Another chapter! Expect a GO chapter tomorrow! :D

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Sweet Desire

Chapter 13

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

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"I can't believe you Adam. You will be King soon, and you've gone and made yet another reckless decision without even thinking twice about the consequences," Ian paced back and forth along the shore line of Jeriio. It was early morning the next day after the deal between Adam and Ty was sealed.

After the tense event Ty immediately retired to sleep. Seto, and Tyler said their good nights and followed after Ty. Seto's uncle sent Cal away and spoke briefly to Adam about the drastic measures he'd just taken, "From a former King, my boy, please heed my advice. Making reckless choices are not always the best for the kingdom, keep that in mind, and good night."

Shortly after that the man retired to bed too.

When Adam had turned to Ian he was fuming, he looked like he was ready to punch Adam's lights out but it took every ounce of his being to control himself. Instead Ian had stormed out of the inn into the night.

Adam ate his cold soup alone.

"It wasn't a reckless decision--"

"Not reckless? Did you even think about the consequences before you agreed? I don't think so. You agreed to Ty's demands as soon as he finished speaking. You've given Ty every advantage he would need to overthrow you and burn you on a stake for Notch's sake Adam! "

It was only dawn when Adam felt Ian wake him. Come outside was all he said to Adam before the two of them founded themselves arguing to the morning dew and early sun.

"Ty wouldn't do that, he may seem spiteful, but he would still do things honorably--"

"Based on what? The few months you served as his commanding officer where he played to your good side until he discovered who you really were? This is a bad and foolish idea Adam, you have to call it off immediately," Ian ran his fingered through his combed hair.

"I can't I've already sealed the deal, it's a promise now--"

"You and your promises Adam, you can't continue to hold on to this childish fantasy that you can fulfill every promise you make."

"Maybe not, but so long as I'm alive, I won't give up trying to fulfill every promise I make anyways," Adam spat.

"Goddamnit Adam! You are such a child," Ian spun to face him his fists were bunched tightly into balls that threatened to break something.

"You never stop worrying and nagging Ian, haven't you been around enough to trust me a little more?" Adam yelled.

"Coming from the grown man that needs to be lead across a river on horse back because he's too damn terrified of drowning and facing his fears."

Adam's face heated up in rage, "That's not fair Ian, you know as well as I do why I hate rivers. You know as well as I do exactly what kind of memories surface everytime I'm near one or in one--"

Ian jabbed his fingers into Adam's chest, "Don't start with not fair damn it. Not fair is not even consulting your own advisor--your friend--on these sort of matters. Not fair is deciding for everyone else their fate, you would think you would lead by not following Seto's example of reckless and self-centered decisions."

Adam opened his mouth to retort but Ian beat him too it, "I think it's clear the real reason you accepted that deal was for the sake of your own peace of mind. I try my damn hardest to stand by your decisions, but you keep getting more reckless with them. I'm sick of it, these spontaneous trips, spontaneous decisions, I wouldn't be surprised if you've made some other reckless deals I don't know about."

Adam was about to counter saying he hasn't, but then he was suddenly reminded of Herobrine. He had made another reckless deal. Instead of saying so, Adam gritted his teeth and hissed in annoyance.

"Adam? Ian? Are you two alright?" Ian and Adam both turned to see Seto approaching them with his staff in his hand.

"We'll finish this later," Ian hissed under his breath before turning to Seto, "We're fine, we were only discussing a few details concerning the Vragan treaty."

"I see, it looked like arguing, but I won't press any further."

"Is there something you wanted," Adam asked.

"Actually yes," Seto smiled, "I would like Keuta to be a part of this treaty. Keuta also had a part to play in sorcerer discrimination, so I want there to also be peace between Vragan and Keuta."

"Is this a decision you made alone?" Ian asked.

Seto shook his head, "No, this is something me and Cal discussed last night. On the topic of that, the two of us did reach a decision on the status of our monarchy."

Adam listened with keen interest, "Truthfully I don't want to be king, however Cal doesn't feel ready for the position either. So we agreed that Cal would spend a year or more studying and bettering himself and until he is ready to take the throne, I will temporarily assume the status of Keuta's king, of course my uncle will be around to help me."

"I see, Ian nodded, "Seems like a well thought out decision discussed by the parties concerned in the decision."

"Are you sure you are alright?" Seto asked, "You seem awfully tense--more tense than usual."

"I'm perfectly fine Seto, and if you'll excuse me I'll be making preparations for the journey back to Emedo," Ian nodded and turned away without giving Adam a chance to point out he received Ian's very pointed suggestions and insults.

Adam glared as he watched Ian leave, he let out an agitated sigh, "You know he's just looking out for you."

Adam glanced at Seto and huffed, "I know, but he can stop nagging for once, he does it all the time. Even more so now that the war is finally done."

Seto chuckled, "He's been with you for years, he's done his best to help you, he watched you almost die before his eyes, and now he's going to watch you become king, I'm sure he's concerned for all the right reasons."

Adam looked at Seto's face, his face portrayed a gentle wiseness about him. He seemed so different, "You know Seto, you've really changed. Grown actually, you're calmer, wiser even, and more collected. You'll be a good king, even if temporarily."

Seto smiled, "I know you will too, just breathe and stay calm."

Adam ruffled his curly hair, "Will do, are you heading back to Keuta today with your family?"

Seto shook his head, "I actually have one last errand in Duhita's castle I need to take care of. One last thing Adam, be patient with Ty, he's trying hard to make a new life for himself since he doesn't think he can return home."

Adam nodded, "Good luck," Adam watched Seto leave.

~~~~~

Max was welcomed home by his friends with open and thankful arms. It was everything he wanted. He was free. No more curse, no more wither, he had his friends, his family, a home to return to. He could have the peaceful life he wanted.

The warmth of his friends' shugs, however, did not want the cold pain of guilt. He craned his neck to Jin who looked distastefully in his direction. When their eyes met, Jin turned away.

"W-wait--" Max untangled himself from his friend's arms.

"Leave me alone, you have your happy ending," Jin shoved his hands into his pockets.

"Come on Max, let's just go to Jeriio, it's a new town in Duhita, and we can take the next ship to Eflido."

Max's fingers curled and he drew back hesitantly, what should he do? Max felt a tug on his sweater, were they really just going to leave?

It wasn't right, it wasn't Jin's fault, not completely.

Only he remembered. Jin was their friend, their friend since childhood. But he disappeared long before Max fell into the void as a child. It was the curse that the void brought that made everyone forget Jin, like how the void made Max forget everyone.

Max turned back to Jin and pulled his sweater away from his friend's grip, "Wait...J-Jin."

Jin perked up at the mention of his name.

"Jins? Did he says Jins? Whys that familiar?"

"Jin..." Ross murmured.

Jin turned around, his eyes were wide, "Y-you...you know my name...How?" Max shrugged, maybe it was because the void made him forget everyone that there was no way the void's curse could make him forget Jin when he'd already forgotten everything. And maybe when he finally got his memories back, his memories of Jin were unaffected by the void's curse. He didn't know if that was true though.

"I'm sorry, I was afraid to say it."

"I remember now..." Red muttered behind Max, "Jin...Jin was our friend," he gasped and brought his hands to his face in shock.

"Hows coulds we forgets!" Barney squawked. That was a story to be told at another time. At least now he could try talking his friends into letting him come with them.

~~~~~

Max, Jin, Red, Ross, and Barney arrived in Jeriio the day Adam, Ian, and Ty planned to leave for Emedo. It was a few days after the argument Adam and Ian had concerning his deal with Ty, of course Max and his friends knew nothing of what happened and they didn't need to know.

For them, they were planning to find out when the next ship to Eflido would set sail, there was so much Max wanted to say to his parents. They likely never even knew he was home, he remembered that he and his friends set off on this journey telling no one about Max. Only because Max didn't even know he was Max.

"Max, good to see you and Jin have made up," In front of them was Seto.

"You're Seto, right?" Ross asked. Seto nodded, "Thanks for helping these two out.

"No worries, do you plan on turning back into humans?"

Ross looked surprised, "How'd you know we were human before?"

"I can tell, anyways, I'm glad things seemed to have worked out for all of you. You are welcome in Keuta anytime so don't be afraid to visit," Seto waved, "Sorry this conversation is a bit rushed, a boat to Keuta will be setting sail soon, so I must hurry.

"Wait, will it be going to Eflido, also?"

Seto turned back and paused, "I'm not sure, but they might, if you're looking to return home, then feel free to follow me."

They did so as Seto speedily walked through construction to the docks.

Max saw a guy with thick glasses wave at them, "Tyler!" Red yelled. It seemed they knew him.

"I'm glad I got to see you guys before I left, and Seto, where have you been? As soon as you came back from the castle you vanished literally a few seconds later!"

Seto chuckled, "Sorry, there's just so much going on and so much to get used to. But if you must know, Jerome asked me to deliver a message to Jay."

Tyler wiggled his eyebrows, "Ooo scandalous--" Seto smacked Tyler, "Right, right, I meant diabolical--" Tyler earned himself another slap, "Quit that you! You haven't been here, you don't know the things I know," Tyler exaggerated.

"Ignore him," Seto chuckled, "The boat is up ahead."

"Thanks," Red said.

"Oh wait!" Tyler shouted to them as he pushed back on Seto, "I'm keeping the house that we stayed in as extra property, so feel free to use it whenever if you need the place. I'll even give it to you guys if you decide to use it permanently," Tyler waved as they nodded. Max followed after them with Jin beside him.

Seto sighed in relief, "At least you're done making jokes--"

"It wasn't a joke, anyone can tell Jerome fancies Jay--Ow" Tyler received yet another smack.

"Leave them to their personal affair you dope."

"Make me you midget," Tyler towered over Seto effectively to add to his insult.

"You two act like a married couple," Seto and Tyler looked to see Ty approach them. Ty half-heartedly waved, but grinned cheek to cheek.

"Ty!" Seto chirped, "Are you leaving soon?"

"Yeah, Ian is getting the carriage ready so I'm here to say goodbye."

"Nice getting to know you better these past few days man, good luck with the treaty," Tyler extended his hand to Ty who shook it.

"Thank you, maybe things will get better, but I won't get my hopes up," Ty smiled.

"Hey Ty," Ty looked down at Seto, "Don't be too hard on Adam, he's a really good and honest guy, I'm sure you'll learn that soon enough though."

Ty awkwardly scratched the back of his neck, "Yeah...good luck in Keuta."

"Stay in touch, we'll be in the kingdom next door you know, and I hope Keuta can join in on this treaty."

Ty nodded.

"Ty, we're leaving soon!" Ian called out in the distance and Ty waved goodbye to Seto and Tyler.

"Seto, I'm going to go say my goodbyes to a few other people, we'll meet back on the ship, right?"

"Of course, I'll be with my uncle and cousin."

Tyler ran off leaving Seto alone. He was tired, really tired. He saw all the happy faces of his friends and he felt sad. He never wanted to see them in pain or suffering, he wanted things to be right in this world, he wanted everyone to be happy.

He could have no regrets. Seto desperately gripped at the fabric of his pants. He needed to be strong for the sake of his friends. First he'll become king, and next, he'll change this world for the better.

The pieces were falling into place.

The next move, was his for the taking.

~~~~~

OOooo, I can't wait to introduce the King of Vragan. 

What did you guys think? Hopefully, the story is still to your guy's liking, and don't worry, the GO chapter is already done. (Don't forget to check out GAME OVER and Calamity if you want other stories of mine to read.) 

(Calamity is updated whenever I have the time, GO and SD are my main stories).

Theories?

~CATtheDrawer