Control

The children and I walked the entire day before arriving at the edge of the city where many different people were gathered around in a parameter of sorts.

"What's going on?"

I asked my question as we got close to everyone.

"Haven't you seen the large fires? We here are water magic users. We were sent here by the guards to stop any fires if they get to close to the city, though we shouldn't need to, as the fire is almost out."

"Ah, I understand. Do you know where I can find the nearest guards station?"

The lady seemed shocked by my sudden question. She began to look scared and spoke quickly when she answered.

"Yes. Just follow that road there into the city and at the fifth street turn right. After that, just keep going straight and you should get there in not time."

"Okay, thank you for your help."

What a strange reaction.

With that, I followed the ladies directions and eventually made it to the guards station. The city seemed to be in surprisingly bad shape, yet the guards stations seemed clean and well organized.

When we got to the guards station, I went inside with all of the children and went up to the main desk. The receptionist took her sweet time finishing what she was doing before bothering to look up.

"How can I help you?"

She sounded bored and uncaring.

"I rescued all of these children from kidnappers. I was hoping the guards could try and return them home."

"Why would the guards spend their resources on a useless endeavor like that?"

Huh? Did I hear that right?

"Stacy, what are you talking about?"

A clearly higher ranking guard walked out from a back room, catching Stacy by surprise.

"Mr. Roberts! I didn't realize you were in the station today!"

Wow, what a quick change in attitude. Before, she seemed uncaring and dull, but now she seems bright and cheerful, but it's forced.

"Now then, you're the Secret Magician, correct?"

The guard, Mr. Roberts, turned to face me as he asked his question. When he did, Stacy's mouth dropped with awe and fear, as she was just rude to me moments before.

"Yes, I am. I found these kidnapped children and was hoping you could tray and take them home."

"Of course! Our city will do anything for the secret magician."

Not a hint of a lie in that sentence, and that sends a chill down my spine.

"Say, how did you hear of me?"

"How you ask? Why, you're famous in all the cities near and far. Stories of your immense power and great deeds have spread far and wide! What's more surprising is that you didn't know."

He's clearly trying to flatter me, but his words also seem to be true. I guess I'm famous. That's to be expected considering the things I've done.

I hand the two kids I've been carrying in my hands the entire journey to two of the older kids and face them all as a group.

"Listen everyone. These guards here will help try and return you to your families, so it is okay to trust them. Understood?"

"Yes!"

They all answered in near unison, bright but tired smiles on their many faces. It seems like things will finally be getting better for them.

The kids were led off into another room while I prepared myself to set off once again on my journey. Just as I was about to leave, however, I was stopped by Mr. Robert.

"Say, wouldn't you like to stay in our lovely city for the night before you continue off on your adventures?"

"I really should be go-"

"We have lovely rooms and comfortable beds. I'll even have room service for you so you won't have to worry about anything at all!"

He is trying seriously hard to get me to stay. Maybe there is something he needs help with? I might have to stay and help, but on the other hand, there is no knowing when that curse could set off. The world ending comes before this man's problems.

Hell, I shouldn't have even taken the time to help those kids, instead using it to get to the site of the ancient curse faster.

"I honestly can't stay. Time is of the utmost importance."

"That's a shame."

His happy and friendly going attitude disappeared, instead being instantly replaced by a dark and dull expression. His eyes were blank and empty, yet a dark feeling seemed to be leaking from them.

I've only seen this face once before... Dark Magic!

In fact, all of the guards have the same expression on their face right now! It seems like whoever is controlling them just tried to make them seem natural, but since I won't comply, is now revealing what's happening!

This is not good.

"I have those children hostage. I will have them killed if you don't do as I say right this moment."

The puppeteer would kill children? What kind of demon is this person?

"Don't even think about using your light magic either. Everyone knows of your magic abilities, including how you can use light magic. The moment I even suspect you are using your light magic, I will have those children killed."

Damn, I can't think of a way out of this situation. If I comply, the kids will still be used as a bargaining chip, and if I don't, I risk getting them all killed. I've never used my light magic before, so I have no idea how fast or effective it is.

"What do you want from me?"

"What do I want from you? Control."