(I don't own magi nation. All legal stuff concerning the company that owns magi nation belongs to them. If anyone can help me make this clear then help me with this.)

Zack Story

Chapter Four: betrayal

Betrayal, it's a hard thing to adjust to. It hardens the mind, body, and soul. But then, if you the betrayer, then is it worse or lesser? I have asked that question a few times within the past few years to myself. But then it's hard for me to explain why if I don't tell you right?

Well it happen a few years after I last saw Rose. We had a few problems along the way. The most recent, was the fact my father find the item in question we were looking for, but came into trouble. It seems there were people guarding it. But there came a bigger problem for me, we got caught in a way. Now if you wondering how the feeling. It's quite embarrassing, especially since you didn't do the stealing, and was merely an associate to the crime. But then in my view a single thief can do a lot then a bunch. Not much people to rat you out, and if you keep your mouth shut you'll get away with it.

We fought real well. But the numbers were getting to us. Then my father hands me the item we were stealing which was a scroll. He handed me it to with the idea I would escape with it and go to a area where they wouldn't think I would go to. But he promised me he would find me. I soon took off with my Comet Hyren and ran to the first place my head would come to. But I soon come to realize that place wouldn't be safe at all.

It was a few days before I got to the house. I knew they would be after her. It was due to me she's going to get into this. I was tick off at that fact. Was his father idiotic gamble really worth it? Yes, father, and mother… why did they want to do such a risky gamble. The idea on infiltrating such a largely secure based, was a stupid and dangerous idea.

I saw the house at a distance. But one thing that was clinging to my mind was the person who they were employ to. He was a magi from what I was told of the Arderial region. He seem to have a desire to obtain some sort of information on something, I wasn't told what he was looking for. Didn't care, I wanted only to get the job done and be with my love. From what my father told me the people were ruthless and would do anything and if everything to get what they want. I made two mistakes. One I didn't realize I was making a trail for them to find me. Two the next move I was going to make, was even more stupid, and hurt those I love.

I soon made it to the door. It appeared okay. I then open it; the place look like it wasn't trash. Suddenly Rose appears. "Zack, you're…." Rose said, but I interrupted. "We got to go, can't explain right now, but I will later. For now some magi are after me, and I am afraid I pull you into this. Presides remember what we agree upon?" I asked. "Yes," she said. "Good, for when this is over I'll make you the happiest women in the world." I said. "Okay," She said. "Let's go." We both nod as we both left.

As we were thinking of going toward a place that could probably be safe, and where we could be protected. I never expected to be lured, into a trap so early. For after a few minutes they attack us. We realize shortly we were out number, so we just ran. I hated myself. I couldn't protect myself, and now I couldn't protect her. Once I survive this, I promise myself that I would improve myself. So I could protect her.

We were shortly rushed into a cave. We were soon trapped like creatures. But then creatures fight back. Rose and I summon monster, but they were mostly slain by the group. We were in a desperate hold up. I felt ticked at myself. I couldn't save her. "Forgive me… Rose." I said to myself.

Suddenly one of the men tosses me to one side to separate me from Rose. Ironically, that move save me from what I was told. The ground soon collapse under them. "Rose!" I yelled. I go to try and grab her hand, but it was too late. She fell in the pit as well as the other men. Soon the others went to attack me. But they were soon attack by dream creatures, and ironically the cavalry came. That is my parents and a mysterious third party.

My parents tried to stop me from going haywire. But how could you do that if you lost something as precious as a love one. I was told that the men who help my parents out that he was the one who done the earthquake. I soon went into a rage, and said things. Well I should have said those to myself, but I was too stupid to realize it. I think that's why they took it... They handed me the money, and left. It wasn't as much as they were promise, but they figure I didn't need it. Still my anger let me get in the way, and yelled at them, wishing I would never see them again. Ironically that came true.

I found their bodies a few years later dead. It seem like their bodies fell off a cliff or something like that. I wonder if it was something else…. I didn't really care. I remember what I said to them.

"Father…. Mother why?" I asked. "Zack…" My father said. "Shut up! You…" I said. "Zack…. Don't be so mad at yourself this happens from time to time, there wasn't anything we could do." My father said. "Killer… You allow them to die… you're just as bad as those who done it…" I said. "And you? Were you really that powerless?" My Father asked. "Yes," I said. "You took that from me…" I said. "Zack…." My father said. "Leave me alone." I said. "I see, don't hate us. Someday you'll forgive me… I know this. Someday when you are older, and wiser you'll see the light. Come on my wife lets go." My father said. Oddly my mother didn't even say a word. She just gave me this stare. It was both of pity and sorrow.

Why didn't she talk to me, I never heard from her, the last time I heard a word from her was during childhood. Why? Yet I didn't ask. I didn't care about anything but morning for Rose… yes for her. I failed her…. And now I am paying for it. I just wanted to be alone. The only plus side to them was that I didn't lose the scroll. Ironic, I got the job done, but at doing so I lost the reason why I did it.

A few years later after I got stronger, I felt bad about what I said. I realize it was my fault, if it wasn't for me she would of not… it didn't matter I tore my relation with my parents over such things. My father was correct, and yet I didn't see it until then. Ironically thing weren't that simple. I am now staring at their corpses.

Tears, why should I be crying? I mean I deserve this… I betray Rose, I betray my parents, and finally I betray myself. "So is it them?" Asked what appeared to be a young mans voice. "Who there, and who are you?" I asked.

He had what appeared to be wings, but they were wrapped in bandages. He had a black cloak on him. He was mostly covered in black clothing. He looked familiar. "Pity… they died and they said they were real close." The man said. "Close to what, and who are you?" I asked. "The name west and I am a former client of your parents." He said.

Soon I remember the looks. I barely saw the figure. But some how he looks exactly like… No it can't be… I soon hit West face. Soon there was silence. But then it was broken by his voice.

"You…" I said with my voice poison by hatred. "You cause me so much pain!" I mutter. "Pain you cause yourself, you put her into it. Foolish boy, you learn the hard way to put work and life apart, but then if they are both the same then its okay." West said. "I know, but still, why? Why them?" I asked. "Because they were qualified for the job… But then they weren't good enough to find the curse item…" West said.

"Cursed item?" I asked. "Yes, it is said that no one know what precise it is, and whoever tries to find it disappears or dies." West said. "Zack, why don't you find it? To avenge for what it has done to your parents. Or maybe you are as weak as I thought you were, and never be able to atone for what you done to them!" West said. "You who hides his face, and yet tells me of atonement, you are hiding something. But for now, I'll take you on your offer…. I am not doing it for atonement, no I doing this for myself." I said. "Bury your dead parents; I'll talk to you when I desire it. You're going to have to pay for the info about what I know hell maybe in time you know more then they did." West said. "Okay, personally I don't care." I said. "Good see you then."

I drag their corpse's home, and burry them near my house. I didn't take his offer for revenge, nor for my own glory. I needed to find answers. I doubt it was the curse that got them, but something else. I would bet my hard earn money that West was it, or had some connections to it. If he is, then he'll regret messing with my family, and hope upon that something higher then him gets to me first…. For when I get to him, he'll suffer far worse then what he done to my parents.

The path I am going to follow is hard, and cold. Alone, hard words for such a person like me to know, but then I am in a way an exile… Yet for once, I don't care. For in a way this is my payment, for my crimes. Yet, I'll live… Yes, for Mother… for Father… and for you Rose…

The End