Chapter 21

It was getting dark and the Spirit of Fire landed in on a site between some trees.

In a pile of wood, Hao only had to look at it and a fire started to burn.

"Yoh's gang is not too far from here. We could watch them if you like." Hao said.

"Ok." I agreed. No reason why not.

We climbed up a few rocks, him holding my hand, and over the edge I could see a fire and the gang below us.

"So we're almost there right?" Trey asked.

"Sure. The signs were to cross the red desert, then the black desert-"

"Someone say dessert?" Jacko interrupted, hearing an opportunity for one of his famous jokes "Did you hear the one where-!"

"No!" Everyone shouted.

"Aw!" Both Jacko and I said.

"Yeh anyway red desert, black desert and then find the blue cave." Yoh said, "And this desert is black."

"Oh yeh! It is!" Trey said scooping some up in his hands then letting it trickle through his fingers.

"But it was red before. Its only black cause it's night!" Len said.

"Ohh…" Yoh said.

"Don't tell me we're lost." Anna said.

It was quite amusing to watch them, and I could see Hao smiling. I just wished I was down there with them.

Then I started wondering about my parents. I wonder what they were doing right now.

"I know you're wondering about your family. But don't worry, they're fine." Hao said.

But this didn't console me. I wanted my friends and my family back. Not hang out with power-hungry Hao.

"What do you do for fun Hao?" I asked.

"Interesting question. What do I do for fun? I destroy weak shaman and humans." Hao answered.

"You call that fun? You get a kick out of it? It gives you a rush? A thrill?" I said disgusted.

"What will be thrilling," Hao said, "is when we populate the earth with our shaman children."

"Hao." I said, "We are not getting together. I said I'd be your queen not…you know."

Hao smiled, "But that's what being a queen involves. And if you won't be my queen," Hao turned my head towards his, "then I have no use for you."

That sure shut me up.

I heard Callisto in my head, 'I wish there was some way we could get out of this situation. How I want to destroy him.'

'I know how you feel,' I thought back, 'And I feel the same.'

Hao was till staring into my eyes. I turned my head of his grasp. That look in his eyes was scary.

Sure enough, the next day we entered Dobi Village. Everyone else had to do a test before they entered. Not us.

And the next day, Yoh's gang had arrived too. And so the second round began.

This round dealt with the shamans fighting in an arena. Hao of course, won all his matches.

While, Hao was battling in the arena, I watched from the stands. In a particular match, while Hao was down there, Yoh's team approached.

"Kari." Trey said, "What's going on?"

"You shouldn't talk to me." I said looking to him, 'if Hao sees you he might destroy you. Like he almost did to Len. But oh well. Your risk."

So Trey sat next to me, Yoh on the other side, then Ryo, Faust, Jacko, Morty and Len sat in the other seats.

"So do you think he's gonna win?" Yoh asked me.

"Pssh of course he's gonna win." I snorted, "No one can beat him."

"You sound sure."

"I am sure."

"Well I'm gonna stop him. No matter what."

"I wish you would."

"So...you're not with Hao?"

"Of course I'm not with Hao! I mean yeh I with him but not…with him if you know what I mean."

"Phew!" Trey said, "cause we were all stressing cause we thought you were on his side."

"I'm not."

"Then why do you stay with him?" Ryo asked.

"I already told you guys. He'll destroy you guys and my family if I don't agree to be his shaman queen."

"Aw I wish I could help you Kari." Morty said.

"Same here." Jacko agreed.

"Don't worry," Faust said, "When the time comes, we'll defeat Hao and you'll be free."

I remained silent. They were so positive that they were gonna beat Hao. Didn't they understand? No one can beat him.

"Another one bites the dust," Trey said. In the arena, Hao had destroyed his opponent, "That was quicker than last time."

"I hate when he does this." I said.

"Yeh," Yoh agreed, "He didn't have to destroy them."

"He's a monster that needs to be locked away." Len added.

"Have you ever asked him to try and…not be so evil?" Trey asked.

"He said he does it for fun." I said, "Jerk."

"That's just wrong." Trey said, "Uh…have you guys ever…um…you know…?"

"Aw Trey what a question!" Yoh said.

"No Trey." I said, "We haven't. But he intends to."

"Dude no way!" Trey exclaimed.

"Guys I think…we should go now." Ryo interrupted.

"Yes." Len agreed, "Hao has left the battle field which means he'll be up here any minute."

"Oh. Well we don't wanna cause trouble just yet. See ya later Kari." Trey said.

"See you around." Yoh said.

"Later." Jacko said.

"Take care of yourself!" Ryo shouted back.

"We'll meet again." Len said.

I didn't say anything.

"They mean well," Callisto said, appearing next to me, "They are good people. With good hearts."

"I know." I said.

"You still have strong feelings for Yoh don't you." Callisto said.

I sighed, " I guess so."

"Pardon me for saying but…maybe those feelings are…misplaced."

"What are you trying to say." I said looking to her.

"I see another among them who loves you more."

I wanted to question her further but then I saw Hao and went to meet him.

A/N- I got 5 more Chapters for you guys...