Chapter Four- Power

The day of the scrimmage had arrived. Atem and Siamun presided over the duel as the six priests broke into two teams. Seto, Aknadin, and Kalim on one while Mahad, Isis, and Shada made up the others. Siamun stepped forward. "The rules are simple. Each priest is allowed one monster either their own or from a tablet. Everyone is also allowed one spell. The duel is over when one team ins out of monsters. Begin!"

"Diaha!" they chorused.

Mahad immediately summoned his magician while Isis summoned her Spiria and Shada called Two-Headed Jackal. Seto summoned his Duos, Kalim called Mystic Horseman, and Aknadin called Winged Dragon, Guardian of the Fortress. Mahad's eyes glittered with anticipation. He had spent time recalling Seto's past duels and knew the young man favored power to destroy his opponent. It was a tactic Mahad had never approved of- until now. He now saw that his style was too soft and needed to be more aggressive. After two days, he had devised a plan and was ready to put it into action, if Seto did what he anticipated.

He attacked and defended with his usual style, making Seto's team exhaust their one spell use. Isis' monster kept their team safe with its Rainbow Barrier as Mahad was the only one who hadn't used his spell yet. He was waiting for Seto to use his monster's ability, the crux of his plan.

"Duos, attack!" Seto exclaimed, pointing at Kalim and Aknadin's monsters. The monster slashed at both which tripled its power. His teammates glared at him in annoyance and even Atem wore a look of disapproval. Mahad, however, was thrilled. This was exactly what he had been waiting for!

"I activate my spell to copy Duos' ability and add it to my magician," he announced, eliciting gasps from everyone in the room. Illusion Magician swung its staff at Spiria and Two-Headed Jackal, blasted them, and absorbed their power. Now, his monster was stronger than Duos, Mahad ordered an attack and brutally obliterated Duos which gave his team the win. Mahad grinned triumphantly, uncaring of the others' reactions. That worked perfectly. Now I know how Seto feels when he wins. The feeling of power is…intoxicating and I would give anything to feel it again.

Seto gaped at Mahad. Yes, the Illusion Magician was marginally stronger than Duos when at normal power levels, but Seto's aggressive style often won him the victory. He never dreamed Mahad would imitate his strategy to beat him. He destroyed his teammates' monsters just like I did, however his magician's attack seemed more brutal then what Duos would do.

"Scrimmage over," Siamun said into the stunned silence. Mahad, upon hearing that, turned, and left the room. Isis paused before following after him.

"Mahad!" she called, making him pause and once she had caught up, he started walking again. "Mahad, why did you do that? You never turned on your teammates before and you've never been so aggressive in dueling."

"With the threat of darkness still out there and the pharaoh's life in danger, we can't afford to be weak. The threat will not hesitate to attack and show mercy. We must respond the same way."

Isis blinked at the firm answer from Mahad. It did make sense, but the style of Mahad's dueling was so aggressive and brutal, it was so unlike him. "That is true," she said finally. "But, you needn't be that brutal. That's not like you, Mahad."

"Generally, it's not but the way I dueled today is my new style. I rather like it."

"Well, all right. A new dueling style may be necessary."

"Of course it is."

The shadows observed the duel and the conversation with Isis. They were pleased that Mahad did not realize that he had been influenced. It was a good start, but his behavior needed to change further. They had looked through Mahad's memories and impression of Seto and were impressed by the young man's attitude. He was bossed with power and willing to do anything to achieve his ends. Yes, that's how Mahad should be, only more extreme. We will need to act a bit more quickly this time: The full moon will soon be here.

Mahad awoke the morning after the duel and laid there for a time. His thoughts dwelled on Seto while he slept and were still on his mind now. He didn't feel love or anything for the Rod owner; more like analyzing his fellow priest's personality. It was obvious that he was as dedicated to serving and protecting the pharaoh and his love of power was well-known. He long understood the dedication as he had it. The love of power was a trait he now understood. He had felt a thrill from it and he realized that with power came control. The more power one has, the more control one has in any situation. I want to have more power and I will do anything to get and I mean anything. Maybe Seto knows how to do it.

Seto looked up front the scroll he was studying as Mahad sat and posed his question. "You want to discuss power? What kind of power?"

"The kind you clearly enjoy. How you obtained it and keep it."

Seto slid the scroll to one and a self-satisfied smirk came to his face. "Ah. I believe I obtained it by having a thirst for knowledge as anyone knows that there is great power in knowledge. That's what led me to becoming a priest and owner of the Rod." He put a hand behind him to finger his Item. "The power in the Items are incredible and I often feel a powerful sensation whenever I use it."

Mahad nodded. He never really thought about the ability of his Item often. He utilizes it, certainly, but never felt a sensation of power when using it. Possibly because he was well aware of the Shadow Magic within, which he sensed was evil

"Keeping the power once you've obtained it is not too hard," Seto continued. "You simply keep using it, study to learn more, and not be afraid to seek out more ways to obtain power. I daresay, you do that with your magic, yes?"

"You're correct. I had gotten a taste of power yesterday during our duel and I desired to learn more about it."

Seto nodded. "I thought that was the reason. I hope I satisfied your curiosity."

"You have. I've learned a lot and as you said, knowledge is power." Mahad left the library, his mind whirling with all that was discussed. Seto obtained his power by studying and acquiring knowledge. By doing so, he became a priest and was given the Rod and revels in the power it has. In order to keep the power you possess, you simply have to keep using it and be willing to gain more power whenever possible. Seto is correct that I do seek more power with my magic and I believe I will do so now.

Mahad immediately began leafing through the spell books in his chambers, seeing spells that interested him. The only problem was that he wasn't strong enough to perform them! He clenched his fists in annoyance at his limitation. I'm the most powerful magician in the land, but it appears I'm not strong enough. A gleam caught his eye and he looked down at the Ring. He licked his lips as he recalled the sensation of power Seto got from his own Item. Would I experience the same if I explore my Item's magic? He closed his eyes as he put his hands on either side of his Item. It glowed and his eyes snapped open as waves of magic power flowed through his mind and body. He failed to notice that the magic from his Item had a dark outline as the power he had received distracted him.

Incredible. I can feel my magic increasing in strength. It is rumored that the Millennium Items will grant their owners one wish and I think the Ring did just that: It sensed my desire to be stronger and has bestowed its power on me.

He eagerly returned to his books and found he would now be able to perform the spells he desired. I'm stronger, but I want more. Not just magical power, but physical and mental power, too. I know where to look for it; I just have to work up the courage to do it.