Chapter 40: Exam Day

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

(Scene: Baku arrives with Savannah and her friends at the High University and prepare for their Mid-Term Examination Test)

[Baku Cree]: *Deeply inhales* ... Okay, today's the day I'm gonna pass all of my classes and get Millia back to Barrtio and Finn... I've been studying like crazy for these test... So I know I can do it... I just have to get it done.

[Princess Savannah]: *Smiling* And you'll do it, Baku! We believe in you!

[Halenday Medellon]: We sure do! Good luck on your test, you two!

[Mitsune Akamiko]: Yeah, I know you'll kill it. But if all else fails, just cheat off your sister!

[Ayurielli Yamabushi]: ...I believe that's against the rules, Lady Akamiko…

[Baku Cree]: *Smiling* Thanks guys, I'll definitely put in 1000% effort. Good luck on your test as well!

[Princess Savannah]: Are you ready for our first exam, little brother?

[Baku Cree]: *Knods* Yeah, let's go.

*Baku and the princess separate from their friends and head for the first of the Mid-Term Examination test.

(Setting: Crystal Kingdom: High University- Mr. Yarish's Astronomy Class)

(Scene: Baku and Princess Savannah quietly takes seats in preparation for their test)

[Mr. Yarish]: Alright students, I'm sure you all have been studying for this test. There is a total of 90 questions concerning the lessons we went over this semester. You all have 90 minutes to complete the test. Remember to take your time, reread your questions and your answers and good luck.

*Baku silently begins his test.

[Baku Cree]: *Thinking to himself* Alright... I literally know everything I can about this class like it’s the back of my hand. There's no way I'm going to fail this test. Astronomy had always been my favorite class, it's probably my preferred science to go about studying or researching... Now that I think about it, if I weren’t going to be the World Guardian, and I had to choose any particular career path… I would probably try my hand at being an astronomer like Mr. Yarish, possibly try to be his apprentice or something… Hehehe, I bet Mom would’ve loved that. That pays good money right?

[Baku Cree]: All of the things I've learned in this class has not only expanded my mind to what else is out there in the universe, but it also makes me wonder if I will ever have the strength or ability to visit different worlds or galaxies on my own. I wonder what they would be like... There's probably a planet where people can fly at sonic speeds... Or a planet where people fight like anime characters... Or maybe even a planet whose entire population is full of girls as beautiful as the princess... That would be amazing to visit... *Siiiggghhh* ... Oh snap, I'm done with my test. That was easy... I know I'm gonna kill this test. I hope the princess and her friends do well too.

[Mr. Yarish]: Okay students, time is up. Please turn in your test.

*Baku hands in his test to Mr. Yarish.

[Mr. Yarish]: Ahh, Baku, the young hero. I assumed you passed? Did you find the test too easy?

[Baku Cree]: *Smiling* Yeah, Mr. Yarish! You know this is my favorite class, so I had to make sure I got that perfect score you deserve! Thanks for being an amazing teacher, you've really helped me find myself.

[Mr. Yarish]: Haha! It was my pleasure, Baku! I always saw the true potential in you and I'm excited to see how you evolve on your adventure!

[Baku Cree]: Will you watch me pop off at the Crystal Dome Games?

[Mr. Yarish]: You can count on it! Good luck on the rest of your test, Baku!

[Baku Cree]: *Smiling* Alright, thanks Mr. Yarish!

[Mr. Yarish]: Please, call me Seth.

[Princess Savannah]: Are you ready to go, Baku?

[Baku Cree]: *Knods* Yeah, let's go.

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

(Scene: Baku appears with Savannah and make their way for their next Mid-Term Examination Test)

[Princess Savannah]: *Phew* Glad we got that one out of the way... But now all of my next test are gonna be incredibly tougher…

[Baku Cree]: Ditto. Luckily, our World History Exam was simply a huge research paper. So as long as we hand it in, we should be okay.

[Princess Savannah]: So how do you think you did in Astronomy class?

[Baku Cree]: *Smiling* That was pretty much guaranteed! I've always been great in that class. How do you think you did?

[Princess Savannah]: I think I managed, Astronomy isn’t an overly difficult concept to understand… Unlike Astrology… Anywho, are you ready for World History?

[Baku Cree]: I could be asking you the same thing, Princess.

[Princess Savannah]: *Sigh* ... You know me so well now, Baku…

(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)

[Mr. Inglin]: Good, now that everyone's here, please place your research papers into this folder.

*The students proceed to turn in their research papers until Baku and his sister appear to the teacher.

[Mr. Inglin]: Good morning your majesties, I trust you were both able to write stellar papers? Hmmm? I see you both even secured you papers in snazzy see-through binders! You two both know how to charm you teachers. Especially you, milady. However, Baku, you have evolved immensely in the last month. What is your secret? And just what did you write about World Guardian?

[Baku Cree]: I can't say I have any secrets, I just tried super hard to achieve my goal and trained and studied like crazy with people who wanted to help me. Anyways, I wrote about a civilization of a human-aquatic sub species called Aquanauts. They populate nearly 75% of all of the water on Planet Eternia. I never would've guessed that an entire race of half human half sea creatures existed... It sounds so peculiar and mystifying. I hope I get to learn a lot more about them when I go to the living planet.

[Mr. Inglin]: *Smiling* I'm excited to hear about your adventures when you come back. I can't wait to read your paper to see what you found. Good luck to you, Baku Cree.

[Baku Cree]: *Smiling* Hehe, thanks!

*Baku returns to his seat. The princess approaches Mr. Inglin next.

[Mr. Inglin]: Milady, were you able to find a worthy subject to focus your research paper on?

[Princess Savannah]: ... Yes instructor, due to the fact that I was unable to find enough information on the greatest civilization to ever exist, I decided to write about what I believe may be the second greatest kingdom on Planet Eternia. The Grangavian's rule the massive desert of the western continent. Their culture and history revolve heavily around the dead, the dark artes, and the gods and deities that govern their religion. They have a royal family and government that works similar to us. So, I believe you will find what I wrote to be quite interesting…

[Mr. Inglin]: *Intrigued* Hmm... I see... I'm glad you were able to successfully find another subject for your paper, Princess. I trust this will be a project for me to keep for the records.

[Princess Savannah]: ... Thank you, instructor…

*Savannah returns to her seat.

[Baku Cree]: How are you feeling, sis?

[Princess Savannah]: ...... My heart...... Is racing…

[Baku Cree]: Well there's no need to worry, Princess. I know your paper will get a perfect score.

[Princess Savannah]: I hope we both do, little brother…

*Ring! Ring! Ring!

[Mr. Inglin]: This class is dismissed, students, good luck on the rest of your test! And Baku…

[Baku Cree]: Hm?

[Mr. Inglin]: *Smiling* Good luck on your adventure.

[Baku Cree]: *Smiling* Thanks, teach!

*Baku and Princess Savannah exit the classroom.

[Baku Cree]: So, you have your Psychology test now, right?

[Princess Savannah]: Yes, and you have Algebra, correct?

[Baku Cree]: Yeah…

[Princess Savannah]: *Smiles softly* Are you nervous?

[Baku Cree]: I shouldn't be... yet I am for some reason…

[Princess Savannah]: Well Baku, just remember your studies and who you're doing it for and think about how good it will feel when you reach that goal. I know you can do it Baku... Do it for me, and Lady Millia…

[Baku Cree]: *Knods* Alright. I'll get it done. Good luck on your test, princess.

[Princess Savannah]: And to you as well, Master Baku.

*Baku watches as Savannah leaves for her class and then makes his way for his third test.

(Setting: Crystal Kingdom: High University- Mr. Everstein's Algebra Class)

(Scene: Baku enters the Algebra Classroom)

[Baku Cree]: *Thinking to himself* Okay... It's time to ace this test! Once I do, my grades should be good enough to win over Master Grendar and I'll have kept my promise. Alright, it's time to get it done. Let's do this! ... *Confused* Uhhh... You okay there Leo? You look kinda nervous.

[Leonidas Quark]: *Nervous* O-oh, hey Baku... I'm doing just dandy!

[Baku Cree]: You sure? You're sweating buckets. Are you nervous about the test? *Smiling* You should be the last person on the planet to be afraid of an algebra test!

[Leonidas Quark]: A-afraid...? I-I'm not afraid of anything! I swear!

[Baku Cree]: ... Okay Leo, good luck on your test buddy.

[Leonidas Quark]: *Shaking* YOU TOO, BAKU!

[Mr. Everstein]: Good morning students. We will now begin your Mid-Term Examination test. You have 90 minutes to answer 90 questions. You may use your calculators, number two pencils, scrap paper, and make sure you completely fill in the bubble of your answer after checking your work. Don't write a check, or a slash, or an X. I will fail you, and I don't care if it were a perfect score... With that being said, good luck and begin.

*Baku starts his test.

[Baku Cree]: *Thinking to himself* Alright Baku, this is it... I've been studying like crazy for this test. The Crystal King had given me the time to relearn my lessons with many different tutors, even though my main priority should have been training to get ready to save the world. But I was stupid and lazy. I didn't pay attention in school, and I got Lady Millia in trouble for it. Now that I have this chance to bring her back to my friends, I need to capitalize on it so I can get what I desire. Also, I can't forget about the time the princess and her friends took to help me study for these tests. I never would've thought that for as long as I known either of them, Lady Akamiko or Master Halenday would even consider treating me like a friend enough to help me through such petty struggles...

[Baku Cree]: They are such great people. I always thought that Lady Akamiko was just a hot, dumb girl who had a ton of money because of her rich dad or something, but the truth is, she's super nice, smart and chill. Even when she makes fun of the princess, I still think she still genuinely keeps her circle tight knit. I guess that's why Barrtio has such a huge thing for her... He could see past her looks clearly and knew Lady Akamiko was more defined than what one would see at first... And Master Halenday, he's so cool and suave… Finn was completely right about him, he’s totally awesome. I wish I was as much of a genius as him, he seems like he just knows everything, just like Lady Akamiko... and he's so artsy too.

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[Baku Cree]: I bet he could get with any girl in the school if he wanted. I feel like he has his whole life under control, I wish I were like that. But instead, I have to defend the stinkin' planet. If he were the hero, he'd probably be cool and smart and stuff. And then there's me, I'm just... Baku... I can punch stuff... I wonder how anybody like him could have any problems. He has a lot going for him, and I appreciate him taking his time to help me. I wonder how long he's known Savannah and her band of sexy sidekicks. There's probably so much about the princess and her friends I may never learn, because there's more likely a rich history between the four of them... Just like Barrtio, Finn, Millia, and I... And then, of course, there's Lady Yamabushi, she's hot, but she's also scary sometimes, so I don't wanna think about her... *Sigh* I'm finally finished with my test now... Geez, I hope I passed…

*Baku turns in his test.

[Mr. Everstein]: Baku the Cree... Your current grade in this class is a D, if you pass this test, you might get enough points for a C, if you're lucky... So, how do you feel? Did you pass?

[Baku Cree]: Yes, I passed. I had a lot of help from many great people to get me back on track with my studies. So, there's no way I could fail.

[Mr. Everstein]: Confident, aren't we? Will that same level of confidence be present when you begin your journey, Mr. Hero?

[Baku Cree]: You can count on it, Mr. Everstein.

[Mr. Everstein]: Hm. Very well then, good luck in the Crystal Dome Games. And have fun on your adventure, Baku.

[Baku Cree]: *Smiling* Thanks for being a pretty okay teacher, Mr. Everstein. Even when we didn't see eye to eye.

[Mr. Everstein]: And I should thank you as well, for taking up the mantle of World Guardian.

[Baku Cree]: Alright then, I'll see ya around!

[Mr. Everstein]: Please have a great week.

*Baku leaves the classroom and is released for the day.

(Setting: Crystal Kingdom: High University- Parking lot)

(Scene: Baku and Savannah's friends are released for the day)

[Princess Savannah]: Oooohhh, Baaakuuu! We're waiting for yooouuu!

[Baku Cree]: Oh, hey everybody! Sorry for being late.

[Mitsune Akamiko]: It's not a problem, sweetie!

[Halenday Medellon]: So, we're all wondering... How did you do on your test?

[Mitsune Akamiko]: Yeah, dude! Did you pass?

[Baku Cree]: Well, I won't know for sure until later today. But I'm pretty confident that I aced my Algebra test, thanks to you guys!

[Halenday Medellon]: How delightful!

[Ayurielli Yamabushi]: *Hmph* …

[Princess Savannah]: Yaaay! Let's celebrate with ice cream!

[Mitsune Akamiko]: Alright, let's get it!

*The crew speeds for the mall in Lady Akamiko's car.

*Later that day.

(Setting: Crystal Kingdom: Royal Palace- The King's Study)

(Scene: Baku appears in the King's Study)

[Butler]: Now presenting, young master, Baku Cree!

[Nicolatrice Cree]: *Smiling* Good afternoon, Baku!

[Baku Cree]: Hey, mom! You’re looking as beautiful as ever today!

[Nicolatrice Cree]: Why thank you, sweetheart! Did you have a great day at school today?

[Baku Cree]: I sure did! I did all of my Mid-Term Examination test today too, your highness.

[King Jeremiah Cree]: I see. How do you think you did?

[Baku Cree]: I guess we're about to find out, huh?

[King Jeremiah Cree]: Yes, we are... You and your sister’s grades came in today. The princess got all A's... Not that's it anything unexpected... So, in this envelope, is your report card... Are you ready for your test results?

[Baku Cree]: Yeah.

[King Jeremiah Cree]: You sound nervous, Baku. Is everything okay?

[Baku Cree]: I'm nervous about a lot of things, and this is one of them. These stupid tests have had such an influence on my life, it's ridiculous that I let it happen to myself.

[King Jeremiah Cree]: So, you've come to understand the need of having to focus on your separate responsibilities. Baku, I feel like this past month was simply preparing you for your overall quest. Imagine at some point on your adventure, you must take on multiple task and challenges. It is your duty as the World Guardian to take on the burdens of many people. So, I hope that in your future, you'll will not be overwhelmed by what is to come. But instead, will defeat your challenges by remaining headstrong and diligent. So, with all that being said... Are you ready?

[Baku Cree]: *Deeply inhales* … Yes...

[King Jeremiah Cree]: Very well then. *The king opens the envelope containing the report card* Baku, your grades formulated after you Mid-Term Examinations are as follows: You got an A in Astronomy, an A in Art, and C in Gym......... Wait a minute, how'd you get a C in Gym? *Chuckling* Can you not catch a ball?

[Baku Cree]: *Sigh* Please, don't ask…

[King Jeremiah Cree]: Okay then, moving on... Baku, the grades for your core classes are as follows: you got a C in Modern Literature, a B in World History, and lastly a C in Algebra…

[Nicolatrice Cree]: *Gasp* !!!

[Baku Cree]: Are... you being serious?

[King Jeremiah Cree]: Yes, that's what the paper says, see?

[Baku Cree]: *Baku reads the contents of the paper* ......... Holy crap... I freakin' did it…

[King Jeremiah Cree]: Are you really impressed? All of your A's came from the easiest classes…

[Baku Cree]: *pfft* B's and C's for Baku Cree, dude.

[King Jeremiah Cree]: ......... Oh, so that’s how your gonna carry the family name, huh? *Sigh* Ah well, sister, how do you fare?

[Nicolatrice Cree]: I-I ... I'm lost for words... Baku... I am just impressed by you over and over again... You've become so smart and strong in just a few weeks... I find it hard to believe you’re still my child…

[Baku Cree]: Well mom, I'm just trying to new find ways to make you proud.

[Nicolatrice Cree]: *Teary eyed* I've always been proud of you, Baku…

*Baku tightly hugs his mother.

[Baku Cree]: Don't cry, mom... You don't have to work hard anymore; I'll take on all of your burdens so can be happy forever…

[Nicolatrice Cree]: *Sniffling* ... B-Baku…

[King Jeremiah Cree]: *Smiling* Baku, if you'd like, we can fulfill your favor before it's too late in the evening.

[Baku Cree]: Alright! Mom, I have to go now, I'll see you at dinner, okay?

[Nicolatrice Cree]: *Knods* *Smiles softly* … Okay!

(Setting: Crystal Kingdom: Royal Center- Grendar Manor)

(Scene: Baku and the King arrive on a chariot at a large pink manor)

*knock *knock *knock.

[Butler]: Hello, how may I help-- MY WORD, IT'S HIS MAJESTY!!!

[King Jeremiah Cree]: We wish to speak to Master Grendar, please.

[Butler]: Yes, please come in, my lord! I'll call for him post haste!

*Baku and the King are taken in and seated within a tea room. It was a cozy spot with a fireplace, comfy chairs and sofas along with fancy tables made of maplewood that had elegant designs engraved on them. In a corner, Baku saw a large pink teddy sitting comfortably and as fluffy as cotton candy.

[King Jeremiah Cree]: Baku, would you like some tea? It's nice and hot.

[Baku Cree]: Uhh... No thank you.

[Master Grendar]: YOUR MAJESTY! *Bows* I CAME AS SOON AS I HEARD YOU WERE PRESENT!

[King Jeremiah Cree]: Isaac, please. You need not to bow to me in your own home.

[Master Grendar]: Y-yes, milord... What can I do for you?

[King Jeremiah Cree]: Master, we have something to present to you…

[Baku Cree]: *Ahem* Master Grendar. I trust you are having a great evening?

[Master Grendar]: The World Guardian? What is your business?

[Baku Cree]: I have this to show you... *Baku hands his report card to Master Grendar*

[Master Grendar]: Hm? What's this? Wa-wait... I say... I-I can't believe this... D-do my eyes deceive me? A's... B's... and C's!? N-no D's or F's!? This can't be! How did your grades increase so?

[Baku Cree]: Master Grendar, I studied really hard with people that cared that I passed. So I did just that. After all, we made a deal and I made a promise that I would keep it.

[Master Grendar]: ... And that you did... I see... Very well then... A deal is a deal, and I am a man of my word. Baku, I must say that I am impressed... I don't know how you did it, but perhaps I should've expected no less from the World Guardian…

[Millia Grendar]: B-Baku!?

[Baku Cree]: Millia!

*Lady Millia runs into the room hugging Baku tightly. They spun as the little girl squeezed her friend in excitement. Her short pink hair was done up nicely in a way that Baku never seen before, and she was wearing fancy clothing that she normally didn't wear either.

[Millia Grendar]: *Surprised* Oh, my Goddess! What in the world are you doing here!?

[Baku Cree]: *Smiling* Millia, look at this! Check out what I did!

*Baku shows Millia his grades.

[Millia Grendar]: *Confused* What is this? Wh-what in the... *Freaking out* WHAT IN THE WORLD!? BAKU, ARE THESE YOUR GRADES!?

[Baku Cree]: *Smiling* Yeah pretty cool, huh? I passed all of my classes so you can come back to the High University!

[Millia Grendar]: What the heck are you talking about!?

[Baku Cree]: I made a deal with your dad that if I passed all of my classes in time for Mid-Terms, he'd let you come back to the High University!

[Millia Grendar]: YOU DID WHAT!? Wait... HE DID WHAT!?

[Master Grendar]: *Nervous* N-now now, Milady... In all honesty, you weren't supposed to know that…

[Millia Grendar]: So... Wait... You pulled all of your grades out of the toilet, just so you can get me back into the High University?

[Baku Cree]: Yeah, I had to! Millia, you're my best friend... And it was my fault that you got in trouble that day... So, this is what was required for me to do in order to get it done... Aren’t you impressed?

[Millia Grendar]: Impressed? *Laughs* You big nerd! You didn't have to do all of this for me!

[Baku Cree]: Of course, I had to! And why are you calling me a nerd!? Do you know how much I had to bust my butt to do this!? Geez, this isn't even the biggest thing I have to deal with. Me getting my grades up was just a big ol' side quest!

[Millia Grendar]: *Laughing* Geez, you are such an idiot... So, wait, I think the big question I'm forgetting to ask is... First of all, what the heck are you doing in the Royal Center, and why are you with his majesty!?

[King Jeremiah Cree]: *Waves* Hey.

[Baku Cree]: Millia, have you been living under a rock? I'm the freakin' World Guardian!

[Millia Grendar]: ......... World... Guardian? Hehehe... You’re kidding right? Like History class World Guardian?

[Baku Cree]: Yeah, like, save the world and stuff.

[Millia Grendar]: Hehe... Hehehehehehe... You're not kidding... Hehehehehehehe... hehe ...*faints* …

[Baku Cree]: *Baku quickly catches her* Holy crap, Millia!

[Master Grendar]: M-Milady!

[King Jeremiah Cree]: Hm... Well, she took that better than expected.

[Baku Cree]: Millia, are you okay?

[Millia Grendar]: ... Baku... I'm so glad to see you again…

[Baku Cree]: I am too, milady.

[Millia Grendar]: *Ugh* Please don't call me that... Okay... *Sigh* If you're really the World Guardian, show me something cool. I want you to fly around the city and shoot energy beams like Starlight Princess!

[Baku Cree]: *Sigh* I'm not Starlight Princess, and even if I could be an anime hero, it wouldn't be her... Also, I can't do any of that, as far as I know... But, if you do want to see me in action, watch me fight in the Crystal Dome Games!

[Millia Grendar]: *Mockingly* You're gonna be in the Crystal Dome Games? Now I've heard everything!

[Baku Cree]: What's that supposed to mean, you sound like you don't believe in me!

[Millia Grendar]: I don't believe in you!

[Baku Cree]: About what? Me being the World Guardian or me being in the Crystal Dome Games!?

[Millia Grendar]: Both!

[Baku Cree]: *Annoyed* Alright, that's it --

[King Jeremiah Cree]: *Sigh* *Smiling* So, Isaac. Have the terms been met?

[Master Grendar]: Yes, they have. Baku Cree, you have proven to me that not only can you take responsibility for your actions, but you can also act on your promises as well as complete commands given to you. Those are all good traits of a World Guardian. So, starting tomorrow, Lady Millia will be allowed to return to the High University.

[Baku Cree]: *Cheeringly* Haha! Yes!

[Millia Grendar]: *Smiling* Thank you, daddy!

[Master Grendar]: ... *Smiles softly* ... Baku, I hope you learned your lesson about skipping your classes. It may not seem like it all the time, but sometimes your own actions may affect the wellbeing of the people around you. It's important to think about and understand the potential consequences, especially as the protector of the living planet. We are counting on you, and we hope you continue to make all of the right decisions.

[Baku Cree]: I will, Master Grendar. I promise, I will never make the same mistake twice and that I will always plan out my actions before executing them. Not only for the safety of those around me, but for the planet itself.

[King Jeremiah Cree]: Excellent, well, if we are all done here, we wouldn't want to keep you up all night. So, I wish you, the Grendars, a great rest of your night. Come, World Guardian.

[Baku Cree]: Okay, Millia, I'll see you tomorrow. I have a few loose strings to cut, and I need you to be there. Afterschool of course!

[Millia Grendar]: *Smiling* Okay, Baku! Goodnight!

*Baku and King Jeremiah depart Grendar Manor.