Chapter 6

(Kira's POV)

Maza and Kaban had been gone for several days by now. You knew they were far off due to the fact you could not sense her or her power. It was true you feared your sister would never return, but you also knew Master Rubin would have accompanied her if he saw it as that dangerous.

"That's not completely true" announced the voice of your master. You looked over to see him standing at the doorway with a saddened look upon his face.

"It has to be! You wouldn't have sent her out to die! You replied.

"Kira, you and Maza are both grown. I can no longer shelter you as I once did. I will not be in this realm forever, so Maza must learn control before then. This mission will test that if it doesn't kill her." Your master explained.

"Control? What do you mean? You said it yourself that she had excellent spell control-" you were cut off by your master.

"Not that kind of control Kira..." You were speechless. You did not completely understand what you master meant.

"Do you remember the day you won your freedom?" He asked. "Of course! It was one of the best days of my life!" you replied.

"Do you remember what I had to do?" He stated. You thought remembering the details.

Flash Back

"You dare take up for THAT little BEETLE!!" Tyron snapped.

"Her name is KIRA, and she's MY FRIEND!!" Maza retorted. From the look on her face you could tell she was getting angry. Suddenly you saw Rubin come out of the brush near you...

"Maza!! Control yourself!!" He yelled. What was he talking about? Tyron must have realized something, because a venomous smirk played on his face.

"...trying to conceal her weakness aren't you..." he chuckled. Now what was HE talking about?

"Maza... is it?..."

"You leave her alone Tyron...if you want a battle I will give you one..." Rubin yelled. He looked over at Maza who was still in a fighting position. "Maza... control yourself child..." Rubin called out

"Stay out of this!!" Tyron yelled extending his hand sending Rubin flying back into the large rock you were by knocking him out.

"MASTER!!" Maza yelled. Tyron began to laugh the laugh you were familiar with. "You disgrace of a human being... what did you do to him!!" Maza yelled her anger rising.

"He's only sleeping dear... I want Kira back..." he sneered at her as he looked over at you making you try to hide more behind the rock.

"You're not going near her AGAIN!!" Maza yelled holding out her arms.

"You cannot stand against my power child... Kira is MINE" he yelled. It was as if it was her last straw. Maza let out a loud yell as you saw the ground around her shaking and a soft glow forming around her.

"You will NOT harm ANYONE ELSE AGAIN!! I will make SURE of it!!" she yelled. You heard a groan and looked over to see Rubin opening his eyes only to have his face go into shock. He quickly stood to his feet.

"Calm down Maza... PLEASE!!", but it was too late. She opened her eyes and they were no longer brown but a glowing shade of emerald green, and the aura around her had turned a violet colour. "YOU WILL NOT HARM ANOTHER INNOCENT PERSON AGAIN!!" she yelled as her anger only seemed to grow.

"Rubin, is this the power you were hesitant to unleash..." Tyron spoke with a chuckle. You were completely scared at the moment what was happening...

"Tyron... you do not know what you have just unleashed..." You heard Rubin mutter. Suddenly Maza threw her arm out and Tyron was sent flying out of sight. That was something you had never seen before. She started to run in the direction he went, but there was suddenly sparks of light around her as she let out a yell of pain. You looked over to see the origin of this painstaking power was Rubin himself. "I'm sorry child... but it's for your safety..." he whispered as he scream persisted. After several more seconds she just seemed to give out and he released his hold...

You came from behind the large rock and ran over to the girl whom had dared to protect you. Rubin came not far behind you. You kneeled to the ground next to her reaching out to touch her.

"M-Maza... please wake up..." you pleaded. Her dress was now tattered with several holes from the attack Rubin placed and her hair was messy. "Why did you do it Mr. Rubin?" you asked almost afraid to touch her in fear of it hurting her. He just sighed as he picked up your friend gently.

"I'm sorry you had to witness such events young Kira, but what I did had to be done... but from now on I do believe you will be calling me Master Rubin am I right.." He replied. That's when things came to you. She did get Tyron away which meant that... you were free. A genuine smile formed on your lips for the first time in so long. You looked up at the man with that smile. "Thank you Master Rubin!" you thanked him. "Do not thank me child... thank Maza when she wakes once again... for now...let us take you to our home..." he told you. You nodded and followed your new master...

End Flash Back

"Why did you do it Master Rubin? You never did tell me." You asked as you thought of your friend that day and her body lying on the ground.

"When that happened, Maza she was not Maza..." he started. You jut looked at him listening intently. "You can say that there are two Mazas... one is the one you see and speak to everyday. The other she is ruthless and uncontrollable! She is the main piece of her power. With out that side of her, Maza would not be as powerful. Like you and the pendant Kira. This other side is also one of evil. I first learned that lesson when I first took Maza in as a young child. I was teaching her wind spells and she was not learning it as quickly that day. She became so frustrated that the sight you saw those years ago came to life." He seemed to pause as if reliving the scene in his mind, "She could not be calmed. Even I talking to her did not seem to have any effect. The only way I could control her was to attack her myself. Luckily, we were out on our own. My worst fear was that she would get that way while in a populated area."

"How dangerous is this.. Dark Maza?" you asked.

"Think of Maza fighting and the damage she can do if she were on the side of evil" You thought for a bit realizing the damage she was capable. "Now multiply that by at least ten.." Master Rubin added. The reality came to you..

"How will she control such a force? It seems impossible" You asked.

"That, I do not know... I can only pray that now that she is older, she can be reached in that state and can be calmed into taking back control." You master sighed. You now feared more than you ever did for your friend. She was out somewhere where there was the chance of getting killed or worse killing someone because she couldn't control herself. But your thought was diminished when a booming voice echoed through the palace halls.

"LADY KIRA!! LADY KIRA!!" You got up and ran outside your quarter's door to see one of the palace servants. "What is it?" you asked as the girl was trying to catch her breath. "Lady Kira.. You must come quick... Your powers are needed right away... in the throne room" she explained.

"I'm on my way.." you replied taking on in a full sprint. You had to hurry, you didn't know what was wrong which meant you needed to be there as soon as you could, but what you found in that room is something you wish you could forget...

(Seto's POV)

You were walking around the palace since you had done your daily tasks and had a little bit of time to get more familiar with this estate. You were startled at the main gate when you saw a horse riding in at a somewhat fast speed. You quickly took action stepping in front of the steed and bringing it to a halt. You were so busy taking care of the horse, that you did not realize the man on it.

"Hurry.." moaned the voice. You looked to see no other than the man who left with the sorceress only five days before but what startled you most was the blood stain on the chest of his smock revealing the wound. You quickly helped the man off the horse and called one of the men on patrol to help you. He seemed to recognize the man as you had him help you carry the wounded soul into the palace.

"Take me to the Pharaoh.." the man spoke weakly.

"We must get you to Lady Kira Kaban.." the soldier told him

"No! Get me to the pharaoh I must tell him.. She is in danger.." he spoke as the life in his voice began to dwindle. You could tell the wound had bled for some time and seemed to have stopped but the loss and the ride from where ever he was must have taken a toll on him.

"Let's get him to the pharaoh and I shall call for Lady Kira to meet us there..." you told the soldier who was concerned for this man. You remembered being there when the sorceress left with him, her arms wrapped around his waist as she did you during the battle the day you became a guardian. Now that young man seemed to be on the doorstep of death which brought fear to your heart. On your way to the throne room, you ran into a servant and told her to get Kira and bring her to the throne room as soon as possible.

Finally, the three of you came through the throne room doors.

"My Pharaoh, something has happened!" you announced as you and the solder brought the young man in closer. You saw the look of fear on the Pharaoh's face and all colour leave as he saw the very soul you were carrying.

"Kaban!" He yelled in shock standing to his feet and running down the steps to meet you. "Set him down here you two.." the Pharaoh ordered. You did as instructed...

"KABAN!!" echoed a feminine voice. You looked over to see Kira, the sorceress that served the Pharaoh's son like yourself. The girl was running as if her life depended on it. She made it to the group and kneeled next to the wounded Kaban. "What happened to you?" she asked examining the wound.

"We were taken by surprise.. They.. She was captured.." he got out as you could tell his body was weak from the injuries.

"We have to get him into a room where he can be treated properly.." Kira announced. You looked over to the soldier who helped you bring Kaban here.

"Grab the closest room and prepare it immediately." you told him. He nodded and dashed away so to fill your order.

"Kaban, where's Maza?" the pharaoh asked. Kaban tried to sit up, but Kira stopped him.

"You can tell them but stay down.. You can't waste any of your life energy." Your heart was racing due to the fact you also wanted to know the where about of the sorceress. Kaban did not listen to her and went to sit up, when he reached his point a look of complete pain took his face as he gripped the wound on his chest. It seemed Kira knew immediately what happened. She grasped hold of the bottom of her smock ripping the bottom and used it as a temporary bandage.

"It has reopened.. That's why I instructed you not to move.. You have lost too much blood and energy already Kaban.." she spoke in a somewhat frustrated tone as she tried so to get the bleeding under control. "We need to get him to a room NOW and I need plenty of water." Kira spoke once again...

You now stood outside the room which Kira had been treating Kaban. Your mind was racing through thoughts many of which you dreaded. Even if it seemed a sin, but you did not care as much about Kaban as you did for the other half of the mission that did not return with him. Kaban was not able to tell you much, all you knew was that they were taken by surprise and she was not with him, He did say she was captured, but did not say where, when, how, or who. You were returned to reality by the sight of Kira exiting the room looking tired.

"What did you find- I mean, how is he?" you corrected yourself.

"Kaban, he is resting. I am surprised he did not pass during his return with the injury he sustained. He will be resting for some time which is what worries me so.." she replied. You looked at the tired sorceress somewhat confused. "As everyone fears.. Maza was not with him, so I fear every second he is resting is one more second in which the worst can be happening.." you could tell she was beginning to get upset. "Excuse me Priest.. I must take my leave.." she spoke suddenly as she walked away. You just watched as she left and gazed at the door that led to the room where Kaban was resting. The only thought through your mind at that moment was hope that he would wake soon...

(Your POV)

You had decided that keeping quiet was the best mode of survival at the moment. You did not know what was to become of you. Your thoughts only added to worry for Kaban. Even if the arrow had not pierced his heart it had bled a very large amount. Which only meant he most likely did not survive the at least two day trip back to the palace. You could only fear what lay a head of you with this set of evil. You needed to remain positive and use this misfortune to your advantage. If your capture meant they would keep you alive at least until the next new moon then you had that long to figure out their plan against the kingdom and possibly, only possibly, you had a chance at stopping it to a degree...

You were riding on the same steed as who you assumed to be the leader of this group that by now you knew to be Hezad. Most prisoners would most likely be overjoyed at the way you were being transported. Instead of being tugged along behind the horse your wrists tied, the man had your wrists and ankles bound but you rode on the steed with him. What sickened you the most was that being on the steed, his hands were always on you. You just remained silent looking far off into the distance ignoring his advances on your figure. When you actually paid attention to his advances, he was always stroking the part of your chest just below your breast area and the top of your thigh area. His touch sickened you, but you didn't want to give him the satisfaction of knowing it was bothering you. At this point in time you had been riding such a way for a day almost two. The sun was setting in the horizon turning the desert sky many shades of orange, red, and yellow. If only you were at the palace, you would be standing at the gate just gazing without much care. The horizon also brought one more thing you would never forget... the entrance into your early underworld visit...

"There it is men, we must go with haste so not to keep our leader waiting. He will love the new treasures we have salvaged" Hazed announced just before kicking his steed into a sprint.

The mongrel held onto you making sure to keep you in place by pressing his body against your own so you lay between him and the head of the steed. The rest of the group followed in suit running into the forted area. Inside it was like a small town. Not a town of high class or material but good enough for living. All you could see as you rode by was that this small village was comprised mainly of other bandits like a small army. This fact raised your suspicion on what they were up to. Suddenly, the entire area erupted into cheers and whistles as they noticed the group riding in. You could sense the hungry eyes of the men on the ground upon you as you were brought in as you were. You just wanted to hide. Never before in your life had you been so scared. It was true you were a powerful person, but you wouldn't be able to take this small army with your powers and win because of their numbers. This meant you would not be able to even show the fact that you have powers if you wished to live. The steed finally came to a stop at the entrance of a large station like area of the camp. Hazed swiftly dismounted and pulled you down so you were thrown over his shoulder. You did have to admit that he had a nice build for a man his size and the strength to match. As he carried you, you didn't even bother protesting knowing it would only bring bad fortune. Since you were set so you faced what was behind him, all you could tell was that you had entered the building where the distinct smell of ignescents filled the air. Just as quickly as you were scooped from the horse, you were thrown onto the floor your body falling on something soft like pillows.

"My highest, my men and I have returned with many a treasure, our best being this young maiden whose husband will pay a high ransom for.." Hazed announced as you tried to look at your surroundings. You looked over to see a man in silk sitting in a chair as if he were the Pharaoh of the land. The man looked in your direction and stood from his seat making his way over.

"A maiden you say Hazed, a Maiden from where I do ask?" the man spoke as he came up to where you lay on a pile of pillows.

"We were told by her husband's brother that she is a wife of a rich farmer in Kalgoa" Hazed answered. The man now stood right beside you looking down upon your body lying on the ground.

"Remove her bindings she does not seem like she wants to fight.." the man ordered.

"Yes sir.." Hazed answered as you suddenly felt the blade he held against your neck only a day and a half before severing the binds on your wrists and ankles. You sat up in response rubbing where the ropes somewhat injured you. Then you felt a cold hand grasp under your chin forcing you to face its owner. You now looked into the deep emerald eyes of the one in silk. His eyes were watching you closely studding every inch. A crocked smile came to his face as he seemed to like what was before him.

"A very fine maiden indeed, such a waste on just a farmer I do say." The man spoke. You just looked at him blankly not changing your expression. "I will use her until the ransom is brought by her husband you say..." he asked Hazed looking away from you and removing his hand allowing you to look at the floor.

"Yes, I instructed that he had until the next new moon to pay or there would be no return." You heard Hazed reply.

"Very well then, you hall leave now Hezad with the looks at just this I am sure the rest of your plunder is fair.." you heard the man speak.

"Yes my highest, I thought you would like it." Hazed replied as you could hear him leave leaving you alone.. With the man...

"What is your name young one?" the man asked as you felt him sit behind you his breath running over your neck area. You were stunned almost unable to move.

"M-Maza" you stammered as you felt his hands set themselves on your upper arms.

"What scares you so much Maza? I can TASTE your fear." he asked as you felt his teeth lightly bite the small of your neck. Tears suddenly filled your eyes as you wanted to cry out but refused to.

"Please.. No... my.. my husband dear sir" you replied a shiver running down your back. You were completely at his mercy right now with your fear.

"Now you have been with your husband countless times have you not. I mean with beauty such as yours I am sure of it, so what do you have to be scared of.." he asked as he began kissing your neck reminding you of the Priest, but this time It gave you a much sicker feeling in your stomach. The tears were now escaping your eyes and beginning to run down your face. The man's actions stopped. "Do not waste such beauty with tears. It ruins you so much." he spoke now in a soft soothing manor wiping your tears away which only brought you to a more emotional state. You couldn't fight not now.. if you did you could be killed and you wouldn't even have a chance to try and stop what was planned against those at the palace. You then realized the man had stopped and stood on his feet.

"come let me show you where you may clean yourself up dear Maza." he told you holding his hand out to you as if in a kind gesture. You were scared, but did not want to anger the one who seemed to be in charge of your care. You just brought your shaking hand to his and he brought you to your feet. "I'm sure you are tired after your travel here.." he spoke as if thinking out loud. You were surprised not knowing what this man was thinking? One minute he wanted to ruin your pure state then the next he was acting as if he was a great hero helping the lady in distress. It was this double side of him which would soon bring about your greatest enemy and fear...