Midterms were to come up soon. Ever since the last day, Narice and Rei had been studying like usual and finding ways to spend time with each other. He decided that after midterms- based on the results- they would celebrate with a trip to the movies.

She sure was taking up his money however, he thought as he frowned at the money in his wallet. He wanted to make sure he’d have enough to get some other foods in addition to the ticket prices.

His parents were foster parents- the fact that he got anything at all was a luxury probably.

He went to school with pencil ready and a stick of gum to help him think.

“You’ll do fine,” Rei responded.

Three long hours passed of different tests. Two days later he got back the results.

Two C’s, two B’s and an A! He came back with a B average!

“What did you get Rei?” he responded curiously- hoping to show off his grades.

“Meh…” Rei responded and showed him her grades. Everything was perfect. 100% in every category- not to mention the extra credit.

Narice sighed. he wondered why she was even in school. she probably could graduate already.

“Why are you even here?” he spoke with pseudo-sarcasm.

"Hey, that hurts you know," she frowned at the comment. He assumed she was joking though.

They were able to watch the movie that Rei wanted to see. Once again they had a fun time. It was the least he could do.

It had been a couple weeks so far of straight studying- and he gratefully could say that he no longer had to take ESL and knew English fluently.

Even though he may still feel a bit of a challenge facing classes at the moment – he thought that with enough effort, he’d be able to manage even better grades.

The were taking a walk outside after the movie. Since it was a matinee, it was still afternoon when he got out.

“You gonna buy me anything?” Rei said pointing at an ice-cream stand.

Narice took the last of what he could scrounge in his pockets and bought two ice creams.

Even though he’d just spent the last of his savings over the past few months, he was pretty happy.

He thought about it for a bit. Soon, he’d be able to get a job… it may make things easier – learning to be more independent.

They walked along a sidewalk of a park next to a stream. The ice cream trickled down his fingers and got sticky.

It would have been smarter to order a two scoop instead of a three. As he tried to adjust the napkin and the ice cream a realization came to him.

He’d been so engrossed in his studies and having fun being a human… he’d forgotten… for two whole weeks…

He tried to broach the topic fluidly.

“Hey Rei…?” he spoke to her.

“Don’t worry..” Rei repsonded with a smile, “I know that you’ll still need my help studying even though you can’t treat me too much.”

She did a stretch, “You can just owe me one for now.”

“No, it’s not about that…” he gave a smile.

“Oh?”

“Has Marx said anything?”

“Ah- that…” she seemed to be in deep thought about something.

Narice didn’t know what her tone meant. He knew that he didn’t actually have magic, so to be elected as a guardian was probably a longshot. Even still… he thought he’d done ok during the mission and that he showed promise to Marx so he could hope. What he really wanted was resolution.

After her moment of pondering, the sun began to breach the horizon. She turned her face to his and gave him a smile. Then she gave him a quick kiss on the lips.

“I’d better get back,” she responded to a startled Narice as she started to move from her leaning position against the hillside they were on.

“What does that mean?!” Narice shouted. He had been so startled he’d forgotten about what he’d asked her. He spoke after she’d already walked a far distance away.

She waved at him with her back turned as she walked down the path.

—

Marx looked at Rei as she relayed the topic of the day with him- however she kept what wasn't pertinent to herself.

“Ah…” he responded in thought, “I guess it can't be helped then."

very well- we’ll introduce him to the council room.”

Rei bowed towards Marx.

—

Once again - Narice wasn’t quite sure what to think as he went back to class the next day. Once again, his and Rei’s relationship seemed to have simmered out- with her barely acknowledging him. That was pretty much how it had always been. Narice was just surprised that she was able to maintain her same persona after what she did yesterday.

He started to drift in thought as he looked out of a window.

“Hey Narice…” Rei said after class.

“Yeah?” he responded unsure of what she would want to speak about.

She smiled to him and motioned with a slight nod of her head for him to follow.

He wasn’t sure about what she wanted to talk to him about now.

She guided him outside of the classroom and once again found a quiet place.

“I've talked to Marx and told him about your continued enthusiasm. He's decided to convince the council to speak with you and consider what you have to offer... we can start tonight if you’re up to it.”

“Really?!” he said enthusiastically.

“Yeah, but... don’t get your hopes up too high.” She paused and gave him a sympathetic smile, “they’re old and... used to doing things a certain way.”

Narice understood that there was a chance he would be rejected- and if it came to that- then he would accept the ruling. But even still. “I have to try,” he replied.

It was what he’d been waiting for this whole time. A chance to prove himself on the front lines against the darkness of the Aqayan ‘Ka’atra’. He didn't expect to change everything on his own, but at least he could say he contributed.

Once again- Rei replied, “Are you really sure that this is what you want?”

"Yes," Narice replied. More than anything.

“...Okay,” her face transformed from sincere concern to a polite smile, “well, I’ll see you this evening then.”

He nodded, "See you this evening."

After this- her persona turned more business-like, as she gave him a list of things that he'd need- mostly it was just a change of clothes and things he'd need for a couple days.

“Bring everything you need for a couple days ok?”

“Okay.”

“Marx will take care of the things to go about the city..."

“Okay,” he smiled. She began to list the sort of things he should expect inside of the magic city. He gave her a heartfelt hug as she finished her list.

Rei gave him a sad smile as he released his embrace.

For the first time after looking at her- he realized... he may end up leaving Rei behind. It was no wonder that she was doing her best to keep him here. With the realization - he could only try his best to be polite to her feelings.

“Well,” Narice spoke thinking about the time, “We’d better get back.”

He coldn't presume, but perhaps Rei would feel alone without him. He would have to make an effort to keep in touch over the next few years.

—

Narice faithfully packed all that she'd listed. He Two days in the magic capital. He wondered what it would be like there. His heart beat heavily in his chest with anticipation as he attempted to finish his homework dutifully and early.

Narice’s mom, Wendi called him from his room. “Narice, someone’s at the door!”

Narice quickly rushed to the front door and he saw Rei there, “Hey.”

She looked directly at Wendi and threw out a magic spell, once again causing her to see nothing unusual for the next two days. She then turned her attention to Narice.

“We can go to your room first…” she said.

“Uh, sure,” he replied.

—

They walked up the stairs once again to Narice’s room.

She picked up a book that had been left out beside his bag before she noticed it was his diary that he’d kept since he’d arrived. After which she proceeded to open it.

“Hey, that’s mine!” Narice spoke after realizing- snatching it quickly.

“Aww…Little Narice liked to draw…”

"Stop," he replied.

“What’s actually in it?” she asked curiously.

“Uh…" It was pretty private to him- a record of all the details surrounding what he'd remembered about his village- in addition to his thoughts about where Ka'atra might be and what he could do to stop him, "I’ve recorded things that’ve happened to me since I was about twelve.”

Rei seemed to grow disinterested after Narice failed to explain anything else. There was another eason he didn’t want her to actually look through it. He may have mentioned a little about her.

“Well anyway- let me see your homework,” She replied as the usual custom. Narice showed it to her- to which she nodded at some points and then proceeded to completely correct him on a majority of the rest. Like any other day- she was rigourous.

"No no!" she spoke looking at something. "Ah... yes-oh but..." pointing out another thing he could've done better. It seemed this temporary vacation wouldn't hinder her attempt to properly educate him in the human world.

After another thirty minutes of her writing notes she took a breath and set down the pen.

"Are you ready, then?"

He nodded resolute, "yeah."

She looked at him for a moment and sighed as she pulled out a book, "Okay then."

He could only look on as he wasn't sure what the book did. But he could tell that it was something magical- and from the looks of it - powerful.

“We’ll stop by the castle first- since Marx is there...He'll lead you personally to the city and make sure that you're properly set up before leaving you on your own.

“Okay,” Narice said in return. then referencing the book in her hands, "what is that?"

“This is a store-spell book,” she said referencing to the book she'd taken out, "Rather than needing to place magic- you can literally just put coordinates inside of the book and store the ability to port there.

"Holy..."

"yeah." she spoke.

Afterwards she began chanting some words and outlined a circle with her hand in the carpet.

Narice then watched as a light began to glow and an image of the castle appeared in front of them. For some reason, the spellcast was different then simply cutting a portal and going through the space.

Since he was about to learn all about the magic world- he may as well start now, “How do you make a portal without earth magic?"

“Port magic is something invented by a powerful wizard a long time ago. Wizards make artifacts that are capable of magic without the user needing to understand it."

Narice was curious still, and she sighed again, "The book links to the symbol on the ground with access-magic- the symbol drawn gives permission to access the location- storing the information and magic inside of this book."

“Oh?” Narice was impressed that that was possible. It all sounded pretty advanced.

"It's nothing that people know how to do now- the book itself is what makes it work - although if you were to know how to cast it- you wouldn't need a book. She handed him over the book - Here- It should make things simpler for you in case you need to come back home quickly..." she replied.

“Anyway, we’ll make a separate portal to Marx now,” she said as she drew a line in space again, once again cutting open access to the ‘castle’.

“Well, let’s head on,” she replied.

“Okay,” he followed her into the portal. Narice wondered why the portal she made always put them on the edge of the island than directly next to the castle. Perhaps that was part of a defense system and approaching the castle would give the warlord time to prepare. Regardless -It was already turning dusk by the time that they’d reached the island. Narice looked around at the familiar woods which seemed a little larger now that it was nighttime, however the castle light led them to the steps without hindrances.

They walked up the steps, this time Narice followed alongside Rei.

Jarrod stood expectantly outside of the castle doors as they approached the entrance.

“Welcome,” he said and opened the door.

“What brings you outside?” Rei asked.

“Trying to be hospitable…” Jarrod said, as if it were his normal nature to act this way.

“Let’s go inside…” Narice said. The air was a little more frigid.

Jarrod opened the door and Narice followed the other two as they entered into the castle.

“Hello you two,” the Warlord spoke warmly. Narice looked at him dressed up more in travel clothes.

Rei bowed, "Hello my lord.”

“Hey again,” Narice said slightly bowing his head for a second. After all Marx had just offered to help him very much despite receiving nothing in return... perhaps it was for services rendered.

Marx looked between them with a thoughtful glance- pausing for a moment and then, "Can i offer you two anything before we head out?"

Narice remembered the amazing food they had the last time he'd been here- and specifically some sort baklava thing with garnishes laying on the side table in the lounge area.

"Ha, would you mind if we packed a couple of those treats?"

"Ah..." Marx spoke and clapped, "Great idea."

After relaxing in the lounge proper- they had some coffee served to them followed by some treats- enjoying a pleasant conversation together.

"Okay are we all ready then?" he spoke after a moment of relaxation.

Rei replied, "Can i join you two for now?"

The warlord looked at her for a moment as if considering for a moment the implication looking between Narice and her, "Very well, then."

Marx lead them to a separate room which had a sort of archway in the center of the otherwise dark room. Inside of the archway glowed- but showed nothing but the wall behind.

Marx went in firstly- to which Rei grabbed Narice's hand for a moment and nodded for him to follow. Narice walked inside.

—

Darkness. That was the first thing Narice felt. A chill ran up his spine- as it was seemingly cold.

Narice looked around expecting to see a grand magical city. Instead- he saw the slight contours of Marx shifting.

The figure turned into someone of a smaller stature- young looking- someone he recognized from a long time ago.

Behind him, he watched Rei ignore him completely as she walked passed him towards the figure. By now the portal they'd entered closed in upon him.

His eyes adjusted to the darkness as the figure sat down in a large chair. It appeared to be some sort of throne room. Suddenly a clap came from the figure and a faint green glow emitted from the presense.

"How do you like it, Narice?" Ka'atra spoke- guiding his hand around the chambers. Narice looked around- he was inside of a circular room - a great doubledoor stood on the opposite end behind him- but somehow this appeared to be another space.

Glaring at him from the sides- there were a couple more figures that Narice didn't recognize. They all seemed to hold some sort of authority inside of what appeared to be a councilroom.

Narice had grown up a little since he'd last seen, "so... what is this then...?" Even still, he couldn't help but throw a voice of disdain as he spoke his name, "Ka'atra."

"Ah, i suppose an slight explanation is in order-" Ka'atra replied, "Welcome to the councilroom! You've made it!" Katra said while clapping.

Narice looked around the seats. A few unsurprised faces sat in the seats- K'atra's servents as K'atra took the head chair resting his hands against the arms of it while studying Narice's reaction.

The first thing that Narice said, "So, this it then?"

It would seem that Ka'atra had already defeated the council.

Narice watched on as Rei walked up to Ka’atra and then stood to his right side.

Things were starting to dawn on him- but there was just to much to piece together since everything had started.

Feeling the need to explain herself, “You’re cute, but I didn't want anything steady."

Narice decided to reply with his own hurtful words- if he could hurt someone like her in the first place, "I never expected us to last anyway."

Rather than reply she stepped behind as Ka’atra walked forward.

Ka'atra looked at her pessimistically for having interrupted her and then returned his attention to Narice, "Firstly- thankyou for your help capturing that rogue Aqayan- Raven. He escaped with my jewel and had eluded me for such a long time. That was really the last piece of the puzzle..."

He snapped his fingers and Raven appeared in a tube of some magic prison in the center of the room. It seemed that that much was true. At least Raven appeared to be in some sort of stasis rather than conscious. He snapped and Raven returned to whatever prison he was held in.

"I would've liked to use your help in reshaping this world but alas..." Ka'atra sighed dejectedly, “It seems you could be a formidable enemy if I drag you along too long. I have no need for you anymore.”

Rei, Marx. It had all been a lie... all intricately made since he first met Rei. What about Jarrod? Wasn't he a newly appointed guardian?

“So then…” Narice reponded, "You were Marx?"

“Yes yes,” Ka’atra replied, “I have been playing as Marx… I trapped him away a long time ago. You've only been with me.”

"Jarrod and Rei?"

“Jarrod doesn't know any better. He actually thinks that I am Marx. Rei is my daughter. The rest of the council has been taken over...the puzzle pieces are in place. and all the remains now is to reshape my world how i see fit."

Something told Narice that there was an untruth- a light inside of him guiding him away from the darkness- but at this point, he didn't really see a point to that ability. If he had to die here, however... he'd at least try his best to fight- even if it seemed impossible.

He clenched his fist.

However- a sudden explosion took his attention- the room filled with a thick smoke.

Jarrod ran up next to Narice.

"Jarrod-?!"

"Sorry- Narice" Jarrod replied, "...There's no time."

Beneath Narice a portal opened up

"After them!" Ka'atra pointed at the two.

Suddenly Jarrod became something else completely. It may have been late for an upgrade- but Narice could sense that Jarrod had adapted his abilites to a second level. A large bubble of energy pushed back the sudden attacks by the other members.

"Why..."

“Quickly!” he said behind him as he held the sword out ready to defend the space.

Narice looked at Jarrod for a moment. Betrayed by the one he thought loved him- and the most skeptical friendship turned out to be his truest.

Jarrod replied. Narice watched as Rei dove in front of Jarrod, Jarrod holding up his enchanted sword, “But i don’t have the power to stop them. You have to live… so that you can.”

Narice nodded. It was all he could do - even if he didn't believe in himself - Jarrod did. Narice rushed towards the portal as a glow began to emit. This was a return portal. What Jarrod had just thrown at him was a book that gave him the power to return to the portal that Jarrod had made. The problem was that it took time.

Narice watched on for an istant as Rei’s form shifted. Rather than a young girl- the appearance of some dark demon charged towards Jarrod. Even with his upgraded powers Narice could sense that Jarrod didn't have a chance.

Even still Jarrod held out the sword as it began to glow a firey red and white color. It seemed to channel extra power as Jarrod defended Narice's escape.

“Jarrod -you silly servant…after the four years we’ve spent together, you’d betray your own master?”

“You were never my master... Marx was,” Jarrod said. Jarrod defended the onslaught of strikes with skill for a few seconds.

"You fool! I killed Marx years ago," Ka'atra replied.

The truth had finally come out. An onslaught of energy exploded from K'atra and made their way towards Narice... but Jarrod had prepared Narice's defense with a barrier- as his own energy seemed to shift towards the attacks defend against the attacks.

Tthe last thing Narice before he vanished- was a shadow-like creature that was Rei claw deeply into Jarrod across the chest before the teleport finally finished its enchantment and transported Narice away from the chambers.