Don't Look Back – Chapter 8

Betrayal Among Allies

((Chihiro POV))

I awoke to darkness. I panicked, but a light flooded my vision. I squinted, and lifted a hand to block out the light. The person who had opened the door to my cell reached in, grabbed my roughly by the arm, and pulled me out. I didn't put up a fight. What was the point anyway? I didn't want any trouble… yet. I was going to learn as much as I could before I tried to escape. To do that, I needed to learn where I was in relation to the bathhouse, when the best time to leave is, all that stuff that comes into play while planning an escape.

I was brought to a room that was lavishly decorated. I shuddered, thinking of Yubaba's horrible taste in decoration. Not that I would ever tell her though. With a yelp of surprise, my guard threw me into the room, and closed the door behind me. I flung my hands out to catch myself, and I managed to not break anything. I slowly looked up, and saw a terrifying woman standing in front of me.

Dark, auburn red cascaded down to the middle of the woman's back. It was pinned up on one side, revealing a vivid green eye, the other covered in a curtain of hair. What is it with these people and only showing one eye? It's kinda creeping me out…

"Get up." The woman spat. Like I said, I didn't want to be a pain just yet, so I scrambled to my feet. "Do you know who I am, human?" she sneered.

My back straightened. I wasn't afraid of her… okay, I was, but I wasn't going to let it show. "I'm not a human."

"Right, right, of course your not." The woman said sarcastically, waving off my statement. "But, that's not my main question here. Do you know who I am?"

"No, frankly, I don't."

The woman's eye twitched. "Really? What a pity… you should know. Well, my name, would be Kallisto, Leader of the Druids. All those stories you've heard about me? Yes, I will happily admit they are true."

I contained my fear. If I wanted to make a ruckus, I would make sure that it didn't concern her in the slightest. I don't even think Haku would try his luck against her… I don't even think Yubaba would consider it either. I lifted my chin in the slightest, showing her that I didn't care much.

She brushed her hair to the side, revealing both of her green eyes, which were narrowed to the point where they were mere slits. "You'll show me more respect, girl."

"Not until you show me some." I retorted coolly and calmly. Well, so much for not pissing her off…

"Well, you are certainly feisty… perhaps my son can take care of that…" she said with an evil smirk. "Perun!"

"Yes?" a low male voice asked, stepping into the room. My eyes widened despite my efforts. He looked so much like Haku! When did this happen! Haku isn't related to anyone and he doesn't have any siblings… does he?

"This, girl, is my youngest son, Perun. He will show you what happens when you cross the Druids, especially me." Kallisto explained, and snapped. A whip appeared in her hand, and she gave it to him. "Don't hold back." She told him, and stepped back. He came to stand in front of me.

I met his dark blue gaze, and held it. I didn't show fear… at least I hope I didn't. He seemed to look inside me, and then out of the corner of his eye, he looked at his mother. She gave him a glare, and then he directed his focus back to me. I gave him a level look, not once looking away. He gave me a slight nod, and I gave a small start. What was he planning to do?

He threw the whip to the side, and glared at his mother. "She doesn't deserve it."

Kallisto seemed to emitsteam. "What are you talking about? It's not your position to judge my actions!"

"You're right, it's not. But, it's my job to judge mine. Beating her is going against what I believe she deserves." He said coolly, and left the room without a word.

She looked at me and snarled. "Get out of my sight."

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I was thrown back into my cell, my hopes down in the dirt. There was no way I was going to get out of here. When I tried to warm myself, I noticed that my cell seemed to weaken my power, thus I couldn't do any magic from within my cell. The halls, especially the doorway to the dungeons are guarded heavily. I swear some of these guards sole duty is to make sure that I'm where I'm supposed to be. How in the world am I going to get out of here?

((Haku's POV))

I paced in my office, thinking hard. We had no idea where the Druids were, let alone if Chihiro was all right. How could I have let something like this happen? How? And more importantly, wouldn't the benefit more if they had me? She can't be of much use to them… she just can't be. What power does she hold that I haven't all ready seen?

A knock interrupted my thoughts. "Who is it?" I snapped. To my bewilderment, the door didn't open, but my window did. A black figure closed the door behind them, and drew back their hood. "Who are you?" I asked in a low tone.

"I don't mean harm, I promise." The woman said in a light voice, meeting my gaze. I found myself starring into a pair of deep, maroon eyes. "My name is Amaya. Now, I understand that Chihiro has been taken by the Druids."

"That's old news. What do you mean by it?" I asked, growing wary.

"I know where their stronghold is, and it would be my pleasure to take you." Amaya said evenly, watching for my response.

"You're with them!" I spat, drawing my sword.

"I will not deny it, but I am against them. You have my word that I will not harm you or anyone of the League."

"And I'm supposed to believe that?"

"I swear it on my honor as a spirit of the earth." She said softly, and my eyes widened. No one made oaths like that anymore. If you swore on your element, and then broke it… let's just put it as it was absolutely the last thing you would ever do.

"Daughter of the Earth? Do your leaders know?"

"Of course not." Amaya smiled, "They would throw me into performing the spells… that are required to be preformed."

I winced slightly, knowing what she was referring to. "Perfect sense. But why do you offer me help? What's in it for you?"

"So I can leave. I hate the Druids. I was born into it, just as my best friend."

"Who is this 'best friend' of yours?" I asked her, leaning against the edge of my desk, putting my sword away. I kept a hand on the hilt, just in case she tried something bold.

"Perun."

I didn't try to hide my shock, and I moved my hand away from my sword. "Perun? Kallisto's-"

"Youngest son, yes. He showed me the true horrors of what we do… and it's a lot more horrible than you think."

I shook my head. "I have a hard time believing that…"

"Children who are captured at age five, then raised thinking that our ways are right. Learning to torture humans when they are one themselves… telling them that humans are a disgrace so they practically scramble to become a spirit. If you can tell me you've heard worse, you need to tell me what you've heard." Amaya said icily, watching my reaction.

I had looked away from her face throughout her explanation. "All right, you've got me there." I said softly,then returned her hard gaze."But, eventhough you have sworn to help me and the League, no one will believe you. You are the Leader of the Second Squadron, are you not?"

"I am."

"Then there's not doubt about it. You'll be shot if you're found here in the bathhouse, unless you have my protection."

"What sort of protection?" Amaya asked warily.

I smiled, and went behind my desk. I opened a drawer, and pulled out a medallion. Amaya's eyes widened when she saw exactly what it was. A silver dragon wrapped around a small clear stone, hanging from a piece of black leather. I put it around her neck, and she tucked it underneath her shirt.

"This will block any opposing magic that may be thrown at you, but this doesn't make you immune to them. Now, the clear stone can hold a reserve of any elemental magic. So, you may store any extra energy that you need in there. I suggest doing it before you sleep, seeing as filling it up entirely might make you pass out. Italsoshows you have my trust, no doubt youhave all ready surmisedas such.Now, get your friend Perun here, I need to meet him."

Amaya took a step back, and offered me a very deep bow. "Yes Master Haku." She said clearly, and straightened up. With a wave of my hand, I dismissed her. She left through the window of that which she came through.

A Week Later…

((Chihiro's POV))

I was awaken by the door to my cell screeching open. I lifted my head and blinked a few times. I was hauled up by my arm, and taken to Kallisto's office. Why did I know exactly what was happening? Because it was easily the only thing I've been doing for the past week. She's been trying to get me to talk via beatings and force spells. Did they work? No, and that's what has got her all in a knot. Kinda funny actually… well, that's the case until she lets it out on you.

We arrived at her office, and I was thrown to the floor. Out of practice and reflexes, I caught myself before my head slammed into the hardwood floor. I looked up at Kallisto, and stood up before she could even ask me.

"Well Chihiro, this will be the last time we do this."

"Do what?" I asked innocently, knowing that it would get her on her way to blowing her top off.

"Nevermind. Here, I have brought my son Perun back here-"

"You know Perun won't do it." I said smiling. This was a lie, I didn't know what he would do, and now that I said it… he just might do it.

To my surprise, he laughed, stepping out of the shadows. "Well! Mother, I think it's safe to say she knows me better than you do." He looked at me, and gave me a wink. Believe it or not, I think I've actually come to like this guy, as a friend! Oh no, Haku's too deep in my heart still to let anyone replace him, don't worry.

Wow, all of this time, I had always tried not to think of Haku because it's kinda depressing. Now that I let my guard down, my thoughts drifted back to him. Where is he? Is he out looking for me? How is he? I hope he's not worrying himself sick.-

"Chihiro! Pay attention to me!" Kallisto cried, and backhanded me across the face. The unexpected attack sent me crashing to the floor. I gasped when I contacted with the floor. Kallisto's voice dripped with anger. "Guards, take her back to her cell. But… do whatever you wish with her before you do so…"

My eyes widened in terror as the guards laughed, and then carried me away.

((Perun's POV))

I looked at Chihiro being dragged from the room, and then looked at my mother in disgust. "How could you allow them to do that? Don't you have any dignity?"

She shrugged. "It's not my dignity and honor they are stripping away, it's hers. Besides, they never get to have any fun anymore-"

"I used to know a woman who had pride and dignity, and would never even dream of giving an order like that to her guards. Evidently, I don't know her anymore." I hissed, and left the room.

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I walked the halls, fuming silently. I wanted to break up whatever the guards were doing, but I knew that I wouldn't last long. There's ten of them, and one of me. My thoughts of anger and disgust were interrupted when I ran straight into someone. Both of us were knocked down, and I helped the person up.

"I am so sorry, I didn't see you-"

"Perun!"

I looked at the person's face closely. I couldn't help but smile at who I saw. "Amaya! Where did you go?"

"Come here." She said softly, and pulled me to her quarters.

As much as I wanted to be here, this was kind of uncomfortable. "Amaya… what are we doing here?"

"So no one will over hear us." She said simply, then realization dawned on her face. "You thought I was bringing you here for something else?" she said, busting out laughing.

I blushed. "Well, what was I supposed to think? You wanted to talk to me about absolutely nothing at all?"

"Well, I do want to talk to you, but this is very important." She said, and lifted something from around her neck.

My knees went weak with relief when I saw the medallion. "He accepted…" I breathed.

She nodded, and put the medallion back underneath her shirt. "He did. But, I think to convince him that you are with the League too, you need to prove it in the best possible way."

"Chihiro." I said without hesitation. When Amaya raised an eyebrow at me, I explained my thoughts. "Haku wants Chihiro safe back at the bathhouse. So, we spring her out of here, and we get accepted among the League at the same time."

"Sounds great, but how are we going to pull it off?"

"Within the next week, try to get a few words in with Chihiro, let her know who you are. Stand up for her once in her presence. Make sure that she knows that she can trust you."

"And she trusts you?"

"I've stood up for her many times to my mother. She wants me to beChihiro's torturer and all that jazz."

"I see… but that doesn't explain how we're going to get her out."

"You see, if she knows that she can trust you, she won't hesitate to come with you when we're getting her out of here. Make sure you get to know her, because I want to get her out of her as soon as possible. Wait… your men are guarding her cell, and are currently having their fun with her…"

"WHAT?" Amaya screeched. "They are not! Oh gods!" she cried, sprinting from the room.

((Amaya's POV))

How dare they. Just… how dare they! My men know better, but they evidently need to be reminded. I found them in her cell, laughing and watching her try to escape their hands, but she was failing miserably.

"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't kill all of you know." I said softly, but my words carried through the cell, turning the air cold.

One man shot up. "It was an order-"

"You take orders from me, not Kallisto. Remember that. Now, get out of my sight." I hissed, and every man was out of the room within five seconds. I walked over to the woman crying softly on the ground and kneeled down next to her. "Chihiro? Please, look at me. I'm not going to harm you." I said soothingly, and touched her shoulder gently. She turned her head slightly to look up at me.

"Who are you?" she croaked out.

"My name is Amaya, I'm the Leader of the Second Squadron of the Druids. Despite my title, I'm not a big fan of what I'm called upon to do. Now, can you stand?"

"I… I don't think so…" she said, a few more tears leaving dirty trails on her cheeks.

"That's all right, I'm going to fix you up." I said, and helped her up. She leaned against me heavily, and we slowly walked back to my rooms. To my dismay I met someone along the way. But, to my relief, it wasn't someone that would report me.

"Perun!" I cried softly, and he looked up. He saw me and Chihiro and his face paled.

"Oh gods…" he whispered, and jogged over to us. He hesitantly put a hand on her shoulder. "Chihiro… I'm going to hurt the men that did this, I swear."

"After I get my turn at them." I snarled, my insides squirming in disgust. How low can they get?

"We have to get her out of sight." Perun said softly, and I nodded. He stood in front of Chihiro and looked into her eyes. "I know that you don't want a man near you right now, let alone touch you. So, I'm asking if it's all right with you if I carry you back to Amaya's rooms. I swear I won't hurt you. You can trust me Chihiro, me and Amaya."

She took a shaky breath, and nodded. "I trust you." She said softly. I let go of Chihiro, and Perun scooped her up in his strong arms. She clung to his shirt, and I envied her a bit. I want to be carried by Perun…

My fantasies were cut short when we began to jog back to my rooms.

A/N: You have no idea how much fun this is getting to write, seriously. Not only is it a cool story line on my part, but everyone else seems to think so too! It's amazing! Oh, I just thought that I would throw in a couple of fun facts:

Name - meaning ((Origin/Usage))

Perun - thunder ((Slavic))
Amaya - night rain ((Japanese))
Phobos - fear ((Greek))
Kallisto - most beautiful ((Greek))

Fun fun... yeah, anyway. This story has gotten the most reviews I've EVER seen in my life, seriously! Since there are so many of you, I'll reply personally to your reviews.

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