She checked her schedule-card, which had been given to her at the start of the day. You were, in technicality, allowed to go to whichever class you wished, in whatever order you chose. The catch was, that you had to participate in all the classes on your schedule-card. Attendance was regularly taken, and if a class overflowed the amount of 35 students, admittance into the class for that hour would be restricted. This freedom of choosing one's own classes, and their order, allowed people to interact with one another, and increased camaraderie between classmates, as no one was "stuck" with each other. Unless you counted Advisory, with the Educator.

She and her lunch group had already spoke to one another of which classes they would attend, and planned to go to the same ones. But, today, was a half-day, so they'd chosen wisely to go to the four classes they thought would be best, instead of cramming them all into four blocks.

Her scorecard read "Science, Arithmetic, History, Warfare, Diplomacy, Skill, and, last but not least, Literature". She had specifically requested Warfare and Diplomacy for electives, as she needed them. She was not going to be what her mother wanted--a simple princess who would marry into another rich and successful kingdom--she was going to be what she wanted, and what her father encouraged. A warrior. A warrior princess. And then, a ruler.

If circumstances allowed. Which they would have to--there was no other job for her skillful hands, that she would remain content with. Her ambition would always disagree with her job, unless she sated it with the job that governs all jobs--a Ruler.

Ruhi had managed to persuade the group to go to Warfare, first, well knowing that they would have to agree, as she wouldn't back down to anything else. She was adamant. She would not allow her father's reputation to govern what happens in her own life--she would rise, but only by her own skill.

And she would make a name for herself, here, she knew it.

She reached the Gymnasium, the classroom in which Warfare would take place. A tad bit excited, she proceeded to look at the "battlefield". The entire floor of the gymnasium, was packed dirt covered in a thin layer of sand, ontop of which was a black tarp. There was a huge circle in the middle, with a white outline.

A few people had already reached, none of them her friends, and she looked at them, head tilted. Without the presence of a supervising mentor, they had already started practicing, dueling each other, or warming up with an intricate "dance". She was used to this, yet, it pricked at her, how capable they all were. She let that thought aside, and picked up her own weapon, to practice with. She chose a longsword. It was difficult to wield the longsword in general, due to its length and weight, but also because of the fact that it provided a very long range, but close quarter, which meant you had less space to move it, in a duel. This made the duel hard both for the swordsman (or woman), and also for their opponent

Yet, if the wielder was good enough, the longsword was a mighty weapon, invincible in a fight. Almost. But, that didn't matter. The longsword was one of Ruhi's strengths, as well as her sword of choice if she had to duel a fearsome opponent.

She twirled her sword in an arc, with intricate hand motions, flicking the sword back and forth. Bringing the arc above her head, she pointed it at an imaginary opponent, and from then, the game began.

Dancing the sword along her side, she twisted it in fluid motions, jumping for higher strikes. It was as if she was performing a dance, a performance for onlookers, and she didn't even know it. She was putting up a show, even as she practiced. That was her skill. After a few dances were completed, she ended up stopping, happy with her practice. She looked up, and everyone but one was clapping. That one person didn't even know anything was happening--they were absorbed in their book. Shaking her head, she smiled at them, affectionately. Her lack of knowing them didn't stop her. They reminded her of who she was. Always absorbed in something, oblivious to the world around her.

She looked at the person more closely, and they seemed to be a girl her age. Or a boy. Most likely a girl. But, that didn't matter--regardless of gender, maybe they'd be friends. She smiled at the thought, and was about to approach the girl when the teacher came in.

All the excited students stood to attention, as the teacher walked in with a stern expression, carrying a light-seeming bundle. He had a dark complexion, defined by his strict jawline, peppered with a dark grey beard, that had been shaven recently. His grey hair had been slicked back, fashionably, and his brown eyes crinkled with laugh lines. He seemed like a nobleman, possibly a retired general of an army.

Questioning eyes looked towards the bundle, wondering what the stern-looking gentleman who seemed to be their teacher, had brought for them.

The teacher stopped, in the center of the room. "I will be your teacher, your Guru, for this class of Warfare." He said, then paused, as if considering the fact that the students in front of him might actually need a name. "You may call me Mrigasya."

Ruhi started at him, intently, and gasped. The name Mrigasya rang a bell--a very intimidating one. Especially when looking at his demeanor, and the way he presented himself. She raised a hand, slowly, yet unafraid. "Are you the Great General? Subedaar Sahib?"

The Great General, or Subedaar Sahib, in the Native Tounge, was a fearsome warrior, considered a Prodigy since the age of 3, and was the General of the entire Sena Empire, back when all the kingdoms were all united under one King--Chandragupta Maurya. He was a mighty warrior and talented spy--a beacon of justice, and good rule. When he died, his family kept up his legacy, creating the Line of The Subedaar. Anyone from that line was no less than a superhero.

The class stared in silence, looking at Mrigasya in awe.

A hint of a smile appeared on his face. "Explain your reasoning," He prompted, neither accepting nor denying his identity.

"I could be wrong," Said Ruhi, cautiously, "But you seem to have undergone a disguise, either recently, or right now. Your beard was recently shaven--previously, very long, up to the point where you had to cut it first, and then shave, as there are differences in some places, indicating that you changed its style. Your hair, too, used to be long, and matted, as its tangles haven't completely gone, and to hide it you cut your hair. You're trying to pass off as a nobleman, yet you can't let go of your warrior past. Also, Mrigasya is one of the many names of the Great General--Subedaar Sahib. That's why, I think, that you are the Subedaar Sahib." She let that sink in, as she saw his widened eyes, which confirmed the truth. Then, she walked up to him, and whispered, "You come from a line of them, and, since, last I heard, a new Subedaar Sahib had arisen, by the name of Krrish. Short form of a name, I'd suppose. There's been scuffle about it, since a few years ago, and I'd assume he's your son. About my age. And, since you, too, went to this Great Acadamy, you'd want your son to go there--and what better a way to ensure the safety of your son, than becoming his Guru, yourself? And, since your eyes have widened a slight fraction, I'm assuming I'm correct, as well as the fact that your son is in this class, and that neither of you will reveal his identity."

Mrigasya stood, stupefied, How had this girl figured everything out, in one glance? He regained his composure and whispered back, "Come see me after class."

She stepped away, and went back to her place, giving a slight, discreet, nod, and Mrigasya firmly made his case, "I am a General, yes, but I not the Great General. I'm afraid you are mistaken."

"I'm sorry," Said Ruhi, her voice carefully laced with amusement, only noticeable to the Great General. "Your name did get me."

"Everything but the name was correct," Mrigasya said, in an attempt to console her honour. "You were spot-on. I'm impressed. I was named after one of the Great Generals, though."

The class was skeptical of his Identity, still, and he diverted the topic. "Now, I ask you all, to guess why I have brought this bundle, and what is in it." Ruhi knew what he was doing, and she respected his decision, of not telling anyone, but she did not feel guilty about saying the truth, which she knew it was--He was The Great General. She thought she would feel intimidated, and she did, slightly, but, mostly, she just wanted to prove herself. And learn. If she was the Subedaar Sahib's Shishee (disciple), she knew she would learn a lot. And, hopefully, use her knowledge to its full potential.

A student named Shani guessed, "Paper?"

Another guessed it was armor or shields.

Yet another guessed swords, still doubting the identity of Mrigasya, thinking a bundle of swords would be light for the great Subedaar Sahib. Mrigasya only laughed, "If only swords were that light!"

And so on it went, Ruhi not guessing at all, slightly embarrassed about her being told down, in front of everyone.

"What do you think?" Asked Mrigasya, gently, and not unkindly.

"An elephant." Guessed Ruhi blindly.

Mrigasya only laughed, a knowing look in his eye. The entire class laughed, and she wasn't sure if it was at her, or with her. Still, she laughed too, a laugh so fake, and honeyed, she was sure she'd be caught. Her actual guess was that it'd be uniform-related--a proper warrior should have the proper dress for it.

"You all have given pretty good guesses, but, I'm afraid, none of them are even close. Go open the bag for yourself."

A student walked up to the bundle, just as Ruhi's friends walked in, "We're here!" Exclaimed a breathless Claude.

Everyone just stared, silently, "Bad timing," Whispered Ava.

"Very bad timing," Ruhi mouthed, "A lot of drama happened."

"Fill us in on it?" Mouthed Amar, back.

"Maybe, maybe not." Ruhi mouthed once more, sighing.

He nodded back and relayed this information to the others, who nodded as well and positioned themselves close to her.

The student ended up opening the bundle, at last, and slapped her forehead. "It's uniforms!" She laughed. "It was so simple, yet we overlooked it."

Not all of us, Ruhi thought, but kept it to herself. Mrigasya looked at her intently, knowing that she had guessed right.

She looked at him, and half-smiled, mouthing, "I know why you did what you did. It's fine."

"Doesn't look like it." He mouthed back.

The students were going to the locker rooms to change, and Ruhi half-smiled, once more, looking down for a moment, "You're the Subedaar Sahib, Mrigasya Ji," She said, so only he could hear. "Hiding your identity is part of your work--it's a necessary precaution. I did the right thing by pointing out your identity, and you did your duty by hiding it. Neither of us should be guilty. I may be a bit disheartened, but emotions and duty are separate, Mrigasya Ji. They come hand in hand, but one needs to be overlooked for the other."

He nodded, "You will become a great person, one day. Tell me, what is your name?"

"Ruhi. Ruhi of the--'' She started, as someone crept up behind Mrigasya Ji, tapping him on his shoulder, and whispering something in his ear.

They had already changed, it seemed, and were practice-ready. The uniform was a white, tight-fitting dress, worn the same by both boys and girls alike--it was tight around the abdomen and had a loose skirt attached to it. Both boys and girls wore a white turban with it, that always had a long piece of it's fabric streaming out, which could be used as a mask.

Mrigasya Ji whispered something back to them, and turned to Ruhi, "What were you saying, Beta?"

"It's fine, Guru Ji, I will talk to you after class. I should go and change, now."

He nodded in approval, and she left for the changing rooms.

The changing rooms were separate cubicles, walled together, and the front of them was a curtain, to save modesty. Boys on one side, Girls on the other, and Unisex in the middle, there were three rows. She heard majorly disconcerting guffawing from the boy's side, and smiled, shaking her head. J.A must have told them about his bombs. Or Al would have been teaching them how to flirt,telling them of his past excursions.

She quickly changed into her uniform, taking a second to look at herself in the mirror. Everything was perfect. Checking her pocket watch, she smiled--She'd taken exactly 5 minutes. She threw her tunic and pants into the small cubby, and hurried her way out.

There was no one in the gymnasium, save for one other person, besides her--and she knew them...ish...despite the mask. They were absorbed in a book, the very same book the oblivious-girl from before had been reading.

Ruhi decided to walk up to her, start a conversation, maybe duel. Probably duel. The girl didn't know who Ruhi was either, due to the mask, and Ruhi knew she wanted to keep it that way--if the conversation started out bad, she could just deny her identity.

"Hey," She smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners, "I was wondering, would you want to...practice together? Like, a duel, perhaps?" The girl seemed strong, her biceps noticeable, even through the fabric, and her shoulder-span giving into a stocky build.

The girl nodded, "Sure."

She got up, placed her book down, and gestured to the aisle of weapons, letting Ruhi choose the weapon. Ruhi smiled. The girl was very confident in her skills. She then noticed that the girl was not only stronger, but also taller than her. This would be a fun challenge.

She decided to choose a practice knife--it was sharp, but wooden, and didn't do much harm. It was also extremely hard to fight with, and close-quarters. As Ruhi applied the (washable) red paint onto the knives, the girl raised her eyebrows. Ruhi only chuckled, "I prefer to keep things interesting--wouldn't you agree?" The girl shook her head, the sides of her eyes crinkling, as she rolled them playfully, and decided to play along. Ruhi threw a knife her way, and she caught it single-handedly, dancing it in a swift motion, across the air, and then held it at the ready. She kept her legs wide apart, back only slightly bent, her body facing her left side, muscles relaxed, and her weight on her right foot.

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Not bad, Ruhi thought to herself, mimicking the movement and position. Not bad at all. They both circled each other, knives at the ready. Ruhi knew the girl wasn't going to play the first move, but neither was she, and the girl saw that. She tilted her head at Ruhi, in askance. Ruhi only shrugged, staring deep into the girl's brown eyes. The girl mock-sighed, and kept on circling, and then, suddenly, she struck out with the knife, and when Ruhi tried to dodge, she kept it moving towards Ruhi, until Ruhi grabbed ahold of the girls wrist and twisted her arm, The girl struggled against her strength, and vice-versa, and Ruhi struck a hard blow to her dominant shoulder, The girl winced in pain, and she momentarily halted, but then locked her ankle around Ruhi's leg, and pulled her off balance. Ruhi grabbed the girl's sword-arm (or, knife-arm, in this case), and twisted herself around it, as she fell, and landed on-top of the girl, knife at the girl's throat, trying to push it onto her juglar, so that the paint would mark her victory. The girl struggled to hold Ruhi back, as she pushed on Ruhi's wrist, trying to deflect the blow. Suddenly, with a burst of strength, the girl pushed Ruhi off, and rolled ontop of her, and now the knife was at Ruhi's throat.

Ruhi wanted to win, and bad, so she made an unorthodox move--still struggling, with one hand pushing against the girl, she suddenly dove her other hand against the girl's neck, and...tickled her. The girl let out a brief laugh, before she fell off, but regained herself, and got up, as Ruhi stood, in ready position.

This time, neither of the two held back, each sending a flurry of blows that never hit their mark, their opponent already anticipating the next one. This was a full-on knife-fight. Suddenly, Ruhi saw an opening--due to the girl's recently hit shoulder (which was healing fast), she was leaning towards her other side, trying to prevent further injury to her shoulder. Ruhi knew what she had to do. She faked getting ready for a strike to the other shoulder and, as the girl readied herself to deflect it, Ruhi suddenly sweeped the knife to the girls right side, and into her abdomen.

The girl startled for a second, shock and respect in her widening eyes, as she fell down in good nature. Ruhi held out a hand to help her up. The girl grasped Ruhi's hand with her own strong one, and got up swiftly. The two looked around each other to find many students had come out, and were already practicing.

They both laughed in unison, then laughed again at their synchronization. Ruhi gestured to the girl's mask, asking silently if the girl would want to take it off. The girl shrugged. "At the same time, perhaps?" Ruhi asked.

The girl nodded, eyes crinkling, and Ruhi placed a hand on her own mask, as the girl copied the same motion. Ruhi held up a hand, 1, she put one finger up, 2...and, 3.

The girl took off her mask and Ruhi stood, shocked.

The girl was not a girl at all, but a boy. Long lashes, a small nose and mouth, all contributed to the look of a hamster--in a human form. Yet, the boy's eyes were intelligent, but still deadly. He had dark skin that shimmered between golden-brown and dark brown, depending on the light. He almost looked like Ruhi, but in a boy's form.

The boy laughed, "That's not nice."

Ruhi came out of her embarrassed trance, "W-what's not nice?"

"I took of my mask, and you didn't take off yours,"

"I thought you were a girl!" Ruhi blurted out.

"Are you a girl...?" Asked the boy. "Nice!"

"I'm not--well, yes, I am...I'm a girl...I'm sorry, I thought you were a girl, too."

"No need to be ashamed of that. I thought you were a girl, but wasn't sure, so never asked. Are you going to take your mask off, now?"

"I supposed I must, for honor's sake." Said Ruhi, slowly, and took down her Turban-trail-mask.

The boy looked at her for a second, and smiled. "Nice to meet you...um-"

"Ruhi. And you?"

"Kishore."

"Nice to meet you, too, Kishore." Ruhi said.

"You're the first person to beat me, you know that?"

"And you're the first person to come so close." Ruhi told him, smiling.

He shook his head, chuckling, and was about to say something else, before someone slung their arm around his shoulder. "What's up with you two lovebirds?" Asked the someone, most likely Kishore's friend.

"Sam--" Kishore glared a warning.

"Gotcha. You're just talking."

"Yes," Said Kishore immediately.

"No-" Ruhi laughed.

"What do you mean?" Protested Kishore.

"He's playing with words. He means we're talking as in 'exploring our feelings'."

Kishore's friend's eyes crinkled, and he shrugged, "What's your clever friend's name Kish?"

"You're a nincompoop. She's Ruhi."

"Hey, you're the girl who was practicing earlier, right? And you asked if Mrigasya Ji was the Great General?"

"Yes," Ruhi nodded, looking down.

"You're pretty good--both in swordsmanship, and in deduction."

"Thanks," She smiled. Maybe she didn't end up as an idiot--maybe she'd actually make a good name for herself here. "Kishore's not a bad warrior himself."

"Oh, you haven't seen him in action--he's invincible!"

"I literally just beat him in a duel." Laughed Ruhi.

"Mopped the floor with me, she means." Kishore added.

"Yeah, right. He was probably going easy on you." Sam said, resulting in a slightly annoyed Ruhi.

"I-" Kishore tried to come to Ruhi's rescue.

Mrigasya Ji's booming voice interrupted him. "Today was a relaxed day, but, starting tomorrow, I want you all ready and practicing within 10 minutes of class starting, understood?"

"Yes, Guru Ji," Chorused the students, walking out of the Gymnasium. Ruhi got ready to go, but Mrigasya Ji stopped her, with three words, "Not you, Ruhi."

Both fear and excitement bubbled within her--her hero, was going to talk to her, and, throughout the year, teach her. But fear was there as well, Did I overstep my bound? Thought Ruhi, Maybe I shouldn't have called him out. But how was I supposed to know it was really him? I just spoke what came to mind. And, as I gradually thought I was correct, I realized I shouldn't tell the identity of Krrish to the entire class. That needs to count for something! Right?

Soon, all the students had disappeared, and Ruhi was left with the Guru Ji, who was staring into space, head down, looking at the floor.

"There was something you wanted to talk about?" She prompted, in an attempt to get him out of his trance.

He still continued to look at the floor, eyes focused.

He's doing something, Mused Ruhi, Maybe meditation to keep his mind focused? Or to keep him from becoming cross with me? Or, perhaps, he's doing magic. She laughed inwardly, Yeah right. I'm literally the only one in this entire country who has powers of any kind.

Mrigasya Ji then closed his eyes, mumbling some indecipherable speech. Then, when he opened his eyes, Ruhi gasped. His eyes had turned from chocolate brown, to blue. She stood there, transfixed, looking into blue eyes--no, oceans. Oceans, rivers, seas, ponds, the sky, the mountains with their peaks and valleys, and--

A gush of wind--no, wait, an actual Human--shoved into her side, sending her toppling towards the ground, and away from the mountains. She thrashed for a bit, but the Human on top of her held steady with determination. She looked up, and saw Kishore, "You!" She cried.

Kishore got off her, "Me," He said meekly, with an unsteady laugh.

Mrigasya Ji's eyes turned normal, and were twinkling in bemusement. "So, you've met."

"Yes, and she's remarkable."

"Yes, unfortunately."

"Oh, come on," Kishore protested, "That's Sam, he's like that."

Ruhi shook her head, "If you insist, I will try to forget it."

Kishore smiled at her, then turned back to Mrigasya Ji. "What were you doing? It's not going to work. Sooner or later, it'll all happen again. Then, what are you going to do? Take her out of the equation?"

"Kish, I had no choice! She could be the death of us."

"Maybe, instead of eliminating her, you could get her to work beside us?"

"I'm not risking it. She's outspoken, an amatuer, and she hasn't a sense of secrecy."

"She's smart, has good deductive abilities, and is a remarkable warrior. She mopped the floor with me ten minutes ago."

Ruhi did not like what she was hearing--first, about killing her, then Guru Ji's insults. She found it a better idea to escape. She walked slowly, backwards, towards the doors, and then broke into a run.

Suddenly, golden light formed around her, and encased her, lifting her up. She let it do its thing, shocked. Mrigasya Ji had powers, too. He was like her. And her Hero. But he still wanted to kill her.

"You're not going anywhere, not right now," He said, seriously.

"You're magic." Ruhi said, not a question but a statement, her eyes widening.

"Yes,"

"Well, guess what?" Ruhi said, her hands moving in intricate arcs, behind her back. "I'm magic, too!"

And the bubble of light exploded.

She floated gracefully down to the ground, her magic keeping her upright. She'd be alive, and could survive, but, probably, only for 20 minutes, after which, performing magic became dangerous for her.

She'd learned the price of overusing magic, when she was 7. It involved unconsciousness for days, and being on bed rest for months. Never again would she make that mistake.

"Ruhi, I don't want to hurt you," Kishore said, cautiously, "But Mrigasya Ji is like my father, and I will not tolerate anything against him. You're not fighting him, right now, you're fighting me."

"I figured as much. The dots connected, and as for fighting you," She readied her hands, a ball of magic bouncing between them. "Try me."

Kishore--no, Krrish--waved his hands in the air, in an arc, and another ball of light. He shot it at Ruhi, and Ruhi decided to combat it with her own, sending a ball of greenish blue light at him. They both collided with an invisible wall. Springing back at them, and sending them tumbling into another invisible wall, then back onto the ground again, both rubbing their arms in pain. "Peace!" Yelled Mrigasya. "Peace! Please. Both of you, stop it!"

"But she--" Kishore protested.

Mrigasya held a hand up, and he quieted. "Not a single word. From both of you," He said, glaring at Ruhi.

He waited for a few painful moments of silence, before speaking again, "Now, Kishore, present your case to me."

Kishore seemed to be barely able to hold in his anger, his only restraint being the soft rapping of his white knuckles against the desk, "My only case is that you promised! You promised you wouldn't use magic to force someone!"

"And that's why I don't tell you things, Kishore. You're too soft-hearted."

"I have magic too, but I have never used it to get me out of situations! And, since I'm alive right now, I don't think you have to, either."

"Need I remind you that I am the one who is responsible for you, not the other way around?"

"Well, then, I'm responsible for her. She's the first one to ever beat me, and you know it. She needs to be with us, not against us."

"She is also a child!"

"As am I!"

"A child with no training," Amended Mrigasya Ji.

"Who beat me in a duel? Who discovered your identity within moments of meeting you? She's remarkably talented, and you know it."

"Thank you very much," Interjected Ruhi, "But she is getting late for Arithmetic. And she wants to know what is going on. And she has a name, and can speak for herself, and is right here."

Mrigasya ignored her, "Okay." He said, "Kish, if this doesn't work, then it's all on you. But, our first action should be to figure out who she even is."

He turned to her, "Of which Clan are you?"

"The Light Clan," Answered Ruhi. "Can I ask my own question now?"

Mrigasya Ji and Kishore stared at her, eyes unblinking, wide, and emotional.

Ruhi felt very uncomfortable with this silence, "I repeat, can I ask my own question, now?" She said, in a slightly raised voice.

Kishore started to say something, and Mrigasya Ji gave him a look, No, not yet, his eyes seemed to say.

Mrigasya ji cleared his throat, "Yes, you may,"

"What exactly were you doing to me, a while ago?"

Kishore answered for him, in a bitter voice, "He was trying to hypnotize you into forgetting about his true identity. Not kill you, if that's what you were thinking." And then, under his breath, he added, "Like that's any better."

"Oh. Well, you could have just asked politely."

"That," Emphasized Kishore, "Is something the old man doesn't know how to do."

"I'm not that old--" Glared Mrigasya Ji, obviously missing the point.

"You're over a hundred. That's the definition of extremely old."

Ruhi consoled the General, unsure why, but still doing it, "You don't look a day over 50!"

Kishore raised his eyebrows, and she sent him a look.

"Anyways," Ruhi said, "The main question: You both are from the Line of the Subedaar, so it makes sense that you have powers. And that you're as wonderful and brilliant as you are. But why am I the same? And, since you both clearly aren't from here, where are you from?"

"Where you are from. And don't lie, we know you're not The King's real daughter." Mrigasya Ji replied.

Ruhi's expression hardened, "I am his only daughter, and also his real daughter. And, please, answer the question directly."

"My apologies, I meant no harm." Said Mrigasya Ji, "But, first, I need a promise from you,"

"What is it?"

"That you won't tell anyone of our true identity or anything about what transpired here."

"I promise," Ruhi said solemnly, and Kishore gripped her wrist.

He closed his eyes for a few seconds, then let go.

"Ow! What was that for?!"

"I can detect the truth by touch," Said Kishore simply. "And, sometimes, bind you to it."

"Now, don't you have to go for Arithmetic?" Mrigasya Ji asked.

Ruhi checked the time on her pocket watch. "No, I have to go for Skill, now."

"Kishore, make sure she reaches Skill Class without any trouble."

Ruhi protested, "But...you said you'd tell me!"

"I don't remember doing so, but, even if I did, I never said when. All shall be revealed within due time." Said Mrigasya Ji, a hint of a smirk on his face. "Kishore, take her to class."

"This isn't--" Ruhi started, but Kishore had already grabbed her arm (gently--ish) and was leading her out. "You both are terrible," Ruhi said to Kishore. "Terrible."

He only laughed, "Bau-Ji hasn't met his level of an opponent yet. You're coming close."

"Oh, please. I'm only a little, not as, good as you think I am." She scoffed.

"And you're also someone who reminds him of home."

"And I'm also--what did he say? Ah, yes, outspoken, untrained, risky. Am I forgetting something?"

Kishore shook his head, "You don't know him like I do. There was a time when he was invincible, unbeatable, but his many years on earth slowly took away his shine, his polish. That's why I'm here." He continued, "He's slightly off his mark, and that's probably why he's the way he is."

In a slightly small voice, he said, "I'm afraid he's dying."

"It's okay," Ruhi comforted, "He's lived a great life. And, it's a miracle he's still alive, and so healthy-looking. Everyone has to die, someday. Some just live great lives," She said softly.

Kishore contemplated that for a moment, before shaking his hand, "You don't understand." He said, then smiled, "It's alright. Okay, so, we're both going to Skill, I guess!"

Ruhi looked at him, alarmed, and giving in to the topic-change, "We are? You're not just dropping me off?"

"Yup. Where else do you think I'm going to go? To Diplomacy? In your dreams."

"What're you going to do? Follow me all day? And, at the end of it, to my dorm?" She said, laughing.

"I'll have to find my way around the guards," Said Kishore, in mock seriousness.

She punched his arm lightly, "How far is it to Skill, though?"

"Most likely five more minutes. If I don't accidentally take us through a longer route."

"That's okay, I think we'll get there early, or on time, then. Anyways, are you going to tell me why I have powers? And where are you both from? Because that's where I'm from, I'm pretty sure."

Kishore but his hands to his temples, straining his focus for a few seconds, before pulling away. "Bau Ji gave me the clear. I can tell you."

"Bau Ji, huh? Nice. Now, please tell me," Ruhi said, impatient.

"Okay, so, think about this for a few seconds. Where were you found, as a baby?"

"The Great Forest," Said Ruhi.

"Which is where?"

"By Krishama," She said, simply.

"And?"

Perplexed, Ruhi pondered a mental map of Dwarka. Krishama was close to Dhana, but the Forest wasn't. It was the same with all the neighbhoring kingdoms--Samadhan, Viratraj, Kashi, Taal, Manu...was she missing something? Suddenly, a flicker of an idea dawned on her...but...it couldn't be.

"Incha...Inchantan?" She asked, and stumbled when he nodded. "But--But it's...it's a dead city!"

Kishore paused for a moment, before answering the unasked question, "It's supposedly radioactive, because there isn't a way to define magic here...Powerful magic still affects the area, a while later, if used on a larger scale. Bau-Ji is from there, and he escaped. It's a city of magic, Ruhi. Everyone there is like you and me. But, it's dangerous now. The King of Inchantan is terrible, cruel, and unjust. My father escaped years ago, and so did you. Your parents managed to send you out of there, in hopes of a better life," He said. Then, he paused again, before saying, in a low voice, wincing almost as if in pain, "And they died trying."

Ruhi stood there for a second, dumbfounded, and he tried to lighten the mood, "A lot for the first day of school, huh?"

She stood quiet, not knowing what to feel, how to feel. All her life, she'd only ever loved her adoptive parents. Her real parents never came into the picture. But, that connection she felt with 2 strangers...2 strangers who'd died just so she could be where she is now, both humbled and comforted her, as well as made her feel a sense of loss she'd never felt before. Suddenly realizing she was showing emotion in front of a stranger, she swiped at a rebellious tear, and cleared her throat and smiled. "Nothing I can't handle. I have one last question for now: Who were my parents?"

Again, Kishore winced, as if in pain, "We don't know."

She nodded, and saw they'd reached Skill, just as the bell rang. Students started pouring out of their classes, and Kishore started turning in the opposite direction. "Where're you going?" She asked.

"To Diplomacy, where else?" Mused Kishore.

"You can stay, you know, I wouldn't mind."

"I would have," He smiled, "If I hadn't promised Sam I'd be at Diplomacy with him, this block."

"Ah, the nincompoop." Ruhi smiled. "Understandable. It's fine. Tell him I said 'Hi'!"

"Thanks, I will. See you, Ruhi!" He smiled, turning away.

"Bye, Krrish!" She called, her expression unreadable, yet her eyes suspicious.

He stopped. "At this point, I'm not even surprised," He called back.