Chapter 25: Research Paper

*Baku and Princess Savannah separate from her friends for now and make their way to Mr. Inglin's World History Class. Some students stare at Baku and his sister as they walk down the halls together. The two royals can faintly hear whispers coming from them.

[Baku Cree]: *Confused* Geez, why the heck is everyone staring so much for? If they took a picture, it'd last longer... *Thinking to himself* Is it because I'm hanging around the Princess?

[Princess Savannah]: *Smiling* Maybe they're all aware that you have been announced to become the 15th World Guardian? After all, I'm sure the entire city heard the Oracle's Grand Reveal. Perhaps they're afraid of you because now you’re a divine being and all of the sudden baggage you're taking along with you!

[Baku Cree]: *Ugh* ... I don't feel different, so what's the big deal? I was a nameless peasant to these guys a few days ago... Besides, Lady Akamiko, made it sound like everybody was gonna swoon over me. This is the complete opposite, not that I expected any of it in the first place...

[Princess Savannah]: It's pleasing to me to know that you don't see yourself as a higher human compared to your peers and the citizens of Xeria. I find myself trying to lead the same lifestyle, Baku. My intentions are to treat all students of the High University as equals to each other, no matter what sector of the kingdom they come from... That's why I'm glad you took up becoming a hero, Baku. It reminded me of the humbleness of the people who live in the fields, whom this country counts on to keep the resources like food in constant, consistent and quality production... Meanwhile, people like Mitsune and I live in absolute luxury... I appreciate you, Baku, and I believe your fellow students will as well someday, especially after you become a true hero…

[Baku Cree]: ... Wow... Thanks, Savannah... *Thinking to himself* I think the princess just opened up to me. As long as I've known her, I never heard her really speak so highly of anyone outside of her circle like that before... I always knew she was super smart, but that was on a whole different level...

(Setting: Crystal Kingdom: High University- Mr. Inglin's World History class)

(Scene: Baku and his sister enter the classroom and are greeted by the teacher)

*Baku and Savannah enter the classroom. All of the desk were lined up neatly facing the front of the room and the chalkboard.

[Princess Savannah]: *Flirtingly* Sit next to me, Baku…

[Baku Cree]: *Nervous* *Gulp* ... I-In the front? I'd rather not, but if you want me to I guess I should…

*Baku sits next to the princess and the teacher walks into the classroom.

[Mr. Iglin]: Oh! Well isn't this a surprise! The new hero of the world took it upon himself to sit in the front row! I guess I should be honored.

[Baku Cree]: *Sigh* ... It's not like I wanted to, Mr. Iglin... My older sister made me.

[Mr. Iglin]: *Sarcastically* Well, even if you did suddenly start paying attention in class, it couldn't possibly raise your grades to passing before Mid-Terms… So I guess you may do as you please, your majesty.

[Baku Cree]: *Thinking to himself* Shit, he's right... Mid-Terms are right around the corner... So I'm gonna have to cram like crazy if I wanna get Master Grendar to let Millia back into the school program…

[Mr. Iglin]: Now pay attention, students. For your Mid-Term examination, I'm assigning you all to write a research paper on one of Planet Eternia's many civilizations that we've discussed this semester. What I want you to analyze specifically is its role in the 1000-year long war, and where it stands in modern time. You can explain the Great Udarians, the Xiao Lians, the Grangavians, etc., etc. And as usual, I want you to cite your sources and I want the papers to be ten to twelve pages long with no less than 90,000 words. Any questions?

[Princess Savannah]: *Raises hand* Instructor, how would I be able to write a history report on the kingdom of Xeria, when nearly a century of its history during the time is missing from our library books?

[Mr. Iglin]: ... Well... If you cannot find enough information for the kingdom that you want to write about, then one should consider writing about a different civilization of Planet Eternia's history. Surely somebody as smart and clever as yourself should be able to figure something out. We've discussed many societies throughout the year so far, so maybe the library is your friend.

[Princess Savannah]: .........

[Baku Cree]: *Thinking to himself* ... Princess...?

[Mr. Iglin]: These papers are due at the end of the month! And I won't accept them a day late!

*The bell rings releasing the students.

(Setting: Crystal Kingdom: High University- Main Hall )

(Scene: Baku follows his sister through the main hall of the High University headed to their next class)

[Baku Cree]: Damn it, how the hell am I gonna pass this class now. This report could make or kill my grade and any effort I make to help Millia.

[Princess Savannah]: Listen very carefully, Baku... If you can't get Millia back into this school, I'll never forgive you. She's a friend of mine, too... So don't you dare fail her. Do you understand?

[Baku Cree]: ... O-okay... I swear, I was going to make sure of that. There's no questioning it... Um, by the way, are you feeling alright, Princess Savannah? You kinda stopped talking in class...

[Princess Savannah]: Thank you, but don't worry about it... Just focus on getting better, okay Baku?

[Baku Cree]: ... Alright, I will...