A/N: As I continue to edit and revise my stories I will, when possible, replace the old, sloppy chapters with the new and freshly edited ones as soon as they are to my standards. You will see this note, along with possible variations of it, above all the chapters I have edited. Once all chapters are completely edited I will remove all author notes pertaining to the revision of the story.

After returning to the monastery, Boaddai led Maya into the drawing room. It was a medium sized room with a hardwood floor. In the middle of the room was a large, intricate, hand woven rug. On top off the rug was a coffee table. There were two red couches on either side of the table. There were bookshelves lining one side of the room, a painting hanging opposite of the bookshelves, and two large windows in between.

"Maya, sit," Boaddai said distantly.

Maya hesitantly sat down. She watched him walking over to the door. "Master Boaddai?" she asked meekly, drying her tears. "What about…" her voice trailed off when she looked into Boaddai's grey eyes. They were not the soft, friendly, grandfatherly-like eyes she had come to know. They were hard and solemn.

When Boaddai reached the door, he glanced back at her. "I'm sorry," he said hastily, "I'll only be a moment."

She watched him walk out of the room. She was alone. She felt different than how she felt just moments ago. The fear and sorrow she had felt had been replaced with numbness and helplessness. She sat there for some time wishing that she could sleep and that, maybe, just maybe, she would wake up and things would be as they should.

"Hey! Master Boaddai!" Mookee exclaimed, scurrying over to the Kairu Master. "I didn't expect you home until later-"

"Mookee, something has happened," he replied quickly. "Please, go make a batch of tea, will you? Maya could sure use it."

"Oh no!" he squeaked. "Is she all right? What happened? What about Nox? Is she-"

"Enough, Mookee!" Boaddai said firmly.

"Mast… Master Boaddai?" he stuttered, his eyes wide with shock. Boaddai rarely raised his voice like that.

"My apologies," he sighed. "I didn't mean to be so harsh. However, I will explain everything later. Just make the tea and bring it to the drawing room. Do not, I repeat, do not ask Maya any questions. Give her the tea and continue your duties."

"Yes, of course," he said. He turned and started walking away. "Maya is all right, though, isn't she?" he asked quickly.

"Mookee, not now, please," Boaddai frowned.

"I'm sorry…" With that Mookee scampered off down the hallway.

Boaddai sighed and continued his way down the hallway. He opened a door to his left and entered the room. It was his private study.

It was a small and simple room. A desk in the middle, book shelves lining the walls, and a large window behind the desk. A door to the right led to his meditation room.

He made his way over to his desk and rummaged around in the various drawers. Once he found what he was looking for, he grabbed it and headed back towards the drawing room.

"Maya!" Mookee exclaimed worriedly, entering the sitting room. In his hands was a tray with a tea pot and three cups on it. He set it down on the table and poured a cup of tea for the girl.

"Hey, Mookee," she said distantly. She glanced at the cup of tea, to Mookee, and then to the tray. She noted the third cup and frowned, and then back to Mookee. "Is that for me?"

"Yes, here you go," he answered, handing her the cup. "I put a little sugar in your cup for you…"

"Thanks," she nodded. She took a small sip before setting it down on the table.

"You're welcome," Mookee mumbled. He stood there awkwardly, fidgeting with his hands. He knew that Boaddai wanted him to leave after delivering the tea but something was wrong. He didn't see Nox with her or Boaddai. It was improbable, but he hoped that Nox wasn't the reason why Boaddai and Maya looked so troubled.

"We won't be needing the third cup…" she said emotionlessly.

"What?" he raised an eyebrow, "Is this pot of tea only for you and Master Boaddai? What about Nox?"

Maya opened her mouth to say something but jumped when she heard Boaddai speak.

"Mookee, I asked you to bring the tea and not ask any questions," he frowned.

"I'm… I'm sorry, Master Boaddai…" he stuttered. "I'll… I'll get going then." He scurried out quickly.

Once Mookee was out of the room, Boaddai closed the door. He placed a recording device of some kind on the table. There was a small green light indicating that it was on.

Then he sat down on the couch across from Maya and sighed, "I know this is tough for you, Maya, but please, bear with me. I need to know exactly what happened." He was aware that this was going to seem more professional rather than comforting. However, he knew that the sooner Maya talked about what happed, the better.

When Maya opened her mouth, the words started spilling out. She couldn't stop them. "Toby tried to prevent me and N from escaping the stadium," she began. "But N kicked him and found an empty hallway. She and I tried to find a safe way to you. After we had been running for a while, Lokar appeared."

"Was he alone?" Boaddai asked. He had observed Maya carefully, noting her rising discomfort.

"No… not at first. A moment after he appeared, three Kairu Warriors appeared too," she answered.

"Do you remember what they looked like? How about their names?"

"Toby was with them. Um… I can't remember the other two…" she furrowed her brow, thinking hardly. "I think… I think they were from the tournament!"

"Julie and Drew?" he raised an eyebrow.

"Yes! Them. That's what their names were," she answered.

"I see…" he nodded. "Please, continue."

"Um… Lokar… He said… He said he needed me," she continued. "But N wouldn't let him get me. She stood up to him and he slapped her. Really hard. Then he challenged her to a Kairu Battle."

"Lokar challenged Nox?" he interrupted.

"Yeah, he did. He used this… attack on N… A really weird one. Like he lifted her into the air by her the collar of her training robes then jabbed her in the stomach. When she didn't get up, I thought she might've been…" she sniffled. It got hard to speak. It took her a moment to gather up the strength to speak again. Once she was able to speak again, she explained in great detail about the battle. Boaddai listen intently the entire time. He only interrupted when she got to the part about Nox and Lokar's conversation.

"Lokar asked Nox to join him?" he asked concernedly.

"Yeah," Maya nodded. "He said that you weren't 'worthy of someone of her skills' and that he 'sensed N has an affinity with the darker side of Kairu'."

"What did Nox say?" he was wide-eyed.

"She seemed interested at first," she answered. Upon noticing Boaddai's concern she immediately said, "But I think she was deceiving him because she turned down his offer and then used a distraction to get us out of there."

"Yes, I see. Go on," he insisted.

"We ran down a few more hallways before entering this large room with a really big window," she started again. "I think it was called an observation deck. N was really worn down from the battle and needed to catch her breath so we stopped for a moment. Then Lokar and his E-Teens appeared again. They grabbed me and N. N lashed out and attacked Lokar. But he told Julie and Toby to fight N for him. Julie broke the glass and Lokar threatened to leave Julie there for breaking the glass. While Lokar wasn't paying attention, N grabbed me and we teleported out of the room."

"So you didn't stay long enough to find out what happened to Lokar's E-Teens?" Boaddai questioned.

"No." Maya pulled her knees up to her chest. As much as it felt good to talk about what happened, it left her with uncertainties that she didn't like.

"All right," he nodded understandingly. "What happened after that?"

"We kept running till we found you and the Redakai Council," she sniffled.

"I see," he sighed. "What happened when you, Nox, and Lokar where alone when the Redakai Council was incapacitated?" He hated to ask any more questions but he had to get her statement.

"He and N talked," she sniffled. "He said he used some kind of attack on her that drained her Inner Kairu and made it into his own. I think it was called the… De… Dehosser Technique. Or something like that."

"The Dehaustor Technique?" Boaddai corrected.

"Yeah. That one," she nodded. "He said he did it because he needed a quick way to regenerate his used up energy. And then he asked N why she didn't use her full strength during battle. When N refused to answer, he mocked her and told her that she didn't have to answer him because he already knew it was because she wasn't strong enough to control it.

"N got really upset over that. She called Lokar a coward because he had to steal somebody else's power to defeat his enemies. That angered Lokar and he fired an attack at her," Maya shuddered. "But Master Quantus blocked it. He and Lokar began to battle. It wasn't long before Lokar beat Master Quantus."

"And then what happened?"

"Lokar attacked N," she answered. "He then tried to grab me but N got back up and tried to get him to stop. He laughed at her and she began to glow with Kairu Energy. It went from her and over to Lokar. I think he was draining more of her energy. N looked like she was in a lot of pain. I got really scared. So I shot a Kairu blast at Lokar."

"You did?" Boaddai asked, taken aback.

"Yeah," she nodded. "It made him stop hurting N. I ran over to her and ducked out of the way when Lokar tried to grab me. He then walked closer to us. He was going to kill N. So I tried to protect her like she protected me."

Boaddai's eyes widened at this. But he remained silent.

"I tried my best to be strong like N," she gulped. "But Lokar was too strong. He blocked my attack and pushed me to the ground. He walked over to N and told her to stand because it would be dishonorable to kill someone when they are down. When N wouldn't stand, he grabbed her by her hair and forced her to. Just when Lokar was about to blast N, she leapt at him. He grabbed her by the throat and began to drain her Kairu again. When he… He let go," she sniffled, "N dropped to the floor. She was coughing and gasping for air. I… I ran to her. Lokar… He kept saying that she was going to die and that I should leave her to… To… And then you got up and started battling Lokar." She finished, eyes glazed with tears.

"Thank you, Maya. That will be all," he sighed. He picked up the recording device and turned it off. He went to put the device into his pocket but stopped when Maya whimpered softly.

"Master Boaddai? What's going to happen to N?" Her eyes watered with tears as she tried to hold them back.

Boaddai frowned as he tried to decide whether or not to answer honestly. "I don't know," he sighed, walking over to the girl. "However, we will try our best to find Nox, and when we do, Lokar will be brought to justice." He sat down next to Maya and allowed her to snuggle up to him.

"Are you sure?" she sniffled.

"I'm positive," he answered, wrapping an arm around Maya. He gently stroked her hair as she silently cried into his chest. "It will be all right, Maya," he murmured softly. "We will find her." He held Maya close to him as she wept into his chest.

It hurt him to have asked her to retell the events that had just taken place. After all, what he was asking her to do wasn't easy. It was bad enough that she had to go through it once it was even worse that she had to relive it a second time in the same day.

In response, Maya nodded and listened to the stead beat of Boaddai's heart. It was comforting to hear a consistent rhythm. The beat was a rhythmic lullaby that filled her with a sense of safety. After a while she drifted off into sleep.

"I'm so sorry, Maya," he murmured softly to her as she slept. "This shouldn't have happened. I should have been there for you both."

His heart sunk. He knew very well that Nox's skill wasn't where it should have been and that's why he wanted her to participate in the tournament. He hope that it would've help her refine her skills and give her the firsthand experience she needed. However, should she have agreed to participate, Maya would've been captured by Lokar. There was only one person who he could blame for Nox not being prepared. That was Boaddai himself.

In the silence, Boaddai stared out the window and watched the night sky. It was full of stars and there wasn't a cloud in sight. He let out another sigh. Nox was out there, somewhere in the starry sky, probably terrified. He hoped that Nox would stay strong and wait patiently to be rescued.

Dizzy. Nox felt so dizzy and tired. She wanted to open her eyes but couldn't. Her body wouldn't move at all. It was like she was paralyzed.

When she finally was able to open her eyes, she saw a blurry mess of white and red. She coughed roughly and tried to suck in a breath of air. Her lungs burned for air. She felt like a fish out of water gasping and wheezing for air.

It took her a moment for her oxygen starved brain to realize that she was being carried bridal style by someone. She was exhausted and felt like throwing up. Unable to keep her eyes open any longer, she rested her head on the man's chest and closed her eyes. She drifted out of consciousness.

"Dreamer," Nox heard a familiar voice demand, dragging her out from the depths of the abyss, "watch over this one for me."

She felt herself being lowered onto something soft. Her eyes remained shut. It felt like her skull would be split in two if she opened them.

"Is that all, Sir?" another voice responded.

"Yes, that is it," the other voice answered.

"As you wish, Sir."

Nox heard the hiss of a door being shut. She groaned as she opened her eyes. It was bright and blurry. She blinked a few times before being able to see slightly. She looked around to see a tall woman, or at least she seemed like a woman, leaning against a counter. The woman was wearing dark sunglasses that made it impossible to see her eyes. Her black and red jacket seemed tough and durable. She in two holsters on her belt were energy pistols and a moderately sized combat knife rested on her thigh. On the side of her right hip there was a small cylinder device that was an energy sword.

The woman turned and watched Nox intently behind her sunglasses. She frowned.

In response, Nox coughed and wheezed before closing her eyes and drifting off. It seemed like forever before anything happened.

A sudden rejuvenating sensation surged through her body. It felt like drinking water after being dehydrated. It was refreshing and nice. She opened her eyes slightly to see a blurred outline of a tall man and blue light fluttering around her. And just as soon as it started, it stopped.

Through her half-lidded eyes she watched the man in red glide over to the counter. He seemed to be preparing something. Once he was done he walked over to Nox and lifted her head up. He placed a cup in front of her lips, he squeezed her cheeks, effectively opening her mouth. Then he poured it into her mouth.

She wanted to spit it out. It tasted revolting. However, her body wouldn't let her. She reluctantly swallowed the liquid. It burned as it traveled down her throat. She whimpered as the burning sensation traveled to her feet and head. She grimaced and felt her eyes grow heavy...

Nox awoke with a jolt. She looked around the room and frowned. It was the same cell she had fallen asleep in. She had the same blanket that she used to comfort her wrapped tightly around her. She was exactly where she didn't want to be.

"Just a dream…" she mumbled. She ran a hand through her hair.

The sudden sound of the cell's door hissing open drew her attention. She turned to see a man walk into her cell. He was wearing black and navy-blue combat armor along with a Trojan-like helmet. A small energy pistol was holstered on his left hip and an energy rifle on his back. He was carrying a tray with food on it. Another guard wearing similar armor stood behind him.

"Here," he said with a surly expression. He roughly shoved the tray into Nox's arms. "Another guard will come and collect it soon. You better have eaten it all by the time it is collected." He turned and walked out of the cell, the door sliding shut behind him.

"Room service here stinks," she sighed. "Oh?" She glanced down at the tray. "Does Lokar honestly expect me to eat this?" She poked a piece of meat with a fork. "It's a good thing I'm a vegetarian," she laughed. Despite the growling of her stomach, she placed the tray on the ground. She wasn't going to eat. The way she saw it, eating the food provided to her would be a form of submission. She laid down on the cot with a sigh and put her hands behind her head.

She knew very well that she didn't have a choice about whether or not she was Lokar's hostage. However, she did have a choice about how she was going to behave. She decided a while ago that she wasn't going to give into Lokar's power and be an obedient prisoner. He'd have to beat her into submission.

As she waited for another guard to come and collect her food tray, she thought of all the ways she could potentially escape. It was a start to forming a plan, but it was nowhere close to being complete.

Suddenly the sound of the cell door opening drew Nox's attention. Another guard wearing the same armor as the one who had brought the food before, entered the cell. However, he seemed a little less surly as the one who had brought her the food.

As he strolled into her cell, he noticed the tray on the floor. It was completely untouched. "Was there something unappealing about your meal?" he snorted.

"Now that you mention it," Nox said musingly, "it looked a tad… bland. I only eat the finest cuisine."

The guard gave a soft chuckle, something that Nox wasn't expecting. "You've got sass, Kid," the guard smiled. "I like people who have a sense of humor. It adds a bit of personality to the workplace."

She smiled, "I'm assuming that your fellow coworkers are a bit too serious for your tastes then?"

"Not hardly," he answered. "You might want to be careful," he frowned. "My coworkers don't appreciate getting cheek from the prisoners. They view it as an act of insubordination."

"Ah," she said as though having an epiphany. "But isn't that the point of being sassy? It's being insubordinate in a minor, passive more verbal way."

The guard smiled once more. "Kid, it is indeed. You've got spunk. I like that." He walked closer to her. "Try to hold on to that spunk you've got, Kid. People lose that spark of pluckiness in them rather quickly here."

"Oh, don't sell yourself short," she smiled back. "It's not that bad here. Though it definitely could use a woman's touch. All this place needs is new coat of paint, a carpet, and get rid of that dank smell of despair. Trust me, that'll liven up the place."

The guard laughed. He nearly lost his balance from laughing too hard. "Wow," he said, trying to control his laughter. "You're certainly something else, aren't you?"

The guard standing at the door rolled his eyes. He groaned, "Dale, quit conversing with the prisoner and collect her food tray. This is our last job for today and I want to have as much free time with the missus as possible. You catch my drift?"

"I'd hate to be his wife," Nox mumbled softly.

"Yeah, me too," Dale said with a laugh.

Nox tilted her head and stared at Dale. "Wait, your name is Dale?"

"Yes," Dale answered. "Why?"

"Wow. Really? What's his name?" she asked, gesturing to the guard at the cell's door. "Is it Chip? Please don't tell me it's Chip."

The guard at the door rolled his eyes once more. "We don't socialize with prisoners," he said sternly.

"Actually," Dale said with amusement, "his name's Christopher. But I might just start calling him Chip now…"

Nox nearly fell over with laughter. She laughed a lot harder than what she should have. But for some reason, she found this oddly hilarious. "Oh my," she said through her chortling, "please do that."

"I swear," Christopher grumbled. "This is why we are given the less challenging duties."

Dale sniggered slightly. He was about to bend down and pick up the tray himself. He stopped, however, when Nox picked it up herself and handed it to him. He raised an eyebrow at her behavior.

"Why did you do that?" he asked curiously.

"I haven't any type of quarrel with you," she answered seriously.

Dale nodded understandingly. It wasn't him that she was upset with. It was Lokar. "So you're choosing not to eat on purpose?" he asked, trying to gain a better understanding.

"You've ever hear of something called a hunger strike?"

Christopher mumbled, "She's going to get herself in a lot trouble."

"I'm assuming you're not going to eat at all, then?" Dale said, this time, no humor in his tone.

"Nope."

"I'm not going to force you to eat," he began. "Simply because I like you."

"Well," Nox muttered sarcastically, "I certainly feel loved."

"However," he continued solemnly, "be warned, when Master Lokar finds out, you'll be sorry."

"You're going to tell on me?" she retorted.

"No," he said, a lot less humorous then Nox would've liked. "But, after three days, I'll have to let him know."

"I'm so terrified," she said, sarcasm oozing from her comment.

"You should be," his eyes were harsh. "You don't understand what path you're taking. Lokar is not a kind, forgiving man. If you provoke his wrath, you're going to be sorry."

"I think I'm aware of what he's capable of," she answered firmly. It was true, she wasn't a stranger to Lokar's destructive wrath. She'd recently experienced his inexorable power and his short temper.

"Then I won't bring you any for three days," he stated. "You've just made my job a lot easier then, Kid," he sang as he turned to walk away. "Although I'm not so sure that you're making your stay here any easier on yourself." The door closed behind him as he left.

She would've heeded Dale's warning if she wasn't purposely trying to spite Lokar. Anyway, she didn't have time to ponder over what actions Lokar might take because of her hunger strike. She had an escape to plan.

She carefully looked around the room, trying to find any type of weakness she could exploit. She noted the camera in the corner of the ceiling. She smiled and laughed, "Big Brother's watching you…"

It had been two days since Lokar had attacked the tournament and abducted Nox. This hit Maya hard. Her best and only friend was gone. Now all she had for company was Mookee and Boaddai. They weren't bad company, but they weren't Nox. Nox always seemed to understand Maya in ways Boaddai or Mookee never could.

The absence of Nox was felt throughout the monastery. The lighthearted atmosphere that normally flowed through the monastery was replaced with a hopeless silence that seemed like it would never be filled. Even Boaddai felt this. His soft grey eyes had turned an empty, hopeless grey. Yet, he tried to remain optimistic that Nox would be found. However, Boaddai knew better than to get his hopes up too high. Boaddai was no fool and knew Lokar was very cunning. Finding a criminal like Lokar was near impossible.

Boaddai sat with Maya in the drawing room. He held as she wept silently into his chest. He gently stroked her head while murmuring soft, comforting words to her.

"Master Boaddai," Maya sniffled, "I miss N so much…"

"I know. I know," he cooed, trying to soothe the distressing girl. "I miss her too. We'll find her. I promise."

In response, Maya nuzzled her face into Boaddai's chest. Her tears did not subside. She let out a wail of sadness.

"Shhh. It'll be all right," he cooed again. "We will find her. We will find Nox. Once we locate Lokar, we will find her…"

Maya's sobs slowed, but they did not stop. Boaddai continued to pat her head as she buried herself further into his chest.

"They're right in here," they heard Mookee's voice squeak. Then sounds of stumbles and footsteps came from the hallway.

"Sorry about that, Master Atoch," Mookee mumbled sheepishly. "When Nervodians are nervous our hair tends to grow at alarmingly fast rates…"

"That's quite all right," Atoch nodded as they walked into the room. He looked at Boaddai and Maya.

"Master Atoch is here to see you, Master Boaddai," Mookee stated. He then blushed and said, "But you could probably already tell that…" The orange alien stood by the door frame cautiously. He glanced from Boaddai to Atoch. There seemed to be some unspoken apprehension and tension between the two that Mookee couldn't comprehend. He still didn't know what had happened to Nox. He just knew that Nox had been abducted and that was all. Boaddai refused to tell him anything. If Boaddai was refusing to tell him something, then Mookee knew it was horrible.

"Boaddai," Atoch hovered in the open doorway, almost as if he was prevented from entering the room by an invisible force. His brown eyes traveled from Boaddai to Maya, who was still silently sobbing into the man's chest. "The Redakai Council," he began, "has called an urgent meeting. I thought it best to deliver the news in person. After all, you weren't answering your com-unit." He twisted his face into a forged sympathetic expression, "As well as to give my apologies for your loss."

"My apologies," Boaddai said, shifting his body and letting go of Maya. "I've been preoccupied at the moment, as you can see," he said standing up. He looked at Atoch, noted his disposition, and then turned to Mookee, "Watch over Maya while I'm away."

"Of course, Master Boaddai," Mookee squeaked.

Atoch looked at the orange creature and then back to Boaddai. "Shall we depart?"

Boaddai gave a small nod then turned to Maya, who was still silently weeping. "I'll be back soon," he told her, giving her a brief, compassionate hug. "Mookee will be here."

Maya nodded with a sniffle. With nothing more to be said, Boaddai turned and walked away with Atoch by his side.

Mookee hurried over to Maya and immediately started to comfort her. "Don't worry," he hushed. "Master Boaddai will find her."

It was a hypocritical statement since Mookee was on pins and needles himself. In truth he wasn't just saying this to comfort the girl. He said it to try and comfort himself and to convince himself everything would be okay.

Their footsteps echoed in silence as they walked down the corridor. When the burden of the silence became too much, Boaddai turned to Atoch, "I'm assuming that we will be assessing the current hostage situation, is that correct?"

"Affirmative," Atoch nodded. He wasn't comfortable walking in silence either. "Have you gotten Maya's statement?"

"Yes," he nodded. "I have it in my office."

"Would you like me to accompany you?" Atoch asked. He truly did not want to accompany Boaddai at all. He only offered to be polite.

"I can manage this on my own. Although, I would like to speak to you for a moment if that is all right," Boaddai answered. His heart was heavy with shame. He needed to release some of that guilt. There was only one person who he felt certain that could empathize with him. That person was Atoch.

"Certainly," he nodded reluctantly. "What is it?"

"I am sorry for your loss," Boaddai began, rubbing the nape of his neck.

Atoch lifted his chin up and narrowed his eyes at Boaddai. He made an odd expression. He remained silent.

"I know that Toby was more than a student to you," he continued. He looked down and away. "He was like a son and meant so much to you."

"I appreciate your condolences," Atoch sighed. He was slightly taken aback with Boaddai's sympathies. He hadn't thought that Boaddai would've offered such condolences. Especially since that he figured that everyone would've been more concerned with finding Nox and the stolen Kairu reserves. "I will not lie, it has been tough. I'm assuming you feel a sudden and unexpected loss with your situation as well?"

"Yes, it is tragic to say the least," Boaddai nodded. His heart felt a little less heavy knowing that there was someone who understood. "However, we must stand together to bring Lokar to justice."

"Aye," Atoch nodded. He felt as though he should offer Boaddai the same support but did not. He couldn't. He wasn't ready to empathize with Boaddai just yet. He needed to know what happened the day of the tournament when Toby died.

They walked in silence down the corridor once more. The silence sat lightly on Boaddai's chest this time. It was uncomfortable, but much less so than it was before. When they reached the end of the corridor, they entered Boaddai's meditation room. Atoch remained in the meditation room while Boaddai slid open the door that led to his office.

Boaddai walked over to his desk, opened up a drawer, and then grabbed the recording. He walked out of the office and nodded to Atoch. The two of them exited the meditation room and made their way out side. Once they were outside, neither of them uttered a word as the teleported to the Redakai Council's headquarters.

A planet, similar to Earth, orbited a white-hot sun in a galaxy far away. Here, species from all over the universe would come to this planet for various goods, peace, work, and a new life. After all, the space station that orbited the planet was none other than the Redakai Council's Headquarters. The people on the planet below felt safer knowing that, right above their heads, the Redakai Council was watching other them.

In the Headquarters, The Redakai Council would discuss their goals for peace, universal issues, plan strategies, and deal with any other top priority subjects.

Once Boaddai and Atoch arrived at the Headquarters, they made their way to the conference room. The hallways were lined with white and tan columns that decorated in ornate designs. Their footsteps were light against the white tiled floor. As they continued their way down the corridor, several workers and Kairu Warriors bowed respectfully to both Redakai Masters.

When they reached the door at the end of the hallway, a sensor scanned them to make sure they were members of the Redakai Council, then slid open.

They entered to large room. There was a large, oval, wooden table in the middle. Four of the seven members where all ready seated around the table. Boaddai sat down to the right of Quantus. Atoch sat across from Quantus. Once Boaddai and Atoch had taken their seats, they waited for the last member to arrive. Finally, once the final council member arrived, the meeting began.

"It is no surprise why we are all gathered here today," Quantus began. "Not just a week ago, we lost two of our most valuable students. One was murdered by Lokar for reasons unknown. The other, was captured by the same man for reasons unknown as well. Not only must we investigate Toby's death to the best of our abilities, we must find Miss Kenway as well. Both deserve justice."

Murmurs passed through the room.

"Today, we must discuss the current situation regarding the stolen Kairu reserves and discuss Nox Kenway's capture. Before we determine the best course of action to take," he continued, gazing around the room slowly, "we must carefully observe all the possibilities. So let's begin."

Head nods of approval and mutters of agreement passed through the room.

"Has Lokar tried to make any contact with us?" Master Alder inquired.

"No, he has not," Quantus answered. "Which is troublesome. Typically, when he had tried to pull a stunt like this in the past, he contacted us within a day."

"So we have no idea what he is after, then?" Another man spoke up, his wrinkled face scrunched up. He had blond hair that was tied into two long strips that came down over his shoulders and onto his chest. He had a receding hair line and a light skin tone. This was Master Amos.

"Not in the slightest," Quantus sighed. "However, we can speculate that his reasons for abducting Miss Kenway and stealing the Kairu reserves are linked to his twisted endeavor to take over the universe."

"Agreed," Master Amos nodded. "Perhaps Maya knows something. Lokar might have mentioned a piece of his plan to her."

"That is true," Quantus agreed. "Master Boaddai," he turned to Boaddai, "have you gotten Maya's statement?"

"Yes, I have it right here," Boaddai nodded. He removed the recording from his robe pocket. He then handed the device to the Head Redakai.

"Excellent," Quantus said. "Perhaps this may shed some light on this situation." He began to play the recording.

Everyone listened intently. By the time the recording had finished, everyone seemed to have mixed emotions about what they have heard.

Quantus and Atoch both had troubled look on their faces. Atoch frowned and clenched a fist under the table. He didn't like what he had heard.

"This certainly deepens our uncertainty," Master Amos spoke up. His eyebrows were lowered and he glared at the device on the table.

"It certain made this whole ordeal more complex than we had hoped. Perhaps," Quantus brought a hand to his face. He thought for a moment. "From what I've heard," he began again, this time with certainty, "it seems as though Lokar is interested in Miss Kenway's power and abilities. Master Boaddai, what exactly is Miss Kenway capable of?"

"She is a powerful Kairu Warrior," Boaddai answered, a troubled look on his face. "One of the most talented students I have ever trained."

"I see," Quantus stroked his beard. "What was her skill level? How was her ability to control her power? Maya mentioned how Lokar taunted Miss Kenway saying that she was unable to control her full power."

"Nox's skills varied from task to task," Boaddai began, his heart growing heavy. "She was able to maintain constant control over her Inner Kairu when she was using small amounts at a time. Despite working with only a small amount at a time," he tried to hide his pride, "she was able to control it almost at the level of an esteemed Kairu Master. It was awe-inspiring." His eyes turned a cold grey and he avoided looking into any of the other members' eyes. "However," he sighed, "she seemed to lose control whenever she increased the amount of Inner Kairu she was working with."

A murmur, seemingly of disapproval, passed through the members of the council.

"What she lacked with skills, she made up for with her cunning personality," Boaddai said sternly.

"Interesting," Atoch muttered. "So she wasn't able to control her power to its fullest…"

For some reason Atoch's comment felt like a thinly veiled attack to Boaddai. He became slightly defensive. "For whatever reason she couldn't control her full power, it never truly affected her proficiency in training."

"Did you ever try to teach her how to properly control her power?" Master Amos inquired, eyeing Boaddai skeptically.

"Yes, I did," Boaddai frowned. "For whatever reason she was unable to control her Inner Kairu in large quantities, it seemed that it wasn't a lack of skill on her part. She knew very well how to properly control it. She was more than capable of executing the proper steps. However, once she went past her comfort-zone, she seemed to quickly lose her grip on her power."

"Perhaps it wasn't a lack of training or self-discipline, but a lack of confidence on her part," Master Alder stated.

"That is precisely what I had thought," Boaddai nodded. "I had been trying to help her improve her confidence. She had been making progress. Slow as it was, it was progress nonetheless."

As the rest of the Council discussed Nox's abilities, Atoch sat back in his chair listening halfheartedly. Maya's recorded voice kept echoing in his ears. He couldn't get the sound of her saying that Toby had turned evil out of his head. He couldn't stop hearing Lokar's pleased voice telling him that Toby had betrayed the Redakai Council. He couldn't take it that everyone was discussing what they should do about Nox when they could be investigating Toby's death.

It seemed obvious to him that Nox left Toby to die, Maya had just indirectly confirmed it. To him, it seemed like a waste of time to worry about Nox. After all, he couldn't shake off the funny feeling he got when he first met her.

It must've been a warning, he thought bitterly. I should've trusted my instincts… He crinkled his nose and scowled. He crossed his arms and glared at Boaddai.

Quantus stroked his beard one last time and ruffled his brow. "Lokar tried to convince Miss Kenway to join his side…"

Everyone turned their attention to Quantus. Even Atoch watched with interest. He figured that the time to voice his own thoughts was coming up.

Master Amos frowned, "What are you thinking, Master Quantus?"

His emerald eyes surveyed everyone sitting around the table. "Lokar is fascinated by Miss Kenway's power," he remarked. "I'm more than certain of it." He let out a sigh, "Master Boaddai, do we have a reason to worry that she might abandon you as a master and flock to Lokar's side?"

It felt like something was tugging at Boaddai's heart. He looked over at Quantus and saw the concern in the Head Redakai's eyes. "You believe she will turn traitor?" he nearly gasped.

"No," Quantus answered unconvincingly. "Although, from what I've heard from Maya's statement," he glanced down at the recording, "it seems as though Lokar believes that Miss Kenway has a secret interest in the dark side of Kairu. Has she shown any time of interest in any forbidden or dark teachings?"

Boaddai gulped. He slowly closed his eyes and dragged a hand down his face. "She may have shown some curiosity…" he said softly.

Gasps echoed through the room.

Before Boaddai could speak and defend Nox's name, Master Amos spoke up, "Master Boaddai, has Miss Kenway shown any signs of turning to the dark side?"

Again, Boaddai gulped. "I…" He cleared his throat then began again. "A few months ago, I noticed a slight change the pattern of her Inner Kairu."

"Was she exuding a stranger, darker Inner Kairu?" Master Alder frowned, his eyes wide with shock.

"It was a slight change," Boaddai glared at Master Alder. "It was neither darker nor lighter."

"Have you noticed any unusual changes in her behavior?" Alder pressed on.

"No, not at all," Boaddai answered.

"How curious did she seem in the dark side of Kairu?" Quantus asked, a puzzled expression on his face. He seemed to have disregarded the conversation that had been going on.

Boaddai began to answer, "She seemed-"

"It doesn't matter how curious she was," Atoch interrupted with a grumble. "If she has shown the slightest curiosity in anything but the lighter side of Kairu, then Lokar has a greater chance in turning her."

Boaddai gapped at Atoch. He saw the furry leaking through his friend's eyes and tone. He glanced at Quantus then back to Atoch.

"Master Atoch," Quantus frowned, taken aback. "Just because one shows a small curiosity in dark subjects doesn't mean one is evil."

"Perhaps not, but in this case I'm not so sure," he continued. "Maya stated that Miss Kenway seemed interested. It was only after Master Boaddai commented did Maya say it was a ruse."

"Are you suggesting that Maya lied to protect Miss Kenway's honor?" Master Alder squinted.

"That is preposterous!" Boaddai exclaimed angrily.

"They were close friends, where they not?" Atoch countered. His expression was cold and indifferent. "Then why wouldn't she lie?"

"And what of your student? He had tried to prevent Nox from getting Maya to safety!" Boaddai snapped. His voice was raised slightly.

"Miss Kenway probably made it seem that way to Maya. After all," Atoch brandished his hand in the air, "the mind of a child is easy to manipulate."

"Nox would never do such a thing! If Maya says she saw Toby working for Lokar then I believe it," Boaddai spat.

Atoch's face twisted in rage. "Your student left my student to die," he snarled. "Toby's death was not caused by Lokar. He died because your student, Miss Kenway, neglected to save him!"

Silence fell upon the Redakai as all heads turned to Atoch.

"Lokar only said that so we would turn on each other," Boaddai growled. "Nox would never have left Toby to die. She has strong morals about life and death," Boaddai refuted. In truth, while he was trying to convince the others, he was also trying to convince himself. Boaddai knew Nox cared about Maya and that she would do anything to insure the girl's safety.

Suddenly the Redakai broke out into an argument and stumbled into turmoil. Someone yelled that they should question Maya more and other's believed the girl was too emotional to be held as a credible witness.

"Enough!" Quantus demanded silence. Once everyone had stopped talking, he began again, "Thank you. Now, we must focus at the task at hand."

The monastery was lit up by the rising sun. Its golden glow warmed the ground and air. Birds began to chirp softly and other wildlife began to stir.

Boaddai watched the sun rise from his private study. He sat slumped over at his desk with bags under his eyes. He had spent the entire night doing paper work and other things. He dragged a hand down his face. It had been three days and he hadn't had a full night's rest since the tournament. Not to mention his encounter with Atoch left a bad taste in his mouth. Not having a good night's rest and he hurtful words Atoch had said had taken a toll on the Kairu Master.

In fact, Boaddai had been in and out of the monastery so much due to his presence being required by the Redakai Council, that his constant absences worried Mookee. The little, orange alien kept asking Boaddai so many questions. Boaddai wouldn't have minded this if he knew the answers. This time, however, Boaddai found himself unable to provide any sort of information. Mookee's unwanted pestering so bothersome that Boaddai started to avoid Mookee. Boaddai still hadn't told Mookee that Lokar had abducted Nox. That was a conversation Boaddai was dreading.

Boaddai yawned and decided that he would continue his work after a quick nap. He began to neatly organize the papers on his desk. Once he was done, he glanced over to the couch that was in the corner of the office.

Maya was laying there sound asleep. A blanket wrapped tightly around her. She clutched a teddy bear in her arms. She had been staying with him every night because she kept having nightmares.

He let out a sigh and walked over to the little girl. As gently as he could, he picked her up and carried her off to her own room. It pained him that she had to endure so much and there was very little he could do at the moment. He reached her room and gently placed her on the bed. He tucked her in, made sure she had her teddy bear, and then quietly closed the door.

Just as he began to walk down the hallway, he heard Mookee's footsteps.

"Master Boaddai?" Mookee squeaked, scurrying over to the Kairu Master.

Boaddai turned and looked down to see Mookee. "Yes, Mookee?" Boaddai raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"

"Um… I was wondering," he gulped, "that if you had a moment, could you please tell me what's going on? Where's Nox? Has someone… Kidnapped her?" He quickly looked away and fidgeted with his hands. He knew that if Boaddai didn't want to tell him something, then it was probably for a good reason. But he couldn't handle not knowing where Nox was and why Maya was so terrified.

"Mookee…" Boaddai sighed. He didn't want to tell the poor creature. Yet, he knew it must be done. "All right," he said reluctantly, "I'll tell you. But not here. Follow me."

"Okay, Master Boaddai," Mookee nodded.

Boaddai led Mookee to his private study. He closed the door and gestured for Mookee to sit down.

"Mookee," he began softly, "as you already know, what I'm about to tell you is devastating."

Mookee gulped and fidgeted with his hands. He tried his best to control his anticipation. His heart was pounding widely.

Watching Mookee sit nervously before he had been told what had happened pained Boaddai. He decided that it would be best to do this quick. "Lokar attacked the tournament and abducted Nox," Boaddai said.

"Lo… Lokar?!" Mookee squeaked. He nearly fainted at the sound of the name.

"Yes," he nodded.

"What!" Mookee screeched. "Lokar took Nox?! How… How could this have happened?"

"When Lokar attacked the tournament," he began, "he attempted to destroy the Redakai Council. We defeated him after a lengthy battle. He fled, or so we thought. He had actually went after Maya and Nox."

Mookee gasped and covered his mouth with his hands. He had begun to tremble and his eyes were wide with horror.

"Nox fought diligently to protect Maya," Boaddai continued. "She was able to escape Lokar and get Maya to me safely. However, he pursued them once more. Upon realizing that he had once again stumbled across the Redakai Council, Lokar challenged us to a Kairu Battle once more.

"Somehow," Boaddai frowned, "he had found a new source of strength and he easily subdued us all. While we were incapacitated, Lokar nearly killed us were we lay. Nox delayed Lokar's plans to destroy the Council, giving us time to recuperate and strike back. She made a valiant effort to protect us as well as Maya, something she undoubtedly did, and at great personal risk too. Despite being talented, Nox was no match for Lokar. He easily over powered her."

Boaddai paused for a breath. He didn't look at Mookee, he didn't want to see his orange, horrified face just yet. "We were able to recover right before Lokar killed Nox. However, in the end, right before we were able to detain Lokar, he grabbed Nox. He teleported himself out of our grasps and took Nox along with him."

"Oh… Oh my…" Mookee began to hyperventilate. He hadn't been dealing with Nox's disappearance all that well even when he didn't know who had abducted her. He missed Nox almost as much as Maya did. Nox always made him feel appreciated and special.

Now that he know that Lokar was behind all this, it became much worse for him. His mustache sprang forward, growing at least a yard. Not to mention how her abductor was Lokar. Mookee was terrified that Lokar would do something terrible to Nox.

"Mookee," Boaddai tried to sound comforting, "I promise you, we are doing everything we can to rescue her. We are searching for clues and trying to follow Lokar's tracks. However, in the meantime, I need you to really be there for Maya."

"Okay, Master Boaddai," Mookee trembled. "I'll try my best."