• -Begin Chapter 6-

    Nico slowly edged his way around the pitch black lake. It's dark depths showed very little comfort.

    "Is there an end to this cave?" Nico inquired. He had been following the cat for hours now. As the sun had been setting they had entered a small cavern. The cavern had led to a large tunnel that they had followed until they reached the murky pool they were side stepping.

    "Yes, there is," The cat aswered. "Don't worry about the water, it's cold but it isn't going to bite you."

    "I've never seen or even heard of water this black. What causes the color?"

    "The bottom is covered with the spirit stones of dark magic users."

    Nico stopped in his tracks.

    "Dark magic users!? What are we doing here? This place must be cursed!" Panic flared in Nico's eyes. He had been told his entire life of the evils of dark magic. It could destroy a person's entire soul in an instant.

    "I see you've been raised under the light," Uttered the strange feline. The creature's deep, commanding voice echoed across the dark intimidating lake. "That was the one drawback of you growing up at the Wizard's tower. Its instructors all preach the power of light, while they turn a blind eye to potential of darkness."

    "Potential!? What good could come from the dark? It's the color of death and plagues. Dark wizards have killed thousands of innocent people! Dark magic brought about the destruction of the entire Orndae race!" Nico was paralyzed by his fear, he had retreated to the side of the cave in an attempt to put as much distance between himself and the bleak expanse of water.

    "It appears you have also been instructed in that age-old propaganda that the Bright Priests have used as their doctrine since The First Awakening."

    "You call the only protection against evil propaganda?" Nico was becoming hysterical. how could he have gotten himself trapped within a cave teaming with dark magic, his only compan a talking cat that spoke of blasphemous thoughts. Nico spun around and darted back the path they had traversed. he had only gone a handful of steps when a huge force collided with his back and sent him sprawling across the cave floor face first.

    His face and fore-arms stinging with numerous cuts and scrapes from the impact with the ground, Nico Rolled over onto his back. As he tried to stand up, a large clawed paw swished through the air and struck him in the chest. Looking up, Nico found himself face to face with a midnight black panther.

    "It is obvious that whatever i say to you will have no effect on your opinion. The only way to dispell the brainwashing you have undergone, is to show you exactly what happened," Said the mysterious creature, in the same, albeit louder voice of the cat.

    The panther dipped it's head and touched the tip of it's nose to Nico's forehead. Nico flinched as the monster's muzzle touched his face. He felt a tugging sensation in his gut, and a surge of energy forced it's way into his mind, obliterating the barriers he had set up for protection. The last thing Nico saw was the panther's glistening teeth, before a blinding green light flashed before his eyes, and his entire world went as black as the dark lake.

    *******

    Mora slowly opened her eyes, her head throbbing as she tried to move her body. The smell of roasting meat filled her nostrils, making her stomach rumble in hunger. She was laying on her side, a small camp fire was burning a few feet ahead of her. Mora Tried to sit up and found that her arms and legs had been bound. The effort of struggling was too much for her in her weakened state and she felt her bady go limp for a few moments.

    "You should try and rest. If you die now master won't be able to use you."

    If she'd had the strength, and was unbound, Mora would have jumped. She hadn't realized that anyone was with her.

    "Master, she's awake," Said the mysterious speaker. Mora recognized the voice, but couldn't place it in her daze.

    "It took you long enough."

    That voice brought Mora back to the world of the waking with a shake. "Leera!"

    The beautiful young lady walked into Mora's field of vision, the same self-confident look upon her face that she had carried when they were at the Wizard's Tower, and Martin in tow looking like a lost puppy.

    "In the flesh," Said Leera, kneeling in front of Mora. She placed her hand on the back of her captive's head. Mora realized for the first time that her hair was wet and sticky with blood. With a sinlge word, Leera closed the break in her skin. "We can't have you dying on us, you're a valuable tool."

    "Tool? What are you talking about?"

    "I will need you for when we arrive at the Crater of Mephestis. You're going to be the one to retreive my spirit stone."

    "As if i would help a worthless piece of scum like you!" Shouted Mora. Captive as she was, she could not stand the smug attitude that Leera had. She was offended too, at the fact that Leera had attacked her, Mora Mersad, second heir to the Bright Kingdom's crown. The audacity of this action insulted her so much that she spat right in Leera's face. The saliva landed directly on Leera's left eye.

    "Filthy wrech!" Screeched Leera. She grabbed Mora by the throat, her fingernails digging deep into Mora's skin. "I will make you bend to my will! You cannot dare to defeat me in a contest of power. You are inferior to me, and I will prove it by breaking your mind!

    A surge of energy forced its way into Mora. Mora tried to fight back, but the bonds on her arms surged. She felt dark power within them engulf her and drain what energy she had left from her. Mora was unable to shout out, as Leera's malicious energy smothered her entire being.

    -End Chapter 6-