A/N: This chapter is in Josh's point of view. He has a flashback at what happened at the start, how he saved Maya by sacrificing himself to go in Maya's place. I hope you like the chapter!
Flashback
Maya was there, right there, right in front of me. If only I could reach out, to grab her arm and pull her backwards, away from the danger that was fast approaching, then maybe things could've been different. But I couldn't. I was paralysed, thinking what to do in the split second it took for Zylus to grab hold of her. Before I could do anything to help, I was grabbed by Bash and Rynoh, my arm twisted painfully behind my back. The boys were both younger than me, but they were very strong.
Ky started to run to the aid of Maya, but Zane came out of nowhere and tackled him to the ground. The boys rolled on the floor, punching and kicking in a desperate attempt to out-fight each other. They swore as the tussled, using language I though Ky'd never dream of saying and wriggling around everywhere, with feet and fist flailing. Maya yelled out in surprise as she felt Zylus' hand on her arm. "Get off!" She hadn't been expecting the ambush any more than we had, but for once she was the one paying the least attention as she had been chatting happily. Now that was all gone.
Though any remark Maya might've come up with was instantly stopped by the yells and insults that were thrown haphazardly by the two boys as they tussled on the ground. We all watched the fight, eyebrows raised, for nearly a minute before Techris waded in to help Zane and the two boys restrained a still yelling and struggling Ky, his sky-blue eyes fixed on Maya as she struggled against Zylus. He shouted strings of curses and threats, that, in the current situation, he would not be able to enforce. "Get off me!" She yelled again, pulling against him for the umpteenth time.
Zylus smirked, and slowly shook his head, no. "Let's take you to Lokar."
"Oh no, no, no no." Maya replied easily as she quickly forced a flat palm into the boys chest, winding him. "I am not going anywhere with you." She punctured the statement with a sharp kick which she aimed at Zylus' solar plexus. The blow didn't have as much impact as it would've since he'd managed to move a little out of the way. Steadying her breath, Maya backed away a little, dropping into a fighting stance, her fists held up ready to strike. Zylus merely laughed at the sight. Ky venomous spat out some insults that were soon smothered as his face was pushed into the ground. Zylus lunged forward, reaching out to strike, Maya dodged to the side, initiating another kick which seemed to have been set on connecting until the boy caught her foot, and held it tightly in his hand.
Even I could see the utter surprise flicker across Maya's features, which was then replaced by a small, brief look of fear before Maya's expression set into her Impassive Façade. She squirmed vigorously as she attempted to pull her foot free, unable to aim a second kick towards him due to the position his was angling her in, and he was just out of reach of her fists. Maya scowled as she struggled, this was something that was so rare, Maya could never be this pitiful. She couldn't be defeated this easily. "Let me go!" Zylus seemed to comply, but he instead tugged her forward, hard and punched her straight in the stomach. Maya, crying out in pain as she cradled her stomach, dropped to the floor, kneeled over as she attempted to regain her breath.
He grabbed her up by her hair, and she screamed out a little, nearly managing to bite his hand in the process. He snatched a handful of the girl's collar, dragging her after him which she struggled, kicked and punched Zylus, just as much as both myself and Ky were doing to our own captors in a futile attempt to break free and assist her. She pulled back, digging her heels into the ground. "Leave me alone! I'm not going anywhere with you." Over the last year Maya had grown a lot, she had gone from being the smallest to the second tallest on Team Stax, so now it was considerably difficult to drag her away, since she was now a head taller than Zylus. He tugged hard and she stumbled forward, nearly sprawling out on the ground.
She was still pulling back and wriggling around, refusing to go anywhere with him, nursing her throbbing stomach as she did so. "Stop… Struggling!" Zylus ordered, but she ignored him. Techris sighed and promptly forgot about keeping Ky under control and he went to help Zylus. It seemed like he was the third wheel, obviously here in case they need to bring Boomer down. But now was unsure of what to do, as Boomer had gone to the X-Scaper with Olivia to change clothes, they had been targeted the most during the water-fight. The three other members of Team Stax had been expecting an ambush, but not by the E-Teens.
Maya wasn't going to give in that easily, both the boys would probably be physically imposing for most other girls but as Maya would often say, it's not strength that counts, its knowledge which she had proved quite often to be correct, easily dominating the E-Teens and sometimes Ky, Boomer and me whilst in training, with her brains. "Don't you touch me." She warned him. Techris acted like he hadn't heard her and reached for her arm. Maya swung her foot into his stomach as hard as she could. He yelled out in pain and collapsed onto the ground clutching his stomach in agony.
Ky, now having less opponents to fight, flicked his feet up, hitting Zane on the back, sending him sprawling out in front of him. "Go, Ky, go!" I shouted. Bash clamped a hand over my mouth. "Mff! Mff!" I urged him to go help Maya. He started to run forward for the second time, but Zane grabbed his leg pulling him back down onto the floor. The two boys tussled with each other for the second time, barely noticing anything in front of them.
"Maya! No, MAYA!" I shouted, after biting Bash's hand, which I reassure you I will not be doing again. God knows how I'll be able to get that vile taste out of my mouth. I lurched forward, trying to take the boys by surprise. It didn't work. Her eyes locked with mine and I realised just how useless I really was. The worst part of it, the bit that was most painful wasn't the look itself, but the feeling that came after, the feeling of complete helplessness. Because I knew that while the boys had hold of me, I could do absolutely nothing to help her. That was what hurt most, feeling powerless.
I attempted to escape again. Jerking forward, trying to break free, to run forward, to run to her. I longed to reassure her to protect her. But I was stuck. The boys were far stronger than me and easily restraining me. This was one of the times I wished I had some muscle, like Boomer, instead of being the weedy little tech whiz who's unable to hold his own in fist fight. Why do I have to be so damn weak? I have to do this! I have to help her! I'm her friend, I can't let this happen, I can't let them take her. I just can't.
Maya was still struggling. Techris stumbled towards them, snatching her other arm, managing not to get kicked this time. All I could hear was her yell as she was dragged around the corner, disappearing from sight. Still on the ground it looked like Ky was gaining an edge over Zane, something I hadn't managed. The boys were bruised and scratched but they continued fighting. Luckily, there was no serious injuries, yet, but it seemed like there might be if it continued for much longer.
Suddenly the unexpected happened, Rynoh had got so pissed with the boys accidently kicking or punching his leg, he let go of me to help Zane control Ky. Then something even more unexpected happened. Bash sneezed, momentarily letting me go, this was the opportunity I had been waiting for and I didn't stop to think twice. I raced forward, following Maya, Zylus and Techris. They had dragged her quite far but we could still hear them yelling the occasional swearword when she caught them with her foot or fist.
Ky, as I've now realised, aided me in my escape. He had been lying flat on his back continuously punching Zane in the face while Zane pressed against Ky's knees, trying to grab his shirt and pull him sideways so he could pin him down.
So when Ky saw my bid for freedom, he summoned up his strength and used his knees to send Zane flying into Bash. He quickly got to his feet before Rynoh could do anything and grabbed his T-shirt, punching him twice in the face before kicking him on the back on the kneecap causing the reaction Ky was hoping for. Rynoh's knees buckled and Ky shoved him into Zane and Bash who were still trying to untangle themselves, grabbed a branch and yanked it down, caging it around them, making sure they had to waste time getting past it before they caught up with him and raced off after his friends.
Meanwhile I had snuck up behind the two boys who were struggling to hold onto Maya, even after there were two of them helping. I smiled, she's very determined. But then again, what do you expect? It's Maya, she never goes quietly and always struggles.
I had to do this fast, I have the element of surprise on my hands, there's no way I'd beat them without it. I gently tapped Zylus on his shoulder. As expected he turned around. I punched him hard making him fall onto the ground. Techris pushed Maya backwards, stupidly leaving her without anyone to stop her running away, not that she would anyway, she was way too loyal for that. Deserting your teammates put you at an all time low, like there maybe only be about two things lower. But desertion was lower than low.
She immediately raced forward and snatched Techris' arm. She threw a brutal punch at his face and then kicked him in the stomach for the second time that day. He sank to his knees and Maya violently punched him again. She turned around to face me. My fight with Zylus resembled Ky and Zane's fight earlier. A mass of kicking and punching, without even knowing if you're hitting you opponent, yourself or the ground. I couldn't hold on much longer. Zylus was undoubtedly beating me. He was stronger. I was useless. Maya sighed; she waited until she had a clear shot then punched Zylus as hard as she could in the temple making slump onto the ground, unconscious.
(It is possible to do this, but please don't try because I don't want angry parents on my doorstep, kicking my head in because their little darling got nicked for assaulting somebody)
"That's how you take someone out, Josh." She said sweetly. She smiled at me and I felt happier knowing she was safe. She extended a hand out and helped me to my feet.
Someone started clapping behind us. On instinct I grabbed Maya's wrist and pulled her backwards, spinning us around to face them. Lokar was standing there grinning. Behind him Bash, Rynoh and Zane were holding a dejected Ky. He winched with pain as he looked up, battered, bruised and scratched. "Sorry guys, I couldn't stop them…" He hung his head in shame, shame that he shouldn't be feeling, it wasn't his fault, three against one is never fair. Nothing in life is ever fair, really.
I could see Maya's eyes grow wider as she took in the scene. She gasped quietly and bit her lip, not quite knowing what to do, she had no smart remark or skilful move to get us out. We all stood there in silence waiting for someone to speak. Her eyes were trained on Ky. He wouldn't meet her eye. She went to say his name. To attract his attention. To meet eye contact but then she closed her mouth, deciding against it. Her eyes darted across the parts of his face she could see. The bruises were already beginning to show. Rage sparked through her, but she kept it at bay, remembering the first thing Boaddai had taught her; Asses your situation before making a decision. Never react to your opponent, you can be sure that's what they want.
Lokar looked like he was relishing every moment of the tense atmosphere and every worried look I threw at Maya, which she returned a very forced, reassuring smile. "Maya, why don't you come here and we'll leave these pitiful Kairu warriors alone-"
"And we won't hurt your boyfriend as well." Bash said. Maya gave him a strange look, that showed that if she had a boyfriend, which she didn't, she would definitely know about it. Then he gave a pointed glance at Ky which Maya followed before her expression hardened and fists clenched.
Lokar turned to face him. "Did I ask you to speak?" He roared. Maya gasped and I hugged her close as Lokar slapped Bash around the face. Maya had buried her face into my shoulder, not wanting to watch even though it was much less violence that she was inflicting on Techris and Zylus moments ago.
But she wasn't scared, as I soon realised, I felt something slip into my pocket. She let go of me and I instantly slid my hand in there, I felt something smooth, I realised it was my phone. Why did she even have my phone? Oh yeah, after the water-fight, she picked it up along with hers and Ky's, since she didn't get hit at all. Smart girl, she easily outwitted us by scaling the trees. Scared the shit outta us when she appeared in one, several trees along from where she started. Lokar had turned back to us and Maya pretended to be scared again, she held my arm tightly, I had one arm wrapped around her and she flinched as Lokar stepped forward again. "Charger's in your room, always keep the phone on and don't forget to charge it." She whispered into my ear.
I looked at her. She was thinking that Lokar was going to take her. Well I wasn't going to let that happen! "Come here, granddaughter." Maya bit her lip and gave me an apologetic glance. She had to do this, in her mind it was the only way to save her friends. She looked at the floor as she stepped forward, shuffling across the grass. Zane bundled her over to Lokar.
I gave a growl and bunched my fist up advancing on Zane, blinded by fury. I knew I couldn't do much, but nobody pushed Maya around like that. Not on my watch. "Josh, don't!" Maya exclaimed from beside Lokar. "Please." I stopped and glared down at the floor, my fists still clenched, reddening by the minute. Maya gave a small glance at Lokar, who gave an annoyed growl but couldn't stop her from racing to my side. She gently tilted my head up so I could look into her eyes. "Josh... please, stop." She whispered. "I am scared. Please, don't make me any more scared." That was new to me. Maya was never scared. Ever.
I enveloped her in a hug. "You don't have to do this, we'll find another way!" I pleaded, I didn't wanted her to go. She can't go. There's always another way, always! "You don't have to go with that monster!" I whispered into her ear. Right now I didn't even care if the whole world was watching us. I needed to make her understand how much she meant to me.
She shook her head. She didn't agree, but like me she didn't want this either. "I have to, he'll kill you and everyone I've ever cared about. He'll kill you all, I have to do this. I'm sorry." Lokar was looking more impatient by the minute. Completely uninterested in our conversation, he just wanted his granddaughter on his side, what ever the cost.
She pulled away from me, sighing deeply and making her way back over to Lokar. I grabbed her arm and pulled her back to face me. "Maya, please!" My breath caught in my throat before I could add anything else. She looked at me, I knew she wasn't giving in, that I had to make her. She couldn't go with Lokar, he was a madman, a psychopath. He was crazy, he belonged it an asylum. A very good one at that. She shook her head and tried to move away from me. Trying not to cause much damage. She didn't want to hurt anyone. I was making it worse but she didn't get it. Letting her go would break me. "What about you? He'll kill you!" I said, staring into her eyes. Her deep ochre eyes. I could see the pain. The pain she wanted to hide. I was causing this. She just wanted it to end and I know that, but I was being selfish. I didn't want her to go, I needed her, she doesn't understand how much I need her. I can't let her go. I hate seeing her hurt. But if she goes with Lokar, I'd feel my heart break every second I think, all my thoughts would be with her, I'd be an empty shell. A lost soul.
Maya's face was scrunched up, like me she was trying to hide her emotions, but again like me it was hard, really hard. "Josh, my life is less important than eight others."
"No, you have to come back-" I begged but Lokar had grow tired of waiting. Maya was snatched away from me, carried away in Zane's arms, small and delicate like a flower, compared to the green skinned boy that was taking her away from me, away from everyone at the Monastery.
"Release, Stax." He ordered. I ran forward, Lokar tried to push me back but I dodged him and helped Ky stand.
Maya looked at us, she was no longer able to conceal the pain. "I'm sorry, tell Master B I'll be fine." Maya said, her voice wobbling. "and Aliya, you... you look after her. " I knew she was trying not to cry. Just as Lokar was about to disappear, I jolted forward and snatched Maya from his grasp and I pushed her back into Ky. She was surprised at the sudden change of hands and stumbled, falling over. Ky placed an arm around her and gently helped Maya to her feet, whispering in her ear, hugging her close. I could see a tear fall down his cheek. He was so happy she was okay.
Lokar had immediately reached out to grab her back but he caught hold of my collar instead. "Maya, I love you!" I said. I could hear her scream and jump forward, grasping mid-air, as we disappeared. I could see Ky hold her close, trying to comfort her. The sound broke my heart more than I can say.
I couldn't see Maya's reaction, obviously, but Ky somehow got hold of Maya's phone, he texted me saying that she locked herself in her room for two days, refusing to come out for anyone. They could hear her crying through the door. It would stop and start again, being completely random. Ky also said she had been having nightmares, that he'd been woken up to hear her screaming at night. I feel really bad for her but I think that I and everyone else at the Monastery, other than Maya of course, probably feel that it's good that Maya isn't here, that I'm in her place.
I know that Aliya finally convinced Maya to come out, because she had been outside her room begging and pleading, until she burst into tears and sobbed that she missed Maya and missed me, which I was touched about. Although Aliya was Maya's little sister, she was the closest thing I'd ever had to a sibling before. Maya had immediately opened the door and hugged her younger sister, in tears herself, but still feeling the need to comfort her.
I know that everyone is looking for me, and I text them suggesting possible places I could be, but so far none of them had been right. I hope they find me soon, I miss them all so much...
End of flashback
"Hey, Josh, dinner!" Zair said pushing a plate of revolting slop towards me.
I started at the food. "Is this even edible?" I asked sceptically, quite worried that they had grow tired of having me around and had poisoned my food.
Zair shrugged. "I dunno, it looks like something Zane threw up to me."
I winched. "Uhhh, I could have actually gone without knowing that Zair, now I'm definitely not eating it. Unless Lokar wants me to die, then he better get some edible food. "I pushed the food away. "It looks disgusting, it smells disgusting and, you know, it probably tastes disgusting too, I am not eating it."
Lokar heard everything. "You will eat what is given to you!"
"You can shove your disgusting alien junk right up your ass Lokar." I replied, taking influence from Maya and retorting things like she would in a situation like this.
Lokar snatched my collar and lifted my up. "Do not test me, Stevens." I raised an eyebrow at his use of my surname. It seemed he was getting really pissed with me, which I couldn't care less about. He shoved me back and stormed off, his blood-red robes billowing as he walked. Cliché much.
"I'm still not eating it!" I shouted after him, resisting the urge to burst into laughter.
Zair sighed. "Lokar would kill me if you die; I'll see if I can get you some human food, even I don't eat that shit." She shuddered as she picked it up, then an evil smirk appeared on her face.
Bash walked past the door and Zair emptied the food onto his head, before slamming my door shut so I couldn't escape and racing off it the other direction, with Bash hot on her heels. "You're dead Radikor!" He shouted, I could hear Zair's laugh slowly growing quieter as she got further away.
Thank you for reading this! I hope you enjoyed it!
I do not own Redakai, but I own Aliya and Josh. Feel free to review at any time, it would really help! Thank you again!