As the sun set igniting the horizon in a scarlet blaze, a dangerous omen of the impending second battle, Pegasus was brought to the infirmary, weak from his captivity. As soon as his eye closed and sweet slumber overtook him, the curtains billowed. Although the window was open, a breeze was not the culprit. A shadow within the shadows moved, silent as the night to come. Like glowing embers, red eyes shone, piercing the darkness.

A lithe figure stepped out into the illuminated twilight, hearing and feeling fellow kindred around outside, battling the humans. Something stirred deep within the chest of this being, and a heartbeat as loud as a drum could be heard by keen ears. The lithe figure walked slowly over to the unconscious, weakened form of a muscled man, and placed a hand upon his forehead. "Yuh been asleep for too long."

Removing a small, corked bottle from the folds of the traveling cloak, the intruder uncorked the phial, and let it drip slowly onto the lips of the slumbering man. The muscles in Raphael's face twitched. His eyes could be seen moving rapidly behind his lids, as if dreaming. His breathing changed, his pulse on the monitor showed a rapid increase, and his eyes fluttered open. Topaz blue eyes focused on the luminous red ones above him, and Raphael wasn't sure what to say. He tried to move, to speak, but a hand pushed him down, cautioning him otherwise.

"This is a powerful potion. It would not do yuh good to move now. In 12 hours, yuh will be able to walk around again at yuh original strength. Don' be hasty." The stranger leaves to fight anonymously in the battle.

~~~~~~~~~
[Comments are for the following morning, June 3rd, after the battle.]

(Open only to The Aurum Knights, Keith, Yugi, Vivian, and Zigfried)

Important message to those left at the castle:

I think strategically, leaving Keith, Yugi, Vivian, and Zigfried was a good idea to defend the castle. They are all pretty strong and willing to defend those in need. I know Vivian is only just finished healing now, but I counted on her before... I know I can count on her again. Keith I only just met, but something tells me that even though we may not get along, he will be a great defender of Zig's Castle. As for Yugi and Zigfried, long have I placed my trust in you; it has not faltered.

Be safe and alert, all of you!

To the Aurum Knights:

I have given each team the following:
~ maps, and any assorted information I can find on the location itself
~ brief analysis of magical spells I believe may be guarding each location
~ estimated number of demons within each location
~ assorted tools and weapons (I know a few of you provided your own...)
~ one remote detonated, magic-tamper-proof, Murphy-proof bomb
~ a miniature satellite clock
~ a magical jammer (jams all magical attempts at communication)so that the demons can't warn the other three headquarters
~ a cyanide pill, in case you are captured and wish to evade torture


Each of you should all have an Aurumite stone, and you should all be well away from the bomb (which hopefully is in the right location) when it explodes. To do so otherwise will result in your own deaths. I don't want that...

To Seto: You are responsible for setting the detonation of all four bombs simultaneously. Using KC satellites, I am confident it will be a cinch for you.

Due to the problems with flagging - as most people who happen upon a fictional blog do not understand that this is an RP - I'm friend-locking the majority of my entries from now on.

~Pearl

I did a really nice profile for Ferro, so I thought I'd do one for Raphael and Amelda, too. It doesn't include a bio, though.

Full Name: Raphael d'Château
Hair: blonde, short, sideburns
Eyes: crystal blue
Height: 6’6”
Weight: 210 lbs
Body Type: athletic, very muscular, masculine
Date of Birth: May 6, 1974
Age in RP: 29
Place of Birth: Nice, France
Calls Home: Paris, France
Currently Resides: Palm Springs, California, USA
Accent: South-West American English with a touch of Parisian French

Vivian, Seth, and I already arrived in Japan earlier this week. We met with Amelda briefly to get a first hand account on what happened. Then, we met up with Darci in person. Seth didn't seem to trust her much, but I can certainly understand his sentiments. We are all on guard, and just because I've agreed to work with her, doesn't mean I'm not going to watch my back.

She is pretty hot, though. *grins like a schoolboy* I think I'll be watching her back, instead.

We are reading newspapers and back journals for clues. You'd be surprised the things that are overlooked by the general public can say a lot about what's going on in the supernatural realm. I've been staking out the Kaibas' mansion every night, and Vivian and I take turns. Seth has been using his magic to locate magical beings, but he's been getting some kind of weird interference, so we can't rely on that.

So far, it's been quiet here. A little too quiet...

Au revoir.

I have some terrible news to share with all of you. Amelda had called me up, and he would tell you himself but he was that distraught. Apparently, there has been another demon attack!!! We are presuming that Seto Kaiba's attacker was a demon, but we aren't sure. The fact that this "person" could fly and steal someone's memories does make a convincing argument.

Right now, nothing can surprise me. This demon was in the form of a tall woman with her hair in a bun and dark sunglasses. Amelda couldn't tell me much else - he was sobbing too hard. She took Seto's memories. It seems, though, that she was "downloading" them (into what, we don't know) by most recent first and chronologically back in time. Amelda said he must have interrupted the process, because that is what it looked like to him.

That, and the last thing Seto remembers is losing to Atem at Battle City and being upstaged by Malik. (Seto's words, apparently...) He remembers everything up to that point, but nothing after. He doesn't even remember meeting Zigfried, Vivian, or anyone else after Battle City, including his own husband.

I am going to go to Japan to investigate and find this demon. I've been making some calls, and I got a lead from a woman named Darci. She said she was willing to help me out. I'm hoping that Vivian and Seth will come with me. They both need a chance to find out what they are made of. If anyone else would like to join me, please ask. Thanks!

Au revoir!

(OOC: Please read here if you missed it! The thread is closed, so you can't retro-comment.)

I'm sick. REALLY SICK. Fever and all. I've not had so much as a cold since my days on the island, and I certainly haven't been this sick since my first few days there, or that time I ate some mushrooms... I bet I caught it from that lady at the church, sitting in the pew behind me bedecked in velour and rhinestones, and her chronic coughing.

Kill me now. *buries self under bed sheets*

This morning I went to Mass with Ilmari. I was raised Catholic as a child, (oh, yes, I'm a typical Frenchman) but I haven't been to church since the Kaibas' wedding. Before that... Well, I didn't see the need. The one thing I didn't appreciate as a kid is how all the masses all around the world are all the same. It's the same three readings - Old Testament, New Testament, and Gospel selections - all over the world. The only thing that differs is each priest's homily. The organization of the Church is quite amazing. Perhaps only surpassed by Paradiãs, when it existed...

I guess I'm looking for comfort.

One of my favorite hymns has been translated into German! I also found out there is an English translation for it as well, so I shall share it with you.

Pax vobiscum.

Leon seems to be missing. He was last seen talking to Pegasus. I've been searching for him all over, but I can't find him. Anyone know where he went off to?

(Closed to all enemies)

Zig's halloween set is finished. All that is left is to clean up the mess. (This is the part I hate most about construction...) But, it's ready to go now. Vivian arrived late last night, and I picked her up and showed her in becuase no one else was awake at the time. I didn't think it was necessary to wake any of the servants - and especially not Zig, who's had enough excitement to last him a while.

It's been very quiet lately, and I don't mean at the castle. There are constant sounds of construction coming from below. I went down a couple times to check it out, but I was pretty much shunned. Let the professionals do their job, right? *is still ticked he can't use the shiny power tools* One of the guys, same size and shape as me, was flirting with me - I think. I don't go for that... I'm bi-curious, but it doesn't mean that I'm attracted to the more masculine members of my sex. In fact, quite the opposite.

Anyways... Leon and I have been studying and researching in the library together. We both researched scientific and magical aspects, since both of us are familiar with each field of study. We agreed he'd post his thoughts concerning magic and I'd post my thoughts concerning science. That's how we worked it out.

We can see that the changeling is not a solid as we are. (I know we are 80% water but let's put that fact aside...) The changeling is either:


These are just my thoughts. Like Leon, I'm interested to hear your thoughts on the matter as well.

Oh, by the way, happy birthday Seto Kaiba! Sorry it's a little belated. ^_^; I was rather busy.

Update:

1. Leon's apologized - finally.
2. Atem's confessed his love for Zig. Hope that works out for them.
3. The Kaibas have Miruko. Seto looked really worn down. Poor guy - stuck all alone with Amelda for two months... I would be, too. o.o!
4. I'm flying out to Germany. I'll be arriving in an hour or so...

That's all. Au revoir.

Aw! I love the little guy! Today will be our last full day with him, as Amelda and Seto are planning on picking him up tomorrow... No wait, they are leaving the Bahamas tomorrow, and will probably arrive Sunday morning. Yeah. Okay, second to the last day.

Still, it was such a short time. Amelda would not talk about Miruko much when we were working for Dartz-sama. It was too painful for him. I can understand. I haven't mentioned Julian and Sonia much, either. I worry that they, too, are trapped by Griffin. Not to mention my parents and all the souls aboard that vessel... When you're an only survivor, it makes you wonder, "Why me?" And for the longest time, I suffered survivor's guilt.

I'm fine now. Amelda's the one who needs to see a shrink. (And I don't mean that quite as mean as it sounded!) I'm very, very relieved that he's agreed to see a psychiatrist, even take pills if necessary. (Which I'm sure it is...) I thought that Miruko was going to be a mixed blessing for Amelda, and I guess it's looking to be just a blessing. I'm very happy. ^_^

It was nice to hear from Vivian again after so long. After we found out the Mako was a changeling, it kind of made us wonder who else might be one. I think we should not panic, but just keep out eyes peeled. Stay alert, and if you have any reason to suspect someone, I say that you are in the right to ask them to cut themselves.

Not badly, just enough to show that they bleed. Amelda already demonstrated this crude, but effective way of telling our friends from foes. He cut himself and Seto to pacify his paranoia.

Now, it's time to give Miruko another bath. He's gotten into the finger paint again, and I think even Max is going to have his patience tested when he finds that the walls were Miruko's canvas...

Au revoir! *runs off*

*exhales* Whew... Those were some fireworks, huh? I, of course, mean that whole argument yesterday regarding what Leon had said to Amelda, and then Seto threatening to yank Kaiba Corp's contract with Zig's company if Leon didn't apologize. Leon didn't, but Seto, apparently, just wanted to see Zig regain his confidence and self-esteem. Granted, everyone wanted that! We've all been waiting for that to happen and worried in the meantime.

Sam and I think that Leon was using Amelda as a scapegoat. He picked on him when he barely knows the guy, never met him, and always ignored any comments he made! Why Amelda? Probably because he's an easy target (from Leon's point-of-view), and because he represents Leon's worst idea of a homosexual.

~~~


~~~


Au revoir!

As you probably guessed, I'm the sort of man who goes into a mall or store, makes a bee-line straight for what I need, grab it, and check out. I'm not a "shopper" as the fairer sex defines it - and my frillier male friends.

Max and I spent three hours plus in the store this morning! Miruko's not a crowd person, though. He clung to me the whole time. Aside from the time he ripped a loose sequin off a blouse, which ruined it, he was very well behaved.

We bought:
~ 10 pants
~ 10 shorts
~ 25 shirts
~ 3 packs of 10 pack underwear, white
~ 3 packs of 10 pack socks, white
~ 3 pairs of shoes: sneakers, sandals, and penny loafers (for formal occasions)
~ 5 sweaters
~ 2 jackets: a light windbreaker and a heavy winter coat
~ 2 sets of mittens and matching wool hats
~ 8 pairs of pajamas (Pegasus insisted that he needed two for each season...)
~ art supplies: crayons, markers, colored pencils, paper, coloring books
~ box of Legos, a set of toy trains, a stuffed teddy bear, and a football (soccer ball)
~ car seat (He's still too small to ride without one legally.)
~ gummy vitamins
~ one ruined sequined blouse

I think we were pretty successful. Pegasus is going to help Miruko post in his journal later today. That way he can meet the rest of you!

Au revoir!

I'm in Max Pegasus' house in Paris, babysitting Miruko. Pegasus is supposed to arrive in a couple hours from now. I've got the little guy, and I must say aside from his appearance, he's NOTHING like Amelda! I expected, I dunno... A little more attitude, maybe the explosive temper, or something... He's an angel, sweeter than sugar, innocent, and polite.

Until you try to give him a bath. Just at the mere mention of this "torture" he turned into a little hellion. I've never seen a child react so strongly... I wonder if he's got hydrophobia. Anyways, I better jot down all the info his brother gave me before I forget it.

1. Hates baths. *double star* Will bite.
2. Isn't allergic to anything.
3. Isn't a picky eater, but vegetables must be cooked until soft.
4. No excess of butter, sugar, or salt.
5. Is not on any medication.
6. Must be in bed, lights out, no later than 21:00 (9 pm).
7. Needs attention and affection. Do not leave alone for more than four hours.

The Kaibas gave me 1000 Euros (1,416.79 USD) to buy stuff with. So, I guess I got some shopping to do...

Things to buy:
~ clothes - full wardrobe including socks, shoes, underwear, pajamas, and jackets
~ markers, crayons, paper, etc.
~ toothbrush, and other bathroom essentials (Did that at the airport.)
~ toys and educational games and stuff (Pegasus is handling this...)
~ bath toys (our experiment to see if Miruko will like baths more with these)

Can anyone think of anything else?

Dammit, I don't need a title!

*sigh* Yeah, Zig dumped me. I feel it was a mutual break up, though, because I know that in the end this will be better for him. He was the prettiest guy I ever dated. The only guy I ever dated... >.> I'll probably go back to dating women. I really haven't seen myself much as bi as I am straight with some homosexual tendencies. Zig was and always will be an exception, and he should know well enough to know that is a damn good compliment. True, but a compliment.

Anyways, enough talk about that. I've arrived in Switzerland to intercept the honeymooners. I wasn't so much looking forward to visiting Amelda (or his better half) as I was looking forward to helping out by taking Miruko, Amelda's reincarnated younger brother, under my wing. I like kids. They are refreshing and fun.

I'm going to pick up Miruko, head to Paris, and meet Mr. Pegasus there. Apparently, the Kaibas thought that two heads would be better than one. I sense that Amelda's been very moody lately, just based on what I last heard from his better half and his latest journal entries. Not to mention the fact that I know the guy better than he knows himself. Miruko's reincarnation is not peaches and cream for him, and you all had best be warned that this is going to have hidden consequences later...

So, keep alert.

I'm at their hotel room now, so I'll catch you guys later.

Au revoir.

KINSEY TEST created with QuizFarm.com

You scored as KINSEY two TWO: You're just deep enough into hetero world that you MIGHT not notice your same-sex desires KINSEY two 94% KINSEY one 81% KINSEY three 69% KINSEY zero 44% KINSEY four 31% KINSEY five 31% KINSEY six 25%

This is my Kinsey Scale test results. I took it just so I would know absolutely where I stood. I pretty much knew the answer already.

However, this isn't really about me, it's more about you. I know you are going through a lot lately, and I'm wondering if a relationship is really what you need right now. I'm worried that I'm hurting you instead of helping you, and I'd like to talk it out. 

Well, Zig, Atem, Malik, and I arrived in Germany, got Leon, and I grabbed the cat, too. I like cats... Zig's mother shouldn't be trusted with living things, after all... Zig also made sure we got some of his prized roses...

I must admit, I enjoyed the whole coup d'état! *amused* I'm very glad that Leon is safe and sound now.

I swear, this group is the most dramatic group I've ever encountered. I expect this sort of behavior from Varon and Amelda, but that's because they fight like cats. (Which is pretty funny to watch, incidently...) This world was a dark place for me, filled with greed, violence, and petty selfishness. and mostly, apathy and indifference was and still is the greatest cause of suffering. Nobody cared about their neighbors, strangers on the street, or even close relatives and friends. People would step over a homeless person, spend their five bucks on fancy coffee instead.

This world has disgusted me for a long time, and it wasn't until I met the Pharaoh and his friends did I realize that there was something worth saving in this world. We didn't need to destroy it to try and create a better one; we need to hold on to the goodness in this one first.

I think it's time that we all be reminded of that. Malik, you especially. Focus on what you have, rather than your paranoid delusions that so much hurt can come from something so good as love.

And Zig, you're much stronger than you give yourself credit.

Well, I hate long winded explanations, so I'll be brief.

I'm bisexual, and I now have a boyfriend, Zigfried. I'm sorry, Atem, but I won him fair and square.

And if anyone else is getting the idea that I'm going to start wearing pink tutus or crap like that, you're dead wrong. *see user pic*

Au revoir.

I've been wandering around the place a lot, getting accustomed and all... I'm pissed Amelda just took off like that without saying goodbye or informing anyone of where he was going until he was already 30,000 feet in the air!!! I think that if Seto wanted to keep him on a leash, I won't object now.

-_-

No one seems to care that Mako is nowhere to be found, and I heard that Namaka told him that she is his mother! What happened to him? And now that Malik has the documents about the Ultimate Game, what are we going to do next?

On the plus side, Zigfried's meditations seem to be going well. He's looking happier - genuinely happier - than I've ever seen before. Then again, I've not known the guy for very long.

(OOC: I swear I was not trying to get this as an answer, but I knew that if I related to any of the three characters I play here, it was Raph. I like to take this quiz thingies, but I rarely ever post the answer. I COULDN'T pass this one up! I honestly didn't know what to expect, because the quiz promised something along the lines of gothic stuff... o.O? Whatever.)

Meditation is casting off the material world, and focusing on the spiritual. Or you can say it as casting off the physical and focusing on the psychological. It is an exercise of the mind and body, and in my belief - the soul.

There are many, many forms of meditation for many different purposes or aims. Some are religious, yearning to feel connections to God or whatever Powers that Be that you believe in; some are philosophical, seeking answers to questions such as the meaning of life; and some are for healing, to strengthen the body through the mind.

I have done all three. As a young boy, I was raised by a strict Catholic family. Religion is very important in France, and my parents were very religious. I was home-schooled by three nuns and one deacon. I have since forgotten a lot of the Scriptures, and I don't really care to go back to them. I found God when I was alone on that island.

For those of you who do not know my story, please read my ID card. *points to User Info* I hate repeating myself.

Amelda announced his wedding plans. Since there is no exact date, I think it's a bad plan. I don't know how he can expect people to drop what they are doing last minute to go, but he's always been selfish that way. Still, I look forward to going. I've been to the Dalmatian Coast before, and it's beautiful!

I'm confused by all that is going on around here. I'm wondering why I bothered to come here in the first place. Amelda invited me, but now that I look back on it I wonder why. Why am I just sitting here? Obviously, no one needs me for anything.