Chapter 18: Return to the Royal Center

(Setting: Crystal Kingdom: Royal Center- Main Road)

(Scene: The chariot enters the Royal Center)

*Baku and his mother are taken into the Royal Center. They ride down the main road, cross a bridge that went over an artificial river that was decorated with lillipads, lotus' and illuminescent crystals glowing in the pools. Koi fish and small ducks swam peacefully in it, and they pass many large manors and beautiful properties.

*There were some royal folk taking walks, enjoying tea and talking amongst themselves as if everything was normal. Unlike outside their wall where just a couple hours ago, everybody was clamoring through the city at the news they just received about the planets potential end. The difference was like the opposite side of a coin, and it was completely jarring to Nicolatrice who was absorbing all of it.

[Nicolatrice]: *Gasp* *In awe* ...This is... the Royal Center? Everything’s so beautiful and majestic, it's entirely unlike anything you'd see in the Main City... I never would've imagined there'd be a day where I would be within these walls… It's as if I’m looking into a dream...

[Baku]: *Not impressed* ......

*The chariot passes by Grendar Manor. It was so distinctly pink, that anyone would be able to pick it out from afar. The lights were on, so somebody was home. Looking at it only reminded Baku of his friends, and defeat.

[Baku]: *Thinking to himself* There's Millia's house... I hope she's doing okay... I wonder what Barrtio and Finn are thinking... They're probably going frantic... *Sigh* I can’t believe I’m back in here… This is gonna be such bullshit… These royal bastards are gonna pay for dragging my mother into this...

*Baku looks longingly at his new doll sewn in collaboration by Lulu and Little Lucy. Even though he doesn’t know what’s going to happen, the stitched in smile on its face is somewhat comforting.

*The chariot finally pulls into the courtyard of the Royal Palace, parking in front of a large stone fountain of a goddess and the guards let Baku and his mother off as they both stare at the extravagant and grand Crystal Palace. Massive towers and chambers have large windows that gazed upon the entire center.

*Baku now understood why it felt like he and his friends were being watched the whole time back when they first came here. Crystallic gems cover the rooftops of the palace as they gleam and reflect rays of light, illuminating the skies above with an aquamarine tint. The glory and radiance coming from the largest structure in the kingdom somehow felt so surreal and bigger than life that it made Baku fell uneasy...

[Royal Guards]: *in unison* Please come with us…

(Setting: Crystal Kingdom: Royal Center- Royal Palace)

(Scene: Baku and his mother appear in the Crystal Palace)

*Baku and Nicolatrice silently follow the guards down the beautiful and massive halls of marble that had portraits depicting royal and aristocratic figures hung upon the walls alongside precious vases standing upon pillars. It was dead silent within the palace and seemed even bigger inside than it looked outside. Banners and flags with the Crystal Kingdom's royal crest made of soft green coloured silk and golden wool hang from the ceiling. The very first room they walked in was a massive foyer with three sets of stairs with red carpeting going up each in different directions to separate parts of the palace and two large doors on the opposite sides of the room on the base level, whose floor was shining and smooth enough that you could see your reflection.

*But why would you be looking down, when large statues of what seemed to be of important figures in the kingdoms history stood tall, clean and free of dust also made of smooth white stonework. The knights direct Baku and his mother to go up the center staircase and then they open a pair of ginormous doors that lead into a large chamber with four thrones. One glimmering the colour of gold, one shining with silver, another made of what seemed like a mettalic gray and the last one a divine shimmering purple. The royal family each with one of their own awaits the peasants hailing from the fields and looks down on them.

[Royal Guards]: *in unison* *shouting* Your Highness! We present to you, Aventurine Xavier Baku!

*The Crystal King rises from his throne.

*He wore a long cape and was geared in royal armor made of space-born silver. His long naturally cloud gray hair in combination with his emotionless eyes were neither inviting nor overly intimidating. This was the man Baku never found himself to respect, even if he did have a crush on his daughter, the Royal Princess Savannah Cree who sat right beside him, comfortably on her throne adorned in soft violet sewn cushions, observing the subjects before her.

*The fact that this man is the leader of the kingdom, whether or not he has a plan to continue the technological development of the country, or the expanse of the kingdoms continuous grip on the galaxy through spacial travel, does not change the matter that there are still people in the fields who are sick and struggling to survive with what little they have to work for every day. Meanwhile he lives in luxury within the walls of the exclusive Royal Center. It became clear to Baku after he first entered the Royal Center and then was reaffirmed as soon as he walked into the Crystal Palace. They are so virtually ignored, that doctors won’t even bother to go see them.

*Now suddenly, of all days, Baku and his mother are forced from their comfortable home to appear here before him.

[King Jeremiah Cree]: *Loudly* Welcome to the Xeria Royal Palace, Baku and --...

[Baku]: *Angrily Shouting* WHAT THE HELL DO YOU WANT!?

[Royal Guards]: *Gasp!* *in unison* H-HOW DARE HE SPEAK TO HIS HIGHNESS IN SUCH A WAY!

[Nicolatrice]: *Shocked* Aventurine! You must respect the King while in his presence!

[Baku]: *Angrily Shouting* SCREW THAT! IT'S MY FREAKIN BIRTHDAY AND NOW IT'S GETTING RUINED BECAUSE I'M HERE INSTEAD! I COULD BE ENJOYING A TRIPLE CHOCOLATE-CHOCOLATE CAKE RIGHT NOW BUT IT'S GONNA GET STALE AND GO TO WASTE! AND I KNOW WE CAN ALL AGREE THAT IS NOT THE BEST WAY TO EAT CAKE! SO HOW ABOUT YOU LET MY MOTHER AND I GO HOME AND FORGET THIS EVER EVEN HAPPENED AND YOU THINK ABOUT HOW YOU WASTED A FAMILY FROM THE STINKIN' FIELDS EVENING, YOU BIG JERK!!!

*The Crystal King silently sits back down. He and the other royals sitting beside him seemed neither amused or angered as they blankly stared back at Baku. The royal prince Majorku, who was dressed like he had been doing some sort of training, shifted his position from what was previously bored and lounging, to hunched forward and intentive.

[Royal Guards]: *Angrily* Y-You little bastard! How dare you raise your voice at King Jeremiah Cree! Do you have a death wish!?

[King Jeremiah Cree]: *Calmly* Gentlemen, please calm down... Leave the young boy alone… He is right after all, and it’s only fair for him to be a little confused on what’s going on this evening...

[Baku]: *Hmph* ... So, I'll ask again, I guess...Why has my mother and I been summoned to enter the Royal Center to face the most powerful man in the kingdom? Surely you have more important stuff to do... Has my karma finally caught up to me? Is it time I paid for all the times I skipped school or for all of the manga I won't admit to stealing but I have hidden somewhere anyways? There's no point in looking for it, it's all in a secret location, mister.

[Nicolatrice]: *Worried* ...Baku, please…

[King Jeremiah Cree]: Aventurine...--

[Baku]: I DON’T CARE WHO YOU ARE! DO NOT CALL ME BY THAT NAME!

[King Jeremiah Cree]: ... I'm sorry... Baku, did you happen to hear the Oracle's Grand Reveal today in the Main City? It was earlier this afternoon... Then again, you may have been enjoying your weekend... Also, it was very crowded in the city...

[Baku]: *Grr* … I may have heard of it, but like you said, it was super crowded today... I didn't mind anything going on in the city my business, because I wanted to enjoy the rest of my birthday…

[King Jeremiah Cree]: *Surprised* Oh! It's your birthday? Well, happy birthday, Baku! How old are you today, young man?

[Baku]: *Sarcastically* Oh geez, thanks. I just turned 15, bro.

[King Jeremiah Cree]: Hmm. That's a pretty big number indeed. I hope you had a great day today, I really do... Now listen, Baku, I'm sure you heard it... But, for those who might have not... *Glances at Nicolatrice* You have been selected by the Holy Goddess to become the next World Guardian…

[Nicolatrice]: *Shocked* !!!

*Nicolatrice's heart jumps as Baku's face becomes fierce with anger as words he didn't want ever to be spoken to him echoed through the throne room. Bouncing of the tall walls and all the way up to the high ceiling that had a beautiful crystallic chandilier hanging from above and refracting light, bending it, and spreading a rainbow of ethereal colours.

*Massive windows surrounded them and overlooked the entire Royal Center, from incredibly high from ground level. It felt like Baku was at the center of the kingdom and was just given a guilty verdict in a supreme court for a crime punishable by the highest extent of the law.

*The royal princess found humor in his reaction and smiled seductively a little bit with her legs crossed as she gazed at the peasant, while she played with her long and silky jet black hair. She was wearing a beautiful dress made of royal velvet that revealed her legs and her soft chest. The queen, however, was not as amused and instead studied Baku like a specimen. Her stare was miles long, and looked right into ones being with discernment. With a silver tiara positioned perfectly on her head, she waited patiently for her husband to finish.

[King Jeremiah Cree]: Did you happen to hear the Oracle call your name, young Baku?

[Baku]: I did... and I ignored it…

[King Jeremiah Cree]: Really? Why would you do that? Don’t you know how important this is?

[Baku]: *Shouting* Because I absolutely refuse to be the World Guardian!

[King Jeremiah Cree]: Baku, you must understand that you cannot simply ignore a divine message from the Holy Goddess... It is now your duty to respond to her call by any means necessary.

[Baku]: Sorry, your highness, but it's too late because I already decided that I'm not going to do it.

[King Jeremiah Cree]: *Troubled* Why do you feel this way, young man? Being the World Guardian is a prestigious title that many would have the honor to acquire...

[Baku]: It's probably because I'm just a fifteen-year-old boy from the fields! I'm nobody special, I'm not smart, and I'm still in high school! If you want a World Guardian so badly, why don't you call up some stuck up royal asshole to do the job, instead of a lowly peasant farmer boy! It sounds so messed up now that I'm saying it out loud! I can't be the only one who hears me, right!?

*Nicolatrice standing slightly behind her son, listens to the words he says and also notices that the royal family's composure has not changed one bit concerning the current matter. Because of this, she knew this was all too real and completely legitimate. Everything that has been happening in the last few days, in the Main City, has somehow relayed back to her but most specifically, her child as the center point of attention.

[King Jeremiah Cree]: ...... Baku, you’re not going to ignore the Holy Goddess' message, are you? Don’t you know the consequences if someone denies the call of the World Guardian?

[Baku]: *Pfft* No, and I don't give a shit either…

[King Jeremiah Cree]: *Siiigh* ... It means that after all this time spent, we have to find another...Very well then... My knights, eliminate him…

*With a wave of the kings hand, the guards raise their spears and slowly approach Baku with the intent to kill in their eyes that glare menacingly through their helmets.

[Nicolatrice]: *Shocked* *Screaming* BAKU!!! *Gasp* !!!

*The guards block Nicolatrice from her son.

[King Jeremiah Cree]: And kill the woman as well, she can’t leave the palace knowing this happened… After all, it’s just like the boy said, she’s just a peasant... I imagine she shant be missed... Right, Baku?

[Baku]: *Shouting at the top of his voice* WHAT!? YOU BASTARDS BETTER LEAVE MY MOTHER ALONE!!!

*The energy resonating from Baku's voice stopped the Royal Guards in their tracks. It was so great it even froze Nicolatrice who was previously frantic.

Stolen story; please report.

[Royal Guards]: *Shaken* Ugghh!!!

[Nicolatrice]: *Stunned* *Eyes wide open staring at Baku* ……...

*The energy released by Baku intrigues the royal family. For some reason, they all looked genuinely impressed.

[King Jeremiah Cree]: Hmm… Stay your weapons, men... Baku, tell me, are you aware of the World Guardian Ritual? Or anything about the history regarding them?

[Baku]: *Angrily Shouting* What the hell kind of question is that!? You want me to answer school questions after you just threatened my mother's life!?

[King Jeremiah Cree]: Answer the question, Baku… Lest my knights be ordered to engage you again...

[Baku]: *Grr* ... The "World Guardian" is supposed to be a hero or something that has to go on a journey to protect the planet from evil. But if that's true, how come there hasn't been one in the last fifteen years? And why the hell am I the one who gets selected after all this time!?

[King Jeremiah Cree]: So, it seems my school program has ensured you have proper knowledge of the system her Holiness has set in place, and I understand how you must be feeling right now, Baku... You're only fifteen years old, you are still young and just learning about yourself... This all may seem very strange and new to you... But, do you understand the challenges and risk that previous World Guardians took to protect our world?

[Baku]: *Ugh* From what I heard in World History class, there was a guy who supposedly fought a giant insect demon... Another legend about a girl who saved the planet from a massive sea monster... But all that crap happened hundreds of years ago! It's pretty much ancient history, so why does it even matter now!?

[King Jeremiah Cree]: You must understand, young man. The hardships of those who accept this mission must be done for the sake of Planet Eternia and the entire Crystarius Galaxy. The journeys that unfolded for these individuals were for the prosperity or destruction of everything they knew... Doesn't that mean anything to you?

[Baku]: That's my point exactly! Don't you think 15 is a little too young to be a World Guardian!? That's way too much responsibility to give anyone my age, I can barely keep my grades up in school!

[King Jeremiah Cree]: *Chuckles* Haven't you learned about the young girl who saved a continent from fathom and starvation? She was only seven years old, and with a band of loyal followers, managed to feed an entire kingdom. The Holy Goddess never makes mistakes in her selection of the World Guardian, Baku. This has been foreseen for a very long time and she believes that it is you that must be the one to do it.

[Baku]: Don't compare her to me, man! I not necessarily what you would call a good Samaritan, and what if I am the one mistake she makes? Then everyone's going to blame me if the planet blows up! I DON'T WANT TO DEAL WITH THAT!

[King Jeremiah Cree]: *Sigh* It seems we are at an impasse, as our interest are conflicting with each other... Baku, would you like to meet the Oracle whom announced that you would become the World Guardian? I think a lot of your questions will be answered if you spoke with him, as he is the divine being who foresaw that the decision to declare you as the World Guardian, was truly no mistake...... *Looking around* Is he on his way yet? I feel like he should have been here before this started... *Sigh* Please give us a moment, Baku… I apologize for the inconvenience...

[Baku]: *Confused* ... Uhhh...?

*Oracle Oladion sleepily enters the royal chamber.

*He was a small old man who was balding with a long gray beard and wearing a royal cloak made of blue soft cotton with white and golden trims. His age was a complete mystery to Baku as well as everybody else in the throne room to witness his presence, but surely all the sleep he got was good for his skin, which clearly wasn’t overly wrinkled or losing color as expected for anyone whose existed as long as he. The elderly man slowly but surely makes his way into the throne room.

[Oracle Oladion]: *Yaaawwwnnn* ......... Sorry for the long wait everybody... you know how long these hallways are, hohoho... Good evening, how do you do... Oohhh, looks like we have a full house today... Ahhh, and you must be Aventurine Xavier Baku!

[Baku]: Are you the one who called me earlier today? WHO ARE YOU AND HOW DO YOU KNOW MY FIRST NAME!?

[Oracle Oladion]: *Smiling* Mmhmm, yes yes, it very well was I that shouted your name this afternoon. My name is Oladion, I am the Oracle of the Crystal Kingdom Xeria, and though I've been asleep for a very long time... I am still very aware of the happenings of this world and I am also very educated of how much of a bright and courageous young man you are, Baku…

[Baku]: Oh, are you, huh? Then explain to me the reason as to why was I chosen to be the World Guardian, instead of a royal, someone more capable or at least an experienced warrior?

[Oracle Oladion]: The Holy Goddess foresaw an incredible task that she believed can only be completed by you, Baku... The vision in my dream had stated that your journey will evolve you into the man you personally think is more deserving of this role... As it will be all for the sake of the people around you and those residing on the living planet below…

[Baku]: I don't understand what that means... How am I supposed to be a man when I just turned 15?

[Oracle Oladion]: That is something that you must figure out for yourself... What does it mean to you, to grow and evolve as a young man... Baku, I understand that you may be very confused right now... Please believe in me when I say that I don't want to hold this against you, but imagine what this could mean for your kingdom, your friends... or even your mother... Would you not want her to live peacefully if you had that ability to have control of it?

*Baku hears this and begins to think to himself for a long moment. The throne room was completely mute as he dwelled in his thoughts for what seemed to by many, many minutes... Could he really make a difference in how the world works?

*Do these royals really believe he's the only one who can do it? Were these legends and tales he barely paid attention to in class really true? And were they really becoming relevant again after so many years of not?

[Baku]: *Thinking to himself* My friends... and my Mom...... *Sigh* ............................................. Fuck me... Alright...

[Baku]: *Shouting* Listen up, Crystal King! Since you believe it's so damn important to me to become the next World Guardian, and that you'll put a knife to my throat if I don't... Then you have to answer to my demands!

[King Jeremiah Cree]: What is it that you need, Baku? I’m all ears...

[Baku]: *Shouting* I demand, that for exchange for me agreeing to become the World Guardian... *Points to Nicolatrice* My mother is moved out of the Crystal Fields and directly into the Royal Palace!!!

*Silence sweeps the royal chamber. The royal princess chuckles.

[King Jeremiah Cree]: ......... Okay.

[Baku]: *cough* What?

[King Jeremiah Cree]: Becoming the World Guardian essentially makes you a part of the royal bloodline. So I have no problem letting you and your mother live within the Crystal Palace, and rest assured, you’ll both fit in just fine.

[Baku]: ... Uhhh... *Shouting* Well, I'm not done yet! My next request is that I want the families of my friends Barrtio and Finn to be moved into the Royal Center, too! Plus, there’s a family out in the fields I want the same done to as well!

[King Jeremiah Cree]: I am sorry, but unfortunately, I cannot do that…

[Baku]: *Angrily* Why the hell not!? If I’m the World Guardian, then I demand it!

[King Jeremiah Cree]: Baku, the Crystal Kingdom was built upon the foundation of the Royal Center. Those whom lived within these walls belong here based on what their families contributed and sacrificed to form this government over many, many generations. The whole truth as to why that is, is a very long explanation of Crystal Kingdom history. *Smiling* Would you like to know the details?

[Baku]: *Ugh* Damn it… Screw World History...Well, I don't want to hear any of that crap... Fine, I'll put that off, for now... But instead I'll make a request regarding a friend that already lives in the Royal Center later on, so it has to work!

[King Jeremiah Cree]: Very well then, do you have any other request?

[Baku]: ...... I can't think of anything else, I've never been not really good at coming up with things on the fly... Mom, is there anything that you wish for in particular?

*Baku turns to his mother, who has been silent this whole time. Tears filled her eyes as she watched her child transform right in front of her and emotions swelled up within her. She could barely hold it all in...

[Nicolatrice]: *Teary Eyed* *Smiles softly* ...Baku, I just want you to make the correct decisions and do what you think is right…

[Baku]: *Smiling* Okay! I promise I’ll make you proud! All you have to do is believe in me!

[Nicolatrice]: *Crying* I've always believed in you...

[Baku]: *Sarcastically* I guess I'm all done for now, your highness!

[King Jeremiah Cree]: So, are you ready to be inducted into Crystal Kingdom royalty by becoming the 15th World Guardian? Are you truly willing to devote your life to taking on the burdens of the living Planet Eternia and the people who inhabit it? The mission and the title are not light weights to carry upon yourself… Are you sure you have the courage to become the first World Guardian to live after a long era of peace lasting 15 years?

[Baku]: *Deeply inhales* ...... Only if you promise to keep your word on letting my mother stay in the palace, and don't you dare get angry at me if I fail my quest, either! You said I had to be the one to do it, so the story will be I did whatever I can as best as I could!

[King Jeremiah Cree]: *Chuckles* I promise to keep my word, Baku. You will have mine and the entire kingdoms full support all the way to the very end of your journey. I guarantee it.

*The King rises from his throne and descends the steps and approaches Baku and his mother who both bow to him as he knight's Baku using a gemmed blade used for rituals and inducts both he and his mother into the Crystal Kingdom royal family.

[King Jeremiah Cree]: *Loudly* I now proclaim you as Aventurine X. Baku the Cree, my new son, the World Guardian! And you, his mother, as Nicolatrice the Cree, my new sister in royalty! I’m sorry if I made you worryful… I hope you find it in your heart to forgive me for the things I’ve done to you and your son tonight… I know you understand what’s truly at stake, so I had to do only what was necessary... Welcome to the royal family, you two... I am very proud to have the both of you here and will work hard to make sure you both feel welcome. But first, Captain, bring me the chest.

[Royal Captain]: Yes, my lord!

*The royal captain returns with a small gilded chest placed comfortably atop a soft cushion and presents it to King Jeremiah.

[King Jeremiah Cree]: Thank you, Captain... Baku, within this chest is one of Xeria's most sacred heirlooms... *Opens the chest* This is an Eternia Crystal, it is a legendary gem its bearer can harness and use to give them strength... As the World Guardian of the Crystal Kingdom, you are gifted with this to aid you on your journey. This one in specific is called the Aventurine Crystal. You will be trained to master its abilities before you embark on your mission. It is yours now, Baku, as you have accepted the burden of becoming the World Guardian and I want you to treasure it for as long as you have it. Later on, you will also be briefed on what you must do on Planet Eternia and what to expect while there.

*Baku takes the crystal from the chest and feels the power emanating from it. The aura is unlike anything Baku has ever experienced resonate from within him. The bright green crystal shimmers and reflects light as it glows and sparkles magically unlike any other more generic one the young teen may have come in contact with in the past.

[Baku Cree]: *Thinking to himself* This crystal... it feels alive... *Baku equips the Aventurine Crystal to his mother’s necklace* This necklace symbolizes the bond me and my mother share... My equipping this gem to it proves that my journey will be done for her sake, because she alone means more to me than the entire planet. She raised me all by herself in the fields for fifteen years straight, and I deserve none of the love she’s given me as she deserved none of the stress I put her through… So this journey… Will be for her.

[King Jeremiah Cree]: *Smiling* I truly do believe that you will be an excellent World Guardian, Baku, my son. The living planet is truly blessed to be protected by such a brave and courageous young man, and it seems to me that Nicolatrice thinks the same…

*Baku turns to his mother who is in on the brink of tears.

[Baku Cree]: Mom... You feeling okay? It looks like your about to explode...

[Nicolatrice Cree]: *Sniff* ... Yes, Baku... *Smiles softly* I-I'm f-fine…

*Baku gives his mother a heart filled hug. He can feel her shaking as her crying chokes up her breathing. Nicolatrice slowly starts to breakdown while holding her child tightly. It’s as if she doesn’t want to let Baku go, but who could really blame her? Baku was her one and only fifteen year old son. Nobody truly understands either of them as much as they do each other. The way they conversate alone was proof enough. Nicolatrice’s soft and soothing voice was saintly as it could always mend the wounds of the body and mind her child would come to her with day after day.

*The work and sacrifice she put herself through to keep Baku happy and healthy was unspeakable, even though his vulgar and unfiltered mentality has yet to prove he was deserving of any of it. But, for Nicolatrice, none of that mattered because despite his extreme habits, her son was the only person in the kingdom that could remind the single mother why she loved life within itself. Baku kept her happy no matter how hard things were at times, and because of this, he was okay with becoming the World Guardian, if it meant his mother would continue to be happy.

[Baku Cree]: Mom, don't worry... I'm going to make you proud… I promise...

[Nicolatrice Cree]: I've always been proud of you, Baku... I'm just excited to see what you do to change the world and make it a better place for everyone!

[King Jeremiah Cree]: Very well then... Now that you and your mother have been inducted into the Crystal Kingdom's Royal Family, it is now time to have you reformed into true royals! Maids, butlers, take them away and make them more fitting, please.