Chapter 26.

PART 1.

After his second kidnapping, (it is distressing that he is keeping count of something like that), Hatori has done nothing but relax. Zeko hasn’t provided any magical instructions or trained him physically. Coupled with the fact that he still keeps expecting some attacks just like back in the house, is making him antsy.

He did suffer some sleep deprivation due to the nightmares caused by his kidnapping. In particular, the vivid dreams of getting chased like a prey made it hard for him to sleep. Strangely enough, he is not terrified by Yograj, whenever he appears in his dreams. Though he would consider his good fortune if he could avoid that family entirely in the future, he feels that it is not going to happen.

He got his results in the meantime. He has scored a total average of 75, with which Hatori is happy with. “Didn’t you care to get in the magical eighties, or the unreachable nineties?” asked Raven.

“Nope.” Responded Hatori. “I’m happy in the middle of the class.” Both of his friends shook their heads at this strange behavior.

Of course, both of them managed to reach the magical eighties, as Raven called it. Though Hatori failed to see what was so great about a number. It is not like it increased the magical level or something. If it did, maybe he would have bothered to pay attention then.

After the month passed, Zeko declared that it was time to leave. “Get ready boy,” he said at the time of lunch. “We’re leaving tomorrow.”

“To the house?” asked Hatori.

“Yes.” He said, and left the children alone.

There was no need for Hatori to do extensive packing. All his clothes were already in his bag since he arrived at the castle, ready to go. He did pack his gifts given to him by his friends on his birthday. He then played a round of chess with Suresh in the park, and left the next day.

PART 2.

Surendra Sharma calls another meeting of nobles, similar to the one which he called when he sensed Hattori’s awakening. This time, the topic is about the Joshi family’s recent actions, and Porus’s response to them.

“That bastard on the throne has gone too far!” Unfortunately for Surendra, the meeting is not going well.

A clamor has been going on for a while, where everyone is complaining about Porus, basically saying he has gone too far. By this point, he has lost control over his own conference.

“He shouldn’t interfere in the business of honest citizens!”

“He should protect the country from outside threats, not run politics with an iron fist!”

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For all their complains, none of them have any suggestions. “But he has the full authority of the throne.” Sharma tries to say this, but no one is listening to him.

Even though they are not happy regarding the harsh treatment of Joshi family, none of them invited the family to this meeting. They already have cut ties with the family to save their skins. Praduman Rao and George Fernandes already know this. Getting sick of the hypocrisy, they both abruptly leave the conference, leaving the nobles scandalized, excluding Surendra.

PART 3.

In the car, Zeko explains the training for this year. “You have started to build your foundation of magic. Now, I can begin to teach you more spells.” He spoke. “Also, some other things, even though the school does not approve. Seriously, I would love nothing more than to burn that entire curriculum!”

“Can I help?” asked Hatori.

“No.” said Zeko, dampening the spirit of the boy. “As much as we both might love to do that, unfortunately, that curriculum cannot be harmed in any way.”

“Also, it is time that I teach you how to conduct yourself in a formal setting.” Said Zeko. A shiver runs down Hatori’s spine. “Get ready boy, we’re going for a formal dinner.”

Hatori screams in horror.

OMAKE: ARGUMENT WITH NARRATOR.

Narrator: I demand an increase in pay, and a greater presence in the story!

Author: And what will you do if I refuse to give you those things?

Narrator: Then I will go to the Narrator’s union. Do you realize what they do to authors like you?

Author: Fuuuuuuuuck! Those unions, when you need them, they are never useful. But they always come around to screw me!

Narrator: So, about my demands—

Author: I called out to create a union for blind programmers, so the employees won’t kick us out just because of our disability. But did they listen? No! “No one would agree,” they said. “We’re into a politically charged world.” They spoke. But did they try to improve their situation once? No!

Narrator: Um…

Author: As if it wasn’t enough, they actually go against me when I write a story!

Narrator: Had enough?

Author: Yes.

Narrator: So, about my demands?

Author: Fine. You can have a greater presence in the story. But know this. Should you cross the limits, I’ll fire you and your union. And no one, will come to save you. You got that?

Narrator: By fire, you mean…

Author: figuratively, and very literally.

Narrator: Okay, I won’t cross any limits. Promise!

Author: (Throws a check) Take this, and get lost, before I change my mind, and fire you on the spot.

Narrator: (Walks away quickly)

(End.)