AN: Yes I do skip a few years * clears throat* but I think this might be a good chapter… Hope you all like it! Also, sorry for the long wait! Enjoy!

Shallow Tears

Chapter 4

Eleven years later…

A small group consisting of one young female and five males rode on a small worn path. Kira, who rode on a white horse, was looking around at the scenery while following the others who rode ahead of her on brown and black horses. Then out from nowhere, a large group of raiders come and surround the group. Kira slowly moved closer to Imao.

One of the raiders, obviously the leader of the group, came forward towards Imao. The leader had dark brown hair, orange eyes, very yellow teeth (some were missing), and a red beard.

"Hand over the girl and all of your belongings and we'll let you pass uninjured." The leader stated thinking that Kira was weak and without the knowledge to protect herself.

"I have a better idea. You surrender or be in great pain." Imao said while smirking. Kira glared at the leader knowing his intent while waiting for instructions from her master.

"Hahaha." The leader laughed cruelly. "You think I should be scared of you and your group?"

"As a matter of fact, yes" Imao replied. Imao gave Kira instructions on what she was to do telepathically. Kira nods and turns towards the group before her. She raises her hands in front of her chest and within a few short moments, light streamed from her hands and formed into a small, silver-blue light in the form of a ball. The ball shoots out from Kira's hands and goes through each of the raiders' shoulders, which caused them to fall to the ground gasping in pain. As soon as all the raiders were on the ground, the light disappeared as Kira relaxed and put her hands back on the reigns but was a bit tired.

"Good. Now we continue our journey." Imao stated as he moved his horse forward on the path. Everyone then followed him, not turning back. The Day eventually turned to evening as the group decided to set up camp for the night. In a small clearing, the camp was set up. Searching for a small, freshwater pond, Kira left the camp quietly.

Though a bit tired, she came to a beautiful waterfall surrounded by a pond that looked as if it glimmered in it's own light. The moon reflected off the water's surface making everything around it look like it was a fantasy.

Not paying attention to her surroundings, a twig suddenly brought her back to reality, As Kira spun around ready for an attack, a bright light filled the surrounding area. She then fell to the ground unconscious.

Once Kira woke up, she saw a cloaked figure standing next to a window. She looked around and realized that she was tied up and gagged. Dangit! Why must this happen to me? Where the heck am I? Arg… So many questions so little answers.

While Kira was thinking, the figure in the room noticed that she was awake and looking rather pissed. Kira then noticed the figure walking closer to her. All she did was glare since that was about all she could do. "Well, hello again little one. Good morning." The figure said quietly. The figure removed the gag after he lit a candle to see.

"Traitor! You betrayed my master Saurn!" Kira spat angrily. Saurn sighed and pulled out a shimmering necklace. Noticing what this piece of jewelry was, Kira was stunned that such a thing could have ever been made. Saurn walked quickly and silently as Kira was looking at the necklace. He slipped it on her as she started to scoot back against the wall. All went dark for a few moments and when she opened her eyes once again, she was back to her normal self. Saurn then unties Kira and backs away a few feet.

"Master Saurn?"

"Yes Kira it's me. We must send you somewhere safe until the threat has passed but where is the question…" Saurn thinks and then an idea pops into his head. Hmm... I think Neopia would be the safest because I have heard of this one strange group that are fighters and could protect her but will they do it? I hope they will. This chance I must take. "I know where. You'll be safe there." Saurn begins to open a portal but Kira interrupts him.

"Um... Master Saurn? I believe I will need a few things before I go. My stuff is still at the camp."

"Oh yes. I'll get it for you but you must stay here. Alright?" Kira nods as Saurn disappears for at least five minutes before returning. "Kira?" Kira comes out of another room at the sound of her old master's voice.

"Yes Master Saurn?"

"Here is some things for you that will help you on your way. I have a few extra things you must keep with you." Saurn goes over to a drawer and pulls out his old spell book and diary. While walking back towards Kira, he stops and picks up a few other things. "Kira, I want you to take these things with you and keep them safe. You mustn't let them fall into the wrong hands. I will create a portal for you to escape." Saurn then turns around and chants an uncommon portal spell. Kira, noticing this as she puts the things in her bag, commits this spell to memory.

As soon as the portal was up, Kira walks over to the portal. Before she walks into it, she turns around and hugs Saurn. Then she runs through the portal coming into daylight at a marketplace. Saurn turns around and sighs, already missing his young student from long ago. He then vanishes to remain hidden until the time is right to show his face once again.

AN: Did you like it? Please Review then!! I love all of you who have reviewed already and all of you who do! ^_^ You guys make me so happy! Sorry about the long wait. ^_- Hope you can't wait for the next chapter to come out! Ja ne!