."

"Ah! Same as well, Young master!"

Mr. Lebrut had known Naell for 5 years, yet even though he had changed, the young butler was still afraid of him.

"Shall we go now, Young master?" Lieutenant Estra was the leading knight that was tasked to guide the carriage. Two knights would also go with them to the capital, with one being the coachman.

"Still Naell, why don't you just go to Arigare and apply there for your adventurer's card? I heard rumors that the tests are more difficult in the capital." Asked Lilia who knew it was more practical, as she also knew that the capital was brimming with applicants.

"That's--- There is no need Mom, as it is my dream to apply in the capital. That will not stop me from accomplishing it!" Naell could only fake his excitement, as he couldn't say how much he truly feared the Dukedom of Arigare.

Naell was truly disappointed when he learned that the guild's application could only be processed in the big city. That was why the Beryldot's guild could only give missions and house a few expeditions.

"You wouldn't know Lila~, but it is always a dream of a future adventurer to apply in the capital!" Andrea was the one who explained how absurd it was, yet she couldn't deny how even they were like that in the past.

"Oh! I guess it is like drinking tea from our favorite place, no matter how far it is, we still go there."

"Hehehe, that's right~"

When Lilia and Andrea were together like that, the residents of Beryldot often found themselves soothed from the beauty of the two.

On the other hand, Fharom and Drew's get-togethers, (like at the moment) were often disastrous, as it always was with childish bickering at best.

"By the way, son." Fharom quickly dismissed his nagging friend's words as he handed out a different letter to Naell.

Naell noticed that the letter was formally prepared to be sent out to a Marquis, but what made it surprising was the question of why.

To: Marquis Metero W. Star

Naell knew of the Star family. They were a well-known power in the capital, having produced multiple widely known high ranking adventurers.

Fharom misinterpreted Naell's confused face as an expression of complication.

"I know... Even I am not fond of them. But neither Lilia nor I have any relatives, while you do... And I'm sure Alicia would have wanted to at least have her son be acquainted with her relatives."

"..."

Naell then realized the slacker life he wanted to have, was still so far from his reach.