Chapter 23: Get Schooled

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

(Scene: Baku leaves the palace with the King)

[Nicolatrice Cree]: *Smiling* I hope you have a great day at school, Baku!

[Baku Cree]: *Sigh* *Smiles softly* I'll try to, Mom. Hey, Crystal King, are you ready to roll?

[King Jeremiah Cree]: Yes, World Guardian. Let's get going, hyaa!

[Horses]: *Nyyyiieegghh!!*

*Baku and King Jeremiah Cree ride a chariot through the Royal Center.

*It was naturally quiet, just like any other day and eerily peaceful. Even though it was early in the morning, royals were already awake and going about their days fully dressed in all of their fancy apparel and wigs, truly what the maids back in the palace were trying to have Nicolatrice wear.

*Some of them were enjoying their daily walks, drinking coffee at fancy maid cafes, or headed to work at their government and administrative offices. The mornings were getting chillier everyday it got closer to the end of the month, but hopefully it'd get warmer in the afternoon once the sun finally decides to peak over the mountainside of the Crystal Kingdom.

[King Jeremiah Cree]: Baku, how do you like the Royal Center, so far? It's beautiful, isn't it?

[Baku Cree]: *Sarcastically* Hm? Oh yeah, it's great...

[King Jeremiah Cree]: Are you sure? You don't seem enthralled or fascinated in the architecture. You know, being from the fields and such.

[Baku Cree]: Oh, well you see a royal castle once, you've seen one a million times…

[King Jeremiah Cree]: Hm... Did you know that the Crystal Kingdom was founded by the third World Guardian almost 350 years ago?

[Baku Cree]: Is that so?

[King Jeremiah Cree]: *Knods* Mhm... His name was King Galileo, and he envisioned the kingdom to be a safe haven for everybody at the time he built it after his great adventure, even though he was allegedly a fairly young man. He was very kind, and everybody loved him greatly, even though nobody knew where he came from...

[Baku Cree]: Wow, what a guy...

[King Jeremiah Cree]: ...Hmm...? Oh well... So, where are we headed, anyways?

[Baku Cree]: I need you to take me to Grendar Manor…

[King Jeremiah Cree]: The Headmaster’s house? What for?

[Baku Cree]: I'll fill you in when we get there… But first, can I ask you a question, Crystal King?

[King Jeremiah Cree]: Of course, Baku. What is it?

[Baku Cree]: How does the Crystal Kingdom maintain its wealth and power with the class system it has set in place? You know, with the walls and such.

[King Jeremiah Cree]: *Chuckles* That’s an easy one, Baku. You see, the money made by the commoners and peasants through business and trading outside of these walls are taxed by us royals. Then, that money is split and used accordingly by each faction of the royal families, for example the school system and military program are run by two seperate families who designate their part of the money and resources collected in order to advance their factions contributions to the kingdom.

[King Jeremiah Cree]: Lasty, all of the funds left over are given back to the Main City. You know, for things like repairing, replacing, and recharging utility crystals, keeping the roads clean, distribution of wealth and property, that kind of stuff, and of course, making sure everybody is happy and content with the way things are being run by us.

[Baku Cree]: … And what about the people out in the fields?

[King Jeremiah Cree]: *Hesitant* … We… Haven’t gotten to them yet…

[Baku Cree]: … Are you being absolutely you serious, right now?

[King Jeremiah Cree]: *Sigh* … I know that’s not you wanted to hear, and I’m sorry that’s my only answer… But if you knew the history of the Crystal Kingdom, and a lot of us don’t, by the way; I mean just look at us... We basically live in outer space thousands of miles above the planets surface…

[King Jeremiah Cree]: Only then, you would understand the reasons, as to why that is… I’m sorry, Baku. But rest assured, all of my colleagues and advisors are working endlessly to manage and lead the developement of the countries progress so that we may one day all live perfectly amongst eachother, without the walls...

[Baku Cree]: I hope that happens really soon, Crystal King…

[King Jeremiah Cree]: I do too, Baku… I truly, sincerely do... And I promise you, it will...

*The chariot finally pulls up to Grendar Manor.

*After walking through the properties beautiful flower garden, the Crystal King knocks on the large pink front door after climbing the flight of stairs that lead to the elegant and stylish porch. After about a small minute the one who answers is Master Grendar himself, who was on his way to begin his work day wearing his own special uniform that was recently cleanly pressed and starched, completely free of lint and strings and was decorated with prestigous medals that signified his importance and notoriety.

[Master Grendar]: *Surprised* MY WORD! LORD JEREMIAH CREE! *bows* For what do I have the pleasure of serving your bidding?

[King Jeremiah Cree]: Hello, Master Grendar, please stand so we may speak as equals. I have but a simple question for you today.

[Master Grendar]: Y-yes, my lord! *Ahem* What may I do for you this morning?

[King Jeremiah Cree]: Master, is it true that you removed your daughter, Lady Millia Grendar from the High University, in favor of homeschooling?

[Master Grendar]: Why yes, my lord... I felt it would be for the better for her weeks ago... Why do you ask?

[King Jeremiah Cree]: I've brought someone here who would like to speak to you…

*Baku appears from behind King Jeremiah.

[Baku Cree]: Uhh... good day, Master Grendar. I trust your having a wonderful morning?

[Master Grendar]: *Angrily* It's you again! That ruffian who was trying to deprive my daughter of her education by skipping school! What in the Goddess’ name are you doing back here!? My Lord, do you know this boy and the things he’s done!?

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[King Jeremiah Cree]: Yes, I am fully aware, as I’ve been informed about everything that has happened between the two of you. He is my son, after all... He also has something important to say to you. Go on, World Guardian… Make it quick and don't waste his time.

[Baku Cree]: *Deeply Inhales* ……… *Bows* Master Grendar, I apologize with all of my heart for negatively influencing your daughter’s educational habits. I promise to never repeat my mistake again and beg of you to please allow Lady Millia's return to the High Universities school program... please…

[King Jeremiah Cree]: Master Grendar, after hearing this, may you please consider accepting Baku's apology and rethinking your decisions?

[Master Grendar]: ......... *Sigh* ... Lately, I have noticed that my daughter has changed, since I removed her from the High University... adversely...I did it because I was confident that it would bring her back to the mindset that her education is important and shouldn't be undermined... But I failed to realize the possible consequences of how my actions would affect her own self... She barely even speaks to anybody at the dinner table...

[Baku Cree]: Sooo... You'll let her comeback?

[Master Grendar]: I could... Under one condition…

[King Jeremiah Cree]: What is it, Isaac?

[Master Grendar]: You see, my lord. Baku has quite a reputation in the Crystal Kingdom's High University... And not a great one...

[Baku Cree]: *Ugh* …

[King Jeremiah Cree]: Hm. I see, so what is it that Baku must do to satisfy your conditions?

[Master Grendar]: My challenge to you, Baku, is that I want you to increase all of your grades to passing in time for the Mid-Term Examinations... Without skipping a single day or core class…

[Baku Cree]: *Uggghhh* ...... *Thinking to himself* Damn it, I don’t care about going to school… It’s my grades that are still crappy…

[King Jeremiah Cree]: Very well then, it shall be done. Do you understand all of this, Baku? This is your challenge from Master Grendar if you want your little friend back.

[Baku Cree]: *cough* *cough* Yes, and do you promise to let Lady Millia return to the High University when I succeed?

[Master Grendar]: Yes, you have my word, young man. However… If you do fail my challenge, then it will only stand to be the truth that Lady Millia shall remain to be homeschooled, because of your mistake, regardless of your new status of royalty...

[Baku Cree]: *Confidently* Okay! Then I'll do it, and I swear you can bet on it, too!

[Master Grendar]: *Hmph* We shall see…

[King Jeremiah Cree]: Excellent, thank you for your time Isaac. I wish you have a great rest of your day. We shall be taking our leave, now… Come, World Guardian.

[Baku Cree]: *Knods* Hm...

*Baku and the Crystal King leave Grendar Manor reboarding the royal chariot continuing their way down the main road.

[King Jeremiah Cree]: Baku, now that you understand what you must do. I want you to acquire a note of your current grades so we may decide what we must work on. Unfortunately, this just adds onto what we have to complete before you depart the kingdom. So, we have to crunch time on somethings so you can focus on your grades. That being said, have a nice day at school, son.

[Baku Cree]: Uhh... Thanks, king...?

[King Jeremiah Cree]: Please... *Smiling* Feel free to call me dad.

[Baku Cree]: *Nervous* *Embarrassed* Uhh... I don't think so...?

*The king laughs and rides off headed for the Royal Palace and Baku makes his way toward the High University.

[Baku Cree]: *Thinking to himself* *Sigh* … Damn it, how the hell am I gonna cheese my way outta this one… I know all my grades suck… But only in the classes that I suck in… Which I hate because they suck! Maybe I should start staying after school… Or maybe find a study group… But that requires making friends who want to study, and I know Barrtio and Finn won’t do that… *Ugh* What the hell am I gonna do!?

*Suddenly, a speeding hot pink car blasting pop music zooms past him.

*VRRROOOMMM!!!!

[Baku Cree]: *Surprised* Wh-what the hell was that!?

*SCEERRR!!!

*The car then stops and reverses. When it reaches him, Baku sees Princess Savannah and her group of friends in the vehicle, with Mitsune Akamiko in the driver’s seat whose long blonde hair danced in the wind. She was wearing rose gold shades that she lowered to check him out. The beautiful and wealthy royal smiled.

[Princess Savannah]: *Smiling* Hey, little bro! Are you walking? Don't you want a ride to school?

[Baku Cree]: *Nervous* O-oh, I-I was j-just…

[Mitsune Akamiko]: *Flirtingly* Come on, cutie. Don't make me beg! Hop on in!

[Baku Cree]: *Nervous* O-okay. Uh, thanks...

*Baku and enters the vehicle and sit's in between Halenday Medellon and Ayurielli Yamabushi and is reintroduced to Savannah's bestfriends.

[Princess Savannah]: Baku, you know my friends, Ayurielli, Mitsune, and Halenday, right?

[Baku Cree]: Uh, yeah... I've had a few classes with you guys since, like, the third grade. I guess we never really hit if off, though. It's finally nice to meet you guys, again.

*Lady Yamabushi as stone cold as always didn't even acknowledge Baku's presence, which did not bother or surprise him one bit. He knew the kendo master was all business and was not impressionable. She almost looked like she was meditating, the battle maiden wielding a bamboo sword used in training, tightly in her arms always ready for action.

[Ayurielli Yamabushi]: .........

[Mitsune Akamiko]: *Flirtingly* The pleasure's all mine! I never met a superhero before! I am like sooo honored!

[Baku Cree]: *Shyly* *Blushing* Oh, uh thanks, Lady Akamiko, but it’s nothing really!

[Mitsune Akamiko]: *Eyes gleaming* Are you kidding me, duuude!? You’re like the 15th World Guardian ever! You’re like the biggest deal, right now! My parents can not stop talking about you!

[Baku Cree]: *Shyly* Ah geez, really? I wasn’t trying to become a celebrity or anything…

[Mitsune Akamiko]: Well, I hope you get used to it real soon! People are gonna adore you!

[Baku Cree]: Man, this suddenly became a lot to take in...

[Halenday Medellon]: The princess is so lucky to have such a darling living in the palace with her.... *Sigh* I'm jealous…

[Baku Cree]: Oh, umm. Thanks, Master Medellon. Have you always thought that way of me?

[Halenday Medellon]: In the classes we’ve had with each other over the years, Mr. Baku, I couldn’t help but observe how creative, intuitive, and courageous such a young boy raised from the fields truly was… It's quite inspiring...

[Baku Cree]: Seriously? You think all that about me? How could you even tell, I skip school like crazy?

[Halenday Medellon]: It was just a hunch at the time. But now that you’re closer to me, I would love to study you a little bit more if given the oppurtunity considering that you’re the brand new 15th World Guardian… I'm a scientist, so I would love to discover the logic behind the Holy Goddess' decision in choosing you...

[Baku Cree]: Hm... Okay, I’ll see what I can try to do for you, Master Medellon.

*Master Medellon was a very handsome, super genius, and even though Baku didn't really know what the royal had in mind in terms of "studying" him. It was clear that the pink haired man of class and style thought there were layers to Baku's destiny that wasn't immediately obvious to the young teen, that Halenday would not be shy in helping him discover.

[Mitsune Akamiko]: Okay, everybody! I hope you have your seat belts on!

*Mitsune floors the vehicle and zooms down the road headed for school.