Super tire, not sure if I edited or not, I don't remember :P

COVER SUBMISSIONS ARE STILL OPEN! Upload the image to Deviant Art and then tag me @CATtheDrawer. If I don't see it in a few days, pm on WATTPAD, I'll see those, for sure. 

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Sweet Desire

Chapter 9

"We're all in the same game; just different levels. Dealing with the same hell; just different Devils"

~~~~~

Adam's eyes widened as he saw a person begin to emerge from the portal.

He stumbled back without thinking and bumped into Ross who in turn opened his eyes. His eyes landed on the figure emerging from the portal and he gasped.

A person stepped out and brought a hand to their face and shielded the sun from their eyes, their red hair glimmered under the light.

"M-Max...--Max!" Ross shouted and before MAx could react Ross rushed forward and enveloped Max in a huge hug.

Adam heard people gasp behind him.

"Max!" They shouted.

Adam took several steps back, he did it. He really did it. Did this mean his vision was real? It had to be, otherwise this should've been impossible.

"Guys! I can't believe it's you!" Max hugged back as Red and Barney ran up and joined in the hug.

Adam smiled and he felt a hand on his shoulder, "You did it," Ian commented, "I don't even know how."

"I told you...a vision told me I needed to pray, and we all did," he hated this feeling of lying. This sense of a weight crushing him from above was sickening.

"Right, praying...so will they both return?"

"I'm sure they will, if only Tyler was here to see this," Adam added.

The two of them watched the portal and soon another leg stepped out. Adam's eyes widened as time seemed to slowed for him, Seto Magi emerged from the portal.

"Seto..."

Seto glanced around before his eyes landed on Ian and Adam. He smiled, "Hey--Aah!"

Ian marched over wrapped his arm around Seto's head forcing the already short man to lean even shoulder as Ian yelled, "Don't you hey us you no good troublemaker! Do you know the hell we've gone through to bring you back? You put a lot of worry on all of us and dumped your problems on all of us you ungrateful--"

"Ack! Ian, calm down, don't scare the poor Seto. He just returned home after four years!" Adam rushed over and pulled Ian off of Seto who chuckled softly and fixed his tussled hair.

"No Adam, Ian's right. I did something stupid because I ran away from my problems and my grief. Ian has every right to be mad at me...but in the 6 years I've been gone--4 years for everyone in the overworld--I've had a lot of time to reflect."

"6 years?" Adam asked.

Red, Barney, Ross and Max all separated from their heartfelt group hug and looked at Seto in curiosity. Well, not Max, he already knew that time worked differently in the Nether, instead he glanced back at the portal wondering if Jin would come through.

"Yes, in the Nether time runs faster, so what was 4 years for you, was 6 for me. Technically meaning I'm 25 now--"

"No way!" Adam shouted, "Now we are only 3 years apart! That's really weird!"

"Wait," Red interjected, he looked to Max and then at Seto, "Max was with you for 6 years?"

Seto shook his head, "No, only several days."

"Hows?"

"My sword force me and..." Max looked back at the sound of the portal and saw Jin walk through, "him to travel forward 6 years into the future. We didn't age..."

"You!" Red glared and stepped forward, Barney clenched his fists in Jin's direction. Jin responded with a snort.

"What? What the nether is your problem?" Jin glared back, he balled up his fist.

"You caused all this!" Red shouted. Adam looked on with worry and surprise and then he noticed Jin's hands glow.

"You want to fight me ass?"

Ian reached for the hilt of his sword and put one arm out in front of Adam to protect him, "Get back Seto," Ian muttered, but instead Seto ignored him and stepped forward and pushed passed Red, Barney, Max, and Ross.

"Don't make me repeat myself," Seto warned.

Jin glanced at him and tightened his fist and clenched his jaw before relaxing and looking away. He clutched one arm in a protective way before spitting at the ground and turning away, "Whatever..."

"What was that?" Ian asked, "Did you just threaten someone?"

"No, just warned--You could say a lot has changed in 6 years...but I'm afraid we are pressed on time. There is something I must do now that I am out."

Seto looked to Max, "Max, I'm sure you don't need me anymore, enjoy your freedom."

"Yeah, thanks..." Max smiled but looked to Jin as if contemplating an action.

Seto looked back at Ian and Adam, "I need a horse, I have to see Mitch right now--"

"Mitch, why?" Ian interrupted.

"That's impossible right now, Seto a lot has happened here and well, it is a long story."

Seto shook his head, "I know, which is why we must hurry to his castle now. I can fix his illness before Alesa does. If she uses her power now she will only grow sicker, we need to hurry."

"Huh? Alesa? Sicker, how--no wait, how do you know about Mitch's condition."

"I told you, a lot has happened, but this is more important. You did ride horses her, didn't you?"

"Y-yeah, we did--"

"Then let's hurry--"

"B-but huh..."

Seto rushed past Ian and Adam leaving them both confused and dazed as Seto headed straight in the direction Ian tied up the horses. It was like he knew where to go and Adam thought he saw the slightest wisp of purple trailing from Seto's eyes before his face was hidden from view.

~~~~~

Tyler panicked as he saw Seto heading this way. He couldn't believe it, after all these years Seto was finally here. He was back. Tyler held back sobs of joy, he wanted to call out and embrace his long time friend.

Tyler backed away from the tree and moved more into view just as Seto walked to him, "Se--" Seto hurried past Tyler and Tyler faltered in confusion. He looked back at Seto who just kept walking towards the horses.

Tyler looked back to see Adam running over, "Tyler! You made it. Did you see, Seto is back!"

"Y-yeah I saw, but I didn't get to say anything to him--is he alright? He walked right past me as if he didn't see me?"

"I--"

"Adam, we have to hurry or it will be too late," Seto called. Seto had mounted one of the horses and was waiting for Adam expectantly.

"Sorry, coming!" he looked back at Tyler, "Talk to Ian, he'll explain."

Adam ran off quickly leaving Tyler alone and confused.

~~~~~

"Why is it so important we hurry?" Adam asked as he and Seto rode the same horse towards the castle.

"Because as we speak Alesa is heading to the castle. She was summoned because of her healing abilities to heal Mitch, however, if she heals him her health will detroriate even more and she can't do this right now?"

"I mean I learned Aleas had healing magic a while back when she healed Sub of his vocal problems, but how--"

"She's a candidate to Notch, you are a candidate to Hero, Jin for the Wither, and myself for the Nyx. Our abilities have pros and cons to them. She can heal at the cost of her own health, but that is as much as I know from what I could see."

Adam gasped, "You...you know that Herobrine visited me?"

"I know it occurred. I saw it. Just as I saw how Mitch fell to illness, and how the war ended and so much more. I'm not as out of date as you think...before you ask. I know all of this due to my magic, for now that is all I will say. We're approaching the castle."

"Right," Adam could hardly believe in the person before him. There was no way this Seto and the Seto he knew were the same. 4 year--6 years? Doesn't matter. Many years ago Seto was timid, guilt-ridden, and fearful of his own magic. Yet here was a young man with eyes hardened by determination and an air of confidence around him. This Seto didn't hesitate, this Seto seemed far wiser than anyone else he knew, he was amazed by the change and a little lost by it too.

It felt like he was meeting a completely different person.

Adam winced and clutched Seto's shoulder tightly as the wounds in his body erupted into pain. He was doing well to hold out the entire ride, but it was taking quite the toll on him.

"Halt!" Soldiers stood in front of the castle gates and Seto pulled on the reins to slow the horse down before coming to a stop before the guards.

"Who are you?" one soldier asked.

Seto dismounted from the horse and waited as Adam did the same, "I am Prince Adam of Emedo, and this is my comrade Seto Magi of Keuta. We've come to see King Mitchell immediately.

"Prince Adam, my apologizes, please enter," the guards stepped aside and signaled for the gates to be opened. The gates opened and the two of them walked in, leaving their horse to one of the guards.

"Where is Mitch resting?" Seto asked.

Adam gestured for Seto to follow him, "this way," the two of them walked quickly down the long halls, the silence between them purposeful, "through here, Seto, what is going on. How can you help Mitch?"

"Trust me," Seto said before pushing the doors open.

Inside the sun lit room was General Dune, Mitch's mother, Jerome, Ty, Quentin, Wag, and Alesa. The motion of the door sparked several eyes, but the noise it made as it made contact with the wall grabbed everyone's attention.

"Who are you!" General Dune reacted first and pulled out his sword before standing defensively in front of Mitch. Mitch's mother gasped and backed away towards her son.

However, everyone else was too stunned for words, until at last Adam stepped past Seto and into the room, "Don't worry General, this is a friend of ours, and he's come to help."

Adam's word's broke the shock and Jerome spoke first, "S-Seto! Is that you!"

"I can't believe it, Seto!" Wag exclaimed.

"How are you here?" Alesa asked.

Quentin stayed in a shocked silence while Ty looked away in shame.

Seto smiled warmly, "I missed you all so much, but now is not the time. Everything can be explained after Mitch is saved--"

"Y-yes, yes of course. I'll get right on that--" Alesa looked back down at Mitch's pale body on the bed.

"There's no need," Seto walked quickly into the room followed by Adam. Mitch's mother placed an arm on the General's shoulder and he relaxed and sheathed his sword, "I'm so glad we made it on time. A moment later and you would have unnecessarily used your powers. I won't let you suffer the negative repercussions when I can easily fix this."

"Y-you?" Wag asked, he was stunned and didn't quite understand. General Dune and Mitch's mother moved to make room for Adam and Seto.

"But Seto, I can--"

"I know, but you will suffer drastic health problems, this task will require too much magic for you to get out of this fine. I promise you I can fix this, Mitch will be fine."

"Seto, I don't understand, how did you get here. What are you talking about?" Jerome asked.

"Guys, trust Seto. We can badger him in questions after Mitch wakes."

"Yes please, I beg you, if you can help my son, please do so. I cannot lose him like I lost his father," Mitch's mother weeped.

Seto's eyes softened, "Of course, you have nothing to fear. Your son will be free of the heart problems he's had since birth. It will be like they never existed," Seto encouraged.

Adam watched Seto's face, the calm smile, the gentle tone of his voice. He really felt like a completely different person.

Everyone stayed silent and watched Seto. Adam himself was curious since he had yet to see Seto use magic since returning, the curiosity of wanting to know just how much of Seto had changed left Adam waiting in suspense.

A warm purple aura enveloped Seto as he held his arms over Mitch's body. Purple tendrils of magic snaked from his fingers down to Mitch's body. Adam glanced at Seto in worry, he noticed the slight movement of Seto's lips and caught the faintest trace of words.

Words like, heart, and trans...trans something. He honestly couldn't tell.

There was a slight gasp from Alesa and adam glanced at her, she seemed surprised.

"What? Is something wrong?" Jerome panicked.

"N-no, on the contrary...Seto is completely erasing the traces of Mitch's heart condition...Seto's not just healing it, but making it seem as if it never existed in the first place."

Seto breathed out and relaxes his hands by his side. The magic ended and Seto opened his eyes. Everyone stood in tense silence and watched Mitch carefully. He stirred and there were quiet hopeful gasps.

Mitch opened his eyes, they were dazed and confused before registering the faces above him, "What are you...all doing here?" he asked.

"Mitch!" Jerome shouted! "You're ok!" Jerome reached over to hug Mitch but Seto held out his arm.

"Don't he doesn't have the strength right now. He overworked himself, deprived himself of sleep, and skipped meals. He weakened his body and made himself more susceptible to heart problems causing himself to have a heart attack before falling into a coma due to the shock and the injury. He needs to eat and gain his strength--"

"Seto?" Is that you?" Mitch craned his neck in confusion, "When...how did you get here?"

Mitch tried to sit up but struggled to do so.

"Don't move sweetie," Mitch's mother placed a hand on his shoulder signalling for him to stay down.

Seto reached into his cloak and pulled out three bottles, "Your majesty, give these to Mitch for the next three days. These are strength potions that will help Mitch gain his strength faster so long as he gets rest and eats a healthy diet. Don't have him get out of bed until he's fully recovered and ready to begin strengthening his body."

The Queen took the bottles graciously, "Thank you, I don't know how I can thank you for what you have done."

"No need, I'm just glad to have helped," Seto turned to Quentin, "Quentin, I'm sure I can leave you to help Mitch recover his body strength, right?"

"Y-yes, I mean of course you can." Quentin responded.

"Seto, how did you do that?" Alesa asked.

"What's going on? How is Seto here?" Mitch muttered but no one heard.

"You can make potions? No, scratch that, how did you get so proficient at magic?" Wag asked, even Ty was looking over at Seto in shock and interest.

"I need some serious explanations here!" Jerome shouted.

Adam was silent and in deep contemplation.

Seto gave everyone an apologetic look, "Again I promise to explain once I'm done with everything I need to do. Where is Jason, I need to speak with him."

Adam looked up from his thoughts surprised to hear that name from Seto's mouth, "Why Jason? He's in prison."

"I know, but I have something important to say to him. Once I've talked with him I'll return here and explain everything to everyone."

"Are you sure, he tried to have you killed," Jerome said.

"He tried to make me kill you," Ty spoke for the first time since Seto got here.

"It's fine, I can protect myself."

"I'll take you to him then, he's in the Duhitian castle dungeon. It's much more secure than a stone shack," Jerome chuckled. He glance at Mitch who was talking quietly to his mother and the General.

"Thank you," Seto said, he turned for the door leaving everyone else. Jerome followed closely behind.

~~~~~

Jerome and Seto walked quietly through the halls, "I still don't understand how timid, little you can use magic so well, no offense," Jerome broke the silence.

Seto laughed, "None taken. I can understand that, I just had a lot of time to myself to think and practice, and I realized something while I was alone."

"What was that?"

"I was the one holding myself back, my fear and guilt made it impossible for me to get stronger."

"Don't say that, we should've been there to help you more--"

"No," Seto said, "It's fine, I've changed and things are better and will continue to get better, I'm sure."

Jerome grinned and pulled Seto in for a brief hug, "You're right! Glad to have you home," he let go and took the lead.

"Glad to be home," Seto smiled.

"The stairway is just down this way, Jason is the only one there so he shouldn't be hard to find...Are you sure you want to go in by yourself?" Jerome moved to point to a spiraling staircase down.

"I'll be fine."

Jerome shrugged, "If you say so. Just holler if you need me, I'll be right up here."

Seto smiled, "Thank you."

~~~~~

Seto climbed down the step, his footsteps echoed off the walls sending rhythmic beats to his ears. The lower he went the colder it got and the wooden steps soon made way to cracked cobblestone floors.

Seto spotted Jason at the end of the hall of cells immediately and walked briskly without wasting any time towards him.

"Jason," Seto called out.

The figure stirred from his position on his bed and sat up.

"Seto? Is that you?"

Seto stopped just a few feet from the cell, Jason spoke again, "I heard you vanished. Didn't know you returned...so what, you come to exact your revenge on me for trying to kill you?"

"Not at all, I've just come to speak to you."

"About what?" Jason narrowed his eyes.

"Do you love your family? Do you treasure them?"

"Of course I do!" Jason yelled he jumped off his bed and stalked towards the cell gate.

"Even though you ran and abandoned them?"

"I didn't--I was--"

"You left to pursue your goal, your goal to kill Adam. You worked under the King of Emedo these past 4 years trying to help advance the Emedian army so that you could find your own chance to kill Adam. Your actions could have put your 3 siblings in danger if Emedo had attacked the rebels again yet you still helped the King for your own goal. Tell me how that doesn't equal abandonment?"

Jason turned away, "What would you know?"

Seto ignored the question, "Do you want to see them again, your siblings?"

Jason didn't answer.

"I am willing to help you get out of here if you swear by two conditions."

Jason still didn't answer.

"The first is to give up on killing Adam--"

"Screw you! When I get out--"

"I mean it," Seto warned, "You'll want to listen because you won't live very long under the stress."

"Tell me, do you feel any different?" Seto stepped closer to the cell, he kept his hands folded behind his back.

"What? No--"

"Right now, you posses a defective heart, one that will not let you live for long. You should give up on killing Adam if you want to leave this place and see your family before you die. If you don't believe, you should."

Seto unclasped his hands behind his back and reached into his cloak. He pulled out a small journal, "The second thing I ask," Seto opened up the book and flipped through several pages before stopped on one. He pointed at the page and said, "is that you aid me until I let you return to your family indefinitely. I will need some of your expertise in the future and so long as you help whenever I call I'll help you leave this place and live comfortably with your family. Only once you've done all I asked and given up on your revenge will I also remove the defective heart."

Jason had turned away by now and sat on his bed with his back to Seto. He gave no sign of an answer.

"I'll return soon before they hold your trial and if you agree I will make sure you live and see your family."

Seto turned away and promptly left Jason where he was. He knew he would get no answer from him at this moment. But at the very least he'd done what he needed to do.

~~~~~

Extra long chapter for you guys! With some extra juicy stuff happening :D

Theories?

I'm still so tired D: