(Seto's POV)

"So out first path is to know where our first clue is to be.." the sorceries sighed tightening the last strap on her steed.

"That is the question. I guess we must go on instinct and see who recognizes something first." You shrugged.

With that, the two of you began your journey, She didn't speak. She rode in silence as if in deep thought. Did Kira worry her that much?

"She is everything to you isn't she? Lady Kira?" You asked, trying to get her to open up a little.

She looked at you with her shielded gaze. It was always a sense of warning to you not to come near, but it made you want her more. "Well Priest, I have spent most my life with Master Rubin, and we took Kira in after we saved her from her excuse of a guardian. They're the only thing close to family I have. So yes, she has meaning to me."

"You're spoke of Lady Kira... having an opposite... but I also see her opposite in you as well..." You commented as you began to ride out of the gates

"That's different. You may say that, but my power is similar to her own. The power her real opposite has is different. We dwell on life and light where this being will use the powers of dark. I just wonder how I will take it."

"Take it?"

"Kira and I can both sense things. If this Shadow is as strong as they say he is the dark powers he possesses will make me feel very uneased."

"I would highly doubt that Lady Kira would send you to find this Shadow, which would result in you being harmed. She is," You paused trying to fins the words, "extremely protective over you... in a very subtle way."

"You haven't been here long Priest. Her protectiveness is anything but subtle. Never cross her, because if you do, her wrath can be worse than mine."

"That is not what I meant Lady Maza... I believe you that she is very powerful... and if you say she is worse in even your wrath I will believe you. I just merely commenting that compared to you... She is like... the calm before the storm... so to speak."

"Yes, she is." she replied slightly laughing.

You had not seen this look in her often, and it was truly amazing. The two of you rode in silence for a while until she was the one to speak up.

"How did you end up here Priest?"

"What?"

"Caught up with the palace. If gossip serves me right, your father was a solder. Your mother well, she was like any other woman. Where did your lineage come from?"

"I studied... hard... I believed in a better life... for myself and my mother.." You responded carefully looking ahead.

"So it didn't just find you one day? Interesting..."

"No it didn't...." Something was beginning to nag in your mind... did this place look familiar

"Do you hear that? It sounds like running water, but the Nile is the other direction."

"And this place... seems familiar to me... but I have never been here before I assure you..." You looked around... you have seen this rock formation before and you knew there was a small river over it...

"Well then, let's follow the sound of water. The horses could use a beak after these past couple miles."

"I believe the river... is that way..." You pointed out, guiding your horse in that direction

"Alright, I'm following you on this one Priest." The two of you rode until you spotted a familiar scene. a bend in a small river.

"This is it!" you stated feeling accomplished.

"You mean-"

"Yes, this was the first place I saw." you told her. "We'll have Lady Kira back on her feet in no time..." You said excitedly, but inwardly you were sad you wanted to cherish these moments wit Lady Maza

"I sure hope so Priest. I can't imagine a life without her." Maza stated as she dismounted while the horse was still moving bringing it to a stop at the water's edge.

She was so graceful with the rough things she did. When she fought, like the first night you were at the palace, she had swift precise movements, her mount and dismount. Most women were slow with things like this, but Lady Maza was so quick yet made it seem so easy to her. You followed her lead and dismounted once your horse was at the water's edge allowing it to rest.

"I wonder where this is leading us..." You spoke your thoughts allowed as you sat down beside her near the water

"Well Priest I hope to Shadow cause if it's not. Someone will answer to me." she stated as she removed the water bag strapped to her horse.

"That would be a good Idea-"you began standing up to do the same.

"Don't worry Priest. Here. You first" she tossed the container in your direction as she went back to adjusting more things on her steed.

"My Lady I can't." you argued.

You were always brought up to treat a lady with respect and courtesy, and Lady Maza was making it very hard on you.

"I got it out for you Seto. I don't need much rest.. I've been doing that for several days" her voice trailed away slightly.

"Lady Maza you have come from a mission which has caused great distress to which I cannot imagine and you are on another one... before even recovered... now please... sit down... drink bring yourself at peace for what is to come. I seriously doubt Lady Kira will want you to over exert yourself."

She looked at you surprised then sighed. "If it will make you stop insisting." With that she complied with your wish sitting next to you.

"Thank you..." You spoke calmly scooping up the water into the bag and then handed it to her.

All fell silent as she did what you asked.

"Seto, I have a question to ask." she stated in a low tone. You looked next to you to see a stone-like look upon her face. It was as if she was thinking about something unpleasant.

"Go ahead..." You prompted carefully

"How- How many died at my hand? How many lives must I repent for taking?" she asked keeping her stare straight ahead

"You didn't take those lives..." You immiediately responded without thinking placing a hand on hers, but she quickly flinched ripping her hand from your own.

"How can you say that? I remember the screaming, the fire, the.. the.. the blood, their blood everywhere. I was in the middle of it all. You can't say that I didn't take someone life. Kira's is about to die because of me. I-I am my own sister's murderer."

"She is not dead... she is still fighting.... Maza... she entrusted you with finding her opposite... and from what I have been informed of, she fought to bring you... home..." You pleaded to her..

"That doesn't mean I won't be the cause of her death," She stated dangerously meeting your gaze, "or your own"

"M-My Lady-"

"Think about it. What won't stop me from doing that again? What if I'm in the middle of the palace? Kira will be the first at my side if you don't rush in first like the ignorant fool you are."

"I will fight for you... as Lady Kira would for you.... Maza..." I took her hand more firmly, to be of reassurance and stubbornness...

"Priest, I must once again to advise you to keep your distance from me. It will cost you dearly if you don't." She threatened trying to pull her hand away.

"Then considered me... ill advised.... cannot.. I not... be your friend?"

She studied you sternly.

"Friends? How can you be friends with me Priest?"

"You have allowed Kira have you not?"

"Kira does not try to force herself me on more than one occasion. Or do I have you confused with someone else?"

"I wished to become closer to Maza... nothing you can say or do will deter me from that."

"Please, do not do this to me Priest." She sighed.

"Right now... Maza... you need a friend... and I can do that... but I can do that in my own way and a swear to you... on this mission I will not make any advances upon you... but I will comfort you... and be here..." You spoke softly. Without her knowing, somehow you managed to wrap your arms around her and brought her close to your body. A sudden relief fell over you, as you could finally hold her near. To your surprise she didn't pull away.

"Thank you... Seto" she whispered. Her warm breath tickled your neck slightly. That sent shivers up your spine but you satisfied yourself with what you had... and held her carefully.

"I will always be... right here... Maza..."

Soon enough, your pleasure had to end as the two of you began onto your journey again.

"East." Maza told you.

"East?" you questioned.

"You saw this place, my vision pointed us east." She explained mounting.

"I see. We will find this Shadow, Maza. You will keep your sister.." You reassured her as you mounted.

"We can only hope Seto. We can only hope.."

With that, the two of you continued on trying your best to beat the sands of time. For every wasted second was one second Lady Kira did not have to loose.