Chapter 7: The Royal Center

(Setting: Crystal Kingdom: Main City- Main Street)

(Scene: Baku meets Barrtio and Finn early the next day)

*The boys meet up early in the morning at a time they never have before.

*It was chillier than yesterday, and a light fog cloaked the city in a veil that decreased your visibility only a little, but thanks to the crystal lit lamp post that lined the sidewalks, the roads were always safe for carriages and horses in this condition. Baku and his friends make their way through the still sleeping Main City and head toward the Royal Center.

*They appear at the gate made of a huge standing graystone wall that was also constructed with green crystals that separates the Royal Center and the rest of the Crystal Kingdom and approach a couple of guards standing post. They were armored with metal chain mail and their helmets had "V" shaped visors for their sight. Equipped with long spears, they proudly sported capes with the kingdoms insignia on it. A five-sided crystal with swords coming from all points meeting at the center.

[Baku]: *cough, cough* Ahem! Good day gentlemen! I trust you are doing especially well this fine morning?

[Royal Guard]: What is your reason for being here, son?

[Baku]: Uhh, yes. Me and the fine gentlemen behind me would like access into the Royal Center, please.

[Royal Guard]: Do you have an appointment or invitation?

[Baku]: Uhhh... Yes?

[Royal Guard]: *Sigh* I apologize, but you cannot be granted entrance into the center without an appointment or invitation from a member on the inside.

[Barrtio]: Sir, please. We only wish to meet Lady Millia Grendar for just a small moment. Can either of you chaperone us or something?

[Royal Guard]: Once again, I apologize, but Master Grendar is not accepting appointments or meetings with members outside of his family. I'm going to have to ask you to leave now, if you truly don’t have any business here, young man.

[Barrtio]: *Siigghh* Very well then, sir. As you were…

*The boys leave the front gate and walk around the circumference of the Royal Center walls away from the guards visiblity.

[Finn]: Okay, so that didn't work…

[Baku]: What's the plan now, Barrtio?

[Barrtio]: Chill out my pupils, I have these!

*Barrtio flashes a ring of a bunch of keys.

[Baku]: What in the world are those for?

[Barrtio]: As you guys may or may not know, my pops is a maintainer for the workers union that supports the facilities of the Crystal Kingdom... This includes maintaining and relegating the usage of the crystals that provide us and the royals power like warmth, electricity, wind, and of course... Water!

[Baku and Finn]: Uhh... Water?

[Barrtio]: That's right! Gentlemen, please come with me.

*Barrtio guides Baku and Finn to a flight of stairs that leads to a stream of water coming from a passageway leaving the Royal Center walls.

[Barrtio]: Boys, I present to you: Plan B!

[Baku]: Sooo... What exactly am I looking at?

[Barrtio]: It's a secret waterway that leads straight into the Royal Center! And I have the keys to get in!

[Finn]: Whoa! Freakin' epic, bro! How did you get your dad to lend them to you?

[Barrtio]: *Twirling keys* He didn't, I stole 'em.

[Baku and Finn]: *Freaking out* Whoa dude, isn't that a crime!?

[Barrtio]: It's fine! My dad's off work for the rest of the winter season anyways, he's not gonna need these for a while... Besides, we're about to break into the Royal Center! We might as well go big or go home the way I see it!

*Barrtio unlocks the gate leading to the sewer and the boys enter the dark passageway.

(Setting: Crystal Kingdom: Royal Center- Underground Passageway)

(Scene: Baku, Barrtio and Finn explore the corridors beneath the Royal Center)

[Baku]: Ugghh... Geez, Finn, what’d you eat last night and why’d you decide to keep it in till now!?

[Finn]: My mom made bean casserole last night, and trust me buddy, what you’re smelling is not me... Yoo, Barrtio, how much longer are we gonna be down here?

[Barrtio]: It's just gonna be a little bit more, all we have to do is find a manhole to peek out of, and boom, we're in the Royal Center!

*The boys explore the dimly lit underground passageway.

*It unironically smelt of all of the sewage in the kingdom as nasty bugs and rodents lived down here. There are stairs that go up and down as well as pathways whose ledges dropped into larger corridors. Water from the city above was cleaned and filtered down here within the chambers by the use of the crystals and other technologies that men like Barrtio's dad maintained, repaired and replaced if need be. The workers union was formed many years after the kingdom's inception.

*A royal provided a way for people who worked previously for independent groups that didn't have safety and workplace practice guidelines in place at the time, to create companies that looked out for the commoners needs, run by the common man. It’s like an entire second city underneath the Crystal Kingdom complete with pumps, valves, and pipes coursing with both freezing and boiling water, air vents and cooling fans, furnaces and generators. Barrtio carefully leads the boys through using a detailed map that had routes and paths clearly displayed that was easy to follow.

[Baku]: Ya know, for a sewer system, this sure does seem rather complex. Like a lot of thought was put into its design... I can't help but wonder why?

[Finn]: *blushing dreamily* I can't help but wonder if any of these pipes leads into one of the popular girls’ showers…

[Barrtio]: As much as I admire the way you think, Finn. It's time to get your head out of the gutters. We're here…

*The boys climb a metal ladder that leads up to a manhole that Barrtio peeks out of.

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

(Scene: Baku, Barrtio and Finn explore the Royal Center)

[Barrtio]: *Whispering* Alright... We're in…

[Baku]: *Whispering* Hehehe... This is exciting!

[Finn]: *Whispering* My heart is racing... I wonder how much trouble we could get into for sneaking in here…

[Baku]: *Whispering* *Excited* I guess this would be a cool story to tell if we survive!

[Finn]: *Whispering* *Freaking out* Survive!?

[Barrtio]: *Whispering* Look alive, boys. Finn, did you bring the mini map Millia made for us that one time?

[Finn]: *Whispering* Here you go, chief!

*Finn hands Barrtio a map of the Royal Center that shows the directions to Grendar Manor.

[Barrtio]: Alright, let's get rollin'. Remember guys, stay quiet and lay low.

[Baku and Finn]: *Whispering* Got it!

*The boys sneak around the Royal Center which sat upon the highest hills in the kingdom, avoiding guards on their daily patrols and trying to remain hidden and unseen by using back streets and alleyways. There was a lot less light pollution compared to the Main City. Because of this, you could more clearly see the stars in the sky and spacial bodies surrounding the Crystal Kingdom. Shooting stars are more common than you'd think when your atop a high place with a beautiful view.

*The mansions and manors were all massive with ornate and complex exterior designs unlike any beyond the walls, making it feel like running around a surreal dreamscape. Buildings had beautiful stained glass windows, columns standing along their front porches that overlooked large and spacious properties that were decorated with flower gardens and hedge mazes. Compared to the hustle and bustle of the Main City, everything was eerily quiet and peaceful as if there has been a 24/7 quiet rule set in place. The expectations were definitely different here. Everything was kept to an insanely higher standard. There was absolutely no trash on the ground, and the air seemed cleaner somehow.

*As much as he despises the people who live within these walls, even Baku can’t help but imagine what it’d be like if he and his mother lived in such an extravagant lifestyle. After seeing all of this, was he jealous?

*Or was it something else?

*He didn't know what to think anymore after seeing all of this. What was even more ominous, is even though Baku and his friends have been moving and sneaking throughout the Royal Center, the Crystal Palace, where the Princess herself lives, has always been looming overhead of them at the apex of all of the scenery as if it were watching them the whole time.

[Barrtio]: Alright, this has to be Grendar Manor... Giant pink house, pink flower garden, and a big pink chariot to boot. This places screams, "I spoil my daughter." You guys ready?

[Finn]: Yeah!

[Baku]: Let's do it!

*The boys approach Grendar Manor, climbing the steep stone steps and knock on the giant pink door made of maplewood. After a small moment, it was Master Grendar himself who answered the door. He was a tall, very well dressed and aged man whose hair, as little left as there was, was slicked back. Neatly and freshly groomed probably this very morning.

[Master Grendar]: *Surprised* I say! Who let such dastardly looking boys onto my doorstep! What in the Goddess' name is the meaning of this!?

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[Barrtio]: *Smiling* Hehe, good day, Master Grendar! I trust you are doing well this fine morning! We humbly request the presence of Lady Millia, please?

[Master Grendar]: *Scoffs* Oh, now I know you! You are the boys that Madame Margaret informed me had deceived my Millia and convinced her to skip her classes, yesterday!

[Baku]: Sir, I assure you, we never had bad intentions. Please let me explain…

[Master Grendar]: I need not an explanation from the likes of you! In fact, you will be pleased to know that Millia will no longer be attending the Crystal Kingdom High University and will begin being homeschooled and tutored instead!

[Baku]: Master Grendar, just let us apologize, please!

[Master Grendar]: I will accept no matter of apology and I demand you to leave now! ... Wait a just minute... How did a bunch of commoners such as yourselves manage to enter the Royal Center!?

[Baku, Barrtio, and Finn]: *Nervous* Uhhh... Invitation?

[Master Grendar]: *Gasp* *Shouting* Trespassory! Guards! I need guards!!!

[Barrtio]: We have to go, now!

[Finn]: I'm right behind ya, let's go Baku!

[Baku]: Shit, you don't have to tell me twice!

*The boys flee from Grendar Manor, but a squadron of Royal Guards chase after them.

[Royal Guards]: *Shouting* Hey! You there! Halt this instant!

[Finn]: *Running* Aw crap! It’s the fuzz! What do we do!?

[Baku]: *Running* Barrtio, buddy, I know this was our shared idea, and I know it didn’t go as planned… But please tell me you have an escape plan, for when things don’t go as planned!

[Barrtio]: *Running* Thinking to himself* Crap, things got bad real quick… If we get caught, there’s no telling what the Royals will do to us! We’re either getting imprisoned or killed or both! But we’re just kids, they wouldn’t do that to Main City commoners like Finn and I, would they!? What about Baku, that cow straight up called him a peasant yesterday… Would he be okay? What would they do to him!? Is his life worth anything to them!? This is serious, this is for real, this could be life or death! We went way in over our heads with this one! What the hell was I thinking doing this to my friends!?

[Baku]: *Running* *Freaking out* Barrtio! Snap out of it before we get publicly executed! Please tell me you have something up your sleeve!? Anything!?

*Barrtio finally returns to his senses. He takes the mini map Millia made, and tear’s it in three.

[Barrtio]: *Running* Guys! We have to split up!

[Baku and Finn]: *Running* *Freaking out* Are you serious!? Dude, we don’t know our way around this place like these guards do!

[Barrtio]: *Running* I know! But you have to trust me and Millia on this one!

*Barrtio passes Baku and Finn pieces of the shredded map. Each piece indicates multiple ways in and out of the Royal Center that Millia must’ve marked on them beforehand.

[Barrtio]: *Running* I know things look bad right now, and if they keep going the way they are, then it might just be the end for the three of us… But my favorite phrase is, the dream doesn’t die until the last guy stops talking about it! So promise me that one of us will survive this predicament, and live to tell the story of the time three commoners snuck into the Royal Center!

[Baku and Finn]: *Running* ……...

[Barrtio]: *Running* Gentlemen, it was a pleasure working you!

[Baku and Finn]: *Running* ……… Alright! Let’s get the hell out of here!!!

*The boys split up in different directions.

[Royal Guards]: *Shouting* Hey! What the hell!? They’re splitting up! THOSE BASTARDS! Don’t let them get away!!!

[Baku]: *Running* *Thinking to himself* Good luck, you guys.... Please for the love of everything, just get out of here safely… Huh? What do we have here?

*Up ahead, Baku spots a couple of horses owned by a noble wearing bright orange tights.

[Royal Noble]: *Pompously* Mmm yes, these stallions have been selectively breeded for fifteen generations, and are both worth 15 million gems each!

[Royal Madame]: *Pompously* Ohh my, how utterly extravagant!

*Baku suddenly climbs aboard the horse’s saddle.

[Baku]: Hey, mind if I borrow this!? Thanks, nerd! Yaaah!!

[Horses]: *Nyiiieegghh!!!!*

*Baku steals the black stallion and dashes off on horseback out of the Royal Center headed for the Main City.

[Royal Noble]: *Freaking out* Hey! That’s my pony!

[Royal Madame]: *Freaking out* I say! What is going on here!?

[Royal Guard]: Sir, ma’am, please don’t be alarmed! Everything’s under control!

[Royal Noble]: *Freaking out* *Angrily shouting* There better be a good explanation as for why my horsey was stolen by some rapscallion!

[Royal Madame]: Just who was that deviant!?

[Royal Guard]: Sir, ma’am, please calm down!

[???]: What the hell's going on here?

[Royal Guards]: C-Captain Kleon!!! Sir! The Royal Center has been infiltrated by a group of commoners and now they’re on the escape!!!

[Royal Noble]: And he stole my daddy's horsey!

[Royal Madame]: I thought it was your horse!

[Royal Guards]: What do you want us to do, sir!?

[Captain Kleon]: … *Sigh* Did anybody get hurt, or was any property damaged?

[Royal Guards]: Uhh... no, sir!

[Royal Noble]: Except my 15 million gem steed was stolen from me!

[Captain Kleon]: … Very well then… *walks away*

[Royal Guards]: Uhh… Sir? What are you going to do? Shall we inform the king?

[Captain Kleon]: Don’t worry, I’ll handle everything. Return to your post… and get this man a donkey or something...

[Royal Guards]: Yes, Captain Kleon, sir!

*The guards leave after tending to the now crying nobleman. The royal captain walks down the road of the Royal Center, in thought to himself, running his fingerless armor gauntlets through his long, silky white hair.

[Captain Kleon]: *Thinking to himself* If word got out that commoners managed to get in and out of the Royal Center, it runs the risk of give all the rest ideas to figure out how as well. As good of a kingdom this is, there are probably people who would definitely try to pull off something a lot worse than what just happened. On top of that, it’ll just give these pompous idiots another reason to cry and cause an uproar about how their precious and air tight security was penetrated… *Sigh* Damn it... Why’d this have to happen, when I'm on duty…

(Setting: Crystal Kingdom: Main City- Back Street)

(Scene: Baku appears in the back streets of the Crystal Kingdom)

[Baku]: *Sigh* Thank the Goddess I got out of there… I just hope my friends did too… Thanks, Mr. Horse, I couldn’t have done it without your help! I knew those horse riding lessons with Mr. Luke would pay off someday! You can go do whatever horses do, I guess…

[Horse]: *Nyiiieegghh* *Gallops away*

[Baku]: *Sigh* Well, I guess it’s time to head home…

*Suddenly, Baku hears shouting coming from a dainty apartment across the street. The front door slams open with a loud bang, and out of it was Julio Avarez! He was taking out the trash with a scowl, as if being scolded all while in the process of dressing himself in his signature yet tacky tuxedo and getting ready to cause some trouble in the city.

*Baku steps slightly back into the darkness of the alley, so that Julio doesn’t notice him. There seemed to be an argument between the badass and the voice coming from the house. Baku couldn't figure out who was doing the yelling, as he never even considered who Badass Julio lived with.

[Badass Julio]: *Shouting* There’s just no pleasing you! My grades are nearly perfect and it’s still not enough for you!

*Someone is shouting back at Julio Avarez, but Baku doesn’t know who the voice is coming from or what they’re saying.

[Badass Julio]: *Shouting* I don’t even know why I bother trying to impress you! All I end up making you do is demand more from me, and for what!? A whole lot of nothing!

*Baku’s heart begins to race. He’s never seen a dispute such as this, and he wasn’t expecting to see Julio Avarez on the receiving end of the stick. It was kind of funny, but nothing he should risk getting to excited about.

[Badass Julio]: *Shouting* I don’t need to hear this crap! I’m going to Mikodo’s house!

*Julio slams the door behind him in a fit of rage headed downtown. He was fixing his tie and buttoning the rest of his dress shirt.

[Baku]: *Confused* Geez, what the hell was all that? Kinda wish Barrtio and Finn caught that… Whatever, it’s none of my business, I have my own home to worry about…

*Baku heads for the Crystal Fields in the opposite direction of Julio Avarez and doesn't look back.

(Setting: Crystal Kingdom: Crystal Fields- The hideout)

(Scene: Baku returns to the hideout after a crazy day in the city)

[Barrtio and Finn]: *Crying profusely* BAKU!!! WE THOUGHT YOU WERE DEAD, DUDE!

[Baku]: *Psshh* C’mon guys, it’s going to take a lot more than some slimy royals to take me out. If anything, I was worried about you guys. So, how’d you guys end up getting out of the Royal Center, anyways?

[Barrtio]: I luckily found another manhole to sneak in! Those guards stood no chance down there! I have to take a hell of a shower, but aside from that I’m good!

[Baku]: What about you Finn? How’d you escape the Royal Center?

[Finn]: So after we split up, I got so lost that I guess I also escaped the guards. While trying to get out, I actually ran into Master Medellon, and he helped me no questions asked!

*Thinking back at it. Master Medellon was enjoying his morning stroll, minding his own business, when suddenly, Finn clumsy fumbles out of an alleyway in front of him.

[Master Medellon]: *Confused* Uhmmm... Wait a minute... Aren't you that guy from my Home Economics class?

[Finn]: *Freaking out* Y-yeah...? Wh-what are you doing here!?

[Master Medellon]: ... I... live here... What are you doing here, mister?

[Finn]: Uhhh... Trying to leave...?

[Master Medellon]: Hm... I see... *Sigh* I don’t know why you’re here or what you’re doing, but come with me if you wish to get out.

[Finn]: *Surprised* What!? Why would someone like you, want to help me!?

[Master Medellon]: *Smiles* Why wouldn’t I help someone who’s clearly in need?

[Finn]: But couldn’t you get in trouble?

[Master Medellon]: Not if you’re smart about it! Come now, let me guide you to safety, my friend! But promise me you won’t tell anybody that I helped you, got it?

[Finn]: *Crying* You’re an angel!!!

[Baku]: Wait, you mean the Princess’ really handsome genius male friend?

[Barrtio]: Wow, go figure… Who would’ve thought he’d be so cool? Talk about lucky… But still, I can't believe they sent Royal Guards after us…

[Baku]: ... I can't believe that psychopath Master Grendar is actually dropping Millia out of his own freakin' school program... And it's all because I made her skip school yesterday... Damn it, why am I such a fuck up… I'm sorry, Finn...

[Finn]: Hey, man…

[Barrtio]: Baku, it's not your fault, dude... We couldn't have known that this would've happened... Besides, we were the ones encouraging you to skip school for the most part... Right, Finn?

[Finn]: ... *Sigh* Yeah... But look, Baku, I'm sure things will work out somehow... I mean they always do... Think about all the times we almost landed in trouble and got away scot-free! Just wait for the karma to settle, and things will be back to normal in no time at all!

[Baku]: ... I hope your right, Finn... I really do…

*As it begins to get late into the night, the boys silently leave the hideout and agree to meet up for school tomorrow morning.